August 17, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Jonathan, wife storm Kenya games reserves

Single account for Lagos

NEWS Page 4

NEWS Page 7

•Two chartered jets fly ex-first family

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3309 MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

•Directive effective Sept. 1 •www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: NNPC TO REVIEW JVS, SHARING CONTRACTS P12 INTERBANK RATES EASE P29

N7bn gone as VP’s new residence is abandoned N9b extra vote stalls project From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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T was meant to be a worthy edifice housing the Vice President and one of the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration’s star projects. But, with N7billion already spent, the number two citizen’s official home now seems abandoned, subdued by weeds.

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has abandoned the project, following the refusal of the 7th Senate to accept the inflation of the contract sum by N9 billion.

The builders have not been fully paid despite the release of the N7billion, The Nation learnt. Why they were shortchanged was not clear yesterday.

The project is yet to reach 80 per cent completion, contrary to the facts presented to the Senate by the FCDA. The contract was awarded in 2009 at N7billion. But in 2012, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sen. Bala Mohammed, came with a request for N9billion more to complete the project.

The variation was expected to accommoContinued on page 4

•A GONY •AGONY GONY:: Togolese refugees at the main gate of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Ikoyi, Lagos PHOTO: AFP Island...at the weekend.

APC to govt: looters should face justice

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T will amount to a disservice to Nigerians if the massive looting of the treasury by public officials is overlooked by President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday.

By Our Reporter

The party said only the total recovery of every kobo could placate Nigerians, who have been short-changed by those entrusted with the commonContinued on page 4

HOW THE TREASURY WAS LOOTED

N3.8tr

•Cash withheld by NNPC between 2012-2015)

$2.1b

•Missing Excess Crude Account (ECA) funds

N109.7b $6b •Royalty from oil firms unremitted by DPR

•Cash allegedly stolen by former ministers

$13.9b $13b $15m N183b •Proceeds of 160m barrels of crude lost (2009-2012_

•NLNG dividends mostly unaccounted for

•Botched arms deal cash yet to be returned

•Funds unaccounted for at the NDDC

•LAWYERS FAULT LADOJA’S EXHIBITS P8 PDP FACTION THREATENS FAYOSE’S MEN P7

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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The grand assault on the Naira •Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flanked by the President, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeriia, Oladele Hunsu and Secretary General, Comrade Isa Aremu (3rd left); Deputy President of the Union, Alhaji Lawal Haruna (right) and Acting Director General, Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, Habu Kwajaffa (2nd right) when the union leaders visited the Vice President's Office, State House in Abuja.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

OTUNBA FEMI PEDRO, banker, economist , former Managing Director of First Atlantic Bank (FinBank) Plc and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, examines the assault against the Naira, which has left it nearly impotent

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HE Nigerian Naira - our national currency - is the only legal tender and means of exchange. In all its aesthetic glory, it is also meant to be a symbol of our national pride, our economic prosperity and our financial sovereignty. In reality however, it has been a national embarrassment.

Over the last decade, our currency has been battered and assaulted by speculators, rent-seekers, fraudulent importers, corrupt government officials and rogue bankers. There is clearly enough blame to go around, but a chunk of the blame has to lie •From left: Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankaso, Managing Custodian, Hall of Grace Awards, Mr Rupert Ojenuwa , firmly on the doorsteps of the CenKogi State Governor Idris Wada and President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Akinwunmi Adesina during the 2015 tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) - the inHall of Grace Award in Lagos. stitution that is legally empowered to be the nation’s monetary policy manager and the custodian of our Naira and foreign currency reserves.

So what exactly is wrong with our currency? Well, for starters, its value has been dropping like scattered raindrops from the sky. People have lost confidence in the currency, and foreign investors neither have any respect nor regard for the Naira.

Even within our growing economy, the Naira has itself become a secondrate currency as a means of exchange and a measure of value. It continues to defer to the US Dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Euro and the British Pound. Indeed, the US dollar has become the currency of choice in pricing and payment for choice real estate transactions, luxury goods & services in certain sectors of our economy, and even bribes and underhand transactions. Specifically, the dollar is the ultimate currency of choice for corrupt officials, whose •From left:Programme Manager, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), Oluwatosin Abolaji; Head, Marketing Communications, modus operandi is to cart large GhanaEtisalat Nigeria, Gerald Osugo and Programme Assistant, (PIN), Gabriel Odunsi during Etisalat's visit to Paradigm Initiative must-go bags to black market operaNigeria (PIN) Lagos to commemorate the 2015 International Youth Day in Lagos. tors in exchange for dollars, and then covertly (and sometimes overtly) ship these funds to exotic financial havens like Dubai, the Cayman Islands and Zurich. Worryingly, these activities take place under the noses of regulators and security agencies that find it convenient to turn the other way when these atrocities are committed. More on this shortly.

In truth, the backbone and epicenter of our currency’s challenges is the notorious black market.

For the avoidance of doubt, the black market is illegality personified. It primarily consists of many floating players, including nomadic street operators; a number of Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who circumvent the CBN regulations; unlicensed foreign currency traders who buy and sell both cash and foreign transfers; and banks who round-trip with reckless abandon. Their illicit operations are interwoven, and in •From left: Deputy Corps Marshal, Operations , Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC),Adei Abu, Sector Commander, Rivers State Command, Dele Kumapayi, and Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeen, during Operations Scorpion their interconnectedness, they are tragically all willing participants in in Portharcourt... at the weekend.

doing serious damage to the Naira and the economy. In short, they are what we can call thriving economic saboteurs. What makes this tragedy more comical is that the major source of their supply is actually the CBN! These economic saboteurs get their dollar supplies directly and indirectly from the CBN. Unbelievable, you may think. But where exactly did this 'black market' come from, and why is it so deeply entrenched in our economy today?

The Central Bank started funding the black market when it (wittingly or unwittingly) churned out hundreds of BDC licenses under the guise of sanitising the market. This policy was aided, abated and expanded by subsequent CBN administrations that issued more licenses.

Now, in theory, the concept of issuing these licenses to the right set of people seemed a rational economic policy to cater for the retail end of the foreign exchange market. However, the operative word here is right, and unfortunately, the wrong set of people for the wrong set of reasons have acquired these licenses.

The CBN has further compounded this problem by continuing to doll out quantum amounts of dollars to BDCs on a weekly basis. Specifically, the CBN gives an average of about $30,000 to each of the approximately 3,000 BDC operators on a weekly basis. That amounts to a staggering $90 million in the hands of the operators (most of whom are the wrong set of people) on a weekly basis.

Now, what happens when you empower the wrong set of people with these insane amounts every week?

Well, you can expect a wrong set of decisions and the wrong set of results: We can safely estimate that over the last 10 years, no less than $50 billion (appx $5bn per year) has gone straight to the almighty black market!

It is a dangerously vicious cycle.

As long as the black market continues to be well funded, it remains the market of choice for government officials and politicians to convert stolen public funds to dollars and ship abroad; it remains the market of choice for banks and bankers to round-trip foreign currencies; it remains the market of choice for exporters to divert export proceeds, AND for rogue traders and money launderers to, well, roguely trade and launder money. This vicious cycle has made utter nonsense of our money laundering and foreign exchange laws. The cumulative effect of this cycle has rendered our local currency useless. In layman's terms, as long as this market continues to thrive and grow, the Naira will remain battered and our economy will

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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Our dear President... should move swiftly by reading the riot act to these economic saboteurs, flushing them out of the system as a consequence. And with the diligent prosecution of these offenders, the system will become more sanitised, and our economy, the Naira and our collective peace of mind, will rebound in earnest •Buhari

•Emefiele

•Pedro

remain on the brink of a catastrophic collapse. The black market pricing model always makes the Naira weaker than usual and invariably, the gap between the official rate and the black market rate is usually wide, making the central bank to always chase the legal market rate. This also encourages round-tripping, rentseeking and arbitrage opportunities.

So what exactly is the solution to this currency quagmire? First, the government has to annihilate the black market. When I say annihilate, I mean completely obliterate the market using every legal force available.

The first phase of attack has to be the street operators. They are the delivery men if you will; (un)knowing agents of chaos who are simply making ends meet, but whose means of livelihood is coming at the expense of the Nigerian economy. At every corner they operate from, they are deeply entrenched and heavily connected. It goes without saying that they have to be shooed away with tact, guile, caution and a sprinkle of diplomacy. If they refuse these diplomatic overtures to cease and desist, then they must be treated as criminals, and subsequently arrested, charged and prosecuted for trafficking illegally in foreign currencies, all in line with our existing laws. This has to be executed nationwide by the sustained efforts of a security task force consisting of the police and EFCC officials, and must be done without tribal or ethno-religious sentiments.

Of course, a lot of people incorrectly assume that eliminating the

black market will be a difficult, if not impossible task. Around the world, black markets only exist when there is an artificial scarcity of products, or where government regulations unwittingly stifle the legal market.

In Nigeria, the black market for Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) only surfaces when there is artificial scarcity or when the market becomes apprehensive about a possible price increase or import shortage. The currency black market does not exist in any developed economy because currency trading is governed by a transparent set of rules and policies.

Secondly, a firm spotlight has to be beamed on the BDCs. The CBN has to enforce its existing regulations on BDCs by withdrawing the licenses of violators and prosecuting them accordingly. In addition, this nonsense of dolling out dollars to BDCs on a weekly basis has to stop.

Alternatively, the BDCs should be made to bid for the foreign currency according to their actual needs (based on their customers' demands), and should be re-upped only after they have exhausted the funds given to them, to the satisfaction of the CBN and in strict compliance with its stipulated guidelines.

In truth, our BDCs' operations should mirror the operations of their counterparts in the developed countries- where the foreign currencies are primarily bought and sold by retail travelers and subject to strict guidelines. They are primarily present at airports and high streets catering to travelers-in-transit and tourists respectively.

Finally, the Central Bank of Nigeria genuinely needs to overhaul its foreign exchange regime. It has been tinkering with its FX policies, and its flippity-floppity has only created confusion in the minds of Nigerian users, foreign investors and our partners abroad. There is nothing worse than an unstable foreign exchange climate, and, in its desperate attempt to control the slide of the value of our currency, the CBN has only aided this unstable climate. The CBN has tried to rein in on the incidences of round-tripping by implementing some half-baked measures and by introducing gazebo regulations like the banning of the payment of dollar cash into all domiciliary accounts and the restriction on certain imports eligible for foreign exchange transactions at the CBN window, but these moves are too broad-based and grossly ineffective. It almost amounts to treating cancer with panadol!

In truth, a more transparent and simple foreign exchange regulation needs to be put in place. Simplicity and transparency is critical to enable buyers and sellers understand the rules and apply them accordingly, thereby leaving little or no room for circumvention. Specifically, all foreign exchange inflows into our economy - oil export earnings, nonoil export earnings, taxation, foreign/home remittances, cash in-flow from tourists, foreign loans and grants - should all form a pool of our foreign exchange stock, with the information being made available by the banks to the CBN real-time. No

Army begins review of dismissed soliders’ cases

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HE Army will today in Jaji, Kaduna State begin the review of the cases of about 4,000 officers and men dismissed from Operation “Zaman Lafia” in Northeast.

The exercise, which was earlier slated for 311 Artillery Regiment Kontagora in Niger State, will now hold at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre (NAPKC), Jaji.

The cases of officers and men who are in detention in Jos, Plateau State and those already convicted for various offences under “Operation Zaman Lafiya” will be reviewed.

A signal dated August 13 and signed by Lt. Colonel P. Y Haruna from the headquarters of the 31 Artillery Brigrade to all its formations across the country directed all affected to appear before a panel at the NAPKC Jaji.

According to the signal, the review exercise will also look into the cases of officers and men “under detention, trail or convicted by GCM in respect of disciplinary cases

foreign currency provider should operate outside this system. Likewise, all foreign exchange users importers, government, tourists, payment for services, debt repayments etc - should equally tap from this pool of available FX under the strict guidance of the CBN, and only through authorized dealers (i.e the Banks and licensed BDC operators). End-users such as holders of Naira debit cards, retail users, small traders, importers and manufacturers, can be easily accommodated under this regime with minimum documentation but strict enforcement and prosecution of violators.

Of course, the elementary principle of the laws of demand and supply would apply here. The currency price (or exchange rate) will be determined daily by equilibrium, and the CBN's role will be to intervene regularly to maintain and sustain the value of the Naira within a steady band. The government's role will be to: 1. Put in place fiscal policies that will conserve our foreign exchange supply; 2. Curtail corruption and leakages within the system and; 3. Manage the nation's resources judiciously to boost supply and curtail demand. This is not different from what other countries are doing successfully, and it will help the banks and the governments (via CBN) uncover all those who are dealing illegally. Unlicensed foreign exchange dealers must be treated as criminals because they are the major agents of money laundering criminals and drug traffickers.

Since they deal more in foreign transfers, their activities would be easily

Osinbajo off to Ethiopia

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From Jide Orintunsin - Minna

emanating from erstwhile Operation Zaman Lafiya to NAPKC Jaji”.

The development supersedes the August signal by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Army headquarters, Colonel D. C Onyemulu directing all affected to proceed to Kontagora.

Majority of the affected soldiers were dismissed following the fall of the home town of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh to Boko Haram early this year.

The development led to mass summary dismissal of men and trial of some officers under the Operation Zaman Lafiya for neglegence without strict adherence to military guidelines for dismissal of officers and men.

Affected officers and men had appealed against their summary dismissal, alleging that they were not tried but were only dismissed.

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curtailed with a specific ban on payment of cash into, and transfers out of, these flagged domiciliary accounts. As a follow-up, the security task force mentioned earlier should raid their offices regularly and push them out of business. Of course, the legislation already exists, but I strongly propose a more aggressive regulatory posture, combined with a sustainable and hard-nosed foreign exchange policy that will restore sanity and strengthen the Naira in the shortest possible time.

Aside from the aforementioned solutions, public orientation has to be the order of the day. It has to be known by all and sundry that our precious Naira- the wonderful bastion of our economic independenceis the only legal tender in Nigeria.

No other currency should be openly handled, traded or transacted in Nigeria. There should be no payment for goods and services within Nigeria in any currency other than the Naira. Under no circumstance should any entity - private, government, individuals - demand or accept payment for goods and services in any foreign currency.The law already exists to this effect, and it has to be rigorously enforced. There should be a public enlightenment campaign conducted by the CBN, perhaps in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Violators should be promptly prosecuted, and this will immediately serve as a deterrence to the abnormal practice of invoicing goods and services in dollars Some economists have suggested that a more effective solution would be to navigate the Naira currency towards becoming internationally tradable in the not-too-distant-future, but our economy is not yet mature enough for this, and our foreign reserves have been depleted to insignificance. This is the subject of another debate we can have some other time. If we are truly serious about curtailing corruption and sanitizing our growing economy now, we have no other choice but to clean up the murky and corrupt foreign exchange market. I believe that if these remedies are applied swiftly, we will see immediate impacts on the value of the Naira. Of course, it is no secret that many bankers, government and security personnel are corrupt and can easily be influenced, and therein lies the danger of trying to implement some, if not all of, the aforementioned solutions. This is where our dear President comes into the picture. He should move swiftly by reading the riot act to these economic saboteurs, flushing them out of the system as a consequence. And with the diligent prosecution of these offenders, the system will become more sanitised, and our economy, the Naira and our collective peace of mind, will rebound in earnest.

•Osinbajo

ICE President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo yesterday left Abuja to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at a peace mediation summit on the situation in South Sudan in Addis Ababa.

The summit, which will hold today, will be on the platform of the InterGovernmental Authority (IGAD Plus).

IGAD is the regional trade group of 8 African countries from the Horn of Africa, Nile Valley and the Great Lakes.

Joining IGAD for this important peace effort are a number of leading African nations including Nigeria, and others, such as the United States, China, United Nations, European Union, among others in the international community.

The Vice President will join other leaders from the continent and outside, including the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, will return to Abuja today.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

NEWS N7b gone as VP’s new residence is abandoned Continued from page 1

date a helipad. There was public outrage.

FCDA Executive Secretary Adamu Ismail later told the Senate Committee on FCT that the proposed additional N9 billion was slashed to about N6 billion by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

He said the variation was also meant to provide furniture, fencing, two additional protocol guest houses, a banquet hall and security gadgets.

The then Senate Committee on FCT, led by Senator Smart Adeyemi, however, rejected the request for the variation, which was more than 100 per cent.

Adeyemi said either N13 billion or N14 billion or N16 billion for the project was “indefensible”.

The abandoned residence has been overtaken by weeds.

•Front view of the Vice President’s quarters

Reptiles are moving freely at the site.

Although the weather-beaten red gate was under lock at the weekend, it was learnt that no fresh work had been done on the site since 2013.

A source said: “The construction of the VP’s residence has been abandoned by the FCDA since the Senate turned down the demand for varia-

tion.

“Despite the Senate Committee’s position, the former FCT Minister presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) but exPresident Jonathan said the nation cannot afford 120 per cent variation.

“The former FEC resolved to complete the project within available budget. This is

why the project is stalled. Definitely, we have a case of abandoned contract at hand.

“The same abandonment is applicable to the new residences of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

A representative of the construction company, Julius Berger Plc, refused to speak with our correspondent last

F

ORMER military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has expressed confidence in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to get Nigeria back on a sound economic and social footing.

He described the Buhari administration as focused, having identified the problems plaguing the country and strategising on how best to proffer enduring solutions to them.

The former military leader gave the assessment yester-

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Continued on page 60

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

day at a news conference to mark the anniversary of his 74th year birthday.

Gen. Babangida, who turns 74 today, spoke at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.

He said: “I am confident that they (the government) are doing well. They have identified the problems and they look resolute in confronting these problems head-on and there are a lot of Continued on page 60

APC to govt: looters should face justice •Dr. Jonathan alighting from the aircraft in Kenya...at the weekend. Standing on his left is his wife Dame Patience and other officials

dignitary to visit the reserve in less than a fortnight after the King of Swasiland, Mswati III. The king was booked in the same lodge six days ago.

The owner of the hotel, Nicky Fitzgerald, said this tourism peak season is different from the past as prominent personalities from across the world have been calling for bookings.

“We have received Mr Jonathan, King Mswati III, a Chinese prominent family and we are expecting other royalties,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

Ms Fitzgerald said United States (U.S.) President Barrack Obama’s visit last month was a boost for tourism in Kenya.

The trooping in of world leaders to Kenya is expected to boost the tourism sector, which

is recovering from travel advisories.

Britain has withdrawn travel advisories against Kenya and America is expected to follow suit. “Starting of direct flights between Kenya and the U.S. as Obama promised would really promote trade and tourism,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

Air Force pounds Boko Haram’s bunkers HE Nigerian Air Force yesterday smoked out more Boko Haram elements from their fortified bunkers deep inside Sambisa Forest .

It was also gathered that the military has uncovered that the insurgents were operating make-shift bunkers covered by logs and tree trunks.

According to PRNigeria, a covert military propaganda machinery, the raids were part of efforts aimed at enforcing the marching orders issued by President Muhammadu Buhari for the military to crush the deadly terrorists and end their operations in three months.

The military said: “In series of videos obtained by PRNigeria, Alpha jets and attack helicopters were seen raining explosives on some targeted locations hidden under trees and open warehouses.

“Unlike the standard bun-

is sad that we have to cope with an abandoned project even at the seat of power.”

The Jonathan administration left N8.185, 575,211.50 debts at the Presidential Villa.

The report said the N8.1billion liabilities were outside the expenses on the

IBB: Buhari ’ll get Nigeria out of economic doldrums

Jonathan, wife storm Kenya games reserves X-PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend stormed Kenya’s Maasai Mara Games Reserve in two chartered planes.

One of the planes carried Kenya State security and the second was occupied by Jonathan, his wife Patience and two of their children.

He is at the reserve for a three-day tour to witness the wildebeest migration.

Jonathan was booked at the new Angama Mara Lodge at the Oloololo conservancy.

The ex-president was received by Narok Governor Samuel Tunai.

Tunai, who is also the Council of Governors tourism committee chairman, said more than 500,000 tourists from all over the world are expected to witness the spectacular crossing of wildebeest across the crocodile-infested Mara River.

Jonathan, who refused to speak with reporters on his arrival to the reserve, according to Kenya media, is the second

night.

The source said: “Go to those who gave out the job please.”

A presidency source, said: “The uncompleted residence of the Vice President was not included in the handover note on the pending issues at the Presidential Villa.

“I think it might be part of the report of the FCDA. But it

Cameroon pledges 2,450 troops

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ORE support came from Cameroon's President Paul Biya for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against terrorism with a promise to send 2,450 troops at the weekend.

The latest pledge announced by President Biya has tripled the initial troops promised to the international force against Boko Haram.

Boko Haram attacks, including suicide bombings, have mounted over the past year in Cameroon's north and the Nigeria-based extremist group has also recruited fighters in the country.

At a meeting in Cameroon in February, Nigeria and the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Benin agreed to deploy around 8,700 From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

kers that are fortified chambers built below the ground with reinforced concrete, some of the fortifications destroyed by Nigerian Air Force were not set below the surface of the ground but were mostly covered by logs and tree trunks.

troops against Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) group earlier this year.

Cameroon initially pledged to contribute 750 troops but the President said the increase followed recommendations from a June summit meeting of regional leaders.

Deployment of the force has been delayed for lack of funds, but Chadian President Idriss Deby said last week that troops would be deployed within days.

The force will be based in Chad's capital, N'Djamena and Gen. Valere Nka, who was serving as Military Attache to Cameroon's High commission in Abuja, has been appointed second-in-command of the force, Biya said.

“The mission is being accomplished by the recent deployments of fighter jets and attack helicopters in the Northeast.”

The statement said troops had been in high spirit since the bombardment of Boko Haram bunkers began.

According to the PRNigeria, a senior fighter pilot said:

“The Nigerian Air Force pilots are in high spirit as they even compete to fly the aircraft to defend their fatherland in their aggressive and patriotic determinations to end the Boko Haram ‘rubbish’ as soon as possible.

“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Continued on page 60

Continued from page 1

wealth.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said whoever attempts, either by deeds or words, to sabotage the recovery efforts of the Buhari administration cannot be a patriot and deserves nothing but public opprobrium.

Acknowledging Nigerians’ overwhelming support for the Buhari administration in its tough but important task of

tracing and recovering the loot, the APC said the government should take a step further by ensuring that the looters face justice.

The APC statement reads: “It is absolutely gratifying that Nigerians are vehemently opposed to the few who would rather have the government of the day turn a blind eye to the looted funds and, in their words, carry on with the process of governance.

Continued on page 60

NEITI ready to help NNPC in tracing NLNG’s unremitted $11.6b

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HE Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Emmanue Ibe Kachikwu got a free offer from the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

It pledged the NNPC chief executive every institutional support to recover $11.6 billion that the corporation received from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd but failed to remit into the Federation Account.

NEITI said: “We are particularly encouraged by the recent pronouncement of the Dr Ibe Kachikwu on remittances of all NLNG dividends directly to the Federation account as required by law and demanded by all NEITI Reports.”

The promise was contained in a statement by NEITI’s Director, Communications, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji that the

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

corporation’s implementation of the pending remedial issues under a plan already developed by NEITI and the Inter Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) would be beneficial to the country.

Dr. Orji listed such issues to include: inadequate metering infrastructure for accurate measurement of crude; the onerous Joint Venture (JV) cash call regime; inefficient cost determination; urgent resolution and review of pricing issues related to expired Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and legal agreements with oil companies that have huge revenue Continued on page 60

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Naval chief seeks prayers to end insurgency

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HE Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, yesterday urged Nigerians to support the military with prayers to overcome security challenges posed by Boko Haram and those at sea.

He said he and other Service chiefs would not disappoint the nation in tackling insurgency.

Ibas, who made the plea at a quiet thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church in Area 11, Abuja, said it was God, who had seen him to the top of his career.

He said: “As a nation, we are undergoing security challenges, both at sea and in the Northeast. While the military is doing its best to address these challenges, Nigerians need to support us with prayers to bring insurgency to an end.

“We will not let this nation down until these challenges are curtailed. We have to pray to God to assist us to bring up young men and women who will be productive.”

Supported by members of the 26th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ibas said he joined the Navy by divine intervention.

He added: “My journey so far has been the one I give glory to God. I did not know I will join the military. But in 1979, God changed my story.

I was seated at home when a cousin of mine came with an NDA form.

YABATECH expels 73 for forgery

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HE Academic Board of Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, has expelled 73 students for presenting suspected forged results.

A statement by the college made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday said the affected students were part-time pursuing National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.

Signed by the Deputy Registrar, Mrs Titilayo Obadimu, the statement said the affected students registered for the 2013/2014 academic session.

According to the statement, the results were discovered during the verification of Senior Secondary School certificates and National Diploma results.

It said 46 students for National Diploma and 27 for Higher National Diploma were affected.

“All affected students are advised to hand over the property of the college in their possession, including Identity Cards, to their heads of department, the librarian and Dean of Students’ Affairs,’’ it said.

Mr Charles Oni, who heads the Public Relations Unit told NAN the college had zero tolerance for malpractices and social vices.

He said all documents presented for admission were subjected to rigorous screening.

Oni urged prospective students to avoid forgery of results and other malpractices.

PDP lawmaker backs anti-graft campaign From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

A •Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, flanked by his wife and Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi (left) at the thanksgiving service... yesterday

“He said having got the form; he was not interested in military service. He asked if I was interested. I did not know what it was all about but I collected the form and I filled it. Today, here I am thanking God for His mercy all through my career.

“It is God that has taken charge of my life, I remain grateful to the Almighty God for His divine touch on me.”

In his sermon, Rev. Israel Akanji, whose 54th birthday coincided with the thanksgiving, said: “The Chief of Naval Staff is an unassuming member of the First Baptist

church. After his appointment as the Chief of Naval Staff, he came to this church last week without telling anyone, he went about his normal church activities. But somebody drew my attention to his elevation and I was shocked he could keep such a feat to himself and his family. You can see his mien; he is a man who gets it right.

“The President said he never met all the Service chiefs but their records spoke for them. This means they earned their elevation.

“From what the President did, we should have absolute

faith in God. The Lord has repeatedly assured that if He opens a door, no one can close it. When God wants to bring you to the limelight, he knows how to do it.”

Akanji asked Ibas to offer more selfless service to the nation as he had always done.

He said: “What people often forget is that people in their position run the country with the President.

“God will assist you to shepherd with integrity and skilful hands.”

Those at the service were Deputy Governor of the Cen-

tral Bank of Nigeria Dr. Sarah Alade; Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde; former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Media and Publicity Eseme Eyibo; Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Mr. James Olotu; Samson Osagie; Chief of Staff to Niger State Governor, Mikhail Bmitosahi; former Chief of Defence Intelligence, (CDI), Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi (rtd) and members of the NDA 26th Course.

MEMBER of the House of Representatives has said the accusations that the investigation of corrupt government officials by President Muhammadu Buhari is only targeted at members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is misplaced and unfounded.

Okechukwu Eze (PDP, Anambra), who spoke in Abuja at the weekend, said President Buhari’s administrative style should rather be supported by all as he (Buhari) was prepared for power having tried several times in the past.

He said: “The perception that PDP members are targeted is to be expected.

These are people who have been in the opposition for so many years, they have developed a mindset.

“Now, all of a sudden, power is in APC hands. It will take time to realise that when APC was the opposition, they have always seen PDP in a bad light.

“Now as President, he needs to look at things from a different perspective, because no matter what he thinks of PDP, power now belongs to him.

“He is not President of APC or CPC but of Nigeria, with all its pimples and blemishes, the good, the bad and the ugly.”

NiMet predicts thunderstorms, rains today

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HE Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that the southern part of the central states would experience thunderstorms with chances of rains this morning.

The predictions are contained in the Weather Outlook issued by NiMet’s Central Forecast Office (CFO) yesterday in Abuja.

It added that localized

thunderstorms with rains are likely to affect a few places within the region such as Zaria, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Yola and Gombe axis later in the day.

NiMet also predicted that the coastal areas would experience cloudy conditions over the southwest with chances of localized rains over the southeast coast in the morning.

It said that localized rains

would be expected in the afternoon and evening hours over the entire region.

NiMet also predicted that the inland areas would experience a cloudy morning over the southwest cities, with chances of continuous intermittent localized rains over the southeast the entire day.

It added that localized rains may linger over a few of the southwest cities in the afternoon and evening hours.

NiMet further predicted that the northern cities of Kano, Katsina, Gusau and Sokoto axis would experience thunderstorms with chances of localized thunderstorms over Dutse, Nguru, Potiskum in the morning hours.

The agency added that localised afternoon thunderstorms may persist over some northern cities within the region during the forecast period.

•Buhari

65,000 candidates to sit for Unilorin Post-UTME exam

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HE University of Ilorin has cleared 65, 000 candidates for the 2015/ 2016 post UTME screening which begins today.

The Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs of the institution, Mr Kunle Akogun, who made this known in a statement in Ilorin on Sunday said the weeklong exercise would hold simultaneously in Ilorin and Lagos.

Akogun said only candidates who scored a minimum of 180 marks in the 2015 UTME and made the University their first choice would

‘

Candidates for the pre-admission screening exercise are also advised to be decently dressed, as candidates with indecent dressing will not be allowed into the screening premises.

take part in the computerbased test (CBT).

He advised candidates to bring along to their respective centres printed copies of their examination schedules indicating that they were slated to write the examination at a particular date and time.

Akogun said this became necessary as there were many batches for the examination daily.

He also advised prospective candidates to bring along with them payment receipts generated from the students’ portal of the University’s website.

He warned that the accreditation team would insist on the receipt from the varsity’s website to verify candidate’s identity— through pictures that tally with the face of each candidate.

He said that only registered

’

candidates for the screening exercise would be allowed into the screening premises.

Akogun cautioned the candidates against indecent dressing and bringing of cell phones or any electronic appliance into the examination hall.

“Candidates for the pre-admission screening exercise are also advised to be decently dressed, as candidates with indecent dressing will

not be allowed into the screening premises.

“Also, phones and all other forms of mobile communication, electronic devices, bags and luggage are not allowed within the screening premises, he said.

Seventy three thousand, two hundred and fifty of the over 107,000 candidates that applied for admission into the University this year scored 180 marks and above at the UTME. By the close of the portal yesterday, only 65, 000 out of the 73, 250 qualified candidates registered for the post UMTE.

NAICOM insists on deadline for oustanding insurance claims

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HE Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Kari Muhammad, has said that NAICOM will not go back on the Sept 30 deadline for insurance companies to clear all outstanding claims of policy holders.

Muhammad said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday that National Insurance Commission

(NAICOM) would enforce the deadline on effective claims management. “ Other reasons for implementing such deadline and sanctions are effective trade practices and fair treatment of policy holders and intending consumers,’’ he said.

Muhammad said for Nigeria’s insurance industry to be relevant, the prescribed standard of practice set by the

commission should be implemented.

He said the claims Management Guidelines document requires each insurer to develop, document and implement claims management and payment policies.

The commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with large numbers of unpaid claims by insurance firms, including those with robust

capital bases.

Muhammad said if the situation was allowed to continue, the growth of the industry would be stalled, noting that the current industry level was still below 35 per cent.

“Also, policy buyers and intending ones will easily lose confidence in the sector as it deepens the poor image of insurance practice in Nige-

ria,’’ he said.

Muhammad said NAICOM was determined to check bad practices in the industry through effective claims management and ensure adherence to global standards.

He commended his predecessor in office, Mr Fola Daniel, for designing policies that encouraged growth in the industry.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NEWS

$600m China Exim-Bank rail loan not diverted, says Okonjo-Iweala

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HE former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has described as false, the allegation that she diverted a substantial part of a one billion dollar loan from the China-Exim Bank.

The refuttal is contained in a statement in Abuja yesterday by Mr Paul Nwabuikwu, Special Adviser to OkonjoIweala.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar, said about $600 million of the one $1 billion loan obtained from

the China-Exim Bank for Kano-Lagos rail project was diverted to other projects.

Okonjo-Iweala said the Goodluck Jonathan administration never obtained a loan from the China-Exim Bank for Kano-Lagos rail project.

“The alleged diversion has no substance for the simple reason that the Kano-Lagos project was not among the projects presented for funding by the China-Exim bank.

“It was the Lagos–Ibadan rail project, not Lagos-Kano rail project that was proposed in the original application to

the China-Exim Bank, but in the end, no funds were assigned for Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

She said the projects covered by the China Exim-Bank loan were at different stages.

They include “the $500 million expansion of four International airport terminals in Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

“There is also the $500 million Abuja Light Rail project; $984 million Zungeru Hydroelectric power project and $100 million Galaxy Backbone project,” she said.

Okonjo-Iweala said the diversion of the fund would have been extremely difficult due the terms attached to the loan.

“The procedure is that funds for approved loans remain in the China-EximBank and are released directly to the Chinese firm executing the contract only after the presentation of duly certified proof of work by the responsible ministry.

“In this case it would have been the Federal Ministry of Transport, based on the agreed milestones.

HURIWA: don’t drop expectant women from NYSC

H •Okonjo-Iweala

“For the sake of emphasis, the China-Exim Bank does not disburse money directly to government and therefore the issue of diversion does not arise,” she said.

Resident doctors at LUTH suspend strike

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HE Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idiaraba, yesterday suspended its strike after a congress decision.

This is contained in a statement by Dr Ramon Moronkola, the association’s president in Lagos.

According to Moronkola, the decision was based on appeals by Chief Olusegun

Obasanjo, a former president; elders of the profession; civil society groups; and other Nigerians.

The statement said work would resume at 8 a.m. today.

“The Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), hereby suspends her ongoing strike action by congress decision.

“It is our hope that the

hospital’s management will reciprocate this gesture by adhering to the terms of agreement.

“This should be by ensuring smooth implementation of the Federal Government’s directive on the adjusted grade level, amongst other local issues, which have lingered for too long.

“While we reaffirm the legitimacy of our demands, we

appreciate members of the public who were the direct victims of this impasse for their understanding and constructive criticism.

“We hereby call on the Federal Government to institute a probe into the immediate and remote cause(s) of this seemingly recurrent crisis in the health sector in a bid to putting an end to it.

“This particular strike

could have been averted since. This is because the Federal Government, through a circular from the Office of the Head of Civil Service, issued on the Dec. 19, 2013, adequately addressed the issue,’’ the statement said.

On Monday, June 29, the ARD of LUTH commenced an indefinite strike over working conditions at the hospital.

Buhari won’t ask for stories to be ‘killed’, says Adesina

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HE Special Adviser to P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has said his principal will not request any journalist to “kill” stories for him.

Adesina said instead of doing that, the administration would rather encourage reporters to run stories that would critically examine the workings of government and provide it with the way forward.

A statement yesterday by the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Malachy Agbo, said Adesina spoke on Thursday at a dinner held for him and other presidential spokesmen by the online publishers.

Also hosted by the GOCOP were the Senior Special Assistant on Media to President Buhari, Malam Garba Shehu, and the Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande.

Adesina said the first thing the President told him when he assumed office was: “Always tell me the truth.”

He said Buhari was emphatic when he told him that as a general he loved to argue, but would always bow to superior argument.

“The President told me: ‘Please do not fail to argue with me.’”

Adesina is one of the trustees of GOCOP. Adesina said Buhari vowed to run an open and transpar-

•Shehu (third right standing); Adesina (second left standing), Managing Editor, Premium Times Musikilu Mojeed (right standing) among others at the dinner .

ent government so much that he would have nothing to hide and would have no cause to want to ask for any story to be “killed”.

He said the only thing he asked was that for any news item, the Presidency should be allowed the opportunity to state its side before being put in the public domain.

Adesina commended the online publishers for coming together to form a group, even as he advised them to look out for spoilers, gate crashers and those who might hide under the canopy of online publishing to damage the reputation of innocent public officers.

He said: “There is a saying that one bad coin can spoil hundreds of coins.

“My advice is that you should not allow any of your members to use the platform to malign innocent people.

“You should also find a way of sanitising the social media practitioners who just sit in their bedrooms to churn out news without professional touch.”

Also speaking, Shehu thanked members of the Guild for the support they gave him when he handled the media and publicity department of All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council as director.

According to him, the APCPPC was the poorest in terms of resources, “but the richest in terms of people’s goodwill.

“And the online publishers were the greater part of that process.”

Akande acknowledged the contribution of the online media and the social media in the actualisation of the Buhari Presidency.

He advised Nigerians to adopt the government as their own because “this is the change we have been talking about”.

Earlier, Agbo assured the presidential spokesmen of the support and cooperation

of the members, even as he appealed to them to always make themselves available for any news item that requires clarification.

He assured them that members of the Guild, who are veterans in the profession, would continue to support them with prayers to achieve success in their assignments.

Several other GOCOP members, who spoke on the occasion, commended the presidential media team for recognising the important role of the online media in modern information dissemination and appealed to them to keep it up.

UMAN Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government not to stop expectant women and nursing mothers from participating in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The HURIWA National Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that stopping them from taking part in the programme would be discriminatory.

He said the action would deny them the opportunity of benefiting from the objectives of the scheme.

According to Onwubiko, the move could jeopardise harmony in some families as wives, who were due for service, could deny their husbands intimate relationship for fear of being stopped from national service.

He said the move also contravened Section 42 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Onwubiko said the Constitution was clear that “government policy cannot be couched and implemented to primarily discriminate against any group of citizens under any guise.”

Also speaking, Mr Patrick Odey, an activist, told NAN that it would not be proper to deny women the right to national service on account of pregnancy or nursing of babies.

He said the move negates the aim of NYSC, which includes encouraging relationship among Nigerian youths.

The move could jeopardise harmony in some families as wives who were due for service could deny their husbands intimate relationship for fear of being stopped from national service.

- Onwubiko

Harmonising database will enhance e-governance, says Computer Society

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HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has said the harmonisation of the national database is a right and fundamental step towards a functional e-government system.

In a statement on Sunday in

Lagos, Prof. Sola Aderounmu, the NCS president, said it would assist in the fight against crime, when agencies draw data from the same database.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari recently

directed the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to harmonise the biometric data.

The statement noted that the directive was imperative, considering the huge cost of biometric exercises.

It said biometric exercises in-

cluded the cost of personnel, storage of acquired data and cost of making such data available.

The statement also said e-government services would bring together the government, the governed, civil society, professional bodies and other stakeholders.

It recalled that the NCS, at its 2013 general meeting, canvassed that e-government, when properly deployed, would deliver optimisation of service.

The statement said quality service would aid the attain-

ment of Vision 20:20:20.

It stressed the need to evolve the technology and framework for storing, protecting and making available data, while safeguarding the privacy of citizens’ Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NEWS Appeal Court restores Ondo APC’s petitions for retrial at tribunal

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left); Professor of Arabic Language, University of Imam Bin Saud in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Prof.

Ibrahim Bin Abdullah (middle) and Vice President, Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria Sheik Abdul-Rosheed Adiat, when they visited the governor in his office, in Osogbo...at the weekend.

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Ekiti PDP faction threatens sanctions against Fayose’s men

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HE estranged State Working Committee (SWC) members of the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the faction loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose of contempt.

They threatened to urge the court to jail the chairman of the faction backed by Fayose, Idowu Faleye, for allegedly spearheading the purported expulsion of four of them.

The embattled SWC added that the action was an affront to the court, where its members filed a suit against any punitive measure against them.

The Chairman of the 11 SWC members, Tunde Olatunde, whose expulsion was announced by Faleye and three other state exco members, said they would explore legal means to seek redress and ensure that those holding the court in contempt were jailed.

Others, who were expelled by the Faleye-led faction,

•Expulsion in order, says governor’s faction From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

were PDP State Secretary, Tope Aluko; Women Leader Mrs. Busola Oyebode and Auditor Tunji Olanrewaju. They were expelled for alleged anti-party activities.

Olatunde, who spoke with reporters at the wedding of Aluko’s daughter at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, said the faction loyal to Fayose knew that a suit had been filed at the Ekiti State High Court challenging their suspension and seeking the court to restrain the party from taking further actions against them.

He said for Faleye and other loyalists of Fayose to go ahead and expel them in view of the pending court process, was an affront to court, abuse of the rule of law and an attempt to foist a fait accompli on the court.

Olatunde said: “Shortly after

we were suspended, we went to court to challenge our suspension and asked the court to restrain the party from taking further decision pending arrival of the reconciliation committee to be constituted by the NWC to Ekiti.

“What really marvelled us was that Faleye and his ilk were served with the court processes. But we decided to stay action in the pursuit of the case because of the respect we have for the NWC, which had indicated interest to resolve the matter.

“But out of desperation, they went and trampled on the integrity of the court. We would have expected that status quo be maintained while awaiting what the court and NWC would say on the matter.

“We are assuring that we will use every legal means to ensure that Faleye and his collaborators are jailed for con-

tempt. Though we are not ruling out the reconciliation being proposed by NWC, we are ready to embrace it. But if they failed, then we will resort to legal means.”

But the spokesman of the Faleye-led faction, Jackson Adebayo, insisted that the expulsion was in order.

He said that the quartet had been expelled before they went to court to seek protection against disciplinary action.

Adebayo said: “There was no contempt of court in anything that the party’s state executive committee did because the expulsion was done before the aggrieved went to court.

“I don’t think they understand the meaning of contempt of court. If they understand it, they will not be going to court for injunction after an action had been taken.”

Osun APC hails Nigerians, others for mourning Sijuwade O SUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed Nigerians and others for sympathing with the Yoruba nation on the passing of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, whose body was buried last Friday.

In a statement yesterday, its State Chairman, Prince Adegboyega Famodun, said that “even if all of us had wished for it, there was no way we would have stopped his passing, for his time to leave had come. And he has gone”.

Famodun, however, expressed relief in the memory of Oba Sijuwade’s dignified presence in Yorubaland and the world.

The late Ooni, the APC chief said, was a glorious symbol of

•Party pays tribute to late monarch From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the Yoruba culture ever seen in nearly two centuries.

The statement reads: “He (Ooni) was ‘Atobalete’ personified. Born a king, he also lived it as nobody else had done before him in 200 years. Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II was an exceptional and authentic representation of royalty that Yoruba nation has ever experienced in two centuries.

“Occasionally, his personality stirred controversy; he had been through some rough and

tumbles. But what made the late Ooni so special is that he commanded your respect, even when you were reluctant to give it. The authority of Oodua radiated through him.”

Famodun added that the APC “is proud to be associated with this great monarch, who will live on in our memories as one of the greatest and compelling personalities in Yorubaland, Nigeria, Africa and the cultural world that nobody could afford to ignore”.

“Like him or hate him, the late Ooni is one royalty, whose charismatic and cultural opu-

lence will live on in the history of world royalties. He has set a standard that will be difficult to outshine in Yorubaland.

That is what makes him so unique.

“We accept his passing as natural; just as we realise that mourning the event is also natural. However, the Ooni lives on with his ancestors while we carry on and live the traditions of our forefathers to make our people prosperous and our country great.

“Osun State, the APC and the Yoruba nation thank the world for empathising with us on the death of the Ooni of Ife. “His great soul will luxuriate in peace and comfort in the world beyond as it pleases the Creator spirit to offer him,” the APC said.

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has set aside the ruling of the National and State Assemblies Tribunal dismissing two petitions of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for Akure South , Festus Aregbesola and Ilaje II, Gbenga Edema.

In a unanimous lead judgments read by Justice Mojeed Owoade, Justice Danjuma and Justice Abiriyi, the court found merit in the two appeals filed by counsel to the APC, Charles Titiloye.

It, therefore, set aside the order of the tribunal dismissing the two petitions.

The Appeal Court mandated the constitution of a new panel to retry the election petitions on its merit.

It held that the application made for pre-hearing session

by Titiloye was properly made within the contemplation of paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act. The court contended that the tribunal erred by dismissing the petitions.

It reasoned that the tribunal was in the third day of prehearing, hence the petition should not be said to be an abandoned petition.

The court further held that even if the application for prehearing was made pre-maturely, the respondents were deemed to have waived such non-compliance under paragraph 53(2) by participating in the pre-hearing session, filing applications and arguing same without objecting to the prehearing session for three days.

It noted that paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act did not use the word close of pleadings as the basis for application for prehearing.

The court said it was wrong, therefore, for the tribunal to have imported the provision from the Federal High Court Rules on close of pleadings,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

which was not expressly contained in the Electoral Act to dismiss the petition.

It agreed that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to have raised an objection to the petition and dismiss the petition based on the objection when the tribunal earlier ruled that all objections would be heard along with the substantive petition.

The judges held that the tribunal was functus officio after making the ruling and cannot thereafter raise the objection suo motu and rule on it without hearing the petition on its merit based on its earlier ruling.

The court held that the view of the trial court hat application for pre-hearing ought to be made for each and every respondent was an obiter dictum, which is not the reason of the judgment of the tribunal.

It noted that tribunal now administers substantial justice in election petition cases and all provisions of the Electoral Act must be read together to do substantial justice.

The judges awarded N100,000 each against the first and second respondents in the appeal of Aregbesola and Edema.

Titiloye hailed the court for standing for justice and fairness in its “judgments in the appeals, which have opened up the electoral legal jurisprudence in Nigeria”.

Also, the Appeal Court restored three other petitions for APC in Idanre, Ilaje Constituency I and Akoko North East earlier struck out by Justice Anthony Ogar-led Election Tribunal and directed the tribunal to hear the petitions on their merit.

The Acting Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC, Mrs. Amina Zakari, had faulted the conduct of Ilaje 1 and 11 State Assembly election because of alleged irregularities.

OPC seeks release of leader from Ekiti prison From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in Ekiti State has appealed to Governor Ayo Fayose to ensure the release of its chairman, Adeniyi Adedipe, from prison custody.

Adedipe is on remand for the alleged complicity in the murder of former state Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Omolafe Aderiye, on September 25, last year.

The OPC chief and six others appeared at an Ado-Ekiti High Court last Thursday, but the case was adjourned till September 28 and 29 by Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, for definite hearing.

But the group insisted that Adedipe had no hand in Aderiye’s murder, describing the duo as “brothers and business partners with long years of close bond”.

Making the appeal at the weekend at a briefing, an OPC executive member in the state, Segun Egunlusi, urged Fayose to reconsider Adedipe’s case because his remand was “political”.

He noted that Adedipe had used his office to collaborate with successive administrations and security agencies to fight crime and would never be involved in any criminal act.

Egunlusi expressed sadness that Adedipe’s remand in prison custody prevented him from participating in the funeral rites of his late father.

Ambode approves single account for all transactions

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the operation of a single account for the state’s transactions, effective September 1.

The development, it was learnt, was part of efforts to efficiently improve on the processes of revenue genera-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

tion and collection as well as ensure proper accountability and transparency in all government accrued revenue.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary/AccountantGeneral, Mrs. Abimbola Umar, said the government

took the decision to address the challenges previously faced with the operation of the multiple account system.

Ambode said the operation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA), besides providing transparency and accountability, would encourage tax payers to request a single ac-

count before making their payments.

Mrs.Umaraddedthatthedevelopment was in line with the objective of the move by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that all government revenue is put in one consolidated account.

“All the affected revenue collecting banks have been mandated to immediately close all the existing multiple revenue accounts domicilled in their banks to give room for a single revenue accounting system in line with the Accountability and Transparency Policy of the current ad-

ministration.

“With this development, it is expected that all parastatals, local governments and establishments will commence the operation of the TSA on September 1, 2015,” the governor was quoted as saying in the statement.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NEWS Two Ondo areas to get Oyo governorship poll: Lawyers mother-child hospitals fault exhibits tendered by Ladoja O

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AWYERS to defendants in the governorship petition filed by Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord party against the election of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi have faulted the “several inconsistencies” in the evidences tendered by the ex-governor before the tribunal handling the suit.

Ladoja is challenging the election of Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the tribunal.

He joined the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Rufus Akeju, as co-respondents.

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) is the lawyer for Ajimobi and Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) represents the APC. Sikiru Sanni represents the INEC and Mr. Richard Ogunwole (SAN) is counsel to Ladoja and Accord.

The “inconsistencies” were discovered during cross-examination of the star witness, Bimbo Adepoju, at the weekend.

•Accord’s lawyer slumps in court From Bisi Oladele and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

Lawyers to APC, INEC and Akeju identified discrepancies in the figures entered in the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) form from the INEC and the record of analysis made by the witness.

A total of 192 documents had been tendered and marked ‘exhibits’ by the tribunal.

Adepoju had earlier affirmed in court that his exhibits were error-free.

But the counsels to the respondents referred him to “various errors, unsubstantiated and inconsistent claims and contradictory facts contained in his exhibits”.

For instance, the number of total valid votes, total votes cast and the number of rejected votes in the chief witness’ analyses were faulted as inconsistent with the figures he recorded in forms EC8A as an expert that analysed INEC materials used during the governorship election.

Adepoju added that the inconsistencies grew from the figures in the PVCs used for collation analysis in the EC8A. The total votes cast with the valid and invalid votes in some records of analysis done by the witness were different from those in the INEC Form EC8A. In Iludero Unit of Atiba Local Government for example, 501 votes were recorded in the witness’ analysis. It was 489 in the Form.

A total of 611 votes were recorded for Ward six in Akinyele Local Government whereas there was no voter register available.

In Oyo West, total votes cast was 258 and it was 161 in the form.

In Ibadan North Unit 005, 317 votes were recorded in the witness’ analysis, but 185 appeared in the form. Total rejected votes in the analysis of Oyo West Unit 001 was three, but it was 44 in the INEC form.

Taking his turn, Akeredolu (SAN) told the tribunal that the analysis done by the witness

and the party was inconsistent with the exhibits provided.

But the witness insisted that some forms such as the incident form, which validates his claim, were not released to him

by INEC. But tragedy was averted at the weekend as Mr. Biodun AbdulRaheem, the lead counsel to Accord’s candidate in March 28 House of Representatives election in Ibadan North East / Ibadan South East Federal Constituency, Mr. Olugbenga Adewusi, slumped during a tribunal sitting in the Oyo State capital.

He was, however, revived by a team of lawyers led by Adebayo Mutalubi, the former Commissioner for Justice and counsel to the defendant, Dapo Lam-Adesina.

Mutalubi was said to have rushed to attend to AbdulRaheem after another lawyer, I.O Opeyemi, drew the attention of the tribunal to Abdul-Raheem’s unconscious state.

He was led out of the court by other lawyers. The plaintiff’s counsel later asked his driver to take him to his doctor.

NDO State Government has concluded plans to build two additional mother and child hospitals in the state’s southern and northern senatorial districts, with one already earmarked for Okitipupa.

The announcement came after the feat of its mother and child hospitals chosen by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as research centres for maternal health delivery.

Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade, who spoke in Akure yesterday, said the state government was determined to consolidate on what he described as “the unprecedented success so far recorded by the government’s Safe Motherhood programme, which runs basically on the operations of the mother and child hospitals”.

The commissioner offered that the decision of the WHO to choose the hospitals in Akure and Ondo as research centres among other local and global recognitions of the accomplishments of the initiative, has further reinforce the determination of government to ensure that the state senato-

rial districts were exposed to the facility.

Akinmade said government has, therefore, concluded plans to build additional two of such hospital in the southern and northern senatorial districts with one already earmarked for Okitipupa.

He added that the government would do “everything to actualise its vow to ensure pregnancy no longer translates to death sentence”.

Akinmade said Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was dissatisfied with the increasing level of maternal mortality when his administration came on board in 2009, introduced the Safe Motherhood Programme, otherwise known as Abiye.

He added that it necessitated the building of the Mother and Child Hospitals exclusively for the treatment of pregnant women and children below the age of five free of charge.

This, Akinmade said, attracted patrons from neighbouring states, adding that the influx is, however, being controlled by the introduction of residency card introduced recently introduced in the state.

Scores dump PDP for APC in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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•Some parents of the Landmark University's Post-UTME candidates during a tour of the institution's poultry farm in Omu-Aran, Kwara state...at the weekend.

PHOTO: NAN

EADERS of the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and over 600 members in the oil rich Ilaje Local Government Area yesterday defected to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

Led by Prince Glory Okuntade, the defectors said they were leaving PDP, which they described as Egypt, “because of its leadership failure and mismanagement it plunged the state into in the last six years”.

Besides Okuntade, other leaders of the defectors that dumped the PDP included former political and party office holders.

They were Timi Olowofoyeku, Dele Asogbon, Ademibo Okuntade and Festus Ademuwagun, Chief Ebini Idowu and Oronla Adebanjo.

Okuntade, who spoke on behalf of other defectors, said they had nothing to show their supporters for the development that their membership of PDP had brought to them.

A leader of the party, who was also the state PDP governorship candidate in the last election, Chief Olusola Oke, said it was time for Ilaje sons and daughters to dump the PDP, which has allegedly brought untold hardship to the people.

His words: “I am ashamed of being a member of a party that has plunged the country into calamity. With the revelation coming out now, I have to apologise to my teeming supporters and Nigerians that my former party brought Nigeria to her knees.”

Oke, who was a former Legal Adviser of the party, said the change that has taken root at the Federal level would soon berth in the state in next year’s governorship election and the local governments’ poll later in the year.

Judgment reserved in Agbaje’s appeal against Ambode

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HE Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has reserved judgment in an appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje, against Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court also reserved verdict in cross-appeals filed by Ambode and APC against some aspects of the lower tribunal’s judgment.

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on July 1, upheld Ambode’s victory in the April 11 governorship election.

The three-man tribunal, led

by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, struck out Agbaje’s petition seeking to nullify Ambode’s declaration as winner.

Ambode polled 811,994 votes against Agbaje’s 659,788.

Justice Sirajo said the petition by Agbaje and the PDP were defective because they failed to pray for the conduct of a fresh election.

The tribunal, in a ruling on

By Joseph Jibueze

the consolidated preliminary objection by Ambode and APC, held: “In the instant petition, apart from seeking an order nullifying the election of the second respondent, the petitioner did not ask for an order for fresh election.

“So if, for instance, the election is nullified, the people of Lagos State will be left in anarchy as no order can validly be made for the conduct of fresh election, same having not been sought for.

“Where such a prayer is lacking, the petition will be incompetent and academic as even the resolution of such a petition in favour of the petitioner will not confer any utilitarian value on the petitioner(s).”

Arguing Ambode’s cross-appeal against Agbaje, PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) said Agbaje and PDP’s petition was “irredeemably

defective” because it raised an issue that had no relationship with the reliefs they sought.

He said the petitioners’ claimed there were “corrupt practices” during the election, which he said differed from what they pleaded.

“There is no nexus between this particular ground and the reliefs being sought,” Olanipekun said, urging the court to allow the cross-appeal.

Olanipekun’s contention is that Agbaje and PDP’s petition was incompetent because, according to him, there was nothing in the petitioners’ papers directly challenging Ambode’s victory.

He said the reliefs they sought were in conflict with Section 285(2) of the Constitution as the grounds and particulars are in opposition to the facts and reliefs being sought.

Olanipekun contended that there were no grounds challenging Ambode’s election as provided under Section 138(b)(c) of the Electoral Act 2010.

Opposing the cross-appeal, Agbaje’s lawyer, Mr. G.O Giwa-Amu, said the fact that the election was peacefully conducted does not mean that there were no irregularities.

“In the circumstance, we urge the court to dismiss the crossappeal,” he said.

PDP’s counsel A.M. Kotoye and Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho urged the court to dismiss the cross-appeal because Ambode was not qualified to contest the election in the first place.

Ahonaruogho added that the appeal should be dismissed for being unmeritorious.

In the second cross-appeal by APC against Agbaje, PDP, INEC, Ambode and REC, APC’s lawyer Kunle Adegoke sought an order setting aside a part of the tribunal’s judgment, as well as an order striking out the petition for being incompetent, having not been based on any ground recognised by the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

APC said the tribunal was

wrong to hold that Paragraphs 14 and 13(b) of the petition, which deal with nomination, are valid grounds for challenging Ambode’s election.

According to Adegoke, the tribunal erred in law when, having held that Paragraph 14 of the petition is a challenge against Ambode’s nomination, went ahead to hold that it is a valid ground for presenting a petition.

He argued that any complaint about invalid nomination is a pre-election issue, saying: “Only the Federal or State High Court has jurisdiction to entertain all pre-election matters and the tribunal ought to have declined jurisdiction in respect thereof...

“The tribunal ought to have held that Paragraph 14 of the petition containing a purported ground is a pre-election matter in respect of which the tribunal has no jurisdiction,” Adegoke said.

PDP, in its appeal, is contending that the tribunal was wrong to hear and rule on

Ambode and APC’s consolidated preliminary objection without dealing with the merits of the substantive petition.

Kotoye urged the appellate court to dismiss preliminary objections raised by INEC and Ambode against the appeal.

“I urge your lordships to allow our appeal in the interest of justice,” he said.

INEC and REC’s lawyer Mr. E.R. Emukpoeruo urged the court to dismiss PDP’s appeal for lacking in merit.

“It is not enough to pray to nullify an election. There must be an order directing us to conduct a fresh one. The tribunal did nothing wrong. Their action cannot be faulted,” he said.

APC’s lead counsel, Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN), also prayed the court to dismiss the appeal.

“They didn’t say whether they wanted Agbaje declared as governor or whether they wanted a rerun. There was nothing the tribunal could have done,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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SPACE FOR SALE

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NEWS

Wike: God’ll disgrace those plotting against my govt

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RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has said God will disgrace those planning to truncate his administration.

He said his administration had confounded those who claimed that building roads cannot happen during rainy season.

Addressing worshippers yesterday at Lord’s Chosen Renewal Charismatic Ministry in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Wike said his victory at the poll was ordained by God and made possible by the prayers of clerics, including those at the Lord’s Chosen.

The crusade was attended by the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Renewal Charismatic Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Mouka.

Wike said: “Those who are fighting and plotting to truncate the lifespan of the mandate freely given to me by the people of Rivers State will be disgraced by the God of the Lord’s Chosen.

“The way the God of the Lord’s Chosen did it on April 11, that is how he will do it again.”

The governor recalled that it was at the Lord’s Chosen Renewal Charismatic Ministry’s Rivers State headquarters he promised that if it was true that he was a cult member, he should not win the election.

According to him, he won the election because the rumour was false.

Also, Wike directed the repair of the road to the Rivers State headquarters of the Lord’s Chosen Renewal Charismatic Ministry.

The governor also directed the interlocking of the church premises, in line with his promise to the church during

•Wike (left) greeting Pastor Mouka in Port Harcourt...yesterday

his election campaigns.

He said both projects would be completed before September 7.

Wike assured that the building of the roads and other projects would be sustained by his administration, despite

the rains.

The governor said the essence of governance is to address the challenges of development the people face, adding that his administration was committed to achieving.

Pastor Mouka prayed God for Wike to have a successful tenure.

He also prayed for the governor’s protection and officials of his administration and other residents of the state.

Rivers APC chair berates Wike for ‘demonising’ Amaechi

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IVERS State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Davies Ikanya has criticised Governor Nyesom Wike for his failed attempt to demonise former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Ikanya noted that Amaechi, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), had been vindicated in Wike’s corruption allegation levelled against him.

Wike was Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt from 2007 to 2011.

The former governor recommended him to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 for a ministerial appointment.

In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Chukwuemeka Eze, the APC chairman noted that Wike’s allegations were spurious, senseless and baseless.

The statement said: “The immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), George Feyii, and the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, did not only dismiss the allegations as a figment of the imagination of Wike and his cohorts, but also provided concrete proofs that ex-Governor Amaechi ran the affairs of Rivers State, using transparent financial procedures that cannot be faulted by any well-meaning person or organisation.

“As Messrs. Feyii and Peterside made clear in their

letter to President Buhari, the fabricated allegations against Amaechi, sponsored by Wike and spread through the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and amorphous groups, such as Integrity Group, are borne out of malice, with the sole aim to malign the integrity of ex-Governor Amaechi and his administration, to poison President Buhari’s mind and discourage him from appointing Amaechi into his cabinet.

“With the refutation ...by Messrs. Feyii and Peterside, it is now very clear to President Buhari and other Nigerians that former Governor Amaechi is just one of our few leaders who ran a corruptionfree and transparent administration during his tenure as the governor of Rivers State.

“Thus, Wike has failed abysmally in his desperate bid to tarnish the good im-

age of Amaechi. Surely, President Buhari cannot be deceived by the antics of Wike and his cohorts who are seeking to stop him (President Buhari) from making Amaechi part of his administration, in recognition of his well-known managerial acumen and the role he played as the Director-General of Buhari/Osinbajo Presidential Campaign Organisation, in mobilising Nigerians to cast their votes for the APC’s presidential candidate in the March 28 election.”

Ikanya urged Nigerians to continue to support the Buhari administration to bring about the necessary change.

The APC chairman noted that with Amaechi’s excellent performance as Rivers governor, he would do much better at the federal level.

Jonathan’s kinsmen protest plot to relocate project

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OUTHS and kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday protested an alleged plot by the Nigeria Content Management Development Board (NCMDB) to relocate a project in one of their communities.

NCMDB was said to have acquired land at Emeyal community during the administration of Jonathan to establish an Oil and Gas Park.

But following the exit of the President, some “forces”

•Youths threaten war From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

were said to have mounted pressure on the content board to move the project to another local government area.

Sources said some people working for the state government were making moves to take the project to Toru-Orua, Governor Seriake Dickson’s community in Sagbama Local Government Area; others said the governmrnt had nothing to do with the moves.

Investigation showed that the move to relocate the project unsettled Ogbia; various youth groups have been threatening a showdown.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Ogbia clans, Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), the Ogbia Brother-

hood and Emeyal Youth Group have held a series of meetings on the matter.

They were said to have written a protest letter to the Executive Secretary of the agency’s board, warning against any plot to divert the project.

The letter was signed by IYC Chairman for Ogbia clans, Osaanya B. Osaanya; President, Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC), Daziba Apiri; Secretary-General, NDYM, Isaac Amakuro; President, Emeyal Youth Group (EYG), Victor Otobo and the National Union of Ogbia Students (NUOS).

In the letter, the stakeholders expressed appreciation about the decision of the agency’s board to locate the oil and gas park in Ogbia, the local government area

where oil was first struck in commercial quantity in Nigeria.

They expressed concerns over speculations that the board was under pressure to move the project to another local government area.

They said: “Ogbia youths want to inform the board that the project is welcome in Ogbia and advise the board to remain resolute to the Act that established it and keep politics out of its operations.

“Ogbia youths will resist any attempt from any quarters, no matter how highly placed the individual may be, to remove the oil gas park out of Ogbia because the project stands to develop Ogbia and its environs.

“It is an established fact that the board has acquired a portion of land in Emeyal community in Ogbia and pray for the board to continue the project in Ogbia.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NEWS

Five die in gully at Akwa Ibom community •Youths attack contractor •Houses submerged in Ikpa town •Families, contractor seek Emmanuel’s help

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IVE persons have been reported dead in Ikpa town, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. They were said to have been submerged by a gully in Adeng, Ikpa Village.

The erosion also rendered homeless scores of other residents.

Angry youths from the community, at the weekend, revolted against O. J. Osubob and Company Limited, the contractor handling the erosion site.

The company was said to have been awarded the contract to provide drainage for the area since 2013.

The aggrieved youths were said to have attacked the home of the company’s Managing Director, Princce Osubob.

They accused him of abandoning the contract after the government had mobilised him in 2013, thereby causing the death of the five resi-

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

dents.

Among the deceased is Mr. Etim Jonah, a worker of the Union Technical College, Ikpa.

He reportedly slipped and got submerged in the gully while going to work.

Others are: Idorenyin Edoho Ntekim, Monday Harry and two minors.

The youth, who wielded machetes and other weapons, demanded compensation from Prince Osubob to assuage the families of the deceased and take care of their children and wards.

They said if the contractor did not divert the contract’s funds and had executed the job, the deaths and property losses would not have occurred.

Addressing reporters, spokesman for the youth, Okon Bassey Inyang said: “O. J. Osubob and Company

must pay for the loss of those lives and property. The company must compensate the families of the deceased so that they can take care of the training of their children and other dependants; nothing more.

“This contract was awarded to tackle erosion menace in this village since in 2013. But he abandoned the job, thereby worsening the situation which led to the death of five residents, who slipped and got submerged in the gully. He has to pay for the death of those persons.”

The company chief was said to have fled his home before the angry youths got there.

The town’s elders begged the youth not to torch Osubob’s home.

But the company chief denied collecting mobilisation fee for the contract.

He said: “It is true that the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio awarded my

company, O. J. Osubob and Company Limited, the contract on erosion control and road diversion. But the contract was stalled due to nonrelease of funds by the government.

“I have followed the processes leading to the award of the contract and even moved my equipment to site. Unfortunately, no fund was released by the government for me to execute the job.

“Since I had moved equipment to the site, I went and secured bank facilities and started the job to ameliorate the situation, with the hope that the government would pay me as agreed. But after exhausting the money I obtained from banks and government did not release any money to me till date, I couldn’t push the work further.

“I have incurred a lot of debts as a result of this contract. The banks that gave the loans to commence the job are on my neck. Now, suspicious and angry youths have at-

tacked my house and, perhaps, a worse harm could have been done, if they met anybody in the house when they came.

“So, as it is now, I am appealing to Governor Udom Emmanuel to come to my rescue by revalidating the contract and releasing the fund for the job to be done. That way, I can redeem my reputation before the people of lkpa Village and reconcile with the banks that gave me the facilities to start the job.”

Also, Ime, one of the siblings of the late Harry, urge the government to relocate the family to another community.

He said their compound was at the verge of being submerged by the gully erosion.

Ikpa Youths Leader, Solomon Sunday, urged Emmanuel to release funds for the contractor to rescue the community from being consumed by the erosion.

Ndoma-Egba set to join APC

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ARRING any last minute change of mind, former Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources close to the senator said talks between him and the party’s leadership were in top gear for Ndoma-Egba’s defection.

The senator’s decision to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was learnt, is not unconnected with the way he has been sidelined in the running of the PDP in Cross River State, where he hails from.

Almost all his supporters in the state are said to have defected to the APC and have been urging him to follow suit.

Ndoma-Egba was elected into the Senate in 2003 on the platform of the PDP to represent Cross River Central.

He became Senate Leader in 2011.

But former Governor Liyel Imoke allegedly turned the machinery of the party against him in the run-up to the 2015 general elections.

Sources in APC also said Ndoma-Egba is highly priced by the party to enable it make an in-road into Cross River State and the Southsouth.

Oro youths disagree with Emmanuel on rector’s job

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OUTHS of Oro ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State have disagreed with Governor Udom Emmanuel over his comment on President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-appointment of Mr. Joshua Okpo as the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.

The youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of Oro Nation Community Youth Leaders, addressed reporters yesterday in Oron on the development.

They criticised Emmanuel for saying President Buhari’s extension of Okpo’s tenure, instead of upgrading the institution to a university, was a wrong step.

The group’s Acting President.

Usuyak Atting said Emmanuel displayed a lack of basic knowledge about the dynamics of the institution.

He noted that Emmanuel was pretending to show concern for Oro, whose mandate he had allegedly stolen.

The youths’ leader said Oro had suffered eight years of hardship, pains, neglect and injustice under former Governor Godswill Akpabio.

According to him, by re-appointing Okpo as the Rector of the academy, President has done the right thing for Oro, considering the dynamics of maritime institutions worldwide.

Atting said: “Governor Emmanuel is not only bereft of knowledge about the dynamics and technicality of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria at Oron, he is also a busy body. He pretends to show concern about the

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

development of an ethnic nationality that has benefitted immensely from Dr Joshua Okpoled administration via the provision of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the host community and training of youths in various skills for selfreliance, after eight years of hardship, pains, marginalisation and gross injustice meted out to Oro people during his predecessor’s traumatised administration. “...It is rather unfortunate that Governor Emmanuel has forgotten in a hurry that Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, is a Federal Government-owned institution and not a secondary school in Awa Iman, Onna, or a state-owned tertiary institution.”

•Governor Oshiomhole (standing) with a family of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) at a reception by the Edo State Government before the children’s departure in Benin...yesterday

55 parents pick 142 kids from Edo IDPs’ camp

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IFTY-FIVE parents yesterday identified and picked their 142 children from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Uhogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The camp is being run by the International Christian Mission under Pastor Solomon Folorunsho.

Six of the parents only came to see their children and were not going back with them.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who hosted the families and their children to a dinner at the Edo

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Government House, said the Red Cross reunited the children with their parents.

Oshiomhole said the state was not rejecting them, adding that the children were happy to return to their families.

The governor assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would flush out Boko Haram in the Northeast.

He said noting could be compared to the warmth of living with one’s family.

Oshiomhole advised then

IDPs to be free to live in any part of the country as a Nigerian and that the state government was prepared to make their stay comfortable.

Oshiomhole said the other 800 IDPs at the camp would be given necessary education and facilities.

Nahata Ayuba, who was at the camp for his four children, said he lives in Nasarawa State with his wife.

The elated father said he was farming in his new location in Nasarawa State.

He promised to return his children to the camp so that they could continue their

education.

Amos Azawarha, 50, a farmer in Abuja, said he wanted his family to be together.

A woman, who identified herself aimply as Mrs. Daniel, said her husband was killed

by Boko Haram insurgents.

The woman said she lived in Abuja with her brother, adding that she would leave with two of her children while three others would remain at the camp.

Pastor Folorunsho said he was happy that the state government reunited some of the affected families.

PDP seeks sack of Rivers tribunal judge

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, to sack Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie, one of the judges serving in the Rivers State Legislative Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Justice Okorie, who was initially the chairman of Panel One of the tribunal, was redeployed as a member of Panel Three after the PDP wrote the PCA, alleging that the judge, who is of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo State, was not

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

qualified to act as chairman of a tribunal, under Paragraph 1(1) and (2) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution.

In a fresh letter to the PCA, dated August 12, PDP’s lawyer, Godwin Obla (SAN), argued that it would be detrimental to his client’s interest should Justice Okorie be retained in any capacity where he could play any role in the determination of other petitions in which the PDP was a defendant.

The lawyer alluded to PDP’s role in the judge’s removal as

tribunal chairman.

The letter reads: “We write to express our grave concern that immediately after the reconstitution of Panel One, which removed him (Justice Okorie) as Chairman, the latter was constituted into Panel Three, before whom PDP will appear in all pending petitions before it.

“The net effect of the above is that PDP will continue to appear before the very one, against whom it had successfully raised objection in respect of his capacity as Chairman in the earlier panel.

There is no gainsaying the fact that his present position as a

member of Panel Three is a ‘demotion’, as it were, from his earlier exalted position of ‘Chairman’ of Panel One, a fact that will definitely continue to play out in his mind; needless to further point out the inevitable or likelihood of human passions of bias and prejudice awaiting the PDP as a party.

“It, therefore, stands to reason from the above that the continued inclusion of Justice Okorie in the panel, where PDP is appearing as a party against another adversary, will inexorably compromise the integrity of the structure of justice system before whom our client has

been made to appear in defence of its mandate in the electoral process.”

The lawyer urged the PCA, as the appointing authority, “to take the necessary step to address our concern and that of the PDP and remove Justice Okorie from all the election petitions tribunals currently sitting nationwide, in which the PDP is a party, seeing that he is not ready to disqualify himself”.

Obla said his client’s challenge of Justice Okorie as a member of the election tribunals was not about his competence as a judge in other capacities.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

NEWS Oyo residents scoop petrol from fallen tanker From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

DANGER was averted yesterday when residents of Boluwaji area on Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway in the Oyo State capital scrambled to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

The tanker, with registration number DBT 375 XA, veered off and fell in-between the median of the road.

The Nation gathered that its driver slept off, thus losing control of the vehicle.

A source said: “We just have to thank God because the vehicle fell on top of a heap of refuse littered with used tyres, which is always on fire. Imagine what would have happened, if the refuse was on fire as it used to be.

“The driver slept off and was unable to control the vehicle, which veered off the road and fell in the median.”

As soon as the incident happened at 9am, police officers from Boluwaji station and men of the Federal Road Safety Corps were deployed to the scene to control traffic and avert danger that might occur as a result of theft of fuel from the tanker.

The hoodlums, it was gathered, were dispersed by the policemen.

The security agents diverted traffic to manage the situation.

A witness added that the men of the state fire services did not respond promptly to emergency calls, until about 3.00pm.

It was learnt that it was after policemen at Boluwaji station provided diesel for the fire-fighters’ truck that they deployed a vehicle to flush water on the tanker.

The area, before the firefighters’ arrival, was already choked with fume from the fuel that wasting away.

As at the time of filing this report, colleagues of the driver’s transport company were already making arrangements to transfer fuel from the tanker to another one.

The policemen, the FRSC officials and the firefighters, however, brought the chaotic situation under control.

But it caused heavy traffic from Soka area of the Lagos/Ibadan expressway to Olomi Academy under bridge area.

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HE Federal Government has called for the release of intervention funds to states affected by flood.

It also called for the relocation of anticipated and affected flood victims ahead of the expected release of water from Ladgo dam in Cameroon and massive rain fall.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Nana Mede, who made the call at the weekend said there was need to complete the construction of ongoing Inter-

Fed govt seeks assistance for flood-hit states From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

nally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to accommodate affected persons.

She called for the completion of the Datsin Hausa dam in Yola, Adamawa State, to check the release of excess water from Ladgo Dam. Mrs. Mede said: “The buff-

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ecological fund, be released to affected states to construct necessary infrastructures and support the displaced.”

Mede urged the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to monitor and communicate early warning signs to states as well as local government areas.

Pipeline eruption: Bayelsa pleads for help

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HE government of Bayelsa State has appealed for the Federal Government’s intervention to check frequent oil pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta.

Commissioner for Environment Mr Iniruo Wills, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), regretted that the explosions had caused the death of many.

Wills said the Federal

Government should “declare a state of emergency” and take urgent steps to stem the tide.

His call was sequel to the July 9 pipeline explosion at the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) oil field in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw Local Government.

His words: “It is high time a state of emergency was declared on the environment of Bayelsa State and the entire Niger Delta to save the

people’s lives and our future.

“For the people of Bayelsa, and especially, the families of the victims and workers of the Ministry of Environment, July 2015 will go down as the month of death.

“The victims included an officer, each of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Ministry of Environment.

“We are grieving, but we

must also insist that it is time to take decisive action to stop this hazard. It has become a routine threat to the people.”

The commissioner said the state government would compensate the affected people and investigate circumstances surrounding the incident.

Wills assured the people that the culprits would pay adequate compensation for their negligence.

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his wife, Monica acknowledging cheers during a reception held in his honour by the Orba-Udu General Assembly at the Orba Boys’ Secondary School, Udenu council… yesterday

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HE National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) will partner the Federal Road Safety Commission to enforce the agency’s National Vehicular Emission and Control Programme in Abuja.

NESREA’s Director-General Dr. Lawrence Anukam, spoke when he visited the Corps Marshall General, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, in Abuja.

He said the partnership would control the emission

FRSC battles emission control From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

level.

Warning that high level of emission could be dangerous than HIV if not contained, Dr Anukam called for concerted efforts to arrest the situation.

He told the Corps Marshall that NESREA was prepared for a pilot test, having procured the necessary equip-

NNPC to review JVs, production sharing contracts HE Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu yesterday spoke of a plan to review all Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and Joint Venture Agreements and other contracts between the NNPC and its partners. The review is aimed at reflecting present day realities in the global oil and gas industry.

He said his mandate in the Corporation is to put in place efficient, transparent and profit-oriented processes and not to embark on a mass retrenchment of the workforce.

NNPC’s Group General

er dam (Datsin Hausa), located upstream should be completed within 36 – 48 months to curtail excess release of water from Ladgo Dam, as being proposed.

“Anticipated and affected victims should also be relocated as soon as possible and intervention funds, from the

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, in a statement yesterday added that Kachikwu stated that the mandate given to him by President Muhammadu Buhari is to turn around the entire commercial processes and procedures in order to impact on the growth trajectory and operations of the Corporation.

He said the reduction in the NNPC directorate from eight to four at the top management cadre is to refocus and sharpen the business aspiration, adding that training and retraining of workers to align with the new

vision is the next stage of the ongoing reforms.

Dr. Kachikwu said the recent repositioning is to put in place the right set of skills for performance, stressing that the new arrangement provides a veritable vista for upcoming professionals to have a speedy career path.

He stated that the NNPC, under his watch, would put in place mechanisms that would plug all revenue leakages in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors while adding that all crude oil proceeds due for the Federation Account would be remitted accordingly.

ment needed for a nationwide operation. He said the test-run project would be restricted to the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr Anukam added that each of the Testing Centres would be equipped with Bar Code Systems that would

standardise the process.

Mr. Oyeyemi said the commission would cooperate with the agency. He said a lot of advocacy was needed for people to know the minimum acceptable level of emission and what the law prescribed.

Odumakin warned over attacks on Aregbesola

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HE Coalition of Odua Self-Determination Group (COSEG) has called on an activist, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, to “desist from his deliberate attempt to undermine the achievements of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola”.

COSEG, in a statement at the weekend by its President Mr. Dayo Ogunlana and Secretary Mr. Rasaq Oloko-Oba, called on Yoruba leaders to call Odumakin to order.

The group noted that it was “rife to alert Yoruba people of the hatchet job and activities of the publicity secretary of the factionalised Afenifere Group”.

“Odumakin’s action of submitting a petition against the governor to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various media attacks have shown that he is hobnobbing with some few disgruntled elements against the Yoruba people,” the statement said.

COSEG added that Odumakin’s “failed summit billed for Osogbo, which was later transferred to Ile-Ife, has also revealed that there is a calculated attempt by him (Odumakin) and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, and a few others to sustain their attacks and through that detract the state government”.

The group said Osun under the Aregbesola administration, remained investorfriendly and capable of attracting the best of minds for positive engagements because of its peace and tranquility.

COSEG added: “We are opposed to his petition given the achievements of Aregbesola in Osun. We condemn his media attacks on the governor. This is a government that has completely revolutionised education across board – both primary and secondary levels.

“It is on record that Osun is among one of the few states in Nigeria that can be judged as peaceful and with lowest crime rate.

“Even with the meagre finances of the state, the administration in less than five years has completed close to nine hundred kilometres of road and this has not stopped, but for the temporary challenges occasioned by finances.”

Ife chiefs appease gods over faulty broadcast of Ooni’s death

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EMBERS of the Iledi, a group of traditionalists, have begun rituals to appease the gods over the way the death of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, was announced.

Sources within the Ogboni Ibile (Iledi Ooni) said that the announcement on social and traditional media broke traditional protocol.

They noted that the development could attract the wrath of the gods, hence the need to appease them to prevent calamities.

Sources revealed that the remains of Oba Sijuwade were committed to mother earth on Friday night, hours after an inter-religious service for the late monarch.

Christians, Muslims and

•

Sijuwade’s family members move out of palace From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the traditionalists participated in the inter-religious service held at Enuwa Square, opposite the palace otherwise known as Ile Oodua.

According to the palace sources, the body was buried after several traditional rites had been concluded.

The sources also revealed that people expecting a public burial for Oba Sijuwade were disappointed because “Ooni is not an ordinary individual, whose burial is done without rituals and ceremonies.

The members of the Iledi

added that the burial rites on Oba Sijuwade’s body was done in 201 shrines before it was buried.

It was learnt that Oba Sijuwade’s successor would also pass through the 201 rites before being crowned the next Ooni.

Iledi Ooni is the group of traditional Ogboni, that works with the Ooni, offering wise counsels from the traditional point of view.

The group used to serve as the Supreme Court in the old days before modernity brought democracy and its institutions.

Members of the Sijuwade’s family have moved out of the palace with their property, leaving the palace free.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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NATION SPORT

Kompany: Victory over Chelsea was easy M

ANCHESTER CITY skipper, Vincent Kompany has claimed the Citizens' victory over Chelsea was easy.

City cruised to a 3-0 win over the reigning Premier League champions with goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and a late strike from Fernandinho.

And Kompany thinks it was a routine day at the office for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

He said: There actually wasn't much difference to how we played against Chelsea twice last season, but this time we managed to score and not make the same mistakes.

"It was a comfortable game.

“There actually wasn't much difference to how we played against Chelsea twice last season, but this time we managed to score and not make the same mistakes” "To start the way we did today is definitely the right signal but there’s still a lot to come.

"As a defender scoring is not what I take most pride, but I am really happy with the two clean sheets – that is what makes me sleep well at night."

Argentina ace, Sergio Aguero was also pleased with City's win.

He said: It was very good. It’s

important the goal because the first one is always important.

"Then the team is more calm.

It’s important the three points because Chelsea is difficult, they are the champions."

•Aguero

•Fernandinho

•City captain, Vincent Kompany celebrates as he gives the hosts a deserved 2-0 lead in the 79th minute with a trademark header

Mourinho: Terry was not injured J OSE Mourinho says John Terry was not carrying an injury when he hauled off the captain at half-time of Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, insisting it was a tactical switch.

The veteran centre-back was replaced by Kurt Zouma with the Blues a goal down, and the champions went on to concede twice more as Chelsea made

their worst start to a Premier League season in 17 years.

"John Terry (had no injury).

It was just a decision. I know that Kurt Zouma is the fastest defender Chelsea have," the Portuguese told Sky Sports.

"He is a player of my total trust. With me he was never substituted, but with other manager's he was not even playing. Some people thought

his career was over. If anyone has the free mind to make this decision I am the one because I'm the one who gave him the chance to be what he is: a fantastic player and captain.

"I left him out because tactically I had to make a change. Sometimes you are right and sometimes you are wrong, but I think I was right.

We controlled the counter-

attack completely afterwards.

My decision was proven right.

“John is Chelsea captain for sure, and a player with my entire confidence.

Mourinho was also of the opined that Chelsea had been the better side in the second half at the Etihad Stadium, and felt both Fernandinho and Yaya Toure should have been sent off.

Memphis Depay makes Wayne Rooney revelation

N Lee: Liverpool didn’t respect Sterling enough

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NE thing you can always rely on is exfootballers opening their mouths and instantly winding up fans of rival clubs and that’s exactly what Francis Lee seemed intent on doing when he spoke about Raheem Sterling this weekend.

Strangely, Lee seems to be of the opinion that Liverpool lost Sterling last summer when they

failed to improve his £25,000 per week contract after his showing at the World Cup. Speaking to the Mail, Lee said: “Raheem went to the World Cup in 2014 and was one of England’s best players.

“You would have thought when he got back that Liverpool would want to get him on a big contract, but instead they seemed to do

nothing and carry on with the £25,000-a-week contract he already had.

“What world were they living in? It wasn’t the going rate for one of the best players in the England team.

“Either they were trying to sell him or they were taking him for granted. It can happen when you are a young player who has come up through the

youth team and reserves. You can be mucked about.

“I can relate to it. Early in my career I was top scorer at Bolton for five seasons, but because I was a local boy, I was never one of the best-paid players. By the time my contract was up, they offered me five times my basic wages but it was too late for me.

EW signing, Memphis Depay has revealed he always used to play with Wayne Rooney the striker on his PlayStation as a youngster.

Memphis joined Manchester United early on in the summer for a fee in the region of £31m after a fantastic season with PSV Eindhoven.

The winger has enjoyed a positive start at Old Trafford, earning praise for a lively debut against Tottenham Hotspur and although he didn’t score against Aston Villa, it was an improved performance on his debut.

When asked which United player stood out for him, Memphis said: “I don’t have one player, it’s difficult to pick one player.

“But for example Wayne, it’s

a big step for me, it’s crazy to play with him because a few years ago I used to play with him on the PlayStation and now we play with each other.

“That’s the difference, I’m making my steps also.”

Above anything, this is just another telling example of how young players around the world idolise United.

Being so overawed by the magnitude of the club can be problematic, as players often shrink into their shells as opposed to excelling.

However, judging by Memphis’ performances so far in a United shirt as well as his desire to become a club legend, it seems like Memphis will channel his veneration for Rooney and the club itself into a real desire to succeed at Old Trafford.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

The new forex policy • Good move. If well enforced, it holds the promise to sanitize the local economy and curb money laundering

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HE new controls put in place to ensure better management and utilisation of foreign exchange has understandably set the financial system abuzz.

Friday July 31, the news was everywhere that banks were no longer accepting foreign currency deposits into domiciliary accounts. Next day, Saturday August 1, the official confirmation came via a notice by one of the nation’s leading banks to its customers, that they would no longer accept foreign currency cash deposits.

The statement read: “Please, be informed that due to the unavailability of outlets for managing foreign currency cash deposits, we have found it necessary to temporarily suspend receipts of foreign currency cash deposits into domiciliary accounts at all our branches nationwide from Monday, August 3, 2015. In addition, foreign currency cash deposits into domiciliary accounts made prior to this notice will not be eligible for outward electronic transfer and can only be withdrawn as cash”.

The same day – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), citing ‘a recent report by the Global Financial Integrity group, which ranks Nigeria as one of the 10 largest countries for illicit financial flows in the world’, noted and applauded the move stating that “in line with global best practice, Nigerian banks have started to curtail the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits, much the same way as customers in other countries cannot just walk into banks and make foreign currency cash deposits without proper documentation’. The implication of the latter is that the banks, rather than the CBN, triggered the policy.

Be that as it may, on August 5, the apex

bank fired another memo effectively sounding the death knell for the operation of domiciliary accounts. It read “In its continued efforts to stop illicit flows in the Nigerian banking system which aligns with the anti-money laudering stance of the Federal Government, the CBN hereby prohibts from the date of this circular, the acceptance of foreign currency by the DMBs”.

It gave the owners of the accounts the option of either to withdraw their deposits or collect the naira equivalent. It also advised individuals who wish to source foreign exchange for eleigible and legitimate purposes to do so through the recognised channels while assuring that their requirements would be met.

As would be expected, what followed were torrents of diverse opinions on even before the full import of the measure was digested, with many suggesting that the measure was rather draconian and hasty.

Perhaps so. But, even without the harsh economic climate forced by the decline in crude oil earnings and hence its curb on foreign exchange inflows, it would seem to us a matter of time before the old order – the laissez-faire system in which the socalled parallel market held sway – would give. We say this mindful of the growing sophistication of the banking sector in general, and the industry’s giant strides in the area of enhanced payment systems, even across national boundaries, through its adoption of latest information technology platforms in particular. This development, in our view, has more than rendered the domiciliary accounts, superfluous.

We have not heard the argument – not at this time – in favour of having multiple currencies as the nation’s legal tender.

Indeed, the move towards the dollarisation of our fragile, mono-export economy would seem one of such absurdities fuelled only by the illusion of petro-cash. And if we may add – with perhaps the exception of Zimbabwe and nearly a dozen of countries at war, we cannot recall a country whose currency has suffered the steady displacement by major international currencies as the naira even in commonplace domestic transactions such as payment for rents and school fees.

It goes without saying therefore that the defence of the value of the naira from the activities of currency speculators must be seen as a sacred duty to the monetary authorities. We therefore see the new policy as a positive step in this direction.

We also agree on the need to curb illicit foreign exchange transfers through stricter foreign exchange controls which the apex bank advanced as another reason behind the measure. We find the CBN’s commitment to make foreign exchange available for all legitimate transactions reassuring.

Finally, we know money laundering is the root and branch of the pervasive corruption currently gnawing away at the heart of the nation. Scrupulously enforced, the measure promises to instil some sanity to our international trade.

‘The defence of the value of the naira from the activities of currency speculators must be seen as a sacred duty to the monetary authorities’

May/June massacre

•Yet again, Nigerian students fare poorly in WAEC examination. It’s time to go back to the basics

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NLY 38.68 per cent of the 1.593 million students, who sat the 2015 West African Senior Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE), passed with credits in five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. That is another sobering reminder of the deep-rooted nature of the educational challenges currently facing Nigeria.

Most of the statistics released by the Nigerian National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) make for depressing reading: 118,101 candidates had their results withheld because of alleged involvement in examination malpractices; 47.62 per cent obtained six credits and above; 59.61 per cent obtained five credits and above; 86.40 per cent obtained one credit and above.

In spite of the seemingly encouraging nature of these other figures, the five-credit including English Language and Mathematics benchmark is an appropriate measure of general performance because it represents the minimum standard for entry into the nation’s universities.

Over the years, the performance of senior

‘Nigeria has created for itself a vicious cycle: badlytaught primary school pupils go to poorly-managed secondary schools where they are processed through the various classes until they get to WASSCE’

secondary school students in a major public examination has given administrators, educators, parents and other concerned stakeholders much cause for worry. Marginal improvements do nothing to hide the harsh fact that the country is turning out an increasing number of students who will clearly be unable to hold their own in a world distinguished by the global knowledge economy.

The implications of this predicament are dire. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is in desperate need of the artisans and professionals who will continue to drive its growth.

If the country cannot be guaranteed a steady supply of intelligent and trainable youths who can become a formidable corps of skilled manpower, its future will be in jeopardy. As hundreds of thousands of unemployable young people pour into the labour market, it is certain that the social problems confronting the country will only continue to become more widespread and intractable.

Ironically, successive governments have been only too aware of these facts. Education traditionally receives the largest share of the budget after defence. In the 2015 Appropriation Bill, it actually displaced defence to get the biggest cut: N392.36 billion, compared to the latter’s N388.80 billion.

Part of the problem is that these huge funds are not often properly targetted. In states across the federation, primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions are characterized by decrepit infrastructure, poorlymotivated staff, and widespread shortages of educational consumables, textbooks and equipment.

At a more fundamental level, however, it appears that the perennially poor performances in WASSCE stem from the shallow

educational foundations being laid in many of the nation’s primary schools. Primary school education is the responsibility of states and local governments, and far too many of them restrict themselves to the payment of salaries as opposed to pursuing policies aimed at their overall development.

Although states like Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kano and Ondo have achieved relatively good results in strengthening primary school education, there are still many obstacles to overcome.

Funding is one, seen in the mystifying reluctance of many states to access grants available under the Universal Basic Education Scheme (UBES). As at January 2014, some N47 billion had not been utilized by the states because of their inability to provide counterpart funding.

Another problem is the intransigence of teachers’ unions whose adamant opposition to proficiency testing of teachers has made it difficult to raise standards in the teaching profession and thereby improve the quality of teaching.

In essence, Nigeria has created for itself a vicious cycle: badly-taught primary school pupils go to poorly-managed secondary schools where they are processed through the various classes until they get to WASSCE, where their cumulative inadequacies are brutally exposed.

If the country is truly determined to achieve better overall performances in WASSCE and similar public examinations, it will have to return to the basics – the primary schools, where excellence can either be carefully nurtured, or strangled at birth.

Corruption in health sector IR: The impact of corruption in the health sector in general is relatively well documented. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates that corruption undermines the cost, volume and quality of public service delivery, undermining the access and quality of patient care.

Diverted resources reduce the level of resources and investments available for the public health system on which most vulnerable populations are more reliant on.

Resources drained from health budget through embezzlement, fraud and corruption reduce the funding available for salaries, health services and maintenance, contributing to lower staff motivation, quality of care and declining service availability and use.

Corruption delays and reduces the vaccination of new-borns, discourages the use of public health clinics, reduces satisfaction of households with public health services and increases waiting times at health clinics.

A ten percent increase in corruption reduces immunisation rates by 10 to 20 %. Reducing corruption can result in significant social gains as measured by decreases in child and infant mortality rates, as well as percent of low-birth weight babies.

In Geneva, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance that provides funding to increase access to immunisation for children in the world’s poorest countries, released its Nigerian audit report that covered the expenditures incurred and procurement activities conducted at the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and States in the fiscal years 20112013.

Gavi as an organisation has a zero tolerance approach to misuse of funds. The Cash Programme Audit (CPA) of Gavi’s programme in Nigeria determined that US$ 2.2 million had been misused. In accordance with the joint letter of understanding and in line with Gavi and Nigeria’s Partnership Framework Agreement (PFA), co-signed by the then Minister of Health, the then Minister of Finance and the Gavi Chief Executive Officer, Gavi requested reimbursement of the identified US$ 2.2 million and this has since been fully reimbursed.

Effectively, US$ 2.2 million had been misused by Nigerian officials and has had to be refunded by the Nigerian government.

Shameful as this is, more worrying is the lack of conscience of officials who have misappropriated funds meant to save lives.

S

•Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi is Associate Medical Director for Patient Safety Basildon University Hospital Essex, England.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Even the most acerbic critic of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, the Edo State Governor, will hesitate in calling for his head over allegations by his political opponents that he fell short of expectations in providing development for the state.

Noticeably, the manner he generated funds for development and managed same attracted on-the-spot assessment visits by both local and international development-conscious organisations, including UNICEF, World Bank and agencies of the European Union. Without any difficulty, they passed a vote of confidence in his overall performance both in fiscal prudence and management of the state’s lean resources.

Against this background, the World Bank agreed to offer $150m soft loan facility to the state.

The loan is divided into two tranches of $75m each and tied to specific projects. Instructively, the state has collected the first $75m and has applied it as specified, hence the decision by the bank to approve the second tranche.

Unarguably, the judgment by the World Bank that the governor prudently applied the loan is the reason President Mohammadu Buhari did not hesitate in transmitting a letter to the National Assembly, requesting its approval for the second $75m.

Unfortunately, however, it elicited hostile reaction from politically motivated mischief makers who ignored its inherent benefits for the state by projecting the assumption that the governor only requested for the facility for unscrupulous reasons, including claims that it will end up as dubious severance package for himself and officials of his administration, particularly now that his tenure is winding up.

But facts about the loan speak for themselves and they are verifiable.

Only Lagos and Edo received approval from the global financial powerful for the soft loan of $150m tied to specific projects. Only Edo is applying for the second tranche for now having been certified to have prudently applied the first part to specified projects.

In any case, opponents of the facility seem to forget that the World Bank is never known to giving out frivolous loans. Indeed, the widely respected international financial institute is globally reputed for sticking to due diligence, prudent man-

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

Edo’s $75m loan and mischief makers agement, etc, in its assessment of whoever it deems fit for its facilities.

In other words, the organisation would never have approved the first $75m if it was convinced that the Oshiomhole administration did not meet the requisite standard, let alone approve the second tranche. In approving the second, the bank simply emphasised the point that the administration’s reputation for prudent resource management is very intact despite claims by his opponents to the contrary.

Secondly, let us not forget that

President Buhari rode into the seat of power because of his reputation for standing for anything that is right.

Like the World Bank that is not given to frivolities, he will never support any course that is meant to swindle either the country or its people. Indeed, there is hardly any doubt that he is very unlikely to agree to transmit a letter to the National Assembly, as he did, knowing that in doing so, he is lending his hard-earned reputation to a dubious process designed to con the same people he vowed to redeem.

In the final analysis, I am of the opinion that rather than oppose, condemn or politicise the issue, everyone, including politically motivated mischief makers, should be more concerned with the need to ensure that the facility is deployed solely for the benefit of providing development for the people of the state.

Indeed, we should be proud that in a country like ours where government officials are notoriously corrupt, both the World Bank and President Buhari adjudged our governor qualified in matters relating to prudent manage-

????????????????

ment of our collective resources.

In any case, we all are aware that government is a continuum. As true as it is that the Oshiomhole administration is winding up, it is doubly true that his exit will not mean the end of the state’s development process. Therefore, just as it is true that a continuation of the development process is assured even after his exit, it stands to reason too that the reason for which the state acquired the loan will continue. It would therefore appear puerile for anyone to conclude that the loan is irrelevant to the state just because the present administration will be gone in less than two years. In that case, mischief makers calling for a wholesale disapproval of the loan must know that the right thing to do at the moment is to work towards making sure it is judiciously applied as specified. That is the most sensible thing to do.

• Ernest Omoarelojie wrote from Benin City.

Ogun: mixing politics with teaching

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IR: As a concerned parent and retired teacher, I have decided to join the ongoing debate on the propriety or otherwise of the SUMMARY passage for SS1 in Ogun State Unified Examinations for Public Schools, as reported in the papers. I had initially commented on the controversy, but have now obtained further information on the exam saga from a couple of Ogun workers.

Fortunately, I was able to obtain a copy of the third term question paper from an SS1 student in my neighbourhood. The controversial passage in Section C was said to have been “Culled from Jola Adegbenro’s Issues on Education Today”. The examiner’s/ teacher’s name is Joel Adegbenro.

To my astonishment, I tried in vain to establish the Jola Adegbenro on any online platform. Neither could I establish the original write-up from where the exam question was said to have been extracted. According to some civil servants, when confronted on the source of the passage by the panel set up by the Civil Service Commission, the examiner/ teacher allegedly said he extracted the passage from his manuscript yet to be published in Issues on Education Today. And look at the additional prank played by the

teacher concerning his name - Joel Adegbenro and Jola Adegbenro!

Should we now be talking about fraud, forgery, impersonation or all of the above here? Should he have been handed over to the police on this score? I leave that to the lawyers.

But the greatest tragedy in the question paper has not been highlighted by many commentators. I discovered to my horror and chagrin that the socalled SUMMARY passage was actually a summary or synopsis of opinions expressed in newspaper adverts sponsored by the opposition in the months leading to the April 11 governorship election in Ogun State. This is horrendous.

Another anomaly is that we do not set such a patently political question to students in such a formal examination. WAEC, JAMB, it’s not done!

At best, you have a generalised extract on the state of education in which no particular government or administration can be held accountable. I challenge any examiner to prove the contrary. The reason is simple. No examiner or teacher must be seen to turn his pupils against a particular government in power.

The teacher/examiner and the students in this particular case know which government was supposedly being accused by the SS1 question de-

spite the ‘smartness’ of not mentioning “Ogun” in the passage. But further mischief could be gleaned from the question paper. For instance, contrary to the passage, enrolment figures, as we all know, sky-rocketed from early 2012 as a result of free education and free textbooks of the Amosun government. There were many budding private schools across the state that closed down or nearly collapsed because so many parents withdrew their children from these schools when they heard the current administration was giving free textbooks to pupils. You may call it opportunism but why would any parent suffer to buy one or two textbooks when they can get 8 or 12 for their children free of charge?

I saw the model school at Ogijo recently and wondered if it was a private or public school. Yes, a public school. I cannot fault Amosun on this score because rather than spend my hard-earned money on renovating a great-grandfather’s mud house that would still collapse at the slightest anger of the elements, all in the name of “renovating existing infrastructure”, I will build a modern monument in honour of his memory!

So, one could see the entire passage was a product of deliberate mischief and did not reflect, in the main, the

current realities or continuous efforts being made to reposition the sector by the government. It is dangerous to use students’ question paper as a platform to attack a well-meaning government on behalf of a frustrated political opposition in Ogun.

There is no way those involved in such a back-door political agitation could have escaped justice going by the provisions of Public Service Rules, as reported in the papers.

Nevertheless, I plead for clemency.

Reabsorbing the officials will not be a bad idea. I know it will be a difficult choice because people should live by the consequences of their actions as a form of deterrent. But it should be possible to forgive them. At least they’ve learnt their lessons - hopefully.

You cannot be politicians in civil service garbs!

Finally, workers must be wary of being used by bad-belle, ‘NFA’ politicians in the discharge of their duties.

Condensing into an exam passage published attacks of the opposition political party against the government is totally reprehensible. Children are too impressionable to be drawn into such high-wire politics. We should not toy with their future.

•Ayobami Odesanya, Sabo, Sagamu, Ogun State

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

COMMENTS

T

HIS week marks the first anniversary of a touching death. Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh lost her life on August 19, 2014, in heroic circumstances. This piece, first published on September 15, 2014, is today reproduced in remembrance of an angel named Ameyo.

What does it mean to be characterised as angelic?

Illumination came at the solemn Night of Tributes and Service of Songs organised to say a formal and final farewell to the departed Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh who patriotically and heroically gave her life to save the country from a possible viral catastrophe.

It was perhaps fitting that a team of ladies screened people with gadgets at the entrance and supplied sanitisers for use as the venue filled up gradually, which were obvious precautionary measures in the face of the ongoing battle with a killer virus. By 6pmon September 11, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, was ready for a review of the life and times of the doctor who succumbed to the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which she had contracted in the course of treating the country’s first case of the bug, Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American who died of EVD on July 25. Tragically, Adadevoh herself passed away on August 19, less than one month after her life-threatening encounter with Sawyer.

Adadevoh gazed at the population in the expansive space. She was frozen on a canvass framed with a garland of white, cream and green flowers; she wore a doctor’s white overcoat and a stethoscope was around her neck.

Her striking portrait formed the background on the stage which had a table and chairs for three white-robed priests and a green-robed one. An orchestra of violinists and hornsmen performed impressively on the side and a choir in a colour-mix of blue, red and white completed the musical ensemble.

Two large screens presented pictorial highlights of Adadevoh’s earthly journey, which were greeted by a gripping contemplative silence from the crowd. Her childhood years, growing up, her graduation from medical school in red gown and cap with scroll in hand, her wedding, motherhood, family life and social life, rolled out in photos before attentive and sorrowful eyes. ”There is no doubt that her death is hurtful and

‘Those who paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duties and saved many lives from Ebola even without having contact with them deserve credit. A grateful country should reward their heroic selfsacrifice.’

“

I

THINK what we are concerned about is the process. It is no longer a military regime and under our existing laws, everybody is innocent until proven guilty.” This is a statement credited to the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Dioceses, Bishop Hassan Kukah, when The Peace Committee for 2015 general elections led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar visited President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday August 11, 2015. As it were, I found nothing wrong in the Peace Committee visiting the President because any credible group is free to visit the President since the President is for everybody and for nobody in particular. What I am worried about is the timing and the motive of the visit. I am deeply worried about the purpose of this visit. Is it to shield some people from the investigations on corruption going in almost every critical sector of our economy? Is it to try to circumvent a clinical process being put in place to put things in order in Nigeria? Is it to try to slow down President Buharis’s agenda to rid Nigeria of corruption?

Is it an attempt to intimidate the President to slow down and let the corrupt who pillaged and plundered our common patrimony to go scot free? Is it a blackmail to render nugatory APC’s agenda to bring the change it promised Nigerians? Are the Peace Committee members not aware of the sordid roles some members of the committee played during President Jonathan’s tenure?

Why these crude interventions at a time like this? Is the Peace Committee working to protect Jonathan and his cronies and shield them from facing the jury? When has it become an offence to investigate past leaders and bring them to book if necessary? What is the meaning of this dangerous mediation at a time like this? A friend tells me that the rampancy of corruption in Nigeria is a function of low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) on the part of all of us.

Can the members of the Peace Committee be exonerated?

Please listen to Bishop Kukah’s second sentence: “Again, our commitment is not to intimidate or fight anybody, the former President’s commitment and what he did still remains spectacular and I think that President Buhari himself appreciates that. So our effort really is to make sure that the right thing is done.” Now, what is this spectacular thing that the former president Jonathan did, to preside over a corrupt empire never known in the history of Nigeria, to decimate and desecrate the political decision to rotate power between the North and South and consequently put the nation in danger, to accept that he blew billions

08054726574

Angel Ameyo painful,” said the priest who delivered the homily. “She sacrificed her life,” he stressed, “and saved the country from an uncontrollable disaster”; but, he added, “she was not an accidental heroine.” He pointed out: “Sacrifice was her second nature and character.” In his view, she had “a glorious exit” in the truest sense of the phrase, different from the clichéd use of the expression.

The tribute session was revealing. Dr. Bode Karunwi, her mate in primary school and medical college, spoke about their 50-year friendship and called her “a faithful friend” in addition to being “a first-class physician.” It was Dr. Efunbo Dosekun who provided a penetrating glimpse of her final moments as she struggled with EVD while quarantined. Dosekun described their last interaction “before she slipped into coma.” In a moving narration, she painted a picture of how she had to speak to Adadevoh through the window because of quarantine regulations. She said Adadavoh had told Sawyer: “I won’t let you go because you would spread this virus far and wide.” Significantly, a Havard University medical professor whose tribute was read on the occasion touchingly said he hoped “Nigeria will one day reflect on her heroism and sacrifice in containing a deadly epidemic.” So far, figures released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that eight people have died of EVD out of 21 cases.

Adadevoh’s death was especially pathetic because she was, ironically, a victim of her professionalism, dedication to work and concern for the sick. A family member was quoted as saying, “She was not on duty on the day Mr. Sawyer was brought to the hospital, but she responded to the emergency. She left what she was doing to save a life.”

Her commendably rare demonstration of respect for the Hippocratic Oath of her profession was noted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris.

Following her death, he said of her role: “She it was who

took the initiative to intimate the ministry concerning the index case; and substantially to her credit, the moderate containment achieved we owe to her and her colleagues.” Speaking of containment efforts, it was reported that Adadevoh had to “physically restrain” the infected patient from escaping from the hospital after he had been diagnosed with EVD. It is impossible to build scenarios or to imagine the scale of the public health crisis that would most likely have developed in the country in the absence of the thorough diagnostic efforts and a firm application of safety measures and standards, without a huge sense of gratitude to Adadevoh and others who worked with her in the management of Sawyer’s case. There is no doubt that the professional intervention of Adadevoh and other health workers greatly reduced the high possibility of a wide-spread dispersal of the virus, which causes a haemorrhagic fever that can kill infected people in a week, although patients reportedly begin to show symptoms within three weeks of infection. ”Our tribute to her is our school song,” said an old girl of Queen’s School, Ede/Ibadan, Adadevoh’s alma mater, and the alumnae gave an enthusiastic rendition of the school song to end the chain of tributes. “Pass on the Torch”, they sang, in reference to the school motto.

It is heartwarming that Adadevoh’s torch will be kept burning by a newly founded organisation, the Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust, which has been set up in honour of “her life of service to profession, community and humanity.” The source of the information announced that “it will be a professionally run charity” dedicated to her ideals; and there was an approving applause at Harbour Point. He gave a contact email address: drasatrust@gmail .com.

Before her death, Adadevoh, 57, had worked for 21 years at First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos, and became the Lead Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist. Interestingly, that evening at Habour Point, those who spoke called her Ameyo, which is a Ewe name for girls meaning “Girl born on Saturday.”

Also, some of them called her an angel, which suggests a guardian angel.

In particular, the representative of the association of endocrinologists said, “Our society will pursue national recognition which she so deserves”; and the people clapped. It is noteworthy that a new petition on Change.org is asking the government to “honour the memory of Adadevoh with a National Posthumous Award”. However, such consideration should apply not only to her. A nurse at the same hospital also died from EVD. Those who paid the ultimate price while carrying out their duties and saved many lives from Ebola even without having contact with them deserve credit. A grateful country should reward their heroic self-sacrifice.

Away with this Peace Committee

By Joe Igbokwe of dollars and pounds in an election he was bound to lose because the figures were not in his favour. He did something spectacular by accepting defeat in an election he lost fair and square? He did something spectacular by allowing every Dick and Harry including his wife to declare war on our national till?

Let the truth be told, former president Jonathan was defeated black and blue, left and right, front and back and up and down. Eleven small states in the SouthSouth and South- East would not have defeated 25 states from the South-West, North-West, North-East and NorthCentral. There was no way two small zones would have defeated four big zones in that crucial elections. Therefore, there was nothing spectacular about accepting defeat.

He had no choice than to hand over and bow out. Former president Jonathan’s ambition to rule Nigeria for 10 years plus OBJ’s eight years put Nigeria in great danger. In fact it put a knife on things that have held us together. It divided the country, and it was a threat to national unity.

It is therefore worrisome and unacceptable for the members of the Peace Committee to try to blackmail and intimidate APC and President Buhari in their strong desire and determination to fulfill what the party promised Nigerians. APC promised to fight corruption, impunity and lawlessness. APC promised to restore sanity and progress in the land. APC promised to do things differently and change the way we think, the way we reason, the way we act, the way we plan and the way we work. APC promised to plug all the loop holes and stop all the leakages within the system. APC promised to stop the oil thieves and chase the saboteurs away from the power sector and NNPC. APC cannot achieve all this without the required political will, courage and strong leadership. The task of rebuilding and repositioning Nigeria is a task that must be done and the president must be encouraged to go the whole hog. Have we suddenly forgotten what President Buhari went through in the course of the campaign? Have we forgotten all the hate campaigns against candidate Buhari? Have we

forgotten the Certificate issue, his health issue, and his age issue? What did the Peace Committee do? They said Buhari will not rule Nigeria. They said he is brain dead.

They said he has no certificate. They said he is not electable. They said he will die in office. They abused his family. They said APC will not survive till October 2014.

They said Nigeria will be set on fire if Jonathan loses.

Now that God has made Buhari president, please let us allow him to work. There are some faces I saw in the Peace Committee that send strong signals to me that it is former president Jonathan’s show. An evil spirit visited the house in the night and the child died in the morning.

We know better. President Buhari should be allowed to do the work God wants him to do. God brought this president in the saddle to do what he is doing now. They did everything humanly possible to stop him but he defeated them all. I know that the election losers are still very angry, and are yet to come to terms with what hit them but it is a mission accomplished. I am told that old ways will not open new doors. PDP posed an existential threat to Nigeria while the bazaar lasted. Now we have a new order. This is a new Nigeria. Please allow President Buhari to fight corruption and restore sanity in the land.

• Joe Igbokwe wrote from Lagos

‘Now that God has made Buhari president, please let us allow him to work. There are some faces I saw in the Peace Committee that send strong signals to me that it is former president Jonathan’s show...I am told that old ways will not open new doors. PDP posed an existential threat to Nigeria while the bazaar lasted’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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COMMENTS

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HE tempo of the much orchestrated war against corruption was upped last week when President Buhari gave assurance that those fingered to have looted the funds of this nation would be arraigned at the courts in a matter of weeks. He told the National Peace Committee that his government had been compiling facts and figures pertaining to the nation’s stolen funds and names of those implicated in such odious deals will be known by Nigerians when they are charged to court.

In the words of the president “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” For those impatient with the pace of the government especially in the fight against corruption, the president’s statement would strike as a soothing relief. This is so given the plethora of allegations of corruption we have been inundated with since the coming into being of the present administration.

As things stand, everybody is waiting very anxiously to catch a glimpse of those alleged to be thieving the wealth of this country. It is not clear whether the scores of former governors and sundry public functionaries who have been standing trial for sundry financial infractions would fit into this list.

But indications are that a new set of the alleged thieves will be unmasked when the trials start. One is led to this conclusion by two reasons. The first is that Buhari had told the nation times without number that he had secured the commitment of some powerful countries to help him track Nigeria’s looted funds hidden away in vaults abroad. There is the possibility given the way the president spoke that some success might have been recorded in this area.

Secondly, the president seemed to have even said that much when he told his audience that his government has been compiling facts and figures on the funds stolen and those connected with them. There is everything to expect that new insights must have been thrown into the issue for the president to speak with the air of finality that marked his interaction with the peace committee.

Whatever the case, it is good a thing some progress is being made in identifying avenues for the looting of the nation’s resources by rampaging and gluttonous elite. It is equally no less heart-warming that in identifying these avenues, those connected with them are going to be unmasked. Nigerians will be waiting anxiously to see this set of alleged thieves brought to book. But more importantly, we are interested in knowing the time frame and which administrations

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Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Catching the thieves were covered. This interest is elicited by the fact that corruption has been with this nation for quite some time now. It cuts across governments. And the ground rules for this ignoble act must have been laid by successive governments both civilian and military.

Given this fact, it is to be expected that in compiling facts and figures from both local and foreign sources, revelations are most likely to cut across regimes. Before now, so much had been recovered from the Abacha regime. But Abacha is not alone in it. There is nothing on earth to indicate that those before or after him are saints. The fight will get more meaningful if we are able to catch all those who had in the past through the same drain pipe looted our treasury. This nation is anxious to know the source of the stupendous wealth being paraded by former leaders both military and civilian.

Former president Goodluck Jonathan gave a hint of this in the dying days of his regime when he said he is open to probe but added a caveat that it should go further to unravel how oil wells and marginal oil fields were awarded in the past. He would want such inquisition to focus on whether due process was followed. It will be rewarding if Buhari is able to unravel how the culture of theft in public life was implanted. The course of the war on corruption will also be better served if we are able to show that the tracks for looting which today’s leaders are following were actually laid by yesteryear leaders. That should be a more serious and rewarding approach to the matter. That is why the argument that the probe be limited to the immediate past regime is self-defeating. That plank of the argument does not make sense because it seems to be motivated by fear that some other interests are bound to suffer should the probe proceed further. It is nothing but an attempt to cover up the shoddy tracks of some

N all honesty, President Muhammad Buhari’s determined drive to frontally tackle the monster of crass corruption in high places and bring it to its begging knees deserves commendation. Indeed, it takes uncommon courage for any leader to set in motion pragmatic mechanisms to rein in the twin evils of corruption and impunity which have enjoyed a free rein in Nigeria for decades and made us a laughing stock in the comity of nations. Little wonder that such moves have attracted national and global acclaim.

And deservedly so, because no nation ever achieves sustainable socio-economic growth when corruption assumes the dangerous dimension of a rampaging cancer spreading within its body polity and nothing is done to contain it. With the sweeping broom to cleanse the Augean stable, the president’s action is largely viewed as patriotic since we are all victims.

It is against this bright backdrop that one would view the recent resurgence of the anti-graft Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate those alleged to have soiled their hands with filthy lucre especially since Buhari became the new president. The fact that the searchlight is being beamed on the high and mighty makes it more credible. Within the short span of two months for instance, the former governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Lamido and his two sons, Aminu and Mustapha along with some others have been facing prosecution. They are to answer questions on 28count charges related to N1.35 bn fraud.

In a similar vein, the EFCC invited Toyin Saraki, wife to the former Kwara State governor and currently the Senate President, for questioning. She has to explain the execution of several contracts traced to her while her husband held sway as the state’s helmsman. On her part, Mrs. Zaina Dangigari, the daughter of late President Umaru Yar’ Adua

people. Why should it be so if we are seriously committed to the war? What such positions imply in real terms is that if Buhari’s facts and figures regarding those implicated in the looting of the nation’s wealth indict other former leaders, he should shut his eyes to them and only arraign those connected with the immediate past regime.

How justifiable it is remains to be imagined. How it will serve the course of the war against corruption would remain largely curious.

There is a school of thought that subscribes to a more radical and holistic approach to the war. For this school, the war must get deeper down and must be more fundamental for it to make the desired impact. They believe that some of those who have benefited disproportionately from this theft must be made to forfeit them to the Nigerian state. And they are many.

If information at Buhari’s disposal exposes such people, he would have made a mockery of the war if he turns a blind eye on them. These are some of the contradictions that arise in the attempt to put a time frame for curing a debilitating malaise. The right thing is to bring to book all those implicated by the information and facts available to the government. If the Buhari administration is honest with the war on corruption, there is no way it will not stumble on huge facts that cut across regimes. If it decides to ignore these only to arraign those associated with the last regime, it would have laid itself bare to the accusation by Jonathan before he left office that he and his ministers were going to be persecuted because of the hard decisions they took while in office. It is not surprising that speculations to that effect have arisen. That may account for the advice of the committee to Buhari to follow due process in the

prosecution of the war and that we are no longer in a military regime.

If Jonathan and some of his ministers are implicated for financial impropriety, they should face the music. By the same logic, if Obasanjo, Yar’Adua or any former military leader and their ministers are involved in such deals, nobody should spare them. We must proceed beyond the immediate past as the case of Abacha has proven that military regimes were not insulated against corruption.

The war is something the nation direly needs and confidence in it, is emboldened by the personality of Buhari more than any other thing else. He must proceed cautiously avoiding anything that will convey the remotest impression that he is on a voyage of witchhunt.

From the interactions with the peace committee, it would seem some mistakes are already being made in the way those suspected to have stolen funds are being handled. That is my interpretation of the committees’ advice to President Buhari that we are no longer in a military regime and a suspect is innocent until proven guilty. It was more of an indictment for the committee to have told the president that we are no longer in a military regime. Buhari is a civilian president and he knows that. To have reminded him of that reality meant there must have been dispositions and actions that suggest to the contrary.

Such dispositions may be impatient with the delays in the disposition of cases by our regular courts. That is another issue that can make or mar the overall success of the campaign.

All the same, the peace committee must be commended for the good work they have been doing. One is not certain how that committee of eminent and patriotic Nigerians was floated. But the success the nation is celebrating on the outcome of the last elections would not have been possible without the tiring efforts of the committee in preaching and ensuring peace before, during and after the elections. They should not relent.

‘As things stand, everybody is waiting very anxiously to catch a glimpse of those alleged to be thieving the wealth of this country... indications are that a new set of the alleged thieves will be unmasked when the trials start’

EFCC and anti- corruption war

By Adebisi Obalola and wife to the ex-governor of Kebbi State, is being quizzed for alleged misappropriation of N2bn state funds.

Not done, the agency has also grilled Baraka Sanni, who was the Senior Special Assistant to former president Goodluck Jonathan on Schools and Agricultural Programmes. She has to defend herself against weighty allegations of diversion of funds earmarked for her office.

President Buhari is also taking a closer look into the operations of the NNPC, allegedly responsible for monumental fraud, not excluding massive oil theft. One cannot but align with such moves to reposition the nation’s economy for impactful growth.

The truth, however, is that as one praises EFCC’s salutary efforts, it must be able separate the wheat from the chaff , so that some Nigerians won’t capitalize on the wave of allegations to raise false alarm and perhaps settle scores. Only such would not distract well-meaning, focused public servants who are passionate about deploying their energy and intellectual skills for the best of their country.

The recent invitation of the much-respected Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr.Paul Orhii, by the EFCC readily comes to mind. Even while he willingly obliged the invitation out of his own volition, the sensational and screaming headlines crafted by some section of the media had the intention to paint the suspect guilty, even before

‘The truth, however, is that as one praises EFCC’s salutary efforts, it must be able separate the wheat from the chaff so that some Nigerians won’t capitalize on the wave of allegations to raise false alarm and perhaps settle scores...The recent invitation of the much-respected Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr.Paul Orhii, by the EFCC readily comes to mind’

investigations started. People became jumpy, getting into hasty conclusions that not only undermine the image of the suspects but ultimately that of the agency in question.

Is it not curious that one Mr. Ademola Magbojuri, the erstwhile Director, Finance and Account made allegations of acts bodering on financial impropriety on the part of Orhii only after he was redeployed to NAFDAC Training Institute at Kaduna? It is ridiculous that a public officer who has exhibited an act of insubordination would turn round to cook up cock and bull stories against his boss. That is pure mischief.

What has he been doing all the while, even as media reports claim that he has all along been presiding over the meetings of the same fund disbursement he is accusing Orhii of? This, in my humble opinion shows that the former finance director has ulterior motives. Such vindictive people, out on a mission of vendetta, should not be allowed to distract the Buhari administration from its anti-graft war which is not meant to witch-hunt any citizen.

Having read and investigated with apt interest Orhii’s giant steps since assumption of office, there is ample evidence that he has taken NAFDAC notches higher even if has chosen to be on the quiet side and allows his achievements to speak for themselves. What with, for instance, the construction of new laboratories, upgrading them to international standards, the use of cutting-edge technology against counterfeit drugs, to mention but a few. Anyone in doubt should pay a visit to the new edifice at Isolo, Lagos. In fact, for a world-renowned medical practitioner, lawyer and expert on drug-related matters to have chosen to return to serve his country shows the trait of a patriot. Should we pay him back in bad coins?

While one is not advocating that he should not be investigated, that should be done with utmost caution. The EFCC has to differentiate between the motive of the petitioners and the method it adopts in carrying out its investigations, especially under the current tense political situation.

• Obalola, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

JOBS

‘How govt killed Nigeria Airways’

Wanted: Plantain processors - P. 35 News Brief ‘Why we are taking Osun Osogbo Festival to NSE OSUN State is seeking the listing of Osun Osogbo Festival Festival on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to reduce capital flight by Nigerians seeking cultural exploration in South and North American countries, such as Brazil and Mexico, the government has said.

–Page 26

Labour backs Buhari on probe THE Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Muhammedu Buhari to go ahead with his plan to probe and prosecute looters of the nation’s treasury.

–Page 26

- P. 37

CBN’s policy ‘ll lead to job loss, says MAN

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HE Manufacturers As sociation of Nigeria (MAN) has warned of massive job loss if some of the policies of the Central Bank are not re-viewed.

The group said the new foreign exchange guidelines of the apex bank have negatively affected productivity and increased the cost of manufacturing.

Its President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, lamented that manufacturers are experiencing difficulties in importing raw materials, warning that if the situation is not addressed quickly, it would lead to factory closures and loss of jobs.

He said data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), CBN and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), have learnt credence to this fact.

Praising part of the CBN’s

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

policy on the 41 items barred from foreign exchange allocation, he said: “MAN has analysed the items into 680 items based on their respective sectoral and sub-sectoral groups and submitted a comprehensive list of 105 raw materials which are products of rigorous consultations with all sub-sectors of the manufacturing sector with their respective HS Codes. The association further listed 93 finished products that are produced locally with sufficient capacity which should be added to the 41 items.”

He said while the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, agreed to include the 93 items of finished products on the list, he,

however, declined to consider the request to remove essential raw materials that are not available locally from the list.

He said the CBN boss cited declining foreign reserves of the country, continuous fall in oil prices, and the banks inability to honour the foreign exchange requirement of manufacturers who import raw materials as justification for their insistence on the forex policy.

On MAN’s recommendation, the association asked the CBN to remove raw materials that are not available locally from the list of items for foreign exchange and allow reasonable time for affected manufacturers to embark on backward integration process before re-listing

the affected raw materials. The group also asked for a policy statement that will assure the private sector of policy consistency, backed up with appropriate gazette that will phase the implementation of the policy over time to safeguard the huge capital implementation associated with manufacturing.

Furthermore, MAN urged the CBN to take action that would facilitate the disbursement of the real sector fund, saying no loan had been granted under this window despite the huge application for it. MAN, in addition, wanted the apex bank to make operational the Development Bank of Nigeria launched early in the year by former President Goodluck Jonathan

and also adopt appropriate mix of monetary instruments to promote reduction in lending rates to single digit and effectively manage the duo of exchange and inflation rates.

The MAN chief argued that if genuine cases presented by the association were not given some level of consideration it may create more socio-economic problems such as unemployment and crime arising from the closure of factories.

“If the productive sector continues to find it difficult to procure necessary raw materials and spare parts within the next few weeks closure and retrenchment may be become inevitable,” he said.

From Left: Head, Corporate Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Bola Adeeko; Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema and Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, during a courtesy visit by Obiano to the Exchange in Lagos.

Auditors doubt Multiverse’s status over N1.7b deficit

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XTERNAL auditors have raised concerns over the ability of Multiverse Plc to meet its obligations as a going concern.

But the directors of the mining company said it would pull through the hard times, despite its N1.75 billion deficit.

In its latest audit report obtained at the weekend, external auditors to Multiverse, Sola Oyetayo & Co, said there is material uncertainty that casts doubts on the ability of the firm to continue as a going concern. The report was on the company’s latest financial statement for the period ended December 31, 2014.

By Taofik Salako

The report indicated that Multiverse has a huge deficit of N1.75 billion by the end of the year. The report noted that it recorded a net loss of N552.41 million last year, adding that it had lost N549.33 million in 2013.

The report showed that

by December last year, the company’s current liabilities exceeded its current assets by N1.75 billion, a worse position than N1.13 billion deficit recorded the year before.

“These conditions together with other matters as explained in Note 27 indicate the existence of a material uncertainty

which cast doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” the external auditors noted.

Directors of Multiverse, however, assured that the company would continue as a going concern, citing business partnerships, foreign capital investments and ongoing turnaround initiatives.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Multiverse for the year ended December 31, 2014 indicated that turnover declined from N286.18 million in 2013 to N49.17 million in 2014. The company recorded gross loss of N91.49 million in 2014 as against gross profit of

N183.76 million in 2013.

Operating loss stood at N336.36 million in 2014 compared with N438.53 million in 2013. Loss before tax stood at N580.01 million in 2014 as against N612.73 million in 2013.

Loss after tax meanwhile increased from N549.33 million to N552.41 million.

Further analysis showed a worsening precarious balance sheet position. Total assets had dropped consecutively from N5.49 billion in 2012 to N4.99 billion in 2013 and closed 2014 at N4.77 billion.

Shareholders’ funds also declined from N2.70 billion in 2013 to N2.15 billion and N1.60 billion in

2013 and 2014 respectively.

The Board of the company, however, explained that its net current liability was due to backlog of trade and other liabilities and current portion of long-term borrowings which were unpaid over years.

According to the board, the accumulated losses, which rose from N1.22 billion in 2013 to N1.77 billion, were primarily caused by no production and sales during the year as well as massive finance costs of N243.65 million in 2014 and N174.21 million in 2013, arising from nonpayment of overdue longterm borrowings and poor performance of the com-

pany over years.

“During the reporting year, the company has undertaken a thorough review of its financial position and its business strategy to improve the position in near future. The directors believe that the business will be able to renegotiate and reschedule all matured borrowings to cushioning the effect of long-term obligations as they fall due,” the board stated.

Directors of the company noted that the company had signed a partnership agreement with Anhui Huishang Metal Company of China, which plans to invest $111 million over five years in the • Continued on page 26

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

• From left: A representative of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Emomotimi Agama; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Mr. Ade Bajomo and General Manager, Head, Legal and Regulation Division, Ms. Tinuade Awe, at the induction for new Authorised Dealing Clerks of the Exchange ... on Friday.

‘Why we ‘re taking Osun Osogbo Festival to Stock Exchange’

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SUN State is seeking the listing of Osun Osogbo Festival Festival on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to reduce capital flight by Nigerians seeking cultural exploration in South and North American countries, such as Brazil and Mexico, the government has said.

Other reasons for the listing, the government said, are to generate revenue, make Nigerians in the country and those in diaspora to invest in the festival and make Osun a tourist destination for Africans and nonAfricans wishing to study and know how deities in Yorubaland are worshipped.

A Consultant to the organisers of the festival, Ayo Olumokun, told The Nation that billions of naira is being spent abroad yearly, by

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By Akinola Ajibade

Nigerians on what he described as Cultural Tourism, adding that the need to bring back the money informed the plans by the government to list the Festival in the NSE. He said: “When the ownership and management of the festival is extended to people across the world, the festival would become bigger and there is going to be inflow of capital to Osun and Nigeria in particular in a way. When this happens, the festival sponsors, such as Nigerian Breweries, Nigerian Distilleries Limited and others, would definitely increase their commitment to the project.”

He said there are 75 hectares of land in Osogbo,

the Osun State capital that boast of artefacts that are well-positioned for viewing by tourists.

“This is a multi-billion naira asset when put in investment scale. It is a prime asset and it is one of the reasons behind the proposed listing of the festival in the capital market. The asset belongs to Osun Osogbo and it would bring more money into the coffers of the government if it well managed,” he added.

According to him, the patronage of the festival, by companies, is reducing the nation’s bad economy. ‘’As a consultant, I can tell you authoritatively that brands sponsorship of the programme reduced this year, compared to the previous years. But the situation would improve when

the festival is listed on the equities market soon,” he added.

Olumokun said the listing involves various stages, noting that the process started two years ago.

He said talks on the public listing of the festival are on-going, adding it may likely take place next year.

A brand specialist with the Nigerian Breweries, Ekanem Kufre, said the Osun Osogbo Festival is a big project, adding that companies in search of a strong and enduring brand image would like to identify with it.

He said the festival is about tradition and people, arguing that no brand could grow without the people or consumers.

African Exchanges mull cross-listing of Traded Funds

AJOR African ex changes have started discussions on a cross-border framework that will enhance listing of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) across the exchanges.

The listing of ETFs across many exchanges, otherwise known as cross-listing, will lead to improved liquidity on the African exchanges.

Discussions are currently underway between market participants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to launch the cross-listing of ETFs. Director, Capital Markets, Johannesburg Stock Exchange

By Taofik Salako

(JSE), Donna Oosthuyse, said with the cross listing of ETFs, investors will have exposure to a diverse range of top performing Nigerian, Kenyan and South African companies in a convenient and cost effective way; and the cross-listings of ETFs will also improve the liquidity of Africa’s largest stock exchanges.

ETFs are a collection of equities, commodities or bonds bundled together in a fund to ensure that investor risks are

evenly spread across this range of securities. ETFs are only written off specific index-related securities that are listed on a stock exchange, and this makes it possible to invest in a diverse range of securities through a single exchange traded product.

The concept of cross-listing an ETF is the same as cross listing a share, or listing it on more than one exchange. It provides domestic investors with access to opportunities from another market, in the convenient and cost effective

form of an ETF. “ETFs are one of the fastest growing asset-class categories in the world. By collaborating with Africa’s largest stock exchanges, we hope to spearhead this trend in Africa,” Oosthuyse said.

He explained that the advantages for companies included in the ETF indices, and for the exchanges from whence they come, are that ETFs need to be ‘fully covered, which means that the asset manager that is managing the ETF portfolio has to buy and sell the underlying shares on the home exchange, depending on the activity of buying and selling of the ETF.

Auditors doubt Multiverse’s status over N1.7b deficit • Continued from page 25 company’s Abuni Lead/Zinc mine while extensive exploration had been carried out by the mining technical partner that confirmed the availability of Lead/Zinc Ore in commercial quantity.

The Board added that with

the receipt of a written confirmation that production will commence at the Abuni mine site before the end of 2015 and the quarry joint operation with Sinotrust Partners Limited that have started full operation, the fortune of the company will change significantly.

“The company has also reviewed its business model from being a mining operation company to mining investment company; this will translate to attraction of foreign investments and technical partners to develop its vast mining resources. As a result, the di-

rectors believe the company will continue as a going concern,” the board assured.

The company said it hopes to retain its leading role in granite production in South Western Nigeria, a situation that will improve its cash flows significantly.

Labour backs Buhari on probe of looters • To engage lawmakers on jumbo allowances

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HE N i g e r i a n L a bour Congress (NLC) has urged President Muhammedu Buhari to go ahead with his plan to probe and prosecute looters of the nation’s treasury.

Its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the president should note that he was elected based on his integrity and promise to clean the rot in the system, adding that he should not give in to any pressure from anybody or group.

“One person who will serve as good example for all Nigerians is the president and he must be ready to lay a good example.

“We are aware that some people are persuading him not to go ahead with the probe, but he should not allow any pressure from anybody.

He should go ahead with it and even prosecute whoever is found guilty,” he said.

Wabba said labour was planning a rally in support of the probe, adding that labour was ready to stand by the Presidency.

“We are planning a rally and we will continue to support him if he continues to stand on the basis of the truth,” he said.

Wabba pointed out that June allocation was increased by about 13 per cent. He said the increase would have ended in private pockets if the president had not taken some measures to stop corruption.

“This increase showed that there has been a leakage in the past. This 13 per cent would have ended in some individual pockets. This shows that President

By Toba Agboola

Buhari is ready to fight corruption and he if continues, it will help the economy,” Wabba said.

On the jumbo pay allocated to the National Assembly, Wabba said it is unfortunate that despite the promised by the lawmakers to reduced and re-address the allocation, the lawmakers have rejected the a cut.

According to Wabba, labour will engage the lawmakers over the issue.

He demanded explanation on how the National Assembly allegedly spent N600 billion in the last four years.

“Nigerians are concerned and want explanations on how the National Assembly budget, which in 2003 was N23.347 billion rose to N66.488 billion in 2007, and then climbed to N104.825 billion in 2008.

“By 2011, all that appeared under the National Assembly budget was N150 billion without any breakdown. Nigerians need explanation.

“They should try to conform to the system and allow the rule of law to prevail. This jumbo allocation is not what was approved, rather it is what they approved for themselves.

“They should explain to the Nigerians how they arrived at this figure. This is corruption from the highest order and we will not allow this. Our lawmakers should be ready to leave by good example because Nigerians are watching,” Wabba said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

ISSUES

• NSE Trading Floor

The stock market is looking at next January to enter a new phase of full dematerialisation; an era where there will be no share certificates and shareholdings will be denoted in electronic form. In this report, Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO highlights the issues around the conversion from a certificatebased market to fully automated market.

Towards a paperless stock market R

ECTANGULAR and squared, with swarming colours and terse words; share certificates come in various shapes and colours. For decades, they have represented the ownership of shares in a company. They come with the aura of wealth, class and symbolic reverence.

From generation to generation, there have been exciting stories of framed share certificates, rat-bitten and well-tucked shares in old wardrobes and boxes, among others. While Nigerians have since learnt to deposit money in banks and take the statement of accounts and credit alerts as evidence of their deposits, the attachment and decade-long bond with share certificates have made many people to demur from converting their share certificates into electronic share depository.

Protesting shareholders and reluctant capital market operators and quoted companies frustrated the initial effort to do away with share certificates from January 1, 2013.

Now, capital market regulators, operators, government, companies and other stakeholders are launching a new scheme to achieve full dematerialisation of share certificates and automation of issuance and depository at the capital market. Securi-

ties and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other stakeholders under the auspices of the Capital Market Committee (CMC) had set December 31, 2014 as deadline for full dematerialisation of share certificates.

Dematerialisation is the elimination of share certificates or documents of title representing ownership of securities.

From share certificates to electronic depository The latest effort at full dematerialisation is by nearly all stakeholders in the capital market. The CMC, chaired by the director-general of SEC, consists of chief executives of all registered capital market operators, including stockbrokers, solicitors, custodians, fund managers, issuing houses, rating agencies,

‘

registrars, reporting accountants, trustees and consultants among others.

Other members included 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).

The CMC also included two members each from observer groups, which included Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Debt Management Office (DMO), Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Investment and Securities

Shareholders will be required to provide the CSCS with their stockbroker's details.

Shareholders with accounts in more than one stockbroking firms will be required to indicate their preferred stockbroking firm

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Tribunal (IST), Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), National Insurance Commission (Naicom), National Pension Commission (Pencom) and Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC).

The missing link, the minority retail shareholders, is being co-opted through a programme of massive enlightenment.

The only obvious challenge, besides the unwillingness to turn in share certificates by individuals, is the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), whose sections 146 and 147 (1) enshrined share certificate as evidence of shareholding.

The CMC is addressing legislative constraints through a high-powered lobbying and advocacy group, a capital market advisory council that will serve as advocacy front to lobby for legislative and policy changes.

The advisory council, whose membership is being finalised by SEC, will be mandated to engage the National Assembly, Judiciary and the Federal Executive Council on key changes to enhance the growth of the market. Under full dematerialisation, all share certificates will be converted into • Continued on page 28

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

ISSUES

• DG SEC Mounir Gwarzo

• CEO, NSE, Oscar Onyema

• Oyekunle

Towards a paperless stock market •Continued from page 27

investors' share accounts in the CSCS while subsequent issuance will be allotted through electronic-allotment (e-allotment). E-allotment is the direct transfer of subscriber's share allotment to his investor's account with the CSCS. Dematerialisation will also include automation of bonus share or scrip issuance, otherwise known as electronic bonus (e-bonus).

General Manager, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Joseph Mekilliuwa, has identified three categories of investors now under the CSCS; those who have fully dematerialised, partially dematerialised and those still fully holding to share certificates. The target now, according to him, is to get all shareholders into the first category of full dematerialisation. Under the initiative, registrars will be required to turn in the registers of companies in their custody to the CSCS, which will create shareholding accounts for all the certificates.

Shareholders will be required to provide the CSCS with their stockbroker's details. Shareholders with accounts in more than one stockbroking firms will be required to indicate their preferred stockbroking firm while those with multiple accounts either with the CSCS or stockbroking firm will be required to indicate their preferred account for the final uploading of the dematerialised shares. Shareholders can obtain dematerialisation forms from their stockbrokers and on the websites of the CSCS and SEC. Already, some 17 registrars have complied with the request to turn in their registers to the CSCS. Mekiliuwa said CSCS has created a seamless process to effortlessly convert and credit the shares to shareholders' accounts.

The making of an e-stock market The full dematerialisation of share certificates is the main link in a jigsaw of the full automation of stock market. Initiatives, including electronic allotment (e-allotment), electronic bonus (e-bonus) and electronic dividend (e-dividend), would synchronise with fully dematerialised shares to create a stock market that runs figuratively on the screen, almost without papers. E-allotment, the direct transfer of subscriber's share allotment to his investor's accounts with the CSCS, will remove some loopholes in the current process of capital issue.

The capital issue is long-drawn, with many steps but allotment is a major stage during which shares are allocated to subscribers according to their applications, the volume of shares on offer and the subscription level. After the verification and clearance of the allotment by the SEC, then come several steps, including printing of share certificates, signing and sealing of certificates and packaging and posting, all which are subject to many extraneous manipulations.

Complaints of missing-in-transit, incorrect names and addresses and the often-excruciating process and cost of dematerialisation are major disincentives in the share certificate system. The process of correction of any error, no matter how small, is as laborious as the initial process of issuance, and sometimes more difficult. To the issuer, the cost element in the share certificate system is usually high given costs of printing several thousands of share certificates, some with units that barely worth the cost of the paper, packaging, posting and

duplicate share certificates among others. Under the e-allotment, the registrar will simply send a "soft" (electronic) copy of the final allotment, cleared by SEC, to the CSCS, which will automatically credit the account of all shareholders, cutting off all other cumbersome steps, especially dematerialisation. The registrar, however, will still notify shareholders of the allotment. The same applies to bonus issue.

Perhaps the most significant immediate gain from the full automation of the shareholding framework is the enshrinement of the principles of equality and access in the capital market. All shareholders, high networth, medium and small; highly connected and less influential, insiders and outsiders, will be on the same pedestal with regard to access to their shares and can take investment decision as they wish.

Allotted shares from initial public offerings (IPOs) and supplementary offers as well as bonus issues would be credited to shareholders' accounts simultaneously, removing a major incentive for share certificate and market manipulation. This is an immeasurable gain to the public.

The share certificate system has been under unyielding criticism over allegations of preferential release of share certificates to select influential investors, who quickly take advantage of high capital appreciation before the masses of investors get their share certificates and follow through the windy dematerialisation process. Besides, equal access to listed shares, will enhance the efficiency of the market and minimise extraneous influences that unduly distort the price discovery process in the stock market. With other systems, such as e-dividend, the registrar-to-bank direct lodgement of shareholders' dividends in their bank accounts, and direct cash payment, a new system that will directly pay net proceeds of any investor's transaction to his bank account rather than the current system of payment to stockbroking firm for onward disbursement, dematerialisation will enhance good corporate governance and best practices in the capital market, the much-needed tonic for sustainable long-term growth.

Between hopes and fears For effectiveness of the full dematerialisation plan, all stakeholders have crucial roles to play.

The first role is for all stakeholders-shareholders, registrars, issuers, issuing companies and other professional parties and the regulatory authorities, to put their collective will behind the dematerialisation and other related systems and form a collective front to seek for solutions that may impede the realisation of the objective. There is already a groundswell of supports for the dematerialisation, but these also come with some reservations and fears of possible unintended negative consequences.

Chairman, Ibadan Zone Shareholders Asso-

ciation (IBZA), Chief Sola Abodunrin, said dematerialisation would further enhance the global competitiveness of the capital market.

Abodunrin, who is a member of the board of the Investors' Protection Fund of the NSE, said minority retail shareholders have realised the need for full dematerialisation and would support the initiative.

He however called for adequate investors' education to enlighten investors about the benefits of full dematerialisation and other initiatives under the capital market master plan. Most other shareholders' leaders echoed the same opinion. Shareholders' leader and founding member of the Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), one Nigeria's largest and most active minority shareholders' group, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, said while the older generation of shareholders might find it difficult to adjust to the technology-driven system, adequate investors' education would assist in bridging the gap and convince all about the need to embrace the new system.

He said the CMC should design appropriate checks and outputs that ensure that shareholders can still have access periodic hard-copy and printable reports on their shareholdings. "We might start to lose focus on record-keeping of our stocks if everything is done electronically.

We need to have periodic paper notifications on all the transactions. Even though some registrars do send counterfoils and notices on edividend and e-bonus, most others only rely on the electronic system, which are not good enough for record purposes, because several people still don't take "SMS" serious," Olatokunbo said. He said the full dematerialisation framework should include some mandatory hard-copy notices in addition to electronic notifications from registrars and the CSCS. He noted that CSCS provides such print-out based on shareholder's request but rather it should be a generalised service to ensure that all shareholders have periodic updates on their accounts.

The stance of shareholders President, Constance Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Shehu Mikail, said the capital market is ripe for full dematerialisation.

"Modern-day business transaction is being done electronically; why not make market also compliant. We, investors, just have to understand that we cannot stand on one point; we need to move along the modern way of business transaction. It will also give more room for the companies to save some expenses," Mikail said.

He called on the National Assembly to earnestly undertake any amendment that would facilitate the process of full dematerialisation, urging the legislature to enact laws that would block all loopholes and leakages to enhance

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Perhaps the most significant immediate gain from the full automation of the shareholding framework " is the enshrinement of the principles of equality and access in the capital market. All shareholders, high networth, medium and small; highly connected and less influential, insiders and outsiders, will be on the same pedestal with regard to access to their shares and can take investment decision as they wish

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investors' confidence in Nigeria.

Managing Director, GTI Securities Limited, Mr. Amos Aledare, said full dematerialisation would further unlock the latent potential of the stock market and lead to increase in turnover at the NSE and better price discovery.

According to him, full dematerialisation will save time, cost and translate to efficiency in the operation of the market while positioning it as internationally competitive and transparent.

"It is a welcome development as it will cause a better turnaround timeline for settlement between purchase of a security and selling of a security. However, it will impose huge responsibility on the CSCS in ensuring that the shares domiciled in its system are properly aligned to the right owners," Aledare said.

He also stressed the importance of massive enlightenment to outline the process and benefits of the new system to the people.

Chief Executive Officer, Finawell Capital Limited, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, emphasised the need for all-inclusive approach and evaluation as undertook in the conception of the framework all through the implementation.

"The advice is that stakeholders should sacrifice self interest and work together towards an efficient and successful dematerialisation process that will improve the capital market.

The process should be viewed from all stakeholders' perspective with participation and contribution from all stakeholders. The objectives should be streamlined and revisited to ensure that the process does not lose sight of stated objectives," Oyekunle advised.

Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, said the Commission would work with all stakeholders to address the main challenges facing the implementation of the full dematerialisation and other initiatives, including inadequate investors' data bank, otherwise known as Know Your Customer (KYC), regulatory bottlenecks and low level of financial literacy.

SEC has already demonstrated that it can build interconnected platform to drive the initiative with the launch of the e-dividend payment portal, which was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS). This collaboration removed longstanding barrier in paying dividend to noncurrent and dormant accounts. The e-dividend will facilitate payment of dividends into any type of bank accounts, including current and non-current accounts as well as dormant accounts.

The CMC is also looking at leveraging on the bank verification number (BVN) to complement the shareholder authentication.

According to NIBSS, there are 17.5 million Nigerians with the BVN. There are about five million investors in the capital market.

Gwarzo assured that SEC would make all necessary institutional changes to ensure the success of the dematerialisation while driving collective efforts by all stakeholders to address changes beyond the ambit of the Commission.

Already, SEC has reviewed some of its rules and issued new guidelines.

For instance, SEC, through new guidelines, directed registrars to convert company registers they manage into electronic formats and supply same to the CSCS as part of the dematerialisation. SEC has also launched a massive public enlightenment campaign that covers the 36 states and the FCT, being aired in Nigeria's three major indigenous languages, English and Pidgin English. The campaign is expected to run massively for three months and continue incrementally afterwards.

Undoubtedly, the success of the full dematerialisation depends on the supports of all stakeholders. While the regulators should provide enabling environment and seamless process to facilitate the success of dematerialisation, they must also show the firmness to push this through and deter flimsy excuses by other parties. Shareholders, arguably the greatest beneficiary of dematerialisation, should support the success of this scheme by complying with basic requirements.

Registrars’ reaction Registrars have onerous responsibilities in the implementation of dematerialisation. The main task is that of adequate technological and human capacity to back up the system. Registrars need to build up adequate resources including compliant software to support full dematerialisation. The listing of CSCS on the NSE, besides its listing on NASD Plc, will also reinforce confidence in the depository as a collective asset of all shareholders. In all these, SEC, beyond its regulatory muscle, could further incentivise the process to encourage operators that interface with investors, such as stockbrokers and registrars, to lead the change.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

29

MONEYLINK

Interbank rates ease on N183b liquidity boost from T-bills T

HE interbank lending rates eased to 14 per cent last Friday from 40 per cent after injections of liquidity from N183 billion matured Treasury bills and refunds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cash set aside by banks to buy dollars.

The cost of borrowing among banks jumped to 70 per cent during the week on tight liquidity after the Central Bank tightened liquidity to support the naira.

The apex bank last week directed banks to pay for their dollar purchases 48 hours in advance, draining the market of liquidity.

Reuters quoted traders saying about N183 billion ($920 million) in matured Treasury bills was injected into the money market by the apex bank causing rates to fall.

Also, more funds from interest payment on bonds and refunds to banks

Stories by Collins Nweze

from the CBN for their forex cash provision also raised liquidity, traders said.

“Interbank lending rates swung as a result of tight liquidity arising from the provision for forex purchases and we expect the cycle to continue this week,” one dealer said.

Traders said banks’ cash balances with the CBN stood at about 80 billion naira compared with a 25 billion naira cash surplus last week. The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) and overnight placement closed at 14 per cent from 40 per cent apiece for OBB and overnight placement last week.

“We expect rates to trend up early this week on possible cash withdrawal

by NNPC (state-owned energy firm) and could trade around the 30 per cent level until inflows of budgetary alloca-

tions to government agencies come in,” another trader said.

Nigeria, Africa’s top crude exporter, distributes revenue from oil among its three tiers of government every month, injecting liquidity into the money markets.

Meanwhile, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele said he’s on a mission to transform the economy. That’s not what investors are seeking.

While the collapse of oil revenue in Africa’s biggest crude producer has limited the bank’s ability to prop up the currency, Emefiele has resisted pressure to devalue the naira. Instead, he has imposed foreign-exchange restrictions on imports, risking growth in the continent’s largest economy as retailers and manufacturers struggle to source the funds needed to run their businesses.

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Emefiele has deflected criticism of his performance 14 months into the job by highlighting the CBN’s need for an expanded mandate on monetary policy.

He wants the bank to play a more developmental role, including creating jobs and facilitating loans to “productive” industries. Investors say he’s neglecting his main job.

“The tragedy is that over the past few years, the CBN built up credibility for reforming, for inflation targeting, establishing itself as one of the more orthodox central banks in Africa,” Holger Siebrecht, an associate portfolio man-

•Emefiele

ager at Acadian Asset Management LLC, said by phone from Boston. “Now it is at risk of gambling this reputation away.”

SterlingBankinauguratesMSMEacademy TERLING Bank Plc has introduced the Sterling MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) Academy as part of its value-added offering for its SUPA Business Account holders. The academy which will commence with a pilot session in Lagos is a result of the Bank’s partnership with BusinessDay. This is in furtherance of the Bank’s commitment to enriching lives by focusing on the unique needs of its entrepreneurial customers; and giving teeth to private sector involvement in the development of small businesses and the Nigerian economy at large.

According to the bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Shina Atilola, “the Sterling MSME Academy is aimed at capacity building for existing and emerging micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to enable them build viable businesses and position them to access funds for expansion”. MSMEs would also enjoy

S

access to relevant and reliable business intelligence and information that would help them to navigate the challenging operating environment.”

The Academy is to be facilitated by IFC/EDC (International Finance Corporation and Enterprise Development Centre) certified and seasoned MSME trainers and will run from September 23rd to October 14th. Registration however commences on Monday, August 17, and is to last for three weeks. Business owners/ MSME operators interested in participation are expected to fill in their details and get the necessary information on the registration portal: www.sterlingbankng.com/msme It would be recalled that the Bank had last June partnered with LEAP Africa on the 10th edition of the Annual Africa CEO Forum. The forum themed: ‘Staying Ahead: Maximizing Profit And Mitigating Risk’ was an avenue for the CEOs to understand how to ensure proper risk identification, assessment and analysis.

ACAMS to hold anti-graft forum

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•From left: Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management, Heritage Bank Limited, Jude Monye; British Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Kyles; Managing Director/CEO Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo and the Acting Managing Director, Enterprise Bank Limited, Mary Akpobome at the presentation of ISO/INEC 27001:2013 certification award to the bank, in Lagos.

Fidelity Bank gives N53m to loyalty savings scheme winners

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IDELITY Bank Plc has given out N53 million cash rewards to its Sweeta and Fidelity Personal Savings Scheme (FPSS) account holders, who emerged winners in its ongoing Fidelity Loyalty Savings Scheme held in Lagos at the weekend.

For the Lagos market, the lender presented cash rewards of N500, 000 each to 13 customers, who save under the FPSS account holders and N150, 000 to one Sweeta account holder.

One of the winners in the N500, 000 FPSS category, Abigail Anthony, said the fund will be judiciously used to cater for the education of her younger one. She explained that the fund was timely, because having lost her father earlier in the year, it is the only fund she can use to send her to the University of Lagos where she has gained admission to study. “I thank Fidelity Bank for coming to our rescue by rewarding my loyalty to the bank. I will continue to tell more people to bank with Fidelity,” she said.

Other winners in the N500,000

category are G20 Social Club, Ajayi Olawale, Lady B.I. Chukwueke, Ibiyemi Adegboyega, Stephen Enyi, Ahmed Tijani Mohammed and Emmanuel Chidi, among others.

Ebenezer Ogbala won N150,000 within Sweeta account holders category.

The bank’s Executive Director, Shared Services, Mrs. Chijioke Ugochuwku said the financial institution was trying to encourage savings culture and appreciate customers that have been loyalty to the bank. According to her, “it is our duty to make sure that people continue to save, even as we continue to perform our financial intermediation role. She reiterated that to qualify for the monthly draw, an individual is required to have Fidelity FPSS account or Sweeta account.

Ugochukwu said the initiative is the biggest loyalty scheme because the lender is consistently thinking of how to support its customers.

The bank’s Divisional Head, Corporate Banking, Adeyeye

Adepegba, said as a service organisation, the lender understands the significance of building relationship with its stakeholders.

“What you have seen here today is one of those events we use to cement our relationship with our various stakeholders. This is the third in a series, and 110 people will today go with a total of N53 million across the country. It is one of the ways in which we encourage our customers to work with us, and we will continue to add value to them and their businesses,” he said.

He encouraged non-customers of the bank to open account and start enjoying the benefits that come with banking with Fidelity Bank.

“We want non-customers of the bank to come and open country.

The way to benefit is to become customers of the bank and we promise them that every one will be rewarded accordingly,” he said.

The Head, Saving Group, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Janet Nnabuko, said the lender will continue to appreciate and reward its loyal customers because of its passion to see them thrive.

HE Nigeria Chapter of the As sociation of Certified AntiMoney Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) will hold the second in its series of Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Stakeholders Consultative Workshop in Abuja.

The event, slated for August 19th and 20th is meant to recognise deserving organisations and individuals, who have contributed in no small measure towards the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, fraud and all other predicate crimes.

The focus of the workshop is on the Guidance Paper on Digital Currency and Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) issued by the Financial Action Task Force, the global standard setter on AML/CFT. ACAMS Nigeria Chapter through this workshop will bring together

regulators and operators from Nigerian Financial and Designated NonFinancial Sectors including participants from Law Enforcement and government circles to discuss best implementation model of these important emerging issues in AML/CFT compliance.

Virtual currency is enabling trade and commerce around the world. In the same breath, criminals have also seized the opportunity provided by this innovation to engage in electronic money laundering thereby escaping the long arm of the law.

The fact has also been established that terrorists and their financiers are exploiting the vulnerabilities and weaknesses inherent in NPOs to disguise the source and destination of their funds. The workshop intends to come up with necessary preventive measures to stem the misuse of these vehicles within the Nigerian economy.

Bankers’ conference to boost investor’ confidence

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HE Chartered Institute of Bank ers of Nigeria (CIBN) has said that its ninth Annual Banking and Finance Conference that will take place in Abuja between September 8 and 9 will boost investors’ confidence in the economy.

In a statement, the institute said top bankers and other professionals will be at the event to set a realistic and value driven agenda for the economy.

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Financial Services Industry Agenda for a New Nigeria” with subthemes to address specific critical issues in the economy such as “The imperative for National Rebirth for Economic Development: The Role of Nigerian Financial Services Sector”; “The Financial Services Sector and Security Challenges in Nigeria”’; “Financing Infrastructural Development in the New era”; and “The Financial Services Sector and the Challenge of Corruption in Nigeria”.

Top on the list of high profile and seasoned experts drawn from the key sectors, who will examine issues at the conference include President-elect of the African Development Bank and former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Inspector General of Police,Mr. Solomon Arase; Chief Executive Officer Geometric Power/former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, among others.

The programme is designed to provide a platform for policy makers, key regulators and operators in the financial services industry to share experience and exchange ideas on relevant contemporary issues affecting the sector.

President Muhammadu Buhari will be the distinguished guest of honour, while the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele will deliver the keynote address and the President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Otunba (Mrs.) ’Debola Osibogun, will be the chief host.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

EQUITIES

Flour Mills to raise N30b from 1.1b rights shares •Acquires five subsidiaries F

LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc plans to raise N30.25 billion through a proposed rights issue as it moves to beef up capital base and streamline operations to mitigate macro-economic headwinds.

The company would be offering 1.09 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N27.50 per share.

A rights application filed by the company at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated that shareholders on register of the company as at the close of business last Wednesday would be pre-allotted five new ordinary shares of 50 kobo each for every 12 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each held.

Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. John Coumantaros, said the company would use the net proceeds to cushion the adverse effect of the sudden slump in global crude oil prices, which has resulted in major devaluation of the naira and caused increases in import costs and financial charges.

Shareholders of the company last month approved resolutions authorising the company to increase its authorised share capital and raise

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

about N40 billion new equity funds from existing shareholders.

The extraordinary general meeting of shareholders increased the company’s authorised share capital from N2 billion to N2.5 billion through the creation of additional 1.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. In the event of under-subscription, the board also received shareholders’ mandate to allocate unsubscribed rights’ shares to interested investors. Shareholders also empowered the board of directors to use net proceeds of the rights issue to meet the funding requirements of the company.

In a related development, Flour Mills has received the approval-in-principle of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to acquire five of its subsidiaries in a major restructuring aimed at reducing costs.

The five wholly-owned subsidiaries included Golden Noodles Nigeria Limited, Golden Transport Company

Limited, FMN Cement Industries (Nigeria) Limited, New Horizon Flour Mills Limited and Quilvest Properties Limited. They will be merged with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. The restructuring is expected to be concluded in October 2015.

Group Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Paul Gbededo said the group was undertaking the restructuring to streamline its operations, reduce administrative costs, improve operating efficiency and derive full benefits of synergy in line with the company’s long term strategic thrust.

According to him, after the completion of the restructuring, the enlarged company would be able to eliminate transfer costs of materials and operate at a higher level of efficiency, which will drive down costs, make product pricing more competitive, improve profitability and enhance the bottom line for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Company Secretary, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, said the management of the various com-

panies had jointly obtained an order of the Federal High Court directing that a court ordered meeting of their respective shareholders be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 for the purpose of approving the restructuring.

The company noted that where the shareholders give the requisite approval, the final approval of SEC would be sought and the Federal High Court will thereafter be approached to sanction the merger.

Flour Mills distributed N5.51 billion, about 65.13 per cent of the company’s net profit, as cash dividends to shareholders for the immediate past year ended March 31, 2015. Shareholders received a dividend per share of N2.10 after proceeds from disposal of assets and tax gains helped the bottom-line to a positive close.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Flour Mills for the year ended March 31, 2015 showed visible decline in the operational performance of the company, but tax earnings boosted the net profit for the year.

Total sales dropped to N308.76 billion in 2015 as against N325.79 billion

•From left: Group Manager, Finance, Berger Paint Plc, Mr. Kola Ajayi; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE),Mr. Oscar Onyema; Managing Director, Berger Paint Plc, Mr. Peter Folikwe; Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeeko and Technical Manager, Berger Paints Plc, Kemi Oluwadara during the visit of the management of Berger Paints to the NSE in Lagos

in 2014. Gross profit also declined from N37.30 billion in 2014 to N35.37 billion in 2015. Operating profit slumped to N10.22 billion in 2015 compared with N19.38 billion in 2014. With decline in investment income from N5.03 billion to N2.3 billion and increase in interest expense from N16.10 billion to N18.70 billion, Flour Mills was primed for a loss during the year.

However, the company’s bottomline was mitigated by a N14.29 billion gain from disposal of investment from an associate company and a N738.3 million tax income gain. Profit before tax still closed lower at N7.72 billion in 2015 as against N8.23 billion in 2014.

With the tax gain, profit after tax rose from N5.37 billion to N8.46 billion.

Earnings per share thus stood at N3.47 in 2015 as against N1.93 in 2014.

Custodian and Allied pays N353m interim dividend

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HAREHOLDERS of Custodian and Allied Plc at the weekend received interim dividend of N353 million as the company’s pretax profit rose by 21 per cent in the first half.

Shareholders on the register of the company as at the close of business last Friday, would receive interim dividend per share of 6.0 kobo.

The dividend recommendation came on the heels of the company’s half-year results, which showed that profit before tax of N3.34 billion and profit after tax of N2.62 billion for the period ended June 30, 2015.

Similarly, shareholders’ funds grew to N24.42 billion from N22.49 billion as at 31 December 2014, while total assets exceeded N54 billion as at 30 June 2015.

The board of the company expressed optimism that the company would sustain the positive trend for the rest of the year, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Custodian is a leading non-bank financial institution with investments in life and non-life insurance, pension fund administration, trusteeship and property holding businesses. The Custodian Group consists of Custodian and Allied Plc-the holding company, Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees Limited and Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited.

Berger Paints’ new CEO unfolds growth plan Fidson Healthcare records

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HE new Managing Director ofBerger Paints Nigeria, Peter Folikwe, has outlined the company’s strategic growth plan aimed at enhancing shareholders’ value.

Folikwe, who assumed office in March, said Berger Paints has modernised and upgraded its production with the acquisition of new machinery that will position the Nigerian company as one of the best paints manufacturers in Sub-Sahara Africa.

He said recent investments in new production facilities, human resources and innovation were all aimed at enhancing the company’s earnings and shareholders’ value.

According to him, the new production facility is designed to produce top quality and innovative products at reasonable prices, which will help the company to reduce inefficiency and increase the company’s turnover and market share.

“Specifically, we are on the track to build the first automated paint manufacturing plant in the Sub-Sahara Africa. When completed, it will revolutionise our production and distribution processes, enhance product quality and delivery and reinforce our competitive edge,” Folikwe said.

He assured that Berger Paints would

continue to uphold the sanctity of the post listing requirements of the NSE, which place premium on full disclosure at all times, adding the management of the company is committed to creating better returns for shareholders.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema commended the board and management of Berger Paints for sustaining a long legacy of corporate excellence.

He urged the company’s management to uphold the highest standard of corporate governance in order to be on the Exchange’s Premium Board Index for companies that excel in corporate governance.

Folikwe spoke during a visit to the NSE, during which he also performed the ceremonial ringing of closing bell for the stock market.

He had earlier assured shareholders of Berger Paints that the company would sustain its profitability, noting that the performance of the company in the first half of 2015 indicates that the company has been waxing stronger despite the harsh operating environment for manufactures in Nigeria.

He pointed out that the company is setting up a multi-billion Naira fac-

tory to expand its operations while working on innovative products that would not only appeal to Nigerian consumers, but the entire global markets.

Folikwe reiterated that his pre-occupation is to drive Berger Paints as a brand whose products would continue to define quality and acceptability in Nigeria.

In a related development, Folikwe called on the government to support the development of the Nigerian real sector by providing enabling environment for manufacturing companies to thrive.

He said Nigerian manufacturers are contending with several obstacles, which have reduced their competitiveness and limit their growth potential.

Folikwe urged the Federal Government to address the issues of foreign exchange rate, infrastructural deficit, multiple taxation and enforcement of enabling rules by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in order to create the much-needed enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“The real sector is the major sector that can drive economic growth and development. But in Nigeria, the sector has consistently suffered a setback in the scheme of things.

N477m profit in H1

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IDSON Healthcare Plc braced industry and macroeconomic headwinds to grow pre-tax profit to N477 million in the first half of 2015.

Key extracts of the six-month report for the period ended June 30, 2015 showed that the company recorded a pre-tax profit of N477 million in 2015 as against N456 million recorded in comparable period of 2013. The report showed that turnover dropped by 12 per cent to N4.034 billion compared with N4.573 billion in the corresponding period of 2014. Earnings per share improved to 22 kobo as against 21 kobo in comparable period of 2014.

The report meanwhile showed that a quarter-on-quarter growth in revenue of 128 per cent as sales returned to normal levels post-elections.

The company noted that despite the year-on-year slowdown in sales, which was largely due to the prolonged general elections and transition period, margins improved over the first six months, driven by the company’s cost optimisation drive.

Operating expenses dropped by

67 per cent from N150 million in 2014 to N49 million in first half 2015, with selling and distribution expenses also decreasing from N605 million to N325 million, a decline of 46 per cent.

Fidson, which recently emerged as the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan 2014 Growth Excellence Leadership Award in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, continues to gear up for the commissioning of its World Health Organisation (WHO) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant plant, where it would manufacture IV fluids in addition to existing product offerings. The new plant is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2015 and is expected to broaden Fidson’s product base and increase its capacity.

Fidson’s growth opportunities have also recently been enhanced by the announcement of its partnership with Immune Therapeutics Inc, a United States (US) public company to market “LodonalTM” in Nigeria.

“LodonalTM” is a patent-protected product that is indicated for the management of patients with immune-compromise.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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Taxation

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AXES are the enforced proportional contributions from persons and property, levied by the state by virtue of its sovereignty for the support of government and for all public need. From the above definition it is seen that taxes are contributions to a common pool by the people for the use of the people. Government all over the world need taxes in order to sustain its relevance and to provide for the needs of its citizenry.

A tax system is expected to be fair and nondiscriminatory. For a tax system to meet these requirements, it must have the following attributes.

1. Neutral – A Neutral tax must be unbiased across economic activities, and not overly penalize work in favour of leisure, nor tax income used for saving and investment more heavily than income used for consumption.

2. Visibility – A very large segment of the population must be keenly aware that government costs money, government spending should be held to levels at which its benefits match its costs. This is a critical factor in most developing countries (including Nigeria) where the citizenry believe that tax revenues are not being expeditiously administered.

3. Fairness – This is often stated as making the rich pay higher share of their income in taxes than the poor. There should be some amount of income exempt from tax to shelter the poorest citizens.

4. Simplicity – A tax system should be easy for the government to administer and enforce, and be easy and inexpensive for taxpayers to comply with. There should be clear definition of income and elimination of multiple layers of tax would create a system that is much simpler and easier to administer, enforce and comply with. These are critical issues in Nigeria tax systems that require urgent attention. Our tax laws are old and complex, given room for varied interpretations and applications.

5. Convenience – A good tax system should be convenient in terms of time and mode of payment to the taxpayer.

6. Administrative Efficiency – The process of levying and collecting taxes must be administratively efficient, transparent and economical without any distortion.

7. Productive – A tax system should be such that brings in sufficient revenue to the Government. Since tax payment involves the outflow of money or money’s worth from the treasury of taxpayers, some Taxpayers have adopted many strategies to evade tax, tax evasion is defined as “the wilful attempt to defeat or circumvent the tax law in order to legally reduce one’s tax liability”. Tax evasion is punishable by both civil and criminal penalties.

Tax avoidance on the order hand, is defined as “the act of taking advantage of legally available tax-planning opportunities in order to minimize one’s tax liability. While tax evasion is criminal tax avoidance is legal.

This was aptly supported by the celebrated

Features of a good tax system

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Samuel Ogungbesan

By Michael Olulenu

case of Ayrshir Pullman Motor Services & D.U. Ritche V.CIR (1929). The fact of the case and the judgement is as follows:The taxpayer changed the structure of its business from sole proprietorship to partnership with 5 of his children to minimise tax.

He appealed to the Court of Session against an assessment which failed to recognise the change. Allowing the appeal, Lord Clyde held: No man in this country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, to so arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable Revenue to put the largest possible shovel into his stores. The Inland Revenue is not slow.... and quite rightly to take every advantage which is open to it under the taxing statutes for the purpose of depleting the taxpayer’s pocket.

And the taxpayer in like manner is entitled to be astute to prevent, so far as he honestly can, the depletion of his means by the Revenue.

TAX COMPLIANCE TOOLS In order to encourage compliance taxpayers to continue to comply, and bring non compliance taxpayers into the tax net, to increase tax base and revenue, governments all over the world have put in place some compliance strategies backed by appropriate legislations.

Section 26(1) of the Federal Inland Rev-

enue Service Establishment Act (FIRSEA) 26(1) gives the Service to call for returns, books, documents and information.

FIRSEA 27 - Gives additional power to the Service to call for further returns and payment of tax due.

FIRSEA 28 – Requires every bank upon demand by the Service to provide quarterly returns specifying:(a) In the cases of an individual, all transaction involving the sum of N5,000,000.00 and above (b) In the case of a body corporate, all transactions involving the sum of N10,000,000.00 and above, the names and address of all customers of the bank connected with the transactions and deliver the returns to the Service. (c) Section 28 (3) – Provides sanction to any bank that contravenes above provisions.

FIRSEA 29 – Gives power to access lands, buildings, books and documents FIRSEA 32 - Gives power of addition for non-payment of tax and enforcement of payment.

FIRSEA 33 - Tax Investigation; this section empowers the Service to employ special purpose Tax officers to assist any relevant law enforcement agency in the investigation of any offence under this Act. FIRSEA 47 - Gives the Service powers to prosecute any of the offences under this Act subject to the powers of the Attorney – General of the Federation.

THE ROLE OF TAX AUDIT In addition to all the tax provisions mentioned above, FIRSEA S:26(4) and S.60(4) CITA went further to state:“Nothing in any other provision of this Act shall be constructed as precluding the Service from verifying by tax audit or investigation into any matter relating to any return or entry in any book, document, accounts including those stored, on a computer, in digital, magnetic, optical or electronic media as may, from time to time, be specified in any guideline by the Service”.

All the above provisions, among others, are compliance tools meant to ensure that a taxpayer does not pay less or more than what he is required to pay by law. This objective is achieved through tax audit exercises.

The purposes of tax audit are to:v To educate taxpayers v Maintain self assessment system v Collect taxes as imposed by the laws through the encouragement of voluntary compliance v Maintain public confidence in the integrity of tax system. v Provide deterrent effects on other taxpayers not yet audited, as they may quickly file their returns in order to avoid sanctions.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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BUSINESS AFRICA SON seizes N250m goods at Idumota market

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• From left: Country Director at ForexTime Nigeria, Abiola Akinyele; Forex Expert, Professor Andreas Thalassinos; Marketing/Public Relations Manager at ForexTime Nigeria, Michael Akinwale, at the ForexTime Trading and Investment Conference in Lagos.

MAN urges govt to accelerate disbursement of N300b real sector fund S funding challenge continues to confront real sector players, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to expedite action that will facilitate the disbursement of N300 billion Real Sector Fund launched earlier in the year.

Manufacturers in Africa's largest economy face poor funding access, particularly long-term finance, which prevents them from producing to an optimum capacity and creating sufficient jobs.

Speaking in Lagos at a press briefing, the President, MAN, Dr Frank Udemba Jacobs, said this call had become necessary given the key role played by finance in propelling manufacturing and economy.

"The CBN should expedite actions that will facilitate the disbursement of the Real Sector Fund, as no loan has been granted under this financial window despite huge applications for it," Jacobs said at a press conference held in Lagos.

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By Toba Agbboola

"The CBN should also make operational the Development Bank of Nigeria launched early in the year by the former president, Goodluck Jonathan," he said.

According to MAN's president, the Federal Government should issue a statement on policy consistency to give confidence to the private sector that is propelling the economy, while bearing huge burdens.

He said the policy should be backed by appropriate gazette that would put the implementation into phases over a reasonable period of time to safeguard the huge capital investment associated with manufacturing.

"The CBN should remove raw materials that are not available locally from the list of items not valid for foreign exchange and allow reasonable time for affected manufacturers to embark on backward integration process before relisting the affected raw materials," Jacobs said, in response to the apex bank's exclusion of importers of 41 items from

accessing foreign exchange from the Nigerian markets.

MAN helmsman further recommended an appropriate mix of monetary instruments to promote reduction in lending rates to single digit while also effectively managing exchange and inflation rates.

The association of Nigerian manufacturers' president admitted that real sector players are aware of the need to arrest the dwindling value of the national currency and the role of the CBN in addressing the situation by taking deliberate steps to shore up the naira, but said it is also necessary that genuine cases presented by manufacturers be given some level of consideration.

"This is to avoid creating more socio-economic problems of unemployment and crime that could emanate from the closure of factories. If the productive sector continues to find it difficult to procure necessary raw materials and spare parts within the next few weeks closure and retrenchment may become inevitable," he said.

LafargeHolcim global synergies manifest as Zambia profits jump

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HE synergies expected from the merger of the world's two biggest building materials companies-Lafarge, the French giant and Holcim, its Swiss rival, are beginning to manifest as LafargeHolcim's Zambian operations reported a jump in profits and Moody's affirmed the new cement giant.

Lafarge Zambia Plc, a subsidiary of LafargeHolcim reported a four percent rise in profits in the first six months of 2015 to K187 million.

The firm also saw its sales turnover jump by 14 percent to K700 million over the same period, while Earnings per Share rose by four percent to ZMW 0.936.

"The company is ready to leverage the benefits of belonging to such a strong group. It is determined to keep its market leadership and continue to offer our customers the best quality products and services," Lafarge Zambia Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rigaux said.

The LafargeHolcim $40 billion merger which was completed last month, creating the world's most advanced building materials company. The new firm has vast Research and Development capability, comprising 13 product development laboratories around the world employing over 1,100 experts. The global dimension of the merger has meant the new Group is benefitting from the size of its industrial network,

which will facilitate optimisations .

About •1.4bn in targeted synergies from the merger has already been confirmed. There would also be a significant reduction in net debt of the combined company through divestitures, target for solid Investment grade credit ratings, solid margins (c.24 percent post synergies) and an attractive dividend policy.

Ratings agency, Moody's Investors Service, affirmed the merged entity's strong balance sheet by upgrading the erstwhile standalone entity of Lafarge to Baa2. "This brings the ratings in line with that of LafargeHolcim which has a stronger credit profile," says Falk Frey Senior Vice President and lead analyst at Moody's for Lafarge "Moody's generally views the strategic rationale of the merger as positive as the merged group will have an even more geographically balanced presence than former Holcim and Lafarge on a stand-alone basis. This business profile should provide a better resilience to cyclical swings in demand for cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete in individual countries," Frey said. On a combined pro forma basis, LafargeHolcim sold 263 million tons of cement and 288 million tons of aggregates in 2014 with an installed cement production capacity of 386.6 million tons per annum.

On a pro forma basis, the group recorded net sales of CHF32.6 billion and an operating EBITDA of

CHF6.7 billion for fiscal year 2014.

LafargeHolcim generates approximately 60 percent of pro forma 2014 revenues in emerging markets. The remaining 40 percent are generated in developed markets.

LafargeHolcim is a major player in the Nigerian market with significant or complete ownership of Ashaka Cement, Atlas Cement, Lafarge Ready-mix, UniCem and WAPCO. The business continues to be known as Lafarge Africa Plc in Nigeria-Lafarge Africa Plc is a holding company of LafargeHolcim assets in Nigeria and South Africa-it's HQ is in Lagos where it is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

"The merger would have a positive impact on the ongoing consolidation of the Nigerian operations of Lafarge," Kayode Omosebi, a research analyst at Lagos based Investment firm, United Capital Plc, said.

"We expect to see synergy gains from its consolidation in coming quarters as a combination of economies of scale, cost efficiency, innovation, better scope of operation and a more diversified product portfolio will boost performance and increase market share. We anticipate an increase in market share supported by its differentiated product offerings and its focus on corporate demand. Furthermore, increasing production from UNICEM and a more stable Ashaka will support growth from the company," Omosebi said.

N furtherance to its plan to get rid of fake products in the country, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has seized substandard goods worth N250 million at Idumota market.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos after the operation, the Director, Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate of SON, Mr . Bede Obayi expressed worry over the desperation of some unscrupulous Nigeria business men who can go to any length at maximising profit without taking cognisance of health, economic and safety implications of those fake and substandard products to the consumers and the nation's economy.

He said: " We are raiding this Idumota market in Lagos Island today as part of our mandate as well as based on intelligence report that some sanitary products which were registered with SON had been faked by some people and we as a standard body are duty bound to protect Nigerian consumers from the evil machinations of those Nigerians who are prepared to stop at nothing in swindling and harming uninformed Nigerian consumers '' Some of the suspected fake and substandard sanitary products seized by SON team, according to Obayi, include such brands as Dorco shaving stick, BIC Chrome Platinum Blade, Zorrik shaving stick, Treet shaving stick, Nacet shaving stick as well as Jet Power Electric wire and cable. ''As you can see, BIC chrome platinum blade is manufactured by an indigenous company in the country but some importer smartly brought in the product 'with made

By Toba Agboola

in Nigeria' inscriptions on them obviously with the aim of deceiving users of the product,'' he said.

Obayi advised users of wire and cable especially those in the building construction industry to ensure they patronise genuine made- inNigeria cables as laboratory results had shown that made- in- Nigeria cables are the best all over the world hence some dubious Nigerian business men have embarked on massive importation of the product and label them made-in-Nigeria apparently for quick sales and undue profit.

He said wire and cables are some of the goods SON had categorised as life dangerous products because of the inherent dangers it posed to life and property of the users when fake and substandard brands are used.

The SON head of Inspectorate and Compliance Directorate assured Nigerians of his organisation's preparedness to fight the cankerworm called fake and substandard goods in all Nigerian markets so that Nigeria consumers would not only have value for their money but create level playing field for importers and local manufacturers to transact their businesses and thus boost the economy and create employment opportunities for unemployed Nigerians.

He appealed to Nigerians not to hesitate to report to any consumer complaint desk of SON offices nearest to them whenever they discover that they are not having value for their purchases and assured that their complaints shall always be treated with dispatch.

UAE VP lauds Nigeria’s potentials

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HE Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has described Nigeria as the business hub of Africa and a potential world super-power.

He spoke during a meeting with the CEO of Sujimoto Construction Ltd, Sijibomi Ogundele in Dubai.

Mr. Ogundele's visit was strategically designed to explore investments opportunities and exchange between Nigerian luxury real estate brand Sujimoto Construction and top Emirati investors and architectural firms.

Shiekh Al Maktoum said "Dubai is great, but Nigeria's potential is beyond our imagination. Nigeria would be one of the greatest countries not only in Africa but also in the world" Ogundele, whose construction outfit is at the forefront of redefining and delivering high-value residential structures in Nigeria and major international cities likened Dubai to a 'grass to grace' kind of story, where from nothing it has become some-

thing remarkable and outstanding.

"Dubai is a city that has experienced transformation from the land of desserts and camels, into the city of towers and marbles. How could one not believe in the power of possibility?" he added.

After listening to the young entrepreneur's dream for 'LorenzoBySujimoto' and learning that Dubai is the inspiration fuelling his desire to transform the Nigerian Real Estate sector, the Sheikh commented saying, "Your dreams are too small, double it, after you achieve it, contact us".

Sharing his vision for his country since he assumed leadership of the UAE in 2006 he said, "Failure is never an option. Dubai can never afford to settle for less. The fear of failure is my number one motivating factor. I wake up each day reminding myself that I would do everything to show the world that the UAE and Dubai in particular would never become followers but leaders in all sectors of leadership."

NUPENG demands full investigation on Lagos chopper crash

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HE Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has demanded for a full investigation into the Bristow helicopter air crash that killed four oil workers and two pilots.

In a press statement signed the NUPENG President, Comrade Igwe Achese, the Union wants a comprehensive investigation into the Chopper crash by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) to avert further crashes; because it is one crash, too many, as the Bristow Helicopters Company had recorded three air crashes in eight years.

"NUPENG is worried and concerned about these crashes by Bristow Helicopters which is a major carrier of oil workers and personnel from oil platforms on the high seas to the hinterland.

"The union calls on the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), to commence full scale investigations imme-

By Toba Agboola

diately the black box is found and make its findings known. It warns that the AIB findings should not be locked up in its drawers, like other air crashes probes.

"It is sad to note that the cause of the last Dana air crash that killed about 200 air passengers report is yet to see the light of the day, three years after," the union said.

The union re-iterates its commitment to safety of oil workers at work in the platforms and in the medium of transportation to and fro the oil rigs.

"We state that Choppers and other forms of water transportation of oil workers to the rigs in offshore locations must be in good order to stop the untimely death of hardworking and innocent workers who toil day and night to produce the hydro-carbon that is the mainstay of our nation's economy," the statement said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

33

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

General Electric may win EU approval for $14b Alstom deal G

ENERAL Electric (GE.N) is expected to secure approval from European Union antitrust regulators for its proposed 12.4 billion euro ($13.8 billion) deal to buy French peer Alstom’s (ALSO.PA) power business, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The green light from the European Commission will come 14 years after it rejected General Electric’s (GE)

attempt at a $42 billion takeover of Honeywell International (HON.N), despite clearance by U.S. authorities.

The U.S. conglomerate, which offered concessions to head off the commission’s worries about the company’s largest ever acquisition, improved its package last week.

“GE is likely to get approval,” one

of the sources said.

The second source said GE had offered to divest some manufacturing and services activities and research and development units around the world, including a facility in Switzerland and Alstom’s Power Systems Manufacturing operation.

The people said Italian company

Ansaldo Energia was seen as the preferred buyer for the assets.

Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso declined to comment.

GE spokesman Jim Healy said: “We submitted a remedy package that addresses the commission’s concerns and preserves the economic rationale of the deal.”

An Alstom spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Volkswagen recalls 461,300 cars in U.S., Canada

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OLKSWAGEN is recalling about 461,300 cars in the United States and Canada to fix a fault that could prevent air bags from deploying.

The world’s biggest carmaker said on Friday that the recall included VW Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Tiguan models assembled between 2010 and 2014.

No accidents or injuries related to the problem have been reported, VW said.

The recall comes as the German group struggles to overcome underperformance in the United States, where the sale of VWbranded cars plunged 10 percent to 367,000 last year, less than half its ambitious target of 800,000 by 2018.

VW said there will be 420,000 models recalled in the U.S. market and another 41,300 in Canada. VW is examining whether such issues affect cars delivered to other markets, a VW spokesman said.

The spokesman said that debris could, under certain circumstances, interfere with the clock spring that keeps the vehicles’ air bags powered, but added that no such incident has been reported.

• Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Greece crisis: Eurogroup ministers to decide on bailout

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UROZONE finance ministers are meeting to decide on a new bailout deal for Greece after Athens backed the plan.

Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem said ministers would have to be sure the Greek government would carry out the promised reforms.

Civil societies hail Buhari over re-appointment of MAN’s rector

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been praised by a coalition of civil Societies in Akwa Ibom State over the renewal of the tenure of the Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN)Oron, Chief Joshua Okpo, for another four year term. The Group which go by the name 'The civil societies of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state chapter', hail the President for the reappointment saying it is a celebration of the uncommon performance of the Rector during his first tenure which brought about sustainable infrastructural and academic development in the institution.

A release made available to Newsmen in Uyo yesterday states that,' the renaissance and innovative leadership of the Rector for the past four years in the academy have been recognized'.

The release added that, an objective survey, and on the spot facility tour earlier conducted in the academy by the civil societies revealed that, the Rector Chief Joshua Okpo, has successfully galvanized all the stakeholders in the maritime industry towards realizing the visions and the mission of the school.

They noted that, many virgin courses have been introduced into the school curriculum in order to breast up with its contemporaries in the industry internationally. The group noted other achievements of the Rector to include: bridging of the gap between the host communities and the institution, introduction of timely professional and safety courses that has helped broaden the

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

knowledge base of the trainees, advancement of the infrastructure in the academy, training and re-training of staff, as well as fulfillment of corporate social responsibility.

It would be recall that the civil society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom state chapter had on June 23, 2015, organized a National press briefing in Abuja on the theme: What Nigeria must know about Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron.

Calling on the Federal Government, to amongst others; increase the budget for the Academy in order to enable it meet contemporary demands, allow independent administration of the academy as against the purported call for supervision by the National Universities Commission(NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, approval of the school to partner other international maritime institutes in the training of the needed manpower for onward transfer of expertise from the experts to the trainees, granting of autonomy to the Academy to issue degrees upon completion of the programme as well as the renewal of the tenure of the Rector, Chief Joshua Okpo, in lieu of the cutting edge and innovative performance in the academy.

The societies expressed satisfaction that some of the prayers of the press briefing organized by the group has been granted especially, the renewal of the tenure of the Rector by the President, While calling on the Federal Government to do well in granting the remaining prayers of the group.

The deal demands tax rises and more tough spending cuts in return for a •85bn (£61bn, $95bn) bailout Greece’s third in five years.

It is needed to stop Greece exiting the eurozone and to avert bankruptcy.

But it comes at a heavy political price for Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who has faced a rebellion in his left-wing Syriza party.

More than 40 Syriza MPs voted against him when parliament decided on the bailout agreement on Friday, after all-night talks.

Reports in Greece suggest he will seek a vote of confidence in parliament next week, bringing the prospect of snap elections closer.

Arriving at the 19-member Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Germany’s finance minister - one of Mr Tsipras’s harshest critics - was upbeat.

“I am actually quite optimistic that we shall reach a result today, the preparations have advanced pretty well,” Wolfgang Schaeuble said.

He said ministers would consider

how well Greece had responded to EU demands, and whether the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would commit to supporting the bailout package.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble (left) has criticised Greek delays in the past Earlier the Eurogroup head welcomed the Greek parliament’s vote to sign off the deal, and said eurozone finance ministers now needed to decide on it.

“We’re going to talk about political trust,” Mr Dijsselbloem said.

“That’s still a factor of course with Greece: can we trust that it’s actually going to happen?”

Greek MPs backed the deal on Friday morning after a marathon allnight session marked by procedural delays and often angry exchanges in parliament.

Thirty-one Syriza members voted “No”, and 11 abstained - the biggest rebellion within Mr Tsipras’s party so far. The rebels represented almost a third of Syriza’s MPs. A “Yes” vote by MPs was required for eurozone ministers to endorse the deal to release the funds.

Banks to pay $2b on US foreign exchange settlement

N

INE banks have agreed to pay $2bn (£1.3bn) in settlements to US investors over claims they rigged foreign exchange rates, according to lawyers.

They are taking action on behalf of investors, including hedge funds and pension funds, who accuse banks of conspiring to manipulate rates.

The banks include HSBC, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Bank of America, JP Morgan, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, RBS and UBS. Lawyer Michael Hausfeld said this was just the start.

Seven other banks are also being pursued and Mr Hausfeld added that the firm was also considering "concerted" action in London and Asia.

"While the recoveries here are tremendous, they are just the begin-

ning," he said.

"Investors around the world should take note of the significant recoveries secured in the United States and recognize that these settlements cover a fraction of the world's largest financial market."

Traders used their banks' closed chat rooms, instant messaging systems and emails to manipulate prices.

Using the kind of colourful language typical in the spate of market rigging cases involving the banks, traders assumed names such as "The Cartel," "The Bandits' Club," and "The Mafia" to communicate and place confidential orders.

Many of the world's leading banks have paid hefty fines for fixing rates in the £5.5 trillion a day currency trading markets.

Hedge funds add Apple shares in second quarter TOP U.S. hedge funds added shares of Apple Inc (AAPL.O) in the second quarter, even as shares of the iPhone maker were flat during the period.

Filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission released on Friday showed Philippe Laffont’s Coatue Management added about 860,000 shares of the iPhone maker during the three months ended June 30, giving it 8.5 million Apple shares in all.

Other so-called 13F filings showed London hedge fund manager Nevsky Capital LLP added 751,000 shares of Apple in the quarter, leaving it with a stake of 2.56 million shares. Tiger Eye Capital LLC also added about 25,000 shares of Apple to bring its total stake to 356,502 shares, filings showed.

At the end of the first quarter, Apple was one of the most popular stocks owned by hedge funds, according to Goldman Sachs research. Their analysis of 685 hedge funds with nearly $1 trillion in equity assets found 69 of the funds had Apple among their top ten holdings, trailing only drugmaker Actavis Plc which was a top holding of 77 of the funds.

During the first quarter of this year a number of hedge funds cut their stakes in Apple as its shares rallied, previous filings showed.

The shares gained less than 1.0 percent during the second quarter to close at $125.43 on June 30.

The stock has fallen since then and was trading around $115 on Friday, with investors turning skeptical after the company gave a weak fourth-quarter revenue forecast and missed some iPhone sales targets.

China to stabilise stock market CHINA’S market regulator said it would continue to stabilise the stock market for “a number of years.”

It said the role of the state-backed China Securities Finance Corp to stabilise the market would not change.

However, it added that it would allow market forces to play a bigger role in setting stock prices.

The comments come after wild swings on the stock market earlier this month, which saw the main index slump 8.5% in one day.

“With market fluctuations gradually shifting to normal, from wild and abnormal, we should let the market exercise its function of selfadjustment,” the China Securities Regulatory Commission told a news conference in Beijing.

On Friday, mainline shares edged higher as the country’s central bank raised the trading range of the yuan.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite closed up 0.3% at 3,965.33 points, although Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 0.1% to 23,991.03.

The central bank set the yuan rate at 6.3975 to the dollar, compared with Thursday’s close of 6.3982.

The rate is set daily and allows a 4% fluctuation. Over the past week, the bank had guided the yuan to a record low, sparking fears of a currency war to help lagging Chinese exports.

Japanese shares traded lower, with the Nikkei 225 index closing 0.4% lower at 20,519.45 points.

Investors are anticipating Monday’s release of Japan’s economic growth for the past three months.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 also fell by 0.5%, finishing at 5,360.90 points, as investors took a cue from Wall Street’s flat close and the continuing uncertainty over the yuan.

The Chinese currency is important to Australia, as China is the main export market for the country’s natural resources.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

34

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

Embrace change, Kari urges insurers T

HE insurance industry cannot be left behind from the wind of change blowing in the country, the new Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari has said.

He made this statement while delivering a keynote address at the Investiture of Lady Isioma Chukwuma as the 47th President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN).

While seeking support of the operators in piloting the affairs of his new responsibilities, he urged the CIIN to uphold and encourage its members to adhere to the observance of the industry’s codes of conduct and ethics for a healthy practice in the profession.

He said as a regulator, NAICOM is committed to high standards of professionalism and ethical behaviour in the industry so as to regain the confidence of policyholders and increase insurance contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said if the industry must win the public’s confidence, operators must desist from unwholesome practices in the discharge of their responsibilities to the insured by playing as true professionals.

He said: “Developments in the country obviously call for our collaborative effort to reposition the profession and the industry. We should not be unmindful of the perception of the profession by the public.

“The apathy towards insurance and the way and manner the profession is being addressed, need a rethink from all of us. We all know the whys and let us discuss dispassionately and

Consultation begins on Higher Loss Absorbency (HLA) requirement

T

he International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) has begun a public consultation to help finalise development of the Higher Loss Absorbency (HLA) requirement for global systemically important insurers (GSIIs).

The IAIS is seeking feedback through several options to further support and inform the design, development and calibration of the HLA. In July 2013, the IAIS published its assessment methodology and policy measures for G-SIIs. These policy measures include a HLA requirement, the primary purpose of which is to help reduce the probability and impact on the financial system of the distress or failure of a G-SII. The HLA is to be delivered to the G20 for endorsement in November 2015 and will apply to G-SIIs from 2019.

As a foundation for HLA requirements, the IAIS developed last October, the Basic Capital Requirements (BCR) to apply to all group activities, including non-insurance activities, of G-SIIs. When the HLA is implemented, G-SIIs will be expected to hold qualifying regulatory capital that is not less than the sum of the required capital amounts from the BCR and HLA. The consultation does not focus on specific formulas, but rather seeks feedback on a structure designed to address the key objectives of risk sensitivity, robustness and simplicity.

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

agree on the hows of correcting the wrong perceptions.”

Kari referred to a paper presented by the Managing Director, Soveriegn Trust Insurance Plc, Wale Onaolapo’, titled: The test of professionalism in the insurance industry, 2006.

Onaolapo summarised the common conditions in judging a profession as “an organised body of knowledge, client or member recognition of the authority of the profession, a code of ethics, and a professional culture nurtured by professional associations”.

This conditions-are so basic that one wonders why we - would select to be in a profession, yet refuse to recognize its ethics, culture and its authority.

He said the best approac is for the professionals to do it themselves. Left undone, the regulator has no option but to ensure it is done. There is need for a reawakening to ensure only trained personnel are allowed to practice. You will agree with me that insurance services are being rendered by persons and bodies without adequate-training.

“We must embrace professionalism as core value in our industry. To achieve that, we must train all persons that carry our flags to our consumers. As the Professional arm of the industry, indiscipline and unethical practices by members should be of grave concern to the institute.”

He stated that insurance practitioners and professionals should be seen to uphold the tenets of the profession,

•From left: CIIN President, Lady Chukwuma, former MD/ CEO, Crystal Life Insurance (now ARM Insurance), Mrs Oluseyi Ifaturoti and former Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi at the event.

both in their words and actions adding that it is not enough for the Institute to breed and certify insurance professionals only, but must also ensure that they are regularly updated through training and retraining to enable them measure up with current global trends.

He stressed that training should be of paramount importance to the institute for the development of practitioners.

“To this end, we already have held preliminary discussions with the Rector of the Centre for Insurance and Financial Management Studies (CIFMS), towards developing acceptable curriculum for the training of different level of practitioners and an annual mandatory refreshers train-

ing thereafter. ‘’I would want to see the institute become a one stop shop for the teaching of good ethics and building good characters as it relates to the practice of insurance. Insurance practitioners should always imbibe the spirit of professionalism in their dealings. If we truly practice as professionals that we say we are, we should be mindful of our actions and how we carry ourselves. We should be seen as men and women of proven integrity, we should avoid unethical practices because it will not only send bad signals to the public, it will further erode the little respect left.’’

He continued: “Perhaps, by these remarks, I may have started setting the agenda for the in- coming Presi-

‘Our award is for Pension’

T

HE Award for Mass Mobilisation of Pension Asset conferred on Premium Pension Limited at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Awards is an imprimatur of the Chamber on the strides made by the pension industry, in translating the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) into a huge success, Managing Director, Premium Pension, Wilson Ideva, has said.

Ideva, who made this known after the presentation of the awards in Lagos, said the N4.9 trillion secured as pension assets in the new pension scheme, represents the tremendous success that is possible when interpretation and translation of government policies is privatesector-driven under strict regulatory guidelines and supervision.

He said: “It is the collective effort of the entire industry stakeholders that has resulted in the humongous amassment of pension assets in the country through the new Contributory Pension Scheme,’’ shortly after the presentation of the awards at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

“The N4.9 trillion secured as pension assets in the new pension scheme represents the tremendous success that is possible when interpretation and translation of government policies is private sectordriven under strict regulatory guidelines and supervision.

Ideva praised the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for their high sense of commitment and professionalism demonstrated from inception in the regulation and supervision of the pension industry.

“By my own estimation, PenCom

is the most effective regulatory body on the continent of Africa. The result of their manifest professionalism and high sense of commitment is what we are celebrating today. “ Premium Pension Limited is one of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) operating the Contributory Pension Scheme and currently manages over 600,000 Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). Managing pension asset put at over N370 billion, the company has paid out more that 87.3 billion Naira to 33,785 retirees or their next-of-kins since 2007. “Pension enrollees under the company’s management are spread over 1000 organisations across the country while the company has consistently posted impressive returns.

“According to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Annual Commerce and Industry Award is to recognise, promote and celebrate public and private institutions operating in Nigeria for best business practices, growth through innovation, business sustainability and positive impact on people.

“The metrics for selecting awardees included but not limited to corporate governance, level of disclosure, wealth creation, levcompliance with set standards and positive impact on society.

Ideva also seized the opportunity to commend the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for their high sense of commitment and professionalism demonstrated from inception in the regulation and supervision of the pension industry.

“By my own estimation, PenCom is the most effective regulatory body on the continent of Africa,”

he said.

“The result of their manifest professionalism and high sense of commitment is what we are celebrating today,” he added.

Premium Pension Limited is one of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) operating the Contributory Pension Scheme and currently manages over 600,000 Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs). Managing pension asset put at over N370 billion, the company has paid out more that N87.3 billion to 33,785 retirees or their Next-of-Kins since 2007. Pension enrollees under the company’s management are spread over 1000 organisations across the country while while the Company has consistently posted impressive returns.

According to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Annual Commerce and Industry Award is to recognise, promote and celebrate public and private institutions operating in Nigeria for best business practices, growth through innovation, business sustainability and positive impact on people.

The metrics for selecting awardees included but not limited to corporate governance, level of disclosure, wealth creation, level of compliance with set standards and generally positive impact on society, Paddy Ezeala Head, Corporate Communications, said.

The company’s Executive Director, Operations and Services, Mr. Kayode Akande, said driving the CPS requires exemplary synergy among operators and cooperation among stakeholders, especially in generating public awareness on how the scheme runs.

dent and Chairman of Council. Lady Isioma Chukwuma is a woman well known within the industry and beyond, and I believe she would be able to consolidate on the achievements of her predecessor as well as confront the various challenges bedeviling the industry at the moment. ‘’She is in a position to give the insurance industry purposeful and disciplined leadership. cal behavior in the insurance industry so as to regain the confidence of policyholders and increase insurance contribution to the GDP. If we must win the public apathy to the business of insurance. we must’ desist from unwholesome practices in the discharge of our responsibilities to the insured by playing as true professionals.’’

LASACO Assurance posts N5.63b gross premium

L

ASACO Assurance posted N5.63billion in gross premium in the year ended December 31, 2014, as against the N4.96 billion recorded in 2013, Group Managing Director, Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi has said.

Lado-Ajayi, who made this known in Lagos, said the company’s profit before tax grew to N525. 85 million as against N412.8 million made in 2013.

According to him, earning per share also increased from N00.4 in 2013 to N00.6 in the year under review. He said: “The company’s revenue base and performance increased thus affirming its leading role in the insurance sector of the economy.

“The performance is a product of team work and strategic deployment of resources and the restructuring is paying up. We have deployed both human and physical resources to chart a new direction for the organisation to remain the toast of investors.’’

He said the company is living up to its mission to enhance profitability and deliver dividends to its stakeholders. He added that they have embarked on several restructuring programmes aimed at focusing on its core competence areas to deliver positive results that engender corporate growth.

He underscored the commitment of the company to sustaining its customer centric posture in order to remain a dynamic and vibrant player in the nation’s financial services sector. This has manifested in several strategies being deployed to develop innovative products and services to align with the aspirations of the customers.

35

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• Plantain farm. Inset: Plantain flour processing machine.

Are you looking for a job? Thousands of jobs are coming in plantain processing. Job’ seekers can plant plantain, process it into chips, and flour( for diabetic patients), among others. AKINOLA AJIBADE writes.

Wanted: Plantain processors L

OOKING for jobs? Why don’t you try plantain processing? Plantain can be processed into chips, flour and others.

A report entitled: An economic assessment of plantain production in Rivers State noted that plantain processing has helped in creating jobs for entrepreneurs, marketers and farmers, among others.

The report described plantain processing as a significant economic activity for large and small-scale farmers.

Plantain processing, it said, has the capacity to create jobs in many areas, if well-managed. It said the country has enough land for planting plantain, advising the unemployed to leverage on this.

Total production of plantain globally is estimated at over 76

million metric tonnes. Of this, an estimated 12 million tonnes are produced in Africa, with Nigeria a major producer, according to the report.

About 70 million people in the sub-region, it said, get more than one quarter of their food requirements from plantain, adding that the market is huge for individuals and companies.

According to experts, plantain

processing has the capacity to create over 150,000 jobs in two years.

They said people can work as drivers, marketers or machine operators in plantain processing companies. They said the unemployed can go into plantain farming, harvest it, process it into chips, and flour for domestic and hospital needs. The plantain flour is going to be sold in the hospitals , clinics and other medi-

cal centres where people that have diabestics are.

Plantain flour, they said, is in high demand in hospitals because it is good for diabetic patinets.

About 200 medium-sized companies can be established in a state with a minimum of 10 employees, the experts •Continued on page 36

36

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

JOBS

Wanted: Plantain processors •Continued from page 35

added.

The Managing Director, Best Foods Limited, Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, said plantain processing offers immense job opportunities for people. The firm is into livestock farming. He said many people eat plantain in one form or the other, adding that there is huge market for the product in Nigeria.

Ijewere said the demand for plantain outstrips its availability, adding that more people must plant plantain to increase the supply.

He said: “From all indications, people who are planting plantain are not enough.

This means that more people must plant plantain either for home consumption or commercial purposes. Through this, the growing demand for plantain would be met in the country. This means job opportunities for the country. Besides, we do not have enough people in plantain processing.

“Of note is the fact that plantain flour is gaining acceptability in the country. Many eat it as a substitute for amala. Medically, plantain flour is good for diabetic patients.

Doctors are advising diabetic patients to eat plantain flour because of its nutritional value. You would notice that plantain market is becoming bigger by the day. This shows that as many people that go into plantain production would make money.”

He said plantain processing has huge potential, advising people to think of what they can do with plantains for a living. He said plantain can be processed into consumables, offering different sources of making money. The market, he added is huge, noting that more jobs are coming for individuals and companies who go into plantain processing.

Ijewere said more people would get jobs if plantain is grown quarterly in industrial manners.

Also, a former banker, Mr Dickson

• Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Arc. Sonny Echono

• Mr Ijewere

Ayobami, said plantain can be processed into plantain chips to create jobs. He said unripe plantain is spiced and deep-fried to produce crispy chips, which can be packaged and sold as junks at schools and to travellers by vendors. He said fairly ripe plantain can be processed the same way, stressing that it can last for days without addictives if well-processed.

Ayobami, now into plantain farming, said his plantation in Osun State has created jobs for many people. He said the planta-

tion has helped in employing labourers, farmers, harvesters, drivers, among others. He also said he employed people to market plantain chips in Osun, Oyo, and Ondo states, adding that many people eat plantain chips.

He said branding is crucial to the growth of the business, urging graduates who intend to go into the trade to brand their products well.

He said: “A lot of plantain produced is wasted, especially in the southern parts of

the country. In some cases, the product is sold at a cheaper price. This is the time for the unemployed to look inward and create jobs for themselves. If the country has 100,000 people producing plantain chips, they are not enough. The educated ones have an advantage over the uneducated. It is compulsory that they should market plantain chips themselves. They can market, and pay them commission.”

He said plantain flour production has a higher jobs prospect, adding that the plantain processing business involves procurement of matured plantain, peeling, chipping, drying, milling and packaging. He said people are required to work in these areas, adding that the process of producing plantain flour is mechanical, and that the food is recommended for diabetic patients.

“When many companies go into production of yam flour to meet the needs of diabetic patients across the country, more people would be employed as marketers, and get paid. Those who are educated would benefit because they would be able to convince patients to buy the plantain flour.

This will have a multiplier effect on the economy”, he added.

Ayobami said people who are going into plantain flour production must get a small factory, procure machines, install them, recruit people, and get approval from agencies regulating food production and packaging in the country.

He said buyers, mostly diabetic patients, would buy the product.

The Managing Director, Zion Hospital, Ikotun, Lagos State, Dr. John Adanike, said diabetic patients are advised to eat plantain flour to improve their health conditions.

Adanike said such patients need the food for their health, adding that hospitals offer producers of plantain flours an opportunity to market their product. He said people give higher consideration to anything that has to do with health.

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

Wriggling out of unemployment cobweb (II) L AST week, we said the lat est report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on labour market indicates that the population of the workingage people (between 15 and 64 years) rose to 103.5 million in the second quarter (April to June) of 2015 from 102.8 million in the first quarter (January to March).

We added that more emotionally disturbing is the fact that the NBS report shows that about 1, 317,700 Nigerians lost their jobs within the period while the number of the underemployed people soared with new engagement of about 1,362,274 workers in this category of employment during the period.

We expatiated that the number of the unemployed people in the labour force jumped to 6,063,500 from 5,533,600 recorded in first quarter of 2015, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate to 8.2 per cent.

We said the matters arising from this NBS report border on the multifaceted issues of those looking for jobs; those who are under-employed and those who have lost their jobs.

We said to tackle this problem, we will discuss relevant employment solutions as a guide to the different categories of people identified in the report.

By Goke Ilesanmi

We then discussed halfway, how job-seekers can get a job. We will continue this week.

Findings According to findings, only about 20 per cent of job vacancies are ever publicly known or advertised. The main avenue for informing the public about these vacancies is through adverts in the mass media as well as on the Internet. Recruitment or employment agencies and executivesearch firms are other sources of open-job-market vacancies. About 80 per cent of job vacancies are never advertised and thus regarded as “closed”.

This means it is difficult to find out the vacant positions unless we do our research well. The research often takes the form of making a compilation of the list of all the companies in your field that you might be interested in working for, and contacting them for possible employment.

Exploring the closed segment of the job market that has about 80 per cent of job vacancies necessitates that you send out your CV accompanied by the type of cover letter technically referred to as the “uninvited” or “cold-contact let-

ter”.

This job-search tool can be very effective, especially if you have a specific set of companies you want to work for, or are looking for a job in a specific geographical location. The uninvited cover letter allows you to take a proactive approach to job-hunting instead of just responding to vacancy adverts.

The “uninvited” or “cold-contact letter” letter can make such impression that you will be remembered as soon as there is a vacancy in the desired organisation.

It is also possible to brilliantly create a vacancy for yourself by convincing the prospective employer that the company needs your talents or skills. In the process, you can secure an interview.

It is noteworthy that whenever possible, ensure that your uninvited letter is sent to a named individual.

Alternative strategy It is also possible to enhance your job-search strategy by writing another type of letter technically called “referral letter”. This is the type of letter that is very close to the cold-contact letter. This letter, too, is uninvited but has some edge. It prominently displays the name of a person your addressee

knows.

Referral letters are the product of networking that many experts say is the most effective method of job-hunting. In its simplest form, networking in job search involves using everyone you know as a resource for finding a new job. Referral letters can come from a variety of sources. You may talk with someone at a meeting of a trade association in your field who will tell you about a vacancy.

A friend might tell you about a job he or she saw through his or her company’s internal job-posting. As once stressed, the value of the referral letter lies in its namedropping. If you can arrest the prospective employer’s attention in the first line of your letter by mentioning someone he or she knows and accords recognition, then you are on your way to successful job search.

One of the variations on the referral letter is an approach like: “Pharm Uzamat Akinbile, CEO of Musaroq Nigeria Limited told me that you may have a vacancy for a Pharmacist” or “Mr. Odeyeyiwa Kazeem, CEO of Repton Group Nigeria Limited said you may have a vacancy for an Accountant.” We will continue next week.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Profes-

•GOKE ILESANMI

sional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Professional Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

37

THE CEO

‘How govt killed Nigeria Airways’ President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that his administration will look into the possibility of setting up a new national carrier has elicited mixed reactions. In this interview withAssistant Editor MUYIWA LUCAS, former spokesman, Nigeria Airways, Mr. Chris Aligbe, speaks on the importance of a carrier, the liquidated Nigeria Airways and other issues. Excerpts:

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has indicated his desire to establish a national carrier. What is your take on

this?

It is unfortunate that things haven’t got better as those that liquidated Nigeria Airways thought. I served with the Nigeria Airways for about 13 years and left as General Manager, Corporate Affairs, that was in 2002. Between December 16 and 20, 2002, five of us resigned from the company. When we were leaving, we saw that those who were in authority, running the affairs of the airline, were determined to further their personal interest rather than the national interest. I think they were doing it to finally bring it down. I did tell them on my resignation that I could no longer stay in a place where all policy actions of the ministry were intended for the demise of the airline. It is unfortunate that the airline was liquidated at a time its assets were three times the value of its liability. If the airline belonged to private business people, they would not have liquidated it, but they had their own intentions. I agree with the President that it is necessary that we set up a national carrier but it should not be in the model of the liquidated Nigeria Airways.

What model will you suggest a new national carrier adopts?

The kind of airline we should have is one that the government does not own a controlling equity or manage. The government equity is for the airline to have a sovereign cover. The government should just have a limited equity of 20 to 25 per cent, while 50 per cent of the equity should go to the public and you give 20 to 25 per cent to foreign investors. The government should not invest in the airline. Its equity should be sweat – equity. We need it urgently.

Why should the control of the proposed airline not reside with the government?

Because of the fear of another mismanagement happening, like they did with the defunct Nigeria Airways (NA). For instance, if you ask them about NA today, they will try to paint different pictures.Unfortunately, with all due respect, former President (Olusegun) Obasanjo will tell you how he left 32 aircraft in 1979 and came back to meet only two. That is half-truth, I won’t say it is outright lie. The half truth is that he and his colleagues sold or dashed away many of those aircraft to some African countries. They were mainly Forkker 27s and 28s.

These were the work horses of the airline. The flight to Benin was on the hour, either F27 or F28 was being used. The military gave away some to some sister African countries from the point of big brother. One crashed in Enugu. But there was the Enugu crash which was about 1981 or 1982. When that happened, a government official who knew nothing about aircraft declared the aircraft unsafe and the government decided to sell the entire fleet of the Fokker 27s/28s we had. Few years after, on his trip to

• Aligbe

Libya as President, Babangida flew in one of the Fokkers and while praising the aircraft, a cabin crew operating the flight informed him it was bought from Nigeria Airways.

Is your proposed model for a new national carrier operational anywhere in the world?

Of course! Kenya Airways is a national carrier, British Airways (BA) is a British National Flag carrier, Virgin is a British flag carrier. BA is owned by British citizens. It is quoted in the stock market. You can buy its shares, you can trade on it. You can’t do that with Virgin Atlantic Airways, you can’t do that with Arik. Arik is a Nigerian flag carrier but not a Nigerian national carrier. In Kenya Airways, the state has 29.3 per cent while the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has about 1.7 per cent and Royal Dutch KLM has 26.7 per cent equity in the airline respectively; the remaining ones belong to Kenyan citizens- cooperate citizens and individual citizens; its stock is quoted on the Exchange and the public can buy and sell its shares. So, once something is substantially owned by the citizens or both citizens and the state combined, it’s a national property. People say there is no national carrier in America, but Americans own 75 per cent of Virgin America.

What is your assessment of the aviation industry?

The industry has not developed to what it should be. Up till the Ibrahim Babangida administration, Nigerian Airways was the only domestic airline carrying on commercial operation in Nigeria. So there was a kind of monopoly. But during the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) under Babagida, there was deregulation and liberalisation of airline op-

eration in Nigeria which brought in its wake new domestic airlines. Since 1986, we have had other domestic airline operation in Nigeria. So, when you look at what has been the development since 1986 to date, over 32 domestic airlines have collapsed.

After the liquidation of Nigerian Airways, other domestic airlines kept operating but what was clear was that there was no longer any airline that was benchmarking the industry. Everybody was operating the way it wanted. There was no strong autonomous Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) then to regulate the industry.

Even though NCAA was in existence, it didn’t have any clout because it was still completely under the control of the ministry. It was not until after the crashes of 2005, 2006 that the country woke up to the need to have a regulatory agency with full powers and autonomy to regulate the industry. That was how the NCAA came with very strong regulations to regulate the industry. That was when (Dr. Harold) Demuren was appointed as DG of NCAA. Having said that, how many of the domestic airlines are in operations now? How many of them are able to meet the demands of the air travel public in Nigeria? None. Yes, airlines like MedView and recently Air Peace have come using, fundamentally, the hard core trained technical staff of Nigerian Airways. MedView MD was a staff member of Nigerian Airways. Both airlines are using technical crew and engineering staff drawn from old Nigerian Airways to run their airlines. That’s why there is a kind of stability. That’s why also they didn’t make the same mistake other airlines made. With the vast

‘They should put in place the concessioning of airports; transparent and professional concession to the advantage of our country. That can be done. Secondly, NCAA’s autonomy should be sacrosanct. Nobody should be allowed to toy with the autonomy of NCAA’

experience from cargo and Hajj operations the MedView team gathered, they now went into passenger airline operation. They went on a step by step development to arrive where they are now as different from buying all the aircraft first before thinking of how to set up an operation.

The other challenges of airlines generally in Nigeria has to do with Owner-Manager syndrome and the fact that there is dearth of manpower which makes it difficult to have right people in places. It might vary from one airline to the other but in certain airlines, these things are heightened. If you look at a place Iike MedView, the owner is not alone. He has other people who are part and parcel of the ownership. Thus the negative impact of Owner-Manager is reduced. The chairman is Saudi Arabian because he is one of the investors in the airline.

It is one thing being responsible to certain people and another not being responsible to nobody but to oneself when managing an airline.

That’s where you find the challenges but there are so many other challenges facing the industry and our country is a major victim of what has gone wrong.

Multiple entry into the country by foreign airlines is believed to be a challenge for domestic carriers. What can be done about this?

See, the truth of it is that with the liquidation of Nigerian Airways, the ministry took over the management of Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA). The fact is that, no matter what anybody will say, the ministry has no competence in BASA management. But it is the ministry, unfortunately, that has managed BASA and our BASA is completely mismanaged. When you mismanage BASA, it takes a while before you can pull it back because the countries you have given these rights will fight it at every diplomatic level. And so the multiple entries and the number of frequencies given to foreign airlines are clearly evidence of a mismanagement of our BASA and it was the ministry that handled it. The earlier such issues are taken out of the ministry, the better for all of us. Although, they have finished the BASA fund, they have cancelled BASA royalties, but to continue to •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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THE CEO •Continued from page 37

allow them manage it will still be to extend the disaster that it has been. It is a disaster for us and the earlier we stop it, the better.

How realistic is the country’s desire to develop a hub in Lagos, considering the influx of foreign carriers into our domain?

Building a hub in Lagos is the best location in Africa. However, only a national carrier can build you a hub. Over 90 per cent of hubs globally are developed by National Carriers and not private flag carriers. Emirates Airlines is building a terminal in Senegal. They also have signed agreement with Angola to build a terminal. What Emirate is trying to do is to make Angola their African hub because Angola is closer to Nigeria, staying on the same zone. If they build a hub in Angola, Nigeria should forget building a hub in Lagos. In addition, African ministers of Transport in January or February signed the implementation of Open Skies for Africa. But, immediately we open the skies for Africa, an Angolan airline can fly into Asaba, Benin or any airport locally, pick passengers and dump into Emirates. These are the dangers that we are facing. Today, capital flight is around $2.3 billion per annum from the aviation sector on flights alone. When you add allowances, emoluments paid to foreign pilots and engineers in the sector and maintenance cost, we will be heading to over $2.7 billion. If you don’t have a formidable national carrier properly set up, in the next few years, we will be getting to $3 billion in capital flight. So those people who are opposed to floatation of a new national carrier are not proffering solutions to these challenges. I want them to provide answers of how we can resolve these without a national carrier.

Their usual sing song is that the government should assist the private airlines to grow. Since 1986, none of them has grown, 32 have collapsed and the present ones that are there are limping.

Our domestic airlines are going more and more into debts. They collect passenger service charge but will not remit it. Some of them are owing billions to NCAA and they are not growing, yet we want to hinge our aviation development on them. It cannot be. There is no doubt that we have two new ones; MedView and Air Peace that are showing signs of passion we need to watch for the next five years.

Will a national carrier not encourage capital flight in terms of remunerations to expatriates in its employment, given that there is a dearth of aviation personnel in the country?

Look, there are about 300 young pilots and engineers who have come out of school fully certified; they have no job placement because our airlines are not employing. Under the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, there are 61 trained pilots undergoing type rating on Boeing 737 classic and they will soon be ready to fly. They are coming around in the next two months.

There are also 66 aeronautical engineers trained under that programme and are coming out in the next few months. This is in addition to over 150 of such personnel undergoing training at NCAT, Zaria and at the International Aviation School in Ilorin, as well as overseas institutions.

It is the responsibility of the government, having trained such people, to provide employment for them, otherwise it is useless to have schools to train people and there’s no job for them.

There are insinuations that the Federal Ministry of Aviation may be merged with Transportation. Do you think this will impact positively on the industry?

I agree. It is no big deal. The only thing is that, in doing that, they should put in place the concession of airports; transparent and professional concession to the advantage of our country. That can be done. Secondly, NCAA’s autonomy should be sacrosanct. Nobody should be allowed to toy with the autonomy of NCAA. NAMA should be left to operate commercially.

Commercially, NAMA can earn its money; the professionals there know how to earn their money. Nigeria College of Technology (NCAT) is a commercial school. What you pay in a year is between N8 and N10 million to run a course in piloting and people are going there. They should run commercially and be allowed to develop. So, what does the ministry do? All the CEOs of our parastatal don’t stay in Lagos. They can call them two to three times weekly to Abuja and you will not find them in their offices. Their tables are piled, the people are stressed; there is nothing that they are going to do in the ministry except maybe discuss jobs.When you do that, the desk of the aviation in the ministry of transport should be manned by acquitted professional and technical staff.

What are the contribution of the industry to the economy?

First, if we have a formidable airline, in three years, it will cut back at least $300 million and up to $700 million in five years of capital flight.

It will offer jobs, both direct and indirect. A formidable airline in three years, will move,

‘How govt killed Nigeria Airways’

• Aligbe

direct employment up 2,500 and indirect will be up to 10,000. If we have, it will develop hubs.

The benefits of hub are immense. Go to any global hub, you will see the kind of activities going on. That is what we need in this country and when that happens, you cannot imagine the financial benefits of hubs. When that happens, we will have a voice in Africa.

Today, in African Airline Association (AFRAA), nobody speaks for Nigeria. Same in International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The snowball and catalytic effects of a virile airline industry driven and benchmarked by a well operated national carrier can only be imagined when you carry a study of Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Delta and British Airways all of which are national carriers belonging to either of the three global models; 100 per cent state equity or 100 per cent citizens equity or 100 per cent shared equity between state, citizens and foreign investor.

The story of the Nigeria Airways is pathetic; how did it begin its journey to demise?

Nigeria Airways was a fully owned parastatal by the government and so the government virtually handled everything; management and board appointments were all by the government. When we talk about owner-manager syndrome, government also is part of that syndrome because the minister will determine who becomes the MD. Sometimes he determines which route you have to fly.

The Minister will determine whether you are going to increase fares or not. One minister, Graham Douglas, sacked the entire board and management of the airline for increasing fares

without his permission. There was a minister who cancelled contract agreements we have overseas on ticket sales that eventually cost the airline close to five million pounds. He just cancelled it and along with the management who advised him on that, appointed a new sales agent in UK, without looking at the agreement with the earlier travel agent, CES Travel. Under three months, the minister was out of the office but the problem he created cost the airline five million pounds in out-ofcourt settlement even with the assistance of the then Minister of Justice Mr. Akpamgbo.

Also, one of the greatest killers of the Nigeria Airways was the devaluation of the naira during the Babangida administration. Once the naira was devalued, Nigeria Airways debts in dollars skyrocketed in terms the naira needed to pay. That devaluation set the spiral on and at the same time same government said Nigerian Airways will no longer receive subvention but should rather fund itself. The debt of the Nigerian Airways in dollars remained stable but in terms of naira, it was so much that the airline could not handle it. We could not pay our debts through the International Air Travel Association (IATA) Clearing House where everything was being processed. We could no longer pay and there was some level of irresponsibility also from Nigerian Airways’ station managers overseas. Anything they did, up to buying furniture, they put it through the Clearing House, which is meant for airline operation. They used it for other expenditures thus increasing our indebtedness. When we could not pay, IATA by 1997/1998 expelled Nigerian Airways from the Clearing House. Nigeria Airways was still

‘We had evolved the strategy of privatisation. The strategy was to leave Nigerian Airways as domestic and regional operator while from Nigeria Airways a new international airline called Air Nigeria was to emerge. That was the first time ever that Air Nigeria came up.This was 1992/1993 and we had got two airlines, Swissair and Sabena that were prepared to be part of this privatisation as core partners and eventually core investors’

a member of IATA but was expelled from the Clearing House.

Now, that became a big problem because what it means is that you could no longer fly any passenger beyond your destination. Immediately they expelled us, no airline would have a relationship with us we came to a point to point operator which was very devastating as it shrank our market share and dwindled revenue further. Any airline that is a point – to - point operator cannot really have the good market share that will sustain its operation. That’s what happened to us. We now started having some aircraft on the ground. Sometimes, we had to cannibalise one aircraft to keep another flying because we no longer had the money to do maintenance. But the only good thing was that we had checks and balances in terms of technical standards. If the engineer didn’t maintain the aircraft well, a pilot would walk into the aircraft, check it and come down and say sorry I’m not taking this flight. So, we had those standards then which were not in other airlines.

Babagida now put in place a policy to commercialise and privatise the airline. That was when he set up the Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC) led by the late Hanza Zayyad, who was the chairman. It was part of the structural adjustment programme that Babagida came up with which was good, but the fact of the matter is, at the time this was happening, privatisation of airlines was a new concept. It was only one airline, British Airways that was successfully doing it, but hadn’t completed it. British Airways services were poor and the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was determined to make a change. She carried out the first privatisation of an airline successfully in the world.

Nigerian Airways was to be the second one globally under the Babagida administration. It was at the threshold of taking off when Babagia himself killed the policy.

Captain Mohammed Joji had come in as Managing Director (MD) after the Presidential Task Force that was to prepare the airline for commercialisation left. He came in as MD and took the privatisation exercise with passion working with TCPC. We had gone a long way on that when, suddenly, everything went awry again. As at the time, we had evolved the strategy of privatisation. The strategy was to leave Nigeria Airways as domestic and regional operator while from Nigeria Airways a new international airline called Air Nigeria was to emerge. That was the first time ever that Air Nigeria came up. This was 1992/1993 and we had got two airlines, Swissair and Sabena that were prepared to be part of this privatisation as core partners and eventually core investors. Air Nigeria was to use four aircraft from Nigeria airways, the DC10s and A310s series that we had and they would pay Nigeria Airways $1million monthly as lease rental which it will now use to expand its domestic and regional operations and become a very formidable operator. This was the strategy. When a former Nigerian Airways Director of Engineering, Agom became the new MD, he decided that everything Captain Joji did, he would torpedo.

That was how the entire process of privatisation was torpedoed. He sent the technical team from Sabena and Swissair packing. Everything that had been done he aborted, ran back to the ministry and the ministry was happy that a first class parastatal had again come under its control. That was the end. Agom stayed two years and was removed. Another person came, Group Captain Peter Gana, a serving Airforce officer.

There was no change as more of our aircraft, DC10 and B737 were seized. The last DC10 that we bought was seized overseas and we couldn’t retrieve it. We had no money to pay, so we were operating with whatever we had.

Our fortunes from then never rose again until when, in 1998, Jani Ibrahim was appointed MD. He was a business man, not an airline man. He was coming from the oil industry. He studied the situation and concluded that to survive, we would need a joint venture. So, he discussed with British Airways and went into a joint venture with them. British Airways generously deployed a 747, which painted it in the colour of Nigerian Airways. They were operating it on behalf of the JV and they gave us 100 seats on every flight free. We didn’t have to pay anything because it was our route but we could sell 100 seats, and use the revenue to build up Nigeria Airways and we found that every month, we were earning N100 million. We could pay salaries and pension while we were using revenue from all other operations to keep the airline going and pay some debts. Jani was proceeding to extend that joint venture to the US when Obasanjo became President of the country. The rest is now history today.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

BUSINESS

MOTORING

Mercedes-Benz rounds off the extensive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) portfolio with the introduction of the new GLA, which is now available in the Nigerian auto market, courtesy of Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Nigeria, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

•Mercedes-Benz GLA

Mercedes-Benz GLA shows class T

HE GLA-Class is the fourth of a total of five new compact models from Mercedes-Benz. It is progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and has good off road capability, thereby interpreting the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in convincing style.

Lovers of the distinguished brand will appreciate the rear seat backrests that can, not only be folded down completely, but are adjustable for angles if required. Due to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which open and close automatically as an option, making the interior flexible and variable, the large luggage compartment (421 - 1235 litres) is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty.

The low greenhouse, raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the GLA great appeal.

The prominent and self-assured upright front end with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Powerdomes structure the bonnet as sporty features, and the twin-louvre grille accentuates the vehicle’s width. An impressive front aspect is ensured by the headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz design feature has been developed further using tri-functional fibre-optics, and gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. A simulated underguard at the front and contrasting dark-grey cladding all-round emphasise the SUV characteristics of the GLA. This cladding extends around the bottom edge of the vehicle like a frame and provides protection against stone impact.

A number of measures have also been taken to reduce wind noise in the GLA. These include a multi-level door sealing concept, additional sealing of the joint between the tailgate and the roof and side seals on the tailgate. Particularly, rigid window frames prevent the airflow from pulling on the doors at higher speeds, and reduce vibrations. External noise has also been minimised by the low A-pillar step mentioned above and by exterior mirrors connected to the body by a stem.

The interior has a particularly high feel of quality that is achieved by the contours, and the choice and combinations of high-grade materials. The dashboard consists of an upper and lower section, allowing surface structures that are different in look and feel. Matt and glossy 3D geometries (graining) create an attractive light effect. The three-dimensional trim section of innovative membrane, aluminium, modern touch to the interior. The matt satin finish of the wood trim further underscores the modern character and makes the surfaces particularly pleasant to the touch.

The large, free-standing display has a highgloss display facing in piano-black and a flushfitting surround in silver-shadow. This gives the display a particularly high-quality look. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanised chrome clasp feature as standard. On request a sporty instrument cluster version with two tubes is available.

The wide choice of seat upholsteries in material (e.g. leather, fabric, fabric/leather) and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation. Sports seats with integrated head restraints are available as an optional extra.

Its robust body structure and the variable interior concept guarantee plenty of recreational enjoyment. Rough terrain, loose ground, unsurfaced gradients – all of these are no problem for the GLA. The GLA is optionally available with the new generation of 4MATIC all-wheel drive, featuring fully variable torque distribution. This allwheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility, combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency. The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission, and the rear-axle gear unit with integrated, hydraulically actuated multidisc clutch. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency.

Models with 4MATIC are equipped with

•The interior of the vehicle

Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) and an offroad transmission mode as standard. DSR is activated by a control button in the centre console, and assists the driver on demanding downhill stretches by maintaining a slow, manually selected vehicle speed within the physical limits when negotiating downhill gradients. This is done with the help of the engine and transmission control systems, and by specific braking intervention.

With the GLA, yet another model series is set to become the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. It has a Cd value of 0.29 with outstanding fuel consumption from around 60 km/h to 0.66 m2.

The GLA 180 features a four cyclinder engine with a 1.6 litre engine delivering 80kW and 260Nm of torque and is equipped with 7G-DCT. The GLA 45 AMG still holds the pole position in relations to driving dynamics: it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250km/h. We sum up this approach in one word: blue efficiency, which means with the GLA, one is only burning fuel when necessary. In addition, every GLA is fitted standard with ECO start/stop function- it temporarily

shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary.

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the GLA also boasts new functions and additional applications, which are optional. In combination with Audio 20 CD (standard) and Comand Online (optional extra) which has also been extended, the head unit can also be switched to an off-road display. The steering angle, the selected off-road transmission mode and a compass are displayed there. The roll angle in degrees, the gradient in percent and activation of Downhill Speed Regulation DSR are also indicated.

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the GLA and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard-fit features for the SUV include Attention Assist drowsiness detection and radarbased Collision Prevention Assist with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to avoid collisions from a speed as low as 7 km/h.

As an SUV, the new GLA combines the key design values of Progression and Tradition, and is the SUV of the future. It is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes, but more youthful, sculptural and full of subtle drama.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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MOTORING

Honda to recall 13,700 units motorbikes

T

HE Indian two-wheeler unit of Japanese auto maker, Honda Motor Corporation at the weekend, said it will recall the CBR 150R and 250R motorbikes manufactured between July 2014 and June 2015.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd did not disclose the total number of units that would be recalled, but someone directly involved in the matter, who declined to be named, said the company was recalling about 13,700 units. It is part of a global recall by Honda.

The recall is a precautionary measure to check and replace the starter relay switch if it is defective.

“It is suspected, sealant may have been applied incorrectly during assembly of the starter relay switch

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

(which is a globally sourced part).

This can increase resistance across main fuse, potentially interrupting the motorcycle’s battery voltage to the electrical system,” the company said in a statement.

An interruption of the electrical system battery voltage could cause the engine not to start or stall while riding, and in extreme cases, the increased resistance in the main fuse could cause the starter relay to catch fire, the company said.

It added that no such incident had been reported for vehicles manufactured in India.

The concerned part will be replaced free of charge in the identified units irrespective of the warranty status of the vehicle across Honda’s India network.

•Honda Assembly plant

Kia Motors sold 230,227 vehicles in July

K

•1964 Ferrari

Most expensive car collection sells for $67m

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HE most expensive singlecar collection ever sold during one auction fetched more than $67 million, showing continued strength in the collectible car market.

Twenty-five cars, all owned by an anonymous Florida collector, were sold last Thursday by RM Sotheby’s in a standing-roomonly sale as part of the Concours d’Elegance auctions and shows in Pebble Beach, California. The sale total beat the previous record for a collection from a single owner of $65 million.

The top car by sales price was a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that went for $17.6 million.

A 1998 McLaren F1 LM road version—one of only two built— fetched $13.75 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a McLaren at auction.

The so-called Pope’s Ferrari sold for $6.05 million. The car, which was the last Ferrari Enzo produced, was given to Pope John Paul II in 2005. The pope never drove the car, but sold it for charity.

A 1994 Ferrari F40 LM sold for $3.3 million, as did a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4.

One of only 32 produced, this 1964 Ferrari 250 LM sold for $17.6 million at the Concours d’Elegance auction in Pebble Beach.

This 1986 Ferrari Testarossa, featured in the 1980s hit TV show “Miami Vice,” is set to hit the auction block.

A Koenigsegg CCXR that appeared in the movie “Fast Five” sold for $825,000.

The sale marks a success for the newly formed partnership between RM and Sotheby’s, and is

expected to set the tone for the rest of the sales in Pebble Beach this week. More than $400 million worth of classic cars will be auctioned in Pebble and Monterey, California, as part of the Concours d’Elegance week.

IA Motors Corporation announced its July 2015 global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, recording a total of 230,227 units sold.

In July, Kia posted year-onyear sales increases in the domestic Korean market (13.9 per cent growth with 48,202 units sold) and North America (5.8 per cent growth with 62,013 units sold).

Cumulatively through the first seven months of 2015, Kia’s global sales totalled 1,667,575 units for a -0.9 per cent year-on-year decrease. Korea (290,784 units sold) and North America (408,750 units sold) have seen an 11.4 per cent and 4.0 per cent rise in sales, respectively, through July 2015.

Kia’s bestselling model in overseas markets during July 2015

was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 38,500 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 28,993 units sold, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ or ‘K3’ in some markets), Optima D-segment sedan and Soul urban crossover followed with 22,691, 20,325 and 18,760 units sold, respectively.

Meanwhile, Kia kicked off official retail sales in Mexico in July with 1,499 units sold through its initial network of 21 dealerships. This figure is more than double the previous sales mark achieved by any other automaker in its first month of sales in the country, according to data from Urban Science, a company specialising in data analysis for the automotive sector. Kia plans to add an additional 25 dealerships in Mexico by the end of 2015 to bring the total number dealerships to 46.

Volkswagen America recalls 420,000 vehicles

V

OLKSWAGEN of America will recall about 420,000 vehicles in the United States (US) due to a potential problem with air bags.

The recall affects various VW models, including the Golf, Jetta and Passat, with model years between 2010 and 2014, the company said.

The company said it notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

that it will be issuing a voluntary safety recall affecting the steering wheel clock spring on approximately 420,000 Volkswagen vehicles in the U.S. On certain vehicles, the steering wheel clock spring could become contaminated with long hair or long fibers, which may cause a displacement of the internal guide loops. When the guide loops are dragged out of position, they may apply tension to the in-

ternal flat cable and cause it to tear.

Should the cable tear, the electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag may be lost, causing the airbag monitoring indicator light to illuminate. In a crash that warrants a driver front airbag deployment, the airbag will not deploy, leading to a risk of driver injury.

No accidents or injuries related to this issue have been reported, the company said.

Corruption and road safety in Nigeria

A

CCORDING to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Corruption means “impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle”. It also means “departure from what is correct”.

From the above–mentioned definition of Corruption, it then means that the violation of any road traffic rule is an act Corruption. Therefore, • Obtaining Driver Licence without going to Driving School for training is Corruption.

• Getting involved in Driving School certificate and Driver Licence racketeering is Corruption.

• Bribing Government Officials to cut corners in Driver Licence and vehicle particulars processing is Corruption.

• Paying or accepting money (bribe) to avoid the VIO’s pre – li-

cence test is Corruption.

• Employers refusing to re–train their Drivers on regular basis as the law demands is Corruption.

• Damaging road or road furnitures without repairing it is Corruption.

• Wrong parking of vehicles, causing obstruction or hindering free flow of traffic is Corruption.

• Disobeying Traffic Wardenor Traffic Officer is Corruption.

• Over-speeding is Corruption • Speeding at a bend is Corruption.

• Wrong and dangerous overtaking is Corruption.

• Driving off-lane is Corruption.

• Driving without using seat belt is Corruption.

• Drunk driving is Corruption.

• Driving under the influence of Drugs is Corruption.

• Violation of Traffic regulation

is Corruption • Using mobile phone or engaging in any form of distraction while driving is Corruption.

• Vehicle overloading (passengers or load) is Corruption.

• Drowsy driving is Corruption.

• Dangerous driving is Corruption.

• Driving with underage children sitting at the front is Corruption.

• Violation of Traffic light is Corruption.

• Speeding on a wet or rough road is Corruption.

•Driving un–roadworthy vehicle is Corruption.

• Road rage and Aggressive driving is Corruption.

• Illegal driving against the traffic is Corruption.

• Using the siren when the law does not permit you is Corruption.

• Driving without using the seat belt as required by the law is corruption.

In a nutshell, the violation of any road traffic sign, marking, signal, rules and regulations is an act of Corruption. The above-mentioned facts are strongly supported by the Dictionary and Religious definitions.

From the aforementioned, who is not Corrupt in Nigeria? Only very few I think! Hence the urgent need for a total mental overhauling and re–orientation for the restoration of the right moral values irrespective of the individual position or status.

Nigeria must not continue like this. There must be a change at all levels and in all ramifications to be able to actualize the five pillars of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety.Each and

Jide Owatunmise Registrar /Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

every Nigerian must fight and defeat the corruption inside us.

Then,there shall be no more corruption in Nigeria for the Government to fight.

God will help us.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

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BUSINESS EXTRA PSN partner Fed Govt calls for release of intervention GSK, on training funds to flood affected states G

T

HE Federal Government has called for the release of intervention funds to states affected by flood.

It also called for the relocation of affected flood victims ahead of the expected release of water from Ladgo dam in Cameroon and massive rain fall.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Fatima Nana Mede, said this at the end of a stakeholders’meeting in Abuja at the weekend.

She added that there was need to complete the construction of ongoing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to accommodated af-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

fected persons.

She called for the completion of the Datsin Hausa Dam in Yola, Adamawa State, to check the release of excess water from Ladgo Dam. Mrs. Mede said: “The buffer dam (Datsin Hausa) located upstream should be completed in the next 36 – 48 months to curtail excess release of water from Ladgo Dam as been proposed.

“Relocation of anticipated and affected flood victims as quickly as possible.

“Intervention funds should be

made available to states that are affected by flood from ecological fund to help improve/ construct necessary infrastructures and provide support for those already displaced.

“The IDP camps being constructed in the states affected by the 2012 flood have not been completed to accommodate people that may likely be affected in 2015.”

Mede urged the relevant ministries, departments and agencies to continue to monitor and communicate early warning signs to states as well as local government areas.

She noted that the recent tragic effect of flood in the country could

have been prevented or at best mitigated if land use activities and urban development were properly addressed.

“A policy on waste separation and recycling should be adopted to reduce flood associated with indiscriminate dumping of waste along drainages, canals and waterways.

“There should be a gradual phase out of non-biodegradable plastic in Nigeria. Polythene products should be discouraged and paper bags adopted because of its degradable nature.”

She called on post-2012 flood victims support committee to submit an update report.

Heritage Bank gets PCIDSS, ISO 27001 certification award

By Olatunde Odebiyi

H

ERITAGE Bank Limited has got the Payment Card In dustry Data Security Standard, (PCI DSS) certification, in addition to the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 award.

The PCI DSS is a proprietary information security standard for organisations that handle branded credit cards from the major card schemes, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. The PCIDSS, administered by the Security Standards Council, offers robust and comprehensive standards and supporting materials to enhance payment card data security. These materials include a framework of specifications, tools, measurements and support resources to help organisations ensure the safe handling of cardholder information at every step.

The keystone is the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which provides an actionable framework for developing a robust payment card data security process — including prevention, detection and appropriate reaction to security incidents.

The standard was created to increase controls around cardholder data to reduce credit card fraud via its exposure. Validation of compliance is performed yearly, by an external Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) that creates a Report on Compliance (ROC) for organisations handling large volumes of transactions.

The certification was in recognition of the bank’s commitment to effective and secured financial system which has put the bank in the league of big players in the industry and confer internationally-recognised standard on its operations.

It will also place the lender in a good stead to protect the funds of its customers and frustrate efforts by fraudsters to access their information and assets.

Over the years, substantial part of banks’ revenue was lost to fraud with no single bank spared.

From the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) report on Frauds and Forgeries in Banks (January – September 2014), a total of 8,502 cases were reported.

The total amount of money involved was N23.34 billion, out of which N3.01 billion was actually lost.

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in its 2014 report, also noted a significant increase in the reported cases of fraud and forgeries in the industry, besides several others that are neither reported nor captured in official data.

•From left: Mr Adeosun; Mrs Ehimuan-Chiazor; Mr Akintayo and Mr. Asuni at the media launch of GSK's training programme in Lagos.

Appoint credible experts as ministers, aides, Buhari urged

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to appoint only professionals with impeccable records and character as members of his cabinet.

The Director-General, Institute of Chartered Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria (IARN), Prof Jacob Etinagbedia, gave the advice at the institute’s induction of fellows and members at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Saturday.

He said giving these Nigerians national assignments would mean putting a round square in a round hole.

He said: “He (Buhari) should be nationalistic in his appointment. Merit and federal character must be his watchword at all times. Good governance and the rule of law should know no ethnicity, religion, party affiliation etc. There must be absolute patriotism and allegiance to our country.’’

Etinagbedia also advised Buhari to nip in the bud greed, nepotism, corruption dishonesty and other vices which, he said, are rampart in the country. He added: “Corruption

By Joseph Eshanokpe

doesn’t only exist in government, but is pervasive in society. Those at the top adopt nepotism, injustice and other negative and prohibitive acts that are portraying Nigeria in bad light. These bad eggs that are morally bankrupt need to be identified and disciplined, no matter how highly place. The mantra of change must permeate every sector of the economy if we must get to the promised land.’’

Etinagbedia said the new fellows and members should contribute to the institute’s success and stand by it always.

Guest speaker on the occasion Dr Tony Foloki listed some of the country’s challenges as corruption, bad governance, improper entrenchment of the rule of law, huge government expenditure on frivolous things and imprudence. “We cannot move Nigeria forward when funds that

should have been used on developmental or economic projects are used in salary payment of civil servants,’’ he said.

To move Nigeria forward, he canvassed financial prudence, curtailment of expenditure, stoppage of duplication of ministries, agencies and parastatals. ‘’Why would the Federal Government set up the federal schools and colleges?’’ he asked.

Among the inductees were Dr Ibironke Sodeinde of the Lagos State Ministry of Health; Head of Administration, Adamawa German Medical Centre, Yola, Hajiya Fadimatu Sani Yakubu; Commanding Officer NNS Barma Apapa Base, Lagos, Navy Captain Festus Adeyemi Adewuyi; an industrialist Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe and Mr Donnie Aigbe.

Aigbe, who spoke on behalf of the inductees, promised to assist in executing the institute’s programmes and projects to take it to greater heights.

At a fundraiser for the institute’s Research Centre in Ogun State, some of the inductees pledged their support for the institute.

•Chairman, Board of Fellows, Institute of Chartered of Administrators and Researchers of Nigeria (IARN), Dr Dominic Opara; Prof Etinagbedia; Hajija Sani and her husband Dr Sani Yakubu, an Associate Professor at the University of Maiduguri at the induction … on Saturday.

SK has partnered the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), to boost the knowledge of pharmacists.

According to the partners, SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training for pharmacists, the programme consists of nine disease area modules, accredited by the United Statesbased Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs Juliet EhimuanChiazor, who spoke at the media conference to announce the deal, said: “The Internet plays a key role in professional development across all sectors and it’s great to see GSK and PSN driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector.”

A 2013 survey in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of pharmacists seek training as a value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy. These would improve patient productivity and wellbeing, thereby building credibility for pharmacists within their communities.

Also, the Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Developing countries in Asia (ADC), Mr Jide Adeosun, praised PSN for pioneering this partnership with GSK. “We are committed to rolling out similar programmes across Africa,” he said.

PSN’s President, Olumide Akintayo, said the successful completion of SCOPE is one of the requirements to receive 10 credit points towards the required 30 credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacist’ Council of Nigeria(PCN) He said the partnership with GSK would further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain a high standard of Pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that SCOPE would facilitate a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.

GSK Managing Director/CEO, Lekan Asuni, said the signing of the MoU marks a milestone not only for the partners, but also for PSN, GSK, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

“We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life.Through this innovative programme - SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the online platform was chosen to implement the modules because its i more cost effective than the face-to-face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard-to-reach areas can benefit.

At the event were the Director of Pharmacy, General Hospital, Ajeromi; Mrs. Awofuwa, the Chief Executive Officer, Health Plus, Bukky George, University of Lagos Medical Centre, Dorcas Omeire, and the Director of Pharmacy, Central Bank Of Nigeria Staff Clinic, Mrs. Nmadu.

Others were Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Bolanle Adekoya, Director of Pharmacy, Health Service Commission, Salami.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17 , 2015

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SHOWBIZ

BoI denies custody of $200m entertainment fund

Patience Ozokwor, Amechi Muonagor decry rape in Code of Silence

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HE Bank of Industry (BoI) has debunked insinuations that it is in custody of any fund announced by former president Goodluck Jonathan, as grant to a the Nigerian motion picture industry.

The Bank was reacting to reports credited to veteran actor, Larry Williams, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to probe a certain $200 million purportedly placed under BoI’s management by Jonathan, for disbursement to practitioners in the entertainment industry.

“BoI would like to state for the records that it is not managing any $200 Million Entertainment/ Nollywood Fund and at no time did the Bank receive any such fund from the government for the Entertainment/Nollywood sector,” the Bank said in a statement.

According to the statement, “the Bank has been making investments in the industry from its own resources since 2011. It has provided financial and advisory support to the following sub-sectors of the industry: movie production, cinemas, amusement/theme parks, production studios etc. Recently, the Bank launched the NollyFund with a Fund size of N1.0 billion to support movie production and distribution.”

There are indications that the reported $200 million was mistaken for a N3billion fund in custody of the Ministry of Finance, and issued as grant for the motion picture industry, under the Project ACT Nollywood.

Recall that in March 2013, the former president, during the 20th anniversary of Nollywood, announced a

• Rasheed Olaoluwa MD BoI

Project ACT Nollywood fund of N3 billion, to build the capacity of filmmakers and actors, as well as the establishment of film distribution platforms. Williams is asking for a probe into how the grant, which is being managed by the Ministry of Finance, headed by former Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been disbursed so far.

Williams told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that, “we need to know how the funds given to the sector is being disbursed because the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry will be enhanced by such money if well utilized.”

Bruno Iwuoha recuperating in U.S. hospital • Bruno Iwuoha

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OPULAR Nigerian actor, Bruno Iwuoha, who was admitted in a U.S. hospital for an ailment suspected to be diabetes-induced glaucoma, is getting better, according to reports.

Few weeks ago, the grey haired actor was the guest of an Abujabased radio station where he ap-

By Jane Kolade

pealed to public spirited Nigerians to assist him with funds to enable him treat himself. In his words, “… the thing (diabetes) has claimed my sight. As I look at you now, I’m only using one sight (sic). They call that Glaucoma. And gradually it’s affecting the other one (eye). “

Fortunately for the actor, Morgan Entertainment boss, Emeka Morgan Nwanne Oguejiofor Jr. intervened by inviting him over to the U.S. for treatment; the all-expense-paid intervention included hospital bills, feeding, and medication.

Reports say Mr. Iwuoha is now in a stable condition, which is a far cry from the wheelchair bound state he was when he got to the hospital. However, doctors have advised him not to work or do any form of strenuous activity for the next six to 12 months in order to recuperate fully.

Globacom begins registration for Dance with Peter

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunakanmi

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HE much publicised Globacom-sponsored dance reality show, Dance with Peter, anchored by Peter Okoye of the PSquare group, has begun registration of prospective participants.

The indigenous telecommunications company has asked that ‘those interested in participating in the show can register by sending ‘DANCE’ to the short code 55517 in Nigeria and 3030 in Ghana through their Glo lines.”

The cost of registration, according to the organizers, is N100 for Nigeria and 0.5GHc for Ghana. “Once they send the SMS to the short code, they will then be requested to send their details such as Name and Location at no extra charge. All successful registrations will get a confirmatory SMS with instructions on what to do next,” the company said in a statement.

As advertised, the best dancer in the competition will go home with a brand new Toyota RAV 4 with N3million and the rare opportunity of featuring in P-Square’s next mu-

sic video.

On the other hand, the first and second runners-up, will receive a brand new Honda Civic car, N2million and a brand new Kia Rio car with N1million respectively and a chance to feature in a top Glo Ambassador’s music videos.

The audition train led by Okoye is expected to start the show in Abuja on Friday, August 28, at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Central Business District. And from Abuja, the next set of auditions goes to Ghana, at the National Theatre, South Liberia Road, Accra, on Tuesday, September 1.

Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Airport Road, Benin City, the capital of Edo State is the next stop on Friday, September 4 while Lagos will host the audition team on Tuesday, September 8, at Bamako Studios, 1 Bamako Street, Ojodu, Lagos.

Organisers say final audition for Dance with Peter will hold in Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 10, where prospective dancers in the show will be auditioned at the Atrium Event Centre, Stadium Road.

The show will feature legends such as Peter, Kaffy and Flex as judges, while Ehis Okoegule of MTV Base will be the host.

MEM Isong’s new movie, Code of Silence, appears timely, as current incidents of rape trail a university lecturer, who is accused of raping an admission seeker, even as another 70-yearold man in Kaduna was accused of having raped two underage sisters in his neighborhood.

“Unless society stands up firm against the unceasing occurrences of rape and violence against women, this will continue to make our society look unsafe for women and girls,” said the filmmaker.

After spending a bit of time patting backs, snapping pictures and hugging the camera in the way artistes do globally, the crowd moved towards screen five to have a feel of what Code of Silence, a joint effort of Royal Arts Academy and Nollywood Workshops had to offer.

Written by Bola Aduwo, the movie which premiered penultimate Friday at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, has an ensemble cast of Patience Ozokwor, Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, Amechi Muonagor and Shawn Faqua, alongside Makida Moka and Bimbo Peters. It started showing at cinemas across the country immediately after the premiere.

Some of the guests at the event described the movie as one which takes the audience through the whole gamut of what life could be within about 90 minutes. The film opens on a playful note with siblings Adanma (Makida Moka) and Chucks (Shawn Faqua) in a convivial exchange in which their mother Ngozi (Patiencce Ozokwor) soon becomes a party.

Adanma, who is the lead female, is a simple, almost carefree but focused disposition soon pales into total darkness as she gets raped by

a local politician who is possibly older than her late father. The aftermath of the violence that this young medical student suffers on the victim, her family, people with whom she has relationships and the whole community is the core of the advocacy of Code of Silence, as directed by Isong.

Interestingly, the film employs remarkable hilarity in the comedic interventions of Ozokwor and Muonagor.

In the end of it all, the movie challenges the man found in the depreciating act of forcing ladies into intercourse, encourages the victim to challenge the status quo and speak up, as much as it tasks society to avoid stigma and insist on punishment for offenders.

The glamorous premiere was attended by notable stakeholders in the film industry, such as Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Gabriel Okoye (Gabosky), Zik Zulu Okafor, Bond Emeruwa and Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, as well as cast and crew of the movie.

• Patience Ozokwor in Code of Silence1

Skiibii is alive, says record label

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ATURDAY, August 15, would have been another black day for the Nigerian entertainment industry as news of the death of Abbey Toyyib Elias, aka Skiibii, a Five Star Music group rapper and singer broke online. The young crooner was said to have slumped and died that morning on his way out, with pictures of his prostrate form flying all over the internet.

The news proved false; even though the singer did collapse, he was quickly taken to a hospital where he is said to be responding to treatment.

According to Kcee of Five Star Music, via an Instagram post, “Been on transit from Oslo, Sweden to Norway this is to confirm that @ Skiibii is not dead, he is responding to treatment. Official statement dropping soon.”

The imbroglio is as yet unresolved as Five Star’s General Manager, Soso Soberekan refutes the allegation that he is alive, in an online argument with disbelieving fans on Instagram he said, “It’s true he collapsed in his house this morning and died. Not a stunt”.

According to an official statement from the label, “The wide spread rumor of Skiibii being dead that shook the airwaves and social media platforms this morning is confirmed false. The 22 year old talented musician signed to Five Star Music is fine and alive. “Given that he had a minor health issue this morning, he collapsed and was rushed by his brother and his friends to a nearby hospital from where he was taken to a more equipped hospital by the intervention of the CEO of Five Star Group

By Jane Kolade

for further treatment.

“Skiibii is currently recuperating at a private hospital, Please disregard negative information hitherto passed. Death is not something to play with. Kcee and Five Star Manager Soso Soberekon are currently in Europe on a tour.”

The rapper has however received a deluge of criticisms from celebrities who thought he might be staging a fake death rumour as publicity stunt.

• Skiibii

45

MONDAY AUGUST 17, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ANAMBRA POLITICS Two factions are locked in a supremacy battle in the Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the crisis and the its implications for the troubled chapter

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EACE has eluded the Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) again.

Two factions are at daggers drawn in the crisis-ridden chapter. Following the recent party congress, Prince Ken Emeakayi has claimed that he is the authentic chairman. But, his rival, Comrade Tony Nwoye, the former governorship candidate, has objected to the claim, saying that he is chasing shadows. Reconciliation has been deadlock.

According to sources, Emeakayi is leading the mainstream faction. The faction has the backing of the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh. Two weeks ago, Nwoye’s group set up a parallel executive committee.

The faction declared that Prince Ossy Ezenwa is the Chairman and Chief Basil Ejidike is the secretary. Other members of the factional executive are Dr. Maduka Nwankwo, Mr Keluo Molokwu, O.C. Chinwuba, Mrs. Jessy Balonwu, Afam Odogwu, Golden Ilo, Ken Arinze and Chuba Oranusi, among others.

Ezenwa is the former Secretary to Government. He served in Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s administration. He was also the Director-General of the Tony Nwoye Campaign Organization during the 2013 governorship election.

Sources said that, during that period, he sealed a pact with Nwoye and his associates, including some money bags and influential Anambra politicians, to vie for the party chairmanship.

Metuh and Nwoye went their separate ways, shortly before the congress. Nwoye, a veteran activist, faulted the timing of the process. He said Metuh was in a hurry to publish an advertorial on the ward, local government and state congresses. He complained that the advertorial was published, shortly before the last Sallah holiday, leaving no time for aspirants to obtain the required bank drafts to obtain the forms for the party positions. The two days between the day of the publication and the commencement of the ward congress were public holidays. Therefore, many aspirants could not to meet the requirements. Nwoye maintained that the arrangement was unfair.

However, despite the objections raised by the Nwoye group, the PDP National Secretariat went ahead with the congresses.

Nwoye’s supporters alleged that the exercise was tilted to favour Metuh and his associates.

They alleged that an aide of Metuh from Enugu State was the leader of the Congress Committee that conducted the exercise. They also alleged that Emeakayi, an associate of Metuh, was returned as the chairman, despite his alleged anti party activities during the last governorship elections. But, Emeakayi fired back, saying that he is a loyal party man.

Following the controversial congress, Nwoye camp convened a meeting of stakeholders from the 21 local government areas in Awka, the state capital, to decide on the next move. At the end of the meeting, the group issued a statement describing the congress held by the Metuh-led group as a nullity and of no effect. The camp said there was no level –playing field for aspirants. According to the group, there was a predetermined agenda to foist the newly elected officials on the party, contrary to the wishes of the majority of party members for a full, participatory, free, fair and credible congress to foster party unity.

Also, Nwoye’s group challenged Metuh and members of his group into a duel. It set up a parallel executive for the party. At its meeting held at Emma House, Akwa, 21 persons were elected into the SWtate Executive Committee. The committee comprise of 18 persons from each of the 21 local government area executives and 17 each from the 326 wards. A total of 6,941 officials at the three levels were elected.

Nwoye explained his objection to Metuh’s style. He said the National Publicity Secretary has been behaving like an octopus, having stayed for too long in the national executive committee of the party.

He said: “Metuh has stayed too long at the PDP headquarters and he should, therefore, leave the place as his presence there is having a bad influence on many people working in that office. We in the PDP believe in equity. Those who own this party, including the former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme,

Anambra PDP: Two factions of a troubled chapter

•Secondus

•Chris Uba

•Metuh

•Nwoye

•Andy Uba

What PDP members demand is to be allowed to ‘conduct free and fair congresses to usher in a new leadership. This is where we need the assistance of the national leadership of our great party. Our members are known to accept defeat, once the process is credible Prince Arthur, Sir Emeka Offor, Sir Cletus Ibeto, among others, said I should tell you that you are the authentic PDP.” Urging the national secretariat to intervene in the logjam, Nwoye said the crisis would have been avoided, if Metuh had followed the due process, He added: “What PDP members demand is to be allowed to conduct free and fair congresses to usher in a new leadership. This is where we need the assistance of the national leadership of our great party. Our members are known to accept defeat, once the process is credible. What has been causing disaffection in the Anambra PDP were attempts to foist unpopular persons as leaders. My belief is that, if we get it right this time, no political

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party will stop us in Anambra State. Our immediate move will be to go for the membership drive in all the 326 wards in the state and ensure that all the aggrieved members of the party are reconciled.

“There have been speculations as to what will be our fate in this party. While we admit that the PDP remains ours, we want to use this opportunity to send signals to those who run the party that, if they do not get their acts together, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over this state.”

But, Metuh’s supporters have insisted that the congresses were transparent, adding that they were conducted by a neutral panel mandated to do so by the national leadership.

The lingering crisis may take its toll on the

troubled chapter. The cracks are widening on daily basis. Party sources disclosed that the APC has been wooing Nwoye and his supporters to defect from the PDP, but the group is still resisting the pressure. According to them, a great blow would have been done to the party structure, if the camp succumb to the pressure.

Many party leaders have acknowledged Nwoye as a big factor, judging by the way he emerged as the governorship candidate. His supporters are grassroots politicians, who have remained steadfast and committed to the party, even in the face of the protracted crisis in the party. Many members believe that, if the group defects, the chapter may be decimated.

Nwoye said his group will nurture the parallel executive committee, adding that it will command influence. He said with the inauguration of the committee, the officials will be mobilised to carry out the activities of the party at the grassroots. He described the members of the parallel committee as loyal and committed chieftains, who have suffered for the PDP since its inception. He urged the national leadership to visit Anambra for the purpose of organising credible congresses.

Nwoye said: “The era of some PDP chieftains conniving with the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in this state to undermine the PDP’s electoral fortunes is over. The acting national chairman of our great party, Uche Secondus, has assured us that ours is the authentic PDP and we are, therefore, waiting for the national leadership to organize credible congress for us in this state.”

The factional chairman, Ezenwa, is a man of few words. Lamenting the crisis, he said it is a product of injustice. He promised to live up to expectation, adding that the team will swing into action and uphold the honour and reputation of the Anambra PDP as a promising chapter.

He added: “The new executive is prepared to work. Our assignment sbeen made easy with the caliber of the new officials. There is so much work to do and we should start immediately.”

There are puzzles: which faction will the national leadership recognise? Will the factional chairman operate from the party secretariat? Is reconciliation still possible? Will the national leadership intervene and conduct a fresh congress? Time will tell.

THE NATION MONDAY AUGUST 17, 2015

46

It is better to understand fully what’s on ground before ‘constituting the cabinet, than coming in with wrong people ’

POLITICS Abayomi Sheba is a former member of the House of Representatives. He is the Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the Federal Character Commission. In this interview with reporters, he speaks on the appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari and the decision to probe the administration of his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI was there.

‘Buhari’s resolve to probe Jonathan’s administration in order’ A

S a member of the Federal Character Commission, what is your reaction to appointments made so far by President Muhammadu Buhari?

So far, the President has acted well as an experienced administrator by going for the best hands. The appointments of Service Chiefs were based purely on merit. It was devoid of political considerations and ethnic or primordial cleavages. He has not acted contrary to the laws of the land because, less than five per cent of the available appointments have been filled. Even as it is, there is no geopolitical zone that is not represented.

By the time all the appointments are made, I believe every state will be represented.

Has he breached any provision of the law on appointments?

Not yet because appointments into all the available vacancies in the present administration have not been concluded. Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) states that “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.” This section was amplified by the provisions in Part 1 (C) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and made justiceable by the Federal Character

Commission (Establishment, etc.) Act Cap F7 LFN 2004. Key appointments such as that of the the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Chief of Staff, Ministers, Executive Directors and Board members are yet to be appointed. Consequently it will preposterous to draw any conclusion now.

How can the fear of the people be allayed that the President has not shown bias in his appointments?

The fears of our people can only be allayed by the President through strict adherence to the letters of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and all the extant rules and laws that governs appointment to public office in Nigeria. As I said earlier, the President is not a novice, he knows the law and I am sure he will apply it as it is and not as it ought to be.

How can the crisis rocking the National Assembly be amicably resolved?

My appeal to the principal actors and all the dramatis personae in the National Assembly imbroglio is for them to toe the path of constitutionality and respect the supremacy of the Political Parties that sponsored them.

There is no provision yet in our constitution for independent candidacy.

Hence the parties must be respected as it’s the norm in advanced democracy. Take for instance in South Af-

rica, Thabo Mbeki was asked to step down as President by his party, the ANC, and he complied. Parties should be strengthened so that they can maintain discipline.

The time to work hard is now. They must forget all their bickering and move on with the job they are elected to do. To whom much is given, much is expected. There is so much work to be done. We need laws to tackle corruption, insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, etc. The electorates are tired of the infighting in the House. They should get back to the business they are elected to do and that is legislating for good governance and the well being of Nigeria.

What is your reaction to the constituting the federal cabinet delay more than two months after assuming office?

The President has not breached any law in this regard. I am sure he is taking his time to have a full grasp of what is on ground before assigning roles to people. When President Obama was first elected, it took him almost seven months before appointing his cabinet. Ditto the late President Umaru Yar Adua in 2007 appointed his ministers almost three months after inauguration. It is better to understand fully what’s on ground before constituting the cabinet, than coming in with wrong peo-

States must also diversify their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mechanism, so that they will not always go cap in hand to the federal government

ple. In any case, the President has promised to do this in September. So, let’s wait for him. Nigeria this time around deserves the best.

The President has declared his intention to probe the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. What is your view on this?

If we must reckon with what we are reading about the last administration on the social media, I think the era must be probed. How would ministers be stealing over one million barrels of crude oil per day? If it’s true, it’s scandalous and cruel. The probe should however be targeted at recovery of our stolen wealth and patrimony. Culprits should be punished according to the laws of the land to serve as deterrent to others.

Are you in favour of slashing salaries and allowances of lawmakers, which have been described as outrageous?

On salaries of National Assembly members, sincerely speaking nothing is wrong or outrageous with the salaries as proposed by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC). The problem is the bogus allowances injected into the budget when preparing the budget. This must be discouraged by this administration. Nigeria must rise again, because change has come.

What is the best way for President Buhari to checkmate corruption?

We must be able to identify the loopholes and leakages in the system and plug them. While I urge the President to reward hardwork, industry and good behavior, sanctions must be meted out for any act of impunity

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By Musa Odoshimokhe

“Today, the only group in the north that can speak against the sect are holders of public offices, who have security men surrounding them. It is hugely important for us to identify Islamic scholars with the intellectual depth and mass followers to change the Boko Haram narrative so that we can save young souls from listening to the sect.”

The governor explained that the scholars must be provided with the support.

Shettima added: “They must be with maximum security not only them, but their families as much as public office holders are adequately protected.

These scholars will be performing very important national security assignments that are as important as those of any public office holder, no matter how highly placed.”

The governor blamed the trend on the democratic institutions, for failing to address the problem at the early stage.

He also blamed leaders and himself for not rising up to the occasion and the journalists for unknowingly helping insurgents.

The governor said: “We all have roles to play in addressing the insurgency because we all contributed in the making whether by indifference; by directly fueling it; by failing to address it or by standing

in the ways of those who make efforts to address the problems. No active group is free from blame, from those of us who are political actors to even journalists. Shettima said, in exercising its freedom of expression and sharing of information, the media has had running battles with those in the position of authority; especially security agencies. He said security agencies devise strategies aimed at fighting insurgents, but these strategies end up being disclosed by the media.

He added: “In some cases, deployments made to haunt insurgents get reported, thus giving insurgents clues about number of boots coming after them, sometimes including telling the world the routes being taken by troops. Insurgents in turn prepare to ambush troops. Apart from these instances, certain avoidable reports give undue superiority to Boko Haram, which boost their confidence. In fact, disorganized commanders of boko haram rely on the media to reach their fighters. I remember with serious concerns, how a particular media house reported in April, 2015, that leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau was calling on his followers to continue fighting and not to relent in their struggles. A national and otherwise respected media house reported this. I also re-

Abatemi-Usman obtains Kogi APC form

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Shettima urges Islamic scholars to fight insurgency ORNO State Governor Kashim Shetitima has urged leading scholars with mass appeal, to discourage young men from being recruited into Boko Haram.

The governor said the scholars should fight the ideology through preaching, noting that their silence on the matter would not help the situation.

Shettima made the observation when he delivered a paper titled: “Democracy and Security in Northeast, Nigeria -a case study of Borno” at a fellowship and award dinner organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The event took place at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja.

He said: “Changing the ideology of the Boko Haram will require intellectual roles by leading Islamic scholars with mass appeal. It is most disturbing to note that today in northern Nigeria, there is no single Islamic scholar that preaches against the Boko Haram ideology and the reason is because everyone is afraid.

“Leading scholars like Sheikh Jaafar Mahmud Adam and Sheikh Albani Zaria who vehemently preached against the ideology have been killed.

In Maiduguri, scholars like Sheikh Ibrahim Gomari, Malam Bashir Gomari and over 30 different scholars who were opposed to the Boko Haram ideology have all been killed.

•Sheba and any anti-social acts. We must also strengthen all the anti corruption agencies in the land, and review outdated anti-corruption laws.

The recent bail-out to states by the Federal Government has been attracting mixed reactions. What is your view on it?

It’s a right step in the right direction. I give kudos to Mr. President.

Even Greece was given a lifeline recently by the European Union (EU).

So, nothing is wrong with that. But, it’s important that states must make judicious use of the money and it must not be diverted. It must be used for the purpose for which it was granted. States must also diversify their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mechanism, so that they will not always go cap in hand to the federal government.

•Shettima member how another media house reported someone calling himself a soldier, alleging that Nigerian troops were behind Boko Haram attacks and I was wondering how unreasonable it was for someone to declare that his only eyes with which he sees are rotten, when the alternative to those eyes, is simply blindness.

“What do we do if we are made to believe that those who are our only hope are those killing us? That would be a hopeless situation. These instances however, are not to say that the media hasn’t helped in the fight against Boko Haram. “The media has done far more positive things than posing some challenges. Journalists even sacrificed their lives in an attempt to expose activities of insurgents. The media remains a hero in the fight against insurgency.”

OGI State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman has picked the nomination form, ahead of the primary election scheduled for August 29.

Speaking after obtaining his form at the APC secretariat, Abuja, Abatemi-Usman said he joined the race to salvage the state from backwardness.

He said: “We have been so unfortunate in Kogi State since it was created on August 27, 1991.

We have never been lucky to have good leaders in the helms of affairs. And so, we have been in a complete state of backwardness and retardation in terms of infrastructural and economic development. Those who had been privileged to be at the corridors of power in the state lacked the vision and foresight of how to bring about the overall advancement of our dear Kogi State.

“This is why I am coming out on the platform of our great party, APC to take over Kogi from the hands of this incompetent set of people who have left us in this sorry state of outright underdevelopment where Kogites cannot be proud of their own state. We cannot continue like this. The time for change in Kogi State has come,” AbatemiUsman maintained. The 44-yearold governorship aspirant expressed confidence that he would win the primary poll and become the candidate of APC for the guber election holding on November 21, 2015.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

NATION SPORT

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EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN...

Barcelona ’capable of anything’

•The Blaugrana's players, including defender Gerard Pique (left), went through some drills on Sunday

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UIS Enrique believes Barcelona can turn their Supercopa tie with Atlhetic Bilbao on its head at the Nou Camp after being demolished 4-0 in the first leg.

The Spanish champions were humiliated by Mikel San Jose’s sensational 50-yard strike and a second half hat-trick by striker Aritz Aduriz at San Mames on Friday.

But the Catalans’ manager believes Barca have the firepower to score at least five unanswered goals in their quest for a sixth trophy of 2015.

“We know it is a challenge, but I think we have a team who can do this,” Enrique said ahead of

today's decider - live on Sky Sports 4.

“If we do things well we have every possibility. If we get things right, I am sure we can turn things around.

“If you look at the statistics, last year there were 18 matches where we scored four or more goals.

“Sometimes the other team scored, but it shows that we are capable of doing that. Everyone knows Barcelona is capable of anything."

No team has ever overturned a four-goal deficit to win the Supercopa and Barca could again be without Brazilian for-

ward Neymar, who missed the first leg through illness with mumps.

But Enrique remains upbeat last season’s Champions League winners can tie up the Supercopa before heading to Japan for the Club World Cup in December.

“I think that my players are

confident,” Enrique added.

“But we also know we will have to play very, very well and get every aspect of our game right.”

Barcelona have leaked eight goals in their opening two official games of the season and will need a drastic improvement in defence if they are to have any

chance of denying Athletic Bilbao the Spanish Super Cup. Emery: Plenty of work to do Unai Emery has admitted that “there’s plenty of work still to be done” following Sevilla’s 6-4 friendly defeat to Roma on Friday.

The Andalucians have now conceded 11 goals in their last two games, despite finding

themselves 4-1 and 6-0 down in either, and the Coach made no bones about the importance of his side improving in time for next week’s La Liga kick-off.

“Despite the circumstances, such as injuries, we must show greater strength,” he said after the game.

“Those who have joined the club must continue to adapt.

Wolfsburg see off Frankfurt, Cologne sink Stuttgart

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AST season's German Bundesliga runners-up Wolfsburg opened their new league campaign with a 21 win over Eintracht Frankfurt

on yesterday as all three goals came in the opening 20 minutes.

Dieter Hecking's side, who finished ten points behind cham-

pions Bayern Munich last season, flew out of the blocks at the Volkswagen Arena with Croatia winger Ivan Perisic and Dutch striker Bas Dost putting them 2-0 up. Wolves were rewarded for some patient buildup play as new striker Max Kruse fired in a brilliant cross which Perisic headed home at the far post on 13 minutes.

They doubled their lead four minutes later after calamitous Frankfurt defending in the area as Kruse poked the ball across the face of goal and Dost buried his shot from close range.

Frankfurt fought back with defensive midfielder Stefan Reinartz taking advantage of

some sloppy Wolfsburg defending to pull a goal back for the visitors on 19 minutes.

It proved to be the end of the scoring, although both sides had second-half chances as Perisic in particular went close.

Later, Cologne beat hosts Stuttgart 3-1 as Anthony Modeste converted a secondhalf penalty and Simon Zoller doubled the visitors' lead two minutes later before Stuttgart's Daniel Didavi netted a late spot-kick. Japan striker Yuya Osako came off the bench to claim Cologne's third goal just before the final whistle by tapping home Modeste's pass.

River Place ace Kranevitter confirms Atletico talks

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•Cologne celebrate one of their goals against Stuttgart

IVER Plate ace Matias Kranevitter has confirmed that Atletico Madrid is in talks with his current employers about taking him to Spain.

The defensive midfielder played a key role in the Argentine outfit's 2015 Copa Libertadores triumph, but is now desperate to link up with Diego Simeone at the Vicente Calderon.

"I know that River are talking to Atletico to come to an agreement so that I can move in the best way possible to Spanish football," Kranevitter is quoted as saying by AS. "I’m waiting patiently, but

I’m sure everything will work well for everybody.

"I’ve won a lot of things with River and it will be a big step to play for a club like Atleti.

"It will be a beautiful move for my career. 'El Cholo' Simeone is a winning coach and any player would like to play under him."

Atletico Madrid had initially tried to sign Thiago Motta from Paris Saint Germain in order to strenghten their midfield this summer but the Ligue 1 champions refused to let the Italy international leave the Parc des Princes.

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THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

NATION SPORT

Fournier pleased with resilient Lyon H

UBERT Fournier praised Lyon's battling display as they earned a late victory over Guingamp in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

After their opening-round draw with Lorient, title contenders Lyon looked like going a second game without a goal until Claudio Beauvue grabbed his first for the club.

Lyon were far from their flowing best at Stade du Roudourou despite having Alexandre Lacazette and Mathieu Valbuena in the starting line-up, having to withstand plenty of pressure from Guingamp before Beauvue's 79th-minute winner.

"We were up against opponents who caused us problems with their direct style," said Fournier.

"We didn't create much

ourselves but defensively we were strong, and we were pleased to get our centreback pairing (Milan Bisevac and Samuel Umtiti) together again."

Beauvue refused to celebrate against the club he scored 17 goals for last season.

The 27-year-old added: "Guingamp for me is family – my supporters, my club, even if I am now a Lyon player.

"The goal will stick in my memory, but it is a strange feeling. I am sad for my old fans and teammates, and delighted to score for my new club.

"Out of respect for everyone at the Roudourou who supported me in the good and bad times, I didn't celebrate."

Emery: Plenty of work to do U

•Fournier (left) celebrate with his team-mate after earned a late victory over Guingamp.

Monk hopeful over Ki fitness

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ARRY Monk hopes to have Ki Sung-yueng available for the trip to Sunderland after the midfielder missed Saturday's Premier League victory over Newcastle United.

The South Korea international suffered a hamstring injury late in the first half of Swansea's opening-day draw with Chelsea and was absent for the 2-0 win over Steve McClaren's side at the Liberty Stadium.

Ki's solid performances in midfield last season helped Swansea achieve their highest Premier League finish and Monk says the 26-year-old could feature against the club he enjoyed a loan spell with during the 2013-14 campaign.

"It wasn't really [right] to take the risk with him [against

Newcastle]," Monk explained.

"Of course he's pushing to play, but I think we'll give him that little bit more time. He'll be back in training next week ready for the Sunderland game."

One man who will definitely feature at the Stadium of Light next weekend is Bafetimbi Gomis, the striker having netted his second of the season on Saturday.

Monk added: "I knew he would score goals. It's only two games but he's contributing well, as the whole team are.

"I think it was a great buildup for that goal. I thought it was an excellent goal and that's a team goal right there.

"Bafe finished it excellent and gave us the lead that we deserved and then I thought we dominated for the whole game, which was pleasing."

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could have seen a different result.

He said: "I said to Lee Mason 'Listen. That tackle before halftime is not a sending off at that point, but that's his last chance, you know that'.

"He then makes the foul and he's [should be] off at that point.

Arsene Wenger knew that and substituted him straight away.

"It's a decision Lee Mason needs to be braver on."

Wenger disagreed with his counterpart, though, and felt he was left with no choice but to withdraw the midfielder.

The Frenchman added: "I felt it he was not fortunate. I would like to see that again, but in the end the pressure created by the crowd meant I took him off.

•Emery

Fans react on Twitter to Ayew's performance against Newcastle

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Pardew: Coquelin should have seen red LAN Pardew criticised referee Lee Mason for not sending off Francis Coquelin for what the Crystal Palace manager perceived to be persistent fouling in Arsenal's 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Coquelin was booked late in the first half of Sunday's Premier League clash and was perhaps fortunate not to get another yellow before the break, Mason giving the midfielder the benefit of the doubt following a foul on Wilfried Zaha.

Another challenge after the restart also brought a warning from the official and led to Arsene Wenger withdrawing the 24-year-old as a precaution.

Pardew was incensed by Mason's decision not to issue a second booking, a decision that

NAI Emery has admitted that “there’s plenty of work still to be done” following Sevilla’s 6-4 friendly defeat to Roma on Friday.

The Andalucians have now conceded 11 goals in their last two games, despite finding themselves 4-1 and 6-0 down in either, and the Coach made no bones about the importance of his side improving in time for next week’s La Liga kick-off.

“Despite the circumstances, such as injuries, we must show greater strength,” he said after the game.

“Those who have joined the club must continue to adapt.

There’s plenty of work still to be done and we have as much work ahead of us.

“Playing a game like this has allowed us to draw many conclusions. Now, I need to find our best XI.

•Ki Sung

WANSEA City pulled off a wonderful piece of business when they signed Andre Ayew on a free transfer earlier this summer, and now everyone is starting to realise just how smart that move was.

The 25-year-old scored on his Premier League debut in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend and he has now doubled his tally, scoring the second goal in a 2-0 win against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Already the Ghana forward looks like being one of the bargains of the summer and at this rate Swansea could be a joy to watch for fans and neutrals alike – and be set for a brilliant campaign under manager Garry Monk.

Ayew’s goal threat was clear from his time at former club Marseille – where he scored 60 goals in 207 games – but few would have expected him to start life at Swansea in such fantastic fashion.

After the match we took to Twitter to see what Swansea fans thought of Ayew’s latest performance and you can read a selection of what we found

below: Fantastic win for Swansea City, what a signing Ayew is proving to be, Montero is pure class,I think we are in for a brilliant season #Swans — Daniel Thomas (@DanielPlaid) August 15, 2015.

Brilliant performance by the Swans! Montero is a beast and Ayew has slotted in perfectly, it's like he's always been here. #twitterjacks — Jonny (@jrodjonny) August 15, 2015 Montero is a great player however Ayew is special #SWANS — Evs (@neathjack99) August 15, 2015 #Swans today Ash solid started everything jonjo in control in middle Ayew and Jeff different class in attack great finish from Bafe — S Williams (@sw37ans) August 15, 2015 Great win. Gomis and Ayew are on fire. Shelvey put a shift in too. Glad we didn't sign Mitrovic. He crazy — Geraint Nicholas (@valleyboy999) August 15, 2015

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CITYBEATS Lagos approves 112 emergency lines for gender-based violence

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HE Lagos State government has ap-

proved the use of 112 toll free emergency line to report cases of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect maltreatment and other sexual assaults with an assurance that information provided will be passed across while the concerned agencies will be notified immediately.

According to the government, the decision is in line with its quest to ensure that victims of Sexual and Gender Based Vio-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

lence have a voice and concerned members of the public who wish to report acts of violence are able to do so with utmost confidentiality.

Meanwhile, the State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has concluded training for 190 officials of the State Emergency Command And Control Centre on how to receive reports of Sexual and Gender Based Violence incidents.

DSVRT Coordinator Mrs

Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi told journalists yesterday that the officials were trained on how to receive reports of Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

She said aside the dissemination of the information to the appropriate agencies for action, callers would be informed of relevant steps to be taken, depending on the nature of the call.

“They would also be given details, addresses and telephone numbers of the relevant agencies that would handle their issues; for cases of rape or defile-

ment, they can report such to the Mirabel Centre or the Office of the Public Defender (OPD),” VivourAdeniyi said.

She said necessary steps have been put in place to help victims of domestic violence get help and counselling as well as free legal services from the OPD. “The essence of this initiative is to encourage victims and members of the public to make use of the 112 toll free emergency lines to ensure access to justice irrespective of class and means,” she said.

Man in court for alleged stealing

By Esther Unachukwu

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20-YEAR-OLD man, Friday Thomas, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s court in Isolo for alleged stealing.

Thomas was accused of stealing goods worth N555,920 from one Boniface Okolie at Nwachukwu Street, Okota, Lagos.

The prosecuting police officer, Abbass Abayomi said the accused is facing a one count charge of stealing.

He said the offence is punishable under Sections 285 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Adeola Adebayo granted the accused N100, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

She adjourned the case till September 11.

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•An Air Force officer harassing a teenager inside Oshodi market despite protest by onlookers.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

Community pledges to fight crime

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HE Ogunbiyi Community Development Association, owners of Computer Village, Ikeja has pledged to fight crime in the electronic business community.

Its chairman Niyi Olasoji made the pledge when the group visited the new Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni.

Olasoji said the association would embark on projects that would promote peaceful coexistence, noting that business can only thrive when the environment is conducive.

He said the members would ensure that government rules and regulation on business operations are strictly observed.

“We have resolved to support the Lagos State Government in ensuring the security of the environment. We have ensured the electrification of the streets in the village and empowerment of the youth within the community. We are equally going to fight noise pollution and ensure the closure of markets at the appropriate time in compliance with government directives,” he said.

Husband seeks dissolution of 11-year-old marriage

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47-YEAR-OLD businessman, Valentine Emetosin, has sought the dissolution of his 11-year-old marriage to his wife, Clementina, before an Agege Customary Court in Lagos, over lack of care for their children.

The petitioner, who lives at Oba Falabi Street, Ojodu Berger, a Lagos suburb, said his wife’s attitude changed few months after their wedding.

“I married her four months after I met her in an eatery during a trip to Onitsha. I would say I never really enjoyed the moments we spent together as a couple,” he said.

The petitioner also said they treated each other like strangers in the house and that she saw his relations as her enemies.

He said: “Whenever my wife looks at me, I am always scared because I don’t know what she is ready to say or her intentions. She looks at me with disgust. Few years after our marriage, when I couldn’t tolerate her, I travelled to her home town on several occasions to report to her family.

“In 2008, she left with our children on the pretext

By Basirat Braimah

of going to her shop. I searched every nook and cranny but I couldn’t find her even her siblings were not aware of her whereabouts. It was when she couldn’t cater for them anymore, she returned them to me.”

Emetosin said he took her back to her family seven years ago to nullify the union, saying he was shocked when she showed up four months ago that she had come to stay.

“I don’t want her anymore. I have another woman and my children attend one of the best schools. She is homeless and has nothing. Please if she wants to see our children, she is free to come to court. I don’t want her close to my house because my current wife is scared,” he said.

The marriage produced two children between the ages three and 10.

The court’s President, Pa Adekunle Williams, said since the petitioner presented evidence, the case will continue with or without the respondent.

He adjourned the matter till August 24 for judgment.

Ambode, Jakande to students: future in your hands

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the state’s first Executive Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande have challenged secondary school leavers to aim for the best in their academic pursuit.

The duo enjoined them to stay focused and not be distracted.

They spoke during the presentation of 250 Free GCE forms to indigent students of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area at the council secretariat, Ilupeju, Lagos.

Jakande expressed happiness that the free education introduced during his regime is gaining more acceptability.

“We never believe that the policy (free education) could go far but we that God that what we started then is being embrace by the populace,” he said.

He hailed the council’s Executive Secretary Rasaq Ajala for investing in the youths.

Ambode who was represented by Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Mrs Olabisi Ariyo said the exercise was borne out of the realisation of the importance of education in the development of

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

the people.

“Since education has been identified as the greatest weapon against poverty, we must do everything within our means to ensure that no child is denied access to education on the basis of his or her socio-economic background,” he said.

The governor assured Lagosians of his administration’s commitment to providing qualitative education at all levels.

“It is therefore necessary to appeal to parents to secure the future of their children and themselves by not engaging them in street trading during school hours. This is against the provisions of the Child Rights Law of Lagos State.

“To the beneficiaries of these Free GCE forms, I enjoin you all to show appreciation by performing well in your examinations through hard work. This is the only way you can make the council and your parents proud,” he said.

Ajala said the gesture was an evidence that the council is progressing.

He said: “We are very much conversant with the maxim

•Alhaji Jakande (right) assisted by Ajala and Mrs Ariyo to present a form to one of the beneficiaries

that education is the best legacy you can bequeath to a soul but the factors militating against it left much to be desired. One major hindrance why many of our youths have unfulfilled dream is because of their inability to meet up with the financial demands of their academic. In this wise, we decided to assist these youths to realise their potentials. We believed so much in

the power of knowledge. Education liberates the mind, inspires confidence and gives the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the society.”

He said the council went through a painstaking process before embarking on the gesture, appealing to the beneficiaries to see it as a golden opportunity to pursue their life time dream.

“My esteemed students, you

must take your academics serious so that you can use it as a tool to free yourself from the shackles of poverty, ignorance, disease and all sorts of vicious vices. You must also inculcate excellent moral such that your immediate community can vouch for you. Do not be swayed by unproductive activities that neither add value nor bring progress to you.

The future is yours; therefore

I implore you to make maximum use of any worthy opportunity that comes your way. You must see yourself as good ambassadors of this council. We want that stereotyped mindset to change. We want Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye to be projected positively in the committee of Local Councils through your academic achievement and impeccable character,” he said.

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CITYBEATS

Make housing affordable, NASFAT urges Ambode

‘Include traditional religion in curriculum’

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HE Women wing of the Nasrul-lahi-lFatih Society (NASFAT) has urged the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to provide affordable housing for Lagosians.

According to NASFAT, the homes sold by Ambode’s predecessor were out of the reach of the poor.

Speaking during a visit to The Nation as part of its activities for the 16th Women’s Week, NASFAT National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Samiat Mumuni, said housing should be made affordable for low income earners.

“How many civil servants can afford buying a home as much as N13 million? Housing scheme should not be for first class or middle class

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•Alhaja Mumuni (fourth left) assisted by Alhaja Kudirat Sadiq (sixth left) to present souvenir to The Nation Managing Editor Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and Assitant Editor Adekunle Yusuf. With them are (from left) NASFAT National Women Affairs Committee members Alhaja Adeola Aralepo; Alhaja Monsurat Aladejana; Alhaja Fatimah Animashaun; Alhaja Risikat Quadiri and Alhaja Tawa Adebajo.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq, Idayat Bello and Esther Unachukwu

alone, the lower cadre should be the utmost beneficiaries like what we had during the Lateef Jakande era,” she said.

Alhaja Mumuni hailed Ambode’s alignment project in the ministries, urging him to encourage staff with better welfare.

For the ministries to thrive, she said, Ambode should ensure all leakages in the civil service are blocked.

She lamented the high rate of unemployment, calling President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently address the issue.

She said: “The federal government should provide enabling environment for existing companies to gener-

Trader stabs woman for ‘dating’ husband

22-YEAR-OLD trader, Kuburat Sanni, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stabbing a woman accused of dating her husband.

Mrs Sanni, who lives at Akindia Street, Agege, Lagos, is being tried for breach of peace, assault and conspiracy.

Prosecuting officer Kehinde Olatunde, said that the accused and others still at large allegedly committed the offences on July 9 at her

residence.

He said the accused and the others assaulted one Miss Mariam Bala, 20, by stabbing her with “a broken bottle, scissors and knife.”

Olatunde said Mrs Sanni accused the complainant of having an affair with her husband and that she had had series of abortions for him.

Olatunde said: “The complainant was sent by her mother to deliver a message to her elder sister who lives in the same house with the accused. When she got there,

the accused, who claimed that the complainant was having an affair with her husband locked her in a room and called some hoodlums.

They tore Miss Bala’s clothes and stabbed her with knives, bottles and scissors all over her body.”

According to the prosecutor, the Miss Bala fainted due to the profuse loss of blood.

“If not for the quick intervention of neighbours who rushed her to the hospital, the complainant would have been dead,” Olatunde said.

He said in the process of assaulting the complainant, her phone, valued at N20,000 and N30,000 cash which was to be deliver to her sister was stolen from her.

The offence, Olatunde said contravened Sections 166, 171 and 410 of the Criminal Laws.

The accused pleaded innocence and was granted N50, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

Magistrate Aka Bashorun adjourned the case till September 1.

•Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Executive Secretary Dawood Adeola Olajobi with some of the beneficiaries of free GCE form during presentation to indigent students of the council at the secretariat, Oshodi, Lagos

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Woman seeks divorce for 18-year-old marriage

39-year-old woman, Bilikisu Adeniran, has prayed the Lagos Island Customary Court in Lagos, to dissolve her 18-yearold marriage to her husband, Musa, for constantly beating her over trivial issues.

The petitioner said since they have been living as a couple, she never earned her husband’s respect.

“My husband is very violent and not responsive to our children’s needs. It was when we got married, I learnt his previous wife left him because of his bad character. He

By Basirat Braimah

returns home late nights and I am tired of complaining. He beats me with koboko whenever he wakes me from sleep,”she said.

She also said her husband once poured her pot of soup in the toilet because he was against her being a food vendor and that when he eventually got her a job in a filling station, he stopped her from working because they increased the working hours.

She said: “We fight always.

There was even a time he vis-

ited a place where they requested for my cloth and my mother’s name in a bid to stop the regular conflict between us. As I speak, I will say things became worse.

“My husband once got me arrested when we had misunderstanding. It was when the policemen knew I was his wife I was freed. When he tried to lock me up the second time, I left his house.”

She accused her husband of being fetishistic adding that he has a wardrobe full of charm.

“I really want an end to this

union because I am suffering,” she added.

Mr Adeniran, 47, in his response said most of the things his wife said were not true, saying he has always been responsible for their children’s school fees.

The union produced four children between ages six and 17.

The court’s President, Chief Awos Awosola, because of the respondent’s unruly attitude in court, gave him a threehour community service and adjourned the matter till today.

ate more employment. The idea of companies relocating to neighbouring countries should be discouraged. Mr President should formulate policy that brings in more investors and not the one that will drive investors away."

RADITIONAL rulers in Lagos state have appealed to the state government to allow the teaching of African traditional religion known as Ifa in the public school.

Association of African Traditional Religion SecretaryGeneral, Chief Awodiran Agboola said: “It is important we catch them young, it is very unfortunate that our children when they go to public schools, they get converted to either Christianity or Islam, so we are trying to make bring to government’s attention.”

He said traditional religion should not be over look in the society, considering that it contribute to the progress and development of the state.

“This will help create awareness that will exist and also prepare us for the August 20 African traditional festival, this seminar is just to educate our people that traditional religion is not fetish and barbaric we are also righteous people,” he said.

Lagos State Council of Arts Culture Director Mrs Saidat Otulana, said the event will give the public opportunity to know the importance of culture and tradition.

Group urges Buhari to sign safety bill into law

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EALTH, Safety and Environment (HSE) practitioners have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign National Safety Bill into law.

This, the group said, will aid enforcement of safety regulations in the country.

The bill, which has since been passed by the seventh National Assembly, is rumoured to have been signed by into law but safety practitioners said the bill had remained on the president’s table for consent before the last general elections.

The Director General of the Lagos State Safety Board, Mrs Dominga Odebunmi, said the speculation about the signing of the bill was fuelled by unconfirmed statement by officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

She said it could not be confirmed if the bill had become a law, since there had been no signed copy made available to the Lagos State government, which established the first safety body in the country. She added that safety practitioners also had no information about the status of the bill.

She said: “We are proud that the Federal Government pushed the National Assembly to pass the National Safety Bill before the last general elections. But, we are pleading with President Muhammadu Buhari to sign bill into law. Given that the president is a man that puts his pen where his word is, we are optimistic that, before the end of the year, he would sign the bill into law.”

If President Buhari signs the bill into law, Odebunmi said, it would empower federal and state emergency response agencies to enforce regulations that would promote best international safety practices.

•Mrs Odebunmi

‘Given that the president is a man that puts his pen where his word is, we are optimistic that, before the end of the year, he would sign the bill into law’

By Wale Ajetunmobi

She added the bill would play key role in preventing recurring industrial accidents, such of gas explosion and keep dangers away from work places.

The Executive Director, Safety Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (SAEF), Mr Jamiu Badmos, said economic growth of the nation is tied to the passage of the bill, noting that a safety law is needed to prevent needless loss of lives and properties.

He said the Factory Act of 1990 could no longer guarantee safety and wellbeing of workers at their places of work, adding that there would be more job creation through establishment of State Safety Council if President Buhari signs the National Safety Bill.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

53

CITYBEATS How Lagos monarch, Elegbeda died, by wife

By Robert Egbe

•Funeral holds on Friday

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NE of the wives of the late Lagos monarch, Elegbeda of Egbeda Kingdom, Olori Dele Balogun, yesterday relieved the last moments of the late Oba Samson Alade Balogun.

Oba Balogun, who is due to travel to United Kingdom died in the early hours of Friday, August 14.

He was 80.

According to Olori Dele, the late monarch just paid for the ticket and scheduled to travel on September 10.

She said: “The sickness started on Monday morning.

Normally, I do bathe him after listening to news on radio station. That Monday morning, he said I should come and bathe him; I told him that the programme was still on but he insisted that he feel like having his bath immediately. When he was about to stand up, he said he was unable to lift his legs and when he tried lifting the legs, he fell down and was immediately attended to by his private doctor and another physician from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Tests were run on him and the result came out on Tuesday evening.

“On Thursday, I got really scared with the way he was

•The late Oba Balogun

breathing. He was later taken to the hospital so as to avoid emergency at midnight. He gave up the ghost exactly 9am on Friday. But before he gave up the ghost, he couldn’t talk. I tried to clean his mouth with cotton wool because he can’t open the mouth well and he bites my fingers. I became suspicious.

I called him three times, he answered. As I and his personal Assistant (PA) tried to lay him down, he looked at us and gave up.”

The late monarch’s wife told The Nation that as at Tuesday, his voice was not audible, but continue to praise God, saying: “Thank

•One of the monarch’s children, Bisola Balogun

•Olori Balogun...yesterday

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

‘I never gave it a second thought that he was going to die because that has been his usual habit’ you Jesus” repeatedly.

“I never gave it a second thought that he was going to die because that has been his usual habit,” she said.

The late monarch’s PA,

Femi Ajolopo told The Nation that Oba Balogun fought to be alive.

“It is difficult for me, I don’t know how to explain it, he tried his best, he fought, he did not want to go, and was telling us he did not want to die, but as God would have it, we were supposed to travel to UK together, we were even planning to move when he was ill and his sickness started all of a sudden on Monday, it was indeed shocking, I can’t still believe he is gone, it is very difficult for me to bear, and not easy,” he said.

Ajolopo described the monarch’s last moment as

Police arrest ‘robbery kingpin’

A

N alleged armed robbery kingpin, Bolaji Oyekanmi has been arrested by officers of the Lagos State Police Command.

Foreign currencies were recovered from his hideout.

Police detectives attached to Ilupeju Police Station led

by Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), swooped on the kingpin whose gang specialises

By Precious Igbonwelundu

in attacking bullion vans.

It was learnt that the kingpin was nabbed after his gang successfully robbed a bullion van conveying cash.

According to a police source, $118,000 and £50,000 totalling N177, 246, 000 were allegedly recovered from a native doctor’s residence at Mushin, which

served as the gang’s hideout.

The foreign currencies which were said to have belonged to the Bankers Warehouse had been returned to the owners.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni said the suspect is under interrogation.

Albino commits suicide over ‘discrimination’

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23-YEAR-OLD albino Ugochukwu Ekwe yesterday committed suicide in Festac area of Lagos for allegedly being discriminated against by people.

The incident occurred at 311 Road, B Close, after the deceased’s parents have gone to church.

It was alleged that the deceased had attempted suicide last month, after complaining of the discrimination he suffered from people as a result of his pigmentation.

He was said to have been rescued by a friend who arrived early enough, but he succeeded yesterday after refusing to follow his parents to church.

A source in the neighbour-

Man arraigned for cables ‘theft’

By Precious Igbonwelundu

hood told The Nation that his parents discovered his body hanging on the ceiling fan when they returned from church.

He said: “On arrival from church, his parents were shocked to discover the body of their son hanging on the ceiling fan in one of the apartments. One of his siblings was said to have raised alarm which attracted curious neighbours.

“I was returning from church when I saw people gathered in front of the block of flats. When I enquired, I was told that Ugochukwu had committed suicide.

“He finished his secondary

school in 2009. I also learned he had threatened to take his life, saying he was frustrated.

“Later, we saw some policemen from Festac division who removed the body.”

When contacted, spokesperson for the police command, DSP Patricia Amadin said she was yet to get details from the Area ‘E’ Commander, Frank Mba.

painful.

“He was giving us hope that he won’t die, but until the last minute, he gave up.

Olori Dele was trying to clean his mouth, she felt he bit her, so she shouted his name three times and Kabiyesi answered her, then she told me to take him back to his bed, before I knew it, he was gone. He looked at the two of us and that was it.

It was very painful and difficult for me to bear,” he added.

Meanwhile, the funeral has been fixed for Thursday and Friday at the palace in Egbeda, Lagos.

Council lifts elderly

A

PAPA-Iganmu Local Council Development Area has donated cash and gifts to the aged and elderly citizens in the area.

The beneficiaries also underwent free medical screening.

The council’s Executive Secretary, Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Akande-Muhammed, promised to continue the exercise.

She said: “It will be sustained and whatever is given now is just a token of our love for you and the desire to cater for your welfare.

“The scheme is designed to recognise our old ones who have reservoir of knowledge and wisdom as they have seen a lot in life and should be made happy to pass such to the upcom-

By Ajose Sehindemi

ing leaders of tomorrow.

Being elderly is a blessing and not a curse. I want our senior citizens to treasure their lives. Senior citizens still play a big role, as they have been doing, in bringing up children, hence the old needs to be recognised”.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Adebayo Sarumi hailed the council chief for the initiative.

“It is not only the benefits given to the people that matters, but the way she has been transforming the area to enhance people’s belief that democracy truly works,” Sarumi said.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Olushola, thanked the council for the gifts.

Man in court for alleged assault

By Esther Unachukwu

A

26-YEAR-OLD man, AbdulRahaman, has been arraigned in an Isolo Magistrate’s Ccourt, Lagos for an ‘assault’.

The accused unlawfully assaulted one Ramoni Ishola by stabbing him with a broken bottle on his left ear, causing serious harm, which landed him in the hospital.

Prosecuting police officer Oje Uagbale said AbdulRahaman committed the offence on August 8 at Adefimihan Street, Itire, Mushin, Lagos.

He said the offence contravened Section 243 of the Criminal Law. Investigative Police Officer Adetutu Akindele said the victim was in critical condition.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Joy Ugbomoiko granted the accused bail for N200,000 bail and two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till September 9

•Apapa Local Government Executive Secretary Mrs Bolaji Dada presenting G.C.E form to one the beneficieries at the council secretariat, Apapa, Lagos

23-year-old man Josiah Luka, has been arraigned in court for stealing transformer cables worth N1.56million.

The cables belong to a steel company in Ikorodu, Lagos.

After being led to court

by Investigative Police Officer (IPO), Corporal Akeem Ojesanya of the Shagamu Road Police Division, Ikorodu, Luka, an employee of Megal Steel Company, Ikorodu, was accused of cutting metal cables from transformers in the company’s premises on July 2, and concealing them across his waist and private part in a bid to smuggle them away.

Ojesanya was caught when a security officer, Agri Oko-Ochang, mistakenly hit Luka’s while conducting a body search.

He led the police to where he kept other cables he had stolen earlier.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Ojesanya’s counsel Mrs. A. Ali, told the court that her client had no one in Lagos to cater for him and urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

This was not opposed by the prosecutor, Police Corporal Mary Ajiteru.

Magistrate Adejumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu granted the defendant N50, 000 bail with one surety who must be gainfully employed, properly identified and have evidence of tax payment.

The matter was adjourned till August 27.

Community appeals for installation of transformer

By Ibrahim Adam

R

ESIDENTS of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have appealed to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) for the installation of a 500KVA transformer.

The residents under Temidire Community Development Association (CDA) said the transformer was given to the community by the council.

Its chairman Alhaji Oladipupo Taiwo, said the community has been on the neck of IKEDC for four years for the installation.

“It is over four years today that we have being appealing but all we get is we are coming to do it. The appropriate department in Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company came here for inspection of the site and location where the transformer will be placed severally and since then, we have not seen any action.

“The current transformer located at Alhaji Oremeji/ Adenipoko junction has been serving us for a long time and has been over loaded due to the high populated environment,” Taiwo said.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

54

NEWS BORNO DEPUTY GOVERNOR’S DEATH

Governor Shettima welcoming Shehu, Abba, Bukar and Monguno. With them is Alhaji Kyari Monguno (left) during the visit... yesterday

Buhari, Atiku, TUC mourn Borno deputy governor

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday eulogised the late Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha.

He extolled his commitment to excellence and service.

In a tribute to Alhaji Zannah, read on his behalf by the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), who led a presidential delegation to condole with the government and people of Borno State, Buhari said the young, hardworking politician would be missed.

Former Vice President and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said the death of Zanna was a great loss to the gen-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

eration of young politicians.

Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “His was a life of service and excellence as attested to by many people who interacted with him,” He prayed that Almighty Allah would comfort members of Zanna’s family as well as the government and people of Borno State, on his sudden death, and grant the late deputy governor a peaceful rest.

Governor Kashim Shettima, who received the delegation in company of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Garbai El-Kanemi; the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi and the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Abba Tor-Masta, de-

scribed the late deputy governor as a perfect deputy who was “simply irreplaceable”.

The governor thanked President Buhari for his sympathy and the solidarity of the Federal Government with the government and the people of the state.

He expressed the people’s appreciation of the effort by the military to end the Boko Haram insurgency, which, he said was yielding positive results.

Other members of the presidential delegation were Alhaji Bukar Goni, the permanent secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Household Matters, Mohammed Sarki Abba and the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publici-

ty, Garba Shehu.

In a condolence message from his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku said the death was a big loss.

He expressed deep grief at the death of such a vibrant politician, whom he said, represented the hopes and aspirations of new-breed politicians.

The former Vice President said the fact that the late Zannah proved himself in office in a crisis-ridden state, such as Borno reinforced his faith and confidence in the abilities of young politicians.

He said if given the opportunities, youths could prove themselves in every role, adding that the deceased was a perfect and shining example of what young politicians could achieve if given the opportunity.

Oshiomhole: deputy governor’s death shocking

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has described as shocking, the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor Zannah Umar Mustapha.

He said the deceased was a vibrant man, who gave his all in service to his state and the nation.

In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said: “The death of Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, the deputy governor of Borno State, came to us as a shock, as he was a vibrant man, who was committed to rendering selfless service to his state and the nation.

“I met His Excellency on

•Jigawa governor sad From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

a number of occasions and he exhibited deep knowledge of the problems facing the people of his state. He was an ally of the governor, and together, they took positive steps to ensure the development of the state despite the challenges.

“The late deputy governor made contributions at several forums where he represented the governor and the state. He gave the impression of a man who had a deep passion for his state and a great insight on how to

move it forward.

“Alhaji Mustapha was a very dutiful functionary, who enjoyed the full confidence of the governor. His humility and commitment to the reversal of the fortunes of the state were endearing.

“I offer my personal commiseration as well as the condolence of the people and Government of Edo State over the sad loss.

“Our supplication is for Almighty Allah to, in His infinite mercy, receive his soul with His love and forgiveness and bless him with Aljannah Firdausi.”

Jigawa State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar has expressed shock on the death of Borno State Deputy Governor Zanna Mustapha.

This was contained in a statement in Dutse by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Malam Muhammed Bello Zaki.

The statement said the loss would not only affect Borno, but the entire country.

It expressed condolence to the late deputy governor’s family and relatives and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant him Aljannah Firdausi.

APC governors commiserate with Shettima

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum yesterday commiserated with the Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, on the death of his deputy, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha, in a letter by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, described the death of the Borno deputy governor as shocking.

The letter, issued on behalf of the APC Governors, said: “On behalf of the APC governors I extend my heartfelt condolences to our col-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

league, the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, on the shocking death of his deputy, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

“The news of the death of Alhaji Mustapha came to us as a rude shock, because nobody would have expected the death of the gentle deputy governor at this time, especially when the good people of Borno State in particular and Nigerians in general had wished to reap from his wealth of experience in the current dispensation.

“The APC governors would stand by the Borno State governor in this mo-

ment of grief and would also wish to ask the governor to see the demise of his deputy as an act of Allah because if that was not the case, the deputy governor would have remained alive.”

The APC governors prayed that the Almighty God would grant the Borno State governor, the people of the state and those the late deputy governor left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. They prayed that Allah would grant the deceased eternal rest.

Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to mourn the unfortunate and shocking de-

mise of his Borno State counterpart.

Madumere, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Uche Onwuchekwa, described the late Zannah as a young and vibrant politician.

The Imo deputy governor, who said the late politician was his close friend and associate, said he received the unfortunate news of Zanna’s death with shock, adding: “He died at his prime when his experience and sense of responsibility are needed most.”

He prayed God to grant his family and the people of Borno State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Awoniyi: his death a loss From James Azania, Lokoja

K

OGI State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi has described the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha, as a loss to the nation.

Awoniyi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abu Mike, extended condolences to the people of Borno State and the family and relatives of the deceased.

He described the death as tragic and unfortunate, noting that the former deputy governor was loyal and dedicated.

Awoniyi urged the people and government of Borno State to seek solace that the late deputy governor lived a good life and died in the service of his people.

The statement described Mustapha as a patriot, who was selfless in service.

Kwara Governor Ahmed, Speaker shocked From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

K

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, have commiserated with the government and people of Borno State on the death of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha.

Ahmed, in a condolence message by the Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahaab Oba, described the death of the Borno deputy governor as a shocking and painful loss to the progressive forces and the country at large.

The governor prayed Allah to give the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss and the late deputy governor eternal rest.

Ahmad said the death of Zanna was a great loss to democrats.

He said the deceased died at a time the nation needed his service to enhance the well-being of the internally-displaced persons (IDPs).

Dr. Ahmad described the late deputy governor as the pillar of support to the IDPs, adding that he was a loyal public officer, who committed his life towards the restoration of peace in the Northeast.

He noted that his service to humanity would be missed by the people of Borno State.

O

Amosun mourns

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has expressed his condolence to the government and people of Borno State on the death of the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor described the death as shocking and lamentable.

The statement said: “Until his death, Alhaji Zannah Mustapha displayed unwavering commitment to the restoration of peace and tranquility to every part of Borno State. His demise at this time is a big loss to the state in particular and Nigeria in general.”

The governor commiserated with Governor Kashim Shettima and the family of Zannah, urging them to seek solace that he led a good life.

He prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant his soul Aljanah Firdaus.

I’ve lost a confidant, says Oyo deputy governor From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

O

YO State Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo has said the death of the Borno State Deputy Governor, Zannah Mustapha, has robbed him of a confidant and a brother.

Adeyemo, in his condolence message to the government and people of Borno State, expressed sadness at the passage of Zannah. He described the incident “as a tragic loss.”

The deputy governor urged the bereaved family to seek solace that the deceased lived a good life and died in the service of his people.

His words: “He was a personal friend, a complete gentleman and a devoted servant-leader. The deputy governor would be missed by all.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

55

NEWS

•From left: Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (third left) and Etsu Tsaragi, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi (third right), Mohammed Abubakar with his wife, Fatimah (left) and Abdulrahman Abdullahi with his wife, Amina, during the wedding of the couple in Tsragi, Edu Local Government Area...at the weekend..

APC delegates from 21 councils endorse Audu

Shekau: I’m still in charge

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HE leader of the Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, yesterday denied being killed or ousted.

He spoke in an audio recording attributed to him by security experts.

In the eight-minute message in Hausa language, Shekau denied claims by Chadian leader Idriss Deby that he had been replaced. He called the president a “hypocrite” and a “tyrant”.

“It is indeed all over the global media of infidels that I am dead or that I am ill, incapacitated and have lost influence in the affairs of the religion,” he said in the recording released on social media.

“It should be understood that this is false. This is indeed a lie. If it were true, my voice wouldn’t have been heard, now that I am speaking.”

Deby declared on August 12 that efforts to combat neighbouring Boko Haram jihadists had succeeded in “decapitating” the group and would be wrapped up “by the end of the year”.

He told reporters in the capital, N’Djamena, that Boko Haram was no longer led by the fearsome Shekau and that his successor, whom he named

as Mahamat Daoud, was open to talks.

“Gratitude be to Allah and with his help, I have not disappeared. I am still alive and I am not dead. And I will not die until my time appointed by Allah is up,” Shekau said in the message.

The SITE Intelligence Group verified the authenticity of the message, and an AFP correspondent with extensive experience of reporting Boko Haram said it exactly resembled Shekau’s voice in previous recordings.

Shekau’s absence from Boko Haram videos in recent months has fuelled speculation that he might have been killed or injured.

He has not spoken publicly since he pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group in an audio recording released on March 7.

The jihadist commander refers to himself in the new recording for the first time as “leader of the West Africa wing” of IS and pays homage to its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, referring to him as the “Caliph of Muslims”.

He taunted President Muhammadu Buhari, who came to power on May 29, vowing to

crush Boko Haram and ordered his military chiefs last week to end the insurgency within three months.

“This ostentatious person, a liar — I mean Buhari, who raised arms to crush us in three months. You Buhari, why didn’t you say in three years?”

Shekau said.

“We will certainly fight you by the grace of Allah until we establish Allah’s law everywhere on earth.”

Boko Haram has been waging a six-year uprising against Nigeria, which has claimed more than 15,000 lives.

The jihadists have repeatedly extended their northeastern insurgency into border areas of Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

In recent weeks, suicide bombers, many of them women, have launched attacks on Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad.

The four countries and Benin have pledged troops towards a regional 8,700-strong force aimed at ending the insurgency and due to deploy within days.

Speculation about Shekau’s condition — and even his true identity — has been rampant in Nigeria for years.

The wanted Islamist leader’s whereabouts are un-

F •Shekau

known, but he has in the past made himself heard whenever he has been proclaimed dead.

Some experts and Nigerian security officials insist “Shekau” is a composite character, with different militant fighters stepping into the role at different times.

The original Abubakar Shekau — the son of poor farmers, who became radicalised in a series of theological schools before taking over Boko Haram in 2010 — actually died months, or possibly several years ago, according to the security services.

But the United States and other experts have questioned the credibility of that claim.

“Here I am, alive. I will only die the day Allah takes my breath,” the insurgent leader, who has been sanctioned by the UN Security Council and declared a “global terrorist” by the United States, said in a video released last October.

Federation account: Suswam dares Ortom

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X-Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has challenged his successor, Samuel Ortom, to publish the record of the money received from the federation account and the ones borrowed from banks as loans.

He said despite the increase in security vote to N300 mil-

T

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

lion monthly, the security situation had worsened.

The former governor spoke at the burial of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Atoza Hindan, who was killed by gunmen.

Buhari’s anti-corruption war in order, says thing more by diagnosing, HE ex-National Sec- ex-PDP’s national secretary in order to give you the

retary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Dr. Musa Babayo, has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption is in order.

Babayo, who spoke at the weekend with The Nation in Lagos, said the President should be hailed for waging a war against graft.

He said: “President Buhari is determined to change people’s lives. He believes in the core values of integrity, service to humanity, building and moving the society forward and strengthening our institutions so that our country can progress. This is why I support his anti-corruption cru-

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

sade despite that I am a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

“Buhari is the president of Nigeria. He is not the President of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He took an oath of office and allegiance and it is our responsibilities, based on his antecedents, based on his track record, to support him. I have no doubt that he will perform. In fact, he is already performing.”

Babayo said contrary to the PDP opinion, the President was not slow.

His words: “Basically, when people talk of being too slow or too fast, I laugh.

Whenever you take an assignment, the first thing

you do is to conduct a detailed diagnostic study of your internal environment because you have to know the depth of your problem.

You don’t begin to prescribe solution; you don’t begin the treatment of a disease when the diagnoses are not complete. You may not get it right if you do that.

“Some people are saying Buhari should have done his homework before assuming office. But there are some assignments you cannot do from outside, you need to be inside before you can do them. If a patient goes to see his doctor, the doctor will first know his medical history. He will not prescribe Panadol for you simply because you have headache.

He will want to do some-

right treatment.”

The ex-PDP national secretary and former chairman of TETFUND Board of Trustees said President Buhari had the strength, moral focus and posture to fight corruption.

Said he: “Things are happening already and in the positive direction. I believe strongly that this is the right way to go. The change has begun, the change of attitude. If you are able to stop people who undermine institutions, that is a monumental achievement. The fear of Buhari should be the beginning of wisdom, but that fear should be in the positive sense because the fear is providing leadership and he has started providing good leadership, from what we have seen.”

ORMER Kogi State Governor Abubakar Audu’s ambition to get the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for this year’s governorship election got a boost at the weekend when the party’s delegates from 21 local government areas endorsed him in Lokoja, the state capital.

The party’s delegates converged on Audu’s home in the town and endorsed him ahead of the August 29 primary.

The Deputy Director-General of Prince Audu Campaign Organisation and one-time Commissioner for Water Resources, Salihu Akawu Saidu (aka SAS), said nobody was happy with the situation in the state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The spokesman urged the delegates to vote for Audu, who he said was the best candidate among the aspirants.

On power shift, Saidu said: “We only differ on the strategy to achieve it. Some of them believe that it is anchored on Audu, after serving his remaining four years.”

An APC chieftain and former commissioner, Hajia Halima Alfa, likened the current situation in Kogi State to the predicament the nation experienced under the last PDPled Federal Government.

She said the nation was fed up with the PDP, adding that this was the reason the elec-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

torate voted for President Muhammadu Buhari to change the country for the better.

Hajia Alfa urged APC’s delegates and the electorate to vote for Audu who she described as a man of his word and a “tested and trusted leader”.

Audu thanked the delegates for endorsing him ahead of the party’s primary and the confidence they had in his ability to make Kogi a better state.

The former governor, who gave a brief history of the agitation for power shift in the state, said he was the first leader to promise same in 2003.

A statement yesterday by Abdulmalik Suleiman said Audu noted that this was necessary to ensure peace, justice and equity across the state.

The former governor promised that if elected, he would make power shift realisable.

He added: “I will create jobs for the jobless and put the state back on the path of greatness.”

Dignitaries at the event included a former minister, a senator, former and serving members of the House of Representatives and House of Assembly across the state.

‘Tribunal set to ruin APC in Plateau’

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HE Danburam Langtang 11, Senator John Shagaya, has decried the National and State Houses of Assembly Tribunal sitting in Jos for devious manipulations aimed at destroying the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) stronghold in Plateau State.

In a letter to the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in relation to his petition against Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, Shagaya said he had fore knowledge of the plan to massively rig in the state by the former Governor, Jonah Jang, in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when he influenced the posting of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to Plateau State.

To prove that the judges presiding in his Plateau South senatorial battle with Useni have been compromised, es-

pecially given the hostile attitude of the judges towards his counsel, Shagaya in his letter to Odigie-Oyegun highlighted the following: “My application for additional witnesses was refused by the tribunal. The witnesses subpoenaed by the tribunal were refused testimony on the basis that they were agents of the petitioners and therefore need not be subpoenaed notwithstanding that by the order of court, their witness statements on oaths were already filed in court.

Tribunal passed uncomplimentary comments on counsel to the petitioners for applying for subpoena after the application to call additional witnesses was refused.

“The over 17 witnesses on August 6 were turned back home, though they had their subpoenas issued by the tribunal.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015 THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

56

FOREIGN NEWS

North Korea threatens to attack U.S.

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ORTH Korea threatened to “retaliate against the U.S. with tremendous muscle” if it didn’t cancel multinational military exercises scheduled to begin

today.

South Korea conducts the yearly exercises, called Ulchi Freedom Guardian, with the United States and other allies “to enhance ... readiness, protect the region and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula,” according to a statement from the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command.

Just as the event itself is annual, so too are the condemnations and threats of retaliation from the reclusive North Korean regime.

“The further Ulchi Freedom Guardian joint military exercises are intensified, the strongest military counteraction the (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) will take to cope with them,” a spokesman for North Korea’s National Defense Commission (NDC) said Saturday.

A State Department official told CNN on Saturday it was aware of the threats. The exercises are transparent, defenseminded and are designed to increase the readiness of South Korea and the region, the State Department official said.

Iraq blames Maliki for Mosul fall

Indonesian plane wreckage found

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N Indonesian twinturboprop aircraft carrying 54 people lost contact with air traffic control yesterday in the remote, forested eastern Papua region, the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) said, with search efforts hampered by failing light as night falls.

According to the official BASARNAS Twitter account, the aircraft, a short-haul ATR 42-300 airliner belonging to Trigana Air Service and built in France and Italy, was carrying 44 adult passengers, five crew and five children and infants.

The plane was flying between Jayapura’s Sentani Airport and Oksibil, due south of

T

•54 missing Jayapura, the capital of Papua province.

The agency’s Jayapura office was coordinating the search, a separate tweet read as dusk set in the tropics.

Air transport is commonly used in Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, where land travel is often impossible.

It was not immediately clear if search efforts would continue into the night in the densely forested mountainous region where the aircraft was traveling.

According to the Aviation Safety Network, an online database, the ATR 42-300 had its first flight 27 years ago. ATR is a joint venture between Air-

bus (AIR.PA) and Alenia Aermacchi, a subsidiary of Italian aerospace firm Finmeccanica (SIFI.MI) .

Trigana has been on the EU blacklist of banned carriers since 2007. Airlines on the list are barred from operating in European airspace due to either concerns about its safety standards, or concerns about the regulatory environment in its country of registration.

The airline has a fleet of 14 aircraft, according to the airfleets.com database. These include 10 ATR aircraft and four Boeing 737 classics. These have an average age of 26.6 years, according to the database.

Trigana has had 14 serious incidents since it began oper-

ations in 1991, according to the Aviation Safety Network’s online database. Excluding this latest incident, it has written off 10 aircraft.

Indonesia has a patchy aviation safety record and has seen two major plane crashes in the past year, including an AirAsia flight that went down in the Java Sea, killing all on board.

That crash prompted the government to introduce regulations aimed at improving safety.

Indonesia’s president promised a review of the aging air force fleet in July after a military transport plane crashed in the north of the country, killing more than 100 people.

•Maliki

A

N Iraqi parliamentary panel has called for former PM Nouri Maliki to face trial over the fall of the northern city of Mosul to Islamic State.

More than 30 other officials including former Mosul governor Athil al-Nujaifi were also blamed in the report.

The militants seized Mosul in a sweep across north and

west Iraq last year.

Mr Maliki, a Shia, is seen as having fanned sectarian tensions, leading to a growth of discontent in those mainly Sunni Arab areas captured by IS. Hours earlier, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi cleared the way for a court martial of military commanders who abandoned their posts as another city, Ramadi, fell to IS in May this year.

The moves come as the current government launches a major campaign to combat corruption and mismanagement.

Mr Abadi unveiled the seven-point plan a week ago.

Iraqis have staged regular protests in recent weeks against corruption and incompetence triggered by power shortages during a heatwave.

Iran nuclear deal opens diplomatic channels for Syria

HE nuclear deal with Iran was widely expected to affect other Middle East issues, and that may already be happening with Syria: A series of recent diplomatic maneuvers suggest a growing willingness to at least engage with the Iranian-backed government of Bashar Assad on ways to end the country’s civil war.The embattled leader seems no more inclined to step aside now than he did four years ago, and any agreement still looks to be far off - but the search seems to be on for an elegant solution that might, for example, allow him a transitional role. In part, it is also driven by the new leadership team in Saudi Arabia, which emerged with the accession to the throne of King Salman in January.

Another factor is the emergence and spread of the violent and fanatical Islamic State group as the most potent opposition to Assad, far more so than the relatively moderate rebels who won a measure of world support after the conflict began four years ago.

Despite his government’s brutality and aerial bombardment that has leveled some oppositionheld areas, the 50-year-old former eye doctor now seems, at least to some, comparatively more palatable.The civil war has killed at least 250,000, displaced half the population, flooded brittle neighboring countries with refugees and has left jihadis occupying not only much of Syria but also perhaps a third of Iraq.- In the wake of mediation by Assad’s Russian patrons, a quiet, icebreaking meeting took place in Riyadh in late July between Brig.

Gen. Ali Mamlouk, the head of Syria’s powerful National Security

By Zeina Karam and Adam Schreck

Bureau, and Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s deputy crown prince and defense minister.

That represented a significant shift and an opening of channels between two countries that have become arch foes in Syria’s conflict.

Saudi Arabia along with other Gulf states has been a key backer of rebels fighting to topple Assad.Syrian Foreign Minister Walid alMoallem flew Thursday to Oman after a two-day visit to Tehran, amid unconfirmed reports in pro-Assad media outlets that the Omani government was trying to broker a meeting of the foreign ministers of Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia.Iran has said it is preparing to submit a four-point peace plan proposal for Syria to the United Nations.

According to some reports, it includes a “national unity government.” That is code for allowing Assad a face-saving period in which he shares power and elections under international supervision. But it would also bring some prominence to the otherwise marginalized relative moderates who have failed to dislodge Assad militarily.- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed on a U.N. resolution aimed at identifying those responsible for chemical weapons attacks in Syria on Wednesday and the Security Council adopted it unanimously on Friday.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters Friday there is “a high possibility” that the Security Council, which is deeply divided over Syria, will adopt a presidential statement early

next week endorsing a new plan by U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura aimed at setting the stage for new peace talks. “It would be the first exclusively political document on the Syrian crisis adopted by consensus,” Churkin said.De Mistura said late last month that it’s too soon for a third Geneva peace conference and instead called for intensive preliminary talks with all parties to the conflict on key issues including a political transition and fighting terrorism.

Although few will say so in public, there is an increasing, if grudging, acceptance that a compromise may in the end be essential.Assad’s enormous territorial losses may be pushing him to explore diplomatic options to resolve the crisis. But he is unlikely to fully step aside, and if anything, he may be more inclined to cling to power in the hope that an Iran freed of economic sanctions would support him all the more with funds for his battered army.Dubai-based geopolitical analyst Theodore Karasik said the Iran nuclear deal, which was struck last month between Tehran and six world powers, has “opened the door to realignments and fixing geopolitical problems.”It seems to me that all regional and international players are rushing around trying to establish a new order in the wake of the Iran deal, and it’s going to continue,” he said.

“We’re seeing a huge uptick in shuttle diplomacy by all sides.”This week, Kerry, Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir held a rare three-way meeting Monday in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The session included discussions about the Syrian crisis.Lavrov also met Mouaz al-Khatib, a former president of the Syrian National

Coalition opposition group whose name is often mentioned as a possible transitional figure, during his Qatar trip.Russia, a key backer of Assad’s government, is seeking to assemble an anti-terror front that would include the Syrian army, the Iraqi army and the Kurds, Lavrov said this week.Russia in particular seems to be acting as a negotiator on the Syrian question and wants to be a partner in the fight against IS, Karasik said.

It also sees itself as the main player brokering new relations between the Arabs and Tehran, he said.”In the wake of the Iran deal, there are new opportunities to settle regional differences, and Russia is trying to fulfil what it sees is its historical mission to bring all sides together,” Lavrov said.Moscow also has a longstanding relationship with Iran.Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni met al-Jubeir in Rome on Friday and told a news conference afterward that Iran can contribute to a solution to the Syrian crisis.

Al-Jubeir was cool to the idea, saying “Iran has been part and parcel of the murder of the Syrian people, and therefore we believe it should have no role” in Syria’s future.

The shape of any political settlement in Syria remains unclear.The U.S. would find it extremely awkward to formally back any plan that would legitimize the Syrian government. Kerry reiterated Washington’s position in Doha, saying that “Assad and the Assad regime long ago lost legitimacy,” even as he again called for a political solution to the crisis.Iran is unlikely to drop its support for Assad even if its nuclear deal presents the prospect of a diplomatic opening with the West.

Kerry said in Doha that while he hopes there can be “a turning of the page” with Iran on various regional issues, so far a diplomatic option hasn’t presented itself on Syria.Assad still has a firm grip on core areas key to his survival, even though he has lost perhaps more than half the country to hundreds of rebel groups and Islamic extremists. In a speech last month his first public address in a year he acknowledged his troops had lost territory and were running short on manpower, but he vowed to win the war, making clear he would fight to the end.”

Despite the military defeats, politically the Syrian regime has become more viable because of the lack of alternative,” said Ayham Kamel, director of Middle East and North Africa with the Eurasia group in London.

Furthermore, he said the Gulf states no longer have the same priorities they did at the start of the Syria conflict.

The war in Yemen and the IS threat have taken precedence, he said.Simon Henderson, director of the Gulf and energy policy program at The Washington Institute, said the current Saudi leadership is still opposed to any scenario that gives Iran a strategic victory in Syria by leaving Assad or another strongman of his Alawite sect in power.But he said the new leadership in Saudi Arabia since the death of King Abdullah is shaking up old assumptions.

Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful deputy crown prince, is “prepared to go outside the fences that were previously erected,” Henderson said.

Courtesy AP

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

57

FOREIGN NEWS U.S. :Trump says he’d deport undocumented immigrants

•Trump

R

EPUBLICAN presidential contender Donald Trump would deport all undocumented immigrants and rescind U.S. President Barack Obama’s executive orders on immigration if he is elected to the White House, he said in an interview with NBC News that will air on Sunday.

“We’re going to keep the families together, but they have to go,” Trump told NBC’s “Meet the Press,” according to an excerpt released on Satur-

day.

Asked by host Chuck Todd about illegal immigrants who might have nowhere else to go, Trump said: “We will work with them.

“They have to go ... we either have a country, or we don’t have a country,” he added.

Trump, 69, also said in the interview he would need to rescind Obama’s executive orders on immigration, including one that protects from deportation the children of parents who came to the country illegally.

The real estate mogul and television personality, who has rocketed to the top of opinion polls among the 17 Republican contenders, has aroused controversy with his provocative comments on illegal immigration, including describing some undocumented migrants from Mexico as criminals and rapists.

Ex-NAACP chair Julian Bond dies

J

ULIAN Bond told the BBC in 2005 that black Americans were still “far, far from” achieving equali-

ty

The US civil rights activist and former board chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Julian Bond has died, aged 75.

Bond died in Florida after a short illness, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) said in a statement.

US President Barack Obama said he had been “privileged” to have called Bond a friend.

Bond was also a writer, poet, politician and professor.

He co-founded the Student Nonviolent Co-ordinating Committee in the 1960s, organising anti-segregation protests and voter registration drives.

“Julian Bond helped change this country for the better - and what better way to be remembered than that,” President Obama added.

The Southern Poverty Law Cen-

ter described him as a “visionary and tireless champion for civil and human rights”.

He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives when black people became eligible to vote in the 1960s and served in the Georgia legislature for two decades.

He served as the SPLC founding president in the 1970s.

As board chairman of the NAACP in the 2000s, when asked by the BBC whether black Americans had achieved equality with white people, he said that they were “far, far from it”.

“Black skin still acts as a mark of difference - for many white Americans, a negative difference,” he said.

He continued to champion the cause in newspaper columns and on TV shows - even hosting NBC’s latenight comedy show, Saturday Night Live.

“With Julian’s passing, the country has lost one of its most passionate and eloquent voices for the cause

•The late Bond

of justice,” the SPLC said in its statement.

“He advocated not just for African-Americans, but for every group, indeed every person subject to oppression and discrimination, because he recognised the common humanity in us all.”

Mr Bond is survived by his wife, Pamela Horowitz, a former SPLC staff attorney, and five children by his previous marriage to Alice Clopton.

NEWS

Buhari to recover stolen govt’s assets

T

HOSE who took home government’ assets at the end of last administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan now have cause to worry.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is has concluded plans to recover the assets, it was learnt last night.

A number of former government officials, about three months after vacating their previous positions, have not returned properties in their possession.

Such assets include: vehicles, buildings, generator sets and other entitlements that went with their offices.

They have held unto them and refused to return them to the new government officers that took over from them.

But since he assumed office, Presi-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

dent Buhari has made it clear to all that his government intended to go after and reclaim as much of Nigeria’s stolen resources as possible.

As part of efforts to recover the stolen funds, the President went to United States (U.S.) and other countries, seeking their understanding and assistance.

While investigations are still on going on stolen funds outside the country, the Buhari administration has also embarked on investigations within the country to recover the stolen government’s assets from former government officials.

A Presidential source said yesterday: “The government is believed to have set up a committee made up civil servants and security agencies to recov-

er unreturned public assets from the political appointees who just left office.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, in a chat last night, confirmed the new development.

He said: “That is precisely the case.

Even here at the Villa, there are cars and other property belonging to the government which are yet to be returned.”

The Buhari administration, he said, will soon begin to demand for the return of the assets.

Stressing that the aim was not to embarrass anyone, he said it only aims at recovering the government properties.

“The properties belong to the Nigerian people. We are not trying to hu-

Security arrests fugitive Cleric al-Asir trying to flee to Nigeria

L

EBANESE authorities at the weekend arrested a fugitive Islamic cleric wanted for his role in deadly clashes with the army as he tried to flee the country.

Ahmed al-Asir was apprehended at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport while trying to travel to Nigeria via Cairo with a fake Palestinian passport, General Security announced.

But his Nigerian visa was not fake, it said in a statement.

A source said he had changed his appearance by doing a number of plastic surgeries.

Voice of Lebanon Radio (100.5) said that the fugitive was arrested after boarding the plane. Two other individuals were accompanying him and were carrying forged passports under the names Rami Abdul Rahman Taleb and Khaled Sidani.

The vehicle that transported alAsir to the airport was a white Mercedes and its driver was arrested, the state-run National News Agency said.

Al-Asir, a firebrand anti-Hizbullah cleric, has been on the run since June 2013 after his armed supporters clashed with the Lebanese army in the southern port city of Sidon.

The fighting killed 18 Lebanese soldiers and deepened sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims who support opposing sides in neighboring Syria’s civil war.

The army seized his headquar-

The families of the soldiers killed in the Abra clashes issued a statement on Saturday calling for the arrest of Shaker and “anyone who has assaulted the military and security institutions ters after 48 hours of clashes, but Asir was able to escape with several of his followers.

He continued to issue audio statements while on the run, and various rumors circulated as to where in Lebanon he was hiding.

In 2014, a military judge recommended prosecutors seek death sentences for Asir and 53 others, including singer-turned-fundamentalist Fadel Shaker.

He and his associates were accused of “having formed armed groups that attacked an institution of the state, the army, killed officers and soldiers, took explosive materials and light and heavy weapons and used them against the army.”

Asir was a virtual political unknown until the outbreak of Syria’s civil war.

He began making headlines after the conflict erupted by criticizing Lebanon’s Hizbullah movement and its ally Syrian President

Bashar Assad.

Although he was born to a Shiite Muslim mother, his discourse was highly sectarian and he often accused Lebanon’s army of failing to protect Sunnis and being beholden to Hizbullah.

He encouraged his supporters to join Syria’s mainly Sunni rebels and to rise up against Hizbullah.

Asir also hit headlines with media stunts, including by taking a group of his followers to the trendy winter ski resort of Faraya in early 2013.

The clashes between his supporters and the army erupted on June 24, 2013, after they opened fire on a military checkpoint.

The fighting, which centered on the Abra district in the eastern outskirts of Sidon, spread quickly, wounding dozens of civilians and paralyzing much of the coastal city.

When the fighting was over, a variety of weapons including rocket launchers were found in Asir’s headquarters complex, which included a mosque, several office buildings and apartment blocks.

The families of the soldiers killed in the Abra clashes issued a statement on Saturday calling for the arrest of Shaker and “anyone who has assaulted the military and security institutions.”

Their appeal came as al-Asir’s supporters blocked a main road in Sidon to protest his arrest. But security forces later reopened it.

miliate anyone by asking them to return their cars or houses,” he stated.

On whether the same scenario was playing out in states and local government areas, he said that he was not in a position to speak for other tiers of government.

But he said that he would not be surprised if the same situation was going on in states and local government areas.

According to him, the attitude of holding onto government property after leaving office must be a natural outcome of the culture of impunity that has prevailed in Nigeria over the past years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations.

“But change has come. That is why we have to do things differently now,” he said.

T

HE Conference of All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretaries (CAPS) yesterday described as uneccessary, the proposed meeting of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors with President Muhammadu Buhari on the relocation of election tribunals in states with security challenges.

In a statement by its Chairman Joe Igbokwe and five others: Yahaya Bashir (Northeast); Jonathan Vatsa (Northcentral); Shola Lawal (Southwest); Fortune Panebi (Southsouth) and Okelo Madukaife (Southeast Secretary), said: “The proposal by governors elected on the platform of PDP to meet President Muhammad Buhari over issues regarding the movement of Election Tribunals from various states where security issues have been raised is not necessary and should not be furthered beyond that faulty thought line..

In the first place, the decision regarding the set up, deployment, movement of Tribunals belongs to the Judiciary and not the executive.

The President Buhari elected on the platform of our great party – All Prrogressives Congress does not dabble into the duties of any of the two other arms of government, judiciary and legislature,even when the attraction is there to secure some political advantage.

Secondly, the Tribunals themselves have entertained motions from various teams of lawyers for various candidates in the cases currently under adjudication at the Tribunals. Therefore is would seem like an invitation to the president to interfere with the proceedings of the Tribunals or the running of the Judiciary none of which we

•Buhari

Shehu reiterated President Buhari’s commitment to running an austere government that will save the Nigerian people millions in public funds.

“Imagine how much Nigeria will save by retrieving and re-using these government properties instead of purchasing new ones for new government officials,” he said.

‘PDP governors can’t discuss tribunal relocation with Buhari’ We are fully aware that the PDP governors are accustomed to doing things in the way they did them in the past 16 years from which the nation emerged heavily battered. Those were years of undue interference with the duties of the judiciary which the nation under this era is proud to have left behind. would encourage the president to dabble into.

We are fully aware that the PDP governors are accustomed to doing things in the way they did them in the past 16 years from which the nation emerged heavily battered.

Those were years of undue interference with the duties of the judiciary which the nation under this era is proud to have left behind.

“We acknowledge that PDP governors can seek audience with President Buhari for other things apart from this temptation which they have nurtured in their meeting, looking for a victim.

“We therefore advise the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Gov Olusegun Mimiko to please drop the foregoing idea and toe the line of change that Nigerians are fast accepting.”

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

58

FOREIGN NEWS

T

HE two major warring factions in the fight for the soul of Libya finally met in the serene, beautiful Swiss City of Geneva last Wednesday and Thursday trying to work out a deal over the lingering supremacy tussle in the Libyan Maghreb nation of about six million, oil-rich people.

Well, the Arab Spring outbursts which came down with calamitous proportions, started late 2011 and raged for the most of 2012 in the Arab nations of Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan ended with different outcomes for different nations. Contractedly in most parts and contractedly in others, talk about different strokes for different folks.

After all, Syria’s Bashar Assad is still clinging on to power albeit bloodily. More than 250,000 of his countrymen dead and millions spread in inhumane refugee camps spread all over the landscape.

Regime changes were effected in most of the affected and afflicted nations; including Libya, yet the final outcome had been anything but settling. The situation in Libya prostrated a post-war nation, now inevitably embedded in suffocating opprobrium finding itself in a miasma of diversionary classificatory schemata of a failed state.

The major players were initially united in their hatred for Colonel Gaddafi - but nothing more. There was no single group in charge of the now rebellion mitigating the nation. Militias were based in different cities, fighting their own battles for self-recognition Now we have a nation of not only divided interests but multiplicity of incongruent municipality interests and enclaves. Throw in the oil calculus and the game gets more delicately intriguing and in volatility so.

The nation’s oil resources, which was about 1.6million barrels per day in the pre-Gaddafi 42-year rule, has trickled down to 400,000bpd

Global Focus DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

daborgu@gmail.com

Breaking the Libyan logjam The major players were initially united in their hatred for Colonel Gaddafi - but nothing more. There was no single group in charge of the now rebellion mitigating the nation. Militias were based in different cities, fighting their own battles for self-recognition and facing substantive threats of pipeline blockade from radical Islamists; especially in the eastern shores.

According to reports, the country’s two biggest oil ports Es Sider and Ras Lanuf have been closed since December, thereby wreaking economic havocs on the nation’s stumbling natural resources and in the wake multiplying the problems of nation-building.

It is amid these frameworks that another meeting of minds was garnered in Geneva last week to see how a conviviality of disparage minds was supposed to provide a peaceful ending to this intractable palaver.

United Nations Envoy on Libya Leon Bernadino has been up in his diplomatic arms trying to reach a peaceful negotiation into the

Libyan crisis albeit in a difficult circumstances At least with the seemingly concatenation of all stake holders coupled with the attendance of all internationally recognizsable entities in the latest Geneva talks, hope is rife that a fresh and renewably sustainable path of progress might be in the horizon for this tumultuous nation .

The Tinjian Explosions Just when the inks were drying up on China’s coupla template of double Yuan national currency dastard nose diving and devaluations, its port city of Tinjian the nation’s 10th busiest city port came with a de massive double explosions bringing in its wake human and material losses of profound proportions. About 112 human losses so far, scores of unaccountable workers and almost a thousand injured in the

inferno. Not to mention charred of automobiles and properties destroyed in the calamity. As in these cases, finger pointing has started. The local fire fighters saying they combated the initial fire outbreak in a container only for a resignation that catapulted into the towering inferno that has bedevilled the city of millions. into the now deadly inferno.

Hiroshima and Nagazaki : The Little Boy and The Fat Man The week under review in our globe also marked the 70 th anniversary of the first cataclysm tic and deadly deployment of the atomic bomb at precisely 8:15 in the AM of August 6 1945 a massive bomb, neatly named Little Boy was deployed on a recalcitrant Japan in the wake of World War II and will change the face of modern warfare ; most especially with the concomitant deployment of Fat Man three days later challenging topographicallychallenged terrain of Nagazaki Finally, Washington and Havana are now friends With some assistance from his walking stick, borrowed from Caroline Kennedy, US Secretary of State Senator John Kerry, the top American diplomat gingerly stepped in to oversee the reinstatement of the American Flag over the embassy in Havana, Cuba which was lowered 54 years ago in the wake of the cold war and the attendant Bay of Pigs imbroglio.

It will mark the end game of diplomatic vicissitudes between Washington and Havana over the years involving prisoner swaps, diplomatic and economic embargoes, overarching economic, military manoeuvres and devastating economic sanctions against the tiny former communist enclave.

And while we are at it, our globe was again struck by way of two massive explosions in the Port City of Tinanjin in China. Latest casualty figers are at 117 dead, and scores injured and missing.

Brazil’s Rousseff, overwhelmed in new polls

S

SUPPORT for the protest movement remains widespread as rising unemployment and inflation presage the worst economic downturn since at least 1990. Government austerity

efforts meant to keep the country’s investment-grade credit rating have also turned off Rousseff’s supporters and met resistance from lawmakers.

“We hear all about budget cuts, but so far it’s only hurting people like

me,” said Francisco Mosack, a retired metalworker from the humble Sao Paulo neighbourhood of Capao Redondo, who complained that his electric bill had doubled in a year.

“I’m coming out to show my

indignation,” said Mosack, 65, wearing the canary yellow jersey of Brazil’s national soccer team as he joined a sea of green and yellow along Sao Paulo’s midtown thoroughfare Avenida Paulista.

A Datafolha survey this month showed impeachment has the most support among the poorest and least educated Brazilians, who overwhelmingly backed Rousseff in her narrow re-election victory last October.

Sensing weakness, congressional leaders have sabotaged much of the president’s legislative agenda. The leader of the lower house of Congress, who is responsible for moving ahead with an impeachment vote, broke entirely with her government last month.

The president had measured success this week consolidating support among restive Senate leaders for a pro-business agenda. But their alliance remains fragile.

Further muddying the waters, a bribery and money-laundering investigation at state-run oil company Petrobras has spilled into the political realm as the prosecutor-general readies charges against sitting politicians.

Brazil’s biggest-ever corruption scandal already landed several of the country’s most prominent executives in jail, and plea deals have implicated congressional leaders and senior members of Rousseff’s government.

AU flays Burundi crisis

T

HE crisis in strife-torn Burundi risks spiralling into a “catastrophe’ for the country and the wider region, the African Union warned yesterday, after the killing of a senior military official amid escalating unrest.

Unidentified gunmen killed Colonel Jean Bikomagu, a former chief of staff, outside his home in Bujumbura on Saturday. It was the second highprofile assassination this month as the fallout from the re-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza worsened in the central African nation.

Nkurunziza was declared winner of elections held in July, for a third term that both opponents and Western powers said violated the constitution and provisions of a peace deal which ended a 1993-2005 civil war between the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority.

Neighboring Rwanda, which shares a similar ethnic population and where a 1994 genocide killed 800,000 people, has also expressed its concern over the unrest.

In a statement, AU Commission chairwoman Nkosazana DlaminiZuma condemned Bikomagu’s killing.

Zuma “underlines that this ignoble act and many other violent acts in Burundi these last few months illustrate the gravity of the situation and the real risk of further deterioration with catastrophic consequences for the country and the whole region,” the statement said.

Syria: Marketplace air strikes ‘kill 80’

A

CTIVISTS say at least 80 people have died after government air strikes on a marketplace in the rebel-held town of Douma, near Damascus.

Around 200 people were reportedly injured in the attack.

Government forces have been regularly attacking rebel-held Douma and its surrounding areas in recent months by air raids and helicopter barrel bomb attacks.

Hundreds of civilians have been killed alongside opposition fighters.

Images uploaded by activists said to be of the aftermath of the air strikes showed the marketplace completely destroyed, with surrounding buildings in ruins and vehicles on fire.

The Local Coordination Committees, a network of anti-government activists, said that rescue workers are digging through the rubble in search of survivors.

A Douma-based activist told AP the situation was “catastrophic”, adding that clinics in the area were full and many of the wounded were being rushed in civilian cars to other medical facilities since ambulances were overwhelmed.

The latest reported strikes coincide with the first visit to the country by the UN humanitarian chief Stephen O’Brien since he took up the post in May.

59

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

NEWS

•The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Rev. Hilary Okeke (right) greeting the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi(left) after the Mass of Assumption at Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi… at the weekend.

‘Remove subsidy in phases’

T

HE lawmaker representing Ijumu/Kabba-Bunu in Kogi State in the National Aseembly, Tajudeen Yusuf, has said removal of fuel subsidy should be done in phases.

Yusuf, who spoke during an interview at the weekend, said Nigerians should be educated on the benefits of the removal for them to understand what they stand to gain.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

His words: “I’m not opposed to the removal of subsidy, but the manner of its removal. I subscribe to the fact that you subsidise production and not consumption.

“The intention of every subsidy is to ensure that those at the lower level get a reasonable benefit to aug-

ment their earning. We must rethink the issue of fuel subsidy and Nigerians must be better educated about it.”

According to him, if the government had built infrastructures, such as trains, to ease transportation, removing the subsidy would be less hurting but it’s like putting additional stress on the populace when there are no alternatives.

Academic publishing centres for varsities

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HE Tertiary Institution Trust Fund (TETFund) is to establish standard Academic Publishing Centres (APCs) in universities as part of measure to revive the reading and writing culture.

Executive Secretary Prof.

Suleiman Bogoro said this during an interview with reporters in Yola.

Bogoro said the contract for seven of the centres had been awarded, with one cited in a university in each of the six geopolitical zones and Abuja.

The TETFund boss, who inaugurated the completed APC in Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, said the others would

’

I am happy to be here, being the very first to be competed. We will provide printing facilities; we are going for the very best in the world

‘

be ready soon.

“I am happy to be here, being the very first to be com-

peted. We will provide printing facilities; we are going for the very best in the world,” he said.

Bogoro, who reiterated the fund’s commitment to upgrading public tertiary institutions, said the poor rating of Nigerian institutions was unacceptable. He said 7,000 lecturers of the 12,000 sponsored abroad by TETFund had returned.

He said the lecturers would be provided with quality teaching facilities in line with best practices.

The executive secretary urged tertiary institutions to retain their first class graduates, saying TETFund was ready to sponsor them for further studies.

Foundation gives free eye surgeries, glasses

A

N Ibadan-based Non-Governmental Organisation, BOVAS Charitable Foundation, has sponsored free eye surgeries for 150 indigent persons and given 200 glasses out.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The exercise held at the Catholic Eye Institute in Eleta.

BOVAS treasurer Joseph Olaoye Jegede said the foundation, in its second

CAC holds crusade

T

HE Christ Apostolic Church (Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain), presided over by Prophet Olu Alo, will today, begin a week-long crusade titled: ‘My story must change’.

The crusade will hold at Balemo Street, opposite Tinuola Maximum Nursery and Primary School, off Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

According to Prophet Alo,

we shall pray against forces of darkness that stagnate people and prevent progress.

I enjoin those who want their unpleasant story to change to come and be part of the crusade.

Ministering alongside Alo are Prophet Asonibare, Pastor Segun Oyebola, Pastor Borode, Prophet Ade Oloyede, and Evangelist Ajiro.

year, was the initiative of an anonymous donor to mark his 70 years.

Jegede, accompanied by other members of the foundation, including its President, Mrs. Akinsete Olatunde Comfort, Ishola Abimbola, Ogundele Adeniyi Adisa and Daniel Anthony, maintained that the foundation was not out to seek attention but to put on record what was being done.

He explained that the foundation had sought ways of doing well for the society in line with its principal’s objective and in realisation that the government alone could not solve the problems of the society.

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NEWS

From left: Group Managing Director, Tropical General Investment Group Mr Rahul Savara; Managing Director, L&Z Integrated Farms Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar; Managing Director, Bank of Industry Rasheed Olaoluwa; Deputy Country Director, United Nations Development ProgrammeMandisa Mashologu; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Arc Sonny Echono; Chairman of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group Associates Mr Sani Dangote; Member , Executive Leadership Group, NABG Mr Akintunde Sawyerr and Member, executive leadership Group, NABG Wilma Aguele at the 1st Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group Associates in Lagos...yesterday

NEITI ready to help NNPC in tracing NLNG’s unremitted $11.6b Continued from page 4

loss implications for the nation.

Others, said the spokesman, are: huge costs of fuel subsidy; crude oil swap and products exchange agreements; repair of the refineries; oil theft; review of existing fiscal regime in the industry; automation of record keeping and the politics of acquisition and assignments of oil blocks by discretion among others.

Assuring the NNPC of its cooperation, the statement added that “NEITI is ready and willing to provide further details if required.”

NEITI said it was happy to identify with the work of the ad-Hoc Committee of five raised by the National Economic Council (NEC) to look into allegations of sharp practices in the revenue-generation agencies of government.

The panel, chaired by Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole announced KPMG and the Pricewaterhouse Coopers as consultants to forensically audit the books of the agencies.

Other members of the panel are governors: Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna); Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos); Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Ibrahim Dakwambo (Gombe).

In the statement, NEITI not-

ed that one important issue it planned to the table if given opportunity, will be how the committee can assist the government to recover over $7 billion owned by oil companies.

It said these disclosures are contained in NEITI audit reports as cases of under-payments, under-assessment’s arising from subjective interpretation of MoU and tax laws.

NEITI stressed that “we have no doubt that our contributions will add value to the work of the committee.”

The watchdog agency also endorsed two other decisions taken by President Muhammed Buhari’s sweeping reforms - the recent directive on operation of a Single Treasury Account (STA) by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

NEITI’s interest in the new policy, according Orji, was borne out of the fact that over 70 per cent of the funds involved are directly or indirectly generated from extractive industries.

NEITI submitted: “We find the singly treasure account policy, a vital move and a major reform - driven decision that would help eliminate fraudulent practices created by multiple revenue accounts by government agencies.”

On its proposal to give advice to the NNPC, the statement said: “We in NEITI are ready to offer any advise, support, partnership and cooperation based on mutual respect to the new NNPC that is emerging under the leadership of Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

“This is to ensure that the NNPC conforms fully to the requirements of transparency and accountability as enshrined in the NEITI act of 2007 and the principles of the global EITI. Both the EITI and NEITI stand firmly with Nigerian citizens that revenues from oil, gas and mining should support national development and reduce poverty in our country.”

NEITI also welcomed President Buhari’s decision to set up a Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption under the chairmanship of by Prof. Itsay Sagay, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The statement added: “The work of this committee is not only timely but very useful. It is a good platform for all the 21 anti-corruption agencies, coordinated by the Technical Unit on Governance and AntiCorruption (TUGAR) under the chairmanship of NEITI, to share information and offer informed advice based on ex-

periences over the years.

“It is our expectation that Prof Sagay’s committee will provide NEITI and all the agencies under the Inter – Agency Task Team (IATT) an opportunity to make presentations.

“In view of the huge potentials in the mining and solid minerals sector, we urge President Buhari to please extend the on-going reforms to that sector. From NEITI’s scoping study and independent audit reports, this sector has the potential to yield more revenues for the country than oil, if given the attention it deserves.

“One urgent step required now is to immediately check the activities of illegal miners many of whom are foreigners that have taken over the solid minerals sector without authorisation.

“Finally, NEITI’s view remains that for these sweeping reforms initiated at the Federal level to yield results and impact on the economy, state governments need to be encouraged to find enough reasons to step down the on-going reforms at the state level.

“This is important because of the wider implications in the revenue sharing formula, resource allocation, and efficient utilisation to meet the overall strategic national development objectives.”

IBB: Buhari ’ll get Nigeria out of economic doldrums Continued from page 4

people in the society who are offering a lot of sound advice on how to move the country forward and are not relenting.

“I must commend the present leadership for identifying even before and after the election some of the problems facing this country. We should support the President towards achieving these objectives of ensuring security, wiping out corruption and economic development.”

The former leader lauded President Buhari's efforts at recovering the nation’s stolen funds by some top shots in the immediate past administration and urged the government to pursue the policy resolutely to achieve the desired result.

He recalled that similar effort during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo yielded positive results as the country made a lot of recoveries then.

On the war against terror, the former military leader said that the Federal Government must fight Boko Haram and tackle other militant groups head-on and stamp terrorism, even as he cautioned against negotiating with wrong leaders of the outlawed group.

Gen. Babangida called for public understanding of government policies and programmes at a time he described as a ‘trying period for the nation.’

“The people and the government must come together.

People should support the government and government too should come up with solutions to ameliorate the problem that every government faces,” he advised.

Recounting how he survived the botched military coup staged by Gideon Okar against his administration, Gen Babangida said: “I can remember fairly well; I had some loyal officers who are supposed to be my protectors

and my body guards. Initially they told me to leave but I told them no, I am not leaving for anywhere but they remained stubborn and later I took my family outside Dodan barracks and joined my guards.

“So, we went out of Dodan barracks and we went to a safe house where we got in contact with loyal troops.

May God bless Sani Abacha (late Head of State). The late Gen Sani Abacha was the Chief of Army Staff, he got in touch with me. I got in touch with him and we sat down

and talk on what we were going to do.

“Abacha and I rallied round the loyal troops and then I left my State House and joined Abacha in his house. That is what happened.”

He also commented on other national issues.

The anniversary of Gen Babangida’s birthday will be marked today with a special prayer session billed to be attended by his immediate family members and few of his associates.

Air Force continues raid on Boko Haram Continued from page 4

Marshall Sadique Abubakar had challenged NAF pilots to prove their worth by displaying their skills and expertise in combating enemies from the air.

“While addressing the pilots recently, Abubakar said the raid would be sustained

consistently and aggressively until the insurgency was brought to an end in Nigeria.

“The Air Force raids commenced after weeks of reconnaissance by surveillance aircraft in the mission area. The deployed F-7NI, Alpha jets and attack helicopters are intended to degrade the fighting capacity of the terrorists.”

APC: looters should face justice Continued from page 4

“Truly, what sort of governance can go on if the billions of naira in a few hands are not recovered? In the first instance, the government needs every kobo of the funds it can muster to bring about the change it has promised Nigerians.

“Secondly, leaving such hairraising funds in the hands of the few looters is dangerous, because they can use the funds to destabilise any government.

In fact, no one will be surprised if the looters use their dirty funds to sponsor public demonstrations against the government’s determination to recover the funds.

“Thirdly, allowing those who privatised the commonwealth to get away is offering a thumbs-up for looting. No responsible government will do that.”

The party alleged that the looters were already embarking on a relentless and an increasingly-bold campaign to discredit the government in a spirited attempt to sabotage the funds’ recovery process, using newspaper columnists, “talking heads” and otherwise respectable opinion leaders.

It said: “They and their paid hirelings have tried to employ sophistry to muddle the waters, but Nigerians are much wiser, and will not succumb to the dirty antics of the looters’ megaphones.”

The party said it was necessary to remind Nigerians of the kind of massive looting that took place in the past few years, so they can better appre-

ciate the seriousness of the issue at stake.

Putting the issues in perspective, it said: N3.8 trillion out of the N8.1 trillion earned from crude oil (2012-2015) was withheld by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); $2.1 billion from Excess Crude Account (ECA) unaccounted for; N109.7 billion royalty from oil firms unremitted by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and $6 billion allegedly looted by some ministers in the immediate past administration.

Others are: $13.9 billion being proceeds of 160 million barrels of crude lost between 2009 and 2012; $15 million from botched arms deal yet to be returned to Nigeria; $13 billion Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends mostly unaccounted for; N30 billion questionable waiver granted to rice importers and N183 billion unaccounted for at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The party said these “missing” funds constituted just a tip of the iceberg since they were from a few sectors of the economy - mostly the oil sector - and were discovered even before the forensic audit now being undertaken in some key areas.

“The level of looting that went on in other sectors is better imagined, hence the need for all Nigerians to rally around the Buhari administration to recover the loot, bring the looters to justice and to put in place measures to prevent such looting in the future,” the party said.

VP’s new residence is abandoned Continued from page 4

renovation of the Defence House, the main residence/ president’s office, Aguda House/ Vice President’s office and guest houses under the transition programme.

The report said: “The primary challenge facing the State House has been the inadequacy of successive budgetary appropriations. The State House annual appropriations do not match its actual activities, thereby leading to regular recourse to additional funding from Intervention Fund from the Federal Ministry of Finance.

“About 283 of the temporary staff not found eligible for regularisation were with the approval of His Excellency, the President given contract appointments renewable annu-

ally, based on performance and fitness.

“However, payment of their salaries (an average of N8million per month) is from State House overheads provision, which remains a huge challenge to State House.

“The existing infrastructure for mechanical, electrical and associated components have aged and are performing well beyond their design lives.

“The proposal for their replacement/ upgrade has been reviewed and certified by the Bureau of Public Procurement in the total sum of N3,647,793, 305.76. However, due to paucity of funds, phased implementation is being adopted for the most vital and critical works, starting with Phase I in the sum of N693, 119,509.55.”

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TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 10 NO 3309

‘As things stand, everybody is waiting very anxiously to catch a glimpse of those alleged to be thieving the wealth of this country... indications are that a new set of the alleged thieves will be unmasked when the trials start’ EMEKA OMEIHE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N the past week, the right to alms received a shot in the arm. It was Senator Shehu Sani’s shot at Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Sani supported almsgiving and clobbered Rufai as an antirevolutionary.

I was already contemplating this second instalment of my last week’s comment when Sani’s broadsides hit the news waves. I expected something new, sudden and even rigorous from his cerebral mind. He has been a mainstay of the civic battles of the North and has managed to present himself as a fighter not only with dignity but also for the dignity of others.

We recall with gratitude his interventions in the tempestuous days of Boko Haram when they hoisted flags and burned towns and slaughtered human flesh and skewered virgins. He earned the people’s right and other Nigerians’ nod in his election as senator.

But his words on El-Rufai’s policy on beggars reflect what happens to men when they swivel from activists to partisans. They lose the virtue of evenhandedness and fall into temptation. He said El-Rufai’s policies were anti-people, and the governor had decided not to appoint his (Sani’s) loyalists in office. Cutting bureaucracy, bringing faith rather than fraud to hajj, pruning expenditure and other El-Rufai policies cannot amount to anti-people policies.

I expected his take on the almajiri issue to come with the candour of detachment and reflect legitimate logic. But the partisan wars between him and El-Rufai will unveil in the coming years. But my concern here is the almajiri hobgoblin.

The El-Rufai take brings to mind the crises of change, and the way we effect change determines whether it works or not. It invokes Wole Soyinka’s play, Death and The King’s Horseman, a play some critics regard as the best work of his career. I think differently though. But it is a matter for another day. In his introduction to the play, the Nobel laureate ribbed commentators who reduced the theme to a “clash of cultures” and he described them as lazy. He, however, saw his work as embodying various themes relating to the tension of transition, and that is how I have seen that great play of audacious experimenting, poetic flourish and luminous characters.

In the play, the royal is on his way from the world of flesh to paradise. A seductive beauty entraps him. So paradise can wait.

Whether it is decadent or draconian, societies are often unwilling to accommodate the demands of change. That is why sudden revolutions are bloody and often fail. The French, Chinese, the so-called revolutions of the Europe in the mid-19th

RIPPLES

BUHARI NURSING MUSLIM AGENDA, says Nwabueze

So FIXING REFINERIES IS NOW A MUSLIM AGENDA...ehn?

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

•Winner, Informed Commentary (DAME)

The right to beg (2)

‘

•El-Rufai

•Sani

century did not rise up to the idealisms of their foot soldiers and dreamers. The American Revolution was not a revolution in the sense of the others because they sought to own their country. The others wanted to overthrow even the magna carta. Garibaldi.

Bismarck. Cavour. Metternich.

So El-Rufai had his heart in the almajiri’s place when he wanted them off the streets.

He had done something exemplary in Abuja as minister.

But in Kaduna, his action was too sweeping. But everyone, including Shehu Sani, should cavil at today’s incarnation of the almajiri. Ironically, it was the clerics who started it that bastardised it. The almajiri were not supposed to beg when it started in the Borno area many decades ago. They were supposed to be scholars. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach. He asked them not to go from house to house for sustenance.

But they should remain in the place where they had food and shelter.

The universal beggary of today’s almajiri

S

OUTH African multinationals operating in Nigeria are fast gaining notoriety for shylock practices. Ask the average Nigerian MTN subscriber what he feels about the telecoms giant that has found incredible fortune here and you won’t get any flattering appraisals. Even a dog is not allowed to lap up MTN’s poo, is the refrain in a certain part of the country.

MTN’s calls termination notice has been object of jokes in some quarters for years: “Your call credit is exhausted and your call is being TERMINATED!” Yes, the word, terminated is seemingly rendered in capital letters. It comes across as if you were a petty thief trying to pinch credit from MTN. These stingy people never allow people a second extra, many would often grumble.

But it’s not about MTN today; it is about another South African firm that has so much cause to be charitable to Nigerian subscribers, but rather treats them like dirt.

Hardball talks about MultiChoice, the satellite paytv quasi-monopoly. To be fair, this operator of the DSTV channels is not a monopoly. Let’s just say it has more resources and has proved to have a more ingenious business model.

MultiChoice is not the pioneer paytv firm

So to effect change, it has to be gradual, not the sort of wholesale style of ElRufai. Yet he needs our sympathy for confronting a great wrong to a generation and a scar on our conscience. The whole North should approach it in concert and as a conscience

’

is an abuse of its original concept. I visited Kaduna a few years ago and studied the system and even spoke with then governor, Namadi Sambo. It was clear he was thinking a policy of gradually getting the boys of the street, and his predecessor also had begun a programme that his wife pursued as an NGO after they left office. I visited one of the schools in Kaduna devoted to some of the boys. It was a full boarding school with laboratories, libraries, etc. Some of the students told me they dreamed of the professions. Pilot, teacher, engineer, etc.

The modest gains then had started attracting some almajiri from outside Kaduna.

It is therefore fraudulent to say that the policy of al majiri does not need expunging.

What El-Rufai needs is a strategy of containment and elimination. I also observed that a northern state alone cannot

deal with the issue. It is not a Kaduna problem. It is a northern problem rooted in its feudal history. First politicians, then Boko Haram recruited them.

As El-Rufai has noted, they are bomb couriers. Calling them suicide bombers is to incriminate them. They did not know the evil they committed.

The children would rather be an El-Rufai or Shehu Sani than a Jugunu who leads the colony of beggars. That was the shortcoming of Aminata Sow Fall’s novel, The Beggars Strike. It does not interrogate the morality of the priests and almsgivers.

If we want to give alms today, we don’t need the almajiri on the street to sate our spiritual cravings. What are the babies’ homes for, the house of the blind, deaf, disabled? What of the scholarships that we need to give to many indigent ones in our midst, and the hospital patients, etc. Such giving ennobles.

To give to the al majiri is to stunt their dignity.

Soyinka’s Opera Wonyosi shows no sympathy for the head of the colony, and his play looks at both the street and executive beggary. Also, John Jay’s Beggar’s Opera and Brecht’s Three Penny Opera excoriate a capitalism that enriches a few and exploits the poor.

It is the hypocrisy of the wallet against the bowl. The rich and mighty endorse begging out of naivety. The western society found a solution by creating the welfare state, especially in the aftermath of the Second World War when more than half of Europe was flirting with communism. The Marshall Plan created a first crutch, and a well-organised system to cushion the weak followed.

In 16th century, Holland broke out of the hold of Spain when the leaders, including William of Orange, gave their party the symbol of the wallet and the bowl. They had written a petition and a senior Spanish officer said to the woman representing Phillip 11: “Fear not madam, they are nothing but beggars.” The so-called beggars overthrew Spain and reclaimed their country. In the novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo writes an evocative chapter of the revolt of the vagabonds, including beggars and the lame to mock an insensitive society. We have to save and integrate them before they rise.

That is when revolutions are sudden. Even if they fail, they carry cargoes of blood and death and years of pain.

So to effect change, it has to be gradual, not the sort of wholesale style of El-Rufai.

Yet he needs our sympathy for confronting a great wrong to a generation and a scar on our conscience. The whole North should approach it in concert and as a conscience.

is not the opinion of HARDBALL •Hardball the columnist featured above Multichoice, little choice in Nigeria but again let’s say it stole the thunder from such indigenous firms, such as ABG and even HiTV, later. DSTV blazed the trail by remaking the music channels (with Channel O) to accommodate homemade African music videos. DSTV literally picked Nollywood from the Nigerian bins and made it a huge African brand. It has been doing things with Nigeria’s Premier League; same for basketball and boxing.

DSTV has played roles that a department of the Nigerian Television Authority (the largest network in Africa!) ought to have pioneered two decades ago, but for crippling mediocrity. Today, the country’s broadcast system is still fossilised in the analog age. It is so sad that to get a crisp view of NTA and most Nigerian channels, it has to be through the DSTV. Even at that, what quality of content? A young boy once told his father that the worst punishment he could ever exact upon him was to make him watch NTA for an entire day; that he would simply die of boredom.

This is why some Nigerians erroneously describe DSTV as a monopoly; it isn’t. The

sky is large enough for all and content abound in the atmosphere. Hardball wagers that we have mined only the tip of the content that is possible in Nigeria and the entire African continent.

The foregoing notwithstanding, DSTV stands accused of treating her Nigerian consumers with levity and scorn. Last April it increased subscription rates drastically without good reasons. Last week, it blatantly denied subscribers the opportunity of watching the English Premier League, the only reason most people still stick to DSTV. DSTV simply created Supersport 5 in the premium bouquet and consigned major EPL matches therein. So the sub-premium Compact-plus subscribers who had paid nearly N10, 000 are brusquely denied the EPL. To think that just four months ago, a sharp increase in rate was executed. Now you have to pay about N14, 000 to get a chance to watch the EPL. And you may wait a month to do that if you had just renewed.

What an ignominious way to treat loyal subscribers.

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