The Nation August 20, 2014

Tambuwal’s comment upsets Presidency NEWS Page 62

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VOL. 9, NO. 2944 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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DMO chief defends Nigeria’s $66b debts

HERE is no need to worry about Nigeria’s over $66 billion (over N10 trillion) debts, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has said.

The money was well invested, DMO Director General Dr. Abraham Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo spoke at an interactive session with Finance reporters in Abuja.

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

He said: “Our total domestic debt for the Federal Government, states and the FCT is about N8.9 trillion (about $48 billion) and the external debt is about $9.38 billion. If you combine the two in one currency, you will find the debt to GDP ratio is about 12.51 per cent, which is much

lower than the 26 per cent debt to GDP that is allowed countries in our peer group.”

The states’ and the FCT’s portion of the domestic debt is about $10 billion (about N1.151 trillion), excluding the external component which stands at a little above $3billion.

In Nwankwo’s view, one key achievement of the DMO

is the development of longer tenor instrument of between two to 20 years in the debt market, which has paved the way for 23 Nigerian companies in the last five years to raise locally N223 billion through the issuance of bonds.

“This is a development, which was unthinkable before now where only short

term instruments of three months and one year were prevalent,” he said.

Anti-borrowing advocates may have to push their case further. Nwankwo said the government would not shy away from aggressive borrowing, but will allow the private sector to take over in raising cheap funds Continued on page 4

Ebola virus death toll hits five as Lagos doctor dies Fifth death recorded Six Nigerians isolated in Germany, Vietnam

Why I joined PDP, by Ribadu

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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

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

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IGERIA yesterday recorded the fifth death in the Ebola outbreak.

The announcement of the death of Dr. Stella Shade Aneyo Adadevoh, the senior consultant physician who treated the late American-Liberian Ebola patient Patrick Sawyer, sent her family members and colleagues into mourning.

She was among the last surviving three patients who contracted the virus after having primary contact with the late Sawyer.

She died at the isolation ward of the Lagos Mainland Hospital in Yaba, Lagos where they were being treated.

A statement last night from the Federal Ministry of Health, titled: “Fifth death of Ebola patient recorded in Nigeria”, said: “The Honourable Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, regrets to announce the death, this evening, of one of the primary contacts of the index Ebola Virus Disease case, the most senior doctor who participated in the management of the patient, a female consultant physician.

“With this unfortunate development, the total number of Ebola Virus related deaths in Nigeria now stands at five. The other two patients currently under treatment in the isolation wards are stable and are being taken care of.”

The statement was signed by Mr. Dan Nwomeh, Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Minister.

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WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15?

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From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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ORMER Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chair Nuhu Ribadu has explained why he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also denied disparaging the APC and Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano).

Ribadu was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the parties that fused to form the APC. In a letter to the APC chairman in Bako Ward in Adamawa State, he said he would forever be thankful to the opposition party for admitting him into its fold as a member.

The letter, dated August 14, 2014, reads: “I wish to forward my membership withdrawal with the All Progressives Congress Continued on page 4

Continued on page 4

INSIDE

•Ogun puts three under watch •AND •Govt focuses on MORE ON carrier animals PAGES 2 -4, •Ibadan patient 6&5 9 &59 tests negative •NBA: recall doctors

•EVER DUTIFUL: The late Dr. Adadevoh at work

•Ribadu

•LIFE P15 •SPORTS P23 •MONEY P26 •INVESTORS P28 •POLITICS P45 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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NEWS •President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) giving the award for the Best Performing Bank in Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme to the Regional Business Executive, Abuja, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. John Japhet, in Abuja yesterday... With them is Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.

How to stop The U.S. Consulate General in Nigeria, in a document made available to reporters yesterday, details how Ebola outbreaks can be stopped and what the public must know in order to curb its spread. It also addresses questions the public has about potential treatments and vaccines for Ebola

W • From left: Product Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Anish Mathew; Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim; Samsung Brand Ambassador Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, a.k.a. Reminisce,Head of Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu and Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas at the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Tab S and new entry-level devices, Galaxy Ace 4 Lite and Galaxy Trend Lite, in Lagos.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

•From left: Deputy General Manager, TECNO Nigeria, Mr. Chidi Okonkwo; Head, Public Relations, Transsion Group, Mr. Boukali Mounir; Head, compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Efosa Idehen and Managing Director, Jumia, Mr. Jonathan Doerr, during the media launch of TECNO Phantom Z in Lagos.

•The Emir of Borgu, Dr. Haiu Dantoro, Kitoro 111 (3rd left), with the Baazukun of Borgu and former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin (2nd lett) at the Emir’s Palace during Petirin’s visit to New Bussa, Kainji, Niger State. With them are from right: Commander, 99 Air Combat Training Group, Air Commodore Dayo Alao, BrigGen. Akpa Jones (rtd) Mr. Moyo Adewuyi and Air Commodore Jacob Obaisa.

HAT is ZMapp?

ZMapp, being developed

by Mapp Biopharmaceutical Inc., is an experimental treatment, for use with individuals infected with Ebola virus. It has not yet been tested in humans for safety or effectiveness.

The product is a combination of three different monoclonal antibodies that bind to the protein of the Ebola virus.

How effective is the experimental treatment?

It is too early to know whether ZMapp is effective, since it is still in an experimental stage and has not yet been tested in humans for safety or effectiveness. Some patients infected with Ebola virus do get better spontaneously or with supportive care.

However, the best way to know if treatment with the product is efficacious is to conduct a randomised controlled clinical trial in people to compare outcomes of patients who receive the treatment to untreated patients. No such studies have been conducted. It's important to note that the standard treatment for Ebola remains supportive therapy.

This includes the following measures: ·balancing the patients' fluids and electrolytes; ·maintaining their oxygen status and blood pressure; and ·treating them for any complicating infections.

In addition, the most effective way to stop the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is meticulous work in finding Ebola cases, isolating and caring for those patients, and tracing contacts to stop the chains of transmission. It means educating people about safe burial practices and having health care workers strictly follow infection control in hospitals. This is how all previous Ebola outbreaks have been stopped.

Why aren't more people getting ZMapp?

At this time, very few courses of this experimental treatment have been manufactured. Since the product is still in an experimental stage, it is too early to know whether ZMapp is effective. The manufacturer of this experimental treatment continues to research and evaluate the product's safety and effectiveness. It has not yet been tested in humans for safety or effectiveness and much more study is needed.

Did the NIH play a role in getting the experimental therapy to the two U.S. patients in Liberia?

This experimental treatment was arranged privately by Samaritan's

P r e c a u t i o n s : An ambulance carrying a Nigerian suspected Ebola virus carrier to Charite hospital

Purse, the private humanitarian organisation, which employed one of the Americans who contracted the virus in Liberia. Samaritan's Purse contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who referred them to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH was able to provide the organization with the appropriate contacts at the private company developing this treatment.

The NIH was not involved with procuring, transporting, approving, or administering the experimental treatments.

Will patients in West Africa be able to access this experimental treatment? How much supply is there?

The product is still in an experimental stage, and the manufacturer reports that there is a very limited supply, so it cannot be purchased and is not available for general use. The manufacturer has been planning for phase 1 clinical trials and does not have the capacity to manufacture large quantities of the treatment. The drug has not gone through clinical trials, meaning its safety and effectiveness has not yet been tested in humans. The manufacturer of the experimental treatment continues to research and evaluate the product's safety and effectiveness. The most effective way to stop the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa is meticulous work in finding Ebola cases, isolating and caring for those patients, and tracing contacts to stop the chains of transmission. It means educating people about safe burial practices and having health care workers strictly follow infection control in hospitals.

This is how all previous Ebola outbreaks have been stopped.

Is ZMapp available under the Food and Drug Administration's expanded access to investigational drugs?

Currently there are only experimental treatments for Ebola virus infection in the earliest stages of development. When a drug is not approved, the FDA can authorise access to potentially promising products through other mechanisms, such as through an emergency Investigational New Drug (IND) application.

In order for an experimental treatment to be administered in the U.S., such a request must be submitted to and authorised by the FDA. The FDA cannot comment on the specifics of ongoing drug development programs and cannot reveal information that is not otherwise public concerning submissions covering such programs such as IND applications sub-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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NEWS

op Ebola outbreak, by U.S.

Pla gue: Job seekers and jobcentre employees waiting for permission from police Plague: to leave the building after it was put on lockdown by emergency services scared that they might have been infected with Ebola virus

All c lear clear lear:: Those held in the jobcentre are finally freed after they were judged PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES unlikely to have become infected

AfDB approves $60m in response to Ebola outbreak

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FRICAN Development Bank (AfDB) has approved additional $60 million grant investment for immediate implementation to help strengthen West Africa’s public health systems in response to the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) crisis.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the bank said the grant would support West Africa’s EVD outbreak response plan from August to December.

“This grant is part of a $210-million package, including $15 million in loans and grants as well as four emergency assistance grants of $1 million to each of the four countries affected by Ebola.

“The $60 million grant is awarded to the World Health Organisation (WHO) sub-regional Ebola Outbreak Coordinating Centre located in Conakry, Guinea, given their extensive experience with global epidemics.

“The project will support ongoing efforts to reduce morbidity, mortality from Ebola and help break the chain of transmission of the disease by strengthening sub-regional pubmissions. The FDA stands ready to work with companies and investigators treating these patients.

Is ZMapp a vaccine?

No. ZMapp is being developed as a therapeutic product for treatment of people infected with Ebola virus, but not to prevent infection in the same manner as a vaccine. The best way to prevent infection currently is with stringent infection control measures.

Difference between therapy and vaccine?

Vaccines are usually given to

lic health systems,” it said.

The statement said the bank’s assistance would support overall strengthening of public health systems in West Africa to facilitate early detection and response to epidemics and pandemic prone diseases.

It said the proposed project critically was aimed at responding to the specific needs identified by the expert community in response to the Category 3 world emergency epidemic.

The statement said the bank’s project would be coordinated by the WHO sub-regional Ebola Outbreak Coordinating Centre in Conakry along with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO).

It said that a joint memorandum for intervention practices and management procedures would be signed between the bank, WHO and WAHO regional organisation representing the governments of West Africa.

The countries are Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Mali, Senegal

people before they are exposed to a virus or bacteria that causes a disease.

A vaccine stimulates the immune system to generate antibodies and cellular immunity that can fight off an infection if it were to occur. Typically, therapeutics are provided to people who are already infected with the virus. With the experimental ZMapp treatment, the monoclonal antibodies bind to the virus, so that the human immune system can clear the virus.

Are there Ebola vaccines available for use or in development?

There are currently no FDA ap-

and The Gambia.

It said that the Ebola crisis could have been prevented if investments were directed toward building stronger health systems and described the crisis as the most complicated health crisis in West Africa.

The AfDB President, Dr Donald Kaberuka, said it was not simply dealing with a health problem but the breakdown of entire health systems in the affected countries.

It said AfDB’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nelly Iteba, said the bank had taken adequate measures to protect its staff.

Iteba said EVD could be managed with strict adherence to standard infection control practices, basic medical equipment and necessary medication.

“For instance, availability of sterilisation equipment, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics, ventilators, powerful vasoactive medications can improve patient care and save lives.

“Also, skilled health professionals equipped with personal protective equipment

proved vaccines for Ebola. The NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is working on developing an Ebola vaccine. NIH recently announced they are expediting their work, and aiming to launch phase 1 clinical trials of an Ebola vaccine in the fall. NIH is also supporting the Crucell biopharmaceutical company in its development of an Ebola/Marburg vaccine as well as Profectus Biosciences in its development of an Ebola vaccine. Additionally, NIH and the Thomas Jefferson University are collaborating to develop a candidate Ebola vaccine

•Kaberuka

and availability of modern diagnostic equipment can make all the difference in containing the spread of EVD,” it said.

based on the established rabies vaccine.

Is the U.S. government involved in the development of ZMapp?

The U.S. government, specifically, the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the HHS' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), has provided support for the development of this experimental treatment.

Are there other companies devel-

oping experimental treatments or vaccines?

Two other companies, Tekmira and Biocryst Pharmaceuticals, receive funding from the Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency and have therapeutic candidates for Ebola in early development.

The Department of Defense is working with a company called Newlink to develop an Ebola vaccine candidate. BioCryst, with NIH support, is working to develop an antiviral drug to treat Ebola virus that is expected to begin Phase 1 testing later this year.

‘Personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, prevent Ebola infection’

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HE District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith, West Africa, Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran, said yesterday that ensuring personal hygiene and environmental sanitation could help prevent Ebola Virus infection.

Adeniran said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the sideline of a three-week Camp Meeting of the church holding at Faith City, Igbesa in Ogun State The theme of the meeting is “The Power of Worship“.

“Most of the viruses and all the epidemic that we have around us can be prevented, and we can have a guard of prevention if we are very serious about hygiene.

“In this camp, we have told people that the first thing to do before you eat is to wash your hands with soap and you should maintain good hygiene; we are not afraid of Ebola.

“God has delivered us from the fear of Ebola; the fear of Ebola cannot come to us because the fear of God is first in us.

“Following the word of God, by the grace of God no Ebola will come here; I am not thinking of Ebola here I’m only praying for the larger country.

“Because while the children of Israel were in Goshen, while all the Egyptians were suffering, God provided a cover for His people; and He has promised us that cover, so am not afraid of it.“ Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of

Ifitedunu community in Anambra, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, on Monday urged every Anambra resident to observe professional preventive measures against the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The monarch, who is a medical doctor, told NAN in Ifitedunu near Onitsha that he had commenced an awareness campaign against the dreaded disease in rural communities in Anambra.

According to him, this has become necessary in order to save the state from unnecessary embarrassment and stigmatisation of the people of the state who are highly sociable and business oriented.

Ilouno, who is the Chairman of Anambra Central Traditional Rulers

Council, noted that he was collaborating with traditional rulers and President-Generals of various communities for his anti-Ebola Campaign.

“I have visited 15 communities; and this morning, I engaged two people and told them I will give them a car to go round more communities.

“And as we speak, I have about 20 traditional rulers with me, and I intend to beg them to arrange for me to come and speak to their people.

“I want to go round; I am devoting the whole of August and September for this assignment.

“I want to speak to many communities. I am going to pay two people N1,000 each every day to go to various communities and get permission from their leaders for me to come and

talk to their youths, women, and their people on this issue.

“Because, I know that one person alone catching this disease in Anambra can bring a bad name to Anambra, can get us to a situation where if you tell someone `I am from Anambra', the person will run away from you and people will not come to do business with us.

“We are business people and we want to encourage people to come to us.

“So that is why I am making this personal contribution to ensure Ebola Virus does not spread in Anambra State, so that our economy will not be affected, so that our people will enjoy what they used to enjoy: absolute peace and good health,'' he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

DMO defends Nigeria’s $66b debts Continued from page 1

•From left: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) CEO Mr. Oscar Onyema, Forte Oil Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa and Group Corporate Finance Officer Mr. Julius Omodayo Owofuga, during Forte Oil’s Fact behind the figures held at NSE head office, Marina, Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Why I defected to PDP, by Ribadu Continued from page 1

(APC) from this day, Monday, 30th of July 2014.

“It has indeed been a great pleasure working and being associated with the party, APC. I am forever thankful for all the support accorded me while I was a member.”

On his Facebook page, Ribadu opened up to his friends on why he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also denied insinuations that he attacked APC, Amaechi and Kwankwaso.

He said: “I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to

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drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.

“My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honourable ways of resolving them.

“So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection.

I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.

“As for my next step in this

political struggle, this would be made known in due time.

“For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section.

“Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful.

I’ll never let you down on this new path. Thank you!”

Yesterday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the time Continued on page 62

Colleagues, family mourn ‘dutiful’ doctor

R. Stella Shade Ameyo Adadevoh, 58, was the first Nigerian to contract Ebola virus after treating Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer.

Sawyer arrived in Nigeria aboard ASky airlines plane on July 20. He took ill on the flight from Lome, Togo and was taken to the First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos. He was diagnosed with Ebola when the results of his tests came after two days of treatment.

The late Dr. Adadevoh was an endocrinologist at the First Consultant Hospital. She was the most senior of the medical team that attended to Sawyer.

She showed symptoms of Ebola infection a few days after Mr. Sawyer died and had been in isolation in Yaba, Lagos where she was being treated.

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another party. But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling.

“I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations.

“Let me make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Kwankwaso.

“These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and

Lagos doctor Adadevoh dies of Ebola virus disease Continued from page 1

Dr. Adadevoh is survived by her only son.

Her friends said last night that she had been looking forward to December for the 80th birthday celebration of her mother. She is the first doctor and the fourth Nigerian to die from the virus.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

Her colleagues and friends last week raised the alarm that her condition was deteriorating.

They called for better attention and for the procurement from the United States of the ZMapp experimental drug.

They described Dr. Adadevoh efforts at saving the life of Sawyer and preventing the spread of Ebola in the country as “heroic”.

Two nurses and an ECOWAS protocol officer had earlier died of the virus – all of them having had primary contact with the late Sawyer.

Five other infected persons also from the hospital through Sawyer, have been discharged from isolation ward, leaving only two, undergoing treatment.

A family member said last night that the late Dr. Adadevoh was “very dutiful”.

She said: “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.”

Managing Director of Health Management Organisation (HMO) Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo described the late Dr Adadevoh as a patriot who could have treated the late Sawyer

for malaria and allowed him to go when he requested to be discharged. He said she decided to take the case to the government to save the country from an epidemic.

He said: “It is important that we reflect and try and see how things happened. I am a medical doctor and I am surprised that they made the diagnosis in the first instance because this is a man that could have gone somewhere else and Continued on page 62

for the development of the manufacturing, agriculture and other vital sectors while the government will just be a regulator.

The DMO plans to focus on encouraging the private sector to take the front seat “in raising funds for development both locally and internationally to finance most of the projects that the government undertakes and the government would not be tempted to borrow more in view of its current low Debt to GDP ratio as a result of the recently rebased Nigerian economy”.

On the nature of the nation’s debt profile, the DMO boss said part of the Federal Government’s portion, about $1.5 billion raised from the international debt market (the Eurobond) is being invested in the power sector to improve the power.

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“The funds is also financing the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Bulk Trader (NBET) and for the Nigeria Gas to power project,” Nwankwo said, adding: “Part of the monies borrowed was used for the dualisation of the Abuja International Airport Road in Abuja ; the dualisation of the Zuba - Anuja Expressway ; the opening of new districts in the Federal Capital Territory and the investment for the upgrade of the cotton industry. There are so many other projects with which these monies have been deployed across the country and they are there for people to see.”

On the international debt market, Nwankwo said Nigeria’s issuance of a Sovereign bond paved the way for nine Nigerian firms to issue bonds at the international debt market, raising $3.4 billion “because Nigeria was already benchmarked and the firms didn’t have to raise the funds at very high cost”.

Plane crashes in Kebbi

light aircraft belonging to West Link Airline marked 5NBG2 has crashed in Mastseri village, Bunza local government area of Kebbi state.

Nobody died in the crash as the two men on board came out unscathed.

District Head of Mastseri, Alhaji Bello Ahmed, while confirming the incident, said his people rushed to the crash site and met two men - one with a life jacket apparently the pilot who parachuted from the plane before it crashed and another passenger.

The district head said the pilot gave his name as Solomon Masheliya and the man with him simply as Ibahim.

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

He said both men were taken to the area police station in Bunza.

Police spokesman Kabir Bawa Rawayau said he was aware of the crash and that investigation was ongoing.

An official of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said last night that the plane, which crashed since August 11, is likely to be one of those being used to spray insecticide to ward off quella birds from farms.

Officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said they had no information on the crash when contacted.

17 missing Ebola patients found

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EVENTEEN suspected Ebola patients who went missing in Liberia after a health centre in the capital was attacked have been found, a minister has said.

“They were traced and finally they turned themselves in” at a treatment centre, Lewis Brown told the BBC. The government had previously denied they were missing.

The Liberian information minister said the missing patients were now at the newly expanded treatment unit opened over the weekend at the John F Kennedy Memorial Medical Center in the capital, Monrovia.

Mr Brown also said the health of three Liberian doctors infected with Ebola had

improved after they receiving the experimental drug Zmapp.

Two US missionaries, who were flown home for treatment from Liberia, are reportedly recovering from the virus after taking doses of the same medicine.

The drug was also given to a 75-year-old Spanish priest who contracted Ebola in Liberia, but he died in Spain last week.

The attack on the quarantine centre, where 37 people were being held in Monrovia’s densely populated West Point township, took place on Saturday evening.

There are conflicting reports over what sparked the riot, in which medical supplies were also stolen.

Six Nigerians isolated in Germany, Vietnam

IX Nigerians have been quarantined in Germany and Vietnam because of suspicion of carrying Ebola virus.

One Nigerian in Germany, two at Vietnam’s international airport on arrival and three students have confined to their abode for the next 21 days in the Asian country.

Two Nigerians on a Qatar Airways flight to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport last night were taken to a city hospital after being found to have flulike symptoms that could be tied to the recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

Tran Dac Phu, chief of the Heath Ministry’s Preventive Medicine Department in Vietnam, said the two passengers departed on Monday from Nigeria on the QR964 flight. They took seats 25B and 26D.

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

The two Nigerians were then transported to the quarantined area of the Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Diseases Hospital to stay indoors under a 21-day fever watch.

The Preventive Health Department, the city’s Pasteur Institute, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Office and the US Diseases Control Centre in Vietnam, has sent blood samples taken from the Nigerians for further testing.

The Health Ministry also asked the passengers sitting near the two Nigerians on that flight to go to the nearest hospitals or call the number 0989 671 115 to get guidance on preventive measures.

No Ebola-infected case has been detected in Vietnam so far.

Similarly, Hanoi health authorities are watching three students from Nigeria for flu-like symp-

toms after they arrived in Vietnam between July 31 and August 8 to attend a college in the Vietnamese capital.

Health authorities said the students, who are asked to stay indoors under a 21-day fever watch, remained healthy, and underwent daily medical checkups. They were asked to inform health officers as soon as they have symptoms of fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea and hemorrhage.

The Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is planning to buy 10,000 protective outfits for health officers facing high risks of Ebola-virus infection while on duty, said the chief of the Preventive Medicine Department.

German health authorities yesterday took to hospital and quarantined a 30-year-old Nigerian woman who showed symptoms consistent with the deadly dis-

ease.

Dozens of other visitors and staff at a Berlin employment office building were also stopped from leaving for several hours as emergency services sealed off part of the street.

The mass-circulation Bild daily said the woman fainted, adding later that she had recently been in contact with people infected with Ebola.

Several people who had been with the woman inside the building in the northeastern district of Prenzlauer Berg were later also taken to hospital for testing.

Berlin fire department spokesman Rolf Erbe said that because the patient came from “an area affected by a highly contagious disease, we took these precautions”.

He said the testing in the city’s Charite hospital would take some time.

“The patient was isolated inside the ambulance, the staff took the appropriate protective measures. An emergency medic, the public health officer, arrived and the necessary precautions were taken,” he added.

Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu insisted yesterday that there are only three Ebola –positive cases in Nigeria, after the discharge of five people who came down with the virus after having primary contact with the late Liberian Patrick Sawyer.

All the cases in Nigeria are from primary contact with Sawyer.

Chukwu told a one-day National Youth and Student Leaders Sensitisation Lecture on Ebola Prevention and Management organised in Abuja: “Nigeria as at today (yesterday) discharged some of those who tested positive to the Ebola virus disease.

•Chukwu “We have only three Nigerians who have Ebola virus and they are under treatment.”

The minister added that of the 21 secondary contacts with SawContinued on page 62

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

5

NEWS

Engineers, ICPC to fight quackery From Franca Ochigbo and Halima Farouk, Abuja

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•From Left: Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmential Affairs, Mr Kabiru Turaki; Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammed Sidi and Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Hajia Hadiza PHOTO:NAN Kangiwa, at the 2014 World Humanitarian Day Commemoration in Abuja...yesterday

FRSC to build 20,000 housing units From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will build 20,000 housing units across the country under a scheme it called “Vision 20,000 housing project”.

The corps said the scheme was among its measures to improve affordable housing for its workers.

FRSC Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Boboye Oyeyemi spoke yesterday in Abuja when he hosted the management team of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

He said: “The housing initiative is in partial fulfilment of the resolve of the corps’ present management to place workers’ welfare on the front burner and to provide the required incentive for FRSC operatives to deliver on set goals of safer roads and fuller lives in the country.”

The FRSC chief said the scheme would focus on “one man one house” residential arrangement to effectively provide affordable houses for the corps’ staff strength of 20,000.

The scheme is in collaboration with the FMBN and other major stakeholders in the housing and financial sectors.

Oyeyemi said: “Under the programme, 70 per cent of the houses have been earmarked for junior workers of the corps with a strength of 15,000 while officers account for 5,000 of the staff strength.

“Realising that housing remains a critical component for human development, we will vigorously pursue the Vision 20,000 Housing Project to provide succour for our workers during and after their service.”

He added that the FRSC would subsidise the equity contributions of its junior workers for the scheme to make the payment affordable.

Reps probe mass failure in WASSCE

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EMBERS of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education will today begin investigation into the mass failure in this year’s May/June West African Examination Council (WAEC) results.

They described the mass failure as “unacceptable”.

For the fourth consecutive year, candidates who wrote the WAEC May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) recorded mass failure.

Only 529,425, (31. 28 per cent) obtained five credits, including English and Mathematics.

This put the total failure percentage at 31.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Education, Aminu Fagge, addressed reporters yesterday at the committee’s oversight function at the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He said the committee would hold the government responsible, if it is found culpabale in the mass failure.

The visit to WAEC office, he said, was to enable the committee have first-hand information on the mass failure.

Fagge said: “It is unfortunate. Incidentally, we will visit WAEC tomorrow (today) and

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the proper thing and follow those responsible for this. If it means sanitising the entire community to help the Ministry of Education and the government, we will do so in the interest of Nigerians.”

NUC Executive Secretary Prof. Julius Okoje told the lawmakers that inadequate budgetary allocation to the commission hindered its development.

Many activities, he said, were not adequately prosecuted due to paucity of fund.

Represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary in charge of Administration, Dr. Akinbode Agbaoye, the NUC chief said the commission would work hard.

‘Our priority is ending insurgency’

By Precious Igbonwelundu

•Maj-Gen Davies

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HE Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Maj-Gen. John Davies, has said the corps’ priority is winning the war against insurgency in the Northeast.

Gen. Davies spoke yesterday at the corps’ headquarters in Lagos, when he took over from the former Commander, MajGen. Funsho Owonibi (rtd).

Gen. Davies urged his men to “dust their counter-insurgency books” to meet the Chief of Army Staff’s dateline to defeat terror-

ists.

He said: “As the new corps commander, priority will be given to insurgency in the Northeast to help the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, achieve success.

“Do not fold your arms here and say it is not your problem because you are in Lagos or Enugu. If not addressed collectively, it will be a problem to all of us.

“Dust your books on counterinsurgency because in the next few weeks, that is all that we will be talking about in this corps. Stopping insurgency is part of the responsibility of the corps.”

Addressing reporters on the role of the corps in quelling insurgency, Gen. Davies said this would ensure that troops have the necessary structures and equipment.

He said: “Our job, basically, is moving the Army forward to fight and live. The corps constructs roads, bridges. What we

Activist sues INEC for registering UPN, SDP PRO-democracy activist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a Federal High Court, Abuja, on alleged unlawful registration of two proscribed political parties - Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Akinnola is praying the court to nullify the purported registration granted to the two parties because they had been proscribed and dissolved by existing laws.

Joined as co-defendants are UPN and SDP.

it will form part of our engagement with WAEC. But I want to believe that WAEC will not be held sorely responsible for this sad development. It is the responsibility of parents, teachers and schools where those students were tutored. We want to interact with WAEC to hear from them. We want to know what is actually responsible for this alarming rate of failure, which was put at about 38 per cent in a percentage of 100.

“This is unacceptable... I believe the government has done the best it could. But if there are areas of improvement from the government, we will hold it accountable. We will try to encourage the government to do

By Adebisi Onanuga

In an originating summons filed by Mr. James Ode Abah of Bamidele Aturu Chambers, the plaintiff claimed that UPN and SDP could no longer be registered as new parties, having been outlawed by the Political Parties Dissolution Decrees of 1984 and 1993.

The pro-democracy activist is asking the court to determine whether or not INEC has the power to resuscitate prohibited and dissolved parties without first repealing the laws proscribing them.

Akinnola also prayed the

court to determine whether or not parties dissolved or prohibited by the existing law could function or act as parties without the repeal of the law that proscribed them.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that, having been duly dissolved by existing laws of 1984 and 1993, the UPN and SDP were no longer parties and could not function as such.

The activist applied for a court declaration that INEC, as the first defendant in the action, could not validly or lawfully register the two parties in the face of the existing laws that legally dissolved them.

are going to do is to help those fighting the war by building their bunkers and trenches.

“We will clear their paths to fight and attack the terrorists and make all sorts of equipment that will pave their way. For now, no commander can do otherwise but help the soldiers in the war front. We are ensuring that we have a conclusive end to insurgency.”

Gen. Owonibi said the corps had done well in manufacturing the equipment used in the Northeast to tackle insurgency.

He said: “During my time here, we came up with a research and we were able to manufacture some things used to fight the war in the Northeast.

“We were able to produce some indigenous equipment, such as the armoured personnel carrier (APC) and the Gamma, which was used to convey Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).”

The former commander, who said he had no regrets serving in the Army, hoped that his successor would carry the corps to greater heights.

Gen. Owonibi said: “My stewardship was guided by the acronym HEN - human capacity development, equipment acquisition and national development.

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“The common stand in all the elements of ‘HEN’ was innovation. Consequently, I unfolded my vision for the corps, which was to promote knowledge and innovation as key drivers to performing traditional engineering roles, contribute to national development while supporting the army to meet contemporary challenges.

“Within the period of my stewardship (18 months and 13 days), the corps made modest achievements in innovation, human capacity building, infrastructure and national development, especially in training on special EBC and bomb disposal.”

Gen. Owonobi, who renovated the Police College in Ikeja, said the major challenges he faced when he was the commander were finding and managing the human capital resources.

He said: “Aside that, funding was another major challenge, because though we had a vision and a plan to do more, they were inhibited by lack of funds... Anyway, we somehow managed to surmount them.

“Our challenge with overhauling and rehabilitating the police college in Lagos was that the project belonged to another force.

HE Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is partnering the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to fight quackery in engineering.

COREN President Kasim Ali spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 23rd Engineering Assembly, with the theme: Commercialising Engineering: An Imperative for National Development.

The engineer explained that to ensure a prompt response to violations of engineering code of ethics, the council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICPC. He said: “A copy of the MOU was circulated to all personnel with up-to-date licence. The council will not hesitate to use the provision in this MoU against any person or organisation that encourages quackery.

“The major achievement in the last one year was the production of a revised Benchmark for Minimum Accreditation Standard (BMAS).

“I am pleased to report that the council has accredited over 32 engineering programmes since the last engineering assembly.”

FAAN: no bomb scare at Lagos Airport

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said there was no bomb scare on Monday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

This comes as neither the police nor aviation authorities gave details on the outcome of investigation on the suspect allegedly found with explosives at the airport.

It was learnt that the suspect was in police custody near the airport.

FAAN said the clarification was to disabuse the minds of those who misrepresented what actually happened at the airport on Monday.

In a statement by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Yakubu Dati, FAAN said the man arrested at the airport was held for loitering.

It said this attracted the attention of security personnel.

Police get eight new DIGs

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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HE Police Service Commission (PSC) announced yesterday the promotion of eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs).

Four of the officers were promoted from Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).

They are: Dan’Azumi Job Doma, Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, David O. Omojola, Solomon E. Arase, Christopher K. Katso and Salihu Argungu Hashidu.

Two others, Hilary Opara and Sotonye Wakama, were promoted to DIG from Commissioner of Police.

Apology to Punch Nigeria Limited

N our edition of August 7, 2014, we published an advertisement, titled: “Over 16 feared dead-Immigration Job Test Tragedy,” by a body that called itself “Agents for Collective Transparency”.

The advertiser attributed the title of the advert to The Punch and indeed super-imposed the title on the paper’s masthead, thus giving the impression that it was the paper’s lead story for Thursday, July 21, 1014. We have since found out that the paper’s lead story on that day was “Buhari: Jonathan has declared war on Nige-

ria.”

We dissociate ourselves from the advertiser and state categorically that the advertisement was a fraudulent, mischievous and malicious concoction of the advertiser. We tender our unreserved apology to Punch Nigeria Limited, publishers of The Punch, for the corporate embarrassment, unwarranted distortion of the aforesaid edition, and any infringement on its copyright.

—Management

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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NEWS THE EBOLA VIRUS

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Nigerian, two foreigners under watch in Ogun

WO Guineans and a Nigerian have been isolated and kept under watch at Imeko-Afon, an Ogun State border community with the Republic of Benin, for likely symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The three reportedly entered Nigeria “illegally” through the Ogun border with Republic of Benin.

They were intercepted by operatives of the Ports Health Services (PHS) and put on close watch, following the suspects’ inability to convince the officials that they had no primary or secondary contact with the EVD. Ogun State Health Commissioner Dr. Olaokun Soyinka ad-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

dressed reporters yesterday in Abeokuta, the state capital, on the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

Soyinka said the trio were returning from Guinea last Friday and attempted to use an illegal route at the border when the PHS officials accosted and questioned them over their EVD status.

Soyinka said since the suspects failed to prove they were EVDfree, the officials prevented them from entering Nigeria by putting them under observation.

The commissioner said the trio

would remain under watch for 21 days and undergo necessary medical tests.

He said there were three isolation centres; each in the three senatorial districts.

According to him, the government will establish more centres in the 20 local government areas.

Soyinka said the government “has taken delivery of its preventive suits and other equipment for the isolation centres to show that it is ready to take in a patient, if necessary”.

The commissioner said 50 people had enlisted as volunteers

in the event of an Ebola emergency.

He said: “As part of our emergency response plan, the government is compiling a list of volunteers who can be called upon for a variety of task, if we need to escalate our activities.”

Soyinka urged the residents to remain calm and avoid direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person.

The commissioner advised the people to maintain a good personal hygiene by regularly washing their hands and using sanitisers.

He added: “If you suspect Ebola, contact health authorities immediately on these hotlines: 09021715984, 09099140121, 09099140122.”

Fed Govt focuses on carrier animals From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

•Prof. Chukwu, Health Minister

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HE Federal Government has said Lagos, Abuja and a few major cities have been found to have animals that aid the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The government said it had

NBA seeks doctors’ recall

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) urged the Federal Government yesterday to recall the over 16,000 resident doctors sacked last week.

In a statement in Lagos by the Chairman of its Ikeja branch, Mr. Yinka Farounbi, the NBA described the sack of the doctors as “ill-advised and insensitive at this critical stage of the health challenges posed by the ravaging Ebola virus.”

The union said the government took an “unpopular decision, which is not in the interest of the country”.

It urged the government to dialogue with the NMA to end its strike so that the doctors could assist in containing the deadly Ebola virus.

Farounbi said: “The incidence of the Ebola virus in our country today calls for total participation of all our doctors and even the recall of the retired and the older ones to curb its spread. It is, therefore, ironical and illogical that we are depleting the desired participation by sacking over 16,000 of the already inadequate medical work force.”

started a survey to ascertain the distribution of such animals, especially fruit bats, in the urban centres, where they are found.

Environment Minister Mrs. Laurentia Mallam said the government was focusing on controlling the animals in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.

Mrs Mallam, in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Press, Bem Gong, said: “The control of animals implicated in the spread of this disease, especially fruit bats, which are so numerous in many of our urban cities, such as Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, is now our major focus.

“We have started a survey of their distribution in Abuja where we have found a substantial population in Wuse area, the

Three Arms Zone and some areas of Maitama District and Kubwa. We have equally begun a similar survey in other states and towns so that we may implement a comprehensive exercise.

“We are also in touch with various states for the implementation of massive disinfestations of homes, offices, hospitals, hotels and indeed public places infested with bats, rats and other pests.”

The minister said another area of concern was the management of the nation’s health care wastes at various hospitals.

She said: “In most cases and in many places, health care wastes are combined with other municipal wastes and disposed at open dumps indiscriminately.

Even where their exposure remains hazardous and perilous,

the menace of scavengers in health care wastes is indeed harmful and a potential source of the Ebola virus disease.

“A very perturbing and critical area in the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease is through contact with fomites and personal articles of persons exposed to the disease.

We honestly wish to encourage the disinfection of fomites and homes where the disease has occurred.”

The minister called for a stop to some cultural practices.

“Some of these could include the way we interact with persons who are ill, especially when the cause of such illness is not known.

“We unequivocally ask our people to limit their exposure to dead bodies of relatives and other persons, especially where the cause of death is unknown,” she added.

Result on Ibadan ‘patient’ negative, HE Oyo State Government says commissioner said yesterday the result

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of the blood sample of a suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) patient was negative.

The suspect was admitted at the state-owned Adeoyo Hospital at Ring Road, Ibadan, on Monday.

Health Commissioner Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the blood sample was taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), also in Ibadan, for screening.

The commissioner assured that the Abiola Ajimobi administration had put measures in place to ensure that the disease does not spread in the state, if any case was eventually reported.

He said the patient would be placed under constant monitoring until she recovers fully.

UCH wards were empty yesterday as striking doctors abandoned their offices.

But the hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Ayodeji Bobade, told our reporter it had no case of Ebola.

He said but if there was, there was no doctor to attend to patients.

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

On the blood sample brought to the hospital for the EVD test, Bobade said: “As I am speaking to you, there is nothing of such.

The doctors’ strike has affected virtually everything here.”

To prevent the disease from spreading, the state government directed a 24-hour monitoring and tracking of suspected cases in the 33 local government areas.

Gbadegesin said there was emphasis on the boundaries at Saki West, Iwajowa, Atisbo and Itesiwaju local government areas.

The commissioner explained that the tracking of foreigners entering and leaving the state was also ongoing.

He said: “There is also a strong

collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, other Southwest Ministries of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UCH in Ibadan on surveillance, tracking and case management of suspected, probable or confirmed cases.”

Gbadegesin said there was no reported case of the EVD in the state, adding that an isolation ward was being built at the UCH to take care of any confirmed Ebola case.

The commissioner also said the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had promised that, despite its members’ nationwide strike, doctors in the state would still treat Ebola patients, if they were brought to any public health facility in the state.

NMA seeks life insurance for volunteers

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HE Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the state government to provide life insurance for those who volunteer to treat the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) patients, should there be an outbreak.

The union said proper remuneration should be spelt out for such volunteers.

Its State Chairman Prof.

Afekhide Ernest Omoti spoke yesterday in Benin, the state capital, at the inauguration of a 44-member Rapid Response Committee against the EVD. He said the association had assembled a number of volunteers, in case of an EVD outbreak.

Prof. Omoti said doctors would participate fully in the treatment and control of the deadly virus, despite the NMA strike.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof.

Michael Ibadin, urged the state government to create an isolation centre to avoid a fire brigade approach.

Prof. Ibadin said protective gears and infrared thermometers should be among the major tools for hospitals.

Information and Orientation Commissioner Louis Odion said the government was putting machinery in place to prevent and control the virus, although no Ebola case had been recorded in the state.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

‘Protective gears and infrared thermometers should be among the major tools for hospitals’ Odion urged reporters to crosscheck their facts to avoid misleading the public.

The committee has representatives from the Ministries of Health, Environment, Women Affairs, Local Government and Education.

Other members are from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the state Traditional Medicine Board and the Department of State Service (DSS), among others.

The committee would, among others, review and approve the epidemic preparedness and response plan, mobilise resources for epidemic prevention and control, coordinate and monitor control activities during outbreaks, including information dissemination to the public and the media.

Kano to buy 2,000 protective tools

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HE Kano State Government will buy 2,000 certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to fight the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The first set of 33 PPE it bought for health workers were said to be unfit for the treatment of the virus.

The government said the kits would not be sufficient because one doctor would need at least three per day, in case of an outbreak.

The State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Chairman Dr Sharufudeen Mashi addressed reporters yesterday on the equipment.

The union leader said the NMA told the State Committee on Ebola Prevention that the PPE it bought earlier were ineffective.

According to him, the committee promised to buy 2,000 recommended tools and present them for certification at 2pm today.

To prevent the EVD in Kano State, the NMA chairman said the union had begun public awareness and enlightenment programmes for health workers on how to identify the virus at

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

the early stage and the preventive measures to adopt.

But the NMA condemned the Federal Government for sacking 16,000 resident doctors and sanctioning other medical personnel and consultants who did not resume work yesterday.

Dr Mashi spoke yesterday after the union’s executive council meeting.

The union leader said Federal Government’s action was reprehensible, adding that it should be reversed.

He said none of the union members would sign or accept any sack letter from the government.

Dr Mashi said the strike would continue until the union’s demands were met.

The union leader urged his members to remain calm and await further instructions from their headquarters.

He advised the public to prevail on the Federal Government to accede to the NMA demands to end the almost six-week action, which has crippled medical activities across the country.

Gaidam bans sales, consumption OBE State Governor of bush meat Ibrahim Gaidam banned

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yesterday the sales and consumption of bush meat.

The governor said the move would curtail the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and its spread.

He said: “Closely related to the health issues, a committee will also be formed to sensitise our citizens on one of the matters of the moment, by which I mean the spread of Ebola virus in the country. In the interim, hunting, sale and consumption of all forms of meat of wild animals, popularly known as ‘bush meat’, are hereby banned in the state.”

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Gaidam spoke at the launch of this year’s tree planting campaign at the 300 Housing Estate Park in Damaturu, the state capital.

The governor noted that though the decision was painful, it was for the interest of the people.

He said although there was no reported case of Ebola in the state, his administration had to take precautionary measures by banning the hunt for wild animals and consumption of “bush meat”.

•Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko swearing in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas in Sokoto, at Trade Fair Complex, Sokoto.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2014

NEWS Ado-Ekiti to celebrate Udiroko •Town to check ‘old property’s sales’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second right) cutting the tape to inaugurate the new Comprehensive High School at Ofako Ijaye Local Government…yesterday. With him are Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (third left); members of the House of Assembly Wahab Alawiye King (left); Oludayo Saka Fafunwa (second left) and Ifako Ijaye Local Government Chairman Oloruntoba Oke (right).

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

PVC: INEC records 349,539 shortfall in Oyo

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded a shortfall of 349,539 Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in eight local government areas in Oyo State.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Alhaji Nasir Ayilara gave the figure yesterday in Ibadan at a performance appraisal on the PVCs’ distribution.

He admitted that some registered voters could not

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

secure the PVCs due to logistic problems.

Ayilara said: “We received 1,630,332 cards with a shortfall of 349,539. This shortfall spreads across eight local government areas.”

He said INEC was to receive 2,002,866 PVCs for distribution.

The REC promised that all registered voters would secure their PVCs, as the com-

mission begins Continuous Voter Registrations (CVR) for those without cards and those just attaining voting age.

The registration will take place in designated polling units and will end on Monday.

The REC said INEC would put on hold CVR in wards where PVCs were yet to be distributed.

Ayilara restated the commission’s resolve not to disfranchise the state’s eligible

Ogun CJ releases 39 inmates

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GUN State Chief Judge Olatokunbo Olopade has ordered the release of 39 inmates in four of the state’s five prisons.

Twelve inmates were released at Ilaro, nine at Oba, 12 at Abeokuta and eight at Ijebu-Ode, after the chief judge visited the four prisons.

She also visited the Sagamu Prison.

Justice Olopade said the exercise, which was to have taken place in July, was moved to this month following the judicial workers’ strike.

“Even though the courts are on vacation, we will ensure the welfare of the inmates and decongest the prisons by setting free those inmates await-

ing trial on the grounds of no–case file and some inmates who have no charges against them,” she said.

Justice Olopade, who noted that the gesture would bring succour to the released inmates, hoped that they would have learnt their lessons and would live as good citizens.

She said the government had assured that it would assist the criminal justice sector.

This, the chief judge added, would ensure that criminal cases were brought to court promptly by approving funds for the duplication of case files to eradicate delay in justice dispensation.

She said the Ministry of Justice would be provided with adequate funds to bring witnesses to court to fast-track criminal cases.

The chief judge appealed to the police command to work effectively with the ministry in the discharge of their duties toward speedy dispensation of justice.

The state Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Joseph Olanrele, lamented the lack of adequate facilities in the prisons.

He noted that some inmates had been in prison custody since 2008 without trial, leading to congestion in prisons.

Such a situation, he said, could lead to a security breach.

LP, PDP members defect to Ondo APC

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BOUT 1000 members of Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday defected to the All Progressives Party (APC) at Igbatoro, Akure North Local Government Area.

They announced their defection at the declaration of an aspirant for House of Assembly and a chieftain of the APC in the local government, Mr. Akinola Olaleye.

The defectors were received by an APC chieftain, Mr. Olorunnimbe Ameto and other leaders.

The leaders of the defectors, Femi Oluale of LP and Sesan Oni of PDP, said they decided to join the APC because of the need to sal-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

vage the state from the “deceitful” present administration.

Oluale lamented that there was no project at Obatedo, Familugba and Igbatoro communities since the inception of Mimiko’s administration.

He said they decided to dump the ruling party to help their kinsman, who is contesting for the House seat to achieve his dream of bringing development to Igbatoro.

“Many politicians have been coming here and when they are elected, they never come back to Igbatoro. We wonder what we have done wrong, considering that this town has the largest vote in

Akure North.

“But now, we have seen our own son who is contesting for House of Assembly. We all have to support him. I can assure you that every genuine son and daughter of Igbatoro will join APC, because we need someone who can drive development into our community,” Oluale said.

Olaleye, who addressed the defectors, promised a level-playing field for all members.

He said the citizenry were disappointed with Mimiko’s administration following the neglect of the community.

The APC chieftain revived a borehole at Obatedo and empowered farmers with cocoa chemicals and cutlasses at Familugba and Igbatoro.

voters.

But Labour Party (LP) State Chairman Bashiru Lamidi Apapa, his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart Akin Oke and Accord Party’s Deputy Chairman Adeyinka Adeniyi, have decried INEC’s performance.

They urged the commission to address the irregularities.

HE traditional New Year Day of Ado-Ekiti, Udiroko, will hold on Saturday.

The Ewi of the town, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, announced this yesterday at a media briefing in his palace.

Oba Adejugbe, who said the activities heralding the festival had started, added that efforts to complete the amphitheatre within the palace have begun after it was re-awarded to another contractor.

He lamented the indiscriminate selling of the town’s old landed property to businessmen and non-indigenes.

“We are not saying those who have properties should not sell. What we are saying is if you must sell, you need to inform the palace and the chiefs, who will then do findings to know the status of such a property and the normal way to dispose of it.

“We don’t want outsiders to take over Ado. What we say is that the rate at which old structures are being sold is worrying.

“We want our people to exercise restraint in the way they sell off their properties. We are saying they should not sell without the consent of the palace,” Oba Adejugbe said.

The National President of Ado Progressives Union (APU), Chief Obafemi Ojo, appealed to youths to shun idleness and frivolity, urging them to learn a trade or a vocation.

He said he had seen many non-indigenes coming into the town and starting small businesses that soon blossomed into big ventures.

Ojo said opportunities abound in the town, which the youths were not taking note of.

Osun declares public holiday From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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SUN State has declared today a public holiday in commemoration of the yearly Isese Day. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, in a statement, said the day was set aside by the United Nations (UN) as the “Day for Indigenous Religions” globally.

He added that the day, since last year, has been part of the effort of the Aregbesola’s administration to ensure equality among all religions.

He said: “Traditional religion worshippers usually set aside the week running to August 20th every year for celebrating with their own adherents while the day usually witness parades, lectures and display of other traditional apparels to attract tourists from other parts of the world.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2014

NEWS Husband seeks end to 23-year-old marriage

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N Ado-Ekiti resident, Mr. Sola Olanipekun (41), has urged a customary court in the Ekiti State capital to end the marriage of 23 years with his wife, Anike.

Olanipekun, a carpenter living at Adeun in the state capital, said he had been separated from his wife for about two years and was not ready to resettle with her. He noted that they were not properly married, but came together on what he called “free association.”

The husband said: “The association has produced one male and two female children, with the eldest child being 23 and the last being 10.”

Olanipekun accused his wife of “unruly attitude, desertion, deceit, adultery and incessant fighting.”

He added that he caught his wife having amorous discussions on phone with one of his men friends.

His wife, he said, cared little for the children, but “preferred to send money to her concubines.”

Olanipekun told the court that his wife had once ordered her siblings to beat him up.

The husband explained that he had endured the marriage for so long based on the advice of some elderly relations.

He pleaded for the custody of their three children, namely Oladele (Male, 23), Olanrewaju (female, 16) and Olamide (female, 10).

He said he had the means

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

to care for the children sufficiently and would not remarry to any other woman.

Anike, in her written response to the petitioners’ claims, said her husband lied regarding his claims about their marriage.

She said the husband was seeking the dissolution “to solely own the house” currently being occupied by him, “but which they both contributed money to build.”

She explained that her husband had locked her outside their house on minor disagreements on several occasions.

Anike added that the husband had not been caring for the children or paying their school fees, urging the court to dismiss her husband’s petition.

She urged the court to dissolve the marriage since it “had already broken down irretrievably.”

She said the house being occupied by the petitioner should be sold by the court’s Sheriff and proceeds be shared equally between the two.

The wife asked the court to grant her custody of the last child.

The court’s president, Ogunseemi J.A., a lawyer, adjourned further hearing till September 9, ordering both the petitioner and the respondent to bring their witnesses.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his deputy, Mrs.Titi Laoye-Tomori (second left); Chairman, 1999 Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON),Osun Chapter Alhaji Kareem Afolabi (second right); the association’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Rasheed Oyedele (right) and others during a congratulatory visit to the governor on his electoral victory at Government House, Osogbo.

Lagos assures residents on potable water supply by 2020 L AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has assured residents of the government’s commitment in meeting the demand of potable water supply by 2020.

Fashola, who gave the assurance yesterday after inspecting the Adiyan Water Works, said the project was designed to put an end to water scarcity.

•Fashola inaugurates two schools

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

He said: “The construction work on the Adiyan Water Works Phase II is in top gear. The contractor has showed that they could work at night and hopefully, this will speed up the construction.

“This is the third major water works in the state.

The first was the Iju Water Works, which was built at about 1910. There was no major intervention until 1991 when Adiyan Water Works Phase I was constructed. That is a long time

and the population continued to grow.”

The governor said the government had also built many mini and micro water works.

Fashola added that the water project is a medium term plan, stressing that the long term plan is to build more in partnership with the private sector.

“This is direct government funding. The longterm plan is that we will need more of this to be able to hit the water demand for the residents. The plan is that by 2020, we should be

able to meet the plan of the state’s citizens.”

The governor noted that the provision of water alone was never the answer to water scarcity, but “minimisation of waste and conservation.”

The governor also defied a downpour to commission an 18-classroom block at Sonmori Senior Comprehensive High School on College Road, Ifaki- Ijaiye and First African Primary School, Iju-Ishaga.

He urged the residents to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to continue to enjoy dividends of democracy.

Voter registration: INEC deploys 400 machines in Ondo T HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set for the take-off of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Ondo State.

It has deployed over 400 machines in the state’s18 local government areas.

Additional 23 machines have been moved to some wards with difficult terrains and in overpopulated areas.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Akin Orebiyi told stakeholders ahead of the CVR exercise in Akure, the state capital that the “machines have fully charged batteries,” adding that generators alongside backups are also deployed in the state’s 203 wards.

He noted that the plans were put in place to avoid

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the hitches witnessed in the last exercise.

Registration, he said, will take place in polling units where the records of the 2011 registration were lost.

The REC added that the exercise would not take place in some units in Owo, Ese-Odo, Akure South, Odigbo and Ondo East, owing to INEC’s inability to issue PVCs to voters during the just concluded exercise.

Orebiyi said INEC was yet to print the PVCs of voters in the affected areas.

He stressed that eligible voters in the areas should not come out for the exercise starting from today.

The distribution of the PVCs in the areas would be announced at a later date.

The REC warned the people to desist from registering more than once, saying such people would not be allowed to vote in the general election.

The stakeholders, in their reactions, praised INEC for a successful issuance of PVCs. They urged INEC to ensure that adequate publicity was carried out at the grassroots.

They advised the INEC to ensure that its staff deployed in all units understood how to use the computer systems and other machines meant for the CVR.

Ade Ajayi: Buhari condoles with Fayemi

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ORMER Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has commiserated with Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on the death of eminent historian and former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Jacob Ade Ajayi.

Gen. Buhari, who is also a national leader of the All Progressives Congress

(APC), described Ade Ajayi as “one of Nigeria’s greatest academics”.

The former leader, in his condolence letter to the governor, said Ade Ajayi contributed immensely to knowledge, especially in the field of History.

He said:”In the last 50 years, all primary, secondary and university students in Nigeria, who read Histo-

ry, would have been familiar with the great historian.

“He was a teacher to all of us and a major contributor to our store of knowledge and scholarship.

“His contribution to History has not been excelled by any Nigerian.

“If there was a Nobel Prize for historical research, I feel confident that Prof.

Ade Ajayi would have won it.”

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Fire displaces 5000 Lagos slum residents •Also in two other locations

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HERE were wailing and gnashing of teeth when fire displaced no fewer than 5,000 residents of Oko Baba, a slum in Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland.

The Monday night inferno gutted over 1,500 shanties.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the fire, which started about 9.30pm around Kadara/Coates Street, destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

It was learnt that the fire which raged till about 2.37am yesterday, razed five bungalows constructed with sand concrete.

Sources said the inferno, which spread to surrounding buildings and shanties, was caused by an exploded generator.

The LASEMA boss, Femi Oke-Osayintolu, said it took the combined efforts of various stakeholders to arrest the situation early yesterday.

“Over 1, 500 houses made up of shanties were razed by the inferno. Also over 5, 000 people were displaced. Saw Mill equipment worth millions of naira, which were completely burnt down, include Spindle, Saw Machine, Band Saw, Circular Saw and Generating machine,” he said.

Fire fighters, who went to put out the fire, were allegedly molested by hoodlums, who also vandalised their truck.

They were said to have descended on the fire men for

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Basirat Braimah

coming late.

The Director, State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, said two trucks were on ground to fight the fire, adding that the vandalised truck was deployed to complement their efforts.

He described the attack as unfortunate, saying: “Hoodlums smashed the windscreen of the truck and also manhandled my men.”

“People need to be careful of the way they handle electrical appliances and learn to quickly send alert if there is an emergency,” he added.

Fire also razed down a three-bedroom flat in a twostorey building at 24, Ayoade Street, Bajulaye in Somolu, while homes at the popular Oju-Irin (rail line) in Mushin were also reduced to rubble.

Victims counted their losses when our reporters visited the scenes yesterday.

An Oko Baba resident, Mr. Sango Apena, who said the fire started at 9.30pm from market Street, explained: “I could not believe it was going to spread this much because we tried our best before the fire fighters arrived. A number of things were said to have caused the fire. I really don’t know. I can’t count my loss but I am glad there was no life lost.”

A depressed Mrs Joy Bulagun, a Togolese, said:”There was no power supply, so people went to bed

•Scene of the Ebute Meta fire

early. I jumped out of the house upon hearing people shouting fire! I was destabilised. I don’t know how my children and I will survive because we have no shelter now.”

Another victim, Mr Luqman Badru, said: “The fire was intense. Our houses, valuables and other things have gone with the fire. It is not our wish that we live here. Government should come to our aid because we know the prohibitive cost of having an apartment in the city.”

The Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Oladele Adekanye, expressed shock as he moved around sympathising with the victims. He also gave money to those who helped to put out the fire.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•The burnt building at Somolu

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Transport body to launch own BRT

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•From left: Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Lagos State, Mr Ashamu Fadipe; Head of Service Mrs Josephine Williams; Lagos State Permanent Secretary/Auditor General for Local Governments Mr Mubashiru Hassan; and Permanent Secretary, Teachers’ Establishment and Pensions Office Otunba Nurudeen Ojora, during Mrs Williams’ visit to the Auditor-General’s Ikeja office.

Council chiefs collaborate for development

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HE Chairman, Fagge Local Government in Kano State, Habeeb Saliu, visited yesterday his Ikeja counterpart, Wale Odunlami, to seek areas of mutual cooperation.

Saliu thanked his host for the warm reception given him, explaining that the essence of his visit was to compare notes.

He said his local government is the biggest in Kano State, with over two million people, adding that his coun-

By Emmanuel Udodinma

cil equally boasts a large concentration of Yoruba and Igbo.

“I have come to upgrade our local government (Fagge) and learn one or two things from Ikeja Local Government, especially in the area of revenue generation and administration,” he added.

Odunlami lauded the council chief for the visit and praised Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for delivering all the local government areas in

the last council election to the All Progressives Congress (APC) He said his council had raised its internally generated revenue from N50 million to N200milliom, adding that Saliu could send his revenue

staff to his council for more training.

Saliu, who promised to inject what he gained from the visit into running his council, added: “We always come to Lagos to see new things we can inculcate in our system.”

HE Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) will launch its first Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system in Abuja, Lagos, Edo, Anambra and Enugu states next month, its president, Musa Isiwele, said yesterday.

He said the union had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PAN Nigeria Limited in other to float the made-in-Nigeria vehicles next month.

Isiwele spoke in Abuja when a group, the Aberuagba Fans Club, visited him.

He said: “After signing the agreement between RTEAN and Nigerian Pan, possibly on September 1, we are going to release the first batch of vehicles to bring the price of transportation down in Nigeria.

“We shall introduce BRT lines in Abuja, Lagos, Anambra, Edo and Enugu in the first batch. Our partners will bring the vehicles. We are trying to help our members, while providing job opportunities for Nigeri-

T

Church holds anniversary

HE Foundation of Mercy International Ministry, Lagos, will between August 25 and 31 celebrate its ninth anniversary and third convention.

In a statement, its founder and host pastor, Kingsley Olawale, said the theme of the convention/anniversary is: “From Promise to Performance.”

He said the six-day programme, which will feature marathon prayers and other services will hold at 28, Shoroye Sowemimo Street, Odutola Estate, Dabira in Iyana Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.

The popular cleric, who is famously known as ‘Baba Ori Oke Aanu, Erio Ekiti, Pastor Peter Ilesanmi, he said, would speak on the theme of the anniversary.

Olawale assured that those with all forms of affliction would encounter divine power and deliverance.

Pointing out that the programme is inter-denominational, he urged the populace to avail themselves of the opportunity to pray to God to strengthen them against the forces of darkness.

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SHOWBIZ

Hotshots: BBA returns September

I

N a couple of weeks, Africa’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Africa, BBA, will return for its ninth season from Sunday, September 7, with housemates who have hidden talents and adore the spotlight competing for a massive prize pot of USD 300, 000.

The new season, which will be infused with more swag and glamour according to the organisers, will be known as Hotshots.

M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said viewers would be in for almost as many surprises as the housemates. “We work hard to make each season of Big Brother Africa bigger than the last, and we’ve really upped the ante this year. Big Brother

By Babatunde Sulaiman

Hotshots is going to b r i n g viewers exciting innovations, heart-stopping twists and uniquely African glamour, 24/7 for 91 days.”

According to her, the housemates will start the game, which will be hosted by Nigerian-born IK Osakioduwa for the sixth time, in two ultra-glamorous houses built with magic, fun and mischief in mind. While it lasts, the housemates will do their best to outshine one another in the hope of convincing Africa that they are the

continent’s biggest Hotshot.

“They will party like A-listers, rub shoulders with celebrity guests and face formidable challenges, while negotiating Biggie’s famous curve balls and twists,” she further disclosed.

Produced by Endemol South Africa, the Big Brother Hotshots will run 24/7 on DStv channels 197 and 198, with the best of the live highlights on GOtv.

I don’t want to be PMAN president again, says Kevin Lucciano

By Mercy Michael

C

ONTRARY to the rumour making the rounds, Kevin Lucciano Gabriel, chairman of caretaker committee of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), has declared that he is not interested in being president of the body come October next year when a new election will hold.

Gabriel, made the statement recently at the flag-off of a peace initiative cam-

paign tagged ‘Light up the unity flame for Nigeria campaign’ at the PMAN Headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, “I’m only just being here till October 29, 2015. I have no plans to contest an election to be PMAN president. I don’t want to be PMAN president. I have other things to look forward to in life. I would appreciate that more younger generation artistes would come and dominate this union because this union belongs to them. Nigeria will not register another union for musicians. This is the only one that will continue to be so now. There should be an election come October 29, 2015. God’s willing, we are hoping that more

of this younger generation artistes will also come and be part of the event.”

He further disclosed that the biggest pirates in the industry today are the digital download company. “Who regulates them? He asked.

“At least, there is a regulatory body for the Nigerian Communication Commission. But who regulates the music industry? It is really sad. Without a union, you have no industry.”

He further stated that the future of Nigeria music industry belongs to the musicians themselves and entrepreneurs in the music industry. He, therefore, urged them to take their own future in their hands by making decisions on how the industry should be.

Artistes celebrate DJ Jimmy Jatt

I

T was a gathering of stars on Sunday, August 17, when one of Nigeria’s most celebrated disc jockeys, Jimmy Adewale Amu, aka Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt, launched his album, The Industry, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Anchored by Olisa Adibua, the album launch, which also coincided with his 25th anniversary on stage, had a roll call of A-list celebrities such as 2face Idibia, Kate Henshaw, Tiwa Savage, Sound Sultan, Dr Sid, Lynxx, Praiz, Ebuka Obi- Uchendu, Vector, Titilayo Oyinsan, Basketmouth, Julius Agwu, Okey Basket, Omawunmi, Ufoma Ejenobor, Mannie, Dotun, Kaylah Oniwu and Vixen Ekwere, among others in attendance.

Jimmy Jatt’s first single, Stylee, which featured Tuface Idibia, Mode 9 and Elajoe, enjoyed massive airplay and the music video stayed on the MTV Africa countdown for many weeks. It also fetched him several awards like

Channel O Africa Music Video Award, Hip Hop World Award, SoundCity Music Video Award, Nigerian Music Video Award and Nigerian Music Award nominations.

His album, The Definition, a mix tape, features over 50 Nigerian artistes. He also has a television programme called Jimmy’s Jump Off currently airing on local and international stations.

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Text only: 08023058761

•Members of Edo Cultural Group

Echoes of 1897 Benin invasion The memory lingers, over 100 years after the British expedition to the old Benin Empire. The wound may no longer be fresh, but the scar remains... – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

Scotland: From Commonwealth game to independence?

– Page 17

Walker and the restitution of two Benin bronze (II) – Page 18

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Culture as gold mine

W

ITH more than a 1000-yearold history, the old Benin Empire is etched in the hearts of scholars, historians, artists and culture aficionados worldwide.

It is no surprise that its historic charm caught the fancy of literary scholars and culture enthusiasts, under the auspices of the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA).

With the theme: Arts and Literatures in Nigerian Festivals, the scholars thronged Benin, the Edo State capital, seeking to prevent the dearth of Africa’s rich cultural heritage and draw attention to economic wealth in the sector. The scholars re-emphasised the need for government to implement the provisions of the Cultural Policy for Nigeria (1988).

According to them, “the Culture and its multiple Industries house a more valuable economy than oil, gas and solid minerals”.

They argued that culture is the bedrock of all aspects of national development. And their focal point was the economic relevance of ‘Festivals’.

On Benin 1897

Hosting the conference in Benin City barely a week after the city became headquarters to the former Midwestern Region, the conference organisers said, was intentional. “The spirit of the centenary influenced the choice of this year’s theme for our conference. It is also apt that Benin City is our host for it was the invasion of the ancient city on February 17, 1897 that triggered the political and military actions culminating in the amalgamation in 1914, 17 years later. As historians have shown, the destruction of the city and the fall of the 1000-year-old Benin Kingdom epitomised the conquest of Nigeria by the British imperialists.

“With immense influence on fields of literature, music, visual, sculptural arts, its history has generated numerous traditions of myths stories performance arts and festivals such the Igue Festival celebrated yearly in December,” NOLA President and culture advocate, Prof Godini Darah said.

While praising the efforts of the people of Benin for preserving their culture and historical heritage, despites foreign influences, he noted: “For the peoples and nations of the old Benin Empire, this is a week of joyful remembrance of freedom and celebration.

Much of the territory of the old Benin Empire became the Midwestern Region in 1963 on August 9, 1963 when it was created from the former region of Nigeria. Although the Midwest (Bendel State) has since been split into Edo and Delta states, the memories of shared history and artistic heritage still lingers. One of those histories is the Benin Expedition of 1897.”

For the Director, Edo Cultural Group International, Mr Aikpitanyi Iyekoretin, the British invasion would never be forgotten by the Edo people. He said: “The impact of the invasion of the British to the city in 1897 is ever with us. The memory lingers on; just as when a wound heals, the scar remains forever.”

To keep the memory alive are diverse folksongs and traditional performances handed down and used during traditional occasions and festivals. One of such performances is the Izagbede dance drama, sequential dance piece highlighting the historical accounts of the British invasion.

Deck in the colourful traditional attires, the cultural troupe gave the guests a gleam of Edo rich cultural heritage and festivals.

“Izegbede tu vberan, tu vberan! I maren ne I gha yo…”, meaning the struggle and embarrassment caused by the British did not make for extinction but only caused confusion…, began the troupe as its members thrilled the audience with their electrifying performances. They re-enact the dance piece along with other famous Edo folksongs and festivals dances.

“This, with some corresponding songs, is used pass the information of the period to the present and coming generation,” Iyekoretin said.

Festival as nation’s treasure base

Moved by the performance, the scholars noted that “every festival forgotten or abandoned is akin to a treasury of knowledge lost to humanity”. With about 170 million people, over 500 languages, a warm tropical climate, diverse cultures, histories, arts and a large Diaspora community in all continents of the world, Nigeria is a veritable livewire of festivals and festivities, they further ob-

•Mrs Roseline Ogbodu leading the troupe to perform the Izagbede dance

•Prof Darah

•Prof Obafemi

•Prof Afejuku

Echoes of 1897 Benin invasion

It was a festival of sorts when scholars converged on Benin City, the Edo State capital, last week under the auspices of the Nigerian Oral Literature Association (NOLA). Revisiting the Benin 1897 Expedition, they sought ways of harnessing culture and festivals for national development.

EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

CULTURE served. They, thus, linked the development and promotion of festivals to the economic, historical and growth of a nation.

“Our festivals are an economy of their own.

As African descendants in Jamaica and other Caribbean nations have demonstrated, cultural festivals are a treasure base of national economies. There is the adage that a community where there is no festival is like a journey undertaken without a travel guide or map.

Each year, according to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation’s Tourist Map of Nigeria, about 96 festivals take place in the country along with hundreds that unrecorded.

These are indeed a huge untapped market, if

you ask me,” Prof Darah said.

In addition, the scholars decried the neglect and marginalisation of the Culture Sector by past administrations, saying ‘bad governance’ and insurgencies witnessed in recent times are the aftereffect of such neglect.

While calling for a national re-orientation, the eggheads drew particular attention on the provisions of Section 7 of the policy which offers that the state (government) shall not only recognise traditional festivals as periodic celebrations, but also promote them and preserve them.

“There is the imperative need to put culture at the centre of national socio-economic planning and democratic restructuring. Unfortunately, the indices employed in the re-

‘The official neglect and contempt for culture and its creators and transmitters reflect the poverty of philosophy among the ruling elite; a poverty of ideological orientation so pervasive that over 90 per cent of the basic needs of the citizenry, including food and clothing, is imported from foreign lands’

cent rebasing of the national economy did not include data from culture and what it contributes to the survival and prosperity of the country. Yet culture and its multiple industries are more valuable to the country than pollution-generating and perishable endowments like oil, gas and solid minerals.

“The official neglect and contempt for culture and its creators and transmitters reflect the poverty of philosophy among the ruling elite; a poverty of ideological orientation so pervasive that over 90 per cent of the basic needs of the citizenry, including food and clothing, is imported from foreign lands.”

Festivals as footing to theatre

Prof Olu Obafemi, who gave the keynote address, reaffirmed the importance of festivals to development of education, saying traditional festivals have influenced scholarship, particularly the written literature and theatre. His paper linked the development of theatre in Africa to prehistoric and indigenous performance traditions such as festivals.

He advised African scholars to write their histories and new theories of literature and theatre, drawing inspiration from their oral •Continued on page 50

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•Scotland’s Peoples Palace

• Scotland Prime Minister

For 11 days, all eyes were on Glasgow, Scothland, which hosted the 20th Commonwealth Games. With games over, the country may be turning its attention to a buring national issue-gaining independence from Britain. Will its planed referendum on September 18 opt for independence? BABATUNDE FADUN writes

Scotland: From Commonwealth game to independence?

T

ODAY in the United Kingdom, the domestic issue of utmost political significance is the referendum due to take place in Scotland on September 18. The issue to be determined is whether Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom or it is to become a sovereign state.

The question may be asked, why is Scotland taking this politically crucial and irreversible step at this time?

The answer is that Scotland has been an independent State (Monarchy) since 843AD and it was in 1603 when Scotland’s incumbent monarch, James VI, decided to merge with England in a move unprecedented in history.

The merger of the two crowns was probably as a result of some personal friendship between the two monarchs and the first Head or king of the merger was James VI of Scotland. This means that the king of Scotland was the sovereign of the enlarged kingdom of England Wales & Scotland. The union was operated for 104 years without any legal or constitutional backing until the Act of union in 1707. Hence the Union of Scotland and England is over 400 years old though its duration is usually put at 300 years.

The new political entity under the Act of Union (1707) was called Kingdom of Great Britain.

In 1880, the United Kingdom of Great Britain was formed by the merger of the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain under the Acts of Union of that year. In 1922 however, the 21 southern counties of Ireland withdrew from the union. The name of the diminished political entity is The United Great Britain.And Northern Ireland a name that subsists till today.

To many outside the UK, the metamorphosis from United Kingdom of Great Britain to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and finally the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is confusing.

Drawing inspiration and encouragement from Ireland’s withdrawal from the Union, Scotland also started to agitate for HOME RULE. They did not tag their desire to withdraw from the Union as independence in order to avoid open hostility from the majority people of England. But the movement for Irish independence had started much earlier. The bill for Irish Independence was defeated in parliament several times and this perhaps discouraged the Scots from pursuing their desire for Home Rule.

However the first serious attempt by Scotland for Home Rule was when a bill to that effect was presented to parliament in 1913.

The Bill failed because of the prominence Parliament accorded to the First World War (19141918).

In 1978, the Crown grudgingly approved a referendum to determine whether more powers should be devolved to Scotland. The essen-

HERITAGE tial condition for validity of the referendum result was that 40 per cent of the entire population of Scotland must vote YES. This means that on the simple issue of devolution of more powers to Scotland only 32 per cent of the population voted YES. Hence the proposal failed.

Eventually, there was another referendum in 1997 and this time 44.8 per cent of the population voted Yes. Parliament of the United Kingdom subsequently enacted the Scotland Act in 1998 and created an elected parliament for Scotland. A largely elected provincial government was also created by the Act. From the above, the reader will see that the struggle by Scotland for autonomy has been on for long. The question once again is, after over 400years of association with the UK, during which time the country became the preeminent maritime power in Europe as well as the most powerful imperial nation on earth, why should Scotland, with a mere eight per cent of the UK population, seek to opt out?

From available information, Scotland’s bid for independence is politically reasonable but economically harmful to the proposed state.

Some of the political arguments for an independent Scotland include: (a)The concept of an independent Scotland has a strong emotional appeal and easily sellable (b) Self-determination on all matters including foreign policy (c) Abhorrence of the monarchy in the present UK (d) Desire to have absolute control over the proceeds of Scotland’s North Sea Oil. (e) Desire to move closely to the EU, which the UK central Government is planning to quit by referendum in 2017 (f) The Scottish people wish to adopt a political model more in line with Nordic countries (Norway & Sweden) with which it is believed they have more cultural affinity (g) Many laws passed in UK legislature are for the interest of England rather than the Scotts.

The above are by no mean, exhaustive of Scotland’s arguments for independence. On the other hand, the arguments of Pro-Union (UK) protagonists under the platform “Better Together” are fundamentally economic and they seek to call attention to the opportunity cost of Scotland Independence in September. (a)Because of its size and diversity, the UK economy can provide stability, certainty and levels of support that a small country can only struggle to provide. (b)Scotland can be independent and survive but it cannot be independent without economic risks. The failure of the Pro-Independent lobbyists to specify which currently to adopt for a Sovereign Scotland is one manifestation of that risk. George Osborne, UK Treasury Secretary, (Minister of Finance) has rejected the proposal

by Alex salmond Head of Scotland’s provincial

government, to operate Sterling Union at Scotland’s. Independence. The argument is that Scotland cannot file for divorce with the UK while it remains wedded to UK’s national currency, the pound sterling. (c) At present, the Uk’s economy is one of the most efficiently managed in the world and second largest in Europe. Its domestic market of about 62million people with high disposable income suggest that an independent Scotland (with only 5million people) faced with many economic uncertainties will suffer a much lower standard of living. (d) Scotland’s North Sea Oil fields are nearing the limits of their economic lives and the huge cost of exploration will make receipts from oil less attractive than now appears (e) Certainly, taxes will be greater in an independent Scotland (f) The financial cost of funding Scotland’s large ageing population (45%) could be conveniently shouldered by the UK Government as presently constituted. Leaving that to a new Scottish government will lead to financial insecurity and misery among Scots generally.

If Scotland were to vote for Independence on September 18, it will take up to one calendar year thereafter before its sovereignty takes effect. Within that period, there will be a devastating run on Scottish banks and the confusion that will happen in the interim is better imagined.

Since UK’s three political parties have rejected Scotland’s offer to use the pound sterling and Scotland will be ineligible to use the Euro, the new nation may find itself isolated from the outside world. Moreover Scottish owned banks like Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland with UK-wide clientele will have to move their Headquarters to London from Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. This will mean massive job loss to the Scottish people.

The above scenario implies that an independent Scotland may not have a functional Central Bank – a recipe for financial confusion.

However it is fair to state that the cost of Scotland’s independence to the UK could also be very high as the international prestige of the former maritime and imperial power could be severely undermined in three critical areas.

The European Union Big four i.e. Germany, France, Italy and UK, vote on the basis of population. Presently the UK has 29 votes on EU Council of Ministers. The loss of 5.3million Scots will mean UK will have the least population of the Big Four and will have to be relegated to second division alongside Spain & Poland with 27 votes each.

Secondly, Britain is one of the eight permanent members of the IMF governing Board. Losing Scotland will diminish Britain’s financial muscle with the risk of calls for UK’s replacement by a country from South East Asia or South America where economies are booming.

Lastly, and perhaps most important, Britain is one of the five permanent members of the United

Nation Security Council which can approve military action.

Losing Scotland may lead to calls UK’s replacement on the Security Council.

Because of the aforementioned possible international humiliation the UK may suffer on Scotland’s independence, Her Majesty’s Government has been making various overtures to placate the people of Scotland in the last few months.

For instance, Prime Minister David Cameron recently offered to invest huge funds into exploration in the North Sea Oil such that in the next five years, income from that source will be in excess two Hundred Billion pounds. This will be a big wind fall for Scotland. Similarly the Queen, in a smart political move consistent with Royalty, last month launched the construction of the largest warship in the history of the Royal Navy HMS Queen Elizabeth at Crosby in Scotland. The cost of the Warship is about six and a half billion pounds. The location of the ship building yard will have positive economic benefits to Scotland. In fact, a sizeable proportion of the contracts are awarded to competent Scottish firms. Britain’s adventure into space tourism has also been approved by Her Majesty’s government. Of the eight locations approved for the takeoff of the space ships, six are in Scotland and the expected revenue from space tourism is about 12 billion pounds annually. This will also generate substantial economic benefits to the various locations. To prove that space tourism is real, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galaxy has collected deposits of about 50 million pounds from prospective space tourists.

To further pacify the people of Scotland, all the three political parties have agreed to devolve more powers to the Scottish parliament and Government especially the power to collect some categories of tax.

From the above, it is clear that the economic implications of Scotland voting for independence on September 8, will harm the new nation as well as do serious harm to the international prestige of what remain of the UK. The people of Scotland must realise that what was politically and economically reasonable in 1922 when 21 counties of Southern Ireland opted out of the Union of Great Britain and Ireland may not work out well today as the economic odds against Scotland are indeed great. For this reason key Scottish personalities are in the forefront of the campaign against a break –up of the UK. Gordon Brown, former prime minister, Sir Alex Ferguson, easily the most successful football manager in Europe are against independence for Scotland. And it is my opinion that if Adam Smith, a British citizen of Scottish extraction and one of the world’s most respected economists were to be alive, he would most probably caution against independence for Scotland today.

•Chief Fadun is an Insurance Executive, is also a commentator on Foreign Affairs.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

The Midweek Magazine Walker and the restitution of two Benin bronze (II)

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

DR PEJU LAYIWOLA recalls the historic return of the stolen Benin bronze.

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HE unending debates over Benin looted treasures have thrown up obnoxious theories emanating from the West. Kwame Opoku, a lawyer, known as one of the most vocal advocates for the return of stolen objects to countries of origin, has consistently responded to some of these theories. The proponents of a shared and universal heritage, acquiesce to the keeping of illegally acquired works in foreign so-called ‘encyclopedic’ or ‘universal’ museums. Their claim is to keep the art of the world in trust for mankind- a view popular among directors and curators of these universal museums. It is important to note that these Universal museums are all located in the Western world. Benson Osadolor, a History lecturer at the University of Benin describes them as the ‘Museums of Loot’ following the ‘Declaration on the Importance and Value of Universal Museums’ signed in 2002. This concept has become very popular amongst curators of western museums and help propagate and legitimise the continued keeping of looted works. To better appreciate the brazenness of this argument, it is important to quote excerpts from the declaration.

“Whether (acquired) by purchase, gift or partage- (the artefacts) have become part of the museums that have cared for them, and by extension part of the heritage of the nations which house them.”

In other words, since the Benin objects were first looted and then sold to collectors, the buyers of these looted objects now have the right to own them because they have so ‘graciously’ cared for them. Being able to pay for them gives a buyer of stolen objects the right to own them. Additionally, the nations which have acquired these objects or house buyers or museums with illegally acquired objects are now by this declaration free to assimilate the objects as part of their national heritage.

It has been noted that almost all the signatory museums to this preposterous declaration belong to the nation states that signed the final document of the 1884/1885 Berlin Africa Conference. On the other hand, there are those who argue for works to be retained within their national jurisdictions. They are often referred to as nationalist retentionists. The British government has been constantly reminded of its need to return looted objects.

Nigeria and Greece have been consistently demanding for the return of their objects housed in the British Museum. The Greek’s demand for the Elgin marbles has gone on for a long time, the same way the Benin monarchy have been on the case for the return of their heirloom.

In support of the nationalist retentionist’s position, Walker clearly states: ‘I believe the international community is guilty of double standards with regards to such artifacts. When for example at the end of Second World War came, looted works of art were discovered in Nazi home, we went through a great deal of trouble to return them to the families from which they had come. I cannot understand what the difference is between Nazi and looted objects of Benin… If you ask the British Museum, they would say ‘well, they are only custodians’. If you ask (British) politicians they say ‘it is the business of the British Museum’.

So, we go round in a circle. We need to persuade not just the British public, but the international community that it is unethical and immoral to be holding on to items which were not legally acquired. To this end I think, this event is important particularly if it achieves publicity not just here but also in Britain. I am confident that within another generation we should see a lot more of these objects returned to Benin.

While this return has come out of a private collection in the UK, it is pertinent to add that several thousands of looted Benin works still remain in public museums in the UK, Germany and the US. Soon after the invasion of Benin, the works were first collected in the

• Some chiefs at the Oba’s palace being shown some returned objects

•Walker (right) presenting the objects to the Benin monarch in his palace

RELICS courtyard of the king from where they were later shipped to Britain. On arrival in London, the Admiralty auctioned them. Later in 1897, the British Museum exhibited well over bronze plaques loaned from the Foreign Office. Charles Read the curator of the British Museum at the time facilitated the auction of the pieces, which got into several British, and other foreign private and public collections.

Today, a large number of looted Benin works can be seen in the galleries of the British Museum as well as many other museums across Europe and America. Ever since, there has been no return made to Nigeria from the British Museum despite several requests from Nigeria for the objects in their kitty. In 1977, the British government turned down the request made by the Nigerian Government to loan the popular Queen Idia mask stolen from the bedchamber of the king which later became the symbol of the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ‘77) in Lagos. This mask along with four other similar pectoral masks can be found in the Linden Museum, Stuttgart, The Metropolitan and Seattle Museums in the US and the most popular one at the British Museum. The fifth mask in a private collection surfaced at the Sotheby auction in 2010. After the 1977 request came another, this time on the occasion of the 30th anniversary commemoration of FESTAC. In February, 2007 Professor Tunde Babawale, Director of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) made a fresh request to the British Museum for the mask. The Director of the British Museum, Neil Mcgregor, glossed over his request, replying that the British Museum had been invited by the NCMM to offer assistance and

advice on the development of the Lagos Museum. In the 1950s the British Museum sold a number of Benin art objects to Nigeria. These were purchased to beef up the collection in the newly founded museums.

Several attempts at retrieving Nigeria’s stolen art objects have been carried out over the years. Bernie Grant, an MP in the British House of Commons, made a request to the Director of the Art Gallery and Museums in Glasgow in 1997. As a follow up to this letter, Emmanuel Arinze, Chairman, West African Museums also wrote letters of request for Benin objects. By 2000, Prince Edun Akenzua, the Enogie (Duke) of Obazuwa and brother of the Oba (king) of Benin gave testimony before the British House of Commons. In 2008, I had delivered a request letter from Prince Edun Akenzua to the Art Institute of Chicago. In all of these cases, there has been no response to mails. The lack of response has, however, not dissuaded people from reacting to this historical injustice.

Fresh requests and responses occur as often as the issues of the looted artefacts resurface.

One of such was the sale of Benin artefacts

by Sotheby in 2001. A 16th century Benin ‘Oba’ mask was to be auctioned for about 4.5 million pounds sterling. The consignee was a descendant of Lieut. Col. Sir Henry Gallwey, Deputy Commissioner and Vice Consul in the Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1891, who took part in the infamous British Expedition. Protests organised by civil society groups and Nigerian intellectuals against this sale spread from the streets of London to social network sites. The consignee was forced to pull down the work from the auction. It is no longer business as usual to profiteer from the loot – a loot which was forcibly removed during a very bloody contest between British soldiers and Benin defenders. At another

occasion, Nigerians living in Chicago protested in 2007 when news came that the Art Institute was selected as a venue of the travelling exhibition of Benin art titled Benin Kings and Rituals: Court Art from Nigeria.

In 2013, the controversial donation of 32 Benin objects by the Lehman Brothers to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, USA and the Museum’s search for legitimacy from the Benin Royal family caused another stir.

It is important to mention here that the British expeditionary soldiers had a field day picking some of these Benin objects as mementoes for themselves. Captain Egerton took for himself about half a dozen objects.

Admiral Harry Rawson, the commander of the expedition and Sir Ralph Moor, the Consul General of the Niger Coast Protectorate, sent to Queen Victoria a pair of exquisitely carved leopards as well as two carved ivory tusks as gifts from the troupe. It was in this context that Captain Walker acquired his own pieces. While descendants of Sir Henry Gallwey have resorted to making money from the loot of their grandfather, Walker has decided to return to the original owners what his father himself described as ’loot’ in at least three entries in his diary. This act of honour is the reason Edo people came out in large numbers to show immense gratitude to a man who has followed the path of nobility and conscience. He has resisted the temptation of profiteering from works that were taken forcibly from a people who defended their kingdom with their lives. One can only hope that other individuals and descendants of British soldiers and particularly, foreign museums and institutions keeping Benin works would return them and in good time too.

•Layiwola is Head of Creatrive Arts Department, University of Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Remarks un-presidential

•President Jonathan should stick to written speeches at official functions

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IGHT from the beginning of time when man began to set himself in groups and organisations, speechmaking and addressing the public have remained the fulcrum of organising mankind. In the annals of man and his leaders, it has been recorded that those with the gift of public speaking had often ruled over the rest. The more dynamic and charismatic a leader is at the podium, the better he is regarded.

Man has over the years equated the gift of the gab - the ability to convert thought to fluent speech - to high intelligence.

Though this may not be entirely correct, the world will always love a man imbued with flowing, dramatic speeches and

‘This manner of speech, in terms of its content, context and grammar is far below par, we dare say. Not any public figure or official is allowed the liberty of this level of drivel in a public function. What manner of an African man would describe a dead man in such terms as “mad” and “crazy”, especially when the deceased was an international personage and the circumstance has garnered some diplomatic tinge?’

grandiloquence.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan is not so gifted with the wonderful art of the spoken word. This has been proven over and over again since Nigeria’s number one job was thrust upon him a few years ago. Once again last week, the president literally staged a verbal coup d’etat against himself, raising the hackles of his compatriots and listeners everywhere.

It was in Abuja at the Annual Interfaith Conference. Apparently addressing his audience off the cuff, and aptly commenting on the raging issue of the moment, the Ebola virus, the president went a little off the emotional handle as he spoke about the late Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the American/Liberian who introduced the virus into Nigeria.

“It is unfortunate that one mad man brought Ebola to us, but we have to contain it.” It is unfortunate that this was the president speaking at a function. But he wasn’t done; he drilled in the point when he advised his listeners about handling their dead. He said: “…This is why in my announcement; I‘ve been saying that people be careful about burials.

“Some people like burial ceremony.

This is not the time for burial ceremony, somebody is dead, he is dead, leave him there. This is not the best time for those ceremonies. If he is dead, he is already dead, Sawyer that brought this Ebola to Nigeria; his sister died of Ebola, and he

started acting somehow, his country asked him not to leave the country, let them observe him, but the crazy man decided to leave and found his way here.”

This manner of speech, in terms of its content, context and grammar is far below par, we dare say. Not any public figure or official is allowed the liberty of this level of drivel in a public function.

What manner of an African man would describe a dead man in such terms as “mad” and “crazy”, especially when the deceased was an international personage and the circumstance has garnered some diplomatic tinge? Certainly not a great African president but there you have it in the glare of world media. We cannot conjecture what the president wanted to achieve by that plebian turn of phrase but let us say it was an honest error; the kind that has become our president.

After these years in the saddle, we must reconcile ourselves to the fact that Mr. President just does not have it, that he can’t possibly pull off his speeches from the cuff, thus he must quit trying. No leader would willfully choose to undermine and diminish his office if it can be avoided. We aver that the president and his handlers would do well to carefully write his speeches and rehearse them ahead of functions. Even the best public speakers still work very hard at their craft. The presidency is a nation’s symbol of pride and dignity; it must never be seen faltering and stumbling. Not in public.

Second best

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•Sad, Nigeria’s oil exploration rates lag behind Angola’s

NE of the more interesting ironies of the Nigerian economic situation is the way in which some of the most crucial indicators of growth have actually declined at precisely the time that the country has been trumpeting its emergence as Africa’s largest economy.

A significant example of this contradiction is the stagnation in its oil exploration rates even while it is the continent’s largest oil producer. In contrast, Angola is boosting its own rates to such an extent that it could become Africa’s largest oil producer by 2016.

The figures tell a sobering tale of complacency in an era of rapid change.

Nigeria currently produces about 2.15 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), in contrast to Angola’s 1.66 bpd. However, Nigeria’s efforts to expand the upstream sector of its oil industry have been stymied by a toxic combination of regulatory and legislative issues, increasing oil theft and growing insecurity.

The much-talked-about Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has certainly contributed to the country’s lamentable situation. Drafted under cloudy circumstances, characterised by inordinate delays, and stoutly opposed by several of the multinational oil companies working in Nigeria, the PIB has caused more problems than it is meant to solve.

Its supporters argue that it will provide root-and-branch reform of the oil sector, enabling the country to enjoy greater benefits from its oil and gas endowments.

Those who oppose it believe that it puts too much power in the hands of the Minister of Petroleum Resources and is not transparent enough.

The clash of claim and counter-claim notwithstanding, the delay in passing the

PIB since 2008 has caused major stakeholders in the oil industry to adopt an unhelpful wait-and-see approach. The results are disheartening: Nigeria had only nine active drilling rigs in July 2014, compared to 42 for Algeria, 14 for Angola, 96 for Iraq, 35 for the United Arab Emirates, and 104 for Saudi Arabia. Its undiscovered oil and gas resources are estimated as being the largest in subSaharan Africa. About U.S. $28 billion has allegedly been lost in deferred and abandoned agreements since 2010. An increasing number of oil companies have chosen to sell off their oil blocks rather than exploit them.

In stark contrast to the lumbering giant that is Nigeria, Angola has consistently demonstrated all the speed, aggressiveness and flexibility of a country which knows where it is going and how it intends to get there. Instead of remaining content with its position as Africa’s second-biggest oil producer after Nigeria, it has sought to build on the successes which caused it to briefly attain the top position in 2009. By offering relatively more attractive terms as well as the obvious benefits of increased security and regulatory stability, Angola has boosted foreign investment in its oil and gas industry. Eight pending offshore projects are expected to raise its output to 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2015.

Already, Angola’s 2013 average output of 1.73 bpd was significantly close to Nigeria’s own average of 1.9 bpd for the same period.

Nigeria cannot continue to treat the mainstay of its mono-product economy with such inexplicable complacency.

Even without the added pressure of vigorous continental competition and increasing energy self-reliance, there can

be no justification for this persistent refusal to resolve the problems confronting the oil sector.

It is obvious that the delay in passing the PIB has been a major cause of the loss of investor interest. The bill’s stagnation in the National Assembly cannot continue; it should either be passed as it currently stands or it should be comprehensively re-drafted. Either measure would be more useful than the stasis to which it has been condemned.

The Federal Government would also do well to consider the injection of new blood at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Given the way in which scandal, the absence of accountability and the profusion of incompetence have damaged the credibility of this crucial ministry, it cannot be surprising that the sector it supposedly superintends is in such dire straits.

‘In stark contrast to the lumbering giant that is Nigeria, Angola has consistently demonstrated all the speed, aggressiveness and flexibility of a country which knows where it is going and how it intends to get there.

Instead of remaining content with its position as Africa’s second-biggest oil producer after Nigeria, it has sought to build on the successes which caused it to briefly attain the top position in 2009’

Time to cut the hype and focus on the real dangers of Ebola

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HE EBOLA VIRUS outbreak in West Africa has seized the world’s attention like a summer horror movie. The images of a terrible disease without a cure have surged across news and social media. Late last week, a spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO) said the scope of the outbreak appears to have been “vastly underestimated.” Tantalizing reports of experimental drugs have raised hopes and then deflated them. The drugs are not only unproven, but they also don’t yet exist in more than a tiny quantity.

Some of the reactions have been tinged with hysteria. When two aid workers returned to Atlanta for treatment, fear exploded online and on television that they perhaps were spreading the deadly virus to the United States. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday warned about fraudulent offers for Ebola treatments or preventions being peddled online.

It is time to get sober, fast. The Ebola infections in four nations of West Africa may have been started by Mother Nature, but controlling them is now very much in the hand of humans.

More than 1,000 people have died. Either the world gets this right or the outbreak will spread.

Getting it right demands more personnel, material, money and speed from nations and public health authorities than has been applied in the past six months. There won’t be any magic bullet in a new drug or vaccine to save the day. The only way Ebola can be stopped is by control measures that are labor and resource intensive: finding and isolating those infected.

The inadequacy of current efforts to stop the disease is becoming increasingly clear. An 80bed treatment center that opened in Monrovia, Liberia, filled immediately. The next day, dozens more people showed up to be treated. Experts going house to house in Sierra Leone in search of infected patients are discovering more cases that had not been detected.

A letter from Monrovia published by the Huffington Post declared that “the crisis seems to have overwhelmed the Government. They need help.” The letter writer added, “The nice speeches and pronouncements are being made, but action and delivery are lacking.” The writer appealed for protective garments and other essentials, and he claimed that the largest hospital in Liberia did not have even one standard Ebola protective garment.

The president of Doctors Without Borders, which has done heroic work in confronting the outbreak, also confirmed on Friday that “extraordinary measures” are still needed. “We’re running behind a train that is going forward,” said the group’s president, Dr. Joanne Liu. “And it literally is faster than what we’re bringing in terms of a response.”

It is time to see the Ebola outbreak area as a global disaster zone and commit to what will probably be months of grueling work in challenging conditions, in locations of “extreme poverty, [with] dysfunctional health systems, a severe shortage of doctors and rampant fear,” as the WHO put it. Either the world mobilizes now, or the next fight against the disease will be even more frightening.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: In Abia State, change moved from the realm of expectations to a clear-cut state craft. Though it is fashionable and patronising to resist change, it has remained the most enduring dynamics of human existence and social setting.

A philosopher once asserted that “in a sick country, any attempt to cure the disease, is an affront to those who benefit from the sickness". Indeed, the relocation of the markets situated at the heart of Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has remained a vexed issue, a grand demonstration of tough love and test of Governor Orji's political will; it has turned out a flagship of the administration.

On Chadian abductees and Chibok girls

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IR: Just last week, August 14, a number of Nigerians were reportedly abducted by insurgents from Dogon Baga in Borno State. The number was given as 97 among which were youths, children and old men. The abducted people were later believed to have been moved by midnight to Chad Republic.

August 17, just three days after, the Chadian forces freed all the abductees without a single casualty. They were later reunited with their families after a brief time in Chad Republic.

Compare this with the abduction of the Chibok girls. It is now over 120 days since the innocent girls were abducted. There whereabouts are still unknown as the Federal Government, international and public attention has been diverted to Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The parents of those girls and compatriots grieve at the inability of the government to locate the girls despite foreign involvement in the operation.

The Federal Government must redouble its effort to regain its image depleted by corruption, immorality and secrecy in running public affairs.

That will be an imperative to help Nigeria beyond 2015.

• Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari Katsina

bridge built at the Isi-Gate to safeguard human traffic from the risk of road accidents, was abandoned before it was demolished last year. Today, people are beginning to reap the gains of the vision of relocating the market.

Ubani Ibeku, the new site of the Ultra Modern Market with over 6,000 shops, is a few kilometres from the city centre. By the side of it is a sprawling estate with about 5,000 two-bedroom houses, which has already provoked strategic thinking on greater development options in the new area. The new Ubani Ibeku Market has internationalised the business climate of Umuahia and decongested the city from the tantrums and nuisance of the old market. The human face approach adopted and the constructive engagement with the traders made the resettlement less emotionally cumbersome. Governor Orji

spared no effort in making the market comfortable for the traders. Provisions are made for basic amenities like adequate water supply, electricity, good and motorable roads, wellpaved gutters and flood channels, toilet facilities, recreation ground and other necessities like fire station, clinics, banks, schools and security.

By way of incentives, government scaled down the initial price tag of the shops, and initiated the payment by instalments for a period of four years. As a stop-gap measure, Governor Orji procured air-conditioned buses to convey traders to and fro the new ultra market at subsidised rates. The panic-ridden mood that usually trailed this kind of exercise was clearly absent as the civil approach employed by the Abia State Government in implementation of the market relocation made it less stressful. Traders were not ejected

forcefully. Bulldozers were not used to stampede the traders to the new site. Without much bickering, the market was painstakingly relocated.

The other markets - Auto Spare Parts Market and the Industrial Market were also successfully relocated to Ohiya and Ahieke Ndume, respectively. These developments have given impetus to economic activities at the suburbs. For sure, this rare political will marked a quantum leap in the age-long vision of making Umuahia a befitting state capital. The sites of the old markets have been rechannelled into other developmental efforts. Already, a state-of-the -art Event Centre is being developed at the site of the old Umuahia Main Market, while a unique estate has sprung up at the old site of the Industrial Market. More importantly, the decongested city centre has repositioned the state capital for accelerated inflow of development activities and elicited new thinking and paradigms, to maximise the accruing opportunities. Ultimately, the whole scenario of success has cut out Governor Orji as a leader who defied bookmakers to break a 78-year old jinx. This unequivocally stands him out as the chief architect of Abia modernisation.

• Jasper Uche, Umuahia, Abia State

Africa was held to be a dark continent with no concept of God and history. The racist historian, Trevor Roper asserted that “Africa had no history before the coming of history, if they had at all; it was a meaningless gyration of barbarian tribes in an obscure corner of the globe”.

Consequently, the history that was taught in African schools established by the Europeans, including University of Ibadan was European History.

European scholars had erroneously concluded that since there was no written record in Africa, particularly South of Sahara, there can be no history either to study, write or teach.

However, the pioneering efforts to write and study African history were credited to the duo of late Professor Kenneth O. Dike and late Professor Saburi Biobaku. The duo blazed the

trail in the study of African History.

Dike worked on Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, while Biobaku worked on Egba and Their Neighbours. Ade Ajayi, who can be described as the third leg of the tripod on which the study of African history rested worked on Christian Missionaries Activities in West Africa and later history of West Africa and that of the Yorubas.

Another step taken by Dike and Ajayi to promote the study and writing of African history was the establishment of the Ibadan School of History. This was a group of scholars interested in introducing African perspectives to African history and focusing on the internal historical forces that shaped African lives.

Ibadan School also pioneered the use of oral tradition, cognomen, cer-

emonies etc, as well as multi disciplinary approach in the study of African history. As the pioneer school of history in Nigeria, all other schools and departments of history in other universities owed their development to Ibadan School of History and her scholars. This is where Ade Ajayi’s nationalistic efforts yielded imperishable dividends.

Unfortunately, by the time of his demise the fortune of a discipline he so much laboured had nose-dived.

History as an academic discipline is no longer given the deserved priority by policy makers in Nigeria and the effect is the socio economic and political malaise staring the nation in the face.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

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Orji's urban renewal initiative

Three big markets (Umuahia Main Market, Auto Spare Parts Market and the Industrial Market at the World Bank Housing Estate) in Umuahia had denied the state capital city of the usual decorum and tranquillity expected of a vintage seat of power.

As a matter of fact, the plan to relocate the Umuahia Main Market, popularly called Isi-Gate began in 1935 but successive administrations 'played safe' and served out their terms. Yet, the nagging questions agitating the people's mind had been: who would bell the cat?

Hitherto, a first time visitor to Umuahia would be greeted with a shabby environment and noise, emanating from the Main Market at the heart of the town. The nightmarish and long stretch of traffic gridlock occasioned by the activities in the market was better imagined than experienced. Even the pedestrian

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IR: News of the demise of the renowned historian, erudite scholar, administrator par excellence and winner of Nigeria National Merit Award, Professor Jacob Festus Ade Ajayi came to many as a rude shock, coming a few months after he marked his 85th birthday and few weeks after the transition of another erudite historian, Professor E.A. Ayandele.

Ade Ajayi was a nationalist in the mould of the renowned nationalists of Nigeria’s pre independence era like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikwe, H.O. Davies, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, amongst others. Whereas the others fought for political independence, Ade Ajayi and his likes fought for the dignity of the Black man. Before the coming of Europeans to Africa,

J.F. Ade Ajayi: A tribute

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

21

COMMENTS

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‘Our Girls’; toilets, running water, Ebola and typhoid

UR Girls’ are still missing since April 15.

No word about apparently ‘secret’ local efforts but there is the reported release of 85 Nigerians

by Chadian troops. HurTony ray!

Marinho Yes, Ebola is the rage of the day. Bloody epidemics always take centre stage. Happily hand washing being touted as a preventive measure also helps in a myriad other infections, especially typhoid. No one, not one of you readers or politicians with all the billions in Nigeria cares to complain that the majority of Nigeria’s children still go to schools and universities with no running water and no toilets or unusable toilets. They are forced to urinate beside or behind their own classrooms just like the majority of their teachers, male and female. Most youths in schools throw their faecal matter in black plastic bags into the bush or even into neighbouring compounds - a New Nigerian Olympic Sport called ‘Shot-put’ after the original ‘shot-put’ of my good old 1960s school days when a grapefruit sized black metal heavy ball was thrown across a field –a sport at which the late murdered Funso Williams was a Grier Cup Champion in St Gregory’s College. May God rest his generous soul even as we pray that his murderers will have no rest until they are caught and confess.

‘Are we not pariah enough in the world without disgracing further our postgraduate training programmes by suspensions which even if overturned tomorrow have already been noted worldwide by medical associations with consequent dismissal of Nigerian medical education and services as third rate?’

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HE topical issue that has continued to dominate world headlines is Ebola.

The killer instinct of the virus is no longer news; what is news, however, are the various preventive measures now being put in place everywhere to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus. These preventive measures, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, are as many as they vary from country to country. In Nigeria, the government has been battling to persuade the people from adopting an unorthodox approach that claims that adding salt to warm water to bathe, and drinking warm water salt therapy can prevent Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). That message had gone viral in the social media and through unsolicited text messages before the government sprung into action.

Even at that, several people who had taken that route landed in the hospital while a few others were not so lucky. They met their untimely death in the process. Talk of dying before the arrival of death itself.

Last week, this column wrote on Africa's destiny with pandemics.

The column stated that the current Ebola’s spread in four West African countries - Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria - “is a reminder of the vast development needs that persist in some of the world’s poorest countries”. It is, therefore, not too funny to read what Decontee Sawyer, wife of the late Patrick Sawyer, the man who brought EVD into Nigeria, recently told a magazine in Liberia. Decontee said her husband’s decision to travel from Liberia to Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was a desperate search for a better health-care system. She said that Sawyer had no trust in the health-care system in Liberia and had possibly headed to Nigeria with

We in Africa accept massive numbers of mother and child deaths at delivery and other deaths from deadly deficient government services as ‘normal’ and ‘Acts of God’. They are not. They are a form of government sponsored medical murder just as Ebola is medical murder because wrong containment practices were initiated by government when the disease was first diagnosed properly. Indeed Ebola has highlighted the pathetic place of barrier, sanitation and other health facilities. Do the victims have first class medical treatment and Intensive Care Unit facilities?

Does NEMA, National Emergency Management Agency, not have gloves, masks, preventive suits and boots in large quantities? Why do all government hospitals not have suits ready? Horrifyingly today, as for many years, in many government hospitals and clinics, the patient on arrival is expected to first ‘buy or bring’ gloves, mask, syringes and needles for the hospital to use. Shameful. When I was a doctor and consultant, our medical pockets bulged with these ‘immediate life-savers’ to bring immediate care to patients. Now a doctor must wait sometimes for hours for relations to purchase these items before intervening thus destroying morale and ‘Removing the Urgency from Emergency’. The patients too often die in the interval.

Education and medical services including facilities are closely related in failure. Recall the pathetic situation in education especially in public schools. Only 31% pass rate of five credits including Maths and English in 1.8million WAEC students confirming a government failure of 69%. Many of the passes were probably in ‘private sector schools’ the same ones that governments in states and LGAs overtax and harass daily. The pass rate in government schools is probably nearer 20% with that of private schools being probably nearer 6080%. Government has failed, not the students. Government should ‘thank God’ for private schools boosting its abysmal results. Should the education system nationwide not suspend or sack all its Ministry supervisory staff and all its ‘’16,000+’’ teachers for such an abysmal result which is getting worse in spite of whatever billions of naira boasts by states, UBE and other mega-education bodies and the federal ministry? If doc-

tors had a successful diagnosis, treatment delivery or surgery recovery rate of 31%, they would have been burnt at the stake of public opinion. As treatment for the Government-Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) face off, I recommend a cooling down on both sides. This can best be achieved by a call off or suspension of the strike by the NMA to allow government use a Presidential suspension of the suspension of the Residency Training Programme and Presidential reinstatement of the l6,000 doctors of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). Nobody wants to be or should be cheated by a government that chooses to pay its politicians salaries outlandish salaries and perks, SAPing the nation and insulting hardworking professionals. Residency is not classroom school lessons; it is hard work, heavy responsibility and years of on-the-job training. Residency was not invented in Nigeria.

It is the standard way of training doctors. Anyone who has questions should come and train instead of sitting on the fence and criticising. SANS get SANed by doing their job in court, getting full pay, but sit no other examinations. Specialisation in the medical profession is tightly controlled by the number of vacancies and the pass rate for different examinations is as low as 10% and as high as 50% for a married man or woman 25-40years old. Disgracefully, even newly graduated medical doctors roam the streets for one or two years before being trained for full registration. Maybe Nigeria will next abolish House jobs? Are we not pariah enough in the world without disgracing further our post-graduate training programmes by suspensions which even if overturned tomorrow have already been noted worldwide by medical associations with consequent dismissal of Nigerian medical education and services as third rate? Meanwhile foreign medical tourism will increase.

Questions about Ebola are being asked daily. Why were the initial contacts not isolated individually in separate rooms to protect them from each other and their families instead of this growing circle, a lethal circus of danger to themselves and fellow Nigerians? The idea of sending them home for monitoring was a huge breach of procedure

Ebola: Let us pray the hope of receiving better treatment for his ailment. Many Nigerians, and even Liberians, had condemned Sawyer for travelling to Nigeria despite knowing that he was infected with the Ebola virus before embarking on the trip. Some Nigerians on social media even went as far as describing him as a “biological terrorist” who came into the country deliberately to spread the disease.

Decontee’s defence of her husband notwithstanding, what is clear is that at the time he made the journey to Nigeria, Sawyer knew his health status quite well before he sneaked into Nigeria through Lome, the Togolese capital. Had he done his homework well, the late Sawyer would have known that escaping from Liberia to Nigeria was like jumping from frying pan to fire. The fire finally consumed him when he was eventually cremated after he died of the Ebola disease. His cremation was done in line with the prescription of the World Health Organisation, WHO, for the safe disposal of victims of Ebola disease to forestall further spread of the disease by the corpses of the victims.

WHO had said that 60 percent or more of those affected by the disease contracted it from the corpses of the victims before or during burial rites.

If we are all now blaming Sawyer for importing the disease to Nigeria willingly or unwillingly, what can we say about the nurse who had primary contact with the late Sawyer and was placed under observation but who equally sneaked out from Lagos and headed for Enugu

‘This Ebola thing is a wake-up call on Africans and the Blacks in the Diaspora to wake up from self-induced stupor, gird their loins and get their bearings right’

where a few people have now been placed under observation? What this means is that Lagos is not the only state in Nigeria that has so far been hit by the deadly EVD; Enugu has joined the fray. After the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja last Wednesday, Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information, told State House correspondents that Enugu came into the picture because one of the nurses that treated the American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, shunned medical advice and travelled to the city.

Thank God that the medical team has been able to trace all those who came into contact with the nurse, including her husband, and they are now being quarantined in Enugu.

The nurse has done to Enugu what Patrick Sawyer did to Lagos that has now put Nigeria in the infamous map of Ebola-ravaged countries.

One would have expected those keeping vigil on all these contacts to put a water-tight cordon on such people, but Nigerians or Africans, being what we are, we have high proclivity to disobey orders. If the nurse who has transported this virus to Enugu survives, what will the system do to her even if one or two others who contracted the virus from her throw in the towel tomorrow?

The lacklustre manner in which the case of the nurse has been handled is a signpost of the unserious manner we handle sensitive issues in this country and in Africa. The other day a national newspaper displayed the photograph of medical personnel who look more like nurses wearing protective health gears at the National Hospital in Abuja on its front page. The picture was, perhaps, to illustrate that the country was ready to combat the Ebola virus headlong. Ironically, that message was lost when I discovered that one of the ladies was full of laughter as if she was model-

ling for a Nollywood extravaganza as the photographer clicked away.

That is the way we are. Now, tell me, what was funny to the nurse that she so much got captivated with laughter in a situation that she could have complimented with a sober look?

More disturbing, is the recent report that no fewer than 17 patients infected with Ebola were unaccounted for after they fled an armed raid on a quarantine centre on the outskirts of Monrovia, the Liberian capital, by men who claimed the epidemic was a fiction. Reports say, the attackers, mostly young men armed with clubs, shouted that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf “is broke” and “there’s no Ebola” in Liberia as they broke into the facility. The facility was believed to be housing 29 patients who “had all tested positive for Ebola” and were receiving preliminary treatment before being taken to hospital. Out of the 29 patients, 17 reportedly fled in the aftermath of the assault. Another nine died a few days after, while three others were allegedly taken away by force by their relatives from the centre. Residents had opposed the creation of the centre, set up by health authorities in part of the city considered an epicentre of the Ebola outbreak in the Liberian capital.

Again, that is the way we are in Africa. It is a shame.

The Ebola outbreak, the worst since the virus first appeared in 1976, has claimed 1,145 lives in five months, according to the United Nations World Health Organisation’s latest figures as of August 13: 413 in Liberia, 380 in Guinea, 348 in Sierra Leone and four in Nigeria.

With the appalling health care delivery system in this country and Africa as a whole, I believe we should all go down on our knees to pray fervently to God to save us from this killer virus. This is because in the event of a severe out-

Dele Agekameh break of the disease, (God forbid), many heads will roll especially now that they are saying that the trial vaccine is out of stock.

Mind you, this virus has been ravaging some parts of Africa since 1976 - 38 years ago - and it never occurred to anybody to find a lasting cure for the terrible disease. Recall that this current one broke out more than six months ago and it was only last week that WHO deemed it fit to hold an emergency session after more than a thousand souls had been lost. Call it different strokes for different folks. If it had happened in any of the developed countries, would the world have waited this long? The same thing happened many years ago during the Rwanda genocide. The world stood akimbo as two brothers, the Hutus and Tutsis, engaged one another in a bloody fratricidal war that claimed thousands of lives.

Anyway, this Ebola thing is a wake-up call on Africans and the Blacks in the Diaspora to wake up from self-induced stupor, gird their loins and get their bearings right. If not, we will continue to be a laughing stock in the world arena. May God help us!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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COMMENTS ‘There is no setback that is without its advantage. The APC now has a chance to showcase the difference between it and the PDP through the performances of its governors and the mediocrity that Fayose is certain to put on show in Ekiti. The APC can show the Ekiti electorate and indeed other south westerners that ‘stomach infrastructure’ is nothing but a tool of retrogression in the hands of clueless people who lack the basic rudiments of governance. If the APC comes clean with the people in the states it controls, Ekiti will turn out an albatross with great implications for the PDP. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso’

•Jonathan

For Segun Gbadegesin Should we then call it fowl play.The northerners are united but we are not,I love reading your column and your opinion most often agrees with mine. However, your article “what does the north want?”, on August 15, I beg to differ in opinion. I stand to be corrected, all the delegates were carefully, consciously and cautiously selected to go and protect their regions. None of the delegates from any of the regions spoke as Nigerians but all their contributions were in defence of their zones. To therefore accuse the north of being self centred is hypocrisy of the highest order. I am not from the core north but the most liberal people in this country are the core north. I do not see any meaningful thing that will come out from that conference as usual and I won’t be surprised. So to answer your rhetorical question, “what does the north wants?”, they want to protect the north just as the west, east, south-south want to protect their regions. Shikenan ! From Adudu, Nasarawa.

National Conference members do not seem to be sincere. They are not speaking for the north that has benefited so much interms of appointments and infrastructure from Jonathan’s government. Anonymous Governor Aregbesola wasn’t voted in as a saint but because of his performance. Of course, a purposeful, people-oriented and visionary leader is all we need to make the needed difference in our polity today. Being a leader or governor doesn’t make anybody superhuman or infalliable whatsoever,and Governor Aregbesola couldn’t have been an exception.The Osun State governor simply performed to the expectation and satisfaction of the people and was asked by the people to continue at the polls,which is what effective leadership is all about -continuity.Omisore could be good in his own right but his democratic credentials failed to meet the demands of the people of Osun,hence his defeat at the polls. That is the truth of the whole matter. From Emmanuel Egwu.

Brother ‘Segun, greetings. Just read your truly patriotic piece in The Nation of August 15, 2014. I share your views with the exception of those on the Chibok girls. The vision and mission of our ethnics are at different levels and constantly in conflict such that peace can only last when we are divided. Mark my words, the Nigerian elites have already dug their own graves by creating the Almajiris .

What will ultimately happen is the inevitable dissolution of the so-called Nigerian project.

May that day come sooner than later. From Brother Amos A. Akingba.

Re: What does the North want?: Professor Gbadegesin, unfortunately, your article is nothing but a continuation of the narrative that anything from the North is bad for Nigeria and regarding that from the Southwest, there’s no better alternative. I am not a lawyer so I beg to ask; what is the difference between “an amended constitution” and a “a new draft constitution”? Your answer will either confirm or give lie to the concern (if you will, the fear) of the north. Thank you sir. From Nanna Ndawuya, Minna Dear Prof Gbadegesin, Your “What does the North want” has been the most concise, incisive and frank comment on the overbearing and imperious attitude of the north since both before and after Nigeria’s independence. Whatever has a beginning will one day have an end. Thank you immensely.

From K O Ajakaiye, Lagos.

Thank you for your insightful views on Nigeria’s power problem. By the way, Lagos Island first had electricity in 1896 with street

lighting in 1898! Yet, it too suffers from power shortage. As for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria it should more appropriately be Power Withholding Company of Nigeria. That is the reality.Anonymous What does the North want? This is a wonderful question that need quick answer, unity or disunity ? Peace or war ? Love or heaterd? They should tell us more about the Chibok girls. Nigerians are more wiser. No region will set us back any more. God bless Nigeria .From Afolashade Afolabi,Abuja.

It is glaring that the northerners lack the sincerity to build this nation.They only felt empty since the the days of Obasanjo to now.Moving away from the present imbalance in Nigeria,means a total loss to them.Hence,their current war against every good move to adopt a positive change as advocated especially in the conference.Hence their unintelligent rejection of the conference suggestion.They are just too inimical to true federalism which is actually a true,strong united Nigeria.They are like virus to the political,economic and social progress of this country.May God give them wisdom.Anonymous Re-What does the North want? All boil down to suspicion,corruption,regional/ethnic biases culminating into lack of openmindedness hence this country may continue to swim in a stagnant water- motion without movement. There is no cause for alarm as no single bloc after 1970, could solely lord anything on others again. Just like the Southwest took the case of one of the bloc (MKO) with caution and was able to be empathised with, others who believe its/their ‘ox is being gored’ should tread softly.From Lanre Oseni.

Mr Segun, I really enjoyed your article of August 15, but you have some missing arguments. first, you appear to be sentimental about what a people sensed to be dangerous in the future and chose to stop it earlier, why wait for debate as suggested by you. Some countries of the world operate without a written constitution and yet are better than us.There is everything wrong with the presidency except I chose to pretend like you.

The president has totally closed his eyes on issues of monumental corruption, insecurity, etc any never want anybody to mention it except you want to incur the wrath of the government and the good people of southsouth. Finally, the inefficiency of the goverment or its parastatals is a total inefficiency of the president; this should not be blamed on the North. From Ayagher ‘What does the North want?’-A very brilliant and highly informative piece. I hope the Northern people will avail themselves of the piece with the objective of coming to terms with the fact that their dominant mentality over other segments of the country that has held sway over decades is now over.

From Kola AMZAT, FCA, Lagos.

The same mistake over and again, the ‘middle belt revolt’ The christian community in central Nigeria has never supported the ‘core north’ NPP won Plateau State in the Second Republic, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) held sway in the present Southern Kaduna, what constitute the present Taraba State. The late JS Tarka’s Tiv were with Awolowo before 1979 elections. The Muslims in central Nigeria with majorities in present Kwara, Niger and Nassarawa states traditionally follows the ‘core north’. From Tunde.

It’s very preposterous to assert that the Igbo supported the annulment.There were many Yoruba people just like their Igbo counterparts who supported the annulment.Have you forgotten the role of some southwest Obas afta visitng Aso Rock?Have you forgotten the role of Diya and others who worked with Abacha? Please,all these ‘we’ and ‘they’ analyses’re simply divisive and trivial.The problems of Nigeria’re beyond these pedestrian analyses.

From Chijioke Uwasomba, OAU, Ife.

Goodmorning Prof. Segun if you have not gained any thing in democracy we have gained defined interest for all regions. Your write-up August 15 clearly expose north political interest which is to remain in power using other regions as their foot soldiers and desperate hunger for power. Thanks for ur insight. Anonymous

For Olatunji Dare Re-Osun:The morning after. Agreed with all you said, with fulsome happiness that, your ‘Backee’ won. You however, failed to tell us whom the ‘militarisation’ you adversely publicised had favoured. Same candidate and his party, APC. This teaches us all, to be open-minded to enable growth to thrive rather than crying wolf always and keep being ‘negatively suspicious’ always. Let us commend when that demands and condemn when only, it is bad. From Lanre Oseni.

PDP is like a dead snake with its head cut off and the rest body is still turning. Omisore and his party have been demistyfied by the good people of Osun State. President Jonathan and his party members should know that, there is no champion for ever. Nigerians should lean a leason from this election. Let them militarise the whole country there is no hiding place for PDP again. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos PDP is evil and can never win any election in the country that is devoid of rigging. The Osun election is victory for democracy. From Comrade Mfam Mbia Asu JP,CIFIAN Despite Omisore riding an okada or devouring a cob of roasted corn purchased from a street vendor to deceived the electorate of Osun State to vote for him, not knowing that electorate were wise enough not to be fool again, thereafter he failed.The defeated candidates should accept their defeat in good faith and prepare for future election, rather than causing politicial violence.Afteral in every contest, there must be winner and losers. From Gordon Chika Nnorom To God be the glory Aregbesola is a man of integrity we people of Osun believe in him Osun ti dara ko ni baje o. From Segun Congo Dear Sir,’Baba Kabiru’gallantly merits his victory over Omisore.And I thank God I have never lost votes for him. Despite deservable and undeservable aspersions cast upon his radical self,he convincingly won. My heartfelt congrats to him! From Adeoluwa Balogun, Degree 4, Dept of English,ACE,Ondo.

Prof. Congrats on your birthday, God will grant you long life with good health. The victory of Ogbeni Aregbesola in the governorship election, practically demonstrated the readiness of Nigerian masses to assert their will with vision to ensure a better and secured future. President Jonathan-led PDP government is drowning, it is high time for APC to provide alternative plaform. From Deacon Obatungashe I. Adebayo Dear Prof, your ‘’Osun; The morning after’’ was as usual a delight. Agreed that some of our severed royal fathers might have done certain things unexpected of them, such were only being human as ‘political animals’. That notwithstanding, you are a Yoruba man and I dare say that, your reference to them as ‘wayward’ was unfair. From Temtope Vincent, Akure.

For Tunji Adegboyega Thanks for the write-up on Aregbe’s victory.

It was expected because he mixes freely with the grassroots and understands their challenges. Please tell the Lagos State governor to reverse some of the charges by VIOs, LASTMA, on vehicle owners who for reasons beyond their control fall foul of traffic laws. Anonymous.

True talk my brother in your “Beyond Aregbe’s victory” of August 17. If Omisore could score such a large vote, then APC must watch it. From Valentine Ojo, Abuja.

Tunji, I have just read your article titled

•Aregbesola

“Beyond Aregbesola’s victory”. Beautiful piece.

Anonymous.

There is no too much talk about the credentials of Omisore in Osun State … The president and his party men have forgotten that the era of darkness has gone forever in Nigerian politics.

The era when election is conducted in Oyo and the result will be announced in Abuja is gone forever. With the result on August 9 in Osun State, there is no hiding place for the PDP in terms of manipulation again. Omisore can continue eating his corn; as many as he can on the streets of Osun. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

You have written one of the best treatises in The Nation today (Sunday) and it made my day.

God bless you. Anonymous.

In 2010, Adejare Bello, the then Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly and now Omisore’s deputy said that Aregbe ’ll be governor over his dead body. Before the August 9 election, Omisore boasted that he would rather die if he did not win the election. We are waiting for their obituaries. From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal.

Since Osun State governorship election has come and gone and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been declared winner, let him take his victory as an act of God and hard work. He should carry every candidate along to move the state forward, irrespective of party affiliation. Even those that rode on Okada and were devouring roated maize purchased from a street vendor to deceive the electorate but whose game plan failed should also take their loss as God’s wish and prepare for future polls.

Let Aregbe not relent in his effort to make Osun people happy by delivering more dividend of democracy. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Your article titled “Beyond Aregbe’s victory” in The Nation of August 17 refers. I do not understand what is wrong with our people in the South-west. We used to be highly rational in taking decisions. But our voting pattern in recent elections leaves much to be desired.

Anyway, what gives concern is PDP’s desire to win Lagos at all cost. Hence, they have started collecting people’s voter’s card numbers, names, wards, house addresses and phone numbers, etc. Anonymous.

I totally agree with your comment. I feel so sad that our people have been so debased that values and moral no longer matter; only money. Well said. From Ayo. Your comment of August 17 refers. Why do you think people will revolt now as in 1960s and 1983? The leadership now appears selfcentred and after what they can get for themselves and their families. You cannot say this of the leadership of Awo/ Ajasin, and the people are seeing all these … A journalist of your leaning should know better. From Bartholomew, Abuja.

There is no setback that is without its advantage. The APC now has a chance to showcase the difference between it and the PDP through the performances of its governors. The APC can show the Ekiti electorate and indeed other south westerners that ‘stomach infrastructure’ is nothing but a tool of retrogression in the hands of clueless people who lack the basic rudiments of governance. If the APC comes clean with the people in the states it controls, Ekiti will turn out an albatross with great implications for the PDP. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

Personal aggrandisement riddled with primitive acquisitiveness is the hallmark of the Nigerian political elite. Jumbo pay captures the fact that the feudalistic tendency of our leaders cuts across party lines and the voters are now seeing through this. Anonymous.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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BUSINESS THE NATION

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

‘Cashless policy has impacted positively on economy’

World Bank commits $5b to power sector in Nigeria, others

By Toba Agboola

T

HE introduction of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has impacted positively on the financial sector and the national economy.

National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Sunday Olusoji Salako said the policy has come to say.

He said: “The cashless policy has come to stay and you would agree that it has impacted positively on our economy, financial landscape, and it has also helped in engaging in financials. It is something that all of us should embrace and make sure it succeeds. Now that it’s going nationwide, everyone will tap into the financial benefit of the policy.”

Salako said for any policy, there would be challenges, stressing that there was no need to wait till every Nigerian can read and write before such policy is institutionalised.

He said: “We have to start somewhere and once such policy is put in place, the challenges would be mitigated. The market women though can’t read or write but they are smart enough to operate their phones.

This proves that they can handle some few e-transactions.

The policy allows transactions to be carried out on phones, Point of Sales (PoS) terminals or any other payment platform.

Money can be paid into your account; you can transfer and you can also confirm from your bank. So, even if the person is not literate enough to understand some of these transactions, there are avenues where that person could be guided.

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

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

T

HE World Bank Group has committed $5 billion in new technical and financial support for energy projects in six African countries. The countries are Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and Tanzania. These countries have also partnered with President Obama’s Power Africa initiative.

World Bank Group President, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, said the new financial commitment was urgently needed to generate more electricity for the people of Africa, 600 million of whom have no access to electricity, despite the fact that Africa possesses some of the world’s largest hydropower, geothermal, wind and solar potential, as well as significant oil and natural gas re-

serves.

Kim said: “We think that the U.S. Power Africa initiative will play an extremely important role in achieving the goal of providing electricity for Africa. So, I am very pleased to announce that the World Bank Group, following President Obama’s lead, will partner with Power Africa by committing $5 billion in direct financing, investment guarantees, and advisory services for project preparation in Power Africa’s six initial partner countries, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

“The U.S. Government and the World Bank Group are working now on specific tasks and milestones which could help to achieve one quarter of Power Africa’s

goal of generating 10,000 megawatts of new power in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Africa’s power crisis forces families and communities to spend significant amounts of their income on costly and unhealthy forms of energy, such as diesel generators or wood for indoor cooking fires. Africa has vast hydropower potential but uses just eight per cent of this untapped water force. In comparison, Western Europe uses 85 per cent of its available hydropower potential, which has contributed to their economic development and industrialization.

“Like Europe and the rest of the world, Africa deserves the same opportunity to exploit this green source of power to improve the lives

and economic prospects of its people,” said the World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop.

“Beyond building up power generators, they must be connected to the market, which calls for regional cooperation to build the transmission network. We are working with African leaders and their development partners to create power pools in Africa’s East, West, Central, and Southern sub-regions.

“Those countries with abundant geothermal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind resources can feed their excess power supply into a common pool, while neighboring states with less energy and generation capacity can benefit from this integrated approach to delivering electricity to their people.”

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

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

•From Left: First Vice-President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN); Mrs Iquo Ukoh, Director, Registeration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC; Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Chairman, STB McCane; Sir Steve Omojafor and the Registrar of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON); Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, at the unveiling of NAFDAC's Handbook of Approved Advertisements Volume 1.

Experts urge Govt on local aircraft repair facility T HE Chief Executive Officer, Finum Aviation Services Sheri Kyari has urged the Federal Government to take a critical look at establishing aircraft maintenance facilities to handle all commercial airlines in the country .

He spoke in an interview in Lagos.

Kyari, who is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, pointed out that lack of maintenance facilities in the country is encouraging capital flight, adding that private investors could be encouraged to provide such facilities.

He regretted that the fear of policy somersault is creating a problem for private investors to go into the business.

How to avert financial instability - P 26

By Kevin Osa-Okubor

Kyari said: ”The next facility that is of dire need today is a maintenance centre capable of handling all the commercial airliners in the country that require heavy maintenance. The absence of this asset is encouraging capital flight and this song has been sung for too long to the stage that the music is losing its flavour.

“This is a facility that can be taken up by private investors, but the fear of policy inconsistency is the order of the day.

Government, therefore, must provide guarantee and assur-

ances to investors either by getting involved or providing a conducive environment for investors.

“We need to open up the industry for more investors and give the young ones an opportunity to achieve their aspirations. All bottlenecks for investors should be removed and allow serious investors whether domestic or foreign to buy into aviation. This will also pave way for more jobs and consultancy to thrive.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer,

Aeroconsult, Engr. Babatunde Obadofin, said the lingering problem of lack of suitable aircraft maintenance facilities for medium and long haul aircraft should be revisited and that the project should be a Public Private Partnership (PPP) that will help the survival of domestic airlines, improve and secure manpower needs and stop or reduce capital flights.

Obadofin advised the current Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka, to ensure that the Akwa Ibom Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), constructed by the state government, is put to full use to enable domestic airlines do their routine checks.

NES to govt: Help curb oil theft, piracy.

By Joseph Eshanokpe

T

HERE is need to fund se curity agencies in charge of the waterways to enable them curb incessant cases of oil theft, spill and piracy, the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) has said.

The group called for the establishment of a municipal and industrial waste management system to solve the problem of improper waste disposal in the country.

These were part of a communiqué by the NES at the end of its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Conference in Warri, Delta State.

It urged the government to establish water resource councils to enable relevant stakeholders manage water resources.

The communiqué was signed

by National President, National President, Olu Andah WaiOgosu; and National Secretary, Paul Akporowho.

It said the councils would ensure the management of the country’s waterways by using appropriate techniques to improve the aesthetics.

It said proper funding of the various security agencies would help to curtail the activities of illegal bunkerers, oil spill and piracy, which result from the exploration and sabotage so that the waterways can be safe for such uses as tourism, recreation, transportation, commerce and irrigation.

“Participants accepted stepping up from Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as prerequisite for project execution.

This would ensure that project impacts and mitigation measures are properly captured so as to sustain our waterways,”the communiqué reads in part.

It added: ”Establishment of the proper municipal and industrial Waste Management System to curb the menace of improper waste disposal that find their ways to the various water bodies. This would also help to check the incidences of flooding.

“Commence without delay the restoration of Lake Chad; various human activities and climate change impacts are taking their toll on the resource potential of Lake Chad to the point that the Lake volume and expanse has dropped below to one third of its capacity in the last decade.

“Consequently, the Federal Government should take the driving seat in synergising efforts from countries that border the Lake Chad,” NES appealed.

Praising the Federal and the Delta State governments for participating at the conference, it recommended that the government should take steps to provide job opportunities in the riverine communities to engage the locals.

Foreign investors show NYSC pensioners plan protest increased appetites for against IGI Nigerian equities - P38 - P28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

26

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Institute challenges bankers on integrity, best practices

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• From left: General Manager for Visa in West Africa Ade Ashaye; Director of Pre-incubation Co-Creation Hub Nigeria Tunji Eleso; Director of Marketing for Visa in West Africa Kehinde Adekeye and Business Development Manager for Visa in West Africa Emezino Afiegbe during the launch of Visa Financial Literacy Apps in Lagos.

How to avert financial instability, by CBN chief C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability (FSS) Kingsley Moghalu has warned banks against relying “too much” on borrowed funds to avoid creating problems for the economy.

Banks, he said, could destabilise the financial system by their reliance on such funds instead of equity.

Moghalu, who spoke on CNN, while commenting on a book, titled: “Reading for Leading”, said banking rests too much on leverage, or borrowed money or other people’s money.

This practice, he said, is risky and should be discouraged.

He said it is a very risky proposition for one to make profits on the basis of borrowed money. There should be more equity in banks, Moghalu said, arguing that shareholders should put more of their money in banks.

“There are special mystiques that banks and banking are different from all other industries. It is a mistake. We in the developing world are trying to make banking an agent of development and not just using banks as a means of making

‘There are special mystiques that banks and banking are different from all other industries.

It is a mistake. We in the developing world are trying to make banking an agent of development and not just using banks as a means of making money for people who are already wealthy’ • Moghalu Stories by Collins Nweze

money for people who are already wealthy,” he said.

Moghalu said the problems were universal as they are developing countries and emerging markets.

Part of the agenda of the current CBN management is to act as a financial catalyst by targeting predetermined sectors that can create jobs on a mass scale and significantly reduce Nigeria’s import

bills.

The CBN is also deploying developmental initiatives to create an enabling environment with appropriate incentives to empower innovative entrepreneurs to drive growth and development.

Some of the Central Bank’s developmental functions include credit allocations and direct interventions in key sectors of the economy such as power, agriculture, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), oil and gas, and health.

‘Why ATM charges were returned’

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has defended the return of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) charges, saying it is to relieve banks of financial burdens after it was removed in December 2012.

CBN Director, Banking & Payments System Department, ‘Dipo Fatokun said the N65 charge would cover the remuneration of the switches, ATM monitors and fitnotes processing by acquiring banks.

He told The Nation in Lagos: “It is not a reintroduction per se. You have to agree with me that when the amendment was made in December 2012, it used to be N100 on any remote on us withdrawal that you do.

“And you know a remote on us is when a cardholder goes to ATM of a bank, other than his bank, to withdraw cash. It was removed then, so that people can be encouraged to go to other ATMs without paying for it. But the truth is that as we explained that the N100 include

N35 that goes to the issuing bank, which has now been completely waived. The issuing bank does not make any thing.

“But in going to other ATMs to make withdrawals, your bank, the acquirer bank incurs a cost of N65 which they pay to the switches, and the owner of the ATM that you are using.”

Fatokun said between 2012, and now, when the review was done, it was discovered that people had actually turned ATMs into their personal purses because nothing was charged.

“Somebody needs N500; he will go to ATMs and withdraw. He needs, N1,000 he will go to an ATM, such that in a day, some people can patronise ATMs up to eight times.

This has created a huge cost burden for the banks that issued the cards and it is becoming discouraging to them.

“That is why we said that the remote-on-us, will still continue, but it is when you make the fourth withdrawal that N65 that has to be

paid on your behalf will apply.

Still, customers can withdraw any amount from their banks’ ATMs without paying fees,” he said.

Policy, Fatokun said, did not discourage financial inclusion as claimed by some people, adding that cash-less banking encourages use of e-payment channels like Point-of-Sale (PoS) and online payment, among others.

“Remember that when you talk about cash-less, you are encouraging people to do their transactions, other than cash. So, it is not discouragement, really, it is a motivation,” he said.

Fatokun explained that the charge would apply as from the fourth transaction in another bank’s ATM. “The fee shall apply in ‘’Remoteon-us’’ withdrawal (in a month) by a card holder, thereby making the first three ‘remote-on-us transactions free for the card holder, but to be paid for by the issuing bank.

September 1, shall be the effective date for the implementation of the new fee,” he said.

RESIDENT, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mrs. ‘Debola Osibogun, has advised bankers to embrace best practices in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking at the institute’s Graduates’ Induction and Prize Awards in Lagos, she urged bankers to comply with the CIBN code that condemns gratification and bribery.

“I wish to remind you of some of the things contained in the Code of Conduct in the Nigerian Banking Industry recently approved by the Bankers Committee.

“You must endeavour to avoid these if only to ensure that you become the heroes and heroines of your chosen profession. You must avoid engaging in any ventures of which there are clear issues of conflict of interest; abusing the trust reposed in you or your office; misusing official information in the course of your professional career; offering and or accepting gratification or bribe,” she said.

Mrs Osibogun described the induction as a symbolic reminder of the Institute’s core mandate which is to admit student-members who have passed the prescribed examinations and fulfilled other conditions set by the Governing Council into Associateship (ACIB); admit students into the Associateship of the institute, among others.

This year’s induction, she said, was a record given the large number of 993 student members who passed the qualifying examinations. “This number is the highest in the history of the Institute and it comprises of the following;

162 for Associateship, nine for Chartered MBA, four for Treasurers’ Dealership Certificate, 795 for Micro-finance Certification Programme, and, 23 for Certificate in Banking,” she said.

She congratulated the bankers on completing the professional programmes saying, “Not only is today, a deserved testament to your hard work, your discipline and your commitment, it also represents a major milestone in your lives. It is equally a time for celebration as you mark both the end and beginning of exciting parts of your lives and an occasion on which to look forward to the opportunities available to you as Chartered Bankers, Certified Treasury Dealers and Microfinance Certified Bankers.

“I wish you all the best as you start the next adventure of your lives and hope that this accomplishment opens many doors of opportunity and helps you to realise your personal and professional ambitions, she said.

“In today’s dynamic business environment achieving such professional qualifications, demonstrate commitment to professionalism which is an important differentiator in the competitive market place. As bankers there are so much you can do to bring fresh lease of life to the banking & finance sector and businesses in both the private and public sectors. This implies that the economic potential of our country is not limited by your visions and the dreams of the future. I therefore urge you to always “shoot for the moon, even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”

Analysts see inflationary rates moderating at 8.3%

I

NFLATION for last month stood at 8.3per cent year/year, a touch softer than the 8.4 per cent previously forecast by analysts.

Managing Director, Head, Africa Macro Global Research, Razia Khan, said despite the fifth consecutive yearly rise in headline inflation, the overall detail suggests that inflationary pressures may be moderating.

To her, given the overlap between Ramadan and July, food prices did not appear especially pressured.

“This is not atypical for Nigeria which tends to buck the global trend in this respect. Food prices increased to 9.9 per cent year/year in July from 9.8 per cent in June. In month/month terms however, food prices were up 0.8 per cent month/month – the same rate of change in food prices seen for four consecutive months. There was little sign of any heightened pressure in July,” she wrote in an emailed report.

Continuing, Khan said there are some signs that core inflation is moderating. “Core inflation eased to 7.1 per cent year/year in July, rising only 0.2 per cent month/month from 8.1 per cent year/year and 0.7 m per cent month/month a month prior,” she said.

She said the data was due to slower price increases in a range of items – including clothing and footwear, housing, water and electricity and gas and other fuel.

In all, the m/m change in headline inflation has slowed – to 0.65 per cent m/m in July, from 0.77 per cent in June. With 12 months inflation running at 8.0 per cent in July, we see little change in policy soon, despite still-liquid market conditions.

Also, Managing Director, Financial

Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, said whilst the incremental rise is marginal, the cumulative increase could become a cause for monetary policy concern. “In February 2014, the year on year retail price inflation was 7.7 per cent and this will now peak at 8.3 per cent, up 0.6 per cent. Even though it is within the six to nine per cent target range, it will only be 0.7 per cent lower than the ceiling,” he said.

Rewane said the trend will give the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele a reason to look at the close relationship between money supply growth and the inflation. “Emefiele will also try to decompose money supply into the high powered component and other aggregates. The rate of inflation is already becoming part of the political agenda in what is likely to be a keenly contested election,” he said.

He said the CBN is watching the inflation rate closely because rising inflation will seriously undermine the key objective of maintaining the value of the naira at current levels.

“The new CBN Governor has staked his reputation on his mission to bring down interest rates and thus impact employment indirectly. An increase in the inflation rate is likely to make the reduction of interest rates less imperative,” he said.

He said that in the rest of Sub Saharan Africa, the countries that are facing increasing inflationary pressures are Ghana (15 per cent) and South Africa (6.6 per cent). Ghana has taken economically draconian measures like sharply reducing subsidies on petroleum and power. It has finally succumbed to reality by approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a programme to address persistent pressure on the external balance.

27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

MONEY For banks, frauds and forgeries are a big challenge. No matter what banks do to avoid these problems, they still rear their heads. Does that mean there is no way out? Stakeholders believe there is. At the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) conference in Lagos last week, they proffered the way out of the quagmire, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

Fighting a ‘common enemy’ M

ANY view banks with suspicion and the reason is obvious. It is believed that banks are the citadel of frauds, forgeries, among others. This is why some people do not put their money in banks. But are banks that bad? They may not be that bad, but their reputation is not helping matters.

Banks too know that they are held in low esteem. This is what may have prompted them to take steps to curb fraud in the sector.

Data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that in 2012, banks received and processed 6,274 complaints, via e-mails on various financial crimes, particularly advanced fee fraud. There were 4,527 cases of fraud and forgery involving N14.8 billion and $1.6 million.

The CBN also received and investigated four complaints against commercial banks. The cases were reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation. Globally, estimated credit card fraud stood at $11 billion in 2012, making it one of the most significant criminal developments in modern times.

These fraud statistics prompted the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) to take steps to stem the practice.

Last weekend, the NeFF which comprises banks, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, the Police and EFCC met in Lagos to discuss the way forward.

Piqued by the rising electronic fraud (e-fraud), the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Bank Limited, Mallam Ahmed Kuru, called on banks to establish anti-fraud departments to curb the menace.

Delivering a keynote address titled: “When all goes wrong: Mediation and arbitration best practices,” Kuru, represented by Head, Strategy & Corporate Transformation, Chuks Ekpunobi, said it was time for banks to collaborate to eradicate e-fraud, which he described as a “common enemy.”

He said electronic fraud has been in an upward swinng since 2010 and needed to be checked. He said this was worrisome because the increase is in terms of the number, volume and sophistication driven by high powered technology. Unfortunately, however, he argued that bankers, auditors and internal control officials of financial institutions may not be as knowledgeable as the fraudsters.

“Therefore, if we are to make progress in this direction, banks need to, as a matter of urgency, establish anti-fraud departments with staff that would always be ahead of the fraudsters in every sense of the word.

“Every financial institution should take the issue seriously because this year alone, the industry has lost about N2 billion to electronic fraud from the first and second quarters. Should this trend continue, about N5 billion would be the estimated loss by the end of 2014. If this is not checked, the trend will lead to unbearable levels of capital erosion in the system,” he said.

The establishment of anti-fraud units, he said, will provide continu-

ous improvement initiatives in fraud control and present a platform for the implementation of viable fraud management solution to highlight deviations of fraudulent transactions from normal transactions; ensure compliance to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) initiatives of the CBN as well as guarantee the implementation of other Fraud Control measures and Security initiatives both on the network, and applications of the bank. It will also ensure the implementation of a Database Access Monitory (DAM) and Account Access Monitory (AAM) solutions, among others.

While commending the organisers for choosing to deliberate on this trend that is plaguing the industry, Kuru said he sees the establishment of the NeFF as a collective step in the right direction in the attempt to eradicate e-Fraud in the financial sector because NeFF provides the opportunity for practitioners to share knowledge about global trend in e-Faud, industry trend as well as new methods of perpetrating fraud among other issues that affect every bank. He argued that this was the only way banks can protect their funds from relentless fraudsters.

Interswitch, an electronic transaction switching and payment processing company called for an upgrade in the technology, processes and systems to proactively detect suspicious activities in place.

In response to emailed questions, the firm said cardholders also need to be constantly educated on keeping their banking details fully protected.

The firm said this has become important because fraudsters keep developing new fraud mechanisms to circumvent new security measures. The firm claimed it has adopted and holds certifications in the highest standards available in the payment card industry. “In terms of card standards, we are EMV 4.0 certified and in terms of security, we are Card Industry Data Security Standard certification (PCIDSS) V3 certified. We have also attained ISO 9001:2000 for our processing services,” it said.

Continuing, it said aside such certifications, its Verve product, has a unique feature for card-notpresent transactions.

“A card-not-present transaction is a payment card transaction made where the cardholder is not physically present with the card at the time that the payment is affected. In order to safe guard cardholders when conducting card-not-present, we have introduced SafeToken. SafeToken is an online security technology that protects customers against unauthorised use of their cards via the

• Currencies

web through the generation of One-time passwords (OTPs),” it said.

Interswitch also said as a second layer of defence, it has also introduced Scorebridge which is a fraud management system that enables Electronic Financial Transaction (EFT) messages to be processed through predefined Artificial Intelligence in order to determine the transaction’s risk and probability of a fraud. This enables the monitoring of card patterns and declines suspicious transactions.

“Banking security has got so many banks thinking about safety and reliability of their networks.

What steps do you think that lenders need to take to guarantee customers’ transaction security and trust? Over the years, the banks have invested a lot in different security measures to guarantee customer transactions, but as a minimum, all banks should have the following measures in place: Defining a baseline security standard (such as PCIDSS) Educating customers on safe security practices when using their cards Investing in a fraud management system,” it said.

On the cash-less policy instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it said the direct cost of handling, processing and managing cash across the nation as at 2009, stood at N114 billion and could have increased if the cashless policy had not been introduced.

“The good thing we have also done as stakeholders in the e-payment industry are to also introduce solutions that would drive adoption of the cash-less policy.

These solutions have been designed to address the specific needs of the ordinary Nigerian towards the adoption of e-payment,” it said.

Founder and Managing Director, DataPro Limited Abimbola Adeseyoju said criminals know that there are compliance procedures, such as Know Your Customer (KYC). They, therefore, come prepared, hence the need for lenders to go the extra mile in verifying their customers’ identities.

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

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

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

Adeseyoju advised financial institutions to pay special attention to all complex, unusually large transactions, or unusual patterns of transactions that have no visible economic or lawful purpose.

Continuing, he said the lenders should investigate suspicious

‘Every financial institution should take the issue seriously because this year alone, the industry has lost about N2 billion to electronic fraud from the first and second quarters. Should this trend continue, about N5 billion would be the estimated loss by the end of 2014. If this is not checked, the trend will lead to unbearable levels of capital erosion in the system’

transaction and report its findings to the NFIU immediately.

However, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have continued to promote and support the CBN KYC initiative. The lenders, analysts said, are omitting huge funds into the KYC project because of its immense benefits in fighting fraud.

CBN’s actions Aware of these dangers, the CBN decided to set up a five-year Information Technology (IT) Standards for banks. John Ayoh, CBN Director, Information Technology, said the exercise would help banks identify and adopt global IT Standards that address industry problems. He said banks are expected to implement the plan on continuous basis and in accordance with set timelines.

CBN said the introduction of chip and pin payment cards have led to drastic drop in ATM card fraud. It said the CBN and other relevant institutions have been able to reduce card frauds considerably by instituting ATM Fraud Prevention Group and the NeFF. The groups are to enable banks to collaboratively share data on fraudattemptsandproactivelytacklethem to reduce losses.

The CBN also instructed banks to set and implement mandatory daily limits for ATM cash withdrawal, while other related transactions, including POS and Web purchases should be subjected to stringent limit as agreed and documented between the banks and customers. It said it is the responsibility of the banks to ensure that a trigger is automatically initiated when limits are exceeded.

Speaking at the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN) in Lagos, Emefiele said Nigeria has adequate legal and regulatory measures that should address breaches to the KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (EDD) provisions.

“It is the application of these KYC provisions that are meant to reveal illegitimate sources of funds and trigger investigation by relevant stakeholders that matters. Like in many developing countries, compliance has been a major regulatory challenge in Nigeria,” he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Foreign investors show increased appetites F for Nigerian equities

OR the first time since the beginning of this year, foreign investors are staking more on Nigerian equities than they are taking out. Latest update on foreign portfolio transactions in the Nigerian equities showed that they have regained the lead as the larger block of investors from the domestic investors with about 29 per cent increase in total transactions by foreign investors.

The foreign portfolio investment (FPI) report by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed positive net foreign inflow of about N20 billion in June this year, reversing the downtrend that has seen a built-up of deficit foreign transactions over the five previous months.

The report used two key indicatorsinflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors' mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy. Foreign portfolio investment outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. The NSE report is generally regarded as a credible gauge of foreign portfolio investments in Nigeria as it coordinates data from

•Stake N705.2b on quoted shares Stories by Taofik Salako

nearly all active investment bankers and stockbrokers.

Total foreign inflow rose to N68.78 billion as against decline in outflow to N49.22 billion in June, putting the total foreign transactions to N118 billion. Total domestic transactions stood at N107.51 billion. The proportion of foreign investors' turnover to Nigerian investors' turnover thus stood at 52.32 per cent to 47.68 per cent.

A six-month report for the first half ended June 30, showed that foreign investors accounted for 60.84 per cent of total turnover value in the Nigerian stock market as against 39.16 per cent recorded by Nigerian investors.

Total foreign transactions stood at N705.15 billion as against N453.91 billion by Nigerian investors. Total transactions during the period thus stood at N1.159 trillion. However,

there were more outflows than inflows with net foreign deficit of more than N100 billion. Total foreign outflows stood at N402.63 billion as against foreign inflows of N302.52 billion.

Earlier reports had indicated general decline in foreign investments as the overall trend continued to show net deficit with outflows more than inflows. While foreign participation declined from 75.25 per cent in April to 45.56 per cent in May, domestic participation more than doubled from 24.75 per cent to 54 .44 per cent.

The five-month report for the period ended May 31, 2014 detailed month-on-month as well as periodic transactions by both foreign investors and Nigerian investors.

According to the report, the quantity of total foreign transactions dropped by about N47 billion in May to N91.9 billion, its lowest position in four

months. Besides, the inflow- the buy side of the foreign transactions, declined by about N24 billion from this year's high of N65.1 billion in April to N41.3 billion in May, its lowest position in three months.

Total transactions trended to its high of N201.61 billion in May, driven largely by significant increase in transactions by Nigerian investors, which rose from N45.64 billion in April to N109.75 billion in May. Five-month cumulative analysis however still underlined the dominance of foreign investors, who accounted for about 63 per cent of the turnover on the NSE during the period. Aggregate turnover during the period stood at N933.55 billion, consisting of N587.15 billion from foreign investors and N353.41 billion from Nigerian investors.

Buy-sell analysis of the foreign transactions showed that foreign investors had taken out more than they invested during the period. Foreign outflows stood at N353.41 billion within the period as against inflows of N233.74 billion.

In April, foreign investors traded N138.79 billion worth of shares including sales transactions of N73.73 billion and buy transactions of N65.06 billion. Total domestic transactions stood at N45.64 billion. Total transactions during the month stood at N184.43 billion.

The foreign sale-buy trend in April followed the same trend in recent months, although the momentum of buy transactions appeared to be picking up. In the first quarter, nearly twothirds of foreign portfolio transactions were on the sell side.

According to the NSE, total foreign outflows stood at N229.03 billion in the first quarter, representing some 64.2 per cent of total foreign transactions during the period. Total foreign inflows stood at N127.41 billion.

Altogether, foreign investors' deals accounted for N356.50 billion during

the three-month period, more than 65.11 per cent of total transactions of N547.51 billion. This indicated that Nigerian investors accounted for N191.01 billion, 34.89 per cent of total transactions, during the period.

Month-on-month analysis showed that there was increase in the momentum of foreign transactions in March 2014, with increases in both sell and buy orders. However, the downtrend continued to dominate transactions.

Total foreign outflow in March 2014 stood at N75.42 billion as against inflow of N55.13 billion, totaling N130.55 billion. Foreign investors accounted for 78.25 per cent of total transactions-foreign and domestic, of N166.84 billion in March 2014.

The flow of investments in March this year contrasted sharply with the situation in March 2013 when there were more inflows than outflows.

Total foreign inflows totaled 53 per cent of total foreign transactions in March 2013. Total foreign transactions stood at N80.14 billion in March 2013, consisting of inflow of N43.13 billion and outflow of N37.01 billion.

Month-on-month, the outflows in February are about 107 per cent higher compared to January this year and about 183 per cent compared to February 2013. While total transactions at the NSE increased from N181.97 billion in January to N198.70 billion in February , foreign outflows accounted for the increased tempo of activities and the higher proportion of foreign participation to local participation.

Foreign portfolio outflows stood at N103.53 billion in February as against foreign inflows of N32.75 billion.

These indicated that foreign investors accounted for 68.59 per cent of total transactions during the period. This contrasted sharply with the situation in similar earnings season of February 2013 when foreign investors had more inflows at N39.34 billion as against outflows of N36.63 billion.

Total foreign outflow had stood at N50.14 billion in January as against inflow of N39.53 billion during the period, bringing total foreign transactions to N89.67 billion.

IOSCO reviews reliance on credit rating agencies •From Left: Past President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Mike Itegboje, New President and Chairman of Council, Mr Albert Okumagba and immediate past president, Mr Ariyo Olushekun at the farewell dinner of Olushekun and investiture of Okumagba in Lagos

Access Bank awaits CBN's approval for half-year results

A

CCESS Bank Plc has sent its audited report and accounts for the first half to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the regulator's review and approval.

A regulatory filing at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated that the bank's half-year report for the period ended June 30, 2014 would be released towards the end of this month.

According to the report, the interim report was submitted to the apex bank last weekend, following approval of the financial statements by the board of the bank.

Many analysts expected Access Bank to declare interim dividend, in line with its dividend policy. The board of Access Bank had in 2013 distributed N5.72 billion as interim dividends for the first half of 2013 in spite of substantial decline in the performance of the bank during the period.

The interim dividend in 2013,

similar to previous interim payouts in 2012, represented an interim dividend per share of 25 kobo. The dividend was paid on September 17, 2013 to shareholders in the book of the bank as at close of business on September 4, 2013.

Access Bank's share price rose marginally by 4.0 kobo to N9.78 per share at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday.

Agusto & Co recently upgraded Access Bank's credit rating from "A" to "A+" with a stable outlook. The rating reflects the full synergy of the merger with Intercontinental Bank Plc (ICB), which has propelled the bank to be one of the Systematically Important Banking (SIB) Institutions in Nigeria.

The rating also recognises the bank's good liquidity position, satisfactory capitalisation, as well as improved risk management framework and the positive impacts on assets quality.

The rating agency stated in their

report that the bank's extensive branch network has created improved visibility among the banking population and has translated to good market share across the key market indicators.

NPLs to gross loans ratio stood at 2.4 per cent, the lowest recorded in the last five years and compares favourably with the industry average of 3.6 per cent.

Access Bank's improved rating was attributed to its strong liquidity and funding position which is a clear affirmation of its position as one of Nigeria's tier 1 banks. The rating upgrade further corroborates the Bank's enhanced capacity to execute larger transactions as well as access long-term funding from local and foreign multilateral agencies and institutions. This was further confirmed in the successful tier II capital of $400 million Eurobond recently raised by the Bank. This will provide sufficient headroom for the bank to achieve its targeted 20 per cent asset growth in 2014.

T

HE International Organization of Securities Commissions is reviewing the extent to which asset managers, investors and other parties should rely on credit rating agencies (CRAs) in their asset management.

The global body of securities regulators has published a consultation report on Good Practices on Reducing Reliance on Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in asset management with the aim of gathering the views and practices of investment managers, institutional investors and other interested parties on the subject.

It will subsequently develop a set of good practices on reducing over reliance on external credit rating in the asset management space.

IOSCO noted that CRAs play a prominent role in today's global financial markets pointing out that while approaches may differ across jurisdictions, investment managers often use the services of CRAs to form an opinion on the creditworthiness of a particular issuer before purchasing securities, selecting counterparties, or choosing the best collateral to secure transactions.

It added that investors often refer to CRA ratings before buying shares of a fund, or when guiding investment managers on the basis of a tailored investment mandate.

IOSCO pointed out that the role of CRAs has come under regulatory scrutiny, mainly as a result of the over-reliance of market participants, including investment managers and institutional investors, on CRA ratings in their assessments of both financial instruments and issuers in the

run-up to the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

According to IOSCO, the good practices that result the consultation paper will be addressed to national regulators, investment managers, and investors, where applicable while IOSCO has also launched a separate project to identify the good practices of intermediaries with regard to the use of alternatives to credit ratings to assess creditworthiness.

The report stresses the importance for asset managers to have the appropriate expertise and processes in place to assess and manage the credit risk associated with their investment decisions. Recognizing the utility of external ratings, the report mentions that they can be used as an input among others to complement a manager's internal credit analysis and provide an independent opinion as to the quality of the portfolio constituents.

However, in order to avoid the over-reliance on external ratings, the report lists some possible good practices that managers may consider when resorting to external ratings.

Some of the good practices undergoing consultation include that investment managers make their own determinations as to the credit quality of a financial instrument before investing and throughout the holding period. While external credit ratings may form one element, among others, of the internal assessment process but it should not constitute the sole factor supporting the credit analysis.

Newspaper of the Year

INSIDE

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

How UCH, Oyo govt are tackling Ebola PAGE 31

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

The day after: Aleshinloye market traders recount losses

PAGE 29

‘Army’ of beggars invades Ibadan PAGE 36

PAGES 32-33

31-years after the Ogun State House of Assembly passed a resolution calling for the construction of a flyover across the Sagamu-Benin Expressway at Mobalufon junction in Ijebu-Ode, the bridge has finally been built –– to the relief of motorists and pedestrians.

ERNEST NWOKOLO reports.

‘This bridge is saving our lives’ P • Ogun State govt builds flyover at notorious Mobalufon junction • Ijebu-Ode residents commend Governor Amosun

•Gov Amosun

RINCESS Titilayo, daughter of the reigning monarch of Igbekebo in Ese - Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Egbukuyomi, heaved a sigh of relief and joy recently when told by a friend that a fly - over bridge now runs across the Sagamu - Ore Expressway at the chaotic Continued on page 30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

‘This bridge is saving our lives’ Continued from page 29

•Mobalufon flyover across the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, Ijebu-Ode.

have been lost at that spot within a given period but a resident of Mabolufon area of Ijebu - Ode told The Nation that over 75 persons might have lost their lives there in the last couple of years and scores of others maimed while the monetary cost and attendant challenges was put at about N25million.

That the Mabolufon junction was such an Achilles heels of travellers first came to the attention of the Ogun State government in the second republic during the administration of the first civilian governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo.

The Nation learnt that the then Ogun State House of Assembly which was worried and saddened by frequent loss of lives at that location, did pass a resolution recommending that a bridge be constructed to run overhead across the expressway at Mabolufon to check such reckless loss of lives there.

Perhaps, Onabanjo might have built that fly - over provided for in the House’s resolution but the lifespan of his government was cut short by the December 31, 1983 Buhari - Idiagbon military coup.

While the resolution remained largely advisory and perhaps ignored by successive governments in the state, 31 years after it was first conceived, lives kept getting wasted there needlessly with each passing year.

Former Speaker of the state Assembly(1999 - 2003), Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, said a resolution of the House is merely advisory, and is not binding on the executive to act upon if there was a resolution in the past recommending a fly - over across that junction.

Oladipo who is the current Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, noted that Onabanjo was a forward looking and progressive leader, and would probably have constructed the fly - over as at the 80s but financial constraints and his short-lived administration didn’t

,

and treacherous Mabolufon junction in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Titilayo who is married with a kid, said the building of the bridge was a long overdue life - saving intervention for cyclists, pedestrians, motorists, commuters and street traders. She said:”that is nice. Whoever conceived the idea and executed it must be lauded for his concern for the safety of road users and smooth traffic flow that would now be engendered by it.

“People coming from Ijebu -Ode town and going to either Ondo or Eastern part of the country or Ikorodu in Lagos State, would not have to cross that expressway again directly at a grave risk to their lives. Also, those coming from either Ondo, Ikorodu or in the direction of Sagamu would not have to cross it before veering into the Ijebu - Ode town.

“The flyover would have come handy to save travellers’ lives, that of the pedestrian and street traders.

Many travellers, street traders and cyclists have died there while some survivors are living with one form of impairment or the other.”

Titilayo, an English teacher at a public Secondary school in Lagos state, is neither an Ogun state indigene nor does she lives in Ijebu - Ode but it is understandable why she is enthusiastic about the flyover.

Barely out of the secondary school about 12 years ago, providence saved her from losing her life in a fatal accident at the Mabolufon junction but she bears scars that served as constant reminder of that dreadful experience. ”It was an incident I can’t forget.

It was a trailer that collided with my bike, far back in 2002 at Ijebu - Ode Expressway (Mabolufon junction),” she had told The Nation.

It happened that Princess had paid a visit to her sister who is married to a lecturer at the state - owned Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, and after spending some days, decided on November 2nd, 2002, to return to her Igbekebo home town in Ondo.

On arriving at the Lagos Garage, Ijebu - Ode from Ijebu - Igbo, she boarded a commercial motorcycle to Mabolufon junction where she would take a bus for the onward journey to the Sunshine state and while the cyclist tarried at the junction to enable speeding vehicles going in the direction of Lagos from the East pass before crossing the expressway, a lurching danger turned up around 1:30pm: a truck that lost control roared from the rear and swept her and the cyclist away as well as others equally waiting to cross the highway.

When the dust finally settled, about a dozen of persons, including postgraduate students of OOU, were crushed to death when the truck fell on them but Princess and a few others survived.

Narrating it, she said: “When I returned to the scene to see if I could see some of my items, I discovered that the truck had pulverised the bike, I saw on the ground, particles of brains from crushed skulls and I don’t know if the bike man that carried me made it as ten dead bodies were removed from the spot.”

Experiences like the one above had happened before 2002 and had also continued to occur ever after, even on a more scaring scale at the Mabolufon junction, prompting many to wonder whether there were vampire spirits inducing accidents for the purpose of collecting victims’ blood.

A teacher and trade unionist living in Ijebu-Ode, Comrade Badejo Abosede, who described the junction as a “death trap for years,” said residents and travellers had always looked in expectations for respite.

There is no readily available official data on the number of lives that

The flyover would have come handy to save travellers’ lives, that of the pedestrian and street traders.

Many travellers, street traders and cyclists have died there while some survivors are living with one form of impairment or the other

,

help the situation.

The former Speaker who recalled that between 36 and 50 persons died on a particular day at that junction not long ago, said the state can’t continue to allow precious lives to be lost there unnecessarily hence the current measure in place.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun, last year, awarded the contracts for the construction that stretches into the Ijebu - Ode - Ikorodu road.

Many said what propelled the Governor to embark upon the billion naira project was the gory incident of Tuesday September 18, 2013.

In the morning on that particular day, no fewer than 37 people lost their lives at the said junction in an accident involving a truck, two commercial buses and several motorcycles.

The truck which was carrying fertilizer lost control due to over speeding while trying to avoid collision with another truck that dashed into

PHOTOS: ERNEST NWOKOLO

the expressway way headlong from the Ijebu - Ode - Ikorodu road.

Coincidentally, Lagos State bound passenger bus that took off from Ondo State had just pulled - up at the time to drop a passengers at the junction, when the truck crashed into it, killing those inside, some that had already disembarked, hawkers and some cyclists that had rushed out in a scramble for the passengers.

The driver of the passenger bus had taken - off in the morning at the Ajebandele park, Ondo State, and had stopped at the junction to drop one Mrs. Adebowale Ayomide, a nurse and an employee of the Ondo State government.

The nurse was waiting to collect the balance from the N1, 000 she gave to the driver, who also came down to split the N1, 000 note around the Mabolufon junction and while waiting, the killer-truck rammed into them.

Though the driver and Mrs. Adebowale survived the accident, but not without severe injuries that sent both into coma following severe fracture while the driver also had his leg chopped off from above the knee region by the truck.

And because of the gravity of the accident and numbers of people affected, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, visited the victims at the State Hospital, Ijebu - Ode, and also personally donated N200, 000 for their treatment.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), at the time, Dr. Wellington Ogunsanya, told The Nation that victims who suffered from “severe fracture, head injury, lung – limb fractures were referred to bigger trauma centres at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan for special care.

Today, Mobalufon bridge is completed and already in use with resi-

dents of Ijebu - Ode and motorists not only lauding the project, but also saying it is saving their lives and time from a location hitherto notorious for fatal and ghastly accidents as well as routine gridlock.

Mr Gbenga Aroyewun, the Publisher and Editor -In- Chief of the Obanta NewsDay, a grassroot magazine published in Ijebu - Ode, told The Nation that the Mabolufon fly over was a plus to the state government as it has put a halt to the accidents on the expressway that occur often when vehicles moving to Ijebu-Ode from the Itoikin-Ikorodu road or Lagos end attempt to cross the highway.

Aroyewun said such vehicles now safely use the flyover instead of risking head-on collision with those coming from the Benin-Ore end of the expressway as were hitherto the case.

According to him, aside serving as life saver, it is also bringing succour to motorists who had to contend with the chaotic traffic gridlock there in the past as there were neither traffic light nor presence of the officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the state’s traffic agency - TRACE and the Traffic Wardens to control vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Also, Comrade Badejo Abosede, a public school teacher and trade unionist, said it was a long overdue rescue effort that came at last from the present state government.

Lauding Senator Ibikunle Amosun for the initiative, Abosede who is of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, noted that the junction until now “was a death trap for years” but said it gladdens the heart that sanity has returned to the location.

For an Ijebu - Ode based legal practioner, Mr Olajide Banjo, the fly -over is saving the lives of cyclists, padestrians, motorists, Ijebu people and others travelling to the eastern part of the country from Lagos end and also those coming from the Benin Ore direction of the highway.

The state’s traffic agency, Traffic Enforcement and Compliance Agency (TRACE) said since road users started using the bridge following its completion four months ago, respite has returned to the junction as no case of accident whether major, minor or a narrow escape of it has been recorded.

The Zonal Commander, Ijebu Ode TRACE Corps, Cmdr Tommy Hamzat, said the fly - over has reduced accident at the spot by 99.9 percent.

Hamzat said:”it is really helping to save lives and accident by 99.9 percent. We have not recorded any accident again at the junction since motorists and cyclists do not cross the expressway directly.”

Hamzat however rued that despite this provision, some motorists in a bid to save time, occasionally avoid the bridge and attempt to cross the Highway directly at a great risk to their lives, that of the passengers and other road users.

According to him, the agency would be monitoring the spot to check such reckless drivers who would want to dash into the expressway headlong instead of using the fly - over.

Also, an Ijebu - Ode based transporter and member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), who identified himself as Segun, said it was a huge relief to everybody particularly the commercial transport operators who bear the brunt of such crashes.

Segun said in every case of accident, aside the passengers who equally suffer and perhaps lose their lives, the transporters suffered double tragedies. Where the owner is the driver, he could be killed or maimed in an accident and his accidented vehicle too, may turn out to be a write - off in severe cases.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT •Ebola Isolation Centre

hospital uipment at the •Some of the eq

•I ns id e Eb ol a iso lat io n ce nt re

hospital uipment at the •Some of the eq

Months before Patrick Sawyer imported Ebola into Nigeria from Liberia, Nigeria’s premier tertiary health facility, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has made adequate preparation to contain any outbreak of the deadly disease. BISI OLADELE reports on what the hospital and the Oyo State government are doing to fight EVD

How UCH, Oyo govt are tackling Ebola S

HOULD preparation and precautions be enough to prevent and curtail the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, then efforts by the authorities of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and the Oyo State government would offer total peace to those living in fear of the disease in the State.

The hospital, leveraging on the opportunity of doctors’ strike which prevents patients from patronizing the hospital since six weeks ago, has since April, instructed its staff to take precautionary measures against the possible outbreak of the disease.

Reason? Its committee on Emergency Response to Outbreak of Diseases reported a case of Acute Viral Haemorrhagic Fever in April.

According to the Head, Emergency Department of the hospital, Mr Wale Olatunde, there was a case of Acute Haemorrhagic Fever in April, suggesting a possible outbreak of one or all of three diseases namely Ebola, Dengue and Lassa fever.

Olatunde, who is also a member of the committee, disclosed that they immediately alerted the Management of the hospital, which in turn, put all members of staff on red alert to prevent them from contracting any of the diseases either from patients or from their various local communities.

Today, the UCH has built an Ebola Isolation Centre with equipment to handle possible victims of the virus, provided its staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), runs media campaign on outbreak of Ebola and also restrict access to all its medical departments as precautionary measures.

In an interview with The Nation, Mr Olatunde said: “Unfortunately, we have this sudden condition which has thrown up a lot of challenges into the hospital system.

“At the UCH, being the foremost teaching hospital in the country, we were never caught unawares. The hospital has a committee called UCH Emergency Response to Outbreak of Diseases put in place in 2011 by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Temitope Alonge.

“One of the oversight functions is to regularly assess outbreak and notify appropriately the outbreak of any communicable disease. The committee and the hospital were fully involved in the outbreak of cholera in Oyo State in 2012.

“We were able to contain it then. We notified the government as soon as we started receiving patients on cholera. We asked them to do contact tracing and disinfection of affected areas.

We acted better in 2013 when it broke out in Egbeda axis. We were able to quickly curtail it. Members are drawn from every segment of the hospital. Once you notice any of these communicable diseases, we notify the committee which will swing into action.

“The same happened last year when we had suspected cases of meningitis and Lassa fever.”

Specifically, on Ebola outbreak, he said: “This year, the first

suspected case was Acute Viral Haemorrhagic Fever in April.

Infections that present as such include Lassa, Dengue and Ebola.

Incidentally, presenting symptoms are similar to those of malaria fever, typhoid fever and upper respiratory tracts infection which make the diagnosis very difficult.

“So as early as April, we started suspecting and we notified appropriate authorities but because we didn’t have a conclusive diagnostic test, we couldn’t come out. But appropriate precautionary measures universally acceptable were employed. They include isolation of suspected patients and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by workers.

“Four Lassa cases were confirmed from the laboratory and one Dengue. It was when we were working on this that Patrick Sawyer came into Nigeria. We might have had a reported case of Ebola but for the doctors’ strike.

Preventive Measures “As early as April, the Management of the hospital, based on the report of the committee, alerted all staff to be on red alert.

There is no fatality among us because we were well prepared for it.

“When Ebola became an epidemic, the Management printed fliers sensitizing the public to quickly identify report and put measures in place to curtail the spread of the disease. In addition, Management started in- house training for the staff. We also had a ground round on August 8. We also have road shows and jingles on radio and TV. “In addition to that, the Management embarked on immediate construction of Ebola Isolation Centre near the main entrance.

“We are also following the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation in management of cases like this. There are categories A, B and C. Only those confirmed as positive will go to isolation centre.

“We now use Infrared thermometer in place of the old clinical thermometer. With this, all patients coming to the hospital will be screened for fever without any personal contact. Those cleared would be brought into the hospital and those with index or suspicion will be isolated. Those confirmed will be transferred to the Isolation Centre.

“We also have reduced entry to every department for the safety of patients and staff. This will continue until the epidemic is over as a way of curtailing its spread.

“We are expecting more PPE from the government.”

Items to be used for the prevention and treatment of Ebola and related ailments stocked by the hospital include N95 Masks, booths, gowns, gloves, goggles, sterile alcohol prep pads, gauze dressing, sutures and sutures removal, breathing circuits and hand towels.

“When kitted, you are like an Eskimo, prevented from spillages.” Mr Olatunde said.

The equipment was donated by the Minister of State for Fed-

eral Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide On its part, the Oyo State government has assured members of the public on steps taken so far over the last three months to ensure the prevention of an Ebola disease outbreak in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin said: “In all these, the Ministry of Health is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and Ministry of Health of our neighboring States to carry out the following: All local government areas Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have been alerted and sensitized to promptly respond to the outbreak, in addition a sensitization programme has been organized for the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all the 33 LGAs in the State.

“Public enlightenment highlighting how to prevent Ebola Virus Disease, its causes, mode of transmissions and steps to be taken in case of outbreak has commenced in form of; airing of jingles to educate the people on preventive measures against Ebola and other epidemic prone disease; production and distribution of posters and handbills for public enlightenment; sensitization of traditional healers, religious and community members in Oyo State on prevention of Ebola and other communicable diseases”.

Sign and Symptoms of Ebola disease Gbadegesin further said that: “For emphasis, members of the public are hereby informed that symptoms of Ebola infection are as follows: Sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, conjunctivitis, hiccups, dysphagia, followed by vomiting, diarrhea and rash, bleeding from body orifices (nose, Eye) coughing of blood, unexplained vagina bleeding, bleeding from the gums and bloody urine.

“Circumstances that fuelled the epidemic in neighbouring countries are spread to health care workers while nursing those affected by the disease; spread to care givers of those affected by the disease (mainly family and community members); contact with body or body fluid of the dead; living in the same household with somebody affected by the disease raises the chance of coming down with the disease”, adding that “transmission across international borders have been shown to propagate the spread of disease, (hence) special surveillance is thus being paid to our border LGAs which are Atisbo, Saki West, Itesiwaju and Iwajowa which share borders with Republic of Benin”.

What to do?

The Commissioner directed that any suspected case should be taken to the nearest public health facility for adequate care.

“The State Government thus wishes to assure the populace of effective monitoring of the situation.” He said advising residents of the state to call 08033280687, 07087288333 to report cases of the disease.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

33

SOUTHWEST REPORT

The day after: Aleshinloye market traders recount losses •Blame power surge as cause of their travail •Govt assistance expected this week Ten years after a fire at the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State, part of the facility went up in flames again last Friday, destroying goods and property. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports on the cause of the inferno and efforts being made to restore the market and assist the victims get back to business. from having lost over N300,000 worth of goods to the inferno blamed the fire outbreak on power surge .

He said: “according to what I heard when I came here, it was as a result of power surge. They said the electricity supply company brought high voltage and some people who have their shops around that area left some of their appliances on, and immediately the light came the freezer went up in smoke and flame. It happened on Friday around 8.30pm.

“By the time the fire began to spread, the fire fighters had arrived with four water tankers but three out of the four did not have water. If the four had water they would have been able to stop the fire”.

Many of the traders expressed concern that the fire could do so much damage in spite of the presence of a fire station within the market, and called on the authorities to investigate the remote causes and why the fire men were unable to curb the infer-

no.

“The victims should have been saved the bitter pills if the fire fighters in the market were alive to their duties”, said one of the women traders who would not want her names in print.

Mrs Iyabo Owanikin, owner of T120 and a dealer in jewelries said she was heartbroken when she got the news particularly a day after she stocked her shop. She appealed to the state government to with the reconstruction of the burnt shops as well as give financial assistance.

Also, Mrs Easter Oladeji, who sells clothes at shop T121 next to Mrs Owanikin wants the management of the market to assist in putting an end to fire disasters at the facility as this has continued to bring untold hardship on the traders.

The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) officials were busy at the market on Monday, making a list of shop owners affected by the fire.

One of the officials who pleaded anonymity told The Nation that they came to the market on the directive of the governor who asked that a comprehensive list of victims

,

LAST Friday 15, August 2014 darkness fell on the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan when a night fire outbreak wrecked havoc, destroying goods and property worth several millions of naira.

The victims, numbering over 200 are yet to recover from the shock of the fire disaster, even as some of them were making effort to clear the ruins of the destruction and start reconstruction of their stalls when The Nation visited last Monday.

Others who wore glooming look mill around their burnt shops, discussing with one another the fire incident.

Bricklayers and labourers were busy moving bricks and blocks and other building materials to site to begin reconstruction on some of the burnt open shops.

A victim, Mr Luke Onwuka, dealer in textile materials whose shop was completely burnt said the incident was the worst ever since the last fire incident on March 9, 2004.

Onwuka who said he does not know where to start

By the time the fire began to spread, the fire fighters had arrived with four water tankers but three out of the four did not have water. If the four had water they would have been able to stop the fire... The victims should have been saved the bitter pills if the fire fighters in the market were alive to their duties

,,

of the fire be compiled for urgent assistance.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi who was said to have visited the market at 2am, about four hours after the fire outbreak has pledged government’s assistance to the victims of the disaster within the next one

week.

The governor, who summoned leaders of the market to a meeting on Monday, made the pledge while inspecting the level of damage at the market and expressed sympathy with the traders.

Apart from first visiting the market by 2am on Saturday before visiting the place again later that day in the afternoon to identify with the affected traders, Governor Ajimobi has directed all the top government officials to visit the victims to assure them of government concern and support.

He described the fire incident as very unfortunate, pledging that necessary machinery would be set in motion to provide succour for the victims to cushion the effect of the inferno.

Governor Ajimobi recalled his experience when his private residence in Lagos was gutted by fire in 1993, praying that God, who assisted him to overcome the incidence, would also compensate the traders.

He directed the affected traders to form a committee to meet with government representatives for the provision of necessary assistance.

The governor urged the leadership of the market to ensure the equitable distribution of whatever assistance offered by the government, stressing that it should not be politicized.

The Chairman of the (Fancy) section of the market affected by the fire, Mr Rahman Olabamiji said no fewer than 1000 shops were affected , while appreciating the state governor and Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan South West, Alhaji Taoheed Adeleke for their prompt visit.

•A trader removing goods from a burnt shop.

Olabamiji further thanked Governor Ajimobi for his past assistance to the traders, just as he pleaded for kind assistance to the victims to cushion the effect of the huge loss.

He blamed the fire men for not rising promptly to the challenge, adding that the fire would have been put under control if the firefighters had water in their tankers.

Investigation revealed that when the fire initially started, five shops were affected while the private night guards on duty alerted men of Oyo state fire Service nearby.

It was also learnt that the fire fighters could however not get enough water to contain the fire, a development which worsened the situation.

It was a sad tale for many of the traders who got to know of the incident as late as midnight as hoodlums had already vandalized and stolen their goods before getting to the market.

The leader of Igbo community in the state, Eze Ndigbo of Ibadanland, Eze Alex Anozie on Monday led other Igbo chiefs to the market to sympathise with the traders .

Describing the loss as very devastating, Anozie made a passionate appeal to the state government to assist the affected traders financially and also help in reconstructing the shops.

He also suggested that the market be ordered to close by 6pm daily, leaving only the security personnel to man the market, and to open for business by 7am .

“I remember that since such was introduced at Onitsha market, frequent fire out break there stopped”, Anozie added.

•Women traders at th scene •Cross section of the burnt shops in the market.

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

34

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Man boosts healthcare delivery in Ogun State

A concerned citizen has boosted healthcare delivery in three local government Ajimobi’s areas in Ogun State when he donated equipment worth several millions of naira wife empathises to public hospitals. ERNEST NWOKOLO reports. with Alesinloye

traders

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

T

HE healthcare facilities in the state - owned public hospitals and clinics in the three local government areas of Ijebu North-East, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside received a boost as a concerned citizen donated equipment worth several millions of naira to them.

The donor Alhaji Olubiyi Ismail, who gave out the equipment in Ijebu - Ife for distribution to the healthcare centres in the 32 wards of the beneficiary - three local government areas, said the rationale behind his gesture was to support the effort of Governor Ibikunle Amosun in the healthcare sector through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The equipment which include electric and manual beds, electronic and manual peadiatric mattresses, peadiatric scales for new born babies, crutches, wheel chairs, examination tables among others, are to be distributed to the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Ismail, who is eyeing the House of Representatives seat for the councils in 2015 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he was compelled to make the donation when it dawned on him that the state government alone cannot do it alone

•Some of the hospital equipment donated

He said: “what prompted this idea was one of my visits to the health centre in Ijebu East, I wasn’t happy with the standard of equipment and facility there and I took it upon myself to donate the bit that I can do to the society. I have to do it in order to improve the quality of service delivery in the health sector of my community.

“There are identified gaps in terms of

infrastructural development within the state in so many years, but the governor has come in the last three years and he has been here to do the best he could. But as a citizen of the state, I have to support his cause.

That is why this community empowerment is coming up. It

is not as if what is in the state already is so good to be satisfied with, but we need to improve on what is on ground.

“I’m looking at the health sector because I’ve seen lapses.

Right now I see the health sector as being an important place

to make a change. Someone can come tomorrow and look at educational sector. If different politicians can look at different sectors without us all doing the same thing all over again like we’re re-inventing the wheel, we will move forward.”

At their recent annual Synod hosted by Ido-Ani Diocese, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) took a look at the state of the nation and called on the Federal Government to implement the decisions of the just concluded National Conference. DAMISI OJO reports

•L-R: The Diocesan Chancellor, Justice Ade Alabi (rtd), Mrs. and Rev D. Olayanju, Rev and Mrs. Ezekiel Dahunsi, a guest and Rev Omole at the official opening of the synod

Implement conference decision, Anglicans tell Jonathan

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HE seemingly unending Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the north eastern part of the country and the just concluded national dialogue were among the issues that engaged the attention of Bishops and other clerics from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) when they gathered recently at Ido-Ani for their annual Synod.

And at the end of the conference held at St. David’s Anglican Church, Afo in Ose Local government area of Ondo State, the delegates drawn from the Church’s Dioceses across the country called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the National Conference by the federal government.

With the theme “Obedience is better than sacrifice”, the synod addressed the concept of obedience and urged all Nigerians especially Christians to be obedient in order to enjoy the full blessings of God. The Synod lamented that corruption had eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigerian nation, calling for stiffer legislation and more sincere approach to fight the menace.

It added that government’s drive to create employ-

ment opportunities should be more vigorously pursued.

A post- Synod communiqué jointly signed by the Diocesan Bishop, Rev Dahunsi and Synod’s Clerical Secretary, Ven S.O Ojowuro also commiserated with the victims of terrorism and other social vices.

“We are praying for the freedom of the Chibok School Girls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents; the spate of insecurity in Nigeria is too alarming, governments at all levels should to do more to check the malady of the evil doers.

“We are also calling for the suspension of the strike by medical doctors and other professional bodies and urge the federal government to put in place enduring mechanism to finally stem the tides of strikes by Nigerian workers as human lives and the economy of the masses are always the worst hit” The communiqué stressed.

On 2015 general elections, the synod called on politicians not to heat up the polity beyond control and to refrain from “do or die” politics, stressing that anyone who wishes to serve the people sincerely

should not destroy intentionally or unintentionally those whom he wanted to serve.

The Synod commended the federal government for convening the national conference, but urged the administration to do all things possible to actualise the minds of Nigerians as expressed at the national dialogue.

Bishop Dahunsi glorified God for the achievements recorded by the Diocese within just five years of its inauguration.

He eulogized Senator Bode Olajumoke for singlehandedly building the Diocesan Secretariat and Evangelist Soye Oniagba for donating an ultra-modern Bishop’s Court with all conveniences.

Highlight of the second synod was the commissioning of a Church Hall built in Oke Afo by the former Chairman of Ose local government, Hon. Dennis Alonge.

Among eminent personalities at the Synod thanksgiving service was the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese,Rt Rev James Oladunjoye who preached the sermon.

HE wife of the Governor of Oyo state, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has commiserated with shop owners at Alesinloye International Market over the loss they suffered in the fire outbreak that ravaged the market last Saturday.

Mrs Ajimobi in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Yejide GbengaOgundare, said she felt their pains over the loss of their goods worth millions of naira.

She prayed that God almighty will grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

According to Mrs Ajimobi, “it is true that such a disaster is a setback but God will in His infinite mercies raise divine help for all those affected by the fire.

“This is indeed a sad occurrence which has negatively affected the lives of many families, their economy and the economy of the state.

“However, I pray that God will meet everyone affected at the point of their needs and help them recover every loss.

“We feel their pains and understand what they are going through, it is our sincere prayer that this unfortunate incident will not cripple their businesses.

“We pray for God’s mercy and favour on everyone and it is our prayer that we will not experience such again,” the statement said

Group condemns INEC over insufficient PVC

A

SOCIO-Political group in Oyo State, Youth Advancement Movement (YAM), has condemn the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the insufficient Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) for the residents of Ibadan North East Local Government and other part of the state.

In a statement issued Monday by its President, Mr Abimbola Akomola and Vice-President, Mr Abbey Ale, they alleged that out of 34 polling units in Ibadan North East Local Government area, only 8 units are issuing PVC to the electorate.

YAM said it seems like a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the electorate in the forth coming election in the state in 2015, since only those who possess PVCs will be allowed to vote.

“We are challenging the INEC leadership to wade into the delay in the distribution of PVCs in our council area and Oyo State at large, since it is possible that this planned disenfranchisement of the electorate may be the handwork of some compromised INEC officials in the state.

“Anything short of an urgent resolution of the PVC crisis, which may have been instigated deliberately by unscrupulous elements within INEC, will not augur well for a free, fair and credible election in the state come February 2015” the group said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•An ICT centre at Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government.

•A cross-section of empowerment items •A block of three classroom at IDGS Secondary School, Iseyin Local Government.

Oyo Senator empowers constituents with N200m •Commissions 60 projects in three days

T

HE agrarian communities in OkeOgun area of Oyo State stood still for three days as the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Hosea Agboola stormed the 12 local government areas he represents to empower his people and commission no fewer than 60 projects.

Agboola who kicked off his trip with the commissioning of projects on the 13thý of August ended it with the empowerment of over 10,000 people on the 15th of August, in his home town, Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government.

The local governments he represents in the upper chambers of the National Assembly includes; Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Orire, Olorunsogo, Orelope, Saki East, Saki West, Atisbo, Iseyin, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Itesiwajuý.

At the empowerment program, several items includeing150 grinding machines, 150 motorcycles, 500 sprayers, 150 sewing machines, 150 deep freezers, 100 clippers, 150 hair dryers, 150 air conditioners, 150 clippers, mechanical tools, vehicles, among others were presented to the people.

Also, bursary award worth N15 million was distributed to 1,334 students from Oyo North senatorial district.

Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Agboola, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator from the south west, said poverty alleviation programmes must be a constant event in the grassroots, as they served as a way of reaching out to the people who are mostly in need of empowerment.

He told the gathering that he has spent about N200 million on empowerment scheme and bursary award for students in his constituency.

The lawmaker said most of the beneficiaries were selected by the hierarchy of the PDP in the senatorial district, adding that the rest were from various groups and other political stakeholders in the area.

Some of the political heavyweights present at the event include a one-time Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, PDP leader in Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former minister for Power and Steel, Elder Wole Oyelese, former deputy governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, Oyo PDP Chairman, Mr Yinka Taiwo, Mr Femi Babalola among others.

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State PDP chairman, Mr Yinka Taiwo appealed to all elected or appointed office holders to let the people at the grassroots feel their impact, adding that politicians who distance themselves from the people cannot win election.

Taiwo noted that the political structure of the state will be in the hands of PDP in 2015, saying that the people of the state are now politically awake and it would be difficult for any party to defeat the PDP.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan The party chairman called on political office holders in the state to redouble their empowerment and mass mobilization drives to ensure the victory of the party in the next year’s general electioýn.

Lauding the initiative, Oluigbo of Igbojaye, Oba Zacheus Oladimeji said:”Senator Agboola is a gift to this generation and to the people of Igbojaye community as the legislator representing our constituency, he has performed creditably well within the period he has spent in the Senate and we are proud of him” Also, the leader of PDP in Oyo State, Seriki Adeojo also described Sen Agboola as:” a humble man who is full of accomplishments. He contributes very well in the National Assembly. He consults constantly with his constituency and makes contributions that reflect the opinion and aspirations of his constituency. I think we are lucky and happy to have him as one of our strong party members.

“He executed many projects in the 12 local councils he represents, and projects like drilling of boreholes, solar lights, supply of transformers and building of classrooms with toilets, ICT centres have been done. He makes promises and fulfils them.

This man has been supportive of the youth.

He is taking care of the needy and we the

•Agboola

traditional rulers are also well taken care of from his personal resources,” Earlier before the empowerment program kicked off, no fewer than 60 projects financed by the lawmaker were commissioned. These include a block of three classrooms and toilets each within 13 council areas, 10 ICT centres, 15 primary health centres, community museum, ýsolar light, bore holes among others.

Lauding one the projects, the Principal of Gboro Muslim College, Saki, Mallam Alimi Hamzat said:”I want to appreciate

your kind gesture. You have in a long way contributed to the development of education in this area, because what you are giving us is not just a block of three classrooms, but an executive block which is made up of modern toilets, furniture, electricity, slide windows among others.”

Senator Agboola who was quick to remember his Alma Mata, Baptist High School, Saki, constructed a modern ICT centre fully equipped with computers and same was replicated at Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Ago-Are and Igbojaye Community High School.

The schools commissioned include, the Apostolic Church Basic School III, Olopemarun in Ogbomosho South. Ori-Oke Community Senior High School, Ogbomoso North, UMCA Grammar School, Olorunsogo, Nybrosis Primary School, Oke-Suna Tege, Kisi in Orelope Local Government, Gboro Community Secondary School, Saki in Saki West Local Government, IDGS Secondary School, Iseyin Local Government, Nawarudeen Primary School, Okaka among others.

Explaining how the projects would be sustained, Agboola said the schools will be maintained by the state government and the community, while the health centres will be handed over to the National Agency for Primary Health Centre.

The Iba of Kisi, Oba Masoud Oyekola

Arowoduye, Ounjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan II , and Oolokaka of Okaka, Ayoola Azeez Olatunji, all commended the lawmaker and endorsed the him for second term when he visited them in their palaces.

At Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Saki station, Agboola donated N55 million towards the upgrading of their equipment. And justifying the reason for the kind gesture the lawmaker said:” I have been assisting NTA since I was a commissioner and I always influence people to assist them.

I will also do more because this is one of the means my people can have a view of what is happening all over Nigeria” In his appreciation address, the General Manager of the station, Alh Fatai Adiyeloja said:” Agboola has fulfilled his promises to his constituency with laudable projects, and a whooping sun of N55 million was lavished on our station for the rehabilitation of all our equipments, which is epoch in the history of this station and it’s the first time a lawmaker in Nigeria will be doing this for any television station in Nigeria. We now transmit regularly and we now have a wide coverage. We have refurbished two vehicles and our studio has been rehabilitated among others”

Council chairman donates to motherless home

By Jeremiah Oke

T

HE chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Hon. Abdelfatah Oyesanya has donated some items to the Motherless and Old People’s home in the council.

The chairman made the donations as part of activities marking his birthday celebration. Items donated include food stuffs, baby materials, pampers, food flasks, clothes, beverages among others.

On why he chose to celebrate his anniversary by reaching out to the less privileged in the society, Oyesanya said it was his way of appreciating what God has done in his life.

“This is my little way of thanking God for His blessings on me since I began fulfilling God purpose in life. We also want to share out of their pains and plights.”

The chairman who, along with his family and council chiefs, was received by the Matron of Love Homes, a motherless home in Isheri area of the council, Miss. Oluwawemimo Adebiyi said he was obliged to contribute to the welfare of the less privileged in the society especially as he had just added a year.

Oyesanya also called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of generosity adding that those at the lower rung of the ladder also need the support of the people.

“There is nothing too much or too small in assisting the less-privileged. I urge all to cultivate the habit of giving to the poor in the society,” he said.

The council chief also advised the other political office holders and other well-to-do in the society to always help the old people and the less-privileged in the society.

“My advice to other political office holders and businessmen is that they should take care of these old people and the motherless,” he said.

•Hon. Abdlefatai Oyesanya and his family while presenting the materials to the representative of one the homes.

While reacting Adebiyi said the council boss has demonstrated that he did not forget the needy in the society and he understands their plight. She also called for support the less privileged in the society.

The same items were also donated to Optima Old people’s Homes in Isheri area of the council. The representative of the Chief Matron of the home who pleaded anonymity said the council boss has demonstrated generosity saying other well to do Nigerians should emulate him.

She commended Oyesanya’s gesture, just as she prayed God to meet the donor at the point of his needs and replenish his pocket.

‘

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

‘Army’ of beggars invades Ibadan An unusually large number of beggars have descended on Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, causing all sorts of problems for the residents amidst efforts by the state government to rid the city of their menace.

TAYO JOHNSON reports. amount of money.

And moving around in twos and threes in between slow moving traffic in the city could also be found young children sent out by their parents or guardian to solicit for alms from motorists and even pedestrians. Seated somewhere not too far away from the kid beggars are their adult counterparts waiting for them to bring ‘returns’.

All over the place the city seems to have been taken over by the beggars who are almost becoming a permanent feature of the society that nobody seems to take notice of them anymore save for those who want to give them alms sometimes for religious purpose.

Though the beggars are mostly from the northern part of the country and across the border in Chad and Niger Republics, a few of them also come from some neighbouring states in the southwest.

Homeless, poor, hungry and almost totally illiterate, these beggars some of them physically challenged were drawn to Ibadan by the prospect of being able to make ends meet in a city, the stature of the Oyo State capital, in the absence of any viable economic venture back home where they come from.

B u t their presence is becoming an embarrassment to the residents.

A beggar along Jemibewon Road, Bashir Mohammed, a father of eight children, told The Nation that begging is the only way he could take care of his large family because nobody gives him and his family food.

The alarming and embarrassing trend b e comes more worr i some when it is discovered that some of these beggars have no business begging because they s e e m •Some of physicalthe beggars ly capable of doing menial jobs to eke out a living.

Though poverty and unemployment have been identified as the driving force behind this culture of begging, the ‘business’ seems to have become so lucrative that

PHOTOS: TAYO JOHNSON & FEMI ILESANMI

,

R

ESIDENTS of Ibadan in Oyo State have been having an unusual kind of ‘headache’ for some time now, no thanks to the invasion of their beloved city by a large number of beggars seeking economic sustenance.

Major roads and strategic road junctions in the ancient city have been taken over by these ‘army’ of beggars who could also be seen lurking around major motor parks and markets across the metropolis.

From Mokola Roundabout in the city centre via Sabo through Jemibewon Road to Molete, Beere junction, down to Oje Market, AgodiGate Bus stop, Iwo R o a d Roundabout, Old Ife Road and up north around O j o o Motor park, a l o n g queue of old men and women some dressed in tatt e r e d clothes with begg i n g bowls or p o l y thene bags in hands could be s e e n h e r e a n d there waiting for good spirite d people to gift them any

•The beggars at Mokola Roundabout.

There is no religion that tells us to go out and beg, henceforth street begging is prohibited in all the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, any beggar found on the street will be arrested and returned back to their various states

,

some like the aforementioned Bashir Mohammed have turned it into a ‘job’.

But another beggar, Sule Mohammed, who does his business around Agodi Gate Bus-stop said the job is degrading.

He told The Nation:”ýI never planned or dreamed to being a beggar, even once in my life, but I don’t have a choice because I have to survive. Being a beggar is an unfortunate life experience. God knows I tried every effort to avoid this condition I have found myself now. But, who would give a chance to a man who could not even read or write his name?

If ever there are, I never met one. I thought the city would be the best place for me and my family to live in. We left far away Dutse (Jigawa State capital) where we once lived to come down here to survive in this city.

“Many Nigerians probably think that my `job’ is the easiest job on earth. If that would be the case then I have to be the richest “dying man”.

Well, they should hear me now. Begging is the most degrading and painful work anyone could ever have”.

Degrading or not, the Oyo State government seems

poised to rid the metropolis of the menace of the beggars.

Recently, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on People with Disability, Prince Paul Adelabu declared street begging in any part of the state as an offence with immediate effect, replacing it with the introduction of a social scheme that would be established to feed and cater for the beggars in a centre to be established.

He said that no indigene of the state is among the beggars, adding that people from other neighbouring states and tribes are the ones littering the streets, constituting the nuisance.

“There is no religion that tells us to go out and beg, henceforth street begging is prohibited in all the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, any beggar found begging on the street will be arrested and returned back to their various states.

“This will also ensure that the practice which allows children of school age to go about begging in the streets in the name of Almajiri is stopped” said he A social welfare officer in Ibadan, Mr Kehinde Ayinla noted that street begging is not only perpetrated by hopeless, sick or physically challenged people, stressing that strong and agile people do beg too.

According to him “if you go to government ministries, departments and agencies, you will see able bodied men going from office to office begging for money. Some ladies too indulge themselves in the act of begging, some will hold little babies and tell one lie or the other to beg for money, while others hire children to beg and return them later in the day.”

The Nation checks round the city revealed that some parents actively encourage their children to go about begging on behalf of the family blaming it on poverty, a situation a Civil Servant Mr Muyiwa Ogundoyin described as irresponsible parenting.

Much as poverty has been identified as the major cause of street begging in Nigeria, many who spoke with The Nation believe that there was need for government at all levels to eradicate poverty to the barest minimum to reduce the number of beggars on the street. They say government should provide jobs for people so that they in turn can take care of their families while also strengthening social welfare programmes for destitute and the physically challenged.

While some are quick to blame a particular religion for the menace of street begging, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation, Abdul-Quadir AbdulRafi said “even Allah discourages begging”, noting that the hands that gives rather than collects is blessed according to Islam.

“Anybody that begs has thrown away his dignity and morals. The government needs to clear them off the street in no time, and provide them with enabling social amenities” he said Abdul-Rafi urged the state government to create a rehabilitation centre for the beggars.

In the opinion of the Presiding Pastor of a Pentecostal Church in Ibadan, Moses Ayanleke begging portrayed that a country is poor and lacking in human resource management.

He said that if the roads and streets were rid of beggars, it would save the image of the state.

A leader of the Catholic Women’s Organisation, Mrs Patricia Chukwu on her part called for the urgent need to take away the beggars from the street of Ibadan. She is worried that visitors arriving in Ibadan could have a negative impression of the Oyo State capital on sighting a battalion of beggars on the roads. She held firmly that there should be a stop to loitering of beggars in Ibadan and urged the state government to take necessary steps to ensure that this was done.

“Street begging in our society today is like cancer in the body. Either we sacrifice the affected part and save the body or we allow it to invade and destroy the entire body. We either summon enough courage or will to break its neck and finish it once and for all, or we allow it to remain a nuisance and an obnoxious part of our culture and tradition till the end of time.” She noted

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

Stanbic IBTC to float N10b Exchange Traded Fund

S

TANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc is concluding arrangements for an initial public offering (IPO) to raise about N10 billion for an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF).

Stanbic IBTC plans to issue 100 million units of a new ETF to be known as IBTC NSE 30 ETF at a price of N100 per unit. The ETF will be built on the NSE 30 Index, a modified market capitalization index that tracks the 30 most capitalised companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The stocks that made up the NSE 30 Index are selected based on market capitalization from the most liquid sectors. Liquidity is based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters. To be included in the Index, the stock must be traded for at least 70 per cent of the number of times the market opened for business.

The IBTC NSE ETF came on the heels of campaign by Stanbic IBTC Holdings to increase awareness for collective investment schemes. The IBTC NSE 30 ETF will be the second ETF based on the NSE 30 Index and came amid efforts by several operators to broaden the derivatives market.

The NSE recently listed the Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund tracks NSE 30 Index, the value-based index that mirrors the pricing trends of the 30 most capitalised stocks on the NSE. The NSE had in late 2011 listed its first ETF, a gold-based ETF known as NewGold. NewGold originated from ABSA Capital and was then already listed on the JSE Stock Exchange of South Africa.

Ernst & Young, the third largest multinational professional services firm in the world, has reported that the global ETF industry had 5,042 ETFs, with 10,053 listings, assets of US$2.3 trillion, from 215 providers on 58 exchanges as at October 2013. It also predicted annual growth of 15 per cent to 30 per cent globally over the next five years.

Lotus Capital Limited and its professional parties also recently

Stories by Taofik Salako

concluded pre-offer processes for the investment company's ETF. Lotus Capital plans to launch the Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund, an ETF based on the NSE Lotus Islamic Index, an adjusted market capitalization weighted index currently comprising 15 Shari'ah compliant equities listed on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The NSE Lotus Islamic Index is a collaboration between the NSE and Lotus Capital. The first index created to track the performance of Shari'ah compliant equities on the floor of the NSE, the NSE Lotus Islamic Index opens today with a year-to-date return of -4.36 per cent, worse than average equity return of -0.48 per cent.

Lotus Capital will be offering 100 million units of the Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded

Fund at the price of 1/200th of the NSE Lotus Islamic Index on the day preceding the subscription, according to the regulatory filing.

The NSE has already approved the Lotus ETF. Lotus Capital recently indicated it was considering floating new mutual funds as it urged investors in its premier fund to have longterm outlook of between five to 10 years. In an investment update, Lotus Capital said the new funds would be tailored to meet the specific needs of different segments of investors.

ETF is a security that tracks the performance of a specified security or other assets including stocks, basket of assets, indices, commodity prices, foreign currency rates, and derivatives among others.

ETF is distinguished by some defining factors including fixed capital or where the company has variable

capital, then the amount of the paid up share capital of the company shall at all times be equal to the net asset value of the company and its shares shall have no par value.

An ETF combines the valuation feature of a mutual fund or unit investment trust, which can be bought or sold at the end of each trading day for its net asset value, with the tradability feature of a closed-end fund, which trades throughout the trading day at prices that may be more or less than its net asset value.

The most important type of exchange-trade products, ETF may be attractive as investment because of its low cost, tax efficiency, and stock-like features.

By owning an ETF, the holder get the diversification of an index fund as well as the ability to sell short, buy on margin and purchase as little as one share. Meanwhile,

ETF does not sell individual shares directly to investors as only authorised dealers and investors are allowed to buy the usually large blocks of shares known as "creation units".

There are many types of ETF. Index-based ETF, like index fund, tracks specified market index.

Leveraged or inverse ETF seeks to achieve a daily return that is a multiple or an inverse multiple of the daily return of a securities index.

An important characteristic of this type of ETF is that it seeks to achieve, its stated objectives on a daily basis, and its performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the multiple or inverse multiple of the index performance over those longer periods of time.

Active-ETF derives its name from its management strategy which entails day-by-day active trading and publication of portfolio holdings on a daily basis.

•From Left: Collective Investment Scheme (CIS), Securities & Exchange Commission, Mrs Umoru Ojone; MD, Vetiva Fund Managers Limited, Mr. Damilola Ajayi; General Manager, Listing Sales and Retention, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mrs Taba Peterside; MD, Lotus Capital Limited, Mrs Hajara Adeola andHead, Product Management, NSE, Mr. Dipo Omotoso during a closing of the market ceremony at the NSE.

‘Industry risk for securities firms generally higher than banks"

S

ECURITIES firms generally have higher industry risk than traditional banks that focus on commercial banking and not investment banking, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has stated.

In a report on ongoing efforts to increased rating criteria for securities firms, Standard & Poor's (S & P) outlined that the main reasons for the higher level of risks in the securities business are typically because of securities firms' lower level of regulatory oversight, lack of access to central bank funding or other ongoing support compared with prudentially regulated banks, and higher competitive risk.

The report generally described securities firms to include firms that engaged in a wide variety of securities-related businesses, most notably retail and institutional securities brokerage, debt and equity underwriting, mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring advisory, securities sales and trading, and principal investing and proprietary trading.

According to the report, securities firms' financial performance is typically more volatile than traditional banks because their often less-diversified businesses are more subject to prevailing capital markets and competitive conditions.

"Securities firms' economic and funding risks are typically higher in countries with structurally less liquid or more volatile capital markets. In countries with historically

more liquid and less volatile markets, the sector is still more exposed to market downturns and economic conditions. For instance, an uncertain economic outlook that tempers corporate activity and investors' risk tolerances has historically contributed to greater earnings volatility for securities firms than traditional banks," S & P stated.

The report noted that revenue volatility hinders the ability to generate stable and recurring earnings sufficient to offset risk of capital losses due to trading activities adding that excessive leverage and risk or large holdings of illiquid assets further increase vulnerability to confidence erosion, potentially large losses, and liquidity constraints during times of financial stress.

The report pointed out that the industry risks for securities firms are exacerbated when securities firms use excessive short-term wholesale funding, leverage, or holdings of less liquid, higher risk assets, as investment banks demonstrated during the financial crisis.

"In times of financial stress, we believe that such a funding profile renders a firm more vulnerable to sudden confidence erosion and liquidity constraints than retail deposit-funded institutions, and such a portfolio exposes the firm to potentially large and rapid asset write-downs. Conversely, those firms with largely agency business models; limited leverage, principal credit, and market risk; and mostly

recurring revenue can potentially overcome their higher industry risk to be rated as high or higher than the anchor of a traditional bank.

However, we anticipate that only a few independent securities firms are likely to achieve this," the report stated.

The report outlined that the past 20 years have provided examples of how the securities firms sector's cyclicality has played out. The most severe recent downturn in the securities industry began in 2007, before the downturn in the general economy, and started to recover sooner--as the surge in fixed-income trading revenues and improved results in equities trading, helped by the rebound in many stock markets, in 2009 attest. The downturn of most of the United States securities industry in 2001 and in many Asian countries in 1997 coincided with general recessions.

However, investment banks were uniquely affected by the sharp rise in interest rates in 1994, the Russian default, and the industry rescue of the long-term capital management hedge fund in 1998, while retail and other securities firms in many markets were much less affected by these events.

"The perils of migrating from distributors of securities to large holders of risk were made evident in the massive losses many investment banks sustained during the most recent crisis. The experience of the large US independent investment banks in 2008 is an extreme example of this and shows the high volatility and confi-

dence sensitivity that investment banking can be subject to. By the end of that year, the five formerly independent investment banks, which were among the largest in the world, had either converted to bank holding companies, failed, or were acquired by a larger banking group," the report noted.

The report estimated that for countries with mature securities industries, the peak-to-trough decline in revenue in the 2006-2009 cycle was typically about 50 per cent more severe for the securities industry than it was for banks.

S & P stated that the competitive dynamics of securities firms are frequently weaker than those of traditional banks given their typically less diversified businesses, less stable revenue, and higher vulnerability to competition as new companies enter the market.

"In addition, since securities firms are both buying and selling, securities firms run the risk of real or perceived conflicts of interest that may raise litigation risks and, if poorly managed, can damage a firm's franchise and revenue streams. In particular, we view the competitive dynamics of investment banking as unfavorable given the overcapacity and incentive to increase risk that emerges as part of the business cycle.

Securities firms' investment banking and trading activities can deliver attractive headline returns, but as a cycle turns, firms tend to take on more risk to maintain market shares and revenue," the report stated.

It noted that securities firms are of-

ten at the cutting edge of financial innovations with new products that make risk management more difficult and dependent on mathematical models and assumptions adding that this complexity, coupled with the myriad transactions firms often enter into and the need for them to protect proprietary trading strategies, may result in a lack of transparency from the perspective of analysts and investors, which can exacerbate the market's reaction to surprises.

According to the report, where securities firms do not have a central bank to act as a "lender of last resort," it increases their funding risk relative to banks. Lack of such a liquidity backstop increases the confidence sensitivity of securities firms' creditors, particularly in times of systemic stress.

When the market loses confidence, collateral requirements can increase as counterparties demand credit protection, revenue can dry up if customers walk away, and access to wholesale funding can become more expensive as investors charge a higher risk premium--or access can disappear if they refuse to take the firm's credit risk.

"For better or worse, lack of central bank access makes securities firms more dependent on local capital markets, banks, and any government or industry funding mechanisms. The extent to which securities firms fund themselves in the organized capital markets is higher than that of the average bank, which makes them more vulnerable to local securities market liquidity, particularly short-term funding dislocations," S & P stated.

38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS P ENSION

NYSC pensioners plan protest against IGI •PTAD to resist underwriters

P

ENSIONERS of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) under the old pension scheme, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE), are planning to protest against the Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI) over nonpayment of their monthly pensions in the past six months.

Its National President, Jim Oduak made this known in Abuja while informing the DirectorGeneral of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Ms Nellie Meshack of the development.

According to him, IGI is their underwriter and has constantly delayed their pensions. He said the NYSC pensioners are suffering while many have died. He noted that some earn as little as N3,500 monthly pension, which is not paid promptly.

He said the protest has not been carried out because they need to mobilise members from all over the country for it to hold at the IGI head office in Lagos.

NYSC Board of Trustee Secretary, Benjamin Eriba said the Federal Government has paid

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

money to IGI for their pension up to May this year, but the underwriter has only paid up to March. He said the firm was appointed for them in 1995, noting that they are considering changing the underwriter and appoint another.

Meshack, however, warned that the Directorate would not hesitate to deal with erring underwriters, adding that she does not want to single out IGI as the Directorate has gotten complaints about others.

She stressed that the issue around underwriters owing pensions is germane. "It is not right that underwriters hold on to pensioners' money. It will seem as if President Goodluck Jonathan does not care about the plight of pensioners,” she said.

She continued: "But anyone who stands in the way of the mandate, which is ensuring that pensioners get their pension benefits, we will fight such person or institution. It is a new regime with the establishment of PTAD for

•Meshack

•Vice-Chairman, IGI Remi Olowude

pensioners under the old pension system in the country."

She queried why the Board of Trustees would continue to employ IGI to manage their pension if they have constantly had problems with paying pensioners on time, adding that the Directorate will investigate and deal with

the situation.

IGI’s Managing Director, Rotimi Fashola, who spoke on telephone with The Nation, said IGI owes the pensioners only two months and not six.

He attributed the delay to failure by the Federal Government to remit money regularly.

PenCom grants police PFA final approval

FRSC says pensions going smoothly

P

ENSIONERS of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) under the old pension scheme, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) are being paid their pensions, gratuities and other benefit as and when due, Deputy Corp Marshall, Admin and Human Resources, Chidi Nwachukwu, has said.

Nwachukwu made this known to The Nation while talking about the welfare of its pensioners. He said the

•Commences operation

T

HE National Pension Commission (PenCom) has granted the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Pensions Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator, full approval to operate and manage pensions of its over 300, 000 officers and men.

PenCom Head, Surveillance Department, YakubuDatti made this known to The Nation.

He reiterated that the personnel of the Nigeria Police are still under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) by virtue of Section 1 of the Pension Reform Act 2004 and as amended in the Pension Reform Act 2014.

Head, Police Pension Department, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the police pension PFA has started operations.

He said the police agitated for their own PFA because they have had issues of Next-of-Kin (NOK) waiting for two to three years without getting their death benefits among others.

He said: “Police can now take their own destiny into their hands. Issue of NOK without getting the death benefits of their loved ones and other issues will be looked into. We know our problem’s peculiarity and how

to attend to it.

“We are excited that PenCom has granted the PFA license to operate because it will allow us to be able to deal with our pensions internally.”

PenCom Acting Director-General, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu had earlier explained that the commission exercised its statutory powers and granted the NPF PFA approval-inprinciple to allow the police establish their PFA to manage their pension assets.

According to her, this is in line with the recommendations of the Oransanye Committee, which advised that with the exception of the military, which was granted exemption, no other Federal Government institution or force should be exempted from the scheme.

She said the NPF Pensions was borne out of government’s refusal to allow members of the Nigeria Police pull out of the scheme and the directive that they remain in the CPS and seek administrative solutions to their grievances within the framework of the pension law.

She said in compliance with this directive, police authorities

Middle-class workers should put pay rise into pension pots •Acting IG Suleiman Abba

incorporated a limited liability company, the NPF Pensions Limited, which has been licensed to operate as a PFA. She noted that in order to ensure smooth commencement of the NPF Pensions, the commission developed an operational framework that would guide the reassignment of Personal Identification Numbers and transfer of records of all the police contributors to the NPF Pensions Limited, which would be spread over an 18-month period.

The Police have over N305 billion pension savings with existing PFAs out of the N4.3 trillion pension funds.

£4b tax bonanza as 650,000 cash in pensions

F

IRST official analysis of British Government’s flagship pension reforms showed that more than 130,000 Britons will withdraw money from funds yearly.

More than 650,000 savers are preparing to take advantage of George Osborne’s flagship pension reforms over the next five years, providing the government with a £4 billion tax windfall, the first official analysis of the scheme has revealed.

The research has found that under the reforms, which scrap rules that currently force most Britons to buy an annuity, more than 130,000 Britons a year will withdraw money from their pension funds.

The figures suggested savers will take out around £26 billion from their pension pots in five years, equivalent to just under £40,000 each. This will boost Treasury coffers by £3.8 billion

between 2015 and 2020 as pensioners are hit by higher levels of tax, according to the figures.

Pension experts warn that many savers will withdraw more than they need and could find themselves dragged into the higher rate tax band.

Tom McPhail, head of pensions research at financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “A lot of people are clearly very interested in taking advantage of the new pension freedoms, however many of them probably don’t realise that they could end up losing nearly half their pension pot in tax.

“It is essential that suitable safeguards are put in place to ensure that they are alerted to the tax implications of taking all their money out. This is undoubtedly clever politics from the Chancellor, but

Commission has produced 166 pensioners since its inception under the old pension scheme.

He said: "The Commission adopts best practices in all of its action. We have a nominal roll of all our pensioners as obtained in some other agencies and parastatals of the government.

"We have 166 pensioners and we do not have any arrears of gratuity and others, and our Board of Trustees meet quarterly."

if we’re not careful he could end up creating a one-man pension mis-selling scandal.”

David Smith, a director of wealth management firm TilneyBestinvest, said: “The big concern is that insurance companies are not going to provide any guidance at all on the tax implications of pension withdrawals.

“If someone rings up to take their money out, it is vital they are given a warning.”

Malcolm McLean, a pensions consultant at advisory firm, Barnett Waddingham, said: “There is evidence to suggest that the majority of savers don’t understand these reforms and think they can treat their funds like a bank account.

•Culled from The Telegraph

W

ORKERS should put any pay rise they get into their pension pots, a minister has said as official figures reveal that almost 12 million people are not saving enough.

Half of all workers face a lower standard of living in old age because they are not contributing enough to their pensions, with those on middle and higher incomes among those contributing the least.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions report, more than 6 million people who earn more than £32,000 will struggle in their retirement, including 1.1 million workers who earn over £52,000.

Ministers are increasingly concerned that higher earners are failing to put money aside for their retirement after a series of policies intended to help those on lower earnings.

A quarter of a million people earning more than £52,000 are saving less than half they amount they need to ensure they have an "adequate" level of income in their retirement.

The report suggests that people should work longer to help ensure that they have enough to live on in their retirement.

Writing in The Telegraph, Steve Webb, the pension's minister, says that people need to take more "personal responsibility" and learn to "think about their prospects".

He added that as the economy recovers people should consider investing any pay rises they receive into their pension pots.

He says: "Of course money is tight for many families, and no one can be blamed for prioritising today's needs over future provision.

"But it's worth bearing in mind that a few extra pounds a week diverted to a pension scheme could make a world of difference to the retirement we can look forward to.

"In most years, people who are in work will receive a pay rise. Even if that's only a small amount of money, it might be that this could fund a little extra towards the workplace or private pension that's going to fund a happier and more comfortable retirement.

Mr Webb highlights how the government's pension policies have helped lower earners. Under the government's "triple lock guarantee", the state pension rises every year in line with either earnings, prices or by 2.5 per cent whichever is highest.

Ministers have also introduced an auto-enrolment policy which has seen almost 4 million people signed up to workplace pensions.

However, Mr Webb warns that government policies alone will not be enough to give people a comfortable retirement.

He says: "Clearly, there are tough questions here for future governments. But while the Government can do a lot, it can't absolve people of all personal responsibility - and I make no apology for saying that it is incumbent on people to think about their own prospects too.

"Everyone's aspirations are different. Only an individual or couple can decide the sort of income they need, hope or expect to live on in retirement. But it's a consideration everyone should make - and then look at what they can do to make it happen."

•Culled from The Telegraph

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Pig farming has gathered momentum in many parts of the country. As a result, middle and large-scale farmers, unemployed graduates and others are venturing into commercial pig farming and pork production. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

The allure of pig farming B

ABASOLA Oyeleye decided to be self-employed on graduation.

His father has a poultry, so he made up his mind to take for him.

He worked briefly in a firm to raise capital for his project.

He started a firm, Latosa Farms, in Asiwaju Oke-Aro Piggery Farm Settlement, Giwa/ Oke-Aro, Agbado, Lagos. He started with with local breeds and later acquired foreign breeds, which have grown to 150.

Today, Oyeleye is smiling to the banks.

A piggery consultant, Mr. Opeyemi Lawson, said gone were the days when pigs were reared under extensive system of management making the animal scavenge for food under unhygienic conditions, which led mostly to an aversion for their consumption, just as others have some taboos and sentiments for the animal. This thinking has made traditional pig breeders switch to the modern breeds of pigs and embracing hygienic husbandry practices to promote the consumption of pork.

Lawson said pig rearing has immense potential. Besides, he said pig farming has gained more acceptability due to the gradual elimination of the sentiments and taboos. This new mindset has set a new bar for the livestock to create employment opportunities. The reason is that more Nigerians are going into the rearing of the animal.

Lawson admits that the profits in pig farming and over other livestocks are much. Piggery business, according to him, is

more economical, compared to the returns from it.

But there are some requirements to be met before the dividends can roll in. For instance, the basic need for rearing healthy pigs, Lawson said, lies in a spacious and properly ventilated pen. It must be spacious to allow the pigs’ free movement,while fencing and concrete slabs are recommended to make the pig pen comfortable.

He recommends a good accommodation where the pigs can play, feed, relieve themselves and sleep in.

Also, the site should be flat and free from mud and stagnant water do dissaude insects. This is because when insects bite piglets, it leads to poor health, which affects the quality of pork. He stressed that hygiene is vital just as proper cleaning of the pens is essential for good results.

Lawson advised that the farms be located far from people, while transportation of the animals must be kept to a minimum to reduce stress on the pigs and maximise their body weight and health, which boosts pricing.

He said there is a lucrative market for pig products. But to start making immediate profits, he advised that a farmer begins with 15 female pigs (sow), a figure that can reproduce 200 piglets yearly.

But these projections are subject to the quality of feeds. This is because not every feed is right for the pigs, adding that there are variations in the composition of the feeds at every stage of the ani-

•Pigs

•Oyeleye

•Lawson

mal, especially piglets.

For instance, it is suggested that at the piglet stage, the feeds should be rich in amino acid, which is necessary for their growth. Also, there must be clean water, a well-balanced diet and adequate ventilation.

Pig farming is not for the lazy; hence the need for new entrants to have an understanding of what it entails. Lawson stressed the need for new entrants to seek mentors, urging prospective investors to participate in training in pig management. Participa-

tion in such training has built his confidence in managing improved pigs for breeding and motivated him to invest more time and energy.

In a commercial unit, he said there would be an increase in the returns, pork products, manure and sale of breeders.

However, he warned prospective farmers to take disease control seriously to prevent pigs from dying.

Though many diseases affects pigs, preventive measures and vaccinations against swine fever and foot and mouth diseases as well as deworming of pigs will make the enterprise more profitable. Comparatively, the cost towards health care is minimal or negligible in pig farming.

Today, Oyeleye is a happy man, not only eking a living from the trade, but because the venture has elevated him to the enviable class of millionaires.

Nurturing youth entrepreneurs

Entrepreneur’s Quotes

Entrepreneurship has been described as a way out of youth unemployment. One of those championing this cause is Linda Iheme, a student of the University of Benin and Chief Executive Officer,International Initiative for Youths Inspiration, Growth and Development.

“Sustaining a successful business is a hell of a lot of work, and staying hungry is half the battle.”

—Wendy Tan White, MoonFruit co-founder and CEO

F

IGURES reveal that youth unemployment is high. The harsh economic conditions have pushed many youths into the employment market.

The only way out is for the youth to start their own businesses.

One group that assists the young to start a business is International Initiative for Youths Inspiration, Growth and Development.

Since 2011, the organisation has been promoting entrepreneurship among undergraduates.

For Miss Linda Iheme, who is the Chief Executive Officer, International Initiative for Youths Inspiration, Growth and Development, evidence suggests that young people have entrepreneurship potential. Unfortunately, not many young people are setting up their own business.

After participating in a United States Institute for Student Leaders’ Social Entrepreneurship training at University of Connecticut, she returned to Nigeria with the vision to spread the gospel of entrepreneurship among youths via seminars and coaching.

She established a non-govern-

mental organisation (NGO) aimed at empowering, engaging and training youths in social entrepreneurship, social media, and career development and soft skills.

The group assists would be entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities while in the university.

Funded by Ashoka’s Youth Venture, the group runs enterprise and employability programmes. She has worked with so many young people. For her, one of the challenges is that young people do not believe in their ideas.

For her, entrepreneurship is not only a form of employment but also a mindset, enabling young people to use their skills, gain autonomy and contribute to their own development or that of the community.

Initially, it was tough. But her passion helped her to carry on.

With numerous events taking place, her organisation is stirring

entrepreneurial spirit in youths. A new breed of entrepreneurs is emerging with a passion.

But she had an experience from her training and interactions and wants to impart same on youths.

To her credit, a crop of budding new social businesses have come on the stage, some of whom have big plans.

There are challenges, namely funding. Also, she wants more grants for young people to launch businesses and social action projects.

However, she has gained a lot of confidence in public speaking, management and finance skills.

But her objective is that more role models and successful business leaders should share their stories.

She said there was a need for enterprise campaigns and entrepreneurship education and training to make a difference.

‘Entrepreneurship is not only a form of employment but also a mindset, enabling young people to use their skills, gain autonomy and contribute to their own development or that of the community’

•Iheme

She said her organisation is doing a lot to promote job creation outside the classroom.

There is a partnership between her organisation and others that aim to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among the young and to support them through business skills training.

A youth advocate, her role involves consulting the young, meeting with decision makers, campaigning and representing youths at local, national and international forums.

A student of Dentistry, University of Benin, Miss Iheme was named Opportunity Desk Young Person last month.

“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart. Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops.

– Thomas J. Watson Many great ideas go unexecuted, and many great executioners are without ideas. One without the other is worthless.

– Tim Blixseth

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ABIA POLITICS The political mood in Abia State has been exciting, with governorship aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) announcing their ambition. Correspondent UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE examines the battle to succeed Governor Theodore Orji.

2015: PDP, APGA battle for Abia N

O fewer than 10 aspirants plan to succeed Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, whose tenure expires next year. The contenders are warming up for the primaries, which may hold in October. Ten are from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two belong to the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Until few weeks ago, the aspirants were dragging their feet.

They were studying Orji’s body language. They were cautious because they thought that the governor would anoint a candidate to succeed him in the ruling party. However, Orji has not been categorical about his preference. Instead, the governor has only thrown his weight behind the decision of the party to zone the slot to Abia South, which is made up of people of Ukwa and Ngwa. Abia North produced Ogbonnaya Onu. But, part of that state is now in Ebonyi State. Orji is from Abia Central.

The aspirants eyeing the ticket include Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Senator Uche Ogar, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Acho Nwakanma, Friday Nwosu, Dr. Alex Otti, and Uche Ogar.

• Orji

• Senator Nwaogu

• Abaribe

‘PDP aspirants have said that they would cooperate with any candidate who emerges in a free and fair primaries. They have also resolved not to defect from the PDP after the shadow poll, whether the outcome favours them or not’

Nwogu The PDP chieftain will complete her second term in the Senate next year. She is the only female aspirant in the state. The senator has visited the PDP secretariat to inform the chairman and other members of the executive committee about her aspiration. However, she has some hurdles to cross. Nwogu is fit to rule Abia State. But, she is not favoured by the zoning. The senator is from Ngwa and her cradle is outside Abia South. She is one of the aspirants opposing zoning.

Abaribe For Abaribe, political life is full of ups and downs. He was impeached as the deputy governor in 2002. In protest, he defected from the PDP. When he returned, he was given a heroic welcome. He bounced back as a senator. Next year, he will complete his second term in the Senate. Many believe that Abaribe is the most qualified for the job. He is also favoured by zoning, although he has always said that he would like to be the governor of Abia State, and not the governor of a zone. He is from Obinga in the South District.

The former deputy governor is a big political fighter. He has been consulting stakeholders across the zones. He has the network and he can easily mobilise resources to run his campaigns.

Nwakanma He is a former member of the House of Assembly. He was also the deputy governor under former Governor Orji Kalu and Governor Orji. Thus, he is an experienced politician.

Nwakanma is from Obingwa like Abaribe. As the senatorial candidate on the platform of the PPA, he was defeated by Abaribe. He is loyal to the governor. This may work for him at the primaries. However, feelers suggest that Orji is not ready to play the godfather.

Nwosu Nwosu is a lawyer. He is also from Obinga. He is a good mobiliser. The politician has traversed the nooks and crannies of the state to sell his candidature to stakeholders. He is the first candidate to declare his ambition. He is an advocate of zoning.

In fact, he has told the people that Ukwa-Ngwa people should produce Orji’s successor in the spirit of equity, justice and fair play. If elected as governor, he said he would continue in the foot steps of the governor.

• Ufomba

• Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is the Deputy manager of Abia State Environmental Agency (ASEPA). He is also from Obinga Local Government Area. Recently, there was a rumour that he was the anointed candidate. But, the state government has dissociated itself from the rumour. He has been silent on his ambition since then. However, he has said in the past that he is qualified to rule the state.

Otti The PDP chieftain is a renowned banker and Managing Director of Diamond Bank. He is popular. His mansion in Ngwaland is the talk of the entire zone. His campaign organisation, the Alex Otti Governorship Grand Alliance (ALOGGA), has been up and doing, in terms of drumming support for his ambition.

Emutchay Okey Emutchay is a diplomat from Uka East. He is the only aspirant from that area. He is from a reputable family, his father being a successful medical doctor and administrator in the defunct Eastern Region. He has all it takes to be the governor.

Age is also on his side. He is the youngest aspirant. He is a professional with a lot of experience.

Ogar Uche Ogar is an oil magnet from Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area Abia North. He is a respected community leader and a philanthropist. He has visited the party secretariat to inform the party leadership that he has joined the fray.

In one of his sensitisation programmes, he told the people that

he would bring the biggest construction company to the state to construct roads in his first one hundreed days in office.

Ufomba Chief Reagan Ufomba is s chieftain of the APGA. He is from Isiala Ngwa. He is a veteran contender, having vied for the position in 2011. He is a successful businessman. He is also reliable and trustworthy. Many stakeholders believe that he has the potentials to be a successful governor. But, he is not favoured by zoning. It is believed that the people of Ukwa/Ngwa will support a candidate from the South. Also, the PDP is more popular than APGA in Abia State.

Udensi Chikwendu Udensi is another contender in the APGA. He is from Arochukwu.

Apart from Udensi and Ogar, other contenders are from Ukwa/ Ngwa area. This is worrisome to monarchs from the area who have appealed to them to step down for one another. But, none of them is ready to step down. The contest has become an ego war. The aspirants have shunned meetings called by community leaders for the purpose of pruning down the number of aspirants.

However, a source said that PDP aspirants have said that they would cooperate with any candidate who emerges in a free and fair primaries. They have also resolved not to defect from the PDP after the shadow poll, whether the outcome favours them or not.

Despite the fact that the PDP has zoned the ticket to Abia South, it has also clarified that people from other zones can participate in the spirit of democracy.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2014

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POLITICS Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso spoke with reporters in Kano, the state capital, on what he described as the alleged plot by the Presidency to impose a new constitution on Nigerians through the National Conference. He also spoke on the resolve of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to sack the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Aso Rock in next year’s election. KOLADE ADEYEMI was there.

‘PDP can’t foist life presidency on Nigerians’ W

HAT is your view on the latest controversy in the National Conference over the constitution amendment?

In my last chat with you, when I mentioned the issue of the new constitution and the conference, many people thought it was a joke.

But, this is a very bitter reality. Today immediately after the Council meeting, I received so many calls from Northern delegates attending the National Conference in Abuja that the issue of new constitution is now a reality at the confab. Of course, people who love this country and really understand the situation we are today; and the likely consequences of another brand new constitution, which the President wants to use to start another eight years, beginning from 2015. Certainly, it is a very dangerous development.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all those who have rejected the issue of new constitution. Let me also take the opportunity to thank the National Assembly members because they were the ones that have received the earlier plan, earlier efforts by those at the Villa to have one single term of six years beginning from 2015, which they rejected. Now, they are smuggling it into the confab. Now, I believe that the delegates, whether from the North or from the South, whether they are Christians or Muslims, whether Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa or any other tribe, should help in rejecting that constitution because that will not help this country.

That is why we told our delegates very clearly that they owe this country a duty of rejecting that new constitution. We have seen some of the things contained in the new constitution, especially the issue of the six-year single term. And the issue of 50 per cent derivation, the scrapping of 774 local governments, listing additional 18 states, and limiting the number of ministers to 18. The only good thing that I saw there is the limiting of ministers to 18.

Is the North not monitoring its delegates?

We only hope that those who are pretending to be representing us there in Abuja will have no place when they will come back or remain there in Abuja. We will send them to the almajiri schools that were being built by Jonathan. And I believe that all of us should come and join hands and save this country.

It is difficult to know their thinking in Abuja.

The saying that the higher it goes, the cooler it becomes is very apt in apt in describing the situation in Abuja today. Those that are very high are in a very cool atmosphere while the masses, the people of this country, are suffering from poverty. Illiteracy is killing this part of the country; and of course, the issue of insecurity. Every day, people are being killed and maimed; everyday, properties are being destroyed. As we are sitting here, displaced Nigerians in Borno are now taking refuge in the forest. Many of them are in Cameroon, many are in Chad, and also thousands are in Niger Republic.

What we are talking here is to change the tenure of Jonathan to life Presidency. It is very sad that this thing is happening now and I am one of those that have travelled across the world or have the opportunity to read a lot; the Nigeria’s history, geography and of course, political situation across the world. What is happening today in Nigeria, if 10 per cent of it can happen anywhere, that leadership cannot stand; and it is very dangerous for all of us. We are very happy here with what we are doing for the people of the state; but we are very angry because we have read the minds of our people because they are not happy with what Aso Villa is doing.

We have never seen anything like this in this part of the country; and they seem not to care. They seem not to understand, they are very busy in the air, working for themselves and helping themselves to steal forever. I always remind people that, when terrorism started in the Northeast, little did many people know that, one day, it will come to this part of the country. We have it here; it is also in the Northcentral, and now, it is crossing over to the South. I am sure that you are aware that some parts of this country now have flags other than greenwhite-green. This is terribly ugly and unprecedented. It is up to us to appeal to our delegates and Nigerians to resist the temptation of the so-called dollars people are dis-

‘The biggest punishment for a politician is for him to be in a wrong place; because if he goes there, by the time they are talking about how to share $20 billion, I don’t think he will be happy, if he is the kind of person I use to know, unless he was just deceiving all of us. I don’t think Nuhu Ribadu will make that mistake because if he does, it will be the biggest political mistake of his life’ • Kwankwaso

tributing in Abuja to come and save this country. Any constitution rather than the 1999 Constitution should be rejected because any thing less than that is an instrument designed by those who think it will help them.

But, it will not.

As an opposition figure, what steps are you likely to take to ensure that the new constitution does not see the light of the day?

One of the steps is what we are doing here.

We want to make our position very clear to them and the entire world, especially our friends across the world that we believe that what is happening now is very dangerous, not only in Nigeria, but for our neighbours.

I believe the consequences will affect the continent. That is why I thought I should take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to shun the divisive tendency that we are seeing in Abuja. We have seen the division of the North and the South, the division of Christians and Muslims, the division and division of tribes. That is the keyword. The keyword now is the divide-and-rule, and I don’t think that will help. And from the information I have, which is not correct, that many people are saying those who are not supporting the new constitution are the minorities and that, whether they like it or not, tomorrow, they will push it to Nigerians, and the next thing is to organise a kangaroo referendum. They will cook the figures like they did in Ekiti and force themselves on us.

I don’t think that is good enough. I appreciate the elasticity of Nigerians, but I think that elasticity has a limit. When you keep on pulling and pulling, there will come a time when it will not take anymore. That is why I think the good people of this country should speak because some of the consequencies, as many people are now seeing, will affect everybody.

Your party, the APC won the Osun governorship election. What is the implication of that victory for 2015 general elections?

Well, my party won the elections. My opinion and the opinion of my party is that we won the Ekiti governorship election. I think that is why the party is in court. The experience that we had in Ekiti worked for us in Osun because people came en mass and defended their votes and that is exactly what is going to happen in 2015. People will vote, and not only vote, they will stay and defend their votes. Let me thank the social media.

Those who have cooperated with us and those who have supported us as a party that made it very very difficult for anybody to change the real figures. If they had done that in Ekiti, I am sure they wouldn’t have had the chance to rig us out. But to us, the Ekiti experience is a lesson. Also that of Osun. We have learnt from our mistakes. The INEC is improving and I hope the security agencies should also improve. We always tell them that, instead of militarising Ekiti and Osun with mass security agents, they should go to southern Borno and do their job there so that we can have free and fair elections and also

have a peaceful country. So, we are happy that the people of Osun and Ekiti came en mass to vote for the APC, and I am sure, given an opportunity again, especially in Adamawa where they used the executive power from Abuja to force Nyako out of office because of his opinion, I believe that, when the election comes, people will come out en mass and support the APC so that we can have peaceful Northeast, different from what we are seeing now like the emergency in the state and other states in the Northeast, so that people can continue their normal businesses, people can come down from the rocks and hills and forests to go to their towns and villages. In that part of the country, nobody is talking about education, nobody is talking about agriculture, nobody is talking about business. People are talking about survival; what to eat and how to see the next day. These are the things that, by the grace of God, the APC will provide in 2015.

From what is happening, there are indications that 2015 may be violent. What are your fears?

Our fear is not only about 2015. We are also praying for this President to take the ship to the shores of 2015. I think we are more concerned about that because the way things are going now, the way people are dying, the way people are being kicked out of their homes; when we are seeing the picture, I believe it is not the best; and I believe that Nigerians are being taken for granted. And we hope that 2015 is going to be peaceful and we will do everything possible to ensure that it is peaceful from our own end because we believe that everybody wants a united Nigeria where an Igbo man will continue to stay in Kano. You know here in Kano, we have what we call New Enugu. If you go close to the airport, you will see a whole area that we called New Enugu. It is looking like any part of Abuja. We are very happy that we have them here; and we hope one day, we will have New Kano in Enugu, New Kano in Port Harcourt, New Sokoto in Adamawa, and so on and so forth. Here, we are working to integrate our people, here we are together as Muslims and Christians, Hausa, Igbos, Yorubas—we are one and the same.

We are all Nigerians. That is what we want in this country and that is the best way we can have peace. Otherwise, by the time every party like what they are doing, we begin to divide, I don’t think that it will be good. During democracy, all these tendencies tend to go down while the unity of people based on political parties will come up and that is why I always tell people we should see ourselves as brothers, irrespective of our religion or where we come from.

Former Chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, has defected to the PDP...

People ordinarily will think that my brother, Nuhu Ribadu, is a principled per-

son; somebody with good ideology, somebody who is progressive; somebody who is always working towards the unity of this country. I remember during his days as the Chairman of EFCC, he has done so much to deal with corruption. As we are moving into democracy, water is taking its level, people are moving in and out of parties, meaning that people with similar ideologies are coming together, unlike 1998/99 when we were forming parties to deal with the military and install democracy. Everybody from all ideological tendencies came together. Now that we have gone deep into democracy, we are looking at our shoulders to say who is close to who and who is on the other side, and that was why some of us left the PDP to join our brothers and sisters who have the same ideology with us to bring about the desired change in this country. Now, for him who was, in my opinion, in the right place and together with the progressives, if he should just leave because he is looking for position or he is looking for a ticket to contest election, I don’t think that is good for him and I don’t think that is good for the country. At the end of the day, if that happens, God forbid, he will be the biggest loser. He will lose because most of them were jailed by him. I don’t think they will ever want to see him there, but in politics, there is this accommodation of people that they will bring you close, raise you up and dump you. At the end of the day, they will laugh at you and say, look at him now. If Ribadu is joining the PDP, whether he wins election or not, he will be the biggest loser.

People can’t believe that all what we said about him was completely wrong. The biggest punishment for a politician is for him to be in a wrong place; because if he goes there, by the time they are talking about how to share $20 billion, I don’t think he will be happy, if he is the kind of person I use to know, unless he was just deceiving all of us. I don’t think Nuhu Ribadu will make that mistake because if he does, it will be the biggest political mistake of his life.

Is the defection from the APC not worrisome?

Well, it doesn’t worry me at all. It is something that we should expect. I wasn’t in the APC. I left the PDP because I realised it was not a place that I should be and that was why I moved. And of course, those who were in the ACN, the CPC, the ANPP and the APGA who are now in the APC, they would have moved and don’t forget, we are dealing with a government that has accumulated so much money to the extent that they see everybody as a commodity and attach price tag on him. I believe that not everybody will be on this side. When they start dangling some dollars, you begin to wonder whether you stay or go. That is not the issue. The issue I believe is the people.

Some of us are lucky in the sense that we have so many people behind us. So, we are so heavy that it is not an issue for us to be flying from one pole to another. And once we decide to do it, we do all the arithmetic, we do all the calculations that are necessary so that we can go with almost 100 per cent and that is what we have done here in Kano.

So, there is limitation, but those who align to it—it is very simple because they believe that their wives and children are behind them. It is very easy for them to change position. You see, in politics, you don’t sit down and start looking around and be chasing luck. Stay where you are and work hard.

You don’t have to win elections all the time.

I contested elections 12 times, including primary and secondary elections, and I lost onethat was the governorship election of 2003.

It was a big lesson to me. I learnt so much. I was humbled and I am very proud of that particular election. One out of 12. I believe any politician who has never won election or never lost election or only had one—that to me is not a complete politician-you need to win, you need to lose election; with that, you have to know how to manage success, you will have to know how to manage failure. You cannot do anyone of them, if you don’t have both experience. That is the position under which I believe that we will continue to work together as progressives to make this country better for all of us.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine Gaining marital strength through patience in challenges E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

T

Without disregarding the school of thought that whatever happens to is an “act of God”, Ebi Akpeti believes certain chal-

lenges could be man-made partly because of the way they are handled.

In her 113-page book, God Has A Sense of Humour, Akpeti treats without sentiment, challenges that bedevil young female adults and their spouses. While noting that one cannot rule out “divine intervention” from man existence, Akpeti posits that every woman is responsible for her success or failure.

It throws light into issues on infidelity, loneliness, abuse, home management and balance between carrier, religion and realities of life, while it establishes that motherhood or marriage should not be held responsible for non-fulfillment of God’s purpose.

Without sentiment, her sense of creative imagination, narrative insight, intellectual drive and language structure remain contestably applauded. Her stories could be consistently compassionate as she attempts to enter the shoes of each of her characters.

A collection of seven short stories, the book could be best described as witty, engaging, romantic, inspiring, funny, reassuring and full of suspense.

A Prison with Golden Gates, tells the story of a banker, Akin that fiddles around with other mistresses aside Remi, his 38-yearold wife who is nursing the only baby of the family. The extramarital affairs turn the table round as he spends quality time after office hours with Eno, a pretty single lady living close-by, almost abandoning wife and baby. Remi’s hope of happy married life dwindles daily and this makes her to take the last option of tracing out the hide-out of her husband.

For love, relationship

L

OVE, relationship and sex, in the order of important hot topics in the minds of young people rank next to career and money. Youths feel highly misunderstood by parents, teachers, churches and society.

Youths have little or no experience about life; no past and no tradition and therefore feel as free agents. They are risk takers and adventurous and like to explore and experiment.

Bola Dada has dedicated a great portion of this book to the topic of sex the way most authors have not. Sex is the topic most churches do not like to highlight. Parents hope that their wards will not get into it early and the fear is that they may get into trouble.

Since these issues; Love, relationship and sex are front burners of the existence of man particularly the younger generation, they dominate man’s thoughts and faculty and also represent the key topics of discussion among friends, in the media, social media and books.

These issues also play a major role in many decisions and interactions with the opposite sex.

Bola Dada, in this book, ‘Love, Relationship and Sex’ tries to explain these issues from the perspective of being a christian. In his view, pains,agonies, heart breaks, disappointments, betrayals, frustrations and losses can all be avoided if choices concerning love, relationship and sex are made under the influence of GOD. The book contains eight chapters. Chapter one is titled, ‘Let’s talk about Love’; chapter two talks about ‘Chastity’; chapter three is titled ‘The Sex Drive’; chapter four is titled: ‘The trials, the temptation and the test’; chapter five discusses ‘Appearance’; chapter six is titled ‘Who are your friends?’; chapter seven is ‘Building a successful future’ and the last chapter is titled ‘Where are the sons and daughters’.

The first chapter talks about love which is the greatest desire of man; to be cared for. In history, the greatest songs of all time are songs about love. William Shakespeare attained a high ground as a playwright and

BOOK REVIEW Title: Author: Reviewer: Publisher:

God Has A Sense of Humour Ebi Akpeti Evelyn Osagie AuthorHouse, UK

Pagination: 113 “As I sat in the cab watching, a middleaged woman opened the front door of the house. She was not someone I knew. As she let him in, I saw him bend down and plant a lingering kiss right on her lips.

Then, like a loving husband, he walked into her house with his arms wrapped fondly around her waist.” (14).

After this drama, Remi forcefully finds

BOOK REVIEW Title: Author: Reviewer: Publisher:

Love, Relationship & Sex Bola Dada Chinasa Ekekwe

Distinctions Academy Publishers.

Pagination: 82 poet with his plays and poems on love. Romantic novels are usually best sellers and even when thrillers are about crime and adventure, the authors more often create romantic dimensions.

Most of the movies produced all over the world are on love and when they are not, romance is still included in the plot. In musical videos, makers of music maximise sales with the creation of a form of romance with sexual appeal through dance steps and in the appearance of characters in the videos. Regardless of what is adertised; soft drinks, tissue paper, toothpaste and so on, television commercials also displays a form of love,romance and affection. So, if love is seen in all these and shown everywhere, when young persons come into the world, they like everyone else have to satisfy their love desires because it does not take much to learn from the environment.

Therefore,the book postulates that what the world preaches in the movies,books, soap operas and songs as love is not love at all.

The world teaches lust, infractuation and obsession.

Chapter two talks about chastity. The book explains that chastity is the quality of practising sexual purity. Sexual feelings are part of what makes us human. That is why married couples can have romantic feelings. Sex, invigorates a marriage and adds zest to life and it enables a husband and wife to be truly one. So, there should be a proper outlet to build the sexual feelings and the only outlet that God recognises is marriage.

Young individuals play around with sex in the community with reasons which the book refers to as ‘Common lies of the devil’ which are: Everyone is doing it so we should not be different.Nothing is wrong with it, boys saying that they will get married as soon

her way into Eno’s residence but the obscene image she captures as she enters blow away her psyche.

“Remi, please go home. When I get back, we will discuss this,’ he whispered.” (15) With the drift of guilt all over him, Akin eventually discovers how to tackle it all by applying a smartly ‘bone-face’ strategy. “Remi, take a look at yourself…Every time I look at you, I feel like I have lost a wife and gained an overweight, ailing mother.” (17) Remi seeks for advice from friends, mother and father because the 10-year-old marriage is about to crash. You need to find out from the rest of the story, how Remi wins back her heartthrob.

In certain instances, two opposite sex may be so close and friendly but not necessarily with the ambition of becoming lovers. But then it may be painful if one of them, especially the lady is battling with the urge to be at fit with the other. Such is the case of Dan and Ethoan who have been good friends for four years in the story entitled The Gong That Should Have Deafened Me. Ethoan becomes Dan’s ‘love doctor’ sharing thoughts and dreams about his interest and challenges in love relationship with other ladies. Each time she offers advises, she feels grieved because she wants this guy by all means while the guy does not see reasons why they should become lovers. She eventually recommends Amaka for Dan, knowing fully that she (Amaka) does not merge his requirements with the hope of setting trap to capture his love. Unfortunately for Ethoan, Dan conveniently settles for all the odds in Amaka, formalise the relationship on the altar and leaves a ‘Growing Pain’ on his friend, Ethoan.

Of course, she couldn’t help sobbing in soliloquy: “The most important lesson I

learnt from that experience, however, was that I cannot make anyone love me, and it’s okay! We do not have to work hard to receive love; it is either there, or it is not! …Love is simply a matter of grace…I have learnt not to take it personally when someone does not want me around, but to respect myself and to know when to take a hike?” (41) The book takes its title from the next story, God Has A Sense of Humour. This man wants an abortion but the woman insists it’s ungodly. Even before their marriage, Ladi and Alex have concluded they were going to have only three children. After the first born, the wife was pregnant again and brought up twins. No thanks to contraceptives to keep the going but it clicks again! Since Ladi would not want to follow him to Dr. Wilson for abortion, he stops eating at home, moved to the guest room, refuse to respond to greetings. The story is a lesson as it establishes the majesty of God at the end.

“Happy birthday, Ada. This might not be the best time to say this but please stop coming uninvited to my house. I am not interested anymore. Focus on finding someone that can marry you. Happy Birthday.” (63) This bombshell in, Singlelaria, narrates the ordeal of a 38-year-old spinster that was jilted on her birthday. Does she commits suicide or survived the earthquake?

The rest is story.

Other stories include Death Is No Longer a Rumour; The Woman that Marries for Money Earns Every Kobo and Life Can Only Be Understood Backward.

Akpeti’s message is clear, convincing and timely.

The book is recommended for those who aspire to weather through all peculiar challenges in their endeavours.

as possible and many girls are falling for the line ‘I cannot help myself’, ‘If you love me, you would let me’, ‘Just this once’ and ‘If you do not let me, I will do it with someone else’.

The author, gave reasons why young individuals should avoid pre-marital sex. He said one may never know real love with such act, sex before marriage may affect sexual relations with one’s spouse, there is loss of dignity and self-esteem, it leaves an individual with a life-long guilt, there is loss of God’s presence, there is exposure to devil’s attacks, there is a danger of contacting sexually transmitted diseases, possibility of marrying just anybody and danger to hell fire.

Purity on the other hand is beautiful. It means that a person has character, self respect and courage. The book encourages that individuals should always turn to God in prayer.

Chapter three is on sex drive; a powerful force in the body of males and females which creates appetite for sex. According to the book,young individuals should not allow movies, soap operas, and commercials on television to shape their minds. It is important to understand sex drive and learn to control it before marriage. This is possible because God would not ask of it if it was not possible.

All young people are bound to go through difficult times and face trials(betrayals and disappointments) in life. Chapter four of the book talks about ‘the trials, the temptation and the tests’. Trials can manifest in form of lack which makes concentration on important things impossible. Whatever an individual goes through in life, is nothing compared to a bright future by God. In Chapter five, titled: ‘Appearance’, it reflects the different ways of dressing around the world that centers on multiple cultures, values and religious beliefs. Like Moses, a way of dressing may be used to identify a civilsation one belongs to and may even reveal one’s religious inclination. Dressings which reflects people’s cultural background and scriptural admonition have been done away with. Dressing seems to have gone haywire everywhere.

In the nation’s higher institutions, most female students now dress so provocatively and this is also seen in the ‘well modernised’ Pentecostal churches. When you wear clothes that are revealing, you send wrong messages to people. The boys are not left out. The waist of their trousers are lowered and fastened

tightly at the middle of the two bottom lobes to reveal their inner wears. This is known as ‘sagging’. In the aspect of bearing tattoos, he examines that throughout history, the tattoo bears the mark of paganism, demonism, baal worship, shamanism, mysticism and every other pagan beliefs known. He attributes bad dressing to poor parenting and wrong influence of the society to individuals.

Indecent dressing is not good for a christian. It encourages rape and sexual harassment.A fine boy and girl does not need to go semi-nude or sag.

Chapter six assists young individuals in defining friendship. A good friendship is progressive, there are quality discussions, good behaviour and advice, love, concern and understanding.

In ‘building a successful future’ in chapter seven, the author advises as one journeys through life, one should be moving in the direction of set goals and ambition. Achieving goals will not be an easy task. An individual will go through a lot of obstacles and distractions and one could only get to the desired destination through focus, good strategies, determination, discipline and diligence.

The last chapter titled: ‘Where are the sons and daughters?’ discusses Abraham’s faith in God which is legendary and it remains a model for children of God today in putting unalloyed confidence in God. In the story of creation, God created man to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. But satan ensured he scuttled the fellowship between God and man. The satan knows that God hates sin and being the great deceiver and liar, he deceives Eve and man into sin.

One lesson to learn is that satan can go to any length just to destroy one life. If he has to kill everyone in a commercial bus, derail a train filled with passengers or sink a ‘Titanic’ just to get one soul, he will not think twice.

The good news is despite the onslaught of the devil against the church, the church will continue to march on and the gate of hell can never prevail on the church. Which side are you on? The author asks readers in this last chapter.

A new earth created by God is a place of continual fellowship with God. No more sickness, diseases, poverty, anxiety and darkness.

Death will be thrown into the lake of fire and therefore, there will be no more death.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK FOR THE LOVE OF TALK

A blind man answering a call with his mobile phone along the road at Ikeja.

•Photo: Isaac Jimoh Ayodele

For the love of gender equity, social inclusion

I

t was a gathering of intellectuals. The roundtable of eggheads gathered in Lagos for the same goal: to chart proactive ways of improving the agenda setting of the media.

To sensitise media on the need upbeat and professional reportage, the Lagos State Gender Advocacy Team (LASGAT) with State Accountability and Voice Initiative (SAVI) took the plunge to organise a two-day workshop for media in Lagos.

The organisers said the workshop was an attempt at implementing various policies on gender equity and to educate the media of the relevance of social inclusion of specific people: in this context; children and the people living with disabilities. Their role as the fourth estate of realm, SAVI President, Dr Adebayo Adebukola said, can never be overemphasised.

In attendance were journalists from electronic and print media, bloggers, human right activists and owners of non-governmental organisations. The facilitators included professionals, who had been handpicked to do justice to different topics.

They were conflict and strategy expert, Olutoyin Falade, Vivian Ememsowum and disability rights advocate, Emmanuella Akinola.

In his address, Dr Adebukola, stressed that gender is a social construct. He said: “Each gender has different functions. Sex is a relative term. It is not restricted to men and women alone but age concept. Though most people get it wrong, it is not necessarily a man’s world. It is everybody’s world. Equality is not always the same. The representation, participation and portrayal of both gender in the media, is not equal at all. The feminine gender is often disadvantaged. Their beauty; voice and aura are always used as selling points for products, movies and adverts. Gender advocates tends to tilt towards

By Suliat Abodunrin

ADVOCACY feminism. Children should be brought up equally, regardless of gender.

“The media is largely responsible for what the society is today. It reflects to us about who and what we are. The media has fair share of social challenges and inclusion. As media practitioners, we need to begin to build. The movie industry has actually not done much in screening the sort of things that are exposed to the public. Writers of the story are obvious carriers of these stereotypes. Women do not own or have a higher position of management. How many women are in the guild of editors in various news organisations? Women are grossly under represented. The media has been insensitive towards the need of the woman. In the advert media, there is gross exploitation of the women sexuality. It is as though men are catching fun at the expense of the pride of women. All these things lend credence to the fact that media content do not contribute to gender equality. There is need therefore for the media to be gender-friendly and inclusive in their reportorial.”

On the need to mainstream gender in local governance and reporting, Ememsowum said the participation of men and women in formal and informal decision-making varies greatly between countries but it’s generally in favour of men. She said gender mainstreaming is a globally accepted strategy.

Conversely, a conflict and strategy expert, Falade, in the presentation of her paper, enlightened the practitioners on Conflict Sensitive Reporting. She emphasised on the need to report conflict in a sensitive and harmless manner in order not to aggravate the situation while trying to find a solution to it.

She said: “Conflict involves disagreement, clash, collision and a struggle of contest between two or more parties. It should be seen as an opportunity for change. Although conflict sells because it is attractive as a source of news, media should be sensitive towards people’s reaction when you write. Media reports are part of traditional rule of providing information, education and entertainment. People rely on media to create images and form opinions. The media perform surveillance function in the country.

The aim of conflict reporting has become a threat to societal survival.

Through selective reporting determines what the public see and think. This would explain why journalists are usually dragged to courts with different avoidable cases. It is a result of professional incompetence and a manifestation of mental laziness. It is, therefore, time for media practitioners to balance their stories in ways that their job won’t be affected and the integrity of the people whom they seek to represent would be intact as well. Be accurate, fair and objective in reports. Tell the truth.”

On child sensitive reporting, Falade added that media are not usually insightful about the need not to harm any child through reportage. While she saluted some of the media houses on their effort in maintaining that children are well reported, she enjoined other media houses to follow suit.

“Programmes as well as movies should be screened. Children have copy-cats spirit as the make-up of their body psychology.

Avoid programmes and publication of images that is damaging to the children which intrude upon their media space. Also avoid use of stereotypes and sensational presentation to promote journalistic material involving children. Avoid the use of sexualised images of children.” she said.

Echoes of 1897 Benin invasion

•Continued from page 16 tradition. He said: “Big ideas and theories are hinged on African Festival. The earliest encounters with theatre in African countries are with the theatre that inherits its repository and provenance from indigenous performance forms, language and environment.

Contemporary theatre of Africa is linked to and draws from individual rituals, festivals, folklore, and seasonal rhythms of ancient and indigenous performance traditions.”

Future should speak

On the part of Prof Tony Afejuku, African scholars, critics and historians should move beyond the blame game, saying they have dwelled too much on the continent’s negative past experiences. He urged his contemporaries to propound new world-class theories and studies that would move Africa forward using its rich cultural heritage, saying this trend has contributed to the under-development of Africa in all spheres, compared to other continent. He said: “Don’t dwell in the past move on. The Asians were also colonised but they have not allowed hold them back, instead they have looked inward and are tapping into their cultural heritage to create new innovations. What happened to the Benin arts after 1897? Does Igun Street not still exist: what new innovation has been done by the government and people to tap into that industry?”

With a mind of contributing to government’s efforts at implementing the 2013 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, NOLA said its members are determined to embark on field recording and translation of oral literature and folk traditions of geo-political zones of the country.

‘

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

DISCOURSE

Lessons from Malaysia, Singapore, China and Dubai Being a speech delivered by Sam Nda-Isaiah during the 1st City People monthly lecture on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

G

ENERAL Yakubu Gowon, one of the former leaders of this country that I believe has not yet been given his rightful place in history, told me in a private discussion last year that what pained him most about the coup that removed him from office was not the loss of power but the loss of opportunity to implement his Third National Development Plan, which started the year he was overthrown and which could have moved Nigeria to the level of the Asian Tigers. He said that, before he left power, international organisations including the media were already saying that Nigeria was on the same development trajectory with some of these nations. And General Gowon believed his programmes would have taken us there. He has a lot to show for his tenure as leader. Apart from prosecuting the civil war and keeping Nigeria one, which Nigerians will eternally remember him for, Gowon also achieved significantly in the development of the country. I know there are people who may differ on this but most of the developments we still have on ground today in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Benin City, Enugu and a host of other cities are traceable to Gowon’s era. I also believe that the First Republic leaders still have a lot of good history going for them.

Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello’s record still stands for him. The Ahmadu Bello University remains one of the biggest universities in Africa. The Hamdala Hotel he built, even though now mismanaged and run down, still remains the biggest hotel in Kaduna. The New Nigerian was, until recently, probably the most influential newspaper in Nigeria. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is still the biggest stadium in the north.

There is also the NNDC. There are several other monuments to his name. He believed that education should be a priority and a tool of modernization, so he insisted on free education without making even a campaign issue of it. But his greatest achievement appears to be bringing together the nearly 200 diverse and disparate tribes of the north, irrespective of religion, to live in peace and harmony – something that presentday leaders have failed to sustain.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the premier of Western Nigeria, built the first TV station in Africa. The University of Ife, which he founded, and of which I am a proud alumnus, remains one of the best in the world. The Cocoa House was at one time the tallest building in Africa, projecting strength, power and prosperity for our nation. He built the Liberty Station in Ibadan, the first of its kind in Africa. He also insisted on free education for all. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe taught Nigerians how to unite the country. He named the university he founded as premier, University of Nigeria. And he would have become the premier of Western Nigeria in 1951 if the carpet was not pulled from under his feet. These were significant moves considering the level of ethnic nationalism of those days.

There are a few more leaders that came and did their best, but we obviously lost it at some point. I love the story of Singapore so much that, about four years ago, I attended a governance programme at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore where most of the resource persons were former principal secretaries and ministers of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who is considered the founding father of modern Singapore. One of the former principal secretaries of Lee Kuan Yew told us that when Singapore gained independence in 1965, apparently without hope or a future to look up to, their greatest ambition was to grow to be like Nigeria and the Philippines in the future. Today, it is Nigeria and the Philippines that want to be like Singapore.

Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Dubai have a roughly similar history and circumstances. All of them were once considered Third World countries and were once termed emerging markets.

Today, all the others have joined the First World; only Nigeria remains a Third World nation. And nobody still calls China, Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai emerging markets anymore. China emerged from behind to overtake every European country in terms of size of economy and has now overtaken Japan to become the second largest economy in the world; it is poised to become the largest economy in the world shortly. Of these countries, only Dubai is homogenous in terms of race and religion.

The three others, Malaysia, Singapore and China, have demographics that are even more variegated than Nigeria in terms of race and religion.

One thing that separates Malaysia, Singapore, China and Dubai from Nigeria is leadership – consistent leadership. Singapore had Lee Kuan Yew, China had Deng Xiaoping, Dubai has Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Malaysia had Mahatir Mohammed. Even though credit for the very existence of China today should be given to Chairman Mao, it was the courage, vision and character of Deng Xiaoping to chart a new direction for China that have made China an economic superpower and the main issue in today’s world. It was Deng that opened up China to the world by liberalising the economy. China became a market economy, reducing the central command structure that started what will soon make it the biggest economy in the world, that has substantially reduced poverty, and raised its people’s standard of living. He de-emphasised ideology and emphasised wealth creation. He is the author of the famous quote, “It doesn’t matter whether the cat is white or black; if it catches mice, it is a good cat.” He was the one that started negotiation with the British for the return of Hong Kong to China. He also started the negotiation for the return of Macau to China from Portugal. Deng was not a perfect leader but he, not Chairman Mao, is the father of modern China.

Lee Kuan Yew is to Singapore what Deng is to China. At independence in 1965, Singapore was hopeless. It was too small and too poor to have a future.

They had no resource at all. In desperation, they wanted to remain with Malaysia but the Malaysians threw them out. They thought Singapore was a liability. Lee Kuan Yew took the bull by the horns, supported by some of the best minds the country had such as Goh Keng Swee, who was at different times minister of finance, education, defence and deputy prime minister. Lee Kuan Yew was without government service experience when he took over but was armed with courage, vision and character – the most important ingredients a leader needs to change a nation. He decided to build the biggest seaport in the world and he succeeded. He decided to have the best airport in the world and he succeeded. He decided to have the most beautiful city in the world and he succeeded; and even though Singapore does not produce a drop of crude oil, he decided to make his country an oil-rich nation. He succeeded. Today, Singapore through several indigenous and multinational companies refines nearly 2 million barrels of oil daily and exports to countries like Nigeria. But the first thing to know about Singapore is her strict adherence to the rule of law.

Corruption is punished harshly.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai, and, in his book My Vision – Challenges In The Race For Excellence, he tells us that what we see in Dubai today is nothing compared to his ultimate vision for Dubai. Dubai today looks like a utopian city, with the

tallest building in the world. If Dubai today, which appears like a city running on steroids, has not started yet, then, I wonder what Al Maktoum plans to do.

He obviously plans to disgrace every world leader that has no vision for his country. But that is what vision is all about.

Nigeria needs a new leadership. We need our own Lee Kuan Yew, Deng Xiaoping, Mahatir Mohammed and Mohammed Al Maktoum. And we do not even need to re-invent the wheel.

Before Deng started his revolution, he visited Singapore in 1978 and met with Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. He also visited Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. In 1979, he visited the United States and looked at all the models and then improved on them.

Al Maktoum obviously wanted to make Dubai a First World nation for the pleasure of all Arabs in the Middle East.

Instead of letting his people travel to Europe and the United States for vacation, he sought to create a place in the Middle East where they would prefer, and he succeeded. He has succeeded even beyond his imagination because not only Arabs, even the Europeans and Africans now patronise Dubai as a vacation spot.

In his quest to create Europe and the United States in the Middle East, he outdid even the Europeans and Americans. Like he said, the race for excellence has no finish line.

One other thing that is common to these countries is that they are well secured. In Singapore, Malaysia, China and Dubai, nobody fears that he is going to be shot, kidnapped or bombed at any time of the day. I visit these countries, so I should know. And the reasons are straightforward. In Singapore, for instance, the penalty for arms trafficking is the death sentence. Crimes like murder and possession of hard drugs also carry the death sentence. And all crimes are punished. In Singapore, the definition of arms trafficking is being in possession of more than one firearm, and if you are found with just one firearm, you must prove that you do not intend to use it.

In all these places, corruption is punished severely. In China, certain levels of corruption carry the death sentence. When I was in China sometime ago, I read in their newspapers that two local government chairmen had been executed for corruption the day before I arrived. A serious leader must know that corruption can kill his country and treat the evil accordingly.

We are not yet on the path to development in this country. Nigeria is the exact opposite of these countries when it comes to the rule of law. We have a president who openly says there is a difference between stealing and corruption, and when the CBN governor raised the alarm over the theft of billions of dollars, his first reaction was not to get alarmed but to suspend the CBN governor. That shocked the world.

Nigeria currently cannot even secure its boys and girls, as we have seen in Bunu Yadi in Yobe State, Chibok and Gwoza, both in Borno State. Additional 100 young men were abducted in Borno State three days ago. Since Jonathan became president, we no longer see people punished for corruption. We have ceded parts of our country to terrorists because money meant to buy ammunition is stolen daily. The same Nigeria that liberated countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and southern African countries has become the butt of jokes of smaller nations. Last month, Ghana said they were sending troops to Nigeria to help us defeat Boko Haram.

How Do We Start Solving This?

Nigeria needs a brand new leadership. First, we must do something about education. The UN says Nigeria currently has the highest out-of-school children: 10.5 million children are out of school. The education of the youths

•Sam Nda-Isaiah

should be the topmost priority of any nation. It is unacceptable that we now send our children to Ghana and even the Sudan to attend schools because our public schools have collapsed. The WASSCE result released last week showed that 70% of Nigerian students failed. It is very dangerous to continue like this. We will have to change the standards of both teaching and learning.

The content of what we teach must also change. We still teach our children with some of the same curricula that we had 30, 40 years ago. But the world has moved on. The curriculum we teach our children must be dictated by the trends that move the world. The world has changed so much in the last 15 years that if we still teach our children with a curriculum that is 30 years old, then, we have lost it. Our curriculum must prepare our youths to graduate and become employers of labour instead of seekers of good jobs. We must now dedicate at least a quarter of our resources and budgets to education until further notice.

The unemployment level in the country should frighten all of us: 48 million Nigerians are unemployed. Since 48 million jobs are not available, Nigeria must create an army of entrepreneurs.

Even though the economy has grown, the poverty rate has increased, precisely because the sectors driving the growth are not the ones in which the majority of Nigerians are accommodated. We must therefore bring in more youths into agriculture, online business, housing and manufacturing. Nigerian leaders must fashion out policies and subsidies that would create at least 10 million new small businesses in the next five years if we don’t want a misfortune worse than Boko Haram to destroy us. A small business typically creates between two and five new jobs; so, potentially, with 10 million new small businesses, we can create 50 million new jobs. Moreover, with Nigeria’s current housing deficit of 17 million housing units, Nigeria needs a government that will start building at least 1 million new housing units annually. This is huge, but very possible.

With one million new housing units annually, several millions of jobs would be created: engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, labourers, block moulders, flourists, mortgage banks, estate agents, cement, tiles, paint sellers and manufacturers, food vendors at construction sites, etc, would be employed. We can borrow money from the N4 trillion pension funds since the houses are going to be sold to the public and the money will be paid back. And to encourage manufacturing, especially for the small-scale manufacturers, we need to strengthen our local currency and significantly reduce interest rates. We can strengthen the naira by paying the monthly allocations to all tiers of government in dollars since oil which is our main revenue earner is paid for in dollars. But instead of dishing out dollar cash which could encourage capital flight, the federal government should issue dollar certificates to the different tiers of government. These different tiers

51

of government would then have to convert these dollar certificates to naira in our local banks. If more dollars start chasing less naira, the value of the naira would improve immediately. And if this happened, interest rates would also go down. Nigerian manufacturers would then be able to procure machinery and spare parts more easily and, at singledigit interest rate (instead of the current scandalous 25%), it would be possible for their products to compete with imported products. Our population of 178.5 million as currently estimated by the UN is a large market.

And talking about driving economic growth in the sectors that most Nigerians reside in – apart from the above, do we know that we can create a soccer economy in Nigeria? Nigerians’ passion for football is incredible. Most Nigerians have one European team that they support in the European leagues with a passion that is even greater than the support they give their own indigenous teams. And Nigeria has several soccer talents that have not been tapped. If European countries can have a thriving soccer economy, why not Nigeria? Most of the investors in the soccer economy in Europe are foreigners and many of their players are foreigners including Nigerians. Many of the stadia in Europe were built by foreigners and many of the clubs are now owned by foreigners. Old Trafford, the stadium owned and built

by Manchester United, is said to fetch $1 billion for its shareholders every year.

Emirates Airlines paid £300 million for a new stadium for Arsenal, and Etihad paid £270 million to acquire a new stadium for Manchester City. Soccer is serious business. We can also achieve this in Nigeria if we create the enabling environment for foreigners to invest in.

Nigeria can have a thriving and sophisticated league. This is one of the several big ideas that can change our country. Moreover, we can use soccer to unite Nigerians.

The country also needs to tackle corruption urgently so as to loosen up more money to secure the country. If we defeat criminals, Nigeria can earn revenues from tourism just like Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia and China.

To move Nigeria forward, we must also change the way government works.

Governments all over the world, but especially in Nigeria, have a problem of inefficiency, bureaucracy and corruption directly impeding several well-intended plans. We cannot change a country without first changing its government. I believe one way to achieve this in Nigeria will be by the appointment of CEO-style ministers and heads of government agencies with clear targets and commensurate salaries and bonuses.

I also think that Nigeria’s leaders should start reading. If you don’t read, how do you know what is happening in other countries? Nations are in competition with each other and every leader must know what his competition is doing. Many Nigerians don’t read. We must know that the educated man who doesn’t read is not different from a man who can’t read.

Finally, there must be an elite consensus in Nigeria to move the nation forward. The Nigerian elite must agree that the only way to move our country to the level of Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and China is to get that leader with vision, character and courage and not to choose leaders because they are from our tribes or only on the basis of whether they are Christians or Muslims.

All over the world, it is the elite that decides the fate of a nation. The Nigerian elite need to get serious.

The most important thing to know is that it can be done. And we must do it.

All we need do is find that leader that wants to do it. A leader that knows that his first duty to the country is to secure the people, and not to complain that some people don’t like him and have decided to make the country ungovernable for him. We need a leader who will fight corruption. We need a leader with vision, character and courage who can think the impossible for the country and go ahead to achieve it. We need a leader who badly wants to leave a legacy for God and country.

Ladies and gentleman, we have to get that leader in 2015. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

BUSINESS XTRA

Mercedes guilty of price-fixing, says China C ARMAKER Mercedes Benz has been found guilty of manipulating the price of spare parts following an investigation by the authorities in China.

The official Xinhua News Agency reports that regulators said the luxury unit of Germany’s Daimler abused its control over supplies of replacement parts.

The report made no mention of the likely penalty.

BMW, Audi and Chrysler are also facing sanctions as part of an anti-monopoly crackdown by the authorities.

Overseas companies in the

pharmaceuticals, technology and food sector have also faced investigation in recent months.

Last week, the European Chamber of Commerce in China said its members were “increasingly considering the question” of whether foreign companies were being disproportionately targeted.

According to the Xinhua report, investigators from the antimonopoly bureau of the eastern province of Jiangsu found prices were so high that purchasing the parts used to make one Mercedes C-class car would cost the equivalent of buying 12 vehicles.

“Mercedes Benz is a typical case of vertical price fixing - that is, the use of its dominant position in after-market parts to maintain price controls,” said Zhou Gao, chief of the Jiangsu’s anti-monopoly unit, according to Xinhua.

A Daimler spokesperson said on Monday that the company was still “assisting” Chinese authorities, but was “unable to comment further on what is still an on-going matter”.

Toyota has said that its Lexus division is under scrutiny, and General Motors has said that its main China joint venture has

responded to requests by regulators for information.

Other companies under investigation include Qualcomm, a US maker of microchips used in mobile phones, and software giant Microsoft.

On the one hand, just as in the other sectors (pharmaceuticals, technology and food) where multinationals have recently been tackled, there certainly seems to be room for price-cutting.

With the shadow of the investigations looming, the auto companies have all - in vain it now seems - been busy slashing the

cost of spare parts, in some cases by up to 40 per cent.

On the other hand it could be argued that foreign companies are simply being penalised for their own success.

Over the past decade or so Chinese consumers have shown an unquenchable thirst for luxury cars - price no object - and in a damning indictment of the country’s domestic car industry, luxury means foreign.

The site of Tiananmen Square overflowing with Audis at the annual gathering of the country’s parliament drives that point home.

EU compensates fruit and veg growers hit by Russian ban

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• From left: Chairman Red Star Express Plc, Dr. Mohammed Koguna; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Sule Umar Bichi and Director, Mazi Sonny Allison, during the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Firm restates commitment to CSR

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S part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Olam International at the weekend, supported the “fitness for the Blind walk”, a yearly event organised by Nigeria Society for the Blind.

According to the firm, the event is aimed at sensitising the public on the need to render help and give succour to the physically challenged in the society. ”It is one of the several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which have become part of the tradition of the company over the last 25 years. We will not relent in our efforts in making our contributions to the society. This year’s event has been well supported by various subsidiaries of Olam International,” the company noted.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to customer satisfaction, adding that it would not relent in its effort of providing qual-

ity products to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers.

Chairman, Nigerian Society for the Blind, Mrs. Biola Agbaje, said: “We have had incredible support from some corporate organisation who have come out to support us, as we are a totally voluntary organisation so the more help we can get the better. ”This year, we have new entrants such as Cherie Noodles and we hope that this will become a bandwagon effect in future as more organisations understand what we are trying to achieve in the vocational centre for the blind. I believe the support we are getting is being limited by the harsh economic terrain and probably most organisations themselves are trying to cope with it, however I believe that they can also reprioritise and see where good can be done and align with the good effort that we are putting in to make life meaningful for the blind”, she said.

She appealed to corporate organisations to take a little time out and make provisions for visually impaired persons to work in their organisations, stressing that it doesn’t cost much and it will encourage other people to do the same. ”Getting them assimilated into working environments continues to be a challenge because what we can do is to rehabilitate them, make them fit for society. When they leave us it is up to the corporate organisations to employ them and it is something we are always asking for, because there is no point us training them and you not employing them when they have displayed their readiness to put in their best in work”, she added.

Some of the subsidiaries of Olam in the packaged food business environment in Nigeria that featured during the walk include, Olam Sanyo Foods, Ranona Limited and OK Foods.

HE European Commission has announced emergency EU funding of 125million euro (£100million; $170million) for fruit and vegetable growers hit by Russia’s ban on most imported Western food.

The funding is compensation for fresh produce which will not be sold.

Instead it will be distributed free to schools, hospitals and other institutions.

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, grapes and pears are included in the scheme. Russia has banned many food imports, angry at EU-US sanctions over Ukraine.

Last week the Commission announced plans to pay peach and nectarine growers for 10 per cent of their crop, and the new funding expands that aid to many more producers.

The crops affected are those in full season now, with no storage option for most of them and no immediate alternative market available, a statement from Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said.

“All farmers of the concerned products - whether in producer organisations or not - will be eligible to take up these market support mea-

sures where they see fit,” he said.

The measures will apply until the end of November.

The compensation will come from a special 420million euro fund set up under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), for farmers facing potentially ruinous emergencies.

On August 7, Russia declared a one-year embargo on meat, fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables from the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia and Norway in retaliation for Western economic sanctions.

EU fruit exports to Russia last year were worth 1.07billion euro (£855million; $1.4billion) - the biggest agricultural export sector, ahead of dairy produce and meat.

Lithuania, Poland, Finland and Denmark each face losses running into hundreds of millions of euros because of the Russian ban, the Financial Times reports.

The food types covered by the new compensation scheme are: tomatoes, carrots, white cabbage, peppers, cauliflowers, cucumbers and gherkins, mushrooms, apples, pears, red berries, table grapes and kiwis.

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stores in 46 states, with sales of more than $28billion.

“For Family Dollar shareholders, our proposal is financially superior to the current transaction agreement with Dollar Tree and would provide Family Dollar shareholders with a substantial premium,” Dollar General chairman and chief Executive Rick Dreiling said.

Most Family Dollar stores are in low-income districts. Its presence is biggest in Texas and the eastern US. However, the company has been closing stores and struggling financially.

Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn, who disclosed a stake in Family Dollar in June, had pushed the company to sell itself to Dollar General.

Dollar stores: US discounters in three-way battle

TAKEOVER battle involving US dollar stores - discount retailers selling items at $1 - is now a three-way fight.

Dollar General has entered the bidding for Family Dollar with an offer worth about $9.7billion (£5.8billion) including debt.

The bid trumps an $8.5bn offer for Family Dollar made last month by Dollar Tree.

Dollar stores expanded fast during the US economic downturn, but have faced competition from some of the bigger chains, including Wal-Mart.

Dollar General said in a statement that a merger with Family Dollar would create a group with 20,000

1,000 workers to go at Monarch Airlines

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•From left: Member, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) Mr Valentine Opone and Mr Success Ikpe of the Lagos Island chapter of the society at the NES’s conference in Warri, Delta State.

ONARCH Airlines may cut as many as 1,000 jobs as part of a major strategic review that aims to cut costs and may lead to the end of long haul flights.

The airline will instead aim to compete with low cost airlines Ryanair and Easyjet and concentrate on short-haul flights to Europe.

The job losses amount to around a third of the airline’s workforce.

The airline has not yet officially announced the cuts, but sources told the BBC jobs would be lost.

Despite increased capacity the airline said passenger demand was flat.

It is retiring three Boeing 757s this Autumn and will have replaced its whole fleet in the next five years.

Last month, it confirmed a £1.75billion order for 30 new Boeing 737 aircraft to be delivered by 2020. It is likely

to mean a reduction in the size of its fleet from 42 to 30, although the airline does have an option with Boeing to buy a further 15 aircraft.

In a statement by Monarch on Monday said: “The company has previously stated that the new management team is conducting a strategic review of the group’s businesses, including in relation to their operations, ownership and financing.

“That review is on-going and further announcements will be made upon its conclusion or as otherwise appropriate.”

In an interview with Travel Weekly, Andrew Swaffield, who took over as Monarch chief executive in July, said: “We’re on a trajectory of changing from a charter airline to a scheduled European low-cost carrier. We need to operate as efficiently as a low-cost carrier.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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BUSINESS EXTRA

National revenue drops by N154.56b, says FAAC

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HE fortunes of the three tiers of govern ment suffered a huge decline last month as the Federal Government said the country recorded a N154.56 billion decline in gross federally collected revenue from N784.88 billion received in June to N630.32 billion in July, this year.

The Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, who spoke in Abuja

• First line charge for judiciary ‘will be difficult’ From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

yesterday, while briefing journalists shortly after this Month’s Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting attributed the decline in revenue to a force majeure declared by Shell and a series of shut-

downs of trunk lines and pipelines at various terminals. Another reason for the decline in revenue he said was “the substantial decline experienced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in Companies Income Tax collection contributed to the dip in revenue for the month.”

The minister, however, said despite the revenue drop, FAAC allocated N654.58 billion to the three tiers of government as statutory allocation for the month of July which was N30.31 billion lower than the N684.89 billion shared in the month of June.

According to him, N553.56

•From left: Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Gloria Elemo; former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power and Steel, Mrs Derin Awosika and keynote speaker, Prof. Francis Shode, at a roundtable organised by FIIRO and Awosika Help Foundation in Lagos...yesterday.

Fed Govt to create Devt Finance Institution

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O support industrial development in the country, the Federal Government said it will establish wholesale Development Finance Institution (DFI) to provide long-term funds for industrial development.

Also, the board of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the extension of Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme from 2016 to 2025 to enable it fund more projects.

Speaking yeterday in Abuja at the Eight Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) Finance Conference where he also officially started the disbursement of N220 billion for medium,

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• CBN extends Agric Credit Scheme to 2025 From Nduka. Chiejina (Asst.

Editor) & Austin Ehikioya, from Abuja

MSME development, President Goodluck Jonathan said the proposed institution was part of measures to enhance the contribution of MSMEs to the country’s economic growth and development.

President Jonathan said the proposed DFI would provide long-term finance spanning up to 15 years for relevant entrepreneurs and industrialists especially people involved in tree crop production.

He also disclosed that

there were plans by the Federal Government to restructure existing DFIs for better performance and improved access to finance by MSMEs. He noted that as Africa’s largest economy with excellent prospects of becoming one of the world’s 20 largest economies by 2020, the challenges confronting MSMEs in Nigeria must be addressed head on.

He said: “MSMEs are recognised all over the world as engine of growth in any development oriented economy. Besides their inherent labour intensive pro-

duction processes, they also provide a viable platform for job creation globally.

“All over the developed world the contributions of MSMEs to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) average about 47 per cent; this shows clearly how important MSMEs are to us.”

The president said a vibrant MSME sub-sector was indispensable for achieving sustainable transformation of the economy.

The N220 billion MSME Development Fund, the president said will be received by participating financial institutions and state governments for onward lending to MSMEs across the country.

MDGs: Ministry blamed for projects’ delay

HE Ministry of Finance has been blamed for the delay in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals’ project (MDGs).

According to the Chairman, House Committee on MDGs, Ado Doguwa, the late release of funds by the ministry is the major hurdle on the way of attaining the goals.

Doguwa described the Ministry of Finance as epileptic when it comes to the release of funds.

Also, in order to ensure effective implementation of post-2015 MDGs development agenda, stakeholders suggested the need for alternative sources of revenue generation.

Doguwa who spoke in Abuja during the launch of the Nigerian MDGs Information System (NMIS) said: “I want to lament that some of the institutions, especially the Finance Ministry have to wake up in the releases of funds. They must release funds timely because without funds, the MDGs will not be achieved. We have finished our appropriation and

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

filed everything to them but when it comes to releasing funds they have been very epileptic. Our problem is late release of funds.

“They have to release funds

on time as far as MDGs is concerned. They should be given funds expressly just like ministry of health. The health care sector is one of the institutions that undertake some of our Programme. And at the end of every appropriation that

agency is given its own funds off front. On the first day of January of every new year National Health care centre takes the MDGs intervention. This is what we want to apply in every sector of our own intervention programmes.

Kaduna, Afam DISCo get payment extension

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HE Federal Govern ment has granted the request by Televeras Group and Northwest Power Plc–the preferred bidders for Afam Power Plc and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company–for the extension of date of payment of the balance of 75 per cent of purchase price by additional 60 days, from August 6 to October 6, this year.

Its Director of Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, in a statement yesterday, explained that Televeras Group pleaded the non-execution of the gas agreements required to bring the transaction to a financial conclusion and security challenges as reasons for

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

seeking the extension.

Televeras Group-preferred bidder for Afam Power Limited had on May 19 requested an extension of time to pay the balance of the 75 per cent bid price for the power firm because gas agreement that is germane to the completion under the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) it signed with the government had not been executed.

It noted that the bankability of the transaction is predicated on the execution of the gas agreement and that the non-execution of the agreement has made it difficult to sat-

isfy the due diligence enquiry required for the raising of funds for the financing of its pre and post acquisition plans.

PUBLIC NOTICE AKINYEMI

I,formerly known and addressed as OLUFISAYO JOY AKINYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUFISAYO JOY JOLAOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that ORIYOMI TOBI LOUIS OLUWATENIOLA refers to one and the same person as ORIYOMI TOBI LOUIS. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

billion was shared under statutory distribution, N65.46 billion under Value Added Tax (VAT) while the balance of N35.54 billion was allocated under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme.

After deducting the cost of collection to the FIRS and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Government got N257.32 billion representing 52.68 per cent, the 36 states shared the sum of N130.51 billion or 26.72 per cent while the sum of N100.62 billion was allocated to all the 774 local government areas all from the statutory revenue.

Based on the 13 per cent derivation principle, the oil producing states gotN52.87 billion.

The minister also said it was also agreed at the FAAC meeting that N62.84 billion be shared under VAT revenue in the following formula: Federal GovernmentN9.42 billion; states-N31.42 billion and local govern-

ments-N21.99 billion.

Yuguda said FAAC transferred N6.2 billion to the Excess Crude Account thus bringing the balance in the account to $4 billion while the sum of N35 billion was transferred to the domestic excess crude account for payment to oil marketers as subsidy.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman, Forum of FAAC Commissioners, Mr Timothy Odaah said it would be difficult to implement the order of the court which directed that funding of the judiciary should be made a first line charge.

According to him, the difficulty in executing the directive has forced the committee to direct the issue to the National Economic Council (NEC) for advise.

He said since this year’s budget had already been approved, it would be difficult to accommodate the demands of the union which the court had acceded to in its ruling.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

54

COMMUNIQUE ON OSUN STATE ELECTION.

ISSUED BY COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN NIGERIA ON THE AUGUST 9TH 2014 OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION AND PRESENTED TO NEWSMEN ON THURSDAY AUGUST 14TH 2014 AT THE NUJ PRESS CENTER UTAKO ABUJA. PREAMBLE:The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria that observed the just concluded Osun State Governorship Election presents to you gentlemen of the press, a communiquĂŠ issued at the end of the said election this day August 14th 2014 at the NUJ Press Center Utako, Abuja. Chaired by Comrade Bassey Ewa Ekamon JP, Country Director of International Network Against Corruption in Nigeria, the Coalition drew participants from 19 INEC Accredited observer Groups for 2014 Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections, Civil Society and the Media.

In view of the fact that Independent National Electoral Commission is saddled with the responsibility of Organizing and conducting Elections into public offices across the country, coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigerian, an umbrella body of over 120 registered prominent Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, committed to strengthening democratic Values within the African Continent, sent Nineteen Heads of member Organizations to INEC for accreditation to monitor the Osun State Governorship Election of 9th August, 2014.

PRE-ELECTION OBSERVATION: The nineteen Heads of our member Organizations empowered to observe the election arrived Oshogbo the Osun State Capital on Tuesday, 4th August, 2014 to carry out a pre-election observation ahead of the election.

This is aimed at determining the level of preparedness of both Security, INEC, Political Parties, the electorates and of-course all Stakeholders towards the Osun State Governorship Election Slated for the 9th of August, 2014 Inl our pre-election Observation, we noted the following: 1. We observed that the Federal Government provided the necessary Logistic supports to INEC to ensure a transparent, violent free and credible Governorship election in the State without any form of interference on the operations of the electoral body.

2. We noted that INEC was resolutely prepared and committed to conducting a credible, free and fair State Governorship Elections in Osun state and provided a level playing ground for all the political Parties in the State to participate in the election.

3. Our team also witnessed the arrival and receipt of election materials by the INEC Resident Elec toral Commissioner and staff in the INEC State Headquarters, Oshogbo, under the watchful eyes of various Party Agents, Eagle-eyed Security Agents, before distribution to 3010 polling Units across the 30 Local Government Areas amidst tight Security and in the company of the Party Agents and our team of observers.

4. We gathered that after due Consultations and considerations, the 9th August, 2014 date was unanimously accepted by all political Parties in the State, INEC and Stakeholders.

5. In proving their transparency, INEC accredited and Mobilized domestic election observers and Security agencies to observe the election and report accordingly without bias.

6. We observed that INEC Introduced an innovation called Voting Evidence Card. This mechanism guarantees the commitment of the electorates in regularly casting their votes; INEC through this initiative ensure that Civil Servants, Contractors, Unemployed Youth, Parents among others are guaranteed their rights and privileges.

THE ELECTION PROPER – GENERAL OBSERVATION: Our team of observers divided themselves into three groups to each of the three Senatorial Districts in the State.

We therefore observed the election as thus:* The Osun State Governorship Election actually took place as scheduled on the 9th August, 2014 in all the 3,010 polling units and 30 Local Government Areas across the State. * The Election was very calm, peaceful and of course, transparent without any interference or complaint from any quarter. * We observed that INEC was very careful to make available, all the election materials both sensitive and non-sensitive to their polling units. * The election materials arrived on time and were evenly distributed. * We observed that the turn-out of Voters for the election was relatively high inspite heavy Security presence. * We also noted that the ban on movement of persons was effectively enforced, hence people were not allowed to go about their usual activities than to comply.

INEC ACCREDITED LIST OF OBSERVER GROUPS: 1. Centre for Civic Education 2. Justice and Equity Organization 3. NEPAD Nigeria 4. Reclaim Naija 5. Centre for Democracy and Development 6. Centre for Peace Building and Socio-Economic Resource Development 7. Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room 8. Nigerian Bar Association 9. National Association for Peaceful Election in Nigeria 10. Independent Election Monitoring Group 11. Right Monitoring Group 12. Election Monitor 13. Police Service Commission 14. Clean Foundation 15. Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution 16. Research initiative for Sustainable Development and Gender Awareness 17. Justice Development and Peace Commission 18. The Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria 19. Women Arise for Change Initiative 20. EU Delegation 21. International Foundation for Electoral System 22. United States Mission to Nigeria 23. High Commission of Canada 24. British High Commission 25. UNDP/DGD- Abuja 26. Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands 27. Embassy of Switzerland 28. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany 29. Embassy of France OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP RESULT Having satisfied the requirement of the law, His Excellency, Ogbeni (Engr.) Rauf Aregbesola of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the dully elected Governor of Osun State.

RECOMMENDATIONS:Following the above observations and to improve on our electoral process, we wish to recommend the followings:a) The policy of no movement during the elections should be well enforced in future elections as our team, saw majority of the people not complying with the order, despite the heavy presence of Security Men and other Law enforcement Agencies. b) The Federal Government and the Electoral Management body should always engage prominent and Committed Civil Society Groups on an Intensive Civic VOTER EDUCATION, SENSITIZATION & MOBILIZATION ahead of every election. This will go a long way in encouraging VOTER participation in any election. c) The political parties should also engage in CIVIC VOTER Mobilization as a proactive way of ensuring effective pre-election campaign. d) Priority should be given to the most difficult terrains in the state in terms of distribution of election materials to ensure quick and timely commencement of elections. e) Provision should be made to guard against inclement weather that may interrupt the election process as was the case in Ife South and Ife North where heavy rainfall was witnessed during the election. f) Political Parties should ensure a wide spread presence of their Party Agents in all the polling units for effective party representation during Elections.

COMMENDATION:1. We commend the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, for allowing a level playing ground in the Osun Governorship Election. This will go a long way towards enhancing a free and fair election in the country.

2. Our team commends the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission Dr. Attahiru Jega, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner and their personnel for their wonderful prepara tion in providing all the needed logistics and materials on time which actually encouraged the success of the election.

3. The Security Agents are hereby applauded for providing a secured and peaceful environment for the election.

4 We appreciate the people of Osun state for their proper conducts during and after the August, 9th 2014, Osun state Governorship Election.

CONCLUSION:We conclude by saying that the August, 9th 2014 Osun State Governorship Election actually took place in all the 3,010 electoral polling units across the 30 Local Government Areas as scheduled under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere.

The Election was free, fair and transparent, we therefore, adjudge the said Election to have met the Internationally Acceptable Standards of Election hence the result should be accepted by all the candidates and political parties as reflecting the wishes and decisions of the electorate.

Finally, while we commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ably led by Prof. Attahiru Jega for his outstanding outing in Osun State, We also advise that the Federal Government should continually provide the much needed support to the umpire to enable it discharge its duties without fear or favour.

Finally, we congratulate the winner of the August, 9th 2014 Governorship election in Osun state, His Excellency Ogbeni Dr. (Engr.) Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and urge him to run an inclusive governance.

Thank you and God bless.

Mr. Victor Kalu Team Secretary 08073588811

Hon. Abdullahi M. Jabi Chairman, Contact & Mobilization

Comrade Bassey Ewa JP 07036515416

Team Leader

Cc. 1. His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Federal Republic of Nigeria, State House, Abuja 2. The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC National Headquarters, Abuja.

3. The Inspector General of Police Federal Republic of Nigeria, Louise Edet House, Abuja.

4. Director General State Security Service SSS National Headquarters, Abuja.

6. The Media 7. Mr. Paul Edwards EU Election Monitoring in Osun State, Nigeria.

8. Mr. C. M. Groffen Ambassabor Kingdom of Netherlands in Nigeria, Abuja.

5. The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Abuja

Above for your information please.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

CBN to harmonise money transfer limits for banks

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to harmonise fund transfer services for banks. Speaking at the weekend in Lagos, CBN Director, Banking & Payment System, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said the practice whereby banks have set up internal limits for funds’ transfer will have to be reviewed.

“We noticed that the platform, as good as it is, some banks are using it for unintended consequences. And so, each bank has put in place money transfer standards that are applicable within their banks. So, the CBN in consultation with the Bankers’ Committee, have decided that it will be good to have an industry standard,” he said.

Fatokun said the proposed review will ensure that a bank does not set a limit of N500,000, while another will set a limit of N1 million and another

Sterling Bank bags CBN’s Best Performing Bank Award

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Stories by Collins Nweze

N5 million, stating that such practice creates confusion in the minds of the banking populace.

“You know that could create confusion in the minds of the banking populace. And that was why we issued a circular calling for standardisation, so that not only the amount that will be transferred, but also on the security level in each of the banks will be uniform,” he said.

He said the circular remains a policy document specifying that by December this year, all banks in Nigeria must be at that highest level of security for instant payment to ensure that there would not exist any avenue for fraudsters to carry out their acts.

The CBN had in 2012, received and investigated four complaints against the commercial banks even as the is-

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

sues were promptly reported to the law enforcement agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

Globally estimated credit card fraud stood at $11 billion in 2012, making it one of the most significant criminal developments in modern times.

HE leading role of Sterling Bank in Agricultural financing was rewarded in Abuja yesterday as the Central Bank of Nigeria conferred on the lender the Best Performing Bank under Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).

The award was presented to the bank at the CBN’s Annual Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Finance Conference in Abuja. The conferment of the award to the bank was in recognition of its commitment to the growth of the agricultural sector.

The bank, in a statement, said it has disbursed funds to its customers under the agricultural scheme.

Speaking at the event, the CBN Governor, Emefele Godwin commended the bank for its support to the agricultural sector, adding that with the support of financial institutions, activities in the agricultural

Afrinvest to launch Banking Sector Report in Sept

NDIC warns against unlicensed fund managers

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HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, has warned Nigerians to be wary o f unlicensed fund managers, or wonder banks to avoid being swindled of their hard-earned resources by fraudsters.

It said funds deposited with unlicensed fund managers or wonder banks are not protected and could be lost in the event of any collapse.

NDIC’s Chief Executive Officer, Umaru Ibrahim, who spoke at a seminar in Benin City, said one of the major things to look out for to show that a financial institution is genuine, is the logo of NDIC. He said 40 per cent of the Nigerian population are operating outside the formal financial system.

Represented by the Zonal Officer, Sunday Oluyemi, Umaru called on the state government to take advan-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

tage of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s credit guarantee scheme for small and medium scale Enterprises, in order to encourage the establishment of microfinance banks in the areas.

He noted that the provision of an enabling environment for banks to operate minimally in the state, has minimized the stress of banking for those in small and medium scale industry.

He said NDIC operates as a “risk minimizer” through rigorous supervision of the issued institutions, hence NDIC pays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, soundness and stability of the Nigerian Financial system.

He stated that ‘in the event of bank failure, each depositor or Deposit Money Bank, is entitled to claim up

to a maximum guaranteed sum of N500, 000 each and a maximum of N200, 000 each for depositors of Microfinance Banks and Primary Mortgage Banks.

Umaru explained that a depositor with a claim above the issued amount is paid dividends from the proceeds raised from the sale of assets and recovery of debts owed to the closed banks.

“Let me use this opportunity to caution the banking public to be wary of unlicensed fund managers or wonder banks to avoid being swindled of their hard-earned resources by fraudsters.”

“Rather, depositors should save funds in NDIC-insured licensed deposits-taking financial institutions in the country to benefit from the Deposit Insurance Scheme,” he said.

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HE Nigerian Banking Sector Report, produced by leading wealth advisory firm – Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited will be launched on September 9, in Lagos.

In a statement released by Afrinvest, its Managing Director, Ike Chioke said the firm is pleased to announce that its much anticipated annual report on the Nigerian Banking Sector will be launched on September 9, 2014.”

According to Chioke, “This year’s report titled, “Navigating Growth in a Challenging Environment”, xrays the current conditions of the Nigerian Banking Landscape within the context of the domestic and global economy.” Principal stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial services industry, from both the public and

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2689 1.2656 0.9183 1.0705

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2600 1.2656 0.9003 1.0705

SYMBOL

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

1.32

0.12

65.20

68.45

3.25

CORNERST

0.51

0.53

0.02

UBN

8.18

8.49

9.00

9.25

0.25

STERLNBANK

2.12

2.17

0.05

29.70

30.30

0.60

226.00

230.00

4.00

LOSERS AS AT 19-08-14

CHANGE -0.12

COSTAIN

1.20

1.14

-0.06

FORTISMFB

5.70

5.42

-0.28

ETERNA

3.90

3.71

-0.19

2.26

2.15

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

259.5441

261.2215

206.4717

207.8061

170.033

171.1319

Yen

1.5127

1.5224

CFA

0.2968

0.3168

236.1742

237.7006

Yuan/Renminbi

25.1237

25.287

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

BERGER

EVANSMED

155.73

Swiss Franc

0.10

C/PRICE 1.25

154.73

N16.76 trillion

6.40

O/PRICE 1.37

US Dollar

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

3.20

SYMBOL VONO

$39.4b

0.31

179.50

DANGCEM

Selling (N)

Euro

3.10

STANBIC

Buying (N)

N15.9 trillion.

173.10

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

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

Currency

Money Supply (M2)

FIDSON

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

CBN EXCHANGE RATES August 14, 2014

12.0%

1.20

NB

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Monetary Policy Rate

C/PRICE

CONOIL

Transaction Dates 30/07/2014 23/07/2014 21/07/2014

8.2%

O/PRICE

PREMBREW

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Inflation: June

GAINERS AS AT 19-08-14

private sector, will attend the launch.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is the Special Guest of Honour, and Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji, will deliver the keynote address.

Started in 2010, the Afrinvest annual “Nigerian Banking Sector Report” has come to be recognised as the leading and most incisive report on Nigeria’s banking industry, and a valuable reference for local and international investors in the Nigerian economy.

Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited is a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa.

DATA BANK

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

sector will increase and in the process take its right place in the nation’s economy.

The Regional Business Executive of Sterling Bank, Japhet John who spoke on behalf of the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Yemi Adeola, assured that the bank will continue to provide funding across the value chain to ensure sustainable growth for the sector.

His words: “Agriculture is an important sector of the economy with high potential for employment generation, food security and poverty reduction.

“The sector played a key role in the economic growth of the country before the discovery of oil. At Sterling Bank, we intend to bring back these glorious days for the sector through adequate funding,”he said.

WAUA

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

Riyal

41.2558

41.5225

1M

12.175

12.101

SDR

236.938

238.4693

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

FOREX RATES

-0.11

RTBRISCOE

0.92

0.88

-0.04

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

PRESTIGE

0.52

0.50

- 0.02

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

COURTVILLE

0.55

0.53

-0.02

INTBREW

27.50

26.68

-0.82

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

ETI

17.20

16.80

-0.40

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.86

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2014

57

NEWS Army not ready to fight Boko Haram, says soldier

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GROUP of soldiers in the north-east is refusing to fight Islamist Boko Haram militants until they receive better equipment, one of the mutineers has told the BBC. The soldier, who requested anonymity, said at least 40 of his colleagues would refuse orders to deploy.

The military has not commented on the reported mutiny or the demands.

A state of emergency that was declared in three northeastern states last year has failed to curb the insurgency.

Boko Haram is fighting to create an Islamic state in Nigeria - and has stepped up its attacks after being pushed out of its bases in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, targeting towns and villages in deadly raids.

“Soldiers are dying like fowl,” the soldier, who said he and his colleagues were just outside Maiduguri, told the BBC Hausa service.

“The Nigerian army is not ready to fight Boko Haram,” he said, explaining that soldiers were not being given enough weapons and ammunition to take them on.

“Boko Haram are inside the bush, everywhere,” he said “They [senior commanders] are sacrificing soldiers,” he said.

Even the vehicles the soldiers were expected to use were old armoured cars that were not up to the job, he added.

A general in the army, who asked not to be named, told the BBC that he was unable to confirm the mutiny, but said “cowardice” was not uncommon in times of war - and any mutineers would be punished.

When the solder was asked if he feared being courtmartialled for taking part in the mutiny, he said that a soldier could only be taken to task for refusing to go to war.

“I joined the army to defend my country”, but you cannot defend it without being equipped to do so, he said.

In April, Boko Haram caused global outrage by abducting more than 200 girls from a boarding school in the remote town of Chibok in Borno state.

The group has also carried out a wave of bombings and assassinations, including that of moderate Muslim leaders opposed to its ideology.

‘Review training curriculum’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advocated a review of the training curriculum of health workers, to address health challenges.

Ajimobi, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, spoke yesterday at an examiners’ workshop organised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria at the University College hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

O

‘INEC created polling units to rig by-election’ HE All Progressives

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Congress (APC) alleged yesterday that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Niger State, Dr. Emmanuel Onucheyo, created 180 polling units in the Niger East ahead of the byelection to rig out its candidate, David Umaru.

The Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa, who spoke to reporters in Minna, said the creation of the units was a plot by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to favour the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the August 30 poll.

The party alleged that the

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

REC wrote for the creation of new polling units a few days to the election, knowing that the election was just a by-election.

Vatsa said the polling units in Niger East before was 1,122, but the party was surprised that a few days to the election, the REC wrote to the national headquarters and the polling units have been increased to 3,185.

These new units, APC alleged, were created to facilitate the massive rigging against its candidate for fear of defeat.

Protest cripples Onitsha over Niger Bridge

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ROTEST crippled yesterday activities in Onitsha, Anambra State, following an alleged plot to sideline the Dredgers Owners Association of Anambra State (DOAAS) in the payment of compensation by the Federal Government.

This occurred a few hours after Anglican Church faithful protested the demolition of their church at Oyolo Oze, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government by unknown persons.

Addressing reporters yesterday, the Chairman of DOAAS, Mr. Gilbert

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Udemadu and secretary, Onyekachi Igwejim, said they were protesting the alleged plot by a group to defraud the Federal Government “and collect our compensation.”

They said members of DOAAS were invited to a meeting in November last year by a consulting firm, Aurecon Nigeria Ltd, to deliberate on the modalities to pay compensation for their property.

According to them, the property would be affected by the building of the Sec-

ond Niger Bridge.

DOAAS said it discovered that it was dropped by the Federal Government half way “and government adopted a list of those whose property are not near the place the second bridge will pass through.”

The group said: “After the first meeting with Aurecon Nigeria Ltd, there were other meetings where we were informed that it was the Federal Government’s directive that any person affected or is likely to be affected by the building of the bridge will be compensated.

“We were asked to submit

a list of our members affected by the project. While we were still harmonising the list, Gilbert Obi, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of DOAAS, registered another group, Amalgamated Sand Dealers’ Association of Anambra State, and submitted a list to the consulting firm.”

Obi, however, denied the allegation.

He said the Federal Government had documented the persons and groups affected by the project.

Obi denied involvement in selecting a group for compensation.

2015: INEC, Reps, others seek limited role for military

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking limited role for the Nigerian Armed Forces in elections.

The commission said electronic and Diaspora voting would not be feasible in the 2015 general elections.

But it assured that enough card readers were being procured for the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega spoke yesterday in Abuja at a public hearing on the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

Jega sought the extension of the time for the conduct of run-off elections to the offices of the President and the governors from seven to 21 days.

On deployment of armed personnel during elections, INEC backed the amendment of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which inserts a new paragraph(b), limiting the role of the military to “securing the distribution and delivery of electoral materials”.

The new paragraph (b) reads: “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for the purposes of securing the vote, the Com-

mission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in the manner determined by the Commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies.

“Provided that the Commission shall request for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces only for the purpose of securing the distribution and delivery of electoral materials.”

A committee member Ahmad Ali said part of what the bill is seeking was that the deployment of security personnel should be at the

instance of the Commission and not by the Minister or any other state official.

In response to a question on enough security personnel for the General election following successes recorded by their presence during isolated elections recently conducted, Jega said deployment is a matter of priority.

“Deployment of soldiers was always based on security reports in area of election. But before 2015, with the support of the African Union (AU), we are going to engage Election Risk Management Tool to help us identify risk areas,” Ali said.

‘War crimes’: DHQ cautions against assault on military HE Defence Headquarters yesterday warned against public assault on the Federal Government and the military through packaged scenes and footages of alleged extra-judicial killings by troops.

It said a broad investigation was still in progress on the allegations leveled against some soldiers in some flashpoints in the North-East.

The DHQ said it has not reneged on its promise to deeply investigate the veracity of the video clips It however said the airing of such footages might make it difficult to locate the alleged perpetrators of the said killings The DHQ made its position known in a statement on

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From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

its blog last night against he backdrop of a fresh report by the Daily Independent Newspaper in the United Kingdom.

The statement said: “The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has carefully watched the four- minute video clip which the Daily Independent newspaper, UK promised to release detailing what it described as “Nigerian government’s war crime against its citizens”.

“It is noteworthy that despite the very wide and alarming promotion given to the said document, the material only contained a synopsis of scenes from the same video which has been in circulation on the internet for some weeks now.

•From left:Air Vice Marshal Stephen Onu, Director Air Force Transport; Air Vice Marshal Adebowale Odunlade, Chief of Training, Nigerian Air Force; Mr Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); and Commodore Jatau Luka, Director Maritime Services, Naval Headquarters Annex, Moloney, Lagos, at the beginning of the anti-piracy air show by the joint team of NIMASA, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy in Lagos…yesterday

“It will be recalled that the military authority has also initiated a broad investigation into these clips, with a view to identifying those indicted to ensure that due justice is meted to any perpetrator of human rights abuse narrated in those films.

“It is also noteworthy that the only new additions to the video film report of the documentary are the comments by individuals whose position about terrorism in Nigeria are already well known.”

The DHQ said the continuous use of the alleged scenes and footages might make it difficult to track down the culprits.

The statement added: “It is therefore curious that despite the ongoing efforts, these apparently orchestrated campaigns with the use of scenes

and footages that are under investigation could constitute a threat to the efforts to locate the culprits of the alleged human rights abuse.

“It will be recalled that similar attitude was displayed last week by a human rights campaign group which, despite assurances of due investigation of the crimes alleged in these video, still went ahead to embark on a media campaign with similar video, thereby apparently giving the likely culprits a chance to escape or cover their tracks.

“It would appear that this hastily packaged conclusions and judgmental remarks are clearly in furtherance of the now common public assault against the Nigerian Government and its military.”

•Former Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Maj-Gen Funsho Owonibi (left) and the Corps’ new boss, Maj-Gen John Davies, during the handover in PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU. Lagos... yesterday.

58

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

NEWS 300 pro-Jonathan groups for screening From From Kazeem , Uyo

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BOUT 300 groups showed up in the first day of the screening and evaluation of organisations supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election, it was learnt yesterday.

The leader of the screening team in the Southsouth, Sebibo Horsfall, said this in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He said: “The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Prof. Ahmed Alkali, inherited about 3,000 to 4,000 support groups from his predecessor, Gulak.

“The purpose of this exercise is to harmonise these groups. We want to know them and want them to know us. They are our friends and we are like one family. We want us to work together towards Jonathan’s re-election in 2015.”

Horsfall said the exercise was running simultaneously across the six geo-political zones.

‘NDDC’ll touch more lives’

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HE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will touch more lives as its funding improves, Ondo State’s representative on the commission’s Governing Board Mr. Benson Amuwa has said.

Amuwa spoke at the opening of free medical programmes in Igbobini, Ese-Odo Local Government Area and Igo, Ilaje Local Government Area.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Universal Medical Foundation and Pro-Health International.

Amuwa urged the people to cooperate with the medical teams and urged the Federal Government to release funds to the NDDC, so that it can achieve its mandate.

The Olu of Igbobini, Oba Oyedele Raphael, represented

by Chief Olasehinde Ajele, thanked the NDDC for the mission.

Hoteliers decry double taxation

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

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HE Nigeria Hoteliers’ Association (NHA), Rivers State chapter, has urged the government to address cases of the double taxation of its members.

The Chairman, Eugene Nwauzi, spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt when he visited the General Manager of the State Newspaper Corporation, Celestine Ogolo.

Nwauzi complained that there was duplicity of duties in tax assessment on hoteliers by the ministries of Environment and Water Resources, and the State Water Board.

He urged the State Internal Revenue Services (RIRS) to harmonise the tax process and stop multiple taxation.

Nwauzi hailed Obio/ Akpor Local Government Council for setting up a committee to oversee hotels and protect them from touts.

He said members of the association would continue to offer quality services and boost the state’s revenue.

Ogolo said the corporation would partner NHA to improve tourism.

B

Dickson’s aide, ex-militant leader trade accusations

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has been accused of working against President Goodluck Jonathan’s yet undeclared re-election bid.

A former militant leader, Mr. Eris Paul, popularly called Ogunboss, has made the allegation.

But the popular thinking is that Ogunboss is unhappy that the governor “abandoned him, because he is allegedly loyal to former Governor Timipre Sylva, and was wooing other former militant leaders, especially, Mr. Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, called Boyloaf”.

Ogunboss and Boyloaf are former commanders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Boyloaf is the chairman of the 11-man State Security Task Force and a member of the State Centre for Youth Development Board.

Last Sunday, the former militant’s 26-year-old cousin, Mr. Kingsley Otokolo, was shot by a member of the task force set up by Southern Ijaw Local Government to check oil theft.

Otokolo was shot on the Peremabiri waterways.

This led to an exchange of words between Ogunboss and Southern Ijaw Local Government Council Chairman Mr.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Remember Ogbe.

Ogbe referred to Otokolo and his group as “bandits”.

He said Otokolo and 12 others, who were riding on a speedboat, shot at members of the task force, who were patrolling the waterways.

Ogbe said: “When several warning shots into the air by men of the Nigerian Navy stationed in Peremabiri could not deter the bandits, security personnel attached to the task force joined forces with the naval personnel and shot Otokolo, the leader of the group, in the thigh.

“Maneuovering the boat to the shoreline, the bandits escaped into the forest. Afterwards, concerned community leaders reported Otokolo and two members of his gang who were seeking medical treatment.

“The three persons have since been arrested while 10 others are still at large. The public is requested to report information that can lead to the arrest of other members of the gang.”

He said those arrested were receiving treatment and would soon be arraigned.

Ogbe alleged that

Otokolo’s group shot at members of the task force on Ogunboss’ directive, adding that the former militant leader had earlier carried out two unsuccessful attacks on Peremabiri in a bid to regain control of the area.

The council chairman said: “It is pertinent to highlight that only personnel of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security forces in the task force carry arms, and not civilian members. The inclusion of the men of the Department of State Security (DSS) makes this even more compelling.

“Hence, the activities of the Southern Ijaw Oil and Gas Task Force have been commended by Federal Government agencies, such as the Nigerian Oil Spillage and Detection Agency.”

However, Ogunboss accused Ogbe and his vice, Mr. Progress Neverdie, who chairs the task force, of arming civilian members with assault rifles.

He said: “Neverdie ordered the arrest of my cousin over the possession of three empty 25-litre jerry cans. But naval personnel stationed at the entrance of Peremabiri

community freed him after searching his boat and nothing incriminating was found on him.

Thereafter, Neverdie called on his men and ordered them to shoot Otokolo. Presently, the boy is hospitalised in Yenagoa.

“I have told my lawyers to take the matter to court to determine if there is a law in this country that empowers civilians to handle sophisticated military rifles and shoot innocent citizens in front of a naval house boat”.

Ogunboss has reportedly petitioned the Presidency, alleging that Dickson was after his life.

He accused the governor of disloyalty to Jonathan, adding that some ex-militant leaders paid N300,000 to the state government before they were allowed to use the Ijaw Hall in Yenagoa for a prayer session for the President.

On his Facebook page, Ogunboss alleged that the governor was working against Jonathan’s re-election.

Ogbe said the Ijaw House was a revenue-generating outfit of the government and using itattracts a N300,000 fee.

•Primate, The African Church Worldwide, His Eminence Emmanuel Udofia addressing a news conference on his 30th years of service and 25 th years of his wedlock in Lagos…yesterday. With him are Bishop, Lagos Central Diocese, Rev Julius Abbe PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS (middle) and Lay President (Central Diocese, Chief Muyiwa Adebayo.

Accusing Ogunboss of blackmail, he said: “It is an open secret that the governor is in the forefront of the President’s second term bid and has incurred political enemies as a result of his undiluted support for Mr. President, which dates back to his days as a deputy governor.

“Thus, the cheap and false tantrum thrown by Eris (a.k.a. Gen. Ogunboss) should be seen as a malicious blackmail by an ex-militant, who had been run out of criminality by the Dickson administration. Indeed, the rule of law has come to stay.

“The public is urged to disregard whatever infamy is poured out by Ogunboss, because same was made by him in a bid to rescue his criminal-minded younger brother and to perpetrate falsehood.”

‘Imoke’s successor must share his vision’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke’s successor must share his vision, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development Patrick Ugbe told reporters yesterday.

Ugbo said anyone who does not share Imoke’s vision would take the state backwards The commissioner, who has indicated interest in the job, said: “Every Nigerian now knows that there is a place called Cross River. Even those who have not been here realise that it is a model state. It was not by fluke. It is a journey that started 15 years ago and when Imoke came in, he consolidated on those gains and brought new ideas.

“During his tenure, we had an economic blueprint. He is doing eight years and you cannot realise all the programmes you have planned in a blueprint within eight years. It is a long term programme.

“So anybody coming after Imoke must be ready to continue from where he would stop to sustain the gains we have made over 16 years.”

Edo Colleges of Education workers begin strike PDP disowns Rivers Mainstream Coalition

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CADEMIC and nonacademic staff of Edo State-owned tertiary institutions began yesterday a seven-day strike.

They are protesting the nonpayment of 16-month arrears arising from the implementation of the CONPCASS AND CONTEDISS salary structure from July, 2009 to October, 2010.

The institutions are College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; College of Education, Ekiadolor; Institute of Management Technology, Usen; and College of Education, Igueben.

The workers lamented inadequate funding, irregularity in the payment of salary, infrastructural decay and nonaccreditation of some courses in the institutions.

The Coalition of Unions of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions urged the government to accede to the workers’ demands.

The coalition’s President, Fred Omonuwa, said: “For over two years, tertiary insti-

From OSemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

‘For over two years, tertiary institutions have been trying to ensure that the 16 months salary owed workers arising from the difference in the implementation of...’ tutions have been trying to ensure that the 16-month salary owed workers arising

T

from the difference in the implementation of CONPCASS and CONTEDISS from July, 2009 to October, 2010 are paid.

“Several correspondence were made between the unions and the government, particularly when the arrears of workers at the Ambrose Ali University (AAU), Ekpoma, were paid by the government. On several occasions, the unions called off strikes as a mark of solidarity with the governor.

“If the government is not sure about the sincerity and ability of the various managements to pay salary and other entitlements of workers promptly, it can investigate the authenticity or otherwise of the claims of the managements.

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

HE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Onipanu Division, Otta to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are: Nissan Sunny AP 633DBU, and 26 motorcycles

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has disowned a group called the Rivers Mainstream Coalition.

The party, in an online statement, said: “A group known as Rivers Mainstream Coalition is not known to the party and is not one of the groups that has been collaborating and supporting the PDP.” It said the clarification became necessary following attempts by the group to drag the PDP’s name into “its extremely wicked and malicious activities”.

PDP condemned the use of its logo by the group in a publication in THISDAY of August 16 on Page 44, without authorisation, describing it as “illegal and criminal”.

The party said: “We hereby state that the publication under reference was done in bad taste to cause confusion in the PDP and

undermine the authority of the party in the state by arrogating the rights to summon and screen PDP governorship aspirants, which is the primary responsibility of the party.

“Given the seriousness the party attaches to membership cohesion and respect for order, we have commenced investigation to ascertain if Chief Bekinbo Sobrekon and Prof. Israel Owate, who jointly signed the publication, are members of the PDP in Asari Toru Local Government Area and Eleme Local Government Area.

“If the findings show that they are members of the party, we will invoke relevant provisions of the party’s constitution to address this rascality. By so doing, these busybodies and their ilk will not find comfort in contaminating the genuine efforts of loyal party members towards building a great PDP.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

NEWS

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APC decries plans to arrest chair in Borno

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has decried plans by the Department of State Service (DSS)to arrest its chairman in Borno State, Ali Abubakar Dalori, on trumped-up charges.

The party said such arrest would cause crisis in an already-volatile environment.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, APC said the situation in Borno was already dire, hence no one should fuel a raging fire because of scorched-earth politics.

It warned the DSS to resist the temptation to dabble into politics, even while it is glaring that the agency is compromised.

“The careless and clearly

Ebola scare in Kogi

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•Urges DSS to shun partisanship partisan statements being made by DSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogar have shown discerning Nigerians the direction in which the agency is leaning. However, it must still exercise caution in order not to spark a needless crisis in Borno.

“We have it on good authority that with the recent movement of Ali Modu Sheriff to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attempts are being made to destabilise the APC in Borno, using agencies of the state, such as the DSS. The take-off point is the arrest of our chairman in the state on trumped-up charges.

“Let those seeking to trigger a crisis in Borno know that the indigenes are resolute in their determination

to ensure a level-playing field in the run-up to the 2015 elections. It is curious that the DSS has suddenly unearthed supposed offences committed by Dalori to warrant his arrest, now that Sheriff has defected to the PDP. “We are compelled to warn the DSS that as an organ of state, it cannot afford to be partisan. An agency being sustained by the taxpayers cannot turn around to hunt the same taxpayers.

An agency that is supposed to protect Nigerians cannot be the same agency being used to witch-hunt the opposition.

“Unless the DSS turns a new leaf and stops making itself a tool in the hands of

Senator to spend N10m on bursary

•Mohammed

politicians, the agency will ridicule itself and weaken its capacity to function effectively,” APC said.

The party urged the DSS and other security agencies to concentrate on arresting the daily carnage being perpetrated in Borno and other states by Boko Haram, instead of allowing those who helped to precipitate the carnage in the first instance to further destabilise the state.

Suspected thugs kill paramilitary men in Gombe

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USPECTED thugs have killed two members of the Gombe State Corps Marshal, the Chief of Staff, Gombe State Government House, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, has said.

He spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the 11 committees of the Gombe Unity and Development Forum, at

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

the palace of the Emir of Gombe.

Yayari said the killing occurred three days ago behind the emir’s palace in the Gombe metropolis and described it as dastardly.

“Three days ago, behind

the emir’s palace, near Alhaji Ali Jijji’s house, two paramilitary men were killed by suspected thugs. This is bad,” he added.

The chief of staff urged youths to desist from devilish acts.

An eyewitness said the victims had their throats slit about 10pm on Sunday.

Robust media‘ll enthrone better democracy, says Nda-Isaiah

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, has said the robust contribution of the media would enthrone better democratic norms.

He hailed the media for its doggedness and steadfastness in the battle for the return to democracy, despite the odds.

Nda-Isaiah spoke yesterday at the third Press Week annual lecture of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA) of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State.

The presidential hopeful, who was represented by Hajiya Mariya Ibrahim Baba, said the struggle of the media for press freedom was for the growth of democracy.

He said: “Encouraging friction means a free and open society confronts its problems

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

and preserves the system.”

Nda-Isaiah, the publisher of Leadership, identified suppression of ideas as the major threat to governmental system.

He said this leads to pressure on the community and the polity.

“In the country today, we can admit that the only achievement of our democracy is freedom of the press. This cannot, however, be achieved without the contributions of the media. It shapes the democratic system to act in tandem with the desire of the populace,” NdaIsaiah added.

According to him, the focus to sustain democracy was being challenged by insecurity, insurgency, abduction, robbery and corruption.

He said the work done by

‘Encouraging friction means a free and open society confronts its problems and preserves the system’ the media for the sustenance of democracy was being spoilt by the government in power, which remained docile in apprehending the bottleneck militating against the polity.

Nda-Isaiah said the media “with regards to the 2015 general elections, as opinion moulders, should, through their activities, provide guidance for the people to do that which is right and provide things that will ensure unity and stability.”

NEMA trains agencies in casualty handling

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HE Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, has urged effective and efficient multi-casualty handling on bomb blast scenes.

He spoke yesterday in Minna when opening a oneday simulation seminar on Multi-Agency Exercise on Mass Casualty Handling During Bomb Explosions.

Sidi said: “NEMA, saddled with the responsibility of coordinating emergency and disaster, has seen the need to bring stakeholders together to discuss how to mitigate the impact of such attacks and

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

organise an exercise to enhance the level of preparedness of the stakeholders to respond to mass casualty situation.”

Represented by Mr. Lugard Bijimi, the coordinator of Niger and Kwara zonal office of the agency, Sidi said NEMA had put in place frameworks and plans for effective disaster management.

The director-general said the aim of terrorists was to kill and inflict injuries on many people at a time.

He said educating stakeholders and volunteers on their responsibility in a disaster sce-

nario would reduce conflicts, duplication of efforts and inter-agency rivalry.

“This programme is organised to provide stakeholders with information to enhance effective collaboration and proper handling of the victims of bomb disasters,” Sidi said.

He stressed that for an effective and successful response during bomb blasts, stakeholders required effective and a well-coordinated communication on bomb blast scenes.

The NEMA boss urged the participants to have a good understanding of the strategic, tactical and operational levels of response management system.

From James Azania, Lokoja

OGI State government dispelled yesterday a rumour that there was an outbreak of Ebola virus in Lokoja.

A few days ago, there was a rumour that an Ebola patient was rejected at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital.

Describing the rumour as dangerous, the state Epidemiologist, Dr. Samuel Ihinmikaye, urged residents to disregard it.

Government said it was aware of the rumour.

It said: “There is no case of Ebola viral haemorrhagic fever in the state.

“There is no Ebola virus patient either brought or admitted at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja or any other hospital in the state.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth leader, Alhaji Bappah Jauro, said youths sometime vandalised his house.

He decried the act and enjoined them to appreciate the good programmes government had done in Gombe by their good conduct.

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HE lawmaker representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has pledged to give N10 million as the annual bursary for 200 students from the senatorial district.

His spokesman, Chief Fehinti Dada, spoke yesterday in Lokoja when inaugurating a committee on the Senator Smart Adeyemi Scholarship Board.

From James Azania, Lokoja

He said the lawmaker, who has been giving bursary to students of the district, discovered that more students were still coming for help, hence he established a scholarship board.

Dada said 200 students across the wards in the seven local governments of the district would benefit from the N10million fund.

Police: ban on rallies still in force

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HE Kwara State Police Command said the ban on public rallies, processions and political meetings is still in force.

It said voter registration, which begins today, would hold in eight local governments. They are Asa, Ilorin South and West, Irepodun, Isin, Moro and Offa.

Police spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi said: “Continuous voter registration will take place in the 16 local governments between August 20 and 25.”

Former Governor, Senator Bukola Saraki, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yet to be captured in the permanent voter card to participate in the continuous registration exercise.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will start a six-day continuous registration of voters in the state today.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Israel strikes Gaza targets after rocket fire N Israeli delegation has been ordered home from talks in Cairo aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, a senior Israeli official said Tuesday, shortly after the Israeli military blamed militants in Gaza for breaking a truce.

Three rockets fired from Gaza hit the Beer Sheva area in southern Israel Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli military said. No injuries were reported.

The rocket fire came only

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hours after the ceasefire was extended until the end of the day, as Palestinian and Israeli negotiators, struggling to reach a more lasting agreement, reported little progress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces to respond to the rockets, a senior Israeli official told CNN. An IDF statement shortly afterward said strikes were being carried out against targets in Gaza.

“Yet again, terrorists

breach the ceasefire and renew fire at Israeli civilians from Hamas ruled Gaza Strip,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner said in the statement.

“This continued aggression will be addressed accordingly by the IDF; we will continue striking terror infrastructure, pursuing terrorists, and eliminating terror capabilities in the Gaza Strip, in order to restore security for the State of Israel.”

It’s not yet clear who fired

Pope’s relatives die in road accident

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HE wife and two chil dren of Pope Francis’s nephew have been killed in a car crash in Argentina, officials say.

His nephew, Emanuel Bergoglio, was badly hurt in the accident in the Cordoba area, north-east of the capital, Buenos Aires.

The Pope was “profoundly

saddened” by the news, his spokesman Francesco Lombardi said.

Before becoming Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was cardinal of Buenos Aires.

His nephew’s family was reportedly returning home from a break when their car collided with a lorry at James

Craik, some 580km (360 miles) north-east of Buenos Aires shortly before midnight.

His wife Valeria Carmona, 39, and their two children Jose, 2, and eight-month-old Antonio were all killed, reports said.

The Papal spokesman said he asked “all who share in his grief to unite with him in prayer”.

the rockets from Gaza, and no group has claimed responsibility.

However, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zouhri, in a text message sent to CNN, denied that Hamas was responsible.

“We have no information about rockets being shot from Gaza to Israel. The aim of the air strikes on Gaza is to stop the negotiations in Cairo. The Israeli occupation bears the responsibility for this,” he said.

Five Palestinians, including two children, were wounded in an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Ashraf al Qidra, spokesman for the Gaza health department, told CNN. Al Aqsa TV reported airstrikes in northern and central Gaza, as well.

In Israel, warning sirens once again sounded in the Sdot Negev area, as Israel’s missile defense system was seen intercepting rockets.

Ferguson unrest: Egypt urges U.S. to show restraint

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EAVILY armed police wearing riot gear have become a regular sight on the streets of the St Louis suburb in America ...Yesterday PHOTO:AFP Egypt’s government has called on US authorities to show restraint against protesters in Ferguson, Missouri.

It said it was “closely following the escalation of protests” after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white policeman on 9 August.

The statement echoes US President Barack Obama’s comments during Egypt’s crackdown on protesters in 2013.

Correspondents say the criticism is unusual since Egypt gets about $1.5bn ( £1m) in aid from the US every year.

President Obama is under increasing pressure to bring an end to the violent scenes in the St Louis suburb.

It is now 10 days since Michael Brown’s death, which sparked mass demonstrations.

Jay Nixon, the governor of Missouri, has ordered the National Guard to support police operations, but violence flared again on Monday night, with law enforcement officers arresting 31 people.

The unrest continued on Monday night, with police firing tear gas at crowds of demonstrators The statement from Egypt’s foreign ministry followed a similar call from United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon, who called on Missouri police to abide by “US and international standards”.

Iran added its voice to the criticism, with Majid TakhtRavanchi, the deputy foreign minister for European and American Affairs, saying the unrest was a sign of “the phenomenon of racism” in the West.

TRIBUTE

Umana at 55: A leader for his time As Umana Okon Umana, former secretary to Akwa Ibom State government and leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant for next year’s race, turns 55 today, one of his disciples, Iboro Otongaran looks at the Umana phenomenon and his leadership potential for Akwa Ibom State.

number of clichés have been used to describe great men. One of them is the well-worn wit, “A legend ahead of his time.” But today we thank God for giving us a leader for his time, Umana Okon Umana, immediate past secretary to Akwa Ibom State, born 55 years ago on 20 August 1959 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Okon Umana, hardworking civil servants from Nsit Ubium in present day Akwa Abasi Ibom State, who did their best to imbue their son with all the wholesome values that would stand him out as a man of destiny.

Fifty-five years on, that young son from a working class home has become an icon, an extraordinary leader for his time. That is the reason for joy in the camp of his disciples and followers alike, that Umana Okon Umana, a leader for his time, is their own. Others are leaders ahead of their time, which is a sad mismatch. But we are lucky to have an extraordinary leader to look up to for direction in this extraordinary time, a man of tremendous self-control and intellect to lead us around the landmines of these perilous days. That is why we are celebrating. We are celebrating because we have the best leader we could ever wish for, a leader seasoned to deal with the peculiarity of his time.

For me a chance encounter in 2003 along the verandah of Government House, Uyo led to a treasured discovery that would become an inspiration, a challenge, an opportunity all at once in the last one decade and a year. That chance encounter was with Umana Okon Umana, a man I was to find out is a paragon of quiet efficiency. At that time he was the commissioner for finance in the administration of Governor Victor Attah. Over the years, a work relationship I had with him grew in warm and affection into a personal friendship. Today I feel extremely privileged to say that Umana Okon Umana is my boss and friend.

Working with him has proved to be an experience I will not trade for anything else. Umana daily illustrates the saying widely attributed to the great architect, Le Corbusier that “God is in the details.”

Umana is a man of details. That is why he achieves near perfection in whatever he does. In my work with him, he never glosses over anything. He goes over every piece of paperwork with a fine tooth comb and will never sign off on the job until every detail is right, no matter how long it takes to get to that point. But make no mistake about it, he is not leisurely in his work pace. He demands quality with alacrity.

Umana has legendary zest for work. It is amazing the energy and stamina he brings to the workplace.

He sleeps precious little. A call from the boss by 2 am or such other interesting hour for one assignment or the other is not infrequent.

He regularly sets very tight schedules. Working with him demands thinking on your feet and being ready at all time for late breaking assignments.

But he soothes such pressure as work brings with amazing heart of appreciation, and never passes up an opportunity to commend a job well done.

This interesting work ethics is what Umana is offering his people in his quest to lead them come 2015.

But he is offering much more. He would also bring to the table uncommon experience and exceptional competence born of preparation—extraordinary preparation— for the high calling of leadership.

In the large field of people with aspirations to run for the office of governor next year, no one comes close to Umana in terms of direct experience with public administration and statecraft.

His profile boasts a rounded experience in the public service. He was principal budget officer, deputy director of budget, and director of budget before he was elevated to the very peak of his civil service career as permanent secretary in charge of budget in the governor’s office in Akwa Ibom State. He earned the position of permanent secretary by sheer superior performance when some of his contemporaries were still at the directorate levels. The testimony to his distinguished career in the civil service was not limited to his rapid climb to the top. In 1991 he was hon-

oured with the Akwa Ibom State Public Service Award for Outstanding Performance. Umana earned most of these accolades for his distinguished service while in the budget office.

We need to stress that the budget office has significance that belies its simple title. The budget process is at the very heart of governance.

It is not an overstatement to compare it to the flow of oxygen that keeps all body functions working to guarantee good health. Umana mastered the budget process before moving up to superintend over public finance in Akwa Ibom State when he was appointed commissioner for finance under the administration of His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah in 2003. He held the finance portfolio in the Attah administration until that government came to an end on May 2007.

The succeeding government led

by His Excellency, Obong Godswill Akpabio named Umana to the position of secretary to the state government on 1 June 2007. He executed the office of secretary to the state government with his trademark finesse and effectiveness and left indelible marks on the execution of public policies and programmes. At the end of the call to duty as secretary to the state government, the state governor, HE Governor Godswill Akpabio paid him a glowing tribute, describing him as a man of “exceptional competence” and noted that his “commitment and dedication to duties as a Member of the State Executive Council contributed immensely to the achievements recorded by my Administration.” He headed some of the most pivotal committees during his time in government, including the finance and general purposes committee of the state executive council for six years.

The huge weight of official responsibilities that his bosses placed upon his shoulders surely reflects their belief in his exceptional competence as a public officer.

But Umana is not just a man of exceptional competence, he is also a man who is prepared and ready to lead. He is prepared and ready for service at the highest level of leadership to his people not just by

•Umana

way of experience, but also by formal training. He studied Economics at the University of Calabar and earned an MBA from University of Port Harcourt before taking advantage of executive training opportunities to hone up his leadership skills at London Business School and Columbia Graduate School of Business, New York.

Umana is an embodiment of all the qualities found in a transformational leader. He has strength of character, is consistent, highly focused, possessed of tremendous self-control; he is humble, stable and mature. He is a man of great conviction who combines greatness with common touch. He is friends alike with everyday people and the high and mighty.

He offers the three P combination that defines effective leadership success: Preparation, Passion and Plan. Umana is prepared to lead, he is passionate about it and has a plan for his people. His passion is fired by the vision “to build a state that is distinguished by rapid, inclusive growth and development, where all citizens have equal right to the duties and privileges of their common heritage.” He believes in inclusion. He is not clannish. His personal friends come from all the ethnic nationalities in Akwa Ibom State. That is why the UOU campaign is such a moving pan-Akwa Ibom force. That is why Umana champions are out in their strength in Essien Udim as much as they are in Oro nation, Ukanafun, Abak, Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Eket, Eastern Obolo, Etim Ekpo, Ikono, Ini, Itu, Ibiono, Nsit Ubium, Etinan, and everywhere. Even outside Akwa Ibom, Umana collects friends and people are generally attracted to him. He is a likable man.

He cares deeply for people, which is why he attracts such a large and diverse following, a true rainbow coalition. A man of great compassion, Umana is a quiet but bigbudget philanthropist. He has a large number of Nigerian students under his scholarship. Routinely he helps out people with needs for medical expenses, and other issues.

Umana’s personal obsession with the welfare of people around him has found expression in his political platform. In a recent chat with media men, Umana said he is seeking political power to bring an end to provocative inequality and inexcusable mass poverty in Akwa Ibom State. Those of us who know him up close take the promise to end mass poverty seriously because we are dealing with a leader whose words are his bond. He does what he says he will do. Throw into the mix the good fortune that Akwa Ibom is a resource-rich state, then you have a very strong prospect of transformation that excludes no one nor any section of the state, under a leader who believes in inclusion and treats the formulation and execution of policies and programmes that guarantee inclusive growth and development as the only justifiable reason for aspiration to leadership.

As Akwa Ibom stands at a crossroads, the state badly needs a leader who believes in inclusion; not a politician who will continue with the programme of exclusion. At this juncture, where a wrong step would further exacerbate ethnic tension and magnify division in the state, we need a leader who is prepared and ready, and not an accidental politician and a draft.

Umana is ready and has a plan to refocus development at the people. His passion is the people, their welfare, their long-term empowerment. His unparalleled knowledge of the state, its development needs and the yearnings of the people will be his guiding light in the intervention programmes to lift the people out of poverty.

His unparalleled knowledge will guide him to where there is need to correct lopsidedness in infrastructure development, where there is ground to address deprivation in representation, wherever there is need to instill a sense of belonging. Umana promises a balanced scorecard, given his experience, competence and sense of fair play.

On this occasion of celebration for my boss and friend and a good family man, I want to say 55 happy cheers to this extraordinary leader of our time.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014

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NEWS Why I defected to PDP, by Ribadu Continued from page 4

table and schedule of activities for the Adamawa State governorship by-election.

The by-election to replace impeached Governor Murtala Nyako has been slated for October 11, in accordance with Section 191(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which states that governorship election shall hold not more than three (3) months

from the date of impeachment of a governor.

According to INEC’s time table and schedule of activities, September 17 is the last day for the submission of nomination forms to the INEC headquarters. September 29 is the last day for publication of details of candidates.

Campaigns end on October 9.

Where the election is unable

to produce a winner, a run-off election is slated for seven days after the announcement of the result.

The last day for submission of Forms CF002, CF001 and nomination forms at the INEC headquarters is September 17.

The last day for publication of personal particulars of candidates (CF001) is September 29.

Campaign ends on October 9.

“Should there be any run-off

election, it will be held within seven days after the announcement of the result of the election in accordance with Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

As at yesterday, nine aspirants had picked the PDP nomination forms.

Latest to pick the form is Adamawa State House of Assembly Chief Whip Jerry Kumdisi.

Tambuwal’s comment unsettles Presidency

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OUSE Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s political hazy future has unsettled the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

There were fears yesterday in the PDP that Tambuwal is likely to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was also learnt that the ruling party has not foreclosed “plans” to sack Tambuwal if he switches over to APC, after making a “code statement”.

The PDP has used the ongoing vacation of the National Assembly to woo Senators and members of the House of Representatives to secure a comfortable majority in the two chambers.

But it was learnt last night that Tambuwal has kept his game plan to his chest. His decision on 2015 may come in the last minute.

There are rumours that he may either vie for a presidential ticket or return to Sokoto State for the governorship poll.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Speaker created unease in the Presidency and PDP when he declared that “Nigeria deserves good leadership in 2015”.

Also, when responding to a question on whether he would defect to APC or not, he simply said: “Kowa ni tsuntsu kukan gidan su yake yi”, which means “birds of a feather flock together”.

Some Presidency and PDP chiefs, it was said yesterday, regard Tambuwal’s comments as “disloyal, lack of faith in the ruling party and a tacit opposition to the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan”.

A highly-placed source said: “The comments of the Speaker have caused some disquiet in the government and at the party level.

“Some forces in the Presidency and PDP considered Tambuwal’s comments as “anti-party” and lack of support for Jonathan’s re-election

bid.

“They are also claiming that the Speaker has confirmed the suspicion that he has always had sympathy for the opposition.

“These forces believe it would be a slight on the ruling party for the number four to defect to APC.” Asked of the next line of action, the source said: “I think the PDP may not allow Tambuwal to beat it to the game.

Once he moves to APC, he may need to vacate the office.

This is why the party is already consolidating its hold on the National Assembly.”

The PDP is wooing more lawmakers in the National Assembly, especially members of the House of Representatives.

The party is determined to have “a comfortable majority” in the House of Representatives to take charge.

“PDP has realised that it is a bit legally difficult to sack some of its members who defected to APC from the National Assembly. The process

will have to go from the lower court to the Supreme Court.

“The alternative is to ‘hijack’ the National Assembly, especially the House, and dictate its pace.”

A source in Tambuwal’s camp said: “We know the Presidency and the PDP have been uncomfortable since the Speaker delivered his coded message.

“Their attack dogs have been abusing us in some online media since Sunday. But they have forgotten that democracy is about people and what they want at any particular time.

“At the appropriate time, the Speaker will make his plans for 2015 known to his constituents and associates.”

Pressed to know the office the Speaker might seek in 2015, the source added: “Tambuwal has kept his joker to himself. Not even his confidants can say his mindset.

“He has some options which I think he won’t disclose until the last minutes to the primaries for 2015 poll. At best, you can say he is consulting.”

Colleagues, family mourn Continued from page 4

could have been treated for malaria and he could have died and spread the virus like wild fire. However, the chief consultant that attended to this patients, who is also being quarantined right now, felt it was very necessary for them to send the blood sample for screening after which it was confirmed and she insisted he must not leave the hospital.

“So I think we must get the facts right and really come out.

We are particularly concerned that if someone could be so patriotic as to save millions of Nigerians from the hardship of this pestilence, the least we can do is to make an appeal to the international community for assistance.”

The late Dr. Adadevoh was the first grandchild of Mrs Sa-

rah Idowu Abigail Adadevoh nee Macaulay, making her a great granddaughter of the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay described as the founder of Nigerian nationalism.

Her Father was Prof. Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh, who was a grandson of the grand old man of Nigerian anti-colonial politics. He was also a physician.

Family Tree Genealogy website has Sarah Abigail Idowu Macaulay as the daughter of Herbert Macaulay. She went on to marry Adadevoh. According to Family Tree, they have six children listed as follows; Kwame Adadevoh, Kwaku Adadevoh, Stella Shade Ameyo Adadevoh, Charity Ronke Awoyo Adadevoh, Kowu Adadevoh and Awushi Adadevoh.

Six Nigerians isolated Continued from page 4

yer, only six are still under observation.

“Ebola gave us the opportunities to re-build our public health properly, to police our borders, for our health workers to protect themselves properly and its test has also revealed more HIV patients as they come out openly to say they have HIV and not Ebola. Even though we have lost some patriots, their death will not be in vain,” the minister promised.

Cases in West Africa’s Ebola outbreak this year have risen to 2,240, including 1,229 deaths, the World Health Organisation said yesterday, reporting the toll in four countries, including Nigeria.

The WHO said it was working with the U.N.’s World Food Programme to ensure food delivery to one million people living in Ebola quarantine zones in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“Food has been delivered to hospitalised patients and people under quarantine who are not able to leave their homes to purchase food. Providing regular food supplies is a potent means of limiting unnecessary movement,” the WHO said in a statement.

The WFP is stepping up emergency food deliveries to the quarantined areas, which include severely affected cities, such as Gueckedou in Guinea, Kenema and Kailahun in Sierra Leone and Foya in Liberia.

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TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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HE last time we met on these pages two weeks ago, I predicted that the final meeting of the National Conference scheduled for August 11 was likely to end in a fiasco. This, I said, was essentially because, like virtually all our constitutional conferences since 1966, it was convened in bad faith. Alas, I was almost proved right.

The proofs of bad faith were many, among which were the timing of the conference so close to next year’s general elections and the wilful and blatant imbalance in the regional and religious composition of its membership.

As if these were not bad enough, some delegates close to the presidency, apparently working in cahoots with a section of the conference’s leadership, tried to sneak a document into it which contained provisions that were widely suspected to be the real object of the conference in the first place. This was towards the end of the conference.

The 102-page document purporting to be the “Terms of Agreement of the Six Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria” contained such provisions dear to President Goodluck Jonathan and members of his kitchen cabinet like the six-year single-term tenure for the executive arm of government and 50 per cent of revenue allocation based on derivation, as opposed to the current 13 per cent.

That this document was introduced in bad faith soon became evident when a motion by Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, a member representing the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and supported by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, a delegate from Enugu State, calling on the conference’s leadership to explain its appearance forced the leadership to repudiate it.

“We,” said the Chairman, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, as reflected in the Conference Hansard of June 30, “know nothing about the paper in circulation...We have nothing to do with it. That matter should be closed!”

When the conference resumed penultimate Monday for the final consideration of its decisions, it became obvious that those intent on imposing their principal’s hidden agenda on the conference were undeterred by the chairman’s categorical repudiation of their document; in place of “Terms of Agreement of the Six Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria”, another more daring document purporting to be “DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 2014” was included among the documents circulated among the members.

Predictably, the Northern Delegates Forum (NDF), which forced the rejection of the first document, rose against the second. “We,” said its leader, former Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Commassie, Sardaunan Katsina, in the press statement it issued on August 12, “unequivocally disown it, and emphatically disassociate ourselves from it.”

The Forum gave several reasons for its rejection, among which were (1) that being unelected members of the conference, they were not qualified to write any draft constitution; (2) their brief was to amend the 1999 Constitution not write a new one; and (3) making 2014 the effective date of a new constitution ahead of next year’s general elections was a camouflage to legitimise a third term

H

ARDBALL takes off here from a premise that this treatise is not exactly about NIS (Nigeria Immigration Service) but about our country, her institutions and the seamy cauldron in which we are all simmering. But this piece has been triggered by NIS’s belated 50th anniversary celebration for which it chose the platform of The Economist of London.

Readers of the current edition of this elite British weekly journal were assailed by a three-page advertising feature, tagged: Nigeria Immigration Service: 50 Years of Excellence.

Nothing wrong in a Nigerian government agency celebrating itself wherever and however it desired, just that if you are a perceptive reader like Hardball, you are bound to be wonder-struck when you come across NIS’s rather scatter-brained celebration in a foreign journal.

Notwithstanding the heavy advert premium

VOL.9 NO.2,944

‘This Ebola thing is a wake-up call on Africans and blacks in the Diaspora to wake up from selfinduced stupor, gird their loins and get their bearings right’ DELE AGEKAMEH

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

In defence of NDF

•Justice Kutigi

for governors currently serving their second term under the 1999 Constitution and a way to evade the controversy that has dodged the legality of President Jonathan’s undeclared but apparent decision to contest next year’s presidential election.

To buttress their suspicions, the delegates variously pointed out that several decisions were inserted in the so-called draft that were extraneous to the conference’s proceedings. For example, they said, Section 2A in the so-called draft, which approved state constitutions, as in America, was never sanctioned by the conference. Again, the conference, they said, did not approve referendum as a mechanism for adopting a new constitution because that, in itself, entailed amending the current constitution, which approves for referenda only for state creation or boundary adjustments. Also, the conference, they said, never approved that Section 305, on the continued validity of certain preexisting laws, including the Land Use Act and NYSC, be deleted, as contained in the so-called draft. And so on.

Not surprisingly, the Southern delegates, along with several from the Middle Belt, responded robustly the following day to the NDF’s rejection of the so-called draft. At a press conference addressed by the leadership of these delegates shortly after the conference adjourned from its final meeting that day, John Dara, a delegate from Kwara State and secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, which he claimed consisted of 14 of the 19 states in the North, said the delegates from the sub-region

were “solidly in support of the outcome of this conference”.

Nigeria, he said, “would be operated on a new improved constitution, based on the deliberation of the conference subject to the approval of the people of Nigeria”. Those who objected to the labelling of the conference’s report as a draft constitution, he said, were not controverting the accuracy of the report but were merely “not mentally prepared for the idea of a new constitution and that the reality was a bit shocking for some people”.

Yinka Odumakin, the spokesman for Afenifere, the Yoruba cultural umbrella organisation, was even more scathing of the NDF than Dara in his reaction carried by Vanguard (August 13). Members of the NDF, he said, were only trying to blackmail the conference about the draft constitution. “What they are doing,” he said, “is just to blackmail the conference by saying that the draft constitution is Jonathan’s third term agenda. That is not the truth.”

Blackmail or no blackmail, the chairman of the conference, Justice Kutigi, took the NDF’s objection to the so-called draft seriously enough to assure delegates in his closing remarks that if there were any errors in the conferences reports, they were not deliberate and that there was nothing like a draft constitution.

“What were articulated to the delegates,” he said, “were all issues agreed at the plenary session and there is nothing like a draft constitution. What we have are proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. I repeat, there was nothing like a draft constitution.”

With this, the conference somewhat surprised sceptics like me and avoided ending in a fiasco. Hopefully, the chair will submit a report to the president tomorrow afternoon, which has accurately captured its decisions.

If it does so, many people may dismiss the NDF as a bunch of attack dogs that cried wolf where none existed simply because it wanted the status quo to remain. That would be grossly unfair.

A Daily Trust story last week, which said the chairman claimed his brief in his letter of appointment from the president was to produce a new constitution, suggested bad faith on the president’s side, assuming the story was accurate. I have read and re-read the president’s speech when he inaugurated the conference on March 17. Nowhere in the 56-paragraph, 2,574-word speech did he explicitly ask the conference to give him a draft constitution.

The closest he came to doing so was in para-

graph 46, where he commended the National Assembly for proposing an amendment to the current constitution that would allow for referendum as a mechanism for adopting a new constitution, should the need arise.

“Let me,” he said, “at this point thank the National Assembly for introducing the provision for a referendum in the proposed amendment of the Constitution. This should be relevant for this Conference, if, at the end of the deliberations, the need for a referendum arises.

I, therefore, urge the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly to speed up the constitutional amendment process, especially with regard to the subject of referendum.”

Surely it would be an act of bad faith for the president to even merely imply something in public only to explicitly declare it in private, assuming, that is, that was what happened.

Sources close to the chairman said he has been critical of the Daily Trust story as a gross misrepresentation of what he had said, which was that the president had asked him in his letter to go well beyond merely making recommendations, as had been the case before, and propose ways and means by which its recommendations will be implemented.

Assuming he was misrepresented by Daily Trust, it should be obvious to anyone with even only half an eye that someone somewhere was trying to exploit his belief in the sincerity of the president to make mischief with the conference reports. This much was clear from the way John Dara and Company have tried to defend the so-called draft constitution as quoted above.

The man says the northern delegates did not controvert the content of the so-called draft when indeed they quoted chapter and verse where it contained gross misrepresentations of the conference’s decisions. Not only that, he went on to gloat about what he called “the reality” of a new constitution that those opposed to it would have to live this.

Justice Kutigi has insisted that the conference reports were merely proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. That being so, to label anyone of them a draft constitution and even give the year in which it will take effect is a gross misrepresentation of what it is.

After all there is everything in a name.

In any case you don’t have to be an expert in English grammar to see that the difference between DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 2004 and DRAFT PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTIONOF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 is not mere hair-splitting.

Even an idiot can see that the second is, by far, a more accurate representation of the conference’s brief than the first, to the extent that the first is accurate at all.

Isn’t it then strange that many of those, like Dara and Odumakin, who like to dismiss the 1999 Constitution as one not written by “we, the people” are the same ones who would vehemently support another drafted by handpicked government nominees who have nowhere near as much legitimacy as the elected majority of those who drafted the 1979 Constitution which, really, is what the 1999 Constitution is, give or take a few amendments?

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

HARDBALL

NIS: A 50th birthday mis-adventure

The Economist people would have charged, one wagers they would still rue the drabness the NIS copy brought to bear on their pristine weekly.

Questions chase after even more questions in this NIS’s wonky outing. First, if NIS took its reckoning from 1963 when it was formally established by an Act of Parliament, then that makes it 51 years today’ not 50. Second, why would NIS choose a rarefied foreign journal, which is not widely circulating, to showcase itself? Third, why would NIS showcase its 50 years of inertia in such a slap-stick advertising feature? It is either that NIS is narcissistic and seeks to self-destruct or it cannot tell the difference between a good copy and a rubbish one.

And the more germane poser is: what is the purpose of this ‘international outing’

which diminishes the Service? One would think that the NIS would first define its objectives then find professionals to realise them. But it is not only shocking that the NIS wasted three pages in The Economist saying nothing, but the feature portrayed the Service and by extension, Nigeria, as unserious and extremely awkward, if not backward.

The feature could have been an unedited interview with the comptroller-general of NIS. The first paragraph reads thus: “It may be customary to hold an anniversary at the start of a 50th anniversary year, but Nigeria’s Immigration Service (NIS) is celebrating at the end of their 50th year as the work carried out during the last 12 months has brought it many rewards and gives it much to celebrate. It is hoped that the conference to celebrate the end of 50 years will become

an annual event with accolades each year.”

Phew!

It is obvious that the NIS hasn’t much to report after 50 years of existence. But even those three pages of baloney could have been better articulated and better presented in a manner that it would not overly assault the sensibilities of the world. The advert is untargeted, rambling and aesthetically bland.

If it was not an afterthought, it must have been an ad-hoc proposition.

As noted above, this art of the slap-dash, the unpremeditated and un-reflecting attitude have become the hallmark of Nigeria’s public service and institutions. It is either we do not know the right way to do things anymore or we deliberately choose the path of infamy.

The NIS job recruitment debacle of March 15 is still fresh and unresolved; now this.

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