The Nation Dec 4, 2013 by The Nation

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

PDP plots against Amaechi, others NEWS Page 58

•Buhari, Tinubu meet governors

News Iyayi: Soyinka seeks inquest P6 Sports Nigerians pray to avoid Brazil P41 Business Senate probes $24m power deal P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2687 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•BLOODY CLASH IN AKURE OVER DEJI’S RITES P7 •AUTO TARIFF ‘LL ‘HURT ECONOMY’ P11

Air Force deploys more jets to fight Boko Haram

Air chief in Borno APC governors to President: reassess your strategy

ORE fighter jets were deployed in Maiduguri, the troubled Borno State capital, yesterday as troops battled fleeing Boko Haram insurgents. As at press time last night, many insurgents had been killed in air raids but the casualty figure was unknown. The Defence Headquarters said ground troops were counting the dead. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, relocated yesterday to Maiduguri to co-ordi-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

nate the assault against the insurgents, who stormed the city on Monday to attack the Air Force Base and the airport. Besides, a team raised by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, went on a stock-taking mission to Maiduguri. The team, which was led by the Director of Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Psakr, also included the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade. A preliminary report ob-

N50b for electricity firms to boost power

‘

The most recent attack was particularly telling as it shows that President Goodluck Jonathan has no security agenda and is only focused on retaining power beyond 2015

tained by the assessment team revealed that the Air Force Base and the Maiduguri International Airport were attacked by Boko Haram because air assaults against the insurgents were co-ordinated there. The report has been submitted to the CDS by the as-

’

sessment team for critical analysis by the military high command. According to a top source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not permitted to talk to the media, “there has been heavy encounters in the last 24 hours with the insurgents”.

The 24-hour curfew imposed on Maiduguri by the Borno State government in the wake of the attack was reduced yesterday to 12 hours. The source said: “We have been engaging in heavy encounters with the fleeing insurgents. More fighter jets were deployed in Maiduguri from various formations. “To underscore the importance of this exercise, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, shifted base to Maiduguri to co-ordinate air assaults on the insurgents. “There have been serious

air raids on all the bases and enclaves or clusters of the Boko Haram insurgents.” The source spoke on the casualty. He said: “As at Monday night and in the early hours of Tuesday, many of the insurgents sighted have been neutralised. The ground troops are taking stock of the death toll. In the next one or two days, we will be able to give you accurate figures.” The team sent to Maiduguri was mandated to Continued on page 4

AN EVIL TRADE

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

WNERS of the Electricty Generation Companies (GENCOs) are to get a N50 billion prop from the Federal Government, which is desperate to expand electricity generation. The N50 billion will come in form of a guarantee. On behalf of the Federal Government, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) Plc, the government signed yesContinued on page 4

ASUU to members: remain resolute •‘Ultimatum now Monday’ From Yusuf Alli, Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE Federal Government shifted yesterday its ultimatum for the reopening of universities till Monday. The deadline of its resume-or-be-sackeddirective to striking teachers would have been today. Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike, who gave the much criticised directive, announced the shift of date.

•Fagge

Continued on page 4

•SHAME: Some of the expectant teenagers paraded in Owerri, the Imo State capital...yesterday

•SEE P AGE 59 PA

Police rescue 16 expectant girls from baby factory

•CITYBEATS P12 •SPORTS P23 •LIFE P25 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

NAFDAC’s w

•Category Business Manager, Cereals Partners Worldwide of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Gerbens Kamps (3rd left ), Consumer Services Manager Imabong Martins (2nd right) and some parents at a Nestle Milo Crunchy cereals breakfast in Ibadan ...at the weekend. PHOTO: BY FEMI ILESANMI.

Since inception, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been battling counterfeiters, but is the agency winning the war against fake drugs? JOSEPH JIBUEZE highlight’s the agency’s efforts to rid the country of harmful food and medicine.

M •From left: Managing Ditector, Uniliver Nigeria Plc Mr. Thabo Mabe, Deputy Director, Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abimola Ajayi, Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. David Okeme and Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition representing Director-General, NAFDAC, during the relaunch of Knorr Taste Quest-2 in Lagos... at the weekend. PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

•From left: Managing Director, (Designate), Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Babatunde Odunayo and Chief Executive Officer, BUHLER, Mr. Calvin Grieder at the media tour to the new Milling Facility in

•Corporate Safety and Technical Adviser, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. John Ezenwankwo; Archbishop of Ibadan and Administrator of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin; daughter of the late Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof Celestine Onwuliri, Dr. Ijeoma Dozie and his son, Dr. Chinemerem Onwuliri, at the trophy unveiling ceremony in remembrance of the late Onwuliri, who died in the Dana Air crash, at the St. Kizito, Pastoral College, Oke Gada, Ede, Osun State.

ANY Nigerians, especially relatives of affected families, will not forget November 2008 in a hurry. It was the month that a monumental tragedy struck, claiming tens of lives of infants across the country. The children were victims of the contaminated baby teething syrup, My Pikin. The tragedy was mostly prevalent in Kaduna State, but reports of fatalities also came from Ibadan, Oyo State capital, and Lagos. It was a testy time for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as it was bombarded with calls and reports of the adverse drug reaction. The agency began a painstaking investigation into the tragic deaths. Its preliminary investigations showed that no fewer than 84 children died from ingesting My Pikin, manufactured by Barewa Pharmaceutical Limited. The deceased children suffered similar symptoms of renal failure and inability to pass urine. After identifying the particular batches of the lethal baby teething mixture that was responsible for the deaths, the agency went on a public enlightenment campaign, and directed a mop-up of the product from all shops nationwide. Tests revealed that batches 01908 and 02008 of the mixture contained a deadly compound called diethylene glycol, a harmful contaminant. NAFDAC promptly directed the sealing up of the production company, and arrested the firm’s Managing Director Kola Okunola, Production Manager Abiodun Adeyemo and Quality Assurance Manager Austine Eremosele. The three were charged at the Federal High Court in Lagos and were arraigned before Justice Okechukwu Okeke on March 5, 2009. Although Okunola died before the trial was concluded, Adeyemo and Eremosele were jailed for seven years each on May 17 this year. The accused persons were found guilty of conspiracy to produce and sell dangerous drugs. The court ordered that the company be wound up, and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government. They have, however, appealed against the judgment. “A judgment of this magnitude has never happened before. This is the

• Director-General National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhil speaking on the agency’s arrest of fake drugs’ merchants at its auditorium in Oshodi, Lagos...yesterday. With him are Director, Registration and Regulated Affairs Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunhjeze (left) and Chairman, Lagos State Medicine Dealers, Mr. Ugbajwaku Felix.

first time in the last 20 years since NAFDAC was established that we’ll have this kind of judgment. “This is a reflection of NAFDAC Director-General Dr Paul Orhii’s determination to end the incidence of fake drugs in Nigeria and I would like to urge him to do more,” said Mr Lawrance Nwosu, Country Manager of Sproxil Nigeria Limited.

Impact of fake drugs Fake drugs have serious health implications. When patients are denied access to quality medicines, there could be treatment failures and deaths; increased hospital admissions, drug resistance, increased cost of controlling diseases, increased expenses, human suffering, loss of confidence in the health care system and increased burden health management. Counterfeiting can apply to both branded and generic products, and may include those with the correct ingredients, with the wrong ingredients, without active ingredients, with insufficient active ingredients or with fake packing. Drug counterfeiters target medicines that are used in high volume for managing diseases of public health, such as anti-malaria medications, anti-biotics, anti-hypertensives, antidiabetic agents and lifestyle drugs. NAFDAC has sought to impose stiffer penalty for drug counterfeiting. It has proposed a review of the law establishing it to provide for life sentence, confiscation of offenders’ assets and forfeiture of such assets. The new law also seeks to compensate victims of fake drugs where the product is found to be the proximate cause of severe bodily injury, and to make counterfeiting a non-bailable offence. When passed, it will contain a whistle-blower clause. The Federal Executive Council is said to have already reviewed the draft and will soon pass it as Executive Bill to the National Assembly for enactment. “While such measure might not bring back lost lives, it is certainly going to be more effective than the existing laughable law of 15 years maximum jail term or N500,000 option of fine which is merely a slap on the wrist of offenders,” Orhii said. Apart from the My Pikin case, NAFDAC has secured five other convictions for fake drug offences while more than 1254 cases are pending in various courts. The agency recently paraded a man who brought in a consignment of fake drugs worth about N39million. The agency has continued to make arrests and to destroy fake drugs worth billions of naira. For instance,

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

war against fake drugs’ merchants

•Ugbo Collins, a suspected fake drugs’merchant standing near the fake goods seized from him by NAFDAC officials at the agency’s office in Osodi, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

in 2009, NAFDAC officers intercepted a huge consignment of almost 700,000 doses of fake clones of a popular Indian anti-malaria drug. It was labeled as “Made in India.” But on further investigation, the drug was found to be made in China. NAFDAC, working with the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was able to secure the arrest of six Chinese involved in the illicit deal. They were eventually sentenced to death. More than N20 billion worth of drugs and other substandard regulated products has been destroyed by NAFDAC since 2009.

Using technology to fight counterfeiting NAFDAC has adopted public enlightenment, collaborations, capacity building, and technology in the fight against counterfeit drugs. It airs health programmes on various television and radio stations. It has collaborated with security agencies, professional bodies and communities based organisations in a joint effort to rid the country of fake and substandard food and drugs. NAFDAC staff have undergone over 4,608 local and international trainings between 2009 and April 2013. The agency has deployed technologies such as TruScan, Black Eye, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Mini lab and Mobile Authentication Service in the fake drug fight. TruScan is a handheld device used

Agency parades counterfeiters

HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested Mr Chijoke Nwagu Victor for manufacturing fake cough syrup. The agency’s Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, said the counterfeiter’s flat has been sealed off. Orhii said a Lebanese, Mr Haider Saleh, was also arrested for distribution and sale of some unregistered cosmetic products. The products, he said, were concealed in a warehouse for on-the-spot detection of counterfeit medicines, enabling regulators and law enforcement agents to conduct field-based screening of pharmaceutal samples to quickly and accurately identify fake drugs. The RFID is used to verify regulated products and documents, allowing the agency to track product movement from production to the consumer, while preventing forgery. The mini-lab test kits is a reliable, simple and inexpensive method of detecting counterfeit medicines, while the Black Eye (Infrared) is a bench-top equipment also used to detect fake drugs. Through the mobile authentication service, NAFAC enables more than 80 million Nigerian mobile phone users to confirm the genuineness of drugs before ingesting them. The technology deploys the text messaging system. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is provided on the drug sachets, and when sent by sms to a short-code, the patient will

registered packaged water in Nigeria and trained their producers.

Funding constraints

By Wale Adepoju

at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos. He said the agency has also intercepted a one-by-two feet container marked MSKU 7873861 of pharmaceuticals imported by Ngod’s Success Ventures. The NAFDAC boss said the agency seized 58 cartons of printed plastic packaging materials concealed in a one-by-40 feet container for fake cosmetic product to fake the original products. “The importer is John Dike Ventures,” he added.

receive an instant prompt that the medicine is either safe or not. NAFDAC is actively encouraging the local pharmaceutical industry to work towards attaining World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification of their products, which facilitates access to medicines that meet unified standards of quality, safety and efficacy for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. The agency, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) is facilitating the creation of a Pharmaceutical Development Fund to enhance the growth of local drug industry.

Food regulatory activities According to studies conducted by NAFDAC from 2001 to last year, there is a progressive decrease in the incidence of counterfeit medicines in Nigeria. A national survey on quality of medicines shows that counterfeit drugs stood at 6.6 per cent last year, as against 16.7 per cent in 2005 and

40 per cent in 2001, NAFDAC said. To deliver on its mandate of ensuring availability of safe and wholesome food, NAFDAC has collaborated with international agencies such as UNICEF to tackle malnutrition through fortification of food vehicles such as vegetable oil, flour, sugar and margarines with Vitamin A and other micro nutrients. It is working towards achieving 100 per cent universal salt iodisation target in a bid to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders in Nigeria. The agency registered 14,018 food products between 2009 and last year, and is working to ensure that the fast food industry complies with good hygienic practice to avoid food borne illnesses. From 2009 to date, the agency has registered over 18,000 water products and has provided training, laboratory analysis, advisory inspections and consultative meetings with the operators in the sector. Last year, NAFDAC re-certified all

NAFDAC said it pays 25 per cent of its internally generated revenue to the federation account and spends more than 60 per cent of its budget on fighting drug counterfeiting. It had a budget of N9, 117,569,677.56 last year, which included capital, overhead and personnel costs, as well as IGR in a country of 167 million people. NAFDAC’s United States’ counterpart Federal Drug Agency, last year, had a budget of over N700billion to service a population of about 300 million. The agency said it spends so much on prosecution of offenders in court, public enlightenment campaigns, and infrastructure renewal, among others. Orhii said despite the financial constraints, the agency has adopted a holistic and well coordinated anticounterfeiting strategy that transcends local, national and international boundaries. “Effective regulation is key to ensuring quality and safety of regulated products. NAFDAC is relentlessly working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all registered products, irrespective of their origin are of good quality, wholesome, safe and efficacious. “I solicit the continued support of all well meaning Nigerians and our stakeholders to enable the agency achieve its mandate of safeguarding the health of the nation,” the agency’s boss said.

World Bank gives $2.5m to small scale miners

HE World Bank has granted 2.5 million dollars (about N412.5 million) to 50 small scale mining co-operatives in Nigeria, an official said yesterday in Abuja. Mr Obiora Azubike, the Director, Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Department, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said each of the 50 co-operatives got 50,000 US dollars (about N8,250,000) through its micro-credit scheme. The director said the miners and the host communities benefited from the grant. “The unit of disbursement was 50,000 dollars. But before you are given the money, you are expected to also bring in some of your own matching grant, but not necessarily in cash. “So, whatever you are able to produce on your own will depend on how much you will be given. But the highest is 50,000 US dollars. “The World Bank Micro-Credit Scheme has ended. So, right now there is no World Bank Micro-Credit Scheme for artisanal miners. The

•Report provides solutions to 70 per cent global food gap one we had before under the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resource Project has ended.’’ Azubike added that the World Bank project closed in May 2013 and the last disbursement was before the closure. He said the next disbursement was expected as soon as the Solid Minerals Development Fund begins its full operations. The director stressed the need for the Federal Government to increase the funding of the sector through increased budgetary allocation. A new report has presented solutions to meet the world’s growing food needs put at 70 per cent, while advancing economic development and environmental sustainability, according to a statement. This is contained in a joint statement issued by the World Resources Institute (WRI), UNDP, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank, and made avail-

able to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) online in Abuja yesterday. The statement said that the report found that the world would need 70 per cent more food supply in order to feed a global population of 9.6 billion people in 2050. It stated that it was possible to close the food gap, while creating a more productive and healthy environment through improvements in the way people produced and consumed food. The statement said the findings were being unveiled in the new interim report entitled: World Resources Report: Creating a sustainable Food Future at the ongoing 3rd Global Conference on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security and Climate Change, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The statement quoted Dr Andrew Steer, the President of WRI as saying that over the next several decades, the world faced a grand challenge and opportunity at the intersection of food security, development and the environment.

• World Bank President Jim Kim

‘’To meet human needs, we must close the 70 per cent gap between the food we will need and the food available today. ‘’But, we must do so in a way that creates opportunities for the rural poor, limits clearing of forests, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.’’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS N50b for electricity firms to boost power Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan (left); Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe); Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) at the second Northeast Economic Summit in Gombe...yesterday

Jonathan: NSA to meet governors over Boko Haram

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki to meet with the governors of the three states mostly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, with a view to evolving a workable solution to the crisis. The presidential directive followed the insurgents’ attacks on an Air Force base in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday in which many lives were believed to have been lost and facilities damaged. Jonathan yesterday in Gombe at the second North East Economic Summit, restated his administration’s commitment to ending all terrorists’ activities’ and insurgency by employing various strategies of conflict resolution. The Summit was attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Alhaji

APC governors to President: reassess your strategy

HE Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of not having a security agenda for the country. The Forum said the President was fixated on being re-elected in 2015 instead of protecting Nigerians. The governors, in a statement through the Director-General of PGF, Mr. Salihu Mohammed Lukman, asked the President to reassess his security strategy. The statement said: “The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) wishes to commiserate with the People and Government of Borno State over the recent attacks on Maiduguri airport, Air Force From Yomi Odunuga and Olatunji Ololade, Gombe

Bamanga Tukur, Northern Governors Forum Chairman Aliyu Babangida, who is also the governor of Niger State, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi La-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

base and other areas of the state by Boko Haram insurgents and the ensuing loss of lives and property. “The security situation in several parts of the country has continued to deteriorate despite the extension of the State of Emergency in some states and the trillions of naira supposedly spent on security. “As it were, notwithstanding the fact that nearly one-third of this year’s Federal Government budget was devoted to defence and security, few Nigerians actually feel safe. “The most recent attack was particularly tell-

mido and the governors of Yobe, Bauchi and Borno. There were also notable businessmen and technocrats from all walks of life. Although the President said he disagreed with the school of thought that seems to suggest that poverty and illiteracy

Continued on page 56

should be blamed for the growing acts of terrorism in the region, he explained that he was committed to fighting the menace as peace remains a prerequisite for economic development. He said Dasuki had been inContinued on page 56

terday an escrow agreement on power with three Nigerian banks in Abuja. The three banks are United Bank for Africa (UBA), First Bank Plc and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, which is the lead escrow agent. Although the banks will take custody of the fund, the NBET will administer the N50billion, which will be raised from the proceeds of the privatization of the PHCN successor firms. In the absence of the World Bank to provide Partial Risk Gurantee (PRG), the fund will serve as a palliative for the new owners to improve power generation, The Nation learnt. But, speaking after the documents signing ceremony, the Director General, BPE, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, noted that such financial guarantee should not BE taken as a grant, considering established processes required for any generation company to benefit from it. His words: “This N50 billion is not a dash. There are certain conditions that must be met before funds can be drawn from this escrow account. The market and systems operator have to confirm the quantum of power that was put on the national grid. The market operator has to confirm that because of system defects and inefficiencies in the transmission network, certain amount of power was lost. So, there has to be a due process before any Genco can draw from this amount; it is not a gift because certain conditions have to be met.” He said :”It is actually the generation companies that are left on the high end and we need to guarantee that whatever power they generate will be

Air Force deploys more jets Continued from page 1

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Monday’s deadly attack on military and other facilities in Maiduguri, saying it is shocked and saddened by its enormity and the deaths of innocent civilians. In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the

attacks on Nigerian Air Force planes and helicopters at the NAF base in the city was particularly disturbing, considering the hitherto effective use of aerial attacks against Boko Haram, which is widely believed to have carried out the attacks. It said nothing in the world could justify such deadly attacks on the military and the collateral

deaths and damages inflicted on civilians. The APC called for a renewed strategy to combat the sect, which seems to retain the capacity to carry out such a massive attack in a major city, despite the successes which the military said it had recorded against it since the declaration of a state of emergency in three states – Adamawa, Borno and

Yobe - last May. The party said such a strategy must emphasise the intelligence gathering through which such attacks can be nipped in the bud, adding that failure of intelligence, more than anything else, made Monday’s attack possible. It called for a probe into how hundreds of attackers could so Continued on page 56

find out what led to the attack; how it was repelled and the situation in Maiduguri. Another source said: “The insurgents opted to attack the base and destroy any military aircraft on ground. Unfortunately for them, they could only ground two helicopters. The three other aircraft attacked were already due for museum because they had become de-commissioned. “The team realised that Boko Haram insurgents were

Continued from page 1

pected to comply with the decision of the pro-chancellors. The Minister said the Federal Government had already opened a dedicated account for the revival of infrastructure in the universities. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, has signed the resolution that the Federal Government will commit N1.3trillion into the revival of infrastructure in the universities, he said, adding that the advertisement of internal and external vacancies is part of the process to address the shortage of manpower in the nation’s universities. According to Wike, the Federal Government has implemented over 80per cent of the issues contained in the 2009 agreement, with only the payment of earned allowances and revitalisation of infrastructure pending. “The Federal Government appreciates the need to revive infrastructure in our universities and other tertiary institutions, hence the government has put in place the process to effectively address the chal-

lenges identified by the NEEDS Assessment report voluntarily initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan,” the minister said. National Universities Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary Prof. Julius Okojie is displeased that ASUU members are yet to call off the strike. He said the deadline was not a threat but a call to go back to work. But ASUU restated its rejection of the ultimatum, issuing yesterday a 14-point guideline to its members on why they must sustain the strike. It also said no external force was behind its action and spurned sack threats because, according to ASUU, such a measure is against the Labour Act and the International Labour Organisation’s Convention. The union made its position known in Strike Bulletin No. 14, signed by ASUU National President Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge. ASUU said: “Our union, as you know, derives its strength from members. Government fallacy of ‘external forces’ be-

hind our union only betrays its desperation to distract our genuine cause. You know better! “Do not believe in the falsehood being peddled by certain persons as regards some fictitious ratio of branches that voted for suspension of strike. “ASUU operates strong internal democracy and is capable of taking critical decisions on matters of concern to the Union. Your Union will always do your bidding. “Our struggle is on course; the threat of sack for failure to sign resumption of duty register is part of the oppression that failed in the past. It will fail again.” The union came up with 14 guidelines signaling that it is prepared for a long drawn battle with the Federal Government. The guidelines read in part: •Do not sign any resumption of duty. Government is out to humiliate us. Hold your head high. This too shall pass!!! •If you receive any query on account of the ongoing strike, failure to sign resumption of

duty register, etc, bring such to the attention of the branch chairperson immediately for guidance. •It is a general knowledge that members of ASUU are on a national strike. It is against the Labour Act and the ILO convention to sack anybody on account of participation in a strike, no matter how remotely related. •Remain resolute and refrain from violating the ongoing strike. Our Union is capable of protecting its members. •Meanwhile, be security conscious. Do not visit security agencies alone. In case of difficulties, always consult your Chairperson. •With our collective resolve, we can again brush off this unwarranted and provocative onslaught. Stand to be counted on the positive side of history. Do not betray your union. The leadership of ASUU also justified its struggle and insisted that it is in the public interest. It said: “Our collective national struggle to save the future of public system has en-

APC seeks new strategy to curtail Boko Haram

ASUU tells members to remain resolute as govt shifts deadline

He said since the family of the late Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) exPresident Prof. Festus Iyayi informed the ministry of funeral rites for weekend, the resumption date had to be shifted to enable the government participate in the ceremony. Wike said: “The decision to shift the date of the compulsory resumption of federal universities for academic activities is now Monday, December 9. This decision has been taken as a result of the respect we have for the former ASUU President.” He said the Federal Government took the decision to reopen the universities in the interest of Nigerians and not to engage in a showdown with ASUU. Wike said Nigerians should appreciate that the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the federal universities Governing Councils took the decision to re-open the schools, pointing out that the Federal Government’s directive was to the vice chancellors who are ex-

paid for if not, they will lose their capital and not able to invest in expansion of their capacities. “We have a deficit of about 29,000 megawatts (MW) of basic power needed to stabilise our power needs of 40,000MW and the average cost of installing a megawatt is about $1.3 million and that will mean an investment of $7.5 billion for 5000MW, and so we need to make sure that we create the atmosphere that will enable these generation companies to make investments without worrying whether they will be able to recoup monies they have invested and that is why this escrow account was created,” Dikki said. On the roles of the banks, Dikki said: “The banks are the custodians of the money, which is deposited in them and we want to establish a process through which this money will be drawn and not just drawn frivolously; that is why the BPE, Bulk Trader and the banks signed the agreement to say that you have to follow a process to draw this money; otherwise, there will be penalties.” The distribution companies are not covered by this escrow account because they have committed to reducing the Aggregate Technical Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses of the companies. Dikki said: “If you recall, they (distribution companies) were not given to the highest bidder but to those that committed to reducing ATC&C losses by a certain percentage and so they have committed and have given a technical proposal with a business plan cataloguing the level of investments that they will make every year in this regard.”

touched by the losses they had incurred from air assaults in the past few months. “The insurgents were certainly on revenge mission; they wanted to incapacitate the air base because they had suffered huge losses.” Gen. Olukolade said the authorities were reviewing the situation. “The operation in Maiduguri and Yobe axis has continued, we will keep you posted appropriately,” he said, confirming that the CDS sent a team to Maiduguri.

•Wike

tered yet another critical phase. The National Strike Coordinating Committee(NSCC) commends all members for their steadfastness and commitment

Continued on page 56

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

Lab, science equipment need regulation

Agric minister named Forbes’ African of the Year

HE CHAIRMAN of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Prof Robert Ajayi Boroffice, has said laboratory and science equipment need regulation to ensure that only top quality products are sold in the country. Boroffice said laboratory and science equipment need to be regulated for quality assurance because the country needs equipment to develop skilled manpower for its growth. The senator spoke yesterday in Lagos during this year’s Laboratory and Science Nigeria exhibition and congress. It was organised by the Science Products Association of Nigeria (SPAN), in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Economic and Technology (FMET) of Germany. Boroffice noted that laboratory and science equipment would aid education and economic growth. The committee chair-

HE Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has been named Forbes African of the Year for his reforms in the farming sub-sector. “He is a man on a mission to help Africa feed itself,” said Forbes Africa Editor Chris Bishop. Analysts say Nigeria’s economy has long been dominated by oil, while agriculture has been ignored, even though it supports far more people. Mr Adesina said he wanted to help people become rich through farming. “My goal is to make as many millionaires, maybe even billionaires, from agriculture as possible,” he said in his acceptance speech. Aliyu Tanko, of the BBC Hausa Service, said Adesina has introduced more transparency into the supply and distribution of fertiliser, which had been marred by massive corruption. The minister has also urged Nigerians to grow more food crops, especially cassava.

•From left: Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Dr. Ighodalo Folorunsho Ijagbono; German Consulate-General in Nigeria, Mr Michael Derus; Prof Boroffice and Mr Famoriyo, at the made-in-Germany Laboratory Science PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID Nigeria 2013 Exhibition and Congress in Lagos... yesterday. By Wale Adepoju

man recommended German technology for learning aid. He regretted that the people, who use science laboratory equipment, were mostly students, adding that they had been on strike since July 1. Borofice said: “If not, there

should be a large turnout of the students at the exhibition, because they need it for their education.” The senator noted that the exhibition was for the people’s well-being, especially to the economy and the educational system. He said: “The workshop will yield fruitful result be-

cause Nigeria needs to produce skilled personnel in laboratory science technology.” SPAN President Julius Gbolade Famoriyo corroborated Prof Boroffice’s statement. He said there was need to regulate laboratory and science equipment import-

ed into the country, adding that the country would not develop without this. Famoriyo said regulation would ensure that only quality equipment come into Nigeria. He said servicing and maintenance would be made mandatory for those selling the equipment.

Defection to APC: Plot to destabilise House uncovered

OME leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are planning to destabilise the House of Representatives, following the preparation of some of its members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was learnt that some PDP members had been mobilised to question the credibility of Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to preside over the House. A minister has been named

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

in the latest plot to discredit Tambuwal. Investigation by our correspondent showed that the PDP leaders have vowed not to accept any move to turn the party into the minority in the House. Of the 360 members in the House, PDP/Labour Party/ APGA are said to have 158 members while APC have 187 and Accord Party, five.

The affected PDP leaders are also angry that the House has pegged the 2014 budget benchmark at $79 per barrel instead of the $74 favoured by the Federal Government. It was learnt that the leaders, who had been meeting since Saturday, crystallised their plans at 2am on Monday. It was gathered that the same members, who disrupted the visit of the leadership of the then New PDP to the House, might be engaged for

the destabilisation. According to their permutations, once there is commotion in the House, its session would be adjourned sine die, leaving only the Senate to consider next year’s budget. A top source said: “They want to use all unlawful means, just as the Port Harcourt treatment, to create violence and invite the police to seal off the House. “Some members in the pro-

Jonathan group, also in the House, are out to cause commotion by trying to pass a vote-of-no-confidence in the Speaker. “They want to put Tambuwal under pressure to resign or face the ‘Port Harcourt treatment’ or direct threats to his life. “They also want to use the police to harass those who are defecting. Their plan is to invite the police, disguisedly, to dismantle all anti-Jonathan structures.”

Boko Haram: ‘Govt won’t seek foreign help’

HE Federal Government will not seek foreign military assistance in the fight against terrorism, Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said. The minister, however, said the government would continue to seek the cooperation of and collaboration with foreign powers in training and information sharing. Maku, who is also the supervising minister for Defence, addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja ahead of next year’sArmed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations. The minister was reacting to Monday’s attacks on military bases in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by suspected Boko Haram members. Five military aircraft were destroyed and scores of people killed in the attacks. Maku described Boko Haram as a local wing of an international terrorist organisation but assured that the nation’s Armed Forces were adequately equipped to counter the insur-

Senate demands full report on Borno attacks The Senate yesterday called for a comprehensive account on the attacks, on Monday, by suspected Boko Haram members in Borno State. The Senate rescheduled its meeting with the Service chiefs because of the attacks. The Service chiefs were to brief the Senate yesterday on the security situation in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, especially the extension of emergency rule in the three states. Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba yesterday said the briefing would hold tomorrow. Ndoma-Egba, who moved a motion to reschedule the briefing, told his colleagues that the Service chiefs had moved to Borno State for an on-the-spot assessment of the Monday From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

gents. The minister admitted that the nation had never experienced security challenge of that magnitude since the Nigerian civil war. He, however, disagreed with foreign analysts on the classification of Boko Haram insurgen-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assitant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

attacks. He noted that “because of the massive security breach that occurred in Borno State yesterday (Monday)” and the need for the Service chiefs to be on top of the situation, the briefing would be differed to December 5 (tomorrow). The Senate leader stressed that besides the effect of emergency rule in the three northeast states, “the Senate will demand a comprehensive account of the massive bombings in Borno State yesterday (Monday)” from the Service chiefs.

cy as a civil war situation. Maku said: “We are facing a stubborn enemy, who is really committed to destabilising the peace of the country. But I can say with pride that the incident was not only repelled but that those who participated in the operation faced the fire from our Armed Forces. “The point must be made that

Nigeria is facing an international enemy, who has a long line of supply, but we are not taking it lightly. Insurgency of this type is not easy to overcome. “But I must say confidently that our Armed Forces are doing everything possible not only to ensure that we deal with this incident but to be sure also that the larger war, which is to secure

•Maku

the northeast of Nigeria and to secure our boundaries, is on. “I can assure Nigerians that occasionally, you may have things as this because we are in a state of war and we are dealing with an enemy, who does not wear uniform. We are dealing with an enemy, who will occasionally strike by surprise. “It is a guerrilla warfare. In this type of urban guerrilla warfare, we will have occasional incidents. But what is most important to us is that we are combing this entire region.”

APC governors to rescue Nigeria from inept leaders

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, also called the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), yesterday sought the support of Nigerians to rescue the nation from the incompetent leadership, which has brought suffering to the people. Welcoming the new five governors, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

(PDP) to the APC, the PGF condemned “the politics of corruption, nepotism and deception that is the stock-in-trade of the Federal Government and will bring about transparent and accountable leadership governed by the principles of progress, integrity and equity.” The forum described the

action of the new governors as an indication of strong personal principles and commitment to the progress of Nigeria. The message reads: “The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) welcomes the governments and people of Adamawa, Kano, Kwara, Rivers and Sokoto states to the progressives’ fold and congratulates them for choosing the

path of righteousness and advancement, despite intimidation, blackmail, harassment and persecution by the Federal Government and the PDP. “The action of these governors are indicative of strong personal principles and commitment to the progress of Nigeria. The PGF is welcoming them back where they belong - to the party that feels the pains of Nigerians and recog-

nises the need for urgent action to rescue Nigeria from imminent failure and disaster. “As a forum, the PGF condemns the politics of corruption, nepotism and deception, the stock-in-trade of the Federal Government, and will bring about transparent and accountable leadership governed by the principles of progress, integrity and equity.

Ex-Imo PDP chair gets nod for NPC job From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has nominated a former Imo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, for the chairmanship of the National Population Commission (NPC). Duruiheoma, whose name was read yesterday by Senate President David Mark, was nominated to replace Chief Festus Odimegwu, who resigned two months ago. Odimegwu ruffled political feathers when he promised to ensure that the 2016 census would be credible. The controversial former NPC chairman, who was forced to resign, also claimed that records available to him showed that the country had never conducted a credible census. In a letter dated November 27 and entitled: Request for Confirmation of Chairman and Members of the National Population Commission, President Jonathan noted that the NPC was one of the federal executive bodies established under Section 153(1) of the 1999 Constitution. He explained that by the provision of Part 1(J) of the Third Schedule of the Constitution, the NPC shall comprise a chairman and one person from each state and Abuja. “In this connection, the slots for the chairman and members representing the FCT, Katsina and Ekiti states on the commission are currently vacant.” Jonathan noted that in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution, he decided to appoint Chief Duruiheoma (chairman), Aliyu Daniel Kwali (FCT), Alhaji Bala Almu Banye (Katsina) and Adebola Adetunmbi (Ekiti) as members of the NPC.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS FED GOVT’S ULTIMATUM TO ASUU

Wike responsible for strike’s stalemate

MOUAU won’t end strike until...

•‘Threat to sack lecturers won’t end face-off’ •Wike extends ultimatum to Dec 9

HE University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged Nigerians to hold the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, responsible for the stalemate in the five-monthold strike of the union. ASUU also said the threat to sack all lecturers who refused to return to work today – now extended till next Monday - would not end the face-off. The union advised its members not to sign the government’s registers. The ASUU-UNIPORT chairperson, Prof. Antonia Okerengwo, addressed reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the union’s congress. She said no lecturer

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

would return to the classroom until the Federal Government/ASUU’s 2009 agreement was fully implemented. Okerengwo said the ASUU members were academics, who would not be involved in politics. The congress was also attended by the zonal chairperson of ASUU, Emilia Jaja, and some other officers of the union, who told the lecturers not to be deterred by the government’s threats. Wike, through his spokesman, Simeon Nwakaudu, told our reporter on phone yesterday that the deadline to return to the classroom had been extended to December 9.

He advised lecturers not to bring politics of Rivers State into ASUU matters. Nwakaudu said Wike only read the directive of the Federal Government, which he said took the decisions in the interest of Nigerians to reopen the universities. But ASUU said: “The action of Nyesom Wike, rather than resolve the issues and the strike, will exacerbate the crisis. The government has repudiated previous agreements and or the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). We have a hunch it intends to do the same to the present understanding. “Unsuspecting parents, students and the public can see through the preparedness and competence of Wike to resolve this crisis. We call on Nigerians to hold Wike

responsible for the present stalemate, caused by his intransigence on this matter. “We should be joint partners in resolving the problems of education in Nigeria. The threat of sack of lecturers will in no way contribute to the solution. This old tactic of government, since the military era, has never resolved the problems. It will not resolve this present crisis. Academics across the nation are resolved to wait about government’s strategy. “The present posture of the government has more than justified the request of ASUU to properly document and sign the documents as a guide to the implementation of the resolutions with the President (Dr Goodluck Jonathan).

Jonathan promises commitment to varsity education D ESPITE the fivemonth-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), President Goodluck Jonathan has said his administration is committed to ensuring that every part of the country gets a degree-awarding federal institution. The President said exposure to tertiary education was the panacea to improved quality of life. Jonathan spoke yesterday in Gombe at the second Northeast Economic Summit.

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

He said there was need for Nigerians to have access to tertiary education. Jonathan said: “One of the key areas we should all work together on is university education. It is quite central. We believe that to improve the quality of life, the populace must be exposed to tertiary education.” The President this belief

informed his administration’s decision to set up federal universities in the states without such institutions. According to him, his administration made a “policy that every state must have a Federal Government’s degreeawarding institution”. The President explained that three of such universities were located in the Northeast. He said: “When we came on board, we realised that 12

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Addressing reporters at the main campus of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, during the chapter’s, Dr Adesola Nassir, said the Ibadan Zone of ASUU - comprising the University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode - would sustain the strike in line with the directive of their national body. Nassir, who also doubles as OOU chapter’s ASUU Chair-

man, said Jonathan’s aides were giving him with ill-advice. The academic urged the President to note that neither Nyesom Wike nor Doyin Okupe nor Julius Okojie “was given the mandate to manage the affairs of this country, the Education sector inclusive”. During the OOU-ASUU congress, members unanimously agreed to remain on strike until the government meets the lecturers’ demands, including the release of N200 billion agreed upon as this year’s Revitalisation Fund for Public Universities. Nassir noted that Wike, who he accused of not representing the government prop-

•Wike

“The legitimate procedure is that both sides should sign a resolution showing what was agreed and what was not. Resolution of dispute is not a favour done by one side to the other, but this is how the Minister of Education, expects ASUU to take it.”

THE Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Dr Uzochukwu Onyebinama, has said the lecturers will not call of their strike unless the Federal Government signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they agreed upon. Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, Dr Onyebinama said the government had not been sincere on its terms to the union to end its strike. He added that ASUU would not trust the Federal Government without a written and properly signed agreement.

Soyinka seeks coroner’s inquest on Iyayi By Emmanuel Oladesu

N •Jonathan

states did not have any (federal tertiary institution): three in the South and nine in the North.”

‘We won’t resume until govt meets our demands’

ECTURERS of the states and federal universities in the Southwest yesterday said they would not end their strike unless President Goodluck Jonathan addresses the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). They described as “primitive and derogatory” the Federal Government’s threat to sack them should they fail to return to the classroom. The lecturers noted that since the government could hurriedly inject over N2 trillion into ailing banks, which are privately owned, it should not find it difficult to infuse N200 billion into public universities.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

erly, should be relieved of his job, if he was advancing positions that were contrary to that of the government. He said: “We just want Nigerians to know that ASUU is not going to be cowed. We are very strict about the reason we embarked on strike. We want our universities to be repositioned so that they can produce graduates who would fit into roles that would power the development of this country. “We cannot continue to be accomplices in the process of producing half-baked graduates, as we have been accused of. Our position is very clear...”

OBEL Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the former Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) President, Prof. Festus Iyayi. The literary giant called for a coroner’s inquest to determine the actual cause of the death and lay to rest any controversy about the accident in which the late Iyayi died. The University of Benin (UNIBEN) don died last month in an auto crash on the Benin-Abuja road when the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada rammed into the vehicle conveying ASUU leaders. They were on their way to Kano from Benin for negotiation with the Federal Government over the protracted lecturers’ strike. The late professor is expected to be buried today. Soyinka warned against burying the award-winning writer without a coroner’s inquest. He said this may raise credibility question and make some people accessories to a possible crime. The acclaimed writer, in a statement, said the circumstances surrounding Iyayo’s death should be properly investigated and the actual cause proved beyond all doubts. The statement reads: “The world is watching. With the mortuary photos of the late Festus Iyayi just published in The News, the world is waiting and watching, if the corpse shown in that image will be interred without a coroner’s inquest. To allow this to happen is to make all of us accessories to a possible crime. “It means we are now attuned to the culture of impunity and forfeited all claims to elementary citizen security. Tributes ring hollow, if doubts are silenced. ‘Beyond all doubt’ is a protective armour for each of us, no matter where and how. So, let the nation be placed in knowledge beyond all doubt over the circumstances of Festus Iyayi’s death. “That is the minimum any self-respecting society must demand, not merely as a collective shield, but in the service of truth, and for all posterity. We remain haunted by the far too frequent, unexplained decimation in the ranks of the committed. A coroner’s inquest - that is where to begin.”

UNICAL suspends strike From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle, front row); Chairman, Governing Council of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Iyalode Alaba Lawson (sixth left); Rector of the institution, Prof Oludele Itiola (sixth right) and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa (fourth right) with members of the Governing Council of Polytechnic after the inauguration of the council in Abeokuta...yesterday.

CADEMIC and allied activities will resume today at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the Deputy Registrar (Academic Division), Mr. Mike Monity, has said. But the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the university, Dr James Okpiliya, said the union’s members would not return to the classrooms. In a statement yesterday in Calabar, the Cross River State, Monity said the resumption was the decision reached at an emergency meeting of the university’s Senate.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS APC leaders call for unity By Musa Odoshimokhe

EMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State have pledged to work together as a team to actualise the party’s plan to return power to the people in 2015. Speaking at a reception organised for him by the APC in Surulere yesterday, Alhaji Rasheed Shitta-bey said his return to the party would strengthen its unity. He said what the party needs to be successful in future elections was to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. Shitta-bey said APC states have made remarkable progress in infrastructural development, which is a benchmark for assessing good governance. He said the unity in the APC must be jealously guarded because the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not comfortable with it. Shitta-bey, who was unanimously nominated as the supreme leader of the APC in Surulere, commended the fighting spirit of the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for achieving unity between the North and the Southwest. He said: “This is the first time in the history of this country that the North and Southwest are working together. Ithank Asiwaju for this success and call on others to support him, so that we can achieve the change the country needs.”

OOU-NASU protest From Jeremiah Oke, Ago-Iwoye

HE Non-Academic t a f f Union of Universities (NASU) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State chapter, yesterday protested the non-payment of its twomonth salary by the state government. The union said its members would shun work, if the government fails to pay their outstanding salary. NASU Chairman Adewole Raheem said: “We are asking for the prompt payment of our salary, but the government is not taking us serious. It is only in OOU that we use subvention, which is meant for the dayto-day running of the school, to pay salary.” OOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saburi Adesanya said he could not stop them from protesting, but urged them to go about it peacefully. He urged them to discuss with the government and resolve the matter amicably. S

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (fourth right); his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (fifth right); members of the State Executive Council; Osun youths, who just returned from an agricultural training in Saxony Anhalt, Germany (in the front row) and their parents (at the back row) at a reception for the youths...yesterday.

Youths clash in Akure over Deji’s funeral rites

HE peace in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was disrupted yesterday by a clash between some youths over the funeral rites for the Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo 11, who joined his ancestors on Sunday. The clash was between youths in Akure and those in Isolo, a community in Akure, which has a distinct culture and traditional ruler, the Osolo of Isolo. The trouble started around 10am when some youths from Akure invaded Isolo, forcing people to close their shops. As part of the funeral rites for the late monarch, markets and shops in Akure

•Mimiko, Akeredolu mourn monarch From Damisi Ojo, Akure

are expected to be shut for seven days. It was learnt that the Regent of Isolo and her chiefs directed that shops in the area should not be closed. While forcing residents to close their shops, it was gathered, Akure youths attacked some shop owners and looted their wares. They were resisted by Isolo youths, who said their community should not be affected by the Deji’s funeral rites. The youths attacked themselves with cutlasses,

axes, bottles and other weapons. Many of them were injured. The police restored peace. Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said the command deployed its men in the area to restore normalcy. Also yesterday, Governor Olusegun Mimiko; his wife, Olukemi; and top government officials visited the family and chiefs of the late Oba Adesida. They were received at the palace by the widow, Olori Mojisola, and members of the Adesida family. A gloomy looking Mimiko said the late Oba

Lack of rule of law affecting growth, says Aregbesola

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said lack of the rule of law is affecting Nigeria’s growth. He said the nation has never been strictly governed on the basis of the law. Aregbesola spoke at the public presentation of the state’s Revenue Administration Law, 2012, at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, the state capital. He said Nigeria, with 58 billion dollars debt, compared to America’s 16 trillion dollars debt, has many latent opportunities. Aregbesola said: “This official presentation of the Osun Revenue Administration Law, 2012, is a legal confirmation that we are truly out to irreversibly put our state on the path of socio-economic and politi-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

cal development. We are intent on building a society based on justice, equity and the rule of law.” He said Nigeria has depended on oil for too long and needs other sources of revenue, such as manufacturing and taxation, to survive. Aregbesola said not governing the country strictly on the basis of law has encouraged rascality in government. He said: “This kind of attitude among Nigerians led to a pervasive lawless society. It is tragic that we have failed to realise the big problem this poses to our development effort. Worst still, we are failing to take serious steps to address the situation. “Since the inception of our administration, we have shown determination to qualitatively change the course of running the state’s

affairs. We are determined to transform the previously entrenched culture of disregard for the law because we know there can be no qualitative development in a lawless environment. “Indeed, it is not without reason that the democratic road to development came into global reckoning and got wide acceptance as the best road to progress and development. One of the numerous reasons for this is that democracy is grounded on the rule of law and not the rule of the thumb. It is also a system and culture of running the society on the bases of accountability and transparency. “When we came on board, the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun was a paltry N300 million. We immediately took steps to block all financial leakages and the result was an instant jump of

EFCC seeks confiscation of ex-Oyo HoS’ properties

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a suit at an Oyo State High Court, seeking confiscation of the properties of former Oyo Head of Service (HoS) Mrs. Kudirat Adeleke and 11 others, who are on trial for allegedly stealing 5.6 billion pension

Adesida’s reign was short but eventful, adding that the monarch would be remembered for his zeal to transform the state. On behalf of the family, Prince Adejare Adesida thanked the governor for his love for the late monarch and assured him of their prayers for the success of his administration. The candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last Ondo governorship election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), commiserated with the government and people of the state on Oba Adesida’s de-

mise. In a statement, Akeredolu said: “I send this condolence message to the Governor and people of Ondo State and the Lisa of Akure on the demise of Oba Adesida. I learnt with deep emotion the sad news of the demise of the great Deji, who was a friend. May God have mercy on his soul. “On this sad occasion, I express my sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Oba Adesida, who was a patriot with strong commitment to the sacred values of the traditional institution. “May the Almighty console his family and reward him for his service to the people of Akure and Ondo State.”

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

fund. The money was meant for the gratuity of retired primary school teachers. The other suspects are: Muili Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Olasunmbo, Adeduntan Johnson, Johnson Bosede

and Kareem Rasheed. EFCC is seeking interim forfeiture of the properties, pending the determination of the fraud case against the suspects. The commission based its prayer on the grounds that the accused allegedly used the stolen money to buy and develop some buildings.

The court observed that some of the properties in question had been used to transact businesses with some banks. The suspects are being remanded at Agodi Prison, pending the determination of the case. The case will come up again on December 20.

100 per cent in our IGR to N600 million. Today, the IGR has risen to N1.6 billion. Four years down the line, the economy of our state was the smallest in Nigeria, with a GDP of N110 billion. “As I speak, it has risen to N738 billion. These are good indicators that the progress we have made in just three years has been by leaps and bounds.” Aregbesola said the Revenue Administration Law was a way of enlightening Osun people on the importance of tax payment, adding that those who do not pay tax lack the moral right to ask questions about how public funds are spent.

Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties Ajibola Basiru said the law has distinctive features, such as the establishment of the Osun Board of Internal Revenue, which will have fiscal and ancillary autonomy, thereby making it a professionally run organisation. He said: “The board is empowered as an agency to actualise the government’s goal of optimum revenue generation in a people-friendly manner. The law makes provision for the posting of tax officers from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Local Government Revenue Committee is also provided for.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS UCH doctors suspend strike From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, yesterday suspended its two-monthold strike. The doctors began an indefinite strike on October 1 to protest anomalies in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) recently introduced by the Federal Government. They said they will continue the strike, if the government fails to correct the anomalies in the next one month. UCH-ARD President Babatunde Babasanya told reporters that they suspended the strike to honour scholars, UCH authorities and well meaning Nigerians, who appealed to them to do so and negotiate with the government. Babasanya said: “It is so sad that the IPPS scheme has caused most of our members to loose part of their August and September salary. Some were paid as cooks, security men, cleaners and the likes, while others did not collect any salary for these months. We were shocked that when our November salary was paid, the shortfall was not corrected. We want them to correct the anomaly when they pay December salary, so that we will not have to continue the strike. “We are not asking the government for excess money. It is our salary and we worked for it. We cannot cope with the financial hardship that has befallen us. The government has refused to yield to our request, but we are suspending the strike for peace to reign. The Federal Government has been shortchanging UCH about N100 million monthly since January and this has been hampering the progress of the institution.”

N1.2b Fayose poultry project abandoned, says witness

EARING of the fraud charges levelled against former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continued yesterday at the Federal High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. EFCC insisted that Fayose diverted the money meant for a poultry project during his tenure. Fayose was in the dock for several hours as activist-lawyer Morakinyo Ogele gave e v i d e n c e against him before the court, which was presided over by Justice Adamu Hobon. Ogele said the project believed to have cost about N1 billion, was abandoned, adding that not even 30 per cent of the work was executed. Fayose was impeached on October 16, 2006, by the Ekiti House of Assem-

•Less than 30% work done, activist claims bly after a report by the EFCC was adopted by the lawmakers, who found him “guilty of criminal diversion of funds meant for the project”. Ogele, who wrote a petition dated December 13, 2004, to the EFCC in his capacity as the coordinator of the Ekiti Justice and Equity Movement (EJEM) on the alleged poultry scam, said N340 million was paid to the contractor by the government at the time of his petition, with no evidence that tax was deducted from the sum. Fayose sat quietly in the dock as Ogele and his (Fayose’s) counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), engaged each other in a game of wits. When Justice Hobon observed that the former governor was sweating, he told his police orderly to move the fan close to

the dock. The court clerk sent some of Fayose’s supporters out of the courtroom for making noise during the proceedings. Ogele was led in evidence by EFCC counsel Adebisi Adeniyi before he was cross-examined by Raji. Responding to questions from Raji, Ogele said he had nothing personal against Fayose, but wrote the petition because he was a stakeholder in Ekiti State. He said he was invited by EFCC and wrote a statement, adding that he was interrogated by a team led by Mr. Abubakar Madaki. Picking holes in the way the poultry contract was handled, Ogele said apart from the fact that no tax was deducted from the N340 million paid to Biological Concepts Nig. Ltd., the contractor, the project was not

listed in the 2004 Appropriation Act. When given a copy of ‘Exhibit A’, which was a copy of the Performance Bond dated September 24, 2004, Ogele said the document was not produced at the time he wrote the petition. He objected to Raji’s claim that he (Ogele) was misled in writing the petition, adding that he was not prompted by anyone to write it. Ogele said the poultry project site in his IkereEkiti hometown was abandoned and was revived by the Benin-Owena River basin Development Authority based in the town. When Raji asked why O g el e f a i l ed t o pr a i se Fayose for executing a “laudable project capable of employing many people”, the witness said: “I would have commended

him (Fayose) if he had executed the project to benefit the people, but I cannot keep quiet in a situation where a contractor collected the project money and bolted. Performance Bond in Nigeria is a mere paper show. I rely on the content of my petition and deposition before this honourable court.” Before Ogele was called into the witness box, the EFCC investigator had concluded the latter part of his evidence at the court. The hearing continues today.

Two held with N11m Indian hemp in Oyo From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

From left: 2013 National President, JCI, Botswana, Kabo G. Garechaba; 2014 Presidentelect, JCI, South Africa, Linda Ben; and 2013 President, JCI, Eko, Jide Adeyemi at the 2013 JCI National Convention of South Africa in Johannesburg.

APC: Bamidele unfit to govern Ekiti

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has said the member representing Ekiti Central Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives, Mr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, a.k.a. MOB, is unfit to rule the state. It described Bamidele’s defection to the Labour Party (LP) as a welcome development by the APC and Ekiti people. In a statement by its Publicity Director, Segun Dipe, APC said Bamidele is “puerile” and, as such, could not have realised his governorship ambition in the party. It said: “Just like Macbeth, Bamidele has premised his governorship ambition on some prophesy. He has been dishing out fables as facts without minding whose ox is gored and without recourse to the party that gave him the opportunity to rise to the level he finds himself, including the position he presently occupies in Abuja. “In various interviews, Bamidele claimed to have

•Fayose

By Ayodeji Olaosun

practically dragged Governor Kayode Fayemi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the defunct Action Congress (AC) and introduced him to APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2006. Such lies could only have come from someone who desires power at the devil’s cost. “Asiwaju Tinubu and Dr. Fayemi met and worked together in the early 1990s, when they were both involved in the pro-democracy struggle. Whenever the story of Nigeria’s political activism is told, Fayemi’s name is constantly mentioned and placed in the front burner as against Opeyemi’s claim to infantile activism. This is in the public domain. “Fayemi never joined PDP or any other party before joining the defunct AC. Apart from his role in the human rights and pro-

democracy community, Fayemi brought the Department for International Development (DFID) to Ekiti during the administration of former Governor Niyi Adebayo (1999-2003). Opeyemi was at that time a commissioner in Lagos State for nine years and we cannot remember what positive development he brought to Ekiti. “Our party’s position is that while Bamidele is qualified to contest the governorship poll like anyone else and free to realise his dream on any platform of his choice as provided for by law, he is not the kind of candidate the APC wants to present to the good people of Ekiti. “He is incompetent to govern Ekiti State by our party’s parameters and that of the now discerning Ekiti people. Opeyemi has just completed two of his four-year assignment at the House of Representatives and is yet to give the party his report. “The incumbent,

Fayemi, is our tested and trusted choice. He became our party’s governorship candidate through internal democracy and has raised the bar of governance beyond the feeble reach of the likes of Bamidele, whose only stock in trade is giving individuals peanuts. He thinks if Fayemi could do it, he too can do it, forgetting that trajectories differ. Opeyemi and his ilk should remember that God does not necessarily use the qualified, but would rather qualify those he uses. “Here is a person who cannot be trusted with any private matter. He is not a team player and prefers to be served than to serve. He has made himself available as a willing tool in the hands of the enemy. What name should we call such a person? Opeyemi is an epitome of deception and feudalism. He is good at giving peanuts to individuals, instead of committing his resources to lasting projects for the benefit of the majority.

“This is no longer permissible in Ekiti. Our people abhor deception and autocracy and do not want to serve anyone. They want to be served by a wellmeaning person, who understands their needs and would meet them selflessly. “Bamidele’s claim to fishing Fayemi out is a complete lie. He is not a man that can be saddled with an integrity search. If he had such an opportunity to singlehandedly make someone a governor as he claimed, the person would have been himself. But this would have violated the political configuration of the state. “His Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) has produced three governors in the past, with two from his home town, Iyin-Ekiti. Most importantly, change, just for the heck of it, cannot be sold to the people, who are still enjoying the dividends of democracy being served by our party through the Fayemi administration.”

HE Police in Oyo State have arrested two suspected Indian hemp dealers in Ibadan, the state capital. Police Commissioner Mohammed Indabawa said Mrs. Toyin Adegoke (30) and David Ndidi (27) were arrested around 9pm on November 29 at Eleja, along Akanran, with 646 bags of Indian hemp worth N11 million. Parading the suspects yesterday at the Command Headquartres in Eleyele, Indabawa said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ogbere received information that a consignment of weeds was about to be transported by a DAF truck, marked XR 967 JJJ, from a cannabis plantation at Eleja. He said some of the suspects escaped when the police stormed the farm, but two were arrested. Indabawa said the police were on the trail of the suspects at large. Speaking with reporters, Ndidi claimed to be a motor boy, adding that the owner of the consignment and the driver escaped. He said Mrs. Adegoke knew about the Indian hemp and was following the truck with her car when the police arrested them. Ndidi said: “The driver of the lorry and the owner asked me to alight at Olorunsogo and picked me up after the lorry was loaded. I did not know there was Indian hemp in the lorry.” Mrs. Adegoke said she was an orange seller and was in Eleja to buy oranges from her base in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, but was arrested “during the commotion”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

Sylva escapes fresh arraignment From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

•Sylva

ORMER Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva yesterday escaped re-arraignment on a fresh charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Sylva, who is being tried before Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was to be arraigned before a new judge, on a fresh 42-count charge. The ex-governor and six others are accused of laundering about N19.2 billion. Although he was within the premises, Sylva, who had attended the proceedings before Justice Bello, refused to enter Court 7 to be rearraigned. Despite protests by prosecution lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) that Sylva was

outside and should be invited to take his plea, his lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), insisted otherwise. Fagbemi told the court that his client was not issued with a hearing notice as was required, and that the new charge was only served on him (as against his client) the previous day. As Jacobs stood to counter him, Fagbemi shouted him down, insisting he was not through with his submission. He accused Jacobs of being rude. It soon degenerated into a shouting match. Everyone in court watched as both attorneys slugged it out. “Rotimi, you are rude. Do you know where you are? Must you now be rude because you handle EFCC cases? Rotimi, sit down, you are rude,” Fagbemi shouted. Jacobs, who was livid, shouted back, saying: “You cannot be rude at me. I won’t allow this.” Justice Ahmed Mohammed later intervened, describing the incident as “highly unfortunate.” Justice Mohammed said

Aliyu submits supplementary budget

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yesterday presented a N6.2 billion supplementary budget to the House of Assembly. The Speaker, Usman Adamu, who read the governor’s letter to the House, failed to give the highlights of the bill. He explained that the bill was made up of revenue projections and expenditure. The bill was referred to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation. The House adopted the Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) 2014-2016. This was in line with the provisions of the fiscal responsibility law Section 13 (1b). House Leader Haruna Labaran, who presented the motions on the supplementary bill and the MTFF documents, called for the suspension of Standing Order 7 Rule 3 to allow the bills be presented for a second reading and subsequent adoption.

Sokoto water supply improves

HE Sokoto State government has achieved 97 per cent of its water supply requirement, Chairman, State Task Force on Water Supply Muhammad Namadina Abdulrahman has said. Abdulrahman said the state could supply 52 million gallons a day, adding that ”the projected requirement gauge is 60 million gallons per day and we are able to supply 52 million”. “I think it’s a wonderful performance compared to previous output before the inception of this administration,” he said. The chairman said: “The Aliyu Wamakko-led administration has installed 72 functional boreholes in addition to over 50 existing units to upgrade supply within Sokoto metropolis and environs. “The government has extended similar projects to each local government. Each council has 100 boreholes across villages and communities. " The government is not relenting in its efforts to ensure constant supply in the state. I can tell you that with the coming of the Wamakko administration,water supply has improved.”

‘Establish Northeast governors’ forum

From Duku Joel, Gombe

OBE State Deputy Governor Abubakar Aliyu has called for the formation of a northeast governors’ forum to address the region’s problems. Aliyu spoke yesterday at the ongoing Northeast Economic Summit in Gombe. According to him, the meeting of the governors under an organised body would help them understand the problems of the region and proffer solutions. “I think we should not wait until a summit is converged before we start addressing our problem. It will be better if the Northeast governors have a forum. “This will help them find lasting solutions to the problems of the region.”

•Refuses to enter court •Lawyers ‘fight’ over ex-governor •Ex-Minister Lawal’s trial stalled both lawyers’ conduct was capable of giving young lawyers and non-lawyers a bad impression. “I call on you senior members of the bar to keep your cool. Please, let us not desecrate this profession. “I see this as an affront on my authority in this court. Two senior lawyers, standing up to each other this way.” Both lawyers later apologised to the court and to each other, with Fagbemi calling Jacobs, “my junior brother.”

Also charged with Sylva are Francis Okuburo, Gbenga S. Balogun, Samuel Ogbuku, Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited and Haloween Blue Construction and Logistics Limited. Two of the accused Balogun (third accused) and Ogbudu (fourth accused) were in court and mounted the dock. Sylva stood on the corridor leading to the court, while proceedings lasted. Efforts by Jacobs to ensure that the arraignment, hav-

ing failed to take place yesterday, should be carried out before December 31 failed, as the defendants insisted that time should be devoted to the hearing of the preliminary objection by Ogbudu. Justice Mohammed fixed January 23 for the hearing of objections in the case. Earlier, before Justice Bello, Fagbemi argued an application in which Sylva sought the release of his passport to enable him travel. EFCC’s lawyer John

Ainetor objected to the application, arguing that Sylva wanted to evade trial on the new charge. Ainetor told the court that this was the third time Sylva was filing a similar application, as others were rejected for lacking in merit. He urged the court to refuse it. The trial of former Labour Minister Hassan Lawal before Justice Bello was stalled yesterday. Prosecution lawyer Wahab Shittu told The Nation that the case could not go on because there were moves to transfer the case to another judge. He said the court would communicate to parties when the transfer was effected and the case ready for hearing before a new judge.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Dayo Amusa floats school

By Mercy Michael

OP flight Yoruba actress cum producer has added yet another feather in her hat. The actress, whose profile has been on a steady rise for a couple of years, is leaving no stone unturned in making her impact felt and this time, she has taken it a notch higher. Less than two years after she opened her PayDab school in Surulere, Lagos, Dayo Amusa has opened another branch in lbadan, Oyo State. The unveiling, which was done last Sunday, was attended by some of her colleagues. Amusa is the producer of Unforgivable, a new advocacy flick starring A-list actors, including Desmond Elliot and Mike Ezuruonye.

•Gabosky with veteran actor Olu Jacobs at an event

Gabosky tackles distribution nightmare in Nollywood A

•Amusa

Uche Iwuji’s hubby debunks marriage crash rumour

By Mercy Michael

OR some weeks now, the entertainment industry has been awash with rumours of a crack in the marriage of Nollywood actress Uche Iwuji. The actress got married barely a year ago to her Oil and Gas businessman beau, Juwon Lawal, executive officer of ABD Fuel. The actress, since stories of her rumoured marriage crash, has kept mum and this has made a lot of her fans believe that indeed, the one-year-old marriage has hit the rocks just as many others in Nollywood. However, to the chagrin of movie lovers and fans, her husband has not only refuted the rumour, but denied knowledge of it. Lawal said: “I am hearing it for the first time. Anyway, I don’t even have time to be reading all those rubbish. I don’t have time for tales by moonlight.”

NEW effort at tackling the challenges of film distribution in the Nigerian motion picture industry, otherwise called Nollywood, was unveiled Monday. Championed by G-Media, a production, distribution and marketing company, owned by Chief Gab Okoye aka Gabosky, the initiative, is leveraging on acquired Federal Government loans and grants to establish structures in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The capital intensive project is expected to make Nigerian films and related intellectual property products available and auditable, thereby closing the gap that pirates have filled all the years. A respected Nollywood marketer, Chief Okoye, noted for one of the earliest Nollywood films; Battle of Musanga and Nneka the Pretty Serpent, is railroading what experts say is the much-anticipated watershed in the annals of Nollywood. Speaking at the unveiling and special presentation of the project to practitioners and regulatory agencies, including the National Film and Censors’ Board (NFVCB), proponents of the National Distribution and Exhibition Framework (NDEF), the G-Media boss noted

that “the problem with Nollywood started because we did not build on the momentum that Nollywood gathered after its birth. We were too amazed by the phenomenon that we failed to realise the need for real structures that would ensure that the success would last for a long time. It is time to put things right and that is what we are doing with G-media.” Distribution has often been identified as the major problem with Nollywood, prompting the Federal Ministry of Finance to allocate about 50 per cent of the Federal Government N3 billion Nollywood grant towards distribution infrastructure. It has been argued that due to the absence of proper distribution platforms across the country and dearth of cinemas, piracy has thrived at a globally unprecedented 82 per cent penetration. According to Gobasky, “we have worked hard for many years to put this distribution platform together so that our people can enjoy the

movies they have always loved without having to go through hassles to get them.” While many have argued that the Federal Government’s loans and grants have been difficult to access, Gagosky’s testimony follows that of Tony Abulu, who got money from Nigerian Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank to shoot Doctor Bello and Kene Mparu, who got the FilmHouse franchise and secured a loan with Bank of Industry (BoI) to establish cinemas in some parts of the country, Gabosky’s feat is certainly the biggest so far. “The G-media distribution stands on firm ground with support from the bank of industry, FCMB and additional funding from the $200 fund for the creative industry, an initiative of the Federal Government under the Ministry of Finance,” Okoye said. He said the first phase of G-media distribution project would commence in January 2014 with 25 stores spread across the nation, 30 regional distributors as well as 4,000 community stores. “It will also leverage on a state

Talents emerge as Calabar Festival gathers momentum

•Uwaifo

Victor Uwaifo joins 2face’s label

•Iwuji

By Victor Akande

of the art web portal system to link all distributors and major stake holders to the central system for sales and statistical information as well as transparency of the system,” he said. He urged filmmakers, who have quit due to piracy, to avail themselves with opportunities provided by the new dawn. “One of the results of the distribution problems of Nollywood has been the withdrawal of some of the best hands that gave Nollywood its early success from the movie scene. When sales dropped drastically and less capable hands become the leaders of the industry, many major producers and directors thought it best to stay away from the rot. It is important for the old hands to come back and join the new ones for a truly dynamic industry. Our promise to them is that we will get their movies to the buyer wherever they may be,” Gabosky assured. He said the G-Media stores will commence operation, with the distribution of Biyi Bandele’s Half of a Yellow Sun, Mahmood AliBalogun’s Tango with Me and Charles Novia’s Alan Poser, among others.

ETERAN Highlife artiste Sir Victor Uwaifo has joined 2face Idibia’s record label, HyperTek Digital. The signing was announced on November 30 at Club Rumours, Ikeja, Lagos. The Edo State-indigene and university lecturer by his new feat has joined young artistes; Dammy Krane and Rocksteady, who are official artistes under the label. Adducing reasons for signing the sculptor cum writer, 2face said: “My manager, Efe Omorogbe and I have been talking about it for quite some time and we just decided to go for it. Sir Victor Uwaifo was really forthcoming and he was down with the idea and here we are today,” he said.

HE city of Calabar is abuzz with activities at this year’s edition of the annual monthlong Calabar Festival, which kicked off last Saturday, with the historic lighting of the touted biggest Christmas tree in Africa. Reports say while the population of returnee indigenes is swelling, youths of school age can’t wait to get back from their sojourn to join the festivity. In its effort at galvanising the young ones into useful ventures, the state, yesterday discovered more talents to boost the entertainment industry. Tagged: Calabar Got Talent, the initiative is one of several activities in the ongoing festival calendar, targeted at discovering budding talents and nurturing same to stardom. Undeterred by the early morning downpour, the crowd gathered for what has now become a ground for the discovery of new talents. The platform, it is said, also offers them opportunity to win scholarships. With the excited audience acting as judges at the show, which held at the Millennium Park, a come-

•2012 Calabar festival discovery (Pikin) in a live comedy performance at Calabar's got talent part 1. By Victor Akande

dian, a rapper and a dancer were discovered. The show also featured notable

Nigerian home-groom artistes like Teego, Uncle Eddie, Naughty Jay and another Calabar Festival discovery, Pikin, who added so much fun and laughter to the evening.

BUSINESS NEWS Reps deny bribery allegation over 2014 Budget

HE House of Repre sentatives yesterday debunked allegations that each member received $100,000 each to peg the benchmark of the 2014 budget at $76.5 per barrel of crude oil. The benchmark has been a source of contention between the Presidency and the Lower House with the latter insisting on $79 per barrel as against the Senate’s adoption of $76.5 per barrel. No sooner had the House commenced plenary yesterday than it went into a twohour executive session to discuss the parameters to adopt on the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) sent to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan, particularly the benchmark. The Nation learnt that while some members were of the opinion that the $79 per barrel which the House insisted on should be maintained, others were said to have can-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

vassed a more moderate benchmark, arguing that the position of the Senate should be adopted. Speaking with reporters after the closed door-session, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Ogene, said members did not fight over the issue at the closed door session as alleged by some people. “Seriously speaking, you all saw us when we came out, smiling. The issues I told you clearly were between those who insisted that the benchmark remains at $79 and those, who feel that it was okay at $76.5,” he said. He said neither did they receive any bribe from the Presidency over the benchmark. The allegation made the rounds that the lawmakers were bribed sequel to a meeting with President Jonathan on the issue.

ECOWAS ministers agree to partner WTO

FRICAN Trade Minis ters yesterday agreed to support the package put on the table at the ongoing World Trade Organisation’s Ninth Ministerial Conference (MC9), taking place in Bali, Indonesia, in the interest of the developing economies and the global economy at large. The ministers agreed, during a meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a working dinner co-organised by Nigeria, that there should be convergence in Bali after the Doha talks which have been on for about 12 years. The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, who spoke to reporters after the dinner, said: “Bearing in mind that no one gets everything he wants in a package and that people have to compromise, Nigeria and other African countries have agreed to support the pack-

age as presented in Bali and work towards a deal in the next few days.” There are three main items in the package - trade facilitation (to streamline customs procedures and minimise unnecessary border delays, delivering jobs and opportunities in times of unemployment and slow growth); agriculture (which Nigeria and other African countries are really interested in); and development, which applies mainly to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Aganga said: “At the last ministerial meeting in Geneva (MC8) which I chaired, one of the conclusions was that the WTO should identify some of the elements of Doha where there was very little disagreement and which would be beneficial to members with a view to delivering a package around those areas. Those areas were areas to do with trade facilitation, which is beneficial to everyone.”

Automotive import tariff’ll hurt economy, says LCCI

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has criticised the new automotive policy of the Federal Government. In a statement, its President, Mr. Goodie Ibru said the sharp increases in import tariff and levies on vehicles would harm the economy and Nigerians. Ibru said the chamber welcomed a policy that promotes self-reliance. His words: “In pursuit of this laudable aspiration, proper policy sequencing is imperative. Import dependency is only a manifestation of deeper issues of low productivity, weak competitiveness and flawed foreign exchange policy in the domestic economy. It is inappropriate to begin the pursuit for a self-reliant automobile sector with the imposition of high import tariff on vehicles when there are fundamental supply side issues to resolve. Without a good foundation, the superstructure cannot stand in any economy.”

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

The LCCI boss said the recent tariff review would have a negative effect on the economy because smuggling of motor vehicles will escalate with corresponding loss of revenue to the government. He argued that ethical players in the sector would be crowded out of business because of the weak institutional capacity to ensure compliance with the new tariff as well as the porosity of the borders. Other effects, Ibru noted, are higher transport costs, which could lead to inflation as over 85 per cent of the freight in the economy is moved by roads, including citizens. Ibru noted that the new policy would put vehicle ownership further beyond the reach of the middle class, especially in the face of poor credit access and high lending rates and the loss of maritime sector jobs to neighbouring countries.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

Senate probes $24m Manitoba power deal T HE Senate has queried the controversial $24million electricity management contract between the Federal Government and a Canadian firm, Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) as power supply slumped across the country. The MHI was contracted to manage the electricity Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), one of the successor companies of the unbundled Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Members of the Senate Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy accused the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo at a meeting yesterday of failing to make the contract’s papers, expected to run for three years, available to members of the committee. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Philip Aduda said: “We (Senate) need to know how you signed the agreement and what you signed.” Reacting to the minister’s

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

response that the agreement papers were with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Senator Nurudeen AbatemiUsman said: “You can’t push it on BPE. This is a public document and you are the supervising minister of this agency.” Senator Chris Ngige said the Manitoba contract which was aimed at improving the electricity transmission system has not translated to stable power supply the country. In his response, Manitoba’s CEO, Mr Don Priestman said: “It cannot be turned around overnight. There are no magic wand to do that.” The committee also queried the failure of the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Kenneth Achugbu to appear before it.

Aduda queried the nonutilisation of the over N16 billion approved for REA this year to undertake electrification projects across rural communities in Nigeria, in line with the provisions of the Electric Sector Reforms Act (EPSR 2005). Professor Nebo told the Senate panel that a little over N6 billion of the approved N16 billion has so far been released to REA with the balance expected before this month end. He said the $1.7 billion which will be realised from the sale of National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) would be used to strengthen electricity transmission capacity. Nebo said the sale of power plants was transparent and observed the tenets of world’s best practice. On problems encountered during the sale and eventual transfer of the power firms

to new owners, Nebo said: “We have encountered some teething problems along the way and those problems are not unexpected.” Priestman however told the committee that his agency requires $36million to be able to deliver on its mandate in the power sector. He noted that one of the major requirements of the contract to MHI was to complete 18 Milestone Deliverable Reports (MDR). He stated that all but one of the MDR due at this time has been completed. “The outstanding report is in the final stages of completion,” Priestman said. He however lamented that even though each of the MDR was to be approved by a SupervisoryCommittee of the Board of Directors, essentially during the first quarter of 2013, “that did not happen as there was no Board of Directors put in place until the second half of 2013.”

•From left: Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; First Prize Winner, Master Ezenwa Joseph Okonkwo of Ambol Comprehensive High School, Akesan-Igando, Lagos; and President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Alhaji Alkali Mohammed, at the grand finale of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students at UBA House, in Lagos.

NIMASA scam: How contracts were awarded, by EFCC witness M

OST of the contracts awarded at the Ni geria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) alleged to have been split, were approved by the agency’s governing board, a Federal High Court heard yesterday. An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Mohammed Shehu, said the agency’s former Director-General, Mr. Raymond Omatseye did not influence the contracts. Testifying at the Federal High Court in Lagos during the resumed hearing, the witness said the agency’s board was responsible for award of contracts until a tenders’ board was set up. He said most of the contracts awarded during Omatseye’s tenure were handled by the board’s secretary. Shehu, a retiree and former Acting Director of Procurement at NIMASA, said the contracts he sent to Omatseye for approval were within the prescribed limit by law. “Based on the recommendations of the technical staff, I always endorsed the contracts because they fall within his (Omatseye’s) threshold,”

By Joseph Jibueze

he said. Testifying during cross-examination by Omatseye’s lawyer Olusina Sofola (SAN), the witness said a contract awarded for generator “was never executed”. “Money was never paid in respect of the generator. It was never executed during the tenure of the accused person,” he added. On award of contract for supply of Blackberry devices, Shehu said the NIMASA governing board approved it. “When I got to NIMASA, there was virtually nothing no Parastatals Tenders’ Board. Procurements were done by the governing board. “The needs of departments are forwarded to the Director-General, who will request the department to write the board a memo. “Whenever there’s a board meeting, the memos will be collected by the Secretary of the board for presentation to the board. “Those contracts were then approved by the board. The

contracts approved by the board will be sent to the Director-General by the board secretary as ‘extracts’. That was how the Blackberry contracts were processed,” Shehu said. The witness said sometimes board memos would be taken to the board chairman, who “gave anticipatory approvals.” “The function of contract awards was taken over by the secretary of the board,” Shehu said. The witness said Omatseye did not give him any directives as regards the award of the Blackberry contract, adding that the Information Technology (IT) department handled the processing. Shehu said following the intervention of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), a parastatals tenders’ board was set up at NIMASA “towards the end of 2010.” Shehu said to the best of his knowledge, the contract for the supply of Blackberry mobile devices followed

due process. The contract, he said, was awarded to Anchor Offshore Services Limited. “There was no pre-arrangement that the Blackberry contract would be awarded to Anchor Offshore,” he said. During the examination-inchief by EFCC’s lawyer Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), he said there were no parastatals tenders’ boards at NIMASA between September 2009 and April 2010. He also said Omatseye’s approved threshold was N2.5million for goods, and N5million for works. EFCC re-arraigned Omatseye before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia on an amended 27-count charge for contract scam. He pleaded not guilty. His re-arraignment was due to the transfer of the former trial judge, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako. The accused person was charged with alleged illegal transfer of the agency’s fund and contract splitting estimated at over N1.5 billion. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned till January 20 next year for continuation of hearing.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

CITYBEATS

NewsDirect to honour Aregbesola, oil chiefs

OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Executive Secretary of Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr Reginald Stanley are among those to be honoured by Nigerian NewsDirect during the paper's third anniversary celebrations on December 12. A statement by the publisher, Sam Ibiyemi, said Aregbesola would receive the Best Governor of the Year awards on infrastructure development and education; Stanley, the Best Regulator of the Year awards. Others are the Managing Director of Omatek Computers, Mrs Florence Seriki, Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and Managing Director of Fly-

ing Doctors Dr Ola Orekunrin Outstanding Female CEO. In the corporate award category, the paper will honour OilServ Limited, Seplat Petroleum, First Bank, Babcock University and NIPCO Plc. The ceremony will feature presentation of papers on "Enabling Environment, infrastructure development, funding and capacity building". The guest lecturers are the Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr Abiye Membere and Osun State Commissioner for Finance Dr Wale Bolorunduro.

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

•From left: Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Managing Director Ola Oresanya, Legal Director Mrs Yemisi Ogunlola, Alkem Nigeria Limited Managing Director Mr Ravi Chanrai and Chief Operating Officer Mr A Ramalingaman during the signing of an agreement between LAWMA and Alkem in Lagos... yesterday. PHOTO:ADEOLA SOLOMON

Residents hail govt over road RESIDENT of LASU-Iba Road in Lagos are excited over the ongoing construction of a road in the area. To them, on completion, the road will relieve their pains and open up their community for development. A resident, Mr. Rasheed Gbade, said: “Prior to the commencement of the ongoing reconstruction of this road, it was hell coming in and out of this community, especially, anytime there was rain, but since the commencement of the project, we have been finding movement a little bit comfortable. “It is not true that anyone protested against the contractor. Why should someone embark on protest when the government has answered our demand; it will be unreasonable for anyone to protest because his or her property is affected by the development.” He pleaded with the construction firm to keep the deadline for the job’s completion. Another resident Mr. Tajudeen Agbaje, praised the government for the project, adding that sacrifices must be made for development to take place. He said those whose properties were affected should see it as their own contribution to the community’s development for the residents’ benefit.

Duke, Adeola, others for summit, WIFE of former Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke, Managing Director, Lotus Capital Limited Mrs. Hajara Adeola and Head of Trustees at First Trustees Nigeria Limited Mrs. Toyin Sanni are expected at the maiden Total Professional Women Conference. The event will take place on Saturday at Protea Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos.

By Adeola Ogunlade

The programme coordinator, Ada Obaje, said the programme was aimed at equipping women with the social skills and graces they need to excel. Obaje said opportunities for women in work places had increased in the last few years but lamented that they are unprepared for the technical challenges they will face in life.

Council chief seeks support on IGR CHAIRMAN, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State Hon Sulaiman Mukaram Adebayo has urged stakeholders to pay tenement rates and other levies in order to improve the council’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Adebayo made this appeal during an interactive session with stakeholders at the weekend. The event was part of activities marking the administration's one year in office. A statement by council's Director of Information, Mr Tope Oyekan, enjoined all stakeholders to cooperate with the council through prompt payment of all levies and rates, adding that it will enable the administration to implement more p e o p l e - o r i e n t e d programmes and projects within the ten wards of the council. Oyekan said despite the lean purse of the council, the administration was able to achieve a lot in the last one year. H e l i st e d so m e o f t h e

achievements as the construction of a block of two classrooms with an office at African Church Primary School, Babapupa, Alagbagba; Construction of a block of two Classrooms with an office at Nawairudeen Primary School, Asipa, Opeji; Rehabilitation of a block of six Classrooms and construction of an attached office at Orile Ilugun Comprehensive High School; Construction of Health Clinic at Odeda; Renovation of open stalls at Kila, Osiele and Odeda markets; Grading of Roads across the 10 wards; stocking of the local government poultry with 1000 point-of-cage birds and 1000 day-old chicks; renovation of offices and purchase of official vehicles for the Leader of the House and the Secretary to council. Three 500 KVA transformers were distributed to Kila, Mawuko and Alogi Obantoko communities, as well as free lesson notes to teachers in all the 106 primary schools of the local government.

Court to try 17 Boko Haram suspects 'in camera'

HE 17 suspected members of the proscribed Islamic sect, Boko Haram, arrested in different parts of Lagos on March 21, will be tried in camera, a Lagos Federal High Court ruled yesterday. Justice Ibrahim Buba held that it was in the national interest to hold the trial out of public view. He was ruling on an application brought by the prosecution, which was not opposed by the defence. The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye, prayed the court to order that the trial be conducted behind closed doors. He said his application was based on Sections 203 and 205 of the Criminal Procedure and Section 36 (4) (a) (b) of the 1999 Constitution. Ipaye also sought an order that the prosecution witnesses, who are operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), be allowed to give evidence wearing mask. He prayed for an order restricting the press from the coverage of the proceedings. The first to third and seventh defendants' lawyer, Mr O.E. Nwagbara, did not oppose the application.

By Joseph Jibueze

Counsel for the remaining 13 defendants also did not oppose the application. Granting the application, Justice Buba said the media would not be allowed to cover the case. When the suspects were arraigned last week, SSS operatives prevented journalists from covering the proceedings. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the seven counts of terrorism acts, possession of prohibitted firearms and ammunition preferred against them. Justice Buba ordered that they be remanded in prison. They are Ali Modu, Adamu Karumi, Ibrahim Ali, Ibrahim Bukar, Mohammed A. Mohammed, Bala Haruna, Idris Ali, Mohammed Murtala, Kadri Mohammed, Mustapha Hassan, Abba Duguni, Sani Adamu, Danjuma Yahaya, Musa Bala, Bala Daura, Farouk Haruna and Abdula Zuladaini. The charge said the defendants were arrested at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase 1 Housing Estate; 24 Oyegbemi Street, Ijora Oloye, Apapa and an unnumbered

bungalow on Oyegbemi Street, behind Celestial Church, in Ijora Oloye on March 21. The government said they conspired "to commit felony, to with: acts of terrorism" by having in their possession explosive substances, including three packets of explosive construction pipes and 15 detonators. They were also said to be in possession of 11 AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition each; 200 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 rifle magazines with three rounds of live ammunition each, two suitcases containing explosives and one water container of explosives. Also recovered from the suspects, the charge said, were one bag containing canisters, one HP laptop, five Nokia handsets and one red Volkswagen Golf car with registration number Lagos: SMK 427 AZ, allegedly meant to transport the explosives. The offence is contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 and punishable under Section 17 (b). Another count alleged that

Ibrahim Bukar and Kadri Mohammed, on the same day "knowingly entered into an arrangement for which money would be made available for the purpose of terrorism for a proscribed organisation to wit: Boko Haram sect." The government said the offence was contrary to Section 13 (2) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 and punishable under the same Act. According to the fifth count, the defendants were arrested by security agents for being members of the proscribed Boko Haram. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 and punishable under the same Section 2 (3) (1) read in conjunction with Section 33 (1) (b) of the Act as amended. The sixth count said they had in their possession prohibited firearms without a licence contrary to Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under the same section.

Miners petition Fashola over alleged extortion

AND miners have petitioned Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola over alleged fraudulent activities by some top officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Ibeju - Lekki/ Epe. In the petition, the Ibeju Lekki/Epe Miners Association alleged that the officials led by a senior civil servant, who was transferred to the ministry early this year, had been usurping thegroup's constitutional role and extorting money from its members. The petition reads: "The officials have not only usurped the constitutional role of the association into moderating the running of miners' activities in our axis, but also collect N420,000 daily from our members without issuing official receipt. "The breakdown of the haulage revenue we generated for the State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources showed that our association pays approximately N420, 000 daily, N2.5 million weekly and over N 10 million monthly, col-

By Jude Isiguzo

lected in cash regularly by an agent of a powerful woman in the ministry without receipt being issued, while we were also compelled to pay 20 per cent of the total daily proceeds and N40, 000 daily for security. Our consistent request for receipts for these monies proved abortive, but investigation revealed that only N 60,000 daily, N 360,000 weekly and N1.4 million monthly are remitted to the state Government's Cof-

fer. To our dismay, these officials went further to hijack the responsibility of our association by imposing rosters on our members and giving consent (licence) to unknown mining operators who are mostly tax evaders." The association said its members were shocked to discover that the number of consent given out between July and November had "ridiculously" rose from 24 to 150, forcing four members to work in a day and just twice in six

months. The association alleged intimidation by soldiers and policemen at their mining site, adding that they were also threatened with losing their consent from January next year by the officials. The association, which is for sand mining in the Ibeju Lekki/Epe, it had succeeded in ending illegal operations, regularising said sales and ensuring the payment of government dues by its members as when due.

19 naval officers decorated in Lagos

HE Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy (NN, yesterday decorated 19 of its officers that were promoted by the Headquarters. Five Captains were elevated to the rank of Commodore; six Commanders moves to Captains and eight Lieutenant Commanders to Commanders. The commodores (Army's equivalent of Brigadier Gen-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

eral), are Esther Ogbonnaya; R.O. Mohammed; Abidemi Ayinde; Baribuma Kole and J.I. Ogazi. At the ceremony, which held at the auditorium of the NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, were the Flag Officers Commanding (FOC), WNC and Naval Training Commands (NAVTRAC), Rear Admirals Ibok-Ette Ibas and Goddy

Anyankpele, the Chief Security Officer, WNC, Rear Admiral J.K.Z. Ango and the Fleet Commander West, Rear Admiral LON Iwuoha. Addressing the officers, Rear Admiral Ibas, urged them to rise up to the responsibility of the new ranks. He said: "I congratulate you for making the list of those the NN and the Armed Forces considered worthy of wearing the new ranks.

Pg. 51

PAGE 13

Pg. 51

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Tempting soldiers

•The military should not be allowed to contemplate role in elections or any aspects of our democracy

EOPLE outside the country must have been surprised over the news report that the Nigerian Army is training its men for the 2015 general elections. Speaking at a two-day seminar with the theme “State of readiness of units with 81 Division and challenges of internal security operations” for its men, the Commander, 9 Brigade, General A. Oyebade, said the army has mapped out some of the areas where the soldiers would be involved. The surprise of outsiders would centre on questions like: What should be the business of soldiers with elections? Are election days not like any other day that will come and go while the people perform their civic responsibility of voting? Yes, this is the way it is in civilised climes. But it does not work that way in our kind of environment. Here, as in many parts of Africa, elections have become ‘do-or-die’ battles, to paraphrase one of our former presidents. Considering this peculiarity, we should ordinarily thank the Nigerian Army for taking time out to think and talk about the 2015 elections. This is so much so that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, General Obi Umahi, said that “no warning order has been issued and we have not been directed to prepare for the election. We have not even been told we will participate or not during the election but we are preparing so that we are not caught unawares”. In other words, the army was motivated by patriotic instincts to have begun preparations for the polls. We appreciate the patriotic instincts that would have made the army organise such a forum on the all-important 2015 elections. Without doubt, the poll promises to

be important, if not ominous, especially considering recent political developments in the country. But we cannot support military involvement in election matters. This is strictly a job for the police that are in charge of internal security. The 1999 Constitution is clear on that. If we keep involving soldiers in internal security duties, we tend to give them a largerthan-life impression, which is dangerous for democracy. Again, many of our top military officers who should know, including General Theophilus Danjuma, have always warned against distracting soldiers with duties not having direct bearing with their core duty of protecting the country from external aggression because such duties particularly have negative impact on their professionalism. Moreover, whether our military authorities agree or not, Nigerians believe that soldiers’ presence during elections scares voters away. So, quite unlike how Gen Oyemade sees it, it is not a question of the military having code of conduct for participating in election. Don’t the police have? And how has that deterred them from being biased in favour of the ruling party? But that is not even the only worry; more worrisome is the fact that the country will be doomed if our soldiers get compromised and become as partisan as the police should they (soldiers) be given crucial roles during elections. It is a sad commentary on our politicians, particularly the ruling party, that elections have become ‘do-or-die battles’ to necessitate soldiers anticipating trouble at the polls that are still more than one year away. The government should face the reality of addressing the inadequacies of the

police in order to make it more efficient. Apart from terrorism that the soldiers mentioned, most of the things that they are preparing to do ahead of the elections are what the police should be brainstorming on. For instance, Gen. Oyemade said that “The division is keeping a close watch on ethnic militias such as OPC … some politicians may want to use them for their political ambition …” This is the duty of the police. Many years ago, our soldiers were rarely seen in the public; they were contented staying in their barracks unless in compelling circumstances. That should be the template. Let the soldiers not lead themselves into temptation. Roles like this tease them into politics. Military rule and adventurism in our politics since independence fed on temptations like this. This is a DEMOCRACY for civilians, not a platform for soldiers to test and taste power.

‘Many years ago, our soldiers were rarely seen in the public; they were contented staying in their barracks unless in compelling circumstances. That should be the template. Let the soldiers not lead themselves into temptation. Roles like this tease them into politics. Military rule and adventurism in our politics since independence fed on temptations like this’

Violence on the Plateau

•The repletion of mayhem compounds our quest for peace

NFORTUNATELY, the recent rating by an international agency that Nigeria’s condition is akin to a state of civil war may not be far from the truth. Otherwise, how can one explain the perennial killings going on, in Plateau State, not to talk of the North-eastern region of the country that is operating under a state of emergency? On November 26, there was a report that gunmen killed 45 persons in four villages, namely Tatu, Rawuru, Bok, and Dorang, all in the Fan district of Barkinladi local council of Plateau State. The attack could not be prevented, even when the governor of the state, claimed to have raised an alarm of an imminent attack.

‘The people of Plateau, whether the so-called settlers or the indigenes, need to sit down and come to terms on how to accommodate one another. It is also important that those who have taken up arms to push their claims must realise that such conducts are crimes against the country and the international community. Above all, we know there are many reports and recommendations on previous clashes in the state, what has happened to them?’

In the report, one of the victims, Jok Chollom mourned, ‘our village was under siege for more than one hour, with no help from any security agencies in the area’. Another villager, Daylop Shom, from Rawuru, said, ‘We have to run away now. We thought we lived with Special Task Force and are protected. But these attacks prove contrary. I have no hope in security agencies, I have to go and take refuge wherever my safety and that of my children are guaranteed.’ The Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crisis has since confirmed the attacks and the deaths of at least 37 persons, while their media officer claimed that ‘on receiving the report, STF personnel moved to the scene to bring the situation under control, but the gun men fled on sighting the troops’. Preceding the attack on Barkinladi; there was also an attack on November 22, in which four persons were killed, while 200 houses were burnt, in Kuka village of Shendam local council, in the same Plateau State. In the two incidents under reference, the attackers successfully completed the well coordinated attacks, and escaped before the arrival of the security agencies. Yet, classically, the nation-state possesses the prerogative over organised violence, with which it puts such incidence as witnessed in Plateau in check. Likely, it is these incessant successful attacks on civilians, which is a challenge to the Nigerian state that may have led the foreign agency to infer that Nigeria is in a state of civil war.

These attacks should worry all cadres of government; particularly the Federal Government that has the monopoly of the management of security agencies in the country, for the successful attacks can only be interpreted as a failure of governance. The attacks should also seriously worry the state government; after all, it is the people and resources of the state that have suffered terribly in the attacks. Tragically in the recent attacks, the alleged suspects were armed Fulani herdsmen or mercenaries. According to the local people, religion and ethnicity are seen as the motives for these gruesome attacks. This descent is dangerous, and Governor Jonah Jang must work to stop it. So, while the Federal Government must rise up to end the widespread security challenges across the country, the Plateau State government has the primary responsibility to find a solution to this particular crisis, since it is locally brewed, and not an attack by a foreign power. From the records of previous attacks, it seems the people of Plateau, whether the so-called settlers or the indigenes, need to sit down and come to terms on how to accommodate one another. It is also important that those who have taken up arms to push their claims must realise that such conducts are crimes against the country and the international community. Above all, we know there are many reports and recommendations on previous clashes in the state, what has happened to them?.

Ukraine doesn’t need another revolution

HE DEMONSTRATIONS that erupted in Ukraine over the weekend are being compared to the 2004 Orange Revolution. They are directed at the same man: Viktor Yanu-kovych , who nine years ago was declared the winner of a rigged election and now has incited unrest by turning his back on an association agreement with the European Union. Ukraine, however, would not be well served by another revolution. What’s needed is a peaceful political process that respects the country’s constitution. Both Ukraine and Mr. Yanukovych are not what they were in 2004. Then the country was governed by a corrupt autocracy, and Mr. Yanukovych was the beneficiary of Russian-orchestrated electoral fraud. Now he is a democratically elected president with 16 months left in his term. Though his abrupt decision to drop the E.U. pact, under heavy pressure from Russian President Vladi-mir Putin, is passionately opposed by much of his country, Mr. Yanukovych still enjoys considerable support. His apparent reasons for abandoning the E.U. deal, which would have set the country on a course toward integration with the West, range from the politically expedient to the venal. He wished to avoid tough economic-austerity steps demanded by Western governments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in exchange for desperately needed loans, and he wanted to preserve the fortune reportedly accumulated by his family while he has been in office. By turning to Mr. Putin, he hoped to win an easy bailout and end the squeeze Moscow was applying to Ukrainian exports. Mr. Yanukovych’s other short-term goal is to win reelection in 2015. That’s why he rejected an E.U. demand that his chief opponent, Yulia Tymoshenko, be released from prison. His supporters also passed a law stripping eligibility from another opposition leader, Vitali Klitschko. A revolution is not the right response to this record. Demands by Mr. Klitschko and others for immediate presidential and parliamentary elections have questionable grounding in law. If Mr. Yanukovych is forced from power by street marches or other extra-constitutional means, Ukraine will be vulnerable to the endless turmoil that has afflicted other nations that removed elected leaders, including Thailand and Egypt. Europe’s insistence on democratic standards will look hollow, and Mr. Putin, who regards both the Orange Revolution and the current protests as a Western plot, will likely escalate his meddling. The best solution to the crisis would be “round-table” political negotiations between the government and the opposition, which also followed the 2004 revolt. That would give Mr. Yanukovych the opportunity to address the source of the unrest by agreeing to set a new date for a E.U. agreement. If the parliament passes a vote of no confidence in the current prime minister and cabinet, the president could appoint replacements. European governments could step up to offer Ukraine aid in meeting its looming financial obligations, provided it comes to terms with the IMF. Ultimately, the way for Ukraine to settle the debate over its geopolitical orientation is through free elections. Opposition leaders should begin preparing to challenge Mr. Yanukovych and his followers next year — and Western governments should aim to ensure that the competition will be fair. – Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Dep. Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: They say when two elephants fight the grass suffers. On July 3, academic life in Nigerian public universities was interrupted as ASUU commenced their indefinite strike. It’s the fifth month now and we’ve observed daily as ASUU and our government play hardball over who’s right or wrong, while students – the grass in this case – languish at home, hoping that the two elephants will have mercy on them. For those who do not know, ASUU is on strike again because Federal Government has not yet implemented all the terms of the agreement it ‘willingly’ entered with ASUU in January 2009 and subsequently renegotiated in 2012. Well, as a product of the university

Tinu - your darling wife, Kunbi and her siblings as well as the entire SOG family led by its strong and charming matriarch, aunty Wonu Folami, in celebrating your 70 years of your very successful life, in the course of which you have continued to make phenomenal positive impact on nation building, humanity, different spheres of our society including the arts and music, private sector development and governance at state and national levels, may the Almighty Allah continue to prosper you and all yours as well as endow you all with long life, good health and happiness. • Waheed Abiodun Olagunju, Bank of Industry, Lagos

Other matters. Under conditions of service they stipulated their salary and listed lots of fringe benefits by way of welfare packages and earned allowances (e.g. graduate supervision allowance, field trip allowance, etc); allowances that represent payment for rendering the very service that makes them lecturers! There wasn’t much about the students and their welfare demands. My question is; is ASUU really fighting because students are having a substandard education or is this all about ‘unionism’ and monetary benefits? In any case, their salaries will still be paid for the months they did not work, unless the government is keen on implementing the no-work-no-pay policy which ASUU will definitely reject. Theirs is sweet vacation. What is in it for the students? How come students pay huge fees and still register courses manually, pay ICT dues, health insurance etc. A pre-degree student pays roughly N50,000 as school fees, and another N25,000 as acceptance fee in a federal university. My alma mater takes N10,000 to send a transcript to an institution abroad, and N5000 within Nigeria. Where are all the post UME fees and the IGR, the TET fund, PTDF fund, ETF, alumni dues, private sector contribution; what are they used for? And with all the injustices listed above, students have not shut down their schools. Their union has not held ASUU and federal government by the jugular to demand better education. Should ASUU not learn from the students? Now who is ASUU really fighting for? • Anyiam Nnaemeka, Abuja.

the promise of scholarship to the widow’s son, inclusion in the campaign against street trading and a rare opportunity to share a cup of God knows what with the governor all standing on the shoulders of a cheque of two million is all the comrade governor, former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) needed to quell the viral situation. Lessons to learn: One, a public officer must be careful with his words. Citizens are neither slaves nor subjects. They are the reason for your bring in power. Watch what you say and you avoid unnecessary

spending. Two, as citizens and law abiding Nigerians, street trading is unsightly. Conditions are averse. Economy is tight yet avoid go against rules and regulations of the land to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and venomous verdicts. Finally, forcing a change through the online arena need not stop on this case. We all as Nigerians can make the change we dream of seeing by speaking out on all platforms available. • Kelechi Amakoh University of Lagos

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

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

ASUU strike: Whose interest really? system, I fully understand ASUU’s plight. Over 2000 engineering students squeezed into a 750 capacity lecture theatre, listening to a single lecturer and still expected to assimilate and pass is a sham. Having obsolete equipment in a technical workshop, or teaching a technology student to make a hoe and write computer programs using FORTRAN 1977 in the year 2013 is simply iniq-

uitous. So in essence ASUU seems to be saying: Our schools are underfunded; our allowances must be paid; our union must be respected and our demands met. The Federal Government on the other hand has said neither it nor ASUU knew the exact cost implications of their agreement before signing. Yet 66 capable hands from both sides worked on that agreement!

As this catfight goes on, the third and the most important party in this university business, the students have been conveniently forgotten! They’re not in the negotiation committee; they’re not involved in the debate! In chapter 2 of the 2009 agreement, the issues for renegotiation were clearly stated by ASUU as Conditions of Service, Funding, University Autonomy/Academic Freedom and then

To Rasheed Gbadamosi @ 70

IR: Based on my association with Chief Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi over the past three decades, writing a concise tribute can be quite challenging. During this period, he has meant quite a lot to me in many ways. From being a highly authoritative and distinguished resource person while I was Head of the Economy Desk at the Network News of the Nigerian Television Authority in the mid-80s, to becoming a highly respected boss at the erstwhile Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB), which is the Bank of Industry’s (BOI) precursor, where he served as its longest serving chairman between 1986 and 1994. Within that period, he also served as chairman of the National Committee on Industrial Development (NCID) charged with the responsibility of drawing up Nigeria’s Industrial Master Plan in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). I was similarly privileged to work with him on that epochal national assignment. He has since his post-NIDB days remained a big uncle and mentor. Shortly after witnessing his being sworn in as Minister of National Planning in 1998 at the State House in Abuja, I was given the honour of making input into the appointment of his ministerial aides. The mentoring has continued till date. I remain grateful to Chief Gbadamosi and Mallam Ibrahim

Aliyu, the Managing Director and CEO of NIDB between 1989 and 1991 for jointly head hunting me from NTA News into joining NIDB in 1990. Their inspiring and precious support for me then as a Senior Manager along with those of their colleagues on NIDB’s board, notably Victor Odozie, then Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande who later became Minister of Industry and Alhaji Saidu Kasimu, who served up till August 2001 as the last Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIDB prior to the emergence of BOI in October 2001, prepared me for higher responsibilities. Based on the initial capacity building and the solid foundation that they provided, their successors in the post-NIDB era found me relevant and I was able to rise, over a period of 23 years, from middle and senior management grades to being appointed Company Secretary and eventually an Executive Director on the Board of the Bank of Industry. In the course of interacting with, attending official, social and family events with him as well as undertaking local and foreign trips with him, especially study tours and development focused fora, I have had the privilege of broadening my exposure within and outside Nigeria and tapping into his deep knowledge, wealth of experience and extensive network of domestic and foreign con-

tacts. My maiden flight on board the Concord, with him, between London and Bangkok for the World Bank Annual Meeting in 1991 would remain unforgettable. Most of his sterling qualities that include insatiable quest for knowledge, hard work, drive, enterprise, philanthropy, penchant for excellence and perfection as well as values, ethics and beliefs have rubbed off on me considerably and have continued to propel and guide my career and family priorities particularly investing heavily in human capital development and paying considerable attention to the upbringing and education of ones children. As we join you and our dear aunty

Oshiomhole: Lessons in leadership

IR: After the video went viral last week, the Comrade Governor must have had a rethink on his words and action three weeks ago. The infamous phrase made to a widow during his inspection tour didn’t go down well with the public especially netizens. It would just have been fool hardy not to heed to calls for an unreserved apology to the widow. Mixing these calls with the political game from the opposition in Edo State, it would have been a political gaffe by the comrade governor. With an apology backed up with

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 4, 2013

COMMENTS

Where is the love? We, the people, must stop this 2014 vehicle tariff policy

ODAY, mournfully, let 100+m honest Nigerians express righteous indignation and join ANA and ASUU members who attend or offer up an ‘Iyayi Tony silence’ prayerfully to sympathise with the famMarinho ily during the funeral of late Professor Festus Iyayi today Dec 4. Let no one be in doubt about this most important funeral. ASUU is under threat and orders to resume work or face sack and proscription. We have travelled this road before. Does no one learn from history? Is ASUU over-demanding or is government arrogant? Certainly without ASUU struggles, the universities would be 100 times worse! If only secondary school teachers had such clout, the education foundation would never have deteriorated! After the funeral ASUU should note that the proposed vehicle tariff increase, will make nonsense of any agreement with government. Increasingly, the ogas at the top, government and NASS, wants to live in maximum ‘European luxury’ alone while the citizenry remains in penury at the bottom. They have government cars, car allowances, fuel or mileage allowances, air-conditioned toilets and bullet proof cars got by disenfranchising citizens. And the private sector is not far behind with the DISCOS and GENCOS planning to cancel prepaid metres which honest Nigerians were forced to pay N45,000+ for. Remember the compulsory answering machine before being allocated a phone? Was that under Minister David Mark who said that phones were not for the poor? Enough. Ethiopia has a French-run wind farm which will generate 10,000Mw in Ethiopia. It cost $290m. The Nigerian 700km long seafront is available for renewable energy. Nigeria has the hottest weather in years but that solar energy is wasted. Countries with minimal sun have cities run with solar power. Is there a conspiracy against power in Nigeria? Certainly the satellite DSTV rates in Nigeria are perhaps the highest in the world at N11,000 + per month ie £44 or $68/month. Where is the ombudsman to protect the customer? What is the DSTV

OR several months, the cloud gathered. Now, the bubble has burst with devastating tremor. And so, last week, the fivemonth-old dispute between the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and the Federal Government finally degenerated into what might be a major conflagration. The new twist in the lingering dispute is the ultimatum handed down by the government, which directed all federal university vice-chancellors to reopen their institutions for academic and allied activities. The government also declared that lecturers who fail to resume on or before today, December 4, risk losing their jobs. This development has elicited mixed reaction in the polity. Not only this. It has also put spanners in the works of progress made on the truce meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and ASUU leaders. The meeting had raised the hope of students and parents on the final resolution of the impasse before the latest development. A gory accident on the Lokoja-Abuja Road on November 12, in which Festus Iyayi, a Professor and former President of ASUU, lost his life, possibly delayed the suspension of the strike after the President met with ASUU leaders. Iyayi and some members of the University of Benin chapter of the union were on their way to the Bayero University, Kano, for a meeting where the outcome of the meeting with Jonathan was to be tabled before the National Executive Committee members for consideration when he met his untimely death. ASUU had called off that meeting in honour of Iyayi. It later reconvened in Kano to harmonise its position on the offer made to it by the government. The meeting later came up with conditions for calling off the strike. Part of it was its de-

satellite TV tariff in South Africa or USA? Nigeria is yet to see citizens offered shares in the newly formed power giants, owned partly by most of the old boy military past presidents’ network. It is like the days of oil blocks when no oil, cell phone or internet company appeared on the Nigerian stock exchange. It is a pity that government policies sell us as slaves and ‘commercial workers’ to feed the greed of big-man companies. Politicians and government officials must answer the question: WHERE IS THE LOVE YOU PROMISED NIGERIANS when you became President, Minister, National Assembly member or civil servant? Government is often very selfish people hiding under the toga of office with an agenda to DECEIVE AND DEPRIVE the citizen. Look at the Police checkpoints, LASTMA, YES-O and all uniformed services involved in entrapment of citizens and other bad behaviour! Now government plans increases tariffs on imported vehicles even though any new local cars are four years away. What government meeting decided that the best way forward for the automobile industry and easier transport is to increase the cost of imported vehicles? Nothing stops government from buying local vehicles. However the preferred vehicles are overpriced bulletproof. Are government officials jealous of other citizens in good cars? Already only politicians can have ‘tinted windows’. Is that not enough? In their tiny government minds, is the answer to the nationwide traffic jams and bad roads, putting cars out of reach? Just imagine the effect on transportation costs for goods and Nigerians. Everyone will claim increased costs. Nothing goes up by a fraction in Nigeria. It will be 100 or 200% or nothing. Fuel is transported in trucks so fuel prices will also go up. The domino effects of this economically detrimental weird transport system policy will cause economic trauma across society including all contracts, education, health, manufacturing, and consumer items. Everything will be affected negatively from food, pocket money, transport allowance for children and getting to work. This policy will negate CBN’s effort to control inflation. Is Governor Sanusi party to this attempt to cancel the questionable gains of CBN? I do not agree with his 12% baseline

interest rates or his weak naira but he has some good ideas. Does President Jonathan not see this as the country being misled into executing a dangerous ill-thought-through policy? The policy has the elements of a perfect storm of malcontent, escalating costs and denial of cheap transport. It will bring his government into disrepute. All the questionable ‘gains’ of poverty alleviation strategies, Sure-P, ‘tight monetary control’, too high interbank interest rates, lifting people above a ‘dollar-a-day’ earnings and surviving massive political power abuse will be wiped out. It will wipe out any successes in youth empowerment as it will push millions back below the poverty line. It will negate any salary increments and ruin pension plans, earnings and it will increase rents. The ramifications are huge except for decision makers- they have government cars, petrol, food, drink, accommodation and multiple tax-free allowances. Every time we Nigerians adjust to cope with government leadership failure, a policy comes to rob us of our money and dignity. Do non-governmental, non-political Nigerians not deserve new cars? Can new cars and ‘Completely Knocked Down’ cars be built overnight especially in Nigeria? Will the vehicle shortage not further fuel inflation and make the locally produced vehicles cost more? Nigerians must brace for a fight or more government inflicted misery. Are we mumu or men and women?

‘Can new cars and ‘Completely Knocked Down’ cars be built overnight especially in Nigeria? Will the vehicle shortage not further fuel inflation and make the locally produced vehicles cost more? Nigerians must brace for a fight or more government inflicted misery’

FG, ASUU’s tango mand for the payment of its members’ salary arrears and a commitment on the part of the government to review the agreement in 2014. On November 25, the union wrote a letter which was addressed to the President through Nyesom Wike, the Supervising Minister of Education and demanded that the N200 billion agreed upon as 2013 revitalisation fund for public universities should be deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN , and disbursed to the benefiting universities within two weeks; that the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement in 2014 be included in the final document as agreed at the discussion with the President; that a non-victimisation clause, which is normally captured in all interactions of this nature, be included in the final document; and that a new memorandum of understanding shall be validly endorsed signed by a representative of government, preferably the Attorney-General of the Federation, and a representative of ASUU, with the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress as a witness. But as students, parents and other stakeholders eagerly awaited the government’s decision on the demands, an over-enthusiastic Wike addressed a press conference last Thursday and ordered ASUU members to resume today or be sacked. To rub it in that the government meant business, Wike, who was blowing hot and cold at the conference, ordered the vice-chancellors to advertise the positions of those who failed to resume at the specified date. The supervising Minister said the government took the decision in the best interest of the country. If the past history of

‘If the past history of ASUU’s strikes is anything to go by, it is certain that this latest action by the government aimed at clamping down on the striking lecturers could not have been done in the interest of the country’

ASUU’s strikes is anything to go by, it is certain that this latest action by the government aimed at armtwisting the striking lecturers could not have been done in the interest of the country. If anything, it has worsened an already bad situation. The ultimatum had shown that the government might not have been totally committed to the implementation of any of the resolutions it earlier reached with the union. That the lecturers could be so shabbily treated under a democratic government with a former university lecturer as head of that government shows the depth of political insincerity and lack of determination on the part of the government to rescue the nation’s education sector from the abysmal abyss it has sunk for many decades. This level of decadence is manifested in the poor turnout of university graduates who are not properly intellectually equipped for the challenges of their future careers. The result is that many of these graduates permanently roam the streets looking for jobs which are elusive in the first instance, and if available at all, they may not have been adequately prepared for them. That is why it has almost become the norm for employers of labour to conclude that many of our graduates nowadays are unemployable. It might sound ridiculous, but those who are in positions to employ these graduates know better. Anyway, now that the government has decided to clamp down on the lecturers, it is left to be seen how this threat would hinder ASUU’s determination to ensure that the universities are well funded and standards raised. It is a pity if the federal government is not willing to perfect the resolutions reached with the union. This is why people find it difficult to trust Nigerian leaders. How can the government be threatening to sack lecturers when, in actual fact, the universities are said to be short-staffed by almost 60,000? This was probably

why Professor Osarieme of the University of Lagos who spoke on Channels TV main news hour recently, said that the government’s ultimatum reminded her of the military era which ended 14 years ago. Perhaps, Osarieme could not fathom the reason the government ordered them back to the lecture rooms with fiat like Kindergarten School children. That type of a setting was under the military dictatorship which terminated in 1999 with the ushering in of this democratic dispensation, which the country is still struggling with. No thanks to our politicians whose attitude and behaviour have placed them among the world’s worst, selfish, visionless leaders in history. The military tried the same armtwisting tactics and it failed many times. I am sure this one will go the way of the previous ones. With the latest development, the government’s commitment to its promises has come under serious doubt. Even if ASUU says since it was agreed at the meeting that N200 billion is for 2012 and 2013 revitalisation, the government should, therefore, deposit the money in the coffers of the CBN, the government should have found a more decent way around it. ASUU is also saying that a non-victimisation clause should be inserted as agreed while the renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement should be included as agreed with the President. I do not, by any stretch of imagination, see the conditions as being too much for a sincere government to agree to. The problem, as I see it, is not Jonathan per se, but the colony of wheeler-dealers in government who will stop at nothing to hoodwink him to toe their selfish path. The combative position adopted by Wike on this matter, though consistent with his behaviour in recent times, especially in the frosty relationship between the Presidency and Rotimi Amaechi, the governor of Rivers State, is both reprehensi-

Dele Agekameh ble and condemnable to say the least. With a person like Wike as a minister, we are doomed in this country. And to discover that Julius Okojie, a Professor and Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, was comfortably seated where the Minister was reeling out his abominable vituperations on the lecturers in what many have termed an ‘Area Boy’s show’, smacks of collusion with the government to ridicule the lecturers. I thought Okojie should have known better and appropriately advise the government on how to go about the whole issue. I am lost as to how Wike concluded that ASUU was making outrageous demands from the government. The onus is on government to address the issue ASUU sent to it in the letter, and from the contents that have been made public; they are not demanding anything extra. Wike and his cohorts should know that under successive military dictatorships, such threat to sack lecturers did not work. What the government has simply done is to set the stage for another tortuous path to prolong the strike that should have been called off by now if the government did not engage in unnecessary bravado. Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

COMMENTS ‘Re: Dumping the Humpty Dumpty. The last two paragraphs of your write-up were facts, factual and food-for-thought! If politics were to be a profession of discipline in Nigeria, I least expected the APC, a fusion of CPC and AC, etc. who once regarded themselves as a disciplined and better alternatives to have accepted ‘seeds’ infected into their clean ones. This portrays the APC as a desperate association aiming at dances without drumbeats. … One thing is clear: this nation will achieve her sanity, freedom and growth after 2019 elections. Then, we would be at peace! For now, till 2018, nothing concrete will change. From Lanre Oseni’

•Turkur

For Olatunji Dare A novel proposal, clearly borne out of frustration. Just as the quality of national leadership continues to have a free fal, quality of management of public institutions has gone to the dogs. The interests in elections are so profound and diverse that even your panacea of privatization will be a victim too. ...travesties of the plebiscitary principle’ Anonymous Dare the wordsmith! Honestly these are the best of times in Nigeria. They are bringing out the best of our fine columnists like you. Keep it up my brother. Some of us will be richer for it. Anonymous In as much as I’m not a polician, I am forced to say that your tabloid is too partisan and ethnical.Mr. Dare, Prof. Jega is in control of millions. Are you in successful control of your little family.To me national interest surpasses tribal interest. Anonymous Re: Comment & Debate; Weep for Nigeria. Weep for the leadership. Weep for the followership. The flood of tears therefrom may not clean the Augean Stable. I agree with you. Try wholesale privatisation. Too too bad for Nigeria in all facets. Too too bad! From Tayo Ogungbemile. It is going to be a shame to INEC if at the end of the day, the court nullifies the election. It must happen because Anambra poll is jagajaga by Jega. Anonymous RE-A NEW PARADIGM FOR THESE TIMES. Only God Almighty will help resolve Nigeria’s political malady! The Anambra debacle, retrieval of power by old ACN in Osun , Ekiti and Edo from the PDP as well as the shambolic power-seizure at Offa, Kwara State by the PDP are all testimonies of regionalethnic politics of we must win in our base, our region. Also recall the hijack of the chairmanship and councillorship rerun where PDP wrongfully won all! The issue in Anambra is beyond Attairu Jega. Regional politics and regional success had resurrected. From Lanre Oseni. In conclusion the electoral body (lNEC) should be overhauled for effective performance in 2ol5,in regard to what happened in just ended anambra state gubernatorial,where irregularities mauled the election.it is up to prof jega to resign,if he is not capable.gordon chika nnorom,umukabia,abia Inconclusion the electoral body(lNEC) should be overhaul for effective performance in 20l5; in regard to what happened in the just-ended Anambra gubernatorial election where irregularities marred the election, it is up to Prof Jega to resign if he is not capable. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia Sir, When the people who are at the top are displaying the worst norms, especially for those who are young and who do not have the right idea of what it should be, then obviously we’ll be going backwards instead of going forward. The problem is, we speculate so much about the ideal that most of the time, we do not relate our speculations to practical life. It is impossible to have genuine elections in a society where many people are under pressure inclining them to what is wrong. If the society is fair and just, it is more likely that the individual who lives in it will live fairly and justly. From Adegoke O O, Ikhin, Edo State. Dare, “A new paradigm for these times” was not only wonderful in its historical analyses but also in comical contents with the most

being your subtle suggestion to privatise electoral processes. I could imagine the magnitude of rigging and the gravity of insurgency and permissive killing of voters and election officials with reckless abandon. Surely, no party would emerge winner and no government put in place. If Jega would like to leave any legacy behind, he should make available to Nigerians, voters register, as amended, on annual basis geo-poltically, in senatorial modus, so that Nigerians could be privileged to know whether or not they have been duly and properly registered. The same exercise should be done for state elections in polling booths format and the cost deducted from monthly allocations of the state involved. This I figure would remove most of the problems in elections.From LAI ASHADELE, LAGOS. 12. Integrity is the essence of everything successful in life. Jega’s integrity has been compromised by the powers that be. I want Jega to understand that he cannot prevent the birds of sadness from passing over his head, but he can prevent them from making nests in his hair. If Jega wants his integrity to be sustained, the best thing to do is to cancel the Anambra election and reschedule another one. Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos For Segun Gbadegesin Apostle Segun of APC, I read through your implosion and it sounds so supportive of the ingrates called G7 defectors. In Nigeria, individuals change parties and not the other way round. APC would never make the G7 governors saints overnight. Well, it could be that the PDP deliberately sent them (the G7 governors) into APC only to distablise them. I trust the G7 governors for that. From Mr Vic Marine. From Port Harcourt. Whether the President suffered from hang over or he was indisposed according to Reuben is none of my business; all we want is for the President to realise that the whole world is watching. Nigeria has become marching carpet for the whole world that anybody can just open his or her mouth and talk. Nigerians should rise up agaist this unfocused government before it is too late. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos You were my H.O.D 1986-89. In your“An implosion” THE NATION Nov 29, you sounded more like an active APC member. I thought you would’ve told us where PDP had a plus and where they failed. And then score APC against PDP shortfall. I’m the MD of BB&DAVEEGO LTD PH. From David Adegbaju Re-An Implosion. The recent implosion by G7-G5 of nPDP, is a lesson to all the political parties that godfatherism could end at an unexpected time hence, no permanent godfatherism and no permanent servitudism. It is happening in another old major political party joined in the formation of APC. Another lesson learnt in the implosion is that much more of self-interest matters in crosscarpeting of defectors as well as the godfathers otherwise, why would some godfathers jettison internal democracy and lord some sitting governors on the people for second term? With all of them running pillar to post, same implosion can hit and hurt when it matters most. From Lanre Oseni. An implosion; The umbrella was a coverage for evil-corruption while the broom is designed for change-sweep out. There is a wind of change. Nigeria is ripe for change. This is the beginning of the end. Every secret agenda shall b exposed. PDP is fallen. A house divided against itself can never stand. This is nothing but divine intervention. Expect more! Anonymous. A lost dog will never listen to the whistle of it master.PDP has shot its self on the leg for allowing the crisis to escalate to this extent. There is no champion for ever , that is the philosophy of life which some PDP members did not understand. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos

For Gbenga Omotoso With this, let all Nigerians put sentiments aside, Yoruba, Ibo, Hausa, Ijaw, Fulani etc and vote by 2015 fro a leader who has vision and mission. Time is NOW. From Anorue Kenneth -Imo State Nigeria is gradually changing. Only those who have chosen to live in the past pretend not to know this.Anambra governorship election has exposed the dirty rumps of those who say that APGA is Igbo party. How can a party resort to infantile rigging in an area where it should allow a free and fair election in order to showcase its acceptance and popularity among the people? Calling APC Yoruba party is cheap propaganda that has since outlived its potency. If Yoruba is in Nigeria and a ‘Yoruba party’ is ready to extricate Nigerians from the vicious and purposeless governance of the PDP, why can’t we support them? Who wouldn’t like what is happening in Lagos and Imo State to be replicated across Nigeria? The truth is that the entire South-east is fed up with APGA,which is a branch of the PDP; they wanted to show it in Anambra election before their will was sabotaged by INEC. From Ifeanyi O.Ifeanyi, Abuja. You have say it all. Mr President’s recovery rate was questionable. Is only hangover “challenges” that one recovers fast. For INEC, the Anambra case is just a test for 2015. APC should as a matter of urgency, get anti -rigging machines or else, they should forget it. From Alh. Musa Bro Gbenga, I have lived in Ilorin all my life, the defection of the Sarakis to APC is a minus for the party; he would cause problem in the party. From Olusola My brother, APC like the old medicine is just a first aid treatment, it has no basis, the foundation is shaky because all their members are former members of one party or the other. Anonymous God bless you for that write-up on the back page of The Nation of Thursday Nov 28. Nigeria’s leaders are not patriotic and are not committed to genuine development. Nigerians are not living but are only existing because the merciful God has given us the air to breath. l beg to advice that people like Bamanga Tukur and Edwin Clark should retire from active politics. From Abdulrahman Zikeyi Eneware, Trofani, Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State. We heard every thing about their defection, that is the five governors. Well it is good for their own interest. What I am saying is PDP, APC, LP or any party, all are the same. Afterall everybody is fighing for position. Everybody struggling to send their children overseas, private universities, political positions and so on. Those governors are angry because maybe the party did not dance to their tune. And let me say here that when a new party comes on board to rule, they will first of all fill their pocket before they can think of any person. That will take years and the masses will continue to suffer. Personally, I am suggesting a one party system. Thanks. Anonymous Omotosho, I have read your article on P.64 of The Nation. From your piece there no doubt you are an APC sympathiser. I am an indigene of Anambra State and resident therein. I took part in the election of Nov.16. Your socalled candidate has absolutely no chance of winning that election. He misused his chance and developed only his own LGA -Idemili North and South. Moreover he did not provide any CV. His APGA counterpart had his CV published by Daily Times. Anonymous Mr Omotoso, your Editorial Notebook of 28/11/13 is great but you certainly had a hangover until you got to paragraph 10. For,I don’t know what Abati rammed into your head to make you see anything good in Goodluck. Remember the future of your wonderful children and ignore this ‘worldly kolas ‘.You are brilliant though; I will still read

•Baraje your essays. My phone indicates my text was delivered. Anonymous Re-needful hangover from above. I disagree with some Nigerians on insinuations! So hangover was their thought and not overwork? President do not look back. Do not be discouraged. Ride on with transforming the nation to a safe destination. Leave this Stella Oduah alone. There are worse rogues in panelists trying her. Blame not Prof Jega. Our regional politicking made Obanikoro Jnr not rule Ikoyi/Obalende chairmanship. Why Anambra? APGA must also win at all cost! G7-G5 versus PDP equals Dog eat dog. Lanre Oseni. For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Dumping the Humpty Dumpty. The last two paragraphs of your write-up were facts, factual and food-for-thought! If politics were to be a profession of discipline in Nigeria, I least expected the APC, a fusion of CPC and AC, etc. who once regarded themselves as a disciplined and better alternatives to have accepted ‘seeds’ infected into their clean ones. This portrays the APC as a desperate association aiming at dances without drumbeats. … One thing is clear: this nation will achieve her sanity, freedom and growth after 2019 elections. Then, we would be at peace! For now, till 2018, nothing concrete will change. From Lanre Oseni. PDP is a rotten wooden bridge that is about to scatter. The death of the ruling party is what every Nigerian should be celebrating because it is long overdue. PDP now is like a half dead snake that swallowed a poisonous frog, still struggling beside the road. May its gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may we not see or hear the name again (Amen). From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos. Governor Amaechi and Co. who decamped to APC is good for democracy and a welcome move to have a strong opposition party to criticise the ruling party against the backdrop of bad governance. It will make the ruling party sit up. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Anambra State. It means that the defecting governors were rigged into power by the PDP and they saw nothing wrong with that, as they are enjoying their positions as governors even till now. If the APC is for repentant politicians and former coup plotters, what about restitution? Your paper is not the Bible or Quran, therefore, you can only make the costly error of scoring your friends high with very dangerous bias. The reading public will soon come to terms with this and place you where you rightly belong. Rivers people will one day ask questions about how Amaechi became the new bride of the west and north without spending their money where it was not earned. We are sure that you will leave him to face his people when the madness saturates. All of you know that the day of reckoning will come and you would have developed pot bellies. We pity the young lad confused by those that never loved his people. Anonymous. Tunji, I quite agree with you and only time shall tell. We will soon as a country be facing the reality of time. From Engr. Mohammed Haruna. Dear Tunji, in two weeks time, David Mark would be panting, and by the middle of January 2014, another set of five governors shall join APC to give it clear majority and Jonathan would be laid bare… The action shall sail thorough because the people wish it so. From Akin Malaolu.

MOTORING

THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The rush into all-electric cars comes as Beijing ramps up a programme to put five million new energy vehicles defined as all-electric battery vehicles and heavily electrified “near all-electric” plug-in hybrids - on the road by 2020, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency addition.

•Volkswagen Vision GTI introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, United States

ERMAN auto giants Volkswagen AG see China’s future as being electric - encouraged by generous government subsidies - but that bet puts them at odds with some of their Asian rivals. While the Europeans were heralding the all-electric vehicle at the Guangzhou auto show penultimate week, Toyota Motor and Honda Motor were unveiling hydrogen fuel cell cars at shows in Tokyo and Los Angeles. The two Japanese heavyweights plan to start selling their hydrogen vehicles in 2015, brushing off electric technology as being good enough only to power tiny city cars. One of the most ambitious in betting on electric cars in China, the world’s largest auto market, is Volkswagen. On the eve of the Guangzhou show, Volkswagen said its brands, including Volkswagen and Audi, plan to launch a total of more than 15 near-all-electric plugin cars by 2018, many of which will be locally produced. “We forecast high volumes in this area,” Head of Volkswagen Group in China, Jochem Heizmann said. BMW and its local partner Brilliance Auto unveiled a jointly developed all-electric battery car in Guangzhou. The two compa-

PHOTO: REUTERS

Auto giants shift to electric cars nies plan to start leasing the car next year under a new jointly run China-only brand called Zinoro. Daimler said it was also on track to launch an all-electric car next year under a new China-only brand called Denza, which the German company operates jointly with Chinese battery and car producer BYD Co. The rush into all-electric cars comes as Beijing ramps up a programme to put 5 million new energy vehicles - defined as allelectric battery vehicles and heavily electrified “near all-electric” plug-in hybrids on the road by 2020. China this year expanded the definition of new energy cars to include fuel cell cars. The two concepts have polarised the industry. Fuel cell cars can run up to five times longer than their all-electric counterparts, but come with a heftier price tag. But unlike electric vehicles which can be recharged from home as well as charging stations, fuel cell cars must stop at refilling stations. The hydrogen stations are costly to

build, at about $6 million apiece. Call for flexibility Some industry insiders and experts believe China is too focused on all-electric cars or plug-ins. “Toyota believes the industry is not likely to come up with breakthroughs to make allelectric cars a viable solution any time soon,” head of Shanghai-based consulting firm Automotive Foresight, Yale Zhang said. “Unlike China, some countries have taken a more flexible approach, rather than setting the path on one solution too early.” Toyota, in particular, thinks all-electric car technology is good enough to power only tiny city cars - not powerful enough for larger cars. At Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota unveiled a fuel cell concept sedan with two hydrogen tanks and a driving range of 500 km (310 miles). The car, it said, would sell for 5 million to 10 million yen when it goes on sale in 2015.

Honda also unveiled a five-passenger hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. By his own admission, the company’s chief executive of its United States business, Tetsuo Iwamura, expects uptake to be slow due to poor infrastructure. In China’s congested and bustling cities, electric charging or hydrogen fuelling stations are rare sights. Volkswagen says the infrastructure is not good enough, and believes plug-in hybrid technology is the solution. Plug-in cars come equipped with a small gasoline engine that can power the car when it is drained of electricity. Nissan Motor plans to sell a fuel cell car in Japan and North America starting in 2017, but like Volkswagen, sees electric technology as the future in China, according to Ren Yong, a senior executive of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co, Nissan’s Chinese venture with a local partner. Nissan plans to start selling a locally developed electric car in China under the Venucia brand as early as next year.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

M OTORING MOTORING

4,260 die, 20,752 injured in road accidents

O fewer than 4,260 deaths reportedly died on the roads, representing an average of 12 persons dying daily. For the same year, 20,752 injuries were recorded, translating to an average of 57 injuries daily. These were revealed as ABC Transport Plc commenced the 2014 safety campaign under the theme 'Safety first because life is involved.' The Deputy Managing Director, ABC Transport, Mr. Jude Nneji, said the safety week was aimed at ensuring an accident-free end of the year drive. He said this at a ceremony in Lagos to mark the commencement of the campaign, according to a statement. He noted that the end of the year was usually a season of high traffic with high risk of accidents. "Therefore, our ultimate goal

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

during the ABC Safety Week is to remind our drivers and attendants to remain alert at all times- whether it is during Christmas, New Year or anytime," he stated. He also said: "It is common knowledge that our highways are arguably the most dangerous in the world. According to a recent analysis, Nigeria ranks second in road traffic fatalities among 193 countries in the world." The ABC deputy managing director said deaths and injuries due to crashes could be reduced by 50 per cent if a commitment was made by motorists not to d r i n k a n d d r i v e , n o t t o o ver speed, and if they decided to wear seat belts and helmets, obey traffic rules and tell people and not to use telephone or eat while driving.

•Lago State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola (second right) congratulating Secretary to the State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule after her decoration as LASTMA Special Traffic Mayor (STM) at LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja. With them are: Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa (left) and LASTMA Chairman Mr Young Arabamen.

Assembly wants pedestrian T bridges for residents

AGOS State House of Assem bly has said it will ensure that the five pedestrian bridges proposed by the state government for Eti-Osa in the 2014 budget before the House are constructed. The representative of Eti-Osa I constituency, Alimi Ademola under matter of urgent public importance at plenary drew the attention of his colleagues to the killing of a pupil by a water tanker driver in the area on Monday. Ademola said the pupil and his mates were on their way to school and that as they made to cross the expressway, the tanker, which brake had apparently failed hit them killing the pupil and injuring the others. He said he had championed the call for the construction of pedestrian

bridges in the area because of the risks the residents in the constituency are facing. Ademola said he had earlier met the Special Adviser on Public- Private Partnership (PPP), to the Governor Ayo Gbeleyi on the issue and he (Gbeleyi) informed him that the government intended to build five bridges in the area. Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1) urged the House to assist the constituency saying as Assembly men, what affects one affects all. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) described the incident as a very sad one, saying activities in the area was shut down following serious protest by the residents, who said they had long being clamouring for pedestrian

bridges. He said the police later took over the area as “there were shootings resulting in a lock-down”. Chief Whip, Abdulrazaq Balogun, while commiserating with the people of the area, confirmed that there was a provision for the bridges in the budget. He did not give details of the challenges that could hinder the establishment of the bridges, but emphasised that the House must play a major part if the projects must be successful. “What we have now does not show that they can be done,” he said. The Speaker promised that the House would do everything within its powers to influence the executive arm of the state government to effect the construction of the bridges to forestall any future occurence.

also enjoy irresistible incentives including free oil change, free tyre rotation, free clutch discs and free brake pads with free wiper blades as well as free belts, hoses and free shock absorbers, the management assured. Unveiling this campaign in Lagos, Head of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Amit Sharma, said the initiative is aimed at assuaging increasing requests by fleet and individual customers’ yearning to experience Nissan imaginative tech-

nology, driven by the new slogan: ‘Innovation that excites. Titled: ‘Japanese technology made more affordable,’ the offer will make available six Japanese engineered Nissan variants at relatively affordable price. These vehicles include Nissan Patrol, Murano, XTrail, Qashqai, Teana and Sentra. Mr. Sharma explained further that the Nissan Yuletide sales seeks to help more customers drive Nissan cars without necessarily incurring gratuitous maintenance cost during the first five years or 120, 000km.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Nissan promises free service

ALLION NMN, authorised Nissan distributors has called on its customers to take advantage of the ongoing Nissan Yuletide sales’ campaign to buy any contemporary Nissan model of their choice from now through December 31. The offer, among others, promises comprehensive free service package for five years or 120, 000 kilometres on any select Nissan models purchased from the dealership outlets during the period. Beneficiaries of the scheme can

HE Volkswagen Centre Nigeria has launched a new website to assist prospective customers to access the dealership showroom in their privacy and comfort without the stress and distractions. Also as part of the launch, the company is offering three years or 30, 000km free service with parts to visitors who take advantage of the website to order Volkswagen Jetta. The centre also promised special rollover prices for the Volkswagen Tiguan. A comprehensive adaptation of Volkswagen AG website, the German makers of the brand, the VW Centre Nigeria website, according to the firm, will be user-friendly, interactive and incorporates the entire dealership network with model specifications that are available in the market. VW Centre Head of sales and marketing, Mr. Manish Daryanani, who gave this hint at the launch of the website in Lagos, said the initiative is imperative to the growing challenges of interfacing with customers in a complex market. He described the website as an essential compendium for bridging gap and enhancing interactive communication and purposeful relationship between customers and the dealership. “This website will allow customers including owners of grey import models to log on to www.volkswagen.com.ng and fillout a form while simultaneously logging-in their requests for either service information, model specifications (especially those limited to the Nigerian market) and product highlights,” he said. Also adding that the website ensures two-way communicative mar-

VW Centre opens website By Tajudeen Adebanjo

keting, Daryanani said: “we would not stop at ensuring our customers derive maximum satisfaction and experience from driving Volkswagen engineered cars.” A subsidiary of Stallion Motors, Volkswagen Centre in August unveiled three exciting VW variants (entry level Polo, B-segment Jetta and C-segment CC), promising to rekindle the image of VW in the country’s automobile market. The trio of Polo, Jetta and Passat CC are VW’s newest sensation in a fervently competitive ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ segments of the global passenger car market. While also saying the Golf, Beetle and Passat models rank among world’s top 10 lists of best selling cars of all time, Daryanani said Volkswagen is yet unrivalled among automakers that spend the most money on R&D (Research and Development). “Today, Volkswagen is the original and top selling marquee of the VW Group and of course the biggest German automaker and second largest automaker in the world,” Daryanani said.

SAFE DRIVING

N Monday, October 14, this year, I received a text message from one of the telecoms service providers in Nigeria which states thus:……… Text REG to 746 to check your SIM registration status. Register before June 30, this year ( when we are already, in October) or you will be disconnected. Will it be out of way if I say that it is the service provider itself that has been disconnected from reality? What shall we say if a service provider is not updating its data regularly. No wonder, their services are not yet catching up with the increasing demands. Hence the poor networks and communication. In the same vein, there are lots of confusion concerning the traffic signs and road markings installed in various parts of the country. In the course of my research, I observed the following:

Traffic signs crisis

•The use of traffic signs that are not even in the Nigeria’s “revised” highway code. This is common among the road construction companies. •Traffic signs with shapes different from the shape specified in the Highway Code •Traffic signs with colours different from what is specified in the Highway Code •Warning signs positioned too close to the object of caution. •Road markings wrongly laid down. For example, the use of broken lines at points where there should be solid lines. •Traffic signs with wrong information (wordings). •Absence of road signs and markings at some points where they are expedient.

•Malfunctioning traffic lights without alternative traffic control in some heavy traffic areas. •Delapidated traffic signs crying for repairs, painting or refurbishing and Road markings already fading off. •Traffic signs already overgrown and covered by road side bush. In view of the above among others, I hereby suggest the following urgent actions: •Establishment of an urgent Highway Code Review Committee, which should comprise the Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Transport, Federal Road Safety Commission, State (and FCT) Vehicle Inspection Officers, Association of Driving Schools/Instructors of Nigeria, Driving Stan-

dards Agency (United Kingdom) and United States Ministry of Transport among others. The objective will be to review the current highway code so as to correct the errors therein and add other missing information. •The Federal Ministry of Transport or the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) should organise a workshop for all the State Ministries of Transport and Ministries of Works with the aim of teaching them the road signs and also emphasise the need for uniformity and compliance to avoid confusing the road users. •Unbiased and uncompromised implementation of regular re-training of all categories of drivers and vehicle owners before the renewal of the National Driver Licence (three years interval). This has become necessary because of past low emphasis on the right driver education in Nigeria. There is no doubt about the fact that

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

there is a very wide knowledge gap among all categories of Drivers in Nigeria, including the VIPs. Vehicle Technology and the driving environment are dynamic thereby calling for regular updating of drivers knowledge to ensure effective and safe vehicle control in every driving condition.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

Life

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

Text only: 08023058761

•Wewe standing by his work

Marathon: Eyeing a world record – SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

‘Only thinking will end Nigeria’s woes’ – Page 28

‘In Jo’Burg, a bullet costs N10’ – Page 38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•A section of Marathon

Marathon: Eyeing a world record Marathon, a giant painting measuring 2.4m x120m on canvas (mixed media of oil, acrylic, glue and sand dust) spreads across the length of the main studio. Former Ondo State Commisssioner for Culture and Tourism Chief Tola Wewe is at the verge of creating a world record. He has painted over 100 metres of the 120 metres canvas earmarked for the project. He spoke with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

AST month, a controversial Indian American painter, Mr. Gurmej Singh in Kalamazoo, Michigan, US set a Guinness World Record for creating The Transcendental, the “world’s longest painting by an individual,” an entry that coincidentallywas disqualified from a local art competition. The painting measured 11,302 ft. 2.11 in. (3,445 metres) and took Singh 38 days to create.” Former Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Chief Tola Wewe is close to creating a new world record in creating one of the longest paintings. By last week, he had completed over 100 metres of his 120 metres Marathon he dedicated to humanity. At his Ondo residence, Wewe has deconstructed a section of his home to facilitate his work on the Marathon. In the last two years, work on Marathon has been consistent and progressive. But, don’t count the number of tubes, cans and brushes that have been consumed to do this artwork. Also, forget about the monetary implication of executing the painting project.

In the beginning “Ten years ago, I was at Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital for a group art exhibition organised by the Total Petroleum. Prof. EL Anatsui was one of the exhibiting artists. He called me and said I was capable of doing a giant painting on canvas. Since then, I have been thinking about the project. But, five years ago, when I was appointed Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, I decided to start it. Also, at that time, I had little time for serious painting of individual works. I therefore ordered for a canvas measuring 120m and I have been working on it at will. I never shared the though with most of my artist friends because I never wanted to be distracted or discouraged. Also, I did not discuss it with the press until now.

After hitting the 100metres mark After hitting 100meters mark, which is a world record on its own, I decided to expose it to some of my friends. I wanted to do it for humanity and for art lovers. I am happy doing it. The idea was to present my experiences, a kind of visual diary, talking about corruption, kidnapping, celebration etc in Nigeria. Again, the themes are not planned for, and the section I am working on now is about the celebration of my mother’s return from kidnappers.

PROJECT

‘As at today I have done over 100 meters long Marathon. I don’t know if I am going to stop at 120m. I may go further if I am instructed by my superior forces. If I die after this work, I am fulfilled. My works are in most of the world’s galleries but I needed to do something that has not been done. I will publish a book on the art work and Prof. Okedeji is handling that aspect’ Cost of the project I have not bothered myself about the cost of producing the painting. I don’t want to cost how many tubes or cans of oil I have used because the result is my utmost interest. The effort is worth it because I have to give account of my existence. All that is there are messages I must deliver to the art world. I do wake up by 1am or 2am to paint and later crashed on my bed. Each time I am done with a section, I carry out the measurement. I have not opened the entire canvas at full length, but I measure each section after completion. I can’t place a value on it now. The collectors will do that when I am ready to sell it. The painting is my life and my footprint, which is a testimonial for my existence. I keep having an inner push gearing me up to continue the work.

Duration of the painting Actively, it took me six years. I have been consistent in the last 2 years when I was done with the government. The painting of Marathon forced me to create an extension in my house to allow for more space and concentration. The work is mainly for humanity, no sponsors for its production but might consider that when I am going to exhibit it. Apart from Mrs Nike Okundaye and Prof. Moyo Okedeji I have not told any of my artist friends, I did not want anybody to discourage me. As at today I have done over 100 metre long marathon I don’t know if I am going to stop at 120m. I may go further if

I am instructed by my superior forces. If I die after this work, I am fulfilled. My works are in most of the world’s galleries but I needed to do something that has not been done. I will publish a book on the art work and Prof. Okedeji is handling that aspect.

Showcasing Marathon for art lovers The artwork must be viewed by the public. I intend displaying it in my farm in Ondo town, before I will show it around the world. But, I must show it here in Nigeria before taking it outside. I will do a print of sections of the painting for the majority to collect. In fact each of the work will be in form of installation. I have been selling my paintings to buy materials to do this work. I survive and live well on arts. I am also a farmer, I breed dogs, have over 20 fish ponds. When I am bored, I go to farm.

Leaving Lagos for Ondo I left Lagos because I can’t get the same concentration and space I have here in Ondo town. My friends will distract my creative flow. This environment is good for me. I love to be with nature and the local people. I visit and attend cultural events at real shrines and I experienced the real culture. I am more at home with traditional people. It will interest you that I have two chieftaincy titles: I am the Obagbemigun of Ido-Ani and the Bobagunwa of Odo-Owo. If I reincarnate, I will always want to be an artist.

Dark moment The kidnap of my aged mother is the only dark moment in my life. It was a nightmare. I did not sleep for 100 days. I was smoking and drinking gin (Ogogoro). I had nasty experience from the security officials because they keep promising. In fact, my appointment as a commissioner in Ondo State exposed me to kidnappers who were demanding 150 million ransoms. In one of the telephone calls, they asked me if I claimed I don’t have money, how I got my jeep. I then told them to take my jeep and free my mother.

Creative industry and the economy The most thriving sector of the nation’s economy is the creative industry, especially visual arts. Nigeria should invest in its areas of strength, which are arts and sports. Unfortunately, Nigeria keeps investing in wrong areas like sciences.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Is Wewe’s Marathon the greatest painting?

GREAT gust of wind ruffles the feathers, and exposes the rooster’s buttock. Adetola Wewe will soon unfurl his new 120 metre-long mythical realism painting: the secret that he has kept for nearly a decade is now in the open. For some six years, Wewe has been painting The Marathon, a diary of his encounter with futuristic forces. The painting, to his utter consternation, now measures nearly 120 meters long. He was not computing the dimension, he simply continued to muse along. But in a dream last week, voices from another planet asked him to measure what he is musing. He counted 100 meters, and they instructed him to stop at 120, and wait for further instructions. Is Tola Wewe the greatest painter alive? Possibly the greatest painter in history? Has he produced the greatest painting by human hand? Apart from the sky, the sea and the ground, is his painting one of the greatest continuous text for sensuous reading? He produced this painting in readiness for the human encounter with forces from other worlds, as the voice of our planet interacts with utterances from other places. It is the diary of a spiritual journey through humanistic configurations beyond mimetic manipulations. He has fabricated one of the greatest mytsh of our era, and redefined the line of intellectual possibilities, and the horizons of mental abilities. The story is that about a decade ago, in a vivid dream, voices from the future asked Wewe to paint The Marathon. He asked them how large should it be. They replied, “Just keep painting. We will tell you when to stop.” But they contacted him last week, and said it is now time to stop, after he has done 120 meters. The Marathon is a message from our planet, as we await encounter with beings from other places. When they ask us, “Where is your art work?” we are now ready to show them something substantial. We will bring out The Marathon, and they will nod in agreement that we have something great to show them. What makes it one of the greatest painting ever? Is it because of the length, the duration of execution, subject matter, or what? What’s the yardstick I’m using in this value assessment of this work? To pronounce a work perhaps “The Greatest Painting Ever in Human History,” is a serious assertion that shouldn’t be hastily or prematurely done. One could name a number of works that could aspire toward the title of the greatest painting in history. Many paintings of tremendous lengths have been executed. And some artists have been known to have worked on the same canvas for several years. This work is excruciatingly painful and immeasurably pleasurable. It is really painful to bear for pretenders to the crown of best painter on earth. And it is indeed deeply pleasurable to behold to those who approach it with an open eye. Do we have to wait for a panel of experts to determine if indeed this work is one of the greatest paintings ever made? Art is not a political office that you win by popular vote. “Experts” of art are often politically motivated, which is why African art was once condemned as “primitive,” and when Africanist critics protested, it got upgraded to “traditional,” “tribal” and so on. Is it really worthwhile to wait for the opinion of these same “experts” who sometimes have no idea what they are saying in the context of African art, and are too ethno-

•Wewe From Moyo Okedeji

VISAUL ART centric and politically loaded to know any better? Wewe’s The Marathon may be presented as the greatest painting of all time, not because is 120 meters long. Not because it took so many years to accomplish. Not because it incorporates fascinating forms. Not because it treats humanistic themes. But because of all of these factors, and others too mysterious to identify. What convinces me includes the combinations of the aforementioned and the inter-planetary subjectivities of the painting. That it is a humanistic conversation not only among people, but a message to the future and distant planets, complicates all the other extraordinary attributes of the painting, and places it on levels beyond a Picasso, Kandisky or Da Vinci. None of those artists were as ambitious, although volumes have been written about their works. Hardly do we encounter works with similar dimensions, long duration of completion, and trans-planetary futurism. According to the Ghana-born artist and critis, Rikki WemegaKwawu, “Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475 -1564)’s Sistern Chapel painting at the Vatican in Rome is unequivocally described as the greatest painting ever in human history. The painting illustrates the Christian Bible from the Creation to the Last Judgement. Many factors go to make this painting, indisputably, the greatest ever. He single-handedly executed it in the difficult medium of fresco….It took Michaelangelo over thirty years to complete this painting. In fact, it out-lived three Popes. The initial commission was by Pope Julius. According to

Michelangelo himself, he became a hunchback after this work, because he often had to be in obscure and contorted positions to be able to execute certain passages. This painting is huge, monumental, covering the walls and the interior dome of the Sistern Chapel. Michaelangelo could be lying on the scaffolding for months on end without a shower, painting. At one time, he dozed off out of tiredness and he fell off the scaffolding. When he was taking too long in recuperating from the injury from the fall, the Pope who was getting rather impatient with Michelangelo for the slowness of the work, secretly ask Rafael, another giant of a painter, if Rafael could complete the work. Pope Julius wanted to be the one to unveil the painting; he was beginning to have the premonition that he would die before the completion of the work. When Rafael took a look at what Michelangelo had finished so far, he realized the monumentality of the assignment and frankly admitted he couldn’t do it. Rafael went himself to Michelangelo to congratulate him for being the greatest amongst them, and disclosed the clandestine plan of the Pope to take the work from him. Miraculously, upon hearing that Rafael, who was a rival, was being considered by the Pope to complete the work, he was healed overnight and was back to work the following day.” Has the time come to look beyond Michelangelo’s painting? First, Michelangelo’s work is a mural, not a mobile painting. Second, it is in the genre of realism, which is now the visual language of our era. Do we now have a work that of a different genre that rivals the greatness of the Sistern Chapel? And it is in a humble studio in Ondo? Are the worshipers of imperial art ready to consider this propositions? Probably not. Many may even ignore Wewe’s work, pretending it does not exist. Many may vilify it. Some will condemn it as primitive. I remember the horrible critiques that Fela received after he performed at the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1978. The German press, apparently out of ignorance and ethnocentric sentiments, dismissed Fela’s work. Wewe could receive similar dismissal from western art critics. Great works take time to digest. Some works are easy on the eye, imbued with mass appeal. Sometimes, a great work is born in the manger, and only three wise men would fall on their knees before it. Multitudes will crucify it on the cross. It is often the burden of genius to be unpopular. But it is really impossible to photograph this monumental work? It is like a scroll. You can read it, but you cannot see it as a single image. About eight feet, you can take a walk in front of it, but you cannot embrace everything at the same time. It is such an alienating experience that is impossible to describe, because it is not narrative. Extensive in volume and intensive in motifs, it stretches out in a limitless expansive, like the line of the horizon. Figuratively, it marks a new horizon in African artistic productions. Even the artist, Adetola Wewe, has never seen the whole thing. He sees the portion on which he works at any moment, but lacks the 120 metre-long space to view everything at once. Secretly guarded, it remains rolled up like a scroll, and he keeps writing it from left to write like an unending calligraphic deconstruction. I have always wondered how he plans to show it. He does not know. But the last time we spoke, he was considering possibilities of constructing a museum for it on his huge farm near Ondo. Visitors would be able to take a meandering walk through curves and turns, rather than just a straight line, to read from the huge canvas. Wewe’s work now defines all great measures of human achievements marking our era. But who could have guessed that underneath those feathers, a rooster is hiding her secret: a monumental and priceless painting of endless dimensions! •Okedeji is Professor of Art and Art History University of Texas, Austin, US

Onobrakpeya’s outing at Temple Muse

ENOWNED artist and a living legend, Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya is not ready to turn his back on studio practice after 50 years as an artist. The founder of Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation (BOF) last Monday hit another landmark with a solo art exhibition, Recent Experiment featuring 63 masterpieces of different media, such as metal foil, prints, serigraphs, plastocasts, sculptures and paintings. The exhibition, which opened at the Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos, will run till December 14. Curator of the exhibition is Mrs Sandra Obiago. The exhibition is sponsored by Heritage Bank and Ruinart. “Nigeria is in the throes of change; it requires a type of art, call it modern, that will reflect its on-going efforts to achieve meaningful development and cultural identity,” said Prof Onobrakpeya, who is known for experimenting with lots of mediums, techniques and styles. Small works in the form of pendants will be available for those how cannot afford his large works. Also, works which he revisited according to him will be on display. “As a printmaker, I started with line, from there to texture, to colours, from there to new relief works such as you have seen there (pointing at a work on the wall) and the latest development is that the new relief works have now metamorphous into sculptural in the round,” he pointed out. While showing press men some of the works which he will be on display at exhibition, the distinguished artist explained that circumstances and things around him motive him to create works and this has keep him working for years making it impossible for to run out of ideas: “An idea comes on and keeps coming, I continue working and working because idea stop coming when one stops thinking,” he said. This he said has made it possible for him to be consistent in

By Udemma Chukwuma

VISUAL ART producing works even though he is in his 80s. A magnificent work which he titled: Panel of Six “This is one of the techniques that was inspired by the Benin plague; I went to school in Benin and taught there also, so as a young person in Benin ... the effect of the plague was very strong, later when I developed, I then started to do print, I grew from lines to texture and from texture to three dimensional. These are works that came out of that particular place…the works are different, each panel carries a different meaning but they are put together for visual effect,” he explained. One of the most striking traits of Prof Onobrakpeya is his versatility in art which has earned him fame and popularity. With his many years of practice, he has exhibited locally and internationally and his works can be found in some prestigious museums in the world. He has received many local and international awards including Honourable Mention at the Venice Biennale, and a Living Human Treasure Award in 2006 from UNESCO. Speaking on why his bank chose to be a sponsor of the exhibition, Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo said Onobrakpeya represents a unique example of the Nigerian spirit of creativity, innovation, tenacity and trans-generational relevance. “We at Heritage Bank, see Prof. Onobrakpeya’s legacy as a quintessential symbol of Nigeria’s rich heritage and culture, and we are happy to sponsor this exhibition because Heritage Bank’s unique philosophy is predicated on creating lasting legacies through wealth creation, preservation and transfer,” Sekibo stated. He added: “The bank will continue to live out its commitment to the preservation of Nigeria’s important heritage by supporting relevant artistic and cultural ventures to showcase and strengthen our rich values”.

•Onobrakpeya Sekibo has advised Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMES) in the country to focus greatly on restructuring and innovation in order to access the unfolding opportunities for growth and development in the economic landscape. Sekibo noted that although SMEs are a vital national economic growth engine contributing to vital economic indicators such as Employment Generation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with about 70 per cent of the rural population being active in formal and informal SME sectors, growth possibilities are hampered seriously as significantly low number of start ups who apply for medium-longer term financing actually succeed.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

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

Pastor Ladi Thompson is a frontline member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and a passionate public commentator. In this encounter with DADA ALADELOKUN, he delves into the foundation of Nigeria’s worsening plight and suggests the way out.

‘Only thinking will end Nigeria’s woes’

“O

UR dear country, Nigeria, will shortly, celebrate its 100 years of existence. Don’t you think it calls for wild celebration?” This is the poser that exposed the pentup angst of Thompson, an architectturned Senior Pastor of Living Waters Unlimited, a Lagos-based sanctuary. Without prevarication, he declared: “That the nation is distressed is no longer an issue. What we should do now is to declare a day of national thinking. This is what has been missing in our dire quest at addressing the numerous problems plaguing the country. We must engage in thinking based on research, truth and high moral standard. “The amalgamation of the country in 1914 is not the issue. Nigeria is heading for trouble. I have said it before that Dr Goodluck Jonathan could be the last president of the country. That statement could be taken positively or negatively. The problem is that as long as we continue not to think honestly as a people, our problems will compound.” Further delving into the fundamentals of the nation’s malaise, Thompson explained: “The amalgamation was possible because of the activities of one Tubman Goldie who hired Lord Frederick Lugard to come to the coastal area under imperial standards. It was in 1900 that Britain bought about 50 per cent of what is Nigeria today from Goldie. This brought Lugard into the picture. Interestingly, he had served under Goldie before and he was employed by the British Crown. When he took over, he flipped through Goldie’s files to realise that he (Goldie) had the plan to form one big economic unit out of the country; 1914 was just one of the numerous plans of Goldie. The most important thing now is to quickly engage in dispassionate thinking to get out of the doldrums.” Asserting that Nigeria is a country destined to do the thinking for the black race, and champion the redemption of the lost glory of Africa, he said if that must be achieved, “we need to look beyond 1914 to 1884.” Why? He was asked. His reason: “At the Berlin Conference of that year, landmark decisions were taken. You and I are speaking English today as our official language of our country because of the decisions that were made at the conference. There were 14 nations including the United States of America at the conference. They sat without getting the input of native Africans and divided Africa as artificial nations. Curiously, Bismarck, the then German Chancellor, was interested in Nigeria. Goldie argued for the British interest in the country and secured this territory for the British Crown. We must think back to look at the foundations of the country before talking about moving forward.” When reminded that the government was set for a national conference, the activist cleric said: “To me, it is a call by political jobbers. It will not help as the country will only be running around in circles. Since the country’s birth, there has never been deliberate attempt at consensus building on the part of the people. I guess that for political reasons, some people believe that the conference would checkmate the Boko Haram insurgency; they are using the Boko Haram problem as a bargaining tool. It is a cosmetic effort.” On how the nation can embark on the National Day of Thinking, he explained: “It should be a day when television stations will present the history of the country to the people since 1884; it will let us where we are and where we are

•Thompson

INTERVIEW coming from. While the future is not in the past, the threat to the future is in the past.” Taking a deep look at why the challenge of developing the country has remained a hard nut to crack, Thompson said: “What has happened to Nigeria is that the people have been so much brutalised. Nigeria is a patient with about four sicknesses - cancer, HIV-AIDS, recurring case of diabetes and malaria fever. It is a serious task for a skillful doctor because the drug that will cure one might have an adverse effect on the other. With all the major problems we have now, only intellectual thinkers can find seek appropriate solutions. This is why I said Jonathan could be the last President of Nigeria if he fails to do the right things. With the present architecture of the country, Nigeria will go nowhere. “The issue of Boko Haram has not been well handled by government as it remains a credible threat to the nation. For well over a decade, some of us had seen it coming through objective researches that the problem was lurking, but the myopic never took us seriously. Lurking in the shadows is the problem of widespread corruption - not just financial corruption. We have the foundational problems that were laid by the founding fathers of the country from the very beginning. The problem of the Niger Delta is still there; the last is that of nepotism. And to kill all these birds with one stone, one needs to trace the common feature of the problems. One can only arrive at the problem by resorting to history of how things came the way they are.” He spoke further: “Many people never knew that the eastern part of the country had the best in terms of advantage by the time the country was going into independence. The Igbospeaking people were the most educated of all the ethnic nationalities in the country. They were even intimidating all other groups in the country. The table was turned under the regional government of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Western Region in the 1950s. For 10 years, Awolowo government ensured that his achievements surpassed those of the Eastern Region. So, if Nigeria will lead Africa, we must put on our thinking cap.”

Bayelsa jazz festival offers capacity building training

HE inaugural Bayelsa International Jazz Festival by the state’s Tourism Development Agency promises to be a clear departure from the norm in the entertainment and event circuit in the country, the agency’s Director-General Mrs Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown has said. The organisers of the event have included capacity building sessions featuring master-classes, workshops and training for aspiring musicians, art journalists and tourism/culture enthusiasts. The main performance climaxes on Saturday, on two stages at the Gloryland Cultural Centre and Peace Park Yenagoa and will parade a galaxy of seasoned Jazz and Jazz related home-based and international stars including Grammy Award Winners Earl Klugh and Lekan Babalola, Grammy Nominees Hugh Masekela and Femi Kuti, Gangbe Brass Band, Inspiro’s NAIJAZZ All Stars Band among others. The distinction in the programming of the Bayelsa International Jazz festival is not only the caliber of musicians performing but also the seasoned resource team gathered for the capacity building sessions that include award winners in journalism, tourism, arts/ culture. These include veteran broadcaster and jazz critic Benson Idonije, ace photographer Tam Fiofori, leading brand specialist James Agama, CORA Secretary General Toyin Akinoso, PR and culture advocate Muyiwa Moyela among others. Musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti, Bright Gain and Adetayo Adedeji will be conducting classes on trumpet, guitar, drums, keyboard and others to young and aspiring musicians. The festival kicks off in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

100tpc Abuja hosted poetry reading for societal uplift

BUJA poets joined its counterparts across over 850 cities in 120 countries to celebrate another edition of 100thousand Poets (100tpc) for Change, which has as theme: Celebration of Poetry for Societal Uplift. The event, which was held at WestPoint Hotel, Abuja venue of the event, drew strong voices. With a resolve that the society deserves more from its leaders, they urged the government to wake-up to their responsibility in providing the good life for the citizenry. Literary enthusiasts, poets, performer poets and dancers gave renditions and performances. According to the organiser, Eriata Oribhabor, who is also the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja, the event was aimed at lending a voice to the poetic lines of hundreds of poets in Nigeria. He said: ‘‘Let’s tell our leaders that we are wiser. Let’s drum it that we are desperate for genuine peace and sustainable development. Let’s re-echo it that the harmonisation of our differences will see us holding sway in the scheme of things.’’ Ace poet, Dike Chukwumerije, in his keynote address, urged: ‘‘I am not an actor. I am not a dramatist. I am NOT an entertainer. I am a poet. And words to me is what an arrow is to a bow, what a river is to a boat, what the wind is to outstretched wings, what a deep breath is to a pair of lungs struggling to breathe in the face of this life that comes at me like floodwaters. When the gates of hell are flung open, I do not have the strength to fight. No. I write.’’ The 100thousand Poets for Change is a non-governmental literary organisation co-founded by Michael Rothenberg and Terri Carrion in the United States. The event was first held in Abuja in 2011 and in Santa Rosa, California last year.

Off the bin project: From waste to gold

WASTE to wealth art competition has been held by Princess Nima Agwuna and Mrs. Muka Nwokedi, to educate youths on the need to recycle waste. The them of the Off the bin project was Trash to treasure. It was held at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and it featured about 15 talented artists who showcased their art works. Mr. Milla Olusegun, emerged the overall winner and went home with the star prize of N500,000. He could not hold his joy when he said: “I never doubt my talent. I knew I could win it, when I entered for the competition. Though I am not saying other people that entered for the event are pushover, but I just believed in my talent.” Princess Nima Agwuna said she used the project to empower the youth. “Last year we had a charity event for women. We did that in Anambra State. The charity event was to educate them on how to use their hands to give themselves a good life. We thought

By Mercy Michael and Sampson Unamka

them how to process, oil, sheer butter, and so many other things, we also give a lot of tools to work with. But, this year we decided to have a project for the youth, so as to empower them and see what they could do with their hands, I mean to see how creative they could be. I don’t know how it came to my mind, but it just happened when one student came to me that he did not have money to go back to school. I now decided to organised a competition where these students and the youth can showcase their talents, and win something for themselves. So, that is how the ‘Off the bin project’ was given birth to,” she said. Continuing, she added: “I have a lot of people who are talented, who can make things from waste. A lot of them are roaming about, so I thought of marketing them and make their job well known, sold their product for them and give them the money so they can be able to do something positive with their money. “

•One of the winners at the event

BUSINESS

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

29 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

Foreign investors scramble for Nigerian equities, debts F OREIGN investors have increased portfolio investments in Nigerian equities and bonds with increased inflows from foreign portfolio investors stoking excess liquidity and depressing yield in the domestic bond market. Market operators in the know of foreign portfolio transactions told The Nation that foreign investors appeared to have increased stakes on Nigerian equities and bonds. They cited recent transaction trends in both the equities and bond markets. Market operators said the market is awash with liquidity, a technical reference to increased inflow of investment funds. This has supported positive market scenario. The N87.5 billion Lagos State Bond, which was concluded last week, recorded

•Surplus liquidity depressing yield By Taofiki Salako

an oversubscription of 40 per cent while the equity market has sustained average yearto-date return of more than 38 per cent, in spite of recurring profit-taking trend. Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, said foreign investors have shown stronger interest in Nigerian instruments, which they considered as better growth portfolios because of Nigeria’s relative higher returns and decreasing inflation rate. According to him, foreign investors believe that Nige-

rian equities offer better prospects for competitive returns than many other frontier markets. He noted that increasing foreign interests in bond market were partly responsible for the decline in yields in the segment as yields, even at current levels, were still better than yields in advanced economies and many emerging market. Chukwu said the positive outlook for the global economy as indicated by the supportive disposition of the prospective chairman of the United States’ (US) Federal Reserve (US Fed), Janet Yellen had encouraged for-

eign portfolio investors to build up their frontier portfolios. Third-quarter report on foreign portfolios showed that foreign investors had staked N801.25 billion on Nigerian equities within the first nine months. The latest report on the foreign portfolio investment flow by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that foreign investors dominated transactions during the ninemonth period, accounting for 50.81 per cent of total transactions during the period. The report indicated that total transactions at the NSE within the period stood at about N1.58 trillion, with foreign portfolio investors accounting for N801.25 billion while domestic investors accounted for N775.77 billion. Domestic investors thus accounted for 49.19 per

cent within the nine-month period. In September, total foreign inflow was N26.14 billion as against outflow of N27.88 billion, bringing total foreign transactions to N54.02 billion. Total transactions at the stock market during the month stood at N108.19 billion, out of which domestic investors contributed N54.17 billion or 50.07 per cent. In August, foreign inflow had stood at N31.12 billion as against outflow of N39.76 billion. Total foreign transactions thus stood at N70.88 billion, 52.26 per cent of the total turnover of N135.63 billion recorded for the month.

Group seeks local content in power sector By Emeka Ugwuanyi

•Director-General, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr Anthony Anuforom (middle); President, Nigerian Meteorological Society, Prof. Abiodun Adeloye (third right) and some officials of the society at this year’s conference of the association in Abuja …on Monday.

Lagos criminalises land fraud, rogue agents

AGOS State Government has amended its criminal law proceedings by adding fraud involving land transaction as a criminal offence. The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye said before now, the law stated that land cannot be stolen, development which aided unscrupulous people, especially rogue estate agents to hide under it to sell third party properties. He spoke at the launch of the “Code of Conduct of Estate Agency Practice in Lagos State” by the Lagos State Real Estate Agent Transaction Department (LASRETRAD). He said the state has changed the definition of property that can be stolen. He said: “The law before

How AMCON saved banks in 2010, by Sanusi - P 30

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

now stated that you cannot steal property, but now our law says you can steal land because we have changed the definition of property that can be stolen. Now land grabbing and fraudulent estate agency practice is priority in the criminal justice.” He added that the state has zero tolerance for fraudulent workers, especially in the Ministries of Land, Housing and Judiciary who aid and abet criminals outside in landed matters. “We will want to use them to set example of how committed we are to checking fraudulent cases in landed property in the state,” he said. Ipaye also said under the state new criminal law, assault, manslaughter, murder

and grievous bodily harm are all criminal offences because people commit them in land grabbing. The attorney- general urged the police to partner with the state, saying they have a basis to interfere in the matter unlike before. “The Police must be ready now to give us the case file as the need arises,” he added. He said part of the new rules is that a registered agent transacting business in the state must have a registered office, underscoring the zero tolerance for portfolio agents who dupe people and quickly change base. He said an agent must maintain a record of his or her business and ensure that a prospective tenant or purchaser takes physical possession of the property paid for within

Eight ‘big’ banks’ assets to cross N20tr

- P30

14 days except otherwise stated in writing. He added that the agent should also ensure that his principal performs all necessary obligations due to the government under applicable legislation and regulation. On standards of professional conduct, he maintained that a registered agent must comply with the fiduciary obligations to his or her client arising as an agent. He must not mislead a customer or client, nor provide false information, or withhold information that by law or fairness be provided to a principal. He must also ensure that the principal is informed of any significant potential risk so that the principal can seek expert advice if he chooses.

HE Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), has called on the Federal Government to extend the local content policy to the power sector to enhance sustainable development. Its President, Adekunle Makinde, spoke at the Institution’s 9th International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunications (ICEPT) in Onitsha, Anambra State. The event has as theme “Power and communications: Drivers of sustainable economic growth.” He said over the years, the power sector had suffered lack of sustainable development. He said the policy should also be extended to the telecommunications industry which has witnessed rapid growth since the sector was liberalised more than a decade ago. He said: “In spite of government’s efforts, the sectors have remained almost completely in the hands of foreign engineering firms. Local content incentives need to be stretched into these other industries in order to create an environment for the sustainable development of our economy. It is a well known fact that when any sector is in the hands of foreigners, they will work for their own interests first, whereas when such industries are controlled by Nigerians, they work for the interest of the nation. “We keep crying that there are no jobs for our children and yet we have foreigners trooping into the country to take up work that our people can do. But can you blame them if they are the ones bringing their funds. I must commend the investors in the power industry for seeing the process through.

37 stocks record above-average returns in 11 months - P35

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

How AMCON saved banks in 2010, by Sanusi T HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCOM) acquired N5.7 trillion bank debts when it was established three years ago, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi has said. The debts came from long years of insider abuses, bad loans and declaration of false profits by some banks, Sanusi said at the 50th anniversary at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos. He said AMCON bonds held by banks would be retired in 2015, adding that N1 trillion of the bonds will be retired by December 31, this year.

•’Firm acquired lenders’ N5.7tr debts’ Stories by Collins Nweze

Another N1.1 trillion would be retired next year, he said, adding that none of the banks will hold the corporation’s bonds beyond 2015. CBN, he said, held N3.6 billion of the bonds. According to him, the CBN has so far achieved its monetary policy objectives, based on the level of stability in the economy and financial services sector.

The bank under his leadership, he said, had achieved exchange rate stability, banking sector stability and achieve single digit inflation target. He said the CBN ensured that throughout the resolution of the banking crises, no depositor lost money. Corporate governance and risk management issues that threatened the financial system, he said, had been addressed, adding

that banks now understand and are aware that there are consequences in crossing certain lines. On November 19, investors wrote to AMCON, seeking to know how the N1 trillion bonds will be retired. AMCON’s Chief Executive Officer, Mustafa Chike-Obi said such decision would guide CBN’s liquidity management plans in the coming months. Meanwhile, a report by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, titled: Nigerian Banks: Killing Me Softly” said most lenders that invested in the bonds would face challenging earnings this year. “We believe this will remain a challenging year for Access given the nature of its balance sheet (large exposure to illiquid AMCON bonds). We think 2014 should be a year of stronger growth for Access, as most of the AMCON debt matures at the end of this year and will be redeemed for either cash or t-

•Chike-Obi

bills – giving Access the opportunity to earn better returns on its assets,” the report said. The report also said tougher regulation by the CBN would make it difficult for banks to deliver improved earnings. “We think it will become harder for some of the banks to deliver returns in excess of their cost of equity – especially some of the smaller banks,” it said.

Nigeria, others get $12b private equity fund

•From left: Former Interim Government Head Chief Ernest Shonekan; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Mr Segun Aina; Mallam Sanusi and British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr Andrew Pocock, at the event.

Eight ‘big’ banks’ assets to cross N20tr N

IGERIA’S banking sector is gradually evolving into a “game of size”as scale economies become the competitive differentiator, report by Afrinvest West Africa Limited, an investment and research firm has said. The firm’s report projected that the industry’s assets would be N26.4 trillion by next year, with the top eight banks in control of about 80 per cent or N20.8 trillion of the total assets. These banks are also expected to control 76.3 per cent of the industry’s gross earnings by 2014 result. The top five banks include FirstBank, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Access Bank. The other three banks are Skye Bank, Diamond Bank and Ecobank. According to the report titled: ‘Nigerian Banking League-The Fate of Small Players’, the bigger banks, with an average total assets of N2.6 trillion, appear more competitive in squeezing out higher earnings compared to tier-2 (smaller banks) with N900 billion of total asset as at September. However, the operating expenses margins and cost funds for the bigger banks are rising. It said the era of real banking appears to be gradually re-emerging as traditional sources of high income continue to face significant

threat from tighter regulation and increased competition. Tier-2 banks on the other hand are faced with the challenge of expanding their local franchise, to absorb cheap deposits and aggressively generate more risk assets. This has left Tier-2 banks with the option of either “Specialise” or “Expand inorganically.” It said as expected within the last nine months, the sector has been characterised by a “policy induced” earnings shrink, in addition to the aggressive competition for cheaper deposits. “While most banks are hinged on product differentiation strategy using innovation to remain afloat; we keep a keen watch on the industry’s competitiveness as events unfold. Nevertheless, the future of banking is set to take a dramatic turn,” it said. According to the report, the era of double digits earnings growth in the banking industry has gradually begun to thin-out. “The numerous liquidity tightening policies introduced by the CBN has constantly exerted pressure on the banks’ profitability within the last few months. A review of the banking industry’s last nine months Profit before Tax (PBT) re-

vealed an average nine per cent decline across the Tier 1 banks, and a 6.3 per cent growth within the Tier-2 echelon,” it said. The analysis also revealed that Tier-1 banks accounted for 82 per cent of the total income in the banking industry; with GTBank and Zenith Bank leading with a ninemonth Profit After Tax of N69.2 billion and N69.8 billion respectively as at September. It said a further review spots the downward trend in Tier-1 bank’s Net Income Margin from 7.9 per cent in 2012 to 7.1 per cent in June and 6.1 per cent in September 2013. This it explained, could be attributed to a reduction in the industry wide interest and non-interest income. In the same vein, the net profit margin for Tier-1 banks shrank quarter on quarter to 23.3 per cent in September from 24.3 per cent in June this year. It said constant liquidity tightening rhetoric as reflected in the CBN’s policy stance has had a significant impact across Nigerian banks (Tier-1 and Tier-2). The hawkish policy designed in 2013, targeted at price and exchange rate stability, have consistently squeesed the earnings of the banks, particularly the 50 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), which effectively removed approximately N1 trillion from the financial system.

RIVATE equity firms have invested about $12 billion in Nigeria, South Africa and other African countries. The firms have also raised almost $10 billion, a study by Ernst & Young and the African Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCA), has shown. A private equity firm is an investment manager that makes investments in the private equity of operating companies through a variety of loosely affiliated investment strategies including leveraged buyout, venture capital, and growth capital. Often described as a financial sponsor, each firm will raise funds that will be invested in accordance with one or more specific investment strategies. The firms will raise pools of capital, or private equity funds that supply the equity contributions for these transactions and will receive a periodic management fee as well as a share in the profits earned from each private equity fund managed.

Reuters report said many private equity firms are adamant that Africa is the next hot spot for the industry as its burgeoning middle class continues to bloom, but the pension and endowment funds who invest in private equity funds are more cautious. It is not hard to see what has attracted them to the continent. Over the last 10 years, Africa’s economic output has increased three-fold to $2 trillion and six African countries have been among the fastest-growing economies in the world. Principal at private equity firm Hamilton Lane, Daniel Schoneveld, told a conference earlier this month. And because of the uncertainty and many risks involved, many pension funds are hesitant. As Alona Ponomareva, principal portfolio manager for the World Bank Pension Plan, said: “Africa is kind of the last frontier for us. I am gradually taking us in the direction of Africa.”

Bank strengthens internet grid

UARANTY Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc has announced the upgrade of its internet banking platform for all customers. In a statement, the bank said the upgrade incorporates a new look and additional technical functionalities. It said the upgraded Internet Banking platform provides customers with a more user friendly way to carry out their online transactions and manage their services. It also offers customers an account information reporting service via its new homepage dashboard as well as an enhanced security feature with its improved login keypad functionality. With its new responsive design, customers can use Internet Banking conveniently on computers and mobile devices. The bank’s Internet Banking platform supports an an array of service offerings that include bills payments, own and third party transfers and foreign ex-

change transfers to any bank account in the world. Speaking on the development, Sina Ayegbusi, Head of Guaranty GTBank’s Technology Division stated that the bank’s commitment to superior customer service experience drives it to ensure that it utilises revolutionary technology to simplify and secure the online banking transaction and experience of its customers. He further stated that the upgrade to ‘’our Internet Banking platform gives our diverse costumers various on-the-go banking options due to its responsive design that makes it convenient for use on computer and mobile devices’’. The bank’s alternative banking channels were given a Payment Card Industry Standards Council (PCISSC) certification in 2011, implying that the channels meet acceptable technical and operational requirements to prevent fraud.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

MONEY Despite the global economic crisis and pressure on conventional banking in Western countries, Islamic finance is doing well. Nigeria is eyeing this booming global financing system, COLLINS NWEZE reports.

Nigeria eyes $1.4tr Islamic finance market U

NDETERRED by the uncertain recovery elsewhere in the world’s financial markets, global growth of Islamic finance market has continued unabated this year. The Shariah-compliant assets of the finance model are estimated at over $1.4 trillion and it is likely to sustain the double-digit growth in the coming two to three years. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the country should not ignore Islamic finance which has become a household name in Europe and America. He cited the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron recent resolve to make London the global hub of Islamic finance adding that Nigeria should wake up to opportunities presented by the the finance system. According to Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Islamic finance remained a demand-driven market, with scarce supply, still hampered by a limited range of Islamic financial centres and their various regulatory frameworks. The rating agency said it believed that regulatory efforts to accommodate Islamic finance and the establishment of additional industry bodies at national levels will take centre-stage starting next year. Interestingly, newcomers in the industry — such as Oman, Turkey, and Nigeria, for instance — have started to trace the footsteps of fast-growing pioneers, such as Malaysia. “Right behind the newcomers, a long line of countries is aspiring to enter the market, with the continent of Africa in the forefront,” it said.

Nigeria’s perspective Nigeria’s profile as Africa’s most liquid debt market after South Africa has been rising since JP Morgan and Barclays included its bonds in their sovereign bond indices in the last year, encouraging greater foreign participation in its debt market. The use of Islamic finance in Africa could grow further as several north and sub-Saharan African countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa and Kenya are laying the legal groundwork to issue sukuk, an Islamic finance bond. In Nigeria, Osun State recently floated the country’s first Islamic bond, taking a major step towards developing an Islamic finance industry in the country. Analysts said the Sharia-compliant bond, while relatively small at $62 million, signaled the start of a trend. The Sukuk is based on an Ijara structure, a common leasing arrangement in Islamic finance, which bans payment of interest. Sukuk have become an increasingly popular investment globally, particularly among cash-rich funds in the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Also, the Islamic Development Bank also is lending $150 million through Sharia-compliant facilities for the new Lekki port in Lagos. Sanusi said Islamic finance products also have the capacity to ensure financial inclusion of significant segment of the population. He stated that when properly harnessed, Islamic finance could contribute significantly in turning the country into a major international financial centre. Sanusi said: “Islamic finance has shown its potential in achieving financial inclusion in many economies by bringing in large under-banked populations, especially Muslims, into the urbanised financial sector. “We have so far registered Jaiz bank, and we have given a licence to Stanbic IBTC Bank to operate some window. We have given an approval in principle to Sterling Bank to operate an Islamic window and a microfinance bank that has applied for Islamic banking licence. “This is in addition to the work being done by National Insurance Commission to promote Takaful, an Islamic insurance product.” He said many Islamic financial markets had established their presence in all the major financial centres and were playing key roles

in deepening the financial markets with products across the globe. “In the face of the growing interconnectedness of the global financial system and its integration, it is thus unrealistic for any existing or aspiring financial centre to be oblivious of this development. “Prime Minister David Cameron announced his government’s plan to make London a capital for Islamic finance to the Western world. He said it would stand alongside Dubai and Kuala Lumpur as one of the great capital of Islamic finance. The UK is embarking on this plan, despite the fact that it is a non-Islamic country,” Sanusi argued. Chairman, Advisory Committee of Experts on Non-Interest Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Sheik Abdulkader Thomas said deposits from non-interest banking could be deployed into infrastructure funding and other developmental projects. Thomas, who is an American living in Kuwait, described Nigeria as a huge market for non-interest banking given its large population base. He said the banking concept is a viable means of gathering huge deposits, adding that although Nigeria’s infrastructure is seen as weak, deposits from non-interest banking could be used to fix it. He said: “We have to look at a country like Nigeria from a different perspective. Kuwait has small population, with very high wealth. But Nigeria has very large population. We believe that non-interest banking will be very important to gather savings from the grassroots population.” According to him, the billions of dollars in the non-interest banking accounts globally cannot find its way into Nigeria, rather, the country should generate its own funds to finance key projects and create wealth for its citizens. Islamic banking is growing at a fast pace around the world. It is asserting itself as a key player in the global financial system with its global assets currently stood at $1.3 trillion, he added. The CBN guidelines on non-interest banking put the minimum capital base of N10 billion for National Islamic Banks and N5 billion for regional Islamic Banks. However, CBN allows deposit money banks to offer non-interest banking products, using existing structure such as the branches, even manpower.

African Development Bank According to African Development Bank (AfDB), improving Nigeria’s infrastructure could boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by about four per cent. Some of the sectors that require attention include power, road, rail, information communications technology (ICT) and transportation. However, access to finance, to fund the development of most of these critical sectors has remained a challenge. According to the AfDB, Nigeria has an infrastructure deficit of $360 billion and Islamic finance can be of great help in fixing the infrastructure gap. It said banks will require a substantially larger annual level of investment in infrastructure, a significant increase in annual allocations for routine and periodic maintenance to ensure reliable infrastructure services, and increased attention to the institutional arrangements that support the infrastructure network of the country and the related services.

• Islamic finance notes

Debt position With Nigeria’s total debt stock at N8.32 trillion as at September 30, 2013, analysts have warned that the growing domestic debt may result to a debt crisis if not checked. Others have advised the government to look for cheaper alternatives to finance infrastructure development. One of the cheaper alternatives is Islamic finance, which is interest free. While regular bonds are essentially debts to be repaid at a future date, with Islamic bonds, that is not the case. In essence, Islamic finance can be described as finance under Islamic law. Islamic finance being an emerging sector of the overall economic system is rapidly expanding. The Islamic model uses money as a measuring tool for value and not as an asset in itself, so income is not received from money as this is seen as exploitative and usurious. Investment vehicles through the Islamic finance structure are based on shared business risk. The growth of Islamic finance globally also means there is an increasing demand for new ways of identifying Islamic compliant business activities. Presently, the London Stock Exchange is working on the creation of new indices. This means the creation of a new way of identifying Islamic finance opportunities - a world-leading Islamic Market Index.

Lessons from London Speaking at the World Islamic Economic Forum, Cameron, expressed his desire for London to be one of the greatest capital of Islamic finance. According to him, steps had already been taken to open up London for

‘Islamic finance has shown its potential in achieving financial inclusion in many economies by bringing in large under-banked populations, especially Muslims, into the urbanised financial sector’

more Islamic financing activities. “Already London is the biggest centre for Islamic finance outside the Islamic world. “But today our ambition is to go further still. I want London to stand alongside Dubai and Kuala Lumpur as one of the great capitals of Islamic finance anywhere in the world. “And we are already taking big steps to open up the City of London to more Islamic finance. Today we have more banks compliant with the principles of Islamic finance than any other Western country. “We have over 25 law firms supplying services in Islamic finance and 16 universities or business schools offering MBAs or similar qualifications in Islamic finance, including the new programme for senior executives announced by Cambridge University last week,” he explained. He said the move was to attract more investment into London. The UK prime minister noted that Islamic finance was growing at 50 per cent faster than traditional banking, adding that global Islamic investments was set to grow to £1.3 trillion by next year. As a result of this, he expressed his preparedness to make sure that a large proportion of that investment would be in Britain, adding that some of the infrastructure in Britain were developed through Islamic finance. Cameron said: “Britain is a country ready to welcome your investment, a country that values your friendship and a country which will never exclude anyone because of their race, religion, colour or creed. But if investing in London is good for you, then opening up London to your investment is just as vital for our own success here in Britain. “We are backing our businesses, seeking new markets and banging the drum for Britain to show we are a first class destination for trade and investment. Islamic investment is already fundamental to our success. “But we’re not going to sit here and rest on our laurels. We know there is much more to do for London to reach its full potential as a great world centre of Islamic finance. “This government wants Britain to become the first sovereign outside the Islamic world to issue an Islamic bond. So the Treasury is working on the practicalities of issuing a bond-like Sukuk worth around £200 million and we very much welcome the involvement of industry in developing this initiative which we hope to launch as early as next year.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION INVESTORS

37 stocks record above-average returns in 11 months

ESS than one-fifth of companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) measured up to average return at the stock market in a market situation that showed wide gap between exciting gains and losses and dormancy. Year-to-date analysis of the stock market for the 11-month period ended November 30, 2013 indicated that only 37 companies out of the 200 companies listed on the NSE recorded up to or surpassed the market’s average return of 38.61 per cent. Costain West Africa Plc, John Holt Plc and Deap Capital Management Plc lost more than 60 per cent of their market values during the period, leading the several dormant and declining stocks. The analysis both underlined the exceedingly positive overall market situation at the Nigerian stock market as well as the hangover of the previous recession that has kept several stocks dormant or inactive around their base prices. Conglomerates, fast moving consumer goods companies, petroleum-marketing companies, construction and cement companies and healthcare companies featured prominently among the 37 bestperforming stocks. The analysis however showed decline in the

•Costain, John Holt, Deap Capital lead worst-performing stocks Stories by Taofik Salako

momentum of fast-paced companies as forty five companies had measured up to market average three months ago. Forte Oil remained the best-performing stock, in terms of capital gains, with 11-month share price increase of 1,374.8 per cent. Champion Breweries placed second with average return of 308.4 per cent. Evans Medical ranked third with a gain of 270.1 per cent. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) retained year-todate return of 239.1 per cent while Conoil Plc had increased its market value by 231.4 per cent during the period. Other stocks with three-digit percentage growth included Livestock Feeds, 191 per cent; Jos International Breweries 181.7 per cent; MRS Oil and Gas, 129.1 per cent; Cadbury Nigeria, 116.7 per cent, Presco, 115 per cent; Wema Bank, 119.2 per cent and Eterna Oil, which share price rose by 109.6 per cent. Several other stocks nearly doubled their market values including Julius Berger Nigeria, 99.1 per cent; Fidson Healthcare, 98.1

per cent and Dangote Sugar Refinery, which rose by 83.3 per cent. Other above-average stocks included UAC of Nigeria, 51.8 per cent; UACN Property Development Company, 52.5 per cent; Honeywell Flour Mills, 43.5 per cent; National Salt Company of Nigeria (Nascon), 59.63 per cent; Nestle Nigeria, 78.5 per cent; Diamond Bank, 41.70 per cent; United Bank for Africa (UBA), 64.7 per cent; AIICO Insurance, 38.7 per cent; Continental Reinsurance, 51.3 per cent; Custodian and Allied Insurance, 39.2 per cent; Wapic Insurance, 70.7 per cent and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, which grew its share price by 77.3 per cent. Other best-performing stocks included GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria, with 11-month return of 44.1 per cent; CAP, 78.6 per cent; Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, 75.5 per cent; Dangote Cement, 52.2 per cent; IPWA, 52 per cent; Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, 70.9 per cent; Red Star Express, 40 per cent; Academy Press, 57.4 per cent; ABC Transport Plc, 60 per cent while McNichols was the only Alternative Securities Market (Asem) stock on the list

with an increase of 79.01 per cent. On the other hand, Costain was the worst-performing stock during the period with a negative return of 65 per cent. John Holt trailed with a drop of 62.1 per cent. Deap Capital Management Limited placed third with a loss of 60 per cent. Transnationwide Express dropped by 56.1 per cent while Multi-Trex and Morison Industries lost 47.4 per cent and 42.1 per cent respectively. Other stocks which lost more than 20 per cent of their market values included Chellarams, 27.3 per cent; Arbico, 26.9 per cent; Vono Products, 38.9 per cent; NPF Microfinance Bank, 34.8 per cent; Ekocorp, 22.6 per cent; E-Tranzact, 22.4 per cent; Thomas Wyatt Nigeria, 34.1 per cent, RT Briscoe, 21.1 per cent; Capital Hotel, 27.4 per cent while Juli Plc, an Asem stock, which lost 26.6 per cent. The year-to-date analysis showed that investors in Nigerian equities earned about N3.48 trillion in capital gains over the past 11 months. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities closed November at N12.449 trillion as against this year’s opening value of N8.974 trillion, indi-

cating an increase of N3.475 trillion or 38.72 per cent. The main index at the NSE , the All Share Index (ASI)-a common value-based index that tracks all quoted equities, indicated 11month year-to-date return of 38.61 per cent. ASI closed November at 38,920.85 points as against its index-on-board of 28,078.81 points for the year. With N3.48 trillion and average year-to-date return of 38.61 per cent, equities appeared in good stead for another record successive performance. In value terms, 11month capital gain of N3.48 trillion has already surpassed total gains of N2.44 trillion recorded for the entire 2012. Also, real benchmark return of 38.61 per cent is already some three percentage points above average full-year return of 35.45 per cent recorded in 2012. The stock market had closed the first half of 2013 with average return of about 28.8 per cent, equivalent to N2.45 trillion in capital gains. Aggregate market value of all equities on the NSE had closed the first half at N11.426 trillion while the ASI had closed the first half at 36,164.31 points.

How to revive dead companies, by Jimoh Ibrahim

•From left: Dr. Ibrahim; Executive Chairman, Complete Communications Limited and Success Attitude Development Centre (SADC), Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase and Vice Chairman, Complete Communications Limited and SADC, Mrs Esther Obazu-Ojeagbase, during the induction of Ibrahim into SADC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and presentation of award at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

ANKS should be mandated to set aside five per cent of their gross profit into a specialpurpose scheme for supporting the reactivation and operations of dead and moribund firms, the Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, has said. Speaking at the Success Digest Enterprise Awards (SDEA) organised by Success Attitude Development Centre (SADC) to honour entrepreneurs, Jimoh Ibrahim made a strong case for the reactivation of dead and moribund companies as the lasting solution to unemployment and social vices. According to him, the government needs to set up a special committee to revive dead companies in the country so as to improve job creations and enhance living standards of the people. He encouraged upcoming entrepreneurs to imbibe the strategic business concept of buying dead companies and turning them around.

By Sampson Unamka

According to him, in deploying the buy-dead-and-turnaround strategy, the entrepreneur should first diagnose what the dead company’s problems were, which would allow him to strategize on what to do to turn the company around. Expatiating on how to acquire such corporation through government public offerings, Ibrahim stated that the best way is to get global experts during bidding to help package the proposals. “All that is necessary is to first win the offer, and then the banks will come knocking on your doors to sponsor the project,” Ibrahim said. Ibrahim won the bid to buy some public companies, which were offered for sale by the Federal Government in 2006, including NICON Insurance, Nigeria ReInsurance and Virgin Nigeria. He explained how his company bided for and won the NICON Insurance offer without having up to a N100 million in its account.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION INVESTORS

PZ Cussons invests $130m in growth initiatives Stories by Taofik Salako

•Harvey

Z Cussons Nigeria Plc has invested not less than $130 million in strengthening and expanding its business operations in Nigeria as it reassures Nigerian shareholders of continuing commitment to value creation and fairness. Chairman, PZ Cussons, United Kingdom, Richard Harvey, who spoke after a visit and tour of part of Nigerian operations by members of board of directors of the PZ Cussons Nigeria’s parent company, said the conglomerate sees more exciting opportunities in Nigeria and it is committed to long-term

development of its Nigerian business. According to him, PZ Cussons has continued to invest in the capacity of its Nigerian business in demonstration of its commitment to sustain its Nigerian business as a major plank of the global operations of PZ Cussons. He said PZ Cussons’s bouquet of products from household items to electronic appliances is in growing demand and the group looks toward its Nigerian business as a major contributor to global performance. “We are more excited about the opportunities now than we have been for a very long time,” Harvey said. He pointed out that Nigeria contributes about 55 per cent of the group’s global turnover while the refrigerator business contributed about 30 per cent to PZ Cussons Nigeria’s turnover, which approximately gave the Nigerian refrigerator business some 17 per cent of global sales. Harvey in company of other directors toured the newly remodeled refrigerator manufacturing plant in Ilupeju, Lagos. According to him, the additional refrigerator production line, which

•Restates commitments to Nigerian shareholders was inaugurated during the visit, was meant to rapidly expand the distribution of cooling products In Nigeria and Ghana and to keep the company in good stead to meet anticipated continuous increase in demand. Harvey said the conglomerate will continue to prospect for opportunities to increase its business in Nigeria citing the recent multibillion investment in palm oil processing plant and refinery. According to him, the biggest new business line-‘Mamador’, being produced from the brand new refinery at Ikorodu, Lagos, has gotten off to instant success with the company selling every bit of its production. “We get a series of developments we want to do but as you will expect I am not able to share those secrets with you now,” Harvey said. He however ruled out possible capital issue in the nearest future noting that PZ Cussons has sufficient capital base to internally fund its growth initiatives. He assured Nigerian shareholders that the conglomerate has been positioned for improved performance and returns while affirming the commitment of the foreign core

investor to mutually beneficial relationship with its Nigerian shareholders. “They are investing in the right company,” Harvey quipped when asked about his message to Nigerian shareholders. Harvey spoke in company of PZ Cussons Nigeria’s managing director, Christos Giannopoulos. Giannopoulos added that while PZ Cussons had gradually increased its shareholding in the Nigerian, business to demonstrate its commitment, it has no plan whatsoever to alter the current shareholding structure. He said the conglomerate is committed to sustaining its listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) while working to create values for all shareholders. “We have some 85,000 shareholders, who love us and we love them, as of now there is no plan to increase our shareholding in the Nigerian subsidiary. We are committed to our shareholders and the Nigerian economy,” Giannopoulos said. He said the conglomerate plans to achieve growth target above the national Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth rate over the next years. He noted that PZ Cussons believes

in the development of local content as integral part of its production process pointing out that over the years, PZ Cussons has always sourced and used local raw materials as much as possible in its productions. Audited report and accounts of PZ Cussons Nigeria for the year ended May 31, 2013 had shown considerable improvement in the underlying profitability of the group, with increasingly efficient procurement management and internal cost control moderating the probable impact of a sluggish top-line. The report showed that while sales slipped by 1.12 per cent, profits before and after tax jumped by 77.6 per cent and 110 per cent respectively. The improvement in the bottomline impacted on the underlying returns to shareholders as earnings per share increased from 61 kobo in 2012 to N1.23 in 2013. Turnover closed May 2013 at N71.34 billion as against N72.15 billion recorded in 2012. Profit before tax meanwhile rose from N4.31 billion to N7.65 billion. Profit after tax also doubled from N2.54 billion to N5.32 billion. The company distributed N2.22 billion as cash dividends, representing a dividend per share of 56 kobo, an increase of 30 per cent on 43 kobo paid for the previous year.

‘Nigerian financial markets susceptible to external shocks’ •Experts dissect 2014 outlook at CBO Capital’s forum

ONTINUING decline in government revenue amidst sustained increase in portfolio inflows might expose Nigerian financial markets to undue risks and shocks from the global financial markets, deputy governor, financial system stability, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Kingsley Moghalu has said. He was the special guest of honour and delivered the keynote address on ‘the outlook for the Nigerian economy in 2014’ at the Third Annual Investors Conference organised by CBO Capital. According to him, Nigeria’s robust external reserves of $45 billion has been supported by massive inflow of foreign portfolio funds, which have camouflaged the decline in excess crude savings and Aggregate foreign capital inflows stood at $7.79 billion at the end of second quarter 2013 compared with $4.53 billion in second quarter 2012. Out of this, foreign direct investment inflow was $1.47 billion or 18.9 per cent while portfolio investment inflow accounted for $6.52 billion or 81.1 per cent. “While Federal Government spending overall in 2013 has not been significantly higher than in 2012, oil revenues have continued to decline in spite of the relative stability in oil price and output when compared with preceding years. As a result, Excess Crude savings have fallen from about $11.5 billion at year-end 2012 to less than $5 billion on November 14. External Reserves have remained in excess of $45 billion only because of a massive inflow in portfolio funds. The implication of this is that financial markets are susceptible to external shocks,” Moghalu said. According to him, provisional data on gross federally-collected revenue from January to October 2013 stood at N8.292 trillion, out of which oil sector accounted for 69.9 per cent and the non-oil sector contributed the balance of 30.1 per cent. This represented a decline of 12.3 and 9.4 per cent below the proportionate budget es-

timate in 2013 and the actual receipts in the corresponding period of 2012. He noted that the projected gross revenue of N11.34 trillion by the end of December 2013 is expected to fall below the budgeted revenue for 2013 and actual revenue in 2012 by 10.1 and 12.0 per cent respectively. The CBN deputy governor outlined that actual Federal Government retained revenue for January to October 2013 stood at N3.19 trillion, representing a shortfall of 21.0 per cent compared with proportionate budget for 2013 while the total expenditure of the Federal Government between January and October 2013 stood at N3.77 trillion, which was lower by 19.7 per cent to the proportionate budget for the same period, but exceeded the cumulative outlay during the same period of 2012 by 2.2 per cent. “Given the budgeted expenditure of N5.79 trillion and retained revenue of N4.91 trillion, the fiscal deficit for the year is projected at N887.07 billion or 1.9 per cent of GDP. Between January to October 2013, the fiscal operations of the Federal Government resulted in a deficit of N582.11 billion or 1.5 per cent of GDP and financed mainly through domestic borrowing. The major concern of the CBN is its impact on macroeconomic variables. The bank therefore continued to pursue tight monetary policies in order to contain inflationary pressure. These include the introduction of cash reserve requirement (CRR) of 50 percent on public sector deposits with the deposit money banks (DMBs) to stem liquidity surge,” Moghalu said. He noted that while the overall outlook for the Nigerian economy in 2014 is positive, there are some potential headwinds that may lead to further tightening in monetary conditions. According to him, it is expected that 2014 will be the year for quantitative easing- tapering in the US and interest rate rises in Europe, both of which will lead to some pressure on the exchange rate and stock prices due to the impact on

•From left: Chuka Mordi; Director, CBO Capital, Tolu Akpata; Managing Partner, Templars Law, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Mr. Bex Nwawudu; Director, CBO Capital at the CBO Capital’s 3rd Annual Investors Conference in Lagos

capital flows. He noted that next year being the period that election spending is likely to take place, there could be more pressure to bear from the fiscal side, which may necessitate the continuation of the current monetary tightening mode in response to these eventualities in 2014. He stressed the need to sustain and consolidate current efforts to address the lingering challenges of insecurity, infrastructural deficits as well as the threats to oil production such as pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft among others. “There is also the need to give greater attention to the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from the current over-dependence on oil export in order to avoid the vagaries in the international oil market and their attendant adverse effects on the domestic economy,” Moghalu said. He however underlined that the Nigerian economy is expected to grow strongly in 2014 with the growth to be driven by high oil prices and robust domestic demand. According to him, several reforms initiated and pursued by government in 2013 are expected

to impact the economy positively in 2014. These include government efforts to improve transportation network and port reform to strengthen economic linkages between sectors, cities and regions and make growth more inclusive; expected passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is expected to improve local content, ensure technology transfer and job creation; modernisation of agriculture through improved seedling and value chain initiatives which will likely increase agricultural output and financial sector reform through financial inclusion which is expected to further enhance economic growth and job creation through access to financial products and services by a large segment of the informal sector of the economy. Moghalu added that power sector reform will reduce cost of doing business and attract local and foreign investors into the industrial and manufacturing sectors of the economy and open job opportunities. Other experts who facilitated panel discussions and sessions at the conference included Dr. Doyin Salami, Consultant and Member of the CBN monetary Policy Committee, Mr. Ike Chioke, Managing

Director, Afrinvest, Mr. Dave Uduanu, Managing Director, Pension Alliance Limited, Mr. Hewett Benson, Executive Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. John Cross of Mirabaud Bank, Switzerland, Mrs. Sanyade Okoli, Director, Travant Capital and Mr. Raj Kulasingam, Senior Counsel, Dentons, among others. Speaking on the rationale behind investors conference, executive director, CBO Capital, Bex Nwawudu, said the key objective was to raise awareness for domestic investment activity in private equity. According to him, in spite of the fact that next year heralds the forthcoming elections, it has become important to highlight the fact that Nigeria still has numerous viable and profitable investment opportunities. “In essence, what we are showing people is that there is a burgeoning and growing private equity industry in Nigeria, and that we are part of it,” Nwawudu said. He noted that with this conference, CBO Capital brought together industry practitioners from all spheres to actually sit down together and talk about the various transactions that can be completed in the alternative and unlisted space.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION

BUSINESS P ENSION

PFAs, life insurers bicker over retirees pension option

HE end may not be in sight yet to the furore between Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and insurance operators over de-marketing of the two retirement options available to retirees for drawing pension benefits. The products, which are under the Contributory Pension Scheme as contained in the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004, are Programme Withdrawal offered by the PFAs and Life Annuity by life insurance firms. Investigations reveal that the crisis between the PFAs and life insurers over which product a retiree should choose have continued to grow as they trade blame on demarketing while employers are getting worried following feedbacks from their retirees. The life insurers believe PFAs have advantage over them as the fund is under their control and they do everything possible to make sure they keep the money and keep them away from the retirees.They alleged that PFAs also de-market annuity and force retirees to choose Programme Withdrawal in its stead. The PFAs have, however, denied the allegation, saying insurers are getting agitated unnecessarily. The PRA provides that an employee can, on retirement, make withdrawals from his Retirement Savings Account (RSA) in the form of a programmed monthly or quarterly withdrawal based on his life expectancy or buy life annuity from a life insurance company. The section says; “A worker with a RSA can access the money upon retirement or at 50, by opting for pro-

grammed withdrawal, which is provided by the PFAs, or annuity, which is provided by the insurance companies.” According to the Act, programmed withdrawal is an option that is calculated on an expected life span; meaning that the pensioner will be paid regularly for some years after which he ceases to earn income from his PFA. Also, the Act specifies that the annuity will be paid on a regularly by the insurance firm to the pensioner until he dies. Section 1.2.9 of Regulation on Administration of Retirement Terminal Benefits issued by the PenCom provides that a PFA shall not impose, coerce or influence a retiree on the choice or mode of withdrawal. However, regulation on annuity under Section 4.1 b of the PRA is jointly issued by National Insurance Commission (NA1COM) and the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for giving effect to the provisions of the PRA. According to laws on annuity, it is the responsibility of NAICOM to regulate the annuity market while it is that of PenCom to ensure that a retiree receives his/her retirement benefit promptly. Meanwhile, some employers have told The Nation that it has received complaints from its retirees and insurers, seeking help from them on how they could assist in making PFAs to release funds of retirees who have chosen life annuity. They said they have observed the rift and are worried. An employer said it got reports

that some PFAs refused to release funds of some its retirees to life insurers after all processes have been completed. He explained that they, on their part issue retirement bond to retirees immediately after retirement. “We got a complaint from an insurance company that a particular PFA has refused to transfer a retiree’s pension fund who opted for annuity. “They asked for our assistance, but we told them that there is nothing we can do on our part and directed them to the regulatory authority,” the employer said. A retiree in the private sector said the PFA and insurers need to be matured in the way they market the products, adding that he was more confused after listening to both parties on which product to choose. A senior official in PenCom said the problem is an issue of mis-selling of the two products by the two parties. He said it was baseless for a PFA to think because he had kept the fund to a level where the employee retires, the fund must remain with them. He affirmed that there are excesses between the two, noting that the Commission has told them there is no need for quarelling. He said they expected the PFAs and insurers to be courteous in marketing the products, adding that PenCom and NAICOM have intensified efforts to ensure the laws governing the regulation on annuity as jointly issued is not disregarded. He said: “Whatever the PFA and insurer does in marketing the prod-

• Yola

• Wiggle

ucts, the decision is made by the account holder who has a right to choose what he or she would prefer as its pension options. “We have collaborated with NAICOM to curtail the excesses of the two. We have also embarked on enlightening and creating awareness among retirees on their rights as account holders. We told the retirees to always report to us when they feel something is not right. ”The issue is not for them to be at war with each other, but to sell their products without running down the other” Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mr. Misbahu Umar Yola, said he does not believe the PFAs are deliberately holding on to pension funds of retirees who opt for annuity. He further said he does not think it is an issue of de-marketing annuity products as all they do is explain to retirees the advantages and disadvantages of the products. According to him, there may be a few bad eggs, but it is not peculiar to most PFAs in the industry. He said: “I do not think any PFA

will compel retirees to purchase programme withdrawal or deliberately hold their fund back. Sometimes there could be delay between the period when the PFA writes to PenCom for approval to release the fund and this does not take more than two weeks. “There could be an incident, but this does not make it an industry problem. There are 20 PFAs and we receive thousands of applications and it is possible there could be certain issues with few of them that need to be addressed by either the retiree or the PFA before transfer of fund can be done.” Vice Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) and Managing Director, Linkage Assurance, Mr. Gus Wiggle, said there was no basis for PFA not to release a retiree’s fund to insurers. He added that the choice of the pensioner should be respected by the PFA. “I believe PenCom is doing a good job and they will come down hard on any PFA found to disregard the law. The PFA job terminates when the employee retires and their choice in choosing a retirement option should be respected,” he said.

PenCom establishes contact centre

HE National Pension Commission (Pencom) has established the Contact Centre information network. This is in response to the need of pensioners and other stakeholders in the industry to get adequate information on their savings and operations of the commission. Pencom said the centre would provide the public with a means of contacting the Commission to lodge complaints or make enquiries about pensions. According to Emeka Onuora, Head, Communication Department of Pencom, the centre, which is a more improved method of handling complaints will offer the public the oppor-

By Omobola Tolu-Kushimo

LEADING pensions’ provider has said a proposed cap on management fees is “too high.” Legal and General said a 0.75 percent cap on fees should be brought down to 0.5 per cent. It claims that the 0.5 per cent cap could cost consumers £4 billion over a lifetime of pensions saving. However, experts said if caps are set too low, the government risks “dumbing down” pensions and stifling innovation in the sector. The criticism comes on the same day the deadline for submissions by the pensions industry to the govern-

By Taofeek Salako

tunity to relate with the Commission via telephone calls and email without necessarily visiting Pencom offices. Though the Commission had previously engaged the use of telephones, e-mail, social media and letters to resolve issues raised by pensioners and the public in the past, it was not able to track the history of complaints or enquiries since such transactions could not be stored electronically. “Previously, the Commission has a decentralised process through which it deals with complaints and requests from the public. Requests from members

of the public usually come in various ways, such as telephone calls, e-mails, social media and letters. The decentralised manner in which complaints are addressed resulted in pension contributors/retirees issues not been stored electronically. Consequently, this led to a difficulty in tracking and retrieving a history of previous complaints lodged by clients. The total customer satisfaction thus falls short of expectations leading to dissatisfied customers and the attendant negative perception about the services rendered by the Commission,” Pencom noted. But Onuora explained that the newly adopted call centre model has been designed to take care of

the challenges of the past since it can store information electronically and as well track the history of transactions. He said agents have been made available to answer telephone calls and to promptly resolve the issues raised by the public as much as possible. The Commission promised that the public would also get timely responses to the email messages sent to the centre. Onuora said the public could get access numbers for telephone and email address of the centre from the commission’s website. Pencom reiterated that the main aim of the centre is to take off the burden of visiting its offices by pensioners to get their

• Acting DG PenCom Chinelo AnohuAmazu

concerns addressed. “It will also help the Commission to provide a more efficient service to the public”, Onuora added.

‘Cap on pension managment fees too high’ ment. Legal and General appears to be out of line with the rest of the industry, who are against any cap on fees. Ministers argue the industry could be charging excessive amounts and want to curb management fees, however Steve Webb, the pensions minister, said pension providers could charge above the cap if they can prove to the regulator that the fees offer value for money. Mr Webb told BBC Radio Four’s Today programme that the aim of the

cap was to get rid of extremely high charges but also to avoid driving charges so low that people can’t get a quality product. He said: “One option will be to say you have a cap that’s quite tough, and then you say if a particular provider wants to go above that, they have to explain to the regulator that people are getting value for money.” He added: “If we come up with a cap, it will be an absolute cap; it will be a legal limit. One option for example would be to set a cap at a level

now and then perhaps glide it down over a number of years so that the industry year after year has to get more and more efficient.” Dr. Ros Altman, a pensions expert who has advised the government, warned against capping the fees so low that you “dumb down” pensions to the “lowest common denominator” and that very low fees could limit “innovation” in the sector. “We have to be careful not to get too obsessed with the level of charges and we have ad a lot of suc-

cess in bringing down the charges on pensions across the industry. “Of course it’s better if you can pay less charge because more of the money stays in your pension fund. “We don’t equally want to dumb down pensions to the lowest common denominator; Legal and General are already offering pensions at around 0.5 per cent, so of course, from their perspective, recommending that everyone else should do the same makes business sense. • Culled from The Telegraph

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP Opeyemi Awoyemi is one of the founders of Jobberman, the nation’s biggest online job search firm. He was selected by Business Impact Limited to speak at an entrepreneur forum, as part of activities marking the birthday of its Chief Executive, Samson Olatunde, in Lagos. DANIEL ESSIET was there.

‘Experience not vital to success‘

AS success anything to do with experience? No, say some experts. The story of Opeyemi Awoyemi, and, who started Jobberman, an online job search firm, shows one can achieve anything one dreams, experience not withstanding. The trio are among best and brightest young entrepreneurs who have been making waves even before graduation. Their lives led credence to the fact that inexperience shouldn’t hold anyone back from being an entrepreneur. With hard work, good ideas and strong determination, anyone can turn his business dream into a reality. Combining class work in order to keep good grades is a load some young people cannot carry. Awoyemi, who was selected by Business Impact Limited to feature at an Entrepreneur Forum, where he offered advice to would be entrepreneurs, give tips on success. The event was organised to mark the birthday of Business Impact’s

Chief Executive, Samson Olatunde. It featured successful business men and women who shared how they made their mark so that people in their undulating world of business. Awoyemi provided an inside account of how Jobberman.com became one of the leading online recruitment firms, including his journey into becoming an entrepreneur, the pitfalls to watch out for, deciding when to sell and to whom and the importance of effective marketing and branding. He said the idea of Jobberman came to him in his third year at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). A friend suggested the name and he played around with it for a while. In 2009, Deji Adewunmi and Lekan came on board as co-founders. He had to combine school and business. Like Mark Zuckerberg, founder of facebook, who developed the successful network while in Harvard University, United States, Awoyemi has become a household

name. The firm boasts of over one million users. He has his office at Lekki, Lagos. He has more than 100 clients. He has been able to expand his business across the country. He graduated from OAU with a Second Class Upper degree. His idealogy is that young people should set their lifestyle. “Be clear on how to achieve your goal. Trust God to make things happen, he advised. Awoyemi is determined. He hopes to inspire budding entrepreneurs to start up their own businesses. He was not the only one who spoke at the event. Chief Executive, Inspiro Consulting, Olujime Tewe, said he is a big believer in supporting up and coming entrepreneurs, noting that they help to shape the economy of the future. He had always aspired to be an entrepreneur, but the timing never seemed right. A pastor with Kingsword Ministries International, he studied Agricultural Economics, he wanted to study Medicine because he had a his uncle, who lived abroad is a

• From left: Managing Director, West Africa, Qualcomm, Mr. Alex Dadson, Manager, Executive Projects, Zainab Abiola, Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Kemp both of Etisalat Nigeria and Principal, McKinsey & Company, Lohini Moodley at an awards/dinner in South Africa.

medical doctor. Besides, he was rich. He was motivated to take after him. But this was not to be. He later changed his mind when he had a cousin living with them. He was studious, even when she was not preparing for a test or exam, he would read. On graduation, he joined Restral, where he honed his skills in management consulting and human resource. He later joined Accenture as an analyst and worked in the different fields of human resource. He was in the Human Performance Workstream. He left for UBA, where he became a manager. He worked the longest - two years and four months - at he bank. He got tired of the environment and moved on to Bank PHB as Head, Recruitment. He worked for a year and three months before quitting to start his own business.

• Awoyemi According to him, achieving his life dream. He said he didn’t change jobs because of money but he needed to fulfill his heart desire. Having worked for about eight and half years in four firms, he said it was time to go. He said he set up Inspiro Consulting to help people become aware of who they are and how they can match that with what their ambition. “We are focusing on certain target markets and tailoring programmes and solutions to meet their needs,” he said.

Group empowers 33,000 rural women, others

HE Community-Based Agricultural and Rural Development Programme (CBARDP) has empowered 33,000 rural women and other vulnerable groups in five states. The Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Arabi, made this known in Bauchi. He said the groups were trained in various skills to better the living conditions of their members. He explained that the project was supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). According to him, the skill acquisition training is aimed at reducing poverty in the rural areas of the participating states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Kwara. Arabi explained that the beneficiaries had been trained in various skills acquisition programmes from the inception of the programme in 2006 to date. “The beneficiaries were trained in tailoring, agro-processing carpentry, hairdressing, bead making and shoe

making. “It also covered areas such as hair dressing, nutrition and complementary feeding techniques.” He said working materials were distributed to the beneficiaries to begin their trade after the training. According to Arabi, this has helped to create jobs and reduce poverty. He said materials distributed included 386 grinding machines, 70 multi-purpose threshers, nine groundnuts and melon shellers, 131 groundnut oil extractors, 463 storage bins and 36 solar driers. Others items were 173 sewing and knitting machines, 74 sets of carpentry tools, 683 soap and pomade making machines, 17 hatching machines and 27 vegetable processing machines. The list also included 148 spaghetti-making machines, 44 hair dressing and barbing tools, nine boxes of mechanic tools, seven shoe making tools, 12 bead making tools and 28 rice cake (Masa) making tools.

has been taken out of the ground, cassava needs to ideally be processed within 48 hours before it goes bad. This means that once the crops come in, the factory often needs to operate 24 hours a day. “Finding people in these villages that actually have an education, that actually have a work ethic, that can apply themselves, that have a place to sleep during the day, so that when they are on night shift they have rested during the day – these are all major challenges,” Burger explained. Transport is also a challenge. “Transport in Nigeria is hellishly expensive, and typically run by small companies – one, two, three truck people that are not that reliable. With the unreliable transporters, you’ve got bad roads, you’ve got harassment by government officials on the roads. This afternoon I counted my permits that I carry with me in my vehicle – 48 different documents. And then they stop you on the road, and they count your documents, and they say, you don’t have this paper, and that paper, and they try and squeeze money out of you by selling you another permit.” Despite these troubles, Burger believes Nigeria’s business environment has improved considerably over the past decade. “I’ve seen a vast, vast improvement in ten years.

I mean 10 years ago if you went out on a Sunday, you got stopped at a police roadblock with the policeman literally putting a gun to your head and demanding your vehicle papers to try and intimidate you into giving him money. Now that doesn’t happen anymore. It has improved a lot. I mean in the last six months I’ve driven 30,000km on the roads across southwestern Nigeria – and they’ve started putting money into fixing up the roads. There are still vast areas where the roads are still really, really bad – but the roads have gotten better.” Burger is also encouraged by the fact corruption is a daily debate in the press. “It is openly talked about, and openly condemned.” “I think Nigerians have reached the bottom of the pit, they’ve been through the deepest, deepest dark dip, and they saw what happened to their lives and they said, ‘hell no, we don’t want this’. It remains a challenging environment, but I’m of the opinion, that in the ten years that I’ve been here, it has gotten a lot better. If they continue on the path that they are on now – this is not going to be a bad place to be in another five to ten years’ time,” he said.

Nigeria has got a lot better, says South African agribusiness entrepreneur

ASSAVA, a woody shrub with an edible root that looks like a large sweet potato, is one of the most widely grown crops in Nigeria, produced largely by small-scale farmers. Although cassava roots can be processed into a variety of products – including cassava flour, starch, ethanol and glucose syrup – the crop has not been a great commercial success. A South African-born businessman is, however, at the forefront of commercialising cassava in Nigeria. Louw Burger is the man behind Thai Farm International, a 90-ton a day cassava processing company, located 120km from the country’s commercial hub of Lagos. The plant turns cassava into flour, although the company is looking to move a step up the value chain by producing starch. In 2012, Flour Mills of Nigeria, a Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) listed company and one of the country’s largest wheat millers, bought a controlling stake in Thai Farm.But why would a wheat milling company all of a sudden be interested in cassava? Well, they don’t really have choice.To reduce dependency on imported food and to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the government has issued a directive that requires bakers to add a certain percentage of high-quality cassava flour into their mixes. Cassava flour

BY Jaco Maritz

is also much cheaper than wheat flour.Burger spent his early career in banking, first with Citibank in South Africa, and then looking after South African lender Absa’s business in Asia for many years. He came to Nigeria a decade ago, on what was supposed to be a brief stay to turn around a struggling business owned by one of his Asian friends. After this he took on an assignment at a local Nigerian bank. It was during this time that he met and married his current wife, a Thai businesswoman running a trading company in Nigeria.When his work at the bank was done, Burger needed something to do. He looked at a few options, until someone suggested to him to get into the cassava business.”I had never heard of cassava, but Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of starches made from cassava. We went to Thailand a lot anyway, so we went back and saw that in Thailand, starch from cassava is a US$5billion a year industry. In Nigeria cassava is an indigenous plant and very widely cultivated, mainly on a peasant farming basis. It is like bringing a factory into a country that already cultivates a massive quantity of the stuff. So these elements all came together, and we started the

project,” he explained to How we made it in Africa.The concept was birthed to bring Thai cassava farming and processing technology to Nigeria to increase the production and processing of cassava roots. Burger says that although reliable numbers are scarce, there are probably around five industrial scale cassava processing companies throughout Nigeria, existing alongside numerous smaller producers and backyard operations.Thai Farm sources the majority of its cassava from commercial farmers in the central part of the country. It used to get most of its crops from smallholder farmers, but these days, due to a steep rise in food prices, farmers prefer to sell their crops to local women entrepreneurs who use the cassava to produce an indigenous food called garri. “The garri buyers are paying silly numbers because the price of their food has gone up by 250 per cent,” Burger noted. Thai Farm has, however, started investing money in its own farming operations. Despite Thai Farm’s success, Burger said there are many challenges of operating in Nigeria. One of his headaches is finding suitable people to work at the factory. Cassava factories need to be situated close to the farms due to the crop’s short shelf life. After it

•Culled from How we made it in Africa

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

A guide to fraud prevention BOOK REVIEW Author: Publisher: Reviewer:

GOKE ILESANMI

N the last few years, many accounting frauds have shaken investors’ confidence in the reliability of financial reports. The large number of instances of financial reporting frauds and failure of certified auditors to discover the frauds are shocking and disheartening. The solution to this menace definitely lies in fraud prevention, which this book, christened “Fraud Prevention Guide” is all about. It is written by Waheed Aremu, who has more than 10-year experience in anti-fraud activities, much of which was acquired from statutory audit functions and the banking sub-sector. Aremu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State and Master of Business Administration from University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); an Associate of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), USA and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). This author says fraud is a menace to modern-day business activities and economic prosperity. He educates that many large corporations have witnessed financial scandals due to the unethical conduct of top-level officers in the organisations. Aremu stresses that fraud also has systemic effects on global economy, assuring

Waheed Aremu Waheed Aremu Goke Ilesanmi

that this book has therefore been written to offer fraud prevention strategies. He says no one is born to be fraudulent; rather people slip gradually into fraud often unknowingly because of their ignorance of what fraud entails. This text has nine chapters as far as structure is concerned. Chapter one is tagged “Introduction to fraud”. In the words of this author here, “Fraud is a growing phenomenon in every society today, and the threat of fraud is a reality that faces every nation. Yet it appears adequate attention is not given to this threat. The challenges are compounded by the fact that frauds are perpetrated in secrecy and many frauds may remain undiscovered and indeed may never be discovered, although some schools of though believe no fraud can remain hidden in the long run.” Aremu stresses that reports of frauds and the manner of their perpetration catch people unawares. He says fraudsters are ordinary people who merely exploit loopholes within the system. This author adds that it is also interesting to note that experiences about frauds indicate that perpetrators cut across various shades of human endeavour. Aremu asserts that this situation brings to the fore, the need for organisations to proactively manage fraud risks, create a roadmap for effective implementation of anti-fraud programmes and establish remediation policy to minimise the impact. This professional accountant illuminates that fraud slowly erodes jobs and investments and has negative impact on corporate reputation or brand image. Chapter two is based on the subject matter of overcoming the challenges of fraud. Here, Aremu explains that the challenges of fraud are by no means small in any human setting. He says in modern-day organi-

sations, challenges of fraud manifest in various forms and these challenges must be appreciated to be able to overcome them. “An organisation faces the challenges of fraud from fellow corporate organisations which in some cases the law enforcement and regulatory agencies may be unable to control,” submits this author. He discloses that corporate frauds are also perpetrated by dishonest employees who defy all anti-fraud control measures to commit their financial crimes. According to him, the experience in some cases is that opportunities are created for fraudsters because they obey the letter and not the spirit of the law or policy as the case may be. In chapters three to five, Aremu examines the concepts of understanding fraud prevention; effective fraud prevention framework and corporate governance. Chapter six is titled: “Role of key stakeholders”. This author asserts here that

the task of ensuring the success of corporate governance is collective and every stakeholder has a role to play in achieving this. Aremu suggests that the board has the ultimate responsibility for implementing it within the organisation. He says the external auditor has responsibility not to be a party to a financial statement that does not reflect a true and fair view of the underlying accounting records. In chapters seven to nine, this author analytically X-rays the concepts of ethics; compliance; and ethical and compliance programme. There is no disputing the fact that the ideas that Aremu has put together in this book are products of hard work of research and exemplary creativity. Employment of animal symbolism to illustrate fraud risk quadrant and categories constitutes part of the stylistic creativity of this book. A quadrant of low impact and low frequency is identified as rabbits. Second quadrant of high impact and low likelihood is represented by bears. Third quadrant of low impact but high likelihood is dogs, while high impact and high likelihood is represented by snakes. The title of the text is short yet assertive. Aremu makes abundant use of graphics to visually expand the scope of readers’ understanding. The cover design is graphically simple yet communicative non-verbally. The language is simple while the ideas are clearly presented. One error is noticed on the outer back cover thus: “... has more than a decade experience on anti-fraud and control activities many of which was acquired...” instead of “... has more than a decade of experience in antifraud and control activities, much of which was acquired...” This and other minor ones need to be corrected in the next edition. This text is a masterpiece conceptually. It is a compendium of effective solutions to the multiplicity of frauds pervading our society today, especially the corporate world. This book is highly recommended to auditors, corporate organisations and managers of national economies. It is fantastic.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

Enhancing business communication with correct tense application(3)

AST week, we said Present Perfect Tense is formed through the combination of the singular primary auxiliary verb “has” or the plural form “have” and the past participle form of any verb involved, e.g. “I have written the note”. We said this tense tells us about a completed action with present relevance. We explained that the past participle form of a verb is its third form, stressing that for instance, a verb such as “Go” has “Went” as past tense and “Gone” as past participle. We said different forms of each verb are written against it in the short forms “pt” (meaning “Past Tense”) and “pp” (meaning “Past Participle”) in the dictionary. As regards Past Perfect Tense, we said this is the past form of the Present Perfect Tense, and it is formed through the combination of the past primary auxiliary verb “had” and the past participle form of the verb involved. We expatiated that this tense is otherwise called “pluperfect”, “remote past” or “past before past”. We stressed that it is used for the earlier of two actions that took place in the past, while the simple past is used for the one that happened later, e.g. “I had gone before he came”. We said Simple Future Tense is used to express simple futurity. We explained that here, the first person singular personal pronoun “I” and the plural “We” make use of the modal auxiliary verb “Shall” to express simple futurity, e.g. “I/We shall go today.” We stressed that however, second-person singular and plural personal pronoun “You”; third person singular pronouns “He”, “She” and “It” and third person plural pronoun “They” use “Will” to express their simple futurity, e.g. “He/She/It/ You/They will go today.” We said in spoken English, it is “Will” that is more commonly used for all persons and the implication of this indiscriminate use of “Will” is that a listener may not know whether a

By Goke Ilesanmi

speaker is expressing simple futurity or expressing a promise, especially when Will is used with “I” and We.

Future Perfect Tense

Future Perfect Tense is formed through the combination of simple future tense and present perfect tense. It tells us about an action that will be completed by a particular future date. We said that here, the assignment of “Shall” and “Will” is just as applicable in simple future tense. A lot of people wrongly use “Would have” for all persons while using this tense, even in the present-tense case, probably because the phrase is phonetically pleasant. The standard way of using this tense is: “By next month, I/we shall have worked here for five years”; “By next month, they will have worked here for five years”, etc. Note: You can confirm this usage from any standard dictionary, especially Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 2000 edition (page 1310) or just check “Future Perfect Tense” in any edition of any standard dictionary.

Future Perfect Continuous

This is formed through the combination of simple future tense, present perfect tense and present continuous tense. It tells us about an action that will have been completed for a duration of time at some future time and then still continue, e.g. “By next month, I shall have been working here for five years.” The difference between future perfect tense and future perfect continuous is that here, it is additionally expressed in the Future Perfect Continuous Tense that

working here will continue even after this period, a notion that is embedded in the present participle “Working”.

Future Continuous Tense

This is made up of simple future tense and present continuous tense. It is used for an action that is progressing at some future time, e.g. “We shall be discussing tomorrow.”

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

This tense reflects the integration of present perfect tense and present continuous tense. It is more commonly used with verbs that have long duration, e.g. “Wait”, “Walk”, “Work”, “Sit”, “Stand”, etc. This tense is used to express an action that started at some time in the past and is still in progress now, e.g. “I have been writing since morning.” Some grammarians say this tense can also be used when an action is not actually in progress. But I think this flexibility or deliberate infringement is better restricted to spoken English alone, because, strictly considered, as soon as an action that started in the past and is progressing to the present time ends, it is better expressed in past perfect continuous tense.

Past Perfect Continuous Tense

This is formed through the combination of past perfect tense and the continuous tense. It is the past form of the present perfect continuous tense. This tense is used to express an action that is no longer taking place, but continuing in the past, e.g. “I had been writing since yesterday, but stopped an hour ago.”

Last words

Finally, when we talk about any form of verbal communication, the issue of tenses is very important because tense is any of the verb forms relating time to action. This time is basically divided into past, present and future. There is actually a problem when we cannot accurately relate time to action and use the appropriate tenses in a given business situation. For any speaker of English aspiring to attain a respectable level of proficiency in the deployment of the language, mastery of tenses is not only a matter of necessity but also that of compulsion. Therefore, endeavour to achieve respectable proficiency in your (business) communication today through commendable mastery of proper application of various types of tenses. • Concluded PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details. Till we meet on Monday.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/ CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant. Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

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

Adieu ‘Eagle of resistance’ The remains of former Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) president Prof Festus Iyayi, who died last month in a car crash, will be buried this weekend. In this tribute, one of his proteges, EVELYN OSAGIE says he will be remembered for his legacy of nurturing young talents.

AST WEEKEND was a moment of mind-drifting for me. Something strange happened as I was listening to James Blunt’sYou Are Beautiful at home. The room was dark. The television was switched off. The fan was at its highest. I was alone. I had a glass of currant juice with a blend of Angostura Aromatic Bitters in one hand and Osasu Ekpen Isibor’s MAMFE: This time tomorrow in the other. I had finished reading the novel which I had read 10 times over. Even though it’s an unedited copy, it never seizes to captivate me and reestablish the ‘writer as a prophet’. Interestingly, this time, the protagonist who died trying to change society, blended well with the life and times of former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the late Prof Festus Iyayi. Ironically, it paints a picture of the red sun setting on an eagle in the sky, fighting hard to stop it from setting. And just as the thought hit me, Blunt’s words: “Goodbye my lover, goodbye my friend…You have been the one…You have been the one for me…change my life and change my goals…” that was still playing jolted me back to life. Alhough it was not planned, all of a sudden, the book and the song held different meaning – one that stripped me naked, emotionally. I fought back tears and struggled hard not to remember. But like torrents gushing through the floodgates, the scenes from the past came drifting by. I picked my pen and paper. With Blunt’s words: “I am a dreamer …and when I wake…You can’t break my spirit …” in the background, I reminisced. I remember Benin. I remember the red-coloured earth of creative vibrations that has inspired creative minds for decades. I remember the cultural allusions that marked the words and works of great minds…minds like the late Iyayi. That Iyayi that gave focus to our dreams and essences while directing our creative compasses on the right paths. That Iyayi that criticised us with the strong voice of an activist and spoke soft words of encouragement - that became food for thought to many – to strengthen our voices. That Iyayi that was the ‘financier of many creative dreams and ideas’. That Iyayi who discovered my true essence when my dreams and voice had not yet found expression in the public space. Iyayi was not just a great man, he was one who had eyes for greatness. He saw and nurtured greatness in many, especially the young. He knew the importance of raising foot soldiers who would carry on the struggle in the future. Anyone who knew him would agree that did not believe in making too much noise, but finances many creative ideas of the young. It is sad that one now talks of the ‘legend of struggle’in past tense. Sadder still is the fact that a man that had cultivated many creative talents for decades was taken so violently by the claws of death the way he was. His death speaks of a sad story of that nation that tears its own to shreds. As the legend would be laid to rest this weekend, I remember Benin…that land where creative pulsations call out to you from every junction. I remember the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the arty tremors of those years. One cannot but remember the role Iyayi played for decades in nurturing many young talents there, especially those at Creative Writers Workshop (CWW), an organisation, spanning three decades that has cultivated scores of great minds after being established in the 70s by four brilliant minds: Isibor, the late Dafe Onojovho, Ohi Alegbe and Ba’abila Mutia (who were then students). Although Iyayi was not one of the founders, this lecturer of Business Administration, left his imprint on the lives and talents of many that passed through it as the association grew. I remember Esther (now Mrs Ogude), a former CWW Coordinator, taking me to his office at Ugbowo Road after I took over as co-ordinator from Kolawole Azeez. As a member, I had heard past co-ordinators speak so fondly of this patron that has stayed committed to the cause of promoting creative writing in the young. Esther stops at no chance to praise-sing him. “Don’t be afraid of his looks, he is really nice,” she had warned. I remember him, sitting and staring at me without a word, and me, feeling as if I was on a hot seat. “What do you write?” He asked. “I write everything: prose, drama, essays, poetry, articles…” “What do you enjoy writing?” he asked, cutting short my attempt to please. That was the Iyayi I remember – no long talk, no pretence, apt and straight to the point. That began a bubbly marriage of wits that would later help define my creative essence and path. Through Iyayi, I understood the unwritten mentorship code that runs in CWW: how a coordinator gets to mentor and inspire the one immediately after his/her tenure. And while

•The late Iyayi

TRIBUTE complaining about lack of sponsors for creative ideas, then, he said ‘financial misery’ is a virus plaguing writers’ associations everywhere, “one must find creative ways to overcoming it”. I remember him, after reading my poetry collection saying: “Guard this jealously. Don’t stop here; keep writing until you find your voice. We all have to find it.” To him, we were not just students but great voices and future foot soldiers. His words gave one a feel of being part of the change – as if one had already become a voice and in the frontline of advocacy. I remember him talk of the writer as a conscience of society, more like a gatekeeper and how the writer must fight to protect that ‘conscience’. I didn’t understand then but the reality of his words is now constantly before me. He not only introduced me to past co-ordinators but to great literary minds even after I had graduated. I remember Iyayi talking about the sorry state of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in Benin, which Prof Diri Teilanyo and others had tried so hard to resuscitate with activist poet Nnimmo Bassey offering it a space at his Uselu office. Those were the years I was initiated into the literary-fold outside UNIBEN. Then, not writing meant not breathing. I remember him calling me up that morning in 2007 to come to his office, saying a surprise was waiting for me. I remeber him talking passionately about his friends, who were themselves revolutionaries in their own rights - Odia Ofeimun and Kunle Ajibade – whom he made me read about. “Bring your collection,” he had said. “Although I don’t write poetry but I know someone who does and could tell you a thing or two about writing poetry.” That evening I met Ofeimun and Ajibade for the first time and we talked poetry. He knew Ofeimun’s Benin Woman was one of my favourite poems and Ajibade’s story had touched me. Perhaps, he thought that meeting them in person, before leaving Benin in search of greener pasture, was the best way to keep my pen focused on the things that mattered most. I remember it was also the day I was in his house and met his wife for the first time. I remember how it felt as one his guests, meeting, sitting and eating with these great minds. It felt more like sitting with the United States President, yeah! That was the feel I got then. I remember telling myself, “Evelyn, this is truly the beginning of great things to come”. I didn’t want to go home. I wanted to talk on till eternity with them but ended up leaving reluctantly very late that night. I remember smiling all the way home and thinking Ofeimun and Ajibade would probably not remember me after that day, but it didn’t matter because I was going to cherish that moment for life.

‘Iyayi was not just a great man, he was one who had eyes for greatness. He saw and nurtured greatness in many, especially the young. He knew the importance of raising foot soldiers who would carry on the struggle in the future. Anyone who knew him would agree that did not believe in making too much noise, but finances many creative ideas of the young’

I remember him being impressed with my idea of performance poetry as a means of giving expression to my voice, and encouraging me to work on spectacle and rendition. I remember Iyayi encouraging me to send my poems be published in newspapers, saying it was a good avenue to test my voice. They were later published in The Guardian newspaper and eventually caught the attention of some editors, especially that of the strong force behind CORA, Jahman Anikulapo, who gave my poetic voice a space of expression. That too is a story for another day. But when it was time for me to leave Benin for greener pastures, I remember the fatherly role Iyayi played then. I remember November 12 in Niger State – the day he died. The sun set rather too early that Tuesday. Everything was set for the intellectual cum literary feast that was part of activities marking Niger State Governor Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu’s birthday. But nothing prepared the scholars, writers, politicians and students at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi Hall in Minna, the Niger State capital, for what was to come. The presence of two governors and a former Head of State and the intellectual tussle involving the gown, the pen and the power-brokers on the role of writers in galvanising the creative zest of the young for nation-building, added spice to the event. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi had fired the intellectuals to wake up to their responsibility. Dr Abubakar Saddique of Ahmadu Bello University had replied him, saying writing and intellectual brilliance are not enough to salvage the country, but visionary leadership with a sense of integrity. The atmosphere was charged , when, suddenly, Dr Amanze Akpuda mounted the podium and said: “Festus Iyayi is dead!” The statement seemed to melt the tension, giving way to a suffocating silence. “He died on his way to Kano for ASUU meeting…It is a miracle that creative writing takes place in this country with the hassles that writers are constantly faced with…” As my mind processed the words, something snapped within me; my pen fell from my hand. My feet collapsed beneath me. I held my chest and let out a deep but silent cry. I did not care whether the action would cause a scene. That I had attracted the attention of a group of students close by, who were laughing at the “dramatic art”, as one put it, did not bother me. To them, it was perhaps the death of another man faraway. To many, he was a radical, an extremist, but to me, I had lost a mentor, patron and friend. And I was not alone in my grief, scholars and writers wore long faces as they engaged in intellectual discourse. “All these for what,” I had asked. “Before now, writers and critics have been talking are they (the leaders) listening?” I have been grieving since then while a friend kept pushing me to write something as a way of get over it. And as I wrote down my thought, I discovered he was right: I remember the Director of Niger State Book Agency, Baba Mohammed Dzukogi, saying Iyayi is not dead. “Our comforts is in the fact that he is alive in us. We won’t stop talking.” “As I dropped my pen to rest with Blunt’s words: “Goodbye my lover, goodbye my friend…you have been the one…you have been the one for me…as you move on remember me…us”, fading into the air, I rose in salute to the Eagle of the resistance…whose legacies live on. On behalf of past and present coordinators and members of CWW in UNIBEN and all those you have inspired for decades, “rest well Eagle of Ugbegun!

POEM

Thunder for Eagle •For Festus Iyayi By Evelyn Osagie

I remember Thunder The marriage of rumbling words And angry flash of ink Fired by cosmic vocal flow Into a strong defining voice of expression I remember Volcano The Volcanic blend of sulphuric gas And melting lava Bore emblemised lyrical rage Against blood-sucking prejudice of compassion I remember Rain On caked Harmattan earth Rising in rage Finding expression on malevolent hearts Bitter-sweet surge fired emotion I remember red Benin dust On fuming black faces Blocking angry nostrils Burrowing fear into tyrannical steps Loud harsh words trailing clamour I remember the Eagle of Ugbegun Joyful labour pangs Defined your entry Labour pains marred your exit Sad-laughter defining fervour The red-earth trumpet salutes The eagle as you journey To the river where tyrants do not reign Go well! Sail well!

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘In Jo’Burg, a bullet costs N10’ It seems the perfect city which can rival any in Europe, but, as SEUN AKIOYE reports, Johannesburg could be both the beauty and the beast.

“T

HE cheapest goods in Johannesburg are food and bullets, food is plentiful and cheap so are bullets which cost an equivalent of N10,” a Nigerian, who wants to remain anonymous said at a party organised by some Nigerians in Braamfontein. While one may find this difficult to believe, crime rate in Johannesburg appears to be the highest in South Africa with violent robberies being very common. Despite the sunshine, the malls, expansive road networks and the food, visitors to the city cannot but notice that people are on the edge. The most instructive advice that can be offered a visitor is ‘don’t go out at night.’ “Here we do not joke with the security because it takes very little for violent robberies to happen. Another common crime here is rape, while we condemn Nigeria, we should also know that beside the rainbow here, there is real fear,” says Fisayo Adenekan who has been living in Johannesburg for five years. But the rate of the crime and the violence of it vary from one district to the other. In Braamfontein, shops and businesses close religiously at 5: pm. This is because robbers use the cover of darkness to perpetuate evil and it is not uncommon to see customers rushing into the stores to beat the 5: pm closing time. “Johannesburg is a city for the blacks and that is why the crime here is so high, the best thing you can do if robbers stop you and ask for your money is to give the money to them. They can kill because of a cell phone. It is dangerous to refuse to corporate,” Adenekan offered this invaluable advice to me. But I didn’t need to take his advice as I ensured my day ends at 6:pm, whatever sceneries I desired was viewed from the safety of my hotel room window, which fortunately overlooked the expansive Jorrisen road Braamfontein.

Jo’burg’s weird religion They called themselves the Holy Mountain Apostolic Zion church. Our path met by fortune and it was love at first sight. Their meeting room was a gymnastic hall opposite the Zimbabwe motor park in Braamfontein. Their spiritual leader was a lanky and heavily bearded fellow called Apostle Moses. The dressed like members of the Nigerian Aladura church, in white and blue cape, those who had attained a higher spiritual level added a yellow mantle to their uniform. I had been engaged in a solo run of the city when I came across their celestial choir singing as if from paradise. When I got into the arena, about 10 men and six women were engaged in a weird spiritual exercise.

•Downtown Johannesburg

TRAVELOGUE The core of their worship was dancing around in circle with a spiritual stick in hand. The dance was energetic and rigorous; it looked more like a gymnastic exercise. Suddenly, the spirit would seize one of them and he would fall to the ground screaming “Amo, Amo.” Soon, Apostle Moses saw me and beckoned for me to come for prayers. I was put inside the circle and a violent dancing began, after five minutes the dancing stopped and prayers started, they spoke in tongues and in the Zulu language. Then the Apostle put his hand on my neck and spoke in tongues some more. Then he transferred his hand to my chest and spoke in violent supplication, he called two other brothers and they began to hit my chest violently. Ten minutes later they were done and the leader pulled me up. I was drenched in sweat and fear as the leader held my shoulder and continued a deep and silent prayer. Then he went into the spirit screaming Amo Amo and suddenly he stopped and told me to leave. As I was wondering what offense I had committed, two brothers came and gently but firmly led me out. “Why did you go to that church? They are a very strange sect and many people don’t like them here in South Africa. Only God knows what they must have done to you,” one of the Nigerians said to me his word increasing my terror. The service ended at 5: pm, every one began to rush home. Soon the streets of Johannesburg would assume a frightening dimension, shops would be locked and doors

•Posters on the streets

bolted. The men with the gun will rule the night and the beautiful streets. Will South Africa continue to be the economic and industrial strong house of Africa? One member of parliament had a simple an-

swer for this.” When blacks have governed this country for 50 years and we are able to maintain the infrastructure we met on ground, only then can we boast that we can really rule.”

Document living icon project honours JP Clark at 80

ENOWNED literary scholar, Prof. J.P Clark, who turns 80, is special guest to sit for the fifth edition of Documenting living icon project on December 9 at Didi Museum, between 11.00am and 2.pm. The guests are expected to sit on the podium under controlled lighting and background for few hours (breaks in between) with photographers, painters, sculptors, journalists and historians in attendance to witness the interactive sessions between the icon and the artists. The high point of the session is the life painting and drawing exercise. The purpose is to capture the essence of the icon’s resemblance and character, re-interpreting and giving new definition to the same. Selected personalities will be hosted later in a cocktail at the viewing of the art

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

PROJECT works and those on other icons previously documented. The project, which is done through the medium of drawing, painting, sketching, sculpting and photographing was initiated with the sole aim of recording and elevating the personality to an art form, inducting them in to the portrait gallery of collectable art thus immortalising them, selected personalities who have consistent records of positive impartation on the society are inducted and immortalised by living contemporary artist, using art to locate the intersection between fine art and literature. ‘Document living icon project is a contin-

gent of professional artist and scholars dedicated to rectifying the gap in the nation’s art history profile, through the process of recording these icons on canvas and any other art media in a life study interaction exercise. The project seeks to exploit art form as a way of immortalising great Nigerians, events and personalities and giving them due recognition to advance the nation’s sustainable development,” the organisers said. It is an innovation intruded in the professional use of portrait art in Nigeria. It is a special initiative for the artistic documentation of the iconic images of living icons: men and women who have made profound and outstanding contributions to the important processes that have shaped and are shaping country from phase of development to another.

Some distinguished icons that have been on canvas include Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Yusuf Grillo, Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya and Oba of Benin (Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa). The Document living icon project’s contribution to the University of South Africa (UNISA) African speaks lecture series, 2012, was the presentation in a conversation forum titled Imaginaries; locating the intersections of fine art and literature, a showcasing of documented portraits of Prof. Soyinka on canvas, using his portrait to convey and express his person, ideals and ideas. The collection was also showcased at Nigeria’s golden anniversary in Abuja. The project was initiated by a painter and former chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artist, (SNA) Lagos State Chapter.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The Midweek Magazine Dream of real cow boy

HE book tells a story of the time when cattle rearers take their herds from one part of the country to another on foot. It centres on Alhaji Tijani and Ahmed Sukro also known as “Clint”. Alhaji Tijani is a cattle trader who grew from pushing cattle on foot to transporting his cattle on trailers from the north to Lagos. He is a successful businessman. When it was time to retire Alhaji Tijani decided to push his cattle once more on foot to relive the experience before he finally hand over the business to his sons. Clint on the other hand is a 23-year-old boy who ran away from home when he was barely 15 years. He found himself at Igandu town and with some other young boys formed a group called the “Cowboys”. He and his friends spent almost every evening watching cowboy movies so they can behave like the real cowboy. They talked, pose, walked, fight, and did almost everything just the way they saw in the movies. They even adopted names from the movies. This is how Ahmed got the name “Clint”, named after Clint Eastwood from the movie “Fist full of dollars”. He had always dreamt of being a real cowboy, chasing cattle, driving them through the prairies come rain or shine. He felt he had wasted enough years pretending to be a cowboy and that it was time to be a real cowboy. Clint believed the Fulani cattle pushers are the real cowboys. He told his friend Chukwudi who preferred to be called “Roy Rogers”: “I am tired of all this, man. Look we can’t keep pretending. We are no

U SA V I L

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

BOOK REVIEW

Title:

Author: Reviewer: Publisher:

African Cowboy: Living Dreams Philip Phil Ebosie Medinat Kanabe Mira Publishing House CIC, West Yorkshire, England

Pagination: 150

cowboys. The Fulani cattle pushers are the real cowboys. I have been thinking about it seriously, I want to go and join them.” Clint eventually left Igandu and journeyed to Kafanchan in Kaduna State where he found out that on the day of his arrival only one cattle pusher had set off. He also noticed that

those who gave him the information were laughing at the cattle pusher saying he would not make it at his age. Clint immediately took a bus heading where he was told the cattle pusher would be. He met Alhaji after a while and told him his intentions. Alhaji gave him the opportunity to push his cattle to Lagos with him. On their way Alhaji taught him a lot of things and they had a lot of adventurous experience together. After almost a month of pushing the cattle, Alhaji had to stop because he became sick and couldn’t further. He gave Clint some instructions to assist him get the cattle safely to Lagos while Alhaji got himself checked by a doctor. Alhaji and Clint had become like father and son. Clint brought the cattle safely to Lagos losing two of them on the way and was given a job as a personal assistant to Alhaji. The book is a very interesting one, easy to read and understand and a must read for people who are afraid to move on. It shows that the road to success is not as smooth as we think. The book talked about different characters from over 11 cowboy movies and described the cowboy’s outfit so much that on page 55 a European woman who saw Clint shouted to her husband: “look over there. That’s an African cowboy” There are a few typographical errors on the first sentence in chapter six, page 45. It states “5.30am in the morning” and on page 80 in chapter 11 where it is written, “He had to awake up very early in the morning.” Another typographical error can be seen at the back cover. It states: “The Fulani cattle pushers represented the nearest thing to him to the cowboys Alhaji Tijani…” A “full stop” is required after cowboys. The cover is in cream, blue, red and black. The paper used is of high quality.

•From left: Reginal Ebere, Racheal Oduyemi, Binboh Onwuchekwa, Jim Ossai and Ego Aghedo

Lift for campus creative minds

EGO Poetry Corner initiated to enhance reading culture and expose new talents among the youth has concluded its fifth season attracting over 30 youths drawn from different tertiary institutions across the country. The poetry contest, which was instituted by poet/writer, Miss Nwakaego Aghedo, held in Lekki Lagos Out of the lots, 16 contestants made it through and will be part of the final stages of the contest. To arrive at the finalists, the 30 contestants went through two sessions of performance before the judges, Bimboh Onwuchekwa, Nwakaego Aghedo and Reginald Ebere picked twelve. The other four went through as a result of judges’ choice. The finalists recorded and submitted videos of their performances which were uploaded via Nego Poetry Corner’s Youtube channel. Members of the public voted for their favorite poems from where the poem with the highest vote emerged winner.

The winner, Orhero Mathais Iroro from the Delta State University with his poem Letters To My Sons And Daughters got the highest number of votes and walked away with a $500 worth of scholarship and an additional N1million, which Reginald Ebere through his soon will be announced and Foundation Four will give out. Part of the objectives of the contest is also to create a platform for those discovered to exhibit their talent. Of the16 finalists are Martins Omolola University of Ibadan, Law. Ade Adeniji Mosope, Redeemer’s University, Omodekah Isaac Owigo, Delta State University Abraka, Oduyemi Feranmi, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oyekan Oluwaseun Oyebimpe, University Of Ibadan, Fadipe Sunday Olayiwola, University Of Ibadan, Law. Okaforudeji Chunye Emeka, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Others were Ige Rachel, University of Ibadan, Profit

Okeoghene Jones, Delta State University, Abraka, Chibueze Valentine, University of Benin, Orhero Mathais Iroro, Delta State University, Ononukwe Echezona, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nwanchukwu Ruth Kate, Delta State University, Abraka Adejumo Uthman, University of Ibadan, Babatunde Kawthar Adewumi, University of Lagos, Adebari Opeyemi, University of Ibadan and Ekundayo Moyosoluwa, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. Convener Ego Aghedo the fifth season has been an eye, opener as so many talents have been discovered. “I noticed that it was a very difficult task for the judges to select the fifteen that went through. And I know it was even more difficult for the public to choose the winner.” She added: “Poetry is a tool for social change. It is an excellent way for us to say our piece and contribute in building a vibrant society. This will also encourage the reading culture which everybody has noticed is a dying culture in our country.”

New TV reality show makes debut From Bukola Amusan,Abuja

SHOW BUSINESS

NEW TV reality show tagged: “Jewel of Africa’’, a continentwide culture-promoting concepts has been inaugurated to compete with the Brother Africa (BBA) in contents and moral values. ”Jewel of Africa” is a culture-promoting concept of TV reality show, designed to restore Africa’s ravaged cultural values. Senator Ibrahim Mantu inaugurated the Governing Council of the Africa’s first cultural tourism television reality show in Abuja on Friday According to him, the TV reality programme will be a must-watch for all, which will beat the BBA after its takeoff. Mantu said that the TV reality show was a way to add value to the country, adding that the culture and tradition of Nigeria must be respected and promoted. He said that a nation without history was doomed, and that the programme would go a long way in promoting and preserving the people’s culture. He expressed optimism that the programme would be accepted by all as the people would patronise it considering the content, value and what it meant to add to the nation. Senator Olorunibe Mamora, the Chairman, Governing Council, “Jewel of Africa” TV reality show, said the programme was designed as television cultural tourism reality show. Mamora said it would bring back to life and showcase the fast-eroding African value system and culture. He said the show would be a complete departure from the well known ones. “Jewel of Africa is a continental multidimensional culture-promoting concept; comprising a television reality show, award and exhibition. “It is aimed at reawakening the consciousness of all Africa at home and in the Diaspora to the value inherent in our rich history, culture and tradition,’’ he said. Mamora said the programme was intended to be a tool for the promotion of harmonious co-existence, integration into the global culture, tourism matrix and employment generation. He said the show would serve as a catalyst for sustainable youth employment, and that it sought to highlight the “fascinating” natural spectacle that Africa had to offer tourists. Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Dr Umar Jubril, said the programme was a “golden mine” for Nigerians, and must be supported. He said Kano State Government would fully support and subscribe to the programme as it would generate revenue for the country. Mr Kolawole Ogungbe, the organiser of the TV reality show, said that with the huge support the programme had received, it would blossom into important tool for the promotion of harmonious coexistence. Ogungbe said it would help in exposing the continent’s hidden natural treasure which would serve as a public campaign platform for moral rebirth, social integration and repository of cultural knowledge. He said the programme was aimed at reawakening the consciousness of all Africans to the value inherent in their culture. The house mates will portray latent moral values and hospitality that Nigeria is historically known for and no cohabitation of male and female contestants will be allowed as the case in BBA.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

All for domestic tourism Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) boss, Mrs Sally Uwecheu-Mbanefo and a colleague at the Olumo Rock, Abeokuta. •COURTESY NTDC

Olaniyi offers In the beginning

RINTMAKER and stone carver Ojo Olaniyi, will on Friday, present his works in a solo exhibition titled: “...In the Beginning, an exhibition of prints and stone carvings at the Alliance Francaise, Yaba, Lagos by 4pm. Dr. Bruce Onobrakpeya is special guest of honour. For Olaniyi, the production of works of art is an essential part of man’s natural inclinations. He believes that God being the creator of all things has imbued man, whom He created in His own image, with the unique instincts to create things for his own aesthetic enjoyment. According to him, while God provided everything for man to enjoy, man’s responsibilities were to love and care for the things that God had created. Unfortunately, he feels that man has failed woefully in this regard. He feels strongly that today’s society is full of greed, hatred for one another, corruption and unemployment. The artist, therefore, tries to respond positively to these negative trends by representing in his works everyday scenes, social commentaries as well as culturally significant events, proverbs and wise sayings designed to reawaken in us the values and traditions that held sway in the days of yore. This in a nutshell informs the artists’ thematic focus. However, his technique and expression can be said to be influenced to a large extent by his exposure to the works of the master printmaker, Onobrakpeya. Onobrakpeya, who is considered to be Africa’s foremost printmaker, is the innovator of several printmaking techniques. Some of these techniques have been adapted by Olaniyi in his own works. The artist who has worked in Ovuomaroro Studio Gallery, the Master Artist’s studio for over a decade, has also been a regular participant at the yearly Harmattan Workshop organised by the Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation (BOF). This makes Olaniyi’s adaptation of some of the printmaking techniques innovated by the Master quite understandable. On exhibit are a pot-pourri of works by Olaniyi produced in various printmaking techniques such as Plastocast and Ivorex. He also has works in metal foil relief as well as carvings in stone, a medium he encountered as a

participant of annual Harmattan Workshop. The themes treated by the artist are vacillations around various occupations common to our society, such as fishing, pottery making, hair dressing, traditional musical entertainment, and traditional communication tools. Other themes treated include fetching water, and women at work. This can be seen in works like Loju Onigere, Good day, and Eleja , which are depictions of fishermen casting their nets into the sea for a draught , as seen in Loju Onigere; the fishermen bringing in the catch to market in Good day; while Eleja is a depiction of the women selling in the fish market. Other pieces in the show include the Madonna series, which are series of works that reflect the importance the artist places on the role the mother plays in the building of the home and the family. Among these works are Beautiful Once a portrait of a mother and her daughter; Women at work a depiction of women seen engaged in various chores such as cooking, pounding in a mortar with a pestle and grinding with a grinding stone, as well as chopping fire wood. His communication and entertainment series have the following works Ipe depicting an array of musical instruments traditionally used for communicating, especially for transmitting important messages within our communities. There is also Instruments of Joy, which is a Plastocast work depicting a set of classical Yoruba musical instruments namely the Bata drum, the Dundun or Gangan , the Gbedu and the Shekere encircled in the central space on the picture plane by depictions of people dancing and making merry. Other interesting works using the printmaking techniques include Agidigbo a depiction of social entertainers. There are also the stone carvings, which are mainly sculptures in the round. This includes Dancing Mood which is a carving on marble. This work which is 126 inches high is a depiction of a standing figure bent over forwards in static motion. The natural smooth surface of the marble is used to good effect as the textures created by the artist are so light that they are almost negligible save for the facial features of the dancer. Irun Lewa is a bust of a woman with elaborate coiffures. The way her head is cocked to one side gives the impression of a very influential lady. Relaxation is a torso of a lady.

‘There are also the stone carvings, which are mainly sculptures in the round. This includes Dancing Mood which is a carving on marble. This work which is 126 inches high is a depiction of a standing figure bent over forwards in static motion’

Ondo holds special Mare Festival for Falae

NDO State Commissioner for Information Mr Kayode Akinmade has said a special edition of Mare Festival, an annual mountain climbing competition, will be held this year to celebrate the life and times of the late Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Deji Falae. Falae, who died on October 3, was the chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the event. The festival will hold between December 13 and 14 at Idanre, Ondo State. Falae and 15 others, died in a crash involving the Associated Airlines’ aircraft on October 3 while conveying the remains of the late Governor Olusegun Agagu from Lagos to Akure for burial. Akinmade told reporters that preparations for the low key celebration had begun , adding that some artiste had packaged songs and short plays in honour of the late Falae. This edition of the event, he said would enable the people, to celebrate a man, whose passion for the project in the last two years had attracted global attention. He said: ‘Ordinarily, the state government had thought of suspending the celebration of Mare Festival this year because we are still mourning our dearly beloved brother but his friends in the entertainment industry pleaded that we should allow them use the occasion to honour him this year with songs and short plays they had composed for him.’ Akinmade said the government was perfecting every strategy to immortalise the late Falae by ensuring that the Idanre hills, which are the focal point of the annual fiesta, were listed by the United Nations Educational and Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) as one of the World’s Heritage sites. He also said the government was celebrating the Mare Festival to showcase the Idanre hills to international tourists with the ultimate aim of attracting direct investments in the economy of the state. Akinmade said the world body had already approved the Idanre Hills nomination dossier and had dispatched independent inspectors to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the facilities at the site as contained in the dossier. The Commissioner said the cur-

•The late Deji-Falae

FESTIVAL rent investment by the government to organise the annual festival was necessary in view of the fact that the event had already drawn global attention to Idanre. He said the state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has vowed not to leave any stone unturned to make Idanre the best tourist centre in the country in order to attract foreign and local investors who will invest in hospitality industry, to the state. He said: ‘there is no other hill anywhere in the world that could be comparable to what we have in Idanre. The lovely rock formations were special gift to Ondo State and Nigeria in general.’ He commended the people of Idanre for their endurance and hospitality during the previous editions of the festival and promised that the edition which has been designed to have the full participation of the Idanre people would be more glamorous to reflect the dream of the late Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,” adding that various activities including marathon race, cultural display and mountain climbing competition both by professional and amateur climbers, will as usual, take place while cash prizes and laptops would be presented to winners of various categories.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

Edo State Government

FAREWELL MY COMRADE AND BROTHER PROF. FESTUS IKHUORIA OJEAGA IYAYI

ou are a true, committed and patriotic Nigerian; an organic intellectual in the true sense of the word. One who gave up his personal comforts in our collective quest for a just and egalitarian society for Nigeria.

You stood up and spoke out the truth to power and inspired many compatriots to do the same through your uncommon passion for education, organizational activism, literary engagements and critical scholarship. Your vigorous, dynamic and purposeful soul has been a blessing to all that crossed your path. We have all been immensely enriched by your humanity, selflessness and intellectual assiduousness. You have made your mark in all that you applied yourself to: as an academic, writer, activist and a great family man. You have left behind enviable legacies and have engraved your name in the annals of popular struggles in Nigeria. You will remain indelible in our memories. May Almighty God grant your gentle soul a peaceful eternal rest in His bosom and bestow your family and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Amen. Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, mni, CON Governor

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• Alao-Akala

• Akinjide

• Folarin

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for the next governorship election in Oyo State. BISI OLADELE takes a look at the aspirants, their pedigree and odds against them.

With a divided house, Oyo PDP to battle APC T HE die is cast between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. Prominent PDP chieftains eyeing the governorship have returned to the drawing board. They are reactivating their politicl structures across the local governments. However, the strength of the ruling APC is that Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been endorsed as the consensus candidate for the 2015 poll, following his sterling performance. Therefore, the party will not go into the election with acrimony. Unlike the APC, the PDP is more divided. Analysts have predicted a hectic primaries. There are other scenarios too. Sources said that the third party, Accord Party (AP) may team up with the PDP to battle the APC. The road is rough for the PDP. In the absence of peace in the party, it may find the next election dificult. There are many caucuses in the party. This is also a disadvantage. The APC is waxing stronger. The achievement of the governor is a factor. Although he has not declared his second term bid, many beleive that whenever he unfolds his aspiration, Ajimobi will not have any rival. Some aspirants may spring up, but they may later tep down for the governor because he is popular in the party. In the AP, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja towers above other chieftains. Sources said that he is interested in bouncing back as the governor. He lost the seat in 2007. However, if he contests again, there is no assurance that he will regain the seat. The odds are against him. The PDP has greater number of governorship aspirants.. They include the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Jumoke Akinjide, former Minister of Power and Steel Elder Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and a business man, Mr Seyi Makinde. There is no strong leadership in the Oyo PDP. There is no leader who has the clout of the late “strongman”, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. All the aspirants are leaders and no one is ready to bow for another person.

Jumoke Akinjide A brilliant lawyer, Oloye Akinjide rode to the limelight largely on the fame of her father, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic. She contested for the Senate in the Oyo Central Senatorial District in 2011, but lost to Senator Ayo Adeseun. She was later rewarded with the ministerial appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan. Since her declaration of intention, Akinjide has been building her political structure. She has become a philanthropist, particularly to the people in her constituency. Although she spends most of her time in Abuja, the minister maintains regular contacts with her constituency. She oils her political

‘There is no strong leadership in the Oyo PDP. There is no leader who has the clout of the late strongman, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. All the aspirants are leaders and no one is ready to bow for another person’

structure, which seems to be expanding at the grassroots. Akinjide has also been playing a role in mending fences among feuding party leaders. Many of them have not been able to forge a common ground against other parties, due to strife, rancour and battle for supremacy. The caucuses see her as a uniting force. But the odds against her are many. They include the negative gender stereotype, particularly among Muslims. Similarly, interested party elders have pointed out that she is not popular beyond Ibadan, her place of birth. However, she is a serious contender.

Oyelese A former minister and and party elder, Oyelese is believed to be interested in the exalted office. He signified interest in 2011, but intra-party squabbles prevented him from flying the party’s flag. His faction of the party remains neutral, according to analysts, because members of the faction have not been participating in the primaries since 2011. An experienced politician, who enjoys the respect of other party leaders acros the zones, Oyelese may pull some weight, if he is able to leverage on his connections and work with other stakeholders within the party. But he would definitely need more leaders and supporters on his side to gather the weight he needs to fly the party’s flag. Oyelese would also need to accommodate younger politicians, who have a different orientation to politics.

Adeojo Adeojo is a veteran aspirant. He has been nursing the ambition for two decades. But success has eluded him. He is a party leader, who lacks followership among the four factions. He belongs to the old generation of politicians, who have a different orientation in politics. Adeojo has a lot of work to do. It appears that the mood of the party will accommodate younger aspirants.

Alao-Akala Alao-Akala was defeated by Ajimobi in 2011. Many have

alleged that the former governor lost power because he promoted violence and did not perform well in ofice. But, others have arguued that these are debatable. Alao-Akala still wields a great influence in the party. He commands a large followership, particularly in Ogbomoso, his town of birth, some parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibadan, the state capital. He is believed to have a large financial war chest. He is a courageous politician. But his alleged poor performance and the N11.5 billion fraud case are not good for his image as an aspirant. He was under attack for the way he also ran the party when he was in power. Sources said that some members are still nursing bitterness against him. Therefore, they are not willing to surrender leadership to him the second time. Alao-Akala will also have to contend with some elders, who are also interested in the position. It is doubful, if he can garner support in Ibadanland. Ibadan alone has about 55 percent of voters in the state.

Teslim Folarin Senator Folarin has been eyeing the governorship, since his days in the Senate. In fact, the murder case he faced at the twilight of the 2011 election was believed to be the ploy by other power blocs within the party to stop him from participating in the primaries. Folarin currently controls the party machinery. The party officers were sponsored by him. But, under his leadership, the party is unable to pull a meaningful weight without the support of other factions. Besides, Folarin, analysts believe, lacks financial muscle and the political structure that can win a governorship election.

Makinde Makinde, a business mogul, contested for the Senate in the 2007 election. He contested under defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). But he lost hi deposit. He defected to the PDP in 2011, but could not secure the ticket for the seat. Makinde is young and resourceful. He is a serious contender. He has no bargage. He also has the financial strength to pursue his ambition. But PDP leaders see him as a man that should wait for his turn. Therefore, he can only make progress, if they sup[port a generational shift. He can only emerge as the candidate, if the leaders dump their ambitions, shun bitterness, and allowa neutral, younger person to ride the ladder. Apart from Alao-Akala, other contenders hail from Ibadan. This factor, it is believed, will shape the party primaries.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

POLITICS

Shettima: Warming up for second term

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP chieftain Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara is the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Water Resources. He spoke with KOLADE ADEYEMI on the crisis in the party and its effects on the Jigawa State chapter.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Reconciliation still possible in PDP, says senator

OU are a stalwart of the new PDP, whose leadership, including the governors, recently defected to the APC.Which camp do you belong? First of all, let me make it categorically clear to you that we have not merged with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged in some quarters. When I said “we”, in this case, I am referring to the Governor of Jigawa State, Dr. Sule Lamido, including the people and Government of Jigawa State. We are in the PDP, and we have not decamped to another political party. Secondly, contrary to what some people think was a crisis in the PDP, the truth is that in PDP, we are one big family and it is normal for some members, who feel aggrieved about certain issues to make their views known, all in an effort to address the anomalies and effect changes that would unify and strengthen the party for greater and brighter prospects to serve the overall interest of Nigerians for peace, progress and development. Remember that we are in a democracy. Therefore, people should have the right to express their views and dissenting opinions on certain issues to draw the attention of the leadership, especially by members of a political party on the necessity to do the right things. It is only in the Armed Forces that the commander would issue an order, which no one dares to question. But in politics, particularly in a democratic dispensation, if a leader gives an order, and if that order is objectionable, even his cleaner

can oppose it. We are in a democratic dispensation, what is wrong if we come out to correct an error? To me, it is normal in politics to raise questions and pin-point areas or raise issues, which require intervention to effect the needed changes for sincere progress. Are you scared that four or five governors of the PDP and other staunch members have defected to the opposition? You see, this issue is far beyond mere generalisation or sentiment. The truth is that even if a single one card-carrying member of a political party decides to team up with another rival political party, it is a loss. However, the consolation is that consultations are still in progress and you cannot rule out the possibility of reconciliation. Some people are peddling an erroneous impression that the issues at stake were personal. Far from it, all the issues are about the Nigerian nation, the

‘It is only in the Armed Forces that the commander would issue an order, which no one dares to question. But in politics, particularly in a democratic dispensation, if a leader gives an order, and if that order is objectionable, even his cleaner can oppose it’

• Sankara

survival of democracy and the rule of law. It is not possible for everyone to keep quiet and watch while the party is being run aground through some actions that are contrary to the basic tenets of democracy. In view of the defection, what is the future of the PDP? Like I said, even with the purported decamping of some top members of the party and governors to the opposition party, I am very optimistic that genuine reconciliation can still be achieved. It is not possible to under-rate the strength of the PDP even without some Governors and others. PDP is the ruling party and still has majority of states in the federation it kitty. As things stand today, the PDP still remains the dominant party with clear majority. This is because no one is yet to officially declare that they have decamped to another political party. What we hear is that some people are merging. Besides, I earlier hinted that you cannot foreclose reconciliation. Those who have left can still come back. There is nothing permanent in this world, not even life itself is permanent. What is however permanent is change.

Gombe APC resolves crisis

HE Gombe State chapter of the All Progressive Con gress (APC) has resolved its leadership crisis. The leader of the aggrieved members, Mu’azu Baba Goro, said that the disharmony, disunity and disagreement have been resolved in the interest of the party. “We had some disagreement. We also know that we have some people, who are not really satisfied with what is going on in the party leadership and that is the reason why we felt we should all get together, find out what is our real problem and find a lasting solution to those problem. “It is not about the leadership of the party in the former arrangement under the CPC before the merger, but the leadership as it affects the party, the APC,”he said. Mu’azu said member were aggrieved over the modalities for harmonisation of structures in the chapter. “There are some people who have done much for the party, and those who have contested for governorship and members of the House of Assembly; we have no problem with these. “But our major problem is

From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

those that are not supposed to be members of the executive committee in senatorial district,” he added. Mu’azu said that his group disagreed with the committee because there was no wide consultation when its leadership was put together, adding that

‘There are some people who have done much for the party, and those who have contested for governorship and members of the House of Assembly; we have no problem with these’

there was no agreement on the terms. “I challenge anybody to ask me for explanation and I will gladly do so. We have a member who is forced on us, someone who have not live in Gombe State for 20 years who by definition is a PDP member and whenever they are in Gombe, they are guests of the Governor”, he said. When contacted, former Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Mr Audu Baba Kwami said: “I don’t know what they are talking about. We are in support of the national harmonization committee.” He said that the harmonisation committees were formed by the parties that formed the APC. He said those making noise are from the former CPC and they are seeking for political office. He said: “They are professional petition writers inflicted by the bring them down syndrome.” He therefore, called on the aggrieved members to support the committee for the overall success of the party because “what they are doing will not take them anywhere.”

NEASY lies the head of Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno State, as he confronts the menace of Boko Haram and mounting inter nal opposition to his government by his estranged godfather, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. The governor is not a run-of-the-mill politician. He is a professional in politics trying to do things differently. But his attention has been diverted by the insecurity in the Northeast zone, where the insurgents are on rampage. At least, four local governments are paralysed by the sect. Shettima inherited the challenge, but he has not been able to overcome it, despite the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government. The only solace is that Maiduguri, the state capital, is now relatively peaceful. When the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors visited Borno early in the year, they marveled at the achievement of the governor, who they described as a silent worker. He was hailed for his strides across the sectors. “You will be surprised that Shettima has achieved a lot, despite the problems facing the state. He has lived to expectation”, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was on the entourage, later told reporters in Lagos. Described by stakeholders as a kind, intelligent and humble administrator, Shettima has demystified power by not allowing power to use him, instead of using power for public good. His strength lies in the power of his ideas and devotion to principles. Those attributes came into play during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) crisis. Guided by his conscience and principle, he refused to sign on the NFG consensus candidate, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, despite pressures. Shettima reasoned that, although he belonged to the Northern Governors’ Forum, he could not go against the position of the APC Governors’ Forum, which stood in antithetical relationship with the mission of the Northern governors. Sources said that, when he was also contacted to show interest in the NGF chairmanship, the Borno State governor objected, saying that Boko Haram insurgency was enough challenge. He said nobody in his position should covet another responsibility that will frequently take him out of the state. To many people, Shettima has made a lot of difference in the state. His consensus building spirit has inspired him to extend frontiers of cooperation and spread tentacles of influence in the troubled state. Following his inauguration, he appealed to the indigenes to jettison politics and brace up for the work of development. Ahead of the poll, he collaborated with influential blocs in the state. In fact, a source said that his deputy was nominated by Kasim Imam, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain. The governor also set up a cabinet of talents. Although he deferred to the party elders in selecting the members of the State Executive Council, he refused to sacrifice merit and standard on the altar of partisanship. Besides, the governor is a bridge builder and unifying factor. In his cabinet are special advisers of Igbo, Hausa and Niger Delta origins. Many believe that he has an unfinished business, which makes a second term compelling. The governor has a cosmopolitan disposition. That is the point of departure. His benefactor, Sheriff, has converted his rural essence into a potent political asset. He is the man of the people. Those who hate him politically, owing to this political aggression and ruthlessness, have not seen another alternative leader in the state. As vindictive as the senator is, the public perception of his personality as the towering strategist and tactician has not diminished. Thus, party followers, despite their admiration for Shettima, still wait for instruction on the way forward in Borno in 2015 from him. Sheriff is a popular progressive politician with deep links with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) governor for eight years, he had largely succeeded in insulating the state from the PDP control, despite his intimacy with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Now, even as the APC leader in the Northeast, he still enjoys close relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan. A source said that the relationship may even yield a ministerial slot for his camp. The APC has become a blessing to Borno under Shettima. Defectors from the ANPP are returning to the new mega party. • Shettima

‘More professionals will join APC’

HE former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr. Olawumi Gasper, has said that more professionals are joining the main opposition party because it has revived ideological politics. He said: “The polity now set for a titanic struggle between the progressives and forces of conservatism. Nigerians have a choose between a party that has produced failed governments for 14 years and a party of promise with antecedents of good governance in the APC states.2015 is the year of national liberation by the APC”. Gasper, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, enjoined the APC leaders to sustain the tempo and woo more like-minded politicians still cohabiting within the PDP. He explained that Nigerians have yearned for the alternative route to progress and prosperity, adding that the merger has become the solution. Gasper said: ‘The prophecy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo has come to fulfillment. He had said that the best among the contending forces would come together one day to rescue the country. The onus is now on the APC leaders to forge ahead in the national interest”. • Gasper

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

POLITICS CONSTITUTION REVIEW Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution Senator Ike Ekweremadu spoke with reporters in Lagos on the constitution amendment, the proposed national conference and other national issues. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘Multi-level policing will restore security’

S the single term tenure still desirable for the country? Yes, the single term is an important issue to me. When the matter came up at the level of our committee, we were mindful of the political atmosphere. We wanted to tap inspiration from what happened in other jurisdictions. It happened in the Latin America in the 70s. They had a circumstance we found ourselves where the issue of transition from one administration was a major issue and there was crisis within their region. So, they started to amend their constitution at that time to create a single term in each of those countries and it was their transition period. And this now destabilised their democracy. And some of them amended their constitution to go back to two terms of four years, five years or six years. So, we thought it was something we can recommend to our country. How can it benefit the nation? If you look at what is going on now, the problem we are having in all the parties is the issue of succession. So, we believe strongly that, that matter can still be revisited. But I think some of the mistakes we made in our recommendation when we said the incumbent would not benefit from it. Then, there was a kind of coalition of forces to defeat it. So, I believe that, if the players in the politics or stakeholders are able to come together, I believe strongly that one way to deal with the situation could be a win-win situation for everybody. And I believe that the way it could work is, now, people have been elected for four year. Now, let everybody complete the four years tenure for which they were elected. And then, through the doctrine of necessity, all sort of jurisprudential approach do some kind of transition of two years in which case those present occupiers like the President and governors, who are finishing their tenures, may be, will now do another two years that would end in 2017. In America, for instance, there is this two years separation. In fact, in most countries, even in Senegal, and some places in Africa have adopted such separation of legislative elections from executive elections. If we create a two year gap, it creates a situation where the country would not be engulfed in crisis in the process of conducting all the elections in one period. I think it is something we have to reflect on and see, if there is something that can help resolve some of the challenges that, we are having and I do hope that, if we are able to do that and we all agree to it, it would solve the problem because it is believed that most of the challenges we have is as a result of charged atmosphere arising from jammed elections. And somehow, everybody will benefit. All we need to do is to exercise patience and give them two more years. After that we move

to one term tenure that can be five years, six years or seven years depending on what we all agree upon. The cost of all these elections and all the problems that come with them would have been resolved. So, it would help to reduce the cost of election and also reduce the crisis that may come up due to the ambition to run for another term in office. How can we bring the matter back for discussion? We didn’t know that the President and executive would come up with the idea of the national dialogue and all that when we were doing the present constitution amendment when we came up with the amendment of Section 9 of the constitution. Now, because I said the matter was defeated, it is under our processes. And for the matter to come up again, it must come in form of formal motion to bring about that. But, because we are serving the people, we would be more than willing to do that, if that is what the people of Nigeria desire. If there is debate on it in conversation and Nigerians believe that the way we are going, we need to think along that line and be able to use it to resolve the existing political tension in this country, just as we did during the ill health of our President, we would be more than willing as a national service to have a look into it and be able to reach a level of understanding in the National Assembly. So, we will be willing to discuss it provided that, that is exactly what the Nigerians want. But, for now, the matter was defeated in the Senate. If we are going to bring it about again, there must be another motion to resuscitate it. What is your view on the call for multi-level policing, in view of security challenges in the country? Let me start with multi-level policing. All Nigerians know my position on this. I have a personal position and san official position. I belong to an institution. The Senate and at the level of Committee on Constitution Amendment rejected suggestion for State Police. We could not take it, even to the floor. And as a person, it is my job and my responsibility to present the report of the committee and I needed to explain to my colleagues why we made that recommendation. And the reason we gave was that Nigeria was not ripe for State Police, though it will be for the future. That is the official position of the committee which I head. Now, permit me to speak as a person. As an individual, I believe we can never resolve our security challenges in Nigeria as long as we are doing what we are doing now. Never! If you like, continue to do what we are doing and the fact will repeat itself. We still be having what we are having. The reason is clear. No other country is doing what we are doing in term of

•Ekweremadu

policing. Most countries have adopted what I call decentralized policing. If you like, call it multi-level policing. The issue of State Police now, nobody does State Police. We now do is multilevel policing and if you like, call it decentralized policing. If the security challenges become complicated, you have to bring in complicated process to address it. We cannot have a federal type of government that adopt unitary system of police and expect that to succeed. Even the white men, when they came to do the amalgamation, they knew that a centralized police cannot work in Nigeria. So, the type of police they set up was the Native Authority Police. That was the first type of police we had in Nigeria. So, it worked. They even introduced the prison that was native authority based. It was later in the years, I think in 1936 that they decided to set up a Federal Police. So, the federal police and local authority police co-existed together till 1966 when army took over. When they took over, they set up a committee to review that type of police and they came to conclusion that, they were using it to intimidate political enemies. It was bound to happen because the white men did not bother to set up a structure to regulate that kind of level of policing. How can the excess behaviour of the police be curbed under that arrangement? So, there was nothing like Police Service Commission, may be at the centre, with a guideline to structure that type of native authority policing to able to determine what bound they must stop. So, they were doing things the way they liked. Instead of the army find a way to reform that type of arrangement, to make sure there was a level of control and some regulations, what they did was to throw away the

baby with the birth water. They now cancelled the issue of other level of police then set up a central police which we have now. What happened after that? The first was armed robbery. We started to experience armed robbery. Armed robbers now go about their business everywhere because they start to post policemen from Kano to Enugu, from Enugu to Calabar, from Calabar to Ibadan. So, they now bring people who don’t know the terrain of the place. So, armed robbers take advantage of that. When the armed robbers have established their reign, kidnappers now joined them. Now there are terrorists and some ritualists are also coming in. The police that we have are not grounded in the environment they are operating. Can the National Assembly revisist the agitation? You send a male Southerner , may be a Christain to Sokoto. And then, in the course of his beat, somebody commits a crime and he is pursuing the person. Once he runs into a house, he cannot go further, if there is a woman living in that house because he is not allowed to enter because their religion does not allow him to see the woman. There are cultural differences we must respect. And the only way to do that is to get a policeman, who is also part of the culture of the area, who respects, the culture and also understands the environment. Since he lives there to do his police work, he knows everybody in the area. What they do in most countries is called decentralised police or multi-level policing. That means that, like in Abuja, for instance, there is a federal police in Abuja. Then, there would be Abuja Federal Capital Territory Police. Then, those who live in Abuja, there would be police. The University of Abuja would have their

own police. But these are all well coordinated. What happens is that, if there is an offence in Apo for instance, people you have to call is the policeman who lives on your street. So, the man appears there in the next second. If it is a thing that he cannot handle, he contacts his colleagues in other part of Apo. Then he can call the FCT Police before bringing down the Federal Police. By the time you finish all these, they must have arrested whoever is involved. In America, they commit crime everyday, just as they commit here. The difference is that, no matter the way you go, they will find you because they are everywhere and they know what happens within the environment they operate. But, in a situation where somebody has to leave a place where he lives in the course of posting, would he is know the environment in which he is operating. Part of the job of the police is the prosecution and also investigation. A policeman is investigating a crime and he is going to testify in Court A, in Lagos. And he is now transferred to Jalingo. Now, what happens to that case? That is the end of the matter. Then, the criminal goes free because the policeman cannot be coming from Jalingo to give evidence in Lagos. Or a prosecutor in Ibadan that is now transferred to Enugu. They will bring another prosecutor that does not know anything about the matter. He has to start afresh. That is how criminals go away with the offence. And that is how they increase the number of criminals in the society. That is why some of them in the prison will never come out in the name of awaiting trial because of the type of police we arrange. So sad that we are not seeing all these. As I said, as long as we continue to do what we are doing, we will continue to have the security challenges that we are having. Since something has to be done, we have to have a rethink. When some of us were pushing for it, we have a lot of time to meet with the governors in their forum to explain to them the need to decentralized the police. Most of them dismissed it. But thank God, those states that dismissed it are those states that are calling for State Police now. But they now begin to see the need for it. I believe that as we rightly pointed to our colleagues that the time was not ripe for it, the time is beginning to ripe for it. People are beginning to see the reason why we need to go back to the issue of decentralized police. So, as I said, it is not that Enugu or Imo would have state police. No, it goes beyond that. We have to decentralize the system so that local government can have police, even factories that can afford it can set up police. But there must be an institution that must regulate it making sure that they are doing the correct thing as they do in Brazil.

Senator: Agitation for special status for Lagos on course

• Solomon

‘What they do in most countries is called decentralised police or multilevel policing. That means that, like in Abuja, for instance, there is a federal police in Abuja. Then, there would be Abuja Federal Capital Territory Police. Then, those who live in Abuja, there would be police. The University of Abuja would have their own police. But these are all well coordinated’

LL Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Ganiyu Solomon has said that the quest for a special status for Lagos State will not be abandoned by the representatives of the state in the National Assembly. He explained that the agitation has only suffered a temporary setback in the Senate because the twothird approval for the bid has not been secured. Solomon told reporters in Lagos that Lagosians are clamouring for a special status because of the historic role of Lagos in the development of Nigeria. He said: “Many senators supported special status, but it was

short of the two-third approval. But we will not abandon it. It is a permanent request in the National Assembly. “The special status was promised when the Federal Capital Territory was relocated to Abuja. We inherited a lot of liabilities as the former capital”. The APC chieftain lamanted that some senators did not support the agitation on the floor. He refrained from apportioning blames, saying that the agitation will continue, until the request of Lagosians are granted. Since 1999, there have been persistent agitations for special funding for Lagos. The crusaders have

pointed out that Lagos, as a minicountry, shoulders enourmou national responsibilities as the host to Nigerians from 35 states of the federation. Lagos traditional rulers and poltical leaders have also justified the clamour by alluding to the soaring population of the metropolis, following persistent migration to the city-state. They recalled that the panel that suggested the relocation of the federal capital from Lagos to Abuja also recommended that that the state should be given a special treatment as a ceentre of excellence. Solomon said the recommendation should be implemented with-

out delay in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice. He also reflected on the controversy over the status of the local government, within the context of federalism. The senator aligned with the proponents of autonomy for councils, although he clarified that the states should exercise the power of creation and control. Solomon said: “Local governments should be a third tier. The sharing formula recognised the existence of the local government. States can have control over their creation and tenure. States can be given more powers in supervising the councils”.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / sHoWbliTz Smith, Jay-Z Back Obama’s Gay Stance

WORDWHEEL

Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel. Every word must make use of the letter at the center, i.e. the letter T. A 9-letter word with the meaning “ UNPLEASANTLY NOTICEABLE” is hidden in the grid. This is the star word. 2-letter words and proper nouns are not allowed. Words up to forty score excellent.

I On May 9, President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to announce support for samesex marriage. Now two of the country’s celebrity Black stars actor Will Smith and rapper/businessman Jay-Z, are backing President Obama on his controversial stance on gay marriage. While promoting his upcoming blockbuster film “Men in Black III” in Berlin, Smith told the Associated Press that Obama’s support of gay marriage is a “brave” move particularly in an election year.Meanwhile, Jay-Z, whose actual name is Shawn Carter, also made his pro-gay stance public, backing our president in his support of legalizing same-sex marriages. In Philadelphia, when announcing a two-day music festival in early September, Jay-Z sat with CNN’s Poppy Harlow to discuss some issues and one of them was Obama’s startling comment about his support of gay marriage. Jay-Z, who has rallied round Obama since his 2008 campaign days, told news reporters “I’ve always thought of it as something that was still, um, holding the country back,”

S JUMBLEWORD

Unscramble the word jumbled in the grid below and place the deciphered word in the blank grid.

Humour A Nigerian Naval officer was addressing the rank and file of the force and told them of new uniforms, boots, increased remuneration the force has approved for them. As he mentioned the approved items, the crowd kept shouting “hurray!”such that the officer could not hear even his own voice again. He got angry, brought out his gun and fired in the air. Everyone became quiet and the officer, quite enraged warned “ if you hurray againnnnnnnna, you shall hurray yourself”.

Got wind of a criminal act, plan?

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

PREMIERSHIP

NATION SPORT

Moyes: Rooney talks can wait

•Aguero

City plays down Aguero transfer rumours

ANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini has played down renewed speculation over the future of Sergio Aguero. The striker has scored 15 goals in his last 13 appearances and impressed again during Sunday's comfortable 3-0 Premier League win over Swansea at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentina

international's form has reignited rumours of a move at the end of the season, and he is reportedly still top of Real Madrid's list of targets for the summer. But Pellegrini is confident the 25-year-old, who is under contract with City until the end of the 2016/17 season, will be going nowhere next year. Speaking after the win over Swansea, the City boss said: "I

don't know anything about that. I don't think Sergio wants to leave. That is not a problem for us. I don't believe in that." It is little more than a week since Pellegrini was last asked to comment on the matter,after both Aguero and team-mate Yaya Toure - another key player linked with a movehad spoken of their commitment to City.

He said then: "Both of them are very happy here and they will stay with us." City are back in Premier League action as they travel to West Brom in midweek,and Pellegrini expects captain Vincent Kompany to be available for selection after two months out with a thigh injury. He said: "We will see but I hope that he will come."

Allardyce Reds defence urged to improve —Rodgers critical of ´immature´ Villas-Boas WEST HAM manager Sam Allardyce believes Andre Villas-Boas should have shown more maturity in dealing with press criticism. In a heated press conference that followed his side’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, Villas-Boas hit out at what he perceived to be unfair coverage of Tottenham from certain sections of the media. However, Allardyce feels the former Porto manager should have shown more restraint, and used the criticism in his favour. Speaking to Talksport, Allardyce said: “You can’t do it. You’ve got to take it on the chin. “You have to use the criticism as a motivational drive to show these people that they are wrong. “You, and your players, have got to do your talking on the field. I think he’s just showed a little bit of immaturity. “It can get under your skin, but you can’t let that happen because you’re not going to win.”

•Allardyce

•Rodgers

RENDAN Rodgers has ordered his Liverpool side to put in an improved defensive display when Norwich City arrive at Anfield today. Liverpool have shipped six goals in two Premier League games after conceding only 10 times in their previous 11

league outings this season. A 3-3 draw with Merseyside neighbours Everton was followed by a 3-1 defeat at Hull City on Sunday, meaning Rodgers’ men are now fourth, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Back-to-back home games agaist Norwich and West Ham offer Liverpool the perfect chance to get back to winning ways and Rodgers is keen to see a reaction from his players following a below-par performance at the KC Stadium. “In our last two games we’ve conceded six goals,” said the Liverpool manager. “So we need to be much, much better than that and that’s something we need to return to today night.” While offering a frank admission regarding his squad depth, Rodgers

bemoaned the ankle injuries picked up by Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho ahead of the clash with Hull. Sturridge is set to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, while Coutinho started on the bench against Steve Bruce’s side after suffering a setback in training. “There’s no doubt the quality in our squad, with all due respect, isn’t big enough to cope with two big players like that missing,” Rodgers added. “This little period now will test us. We’ve got players who will come in and it will be a great opportunity for them to come in and stake their place in the team. Hopefully we get back to winning games today.”

Poyet backs Giaccherini´s World Cup hopes

UNDERLAND boss Gus Poyet is sure E m a n u e l e Giaccherini can star for Italy in the FIFA World Cup. Giaccherini was guilty of a glaring miss in Sunderland’s goalless draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, somehow scooping an effort over the crossbar from four yards. Poyet, who took the reins at the Stadium of Light in October, has backed the close-season signing from Juventus to recover and feels Giaccherini will be a part of Cesare Prandelli’s squad in Brazil next year, providing he performs well domestically. “The aim for Giaccherini

is to play at the World Cup for Italy so we need him to

•Poyet

perform,” Poyet is quoted as saying by The Northern Echo. “If he performs well for us, easy he will be there. The key for us is he is the player we need. That’s why we got him in the summer. That is why he is so important for us and we hope he can keep playing and performing. “I try to say forget it (the miss) – it happens. The good thing for me is Giaccherini played for me for 90 minutes for the first time. “He was good on the ball and moved well. He understood what he needed to do and helped the boys in defence which is perfect for him because he wants to play week in, week out.”

ANCHESTER United manager David Moyes says the club has no plans to open contract talks with Wayne Rooney any time soon. There is no rush for the Red Devils, with their in-form frontman having 18 months left to run on his current deal. The England international's future at Old Trafford has been called into question on a regular basis in recent years and he was a target for Chelsea. Taking that into account, Moyes is eager to avoid any potential distractions - with United playing catch-up in the defence of their Premier League title - and will shelve extension discussions until a more suitable time. He said after seeing Rooney score a brace in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur: "When will we talk to him about the contract? I don't really know. "I think we are fine. We are just moving on from the summer. It will be done in good course. "The appropriate people will talk when the time is right." On Rooney's display against Spurs, which saw him draw United level on two occasions with an instinctive first-half finish and a secondhalf penalty, Moyes added: "Wayne has had a nice

•Moyes

weekend. He is playing well and scoring - when the moment has come he has taken it. "You will see him score a lot of great goals. But that (his first) was more of a sniff at goal, a mix-up in the box and he was on the end of it. "His performances have been great and he's worked incredibly hard. And he deserves the rewards he is getting." Two goals in the capital over the weekend took Rooney onto 164 in Premier League competition, placing him fifth on the all-time scoring list. While he can take great pride from that achievement, he concedes that United have left themselves plenty of work to do in the pursuit of a 21st top-flight crown - with nine points separating them from table-topping Arsenal. "I'm just trying to do my job and help us to be successful. We're on a good run but need to try and turn some draws into wins." He said: "We didn't start the game too well. We gave away a sloppy goal on the edge of the box with the free-kick and made it difficult for ourselves. "Thankfully, we got back into it and played some decent stuff. The lads did well, but then they hit us with the goal - it was a great strike by Sandro. "We had to regroup and go again. We got the goal quite early on and I think 2-2 was a fair result. "I'm confident and playing well but that's down to my team-mates. "I'm just trying to do my job and help us to be successful. We're on a good run but need to try and turn some draws into wins. "Spurs away is a difficult game but a point is probably a good result. It's the other games where we need to turn those points into three, that will make a massive difference."

Szczesny confident of Arsenal title challenge GOALKEEPER Wojciech Szczesny is “certain” Arsenal can win the Premier League if the team maintain their current form. Arsene Wenger’s men remain four points clear at the top of the table after winning 3-0 at Cardiff City on Saturday. With fellow title hopefuls Manchester City and Manchester United having previously dropped points against Malky Mackay’s side this term, Szczesny believes his club passed a stern test of their title credentials. “We spoke about it before the game – we knew that Man United and Man City dropped points at Cardiff and that it would send a very strong message to our rivals if we won,” he said. “We’re in a position that we’d like to be in for as long as possible. But it really doesn’t matter where we are now. It matters where we are in May. “If we carry on like we are now then I’m certain we’ll be top in May. But we have a lot of work to do, a lot of tough games to win. There’s no point in putting pressure on ourselves.

“We just want to enjoy every single game; that’s bringing the best out of us and I don’t think that will change.” The Poland international insists Arsenal will not make the mistake of looking too far ahead. He added: “We want to focus on the next game, which is Hull (on Wednesday), and to keep on winning. If we do that, get the right result then we’ll put ourselves in a very comfortable position at the top of the table.

•Szczesny

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NATION SPORT

•Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho: My goal is to always be at my best O N 27 September, with Atletico Mineiro supporters still basking in July's Copa Libertadores triumph and eagerly looking forward to December's FIFA Club World Cup, came the kind of news that could dampen any celebration: Ronaldinho Gaucho had suffered a serious injury in training. Hit by a torn thigh muscle, the iconic Brazilian was predicted to face around three months on the sidelines, an eternity for someone hoping to travel to Morocco at the beginning of December. True to form, however, nothing could crush the irrepressible star’s spirits. A little after the “snap”, as he described the sensation when he felt the injury, Ronaldinho threw himself into the recovery process with his trademark good humour and enthusiasm aplenty. And when positive news began filtering out from O Galo's medical department, the support he received from the fans handed his recovery trail an air of one of Atletico’s remarkable comebacks during their successful Libertadores run. The #EuAcredito (#IBelieve) slogan, which caught on during the semi-final against Newell’s Old Boys and then the final against Olimpia, when Atletico trailed 2-0 before eventually winning on penalties, became the #VoltaRonaldinho (#ComeBackRonaldinho) campaign. The good news was finally announced just a few days ago, when the player returned to training,practically confirming his presence at the Club World Cup. The fact Ronaldinho will have just one Brazilian championship game to prove his fitness does not seem to worry his coach Cuca, who is delighted to be able to count on his on-pitch leader in a tournament everyone at Atletico is yearning to win. Ronaldinho’s European experience and his weighty reputation, could make all the difference against teams of the calibre of Monterrey or even Bayern Munich. In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Ronaldinho discussed the upcoming trip to Morocco, the Libertadores triumph that got them there and being given the freedom to play through the middle at Atletico. He also talked about Bayern and being reunited with Pep Guardiola, as well as his determination to play in the Club World Cup, a title he missed out on in 2006 when Barcelona lost to Internacional. Nor has he given up hope of appearing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup-clearly Ronaldinho's level of belief, just like that of O Galo fans, is in no danger of running out.

Since arriving at Atletico-MG you've been playing as more central, playmaking attacker rather than a left-sided forward. What difference has this made to your game? It’s a role I played when I was younger, when I started out as a professional. Then when I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain I started to play out wide on the left, and I continued in the same position at Barcelona. But when I came to Atletico and Cuca explained to me what he had in mind for the team, I said it sounded great. I love being the main creator: it’s something I’ve always done. For me it works perfectly, on a practical and emotional level. It just makes sense. Was the vision for the team that Cuca had back then reflected in the side that won the Libertadores? No doubt about it. Cuca deserves a lot of credit. He planned it all and went after players that would fit the way he wanted the team to play. It was great. In the beginning we had Danilinho to provide the pace, and then came Bernard. There was Jo in the centreforward role and later came [Diego] Tardelli. It was no accident that everything fitted together so well. Will your experience in Europe make a difference at Morocco 2013, considering it will be the first international club tournament for many of the squad? We talk a lot about the differences in strength, intensity and style. I try to explain

this to the players whenever I can. I’m not the only with such experience, after all. There’s Gilberto Silva, Josue and Jo too, players who have played in the English and German leagues. All leagues and competitions are different, and I think it helps that we have knowledge of some of them. You know Guardiola well. Do you think he has already made a difference to Bayern Munich? Well, I don’t really analyse football that much, but I have noticed that there is a little of his style in the way they move the ball around, the passing triangles in tight spaces, the way they keep possession. I think you can see this with Bayern already, as the team gets used to playing according to his style. Guardiola was coach of Barcelona B when you were at the club. From the contact you had with him back then, did you imagine that he would be so successful? I did, because Barcelona's ideology is that everybody should play like the first team, starting with the juniors. This helps the coaches as well as the players. When a player comes up through the ranks he is already prepared for the first team, because all the teams in the Barcelona system play the same way. I think everybody thought he would do well, because he’d been doing a great job with Barcelona B and was using the same ideas.

When you've been given the chance to play for Brazil, since joining Atletico, how do you think you've done? Do you think you

I did, because Barcelona's ideology is that everybody should play like the first team, starting with the juniors. This helps the coaches as well as the players. When a player comes up through the ranks he is already prepared for the first team, because all the teams in the Barcelona system play the same way. I think everybody thought he would do well, because he’d been doing a great job with Barcelona B and was using the same ideas.

could have done anything differently? It was great to be back with the national squad. Luiz Felipe Scolari and I have won so much together and we have a good relationship. He is a very direct person and is always open with me. I know that there are still opportunities available for those who are playing well. He seems to have the core of his squad decided, but whoever is in good form at the right time will go too. Do you see yourself fitting well into the way Brazil are playing at the moment, considering the position you play for Atletico? I don’t see a problem, tactically speaking. I can play any position from midfield to further forward. I’ve already played most of them in fact, that’s why I’m so relaxed about it. (laughs) Are you still determined to play in the World Cup? Of course. I’m always working hard to improve. If there is a chance of playing in the World Cup, I’ll be ready, and I’ll be at my peak. My goal is to always be at my best. Could the Club World Cup be an important step towards playing in the World Cup? Anything can happen. The plan is get back to the form I showed before the injury. My objective is to be right physically, to be able to hit the same high standards I was managing before. Culled from fifa.com

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3-12-13

Analysts predict bullish year-end

HE stock market might sustain its positive outlook to the year-end in spite of expected intermittent profit-taking transactions that are expected to moderate the pricing curve within the period, market pundits have said. While the average year-todate return of 38.74 per cent has already surpassed fullyear return for 2012, several analysts indicated that Nigerian equities will remain largely bullish in this last trading month, raising possibility that the market could set another record return. In a preview of the equities market, analysts at FSDH Securities noted that notwithstanding expected cash requirements during the festive period, equities will remain on the upswing as investors jostle to take positions ahead of the full-year earnings for 2013. According to analysts, the equities market has shown historical bias towards positive year-end sentiment. “The December rally has begun to set in, and institutional investors have begun to re-enter the market to take position to end the year,” analysts at FSDH stated. They noted that the decision by the United States’ (US) Federal Reserve to continue with its quantitative easing programme may also spur increased interest by foreign investors in the market. Analysts at Morgan Capital Group in their equity research indicated that banks, which constituted a dominant influence on the stock market, have intrinsic potential for further

By Taofik Salako

growth. According to analysts, the role of banks as financial intermediaries in the economy puts them in pole position to capitalise on the opportunities inherent in the economy. Analysts pointed out that Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth rate has averaged around 6.5 per cent and inflation, now 7.5 per cent, has been maintained around a single digit band, all of which provide the right incentive for the banking sector to thrive. “The eventual privatisation of the power sector which is the most recent initiative of the Federal Government opens up a new world of opportunities for the economy at large and the banking sector in particular. It is our opinion that the sector is strategically positioned and the recent positive news out of the economy will ensure the long term sustainability of the sector,” Morgan Capital stated. Analysts noted that the negative sentiment currently surrounding the banking sector is as a result of the introduction of the 50 per cent cash reserve ratio for public sector deposits by the Monetary Policy Committee in July, this year. They pointed out that the unhealthy exposure of some of the banks to public sector deposit has made them vulnerable, which has momentarily lowered investor confidence in terms of their earnings capacity. “We think that some of the banks have the capacity to

minimise the effect of the new policy on their earnings growth and have already proven this even in their third quarter releases. For some of them, their exposure to public sector deposits are minimal, while to some others a fluid proactive movement in the balance sheet particularly with respect to loan book growth will put them out of harm’s way,” Morgan Capital said. Analysts stated that they expected banks to still emerge with positive fundamentals while sustaining their moderate dividend payout tradition. Meanwhile, the equities market closed on a negative note yesterday as losses by highly capitalised stocks overshadowed widespread gains. While there were 39 gainers to 24 losers, share price depreciation recorded by market-leading stocks such as Nestle Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Unilever Nigeria and United Bank for Africa (UBA) depressed overall market situation. Average market return was negative at -0.23 per cent, depressing average-year-to-date return to 38.74 per cent. Aggregate market value of all equities dropped from N12,489 trillion to N12,460 trillion. The common index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), slipped from 39,045.07 points to 38,955.42 points. Nestle Nigeria topped the losers’ list with a drop of N49.50 to close at N1,200. Unilever Nigeria followed with a loss of N2.39 to close at N59.01 while Nigerian Breweries lost N1.50 to close at N168 per share. Total turnover stood at 308.97 million shares worth N4.23 billion in 5,495 deals. Zenith Bank was the most active stock with 62.16 million shares valued at N1.32 billion in 293 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3-12-13

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

MONEY LINK

NDIC seeks banks’ backing for sustainable practice

IGERIA Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called on banks and other financial institutions to improve their commitment in addressing environmental and social impacts of their services. The corporation made this known yesterday at the ongoing media conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It said more lenders have realised that ignoring social and environmental issues could increase their exposure to credit, compliance and reputational risks. It said to advance sustainability, banks must seek improved performance and results on ground in affected communities and environments. It explained that sustainable banking is a value system, which ensures that a bank’s commercial activities do not only benefit its staff and

By Simeon Ebulu and Collins Nweze

shareholders, but also its customers and wider economy. “Sustainable banking requires banks to be proactive and take steps to improve society and the environment. The best way for the banks to develop commercially is to look at the big picture and act in a way that benefits consumers, the economy, and society at large,” it said. It said financing of the energy sector which is usually the villain on matters of environmental degradation across the world is a trite example. This sector is perhaps the most capital intensive sector and depends on the financial system to mobilise funds for its highly capital intensive operations. it said that until recently, the Nigerian banking industry had not given much attention to sustainability beyond ticking off environmental impact

assessment on checklist for credit risk assessment for evaluation of loan applications, other jurisdictions have for decades been engraving sustainability ethos in their financial system. It said since the 1980s, banks in the United States had been held directly answerable (under CERCLA- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act) for the negative impact the businesses they financed had on the environment and some of them became bankrupt thereof. The Europeans followed suit in the mid-90s while the activities of multilateral development institutions such as the World Bank, IFC, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development had influenced sustainability considerations in the financial sectors in Asia and South America. Also, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through

‘Leaders must be accountable’

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, yesterday, blamed leadership for the socioeconomic and political malaise in the country. Sanusi, who spoke during Hallmark Public Policy Forum in Lagos, said lack of accountable leadership has resulted in the crisis the country is facing. Represented by Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Suleiman Barau, Sanusi said the economy has not recovered, in spite of the favourable indices in the past one year. He said: “The budget potentials or projections are good. The macroeconomic indices are positives. A lot of measures have been put in place to improve the economy. Even at that, there are problems in Nigeria. We

BY Akinola Ajibade

know our problems and there is the need to resolve them. We need accountable and credible leaders to achieve this goal.’’ He said Nigeria is at a crossroads, stressing that this is the time to talk frankly on issues affecting the country’s growth. The country, Sanusi added, needs to move from hopelessness to hopes, despair to boom to become great. He said countries such as Bosnia, Croatia and Lebanon operate a rotational presidential form of government and are moving forward, stressing that leaders must be challenged to deliver public good and move the country forward. Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti said

the problems plaguing the country are historical, arguing that they started when the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates took place in 2014. Otti in a paper titled: ”Saving the Future: Challenge of the new Nigeria’’, said the country is politically and culturally complex and that the problems must be approached with

NTERPRISE Bank Limited has conducted a resource optimisation exercise aimed at ensuring the development of a high quality workforce and improved service delivery. In a statement, the bank said the exercise which has led to the disengagement of poor performing staff from the bank is to ensure that only

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is preparing to leave his post in June, raising concern among investors that his success in curbing inflation and stabilising the currency may unravel in a pre-election year. In a report, Bloomberg said his four years in office, he overhauled a banking industry that was near collapse, cut the inflation rate to the lowest level in more than five years and helped to keep the currency within a narrow range. Those achievements may be threatened as government spending is set to escalate before elections in 2015. The key concern among investors

the best hands are retained in the system to render above standard service to its growing clientele and remain relevant in a highly competitive environment. It said the key criterion that guided the exercise in the bank is the performance record of affected staff, which spans over a period of time.

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

3.90 3.73 1.01 1.17 0.59 4.20 4.41 1.82 2.03 5.96

4.29 4.10 1.11 1.28 0.63 4.41 4.63 1.91 2.13 6.25

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 3-12-13

LIVESTOCK TRANSCORP COSTAIN RTBRISCOE NEM REDSTAREX ETERNA VONO AFRIPRUD PORTPAINT

2013-12-02

2013-12-03

%CHANGE 10.00 9.92 9.90 9.40 6.78 5.00 4.99 4.95 4.93 4.87

LOSERS AS AT 3-12-13

SYMBOL

2013-12-02

O/PRICE

JOHNHOLT 1.29 NSLTECH 0.69 PRESTIGE 0.70 NESTLE 1,249.50 UNILEVER 61.40 DANGSUGAR 11.36 CUTIX 1.78 UAC-PROP 18.00 AIICO 0.86 WAPIC 1.00

2013-12-03

C/PRICE 1.23 0.66 0.67 1,200.00 59.01 11.00 1.73 17.50 0.84 0.98

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

%CHANGE -4.65 -4.35 -4.29 -3.96 -3.89 -3.17 -2.81 -2.78 -2.33 -2.00

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

By Collins Nweze

is exchange rate stability, including a possible devaluation. The central bank has supported the naira by selling foreign currency at twice-weekly auctions to keep the local unit within a range of three percent around 155 per dollar. The naira has dropped 1.2 percent against the dollar this year on the interbank market and was trading at 157.98 to a dollar yesterday. Yields on naira debt maturing in January 2022 have risen 73 basis points, or 0.73 percentage points, to 12.74 per cent. ”Sanusi has been ready to tighten monetary policy when needed,” Samir Gadio, a strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd. in London, told Bloomberg. We are going into an election in less than 16 months, so what we expect is that for the next year, fiscal policy will be significantly expansionary, and if not checked by the central bank, it could result in increased pressure on the exchange rate.” It said Nigeria is already drawing down savings to meet its spending needs as oil production misses targets.

DATA BANK

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Sanusi’s exit may affect inflation, naira stability, say analysts

Enterprise Bank to enhance service delivery

FGN BONDS Tenor

its UNEP Financial Initiative on the Environment and Sustainable Development at the Earth Summit in 1992 placed it as pertinent concern for financial systems across the world. It said sustainable banking is focused on energising the influence of the banking sector (being financier of economic and social activities) towards transforming the longer term interest of environmental preservation and societal balancing into key parameters for allocation of capital.

NSE CAP Index

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

% Change -

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price Bid Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 164.78 163.61 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.09 1.08 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.70 0.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,598.43 1,598.43 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 115.13 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 1.62 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 1.03 KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND 143.11 142.62 LEGACY FUND 0.78 0.76 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

ASUU to members: remain resolute Continued from page 4

to this patriotic cause. “When we commenced the strike, we were clear as to the possible antics of Government, such as attack on our Union, stoppage of salaries, harassment through security agencies, opening of resumption of duty registers, sacking , etc, all aimed at breaking our resolve “For five months, we have weathered the storm of persecution, oppression, media attack, manipulation of public opinion by government and its agent against our cause, stoppage of salaries, etc. With our sacrifice and dogged determination, we have remained standing. “In our interactions with government, we craved for better funding, but arrived at a resolution upon which it offered to begin the process of revitalising the Universities by making available N200bn in 2013 and follow with a release of N220bn annually for another five years. “Our congresses considered the offer by Government and resolved that the strike be suspended after incorporating the ‘non victimisation clause’, ‘the commencement of renegotiation of FGN/ASUU Agree-

ment by 2014’ and the endorsement of the new MoU by representatives of Government and ASUU with NLC President as witness. We have not made a fresh demand. “For a Government that recently raised question on the validity of its own document (MoU) even when it was signed by the Permanent Secretary for the Minister of Education, have we done anything wrong by insisting that the MoU be duly endorsed?” Lecturers of the states and Federal universities in the Southwest said they remained resolute. They described as “primitive and derogatory”, the threat of the Federal government to sack them, should they fail to return to the class, saying a government that could hurry to inject over two trillion naira into ailing banks that are privately owned should not find it difficult to infuse N200bn into public universities across the country. Addressing reporters on the main campus of the Olabisi Onabanjo University(OOU), Ago - Iwoye, Ogun State, the local ASUU chair, Dr Adesola Nassir, said the Ibadan Zone of ASUU comprising Univer-

sity of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, would sustain the strike. Nassir said: “Not Nyesom Wike, Doyin Okupe, Julius Okojie was given the mandate to manage the affairs of this country, education sector inclusive.” Nassir said: “We just want Nigerians to know that ASUU is not going to be cowed. We are very strict as to the reason why we embarked on strike, we want our universities to be repositioned so that they can churn out the type of graduates that would fit into roles that will power the development of this country. “We cannot continue to be accomplices in the process of producing the half-baked graduates, as we have been accused of. “Our position is very clear: the Federal government said it was going to infuse N200bn into the universities in 2010, we are barely three or a little over that today in 2013 and our union is saying, government must live by what it has said it would do.

Jonathan: NSA to meet governors over Boko Haram Continued from page 4

structed to meet with the Governors of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, with a view to defining a workable solution that would elevate the region. His words: “We do not believe that poverty and illiteracy are solely responsible for the security challenges in the region. But we believe that without peace, there can hardly be any economic activity. And to show our commitment to peace, we have established the service division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri. Peace is a prerequisite condition for development in the area. “Without peace it will difficult for the private sector to invest in the region. That is why we are pleading with you to use the traditional method to work with the youth to ensure peace. The government will work with any area that peace has returned to rehabilitate the place. “I have directed the NSA to meet with the three states mostly affected by terrorism and insurgency to define a shared vision and workable strategy that would elevate the region.” Noting that his first priority as a President remains the economy, Jonathan listed agriculture, education and infrastructure as key elements that would propel the troubled re-

gion to rapid growth, if the security challenges can be collectively tackled. “We have never denied the need to give the region the support it needs to develop. I reject the characterisation of the region as poor and backward because we believe such characterisation is based on misconception. It’s history is rich, with great leaders for over 1000 years. “The Northeast is endowed with abundant natural resources, mineral resources and there is hardly any cash crop that cannot be grown in the region. It is a zone that is blessed and which can produce wealth for this country. We are, therefore, committed to doing all within our power to end the security challenges in the Northeast and help the region to develop to its full potential,” he said. The President advised the six governors from the region to ensure more access to education, in addition to an improvement the quality of education with special emphasis on girl/child education. “The people must be exposed to tertiary education, I was born by poor parents. What makes me to stand before people like you today is because I had the opportunity to receive university education. The statistics quoted now is not recent and I believe the governors in the region have done

more and by the time we update the statistics, that would be reflected”’, he noted. Chief Host of the Summit and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, praised the President for his passion to develop a region whose development has been stalled by the activities of insurgents. The governor urged the President to develop what he called a Marshall Plan that would help the people of the region, noting that the quantum of resources needed to scale up development in the region is far beyond what the states can raise internally. He said destiny, geography and commerce brought the states together, hence the organisation of the Summit, which seeks a rapid transformation of the sub-region for sustainable economic development. “The pervasive security challenges continue to take their toll on the development of the region. All major indices are particularly at the lowest compared to other regions. The quantum of resources required is by far beyond what the states can afford but a reconstruction strategy should be developed to help the youth and resettle displaced persons. There ought to be a Marshall Plan towards helping the people of the region,” Dankwambo said.

agencies deployed in Borno and other states. “The president, who also doubles as the Commander-inChief, needs to get a firmer grip as well as ensure coherence in the management of the various tiers of security interventions in the affected states. His obsession with 2015 is a dangerous

diversion at a time when real courage and statesmanship are needed. “We, on our own part, shall continue to offer support to our colleague, Governor Kashim Shettima and to provide necessary humanitarian assistance in these extremely difficult times.”

APC governors to President: reassess your strategy Continued from page 4

ing as it shows that President Goodluck Jonathan has no security agenda and is only focused on retaining power beyond 2015. The result of this criminal negligence is the unabated slaughter of lives. Clearly the security structures set up in the region have been overwhelmed. “PGF calls on the president to reassess his security strategy and focus more on the critical issues of the day. Obviously, the strategies and tactics currently adopted by the President and security agencies drafted to the region have been ineffectual, just as they leave much to be desired. “While we commiserate with the Government and people of Borno State, we call on the Federal Government to immediately overhaul the tactics and rules of engagement of the security

APC seeks new strategy to curtail Boko Haram Continued from page 4

easily infiltrate military facilities, which are believed to be highly secured. ‘’The probe must unravel why the security personnel in the city in general and the military installations in particular were apparently caught unawares by the attackers, who were reported by some newspapers to number as many as 500, riding in trucks

and motorcycles. ‘’If military installations in a major city can be so easily overrun by a band of marauders, then no one and no facilities are safe. That is why the government and the military must work hand in hand to unravel why such a massive attack on military installations was possible in the first instance,’’ APC said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

Jonathan off to Germany, France

Fidau on Friday THE Fidau and final rites for the late Madam Adisat Abeni Adewale Ogundipe will take place on Friday behind Olujoda Hotel, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, by 10a.m. Madam Ogundipe, a devout Muslim and community leader, died on July 12. She was 89. In a statement, the family said entertainment of guests will take place on Saturday at the SUBEB Field, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti by 11 am. The deceased is survived by Mrs. Abike Olowosile, the Education Secretary of AdoEkiti Local Government, Mrs Taiye Abiola Omoyeni and Mrs. Mojisola Babatunde.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Publisher of The Telegraph Orji Uzor Kalu cutting the tape to open the newspaper's head office in Lagos... yesterday. With him are the Managing Director, Bolaji Tunji (left) , the Daily Editor, Gabriel Akinadewo (behind Kalu) and others.

•The late Madam Ogundipe

'Stop stigmitisaton of PLWHAs' By Jeremiah Oke THE National Coordinator of NASFAT Health and HIV/AID Initiative (NAAHAI), Mrs. Nimat Aroworamimo, has urged Nigerians to stop discriminating against People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Mrs. Aroworamimo, who spoke at the World AIDS day organised by NASFAT in Lagos, said the organisation had embarked on sensitisation of its members. She said: "We have adopted many ways to sensitise our members on how to live with PLWHAs. “For instance, if any of our members want to get married, we advise them to go for the test and know their status. We also educate our teenagers on the need to know their status."

Fayemi condemns Maiduguri attack EKITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has condemned Monday's attack on some military formations in Maiduguri, Borno State. Twenty four people were killed in the attack reportedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi described the attacks as barbaric. He said the spate of attacks by outlawed and insurgent groups must be ended. The governor urged the Federal Government to review the nation's security situation and work out a strategic plan to cut the link supplying 'oxygen' to the groups. Fayemi suggested better collaboration among relevant security agencies, especially in the area of intelligence sharing. He canvassed the strengthening of the Political Intelligence Unit in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Taraba sacks HOS, UBE boss T ARABA State Acting Governor Garba Umar yesterday sacked the Head of Service, Augustine Bazing and the Chairman, Universal Basic Education (UBE) board, Bubajoda Mafindi. The acting governor also swapped some permanent secretaries. Mrs. Asebe Maiungwa and Danladi Batulu were appointed head of Service and UBE chairman. The sacked officials are loyalists of Governor Danbaba Suntai, who have supported

the recuperating governor since the state slipped into political crisis in August. They are also loyalists of former Governor Jolly Nyame, who recently reconciled with Suntai. Basing's and Mafindi's removal are seen by analysts as another step by Umar to consolidate his hold on power. Basing was in the office when he was served his dismissal letter, his aides said. A statement by the Secretary to the State Government,

Gave Yawe, however, said Basing's and Mafindi's dismissal was just an "administrative change." Yawe was the chief of staff appointed by Governor Danbaba Suntai. But Umar appointed him SSG. The SSG said the dismissals and appointments were to take immediate effect. The statement also announced the reshuffling of some permanent secretaries. Habila Jamaa is now permanent secretary (Finance), Lydia Baba (Women Affairs and Child Development),

Abdullahi Ndoba (Agriculture), Ifraimu Kisafi (Lands and Survey) and Aliyu Serkin Numa (Home Affairs). The affected persons, according to the deputy governor, are to hand over on or before Friday. According to G. T. Kataps, the SSG appointed by Suntai, "Umar has continued to harass and intimidate Tarabans ,who are loyal to Suntai and Nyame. “Basing and Mafindi were sacked because they attended a church service with Suntai and Nyame last Sunday."

have done a lot of work. Go there and see for yourself. Politics is about service, it is about the fear of God, it is about managing resources, human and material. "To the best of my ability, we are doing just that in Katsina and we are confident that with the services we have delivered to our people, God will not let us down. "I tell you, my business is to strengthen my party; to continue to work to build bridges and to reduce the level of the problems we are having.

"Any human organisation the size of the PDP will have challenges anywhere in the world. Even in families, the large extended African families have challenges. "So our size demands challenges and demands all hands to be on deck. But the challenges are not insurmountable because PDP remains the only platform that is owned by all Nigerians, it doesn't belong to any section of the country or individual, it belongs to all Nigerians. There is no section, no religion, no tribe that is not in PDP."

Buhari, APC are no threats, says Shema

ATSINA State Governor Ibrahim Shema yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not pose any threat to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. Speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja, he said the involvement of former presidential candidate, Muhammad Buhari, with the opposition party would not be a threat. The governor said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government had touched the lives of the people

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

and that would be its advantage in 2015. He said: "I believe in service and I believe in God. You know my business is that of the PDP and that of the people and leaders of the PDP. That's how it starts and that's how it ends. "I don't take time discussing other parties or other individuals. My party is doing well and we will even do more for Nigerians. "I am confident because we

JNI to Fed Govt: release Boko Haram 'leader'

HE umbrella body for Muslims in the North, Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), yesterday called for the release of a lecturer with the Kogi State University, Muhammad Nazeef Yunus, who was arrested by officials of the State Security Service (SSS). Yunus was alleged to be the spiritual leader and recruitment officer for the militant group, Boko Haram. JNI's Secretary-General Khalid Aliyu Abubakar said: "Arresting innocent people and subjecting them to humiliation and physiological torture would instil doubts in the minds of Nigerians, especially Muslims, regarding the sincerity of our security personnel in their fight against extremism. "Security officials should conduct their statutory assignments professionally and be careful in handling issues related to Boko Haram. "It came to us as a shock that Dr. Muhammad Nazeef Yunus, the director of AlBayan School Jos, Plateau

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

State and a lecturer of Islamic Studies with Kogi State University, was arrested in connection with Boko Haram activities. "On October 29, SSS operatives raided Nazeef's house and took him away, and since then his whereabouts was not known until 22 days later when he was paraded. "The SSS accussed him of being "the spiritual leader and recruitment coordinator of a terrorist cell in Kogi State." "Dr. Nazeef has denied the allegation in the strongest term, asserting his position as a strong opponent of both the ideology and methodology of Boko Haram. Those who know him have affirmed that he is peace-loving, gentle and kind and a strong antagonist of Boko Haram. "His friends and colleagues have testified that they have been engaged in several efforts to halt the Boko Haram ideology. Above all, his PhD thesis is a reference point to

that effect. "Those who have been following trends know very well that even ordinary members of Boko Haram hardly deny their connection to the ideology. "It will, therefore, be doubtful that a "spiritual leader and recruitment officer" of the group would shed tears publicly while denying any link to that ideology.

"It would sound contradictory that a leader of Boko Haram would still maintain his position as a university lecturer while the first requisite for one to be a member of Boko Haram is to abandon anything connected with Western education. "JNI calls on all Muslims to always be law-abiding, shun all dissident activities and continue praying for peace and security in Nigeria."

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan left Abuja yesterday night for Germany enroute Paris, France, to attend the Summit on Peace and Security in Africa. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, 50 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the Elysee Palace Summit to be hosted by President Francois Hollande. The statement reads: "The United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-Moon, heads of European institutions and leaders of Africa's sub-regional and continental organisations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS, will also participate in the summit. "President Jonathan will be accompanied by the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, relevant ministers and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd)." Jonathan will stop over in Germany for a private visit on his way to Paris and return to Abuja on Saturday.

'Project’ll create 10 million jobs' By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

VIATION Minister Ms Stella Oduah has declared that the Nigeria Aerotropolis project will create 10 million jobs, especially in the first two years of its take off. Oduah said an estimated N100 billion will be generated annually from the initiative. The minister was speaking at the Public Hearing by the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing the FCT Land Swap. The Ministry of Aviation is participating in the land swap for the Abuja Aerotropolis project. She said the projects, to be sited in Abuja and other major airports, would transform the economy and the living standards of the rural farmers through Perishable Cargo exports. The minister said the initiative was private-sector driven, with 20 per cent equity holding through the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Ms Oduah said the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had endorsed the Abuja Aerotropolis for which documentation was being finalised for the land acquisition.

I'm not your problem, Okonjo-Iweala tells Amaechi

INISTER of Finance Ngozi OkonjoIweala has told Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi to look in the mirror, if he wants to identify the source of his problems. Responding to the claims that she is responsible for the delay in the approval of the state's water project by the African Development Bank, the minister yesterday fired back at the governor, saying that "it is sad that a governor can engage in this kind of undignified charade. "The question that fair minded people must ask is Amaechi the only governor the ministry deals with? Why is he the only one negatively obsessed with Okonjo-Iweala?

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

"The ministry has a good relationship with many governors and deals with issues concerning their states based on professionalism and equity." The governor's statement that she is responsible for the delay of the water project "is a complete fabrication." "As the ministry had previously explained, the project is going through the processes and must get final approval from the ADB board and the Federal Executive Council before I can sign it. So the idea that I have refused to sign it is preposterous and inaccurate."

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS

Woman ‘axes’ husband to death From Osagie Otabor, Benin

A MIDDLE-AGED woman, Zenab Agbontine, has been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly axing her husband to death after a quarrel. The woman was said to have used an axe to sever her husband’s head when the latter was asleep in their home at Ubiane Aviele village near Auchi in Estako West Local Government. Narrating what happened, the suspect said she had been married to her husband for nine years and that they had five children. Zenab, who was paraded yesterday, said she was a farmer and that her husband was a night guard. She said trouble started when he brought another woman home and asked her to leave. Zenab said her refusal to leave made her husband to beat her and that she retaliated when she got hold of an object. She spoke in tears.

Police kill four suspected robbers

Edo civil servants begin strike IVIL servants in Edo State yesterday began an indefinite

strike. A meeting between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Labour leaders on Monday night deadlocked. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Emma Ademokun, reportedly told the Governor that members of the Joint Negotiating Council were not present. Another meeting has been scheduled for noon today. Workers, who reported for duty, were sent home by Labour leaders.

•Judicial workers shun strike •Govt, Labour meet From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Pupils were asked to go home, while patients at the state-owned hospitals were discharged. Ministries and parastatals were shut. A patient at the Central Hospital said they have been asked to go home. NLC Vice-Chairman Sunny Osayande, who was seen enforcing the strike, said their ultimatum expired on Monday. It was learnt that authori-

ties of the Central Hospital were unsure of what to do with a suspected kidnapper, who was paralysed, following the injuries he sustained during the exchange of gunfire with security agents. Courts in Edo State were opened yesterday despite the strike. A worker at the Edo State High Court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said members of the judicial union were not invited by the leadership of the state chapter of the NLC and Trade

Union Congress (TUC) for discussion on the strike. The worker said they did not have any contending issue with the government. Among the demands of the organised Labour are, the immediate implementation of the pending salary relativity structure of 53.37 per cent for the state workers, payment of the balance of 20 per cent consolidated health salary structure for health workers, payment of the balance of 10.5 per cent teachers’ special allowance (TSA) to pri-

Omar unhappy with govt over bad Lokoja-Abuja road •Condoles with Oshiomhole, Iyayi’s family

•Oshiomhole (right) receiving Comrade Omar and Acting General Secretary, Comrade Chris Uyot, during a condolence visit to the governor yesterday, on the death of Prof. Iyayi.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

FOUR suspected armed robbers were yesterday shot dead in two encounters with men of the Edo State Police Command. Briefing reporters at the headquarters of the state police command in Benin, Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo said in the first encounter at the Benin Bypass on the Benin/ Lagos Expressway, 20 suspected armed robbers engaged the police in a shootout and in the process, one of the robbers was killed, while a policeman sustained gunshot injury in his leg. He said the other armed robbers escaped into the bush, some of them with injuries. In the second encounter, which occurred on the Benin/Auchi Road, three members of a robbery gang, who had laid siege to the road, were gunned down by policemen, who engaged the robbers in a shootout.

Centenary for Ovonramwen From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

THE Benin Kingdom yesterday unveiled a plan for the celebration of the one-time Oba of Benin and grandfather of the present monarch, Oba Ovonramwen N’Ogbaisi, who died in 1914. The celebration was unveiled at the palace of the Benin monarch with a special commemorative fabric to mark the 100 years celebration of Oba Ovonramwen, who died in Calabar in 1914. The centenary celebration, which is being championed by Dr. Solomon Edebiri and his non-government organisation (NGO), Centre for Change, will start on January 13 and end on January 18.

mary school teachers. Others are implementation of 2011, 2012 and 2013 promotion exercise of public servants, immediate constitution of the state civil service commission as well as the recruitment of more workers to fill vacant positions caused by the retirement of workers in the state public service. At press time, it was gathered that the government team led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, was meeting the Labour leaders.

Anxiety over plot to declare Amaechi, Wammako, others’ seats vacant

ESPERATE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders renewed yesterday their push for the removal of the five governors who dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The plan is to use the court to declare vacant their seat, The Nation learnt yesterday. The governors are Rotimi Amaechi(Rivers), Murtala Nyako(Adamawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso(Kano), Aliyu Wammako(Sokoto) and Abdulfatai Ahmed(Kwara). The hawks in PDP are said to be considering filing an ex-parte motion at any high court which will lead to a declaratory order asking the governors to leave office immediately. But President Goodluck Jonathan is said to have asked the PDP leaders behind the plot to pull the brakes on it because of its likely consequences on the nation’s political environment. One of the lawyers engaged in filing the suit last night however said: “We have not yet filed any document in court. “I think the President has not agreed with the PDP leaders who are pushing the matter. The President has asked them to stay action.” It was learnt that some PDP leaders were shocked by the threat which the defection last Tuesday might pose to the PDP’s electoral fortunes. They were said to have agreed on creating legal hurdles for the governors. It was learnt that the party has already secured the services of a 10-man legal team, including

•Buhari, Tinubu, APC governors meet

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Chief Alex Iziyon (SAN), who is more or less the counsel to the President; Phebian Ajogu (SAN), Austin Alegeh (SAN) and a Northern constitutional Lawyer. A source said: “We learnt that the PDP is either considering filing a motion ex-parte or pushing for accelerated hearing of its application. “But some leaders of the party are in favour of a motion ex-parte. Once the application is granted, the five governors will be asked to vacate office immediately or be ejected from office. “In fact, the PDP is banking on the invocation of Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution to support its application. This Section was invoked by the Supreme Court to declare Amaechi as the Governor of Rivers State. “The party is claiming that the governorship tickets of the five governors belong to the PDP and not the occupants. “Also, we learnt that the party might apply the principle of ‘Case Stated’ to compel a Federal High Court to ask for interpretations of Section 221 from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to seal the fate of the governors at the lower court.” As at press time, a meeting of the APC governors was being convened at Kano Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro District, Abuja. The session, expected to be closed door from 9pm, might

go far into the night. One of the APC governors , who spoke in confidence, said: “This is our first meeting after five PDP governors joined the progressives club. We are going to chart the way forward for the party to make the merger of the New PDP and the APC to work. “We will also take time to discuss issues affecting our governors, including plans by the PDP to declare the seats of the five governors vacant. “The PDP is capable of any mischief; we are also going to put our legal team on standby.” The National Chairman of the merged New PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, said: “There is no law backing the declaration of a governor’s seat vacant. “Why are they just talking now when some PDP governors have joined the APC? I was the one who received exGovernor Ikedi Ohakim when he defected from PPA to PDP. Was Ohakim’s seat declared vacant? Wasn’t Governor Isa Yuguda in ANPP before joining PDP? What of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State who defected to PDP from PPA. Did all these governors vacate their seats? “This is not the first time the PDP has tried to declare the seats of our members vacant. Some of our members in the National Assembly have actually sued Bamanga Tukur.” Another leader said the conditions for removing governors are contained in Sections

188 and 189 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 188 reads in part: “A governor can be removed by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal in accordance with Section 188 or 189 of this Constitution.” Section 188 says in part: “The Governor or Deputy Governor of a State may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section. “Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third member of the members of the House of Assembly is (a) presented to the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the State; (b) stating the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified. Section 189 says in part: “The Governor or Deputy Governor of a State shall cease to hold office if (a) by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of all members of the Executive Council of the state, it is declared that the Governor or Deputy Governor is incapable of discharging the functions of his office; and (b) the declaration in paragraph (a) of this sub-section is verified, after such medical examination as may be necessary, by a medical panel established under subsection (4) of this section in its report to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.”

NIGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, has criticised the Federal Government for its inability to fix the Abuja-Lokoja road, which caused the death of former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Festus Iyayi. Omar spoke in Benin, the Edo State capital, during a condolence visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the family of the late academic. The NLC president described the late Iyayi as a committed activist who added value to the labour movement in the country. He said: “We believe that certain factors led to the demise of Prof Iyayi. The Federal Government is highly culpable on the issue of the criminal neglect of the Abuja-Lokoja road, whose contract was awarded over 10 years ago. While other roads have been completed, the Lokoja-Abuja road is uncompleted. “We believe that if not for the criminal neglect, this accident would not have happened. Also, the executive recklessness on the part of the Kogi Government is glaring. This is said to be the third time that the same convoy was involved in accidents.”

Edo widow shuns PDP’s largesse From Osagie Otabor, Benin

MRS. Joy Ifijeh, the widow who was upbraided by Governor Adams Oshiomhole for putting her goods on the road, yesterday shunned the N250,000 gift given by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She was not present at the launch of an empowerment fund to cater for widows in the state by the state chapter of the PDP. Mrs. Ifijeh, who apologised to Governor Oshiomhole for putting her goods on the road, was given automatic employment and a cash gift of N2 million by the governor.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

NEWS Man, 45, defiles 11-year-old friend’s daughter

•From left: Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Dickson Umunakwe; Executive Director, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency, Mr Noble Pepple, and Secretary to the State Government, Mr George Feyii, at the 2013 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Port Harcourt …yesterday.

HE police in Ebonyi State have arrested a 45-yearold man, Emmanuel Nwele, for allegedly defiling an 11-year-old daughter of his friend. Briefing reporters in Abakaliki on the efforts of the command under Commissioner of Police Maigari Dikkoi to curb crimes, the command spokesman Chris Anyanwu said the man was caught in the act by the girl’s father. He said: “Emmanuel Nwele, 45, a native of Umeh Igbudu village in Ikwo Local Government visited his friend, Agbor Alike, of the same village. “After their discussion, as he was leaving, he saw his friend’s daughter, pounced on her and forcefully had carnal knowledge of the girl. The suspect was caught by the girl’s father, who reported the incident to the police through his village Chairman, David Onwe.” Anyanwu said the suspect would soon be charged to court. Nwele confessed to reporters that he committed the crime when he was paraded by the police. He pleaded for leniency, adding that it was a mistake. The police spokesman said the command also arrested two men, Jerome Oziolo and Onyebuchi Nworie, for allegedly causing the death of a 28-year-old woman, Amaka Alo, who hailed from Ezza South Local Government. “The suspects conspired and aborted the victim’s pregnancy. Oziolo, a quack doctor, administered some drugs, through injection, to the deceased, which made her to become unconscious. She later died,” Anyanwu said.

Rift between Chime, Ekweremadu O gets worse T HE rift between Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has worsened. The state government yesterday reacted to the allegation against Governor Chime by a group sympathetic to Ekweremadu. The group, Greater Awgu Forum, attacked the governor for allegedly undermining the federal projects attracted to the state by the deputy Senate president and for allegedly endangering his life. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Chukwudi Achife, described the allegations as bewildering and bemusing. He said the attack in which the governor was,

From Chris Oji, Enugu

among other things, accused of waging “an unrelenting war of attrition and unhidden threats” against the deputy Senate president, was unfortunate. Achife said the allegations were not only baseless and fallacious, but also smacked of “paranoia and hysteria” on the part of those behind them. He noted that contrary to the claims of the group, Governor Chime had ironically, for the past few months, been the one at the receiving end of a sponsored smear campaign in the press via the articles written by shadowy figures. He said: “The allegations

of Greater Awgu Forum against Governor Chime can only be described as bewildering and bemusing. They are not only baseless and fallacious, the tone in which they were made smacks of desperation, paranoia and hysteria on the part of those behind them. “Governor Chime has no time to wage a war against anyone. He is the father of Enugu State and cannot abandon his spirited and universally-acclaimed drive to bring about transformation to the state. “He has no time to prosecute such a phantom and an unnecessary cause as being alleged. If anything, he is the one who, for the past few

months, weathered a spate of obviously sponsored attacks in the media to continue his unprecedented work. It is obvious that those behind the attacks failed in their bid to create the war they now allege.” Achife described as “astonishing and beyond belief”, the allegation by the group that the governor was planning to sabotage the projects attracted by Senator Ekweremadu and challenged the group to mention the projects and show how the governor intended to sabotage them. “It is obvious that this is another desperate but futile attempt to distract Governor Chime and drag him into a needless war. But I can assure you that he is focused. None of these things can move him.”

Contract ‘fraud’ suit: Minister, prison boss get two weeks to respond

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has given the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of Prisons, the Nigerian Prison Service and two others two weeks of grace to respond to a suit against them, failing which it would give judgment. The suit filed by a firm, Jeph International Nigeria Limited, alleges underhand dealings in respect of a multimillion naira contract for the building of a prison in Nnewi, Anambra State. The plaintiff alleged that some senior personnel of the Ministry of Interior and the Prison Service were planning to re-award the contract to a new set of contrators with links with the said officials. On Monday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Okey Uzor told the court that the defendants were yet to respond to the suit. He stressed the consequences to the defendants should they fail to avail themselves of the opportunity to defend the suit. Justice Gabriel Kolawole

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

elected to give the defendants time to respond and adjourned to December 17 for hearing in the case instead of proceeding to deliver judgment. The firm stated, in documents filed in court, that the contract was awarded to it in 1983 but that it began works in 1985 and was able to selffinance the project up to 50 per cent completion. The contract was for the building of the 80-bed medium security prison, observation tower, access road and perimeter fencing for the prison in Nnawi. The firm added that it later suspended works on the project due to paucity of funds and with the understanding and assurance of the Ministry of Interior and Prison Services that it would be remobilised to site as soon as funds were available. It exhibited a letter, containing the assurance, from Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) dated January 15, 1998 signed on behalf of the Comptroller-General of

Prisons by the Chief Superintendent of Prisons (Works), M. M. Ukah. The firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael AnagoAmanze stated, in a supporting affidavit, that they were taken aback to learn that rather than keep to its pledge to provide funds for his company to resume works on the project, the Comproller-General of Prisons this year, allegedly authorised the invitation of fresh bids for the same project. He averred that the new moves to re-award its valid and subsisting contract was meant to ensure that the project was given to proxies of some senior officials of the Prisons Service, the Interior Ministry and Ministry of Works. The firm, in a motion for interlocutory injunctions, has asked the court to among others, restrain the defndants from proceeding with its plans to reaward the contract pending the determination of its substantive suit.

It is part of the plaintiff’s contention in the main suit that the defendants can not justify the purported cancellation of its contract on the pretext that its award violated the Public Procurement Act 2007. It argued that since the Act can not be applied retrospectively, it cannot by applied to a contract awarded over 20 years before the law was enacted.

Occupants of sealed hotels stranded in Anambra

WNERS of the five hotels sealed off in Awka, Anambra State, on Monday by the Anambra State Property and Land Use Charge (APLUC) are rushing to banks to settle their debts. However, the occupants are still stranded in the capital city, as the agency is adamant on opening the sealed hotels. Some of the occupants, who were locked out, included commissioners, special advisers, special assistants and the newly-posted commissioner of police. During the exercise, one of the managers of the affected hotels described the exercise by APLUC as politicallymotivated.

Awka

He alleged that the hotels targeted by APLUC were owned by those the government felt did not support the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the last poll. But the group’s Head of APLUC, Mr. Tony Nnajiofor, told The Nation yesterday that this was untrue. He said the agency was committed to doing its work the way it should be done. APLUC’s action was based on the judgments it got from Chief Magistrate E.O. Maduka between October and November. Some of the sealed hotels are Parktonia, Palos Verdes, J’burg, Nobles and Barn Hill, all in Awka.

Ebonyi lawmaker, council nominee in ‘certificate forgery’ scandal

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

former councillor of Effium Ward 1, Elom Clement and ex-Vice Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government in Ebonyi State Vitalis Igboke, have petitioned the state’s Director of the State Security Services (SSS). In the petition, they alleged that Mr. Chinedu, a coordinator nominee for Effium South Development Centre, forged the certificate with which he was screened by the House of Assembly. In a five-paragraph petition, titled: “Forgery of certificate and fraudulent manipulation of the state chief executive, a call for the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Chinedu, coordinator nominee of Effium South Devel-

Obi woos Spanish investors

From Nwanosike Onu,

OVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State yesterday urged Spanish investors to invest in Nigeria. He spoke in Madrid, Spain, at the Nimad 2013, a business and investment forum and trade exhibition, organised by the Nigerian Embassy. Obi said although Spain had pockets of businesses in Nigeria, it was yet to invest big. He said Nigeria had vast business opportunities. Citing some companies as an example of establishments, which have done well in Nigeria and Anambra State in particular, Governor Obi encouraged other companies to invest in the state, saying return on investment in the country was impressive. Governor Obi said: “Africa is a virgin for investment, while other parts of the world have reached their menopause. Most international companies, which built their facilities in Nigeria, make more money because the place is yet to be explored.’’

opment Centre and cohorts”, the petitioners noted that Chinedu never graduated from any tertiary institution in Nigeria. The petition reads: “The governor was deceived by the fake certificate and manipulated into giving his approval to the nomination of Mr. Chinedu as the coordinator of Effium South Development Centre. “With the same fake certificate, he was screened by the House of Assembly. It is his expectation that he will be sworn in with the same fake certificate.”

Funeral for woman THE death has occurred of Mrs Theresa Mottoh, on October 13. She will be buried on Friday after a funeral service at 4B, Dibor Lane, Awka in Anambra State. Guests will be entertained at 4B, Dibor Lane, Awka.

•The late Mrs Mottoh

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS Biden: U.S. 'deeply concerned' about China's air zone

HE United States remains "deeply concerned" about China's new air defence identification zone (ADIZ), Vice-President Joe Biden has told Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Following their meeting in Tokyo, Mr Biden said the zone increased the risk of accidents and miscalculations. He called on China and Japan to improve communications to reduce the risk of escalations. Mr Biden met Mr Abe on the first day of a six-day tour of East Asia, also taking in Beijing and Seoul. The air zone row is likely to dominate the week of talks. Both the US and Japan have voiced strong criticism of China's establishment of an ADIZ that includes islands claimed and controlled by Japan. It also includes a sub-

•Biden

merged rock claimed by South Korea. China says aircraft operating within its ADIZ must follow certain rules such as filing flight plans, or face "defensive emergency measures". "We, the United States are deeply concerned by the attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea," Mr Biden told a joint news conference with Mr Abe on Tuesday.

Ukraine’s opposition motion defeated

KRAINE's opposition failed to force out the government with a parliamentary no-confidence vote yesterday, leaving the country's political tensions unresolved with calls for more mass protests. The opposition called for the vote in protest both of President Viktor Yanukovych's shelving of a long-anticipated agreement to deepen political and economic ties with the European Union and the violent tactics used by police to disperse demonstrators protesting that decision. The dispute has brought crowds up to 300,000 people to the streets of Kiev, the largest outpouring of public anger since the 2004 Orange Revolution. The no-confidence measure got the support of 186 members of the Verkhovna Rada, 40 shy of the majority needed. Even if it had passed, Yanukovych would have remained president, but the prime minister and Cabinet would have been

PUBLIC NOTICE ANYIAM

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JOANA IJEOMA ANYIAM now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOANA IJEOMA ODOM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note please. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, UMUNNAH WINNIE NKECHI and WINNIE NKECHI UJUUMUNNAH refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as UMUNNAH WINNIE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria PLC and general public please take note

UN deploys drones in DR Congo

ejected. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, attending the parliamentary session with his Cabinet, apologized for the violence by riot police against protesters. But Azarov defended the government's course, denounced protesters who have blocked access to government offices and warned the opposition that authorities will be able to hold their ground. During the vote, several thousand protesters rallied outside the parliament building, which was cordoned off by white police buses and riot police in full gear. After the vote failed, the opposition urged Ukrainians to continue protests and called on demonstrators in Kiev to march towards Yanukvoych's office and demand that he sign a decree dismissing Azarov's Cabinet and call an early election.

HE UN mission in Democratic Republic of Congo has started to deploy unarmed surveillance drones to monitor rebel activity near the forested borders with Rwanda and Uganda. This is the first time any UN mission has deployed drones. The first two were launched from the eastern city of Goma, which was last year briefly occupied by M23 rebels. The UN force in DR Congo played a key role last month in defeating the M23 but other militias still operate. The BBC's Maud Jullien in eastern DR Congo says it has long been suspected that various armed groups in the North Kivu province get their

supplies from neighbouring countries. Both Rwanda and Uganda have denied repeated accusations that they supported the M23 rebels, which were recently defeated with the help of the 22,000-strong UN mission in DR Congo, the world's largest. UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous told the BBC that the drones, or "unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles" would be the "tool of choice" to monitor the activities of armed groups and the movement of civilians. "We need to get a better picture of what is happening," he said. He said that if they were successful in DR Congo, they

could also be used in other UN peacekeeping missions. The first two drones were made by an Italian firm, Selex ES, a subsidiary of the Italian giant Finmeccanica, reports the AFP news agency. UN officials expect three more drones to be deployed in the coming months. They will be deployed across North Kivu, which has been one of the areas worst affected by two decades of conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo. They have a range of 250km (155 miles) from their base in Goma. Congolese Defence Minister Alexandre Luba Ntambo says the drones will help the army against rebel groups.

Thai protests ease as police lift key barricades

HE political crisis that has engulfed Thailand's capital for more than a week eased suddenly yesterday after the prime minister ordered police to stop battling anti-government protesters. The move was timed to coincide with celebrations of the king's birthday later this week, a holiday that holds deep significance in the Southeast Asian nation. In a sharp reversal in strategy that followed two days of increasingly fierce street fighting, riot police lowered their shields and walked away from heavily fortified positions around Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's office at Government House. Shortly afterward, thousands of jubilant demonstrators waving the red, white and blue Thai flag swarmed across the compound's grassy lawn, snapping photos of themselves with cellphones and

screaming "Victory belongs to the people!" Yingluck was not there at the time. The government move was widely seen as offering demonstrators a face-saving way out,

and the government expressed hope it would defuse a conflict that has killed four people and wounded more than 256 in the last three days alone. Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban,

said she had no time to pull her Glock pistol from her side holster before one of the men was on her, according to her statement read to the Old Bailey. CCTV footage showed the first of the alleged killers sprint towards the marked police car as it pulled up close to the scene of the attack in Woolwich, southeast London, on May 22. "A saw a flash to my right, when I looked I saw a black male running at me waving both hands up in the air with a chop-

HE editor of the Guardian said yesterday that his newspaper has published just one percent of the material it received from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, and denied that the paper had placed lives or national security at risk. Alan Rusbridger was questioned by Parliament's home affairs committee as part of a session on counterterrorism. The Guardian has published a series of stories based on leaks from Snowden disclosing the scale of telephone and Internet surveillance by spy agencies in the United States and Britain. Government and intelligence officials have said the leaks compromised British security and aided terrorists. Britain's top three spy chiefs said last month that al-Qaida and other terror groups CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

We hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims that may arise if this application is granted, and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC and general public, please take note.

however, vowed to keep up what has become an audacious struggle to topple Yingluck and keep her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, from returning to power.

•Thai police officers hold roses to give Thai anti-government protesters as the two sides makes amends after days of protests in Bangkok, Thailand...yesterday. PHOTO: EPA

ping motion," said the officer in her statement. The officer then fired her taser and the man dropped to the floor. She only saw the second suspect, armed with a gun, when she heard further shots and he was hit. "It felt like everything went in slow motion," she said in her statement. The gun held by the man on the ground was "still pointing in my direction", she said. "I thought oh my god; he is going to shoot me. I feared

for my life." The court heard that the two men, alleged to be Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, were then given first aid and taken away. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale deny murder of Mr Rigby. They also deny conspiracy to murder and attempted murder of a police officer. He and another officer then administer first aid to Adebowale.

Guardian: we have published one percent of Snowden leak

We, mrs oluwatoyin ojo and oluwatimileh ojo of block 199 flat 1, ijaiye MIHE, ogba Lagos notify the general public that we have applied to the LSDPC for its consent to change ownership of block 199 flat 1ijaiye MIHE,ogba Lagos from the original allottee Group captain Emmanuel Olusegun Ojo (RTD) who is now deceased to Mrs Oluwatoyin Ojo.

"Once we know exactly where they are hiding, our operations will be much more efficient," he said. Despite the defeat of the M23, numerous other armed groups still roam eastern DR Congo, including the FDLR, whose leaders are accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Woolwich murder trial: Police officer 'feared for her life’

NE of the first police officers on the scene of the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby thought she was going to die when one of the killers charged towards her waving a machete, the Old Bailey heard yesterday. The officer, known only as D49, said that she could see the whites of the attacker's eyes as he ran at her with a weapon in both hands. D49, the driver of a threestrong armed response team,

•Kim

were "rubbing their hands in glee" in the wake of Snowden's leaks. Several lawmakers have said the Guardian should be prosecuted for breaching terrorism laws. Rusbridger defended the newspaper's role, saying stories published by the Guardian and others had prompted debate about the extent of intelligence activities and exposed the limits of regulatory laws drawn up in the pre-Internet era. "There is no doubt in my mind ... that newspapers have done something that oversight has failed to do," he said. Rusbridger denied placing intelligence agents at risk, saying the Guardian had "made very selective judgments" about what to publish and not revealed any names. "We have published no names and we have lost control of no names," he said. British police launched a criminal investigation into the leaks after detaining the partner of then-Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald at Heathrow Airport in August under terrorism legislation. He said the Guardian had come under pressure from the authorities in a way that would be "inconceivable" in the United States, where journalists can rely on First Amendment protections of freedom of speech. •Snowden

E48 told the court that the officers had "very little time" to react when Adebolajo ran at them. "He started to move towards the vehicle which started to raise my perception of the threat," the officer said. "He almost instantly broke into a sprint and I realised we were being attacked. We had very little time to deal with the threat. The officer said that his colleague driving the car, D49, was left "essentially unable to defend herself". He told the court: "She was defenceless, she had a pane of glass to protect herself, it was not ballistic glass." The marksman opened fire on Adebolajo as he ran towards the car, telling the jury he was in "the frame of mind" that the suspect posed a threat. "The second he started sprinting at us still in possession of that knife I made the decision to fire and until he fell away from the vehicle I was still in the frame of mind and I needed to take that decisive action to stop him." He then saw Adebowale, who was lying on the ground after being shot, raise his arm in the air, the court heard. "He raised one of his arms up. I've still got a distinct image in my mind of him holding a black revolver in his hand which I clearly saw, which struck me as unusual because he'd just been shot." Adebowale was shot again in the thumb, and then given first aid, jurors were told. The case continues.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013

SPORT EXTRA Nigerian Breweries reviews prizes for chess competition

•Musa Muhammed celebrates his goal with teammate

Kwankwaso donates N163.5m to Eaglets, Pillars

HE Kano state government has give a total sum of N163.5 Million to the victorious Junior World Champions, the Golden Eaglets and the Kano Pillars Football Club, this year’s league leader. Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who announced the donation yesterday in Kano, said the gesture was in recognition of the outstanding performance of the Golden Eaglets at the just concluded Junior World Cup Championship, and for Kano Pillars to have made it back to back victory, which no team in northern states has ever achieved. Kwankwaso said the package for the Golden Eaglets is N39.4 Million, while the two Kano state indigenes in the team, Musa Mohammed (Captain of the team) and

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano Zaharadeen Bello were given 3 bedroom-detached bungalow flats worth N15.6 Million, with N300,000 each. The remaining 18 players are to receive N250,000 each, while the Chief coach, Manu Garba will get N500,000, the 2 Assistant Coaches, Nduka Ugbade and Sam Amadi, will get N300,000. Adding that the 7 backroom staff are entitled to N200,000 each and the 7 accompanying secretarial staff of the NFF will get N150,000 each. The state team, Kano Pillars Football Club, for making Kano proud in this year’s premier league championship, each of the 28 players will be given a brand new Toyota Corolla car valued at N5.5 Million, while

the coaches and other officers will receive a cash award of N700,000. The 5 team officers will get N500,000 each. The governor said the unprecedented success the state achieved in 2012 National Sports Festival, where they won 7 gold medals, 6 silver and 11 bronze medals, in appreciation of the sterling performance, winner of gold medal will receive N100,000; silver medallist, N50,000; bronze medallist, N25,000 while 16 officials will each receive N25,000. Kwankwaso said the parasoccer team which emerged the best in the World Polio Day National Para-soccer Tournament, the 14 member team will receive N100,000 each, while the officials will receive N50,000. He also hinted that with the absence of the Super Eagles

coach, Stephen Keshi, the Kano state government is also ready to host him in no distant time. Pointing out that the Kano Pillars supporters club will receive a brand new bus and N500,000 to fuel it. He promised to continue to support sports men and women that won laurels for the state. The President of the Nigeria Football Association, Alhaji Aminu Maigari commended governor Kwankwaso for honouring the Eaglets and other sportsmen and women in the state, pointing out that the NFF will partner the state government on developing sports, especially the establishment of the N1 Billion Kano State Sports Institute.

Eagles must prepare to meet Brazil, Argentina —Ambrose

UPER Eagles’ and Celtic defender, Efe Ambrose has told NationSport that there is no hiding place for the Eagles’ as regards the likely opponents Nigeria would be pitched against in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. The Celtic of Scotland defender opened up on Friday's World Cup draws holding at the City of Bahia, Brazil on Friday (December 6th, 2013) and concluded that the Eagles must meet the best teams to showcase the stuff the Nigerian team is made of. "I laugh any time I hear people saying they prefer we play against a not too strong side. But I ask which team that qualifies to play in the finals of a World Cup is not strong or dangerous to play against. "Also we must be ready to play against the best teams in the world if we aspire to make impact in the World Cup. All the teams that qualified for the competition did so on merit and no team should be viewed as small or big. All teams have equal

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja opportunities to prove their mettle in the 2014 World Cup. "What we should be concerned with now is how to prepare well for the competition. We as players must endeavour to always play well for our various clubs in Europe as our own way of

preparing individually for the World Cup. "We need to work hard and prove our fitness at all times and this will help our Chief Coach (Stephen Keshi) to have a pool of good players to select from. "Also I must commend the Nigeria Football Federation for arranging the friendly match against Italy which we

proved ourselves as a quality team. I am confident that such grade A matches maybe at least three of such will be arranged for the team to knock ourselves to shape and also help our coaches to perfect their strategies for the World Cup in Brazil next year June", Ambrose told NationSport exclusively from his base in Scotland yesterday.

LILLE 1 - 0 OLYMPIQUE MARSEILLE

Enyeama extends clean slate to 14 games

UPER Eagles’ goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama extended the number of minutes under his belt without conceding in the French top flight to 1,035 minutes after keeping another clean sheet for Lille in their 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d'Ascq) on Tuesday night. The 31-year-old goalkeeper last conceded

By Akeem Lawal when the Mastiffs lost 0-2 at home to Nice on September 15, has now produced 14 clean sheets in 16 league games played this season. The Nigeria international is now 141 minutes away from the Ligue 1 record held by Gaëtan Huard who had a run of 1,176 minutes (over 13 matches) without

conceding a goal for FC Girondins de Bordeaux during the 1992–93 season. Enyeama, who won the French Ligue 1 player of the month award for October, was in imperious form yet again as France international, Nolan Roux’s 92nd minute strike ensured Lille secured the much needed victory to reduce the gap between the league leaders, PSG to just one point.

HE annual Nigerian Breweries International Open Chess Championship on Tuesday reviewed the prizes to be won in all the categories of play for the 36th edition of the competition which will commence Dec. 12 to Dec. 15 2013 at the Molade OkoyaThomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. At a press conference yesterday at the Lagos Brewery bar, Kufre Ekanem, the Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigeria Breweries Plc, represented by Edem Vindah, Corporate Media and Brand Public Relations Manager of Nigeria Breweries, stated that players will compete in six categories at the championships. He also added that the winners in the Opens and Masters Categories would go home with N280, 000 and N250, 000 respectively. The winners of the male and female Amateur categories will take home N230, 000 and N180, 000 respectively, while the U-14 male and female winners would receive N70, 000 each. Nigeria Breweries also pledged total commitment to chess development in partnership with Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) stating that the

By Odukale Bowale sponsorship remains a key element of the company’s several youth empowerment and talent development initiatives. According to Vindah, “It has been 36 years of an enduring partnership between our company and the Nigeria Chess Federation, and perhaps the longest sponsored chess tournament in Nigeria and would no doubt also qualify for the longest partnership between Nigerian sports and a private sector company” “It is a further demonstration of our dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen committed to winning with Nigeria” he added. Meanwhile, Lekan Adeyemi, the president of NCF, commended the Nigeria Breweries for their enormous support towards the development of the sport in the country and partnerships with the company over the years have yielded positive results. “The NCF is indeed grateful to Nigeria Breweries for their continuing to be our best friend and partner in our task and desire to take chess in Nigeria to the greater heights because without them we are nothing”.

Nigeria to host African Masters Athletics Championships

IGERIA has been named host of the 2013 African Masters Athletics Championships slated for Lagos December 6 and 7 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. President of the Nigerian Masters, Dr. Gloria Obajimi, said the event, which is second in the series and initially scheduled to hold in mid-2013, was delayed till the end of the year due to a lack of funds. The first edition of the competition was held in South Africa last year. Belgium, Egypt, Niger Republic, Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon and Ivory Coast are some of the countries that will be represented at the 2013 edition.“We’re expecting about 250 former athletes at the event,” Obajimi said on Tuesday. “It is an invitational competition but it is also open to athletes over 35 years. We don’t expect anyone to perform at the optimum level which they were

used to at major events; they should compete in the standard their ages can afford. “Lack of funds has caused the competition to be delayed till now. The several corporate organisations we’ve cried to for help have not responded but we’re determined to host the event this year. The fund is still not available but members of the Local Organising Committee have decided to make individual contributions and ensure Nigeria does not disappoint the world by not being able to host the event.” Obajimi said the essence of the competition is to keep the former athletes healthy and create the platform for them to interact with their former sporting rivals. “We have found out that many athletes that have represented this country in the past are not living well. They have health challenges which organisations such as the IAAF have acknowledged,” she said.

ITTF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Nigeria now 15th in the world •Beats Australia in final team match

IGERIA has emerged number 15 in the world after the junior national table tennis team thrashed Australia in the ongoing ITTF World Junior Championship taking place in Morocco. The competition started last Sunday with the boys’ team defeating Tunisia, and Brazil, only to lose to Poland and the United States of America, before seeing off Australia to finally clinch the 15th spot in the world in the team events. The girls’ team, however, didn't have rosy time as they lost almost all their matches, and will try to redeem their image when they go against host Morocco 2-1. If they eventually win the encounter, the Nigerian girls will finish 19th out of the 20 teams represented. In the first match against Australia Nigeria's Azeez Ogunlade lost to Ivan Sulfaro 117, 3-11, 8-11, 5-11, but captain of the team Olajide Omotayo rekindled hope by beating Jake

Duffy 11-5, 11-8, 10-12, 11-8, while Olasunkanmi Oginni beat Yang Shen 11-7, 11-7, 11-6. Omotayo returned to beat Ivan Sulfaro 11-7, 11-8, 11-9 to help Nigeria finish 15th in the world. With this feat Nigeria is now ahead of Egypt in Africa and in the world. Meanwhile, expressing disappointment at his defeat, Azeez Ogunlade regretted that his loss prolonged the game for the Nigerian team. "It was painful that I lost my match against Australia’s Ivan Sulfaro because I played well. I think my looping was not really working for me today and whenever I took the lead, I most times lost out easily. I hope to correct all these when the mixed doubles, doubles and singles start. I am still hopeful of a good outing in this tournament," he said. The completion continues with the mixed doubles, doubles and singles matches.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

AST month, on November 15, to be specific, President Goodluck Jonathan took a direct shot across the bows of Governor Sule Lamido’s ship in an apparent warning to the governor to reconsider his long running confrontation with the president over the 2015 presidential elections in which both have staked their claims. On that day, two sons of the governor, Mustapha and Aminu, were picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for allegedly laundering over N10 billion through several banks in which the state holds major accounts. Officially, the EFFC does not take orders from the president – or from anyone else for that matter. But this is only in theory. In practice it soon became notorious under President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Jonathan’s seemingly estranged benefactor who created it ostensibly to fight corruption in high places, as his battle tank for squaring and squashing opposition elements in and out of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. As a good student of his erstwhile godfather it seems President Jonathan has since learnt to put the commission to good use in self-service, all in the name of fighting corruption. Ask Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and former governor, Timipre Sylva, of the president’s home state, Bayelsa, both of whom have attracted the president’s great disaffection. Governor Lamido is thus only the latest among several of those to have attracted EFCC’s attention more for their politics than for mis-governance. Lamido’s offence, it seems, is not only his expression of interest in the presidency. Recently, he suggested in an interview with an Abuja based radio station, Vision FM, that the president protected a corrupt minister by refusing to act on information he gave the president that the minister had collected a $250 million bribe from an oil firm. This provoked an angry retort from the president who, through his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the governor’s allegation was “patently bogus” and “an unacceptable and callous attempt to unjustly impugn the integrity of President Jonathan and cast aspersions on the seriousness of his administration’s efforts to curb corruption.” EFCC’s picking up of the governor’s sons last month was clearly an attempt to demonstrate to the world that the governor was going to equity with very dirty hands. That EFCC’s action was triggered more by politics than by any concern of the president about corruption will be obvious presently. Before examining the facts, however, I should make it clear that this is not in defence of the governor against the allegation of using his sons to defraud his state. Jigawa, as we all know, was created in 1991. Between then and now it has had seven governors, four military and three civilians. Sandwiched between the first two military governors, one under General Ibrahim Babangida who created the state and the other under General Sani Abacha who threw out Babangida’s transition government of Chief Ernest Sonekan in November 1993, Governor Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu, its first civilian governor, did not en-

ARDBALL is often torn between frustration and pity for President Goodluck Jonathan. Frustration because he cannot seem to get the country going and pity because though he means well, in his incapacitation, he cannot muster the requisite acuity, charm and even wiles to cut through crap and get the kind of critical results that define administrations. Few examples will help explain. In the Boko Haram affair, it took him an age to understand that the very sovereignty of Nigeria was being threatened and there was an urgent need to stem the insurgence. But he has been incapable of doing the needful and Nigeria has continued to be held by scruff of her shirt by a band of desert militia men. Another example is the oil industry (including the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB) which has been in the mire since he took office. Now remember that this is Nigeria’s most strategic asset which ought to be the president’s top priority. But what do we have? A rotten state oil corporation; comatose refineries; fraudulent

VOL.8 NO.2,687

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Lamido’s persecution

•Lamido joy much resources nor had much time nor much room for initiative to make a significant difference in the state. The next civilian governor, Ibrahim Saminu Turaki, did enjoy all three factors: less than two years into the fully-fledged civilian dispensation under President Obasanjo, oil money, which the country’s treasury has depended heavily upon for its revenue, became no longer an object, as oil price soared through the sky; the governor had eight years to transform the state with the state’s statutory allocation; and as civilian governor he was, at least in theory, a co-ordinate, rather than a subordinate, of the big man at the centre in the governance of the country. As we all know, Turaki, like so many of the governors during the first eight years of the current civilian dispensation, was a disaster. The man, as we all know, hardly sat at home to work. Instead, he spent so much time globetrotting he could not make any significant impact on his state. And, as he himself testified in the course of his yet to be concluded long running prosecution by the EFCC, he used a considerable portion of his revenue allocation, under duress he said, to help fund President Obasanjo’s infamous Third Term agenda. Enter Sule Lamido in 2007. Anyone who had been to the state since then, as I have, would agree that the difference between Jigawa before Turaki and Jigawa under Lamido is the difference between night and day. Dutse, the state’s sleepy capital, for example, has since become home to its civil servants who, before Lamido, used to go to work daily from Kano.

And except, of course, they never meant what they said, all very important visitors to the state, including President Jonathan, have had only praise for the way the governor has vastly transformed its infrastructure in education, housing, health and road network, among others. So even if in the end it turns out that the governor used his sons to steal from his state, at least he has some mitigating circumstances for his alleged action. This much, I am afraid, cannot be said of many states in the country, including the president’s home state, Bayelsa, where incredibly huge gaps exist between the levels of development and the resources that have accrued to those states. This does not, of course, mean Lamido’s sons should not be prosecuted and their father exposed as someone who preaches what he does not practice. By all means prosecute them if you have a prima facie case against them and expose their father as a hypocrite if you can prove it. What, however, Lamido’s almost universally acclaimed performance means is that there are many, many, many more deserving cases for EFCC’s attention than the governor’s. Anyone with even the most casual acquaintance with Nigeria’s politicaleconomy can reel off at least a dozen such cases before you can say the C word. But the three examples that follow are enough to prove the fact that Lamido’s case is by far more politics than about the president’s concern for good governance and transparency. Easily the most glaring of such cases is that of Malabu Oil and Gas, reportedly controlled by Chief Dan Etete, a former Oil minister under General Abacha. According to several newspapers, including The Economist (June 15) of London, two years ago, a consortium of Shell and Eni/Elf which had controversial stakes in the oil well, OPL 245, paid nearly $1.1 billion to Malabu, reportedly on orders of the president, as settlement over a long running dispute with Malabu on the ownership of the lucrative oil well. The payment was made to Malabu against the background of the fact that Etete had been a fugitive from France convicted in the country for money laundering in 2007 - a conviction upheld in 2009, following his appeal. The payment was also made against the background of the fact that EFCC was yet to conclude its investigation of an allegation that

TONY MARINHO

Etete had fraudulently acquired the company. According to Premium Times (September 30), an investigative online newspaper, the former minister, in turn shared the money paid to his company into several dubious accounts, some of them owned by close political associates of the president’s. Clearly this payment, which the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, tried to rationalise away during a public hearing of a House committee investigating the deal, as voluntary with government acting only as an “obligor” and “facilitator”, reeked to high heavens of the worst form of cronyism, to put it mildly. Even more clearly Lamido’s N10 billion alleged corruption pales into insignificance compared to Malabu’s $1.1 billion, which comes to nearly N184 billion. Second, there was an earlier case of the president versus a publication called Spynet Magazine. In its maiden edition in August 2007, it accused him of perjury in declaring his assets and liabilities during his tenure as deputy governor and governor of Bayelsa, and eventually as vice-president under Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, as demanded by the Constitution. Days after the publication its premises were ransacked by the State Security Services and its editors detained. To date nothing more has been heard of the case. Not even after the president has angrily told the public, following persistent demands that he declares his assets and liabilities publicly as was done by his predecessor even though the Constitution does not demand such public declaration, that he doesn’t “give a damn” what the public thought of his refusal to do so. Finally, there is the case of the paradox of worsening insecurity in the land, especially from Boko Haram insurgency, in the face of the huge budgetary allocation to our security forces since 2009. One glaring illustration of this is the fact that the Army Chief, Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika, has lately been complaining of an under armed and under equipped military confronting Boko Haram. The paradox is, however, not surprising, considering credible allegations that one security institution recently spent over N600 million to construct an artificial grass football pitch for the recreation of its staff! By all means let the EFCC go after each and every thieving government official and his relations and cronies, if the commission has good cases against them. However, since it has neither the time nor resources to do so, equity demands that it begins with the more glaring cases. Surely all three cases above are much more demanding of the EFCC’s attention than Lamido’s case. When the commission is seen clearly to pick and choose mostly cases of only those perceived as opposition elements, it can only open itself and the presidency it reports to through the minister of Justice and attorney general of the federation, to accusations that it is merely fighting a selective, and therefore futile, war against corruption. •For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

ASUU: Blackmail won’t work

Hardball could have thrown in the entire country (including ASUU) if that was what it required; if he had it to do. And for heavens sake where is the presidential chutzpah? If the salaries of the last four months were the issue, the president could have ordered it paid immediately. Everything but trying to force the lecturers back to the classrooms would have been smarter. And whose advice was it to draw a line in the sand with the lecturers? Who thought it through? It is obvious that the Education Minister, Nyeson Wike is out of his depth here. He simply lacks the capacity to handle this one. Being a political weasel, he would insist and advise accordingly that ASUU members are ‘political enemies’ and that instantly drains the matter of all logic. But ASUU has a good case, they are simply asking government to live up to one of its promise and responsibilities; that is not too much to ask. As you read this, the lecturers would have defied the ultimatum of the presidency; the president has bungled it all up once again…

products import scheme; mindboggling fuel subsidy scandal and suddenly, oil theft racket. Nigerians don’t hear any good news anymore from our most prized sector. One can mention half a dozen other telling instances of k-legged inertia but what is the point? Back to ASUU, the issue of the day which is a raging example of presidential doodling, one is pained that Goodluck Jonathan could not gather up all the presidential powers at his disposal to break the six-month old impasse. The Academic Staff Union of Universities has been on a protracted strike. When it seemed all had failed, the president intervened personally, sitting through several meetings with senior members of ASUU executives. The last meeting reportedly lasted 13 hours yet came to naught. This has, apparently, enraged the president who in obvious frustration, reached for the rod: re-

turn to work or get sacked. But Hardball must advise that force and violence are the tools of stupid and cowardly people. They are, of course, not instruments for construction. Constructive engagement has been thrown out the window in place of arm-twisting, threats and blackmail. In a barrage of propaganda, ASUU leaders are being painted as recalcitrant, as saboteurs and enemies of Jonathan. Some columnists (some of who carry the tag of ‘professor’) make such loose argument that ASUU ought to go back to work just because of the fact that it sat at a meeting with the president for 13 hours. What did the president offer anew? It is calamitous, to say the least that Jonathan could not wring out some agreement from the lecturers at this critical moment in this ASUU affair; we had hoped that he wouldn’t fail after all else had failed.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO