The Nation December 17, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Nollywood star Nkiru kidnapped NEWS Page 12

•Abductors demand N100m

Anxiety as Jonathan summons ministers •Emergency FEC to hold tomorrow

NEWS

Page 60

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VOL. 7, NO. 2343 MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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The Nation confirms class as editor wins DAME award W

•Omotoso

ITH another award at the weekend, The Nation has confirmed its class as the home of the best commentators.

Editor Gbenga Omotoso won the 2012 Alade Odunewu Informed Commentary Award at the 21 st edition of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence

By Precious Igbonwelundu

(DAME) on Friday.

Editorial Board Chair Sam Omatseye won the Colum•The award-winning article (P. 55)

nist of the Year at the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) on December 8.

“It shows the strength of our writers, who are clearly the best in the land,” Managing Director Victor Ifijeh said.

The audience cheered as Omotoso was declared winner of the category, Continued on page 63

Yakowa, Azazi: Puzzles in military circles over crash

•THE SCENE OF HORR OR: Part of the helicopter on the scene of the crash...yesterday HORROR:

Widow relives last moments with governor Yero takes over

W

HY did the helicopter carrying former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi crash?

The question remained unanswered yesterday but in military

INSIDE

•Jonathan cancels thanksgiving service •Agusta... the helicopter that crashed •Mark, Tambuwal, governors call for probe •Fayemi, Amosun, Oshiomhole, Dickson, Uduaghan, Chime mourn dear colleague •Buhari postpones 70th birthday PAGES 2,3,5 & 12 •Tinubu: I’m still in shock From Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Shola O’Neil, Warri

circles sabotage is seen as one of the “strong possibilities” being considered– according to sources

•The late Yakowa’s widow, Amina...yesterday

‘

who pleaded not to be named “because of the sensitivity of the matter.”

The source, who is a top officer in the Western Naval Command,

We are supposed to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary next week, on December 23, but that is not to be. We usually prayed together before coming down for mass, but yesterday (Saturday) I was down with cold. Before coming down, he touched me and urged me to get well soon to meet him in Abuja

said: “At the moment, we can’t rule out sabotage as a possible cause of the fatal crash.

“We have heard reports that the helicopter might have exploded

’

before it hit the ground. There is also yet unsubstantiated rumour that it was shot.

“For those reasons and the caliContinued on page 4

•CITYBEATS P8 •POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •CEO P25 •JOBS P37

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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NEWS DEATH OF YAKOWA, AZAZI, OTHERS

Agusta… the he

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo addressing family members and well-wishers over the death of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna ... yesterday.

Until Saturday’s crash in Bayelsa State, the Navy had six of the Agusta A109 helicopters in its fleet. The crashed helicopter, manufactured in Italy, has a rich history behind it

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GUSTA A109 helicopter, Aeronautics Aerostar and Westland Lynx are favourites of the military in many countries. The helicopters, with origins in Italy, Israel and the United Kingdom (UK), have a fair share of the helicopter market in Nigeria.

Of the three helicopter types, the Navy and Air Force have more of Agusta A109 helicopter. The one, which crashed on Saturday in

•An Agusta helicopter

Okoroba, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, is one of the six in the fleet of the air arm of the Nigerian Navy (NN), according to information on the website of the Navy.

The NN is among the largest Navies on the African continent, consisting of several personnel, including those of the Coast Guard.

With the crash, the fleet of the 101 Squadron, which was established in 1985 and based at Navy town, near

Mark, Tambuwal, governors: prob

S

•Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon signing the condolence register at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna ... yesterday.

•Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa (middle) with military officers after inspecting the remains of the victims of the helicopter crash in Yenagoa ... yesterday .

PHOTO: NAN

ENATE President David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have called for a probe into the crash of a naval helicopter, which killed Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser Gen. Owoye Azazi and four others.

They described the accident as tragic and sorrowful.

Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, also lamented the untimely death of their aides in the illfated Navy Chopper in Bayelsa State on Saturday.

He urged aviation experts and the appropriate authorities to ensure that such air disasters are prevented in the future.

He described the duo of the late Yakowa and Azazi as personal friends to him saying; “besides official relationships, they were my personal friends, it is like a double tragedy to me. This is sad.”

He recalled his recent encounter with Yakowa when they both travelled to the Vatican City on a Federal Government delegation to the consistory of Cardinal John Olurunfemi Onaiyekan.

•The late Yakowa Mark described Azazi as one of the finest military officers, who served the nation diligently and meritoriously.

Speaker Tambuwal said the House of Representatives, as part of its over-

Fayemi, Amosun, Dickson, Osh

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•The wife of late Yakowa Mrs, Amina (second right) with visitors at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim in Kaduna ... yesterday.

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and their Enugu State counterpart, Sullivan Chime yesterday mourned the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen Owoye Andrew Azazi in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

Fayemi, in a condolence message, described the death of Yakowa, Azazi and others as a “big tragedy of monumental proportion which hit the nation when least expected.”

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi regretted that the crash happened when the nation was yet to

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

recover from the one involving Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai.

He said: “On behalf of the people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the families of the victims and the governments of Kaduna and Bayelsa states and pray that God will console their families and heal the wounds.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, in a statement by his media aide Uche Anichukwu, described the death of Yakowa and Aziza as a monumental loss to the country.

He said: “It is indeed another sad and shocking event in the annals of our nation and I pray that never again should such disaster befall our land.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

3

NEWS DEATH OF YAKOWA, AZAZI, OTHERS

he helicopter which threw Nigeria into mourning

•Interior of the helicopter

Ojo, Lagos and operated AgustaWestland Lynx helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and SAR operations from the Meko class frigate, is down by one. For quite sometimes, the Squadron operates Agusta 109 Helicopters from Warri Naval Base on anti-smuggling and oil protection duties.

The country originally bought three; one was lost in 2007 and two more were commissioned in 2009.

The AgustaWestland AW109 is a light-weight, twin-engine, eightseat multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer Agusta Westland. First flown as the Agusta A109 in 1971, the craft has proven itself in light transport, medevac, search-and-rescue, and military roles.

In the late 1960s, Agusta designed the A109 as a single-engine commercial helicopter. It was soon

realised that a twin-engine design was needed and it was re-designed in 1969 with two Allison 250-C14 turboshaft engines. A projected military version (the A109B) was not developed and the company concentrated on the eight-seat version the A109C.(1) The first of the three prototypes made its maiden flight on August 4, 1971. Due to a protracted development that followed, the production of the first

nors: probe crash of Yakowa’s, Azazi’s chopper

•The late Azazi sight functions, would liaise with aviation authorities to conduct diligence checks on all military and civilian aircraft flying in the country in order to ascertain their air worthiness and to

prevent future mishap.

Speaking through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal said he felt so sad and heartbroken about the incident.

He said: “It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that Nigerians are waking up to the reality of another air disaster which has claimed lives in the country yet again. I mourn the loss of the fine gentlemen aboard the Navy helicopter and pray to God to give our nation the fortitude to bear the loss.”

The NGF urged the aviation authorities to work harder at making flying safer and easier, adding that relevant authorities must periodically overhaul and maintain equipment.

It hailed the directive by the Presidency to probe the crash.

In a statement by their chairman who is the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, the governors said: “We are pleased that the President has ordered an investigation into the accident. While we await the outcome of the investigation, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and associates of our departed patriots at this trying time.

“We hope the aviation authorities will work harder at making flying safer and easier in our country. We also urge the relevant authorities to periodically overhaul and maintain our law enforcement facilities and equipment.

“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, hereby commiserates with the families of Governor Patrick Yakowa, General Andrew Azazi their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Mohammed Kama; and the pilots, Murtala Daba and Adeyemi Sowole, who died in Saturday’s illfated helicopter crash.

“We also condole with the people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States over this tragic incidence that has again thrown our country into mourning.

“It is unfortunate that these six distinguished and remarkable Nigerians passed on at a time our country needed their invaluable services most. Their exit is no doubt a monumental loss to our nation.

“We pray God to give the families of the departed, and indeed all Nigerians, the fortitude to bear this great loss. May the soul of these great sons of our country, Nigeria, rest in perfect peace.”

aircraft was not completed until April 1975. Delivery of production machines started in early 1976. The aircraft soon became a success and was soon used for roles other than as a light transportation, including as an air ambulance and searchand-rescue. In 1975, Agusta returned again to the possibility of a military version and trials were carried out between 1976 and 1977 with five A109As fitted with Hughes Aircraft TOW missiles.

Two military versions were then developed - one for light attack or close support and the other for naval operations.

Fuselages of A109 are made by PZL-Œwidnik. In June 2006, the 500th fuselage was delivered by this manufacturer, marking 10 years of co-operation between the two companies.

The sale of the Agusta A109 to the Belgian armed forces in 1988 gave rise to a bribery scandal when it was alleged the company had given the Belgian socialists over 50 million Belgian francs to get the sale. This scandal led to the resignation and conviction of NATO Secretary General Willy Claes.

The Agusta A109 was renamed the AW109 following the July 2000 merger of Finmeccanica S.P.A. and GKN Plc’s respective helicopter subsidiaries Agusta and Westland Helicopters to form AgustaWestland.

In August 2008, Scott Kasprowicz and Steve Sheik broke the roundthe-world speed record using a factory-standard AgustaWestland Grand, with a time of 11 days, seven hours and two minutes. The A109S Grand is also the fastest helicopter from New York to Los Angeles.

The military in countries such as Algeria, Albania, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chile, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, South Africa and Philippines also use the Agusta series helicopter.

I’m devastated, says Tinubu

F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said he is devastated by the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Owoye Azazi.

Tinubu, who was at the Ikoyi home of the former NSA yesterday, promised to stand by his widow.

He said: “I am still devastated like all of you about his death, but you must take heart and trust God on this.” The widow, who responded with nods, could hardly hold back tears. Tinubu wrote in the condolence register: “ Your tragic departure gives us all a cause to pause. The pain of your death remains, but rest in peace.” in a statement, the media office of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)National Leader described the crash as a calamity.

The statement reads: “A calamitous season seems upon us as a country and the helicopter crash that killed the governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and Owoye-Azazi is both sad and devastating for us as a people.

“My first reaction was disbelief and as the crash was confirmed, my doubts about the tragedy was replaced with overwhelming sadness and prayers for the souls of the departed and for our country, Nigeria”.

On the late Yakowa, he said: “He was a forthright politician; a reliable individual and a fighter for peace and development”.

Tinubu said of the late NSA: “He told the ruling party to look in the mirror. He spoke the bitter truth about the precarious security situation of Nigeria.

Shortly after, he was removed.

Yet, he remained dedicated to working for the Nigerian project.

“The Azazi that I know has never and will always refuse to compromise military integrity to protect our democratic value. He demonstrated his commitment to be loyal to friends and country in particular and believed in the supremacy of people’s democracy over dictatorship. He was a detribalised Nigerian. Nigeria has lost a great man and he will be missed by all those that know him and worked with him”.

son, Oshiomhole, Uduaghan, Chime mourn Kaduna governor, ex-NSA “I send heartfelt condolences to Nigerians, especially to the families of the deceased and the government and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States.”

Amosun, in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, said: “Through dedicated leadership and pursuit of peace, Mr Yakowa contributed immensely to the development of Kaduna State within a short space of time. He was an embodiment of commitment, humility and selfless service.”

Chime condoled with the governments of Kaduna and Bayelsa states and the families of the late Yakowa and Gen. Azazi.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Chuks Ugwoke,

Chime said: “As a peace agent who ensured peaceful co-existence among adherents of different faiths, Governor Yakowa served his people with commitment and was an embodiment of humility and selfless service which brought about huge development in Kaduna State.

“On his part too, Gen. Azazi (rtd) was a dutiful and gentleman officer and a statesman who served his people and nation with diligence and integrity.”

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said: “I received with great shock, news of the death of my brother Governor, Mr Patrick

Yakowa and General Owoye Azazi in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

“I wish to convey the deepest condolence of the people and Government of Edo State as well as my personal commiseration to the families of the victims.

“Yakowa’s death is not only a great loss to the good people of Kaduna State whom he served so devotedly but also to the nation. He was a man of peace as his administration has ensured relative peace and stability in Kaduna despite the initial hiccups he faced.

“His passion and pride with which he embarked on the Kaduna renewal project has been most endearing.

“His contributions at several fora, including the Governors’ Forum, were invaluable. He always came up with pan-Nigeria ideas to help move the nation forward.”

On Gen. Owoye Azazi, Oshiomhole said: “I had a very cordial and fruitful relationship with Gen. Azazi. In all my dealings with him, he came across as a detribalised Nigerian who had a burning passion for the country.

“Azazi was an epitome of the saying: ‘an officer and a gentleman’ because despite his very senior rank in the Army and his position as NSA, he was very humble and unassuming.

“The death of these two fine

gentlemen at this point is a colossal loss to the nation. We cannot question God. We, however, pray that He lays His consoling hands on the families of the victims and grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed.”

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan described the death of Yakowa, Gen. Azazi and others as devastating, saying: “I am still in shock.”

Uduaghan said that it was a big blow to the country, given the caliber of the people involved.

He said: “This is so sad and painful. It is devastating not just to me as an individual, but to our collective being as a nation.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

NEWS Yakowa, Azazi: Puzzles in military circles over crash Continued from page 1

bre of personalities involved, there is a strong case to assume, just assumption for now, that something beyond mechanical error triggered the crash.”

The aircraft, which is believed to be one of those attached to the Chief of Naval Staff, crashed on its way from Okoloba. On board with the duo were: Dauda Tosho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, Commander Muritala Daba and Lt. Adeyemi Sowole. They were on their way from the funeral of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide Oronto Douglas’ father.

The incident was the topic of discussion in top military circles and at officers’ messes yesterday. Among the puzzles are wther the chopper was gunned down or compromised prior to the fatal trip.

The aircraft was said to have been on aerial reconnaissance operation in the creek when it was redeployed to the service of the former top military brass.

The source said: “They said two or five minutes into the air, the helicopter exploded. We don’t know what happened exactly. Investigation has started now.

“They will soon give us the real story on what actually happened and what really went wrong. There are many rumours. Some allege sabotage.”

The late Yakowa visited his parents’ graves 14 days before his death, it was learnt yesterday.

Yakowa’s widow, Amina, also recounted her last encounter with him as sympathisers, including Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and the wife of the Vice President Amina, visited her.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson was in tears at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa when he went in company of military chiefs to see the bodies of the six victims.

The naval helicopter that the victims flew went up in flame after take-off before crashing into the creek in Tombi Community, Nembe Local Government Area They were in Okoloba, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for the funeral of Chief Obebara Dou-

I

glas, father of Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Strategy and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas.

Recounting his last discussion with the late Yakowa, the President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Ephraim Goje, said the late governor told him on December 1 that he was visiting the grave of his parents for the first time in two years, pointing out that he was using the opportunity of the local government election to do so.

Yakowa’s widow, Dame Amina, said her husband gave her enough reasons to be happy in the 33 years of their marriage. She described his death as an “act of God”.

Goje said: “One of the last encounters I had with him that I will never forget was on December 1, which was his 64th birthday. If you remember, he also conducted the local government elections on that day. At about 1 pm, I called to congratulate him on his birthday and for successfully conducting the local government election.

“He said to me, ‘My President, I am grateful that you have stood by me all these years and for the constant advice you are giving to me.

I am proud to have you as the leader of my people. As I speak with you, I am standing by the graveside of my parents. I have not had the opportunity to come here in the past two years and I am using the opportunity of this election to come to their graveside’.

“He promised to surprise the people of Kaduna State when he presents his 2013 budget and that through the budget, the people would know that he meant business. I told him that ‘wherever your parents are, I am sure that they will be proud to have you as their son, especially rising through the ladder to become the governor’.

“We are also proud of you and your achievements. On Monday, after the election, I went to his village to see him but he had left for Kaduna. I never knew that 15 days later, he would be no more. We are really grieving and sad.”

Goje described Yakowa’s death as a great loss to the people, saying: “The death of Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa came to me as a surprise and

Yakowa for burial Thursday From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

K

ADUNA State Governor Mukhtar Yero yesterday declared a one week mourning.

The late Governor Patrick Yakowa’s remains will be buried on Thursday, he said.

In a state broadcast last night, he announced today as public holiday - to enable the people receive the body of the late Yakowa and his friend, Dauda Tshoho, who also died in the crash.

All national flags are to be flown at half mast. Condolence registers have been opened at the Government House and the Hassan Katsina House.

Local government chairmen are to open condolence registers in their headquarters.

Yero urged the people to accept the sad situation. “We cannot change with total submission to the will of God.”

•Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with one of the children of the late Gen. Andrew Azazi during his visit to his Ikoyi home...yesterday. With them (left) is former Lagos State Commissioner for Information Mr Dele Alake

Dickson weeps at mortuary

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson wept yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre Mortuary in Yenagoa where he went to inspect the bodies of Governor Patrick Yakowa, ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Patrick Azazi and four others who died in Saturday’s helicopter crash.

Dickson, with whom were Service Chiefs and other notable personalities, described the incident as “sad, tragic and an irreparable loss” to the government and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states.

Dickson expressed condolences to President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo. He described the crash as a monumental loss.

He declared a three-day mourning period during which flags will be flown at half mast.

Expressing the readiness of the state to collaborate with the various organs set up by the Federal Government and the Naval Command to unravel the mystery behind the with great shock. I want to say that Kaduna State has lost a great son and a big vacuum has been created. He was a man with a passion to develop Kaduna State. There was no religious or ethnic considerations in his actions and he was dedicated to the development of Kaduna State. Within his brief stay in office, he succeeded in touch-

crash, Dickson said the government would partner with the government and people of Kaduna State to ensure that the right thing is done.

Dickson described Yakowa as “a bridge builder”, who came to Bayelsa State on a visit to strengthen and deepen the bonds of brotherhood and unity, but ended up dying.Of the late Gen. Azazi, the governor said: “For our brother and leader, the the late General Andrew Owoye Azazi, the Chairman of the Bayelsa state Post Flood Management Committee inaugurated two weeks ago, and the Chairman-designate of the Bayelsa State Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC), I really have no word to express the profound sense of loss and tragedy that has befallen the state and our country.

“I am short of words. It is a very terrible tragedy. I pray that God should comfort the bereaved families and good people of Kaduna State.”

ing the lives of everybody in the state.

“We are deeply touched by his sudden exit. I want to say that he tried to surpass everyone before him and he left a mark that will not be easily forgotten. He transformed the Government House and made it a place for serious business and the business of governance.

“For us as a people, Yakowa meant so much because he represented our aspiration to be given the chance to govern the state.

We always agitated for that chance and it finally came with him in the saddle and he was given a four-year mandate. We did not expect that it will be over so soon, Continued on page 63

Yero takes over as Kaduna governor

T was un usually busy yesterday at the Kaduna Government House.

A huge crowd of sympathisers came to pay their last respects to the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa and to witness the inauguration of Mukthar Ramalan Yero as the governor.

At the ceremony were traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians who watched as Chief Judge, Justice Rahila Cudjoe, at about 1.06 pm, administered the oath on Yero.

Yero assured the people of his sincere desire to build on the good foundation laid by the late Yakowa who he referred to as “my boss” and asked for prayers.

Yero said: “It is with heavi-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ness of heart that I make this speech, having just fulfilled a constitutional requirement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The sad event that befell Kaduna State yesterday, Saturday 15th December 2012, is already public knowledge.

“Our amiable governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, has suddenly left us by answering the call of our Creator. Indeed, from Him we all came and to Him we would all, one day, return. In between these periods is the privilege we have to serve humanity.

“We are living testimonies to the fact that our amiable governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, who came, did serve humanity, in various and di-

verse capacities well and suddenly returned to our Creator. His humility, dedication to duty, fairness to all and a sense of humour endeared him to many, near and far, irrespective of religious, tribal or sectional inclinations.

No wonder, he was given a pseudo name of Nakowa.

“The vision of Sir Patrick Yakowa was to secure , unite and develop Kaduna State.

He invested so much on this and started reaping the fruits of his labour. He wished to consolidate and advance on the achievements so far made and hence tagged Kaduna State’s 2013 Budget , which he presented to the Honourable House of Assembly on Thursday 13th , December 2012, As the “budget of con-

solidation and advancement”.

I sincerely desire to build on the good foundation that my boss has laid. I, therefore, covet your prayers for God’s wisdom, guidance and direction.

“I take this opportunity to commiserate with the wife and immediate family of His Excellency, Sir Patrick Yakowa, in particular, members of the Government of Kaduna State and the entire citizens of the state over the sad moment we have found ourselves in. May God in His infinite mercy comfort us all.

I shall later in the day deliver a state wide broadcast to the citizens of Kaduna State when more details of this sad event are known.”

•Yero...yesterday

•The late Yakowa

Soldiers on Kaduna streets

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OLDIERS were out on Kaduna streets yesterday to prevent any outbreak of violence, following the death of Governor Yakowa.

Army spokesperson in Kaduna, Colonel Sani Usman, confirmed the deployment of troops on the streets of the city, which has witnessed a spate of clashes between Christian and Muslim residents that have left scores of people dead this year.

“Security is part of the military routine process to secure lives and property and to ensure that people are able to conduct their legal activities without fear,” Col. Usman told AFP. Kaduna State has also been among the hardest hit by radical Islamist group Boko Haram, which has repeatedly used suicide bombers to attack churches in and around the state capital.

Troops and armoured personnel carriers were patrolling Kaduna city, while some major highways were closed to traffic by soldiers manning checkpoints and roadblocks, a local journalist said, and the usually bustling streets were deserted.

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

5

NEWS Jonathan pledges low rate for agric

ECOWAS court orders Fed Govt to tackle oil spills in N’Delta

By Toba Agboola

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan at the weekend said Nigerian farmers would get a single digit interest rate financing from next year.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who represented the President at a forum on ‘Financing Agriculture in Nigeria, boosting the Real Sector’, held on Victoria Island, Lagos, said the decision was taken during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja last week.

HE said the council devoted a better part of the meeting to the progress reports on the agriculture sector.

“The President said he is committed to making sure that Nigerian farmers in 2013 get a single digit interest rate financing.

“Whether you are a seed company, an agro dealer, a processor or you belong to any unit of the agriculture sector, you will benefit from the facility,” he said.

Employers urged to de-emphasise certificates

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

A

mechanical engineer, Sir Tayo Opanubi, the Chairman of Omotayo College and Omotayo Montessori School, Ogijo, Ogun State, has urged employers to de-emphasise paper qualifications and rate applicants and employees based on performance.

Opanubi, who spoke at the second graduation/valedictory/end of the year party of Omotayo Group of Schools, said it was time the government and Nigerians placed emphasis on performance and de-emphasised certificates.

He said: “For Nigeria to develop and catch up with advanced countries, such as USA, China, Japan, Britain and others, we must focus on technical education. We need technology to support our economy, which is expanding.

“There is nothing wrong with our curricula. Implementation is the problem. We should de-emphasise paper qualifications and rate people using performance as a yardstick. This is the only way we can attain greatness.

“If less emphasis is placed on certificates, examination malpractices will reduce. People should be rewarded based on performance not paper qualification.”

Sir Opanubi, a graduate of the University of Ilorin, said he and his wife, Sarah, a University of Ibadan graduate of Guidance and Counselling, established Omotayo Group of Schools because of their passion for education and to right the wrongs in the educational sector.

He added: “Omotayo Group of Schools has a zero tolerance for examination malpractices.”

At the event, Opanubi gave N10, 000 each to the graduating pupils, who obtained credit and above in five subjects, including English language and Mathematics, to promote academic excellence.

He used the occasion to celebrate his 50th birthday and his wife’s 48th birthday.

From right: Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello; Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; and the celebrant, Prof. Duro Oni, during his 60th birthday celebration and book presentation in his honour at Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos... at the weekend.

PRTT uncovers fresh N20b stolen T pension funds HE Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) said yesterday that it has uncovered another N20 billion stolen pension funds.

The Chairman of PRTT, Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, said the stolen funds were hidden in some dormant accounts in some banks.

Maina also said he wrote a protest letter to Senate President David Mark to explain why he was uncomfortable to appear before the Joint Senate Committee on Establishment, Public Service and State and Local Government probing the management of pension funds.

He said he had not reported the discovered funds to the appropriate authorities because investigation was ongoing.

Said he: “Recently, we dis-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

covered some money hidden in other accounts, apart from the N221 billion we have recovered and sent to the government.

“I did not disclose this earlier because we are still under investigation. The money is over N20 billion.

“The amount has been hidden in some accounts that are dormant for over three years.

“As soon as we get through with our investigation, we will report to the Minister of Finance to instruct the Accountant-General to move the money.”

On the alleged missing N195

billion pension funds, Maina said the Senate committee, which made the allegation, got it wrong.

He said: “The recent noise over N195 billion was wrong.

“In the budget, there is what they call proposed budget, which means what a ministry proposes to spend in a year.

“There is also what they call an envelope; government looks at a ministry and says, we can only give you this amount and whatever is approved goes back to the Accountant- General for them to release what is approved in the envelope.

“Then, somebody is alleging that N195 billion is miss-

ing.

“We, as a task team, are interested in working with the Senate to recover the money because we have the expertise and technical knowledge to go after it and recover it.

“If it is in people’s account, we will recover it and if people stole it, we will find them out.

“We have a track history of doing this. But first, people must understand the difference among proposals, envelopes and releases.”

Lamenting that “all you see and hear is corruption fighting back,” the PRTT boss said: “We’ve not entered the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Ministry of Education and other places. But see how much we have recovered.”

Police charge Immigration boss for false information

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HE police have charged a Chief Superintendent of Immigration, Mr. Unaowo Ime Nta, to court for alleged fabrication of false evidence against the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

According to the Police First Information Report (FIR) filed before the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Zone 6, Abuja, Nta, on May 10, 2010 wrote a petition against the NTDC Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.

He alleged that Runsewe

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

forged some documents to defame some suspended directors in the NTDC. But investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Police Headquarters, proved otherwise.

It was shown that Nta never attended any board meeting at the NTDC and that his complaint could not be substantiated, an offence contrary to Section 157 of the Penal

Code.

The police said the only nexus between the petitioner and the corporation was that he was posted to the corporation to represent the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) as a desk officer.

In the Legal Advice by the Commissioner of Police (Legal/Prosecution) of the FCID and signed by Yahaya Abubakar, an ACP, the police recommended that Nta be charged for false information.

2015: Merger ‘ll solve Nigeria’s political crisis, says Onu

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HE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said the merger talks among opposition political parties are at a critical stage, and will solve Nigeria’s political problems when concluded.

He was answering questions from reporters in Kaduna when he led a delegation of the ANPP leaders, who visited former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on the death of his daughter.

Onu said: “The merger talks are ongoing. By the grace of God, it will be successful. We want to give Nigeria an effective competition in the political arena. We believe that competition, which is good in the social and economic arena, is also good in the political arena.

“We are convinced that

‘MMIA ‘ll accommodate 6,000 passengers when completed’

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

when we have this in the country, we will be better off. Many of the problems that have confronted the nation over the years will be solved. We are hopeful that once we come together and form a government, all the problems will be solved.

I believe nobody is happy about what is happening in the nation today. That is, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and others. These are problems that should not arise. We are sure we will solve these problems.”

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the ANPP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Eneukwu, on the delegation were former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibra-

In the advice obtained by our correspondent, Abubakar said: “The person who alleges must prove in line with sections 135, 136 and 137 of the Evidence Act. But since the complainants’ case can not be substantiated, the police have no option than to charge the complaint/suspect for false information as a deterrent to others of his likes.”

He also directed that a letter be written to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on the development.

THE Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Government to tackle oil spills in the Niger Delta, to protect the environmental human rights of the people.

Justice Ramos, who gave the judgment based on a litigation filed by the Registered Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Federal Government and six oil companies over alleged violation of human rights and associated oil pollution in the Niger Delta, said the Federal Government had stressed in its defence that it had set up the Niger Delta Ministry, given 13 per cent derivation to the area, among others.

But the court held: “It shows that the agencies or ministry established by the Federal Government just exist on paper.”

It urged the Federal Government to be alive to its responsibility as stated in the ECOWAS law and African Treaty.

Justice Ramos faulted Nigeria under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged violation of human rights and oil pollution of the people of the Niger Delta by six oil companies.

He said: “There is no effective monitoring of the volumes of oil spills entering the water system. “The Federal Government has failed to put in place the modalities to protect the fundamental human rights of the oil rich states and have denied them their means of livelihood due to the pollution and this has resulted in poverty.

“The Federal Government has failed in its responsibility to enforce the rules and regulations given to the oil companied operating in the area.”

The court, which was also presided over by other judges from ECOWAS states including Justice Hansine Donli, Justice Alfred Benin, Justice Clotilde Medegan and Justice Eliam Potey, however, dismissed the monetary prayer of $1 billion filed by the plaintiff on the grounds that he did not specify who is going to receive the money among the Niger Delta states and how it will be used.

T •Onu

him Shekarau, former Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Gambo Magaji, National Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Musa Tumsah, National Women Leader, Hajiya Ramatu Tijani, National Financial Secretary, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed and Deputy Chairman, ANPP BOT, Rear Admiral Amosun (rtd).

HE Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, currently undergoing remodelling, will accommodate 6,000 passengers at peak period when completed.

The Regional Manager of South West Airports, Mr. Edward Olalerin, who spoke in Lagos in an interview with aviation correspondents, said the airport has the capacity of 1,000 passengers.

According to him, the remodelling by the Aviation Minister was the best to happen to the industry since the airport was built over 30 years ago.

He said: “With the present facility created, the airport can handle 6,000 passengers, that is, about 10 wide-bodied aircraft if not more.”

The Regional Manager said passenger and cargo movements increased in October compared to October 2011, adding that there was a decline in aircraft movements during the period due to the ban on some airlines after the DANA crash.

“As for passenger movement, in October, in relation to last year, we had 640, 845, which is about 11 per cent increase over last year’s October.

“The cargo figure is as follows: 16,0160542 kg of cargo entered and left the country in October and this happens to be about 25 per cent increase over the figure in 2011. Unfortunately, we have a decrease in aircraft movement.”

6

THE NATION MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2012

NEWS DEATHS OF YAKOWA, AZAZI, OTHERS ACN: their deaths must not be in vain

Buhari postpones 70th birthday T celebration F ORMER Head of State and the National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday expressed shock and a sense of loss on the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi and others.

He described their deaths in an air crash in Bayelsa State on Saturday as a monumental national tragedy.

A statement issued in Abuja by the CPC National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, reads: “Gen.

•Mourns Yakowa, Azazi, others

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Muhammadu Buhari, the National Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), expresses personal grief and a deep sense of loss over the death of the Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, the National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi and others on Saturday in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa

State. This is a monumental national tragedy and Gen. Buhari sees it so.

“For this reason and as a mark of honour to the dead, he has directed that the ceremony marking his 70th birthday scheduled for December 17 at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja be postponed indefinitely.

“He has conveyed his apology to the Chairman of the

occasion, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma and the Guest Speaker, Bishop Matthew Kukah, for the inconveniences caused by this cancellation.

“In the same vein, other guests that have cancelled scheduled engagements to attend the ceremony deserve Gen. Buhari’s apology. A new date shall be announced later.

“This is another difficult time for the nation. It calls for a sober reflection. Gen. Buhari commiserates with the families of the deceased, especially the government and people of Kaduna State on the great loss. May the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

•The new Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Ramallan Yero, being sworn in by the Chief Judge, Justice Rahila Khudjo, at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna... yesterday.

Death tragic, says Balarabe

F

IBB: Yakowa’s, Azazi’s deaths a national calamity

F

ORMER military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has described Saturday’s air crash that led to the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Patrick Owoeye Azazi and four others as a national calamity.

In a personally-signed condolence message to President Goodluck Jonathan, the former Head of State said the deaths of “these patriots have left the heart of the nation bleeding, adding: “This is a big blow to all of us. These deaths are hurting and touch-

From Jide Orintunsin , Minna

ing; conveying a nostalgic feeling each time my mind confirms the story as true.”

Commiserating with President Jonathan, who has just buried his younger brother, Meni, Babangida lamented that the weekend helicopter crash in Bayelsa State and the attendant death of the former governor and NSA was one too many.

Eulogising the duo, he said: “These gentlemen remained patriotic and diligent Nigerians, trying as it were to build bridges of un-

derstanding across the geopolitical divides by exhibiting and sustaining our sense of communalism and brotherliness.”

Babangida, who said he felt a deep sense of personal loss, noted that the duo were distinguished in their callings and helped to consolidate the gains of democracy.

According to the former military leader, “Patrick Yakowa was a complete gentleman, who was not only down to earth but also preached good neighbourliness as one of the fundamental principles of uniting a pluralist country, such as ours.”

Gen. Azazi, the former head of State said, “was a gentleman officer, who put his all in helping to stabilise the polity through patriotic interventions and undertakings. He was frank and blunt. He was one of the finest products of a military profession that has helped to sustain the gains of democracy.”

Gen. Babangida prayed that the departed should find favour in the sight of Allah in the hereafter, adding that He should grant their families and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

Yakowa’s, Azazi’s deaths painful, says Aregbesola

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described the deaths of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) as unexpected, shocking and painful.

Aregbesola, in a statement signed by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the tragic incident has left a sour taste in the mouth of every Nigerian.

He said the sudden passage of Yakowa, Gen. Azazi and their aides in the ill-fated helicopter crash was a national disaster that would remain etched in the consciousness of the nation.

According to the governor, such a tragedy fills every mind with grief, adding that it calls

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said the deaths of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and ex-National Security Adviser Owoye Azazi must not be in vain.

The ACN said only a thorough investigation of Saturday’s military helicopter crash would prevent a recurrence.

The party’s statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, reads: ‘’It is said that every plane crash makes flying safer. That assumes that every such crash is properly investigated and the cause or causes found, disclosed and fed into efforts aimed at averting a recurrence.

“For the military, the crash in 2011 of two of the newlyprocured Chinese fighter jets fits into this pattern, as the cause or causes have not been unravelled, to the best of our knowledge. The crash of another military aircraft, the Nigerian Navy Agusta helicopter, on Saturday must not be allowed to follow this pattern.

“The safety of the flying public as well as our men and women in uniform must be of paramount importance to those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safe air travels, and no stone should be left unturned in ensuring this.”

It said far from the rituals of mourning the victims of such tragedies and ordering a probe, this latest crash must not be allowed to go the way of the previous ones.

ACN said to date, the March 2012 crash of a police helicopter in Jos, in which a Deputy Inspector-General of Police was killed, has yet to be unravelled, neither has the nation been told conclusively what caused the June 2012 crash of a Dana Air MD-83 plane that killed over 159 people, or even the series of deadly plane crashes that occurred prior to those ones.

The party expressed its condolences to the Federal Government, the government and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states, as well as the families of all those who died in the crash.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

everyone, particularly leaders, to duty on the need to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

“Governor Yakowa was an astute politician, a selfless leader, a gentleman and a leader worthy of emulation.

His death probes imagination, dampens morale and strength. His demise will leave a vacuum in the politi-

cal and social life of Kaduna State.

“Gen. Azazi was a fine, intelligent officer. A frank and gentle officer who knew his onions and approached his profession with passion. He was a thoroughbred officer.

“During his service to the country, Azazi was not only an asset to the military, where he served as the Chief of De-

fence Staff before his retirement, he was also an asset to the nation and an intelligent army officer.

“On behalf of myself and the people of Osun, I offer my condolences to the family of Governor Yakowa and the people of Kaduna State; the families of Gen. Aziza and the aides involved in the crash,” Aregbesola said.

Helicopter crash: Fashola expresses shock

L

AGOS State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday cancelled his engagements to mourn the deaths of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Gen. Andrew Azazi. He described their deaths as shocking Recalling his recent encounter with the two men, Fashola said: “It is horrific and I’m horrified not only because of the lives lost or the personalities involved. This is one of

the losses we don’t really need. In my view, this kind of tragedy is avoidable.

“I just begin to reflect on the things Governor Yakowa and I promised to do together. I was supposed to visit him in Kaduna. There were areas he wanted us to cooperate. I saw Gen. Azazi a week ago when we launched the Monopoly Board and he said, ‘look Tunde, we have to see over Christmas’, and I said I would see to it. Now to think that all those things are not going to happen because they have lost their lives in an helicopter crash is horrifying.”

ORMER Kaduna State Governor and Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, yesterday described the death in a helicopter crash of Governor Patrick Yakowa as painful and illtimed.

Balarabe, who spoke with The Nation, said it was unfortunate that the governor died at a time the state was facing insecurity.

He said the state would miss Yakowa, adding: “It is a heavy pain for a governor and even anybody to die such a tragic death. But it is even more harrowing given the worrisome situation in which he left the state.”

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

Speaking further, he said: “For a long time now, the main problem confronting Nigeria and its people has been insecurity of life and property. Unfortunately, Kaduna State has not been left out of the disaster.

Therefore, for a man (Yakowa) who bore the burden with his people to die in such a manner, it is a huge pain.”

Balarabe also mourned the death of ex-National Security Adviser, Gen. Patrick Aziza, who died with others in the crash, describing the entire scenario as a national calamity.

Ajimobi mourns loss of stars

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has mourned the deaths of his Kaduna State counterpart, Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Andrew Azazi. He said in their deaths, the nation has lost some of its brightest stars.

Ajimobi spoke yesterday through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

The governor, who condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan and the people of Kaduna and Bayelsa states, said the loss was significant because the duo were senior citizens, who were important in the effort of the country to overcome its challenges.

While commiserating with the families of the late Kaduna Governor and NSA, Ajimobi said in the death of Yakowa, the Governor’s Forum would miss a man of depth and sagacity, whose contributions to uplifting the forum were remarkable.

NGO canvasses uniform monitoring of aircraft, helicopters

A

NON-government coalition with a focus on aviation safety, the Civil Society Aviation Coalition (CSAC), has canvassed for a uniform monitoring of aircraft and helicopters by the Ministry of Aviation.

It joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Gen. Andrew Owei Azazi (rtd), an aide to the late Kaduna Governor, Mr. Dauda Tsoho, pilots Commander Murtala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole

and a military aide to the late National Security Adviser, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal.

The coalition urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to introduce a legal framework which would compel aircraft and helicopters to come under the supervisory and monitoring purview of the Ministry of Aviation so that Nigeria would maintain a common national aviation safety standards in compliance with the global best practices, to save the country from the embarrassment of incessant helicopter crashes.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

7

NEWS DEATH OF YAKOWA, AZAZI AND OTHERS ‘Phone rang in victim’s pocket’

A

TELEPHONE rang in the pocket of one of the victims of Saturday’s helicopter crash as the bodies were being evacuated, a rescue official said yesterday.

The official, who pleaded not to be named, said most of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

But despite that, a phone rang inside one of the pockets of a victim.

It was later discovered to be that of the late Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa.

He said: “When we brought the body out, we started hearing sounds of phone ringing from the left

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

side of the pocket.

“We later discovered that calls were coming to the phone and it could be from concerned persons but no one answered the call,” the rescue official said.

The rescue officials mostly members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said they were able to discover the site with the help of youths of the community, including the younger brother of Presidential aide Oronto Douglas, whose father’s funeral was attended by the victims.

‘Yakowa was a patriot‘

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HE Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, yesterday described the late Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa as a distinguished administrator and patriot, who served humanity well.

The Emir, who is the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, said Yakowa had “shaped the lives of humanity.’’

“No doubt Yakowa’s death has robbed Kaduna State and the nation of the services of a great patriot and public figure,” he stated in a condolence letter made available to reporters in Kaduna.

According to him, the governor had contributed to the development of the nation, through diligence, hard work and honesty.

He commiserated with the people, urging them to pray for the soul of the deceased.

Also, the Chief of Fadan Kagoma, Kpop Gwong, Zakkah Wyom, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the late governor as a humble and ambitious person, who had great plans for the development of the state.

Former Governor Ahmed Makarfi also urged the people to continue with Yakowa’s legacies, especially his pursuance of peace, stability and development.

Makarfi described the late governor as an honest, committed, hardworking and respected person, who strived towards ensuring the overall development of the state.

Interior Minister: it’s sad

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HE Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, yesterday expressed shock on the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser, Andrew Owoeye Azazi as well as their aides in a Helicopter crash at NembeOkoragba, Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

Moro, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Ubong George, described the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as a painful loss to the entire nation.

Moro noted that the late

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

governor was an intensely patriotic leader, who according to him, exercised genuine leadership throughout his life. He said he stood for that which the country required to progress as a nation.”

Moro also noted with sadness that the former NSA was not only a fine soldier but a highly disciplined officer.

The minister added that the duo would be remembered for their positive contributions to the development of the nation.

Akume mourns Yakowa, Azazi

•Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi (left) , Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Muazu Usman Gangara and the Chief Of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet at the swearing-in of the governor of Kaduna State... yesterday.

Jonathan cancels wife’s thanksgiving

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is yet to get over the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State.

The President has called off his wife’s thanksgiving service.

The event was initially scheduled for yesterday.

Yakowa died with former National Security Adviser, Gen. Patrick Owoye Azazi (rtd).

Others involved in the crash were Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.

The victims were part of the dignitaries at Okoroba in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for the funeral of Pa. Obebara Douglas, father of Mr. Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor ENATE Minority Leader George Akume yesterday commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State on the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa.

Akume, in a statement,also condoled with the family of Governor Patrick Yakowa, Yakowa died while returning from the funeral of the father to the Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation, Pa Douglas, at Tombi, Okoroba Community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He said: “I knew the late Patrick Yakowa personally and I have no hesitation whatsoever to testify that he was a first- class governor, who was committed to the peace and development of Kaduna.

“His untimely death at this hour when his efforts are beginning to yield positive fruits is indeed very sad.

“I also wish to condole with the Bayelsa State Government and family of the former National Security Adviser and the Chairman of Bayelsa State Post-Flood Management Committee, Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi (Rtd), who was among the passengers on board the ill-fated helicopter crash.

“My heartfelt condolences also go to the families of the personal security aides and the pilots of the aircraft.

“The nation will forever miss the services of these two notable patriots who died in the service of our father land.

“May their gentle souls rest in peace.”

S

•Governors support probe directive From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the President on Research and Documentation .

The President, who returned to Abuja on Saturday after attending the annual Holy Ghost Congress organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Friday, was yet to get over the shock of the nation’s loss.

Though he has ordered an iinvestigation into the crash, Jonathan was yet to get over the news.

According to sources in the Presidential Villa, the President was yet to get himself together.

They said: “The news came to him as a big surprise and it has affected him.

“The President right now is in a sober mood.

“For him to have put off his wife’s thanksgiving service programme, which has been announced and invitations sent

out, you will understand how he took the news of the crash.”

Another source said the President may cancel some of his programmes so as to meet with regulators of the sector.

Jonathan, according to the sources, was looking so disturbed, especially when the incident is coming barely two months after another governor, Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State was involved in a plane crash.

Suntai survived the crash and is recuperating in a German hospital.

The President thinks that beside private airlines, there should be a way by which the aviation regulatory bodies could subject the private planes and military ones to proper checks.

The Governors’ Forum has supported the directive of the President that the incident be

investigated.

A statement by the Forum’s Director-General Bayo Okauru, said the governors also urged the aviation authorities to work harder at making flying safer in the country.

The governors called for an overhaul of aviation facilities and equipment.

They said: “We are pleased that the President has ordered an investigation into the accident.

“While we await the outcome of the investigation, our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends and associates of our departed patriots at this trying time.

“We hope the aviation authorities will work harder at making flying safer and easier in our country.

“We also urge the relevant authorities to periodically overhaul and maintain our law enforcement facilities and equipment.”

NLC calls for safety check on aircraft

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday called for safety checks on all aircraft and helicopters operating in the country, including the presidential fleet.

The Congress made the call in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar.

The NLC also called for proper investigation into the cause of the crash.

“While we condole with the families of those who died in this crash, we urge the Federal Government to probe the cause of this crash.

“We also reiterate our call for a thorough safety check on all aircraft, in-

•Says Yakowa was workers-friendly

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

cluding helicopters, private jets as well as the Presidential fleet because it is obvious that the appropriate air safety authorities have not done enough in their statutory functions.

“We also call for a serious and deep review of the country’s search and rescue system as we seem not to have the right equipment for quick response to emergencies of this magnitude.

“It was reported that the scene was difficult to locate after the crash. Possibly, some or all the victims could have been saved if our search and rescue system

had the right equipment and personnel.”

The statement lamented the loss of the victims and eulogised the late governor.

“This is not just a shocking occurrence but a devastating incident as Governor Yakowa is one of the best governors in Nigeria.

“Yakowa governs a state considered one of the most turbulent but has been able to manage the state despite several internal contradictions.

“He was clearly in charge as he demonstrated unequalled competence in his handling of the challenges facing the state.

“He was worker=friendly

•Omar and saw workers as one of the key pillars and driving force of government.”

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

8

CITYBEATS

‘Mainland Library not abandoned’

By Adeola Ogunlade

PRESIDENT of Mainland Youth Movement Comrade Amodu Shehu has urged the Lagos State government to facilitate the rehabilitation and reopening of the Lagos Mainland Library to enhance youth education.

Shehu, who spoke at the just concluded Youth Week of the group with the theme: “Empowering Youth and Transforming the Community,” said the indefinite closure of the library was not in the youth’s interest.

He decried the neglect of the library by the Lagos Mainland Local Government in developing the greatest asset that belongs to it.

“We must state categorically that the local government administration has compromised our educational standard on the mainland by closing down the library indefinitely,” he said.

Shehu added: “What we now see in the library, which has moulded the future of many youth, is artisans working at the front of the library and clothes being spread on its gate as if it was a laundry. And the walls are dilapidated.

Whenever it is open the few books left have become obsolete. Chairs and tables have become antiquities. Rather than serve as a place to acquire knowledge it is serving another purpose.”

Supervisor for Education in the council, Oguniyi Oladimeji said efforts were being made to re-open the library.

The council had not abandoned the library, but is conducting a survey on the library to know whether it needs renovation or reconstruction.

PUBLIC NOTICE RAHEEM I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Raheem Hawa Idowu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olakunle Hawa Olanrewaju. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

NAFDAC seizes N10m products

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off C.J Frankline Ltd, at Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos for allegely violating the agency’s rules. The firm was to have imported, distributed and sold regulated products without NAFDAC’s registration and approval.

Acting on a tip- off NAFDAC’s Enforcement Di-

•Erring firm sealed off rectorate officials accompanied by security operatives visit ed the company where the N10million worth of products were confiscated.

NAFDAC’s Director of Enforcement Mr. Garba Mcdonald told reporters that the seized products were chemical components such as

Xtreme fuel treatment and Tahitian Noni, a liquid dietary supplement.

He said the chemical was brought into the country without permit, while the supporting documents for importing the dietary supplement had expired, adding that these constituted a violation of

NAFDAC’s regulations.

Mcdonald rejected the company’s excuse that it did not know it needed NAFDAC’s permit to bring in and distribute the chemicals.

The agency accused the firm of trying to cut corners for its own benefit.

The offending products have been evacuated from the company’s warehouse for further investigations.

•From left: Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Babatunde Akiolu, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola, Managing Director, Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola and Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of infrastructure for Lagos Island Municipal Transport Service (LMTS)

Fashola unveils plan for motorcyclists

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O V E R N O R Babatunde Fashola has plans to improve the lot of commercial motorcyclists aka Okada, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB) Olawumi Gasper, has said.

He told reporters at the opening of the second batch of capacity-building scheme organised for 2000 artisans by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in conjunction with LASTVEB that there is something better such people could do instead of riding motorcycles.

The free training, which will last for eight weekends, is geared towards certifying artisans and enthroning sanity in the existing workforce.

"Instead of riding Okada, there is something better that has been designed for them. They can learn a trade, earn decent living and be more respectable," he said, urging artisans and all those interested to buy into the Lagos State Tradesmen and Artisans Empowerment Programme (LASTAEP).

He said about N960 billion

•Okada riders to train as artisans

By Segun Balogun

was lost annually to the patronage of foreign artisans, who have taken over the jobs in Nigeria at the expense of their local counterparts.

"We recognise that our artisans are not appreciated because they have issues of integrity, poor workmanship but this training would lead to a certification.

"Eventually, artisans in Lagos would possess a certificationthe Blue, Green, and Red Seals - that would tell the level of job they can handle. So, when an artisan carries a Red Seal, you can be assured he is a master. The blue and green seals stand for entry and intermediate levels.

"I will advise Nigerians to start encouraging local artisans. We are not happy with their services now but government is now serious in ensuring they deliver quality ser-

vices. As government is doing this, we need the public to also help by patronising them."

The training, according to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Wale Raji, is one of the three components of LASTAEP. The other two components, the equipment acquisition and insurance welfare schemes, will begin in 2013.

A participant, 59-year-old Sunday Adesoye Oderinde, who has been a shoemaker for almost 40 years, described the training as the "ladder to the next level."

"If a contractor gets a job, he will go to Ghana, Cotonou, or Togo to bring artisans. This bothers our governor and he wants to eradicate it. Local artisans are struggling to survive but foreign ones are flourishing in Nigeria.

"Look at the shoe market, importation has taken away our market. Our problem is

poor finishing and we will learn how to package our products to international standard so that opportunities to export them can be explored," Oderinde said, adding: "I want to advise the Federal Government to support local artisans with the right training, exposure, and equipment as the Lagos State Government is doing but most importantly, the Federal Government should ban importation of goods that can be produced locally."

Tajudeen Muibi, the General Secretary of Lagos State Council of Artisan and Tradesmen, said, "We are very happy with Governor Fashola because this training has enhanced our productivity.

"I have not gone through the training, but we can see the improvement it has brought for those who have undergone training. They were not computer-literate before but many of them can now use computers. They have new ethics of dealing with customers and marketing their products."

Residents, police strategise on security

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O fewer than 500 hoodlums were arrested in Orile Iganmu, a Lagos suburb, last year before peace was restored in the area, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Trade Fair Police Station, Robinson Eregare, a Superintendent (SP), has said.

Eregare, who was DPO of Sari-Iganmu Police Station, urged residents to corporate with the police to ensure security of life and property.

He spoke at a seminar on community policing, organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), themed: “Securing our environment.”

Security, he said, was everybody's business because the police could not do

By Wale Adepoju

it alone, adding that collaboration would make the community safer as it was when he was DPO there.

Community policing, he said, was necessary because policemen are humans and cannot be everywhere at the same time. "The police need useful information and a clear assistance from the community to arrest criminals," he added.

Eregare urged residents not to entertain fear as information given to the police would not be leaked to unauthorised persons, adding that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar had mandated his men to re-

spond quickly to distress calls.

He identified poor road, lack of good education or upbringing, unemployment and bad parenting as some of the factors encouraging crime.

The community and the police, he said must collaborate to rid the community of criminals.

A landlord in the community, Reverend Zedekiah Omoregha, said crime rose in the area in recent times because of socio-economic reasons. "The robbers don't come at night again they come at 6:00 or 7:00pm with all kinds of weapons to rob from one house to another and in the process creating unnecessary panic," he said.

Ladipo traders seek election SOME traders of Ladipo Spare Part Market, Mushin, a Lagos suburb, have urged Mushin Local Government, to facilitate the conduct of an election to bring them together.

They made the appeal to the local government chairman, Mr. Olatunde Adepitan, at the weekend, during a protest at the council secretariat.

Their spokesman, Mr. Madu Ejike, said a credible and acceptable leadership would end the lingering feud which has robbed the council of its due revenue from the market.

Ejike said elections had not been held since the former executive, under the chairmanship of Mr. Jonathan Okoli completed its two-year mandate in 2009.

He said: “The traders drafted the constitution of the market to give twoyear tenure to executive members of the traders’ association,” saying that nature abhors vacuum.

He urged the state, local government and security officers, to initiate the election process.

Alleged $300,000 theft: Police arraign impostor

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A 54-YEAR-OLD man has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court in Lagos for allegedly impersonating Ayoola Gbadebo, to dupe an information technology (IT) consultant of $300, 000.

Oladejo Mufutau, is standing trial for allegedly stealing, forgery and obtaining under false pretence before Magistrate A.A. Adefulire.

Prosecuting Inspector Marcus Okon said Mufutau with others at large on April 23, at Okota, a Lagos suburb, conspired and stole money belonging to Dr. Walid V. Namro.

He said the defendant forged a driver's license bearing Ayoola Gbadebo, to operate an Access Bank Account with number 0037063735.

The defendant, he said, obtained the money under the pretence of procuring a contract for data base for the complainant despite knowing that the claim was false.

According to Okon, the offence contravened Sections 409, 285, 360(1) and 312(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Mufutau pleaded not guilty and was granted N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum

by Magistrate Adefulire.

The case was adjourned till January 23, 2013 for mention.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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NEWS 10 people get BAT scholarship •Firm pledges support for agricultural initiative From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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HE management of the British American Tobacco (BAT) at the weekend pledged to continue to support the Federal Government’s initiative on agriculture through the provision of “strategic input”.

The Demand Chain General Manager of BAT Nigeria, Mr. Hugo Norman, spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the ninth BAT Nigeria Scholarship Award.

The 10 beneficiaries of the award were given a cheque of N120,000 each.

Norman urged stakeholders to support the government’s effort to restore agriculture to its leading position as a critical sector.

He said the time has come for subsistence farms to be expanded into large-scale mechanised farms.

Norman said this would ginger agricultural practitioners to design and implement sustainable methods to revolutionise the sector.

He said: “BAT Nigeria has made a firm corporate commitment to support the growth of Nigeria’s economy in various ways, including agricultural development.

“The time for self-sufficiency has come and the need to attain food security cannot be over-emphasised.

Across many nations, a combination of factors, such as agricultural productivity, increase in population and decline in the economy, threaten food security.

“Nigeria, as the giant of Africa, is endowed with immense human and natural resources. These, coupled with efficient methods of food production, present a huge potential for Nigeria to grow its agricultural sector, feed its rapidly growing population and reduce its reliance on imported food.

“BAT drives schemes devoted to building a generation of well-educated agricultural entrepreneurs.

We provide financial and technological support to young Nigerians, who are passionate about agriculture.

“We are also enabling rural Nigeria to use improved technologies and modern management approaches that help ensure farm profitability and sustainable resource use.”

Commissioner for Agriculture Mr. Peter Odetomi urged the beneficiaries to take good advantage of the award.

Odetomi said: “I am glad to be part of this year’s BAT Nigeria award. It is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative to promote skilled manpower development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”

The Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, BAT Nigeria, Mrs. Oluwasoromidayo George, said the beneficiaries distinguished themselves in their different fields.

•From left: Governors’ wives, Mrs. Oluwakemi Mimiko (Ondo), Mrs. Yemisi Suswan (Benue), Dame Abimbola Fashola (Lagos) and Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun at the 2012 Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), held at the Redemption Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway...at the weekend.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Alaafin tackles Ooni on Yoruba history

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HO is the custodian of Yoruba history?

The controversy resurfaced at the weekend with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, accusing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, of distorting the facts.

The Alaafin broke his silence following a comment made by the Ooni during the centenary anniversary celebration of the Oranyan Festival.

Oba Sijuade had, during the memorial anniversary of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo at the MUSON Centre in Lagos, said the Alaafin had no connection with Oranyan and was not qualified to celebrate him (Oranyan).

Oranyan was one of the sons of Oduduwa.

The Ooni said the Alaafin was presiding over a dead empire.

Alaafin alleged that the Ooni described him as a rascal and not Oranyan, during the celebration, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life within and outside the country.

He spoke at the weekend during the special birthday lecture organised in his honour by City People magazine, entitled: "Reviving the Old Oyo Customs and Tradition".

The lecture was delivered by a Portuguese national, Ms

•City People honours Oyo monarch From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Paula Gomes (the Alaafin's Cultural Ambassador).

Oba Adeyemi said the Ooni had a tradition of distorting history out of ignorance of the details of his ancestral roots.

He said he decided not trade words with the Ooni after former President Olusegun Obasanjo summoned him; the Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Oyebade Lipede and the Ooni to a meeting where everyone agreed to a truce.

Justifying his reaction, the Alaafin said it was proper "to recall history, educate the Ooni and let the world know the truth" because Oba Sijuade continues to castigate him and his traditional activities.

Making reference to series of documentary evidence, the Alaafin insisted Oyo was superior to Ife. He said: "From where did this Yoruba Language that we are speaking evolve?

Which language was used in writing the Bible? It is Oyo language. Why not Ife language? Where else are they speaking Ife language apart from Lagere Quarters? Why are the Modakeke people, who are living behind Ife,

not speaking Ife language?"

The Alaafin said Ooni could not answer the questions he posed to him in the past, including the ones at the parley brokered by Obasanjo, "instead, he came with books that could fill three baskets".

He said: "In 2009, Ooni had undermined the institution of the Alaafin, but a year after when he was celebrating his birthday, he said Oranyan was his father's ancestor.

"How could you have denigrated your ancestors and later claim that you are a son of the Alaafin. Anybody who does not know his ancestral roots, who did not strive to learn about it and does not learn from those who know will continue to make mistakes and flounder in ignorance. That is part of Ooni's inadequacies.

"When we wanted to celebrate Sango, they said Sango was not Yoruba. Sango studied the Quran. He was the one that was first conferred with the title of 'Akeugberu'. He was the first in the art of adjudicating justly. When he was born, the umbilical cord that joined him with his mother could not be severed. Because they pulled it and it would not cut, it became the name 'Afonja'.

The glory, success and tradition of Yoruba started from Oyo." He added that Oyo State, during the administration of the late Chief Bola Ige, came up with a gazette recognising the Oranyan as the head of the princes and princesses in Yorubaland, and that Oyo dominated all other nations, namely: Ife, Ijebu, Egba, Ijesa, Sabe, Owu and so on.

Alaafin said: “When Messrs Richard Lander and McPherson visited Oyo Ile in 1827, they concluded that what they saw in Oyo Ile in terms of historical structures and the rich cultural heritage was superior compared to what obtained in the old European world.”

He cautioned the Ooni against "further distortion of historical facts", which he said his (Oba Sijuade's) predecessor, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, did not do.

The Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof.

Isaac Albert, said: "The university is proud to associate with the Alaafin, who turned 74 on October 15, "being our able and reputable patron, who epitomises the rich African cultural heritage and is an inspiration to all of us."

Oyo speaker, ACN chieftain felicitate with Ajimobi at 63

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YO State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu and members of the seventh Assembly have felicitated with Governor Abiola Ajimobi on his 63rd birthday.

In a message by his media aide, Mrs. A. Balogun, the Speaker described Ajimobi as

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

an extraordinary Nigerian, who believes in sustainable growth.

She said: “Our amiable governor, you are a man of legacy, integrity, uprightness, forthrightness, honesty and conscientiousness. Oyo State

is witnessing great transformation during your time.

“I wish you many more years of service to humanity and growth of the pace setter state.”

The speaker prayed that God will grant Ajimobi good health and wisdom to manage the affairs of the state.

A chieftain of the Action Con-

Association sacks executive

HE five-man caretaker committee of the Animo Timber Buyers’ Association in Ondo State was at the weekend dissolved.

In a statement, Mr. Innocent Obaji (Owo), Mr. Ozoemena Ughauze (Ogbese), Mr. Ndubuisi Nnamani (Akure) and Mr. Linus Okafor, who spoke on behalf of members of the association, said: “The caretaker committee, Chief Stephen Okeke, a former chairman of the association and member of the board of trustees, held office for more than seven years without holding any election after the expiration of the first tenure.

Members of the committee

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

elongated their tenure against the constitution.

“They also merged the association’s purse with that of its Ekiti State chapter without the knowledge and approval of the general meeting.

“No section of our constitution empowers the trustees, patrons, executive committee members or the general meeting to enter into any alliance or fusion with the Animo Timber Buyers’ Association in Ekiti State or any other organisation.

“The committee refused to render accounts throughout its

period in office. When some members demanded it, they were threatened and intimidated. The association makes millions of naira on the daily sale of tickets and the matter is now a subject of investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“At the recent general meeting of the association, Okeke, Anthony Okafor, Emmanuel Nwatu, Lawrence Onwurah and Albert Anizoba were removed from office. The Interim Secretary of the committee was mandated to write a letter to them intimating them of the development and directing them to handover the association’s property under their care.”

gress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Otunba Niyi Adeagbo, also congratulated Ajimobi.

He prayed for long life and prosperity for the governor.

Adeagbo described him as “a visionary leader”, who has transformed Oyo and impacted positively on the lives of the people within a short period.

He thanked residents for supporting the governor’s efforts to improve the state.

Ekiti to honour 20 people

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WENTY people will be honoured at the 2012 Ekiti State Merit Award on Thursday.

The award will hold at the Lady Jibowu Hall of the Government House, Ado-Ekiti, by 5pm.

The event is to reward Ekiti sons and daughters, who have distinguished themselves in their various fields, as well as non-indigenes, who have contributed to the state’s development.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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NEWS

Fayemi: politics won’t influence our projects •Monarch gets Instrument of Office

A COMMUNITY leader in Ise-Ekiti, Headquarters of Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr. Bayo Babalotin, has distributed over 20,000 branded exercise books to pupils of the 51 public primary schools in the council.

At a ceremony held at St, Theresa’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School, IseEkiti, Babalotin, who is a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the council, said the gesture was to promote qualitative education, which is one of the programmes on the eight-point agenda of the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration, and assist the parents of the pupils.

Wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, hailed Babalotin and urged people to emulate his gesture.

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has assured residents of even development across the state.

He said political affiliation would not determine the development of any community.

Fayemi spoke at the weekend at the 20th Isan Ekiti Unity Day celebration.

He said his administration would open up the rural areas for rapid development through road construction in 2013.

The governor said good roads would attract investors to the state and provide job opportunities.

He said the Obo-AyegunleKwara boundary road would be rebuilt for easy access from Ekiti to Kwara State.

Fayemi urged residents to live together in peace, irrespective of political or religious differences, and see the state’s development as their responsibility.

He said roads in need of urgent attention are the IsanObo-Ayegunle road, the IsanIlemeso-Kwara border road and the Isan-Ido-Orin road.

The governor pledged to

ACN debunks Tokyo’s claim of working for Ajimobi

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State has challenged the factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (a.k.a. Tokyo) to tell the world, in specific terms, what work he did for Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the 2011 elections as he claims.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, the party said Akinsola was never a card-carrying member of the ACN and did not contribute to Ajimobi’s electoral victory.

ACN said: “As far as we are concerned, Tokyo is just a frustrated man, who is attempting to reap where he did not sow.

He should face his travails headlong in the hands of the state, which had declared him wanted and in the hands of the NURTW, which does not want a remembrance of his satanic leadership of the union. Neither ACN nor Ajimobi are responsible for his woes.

“The people of the state, who sacrificed their all and queued in the scorching sun on the day of the election, are the ones who made sacrifices for the ACN and Ajimobi.

“Tokyo needs to conduct an opinion poll throughout the state to discover that no one wants him to come anywhere near the NURTW. When the name Tokyo is mentioned, he reminds the people of the dark days of bloodshed, when life was nasty, brutish and short.

He belongs to a forgotten era that God will never inflict on us again.

“We want Akinsola to be specific on what he claims to have done for the ACN and Ajimobi. From what we gathered, ACN did not win in Akinsola’s ward or even in his polling booth. We are not even sure he voted on the election day. So how did he help Ajimobi win the election? How did he work for Ajimobi?”

Community leader donates books to pupils

• Fayemi presenting the Instrument of Office to Oba Adeleye-Oni. With them is the monarch’s wife, Olori Clara and government officials ... at the weekend.

adhere strictly to the decision of building 5km roads in each local government annually.

Also at the weekend, Fayemi presented the Instrument of

Office and Staff of Authority to the Oniye of Iye-Ekiti, Oba Agboola Adeleye-Oni. Fayemi praised the process that led to the monarch’s

emergence, explaining that it was devoid of politics and manipulation.

He urged the monarch to use his office to serve the

people diligently.

Fayemi said a General Hospital would be built in IyeEkiti and assured the people of the provision of basic social amenities.

Ekiti CJ grants murder suspects bail

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HE prime suspect in the murder of Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, Chief Dayo Orojo, was at the weekend granted bail “on compassionate grounds” by the Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

It was learnt that Lekan Olatawura, a lawyer, pleaded the bail with Justice Daramola, who was at the Prisons on a routine visit.

Olatawura said the chief’s “worsened health” had conditioned him to depend on the support of others to move about.

The late Mrs. Adewumi (70)

•Victim’s family expresses confidence in the Judiciary From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

was beaten to death on May 11 for allegedly using witchcraft to afflict her stepson, the late Ola Adewumi, with a strange ailment. Ola died a few weeks after Mrs. Adewumi was killed.

Orojo, a chief and the head of Ilisa Quarters in Omuo-Ekiti, was arrested for his role in the septuagenarian’s murder.

The late Ola’s mother, Mrs. Adesola Adewumi and sister,

Feranmi Abe were also arrested.

The three suspects were remanded in prison on September 4.

Justice Daramola granted them N200,000 bail each and a surety each in like sum.

The CJ also released 27 awaiting trial inmates and granted bail to four other suspects.

On December 4, Justice Oluwatoyin Bodunde of the

State High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, denied the three murder suspects bail and ordered that they be remanded in prison custody until January 17.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the family of the late Mrs. Adewumi, Mr. Gabriel Omokanju, told reporters that they had confidence in the Judiciary.

Omokanju said, so far, the Judiciary has handled the matter well.

He said the granting of bail to the suspects should not be seen as a plan to subvert justice.

‘Adetiloye had premonition of his death’

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HE retired Primate and Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye, who died on Friday, had a premonition of his death, it was learnt at the weekend.

The chaplain attached to him, Rev. Stephen Olukinni, said before the cleric died, he kept on saying his time was near.

Recalling the late Bishop Adetiloye’s last moments, Rev. Taiwo said: “Baba called me two months ago and said God told him his time was up.

“He said he appealed to God to give him more time, as he had plans to build another chapel.

That day, he gave me some money, a large amount, to start the foundation of the chapel.

“Last Thursday morning, Baba sang his favourite song, The faith of our father living still.

After singing, he asked me to write out the four stanzas of the song.

“When I gave it to him, he said he was praying to God to allow him the grace to witness the Barbington Carol slated for the next day (last Friday), which is a yearly service of songs conducted by the church.

“I was afraid and replied that he would see it. He then concluded, saying ‘the will of God be done’. I think Baba knew quite well he was going to die.

•’His humility was legendary’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

“I remember another funny thing that happened that Thursday around 9pm. Mr. Sunday Adeloye, Mrs. Yemi Omoniyi and I prayed with Baba while we were preparing to leave for the day.

“After we finished, I said good night to him. He shook my hand and said good bye.

When I was about to leave the room, he called me and I went back to him. He said he just wanted to say to me and smiled. I then replied ‘good bye’ and went out.”

Rev. Taiwo said the late cleric’s humility was “legendary”.

He said: “He was the most humble person I ever met. He never greeted people lying or

sitting down. Even when making phone calls, he would still stand up.

“I recall a day, about two weeks ago, when he said I should phone the governor. I dial his calls for him. Immediately the phone started ringing, Baba stood up. The governor was not around to respond to the call, but when he called back later, Baba stood up.

There were so many instances like that.”

On the deceased’s likes and dislikes, Rev. Taiwo said he loved to pray.

He said: “He used to pray all the time. You cannot tell when he would not be praying. It is common to find him praying.

He also loved music. He would sing to himself and listen to music tunes played for him

•The late Archbishop Adetiloye

electronically or physically.

“The Bishop loved children.

Baba could not afford to see any child suffer. Generally, he was a kind person. In his words, Baba said he likes prayer, faithfulness and truthfulness. He hated lies. He used to say lying lips are evil.”

Police urge kidnappers to free Rotimi’s wife

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HE Oyo State Police Command yesterday urged the abductors of Mrs. Titilayo Rotimi, wife of the former Governor of the Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, to free her.

Mrs. Rotimi was kidnapped in front of her haulage company, AOP Logistics Limited, on the New Ibadan-Ife Expressway at about 6:30pm last Monday.

The command had since launched a manhunt for her.

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) are handling the investigation.

Ten suspects, mostly workers at her company, have been quizzed on the kidnap.

Police spokesman Mr. Ayodele Lanade appealed to the abductors to free Mrs. Rotimi.

Lanade urged residents to volunteer information that can lead to the business woman’s rescue.

He said Ibadan is a peaceful city and assured residents of security.

Ondo laments incessant crashes on Akoko road From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE Ondo State Government has lamented the incessant loss of lives on the AkungbaIkare Road in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area.

Commissioner for Works Adegboye Adegbenro said in the last six months, over 50 people, including the former council Chairman, Mrs. Opeyemi Adefarati, have died on the road.

Adegbenro spoke while inspecting the road. He said even though the road belonged to the Federal Government, the state government could not fold its arms and watch people die on a daily basis.

Adegbenro said: “We are considering our options on how to curb accidents involving heavy trucks in hilly areas, such as Oke Alabojuto in Ikare, Oke Oka in Oka and Oke Akungba in Akungba.

“Although these roads are owned by the Federal Government, we cannot fold our arms and watch people die on them on a daily basis. Our government has decided to find a lasting remedy to these terrible spots.”

“We are considering redesigning the road or creating alternative routes to avoid the hilly areas. We are looking at the possibility of reducing the K-valley. We acknowledged that for us to reduce the valley, we will be moving from about 15 per cent to 5.5 per cent and considering the issue of the water level from Owo to Ajowa-Akoko, which is very high.

“We will have to resort to an underground drainage system, which is very costly and we must have value on every project.”

The commissioner said the government has concluded arrangements to begin the dualisation of the 2.5km Ikare-Akoko road.

He said majority of ongoing road projects would be completed before next February.

Adegbenro said the projects were being executed according to specification and standard engineering practice.

He said the roads would have no cause for repair in the next 25 years.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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NEWS Fire razes Owerri monarch’s palace From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A FIRE yesterday razed the second floor of the palace of the paramount ruler of Owerri, the Imo State capital, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze.

It reportedly destroyed property worth several millions of naira.

The fire was said to have started early yesterday morning, according to an eyewitness.

It was learnt that the fire was caused by an electrical fault.

The eyewitness said the fire destroyed the second floor of the storey building.

The youths in the area were said to have tried to save some of the monarch’s property but the fire quickly spread to all parts of the building, making it difficult for them to save anything from the floor.

Governor Rochas Okorocha and other top government officials visited the scene and commiserated with Eze Njemanze and his family.

Security operatives invade Punch reporter’s home T HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the alleged assault, harassment, invasion of the fundamental rights and of the Punch correspondent in Enugu State, Mr. Ozioma Ubabuko, on Saturday night.

The incident reportedly occurred at 11pm when men, who allegedly claimed to be security operatives, invaded his home.

Ubabuko said the suspected State Security Service (SSS) men blocked him at the entrance of his home near Trans-Ekulu, in Enugu.

He said they entered his car and asked him to surrender his phones and laptop.

•NUJ condemns action

From Chris Oji, Enugu

The reporter said his assailants warned him not to write any story for his newspaper that night.

Ubabuko said the suspected SSS operatives entered his room, confiscated his laptop and held him hostage till early hours of Sunday before they left.

In a statement by its VicePresident in the Southeast,

Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ noted that the action of the men was not only barbaric but also a clampdown on the media.

The statement said: “This is indeed a return to the darkage and has made a caricature of the celebrated Freedom of Information (FoI) Act and the nation’s democracy, which is supposed to guarantee fundamental human rights as well as the freedom of the press.

“Accordingly, we ask the Police Commissioner, the Director of the SSS as well as other relevant security agencies in Enugu State to investigate the right abuse in order to punish those involved.

“We also urge the Enugu State Government to ensure that an enabling environment is provided for journalists in the state.

“Finally, let it be noted that the leadership of the NUJ in the Southeast will no longer fold its arms as security agencies assault and intimidate our members as they discharge their constitutional duty.”

Robbers burgle varsity’s hostel •Management: It won’t happen again From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

FEMALE students of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, yesterday narrated how they escaped being violated by hoodlums who stole valuables worth several hundreds of naira from their hostels.

The students said they were saved from further molestation by the Theology students who scared the robbers with cudgels.

They thanked God they were not violated.

The students, however, regretted that the hoodlums stole their laptops.

A student, who spoke in confidence, said: “We all had laptops in school and the thieves came into the first floor of the female hostel and robbed us. More than 10 laptops were stolen with our pocket money and mobile phones.

There was tension and panic in the campus.

“But we regretted that our security team was nowhere to be seen. Some of us were injured and are not happy with the lukewarm attitude of the management. This crime ought to have been avoided.

“In anger, some of us vacated the school. The male hostel was not invaded.

Our Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gaius Igboeli, sent the Registrar, Sir Ngozi Anyakora, to speak to us.

He tried to calm our frayed nerves but it was glaring we were unhappy.”

Anyakora promised that such incident would not happen again.

The Registrar said the management has made arrangement for more security guards, including policemen, for tighter security at night.

* Anambra State Governor Peter Obi inspecting the dilapidated hostel block at Oraukwu Grammar School among the colleges his administration is rehabilitating.

Anambra communities get N32m for flood victims

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday distributed N32million to 32 communities in Ogbaru and Anambra West local government areas.

The governor gave each community N1million and distributed materials to them.

Obi presented the materials at Atani and Nazam, the headquarters of both councils.

He also presented N1million to each of the 16 communities in Ogbaru and 17 in Anambra West.

The materials included rice,

•Obi explains personal supervision From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

garri, Semovita, maize, noodles, tubers of yam, blankets, mattresses, pillows, clothes, cartons of soap, pots, plastic cans and buckets, among others.

Obi said he was supervising the distribution of the materials to ensure that they got to the right beneficiaries.

The governor said the gesture was in line with his administration’s promise to as-

sist those displaced by the floods.

He said the materials would be shared equally to the communities.

Obi urged the traditional rulers and community associations’ leaders to ensure that the materials were transparently shared.

The governor assured that more materials would be distributed to the comunities.

He said the N1million financial support would enable farmers to buy seedlings and other input for their farms.

Nollywood actress Nkiru Sylvanus feared kidnapped

U

NIDENTIFIED gunmen yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, abducted the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Nkiru Sylvanus.

The Nollywood actress was redeployed from the state’s Liaison Office in Lagos.

She was reportedly abducted around the famous Concord Hotel in company of some friends.

Though details of the incident were still sketchy at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the abductors had demanded for N100million ransom.

Efforts to reach the Commisioner of Information, Chinedu Offor, were abortive.

He did not anawer his phone when our reporter

From Chris Oji, Enugu

T

HE House of Representatives has honoured the Chairman of UzoUwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr. Cornell Onwubuya, as the Best Performing Council Chairman in the Southeast and the state.

Onwubuya also won the award of excellence as the Third Overall Best Performing Local Government Council Chairman in Nigeria after a field assessment of projects and non-physical programmes of local governments by the House of Representatives’ Committee on State and Local Government Affairs.

The awards were conferred at the Nigerian Local Government Development Award dinner at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

This year’s House of Representatives’ report on the performance of the 774 local governments in Nigeria was released at the ceremony.

House Committee on States and Local Government Affairs Chairman Rasak Adewusi said the award encourages excellence, performance and efficiency at the grassroots.

Mr Kayode Adegboyega, the Managing Director of the firm that assessed the projects, SEGNIP Promotion, said the recipients were carefully selected after a thorough analysis of projects and non-physical programmes.

He said this was to determine their impact and sustainability based on available resources and the people’s needs.

Onwubuya was reportedly selected for executing projects the local government residents really needed with available resources and their impact on the council.

The projects include 4.5kilometres asphalted AkiyiOgbosu-Eziora road in Umulokpa, the construction of the Chairman’s residential quarter and a council hall.

Onwubuya said despite the paucity of funds and the peculiar challenges in the collection of internally generated revenue (IGR) in his council, “my passion for the improved living conditions of the people, whose mandate I hold in trust, has continued to drive my efforts towards total transformation of the area as evident in projects executed across the 16 wards in the council”.

Edo ex-commissioner’s mum dead

M

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri and Precious Igbonwelundu

called it last night.

Police spokesman Vitalis Onugu promised to call back.

He said he was driving when our reporter contacted him yesterday.

Ms Sylvanus became a celebrated actress through the movie: A Cry for Help.

She was appointed by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha as the Special Adviser on Lagos Affairs.

She held the position from the inception of the administration until when she was recently given another portfolio.

Her close associates in Lagos said Ble-Ble, as she is popularly called, based on the character she played in A Cry for Help, has been in Owerri because of her new

House of Assembly Speaker Chinwe Nwaebili said Obi has lifted the people and given them a sense of belonging.

She noted that the materials would cushion the effect of the floods on the victims.

Princess Nwaebili said Obi has also empowered the contractor handling the Odekpe-AtaniOssomala-Ogwuikpele road to accelerate the work.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Osseloka Obaze said Obi has been unrelenting in reducing the plight of the flood victims.

Enugu council chief wins award

•Ms Sylvanus

portfolio.

A member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) National Executive, who spoke in confidence, said: “I just received the message now as well. I have been trying to make contacts. I just hope it is not true. Please, I will feed you back as soon as the picture is clear.”

ADAM Fatima Ikanade Agba, the mother of the former Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba, is dead.

The late Madam Agba was a philanthropist and community leader in Uneme-Uzanu community, Etsako, Edo State.

She was 68.

A devout Christian and active member of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, the late Mama Agba is survived by three children, brothers, sister and nine grandchildren.

She returned from London after a routine medical check-up to her Lekki, Lagos home, two days before she died.

Born in Uneme-Uzanu in 1944, Madam Agba married the late Prince Pius Kadiri Ikanade Agba, who became the traditional ruler of the community. They had three children, including Clem, Ann and Solo.

A statement by the family said her funeral rites would begin on January 24, 2013 with a service of songs at her home, Clem Agba Crescent, GRA, Auchi, Edo State.

It would be followed by a Christian wake the following day.

Her interment will hold on Saturday at the Agba’s family house at Uneme-Uzanu.

The ceremonies would be rounded up with an outing/ thanksgiving service at The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim, Mount of Healing, Aiboste Quarters, Auchi on January 27, 2013.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

13

NEWS

Wike: Fed Govt to ensure education for less privilged T ‘ I invite you mothHE Federal Government will ensure that less privileged out-ofschool children in the North and South are enrolled in schools, Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike has said.

Wike spoke in Ibadan at the weekend during the clos-

ing ceremony of the capacitybuilding workshop for scaling up girl child enrolment through Mothers’ Associations.

The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Millennium Development Goals.

The minister said the Federal Government has adopted strategies to ensure the success of the project.

Wike urged Southwest mothers to join others in the North to encourage girls and boys to enrol and remain in school, despite the social constraints they face.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Gender Education, Mrs. Adeola Fola Ola, Wike assured of the the government’s commitment to gender equality by ensuring equal access of quality education to all.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has made access to

quality education its cardinal policy to enhance and develop citizens with the skill and competence to function in diverse sectors of the economy,” he said.

The minister decried the practice of luring young school children into apprenticeship and business, saying

ers to join us in creating a favourable environment for the education of our children and ensuring sustainability of all our activities

‘

this must be reversed if the country must attain its literacy goals.

“I invite you mothers to join us in creating a favourable environment for the education of our children and ensuring sustainability of all our activities,” he said.

Mrs. Rosemary Effiong, a resource person at the workshop, attributed the problem of schools’ drop-out to mistaken orientation, peer pressure and unemployment.

She urged parents to seek ways to ensure that out-ofschool children receive the attention they deserve for societal development.

The workshop has also been held for Mothers’ Associations in the Northcentral, Northeast, Northwest and Southwest geo-political zones.

More than two thousand mothers participated in the zonal workshops. The leaders are expected to train others in different senatorial districts of the four zones.

‘Nigeria must improve on Transparency Rating’ From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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HE Transformation Movement Nigeria (TMN) has urged Nigerians to ensure that the country is better rated next year by the Transparency International (TI).

TI, in it report, rated the country as the 35th corrupt nation in the world.

Its National Coordinator, Nwosu Emmanuel, said the rating has put the nation in bad light.

He urged Nigerians to work harder and ensure that the country improves in future ratings.

Emmanuel spoke with reporters in Abuja.

He said: “We are organising an enlightenment campaign for Nigerians, entitled: “Right Perspective and Initiative’.

The campaign is geared towards making the people see government in the right perspective; we don’t want a situation where the people are disconnected from the government.

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Kaduna is the heart of Northern politics. The sudden death of Governor Patrick Yakowa may have thrown up new calculations on the state’s political scene. Group Political Editor BOLADE OMONIJO and Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU report the implications of the governor’s death on the build-up to 2015.

K

ADUNA is mourning. The death, on Saturday, of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has cast a pall on the entire state. As the constitution provides, the erstwhile deputy governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, has stepped in as the chief helmsman.

Prior to the ascension of Yakowa in 2010, following the elevation of the elected governor, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, no one from Southern Kaduna had been the chief executive of the state. They are in the minority and politics, being a game of numbers, the majority in Northern Kaduna had the upper hand and dictated the pace, leaving the Southern Kaduna people always grumbling about marginalisation.

The appointment of Sambo was a turning point. It demonstrated that the people were not lacking in the materials that could run the affairs of the state. Yakowa was the deputy governor. He was not new along the corridor of power. If there was anyone from the South qualified to run the state, it was Yakowa. He was fully immersed in the politics of the state. He had been Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the State Government before his appointment as Deputy Governor, following the death of Stephen Shekari in the last years of Governor Ahmed Makarfi in office.

Ethnicity and religion define the politics of the state. Since inception, until Yakowa arrived the stage, the Muslims in the Northern Kaduna had always occupied the numberone office, while the Christians in the South played the second fiddle.

Now, Yero from the North is in the saddle. He did not expect it. Even, if he had nursed the ambition, he knew it was an illusion of hope because Yakowa’s second term ambition was already public knowledge.

But fate catapulted Yero to the captain’s seat yesterday. In the presidential system, nature abhors vacuum. According to the 1999 Constitution, he succeeded his boss, following his sudden demise. His first task after being sworn in today as number-one citizen of Kaduna State by the Chief Judge is an emotional one. He will preside over the burial of his predecessor.

Yakowa’s demise has implications for the politics of the state. Politics in the Northwest state has been shaped by the forces of religion and ethnicity. The tension between Muslims, who are in the majority, and Christians, who are the vocal and resilient minority, has always played a major role in the choice of governorship candidates, their running mates and occupants of other key political positions.

In line with political tradition in the state, the mantle of deputy governorship fell on Yero, former Finance Commissioner under Sambo Administration. The goal was ethno-religious balancing. When Yakowa completed Sambo’s first term, powerful forces rose against him. Their intention was to effect a power shift from the Christiandominated minority ethnic group to the Muslim-dominated majority ethnic group. However, reason prevailed because Yakowa was able to convince the contending forces that he had become a rallying point and symbol of unity. Indeed, as the first citizen, he braved the odds and built a bridge of understanding and harmony in the divided state.

Now that Yero, a Muslim, is in the saddle, it is expected that the deputy

• Yero

• Makarfi

• Sambo

Kaduna politics after Yakowa WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS:

1

90: Whenever the governor transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, a written declaration to the contrary, such functions shall be discharged by the Deputy Governor as Acting Governor.

191. (1) The Deputy Governor of a state shall hold the office of governor of the state if the office of governor becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal of the governor from office for any other reason in accordance with section 188 or 189 of this Constitution.

(2) Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of this section during a period when the office of governor would be selected from the other ethno-religious divide.

Observers think that this has become more compelling as a mark of honour to Yakowa’s memory.

The struggle for the number-two slot will be intense, nevertheless.

But it would also be restrictive.

Since Yero, who enjoyed cordial relations with Yakowa, won’t not be indifferent to the personality of his second in command. It is likely that his choice may be a politician from the South who enjoyed close intimacy with the departed governor.

Deputy Governor of the State is also vacant, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the state shall hold the office of governor of the state for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election of a new governor of the state who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.

(3) Where the office of the Deputy Governor becomes vacant – (a) by reason of death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or removal in accordance with Section 188 or 189 of this Constitution; (b) by his assumption of the office of governor of a state in accordance with subsection (1) of this section; or (c) for any other reason, The Governor shall nominate and with the approval of the House of Assembly of the state, appoint a new Deputy Governor.

Expectedly, Yero is now on the firing line. At 44, he is a vibrant young man. All eyes are on him as the new leader. In 2015, he will be a major contender for the governorship on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the chief executive, it may be relatively easier for him to stabilise immediately, unlike his departed boss. The first challenge is whether he would retain the cabinet composition or make some adjustments. Since politicians treasure loyalty, it may not be out of order to recruit depend-

able allies as new aides. Then, he should be able to allay the fear of marginalisation by the minority group the same way Yakowa allayed the fear of subjugation of the majority by the minority. The new governor has inherited the challenge of insecurity in the state compounded by the insurrection of Boko Haram sect. Yakowa Administration had started the implementation of some laudable projects in the state. The onus is on him to complete them and initiate more in the interest of the state.

‘Expectedly, Yero is now on the firing line. At 44, he is a vibrant young man. All eyes are on him as the new leader. In 2015, he will be a major contender for the governorship on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the chief executive, it may be relatively easier for him to stabilise immediately, unlike his departed boss. The first challenge is whether he would retain the cabinet composition or make some adjustments’

The new governor is a home boy.

He was born and bred in Kaduna State. Born on May 21, 1968 in Akwan Kaura, Zaria City, Yero attended Local Authority Primary School, Kaura between 1974 and 1980. He attended Government Secondary School, Ikara, between 1980 and 1985. A year later, he completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme. Yero is a distinguished alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained a Diploma Certificate in Banking, Bachelors Degree in Accounting (1991) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a Certified Public Accountant.

After completing his youth service corps programme, he worked in the Bursary Department, ABU, in 1993.

Between 2007 and 2010, Yero served as Commissioner for Finance. Later, he served as deputy governor.

Who’ll be new deputy governor?

Twice, the office had been vacant.

On each of the two previous occasions, the jostle for the position of the number-two man had been intense. The first time was after the sudden death of Shekari in 2005.

There was little dispute over where the deputy governor should emerge from. The deceased deputy governor, being from Southern Kaduna, it was obvious to all that it was not a time to bicker. Besides, Makarfi was fully in charge. He had served out a first term and had been resoundingly returned for a second term. No one who aspired to succeed in the politics of the state dared challenge his voice and choice at the time.

But Makarfi had a dilemma in deciding whom to hand the mantle.

Many of the party apparatchiks watched him closely. They wanted to have a glimpse into the working of the mind of their governor.

Would he choose a politician or a technocrat? What part of Southern Kaduna would be lucky to fit the bill? Makarfi gave no reason for deciding on Yakowa from Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a local government area.

However, when the office inadvertently fell vacant again in 2010, those who jostled for recognition were two former executive secretaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar and Alhaji Hussein Jallo. Jallo had also served as Political Adviser to Sambo. There was also a former Managing Director of Alhaji Shehu Ladan, while the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly also got a look in. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Idris Mikati took interest in the office, too. At the end, Yakowa, a technocrat and establishment man triumphed.

In the current contest for recognition, three men are central in deciding the fate of the contenders: Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor and representative of Kaduna Central in the Senate, Vice President Namadi Sambo and the new governor, Yero. They are the political power brokers who will decide the fate of the contestants. In the last contest, Sambo had the upper hand.

Yero who was his protégé moved up the ladder from Commissioner for Finance to Deputy Governor.

Who moves up the dais this time?

The next few weeks leading up to the nomination of a candidate, screening by the House of Assembly and eventual swearing in will throw up scenarios leading up to 2015.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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POLITICS

Yakowa: Reactions from Kaduna Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi

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ROM God we came and to Him we shall return. No one knows the time we would go back to our creator, all we should do now is to pray for him, do everything possible to console and condole with the people of Kaduna State so that we take his death as an issue beyond us, but an issue that can further reunite us for the peace, stability and development of the state. I did not see any change in our relationship after he became governor, it was a stable one. I have not seen any attitudinal change in him since when he served as my secretary to state government, deputy governor and my governor. Overall, it was a relationship built on honesty, commitment and respect for one another he was very hardworking. It is a sad loss particularly when we look at what we are going through. But he was a big gift to us from the beginning to the end. He was humble, a complete gentleman and had wonderful plans for the state. If he had lived longer, certainly we would have witnessed tremendous changes in Kaduna State.”

Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, Kaduna State Chairman of PDP We are going to swear in a new governor today (Sunday). I crave the indulgence of all the people of Kaduna State and party members in particular to be very loyal to him as they were loyal and respectful to the former governor. Before he travelled on Saturday, he was talking about 2015 and he said 2015 belongs to God does not belong to him and it is true. For those that knows him, he is a man of peace before and after the election he has always told people that his ambition is to see that there is free and fair election in Kaduna State and by the grace of God we had the most peaceful election both the primaries and the main election and I am happy it was achieved within the short time he was governor of Kaduna state. He took the party serious and believed in the supremacy of the party, he took the party leadership in high esteem. I condole with the people of Kaduna state over his death but it is the will of God we cannot challenge it and there is nothing we can do about it anyway.”

Aboki Galadima, Yakowa’s Chief of Staff It is most tragic, most untimely and extremely painful. Moreso that he is been preaching peace, unity and development he is such a wonderful bridge builder within and outside the state he is becoming the symbol of our unity as a state and as a people because he is completely detribalised and unbiased in terms of religion. His death is so painful and untimely. What we would miss most in him is his drive and passion for unity of the people and to cause development to reach the grassroots areas that have not been touched before. He started this in places like Rigasa and Hanyin Danmani areas that have been neglected, he was just beginning to touch their lives and make them aware that government is conscious of their being in the state and would do everything to bring development to them and make them part of the state.

Alhaji Yaro Farakwai, Former Speaker, Kaduna House of Assembly It Is not a loss to only the people of Kaduna State but to the entire country. I don’t know how to describe his death but words is not enough to describe the impact of his death. I pray almighty God to give his family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss. The expectation is that

A three-time commissioner, Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay is the Secretary to the Delta State Government. He spoke with journalists in Lagos on developments in the state. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN was there.

‘Uduaghan’s administration rests on equity’

W

• The late Yakowa

they have lost a father and a leader so people will be sad and worried. This thing (his death) is something that has been destined by God something that we will all go through we should take heart and pray for him.

Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet This is a very sad moment of our lives. The late governor Yakowa tried his best during the various crises in the state in his efforts in bringing the different shades of people of the state together as one. He will be surely remembered for his love for peace. He brought in development as well and we hope that his deputy, now the governor will continue from where he stopped.

Chief of Kagoma, Col Paul Wyom (rtd) Yakowa’s Traditional Ruler It is very difficult to give the account of the governor. The last time that I saw him was during the Local Government election in the state, that is on December 1, 2012. That was the moment that I will never forget in my life. He was a seasoned civil servant.

He will be remembered for being the first civilian governor of Kaduna from the Southern part of the state and he will also be remembered for his prudent management of state resources.

Bishop Joseph Bagobiri A monumental loss of a gentle, Godfearing and self-less leader who ran an all-inclusive government where no persons were excluded on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

Adamu Mashal, Secretary General, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) The loss of Yakowa is of monumental pain to all of us in Kaduna State and not just the people of southern Kaduna. His coming INto office was a divine intervention and God knows why He has to take him now. We also believe in the same God to show us the way forward. Yakowa did a lot to balance the contending interests in the state more than any other governor or any other person before him. I can tell you that the northern part of the state will miss the balancing factor in Yakowa more than any other part of the state and I must tell you that even those who don’t like him will miss him greatly.

Right now, we are grieving. He has strived to bring justice and fairness to all sections of the state. It is a

vacuum that will be difficult to fill and words cannot say what he has been able to do in the last two years.

As for the politics of the state, let us leave that for another day.

Jonathan Asake, former Member, House of Representatives Yakowa was a very prudent, transparent and humble governor. He had a lot of experience and brought all to bear in the governance of the state. He came to meet a state with a profile of debt and worked hard to make it debt free and was able to embark on projects that have direct bearing on the people of the state. For the people of southern Kaduna, we will miss him a lot because it was a long struggle to have one of our own in southern Kaduna as governor and that aspiration has vanished. He knew them (southern Kaduna people) very well they knew him. The state will miss him as a balance and just leader. His exit will no doubt affect the politics of 2015 because there will be a resufflement.

Yero will definitely come with his own programmes and would want to write his own name in gold. I am sure he will want to continue some of the projects that his predecessor started and adjust those that does not fit into his programme or change them.

Mrs. Charity Shekari, Wife of late Deputy Governor, Stephen Shekari Yakowa was truthful and committed to the cause of everyone in Kaduna state. He did not have the nature or pedigree of wanting to amass wealth.

Everybody was equal in his sight. He did not believe in acquiring wealth and was committed to the development of Kaduna state. We will miss him greatly.

Mohammed Musa Soba, Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) It is very said. The death of Sir Patrick Yakowa is a great loss of unquantifiable magnitude to all lovers of peace and development. He was an excellent administrator with a patriotic passion for the development of Kaduna state and the country. He understood the concept of opposition politics and was never antagonistic towards critics of his administration.

He was simple and a dedicated patriot who was interested in moving the state forward and he did all within his power to achieve that. We pray for the repose of his soul and pray God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

HAT is the aim of this interaction and why did you decide to hold it in Lagos?

One problem many administrations have continued to have is the fact that they seem to distance themselves from the people. People are afraid of being criticised; people don’t want to hear the opinion of those they are leading. So, in Delta State in the last three years, we have instituted town hall meetings being anchored by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on senatorial basis, but today, we decided to bring this meeting here, after the emergency one I held in Isoko at Ole, for the Isoko people who are living outside, especially in Lagos and its environs to feel government presence. They must be informed of the genuine efforts we are making to ensure the development of our state. We want to gauge their feelings, their problems, and their expectations from government. We also wanted to use the occasion to pass to them what government’s intentions and programmes are, and I think that is the essence of governance.

Isoko people are still bemoaning marginalisation, do you share that view?

No, I don’t share the marginal-isation cry because today, if the Urhobos say they are marginalised, Ijaw would say so and even the Itsekiris that have produced the governor. So, it has become a sing-song. How are they marginalised? I am an Isoko son. We are having what others are having, but nobody, group or section can have everything they desire to have.

They can only cry of not having enough. But which section has enough? To say they are being marginalised is wrong. This government has ensured that things are equitably distributed. We try to ensure that no group or section suffers neglect or discrimination.

According to reports, the Isoko people are positioning the zone for governorship position in 2015…

I have always said it that the Isoko people will be what they want to be.

In other words, what they make of themselves is what they will be. The sky is their limit and the degree of their political relevance is in their hands. I am just doing the little I can do to position the Isoko people. What they want themselves to be is left for them. Their unity, level of their political consciousness and their political determination will determine how far they can go.

To what extent have you used your position as the SSG of the state to satisfy your people’s yearnings?

The truth is, I am serving Delta State, not serving just the Isoko people.

My duty is to make sure that no part of the state is cheated. I go for equity and fairness; that is my work as SSG. And in doing that, I can assure that the Isoko people will not be cheated.

What has been the challenge of the state government on the issue of flooding that the state suffered?

It was a big challenge for the government because the flood was not expected. Nobody budgeted for it; nobody thought we could be a victim of such heavy disaster now but all the same, government is on top of the situation. The challenge, even from the Presidency, has been how to manage and fund it. When members of the Presidential Committee came to Delta State, they were happy with what was on ground; they never believed it was an emergency situation with the way we handled it.

You told the Isoko people in your address that they should forge a united front ahead of 2015. What will you put in place as an Isoko son to sustain this aspiration?

Mine is to continue to preach the gospel of unity, asking my people to stop the pull-him-down syndrome, coming together to speak in one voice, build bridges of better understanding. We extend relationship to other ethnic nationalities. The truth is that no matter what you want to be, no one ethnic nationality can make it on its own. So, even the majority nationalities cannot say they can stand it alone. I am sure everybody is beginning to realise that we need to build bridges of understanding if we must achieve our collective aspiration as a people with common destiny.

Many people are talking about 2015 and I ask them: how do we get there when you are not united? So, you need to first get the people united.

What are the basic things you have gathered from this programme and is there any plan to take this programme to other states?

There are plans to take this programme to other states. We will take it to Port Harcourt, Abuja and many other states. We must spread it out to give our people the opportunity of knowing what their government is doing at home. I have really learnt from this programme because some of the people outside home lack information. If you don’t inform the people of what you are doing, you create suspicion for government. Most of the people just stay outside and some people will be feeding them with the wrong information. I mean most of them are misinformed. Somebody

said there is no project in their community and by the time I mentioned the projects sited in his community, he was satisfied. He asked the question because he was not properly informed. There were some communities that had no light and it was like a plague but today, the story is different for those communities; so, you need to continuously meet with the people and carry them along in all that you do. We give communities their priority projects. When I was campaigning for the governorship position, I made some promises to some communities and today, although I am not the governor, we have fulfilled those promises and we are not resting on our oars. Our commitment is to positively affect the lives of Deltans and we have remained resolute in doing it to people’s satisfaction.

• Macaulay

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Challenging Zuma

Misplaced priority •NNPC should face more pressing issues instead of wasting N4bn on filling stations

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F Nigerians thought they have had enough from their national oil corporation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), a corporation that has long lost its rationale, it comes springing surprises. Surprise is of course an understatement to describe the proposal by the corporation to spend N4 billion on 30 new filling stations in its 2013 budget.

A more apt word will be – scandalous.

The breakdown shows the corporation as proposing to spend N1.332.90 billion on three so-called ultra-mega stations in Yenagoa, Port Harcourt and Lagos; this is aside another 10 standard stations expected to gulp N1.850billion. There is also provision of N750 million for additional 10 stations.

But that is not all, as the corporation plans to buy/lease 20 stations in the coming year, for which a tidy sum of N750 million is allocated.

At best, the plan merely explicates the penchant by the corporation to major on minors. At worse, it seems another instance of the irredeemably corrupt and transparently inept national oil corporation getting its priorities inverted. We say this because it seems that only in the flawed business processes of the NNPC can the issue of filling stations – among the many problems dogging the fuel supply/distribution chain – be said to constitute a priority at this time.

To be sure, the issue is not whether or not the NNPC can invest in the more lucrative retail end of the fuel business

chain; rather, it is whether the nation’s interest would in any way be served by investing tax payers’ money in the subsector where the private sector has demonstrated unequalled capacity.

Now, it must come as disappointing to Nigerians that the NNPC which other fringe players in the industry look up to for leadership continues to betray their aspirations. After more than half a century of oil exploration, the corporation’s grasp of the industry’s dynamics remains astoundingly suspect, if not hollow.

Whereas its role in the upstream sector is limited to collecting rent and royalties on behalf of the Federal Government, its record in the downstream sector is no less dismal. Today, its four refineries are down with age while its principal, the Federal Government, seems unable to make up its mind on how to go about the business of building new ones. As a consequence, OPEC’s sixth largest exporter of crude now relies wholesale on fuel importation.

The same holds true for the fuel distribution sub-sector. The entire pipeline network has since collapsed, the result of which is the nation’s dependence on road transportation to move products round. (The corporation voted N300 million on trailer parks along the AbujaLokoja, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the 2013 budget). And, if it seems any instructive, pipeline product losses are said to have amounted to a whopping N105 billion within six years, from 2006-2011.

We are unequivocal about it: the NNPC will better serve the nation’s interests by paying greater attention to overhauling the infrastructure of fuel distribution, particularly the pipelines and depots, both of which are critical to the regime of liberalisation/deregulation. It is after all, the goal being desperately sought by the Federal Government.

And, in case the government and the NNPC need reminding, the problems with the fuel supplies have nothing to do with dearth of outlets; rather, they are by-products of myopic policies which have stifled investments in the downstream sector, particularly in the refineries sub-sector and the fuel pipelines distribution network. This is where we expect the NNPC to focus its attention if it must remain relevant.

‘To be sure, the issue is not whether or not the NNPC can invest in the more lucrative retail end of the fuel business chain; rather, it is whether the nation’s interest would in any way be served by investing tax payers’ money in the sub-sector where the private sector has demonstrated unequalled capacity’

Police killed 7,108 in four years?

•AGF has a duty of bringing culprits of the extra-judicial killings to book

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HE Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Mohammed Adoke, has accused the Nigeria Police Force of being responsible for not less than 7, 108 deaths in the last four years.

The AGF reeled out the statistics of the unlawful killings at the Dialogue on Torture, Extra-judicial Killings and National Security organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in Abuja. He accused the police of relying on Police Force Order 237 to commit extra-judicial killings, and noted that out of the 7,108 killed, 2,500 were detainees.

The AGF informed the audience of plans to remove from the police the power to prosecute criminal matters, and restrain them to investigation only. Unfor-

‘While commending the AGF for his frankness, we wish to urge him to wear his constitutional armour and bring the guilty within the Nigeria Police Force to account. The constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, in section 33 clearly provides for the sanctity of human lives. Any reliance on the derogations in subsection 2 of that section is a matter for strict proof by the person relying on them’

tunately in the report, the AGF did not mention the steps he has taken to bring the perpetrators of the unlawful killings to justice. In our view, those allegations are weighty, and if the AGF is helpless to seek justice for those unlawfully killed by the police, then the President should set up a board of enquiry, to unravel those behind the scary findings of the chief law officer of the federation.

Such enquiry should seek the cause of the endemic corruption and delay within the criminal justice system, resulting in the citizens taking the laws into their hands, as noted by the AGF. It should also examine why the police prefer to kill suspects instead of taking them to court, the mental and physical conditions of police service, the culture of cover-up permeating the police, and the lack of internal mechanism to bring erring officers to account. In his remarks, the AGF expressed strong frustrations when he said: “even the most charitable defenders of the force cannot deny that some dishonourable officers have taken the law into their hands in the most barbaric fashion, by killing suspects and innocent citizens”.

While commending the AGF for his frankness, we wish to urge him to wear his constitutional armour and bring the guilty within the Nigeria Police Force to account. The constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, in section 33 clearly provides for the sanctity of human lives. Any reliance on the derogations in sub-section 2 of that section is a matter

for strict proof by the person relying on them. Cases of negligent killings, commonly referred to as ‘accidental discharge’, or culpable homicide, known in police parlance as ‘wasting’ the detainees cannot, in good conscience, be excused on the so-called Police Force Order 237, to commit extra-judicial killings.

If the AGF can show courage to bring those responsible for the extra- judicial killings to account, the nation will be better for it. Fortuitously, the constitution has provided him with the necessary powers in sections 150 and 174 as amended. With the constitutional power “to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria…” his office is imbued with enormous powers to curb the abuse he complained about.

Indeed, if he has such embarrassing statistics of the abuse of the laws of the land, he has the constitutional duty to bring those responsible to trial.

While the AGF and the Presidency are enjoined to bring sanity to the criminal justice system, the Nigeria Police Force should take steps to weed out the blood suckers within the organisation. The Inspector-General of Police, his officers and the rank and file are all suspects, unless they separate the wheat from the chaff. Human rights abuses and murder cannot be their answer to the challenges of providing security in the country.

A

LESS dominant ANC would be good for South Africa South Africa has a history of pulling back from the brink at the last moment. The ruling African National Congress conference which began on Sunday would be a good place for the political leadership to reflect on how best to do so now. It has been a tumultuous year.

Rolling public sector protests and industrial unrest have exposed a festering apartheid-era legacy of inequality, poverty and failing education.

Since his election in 2009, Jacob Zuma, president of the ANC and the country, has failed to rise to the occasion. Worse, he has accelerated the transformation of the ANC from liberation movement to patronage network. In the face of this year’s crisis in the mining sector he was weak. He is nevertheless likely to prevail in the forthcoming leadership contest with his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe.

Mr Motlanthe might be the better candidate – he is reputed for his personal integrity, and has a record as a consensus builder. But he is cautious and a stickler for party protocol. Neither he nor Mr Zuma appears equipped to provide the leadership necessary to restructure the economy and imbue an increasingly polarised society with renewed purpose.

Victory for either will leave the ANC divided. For Mr Zuma it would entrench the ANC patronage system. Those members riding into position on his coat tails will toe the line. But Mr Zuma’s continuing leadership may also galvanise his opponents into a more combative stance.

In the short run these divisions could be destabilising. A victorious Mr Zuma is likely to seek another five-year term as president in national elections in 2014.

Were he then to pursue business as usual, it would risk delegitimising both the ANC and the state in the eyes of frustrated South Africans.

That would be dangerous. But there are also grounds for hope. Splits within the ANC have paralysed policy making. This week’s party conference could hasten the break-up of the movement, a now unwieldy coalition of tycoons, racial nationalists, populists and unions.

In the long run this would be good for South Africa. If the ANC is following in the footsteps of other African liberation movements that shed their sense of purpose in the pursuit of power, it is partly because there has been no effective opposition. Competition within the party is to be welcomed. But real political contestation at national level might prevent South Africa from drifting towards a more authoritarian future.

– Financial Times

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The incessant agitation for the minimum wage by Oyo State Civil and Public servants is the fall-out of the age-long disparity in salaries and wages of workers in the state. The state government cannot claim ignorance of the fact the public and civil servants on the same Grade Level, same qualification(s), same year of entry of the service, same working environment earn different salaries at the end of the month.

To cite an example, in the service of the local governments/ministries, a worker on Grade Level 08 step I in the Environmental/Health Department earns #84,382.87 monthly. His/her close door neighbour on the same salary Grade, in the same service of the local governments/ministries but in finance, works, agriculture, education earns #32,358 per month.

His/her only crime for earning this abysmally poor remuneration was that he/she chose to be a professional engineer, accountant, town planner etc other than environmental/health officer!

A teacher in the service of Oyo State government on Grade Level 08 step I earn #37415.56 per month. He/ she is lucky; better off than his/her counterparts in the ministries/local government by 27.5%! His/her crime also for this poor salary was that he/she chose to display his/her skill in the primary/secondary school as a teacher in order that the state ranks better in education in Nigeria. He/she is supposed to have studied environmental health “Wolewole” or any other course in the health discipline if he/she needs more salary, otherwise he remains

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Wage disparity in Oyo State public service poor for ever!

The salary of those working in the polytechnic, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Colleges of Agriculture and Education are more staggering.

And it is a fact that the workers in all places mentioned are being paid from the state government coffers.

The consequences of this staggering disparity/lopsidedness are legion: One of them is brain (locally) in the education sector. Graduate teachers of Physics/Chemistry/English on Grade level 08 step I earning #37,415.56 per month in the secondary schools have avalanche of reasons to abandon the teaching of these

core subjects, leave the students to their fate and opt for appointments in the Colleges of Agriculture and Education, Polytechnic as the case may be as administrative officers where they will only attend to students during registration of courses, checking of examination results or other trivial issues and smile home/ to their banks with a whopping salary of #114,000 per month if they are on CONTEDIS 08 step I. This portends great dangers for the educational development of our youngsters who have been losing most of their brilliant and talented core subjects teachers to these

greener areas. Can you blame those crop of teachers who can go the whole hog to bulldozer their ways out of the teaching profession to those better job areas, after all the same government pays the salary?

Another danger posed by this disparity/lopsidedness in salary is that the public/civil servants are increasingly exposed to partisan politics which creates avenue for the workers to expose the weaknesses of the government to the opposition(the government -in -waiting)who may eventually cash-in on these issues for advantage. The increasing participation of the civil/public servants in

• Kunle Adesina Igboora, Oyo State.

Still on Sanusi’s prescription on workers rationalisation

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IR: The postulation by the central bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on the reduction of the civil service workforce may not be an overstatement considering the manner civil servants discharge their duties these days. Since the financial guru assumed office, he has expressed his discomfiture with the dwindling status of the country’s economy, Even though some of his ideas were jettisoned on the ground that their application on the economy may not be salutary, but others that had unani-

mous support and solely implemented by him, like the repositioning of banks have been productive.

Truth, they say is always bitter. If we must call spade by its rightful name, it is an objective reality that more than 50% of civil servants are lackadaisical on their job. Many are not interested in their jobs. They indulge in one sharp practice or the other to better their lot. Some in connivance with their bosses or heads of department come to work once or twice a week and still earn their full

salaries at the end of the month.

The way civil servants work leaves much to be desired. For instance, a contractor or any member of the public that needs their service has to go through a labyrinth of unnecessary processes that ends up in paying extra money that is not receipted. This unwholesome practice is not only predominant in the ministries but cut across other government establishments.

Be that as it may, the present state of the economy is not necessarily

Labour’s hypocrisy and Nigeria’s condition

IR: When I hear talks about revolution, secession and mass actions in Nigeria, I sometimes feel sad. Do we really need the most expensive form of revolution when there are cheaper options?

Well, I think secession and revolution remains some of the last options where other approaches have failed. The question we should ask is have we even explored any option and it failed aside the convention of taking money from politicians, voting them and expecting a bribe giver to do wonders?

Having looked deeply into what could be wrong with us, I realized that power, not only political, have kept falling in wrong places and that is why we keep getting the most undesirable results from all ends.

Pressure groups like labour unions

partisan politics in recent times is a disturbing sign of things to come.

However when you take a cursory look at the salary of these sets of public servants earning better salaries in Oyo State and juxtapose it with the present economic index in the country, honestly, it is not rocket science to conclude that it is in order. What one is advocating here is that His Excellency, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi should be courageous in looking at the salaries of other categories of workers in the state and bridge the gap created by this apparent disparity/lopsidedness in order to engender joy of service and dignity of labour among all categories of workers in the state.

The consequence of the unconcealed disdain with which the last administration of Otunba (Dr) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala treated the workers in the state is well known to all of us.

led by indecent, corrupt, inefficient, conscienceless and thoughtless rogues are as bad as the most corrupt governments on the surface of this planet, whether we like it or not.

I may be wrong but I will not fail to express my views about the labour movement in Nigeria as a pressure group with particular reference to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

I assume that only a labour movement led by a league of demented, intellectually bereaved, cruel, self-seeking and pretentious creatures, will keep embarking on strike actions indiscriminately just for wage increase, price reduction on commodities like fuel et al and yet seeing that these agitation have never changed the life of an average decent worker who does not live on filths

from corrupt practices should remain calm by never acknowledging and protesting the principal causes of the poverty among the workers whose interest the movement is meant to protect.

It is by my perception absurd to see that NLC and other unions in Nigeria have remained quiet about inadequacies of government in the provision of basic infrastructures and social amenities thus, culminating in extreme hardship for workers, both in the private and public sector, because of the avoidable costs the citizens incur in provision of alternative sources of power supply, water, healthcare, education among others.

It is regrettable to state with all pessimism that aside those who are unfortunate to be part of the corrupt

business circle, Nigerian workers will remain poorer than they are regardless of the wage increase their spent and extremely corrupt labour movement struggles to achieve for them because the cost of attending to government’s failure by far exceeds the salaries of the highest paid personnel in most public offices.

It is my sincere and patriotic wish that Nigerians will one day realise that the labour movement, as a pressure group, is a veritable tool that can be used in spearheading a nonviolent revolution and yet emerge stronger than we are if the movement is lead by patriotic men and not the class that it currently parades.

• Adenuga Abiodun Oladimeji, Imeko, Ogun State.

traceable to the huge size of the civil service workforce as insignificant percentage of the national budget goes to this sector, compared to what is pumped into the National Assembly and other governmental outfits, especially those that are parasitic on the oil revenue.

Sanusi also once alleged that the National Assembly consumes a lion share of the total budget and expressed the need to trim down of their monthly packages and other perks but this clarion call was given a deaf ear and the matter was eventually swept under the carpet for reasons best known to the presidency.

In a similar vein, the former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, in a radio interview conducted by the FRCN unequivocally affirmed that 25% of the national budget is spent on only 400 members of the National Assembly. Up to this moment nobody has reacted to the allegation, neither did the government make any move to go back to the drawing board.

The Nigeria Labour Congress should not call for Sanusi’s head for making the statement. He is entitled to his opinions. Rather they should advice their members to be dedicated and remain steadfast. They should stop issuing out threats of strike or being fussy whenever any negative remarks are made against their members.

• Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

COMMENTS

Boko Haram is about 2015

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ATTERS of insecurity of life and property have become a national issue in recent time. Attention seems to have shifted from the problem of corruption to one of its deadly offsprings”insecurity. With corruption sitting at the top of the ladder, life in the country today is already full of dangers. When terrorism is added to corruption, nobody is safe anymore. Nigeria has, through the years, become a nation where only evil triumphs. Because the fear of death is what keeps us alive, we all fear the dreaded diseases like malaria, diarrhea, hepatitis, cancer and HIV/AIDS which we all try as much as possible to avoid. Added to these threats of killer diseases are now the man-made threats from armed robbers, political and economic related assassinations, extra judicial killings and, of course, the latest in the chain-acts of terrorism like the serial bombings in the North by the Boko Haram sect.

Boko Haram, which means western education is a sin, has since the last presidential election poisoned the entire Nigerian space with its venom. The activities of this religious (or is it political) sect has almost choked the nation to a state of mental stupor resulting from physical dehydration. Its activities have also acquired international dimension to the extent that Boko Haram may soon find its way into the English and American dictionaries. This is because, in recent times, the level of insecurity is due, to a very large extent, to the activities of this sect. It is an extremist group of religious fundamentalists whose official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Suna Lidd’awati wal-Jihad , and whose mission is to fight for the establishment of Sharia law in Nigeria.

The sect was seen as responsible for the serial bombings and killings, mostly in Northern Nigeria, which have occurred almost on a daily basis. Although it may be difficult to count the number of bombings by the group between 2011 and 2012, there are some of them that were unarguably the most notable, horrendous and most brutal. In this connection, special mention must be made of the devastating attack by the bombing of the United Nation’s building in Abuja on 26 August, 2011 where 18 of the 26 staff of the humanitarian and development agencies based in the build-

‘They have become invisible spirits or ghosts in the presidential jacket and the Nigerian space, to the extent that no perpetrators, even when they admitted responsibility for the bombings, have been found or brought to any “presidential” book. To the government, therefore, Boko Haram has become a veritable ghost, a peculiar ghost in the political machine of the federal government’

By Moses Makinde ing were bombed to death.

In June of that year (2011), suspected members of Boko Haram had struck at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Suleja, leaving scores of people dead and several others wounded. It is significant to note that as soon as the results of the presidential elections of April 2011 were announced and President Jonathan of the PDP was declared winner, some young men and women took to the streets in some parts of the North and went on rampage, leaving many people dead and properties destroyed. This particular instance appeared to have spearheaded subsequent protests that graduated to bombings in the North. We may call them the genesis of Boko Haram insurgence in the country. It predated the events of June and August 2011 as mentioned above. Perhaps the most sensational of all, which exhibited religious intolerance, was the bomb explosion in the morning of Christmas day, December 25,2011, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, near Suleja in Niger State, Jos in Plateau State and Damaturu in Yobe State. In all, scores of Christian worshippers were reportedly killed in the bomb blasts while many more sustained serious injuries. One hopes and prays that this event would not be re-enacted this Christmas season.

The bombings and shoot-outs had continued at sporadic intervals and escalated to daily occurrences in Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi and Sokoto states. For each of the occurrences which Nigerians have stopped to count, the federal government, through the presidency, usually came out with press releases crafted in the usual, boring, routine statement, very much like a recorded message: “we are on top of the situation; the perpetrators will soon be caught and brought to book”. Not to worry, the president would say, but events have shown that the presidency is not on top, but at the very bottom, of the ugly situation, and the federal government was in a state of helplessness and bewilderment”the perpetrators were as free as the air, bombing their targets with clinical ease. They have become invisible spirits or ghosts in the presidential jacket and the Nigerian space, to the extent that no perpetrators, even when they admitted responsibility for the bombings, have been found or brought to any “presidential” book. To the government, therefore, Boko Haram has become a veritable ghost, a peculiar ghost in the political machine of the federal government. As of today, the federal government seems to have given up the fight and surrendered its sovereignty to the Boko Haram who has become more feared than the federal government itself.

A possible clue to what have been going on in the country was suggested by General Aziza, the former national security adviser who suspected a linkage between the escalations of Boko Haram insurgency and the 2015 presidential elections. One of the reasons of insecurity in Nigeria, as sug-

gested by General Aziza, is the inability of Nigeria to find its footing in the democratic space as demonstrated by politicians jostling for leadership by trying to fix who becomes the next president from the six geopolitical zones. Thus, the country is being pushed menacingly into zonal wars that may break the federation. If we put this side by side of the violent protests that led to the deaths of many people in the north immediately after the 2011 presidential elections, followed by the menace of Boko Haram and the threat to President Jonathan to resign unless he turns Nigeria into an Islamic State, we can see clearly that Boko Haram is about 2015 and 2015 is about Boko Haram.

Judging by the incessant nature of the bombings and shootings of innocent Nigerians that have now been extended to politicians of northern extraction who the Boko Haram sect has vowed to punish for their disloyal activities during the 2011 presidential election which did not favour the North, and for the non-support of Islamic State by some Northern governors, we can see more clearly that Boko Haram has the backing of some aggrieved politicians who are determined to give the present government no peace of mind until power is returned to the north in 2015. Perhaps a solution is being sought by Obasanjo’s open rejection of President Jonathan, and Gen Danjuma’s dumping him, for his 2015 ambition to re-contest. All this is to say that the general insecurity of the nation may not go away while a different and more daring and perhaps more brutal agenda may be in the offing unless there is the hope for a change of baton in the year 2015, a situation reminiscent of George Orwell’s gloomy picture for the year 1984 when the doomsday clock, the clock of destruction of the human race and civilization, was expected to move to midnight on the December 31, 1984. Luckily, George Orwell’s doomsday clock ( in the book George Orwell:1984) did not reach the midnight but almost got to midnight as it fell five minutes short of the predicted 12 midnight on December 31, 1984, because the super powers not only refrained from stock pilling weapons of destruction but also refrained from using them.

Now, in Nigeria, we are faced with Boko Haram doomsday clock for the midnight of 2015 presidential election or its result. There already exist the symptoms of our closeness to Armageddon, a situation that probably woke Obasanjo and Babangida from their dogmatic slumbers against the impending doom that is likely to come upon the nation as already predicted by the US for 2015 when the Nigerian doomsday clock might click dangerously toward midnight on the eve of 2015 presidential elections.

By providence, there could be a sudden change of attitude in the dangerous socio-political and ethno-religious maneuverings and some unforeseen circumstances that may frustrate the coming into being of the Nigerian doomsday clock come the eve of 2015 presidential elections or their results.

• Professor Makinde is the DG/CEO of Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo.

Uduaghan: working to save dying nation

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EATH is the end of all mortals.

Whenever it chooses to come, it leaves tears and heartache in its trail. Knowing the vulnerability of human beings when it comes to death, Shakespeare wrote: “Woe, destruction, ruin and decay; the worst is death and death will have his day”. For everyman, there is indeed no worst fate than death.

While it is incontrovertible that every death hurts, it is also true that some kind of deaths really hurt. For instance, when people suffer terminal diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which robs them of everything they have before killing them, friends and relatives wail for days and curse death. It gets worse when the victim was a poor fellow who could not afford the exorbitant cost of treating kidney failure and other related disease in a hospital abroad.

Although it has always been a challenge, cases of kidney failure are becoming rampant by the day. These days the media is inundated with stories of rich and poor people dying of kidney failure and other related diseases. Be it on television, radio or newspapers, there are countless cases of someone somewhere seeking funds to treat a kidney ailment abroad.

A recent statics released by the National Association of Nephrology, revealed that at least 32 million Nigerians have chronic renal illnesses which leads to kidney failure. The figure represents more than 20 percent of the entire population of the country. As if that was not enough reason to be afraid, some Medical experts sent a chill into many spines when they disclosed that more people die every day from kidney related diseases than malaria and HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

For the average Nigerian, it is not the fact that renal (kidney) failure has assumed the

By Oritsetimeyin Eboh dimension of a killer disease that is frightening. It is the fact that there is no hospital anywhere in the country where it can be treated wholly. Where facilities are available to detect the disease at its infant stage, it is beyond the reach of the poor.

Findings revealed that Nigeria has only 75 neurologists and about 50 functional dialysis centres which are all located in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja and PortHarcourt.

What this implies is that treatment for kidney failure and other related infirmities is exclusively reserved for the highest bidders. Those who have the wherewithal can either get treatment at any of the fifty dialysis centres or travel abroad while the poor they are condemned to suffer in silence and curse their fate.

But with the recent intervention of the Delta State Government, led by the amiable Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, there is a silver lining behind the clouds of hopelessness for people suffering various kidney related diseases.

Going by the decision of the State Government and the Management of Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) to partner with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to develop a centre of excellence for kidney transplant, poor patients who cannot afford the high cost of treatment abroad can be hopeful of getting first class treatment within the shores of Nigeria.

By virtue of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) which signed by the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan himself, both institutions would collaborate to build a centre of excellence where kidney transplant and

treatment of other kidney related cases can be addressed. To make this dream a reality, the Dialysis Centre, Laboratory, Radiology and Theatre Departments of DELSUTH will be upgraded to become centres of excellence where world-class treatment can be accessed.

For Dr. Uduaghan, this is memorandum is more just an agreement to equip and upgrade the State’s Teaching Hospital. It is in tandem with his vision to provide quality healthcare for Deltans and other Nigerians. While signing the agreement, the Governor noted that the overall objective was to make the facilities for nephrology and kidney transplant available at a cheaper rate for the people. That means ordinary Nigerian who have been denied treatment because they can’t afford cost of treatment can now get treatment without paying much.

Knowing how passionate he is about healthcare, Uduaghan’s decision to build in world class kidney centre in Delta State does not come as a surprise.

Anyone familiar with happenings there can attest that the state has one of the best healthcare delivery system in the country. It is perhaps the only state in Nigeria where free and quality healthcare is available for senior citizens, pregnant women and nursing mothers.

At DELSUTH, where the kidney centre will be located, the massive investment on ground there speaks volumes of Uduaghan’s passion and quest to ensure that his people live a healthy life. The investments are yielding visible results as the hospital which commenced full operations about three years ago now ranks amongst the best in the country in terms of facilities and personnel. Earlier this year the hospitals reached a mile-

stone by becoming the first to successfully carry out a knee replacement surgery in Nigeria.

At a time when cases of kidney failure have become so rampant, Uduaghan’s foresightedness should be commended and embraced by other states and even the Federal Government. If we have first grade Dialysis centers where kidneys can be treated and replaced, Nigerians will not spend their hard earned money that could be used to develop the country travelling abroad for treatment.

When we have standard hospitals in various parts of the country, it will not only help Nigerians live a healthy life, it will also boost medical tourism that will help government generate funds that can be used to grow our economy. With quality health care centre like the one Uduaghan is planning to build in Delta, foreigners will also find a reason to throng our hospitals for the treatment.

Indeed Uduaghan is working to save Deltans and Nigerian from the scourge of kidney diseases.

• Eboh writes from Warri, Delta State

‘With the recent intervention of the Delta State Government, led by the amiable Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, there is a silver lining behind the clouds of hopelessness for people suffering various kidney related diseases’

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

22

COMMENTS

T

HE oldest definition of democracy is one in which it is conceptualized as, government of the people by the people and for the people.

In ancient Greek city states, it was possible for the people to gather in a square and directly take decisions on issues affecting their common wellbeing.

Overtime, the concept of representative democracy evolved in the fashion of the Kuhnian revolution to supplant direct democracy.

Central to this concept is that government is a social contract between the people and the rulers and the people as the ultimate sovereign, exercise the right of control on their elected representatives.

Periodic elections and separation of powers are necessary conditions for democracy.

It is through periodic elections and the checks and balances attendant to separation of powers that democracy derives its greatest attraction over other governance forms. Through periodic elections, the people keep a check on leaders’ activities ensuring that the bad ones among them are voted out at the next round.

Almond and Verba in their classification of political socialization identified three variants of political culture: parochial, subject and participant. For them, the political culture of democracy-civic culture is a combination of the three with the participant variant being the most dominant. By way of contrast, the subject political culture in which the individual makes no input into the system but enjoys the benefit of its output is more easily located in totalitarian states. In the participant variant, the individual has some idea of what the political system is and very well disposed to it. He makes inputs into it and

‘One recurring issue so far is that government is an institution of the people and exists in the main, for their collective good. An essential element of representative government is the legislature through which elected leaders make laws for the general wellbeing of the people’

I

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Media and sustainable democracy enjoys the benefits from it.

One point that has been bought to the fore is that there are ordered attitudes, orientations, dispositions and roles that must be played by the people for democracy to survive. And in these, the media have an indispensable role to play.

The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in chapter (1) 4(1and 2) vested the legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the National Assembly which shall have the powers to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation or any part thereof.

Section 14 (2a) stated that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives its powers and authority; while (2c) guarantees the participation by the people in their government.

It went further in section 22 to state that the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

One recurring issue so far is that government is an institution of the people and exists in the main, for their collective good. An essential element of representative government is the legislature through which elected leaders make laws for the general wellbeing of the people.

Through periodic elections, the people constantly ensure that those who exercise mandate on their behalf use them for public good.

This entails regular monitoring of the activities of elected representatives through reports, write-ups and analysis in the media. Monitoring could also be direct or through other

MMEDIATE past Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Sina Kawonise, must be commended for re-awakening our memory about the pervasive air of fetishism that dogged the administration of his erstwhile boss, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. During that era, lurid stories were told of the practice of necromancy in high places. Many of these were documented in Wale Adedayo’s book, Microseconds Away from Death. Adedayo should know. He served that government for the best part of six years, including as director of communication, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogun State and later, media director to former Governor Daniel.

Eager to prod us to remember our recent, most despicable, misfortune of being saddled with the most archaic government ever, Kawonise, in a recent piece, accused Governor Ibikunle Amosun of being responsible for the “death of prominent Egba chiefs” in recent time. He did not stop at that. He accused Amosun of “spiritually” responsible for the carnage on federal roads, including Lagos/Ibadan and Sagamu/Ore – axis in Ogun State. How much worse can an individual exhibit intellectual stagnation!

It is heart-warming, at least, to know that throughout his piece, Kawonise could not pin a single case of physical violence intent on Amosun since assumption of office. It may be necessary to recall immediate ugly and shameful development that led to Kawonise’s emergence as information commissioner. Before him, two former predecessors of his left office in record hullabaloo. One, Niran Malaolu, allegedly got slapped for daring to attempt to instil decorum into the governor’s activities. The other, Kayode Samuel, fled the shores of Nigeria, fearing that the goons of the administration would take it out on him, before throwing in his resignation letter.

Shortly after Tunde Oladunjoye, erstwhile boss of Ijebu North East Local Government, who, by then, had fallen out with Otunba Daniel for his patriotic opposition to pilfering council fund by the executive branch, went to town, armed with copiously intimidating evidence, some pictorial, that the wife of the governor, physically led rag-tag undertakers to unleash terror on his home in Ijebu Ife. Indeed, three media managers fell out with the Daniel administration in circumstances as intriguing as they were nearly bloody. Take the case of Adedayo, Daniel’s erstwhile media director, who engaged in a gun duel with suspected agents of the government at Ilishan before he went underground.

This is a mere snippet of the general air of terror which pervaded Ogun State in our recent past. Now, is it not curious that while his three predecessors scampered out of office in the circumstances painted above, Kawonise, a hith-

informal means. And in this monitoring and keeping a tab on their activities, the media have a very indispensable role to play.

Through the media, the people get to know what their representatives do in the national Assembly; their contributions to debate and how reflective of their wishes and aspirations they are. Through the media also, they are able to articulate their preferences on the conduct of legislative activities thereby contributing to the law making process.

Misuse of power is expected to attract reprisals- rejection of that representative at the next round of elections. There is also the power of recall of errant lawmakers which is vested on the people of the constituency.

These key powers of the people act as a check against the excesses of law makers and work in the direction of responsible conduct which in turn, strengthens democratic practices.

For these to happen, there must be free and unhindered flow of information. That is where the freedom of information Act cues in. For the media to play this role very effectively, it must be driven by public interest. The media could also become an impediment to this role especially if money and muscle power get control over it to the point of becoming an economic exercise rather than driven by public good. It is in this regard that some authorities have come up with the term Media Democracy. The driving idea here is that the media must be independent, plural and democratic in its ownership and role perception for it to effectively discharge these functions without which democracy cannot survive.

Information being the basis for decisionmaking, there is no doubt that the amount of it available to the people bears direct correlation to their ability to influence legisla-

tive outcome. It is a three directional thing involving input, output and feedback. The media convey relevant information on the feelings of the people to the legislature. It also conveys to the general public happenings at the legislature thus increasing their awareness on such events. These in turn, influence action and elicit response from the public which is conveyed back to elected leaders through a feedback system.

Access to information is essential to the health of democracy for at least two basic reasons. First, it ensures that people make responsible, informed decisions rather than act in ignorance or misinformation.

Second, information serves as “checking function” by ensuring that elected representatives uphold their oath of office and carry out the wishes of those who elected them.

In some societies, an antagonistic relationship between the media and the government represents a vital and healthy element of full functioning democracy.

The national assembly through its oversight functions interfaces with other critical institutions of government.

Through it, elected leaders ensure that public institutions are run in the overall public good. Since the new dispensation, we have seen such probe committees as the ones on fuel subsidy scandal and the capital market as well as those on constitutional amendment.

These are responses to concerns by the people on the fraudulent manner fuel subsidy payments and the Capital Market have been managed in this country. The constitutional amendment process is responding to public agitations for a constitution that represents their wishes and aspirations. Most of the issues slated for discussion: state creation, residency clause, State police, local government autonomy and immunity clause have been in the public domain for sometime now.

The essence of the public hearings is to give the people a say in the amendment process given that the 1999 constitution being a product of the military did not have inputs from the people.

In this desire to give the people a say in the constitutional amendment process, the media have a pivotal role in providing the necessary information and education that will aid decision.

But the media must be credible, objective, independent and responsible for it to positively influence public perception and action.

Excerpts from a paper at a UNDP capacity workshop for the press corps of the Senate held in Makurdi, Benue State.

Amosun’s Midas touch in Ogun

By Sola Lawal erto unknown media figure, not only worked cordially with a government openly accused of murderous tendencies but also still keeps company of his erstwhile boss.

It is a known fact that the menace of cultism and youth brigandage spiralled during the eight agonizing years of the Daniel administration. Boys, barely out of their pre-teen, were armed to unleash mayhem on opponents of the administration. The ripple outcome of this is the overwhelming possession of illicit weapons in wrong hands, a situation that has led to increased cases of violence in our environment.

Not prepared to be caught napping, the Amosun administration recently introduced the highest number of Armoured Personal Carriers in crime control in Ogun State. Amosun deployed 13 of the equipment as against the only one dubbed “Iyalode” (for its eternal immobility) purchased by the Daniel administration.

While he inherited 16 Hilux trucks meant for use by policemen, the Amosun administration, barely a year in office, bought 182 of the vehicles. The government also bought a large number of bullet-proof vests, helmets and riffles, precise number of which can not be disclosed here for obvious reasons.

As soon as he came into office, the Amosun administration recruited 5,000 youths, mostly university graduates, into the civil service. At the moment all the lucky individuals have been fully integrated into the service.

Unlike the practice of his predecessor in office whose officials spoke to the people only through cudgels and, sometimes, the gun, Governor Amosun personally went around the state to interface directly with the people who would be affected by massive road reconstruction currently commencing in Abeokuta, Sagamu, Yewaland and other places. Many of them, particularly in the state capital, Abeokuta, have received momentary compensation for their property that would give way to the modern roads. Others who have not received theirs are already being prepared to take their entitlement as well.

Many of these roads have become incapable of withstanding modern day traffic across the state. As a matter of fact, many of them were built at a time when the state population was less than half of what obtains today. Therefore, it needs no further prodding for any responsible government to know it is, indeed, time to overhaul them.

On the economic front, over 500 transformers were acquired by the Amosun administration. They have since been distributed to needy communities. In no small manner, this gesture has greatly assisted economic empowerment of citizens since a large potion of the populace derive their survival from availability of electricity.

Still in the empowerment arena, a total of 77 buses, the largest ever in the state, were drafted into the hitherto epileptic mass transportation system of Ogun State. These consist of 27 pieces of 43-seaters luxury buses; 30 of 18-seater Toyota buses and 20 Nissan buses. Aside remarkable positive intervention in the sector, this move has also provided gainful employment for no fewer than 250 indigenes of Ogun State.

In place of the practice of yesteryears when youth were deliberately armed by the government to cause havoc in the society, the Amosun administration has begun the arduous, but necessary, task of steering them away from crime. In January this year, the Amosun government flagged off the distribution of N1.8 billion worth of textbooks to private primary and secondary schools in the state. This was a follow-up to a similar gesture involving distribution of instructional materials such as note books, pencils, biros, file jackets and school bags among others. To promote the process further, 28 model schools are currently being built across the state.

• Lawal is publicity secretary, ACN, Ogun State

‘It is a known fact that the menace of cultism and youth brigandage spiralled during the eight agonising years of the Daniel administration. Boys, barely out of their pre-teens, were armed to unleash mayhem on opponents of the administration. The ripple outcome of this is the overwhelming possession of illicit weapons in wrong hands, a situation that has led to increased cases of violence in our environment’

I

EAGLES’ FINAL SELECTION

Keshi: I’ll be fair with home-based players Pg. 24

Mike Umeh warns Chelsea over Mikel

Pg. 41

Sport Monday, December 17, 2012

PAGE 23

COPA LAGOS

Nigeria retains title •Defeats Portugal 8-7 in final •Team captain protests to NFF

N

IGERIA'S SuperSand Eagles’team defeated Portugal 8-7 to retain the trophy of the 2012 Copa Lagos at the Atlantic Beach Soccer Stadium yesterday.

They edged Portugal's Seleccao das Quinas 87, after coming from a five goal deficit to finish off the job in extra time after the three periods ended 7-7.

On their way to the finals, the Nigerian side

By Stella Bamawo had defeated Lebanon 7-6 in their first match on Friday and on Saturday they thrashed Argentina 5-0. With this victory, the Coach Adamu Ejor-tutored side have won the second edition of the championship.

Meanwhile, team captain, Isiaka Olawale had

compalined bitterly of the attitude of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) towards the team.

Olawale told NationSport after the finals that the NFF had not deemed it necessary to reward them financially despite also winning the maiden edition. He said: "We have been waiting for them since last year for them to

reward us financially. You can see that it is not easy playing in the sand. After this we go back to the local league. We don't have a league of our own. We need more players we are just 10 with 5 officials" They are now set to participate in the Beach Football Nations Cup slated for Morocco in March.

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NATIONSPORT MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

GLO SOCCER ACADEMY

Eagles can win Nations Cup —SA Envoy T

Initiative’ll fast track football development in Nigeria —Okpodu

E

X-INTERNATIONAL and former Coach of Super Falcons, Sam Okpodu has described the Glo Soccer Academy as the best form of identifying future stars for Nigerian Club sides and the National teams.

He made this remark when he visited the Glo Soccer Academy camp in Lagos during the week.

Okpodu who is a football consultant and UEFA ‘A’ licensed coach practising in the United States of America, described the atmosphere at the academy as most suitable for teaching the youngsters techniques of modern football.

He advised coaches at the academy to inculcate in the players the skill of reading the game which according to him is a very critical aspect which will help them as they progress to higher level in their football career.

He commended Globacom for setting up the academy which he believed will fast track football development in Nigeria, particularly at the youth level.

“The future of our football in Nigeria will be secured if we remain consistent with this concept of developing our youth through specialised academies which will put them in proper shape ahead of a career in the round leather game,” Okpodu said.

He pleaded with other corporate organisations in Nigeria to emulate Globacom by setting up such academies to help promote the development of the game in the country. It will be recalled that after weeks of rigorous screening exercise in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic, 33 boys were selected to go

HE outgoing South Africa High Commissioner to Nigeria, Kingsley Mamabolo has tipped the Super Eagles to win next year's Africa Cup of Nations holding in his country. "Let me first congratulate the Super Eagles of Nigeria for

into the Academy House where they have been under the tutelage of a technical team led by exinternational, Victor Ikpeba. The boys also had the luxury of being trained by UEFA Grade 'A' Coaches from Manchester United.

Out of the 33 boys who made it to the camp, 16 finalists will emerge with mouth-watering prizes which include N5m for the most valuable player. The remaining 15 boys will get N1m each. All the 16 will travel to Manchester United School for further training in addition to the Globacom GBam Scholarship worth N750,000 f o r e a c h player.

qua lifying for the finals in

E

LDERSON ECHIEJILE has said Nigeria could be African champions again next year if they make the most of a training camp in Faro, Portugal. The Eagles will open a training camp in Portugal on December 27 and the Sporting Braga star defender has told MTNFootball.com the hard work and sacrifices there could be rewarded with a third Nations Cup conquest by Nigeria in South Africa. “I believe if we give everything in the training camp, we will have a very great Nations Cup,” Elderson said.

“This means that most of us have to cut short deserved holidays after a hectic season in Europe and also hope our clubs release us in good time so that we have enough time to work as a team.”

The Braga left back said the Eagles have struggled to play as a team because they have often not had enough time to train together for longer than four days.

“We will now have at least two full weeks before our first game in South Africa and that is a lot because we hardly get that before many of our matches,” he said. “This will be enough time to really work as a team and the result of this we will see by our first game against Burkina Faso in January 21.”

Defending champions Zambia and Ethiopia are the Eagles other first round foes in Group C to be based in Nelspruit.

The former U-17 and U-20 international is set for his second Nations Cup after he featured at the 2010 tournament in Angola, where Nigeria finished third.

KESHI:

I’ll be fair with home-based players N

IGERIA's coach Stephen Keshi has vowed to be sincere with home-based players in his selection of players for the upcoming Nations Cup. Keshi is scheduled to commence Nigeria's first phase of preparations for the tournament on Monday in Abuja with 22 NPL players and the coach declared he still have a place for home-based players in his

T

H E B e n u e Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Aondowase Chia, has disclosed that a FIFA turf would soon be laid at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. Chia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Makurdi that the contract for the laying of the turf was awarded to Monimichelle Company at N170 million, but was later reviewed upwards to N270 million.

He said the turf had already been brought into the country from Spain and would soon be laid at the stadium. The commissioner, however, dispelled insinuations that the execution of the contract was deliberately delayed to increase its initial cost.

He explained that the delay became necessary owing to the late release of funds to the contractor, which ultimately affected the initial sum for the execution of the job. The commissioner noted that the time difference between when the contract was awarded and the actual release of funds, led to variations in the contract sum. He said that the materials incurred demurrage charges.

Chia added that 75 per cent of the materials were imported from Spain and assured that they were of the best quality.

Ethiopia coach vows to upset Nigeria

E

Elderson: Eagles can be African champions again

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

t h a t tho which I would also love to happen. But what I would say is that se may the best team win", Mamabolo told NationSport in an exclusive chat in Abuja. The outgoing Envoy also revealed that cou his country has made a fantastic preparations for Nigeria and n t r i other 15 countries that would storm South Africa for the e s competition holding between January 19th and February 10th, that 2013. have been "We as the host country are ready preparations wise to take tipped to w i n t h e care of any eventualities that may surface during the competition and we (South Africans) tournament. "We have put up a good preparations as regards wish them well in the tournament. security, accommodation, other logistics. You will also agree "I would also say that The Bafana Bafana also with me that our hosting of what everybody considered as a have a chance to win the competition like other qualified good hosting of the 2010 World Cup has helped us countries. There is also a possibility of Nigeria playing South tremendously in preparations for the SA 2013 AFCON", Africa in the final. All these are possibilities in a game of football Mamabolo boasted.

EAGLES’ FINAL SELECTION

FIFA turf for Aper Aku Stadium — Commissioner

THOPIA coach Serum Kabede is keen to upset the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Chipolopolo of Zambia by claiming one of the two quarter final tickets in Group C of the 2013 Nations Cup. Kabede, who began training with the Walya Antelopes during the week said he is looking forward to cause a shock in the group by reaching the last-eight.

Ethiopia used the senior

South Africa.

I would say honestly Nigeria is among

AFCON 2013

CECAFA Challenge Cup as a build-up for the tournament in South Africa and despite being the dark horses in the group that also have Burkina Faso, Kabede said they are ready to upset the apple cart by securing a quarterfinal slot.

Defending champions Zambia and returnees Nigeria are bookmakers' favourites to qualify from the group.

Ethiopia are making a comeback to the tournament after over three decades of absence.

squad but was quick to add that any player that will make his team will be on top class form to go with total commitment. I still have so much belief in the home-based players.

I have been working with them for almost a year now and they have given us some bite in the team. Any player that want to play for Nigeria in the Nations Cup will have to be of high quality and must be ready to give a lot of sacrifice by giving his

best to the team, he said. Keshi added: - I have said it time and again that I don't have preference for any set of players and I will be giving any good players the chance to play in my team.

My selection will be fair, and will also be sincere in my selection of players. It's up to the players to prove to me they want to play, he said.

Barnes, Erskine to compere Glo-CAF Awards

E

•Keshi

X- ENGLISH International, John Barnes and Anita Erskine, a Ghanabased live show hostess have been confirmed as the official Masters of Ceremony (MC) of the 2012 Glo-Caf Awards. John Barnes, Member of the British Empire (MBE) born on 7th of November 1963 is a former English footballer and manager who currently works as a commentator and football pundit for ESPN and SuperSport.

During his playing career, Barnes had successful periods at Watford and Liverpool in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the First Division twice, the FA Cup twice,

and playing for England 79 times (at the time, a record for a black player).

After a period at Newcastle United, he ended his playing career at Charlton Athletic in 1999.

After retiring as a player, Barnes had a brief stint as head coach of Celtic in 1999–2000, working alongside Kenny Dalglish.

He later took over as manager of the Jamaica national team in 2008, but resigned six months later to become manager at Tranmere Rovers until 2009. Though a Jamaican by birth, Barnes opted to represent the country he had lived in since the age of 13 and was given his England debut by Bobby Robson on 28 May 1983.

After 12 years of international recognition, Barnes won the last of his 79 caps on 6 September 1995 in the 0–0 friendly draw with Colombia at Wembley. Anita Erskine on the other hand is a powerful personality whose energy and passion for life's adventures is unmistakable! This is why M-NET lifestyle program STUDIO 53 picked the strikingly gorgeous Ghanaian as a field presenter for the show. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Ghana, her role in STUDIO 53 is centred on introducing DStv’s African audiences to the vibrant arts, culture, places and personalities of Ghana. Since completing a B.A. degree in Cultural Studies at Trent University in Canada, Anita has worked prolifically in the media

N

NFF will not hesitate to report the European champions to the World Football governing body.

"The Nations Cup is a FIFA-recognised competition and we expect all the clubs in Europe including Chelsea to comply with the date for the release of players. Should they fail to comply, we have no other choice than to report them to FIFA." Chelsea are in defending midfield crisis with Mikel's back-up Orieul Romeu injured for the rest of the season and feelers suggests

that the English club want to keep Mikel for few more days as they push for a top-four finish which would guarantee their return to the Champions League having crashed out of the competition few weeks ago.

Chelsea will play QPR on January 2 which is suppose to be the player's last game before joining Nigeria's camp in Faro Portugal but there are indications that they will want the player to feature against Southampton and Stoke on January 5 and 12 in an FA Cup and League games respectively.

•Echiejile

Eagles not ready for AFCON 2013, says Taribo

Mike Umeh warns Chelsea over Mikel IGERIA Football Federation 1st vice president Mike Umeh has warned that Nigeria will not hesitate to report Chelsea to FIFA if they do not release midfielder John Obi Mikel on time for the forthcoming African Nations Cup in South Africa.

Nigeria's foreign-based professionals have been given up to the January 4 to report to camp but there are indications that Chelsea might want to want to hold on to the midfielder a bit longer and Umeh said the

industry. She began her career abroad working at FLOW 93.5 FM in Ontario where she took on the responsibilities of communications consultant and on-air host.

Barnes and Erksine will no doubt add more colour to the glitz and glamour of the night. The 2012 Glo-Caf Awards comes up on 20th Of December, 2012 at State House Banquet Hall in Accra, Ghana. CAF released the final list of three African players last week for the awards. They are the Ivorian Didier Drogba who currently plays in the China League; Manchester City Midfielder, Yaya Toure; and Camerounian midfielder, Alexander Song who plays in Barcelona Football Club in Spain.

E

•Mikel

X- NIGERIA international, Taribo West has stated that the present crop of Eagles does not have what it takes to win the Africa Cup of Nations slated for South Africa next year.

In a chat with NationSport on Sunday, West opined that the Stephen Keshi tutored side would need more time to blend as a team.

“I am not expecting a miracle; they should give them two or three years to train together. Although they would perform well at the Nations Cup, but like I said earlier, we should not expect a miracle,” he said.

He however commended Keshi

By Stella Bamawo for giving the local league players the opportunity to be part of preparations for Africa's biggest soccer fiesta.

“It is not a every time you would see a coach combining his team with professional players. Keshi has been able to give everyone an opportunity to showcase their talents,” he emphasized.

Nigeria has been grouped alongside the current African Champions, Zambia, Bukina faso and Benin Republic at the next edition in the country of the Mandiva.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

JOBS

THE CEO

Pension assets available to finance infrastructure - P. 32

More jobs coming for nurses - P. 37 News Briefing

Enhanced capital base for Finance Houses coming

MDGs: World Bank to assist Nigeria, others THE World Bank has promised to assist Nigeria and other developing countries to achieve the Millenium Development Goals(MDGs) by 2015.

By Collins Nweze

- Page 26

‘Agric attracts $8b investment ’ THE agricultural sector has attracted $8 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last one year, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adesina Akinwunmi has said.

- Page 30

‘Fed Govt owes pensioners N500b’ THE National President of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mallam Ali Abatcha, has said the Federal Government is owing pensioners unpaid entitlements of over N500 billion.

- Page 39 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation 11.9% Treasury Bills 7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate 2% 91-day NTB 15% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR 12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

We want a SONCAP programme that would serve its purpose; a programme that would be dynamic, where all the identified loopholes would be effectively plugged thereby making it difficult for the plague of substandard products to continue to dominate the Nigerian business space.

- Dr Joseph Odumodu, DG, SON

• CBN Lamido

Governor

Sanusi

T

HE Board of the Cen tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to approve an enhanced capital base for finance houses operating in the country before year-end, an insider at the

Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) has said.

The Nation findings showed that the apex bank’s Board is working on releasing a new prudential guideline for the subsector that also includes raising the capital base from N20 million to about N1 billion, to enhance stability of the troubled subsector.

The criteria for appointing managing directors for the subsector may also form

‘Fed Govt may retain N52b unclaimed dividends’

E

XCEPT a bill is passed for companies to keep unclaimed dividends in perpetuity, the Federal Government may walk away with about N52 billion unclaimed dividends.

Director/Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Kennedy Aigbekaen, said though the exact amount trapped in the unclaimed dividends funds is unknown, a bill would be passed for companies to keep the unclaimed dividends in perpetuity, or in the alternative, the money will revert to the government.

According to Aigbekaen, "as regards the figure, there is some harmonisation going on. I cannot say what the exact figure is; some say it is N40 billion, while others say it is N52 billion.The point is there is a discrepancy in the figures registrars have."

He added: "In other parts of the world, when dividends are unclaimed, they revert to the state because dividends are like property, no property can be vacant. In every society once a property is vacant, it goes to the state because the state takes care of everybody.

“That is the way unclaimed dividends must be treated. People must be able to claim their funds as long as they can prove it, that will require changing the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), or making new laws to attend to this," he stated.

He said the “Monitoring and Investigation Department of the SEC, is meeting with Registrars and other stakeholders to harmonise positions and come up with the exact figure that is trapped as unclaimed dividends, adding that many stakeholders are responding so the figures may change, it may be higher or lower,

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

depending on the harmonisation that is going on."

He said SEC has sent the "unclaimed dividends bill to the National Assembly, but was shot down, probably through the efforts of other stakeholders who didn't like it."

He noted: "Once dividend is declared, it is no longer the fund of the company, it becomes a debt the company owes the shareholders. As at today, if after 12 years a dividend is unclaimed, the company can use it outside its operations."

Aigbekaen said unclaimed dividends persist because of change in address, cases of multiple applications as some people can no longer remember the addresses they used to receive their warrants and they did not update the information on their applications, and the refusal of many banks to pay dividend warrants into savings accounts.

One way of dealing with the problem, he said, "is for dividends to be issued electronically and once that is done, all the registrar has to do is to credit the accounts of investors within hours of the declaration of dividends rather than having investors wait for years before they get their dividends.

“Another way of dealing with the problem will be through government’s intervention by making laws and passing the unclaimed dividend bill because with CAMA, as it is today, you cannot get your dividend after a specified period, but if that bill is passed, it will be in perpetuity so that anytime you get to know about your unclaimed dividends and you can prove it then you can have it from the unclaimed dividend trust funds office."

part of the reforms. He said the apex bank is also considering developing a regulatory framework that would govern finance lease practice, institutionalising a “funding pool” to stimulate lending in the sub-sector and structured programme to address the reputation and poor visibility challenges of the sub-sector.

Other pending issues, such as withdrawal of licences of 47 finance houses whose liquidity were called to question in May, and funding for the subsector will be decided after the CBN board’s assent.

He said progress was being made, unlike before when nothing was happening in the subsector. He said the reform was taking shape and might

be concluded by year-end.

The apex bank had given a 30-day notice to 47 finance houses, closed or inactive, to submit evidence of their existence and/or operations, or lose their operating licences.

Although the order expired on April 18, the banking watchdog is yet to take decision on the matter.

The CBN said the affected finance companies had closed shop, ceased to operate, or abandoned finance business.

The source said the withdrawal of the institutions’ licences is certain because their conditions are beyond repair.

President of the association, Samuel Durojaye, said the CBN reforms in the sector would transform, and reposition the finance company sub-sector to enable it

play increasing role in Nigeria’s financing value chain.

He acknowledged the apex bank’s continuing support to and engagement with the association on this project. He called on FHAN members to support the bank’s efforts at strengthening the regulatory environment by regular and timely rendering of all statutory returns and reports, as well as the renewal of their operating licences every year.

Durojaye enjoined them to note that the apex bank is taking the issue of corporate governance practices very seriously and, therefore, counselled members to identify structural weaknesses in their various organisations and take immediate remedial steps to rectify them.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS Expert calls for tougher entry requirements for food imports

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 7. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 9. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Aero 12.20 13.30 15. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 16. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 17. Arik 13.45 14.45 18. IRS 14.00 15.20 19. Aero 14.10 15.30 20. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 21. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 22. Arik 15.50 16.50 23. Aero 16.00 17.20 24. IRS 16.30 17.50 25. Arik 16.50 17.50 26. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 27. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 29. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 20. Arik 18.45 19.45 31. Aero 19.20 20.40

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LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Aero 10.50 12.30 5. Arik 11.40 13.00 6. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 7. IRS 13.30 15.00 8. Arik 14.00 15.20 9. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 10 Arik 16.10 17.30 11. Aero 16.15 17.30 12. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

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LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

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LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

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•President, Federal Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinisto and Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, during a meeting in Helsinki, Finland.

MDGs: World Bank to assist Nigeria, others T HE World Bank has prom ised to assist Nigeria and other developing countries to achieve the Millenium Development Goals(MDGs) by 2015.

Speaking during the Fourth Organisation for Economic and Development World Meeting in New Delhi, India, the bank's Vice President, Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Mr Octaviano Canuto said the bank was on track to achieve MDGs in three years to foster growth globally.

The theme of the fourm is: Beyond 2015: The future of development goals.

Canuto said the aim of the forum was to reduce poverty to the barest minimum in countries, arguing that poverty was ravaging many nations.

He said: For the first time since poverty trends began to be monitored, poverty and extreme poverty rates have fallen in every developing region, including subSaharan Africa, where rates are highest. Globally, extreme poverty is down to 22 per cent, from 52 per cent 30 years ago. Despite a 35 per cent population increase, fewer people live in extreme poverty today than 30 years ago. MDGs One, the global poverty reduction target, was met in 2010, five years ahead of the 2015 deadline.

Poverty surveys indicate that by 2010, the global poverty rate was

By Akinola Ajibade

less than half of its 1990 level.

“With regard to gender equality, we have made great strides in women’s endowments, capabilities, and rights, particularly on health and education. Our progress is commendable, and the first set of MDGs has, undoubtedly, served as an important catalyst for the development community to focus support on poverty reduction and improvements in human development. The energy they generated around development efforts attracted attention from governments and civil society alike, which in turn translated into greater resource flows.”

Unfortunately, not everyone has shared in this prosperity. In SubSaharan Africa, only 61% of the poverty target was reached, and in fragile and conflict-affected states, only 53%. In fact, few fragile and conflict-affected states have met even a single target. Women’s economic opportunities and rights are still lagging: 44 countries still restrict the working hours of women relative to men, and 71 limit the industries in which women can work.

In at least 47 countries, women

are restricted in their ability to get a job, sign a contract, register a business, open a bank account, be the head of the household, or choose where to live. So while we’ve made headway, it is simply not enough to make progress in most countries but not in fragile states, or to help millions escape poverty but fail to reach the most marginalized, or move towards gender equality in only some areas. We need to step up our efforts in this final stretch to the 2015 deadline."

He said the bank is learning from the past be designing an effective post-2015 MDGs framework, ading that efforts are being made to reflect on how best to tackle our world’s challenges as its appraoching 2015.

"Going forward, this is our chance to design a post-2015 framework that builds on our successes, draws lessons from past shortcomings, addresses the gaps in the current MDGs, and most importantly, aims higher across the board.

For the new goals to act as a catalytic force for transformation in developing countries and empowerment of the poor, they must be truly universal, indivisible, complementary, and inclusive.

FOOD safety expert,Prof Dele Fapohunda, has urged food inspection authorities to adopt more stringent entry requirements to ensure that the product is free of toxins.

Fapohunda,who is of the Department of Bio-Sciences and BioTechnology, Babcock University, Ogun State, urged the authorities to maintain its food security by preventing the importation of potentially diseased improved crops.

He called on the government to test crops to identify any remaining pesticide residues and establish safety and compliance.

He said pesticides are extensively used in agriculture for the mitigation, control, destruction or repellence of pests. Noting that they are essential for crop protection, he said some pesticides could have health effects on food products.

He said a world-class system could protect domestic crops against diseases from imports.

Customs Command seizes N22m goods

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HE Western Marine Com mand (WMC) of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has seized smuggled goods with duty paid value put at N22.124 million.

The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Zakka Audu, said the seizure covered September to November.

The Comptroller said the seizures were done on 21 different occasions.

An analysis of the operations made available by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakari showed that in September, 10 seizures were recorded while in October and November the number stood at four and seven.

A further analysis of the Command’s Monthly Returns on Suppression of smuggling Forms made available to The Nation showed that in September the value of smuggled goods stood at N12.751 million while the estimated duty paid value (DPV) stood at N13.969 million. For the months of October and November the value of the arrested smuggled goods stood at N1.945 million and N5.466 million respectively while the estimated duty paid value (DPV) stood at N2.543 million and N5.612 million.

Lagos explores alternative energy for e-learning centres

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HE Lagos State government is planning an alternative energy source to run the computer laboratories it is building for secondary schools in the state, its Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Fatai Mabadeje, has said.

He spoke in Lagos, saying the state government sees the need to encourage pupils to embrace technology at an early stage, adding that a smaller version of the magnificent e-Learning centre built by the government in Lagos would be built in all the secondary schools across the state.

This is against the backdrop of the incessant power failure by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). He said using solar energy to power the computer labs would be a nice option going by global trend and reliability of using alternative energy source.

“Fossil fuel is increasingly becoming unfashionable because of its impact on the ozone layer. In Germany, more than 50 per cent of the energy needs of the country is met through solar energy. We have the advantage in our part of the world. So, we are looking at all the options to power the e-learning

By Lucas Ajanaku

centres that will be built in the schools across the state,” the commissioner said.

To underscore the reliability of solar power, he said an office in Alausa Secretariat has been running on solar power in the last one year without hitches. “The office has been running perfectly on solar in the last one year or so. The only thing we do is to bring the solar panel down and clean the surface. It has been functioning. The only problem could be the initial cost of entry which may be high,” he said, adding that the cost will begin to fall after installation.

He said the state government places high premium on Information Communication Technology (ICT) training as an integral part of education, thereby underscoring regular training of personnel of the state in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) beginning from basic to knowledge to engineering. He said the state trains 600 teachers yearly on ICT tree, an international standard training recognised globally.

He added that the government through the Ministry of Science and

Technology has an ICT vision to improve the quality of education in institutions of learning and improve access to information for various research activities.

Speaking about the e-learning

Centre, he said it was upgraded from the then Lagos City Library built in 1964 and embodies a state of the art ICT learning environment utilizing the latest electronic and digital technology.

Imo to prosecute defaulting oil firms

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IL companies in Imo State that fail to provide ameni ties to their host communities may be sanctioned, the state Commissioner, Ministry of Petroleum and the Environment, Emmanuel Ekweremba, has warned.

He said the lives of the people have been made worse due to lack of social amenities such as electricity, water, good roads, education, hospitals and medical facilities and recreational facilities, adding that the people have not really benefited from the dividends of the oil companies in the area.

Speaking with The Nation in Owerri, he said some of the oil companies, including Chevron, Addax, Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, Niger Delta Development Commission, and Water Smith have not obeyed the terms of agreement reached with

By Ambrose Nnaji

the state government and the host communities.

He said the defaulting firms had been notified and that they have been given time to comply, but if they fail, the ministry would prosecute them.

“We have called them for a meeting so that some of these issues could be addressed. We have given them time. If they fail, we can then go to court. If they don’t comply to the terms, the company and the community had reached, we go to court.”

Meanwhile, Ekweremba said adequate security has been beefed up to ensure the safety of workers in the area, adding, the police, the civil defense and the army are working hand in hand to prevent youths restiveness in the oil region.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

27

ISSUES

•Dangote Cement Plant, Gboko

Cement: Importation puts backward integration at bay Although the dust raised by the Dangote Group on the threat to local production of cement by importers remains unsettled, the government has seen the need to revisit the issue as the firm's closure of its Gboko plant takes its toll on the workers and the host community, SIMEON EBULU, Deputy Business Editor, reports. •Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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ISSUES

Cement: Importation puts backward integration at bay •Continued from page 27

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OR years, Nigeria has yearned to diversify its economy and be self-sufficient in certain sectors of the economy. The government, and many Nigerians, have always flayed the nation's almost total dependence on oil ( to the tune of over 85 per cent), as unhealthy and dangerous, given the fact that oil is a wasting asset, and also that its control, in terms of production and sale, is not entirely within Nigeria's control. Besides, the price is subject to all kinds of regional and geo-political influences and configurations to which the nation has little, if any, control.

In no area has the need to be self-reliant been more pressing than in rice and cement production. Rice, because it is the nation's staple food, and cement because of government's desire to deliver affordable housing to the generality of the people.

The lack of local capacity to churn out cement, the major component required in building and construction, has led governments over the years, to issue import licences for importation of the product, not only to bridge the supply gap, but also to moderate its price.

This delicate balancing act, has more often than not, played out in favour of importers, who require next to nothing to bring-in the product, against producers, who in most cases have to exhaust the whole gamut of the production process, including aggregating all the financial, cum-human resource input to ensure they meet local demand.

It was not until the present democratic dispensation that a conscious effort was made to address the challenge of making Nigeria becoming self-sufficient in cement production.

The bait to accomplish this feat was thrown to many industrialists, but few took on the challenge. Among them are Lafarge, Dangote Cement Plc, BUA, Ibeto Nigeria Limited, Flour Mills Plc, Northern Nigeria Cement Company and NIGERCEM. Since the goal is to make Nigeria self-reliant in cement production and a net exporter (not an importer) of the product, some of the firms and their promoters ( a handful of them), who originally were key importers, took on the gauntlet and reverted wholly to becoming manufacturers. In this regard, the Dangote Group and a few others invested massively in plant and machinery for cement production.

The interplay of local production, with its attendant infrastructural deficit and the unbridled influx of imports, have resulted in what one of the leading manufacturers, Dangote Cement Plc, described as a glut, or over supply in a segment of the market. And to minimise its loss, the management of the conglomerate has taken a pre-emptive step to temporarily shut down its

plant in, Gboko, Benue State.

The closure of the Gboko cement plant has raised many issues. They are both micro and macro. Firstly, it puts a whole line of huge financial outlay at risk, thereby jeopardising the chance, or early realisation of government's backward integration programme. In addition, the lifeline of about 5,000 workers (direct and indirect) is on hold with an uncertain future hovering over their heads.

The impact of the multi-plier effects of the development on the economic activities of the host community cannot be overlooked.

Although the management has assured that the closure is temporary, the workers and the community have started counting their losses.

A visit to Gboko by The Nation revealed that economic activities in the hitherto boisterous enclave have been grounded. "The place is now a shadow of its former self. As you can see, the place is deserted except for the security men and some company guards at the factory entrance," remarked one of the staff members who requested that his identity be veiled.

A filling station attendant, Paul Akosu, said since the factory was closed, they have run out of business. He said before now. petroleum business was very lucrative as both Dangote's trucks and other vehicles patronise the fuel station non-stop.

For a food vendor. Mrs Dooshima Iorfza, the closure of the company has sent her out of business at a very critical period.

She said, "Christmas is when sales peak. I had hope to make enough sale and buy my three children clothes for the Yuletide, but the hope has been dashed," she lamented.

Officials at the Dangote Group, in Lagos, said although the action may appear harsh and painful, it had to be taken as a rescue measure. The official, who asked not to be identified, explained that the challenges in Gboko were not replicated in the other cement plants owned by the Group. He said the factory which was opened to meet the needs of consumers in the South-south

•Minister of Trade and Industry, Olusegun Aganga

•President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote

•Bags of cement

and Middle Belt, is being threatened by a horde of imported cement, mostly from the Asian countries.

He said what is brewing now is akin to the development in the textile industries, warning that if no steps are taken to arrest the situation, it could lead to the collapse of cement factories in the country. The official explained that cement is the

only sector that is close to being self-sufficient, and, therefore, should be assisted to succeed and make government's backward integration plan a reality.

The official, who faulted critics' claims that Dangote was crying wolf where there is none, said no one can do the import business better than Alhaji Dangote, adding that he

‘A visit to Gboko revealed that economic activities in the hitherto boisterous enclave have been grounded to a halt. The place is now a shadow of its former self. The place is deserted except for the security men and some company guards at the factory gate’

has settled for local production," because of his patriotism.

He said if the government is unwilling to impose a ban on cement importers, it can increase tariff, or raise duties on imported cement. He also suggested that if the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Calabar is operational, it could assist the company in evacuating some of the products to the international market, especially in the West African Subregion. "Dumping will not be so adverse if we have the leverage to export," the official stated.

He said for anybody, who is patriotic, this is a national disaster, stressing that cement is the only good thing coming from Nigeria. Beside cement, in which other product are we self-sufficient? he asked.

The official came hard on critics who have rationalised that the concern expressed by the firm and the subsequent closure of; its plant are ploys to arm-twist the authority, saying, "if Dangote was not patriotic, he would have been the number one importer, and would've been making more money."

He argued: "Large scale importation will not even crash prices, but will impact negatively on the government’s backward integration policy, hack jobs and businesses, and ultimately result in capital flight."

He urged government agencies and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to rise to the occasion by frustrating importation of sub-standard products, so that the nation does not end up as a net importer of all its consumer products, as is the case with rice and sugar. "A stitch in time saves nine," he warned.

The Nation has learnt that the government has risen to the occasion. It has set up a fact- finding mission to ascertain the true position and proffer a solution. An official of the Ministry of Trade and Investment, who asked not to be identified, said the government is addressing the matter.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

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BUSINESS AFRICA

EIB set to back 50m-euro loan for Liberian hydropower

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HE European Investment Bank (EIB) is close to approving a 50 million-euro ($64 million) loan for Liberia’s Mount Coffee hydropower project and may provide 100 million euros for a similar power plant in East Africa.

The financing would be part of as much as 1 billion euro worth of loans the Luxembourg-based bank is considering in sub- Saharan Africa, Vice President Pim van Ballekom said during an interview in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The deal for the 64-megawatt Liberian project, which will cost 180 million euro, may be approved this year, he said.

“The project is identified as being a very important element in regional integration, and supporting a post-conflict country,” van Ballekom said.

The West African nation is seeking to rebuild infrastructure destroyed in civil wars between 1989 and 2003. The country produces 23 megawatts of electricity for a population of 4.1 million people, one of the lowest per capita rates in the world, according to Liberia’s finance ministry.

The European Union’s lending unit, which loans as much as 70 billion euros a year, is planning to give 100 million euros for generation and transmission infrastructure to the 147- megawatt Ruzizi III hydropower dam. The project, expected to cost 300 million euros, will be situated on the Ruzizi River at the intersection of the borders of Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“If we can stimulate regional cooperation, it’s an extra, certainly when it’s in the Great Lakes dis-

trict,” van Ballekom said. Sithe Global Power LLP unit, which is owned by private- equity company Blackstone Group LP (BX), will work on the project, he said.

Africa has 15 percent of the world’s population and accounts for 3 percent of energy consumption, according to a 2011 report by the African Union and other continental organizations that studied electricity demand for the next three decades. It is projected to grow at a rate of 5.7 percent annually from the present 2.4 percent, it said.

The bank made “a convincing argument” why it’s important for African nations to invest in renewable energy in discussions with ministers at an energy conference in Addis Ababa last week, van Ballekom said.

“It’s always good to have a broad energy base so you’re not dependent on certain countries or regimes you don’t like to be over-dependent on,” he said.

• Workers offload imported sugar at the port of Mombasa. Comesa has already gazetted transit goods routes, which have been geo-fenced and trucks following these routes will be monitored.

Comesa adopts IT to boost trade

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ORKERS offload imported sugar at the port of Mombasa. Comesa has already gazetted transit goods routes, which have been geo-fenced and trucks following these routes will be monitored.

A new online system being implemented by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) trading bloc is expected to cut down non-tariff barriers, reduce the cost of doing business and improve intra-regional trade.

The $1 million system – which is being developed by Comesa and funded by the European Union – could, for instance, cut transport costs by up to 40 per cent, Comesa Secretary-General Sindiso Ngwenya said.

With three main modules – Transit Bonds, Risk Management and Cargo Tracking — the Comesa Virtual Trade Facilitation System (CVTFS) aims at integrating systems used by regional revenue authorities, transporters, shippers, clearing agents, ports and customs to provide

real-time information and facilitate uninterrupted movement of goods across borders.

“For instance, the current average cost of moving a container from Mombasa to Bujumbura is $5,600 most of which is associated with delays and other costs, including bribes. Minimising delays would see these costs reduce significantly,” Mr Ngwenya said during a stakeholder sensitisation forum in Mombasa last week.

Besides tracking cargo from origin to destination, the system will facilitate management of transit bonds and capture electronic data contained in the customs seal and assign this information to customs offices at various transit points.

Transport corridors

Comesa has already gazetted transit goods routes which have been geo-fenced and trucks following these routes will be monitored.

In case seals are tampered with, owners will automatically be notified via Short Message Services

(SMSs) or email.

Owners who register their trucks with the system will display a ‘Comesa Transit’ plate on their vehicles.

Delays along the major transport corridors arising from lengthy procedures at weight control points and police road blocks within the region have been identified as major non-tariff barriers hindering trade.

Mr Charles Muita, a member of the team that worked on the system and who made the presentation, said they expected most of the countries where industry players do not have their own systems to quickly adopt CVTFS. “The system does not intend to replace the ones used by member countries, but would integrate them to achieve a seamless flow of information and documentation,” Mr Ngwenya said during the sensitisation at the Mombasa Beach Hotel.

The sensitisation in Comesa member states aims at getting volunteers for a free pilot project that will run for three months starting next month.

South African antitrust regulations delay GlencoreLENCORE International time to prepare their defense.

Xstrata merger ditional ran into delays obtaining The hearing was postponed until

G

the approval of regulators in South Africa. The commodities trader had been forced to move the deadline for the completion of its $33 billion proposed takeover of Xstrata to January 31, 2013 as it prepares to defend its case this week.

Eskom, the South African power utility company, had been concerned that its coal supplies would be affected by the Glencore-Xstrata

merger.

Glencore is one of Eskom’s biggest suppliers of coal. It is also one of the important producers of the commodity in South Africa. In addition, the South African government workers pension owns significant shares in the company.

According to Ventures Africa, Glencore and Xstrata requested ad-

January 18, 2013.

The European Union and the shareholders of both companies have already approved the merger. However, antitrust regulatory processes in China and South Africa have bogged down the merger.

A Glencore-Xstrata merger will possess more than $140 billion of revenue. Up to 80% of sales will come from the mining sector.

African nations also need to attract more private investors by improving legal systems to attract the estimated 30 billion euro a year the continent needs for energy investment, van Ballekom said. “You can’t realize that with donors and grants and public institutions,” he said. “Without the private sector, it remains a challenge for decades to come.”

The EIB this month signed a deal to loan 50 million euro to the Khi Solar One project in South Africa.

The project is co- owned by companies including Abengoa SA (ABG),

a Spanish renewable- energy and engineering company, and South Africa’s state-owned Industrial Development Corp., according to the EIB’s website.

European Union countries are expected to give the EIB about 10 billion euros by March 31, providing it with about 190 billion euros to lend over the next three years, according to van Ballekom. About 10 percent of that will be invested outside Europe and a quarter of it in the future may be reserved for climate-related projects, he said.

Ghana bond sale likely to lift cedi

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HANA’S cedi may benefit from an inflow of dollars ahead of a bond sale in January, the first since elections in the west African nation. Kenya and Tanzania’s shillings are expected to hold firm as importer dollar demand ebbs.

GHANA Ghana’s cedi is expected to hold steady against the dollar next week, supported by an inflow of greenbacks from mining firms and offshore investors preparing to buy a 3-year bond on sale next month.

The Bank of Ghana said on Tuesday it would issue 400 million cedis worth of 3-year government bonds in mid-January to retire maturing papers. It will be the first auction since elections in the west African country last week.

The cedi has been trading in the broad 1.8800-1.8900 band in the past two weeks.

Stanbic Ghana trader Christopher Nettey said the planned bond auction, open to offshore investors, was “positive news for the cedi” as investors will begin mobilizing ahead of the issue.

“We’re beginning to see some inflows already and these may reinforce the strength of the local unit from next week. Our projection is that the 1.900 barrier would be contained.”

Traders said there were signs of improved activity on the secondary bond market following last week’s relatively smooth presidential and parliamentary elections.

“It is very likely that the dollarcedi rate will close the year below the key psychological level of 1.9000,” Barclays Bank chief trader Kobla Nyaletey said.

Incumbent President John Mahama won 50.7 percent of the presidential vote, beating his main rival Nana Akufo-Addo in a tight contest. Akufo-Addo and his New Patriotic Party have threatened to contest the election results in court,

saying they were manipulated.

KENYA Kenya’s shilling is expected to stabilise against the dollar next week as Kenyans living abroad send hard currency home for the holidays amid lower importer dollar demand.

The shilling traded at 85.75/86.00 per dollar at 1608 GMT, barely moved from last Thursday’s close.

“We may see an uptick in dollar inflows from the diaspora with not much demand from corporates,” said Duncan Kinuthia, head of trading at Commercial Bank of Africa.

Remittances are a key source of hard currency for the east African nation. It received $876.3 million in such inflows in the first nine months of this year, compared with the $891.1 million received in the whole of 2011.

Tourists, who usually flock to the country’s game reserves in December, could also boost dollar inflows, traders said. The sector earned Kenya $1.2 billion in 2011.

The shilling is down just 1 percent against the dollar this year, thanks to the central bank’s enhanced vigilance.

The bank, which was roundly criticised in 2011 for letting the shilling slump, kept lending rates at ultrahigh levels in the first half and has frequently drained market liquidity.

TANZANIA Tanzania’s shilling is expected to hold firm against the dollar in the days ahead, supported by a slowdown in importer greenback demand ahead of the holidays, traders said.

On Thursday, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 1,595/1,605 to the dollar, up from 1,602/1,608 a week ago.

“The shilling has strengthened a bit from last week mostly due to conversions of dollars to the local currency by corporates for end-ofyear obligations,” said Patrick Kapella, chief dealer at FNB Bank

Burundi to widen tax

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URUNDI will soon begin taxing professional income, state officials said.

The Deputy General Commissioner of the Burundi Revenue Authority (OBR) Domitien Ndihokubwayo made the announcement at a meeting with journalists in Bujumbura.

“For political appointees who until now do not pay tax on professional income, OBR continues to give technical pieces of advice for the laws to change in the direction of allowing tax compliance understood and accepted by all,” Mr Ndihokubwayo said.

While noting that several high office holders were exempted by special laws, the Deputy Commissioner said that such legislation must first change to allow the taxation.

“We hope that tomorrow or later, the government will consider our opinion in the laws to be reviewed,’’ Mr Ndihokubwayo said Monday.

Regarding the accounts held by a bank recently closed due to tax arrears (APRODH), the Deputy Commissioner said his office had com-

plied with the tax collection procedures.

“APRODH accounts have not been closed without our knowledge,” he said.

He conceded that OBR was unable to collect all the taxes due to various challenges.

Given the technical, human and financial resources available to the OBR, we can say that there were individuals who were defaulting, but we are working to ensure that everyone paid his dues to the Treasury, he said.

The Director of Information and Technologies at the OBR, Mr Aimé Nzoyihera, announced that OBR planned to build its own offices.

These future premises will host the bulk of local services of the office.

They will provide, among other things, quick service to taxpayers, a better and more transparent communication and strengthen the fight against corruption.

“There will be no more walls between different services, and everyone will see what is next to his colleague,” said Mr Aimé Nzoyihera.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

30

MONEY LINK

‘Agric attracts $8b investment’ T

By Collins Nweze

HE Nigerian agricul tural sector has at tracted $8 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last one year, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adesina Akinwunmi has said.

Speaking yesterday at a workshop on Financing Nigeria’s Agricultural Revolution organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he said that agricultural lending is promising and has moved from one per cent to over three per cent in the last one year.

He said there is need to unlock the potentials in the agricultural sector adding that banks should see agricultural

financing as a serious business that can impact positively on their balance sheets.

He said that public equity funds also need to increase their stake in agricultural financing.

He said that Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) which allows bank to share the risk associated with lending to the sector as provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The apex bank is equally considering an intensive performance rating for all commercial banks to determine their effectiveness of lending

Skye Bank wins award

S

KYE Bank Plc has won the “the most progres sive maritime bank” award in recognition of its pioneering role in maritime banking as well as for its contributions to the growth and development of the maritime sector.

The bank said in a statement that the recognition came from the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) during its 10th anniversary held to appreciate individuals and corporate bodies that have facilitated the growth of the domestic shipping industry.

Director General of the NCS, Mrs. Ify AnazonwuAkerele, said Skye Bank was

the first in the country to support the indigenous ship owners in addition to boosting local content in the nation’s maritime industry.

She recalled that prior to the bank’s creation of a special department to cater for the maritime sector, funding was a problem for operators, adding that the bank’s intervention changed the situation for the better.

The bank’s General Manager, Corporate Banking 2, Mr. Segun Opeke, restated the determination of the bank to continue to support the maritime sector of the economy considering its place as the gateway to the nation’s economy.

to agriculture. To achieve this, the apex bank has set aside, N75 billion allocated for the full implementation of the NIRSAL project.

The CBN has also recently set new rules for lending to the agricultural sector of the economy. The apex bank took the decision after reports from banks and discount houses indicated that lending to the subsector remains a high-risk,

which should be followed with caution.

In a circular, the CBN said agricultural lending accounts for approximately 1.4 per cent of formal lending, and has been on the decline since 2006 because of the perceived risk of the sector. This situation, it said, was because banks have limited understanding of and lack of confidence in the sector.

W

ITH an estimate of N3.5 trillion circulating yearly within the unbanked and under-banked (constituting over 10 million traders), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to extend the cashless policy outside Lagos to bring more cash into the system.

In addition, the institute said spreading the policy outside of Lagos will help

By Daniel Essiet

the government in its anticorruption and antimoney laundering campaign.

Addressing the institute’s 17th Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) annual conference, ICAN President, Mr Adedoyin Owolabi said when cash remains outside the banking system ,the ability of banks to create credit and supply productive

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

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

F

transformational initiatives of the Bank over the past one year.

Speaking at the forum, FirstBank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bisi Onasanya said as a pan Nigerian financial institution, the lender recognizes the need for periodic interaction with its custom-

IRSTBank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has assured its customers of enhanced services across its networks nationwide. In a customers’ forum held in Lagos, the bank had highlighted its new products and services, including e-business services, alternative channels, and the various

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 17-12-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

AIRSERVICE NB CCNN ETERNA OANDO GUINNESS NAHCO UTC JAPAULOIL WAPIC

3.27 153.06 5.41 1.81 12.74 250.00 5.50 0.55 0.56 0.57

O/PRICE 2.27 4.27 16.48 1.40 25.01 4.81 2.41 1.05 1.05 0.99

them on sundry financial advisory services and business growth initiatives,” he said.

Onasanya said the bank had since deployed an operating model that realigned its market facing business units from a geographic focus to a customer segmented approach to deepen its understanding of each customer segment.

C/PRICE

3.59 162.00 5.68 1.90 13.37 260.00 5.70 0.57 0.58 0.59

CHANGE

9.79 5.84 4.99 4.97 4.95 4.00 3.64 3.64 3.57 3.51

C/PRICE 2.05 4.00 15.60 1.33 23.76 4.57 2.29 1.00 1.00 0.95

CHANGE -9.69 -6.32 -5.34 -5.00 -5.00 -4.99 -4.98 -4.76 -4.76 -4.04

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

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

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX 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

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

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%

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

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 17-12-12

SYMBOL DNMEYER SKYBANK FBNH LIVESTOCK MRS JOHNHOLT TRIPPLEG FIDSON NPFMCRFBK EVANSMED

ers to foster efficient service delivery. “We believe every business is as strong as the value it places on its customers. We are very passionate about our customers and see this forum as a platform to receive feedback from our customers and further position the Bank to delight our customers and partner with

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

Currency

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

also because it can increase the size of the informal economy and access by government to loanable funds.

On the AAT scheme, Owolabi said it has generated interest among school leavers ,including undergraduates of higher institutes in other disciplines.

This, he attributed, to the scheme’s certificate acceptability by employers of labour and rising demand for the programme across the West African sub region.

FirstBank assures customers of quality service

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

capital to the economy will diminish.

His words: “Bringing cash into the banking system produces an equal increase in bank reserves, enabling banks to facilitate more consumer and commercial loans, thereby stimulating consumption and business growth.”He stressed that the institute supports the cashless policy not only because it can promote transparency of transactions through the provisions of audit trails but

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

and social laws.

The CBN also wants lenders to be consistent with NIRSAL agenda, ensuring that, they finance the manufacture and distribution of improved and high seeds; lending to indigenous seed companies and importers of seed varieties and ensuring that farmers are able to procure seeds directly from seed manufacturers by availing them adequate credit.

ICAN seeks nationwide implementation of cashless policy

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

To reduce the inherent risk in the level, the apex bank advised that going forward, lenders should conduct environment and social risk analysis and assessment of agricultural clients and activities before extending loans to them. The lenders, by this rule, are also expected to ensure that identified risks are adequately monitored and managed while adhering to local environmental

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 132.29 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 125.53 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.13 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.92 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,763.58 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 11.31 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 9,261.36 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 131.98 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 1,754.53 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,020.56 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Naira declines as consumer goods demand rises

T

HE naira last week declined 0.5 per cent last week as demand for consumer goods and demand for dollars from importers preparing for the festive season increased. Demand for consumer goods rises during religious festivities in the country.

On Friday, the currency fell as much as 0.1 percent, before trading less than 0.1 per cent higher at 157.65 a dollar.

However, the naira has appreciated 2.9 per cent this year, the second-best performer in Africa. The currency has benefited from tight monetary conditions, improved supply of foreign exchange to the market by oil companies and increased inflows from portfolio investors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi said in November 20 after the regulator held its benchmark rate at a recordhigh 12 per cent.

Yields on 10-year naira debt fell one basis point to 11.88 per cent, according to Thursday prices compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website. Borrowing costs on the nation's $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 declined two basis points to 4.14 percent on Friday. The yields dropped six basis points last week.

The nation's foreign-currency reserves have risen 32 per cent this year to $43.45 billion as of November 16, according to data on the CBN's website, an exercise that has further strengthened the naira.

Inflation, which accelerated for the first time in four months to 11.7 per cent in October on widespread flooding of farms, is still above the bank's target of less than 10 per cent. Also, Nigerian bond yields remain attractive to offshore investors, with the inflows boosting dollar supply.

"An interest rate of 12 per cent will check excess money supply and demand for dollars,'' Wale Abe, chief executive officer of the Financial Market Dealers Association, which groups lenders trading in the money market, said.

NDIC The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is considering adopting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address rising loan default problems between banks and their debtors. The Managing Director, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim who disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos said court process is becoming expensive and in many cases, do not lead to results.

He said the corporation has discussed with judges during a debt recovery conference on held in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt on the need to resolve more cases involving bad loans outside the court. He said that debt recover is a difficult task that has to be tackled with extra efforts and mutual understanding.

"Debt recovery is a herculean task but we are making progress. There is need to adopt alternative dispute resolution in solving pending debt issues in the banking industry. We had a conference with judges on the need to resolve debt issues with bank customers outside the court," he said.

Ibrahim explained that the cumulative debt recovery for the closed commercial banks from 1994 to date stood at N23.33 million as against N22.26 million recovered as at December 31, 2011. That showed an increase of N1.074 million or representing 4.83 per cent.

DFIs assets Provisional data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has shown that the total assets of the five development finance institutions (DFIs), namely: Bank of Industry (BOI), Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Infrastructure Bank (IB) increased by 5.8 per cent to N380.3 billion at end of second quarter of 2012.

The CBN said that paid-up share capital, deposits and loans/advances increased by 3.1, 28.7 and 25.0 per cent to N70.5 billion, N94.2 billion and N162.2 billion, respectively.

Total shareholders' funds, however, declined by 8.1 per cent to N23.7 billion while a profile of the asset base of the institutions indicated that BoI, FMBN, NEXIM, BoA and IB accounted for 56.6, 18.2, 12.4, 10.0, and 2.8 per cent of the total, respectively.

With the exception of the BoI, all the other DFIs were faced with dire operational challenges as evidenced in the increase in their

By Collins Nweze

aggregate losses from N42.6 billion at end of December 2011 to N47.1 billion at end of June 2012.

Visa

Fundamo, a Visa Incorporated company and the world's largest specialist mobile financial service provider has reported growth of mobile financial services in Africa.

In a statement, the firm said it has launched three new services - FirstMonie with First Bank Nigeria in Nigeria and Celpay with Celpay International in Uganda and Zimbabwe. "Earlier this year the industry celebrated a decade of banking the unbanked. The market has transformed since we launched the world's first mobile financial service in a developing economy with Celpay in Zambia. Mobile money providers are rapidly diversifying and consumers are demanding access to more sophisticated services," CEO, Fundamo, Hannes van Rensburg in a statement.

Oxford Business Group Nigeria has been described as a difficult terrain for foreign investors even though it also has a long-term potential as an investment destination, a new report published by Oxford Business Group (OBG) has said.

Editor-in-Chief of Oxford Business Group, Andrew Jeffreys, said that Nigeria is complicated country for a foreign investor to enter because of its problematic infrastructure, competitive labour force, a sizable supply of feedstock among other factors.

Regional Editor Robert Tashima said that although Nigeria had a way to go before it supplanted South Africa as the continent's biggest economy, the slow and steady reform of the country's infrastructural bottlenecks, such as electricity generation, had helped improve both the medium- and long-term outlook for the country's industrial and service sectors.

"Oil and gas may still dominate, but fields such as manufacturing, telecommunications and finance are playing an increasingly prominent role," he said.

According to him, the risk in Nigeria is no small thing and short-term returns are hard to come by, but the country's structural fundamentals, such as a large consumer market and labour pool, a sizable supply of industrial inputs, accessible liquidity and a wealth of natural resources mean the potential for long-term growth is immense.

Nigeria's earnings The United State's increasing oil stock-piles, deepening global uncertainties and weak global demand are likely to suppress oil prices and slash Nigeria's revenues, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismarck Rewane has said.

In the FDC Economic report, he said that since Nigeria obtains over 80 per cent of its fiscal receipts from oil, a reduction in fiscal revenue especially if production drops will deplete earnings for the country. " Any oil price and or production disruption could easily deplete the government coffers to as low as $20 billion, a depreciation of the exchange rate, loss of market confidence and a possible rating downgrade," he said.

The FDC boss said all pointers are in favour of an end to the CBN's tight monetary policy stance and the need to boost growth and lending to the real sector. He said the current contractionary policy stance has been in play since October 2011 when the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) was raised by 275 basis points.

AMCON Resolution of the Nigerian banking sector crisis has cost the Asset Management Corpo-

‘

•Naira notes

ration of Nigeria (AMCON) N2.37 trillion, its Executive Director, Finance & Operations , Mrs. Mofoluke Dosumu has said.

Speaking last week in an interview with journalists, she explained that N1.3 trillion of the loss was incurred resolving the mergers and acquisition problems in five of the rescued banks while N762 billion was spent to fill the holes in the three banks wholly owned by AMCON. Analysis of the loss showed that 82 per cent of the total loss was used to block shareholders' funds eroded in the bridged banks. Another 10.6 per cent of the loss came from interest cost on bonds while the remaining losses resulted from overhead costs, provisions for restructured loans and advisory services.

According to her, "AMCON acquired N4.23 trillion in Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs). Its total assets as at December 2011, was N1.88 trillion, total liabilities was N4.24 trillion, while the total equity was at loss of N2.36 trillion as at December 2011. The income statement showed operating loss N220 billion, exceptional items loss of N2.1 trillion The N2.37 trillion, according to her, was spent in protecting depositors' funds. "N1.33 trillion was spent on the 5 banks that had successfully M&A arrangement and N762 billion was spent to fill the holes in the three banks wholly owned by AMCON," she said.

She said the resolution of the banking crisis has validated the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention in the rescued banks and policy on financial system stability.

The AMCON Director also disclosed that the CBN and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have agreed to increase their yearly contribution to the Sinking Fund from 30 basis points of their total assets to 50 basis points.

Chartered Accountants Chartered Accountants have been urged to generate credible and reliable financial reports that will present a true state of public and private institutions. This was part of the communiqué issued at the 42nd Annual Accountants' Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria held in Abuja.

Participants at the conference also noted that the economy will function properly when participants have trust in the financial statements that drive activities and decisions in the capital market. It noted that the problems of the nation`s uninspiring pace of development, is largely attributable to the absence of strong institutions and professionals who give high regards to corporate governance.

The conference recommended that chartered accountants should begin to play a more active role in public governance. It urged the Institute to regularly engage all relevant stakeholders in advocating for good governance, principled leadership, institutionbuilding and fiscal discipline.

To set the tone for the desired national rebirth, the conference urged the institute to continue to ensure that its members holds to the

However, the naira has appreciated 2.9 per cent this year, the second-best performer in Africa. The currency has benefited from tight monetary conditions, improved supply of foreign exchange to the market by oil companies and increased inflows from portfolio investors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Lamido Sanusi said in November 20 after the regulator held its benchmark rate at a record- high 12 per cent

’

•Dollars

highest level of professional standards and integrity and apply the strictest disciplinary measures and sanctions where members act in any manner that is inconsistent with the ideals of the profession.

Bank to bank report

Sterling Bank has gaven out cash prize of N2 million to four of its savings customers in the fifth monthly draw of the ongoing Savers' Promo held in Lagos. The winners, who won N500, 000 each, are Sobukunola Olusola (Ilupeju Branch), Nnorom Victor Ugochukwu (Garki Branch), Okoro Chukwunonyerem (Ilorin Branch) and Adinna Geoffrey (Olu Obasanjo Street Branch).

Other 10 customers also won home theatres and refrigerators as consolation prizes. Those that won home theatres were Aloji Onyemaechi, Andrew Abba, Babalola Eno and Obot Sunday. Also, Olufemi Adenaike, James Buremo, Sunny Duke Okosun, among others won refrigerators.

Promoting financial literacy through the Lagos Monopoly game will assist the youths in building a better future, Mrs. Folake AniMumuney, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has said.

Speaking at the formal launch of the City of Lagos Edition of the Monopoly Board Game, she said that FrstBank believes in the project as a vital platform for instilling financial literacy and discipline in youths. "FirstBank supports the Lagos Monopoly project which Lagos State Government has adopted to teach students in all public secondary schools about finance. We believe it presents a big platform for exposing the youths to the rudiments of financial education thereby laying a sound foundation for economic prosperity in the country," she said.

Citibank Nigeria Limited (Citi Nigeria) has appointment Mr. Omar Hafeez as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

In a statement, the bank said, he also assumes the role of Citi Country Officer, responsible for all aspects of the Citi franchise in Nigeria. Mr. Hafeez has been based in Nigeria since 2010, and before now, was Executive Director responsible for Corporate & Investment Banking.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

32

THE CEO

Pension assets available to finance infrastructure As he prepares to exit PENCOM, the Director-General Muhammad Kabir Ahmad spoke to a select group of journalists including NDUKA CHIEJINA (Assistant Editor) on the PenCom scheme.

He said it is an improvement on the previous one and is designed to encourage savings. Excerpts

A

FTER eight years of the contributory pension scheme administration in Nigeria, what are the prospects and challenges?

Basically, we started an industry that never existed. There are three issues that we need to focus on. One, we had a pension reform that had intended to establish a scheme that is fully funded and to be privately managed in a more efficient manner. A scheme that was also to replace other old schemes, particularly at the federal level so that we can have a more transparent scheme. The reform also provided that it should be managed by regulated entities, but beyond that, should be regulated and supervised by the government agency called the National Pension Commission.

Today, we have the National Pension Commission, some of us have been associated with the scheme from the beginning and, hopefully, by the end of December, we are exiting and new people would take over from us.

We have a regulatory and supervising institution that is charged with regulating and supervising pension activities, whether at the state, federal or in the private sector.

Pension assets have been accumulated over a period of time. We do have an industry and quite a few states have also complied with that.

We have also been able to license and regulate operators, like asset managers and custodian. In a nutshell, these are the things that we have been able to do.

Have there been challenges?

There are challenges. As an industry and precisely as a regulator, we decided to focus on educating and enlightening Nigerians to secure their acceptance of the scheme, because if they buy-in, you will have a voluntary compliance. They know what you are doing, they know the benefit and so they will voluntarily comply.

The next issue is compliance. Private sector compliance. Do they get their employees registered? Are they contributing? For the formal sector, majority are complying, either they have got their staff registered and are paying regularly, or at least their staff are registered and the payments are not regular.

But the bulk of employers are actually in the informal sector, given the fact that we are looking at employment of five people.

Now, how do you capture that group? Historically, an economy like Nigeria’s managing the informal sector is the most challenging, whether you are looking at a tax issue or compliance issue.

The reason is that you don’t have a structure as per what the informal sector is all about. Businesses are not properly regis-

• Ahmad

tered. Today, you cannot go to any agency or office in this country where you can pick a list of active registered businesses or employers of labour.

Recently, SMEDAN and I think the National Bureau of Statistics did some survey on employers that employee three to five workers and hey came to a figure of about 14 million and if you multiply it by three that gives you a rough situation of what the employment situation is. The challenge is how do you get the data and how do you structure issue of getting the benefits paid.

What is the way out?

We needed to have a separate structure of how payment of pension could be done and how PFAs can go and get money. We are developing a regulation on regulatory framework for the informal sector where we believe the bulk of our employees are. We also want to link it up with an important elements of pension reform that has not been implemented, that is the mini pension guarantee.

How? The intention of the mini-pension guarantee is to encourage saving. We are still working on the structure and we hope it will be incentive for people to save. If I started saving, let’s say N100 every month and at the end of 20 years, my pension is not up to N18,000, then the government would have to pay the difference so that I can have something to fall on.

The third issue has to do with the states.

The states are supposed to establish their own pension schemes. Lagos is the flagship; they have a very effective contributory pension scheme. We have about 21 states that are in different stages of compliance, but unfortunately, the compliance is a bit slow

and haphazard.

The old scheme is under probe because of corruption. People are scared that the new scheme may go the old way. What are the striking differences between the old and the new scheme, and what have you put in place to ensure that the new scheme does not go the old way?

At the federal level, prior to 2004, we have what we called, the defined benefit-Pay As You Go. In other words, the Federal Government never set aside money for the payment of pension. On an annual basis, it had an estimate, X number of people would be retiring, let’s pay pension. Funds were not been made available, that is one reason.

The second reason is that it was a defined benefit based on final salary. Come rain come shine, the employer has agreed that when he/she retires, I am going to get 80 per cent of my salary for the rest of my life.

This is how it was structured, but it was not funded. Beyond that was that pension departments were established, where the government paid money to them to pay pensioners. They placed the money in the banks, what happened and what is still happening is what brought about the Senate public hearing.

The Federal Government disburses money to the pension departments, they open bank accounts, keep the money in the banks in a fixed deposit accounts, as a result of which people who are retired are not put in the payroll. Those on the payroll, their names are on-and-off. Every year, there is a verification exercise, the administration was not transparent. It was cumbersome. You have to come to Abuja for the verification.

It appeared that those in charge of the pension administration took advantage of the

‘As at today, we have about N3 trillion pension that have been contributed. The growth rate per annum is about 30 per cent annual growth of pension asset. Hopefully, in the next five years, you can estimate what that means.

It is a gradual process and it has been consistent so far’

internal weakness the offices created. At the end of the day, you have the government making payment and somebody in between is getting the benefit.

On the other hand, the contributory pension scheme ensures that it is fully funded.

In other words, funds must be set aside on a monthly basis. You don’t need to wait for budgetary allocation.

Two, an employee must open a retirement savings account where his collection is paid into. It is an account owned by an individual that can be traced. If somebody touches that account, there are appropriate sanctions that can be taken. The money is privately managed by licensed institutions that are regulated by the National Pension Commission with specific rules and regulations. They are monitored and supervised and, therefore, you can easily challenge them.

Beyond that is the fact that you have two institutions- the administrators and the custodians. The administrator that manages the fund does not have access to the fund.

Clearly, there is separation of duties and even in the event that there is hiccup. Whatever happens to the fund, the shareholders of the custodian is oblique to make good whatever fund that might have been lost, either as a result of fund trapped in any of he banks or financial institutions.

It is impossible that what happened under the old scheme would happen in the new contributory scheme. That is why, today, we have not heard of any incidence that the funds have been diverted. It is very difficult.

This funds are invested in diversified portfolio. It may be treasury bills, bonds, equity and so many other instruments. It is not as if the funds are kept in a vault of the pension board.

How has it been administered so far?

The people retiring under the new scheme started retiring in July 2007. Basically, five years. In the last five years, as at September this year, 54,000 contributors have retired, and close to N150 billion have been paid as lump sum to those in the public and the private sectors that have contributed.

However, there is also another challenge.

The challenge is that those who have retired •Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

33

THE CEO

Pension assets available to finance infrastructure •Continued from page 32

under the federal and the state government, we have a period that arrears were due for, towards the end of last year to the middle of this year. Section 29 of the Pension Reform Act provides that the Federal Government should be setting aside five per cent of its bill into a Pension Fund Account, to be managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria for redeeming such liability for those who are retiring under the new scheme.

But the five per cent was not been paid.

The reason being that appropriate appropriation was made by the budget office, but it took us a long time to convince the National Assembly that this was a statutory requirement. Up till the middle of 2011, and in that intervening period, we had a large number of people that have retired, either as a result of tenure system, and it was not anticipated.

It was not part of the five per cent, or people that voluntarily retired or deceased employees.

How are you addressing that?

National Pension Commission encourages employees to come and register so that we can calculate their liability and advise the government one year in advance. Those who are retiring in 2013, we have already captured and advised the government how much will be required. Until recently, employees don’t want to do that.

But since the records are there, why can’t the PfAs do the update, get the data from the organisations and pay the retirees?

Let me tell you how it works. The PFAs write to all the prospective employees, six months in advance. Majority do not care to respond. Some will say they have not seen the letters, or were busy tidying up. It is only the employees that can provide those documents.

For us, six months is enough to provide these documents and the benefits are processed in advance. We don’t have that problem with the private sector, it is the civil servants at the federal level, who normally do not think the process is relevant, but it fast-tracks the process, that is our concern.

A pensioner lamented that after the lump sum is paid, what he takes home every month is very little to take care of his family. Another one complained that he retired at the same level with his colleague but his colleague was in the old scheme but earns better pension than who that operates the new scheme. He also raised another issue about increase in salary, saying whenever there is an increase in salary, it affects the take-home of pensioners but it is not the case with the new scheme. There is also this issue that says after 20 years, you must have finished your fund; after that what happens to the pensioner?

Let me take the three issues one after the other. They are two different schemes. The defined benefit Pay As You Go Scheme is the final salary scheme. In other words, when you retire you get 80 per cent as your pension for life. I can tell you it is one of the most generous in the world.

Except for Saudi Arabia that has a 100 per cent, Netherlands has about 105 per cent, most African countries have under 40 percent, or what they call replacement ratio.

Most emerging economies have under 40 per cent. 40 per cent is the ILO Convention.

There are two things, you either have your money now, or you assume that somebody is going to give you money. The group of people you are looking at, are those who work for the Federal Government. The private sector does not have that because they do not have the money to support such a generous scheme. The point is that in this new scheme, you will have your money, the money is there. The other schemes are dependent on budgetary allocation, which may and may not come.

Obviously, it is lower in the new scheme than in the old scheme, because the new scheme is about sustainability. The cohorts of those who would be retiring in the next 10 years, perhaps from 2007, their pension will be low, but those who have time to save, I can tell you that by the end of the day, they are going to accumulate more money than those under the old scheme because they have longer time to save.

How are the assets invested, where and at what ratio?

Investment management is the most critical aspect of the contributory pension scheme. We contributed over a period and, therefore, the returns on investment is supposed to go into our savings. What we do is

• Ahmad

to ensure that the investments are managed in a more transparent manner.

What we did was to issue an investment regulation. Generally, there are two options.

You either allow the investment manager to decide because he is a professional, a very transparent person, he can take a decision on your behalf. Most developed countries have that because they have a more transparent process.

The other option is a restrictive regulation, clearly defined bucket. These are the areas for you to invest in and these are the requirements. There must be rating, performance-based mark and there is also the limit.

You cannot invest more than X per cent of your portfolio in a particular class of asset, or in a group of assets.

The last time we did a comprehensive work was in December 2010. What we did was to see how you diversify investment instruments. As at today, there are basically three instruments where pension assets are invested. Federal Government Bonds, which takes about 60 per cent. It came down from about 80 per cent. Interbank placement, money market instruments and then the equity market. For money market, I think it has dropped to about 14 per cent and for equity, it is about 12 per cent.

The reason you have substantial portion of the asset being invested in Federal Government Bond is because they are sovereign risk and they offer the highest yield.

Of recent the states are coming to the capital market to raise bonds, but we have requirements. For pension assets to be invested in state bond, the state must be in compliance with the contributory pension scheme and that has assisted us in getting quite a few of them to come on board and to join the new scheme. We hope that will encourage others to do the same.

As at today, we have about N3 trillion pension that have been contributed. The growth rate per annum is about 30 per cent annual growth of pension asset. Hopefully, in the next five years, you can estimate what that means. It is a gradual process and it has been consistent so far. The private sector have been contributing significantly to that.

Some people don’t know how their contributions are invested; again, can you throw more light on the issue of minimum pension guarantee?

As at today, what the contributors have is what is called the Retirement Savings Account statement on a quarterly basis. You can have a hard copy, some PFAs can give you access to their website so that you can see your balance 24 hours seven days. That gives you an idea how much has been contributed by you, by your employer and what returns are earned over a period and you get an alert on that. But by the time we create these funds, you now choose where you want your funds to be invested.

On pension guarantee, what is it is saying is that there are people, particularly, small workers who may not contribute enough.

Or migrant workers who have worked for six months, rationalised and moved to another company the following year, and within the interval I saved and that savings will not accumulate huge amount over a period. For that reason, what the guarantee is saying is that for those of us who have saved for a minimum number of years, when they are retiring, the pension they will take is minimal, it is an incentive for people to come on board. The challenges we have today in our society is: who will bear that cost. Could it be part of social security? But someone at the age of 60 needs to be taken care of. At least, let him have a minimum wage. It is a conditional grant that you are supporting an individual who has made an effort. In the long run, national savings promote economic development and for every country to succeed, it must have national savings. The idea is to assure somebody that at the end of the day, there is something for you and this will encourage even those who are not saving to join. The benefit for the government is that large funds are been made available and instead of borrowing from banks, the government can borrow and invest in infrastructure. Worldwide pension assets constitutes an average of about 100 per cent of the GDP in most countries. They rely on pension and insurance assets for growth and development and not on bank

‘The next issue is compliance. Private sector compliance. Do they get their employees registered? Are they contributing? For the formal sector, majority are complying, either they have got their staff registered and are paying regularly, or at least their staff are registered and the payments are not regular’

assets. That is what we hope the pension reform will promote.

What is your response to the debate that pension asset should be provided to develop infrastructure in the country?

That is what pension assets should do because pension assets are long term assets and they should finance long term assets. Because they finance long term liabilities, they are available. However, there must be clearly defined rules and regulations. There must be clearly defined terms. Exit terms that those investments are secured.

In a country where you borrow from outside to finance projects when you have pension assets lying, how far have you gone with your offshore investment? How far about marginal players? What would you like to be remembered for and what would you call your major challenge?

We believe the ICRC needs to play a greater role. MDAs should be able to work with the ICRC to come out with clearly identified long term projects that long term funds can be invested in, that is the starting point.

Concessionaires should also come out with a real starter process. Should we continue to finance infrastructure from the budget when we have private sector? I don’t think so.

There is this debate that make the bride beautiful before you offer it to the groom, is that the argument? If an activity can be financed by the private sector, give it to the private sector to finance. Why don’t we have all the enabling environment for them to finance that. As a country, we need to agree on that.

If we do that then we don’t need to borrow to finance infrastructure.

The last time we interacted with the media, we said there are two PFAs that have not complied. The IGI and Citi. IGI has indicated their interest to comply. To the two of them we issued notice to the board. Our law says that you must give notice for revocation. You can’t revoke immediately and the notice is 28 days, which means you are given the opportunity to meet up. Most likely, for IGI when our board meets we may take a decision and ask them to return the licence, because they are prepared to do that. They have the funds and they say they are going to do that. Unfortunately with the Citi Trust, they decided to take us to court, we are in court with them. As at today, you could say we have 21 PFAs, plus IGI. Do we expect more of them to have merged? Yes. We raised their minimum capital from N150 million to N1 billion. The argument was that is the N1 billion not too small? Of cause not! They are asset managers and don’t need huge capital. They don’t take credit risk. But they needed capital for expansion to provide effective services to the public. We have been discussing with them. We encourage mergers and acquisition. What we are saying is that the more accounts you have, the better you are generating resources to manage your business. We say, for instance, if after 90 days, there is shortfall in this N1 billion capital, we can withdraw the license. It is a huge task, especially for some of the marginal players for them to maintain that N1 billion continuously. We will continue to encourage them through moral suasion. It is better to operate in a bigger environment and get more reliable returns than to be a managing. In most countries, Chile, Mexico started with a large number but over the years ended up curtly with six or seven. Some people say no you will create an oligarchy. The bottom line is that the stronger they are, the better.

What the law provides for offshore investment is that no pension assets can be invested abroad except with the approval of the president and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Let me tell you why we have been reluctant.

One, we needed long term funds to be invested in infrastructure. Domestically, we need funds, and encouraging funds to be taken outside would not be in best interest.

The second issue is that our operators and us need to understand investment instruments.

Thirdly, we needed to build confidence. We don’t want contributors to start saying we contributed and PFAs take my money abroad. We needed that confidence that Nigerians would trust PFAs, will trust PenCom. In the intervening period, what we did was to say that for private equity fund to provide only five per cent, the funds they generate they can invest 75 per cent locally and invest 25 per cent abroad. The reason is that most of them have cross border establishments. Also, PE funds are usually provided by outsiders.

34

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Equities gain N324b

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-12-12

•Investors scramble for year-end positions

M

ARKET values of quoted companies onthe Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose

by N324 billion last week as increased market orders for equities kept the stock market as a seller’s market all through the week.

With 30.3 per cent and 68.6 per cent increase in volume and value of activities, average gain by equities closed the week at 3.80 per cent, pushing the year-todate return at the NSE to 33.55 per cent.

T o t a l m a r k e t capitalisation of equities closed the week at N8.846 trillion, indicating an increase o N324 billion on the week’s opening market value of N8.522 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI)the common value-based index that tracks price changes of all equities on the NSE, confirmed that the N324 billion increase was due to capital gains rather than supplementary listings or other adjustments. ASI increased similarly by 3.80 per cent to 27,685.54 points as against its opening index of 26,671.72 points.

Pricing trend analysis showed widespread gains across sectors and stocks’ groups. While some investors appeared to be taking

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

positions in low-priced stocks, several investors were comfortable with the blue-chip stocks.

The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks, performed above average with a weekly gain of 4.58 per cent.

The NSE Consumer Goods Index rode on the back of Nestle Nigeria to post a weekly gain of 8.83 per cent.

The NSE Banking Index indicated an increase of 2.67 per cent. The NSE Oil and Gas Index recovered 3.61 per cent gain while the NSE Lotus Islamic Index, which tracks a portfolio of Shari’ah-compliant stocks, improved by a 2.52 per cent.

However, the NSE Insurance index dropped by 1.06 per cent, worsening the negative return in the sector.

With 44 advancers to 25 decliners, the market was overly bullish during the week. But the overall market position was boosted by gains by large-cap stocks in the breweries, food and beverages, building materials and banking sectors.

Nestle Nigeria was the

most bullish stock with a net weekly gain of N49.95 to close at N710. Guinness Nigeria followed with a gain of N2.90 to close at N265. Nigerian Breweries rose by N21.45 to close at N165. Seven-Up Bottling Company rallied N4 to close at N44. Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria added N2 to close at N60. UAC of Nigeria gathered N1.97 to close at N43.98. Oando chalked up N1.93 to close at N14.03 while Guaranty Trust Bank and Okomu Oil Palm gained N1.26 and N1 to close at N21.50 and N35.

Investors staked N14.64 billion on 1.93 billion shares in 22,650 deals last week, a marked increase over the turnover of 1.14 billion shares valued at N11.24 billion recorded in 18,947 deals two weeks ago.

The financial services sector remained atop activity chart with a turnover of 1.57 billion shares valued at N10.55 billion in 14,207 deals. The conglomerates sector followed with 131.812 million shares valued at N180.81 million in 765 deals.

On the downside, PZ Cussons Nigeria recorded the biggest loss of N1.65 to close at N27.05. MRS Oil Nigeria followed with a loss of N1.25 to close at N23.76. DN Meyer lost 75 kobo to close at N2.05 while Flour Mills of Nigeria and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria dropped by 50 kobo each to close at N65 and N45.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-12-12

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

35

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

U

UBS faces $1b fine for Libor rigging

BS (UBSN.VX) is expected to pay about $1 billion to settle charges of rigging the Libor interest rate benchmark, according to a person familiar with the situation, making it the second major bank to be officially ensnared by the global scandal.

The announcement could come as early as Monday, this person said.

Such a penalty, more than double the $450 million fine levied on British bank Barclays (BARC.L) in June for related conduct, indicates the scope of the misconduct by UBS could dwarf that exposed by Barclays’ settlement.

Barclays in June admitted it improperly took trading positions into account when reporting interest rates used to calculate the Libor benchmark, touching off a firestorm that forced its chairman and chief executive to quit.

The settlement also prompted a

political and public backlash against standards in banking across Europe and the United States.

The Libor benchmarks are used for trillions of dollars worth of loans around the world. Tiny shifts in the rate, compiled from daily polls of bankers, could benefit dealers in complex products.

While details in the Barclays settlement showed traders brazenly gaming the system, the expected size of the UBS settlement indicates that Barclays may prove to be far from the worst offender and that other settlements may also be larger than Barclays’. Overall, more than a dozen banks have been caught in the international inquiry.

UBS declined to comment. The agencies expected to be involved in the settlement, including Britain’s Financial Services Authority and the U.S. Department

of Justice and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission all declined to comment.

UBS said in its third quarter results that on September 30 it had 897 million Swiss francs ($971 million) set aside for litigation, regulatory and similar matters, up from 454 million in March.

The steep fine that UBS has agreed to pay is a surprise because the bank, since 2011, has cooperated with law-enforcement agencies in their probes, according to regulatory filings and court documents.

The bank disclosed it received conditional immunity from the Justice Department’s antitrust division and other international competition authorities, which suggests the bank’s $1 billion payout could have been higher without that leniency.

Some clues to UBS’s alleged central role in the Libor conspiracy

were included in documents filed earlier this year by the Canadian Competition Bureau, which investigates anti-competitive activity.

The documents describe how a “cooperating party” tried to artificially move yen Libor. UBS is the cooperating bank, people familiar with the situation have said.

Those documents allege that a trader at the bank — called “Trader A” - contacted traders at four other banks. On one occasion, “Trader A” instructed a trader at another bank on what Libor submission to make.

It is unclear if UBS will resolve the Canadian probe as part of the imminent settlement.

Authorities are also investigating the actions of individuals. This week British police and anti-fraud officers made the first arrests in connection to the Libor probe, detaining a former trader and two other men, sources said.

One of those arrested was former UBS and Citigroup (C.N) trader Thomas Hayes, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The two others worked at interdealer broker RP Martin, according to a separate source.

The fine will mark another blow to UBS, which has had a tough 18 months after suffering a $2.3-billion loss in a rogue trading scandal, management upheaval and thousands of job cuts.

“I’m not sure how much more reputational damage can be done to UBS,” said Chris Wheeler, analyst at Mediobanca in London.

“They are rebuilding that slowly, but it won’t help the wealth management business when you see this as a headline.”

Banks are keen to put such fines behind them as they attempt to rebuild credibility among politicians, the general public and

investors following the financial crisis which forced taxpayers to bail out the banking system.

But the fresh spate of probes and settlements are putting banks’ malpractice back to the forefront.

HSBC (HSBA.L) on Tuesday reached a $1.92 billion settlement with U.S. authorities over money laundering, the highest ever fine on a bank, a day after another London-based bank, Standard Chartered (STAN.L), agreed to pay $327 million for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, Sudan and other states, adding to an earlier $340 million it paid in a related case.

Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), Germany’s flagship lender, was raided on Wednesday by about 500 German tax inspectors and police, who arrested five staff in a probe linked to a tax scam involving the trading of carbon permits.

Britain’s Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) is also expected to reach a settlement on Libor manipulation shortly.

Investigators are assessing whether banks used responses to the daily survey of the rates they would offer to other banks to try to nudge Libor, perhaps by only a few hundredths of a percentage point. Such a move could still benefit their own trades in bonds or more complex deals linked to that rate.

Banks found guilty also face civil lawsuits from those they traded with. Some borrowers complain they paid more interest than they should have, although others may have paid less.

Reuters’ parent company Thomson Reuters Corp collects information from banks and uses it to calculate Libor rates according to specifications drawn up by the British Bankers Association (BBA).

Boeing CEO: 787 problems are not unusual for new plane

T

•Leaders of European Union (EU) at their meeting in Brussels

China shares jump on flash survey number, HINA shares surged on Frigovt supports speculation day, rooted in speculation of

C

new state-backed buying in mainland markets and boosted by a business survey raising hopes for stronger recovery in the world’s second largest economy.

Hong Kong stocks were lifted to a 16-month high, helped by the 14month high for the HSBC flash purchasing managers’ index for December, announced shortly after markets opened.

The Hang Seng Index went into the midday trading break up 0.6 percent at 22,579.2, its highest since Aug. 2, 2011. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong climbed 1.4 percent.

In the mainland, the CSI300 of the top Shanghai and Shenzhen listings jumped 2.9 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index soared 3.3 percent. Both indexes were at their highest in more than a month.

While markets inched higher immediately following the flash PMI, talk among traders that large institutions were active buyers of domestic shares triggered a sharp rally with the Shanghai Composite punching above its 100-day moving average for the first time since May. “With just over 10 trading days remaining in the year, this is the last window for fund managers to step into the market to ride on this rally, particularly since most of

them were underweight equities,” said Hong Hao, chief strategist at Bank of Communications International Securities.

On Friday, the Shanghai financial sub-index was up 4.2 percent, with Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) rising 3 percent, shaving its fall in 2012 fall to about 4 percent. In Hong Kong, ICBC inched up 0.4 percent.

Shares of Ping An Insurance in Shanghai were set for their best day in six months, surging 5.8 percent to extend 2012 gains to 19.4 percent. Its Hong Kong shares were up 2.6 percent.

The strong showing in the Ashare market also helped Chinese brokerages. In Hong Kong, Haitong Securities jumped 6.6 percent, while Citic Securities rose 3.9 percent.

Mainland investors were also encouraged by several regulatory moves.

The state-run China Securities Journal reported on Friday that the China Securities Regulatory Commission is encouraging the more than 800 listing applicants to seek alternate sources of funding in the bond market.

The regulator will also hold listing sponsors responsible if they “over package” stock offerings in

a move aimed at protecting investors’ interest, the same media report said.

New rules announced on Thursday will allow fund houses to seek regulatory approval for any number of mutual fund products they wish to sell at any time with the securities regulator responding within 20 days.

Traders also cited news reports of further relaxation of quotas for foreigners to invest in China, allowing for a bigger proportion for stocks. That could improve liquidity conditions for the A-share market, which has underperformed Hong Kong.

The CSI300 and Shanghai Composite indexes, both of which fell in 2010 and 2011, are down 1.3 and 3.6 percent respectively this year.

In 2012, the Hang Seng is up 22.5 percent and the China Enterprises index is up 13.7 percent.

A liquidity-fuelled rally in Hong Kong has spurred more companies to take to the market to raise funds.

On Friday, China Longyuan Power Group dived 6 percent to HK$5.20, hovering at the top end of the HK$5 to 5.20 range the wind power generator priced its HK$2.42 billion ($312 million) new share offering.

HE failure of electrical generators on two new Boeing 787 planes are normal problems for a jet program that is just entering service, the company’s chief executive officer said on Friday.

“We’re having what we would consider the normal number of squawks on a new airplane, consistent with other new airplanes we’ve introduced,” Boeing Co (BA.N) CEO Jim McNerney said in an interview on cable network CNBC. “We regret the impact on our customers, obviously,” he added.

“But ... we’re working through it.”

On Thursday, Qatar Airways said

it had been forced to ground one of its three Boeing 787 Dreamliners after it found the same electrical generator problem that recently forced a Dreamliner operated by United Continental Holdings Inc’s (UAL.N) United Airlines to make an emergency landing.

McNerney also said many major companies would say their employment and investment decisions are being affected by the “fiscal cliff.”

“Eventually ours will, too,” he said. “But we’re in a longer-cycle environment.”

McNerney said he hoped that solving the fiscal cliff would not impede longer-term tax reform.

Bank of America sues MBIA over tender offer interference

B

ANK of America Corp (BAC.N) has sued bond insurer MBIA Inc (MBI.N) in a New York state court for allegedly interfering with a tender offer to buy MBIA’s bonds.

At issue is a change MBIA sought to make to the terms of some bonds to eliminate the risk that it might be considered in default if a troubled unit were put into rehabilitation or liquidation by New York regulators.

Bank of America countered with an offer to buy the bonds, saying it believed the changes would increase the risk of MBIA’s insurance unit being placed in rehabilitation or liquidation, which could jeopardize all policyholder claims.

On Thursday, Bank of America said it had purchased $136 million

of a senior note in that tender, and issued a default notice over the attempt to change terms.

The bank claims the consent solicitation was the latest of MBIA’s “premeditated and subversive actions” since 2008 to benefit executives and stockholders to the detriment of Bank of America and other policy holders.

In the suit, filed late Thursday, Bank of America alleged that MBIA illegally interfered with its tender offer and asked for the consent solicitation and amendment to be declared invalid. The bank also is seeking punitive and other damages.

An MBIA spokesman did not have an immediate comment on the suit.

MBIA shares fell 1.9 percent to $8.36 in morning trading.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 , 2012

36

DUE DILIGENCE

University Press: Delicate balance U

NIVERSITY Press (UP) Plc showed modest growths in key performance indices in 2012 but the performance of the printing and publishing company remained edgy. Faced with two delicate options of sales growth and cost growth, University Press appeared to be playing the stable balancing act.

This has sustained outward modest growths in profit and loss items, but it's becoming tough to keep the underlying fundamentals tight. Latest operational report and audited report indicated slight double-digit increase in sales, which thinned out to single digit towards the bottom-line, underlining the marginal decline in underlying profitability.

Interim report for the period ended September 30, 2012 showed 10.6 per cent growth in sales, following the same trend during the year ended March 31, 2012 when total sales rose by 11.5 per cent. However, profits before and after grew by 9.1 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively by September 2012, obviously reflecting the top-down few-point decline in margin. But strong earnings and return outlooks overshadowed slight decline in underlying margins, still reinforcing the company's overall outlook of stability and resilience. Earnings per share for the six-month period ended September 2012 stood at 56.2 kobo as against 53.3 kobo recorded in comparable period of 2011.

The half-year basic earnings per share is already more than the full-year distributable income for the immediate past audited year, indicating the potential for higher earnings and dividends if the company sustained the momentum in the current business year.

Audited report and accounts for the year ended March 31, 2012 had shown appreciable improvement in overall performance as tight control on internal administrative and distribution expenses provided cushions against top-line costs. With 7.6 per cent increase in net earnings, the company's basic earnings per share had increased from 49 kobo in 2011 to 53 kobo in 2012. But the directors of the company maintained a prudent payout policy of retaining dividend per share of 35 kobo, putting more retained earnings into reserves.

Besides, the balance sheet of the company remained largely supportive with zero financial leverage and more working capital

Financing structure UP's total balance sheet size expanded by 11.5 per cent to N2.68 billion in 2012 as against N2.41 billion Fiscal Year Ended March 31 Nmillion Profit and Loss Statement Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo) Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

2008

2009

2010

2011

Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, the foreign partner, holds 9.19 per cent equity stake. Cashcraft Asset Management Limited, a Nigerian investment firm, holds 8.26 per cent while Dr. Lekan Are, who chairs the board of directors, holds the largest individual equity stake of 6.26 per cent.

The board and management remain stable. Mr Samuel Kolawole still leads corporate growth as managing director. UP broadly complies with code of corporate governance and best practices with appropriate committees, checks and controls to ensure independence and integrity of the decisionmaking and accounting processes.

2012

Analyst's opinion

2012 12 months

% change

2,082 2,082 998 1,084 760 19.4 9 343.5 227.4 53 151 35 429

11.5 11.5 18.0 6.0 3.7 -55.1 76.9 5.2 7.6 7.6 0.0 0.0 4.4

N846 million in 2011. Gross profit thus moderated to N1.08 billion compared with N1.02 billion. Total operating • MD, UP Plc, Samuel Kolawole expenses inched up to N760 million in 2012 as against N733 million in provided more profit per every unit 2011. Distribution expenses had inof sales. Gross profit margin was highcreased from N281.7 million to N290.8 est in the western region at 55 per cent million while administrative exand lowest in the northern region at 49 penses rose from N451.7 million to per cent, reflecting the difficulties in N469.5 million. Consequently, tradthe region. Gross margin was 54 per ing profit improved from N289.14 cent in the eastern zone while export million to N323.89 million. With 55 sales provided 52 per cent. Non-priper cent decline in non-core business mary books recorded gross margin of income and about 77 per cent increase 56 per cent as against 50 per cent by the in bank charges, profit before tax primary books segment. Overall, the closed 2012 at N344 million, 5.2 per company's gross margin dropped cent above N327 million posted in from 54.8 per cent in 2011 to 52.1 per 2011. Profit after tax followed the cent in 2012. Pre-tax profit margin also same pattern at N227 million in 2012 dropped from 17.5 per cent to 16.5 per as against N211 million in 2011. cent.

UP's performance showed interPer share analysis indicated basic play of intertwined variables, with earnings per share of 53 kobo in 2012 one upside counterbalancing a downas against 49 kobo in 2011. Net assets side and vice versa. This stabilized per share improved from N4.11 to overall performance, although the N4.29, more than current market connudge was not strong enough to sideration of the stock. While dividend present a remarkable shift. While the per share remained unchanged at 35 top-line performance was boosted by kobo, the future sustainability of cash significant improvements in sales in payouts became more assured with a the eastern and northern regions of dividend cover of 1.51 times for 2012 the country, the western region with as against 1.40 times for 2010. Return lower sales provided more profit per on equity also improved from 11.9 per unit of sales. cent to 12.3 per cent. Return on total Segmental analysis showed that assets dropped slightly from 13.6 per northern zone outpaced the western cent to 12.8 per cent. zone to become the largest and fastest growing market segment. NorthLiquidity ern sales increased from N657.7 milThe liquidity position of the comlion to N877.04 million. Eastern sales pany remained stable. Current ratio, also increased from N336.3 million which relates probable current liabilito N500.3 million. Sales within the ties with similar assets, stood at 2.15 western region however dropped times in 2012 as against 2.36 times in from N842.4 million to N702.1 mil2011. The proportion of working capilion. Export sales slumped to N2.7 tal to total sales improved from 41.5 million in 2012 as against N31.9 milper cent to 42.8 per cent. Debtors/credilion in 2011. Primary school books tors ratio stood at 32.2 per cent in 2012 accounted for 67 per cent of total sales compared with 85.4 per cent in 2011. at N1.4 billion compared with N629.5 million and Governance & structures N52.3 million 2011 for secondary Incorporated in 1949, UP is one of 12 months and general refthe oldest surviving companies in Nierence books. geria. It became a public limited liabil1,868 However, the ity company and listed its shares in 1,868 western region 1978. University Press is owned by 846 and non-priabout 11,000 shareholders with three 1,023 mary books major investors holding 23.71 per cent.

733 43.2 5 Fiscal Year Ended March 31 2012 326.6 % 211.4 Financing structure 49 Equity funds/Total assets 69.0 151 Long-term liabilities/Total assets 2.3 35 Current liabilities/Total assets 28.8 411 Debt/Equity ratio 0.0

1,020 1,020 92 1,663 2,683

-4.1 -4.1 21.2 23.8 11.5

1,064 1,064 76 1,343 2,407

285.5 0 772 61 833

221.9 0.0 35.8 -7.6 31.3

88.7 0 568 66 634

215.7 1,850

0.0 4.3

215.7 1,773

By Taofik Salako

in 2011. Current assets increased from N1.34 billion to N1.66 billion. Longterm assets dropped slightly from N1.06 billion to N1.02 billion. Total liabilities stood at N833 million in 2012 compared with N634 million in 2011.

Current liabilities had increased by 36 per cent to N772 million as against N568 million. Long term liabilities reduced slightly from N66 million to N61 million.

The overall financing position remained supportive. The company sustained its zero gearing ratio as sufficient working capital insulated it from the pressures for bank loans. Equity funds amounted to 69 per cent of total assets in 2012 as against 74 per cent in 2011. The proportion of current liabilities to total assets stood at 29 per cent in 2012 in contrast to 23.6 per cent.

Efficiency Average number of employees stood at 301 persons in 2012 compared with 311 persons in 2011. However, total staff costs increased from N278 million to N293 million, indicating average cost per head of N0.974 million and N0.894 million for 2012 and 2011 respectively. Average contribution of each employee to the bottom-line improved from N1.05 million to N1.14 million. The company drove overall cost efficiency and productivity by aligning costs to inputs. Total costs of business, excluding finance charges, remained tight at 84.4 per cent in 2012 as against 84.5 per cent in 2011.

Profitability Total turnover rose by 11.5 per cent from N1.87 billion to N2.08 billion.

However, cost of sales outpaced sales growth by almost seven percentage points at N998 million in 2012 s against

The costly macroeconomic environment and industry specific challenges have combined in recent periods to undermine the profitability of the printing and publishing industry.

With average cost of production substantially lower in other competing markets, high costs of production, exacerbated by energy and distribution costs; constrain the competitiveness and profitability of Nigerian printing and publishing companies in an increasingly global industry. Besides straight-line competitive disadvantages, unethical practices by unscrupulous importers of sub-standard books and intellectual pirates weaken domestic publishers.

Also, the dependence of the sector on governments' educational plans makes it susceptible to changes and delay in national and sub-national budgets. This may also result in unhealthy political colouration, which may adversely impact on long-term sustainable growth.

University Press has shown appreciable resilience and stability. The audited report and latest operational report reinforced its long-standing profile as a top-of-the-industry player with intrinsic strengths to mitigate challenges. However, it needs to retool its sales strategy to unlock new domestic and international markets. There is a limit to the use of cost management in sustaining profit in the face of sluggish sales.

This is already evident in the declining margins. A large top-line growth provide more room to manage costs and deliver a healthier bottom-line. UP needs to think outside the box to provide new products and services as well as new high-margin ways of selling traditional products. While building on its public sector patronage, the company has to break new grounds in the domestic and international private education businesses.

With strong financial position, recent investments in facilities, wide distribution network and experienced human resources, there is reasonable basis to assume that the company is in good stead to maintain a stable and steady performance.

2011 % 73.7 2.7 23.6 0.0

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

52.1 16.5 12.8 12.3 1.51

54.8 17.5 13.6 11.9 1.40

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

1.14 0.974 84.4

1.05 0.894 84.5

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

2.15 42.8 32.2

2.36 41.5 85.4

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

37

• Nurses at a workshop.

More jobs coming for nurses The preventive and environmental health care management system says a lot about disease control. Experts are of the view that the subsector holds much prospect for nurses and midwives in Nigeria. They say this is the time for such workers to tap the opportunities in the area, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

F

OR nurses and midwives, a window of opportunities has opened up in preventive and environmental health care system.

The former focuses on disease prevention and health maintenance. It includes early diagnosis of diseases, discovery and identification of people at the risk of development of specific problems and counselling, among other interventions that could help in averting health problems.

The latter has to do with keeping the environment hygenic to prevent the outbreak of

dieseases, such as cholera and diarrhea.

Experts argue that there are not enough health care professionals to work in these areas. They said health care service providers, such as nurses and midwives, have restricted themselves to hospital jobs where they work on schedules. They said many nurses and midwives are jobless because of their regimented lifestyle.

They said the Red Cross, United Nations Children Education Fund(UNICEF) and a host of other international organisations do employ people to work as preventive and environmental health care providers, advising nurses to key-into

these opportunties.

A Nursing Consultant, Larry Obadan, said there are a lot of opportunities for nurses in preventive and environmental health care system, arguing that many countries are showing deep interest in these areas.

He said: “ The world is moving towards preventive and environmental health care system. The developed ouuntries are showing more than a passing interest in these areas by providing a lot of money to tackle diseases.

“Also, the developing nations are aware of the importance of environmental healthcare

management.These are the opportunities, which thousands of unemployed nurses can tap into to earn a living.”

He said the field and allied areas could provide jobs for between 500,000 and 600,000 nurses, adding that there are immense opportunities in nursing.

He said nurses and midwives, who long to work as preventive healthcare officers, should move from house to house to tell people on how to manage their health, while those that •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

38

JOBS

More jobs coming for nurses

•Continued from page 37

are ready to offer environmental health care services need go to rural areas to do the job.

He said Nigeria needs more than a million nurses and midwives to manage the primary health care system, stressing that there is a shorfall in the number of nurses in the country.

Obadan, who is a legal practitioner and Labour Consultant, said there is a lot of mis-match in the medical profession in Nigeria, arguing that the development has affected nurses negatively.

He alleges that doctors are frustrating efforts being put in place to employ staff nurses in Nigeria.

“From investigation, doctors are employing auxillary nurses and midwives to work for them. They parade them as qualified officers, thereby jeopardising the chances of the trained nurses.

Besides, the country is battling shortage of nurses and midwives, making it impossible to develop the primary healthcare system,” he said.

A don at the Department of Nursing Science, College of Medicine at the University of Lagos (CMUL), Prof Boluwaji Fajimilehin, corroborated this assertion, saying the country’s 240, 000 qualified nurses and midwives are not enough.

Fajimilehin said 136,000 of these are not registered, implying that many are working without regulatory approval.

He said the country does not have enough nurses and midwives to cater for the sick.

Citing data from a private outfit - the Integrated Human Resources Information System (iHRIS) - Fajimilehin said two or three nurses are made to work in a 30-bed ward in the morning, one or two in the afternoon, and only one at night. This, he said, requires employing more workers for the health industry.

Also, a Matron with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the problems associated with the health care delivery sys-

tem are enormous and therefore require more hands. She said nurses and midwives are in short supply globally, adding that Nigeria is not an exception.

She said there are opportunities for people to work as professionals, auxiliary, dental or primary health care nurses and midwives.

The source said people who have the qualifications would get jobs, in view of the openings in the sector.

Her words: “There are a lot of job opportunities in the health sector. First, the issue of ageing nurses and midwives have opened up job prospects for people. Secondly, many of such workers are due for retirement.

Thirdly, some have retired and need to be replaced with younger and stronger workers. Fourthly, many have travelled to Canada, among other countries, for better conditions of service.

“The development suggests that more nurses and midwives are needed in the country.”

She added: “The time has come for people to show more interest in nursing by taking it as a profession. They can do this by studying nursing at the university level to get more exposure on it. Holders of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are going to have an edge in the labour market over those with only School of Nursing Certificates.

“People must develop interest in nursing from the beginning, if they want to achieve success. When this happens, the

country would have enough nurses and midwives to work with and further reduce the pressure on the labour market.”

She advised people to go for career talks to know their areas of specialisation in nursing science, adding that each area has the capacity to provide jobs for practitioners.

“There are various cadres of nurses and midwives ditto job opportunities.

Many are unemployed now because the government does not create the enabling environment for the healthy sector. The best thing for the government to do is to employ more workers in the healthcare delivery segment. The Federal Government has not done much in this area. The Lagos State government is trying its best to take nurses and midwives out of the employment market. Once efforts are geared toward the creation of jobs for medical practitioners, the better for their families and the economy in particular,” she said.

Also, a Nursing Consultant, Mrs Adenike Amao, said the country was yet to comply with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) directive of one nurse to a maximum of 10 patients.

Mrs Amao said a nurse or a midwife attends to a minimum of 100 people in Nigeria, arguing that they were being overworked.

She said Nigeria’s health care delivery system is poor, going by the WHO Report on 57 countries facing critical shortage of health workers.

She said: “The report indicates that Nigeria’s shortage has increased three times from 44,000 in 2006. This would be the seventh highest shortage of the 57 crisis countries. Giving this, the country has a

•Minister of Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu

shortage of over 130,000 workers, a development that is not good enough for a country that is planning to attain the goal of Health for All by 2015. For Nigeria to attain that goal, the government must employ medical practitioners, in addi-

‘The time has come for people to show more interest in nursing by taking it as a profession. They can do this by studying nursing at the University level to get more exposure on it. Holders of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are going to have an edge in the labour market over those with only School of Nursing Certificates’

tion to the provision of infrastructure for the sector.”

According to her, Nigeria must clear the deficit first before it can achieve meaningful growth in the area of healthcare services.

“After clearing the deficit of over 130,000 workers, the government still needs to employ more hands to foster growth. By my estimation, Nigeria would need about a million nurses to achieve growth.

The reason is because there are many towns and villages that are finding difficult to have access to qualified nurses and midwives. In those areas, people patronise fake health service providers. This has resulted in untimely death”, she said.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

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HE year 2012 will soon end.

I expect every job seeker that has not been successful so far to be getting ready for a successful 2013. I am not in any way suggesting that you should suspend you job search till next year. Far from it! As a matter of fact, a good number of organisations/industries are in the thick of implementing their head-count increase plans in readiness for next year.

This the time to get cracking At any rate, never give up: no retreat, no surrender!!

Let us continue what we started last week: telling ourselves some home truths about job search Placement and orientation are programs intended to familiarize the new employee with his new work environment, the people and the culture. He is given the details of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Do you now know what the employer goes through? Recruitment error will result in an expensive waste for the company and a dent on competence of the manager responsible for recruiting. For these reasons, the employer is really interested in conducting a successful recruitment and selection process.

How does a typical job search go? Put your CV together; wait until you hear about a job opening somewhere or give it to as many people/organisation as possible or responding to newspaper ads and then wait. There is something really wrong about this passive way of job search. This is a subject for another day.

10 home truths (II)

By Olu Oyeniran

Home truth No. 3 Most candidates don’t understand the precarious position of the prospective potential employer.

Home truth No. 4 Nobody owes you a job.

If you desire a good job, you need to get up your butt and go after the job you desire. Invest your time, energy and money (even the little you have- you have a GSM handset whch takes money from you everyday, don’t you?).

Let me add further, most job seekers expect the job search to be easy, simple and quick; and when things are not going that way, they give up, often too soon.

The moral here is that though you may be unemployed, you still have a job to do: to get yourself a job. You will need to put in all you have and be focused. To get a good job takes imagination, initiative and focus. It means that you must be committed to implementing the skills you will acquire reading this column, attending seminars, reading relevant books. You know what you want, and must be ready to work for it. Are you?

Home truth No 5 Job-hunting success is directly

proportional to the amount of intelligent job-hunting effort.

The more you try, the more likely you will find the job you want, and quickly too. Even if you are a career/job changer, you need to schedule and make time out consistently to pursue your job search.

Home truth No. 6 Successful job-hunting requires a willingness to change tactics.

If something is not working, move to another strategy. But do you have a job search strategy?

These apply to everybody in the job market.

In your efforts to get a job, you will probably encounter some barriers and hurdles. Common barriers include: • I am not experienced/too experienced • I am too young/old • The economy is bad and • My course is not marketable • I don’t have connection • My skills are obsolete etc.

Think again, is these real barriers or excuses? It is often easy to blame external factors for failure to get what you want. The real barriers are generally internal doubts and fear, resistance to change and our perception. Perceptions, may be stronger than reality - it influcuces our altitude and actions

towards a given object or situation, whether it is right or wrong.

The first point in your job search is to assess your job search skills.

Review the strategies and techniques listed below and rate your self (1 – poor; 5 = ok; 10 = excellent).

• Analysing my skills, interest and qualities • Identifying specific job target • Preparing for interview • Performing at interview • Writing effective Resume/C.V • Selection test skills • Evaluating job offers.

To look good, you need an average score above 65 per cent! If you did not do well enough, then do all you can to acquire job search skills: read books, attend relevant seminars, get help- from friends, family members, mentors, career and job search counselors, professional Resume/C.V writers etc.

The recently published book, JobSearchGuru’s Job-Huntil Manual is surely the complete jobsearch tool-kit for a purposefull job hunting.

You need to acquire skills in the following areas: skill analysis, job search strategies formulation, career and job goal setting, identifying career achievement, writing winning Resume/CV and application letter, conducting informational interview, job interview and follow up, job aptitude test etc.

I am sure the question floating in your mind is “where are the jobs? You are already on your way to uncovering the job market.

The next step is to analyse the job and business environment.

There are opportunities in education/training, agriculture, accounting/banking/finance, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, service, government, civil-society/social/professional organisations, oil/gas, media/publishing sectors of the economy.

All you need to do is to develop special interest in specific job market/segment that holds promise and potential of a good job for you. 10 per cent unemployment probably means that 15-20 million graduates are do not have jobs.

That is some figure. But also means that 85 to 90 per cent are employed somehow. Or better still, you have at least 80 per cent chance of succeeding at getting a job. That is not bad!

Home truth No. 7 There jobs if you know how to find it.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. I am wishing you a better week ahead.

•Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates & Author. Author Jobsearchguru’s Job-Hunting Manual. Website: Jobsearchhow.com,ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

39

LABOUR ITF, NECA disburse N4m to trainees

Health Bill: TUC seeks public hearing

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HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) rose from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend in Lagos, seeking public hearing for the National Health Insurance Bill.

The meeting chaired by the Congress President, Comrade Peter Esele, frowned at the National Health Bill, which it claimed, does not accommodate the interest of many Nigerians. It, therefore, demanded an invitation to a Public Hearing for TUC’s input in “making the Bill a better gift to Nigerians.”

In a six-point communique signed by Esele and Acting Secretary-General, Musa Lawal, the NEC also frowned at the growing rate of kidnapping, bombings and robberies on banks, general workers and citizens and called on

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Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

the government to intensify its effort in arresting the menace.

On infrastructure development, TUC condemned the continued deterioration of roads despite the huge funds being expended them, and called on the government to improve on them.

On power, the meeting commended the Federal Government on the negotiation with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The body implores the Federal Government to implement fully the terms of the Agreement and deliver to the citizenry the promise of 24-hour uninterrupted electricity power supply to the nation.

The association endorsed the industrial action in Plateau in the struggle for workers emancipation

•Esele

•Health Minister, Prof. Chukwu Oyebuchi

due to the non-compliance with minimum wage Act. But it condemned “the religious colouration being introduced by some religious bodies in the investigation being carried out by the military in the bombing of the military barracks in jaji by suspected fundamentalists.

“The military should be allowed

to carry out both its internal and external statutory investigations so that the issues can be properly addressed in the collective interest of Nigerians,” he asid.

The NEC okayed the retirement of its Secretary-General, Comrade John Kolawole. He has been replaced by Mr Lawal, the Deputy Secretary General.

Group condemns Plateau over workers’ strike

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AMPAIGN for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has condemned Governor Jonah Jang’s alleged refusal to pay Plateau workers the N18,000 minimum wage structure, which has forced workers to embark on indefinite strike.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, the body said it is illegal for any government to refuse to implement the N18,000 minimum Wage since it has been passed into law.

It stated that the government should rather be working towards a new minimum wage that takes care of the rising inflation trend.

“Plateau State Government claimed it has no capacity to pay the N18,000 due to unavailability of funds. This has been the sing-song of many of the state governments who daily engage in waste of public resources and outright looting of public treasury.

“Is it not contradictory for the same Jang to be constructing another government house/palace costing more than N4 billion whereas a paltry N18,000 minimum wage structure cannot be paid to workers.

“Besides, the same government is paying idle top political office unjustified huge salaries and allowances while workers do not deserve what is obviously a poverty wage. “ CDWR, therefore, demands that the

state government open its books to the public and to be scrutinised by an elected committee of workers to ascertain how the state’s funds have been utilised and the true state of accounts.

“We demand that Jonah Jang-led administration pay all backlog of salaries still owed to workers on the N18,000 minimum wage structure and to work out a basis for periodic increment in line with the rate of inflation. We reject and urge workers to stoutly oppose any plans by government to downsize,rightsize or retrench the workforce as a basis to pay the new wage.

“We also call the trade union lead-

ers to engage workers in more mass actions as a means of sustaining the ongoing strike. CDWR has always urged the trade union movement not to believe for a moment that state governments would comply with the Minimum Wage Act without struggle and not to rely on trade union diplomacy alone as a means to bringing about the full implementation of the Wage Act. It warned that it will require the continuous mass struggle of workers to force the state governments to implement the minimum wage act and to get more concessions from the government.

“Fundamentally, every govern-

ment that subscribes to neo-liberal capitalist policies, which only guarantee the privilege and profit of a few at the expense of the working masses will do everything to undermine workers’ welfare. It is fool hardy to expect that anti-poor political parties and politicians can guarantee workers interest. Hence, it is high time workers and the organised labour movement began the building of a new mass working class political party armed with socialist policies of creating jobs, payment of living wage and sustained infrastructural development under working class democratic control and management,” it urged

‘Fed Govt owes pensioners N500b’

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HE National President of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mallam Ali Abatcha, has said the Federal Government is owing pensioners unpaid entitlements totalling over N500 billion.

He said this in Ibadan during the celebration of Pensioners Day and the foundation laying ceremony of Oyo State Pensioners House.

Abatcha, who was represented by Mr Wale Jolaoye, noted that the joy of pensioners had been truncated by series of disappointments, frustrations and deprivation.

He stressed that many pension arrears remained unpaid, while thousands of pensioners were not receiving any benefits from the government.

He noted that the pension and gratuity of retired workers were at times not paid in full, while there were some disparities in the harmonised pension scheme.

“Besides, names of pensioners are sometimes removed from the payroll by pension officials,’’ he added.

Abatcha rejected claims by Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, the Chairman,

the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), that over N181 billion pension funds had been saved.

He called for the immediate implementation of the report of the Senate Joint Committee on Pension Administration, which indicted the PRTT officials for fraud and called for their prosecution.

Abatcha challenged the PRTT to make public the report of its 2010/ 2011 biometric exercise and solicited the immediate resumption of the inconclusive biometric verification of 2010/2011.

HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) have disbursed N4 million as grant to 38 graduates of its skills acquisition programme.

NECA’s Director-General, Mr Segun Oshinowo, said the grant was disbursed to successful trainees who presented business plans for assessment.

Represented by NECA’s Project Director, Mrs Helen Jemerigbe, Oshinowo charged the recipients to use the fund to boost their businesses.

He advised governments to complement efforts of ITF and NECA in boosting the informal sector.

“If grants are given to more purposeful people, the level of unemployment in the country will be minimised and many youths will be gainfully engaged,” she said.

ITF’s Lagos Zonal Director, Alhaji Sule Indabawa, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.

“There is nowhere in Nigeria where people are given two years training on skills acquisition free.

“Only NECA and ITF can give additional training on entrepreneurship development and also give fund as grant to start business.’’

Sacked workers protest non-payment of entitlements

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BOUT 50 factory workers who were retrenched by the management of International Plastics Nigeria Ltd (INTERPLAST) at Ijora CauseWay, Lagos, have embarked on a peaceful protest over unpaid salaries and entitlements.

The workers said they were sacked in November and that up till now, the company had not paid their entitlements.

One of the workers, Mr Ahmed Shehu said he was only paid N677,000 after serving the company more than 17 years.

Shehu said the company had yet to pay him other entitlements.

“How can someone be paid N677,000 after all these years of service. I feel being used and dumped after giving all I have to the company,” he said.

He confirmed that 50 workers of the company were laid off.

The Chairman of the company, Mr Harish Shinani, while addressing the workers, promised that they would be paid their entitlements tomorow.

“We are short of funds now, but I assure you that by this coming Tuesday, you would get everything due to you,” he said.

Shinani gave the protesters N1,000 each to use as transport allowance when coming next week.

Armed Forces trains 308 retiring officers

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•Cross section of participants at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) lecture in Lagos.

HE Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos has trained 308 retiring military officers this year, its Comandant, AVM Moses Akinsanmi, has said.

He spoke at a news conference that the affected officers completed a six-month training at the centre, in preparation for their post-service life.

He said the officers were made up of 44 from the Army, 15 from the Navy and 249 Air Force personnel. The commandant said the centre, since its inception 50 years ago, had trained about 40,000 retiring officers.

Akinsanmi said the centre was set up to equip retiring personnel with relevant trade and vocational skills to enable them to integrate into civil society.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

40

INSURANCE

Flood: NIA chief, others seek insurance team A

S a result of the recent flooding that ravaged parts of the country resulting in deaths, and destruction of farmlands and properties, insurance operators have called on the Federal Government to set up a national flood insurance progamme.

This, according to them, is to help in mitigate losses suffered by farmers.

Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr Remi Olowude, who made the call during an interview in Lagos, said this has become necessary due to losses thrown up by the recent flood mishap witnessed.

Olowude said at present, there is no food rating guide in the country to help manage risks associated with flood.

He said: “The sad reality of our

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

world today is that, more than ever before, we are all exposed to all kinds of disasters, natural or man-made. The frequency, intensity and spread of these disasters have placed an enormous responsibility on us as insurers to create special pools that will not only cover certain fundamental risks of oil spillage, transportation and tanker explosions, but will also address the phenomenon of climate change and the associated tragedies caused by flood, landslide, earthquake and other vagaries of weather.

“It is in the light of this that I call for the immediate introduction of flood insurance and a catastrophy fund. The industry needs to collaborate with the federal, state and Local Govern-

ments to set up a National Flood Insurance Fund Programme.

The scheme will provide coverage against property loss from flooding, landslide, rainstorm and protect insurers from illiquidity arising from massive claims.”

He said it is imperative to seek government’s involvement in the project because the perils covered are more or less fundamental and when they occur, the poor are usually the dominant casualties. Unfortunately, this segment of our society can least afford the cost of conventional insurance.”

Olowude said the industry should also brace up for micro insurance and full financial inclusion as well as the insurance of commuter transport passenger risks adding that the vision

of NIA is to ensure that insurance services are provided to all strata of our society within the next four years. This, according to him, will benefit all stakeholders, particularly the policyholders.

Also, the Commissioner for Insurance Mr Fola Daniel has advised farmers, low income earners and rural dwellers to take up micro-insurance policies. He said the micro-insurance services products are designed to cater for the low income earners and vulnerable poor of the rural areas.

He said micro-insurance was specifically designed for the protection of low-income earners against specific perils in exchange for regular premium payments proportionate to the likelihood and cost of the risk involved.

He cited the recent peril of flooding that has sacked numerous homes and washed away

farmlands, saying the worse hit remains the local farmers whose farm land had been washed away without any form of protection or succour.

Daniel stressed the need for micro-insurance designed for the vulnerable in rural areas and low income earners, adding, “we need to first of all design micro finance that take care of the need of the rural people, an insurance policy that relates with rural people.”

“As you know, the conventional insurance is supply driven, but this one is demand driven and is environmentally friendly. Look at the recent occurrence of flooding that sacked homes and washed farmlands. If a peasant farmer that invested all he had, say N50,000 in a farm and everything got washed away by flood; if he gets indemnify instantly with N50,000 , then he can move on with his life.”

‘Why insurance firms do not settle claims promptly’

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• From left: Ndibe Obi, Managing Director, Next International Limited, presenting the keys of Kia Sportage SUV to one of the star prize winners Innocent Iloabuchi, Chief Executive Officer of Innomary Integrated Services, at the Customers Awards Night in Lagos by Next International Limited. With them is Jacque Mulder, General Manager, Next International Limited and Mrs. Mary Innocent of Innomary Integrated Services.

HE Commissioner, National Insurance Commission, (NAICOM) Mr Fola Daniel, has said one of the reasons insurance firms are unable to settle claims promptly is the delay or non-payment of insurance premium by the insured.

He stated this at a sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the No-Premium-No-Cover rule as contained in the Insurance Act 2003 organised for Insurance Desk officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Federal Government in Abuja.

He said: “Most insurance companies make huge provisions for outstanding premiums in their books annually, which invariably affects their bottom-line and thus, their ability to settle claims as and at when due to the insured, make profit, pay dividend to shareholders and attract investments to enable growth”.

He noted that the situation is

Standard Alliance boss Emerhor gets awards

19 US states reject new health insurance market

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INETEEN states have turned down the Obama administration’s invitation to run the new health insurance markets that will begin serving millions of uninsured Americans less than a year from now. That puts a huge task on the feds, a defining challenge for President Barack Obama’s second term.

Friday is decision day for states to notify Washington if they will set up their own insurance exchanges under the federal health care law. Monitoring by The Associated Press finds a divided nation moving ahead, despite the misgivings of some state officials. Half the states now say they will participate in some way.

Still, drafters of the law did not anticipate that so many states would remain on the sidelines at this late stage. Federal control of the new state markets where individuals, families and small businesses will shop for taxpayer-subsidised private coverage was seen as a failsafe, not the standard for nearly half the country. Critics predict delays.

All of the states refusing are led by Republicans.

On the other side of the ledger, 17 states and Washington, D.C., say they want to set up and run their own markets. The administration has already started granting approvals.

Eight other states have indicated they want to pursue a partnership with Washington, and more may do so.

Only six remain undecided.

Exchanges are the gateway to the new health care law for individuals

and families who buy their own health insurance, as well as for small businesses.

Currently, it’s hard to tell what’s a good plan or a fair price. You can get turned down if you have a medical problem, charged more if you are older or a woman. The health care law forbids insurers from turning away the sick, limits what they can charge older people and bans gender-based surcharges. It also requires virtually all Americans to get coverage or face fines.

Exchanges are supposed to make picking health insurance like buying an airline ticket from an online travel site like Orbitz or Expedia.

There will be a website, and you’ll be able to put in your ZIP code and get a list of available health plans.

There will be a section where you can find out if you qualify for subsidies, or for Medicaid. There will be cost calculators to allow you to compare different levels of coverage: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. There will be tools that allow you to see if your doctor or hospital is with a particular plan.

Middle-class consumers will be able to find out if they are eligible for government help with their premiums for private insurance. Initially, nearly nine of every 10 taking part will get assistance.

Low-income people can use the exchanges to find out whether they are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage under the law. In addition to deciding how to implement exchanges, states must also decide

whether to accept the Medicaid expansion. There’s no deadline set for that decision, and most are still weighing options.

Open enrolment for exchange plans starts next October 1, and coverage begins January 1, 2014. Initially about 10 million people are expected to sign up, growing rapidly thereafter. California, New York and Kentucky are among the states that have opted to create their own exchanges. Among those passing are Texas, Georgia and Kansas. Partnership states include Illinois and West Virginia.

Republican governors rejecting state exchanges have cited a variety of reasons. Some say the administration has not provided enough information. Others say there’s too much federal regulation. Most have concerns about costs. But some Republican leaders have broken ranks, including governors in Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico, and the insurance commissioner in Mississippi.

In announcing his support for a state exchange this week, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said, “it would be irresponsible of me to simply abandon the field to federal bureaucrats.

In the face of uncertainty we must assert our independence and our commitment to self-determination, while fulfilling our responsibility to the rule of law.”

Indeed, exchanges have a Republican pedigree. The idea was pioneered in Massachusetts under then-Governor Mitt Romney’s health care overhaul.

“All this is full of irony,” said con-

unhealthy and dangerous to the insurance industry and unless it is halted, it is capable of driving the industry into extinction.

He added: “It is regrettable that government at all levels is the major culprit in this regard. We have noticed that budgetary provisions for insurance of government assets and properties are either inadequate or in most cases not made at all.

“Besides, where the provisions are made, payments of premium to insurance companies are either delayed for months or the funds redeployed to meet other needs by ministries, departments and agencies of government which is in clear breach of Section 50 (1) of the Insurance Act 2003.”

The workshop was meant to appraise the MDAs on the modalities for the implementation and enforcement of the rule in order to avoid gaps in the insurance covers of government assets.

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HE Group Chief Executive Officer of Standard Alliance Group, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has been conferred with three awards in Lagos and Abuja for his contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy.

He received The Entrepreneur of 2012 at the AES Excellence Cub’s Third Annual CEOs Dinner/Awards Nite in Lagos.

Speaking at the presentation of the awards, a former Minister of Industries and Chairman of the Club, Dr. Nike Akande, noted Emerhor’s strides in business and his contributions to the growth of the nation’s

economy.

Others who also got awards at the event included Alhaji Yusuf Maitama-Sule; Mike Onolememen, the Minister of Works, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Rabiu Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor and Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.

Olorogun Emerhor has also been recognised by the University of Nigeria Alumni Association and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping with a Lifetime Achievement award and an award as a major contributor to the growth of the Chamber at their separate events in Abuja and Lagos.

Glanvills Enthoven opens office

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HE President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers(NCRIB), Mrs Laide Osijo, has congratulated the management of Glavill Enthoven Nigeria Limited, one of the oldest and leading insurance brokers in the country when it opened its new corporate head office in Lagos.

Osijo noted that Glanvills has played a significant role in the growth and development of broking in Nigeria in the past 55 years, adding that the rebirth of the company’s head office would serve as a launch pad for greater efficiency of the staff and also buoy up the image of the company generally.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of the company, Mr Tunji

Oluyemi, said the corporate head office was renovated and refurnished, adding that the building which is at the centre of the industry operations will serve staff well in delivering values to customers in a comfortable, smart and modern office setting.

He explained that the company has reviewed its value and ethics, resetting the standards of corporate morality and ethical conduct while noting that its values are indicated by the acronym PETIT (Professionalism, efficiency, transparency, integrity and teamwork) The Glanvills boss further said there has been a significant re-alignment of staff to carry the three Rs (Restructure, Reposition and Rebrand) corporate transformation project to completion.

"Our players have some quality but, physically, some of them aren't so strong.

This is the final of the World Cup for the South American teams. You could see this from the first minute. Our players have some quality but, physically, some of them aren't so strong. Some of Corinthians' players also tried every trick in the book to get the referee on side, forward Emerson repeatedly rolling around the floor under contact.”

Chelsea manager, Rafa Benitez, admitting the blues’ FIFA World Club Cup opponents (Corinthians) were 42 stronger and better than his London team.

Monday, December 17, 2012

FIFA WORLD CLUB CUP

Corinthians emerge

champions •Sinks Chelsea 1-0 in final

•Falcao

Falcao's price tag keeps

rising

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X-ASTON Villa manager Martin O'Neil must still have nightmares about that one fateful day in the January 2009 transfer window where he rejected a £7m offer of FC Riverplate's plucky young striker Radamel Falcao and opted to sign Emile Heskey instead. Many Villa fans will be wondering what could have been should the Colombian striker had signed for the midlands club that season and the likelihood is it would have been the best signing in their recent history judging by the striker's devastating form in front of goal this year.

His high-flying Atletico Madrid side hit Deportivo for 6 last weekend with their star man Falcao netting 5 of them bringing his overall tally for the season to 16 three ahead of his Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo. His success on the pitch has not gone un-noticed however with many European clubs including Real Madrid themselves rumoured to be interested in his services.

C

HELSEA missed out on the chance to become only the second Barclays Premier League side to win the FIFA World Club Championship after succumbing to a 10 defeat by Corinthians in the final.

The CONCACAF winners scored the only goal of the game on 69 minutes when Danilo's shot looped into the air and Paolo Guerrero reacted fastest to head the ball into the net.

The European club champions, for

Corinthians deserves Club World Cup win

—Benitez

R Peter Ndlovu critically injured, brother Adam dies in car crash

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ORMER COVENTRY, Birmingham, Sheffield United and Huddersfield winger Peter Ndlovu has been critically injured in a car crash in his native Zimbabwe.

The accident, in Victoria Falls, claimed the life of his elder brother Adam, who was also a professional footballer.

The pair were travelling to a friendly match between the Highlanders Legends and a Victoria Falls team.

A female passenger is also reported to have died in the accident.

Ndlovu, 39, is currently assistant coach of the Zimbabwean national side, for whom he made 100 appearances, and head coach of the national under-23 team.

The car veered off the road and collided with a tree.

whom Frank Lampard returned to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury layoff, created a number of chances but were denied time and again by an inspired goalkeeper, Cassio.

The 25-year-old reacted well to make a double-save on 11 minutes from Gary Cahill, who headed a corner goalwards before seeing his close-range drive smothered on the line at the second attempt.

Victor Moses's curling effort was

AFAEL BENITEZ admitted Chelsea were outclassed by Corinthians who won their Club World Cup final 1-0 in Yokohama.

The Blues' interim boss insisted his side only had themselves to blame as Corinthians dominated the match and Benitez admitted it seemed to mean more to the Brazilians, whose physical pressing game gave Chelsea very little room for manoeuvre.

"This is the final of the World Cup for the South American teams. You could see this from the first minute," Benitez said.

"Our players have some quality but, physically, some of them aren't so strong."

"This is the final of the World Cup for the South American teams. You could see this from the first minute. Our players have some quality but, physically, some of them aren't so strong."

Rafael BenitezQuotes of the week Some of Corinthians' players also tried every trick in the book to get the referee on side, forward Emerson repeatedly rolling • Benitez around the floor under contact.

tipped wide in the first half while Fernando Torres's shot was also smartly saved by the former PSV Eindhoven man.

Corinthians, playing largely on the counterattack, came close in the first half with Emerson striking an upright when attempting to redirect Guerrero's scuffed shot, but it was the Blues who created more chances.

After the interval Eden Hazard was put through on goal by Juan Mata's

searching pass only to be thwarted by Cassio and shortly afterwards the Brazilian side were in front as Danilo's snaking run and shot was finished off

by Guerrero, who headed past three Chelsea players on the goal-line.

Chelsea might have levelled with five minutes remaining when Torres unleashed a snapshot from 12 yards out, but Cassio was in the way once more, this time using his legs to preserve his side's lead.

Schalke sacks Stevens, appoints Keller

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UUB STEVENS has been sacked as coach of Schalke following their 3-1 defeat to Freiburg yesterday, a result which leaves the club outside the top six of the Bundesliga going into the winter break.

Schalke have picked up just two points from their last six matches, a run which has cost the Dutchman his job, despite leading the club to the

last 16 of the UEFA Champions League as group winners. Youth team coach Jens Keller has been placed in charge of the club for Tuesday's DFB-Pokal tie with Mainz, and will stay in charge until at least the end of the season. Stevens learned of his fate this morning after a board meeting last night in the wake of the club's latest defeat. The Dutchman, who was recently voted

as the club's coach of the century in a fans' poll, has paid the price for a recent slump in form, despite still having the backing of his players.

"He still has the fire burning in him and he is accepted well by the team," said midfielder Jermaine Jones to Sky television prior to yesterday's defeat. "I think we should quickly move away from blaming the coach.

I think it is purely a team thing."

OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...

NEXT stop the world. So Bolton express land Khan back on the says Amir Khan after laying enough bolts of lightning waste to a neighbourhood of track with win t o g e n e r a t e a y e a r ' s east Los Angeles on for Molina's against Molina electricity Saturday night. impoverished home Maybe so, now that he has pulled back from the edge of the fiscal cliff which was threatening his future as much as the financial recession is jeopardising the American economy.

November/December v Lamont Peterson in rematch to become undisputed 10 stone champion, given Olympic standard drugs testing.

Maybe so since Danny Garcia, who knocked Khan off his perch with a left hook

• Khan

from hell earlier this year, games father, Angel, were appears willing to risk the still in bullish mood after lengthy odds against him w a t c h i n g K h a n b e a t landing that sucker punch Carlos Molina to pulp in the LA Sports Arena. again in a re-match.

Garcia and his mind- The Garcias had just seen

district not far from the LA Sports Arena but remained obdurately unimpressed.

'We'll fight Khan again and knock him out again,' they said .'Even though we know that if he had beaten us he would never have given us a re-match.'

Maybe not. Khan has battened down his defences and acquired self-restraint in his first camp with new trainer Virgil Hunter.

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OPEN FORUM

•Continued from December 12

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HIS would certainly assist farmers in having greater predictability of the weather and better appreciation of changes in the timeline needed in production, harvesting, storage, processing and marketing of their crops and livestock.

It would also help to take appropriate preventive measures to avert disasters on the one hand and curative action on the other, by way of preparedness and timely deployment of rapid responses.

The phenomenon of climate change is now with us; the Sahara Desert is encroaching on us more rapidly than ever before.

The onus is on the Director, Staff and Students of Agricultural Colleges to embark on a paradigm shift towards combating the negative and undesirable effects of this phenomenon.

Consequently, the following subjects, among others should be included in the curriculum of Agricultural Colleges, which should go beyond the current subject of Irrigation Agronomy:- Structural and non-structural methods of Flood Control such as Dams and Hykes Construction, and establishment of Flood Plain Zones” respectively; an understanding of what is known as “:Return Period” in hydrology and Early Warning Systems for its expectation.

Courses in these areas of flood control would lead to finding effective preventive measures and early warning systems which would limit the negative and undesirable effects of floods on people, properties, agricultural farms, industries and livestock, roads, bridges and other infrastructures along the major rivers of the country. The recent unpalatable flood experienced in all the 36 states of the federation should not be allowed to rear its ugly again.

Agricultural colleges in collaboration with relevant institutions and organisations should embark on serious studies and research with a view to finding early and lasting preventive measures to be taken by government before an occurrence rather than leaving government to take palliative actions of money and material donations to states after the incident. Flooding is not a stranger to Nigeria, what is worrying is the volume, the intensity, the destructive nature, and above all, it’s Return Period or frequency of its occurrence due to climate changes.

On the other hand, however it cannot be over-emphasized that rainfed agriculture is insufficient to meet the production targets

By JAIYEOLA LEWU

Challenges before ABU's Agric Colleges and needs of the country particularly in the North which lesser rainfall. Irrigation and Water Management Studies in all ramifications should be expanded by DACS which should include the use of Solar and Wind energy for generating power, at the least cost, for irrigation purposes, as the two resources are in abundance in the North.

Therefore the defunct Bakura School of Agriculture should be reopened, upgraded, renamed “College of Irrigation”, and brought under the administration of the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University. Its assets would certainly be very valuable to the training of Irrigation and Climate Change experts and scholars of the Division of Agricultural Colleges. Its liabilities should, of course be borne by the Federal Government, which is the Proprietor of Ahmadu Bello University.

Agricultural Colleges should get Israeli expert and technology in drip irrigation for the arid zone of the North, not only for food production but also for accelerated reforestation of the desert belt to reduce the spread of the Sahara Desert. Israel has succeeded in turning the desert into an agricultural paradise. DACS should either organise direct exchange programmes with relevant Israeli research institutes and universities; or should avail itself of the opportunity of the bilateral agreements existing between Nigeria and Israel in order to send some staff members to Israel for training; and impart, the knowledge gained on students, irrigation farmers and state officials in the North on their return.

In view of the role expected of middle-level manpower in the agricultural sector of the North, the Agricultural Colleges should also include in their curricula, the study of Agricultural Economics, apart from Home Economics, so as to have a better understanding and appreciation of the con-

cept of “Value Chain” being promoted by the President of the country; the importance of Strategic Grain Reserves for food storage, preservation and food security; the price predictability and stabilization effects of Community Boards; the vital and critical roles of financial institutions in providing facilities at affordable and favourable rates of interest and conditionalities to small, medium and large-scale agricultural entrepreneurs.

Incentives for students and graduates The positive impacts of the environment existing in Agricultural Colleges should reflect on the performance of their students in the Colleges, and also on their graduates in their places of work.

Thus, allowances of students should be constantly reviewed and greatly improved by their sponsors to meet their academic and social needs based on cost of living index. In the same vein, graduates who are employed should be given attractive salaries, necessary and adequate tools as incentives to pull people into agriculture as a commercially profitable venture and not a sector reserved for poor people.

It cannot be over-emphasised that efforts should be exerted by government at all levels and by other stakeholders to make the profession of agriculture very attractive. Agricultural employees should be well remunerated better than their counterparts in other sectors of the economy if more people are to be attracted and if those already in the profession are to stay. The current low pay creates a ‘push effect’ whereby middle-level agricultural workers and, many farmers prefer leaving to operate the popular Okada and earn daily returns, to remaining in agriculture. A hungry nation is an angry nation. Therefore, graduates from agricultural colleges should be given attractive incentives to

go into the profession either as employees or as self employed personalities and entrepreneurs.

It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria is very far from reaching the United Nations (UN) target of one extension worker per a thousand farmers. Without attractive incentives to pull the youth into agriculture, food security and attaining the UN target will remain a mirage. This calls for higher percentage of about 15 to 20 percent, of annual government budgets in the next ten years to be allocated to agriculture as the top priority sector of the economy, if the country is to achieve real and sustainable Agricultural transformation.

Conclusion The efforts of Agricultural Colleges of A.B.U and those of thousands of middle level manpower, who have been trained by these colleges over the past 50 years or more, should be commended for working assiduously to pass on their knowledge and skills to farmers especially in Northern Nigeria, towards alleviation of poverty, prevention of hunger epidemic and animal diseases; and towards attainment of food security for our national.

While the Division of Agricultural Colleges should continue to do what it does best, it should, however, think outside and beyond the narrow confines of its box and look at the larger picture predicated by changes of circumstance.

The time, therefore, has come it to embark on a paradigm-shift to train graduates of the 21st century and beyond, in order to meet the challenges posed by Climate Change, and especially, by hunger, consequent to rapidly growing population of the North in particular, and the country in general.

In this regard, there is an urgent need to upgrade the college of agriculture abu kabba to a degree awarding full fledged university of agriculture: The College of Agriculture A.B.U. Kabba has come of age after 50 years of existence, admitting both National and International Students, particularly from The Gambia; and contributing to capacity building and appreciable research work in the agricultural sector.

Administering the college, as one of the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, all the way from Zaria to Kabba, has always created a lot administrative, technical and logistics problems.

Consequently, the college has not been able to reach its optimum capacity utilisation and has not been availed with appreci-

•ABU Gate

able resources to maximise its rich and diverse soil and amiable climatic condition in Kabba.

Thus, the socially desirable and economically viable capacity building and research findings, in the riverine areas of the North, for attainment of diversity in food security in Nigeria and Africa and Africa are yet to be fully realised; a full fledged university would be able to attain.

The people of the Riverine areas of the North and those in former Kabba province are anxiously waiting the day the college would be upgraded to a University of Agriculture by the efforts of the Federal Government and the collaboration of A.B.U. It is hoped, that the Ahmadu Bello University authorities would cooperate towards the realization and actualisation of upgrading the College of Agriculture, A.B.U. Kabba to a fullfledged University of Agriculture soonest.

Efforts to meet the forgoing challenges facing Agricultural Colleges of Ahmadu Bello University would lead, no doubt, to production of high quality human capacity and empowerment in agriculture; adaptation to climate change; curtailing the spread of Sahara desert; attainment of higher standard of living of the people environmental preservation and sustainable development; more accurate weather predictability, food security for the North in particular, and for our dear nation in general; and invariably net food exports to the world at large.

These challenges are not beyond solution or redemption because.

“Where there is a will, there is a way’’ •Lewu was former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil

NEWS Ihonvbere calls for national ideology

Fayose, Kalu condole with Adetiloye’s family

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From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

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ECRETARY to the Edo State Government Presidential Adviser Prof Julius Ihonvbere has said every nation should be concerned about orientation, which is a contemporary way of talking about a national ideology or philosophy.

At a workshop in Benin City, he said: “At the heart of such an agenda is philosophy and a process that goes beyond singing the national anthem and reciting the national pledge.”

“These things have only ephemeral values if they are not grounded in common beliefs, commitment and institutions that people collectively accept and agree to defend and promote.

“And this is how to promote sus-

•Ihonvbere

tainable development that ensures national stability and security.”

Ihonvbere added that these “must be a set of values that are collectively endorsed to guide, direct, condition and shape the processes and pattern of productive exchange as well as social, political and economic engagement in a direction that improves on the living condition of the majority.”

ORMER governors of Ekiti and Abia states Ayo Fayose and Orji Uzor Kalu have condoled with the family of the late Prelate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Bishop Abiodun Adetiloye.

Fayose, in a statement in Lagos, said Adetiloye’s death had created a vacuum in the circle of clergy and laity in the country.

But he said his family, relations and church of God should take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life of creative service to mankind.

Kalu, who condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Kayode Fayemi, the Anglican community, described Adetiloye as a fearless preacher who spoke the

By Emmanuel Oladesu

truth no matter who was involved.

He said: “Bishop Adetiloye is one of the very few fearless preachers we have in Nigeria.

“If you need to hear the truth from the pulpit, then he is one of the very few to turn to for counsel and advice.”

Fayemi added: “Papa Adetiloye was a great man of God, who had come to prominence as a curate under the illustrious Archbishop Vining.

“He was the priest who visited Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Calabar Prison during his days of tribulation to exhort him and build up his courage in the face of political

adversity. He was the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese before he became the Archbishop of Nigeria.

He mentored many youths in Nigeria through his motivational talks in schools. Throughout his career, he maintained a clean record of a great disciple of Christ worthy of emulation. May his soul rest in peace.”

Kalu said though it is comforting to know that Adetiloye has gone to be with the God he served while alive, Nigerians will miss his godly and wise counsel.

He prayed for the repose of Adetiloye's soul and the fortitude for his family to bear the great loss.

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NEWS

Church petitions IGP, Elechi over police detention of clerics

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HE Amagbo Ezieddah Parish of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar and Governor Martin Elechi over the alleged manhandling and illegal detention of two of its clerics by some policemen in connivance with some members of the Presbyterian Church.

Addressing reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital, the Parish Board Chairman of the church, Elder Nnachi Chukwu, alleged that Rev Ase Ase and Pastor Chima Udeh were beaten up, arrested and detained by policemen from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Afikpo South.

The cleric regretted that policemen, who are supposed to protect the people, have become the people’s greatest enemies.

He said: “It is unfortunate that some policemen have turned themselves into instruments of intimidation, harassment and molestation of the ordinary man.

“On Sunday, we were at our church venue worshipping God when we suddenly saw some policemen from the Afikpo South Division drive into the church premises. We welcomed them and offered them seats. They sat down while the service went on.

Shortly, we saw another bus with the inscription of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria drive

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakiliki

in. Wwhen I came out from the church, I observed that they were reverend ministers of the Presbyterian Church; some of them were from Calabar and the others from Ebonyi.

“The service went on uninterrupted until three bus conveying another group of reverend ministers drove into the church premises and Mr. Orji Udu–Aso Orji, in company of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Afikpo South Division, simply identified as Egbo, a Superintendent of Police. Egbo ordered me to open the vestry to enable the reverend ministers change their clothes.

“When I informed the DPO that such a decision was beyond me, he insisted that I must obey it. As I was still trying to find out the reason behind the invasion, Mr. Orji went straight to the officiating minister and started dragging the microphone from him. As they struggled to wrest the microphone from each other, the policemen started firing canisters inside the church. This led to the collapse of some elderly men in the church.

“There was pandemonium.

The policemen dragged the two reverend ministers out of the church and continued shooting canisters inside the church.

Several members of our church were injured as they attempted to escape from the police brutality.”

Chukwu also alleged that

Rev Ase and Pastor Udeh were detained at Afikpo South Police Station.

According to him, the forceful ejection of members of his church from their worship centre is illegal and against a court judgment delivered at the State High Court sitting in Abakaliki.

Chukwu added: “Everybody is aware of the problem and divisions in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. When we pulled out from the church, we started worshiping as members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Presbyterian Church went to court and a High Court sitting in Abakaliki ruled that everybody should continue to worship without any disturbance from the other body. We have been worshipping here since the problem started without interruption.”

The cleric urged the IGP and the governor to intervene.

According to him, there are plans by members of the Presbyterian Church to invade other places of worship of the Reformed Presbyterian.

He added that such a plan may cause bloodshed in the area.

Police spokesman Sylvester Igbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said Egbo had not reported the matter to his office.

Igbo said the command would investigate the matter when it is properly briefed, adding that it is the duty of the police to ensure the enforcement of court orders.

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

Behind The Phrase Cool As Cucumber Meaning: Calm and unruffled.

Origin Cool here means imperturbable rather than having a low temperature. Cucumbers are cool to the touch.

First recorded in John Gay’s Poems, New Song on New Similies, 1732: “I ... cool as a cucumber could see The rest of womankind.”

BUSINESSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Price (4) 3. Financial Instrument (6) 7. Money, in relation to wants (6) 8. Single Item (4) 9. Merchandise (4) 11. Wagers (4) 13. Trade (4) 14. An Eastern Currency(3) 16. Buoyant (5) 18. Sell (4) 20. Amass, as in profit (4) 21. Book of Records (6) 22. Financial Institution (4)

DOWN Teller (7) Divides (6) 4.Comany’s Shares (6) 5. Item entered in book (5) 6. Card with highest value (3) 10. Measuring Device (5) 11. Unwritten Cheque (5) 12. Number (5) 15. Sum up (3) 17. Relax (4) 19. Cash Box (3)

PHOTO PUZZLE

RICHSINGLES Mabruka Mai Deribe

SIMPLY WEIRD PEOPLE & PLACES

Find alternative words for the words in the clue below. The numbers beside the words indicate the spaces in the grid where the letters that make up the alternative words should be placed. when done, the name of a forerunner of the seat occupied by the person whose photograph appears inset the grid would be spelt. The first one has been solved to spur you on.

The Black Blondes of Melanasia

A B CLUE Arunma Oteh, DG. SEC

Mabruka Mai Deribe is the daughter of late super rich Mai Deribe. A fashion designer of repute and held in high esteem in the fashion circle, Mabruka Mai Deribe is the designer behind Mabs couture. Her line of fashion include hand- made fashion accessories- earrings, bracelets and rings , crystallized ankara print fabric and dressy kaftan dresses.

What’s more? She is blessed with a beautiful body which keeps men gaping and gazing in awe and admiration.

Fortunately she is still single but for those who would dare to get fresh with her, they must according to her, be imbued with the qualities of her late billionaire father.

Hmm, a seemingly tall order!

Pep Talk

1. Bleat of sheep (7, 8) 2. Noise (9, 6, 1) 3. Freedom (10, 3, 2, 5, 4)

They are noteworthy because they manifest the conventional Melanesian physical type, but their hair has a blonde cast to it. When you ask the people why there are so many blonde people on the islands, they answer 3 things: they have white ancestors, they receive too much sun, or they do not eat enough vitamins! – Langania village, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.

sudoku Simply fill in the missing spaces in the grid to ensure that every row, column and 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9

They are the Melanasians, a native group of people living on the Soloman islands of northeast Australia famous for their beautiful black skin and naturally blonde hair.

The odd combination has got scientists wondering about how such a color combo develops over time.

What’s truly beautiful in this fascinating discovery is that it’s a great example of convergent evolution, where the same outcome is brought about by entirely different means. The variant is completely separate from what causes blond hair in Europeans, and doesn’t even exist in the European genetic set.

The diamond may adorn royalty, regardless of personal worth; but jewels of thought render even poverty illustrious and sublime - Gems for the Fireside

MOTORING

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THE NATION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

The revamped Porsche Boxster and Boxster S are now available in Nigeria after a global reveal in Geneva, early this year. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO visited the Porsche Centre on Victoria Island last Friday.

•Boxster

New Boxsters hit Nigerian market

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HE new Boxster has considerably lower weight, longer wheelbase, wider track and larger wheels that can significantly enhance the mid-engine sports’ car driving dynamics, undermining its position as the best in its class.

Porsche Centre Nigeria, a subsidiary of Stallion Motors Limited, said the new Boxster models are comprehensively changed opentop two-seater with passable appeal.

Porsche Centre Lagos Brand manager Mr. Michael Wagner said both variants of the Porsche Boxster have a new lightweight body and a completely re-designed chassis.

Wagner stated that the car’s superior performance is backed by up to 15 per cent more fuel efficiency, depending on model with significantly less than eight litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

In addition, the new roadster’s posture is decidedly more muscular and striking with a fundamentally changed styling, shorter overhangs and a significantly forward-shifted windscreen with flatter silhouette and expressive edges which give the Boxster a fresh, contemporary look.

Passengers are enclosed in a completely redesigned, fully electric hood, which dispenses with a convertible top compartment lid and an interior that gives occupants more space and

reflects the new Porsche outline with a raked centre console, which originated with the Carrera GT. Porsche Middle East and Africa Managing Director George Wills said the new generation Boxster represents a quantum leap in Porsche’s development of mid-engine vehicles.

“It combines a breathtaking design with a great day-to-day usability. This new roadster stands for pure driving pleasure through the principles of Porsche Intelligent Performance,” Wills noted Both the Boxster and Boxster S models are powered by flat-six boxer engines with direct petrol injection, enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and auto start/stop function as well as electromechanical power steering.

The base model’s new power unit delivers 265hp from a 2.7 litre displacement – 10 horsepower more than its larger displacement predecessor.

Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-litre engine of the Boxster S, which now has an output 315hp; five hp more than before.

Both models also feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, with the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option.

The Boxster’s fuel consumption with PDK is

•Interior of the car

7.7 l/100 km and 8.0 l/100 km for the S version.

Without interruption to the power flow, the two-seater sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, the Boxster S in just 5.0 seconds.

The Sport Chrono Package comes as an optional extra for the Boxster, featuring dynamic transmission mounts for the first time.

Newly available as an add-on feature in the roadster is Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV), with a mechanical rear axle differential lock, the ideal complement to Porsche Stability Management.

Wagner explained that the vehicle’s midengine concept is the basis for the vehicle’s outstanding agility.

He said the “driving dynamics were enhanced by a balanced weight distribution of 46 (front) to 54 per cent (rear) and the once

again lowered centre of gravity. The 60 millimetre longer wheelbase ensures greater stability at very high speeds while the wider track on both axles enhances driving stability and agility in bends.

The Boxster models, according to him, are pure fun to drive whether you are in the city, on a highway or driving on the windy mountain roads in the Hatta Mountains.

“The new Boxster ticks all the boxes for what a sports car should be – lighter, more fuelefficient, faster and more agile – everything that Porsche Intelligent Performance stands for and I am sure our discerning customers will agree to that.”

The basic retail price for the new Porsche Boxster in Nigeria is N12 million and the Boxster S starts at N13.5 million.

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

MOTORING

Our used cars will be certified, says transporter A

LEADING dealer of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, Elizade Nigeria Limited has said that the company would soon open a line of used cars under the brand name CarsUTrust.

The company's Managing Director, Mr. Demola Ade-Ojo, promised their clients that "whether you purchase a brand new car or a used one from us, you'll always get the best.

"We want to run the business the way it has never been run before in Nigeria. We shall be offering used cars with certification and limited warranty.

The benefits of course you would agree with me, are unprecedented in the used car market," he said.

Ade-Ojo said this during the presentation of three Brand New Toyota Avensis to the winners of the 40+1 Anniversary Promo organised by Elizade Nigeria Limited last Thursday.

Peace Mass Transit Limited won two of the three cars while Infrastructure Bank Plc picked the other one.

He said the promo served "as a platform to say a big thankyou to all our esteemed and loyal customers and friends of the company for their unalloyed support so far."

"In our Forty-plus years of

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

doing business in Nigeria, Elizade Nigeria Limited, has seen it all. The ups and the downs; the good and the bad; the great and the not-so-great; indeed, we have navigated various seas and the Almighty, in His kindness and mercies, has continued to keep us. The company which started business in 1971 as a small automobile marketing company has grown today to become the undisputed number one dealer of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria specialising on the sales, service and distribution of genuine toyota spare parts," he added.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Peace Mass Transit Limited, Chief Samuel Onyishi, thanked God for making it possible to for his company to win the cars despite unaware of the promotion.

Onyishi boasted that his company could have won the three cars if he was aware of the promo.

He praised the founder of Elizade Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo for his giant stride in the auto industry.

The transportation expert who insisted that his title, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) should be recognized

while the emcee introduced him, disclosed how he was approached with a national honour in exchange for N2 million - an offer he politely turned down.

Onyishi said he was promised Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour if he could part with the said amount.

"I was told to pay N2 million for OON national honour; I turned the offer down, telling the people that came to me that I have done something worthwhile to merit national honour and I will not pay a kobo to get it. Few years later, I was honoured with Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). So, I cherish the MON very much," he said.

Representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Gbolahan Toriola and Mrs Ngosika Obidike, who stood in for the Director-General of Consumer Protection Council assisted the company to presents the cars to the winners.

Toriola, the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) boss, congratulated Onyishi for winning the cars despite economic challenges.

He pledged the ministry cooperation with the transportation firm as long as their vehicles are road worthy.

Coscharis launches BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

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OSCHARIS Motors has unveiled the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe to the motoring journalists.

President, Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, said the move to launch the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe comes as a new step to provide the local market with the best reputable car in the world.

Maduka expressed satisfaction with confidence granted

by BMW AG, by giving the company dealership rights for almost 12 years running to sell their vehicles in Nigeria.

Coscharis Motors, he promised, shall endeavor to provide the highest levels of customer service for this elite brand, in line with international quality standards.

The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé exhibits these same outstanding qualities,

turning heads with a breathtaking fusion of groundbreaking design, luxurious elegance and sheer sports car performance.

Elegance, exclusivity and athleticism – the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé is a fascinating blend of all three.

A vision of BMW at its purest, elegantly illustrating beauty and power, as one. The Gran Coupé boasts of the first 4-door version in BMW’s history. Being seduced by the sleek, elegant lines and complimentary curves is only half the story. What lies beneath is a class-leading new V8 engine (expected to be available from third quarter 2012) with more power and torque yet far lower emissions. It also has a standard 8-speed Sport automatic transmission and a wide range of luxurious equipment.

The target group of the allnew BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé is primarily male, middle aged and very successful professionally.

Whether freelance, managers or owners of their company the Gran Coupé is seen as a status symbol which sets them apart from the mainstream. This target group enjoys a high social status and leads a diverse, cultural private life. Such individuals demonstrate style in their entire appearance – just like the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé.

The Gran Coupé represents aesthetic exclusivity and clearly embodies strong brand-shaper qualities – not only by its stunning, elegant and powerful design but also by its driving dynamics as well as its unique premium product substance.

•From left: Onyishi receiving the car key from Toriola. With them is Ade-Ojo

Mrs Obidike said Elizade has merited certificate of credence having fulfilled their promo

obligation.

She urged consumers not to hesitate to report

any company that infringes on their rights.

How govt blew N45 trillion on road infrastructure

A

WHOPPING N45 trillion may have been spent by the Federal Government on the development of road infrastructure since independence. But there is nothing to show for it; no thanks to shoddy implementation of the projects.

Specifically, the government’s move to fix the nation’s roads has resulted to 12 per cent of the country’s development budgets, since independence.

Road expert and Managing Director, Newsletter Nigeria Limited, Dr. Oscar Odiboh stated this at the Guild of Motoring Correspondents’ seminar on Safety of Nigeria Roads and Economic Development, in Lagos.

Government, he said, has failed in its objective to prosecute a successful national development plan, especially road network.

He lamented that despite government spending trillions of Naira to fix the road network, improper checks and balance made contractors carried out substandard construction works.

Odiboh explained that government’s

national development plan to achieving a smooth vehicular passage has become elusive, as the roads recorded huge carnages due to the reverse development of abandonment and poor maintenance.

“However, if we take into cognizance that many of our roads are built or patched a few months to major elections and abandoned for four to 10 years, then it may be correct to state that our roads undergo a painful process of underdevelopment and reverse development,” he said.

The WHO had projected that road traffic related accidents would take lives of 1.9 million people yearly by 2020.

According to the WHO, over 1.3 million people are killed by road traffic crashes and 50 million injured on the world’s road yearly.

Over 80 per cent of the figure occurs in the developing countries with Africa having the highest death rate.

The statistics, however ranked Nigeria has the highest in all the African countries.

Mandilas motors opens service centre

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ANDILAS Motors, a subsidiary of Mandilas Enterprises Limited has launched a quick fix service centre in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos- Nigeria.

The centre, located on Oba Akran road brings the total number of Mandilas Motors outlets to three in Lagos and 11 in the country.

It is established to the renowned Kodawari standard, the highest standard an auto workshop can attain for customer

satisfaction.

The company’s Mr. Akin Adiatu, said the service centre is to cater for customers in Lagos Mainland.

Adiatu offers customers buying new Toyota vehicle from the company will enjoy three years warranty or 100000km.

He said personalised service, is out to satisfy customers nationwide not only in their Motors division, but also in all the subsidiaries of the Mandilas Group.

SAFE DRIVING

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N various speeches, the governments (Federal, State and Local) promised to do everything to safeguard the lives of Nigerians but in action, the governments are manifesting some elements of Carelessness, allowing the loss of irreparable lives and valuable properties.

The aspect I want to emphasize in this write-up is the absence of essential furniture's on Nigeria roads.

Few days ago, I saw a vehicle that climbed a low road median and got hooked midway near the BRT bus stop at Maryland. There has been several of such case, some leading to loss of lives, properties and many more.

Within the same week, a vehicle climbed another road median around Ojota area. This prompted me to

Governments and road furniture go round some places to assess the situation and I saw a lot of road medians bruised and damaged by vehicles that have climbed them at one time or the other.

At Ojota around 11pm on Saturday, November10, 2012, the smoke coming from Olusosun refuse dumpsite was so thick that it became very difficult for Drivers to see the road median, no to talk of the narrow starting point.

To promote safety on these and other roads in Nigeria, Governments must ensure the use of Reflectors to mark the edges (starting point of road median) to make them very visible even in the night.

This will make it possible for drivers to avoid them before they get there unlike now that

some drivers must have hit or climb them before they know the road medians are there.

This should be done urgently to prevent further loss of lives and properties as a result of this negligence.

In developed countries, if a Landlord is careless with any pit in his compound and anyone falls into it, the Landlord will be held liable for not putting enough warning signs around the pit to prevent people from falling into it.

In the same way, because the government did not put reflectors at the edges of the road medians, they are liable and be held responsible for the lives and properties lost to the accidents caused as a result.

In addition to the use of the reflectors at the starting points of road median, there is a need for the government to work on marking the edges of highways with white paints to prevent people from veering off the road particularly in the night.

Also, the road medians could be painted black and white to prevent drivers from bruising their car against the walls of the road medians. I hereby challenge the Governments that they should endeavour to provide all the basic road furnitures or infrastructures on the roads as considered appropriate to ensure safety on Nigeria roads.

As the construction of roads is very vital, likewise the provision of the basic road

furnitures is equally essential for better use of the road and safety.

Relevant government Officials should endeavour to routinely inspect government roads on regular basis to know the level of damage done to the roads and the basic road infrastructures that are lacking on such roads.

Some bridges are without side walls to prevent vehicles from falling inside the rivers (examples of this abound on Lokoja-Abuja road).

Concern for the safety of lives and properties should not be a word of mouth only but also backed up with the right

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

actions without delay.

Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. A stitch in time saves nine.

55

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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OOR chap. By now he must be ruing the day he decided to visit Paris for an engagement. He may have had a premonition that it was all going to turn awry.

He may even have been advised to shelve the trip for other engagements. His instinct may have warned him to pull the brakes on the plan. Who knows? But the trip was not to be. It collapsed just at the airport.

Now, Lagos comedian Babatunde Omidina, aka Baba Suwe, sure must have known that life is not all about humour.

When the mind is troubled, laughter stops and the Muse goes on break. But, it is unimaginable to see the 53-year old in action and not laugh. The turtle neck sweater in the sweltering sun, the winter cap and the big kembe trousers tailored in old fabric, with a long rope fastened to keep them from falling off and the darkened face that transforms his looks into that of a big, scary clown. His queer mannerism.

Baba Suwe has been with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for 23 days after he was suspected to be hiding a narcotic drug in his body. The artiste has gone to the restroom several times- 15, he said, as of the time he appeared in court on Tuesday - but no strange substance has been found in his excreta. But the NDLEA insists that two scans have shown that the comedian has a strange object in his body.

Stalemate. If he excretes no drug tomorrow, a court said on Tuesday, Baba Suwe should be allowed to go home.

The Baba Suwe matter, which began as a routine NDLEA show, has taken on a life of its own. Each time he defecates, the world is informed of such minute details as the timing and the contents. Never in history has a man’s toilet habit drawn so much public attention, with people seeking information on what ordinarily should be a very private and confidential matter and the NDLEA dutifully and faithfully issuing a bulletin on such trips to the restroom.

How many times does he go to the toilet? What of his feeding habit? Is it true he told his interrogators that he eats once in three days? If this is true, how come he looks fat and well fed? Who is in charge of defecation at the NDLEA? How tested is his virtuosity? When last did he go on training to ensure that this critical national assignment is never bungled? Is it possible to keep any indigestible substance in the stomach for days without any medical problem?

Dis na real expensive shit, somebody said, in a comical allusion to the late Afrobeat king Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s song after his detention for marijuana at Alagbon. Another described the situation as shit and quench. In fact, when he showed up before Justice Yetunde Idowu on Tuesday, her Lord-

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

A comedian’s fate ship asked Baba Suwe: “You’ve been to the toilet how many times?” And when he emerged from the courtroom, the crowd hailed: O ya’gbe ti! (He can’t be forced to defecate). See how this routine exercise done secretly in the closet has become the subject of seminal discourses in academic, legal and political circles. Beer parlours and tombo joints are also animated by the story of “the comedian who has refused to pass excreta”.

The questions are as many as the comedian’s befuddled fans, who keep on wondering why he couldn’t disarm the NDLEA officials with his humour. He is off the stage, yet Baba Suwe keeps many laughing as they make inquiries about his situation, recalling scenes from one of his movies, Baba Cherokee, in which he mirrors the lifestyle of drug barons. Now, what a cold irony of life. Imagination has been elbowed off the scene by reality in the battle of life. The result: a life of comedy has become a subject of tragedy.

Besides, the matter has sparked off a huge debate about the precision of the scanning machine. Can the machine be wrong?

If it insists there is a strange substance in Baba Suwe’s stomach and he is not excreting it, what next? Surgery? Has the state a right to order that a citizen be opened up just to prove an allegation? At what point should a citizen in the Baba Suwe situation run to the law to enforce his rights? What are the options open to the drug agency?

Apparently discombobulated, the NDLEA insists it has the right to keep the suspect, until he passes out the substance it claims the comedian is hiding in his body.

“How do we take him to court when he has not excreted the substance? What will be our evidence?” the agency’s lawyer said in court. But, Baba Suwe’s counsel, the no-nonsense rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, insists the court should restore his client’s

rights. The NDLEA, said Aturu, is merely fishing for evidence after arresting the suspect. Isn’t he right, in the present circumstances? If there is no result in 21 days, shouldn’t the suspect be allowed to go home in peace after the agency must have apologised to him? Will compensation be out of place?

These are the issues being discussed in enlightened circles. In fact, I am told that many adventurous medical students have got so much inspiration from the Baba Suwe saga. For their dissertations, I learnt, are such exclusive topics as: “Strategies, issues and risks in the clinical management of chronic and acute constipation in a traumatic situation. An overview of the Baba Suwe experience” ; “Genetic, traumatic and environmental factors in the etiology of obesity: The case of Baba Suwe after detention” and “ Clinical and roentgen features of the intestinal polyposis syndromes; An overview of a comedian’s case”.

There are also, I am told, those who, like an NDLEA official, believe that Baba Suwe may have been holding the said substance in his stomach with the aid of a powerful juju. They are ready to pay more than a fortune to get even a more powerful juju that will not only keep the prying eyes of anti-narcotic officials off them, but enable them to choose what to excrete - if they are caught. Talk of a boom coming for juju men.

The case has propelled Baba Suwe from a local jester plying his trade in Yoruba movies into an international star. His story was on the BBC. The Washington Post ran it on its website, courtesy of the wire service, AP. “Sweet are the uses of adversity”, indeed.

In one of Nigeria’s strange ironies, the Baba Suwe matter has come at a time of significant national stress. Boko Haram.

Kidnappings. Robberies. Extrajudicial kill-

ings. Road accidents. A long list of absurdities that diminish our claim to civilisation. Imagine the Kogi police asking some Osun residents to show cause why they should not be barred from travelling to Abuja. Soon, we will all require visas to visit Abuja through Kogi, courtesy of innovative Police Commissioner Amamama Ababakasanga, acting for his ever-dutiful Inspector-General Hafiz Ringim. If the Kogi test-run works, according to a source, it will be replicated in other states and the police will have solved the problems of crime for ever.

Nigerians keep laughing. Sardonic laughter? More like it. The kind of laughter you laugh when you should put your two hands on your head, crying. The comedian in us all finds vivid expression in the messages we pass round on our mobile phones. Consider this, which I got the other day: “We have all learned to live with ‘voice mail’ as a necessary part of modern life.

But, have you wondered, what if God decided to install a voice mail? Imagine praying and hearing this: “Thank you for calling my father’s house. Please, select one of the following options: For requests, press 1, for thanksgiving, press 2, for complaints, press 3 and for all other inquiries, press 4.

“What if God used the familiar excuse, I’m sorry, all our angels are busy helping other sinners right now. However, your prayer is important to us and will be answered in the order it was received. So, please, stay on the line.

“Can you imagine getting these responses as you call God in prayer? If you would like to speak to Gabriel, press 1, Michael, press 2. For a directory of other angels, press 3. If you’d like to hear King David sing a psalm while you are holding, please, press 4.

“To find out if a loved one has been assigned to heaven, press 5, enter his or her social security number, then press the pound key. If you get a negative response, try area code 666. If you heard our computers show that you have already prayed once today, please hang up and try again tomorrow or ‘ this office is closed for the weekend to observe a religious holiday’.

Please, pray again Monday after 9.30am.

If you need emergency assistance, contact your local pastor.

“Thank God, He doesn’t have a voice mail.”

Isn’t there a comedian in us all?

•This article, first published on November 3, 2011, won the DAME Award for Informed Commentary on Friday.

NEWS YAKOWA’S, AZAZI’S DEATH

Heavy security presence at Azazi’s Lagos home

Sambo, Gowon mourn Yakowa

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ICE President Namadi Sambo and former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon yesterday paid tributes to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.

They described Yakowa as a patriotic citizen with pan-Nigerian ideology.

Sambo said he has lost a friend, brother and colleague, who dedicated his life to the service of the state and Nigeria at large.

He said Yakowa was a “patriot, nationalist, a detribalised Nigerian who

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

supported all who came his way”.

He called for prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for family to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, Gen Gowon said Yakowa was unequalled in terms of his passion for the safety, unity and development of Kaduna State and the people.

He stressed that the strength and zeal of the late governor to work round the clock, eyes and ears for minute details and the patience to work with people

S

•Sambo

of different creed was unrivaled.

UK Minister condoles with govt

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HE United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, yesterday condoled with the Federal Government over the weekend death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Gen Owoye Azazi in an helicopter crash in Bayelsa State.

In a statement, Simmonds said: “I

was saddened to learn of yesterday’s helicopter crash in which Governor Yakowa and Gen Azazi were killed, along with four others.

“These men were respected leaders who worked hard for many years for Nigeria’s benefit.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.”

ECURITY was tight yesterday as sympathisers trooped into the Ikoyi, Lagos, home of the late Gen. Andrew Azazi, former National Security Adviser, who died in the helicopter crash in Bayelsa State on Saturday.

Although, the atmosphere portrayed a family ready for the yuletide going by the Christmas decorations, the expression on the faces of the Azazis and their sympathisers was gloomy.

Fierce-looking soldiers barricaded the road and some parts of Oba Eleguishi road to direct people and ensure orderliness.

Many people, especially military personnel, were seen in clusters around the garden, discussing the mishap.

Others sat in the sitting room in silence.

Among those who visited the family were former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Chairman, Skye Bank, Tunde Aina, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj-Gen. Kenneth Minima, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, Business tycoon, Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie and A.V.M. Ogundare.

Others were Brig. Gen, K.B. Kazeem as well as the wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Ikejirika.

The Nation also gathered from a close family source that the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, will visit the family today.

The deceased’s five children, Akpolade, Benatare, Junior Owoye, Parambo and Pelede, were all seen looking tired with swollen eyes.

We gathered that Akpolade, who is the eldest, flew in from the United States

yesterday while the others came in from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to comfort their mother.

The widow, Alero, according to our source, was distraught and has barely spoken to anyone.

The children refused to talk.

Junior denied our reporter access to the condolence register “It is ‘too private’ and personal for the family.

“As you can see, we are just coming in now, I understand my dad was a public figure but it is too early to allow the media in.

“This register was opened today and people are still signing, maybe much later, we can allow you to access it but not now.”

As at 9pm when The Nation reporter left the premises, well wishers were still coming in to commiserate with the family.

56

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

NEWS

•Former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande cutting the cake during the Media Legends Award Nite of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos State Council in Lagos... at the weekend.

With him are former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba (third left); Jakande’s wife Abimbola; Lagos NUJ chair Deji Elumoye (left) and Fabio Lanipekun. PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

•Former Miss Miriam Ndikanwu of The Nation and her husband, Ekene Chukwuma cutting their wedding cake at a reception held at the Navy Town Sailing Club, Navy Barracks, Lagos... at the weekend.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Police Constable Felix Odogu (right) receiving the papers of a brand new car from former InspectorGeneral of Police, Sir Mike Okiro (left) as the top prize winner in the inaugural Inspector-General’s Achievement Awards for Rank and File sponsored by Puzzles Group. With them (displaying the car keys) is Bayo Adeyemo, CEO Puzzles Group

•From left: Group General Manager/CEO, Notore Chemical Industries, Mr. Onajite Okoloko; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Aruma Oteh at a workshop on Financing the Nigerian Agricultural Sector at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victorial Island, Lagos.

•Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola (left); CEO, Healthplus Pharmacy, Bukky George and President, Women’s World Banking, New York, Mary Iskenderian discussing on Financing Women’s Entrepreneurship at the Euro Finance Week in Frankfurt, Germany.

•Chairman, Troyka Group, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo (right) with an award he received on behalf of Pepsi as the best sports brand of the year from Mr. & Mrs. Godwin Spiff Sagbamah of Haly Sports International Limited at the Sports Business and Media Award in Lagos.

•The Chairperson, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs. Anike Adekanye (middle) (representing Senator Oluremi Tinubu), presenting cash and other gifts to one of the beneficiaries during the Senator’s fifth Elderly Scheme in Lagos. With her is the wife of a member of the House of Assembly, representing Mainland, Mrs. Bashir Oloto.

•From left: Deacon Adedayo Adebiyi, Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West,Anglican Communion, Dr, Peter Awelewa and his wife Caroline and Christopher Nosike, a priest at the 2012 ordination at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA Ikeja lagos... yesterday.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

57

NEWS Suswam hails Akume for assisting flood victims From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

B

ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam at the weekend hailed his predecessor and Senate Minority Leader George Akume for assisting flood victims in Benue and other states.

The governor described Akume as a kind-hearted, generous person, who always demonstrates his love and care for the people.

He spoke at the headquarters of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Makurdi, the state capital, when he distributed materials he received from Akume to displaced flood victims.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Saint Gbilekaa, the governor promised to ensure that the materials reach the beneficiaries.

Suswam noted that by buying the rice he distributed to the flood victims from an indigenous company, the Senator had boosted the economy of the state.

Akume presented 300 bags of rice and 1,300 blankets, among others, to the governor to be distributed to the victims.

He explained that the Senate Committee on Marine sent the materials through him, being its Chairman, to support the flood victims in the state.

Floods: Kogi ACN threatens protest T over N2b relief fund

HE Kogi State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday gave Governor Idris Wada one week to explain how over N2billion donations for flood victims were spent.

The party threatened to organise a mass protest, if the governor failed to account for the donations.

In a statement in Abuja by its Chairman Haddy Ametuo, the party accused the Wada administration of using the rice for the flood victims as Christmas and Sallah gifts.

But Wada faulted the accusation.

Through his Special Adviser on Media, Jacob Edi, the governor said the “ACN is crying more than the bereaved”.

Ametuo said: “It has become obvious that Captain Wada is insensitive to the people’s suffering. It will surprise you to hear that more than N2billion realised through

•Wada accused of using victim’s rice as Xmas gifts •‘ACN crying more than bereaved’ show for these.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

various donations to aid and assist those affected by the recent floods in Kogi State are yet to get to them.

“The recent protest by the flood victims in Lokoja, the state capital, showed that the money for relief and resettlement of those displaced has been cornered into private pockets.

“The rice for flood victims was used by the Kogi State Government as Sallah gift and is now being used as Christmas gifts with bold inscription: Donated by Dangote, which is unfortunate and shows open diversion.

“If Captain Wada refuses to address the suffering of the flood victims with over N2billion realised from donors to cater for the affected persons, we are giving the government one week to make it public how the money was spent or ACN will be left with no option than lead a mass protest. Enough is enough of this looting.”

ACN accused Wada of refusing to treat Kogi State residents fairly as their governor.

It noted that despite huge funds allocated to the state and the deductions from the allocations to local governments, there was nothing to

ACN added: “It is no longer news that this government lacks merit, as seen and witnessed in a state where workers’ salaries are not paid; there is no developmental achievement in all spheres of governance in the state.

“The only achievement is the private jet and a plane purchased by Idris Wada to boost his air transport business, which has since collapsed, and the N900million property he just acquired in Abuja; that will soon turn into hotel.

“His deputy also has just bought a hotel, which is popularly known as Grand Mirage and Properties in Abuja.

“The continued suffering of the masses is evidence that

‘Plateau Labour crisis political’ From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Community to Wada: save us from hardship From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

T

HE Ife Development Association (IDA) of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State has urged Governor Idris Wada to save the people from hardship.

The group said the area lacked basic and social infrastructure.

In a communique issued at the end of its delegate meeting at the weekend by David Haruna, Ademu Ibrahim and Steve Usman, the National Presidents of Abejukolo, Udaba Omala and Olaedihi Development Associations,the associaiton said despite producing former Governor Ibrahim Idris, the area still lacked basic necessities of life.

It said there is only a general hospital at Abejukolo serving the local government.

IDA said the area lacked basic amenities, adding that this had forced doctors and other health professionals to seek redeployment.

The communique also said the four community secondary schools in the districts need government attention.

They regretted that the Bagaji Community Secondary School cannot guarantee comfortable environment for teaching and learning.

The communique said: “Come to think of it, in the 21st century, a general hospital that is serving over 100,000 inhabitants does not have a serviceable power generating plant.

“For over three years, electricity has been epileptic in the area. Essential equipment for diagnoses and treatment were run down.”

Governor Wada lacks the requisite capacity to pilot the affairs of Kogi State.”

But Edi said: “The flood is not a political incident. So, it is a shame that the entire leadership of the ACN has a very shallow understanding of the issues around the flood incident. Let them not cry more than the bereaved. The flood victims are part and parcel of the decision on how the funds that came for the management of flood crisis will be administered.

“Let them not waste time to politicise what is not politics.

The fact that they may be able to gather thugs or hire a crowd to come and protest cannot fool anybody.

“The real victims of the flood disaster are more interested in the plans of the government to address their problems. So, nobody can or will be deceived. We will not stop advising the ACN members to direct their energy into more productive and constructive adventure. We hope they will learn.

“The allegation that the rice for flood victims was being diverted as Sallah and Christmas gifts is cheap blackmail.

We will not dignify them with more response.”

•Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar (middle); Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Adeseyi Sijuwade (right) and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Emodi, during the inspection of newly reconstructed railway bridge in Minna, Niger State...at the weekend.

Northern governors hail Buhari at 70

N

ORTHERN States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) yesterday hailed the 2011 presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, who turns 70 years today.

The forum said Buhari has lived a disciplined and purposeful life.

The Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu described Gen. Buhari as a thoroughbred professional and an as-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

tute administrator, whose government set the country on the path of growth and development.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, the governor said as Head of State, Buhari demonstrated uncommon courage, vision and exemplary leadership.

He said these resulted in the development of critical sectors of the nation’s economy.

The statement added:

“There is no gainsaying the fact that Gen. Buhari left legacies in all the sectors of the economy with marked transparency and accountability in the management of resources.

“The former military leader reinforced this commitment when he did excellently well as Chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund.”

Aliyu said the forum is proud to be associated with Buhari’s achievements. He prayed God to grant the re-

• Aliyu tired soldier excellent health, courage and many more years of selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.

ACN to boycott Benue council election tribunal

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HE Benue State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has boycotted the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal set up to hear petitions on the November 24 council poll in the state.

The party said it took the decision following a meeting of its expanded state and local government Exco, stakeholders and elders as well as chairmanship and councilorship candidates of the party.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

In a statement by its Chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro, the party explained that attending the tribunal would amount to legalising a wrong.

ACN said the election petition tribunals are only vested with the powers to look into the conduct of an election.

The party noted that in a situation where an election was not conducted at all, there was

no reason to attend such a tribunal.

ACN restated its earlier position in rejecting the outcome of the selection of candidates.

It said the chairman of the Benue State Independent Election Petition Tribunal (BSIEC), Prof Philip Ahire, was not a good representative of the academia.

The party also said it has uncovered a plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) to destabilise its ranks in Benue State.

ACN alleged that some of its members, who planned to defect to the PDP before the council poll, stayed back to cause confusion.

It warned its members to be wary of such members.

ACN warned that its leadership would sanction any member found to have caused disaffection and disharmony in the party.

THE protracted crisis between Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang and workers of the 17 local governments has been attributed to the interference of political opponents.

Leaders of a group, Plateau Youths for Good Governance, yesterday addressed reporters in Jos, the state capital.

The state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) has been on strike for six months over a dispute on the N18,000 minimum wage.

The workers became violent last week during a rally.

Chairman and Secretary of the groups, John Sheku and Samuel Danjuma said: “The protesting workers may have allowed opponents of Governor Jang to introduce violence into the dispute.

“We have carefully reviewed the course of the Labour dispute so far and realised that the hard-line stance of Labour showed clearly that the issue has gone beyond wage dispute.”

Also, the Middle Belt Youth Forum and Middle Belt Students’ Forum, led by Comrade Pios Attah, have condemned the violence the workers have introduced into the wage dispute.

Attah spoke in Jos at a separate media conference.

Sheku expressed worry over the consequence of the violence.

He urged Labour leaders to show good examples to the workers.

The Middle Belt Youths urged Labour to eschew violence and return to the negotiating table with the government.

58

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING

Obama to visit victims’families •Democrats call for wider gun control

T

HE president will visit privately with families of the victims and with emer- •Nancy Lanza, 52, perpetrator’s mother •Chase Kowalski, 7 gency personnel who responded to •Rachel Davino, 29, teacher •Jesse Lewis, 6 the shootings before the interfaith •Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, 47, principal •Ana Marquez-Greene, 6 vigil in Newtown.

•James Mattioli, 6 •Anne Marie Murphy, 52, teacher Making a sadly familiar journey, •Lauren Rousseau, 30, teacher •Grace McDonnell, 6 President Barack Obama will attend •Mary Sherlach, 56, school psychologist •Emilie Parker, 6 an evening vigil in Newtown, •Victoria Soto, 27, teacher •Jack Pinto, 6 Conn., to mourn with a town still •Charlotte Bacon, 6 •Noah Pozner, 6 seeking to comprehend the unimag- •Daniel Barden, 7 •Caroline Previdi, 6 inable massacre of its children and •Olivia Engel, 6 •Jessica Rekos, 6 teachers.

•Avielle Richman, 6 •Josephine Gay, 7 His visit Sunday to this western •Dylan Hockley, 6 •Benjamin Wheeler, 6 Connecticut community comes two •Madeline F. Hsu, 6 •Allison N. Wyatt, 6 days after a man opened fire inside •Catherine Hubbard, 6 Sandy Hook Elementary School, killing 26 people, including 20 boys edies like this.” for “meaningful action” has reigand girls just 6 or 7 years old.

For the president, this is the fourth nited a debate over gun laws and Authorities identified the shooter trip of his presidency to a commuraised an expectation among gun as Adam Lanza, a 20-year-old who nity still grieving from a mass shootcontrol advocates that Obama will police say first killed his mother be- ing. seek changes. But public opinion in fore driving to the school, opening Just last summer, Obama went to favor of gun control has declined fire in two classrooms and then tak- Aurora, Colorado to visit victims over the years. And while the White ing his own life. and families after a shooting spree House has said Obama stands by Obama will visit privately with at a movie theater in the Denver subhis desire to reinstate a ban on milifamilies of the victims and with urb left 12 dead. He went to Tucson, tary-style assault weapons, he has emergency personnel who re- Ariona., in January of last year after not pushed Congress to act. sponded to the shootings. He then six people were killed and 13 After the Colorado shooting in will then speak at an interfaith vigil wounded, including then-Rep. July, the White House made clear at Newtown High School.

Gabrielle Giffords, outside a grocery that Obama would not propose Obama could barely contain his store. And in November 2009, new gun restrictions in an election emotions Friday, speaking tearfully Obama traveled to Fort Hood, Texas, year and said he favored better enat the White House and expressing to speak at the memorial service for forcement of existing laws. his sympathy as a parent and a 13 service members who were killed According to the Brady Campresident. He reiterated his message on the post by another soldier. paign Against Gun Violence, Saturday morning in his usual “As a nation, we have endured far Obama has signed into law more reweekend radio address, declaring too many of these tragedies in the peals of federal gun policies than that “every parent in America has a last few years,” Obama said in his President George W. Bush did durheart heavy with hurt” and assert- radio address Saturday. ing his two terms. Many of those ing that it was time to “take meanThe Newtown shootings and repeals were inserted as amendingful action to prevent more trag- Obama’s vague but declarative call ments to broader, unrelated legis-

THE VICTIMS

‘We’re lucky to have her’

lation. The Brady Campaign is named after James Brady, the former White House press secretary who was shot and disabled in the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Two senior US Democrats have called for stricter gun control legislation following the elementary school shootings in Newtown, Con-

necticut.

Twenty children and six women died in Friday’s assault on Sandy Hook school by a lone gunman who then turned his weapon on himself.

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy urged stronger national legislation.

And Senator Dianne Feinstein said she would introduce a bill to

Timeline of school violence attack •Bath Township, Michigan, May 18, 1927 Forty-five people were killed, including 38 elementary students, and 58 injured in three bombings by a school board treasurer enraged by higher taxes in the deadliest act of violence at a U.S. school.

•Austin, Texas, August 1, 1966 A University of Texas student and former Marine killed 16 people and wounded 32 others in and around the campus.

He was shot dead by a police officer.

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OBBIE Parker has a message for the family of the gunman who killed his 6-year-old daughter and 19 of her school mates.

“I can’t imagine how hard this experience must be for you, and I want you to know that our family and our love and our support goes out to you as well,” Parker said, as he remembered his oldest girl, Emilie Alice.

Emilie died Friday at the hands of a gunman who opened fire at her elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, in the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

The attack killed 20 children, between the ages of 6 and 7, and six faculty members at Sandy Hook Elementary School, before the suspect apparently committed suicide.

Earlier, the man allegedly killed his mother, bringing to 27 the number of lives he took.

Fighting back tears with his voice cracking, Parker asked Saturday night that the tragedy “not turn into something that defines us, but something that inspires us to be better, to be more compassionate and more humble people.”

Parker’s comments came amid a public mourning in this southern New England town of 27,000, where residents have been trying to make sense of the shooting.

Many of the victims’ parents asked for privacy as they grieve.

But Parker, 30, stepped forward to talk about Emilie.

He moved his family from Utah to Connecticut eight months ago after accepting a job as a physician’s assistant in the new-

•Flowers and balloons are left on display in front of the Sandy Hook School ...yesterday

•Fullerton, California, July 12, 1976 Using a semi-automatic rifle bought at a Kmart store, a school employee killed seven people in the library of California State University.

•Stockton, California, January 17, 1989 Five schoolchildren and 30 were wounded by a gunman using a semi-automatic rifle at Cleveland Elementary School.

The case led to California’s assault weapons ban.

•Mr and Mrs Parker born unit at Danbury Hospital.

That’s where he was when he got word of the shooting — in a telephone call from his wife.

Parker, though, was unable to leave the hospital, which went into lockdown as a precaution over the school shooting.

“It went from ... ‘I can’t imagine this is happening. This has to be some sort of a mistake,’” Parker said.

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal at first. I thought with the first reports that were coming in it didn’t sound like it was going to be as tragic as it was.”

When the lockdown was lifted, Parker raced to a firehouse near the school where parents were gathering to wait for news of their children.

There, a photographer captured a photo of an agonised Parker and his sobbing wife, Alissa, as they left the firehouse, presumably after discovering their daughter was among the casualties.

On Saturday, Parker vacillated

between present and past tense as he talked about his daughter, struggling to come to terms with Emilie’s killing.

“My daugher Emilie would be one of the first ones to be standing up and giving her love and support to all of those victims, because that is the type of person she is,” he said.

She was “an exceptional artist and she always carried around her markers and pencils so she never missed an opportunity to draw a picture or make a card for someone.”

He recounted how his daughter slipped one of her cards in the casket at the funeral of her grandfather, who died in October in an accident.

She was the oldest of three girls, and helped one sister learn to read and helped the youngest to do crafts. “She was their best friend,” he said.

Emilie’s “laughter was infectious,” he said. “This world is a better place because she has been in it.”

•Jonesboro, Arkansas, March 24, 1998 Two boys, ages 11 and 13, fired on their middle school from woods, killing four girls and a teacher and wounding 11 others.

•Littleton, Colorado, April 20, 1999 Two students killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 others before killing themselves at Columbine High School.

•Red Lake Indian Reservation, Minnesota, March 21, 2005 A 16-year-old high school student killed seven people and wounded several others in a shooting rampage after first killing two others off campus. He then killed himself.

•Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, October 2, 2006 An armed dairy truck driver selected the female students at a one-room Amish schoolhouse and shot them executionstyle, killing five. The man then shot himself.

•Blackburg, Virginia, April 16, 2007 A student killed 32 students and faculty at Virginia Polytechnic and State University in the worst single act of gun violence in U.S. history.

•Dekalb, Illinois, February 14, 2008 A former graduate student killed five students at Northern Illinois University before killing himself.

•Oakland, California, April 2, 2012 A gunman kills seven people and wounds three in a shooting rampage at a Christian college in Oakland.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

59

FOREIGN NEWS CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING

Who was Adam Lanza?

H

ol ...yesterday

PHOTO: AFP

ban assault weapons as soon as Congress convened.

Speaking yesterday, Governor Malloy said Connecticut had an existing ban on assault weapons, but the lack of a similar law at federal level made it difficult to keep them out of the state.

“These are assault weap-

ons. You don’t hunt deer with these things,” he told CNN. “One can only hope that we’ll find a way to limit these weapons that really only have one purpose.”

Governor Malloy had to break the news to most of the victim’s families on Friday.

E was a 20-year-old man who, by multiple accounts, was incredibly smart and quiet.

He didn’t appear to have any run-ins with the law.

But Adam Lanza’s seemingly innocuous life was thrust into the spotlight when authorities said he perpetrated the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.

On Friday morning, Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, dressed in black battle fatigues and a military vest” and began firing, according to a law enforcement source.

By the time he was done, 26 were dead — 20 of them young students.

The bloodshed ended when Lanza’s own life did.

He was found dead in a classroom with three firearms: a .223-caliber Bushmaster rifle and two pistols, a Glock and a Sig Sauer.

Before Friday’s rampage, authorities said, Lanza killed his mother in their home in Newtown’s Sandy Hook community.

Police officers have said he may have had a personality disorder or developmental disorder, while one relative told ABC News he was “obviously not well”.

Lanza appears to have kept a low profile throughout his life. US media report that unusually, his high school yearbook of 2010 contained no photograph of him.

“Camera shy” was the comment by his entry.

Unlike the majority of his peers, Lanza apparently had no Facebook page, his online footprint was minimal. He appears not to have been known to the police.

Adam Lanza lived with his mother in a well-to-do neighbourhood of Newtown, Connecticut.

The house is about five miles (8km) from Sandy Hook School, which some reports said he had attended in his youth.

He went on to Newtown High School, but made few friends. ABC News has reported his mother pulled him out of the school and taught him at home because she was unhappy with the school district’s plan for his education Intelligent but shy and nervous were the most common memories of those who learnt beside him.

Richard Novia, who was head of security at Newtown High School, said it was clear Lanza had “some disabilities”.

He was protective of his

•The suspect, Lanza

personal space and sometimes appeared to completely withdraw into himself or to “take flight”, Mr Novia told AP, meaning his mother had to be called in to resolve the problem.

“You had yourself a very scared young boy, who was very nervous around people he could trust or he refused to speak with.”

Novia helped to run a technology club, which Lanza attended, and said he

had to keep a close eye on him while the club was using soldering equipment or electrical equipment.

“If that boy would’ve burned himself, he would not have known it or felt it physically,” he said.

An inability to respond to sensation, and a difficult in relating to other people, could be an indication of Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, say experts.

Philippines death toll ‘exceeds 1,000’

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• Zuma (left) and Motlanthe...yesterday

Zuma defends records at ANC congress

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OUTH African Presi dent Jacob Zuma has defended his record at the opening of the African National Congress (ANC) conference at which his position is being challenged.

His deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe, is contesting the party leadership.

But one of South Africa’s richest businessmen, Cyril Ramaphosa, lent his support to Zuma by standing for the deputy leadership of the ANC. Ramaphosa played a key role in the transition to blackmajority rule.

He was the pre-eminent union leader in the dying days of apartheid and negotiated the end of white rule.

But after losing out to Thabo Mbeki in the race to succeed Nelson Mandela as

president, he turned to business, and created the Shanduka Group of industries.

The return to politics of Ramaphosa will be a boost to Zuma, analysts say.

The president has been accused of financial impropriety and failure to address South Africa’s economic woes.

In his opening address to the congress in Manguang, where the ANC was formed a century ago, Zuma said the country was now ready to “move into the second phase in which we will focus on achieving meaningful socio-economic freedom”.

Speaking in a huge, hot tent packed with delegates, Zuma laid out the achievements of the ANC since he

was elected at the last conference five years ago.

He addressed those who criticise his failure to lower unemployment and boost growth head on.

“Today, the ratings agencies and investors are asking whether the ANC can continue to manage this economy so that we can grow, create jobs, manage our debt and provide policy certainty,” Zuma said.

“Yes, the ANC will continue to provide strong economic leadership and steer our economy boldly.”

The president is confident he can win a second term, says the BBC’s Milton Nkosi in Manguang, despite media coverage of his personal life and allegations that he misused public funds to renovate his private home.

HE number of people killed after Typhoon Bopha struck the southern Philippines has risen to more than 1,000, officials say.

With nearly 850 people still missing, the toll is likely to rise further, Civil Defence chief Benito Ramos said.

The storm struck the Philippines on December 4, with the southern island of Mindanao worst affected.

Many of those still unaccounted for are fishermen who went to sea before the storm hit.

“The death toll will go higher,” Ramos told AFP news agency. “We found a lot of bodies yesterday, buried under fallen logs and debris.”

The number of people known to have died now stands at 1,020, the national disaster relief agency said.

The storm displaced hundreds of thousands of people and caused severe damage to property and infrastructure.

A large relief operation continues.

More than 27,000 people remain in evacuation centres, with many more sheltering at the homes of friends and

family.

The Philippines is hit by several typhoons each year but they usually strike further to the north.

Last year, Typhoon Washi left about 1,300 people dead when it struck northern Mindanao, causing rivers to burst their banks.

Egyptian referendum vote under way

V

OTES are being counted in Egypt in the first round of a referendum on a new constitution.

President Mohammed Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood have endorsed the document, but critics say it is poorly drafted and favours Islamists.

Violent incidents were reported during voting, but not the widespread clashes that preceded the poll.

Early indications suggested that a majority of those who have voted so far may have backed the document.

A Muslim Brotherhood official told Reuters news agency that 56.5% backed the text, according to the party’s tally.

Opposition officials were also quoted as saying the “yes” vote appeared to be ahead.

Official results are not expected until after the second round, next Saturday.

Damascus refugee camp attacked

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PALESTINIAN refu gee camp in the Syrian capital Damascus has been attacked, reportedly by war planes, activists say.

The number of people killed or injured is unclear, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UKbased activist group, reported at least eight deaths.

The al-Yarmouk camp houses Palestinians and also Syrians displaced by fighting.

Opposition activists say those killed had been sheltering in a mosque as fighting raged in the surrounding area.

A video posted online, which cannot be verified,

showed several dead bodies apparently sprawled in the street and on the steps of the mosque.

The observatory said the attack on Yarmouk was the sixth yesterday on districts of southern Damascus where rebels have been battling government forces.

Information from opposition activist groups cannot be independently verified.

Violence has been increasing in and around the capital in recent weeks.

Yarmouk is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria.

There are some 500,000

Palestinians in Syria. Their loyalties are divided between the government and the opposition.

In August, at least 20 people were killed in a shopping area during a mortar attack on the camp.

In another development, an Islamist rebel group said it had captured a military installation near the war-torn northern city of Aleppo.

A statement from the Tawheed Brigade said it had “fully liberated” the site and taken “at least 100” prisoners.

It added that the brigade’s commander had been killed in the battle.

60

THE NATION MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2012

NEWS Fed Govt to pay off 56,000 PHCN workers this week From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) will be formally wind down this week to pave the way for the 18 successor companies to begin operation.

A Federal Government Committee to effect the winding down by the end of the week has been set up, according to Minister of State (Power) Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi.

She said the “fast track committee will work to ensure that this is completed quickly”.

Last Tuesday, the government and representatives of the Electricity Workers’ Union struck an agreement on the payment of severance package for the workers.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Dr. Lere Awosika said there are “46,000 PHCN workers and 10,000 casual workers after the biometric exercise.” According to him, “everybody will be taken care of.”

The Minister of State, who spoke at the 2012 4th Quarter Summit in Lagos, said although the Federal Government last year raised a committee to wind down the company, it could not make progress as the labour unions moved against the privatisation of PHCN. She said the winding down of PHCN now is a consensus by all stakeholders.

She, however, added that following the activation of the management contract with Canadian firm, Manitoba, the Federal Government will pay the firm its fees tomorrow to enable it commence full operations.

The Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 provides for the winding down of PHCN and the transfer of its assets and workers to the 18 successor companies.

Dr. Awosika said a few of the casual staff have not been verified, although they would be verified in three weeks.

According to her, the ministry has funds with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the payment of pension and gratuity.

“The ministry has money. We have money with CBN and I have said it that we will commence payment this month.”

She said the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) would write a letter to the workers to request for their Retirement Savings Accounts this week.

The Permanent Secretary said N170 billion had been set aside for immediate disbursement of pension and gratuity to the workers.

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Anxiety grips ministers as Jonathan summons emergency session

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NXIETY has gripped ministers following President Goodluck Jonathan’s planned emergency/extra-ordinary session with ministers.

The meeting, which is scheduled for tomorrow may be used to evaluate the achievements of the ministers - in line with the Performance Agreement which they entered into with the President.

The ministers, on August 22, signed the Performance Agreement, which all civil servants later subscribed to.

The notice of the meeting, which start at 2.30pm, has been served on all ministers with most of them tidying up their records.

It was gathered that the session might give the President

From Yusuf Alli and Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

a clear “appraisal of the performance of the ministers”.

It was also learnt that the rating might later determine the fate of the ministers either in terms of sack from the cabinet, redeployment to ministries where they have capacity, and or lead to a notice of caution to ‘wake-up’ as may be necessary.

A highly-placed source said: “Barring last-minute change of minds following the crash on Saturday. The President will hold an emergency meeting with ministers on Tuesday.

“The purpose of the Tuesday emergency/extra-ordinary FEC meeting is for the performance appraisal of ministers in 2012 and their

constraints.

“You will recall that the President pledged in August that he would embark on periodic assessments of the ministers in line with their performance bond. Actually, it ought to be every six months, but since a new fiscal year will take effect from January, this appraisal session is necessary since 2012 has almost ended.

“I think the performance appraisal of the ministers may be carried out piecemeal and based on ministry by ministry. But it might be done in the full glare of council members.

“Other issues billed to be discussed at the emergency meeting are current economic issues and subsidy matter.”

The Performance Agreement is a model created by the World Bank in the 60s and 80s to “create competition in public service”.

More than 12 countries have been using the Performance Agreement, which has two types(French Approach and Signaling System).

The countries with French Approach are France, Senegal, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin Republic , and the UK .

Others operating the Signaling System are Pakistan, Korea, Philippines, India, Bolivia and The Gambia.

It was gathered that some countries might have joined the system in the 90s to date but their list was not on the website of the World Bank as at press time.

• L-R: Managing Director/ CEO of Lee Engineering and Construction Company Ltd, Mr. Leemon Ikpea, former Secretary to Edo State Govt, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and President, Benson Idahosa University, Rt. Rev. Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa at the conferment of a honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration on Ikpea at the university’s eighth convocation in Benin City...at the weekend

Agric Ministry boosts rice production •Gets FAO recognition

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HE Federal Government’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production by 2015 have got the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recognition.

The global organisation has projected an increase in rice output in Nigeria and Ghana.

Global rice production, it said, would outpace consumption in 2012/13.

The FAO noted that this would result in an upward revision of 5million tonnes in 2013 closing inventories.

FAO’s report, on its website www.fao.org, said: “Compared to last year, world rice carryover stocks are expected to rise by seven per cent, or 10 million tonnes, to a new high of almost 170 tonnes. This marks the eighth consecutive year of stock accumulation.

“As a result, the world rice stock-to-use ratio is forecast to rise from 33.6 per cent in 2012 to 35.5 per cent in 2013.”

A significant achievement of the Rice Transformation Agenda is the creation of awareness of the investment opportunities in the rice subsector, FAO said.

Large rice farms are springing up across Nigeria with many having their own mills and clusters of outgrowers.

He added that Nigeria has 14 integrated mills operating fully by the private sector. Another 11 large mills are being installed or rehabilitated.

They are expected to come under full operation by March 2013.

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has assured Nigerians that the ministry would achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

Adesina said the ministry has rolled out a special intervention programme on dry season paddy production plan to concentrate on 10 states.

Akeredolu criticises Jonathan over comment on Ondo poll

A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in last October’s Ondo State governorship election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, yesterday criticised President Goodluck Jonathan’s comment on the election at the weekend.

It was during the Redeemed Christian Church of God congress at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Akeredolu said the President should face governance.

He said:“I note Dr Goodluck Jonathan comment on the last Ondo Gubernatorial Election at a religious gathering on the LagosIbadan Expressway. He claimed that the process, the outcome of which is being challenged by some political parties, including his party, PDP, is presumably as an index of his nebulous transformation agenda.

“While we may not begrudge him or any member of his party for playing politics, we hasten to say that it is indecent for the president to choose the forum of a religious programme to utter such falsehood. It is desecration of the worst kind to use a solemn moment such as that occasion for politics. It becomes all the more unsettling to note that

You are not sincere, activist tells President

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IGHTS activist Morakinyo Ogele yesterday took on President Goodluck Jonathan for declaring the disputed Ondo governorship poll as free and fair.

The President at the Holy Ghost Congress organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said the Ondo State election was free and fair.

But Ogele, who is based in Akure, the Ondo State capital, saidthe President’s statement was a mark of insincerity.

Ogele added: “The speech made by President Jonathan defending the governorship election in Ondo State is unfortunate.

“This is because two weeks to the elction, the

the President has continued to treat the judiciary with such unimaginable contempt. He cannot feign ignorance of the fact that petitions are pending before the tribunal as his party is involved, even if there has been attempts to make the purported winner of the Ondo election shed the cloak of deceit and declare openly for his party. It is also hypocritical for anyone to attempt to confuse worshippers with statements which stand at variance with the realities on ground.

“As a contestant in the last election and a practising lawyer, I have chosen to tread the path of honour by waiting for

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), addressed the press that there was a criminal alliance between some of his officers and a certain political party to rig the election.

“And true to his word, one of the commission’s officers was apprehended by police with a ward chairman of the Labour Party (LP) and they were caught with sensitive electoral documents’’.

“Now, President Jonathan declaring again at the Holy Ghost Congress that the Ondo election was free and fair is not acceptable.

“The president is not sincere, moreso, when the issue of the election is pending before a

judicial pronouncement on the last electoral exercise. I have my opinions on issues bordering on the shameful practices witnessed during the last election. I await the commencement of trial when all evidences adduced will be subjected to forensic analyses. I have chosen not to join those who, for reasons barely expressed, have continued to use the declared results of the election as a basis for attacking my party leadership and even my personality. This must, however, not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness “Let this president concentrate on governance; the coun-

try is adrift. It is too early to be scheming for 2015. Nigerians can hardly wait to see the end of this current nightmare called government. No amount of sanctimonious hypocrisy can obliterate the fact that this is the worst experience since independence. Let the president and his fellow travellers continue to wallow in self-delusion. The reality of our existence today confirms the present band as the most profligate and hypocritical.

The country is no longer safe as nobody is immune from the scourge of criminality.

“Octogenarians and babies are kidnapped routinely and

all this mediocre government has to offer are platitudes bordering on idiocy. They themselves are convinced of the precarious state of things and their inability to confront the challenges of governance.

They ask us to pray when proactive steps need to be taken to address the free fall into the abyss. Nigerians wallow in abject poverty; meanwhile this ephemeral holders of transient power gobble the treasury to a point of constipation and, being intoxicated with the benumbing ambience of opulence, suffers from deliberate amnesia on what used to be, as against what are.

“We leave the president and INEC with lessons from Ghana. There should be no controversy on the abysmal performance of INEC after billions had been appropriated.

Only an irredeemable liar will seek to deceive the people when no improvement has been made. If the president is in doubt, let him ask General Obasanjo, who went to observe how elections are conducted in a neighbouring society, Ghana, which is truly desirous of development.

“2015 seems far away but, in reality, is around the corner.

Nigerians can hardly wait to end this misery.

THE NATION MON DAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

61

SPORT EXTRA

CONTRACT RENEWAL

Onazi keeps Lazio waiting N

IGERIA international Eddy Onazi has sensationally revealed to allnigeriasoccer.com that he might not be extending

his contract with Italian club Lazio.

Reports at home and abroad are strongly linking the teenage sensation with a

2 die in Kano Utd crash

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WO persons lost their lives on Sunday afternoon when a bus carrying players of non-league side Kano United was involved in an auto accident.

Kano United chairman Mohammed Aminu said the bus driver, Salisu Mohammed Danbatta, and kit manager, Shehu Usman, lost their lives when the team bus somersaulted after Gusau on their way to a

national play-off in Sokoto.

The competition involving the country's top eight amateur clubs started in Sokoto on Sunday.

Aminu also disclosed that some players were injured in the crash and are now in hospital in Kano receiving treatment.

The team bus lost control around a sharp bend before it somersaulted, officials said.

move to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.

And to quench those speculations, the Biancocelesti hierarchy offered him a two year contract extension with improved wages. Now, it appears negotiations between club and player have stalled. ''I have not signed a new contract with Lazio, still have the old one. For now, I might not be renewing my contract with the club for personal reasons. Everything will become clearer next month,'' Onazi, who is expected to be named by coach Stephen Keshi in his preliminary African Cup of Nations roster, told allnigeriasoccer.com in a

OLATERU OLAGBEGI TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

Madueke shocks Lawal to clinch title

N

ONSO MADUEKE, sixth seeded Nigeria tennis star at the weekend defeated number two seed, Shehu Lawal to emerge the champion in the Olateru Olagbegi Invitational Tennis Championship, which took place in Akure.

After an exciting game, which saw the game go into tie break, Madueke defeated Lawal 6-2, 46, 6-7 (7-9) to pick the N175, 000 first prize while Lawal smiled home with N100, 000 for his efforts. Lawal dispatched Madueke with his ferocious serves in the first set and would have thought he was on his way to victory, but Madueke had other ideas.

When the second set began, Madueke found an antidote to Lawal's strong serves opting to block instead of an outright return. The move worked, as he won most of the rally between the two to win the second set 6-4.

In the third and final set, Madueke raced to a 4-1 lead but Lawal, who is the more experienced of the pair, level led scores at 5-5. But Madueke won the next game to make it 6-5 and Lawal who would not let go easily replied to make it 6-6 to take the game to tie-break.

At this point, both players were cautious but it was the youthful and more composed Madueke who won the epic battle. The fans responded with a deafening applause as the winner laid on the cout with his hands stretch to the sky.

•Madueke

By Innocent Amomoh Madueke, a 200 level Human Kinetic and health education at the University of Port Harcourt, said he was very excited to achieve his goal of winning the tournament. He also said that self believe and the will to excel worked in his favour.

He said: “when I lost the first set, I was sure I could still come back to win. The only things that worried me was how to return Lawal's strong serves and the moment I got an antidote to that I knew I was going to win. It was a difficult game but I was sure of

winning the game.

“My plan was to be very aggressive and that is why I chased every ball and never gave up,” he added. He adivised upcoming players to show determination and seriousness in whatever they do while calling on sponsors to support the initiative of the Sir Olateru Olagbegi Foundation (SOOF).

Lawal said the game as okay and described the tournament as very competitive. He also attributed his defeat to two match points he failed to take. He also commended the SOOF for instituting the competition.

telephone conversation on Sunday.

Eddy Onazi is under contract with Lazio until June 2014.

According to reports, he currently earns 20,000 euros a season.But if he puts pen to paper on a new deal, he'll earn 15 times more.

Nigerian youngster Ezekiel scores again

I

MOH EZEKIEL posted a Man-of-the-Match display to grab his tenth goal of the season as Standard Liege won 2-0 at KV Mechelen.

The Nigerian youngster, who has been outstanding since moving to Belgium in the summer, got his name on the scoresheet in the 39th minute.

He then provided the assist for Michy Batshuayi to score the second goal in the 76th minute.

Standard Liege are now fourth on the table with 35 points from 20 games.

In Malta, Nigerian forward Obinna Obiefule returned to the top of the goals race in Malta courtesy of a brace as Mosta beat Hamrun Spartan 3-0.

Obiefule, who was top scorer last season with 34 goals, has now scored 11 goals after his second-half brace to lead Mosta to glory.

He is now joint top scorer with Mifsud of Valleta.

Obiefule told MTNFootball.com that his confidence has returned after he failed to move after his record-breaking goals tally last season.

Eko 2012: Low turnout of spectators worries Oshikoya

M

O D U P E OSHIKOYA, a former national athlete, has decried the low turnout of spectators at the just-concluded 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) in Lagos, saying that it was much better during her active days.

Oshikoya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the shine had been taken off the NSF, which she said, used to be the flagship of competitions in the country.

"Lots of things have changed. People no longer go to sporting events the way they used to do in our days.

"The turnout then was massive and lots of people were thrilled with what they saw and the large turnout always gave us a boost.

"Even when we were just warming up before hitting the tracks, the stadium was filled to the capacity with spectators cheering. That was the spirit of the festival,“ she said.

Oshikoya, who won the long jump event at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand, told NAN that most of the country’s former athletes based abroad were disposed to returning home.

"We all look forward to returning home to lend our quota to the country’s sports development programmes but we have to be formally invited. "If the government is willing to provide attractive and sustainable incentives, then our people will be willing to come down,’’ she said.

Throwing NSF open will make it better—Ugbe

P

ATRICK UGBE, the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports, has described the proposal to throw subsequent editions of the, National Sports Festival (NSF) open toelite athletes as a welcome development.

Ugbe made this remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

NAN reports that, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the Minister of Sports had made this known during the opening ceremony of the just recently concluded 18th NSF in Lagos.

The commissioner stressed

the need for a replication of an Olympic style competition; in the country’s sports development itinerary.

"It’s a good decision; we need to have a festival that is like our own Olympics.

"If we want to discover qualitative athletes from the NSF that would represent the country creditably at the Olympics; then we should throw it open.

"Such a development will bring out the best from our local athletes, knowing that they would be competing against elite athletes, and strive to give them a run for their money,’’Ugbe said.

THE NATION MON DAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

Martins denied goal number 7

S

UPER EAGLES, Obafemi Martins was denied his 7th goal of the season as Levante moved back up into fifth in the Primera Division with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Real Zaragoza courtesy of Ruben Garcia's first-half strike.

The visitors had fired an early warning shot when Jose Barkero smashed a shot off the post, but they eventually went in front on 19 minutes when Garcia pounced on a loose ball bouncing around the Zaragoza area to slot home only his second senior goal.

Martins, who is Levante's top scorer with six goal was then denied his 7th goal of the campaign by an excellent stop from the Zaragoza keeper, but it was a different story after the break as Manolo Jimenez's side imposed themselves with far greater purpose.

Montanes' cross-shot whistled just past Helder Postiga and the far post 12 minutes after the restart, while at the other end substitute Nabil El-Zhar should have wrapped up the points as he chose to go alone rather than

squaring for the Nigerian and pulled his shot just wide.

Zaragoza pushed hard for an equaliser after the break but they could not find a way through Levante's resilient defence as efforts from Paco Montanes and Edu Oriol flew just off target, whilst a late penalty claim for a handball

by Juanfran was waived away by Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva.

Levante have made a habit of winning in the early Sunday game over the past few weeks, and they again adjusted quicker to the early start as Barkero very nearly put them ahead after just 12 minutes with a trademark long-range effort that came crashing back off the post.

The hosts then had a good appeal for a penalty turned away as David Navarro appeared to catch Cristian Sapanaru with his elbow.

And to add insult to the Romanian's injury they were soon behind as the ball ricocheted off multiple Zaragoza players inside their own area and broke perfectly for Ruben to drill it low past Roberto.

•Martins

CAA approves Warri Stadium for African Athletics

T

HE Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) yesterday described the Warri Stadium as a first class sporting facility good enough to host of the 1st Africa Youth Championships slated for next year.

The six-man delegation

FIFA unable to verify claims over Messi’s record

W

ORLD football's governing body FIFA yesterday said that they were unable to check whether claims that an African footballer and not Argentina star Lionel Messi was the record holder for the most goals scored in a calendar year.

"Thanks for the questions about Godfrey Chitalu. Our official stats are limited to FIFA competitions, so we cannot verify this 'record'," Fifa's communications department

•Messi

said on its Twitter account @fifamedia.

"We keep records for all Fifa competitions," it added.

Barcelona forward Messi was hailed by many as the greatest player ever in the game after he scored twice on Sunday to beat the 40-year-old record of Germany's Gerd Mueller and take his tally to 86 for 2012.

But claims emerged on Thursday that he may still in fact be well short of Zambia legend Chitalu, who netted 107 times - 49 in league matches for Kabwe Warriors and 58 in cup and internationals - between January 23 and December 10, 1972.

A black and white photograph of a smiling Chitalu, dressed in a suit and holding a ball inscribed with "1972 Godfrey Chitalu 107 goals" has been widely circulated on the Internet.

Yet there have also been claims that his name was raised by jealous supporters of Barca rivals Real Madrid to prevent the record going to a Barcelona player.

Zambian commentator Musonda Chibulu and fellow researcher Jerry Muchimba, who compiled their data from daily newspapers and the

southern African country's national archives, had said they would try to get Chitalu's tally ratified by Fifa.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) also said it wants recognition for the player, who is considered one of the best to have played for The Copper Bullets, who are the current holders of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"Kabwe Warriors, for whom Godfrey Chitalu played, is a legendary team in our country," FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya was quoted as saying on the BBC Sport website.

"Their front line had Godfrey Chitalu scoring all the goals -and even for the national team, this man did a lot. So I think it would be important for people to recognise his feats."

Chitalu died with the whole national football team when their airplane crashed off the coast of Gabon in 1993 on the way to a World Cup qualifier in Senegal. He was head coach at the time.

A similar challenge had already been contested on Wednesday by Brazilian club Flamengo, who insisted that their former player, Zico, scored 89 times in the 1979 season.

from the CAA which inspected the Warri Stadium yesterday expressed their satisfaction with what the Delta State Government was offering to host African youths in the city.

Secretary General of CAA, Lamine Faty, who led the team that included; CAA’s Technical Director, Mohamed Aziz DAOUDA of Morocco, Vivian GUNGARAM (Mauritius), Théophile MONTCHO (Benin) and Mrs Fatou SISSOKO (Senegal), said that they were certain that the first

edition would hold without any hitch.

Before going to pay a courtesy visit to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday, the CAA delegation also inspected four designated hotels to be used during the competition proper in April next year.

“They also checked medical facilities in Shell and Chevron that the state government has also slated to use next year. They were satisfied with what they saw,” observed a top AFN official last night.

Spectators rate Copa Lagos high

F

OOTBALL fans who watched the justconcluded 2012 edition of Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Tournament at the Eko Atlantic Beach venue have hailed the organisers for entertaining fans like never before.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual beach soccer tournament which commenced on Dec.14 ended on Sunday.

Some of the spectators, who spoke to NAN in separate interviews, said that the event had lived up to its billing.

Chuks Agwu, a business man, said that the competition had been a mind-blowing experience for him.

"This year’s experience had been a wonderful one, I was thoroughly entertained by the football coupled with the side attractions in the competition," he said.

Garcia Rafael, an Argentine, said that the competition had shown that the country is now

a force to be reckoned with in beach soccer competition.

"This is a world-class competition; the organisers have done a wonderful job.

"This has shown that the country can host the world beach soccer competition in the nearest future," he said.

Bayo Emidio, an engineer, said that the entertainment aspect of the competition gave the competition a different flavour.

He added that the display by the ladies in bikinis at match intervals was a mind-blowing experience for him.

"It’s a good thing when football and show business are combined to thrill fans.

"The best part of it all was the dance performance by the ladies in bikini," he said.

Gabriel Asuquo, a Banker, said that the whole experience had been great and urged other entrepreneurs to emulate the organisers of the Copa Lagos event.

AFCON 2013: Samsung unveils plans to celebrate passion for African Football

S

AMSUNG Electronics Co. Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, will leverage its smart products and technology to engage fans and create platforms to share their passion for football during the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) SOUTH AFRICA 2013, which will be held from 19 January to 10 February 2013.

An official sponsor of the competition since 2008, Samsung will engage fans in and around the stadiums to further the excitement surrounding the tournament.

Under the theme of ‘Our Passion Powers Africa’, Samsung will take a leading role in engaging the region by holding pre-tournament

campaigns in seven countries, namely South Africa, Angola, the DRC, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Zambia.

“Our sponsorship of the Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013 is about bringing the passion and excitement of African football and this tournament to consumers,” said Mr. Sunny Hwang, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sports Marketing at Samsung. “We are excited to be a part of this legacy and will provide fans with new experiences and opportunities to share their passion for football and the AFCON,” Football fans and consumers will be given unique opportunities to engage in the build-up to Orange AFCON

SOUTH AFRICA 2013 with Samsung. The company will create 20 themed brand stores in six countries, namely the DRC, Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. These platforms will allow fans and customers to engage in various events and unique fan experiences before and during the tournament.

Additionally, Samsung will use different online programs to ensure that fans and customers are connected across the continent while sharing their passion for football and Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013.

During the tournament, Samsung will also engage children through the ‘Dream the Blues’ initiative in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. This

initiative is a football camp jointly organized by Samsung and the Chelsea Football Club, where six children will be given a chance to visit the United Kingdom, meet with the ‘Dream the Blues’ ambassadors Fernando Torres, Victor Moses, Oscar and Juan Mata, and attend a Chelsea FC home game during their stay.

This camp will be an extension of the Samsung-Chelsea FC youth football camps that were held in early 2012 in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Samsung is also continuing its ‘Fair Player Award’, which is given to one player after each game for their sportsmanship and fairness. A total of 33 awards will be distributed during this year’s tournament.

“Samsung Africa is proud to be an official sponsor of the Orange AFCON SOUTH AFRICA 2013, which will also allow Samsung to be a part of Africa’s football heritage and join in the excitement surrounding this major event.” said Mr. Kwang Kee Park, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics Africa Headquarters. “We will bring diverse programs and platforms for African football fans to engage in the games like never before.”

The Samsung Orange AFCON campaign will begin running eight weeks prior to the opening match and extend throughout the tournament in February, providing fans with opportunities to take part in the campaign.

EKO2012 FALLOUT

MOC blames Oyo for negligence over Swimming

T

HE central accreditation unit of the recently concluded 18th National Sport Festival has absolved itself from the none registration of swimmers and some athletes for athletics event from Oyo State which denied them participation in the sport fiesta and attributed it to the negligence on the part of Oyo State Sports Council.

It would be recalled that none of Oyo State’s swimmers had opportunity of competing in the swimming event at the Eko 2012 , while a good number of medal hopeful athletes could not participate in athletics event, as they could not get accredited for the tourney.

The accredited unit of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) which was under National Sports Commission (NSC) when contacted said Oyo State Sports Council failed to meet the deadline given to them for sending-in of names of athletes, and that was what affected some of their athletes who could not participate.

It is also revealed all the efforts made by Oyo officials who had acknowledged the development in trying to influence the registration on their arrival in Lagos met a brick wall, as MOC adhered strictly to their stipulated procedure.

While reacting to the issue, a top swimming official at the Eko: 2012, Dr. Ibikunle Adewumi described the development as sad and unfortunate, saying the MOC always give room for late registrations at the previously held National Sports Festival but is was surprising that they changed at Eko:2012.

“This affected some of our officials here in swimming who could not get accredited for the festival, before, there used to be late registration but I think is a good lesson for us, is only unfortunate that our swimmers from Oyo who are potential medal winners are affected by this bureaucratic-bottleneck”.

RESULTS England - Premier League Tottenham 1-0 Swansea West Brom 0-0 West Ham Italy - Serie A Fiorentina 4-1 Siena AC Milan 4-1 Pescara Catania 3-1 Sampdoria Chievo 1-0 AS Roma Genoa 1-1 Torino Juventus 3-0 Atalanta Parma 4-1 Cagliari Spain - Primera Division Zaragoza 0-1 Levante Valencia 0-1 Rayo Vallecano Real Madrid 2-2 Espanyol

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012

63

NEWS The Nation confirms class as editor wins DAME award Continued from page 1

which is named after veteran journalist Hadj Alade Odunewu, former editor of the Sunday Times, who wrote a great column under the name Allah-de.

The award was presented by former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Friday night.

Omotoso’s piece that earned him the prestigious award is “A comedian’s fate”, which he wrote on November 3, 2011. The piece, said the organisers, wittingly analysed the “Baba Suwe vs NDLEA” saga.

The DAME Judges described Omotoso as a “witty columnist and one of the most experienced editors around”. The audience burst into laughter when extracts from, the article were read in the hall.

“I never knew the article could win an award,” Omotoso said when the news was broken to him.

He was not at the ceremony.

“But, I was sure it would make the reader laugh and laugh. And that, to me, is enough,” he said.

Honoured in the lifetime awardees category are Osoba and former Minister of Information Prince Tony Momoh, both of whom rose to the peak in journalism.

Osoba, who praised the organisers for finding him

‘I was sure it would make the reader laugh and laugh. And that, to me, is enough’ worthy of the honour, noted that DAME had been consistent in honouring people who have promoted journalism.

He said the awards would no doubt help improve the profession by spurring journalists to keep to its objectives.

Osoba, who dedicated his award to all the guests at the event for attending, despite the heavy traffic, was optimistic that such recognition would move the profession to greater heights.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Diamond Publishing and organiser of DAME, Mr. Lanre Idowu, said Osoba and Momoh were given the awards in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of the media.

He urged journalists to be objective in their reports.

Idowu said DAME was not interested in giving awards just for the sake of it, but has always ensured the awards stand the test of time.

“If you look at all 21 editions, you will discover we have a total of 434 names.

“It has been a long journey; there have been high and low points, but in all, I am happy that this idea has been sustained consistently for 21 years.

“It is the longest time any award in Nigeria has been sustained, and DAME is the oldest media award still existing. We are open to improvements; that is why we are striving for perfection. There is a lot we can offer this country and we will unfold them in the coming years.

“But if you check today’s awards, you will see that out of the 30 categories, only 19 were given; 11 awards were not given because the standards were not good enough.

“We do not give awards for giving sake; there are guiding principles that must be met, such as fairness, truth, objectivity, because we believe this will spur journalists to continuously improve in their craft.

“We also believe there is room for improvement. So, aside giving journalists awards, we are working towards training of journalists to enable them give in their best in their professions,” he said.

Other award categories include Agriculture Reporting won by The Guardian’s Debo Olademeji;

Child Friendly Reporting

by Toyosi Ogunseye of The Punch. The Nation’s Kunle Akinrinade was runner-up in the Child-friendly category.

Health Reporting was won by Isioma Madike of National Mirror; Sports by Abasi Sunday of The Guardian and Politics by Chris Ajaero of Newswatch.

Ajaero also won Judicial Reporting category. The Nation’s Joseph Jibueze was runner-up in the Judicial Reporting category.

Arukaino Umukoro of Tell won Development Reporting; Saheed Olugbon of The Punch got Action Photography award; Cordelia Okpei of FRCN Network clinched Radio Presenting Award. Olaitan Adeitan of FRCN, Ibadan got the Radio Reporting award.

For Television Documentary, Njide Ezeonyejiaku of Anambra State Broadcasting Services is the winner.

Adebayo Bodunrin of Africa Independent Television (AIT) won television reporting category.

Tell won the Editorial Writing as well as News Magazine of the Year categories, making it the seventh time in 12 years the magazine has won the News Magazine of the Year title.

The Punch also went home with the Newspaper of the Year and Editor of the Year categories.

Yakowa, Azazi: Puzzles in military circles over crash Continued from page 4

but as human beings, we are bound by the dictate of God who is the giver and taker of life. He was just to all and we expect that the new governor will equally be just and fair to all and to all parts of the state. We are looking forward to him following the footsteps of his boss.”

Mrs Yakowa said at a mass organised to commemorate his death at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna that she would miss Yakowa’s fatherly care and devotion to God. “The governor has given me so many reasons to be happy. We are supposed to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary next week, on December 23, but that is not to be. We usually prayed together before coming down for mass, but yesterday (Saturday) I was down with cold. Before coming down, he touched me and urged me to get well soon to meet him in Abuja.

“I was supposed to travel on Sunday (yesterday) to Abuja to attend the thanksgiving service of Mrs Patience Jonathan in Abuja, together with him.”

In his homily, the Archbishop of Kaduna, Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, described the late governor as a dedicated man who used his position to promote peace, unity and development in the state.

Ndagoso advised the family and people not to despair,

but rather be positive as the late governor had lived a good life worthy of emulation.

The archbishop urged Yakowa’s successor to continue with the projects initiated by his predecessor.

Mr Joseph Hayab, Yakowa’s Special Adviser, Christian Affairs, described the late governor as an incorruptible, hardworking and dedicated person.

Mrs Sambo was accompanied by a large delegation of women, who were there to condole with Mrs. Yakowa, the government and people of the state.

Gen. Buhari extolled the virtues of the late governor, saying that in spite of the diverse challenges affecting the state, he promoted peaceful coexistence among the people.

He advised public officers to emulate the good virtues displayed by the late governor towards promoting peace, unity and development.

Others who condoled with the family were a former Military Administrator of the state, Brig.-Gen. Lawal Jafaru Isa, former Governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Samaila Makama.

The late governor’s opponent in the 2011 election, Alhaji Suleiman Hunkuyi, traditional rulers, women groups and members of the Knights of St. Mulumba also commiserated with the family.

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17-12-12

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘An essential element of representative government is the legislature through which elected leaders make laws for the general wellbeing of the people’ EMEKA OMEIHE

VOL 7 NO 2,342

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

A

CITY is a people. More than the village that encases a monolithic world view, a city embraces the world. That is why the village has collapsed as a barometer of a civilisation, especially since the city began its rise on the back of that great idea called capitalism.

But the city has also become a cynosure of disgrace, the repository of filth and psychic decay, where the criminal rumbles and the politician cons and the businessman profiteers and the child expires on the cheap.

The city of London today is celebrated for its order and even beauty, but it once groveled under Hitler’s bombardments.

However, it was that same tragedy that threw up the genius of the great Winston Churchill with his speeches of inspirational growl.

Before that, Charles Dickens expended his gifts to depict the squalour of that city, with novels like Oliver Twist and The Great Expectation. The British Prime minister at the time decided to work the city to glory after reading of the terrible want and desperation of the character Oliver Twist.

No city in the world, whether it is London, New York, Tokyo or Paris that did not pass through the foul rhythm of grime and crime before surging to a place of envy.

All of them were inspired by leaders, just like the case of London. New York is on the rise again after a decade of decline.

Lagos fell to such a bad place in the military era. It is a different story today. On this page, I lamented the city of Ibadan where Obafemi Awolowo patented his genius, where the old west preened.

It fell, like unfortunate cities do, on the hands of a bumbler. The man, Alao-Akala, preferred the vanity of his sartorial splendour to the environment. Leaders inspire cities. Alao-Akala committed the extraordinary act of narcissism. He loved himself so much that there was not much love left for the city he governed.

What I lamented was the filth of Ibadan, where at every turn you saw heaps of refuse intimidating traffic into paralysis. Rather than inspire Ibadan, he inspired filth. So bad was the situation that it was declared in 2008 one of the dirtiest cities on God’s green earth.

The man did not understand the meaning of green.

In the past year, I have had reasons to visit the city, and it is clear that the city is in the hands of a man who has the wherewithal to inspire it. The evidence abounds of Ibadan as a city on the rebound.

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Redeeming Ibadan

•Ajimobi

All those places where dirt compounded like natural habitats are gone, and they used to swagger in different colours of green, blue, red, brown. But they were not good green, or colourful brown, or bewitching red. They were mock colours. They were the colours of stench rising with impunity to you, even if you were ensconced in an air-conditioned car.

There is a strategy to Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s approach to the filth and decay of the city. One of his first preoccupations was to keep the flood at bay. This meant attacking the drainage challenges. Ibadan has been a graveyard as floods after floods pummeled

RIPPLES EFCC DECLARES AUDU WANTED...I’M NOT ON THE RUN, SAYS EX-GOVERNOR

HARDBALL

Traveller’s nightmare

I

ARRIVED Nigeria only to be reminded I was home on Saturday with items missing from my luggage at our international airport in Lagos. The first sign was that the lock was off. I opened the bag, and found it was without some items. I reported to a young man in charge of such matters and he said the locks were removed

by United States security. But when they did such things they put the locks back in the bag. Not in my bag.

Good news though. The thieves may have loved the glitzy stuff but were too illiterate to know the value of books. They left my books intact. Thank God for small mercies.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Why Zuma deserves to lose ANC leadership election

T

...then SHOW your FACE sir

during rainy seasons. Homes caved in as lives drowned.

He has built a number of bridges, cleared many a water path so that no stagnant pool accumulates so much dirt that the rains can unleash flood. This is the way to attack the root of the problem. It is still work in progress. They call him the bridge builder.

This is accompanied with regular work by refuse disposal units that cart away bags and drums of refuse. I could have gone with the impression that the people of Ibadan loved filth. But that is not the case. I grew up in Ibadan and recall the images of the city, even during the imperial days of the army. I lived in Oke-Ado. Ibadan was not what it became under the bejeweled, half-literate chief executive that steered it into the age of unclean.

The third leg of the strategy is the beautification. We cannot appreciate what is clean until we develop what is beautiful inside. To beautify is a painful exercise always, but it is a thing that ought to be done.

Entering Ibadan from Lagos invites you to work already going on beautifying the Iwo Road. The work is not done yet, and for it to be appreciated Governor Ajimobi has promised to expand the road. It is still experiencing traffic discomfort, which though has reduced. It will entail massive demolitions, which he plans to do. But the work has to be done. Beauty cannot be enjoyed when traffic snarls.

But around Ibadan in such places as Ring Road, Dugbe, Bere, Oje roads, the beauty of

the city is coming to view in picturesque green projects.

When a city is clean, the people are creative. That was why novelist Dostoyevsky proclaimed that beauty will save the world.

Ajimobi has shown himself equal to the task. We can recall that just a few years ago, Ibadan was a hotbed of violence and insecurity. Partisans of the road workers union terrorised citizens, robbers prowled and the general sense was that of unfathomable devilry.

Things have changed and it is taken for granted. Just as it was taken for granted in Lagos State until a spasm of robbery a few months ago reminded us of what good times had fallen on the country’s most populous city.

The first task of a government is the security of the people. Oyo State has eased out of the vice grip of inept men, and Governor Ajimobi epitomises that liberation with his clever, methodical touch.

With a city vastly more secure and cleaner with better aesthetic outlook, Ibadan and Oyo State can face the larger challenge of attracting more investment. This is an impressive showing in less than two years Ajimobi ascended the throne.

He has also done well with roads, rehabilitating and constructing about 250 roads. He has streamlined the finance, raising the internally generated revenue and paying salary even in the 13th month and engaging 20,000 youths in creative jobs.

In his play Coriolanus, Shakespeare quips, “what’s a city but the people?”

That is the governor’s main task: to set the people away from fear and want. He is on the right track.

HE African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party for the past 18 years, began its five-day elective conference yesterday. The conference, attended this year by about 4,000 delegates, holds every five years. Top on the agenda is the election of the party’s leader, with the winner expected to lead the party into the country’s general election in 2014. Whoever wins the party’s leadership contest will automatically become the next president. Vying for the coveted position are President Jacob Zuma, 70, and his vice president, Kgalema Motlanthe, 63. The contest comes at a time when South Africa (Pop. 50m) has been described as one of the most unequal societies in the world, with more than half of its people living in poverty, and its bond rating downgraded by at least two international rating agencies, including Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s. There are also widespread allegations of corruption.

Mr Zuma, who has no formal education, and is self-taught, is expected to garner enough support from the party’s delegates to win the leadership election at the conference taking place in Bloemfontein (Mangaung). He is still charismatic and clever, compared with his challenger who is described as ‘quiet and unassuming.’ A Zulu from KwaZulu-Natal, he is very popular among the Zulu, the country’s largest ethnic

group. But even though Zuma is expected to win, he deserves to lose. The reasons are legion and compelling.

Apart from lacking the intellectual depth to innovatively tackle the mounting social and economic problems facing Africa’s largest economy, Zuma is also embarrassingly frivolous and unable to summon the gravitas required to replicate a fraction of the nobility Nelson Mandela, and to a lesser extent, Thabo Mbeki, imbued South Africa. Even though he makes strenuous efforts to separate his public life from his private life, it is disturbingly remarkable that Zuma has been married six times, currently has four wives, and has some 21 children. The business of presiding over South Africa is too serious to be left in the hands of a serial polygamist permanently distracted by the opposite sex. In 2006, he barely escaped a rape conviction, in spite of making very ludicrous statements about sex and HIV infection.

Even if we ignore his 2009 acquittal on corruption charges, though his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for soliciting bribes in a $5bn arms contract scandal, Zuma has really never shaken off the image of someone who cannot be trusted to properly manage the finances of his country. But much more importantly, Zuma deserves to lose because of his poor handling of the mineworkers’ strike which convulsed the country in August. Some

34 miners were shot dead while protesting low wages and poor working conditions at the Lonmin plant near Marikana. It was the most violent repression perpetrated by the police since the collapse of apartheid, indicating that little has changed in that country’s law enforcement operations. Other unions have since embarked on their own protests to press for better working conditions and higher wages, and Zuma has equally displayed appalling inability to tackle the growing discontent.

If Zuma wins the top party post, he will probably lead the ANC and preside over the affairs of his country up to the 2019 elections, by which time he will be 77. It is not his advanced age that is the problem. What may constitute a tragedy for South Africa is that Zuma is unlikely to display sterling leadership qualities or exhibit more restraint than he has shown so far. He will not be more innovative, he will not be more intellectual, he will not be less frivolous, and he will not be less distracted. The leadership position his country hopes to secure in Africa will of course be threatened the more, as will its chances of social and economic turnaround. With South Africa undermined by leadership insufficiency, and Zimbabwe racing downhill on account of President Robert Mugabe’s insensitivity and poor judgement, and Nigeria wracked by egregious leadership incompetence, the outlook for Africa grows dimmer by the day, if not by the hour.

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