The Nation December 19, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Lagos pipeline vandals shoot at rescue team

NEWS

Page 10

•Large quantity of petrol recovered

‘No clue yet on Rotimi’s wife’ •Police extend search

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Page 8

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VOL. 7, NO. 2345 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Rain of tears as Yakowa’s body arrives in Kaduna Senate to probe air crash Azazi’s funeral likely Dec 29

•Bodies of victims of Saturday’s Naval helicopter crash being taken into a military aircraft in Yenagoa...yesterday

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ITH the arrival of former Governor Patrick Yakowa’s body in Kaduna yesterday, the grim reality of his death was fully felt.

The city was thrown into mourning as the AirForce aircraft carrying the body —

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

and the late Yakowa’s friend Dauda Tsoho’s — touched down at the Kaduna Airport in a golden casket draped in the green-white-green national colours.

The body was conveyed from the airport through the

Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Byepass to the St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, accompanied by the widow and three of their children — all clad in black dresses.

The airport was filled with sympathisers. Many wept profusely as the plane hovered be-

fore landing.

The huge crowd defied the security barricades and rushed on to the tarmac as the casket was being brought down from the plane to catch a glimpse of it.

Women fellowship groups and church societies were

•SEE ALSO PAGES 4,5&64 praying and singing choruses at the airport and when the casket was brought out of the aircraft, they burst into tears.

While handing over Yakowa’s remains to Governor Multhar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, the leader of the Bayelsa State government del-

egation and Deputy Governor John Jonah said the government yesterday held a valedictory executive session in memory of the late governor who he described as a bridge builder. He urged the people to support Continued on page 2

North rejects oil Bill •Document suffers setback at Senate

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HE North has rejected the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) – the much vaunted magic pill that is expected to clean up the oil sector.

The bill contains some provisions, which

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

are against the North’s interest, according to the Northern Governors Forum, senators and members of the House of Representatives from the region.

They also protested against the establishment of the Host Community Fund and asked the North to use its majority in the National Assembly to scrutinise the bill and protect the North’s interest.

The planned debate on the bill suffered a setback at the Senate yesterday.

Continued on page 2

•Managing Director/CEO, Eterna Oil, Mr. Mahmud Tukur (left) and the Chairman, Mr. Fola Adeola at the Annual General Meeting of the company at Muson Centre, in Lagos…yesterday.

•SPORTS P13 •LIFE P25 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P43

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

NEWS Azazi’s funeral likely Dec 29

Rain of tears as Yakowa’s body arrives in Kaduna

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Continued from page 1

Yero to enable him carry on with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa.

Yero praised the government and people of Bayelsa State for their prayers. He assured the people that he would continue with the foundation laid by the late Yakowa for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress in the state.

The Arch bishop of Kaduna Diocese of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso, Bishop George Dodo of Zaria Diocese and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah prayed.

A Valedictory Executive Council meeting will hold today (Wednesday) at the Government House by 10am. The wake-keep will hold at the Government House later in the day by 3pm The body is expected to leave St. Gerald Catholic Hospital on Thursday for the Fadan Kagoma, for the interment after a funeral mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Fadan Kagoma.

The bodies of Yakowa and his friend, Dauda Tsoho, arrived in Kaduna yesterday aboard a Nigeria AirForce cargo plane at about 2.45 pm.

•Senate President David Mark condoling with the wife of the late Yakowa at St. Gerard Hospital in Kaduna…yesterday PHOTO: TONY AKOWE

They were received by Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero and the widow, Amina Patrick Yakowa.

The bodies were accompanied by former Governor of Bayelsa State and other top government officials.

Others at the airport to receive the bodies were Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Buko-

la Saraki, family members and top government officials.

The bodies were later conveyed in a St. Gerard Hospital ambulance and driven in a motorcade through the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western bypass to Saint Gerald Catholic Hospital where they were deposited in the mortuary.

Senate President David Mark

and his wife later joined the others at the hospital from where they proceeded to the Government House to see Yakowa’s family.

Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and the Southern Kaduna People in the United States said yesterday that the death of Yakowa has robbed the state of a bridge-builder and a unifier.

CAN: don’t kill crash probe report

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ATIONAL President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor yesterday warned the Federal Government against sweeping under the carpet the report of the investigation into the crash of a naval helicopter in which Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi and others died.

Pastor Oritsejafor, who was represented by the National

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Secretary, Rev. Musa Asake, on a condolence visit to the family of the late Yakowa and the Kaduna State Governor, Mukthar Ramalan Yero, said it was common for the government to abandon probe reports.

He said: “CAN supports the Federal Government for setting up a panel of investigation. We support it and we are looking forward to the report.

“But we have heard of panels of investigation being set up and reports submitted in the

country, we hope and pray that the Federal Government will release the report of this one and take action. The Federal Government should please this time around release the report of this very crash.

“We welcome the new governor and promise to pray with him so that the Lord will give him success. We are so happy to hear that he is going to follow the footsteps of the late governor. We pray that the Lord will help him to do exactly what he has said.

•Pastor Oritsejafor

HE remains of the former National Security Adviser Gen. Owoye Azazi, who died in the Navy helicopter crash on Saturday in Bayelsa State, may be buried on December 29, it was learnt yesterday.

The family members and representatives of the Army were meeting at Azazi’s Ikoyi home.

Although the family is yet to fix a date for the burial, it intends to bury the General before the end of the year.

Chief of Army Staff Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika was at the home of Gen. Azazi last night to pay a condolence visit. He also met with the family on burial arrangement after which he confirmed the tentative date and said the armed forces will be active in the burial.

A family source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on the issue, told our reporter that the family was considering December 29.

He said: “I am not supposed to speak on this issue, but I can tell you that Daddy Azazi is most likely to be buried on the December 29.

“We do not want to carry the sad incident into the New Year, and it will not be before Christmas because we have to make preparations.

“He would be buried in Bayelsa, his home state.”

Gen. Azazi’s first son, Owye Jnr., told The Nation that they were still deliberating.

He said: “I would not want to give you a date that may be changed later. We are still deliberating, although it is most likely to be before the year runs out.”

The late Gen. Azazi’s widow, Alero, is gradually coming out of the shock as last night marked the first time she ate since she heard of her husband’s death, although she appeared to be lost in thoughts most of the time.

More sympathisers visited the Azazis to commiserate with them on the loss of their father.

Among the dignitaries who visited were Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Marshall Paul Dike and Gen. Alex Ogomudia, former Military Governor of Bayelsa State Paul Obi, former Petroleum Minister Odein Ajumogobia and Brig. Gen. A.E. Ajemba of the Military Hospital, Lagos.

Amosun described Gen. Azazi as a fine gentleman, who lived and died with his badge of honour.

The governor, who reiterated the call for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, lamented our lack of maintenance culture.

He said: “What a way to die?

In a military helicopter. Azazi died on his feet. He may not have died on the war front, but he died in service to the nation.”

In the condolence register, Amosun wrote: “Adieu, you served the nation gallantly well.

“What a way to leave us-very unexpected, very sad and painful. We really can’t query the Almighty Lord. He gives and takes. He knows best.

“May he grant you eternal rest. And may he comfort the entire Azazi family, and the people and government of Bayelsa State.”

Speaking with journalists at the premises, the governor said: “His death is indeed very painful because the Nigerian nation needs his service the most this time.

“Like we said yesterday, we want a very thorough investigation into what happened.

“I think we need to look deeply into the way we do things.

Things that ordinarily people are taking for granted are those that constitute challenges to us as a nation.

“I just feel we need to change the way we do things. We need to look deeply into our maintenance culture, anything that is government should not be treated with levity.

“I am happy the navy has come out to say the aircraft was well maintained. So, we hope to find out soon what exactly went wrong.

“Our consolation remains that though he died at a very young age of 60, his records in the Army will forever make history.”

North rejects PIB as Senate fails to begin debate Setback for PIB at Senate

Continued from page 1

Other key grouses of the North border on the new institutional structure being proposed for the country’s oil and gas industry; the fiscal provisions; divestment of equity and gas supply to the North and alleged arbitrary discretion given to the Minister of Petroleum Resources to determine royalty The grouses of the North are contained in a document prepared for the Northern Governors Forum, Northern Senators Forum and Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives.

The document, which was obtained by our correspondent, showed that the North is angry that the PIB’s provision for divestment could “lock the people of the region out” of ownership of oil and gas resources.

The North said any plan to divest equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company may favour the South because most businesses and communities in the North are not active players in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

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HE Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) suffered another set back yesterday in the Senate.

Senators rejected a motion for the commencement of debate on the general principle of the Bill.

Lawmakers, mostly from the North refused to allow Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba to lead the debate on the Bill.

Ndoma-Egba’s lead debate would have signaled the opening of the second reading of the Bill.

But some Senators insisted on postponing of the consideration Bill indefinitely, although it was listed on the Order Paper.

The three key bodies also alleged that the establishment of the Host Community Fund is being skewed to give oil producing states, especially those from the Southsouth, more revenue than all the 19 Northern states.

They added that the PIB does not create a framework for any serious or effective exploration for hydrocarbons in the frontier acreages of the country’s six sedimentary basins, four of which are in the Northern sections of the na-

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu Abuja

Ndoma-Egba reminded his colleagues of the importance of the Bill, especially the fact that it has been listed for consideration.

He also told his colleagues that the Senate through its Chairman on Rules and Business, Senator Eta Enang, had told Nigerians that the Bill would be taken yesterday.

The Senate Leader reminded his colleagues that shelving debate on the Bill will send a wrong signal to Nigerians who may see the Senate as not being committed to passing the Bill.

The Bill is considered key to far-reaching reforms in the oil and gas sector.

The pleading by Ndoma-Egba to allow him lead the debate after which the Senate

tion.

The document reads in part: “On top of the 13.5 per cent statutory derivation from the Federation Account, the mandatory Federal budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy of 3 per cent of oil operations and the massive amount of Federal funds being spent on the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, the new PIB is adding 10 per cent of the profit of all oil and gas com-

will adjourn and take full debate today, fell on deaf ears.

Those opposed to initiating debate of the Bill claimed that the mood of the nation did not warrant it after a motion on the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Adviser Gen. Andrew Azazi had been adopted.

Observers saw the stiff opposition as a prelude to what would happen when the Bill is eventually slated for debate.

There is also apprehension that some oil majors want to kill the Bill.

There was indication yesterday that the 2013 budget would be passed by the Senate on Thursday.

panies to the Niger Delta States and Communities.

“Currently, without this new addition, four states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers) earn more than the 19 Northern states combined. One wonders what kind of federation we would end up with, if this situation is escalated by the new PIB. In any case, what really is the constitutional standing of this particular provision in the Bill?

“These and many other is-

sues in the Petroleum Industry Bill need very close scrutiny by the Northern Governors Forum. Without this exercise, it is very possible for the states in the region to be legally short-changed through the process of legislation despite having the majority membership in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

On plans to divest equity in the proposed new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company, the Northern leaders said there is

no provision for safety net to protect the interest of the region.”

They said the PIB ought to protect the North’s right to invest in these two companies because of its low participation in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The document said: “The plan to divest equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company is not in itself an issue, the problem is to implement this provision of the law without any safeguards for equity and national spread.

“The communities and businesses in the Northern States are not very active players on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

In this regard, simply off loading the equity of these nationContinued on page 63

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS DEATH OF YAKOWA, AZAZI, OTHERS

•Dickson paying his last respect to the late Yakowa in Yenagoa...yesterday.

Senate to probe Yakowa’s, A T

HE Senate yesterday became the fifth body to indicate interest in investigating the cause of Saturday's air mishap that claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser, (NSA) Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi and four others.

It adopted a motion mandating its Committees on Navy, Air Force and Aviation to investigate the frequency of air mishaps in the country with a view to finding a permanent solution.

The motion entitled: “Urgent need to investigate the recent crash of Naval Augusta 109 Helicopter in Bayelsa State” was sponsored by Senator Chris Anyanwu (Imo East).

The Presidency, Navy, Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and the House of Representatives have all served notices to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash of the naval helicopter in Bayelsa State.

Senator Anyanwu, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, chronicled the incidences of air mishap in the country.

She urged the upper legislative chamber to note that on December 15, an Augusta 109 helicopter, belonging to the Nigerian Navy crashed at Okoroba community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, killing everyone on board, including a serving Governor, Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, the former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, two naval pilots and two aides.

She also urged the Senate to note that in 2007 and 2011, there had been two crashes of similar Augusta helicopters owned by the Navy.

The Senate, she said, should be worried at the seeming recurrence of air mishaps not just in civil aviation but also in the Nigerian military, despite public outcry.

She noted that the Senate should be aware that between March and October 2011, there were three reported cases of air mishaps by the

Yakowa was great, says Dickson

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa has described the former Governor of Kaduna State, the late Patrick Yakowa as He said: "We will always be with you now and a detribalised Nigerian, who within his short life forever."

Former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye in government, built bridges of love and unity.

Dickson, in a tribute at the special valedictory Alamieyeseigha described the late Yakowa as a session organised yesterday in Yenagoa by the brother, who served the nation and Kaduna State Bayelsa Executive Council in honour of Yakowa, as a deputy governor and governor meritoriously.

He said upon the emergence of the late Yakowa said: ``The late Kaduna State governor was and will remain a great Nigerian patriot, who came as governor of Kaduna State, many Nigerians did to Bayelsa, building bridges of love and bonds not give him a chance to succeed as a governor, of fraternity. He was a dedicated and humble because of the ethno-religious politics in the state.

Alamieyeseigha said: “But by divine providence, servant of the people of Kaduna State and Nigehe became governor when his erstwhile boss, ria at large.''

The governor, who described the last Saturday Namadi Sambo was elevated to Vice-President. incident that killed Yakowa, Azazi and others Yakowa, then proved his critics wrong by buildas a hurting nightmare, said the day would for- ing bridges of love and unity. He was a nationalist and man of peace. His departure should be a ever remain dark in our memories.

He said the country lost two distinguished source of encouragement to all those who value leaders and dedicated military officers in the ill- peace and humility."

Secretary to the Bayelsa Government, Prof. fated crash, adding that Yakowa died in active service while visiting Bayelsa as a friend of the Edmund Allison-Oguru, said the valedictory session in honour of the late Yakowa was a solemn •The late Yakowa state.

According to Dickson, with Yakowa's untimely moment in the remembrance of a great Nigerian Dickson is expected to lead an enlarged delegadeath, "our nation has lost a great leader and leader, who died in humility.

He said: "From his name, Patrick Ibrahim tion of government and people of Bayelsa to democrat who lived and believed in the unity of our nation. Bayelsa has lost a great friend and I, Yakowa, you will see that the various ethnic Kaduna today to commiserate with the family groups can live together in unity. This is a man of Yakowa, the government and people of personally, have lost an elder brother."

The governor was accompanied to the session who built bridges of love and peace between the Kaduna State.

The governor said the delegation would also Northern and Southern Kaduna people." by his wife, Rachael.

Deputy Governor John Jonah led a government be in Abuja to commiserate with President He assured the late Yakowa's widow, Aminatu that the government and people of Bayelsa delegation to escort the body of Yakowa to Goodluck Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, on the death of the victims of the crash.

Kaduna. would remain close to her. fighter jet, which was reported to was on a routine training mission cerned that "the resurgence of air misFrom Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja have come from Makurdi for a two- from Calabar to Uyo crashed barely haps in the country is suggestive of a week training, was delivered to the five months from the last crash.” deep-seated systems problem that Air Force at different locations in Air Force by the manufacturers in The lawmaker said that on Sep- must be unearthed and resolved to the country, and that the causes of China only a few days before the tember 17, 2006 in Vandeikya Lo- avert further unnecessary loss of lives the crashes remained unknown. incident. cal Government Area of Benue and heavy financial losses to the naShe said the Senate should be fur"Not quite two months after, on State, an 18-Seater Dornier 228 tion." ther aware that on March 21, 2011, May 11, 2011, the same hideous in- Airforce Transport Plane, carrying She said the most recent air misone F7-N1 Fighter Jet, belonging to cident occurred again at Makurdi senior army officers and three crew hap has robbed the country of its the Nigerian Air Force that was on when another F7-N1 fighter belong- members crashed, leaving only prominent and valued citizens, who a routine training programme ing to same Nigerian Air Force, three survivors. have given long service to the councrashed in Kano, killing the flight crashed into a Community SecondThe victims of the crash, she try. instructor. ary School in Gboko Local Govern- said, were members of a commitShe urged her colleagues to “conShe said: "Between March and Oc- ment Area of Benue State. tee set up by the government to demn the resurgence of air mishaps in tober 2011, there were three re“The investigating panels set up reposition the army and were en Nigeria and the seeming inability of ported cases of air mishaps by the by the Air Force to ascertain the route Obudu Cattle Ranch where government to unravel the causes of Air force at different locations in the causes of the crashes were yet to the Officers were to hold the re- the incidents; “to mandate the commitcountry and the causes of these produce their reports when another treat. tees on Navy, Air Force and Aviation crashes remain unknown. The F7 Air Force L-39 trainer jet, which She urged the Senate to be con- to investigate the frequency of air mis-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS DEATH OF YAKOWA, AZAZI, OTHERS

Weep not for the General

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•The body of the late Yakowa being brought down after arrival in Kaduna ...yesterday.

•Former FCT Minister Nasir el-Rufai signing the •Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema (left) during a condolence visit condolence register opened for Yakowa at the to the Yakowas at the Government House, Kaduna ... yesterday.

Government House, Kaduna ... yesterday

, Azazi’s death Orji, Ngige mourn Kaduna governor, ex-NSA

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji and Senator Chris Ngige have described last Saturday’s death of former Governor Patrick Yakowa and former National Security Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi in a helicopter crash as painful and shocking.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue in Umuahia, Orji said he was yet to come to terms with the sad development.

Orji said he was in Kaduna last weekend to attend the wedding of Vice-President Namadi Sambo’s daughter and was well received by his late colleague at Government House Kaduna.

The Abia governor said the nation has lost great men who distinguished themselves in their chosen professions and also helped to join hands with the present administration at different levels to develop the country.

Orji said the late Gen. Azazi was one of Nigeria’s finest military officers who distinguished himself as an intelligence expert, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and also the immehaps with a view to finding a permanent solution; and to observe a oneminute silence in honour of the victims of Saturday's air crash in Bayelsa State.

The lawmakers also urged relevant authorities to stop further use of military air craft for civil purpose.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who seconded the motion, urged the Senate to take a decision on whether it would continue to allow frequent occurence of air crashes.

Makarfi noted that civil and military air craft in the country have not proved to be air worthy.

He said the Presidential air fleet might not be better, even as he urged the executive to conduct thorough investigation aimed at halting frequent air mishaps.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon paid tribute to the victims of the air crash.

He noted that the rate military aircraft crash in the country has put question mark on the capability of the country's military.

Solomon called for the stoppage of

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

diate past NSA. He described the late Yakowa as humble, hardworking and God-fearing.

Ngige, in a statement, asked the family of the late Yakowa and the people of Kaduna to take heart and draw strength from the fact that Yakowa was brave till the end.

He said: “I had always admired Yakowa, as the first Christian Governor of Kaduna State and the way he handled the challenges that came his way as a governor, particularly the security challenges. I felt that this was one man who knew his onions and saluted his courage under fire. I can say boldly that he was no coward.”

The senator called for a proactive air safety system in order to prevent the loss of lives in Nigeria.

He said: “First, it was Dana this year, where we lost quality lives, then the Governor of Taraba State, Dan Baba Suntai. Thank God for him and now this is unacceptable, we cannot continue like this.”

the use of military air craft for civil matter.

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) wanted to know who authorised the use of the naval helicopter for use.

Adetunmbi said: “When the lives of ordinary Nigerians don't matter, it takes a situation like this for a nation to wake up.”

He said the government should be held responsible for the death Yakowa, Azazi and others “because government failed to do what it ought to do.”

Senator Babafemi Ojudu blamed the crash on corruption.

“If we don't kill corruption in this country, corruption will kill us,” Ojodu said.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (PDP-Bayelsa) urged the committee to ensure that its investigation was devoid of bias and should not be politicised.

"We should use this crash to stop others from occurring because this has become embarrassing. So, the committee’s investigation must be total,” he said.

Senator Danjuma Goje (PDPGombe) also advised the committee to make the investigation open and transparent.

Goje pitched his tent with the position of the Governors Forum that foreign experts should be involved in the investigation.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, said more than 50,000 Nigerians had died in the last two years since the ugly trend of terrorism reared its head.

Ekweremadu, however, called on the regulatory agencies in the aviation sector to ensure the airworthiness of every plane that took off and landed in the country.

He also noted the need for the Senate to buckle up and tackle the problem once and for all.

The Senate set up two committees to pay condolence visits to all the victims of the air crash and observed a minute silence in their honour.

Ekweremadu said steps must be taken to halt the trend.

N an interview I granted a few months ago, I declared that “Azazi spoke the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…” This was in the wake of his famous and unprecedented declaration in Asaba, Delta State, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party, laid the foundation for the morass in which the nation found itself today. That statement is today being peddled as the reason his tragic death via the crash of a military helicopter must have been “sabotaged”. Absolute nonsense! The Armed Forces of Nigeria are already “sabotaged” by a thieving political leadership.

Therefore, to state that one piece of equipment belonging to the “sabotaged” service is “sabotaged” is laughable. One helicopter, belonging to a collapsed military service crashes, as it should and the people begin to manufacture conspiracy theories! I am amazed and scandalised that sane adults can mouth such idiocy in reaction to what is truly a monumental national disaster. I am fully persuaded that Four-Star General Owoye Andrew Azazi died in a military helicopter crash, which is clearly symbolic of the collapse of the Nigerian State. The depth of the rot in the Nigerian system is abysmal. Everything has gone haywire! The roads are bad! The public power system is in turmoil. Public morality has reached the level of turpitude. Stealing of public funds has reached stupendous levels! The military is in taters! And criminals who have stolen the country blind are roaming the streets free, making ridiculous statements and enjoying generous media coverage!

Let no one shed crocodile tears for the gentle giant. The presidency, known for its hypocrisy, has already led the way in paying false and insincere tributes. The same President, who committed the unpardonable indiscretion of bowing to the pressure of the hawks in the PDP to fire the General for speaking the truth, is now having glowing tributes paid to the General on his behalf in the public domain. It would surprise no one, if the same Presidency gets into a tussle to outdo all others in the garish display of melodramatic emotions as the General is laid to rest. Such is the level of shamelessness to which our nation has sunk. Lying Presidents aided by insincere officials of the State, careless of the sensibilities of the people but anxious to make political capital of every situation, are doubtless crafting even more glorious tributes in the honour of the fallen giant. The same rascals who led in the assault of his integrity and motives only a few months ago and who hired hack writers to take the General to the cleaners in the public space are now spending sleepless nights crafting glowing tributes. I plead with the President and his agents, not to add to our sense of deep loss by making hollow and deceitful remarks about a man who towered far above them in the perception of millions of Nigerians and indeed in the consciousness of all

•The late Azazi

By Ola Majoyeogbe

humanity.

Gen Azazi was a man of many firsts. The first core Nigerian Army Intelligence Officer to be appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and later Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)!

The first citizen of Bayelsan extraction to hold those exalted positions!

The first National Security Adviser (NSA) to publicly tell those who appointed him they were responsible for the mess into which the nation has descended. The first former NSA with the dubious distinction of being the first to die.

The first to state categorically, less than a week before he died in that horrible helicopter crash “I know God!” We believe you General that you indeed “know God”. We are therefore not mourning as those that have no hope. You came, you saw, you conquered! Thousands, perhaps, millions, are genuinely mourning your sudden departure.

Rest in the bosom of the Lord, “God’s Own General (GOG).”

Finally, I appeal to Jonathan, not to show up at the funeral of the fallen giant. I appeal to him not to send one of his errand boys to come and talk nonsense. We are grieving!

We are sad! We do not want to be insulted, in addition to our deep grief! Our discipline may break and a scene may be generated at the funeral! We do not want that to happen. Have the courage to stick by your decision that the gentle giant is not deserving of the office of NSA and leave him alone. Go and fix your armed services and the nation.

That is the reason most Nigerians made the mistake of voting for you; a mistake most are now deeply regretting.

•Col. Majoyeogbe (rtd) was a colleague, contemporary and close friend of the late General in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps.

Obasanjo: we’ve lost compatriots

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed shock at the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Owoye Azazi and four others in a helicopter crash.

The naval helicopter crashed in Okoroba community, Bayelsa State on Saturday, killing Yakowa, Azazi, their aides and the two pilots.

Obasanjo, who reacted from the United States (US), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that he received the news of the crash and casualty with shock and regret.

“This is indeed a tragedy,” he said, “our nation has lost compatriots whose contributions have been invaluable and who would still have been giving their best to our development.”

The former President expressed his heartfelt condolence to the families of the bereaved and prayed that God should grant them needed succour.

“I pray that God in His infinite mercies, grants the deceased eternal rest,” Obasanjo said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS CSOs query fuel subsidy budget From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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•Governor Babatunde Fashola, his wife, Dame Abimbola and wife of the Lagos Speaker, Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji, with the children, cutting the cake during the 2012 end PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES of the year children’s party in Lagos...yesterday.

Maina: task team tracking N3.3tr stolen fund

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HE last may not have been heard about the pension scam.

The Presidential Pension Reform Task Team (PPRTT) has said it is investigating a N3.3 trillion pension fraud.

The team said it has lost confidence in the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment and Public Service, which is looking into the activities of the team.

The Chairman of the task team, Abdulrasheed Maina, spoke yesterday during a chat with reporters in Abuja.

Maina, who confirmed investigation into the fraud, said the task team has uncovered a huge scam in pension administration and would soon make it public.

He was not forthcoming with the names of the agencies or individuals involved, saying it was too early and that this might jeopardise ongoing investigation.

He said PPRTT would go public with the names when investigations are concluded.

“I want to tell you that what we have uncovered will surprise Nigerians. We have found that pension funds up to N3.3 trillion were stolen by the cabal and we will recover the mon-

Pension ‘godfathers’ behind Maina, says Etok THE Chairman of the Joint Senate Committee on Establishment, Pubic Service and Local Governments, Senator Aloysius Etok, yesterday said the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, was being goaded by godfathers.

Etok told reporters in Abuja that the committee investigating pension fund administration in the country has discovered that the cabal involved in pension fraud is more than the oil cabal.

He said: “In the performance of this pension probe, I realised I have stepped on very powerful toes; and I can tell you that pension cabal is worse than oil cabal because in pension, many people are involved.

“It has taken such a long time of operation that when you are touching one, you don’t know the linkages because, pension fraud kingpin does not go to collect all the monies himself. He has a number of fake names he has put in.”

Etok lamented that Maina was running from pillar to post instead of helping the comFrom Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ey,” Maina said.

He said the task team has recovered about N241 billion and has deleted 73,000 ghost pensioners from the civil serv-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

mittee to recover stolen funds.

He said: “I can tell you on behalf of the committee that we have never compromised and we will never do so.

“We are not biased. To say we have colluded with pension thieves is a mere concoction to distract us. Why didn’t he say this before now?

“We have assured him of fair hearing. You can imagine the level of punishment an individual has unleashed on thousands of pensioners, but he goes around using the media to lie to the public.

“I suspect he has godfathers backing him because, ordinarily, no Nigerian will be so arrogant and exhibit such level of exuberance: not minding the laws of the land or the civil service rules.

“He has to mention the pension thieves. We have been fair-minded and transparent. We sought data from the Accountant-General of the Federation on the exact funds released.

ice list.

Maina said over 170,000 pensioners have been captured under the biometrics data capturing exercise.

He listed part of the achievements of the team to

National Assembly pegs Budget oil benchmark at $79

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HE National Assembly (NASS) yesterday dumped the $75 oil benchmark proposed for the 2013 budget by President Goodluck Jonathan. The Senate and the House of Representatives have adopted $79 for the price of crude at 2.526 million barrels per day.

The lawmakers have also adopted a Corporate Tax rate of 30 per cent and five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) rates for 2013 to 2015.

The lawmakers want the Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) Account transferred to the Nigerian Customs Service in addition to an increasing revenue target for the Customs in 2013.

These emerged at the plenary yesterday during the consideration of the Conference Committee report on Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) 20132015 that the Senate and the House could not agree on the most feasible benchmark for

2015: Jega rules out ballot papers for physically-challenged From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

From: Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

the 2013 budget until the early hours of yesterday.

According to the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, John Enoh, the consensus took so long as a result of the resolve on both sides to maintain their stance on $80 and $78.

“Though the official meeting of the conference Committee on November 17, we met several time after that. As a matter of fact, the insistence on the House position on the benchmark led to several meetings as other issues were dealt with much earlier.

“However, because of exigency of time, taking into consideration that the House might adjourn for the festive period, a decision had to be made fast. It was not until the early hours of this morning (Tuesday) that we arrived at $79,” Enoh said.

The lawmakers noted that the document presented for consideration by Enoh was

include cutting of N1billion police pension monthly releases (from N1.59billion to N500 million) and the stoppage of monthly leakage of N4.25billion from the Head of Service pension office.

That N74 billion of the N181 billion discovered and saved by the pension task team has been mopped up for utilisation in the 2012 budget,” he said.

Maina, who also spoke about his running battle with the Senate Committee on Establishments, which is investigating the Pension Office, said the committee is biased.

He said: “The committee is unfair to us because it has taken sides with the cabal. It is against those of us fighting corruption in the system.

“That was why I wrote a protest letter to the Senate President, complaining that the committee is biased. They don’t allow us to answer questions because they will insist on yes or no as answer and this is unfair.”

Maina denied knowledge of the alleged theft of N195 billion by the Pension Office, saying: “The Pension Task Team does not control or approve the utilisation of the finances of the aforementioned pension offices; and for this reason, it could not have been possible for anybody to hold the team accountable for allegedly missing funds by other pension offices, which the team has no control over.”

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• Jonathan

not signed by three members of the House, who were in the conference Committee as well as Enoh himself.

Enoh explained that the original document was signed by all the members of the committee.

Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Down stream), Dakuku Peterside noted that observations on the report ought to have taken place during the second reading of the report.

HE Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega yesterday ruled out the printing of ballot papers with brailles for physically-challenged Nigerians in the 2015 general elections.

Speaking at the Validation Conference for INEC’s 2012-2016 Strategic Plan in Abuja, Jega, who reiterated his desire to create an enabling environment for stakeholders to partake in the country’s electoral process, said it is no longer possible to produce ballot papers with brailles for physically-challenged persons in the 2015 election.

But he promised that despite the constraints, INEC would ensure that persons with disabilities participate in the poll.

He said: “We will strive to meet the need of all stakeholders to make the election environment friendly for stakeholders and participants, especially those with disabilities. There are systemic challenges that are beyond our powers to deal with.

“We will do everything possible within our limits to improve the electoral environment so that it is friendly to people with disabilities. In the guideline that we issued for the elections since 2011, we have ensured that our workers are well trained to provide assistance to anybody with disability in the polling units.

“We are aware that most of our polling units are in public places and schools that do not have ramps that can enable the physically-challenged access these polling units. We are constrained in proving ramps in schools and we don’t even have the funding to provide ramps. These are some of the systemic issues.

“There has to be a national policy so that all public places must have ramps to enable physically-challenged people access facilities. Otherwise, if we expect INEC to provide ramps, it is impossible to do so. We don’t have the resources. We cannot even go to such places to start with. It is also impossible to produce ballot papers with brails in our polling units.

IVIl Society Organisations (CSOs) have queried the Federal Government’s huge spending on fuel subsidy, which they said is unjustifiable.

Rising from a meeting in Abuja, tagged: “The situation room”, they lamented that fuel scarcity has continued to bite harder despite the government’s huge claims.

Spokesman for the group and the coordinator of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, rued the insecurity in the country, saying “it is tied to failure of the government.”

Expressing worry about corruption in government, he said achievement in various sectors “is scandalously poor.”

Musdapher to deliver National Mirror lecture TO mark its second year anniversary, Global Media Mirror Limited, publishers of National Mirror newspapers, will tomorrow in Lagos host a public lecture to be delivered by the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

The two-in-one event, which will also witness the presentation of a book entitled: “For law, for country: Conversations with the Bar and the Bench” at the Muson Centre, Lagos, will see the former chief justice examine the relationship between the law and e-media practice in Nigeria, and how a balance could be struck.

Fed Govt warns envoys against interference From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Federal Government yesterday cautioned members of the diplomatic corps on provocative and unguarded comments in press interviews and public functions that are issued in disregard of local sensitivities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, spoke at an interactive session with the diplomatic community at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

Such statements, he said, amounted to undue interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria.

FirstBank MD wins award

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HE Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc Mr. Bisi Onasanya has emerged the winner of the 2012 EMEA Finance “CEO of the Year Award”.

At the well-attended ceremony, organised under the aegis of the Annual African Banking Awards, now in its fifth edition, First Bank of Nigeria Plc also won the “Best Local Bank in Nigeria for 2012”.

FirstBank had won two previous editions of the award in 2009 and 2010. The African Banking Awards is regarded as the industry standard for banking excellence. Individual nominees are judged by their ability to deliver shareholder returns and gain strategic advantage in terms of market visibility and positioning, while institutions are appraised based on the performance of their critical fundamentals.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS ‘Jonathan must meet lawmakers over insecurity’

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•Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega (middle); Chairman, Senate Committee on INEC, Kabiru Jajare (left); and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on INEC, Jerry Manwe, during the Stakeholder Validation Conference in Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Reps advocate Sept 30 deadline for budget submission

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EMBERS of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research have called for an amendment of Section 81 of the 1999 Constitution to make it mandatory for the President to submit budget proposals by September 30.

At the end of a strategic session on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, which sought an Act to set up a National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), Committee Chairman Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele said it was imperative to give a deadline of September 30 to allow early passage of budgets.

The amendment, among others, will be contained in the proposed NABRO Bill

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

facilitated by the Policy and Legal Centre in collaboration with the committee and supported by the British Department for International Development.

He said: “We have our constitution in Section 81 that says Mr. President in not later than the last day of the current year must present to the National Assembly, the budget proposal for the next fiscal year. In other words, if President Goodluck Jonathan does not present the budget until December 31, he has not committed any offence.

“If you send the proposal

by December, you have a situation where the National Assembly will not

pass it until March or April, and what kind of budget will you implement from May? This partly explains why we do not have adequate budget performance.”

Bamidele said the amendment, among others, would help address inadequate budget performance as currently experienced in the country.

Said he: “The Bill seeks to put in place a framework where from the beginning when budget is passed to the end, there will be monitoring and greater probity and accountability on the part of those implementing the budget and its beneficiaries.

Part of such responsibilities will ensure a quarterly report on budget performance.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the session, participants, including members of the civil society organisations, observed that the NABRO Bill has become imperative to enable the legislative arm of the government discharge its budgetary responsibility.

The Executive Secretary of the Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Mr. Clement Nwankwo, said the benefits of NABRO would eliminate executive information monopoly, simplify budget complexities, promote transparency and enhance credibility of the budget process.

The lawmakers resolved to pass the NABRO Bill in the current legislative year.

‘35% of aviation accidents caused by wind shear’

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HIRTY-FIVE per cent of aviation accidents and deaths worldwide are caused by wind shear, the DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr. Anthony Anuforom, has said.

He said besides providing accurate weather information, wind shear alert system is vital to ensure safety in the aviation sector.

According to a statement made available to The Nation yesterday in Abuja by NIMET’s Head of Corporate Communications, Eva Azinge, the alert system is currently installed in Yola and Benin airports besides those already fixed in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Port

From: Olugbenga Adanikin and Esther John, Abuja

Harcourt International airports.

Anuforom said: “Wind shear and other atmospheric phenomena contribute up to 30 per cent if not 35 per cent to aviation accidents and deaths worldwide. This is a global statistics, and this is why the Nigerian government has been equipping NIMET to sharpen its capacity to observe the weather.”

He said wind shear can be described as the difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere, adding

that it is commonly observed near microbursts and down-bursts caused by thunderstorm.

He said it has a significant effect during take-off and landing due to its effects on the control of the aircraft.

Said Anuforom: “Now you talk about wind shear in particular and I think it is good news for me to let you know that so far, we have wind shear alert systems at the four international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Port Harcourt.

As we are talking, we are installing it in Yola and Benin. We concluded the factory acceptance test for Yola a few days ago. Work

is ongoing to have it in Owerri airport, Enugu airport and Sokoto airport.”

He said safety in the airspace is determined by two factors. First is what he described as Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) managed by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), while the other dimension is the weather forecast run by NIMET. The Director-General said the Federal Government has made a budget proposal which is under review in the National Assembly to enable the agency build more wind shear alert systems in other airports in the country.

Four-year education plan: Fed Govt presents report tomorrow

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HE Federal Government has recorded some successes in its four-year strategic plan for the development of the education sector, it was learnt yesterday.

Minister of Education Prof.

Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufai’ said this at a briefing in Abuja ahead of the presentation tomorrow. She said the report has also identified

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Yvonne Dike Abuja

challenges the implementation agencies may face in the implementation of the strategic plan.

She said the four-year strategic plan for the development of the education sector (2011-2015) was unveiled in May. The Education Minister said the plan represents the

education component of the transformation agenda and the ministry’s approach to actualising President Goodluck Jonathan’s agenda.

Prof. Rufai’ categorised the challenges facing the sector into six focal areas, noting that strategies for addressing them were identified as well as the agencies and groups for implementation.

She said: “It is for the purpose of ensuring that implementation takes place as and when due that the implementation task teams were set up for each of the focal areas. Their responsibility is to liaise with each of the implementation agencies so that they can monitor their progress and identify the challenges they may be facing.”

lawmaker, Mr. Babatunde Ogunola, has said lawmakers would continue to insist that President Goodluck Jonathan appears before the National Assembly following the nation’s insecurity and the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ogunola, who represents Ado/Odo/Ota in the House of Representatives said President Jonathan has many questions to answer concerning insecurity, adding that the President’s unwillingness to appear before the National Assembly is worrisome.

The House of Representatives member, who spoke with reporters after empowering over 134 persons with motorcycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, grinding machines, among others, in Ado/Odo, Ogun State, said the National Assembly would not relent in demanding that the executive should perform its responsibility not only by se-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

curing lives but implementing the budget fully.

Ogunola said: “When we wanted to go on vacation in September, we sent for Mr. President to give us details of the challenges we are facing.

Till today he has not honoured our invitation and we are still pressurising him to do so because he has a lot of questions to answer.

“The insecurity we are facing in this country is worrisome. We will not relent until we combat the problems.

“All Nigerians have a role to play in solving the problems confronting this country.”

He noted that the inability of the executive arm of the government to perform its duties, especially in the areas of budget implementation and security, accounts for the high rate of unemployment and crimes in the country.

Navy begins sea exercise •Assures on battle readiness From Shola O’Neil, Warri

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HE Nigerian Navy yesterday began military operations on the rivers and creeks of the Niger Delta states, Anambra, Kogi and others under its Central Naval Command, as part of efforts to tackle criminal activities, including bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

The operation, tagged: ‘Seioutu Duopamo’, began with the ageless warship, NNS Obula, picking up anchor from the NPA Warri Watersides and sailing into the high seas at about 10.00 hours for the four-day exercise.

The OTC (Officer in Tactical Command) of the exercise, Commodore M.G. Boladale, said it would build on the success recorded in a similar exercise, Furauta.

“Exercise Seioutu Duopamo means clearing our waterways of criminals and bad elements from the entire Central Naval Command area,” he said.

Commodore Boladale said yesterday’s commencement followed a directive from the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, that the Navy should build on the success of the initial exercise.

“It is being arranged to consolidate Farauta, which revealed and reduced illegalities in the Niger Delta to the barest minimum.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

NEWS Workers urged to explore dialogue From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Osun State Government has urged workers to explore all opportunities for dialogue, rather than go on strike.

Commissioner for Information Sunday Akere yesterday urged the labour leadership to dialogue with the government on any grey area.

Akere said the government filed the suit before the National Industrial Court in Lagos because it had resolved to avoid any face-off with labour.

Yesterday at a congress held at the open field of the Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, labour leaders agreed to dialogue with the government, but warned that if the issues could not be resolved, the workers would go ahead with strike.

Labour unions had, in a letter to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Monday, called on the state government to reduce the new proposed tax regime.

They said any attempt to force workers to pay any form of tax arrears would be seen as a direct attack on them.

The unions argued that the contributory pension was a ruse, adding that since the inception of the scheme, the generality of workers were yet to receive any alert on personal and government contributions.

In the letter, which was signed by the chairmen and secretaries of the unions - Comrades Bayo Adejumo and Akinyemi Olatunji for the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrades F. Adetunji and Kayode Adepoju for the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Comrades Saka Adesiyan and G. Bolarinwa for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) -, the workers also rejected the government’s resolve to use a consultancy firm for the salary automation payroll of both serving and retired public officers.

The unions maintained that “the Osun workers unanimously agreed not to participate in the salary automation system”.

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Osun to bury Eso on Friday

LL is set for the final rites of the late Justice Kayode Eso. The Osun State Government yesterday mapped out activities for his funeral.

Chairman of the State Burial Committee Oguntola Toogun, who is the Assistant Chief of Staff to the Governor, said Eso, who died at 87, would be laid to rest at his Ilesa home town on Friday.

Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, Toogun said adequate security had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free ceremony.

He said the state government was determined to give the late jurist a befitting funeral because of his Omoluwabi traits, which are worthy of emulation.

Describing the late Eso as “courageous and fearless”, Toogun said he was known for his “brilliance and illuminating judgment” in the Judiciary.

He said the deceased had to his credit many landmark judgments that stood him out as an exceptional jurist, thereby making him the only

Amosun: Eso could not be bought

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has described the late Justice Kayode Eso as “a courageous judge, who is not afraid to say the truth”.

Amosun spoke yesterday when he visited the deceased’s family in Ibadan, the state capital.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the late jurist, who was known for his integrity, courage, discipline, compassion and diligence.

Amosun said the late Eso was one of the elder statesmen, “who sacrificed their yesterday for what the country is enjoying today”.

He said: “The late Eso lived an exemplary life that we all should be proud of. He was a courageous man, who delivered landmark judgments. He could not be bought. He was a From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

judge in the world that was invited twice by the United States Supreme Court for refresher programmes.

Toogun noted the case of the Shagari vs Awolowo election judgment in 1979, where Eso’s was the only dissenting judgment, and the celebrated case of Prof. Wole Soyinka.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

good man and would be missed by all.”

Recalling the late jurist’s dissenting judgment in the celebrated 12 2/3 of 19 states of the 1979 presidential polls, the governor said the dissenting judgment was one of the redefining moments in the political history of the nation, especially the Southwest.

He said: “We are not mourning Justice Eso, we have come to celebrate the passage of a courageous jurist, a diligent man and a shinning example. He was an uncompromising and incorruptible judge, whose landmark judgment always gave hope to the hopeless.”

The deceased’s brother, Ven. Ladipo Eso thanked Amosun for the visit and said the traffic of personalities to their home was a testimony of the late jurist’s selfless life.

On the funeral programme, Toogun said the Service of Songs would hold today at the Bodija International School.

The Osun State Government will receive the body of the jurist tomorrow at Asejire, the border between Oyo and Osun states.

The Christian wake will hold at the Anglican Church

of the Risen Christ at OkeOmi-Iru, Ilesa.

A farewell oratory session in honour of the jurist will be held at the Governor’s Office in Osogbo.

His remains will be laid to rest on Friday after a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Holy Trinity, Omofe, Ilesa.

New driver’s licence: FRSC warns officials against extortion From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Oyo State Command, yesterday inaugurated the new National Commercial Driver’s Licence in Ibadan, the state capi-

tal.

It said the commission has put machinery in place to ensure the smooth issuance of the new licence to the three million commercial drivers in the state.

Many commercial drivers had expressed fears on the issuance of the new driver’s license, which would begin next month.

The Sector Commander, Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghene, warned his men and those of other agencies against extorting commercial drivers over the issuance of new driver’s licence.

He said commercial drivers are expected to obtain forms, go for eye and other tests before they can be issued the new licence.

Ogagaoghene warned drivers against bribing FRSC officials.

He said commercial drivers have to undergo more tests than private drivers because they have more responsibilities.

Ogagaoghene said seven centres have been opened for the issuance of the new licence but only two were functioning.

The centres include Onireke, state secretariat, Atiba, Eruwa, Saki and Ogbomoso.

Ogagaoghene said: “I assure you (commercial drivers) of the readiness of the FRSC to ensure the smooth issuance of the new driver’s licence, despite its challenges.”

Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) urged the FRSC to open more centres to ensure easy issuance of the licence.

They urged the commission to open a centre at the NURTW State Secretariat.

‘Civil servants critical to governance’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Head of Service Olubunmi Famosaya has said civil servants are a critical part of any administration.

Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on activities marking the 2012 Civil Service Week, Famosaya said civil servants have a duty to formulate policies for the execitive arm of government to ensure effective governance.

He said: “Being a civil servant does not mean we should be servile. We are a critical component of any administration. We must be there to formulate policies and function in other advisory capacities to the executive.

Famosaya warned civil servants against participating in partisan politics.

He said anyone caught openly supporting a political party, would be retired.

Famosaya said the aim of the on-going Civil Service reforms was to enhance service delivery.

He urged junior officers to further their education to enhance their opportunities for promotion.

Famosaya said 196 junior workers, who obtained additional certificates between 2008 and 2010, had been promoted.

He said promotions and appointments would be strictly based on merit.

Activities billed for the week include a novelty football match tomorrow and a dinner/award ceremony on Friday.

•From left: Representative of the Southwest Coordinator of State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Alhaji Amuda Yusuf; Permanent Secretary, Oyo State SUBEB, Mr. Amao Olugbenga; Chairman, Oyo SUBEB, Dr. Busari Adebisi and the Consultant of the University of Ibadan Ventures, Dr. Oyedare Oyeniran, at the 2012 Teachers’ Development Workshop in Ibadan...yesterday

Police extend search for Rotimi’s wife to other states

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HE Oyo State Police Command yesterday said it has extended its

search for Mrs. Titilayo Rotimi, wife of the former Military Governor of the Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (rtd.), to other states.

Mrs. Rotimi was abducted by gunmen in front of her company on the Ibadan-Ife

•Suspects to remain in custody From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Expressway, on December 10, around 6:30pm.

Eyewitnesses said she was forced into a Primera car and taken to an unknown destination.

Police spokesman Mr.

Ayodele Lanade told The Nation yesterday that the command was yet to get a strong clue about her whereabouts.

He said the command had extended its search to other states and urged the public to assist them with information.

Lanade assured residents

that the command would rescue Mrs. Rotimi.

He said the police have secured a court order to detain nine of the 10 suspects arrested in relation with the abduction, pending the conclusion of their investigation.

Lanade said the only female suspect was released on bail to allow her nurse her baby.

Ogbomoso residents protest alleged neglect of ESIDENTS of conduct themselves with deLAUTECH College Ogbomoso, Oyo State, corum and refrain from acts have protested the althat can disrupt the peace.

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leged neglect of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) College of Health Sciences and the Teaching Hospital.

They marched on major streets, carrying placards with inscriptions, such as: “No to the marginalisation of the College of Health Sciences and the Teaching Hospital”; “Governor Ajimobi, speak up Now” and “College of Health Sciences has come to stay in Ogbomoso,” among others.

All entrances into LAUTECH’s main campus, the College of Health Sciences and the Teaching Hospital

From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

were barricaded by the protesters, who chased workers out of their offices.

The ever-busy IlorinOgbomoso-Oyo highway was closed to traffic, as the protesters made bonfires on the road.

Though armed policemen patrolled the streets to prevent the breakdown of law and order, there was no casualty report.

Speaking through Mr. Akeem Aleem, the protesters said their action became imperative in view of some unpleasant developments at the college.

Aleem said: “What is the justification for sending the salary of teaching hospital workers in Ogbomoso to Osogbo, the Osun State capital, before payment can be effected.

“What is the status of the college as regards workers’ welfare and why? Since it was inaugurated, the College of Health Sciences is yet to have electricity, which makes learning unbearable for the students.”

When the protesters got to the palace, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade, urged them to

He said: “The people of Ogbomoso are tolerant, peaceloving and accommodating, but they can be very tough and resolute, if their rights are trampled upon.

“The fact that the protesters are mainly indigenes of the town, without any LAUTECH staff joining them, shows that the people are opposed to happenings in the two institutions.”

The monarch told LAUTECH’s Acting ViceChancellor Prof Sulaiman Gbadegesin, who was reportedly at the palace, to look into the people’s complaints.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS ‘Ekiti won’t sack workers’

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HE Ekiti State Government yesterday said it has no intention of sacking local government workers.

Commissioner for Information Funminiyi Afuye, in a statement, said the clarification became necessary, following the "wicked rumour" being peddled by the opposition that the government was planning to sack council workers.

Afuye urged the public to ignore the rumour, adding that the government stands on the agreement reached with the workers' union, which led to the end of their strike last month.

The commissioner said after the strike was called off, the government posted some workers to areas where they would function optimally.

He said council workers with education-related certificates were posted to schools to teach while those in the health sector were redeployed in the Primary Health Development Agency.

Afuye said: "I reiterate that the Ekiti State Government

has no plan to sack local government workers. An agreement was reached with their union leaders that no worker would be victimised for his or her role in the strike.

"This blatant falsehood is being spread by the opposition to cause disaffection between the government and local government workers.

"A cordial relationship exists among the government, council workers and those in the core civil service and we will do everything possible to maintain the industrial peace in the state.

"We challenge the opposition to publish the names of those purportedly sacked and produce their letters of disengagement from service. It is trite in law that he who alleges must prove. The onus is on the peddlers of this falsehood to substantiate their claim with concrete evidence.

"We urge the public, especially council workers, to be wary of the antics of the opposition, who are desperately looking for undeserved relevance."

Ogun approves N200m bursary •Indigenes in Law School to get N100,000 each

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HE Ogun State Government has approved N200 million for the payment of bursaries and the award of scholarships to students.

Indigenes in law schools across the federation would be paid N100,000 each.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun approved a 50 per cent increment on the N50,000 each student was formerly paid.

Primary school pupils with special needs will now get N10, 000 each, instead of the previous N8,000.

Their counterparts in secondary schools and tertiary institutions will get N20,000 and N30,000.

Over 10,770 students are to benefit from the reviewed Bursary Scheme.

Although 49,298 students applied for the bursary, 10,770 were verified as genuine.

The beneficiaries comprises 226 law students, 432 physically-challenged persons (eight in primary schools, 314 in secondary schools and 110 in tertiary institutions), 235 state scholars, 4,782 final-year students and 5,988 on other levels.

Commissioner for Education Segun Odubela, who spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, said the figures were arrived at af-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ter his ministry overhauled the payment process of bursaries, scholarships and other grants to ensure transparency.

Odubela said: "I realised that if we want to increase the amount paid to the beneficiaries, we need to ensure that the figures are correct and cover only genuine beneficiaries.

"So we requested the institutions to forward the names of students of Ogun State origin, their bank account details, names and addresses of their parents.

“Each student was required to append his or her signature on the returns. This helped us arrive at realistic figures of beneficiaries and the amount required."

He said final-year students would get N10,000 each, instead of the previous N3,000, while those on other levels would be paid N5,000, instead of N1,500.

State scholars will get N30,000 each instead of the previous N8,000-N25, 000.

Odubela said the governor directed that the money should be taken from this year's budget of the Ministry of Education.

‘Tukur recognises me as Ogun PDP chair’

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HAIRMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State Mr. Adebayo Dayo yesterday said the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, recognises him as the chairman of the state chapter.

Dayo said Tukur’s comments during his visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, the state capital, was a confirmation that his Exco was authentic.

In a statement, Dayo faulted claims that Tukur endorsed the Dipo Odujinrin-led group.

He said: “What our respectable National Chairman said was that whoever the people elected is the chairman of our party in Ogun. We are aware that the sacked National Auditor, Mr. Bode Mustapha, manipulated the remarks of the National Chairman to suit his selfish interest.

“While the National Chairman knows that our exco emerged from the March, 2012, congresses organised by the Dayo Soremiled Harmonised Exco, under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies, the Odujinrin group’s purported election was not witnessed

by INEC representatives.

“Even the Congress Monitoring Committees of the party has declared the purported congresses null and void. Again, the November 16, 2012, judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos, which sacked the Odujinrin group, confirmed the position of the committees.

“What is more, INEC and the several court judgments have also affirmed our Exco. So, if the National Chairman says whoever is elected by the people is the Chairman, then, with all sense of modesty, he could not be referring to any other person but me.

Ondo PDP: no withdrawal of petition

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday said it was not under pressure to withdraw its petition challenging the victory of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the October 20 election.

PDP said its candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, was not being lobbied by the party’s national leadership to withdraw the petition.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Wale Ozogoro, PDP said: “As of today, our party’s national leadership and the presidency have not called Oke or the leadership of the state party to either lobby or direct them to withdraw the petition.

“Rather, the national leadership commended our performance at that elec-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tion, stating that we performed creditably well despite all odds. The letter was personally signed by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“No meeting has been called or held to facilitate the so-called withdrawal of the petition that was submitted in good faith with the intention of reclaiming our stolen mandate.

“Oke and the party toiled day and night to successfully pilot the party to the level it is today. We remain focused and unshakable. We have resolved to approach equity with clean hands.

“We are not unaware of the desperate move of the governor, in his usual manner with his cohorts, to

continuously deceive the people. This is by sponsoring hyper media propaganda and surreptitious moves interred with deceit, falsehood and pretense, all aimed at suggesting a comeback to the PDP, which is a fluke.

“Before the election, it was generally speculated in the same manner we are witnessing now that the governor was coming to our party by the same source orchestrated by his paid cronies in Abuja.

“Our party will not lose sight of history and the antics of Mimiko, as he abandoned an earlier promise he made to the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who helped him secure the judgment that ousted the Chief Olusegun Agagu administration.

“Ondo PDP will continue to pursue its case with the support and collaboration of our national leadership.

The Mimiko we know is not ready to come to the PDP. His major interest is how to heinously and tactically explore all avenues, including the media, to get the PDP and Oke to withdraw the petition, having being advised by his counsel that, indeed, the PDP has a strong petition against him.

“After a thorough study of the petition, Mimiko’s counsel implored him to continue, in his usual manner, to recruit dissents and compromised individuals with the intention of portraying the party as divided and not capable of genuinely accomplishing its quest to recover its stolen mandate.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

10

CITYBEATS

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

Pipeline Pipeline explosion: explosion: Vandals Vandals shoot shoot at at rescuers rescuers F IRE is still raging at Ijeododo in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State where a pipeline exploded on Monday night.

Fire fighters are said to be finding it difficult to access the scene because of the thick forest.

Rescue operations were initially stalled by vandals who shot at a team comprising the police and officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

NEMA Director-General Ibrahim Farinloye, who was at the scene said the explosion occurred at about 11pm on Monday.

Rescue operations, he said, began yesterday because it was late and dark on Monday night and the team could not access the scene.

He said: "The pipeline exploded in the dead of the night, but rescue operations could not be carried out and was scheduled to start by 5.30am yesterday.

"But the scheduled rescue operation was botched by the vandals who shot sporadically to scare the team.

"However, NNPC officials were contacted and they shut down the pipelines to limit the damage and further loss of products.

"We could not carry out the rescue operation or an assessment of the devastation because the vandals were shooting at us.

"The rescue team had to take cover because their safety is important. It was when things calmed down that we moved in to do our job."

By last night, he said clearance of access route to the point has begun, adding that rescue operations has also started.

"At the 7th Avenue end of FESTAC Town, one hundred and fifty (150) pieces of 50 litre-Jerry cans and 46 bags that can contain 150 litres of fuel were recovered. Efforts to reach the Commandant, NSCDC, Obafaiye Shem, failed.

Officials of Lagos State Emergency Agency

Youths urged to harness potentials

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

• The scene... yesterday

By Segun Balogun and Precious Igbonwelundu (LASEMA) said the flowstation had been shut, adding: “the fire should die off soon.”

Some metres away from the fire, thick black smoke enveloped the air.

A resident, Comfort Onwumere, who claimed to have lived in the community for more than 10 years, said: "We did not sleep here yesterday. I ran out with my children without wearing cloth."

"We had to run because pipelines surround this community and the entire community can be engulfed if care is not taken," said another resident, Kazeem Olukabi.

They said the fire was not the problem, as it is the third time it is happening this year, adding that the problem is why government will allow vandalism to continue without any resistance.

"The only time vandalism does not happen is during the heavy rains. But the simplest solution is to construct a road from Ijegun to Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area," said Idowu Taofeek, Ijeododo Community Development Association Chairman.

He appealed to government to heed their requests for the road.

They were thankful that no casualty was recorded.

The fire destroyed all Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN)s electricity cables that supply electricity to the area.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

"The last time it happened, we had to contribute about N500,000 and that took about five months before we could have light. This time we do not know how long it will take," Taofeek said.

Officials of the NSCDC, Navy Merchants, and a water truck of the Lagos State

Fire Service are at the scene to manage the emergency.

NSCDC's Lagos Command Public Relations Officer Mrs. Kehinde Bada said no arrest was made.

She said a large quantity of petroleum products were recovered and would be handed over to NNPC after

investigations, adding that evacuation of the recovered product has begun.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said she was yet to get the details of the incident.

604 get N3.58b retirement bonds

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has presented retirement bond certificates worth N3.58 billion to 604 retired workers.

At the presentation yesterday, Fashola said his government would not allow those who had served the state meritoriously to suffer.

The Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe, who presented the certificates to the beneficiaries, said they (certificates) represented accrued pension rights made up of gratuity and pension entitlements of every worker before April 1, 2007, when the Contributory Pension Scheme started in the state.

He said: "As of today, a total

By Oziegbe Okoeki

of N3,576,896,481.57k has already been transferred into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of the 604 retirees in this 7th batch.

"Today's Bond presentation has thus brought the total accrued pension rights already paid into the RSAs of 2,539 retirees in Lagos State to N13,910,187,732. 47k. This is made up of gratuity and pension benefits for entitlements under the old Scheme.

"At the fifth Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation ceremony in March this year, I reiterated my call that the CPS should be one of the easier 'quick wins' for the states of the

old Western Region to achieve, by collaborating for better pension administration regimes and driving public service productivity under the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN).

"This call becomes more imperative in the light of the recent disclosure that the country's pension fund will increase from its present N2.9trillion to N3trillion by the end of 2012," he said.

Director-General of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Rotimi Hussain said the government would ensure that the retirees are taken care of, adding an automated pension administration mechanism has been put in place.

LAGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has urged Nigerian youth to always focus their energy on meaningful project that could aid development.

He said this during the 60th anniversary lecture of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter.

The speaker, who was installed the NYCN patron said youths are valued possession of any nation, without which there can be no meaningful development.

He said when youthful energy is left in its raw and unrefined nature due to negligence, it breeds negative psycho-social attitudes, such as violence, corruption, vandalism, sexual indiscipline, lawlessness and civil disobedience.

Ikuforiji said youths in an ideal democratic setting do not have to fight for social amenities, infrastructural facilities, security of lives and property as these are government's primary responsibilities.

"Rather the youths are expected to be preoccupied with how they can add more value to the existing condition of their people through gainful and resourceful involvement in the policy process and invention of development initiatives capable of taking their nation to a greater height," he said.

Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lagos State Alhaji Waheed Ishola stressed the need for policy makers to assist youths in harnessing their potentials for national development.

The agency also said youths must develop the competence to contribute successfully to their communities.

In a paper entitled: Empowering Nigerian Youths for Economic Development and National Peace, Ishola said, with appropriate empowerment through training and guidance, Nigerian youths could provide the manpower for the country.

"For any nation to develop, its citizens including the youths, must be guided by some principles. They must imbibe the value of honesty, hard work, obedience and tolerance," he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Independent Shareholders' Association of Nigeria, Sunny Nwosu in his remarks challenged the youths to take their rightful position in the scheme of thing.

100 octogenarians complete literacy course

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O fewer than 100 octogenarians have completed a short term literacy course organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Laudable Support for Women, Youth and Community Development Initiative (LSWYCDI).

They were trained in vocational skills such as soap making, bead making, insecticide production, petroleum jelly and body creams among others.

Speaking at the graduation held at the Nigerian Army Officers' Mess, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, the NGO's

By Yinka Aderibigbe

founder, Mrs Bolanle Dosunmu said besides reading and writing, the graduates also acquired skills that could make them self reliant.

According to Dosunmu, the NGO is set to build an equitable society in order to promote peoples' well being.

She said: "The turn-out so far and the positive effects of the training on the people prompted us to empower more women and youth so as to continue the course to develop the new ways of thinking and re-shape them

for the present and future while prioritising sustainability in our efforts to address the economic, socio-political and environmental challenges facing the society."

Mrs Dosumu appealed to individuals to partner with the NGO to empower women and the youth.

She added: "The NGO is geared towards developing the skills of the aged. The essence of this is to encourage them to be more focused and to showcase them to the public. Education as we all know is not only a fundamental human right, but

also a tool for change and sustainable development.

Hence, it needs to be considered first in any development agenda."

Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga praised the NGO's founder for complementing the government's effort in enhancing the literacy level.

A beneficiary, Pa Adeyemo Yekini praised Mrs Dosumu for providing the graduates the platform to learn.

He said he was never forced to enrol in the adult literacy class, but was driven by the passion for education.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

NEWS

AMCON insists on possession of Capital Oil’s assets

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HE Asset Manage ment Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has said it will not yield possession of the assets of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, temporarily forfeited to it by virtue of a Federal High Court order of November 13 this year.

In a statement yesterday, it said it will remain in possession of the assets pending the determination of the appeal it filed against the court’s later ruling, reversing its November 13 decision.

Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, in the suit by AMCON, marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/714/2012 against Capital Oil & Gas Indus-

By Eric Ikhilae tries Limited and Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, via an order ex-parte, granted AMCON possession of certain assets of the defendants pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

The assets covered by the court’s order, include landed properties; some of which are facilities containing large quantities of petroleum products running into billions of naira.

On December 12, 2012, Justice Abdu-Kafarati, discharged the order of possession granted AMCON and ordered that the Defendants be allowed to continue to run their business and pay their debt to

TCN attains 4,349MW generation

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HE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said it recorded a new generation peak of 4,349.7Megawatts (MW). The feat was attained last Monday.

The Assistant General Manager, Pubic Affairs, Mr Dave Ifabiyi, who made this known, said the TCN wheeled the power to the distribution firms across the country.

He explained that this new figure was against the 4,321MW attained on Friday, August 31, 2012.

“The new generation peak was achieved due to improved gas supply, newly inaugurated generating units at the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) thermal power stations in Omotosho and

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Olorunsogo, as well as concerted efforts of engineers in the generation firms, transmission and distribution companies, who have continued to work hard towards improving the nation’s power system.”

He said TCN is partnering the generation firms to further improve on this achievement to attain an alltime high generation target of 4,500MW before the end of this year.

TCN appealed to the public to reciprocate this gesture by protecting transmission facilities in their communities and ensure that they pay their electricity bills promptly so that it can sustain and improve on its achievements.

SEC seals off ‘illegal’ fund managers’ firm

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HE Securities and E x c h a n g e Commission (SEC) yesterday sealed off the premises of an alleged illegal fund manager, Avenue to Wealth at Ikeja, Lagos.

The action was taken following several months of complaints by subscribers to the fund.

The Commission’s move was effected by plain and uniformed police officers from the Commission and the Lagos Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

The firm is located within the serene Olufumilola Okikolu Street, off Toyin Street, Ikeja.

According to Mr Benard Ebe, an Assistant Director, Enforcement and Compliance at SEC, who headed the team, the Commission has in the last three months being inundated with series of complaints of fraud from investors in the fund manager’s scheme, noting that to guide against other people falling prey to its scheme, the commission had to move swiftly.

He said for any firm to

By Tonia Osundolire

engage in fund management, it must, it must register its operations with the commission or it would be treated as an illegal operation.

“They lure people to bring their money to them and in the process they pay dividend or interest as the case may be.

From there they pay the initial investors in the scheme, but when the investors have brought a lot other investors on board the s c h e m e , t h e y w i l l shut their premises, making several investors lose millions of naira.”

The firm’s Managing Director, Mr Adeolu Akinyemi, along with three other officers were arrested during the operation.

“Three month ago, details of operation of the company came to the commission. Section 153 of the Investment and Security Act showed that operators of such fund must obtain licence, to ensure close monitoring by the commission and, moreso, they are expected to file returns to the commission.

AMCON as they can. The judge also ordered that parties should resolve their dispute amicably in the interest of the economy.

Justice Abdu Kafarati refused AMCON’s application for the sale of the petroleum products in the defendants’facilities, which have been leaking and posing serious security risks as well as public health hazard, but instead, adjourned hearing to January 18, next year.

Dissatisfied, AMCON appealed the court’s decision of December 12 and filed an application praying for an order of stay of execution and injunction pending the hearing of the appeal.

It is also seeking an order mandating the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide security to secure the assets of the defendants, and an order for the immediate sale of the petroleum products in the defendants’ tank farms.

AMCON prayed the court to order that proceeds from the sale be paid into an interest yielding account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the Court pending the final determination of the suit.

It hinged its decision to maintain possession over the assets on the ground that the defendants were at the risk of not being able to recover the over N65billion debt owed by Capital Oil & Gas to four

local banks.

AMCON contended that not only have the defendants admitted owing it and three local banks over N90billion, it was aware of the order of the High Court of England granting a world-wide freezing injunction against the assets of defendants worth $133,518,230.36. It accused Ubah and Capital Oil of failing to honour past settlement agreements entered by parties. AMCON said it also learnt that the defendants owe arrears of rent on the property where their main facilities at Apapa are located, with a threat of imminent eviction.

It contended that should the defendants be evicted,

it will become impossible for AMCON to recover the huge debts owed to it by Ubah and Capital Oil. “In consideration of these facts and further to legal advice obtained in this regard, AMCON will remain in possession of the defendants’ assets for which the Court had originally granted AMCON possession in view of the pending appeal and applications in Court.

“AMCON is also doing everything within its statutory powers to ensure that the huge and wide spread indebtedness of the defendants to AMCON and Nigerian banks do not precipitate a systemic risk to the financial system,” the corporation said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

12

NEWS

Nigeria more important than our personal differences, says Jonathan P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the country is more important than personal, religious and ethnic differences.

He urged Nigerians to rise above individual differences and promote values that bind the country together.

The President spoke at the emblem appeal launch for the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. The event was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

The President also urged the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to champion the cause of unity and national cohesion, adding that the Armed Forces remembrance affords the nation the opportunity to celebrate the gallantry of its military; those living and those who had paid the supreme sacrifice during

•N60m raised at Armed Forces Emblem launch From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

World War II, the civil war and various peace keeping missions.

He urged Nigerians to refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

President Jonathan said: “For me, the strongest message is that of unity. The men and women that we remember today were drawn into national service from all parts of Nigeria and they served gallantly, regardless of differences of religion or ethnicity.

“They were united by the same purpose - to keep Nigeria

secure. Their oneness of purpose and spirit remind us of the significance of national cohesion.

Together we can achieve a lot.

“Whatever may be our differences; religious, ethnic or personal, Nigeria is more important. We must be united in rising above our differences and promoting values that bind us together.

“We must refuse to be divided by those who impose ethnic and religious meaning on every national issue.

“Soon, it will be 100 years since Nigeria emerged as one country; it is a heritage that we all must be proud of.

“The legacy of our past heroes is something we must cherish as we strive together to leave an even worthier legacies for future generation.”

The Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem launch, according to the President, is significant, coming four days after the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi, their aides and pilots.

The President pledged to support the families of the victims.

“We remember today the

heroes that have fallen and also our serving military men and women. We remember today the sacrifice that our armed forces have made and are still making so that our country can continue to live in peace and remain secured.

“To those who have served and those who are still serving, we thank you for the sacrifice that you have made, sacrifice that is borne out of patriotism, sacrifice that is strong message of inspiration to the rest of us,’’ Jonathan said.

Minister of State for Defence Mrs Olusola Obada said the nation deserved to honour those who had laid down their lives for her unity.

She said the fund realised would be used to, among other things, support the families and loved ones the departed heroes

•Jonathan

left behind.

The President, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, were decorated with the emblem.

Also decorated were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former President Shehu Shagari, Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Mrs. Obada.

Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ola Ibrahim, the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Ministers and other dignitaries were decorated with the emblem.

Business mogul Aliko Dangote, who was also decorated with the emblem donated N30 million and announced donation of another N30 million on behalf of Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.

Mrs. Stella Okoye, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical, announced a donation of N10million worth of drugs for military hospitals.

Fed Govt names new PenCom head

A

NEW Head of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) has been named.

She is Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, PenCom’s Head of Corporate Communications Emeka Onuora said in a statement sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Onuora said Mrs. AnohuAmazu was selected as the most senior official of the commission.

He said Anohu-Amazu was directed to preside over PenCom by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation.

“The appointment of Mrs. Anohu-Amazu was as a result of her being the most senior officer in the commission,“ the statement said.

“Anohu-Amazu is one of the key players in the pension reform programme and one of the experts that “midwifed” the Contributory Pension Scheme in Nigeria.

“She served in the Fola Adeola Pension Reform Committee set up by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and which helped in the enactment of the Pension Reform Act 2004,“ the statement added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PenCom’s Director-General, Alhaji Muhammad Ahmad, had on December 16 stepped down from the office.

This was due to the expiration of the tenure of the chairman and executive members of the PenCom Board.

We are ready for AFCON —Oboabona Pg. 51

Osaze may delay AFCON trip Pg. 51

Sport Wednesday, December 19, 2012

PAGE 13

AFCON 2013

Don’t distract

us, Keshi begs Pg. 14

…Galadima calls for prayers …Fegor sparkles in training ‘Africa should worry about Nigeria’

Pg. 51

NOC promises more training programmes for Nigerian coaches Pg. 14

NATIONSPORT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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51

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

NOC promises more training programmes for Nigerian coaches

Don’t distract Eagles, Keshi begs

…Galadima calls for prayers …Fegor sparkles in training

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL FALLOUT

Lagos boxers get NABF invitations

Osaze may delay AFCON trip

By Innocent Amommoh

•Keshi

•Osaze

Dutch expert hails Nigerian coaches

Guinness Fly with Eagles Promo We are ready for AFCON —Oboabona continues, as 118 winners emerge

•Wale Edun

Yakowa: NFF commiserates with Kaduna people, govt

•Harrald Stelder

•Oboabona

‘Africa should worry about Nigeria’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

EMPLOYMENT

GESTURE

DONATION

1,000 more teachers for schools

N10m food for boarding schools

Council boosts police with patrol vehicles

Borno

18

Lagos

Nasarawa 47

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Page 17

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

•The women at the training programme

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HE process of rehabilitating orphans and vulnerable children has begun in Ekiti State.

The state launched a comprehensive survey across its 16 local councils, preparatory to having a reliable data base of the needy, especially those requiring urgent help.

The search for the orphans and vulnerable children or OVC began in April and is almost concluded, according to the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment (MWASDGE), Mrs. Fola RichieAdewusi The survey, she said, was conducted by the Ministry in collaboration with Pact Nigeria, Management Sciences for Health (MSH) and Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF).

She noted that the OVC were those in their early years who lost either or both parents and have consequently been exposed to certain socially and

Ekiti begins orphans rehabilitation

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

economically imposed dangers.

The Commissioner noted: “No conclusive figure of OVC in the state has been arrived at since the data from the exercise which was just being concluded would still need to be subjected to further collation, analysis, cleaning and verification across the LGAs” [Local Government Areas].

Fola-Richie said: “The state would not just dig them out from wherever they are or compile their names as an academic exercise. The data generated would be used to reach out to those in the category to enable the state intervene meaningfully and decisively in their lives.”

A one-week training was organised for 40 among the lot at the Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti

Several trained in skills where Mrs. Richie-Adewusi clarified that the OVC must be taken off the streets and economically empowered to engender and sustain lasting peace in the society.

She added: “OVC now constitute a significant section of outof-school population the ranks of which are increasing daily across section of the country.

“We all have to be equally concerned about their welfare to be equally safe from unsavoury consequences. Regardless of whatever situation led to their being vulnerable, their situation is criti-

cal.”

The commissioner noted that the training was sponsored by the State Action Committee on Aids (SACA) and the World Bank.

She explained: “They (the OVC) are faced with a lot of challenges such as stigmatisation, discrimination, abuse, exploitation and violence. Most of them grew up among dangers and corrosive influences of society such as moral decay and crime.”

“This training will go a long way in giving them the hope and

•Governor Fayemi

succour needed to face challenges of their situations as well as reduce morbidity and mortality among them.

“Without mincing words or being immodest, the selected vulnerable children participating in this training will surely •Continued on Page 48

‘Pupils champion good character’

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•Prince Ochi

HE campaign to evolve a new ethical culture in the country is yielding fruit where it matters most.

“Lying has reduced among our pupils and honesty has increased in our school,” said a teacher at Landmark College, Ikeja, Lagos. Several other instructors from elite schools in Lagos presented similar reports, underscoring the point that young people are gradually embracing good character and making it count.

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

That’s exactly what Prince Nnagozie Ochi, founder and Chief Social Architect of Good Character Development Initiative (GCDI) is seeking to achieve.

“I think we are making some little progress,” he told a sizable crowd of staff and coordinators of the Good Character campaign at a get-together in Ikeja.

Ochi is driven by a passion to inspire a new country where

good character counts as a basis for national growth and the well-being of the people. He believes that policies and programmes of government across the tiers cannot guarantee enduring growth or development if the moral fibre of the nation is weak.

GCDI is determined to strengthen that fibre, starting from young people whose characters are still developing.

The campaign is catching on in a wide range of schools

across the country, with pupils embracing it and even playing leading roles. In the partnering schools, good character has been incorporated into the curriculum. Kids are getting to understand why they should not tell lies, for instance, and why they should play a role in evolving a new nation of people with integrity. In some schools, pupils give talks on good character. Even in behav•Continued on Page 48

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Borno employs 1,000 teachers

T

HE Borno State government has recruited 1, 000 teachers to improve the standard of education in the state.

The Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Inuwa Kubo, said this while briefing newsmen on the activities of his ministry in Maiduguri.

Kubo also said government had raised the monthly allocation for feeding of students in secondary schools from N20 million to N100 million.

“Governor Kashim Shettima has also approved an upward review of the funds being

N10m food for boarding schools

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Borno spent on students’ feeding from N20m to N100m monthly.”

Kubo said government had spent about N9.4 billion on the execution of projects in the education sector this year.

He explained that the projects included renovation of all secondary schools in the state.

“We also constructed new classrooms and procured numerous instructional materials to boost teaching and learning in schools.

Kebbi rehabilitates six forest reserves

T •Governor Shettima

HE Kebbi State government has begun the planting of 120,000 trees as part of efforts to rehabilitate six forests reserves in Zuru, Yauri, Bagudo and Argungu Local Government Areas of the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry

Aliyu inaugurates pilgrims association

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OVERNOR Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has inaugurated the state’s chapter of the Association of Jerusalem Pilgrims, charging the body to bring peace and development to the state.

Aliyu made the call in Minna after inaugurating the association and receiving an award from the state’s chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for contributing positively to the Christian Community in Nigeria.

He urged Jerusalem Pilgrims to use the teaching of Jesus Christ to bring peace and development to the state.

“If you go on pilgrimage no matter your sins or bad ways when you come back, we expect you to be a better person in your family and the society at large.

“I am happy that today we have inaugurated the Jerusalem Pilgrims’ Association in Niger State so that they will pursue the objectives of going to the Holy Land.

“So that those that will go later will know that they are not going for site-seeing but for

Niger spiritual journey to bring peace and development to their families and the society at large’’.

The governor called on religious bodies in the state to set up peace and security committees in view of the mounting security challenges in the country.

He thanked CAN for the award and pledged to continue to carry all the religious groups in the state along.

“We swore to treat all manner of people equally regardless of their religious affiliations,’’ he said.

The Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Musa Dada, said the governor was honoured because of his improved working relationship with the Christian community, religious tolerance and respect for humanity in addition to sponsoring many Christians to the holy land.

Other dignitaries honoured include Dr Peter Olukowi, late Amb. James Kolo and Mr Abraham Yisa.

Kebbi of Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Bunza, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that assorted seedlings covering nine hectares had been planted.

He said that the forest reserve project tagged,“Tangier Scheme”, allows farmers to cultivate freely within the reserves for a period of five years while ensuring that trees were planted in return.

Bunza said the failure by some farmers in the past to pay fees for cultivating within the reserves had compelled government to evict them.

He said that forestry officers were engaged in the planting and nurturing of the plants to maturity.

He identified tree felling as a major challenge facing the ministry and stressed the resolve of government to prosecute violators in line with the provisions of the state Forest Edict No.1 of 1997.

In a related development, the ministry had constructed three kilometres of shelter belt in Birnin Kebbi, Shanga, Zuru and Fakai local government areas of the state to curtail soil erosion.

•Chairman, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. Olabinjo(left), receiving award on Rural Electrification by the Lagos Commissioner of Chieftancy Affairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye. With them is the chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hakeem Bamgbola during the Grassroots Achievers Award at Oregun, Lagos.

HIV/AIDS: NGO organises awareness campaign

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NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation (NGO),Tarikahs Initiative, has organised an awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS for market women and youths in Isolo area of Lagos.

The awareness rally took place at Isolo market and was well attended by youths and market women.

Shakirat Otufowora, founder of the NGO which has made health campaign rally an annual event, said she was driven by her desire to ensure good health for all in Isolo.

“My aim and objective is improving quality of lives by educating the participants on how to handle complicated health matters such as HIV/

Council boosts police with patrol vehicles

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HE Chairman, Apapa Local Government Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, has hailed the police command in the council for standing up to its responsibility in the fight against crime.

He made the remarks during the presentation of two patrol vehicles to the command to boost its fight against crime last week at the council’s secretariat, Apapa.

Joseph said this was no praise singing because Apapa was safe when it came to security of lives and property but until very recently there had not been any serious breach of peace because the police command was up and doing.

He said: “Security in Apapa is quite on the better side and until a month ago when we had an unfortunate incident of robbery, before then, there had not been any serious robbery case in the council.”

The chairman who reiterated that the provision of the vehicles was one of the many areas they wanted to assist the police to function well, also mentioned that the council was going to assist them in ensuring that they work in a convenient environment that would enable them do their job better.

“This is one of the many areas which we want to collaborate with the Nigeria Police, we are going to provide more assistance in

• Hon Joseph commissioning the vehicles

By Musa Odoshimokhe

terms of equipment, and we will equally want to make their office comfortable so that they can do their job effectively.”

Replying on behalf of the command, the Area Commander, Mr Ali Mohammed, said the council had been very supportive in terms of logistic and sought the co-operation of residents of the area in the battle against crime.

By Jude Isiguzo

AIDS and also offering them free medical services where necessary.

“We have tested their blood group, blood pressure, HIV/AIDS and the test was carried out free of charge. We also engage in entrepreneurship programmes”.

She said the turn out was impressive because youths, transporters, market women and residents of Isolo and its environs were informed of the event days before December 7, the day it was held.

Shakirat appreciated the effort of Hon Shamusdeen Olaleye Abiodun, the Executive Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area for supporting the programme.

She also acknowledged the Society For Family Health and the Nigerian Red Cross Society support, adding that a lot still needs to be done to improve the quality of health in the community.

The NGO called on the corporate bodies and the state government to support them financially as it will go a long way in reaching out to more people in the community who are in dare need of healthcare.

HE Nasarawa State government has distributed food items worth N10 million to 28 boarding schools in the

state.

Speaking while distributing the items, the Commissioner for Education, Hussaini Abubakar, said the gesture was part of government’s efforts to support parents in the feeding of the students.

He said that the items, which included rice, maize, beans, palm oil and fish, would be provided regularly to assist parents in the feeding of their children.

The commissioner added that the gesture was also in line with the resolve of the government to provide dividends of democracy to the people as well as improve the quality of education in the state.

Abubakar said government had observed that the amount being paid by parents as feeding allowance for their children was not enough to feed the students for a term of three months.

“Government’s intervention in the feeding of the students is to support their parents in the feeding of their children.

“It is also to enable the students have varieties of food that would help in building their bodies.

“It is only when students are properly fed that they would concentrate on their studies and prepare their minds toward success, ‘’ he said.

Abubakar, however, warned principals of benefiting schools against diverting the food stuff, saying the ministry would put machinery in place to monitor the utilisation of the items.

The commissioner further said that gov-

Nasarawa ernment would soon declare a state of emergency in the education sector.

He expressed the hope that the action would eventually help create a conducive environment for learning since education remained the corner stone of development.

To improve the wellbeing of the people, Abubakar also said the administration recently released money for the payment of NECO fees for SS3 students in the state.

Earlier, Hajya Zainab Abdulmumuni, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, had appealed to the principals of benefiting schools to make judicious use of the food items.

She warned that anyone caught diverting the food items would give account to the ministry and God. Speaking on behalf of the principals, Mr

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• Chairman, Oye Local Government Area, Hon Mr. Adewale Adekoya (fourth from right) welcoming decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the Omu/Ijelu Ward during his recent tour of the wards in the council

Reward for hard work

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HARD work, selfless service and discipline paid off last week as council chiefs in Lagos State were rewarded for these values at a programme organised by the Celebrity International and Grassroots Achievers. The venue was 10 Degrees Events Centre, Oregun Industrial Estate , Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Among the chairmen present at the occasion were Hon. Ayodeji Abdulkareem; Hon. Morizik Yinka Durosinmi; Hon Ayodeji Joseph; Hon Akeem Bamgbola; Hon. Olatunde Babatunde Adepitan; Hon Oloruntoba Oke and Hon Samsondeen Olaleye.

The Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area won three awards on the outstanding local government category. The three awards were on Empowerment, Environment and Healthcare delivery. Mushin Local Government Area clinched an award on Education, Oriade Local Council Development Area garnered awards on Works and Infrastructure.

Agege Local Government Area received award on Roads and Drainage.

Water Supply, Women and Youth Development award were received by Badagry Local Government Area, Badagry West Local Council Development Area received an award on Tourism; Ojokoro Local Government Area received an award on Rural electrification.

Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area was rewarded for its feat on Social Welfare. Apapa Local Government Area received

By Duro Babayemi

award on Resourceful Initiative while Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council Development Area was rewarded for its Interactive Initiative.

The next rated outstanding local government award was given to Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government; Kosofe Local Government, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Coker Local Government, Isolo Local Council Development and Ojodu Local Council Development areas.

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THE Nigerian Ports Police, Rivers State, Lagos State Police Command and the Commissioner of Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU), have warned owners of accident and abandoned vehicles parked at Onne, Idimu, Divisions, Area ‘D’ Command and Milverton Road, Ikoyi, to come forward and remove them or risk losing them to members of the public through auction after 21 days .

They are Mercedes Benz marked RV395OWF, BMW car AE702DBU, Peugeot 505 AA761MUS, Ford bus XA699MHA, BMW AU384USL, Nissan Car 627MUS, Toyota BH923MUS, Honda Accord AU732APP and Volkwagen Pick-Up AD810AAB. Others are Maxima EQ871AAA, Nissan Quest AH352KW, Rang Rover NR396KJA, Mercedes Benz AH662KNA, Pathfinder Jeep DL943GGE, Mercedes Benz CP448MUS, Peugeot unregistered, Toyota DP357ABJ, BMW MJ02JJJ, Toyota Rav4 MS645KJA, Honda Accord ML645KJA, and Toyota Camry TU721KJA.

‘Financial training enhances women’s growth’

OMEN with background training in financial related disciplines have the potential of rising to the board of FTSE companies compared to those without such training, a recent survey report said.

The survey was commissioned by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) from Cranfield School of Management.

The report titled “Women in finance; a springboard to corporate board positions,” revealed that proportionally, women appear more successful in attaining executive roles where they have a financial background According to the report, 45 per cent of female executive directors are financially quali-

By Eric Ikhilae

fied and 65 per cent in total have a financial background, while 26 per cent of their male colleagues are financially qualified and 44 per cent have a financial background. It also revealed that more than half of new female Non-Executive Director (NED) appointments have a functional background in finance.

The report showed that the finance function is seen to be more facilitative for women’s progress to the top of corporate organisations.

Chief Executive of ACCA, Helen Brand said: the study was intended show why the finance function is such a springboard for women.

•Governor Al-Makura Shauibu Tahiru, expressed gratitude to the government and promised that the food items would be used judiciously.

‘Show mercy to the needy’

UBLIC- SPIRITED Nigerians have been urged to take the care of the needy as top priority. They have also be advised to take as important the word of God as against mindless acquisition of material things.

This admonition was given by the General Overseer of Olive Mountain of Prayer and Praise Ministry last week as he rounded off activities marking the fifth and thanksgiving service anniversary of the church in IjegunIkotun area of Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, My Hour of Destiny Liberation, the cleric thanked God for the cur-

rent peace being enjoyed in the country, saying his members had cause to rejoice because they did not suffer any loss of lives or property rather, it has been success galore and wonderful testimonies.

In a chat with journalists, he said the thanksgiving programme is the opportunity for Christians to appreciate God for His mercy, protection, provision and to request for more blessings in the new year.

He thanked God for miracles identified with his ministry including healing a 10-year insanity, cancer and blessing a woman without womb with a bouncing baby boy.He added that most of his prophesieshad come true.

The cleric warned against unpopular programmes from government that can cause violent riots in 2013. He urged government to always think about the down-trodden who have nowhere to run to.

In a similar vein, Pastor (Mrs) Rosemary Timothy urged participants to the programme to turn a new leaf as a new year approaches.

She said it is regrettable that many could not fund the education of their children because of the economic situation in the country.

LASU alumni get new exco

Police warn vehicle owners

NGO holds carol night ALL is set for this year’s carol night with Aquila and Priscilla Help Ministry.The theme is Life in Abundance. It is scheduled for Eagle Slope at 58, Ebute-Igbogbo Road, by Solebo Estate, Ebute, in Igbogbo/Bayeiku LCDA Lagos State.The time is 4pm on Thursday, December 20.

The hosts, Pastor and Deaconess Gboyega Oyeneye speaking through Pastor Adewole Emmanuel said, “Carol Night is an evening when we come together to celebrate Jesus Christ, saying it is the reason for this season of celebration. adding as abundance ends with dance.

Other anointed gospel artiste expected at the event include Evang. Tope Alabi on special feature capacity, among others.

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•Pastor Timothy(second left) ,his wife,Rosemary and other church members at the event

Community policing campaign launched

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HE Lagos Chapter of the Community Policing Campaign (NCPC) has been inaugurated at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi . Forty pioneer members of the group, who had completed their training, were sworn in.

Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador Obi Azodo, told the graduands: “Today is a remarkable day for you. Remember that as pioneers and having being trained, go out there and live by example. Demonstrate what you have been trained for. Do it the way you have been taught.

Justifying the role of members of the community policing group, Azodo said they can assist the police force with intelligence reports. With them, he added, people would have the confidence report complaints. He dismissed claims that its members could out of fear of being revealed, would not want to work.

An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Banji Lawal, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner of Police said: “Try to be good ambassadors of what you have been trained for.”

NCPC National Coordinator Deacon Kingsley O. Ubah thanked the Lagos State government and members of the organisation for their efforts to create security awareness. Saying that community policing is a civic responsibility, he added that Nigerians must assist the Nigeria Police in fighting crime.

He also said: “Our nation is in security crises against a far-reaching network of violence, hateful and radical organisations. Our security is in crises because of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but our

By Joseph Eshanokpe

collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for 21st century security challenges. Lives and properties worth billions destroyed, our national security jeopardised, churches and mosques closed and each day brings further evidence that our security is under threat. I say that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But be rest assured that they will be met.”

THE Lagos State University Alumni Association has inaugurated a new executive committee. The Vice-Chancellor,Prof.

Oladapo Obafunwa, at the event, welcomed the new executives and enjoined the association to consolidate on the achievement of the out going executive.

He thanked the outgoing President,Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo, for his support and contributions towards the development of the university.

In his inaugural speech, the new President, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd) expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him to lead the alumni association.

While promising to do his best to ensure continuous development of the institution, Esekhaigbe emphasised the need to reposition the association in a manner that will stimulate interest of graduates of the institution.

•The Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations; Col Rabe Abubakar (right), and his key officers being addressed by Mr Rotimi Oladele, Fellow Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and MD/CEO Megarous West Africa Ltd during a courtesy call in Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 19, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

University dot com

Anxiety on foreign loans •The sin is not in borrowing but in bad faith

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HE Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, without doubt, has good reason to be anxious, even suspicious, of fresh demands by the federal and state governments to obtain foreign loans. On December 6, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, led the affected state commissioners of finance to appear before the committee to defend their proposals for external borrowing under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2012 to 2014.

While the state governments are seeking loans worth $3.05 billion, the Federal Government wants to access $4.846 billion from the international credit market.

In making a case for approval of the loans, Dr. Ngama stressed that the country’s external loan status still falls within 17 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so there is no need to worry about any adverse effects of the loan burden.

Quite understandably, the Senate committee was more concerned about the request of state governments to access foreign loans than the similar demand by the Federal Government. This may have been borne out of the perception that the Federal Government has a greater capacity to effectively manage and ultimately repay such loans. However, there is nothing in the country’s fiscal history to suggest that the Federal Government is necessarily more adept at managing resources, including loans, than state governments.

Ondo State Government is seeking $77.9 million credit out of which $50 million will be expended on health programmes and $27.9 million on youth employment. The $148 million being sought by the Enugu

State Government is broken down into $50 million for water shed management project, $40 million for youth empowerment and $40 million for an energy project. On its part, the Niger State Government wants $124 million of which $78 million will be for rural mobility, $14 million for irrigation and $32 million for its FADAMA project. The Anambra State government’s request for $75 million is meant for erosion and flood control.

In his own case, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), has requested that the second tranche of his $600 million borrowing plan to provide better infrastructure for Lagos be included in the 2013 external borrowing projections.

Since the state governments have given the specific purposes for which they are seeking international credit, we find it difficult to understand why the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Ehigue Uzanere, still believes that the loans being sought are not for programmes that will have direct impact on the lives of their people.

We believe that the state governments are in a better position to determine the most pressing needs of their people.

It is perhaps the mismanagement of foreign loans by various arms of government in the past that has engendered a suspicion of borrowing by most Nigerians. Furthermore, the funfair that greeted Nigeria’s exit from external indebtedness under the Olusegun Obasanjo Administration had created the mistaken impression that the country would never need to borrow again. In reality, borrowing, either from the local or international credit market, is no sin. It is indeed normal practice

in contemporary financial management as no government has all the resources it needs to meet its infrastructure and other responsibilities.

Beyond this, the state governments have the constitutional right to borrow from international credit agencies. But we support the Senate committee’s admonition that external borrowing by either the federal or state governments must be responsibly and efficiently managed. However, since the Federal Government is expected to guarantee external loans by states, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should come up with requisite guidelines to ensure such borrowing does not ultimately harm the national economy.

‘Beyond this, the state governments have the constitutional right to borrow from international credit agencies. But we support the Senate committee’s admonition that external borrowing by either the federal or state governments must be responsibly and efficiently managed.

However, since the Federal Government is expected to guarantee external loans by states, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should come up with requisite guidelines to ensure such borrowing does not ultimately harm the national economy’

Unacceptable excuse • Now is the time to review revenue allocation formula

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HE Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is one of the most important agencies with functions that are critical to the smooth and efficient running of the Nigerian federation. This agency not only has the responsibility to fix the remuneration of public office holders, it also has the constitutional function of determining the allocation of revenue among the three tiers of government, namely the federal, state and local governments. Its constitutional function is predicated on the pragmatic consideration that in a dynamic federal system, the allocation of resources among the various tiers of government cannot be static.

Rather, the share of revenues accruing to various tiers must be periodically reviewed to reflect shifting powers, responsibilities

‘Could lack of funding be the reason why the RMAFC has not discharged its crucial constitutional responsibility over the last 13 years?

For us, this is simply a question of absolute lack of seriousness. The leadership of the commission has apparently been satisfied simply to receive its own financial running costs while being content to letting the status quo remain. ... But the blame is not that of the RMAFC alone. The Nigerian Governor’s Forum has been one of the most vociferous critics of the subsisting revenue allocation formula’

and obligations of the federating units.

Against this background, it is exceedingly astounding that the RMAFC has been unable to review the country’s revenue allocation formula since the commencement of this dispensation in 1999. This is even more surprising since the commission and other critical stakeholders in the polity are agreed that such a review has been long overdue. Is there any hope that the RMAFC will live up to its responsibility any time soon? The answer, unfortunately, is a resounding no.

The commission’s spokesman, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, said that it has no plan to review the revenue allocation formula in the nearest future. And the preposterous reason he gave for this situation is “inadequate funding”. An item for which the commission lacks funding, according to Mr. Mohammed, is the holding of town hall meetings in each of the country’s six geo-political zones, even though he noted that request for funding of the process had been made in the 2013 budget proposal.

Could lack of funding be the reason why the RMAFC has not discharged its crucial constitutional responsibility over the last 13 years? For us, this is simply a question of absolute lack of seriousness. The leadership of the commission has apparently been satisfied simply to receive its own financial running costs while being content to letting the status quo remain. If not, why has the commission not taken the initiative all these years to mobilise key stakeholders in ensuring it gets the necessary funding to discharge its constitutional responsibilities?

But the blame is not that of the RMAFC

alone. The Nigerian Governor’s Forum has been one of the most vociferous critics of the subsisting revenue allocation formula. During the fuel subsidy crisis in January this year, the governors hinged their support for the removal of the purported subsidy on a review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of the states.

Similarly, in 2011, many governors insisted that their capacity to pay the new minimum wage would depend on a review of the revenue sharing formula to reflect their added responsibility to workers.

Currently, the revenue allocation formula is skewed in favour of the Federal Government, which receives 52.68 percent of national revenues while the 36 states receive 26.72 percent and local governments 20.6 percent. The subsisting revenue allocation formula has been criticised for encouraging an overcentralised federal structure that breeds corruption and inefficiency. While the Federal Government obviously has too much funds at its disposal, the states and local governments where the people actually reside have insufficient funds to meet their obligations to the people.

There is every need for an urgent review of the revenue allocation formula. And there is no reason why the states cannot work with their members in the National Assembly to actualise this objective. Yes, there is the problem of corruption and mismanagement of funds at all levels.

The solution to this is to strengthen and enforce the anti-corruption laws rather than retaining an outmoded revenue allocation formula that gives too much idle funds to the Federal Government.

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IGHER education is finally waking up to the internet Finally, the web has disrupted higher education. One of the most conservative of industries – where institution age is the best gauge of market position – has jumped online in a radical way. “Massive open online courses” – “Moocs” – are being launched every day.

Last week, a consortium of British universities joined the charge. Led by the Open University, they will deliver course content, lectures and assignments to hundreds of thousands of students at a time. And they will do it all for free.

The courses do not count towards degrees, dropout rates are high and course design is not quite mature. But they are popular: Coursera, a leading Mooc platform, has 2m registered users and individual courses already attract hundreds of thousands of people.

It must be possible to monetise this enthusiasm. Like newspapers, universities are experimenting with online business models.

Ideas in circulation range from the complex – such as exploiting user data to make money through marketing – through to straightforward charges for course content.

The hope is to tap into the thirst for learning across the world – particularly the growing middle classes in Asia who are desperate for higher education. If, as the Open University plans, it can use Moocs to sell UK universities’ distance degrees into new markets, they can do serious good and make real money.

This is a low-risk plan. Unlike newspapers, the Moocs are not competing with the universities’ existing teaching business. Learners might pay a fee for a Harvard Mooc, but no one will confuse it with a Harvard degree. The real risk for institutions is that low-quality Moocs will tarnish their institutional reputation.

Even if universities are ultimately unable to make profits, the impact of free online learning will be felt beyond higher education.

First, popular Moocs should raise the prestige of excellent teachers within universities. That would be a healthy counterbalance to the research-obsessed world of academia.

It ought to be welcomed: teaching is too often too poor even at the most elite institutions.

Second, if Mooc technology advances to the point where parts of degrees can be delivered automatically, it could help reduce the cost of university. Professors could also spend more time in one-on-one work, and less on routine tasks.

Finally, who can object to spreading knowledge? Even if universities were to make no money and remain unchanged, free learning is a gift to the world.

– Financial Times TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Let the truth be told, there is absolutely nothing wrong in acquiring a mere means of transportation like aircraft that will enhance the productivity of divine assignment of men of God. The plain truth is that these aircraft are not acquired for pleasure as insinuated by uninformed minds but primarily to enhance performance of these ministers.

Take for instance, the Redeemed Christian Church of God presently in over 130 nations of the world; Living Faith Church and Word of Life Bible Church also have branches in many nations of the world.

The schedule of General overseers of these ministries cannot be handled by public or commercial airlines. Most airlines in Nigeria service several airports. So one can see that there is an urgent and inescapable need for airplanes by these ministries. It is complete fallacy and reasoning borne out of sheer ignorance to insinuate that the men in charge of these ministries are enriching themselves at the expense of the members of their congregations.

As a matter of fact, to the best of my knowledge, these amazing men are living sacrificial lives to better the lots of members of their congregation and humanity in general, through provision of hospital and basic needs of lives, scholarship to indigent students, community development projects like road construction, repairs, boreholes, entrepreneurial skill acquisition, donation of school buildings to public schools, donation of food and clothing materials and so on.

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

Of private jets and men of God David Oyedepo Foundation for instance has been giving scholarships to countless indigent young men and ladies up to university level across the length and breadth of this nation. Let us face the facts and let nobody distort the truth, these ministries are not part of the problem of this nation, they are rather the solution to most of her problems. Consequently therefore,

the argument of Mr. Femi Falana, SAN published in Thisday November 30, that resources used in buying these jets could have been made available to poor members of the church is uncalled for. These men do not need counseling on how to minister to the poor, it is what they teach, live and do almost everyday.

Is it not “busybody” to be speaking on behalf of members of these

ministries that have best of brains in the world that their general overseers are exploiting and cheating them? Not one member of these ministries have expressed displeasure about this development of acquiring airplane for the work of the ministry.

Let those critics of ministers of the gospel watch it. They may be treading a dangerous path without know-

• David Owaboye Aguda – Surulere, Lagos

Universities and their priorities

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IR: We have to ensure that Nigerian universities don’t lose focus. The traditional functions of a normal university are rightly said to be: teaching, research, and societal development.

If, then, teaching is first on the list of priorities, how is it to be done, if a university has no sufficient number of teachers and classrooms, while the administrators spend lavishly on other buildings and external aesthetics?

Then, there is the issue of what students are taught, and how they are taught. That depends on the quality and competence of the lec-

turers. But the university policies are equally important. Where how a student dresses is the number one priority, and students are sent home because of that, teaching is impossible. In the good olden days, Adam and Eve lived nude.

Some universities have killed lecturer and student unions, or reduced them into robots that they toss around, in conformity with their own whims and caprices only; whereas protest helps good leaders to be better leaders; protest is an agent of humanization and civilization.

The university system is de-

scribed worldwide as “the Ivory Tower”, which I understand to mean a place where truth and nothing but the truth is established on a critical and objective platform. It is supposed to be a place where there is no “patching-up” with sophistry, as in the political circles.

Scientifically speaking, you have to put all the cards on the table, explain, and defend your hypothesis and theory. It is from that trajectory that research and community/ societal development emerge.

Based on the foregoing, over-preoccupation with Dress Code is anomalous; to be witch-hunting

As another Christmas beckons

IR: Christmas is celebratory.

Every year we look forward to it with nostalgia. It never loses its freshness. It is always as if there was an empty space that tarries on all year long that Christmas comes to fill. With the spirit of Christmas there is an ennobling sprite which dwells within us. We look on to the new year with greater expectations, till the year comes full circle; and the waiting, the eager waiting for the unborn child beckons on us once again. There can never be a time like Christmas.

Candles glow, bells jingle, candies, cakes, granny’s pies, Christmas tree, sweethearts kissing under the mistletoe ¯ and “Please, Santa,

ing it. If not for the intercessory prayers of these amazing ministers of the gospel Nigeria will not be standing as a nation today.

Furthermore, let them also make proper investigation about the stories behind the glory of these ministries before rushing to express their views in the public, otherwise an unenlightened mind may be misled to mistake agents of genuine national transformation as cheats.

Finally, we should not become soulish and technical in our minds and start neglecting to appreciate the roles spiritual watchmen are playing in our quest for national development and nation building.

please!”

But by our dark ways we hinder the fullness of Christmas. We miss the essence of Christmas and lose the blessings therein. In the name of celebrating Christmas people have lost their lives in drinking driving, orgies, and sustained knife and bottle cuts from fights in senseless revelry.

Perhaps the most common vice and one that is far reaching in its effect is greed. We want more and more. We buy more and more and forget that Jesus whom we celebrate asked us to give up all we have and give to the poor. Jesus was critical of wealth and our fixation on earthly possessions.

People fleece others in the name of Christmas. And they justify it with “we are in season.” Transporters double their fares, traders increase prices of goods, those who make dresses, even airlines join the fray.

But in climes where people show true love to one another it is a time when people are given discounts.

Transport fares are slashed, land, water and air. Prices of goods and services are reduced to encourage people and bring smiles on their faces. To be sure, it is not only the Christmas or Christian celebrations that these prices go up, even the Muslim feasts witness these price increase. But surely government can rein in this wicked attitude.

Lastly, on Dec 25 last year, those who went to worship their God in St. Theresa Catholic Church Madalla were bombed to death. The celebration was stained with tears and sorrow. And many hearts have remained broken since that very day, on a day that was supposed to fill hearts with joy. We don’t hope for such again in our dear country.

We want a bomb free celebration.

We implore those who are wont to do this to help make this season truly a season of goodwill. The universal teaching of the world’s religions is to see God in our fellow humans.

• Dr Cosmas Odoemena Lagos.

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

students on the ground of how they dress turns the university into a police state, and it is a mark of both dictatorship and oppression. Morality must not be tied to tyranny and hatred for poor persons. Students must be protected against the impression that witch-hunting and harassment are normal. Decent dressing is good; harassment of those who are not “decently” dressed is indecent and obscene.

I was in a conference outside Nigeria some months ago, and a lecturer from one African country turned to me and said inter alia: “How can you say you are maintaining the system, when there are no enough classrooms, and you don’t replace retired workers, but keep putting-up new fantastic buildings and structures?” My reply in nutshell was: “Well, life is about patience. Although Nigeria has her own problems, such as the inability of the President and his Ministers to explain who are those stealing the oil wealth, and the legislators that are overstuffing themselves with money, some of our university administrators are trying”. The original vision was prayer to build a nation where no man or woman is oppressed, whereas Dress Code has become a tool of oppression in some religiosecular institutions in Nigeria.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

COMMENTS

Corruption’s cure is surgery, not softly softly!; Demon of Democracy! A new Armada 2012

S Tony Marinho

O the thirst season of death is not yet over. Helicopters drop from the sky / Generals and Governors die/ Sabotage, mechanical or human error /Mistake or a form of terror / Their secrets to be buried in the earth/ Just what is a human life worth?/

And who will be next?

Almost N1,000,000,000,000, one thousand billion naira, spent on fuel imports only because we refuse to operate and police functioning refineries guided by our chemical and petroleum technologists and engineers. This represents lost employment to Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Portugal. Shame!

This petroleum ‘subsidy’ is only subsidising failure of the refineries and is a N1,000billion needless drain on our resources and a loud attestation to our CINS of Corruption, Incompetence, Negligence and Selfishness. Nigerians in oil power would rather roundtrip to ‘chop our money’ than refine oil for us at home. An intelligent country would have recruited the local technology from the 2,000 ‘illegal’ Niger Delta refineries to make them legal. Hiking prices is not an answer to national governance failure. How can any of our past six rulers in Nigeria explain why a village in the USA has more power than Nigeria at present -4,000Mw. Meanwhile British, VIP, Very Imprisoned Prisoner Ibori collects N50m/year as retirement benefit after being a governor. These self-imposed ‘legalised illegalities’, perpetual goodies from the national and state treasury merely for holding political offices are immoral and insult Nigerians and a slap in the face for pensioners denied pension for years. Why should Nigerians be punished in this way. This is not a dividend but a demon of democracy.

The arrogance with which Senate ‘Rules out’ voting in the diaspora is reminiscent of a military government decreeing stupid laws against natural justice and simple easily implementable IT computer programmes. Remember that many Nigerians collectively send billions home annually as respected citizens. Even Egypt allows diaspora voting. Such voting is available for many countries abroad including

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France, Germany and the USA. We should demonstrate our ability to recruit our citizens abroad, largely forced abroad

by SAP, Babangida, Abacha, poor economy and education and mismanaged democracy. Shame on Senate as we once again lose an opportunity to catch up in democratic ‘modern methods.’

Of course the Senate knows that 90% of those abroad will never vote for the ruling party because they are themselves political and economic refugees from the same system that is killing us at home. They should also expect to vote. By the 2015 election we would have had, and as usual wasted, four years to prepare and computerise a Diaspora Voters Register for each country through our embassies should not be nuclear physics. Another ‘Democracy Paradise Lost’ opportunity lost to the evil machinations of petty partisan politics.

Does no one see the big picture –‘Nigeria Okays Diaspora Voting for Passport Carrying Citizens’? It is not too late to make Nigeria great by forcing the Senate to reverse this decision, a slap in the face of millions of Nigerians abroad and our IT capability. After all we have SATNav1 and 2 and thousands of jobless IT ‘experts’ and the voters programme is available for purchase and modification from democratic and IT compliant nations. Senate should not make an undemocratic mountain out of this political molehill. How dare senators attend international parliamentary group meetings when they are so anti-democratic? There should be a letter to Senate ‘Campaign to reverse this obnoxious ruling’.

Maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar dies at 92, 1920-2012. He popularised internationally, the Sitar, a complex guitar-like Indian instrument to Beatles’ George Harrison, in Bollywood and Attenborough’s Ghandi. A clean living man who kept his reputation against all norms of the period, RIP. Meanwhile many of Nigeria’s greats struggle on without grants, recognition or support or commissions. Bruce Onabrakpeya is 80.

When he dies we will have a big cow-killing because ‘we have lost an irreplaceable gem’ party. A museum now will be preferable.

There are more than 60 large vessels on the Atlantic Coast sitting off the Lagos harbour waiting to enter port, as any news hungry crew with binoculars or a helicopter and a tiny bit of investigative journalistic DNA knows. This 2012 Armada is caused by the massive corruption and lack of man-

agement of the ports in Nigeria which have failed to grow to meet demand. The cost is unquantifiable but it must be quantified by social science and political science and NISER staff and student losses to demurrage, to neighbouring countries from diversion of 100s of ships per annum, to multiple corruption layers from different ‘security and anti-corruption’ agencies, to exit ‘fees’ charged by gatemen for container carrying trailers instead of railways- the true mark of a modern container port. ‘Nigeria Incorporated’ must go down in history as the worst run company in the world and a lesson in incompetence and warning to our children as a company that managed to loose.

Corruption is Nigerian politics’ greatest ‘Dividend of Democracy’ to the Nigeria electorate. But Nigerians know that corruption can and will be stopped immediately, once the conditions are right when the right leaders and followers will be in place. Is a murderer asked to murder less and less or a rapist to rape less and less or a wife beater to beat less and less monthly? Even our police had the checkpoints cut off suddenly by the incumbent IGP –an amazing feat needing repeating.

‘Of course the Senate knows that 90% of those abroad will never vote for the ruling party because they are themselves political and economic refugees from the same system that is killing us at home. They should also expect to vote. By the 2015 election we would have had, and as usual wasted, four years to prepare and computerise a Diaspora Voters Register for each country through our embassies should not be nuclear physics’

For Azazi, funeral replaces Xmas Carol

OR many years, he had hosted Christmas carol services at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence at least, a week preceding Christmas. It was an annual ritual with attendance drawn from far and wide - the high, the mighty and the lowly placed.

Over the years, it had assumed a life of its own as everybody looked forward to the yearly event.

Preparations were in top gear for this year’s event. My brother and friend of many years, BrigadierGeneral Felix Ayodele Muhammed (retd.), had been made the coordinator of this year’s event. He had had several meetings with those who will actively participate in the service – band leaders, choirs, religious groups, army chaplains and others. Last Friday, Muhammed, whom his boss of many years, the late General Andrew Owoye Azazi, prefers to call ‘Felix’, had intimated the general that he was coming over the following day, Saturday, December 15, to give him an update of the preparations so far. Azazi did not oppose this. Rather, he simply told Felix to meet with Alero, his wife of many years and finalise issues as he was billed to dash down to Bayelsa, his home state, to attend a function.

Last Saturday afternoon, Felix made it to the residence of his former boss. He drove into the compound oblivious of the fact that something was amiss. As he entered the sitting room, hoping to meet Mrs. Azazi, an eerie silence descended on the whole environment. It was an unusual situation, but all the same, he sat down on one of the chairs waiting for the ‘madam of the house’ to surface

from any part of the one-storey apartment. Just then, he started hearing some shrill cries upstairs. It was then it dawned on him that something had, indeed, gone wrong.

By the time Felix was face to face with Azazi’s wife, the story became clearer. “Oga is dead!” Felix was transfixed and dazed. He inquired to know what had happened and how it happened. “It was a helicopter crash at Okoloba community in Tombia, Bayelsa State. Oga was returning from the community where he had attended the burial ceremony of Pa Tamunoobebara Douglas, father of Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President on Research and Documentation”.

From then on, wailings and grief took over as family members, friends and associates trooped in one after the other. Although no details of the crash emerged until later that evening, those who had contacts in Bayelsa, Rivers and in the military were able to extract some information about the crash.

‘Felix’ or General Muhammed, a chartered accountant, was the accounts officer to the late Azazi when Azazi was General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Battalion of the Army, with headquarters in Kaduna. Since then, both of them had struck a rapport that had endured till date. Besides, Alero, Azazi’s wife is also a chartered accountant.

I had attended last year’s Christmas Carol in Azazi’s house in the company of General Muhammed and his wife. That evening, Azazi read the first out of about nine readings lined up for the day. His wife and some of his children who were

‘Throughout his eventful career - within and outside the military - Azazi had proved to be a patriot, an officer and gentleman whose watchword was discipline in all his deeds’

present read some while other family members and close friends also took their turns. It was a night of great revelry, sobriety and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings during the year.

Many known faces turned up for that event. They include Colonel Edore Obi (retd.), one-time military administrator of Bayelsa State; Donald Duke, former governor of Rivers State; business mogul Wale Babalakin; Timi Alaibe, former managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission and later Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs. In attendance also were top military chiefs, both serving and retired.

It was there I came across Rear Admiral Arogundade (retd), the naval officer whose aides reportedly brutalised a lady in Lagos after a minor traffic incident. I took time to ask him some questions on the incident. He did not appear like the ‘monster’ which was painted of him by the media at that time. He lives almost next door to the Azazis and I have met him several times after that encounter both in Lagos and Abuja.

I first met late General Azazi in early 2005 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Abuja. It was at the launch of Iniquity in Nigerian Politics, a book authored by my brother and bosom friend, Professor Steve Azaiki. The launch had attracted heavyweights across the country and the diplomatic community. That was one book launch in which several senators were merely confined to the lobby as all the seats inside the conference hall had been taken over by dignitaries. It was like a carnival and I am yet to witness any other book launch of equal attendance of who’s who in Nigeria ever since.

At the end of the book launch, Azazi, who was in full military uniform, had moved to the podium

for a photo session with Azaiki. It was there that Azaiki introduced me to him. Azazi, who was then a brigadier-general, was at that time the boss of the Directorate of Military Intelligence, DMI. Shortly after, he was appointed GOC, 1 Mechanised Division of the Army in Kaduna. He was later made Chief of Army Staff before he was promoted Chief of Defence Staff. Although he was subsequently retired from service, but by that time, his image had loomed large all over the place.

In the last few years, Azazi had given out some of his daughters, if not all, in marriage in very colourful ceremonies. I attended the one in late 2006 at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Lagos. I was at the ceremony in the convoy of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who was then the governor of Bayelsa State.

At that time, he had just been picked as running mate to the late Umaru Yar’Adua, who had also earlier been chosen as the standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2007 presidential election.

It was at that wedding reception that the idea of putting together a national political platform for Jonathan was conceived by me, Azaiki and Chief Ephraim Faloughi, the chairman of Sovereign Trust Insurance Company. The following day, we came up with Yar’Adua/Jonathan Committee of Friends and held the inaugural meeting at the residence of Chief Ebitimi Banigo in Victoria Island.

Others in attendance at that meeting were Ben Bruce, chairman, Silverbird Group; Chief Lawson Omokhodion, former MD of All States Trust Bank and later Liberty Bank who is now into oil business, and a few others. It was the committee that first rallied support for Jonathan all over the country.

Generally, in Azazi’s death, Jonathan has lost one of his pillars

Dele Agekameh of support. In and out as National Security Adviser to the President, Azazi had always provided support for the President on security matters. Throughout his eventful career - within and outside the military - Azazi had proved to be a patriot, an officer and gentleman whose watchword was discipline in all his deeds. All the same, he was not without some human errors.

One of them was that as NSA, he was too visible everywhere when he was expected to operate more incognito.

Now, he is gone and gone forever.

His funeral might as well replace this year’s Christmas Carol service, which would have been held today, Wednesday, December 19. However, it is not how far or how long one lives. It is actually how well.

Adieu Andrew Owoye Azazi. May your soul rest in peace! May the souls of all others who also died in the ill-fated flight rest in perfect peace! May their families be consoled by the fact that death is an inevitable end of all human beings!

Amen! We all have our entrances and exits at different times and places!

Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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COMMENTS ‘RE: ‘Like Oliver Twist, Jega wants more’ (your column of December 9 refers). Personally, I do not see anything wrong if the CBN, ASUU and the judiciary sought for/are seeking and are near being given or given autonomy. Jega’s case becomes Oliver Twist’s only if the public objectively assessed that the powers being sought for and assumed given are considered abused! This however hasn’t occurred.

Anyone cleared/rejected by INEC can be ratified by the Supreme Court directly. But let us all always be openminded in burning but would-beuseful issues. From Lanre Oseni’ •Obasanjo For Gbenga Omotoso It is a shame for Obasanjo to unveil the statue of our great late Chief Bola Ige in Osun State.

From Sola Iyand Gbenga, thanks for all the news. Of all the stories, I like the one reflecting Sanusi’s views on spending 70 kobo out of each naira to pay wages. The man spoke the truth, nothing but the truth. Gbenga, would you believe that some civil servants who worked with Sir Ahmadu Bello in the then Northern Region have remodeled their ages just to remain in service to benefit from the bogus salaries/allowances? If Sanusi were to mention these people, they would ask for his head. Anonymous Hate him or you like him Obasanjo remains the most influential politician in the country.

But as influential as he is, he is also the most criticised ex-leader. For him to have accepted to unveil the statue of the late Bola Ige is very disgracing to the family of the late minister.

He should have covered his face while unveiling it. History will judge sooner or later.

From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Docyard Lagos You are not a good student of history. Ige was murdered while still serving as the justice minister and not after resigning as contained in your piece of today. Anonymous We are grateful to God for not allowing Obasanjo to tamper our Constitution and elongate his tenure. As for the assassinated former attorney-general Bola Ige, who resigned as minister in Obasanjo’s cabinet before they kill him, why our security agents unable to fish out his killers. From Simmie Jones O., PTD .

Aba unit Sir, are you sure chief Bola Ige was murdered after resigning from the Obasanjo led administration? Anonymous Wonders would never cease. I blame those who arranged the mess as they lack sense of history as well as encouraging evil doers. Rip bola Ige. Your killers would face God if they above men. From Nurudeen Gasali.

What a wonderful commentator u are Gbenga! “Here is the news” is a classic. I have read it with relish. Keep writing. But I wonder if the rich and powerful are hearing! From Rev. Fr. Paschal Opara, Ciwa, PortHarcourt.

We are educated to a significant level here in Nigeria. Educated people are supposed to be rational in the way they think and do things.

It would be irrational and an unwarranted conclusion to infringe on Obasanjo’s moral freedom in the statesman assignment he did in Orile-Owu. Let us not allow commonsense to govern our rationality. From Ukor, Makurdi The unveiling of the late Chief Bola Ige’s statue is just normal thing as far as the killers will never be apprehended. Anonymous I believe Obasanjo must have prayed for forgiveness from Bola Ige. May he be forgiven and free from the den of hell. Who killed Bola Ige ? From Peter Ajadi, Ibadan Thank you for your write-up titled “Obasanjo : From Ghana to Osun”. Please allow Baba to rest. Chief Bola Ige or no Chief Bola Ige. Nemesis will speak for all of us. God bless you sir. From Pastor Nseobong Brown Re: Obasanjo: From Ghana to Osun. No one understands why Obasanjo was often misunderstood. I like the man because he hardly talks but when he chooses to, he would hardly be faulted after Hues and Cries. He should be respected rather than being embarrassed. From Lanre Oseni “Obasanjo: From Ghana to Osun”. The third term agenda man does not have any conscience! Would it be proper for him playing the second fiddle? Time will definitely tell!

Ride on chief. From Adeosun, Oshogbo Ebora Owu, Obasanjo has no conscience; he knows that no matter what, the dead always stay dumb. Anonymous For Olatunji Dare “The Shame of our prisons” with a bleeding heart. One thing is certain: this inhuman and lawless act cannot go on forever! Sooner than later, there will be an end to the insanity in the land! From Olufolake, Lagos.

Please which minister is in charge of prisons? Where are the gifts sent by churches?

Anonymous Despite the fact that Onitsha prison was rated among the best, I wept and had nightmare for weeks. Thanks for your write-up on the state of Kuje prisons. May God bless you.

From Ogo Oranu, Awka.

I read your write-up on “The shame of our prisons” in The Nation today and I must say that the write-up throws up so many questions in my mind. Foremost is, am I being a simple minded to believe the Federal Government can easily set up a panel of judges to go across the 36 states of the federation and hear cases in the prisons for those awaiting trial and discharge and acquit those who are innocent or that were indeed guilty but have probably served the time and over for their crime? Can’t the National Assembly establish punitive laws to deal with whatever agency is found culpable in ensuring that swift hearing of cases becomes a norm? What am I missing?

From Timi Egbuson Dare, it is worst at Kirikiri prison such that it is rated the second worst prison in the world after the prison in Islamabad. The irony is that our leaders who loot our common patrimony do not ever do time in such prisons they use their loot to circumvent the law and pervert justice. With such leaders as we have to recover thesoul of nation is herculean task.

Anonymous.

Your piece titled ‘The shame of our prisons’ portray the dehumanizing and parlous conditions of our prisons the very corrective and reformative purpose it is meant to serve has been negated we now have a prison that now churns out ex convicts who are more notorious hardened and more criminally inclined no thanks to the tougher treatment meted out to them, it is really a shame. From Ojo A. Ayodele, Emure Ekiti Re: The shame of our prisons. Conditions of our Prisons had been discussed many times at different fora as well as at various workshops and thought by now, the NIGERIAN Prisons would have been improved. Alas! the same corruption would not allow for reformation as at today. In civilised societies, prisons are reformative while they are punitive in Nigeria. But for how long shall we move along, with International Best Practices? Kill Corruption and get everything right! Authorities, reading the above titled, should act fast by rapidly improving Nigeria’s prison conditions. From Lanre Oseni.

Dear Mr. Dare, your article titled “The shame of our prisons“ contained severely misleading assertions. Kuje prison was founded in the late 80s, hence it is not possible for the inmates on awaiting trial to have been incarcerated for upwards of 20 years. Similarly, congestion can only be eliminated when the courts and judges stop adjourning cases and be less corrupt. Meanwhile, convicted inmates go to schools in prison, acquire skills, etc. Anonymous.

You are only biased on Saraki issues because you are South-West, even those who hated him like you and your sponsored know well that Oloye did well for Kwarans. Anonymous.

And whoever eats of his plate and drink from his cup and turns against him will die violently. Each time he is ill people die. Have you bordered to ask. Why? Too many rumors that many people were relieved when he eventually died. In death rumor continued about mode of burial. Anonymous.

Dare, you got an important fact wrong in your column. In the 1979 Presidential election to be declared a winner a candidate must secure a majority of the popular vote plus at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 of all the states in the country. This is different from how you stated the regulation in your column.

Thank you. From Bode Segun.

Re: A farewell to two legends. Dr. Dare struck the point when he said ‘...yet when he died, Kwara State went into deep mourning....’

The fact is that majority of Kwarans jubilated in joyous mood when Saraki died just like when Abacha died or when news of Okar’s coup first filtered into the air in 1991. Reason being that ‘those who did not fall in line in Saraki’s lifetime were actually humiliated and hounded out of the system not only in Kwara.

Ask Vera Ifudu of NTA fame. Dr. Dare, I suggest your caption should have been “A Farewell to a legend and a Vagabond” after reading your column. Please be more at home than abroad. All the same, you still make my day after reading any of your columns, even from your Guardian days. From Ben Obateka., Offa Garage, Ilorin.

Critics of Obasanjo are half baked intellectuals parading the fourth estate, not only limited but unappreciative. Baba Na Baba, he is recognized worldwide by those with discerning ability, Kennedy was assassinated, so also Bola Ige who was Obasanjo’s friend for many years.

A man of honour, Obj. From Cardinal Wole of Sinners Assembly, Abuja Sir, you are wrong to assert that Chief Bola Ige was murdered after resigning from the Obasanjo administration. He was actually killed as a serving Minister of Justice in the former’s Government. From Rotimi Shitan, Akute The issue concerning the death of our dear uncle Bola Ige and the unveiling of his statue

by Obasanjo is to be left to God who pronounces vengeance in Psalm 94. At the appropriate time, God will take vengeance. From Tope Ekundayo, Ilare Ijesa , Osun state The piece: “Here is the news “is a beautiful rendition of Prof. Soyinka’s narrative expertise of “Stream of Unconsciousness”. Every one of the issues raised is a reminder of the worthlessness of our system, the rottenness of the integrity of The Nigerian leadership, and the hopelessness that a national respite may be around the corner for the raped nation! From B. Somade-Idowu Re: Here is the news. If importation of other cement-brands would be competitive enough, to force down the local ones by Dangote and Ibeto, let it be! By now, price of cement should not exceed N1000. With all the Ibetos, Makurdis, Gbokos, Obajanas, we should be happy now. Converse is the case. Let there be Oligopoly! Personally, I appreciate the donation efforts of Dangote, Adenuga, Jim Ovia and many others. Sanusi Lamido has human right to express himself even though he was said to have been misquoted on the need to ‘fire’ 70 per cent of civil servant. Lucky Igbinedion would lie low now and know both good and bad governance as well as which is better if Igbinedion University had been poorly run by its administrators! Both BokoHaram and Kidnapping thrive because those caught were/are being treated with Kid gloves. Mrs Alakija may be said to have struck on luck and/or an opportunity through God. How many of them with Oil Blocs know about

• Jega Oil? None, but that is Nigeria for us. From Lanre Oseni For Segun Gbadegesin Re: Moving Oke-Ogun forward. Undisputable, no development-minded person would not be moved by your narration of the need for unity among indigenes, community people and governments at large. It should be a past that we totally rely on irresponsible governments. Rather, the indigenes and communities should brace up in unity and develop Oke-ogun in Oyo state. Your nationalistic tendency is highly valued and appreciated. Whoever loves growth for his community like you and me, will continue to progress, Ameen.

From Lanre Oseni.

Thanks for that wonderful piece on OkeOgun. The greatest problem with Oke-Ogun is lack of sacrificial leadership coupled with mutual but senseless suspicion. Unless the so called can look beyond personal interests and work together it will be difficult for the area to free itself from neo-colonialism. From Remi Adegbola Ibadan Thanks for your exposition on Oke-Ogun. It is highly inspiring. I wish to know more about the convention, possible links and may be the communiqué. Best regards sir. From Dr. Owoyele Jimoh in TASUED, Ijebu-Ode. For Tunji Adegboyega I want to believe your write-up titled ‘Let Sambo have his N14bn palace’ is all irony. I couldn’t help but laugh in disdain on the mindset of our political climate. From F.O. Tunji, considering your antecedent, I would want to know if your write-up of today (December 16) is for real or a satire. Please respond to enable me know the direction of my comments. … I am relieved. No further comment. Thanks. Anonymous.

Tunji, your article on the N14bn palace did not please your fans. Disappointed indeed.

Anonymous.

Tunji, your article, “Let Sambo have his N14bn palace” is nauseating and bereft of a sense of responsibility to the suffering Nigerians who toil for this nation and cannot get their pension. Many have died without enjoying the results of their sweat; yet, the country has N9bn to spend building a palace for the Vice President. You will some day pay back all the monies you have been hired for to write such articles in the name of being a columnist. You even have the effrontery to condemn Senator Smart Adeyermi for standing with the National Assembly not to appropriate additional fund for the project.

You gave several stupid reasons why the VP deserves such a palace, one of which is to befit his image. Why can’t you suggest he should go and live in the moon and operate from there? Anonymous.

Please tell Smart that N10bn can build 200 quality duplexes plus infrastructure.

Anonymous.

RE: ‘Like Oliver Twist, Jega wants more’ (your column of December 9 refers).

Personally, I do not see anything wrong if the CBN, ASUU and the judiciary sought for/ are seeking and are near being given or given autonomy. Jega’s case becomes Oliver Twist’s only if the public objectively assessed that the powers being sought for and assumed given are considered abused! This however hasn’t occurred. Anyone cleared/rejected by INEC can be ratified by the Supreme Court directly. But let us all always be open-minded in burning but would-be-useful issues. From Lanre Oseni.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Life

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

Text only: 08023058761

When literature resolves conflict – Page 28

Danfo with love from YABATECH – Page 38

Fresh lift for widows – Page 39

‘Black Heritage Festival will never die’ – SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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

‘Black Heritage Festival will never die’ Unlike past editions, next year’s Lagos Black Heritage Festival will begin on December 22 and run till October 2013 to ensure active participation of Brazil, the country in focus at the festival. Five years on, private sponsors are coming in trickles, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME

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ESPITE seeming lack of corporate sponsors of the yearly Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF), Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has promised that the festival will never die.

He said the absence of private sponsors would not kill the festival’s dream, adding that though the Lagos State government still funds the festival, the organisers have a special and very energetic sponsor team charged with the responsibility of marketing the festival.

This year’s festival, which is the first in the series on the theme: The Black in the Mediterranean Blue, focuses on the cultural exploration of Italy. It featured dancing, drama, masquerade parade, music, boat regatta, carnival, art exhibition, poetry and symposium. Next year’s theme is Bring back Brazil, which unlike this year’s, will begin on December 22 and run till October next year.

Soyinka, who spoke last weekend in Lagos, said most corporate bodies are not interested in sponsoring festivals but in items that will promote their goods and services. “Many people are nibbling at certain events in the festival, but the problem with corporate bodies is that they don’t fund festival; they look at the items which can promote their own stuff. And if somebody else has grabbed it, then the response you get is ‘it is okay, too late and too bad.’ Some items are more the favourites than others,” he said.

He said that The Vision of a child, a children painting competition segment of the festival, has been taken off the shoulders of the Lagos State government.

According to him, an arrangement has been reached with Diamond Bank, who did it this year and they want to continue. He noted that the mentorship programme has not been inaugurated because there is no sponsor for it yet.

He said that a Brazilian Samba troupe, Thobias de Vai Vai from Sao Paolo would perform on December 22 at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos by 7pm as part of the inauguration ceremony for the year of Brazil. From next year, he said, a competition in Yoruba rhetoric would be introduced in the festival Soyinka, who is the festival consultant, explained why organisers’ of the festival chose to focus on Brazil in next year’s edition. Brazil’s culture in Nigeria is not only formidable but also remarkable. He said Nigerian culture in Brazil, especially the Yoruba culture is truly remarkable and the retentions are staggering and mind-bogling.

He noted that on the streets of Brazil one finds akara je being fried and sold, adding that many institutions are named after Yoruba deities such as Osun, Sango, Orunmila among others.

“We feel it is a shame that many Nigerians look toward Europe far more than Latin America and the Caribbean,” he added.

“As I said very frankly, Portugal is merely a half way house to Brazil. Next year, we will feature the most vibrant of Brazil because the Brazilian culture is very formidable with components in Nigeria; and Nigerian culture in Brazil, especially the Yoruba is truly remarkable.

The retentions are really staggering and mind-bugling.

We are talking about areas in Brazil, which are effectively blacks. But Brazil of course is a genuine rainbow culture, rainbow people… You find names such as Babalola, Bamgbose in Brazil and the pride with which Brazilians hold and approach African culture is really unique.”

He said the decision to flag off the festival on December 22, was to allow Brazil to mobilise and participate fully in the festival. He noted that notwithstanding the extension, all the aspects of the festival would still hold while acceding to Brazil’s plea for more time. “We think we

•A boy performing at the festival

•Dancers from Ekiti State during the festival

•Colourful carnival display

FESTIVAL should accede to Brazil’s plea to make it a real huge family re-union. Most enthusiastic for me is the acceptance of the festival by Brazil. And on competitive level, is that Brazil wants to invade Lagos, but pleaded for postponement to allow full participation and mobilisation. How-

ever, the Lagos State government is not wishing to lose the festival dates on the tourism calendar,” he said.

He stressed that if the state must insist in wooing tourists to Lagos, then it must be ready to compromise in terms of date. “If you want tourists to invade the festival, I think we should really consider very seriously some kind of compromise. We could still have our cake and eat it,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

27

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Eighteen years ago, a self-confessed robbery kingpin, Olusegun Abayomi Raji, a.k.a Okuta, retired in a dramatic manner. But, contrary to his expectations, he has been facing hard times. He shares his ordeal with Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN

S

IXTY-five-year-old Olusegun Abayomi Raji, now an evangelist, numbers today, among the most traumatised. Fondly addressed as Okuta for his invincibility while his “golden” reign lasted in the underworld, between 1971 and February 13, 1994, he distinguished himself in his chosen career.

For want of appropriate parental tutelage as a youth, little Olusegun was, early enough, exposed to peer influence in the course of trying his hands in menial jobs to survive. He was working with a building construction company in Jos when his story changed. With a “whopping” one pound then, he got induced into a gang of robbers. And he “rose through the ranks!”

The Oyo State-born sharp shooter was king. He was feared and adored by those who encountered him. By his confession, he shared times with equally dreaded superstars of the underworld. They included the infamous Shina Rambo, fiery Lawrence Anini’s associate Monday Osunbor and the northern Nigerian-based notorious bandit, Umoru Mesaje. Like the trio, Olusegun spread tears wherever his pernicious business led him.

Olusegun, whose mere appellation was terror to even the valiant, not only sacrificed his four-month-old baby for protective charms, he took his morbid search for spiritual powers to queer devil’s kingdoms, including a well in Jos, the Plateau State capital. By his account, he partook of all known powerful cults on the face of the earth except Egungun.

Even years after its death, no child would dare move near a dead cobra. In sleep or out on operation, no neighbour would tread his Oke-Odo, Lagos home without his heart and legs misbehaving.

However, his “glorious” reign ended the day his powers failed him. God showed Himself the day he planned to show Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara of the popular Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Agbala Itura, Lagos, that power pass power. But what prompted such an effrontery? He told this reporter: “Some pastors from the church were fond of pestering me to change my ways and I felt it was an opportunity for me to convince them of my stuff. That day, we had already been set for the day’s operation and our target was the late prominent owner of Atunrase Carpets and Underlays.”

Not only were his so-called powers neutralised, the Holy Spirit “arrested” him. “It was at the spot that I surrendered all the charms I had worn to harm Pastor Abiara. All the other charms I had at home were later evacuated in three bus loads. That was when I realised that I had been deceiving myself thinking I was invincible.”

Besides being a terror to his innocent “enemies” in his own world, the zenith of his “breakthroughs” came the day he made a bumper harvest – a whopping N1.2 million in an operation! It was, however, not without paying the price as he, at various times, spent jail terms ranging from two and six years in various jail houses.

All that, however, became history after the encounter at Agbala Itura. But ever since, he has remained hooked to tribulations.

Presumably by reason of his calling, Pastor Abiara sponsored Olusegun’s enrolment at a theological seminary. The late Mr Tunde Sebanjo, the gold-hearted owner of Lagos-based President Paints, whom he met at the sanctuary in 1994, came to his rescue by catering for his pecuniary needs.

However, ill-fate had a shock in store for unsuspecting Olusegun. While he was dreaming of a more fructifying relationship with the philanthropist, whom he once described as his “saviour,” death snatched Sebanjo away. He was said to have died of heart at-

•Olusegun

Ordeal of a ‘retired’ robber REMINISCENCE tack at 66 on July 5, 2009. For months, the retired robber was a wreck.

“I know what has befallen me; this is a callous death.

This was a man that has been there for me for 14 years after I dumped my bad old ways. In fact, he always told me that he was ready to do all within his ability to make sure that I did not return to the underworld.

Apart from his household, all his workers at his Ahmadiyya office know me as chairman’s son.

“Cry to him any time, you would leave his office with smiles. He actually asked me to feel free to tell him my mind any time. He gave me money to buy my first handset on September 2, 2005. He would feed me and buy

‘I thought I had died because I saw heaven when the accident occurred owing to bad driving by some vehicles. I was on my way to finalising a contract as a trained house builder. I thank God for some kindhearted Customs officers who helped me and took me to the hospital’

me clothes. Every December, he would give my family a bag of rice and money. Who will do all these for me now? Oh, this is too wrong a time for chairman to die,” Olusegun bemoaned Sebanjo’s demise.

God heard his prayers again as he came into contact with Revd (Mrs) Olukemi Ayoola, founder/coordinator, Trumpet of Life Ministries, a religious charity organisation, which finalised efforts to give Olusegun total care for his three deprived children. At Ife, the kids enjoyed everything, including education under the care of the Mother in Israel.

For certain inscrutable reasons, Olusegun brought the kids back into his fold. “Maybe he was missing them; but I think He should have allowed me to accomplish what God sent me to do on the innocent kids,” Mrs Ayoola later said about Olusegun’s “strange” move.

If he had thought his vicissitudes were over, he was dead wrong. What an irony; shortly afterwards, four armed robbers who would not dare move near his neighbourhood in his hey days in “active service” visited him, dispossessing him of his belongings.

His wife, Abosede, shared in the terror at his OkeOdo, home, a miserable apartment which, according to him, is the only fruit of his 23-year-old unbroken courtship with the devil.

Virtually everywhere he sought succour, was a tale of disappointments. But he kept himself busy with reading the scriptures and visiting churches where he shared his ordeals with congregations.

Two years ago, precisely December 3, 2010, he was just smarting from the agony of his tribulations when cruel fate bore its fangs for the umpteenth time. He was enjoying a cruise on a power motorbike that a Good Samaritan had procured for him to keep body and soul intact when he started an unpremeditated journey to infirmaries. It was while on his way to Idiroko, an outskirt of Lagos.

“I thought I had died because I saw heaven when the accident occurred owing to bad driving by some vehicles. I was on my way to finalising a contract as a trained house builder. I thank God for some kindhearted Customs officers who helped me and took me to the hospital,” still writhing in pains, Olusegun told the reporter as he displayed the x-rays showing his dislocated thighs.

He cut the pitiable picture of a trapped grass-cutter as he reeled off his agonies to this reporter. Within his reach were his crutches. Besides his wife, his fairly large bible appeared his closest ally.

“My brother (looking into the reporter’s eyes), the state of things in this society calls for prayers. I have been to various churches where the General Overseers would assign pastors to take care of me, but to my dismay, they never showed the compassion I had thought they would evince as true Christians. Even most of the pastors we worship today are into various cults. I know their signs because I was once in them,” he lamented, adding pitiably: “If someone like me who willingly said bye to the devil and his works cannot get help from the church, I’m not being encouraged to retrace my steps and reconcile with the devil?”

“In other welfarist countries,” he continued, “someone like me would be rehabilitated to be more useful to the society. But here, no body cares; the government does not help matters. This is my dilemma at the moment.”

Describing the controversial ban on commercial mtorcycles Okada in Lagos as well-intentioned on the part of the government, he, however, frowned at the absence of alternative measures to cushion the debilitating effects of the policy on already deprived masses, who, according to him, eke out a living through bike riding under the scorching sun.

Opening up further on his angst, the evangelist said: “I have been trying my best to change some of these guys who are into robbery and other crimes to turn over a new leaf, but they are always quick to ask: If we leave the job, are we not going to subject ourselves to you present experience and wallow in abject poverty?”

This, he maintained, is where government must urgently look into.

As things stand, the born-again criminal anxiously awaits manna from above as multifaceted deprivations and regrets remain his only retirement entitlements!

BOOK LAUNCH

A

BOOK, Causes of Business Failure in Nigeria, has been launched at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, chaired by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Nnabuike Edechime, was attended by renowned public commentator and women’s rights activist, Mrs. Sefinatu Mohammed, Chief Linus Obi Chiamuta, and Prof. Godswill Nwankpa, the reviewer of the book, among others.

Author of the book, Duru said his experience as an entrepreneur was the critical factor that informed his decision to write the book. According to him, “This book is the product of practical experience, primarily. What I did was to distill lessons from my experience as an emerging entrepreneur, and ground it on a robust theoretical framework.”

He said in the course of his business engagements, while

Book on business solutions launched some initiatives paid off as sustainable enterprises today, others just could not fly, giving him cause for critical thinking and study. “I began to ask vital questions; I found the need to touch base with my academic background as a graduate of business management; I also began to closely observe a select business concerns in my environment, and read more books on business practice and theory. The result of these efforts is what you have as this book today,” he added.

According to Prof. Godswill Nwankpa, “The book examines business processes, strengths, weaknesses and business opportunities analysis in Nigeria.”

A major highlight of the book, Duru said, is that it throws up to the reader not just the challenges and problems associated with doing business in Nigeria, or anywhere in the world for that matter, it also delineates the prospects and recipes for confronting them head-on since “behind every cloud there is a silver lining.”

“I believe, therefore, that the book will make comprehensive reading looking at its broad thematic thrust,” Duru stressed, noting that on account of this the book outlines over 300 possible business ideas as well as how to power them into result-oriented action.

“Obviously my target readership is expected from among the class of budding entrepreneurs and businessmen and women whose enterprises are floundering and even students who may require the book as addition to their cache of study materials for excellent showing in their studies,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

28

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

•The newly commissioned Ekwensi library

•From left: Soyinka, Ofeimun and Aliyu

•Prof.Amali (left) and Gimba

It was a convergence of ideas when scholars, writers and literary gaints, such as Prof. Wole Soyinka, met at the Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (MBA) National Literary Colloquium in Minna, the Niger State capital, to address the theme: Nigerian Literature, Conflict and National Unity. They sought ways of resolving burning national issues through intellectual rigour and also honoured one of their own, the late Cyprian Ekwensi. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

When literature resolves conflict

•Niger immortalises Ekwensi with e-library

N

OBEL laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has said the Constitution alone may not be able to resolve “our various areas of conflicts”.

According to him, Nigeria would become truly united if people respected each other's rights and religion, otherwise, a perfect Constitution may not be able to save the situation.

He was presenting his keynote address on the theme: Nigerian Literature, Conflict and National Unity at the Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (MBA) National Literary Colloquium in Minna, Niger State. The event was an intellectual exercise attended by notable writers, literary critics and scholars such as the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali; Mallam Abubakar Gimba; Prof. Charles Nnolim; Prof. Yusuf Adamu; former President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Odia Ofeimun; the incumbent Prof. Remi Raji; ANA Abuja chair, Edwin Oriata; ANA Kaduna chair, Usho Adawa; former ANA Imo chair, Camilus Ukah; Dr. Salihu Bappa and Ahmed Maiwada.

Aside brainstorming, they also celebrated one of their own as the Niger State government inaugurated an e-library in memory of the late writer, Cyprian Odiatu Ekwensi. The library, with free internet facilities housing over 20 computers in the main hall, would serve as a resource centre for students,

LITERATI scholars, writers and researchers, it was learnt.

Ekwensi was a writer with the unity of the nation at heart, guests said. His works, they said, preached messages of unity and harmony among Nigerians. From Nkwelle Ezumaka, Anambra State, he was born in the hilly town of Minna in 1921.

He schooled in the north, south west, Ghana and London; and grew to become a renowned writer who authored over 30 books before his death in 2007.

‘Ekwensi’s works cut across ethnic divides and promoted national unity. What we are celebrating today is an evocation that breaks petty dividing lines’ - Soyinka

‘Ekwensi was a writer that recognised that underneath the differences is the need to tell stories of how we relate and connect to one another’ - Ofeimun

The event, Soyinka said, brought back fond memories. According to him, he and the late Ekwensi used to go hunting in the state capital when he was alive. He urged young writers to take a cue from Ekwensi's example on unity. "Ekwensi was a great hunter. His works cut across ethnic divides and promoted national unity. What we are celebrating today is an evocation that breaks petty dividing lines. His work was a revelation to many of us. He introduced this part of the world to many of us in the south," he said.

In the quest for conflict resolution, Soyinka said, writers' mission, as in other aspect of national life, is simply to bear witness, and thus implicitly, proposed alternative national philosophies. He added that such philosophies can be inducted by future generation as a viable direction for social conduct and insight into existence itself, noting that beyond that, no one should look to the writer for salvation.

"What is the most valuable gift that writers can bequeath to others? Or what does the writer value most? Is it the sense of excitement that comes from transforming reality?’ Soyinka asked.

He said:“Ekwensi, who we have gathered for today with the opening of the library in his honour and one of the pioneers of what we consider modern Nigerian prose literature, also found himself compelled to confront that question. At that same critical phase of a nation's turmoil, he decided that the answer laid in •Continued on page37

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Profit after tax N590.797m NIGER INSURANCE Gross Premium N2.73b Profit after tax N212.95m MUTUAL BENEFITS Gross Premium N2b Profit N885.633m REGENCY ALLIANCE Gross Premium N812.596m Profit after tax N256.437m LEARN AFRICA Turnover N1.06b Profit after tax N58.336m TOTAL Nigeria Turnover N46.676 b Profit after tax N942.1m MRS OIL Nigeria Turnover N51.20b Profit after tax N712 m ETERNA Turnover N27.64b Profit after tax N563.834m OKOMU OIL PALM Turnover N2.667b Profit after tax N1.044b STANBIC IBTC BANK Net Operating Income N16.805b Profit after tax N2.737b ASL Turnover N1.084b Profit after tax N101.355m GT ASSURANCE Gross Premium N3.892b Profit after tax N710.62m CORNERSTONE INS Gross Premium N1.223b Profit after tax N80.01m OASIS INS Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax N79.868m AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS Gross Premium N1.215b Profit after tax N107.213m BERGER PAINTS Turnover N976.303m Profit after tax N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover N835.0m Profit after tax N18.200m DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY Turnover N38.251b Profit after tax N3.49b STUDIO PRESS NIG Turnover N3.375b Profit after tax N20.422m JULIUS BERGER NIG Turnover N80.125b Profit after tax N2.55b INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS Gross Premium N1.41b Profit after tax N250.450m EQUITY ASSURANCE Gross Premium N2.45b Profit after tax N287.283m STANDARD ALLIANCE INS Gross Premium N2.142b Profit after tax N475.964m C O N T I N E N T A L REINSURANCE Gross Premium N6.917b Profit after tax N805m PRESCO Turnover N2.60b Profit after tax N800.9m RT BRISCOE Turnover N4.553b

T

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

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Market abuses: Investors Protection Fund may not be enough

HE Investors Protection Fund (IPF) may not be able to cover all cases of market abuses and fraudulent practices against investors given the size and frequency of market infractions and the fund.

President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Ariyo Olushekun, said it appeared the IPF might not be enough to protect investors on a sustainable basis because the incidence of market abuses and fraudulent malpractices in the past has overwhelmed the existing fund available.

According to him, the challenge before the new board of trustees of the IPF is to manage and grow the fund in a way to meet its objectives.

The IPF was established to compensate investors with genuine claims of pecuniary losses against dealing members of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) due to insolvency, bankruptcy, negligence of a dealing member firm and abuses committed by

Taofik Salako

directors, officers, employees or representatives in relation to securities, money or any property entrusted to or received by the broker in the course of its business as a capital market operators.

IPF has about N625 million with a first generation bank. Mr Gamaliel Onosode chairs the nine-man board of IPF, which includes the Managing Director of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema; Misan Kofi-Senaya, managing director of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), Mr Kyari Bukar, Chief Sola Abodurin, Fubara Anga, Edosa Kennedy Aigbekaen, Sam Onukwe and Umaru Modibo.

Olushekun, who spoke at the SEC Journalists’Academy in Abuja, said the

best most effective way to protect investors is to institute and enforce proactive measures that enhance market integrity and forestall abuses.

“The importance of effective regulation in the capital market cannot be overemphasized. Regulations must be designed to address current market realities and by this, they must be upto-date and relevant. The importance of regulation and enforcement of rules is paramount in investors protection and in gaining investors confidence,” Olushekun said.

He outlined that certification, continuous training and effective disciplinary measures of the CIS have proved to be major contributors to protection of investors as stockbrokers are usually wary of infringing on codes of ethics and professional guidelines set by CIS.

•From left: General Manager Refinery, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Braimah Ogunwale; Managing Director/ CEO, Sule Abdullahi; Executive Director, Engineering and Operations, Maryoud Elsunni and Deputy General Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Mr Murtala Zubair, during the end of year party and Long Service Award of the firm, in Apapa, Lagos.

According to him, stockbrokers help to protect investors from vagaries of the market and possible abuses by giving quality investment advice that takes into consideration investor’s investment objective, the risk-return profile of investment opportunities and the capacity of the investor to undertake the risk.

He noted that the CIS plays central roles in ensuring that brokers have adequate knowledge and skills as well as keep to market rules and regulations.

He pointed out CIS’s code of ethics and standards of professional conduct ensure that stockbrokers at all times give priority to the interest of the investors and the capital market.

According to him, CIS’s code of ethics and standards of professional conduct ensure fair dealing with existing and potential clients, preservation of client’s confidentiality, fiduciary duties, and general responsibilities to clients and the market.

“All of these cannot be achieved without discipline. CIS has an effective adjudicating and disciplinary machinery which promptly attends to complaints on any member of the institute and metes out appropriate sanctions as deemed necessary on proven professional misconduct,” Olushekun said.

He assured that the CIS has created different platforms to ensure that stockbrokers are well equipped to perform their roles effectively while ensuring investors protection in the capital market.

Olushekun’s statement came just as the NSE cautioned investors not to misconceive the IPF for insurance scheme.

Executive director, market operation and technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Adeolu Bajomo,said IPF was not an insurance policy which an investor can make claim on but a protection scheme for investors who genuinely made transaction with stockbrokers but such deal was not executed or was somehow defrauded by the stockbrokers.

Adesina mulls agric bond, equities to finance agro revolution

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HE time has come for Nigeria to consider raising long term bonds to finance the agricultural sector, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said.

Speaking at a capital markets’ workshop, jointly hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adesina said for Nigeria to secure the much-needed cheap long-term funds to finance its agricultural transformation, all stakeholders must think outside the box and proffer amenable and innovative financing means.

He said while the rising domestic debt is certainly of concern, this should not be used to argue against agriculture bonds, noting that many countries including China and India are using the so called green bonds to power their agriculture.

According to him,with AMCON having more than N3

NeFF to set up card dispute arbitration panel -

Page 30

By Taofik Salako and Collins Nweze

trillion and pension funds having billions of Naira looking for sound investments, AMCON and pension funds can buy agricultural bonds to further diversify their portfolios and provide access to lower interest and long term financing for the sector.

He added that development finance institutions can also finance long term bonds for agriculture.

“To secure access to cheaper long term financing, we must think outside the box. The experience of the US offers some lessons. In 1916, the US government raised long term bonds, backed by government guarantees, to finance its agricultural sector. As a result, practically no farmer in the US takes credit from commercial banks, but rather through a system of specialised private sector agricultural lending institutions. US farmers therefore secure over $200billion in financing at 4.3 per cent interest rate, a criti-

cal factor that has made US agriculture productive and competitive,” Adesina said.

He outlined that equity markets can also enable agricultural companies to source the much needed capital pointing out that though agriculture has not been a big player in the Nigerian equity markets, it has the potential to be a big player.

According to him, emerging companies, such as Presco and Okomu, are charting the way for others to follow just as the ongoing plans of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to establish a secondary bourse that will allow for the listing of smaller capitalised companies should create greater access for smaller agricultural companies to the capital markets.

He noted that there were a number of strong agricultural companies that could seek to raise equity financing through initial public offerings (IPOs) but are unable to do so due to the

FAMAD’s financial crisis deepens - Page 33

minimum requirements of the NSE. “Public equity capital markets should play stronger roles in financing the agricultural sector.

Despite the strong performance of agriculture stocks, the sector still represents less than one per cent of the over $40billion market capitalisation on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. And only five of the 199 listed stocks are from the agricultural sector,” Adesina said.

He said the government would soon launch a Seed Venture Capital Fund that would be run by private equity managers to invest in existing and new seed companies adding that government is in the closing stage of receiving first-ever investments from KfW, the German Development Bank, for the establishment of a fund for agricultural financing.

“We must also use private capital markets. Private equity funds are increasingly playing a critical role in channeling financing to Nigeria’s agriculture sector.”

‘Pig breeding is profitable’ - Page 35

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

MONEY

Fraud: NeFF to set up card dispute T arbitration panel HE Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) is planning an Industry Card Dispute Arbitration panel to resolve conflicts in fraud cases.

The panel will not be involved in transactions, the Chairman, NeFF and CBN Deputy Director, Banking and Payment, ’Dipo Fatokun, has said.

Speaking at the NeFFAnnual General Meeting in Lagos, he said banks and NeFF would collaborate with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to monitor payments, generate alerts for banks/networks and notify cardholders/merchants for banks on issues relating to frauds.

Stories by Collins Nweze

He said to promote e-payments, CBN raised an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Fraud Prevention Committee, to address card frauds, especially those associated with the use of ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.

The members of NeFF include the CBN, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Economic and Financial Crimes Com-

mission (EFCC), among others.

He said the forum has set up a committee to sanction erring banks. The objective for this forum is for banks and relevant agencies to share data to eliminate fraud in the industry.

According to him, fraud not only translates to operational risk losses to banks, it erodes the confidence of the public in electronic platforms/systems as a channel for transacting business.

He reiterated that the need to protect customers from fraud cannot be over-emphasised, adding that the electronic payment system is international in nature and requires to be approached from global perspective.

He advised banks to institute strong control measures that separates functions among staff handling sensitive documents to reduce the level of fraud in the banking sector.

According to him, banks must have enough and effective control especially in the management of their sensitive documents.

He said that for control to be effective, it must be well monitored especially internally.

However, he said that even in controlled environment, there could be collusion especially in exchanging keys. “There must be effective internal control system.

But its limitation is that there could be collusion. Even if one person holds a key and another holds another key. What of if one person gives his key to another person, that is collusion. That could led to a breakdown on controls,” he said.

Chief Technical Officer, Digital

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Encode, Seyi Akindeinde, said Internet and mobile banking constitute the most frequent avenues through which frauds are perpetrated.

According to him, fraud not only translates to risk losses to bank,s it erodes the confidence of the public in electronic platforms/systems as a channel for transacting business.

Framework on agency banking coming

A

• From left: Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Adeola Adetunji; Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Frank Nweke Jnr; Outgoing MD/President, Coca-Cola Central East and West Africa Business Unit, Kelvin Balogun and Director, Centre for Applied Economics, Pan African University, Prof Pat Utomi, at a reception for Adetunji on his appointment at Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

‘Review audit committee tenure’

T

HE tenure for audit committee should be increased from one to three years of two terms to promote continuity, National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, has said.

He spoke at the Annual Audit Committee Roundtable in Lagos. According to him, audit committee members should report to the shareholders, adding that some firms discourage people who can interpret account statements from joining the committee where there are sinister motives.

He also said the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) needs to be amended to address pressing issues that hinder auditors from carrying out their responsibilities effectively Chairman, Audit Committee Institute of Nigeria,Christian Ekeigwe, also said CAMA has to be reviewed to check management excesses and protect the interest of shareholders and other stakeholders.

He advised investors to be careful in choosing companies to in-

vest in, saying they should choose those companies that have developed the right governance environment. “Good governance is a control against fraudulent financial reporting.

Firms with good governance would have enterprise risk management framework that helps deter and detect fraudulent financial reporting,” he said.

He said the Audit Committee Institute is spearheading initiatives to improve the committee effectiveness with the establishment of its Centre for Audit Quality, which will focus on helping organisations and their internal n external auditors to improve the quality of audit judgments as a means of improving the quality of financial reporting process.

Ekeigwe said audit committee is a key pillar of corporate governance, explaining that in advanced capital markets, regulators have imposed heavy gatekeeping responsibilities on audit committees. He said the Financial Reporting Council Act 2011 recognises the importance of Audit Committees in cooper-

ate governance and there is need to explore the dimensions of audit committee responsibilities to ensure they fulfill their duties diligently.

He added that shareholders have a right to expect that Audit Committees are working for their interests because when that happens, shareholder value is protected.

He said when shareholders’interests are protected, it becomes easier to attract investments that create jobs and wealth for the economy. He called for reforms in many aspects of corporate governance and audit committees regime, financial reporting value chain as well as audit firm governance.

Soon, professional bodies and audit firms will be invited to affiliate with the CAQ, in the quest for reassuring audit quality and preventing audit failure.

Nwosu said there is need to ensure that those elected into the audit committee report to the shareholders.

He said the CAMA should be reviewed and brought up to date for companies to make progress.

SWF will hasten infrastructure devt

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HE creation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) presents an opportunity for the government to fund infrastructure, the Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs Sola DavidBorha, has said.

Speaking at the Fourth Christopher Kolade Symposium hosted by the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI) in Lagos, she said infrastructure stimulate growth.

The Federal Government requires

N16 trillion to provide infrastructure in the country, she said.

According to her, the economy is growing but not as fast as expected because of inadequate infrastructure.

Mrs David-Borha said Nigeria can achieve 30 per cent efficiency by getting the power sector right.

“Infrastructure is enabler for growth and the sooner we learn about that the better,” she said.

She said that corporate govern-

ance in the banking system has improved, adding that there is no country with a perfect system.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), she said, took bold steps in that direction, adding that more still needs to be done to get better results.

“Corporate governance practice has improved in the country. Although more work still needs to be done, there has been great improvement,” she said.

FRAMEWORK that will define the mode of operation for agency banking would be out before year end, The Nation has learnt.

Speaking at the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) forum in Lagos, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the CBN Committee of Governors was fine-tuning the draft exposure of the agency banking.

He said issues relating to some agents, type and nature of agents including considerations for super agents are critical areas being considered in the draft exposure.

He said the processes for this line of banking to become functional will be finalised by this year-end.

Sanusi said there have been im-

provements in the payment system, including the drive for financial inclusion.

He said lenders have to address the need for special products that consider women and the handicapped to ensure that everyone is carried along.

Sanusi said agency banking provides financial services to the widely dispersed population at affordable price and has assisted some countries in decongesting existing customers from crowded branches.

He added that it would serve the same purpose in Nigeria.

According to him, agency banking provides financial services by a third-party agent to customers on behalf of a licenced, prudentiallyregulated financial institution.

ICAN harps on credible data

A

CCOUNTANTS have been urged to generate credible financial reports that will present a true state of public and private institutions.

In a communiqué at the 42nd Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja, participants also noted that the economy would 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 devel-

opment, is attributed to the absence of strong institutions and professionals who give high regards to corporate governance.

The conference recommended that accountants should play a more active role in public governance. It urged the Institute to regularly relevant stakeholders in advocating good governance, principled leadership, institution-building and fiscal discipline.

It urged the institute to ensure that its members hold to the highest level of professional standards and integrity and apply big stick where members act fail to adhere to rules.

ASO Savings donates to Ogoniland

A

SO Savings & Loans Plc, has donated N15 million to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) to support the proposed clean-up exercise of oil spills in the Ogoniland, Rivers State.

The cheque, which was presented by the Managing Director of ASO Savings & Loans Plc, Mr Hassan Musa Usman, was received by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Abdulkadir A.Musa at his office in Abuja.

Usman said the donation is for the erection of a Call Center and procurement of Overhead Tanks specifically in the affected areas in Ogoni land. “This is to help support the ongoing plans for the cleanup of oil spills in Ogoni, Rivers State. I pledged my or-

ganisation’s commitment to supporting HYPREP in their noble initiative of ridding the region of the degradation and pollution caused by oil spills in the State,” the mortgage finance expert explained.

Expressing gratitude at the gesture, Ambassador Abdulkadir A.Musa commended ASO for their support and called on other Corporate Organisations to support the government’s initiative by joining the cleanup campaign.

Explaining how the funds will be expended, the National Coordinator for the project, Mrs Joy NuniehOkunnu, said out of the N15 million donated by the bank, N10 million would be spent on overhead tanks while the balance would be used to construct an emergency call centre for HYPREP.

31

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

MONEY

MDAs to implement new accounting rules in 2013 M

INISTRIES, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will start implementing the International Public Sectors Accounting Standards (ISPAS) from January next year, the Accountant-General of the Federation Mr Jonah Otunla has said.

Speaking during the Ninth Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Summit in Lagos, Otunla said the aim is to reduce abuse of public funds and encourage the good corporate governance.

He said with the new accounting standards, the government will be able to know and record income when it is received, adding that It will also help in recording expenses when cash is paid out for certain developmental projects.

ISPAS is a set of high quality independently developed accounting standards aimed at meeting the financial reporting needs of the public sector.

The idea, he said, would serve as an alternative to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conceived for privately quoted entities globally.

He said the International Public Sectors Accounting Standards Board (ISPASB), United States de-

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

veloped the standards, adding that it has been adopted by governments in the developed economies to ensure uniform, strong and effective management of public funds.

Also, a partner with Deloitte, an accounting firm, Mr Uwadiae Oduware, said the government is committed to the implementation of the international public sectors accounting standards to encourage good fiscal management and subsequently block loopholes through which funds are stolen from the public purse.

He said the government through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) has communicated the issue to agencies of the Federal Government.

He said the adoption of the standards was long overdue because other countries, including Benin Republic, Ghana, and Kenya had long adopted ISPAS to foster growth.

He said at the end of the implementation of the standards, the government hopes to deliver to the nation, a Standardised Uniform Chart of Accounts, Budget and

General Purpose Financial Statements that will meet international best practices as required by ISPAS. Oduware said users of government’s financial statements would see more transparency, accountability and integrity in the statements when the standards would have been adopted next year.

He said the ISPAS cash basis will be implemented with effect from the 2013 financial year, while the ISPAS accrual basis will come into operations in 2015.

ISPAS accrual basis is the accounting method that in which each item is entered as it is earned or incurred regardless of when actual payments are received.

He said the standards would build confidence of donor agencies, improve service delivery, enhance public-private partnership, and boost peer review mechanism of financial reports of the threetiers of governments and governments of other countries.

Other benefits of the adoption are better access to financing through either bond releases or international financing from organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

‘Compliance with BASEL 11 is Dec. 31’ The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it has fixed end of 2012 as the deadline for the implementation of BASEL 11 to mitigate any shock in the system.

Basel II is a comprehensive international set of regulations aimed at enhancing the risk management of banks.

It has three pillars that focus on minimum capital requirement; supervisory processes and market discipline, which has to do with disclosure among others.

The bank’s Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Dr. Chiedu K. Moghalu, said in Lagos that the idea was part of efforts to tighten the risk management framework of the industry.

He explained: “We have taken a number of steps to make sure that the introduction of Basel 11 is achieved. We would be communicating with the industry in the near future on the steps that we have taken.

But we have to do some internal work first. And part of that internal work was to set up an internal implementation committee that is chaired by myself and co-chaired by the managing director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

“That committee has a number of subsidiaries’ committees and a working group who have been working hard to identify the legislation and operational guidelines and to look at the various processes that needs to be put in place.

In march 2011, the CBN took some major steps in procuring support through consulting firms that would help was drive the work on Basel 11 going forward. We advertised in March, in line with the procurement Act for consultants to work with us on Basel II and Basel III.”

Experts differ on CBN’s policies Economists and financial analysts have expressed varied views on the determination of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN) to maintain its monetary tightening measures at 12 per cent.

While some experts say the CBN is on the right track, as its monetary policy has helped to increase the country’s foreign exchange reserves to a 32-month high, others argued that the regulatory bank’s policies are harsh on the real sector. They said the measure was at odds with the reality of the global economic environment and the actions of regulatory banks of most emerging markets.

The Chief Executive Officer, Economics Associate, Dr. Ayo Teriba, said the policies showed that the financial sector regulator was mainly concerned about the foreign exchange market and not the economic growth of Nigeria.

He described the 12 per cent MPR as “ so surprising,” and noted that the hike in interest rate had impacted negatively on the country’s output drastically.

Teriba said: “The monetary tightening measures obviously show that the CBN is mainly concerned about the excess demand of foreign exchange and not just inflation; for if you hike rate because of excess demand of foreign exchange, what it would do to the growth of the economy?”

‘Capital base for mortgage firms inadequate’

•From left: Senior Research Fellow, Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation, Mr Seungkon Oh; Director, Banking Supervision,Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins; Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr Ibrahim Umaru and former Managing Director, NDIC, Mr Ganiyu Ogunleye, during the International Association of Deposit Insurers African Regional Committee workshop hosted by NDIC in Lagos.

Experts decry slow pace of mobile money market

E

XPERTS have attributed the slow pace of growth of the mobile money market system to the poor commitment by operators and regulators.

The experts, drawn from the banking, and telecoms industry, identified lack of commitment as bane of the industry.

Head of Payments and Mobility, Accenture Nigeria, Mrs. Henrietta Bankole-Olusina, said mobile money operators and their regulators need to show more commitment, to attract investment and drive the industry.

She said one year after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed the 16 mobile money operators, the sector is yet to appreciate the policy.

She stated that the success of mobile money services, accept-

ance of the services by the rural dwellers and investment in mobile payment infrastructure, would only come when people realise the opportunities inherent in that industry.

“Capital would always go to where there is an opportunity.

Mobile money subscribers far outnumber Personal Computer users and the banked in Nigeria; a great opportunity the providers have failed to utilised,” she added.

She decried the approach of the operators, noting that if they continued to target only the banked, then the unbanked that were the main crux of the initiative would not be captured.

Also, Pagatech’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tayo Oviosu, observed that in view of the poor and unbanked number of Nigeri-

ans, the mobile money payment should have a wider coverage than it does now.

He, however, linked the inability of some mobile money firms to roll out services to poor funding, technology challenges and limited distribution channels, among others.

The President, Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, Mr Chris Uwaje, also said certain loopholes must be addressed for the mobile money service to be successful.

“There are lots of things we cannot go to the market and buy, one of those things are good policy and strategy instrument. We need them. We always find ourselves running without equipment, so we need to equip ourselves with what we need to run with,” he said.

THE President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN, Mr Olabode Afolayan has described as inadequate the capital base of mortgage firms.

According to him, the N100 million capital base for primary mortgage institutions (PMIs) and the N5 billion for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) will not boost mortgage transactions.

The REDAN boss, who regretted the absence of foreclosures in Nigeria, also faulted the operations of commercial banks, who are only interested in giving out hot funds for real estate development.

But the Managing Director of Safetrust Savings and Loans Limited, Mr Yinka Adeola, is more interested in what would be done to make the sector more effective. He listed some factors that could help in reforming the mortgage industry.

They include long term funding supported by the availability of secondary refinancing windows and low interest rates, less government regulation and control, amendment of the Land Use Act and computerising land titling through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) to reduce cost of transactions in land, to enhance accessibility.

‘MSMEs’ fund not bailout’ WEAK microfinance institutions would not benefit from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMEs) fund, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has saiD. CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Development (OFID) Department, Mr Olufemi Fabanwo, said in Lagos only institutions with records of performance would access the fund, adding that is not m bailout for distressed micro-finance banks as people have been made to understand.

He said: “The MSMEs fund is not medicine for those who are weak.

The MSME fund is going to be assessed by institutions that have shown proven record of performance; it is not for any micro finance bank,” he said. “It is not a bailout fund. There is going to be a social window for capacity building in any area that will augur well for the development of the sub-sector.”

Finance houses to improve services FINANCE Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) will improve on the operations of its members and make them compete favourably with their counterparts abroad, its former President, Mr Eddie Osaronkhoe, has said. He said the association has taken praoctive steps in the past few years to ensure that probelsms facing the operators were addressed.

He said poor capital, inability to access funding for perations among others are the problems facing the industry.

According to him, the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has interevened by directing the operators to recapitalise their operations to become stronger and effective.

He said the various policies put in place by the CBN will help in reinvigorate the sub-sector in the nearest future. Osarenkhoe said CBN’s reforms are all-inclusive, adding that various aspect of the financial industry have benefitted from them.

He said: “With time, the sub-sector bounce bank and become stronger.

I think steps are in right direction to help the finance houses regian their lost groungs and perform better soon.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

32

THE NATION INVESTORS

Capital market needs medium, long-term strategies to sustain recovery, says NSE I

NTRODUCTION and implementation of medium to long-term strategies must remain priorities if the ongoing recovery at the capital market would be sustained.

Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema, said while recent market performance showed considerable progress and represented a sign of the returning Nigerian capital market vibrdaancy, there is still a relatively long road ahead of the market.

According to him, to enable the market to sustain and increase the momentum it has recently experienced, the successful implementation of medium and long-term strategic initiatives

by NSE must remain a priority.

He outlined that the NSE is focused on building local liquidity, exploring the potential of acting as a true regional hub, and looking to attract both local and foreign listings.

"This focus complements a key

• Options coming in 2014 Stories by Taofik Salako

trend we are seeing by companies in developed economies looking to tap into rising demand from emerging markets. These companies see the value in building brand recognition through an IPO, on the stock exchanges of their target markets which account for the largest and most-rapidly growing share of their revenue; in our case, Nigeria," Onyema said.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) in Lagos, Onyema, however, noted that the last few years have shown the need for portfolio diversification from traditional equities focus by retail investors.

He said the NSE has demonstrated its drive towards deepen-

ing the fixed income market with its planned introduction of a retail bond trading platform.

According to him, the current over-the-counter (OTC) structure only allows institutional participants trade in bonds; a robust retail bond trading platform will enable retail investors partake in the bond market as well. The new platform will be complementary to the OTC market and will increase the credibility of Nigerian bond market while allowing for improved price efficiency and transparency.

"The Exchange also has a product roll-out plan of five products in five years. Equities, ETFs and Bonds are presently listed and traded on the floor of the Exchange. Options and Futures are

scheduled for launch in 2014 and 2016. Initial market feasibility studies are planned for 2013," Onyema said.

He added that the Exchange would next year continue with innovations centered on technology and product development, as well as on increasing investor base and continuing efforts to attract new listings.

"We will operate best-in-class technology-based solutions, offer advanced market data services, and continue advocating changes to policy, with the aim of transforming the Nigerian capital market into "the gateway to African capital markets," Onyema said.

He explained that securities lending and short-selling structure are key to ensuring vibrant market making.

According to him, major asset holders such as the Asset Man-

agement Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Pension Fund Administrators, insurance companies and other entities will participate and earn additional income through the process while helping to improve liquidity in the market.

He said FirstBank of Nigeria and Citibank (Nigeria International Bank Limited) are set to join United Bank for Africa and Stanbic IBTC Bank as securities lenders as part of the market making initiative expected to boost liquidity at the stock market.

He added that the market makers are committed to ensuring that the objectives of introducing this initiative into the market will be achieved.

He said that the Nigerian capital market would now be in a better position to provide alternative financing methods for businesses to thrive, thus impacting positively on the nation's economy.

Experts advise on capacity building

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

E

NVIRONMENTAL experts have canvassed the need to build capacity to respond and mitigate the impact of natural disasters such as flooding in Nigeria.

The experts who spoke on ‘The economic impact of natural isasters’ at an event organised by Greenspring Group in partnership with the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan African University, Lagos, argued that man cannot stop natural disasters, but he can, however, mitigate their impact.

President, Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Ibikunle Ogunbayo, pointed out that the 10 River Basin Authorities in Nigeria are meant to manage river flows in their areas of influence, noting that the recent flood disaster in the country which submerged many communities showed that the authorities lacked the capacity to do their work.

“The River Basin Authorities should be able to know ahead when a River Niger, for instance, is about to overflow its banks; as a country, we should be able to know why the disasters are occurring; we should be able to learn from the experience of other countries,” he advised.

Director, SMC, Pan African University, Prof Emevwo Biakolo, added that Nigeria should have the scientific capacity to predict the occurrence of natural disasters.

According to him, “Since we can expect the occurrence of these disasters, there should be mechanisms in place to respond to them; we should create structures for mitigating their impact.”

Biakolo noted that there could be agencies that should be responsible for all these but asks: “How capable are they when they lack the capacity and managerial ability?”

He regretted that relevant agencies, such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) exists for purposes of formality and not for necessity, stressing that it is difficult to assess the agency correctly in the absence of adequate funding and accountability.

Managing Director of Double Q International Limited John OkodiIyah, said the impact of natural disasters, especially flooding, is not only economic, but also social.

•From left: Director-General, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh and Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Ade Bajomo, presenting the Silver Award to Taofik Salako, The Nation Newspaper's capital market editor, at the award dinner/gala nite for the SEC's Capital Market Essay Competition for Journalists at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

IHS Nigeria loses N2b in six months

I

HS Nigeria Plc lost about N1.71 billion in the first six months of this business year, according to the latest operational report made available by the directors of the company.

Interim report and accounts for the six-month period ended October 31, 2012 showed marginal increase in sales just as loss also spiraled to new high.

Loss before tax closed October 2012 at N1.705 billion as against N1.52 billion recorded in comparable period of 2011. Net loss after tax jumped to N1.54 billion in 2012 as against N680.39 million in 2011.

Total comprehensive loss attributable to shareholders tripled to N1.8 billion in 2012 compared with N796.98 million in corresponding period of 2011. With this, loss per share stood at 34 kobo as against 18 kobo in 2011.

The company’s turnover had in-

creased slightly from N7.59 billion in 2011 to N7.93 billion in 2012.

While operating loss dropped to N513.44 million in 2012 from N824.71 million in 2011, significant cost further undermined the midline performance, rising from N627.29 million in 2011 to N1.22 billion in 2012.

The latest report compounded the performance outlook of the company. Audited report of the company for the year ended April 30, 2012 showed turnover of N15.2 billion in 2012 as against N14.9 billion in 2011. With cost of sales at N12.41 billion and administration expenses at N1.28 billion, the company posted operating loss of N1.08 billion in 2012 as against operating profit of N913.7 million in 2011. Significant increase in finance cost from N1.2 billion to N2 billion, pushed pre-tax loss to N2.89 billion in 2012 compared

with N1.84 billion in 2011. Net loss after tax rose from N1.65 billion to N2.04 billion, leaving shareholders with net loss per share of 46 kobo in 2012 as against 38 kobo in 2011.

The six-month loss came on the heels of announcement by IHS that it has attracted a $125 million equity investment from Wendel in exchange for 25 per cent equity stake in IHS Plc. The deal worth about N20 billion is Wendel’s first direct investment in Africa.

Wendel made the acquisition, which makes it a major shareholder of IHS, through its subsidiary, Oranje-Nassau Development.

IHS stated that the $125 million investment was part of its capital raising for its pan-African growth with solid participation from current and new shareholders. Other key shareholders in IHS include International Finance Corporation,

South Africa’s Investec Asset Management, Emerging Capital Partners, Dutch Development Bank, local Nigerian banks and private investors such as Skye Bank.

According to the company, the equity investment will be augmented by debts from various international banks operating on the African continent.

IHS would use the funds to finance ongoing investment programme to support further tower purchases, infrastructure improvements and the continued development of innovative technology such as solar power throughout Africa and the Middle East.

Founded in 2001, IHS provides services across the full tower value chain including managed services, deployment and site ownership. It has operations in Ghana, Sudan, South-Sudan, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

33

THE NATION INVESTORS

FAMAD's financial crisis deepens T

HE crisis rocking the board of the embattled Footwear and Accessories Manufacturing and Distribution (FAMAD) Plc, formerly BATA, appeared to have escalated as the Vice -Chairman of the company, Mr Chima Emenyonu, has disassociated himself from the audited accounts of the company for the 2002 to 2006 financial years.

The results are billed to be presented at the company's Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for today in Lagos. This is the first time the company will be holding its AGM after it was suspended by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2008 for failing to submit its audited reports.

Kelechi alleged that certain information were not reflected

•Director alleges fraud

By Daniel Essiet

in the accounts and he had cause to raise an audit alarm to the auditors over vital information, which were hidden from the board.

He said petitions against the entire management for fraudulent activities have been sent to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

He alleged that many accounts opened in the name of the company are being used for transactions that have no direct relationship with the company.

The vice chairman alleged that the chairman of the company took up 40 per cent of the holdings of the tottering foot-

wear maker relinquished by the technical partners of BATA Overseas Limited, which she now uses as leverage over minority shareholders.

Before now, Emenyonu said he had called on the chairman to hold the company's AGM to clear allegations of fraud levelled against her and the management by some staff members, including the external audi-

tors.

In a presentation made available to The Nation, Emenyonu alleged that in order to conceal most of the atrocities, the board's minute book was stolen away and was doctored and returned by the company secretary who refused to give any explanation for the changes.

"My struggle for justice for all shareholders is animated mainly by the plight of numerous retires and sustained by the support of several shareholders who stand

to lose all if the situation is not challenged. Shareholders must insist on full disclosure, and continuation of our current auditors who have been coerced to withdraw, till they have concluded the years 2007-2012 annual account of their era," Emenyonu said.

He alleged that the grand plan was to bring in a fresh auditor who will not be able to get any useful information for the balance of six years of the current auditors' tenure.

Oteh lists benefits of N22.6b forbearance package

T

HE N22.6 billion forbearance package announced by the Federal Government for indebtedness due to margin loans by stockbrokers would help to improve the bal-

•From Right: President, Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA), Mr. Akinsowon Dawodu; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema; ex-officio, FMDA, Mr Ini Ebong and Vice-President, Mrs. Femi Owopetu, during the association's 21st Delegate Conference and Annual General Meeting in Lagos. .

By Tonia Osundolire

ance sheet of operators and enhance the liquidity of the market, Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh has said.

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja, she said while the forbearance would improve the balance sheet of stockbroking firms and make them participate actively in trading activities, the tax incentives recently announced would also attract more investors and new listings to market.

It would be recalled that the forbearance package, along with the tax incentives, was announced by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala early this month based on the recommendation of the committee set up on the issue.

Oteh said the capital market community was grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan for the support to brokers so that some of them could return to the market.

“The tax waivers we recently got are a major boost the market needs,” Oteh said.

Stockbrokers have hailed the government over the package.

The chief executive officers of stockbroking firms under the aegis of Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) unanimously agreed to embrace the N22.6 billion forbearance package as part of efforts to revitalise the capital market.

Chairman of ASHON, Mr Emeka Madubuike, said the association has over the last three years solicited for the forbearance on the margin accounts of some of its members with banks now taken over by AMCON. According to him, the margin accounts came about from the fact that banks failed to exercise the margin calls as required by the arrangements in the face of falling share prices.

Madubuike commended President Jonathan, Okonjo-Iweala and all those who made the package a reality.

“This singular act by the Federal Government gives us in the capital market a lot of hope that the market will begin to play its pivotal role as the engine room for the transformation of our nation’s economy. We trust the government will continue to look for other ways to resuscitate the capital Market to enable it compliment the various reform programmes of government and to become an integral component for the growth and development of the economy,” Madubuike said.

He said that going forward, ASHON will work along with other stakeholders in the capital market, and continue to initiate and pursue processes, procedures and policies in the areas of risk management , investors protection, corporate governance and professional conduct, to ensure there will be no reoccurrence of the situation that led us to this position.

Stockbrokers catalyst for economic growth HE role of the capital market as the catalyst for an economy is undisputable. But stockbrokers, who are the backbones of the capital market, have for long been in the shadow.

The Chartered Institute of Stockbroker (CIS), which certifies and regulates the conduct and practices of the stockbroking profession, had played behind-the-scene role in recommending economic policies to government. But the behind-the-scene approach has ensured little or no recognition for the virile contributions of stockbrokers.

The first-ever national workshop of the CIS pivoted stockbrokers to the forefront of national discourse and policy recommendations. With the theme: Working the Transformation Agendathe real issues, the event held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja brought together major policy makers in the financial markets and the economy and lived up to its billing as a platform for private-public sectors’ engagements on national growth and development.

The event attracted regulators of the capital market and relevant government agencies and parastatals like the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Debt Man-

T

agement Office (DMO), the Federal Ministry of Power and a key player in the telecommunication sector like MTN Nigeria. The workshop put in the front burner two major issues- power and telecoms.

Although the telecoms sector is seen to have taken off the ground in Nigeria, stockbrokers believed that it has not yet fulfilled the much desired purpose of being a catalyst for democratising wealth creation for the people of Nigeria, especially investors in the capital market. None of the four telecom giants-MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Glo and Etisalat, operating in Nigeria has deemed it fit to list their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, in her opening remark at the workshop, said the capital market was critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to her, the easiest way for outsiders to see Nigeria is through the capital market. The market is very useful to support government in sourcing cheap funds for economic growth as annual budgetary allocations especially as it concerns capital projects would never be enough to deliver dividend of democracy to the people.

She noted that the recent forbearance gesture for the capital market by government was a step in the right direction as it was necessary to refuel the economy.

She pointed out that relentless efforts are being made to further deepen the market by getting highly capitalised companies in both the power and telecom industries to list their shares on the NSE as well as create additional flow of wealth through other sources like the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), Collective Investment Scheme among other sources.

“The consultative approach we have taken to call large companies to the capital market will soon begin to yield fruit,” Oteh said.

She predicted that 2013 will be a better year for the capital market urging all operators to play constructive roles in the development of the market.

Chairman, CIS Annual National Workshop Committee and Group Managing Director of BGL Plc, Mr Albert Okumagba, said the workshop was only the beginning of serious engagements on national issues noting that CIS has more to offer the economy through its national workshop in the years ahead.

According to President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers

(CIS), Mr Ariyo Olushekun, said the workshop woule be organised annually and it would initiate and advance national discourse on economic issues while also serving as a platform for monitoring economic policies and implementations.

Chairman, Technical Committee of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Mr. Atedo Peterside,who chaired a session, painstakingly addressed concerns on the current power reforms.

Peterside, a revered investment banker who doubles as chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Stanbic IBTC Hioldings Plc , said the successful implementation of the power agenda will result in a dramatic boom for the economy.

According to him, milestones that have been achieved since 2005 included the passage of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act by the National Assembly in March 2005, which outlined the framework of the reform which among others include unbundling the state owned power entity National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into generation, transmission and distribution segments; provision for the transfer of assets, liabilities and staff of NEPA to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and then to successor gen-

eration, transmission, and distribution companies.

He also noted the incorporation of 18 new successor companies comprising of six generation companies (gencos), one transmission company (TCN) and 11 distribution companies (discos) in November 2005 as well as the transfer of the assets, liabilities and staff of PHCN to successor companies, thereby granting the latter greater operational autonomy on July 1, 2006.

He said that the approved five preferred bidders for Genco and 10 preferred bidders for Disco are expected to yield about $2.5 billion for government.

He added that eligible prequalified bidders have been invited to express an interest in Afam genco and Kaduna disco on or before January 31 2013.

Though Peterside acknowledged that the process of privatisation of the power sector has not been without its challenges, he assured the workshop that the process has reached an advanced stage given the selection of preferred bidders , a transaction which is likely to be closed by mid 2013.

He urged all the stakeholders, including the stockbrokers, to support the power reform agenda to ensure that all its objectives were realised within the timelines.

34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

INSURANCE

We’re not closing any insurance firms, says NAICOM

T

HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has no plan to close any insurance firm as reported by Business Monitor International (BMI) Limited in its Nigeria Insurance Report, the Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel, has said.

He told The Nation that NAICOM has no reason to close any underwriting firm, adding that the commission is committed to strengthening the firms for the protection of policyholders.

In its report BMI said there are some insurance companies that the regulator would shut. It noted that NAICOM is also keen to improve capitalisation and

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

standards among the 15,000 insurance agents and 350 brokers.

It said: "Over the years that BMI has been monitoring the Nigerian insurance sector, the story has remained the same even as premiums appear to have grown.

"An industry that is largely ignored by foreign multinationals with South Africa's Metropolitan being an exception, consists of a large number of extremely small, predominantly listed indigenous insurers.

"As is explicitly noted in the discussion by NAICOM, the regulator, of the objectives for its Market Development & Restructuring Initiative (MDRI), there are

a number of bogus insurance companies that the regulator is keen to close.

"The BMI report further added that till now, there has been no sign that the MDRI

I

NSURERS have been urged to look beyond government’s premiums and focus on the retail end of the market.

The Managing Director, Riskguard-Africa Nigeria Limited, Mr Yemi Soladoye, stated this in Lagos.

This is the only way insur-

NIA seeks Presidency’s assistance

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surance company was too big to fail or too small not to matter.

He said: “Insurance companies are institutional investors which invest in equities and securities.

When these entities fail, insurance companies are faced with the challenges of honouring their obligations to their customers. But, unfortunately, there is nothing in place on the part of the government to bail out the insurers in times of trouble. This is food for thought.

“Similarly, we intend to initiate interactive sessions with the appropriate committees or organs of the two chambers of the National Assembly to discuss issues, such as restrictive laws on insurance practice, multiple taxation, insur-

ance awareness and penetration, development of oil and gas industry.

“The NIA will also strengthen relationships with the different organs of the Judiciary by organising annual or bi-annual Insurance seminars for judges and the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association.

“The seminars will focus on developments in insurance law in Nigeria, and ensure that the judiciary, legal profession, the regulators, and practitioners in the insurance industry as well as the media have a mutual understanding of insurance law and practice.

The more people understand the law, the less the courts are inundated with avoidable suits.”

ance industry can grow and unhealthy competition reduced.

He said the concentration of operators on government‘s assets has created problems in the industry. He listed some of the problems to include rate cutting, undermining the industry operating rules and guidelines thereby creating friction among operators.

He said the operators were engaging in unhealthy competition because they boxed themselves into a narrow distribution outlet, which is the brokerage market, stressing that in any situation; price becomes the only competitive strategy, when people are not adding value to their business.

He said: “That the clients are asking for reduced price every year, and the brokers are doing the same, it is a manifestation of the fact that they are saying that they have not seen any competitive strategy. The insurance companies concentrate on premium growth, as against market expansion. The future and the solidity of the operators can only come from market expansion, he said.

The Riskguard chief also said: “All the operators want is to ensure that their premium for this year is higher than what it was last year, and they are ready to do anything to achieve that. If their market position last year was number six and they move to number five this year, their board would laud their effort, not minding what they did to get there.”

Soladoye said companies’ cost of doing business is indeed very high while the claims ratio is quite low.

“These are pointers to the fact that insurance companies need something new and better. The issue of unhealthy competition

E

the insurances of its properties, which have been made compulsory, adding that delay in implementation of the budget is affecting the insurance industry negatively.

She said: “When proper premium is paid on group life scheme, there would be an increase in the income of insurance industry. We have been advocating early implementation of the budget. We have so many premiums that are outstanding due to late implementation of the budget.

“Premiums cannot be paid if the

will be getting worse, until they look for better, cost effective and non volatile distribution channels”, he said.

He said by retail operations he means companies adopting strategies such as Bankassurance which is having collaboration with banks is a retail channel. It also means engaging in strategic alliances with organisations, like Shoprite, Megaplaza and others. Collaborating with cooperative societies and more. It is so wide but until they adopt it, the market cannot expand, he said.

Soladoye said the adoption of retail marketing should be made compulsory, stressing that operators are already feeling the bite of the narrow distribution outlet they are using at the moment.

He said most of the problems operators face – high cost of doing business, premium reduction, unhealthy competition, are all manifestations of the fact that they are using narrow distribution method. He added that if they have an alternative, they would do business on their own terms, but when they do not have, they have to achieve whatever anybody tells them.

He noted that the operators are not creating alternative distribution outlets to expand their operations, adding that the industry can never grow when the operators scramble for the few businesses available.

“I think what they need to do is to go back to the drawing board to re-examine their operational strategies. Each company needs to sit and draw strategy on how to develop their business and adopt retail marketing strategy.

When this is done, issues of unhealthy competition, premium reduction and others will stop,” he added.

Law Union & Rock Insurance pays N1.2b claims

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AW Union & Rock Insurance Plc has paid over N1.2billion in claims to its policy holders within the first three quarters of 2012, according to the firm.

The claims payment cuts across portfolios in the underwriter’s prod-

Early budget execution good for insurance ARLY implementation of the budget would enable operators meet their projections, President Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Laide Osijo, has said.

She told The Nation that proper implementation of the budget would impact the industry positively, adding that operators performance would improve tremendously if premiums are paid as at when due.

She called on the government to put adequate compensation for

It noted that in relation to the MDRI, it believes that total premiums this year would be about one third of the N1 trillion that was envisaged by NAICOM.

Insurers urged to look beyond govt’s assets

• Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (second left), receiving a document from the Company Secretary/Director, Floor Mills, Alhaji Y. O. Saliu, during the presentation of relief materials to flood victims in Osogbo. With them are from left: Head of Service, Mr Olayinka Sunday Owoeye and Chief of Staff, Mr Gboyega Oyetola (middle).

HE Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) is planning a meeting with the Presidency to discuss issues affecting the sectors; its Chairman, Remi Olowude, has said.

Olowude, who stated this in Lagos, said in line with the association’s determination to achieve its objectives, it has become imperative to take deliberate steps towards closer interaction and strategic partnership with all stakeholders, particularly the major arms of the government.

He said the Governing Council of the association would table issues, such as the key roles of insurance to the socio-economic growth and development of the nation.

He said how the industry and the government could collaborate in poverty alleviation, would also be considered, adding that the need to give the industry the opportunity to contribute to the formulation of certain government policies; the industry representation in appropriate government committees is important.

He noted that efforts would also be made to ensure the restructuring and strengthening of the association’s secretariat for effective public sector liaison and monitoring of the political and legal environment as it affects insurance, adding that this has become necessary as recent events in the financial sector had shown, no in-

has had a substantial and positive effect on insurance penetration or popularity in a country where 94 per cent of people are completely uninsured."

budget is not released. Therefore, if the budget is released on time, definitely, insurance companies would have their premium at the right time and all the risks would be covered adequately. No Premium No Cover policy is ignored, because of delay in the implementation of the budget. The delay in implementation of the budget is affecting the insurance industry negatively, if the government could implement the budget early and make all necessary payments, insurance companies would benefit a lot.”

uct offerings in general business.

A breakdown of the payment shows that Fire accounted for 41.95 percent with N535.9million; Motor vehicle claims was N355.2million (27.8 per cent); marine and aviation N160.9million (12.60per cent); general accident N105.8million (8.28 percent); engineering N82.8million (6.48 per cent) and oil and gas N35.5 million (2.78 per cent).

The company said the total claims paid on bonds amounted to N1.2million, representing 0.10 percent.

Following Skye Bank Plc’s divestment from the company, Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc was acquired by a consortium of investors comprising Alternative Capital Partners (ACAP) and Swede Control Intertek.

The company has effected some strategic initiatives that would enable it provide first class insurance services to the public.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

35

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

‘Pig breeding is profitable’ T

HE Chief Executive, Latosa Farms, Lagos, Oyeleye Babasola Olumide, is a young pig farmer.

He said pig breeding enjoys high demand.

According to him, the returns range from 50 to 60 per cent of capital invested.

And the money starts flowing in after a maximum of six months.

He said a prospective investor with a space can start with N500,000. All things being equal, one can make N600,000 as profit within the first year, he said.

The cost of building is subject to negotiations and depends on the locations.

The major consideration is securing an abandoned pen close to a water source for the pigs to drink and to wallow in as pigs cannot survive without water.

One can begin with 10 weaners; that is, pigs that no longer feed on their mother’s milk.

A weaner costs N5,000.

The balance is spent on feeding, wages of an attendant and other things.

One challenge is the spread of swine fever that can clear the pigs in farm.

Since there is no cure for swine fever, the farmers take sanitation very serious. The pens are cleaned regularly and disinfected.

Too much traffic of people are not be allowed to control spread of diseases.

By Daniel Essiet

The animals are washed regularly. It is tough initially, if the business is grown from personal funds.

He said adequate funding is important because of the labour that is required to handle the pigs when they increase in number. Adequate financing is needed to stock up and maximise profits.

Pig farming is a demanding business; it requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. But Mr Olumide has no regrets;he is fulfilled to be a farmer, who is self-employed and an employer of labour. Investors have the opportunity to set up pig farms for pork in Lagos.

He said busy professionals and business executives can make returns on an investment in pig farming without leaving their jobs.

He said an investor may either choose to go into breeding or fattening.

After the fattening period which is about five months, each pig can be sold for at least N15,000, thereby realising a profit of N50,000. The more pigs the investor buys, Olumide said, the higher the profit.

One sow will furrow between 10 and 12 piglets. This means that after four months — which is the gestation period for a sow — the farmer will have a mini-

• Pigs

mum of 50 additional stock.

A sow will furrow twice yearly to further increase that stock to a minimum of 100.

He said breeding is much more profitable in the long run, but more capital intensive and takes a longer time to get returns on investment. Pigs feed on wastes from beverage firms. They also feed on food wastes, such as yam, pineapple and so on. This makes pig farm-

ing very profitable, since these are easy to get.

Well-prepared feeds are important because if the pigs are well-fed, the mortality rate would be low.

At 70 kilogrammes, the pigs can be sold. The normal weight of pig is 250kg.

Two piggery estates are in Lagos - one at Oke-Aro, and the other at Gberigbe in Ikorodu.

The government with

the assistance of the World Bank is providing infrastructure, such as roads and water. There are also incentives, such as special tax holidays and opportunity to get labour due to the proximity of these estates to villages.

Oke Aro Pig Farm Estate has the largest concentration of pig farmers in West Africa and has patronage from Republic of Benin, among other countries.

• Olumide

Delta cottage industries to cost N90m, says Commissioner

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ELTA Government said it would spend N90 million on the 150 cottage industries to be located in the three senatorial districts of the state next year.

The Commissioner for Special Duties (Poverty Alleviation), Dr Antonia Ashiedu, said this while defending the ministry’s budget at the Delta House of Assembly Committee on Com-

merce and Industry, in Asaba.

According to her, each of the senatorial districts will have 50 cottage industries.

She said the industries were meant to assist the middle class

Ingredients of good business, by entrepreneurs

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WO entrepreneurs have identified sense of direction, perseverance and hard work as factors for successful businesses.

They are Chief Executive Officer, Chair Centre Limited, Mrs Ibukun Awosika and Chief Executive Officer, Sahara Group, Mr Tonye Cole.

They spoke at a forum organised by CVL Nigeria in Lagos.

They said many businesses failed in Nigeria, because of lack of focus.

Mrs Awosika told participants that young entrepreneurs often dabbled into businesses they

knew little about.

She said focusing on one’s strength would help build a business. ‘’A lot of people waste time pursuing goals that are not theirs. Paying too much attention to your weaknesses will never make your business to grow.

“Rather, focusing on things you could do better than others will make you successful,” she said.

Mrs Awosika said young people aspiring to become entrepreneurs should not be discouraged about the challenges they

might face while growing their businesses. ”Patience is very important in growing businesses because you will face many challenges.”

Nigerians are survivors; we build empires in the face of difficult situations.

“Your core values and passion will keep you going whenever you think of giving up,” she said.

Mr Cole said young entrepreneurs should learn from past failures.

He urged young entrepreneurs to have integrity and excellence as their watchword.

SMEDAN chief gets award

D

IRECTOR-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Ibrahim Nadada, has received an award of excellence for purposeful leadership in Abuja.

Presenting the award, the National President of the Organisation for the Enhancement of

Transparent Leadership, Christian Nwachukwu, said the award was meant to encourage leaders.

He said the award would spur the leaders who distinguished themselves to do more.

Nwachukwu said the award was given based on merit to the awardees, adding that there would be a general awards cer-

emony in next year which all the awardees would be invited to.

Nadada said he was, indeed, overwhelmed by the award and sees it as a call to duty.

He commended the group for considering him for the award, saying the organisation was one of three known for giving awards based on merit.

and create jobs for unemployed youths.

Ashiedu also said apart from the cottage industries, the state government would initiate other programmes aimed at eradicating poverty among the people of the state.

“Since 2007, the state government has initiated several poverty eradication programmes to benefit many people.

“Some of such programmes include the state micro credit scheme.’’

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr John Nani, commended the ministry for its well-designed programmes for the people of the state.

He appealed to the people of Delta to key into the programmes geared toward poverty alleviation.

NDE introduces scheme for unemployed graduates

T

HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) said it has introduced a Graduate Coaching Scheme to generate employment for graduates.

NDE Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, made this known at a workshop on “Result based on monitoring and evaluation” organised by the Centre for Management Development(CMD) in Lagos.

He said under the scheme, graduates would be employed to teach secondary school leavers, who could not qualify to gain admission into higher institutions.

According to him, the training would afford the youths a second chance to pass their SSCE and progress in their studies.

Mohammed said the scheme would also assist to curtail social vices, such as armed robbery and prostitution, among others.

“It will also afford the youth to

contribute to the nation building,’’ Mohammed said.

He restated the commitment of the directorate to create job opportunities in line with the Federal Government’s Transformation Agenda.

“We are happy to see that states, local governments and other private bodies are emulating our schemes in job creation.

“In every quarter of a year, NDE introduces a new strategy to fight unemployment,” he said.

Also speaking, Governor Ibrahim Shema said his administration was committed to job creation.

Shema, represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, said the administration had established a Youth Craft Village, where youths were being trained on different vocational skills.

36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

Looking Through A Child’s Eyes When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen.

My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words.

If they don’t know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, “Hi God!!! Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy.”

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and clothes, and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach, or to learn

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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sHoWbliTz Smith, Jay-Z Back Obama’s gay stance

On May 9, President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to announce support for same-sex marriage. Now two of the country’s celebrity Black stars actor Will Smith and rapper/businessman Jay-Z, are backing President Obama on his controversial stance on gay marriage. While promoting his upcoming blockbuster film “Men in Black III” in Berlin, Smith told the Associated Press that Obama’s support of gay marriage is a “brave” move particularly in an election year.Meanwhile, Jay-Z, whose actual name is Shawn Carter, also made his pro-gay stance public, backing our president in his support of legalizing same-sex marriages.

In Philadelphia, when announcing a two-day music festival in early September, Jay-Z sat with CNN’s Poppy Harlow to discuss some issues and one of them was Obama’s startling comment about his support of gay marriage. JayZ, who has rallied round Obama since his 2008 campaign days, told news reporters “I’ve always thought of it as something that was still, um, holding the country back,” In the not-too-distant-past, Smith was at the center of a gay controversy himself. There were reports that he was involved with actor and running buddy Duane Martin.

Star Magazine reported that Smith and Martin had maintained a gay relationship for years. It was implied that their union was responsible for the downfall of Smith’s marriage to Jada. The rumors of Smith’s possible sexual preference began to pick up steam after he completed the 1993 film “Six Degrees of Separation,” where he portrayed a gay college student

POETRY Mind Behind Bars As the days progress From the rising of the sun My heart won’t cease its twists Of anguish.

This cold hospitality under locks Is poison for any mind.

Yet I see faults erased On the crunch guilt’s kolanuts.

I admit, I’m lost.

The rain has departed Now the sun wears his shoes, I rust on this spot still.

There have been no wages Of all my days in this cage.

The tears keep streaming, Fuelling the heart’s drive And now a stench I wear.

My flesh swells in fear And strange sickness.

Please ring the bell of justice, I tell the angels Hovering this rusty cell.

- Habib Akewusola

Good Friend

ACROSS

DOWN

1.Complete (5) 2. Massive(5) 6. Have courage to (4) 7. One who trades (6) 10. Bow (3) 11. Uncooked (3) 13. Specialist (5) 14. Perch (3) 15. Quarrel (5) 17. Liabilities (6) 20. Lobby (5) 21. Epoch (3) 22. Pitcher (4) 23. Expands (5)

1. Mammary Glands (5) 2. Pull Forcibly (5) 3. Mix (5) 5. Thread (6) 8. Recess (4) 9. Bemoan (4) 12. Afloat (5) 14. Influence (4) 16. Stay Upright (5) 17. Sketch (4) 18. Wager (3) 19. Anger (3)

WORDWHEEL

Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel.

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

I R

Partner sounds too western, Confidante just doesn’t fit, We could try to use acquaintance, (I don’t like that name one bit).

We’ve tried out quite a lot here, But they all feel like dead ends, So I’ll just stick with what has worked, And call you my good friend.

- Jennifer Wilson

T

O

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V

B

S JUMBLEWORD

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

S So many names to call a friend, The list is far from short, Like buddy, pal and good old chum, And some might say cohort.

U

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

Got wind of a criminal act, plan?

Alert your friend,The Police.

To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one’s own Pep Talk nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat. - Plato

37

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•Ike and George Ekwensi

When literature resolves conflict •Continued from page 28

joining hands to form a new entity in which he and his own people could live securely. He took his place as the others such as Chinua Achebe during that period of national stress among the combatants for a new nation.

“Today, however, many of us, just like the organisers of this event are asking the question that implicitly reverses the choice, writers like Christopher Okigbo, Flora Nwapa, Chukwuemeka Ike and others made in their own times and that question is how to ensure that those writers or any writer is never again confronted with such dilemma that they never again have to make the same agonising choices.

The magic word sometimes appears to be "UNITY". This nation is already united in so many things - for instance, corruption. Our elementary pre-occupation should be to protect words, language from devaluation, especially at the hands of those who constantly seek to propagate alibis for iniquitous social conduct and the pursuit of false values."

"When I started writing poetry at 17, the war had just started," began activist poet Ofeimun on The role of Literature in securing the nation's unity.

While observing that literature has helped unite the nation, he recounted his Civil War experience, saying conflicts usually have a deep-rooted impact on lives, especially that of writers.

He said: "Wole Soyinka was in jail, Achebe was helping to raise money for the Biafran Sun,

Cyprian Ekwensi was fighting to defend the Sun and Okigbo had died. All those, whom we looked upon, were involved in the war so that I began my life as a poet in conflict. Those (writers) who can speak for us must never be allowed not to speak for us. Literature is about defending the memories of the people. The colonialists drew lines around the various groups and they forgot the stories they once told of themselves and forsaken part of Nigerian history: that, for instance, between the Yoruba and Igbo that they once had a common language.

"Ekwensi was a writer that recognised that underneath the differences is the need to tell stories of how we relate and connect to one another. When we look at Nigeria, it is important to note how much we share similar traits/communalities. And literature has kept alive the dream of how we are similar. The power of our literature is its ability of being able to make sanity out of our nation. And for that we need to thank the Soyinkas, the Achebes, the Ekwensis and young writers who hold the key to our shared past and future," he said.

The move to celebrate the "holders of the nation's shared past, present and future," Niger State Governor Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu said inspired the literary colloquium which is in its second edition. In the same vein, aside being an indigene of the state by virtue of birth, he noted that Ekwensi was being honoured posthumously because his works propagated messages on unity. He called for na-

tional integration, saying: "anyone trying to work against national integration is wasting his time". He donated N10 million grants to ANA, saying it is for the furtherance of literature in the country.

Aliyu said: "Unless Nigerians respect those who teach and who write there will be no end to the corruption and ignorance. When we are talking about corruption, we must look consciously at the real cause. Corruption originate from the leadership. As leaders, we must lead by example. As stakeholders of Nigeria project, the colloquium is a platform to brainstorm on burning national issues. It is also inspired by our determination to make Niger the 'literary capital of Nigeria' and contribution to the development of literature.

"We believe in the Nigerian project not only because we gave Nigeria its name, many who have given the Nigerian project their support, such as renowned writers like Abubakar Imam, Bello Kagara, Ojukwu, Mamman Vatsa, Ben Okri, Gimba originated from this state.

We respect you because you are the light of the society. Writers are motivators. Join me to celebrate Ekwensi who not by choice was born in Minna but by choice made Minna his home."

Guests, including Ekwensi's family led by George Ekwensi, praised the efforts of the Niger State government. He said: "Our father Ekwensi belonged to them as much as he did to us. The environment of Niger State helped form my father's young mind. That was why he found it so easy to reflect the culture of the Northern part of Nigeria in several of his books: Passport of Mallam Ilia, Iska, Burning Grass, An African Night's Entertainment, Gone to Mecca, and several others. He found the daily challenges confronting the common man intriguing and wove them into stories again and again.

“I have no doubt that he is here with us in spirit. Minna was one of his favourite cities. It is my fervent hope that the commissioning of the library named after him by no less a personage that Africa's first Nobel Prize winner, Soyinka would lead to revitalisation of the reading culture and inspire young men and women in the state and indeed in our dear country Nigeria to strive for excellence in the arts and the sciences and especially in the telling of the many stories that are still begging to be told."

His brother, Ike urged the eastern government to borrow a leaf from their Niger State counterpart. "It is about time we end this racism and embrace unity. There are many people in the east who are from the north and other parts of the country that deserves this kind of award. The governor of Niger State has shown that he is a true Nigerian. The family prays for him," he said.

On his part, Niger State Chief of Staff, Prof.

Muhammed Kuta Yahaya, said: "The colloquium is meant to create a converging point where ideas would be consolidated and proffer solution on the national issues. Niger State model is inspired by educational ideologies such as that of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo."

Army day of festivities

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FFICERS and men of 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos recently had a fun-filled celebration at the Dodan Baracks when they marked this year’s West African Social Activities Day. The event attracted top military brass both serving and retired such as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Lagos, Major General Kenneth Minimah, General Alex Ogomudia (retired), General Alani Akinrinade (retired) and Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adimiral AOA Ikioda.

It was a day when soldiers and officers shed their uniforms for their rich traditional attire.

Daddy Showkey’s performance spiced the celebration as guests took to the dance floor.

In his address, the GOC noted that the occasion is to mark the end of every eventful completion of the Division training schedule for year 2012.

“As we all know the WASA is an age long heritage with the aim of preserving the Nigerian Army ethics and tradition through social interaction of personnel and families. It also promotes comradeship and foster unity among personnel as one large family”, he said.

Minimah said: “The Division had an eventful year 2012 and we look back with a sign of joy having completed all training

•From left: Minimah, Daddy Showkey amd Minimah’s wife, Felly doing the galala dance at the event

By Jude Isiguzo “This significant improvement is a

CELEBRATION schedule despite the usual teething problems. Our success today is as of our dedication to the service and personnel commitment in executing all assigned tasks.

There had been marked improvement in our performances in the area of implementation of our training programmes and in the conduct of exercises and operations when compared to the last years.

collective effort through the dedication of our personnel; I use this opportunity to say congratulations to you all. The next thing that comes into mind is that of consolidation of our success and continuous improvement of our services.”

He explained that he has noticed the lapses in their training and thaty measures are being put in place to correct them.

Minimah has urged officers and men in his division to remain resolute and steadfast in their quest to move the Nigerian Army forward.

Queen Pokou resurrects

By Joel Cicero

A

BRAHA Pokou’s vicarious sacrifice of her only son for Baoule tribe, dominated the monthly book reading in Port Harcourt hosted by the Rainbow Book Club, organisers of the Garden City Literary Festival and standard bearers of Port Harcourt UNESCO World Book Capital City 2014.

Queen Pokou, by Veronique Tadjo, was the Rainbow Book Club book-of-the-month for November. Tadjo, a poet, novelist and painter, was the lead author at the just concluded Garden City Literary Festival.

The story of Queen Pokou is an 18th century historical documentation, popularised by the Baoule people of the Asante Kingdom. It narrates the brave and heroic act of Pokou, whom, at the request of the gods, paid the ultimate sacrifice by throwing her only son into the Comoe River and thereby saving her people and establishing a queen-dom.

With this work of fact-fiction, Tadjo beautifully re-invents this age old mythical account, questions some traditional beliefs and practices, highlights the persistent wars in parts of Africa and gives vent to the continent’s rich oral tradition while educating, informing and enlightening the reader.

Attendees at the book club reading praised the author’s creative representation of the popular legend. Someone pointed out that the writer’s wit and tact evokes the reader to explore their own culture for stories.

The issue of sacrifice, a major thematic content of the work, led those present to conclude that a lesson to be taken home from this arguably tragic story is that we should be ready to sacrifice for the good of others and the society, especially if we are serious about changing Nigeria.

The reading took place at the Pool side of the hotel - Le Meridien, Ogeyi Place.

Chinua Achebe’s latest book, There was a Country, is the RBC book-of-the-month for January 2013.

Amosun’s wife assures artists

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RTISTS with the flair for tie and dye textile production have been assured of the patronage of the Ogun State government in promoting global acceptability of their products and improving its tourism potentials.

Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun gave the assurance at the flag-off of the 2012 Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) Adire and Textile Carnival, held at the station’s premises in Abeokuta.

Mrs. Amosun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Yewande Amosun said that all efforts would be intensified towards promoting the local attire, which has been synonymous with the State, adding that all potential avenues would be exploited at showcasing its rich culture globally.

“The state government will continue to showcase the rich culture we are known for and strive to improve its acceptability and relevance worldwide. As a Ministry for Culture and Tourism, we would intensify efforts at ensuring the tourism potentials of the Adire industry is projected to global limelight”, she noted.

Mrs. Amosun charged various stakeholders in the local textile industry to strive at improving its mode of packaging its content to enhance international patronage, calling for a re-orientation of the public towards improving market patronage and boosting the local economy.

In his goodwill address, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Yusuph Olaniyonu appreciated the efforts of the organisers of the event on its 20th edition, noting that the “Ogun standard” template would be manifested in OGBC soon as needed funds had been appropriated in the next fiscal year to procure necessary equipments for the media outfit to eventually revive its lost glory.

“The House of Assembly has approved the purchase of new equipments to replace obsolete equipments to make the radio station retains its model role amongst its peers. I’ll also want to encourage all of us to recommend this Adire fabric for all occasions to boost the local economy”, he stated.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

38

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

I

T is remarkable that the late Dr. Bala Usman’s book, ‘The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria: 1977-1987’, was published in April 1987. Yet, over two and a half decades after, the problem of religious intolerance and violence remain as virulent and destabilizing as ever in contemporary Nigeria.

Interestingly, the prologue to the book is an instructive excerpt from a speech made on 22nd June, 1981, by Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, who was then Governor of Kaduna State and it reads: “Our state is at the heartland of the northern parts of this country, in every sense of history and culture, economically and politically. But we do not belong to the retrograde north of feudalists, slaveholders, crooks, parasites and foreign agents. We are of the cultured north of democracy, liberation and social progress for all the people of Nigeria”.

This prologue reflects the spirit in which Bala Usman’s book was written. Incidentally, Dr. Usman served as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government during Governor Balarabe Musa’s tenure. Like his earlier book, ‘ For The Liberation of Nigeria’, which we reflected on last week, ‘The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria’, is a collection of lectures, essays and letters written and delivered over a decade on the question of religion and the national cohesion, viability and stability of Nigeria. It must be said that these two books were attempts by Dr. Usman to reach beyond the Ivory Tower and enable a wider cross section of Nigerians to understand and appreciate the real roots of their country’s protracted socio-economic and political underdevelopment. Those who are interested in Dr. Usman’s more academically substantial work in his sphere of specialization, history, will have to consult the relevant journals and his more theoretically rigorous publications.

Some of the incidents of religious violence that Dr. Usman analysed and clinically dissected in his book include the Maitatsine uprising in Kano City from 18th to 29th December, 1980 leading to the loss of 4,177 lives; the Bulukuntu riots in Maiduguri from 28th to 30th October, 1982 with a death toll of over 400 persons; the acrimony that attended the Sharia debate in the run up to the second republic; the attempt to read religious meanings into the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed and the riots in Kaduna from Friday, 29th to Saturday, 31st October, 1982 as well as the violent demonstration in Sabon Garin, Kano by the Muslim Students Society on Saturday, 30th October, 1982. Dr.

Segun Ayobolu sms to 07032777778 segunayobolu2@yahoo.com

Bala Usman: The manipulation of religion in Nigeria Usman’s commentary on the last incident is significant and deserves to be quoted in full. In his words, “…Only two people were killed according to newspaper reports. But the great significance of this incident is that it involves for the first time, the calculated destruction and burning of Christian churches in what seems to be a violent assertion of the ‘Islam Only’ slogan painted all over the streets of Zaria in an aggressive demonstration by the Muslim Students Society in 1980. The attack on and destruction of Christian churches in Sabon Garin Kano, marks the highest and most dangerous, point this systematic manipulation of religion has reached in its opposition to the unity of the people of this country”.

This dispassionate analysis reflects the fierce patriotism and selflessness of Bala Usman, himself a Hausa/Fulani and Muslim.

Over two and a half decades after the publication of Dr. Bala Usman’s book, the attack on churches in various parts of the North has become routine courtesy the Boko Haram insurgent group. Religious fundamentalism both of the Muslim and Christian varieties have become more deeply entrenched in Nigerian society. But does Dr. Usman’s theory of manipulation still explain the phenomenon of religious intolerance and violence in contemporary Nigeria? I believe it does even if the context and mechanisms of the manipulation have changed in a number of ways. Bala Usman defines manipulation as “essentially controlling the action of a person or group without their that person or group

knowing the goals, purpose and method of that control and without even being aware that a form of control is being exercised on them at all”. Thus, Dr. Usman links the manipulation of religion in Nigeria to the ever deteriorating material living conditions of millions of Nigerians and the few ruling class elements who benefit from the unjust status quo. According to him, “Within Nigeria, millions of Nigerians are increasingly realising that the present economic and social system in this country has nothing for them except landlessness, indebtedness, unemployment, destitution, disease, illiteracy and chronic and pervasive insecurity”. He thus sees the perpetrators of this exploitative and iniquitous system as the prime perpetrators of manipulation who “cover themselves with religious and ethnic disguises in order to further entrench division among our people”.

Since Dr. Usman penned these words, Nigeria has slipped into a deeper socio-economic morass.

Unable to find a way out of a quagmire that is largely a function of their own greed and parasitism, factions of the ruling class, easily resort to manipulating ethnic, religious and regional sentiments to legitimate their otherwise tenuous hold on power. Is this not the best way, for example, to explain the ferocity with which some northern governors at the beginning of this political dispensation in 1999 pursued the Sharia agenda in utter contempt for the supposed secularity of the Nigerian State? Are those who willingly turn themselves

Danfo with love from YABATECH

Promasidor supports youths

A

S part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, has promised to continue supporting the youth of Orile-Iganmu in Lagos. The firm’s Managing Director, Chief Keith Richards, made this promise at the ninth graduation of the Orile-Iganmu Progressive Association (OIPA) Training Institute in Lagos over the weekend.

According to him, Promasidor is honoured to be part of the ceremony and will continue to support the initiative.

In an address of welcome, Mr Olabode Medale, President OIPA said the association is very excited to be releasing new batch of computer literate youths into the Nigerian population. He also said the association is very grateful to corporate bodies for their support and encourage them to not relent in their efforts.

“We are very happy today because we are releasing another set of computer literate youths into the Nigerian market and also looking at the number of graduating participants this time, it’s very encouraging.

We appreciate everyone that has contributed to the success of this programme and also those who have taken up supporting us like Promasidor as a major CSR for them.

F

IVE art teachers at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, held a group art exhibition entitled: Our resolve under the Danfo series at the Terra Kulture on Victoria Island, Lagos. They were Odun Orimolade, Sade Thompson, Kema Mordi, Raqib Abolore Basorun and Olu Amoda.

Media such as mild steel and glass, installation, drawing, plaster cast, paper cast, wood, acrylic, fabric collage among others were the materials used to convey their messages.

At the entrance of the hall, one cannot but notice the works of Olu Amuda on the right side of the wall, entitled Seasons, composed with wood, glass and steel. The works were created from decomposed materials, which the artist gathered from the streets. One of the female participants, Sade Thompson, portrays a super woman with an installation titled: Delicate Balance.

She says the work was her way of celebrating women and to say ‘well done’ to women across the world, especially African women who work hard at work and home. Scrutiny by Odun Orimolade a mix media that has many eye sizes and shapes on it represents people or other entities.

Her words: “As an individual, we should be cautions of what we do, for every step you take or every move you make; no one is an island, you need the whole world to live and this whole world are still the one that judge and groom you”. Also on display were works by Raqib Bashorun, Island on the Ocean, Corner Stone and A Ko Fe E (We Don’t Want YOU) by Kema Mordi among others.

According to the artists, ‘Danfo is an independent contemporary art project

into suicide bombers on behalf of Boko Haram not victims of the kind of manipulation Bala Usman talks about? Are the king-pins of Boko Haram themselves within Nigeria not most likely unwitting victims of external religious extremists who perceive the Nigerian ruling class as siding with neo-imperial forces in the war against terrorism and are thus working clandestinely for a religious-driven implosion of the country? Is it not a strong possibility that the millions of ordinary Muslim northerners who reportedly have some sympathy for Boko Haram, not victims of a psychological manipulation that convinces them that their existential material conditions will dramatically improve with the emergence of a theocratic Islamic state?

If Dr. Bala Usman were alive today, he would certainly not be silent in the face of the on-going Boko Haram debacle. He would use his intellectual prowess to explain the foundational issues to the masses and help ensure the restoration of sanity. For instance, after the 6th March, 1987, religious riots that rocked most of the major cities and towns of Kaduna resulting in the destruction of churches, mosques, hotels, cinemas, businesses and vehicles, Dr. Usman mobilized 21 other academic colleagues at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to issue a strongly worded statement published in the New Nigerian on the 20th March, 1987, and The Guardian on the 25th March 1987. The academics were unequivocal in their demand: “We call on the Federal Military Government to shed all ambiguities and hesitation, and to declare and reaffirm that the Nigerian State is SECULAR and one of its most fundamental responsibilities is to protect the right of every citizen and resident to practice the religion of their choice. We call on the Federal Military Government to implement this decisively and clearly by identifying publicly and punishing according to the law, all the rich and powerful individuals who are known to be behind the campaign of violent religious politics aimed at destroying our country…We are convinced that the sinister and utterly reactionary forces behind this campaign of violent religious politics with the aim of destroying our country are made up of a tiny oligarchy determined to maintain its power, wealth and privileges at all costs including violent and well organized mobs in the name of religion”. Some two and a half decades after, do these words not still speak to us so poignantly today?

•Orimolade’s Scrutiny

By Udemma Chukwuma

VISUAL ART team participating in public art projects, project initiation and production, curating, researching and critical writing with focus on urban development, mentoring and cultural fusion and integration.

By acting as correspondents and approaching the work process from a network and accommodation and exchange of information, the process of the Danfo working dynamic is to produce in a cross platform and multidisciplinary way with artists, institutions and corporate brands and services. The particular focus of the Danfo idea lies in an interest in interdisciplinary working methods, conceptualising and interacting

with likeminded partner. The strength of the team is in encouraging diversity inherent in the creative individual. This is pursued on a platform of diverse opinions and views open for nurturing’.

The project group chose Danfo as the tag name (the local name for mini commuter bus in Lagos) its mission amongst other things is to engage and provide a platform for issues relating to art to be articulated and nurtured.

However, the Danfo members are studio artists who have exhibited, published and consulted widely, but produce art individually and collectively for the Danfo project. They also serve on a number of advisory boards including the Society of Nigerian Artists, Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation, Goethe Forum for the Africa and Masoma Foundation for the Arts.

Magazine holds conference

P

ROVEN Integrity Communication Networks Limited, publishers of Integrity magazine, will hold its fifth Integrity International Leadership conference/awards at NULGE Consulate, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital tomorrow.

A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof E. T. Eshett is expected to speak on the topic: Factors accounting for Africa’s stunted growth; Nigeria as an example and the way forward.

Former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, Rivers State Governor Chief Rotimi Amaechi, former president-General, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Prof Joe Irukwu and National Leader, National Action Council, Dr Olapade Agoro are also expected at the event.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Dialogues on on happenings in the ccountry ountry

O

NE of the greatest difficulties in reviewing a book made up of articles written at different points in time is uncovering a common thread that unites all the articles contained in it. I must say that this was not my experience in my review of Dyed Thoughts: A Conversation in and from My Country by Nwachukwu Egbunike and I am so happy that I was spared that difficulty. For though the book is a collection of essays, a common thread of love, patriotism, optimism, empathy for Nigerian in all her travails runs through the book uniting the various articles therein. The title also gives away some of the author’s intention. Conversation is mentioned in the title and so it is indeed, for in all the articles, one meets an author who is listening attentively and also talking to his country – a talk rich in understanding, concern, compassion, humour, occasional sarcasm, sadness but never in pessimism.

The collection of articles is quite impressive and covers themes such as life, death, politics, social conditions, interpersonal relations, the spirit of enterprise, decay of infrastructure, comatose social services, gender and the role of women, the arts, religion... and all of this in a writing that speaks hope even when the subject at hand is sad, and in a style which does not patronise the reader or the subject under treatment. Dyed Thoughts can be likened to a panoramic sketch of the numerous challenges of nationhood in our country as articles in it touch on virtually everything from the problems of the Niger Delta, environmental pollution and the head on clash between a motley collection of discontented militants and local environmentalists on the one hand and the oil companies on the other, to the early beginnings of a religion driven radicalization and terrorism (the Mutallab bumble), to communal conflicts, through to the mess in our banking industry, the challenges of steady electricity generation and distribution, the growing and unsettling materialism, the demise of the arts and culture, election petitions and contested results right up to the fuel subsidy protest. The exemplary lives of successful Nigerians are celebrated in some articles. The works Governor Chime and Professor Nebo are appreciated and praised.

Nwachukwu’s choice of his heroes is also significant as it shows a completely detribalised Nigerian. For instance, Bajah and Sanusi are singled out for well-earned praises whilst his commentary on the activities of one Nigerian politician shows his abhorrence for politics driven by a cult of self, opportunism and expediency.

The articles are well researched and the depth

BOOK REVIEW Title:

Dyed Thoughts: A Con versation in and from My Country

Author:

Nwachukwu Egbunike

Reviewer:

Noel Ihebuzor

Publisher:

Feathers and Ink, Ibadan

Pages:

388

of treatment gives an insight into the mind of the author. Sociological insights and empathy are strong points in these articles, particularly empathy, which is born from a palpable humanist impulse nurtured by Nwachukwu’s Christian faith. It is this interaction of a humanist empathy and Christian faith that produces the general conclusion that emerges at the end of the book - that things could be better in Nigeria if her citizens applied themselves with dedication to crucial tasks of nation building.

The book is divided into nine unequal parts viz- random mulling, factual, in the public square, the humanities humanize, spoofing

ending exploitation of travellers by either the agberos or the MOPOL, the everyday drama one witnesses of east bound buses and the poor condition of our roads. “Sweet-sour adventure to Cameroon” aptly illustrates the challenges facing true regional integration in Africa. Though the experiences on the trip were harsh, it is to the author’s credit that he manages to suppress any bitterness and is thus able to end the story on a positive note. “Is life a terminal illness?” takes us to a closer examination of life, living and death and touches in passing on our attitudes to death, our expensive burial rites and some of our practices at death which are inimical to women.

“AIDS: let’s face fact” is the author’s head on assault on condom promotion as the most promoted method for HIV/AIDS prevention. Invoking facts from molecular biology, Nwachukwu argues that condoms are not as safe as they are presented to be. The central message is that all three methods of prevention:abstinence, fidelity and condom use should be promoted and the final choice left to the human agent. As we say in reproductive health campaigns on safe sex, the choices here are as clear as ABC. In another article, the author looks at the issue of gay rights and how these align or agree with African world views and here one notices for the first time a sign of rigidity in position which contrasts sharply with Nwachukwu’s largely liberal attitude in most of the essays. One is tempted to attribute this rigidity to his Catholic background!

Part IV, which is on the humanities, is a thrill to read and all the more thrilling as Nwachukwu shows in it that, his background in the sciences notwithstanding, he is at home with all the techniques of incisive literary criticism and sociological analysis. This section kicks off with a lament of the dearth of new literary giants in Nigeria since Achebe and then broadens to treat the reader to an excellently executed reviews of a novel, of a book on democracy by Jega, of Munoz’s book, “The past in the present” a book in which Munoz struggles to reconcile the past with the present and to suggest ways in which knowledge from and of the past could be used in the present as Africa struggles to go forward.

There is also a review of Mark Nwagwu’s book “Forever chimes”, a novel with very intricate plots and sub-plots and surprising denouement.

Each of these reviews is done with great compassion, delicacy, depth and thoroughness. The guided tour of the Oshogbo Sacred Groove is done with style, charm and one almost feels as if one were there in person with the author.

For Odeda, a new lease from the culture ministry

Fresh lift for widows

I

I

N support of widows, acting chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Mrs Stella Awoh, is opening a solo art exhibition entitled: Five Series of Hephzibah and Beulah, at the Art Gallery, School of Art, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos tomorrow. According to her, 50 per cent of the proceeds from the exhibition will be given to the first 10 widows that will attend the opening of the exhibition.

Also, a workshop on arts and crafts will be organised to empower the widows.

About 30 works featuring mono prints, paintings and mixed media will be on display at the show that will run till January 20.

Five Series of Hephzibah and Beulah is one of Mrs Awoh’s platforms to draw government’s attention to the plight of widows. Mrs Awoh, a art teacher at YABATECH, said the campaign would remain on-going until positive responses are got from the appropriate quarters on matters affecting the widows.

“Widows will always come up because of the economic situation in the country. And until government rises to the challenges, this campaign, using the art, will not stop. By now a bill should be before the National Assembly addressing the issues confronting the widows.

Legislators are debating gay marriage, but no mention of the widows. The first ladies are trying but not enough to change the situation,” she said at a preview session in Lagos.

Among works for the exhibition are Travail of widowhood, She will get there, Strokes of life, Peace, Destiny, Omolaso and Trade by barter.

She lamented that the very fabric of the country is under attack: the traditional values that she was founded upon have been eroded

scripts, chalks and classrooms, accolades and farewells, Q&A and credo. It is impossible in a review of this nature to go into all the articles so I will simply contend myself with randomly picking and providing the flimsiest of commentaries on a few articles in the hope that I would have whetted the appetite of the reader to then grab a copy of the book and savour its richness.

Let me then quickly run through some articles that caught my fancy. “Mama Anambra” is lament for Anambra State, Nwachukwu’s state of origin and of her political travails, whilst “An eye for details” is an essay in praise of hard work.

“Justice first, mercy later” is a call for prompt and impartial judicial processes, whilst “Why are we no longer surprised” is an essay on corruption and a proposal on ways to address and gradually eradicate this plague. “Hope for a troubled land” is a recognition of our national crisis but with an appeal for all to come together and save her. “The more things change, nothing changes” is a lament over the vicissitudes in the anti-corruption campaign and forceful condemnation of resistance to change. Though frustration runs through the article, stubborn hope and faith also surface in it, “I no find kerosene buy” and “Power play” criticize failing social services, unsteady power supply, corruption and other social ills plaguing Nigeria, whilst “Sounding the death knell on the Niger Bridge” is a lament over the flip flop of policies and the politicization of decision making. “PhDs for sale” is a stinging critique of the Nigerian society’s fondness for titles, the underfunding of tertiary institutions and the commercialisation of honorary doctorate degrees, whilst “Leeches on our roads” is about the rent seeking and parasitic behaviour of most Nigerians who find themselves in law enforcement or gate keeping functions. “Pornographic science in schools” is essentially a plea for age appropriate curriculum content in schools. “Why African economies are teetering” takes up the issue of governance and corruption and argues that it is mis-governance and corruption that holds us down. A similar theme is treated in “I pledge to Nigeria” which is a critique of the death of values and the progressive erosion of morals in our system and how these show up in corrupt practices. There is even an article, “So you want to write?” which provides invaluable coaching for budding writers.

“Witches, MASSOB, MOPOL and my person of the year” is soaked in a fine blend of bathos and pathos – with very deft sarcasm he exposes the superstition of the average Nigerian, the preaching industry with its new found obsession with demons, witches and wizards, the un-

•Mrs Awoh

By Ozolua Uhakheme

by years of social decay. The breakdown of family values, she said, has increased in proportion. “Widows are being dehumanized in some states. Riots and crime are issues faced by even small villages. Kidnapping is a major source of national concern. It is difficult, if not impossible, to read newspapers and magazines that do not associate Nigerian widows with corruption and insecurity. Not only have the national and international problems increased, but individual difficulties are also on the rise. Stress and emotional exhaustion are common in many families,” she added.

To Mrs Awoh, tribes and tongue may differ, ‘we must stand in brotherhood and unity. God delights in widows; we are precious in His sight. God’s intent is that we should enjoy His love, grace and faithfulness. This must reflect in every home, most especially as a widow.

T was all evident on the importance the Ogun State government attaches to the project. Almost every official associated with culture in the State was present at Odeda, near Abeokuta last Tuesday, to extend a hand of fellowship to the Federal Government’s initiative of establishing cultural industries in local communities across the country. It is meant to lift the life of rural women and youths desirous of acquiring skills in different trades.

Present at the occasion were the paramount ruler of Odeda, Olu Adesina 1, accompanied by other chiefs, the former Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Kukoyi, a member of the planning committee for the project, officials of the Ogun State Arts Council and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture, Chief Shina Williams. Also on hand were members of the state Dance Troupe, which thrilled the guests.

Chairman, Odeda Local Government Area, Honourable Adebayo Suleiman praised the Federal Government for citing the project in his domain, promising that they would improve on the facility and his people would use it maximally. On her part, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Yewande Amusan, expressed the appreciation to the Federal Government for establishing not just one but two centres in the state, “which would go a long way in sharpening the skills of our women and youths and providing jobs for them”. She said the state is looking forward to more collaboration with the Federal Government on other projects.

The acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr. Chudi Uwandu, represented

By Oji Onoko

by Mrs. Obioma Obi, said that the cultural industries initiated by the Ministry have the capacity to create wealth and promote tourism which was what prompted the Federal government to actively collaborate with State governments on the project. This was echoed by the Minister, Chief Edem Duke represented

by Mrs. Lizzy Ihezue-Iwuamadi, who urged the state government to take charge of the project as their own and ensure that the benefitting community makes good use of the facility.

In her paper titled, Developing Cultural Industries in Nigeria: The Journey So Far, IhezueIwuamadi, also Assistant Director, Cultural Industries, traced the origin of the initiative to 2009 when the Ministry in a bid to reposition culture and tourism as a key sector for economic growth and development, commenced the project to empower the youths and women in line with the transformation agenda of the present government especially in generating employment and creating wealth.

“The cultural industries were deliberately located in mainly rural communities to benefit the women and youths who otherwise would not be reached. It is also to expose the creativity and entrepreneurship values of artists and arts enterprise at the grassroots” she said, “so far 12 centres have so far been established in the six geo-political zones of the country.”

Twenty-five women and youths drawn from the local community participated in a two-day capacity building and skill acquisition programme, which featured experts honing their skills in tie & dye, tailoring, bead making and pottery among others.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

A celebration of colours A scene in Odia Ofeimun’s Nigeria The Beautiful billed for Monday, December 24, by 2pm at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

A feast of arts, culture as Goethe marks 50

F

OR four days, Goethe Institut, Nigeria, lit up the Lagos arts landscape with various presentations — theatre to dance, music, concert and documentaries to mark its golden jubilee. The events, which were held at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, were a pot-pouri of German and Nigerian arts and culture that culminated in the Lagos Live Arts Festival.

Goethe Institut started in Lagos, Nigeria in August 1962.

Its Director, Marc-Andre Schmachtel said the journey started from the German Cultural Centre’s first office on Igbosere Street, Lagos.

“The take off, then, experienced a slow start, but steadily increased its cultural activities,” he recalled.

This year marked a milestone in the centre’s cultural relations with Nigeria.

The director foresees a better relation between countries and their arts and culture.

“With the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Goethe Institut, Nigeria, these relations have proven to be extremely successful and durable. Many artists from both countries have benefitted from the cultural exchanges through workshops, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, performances and many more. This policy of a two-sided dialogue remains one of the main objectives of our institution. We are a open house of culture and encourage the intercultural dialogue in its multiple dimensions, be it in language, teaching, in cultural programming or in the information exchange.

“The idea of the Lagos Live Festival arose from those aims and gives rise to a unique platform of diverse art forms and transcultural exchange. Goethe Institut, Nigeria has done this for the past 50 years.

We are proud to be able to look at our history and say thank you to all the contributions here and abroad that helped us along the way. We are hopeful that the next 50 years will witness an even greater exchange and dialogue between our two countries,” he said.

The four-day feast of arts and culture featured over 30 artists from Germany, Nigeria, Cameroons and Angola. There were theatrical performances by ‘Monster Truck’, Flinn Theater, Theater im Bahnhof, Video Art Network (Lagos); dance dis-

•Schmachtel

By Nwakanma Chinenye, Akande Kayode and Njirika Ogechi

CELEBRATION plays by Crown Troupe of Africa, Ntoroso Odido Production by Isreal Sunday Akpan, and musical displays by Keziah Jones, Kuku and Ade Bantu, among others. The photography exhibition was also done by Andrew Esiebe and Edson Chagas.

During the opening, a group from Germany called Monster Truck thrilled the audience with their exciting cultural food

‘With the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Goethe Institut, Nigeria, these relations have proven to be extremely successful and durable. Many artists from both countries have benefitted from the cultural exchanges through workshops, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, performances and many more.’

known as German sausage. The installation invites the audience, to enter one by one. Sitting on a roller seesaw, guests, including the Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Disun Holloway, got a taste of German food and fairy tales.

Another captivating side attraction was the Porongodo by Jelili Atiku (Nigeria), a performance meant for public places that raises questions over the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Focusing on the God’s refusal of Cain’s offering and criticises the callousness of man to each other, showing “how humans have created God’s cannibalistic tendencies. It focuses on the memorials of sacrifice, pains, suffering and callousness. It sets in motion the interaction of living and abstract through a construction of human abode and the presence of human body in the space. In the presentation, bones stand as a metaphorical statement of destruction and degeneration.

Is there a relationship between humour and the act of kissing? Kissin’ in Yoruba–Movie, a standup comedy by Theater im Bahnhof showed there is a connection between humour and the act. The work revealed unseen aspects of life in these different cities – kissing. It portrayed an encounter between Garfar Alau (Nigerian) and Rupert Lehofer (Austria).

They showed the way Yoruba actors kiss each other in movie scenes and their Austrian counterparts kiss. They explored the possibility of developing a standup comedy show for both continents. The work also researched strategies of survival for actors and portrayed the differences in economic, emotional and cultural terms aimed at offering a glimpse to the political questions that existed among those situations and circumstances.

According to the festival curators, Mr Martin Baasch and Mr Oyindamola Fakeye, the festival focuses on younger generation of artists with the mind if developing the art. ‘’Lagos live is firstly a live art festival.

However, it quickly became apparent that it would also be a platform for networking, with artists from Germany spending time researching and creating works in Nigeria and Nigerian artists undertaking the same in Germany. Focusing on the younger generation of artists, this was an opportunity to develop their working practice through the production of new works and furthering already developed pieces.

“Collaborations were birthed and have blossomed; misunderstandings guided us through the days and produced mostly humorous situations. This two-way exchange clearly had an impact not only on the artist but also on us as curators. Lagos live festival is by no means a complete representative overview of the Nigerian art scene. Instead, it is an excerpt , a snapshot of forms, practices and questions that contemporary artists in Lagos are faced with on a daily basis, a starting point, a process, a format to set off a dialogue we believe will outlive the festival,” they said.

•Olukemi

The Family Xmas

R

EAL Music Theatre Productions in conjunction with Akzmusic Entertainment will hold a stage play titled The Family Xmas at Breath of Life 24, Obanikoro Street, Lagos on December 26 by 4pm.

Red Carpet will commence by 3pm.

The play, which is written and directed by Olukemi Opasho, will star Benita Okojie, Olukemi, Kaycee, Isaac, Chris, Topsticks (StarQuest) and many more. The play will feature comedy, action, music and dance.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• Vice-PresidentSambo

• Governor Yero

• Mrs Yakowa

•

Tukur

Following the death of Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa last Saturday, the political arena is charged as the search for a new deputy governor is gathering steam. TONY AKOWE presents the intrigues, calculations and permutations by the godfathers and their wards.

Who becomes Kaduna State deputy governor?

T HE death of Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, who was until Saturday, December 15, 2012, the governor of Kaduna State, has sent shockwaves across the state. It created a vacuum and a scramble has started.

Already, the late Yakowa’s erstwhile deputy, Mukthar Ramalan Yero, has stepped in as the new governor.

However, it is not the same story for the position of deputy governor, which consequently became vacant. The scenario has thrown open yet another contest and highclass lobbying among political players in Southern Kaduna where Yakowa hailed from. Interestingly, Kaduna, the heart of Northern Nigerian politics, is politically divided into two - Northern and Southern Kaduna. And the state is constitutionally divided into three senatorial zones.

Since the creation of Katsina out of the old kaduna State, the tradition has been that when a Muslim becomes governor, a Christian is made the deputy. This is the crux of the interest currently going on towards the appointment of a deputy governor for the state.

The Nation gathered that many names are currently being bandied by political actors in the state.It has been reported that less than 24 hours after Yakowa’s death, his Principal Private Secretary, Allahmagani Yohanna, is receiving critical support to atep up as deputy governor. This, an inside source said, has angered Yakowa’s wife who felt that it was a betrayal on the part of any of Yakowa’s aides to be showing interest in the office so soon after his tragic death.

Further findings by The Nation revealed that many other names are being thrown up. They include the current Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga; former Minister of State for Power, Nuhu Wya; former Secretary to Kaduna State Government and ex-Minister, Felix Hassan Hyat; and Mrs. Charity Shekari, former Commissioner for Health who was wife of Stephen Shekari, the late Deputy Governor of the state..

Southern Kaduna elders are believed to be against the appointment of Mrs Yakowa as deputy governor. According to sources close to them, they believe that appointing her to such a position would amount to belittling her husband.

The source said: “The Bible says that the husband and wife are one. So, we believe that Yakowa and his wife were one and if they want to honour him in death with such an appointment, they should look for any of his relations qualifies for such a position since his children may not be up to the constitutionally required age.”

Another source argued: “As the First Lady, the wife of Yakowa’s Deputy was always coming to take instructions from her. If you appoint her as deputy governor now, she will be taking instructions from the First Lady who was her subordinate before this unfortunate incident. That will amount to humiliating her and the memory of her husband.”

This perhaps explains why the elders of Southern Kaduna are opposed to having her appointed to that position”. But such arguments mean nothing to those who are pushing for her appointment. They believe that there is nothing wrong in such an appointment.

Some southern Kaduna elders, The Nation also learnt, are pushing for the appointment of Mrs Charity Shekari as the new deputy governor. The death of Stephen Shekari, an engineer, paved the way for Yakowa to become deputy governor in 2005 and she was later appointed a Commissioner by Yakowa when he assumed office as governor in 2010.

Charity, a strong member of the ruling PDP, is considered one of the strongest women political players in the area. She is believed to be intelligent, articulate and a team player. And above all, she is believed to be close to the Namadi Sambo Group. Some of

the elders in southern Kaduna believe that she will make a good deputy governor and is therefore considered one of the top contenders even though she has not shown any obvious interest in the position.

However, the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, who is currently building his political block in the North, is believed to favour his friend and former Minister of State for Power, Nuhu Wya. He is said to have spoken to some of the southern Kaduna elders about his preference.

Investigations, however, revealed that Wya’s acceptability in the southern part of the state where he hails from has waned considerably. His people were said to have complained bitterly that when he was Minister, he did nothing to empower them.

Under the Yakowa-led government, Wya headed the Committee on Power Generation in the state and has his closeness to the Vice President working in his favour. Observers are of the belief that for a man trying to build a political empire and for a government trying to gain the confidence of the people, the appointment of Wya may stand on his way to achieving success in that regard, especially in Southern Kaduna that is predominantly a PDP-controlled area.

A meeting of the elders from the area is said to be taking place at the residence of Retired General Zamani Lekwot to deliberate on the issue in order to make their position known to the government. But at the time of this report, Wya and Charity still top the list of favourites.

Another candidate who is reportedly enjoying good followership in southern Kaduna

‘Some southern Kaduna elders, The Nation also learnt, are pushing for the appointment of Mrs Charity Shekari as the new deputy governor. The death of Stephen Shekari, an engineer, paved the way for Yakowa to become deputy governor in 2005 and she was later appointed a Commissioner by Yakowa when he assumed office as governor in 2010. Charity, a strong member of the ruling PDP, is considered one of the strongest women political players in the area. She is believed to be intelligent, articulate and a team player’

and thus stands a chance is Felix Hassan Hyet, a former Minister who served the Makarfiled government as Secretary to the Government. Though reports say he is enjoying robust support from his people, he is not known to belong to the Sambo camp. Rather, he is well known as a member of Makarfi’s political camp. Some political analysts in the state believe that appointing him to such a position would mean strengthening the Makarfi camp and this is something that the Sambo camp where the new governor belongs would want to prevent. Though both Sambo and Makarfi have constantly told those who care to listen that they are still good friends, many believe that their relationship has grown worse over the years. The relationship between the two is one of the major factors that may work against Hyet’s candidature.

The current Chairman of the PDP in the state, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, is another man that is close to the Vice President in the southern Kaduna’s political enclave. Bajoga is an ally of former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Hamisu Yusuf, popularly known as Mairago who is believed to be one of the Vice President’s most trusted allies in the state.

Bajoga, a former top executive of Ashaka Cement is well respected among the old and the young in southern Kaduna, but he is said to have some health challenges, but his name is high on the stake and some of the Vice President’s men are backing and pushing him forward for the position.

Among Yakowa’s aides, Allahmagani Yohanna stands as one of the most favoured.

He has worked as a Commissioner in the state and was Yakowa’s Principal Private Secretary. But a group of youths from Yakowa’s Jama’a Local Government Area wants the position to go to Ayuba Natsa, an architect who is believed to be Yakowa’s relation and served as his Special Adviser on Project.

The group’s spokesman, John Yuhusa, told The Nation that in the absence of Ayuba, the powers that be should consider the Commissioner for Water Resources, Sunday Marshal Katung or the man who represents Jama’a Sanga in the House of Representatives, Shehu Garba Sarki for the position.

However, as the days go by, there is the possibility of a dark horse emerging for the job from the growing political camp of the Vice President especially in southern Kaduna.

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POLITICS The political career of Dr. Bukola Saraki is quite rich. He has been a presidential aide, governor, chairman of Governors’ Forum and now a Senator. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the career of the politician who has succeeded his father as head of the ‘Saraki political dynasty’ in Kwara State.

Bukola Saraki and Kwara politics: What future?

A

T 50, life goes on for Abubakar ‘Bukola Saraki, medical doctor, two-time governor of Kwara State and Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For him, the past five decades have paled into a glorious past. Yet, the acknowledged political leader of Kwara in post-Olusola Saraki era, faces a future pregnant with possibilities. He has inherited a solid political structure bequeathed by the eminent politician. As the head of the political dynasty, he has shown an uncanny capacity for sustaining mass followership. His visionary leadership style, courage and pragmatism are enduring assets. But, what has earned him political loyalty in Kwara is his service to the people.

As predicted by observers, Saraki has filled the vacuum created by the demise of the celebrated grassroots politician.

From childhood, the medical doctor-turned politician has been a promising character. At school, he had shone with a rare brilliance. Although he was born with silver spoon in his mouth, he was not indulged by his affluent father. Also, the younger Saraki did not neglect the path of self-development. He practised his profession with passion and recorded manifold success. In politics, he built on the solid foundation laid by the late Oloye. To observers, the name ‘Saraki’ was only an added advantage, both in private and public life, for Oloye’s beloved son.

Unlike other privileged colleagues, Saraki started his political career from the top. As a presidential aide, he lived to expectation. His intellect, creative ingenuity, sense of industry and focus made him to stand out from the crowd of special assistants and senior special assistants in the Obasanjo Administration. Key Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders who closely observed him aptly described him as a man of the future. When the critical moment of opportunity came, he fulfilled his destiny. As governor for eight years, he presided over a model administration and erected lasting legacies. It is ironic that what is not common in the State of Harmony is harmony. Politics in the state has been shaped by poverty, ethnicity and religion. For that eight years when he was in the saddle, the opposition did not relent in their criticism of his administration for many reasons. But many Kwarans agreed that Saraki lived up to expectation in terms of performance.

The Governors Forum which he led became a potent force in the ruling PDP and ultimately, the country. Towards the end of his second term, he eyed the presidency. Although he missed the ticket, it did not translate into a political eclipse.

Up to now, the home front is intact.

An important challenge that confronted the former governor and the political machinery that nurtured and catapulted him to power was succession. There were many politicians from the ruling and opposition parties itching to succeed him. In-

deed, intra-party scramble for power shook the political dynasty and the tension, for the first time, could not be mitigated by the gerontocratic wisdom of the patriarch, Oloye Saraki, who was the main issue in Kwara politics for 45 years. The elderstatesman, his governor-son and senator-daughter were embroiled in controversy and crisis of succession. The rest is now history.

Senator Saraki shared the same fate with his late father. But much difficulties were not on his path to political victory and fame. The elder Saraki passed through political vicissitudes, rising from the slippery political ground at every fall. His son, many believe, emerged later to reap the fruits of his father’s political labour. Like the departed political kingpin, he had wanted to serve in the highest office. When reality dawned on him that it was a futile ambition, he took the senatorial route, like his father. Up to now, the towering stature of the Second Republic Senate Leader has dwarfed his successors in subsequent dispensations. The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) caucus, the Second Republic highest decision making political and governmental machinery, was incomplete without the indomitable Turaki and later, Waziri, of Ilorin.

As a senator, Senator Saraki mirrors his father, mentor and role model. The senator from Kwara Central District has endowed his seat in the Upper Chamber with visibility. His strength lies in his power of ideas, experience, exposure and logic. Although a first timer on the ranked floor, he is not a baby senator and bench warmer. Indisputably, he is also not afraid to ruffle feathers. As legislator, the urban and cosmopolitan politician has dazed many with his fighting spirit, resilience and populist tendencies. It is a paradox. Having erected his legislative career on a conservative platform, he veered off by adorning the cap of a progressive actor. He became an anti-corruption crusader.

Reactions to his principled position on prudence an d transparency in national governance were varied.

While party colleagues attempted to label him as another emerging internal opposition leader, ordinary Nigerians hailed his defence of truth, fair play and justice in the decadent society.

At a critical time when colleagues were aloof to public plight, Saraki filled the consciousness of the people by pitching his tent with Nigerians.

He dared the powerful cabals, insisting that the enemies of the country who suffocated the land with the subsidy scam must not go unpunished. Harassed by the power that be, he nevertheless, survived the onslaught by the mega fraudsters. Today, it is said of the Kwara senator that the end has justified the means.

Saraki’s charm has endured, owing to his political disposition. Even, when his father rooted for his sister, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, he was cautious. Although he knew that PDP would have probably won the

• Senator Saraki

governorship with her as candidate, he objected. His close associates said that he differed on moral ground, with an intent to remove the misperception that Kwara and Kwara government have become Saraki’s fiefdom. In his view, power shift to another zone was desirable to give the district a sense of belonging. In addition, wanted to cleverly avert a hard journey to victory for PDP. With fondness, many Kwarans have retained the memory of Bukola Saraki years in Government House.

Thus, his successor, who was part of the administration, has no reason to derail from his transformational programmes in education, health, agriculture and provision of other social amenities. His father had started finding solution to the acute water crisis in the state from sixties.

To his consternation, the problem had not abated when he assumed the reins. Therefore, he inherited the unfinished business of resuscitating the dried pipes. He revatalised education by providing more educational structures. When he started his agricultural programme, critics descended on the administration for inviting Zimbabwean farmers to hijack peoples’ land. The programme turned out to be income and employment yielding for the state.

In the Senate where he currently represents Kwara Central, he has made his mark. Whereas there are

Senators who are described as sleeping lawmakers, Saraki has been very active. He will be remembered as the man who triggered the uproar on the unsustainable subsidy regime. He has also cried out on the state of the environment in different parts of the country, especially the ecology of the oil producing states. He has traversed the entire Nigeria territory following the unprecedented flood that ravaged many of the states in the course of this year.

Saraki was born on December 19, 1962. He attended King’s College, Lagos, from 1973-1978, and Cheltenham College, Cheltenham, London from 1979-1981 for his High School Certificate (HSC) programme. He then studied at the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, when he obtained his M.B.B.S (London). He worked as a Medical Officer at Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988-1989. He was a Director of Societe Generale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990-2000. He was appointed Special Assistant to the President on Budget in 2000. Ceremonially, he also serves as a tribal nobleman of high rank in his capacity as the Turaki of the Ilorin Emirate.

There is no politician without his dark period. In April this year, the police sent a letter to Saraki asking him to assist their investigation of a case of “conspiracy, forgery and stealing N21,000,000,000 belonging to Joy Petroleum Ltd.” A Federal High Court in Abuja heard a request

by Saraki for an injunction preventing the police from arresting him “to protect his dignity and prevent further harassment”. At the hearing, the counsel for the police alleged that Saraki had influenced purchase of stocks by the Ministry of Finance of Kwara State in companies that included Joy Petroleum, of which Saraki was the promoter. His wife was linked to the transaction as was Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Commissioner of Finance.

The High Court adjourned the hearing until 22 May 2012.

On April 28, 2012, the police Special Fraud Unit said they had issued an arrest warrant for Saraki, whom they wanted to question about “a case of suspected fraudulent conversion of depositors’ funds through questionable waivers of loans and other facilities of about N9.76 billion granted by the management of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc.” It was alleged that the waived loans from the bank were used for his personal profit while he was governor of Kwara State. Saraki said he was willing to appear before the police. On May 3, 2012 the senator was questioned by the police for two hours. His associates said the allegations were politically motivated.

With the opposition in Kwara working hard everyday, the question many are asking is: will Saraki be able to hold the state’s politics as firmly as his father did?

Coalition wants electoral reforms now From Olugbenga Adanikin and Esther John, Abuja

I

N its bid to sanitize the electoral system, Coalition of Civil Societies, Partners for Electoral Reforms PER is demanding far-reaching electoral reforms as part of the on-going amendment of the constitution.

The Coalition said one major impediments to the conduct of credible elections is the power granted the President to appoint the chairman, national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners The group identified the same measure for state governors to prevent them from selecting heads of the State Independent Electoral Commissions SIEC. Coordinator of Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development CPALD, Ezenwa Nwagwu, who spoke with the move will clear doubts in the mind of the electorate and further guarantee that voters’ interest is represented.

Section 153 and 154 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended empowers the President to appoint INEC board and Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs. Other similar constitutional provisions empower governors to appoint board of the SIECs. Nwagwu said: “It is important that the FG, especially the President, is relieved of the powers to appoint the INEC chairman, its commissioners, and resident electoral commissioners while the state governors are also relieved of doing same for their state independent electoral commissions.

“Those in elective positions must withdraw from determining membership of the various electoral positions. This seriously erodes sovereign trust and undermines confidence of the public in the government.”

Coordinator of the Transition Monitoring Group TMG, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, restated that for the electoral body to be truly independent, its leadership should be selected through public forum, not by elected public officials.

• Jega

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in a warm handshake with Vice-President, Ijebu Ode Grammar School Old Students’ Association, Dr. Dipo Bailey, during a courtesy visit by the Association to the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta. With them are the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife, Oba Adesesan Oguntayo and Mrs Osoba.

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‘Pupils champion good character’ •Continued from Page 17

iour, they are said to be aware of proper conduct and readily check themselves if seen to be veering off.

Some of the kids are also taking up leadership responsibilities, just like their Indian counterpart, a boy shown in a short video. In that picture, the Indian boy, in wet weather, initiated an action for the public good which everyone else, including adults, was unwilling to take. A big stump was obstructing traffic on a busy road. Everybody sidestepped it, but like the Good Samaritan, the boy drew near the obstacle, put his hands on it and began to heave. In no time, other kids joined in, some even smiling through the effort rather than seeing it as a burden. The obstacle was cleared.

Teachers and coordinators shared their experiences in implementing the good character curriculum. One reported some initial challenges, even from the school leadership, at the onset of the initiative. But soon, those difficulties were overcome as everyone embraced good character and its implementation in the school.

•Continued from Page 17

not be the same again at the end of the exercise which will surely make them better citizens of the state and employers of labour in the nearest future.”

In his goodwill message, the Pact-Reach OVC Programme Officer, Mr. Manji Ephraim explained that the project is being implemented by 10 OVC and seven prevention partners in Ekiti State working in the 16 LGAs He said Pact is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development and Gender Empowerment and other four ministries alongside NGOs and other agencies Meanwhile, on the specifics of their training, the Director, Child Development in the MWASDGE, Mrs. Lola Ologuntoye, stated that the 40 selected through the survey would undergo skill acquisi-

One interesting thing was that all the teachers and coordinators at the get-together showed tremendous enthusiasm in working to enthrone a new moral and social order.

Apart from inculcating good conduct in school kids, GCDI also grooms children using the mentorship model. Recently, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Christopher Kolade, who chairs the GCDI board, interacted with staff and coordinators of the good character project. The respected administrator also came along with Dr Pat Utomi, another role model.

The encounter was said to have had a huge positive effect on the people who have taken up the campaign.

“We are looking to have a critical mass that can spearhead change in the society,” Ochi said.

That critical mass, he explained, may not to be up to half of the population, but is decisive enough to drive change in the country.

“We are making some progress,” Ochi said, pledging that in the coming year, the tempo of the campaign will be much higher.

T

HE Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Sokoto State has urged the Aliyu Wamako administration to implement the 12.5 per cent and 15 per cent increment of their salaries as obtained in other states of the federation.

The union is also seeking free medical treatment for its members and families in all the state and local government hospitals as well as the Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Speaking during the Pensioners’ Day in Sokoto, its state chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ciroman Tangaza said pensioners in the state

Sokoto pensioners demand salary increase were concerned about the increment From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

as well as free medical services for themselves and families.

The chairman said granting the moderate demands by the union would fasttrack steps for other states to emulate the initiative of Sokoto State government.

“This will also encourage the Federal Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and foreign bod-

ies to practice as well.

“Such efforts earned Governor Wamakko the NUP-friendly governor award in 2008 by our headquarters,” he recalled.

However, Alhaji Muhammad said the union was aware of the giant strides made by Wamakko-led administration towards the welfare of its members.

•From left: Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area, Hon Wale Odunlami presenting the keys of the new pick-up vans to the DPO, Ikeja (Area F), Mr Abiodun Alabi

Ekiti begins orphans rehabilitation tion courses in agriculture, animal breeding, poultry production and food storage.

Ologuntoye, the department’s focal officer on HIV/AIDs/ OVC, added they would also acquire skills in vocations such as phone repairs, catering management, bread-making/wirework, crafts (stove thread making, detergents production/soap making and others.

She explained: “Ekiti undertook the OVC survey across the LGAs in August, data on which is presently being compiled and out of which the forty have been selected as a first phase.

“It would be the first of its kind to be undertaken by a state government in the country. Only the Federal Ministry of Labour undertook same in 2008”, she said.

However, in further assuring a better fate for the OVC in the state, the State, through the Women Affairs and Gender Empowerment Ministry has yet inaugurated the Child Protection Network (CPN).

At a two-day training organised for stakeholders in CPN by the Ministry at an event held at Pope John Paul Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti including officials of some state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), concerned Non Government Organisations, the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and others said it was to further enhance child rights protection efforts in the state.

Participants were taken through subjects such as ‘Aims

•Ejigbo Local Council Development Area Chairman, Kehinde Bamigbetan presenting a pack of mosquito net to a mother at the flag-off of the maternal and child health week in the council

and Objectives of CPN; Overview on the Ekiti State Child Rights law; Family Court: a Legal Tool on Child Protection; The Child Rights law: a Legal Tool for Child Survival; and Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders on Child Protection.

In her keynote address at the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner, Fola Richie-Adewusi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said the Network was to complement the Child rights Law already enacted in and enforced by the state.

She observed that the malaise of the abuse of the child is as old as humanity, common among “all places, races, religions, culture and economic groups (whether rich or poor).

Richie-Adewusi said: “Children are increasingly becoming victims of child abuse both physically and emotionally. Reported cases of sexual abuse of girls are highly embarrassing. ”As the issue of child development in its holistic framework rests solely on the protection theme, it is imperative that more collaborative efforts are intensified to safeguard the interest of the child. A society that neglects the child trades with the future.

“Therefore the care of the child in the real sense is for mutual benefit and corporate survival of the community.

At the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, represented by the Director, Child Development, Mrs Juliet Boluwatife noted that CPN was a coalition of stakeholders whose overall goal is to prevent and respond to exploitation, abuse, violence against and neglect of children.

According to her, CPN would enable the state respond to the many reports on the abuse of the children which she said has gained ascendancy lately, adding that the body is a partnership of UNICEF with the Ekiti State Government expected to work as a network through effective communication and reporting system aimed at redeeming any child felt endangered in any manner and wherever in the state.

Commending the achievements of state government in the area of child rights protection, the Protection and Participation Officer, UNICEF, Mrs. Roselene Akinroye noted the achievements emboldened UNICEF to encourage the government to form the CPN to complement subsisting efforts in protecting the child.

She however noted that while UNICEF might not be able to assist through financing, it would always be on hand to render support in many other regards, stating “CPN is the primary baby of the state government.’

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

"Harry is a special manager. If he wasn't available, I would probably have persevered with Mark, but Harry is a fantastic manager. I've known him for years going back to when he was at West Ham. Harry being available swung it for us."

QPR Chairman, Tony Fernandes revealing former manager Mark Hughes would have been given more 52 time.

Race for Redknapp forced Hughes’

Sack

—Fernandes

•Fernandes

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Messi signs £12.5m-a-year

Barca deal

•Messi

PSG declares Ronaldo, Mourinho interest

M

•Ronaldo

EGA-RICH French club Paris Saint Germain have declared their interest in signing Real Madrid galactico Cristiano Ronaldo and manager

Jose Mourinho.

PSG, who can boast the wealthiest owners in world football, have already made Zlatan Ibrahimovic the best paid

player in the world but fancy a mouth-watering scoring partnership with Ronaldo.

Saoud Bin Abdulrahman AlThani, right-hand man to PSG’s oil-

rich owner Sheikh Nasser Al Khelaifi, was asked during a TV interview in France whether the club were considering attempting to lure Ronaldo and Mourinho from the Bernabeu.

•Mourinho

AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...AFCON...

Taribo urges caution as Eagles regroups for AFCON 2013

Kurfi wants rejuvinated Eagles

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-12-12

Eterna assures shareholders of future prospects

E

TERNA Plc would surmount current challenges and continue to consolidate its growth in the years ahead with a view to deliver good returns to shareholders.

The board and management of the company gave this assurance yesterday at the annual general meeting in Lagos, promising that directors of the company would take all necessary actions to protect and promote the interest of the shareholders.

Chairman, Eterna Plc, Mr Fola Adeola, said the company has continued to grow year on year and the future prospects is now brighter than previous years.

He said that while there was no doubt that the company had been confronted with challenges; the board and management have been more innovative in managing the challenges in a bid to ensure that shareholder value was enhanced Audited report and accounts of Eterna for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that turnover rose by 190 per cent from N14.14 billion in 2010 to N41.07 billion in 2011. Profit before tax grew by 54 per cent to N1.79 billion in 2011 as against N1.16 billion in 2010. Profit after tax also jumped by 68 per cent

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

from N722.7 million to N1.21 billion. The company’s net assets increased from N4.62 billion to N5.83 billion. Earnings per share stood at 93 kobo in 2011 as against 55 kobo in 2010 while net assets per share improved from N3.55 to N4.47.

“We believe our business will continue to thrive in 2012 and beyond despite anticipated challenges. We will continue to introduce and implement innovative strategies that will improve our profitability, without compromising product quality, service delivery or debasing any of our core values,” Adeola said.

He outlined that the company increased its retail outlets through acquisition of new filling station and leasing of other outlets, noting that the expansion has increased the company’s retail presence and provided opportunity for advertising and brand visibility.

According to him, the company has been innovative and determined in ensuirng that all of its assets are optimally utilized to improve cash generation and continuously support its financial base.

“We have continued to strengthen our relationship

with our dealers and distributors to increase sales, preserve the quality of our products, ensure more aggressive but ethical marketing practices and further eliminate inefficiencies,” Adeola said.

In his remarks, managing director, Eterna, Mr Mahmud Tukur said the company has remained profitable citing the third quarter report ended September 2012, which showed profit after tax of N1.2 billion.

He said the company would build on the current efforts to continuously improve its profitability.

Shareholders commended the board and management of the company for moving the company from a state of near collapse to profitability.

National coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, noted that the reduction in interest cost, which has affected the company before now means that shareholders will be adequately rewarded in the years ahead.

“We are delighted with what you have achieved so far and we are sure that the years ahead will be rewarding for shareholders. We have moved from a loss position to profitability that is a sign that something good is ahead for our company. We urge you to continue the good work so that you can reward shareholders patience in the last few years,” Nwosu said.

Another shareholder, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo also commended the performance of the company.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-12-12

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MONEY LINK

Banks end interbank ATM charges

D

EPOSIT Money Banks (DMBs) have stopped all interbank charges on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions effective December 17, 2012, The Nation investigation has shown.

It would be recalled that the banks had last month, agreed to put a stop to all

•CBN: We’re monitoring progress Stories by Collins Nweze

charges associated with the use of ATMs in the country.

The agreement was the highpoint of a meeting between the Bankers Commit-

tee made up of chief executive officers of DMBs, directors and top officials of the CBN and NDIC. Before now, account holders had been made to pay a flat rate of N100 per withdrawal any

time they used other banks’ ATMs. Some of the banks visited

by The Nation have so far complied with the directive.

At Ecobank Nigeria, FirstBank, Diamond Bank, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, branches in Lagos there were full compliance.

Customers have applauded the move, adding that it would assist them in using the ATM regularly.

Yinka Ogunyemi, a customer of Ecobank Nigeria said that by lifting the interbank charges on ATM, will make it easier for him to use ATMs more often. He however, said that banks should encourage more use of the facility by ensuring that com-

Naira falls as CBN suspends forex trading today T HE naira declined to its lowest in a month as dollar demand increased as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ends foreign-exchange (forex) auctions for the year today. The naira yesterday, dropped 0.2 per cent to 158.2 per dollar, its weakest since November 16. The naira has gained 2.6 per cent this year, the secondbest performing currency in Africa, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Companies have increased demand for foreign-currency after the CBN said last week it will end dollar sales to lenders at twice-weekly auctions on December 19 and resume on January 7, according to

Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) strategists, led by Parisbased Paul-Harry Aithnard.

Ending the auctions is “likely to create a major shortfall in dollar supply, thereby jeopardizing recent exchange rate stability,” the Ecobank strategists said. The naira weakened 0.4 percent last week due to a “temporary surge in corporate demand for dollars to cover import bills ahead of the Christmas season,” the strategists said.

Nigeria’s inflation rate rose for the second consecutive month in November to 12.3 per cent from 11.7 per

cent, the National Bureau of Statistics said yesterday in an e-mailed report. The CBN left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 12 per cent this year to control inflation and stabilize the naira.

Yields on 10-year naira debt rose three basis points to 11.88 per cent, according to yesterday’s prices compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Borrowing costs on the nation’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 fell one basis point to 4.13 per cent yesterday.

T

and Central African CFA francs are currently separate currencies that are both pegged to the euro. Merging them would boost trade and help fight money laundering, Nchama said.

The franc zone covers 14 African countries, Benin,

E

COBANK customers are to receive free gifts for any Rapid Transfer Transaction they carry out from now till the end of January, 2013. This is part of the

Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea and Liberia — plan to enact a common currency, known as the Eco, by January 2015, 12 years behind an initial target, Temitope Oshikoya, chief executive officer of the West African Monetary Institute, said.

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Six other West African nations namely Nigeria, Ghana,

FGN BONDS 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

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) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 19-12-12 SYMBOL

INTBREW REDSTAREX UTC MAYBAKER RTBRISCOE NEIMETH OKOMUOIL FIDSON CONOIL FBNH

O/PRICE

15.62 2.82 0.61 1.64 1.45 0.83 35.00 1.00 20.05 15.30

C/PRICE

16.50 2.97 0.64 1.72 1.52 0.87 36.65 1.03 20.50 15.55

CHANGE

5.63 5.32 4.92 4.88 4.83 4.82 4.71 3.00 2.24 1.63

O/PRICE 2.00 4.35 2.73 0.84 21.00 5.55 0.57 0.60 60.00 13.33

C/PRICE 1.90 4.14 2.60 0.80 20.21 5.35 0.55 0.58 58.05 13.00

CHANGE -5.00 -4.83 -4.76 -4.76 -3.76 -3.60 -3.51 -3.33 -3.25 -2.48

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

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

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 19-12-12

SYMBOL ETERNA JOHNHOLT PHARMDEKO IKEJAHOTEL GURANTY NAHCO JAPAULOIL WAPIC WAPCO OANDO

Transfer is a special platform for people to reach out and support their loved ones this festive season; pay for their goods and services; as well as pay their children and wards school fees and others amongst meeting other financial needs.

In his words “Rapid Transfer is available to customers and non-customers of the bank. It facilitates easy transfer and access to funds across the country as well as enabling money transfers to and from any of the 33 African countries where Ecobank operates”.

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

bank’s end of year product campaign to reach out to its customers. The Rapid Transfer is an Ecobank proprietary send and receive money transfer product available in all Ecobank branches in Nigeria. This unique product facilitates easy transfer and access to funds across the country and in all countries where Ecobank is represented.

Announcing this in Lagos, Ecobank Head of Domestic Bank products, Akinmade said customers will be given gifts for sending or receiving money through Rapid Transfer this season.

He maintained that Rapid

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

monitoring process will continue. He said that banks’ customers have benefitted from the new partnership that removed charges from their accounts, adding that the decision to stop the charge would help to increase the patronage of ATMs, thus deepening the financial inclusion strategy of the CBN.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

•CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido

Ecobank customers get gifts on transaction

African central banks mull common currency HE central banks of West and Central Africa are considering combining their currencies, Lucas Abaga Nchama, governor of the Bank of Central African States, has said.

According to Bloomberg reports, the West African

plaints arising from the transactions are resolved forthwith. He said the policy will save him cost and make ATM usage easier.

Another customer of the Access Bank, Augusta Nkemdilim said that despite the fee waiver, she would still prefer to use the ATM card of the bank where his account is domiciled. “I feel safer using my bank’s ATM cards because when there is a problem, especially the regular debit without disbursement, the transaction can easily be reversed,” she said.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Spokesman Ugochukwu Okoroafor, confirmed that monitoring done so far by the apex bank, has shown that no bank is in default of the agreement.

He however, said that the

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 132.37 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 9,335.15 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 132.05 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 1,754.53 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,091.15 191.08 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

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

57

NEWS Benue proposes N130.9b budget for 2013

Kano DPR closes 10 petrol stations From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE Kano office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed and sanctioned 10 petrol stations in Kano and Jigawa states for selling petrol above the government-approved N97 per litre pump price.

Its Operations Controller, Alhaji Sayyadi Suleiman Abubakar, said this would sanitise the operations of filling stations in both states during the Yuletide period.

Abubakar said petroleum product marketers have started importing diesel and kerosine from neighbouring Niger Republic into Nigeria.

He explained that this is because they are deregulated products while petrol has not been approved for importation.

According to him, the DPR has also begun intensive surveillance on the distribution of petroleum products to ensure that long queues, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period, disappear.

He said the department plans to ensure that the products get to the consumers without stress.

Abubakar added that the DPR office in the state had sent warning letters to suspected racketeers while the others were reprimanded.

Kogi denies diversion of flood funds From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State Government has denied the alleged diversion of funds for flood victims in the state.

It described a statement by the state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that the Idris Wada administration has mismanaged the donations received for the Flood Disaster Management as frivolous, unfounded and an attempt at scoring a cheap political point.

Reacting to the report published by some newspapers on December 17 and credited to the state ACN Chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi said it was surprising that ACN could make such wild allegations against him, Wada and his administration.

He stressed that to declare that he had bought the Grand Mirage Hotel and other properties in Abuja was pedestrian and false.

Awoniyi said the allegation cast aspersions on his integrity and portrayed him as having light fingers.

According to him, the onus lies on his accuser to provide the proof of the allegations.

The deputy governor said he had not soiled his hands in any shady deal, adding that the funds for the flood victims were intact.

Awoniyi added that he had not acquired ill-gotten assets and wealth in the state or elsewhere.

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•Winner of Miss ECOWAS Peace Ambassador 2012, Zirra Banu (Nigeria) flanked by the the first runner-up Anne Lise (Cote D’ Ivoire, left) and second runner-up Keisha Ferguson (Ghana) at the beauty pageant in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

T

27 die in Sokoto road crash

WENTY-seven people died on Monday in an accident in Sokoto

State.

Eighteen others were reportedly injured.

But the state Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed 15 injured persons.

The accident reportedly occurred on the Ruwa Wuri-Tangaza Road.

Several cows and sheep were also said to heve died

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

in the accident.

It was learnt that the driver of the trailer, with registration number (Sokoto) XA 443 SAA, lost control.

The trailer was heading to Warri, the Delta State capital, from Mano village when it plunged into a river near Masallaci village in Tangaza Local Government.

It was also learnt that the victims have been buried in Bagida village.

They were said to be residents of Bagida, Sabiyo, Tinnigere, Ruwa Wuri and Tsoni villages, in Tangaza Local Government.

FRSC Sector Commander Dr. Umaru Aliyu said: “Our findings showed that the accident occurred due to overloading and speed-

ing. Twenty-seven people died and 15 others were injured.

“Those injured are receiving treatment at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, while the driver of the trailer and his motor boy fled.”

Aliyu added that the trailer was conveying cows and passengers.

Abdulsalami: bombings, killings worsen North’s problems A FORMER Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, yesterday said the bombings and killings in the North have continued to worsen the economic and other aspects of the North’s situation.

The retired military chief noted that unless northern leaders tackle the growing insecurity in the region, efforts to revamp its economy would remain futile.

Gen. Abubakar said the spate of insecurity in the North has further weakened its fragile economy.

The former Head of State

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

spoke at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai.

Governor Babangida Aliyu inaugurated the fund yesterday.

Abubakar said insecurity has further worsened the “night economy” of the North, adding that night life used to generate huge income for the re-

‘Merger’ll end PDP’s bad leadership’

A

GROUP, the Merger Support Group (MSG), has backed the proposed merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), among others, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

It noted that the merger would end the maladministration of the country by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and usher in the progressives in 2015.

The pro tem National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Farouq Hassan Mohammed, told reporters yesterday in Kano that the ongoing merger talks by the political parties would challenge the dominant ruling party.

Rising from its monthly meeting in Kano, Hassan said the merger talks should

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

not be allowed to collapse.

According to him, this is because the ruling PDP has plunged the country into a political quagmire that has resulted in insecurity challenges and corruption among government officials.

Hassan said there has been a lack of purposeful leadership in the country, adding that the late former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Patrick Oweye Aziza, corroborated this fact at a public function.

The politician said the PDP caused most of Nigeria’s problems.

He said there should be concerted efforts to actualise the merger talks so that it would be easy to dislodge the PDP and replace it with a purposeful government in 2015.

gion.

According to him, “night economy” accounted for a reasonable percentage of the economy of the region in the past.

He said: “There is no town in the North where there is night life anymore. We all know the type of economy the North derived from its night life. But now, there is no more night economy in the North.

This is not good for us and for our development.”

The former Head of the State, who is the Chairman of Board of Trustees, explained that the persistent bombings and killing are destroying the little the North had for its economy and development.

He urged those with grievances against any government to dialogue instead of killing fellow beings and destroying property.

Abubakar said: “All these bombings and killings do not solve the problem. We should think about our children and grandchildren. What will we leave for them, if we destroy the little we have now?”

The former military leader attributed the problems of the country to lack of discipline.

He noted that if the standard that has been laid down has been maintained, the nation would not be experiencing what it is passing through now.

On the Yuletide saeson, Abdulsalam, said: “I am appealing to Nigerians to maintain the peace as we celebrate the Yuletide. For without peace, there can be no country.”

He promised that the board would make the institution one of the best in Nigeria and beyond.

Aliyu urged the board members to follow global best practices as exemplified by the University of Ibadan (UI) Endowment Fund.

HE Benue State Government has proposed a budget of N130,992,126, 509 for the 2013 fiscal year.

The government said it would generate N122.666 million from fines and fees.

It said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would constitute over eight per cent of the total revenue it hopes to generate in 2013.

Governor Gabriel Suswam presented the budget proposal to the House of Assembly in Makurdi, the state capital.

The governor explained that the revenue from the Federation Account is projected at N59.250billion, or 54 per cent of the expected revenue during the year, besides N10.85 billion expected from Value Added Tax (VAT).

Tagged: The Budget of Development and Growth Effectiveness, the budget’s personnel cost estimate is N39,880,800,926 and the total overhead cost is N22,563,706,302, or 17.23per cent of the proposed budget.

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Makurdi, Mr. Emmanuel Terhile Ayua said the lawmakers would study the proposal critically and pass it into law to enable the Executive carry out some development projects.

Jang urges Labour to stop violent protests From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang yesterday urged the organised Labour to stop violent protests over the minimum wage dispute between his administration and the workers.

The governor said negotiations were ongoing in Abuja with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the state government and Minister of Labour.

He said his administration had not closed its doors to negotiations over the disputed minimum wage.

Mr. Chris Pwaja, the Director-General, Research and Planning in the Governor’s Office, addressed reporters yesterday in Jos, the state capital, on behalf of the government.

The government official spoke on the labour violent protests rocking the state.

Pwaja said: “The state government still believes that Labour union remains a partner in progress, both in governance and in development of the state.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

58

NEWS Award for salesmen

A

NETWORK marketing company, Nature Hero Limited, has rewarded members who distinguished themselves in marketing the company’s products.

At a Gala night at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Nature Hero gave Double Pearl Award of $2,000 each to five members.

Its Managing Director, Mr Sunny Elem, said they won the awards because they networked the most within three months. The highest number of products, he said, was sold through their networks and each of them earned about N1million, besides their income for the three months.

Group protests non-retirement of agency chief

A

GROUP, the Yoruba Fair Play, has condemned the alleged refusal of the Managing Director of Ogun State River Basin Development Authority, Mr Jimmy Omoliki, to retire after attaining the age of 60.

The leader of the group, Mr Gbenga Bakare, alleged that Omoliki joined the agency in 1979 as a junior engineer.

Omoliki told The Nation that he has attained retirement age, adding that he had notified the minisyrt.

He became the agency’s Managing Director in January 2011.

T

MASSOB decries alleged arrest, killing of members

HE Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday condemned what it called the unwarranted and insensitive clampdown, arrest and killing of its members in Onitsha by security agents.

The group urged them to release its members who it said were allegedly being detained by security operatives, especially the Army and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

It accused the Anambra Vigilance Services, which operates at the Onitsha Main Market, of conniving with the security agencies.

MASSOB’s Director of Information, Comrade Uchenna Madu, yesterday sent a statement to reporters.

The statement reads: “On December 7, 2012, some MASSOB members, numbering about 120, were on a peaceful procession on Sokoto Road, Onitsha, in readiness for the burial of Uchechukwu Ejiofor,

MOLOKWU

I, MOLOKWU ONYINYECHUKWU UCHENNA and MOLOKWU ONYINYE UCHE is one and same person. All former documents bearing both forms of my name remain valid.

General public should please take note.

a MASSOB member who was shot by soldiers on November 12, when they were attacked by men of the Anambra State Vigilance Services.

“Despite the intervention of some MASSOB officers on ground to stop the men of the vigilance service, numbering about 50, they insisted that the MASSOB funeral procession should not hold and subsequently called the Army, SARS operatives and policemen from Onitsha Central Police Station (CPS).

“This callous attack on armless MASSOB activists led to the death of Eric Nwachukwu, who was a MASSOB member, an expectant woman and two hawkers.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

OZIOKO:

PUBLIC NOTICE

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

“Also, eight MASSOB members were arrested with gunshot wounds and broken legs.

Other MASSOB members - Basil Ogbu, Ebuka Eze, Obinna Offor and others - were abandoned at Anambra State SARS headquarters, Awkuzu, since December 7.

“Their broken legs are decaying and smelling because the police refused to feed them and give them medication.

MASSOB demands their immediate release for proper medical attention or arraignment in a competent court of law.

“The acts of insensitivity and callousness of our Igbo brothers in the name vigilance groups are still going on. They continue to haunt for our members, secretly arresting some in their homes, shops and places

of businesses, like truck pushers, Okada riders and load carriers at Onitsha Main Market.

“They not only arrest them, but also hand them over to the soldiers at Onitsha Barracks.

After some deadly and traumatic torture, they were transferred to SARS headquarters, Akwuzu.

“We fear many are already dead. By our calculation, 27 motorcycles, four trucks, 14 wheel barrows and about N78,000 belonging to arrested MASSOB members were seized by the vigilance group.

“We appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chief of Army Staff, President Obama Barack of the United States and human rights organisations to intervene on our behalf in Anambra State.”

Obi presents N110.89b 2013 Appropriation to Assembly

PUBLIC NOTICE

I formerly known and address as Miss OZIOKO CHETANNE MARTHA now wish to be known and address as Mrs SUNNY- OZIOKO CHETANNE MARTHA All former document remain valid.University Of Nigeria Enugu Campus,NYSC and General Public should please take note.

•Urges security agents to release detained members

•Obi

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday presented N110.89 billion budget proposal for the 2013 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.

The amount represents 33.28per cent increase over this year’s N83.200billion budget.

Of the amount, N70.895 bil-

lion is for capital expenditure while N39.995billion is for recurrent expenditure.

An estimated N70.895billion is expected from capital receipts, which represents an increase of 51.07 per cent over the outgoing year’s N46.929billion.

The Economic sector took the largest chunk of 32.39 per cent.

The Social sector gets 19.13 per cent; Environmental, 10.62per cent and General Administration, 37.85per cent.

Obi explained that the main thrust of the 2013 budget, tagged: People’s Budget of Integrated Development VI, are poverty eradication and hunger reduction.

To promote the implementation of the progammes and projects that address the critical targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Obi

said his administration would ensure tighter security of life and property, among others.

He said: “We require a conducive social and political environment that will greatly facilitate our development efforts in our determination to continue to take our premier position in the comity of states.

“It is our strong hope, therefore, that law and order will continue to prevail as indispensable requirements for socio-economic development.”

The governor urged the residents to support his administration to implement its programmes for the development of the state through God’s guidance.

Majority Leader Harford Oseke (Awka South II) moved the motion for the first reading of the budget.

Minority Leader Tony One-

Week Muonagor (Idemili North) seconded it following an order of Speaker Chinwe Nwebili.

The lawmakers reminded Obi of their lack of office accommodation at the Assembly complex.

Chugbo Enwezor (Onitsha North I) presented the lawmakers’ demand to the governor.

He, however, said this would not deter the members from ensuring that the budget gets accelerated passage.

The lawmaker said the members need an accommodation to performing their duties more effectively.

Nwebili said members have lost several documents because of lack of accommodation.

She referred the budget to the Finance and Appropriation Committee with an assurance that it would be passed in January.

The Nation man loses dad

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A Michael Olatunji Aderibigbe, father of Mr Yinka Aderibigbe, Head of the CityBeats desk of The Nation, is dead. He was 84.

A retired school teacher, community leader and frontline member of the Anglican Church, Pa Aderibigbe (aka Baba Enire) was for many years a church warden and Treasurer of the St. Stephen’s Church, Itaasin, Modakeke, Osun State (now Cathedral of St. Stephen’s). He was as a selfless and forthright man.

A disciplinarian and committed educationist, the late Pa Aderibigbe is survived by a younger sister, two wives, children and grandchildren.

Remembrance for ex-council chief

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HE second year rememberance of the late Chief Joseph Adesola Akinpelu will hold today at his Akingbola Bodija home, beside St. David Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Akinpelu was buried at Aroro Cementery, Akinyele, Ibadan.

He was 74.

The prayer will be conducted

by Rev. Canon Smart Ajayi Ologbe and Pastor T. Oyewole of The Hand Power of God Gospel Church.

The deceased was the ViceChairman, Ibadan North Local Government Area; founding member of Anglican Church Orisunmibare, Isopako, Bodija, Ibadan; Chairman, Akingbola PCRC, member of Mokola Magistrate Court.

He is survived by two wives — Mrs. Modupe Elizabeth and Folusho Janet. His children are: Mrs. Bolatito Olaniyan of St.Patrick Grammar School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan; Mr. Sunday Akinpelu, Mr. Ayodele Akinpelu, Mr. Adelaja Akinpelu and many grand children.

Abia House okays N24.9b Supplementary Budget

A

BIA state House of Assembly has passed a supplementary appropriation bill of N24.9 billion into law to enable Governor

PUBLIC NOTICE INITIATIVE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS AND ACCESS This is to notify the general public that the above named organisation has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “c” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees of the organisation are: 1.

Akinola Stephen Opeolu 2.

Akinola Mercy Emmanuella 3.

Kenneth Irabor, Esq. (Secretary) Aims and Objectives To provide accessibility solution and influence policies towards the total inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed A.O Abiona Esq.

From Ugochukwu Ugji-Eke, Umuahia

Theodore Orji complete ongoing projects before the 2013 budget bill is passed into law.

Addressing reporters at the monthly House of Assembly media briefing in Umuahia, the state capital, Deputy Speaker and Chairman, House Chairman on Information, Allwell Asiforo Okere, said the members felt happy with ongoing construction work in the state and needed to support the government.

Okere said the supplementary budget “became necessary because of the unforeseen problems and the need for the state government to tackle its pressing needs; it’s not because those who planned the budget did not do their work well, as no one can plan a perfect budget”.

He said the 2013 appropriation bill has scaled the second reading and is before the House Committee on Appropriation.

The lawmaker stressed that

the ministries, parastatals and government agencies have been defending their budgets.

Okere explained that after the budget defence by the various ministries, parastatals and government agencies, “the Appropriation Bill will be returned to the House and we will appropriate what we feel will be necessary for the state”.

The Deputy Speaker said the Assembly has also considered four other bills, including the Tenancy Bill, 2012, which has undergone second reading.

‘No meeting on Kaduna deputy governor’

S

OUTHERN Kaduna Elders’ Forum Chairman, Gen. Zamani Lekwot, yesterday said no meeting has been held to back anybody for deputy governor.

Lekwot told reporters that the report on the alleged proposal for the deputy governor was not true.

He added: “The late governor’s body has not even arrived in Kaduna (the interview took place before the body arrived Kaduna). So, it will be improper for anybody to start making statements that I led a delegation. This is not fair to us.

Let us bury the man first. I did not lead a delega-

tion on a deputy governor.

“The information is not proper. We went to pay a condolence visit to His Excellency and the Vice-President. So, it’s out of decorum for anybody to say that we went to say this is our deputy governor. The elders are more responsible than that. Let’s bury him (Yakowa) first and other things will follow. But I’m telling you we have no hand in that story.

“The poor woman (Yakowa’s wife) is mourning her husband. How could anybody start meeting on that? We have not met and a decision will be taken after the burial.”

•The late Akinpelu

Funeral for woman

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RECEPTION at Ansarud-deen Primary School, Ibonwon-Epe will on Saturday end the funeral programmes for Madam Adebamiro Comfort Adesimbo.

A statement by her children said a Christian wake would hold on Friday at 22, Olorunsogo Street, off Aiyegbami Street, Ibonwon-Epe. A funeral service will hold at Immaculate Heart of Conception Catholic Church, after the Christian wake.

Abia APGA urges members to ignore rumours

T

HE Abia State All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned the actions of those it called dissidents in the party for spreading rumours.

The party urged such members to desist from such acts to avoid destabilising the chapter.

In a statement in Umuahia,

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary Isaac Ngwakwe, APGA said as a responsible party it would have ignored the dissidents’ alleged outburst.

Ngwakwe denied any rift between the state chapter and

Governor Rochas Okorocha.

He said: “Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to respond to deliberate falsehood and mere fabrication of a group whose antecedents have always been to deceive people for fraudulent reasons under the claim of being members of APGA.”

•The late Mrs Adesimbo

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS Okonjo’s kidnap: Army releases 63

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HE Army has released the 63 suspects arrested on Saturday, in connection with the abduction of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The suspects were arrested at Osanogoho, Ika South Local Government of Delta State and detained at the 4 Brigade Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Capt Rose

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Managbe, confirmed the release of the suspects.

She said the Monarch of Agbor, Benjamin Keagborekuzi, sent three chiefs, led by Chief Gideon Okobia, to sign sureties for the release of the suspects.

Capt Managbe debunked allegations that the detainees paid N70,000 to secure their release and had to pay for their food while in detention.

Ogbemudia loses daughter in-law From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin City

F

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan treating a patient during the start of the free Rural Health Scheme in Illah town, Oshimili North Local Government...yesterday.

Reps slash external loan by $1.9b

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HE House of Representatives has slashed the proposed borrowing profile of the Federal Government for 2013 by $1.9 billion.

The lawmakers okayed the inclusion of Lagos State’s next tranche of $200million from a World Bank loan of $600 million in next year’s budget.

President Goodluck Jonathan had sent a proposal of $7.9 billion, which was later reviewed upwards to $9.2 billion, but the House Committee on Loans, Aids and Debt Management, in its report on the external borrowing plan under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2012-2014, pegged it at $7.3 billion for 2013.

•Okay $200m loan for Lagos From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Chairman of the Committee Adeyinka Ajayi (ACN Osun) said there was no justification for not capturing the next tranche of the facility by the Federal Government in the MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) 2013-2015 presented to the National Assembly by the Executive.

Lagos State had accessed the first tranche of $200 million in 2010 while expecting the next tranche to be captured in 2011 budget but was not successful.

However, at the consideration of the report of the Committee, the Federal Government was advised to

capture the loan as it passed due process.

Ajayi said the decision of the Committee was informed by the submission of the state and the World Bank.

“Even the Ministry of Finance confirmed that Lagos can access the loan having complied with all the procedures and conditions. “It is the opinion of the Committee that Lagos is worthy of the loan and the facility be accommodated in the borrowing plan for 2013,” he said.

The report also berated the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for ignoring the invitation of the Committee to defend its borrowing

plan while Yobe State also failed to make available the cost benefit analysis for a $120 million Islamic Development Bank loan facility.

The lawmakers during the clause-by-clause consideration of the report, however, agreed to consult more on the recommendation concerning the status of the Bank of Industry and the NEXIM Bank.

Four recommendations were, however deleted from the report before it was adopted.

T

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

each for personalised headsets, it is not a solution to the problem.

His words: “Our position is clear. The Federal Government should declare a national emergency on aviation communication facilities in the interest of all.

“We do not want to be part of impending mass murder of innocent people that use Nigerian airspace. Enough is enough.”

But NAMA, in a statement yesterday, said it did not understand the motive behind the air controllers’ agitation.

It reads: “The management is affirmative that the seeming gloomy picture being painted by this group does not exist as the daily statistics show more traffic across the nation ‘s airports, averaging 500 , apart from over 150 daily

flights around the Port Harcourt Airport axis operated by the oil companies .

“Apart from the fact that the daily foreign flights into the country has increased, the nation is being inundated with more requests by foreign airlines aspiring to explore Nigerian market.

“What else do you need to measure a safer sky?

“If there are no communication as being touted by the controllers one may then ask of their magic wand in handling these flights in question over decades as suggested in their statement.

“We view this latest affront on the management by the controllers as another attempt to distract its attention from pursuing the set goals of transforming the agency to a world-class air navigation service provider.”

T

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

visit, said she was proud to be part of the Final dry run, which was a fore runner to the proper event.

She said the event, which she described as a display of colours reminded her of her experience in the West Indies decades ago.

She hailed the state for being unified and focused in doing something positive to in-

volve the youth in the carnival, thereby bringing great honour to the state.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state has deployed 150 men in the carnival.

The Commandant, Dr Benito Eze, said the command was working with other security agencies to foster an interagency partnership to enhance their fight against crime.

O

NLINE retail giant, Jumia.com.ng, has credited the exponential growth of technology as one of the standpoint of its expanding and inventive shopping services.

Known for its wide stock of products that cut across fashion, mobile phones, computing, electronic, games, beauty, books and others, Jumia also places high premium on qualitative manpower ,which is why employees’ development is

given top priority within the organisation’s operational structure.

Co-founders of Jumia Raphael Afaedor and Tunde Kehinde said: “Irrespective of the highs and lows and challenges of doing business within the environment, the single most important reason for success has been our people, who have driven targets beyond expectation through their various expertise and to who we are most grateful.”

TENDER NOTICE 1. for

LOKOJA Local Government Tender Board is inviting interested reputable contractors Bid to tender for:

1.

Supply of Three (3) HILUX VANS

2. TENDER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CONRTACTS (i) Certificates of incorporation with CAC (ii) Comprehensive Company Profile to include: Evidence of similar Job(s) executed in the last 5 years i.e Certificate of Practical Completion and payments: (iii) Audited Account for the past three (3) years (2010, 2011 & 2012) (iv) List of Personnel and Equipment (v) Tax Clearance Certificates for 2008, 2009 and 2010 (vi) Evidence of up-to-date Registration with LOKOJA LOCAL GOVENRMENT WORKSDEPT (vii) Evidence of Finance Capability duly issued from any Capitalized Bank in Nigeria. (viii) Evidence of traceable address (Not P.O Box) in Nigeria (ix) Evidence of payment of non-refundable fee of N50,000.00 3.

COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS: Interested Contractors are to obtain Tender Documents from the HOD Works/ DPM Lokoja Local Government Tender Board.

All completed tender documents should be waxed, sealed and submitted to: The Secretary Lokoja Local Government Tenders Board.

Local Government Secretariat Lokoja

4.

All tenders must be submitted within 2 weeks from the date of this publication.

US diplomat hails Calabar Festival HE United States Consul Public Diplomacy Officer, Rhonda J. Watson, yesterday hailed the Calabar Festival, describing it as unique.

Watson spoke at Rabana Roundabout on IBB Way/ Marian Road in Calabar during the kick-off of the third phase of the Carnival Calabar dry run on Sunday.

The diplomat, who is in Calabar on a four-day official

‘IT has aided our services’

LOKOJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Air controllers, NAMA bicker over gadgets HE National Association of Air Traffic Controllers (NATCA) yesterday said radio communication in the Nigerian airspace has not improved, despite efforts by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to fix the problem.

It alleged that the management is politicising the issue, rather than finding a lasting solution.

The air traffic controllers called on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on aviation communication facilities.

NATCA President Victor Eyaru said the radio communication problem has existed for three decades beyond management.

Eyaru said though NAMA management expended over N400 million for VHF coverage and spent over N400,000

ORMER Governor of the defunct Bendel State Samuel Ogbemudia yesterday lost his daughter in-law, Mrs Rose Nwankego Ogbemudia, to cancer in an Indian hospital.

Mrs Rose Ogbemudia (Nee Ojukwu), who is the wife of Sam Ogbemudia Jnr, was said to have been battling the ailment for a long time.

The deceased, who hailed from Anambra State, was born in 1964 in Nnewi, and is survived by her husband, five children, four brothers and two sisters.

Please note that late tenders will not be attended to:

Signed CHIEF ADOGA UMAR (DPM) Secretary LOCAL GOVENRMENT TENDERS BOARD

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS CONNECTICUT SCHOOL SHOOTING

Newtown students return to school

‘My mum loved kids’

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T

HE daughter of slain Sandy Hook Elementary School principal Dawn Hochsprung said her mom brightened every room she entered and took the time to let her children know they were loved.

A mother and stepmother to five children, Hochsprung, 47, was one of six adults from the school who died along with 20 children in a mass shooting on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. Her daughter, Erica Lafferty, 27, spoke to Savannah Guthrie on TODAY yesterday alongside her fiancé, Christopher Smegielski.

“To say she was a wonderful person is the understatement of the century,’’ Lafferty said.

“She put her life into making everyone else’s life so much better. Her smiles lit up every building she walked into. She made an impact on everyone that she’s ever come across — every adult, every child. Especially the kids, the light of her life.’’

Hochsprung, who became Sandy Hook’s principal in 2010, is being hailed as a hero for confronting gunman Adam Lanza. H er actions may have helped save the lives of several children. While Lafferty understands why her mother chose

•The late Mrs Hochsprung

•Ms Lafferty

to run toward danger, it has taken her a while to come to grips with that decision.

“I had a really hard time not being mad about it, but that’s who she was,’’ Lafferty said.

“She faced every single problem that she ever had in her life head on. My cousin referred to her as a bull yesterday. There’s no stopping Dawn when she has a mission. She gets it done, and she gives it everything she has.’’

Lafferty has cherished several “just because’’ letters that her mother had written to her. She read one on air that she found on Monday night that Hochsprung wrote when Lafferty moved out of the house for the first time.

“Today I stopped and thought what a wonderful

daughter I have, and I thought I’d tell you,’’ Lafferty read.

“My dearest Erica, you are and forever will be my sweet baby girl. You possess a piece of my heart and soul, and I will never be complete without you. Remember this in your darkest times...you are never alone. Your Mom. Be safe, be well, be happy.

No one deserves it more!’’

J

TUDENTS in Newtown, Connecticut have returned to school after a mass school shooting on Friday that killed 20 children and six adults.

“This is a day to start healing,” Newtown High School’s head teacher said in a email to parents.

Sandy Hook Elementary School, where the shooting took place, remains closed as it is still an active crime scene.

The gunman, Adam Lanza, shot dead his own mother before driving to the school and then took his own life as police approached him.

Newtown’s schools began their day two hours late, with grief counsellors and police present, but students were not expecting to get very much work done.

“We’re going to be able to comfort each other and try and help each other get through this because that’s the only way we’re going to do it,” 17-year-old PJ Hickey told the Associated Press.

“Nobody can do this alone.”

•Obama backs assault weapons’ ban “It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Tate Schwab, another student at Newtown High School said. “It feels to me like it hasn’t happened. It’s really weird.”

It was unclear how many of the town’s 4,700 students would attend classes.

“Our collective strength and resilience will serve as an example to the rest of the world,” Charles Dumais, the high school’s head teacher wrote in a blog post, entitled “The Beginning”.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has signed an executive order allowed a unused school in neighbouring Monroe to serve as a temporary school for the surviving students and teachers at Sandy Hook.

On Monday, the first two funerals for shooting victims, Noah Pozner and Jack Pinto, both six, were held. Funerals were held yesterday for James Mattioli and Jessica Rekos, also six-years-old.

The shooting has revived a

debate over gun laws in the US, with several pro-gun politicians, in addition to guncontrol advocates, calling for changes in current legislation.

President Barack Obama wants to reinstate an assault weapons ban in the wake of the mass killings, his spokesman says.

Jay Carney said the president was “actively supportive” of a Democratic senator’s plan to introduce a bill on the first day of the next Congress.

Obama would also consider curbs on high-capacity ammunition and loopholes, Mr Carney said.

Gunman Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six adults in Friday’s attack.

On Monday Obama met Vice President Joe Biden, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to discuss proposals aimed at reducing gun violence.

Zuma re-elected at ANC congress

ACOB Zuma has been reelected as leader of South Africa’s governing African National Congress.

He received an overwhelming majority of votes cast by some 4,000 delegates at the party’s Mangaung con-

ference.

Kgalema Motlanthe has been replaced as deputy president by anti-apartheid veteran Cyril Ramaphosa.

Zuma had been favourite to secure the leadership after he was challenged for the top job by his deputy, Motlanthe.

The 70-year-old won 2,986 votes out of the 3,977 cast making it a decisive victory against his rival.

“We can boast that we’re a leader of our society, that therefore we have something to contribute to the democratic life of this country, to this democratic Repub-

lic of South Africa,” Zuma said after his win.

He stepped on to the stage beaming to shake hands with fellow ANC members.

“We are certain that at this course in our democracy we are correct, that what we do at all material times, it is in the interest, not just of our organisation, but of our country and its people,” he said.

The ANC, which has governed South Africa since white minority rule ended in 1994, is widely expected to win nationwide elections due in 2014.

Zuma is therefore likely to

remain president until 2019.

There were deafening sounds of vuvuzelas, huge applause and singing as the results of the election were announced, the BBC’s Milton Nkosi reports from the conference.

More than 4,000 ANC delegates crammed into the marquee, erupting into cheers as Zuma’s win became clear.

The election of Ramaphosa, a veteran of the antiapartheid movement and a successful businessman, marks a return to the political front line for him.

Govt bans importation of cement

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HE Federal Government has unveiled plans to make cement price affordable from next year.

Part of this is the ban on importation of the product from next year.

This is intended to promote the local industries.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga stated this in Abuja.

According to him, the move was necessitated by the determination of President Goodluck Jonathan to make Nigeria one of the leading cement exporter countries next year.

The minister, who explained that paper work on the policy had been finalised, said the present administration would ensure that the patronage of local goods is followed

by Nigerians as from 2013.

He added that the slogan “Buy Naija, create more jobs” embarked upon by his ministry would not only be boosted next year, but also be sustained to improve the nation’s economy through jobs creation and increased wealth for Nigerians.

Aganga explained that one of the aims of the ministry was to promote the patronage of local products with a view to promoting economic growth, creating more jobs and generating wealth for the populace.

He said: “To achieve this, what we need is adequate information to develop ideas for foreign direct investments, FDI; trade; industrialisation and fostering of small and medium enterprises, SMEs. “For any company to survive, it needs strong values, team work like the one we do in this ministry. Team work is necessary to help each other succeed, especially among our parastatals and agencies”, he stressed.

The minister also disclosed that the government of Qatar had given commitment to invest $390million in the Nigeria’s transport sector with a view to helping improve on the country’s infrastructure next year.

Aganga said the two countries have concluded arrangement to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the new investment, which he said would further create thousands of employment for the nation’s teeming youths.

“There is no doubt that we

have enough cement in the country.

The government is coming up with a policy that will bring down the price of cememt. This will come up next year.

On the shutting down of Dangote Cement in Gboko, the minister said:” The shutting down of Dangote Cement in Gboko has nothing to do with importation.

He (Dangote) didn’t say it was because of importation.

“Infact, I want to tell you that for the first time, government has not issue out license to anybody this year.

Aganga said the backward integration policy adopted by the government is the most successful policy in the country.

“According to him:”Despite economic dynamism, the administration of President.

Goodluck Jonathan is committed to formulating policies that would stimulates the growth of all sectors in the country, particularly manufacturing”.

TODAY IN HISTORY

1984: Britain signs over Hong Kong to China The British colony of Hong Kong is to be returned to China in 1997 after an historic agreement is signed.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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NEWS North rejects PIB Continued from page 2

al assets on the stock market could lock the people of the region out of ownership of these critical resources.

“The region must, therefore, insist on legislating guarantees for equity and national spread on whatever divestment plans there are for oil and gas assets.

“The new institutional structure being proposed for country’s oil and gas industry does not create a framework for any serious or effective exploration for hydrocarbons in the frontier acreages of the country’s six sedimentary basins, four of which are in the Northern sections of the nation.

“The New Petroleum Technical Bureau to be located in office of the Minister of Petroleum, which takes over the responsibilities of NNPC’s Frontier Exploration Services, cannot really be a substitute for the National Frontier Exploration Services (NFES) that was earlier proposed in the version of the Bill sent to the National Assembly by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“While the need to attract the required investment into the sector through the fiscal device must be recognised, it should not be at the expense of an appropriate and legitimate Government take of the total petroleum income.

“The scaling down of the Hydrocarbon Tax and the reinstatement of many incentives and allowances, among other things, would certainly impact negatively on the in-

flow into the Federation Account and further stress the already overburdened treasuries of the State Governments.”

The North also faulted the PIB for leaving the issue of royalty to the discretion of the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

They said such a discretionary power will breed corruption.

The document said: “Of great concern, however, is the issue of royalty or lack of it in the Bill. Leaving the question of the determination of royalties to the regulatory discretion of the Minister of Petroleum is not only dangerous for the nation, but also an open invitation for phenomenal corruption in the future.

“One of key challenges in the management of the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria is the consistent inability to prioritize gas supply to the North. While many of the other sections of the region enjoy the benefits of cheap, clean and effective energy source, the North continues to wallow in extreme energy poverty.

“For instance, out of the sixteen thermal power stations in the country only one (Geregu) is located in the region.

The Ajaokuta – Kano gas pipeline has consistently remained in the back burner of all gas utilisation plans in the country.

“The only way to ensure that gas supply to the North is prioritized over more export oriented gas projects by operators in the industry is

Fuel price increase‘ll trigger violent VIOLENT protest will protest, NLC warns be triggered should the government increase

A

•Ndoma-Egba

ensure that the terms of the Domestic Supply Obligations and Pricing Regulations signed by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration are incorporated in the new Petroleum Industry legislation.”

They queried why all the states were not consulted for broader input before the bill was drafted.

The document said: “The new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that was recently forwarded to the National Assembly by the Presidency is one piece of legislation that would impact on the constituents’ part of the federation in a very profound manner. It is, in fact, truly remarkable that a key legislation that only affects assets of the whole federation, but would also seriously impact on the inflow of revenue into the Federation Account could be drafted and forwarded to the National Assembly without the input of, or due consultations with, the federating states.

“More specifically, there are many provisions and issues in the document that should be of serious concern for the Northern States in particular.”

fuel price as it did early in the year, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Abdulwaheed Omar has said.

But Omar said he did not see the government hiking the fuel price because it understands the hardship Nigerians are going through.

Government would have spent over N1 trillion at the end of this year, to subsidise petrol, which it says it could no longer afford.

Omar, speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said already the masses were facing

a lot of hardship, adding that the government would not want to add to their suffering.

“Generally, Nigerians should expect a good year in 2013. We don’t expect sudden surprises from the government like we had early this year.

“I don’t think government will be disposed to doing that because if you look at it, the hardship Nigerians are enduring now is slightly higher than what they were enduring at the end of last year.

“So, I think it will be unthinkable for government to want to compound the problems of the common man.

“So, let us hope that 2013 is going to come with good hopes and with a lot of prospects for everybody in this country.’’

The union president said Nigerians should not expect anything from the NLC, but should hope on many good things from the government.

Omar urged the government not to sack any worker, saying that it would not solve Nigeria’s economic problems.

He advised the government to tackle the unemployment problem in 2013, saying that it would be a major yardstick for measuring the country’s development.

Gunmen kidnap Koreans in Bayelsa

G

UNMEN on Monday abducted four South Koreans working for Hyundai Fabrication Company.

They were kidnapped on Okpoama Island, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.

Police spokesman Fidelis Odunna told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the gunmen stormed the company’s site by boat and abducted the Chinese workers.

He said the police had deployed detectives to comb the creeks for possible clues, adding that “strategic security measures are being put in place to forestall a reoccurrence’’.

Community sources told NAN that one of the four kidnapped men was the company’s Operations Manager, who was simply identified as Mr J.H. Kin. A source said the gunmen blindfolded their hostages and

took them away in their speedboat.

Another the source said the abduction was carried out in a “commando-like-manner’’, as many of the company employees who witnessed the incident were reportedly helplessly.

Officials of the Joint Military Task force (JTF) and policemen have been deployed in the creeks to hunt down the kidnappers and secure the release of the expatriates.

However, the whereabouts of the kidnapped men have not been ascertained. No group has claimed responsibility.

The police said a Nigerian, Mr. Tekeyo Weni, initially kidnapped along with the Korean but dropped, is assisting investigators.

Hyundai Fabrication Company fabricates metal materials used by the Brass Liquefied Natural Gas Company (BLNG).

According to NAN investigations the local communities have been at loggerheads with the company over its failure to employ youths from the area.

In a statement yesterday, The South Korean foreign ministry said the four employees from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. were at the worksite in Bayelsa state to prepare for the construction of several factories when they were abducted.

Ministry spokesman Cho Tai-young said the armed men initially took away the South Koreans and two Nigerian workers in a speed boat but one local Nigerian was later released.

The kidnappers phoned Hyundai officials on yesterday morning and said the abductees were safe, the ministry said.

The kidnappers said they would contact them again, the statement added.

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19-12-12

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘Throughout his eventful career - within and outside the military - Azazi had proved to be a patriot, an officer and gentleman whose watchword was discipline in all his deeds’

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7 NO.2,345

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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IR Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, who died tragically in a helicopter crash last Saturday in the creeks of Bayelsa State, was a good man. I first met him in 1971 through Mr. Aboki Galadima, his childhood friend who was to become his chief of staff as governor of Kaduna State. I was Galadima’s “fag” as a third year student in Government College, Bida, where he came to do his Higher School Certificate (HSC) from Government Secondary School, Abuja, both in Niger State.

When I first met Yakowa, himself and Galadima were undergraduates at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I was a “Basico” (student of then two-year-old School of Basic Studies of the university established jointly by the then six northern states to prepare secondary students from the region for direct admission). When we first met the man struck me as nice and somewhat withdrawn.

Thereafter our paths hardly crossed until he graduated the following year to embark upon a successful career as a civil servant which culminated in his brief stint as permanent secretary at the federal level in 1999.

I got to know him a little bit more when General Abubakar Abdulsalami, the military head of state I served as chief press secretary in 1998/’99, appointed him a minister. This, apparently, was to change his career as a technocrat into an even more successful one in politics. Even then few, if any, could’ve predicted he would end up as governor of his state, once considered the bellwether of Nigeria’s politics as capital of the old powerful North.

But then God, as they say, moves in mysterious ways. First, Mr Steven Shekari, Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi’s deputy who looked as fit as fiddle, died suddenly in 2005 during the governor’s second and final term. Makarfi replaced Shekari with Yakowa, then the secretary of his government.

Next, Makarfi’s handpicked successor, Architect Namadi Sambo, retained him as deputy after he and a host of others, including the possibly better connected and certainly more politically ambitious Mr. Isaiah Balat, now being touted as possibly the next deputy governor of the state, lost out in the 2007 primaries of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party.

Next, God’s mysterious hands took away President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in May 2010 after a long-drawn illness during which attempts were made by many within his kitchen cabinet to stop his deputy, Goodluck Jonathan, from acting.

The sad death resolved the high wire politics

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Sir Patrick Yakowa (1948 -2012)

•The late Yakowa

that surrounded his illness in favour of Jonathan through the invocation of a little heard of “Doctrine of Necessity” by the Senate.

As president his choice of a deputy eventually fell on Governor Sambo. By constitutional progression Yakowa became governor.

Finally after serving out Sambo’s first term, he predictably won his party’s ticket for the 2011 governorship election and went on, again predictably, to win the election itself. The election proved highly divisive, with the opposition, mainly the CPC, alleging that it was massively rigged.

As a person Yakowa was a good man. As a politician I am not so sure he was as good.

Many, even within his party, had accused him of being highly partisan in his appointments, award of contracts and distribution of projects.

Last Monday, when I was at my vendor’s to

RIPPLES NIGERIA’S PROBLEM IS TEMPORARY–Cleric

Let’s pray it doesn’t become PERMANENT TEMPORARY

collect my complimentary newspapers and buy others for the day, I overheard a group discussing his tragic death. Uninvited, I offered that he was a good and fair man.

Someone in the group disagreed. The Yakowa I knew, he said, was not the same as a governor.

The man said he was a senior staff in the state’s ministry of education. Before Yakowa, he said, they had eight directors split equally between the Muslim dominated northern part of the state and the Christian dominated south. Since then, he said, the directors had increased to 11 and only two were from the north. Worse still, he said, some of these new directors had neither the requisite skill nor experience. This pattern, he said, was replicated in almost everything the man did, regardless of the impression he tried to create that he was a fair man.

This claim was perhaps exaggerated, perhaps even false. What cannot be denied, however, is that as a Nigerian politician, he was hardly different from the rest in his determination to get and retain power. This much was obvious in the recently concluded local government elections where the ruling party won an incredible 22 out of 23 local governments. Even the one local government, Kaduna North, which was conceded to the opposition seemed aimed at portraying the governor’s former boss, Vice-President Sambo, with whom he never really had any cordial relationship, as someone no longer of any consequence in the politics of the state; although Sambo is from Zaria, he has lived all his adult life in Kaduna North.

Whatever may have been his shortcoming as a politician, the one thing I have never heard

HARDBALL

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N December 17, Muhammadu Buhari, former head of state and army general, turned 70. Though he has retained his differentiating principles, and has managed to ennoble anything he does, he has also remained hugely controversial. It is safe to suggest he would neither dilute his principles nor shirk from controversy until his last days.

More than most of his peers, and in spite of his limited time in the highest office in the land, he is at least fortunate that very few Nigerians are indifferent to him. He arouses intense passion among those enamoured of his general inflexibility and those uncomfortable with that rigidity. That he has made his peace long ago with the feelings he evokes among his friends and enemies is a tribute to his stoicism, his rather simple worldview, his training, and his gluttonous ability to absorb punishment almost to the point of immolation. His friends were about to celebrate him before the Bayelsa air crash in which the Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa, and others died.

But even if his supporters and admirers don’t celebrate him with the kind of flourish they had initially mustered, there is little doubt he will continue to be admired in most parts of the country, and be hugely popular especially among the downtrodden as he has been for the past several decades when he began his public career. But the value of Buhari is not so much in his achievements as a public officer as it is in something else more nuanced, more inconspicuous. It is true his military career

Buhari at 70 glittered right from when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, through the civil war years, and his command of the 3rd Armoured Division during which time he proved himself in the fight against Chadian renegades who occupied more than a score of Nigerian villages sometime in 1982 or 1983.

His altruistic service in the Petroleum ministry has also been remarked by both his admirers and opponents alike. In sum, Buhari has been a long-standing patriot, which is more than can be said for most politicians of his time and those who have had the privilege of serving in high office like him.

His real, if slightly nuanced, value can indeed be appreciated through the prism of what his fellow Nigerian leaders, whether elected or military, did in and out of office. His policies, when he ruled the country, might not have been as robust as a mature thinker’s, or as deeply conceptualised and philosophical, but there is no question he was far more disciplined, far more realistic, and far more coherent and consistent than any of his successors from Ibrahim Babangida to Olusegun Obasanjo and to Goodluck Jonathan.

He gives the impression of general unease with other faiths and ethnic nationalities, yet, he does not wear his religion on his sleeve, and has been far more circumspect in dealing with these turbulent and divisive issues than

DELE AGEKAMEH

anyone accuse him of is venality and selfservice. Nor have I heard anyone accuse him of lack of humility. In a nation like ours where corruption, selfishness and arrogance have become the main defining characters of its public figures, especially its politicians, Yakowa’s apparent personal integrity and humility made him a rare breed politician.

Not least of the virtues that recommended him as rare was his apparent disavowal of the First Lady Syndrome, a thing which is not bad in itself but which, as with so many things we copy from abroad, has been turned by the wives of our elected public officers into a sophisticated grand scam. The greater credit for this must go to his wife, Dame Amina, who is probably the most self-effacing First Lady in the country, especially for a woman who is well-educated and from a liberal social background. Some credit, however, must go to her husband for allowing her to be her natural self rather than push her to be like the Joneses.

As we mourn his death in very tragic circumstances, may his virtues become the guiding principles of his successor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero. And may the Good Lord give all those he left behind the fortitude to bear his great loss.

Feedback : The Oloye Sir, I would like to bring to your attention that Gbemisola Saraki wasn’t a two-term Senator.

She spent a single term both at Green & and Red chambers respectively before aspiring for the post of the Governor.

Ibrahim Muye +2348036616767 I stand corrected.

MH Sir, In the tribute to Oloye in your Daily Trust of 5/12/2012, you referred to Mallam Adamu Ciroma as the managing director of the New Nigerian when he was a member of the CA in 1977. If my recollection is correct, Mallam Adamu was governor of the Central Bank at the time. Of course I’m sure you need no reminding that the incumbent MD of NNN in 1977 was the late Turi Muhammadu who himself was also a member of the Constituent Assembly in 1977.

Daudu Abdul-Aziz +2348025587237 I stand corrected.

•For comments, send SMS to 08023211188

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above the denotative hypocrisies of his successors.

But there is no denying he has been an unsuccessful politician, perhaps a reflection of what many believe is his lack of intuitive grasp of politics and his overwhelming dependence on character rather than intellect. Indeed, it sometimes seems Buhari naively wishes to mould political fundamentals, including all the axioms, maxims and incontestable rubric, to fit his own boyish ideals. Nothing exemplified this proclivity, and damned his chances of success, as pervasively as his repeated efforts to win the presidency. The last attempt in 2011 was perhaps his best chance, and he probably would have won had he not incredibly squandered it on a puritanical loathing for compromises and vested interests. He is yet to tell us whether he had ever encountered a politician who gained high office without compromise, without sacrifice, and without owing so much to so many.

It is not certain whether at 70 Buhari will want to give the presidency one last try. If he does, and if the circumstances are favourable, especially if the dreadful mess the ruling party is making of governing a modern and complex society worsens, he is certain to embrace compromises as avidly as a chaste couple on honeymoon. But even if he does not run, or runs and loses, his place in Nigerian history is secure. By his triumphs and failures, and in spite of his offensive cocksureness and sometimes indefensible human rights record, he has, more than any leader of the Fourth Republic, affected Nigeria very substantially.

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