The Nation December 26, 2011 by The Nation

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VOL. 7, NO. 1986 MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

•SCENE

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

OF HORR OR: The frontage of Saint Theresa Church, Mandalla in Suleja, Abuja ... yesterday HORROR

N150.00

S Y RA ST P E LA S P B POOR TIM E F VIC PAG57

Bloody Xmas Day 25 dead in church bombing Four killed in Yobe, Jos Jonathan: perpetrators of violence will face justice the mass, the Reverend Father asked the congregation ‘toAfter file out for powder. As we were doing it ... we heard two deadly explosions and most people went blank. ’ •SPORT P23 •POLITICS P25 •CITYBEATS P31 •JOBS P47 •CEO P50 SEE PAGES 2, 4,5,6&57

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

Bloody Xmas Day

ADALLA, a town near Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) made a bloody Christmas Day history yesterday. More than 25 people were killed, 13 cars burnt and nine apartments shattered by explosions at the frontage of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in the town. Church members said the toll could be up to 30 but the National Emergency Management Agency put the casualty figure at 25. Three families were burnt to death in their vehicles, after boarding to depart the church premises. They were families of three, four and five. Four motorcyclists (a.k.a. Okada riders) were killed, their bikes becoming heaps of crushed metals. The Christmas Day havoc was wreaked by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, who was also feared dead. But four suspected accomplices have been arrested. The bomb threw a worshipper onto the roof of the next building to the church. He was dead. Members of the church arrested two of the suspects. The other two were intercepted at Monkey Village within the precinct of Madalla. The suspects were whisked away to Abuja by security agencies for interrogation. The blast occurred at about7.10am when members of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church were filing out after the early morning mass which started at about 6a.m. Although the Catholic Church management took pre-emptive steps, with a three-man police team on guard, and two checkpoints, the suicide bomber pulled it off. The three policemen, who were also victims of the blast, were identified by their shoes and the arms cache of their AK 47 rifles. A member of the congrega-

‘Treat explosion as National emergency’

From Yusuf Alli, Yomi Odunuga, Augustine Ehikioya and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tion, Mr. Joseph Chukwuemeka, said: “After the mass, the Reverend Father asked the congregation to file out for powder. As we were doing it, members were rushing out to return home to take care of their loved ones. “As members were approaching the frontage of the church, we heard two deadly explosions and most people went blank. “We ran helter-skelter here, first of all to save ourselves before we recovered for rescue operation. “We decided to rush those wounded to Lucas Hospital and Maternity, Diamond Hospital in Mandalla; General Hospital, Suleija, Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, State House Clinic and the National Hospital in Abuja.” Another worshipper, simply identified as Chi Boy, who lost his sister, said: “Why will anybody be so callous as to kill innocent souls on Christmas Day. It is sad that my elder sister is dead in these explosions. How do you expect me to have faith in one Nigeria? “Everybody dey hear me oh! I am from Izua Local Government Area in Enugu State. Most of those affected are Southerners. With what has happened, I need to go back to Biafra. “Forget about it; we will revenge; my sister cannot die in vain.” A security expert at the scene of the blast said: “There were two explosions. We are suspecting that the IEDs must have been planted at the entrance of the church a day before the incident. “We discovered a hole at the entrance of the church with batteries and some fertilisers. But preliminary investigation will reveal the actual cause of the explosions.” An eye witness, Joshua Ogeh, told reporters: “I am

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

•Rescue team evacuating a dead victim into an ambulance ... yesterday

Jonathan condemns explosions

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday condemned the explosions at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State; Jos, Plateau State; and Damaturu, Yobe State. In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media Dr Reuben Abati, the President described the bombing of innocent citizens on a day millions of people all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ as a dastardly act that must attract the rebuke of all peace-loving Nigerians. “These acts of violence against innocent citizens are an unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom,” the President said, adding that “Nigerians must stand as one to condemn them.” not a member of the church but the incident was gruesome. The casualty figures might have been underrated because those who died were more than 25. “There was this case of one Mr. Dike, who was in a Sienna Bus with his three children and the vehicle, which was the first to be hit, got smothered within the twinkle

President Jonathan, the statement said, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the churches and families who lost their loved ones to the attacks. “I ask God, in His infinite mercies, to grant these innocent souls eternal rest, and give their families the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” he said. Regretting that the unfortunate incident has spoiled the celebratory mood across the land, the President assured Nigerians that his government remained resolute in resolving the security challenges that confront the nation. “I want to reassure all Nigerians that Government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators of today’s acts of violence and all others before now,” the President said.

of an eye. “Two other families were trapped in their vehicles and got burnt completely. “The explosions occurred twice and threw everyone off balance. The roof of a nearby residential area with nine apartments was brought down. In fact, a man who was on his bed in one of the apartments,

was thrown onto the floor of his room. The Head of Operations of NEMA, Labaran Ahman, who spoke with reporters at the scene, said: “The incident happened adjacent to the church. So many people were affected. Continued on page 6

Boko Haram, Abuja and the rest of us

HE scene was horrible – burnt bodies, wrecked cars and wailing worshippers mourning their loved ones. It was yet another bomb explosion yesterday morning. St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, near Suleja, a few kilometers from Abuja, the seat of power. Scores, mostly worshippers, were reportedly killed and many more injured in the blast. Within minutes, the news reverberated in Abuja and its environs. Churches hurriedly closed as would-be worshippers made a detour back to their homes. Text messages of the blast some crafted outrageously added to create tension among Abuja and Suleja residents. One of the text messages read “Boko Haram on the rampage in churches, St. Theresa Catholic Church Madalla bombed. Avoid crowded areas, including churches.”

ANALYSIS From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

An eye witness account said the Madala bomb exploded in a car at the church’s parking lot. The church building and others were on fire. Most Abuja residents may not have recovered from the shock of the August 26 devastating bomb assault on the United Nations House, which left scores dead. In June, a suspected member of Boko Haram bombed the Louis Edet House Police Headquarters, Abuja. Inspector General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim only escaped death by the whiskers in the attack. Not so for a security officer stationed there to control traffic. He was killed. On the eve of the April general elections, Boko Haram struck at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Suleja, killing scores and wounding

others. Social life has also been dealt a deadly blow. The frightful situation brought in its wake heightened security checks by security agents. No place is spared. From the National Assembly, which used to host all manner of visitors, to highbrow hotels frequented by foreigners, relaxation centres and night clubs, there is the fear of the unknown. Even the churches have metal detectors to frisk worshippers. Some churches have outlawed vigils; others are building security cordons in and around their places of worship. In some churches for instance, all activities must end by 6 pm. Some that have multiple entrances are forced to block gates they cannot monitor. But it has to be said that the phenomenon of fear is all about day time. Die hard night crawlers still do their thing in the night. Zone 4, the notorious red light area still boasts sizeable crowds of

men. High profile night clubs, especially those situated around the popular Gimbia Street Area 11, have not lost many of their customers. But observers point to certain high class hotels, though heavily fortified, which have become no-go-areas for some people. They fear that it is a matter of time for clubs and bars to cave in, especially with government order that their operators should close shop at 10 p.m. Some night clubs are still well patronised, but the story is different at the popular Millennium Park close to high brow Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Most of those who frequent the relaxation park have deserted the place, no thanks to the threat of Boko Haram which listed the park as one of its prime targets. Nothing may have underscored the fact that the fear of Boko Haram has become the beginning of wisdom than the unceremonial shifting of the country’s 51st Indepen-

dent Day celebration from the Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa on October 1. Last year, Eagle Square was targeted. A group, which claimed to be the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), detonated bombs close to the Square while the Golden Jubilee Independence anniversary was in progress. Many died. This year, the group threatened to bomb the Eagle Square, apparently prompting President Goodluck Jonathan and his security handlers to make a detour to the Presidential Villa for the Independence celebration. The October 5 Teachers’ Day celebration, though held at Eagle Square, was a shadow of what it used to be. Many states Teachers’ Unions avoided the celebration due to the fear of a Boko Haram attack. What is more, the event, billed to start at 10a.m., did not begin until 3pm. Even at that, the Day was marked under an extraordinarily tight security.

OST churches in Madalla and in Suleja town cancelled Christmas service for fear of more attacks on their places of worship. Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu condemned the explosion, saying bomb attacks must be treated as national emergency. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Danladi Ndayebo, the governor expressed regret that the perpetrators chose Christmas Day to carry out such a dastardly act. The governor while condoling with the families of the bereaved, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to convene a stakeholders’ forum to proffer far-reaching solutions to the incessant bombings across the country. Continued on page 6

Policeman dead in Jos explosion From Marie-Therese Peter and Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

NOTHER blast occurred in Jos, the restive capital of Plateau State yesterday. A policeman was killed and part of the premises of a church was burnt. This is in spite of the series of meetings held before the Christmas celebrations and the numerous promises by residents of the state to give peace a chance during the Christmas celebration. Spokesperson of the Special Task Force (STF) code named Operation Safe Haven, Captain Charles Ekeocha, and Police spokesman Samuel Dabai, confirmed the death of the policeman. He was shot on the head by the hoodlums. Continued on page 6

Three SSS men killed in Yobe From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja and Duku Joel, Damaturu

SUICIDE bomber yesterday attacked the Damaturu, Yobe State command headquarters of the State Security Service (SSS). Three SSS officers were killed and another one injured. The bomber who also died in the attack, destroyed an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed within the premises. There was also another attack on an ECWA church in Gadaka, one of the major towns in Fika Local Government area, Southeast of Yobe state. A resident in Gadaka told our correspondent on telephone that the attackers set five cars on fire in the church premises and left without torching the church. Continued on page 6

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

Fed Govt to strengthen security T

HE Federal Government is to strengthen security in churches and mosques to forestall attacks by terrorists, Minister of Police Affairs Caleb Olubolade has said. Olubolade spoke yesterday in Madalla, Niger State, while inspecting the St. Theresa Catholic Church, which was bombed. NAN reports that two bombs exploded in front of the church at about 8.10am, shortly after the morning mass. Olubolade condemned the blast and vowed that the perpetrators would be prosecuted. “It is now clear that places of worship, like churches and mosques, are increasingly becoming targets of attacks. We need to provide security accordingly,’’ he said. The minister called on Nigerians to be vigilant and securityconscious as “government takes steps to strengthen security’’. Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, the Police Commissioner in the state, has confirmed that 12 persons, including three policemen, died in the blast. Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki yesterday condemned those behind the blast describing it as an unacceptable act that violates the Christian celebration of Christmas He called on Nigerians to cooperate with President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle of insecurity in the country. The senator said insecurity was not “a Jonathan problem”, but the collective responsibility of all. Saraki called for a national col-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

laboration in resolving the threat to insecurity even as he canvassed a multi - pronged approach across party lines in resolving the problem. Speaking to reporters on arrival at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Saraki said: ‘’First and foremost, we have to condole the families that lost their members in the unfortunate incident. Though, it is still sketchy to determine what happened, it is sad on a day like this, when people are in a celebratory mood, and people are giving their lives for worship when it occurred. “This is because I heard it happened in church. I think, it is very very sad. It is so sad, that on a day like this, when families are celebrating Christmas, and people are giving their lives to worship God in church” The former Kwara State Governor added: “I think as a country, honestly, this is another awakening call, that we have very serious problems in our hands, before us. “And, I believe that as leaders, we should not see it as a Jonathan problem, this is a Nigerian problem, that all of us; former leaders, current leaders and new generation leaders must see it as a national problem. “Because it is what we give the new generation that they will inherit. ‘’And we need to find a solution to it, and see how we can use whatever method is possible in putting an end to it. “This could be achieved by both

talking about it . We appeal to everybody that we must put an end to this. It is a collective challenge, across party lines, across other lines. Whether you are a politician or not, this is affecting Nigeria, we should not say that it is a Jonathan Goodluck problem.” Also, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche yesterday in Abuja condemned the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, Jos and Yobe, calling on security agencies to stop the unprovoked attacks. He urged the government to equip the security agencies to enable them carry out more of intelligence gathering. Nwuche, in a telephone interview with The Nation, said: “I believe these Christmas bombings are totally condemnable and unacceptable. They are unprovoked attacks and cannot be justified under any guise. If the group or whosoever is the assailant has any grievances, they should table such for discussion. “I advise the security agencies to do all they can to fish out the culprits. What is required to forestall further attacks is intelligence gathering and not physical presence. The State Security Services are wellequipped to tackle the issue. They should be equipped to carry out their job. At least, they have succeeded in reducing kidnapping in the Niger Delta. Let them be equipped to gather intelligence and penetrate the cells of these terrorists groups. If we re-equip the security forces optimally, they should be able to file out and begin the process of gathering intelligence.”

NSA returns to Abuja in presidential jet

HE National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi, yesterday flew in to Abuja aboard a presidential, jet hours after an explosion rocked a Catholic Church in Madalla, near Suleja. Gen. Azazi arrived at the presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, in a convoy of two cars about 3 pm and hopped into a waiting presidential aircraft with registration number 5N- FGS.

•Passengers condemn bomb blast Gen. Azazi, dressed in a pair of black jeans trousers and a blue Tshirt, shook hands with some officials before boarding the aircraft. Scores of Abuja-bound passengers at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday condemned the bombings. Some of them called off their flights over what they described as rising insecurity in the country.

The passengers said they were alarmed by news of the explosion at a Catholic church They were worried of how to get to Suleja after landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, as they feared there might be reprisal attacks. Some of them, who were billed for the afternoon flight on some of the airlines, asked for refunds.

Angry youths kick as soldiers barricade blast scene

HE youths were visibly angry and ready to explode but for the quick intervention of a Special Response Unit deployed from the Nigerian Army headquarters. Tough-looking armed soldiers barricaded the road on two points. Without proper identification, no one was allowed into the scene. Residents whose buildings were affected by the blast could not be consoled; they begged reporters to come around to have a look at the devastation to their property. Anthony Kachum’s house was two streets away from the road where the bomb went off. His window panes and door frames were seen hanging out, dislodged from their positions. Cracks were all over the building. More than five other buildings on the same street were equally affected. Reliving his ordeal to The Nation, Kachum said: “I am not sure those bombs were meant for the church. Why I said so is that, in my view, if

Senator, Islamic cleric decry bombing

ENATOR Adegbenga Kaka and an Islamic cleric, Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, yesterday decried the spate of bombings in the northern part of the country. Kaka said: “Except one does not have blood flowing in him, one cannot but be greatly disturbed by the rate at which human beings are being killed like fowls in the northern part of this country. It is worrisome. All of us at all levels must lose sleep over the situation because it is about the lives of innocent citizens. President Goodluck Jonathan must see it as an emergency matter that must be so addressed with despatch.” He added: “I must quickly say that it is not a matter to be left in the hands of the Federal Government alone. Our religious, political and traditional leaders must be involved in the efforts to put a hold on the situation and restore peace into the country.” From Yusuf Alli, Yomi Odunuga, Austine Ehikioya and Dele Anofi, Abuja

the bomber really wanted to go for the church, he has all the

By Leke Salaudeen and Dada Aladelokun He appealed to those behind the Boko Haram sect to sheathe their sword in realisation of the fact that the shedding of the blood of innocent people is an ungodly act that won’t help the progress of the country. Ahmad, the Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud –Deen Society of Nigeria, said: “It is quite unfortunate that this is happening to us in Nigeria. It is ungodly to attack places of worship and kill innocent people. This is not acceptable in any religion”. He said the perpetrators of this heinous crime have committed murder and they should be treated as criminals. Nobody can impose Shariah on non-muslims. Islam is against violence, terrorism and intimidation. Those behind these killings have committed murder and they would account for their deeds on the Day of Judgement.

opportunity of doing so. What I can tell you is that from what I saw, the car was stopped by the Man O War officer that was assisting in controlling traffic on days like this.

He stopped vehicles on both sides that were coming in and out of Mandalla so that those that were coming out of the church can go out.

“In my own layman opinion, the bomber might probably be heading somewhere but he was caught up in the traffic. It may also be that having seen that the target was Christmas people, the bomber decided to detonate it right there. My question, however, is what stops him from hitting the church directly, if it was meant for that church in particular? He said the Man O War that was controlling the traffic also died inthe blast with so many others. The cleric, Rev. Raphael Achi, wondered how the bombers escaped the security checks from both ends of the road. According to him, there was a security check point just to the right of the church on the Suleja end while the other from Mandalla end was further down the junction. He opined that unless the bombers were living within Mandalla, the question of how they got that far should be asked by those in authority and answered by those given the responsibilities.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBING

XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

urity in churches, mosques

•Anti-bomb squad personnel looking for a clue at the scene of the blast; above, a cleric, Revd. Achi calming angry residents who stormed the church after the explosion; top left, a victim of the explosion being taken in for medical attention; middle left, a n ambulance belonging to the National Emegency Management Authority (NEMA) which sumersaulted on its way to the blast scene to help in the rescue mission; and nearby houses torn apart by the explosion. PHOTOS: NAN, ABAYOMI FAYESE and AKIN OLADOKUN

This carnage must stop, say Falana, cleric

AGOS Lawyer Mr. Femi Falana yesterday condemned the Suleja blast. The lawyer, in a statement, urged the Federal Government to stop the carnage. His statement reads: “All Nigerians of goodwill should rise up to condemn the barbaric and violent attack unleashed on innocent worshippers in a churche at Madalla near Suleja, Niger State and Jos, Plateau on Christmas day .I join other concerned Nigerians in consoling those who lost their loved ones in the carnage. “As has been the case in the past two years, the government will issue a statement threatening to deal with the culprits while the nation waits for another disaster to happen. The Federal Government should be told that Nigerians are tired of official statements that are full of sound and fury signifying nothing. “In view of the dangerous implications of allowing the mass killing of unarmed people in church-

es, markets and other public places, the Federal Government should move urgently and decisively to shake up the security apparatus to assure Nigerians and the international community of its capacity to guarantee the security of life and property in the country. “Apart from the State Security Service (SSS), which has engaged in the thorough investigation and prosecution of a number of suspected terrorists, the police and other security agencies have been overwhelmed in the circumstances. Even where a wanted terrorist showed up in the office of a top police chief sometime ago, he was released in questionable circumstances. A few days later, the suspect and his gang bombed the police headquarters. For some inexplicable reasons, the police chief has been allowed to remain in office to the detriment of our collective security. “In view of the worsening security situation in the country, I ap-

peal to President Goodluck Jonathan to purge the security and intelligence apparatus of incompetent personnel who ought to have resigned their appointments over a year ago. “Personal friendship and relationship should not be allowed to compromise the security of the nation!” The Provincial Chairman of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Rev. Mike Gadache, also condemned the bombing at St. Theresa‘s Catholic Church. Gadachie lamented that about 20 people have died in the bombing, which also left many others injured, adding that it was evil and condemnable. “We understand that many crimes are perpetrated during festive periods as the devil does not want people to be merry, he always wants to spoil peoples‘ joy. “The act is barbaric and evil, it is against humanity. It is unfair, especially on Christmas Day,” Gadache said.

He urged Christians not to be deterred by the act, but continue to pray for the perpetrators so that God could touch their hearts, “as Christmas is basically for the expression of love. “We pray for the souls of the departed and in the spirit of the season, I appeal to Christians not to relent in praying for the people who engage in this crime against humanity.” Gadache, however, warned that nemesis would catch up with the perpetrators if they did not repent and change their evil ways. He also urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the issue of insecurity in the country. The cleric said: “With the bombing that just happened, many people would decide to stay in doors, thereby affecting the day`s celebration. “President Jonathan should explore various means to fight insecurity because the citizens are now living in fear and might begin to distrust him,” Gadache said.

TIMELINE March 3: Three people are killed and 21 injured by an explosive device thrown from a car during an election rally near Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. April 7: An explosion hits a polling booth at Unguwar Doki, Maiduguri, Borno State. More than 10 people injured. April 8: Bomb explosion at the National Independent Electoral Commission office in Suleja, kills 11. April 9: An explosion hits a polling booth in a neighbourhood of the Northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri during a parliamentary election. April 15: Youths riding on a motorcycle, throw a locally-made bomb into the premises of the Maiduguri council office of the INEC. April 16: A police station in the Lami Sula district of Maiduguri, which lies in the remote state of Borno near Nigeria’s border with Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic, is bombed. April 16: Bomb explosion occurs in two separate areas of Kaduna metropolis on the night of the presidential election in the state. April 21: Two suspected bombmakers die in a blast in Kaduna. April 25: Three bomb blasts rip through a hotel and a motor park in Maiduguri, killing at least two persons. May 29: Thirteen people are confirmed dead and 40 injured in a night blast at mammy market in Shandawanka Barracks, Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital. May 29: Eight victims lose their legs after an explosion occurred at Zuba, a suburb of Kubwa in Abuja. May 31: Bomb explosion near bank on Baga Road in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. June 16: Boko Haram carries out massive bomb attack on Force Headquarters (also known as Louis Edet House), Abuja, targeted at the Inspector-General of Police. Officials believe it is the first suicide bombing in Nigeria’s history. August 26: Boko Haram bombed the UN House, Abuja, killing over 20 people. November 4: At least 100 people were killed in a spate of coordinated gun and bomb attacks in the Nigerian city of Damaturu. Churches, mosques and police stations in Damaturu were attacked after earlier bomb blasts in Maiduguri. November 11: Explosion in Bauchi left five people injured. December 7: An explosion in Kaduna killed at least seven people, including a three-year-old child. December 11: Three bomb blasts, targeting bars, rocked Jos, with one dead and 10 reportedly injured. December 22-24: Sect members fight with police and military forces around the city of Damaturu, leaving at least 61 people dead. December 25: The sect claims responsibility for an attack on a Catholic church in Madalla near Nigeria’s capital that kills at least 25 people, as bombers attack authorities in the northeast and its members attempt to attack a church in Jos.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

A burden we must live with, says Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the bombings in the county as “a burden Nigerians must live with until it fizzles out.”. Jonathan spoke in Abuja, while receiving a delegation of the Christian Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by FCT Minister Bala Mohammed. Jonathan said there is no justification for the bombings and urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace in the country. He said: “We have challenges as a nation. Even this morning, a very ugly incident happened in a Catholic Church. We are yet to get the number of deaths in the incident. “The issue of bombing is

•Sympathisers at the scene of the blast...yesterday

Bomb thrown from moving vehicle, says Azazi

ATIONAL Security Adviser Gen Owoye Andrew Azazi (rtd) last night said St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla was bombed by Boko Haram members from a moving vehicle. He said two of the suspects have been arrested. Azazi, in a statement, said the church was bombed out of frustration by Boko Haram as a result of the proactive measures taken by security agencies to checkmate the sect. He said: “Once again, in a festive season, parts of the country have experienced unnecessary blood-letting by a group, whose objectives are not in consonance with any genuine religious tenets. “The latest mindless and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

cowardly attacks by Boko Haram members specifically directed at churches were premeditated. Only last week, five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered in five churches at Mubi in Adamawa State. “And out of frustration arising from proactive measures taken by security agencies against their chosen targets, they decided to throw Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from a moving vehicle in the glare of everyone at unsuspecting members of congregation of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla in Niger State at the close of the service. “Two of the criminals had been apprehended, caught in the action.

“The Christmas Day blast in Jos, Plateau State followed the same pattern. The explosion in Yobe was also checkmated at the gate of the Department of State Security Head of Office in Yobe, after the vehicle carrying the bomb was stopped. The criminals died in the explosion, unfortunately, causing the death of three security operatives. “It is significant to note that Boko Haram’s major armoury in Yobe was destroyed only last week. Yet another armoury in Kaduna and two in Kano were destroyed also last week, in addition to heavy casualties the sect sustained. “It is important to inform of the public that the pro-active measures put in place by

the security forces during this festive period have so far checkmated a major catastrophic plan envisaged by Boko Haram. “We urge everyone in our various communities to go about their activities, remain vigilant and urgently report anything suspicious to security agents. “We renew our appeal to all Nigerians that this is not a fight between security forces and some dissident elements. It is a conflict between some misguided extremists in our midst and the rest of our society, because the victims are not confined to any ethnic boundary . “We must cooperate to fish them out. And because our cause is just and our collective resolve is stronger, together we shall prevail!”

Bloody Xmas Day Continued from Page 2

“By our account, 25 people died, although we had many mutilated bodies. But out of the 25, we had 19 bodies intact and about six mutilated. But the casualty figure may increase.” An official statement by the Head of Media and Public Relations of NEMA, Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, said: “There is an explosion at Madalla highway today which affected many vehicles and some human casualty. The impact was felt at nearby structures, including a church. So far, NEMA has mobilised other stakeholders to the scene to evacuate the bodies and the injured. The incident did not happen inside the church but outside on a road close by. “While some of the victims were treated at the scene others were taken to hospitals. “Please ignore any information that it was inside the church. It was never inside the Church. NEMA officials confirmed.” The priest, Rev. Father, Isaac Achi, gave a long narration of the incident. He said: “I am the Parish Priest of St Theresa’s Catholic, Church where this ugly incident took place. I left here as early as 6am to go for mass, the Eucharistic Celebration in one of our outstations.

“And at the close of the mass, I was informed that an ugly incident happened and probably they are suspecting it to be in my church. I rushed down. “Meanwhile, as I was going, I left my Assistant, in the person of Father Christopher Barde Jatau, to officiate in the Eucharistic celebration. “I came in only to discover that the whole place has become a carnival of people coming to see the ugly issue that happened. “And as you can see, this ugly situation happened probably when the mass was about to close; it was not when people were coming in. “The people probably left earlier. Personally, I am suspecting them to be those who are still travelling because we used to have early mass on a day like this so that people can come and have the mass before they can continue with their journey. “But they came only for them to meet the end of their lives just at the entrance of the church. “When I returned to meet my Assistant, he was nowhere to be found. Later, I was made to understand that he took some people to hospitals and I waited for him. On his arrival, he told me how the thing happened and how he felt. Definitely, as a

human being, it is not easy. “I felt this issue is becoming so alarming, with churches now the targets. And coming to meet people who have come to pray and ask for God’s blessing for their dear country, I stand to say ‘no’ to such a thing and even a repeat of it. “You can see so many families gone; the whole households gone. Look at the two vehicles parked in front there (pointing). The first one had five people, the one following it had a family of three and this one at the back (now directly in front of the church) as a result of the explosions, had a family of four. “I know that the Catholic members were the ones affected. These were Christians who came to pray, especially on this day that we celebrate nativity and the death of Jesus Christ. “Also, cyclists (Okada riders) who came for their daily bread were victims. And probably some passers-by. “So, this is all I can say, but I still want to call on the Federal Government to address this issue of security. We need to do something and not to allow it to continue. And all those engaging themselves in doing such havoc should please repent. They should stop it for the good of Ni-

one of the burdens we must live with. It will not last forever; I believe it will surely end.’’ Sympathising with the families of those who died in the incident, Jonathan said there was no reason for such an act to be carried out on a Christmas day. FCT Minister of State Ms Olajumoke Akinjide said praying is the only way to overcome the evil. She urged Nigerians not to be discouraged, but to remain strong and courageous. President of the FCT Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mr. Israel Akanji urged Nigerians to support the government in the task of ensuring peace in the country.

Policeman dead in Jos explosion Continued from Page 2

They said: “There was a blast this morning at the Mountain of Fire (MFM) church. A policeman on duty there was shot in the head by the hoodlums before they planted the explosives in the church”. The Policeman, whose name and rank have not been released was rushed to the hospital, where he died. The duo said two vehicles were affected and part of the church’s fence damaged, adding that four suspects were arrested and four unexpended explosives were picked from the blast site. However, one of the worshippers at the church, Mr. Benard Ugeh, said the church service had ended before the incident occurred.

He said people whom he suspected came from Rikkos, an area very close to the church were shooting at the few worshippers who were on their way out of the church. He said: “Had it been they met us during the church service, the casualty would have been high”. Besides the attack, Jos has witnessed a low profile celebration as many churches held few hours of services. Most residents stayed away from the streets. However, the affected church was among the list of possible target areas given last week by the Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni, who said the Command got an intelligence report on places likely to be attacked during the Yuletide.

Three SSS men killed in Yobe geria. “We want to be one, we must still remain one. So, if God is on our side, no man can be against us. We know we shall survive.” Asked if he suspected any group or person behind the bombings, Achi said: “I am not suspecting anybody. If I suspect anybody that means I know where they are. I don’t know of anybody. So, I am not suspecting anybody. “Yes, we have a police checkpoint in the front, here but how it happened surprised me. Or is somebody staying with us in Mandalla that got up to wreak the havoc? It is something that I cannot explain. Only God, who really knows how this thing started, can tell us.” On the exact casualty figure, the Reverend Father said he could not give any, until a census had been conducted. He added: “If at this point I talk of one person, two persons, 10 people or 50 people, I should be a liar. It is too sudden for me to know the number of people that were affected. “I have to take a census of my parishioners; I have to go house-to-house and I have to call those living around that side to check their neighbourhood and then they should be able to tell me who is missing and that can give the correct figure of those that were affected.”

Continued from Page 2

A statement by SSS spokesperson Ms. Marilyn Ogar yesterday, said the attack on the SSS office, occurred at about 12.45 pm when the convoy of the Commanding Officer of the 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, Yobe State, Col. Dahiru Abdulsalam, was driving into the headquarters complex for a security meeting. “The suicide bomber attempted to force his way into the convoy but was stopped by vigilant guards. However, upon collision with the gate, the impact resulted in an explosion”. “Consequently, the following casualties were recorded: three service personnel died; the suicide bomber was killed; one person was injured; and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at the gate was destroyed”. Ogar described the attack as part of the terrorists’ reactions to the on-going operations by the security agencies to contain their excesses, stressing that the terrorists’ mission was to continue sustained attacks on the innocent public. She however maintained that such attacks would not in any way deter security agencies from securing the life and property of Nigerians and ridding the society of criminals. “Accordingly, the public is hereby implored to report suspicious movements within their localities to the police.

‘Explosion is National emergency’ Continued from Page 2

“The issue of security should not be left to government alone. My thinking is that government alone cannot stop the activities of terrorists which have left hundreds of innocent Nigerians either dead or injured. “The current spate of terrorism if not checked, will among other things, affect Nigeria’s quest for Direct Foreign Investment and ultimately thwart the attainment of Vision 20: 2020,”

Aliyu said. He said the state government would pay the medical bills of the victims and would offer assistance to the security agents to unveil those behind the act and punish them accordingly. Niger State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Maishanu said: “I can confirm to you that a bomb blast took place in Madalla this morning and so far 12 persons, including three policemen have so far died as a result of the blast several persons are injured.”

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

•Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (second right), Mrs Itelen Akinsowo (left), Anambra State Commissioner for Works Mr. Emeka Olisa Ejikeme and Mrs Sena Anthony, former Legal Adviser, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) after a service marking the Christmas festival at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos...yesterday.

•Bishop Adebayo Akinde of St. Jude’s Cathedral, Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland, flanked by Mr Leke Owolabi, Deputy Registrar (left), Justice Yinka Fayi, Deputy Chancellor Justice Ibikunle Adesaln, Chancellor (second right) and Ven. Luyi Akinwade, Dean

•Provost, African Church Cathedral, Bethel, Broad Street, Lagos Ven. Adedamola Fagbayi flanked by Otunba Bolaji Osunba (left) and Bandele Vincent, Secretary, after a service in Lagos

•Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion (second left); Rev. Pelu Johnson (right); Rev. Ayodele and Rev. Ojo Farotimi after a service at the Anglican Trinity Church, Tinubu Square, Marina, Lagos…yesterday

•Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde flanked by Rev. Sunday Ogunlere (left) and Rev. Rufus Babalola, Proto-Presbyter Methodist Church, Tinubu Square, Lagos, after a service…yesterday

•Secretary-General, Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Yaba, Lagos, Senior Apostle General Dabye Bob-Manuel (middle); Snr. Apostle Jimeta Ekpoldert (left); and Apotle Fidelis Ifechukwunde after a service…yesterday PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAM, BADE DARAMOLA AND ADEJO DAVID

Fayemi urges prayers

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday urged Christians to pray for the nation. He said the Yuletide season is an opportunity to reflect on and pray for peace and development of the state and Nigeria. In the message by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, the governor urged the residents to use the period for sober reflection, spiritual rejuvenation and demonstration of love for one another. He noted that Christmas is not only about eating, drinking and merry-making but more about the lessons of love, sacrifice, compassion and good neighbourliness, which the birth of Christ symbolis-

Let’s embrace change for better life, says Fashola

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

es. Fayemi said the birth of Jesus demonstrates God’s love for mankind in His desire to give salvation to man and reconcile man unto Himself. He noted that Christmas shows that God has an undying interest in the affairs of men, urging the residents and other Nigerians to pray, work and hope for a better society because God is in control. The governor advised the residents to celebrate Christmas with moderation and avoid any act that could cause a breach of the peace. Urging the residents to pray for the success of his adminis-

•Fayemi

tration, Fayemi said the state government is committed to good governance by banishing poverty from the state. He added that his administration has laid a solid foundation to transform Ekiti State.

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday urged Nigerians, particularly the residents, to embrace change to translate the aspirations of the citizenry for a better life into reality. The governor noted that the daily demands and aspirations for improved economy, schools, power supply, security, jobs, water supply and income, among others, are for change. According to him, change, as “a central metaphor in human existence, is what we must all embrace”. Fashola said: “In the process of embracing change, we must also be prepared to make some sacrifice, as change readily implies a

shift from some of the things we are already used to. He said Jesus Christ was an apostle of positive change, adding: “Our world is changing and we must embrace that change, which would lead to the realisation of our aspirations for a better life.” In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, the governor said the government has realised its role in minimising discomfort in making positive changes. According to him, the team he leads in Lagos State will never be found wanting in providing better services and minimising discomfort that may arise in enhancing the residents’ better life.

Fashola said the Yuletide season should afford the residents the opportunity to reflect on the essence of Christmas. He said: “As we share in the fun and merry-making of this period, therefore, let us resolve to be our brothers’ keepers, ready to share love, self-sacrifice among one another and bear testimony only to truth, as shown by Jesus Christ during His sojourn on Earth. Let us strive to make this Christmas a season of renewal of hope and commitment to nationbuilding as we embrace the changes that are germane to our development for Nigeria in general and Lagos State in particular.”

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

•The congregation...yesterday

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Pastor Kumuyi...yesterday

Nigeria needs more than prayers to survive, says Kumuyi

HE General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, yesterday said Nigerians need to do more than praying to survive the challenges facing the country. He addressed reporters at the justconcluded annual December retreat of the church on the Lagos-Ibadan

By Adeola Ogunlade and Amidu Arije

Expressway. The programme, tagged: More Than a Conqueror in Time Like This, was attended by thousands of Christians. It had Bible teachings, singing and prayers. Kumuyi said there is hope for Ni-

geria in the New Year, adding that prayers alone cannot solve the nation’s socio-economic problems because they are caused by avoidable human errors. The cleric said developed nations did not achieve their feats through prayers alone but with all stakeholders working together to make their

countries better and safer for all. He said: “Nigeria is increasingly faced with a high rate of unemployment among youths, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, corruption and falling standard in the education sector, which requires the effort of all stakeholders to address the tide.”

Aregbesola urges Christians to relate well with others

Let peace be our bond, says Mark

ENATE President David Mark yesterday urged Nigerians to embrace love, peace and good neighbourliness. In a message to Nigerians at this year’s Christmas, Mark noted that peace is needed to save the country from unabated bombing, murder and violence. In the statement in Abuja by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Senate President noted that Nigeria operates within the ambit of the law that ensures checks and balances. He said resorting to violence or murder cannot solve

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

any problem. Mark said: “Whatever the grievances or misgivings may be, the solution lies in our ability to explore channels of dispute resolution and not the other way round. “We cannot as at this stage of our development resort to the destruction of the foundation laid down by our founding fathers. “Rather we must do all we can to uphold the sanctity of our unity as a people with common vision and mis-

sion.” He urged Nigerians to halt the rising insecurity facing the Nation. Mark urged Christians to use the Christmas period to pray for Nigeria and live in mutual respect, forgiveness and reconciliation with their neighbours. The Senate President assured that the National Assembly would make laws that align with the wishes and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. Mark said the National Assembly would work for the quick passage of the 2012 Appropriation Bill.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•Mark

Ekweremadu urges peace, unity

EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu yesterday urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ and reinforce the bonds of love and unity. He noted that love and unity are prerequisites for meaningful national development and global peace. A statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu, said the Deputy Sen-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ate President urged Nigerians to reflect on God’s boundless love for sending Jesus to redeem and reconcile mankind unto Himself. He urged Nigerians to forgive one another and pray for the nation’s peace and prosperity.

Ekweremadu said: “The coming of Christ and his ministry on earth were founded on unconditional love and self-sacrifice. As we celebrate his birth, it behoves us to rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace, love and selfless service for the good of our souls and Nigeria.” He regretted the level of insecurity and killings in parts of the country, adding

that these are out of sync with what Christ stands for. The Deputy Senate President urged Nigerians to eschew violence, hatred and other actions that negate the joy and core values of Christmas to enable the nation develop. Ekweremadu, however, described the nation’s challenges as temporary.

Oshiomhole seeks leaders’ compassion for masses

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate greater compassion for the people. He noted that this is consistent with Christ’s message of charity and love for others. In his message, Oshiomhole said: “I wish to extend my felicitations to our Christian brothers and sisters as we celebrate this year’s Christmas. While we make merry, we need to be reminded that Christmas is essentially a celebration of the love of God and the promise of everlasting life for which He gave His only begotten son to the world. “It is therefore a season to

appreciate the abiding goodness of God and a season to dispense goodwill and charity to family, neigbours and community. “We need to be admonished to remember at all times that God’s design is a world that is free of hatred, recrimination and injustice. If indeed we are all God’s

people, then we owe Him and ourselves a duty to honour His injunction, chief among which is the sanctity of life, respect for others and tolerance. “The acute overlay of acrimony, tension and now sectarian violence calls for us to invoke the will and mercy of God on our country.

“Above all, it is to our leaders that we must now turn. Having been vested with power and authority by God, our leaders need to imbibe the injunctions of God in the discharge of their responsibilities, whether they are in government, business, or in any other sphere of governance.”

Season for national rebirth, says Amaechi

IVERS State Governor Chibuike Amaechi has urged Christians to see the birth of Jesus Christ as a time for sober reflection and national rebirth. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary David Iyofor,

the governor, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said the season should be used to cultivate virtues that promote national unity and understanding. He said: “We must represent in our daily lives the message

Noting that Nigeria has had its challenges in the outgoing year, Kumuyi said: “We must not dwell on the negative but forget the past and galvanise our efforts together for greater exploits in the New Year. “I believe we can make a change. Thank God, it was not worse than this...”

of peace, love, kindness and humility, which Christ portrayed. “For us as a state government, we have put in place measures to ensure the security of life and property throughout the Yuletide season.”

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday urged Christians to promote love, unity and peace. In his Christmas message through his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor urged the residents to pray for the continued existence of the country, despite the nation’s multi-religious backgrounds. He said: “The popular custom during Christmas, which include exchange of gifts, Christmas decorations, several church programmes, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive, should not be limited to the season alone but must be part of all citizens at all times. “Each year, it is traditional to give gifts at Christmas. Just as you give gifts to your loved ones, God is offering you a gift as well: the gift of complete forgiveness, freedom from sin, and eternal life with Him in heaven. The season must be one where we forgive our fellow citizens and forge ahead in love and unity for the betterment of our society. “Christmas, which symbolises love, joy and peace, is famous

Mimiko, deputy urge peace

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday urged Christians to be committed to the ideals of Christmas. The governor said this is the only way to ensure that the birth of Jesus Christ is accorded the proper meaning. He advised Christians to celebrate Christmas as a season for sharing and exhibiting love for one another, adding that it was out of love for humanity that God gave His only son as a ransom for mankind’s sins. In a message by his Chief

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, the governor said the earlier Christians began to recommit themselves to the ideals of Christmas, the better it would be for Nigeria. Mimiko noted that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is the hope for eternal salvation. He said the reason for the birth of Christ was borne out of God’s love, adding that the Almighty does not want the destruction of the world and its people without a saviour.

Uduaghan urges Christians to emulate Jesus

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday urged thee residents to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ, whose birthday the world is celebrating. In a statement in Asaba, the state capital, the governor said: “As the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I call on all Christians; indeed, all Deltans and all residents in Delta State, to reflect on the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives and activities so that Nigeria and indeed the world would be a better place for all of us. “I congratulate all Christians for witnessing yet another Christmas season. I advise all of you to use the festive period for sober reflections and total spiritual renewal and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions. “The birth of Christ, being celebrated, should be used to promote peace, love, understanding and unity.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS Nigerian held in South Africa drug bust NIGERIAN has been arrested for possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R7200 near Rustenburg, South African police said yesterday. Police were conducting crime prevention operations in Tlhabane on Friday, when they saw a suspicious-looking Toyota Corolla on Burn Street, Warrant Officer Sam Tselanyane said. “They pulled the vehicle over and searched it. Further investigations led to the house of the driver in Rustenburg North, where pockets of cat powder and cocaine were found,” he said. Tselanyane said some of the drugs were found hidden in a television remote control device, while others were kept inside the kitchen cabinets. “Police also seized a scale, sterile syringes and a smoking pipe.” The 35-year-old man is expected to face a charge of drug possession in court soon.

Fayemi hails lawmaker’s N40m hospital From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has hailed the construction of a- N40million hospital in Ire-Ekiti, Oye Local Government by a lawmaker, Bimbo Daramola. Fayemi noted that the purpose of representation is to enable the people feel governance by endowing the community with projects that would enhance quality life and living. The governor said the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was endowed with people, who have ideas about how to govern the society and transform communities. Fayemi urged politicians and others to see in Daramola the ideal type of governance, advising them to serve the people with commitment. Daramola, who named the planned 20-bed hospital Joan Taiwo Daramola Memorial Medical Centre, after his late mother, observed that the condition of the people required such urgent intervention. He said two US doctors would attend to patients at the hospital for 14 days each, adding that they had also promised to provide the hospital with some equipment.

Ex-senators, cleric oppose F oil subsidy removal ORMER senators Femi Okunrounmu, Tony Adefuye and the Chief Imam of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof AbdulGaniyu Oladosu, at the weekend opposed the planned withdrawal of oil subsidy by the Federal Government. Okunrounmu described the proposal as “the most wicked act any government can do.” The trio spoke at the weekend in Offa, Offa Local Government of Kwara State, after attending the eighth day fidau for the late National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Suleiman Salawu. Okunrounmu alleged that by removing the subsidy the government is asking the masses to pay for corruption. He urged the people to resist the proposal to “show that we are not fools.” His words: “The removal of fuel subsidy is a wicked act and I think to show we are not fools, we need to respond actively. “There would be no need for subsidy if our refineries were working. “Why are we importing petroleum? It is because all the money needed for the refineries have been pocketed by politicians. “They and their contractors benefit a lot from the importation of petrol and continue to sabotage any attempt to repair the refineries. “They are just making the masses to suffer. The masses should also refuse this attempt democratically.” Adefuye cautioned the government against taking a wrong step in its econom-

Works Minister defends policy From Osagie Otabor, Benin

OWARDS ensuring that the proposed fuel subsidy removal gets the support of the masses, political appointees of President Goodluck Jonathan have begun solicting support of their kinsmen. Minister of Works Mike Onolemenmen was in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government of Edo State to explain the issue to his people. Onolemenmen, who spoke at the weekend, said payment of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government has not benefitted Nigerians. The minister said the Federal Government was only subsidising the operations of multi-nationals and big businesses, to the “disadvantage of millions of Nigerians.” He said the Federal Government must discontinue subsidisy to free money to sectors critical to Nigeria’s economy. His words: “To me, I found out that fuel subsidy has never been effective. I give you an example, the multi-nationals involved in road construction, for example, use an average 26 tonnes of kerosene for every 1,000 kilometres of road, about 26 million litres, and that is the product the Federal Government is subsidising. In essence, the government is subsidising multi-nationals. “We believe that if government is going to remove this subsidy, it can now be channelled into other areas and about N1trillion will be used in other sectors. “For my sector, it would be used for the dualisation of the Lokoja-Benin Road, completion of the Benin-Ore project, the Niger Bridge and other areas that will bring relief to Nigerians. “More importantly, it will allow the government to achieve a balanced budget. Where a substantial percentage of budgets are devoted to recurrent expenditure is unimaginable.” “Government needs to engage millions of youths, which will help address the problem of unemployment. We need to move on; Nigeria needs to free itself from self-imposed difficulties,” the Minister said.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ic plan for the country. He said: “I think it is wickedness to remove subsidy at this time. “I will appeal to the government to be patient and

ensure that things are put right before embarking on such a plan. “The economy is meant for the people and not the people for the economy.” Oladosu cautioned against removal of the fuel

subsidy, saying it would have a devastating effect. The university’s Director of Academics said the people are not happy with the proposal. He said: “Let the government officials who are here tell the authority that the masses are not happy with the proposed fuel subsidy. “We are, at present, suffering seriously. If you remove, do you want us to die? “Now that it has not yet been removed we are hungry and unable to buy drugs to take care of our health. “What will then happen if removed. Do not remove it. Let it be there. This is the voice of the people and the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Also the National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akoh, has described the proposed removal as ill-timed. Speaking with reporters in Abuja on the state of the nation and projections for the corps next year, Akoh expressed disappointment on how successive governments had promised and fail. He said Nigerians have lost faith in their leaders. His words: "We expect some infrastructure to be put in place. It is a good intention but ill-timed. Nigerians have lost trust in our leaders. It may not be President Goodluck Jonathan but he inherited the problem. “Let he act in the best interests of Nigerians.”

FEDERAL and state traffic agencies in Ogun State have exonerated the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway concessionaire, Bi-Courtney Highways Services Limited (BCHSL), from all responsibility for the Saturday gridlock at the Mowe-Ibafo axis of the road. The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at Mowe, in Ogun State, Morakinyo Olalekan, commended the concessionaire for keeping the road safe through constant maintenance. The Head of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Mowe/Ibafo unit, Gbenga Aderibigbe, blamed the gridlock on indiscipline and the volume of vehicles travelling in and out of Lagos for the endof-year festivities. According to Olalekan, there has been no record of road accidents this Yuletide on the Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway. His words: “There has been tremendous reduction in the accident rate on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway because the FRSC has intensified efforts in its patrol duty. “We have tow-trucks along the road, which we use to tow vehicles away from the road side. Broken down vehicles do and can cause accidents. We have also instructed our men on how to operate on the highway. BCHSL’s spokesman, Dipo Kehinde, yesterday explained that what sparked the crisis on the road was an armed robbery incident that occurred at the Mowe area just as the Deeper Life Bible Church was ending a programme. “Motorists who were running for their dear lives, began to drive against the traffic thereby causing the chaos that took hours to resolve,” Kehinde said.

‘Nigeria’s future tied to ACN’ By Oziegbe Okoeki

•Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (middle); Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha (left); Minister of Power Prof. Bert Nnaji (second right) and Chief Executive Officer, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, S.A. Yahaya during the commissioning of 33/11 KV injection substation at Mbutu Mbaise, Imo State.... at the weekend

Minister seeks transformation of basic education INISTER of State for Education Nyesom Wike has directed all heads of basic education parastatals to present workable action plans to transform the sector next year. Wike spoke at the weekend during an end-of-theyear interactive session with

Bi-Courtney exonerated

heads of the parastatals and directors of the ministry. The minister said the action plans by the parastatals and unity colleges would drive the process of ensuring that quality changes are witnessed in the basic education sector. He said: “We have laid the

foundation to transform basic education in the last six months. The next step is to drive the process for a remarkable change that would help national development and turn around the fortunes of education.” Wike said a team of technocrats has been established

to monitor and evaluate successes to be recorded in the implementation of the respective action plans. He said: “I want to repeat here that we can no longer accept the usual ways of doing things. The implementation of the action plans after they have been assessed

will be closely monitored. “My friends are those who work for the improvement of basic education. Those who fail to work with commitment and dedication will be sanctioned. Nigerians are eager to see results and we must give them results”.

SPEAKER of the Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji has said the nation’s future is tied to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He spoke when ACN chairmen from the 57 local councils in the state, under the auspices of ‘Conference of 57 LGA Chairmen in Lagos State’, visited him at the weekend. His words: “Because the future of the country is tied to the party, it must be properly run. It is only when the party is run properly that it can continue to exist and affect the lives of Lagosians and Nigeria in the future, which is 2015. “Your position can never become irrelevant because Nigeria’s future is tied to ACN and ACN’s future is in your hands. With your support we have grown and will continue to grow.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

THE NATION

BUSINESS

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

I do not think the National Assembly will be against subsidy removal as long as they get explanations. The Minister of Finance will engage them and I don’t think they will take any contrary position. -President Goodluck Jonathan

Interbank rates drop on budget cash inflows

Govt issues N130b T-bills

IGERIA’s interbank lending rates eased last week to an average of 14.33 per cent from 15.83 per cent penultimate week, supported by greater liquidity thanks to inflows of budgetary allocations for wages and government agency running costs, market sources said last Friday. Dealers, according to Reuters News, said though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the tempo of its Open Market Operations (OMO) in the week to mop up excess liquidity in the system, the market remains relatively liquid, helping keep rates low. The secured open buyback (OBB) rate eased marginally to 13.50 per cent from 14 per cent last week, 1.5 percentage points above the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate and 3.5 percentage points above the standing deposit facility rate. Overnight placement fell to 14.50 per cent from 16.50 per cent last week, while call money fell to 15 per cent from 17 per cent. Dealers said the market opened with a cash balance of about N97.58 billion ($595.25 million) last Friday, better than penultimate week’s N18.33 billion. “We expect the cost of borrowing to trend up next week (this week) if the Central Bank continues to aggressively mop up liquidity through open market operations,” another trader said. The apex bank sold about N199.47 billion worth of short-dated treasury bills through open market operations last week to reduce the impact of the release of budgetary allocations to government agencies on the economy.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

0.2958 206.9 242.1 156 1.9179 238 40.472

• From left: Winner of the Toyota Corolla car in Skye Bank Savers promo in the Lagos Region, Miss Anjola Oyegbami; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; and winner of the grand star prize of Toyota Prado jeep, Mrs Serah Chinyere Ugbem, during the presentation of the keys to the winners in Lagos.

Fed Govt saves N10b from pension reform T HE Federal Govern ment has so far saved and recovered a total of N101 billion from the recent pension reform. The Head of the Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrashid Maina, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving the executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Maina said the team had collaborated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences (ICPC) and the State Security Service (SSS), to arrest officials who had swindled pensioners. He said a former Director of Pensions had been caught

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

with over N12billion and a Deputy Director held with over N4billion in their bank accounts. Mina said the team had stopped a large scale scam of N3.4billion monthly payment from the government as a result of the reduction of monthly payment of N5billion to N1.6billion. He said the Pension Team had got to the root of the scam and cracked down the fraudulent pension cartel spread across the country. Mina disclosed that the team had discovered a total

of 44,320 unpaid pensioners, some of which had retired since 1975 and had paid some of them their entitlements. He said the recent biometric verification conducted by the team would stop the continuous expenditure of N400million government had incurred yearly. Maina said the nationwide biometric verification of pensioners had detected 71,133 fake pensioners across the country. The Chairman said the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan was working tirelessly to make

sure that pensions were paid accordingly and on time. Maina, however, said he and members of his team had been receiving death threats but was not deterred in performing their responsibilities to the country. Speaking at the event, the NANS Deputy Coordinator of the Southwest, Lisoyi Joseph, thanked Maina for his contributions to the society. He called on the government to collaborate with the team to tackle the security situation in the country, stressing that paying pensioners will assist in paying for the school fees of students, and reduce idleness that leads to joining terror groups in the country.

Investors prefer Nigeria to South Africa

LOBAL private eq uity players prefer to invest in Nigeria rather than South Africa, saying the latter is “overinvested”. This was the view of a panel of discussants at the recent SuperReturn Africa conference in Kenya, one of the many private equity conferences held on the continent this year. The panel was hosted by Will Jimerson, the Executive Director of Musa Capital. “I don’t necessarily agree with the panel’s view, but admittedly, returns in Nigeria have been astronomical and it continues to be one of the fastest growing markets,” he told I-Net Bridge/ BusinessLIVE in a telephone interview. He added that Nigeria’s population stood at 150 million people out of which 40 per cent was seen as economically active. “Nigeria is the fastest

Daniel Essiet with agency report

growing market in the world for players such as MTN and the country’s growth is upwards of six per cent,” stressed. Jimerson added that some economists had already predicted that Nigeria would soon take over from South Africa as the largest economy on the continent. “SA is seen as being overinvested for private equity as you have institutions like Actis and Brait and other big guys - so this may be true for the high-end market. For example, if you’re trying to buy one of Anglo’s subsidiaries, you’re going to compete against a lot of other guys.” He explained that there was a perception that there was “too much money” in SA. “Look at institutions, such as the PIC (Public Investment

Corporation) - we often hear in the media that they are investing R2 billion a quarter in infrastructure - for them it’s not a question of money.” However, Jimerson said some African countries had a weakness when it came to accessing resources whether human, capital or technology resources. “SA, compared to the rest of the continent, has these things in abundance and the best-trained personnel in Africa are to be found in SA - that is an advantage for this country. “You go to Nigeria and some of the infrastructure power, water - don’t work half of the time and it might be difficult getting funding and skilled personnel. “However, there is tremendous opportunity in Nigeria, because whatever you’re selling, you’re selling to 150 million people. “Look at it this way -

there are more billionaires in Nigeria than in any other country on the continent, including SA.” He added that if one wanted to start a housing finance bank in SA, one would have loads of competitors. “But in Nigeria, you’d only have around two competitors.” Jimerson added that China is now regarded as over-invested and Africa, in general, under-invested. “Investors in private equity funds will be the first to tell you that.” Other African countries with investment potential included Kenya, Jimerson said. “It’s the largest most sophisticated market in East Africa and it has a blend of what both SA and Nigeria have.” It also had a good market size of around 60 million people as well as the large port of Mombasa.

HE Federal Govern ment sold N130.23 bil lion ($794.42 million) short-dated treasury bills at an auction last Thursday, even as yields on the papers climbed again compared with the trend at the previous auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said on Friday. The regulator auctioned N37.49 billion of 91-day treasury bills at 14.09 per cent, a slight increase from 14 per cent marginal rate at the previous auction on December 9, and sold N45.72 billion in 182-day paper at 16.20 per cent compared with 15.95 per cent previously. The apex bank, according to Reuters News, sold N47.02 billion in 364-day bills at 16.75 per cent against 16.41 per cent marginal rate previously. The total subscription stood at N152.70 billion, compared with N194.04 billion at the previous auction. Nigeria issues treasury bills regularly as part of monetary control measures to help lenders manage their liquidity.

PZ Cussons’ palm refinery starts work Q3

ONSUMER product maker PZ Cussons expects a $56 million palm oil refinery in partnership with Singapore’s Wilmar International to be operational by the third quarter of next year, the chief executive of Cussons’ Nigerian unit said last Friday. Christos Giannopoulos told Reuters News the joint venture company PZ Wilmar will invest N100 billion ($612 million) in Africa’s second biggest economy over the next five to seven years to develop oil palm plantations that will feed the refinery and reduce import bills.

Nigeria benchmark differentials rise

IGERIAN benchmark crude oil differen tials rose to near twomonth highs on Friday on strong Asian buying interest and uncertainty about the duration of the Bonga field outage. Cargoes from both Angolan and Nigerian loading programmes, according to Reuters News, have been selling well since they began emerging about a week ago. One trader estimated that at least, 30 of the total Angolan programmes for around 55 cargoes had already been sold. “The Chinese are willing to cover the expected increase of diesel demand as last year they had a diesel crunch,” said one west African oil trader. China has bought additional spot crude from West Africa, as well as the Middle East and Russia, in January to replace lost Iranian oil supply as it tussles with the Islamic Republic over payment terms for 2012 contracts.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

ISSUES

•Oil tanker ship

Making the sea unsafe for pirates I

N the last six months, there have been reports of pirate attacks and sea robbery in the Gulf of Guinea and off the coast of West Africa. In its reaction, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has rated the coastal parts bordering Lagos and the Bonny waters as one of the areas of the world most prone to pirates’ attack. The attacks are aimed at fishing trawlers, oil tankers, cargo vessels and speed boats conveying passengers from one destination to another. According to operators, lives and properties are lost daily, just as businesses are also truncated because of delayed navigation of vessels for fear of attack. They said insurance premium and freight on Nigeriabound cargoes have gone up because of the risk of navigating into the country. This additional cost is passed on by importers to consumers, thus raising the price of imported goods.

Losses by operators The immediate past President, Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi, told The Nation that since November 2002 to date, Nigerian trawler owners have incurred losses of several billions of

The upsurge in sea piracy remains a huge threat to maritime activities. Although the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Navy are pooling resources to tame the menace, the task has not been easy. Maritime Correspondent OLUWAKEMI DAUDA analyses issues that must be addressed by the Federal Government to curb the menace. naira to piracy. This includes the entitlements paid to families of those who lost their lives and the ransom paid for those kidnapped. The hijackers frequently seize the vessels, threatening to blow them up if the ransom is not paid. Because of the huge ransoms trawler operators pay to secure the release of their vessels or personnel seized by hijackers, these monies are deposited in their bank accounts. Orakwusi lamented: “It is baffling that these financial institutions, which in a bid to promote accountability in the sector, demand utility bills as part of the requirements for opening accounts, have, however, failed woefully in tracing the owners of the accounts where these ransoms are lodged. “We have to negotiate because, at several occasions, they kill our workers. Between 2007 and 2008 for instance, we recorded over 20 attacks on vessels, and a loss of over 10 lives. Therefore, we need help to survive in the business,” she said.

Reported hijack cases On July 24, M.V RBD Anema E Core, an Italian-owned tanker with 108,958 dead weight, dwt, and 23 crew members on board was hijacked by sea pirates off the coast of Benin, just outside the Nigerian waters. The tanker was, however, released four days later.

Also, on October 30, suspected sea pirates were reported to have attacked passanger of a speed boat along Nembe waterways in Bayelsa State. They attacked four of the speed passenger boats which were conveying traders to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Some of the passengers were ordered by the hoodlums to jump into the water after being dispossessed of their cash and other valuables. In the first week of November, gunmen boarded MT Halifax, an oil tanker, which anchored off the coast of Port Harcourt. They hijacked the ship and sailed off into the waters of the Gulf of Guinea with the crew until the crude oil in the ship was offloaded. Between March 1 and September 30, there were about 124 reported distress alerts, some of which were false in respect of piracy or robbery against ships in Nigerian waters. They include attacks on the Safina 11, some 16 nautical miles from the Fairway Buoy, and Tug Zarranda of March 4, to that of September 10 at Forcados, during which an ORC Fishing vessel was attacked. So, there are strong indications that government’s ef• Continued on page 13

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

ISSUES • Continued from page 12

forts may have begun to yield in the area of Search and Rescue (SAR) of vessels and crew in distressed conditions, especially with the most recent incident being the MT Jacksonville, which was engulfed by fire after an explosion from its engine room. Available records showed that though five persons were reportedly killed, out of which four bodies were immediately recovered, the timely intervention of the country led to the successful rescuing of 10 helpless sea farers. They were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Similarly, two men who went to deliver consumables to a vessel, five nautical miles before the Fairway Buoy last month would have perished, but for the agency’s intervention. A freight forwarder, however, lamented that most Nigerians are ignorant of the right numbers to call for marine rescue in times of emergency. He stressed the need for every Nigerian to memorise these telephone numbers – 01-7306618, and 08030685167. Deputy Director and NIMASA Head of Public Relations, Hajia Lami Tumaka, said issues of sufficient enlightenment and awareness among the citizenry were imperative so that they know what to do whenever there is distress in the waterways. She explained that the moves by the management of the agency, which were ongoing, would be sustained so that the steps taken to tackle the menace of sea piracy and robberies at sea in the months ahead would achieve the desired results. She called for the support and co-operation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative driven by the present management of the agency.

Bill to domesticate treaties Nigeria urgently needs a legal framework against the pirates and robbers whose activities have been on the increase in recent times. In a bid to curtail sea piracy and robbery, a bill to domesticate international laws, guidelines, and conventions on the matter is underway in the National Assembly. The Senate has been urged to pass the bill into law within the shortest period of time to promote safety at sea as embarked upon by NIMASA. The global maritime watchdog, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), operators said, has several treaties, guidelines, and conventions to tackle the menace of sea piracy, robbery in the waterways and sundry matters. However, such treaties, guidelines, and conventions cannot be applied in the country until they are domesticated by our law makers. To ensure that the bill does not encounter any hitch at the National Assembly, a Lagos base lawyer, Mr. Mike Igbokwe (SAN), has been given a mandate to ensure that the bill has all the provisions to enable Nigeria successfully prosecute waterways robbers and sea pirates. Igbokwe, who dropped the hint in Lagos in a chat with reporters, said as the consultant to the government for the preparation of the bill, its successful passage into law in the National Assembly would help Nigeria to domesticate all international conventions relating to suppression of unlawful acts against safety of marine navigation and those that are related to piracy at sea as enacted by the United Nations (UN). He contended that Nigeria was in urgent need of a legal framework against the pirates and robbers whose activities had been on the increase in recent times. Igbokwe lamented that with the upsurge of criminal activities on the Nigerian waters, the country was now being rated as Somalia in the incidence of pirates and sea robbers. “There has been a report of hijacking of vessels, cargo theft with violent on crews by robbers within the Nigerian territorial waters and off Nigerian waters. Some of the characteristics of these actions have been theft of crude oil. Recently, 23 sailors in Cyprus flagged ship were hijacked 63 nautical miles off Cotonou. “Nigeria is now being categorised the same as Somalia as a result of these incidents. But the incident in Nigeria, even in the Gulf of Guinea, is not as high as that of Somalia where vessels are being hijacked for ransom. The Nigerian maritime stakeholders are worried at the increasing trend, as businesses are being interrupted especially fishing trawlers,” he said.

•Minister of Transport, Idris Umar

•DG, NIMASA Akpobolokemi

•Mrs Orakwusi

Making the sea unsafe for pirates Kenya’s example In a bid to showcase its commitment towards combating sea piracy, Kenya has sentenced seven pirates to five years imprisonment. The gun-toting men who defy international calls have caused the maritime world countless losses over years. The seven Somali pirates were sentenced to five years imprisonment in Kenya for attacking a German Navy Supply Ship in March last year. Mombasa Chief Magistrate Rosemelle Mutoka read out her verdict to the dismay of the seven men aged between 24-30 years. They were convicted of being armed with AK 47 rifles, rocket propelled grenade, pistols and a knife and for attacking Spessart - a German navy ship on March 29, 2009 around mid-day off the Indian Ocean. This brings the total number of Somali Pirates in Kenyan jails to 25. Kenyan courts sentenced 10 pirates to seven years imprisonment in 2006 and eight others were handed 20 years behind bars in March this year. Under the Kenyan law, the maximum sentence upon conviction in piracy offences is life imprisonment and according to lawyers this sentence is fair. European Union Naval Force - Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR) involved in combating piracy has welcomed the judgment by the Kenyan court. “This first judgement marks an important step in the co-operation between European Union and Kenya in the repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia”, said Major General Buster Howes, Operation Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia. Since 2005, the International Maritime Organisation and the World Food Programme, have expressed concern over the rise in piracy off the Somali coastline. This illegal business has contributed to a sharp increase in shipping costs and insurance premiums and has hampered the delivery of food aid to the vulnerable population of war-torn Somalia.

Curtailing the menace In a bid to curtail the activities of sea pirates in Nigeria’s waterways, the Nigerian Navy has extended its operations beyond the nation’s waterways. In a joint patrol

code-named ‘Operation Prosperity’ with the Republic of Benin, the joint naval operation seek to ensure safety of users of the sea on both sides of the two countries. The enabling law for prosecution of offenders, operators said, is not effective, as the nation’s Criminal Code is inadequate to effect full-blown prosecution of offenders, when caught.

Fishing trawler owners Fishing trawler owners in the country have raised the alarm over the recurring hijack of fishing vessels within Nigerian waters by sea pirates. In most cases, fishing trawlers hijacked from fishermen are used to attack other vessels operating off the coast of other neighbouring West African countries According to John Overo, president, Nigeria Trawler Owners Association, NTOA, the sea pirates have forced fishermen on the Nigerian waterways to scale down their activities. He cited two recent cases of attacks on fishermen off the Nigerian coast on April 19, and August 1. According to him, the sea pirates struck off the Bonny Oil Terminal, assaulting seven vessels and subsequently taking them to an unknown destination. The seized fishing trawlers were later vandalised after removing some of the parts. Overo said the main interests of the sea pirates when they attack fishermen are the electronic gadgets in the fishing trawlers. “After hijacking a fishing trawler, the sea pirates will remove all the electronic gadgets on board, including the SSB Radio, VHF Radio, Radar and Echo Sounder. The pathetic thing is that the sea pirates will, after that, direct us to a section of the sea where they can attack oil tankers and other vessels using our fishing trawlers as platforms,” he said. Reuben Okoro, an importer, told The Nation that the activities of pirates could affect the Nigerian economy negatively if not properly checked. He said that lives and properties are being lost on daily basis, just as businesses are truncated with delayed navigation of vessels as a result of the menace. Other effects of the piracy on the economy could be inflation on imported goods as a result of high insurance premium and freight on Nigeria bound cargoes because of the risk of navigation into Nigeria. According to Okoro, the incidence of sea pirates could negatively affect inflow of foreign direct investment to the country if the

‘The Nigerian Navy must be trained, modernised and properly equipped for physical surveillance and protection of the country’s territorial as well as internal waterways. The fact that the country has a maritime coastline of 440 nautical miles and inland waterways of some 8,575 kilometres illustrates how big the challengee we are facing as a nation’

international community discovers that Nigeria cannot suppress the activities of these pirates.

NIMASA NIMASA is the agency statutorily charged with responsibility to prevent and check robbery and piracy, it has provided the needed platforms for such joint patrol but more still needs to be done as it lacks the necessary equipment.

What NIMASA needs NIMASA needs GSL patrol boats. It is useful for effective patrolling in shallow waters of the estuarine canals and creeks which are predominant in the Niger delta region of the country. The Managing Director of Ocean investment, Mr Deji Aladejobi said the solution lies in the purchase of long range monitoring equipment, training of personnel and adequate kitting of the Nigerian Navy to police the waterways. The latest technology, he said, should be acquired by NIMASA for the Navy to effectively protect and monitor the nation’s territorial waters. “The Nigerian Navy must be trained, modernised and properly equipped for physical surveillance and protection of the country’s territorial as well as internal waterways. The fact that the country has a maritime coastline of 440 nautical miles and inland waterways of some 8,575 kilometres illustrates how big the challengee we are facing as a nation. “Securing our territorial waters begin with having adequate supply of professionals both as merchant seamen and, of course, in the naval command. As in all aspects of our economic life, local content, in terms of home grown competence and training in maritime affairs, is essential,” he added. He lamented: “Since Nigeria produces almost nothing in terms of security hardware or software. There remains the need for the government to purchase these things abroad. Therefore, we must train our security operatives to acquire the technical and managerial competence in adequate maritime security. He said that the rate at which the country produce professionals in the industry is below the minimum requirements.

Recommendation Stakeholders recommended that there must be a dedicated force from NIMASA to patrol the waters all year round. So that at least, when a pirate or a robber is about to strike, he knows he too is vulnerable. At least, there should be the fear of either being caught or being frustrated. . Up till 2004, there were over 200 fishing vessels operating in the country. Right now, they are less than 120. During this period, over 30 fishing companies involved in deep sea fishing, but now, there are less than 10. So, there is need for adequate protection of the waters.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

PERSONAL FINANCE

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Investor’s Worth

A physician as an investor

LOROGUN Sonny Kuku’s credentials as a physician are quite intimidating but so also is his passion for enterprise development and investment. In both his primary calling and his hubby-investment, he holds many unequalled firsts and for many decades, he has been the quintessential example of the symbiotic healing between medicine and financial security. The first African Master of the American College of Physicians, the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the University of Lagos and the Ambassador of Goodwill Award of the City of Freetown and the first and only physician to list the shares of a hospital. A long-standing trustee and distinguished fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, president and trustee of the West African College of Physicians, chairman, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Dr. Kuku has been the joint medical director and chairman at Ekocorp Plc, the owners of Eko Hospital, which he co-founded in 1978. In fact, the “K” in the “Eko” represents his surname under the arrangements whereby the name of the hospital was derived from the first letter of the surnames of the three trailblasing partners. A fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Dr. Kuku had variously chaired the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities, Committee of Chairmen of Federal Tertiary

Hospitals and King’s College Old Boys Association. But while he remains a reference of excellence in medical practice, Dr. Kuku has always been an avid entrepreneur and investor. In 1984, he led the transformation of the Eko Hospital into a distinct corporate entity with the incorporation of Ekocorp. A decade later, Ekocorp made history as the first medical company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Ekocorp today ranks as the second most capitalised company in the 10-member healthcare sector at NSE with a current market value of about N2.52 billion. Kuku also have a long-standing interest in the financial services sector. He had served on the board of the then Midas Merchant Bank and currently chairs the board of Midas Stockbrokers Limited. With his growing profile as an investment-savvy physician, Dr. Kuku was appointed to the board of Ecobank Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian subsidiary of the pan-African bank-holding companyEcobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), in 2004. He currently chairs the multinational 14-member board of Ecobank Nigeria. Beside his major equity stake in Ekocorp, another public proof of Dr. Kuku’s investment prowess is his shareholding in Ecobank Nigeria. He holds the second largest equity stake among the directors with his shareholdings more than 167 per cent above the entire direct

End-of-Year Special

Calculating return on investment (ROI)

turn on investment to aid in his personal evaluation or in understanding reports by investment professionals. The primary motivation of investment is return. Investment planning, strategy and tactics must therefore keep the primary objective in focus. In investment administration and management, measurement of return on investment is the only way of evaluating the performance of the investment vis-à-vis other comparable investments and alternatives. Return on investment represents the amount of monies realised from an investment, expressed in monetary •Sonny Kuku value or percentage value, at a given period. ROI is the reand indirect shareholdings of ward for the assumption of other directors, excluding the risks since there is no risk-free director with the largest return in the real term. Every shareholding. It is noteworthy investment, including soverthat Nigerian citizens and eign instruments and bestgroups only hold 15 per cent rated companies, involves an equity stake in Ecobank Nigeria element of risks, no matter the while ETI owns 85 per cent. degree of certainty of return. Ecobank Nigeria is currently In portfolio management, valued at about N24 billion. it is important to determine With the exchange of Ecobank the ROI for every stock or inNigeria’s minority shareholdstrument and thereafter the ers’ equities for shares of ETI, overall ROI for the portfolio. Dr. Kuku will now hold equiThis enables the investment ties in a multinational bankmanager to decide the holding company. growth-drivers for the period Dr. Kuku, no doubt, has demand possibly review its inonstrated that healthy body and vestment strategy. soul need not only medical preFor fixed-income securities scriptions but also the assurance like bonds, treasury bills, of financial security that comes fixed deposits and others, the with building nest eggs that ROI is simply measured by stream in incomes irrespective the coupon or interest rate, of physical presence or absence. usually expressed in percentThis physician has surely hearkage term. To get the monened to the allegorical “Physietary value (Naira value) of cian! Heal thyself”. the ROI, divide the gross sum of investment by 100 and thereafter multiply the answer with the interest or coupon rate. For example, suppose you invest N2 million in market index. Leveraged or government bond with a couThe most important type of inverse ETF seeks to achieve pon rate of 19 per cent per anexchange-trade products, ETF num, your ROI at the yearmay be attractive as invest- a daily return that is a multi- end will be N380, 000. ple or an inverse multiple of ment because of its low cost, For equity investment, rethe daily return of a securitax efficiency, and stock-like ties index. An important char- turn on investment comes in features. By owning an ETF, acteristic of this type of ETF mainly in two ways, cash inthe holder get the diversifi- is that it seeks to achieve its come and capital gain (loss). cation of an index fund as The other form of return is well as the ability to sell short, stated objectives on a daily scrip or bonus shares. The buy on margin and purchase basis, and its performance cash income refers to the gross as little as one share. Mean- over longer periods of time value of dividend declared by can differ significantly from while, ETF does not sell indi- the multiple or inverse mul- the company while capital vidual shares directly to in- tiple of the index performance gain (loss) is the difference bevestors as only authorised over those longer periods of tween the purchase price per dealers and investors are alshare and the current market lowed to buy the usually time. Active-ETF derives its value per share. name from its management large blocks of shares known Bonus shares result from strategy which entails dayas “creation units”. by-day active trading and distribution of retained earnThere are many types of publication of portfolio hold- ings in the reserves of the ETF. Index-based ETF, like ings on a daily basis. company to shareholders, index fund, tracks specified usually on the basis of the nominal value of the company and proportional to each shareholder’s holding. ROI for investment in quoted equities thus comprises of the totality of all these, expressed in monetary or percentage term. tor reserves the right to ask Is it a stable growing fund or Suppose you purchased question and seek clarifica- a fluctuating fund? This will 100,000 ordinary shares of a tion before making any com- also enable the investor to company at N20 per share mitment. measure the volatility of the with a transaction cost of 4.0 One of the red points to fund. Highly volatile funds per cent at the beginning of watch out for is the cost out- usually come with higher the period, your total cost of lay of the fund. Professional risks and may turn into traps investment will be N2 milfund manager charges fees to in a declining market. lion + N80, 000 = N2.08 milmanage the mutual fund. An It is also important to con- lion. If the company declared investor needs to consider the sider how the mutual fund fits a dividend of 70 kobo per extent of professional fee as into the general portfolio share, your gross dividend or well as other expenses in re- structure of the investor in cash income will be N70, 000. lation to returns. terms of diversification, Where the market value of Also, investors need to con- sectoral allocation, and cash the company has risen to N30 sider the age and size of the flow among others. by the year end, your capital fund to be able to make reaInvestors also need to con- gain is the difference between sonable comparison with sider the fund manager’s in- the opening and closing other similar funds as well as vestment strategy and risks price, which is N10, multiply general market performance. therein in line with their own by the number of shares, The age and size of the fund investment horizons and risk 100,000, totaling N1 million. will paint a vivid picture of appetites. The total ROI in this example its performance track record. in monetary term is therefore S the year rounds off, investors and investment managers are expected to initiate processes to evaluate their portfolio performance in 2011. While the benchmark index at the stock market indicates the possibility of a double-digit negative average return for equities generally, each portfolio is expected to take its unique hue due to the investor’s or investment manager’s assets composition, weights and management strategy. Evaluation is one of the most important elements in any preoccupation. Whether in administration and management planning or physical construction planning, evaluation plays critical roles as the determining factor and gauge for the measurement of the extent of correlation between the objectives and the end results. When it is usually the last element on the planning process, evaluation serves as the initial element or trigger for the next planning and most importantly leads to corrective measures that better guide the planner closer to the realisation of his objectives. While fund managers and other professionals usually prepare investment evaluation report, either as a statutory requirement or for self evaluation, several individual investors lack the basic of understanding of return measurement. It’s important for any goal-minded investor to understand basic elements and calculation of re-

Ask a Broker

What is Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)?

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week listed its first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), a goldbased ETF known as NewGold. NewGold originated from ABSA Capital and was already listed on the JSE Stock Exchange of South Africa. With the cross-border listing in Nigeria, a new investment window is opened to investors. However, investors need to understand the basic elements of the new instrument. ETF is a security that tracks the performance of a specified security or other assets including stocks, basket of assets, indices, commodity prices, foreign currency rates, and derivatives

among others. ETF is distinguished by some defining factors including fixed capital or where the company has variable capital, then the amount of the paid up share capital of the company shall at all times be equal to the net asset value of the company and its shares shall have no par value. An ETF combines the valuation feature of a mutual fund or unit investment trust, which can be bought or sold at the end of each trading day for its net asset value, with the tradability feature of a closedend fund, which trades throughout the trading day at prices that may be more or less than its net asset value.

Ways and Means

What to consider before buying mutual funds

HERE are some 26 mutual funds quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). Most mutual funds on the NSE have showed more resilience and largely resisted the sluggish market situation at the stock market but returns on many pools of investments also fell below average market benchmark. A mutual fund is a type of collective investment scheme that pools funds from many investors and invests such pool in previously agreed investments. Each investor thus becomes a co-owner, otherwise known as unit holder, of the fund. Mutual fund usually has a professional fund

manager that oversees the value creation functions of the fund and a trustee that ensures that the underlining agreements setting up the mutual fund are adhered to. Other professional parties include the registrar that keeps custody of the register of members of the funds. While the nature of a mutual fund may create defining peculiarities that set it apart from other funds, there are general factors that could serve as guides to investors in deciding on a mutual fund. As part of disclosure requirements, mutual funds are required to explicitly state most of these considerations but in the absence of any, an inves-

N1.07 million. To further test the return rate of the investment, deduct the exit transaction cost from the ROI to get a net return. Given existing 10 per cent withholding tax on dividend in the Nigerian market, one may further undress the ROI by deducting withholding tax or use the net dividend income rather than gross dividend income in the calculation of ROI. The above example illustrates measurement of ROI in monetary term. To express this in percentage term, simply get the percentage equivalent of the ROI in the total cost of investment. For the above example, this is express as follows: N1.07/N2.08 * 100 = 51.44. Thus the ROI is 51.44 per cent. The percentage return on investment can also be calculated by determining the dividend yield and capital appreciation rate, and then add the two together. Dividend yield means the percentage of dividend per share to the purchased price per share. Dividend yield for the above example is express as follows: 70 kobo/N20 * 100 = 3.5 per cent. Percentage capital gain is the percentage change between the purchased price and the closing price, which for our example is express as follows: N30 - N20 = N10/20 * 100 = 50 per cent. The addition of dividend yield and percentage capital appreciation gives the percentage ROI. Thus, the percentage ROI in this example is 53.5 per cent, which tallies with the monetary value calculation if the cost of investment is discountenanced. For stock with bonus shares, the total volume is taking to be the initial volume and the bonus shares as the bonus share is reflected in the share price of the company. In calculating a comprehensive ROI, any return accruing on the dividend income from a particular investment, should be added to the ROI for that particular stock. For instance, interest earned on a deposited dividend income or capital gains or/and dividend from reinvestment of dividend income. To get a fuller picture of ROI, otherwise called real ROI, adjustment should be made for the inflation by subtracting the inflation rate from the ROI. Thus with an inflation rate of 14 per cent, the ROI in the above example comes down to 39.5 per cent, without adjustments for taxes and charges. Another way of making better meaning of the ROI is by comparing average ROI on a class of instruments, like shares, with average ROI on another class of instruments, say bonds or deposits. Comparison can also be between ROIs of similar instruments, such as ROIs of two cement companies; between different sub-sectors of the economy, like petroleum-marketing and building materials; between the portfolio or stock ROI and the overall market benchmark index, like the All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); stock-to-stock comparison. Access Bank vs FCMB; individual portfolio and mutual fund; and between self-managed portfolio and portfolio under investment manager.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

MONEY LINK

ATM fraud drops as CBN floats e-fraud forum

HE introduction of chip and Personal Identification Number (PIN) payment cards has led to 90 per cent drop in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card fraud, the Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Tunde Lemo has said. The Deputy Governor who spoke at the sideline at a seminar organised by the Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH) in Lagos, explained that the apex bank and other relevant institutions have been able to reduce card frauds drastically. He said: “The ATM Fraud Prevention Group convened earlier this year, was successfully able to drive down ATM fraud incidences by 90 per cent. It also enabled by the introduction of the more secure chip & PIN cards versus the magstripe cards that were formerly used in the industry. The success of this group demonstrates practically what can be achieved as an industry when we work together to address issues, for the good of the system and the public at large.” Lemo also disclosed that to consolidate on this, the apex bank, recently set up an industry wide Nigeria E-Fraud Forum (NEFF), which will serve as an official body to represent the industry on fraud related issues, while enabling a forum for payment stakeholders to collaboratively share data on fraud attempts and proactively tackle these issues, with the objective of minimising fraud attempts and limiting losses.” This initiative he said was part of measures taken to ensure successful implementation of the cashless Nigeria policy, which will commence with a pilot scheme in Lagos on January first. He said while the introduction of the chip and PIN cards, and setting up of the NEFF were aimed at addressing concerns about security of electronic payment transactions, the apex bank is also working to address

By Collins Nweze

the challenge posed by infrastructure needed to drive electronic payment. He said the CBN has “progressed in forging effective partnership with telecommunication companies with the cooperation of the NCC while ensuring that structural impediments such as un-interoperability of payments networks of stakeholders are removed.” In order to encourage Nigerians to use electronic payment channels in-

ploy multiple layers of security that work together to help manage fraud ranging from anti-counterfeit features, network-based fraud detection, to data security standards. Besides, while payments fraud remains at historic lows, the country must stay vigilant to protect cardholder data from misuse. To do that, regulators must protect each link within the system and work with others to maintain and enhance trust in electronic payment as the most secure way to pay and be paid.

stead of cash to pay for goods and services, the CBN introduced limits for free cash transactions across the counter in banks, and imposed charges for cash transactions above the limit. Though the policy is to commence June next year, a pilot scheme that would cover Lagos state is scheduled to commence next month. The CeBIH seminar was designed to evaluate level of preparedness for the commencement of the pilot scheme in Lagos. Also, some service providers em-

Access exempts 30 customers from bank charges

HE management of Access Bank Plc have exempted set of 30 customers of the bank from all manner of bank charges at the grand finale of the bank’s ‘Customer Engagement Campaign’ promo held in Lagos. At the end of the event, 15 corporate organisations as well as 15 individual account holders were awarded lifelong certificates, which showed that they would henceforth be free from the various charges associated with banking transactions. The winning customers will no

Emeka Kingsley, Duruaku Chizoba, Ekugo John Okezie and Oliver Okafor Odo. On the other hand, Excelsiors Productions Company Limited, Omowumi Global Company, Family Ministries International, XTISAN Integrated Services Limited, O. Moses Global Enterprises Limited, were also part of the 15 corporate organisations that benefited from the exemption. Onyeigwe added: “We are exempting these companies and individuals because they responded to

longer pay such charges such as cost on turnover (COT), cheque book charges, visa charges among others. The Team Leader, Product Management, Access Bank, Mr. Uche Onyeigwe, explained that the beneficiary customers are those who had complied with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Customer Account Update policy. According to him, the promo was the bank’s way of rewarding loyalty and keeping straight records with the bank. Among the 15 individual customers were Kazeem Ijiola, Mba

NTERPRISE Bank Limited (EBL) has presented its numerous cus tomers across the country with a suite of consumer banking products to make their lives easy. The suite, which the bank tagged ‘financing the future,’ includes personal loan, salary advance (SALAD), auto loan and jumbo consumer finance scheme (Enterprise Asset Acquisition scheme). These products have been structured to enable the customers realise their dreams of acquiring essential household items, vehicles and landed prop-

opportunity to access up to 50 per cent of his or her salary before pay day. The bank’s jumbo consumer loan scheme is an asset acquisition facility that enables salary earners the opportunity to purchase household and luxury items and pay over a maximum period of between six to 18 months. Items under this easy scheme include refrigerators, freezers, TVs, LCDs, LEDs, washing machines, laptops, air conditioners, mobile phones, Black Berry phones, IPADs, Galaxy Tabs, generators among others.

erty without stress. According to a statement from the bank, the personal loan enables customers to access loan facilities as individuals or groups for a maximum period of 12 months and 36 months, respectively, for the purchase or fulfilment of personal needs and obligations. The personal loan is targeted at salary earners in public and private sectors, financial institutions, multinational and paramilitary organisations. The salary advance (SALAD), on the other hand, gives the customer a rare

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

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

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 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 23-12-11 SYMBOL STERLNBANK LIVESTOCK UBA JAPALOIL NB CONOIL REDSTAREX CONTINSURE IKEJAHOTEL NPFMCRFBK

O/PRICE 1.00 0.60 2.60 0.80 105.00 30.06 2.15 0.91 1.88 0.98

C/PRICE 1.05 0.63 2.73 0.84 110.10 31.50 2.25 0.71 0.95 1.96

CHANGE 0.05 0.03 0.13 0.04 5.10 1.44 0.10 0.04 0.02 0.95

LOSER AS AT 23-12-11 SYMBOL FIDSON TOTAL SKYEBANK VITAFOAM CUTIX BTBRISCOE AGLEVENT CUSTODYINS JBERGER FIRSTBANK

O/PRICE 0.80 198.00 4.27 5.14 1.71 1.35 1.38 2.18 32.96 9.38

C/PRICE 0.76 188,10 4.06 4.89 1.63 1.29 1.32 2.09 31.60 9.00

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

In the bouquet also is the auto loan scheme, which allows salary earners and business owners the opportunity to acquire automobile financing with a maximum repayment period of 36 months. The statement further stated that the products under the schemes are obtainable from first line brand names with which the bank enjoys partnership arrangements. Each of these products in the consumer suite requires that beneficiaries open accounts with the bank.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

CBN’s call for account holders to update their data, in order to forestall inability to reach customers. The essence of the information is to enable us serve you better.” He explained that the beneficiary customer will over time, save huge sums that would enable them grow their businesses or channel the resources to other uses that would add value to their lives. He also encouraged the customers to increase their business volumes with the bank as a means of appreciating and improving on the already existing good relationship between the parties.

Enterprise Bank launches new products

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

Lemo explained that it has assisted in the building of secured technology that makes it difficult for fraudsters to hack into customers’ data especially with migration to EMV which is a more secured platform needed to prevent frauds. EMV stands for Europay; MasterCard and VISA, and is a global standard for inter-operation of integrated circuit cards or chip cards which can be used on point of sale (POS) terminals and ATMs, for authenticating credit and debit card

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

8.75%

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% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.04 9.90 0.21 0.25 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.09 1.36 0.38

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

BPE’s can of worms •The executive should continue the matter from where the Senate stopped AST week, the Senate adopted the 45 recommendations of the ad hoc body it established to investigate the activities of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) from 1999 till date. Three former directors-general of the BPE, that is, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Julius Bala and Irene Chigbue were recommended for reprimand by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) for sundry misdemeanours. The trio were found guilty of seeking approval directly from the President instead of the NCP as stipulated in the Privatisation Act. The senators didn’t say how, given that all of them have since left public service. In the case of Bala, the Upper House specifically directed that the anti-graft agencies investigate him for giving approval to Folio Communications Limited

‘The ball is now in the court of the executive branch. Had the entire process not gone awry, the option of letting things be would probably be plausible. In the current circumstances however, such a step would be setting a dangerous precedent by way of endorsing wilful violations of procedures and non-adherence to agreements. It would also amount to an open licence for criminal behaviour in public office’

for the illegal sale of the assets of Daily Times of Nigeria Limited (DTN). Incumbent D-G, Bolanle Onagoruwa, came under the severest hammer for “gross incompetence” and “illegal and fraudulent sale of the five percent Federal Government residual shares in the Eleme Petrochemical Company”. The senators asked the Federal Government to relieve her of the job. Expectedly, the Senate affirmed the cancellation of the sale of Daily Times of Nigeria, based on the three court judgments which had earlier stripped the company of its claims to ownership. It also reversed the sale of several other companies earlier privatised by the BPE, chief of which include Volkswagen of Nigeria (VON), Delta Steel Company and Jos Steel rolling Mills. It referred some specific cases to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigations, among which is the alleged embezzlement of E70 million by former functionaries of African Petroleum Plc and economic crimes said to have been perpetrated at VON. Most curiously, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had earlier been fingered for meddling in the privatisation process got a clean bill of health from the Upper House. His deputy, whose office is also central to the privatisation exercise did not even get a mention. As it is, the Senate may have done the best it could do. However, we do not con-

sider the job as nearly half done, given the mess it uncovered. Its recommendations, although weighty, are clearly advisory as they neither have the force of law nor what could pass – in the strict sense – as proper indictment. We perfectly understand, just as the Senate didn’t pretend, that it was taking on the job of the antigraft body or even the courts of law when it set out to investigate the entire privatisation process. We care to remind, in spite of these that it is entirely within the purview of its oversight functions that such investigative lights are brought to bear on public entities. The Senate has therefore done what it is expected to do. The ball is now in the court of the executive branch. Had the entire process not gone awry, the option of letting things be would probably be plausible. In the current circumstances however, such a step would be setting a dangerous precedent by way of endorsing wilful violations of procedures and non-adherence to agreements. It would also amount to an open licence for criminal behaviour in public office. The point is that Nigerians did not bargain for a situation in which those assets would be sold only for their owners to resort to stripping them – in clear contravention of the sale agreements. As for alleged criminal breaches of trust and other economic crimes, the findings of the Senate ad hoc committee are more than a working document for the anti-graft body. We would be surprised to hear EFCC suggest that it needs further prodding to act

Exit America •Finally, the United States leaves Iraq. But any lessons? IGHT years after the United States stormed into Bagdad in a spectacular show of high-tech firepower, ousting the regime of Saddam Hussein and declaring its intention to turn Iraq into a model of democracy in the crisistorn Middle East, its last troops have left the country. As is usual in these cases, there are different opinions on what the lasting effects of the American adventure are. Those opposed to the motives that underpinned the war as well as the actual military campaign and subsequent occupation claim that it achieved little that was positive. The American government for its part states that it achieved its overall aims of effecting regime-change and laying the foundations for a more just society. There is, in fact, ample evidence to justify both opinions. It is now clear that Iraq was invaded on the basis of inadequate intelligence and bad faith; the ensuing campaign led to the untimely deaths of thousands of Iraqis and Americans, and provided terrorist groups with a veritable recruiting tool. However, the Iraq war also helped to focus attention on ways of making the Middle East less authoritarian and more democratic, and contributed to the shifts in attitude that culminated in the momentous events of the Arab Spring. On balance, however, there is little doubt that America left Iraq much worse than it entered it. The artificial stability imposed on the country by Saddam’s dictatorship has been replaced by virtual

chaos, with the country torn between powerful Shi’ite and Sunni factions struggling for power. The much-hopedfor democratic awakening has failed to materialise: Iraqis have duly voted for the parties of their choice, but their notoriously quarrelsome politicians seem unable to make the sacrifices that are vital to political progress in a multi-sectarian nation. To make matters worse, extensive violence has become a way of life in Iraq. Different political groups and factions are using the deadly strategies first developed in opposing the American forces to further partisan aims. Well-planned bombings and assassinations have become the main tool of political discourse and have helped to make it even more difficult for the country’s politicians to build consensus. Iraq’s profound lack of stability has increased the tendency of neighbouring countries to meddle in its affairs. Already, there are widespread fears that it could fall into the sphere of influence of Iran, the regional power. Such fears may lead to increased involvement by countries like Saudi Arabia. The main task Iraq now has is that of restoring the stability it needs if it is to use its enormous oil wealth to establish the services and infrastructure that its people so badly need. The American withdrawal has thrust security responsibilities on the Iraqis, but they do not seem to be quite ready for it. The increase in sectarian violence, such as the bombings across the country on December 22 are an indication that those who are opposed

to a peaceful Iraq are determined to turn the situation to their advantage. Iraq’s continuing fragility makes it incumbent upon the U.S. and the international community to stay engaged with the country. It would be a mistake to think that Iraq’s troubles are solely its own: Somalia and Afghanistan are tragic reminders of what happens when weak states are left to their own devices. Iraq must be encouraged to seek a broad political compromise which can satisfy the legitimate demands of its various groups. Security assistance must be provided so that its government is not overwhelmed by extremist groups. Sustained international effort will also be needed to ensure that good governance and the restoration of a once-admired infrastructure can proceed. America may have won its Iraq war, but it is time for the world to help Iraq win the peace.

‘Iraq’s continuing fragility makes it incumbent upon the U.S. and the international community to stay engaged with the country. It would be a mistake to think that Iraq’s troubles are solely its own: Somalia and Afghanistan are tragic reminders of what happens when weak states are left to their own devices. Iraq must be encouraged to seek a broad political compromise which can satisfy the legitimate demands of its various groups’

Vaclav Havel, living in truth

ACLAV HAVEL was, in some respects, an unlikely revolutionary. He wasn’t much of an orator or particularly charismatic: He was shy, sometimes diffident, prone to speaking in philosophical abstractions or with an air of irony natural to a Central European intellectual. He was drawn to absurdist artists like Frank Zappa, and his own plays could be hard to follow. When he was not in prison, he lived in a huge apartment block with the name Havel chiseled over the entrance — the legacy of his bourgeois family. Yet perhaps precisely because he was neither a rabble-rouser nor an ideologue burning with anger, Mr. Havel pioneered an entirely new form of political revolution — one that is as relevant in the tumultuous year of 2011 as it was when he first spelled it out in the mid1970s. His simple but extraordinary idea was that the most effective way to defeat a totalitarian regime was for citizens to reject its lies and “live in truth.” That meant, first of all, telling the truth in answer to official propaganda, but also behaving as if fundamental human rights — which most dictatorships claim to respect — could be taken for granted. This was a peaceful strategy but also one that required enormous courage. After writing his seminal essay “Power of the Powerless” in 1978, Mr. Havel spent nearly five years in prison, where his health was badly damaged. For 16 years afterward he suffered incessant monitoring and harassment from the secret police of Czechoslovakia, the most coldly repressive regime of the Soviet Bloc. He and the small band of dissidents who made up the Charter 77 movement were dismissed by most of their countrymen, and most of the outside world, as engaging but irrelevant dreamers. The stunning success of the 1989 Czechoslovak “Velvet Revolution,” when the sight of massive crowds gathered in Prague’s Wenceslas Square prompted a rotting Communist bureaucracy to collapse, proved that Mr. Havel’s strategy could work. It also helped to establish a model that has spread around the world — to Serbia and Ukraine, Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan, and now — in another landmark year of revolution — Tunisia and Egypt. Such peaceful assertion of human rights doesn’t always succeed. Some rulers, such as Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, still respond with mass murder. In China, a movement modeled after Charter 77 and called Charter ’08 has been ruthlessly suppressed — for now — though its prime author, Liu Xiaobo, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Havel never received that award, but he didn’t seem to mind much. After his own nation’s fight for freedom was won, he reveled in fighting for others — including Mr. Liu, Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Not all of his causes enamored him to Western liberals: He also worked assiduously for the opposition movement in Cuba, and he supported war in Iraq as “an act helping people against a criminal regime.” In his last days he tried to inspire the Russian opposition to Vladi-mir Putin — which, following his example, was peacefully insisting on its right to tell the truth to a government built on lies. He will be greatly missed — but the moral revolutions he conceived will go on. – Washington Post

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

IR: Recently, in the upsurge of reactions to the proposed fuel subsidy removal, President Goodluck Jonathan was quoted as saying “I am ready to face the people’s revolution over the removal of oil subsidy”. Recent world events should have taught us timeless truths about revolutions. After a careful look at the Arab Spring and Maghreb uprising with their attendant spate of heavy casualties and economic devastation, I concluded that Nigerians don’t deserve to go through such horrors. Over 50,000 perished in Libya to topple a single man. Media reported over 35,000 dead in the Egyptian revolt, Tahrir Square is still boiling with violence and bloodbath. Bashar al-Assad’s heavy crackdown on protesters in Syria has not abated. Heads are still roll-

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The revolution we need

ing and mortuaries are overflowing with corpses. Do we see justification for a revolution in our milieu from this carnage or the need for a reflection on the fatal cost of it? Supposing these have no relevance to us, have we quickly forgotten that Nigeria lost over two million of its able body youths, adults, women and children in the 1967 Civil War? Forty-four years after, the devastated areas still echo

the agony of war. And who were the victims: commoners! Even the many military coups that were couched in adorable intentions and that made some gullible Nigerians look on the military interventionists as messiahs have rather festered our predicaments. Those calling for a revolution in Nigeria do not understand the import of William Sherman’s thoughtful statement. The veteran of the American Civil War of 1861 had

said “It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation” While it will not be wise to play the ostrich by ignoring the indices many revolution proponents have cited that portend an oncoming cataclysm, I strongly believe Nigeria needs a different kind of revolution. We need revolution in leadership as indeed all sectors of our na-

PDP, don’t drag Benin monarch into Edo politics

IR: Our attention has been drawn to the highly provocative article by the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and signed by its factional Publicity Secretary, Matthew Urhoghide seeking to drag the name of our revered royal father, the Oba of Benin, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akplokpolo, Oba Erediauwa into the politics of the state. In the said article, he claimed that there is a “practice of the members of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Edo State of bringing internal party squabbles to the Benin Monarch for arbitration.” We do not know where he got the information of crisis in our party from. There is no crisis in any arm of the ACN in Edo State. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Edo State nor any of the wards, Local Governments and senatorial districts has any case pending before the palace of the Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa. Rather, it is the PDP in Edo State that has been bothering our revered monarch with their internal party squabbles. When former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu and Chief Tony Anenih were at each other’s throat, it is on record that the Oba of Benin resolved their

squabble in his palace, a case which was widely publicized as a peace move brokered by Chief Lucky Igbinedion who was then the Edo State Governor. So, if the PDP has benefited from the crisis resolution mechanism of our royal father in the recent past, why is the same PDP shouting hoax about the palace having to resolve any quarrel in ACN (which of course is untrue), more so when he pointedly stated in the advertorial that “the Oba of Benin is a royal father to all irrespective of party, religious and social status”? Does the PDP want to now limit the powers of the Oba just because it is desperate to for recognition in the governorship election? If the PDP wants to accuse the monarch of partisanship, it should come out clear on that. The PDP and Mathew Urhoghide must not hide under their desperation for governorship or any other guise for that matter to accuse our Oba of partisanship as the innuendos of the advertorial suggests. Otherwise, why did he foolishly state in the advertorial that “the Binis also abhor the suggestion making rounds that the Oba of Benin is sympathetic to the Action Congress of Nigeria and has officially endorsed Governor Adams Oshiomhole for a second

term?” Urhoghide, as the Publicity Secretary of a faction of the PDP in Edo State has no right whatsoever to speak on behalf of the Benins. If anyone needs to be told to leave the palace alone, it is Urhoghide and his faction of PDP led by Dan Orbih and certainly not the peaceful, law abiding Action Congress of Nigeria. The PDP should look for a way of convincing the good people of Edo State that it has something to offer after wasting resources of the

state for 10 solid years. Insulting Oshiomhole every day as a campaign strategy would only destroy the PDP the more. The number of lies PDP publishes against the ACN will not make the electorate change their preference for the Action Congress of Nigeria, a party that salvaged them from the wickedness of the PDP and has provided them with clear alternatives. • Dan Owegie Benin City.

tional life. The educational sector for instance has been in a mess as mediocrity and academic poverty now holds sway in our ivory tower. Certificates are bought with “backwork”, no longer hard-work. Academics strike at will because government failed to comply with some clumsy arrangements. The agricultural sector is unexplored because of crude oil. China, US and Japan are countries that are major players in world economy today and agriculture is at the core of their operations. Prior to the 1950s, before the curse of crude oil came, agriculture was the mainstay of our economy. Oil came and instead of boosting our economy, it plunged us into untold misery. We earned the ignoble paradox of ‘rich but poor’. Health, banking, transportation, among others are all in shambles. President Jonathan should know Nigerians cannot bear the unjustifiable removal of fuel subsidy. We are the sixth largest producer of oil in the world for goodness sake. The year 2012 is now in view. And although we are waiting for the usual prophetic utterances of our prophets and soothsayers, some people have already foreseen an apocalypse by 2012. But I do hope our President’s proposed new-year gift of removal of fuel subsidy does not make the prediction come true. • Folarin Samson NYSC , Ebonyi State childofdkingdom@gmail.com

Bola Ige lives on

IR: It is now 10 years since Chief Bola Ige was murdered in Ibadan and for 10 years we have been playing the ostrich. You may not believe it but the world knows that the preparation for the elimination of Chief Bola Ige started at the Ooni of Ife ’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State when he was attacked by hoodlums and his cap removed in the full glare of the public and those who were present saw it all. No arrest was made. On December 23 2001 Chief Bola Ige was shot dead in Ibadan. Arrests were made, confessional statements were made and the perpetrators known. But under our own very eyes the criminals were set free. The criminals who made open confession that they killed

him were later to deny ever making the confessions in an open court. When Chief Bola Ige’s wife, Justice Atunike Ige heard this, her heart broke. She screamed: is this how my Bola will be treated? The pains were just too much for her to bear. She died of heartbreak. Under our own very eyes again, the Inspector General of Police then in collaboration with Oyo State Judiciary under PDP government destroyed the case and declared the matter closed. But will that be the end of the matter? Will our own Bola Ige, the Cicero of Esa Oke just go like that? Is it possible in the 21st century that Nigeria will sweep the murder of its Attorney General under the carpet? Some people are not

thinking. Now, we must know this: the murders of our beloved Ige have no place to hide in the 21st century. They can go to the remotest part of the world to hide but please tell them that the jury is coming. Please tell them that they will be smoked out in the fullness of time. In death Chief Bola Ige’s towering image has continued to loom larger while his murderers are sinking miserably. Students of Chief Bola will continue to keep the light he gave us on. We will continue to fight, push and push until we get justice and no power in the tongue of any man that will stop us. •Joe Igbokwe Lagos

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Slave trade is still on

UST like it happened over two decades ago when the then Federal Military Government was bent on imposing on the nation the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) “as the only way out”, the dispute over Federal Government’s proposed removal of fuel subsidy is now dominating the nation’s space. I wrote a piece in the defunct ThisWeek that is in my recently released compilation, This Country, Our Nation. Going through it pinched me again to the agony of a nation not learning from her erroneous past. As the selfish motivation of the global monetary organizations was at the centre of the debate then, so it is again now. The stance of the nation’s civilian President today is just in tone with that of the then military President. Backers of government standpoint now are arguing the same way as they did then. Likewise, opposition’s threatening rejection also remains unchanged. Simply put, Nigeria again is treading an old path of failure. Yes, government might manipulate its way through to gratify IMF and World Bank dictates; opposition might rise, parade the streets and shout for a while before being quenched; but the burden will remain on the down-trodden masses and the nation will keep sinking in penury. To say it as it is, Nigeria might again be on the verge of being recolonized. With all the resources we have, our leaders still are being brow-beaten by neo-colonialist groups like the IMF and World Bank. When the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde visited the country recently, President Goodluck Jonathan confessed that Nigerians are skeptical of the IMF in the aftermath of the SAP introduced by the military government in the 1980s. Senate President David Mark also lamented the organisation’s Africa-unfriendly policies not geared towards the benefit of Africa’s poor. Even Lagarde accepted that the body made mistakes in the past by designing conditionalities for countries receiving loans. But since she came here to do her job, she now sees IMF differently. “It is a different institution because it was known for lending money and designing conditionality ... and imposing programmes. In doing so in the past, it made mistakes.” What is clear is that it is the IMF/World-Bank script that President Jonathan has been toeing on the issue of fuel subsidy removal. He is being pushed by the local World-Bank and IMF proxies for the advantage of the West. The truth about the western world is that it is exploiting the poor countries to develop their nations. They would not contribute much to any country without achieving greater gains. It was no surprise that the United States’ ambassador to Nigeria has also expressed his country’s support for the fuel subsidy removal simply because it will favour his people to the disadvantage of Nigerians. If there is sincerity, it would have been preferred to hear the US Government ready to directly lend its support by investing in refineries in the country as a way of easing the pressure on government in bringing succour to the

ITH his pro-poor bent which has resulted in the introduction of various unique policies directed at alleviating poverty among the generality of talakawas since he became the Jigawa State chief executive, Governor Sule Lamido ordinarily should not be one those championing the call for an end to fuel subsidy. Well, that is he was supposed to be part of the ‘populist’, even if mischievous, bandwagon stridently opposed to any talk of removal of subsidy. But Lamido recently told journalists at Dutse that he is not only in support of an end to the subsidy regime, he also urged also those who have opposed the policy to reconsider their stand. Not one given to playing to the gallery on sensitive national issues, he justified his support for the policy, saying not less than N50 billion is deducted annually from federal allocations due to Jigawa State for fuel subsidy. “I support deregulation because I will be able to save N50 billion annually. If I have that, I would be able to transform Jigawa and its entire citizenry into a first class state”, Lamido said. He told the newsmen that all the 36 State governors are in support of an end to subsidy. It is noteworthy that none of the 36 State governors, including those who were elected on the platforms of parties opposing the planned removal of petroleum subsidy have so far contradicted his claim. Indeed, state chief executives had at the end of the meeting of the National Economic Council earlier in the month supported the policy of deregulation. “We have all taken a collective decision to support the proposed removal of subsidy on the downstream sector by Mr. President next year”, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State told journalists in Abuja. But for me as a public analyst, there is no better indication that the governors are fed up with the whole subsidy issue than the drama that has played out at the monthly meeting of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC in the past three months. I have read newspaper accounts of states’ Accountant Generals and Commissioners of Finance refusing to take their portions of the federal allocations in protest of the amount deducted as subsidy for the past three months. And the contention is not just about the deductions being made by the NNPC and the PPPRA. Some states have also been complaining that the process of determining how much to deduct from their individual allocations as contribution to the fuel subsidy pool has not been fair. Governor Lamido for instance noted that with the total number of vehicles in Jigawa State not up to 50,000, his people are being made to subsidise the fuel that is being consumed in other parts of the country with the over N50

common man. If not that Nigeria is seen as a country that never learn from its past and must be exploited, building new refineries ought to receive the support of genuine American and other western investors. We are yet to see the nations the IMF and World Bank truly helped to move forward. Babangida got the warning in 1985 but still went ahead with his SAP, refusing to see a loan from IMF as a Trojan horse. IMF’s inefficiencies is now manifest with the ongoing Euro zone crises where none of the countries has even thought of taking loan from it, but would rather look to fellow countries and the European Central Bank. Really, which country has seen the benefits from IMF loans? Argentina kicked it out and now it is a prospering nation. Lagarde had to rush here as part of her first point of call not because of IMF’s love for Nigeria but to prepare us for imposed tougher economic challenges. President Jonathan expressed the people’s true feelings about IMF; but is he willing to do the will of the people? Reproduced below is that same article on Babangida’s failed SAP that bears application to the proposed fuel subsidy removal of the Jonathan administration: Right to be angry WHEN in 1987 General Olusegun Obasanjo advocated for a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) with a little human face, not a few SAP apologists went for his jugular. One of the unkindest acts was inflicted by one of the then military governor who uncharitably dubbed the general’s plea as the ranting of a frustrated man. SAP, indeed, continued its crushing march without any pretentions to be populist. If it ever put on any face, it was more like that of the few well-fed Nigerians, rosy-cheeked with all the paraphernalia of affluence. But two weeks ago, many Nigerians — students, market women, the jobless - took over the streets, demonstrating, burning and looting, as if to press home Obasanjo’s point that SAP should, for once, reflect a fraction of their own gaunt and malnourished faces too. They were on the street because they were hungry and jobless. For whatever it’s worth, the riots achieved one thing: it wrested the few relief measures announced by the government last week for the over-sapped populace. Although the measures are still a long way from turning SAP to a people-oriented economic policy, the government’s concession has shown that whenever the people are ready and determined to take control of their destiny, no number of armoured tanks would stop the march. Last week, President Ibrahim Babangida reached for the emotional recess of his own immediate constituency - the military. At the inauguration of the Armed Forces Consultative Assembly in Abuja, he said that the anti-SAP riots were the manipulation of “detractors” bent on using SAP as “an excuse to wage war against government in order to destroy the credibility of the military institution” and “humiliate and disgrace the military out of office.” He assured that SAP would continue “because there is no viable alternative.” However, if the Commander-in-Chief’s emotion-laden speech was meant to galvanise the espirit de corps in his men, it missed a point. He did not seem to take into account the fact that “the boys” too are Nigerians who buy from the same market as we “bloody civilians.”MostNigeriansknowthatifSAPisworking,itisapparentlynotforthem,aslong as they find it impossible to feed and educate their children. By SAP projections, the nation ought to be flowing with foreign investments and capitals by now. After the encomium poured on

Subsidy for MDGs, not petrol By Hassan Abubakar

billion being deducted as the state’s contribution to the subsidy pool annually. I have heard the Governor of Osun and Cross River States make the same complaint. Ending the current regime of petrol subsidy will therefore not only make more money available to states for the purpose of implementing more pro-poor programmes, but will also help to put an end to the various suspicions and controversies that have characterized the process of subsidy administration. The good thing is that the Federal Government through the recently released Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme document have helped laid out in a very specific way, how revenues available to the three tiers of government will be boosted if Nigerians eventually decide to do away with the subsidy wastage. With crude oil selling at a projected price of $90 per barrel, for instance, it is estimated that the total projected savings that the country will gain from stopping the subsidy would be N1.3 trillion per annum. Out of the amount, the Federal Government will receive N633 billion, while States and Local Governments will receive N349 billion and N269 billion respectively as additional revenue annually. This means the states and local governments will have extra N618 billion to spend on their different programmes! And there are no shortages of where the extra funds could be spent, especially for states and local governments most of which have been crying about their inability to meet their responsibilities as a result of inadequate revenue. Apart from investment in different infrastructural projects like the Federal Government has already fashioned out for its own portion of savings from the subsidy, the extra funds, for example can be useful to states and local governments for funding programmes targeted at helping them attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target of 2015. This is especially in view of global concerns about Nigeria’s ability to meet the different MDGs target. Confirming the precarious situation in Nigeria, Dr. Precious Kalamba Gbenol, Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, recently noted that unless there is a renewed commitment on the part of federal, state and local governments

our SAP efforts by Britain, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, why then are the promised investments still not coming in? Javier Perez de Cuellar, United Nations Secretary-General, in his mid-term review of the UN Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery last year accepted that “it is the external constraint that is emerging as the most critical obstacle to African recovery and development.” He also confirmed that “cuts in government expenditures and public wages, and lay-offs have resulted in severe personal hardship for those affected. Morbidity and mortality, particularly infant and child mortality levels, the UN boss said, “have risen, and it is now extremely difficult to sustain control measures against diseases such as malaria.” In essence, under SAP, human resources development has not been of much priority. Perez de Cuellar’s finding was that net resource flows to the continent is on the decline, just as export credits and other private commercial flows. Some other African countries which experimented with SAP are already having a rethink. For about 11 years, Zambia was one of IMF’s most obedient patients. Economic liberalisation was administered in high dosage. Foreign exchange auction system was introduced ostensibly to allow market forces determine the exchange rate and the allocation of foreign exchange. It did not work. The Zambian currency, Kwacha, was turned to a tissue paper: worthless. There was hyper-inflation and the nation’s services were gliding to a halt. It took the scarcity of maize, a staple food, to jock the people to the reality that they were in deeper troubles than before the introduction of SAP. They took to the streets as a mark of withdrawal of their support for the programme. Rather than blame imagined enemies for the revolt, President Kenneth Kaunda admitted that the IMF-backed programme could no longer be sustained politically. He looked imperialism straight in the face and spat on it. May 1, 1987, he formally scrapped the programme, reaching for a truly home-grown alternative called the New Economic Recovery Programme (NERP) “that would ensure that economic policies work on a Zambian environment.” NERP took off with the Interim National Development Plan (INDP), under which resources for development are harnessed through de-emphasizing non-essential and luxury imports and by limiting debt service payments to a manageable percentage. Foreign exchange allocated fortnightly by a special management committee (not through import licensing) gives eminence to essentials such as spare parts for rehabilitation of industry and raw materials not sourceable in the country. Exchange rate is fixed, interest rates reduced and budget deficit down. While there are no suggestions that the Zambian alternative has achieved 100 per cent success in its first year, there have been noticeable gains. At one year of the INDP last June, President Kaunda congratulated himself for “confounding even our greatest critics.” Today, key sectors of the economy are looking up. For the first time in many years, Zambia achieved self-sufficiency in maize production — enough for domestic consumption and the rebuilding of stock. Since the Japanese miracle or Korean magic might not work here due to the different circumstances and environments, the challenge of today is for the complete re-orientation of those in power so that they could focus their minds on meeting the genuine aspirations of the majority of the people they lead. That is no populism. It is patriotism.

in terms of funding, Nigeria may not attain goals four and five which deals with child mortality and maternal health. This concern were also raised earlier in the second and third quarter, 2011 report of the MDGs to the Presidential Committee on the Assessment and Monitoring of MDGs in Nigeria. Another recent report on Nigeria by WaterAid indicated that unless urgent steps were taken to fast track action in the sector, Nigeria at the current rate of progress will miss the water target by 18 years (2033) while the sanitation target of MDGs is even currently completely off track, coverage having fallen from 37 percent in 1990 to 32 percent in 2008. Consequently, there is need for greater commitment to increase funding towards delivering quality pro-poor services at the local level if Nigeria is not to be made a laughing stock in the international community by 2015. The governors therefore have their jobs cut out for them on where to plough their subsidy savings. But to assure their people, they should follow the footsteps of the Federal Government by releasing their comprehensive plans for the savings. This will enable their people to be able to hold them to account and periodically judge the progress they are making in the implementation of the plan. This way they would be in tune with Ambassador David MacRae, Head of Delegation of European Union to Nigeria, who noted recently that petroleum products subsidy is not what modern countries do if their concern is to help the poor. Rather, it is massive investments in provision of basic services like water, improvement of access to education and good health services. Nigeria should not be different. • Abubakar writes from Kaduna.

‘Ending the current regime of petrol subsidy will therefore not only make more money available to states for the purpose of implementing more pro-poor programmes, but will also help to put an end to the various suspicions and controversies that have characterized the process of subsidy administration’

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

ROM all indications, violent crimes and related criminal tendencies are in the upsurge in this country. Hardly does a day pass by without reports of armed robbery, bomb explosions, kidnapping and all manner of violent crimes throughout the length and breadth of this country. There is the temptation to regard these reports on the rising crime wave as part of the odd events that excite journalists. But such insinuation will amount to a trivialization of a dangerous social malaise that is seriously threatening the very foundation of this country. Last week was particularly remarkable as it recorded several incidents of armed robbery and other violent crimes. In Zamfara state, armed robbers numbering about 20 struck, killing four police men and two civilians after they had laid ambush on a police escort traveling to Kano. They also reportedly carted away large sums of money from the victims of the attack. In Gbedde community, Kogi State, armed robbers bombed a police station and a new generation bank carting away large sums of money. This is the second time a bank and a police station have been bombed in the state in the last one month. The first incident took place in Kabba in the same state. Apparently emboldened by the success of the first attack, it did not take long before the bandits regrouped and launched another onslaught which sent the police running for their lives. In the same week, the rising incidence of kidnapping took a very dramatic turn in Imo State as medical doctors took to the streets in protest against the incessant kidnapping of their members. This is not the first time doctors will be crying out against the systematic targeting of their members in the state by the purveyors of kidnapping. Last week’s demonstrations were sparked off by the kidnapping and subsequent killing of the immediate past Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Dr. Moses Amako. He was killed even after his family paid ransom to his abductors. The doctors want the state government to find immediate solutions to the selective targeting of their members in the state by kidnappers so that its members can feel safe to perform their duties. These incidents constitute a tip of the iceberg in the resurging violent crimes that may soon reduce the country to the verity of the Hobbesian state of nature. When we bring

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Resurging violent crimes into focus the serious threat posed by religious fundamentalists and terrorists such as the dreaded Boko Haram sect, then one can understand the gravity of the rising crime wave in the country. In the face of all these, it does not seem that our law enforcement agencies have come to terms with the serious threat these pose to lives and property. If anything, their responses to these incidents have left much to be desired. The relative ease with which armed robbers raid, kill and maim innocent citizens including of course members of the police force is assuming an alarming dimension. The way things stand; it does not appear that our law enforcement agencies are fully in control of the situation. What we hear after such attacks are promises regarding how soon they will apprehend the bandits. But even before that happens, we are treated with yet more embarrassing escapades of the marauders such that cast serious doubts on the claims of our law agencies and their capacity to tame the rising scourge. With increasing urbanization and rising unemployment, there is no doubt that these will have their toll on crime increase both in volume, intensity and sophistication. It is also to be expected that our law enforcement agencies should be able to match these emerging challenges. But that does not seem to be happening. Otherwise how do we explain the helplessness of the public in the hands of these devils as represented by the two incidents in Kogi and several other places? Take the case of Imo State where doctors have for quite sometime now been under serious attack by sundry kidnappers and

killers. For anyone who has followed the kidnapping trend in Imo State, it is fast becoming a big puzzle why doctors who are there to save lives have turned to be objects of selective elimination by sundry criminals. The way things stand; it is increasingly becoming difficult for doctors to operate in the state in the face of these constant attacks and killing of their members. No doubt, if this continues unabated, they may be faced with no other option than to relocate to other parts of the country. That appears to be the point the doctors have made by taking to the streets to protest their fate and arouse the consciousness of the state government to the mortal danger they face. Given the precarious state of health delivery in the country, we can ill afford to allow the criminals amongst us to make it impossible for medical services to be rendered to the people on account of such attacks. It is not certain why doctors have become objects of these selective attacks. But in a state where there practically exist no industries, where the private sector is dormant, doctors both in the private and public sectors may have turned out to be the most visible members of the society. The situation may have been such that they are easily seen as the most affluent who could be kidnapped and have reasonable sums of money extracted from them. But if this could explain their selective targeting, it cannot account for the killing of their members even after large sums of money have been extracted from them. Thus, it would appear that there is more to the current kidnapping of medical doctors in the state than ordinarily

meets the eyes. It would seem that there is a kidnapping cell in Imo State that must be dismantled if peace is to reign in that state. In the dying days of the last regime in that state, kidnapping rose to such an embarrassing level that a medical doctor was kidnapped and held incommunicado for six good months. On two different occasions, he was brought to his hospital by his traducers at midnight and after harassing the workers, they again went away with him obviously to demonstrate that they could do anything and get away with. When eventually they released him, they took away one of his nurses until they had extracted the last kobo from him. As I write, nothing has been done to break and dismantle this terror cell. The inability of the law enforcement agencies to find any lead to this serious embarrassment must have emboldened the terror cell to the brazen impunity with which they operate in the state. Since no meaningful development can take place in the face of insecurity of lives and property, it instructive that governments at all levels must rise to the serious challenge which this poses to our citizens. After all, the primary duty of government is the maintenance of law and order. That was why man in the state of nature gave out some of his rights to a sovereign and in return sought protection from him. If that sovereign fails by errors of omission or commission to keep his side of this social contract or reciprocity, then he has lost the moral right to expect the other party to respect that agreement. We may as well find ourselves in a situation where we have to resort to self help in this matter. That is the danger in the seeming helplessness of the government in rendering crime and criminal tendencies an unattractive enterprise.

‘The way things stand; it is increasingly becoming difficult for doctors to operate in the state in the face of these constant attacks and killing of their members’

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

HE recent protest against the introduction of tolls along the Lekki-Epe expressway is one of the signs of a democratic society. No democratic leadership should ever be afraid or averse to public demonstrations over policies. However, no government worth its salt will sit idly by and allow sponsors of political violence who are bent on creating political discontent due to their electoral failures to hijack such protest to cause mayhem. What happened penultimate Saturday was a calculated and calibrated work of PDP leaders in Lagos alongside other anti- ACN elements to plunge Lagos state into chaos and paint Fashola bad. I daresay, it was a calculated attempt to drag Asiwaju Tinubu into the crisis for obvious reasons. While the right to protest of the people cannot be taken away, it is unfortunate that the police had to step in when it became clear that some elements wanted to use it to unleash mayhem and give the Fashola government a black eye. However, the highhandedness of the police must be condemned and Governor Fashola should go beyond releasing the protesters that were arrested to bringing to book police officers who were unusually brutal against citizens. On both sides, there are arguments that deserve attention. The complaint seems to be more about the number of toll gates and the cost; not about the idea of toll gating per se. The government, informed by these complaints shelved for a year the commencement of operations of the toll gate in order to respond to the complaints. The Fashola government In line with international standards sought to ensure that the Lekki-Epe expressway offered alternatives and is operated in such a way that it could spur further development and generate employment. To this end, Fashola received Report of the Committee on Lekki-Epe Expansion Project on in December 2010 expressing joy that the issues that precipitated agitations among the host communities have been amicably resolved. The Lekki-Epe Expressway Expansion Project Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, was set up on August 23,

Lekki-Epe toll: before the hijackers run amok By Bolarinwa Daniels 2010 following issues raised by the host communities over the modalities being adopted by the concessionaires to toll the road. At that time Fashola enthused thus: “I think we have come to a very important milestone this afternoon; a milestone where a democratically elected government engages with its people that have issues and demonstrates its capacity to negotiate and resolve conflicts by allowing people participation and I think it is a milestone that must be celebrated and promoted as truly reflective of the essence of democracy as government of the people by the people and with the people”. Commending leaders of the host communities “for choosing to start on the table rather than ending there”, Governor Fashola asserted, “when the agitation started, it was clear in my mind that it would be resolved by better communication, by mutual respect and by negotiation”, adding that it has made the process quicker, more amicable and mutually acceptable. “I think, in many ways, our concessionaires will be comforted by the fact that we demonstrate a clear commitment to perform our obligations under the agreement and I think this is important; that the agreement is intact, that the communities have signed on and they have respected and accepted the concept of culture change that this project brings”. Since then, some of the recommendations were implemented while litigation was being pursued. How things degenerated to the point it did that Saturday no one knows. After one year of difficult negotiations, development of alternative routes, court battles, and the government moved to commence operations on the toll gates in line with contractual and economic realities. In fact, the

concessionaires expressed readiness to have a re-look at the relocation of Toll Plaza 3 which had been hotly contested. Committee Chairman, Director-General of the Public Private Partnership Office of the State Government, Ayo Gbeleyi further outlined the methodologies used by the committee to arrive at its 12-point recommendations which include those on tolling, toll plaza, alternative access and slip roads, advertisements, fencing coastal road alignment, land compensation matters and enlightenment strategies, among others. Unbeknownst to the government, politically motivated machinery was already in place to discredit the project and drag Fashola and Tinubu down. The goal is to present them both as capitalist hawks and antipeople. They invested loads of money in recruiting people and also sponsoring media reports, playing on sentiments rather than facts. The state government, believing it has done its homework and having bended over backwards to accommodate the wishes of the people went ahead with the planned commencement. Unfortunately, it was blindsided by political thugs and PDP leaders in Lagos who were more interested in the temporal political gains they will make by discrediting the project. The ultimate agenda is to paint the Lagos Government as antipeople and undemocratic. Pray, what constitutes anti-democratic values? Or what makes a government antipeople? Can refusing to bend to every criticism or protest or rejection of politicizes be anti-people? Sounds to me like the definition of a spineless and focus-less government. Any government has responsibilities which must be carried out bearing in mind

the welfare for the people. However, it must be said that there are times when certain policies must go forward notwithstanding public opposition. The Lagos government did what it needed to do in this instance. It delayed by one year the project commencement. It held negotiations and meetings with communities and critical stakeholders, it provided some of the facilities needed, it was in court to defend its actions and went on public awareness campaigns to enlighten the people about the project and get public buyin. What else does a government need to do? Even in democratic societies like UK and USA that we hold up as models, same processes are followed and government thereafter goes on to implement policies, even though protests still continue. In the case of the Lekki toll gate, the Fashola government must not shut the gate against further discussions and accommodations. Lagos and Lagosians must wake up to the fact that they live in a city already proposed to be one of the six megacities in the world by 2015 by the World Bank. Like London, New York, Paris etc there is a price to be paid for living in big cities: higher taxes, VAT, parking tickets and fines, toll fares, emission fees and a plethora of other fees. Lagos has joined that league and the earlier residents wake up to the reality of our time the better. Of course, the rights of the people to protest cannot be taken away. The right to disagree over issues cannot be he denied. Mindful though that, governments will always be government and in this season of deep political animosity and poisoned atmosphere, nothing must be left to chance. The agents of destruction, whose thirst to take over Lagos and the Southwest and harvest them as slave plantations as they have Nigeria have been unmasked. The question presently is to what extent do the people of Lagos comprehend the unfolding drama? Lionizing Tinubu and Fashola over a project that some disagree with is sour grapes. These individuals remain our champions and no amount of bad mouthing will change that. They are not saints, but they have provided the succor that has brought us all this far and given us hope that a better Nigeria is possible.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASH

Pg. 41

Mikel to be fit for Villa

Ahmed Musa aims to be Africa’s best

Pg. 41

Nation PAGE 23

Monday, December 26, 2011

LIVERPOOL V BLACKBURN

•Yakubu

Yakubu set to increase goal tally Pg. 24

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NATION SPORT

AVB considers Mikel for central defense role

OLLOWING request of Brazilian star, Alex to leave Stamford Bridge in the January transfer, Chelsea manager, Andre Villa-Boas is planning to convert Nigeria international Mikel Obi to central defender from his usual midfield role.

From Bimbo Adesina, London The Chelsea coach decision followed his face-off with Alex over his recent request to leave Stamford Bridge. Villas-Boas admitted that he has no mind of recalling Alex to the team now,

Nkwocha deserve CAF award –Eucharia C

OACH Eucharia Uche has said the choice of Super Falcons' attacking midfielder, Perpetua Nkwocha as 2011 CAF player of the year award is befitting. The Sunnana SK player beat South African Noupumelelo Nyandani and Equatorial Guinean Miriam Palxao Silva for the award. The former Super Falcons' coach told SuperSport.com that CAF could not have been apt in its choice of Nkwocha for the award she is winning for a record four times. "No, not at all surprised. She did well at AWC and World Cup, too, she deserved it. "Women have brought smiles on the faces of Nigerians. "We are not satisfied with our achievements in the out going year but their feat in other areas cannot be wished away in a hurry." Uche, however, would not fault CAF over the choice of the Cameroonian women team for the women national team award. "CAF has made their choice, I can only congratulate the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon. "But Super Falcons remain African champions." The former Nigerian international, who has re-applied to regain her Falcons' job, said she will give more opportunities to younger players if given a another look in. "My first term was a re-building process, new and younger players

were brought into the team. "If given a second term, I intend to improve upon the process. "Fortified the team, give more access to individual players, make it open and competitive both for local and foreign based players. "And above all return the team back to winning ways."

but prefering to use Oriol Romeu and Mikel as a makeshift centre-back. "Romeu played central defence at Barcelona, Paulo Ferreira too. Mikel wuldn't be strange in that position. That can happened and we've thought about it. And we've been training with three at the back as well," Villas-Boas said. Meanwhile, the Chelsea boss has cleared Mikel of any seriuos injury in the aftermath of an impressive 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Thursday night. Mikel, who was forced off injured in the first half and feared to be badly hurt appear to be much better off than anticipated. "Mikel had muscle injuries and will be assessed but it doesn't seem anything serious," Villas-Boas sounded fairly positive.

•Yaya Toure

ORMER Nigeria international, Yakubu Aiyegbeni is set to increase his goal tally as his English Premier League side confronts Liverpool in today’s away match the Anfield. Yakubu has so far nicked in 10 goals in just 11 starts in the Premier League since his summer arrival from Everton, but how much his goals will be enough to keep Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League will be determined by how consistent he scores especially today against the Reds. Blackburn fans will be hoping Yakubu does not over indulge in the festive period so as to be in shape for the challenges ahead. After completing the signing of Yakubu on transfer deadline day, Steve Kean stressed the importance of having a forward who has a track record of

African players can rule the world –Yaya Toure

Yakubu set to increase goal tally

Uwa Echiejile may return to France

AFTERMATH OF CAF AWARD

By Inocent Amomoh, just back from Accra EWLY crowned African Player of The Year, Yaya Toure has declared that African football players can rule the world if consistency and hard work can be maimtained. Answering questions after he was named winner of the award, the Manchester City power -playing midfielder said African football have come of age, adding that with no distant time, players from the continent will be listed in the FIFA World Player of The Year award. "Presently it looks difficult for African players to break into world rating in football, because we have so many brilliant players in the world. Playing as an Africa is not easy. African football is growing faster than expected. "If countries like Botswana and Niger can qualify for the Nations Cup at the expense of countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, and Egypt, it shows that the anything can happen any moment from now. I hope we will get there," he said. Toure said as top African players in different parts of the world, they are aware of the challenges and are determined to make the continent proud.

LIVERPOOL V BLACKBURN

•Nkwocha

ING-BACK Uwa Echiejile could make a sensational return to Ligue 1, according to A Bola. The 23-year-old is on the radar of clubs in France, Spain and Belgium (Club Brugge). The excellent performance of Sporting Braga in Europe has brought additional income to the coffers of the club. At the end of the 2010-2011 season, Braga announced a profit of 5.2 million euros. But the club is looking for extra revenue, and could allow Echiejile leave the Estádio Municipal, Braga at the right price. Echijile is contracted to Sporting Braga until the summer of 2014.

Onuoha’s name is also being linked with West Brom, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Everton. So far, Onuoha has only played two matches for Manchester City. That came in the Carling Cup.

Foundation scholarship has enhanced his status as a cricketer. ‘I started playing cricket at a very young age,’ he said. ‘But I later realised that you are not a complete sports man if you are a good cricket player without education. “That is why we are all grateful to Dr. Abebe for investing in our personal development.” Another recipient, Austin Areghan, who studied Accounting at the University of Lagos, described the gesture as immeasurable. ‘The foundation has really done much in terms of empowering youths,’ said Areghan. ‘Apart from the education we get, which is the basis for this scholarship, it has also given us international exposure, in the sense that we’ve gone on a tour to the United Arab Emirates under AAA Foundation sponsorship. ‘It has been wonderful in the sense that there are some things that I didn’t imagine I could get quickly in the spate of a few years, like the international exposure, but the foundation made it possible.’ A female recipient, Ruth Ayannaike, who is an undergraduate of the Lagos

Africa,” said the 19-year-old VVV Venlo forward, who got married Saturday in Kano. “I was sad that I could not make the trip to Accra because I am sure I would have won (Young Player Award) had it been I was there. I did all I could to make it but couldn’t. I am putting that behind me now.” In the outgoing year, jet-heeled Musa has featured for the Nigeria full international team, the country’s Olympic team as well as the U-20s with whom he featured at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia, where Nigeria reached the last eight. The former Kano Pillars star, whose all-time goals tally of 18 goals in the Nigeria Premier League was this past season rested by Jude Aneke of Kaduna United, is reportedly set for a bigmoney move this winter from modest Dutch club VVV. It is a move that could further enhance his profile internationally.

Kwankwaso approves N171m for Kano Pillars

LAYERS and officials of Kano Pillars football club would begin the 2012 league season on an exciting note, following the approval by the state governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso for the release of N171 million for the club. The approved money would

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano accommodate the payment of the club’s outstanding debt to its players and officials as well as take off grant for the club for the forth-coming season. The General Manager of the club, Alhaji Abba Galadima told newsmen in

Kano that of the amount, N64 million would be used for the settlement of the outstanding debts and N107 million would serve for its take off grant for the 2012 season. Galadima, while commending the state governor, for his support for sports development in the State, noted that the approval had come at a time the club needed it most. He revealed that the club would register 30 players at the onset and may open up its doors for other experienced players, if the need arise, during the window time. The football administrator also revealed that the target of the club is to improve on its performance by picking a possible continental ticket at the close of the season. He also appealed to fans and supporters of the club to continue to stand by the club, adding that it is on record that the supporters’ club remain one of the best in Nigeria in recent time.

AMEROONIAN import, Isaac Hele, is excited with his move to Nigeria Premier League runnersup, Sunshine Stars. Hele, who played football in his native Garoua for rivals, Cotonsport and Roumdé Adjia, as well as Guider based Esperance, got a chance to boost his career in Nigeria when Kano aristocrats, Pillars offered him a contract in 2010. Although his debut was delayed, Hele eventually wormed his way into the hearts of the coaches and attracted the attention of Sunshine Stars. The Cameroonian created several anxious moments in the Sunshine area on the last day of the season as Pillars won by a lone goal to quench Sunshine's title hopes. "Pillars brought me to Nigeria, but I have joined Sunshine Stars. I had a good time in Kano and agreed to move to Sunshine to

boost my career. "Sunshine is a good club and this will give me a chance to play with my countryman, Tamen Medrano, who joined Sunshine from Tiko United," the former Cotonsport Garoua stars said to SuperSport.com. Hele is the typical Cameroonian footballer, who joins the attack in search of goals. His physical strength and great pullouts will make him an invaluable addition to the Akure side, which will campaign in the 2012 CAF Champions League. Interestingly, Sunshine coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, will find him useful in several positions. "I can play as a full-back and in the midfield,” Hele told SuperSport.com. The Cameroonian has headed for a short break in his native Garoua.

CLASH ON NEW YEAR EVE

Obi to be fit for Villa

HELSEA midfielder John Mikel Obi has told MTNFootball.com he should be fit again for New Year eve’s home game against Aston Villa after he suffered a muscle problem in Thursday’s EPL fixture at Tottenham Hotspur. The Nigeria international received the injury in stoppage time of the first half of the London derby, which ended 1-1. Media reports suggested he may have pulled his hamstring and could be out for three weeks, but he has now said he will be fit as the injury was not as very serious as first thought. “I will be out of acting for about a week or so due to muscle pain,” Mikel told MTNFootball.com “The injury is not as serious as we all first thought. I’m under examination and I was made to understand it is not so bad to keep me out for long. I hope to play against Villa.” The Nigeria star last started for Chelsea in the high-profile EPL clash against Liverpool on November 20

and his mistake gifted the Anfield giants a goal to propel them to a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He disclosed that he was delighted to be back in the first team at Spurs after Spanish youngster Oriel Romeu was preferred thereafter. “I am happy that I have regained my position in the starting line-up after some weeks of playing as substitute. I am pleased with any role given to me by the manager, who picks the team,” Mikel offered. “The team’s performance is my top priority, but I always want to be on the field. “I was excited to start the game but felt bad I could not finish it due to injury, I was hoping to keep my place in next game against Fulham and subsequent games, but for this injury now.” Chelsea are fourth on the EPL table with 33 points from 17 matches. They have also qualified for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League.

17TH NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL

T •Echiejile

Nigerian Cricketers praise Abebe over scholarship group of Nigerian cricket players who have benefitted from the education scholarship scheme of the AAA Foundation, have commended Chairman of the nongovernmental organisation, Dr. John Abebe, for giving them the opportunity to acquire education. Not less than 13 of the cricket players enjoying the scholarship benefit have graduated from different institutions of higher learning across Nigeria. Some of the recipients, who spoke with our correspondent at a reunion luncheon organised by the AAA Foundation at the weekend in Lagos, expressed their gratitude to Dr. Abebe, while revealing the life-changing experiences earned by them. Some of the dignitaries at the event included Justice of the Supreme Court, Dr. Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Mr. Macaulay Iyayi, Mr. Yemi Sakpor and a host of others, including the beneficiaries, cricket coaches and players. National Cricket Team Captain, Endurance Ofem, who is in the final year of his History and International Relations programme at the Lagos State University, said that the AAA

Though against an ever -improving Liverpool side might be a handful, the Yak as he is fondly called realizes that Manager Kean will be counting on him to deliver. His turnaround in form has raised controvercies in the home of weather the former Everton forward should be given another opportunity in his country's national team. Struggling at the bottom of the league table, Blackburn will seek to scoop a result at Anfield if they will have any hope of escaping relegation at the end of the season.

ONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF ) nominee for the 2011 Africa Best Young Player Ahmed Musa has told MTNFootball.com he hopes to soon be crowned the best player on the continent. Top Nigerian stars who have won the CAF African Player of the Year Award include Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba. However, Nigerian players have failed to make even the short list of nominees in recent years. On Thursday, Musa, already an established full Nigerian international, was beaten by Ivorian starlet Souleymane Coulibaly to the best young player award for 2011. But he said he will continue to work hard for both club and country so as to soon be mentioned in the same breath as African greats like Kanu, Abedi Pele and Samuel Eto’o. “I am looking forward to be crowned as the best African player very soon. I have been doing well for my club and national teams and I will keep doing that until I become the best player in

Team Rivers’ best athlete carts away N5.3m

Onuoha could replace Cahill at Bolton

IGERIAN-born defender, Nedum Onuoha may go to Bolton in January as replacement for the England international Gary Cahill who is being monitored by a host of clubs, informs Sky Sports. Apart from Bolton Wanderers,

finding the net in the Premier League, observing that “he has been around and scored goals everywhere he has been so that is nice habit to get in as a striker”. The only problem was that the statistics in recent years suggested that Yakubu may have already kicked that habit at the highest level. In his last three seasons at Everton Yakubu found the net just 10 times in 53 appearances, scoring four times in 2008/09, five times in 2009/10 and just once in 2010/11. His recent record in the Premier League pointed towards a player in decline, who had already fulfilled his potential and was winding down his top flight career. However, Yakubu’s impact since his arrival has been instantaneous and after just 11 league appearances he has already matched his ten goal haul from the last three campaigns combined. In reaching ten goals he has already become the first Blackburn player to hit double figures in the league since Benni McCarthy in 2008/09.

Cameroon's Hele Ahmed Musa aims to be Africa's best relishes Sunshine switch C

State Polytechnic, said: ‘I just want to say a good thing God is doing through the AAA Chairman in the person of Dr. John Abebe, because he is really helping me in my academics. I don’t know if thank you is enough for him. ‘Formerly I find it difficult to study because I asked myself, what am I studying for? When it’s time for examinations they won’t let me do the exams because I’ve not paid the school fees. But when I enrolled for the AAA Foundation scholarship, right now I’m one of the best students in my department.’ Dr. Abebe, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Cricket Association, said the AAA Foundation was established six years for the main purpose of providing further education for cricketers both male and female, who have been able to gain admission into institutions of higher learning. ‘The game of cricket is for gentlemen and ladies and I felt that the best thing one could do is to assist these young ones and also make sure that they had a good meal ticket for life,’ said Abebe, a 2006 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

HE best athlete of the Team Rivers contingent to the 17th National Sports Festival tagged 'Garden City Games 2011', Ebarakumo Dino won a whooping cash prize of Five million and three hundred thousand naira at the award nite reception of the athletes at the Rivers State government house, Port Harcourt on Friday night. Dino, a student of University of Port Harcourt and an indigene of Bayelsa state emerged as the highest medalist for Rivers state during the Garden City Games with seven gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Speaking with NationSport, he was short of words as he exclaimed: "You don't mean it! I don't know how I feel. I am excited, in fact I am short of words. It was my last festival and ending it in this way is just great. My next target is to make Nigeria proud in international competitions and am preparing towards that". In the same vein, Doutimi OkukoGagbe, also from Bayelsa state carted home the sum of three million and two hundred thousand naira for emerging the second best athlete with six gold, one silver and one bronze. During the sports festival, Doutimi had told NationSport on one occasion that she came to Rivers state due to the unfulfilled promises from her home state after KADA 2009 and asked how she feels now, she said, "I feel very happy and excited. I just have to put more effort next year to win more medals. I will still compete for Rivers state because

Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt they have fulfilled their promises". Glory Odiase from Delta state came third with two gold, two silver and one bronze, taking home a total of one million and six hundred thousand naira. Garden City Games happened to be her first festival. "I feel very excited", she said" I never knew I was going to come third because that was my first festival, I don't just know", she exclaimed. The three are all swimming athletes and that makes it more intriguing recalling the fact that Rivers state only managed one

bronze medal in swimming during the KADA 2009 games. Other prize awards included: Five hundred thousand naira for each gold coach and athlete, three hundred thousand for each silver coach and athlete, two hundred thousand naira for each bronze coach and athlete. A participation prize of One hundred thousand naira per non medal athlete and coach was also announced. Meanwhile, NationSport also scooped from some medal-winning coaches that they were not happy been rewarded the same cash prize with their athletes, saying they deserve much more compared to their jobs as coaches.

2012 LONDON OLYMPICS OUSTER

Nigerians in London lose over £.1m •On merchandise, souvenirs, memorabilia

OME Nigerian business men and women in London are lamenting the non-qualification of Nigeria's Dream Team V and Super Falcons for the 2012 London Olympics as they have invested over £500,000 on merchandise,souvenirs and memorabilia. In a chat with NationSport, some of those who spoke on condition of anonimity said the same situation happened when Nigeria international friendly against Ghana at the Watford's Vicarage Road was cancelled August 9 following riots in London. "Before the friendly, we went out of our way to produce lots of merchandise

From Bimbo Adesina, London for teamming Nigerian football fans, but we were shocked with the cancellation. All that we did just went down the drain. "Then come the Olympics football team. We were sure that Nigeria will qualify. That was why we went to the market for various products for the Dream Team and their female counterpart which ran into thousand of pounds. But when we saw the first match in Morocco, we knew we were in for another trouble," the Nigerian business who begged not be mentioned said.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA 2012

PDP, ACN, CPC, APGA battle for State House Governorship election will hold in Bayelsa State in February next year. Correspondent ISAAC OMBE examines the strengths and weaknesses of the contending political parties and their flagbearers. focus on youth employment and massive infrastructural development.

OLITICS is in the air in Bayelsa State. In Febreuary next year, governorship election will hold in the state. On the track are the candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and Change Advocacy Party (CAP). These flagbearers have picked their running mates from the East Senatorial District. CAP’s governorship candidate is 62year-old Dr. Imoro Kubor, a retired federal Permanent Secretary, who hails from the Southern Ijaw in the Central District. His running mate and former Head of Service, Rev. Obegha Oworibo, 54, hails from Okpoama. Incidentally, its is also the country home of Governor Timipre Sylva. PDP candidate, Hon. Seriake Dickson, hails from the Sagbama Local Government Area in the West Senatorial District. His running mate is Rear Admiral John Jonah(rtd), who hails from Nembe Local Government Area. CAP, many believe, is presenting two technocrats. PDP is presenting two experts in security. Kubor, on his part, has been drawing attention to his excellent civil service career. He also told reporters that his running mate is above board. “The two of us are technocrats from the public service. We shall be bringing our wealth of experience into politics to ensure the transformation of Bayelsa State. We have been tested in a cultured civil service with a lot of discipline,” he said. Kubor has come under criticisms for jumping from one party to another. His critics see this as a sort of political harlotry . But he has defended himself, saying that he dumped ACN and PDP for tactical reason. He said: “The party does not bring development to a state, but the individual elected as governor. That is what the PDP is lacking that the CAP has. In Akwa Ibom, it is not PDP, but Akpabio that is working. What we are telling the people is to look at the individual candidate and forget the party. Since 1999, the PDP has claimed to be ruling, but they have negative effects on the governance of the state. It is our time to take Bayelsa to a new level.” Oworibo said he entered politics to give back to the people, assuring that CAP would transform the state. Presenting his running mate at the PDP Secretariat, Yenagoa, the state capital, Dickson told supporters that the choice of Jonah as running mate followed wide consultations, shortly after the November 19 primaries. “Jonah comes with a brilliant record of service to the nation. I made this choice painstakingly because I know that there is a lot of work ahead and I need a dependable partner who will bring stability to the system and add value to it,” he said. Mr. James Dugo, state chairman of the party, also described Jonah as “an amiable and dynamic deputy governor.”

ACN: Okara/Alagoa After emerging as the ACN candidate for the February 11, 2012 governorship election, 48-year-old Barrister Kemela Okara, who hails from Bomadi in Gbaran/ Ekpetiama Clan of Yenagoa in the Central Senatorial District, picked Mr. Chris Alagoa from Ogbia as his running mate. Alagoa is a kinsman of President Goodluck Jonathan. His manifesto is captivating. He said job creation is a priority. But he also promised qualitative education for youths. Okara, a Lagos-based lawyer, said: “We have seen the benefits of progressive policies and leadership. In other states such as

APGA: Maxwell/Festus

• Daunemugham

• Okara Edo, Osun, Lagos and Ekiti, we have seen progressive leadership. We have seen the doggedness to stand by the ideals of democracy and to fight for what is right. And you know these ideals should be commended. Any party that brings about economic progress and stands doggedly by the principles of democracy is the party that would inspire people like me. That party is the ACN. “The major problem in our state is the lack of basic amenities. It is unfair to anyone in the state to live in an environment where you don’t have access a clean water, where infant mortality is high. Our population is 1.7 million and the resources that come to our state are among the highest that go to any state in the country by virtue of the fact that we are an oil-producing state. However, it is sad that poverty is still everywhere. Our people need purposeful leadership that puts the people first and considers the plight of the

• Kubor

• Morris people”. Okara further noted that Lagos State has many industries because it was the capital of Nigeria, adding that Lagos has the largest pool of skilled labour to rely upon. “If you drive education, you will attract industry. You create the enabling environment. Cross Rivers State is doing it. Bayelsa can do it also”, he added.

CPC: Daunemughan/ Opukeme The candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is Mr. Famous Daunemughan. Daunemughan, who hails from the Ekeremo, West Senatorial District, picked Alaowei Opukeme, a politician from Yenagoa Council as his running mate. The CPC flag-bearer is reputed for his frequent assistance to needy youths and elders. He relishes being described as ‘a man of the people’. He said his administration would

‘Although Alaibe is in the PDP, and it is believed that he is being tipped to lead the campaign train of Dickson, he still weilds influence in LP, which, according to analysts, is very critical to the actualisation of “Plan B’

With Mr. Festus Ederekumor from Sagbama community, Sagbama Council as his running mate, Maxwell Morris, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has predicted victory for himself. Maxwell appealed to Bayelsans to vote for his party, saying that progress is possible. He promised to use his connections and relationship, which cut across the eight local governments, to ensure the victory. He stressed: ”I have built a relationship that has come to stay in the state and the youth can affirm this. I have the capability to subdue any party. I am not afraid of the big names in other parties.” The flagbearer said that his membership of APGA is a blessing, adding that APGA’s stature has , his massive supporters brought into APGA has trimmed down the popularity of other parties. The election, he maintained, is for APGA. ”I am in APGA because it is a party that is more democratic and people-oriented. Bayelsans have stood up to say enough of the poverty, frustration and hunger. We can no longer be deceived by money bags. “They no longer believe to eat today and forget tomorrow because every member of APGA stands by the motto: “Be your brother’s keeper.” Morris advised his supporters to stand firm. He said: “Don’t be afraid of any socalled big parties or big names because I will defeat them in the public glare. My heart is big; don’t look at the size, but look at me from the spiritual point of view.” He also warned those parading themselves as President Jonathan’s anointed candidates, saying: “Mr. President has not anointed any one; so, those who are using his name are deceiving themselves. Mr. President can’t install a person by himself. It is only God that will appoint someone and at the end, I will be in Creek Haven.”

No running mate yet for PPN candidate With Prince Kelvin Alagoa who hails from Nembe area in the East Senatorial District is the candidate of People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN). He has not picked a running mate as at the time of this report. However, Alagoa has assured Bayelsans that he would create 30,000 jobs yearly for teeming unemployed youths, if voted into power as governor of the state. He also said that his administration would partner with foreign investors to develop seaports in the waterways. Alagoa, who was former Special Adviser on Pension Matters in Sylva Administration in 2008, noted that the state is blessed with abundant, untapped natural resources.

No candidate yet for LP The Labour Party is yet to announce its governorship candidate. The chairman of the party, Bobo Atari-Adou, said the party was not in a hurry to make public its candidate and his running mate. The development has given rise to serious speculation that the party was still under the grip of its former governorship candidate in the last aborted elections, Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe, who is now in PDP. Sources disclosed that, although Alaibe is in the PDP, and it is believed that he is being tipped to lead the campaign train of Dickson, he still weilds influence in LP, which, according to analysts, is very critical to the actualisation of “Plan B”.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

POLITICS Senate Leader Chief Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) represents Cross River Central in the Senate. He spoke with Deputy Political Editor Second Republic Secretary to Lagos State Government EMMANUEL OLADESU on national issues.

Basorun: new states not feasible

Olorunfunmi Basorun speaks with Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on the Jonathan administration, the proposed constitution review and local government administration.

S we enter the new year, what do you think should be the priority of the Jonathan Administration? President Goodluck Jonathan should throw away the seven-point agenda. It is disturbing. He should have advised the National Assembly to face serious issues, instead of disturbing the polity with the same sex marriage. He should confront unemployment. This is very easy. If he is able to solve the power problem, thousands of jobs would be created. Construction of roads will create employment. Many professionals-engineers, accountants and others are currently unemployed. The multiplier effect can be tremendous. Is the Federal Government showing adequate capacity for resolution of the security challenge? The problem is that the state governors who are chief security officers in their respective states are not in control of the security apparatus. I was surprised when the Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam was condemning the agitation for state police. The state governor cannot give order to the state Commissioner of Police. He still has to seek order, not from the President, but from the Inspector General of Police, before he can act. There is less insecurity in Lagos because the man at the helm of affairs has taken steps outside the usual routine to provide security. The Security Trust Fund is a landmark which all of them should copy in the meantime until there is state police. Really, security is the third issue he should attack in the new year. He should pursue the constitution amendment to accommodate state police. There can be measures to prevent misuse. We should have state police to enhance the implementation of whatever security arrangement that is in place. What is your reaction to the proposed removal of fuel subsidy? That is going to be suicidal. Why should fuel subsidy be removed? The argument is to provide more money for development. The money we have now, are we using it for development? They are providing more money that would go into the pool of thievery. The more money we are going to have will be in the custody of the eight per cent who control the wealth of the country, so that they can be able to steal more. There should be no fuel subsidy until the wealth of the country is redistributed. The middle class is being phased out because they are under pressure from the lower class and the higher class is moving higher and higher from the middle wealth. Some have even argued that we may not, need subsidy if we refine the crude oil here... Fuel subsidy should be left to cushion the negative effects of the bad running of the economy. The more money they want to get cannot improve the quality of life of the ordinary people. The President and his advisers should redesign, the system we are operating now and tilt the benefits to the grassroots. Now, I remember this. All the refineries must be fixed. Refining our oil in Nigeria will create more jobs and reduce the distribution of wealth that is lopsided in favour of the middle and lowest class. Obasanjo was in power for eight years. We heard that refineries would be built and licenses were issued. Thirteen years after, we have not got a single refinery here. In neighbouring countries, there are refineries. Even, some of our citizens have gone to fund refineries in other countries. That should be part of the transformation. The constitution is going to be reviewed again. What are your expectations? The first thing I expect them to forget is the creation of state. It is unnecessary. Why do we need more states when those in existence depend on revenue coming from the Federation Account. Many of them cannot generate revenue. The states are not being run as they should be run in a federation. They give the impression that they are equal, whereas it is not reflected in revenue allocation, which is based on internally generated revenue performance, land mass and other factors. Why are state governors earning the same salary? The governor of California earns more than the governor of Texas, whose state is even bigger than California. In some states in the Unites States, the Attorney-General earns more than the state governor. A lot of factors such as the size and functions are taken into consideration. But in Nigeria, a state that cannot generate N20billion annually is earning the same salary with the governor of Lagos State which is looking at N20billion monthly. If the country is run as a federation and you create Lagoon, Ijebu, Ibadan States, how can they survive? The denominator will decrease and what will come to them will dwindle. How will they meet overhead cost and develop the states? I am not anti-state, but for now, they should forget it. What should be done then? They should make the local government effective. The Abuja Conference of 2005, which assembled the best in Nigeria, addressed the issue. It recommended that local governments should be remitted to the states. Let every state create whatever number of state they want to create. Make revenue available to the states, using the parameters used in allocating revenue to the states. Retain Section 7(1) of the constitution, which provides that democratically elected local governments are fully guaranteed, and go to Section 3(6) and remove the listing of the councils. Use survey bearings to describe the states. If we follow the constitution and local governments are expected to created, Kano State, will want to get double of what Lagos gets. If Lagos moves to 40, Kano will like to move to 88. I am comparing Lagos and Kano because of their size. The House of Assembly will make law to define and design how to share what is given to the state. There should be sanctions against illegal deductions by governors who tamper with council money. The executive capacity in local government is very low. Council Engineers are not up to technical officers. Most of those recruited in local governments, with due respect, are rejects of the Civil Service Commission for employment. Many people rush to councils because there is not much to do. How can the councils be effectively supervised by the state? In terms of monitoring, I remember in those days, if federal allocation was given to states, the state used to add its contribution in bulk. The state government would insist that the money could only be released, if you bring a project and it is approved. That money would be directed at implementing the project. Nowadays, councils will see they are waiting for “JAC.” • Basorun

‘Nobody can exclude Imoke from PDP primaries’ W HAT sre the achievements of the senate in the last six months? The biggest challenge to the National Assemblysince 1999 has always been the high turnover rate. That slows down the growth of the National Assembly as an institution. But the good news is that, with every subsequent Senate, the learning curve has been shorter, because the members seem to learn faster. What we lose by way of experience is almost compensated for by the speed with which the new members learn. It took quite a while to get the committees in place. But I think we are now on the road running, rising up to responsibilities and pubic expectations. I think we have done well so far. The current Senate is indeed filled with people of high intelligence and competence, who have all it takes to bring about robust representation and deliberations that will lead to quality legislations for the good people of Nigeria. How did Senators perceive the 40 percent cut in the salaries and allowances of members of the National Assembly? The salaries and allowances of the Senators were not cut. The salaries and allowances of Senators are fixed by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which is the body constitutionally tasked with the responsibility of fixing the salaries and allowances of public officers. Our salaries were not cut. I want to say that the salaries we earn as Senators is not much different from what a minister or a Supreme Court Justice earns. So, if you say that our salaries are outrageous, then, in the same vein, you are also saying that ministers’ salaries and salaries of Justices in the Supreme Court and indeed all of those who earn salaries in the bracket of Senators are earning outrageous salaries. What was cut in the National Assembly is the overhead cost of running the National Assembly as an institution. It is the overhead. That is,

•Ndoma-Egba

the recurrent expenditure of the National Assembly that was cut. Should it be extended to other organs of government, so that we can see occupants of public offices making sacrifices for the benefit of Nigeria as a nation? The understanding behind the cut is that every other arm of governmewas going to follow suit. And I remember it was at the presentation of the last budget that the Senate President as Chairman of the National Assembly made that commitment to reduce the overhead cost of the National Assembly and challenged the other arms of government to do same. Regrettably, it was only the National Assembly that did that. The other arms are yet to cut their overheads. Do you think Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke deserves a second term in office? Senator Imoke has done very well. I have no doubt in my mind that every Cross Riverean acknowledges his achievements. I have no doubt in my mind that he has the support of every Cross Riverean as he goes for another term. And I have no doubt in my mind that it will be more or less a walkover

for him. What are the achievements that qualify him for a second term? I follow the politics and the developments in Cross River very, very closely. I am always at home. His contributions are significant. Donald Duke faced the challenge of transforming the state from civil service state to an economic entity. Liyel Imoke has consolidated on that. So, there has been consistency. There has been continuity. But beyond that, the focus now has moved from the big things to those other things that are as important. One, the rural areas are getting a new leaf of life. Today, it is very common to drive on tarred roads for several kilometers in our rural communities. It is very, very common to see public schools that have not been touched in the last 40 to 50 years having new looks- new buildings, renovations here and there. This is the same thing for public hospitals. So, I think that Governor Imoke has not only sustained the tempo of development, he has also consolidated it. From what you have said so far, it means that If some PDP forces try to exclude him from primaries, what will be your reaction? Cross River is not Bayelsa. Cross Rivereans have agreed on Liyel Imoke and for now we don’t have a fallback position. It is Senator Imoke we are backing for governorship. What is the Senate doing about the insecurity in the land? The challenges we are having are challenges arising from the contradictions in our polity and politics as a result of many years of military rule. Boko Haram is a manifestation of that contradiction as was the restiveness in the Niger Delta and the kidnappings elsewhere and the high crime rate. Those are all manifestations of contradictions of many years of distraction in our polity and economy. I want to believe now that democracy has more or less come to stay that as politicians we will be able to negotiate our ways out of these challenges.

Ondo LP factional chairmen at war

HO is the Acting Chairman of Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State? Two members, Olu Ogidan, and former lawmaker, Kunle Odidi, are parading themselves as chairman, following the exit of the former chairman, Chief Olaiya Oni. Observers contend that lawmakers planning to defect from the party may use the crisis as an excuse, if it is not resolved. Governor Olusegun Mimiko is baking Odidi. He said LP is waxing stronger as the party of choice in Ondo State.But recently, party delegates from 18 local councils converged on the Helena Hotel, Akure, the state capital, and elected Odidi as Acting Chairman. Odidi fired salvos after his controversial election, saying that “it is necessary to rescue the party from Mimiko because prominent people are dumping it under his leadership”. The governor has ignored what he described as the antics of foes to polarise the party from outside. He threw his weight behind the ratification of Oddi’s election, which was done by delegates at the Ondo State Cultural Centre, Adegbemile, Akure.The congress was presided over by the National Chairman of the LP, Mr. Dan Nwayanwu. It was also witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to Nwayanwu, the exercise, done by

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

voice vote, was in line with Article 24 of the LP Constitution which authorizes the presiding officer to determine the conduct of the conference. But Odidi described Ogidan’s election as baseless, invalid and abuse of court process, saying that a case had already been instituted on December 9, 2011 in the Federal High Court, Akure, to stop the ‘kangaroo’ congress and objected to Ogidan and others parading themselves as the authentic state executive members of the LP in the state. The congress, he argued, was sponsored by Mimiko. “The action was upheld and sponsored by Mr. Governor and most of the times; he embarks on actions that amount to sowing a seed of discord. I have said severally that the national Chairman should call the governor to order. What he did was an abuse of the court process. The case in court was filed last week Thursday 9th December, 2011. He is now bringing people together to do a kangaroo get together. For the fact that he is just doing that now confirms that the governor erred in his unanimous choice of Mr. Ogidan. Each of my party chairmen at local governments was given N250, 000 to mobilize for the illegal congress. The governor is a con-

• Mimiko fused man but the matter is already in court. Let the court take final decision on it,” Odidi said. In the Suit No AK 335/335 filed by the factional chairman, Odidi wants the court to determine whether or not by virtue of Articles 7, 10, (1), (ii), 13, (4), (A), (iii) of the constitution of LP, he has been validly elected as the state chairman of the ruling party in the state as widely published in both print and electronic media. He also wants the court to determine whether or not Ogidan can be unilaterally handpicked by the Governor Mimiko as the chairman of the LP in the state without recourses to Article 13 (4) (B) (vii) of the party’s Constitution.

TRANSPORT

CAMPAIGN

FINANCE

NRC to begin Lagos-Kano train service

Babalola urges varsities on afforestation

Council chief sets up revenue committee

Lagos

MONDAY DECEMBER 26, 2011

FIRM, Lagos Channel Management (LCM) has donated N5million to the less privileged in the state. The beneficiaries are Beth Torrey Home, Amuwo Odofin, Atunda Olu Physically and Mentally Challenged Home, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Heart of Gold Children Hospice in Surulere and Modupe Cole Memorial, Akoka all in Lagos State. They received N1million each with some gift items. Recipients of the donation were physically and mentally challenged children with various problems such as cerebral palsy, psychiatric, polio, mul-

Oyo

Page 27

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Firm donates N5m to less-privileged kids By Oluwakemi Dauda

tiple cases of diseases, slurred speech, total and partial blindness, among others. The Managing Director of the company who was represented by Mr Matthew Udofia, assistant general manager and Prince Falade Oyekan, head of Human Resources, explained that the company started the project about three years ago. Speaking at the occasion, Oyekan said the company was established almost six years ago. The management of the company, he said, “deemed it neces-

sary to reach out to the less privileged children with their little resources instead of street beautification at a season like this,” he said.

At Beth Torrey Home, its matron, Obi Alen who was excited over the money and the gifts lamented lack of funds to expand the facilities at the home.

The company deemed it necessary to reach out to the less privileged children with their little resources instead of street beautification at a season like this

She noted that the 37-year-old school was established to promote public and governmental awareness of the rights of children. Also, the Head Teacher of the 46 years old Atunda Ola Home, Mrs Folasade Michael said she was happy because of the gifts and money given to the school and thanked the company for the kind gesture. She noted that physically and mentally homes depend on charity to survive. LCM incorporated in June •Continued on Page 28

HINGS are looking up in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State. Long abandoned road projects are being revisited. Several of them have been completed and inaugurated. One of such roads was initiated by a previous administration and then abandoned for eight years. Their completion and inauguration attracted a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic residents who said they are enjoying a new lease of life. They are also happy with the caretaker chairman of the council, Mr Abiodun Alatise who is behind the infrastructural renewal in the council. While the abandoned remained unattended to, the people suffered. Commuting within the council, for example, was problematic. Farmers laboured to get their produce to the markets. Now their pains are over. But there is more. Communities without electricity are hopeful that their power challenges will soon be over. This is because council chief Alatise has donated transformers to them. There is joy in Ibadan North East communities. Alatise, who spoke with Newsextra while commissioning the five-kilometre road project from Oje Market to Oke Adu Junction, noted that the primary objective of his administration was the provision of social amenities for the benefit of his people. He explained that some of the projects that are ready for commissioning include the five kilometers rehabilitated from Oje Market to Oke Adu Road and ultra-modern public toilets at Oranyan Market. The caretaker chairman also donated two electricity transformers to the residents of Temidire area of Oje Market and Agodi Gate area of Old Ife Road. He said: “About five-kilometer roads rehabilitation project has been successfully constructed by my administration. The road has

•One of the completed roads

Oyo communities relish infrastructural renewal Abandoned roads rehabilitated, transformers donated From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

been abandoned for almost eight years, but now the road is smooth from Oje Baba-Isale to Oluyoro axis, and more projects are still pending for completion”.

While monitoring a recent sanitation exercise, Hon. Alatise commended the people of his local covernment council for complying with the directive on the clean-up exercise, adding that the programme has been yielding positive

responses in Ibadan North East Local Government. A week’s ultimatum was also given to illegal structure owners at Oje market who constructed wooden shops on the water drainage tunnels.

•Governor Ajimobi

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

Firm’s N5m for less privileged kids •Continued from Page 27

2005 in line with the port concessions and reforms and with the Federal Government’s desire to promote private sector investment and participation in the development and operation of public utilities and infrastructures, a joint venture agreement was entered into by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Depasa Marine International. This led to a separate and distinct company being incorporated to operate and manage the Lagos Channels and Ports in order to enhance efficiency and viability. The Nigerian Ports Authority, Act Cap. N126, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria charges it with the responsibility for the exclusive maintenance of the channels which provide access to the Nigerian Ports and also gives NPA the authority to carry out these activities and discharge its responsibilities through any other person(s) authorised by it. It is by virtue of this enabling statute; Lagos Channel Management Ltd was incorporated. NPA holds 60 per cent equity while Depasa Marine International holds 40 per cent.

HE Port Industry Anti-Corruption Standing Committee (PIACSC), Warri sub-committee has held an anti-corruption workshop. It took place at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. The workshop was organised to promote a smoother relationship between port users or operators and government regulator and control authorities. Speaking at the workshop, the National Coordinator of the group Mrs. Enoche Ogenyi described corruption as a vice that has undermined the country’s development. He also said that underutilisation of the Warri Port, multiplicity of agencies, vehicular traffic into the port, usage of fake clearing agents; concealments, touting; illegal charges and extortion are some of the factors that have hindered the country’s economic growth. In a communiqué signed by its chairman Mr. Augustine Eigbe, Secretary Mr. S.A Ojoh, Treasurer Mr. Jerry Okoliko and Publicity Secretary Mr. Ejike Nworgu, it said the workshop was organised to create a

•From left: Lagos Channel Management (LCM) Assistant General Manager, Mr Matthew Udofia, Prince Falade Oyekan, Head, Human Resources presenting N1million cheque to the challenged children at Beth Torrey Home, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos

NPA holds anti-corruption workshop From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

forum for a harmonious relationship among all stakeholders and to sensitise them on the importance of the body. Port Manager Mr. Obumneme Onuenyenwa, in his speech at the workshop, opined that the port is a place of business that is faced with the challenge of competing with other nations as a result of globalisation.

He further said the handover of facilities at the port to terminal operators has placed over 70 per cent of cargo handling in the hands of these operators and to overcome the challenges of being competitive in an ever-changing business world. He recommended that port managers and terminal operators should think seriously about the application of private sector business principles in the management of the country’s ports. This, he said, would build a smooth working relationship

Port managers and terminal operators should think seriously about the application of private sector business principles in the management of the country’s ports. This would build a smooth working relationship among stakeholders in the industry

among stakeholders in the industry and to key in the integrity system for a user-friendly port. The Deputy Comptroller, Administration, Nigeria Customs Service, Warri Mr. Soji Jatau who also harped on the shipping and clearing-related offences in export/import trade, examined the duties and responsibilities of the Customs Service. He also examined the interface between NCS and stakeholders as the challenges facing smooth operations which include over-invoicing, underinvoicing, false declaration, misclassification, inappropriate description as abuses inflicted on the service by outsiders who do business with it. Delivering a keynote address on “The Challenges of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. A. A. Akinyosoye said NIMASA is a maritime regula-

Taraba donates 32 vans to CAN, HE Taraba State government has donated 32 pick-up vans Muslim council

to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Muslim Council. The gesture, Governor Danbaba Suntai said, is to assist the religious bodies in conveying corpses to burial grounds. Each of the state’s 16 local government areas got two vans each; one each for Muslims and one for Christians. The Governor presented the keys of the vehicles to leaders of the two religious associations at Government House, Jalingo on Tuesday last week. Suntai explained that his action

•From right: Member, House of Reps, Hon. Aliu Kazeem; chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hakeem Bamgbola; his vice, Alhaja Mulikat Ajala; a guest and chairman, Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, Hon Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe at the presentation of award to Hon. Bamgbola by City Watch Magazine at National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

tory administration and safety agency that depends on stakeholders to achieve its objectives and to promote harmony among dock workers. Akinyosoye traced the origin of the present dock labour to the reforms put in place in 2003 by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), adding that labour is now in the hands of terminal operators with the NPA as regulators. He therefore said that the impasse in the dock labour sector can only be resolved with the terminal operators upgrading their standards in line with practices in other parts of the world. Major Record Erhiori who also spoke on the International Ship and Port Security opined that the aim of the workshop was to achieve the ISPS code objectives which he said embodies a number of functional requirements such as convention, regulation and ship security plans.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

was to fulfill his campaign promise to that effect. He thanked God for the ability given him to fulfill the promise, as he prayed for more resources to realise his dream for the state. Chairman, Wukari chapter of CAN, Rev. Jerry Agabison thanked the governor for the gesture and noted that security, peace and religious tolerance in the state during his (Suntai’s) tenure are unprecedented.

THE NATION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

T was barely one week to Christmas but the mood was already set by the Star Beer Festival, thus, the sleepy community of Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, rose to full celebration. The open ground of the stadium was swamped by a bevy of revellers. A sizeable number of them were seated, savouring their drinks and swaying to the music blaring from the giant speakers positioned around the field. Others were more proactive, doing their thing right on the dance floor. On a conspicuous platform, the disc jockey for the night dished out popular tunes, one after another. Leading the dancers were the comperes for the night, Sunday Idika (aka Nnaamen) and Emma Owuala (aka Emma Solution), both stand-up comedians and presenters at Atlantic FM, Uyo. The pair both urged the dancers on right from their vantage position on the platform. No, it’s no ordinary party today. It’s the special night of celebration holding in the Beer Village, Uyo Township Stadium. Organised by one of the nation’s leading lager beer brands, Star, the event has become an important feature of Uyo for five years. Indeed, since 2007, Christmas in Uyo has become something to look forward to. Just ask Ibong Abasi, a Lagos-based banker. The 27-year-old arrived the town two days ago and immediately he joined the groove in the Star Beer Village. “I was here during the Xmas celebrations last year and it was really fun. That was why I decided to come back here this year,” he stated. Ibong is not alone. Christmas period has become a homecoming of sorts for indigenes of not only Uyo but also the whole of Akwa Ibom State and its environs. The people troop back home for the unique opportunity to meet with long lost acquaintances and network with friends while relaxing in the Star Beer Village. Blessing Umanna, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi and resident of Benin, Edo State, also made the trip back home for the festival. According to her, the Star Beer Village makes the Christmas celebrations ever more exciting. “I attended the very first edition and since then I have not missed any of

HE earth is dying. This was the obvious signal given at the just-concluded 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Durban, South Africa. Though the conference, which was

•Crowd at the Star Beer Festival

Beer Festival excites Uyo residents By Dupe Ayinla

the other editions. It makes the Christmas celebrations even more exciting and I always look forward to returning home,” she added. This year’s event was no less exciting than the previous editions. There were rib-cracking jokes from the duo of Nnaamen and Emma Solution. There were also spectacular performances from up-and-coming artistes from the state. Speaking on the event, Joshua Nnaji, Sales Team Manager, Nigeria Breweries Plc., Calabar, makers of Star lager beer, stated that the Star Beer Village was conceived to give back to the people of Uyo. “The sim-

ple reason we put all of this together is just to give back to the people of Uyo and by extension, Akwa-Ibom State. We just want to say thank you for the support and patronage of our consumers from this side of the country. We really appreciate the fact that they have made us the number one brand not only in this state but the entire country,” he said. The event, Nnaji added, made it possible for Star to connect with its consumers in the community. “The good thing about this event is that it gives people of this community an opportunity to connect with Star, just as Star also connects with them. And you can see from the mood that everybody is appreciative of Star’s pres-

ence here,” he added. Interestingly, the Beer Village in Uyo is not the only event through which Star connects with the indigenous communities in Nigeria. Earlier in the year, Star held a musical concert tagged Aba Star Festival, held in the Igarra, headquarters of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. The Aba Festival, which attracted more than 10,000 people, dates as far back as 1789 and is regarded as one of the oldest and most revered festivals of its kind in the country. The Aba Star Festival turned out to be the climax of the week-long ceremony as local musical acts took turns to entertain the crowd. The star of the night undoubtedly was ace Fuji

crooner, Obesere, who thrilled the crowd with his energetic performance. There was also a raffle draw which saw lucky winners going home with various prizes. Also in Edo State, Star was present at the 20th anniversary celebration of His Royal Highness, Anselm Odaloighe Edenojien II, the Ojuromi of Uromi, Edo State. Just like Uyo Star Beer Festival, the event was spiced up with local acts and a star performer, Lawal Olalekan Olumo (aka Konga), an afro hip hop crooner. The Kabakaba crooner literarily threw the crowd into ecstasy with his masterful performance. Then there was the Lagos festival which was held from the December 1 to 18, this year.

Council chief makes case for African communities By Emmanuel Oladesu

attended by 20,000 negotiators from 200 countries, did not bring much hope to many environmentalists, it

however did not stop some stakeholders from making a case for their communities. This was the case for Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area represented by its chairman, Comrade

•From left: Mr James Nxumalo, Mayor of Thekwini Municipal, Durban, South Africa; Comrade Ayodele Adewale, Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area displaying his signed Durban City Pact, and David Cadman, President ICLEI Worldwide

Ayodele Adewale who led a delegation of other local government representatives to Durban. Armed with the resolutions at the Mayoral Climate Change Conference (pre-COP 17) hosted by the Lagos State Government few months ago, Comrade Ayodele made a strong case for African communities devastated by the impact of climate change, and the need for international authorities to recognise local councils, communities, counties, and areas as active partners and stakeholders in all the processes and actions for combating climate change. At the 16th edition of the conference in Cancun Mexico last year, the council chief played a significant role, drawing the attention of the international community to the plight of the African Continent in terms of the impacts of climate change including global warming, drought, desertification, retreating seas, famine, coastal flooding, among other issues. A sour point of the Durban confer-

ence however, is the deliberate action of a number of industrialised countries most responsible for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to place a setback on the Kyoto Protocol adopted in December 1997, which committed industrialised countries to reducing GHG emissions to an average of five per cent from its 1990s levels from 2008-2012, among other demands. As at September 2011, 191 countries, including Nigeria, were signatories to the Kyoto Protocol. It was obvious that the 37 industrialised (Annex 1) countries most responsible for GHG emissions were least interested in sealing that deal. The Kyoto Protocol, which will expire by 2012, will require an extension, but carbon quartet of Canada, Japan, Russia and USA have indicated they will not sign for its extension. A major drawback of the Kyoto Protocol is that it lacks clear monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for establishing compliance, and achieving its overall objective.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

Osun to pay workers’ leave allowances on birthdays HE Osun State government is set to pay the leave allowances of workers in its employ on their birthdays or on the anniversary of their absorption into the service. Making the disclosure in a circular, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Elder Abiodun Akintaro, said the payment of the allowances will start from next year. Akintaro, who said the Governor Rauf Aregbesola will always give priority attention to workers’ salaries and other entitlements, directed that all accounting officers to ensure that their monthly requests for leave allownace for entitled workers reach the Ministry of Finance, Economic Palnning and Budget not

•Governor Aregbesola

NRC to begin Lagos-Kano train service

XPRESS train service from Lagos to Kano will start in the first quarter of 2012, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, has said. Sijuwade gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Lagos last week. The managing director said that the NRC would take delivery of 20 pressurised tank wagons in January to boost operations. He added that that the corporation would increase the frequency of passenger transit services in Lagos from eight to 16, also next year. The managing director said that the rehabilitation of the Jebba-Minna rail route was 70 per cent completed and that ballast trains were already plying the route. He said that the flooding of rail tracks at Akere in Niger had been controlled and that the rehabilitation of the rail lines had reached an advanced stage. “This has contributed to the significant pace at which the restoration efforts of the Civil

Lagos Engineering Department of the corporation on the rail-bearer bridge is going,’’ he said. Sijuwade said that the Lagos-Ilorin train service had been restored with the official handing over of the track line by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company. He said that a train would run on the route every Friday. “The train returns to Lagos on Sunday. Other passenger train services now running are Kano to Kaduna , Kafanchan to Kaduna , Minna-Kaduna Kaduna intra-city and Lagos -Iddo/Apapa-Agbado-Ijoko. “Passenger train service available in Maiduguri has been put on hold for security reasons,” he said. Sijuwade said that the corporation had begun weekly freighting of 450 tonnes of cement from Ewekoro to Agege/Ijoko and transportation of 600 tonnes to Ibadan / Oshogbo on behalf of the Lafarge Cement Company.

Oyo eateries record Yuletide boom

Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

later than 15th day of every month. Also, he directed that agencies of government should forward the list of officers who will be affected on monthly basis by the new arrangement together with their entitlements latest by December 29. Akintaro said that the rendition of the returns would give room for effective cash planning.

Widows get food items, mosquito nets

HE Defence and Police Officer Wives Association donated food items and mosquito nets to widows and wives of officers. Presenting the items to the beneficiaries, Mrs Appolonia Petinrin, the National President of DEPOWA, said the association decided to reach out to the women because Christmas was a period of “love and sharing with one another’’.

• From left: Senate President David Mark; Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Catholic Church Wuse, Rev. Fr. Jerome Bello, and Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, during a Christmas Carol/Concert at the residence of the Senate President in Abuja

Council distributes free books to pupils

HE Igueben Local Government Area in Edo State has started distributing free exercise books to pupils in its 36 public primary schools, the Chairman, Mr Sylvanus Igbogbo, has said. Igbogbo told journalists that the gesture was borne out of his desire to lay a solid educational

Edo foundation for the children. He explained that as a beneficiary of former Governor Ambrose Alli’s free books’ programme, his action was to further promote the well-being of pupils as well as get others back to public schools. Igbogbo said the administration’s commitment to improving early childhood education had compelled the local government to embark on massive construction of model public primary schools. As he expressed his desire to reconstruct all primary schools to meet international standards, he appealed to the students to make judicious use of the books.

Foundation repairs 65 cleft patients

Residents score council chair high HE Chairman, Apapa Local Government Area,Lagos State, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph has been praised for his innovative performance during the out -going year. At a stakeholders meeting held at the council’s secretariat to seek their input into the 2012 budget, the members were unanimous that they had not cast their votes in vain. Citing the instances of the administration’s infrastructural development, they said that the council had steadily marched on. The council’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Felix Akinsiku who stood in for the chairman, explained that the essence of the meeting was to have the input of the members in 2012 budget because it was for the people’s welfare and development that budget was always prepared. He said: “We call you to know your position, have your ideas because in the long run, you will be the beneficiaries of the budget. This is a people-oriented budget, therefore your input is very important.” According to the organisers, the programme would afford members of the public the ample opportunity to contribute

Lagos

Abuja

By Musa Odoshimokhe

to its preparation as they were required to suggest items that would have direct benefit on them rather than government merely decreeing what would be given them. “Budget will reflect opinion that will be expressed; efforts will be made to implement the budget with much diligence and commitment.” It would be recalled that Hon Joseph many projects had touched the lives of residents of the council in many ways. During his last campaign, he promised to implement the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) manifesto to the letter. Some of the projects embarked on were breast cancer screening awareness campaign, anti-fake drugs campaign, provision of boreholes, provision of vehicles for staff and market association, upgrading and rehabilitation of schools, tarring of roads etc. The 2012 budget was expected to have much impact as the people had already taken their proposal to government which touched their welfare and the development of the council in general.

• Stakeholders at the Apapa Council taking the national anthem

T • USA Consultate General,Mr Joseph Stafford,Commissioner For Commerce and Industry ,Mrs Olusola Senapon Oworu and USA Economic Officer, Mr Robert Folley, during their courtesy call to Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Senator condemns removal of oil subsidy

ENATOR Gbenga Ashafa representing Lagos East senatorial district has called on President Good luck Jonathan to come out and tell Nigerians what he intends doing with the money he would remove as oil subsidy. Senator Asafa stated this shortly after receiving an award at the reception organised in honour of Epe division elected and appointed officers at the secretariat of Epe Club in Epe last week . He maintained that if the subsidy is finally removed it will create serious problems for Nigerians and create additional suffering for the entire people of the country. According to him, “if subsidy is removed it will create serious problem for the entire people of Nigeria and again let us assume that the subsidy has been removed, what are they going to do with the money? Let Nigerians know that you have decided to remove and if he removes, is he going to save so many trillions and out of this money some are going for infrastructure, education, commerce, and tourism among other sectors. That is what we expect the President to address and he should talk to every Nigerian so that common man will understand”. Speaking on the award received from the the Epe club, he said he felt humbled, honoured and believed that the award is to appreciate and encourage him to do more for the betterment of his people in his constituency. Other awardees include: Adeyemi Ikuforiji the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly,Olayinka Oladunjoye, Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof. John Oladapo, Vice Chancellor ,University of Lagos,Hon Yomi Ayeola, member, House of

Lagos By Jeremiah Oke

Representatives, Lanre Odubote, member, of House of Representatives,Hon Kazeem Raheem, member,Lagos House of Assembly,Hon Segun Olalude, member, House of Assembly among other members Earlier, the president of Epe Club, Mr. Adio Akinsola, has described the club as a means to build common future through mutual understanding. He described primary function of the club as to maintain unity, peace and progress of all communities in Epe division of Lagos State. The president also said that the award was organised to honour the indigenes of the zone that are in various public and political positions in the current dispensation so as to urge them not to forget their root. and to contribute their quota to the development of the area.

HE President, Cleft Care Nigerian Foundation,Dr Seidu Bello says the foundation has corrected 65 cleft conditions during its outreach programme in Niger State. Cleft palate is the most common birth defect that occurs. Although it happens in about one in 700 births, it is not a fatal problem, according to medical reports. Clefts are repaired within the first year of life, usually by a surgeon. The clefts are repaired in part to facilitate feeding, but most importantly to support normal speech.. Bello told journalists in Minna that the recent programme was carried out in conjunction with the Niger State government, to correct the ailment in 65 persons out of the 76 who registered. “The foundation decided to intervene by providing necessary medical assistance to this group of vulnerable Nigerians as part of our social responsibility. “Some doctors and other medical officers decided to volunteer their services for the outreach programme, instead of waiting for foreign medical team to come and do it for us in Nigeria,” he said. He said the foundation had recommended four other critical cases to any tertiary medical facilities in the country, while the state government had accepted to offset their bill of N4.2million Bello appealed to Nigerians to report any symptoms of cleft to the foundation for early treatment.

SKING in the euphoria of the festive season, some fast food outlets in Ibadan have declared an increase in sales due to the influx of customers. A survey conducted by our correspondent indicated that some eateries recorded nearly twice the average number of customers before the onset of the Yuletide season. The Manager, Southern Fried Chicken in Agodi area of Ibadan, Sesan Coker, said the period was often long awaited by the outfit. “On a normal day, we record just over 1, 500 sales per day, in customer terms. Now, we have over 2,700 customers daily. “Business booms during this season and we seize the opportunity to motivate our hardworking staff by increasing their bonuses,” Coker said. Mr Bosun Kolawole, the Director of Chicken Delight in Bodija, also told journalists that patronage had been on the increase. “Business has been good so far this month. There has always been this rush from customers associated with the season, which is always a welcome development. “Normally, we close our doors to

Free medicare, feeding for diabetic patients

HE Chairman, Kazaure Local Government Council in Jigawa State, Alhaji Saleh Taki, said the council has introduced free medical treatment and feeding for all diabetic patients in the area. Taki told journalists in Dutse that the disease was prevalent in the area and that there was the need for the state government to intervene by assisting patients. “Drugs and special food were being recommended for those that are diabetic but due to poverty some of the patients could not afford them. “Those who are suffering from the disease in this area are part of us, we have to show them love and care.” Taki said that a committee had been set up to work out the modalities on how to actualise the programme. He said that through a poverty alleviation programme, his administration had engaged over 250 women in different skills and trades in the area. The chairman said the council had paid WAEC examination fees for 120 students which cost his administration N1.1 million, while N782, 000 was spent to obtain JAMB forms for 92 students. “I call on all the people in the area to support this administration for the progress of the council,” Taki pleaded.

Oyo customers at 9p.m daily, but we have been forced to extend our opening hours till 10 p.m due to the increased influx of customers,’’ Kolawole said. Also speaking, Yetunde Kuforiji, the Proprietor of Abula Kitchen, Mokola, said that the season was witnessing brisk business. “ I love Christmas as it is the only period in the year when my purse smiles a lot,’’ she said. “Usually, I make a daily net profit of between N15, 000 and N20,000 but during the Christmas period, I make over N30,000 due to increase in sales,’’ Kuforiji said. Giving reasons for the boom in sales, Kuforiji said: “I think it’s the mood. “Most people working outside the state are coming back home especially those whose companies are closing for the year. “The Christmas feeling is so overwhelming

Bello said. He also said that the prices were outrageous considering the country’s economic situation. Mr Mofe Oluwajuwon, a businessman, who also spoke, expressed surprise at the increase in the prices of children’s wares, saying the development was unbearable. “I visited children’s stores around Ikeja and was surprised at the exorbitant prices they were selling clothes. “I never knew children’s wares could be expensive like those of adults,” Oluwajuwon said. He appealed to the traders to reduce their prices so that people could buy them.

that most people find it ideal to celebrate and eat out with their families and friends rather than staying indoors,’’ she said.

Local govt pledges support for ANTAP

RELE Local Government in Ondo State has pledged continued support for the state chapter of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners . Mr Oluwatobi Akinbiola, the chairman of the council, made the pledge during the inauguration of Irele chapter of the association. Akinbiola, who received an award from the chapter, for being the “Best Ondo State Local Government Chairman”,praised its executive members for their contributions to the development of the state’s cultural heritage. He commended the state government for supporting the association.

Ondo Earlier, Mr Timothy Akinrolabu, who represented the chapter, commended Akinbiola for his commitment to grass-roots development. “I want to personally appreciate Akinbiola for supporting the people of Irele council, especially ANTAP Irele chapter. ‘“We read in the papers your call to all local government chairmen in Ondo State to support our association and this has really helped our various chapters,” he said.

•From left: Mr Ladi Smith, Executive Director Credit Awareness; Sophia Omodibo, Actress Story of Gold, Actress Kate Adepegba ; Mr Michael Wong of World Bank during the screeing of the movie at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island,Lagos

‘Emulate Lagos in agricultural development’

HE giant strides recorded by the Lagos State government in the development of rural communities through agriculture has been commended by the monitoring team of the Fadama 111 National Office, Abuja. Speaking in Lagos during an assessment

By Kunle Akinrinade

exercise called ‘Mid-Term Review’ Senior Community Development Specialist of National Fadama Project, Dr Victoria Agu, said there is need for other states of the federation to emulate Lagos State. She said:” We are here to assess the extent of

Lagos residents lament hike in prices of clothes

AGOS residents are complaining about the hike in the prices of clothing just as they prepare to enjoy the best of the festive season. They said that the prices were expensive, compared to what obtained a few months ago. A cross section of buyers, who spoke with journalists, said they were not happy with the increase in prices. Mr Oluwafisayo Bello, a youth corps member, at Yaba Market said that irrespective of size and design, sellers had increased the prices of clothing well beyond the reach of many buyers. “I have been here since morning and have not bought all I needed. “I am surprised that a pair of jeans I got for N2,500 recently now cost as much as N3,500,”

•_Governor Ajimobi_

•From left: Prof.Lufadeju,Dr.Ugo, Daudawa,Ajijola and Oyenekan during the inspection

impact of the project in the rural areas and to look at the challenges facing farmers who are beneficiaries of the Fadama 111 programme and how to help them. But from what we have seen so far during the tour of projects, I make bold to say that Lagos State has excelled very well in the project and it has demonstrated that agriculture remains key toward developing rural communities and eradicating poverty in Nigeria. We were at the Farmer’s ICT Centre established by the Lagos State government and it is so amazing that a state government is doing so much to help farmers by using information technology.” The Lagos State Project Coordinator of Fadama 111, Mr. Folu Ajijola during a presentation, reeled out the effort of the agency at empowering the large number of farmers in the state and the challenges facing the programme. The team which included the Operation Officer , Messrs. Usman Daudawa, Prof. Emmanuel Lufadeju, Rasaq Salawu and Ahmadu Yusuf also inspected new market stalls at the Awolowo Market, Mushin and fish farms established by beneficiaries in Alimosho Local Government Area. Ugo further praised butchers at the Awolowo market and members of the Alimosho Fadama Community Association for ensuring the judicious use of the incentives and assistance given to them by the Lagos State Coordinating Office of the project.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

CITYBEATS THE NATION

E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

‘

More people are embracing the change. What we experienced as major hiccup initially was giving out change to motorists, but this is being resolved gradually. It will soon be a thing of the past as soon as more and more users, especially the more frequent ones, patronise the e-payment option

’

•The toll plaza

HE ‘Occupy Lekki’ protesters milled round the toll plaza that Saturday. Their mission was to prevent the collection of toll on the Lekki-Epe road billed to start the next day. The protesters were dispersed by the police and some of them arrested. Those arrested have since been released following the intervention of Governor Babatunde Fashola. Fashola joined other motorists to pay toll on the road on December 18 when he rode through the plaza in his private Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at about 1.35pm. Since that day, workers at the toll plaza have been busy attending to motorists. A hard and long battle was fought before the government and the Lekki Concessioning Company (LCC) could have their way. It took all of 11 months before the exercise could begin. The toll collection was delayed because of the residents’insistence on certain things. Among others, they insisted on the provision of an alternative route for those who cannot pay the toll. Government pledged to meet their demand and suspended the toll regime until it did. With Fashola last Sunday, was the DirectorGeneral of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) office, Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, the chief co-ordinator and interface between the concessionaire and government on the project. The governor sued for the understanding of residents, urging them to accept change, insisting that he acted in good faith in ordering the take-off of the tolling. He said: "We cannot continue to wish this kind of development only in our dreams, and enjoy it only when we jet outside our country. Change has come upon us; let us embrace it." He added that government decided to launch the toll payment on Sunday, to reduce the impact of the first experience and give people

After initial bumps, smooth tolling takes off at Lekki By Yinka Aderibigbe

enough time to adjust to the change. Traffic was, however, still heavy on the road as at Wednesday when CityBeats visited. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their experience in the past two days was traumatic. "Yesterday (Tuesday), I spent close to two hours on the same spot. I got to my destination so late that my appointment had to be rescheduled. I don't know for how long this will continue, but this is going to take its toll on the residents, particularly those living in Lekki and its environs.” Another resident, Mr Babafemi Odumosu, told CityBeats that he no longer goes to Lekki like he used to. "My kind of work takes me to Lekki almost everyday. In fact, I could come to Lekki twice a day, depending on the appointments I had to keep.But we have begun to adjust our appointments in line with the new toll regime." But an LCC official advised motorists to use the electronic tag (etag) instead of paying cash at the plaza, pointing out that the process not only reduces traffic gridlock, but offers motorists discount. He said the initial inertia over the plaza is gradually giving way. "More people are embracing the change. What we experienced as major hiccup initially was

Assembly holds thanksgiving THE Christian Fellowship of Lagos State House of Assembly has celebrated its yearly end-of-the year thanksgiving/ Christmas outreach. The theme was: Greater Glory, taken from Haggai 2:9. The General Overseer of Living Spring Chapel International, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, ministered on the occasion. Dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Governor Babatunde Fashola’s wife, Dame Abimbola and wife of the Speaker, Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji. Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said the event has become: "Our way of giving gratitude to God in the past nine years.” He prayed that, according to the theme of the theme, God will shower the Assembly with greater glory.

giving out change to motorists, but this is being resolved gradually. It will soon be a thing of the past as soon as more and more users, especially the more frequent ones, patronise the e-payment option," he said. Gbeleyi had told CityBeats that the government and the concessionaire have learnt a lot in the last one week and are prepared to resolve outstanding issues. He urged motorists to also support the operator in accelerating traffic by embracing the electronic payment option which makes their tolling automatic. Gbeleyi said the process of paying cash and obtaining the balance contributes to the delays experienced at the plaza. He said the government is happy that the state has joined the league of developing economies that has adopted private capital financing to develop public utilities. He said PPP remains the best vehicle through which the government can deliver on public utilities at the least cost. He said: "There has been growing appetite world over for public-private partnership (PPP), as a vehicle for the financing of public infrastructure. While developing countries of Africa, because of the enormous government responsibilities, as well as the huge infrastructure deficit, require revenue outside the budgetary sources to augment their lean revenue for infrastructure development and

NAFDAC introduces latest sampling kits THE National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has acquired modern sampling kits to aid its operations. NAFDAC Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii, who was represented by Director of Laboratory Services, Mrs Stella Denloye, said the kits would enhance trade and aid inspection of regulated products. The sampling kits, he said, would be used at ports, factories and warehouses by Ports Inspection Directorate, Enforcement Directorate, Establishment Inspection Directorate and Laboratory.

service delivery, developed countries, such as America, equally require private funds at the least, to rebuild deteriorating infrastructure to retain its competitive edge." He said the PPP otherwise known as Private Finance Initiative (PFI), invented in Australia in the late 80s, was promoted by the John Major administration in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1992, and the initiative spread to other parts of Europe, Australia, Canada, South Africa and some Asian countries. "In recent times PPP has been used to deliver various public infrastructure such as highway construction, mass transport development, airports, seaports, hospitals, schools and utilities of various kinds. He noted that the M25, one of the busiest motorways in the UK, which over 200,000 vehicles ply daily, is being expanded from three to four lanes in both directions through PPP initiative to enhance traffic management. Gbeleyi added the 80-kilometre railway system in Gauteng Province, South Africa, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Johannesburg and Pretoria Province, is being developed through PPP. The PPP option, he noted, is becoming a popular tool for infrastructure finance as it offers policy makers the opportunity to improve the delivery of services and the

•SEE PAGE 32

Community petitions govt INDIGENES of Itedo in Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, have petitioned the government over alleged illegal dredging at the waterfront in the village. In the petition, they urged the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development to save their lives. The petitioners said the dredging being undertaken by the Lagoon Dredging and Marine Services Company Ltd is making the village inhabitable. "Our wells, which are the major supply of drinking water, are polluted, the roads are constantly flooded and hardly accessible and the shorelines where fishermen carry out their activities for livelihood have been dredged to a certain depth which has led to the loss of two lives, " the petitioners said.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

CITYBEATS After initial bumps, smooth tolling takes off at Lekki •Continued from page 31 management of facilities through private funds. He said the PPP's thorough process ensures realistic project selection and proper allocation of the risk to the appropriate party as it enhances efficient use of resources. "The PPP cutting edge is that it minimises waste and tendency for projects to fail by allocating risk to the party most suited for it.In general terms, PPP is a contract between a public sector institution (government) and a private party where the latter assumes significant project risk (financial, technical and operational) in the design, financing, building and operation of a project," Gbeleyi said. Gbeleyi, who said the Eti-Osa Lekki-Epe Road was not the only ongoing PPP project in the state, listed among others, the 12.15mw Independent Power Plant (IPP) built by the government and Oando Power to enhance the generation/ production capacity of the Lagos State Water Corporation at its Adiyan/Iju water works. He said not only has the project increased residents' access to potable water by over 42 per cent, government has been able to save N49.2 million monthly just by switching from diesel-powered generating plants to gas. He said though operational

FACT FILE ON ONGOING AND PROPOSED PPP INITIATIVES IN LAGOS 1. 270MW IPP - AES BergeAES Nigeria a subsidiary of AES USA was the project sponsor responsible for the implementation of the project. The project is an Independent Power Project (IPP). It operates nine (9) bargemounted gas turbines that produce 270MW. Raised above 120 million US dollars to refinance part of project cost and total project cost was in excess of 200million US dollars.

power for LWC (40% savings) Improvement in water delivery (85% vs 32%). Service level coverage increased by 95%.

2. Akute/Adiyan Waterworks 12.15MW IPP - APC 12.15 MW provided by 4 x 3 MW GE Jenbacher gas engines. 13km natural gas pipeline connected to existing natural gas infrastructure. $25.5 million total installed cost. 12 month construction period and commenced operations in January 2010. 10 year PPA with LWC. Irrevocable Standing Order of Payment (ISPO) on IGRA. Facility Agreement. Benefits to LWC. Constant, reliable, affordable

3. Island Power Limited (a part of Negris Group) This is a Build, own and operate (BOO)concession for a 9.7MW Independent Power Plant between the Lagos State Government and Negris Group. The project plans to provide uninterrupted power supply for the Judicial and Health facilities, as well as 20 streets in the Lagos Island Central Business District: "The project has helped in eradicating 30 diesel and petrol generators and provided a cleaner source of energy. "With 20 Streets in Lagos Island being constantly lighted at night, there has been considerable reduction in crime in this neighbourhood. "This project will also significantly improve the delivery of essential social services to the citizens of Lagos state. 4. BRT Scheme with over

framework in the energy sector proved an hindrance to the AES, initiative to build an Independent Power Plant (IPP) to generate 270mw exclusively for Lagos residents, the Fashola administration has deepened the platform by delivering a 10mw IPP at the Lagos Central Business District to provide uninterrupted power supply for judicial and health facilities as well as 20 streets. Also, some health facilities, particularly pharmacies and mortuaries, are operated by the

private sector in some public hospitals. In the transport sector, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, caters for about 200,000 road users daily and the presence of the buses has helped in reducing travel time by 30 per cent and created over 5,000 direct and indirect employments. Work has begun on the Light Rail Transit System as the Blue Line which is a 27-kilometre rail line from Okokomaiko to Marina, is set to take off. The government is to design and

9. Ikeja Shopping Mall

200,000 passage ridership per day and a first in sub-Saharan Africa Travel Time reduced from 78 to 50mins (Mile 12 to TBS)

10. Ferry Services on 13 Routes 11. Lagos Infrastructure Project: This is a 30 years concession , to design, construct, finance and operate the 49.36 km Eti-Osa-LekkiEpe Expressway to eliminate severe traffic gridlock along the concession area. The transaction attained financial close in November 2008(effective date) and expires in November 2038 . The ongoing Eti-Osa Lekki Epe project has been able to generate over 1800 jobs. There are still opportunities to generate more jobs through other pipeline PPP projects in the Eti-OsaLekki-Epe corridor. Such projects includes the following: i. Lekki Free Trade Zone (Four Quadrants on 16,500 Hectares (Ha)) ii.Lagos Free Trade Zone (210 Ha) iii.Lekki Deep Sea Port (potentially over 500 Ha) iv. Lekki International Airportexpected to attract 5,000,000 (Five Million) passengers annually (2,000 Ha) v. Hydrocarbon park (almost 1,000 Ha)

5. Health Sector PPP at LASUTH: Refurbishment of the Theatre & Ward complexes, Accident & Emergency centers, Dental and Outpatient units. Construction of the BT Wards. Private sector operated BT Health and Diagnostic Centre and BT Pediatric Complex. i. Ongoing construction of the cardiac and renal centre at the LASUTH Annex, Gbagada ii.Ongoing construction and equipping of a three storey 80 bed Integrated trauma and burns centre at the LASUTH Annex iii. LASUCOM - Students Hostel, Sports complex, Faculty of clinical sciences complex 6. Oluwole Model Mall 7. Tejuoso Model Mall 8. Adeniran Ogunsanya Model Mall

considerably help in reducing travel time thereby helping road users in making considerable savings on fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance. With the eradication of traffic congestion, people do not only save valuable time, but also live a healthier life. In the same vein, the incidence management services aid road users when their vehicles breakdown, during accidents and other emergency situations, thereby ensuring that the safety and security of road users is guaranteed 24 hours," Gbeleyi said.

build the rail line infrastructure, while a concessionaire is to operate and maintain the service, including the rolling stock. The project, which generated about 2,000 jobs during construction at the first phase, is expected to generate about 50,000 jobs on completion next year. Gbeleyi added that the Eti-OsaLekki-Epe road project, which won the 2008 Transport Deal of the year Award from Africa Investors, has provided pedestrian bridges and street lights and improved management services, among others. "The road when completed would

LAMATA, LASEPA set to tackle vehicle emission

• From left: Mobereola; LAMATA's Director, Corporate and Investment Planning,Dr Taofeek Folami, Mr Olutayo Orekoya and General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Adebola Rasheed Shabi, at the meeting

Activists flay ill-treatment of the disabled

GROUP of human rights activists has condemned the discriminatory treatment of persons with disability. Speaking at the end of a workshop jointly organised by the Legal and Assistance Project (LEDAP) and Equal Rights Trust (ERT), National Coordinator of LEDAP, Mr Chino Edmund Obiagwu, explained that there is need for the protection of the rights of the physically challenged.

1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 08023321770; 080-56374036.

By Kunle Akinrinade

"The torture and ill-treatment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria is widespread,under-reported and often seen as acceptable or inevitable. Persons with disability are uniquely vulnerable and encounter specific difficulties in protecting their right to be free from torture and ill-treatment. Their disability impacts upon their experiences of ill-treatment

and they face particular hurdles in accessing redress. "The objective of the workshop is two-fold. Firstly, to improve the utilisation of the human rights framework and mechanisms in works on ill-treatment, discrimination and the rights of persons with disabilities. Secondly,to foster links, initiate dialogue, exchange and make enquiry among workshop participants," he said.

EMERGENCY LINES 2. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Zonal Command Phone No: 080-77690200; 01-7742771 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-776909201; 01-2881304 FRSC Emergency No: 070-022553772

3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 080-75005411; 080-60152462 080-23111742; 080-29728371 080-23909364; 080-77551000, 01-7904983 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 01-4703325; 01-7743026

HE Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have initiated a bill on mitigation of environmental threats posed by vehicle emission. The bill is before the House of Assembly. LAMATA Managing Director Dr Dayo Mobereola, said at a stakeholders’meeting on the review of the draft legislation: "Our authority, in collaboration with LASEPA, is rising up to the challenge of combating vehicular emission through standards setting, control and regulatory initiatives. "All over the world, the transport sector has emerged as the fastest growing source of global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. While efforts are intensified globally towards addressing this major challenge, our state is taking strategic steps in evaluating its own contribution to GHG emissions and implement effective mitigation and adaptation options.” He identified urban transport and industrial sectors as major sources of air and noise pollution, noting that there had been lack of accurate data in the past to quantify the amount of pollution load from such sources, until LAMATA conducted series of studies to arrive at the present level attained in the sector.

5. Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 070-35068242 080-79279349; 080-63299264 070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com

By Yinka Aderibigbe

According to Law to the recently conducted Lagos Air curb Quality Monitorvehicle ing Study (20072009), vehicles emission contribute approximately 43 per cent of ambient air pollution in Lagos. It was equally discovered that the major air pollutants in the cities come from combustion of fossil fuels in all motorised vehicles. Unfortunately, he said, the adverse effects of air pollution often fall disproportionately on the urban poor, with attendant health risks and hazards compounding the impact of other environmental problems such as lack of clean water and sanitation. He said the damaging effect of air pollution on human health may include increase in the incidence of chronic heart and lung disease or even premature death. Mobereola, therefore, called for a concerted effort to sensitise stakeholders on climate change issues. He said the authourity was developing strategies for implementing sustainable urban transportation through a process geared towards inclusion of parameters, such as safety, cleanliness and reliability to reduce emissions within the transport sector.

6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

CITYBEATS FROM THE GRASSROOTS

Group flays planned fuel subsidy removal

Three held over Ikorodu violence

HREE persons are being held by the Lagos State Police Command, over their roles in the killing and destruction of properties in Oreta Village, in Ikorodu, reported last week by CityBeats. According to police sources, the suspects were arrested based on a petition by the Arowolo Family to the Commissioner of Police. The petitioners urged the police to come to their aid as a group allegedly sponsored by another family has taken the laws into their hands. Police confirmed also that one Freeman Zannu was murdered in the fracas while several others were injured and are in hospitals. The bereaved father, Mr Simeon Zannu, told CityBeats that they were in the village when suddenly they heard gunshots and they started running for safety. However, unknown to him, his 25-yearold son, Freeman Zannu, had been hit by stray bullets. Zannu, a fisherman, said peace had eluded the village since the land tussle between the Buraimoh Family and the Arowolo Family. "We are from Badagry and we are not in any way involved in the land tussle between the Buraimoh and Arowolo families. We

By Oziegbe Okoeki

bought a piece of land here; and, for more than five years, we have busied ourselves with our fishing business. I want the government to do justice to the murderers of my son and, also, I am appealing to Governor Fashola to tell the warring families to let peace reign in the community. Zannu said some irate youths invaded their community and shot his son. A member of the Arowolo family, Mr Biyo said he came with the police to arrest `Mr Olaide Ogunyemi, 'show boy', and Baba Joshua and left with the police to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) office in Ikeja. Biyo said while at SARS, news got to him that thugs had attacked the village in Oreta and its environs. Biyo, the spokesperson of his family, however, distanced himself from the incident, urging the Police to investigate the matter. As at the time of filing this report, the villagers had fled to neighbouring communities, while the presence of armed thugs is visible in all corners of the community. The Lagos State Police spokesman Mr Samuel Jinadu could not be reached

• Simeon Zannu

for his coments on the incident. The Divisional Police Officer for Ikorodu, Mr Ogundare, a Chief Superintendent of Police could also not be reached on his mobile phone but a very senior police officer (names withheld) confirmed the murder of Freeman Zannu in Oreta and further confirmed that some suspect who were involved in the incident where arrested and had been transferred to the Lagos State Police High Command for further investigations.

GROUP, The Muslim Congress (TMC), has condemned the planned removal of fuel subsidy. The group spoke through its Lagos State leader, Mallam Mansour Adebayo, during its 18th annual congress. The congress is an avenue for the society to meet and chat a new way for the group's activities. "We totally reject the postulation that the pain of subsidy removal will be transient and interim. We would rather question why the government always targets the already pauperised masses whenever it considers a need for a pain- bearing exercise. Any serious government which understands the essence of socio-economic transformation would in lieu of removal, address why our local refineries have become casualties of perennial dysfunctional," he said. Adebayo also said another bane to economic develop-

‘Our transformation agenda is HE Chairman of office, said his adminison course’ his Ejigbo Local Council tration has laid a solid foun-

Development Area (LCDA), Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, has said his mission to transform the council is on course. He said the achievements of his admin-

By Yinka Aderibigbe

istration in its first 30 days were the reward of continuity. Bamigbetan, who spoke in

•Ajibade, with some of the graduating Generals

O fewer than 20 Major-Generals and Brigadiers-General have graduated from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON). Their graduation is a breakthrough in the history of the 29-year-old college. Clad in their full military uniform, the officers who graduated after an 11-month course, took turns to collect their certificates from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt- General O.A. Ihejirika, who was represented by Air ViceMarshal O.A.Lawal. For the graduands, staying in ASCON to undertake an 11-month Executive Management course was a fulfilling experience. They testified to the serenity and grandeur of the college, the hospitality of the teachers and non-teaching staff as well as uninterrupted power supply. The Class captain, Godwin George Umo, described their

By Amidu Arije

ment is the spate of unchecked corruption practices in the country. "Moreover, contrary to the assertion that the retention of fuel subsidy will collapse the economy, we dare say that the biggest and perhaps, the only threat to the survival of Nigeria's economy is the deep rooted corruption which exists in the inner crevices of Nigeria's political leadership and which has been the biggest sore in our national evolution. However, it is unfortunate that the government of the day has exhibited a sheer lack of spine and spirit to prosecute certified perpetractors of corruption and crime," he said. He also call for an overhaul security system in the country that we guarantee the protection of life and properties of the masses. "Talking about crime, the climate of uncertainty in the country has taken a wider di-

mension. The increasing wave of bombing and violence which before now was alien in the nation's index of social crime has indeed become an alarming cause for worry. We therefore join well meaning Nigerians in calling for a complete overhaul present security system. Regretabllu, no one has so far been tried and convicted on the matter," he said. The guest lecturer on the occasion, Dr Zafaran Adeniyi, who was represented by Mr Moshood Bello spoke on the topic: "coping with contemporary challenges," Adeniyi urged that the all must embrace the current challenges with full force so that everlasting peace and tranquility will be achieved. "ICT and media, Plurality of society, lack of dynamic leadership are among the current challenges the world is facing," he said adding that "Morality another challenge we see even when wed close our eyes is the depravity which has affected morality and values. Death of nations and erosion of values are tragic manifestations of spiritual comatose."

dation for the rapid transformation of the LCDA and that no effort would be spared in making the council a reference point for his colleagues. He listed efforts to reposition the council in the last 30 days to include the take-off of the state funded EjigboAjao Estate link bridge, with the commencement of work by the Chinese Construction and Engineering Company, (CCEC), the beginning of the 24-hour operations at the Primary health care centre at Ailegun; the negotiation of the employment of 50 Ejigbo artisans on the link bridge project; and the sandfill of the potholes in front of the council. Other achievements he listed are: the set up of poster removal team and the removal of posters within the council area, the design of the Oke-Afa jetty, the distribution of sallah bonus staff and distribution of gifts to other muslin leaders, the Christian and Muslim thanksgiving services at the council and part payment of the cost of construction of the Rafiu Tijani and Kolawole Sebili

•Bamigbetan

Streets. Other projects already ongoing is the mobilisation of materials for the takeoff of construction of the drainage on Disu Fayemi Street, the release of funds for the construction of a library for th Customary Court, and the engineering design for the construction of Rainbow road, Chris Idowu Street and Jubril Olabisi Street, the review of all tariffs of the council and the introduction of new measuresto improve revenue generation; the sponsorship of five women to the National Women Conference, and the payment of allowances of the last regime's councillors.

ASCON graduates 20 Army Generals By Adegunle Olugbamila

stay as “exciting” and a “home away from home”, adding that the uninterrupted power supply during their stay is a message all the officers would take back to their families. In an interview with CityBeats, Umo, described the syllabus of the Executive Management course as allencompassing as it focuses on the essence of leadership, particularly, as obtained in the civil rather than military world. Hear him: "I would like to say the syllabus of this course has been so designed that it captures the essence of having proper leadership to be able to govern at any level whatsoever. For us, we have essentially derived a lot

of benefit. So, I would say that ASCON should keep up the good works and improve further on the content of the course." Asked to comment on the reason of obtaining training outside their constituency he said: "This is another level of training. In the military, training is a continuous process.We have gained some knowledge in management and governance which have also given us good tools for leadership and of course to be able to succeed whether in or outside the military. Leadership is a key issue here; and this course have sufficiently empowered us with the tool to lead anywhere we find ourselves." Another participant Brigadier-General Joseph Ojo

Komolafe, said the training would further give flesh to the ones that they had already acquired in the military. Komolafe said: “There is no limit to knowledge. Coming here is to further strengthen what we already know in the military and an opportunity to see how they see things in civil life. Since most of the things we had learnt here are in form of theory, we will then combining the practical aspect of the training in the military with it. Meanwhile, Mr Ajibade who expressed joy at having 20 officers for training at a time, said the opportunity now represent a platform for the college to re-establish the marriage which once existed between the two institutions years back, while

working out more collaboration with internal and external bodies. "I recall we once had 36 officers on our programme, which I coordinated as principal management development officer at the time. Then they began to come in trickles before it eventually stopped. So when we now had the opportunity nine months ago, we went into it with full force in order to make ourself relevant to the military." Ajibade continued: "This training is a collaboration and a position of trust for the Chief of Army Staff to entrust 20 generals to us. The officers who are here on training are quite knowledgeable, rich and our interaction have been very stimulating. One of the generals

engaged us in a strategic discourse on how to make the college more endearing to Navy and Air Force. He even donated valuable books to our library. We also discussed strategic issues bothering on how we can break into other areas of training in the military. We took this assignment (training) to see whether it will make or mar the college, but we thank God it has come out successfully. It's a major breakthrough for us and its now prodding us to look for the entire army navy and air force and to also bring them here for training. "The officers have gone through basic fundamentals of management, leadership development, entrepreneurship, strategic management, and even went through study tours of select places within and outside the country.”

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Old habits and ways of thinking must go. Your thinking must change. Your horizon must be enlarged. Being poor will not take you to heaven. The ticket is salvation through Jesus Christ.”

CITYBEATS

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, at the Holy Ghost Congress.

Council chief urges more compliance with tax payment

HAIRMAN of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area Dr Oloruntoba Oke has urged residents to pay their taxes, rates and levies promptly to enhance the capacity of the administration to deliver on its promises. Oke spoke at the Local Economic Empowerment Development Strategies (LEEDS) meeting organised by the council last Wednesday. It was in response to the requests by leaders and representatives of Community Development Associations. He said: “I want to appeal to all of you to please appeal to your members to pay rates, levies and taxes served them by our revenue team. There is no doubt that the council needs to improve its internally generated revenue. We need to de-emphasise on what comes from the federal purse as monthly allocation. This remains the only way to go if we must sustain the tempo of development envisaged for the council.” He also called on corporate organisations in the council area to be more actively engaged in giving back to the community. He said he would soon hold a meeting with representatives of the 10 banks with branches in the council for the purpose of designing a sustainable corporate social responsibility action that must include employing indigenes of the area and the adoption of a street or two for adequate maintenancem among others. He assured residents that though what he met on ground was appalling, he would redouble effort to reposition the council for the pace he wanted.

•From left: Chief Fadayomi, Oba Olanire and Oke By Yinka Aderibigbe

“I have discovered that it is difficult to make changes. But let me assure you all that within the next 30 days you will begin to see changes in all areas especially roads. What we need from you are prayers and more prayers that God should continue to give us the strength to counter forces that might want to move against our determination to reposition this council,” he said. Earlier, Oke said the LEEDS par-

ley was held to design a framework to build synergy with residents towards ensuring a productive and functional council, for the purposes of achieving economic transformation, attitudinal change for eradicating poverty. He said: “LEEDS is a peopledriven and people centred poverty reduction strategy designed to remove the inefficiencies and structural imbalances in governance with a view to ensuring effective delivery of basic services

and enhancing financial independence of the council.” He therefore charged all residents to come on board and join hands with the government, “if we must achieve greater height and become the envy of all.” Earlier the HOD Budget, Planning and Statistics Mr Gbenga Hunponu implored all residents to join hands with the council in making the 2012 budget a people’s budget. He said the LEEDS is part of efforts by his department to obtain inputs from the people in or-

der to ensure that projects embarked upon by the council evolves from the people. Hunponu said CDAs are free to submit their list of needs to his office for the purposes of ensuring that these are accommodated in the council’s budget. Representatives of the CDAs from the four zones of Ogba, Obawole, Iju, and Ishaga, were unanimous in their call for immediate repair of all roads within the council area which they claimed are in very deplorable condition. Otunba David Osunde, and Jude Nduok, among others called on the chairman to take urgent steps in effecting repairs on the roads within the council to win back the ebbing confidence of the residents of the area. Also the spokesman of the council for traditional Obas and chiefs, in the council Oba Ebelamu Olanire, Oniju of Iju Ogundimu requested for a council chamber for his members to hold regular meetings, the increase in allowances and salaries and general welfare of members of the council among other sundry requests. Among eminent personalities at the parley are: the Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), for Ifako-Ijaiye, Chief Akin Fadayomi, royal fathers among them the Oniju of Iju Ogundimu, Oba Ebelamu Olanire, the Olu of Ishaga, Oba Abass Ajibode, the Vice Chairman of the council Mr Babatunde Raj Label, majority Leader of the council, Mr Niyi Fadare, and the CDC Chairman, Alhaji Rafiu onifade.

Day National Theatre came alive for children

HE Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, no doubt knows how to treat children. Last week at the National Theatre, he proved his love for kids, when he mounted the stage and urged children who had converged from different schools for the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), yearly children festival to join him and mix freely with one another. Each school was asked by the minister to send their representatives to the stage where he hobnobbed with them. Duke urged the kids to be their brother's keeper. "This country can be better if you, as kids go beyond your ethnic group or your localtion in life to love and tolerate another person. This is why I would commend CBAAC for organizing this sort of event because it is in tune with the cardinal objective of this ministry. We need to encourage you as children to love what is yours. This country is yours; please do try to love it." He was, however, surprised when he asked the kids who were over a hundred in number if any of them had been to Sokoto and none said, yes. "What of Calabar?" he asked again. "None," the kids chorused. It was only a few who have been to Abuja. At this juncture the minister faced the audience and said: "Parents, you have to take your kids round this great country. Encourage them to know and interact who one another. Do not limit them to Lagos. Nigeria does not begin and end in Lagos," he chided them, his face furious. The children festival is usually packaged by CBAAC every year to encourage the kids in the areas of dance, drama, debate, quiz and so on. This year's theme was African Culture: The beauty in diversity. It was a theme meant to espouse the centrality of culture in harnessing the issue that bind people together. And it is proper to begin on time

•Duke (right) sharing a thought with the children PHOTO: EDOZIEN UDEZE By Edozien Udeze

to teach kids how to be in love with and proud of what is their own, with culture as the pivot. In his welcome speech Prof Tunde Babawale of CBAAC said, "our interest in children is further strengthened by the fact that children are not only amenable to change but learn easily and faster too. We therefore believe that the ideals CBAAC represents are better inculcated in children." He reminded the kids and their parents about the need to be honest at all times. To him, it is the absence of honesty, respect for one another and so on, that have hindered

our progress as a people. "These stark realities informed our decision to weave this year's festival around the theme: "African Culture: The beauty in diversity." As the kids mounted the stage school after school to display their cultural dexterity, most people were surprised to see how proficient the children were on stage. Decked in their costumes, the children danced different traditional dances from different parts of Nigeria. Their costumes were well patterned to suit the purpose of the festival. With over 50 schools from different locations in Lagos State in attendance, the outing put the kids in the right frame of mind for the Christmas season. This was why the

minister said "despite our differences, our diversity should drive our resolve to succeed as a nation. Therefore I am calling on other parastatals in the ministry to emulate CBAAC. Let them organise cultural fiesta for the kids on a regular basis. This will help to cement cordial relationships among our children." Little Charles who is in primary one could only summarise his feeling this way: "I am happy. I am happy to meet all these people here." As he said so, he tapped another little boy of his age on the shoulder and say to him "let's go and play." With that, they galloped away to another part of the large hall while their teachers went in pursuit of them.

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

Afe Babalola gives varsities wake-up on afforestation

HE Chancellor, Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, has said his university will lead a revolution in afforestation among universities. In a few years, Babalola said, ABUAD will be a model in afforestation. The legal luminary was among the 15 persons honoured with the Fellow of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) recently. The frontline lawyer was honoured for “sustainable forest management through private afforestation”. Responding on behalf of other awardees at the Centre for Black and International Understanding, Osun State, venue of the event, Aare Afe said within two years of existence, ABUAD which clocks three in January, has already made a mark with its farm plantations spreading on a large expanse of land located within the university’s premises. “Within two years of existence, we already have 12, 500 mango trees, 10,000 plantain trees, 60 hectares of maize which we plant four times a year. When (former president Obasanjo came to ABUAD, he bought 1.5 million of grains of food.” Aside the farm in ABUAD, Babalola was also recognised by FAN for owning the largest farm in Ekiti State with over half a million tick trees, thousands of palm trees and other permanent crops as well as four huge man-made lakes and 18 ponds with over 75,000 fishes, according to NIA. ABUAD chancellor said universities and other tertiary institutions should take up the challenge of afforestation since governments appear to be indifferent to it. He said universities should teleguide the government on what should be

S part of its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to its host communities, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)/Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Joint Venture has trained 294 unemployed graduates in Akwa Ibom State. The unemployed graduates were trained on how to start and manage business enterprises with a view to reducing unemployment rate. Speaking separately at the end of the training sessions in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket, the Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Qua Iboe Terminal, MPN, Akaninyene Esiere said the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture embarked on the entrepreneurial skills training scheme as part

By Adegunle Olugbamila

done and not vice versa as being witnessed in the country today. Quoting the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation which declared that as at 2005, Nigeria topped the table in deforestation, Chief Babalola described such record as frightening, noting that the country may suffer food shortage in less than a decade except something urgent is done. The legal luminary called on managers of primary and secondary schools to also take up the challenge since government has shown indifference towards afforestation. Aare Babalola who thanked the members of FAN for deeming him worthy of the award, lamented that an association such as FAN ought to be more nationally recognised by governments at all levels in view of its pivotal role toward renewed afforestaion in Nigeria The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) feared that while nations like China are investing so much in afforestation, Nigeria seems to be indifferent. “Nigeria should learn from Chinese government which currently invests so much in afforestion. Why can’t Nigeria do so? If we continue at the rate we are going, we may have no food in Nigeria in the next 10 years. I therefore appeal to Federal Government to invest heavily in afforestation.” He said the agitations towards afforestion in Nigeria must not be left in the hands of government alone, adding that ordinary Nigerians can also play a major role.” “Whatever role the government at all levels have played in foisting the above problems on Nigerians, the time has come for all of

•Aare Afe Babalola (left) with another honoree Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Isaac Folorunsho Adewole and the VC ABUAD Prof Sidi Osho at the event us to find urgent solutions to these problems which, if not addressed, may consume us either individually or collectively as a nation. Nigeria must withdraw from the belief that everything must come from government. No country has been able to solve its social and economic problems based on the efforts of the president or its governors alone. “Today let every family make it a duty to plant a tree at least, once a week and let farmers practice our forefathers system of nurturing

fast-growing trees like Afefe and Arunje on their farm, and plant hard wood like Iroko or omo and the latest in the market teak and gmalina. Earlier, the national president FAN Dr Francis Akinsanmi Fashina who lamented that the forest cover of Nigeria is being destroyed at an alarming rate without commensurate re-planting, said that the FAO had earlier recommended at least 25 per cent to be under forest cover, that the 10 per cent it is at present.

Firm trains 294 unemployed graduates From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

of its empowerment and capacity building programmes in Akwa Ibom State. Esiere advised the participants to make the best use of the opportunity as he said: “You are now entrepreneurs and your potential to positively affect lives are limitless.” He told the participants that the NNPC/MPN Joint Venture has just equipped them with ideas to become successful entrepreneurs in Nigeria like the Dangotes, the Jimoh Ibrahims, the Mike Adenugas and

other successful entrepreneurs and business moguls, He urged them to imbibe the enduring spirit of the Igbo in business which is delayed gratification. Also in his remarks, the head of the facilitating firm, Macpee Nigeria Limited, Abraham Umoh challenged the participants to move swiftly and put the knowledge they gained into good use. Each of the 294 participants was given a book entitled What’s in Your Hands written by Charles Ntuko, who, himself is a successful entrepreneur. The book is to serve as a

•Chairman Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area Hon Morenike Adesina-Williams flanked by Vice Chairman Alhaji Mufutau Akodu (right) and the Council Manager Mr Ahmed Oladepo during the Stakeholders’ meeting at the council secretariat, Ikotun, Lagos

guide on how they could successfully start and run their own businesses. About 350 participants from the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State out of 1,200 applicants were selected to participate in the entrepreneurial training programme with 294 in attendance. The programme, which was organised in each of the three senatorial districts of the state, had Eket with the highest number of 150 shortlisted participants with 133 in attendance, Uyo and Ikot Ekpene districts had 100 shortlisted participants each with 86 and 95 in attendance respectively. The training sessions held at the Eket Local Government Area Secretariat for Eket Senatorial District; Gagara Hall, Ikot Ekpene for the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and De Castle Hotel, Uyo for the Uyo Senatorial District. Each session, held under an atmosphere conducive to learning as the participants were provided with refreshment and lunch. The training had a developed curriculum with expert resources provided by Macpee Nigeria Limited using variety of methods such as power point presentation, flip charts, instructor-led training method; group tasks along with focus discussions. The curricula were challenges of partnership, identifying business opportunities, business framework (development of vision and mission statements as well as handling incorporation); presentation on enterprise opportunity, understanding money, self evaluation, understanding the market, financial management and business plan writing, among others. Business lines open to the participants are agro- allied businesses such as poultry; fishery, piggery/

“Consequently the environment in Nigeria is under serious threat. So FAN is therefore urging governments at all levels to embark on massive afforestion else, Nigeria may become a net-importer of wood and wood products in the next six to 10 years. “Increasing deforestation is already taking its toll in the buildup of Green House Gases and its attendant global warming. The outcome is climate change which manifests in unpredictable extreme weather condition,” Dr Akinsanmi warned.

Each of the 294 participants was given a book entitled What’s in Your Hands written by Charles Ntuko, who, himself is a successful entrepreneur. The book is to serve as a guide on how they could uccessfully start and run their own businesses rabbitry, palm kernel crushing/animal feeds; soap and body cream making, candle making, catering services including establishment of bread making enterprises as well as fast food and restaurant. Others are automobile repair works, commerce and trading activities such as distributorship, retail and wholesale; oil and gas (provision of services, fabrication); construction (roads, building, borehole drilling) as well as information and communication technology (ICT) sales, maintenance, installation and training. At the end of the training, the participants expressed their happiness over the benefits of the training, which they said included being equipped with the knowledge and skills to work successfully in a partnership, preparation of a business plan, basic knowledge of book keeping and the need for proper financial records in business operations.

THE NATION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

Professionals chart community’s progress

HE spherical hall of the National Institute of Sports (NIS) National Stadium, Surulere Lagos was filled to capacity penultimate Sunday. There, professionals from Mbaise in Imo State, including their friends and well-wishers converged to find out ways to evolve a Greater Mbaise. The get-together was at the instance of a group known as Mbaise People’s Congress (MPC) that has been championing the course of political, academic, cultural, social and economic renaissance of Mbaise. It was a gathering of who-is-who in Mbaise. Transport magnate Mr Frank Nneji, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport who wore beautifully-designed light blue, short-sleeved Guinea Brocade, chaired the occasion. Mr Ano Anyanwu, National President of Mbaise People’s Congress and a director in one of the upbeat new generation banks was also there in his all-white garb. Also present were Messrs Daniel Iheagwara, an engineer and MD/ CEO of Aluminium Gold Limited; Leon Mbakwe, Principal Partner Quint-Essence Chambers; Dr Emeka Iwuagwu; Okey Ezeh, CEO SavvyCorp Limited; Emmanuel Nkemneme MD/CEO McClinton

By Chinaka Okoro

International Limited; Chuks O. Enwerem, a consultant and the Director of Publicity MPC; Innocent Chukwuma, Director, CLEEN Foundation Lagos and Visiting Professor at Harvard University, among many others. Speaker after speaker emphasised the need to move Mbaise further forward. Dr Emeka Iwuagwu gave a startling expose of how the Mbaise nation came into being, even as Frank Nneji; Ano Anyanwu; Iheagwara; Okey Ezeh, among others spoke on the great need for unity, love, being helpful to others, and bringing about growth and development of Mbaise community. Specifically, Mr Nneji and Iheagwara emphasised the need to network in order to pull individual resources for collective good. They opined that when those who are blessed reach out to those who do not have, there will be redistribution of wealth which, in turn, will banish hunger, hatred and social vices like armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, and the susceptibility to profane the mores of the land, amid others. In a chat with Newsextra after the event, the National President of

•Mr Emma Nkemneme (left) and Mr Leon Mbakwe

•Mr Iheagwara (left), Frank Nneji and Ano Anyanwu MPC Mr Ano Anyanwu gave insight into what informed the formation of MPC and its achievements so far. He said that the Congress was formed in 1995 by Mbaise sons and daughters in Lagos. The founding members, he said, reasoned that these sons and daughters of Mbaise who are educated or who have professional qualifications should have a forum where they meet and deliberate on issues concerning Mbaise as well as proffering suggestions on how to solve certain communal problems. “Mbaise People’s Congress has recorded a great deal of achievements in the areas of education, population as a force for greatness, politics, and acting as mentors to the younger ones; advising them against the propensity for quick-money syndrome which is currently blighting what used to be respect for the mores of society and quest for refined lifestyle. “During the period of the Constitutional Conference, the MPC worked hard to ensure that a notable and forthright Mbaise son in the person of Professor Timothy Uzodimma Nwala was nominated. Happily, he proved himself during the conference instituted by the late General Abacha, he said. On education, Mr Anyanwu said that “Mbaise People’s Congress, in conjunction with Engineer Nwamara, has offered scholarships to several bright but indigent stu-

Mbaise People’s Congress has recorded a great deal of achievements in the areas of education, population as a force for greatness, politics, and acting as mentors to the younger ones dents. The scholarship scheme was instituted by Engineer Nwamara about five years ago and 20 students benefit from the scheme every year. The MPC, which co-ordinates the scheme will commence screening for this year’s edition of the scheme on December 26 at Mbaise. “Again, some members of the congress have offered scholarships to some students of the area to complement Engineer Nwamara’s scheme. In my little way towards contributing to the academic progress of my town, I have built a five classroom block for Oboama Nguru Primary School in my village. “Engineer Daniel Iheagwara himself has championed and financed a scheme we termed okada-back-toschool. The MPC realised the importance of education in the life of an individual and the community and

therefore decided that some of our boys who took to okada business still have the opportunity to be educated. So, the scheme has given opportunity to some okada riders to go back to school in order to acquire knowledge or to learn a trade; and they are happy for it. “The MPC also initiated the Mbaise Colloquium in which lectures on how to move Mbaise forward had been presented by notable individuals. We have collated the various lectures into a book called Towards a Greater Mbaise. It is a yearly project of the MPC,” he said. The famous Agborogwu Mbaise cultural dance entertained guests at the event during which the MPC members and their guests displayed their deep-rooted knowledge of their culture irrespective of their prominence. This they did through their dexterous dance steps.

Council chief sets up revenue committee

HE chairman, Oluyole Local Government Area, Mr Abass Aleshinloye, has inaugurated a six-member Resources Allocation and Fiscal Committee that will develop and maintain a robust resources mobilisation for improved internally-generated revenue (IGR) for the local government. Headed by Alhaji Isiaq Adigun, other members of the committee are Mr Olusola Ashiru, Mr Diekola Rufai, Mr Olugbenga Olayemi and Mr Doyin Akande. They are mostly finance professionals with proven records in financial management. Inaugurating the committee at the council secretariat in IdiAyunre, Aleshinloye said the committee was set up as a result of the need to overcome the precarious financial situation in states and local governments across Nigeria. He added that it had become imperative for council chiefs to look inward and tap all available resources to better the lot of their people. Aleshinloye charged members of the committee to prove the confidence reposed in them by approaching the assignment with seriousness and ultimately bring a better bargain for the people of the council. This came as the council chairman has been commended by resi-

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

dents of Aba-Ibeji in Lasanmi community area of the council for rehabilitating an abandoned road connecting the community to others 15 years after it was constructed. The decision to rehabilitate the five-kilometer road was taken after the council chairman visited the area and saw the hardship being experienced by the residents since the disastrous August 26 flood that ravaged many parts of Ibadan, the state capital started. The state of the dilapidated road was worsened by the flood while the bridge linking the community

with others was also damaged. Since then, residents have been experiencing hard times in terms of transporting themselves and their farm produce to the cities. The Baale of Aba-Ibeji, Chief Olajire Oyagbade, expressed his profound gratitude to the Caretaker chairman, Prince Aleshinloye on behalf of the people of the community for his kind gesture in rehabilitating the road, saying that the road has been left unattended to since the past 15 years. Chief Oyagbade noted that the flood disaster that occurred on August 26 washed away the bridge and the road, adding that before the flood, the road had been a source of concern for the people of

The state of the five-kilometer road was worsened during the flood that ravaged the area. The council chairman has done well for us because no government has ever done this kind of thing before. I appeal to the Oyo State Government to also help us in the construction of the bridge that was washed away during the flood

the community due to its bad shape. He, therefore, appealed to the Oyo State Government to help in the construction of the bridge linking Odo-Ona and other communities, adding that the council cannot embark on the project on its own due to the huge financial implications. His words: “We are all grateful to the chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Prince Abass Aleshinloye for coming to our aid in repairing the Aba-Ibeji Road. The state of the five-kilometer road was worsened during the flood that ravaged the area. The council chairman has done well for us because no government has ever done this kind of thing before. I appeal to the Oyo State Government to also help us in the construction of the bridge that was washed away during the flood.” In his remark, Aleshinloye explained that he was touched by the pitiful lifestyle of the people of the community, pointing out that since the road was completely washed away some months ago, it makes it difficult for people to come in and go out of the area. Aleshinloye said: “The construction of the bridge will cost a lot of money and that is beyond the capacity of the local government.

•Chief Oyagbade That is why we have made an alternative by grading all roads connecting the community. But the governor has promised that the construction of the road will start in due time.” Aleshinloye also received book donations from a co-operative society operating within its domain for onward transfer to school and community libraries. He disclosed that rather than receive personal gifts from corporate bodies and individuals for personal benefit, he has been educating stakeholders on the need to donate towards the needs of the communities.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

The participation of American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Ltd in the EGTL project has brought prosperity and increased capacity building in Delta State and in so doing has brought peace and enhanced security

Warri celebrates port revitalisation

HE Crème-de-crème of the oil industry, and top government functionaries gathered at the Intel shed at the NPA Delta Ports, Warri to celebrate. They were celebrating two historic events in the ‘Warri Port Revitalisation Project’ after becoming moribund following communal strife and youth restiveness. The occasion marked over three years and three million man-hours without lost time or recordable injury achieved in the course of the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project at the Delta port. This latter achievement, according to the EGTL Project Manager, Mick Kraly, ranks the EGTL project safety record as “world class”. He said the EGTL project can change the world view of the NigerDelta from the “CNN version”. His words: “I have always claimed when standing before the Delta State communities that the biggest contribution EGTL could make is to change the world view of the Niger-Delta from the “CNN Version” to the successes we celebrate today.” Kraly noted the significance of the choice of NPA Delta Ports as the primary logistic base of a project expected to consume over 1,000,000 tons of materials, especially given the security concerns with the Escravos River But the commitment and support of the key stakeholders have proved the naysayers wrong with the completion of the EGTL project. A key success recorded in the EGTL project is the employment of over 10,000 Nigerians, of which about 6,000 are from the Niger-Delta region and 4,000-5,000 from host communities. The EGTL project estimated at $5 to $6 billion is a NNPC/Chevron joint venture conceptualized to monetize stranded gas in the Escravos area. It supports the national gas master plan while reducing the routine flaring of associated gas. The plant, along with the onshore EGP 3 project will provide NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited with a reliable means of monetizing and processing gas other than via pipeline transportation. The EGTL project started in 2005 when the Nigeria National Petro-

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

leum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron approved one of the most ambitious projects ever conceived in the global oil and gas industry. The scheme, a large, high-tech plant that covers 42 hectares, is not only expected to promote peace and security in the communities of Delta State but to also boost commercial activities within the society. The participation of American oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Ltd in the EGTL project has brought prosperity and increased capacity building in Delta State and in so doing has brought peace and enhanced security. The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar who was the guest of honour, attributed the success story of the Warri port revitalisation to the political will of the Delta State government, saying that when the idea of the EGTL project was first conceived, it looked like a pipe dream. He stressed that the operators of the project had proved sceptics wrong with the level of progress in the face of many challenges. He explained that the oil and gas project has not only repositioned Nigeria in the global economy but has shown huge the industrialised world of the huge potentials in the country. He added that the Federal government has concluded plans to dredge the Escravos channel as a way of encouraging and assisting the Delta State government, NNPC/Chevron joint venture and other stakeholders in the project, which he said has the potentials of generating massive employment and transforming the local economy. In his remarks, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan stated that the Warri port revitalisation and the EGTL project succeeded largely because of good governance in spite of the security challenges, which prompted the setting up of Amnesty programme to tackle security issues. He said to ensure for a smooth take off of the project, a Delta water ways security committee was set up while series of town hall meeting were held with the communities youths and elders to get them fully integrated and informed on the gains of the

•Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan flanked by Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Mr Andrew Fawthrop (left) and Minister of Transport, Idris Umar at the event project, adding that the project has at the end of the day, empowered many youths in the area. Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop, in his remarks said the role of Chevron in the Warri port revitalisation and the EGTL project has been tremendous as Chevron participation in this effort is in the form of capital investment, project development and community engagement . Fawthrop pointed out that the community engagement has brought prosperity and increased capacity building to Delta state just as it has also enhanced peace and security, adding that the project has provided employment opportunities, subcontractors and material sales which has impacted on the community. Fawthrop further stated that since the revitalisation of the Warri port, activities have picked as it has offloaded and stored over 400,000 freight tones of construction mate-

•Chief Executive Officer Brainy Educare Service Mrs Shakirah Olajobi (right) assisted by Editor Kiddies Digest Magazine Miss Mutiat Olagoke to present a certificate to Miss Mardhiyah Alimi during the Brainy Scribes (Young writers Academy) seminar organised by Brainy Educare Service at Troopers Family Club, Alaka Estate, Surulere, Lagos

rials and equipment, while over 1500 barges of construction materials and goods have been shipped from Warri Port to Escravos without incident. NPA Delta Ports, according to the manager, Mr. Obumneme Onuenyenwa, had less than 20 per cent capacity utilisation, adding it was a port weighed down in the aftermath of restiveness and weakened port facilities and infrastructure, which led to loss of shippers confidence, increased cost of freight and absence of liner vessels. He said it was the choice of NPA Delta Ports as a logistic base for project cargo for EGTL that provided

the springboard that has put Delta port on the path of sustainable growth as well as stimulating the economy. Dignitaries who graced the occasion include Special Adviser to the President on Maritime Affairs , Mr. Oyewole Olugbenga Leke, Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Augustine Oniwon, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content , Eng. Earnest Nwapa , the Managing Director, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Eng. Omar Sulaiman, Executive Director NIMASA, Mr. Ishaku Shekarau and the Group General Manager , NAPIMS, Mr. M. Fiddi, among others.

Ondo civil servants warned not to leak documents

HE Ondo State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Ajose Kudehinbu has warned civil servants against leaking classified government documents to opposition parties or anyone else in the state. Kudehinbu noted that workers should learn to monitor and protect government assets in their custody. The HOS gave this warning while addressing the state government workers at a one-day workshop titled “Security Awareness and Management.” The workshop was held in Akure, the state capital. He said the workshop aimed at shaping up the state civil service in order to achieve meaningful and impactful execution of the administration’s development programmes. He said, “The ignoble, despicable and non-progressive axiom: “Government property is nobody’s property” has so much held sway, with blind widespread acceptance, even in government circles, the civil service inclusive, that people generally care less about the assets of government. “As a progressive strategy, the present administration is not only interested in engineering and fostering the socio-economic development of the state through the

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

strengthening of its infrastructural base, but is also poised to arouse, stimulate and strengthen our value for the maintenance and security of government’s assets and the personnel in general”. Kudehinbu advised the workers not to be swayed by financial or any other type of inducement which may compel them to give away government secrets. “The state is moving toward political season,” he said; many people will be approaching you with money but don’t fall into their temptation by releasing government documents to them. So any person who does such will never get to the peak of his career. “We should sustain the security of documents at our disposal, especially classified documents and ensure the protection of official secrets and other vital records. “May I also stress that, while we savour the gains of the prevailing democratic dispensation, especially with the signing of the Freedom of Information Bill, we should beware of the crafty moves and manoeuvres of some political jobbers who would stop at nothing in exploiting to their advantage the naivety or carelessness of unsuspecting civil servants.”

MOTORING

THE NATION

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

0803-4693-984 tajudeen1423@yahoo.co.uk

email:- motoring@thenationonlineng.net

How Lagos tackled the new number plate challenge Three months after President Goodluck Jonathan launched the new number plate with fanfare in Abuja, owners of new or imported cars had difficulties registering them. That has now become a thing of the past. Thanks to the Lagos State government-owned Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

HEY all had one thing in common: between September and October they bought imported fairly-used cars. They looked forward to registering them with ease and cruising on the streets of Lagos. But Emmanuel Ekereuwe, Emeka Olisah, Alhaji Jimoh Owonikoko, Richard Essien and Mrs. Jumoke Oyegun soon found out that registering their cars would not be as easy as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) painted when President Goodluck Jonathan launched the new policy number plate policy in Abuja. Ekereuwe said he was subjected to a traumatic experience while trying to get the new number plate. He said: “For over three to four months, there has been acute scarcity of vehicle plate numbers following announcement by FRSC that it will commence production of new vehicle plate numbers and will start the issuance on October 1. To the utter consternation of Nigerians, the FRSC is yet to issue a single number plate due to the inconsistencies in policies that have characterised government owned agencies. Lagos State had to stop production since September in order to comply with this obnoxious directive. Why put potential vehicle owners through this mess again? If FRSC had issues that needed to be resolved before the issuance of the new number plates, why not resolve it first? Why not maintain the status quo until all necessary and relevant logistics are put into place? Do we need to privatise FRSC for it to be productive? Why embark on production of new number plates when there is nothing wrong with the old one? In other words, what is the rationale for this new policy?” Olisah struggled for months to get the new number plate for his new car. After buying the car, he approached the FRSC appointed centre in Ojodu, Lagos for the number plate. It was shocking to learn that the new number plate launched with fanfare was not available at the centre.

Toyota redefines luxury with Camry

•PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

Olisah said: “I took my new car to their office to get the necessary documentation. After that, it was time to get the new plate number. I had initially learnt that it was going to cost N15, 000. So, we got there and we learnt the new numbers are not yet available. I said okay, but let me have the old one so I can at least have a number to take the vehicle around; that was how we began from one month, and now, it is three months; we are still on it, yet to get the number. “So, I then made a call to someone else to go and get the new number plate for me in Abuja, they told him it was now N46, 000. So, you

can see it is like there is racketeering going on with the licensing and number plate.” A staff member of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who bought a new vehicle about the same time, could not register it. He said: “The transition process is very poor; they should have ensured that the new ones are available before they stopped the old ones. I am disappointed in the FRSC, and those supporting this mess at states level, they are just taking us for granted, government all over the world make live easy for their citizens, but here it is the other way round.” As a result of the dilemma, they,

like many others who bought cars around that time, had to park their vehicles in garages afraid to drive them for the fear of arrest by law enforcement agents. A few daring ones braved the odds and cruised their new cars unregistered. Their woes have now ended. Ekereuwe, Olisah, Owonikoko, Essien and Mrs. Oyegun now drive their cars on the streets of Lagos, with the new uniform number plates gleaming beneath their bonnets and at the rear. All thanks to the Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), which got the franchise from the FRSC to produce and sell new number plates to car owners. Prior to the take-off of the exer-

cise last month, the MVAA, The Nation learnt, put in place a seamless mechanism for smooth administration of the new number plate. As a result of the backlog of applicants, the MVAA decided to start the issuance of new number plates with only new and imported fairlyused vehicles. Issuance of the new number plates to already registered vehicles will start next month. Motorcycles and tricycles are not being issued the new number plates yet. Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr Kayode Opeifa, explains the process: “A simplified and easily accessible vehicle registration procedure has been put in place by the MVAA and its partner organisations. The process for registration for new/imported vehicles begins with the applicant obtaining the Form MVA01 from the Licensing Office, filling and submitting same at the office. Al•Continued on page 40

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

MOTORING

Lagos, Toyota, PAN shine at auto awards

OYOTA Nigeria Limited (TNL) was the cynosure of all eyes at the Nigerian Auto Awards organised by GMC at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. The leading auto giant won three awards at the event where the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, bagged the Transport Administrator of the Year award. Toyota’s rave of the moment, Corolla dusted Kia Cerato and Hyundai Sonata to claim the Car of the Year prize. TNL also got the Best After-sales Network of the Year and the company’s Land Cruiser Prado crowned the Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year. PAN Nigeria Peugeot 308 won the Hatchback of the Year while ABC Transport Plc got the West Coast Transporter of the Year. The tyre brand of the year went to Pirelli, marketed by Infinity and the Car Rental Company of the Year was won by Avis Nigeria. Also on winners’lists are Courtville Business Solutions Plc, the initiator of Autoreg, an automated vehicle licensing and renewal system, now in use in about 18 states which got the Transport Technology of the Year; Geely Panda notched the prize of the Budget Car of the Year and Mercedes Benz S Class emerged the Luxury Car of the Year. The award of Auto Personality of the Year went to the Managing Director, CFAO Automotive Group, Mr James Duncan for his leading roles to revamp the ailing local automobile industry. Ford Ranger dethroned Toyota Hilux to emerge the Pick-up of the HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has urged motorists to ensure that due attention is paid to safety this season. A long list of safety measures it reeled off during an Ember Month Motor Park Rally, organised by NURTW, Oshodi Central Inter State Unit, at the Oshodi Central Motor Park, Oshodi, Lagos, included: avoiding driving while drunk, avoiding over-speeding and reckless driving, non-use of handsets while driving, proper fastening of seat belts. Also, the Commission urged them not to overlook such important factors as routine check of vehicle lights, especially traffic lights and rare lights,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Year; just as the newly opened Mercedes Benz Centre got the Showroom of the Year, displacing Alliance Autos Victoria Island showroom, which won it last year. Tata Nigeria was declared the Truck Company of the Year and the prize for the Truck of the Year went to Mack, just as the National Truck Manufacturer, based in Kano got the Local Plant of the Year award. TNL Public Relations Manager Mrs Bukky Ogunnusi, who led Toyota team to the event, thanked the organiser for recognising the company’s effort in changing the face of the nation’s auto industry. “I feel great. We feel fulfilled because again the Toyota Corolla is winning the car of the year. It is only a confirmation that corolla is satisfying the segment that is targeted at. I’m very happy about that,” she said. Mrs Ogunnusi promised the auto industry would witness superior quality products from the stable Toyota. She thanked the customer for their continuous believe in the Toyota brands and assuring them that the company would not disappoint them in meeting their needs. PAN Representative, Alhaji Musa Usman, described the award as a right decision by the organisers. “It is a good decision. We deserve to have the award going by the acceptance of the brands in the country. If you look at the nominees, you will see that we stand tall among them. The 308 is making wave not only in the country but

•From left: Opeifa, Mrs Ogunnusi and Managing Director Hyra Motors Mr Seyi Oyinlola at the event.

•Mrs Susan Bisan-Taiwo presenting a plaque to Alhaji Usman

across the world,” he said. Alhaji Usman promised customers that more good services will come their way next year with new

products recently introduced. “If you look at our series now, we are graduating from the ‘07 to ‘08 series where the ‘07s are giving

way to the ‘08s. The trend will continue next year. I promise PAN would get more awards next year,” he said.

FRSC tasks motorists on safe driving By Biodun-Thomas Davids

alignment and wheel balancing, putting in place “C-caution” object, fire extinguishers and all other road worthiness aspects of vehicle. Speaking with The Nation, the unit Commander, Mrs Kudirat Ibrahim, charged them to heed speed limit of 100km per hour. Mrs Ibrahim said season is a time of massive movement of people and goods from one part of the country to the other, hence the increase in vehicular traffic on the roads. “Such acts as over speeding,

‘Such acts as over speeding, reckless driving, drunk driving and wrongful overtaking have been the major causes of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) during the season’ reckless driving, drunk driving and wrongful overtaking have been the major causes of Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) during the season,” she said. The Chairman of the Unit, Alhaji Rasak Ahmed( aka De-

cency), said his unit has yet to record any RTC this year. Even then, Ahmed urged his colleagues to be extra careful and avoid getting emotional while driving. “Take good care of your ve-

hicles and give safety utmost priority,” he said. While the event lasted, the FRSC officials spent some time testing some of the commercial drivers on breathalysing to determine the volume of alcohol in their circulatory system. They also assisted them to determine their tyre fitness just as they used a tyre gauge to check whether their vehicle tyres were well gauged or not. Whether used or not, the life span of any tyre, the Commission said, is four years from manufacturing date.

How Lagos tackled the new number plate challenge •Continued from page 39

ternatively, applicants can access the website of Courteville Group and download the Form MVA01. Upon completion and printout of the form, a reference number is generated for the applicant, who then proceeds to the Licensing Office for the conclusion of the registration and issuance process. “For fresh vehicle registration, the application must be accompanied with custom card, bill of lading, payment schedule, purchase receipt (where applicable), letter of authority (where applicable), letter of attestation, boarded vehicle documents and identification. All the required police and customs verification processing fees must also have been paid.” Opeifa added: “The MVAA has created special desks at all the Licensing Offices to deal with renewal applications to boost pro-

cessing capacity and ensure that fresh registrations are processed speedily.” The MVAA has also ensured that the new number plates are being issued at the rate approved by the Joint Tax Board. The agency has tried to curb touting by encouraging applicants to effect the transaction personally. Alternatively, it has allowed Clients Representatives (CRs) to assist applicants make the process less cumbersome. The Nation learnt that the state government decided to use the MVAA to drive the process because of its track-record since it was established by an Act of the House of Assembly in 2007. The MVAA inherited a system of manual registration and capturing of data on vehicles and drivers which posed serious challenges to the agency objectives as well as the realisation of the government ‘s vision of achieving rapid transformation of the transportation sec-

Newly Registered motor vehicle Renewal {Change from Old to New Number plates}: Articulated vehicles: Motorcycles: Government vehicles: Out-of-series Number plates: Fancy Number plates {private} Motor dealers’ Number plates {special}: tor. The dawn of automation of vehicle administration in Lagos state came with the formation of a ground –breaking partnership between MVAA and courteville investments limited in consonance with the sate government’s policy thrust which emphasizes public/private sector partnership sector as a veritable platform for economic growth and develop-

N15, 000 N10, 000 N5, 000 N3, 000 N15, 000 N40, 000 N80, 000 N30, 000

ment. The partnership resulted in a creation of “AUTO-REG,” Nigeria’s first fully-automated, IT-driven registration and documentation platform. With this innovation, the MVAA quickly eliminated the deleterious socio-economic effect of manual vehicle registration. This has resulted in a huge average annual increase of 60 per cent in the

number of vehicles registered and licences issued under AUTOREG between 2007 and 2010. Since it commendation operation MVAA has taken various measures to eliminate touting and faking its mandates. In 2010, the Agency broke a new ground in this aspect of its mandate when it introduced its clients’ representatives {CR] . The Scheme, a creative piece of special re-engineering recognizes former “license agent” who were products and services of the Agency, having gone through rigorous security screening. Following its launch, the scheme instantly generated 363 jobs for hitherto unemployed men and women thereby improving their economic wellbeing. The scheme has been applauded for its convenience, as it takes services of the Agency to the doorsteps of individuals and corporate organisations who have in the past relied on touts in processing their vehicle documents and other services of the agency.

SLIDING TACKLE

“The office of the Algeria Football Federation, although considering that the moral and sporting damage caused still remains, accepted the proposal of Fecafoot to pay about 250 million cfa francs (€400,000) in damages due to its national team's failure to travel to Algeria to play a scheduled friendly.” A statement released by the Algerian Football Federation saying an agreement has been reached with the Cameroun Football Federation to pay 400,000 Euros damages for friendly boycott.

Monday, December 26, 2011

David Villa out of hospital after leg break

It's Tevez or no one for AC Milan, says Galliani

ARCELONA striker David Villa, who underwent surgery on a fractured left tibia on Monday, was released from hospital on Saturday, his club confirmed in a statement. The 30-year-old will therefore be able to spend Christmas at home with his family, having suffered the injury dur ing Barcelona's 4-0 win over Qatari club Al Sadd in the Club World Cup semi-final in Japan on December 15. Villa is expected to be out for four to five months, leaving his chances of playing for Barcelon a again this season, or of featuring for Spain at Euro 2012, in serious doubt. "My aim is to play in the (Champions League) final in Munich and at Euro 2012. I want to work hard to make it," he said on Twitter after the injury, displaying his desire to complete a swift recovery. After the operation, his doctor Ramon Cugat admitted that Villa faces a race against time to be fit but said that "the possibility exists because he is so hopeful and his state of mind is important". As well as being without Villa, Barcelona must also do without Andres Iniesta for the next couple of weeks after he suffered a leg-muscle injury in the 9-0 Copa del Rey win against Hospitalet on Thursday.

•Villa

Cameroon to pay Algeria €400,000 as damages for friendly boycott

Van Persie proud Ronaldo outscores Messi to close 2011 to equal Henry's record B

RSENAL captain Robin Van Persie has spoken of his pride at equalling Thierry Henry's club record for the most Premier League goals in a calendar year with his penalty in the win at Aston Villa. The Dutchman has scored 34 times in 2011 and has two matches left this year to surpass the all-time Premier League record of 36 goals by Alan Shearer in 1995. Van Persie said: "It is a big honour to equal Thierry's record because he is probably the best player Arsenal ever had. "To achieve what he did in a year is really special. It makes me proud. "I think it has helped that I haven't missed a single Premier League game and featured for 90 minutes in most of them. "When you have a good run, and you feel fresh and fit, you try things, you take more risks here and there than, for example, if you are just coming back from injury. "You always need a couple of games (to get fully sharp) when you're back from injury.

•Van Persie

C MILAN vice-president Adriano Galliani has stated that if the Serie A giants fail to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City during January, they will not make further additions to their striking unit over the course of the month. The Rossoneri are prepared to play a waiting game with the Argentine striker, as Galliani indicated that they are willing to wait for the 27-year-old until January 31, the final day of the transfer window, despite interest from Paris SaintGermain. Additionally, he confessed that the move is being made to provide cover for Antonio Cassano, who is presently recovering from illness suffered in the autumn. “It's a difficult time economically, but we'll try to give our fans a Christmas gift,” he told Sky Sport 24, before stating that such a present will not be forward Maxi Lopez of Catania. “Maxi Lopez? I told Tevez to wait until the end of the market. So if he does not arrive we will remain the same. “I think Tevez will suffice, because if Cassano had not had his problems, we would not be in the market.” Galliano also spoke of coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose present deal runs out at the end of the campaign. Nevertheless, the director is confident 44-year-old will sign an extension.

ARCELONA versus Real Madrid is arguably football's greatest rivalry, but within the fascinating duel of Spain's superpowers there is an individual battle between two tremendous talents: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. They could not be more different. While the Argentine is an oldfashioned, street-style footballer who evokes a bygone era with his dazzling dribbles and mesmerising magic on the ball, the Portuguese is the complete modern player - all pace, power, precision and potency. Messi and Ronaldo will go head to head - along with Xavi - for the FIFA Ballon d'Or in January and while the Argentine is expected to triumph in Zurich, 2011 has been a brilliant year for •Ronaldo •Messi both players.

HE Algeria football federation has dropped its case against Cameroon after accepting a proposal of €400,000 in damages following a ruined international friendly. After rejecting an initial settlement of €400,000 brokered by CAF president Issa Hayatou, the Algeria Football Federation (CAF) on Saturday announced it had accepted the sum to repair damages and put its “differences with Cameroon behind and focus on the future”, ending a row between the FAs of both countries which was torched off by the Indomitable Lions' boycott of a November 15 friendly match against the Fennecs in Algiers. The FAF had demanded 500 million francs cfa (€800,000) in a case lodged with FIFA against the Cameroon football federation (Fecafoot), prompting Hayatou to open talks with Algerian officials. “The office of the Algeria Football Federation, although considering that the moral and sporting damage caused still remains, accepted the proposal of Fecafoot to pay about 250 million cfa francs (€400,000) in damages due to its national team's failure to travel to Algeria to play a scheduled friendly,” a statement released by the FAF said.

OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...

RANCE'S Olympic gold medal prospect Teddy Tamgho has been suspended from competition by his country's federation for six months after an altercation with a female athlete. Triple-jumper Tamgho, who holds the world indoor record, was disciplined following the incident which occurred at a training camp towards the end of October. He was handed a 12-month ban, half of which was suspended. Tamgho, 22, has also been fined £1,252 and ordered to complete 50 hours of community service. He will miss the chance to defend his title at the World Indoor Championships in March but will be available for selection for the London

Idowu rival Tamghohit with six-month ban

•Idowu

Olympics where Britain's Phillips Idowu is expected to be among his main rivals. The men's triple jump final takes place on August 9. Tamgho's hearing was held behind closed doors, with the outcome confirmed by the French Athletics Federation (FFA). An FFA spokesman told l'Equipe: 'He has expressed

his regrets and accepted the verdict.' The female athlete's identity in the case has not been disclosed. After receiving the punishment, Tamgho wrote on his Facebook page: 'One year of suspension of which six months is suspended. The Olympic Games are saved. Thanks to everyone for your support but once again sorry for having involved you in this story. 'I'm happy to see that during the hearing the facts related by the opposite party have changed, and that we have gone from a lynching for the girl to a clash.' The resurgent Roger Federer is primed to serve up a treat as the world's premier players jostle for a record $30 million in riches over the Australian summer.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

DISCOURSE

‘Rights abuse by Morocco won’t stand’ Text of the solidarity message delivered by Mr Femi Falana at the 13th Congress of Polisario Front held at Tifariti, Western Sahara, from December 15 to 19, 2011.

AM highly indebted to Comrade Mohammed Abdulazis, the SecretaryGeneral of the Polisario Front and Head of State of Western Sahara for inviting me to the 13th Congress of the Polisario Front, the revolutionary movement of the heroic Saharawi People. I also wish to thank Comrade Hafdalhah Bachir, the Saharawi Ambassador to Nigeria for facilitating my participation in this historic congress. Permit me to convey the fraternal greetings of the Nigerian-Saharawi Solidarity Association to the Government of People of Western Sahara who are herein gathered in Tifariti, in the liberated territory, to review the tortuous journey of the Saharawi people to independence. In the last one week I have had the rare privilege of visiting the Saharawi Museum of National Resistance and the Secretariat of the National Human Rights Commission at the Rabuni Camp. I also watched the military parade mounted in honour of the visiting President of the African Union Commission, Mr. Jean Ping at the Hanafi Centre. In all my close contacts and interactions with the Saharawi people, particularly the youths, it was undoubtedly made clear to me that the time has come to terminate the illegal occupation of Western Sahara by the Moroccan

forces of internal colonialism. It would be recalled that the military wing of the Polisario Front had defeated the imperialism of Spain and the aggression of Mauritania over three decades ago. In fact, the Kingdom of Morocco was in the process of being routed out of Western Sahara when the United Nations came up with a bogus recommendation that a referendum be held to determine the political destiny of the Saharawi people. Although the claim of the Kingdom of Morocco over the territory of Western Sahara had been dismissed by the International Court of Justice in October 1975, the Saharawi people accepted the United Nations recommendation unconditionally. But Morocco has consistently frustrated the United Nations from conducting the referendum with the connivance of the European Union which is benefiting from the illegal exploitation of the vast mineral resources in the occupied territory. Thus, with reckless impunity, Morocco has violated the fundamental right of the Saharawi people to access their resources for their socio-economic development. However, the Saharawi government deserves commendation for making judicious use of the material assistance received so far from donor agencies and friendly nations. By educating every child

born in Western Sahara since 1978 the Saharawi government has beaten the record of many independent African States in the human development index. In view of the intransigence of Morocco and the hypocrisy of her allies in the Security Council of the United Nations the Polisario Front should take advantage of this congress to review its strategy with a view to returning to the trenches to end the illegal occupation, once and for all. At the same time African Union should launch a diplomatic offensive against Morocco for the illegal occupation of the territory of a member state. Having resigned from the African Union in protest against the admission of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as a member state, Morocco should be isolated diplomatically. In particular, all member states of the African Union which have recognized the SADR should suspend diplomatic ties with Morocco pending her complete withdrawal from Western Sahara . Finally, apart from condemning the illegal detention of the 60 Saharawi political activists and human rights defenders by Morocco, I undertake to file a complaint before the United Nations Committee against Arbitrary Detention next week to secure their fundamental right to personal liberty. I have

•Falana

also concluded arrangements with some progressive African lawyers to drag the European Union to the European Court on Human Rights for collaborating with Morocco in the illegal exploitation of the mineral resources of Western Sahara. Long live the people of Western Sahara . Long live the people of Africa .

Challenges of education in Lagos State (1) Text of the lecture delivered by Professor Kunle Lawal in honour of the late Prof Mufutau Ishola Agbalajobi held at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), Noforija, Epe, Lagos. part of the legacies which make the Tinubu years the reference point in public administration in Nigeria. This is probably because education was perceived as both a process and as an end product.

Primary education

• Prof Lawal

“Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can change the world” - Nelson Mandela -… it is noteworthy that education implies a worthwhile activity and a process that results into both personal advancement and societal development, thus it is both intrinsic and instrumental; giving individual happiness and making the society progress. (Noah, AOK: 2006)

Introduction

N a lecture devoted to the revered memory of the late Professor Femi Agbalajobi, the job of the lecturer can only be a kaledoiscopic reflection on various aspects of education in a rapidly changing environment such as that of Lagos State. This is because apart from so many other issues, education was one of the major issues with which the late Professor of Computer science devoted his entire life, a life dedicated to the advancement of the cause of public education among his people. This lecture should, realistically speaking, be seen as a product of a deep reflection after my tour of duty as the Honourable Commissioner for Education between 2003 and 2006. Most of the positions that I will be taking in this reflection are mostly with the benefit of hindsight. Where they appear critical of the present government of Lagos State, they should be seen as a natural process of critical self-examination that are the hall mark of progressive people all over the world. In other words, they represent my own humble realization of the major short-comings of a system that is calling for a major review in nearly all its ramifications. They are, indeed, the product of critical self examination that are useful in any human situation if continued progress is desired. Need I mention the fact that I am very proud of my contributions to the growth of education in Lagos State. The unprecedented commitment to teaching and non-teaching infrastructural renewal which remain unrivalled in the annals of public education in Africa are all

The major challenge is to undertake a comprehensive curriculum review to accommodate the need for mother tongue education and to make yoruba the language of instruction at the first nine years of education. In this age and time when mother tongue education is the major panacea for effective teaching and learning, it is strange that the mother tongue is seen as a vernacular even when the meaning of vernacular has nothing to do with the mother tongue. The late icon of education in Africa, Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa made efforts to popularize the mother tongue in the teaching and learning at the primary school level up until his death in 2010. But it is unfortunate that rather than imbibe the concept, the tendency has been for primary education to be conducted in English at the detriment of Yoruba language. There is no country, except Singapore, that has developed without its indigenous language being the language of instruction at the primary school level. For Nigeria where the challenge of evolving an indigenous language to power development, it is my considered opinion there must be a reversal of this policy of using foreign language as the major instrument of imparting knowledge, at least in the first nine years of public education in Lagos State. For, if the idea is to evolve a truly indigenous education that is capable of fulfillment, then Yoruba language must be used as the language of instruction at the primary and the first three years of junior secondary school level. Then, a comprehensive review of the curricular at this very important foundation level should be undertaken so that a new forward-looking set of new rules of engagement can be put in place which would anticipate possible challenges and which would be capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all well-meaning Nigerians in the area of primary education. One is so convinced of the need to implement the mother-tongue policy of imparting knowledge in the first nine years of schooling, at least in Lagos State because two basic challenges will be solved by adopting Yoruba as the language of instruction. The first will be to ensure that our children can think and identify objects in their environs, first in their indigenous language. This way, the basic knowledge of science and technology can be eternalized by these pupils before they reach the advanced stages of education. This advocacy is not new. At the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the concept was experimented with resounding success but it was jettisoned for no apparent reason except that of forging national unity based on foreign language. The second major challenge which the adoption of the Yoruba language will, certainly, solve

will be the basic aspiration of all people, the world over, for self-perpetuation. Many of the so-called private schools that are currently scattered all over Lagos, as those of other Yorubaspeaking areas are basically a rehash of the English-speaking syndrome in which you will find pupils of kindergarten schools who can hardly understand nor speak their indigenous Yoruba language being so fluent in English! Yet one basic and unassailable given for self-preservation has been known to be through the maintenance of a good hold on ones indigenous institution of which language is a veritable auxiliary. Lagos State is essentially a very important part of Yorubaland. No effort must be spared to retain it so, even if the aspiration of making Yoruba language the lingua franca of the entire Yorubaland appears to be a tall one within the context of the centrifugal forces in Nigeria.

Secondary education At the secondary school level, the challenges are daunting. The whole problem revolves round the poor WAEC results returned year in year out by the schools. This challenge is not limited to public schools alone. This challenge is that of declining standard of education exemplified by many indices which include but not limited to the following: the decline of reading culture; parents involvement in examination malpractices; incompetence of teachers; social vices on the part of students (such as cultism, drug abuse and prostitution); etc. Yet, these are not the only challenges facing secondary education in Lagos State or Nigeria as a whole. Within the context of theories, there are many more of these challenges. Although the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recommended 26% of an annual budget for the funding of education, the challenge of providing and rehabilitating either non-existent or rapidly collapsing infrastructure has vitiated any attempt at meeting this recommendation. Apart from this, waste and corruption are the twin culprits affecting adequate funding of education with its concomitant effects on the extent to which the many demands in the education sector could be met. Even the missionary schools that used to be standards of measure are no longer living up to the billing because these schools are no longer strictly for their flocks but more for whoever can pay. There is also, the challenge of indiscipline on the part of students and staff of many secondary schools. Above all, these challenges are closely related and their overall impacts on education can only be imagined. Despite the fact the government of Lagos State has added close to 2800 classrooms to the existing ones between 2007 and 2011, the reality is that many more infrastructures (both teaching and nonteaching ones) are still needed. The problem of discipline among many secondary school students can be linked to the pro-

gressive absence of boarding facilities in many of them. For, the schools with boarding facilities that are standard and are well-managed, used to be the beacon of disciplined and enlightened studentship all over the place. However, with the mushrooming of private secondary schools which are themselves a result of inadequate response to the provision of schools by Government, the idea of offering boarding facilities for such schools is often jettisoned for profit. Only the missionary schools (both Christian and Muslim) and a few high class schools still offer secondary education with boarding facilities, even then at very high cost. Tied to the absence of boarding facilities in secondary schools is the death of the erstwhile practice of sending children to the hinterland schools (I.e. schools outside of the Lagos metropolis and state) for the purpose of staying in community and non-governmental educational facilities that have boarding facilities. This practice seems to have stopped in the 80s and with it, the attraction for acquiring good quality education with a high dose of discipline. The challenge today is the practice of limiting education to one’s primary area of domicility. In a lecture devoted to the challenges of education in Nigeria’s most sophisticated state, and especially to a community such as Epe which is fast turning into an urban frontier, it will be appropriate to devote some attention to the situation in that community. In Epe, a sad development has reared its ugly head. This is a situation in which young adolescents (both male and female) now move out of the community to the upwardly mobile settlements contiguous to the town such as Lekki, Ajah, VGC to do menial jobs. The reasons for this situation range from the reality of urban transition which make these settlements attractive to the misguided youths, the sad situation in which those who had acquired education have no jobs as well as the debilitating poverty that pervades the society of Epe and other rural communities of Lagos. The social effect of rapid urbanisation on the rural communities of Lagos State with the implication that youths in Epe, like those of other rural communities, are now restive and became the ready recruitment ground for tough boys and political hangers-on during electioneering and other socio-political activities. For their female counterparts, the same syndrome of becoming house maids in the new middle class settlements that we have identified has often yielded ground to subtle and at times full blown prostitution with all its negative connotations. When the average youth in Epe cannot find the much touted menial jobs, they now returned to base and constitute themselves into social nuisance and menace. The most unsalutary effect of this situation in Epe today is the situation in which these youths now establish smoking joints where all kinds of hard drugs and narcotics are done, often with impunity!

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

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THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

• Prototype of a light train.

Lagos light-rail to create jobs The 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway cum light-rail project is likely to create employment for people in many sectors. Those who may get jobs include ticket vendors, drivers, banks and insurance firms. AKINOLA AJIBADE writes.

AGOS has its trappings. Good landscape, thriving sea ports, a big lagoon, highrise buildings, choice hotels, beaches, airports, shopping malls, chain of industries and a vast population combine to make it an investors delight. Known as the nation’s commercial

nerve centre, Lagos is full of activities. Its residents are always on the go, looking for means of survival. But there is a snag: traffic snarl. Many blame the heavy traffic on potholes and the many vehicles on the roads. To address the problems, the government began the reconstruction of major roads, one

of which is the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The 60.3-kilometre road, when completed, is expected to become a 10-lane carriageway with a light-rail and Bus Rapid Transit corridor that will enhance tourism and economic activities along the axis. Moreover, the pub-

lic-private partnership (PPP) initiative is expected to address to the infrastructural challenge. Already, construction has begun from Eric Moore in Surulere, and is expected to terminate at Badagry. • Continued on page 48

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

JOBS

Lagos light-rail to create jobs •Continued from page 47

The need to complete the job on schedule, informed the government’s decision to give the job to Julius Berger and the Chinese Civil Engineering Company Limited. Though the project is far from being completed, it has won the admiration of many Nigerians. In fact, the project has attracted attention from far and near. Many are surprised to the level of work done so far. Of importance is the fact that the light-rail system would create jobs for people in many sectors. Those that would get jobs include ticket vendors, drivers, among others. It is estimated that thousands of people would be employ to work in the light trains, and the government buses that would be plying the route. Also, banks and insurance firms would benefit from the 10-lane Lagos- Badagry project. The reason is because the two sectors would gain from the proceeds of the scheme.This would translate into more profit for those institutions, and by extension more jobs for them. Other benefits include improving trade and commerce, and opening up activities at the Seme-Border. Based on this, the trade relationship between Nigeria and her close neighbours - Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana - would improve. This would create a window of job’opportunties for people. However, the project on completion would make many people lose thier means of livelihood. The loss followed the demolition of shops and offices to pave the ways for the road. While many traders have relocated others have resorted to make shift shops to survive. Investigations showed that more people would exit the labour market, when the light-rail system eventually comes on stream. Ma-

jority of those expected to lose their jobs are drivers/conductors, traders, and several others who eke out a living daily as motor park hands and street traders. Findings showed that light-trains are faster, modern, more spacious and convenient. In Europe and the US, as well as other advanced countries, the light rail system provides people with alternative means of transportation. In such climes, people move from one place to another through light trains, thereby reducing dependence on commercial vehicles for transportation. Nigeria will not be an exception, as the light trains will absorb passengers, hitherto serviced by commercial bus drivers. When this happens, many conductors and drivers are bound to lose their jobs. This reporter observed that many commercial buses take passengers from Mile Two to Iyana Oba within an hour. On the average, more than 1,000 buses shuttle that route. It follows that about half of that number may be operating, when the light trains come on stream. Also, social miscreants (popularly known as Agbero), will be affected by the development. Currently, many of them are worried by the development. They said the construction of the 10-lane LagosBadagry Expressway means bad business for them. A member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Toafik Adisa, said the

issue is affecting their businesses now, adding that many of them will lose their jobs when the light train system takes off. “I’m sure that most of my colleagues will not be able to make money, when the light trains start operation. This means that we will lose our jobs. I think this is a warning for most of us. What they are telling us is to look for alternative ways of earning income,” he said. A commercial bus driver, who identified himself simply as Kazeem, exclaimed: “Ah bros, we dey suffer well well for this road.” According to him, before the development, commercial vehicle drivers plying the Mile 2 route used to do up to eight trips a day but, following the road construction and its attendant problems, they only manage to do four. Kazeem said they also burn excess fuel adding that their vehicle engines often break down because of overheating. This, he said, makes them to spend more money in maintaining their vehicles.” Another set of workers to be affected include petrol attendants, and their managers. Apart from the demolition of many petrol stations to facilitate road construction, on the expressway those remaining may lose patronage. The former Chief Executive Officer of a constrctuion firm, Stabilini Visinoni, Jamiu Ekungba, said the 10-lane expressway is a good development that is capable of boosting the revenue of the gov-

•Gov Fashola

ernment. Ekungba said the project, on completion, will beautify Lagos, and tourism. He said nothing good comes easy, adding that the project

‘Those that would get employment include ticket vendors and drivers. It is estimated that thousands of people would be employed to work in the light trains, and the government buses that would be plying the route’

will affect many Nigerians. He said: “There are no gains without pains. The project is a plus to Lagos State, because it will bring changes to the people. Many will now have access to a convenient and cheaper means of transporting themselves from one location to another. However, the project will affect some people. There will be job loss. Drivers, conductors, artisans, among other workers will lose their jobs, as the light train system evolves.” He advised Nigerians to have diversified means of income, adding that they need not be caught unawares by the development.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Career and job success skills for newly employed

OW that you have made the big transition through job hunting and landed the job, the next goal is job success. Don’t take that for granted. There are specific skills you need to know and use to be successful at your job. It’s important to practise these skills prior to starting the job. First impressions show from day one. You only get one opportunity to create first impression. What follows here isn’t a complete list. It’s a good idea to check with your direct boss about what’s most important.An important information for you: employers say many people lose their job because they don’t use good work habits and not because they are unable to do the job. The following list of suggestions is based on feedback form a majority of surveyed employers.

Employers’ expectations • A positive attitude is one of the most important factors in achieving job success. Don’t carry negative feelings into your new workplace. Resolve them elsewhere. • Always be on time. How long will it take to get to work? Allow a few extra minutes for traffic problems and getting children to school. Set an alarm clock to help you get up. Being reliable and dependable gains the trust and respect of your new employer. • Good attendance and promptness are always important. It you’re going to be unavoidably late or out sick, find out the proper method of informing them. • Know and follow office rules, policies and procedures. Read the employee manuals. Please find out the informal rules. • Listen and learn. Be open to new ways

By Olu Oyeniran

of doing things, even if you have taught differently in school or on a different job. Don’t be quick to find fault, criticise or complain until you can prove you can do something a better way. • Meet and exceed your employer’s expectations. • Learn all you can about the job you were hired to do before thinking about moving up.

Communication • When you need to talk with your supervisor, ask when would be a good time to meet. • Take advantage of your performance reviews. Stay calm. Learn from them. Ask how you can improve. Show results or jobs-related classes you’ve taken. Most Supervisors appreciate employees who are concerned about performance and in finding ways to improve. Your job success is also their success. • Be a team player. Be willing to help. Know the goals of your job and how your job fits into the overall organisation. Avoid a “know-it-all attitude. “Try to fit in with the team. Keep your sense of humour. • Ask for help when you need it. If you make a mistake, let your supervisor know immediately. Find the proper chain of command. Discuss items with your supervisor first.

Personal • Prior to starting the job, have all your appointments with doctors, dentists, etc.,

out of the way. Have your transportation and daycare lined up so you don’t immediately have to take time off. Have an emergency plan for daycare and transportation. • Be willing to learn new skills. Keep a record of classes you’re taking that relate to the job. Review this with your supervisor at an appropriate time. • Take time in making new friends. Find positive and upbeat co-workers. Avoid negative, critical and gossiping people. • Be clean and well groomed. Wear clean and job-appropriate clothes. Pay attention to how your coworkers are dressed. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes. • Keep you personal life and problems at home. Do not use the employer’s equipment and time to do personal things like making personal phone calls, using the copy machine or resolving your personal problems on the job. If you’re having trouble resolving personal problems, counseling, support groups or employee assistance programmes may be useful. • Create the image. Dress for the job you want next. • Be patient with yourself and your employer. It takes time to get used to, learn and like a new job. • Volunteer to projects and committees if your work is completed and your supervisor approves.

Getting along with others • Don’t express your opinions, biases or prejudices about others while you’re at work. Diversity is a priority in the workplace. • Accept criticism as constructive. Don’t become defensive or take criticism person-

ally. Thank the person for their input. Consider changing if it’s warranted. If you’re unsure how to handle the situation, check with your supervisor. • Always be friendly to everyone. Be willing to go the extra mile. This creates goodwill with employers, coworkers and customers. • Notice who your boss relies on and model yourself after them. • Find a mentor, someone who knows the employer and the job well enough to coach you or show you the ropes. • Realise playing politics or power games could be dangerous and backfire on you. • Treat everyone with courtesy and respect. Remember that as you climb the career ladder, you may meet the same people on your way down the ladder. • Keep your emotions under control. The job isn’t the place to express or show your opinions or feeling. • Show appreciation. Let your supervisor know your appreciate their training, support, input, feedback, etc. • Strive to be positively recognised. Be friendly and helpful to everyone at all levels. Acknowledgement:This article, originally entitled: Job and Career Success was provided by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota, US. Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates. Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

THE CEO

‘Companies must help solve socio-economic problems’

• Visser

Dr Wayne Visser, founder and chief executive officer, CSR International, United Kingdom, is an authority on Corporate Responsibility. A former director of Sustainability Services for KPMG and Strategy Analyst for Cap Gemini, South Africa, Visser is a visiting professor in CSR at Manheim University, Germany and senior associate and internal examiner at the University of Cambridge Programme for Industry. A prolific author with 12 books, Visser is a visiting professor on Sustainability at Magna Carta College, Oxford and also an adjunct professor of CSR at La Trobe Graduate School of Management, Australia. This year, Wayne was listed in the ‘Top 100 Global Sustainability Leaders’ ranking by ABC Carbon and the ‘Top 100 Thought Leaders’ in Europe & the Middle East 2011 ranking by the Centre for Sustainability & Excellence and Trust Across America. While in Nigeria to facilitate capacity building training on sustainability and leadership for corporate chiefs and executives, Visser shares his thoughts with TAOFIK SALAKO and RITA OHAI. • STORY ON PAGE 51

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

THE CEO

‘Companies must help solve socio-economic problems’

HY is the concept of corporate social responsibility becoming a leading issue in the global corporate community? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the ability to respond to society through business in a way that cares for its needs. It needs to include four elements which are economic development, good governance, stakeholder orientation and ecological integrity. CSR has come a long way; it’s actually a very long trend that we have seen going all the way back to the 1800s. In recent times what we have seen is that companies have been going through five stages of CSR. Some are still at the defensive stage, others are more charity-focused or profit or promotional based, while others have taken a more strategic approach thereby focusing more on codes, standards and management systems. I think these methods of practicing CSR have failed to really solve the problems, so we are just starting to see a new version, which is transformative in nature. This has also raised the issue of additional human capacity. The need of the global challenges that we face and so many of these are urgent and too complex for just one organisation or sector to solve. So whether we are looking at issues of corruption or poverty or climate change or loss of biodiversity and income gaps widening, all these are social and environmental problems we have to solve and what we have found over the last 15 years is that the problems are getting worse far quicker than our solutions are getting better and that’s one of the reasons why we are looking at CSR to make a big difference through business. Sure, everyone seems to agree now that continuing with an old approach where CSR is not part of business strategy is dangerous as it will not solve problems that CSR was initiated for. CSR undoubtedly has potential for many positive impacts, for communities and the environment. Yet, its success or failure should be judged in the context of the total impacts of business on society and the planet. Given your interaction so far, how would you assess the level of CSR in Nigeria? I think it depends on which companies you are talking about because many of the multinational corporations, the oil companies especially, due to their international ties are probably at the stage of strategic CSR. More generally though, I would say that most companies I have seen in Nigeria are stuck either in a philanthropic mode, making it all about charity and community development or in a marketing mode, making it all about promoting the company. On-going capacity building programme is designed to show Nigerian corporate decision markets how to fully optimise the gains from the issues of responsibility and sustainability, which will remain the main ground on which brands will manage the major phases of their stakeholder engagement processes. But there have always been the belief that oil companies are doing less than expected, especially considering their impact on environment? Well, it’s clear that if we look only at the impact on the community, society and environment, these are problems that have not been solved by the oil companies but I think we need to recognise that the oil companies have done a lot and have many progressive practices such as the global Memorandums of Understanding. If we look at the impact of their activities on the environment, I think there’s still a long way to go but what we need to recognise is that these companies can’t do it alone. The government has a very strong role to play. In often cases, there are shareholders in the company and they need to provide a more supportive environment than they do at the moment. The civil society also has a role to play in being critical of the companies and also supporting where they are making any progress. How do you compare Nigeria’s practise of CSR with the global one? I think most of the global companies have made it to the strategic phase and a few of them have started to engage in what I call transformative CSR, which is really looking at their core-business and redesigning that business completely so that rather than make them less bad, it actually makes their products, services and activities good for the society. Looked at on a scale like that, I would say that Nigeria is still some way behind. They are learning fairly quickly. So

• Visser

‘A clear failing of our current economic and commercial system is based on a fundamentally flawed design, which acts as if there are no limits on resource consumption or waste disposal. Instead, we need a cradle-to-cradle approach, closing all resource loops and ensuring that products and processes are inherently ‘good’, rather than ‘less bad’. Government can help in shaping this’

• Visser

there’s a lot of progress being made but at the moment I would say Nigeria is still behind the global level. In Africa, I would say, Nigeria is certainly behind countries like South Africa but an appetite is growing. How can companies synchronise their op-

erations with CSR without jeopardising profitability? Companies need to realise that CSR is not just about charity or philanthropy and giving money to community projects. That is a very old-fashioned and a very narrow view

of CSR and in most countries; that has been discredited because companies tend to use that as a way to improve their image when in actual fact their overall impact could be quite negative. So the first thing that companies could do is move away from that narrow focus to a very broader understanding of CSR, being about the impact of their core products and services on the society and environment. The second thing they should do is to demonstrate some leadership around the issues of society and environment in terms of being ambitious by setting very bold targets as found in the case of, for example, Wal-Mart, which although being the biggest retailer in the world, is going for 100 per cent renewable energy and renewable waste. What can the government do to ensure that multinationals and small-scale companies carry out CSR? Well, what government shouldn’t be doing is trying to force companies to do CSR. I think the idea that you should have mandatory CSR is a wrong way to legislate, rather what government should be doing is to have effective regulations on the issues CSR is trying to tackle such as the environment, labour conditions and corruption. The government should also set long term targets for companies and hold them to it. If we look at something like climate change, we know that globally we have to achieve 80 per cent less carbon emissions by 2050 but business will not make the big leaps in technology that it needs to make the 2050 goal possible unless government will ensure that they commit to those targets and stick to them. Ultimately, it all comes down to better governance. A clear failing of our current economic and commercial system is based on a fundamentally flawed design, which acts as if there are no limits on resource consumption or waste disposal. Instead, we need a cradle-to-cradle approach, closing all resource loops and ensuring that products and processes are inherently ‘good’, rather than ‘less bad’. Government can help in shaping this. What’s the outlook for corporate responsibility, especially in the light of global economic trend? Looking to the future, what is just starting to emerge is a new approach to CSR, which I call systemic CSR. This is a purpose-driven, principle-based approach, in which business seeks to identify and tackle the root causes of the present unsustainability and irresponsibility, typically through innovating business models, revolutionizing their processes, products and services and lobbying for progressive national and international policies. By 2052, I think we will see most large, international companies having moved through the first four types or stages of CSR-defensive, charitable, promotional and strategic, then getting to systemic CSR. By then, CSR would have become more creative and companies will be judged on how innovative they are in using their products and processes to tackle social and environmental problems. Another shift you will notice is taking CSR solutions to scale. There is no shortage of charming case studies of laudably responsible and sustainable projects. The problem is that so few of them ever go to scale. A trend that is already underway and will continue to strengthen is the use of crosssector partnerships. This is in recognition of the fact that the problems we face today are too global, complex and multifaceted for a single institution to solve. Also, I think progressive companies more and more will be required to demonstrate full life cycle management of their products, from cradleto-cradle. We will see most large companies committing to the goal of zero-waste, carbon-neutral and water-neutral production, with mandated take-back schemes for most products. Still, the roles of government in the future of CSR remain crucial. Many of the issues that CSR is currently trying to tackle on a voluntary basis will be mandatory in the future, especially with regards to emission reductions, waste practices and transparency. There will also be a gradual harmonisation of country-level legislation on social, environmental and ethical issues. Collectively, you can see a future of widespread adoption of systemic CSR by 2052, a future in which companies become a significant part of the solution to our sustainability crisis, rather than complicit contributors to the problem, as they are today.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

CAPITAL MARKET

Capitalisation heightens by 3.99%

ARKET capitalisation increased by 3.99 per cent last week to close the weekly activities at N6.51 trillion. This means that overall activities at the exchange last week ended on bullish stand as the All share Index also increased by 3.91 per cent and other indices, which include market capitalisation and braIndex® also increased by 3.99 per cent and 3.91 per cent. All Share Index (ALSI) rose by 3.99 per cent in support of the previous week performance of 0.22 per cent the index which shows appreciable gain against what is observed in the penultimate week. The bullish trend in our analysis is much expected as prices of stocks still dwindled across stocks during the week. To recap, overall market performance instruments i.e. the Market Capitalisation, All share Index and the braIndex® rose by 3.99 per cent per cent, 3.91 per cent and 4.71 per cent. The Market capitalisation, which measures the share price movement rose from N 6.26 trillion a fortnight ago to N 6.51 trillion last week; the All Share Index also increased to 20,604.48 from 19,828.40 representing a 3.99 per cent rise on weekly assessment. Apparently, the braIndex® also rise by 4.71 per cent. The stocks of the Banking sector claimed 77 per cent of the total volume of transaction that exchanged hands at the stock market last week. A lingering situation which had been in existence couple of months back, the weekly observation shows that banking stocks was active compare to the figure recorded a fortnight ago, which stood at 70 per cent. Contribution shows that traders exchanged 0.82 billion units’ worth N6.07 billion in 6,922 deals as against 0.42 billion units valued at N2.63 billion in 5,392 deals a fortnight ago. This affirms that the banking stocks were actively traded at the exchange compared to 74 per cent accustomed to the sector in the two weeks ago, returns on banking volume rose by 0.51 per cent and the value of money spent on banking stocks stood at 63.91 per cent. Shares of Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Access Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, and First City Monument Bank Plc were the toast of investors as they were actively traded in terms of volume and total investment. The Insurance sector occupied the first runner-up with 69.48 million units worth N 39.72 million in 310 deals. On average evaluation, the Insurance sub-sector accounted for 6.59 per cent of the total activity and 0.41 per cent of the total funds invested at the Exchange during the week under review. Transactional volume shows that Conglomerates sub-sector’s performance decrease by 0.51 per cent last week. The total weekly value of stocks in this sub-sector stood at N212.00 million. All the three market indicators increased last week showing that overall activities in terms of volume and fund invested also increased. The direction in returns on both benchmarks was greater than two per cent. On a year-to-date basis, both benchmarks - the NSE All-Share Index and the braIndex® - showed losses of 2.08 per cent and 2.19 per cent. Stock Market Sectoral Performance Investors in the stocks of Zenith Bank Plc exchanged 353.87 million units in 1040 deals worth N 4.10 billion. The average number of deals remained well over 208 deals per day during the week. United Bank for Africa Plc was second with 212.50 million shares worth N 0.47 billion. In the Insurance sub-sector, Hallmark Insurance Plc led with 24.75 million shares worth N12.37 million. The sectoral volume amounted to almost 69.48 million units and constituted

Table 1: A Five-Day Moving Average Data of the Market Indices Change(%)

Market Capitalisation (%)

All-Share

Average Weekly Depth

1.83

1.81

2.31

Year To Date (YTD)

(2.13)

(2.08)

(2.19)

Month To Date (MTD) Week To Date(WTD)

(2.12) 3.99

(1.97) 3.91

(2.73) 4.71

Values

Market Cap(trillion Naira)

All-Share Index

braIndex®

As of closing on December 22, 2011

6.51

20,604.48

12.88

Source: NSE & bra Limited Table 2: Stock Market Summary Statistics for the week ending Dec. 22, 2011. Period Market Capitalisation (Trillion) 15/12/2011 6.26 16/12/2011 6.33 19/12/2011 6.34 20/12/2011 6.36 21/12/2011 6.45 22/12/2011 6.51 Source: NSE & Bra Limited

All-Share Index (Base Points) 19,828.40 20,025.94 20,045.31 20,122.80 20,420.23 20,604.48

braIndex® (Base Points) 12.30 12.66 12.68 12.73 12.85 12.88

Table 3: Statistics on Weekly Sectoral Contribution Sectors Banking Petroleum Marketing Insurance Food, Beverages and Tobacco Conglomerates Source: bra Limited

% of Total Trading Net Worth 63.91% 2.42% 0.41% 15.42% 2.23%

Trading Net Worth(in Naira Millions ) 6,075.41 230.88 39.72 1,465.99 212.00

Figure 1a: The All Share Index and braIndex® Performance at a Glance

Source: BRA Computation

over 6.59 per cent of the sector’s trading volume. Companies Appraisal Zenith Bank Plc is the most active company in the Banking sub-sector with 353.87 million units, United Bank for Africa Plc is the first runner up in the sector. United Bank for Africa Plc closed the week with N0.47 billion in 614 deals. Among the most active companies in the Insurance sub-sector were Hallmark Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Mutual Benefit Insurance Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, Goldlink Insurance Plc, UNIC Insurance Plc and Custodian Insurance Plc. In the Insurance

Industry, Hallmark Insurance Plc claimed to be the most active company in the sector. In the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Industry, share of the industry were actively traded in terms of the market volume. Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Dangote Flour Plc and Dangote Flour Mills Plc were some of the most active stocks in the sub-sector. Last week, shareholders of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, U.A.C of Nigeria Plc, Oando Plc and Cadbury Nigeria Plc saw the value of their investments earning profit less than 11 per cent while investors in Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Conoil Plc, CAP Plc and Ashakem Ce-

ment Plc made less than three percent loss daily. Points to note: The weekly stock market analysis reports the current position of the outlook of the stock of the companies listed on the Exchange and the aggregate market. The NSE closed the 51st trading week on a bullish note on weekly assessment. Historical analysis of trading volume shows that in the new week, the Banking, Insurance and Food, Beverages and Tobacco stocks are likely to continue to be the toast of investors.

Disclaimer This report has been prepared for information purposes only and for private use. Whilst reasonable care had been taken in its production, bra Limited does not guarantee the correctness of its contents nor does the company accept liability for any loss arising from a reliance on its contents. Kindly note that our suggested recommendations and other tactical actions are based on bra Limited best estimates which are guided by generally available information and our Proprietary Tools. This is not an invitation or a solicitation to deal in any stocks and we do not guarantee the future outcome of such recommendation.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

CAPITAL MARKET Bond and Money Market Review

HE bond segment of the money market last week declined by 0.53 per cent on weekly assessment while the daily evaluation increased by 0.02 per cent. The capitalisation decreased by 0.51 per cent in support of the bearish recorded a fortnight ago. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bond index fell by 0.53 per cent to stand at 1,450.23 points. Capitalisation also swings in the same direction as it decreased to close market activities last week. Bond prices dropped to close the weekly trading stand and price of trade short and long term instruments decreased slightly, the bearish returns is expected next week as investors appetite is directed towards the year end celebrations and much is not expected in the side of investment returns. A fortnight ago, market index decreased by 0.19 per cent and capitalisation also fell by 0.56 per cent to stand at N1.769 trillion. The market declined by 0.36 per cent in value on daily evaluation. The FGN bond Index began the week at 1,457.88 and closed at 1,450.23 points, declining by 765 basis points in support of the decline of 276 basis points a fortnight ago. It ended the week at 1,450.23 points. Average index stayed at 1,452.79 points, compared to 1,462.20 points the previous week. The 30-day and 90-day indices increase by 0.08 per cent and 0.19 per cent to claim 16.16 per cent and 16.85 per cent however the 60-day loss by 0.08 per cent to stood at 16.33 per cent as at December 22. Volume of market transaction decreased from N1.769 trillion to N1.760 trillion, while the index on the other side close at 1,450.23 points, as it started the week with 1,458.10 points. Market capitalisation closed with N1.760 trillion to end last week transaction as against N1.769 trillion witnessed in the penultimate week, the daily changes also swings in different direction as it increases by 0.02 per cent. The FGN bond Index movement represents a decline in the weekly performance of the bond market segment this is supported by the changes on daily examination as it also decreased due to fall in the price of some short and long term instruments, these price changes in cited instruments are the major drivers of the market performance in recent times. Among the 15 traded bonds, almost all of the traded bonds have their price decrease while few of the instruments have their price declined throughout the last week trading. Surprisingly, the prices of short term instruments witnessed depreciation throughout the trading week. The top price loser was the 20-year bond, 15.00 per cent FGN November 2028, which depreciated by N2.75 to close at N108.50. More so, the 5-year bond, 10.50 per cent FGN March 2018 increased by N0.59 to end the week at N91.81. Last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold foreign exchange worth $200 million to authorised dealers at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) window as against $200 million a fortnight ago. The dealers had demanded $218.08 million before the auction while the actual amount offered stood at $200 million. At the foreign exchange market, the naira depreciates by N0.01 as the lowest bid rate stood at N156.70. Figure 1 illustrates the year-to-date change in the bra FGN bond Index. The bra FGN bond index is a market value weighted index and is designed to measure the performance of the Nigerian investment-grade fixed income market. Although the index stabilised during most periods of January and February as shown, it recorded a sharp drop in March as investor outlook turned negative in the bond market in anticipation of elections. The FGN index recorded its biggest decline (108 points) in March losing roughly seven per cent of its value.

Bond Market ends on bearish note Table 4: Key Statistics of Market’s Stock Performance as of Dec. 22, 2011 S/N

Company Name

Share Price Gain (‘N)

% of Shares’ Gain by Investors

TOP FIVE GAINERS BY PRICE 01

Guinness Nigeria Plc

240.00

4.34%

Nigerian Breweries Plc

105.00

5.00%

U.A.C of Nigeria Plc

30.00

3.09%

Oando Plc

21.77

3.17%

Cadbury Nigeria Plc

11.00

4.74%

48.92

-2.57%

TOP FIVE LOSERS BY PRICE 01

7-Up Plc

Conoil Plc

30.06

-1.58%

CAP Plc

14.85

-0.78%

FO Plc

12.87

-0.67%

Ashaka Cement Plc

11.88

-0.62%

Source: NSE and bra Limited Indicator Turnover Value Deals FGN Bond Index Market Capitalization Index Weekly Returns (%) Index Year-to-Date Returns (%) 1-Month Returns (%) 3-Month Returns (%) 12-Month Returns (%)

CurrentWeek 197.8 million N160.43 billion 1,301 1,450.23 N1.760 trillion 2.78 5.48 0.72 4.53 3.57

PreviousWeek 192.8 million N157.84 billion 1,296 1,458.10 N1.769 trillion 2.82 5.44 0.79 4.59 3.50

% Change 2.59 1.64 (0.53) (0.51) (0.04) 0.04 (0.07) (0.06) 0.07

Source: BRA Figure 1: FGN Bond Index

Source: FMDA

Figure 2: Nigerian T-bill Primary Market Auctions

Primary Market Auction

Source: Financial Markets Dealers Association We observe the stabilisation of the declining trend in April and a gradual recovery in May and June. The month of July follows this recovery trend with index values reaching their March levels. The index stabilised in August closing at 1,512 points on August 26 compared to 1,517 points on July 30. Besides the sharp drop witnessed in August 23 to about 1504.4 points, the index sustained its up rise which peaked at 1,525.26 points at September 22 to end the month low at 1497.69 points. Noticeably, the index recorded a consistent decline in the month of October but later closed high at 1,434.34. Further, the index peaked at 1479.05 in November to close low at 1,467.58 points. The over-the-counter bond market

notched up by 2.59 per cent last week, yielding N160.43 billion with a turnover of 197.8 million units in 1,301 deals. The amount compared favourably with the N157.84 billion invested on 192.8 million units in 1,296 deals a fortnight ago. The activity was boosted by the 20year bond, due in July 2030 with 10.0 per cent coupon rate. It traded 41.95 million units valued at N31.30 billion in 316 deals. This was followed by the 3-year bond, 5.5 per cent FGN Feb 2013 which traded 33.55 million units valued at N30.04 billion in 281 deals. Sixteen of the available 34 FGN bonds were traded during the week, compared with 12 the previous week. In the NTB Primary Market, there were six new issues of NTBs with two 364 days tenor, two 182 days and also

two 91 days maturities with annual yields 19.53, 17.62 and 15.58 for the first issue of 364, 182 and 91 days (on November 10) and 18.32, 16.33 and 14.40 for the second issues (on November 22). Noticeably, the yield on the Treasury bill for the first three tenors was higher than the second issue of the same tenor. Hence, on month on change comparison, the yield closed the month of November slightly below the previous month’s Treasury bill Auction with yields of 19.35, 17.39 and 15.58 for 364, 182 and 91 days tenor. Nigerian Yield Curves Generally, we observed that the increase in NITTY yields on some short term Treasuries observed since July is still being retained. However, relative to last month, there was a slight

drop in some NITTY yield in November. This suggests that investors are relatively selling their stake in long and high risk investments to favour short term Treasury bills. Hence, investors prefer short term instruments to other alternative investments. In terms of FGN bonds, there were two issues in the month with negative yields of -53.37 and -211.13 for 2896 and 2385 tenor. More explicitly, the volume of NTB primary Auctions issued in November increased by 88 per cent from the total auction in October. However, in terms of FGN bonds, there were no issues at all in the month of October but the amount issued in November declined by about seven per cent from the total issue in September.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-12-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 22 2 1 25

Quotation(N) 0.63 22.00 7.87

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6,235,500 3,748,365.00 11,000 229,900.00 5,400 43,416.00 6,251,900 4,021,681.00

Quotation(N) 5.15

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 89,929 450,318.44 89,929 450,318.44

Quotation(N) 1.29

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 537,774 696,519.06 537,774 696,519.06

Quotation(N) 4.76 2.14 1.73 4.10 1.55 9.00 14.00 8.11 4.06 1.05 2.73 11.15 0.54 0.57 12.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,660,347 8,016,054.39 2,176,001 4,641,322.14 26,266 45,342.18 1,007,743 4,106,424.35 112,609,592 167,805,628.87 11,866,926 107,752,844.45 7,325,822 104,057,569.03 788,950 6,425,437.50 4,305,363 17,569,390.78 860,000 903,000.00 16,313,011 42,642,692.32 36,738 389,422.80 3,248,627 1,705,586.04 299,865 170,889.40 4,506,695 54,088,222.49 167,031,946 520,319,826.74

Quotation(N) 245.00 5.70 110.10

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 594,112 145,428,234.78 20,000 108,400.00 1,292,427 142,273,862.75 1,906,539 287,810,497.53

AIR SERVICES Company Name NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 16 16

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 12 12 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 51 29 6 28 141 361 204 26 48 11 135 10 26 10 101 1,187 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 60 1 111 172

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 48 7 8 9 72

Quotation(N) 11.62 4.20 105.50 44.89

Quantity Traded Value 1,310,886 42,700 3,278 72,341 1,429,205

of Shares (N) 15,513,966.12 179,340.00 363,104.06 3,167,830.80 19,224,240.98

Quotation(N) 8.49 14.50 8.59 0.52 5.11

Quantity Traded Value 150,500 311,930 700 2,000 120,000 585,130

of Shares (N) 1,236,750.00 4,611,167.40 5,719.00 1,080.00 583,200.00 6,437,916.40

Investors earn N212bn in Yuletide rally I NVESTORS celebrated the yuletide in an upbeat mood as sustained bullish rally last week put N212 billion in their pockets, the third biggest rally so far this year. As people were shopping for food and clothings, several investors appeared to be shopping for undervalued stocks and bargain deals, a trend that set the stock market up for a six-day unbroken rally. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities rose to N6.543 trillion as against its opening value of N6.331 trillion, representing an increase of 3.35 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Nigeria’s country index, also improved by 3.6 per cent from 20,025.94 points to 20,763.26, reflecting the gains made by 41 stocks. Most group indices also closed on the upside. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised companies, appreciated by 4.0 per cent to close at 931.76 points. The NSE Food and Beverage Index also appreciated by 4.6 per cent to 584.41 points while the NSE Banking Index improved by 4.1 per cent to close at 273.90

No of Deals 4 8 2 1 3 18

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 17 18

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 40,000 20,000.00 742,400 1,651,084.00 782,400 1,671,084.00

Quotation(N) 1.32 5.89 28.00 0.60 30.01 27.00

Quantity Traded Value 1,254,360 21,781 449,472 2,013,428 188,197 162,651 4,089,889

points. However, the NSE Insurance Index slipped marginally by 0.3 per cent to close at 143.48 points while the NSE Oil and Gas Index depreciated by 1.8 per cent to close at 221.07 points. Nestle Nigeria continued to lead the bullish stocks with a gain of N21.20 to close at N445.66 per share. Guinness Nigeria Plc trailed with a gain of N16.10 to close at N245.00 per share. Nigerian Breweries gained N12.10 to close at N110.10. On the downside, Total Nigeria Plc led the losers with a drop of N9.90 to close at N188.10 per share. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc followed with a loss of N1.36 to close at N31.60 per share. CAP lost N1.13 to close at N14.50 per share. Turnover stood at 1.55 billion shares worth N7.993 billion in 15,494 deals last week as against 1.3 billion shares valued at N11.03 billion traded in 16,402 deals. Banking subsector was the most active with 1.0 billion shares worth N4.31 billion exchanged in 8,350 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC NIGERIAN-GERMAN CHEMICALS PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-12-11 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

3 1 1 10 2 3 1 1 2 128

CONGLOMERATES Company Name A. G. LEVENTIS (NIGERIA) PLC JOHN HOLT PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 3 33 19 20 31 120

No of Deals 11 1 12

1.42 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.94 0.50 0.50 0.52

9,670 40,000 3,000 716,966 12,000 5,020 2,000 46,000 89,258 22,533,505

14,026.40 20,800.00 1,500.00 358,483.00 6,000.00 4,919.60 1,000.00 23,000.00 46,414.16 17,408,806.86

Quotation(N) 0.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 205,000 122,990.00 205,000 122,990.00

Quotation(N) 0.84

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 19,579,235 15,847,296.70 19,579,235 15,847,296.70

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 10,000 5,000.00

LEASING of Shares (N) 1,678,538.80 121,973.60 12,441,917.94 1,204,046.77 5,661,344.03 4,439,143.70 25,546,964.84

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC MULTIVERSE PLC Sector Totals

Investors particularly showed keen interests in low-priced banking stocks, staking substantially on United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Fidelity Bank. Trading in the shares of the two banks accounted for 567.4 million shares, representing 56.4 per cent and 36.6 per cent of the turnover recorded by the subsector and total turnover for the week respectively. The insurance subsector followed on the week’s activity chart with a turnover of 242.45 million shares valued at N140.1 million traded in 573 deals. Most analysts said they expect the market to remain largely on a bullish trend, although occasional profittaking transactions might moderate the rally. Analysts at Cowry Asset Management Limited said they expect the rally to continue as fund managers continue to position for full year corporate actions and post-yuletide rally. Analysts at FSDH Securities said investors should take strategic positions and maintain a long term view as the market holds opportunity for good returns in the future.

Quotation(N) 31.60 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 87,602 2,771,237.68 10,000 5,000.00 97,602 2,776,237.68

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 7 MARITIME

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 49 49 MEDIA

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N) 1.63 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 200,000 326,000.00 9,000 4,500.00 209,000 330,500.00

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC Sector Totals

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 14 17 67 51 25 9 19 31 4 2 239

No of Deals 3 21 6 6 2 38

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,362,881 64,207,853.15 163,991 1,823,852.30 3,611,934 16,528,237.82 1,258,060 5,951,037.15 106,509 6,659,547.82 83,630 194,532.00 683,033 2,712,596.60 132,147 58,694,836.00 2,090,000 1,045,000.00 41,436 20,718.00 9,533,621 157,838,210.84

Quotation(N) 0.70 0.76 23.00 1.90 1.13

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,327 7,928.90 1,769,299 1,381,987.64 11,105 255,415.00 70,000 134,299.19 10,150 10,962.00 1,871,881 1,790,592.73

Quotation(N) 1.96

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6,659,000 13,108,086.00 6,659,000 13,108,086.00

Company Name NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 12 12

No of Deals 9 9

No of Deals 1 1

No of Deals 61 30 4 9

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 50,000 51,000.00 50,000 51,000.00

No of Deals 18 18

Quotation(N) 1.71

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 100,248 170,536.52 100,248 170,536.52

No of Deals 6 11 15 7 4 112 9 164

Quotation(N) 60.67 31.50 3.10 12.87 133.91 21.76 188.10

Quantity Traded Value 2,684 123,844 194,162 12,355 17,396 662,698 53,681 1,066,820

of Shares (N) 155,258.00 3,857,664.56 574,561.43 151,632.55 2,277,684.00 14,464,248.42 10,100,846.10 31,581,895.06

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 5 7

Quotation(N) 2.95 3.40

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,220 3,550.20 100,500 342,200.00 101,720 345,750.20

Quotation(N) 12.16

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 25,120 317,024.00 25,120 317,024.00

REAL ESTATE

Quotation(N) 4.89

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 442,827 2,193,845.00 442,827 2,193,845.00

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

ROAD TRANSPORTATION

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9,000 4,500.00 9,000 4,500.00

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.95 2.09 0.61

Quantity Traded Value 6,121,300 13,161,000 152,535 2,174,756

Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 9 9

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,177,087 589,714.37 1,177,087 589,714.37

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC

Quotation(N) 1.02

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC Sector Totals

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 10,000 5,000.00

PACKAGING

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 0.50

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Quotation(N) 48.91 11.30 4.65 4.72 62.50 2.31 4.02 445.66 0.50 0.50

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

of Shares (N) 3,061,709.86 12,257,600.00 329,142.80 1,284,211.04

Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

Mac 72 - 58-59 - Capital Market FOLDER

No of Deals 26 26

Quotation(N) 9.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,287,084 12,541,500.11 1,287,084 12,541,500.11

2,368

247,673,462

1,123,207,535.06

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS XMAS DAY BOMBINGS

Pope prays for victims

OPE Benedict XVI yesterday prayed for the victims of famine, floods and conflict around the world in his traditional Christmas message, following a deadly explosion near a church in Nigeria. “Let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem. The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace,” he told thousands of pilgrims in the Vatican. The Pope urged the international community to aid those suffering from hunger in the Horn of Africa, called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and said he hoped this year’s Arab revolts would aid the “common good”. He also prayed for the victims of recent flooding in Thailand and the Philippines which he said

were enduring “grave hardships” and said he hoped for increased dialogue in Myanmar “in the pursuit of shared solutions.” The Pope’s strongest words were against wars and in favor of reconciliation, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land but also in the Great Lakes Region of Africa and the new nation of South Sudan. “May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood . . . May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed,” he said. The Pope didn’t mention the deadly blasts on churches in Nigeria, but the Vatican issued a statement denouncing the attacks as a sign of “cruelty and absurd, blind hatred” that shows no respect for human life.

Security summit underway

S a result of the incessant bombings in some parts of the country, a National Security Summit will be held in the new year. The summit, to be organised by the Presidency, is expected to point out the way to tackle security challenges. Top security officials are expected to inject fresh ideas into the on going efforts by government to curb the menace. The thinking is coming on the heels of yesterday’s bombing of a church in Suleja, Niger State. The summit, it was gathered will be funded through the 2012 votes for national security. Yesterday’s bombing forced top security echelon into an emergency meeting. A source close to the meeting said it ended with a resolve to re-strategise and

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

intensify effort to urgently curb the activities of Boko Haram. According to the source, the planned summit will encourage security experts, both serving and retired personnels to speak openly and frankly, in a manner similar to the constitutional conference, which would make far-reaching recommendations to government on present and future security measures. It was learnt that the summit is a follow-up to a recent meeting of all former National Security Advisers, (NSAs), which discussed the menace of Boko Haram and the best ways out. The security chiefs also want the Federal Government to declare the new year a security year.

Buhari condemns blast

•Gen. Buhari

ORMER Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned the series of bombings that took place in three

states in the North on Christmas day. Reports have cited the bombings of churches in Suleja and Jos, the SSS office in Yobe and another location in Adamawa State. Casualties have been recorded in the dastardly acts. Buhari commiserated with all those who have lost their loved ones in these ‘’heinous acts of terror’’ and prayed that the Almighty would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses. He called on all people of goodwill to condemn these occurrences that have sent sorrows to many families in a festive season. Speaking through his

spokesman Yinka Odumakin, the retired General said: “Bombing other human beings to death at any time is callous.It becomes much more reprehensible on a Christmas day and all lovers of peace must condemn this gruesome acts and demand that the perpetrators be fished out and brought to book.” He, however, expressed concern about the seeming indifference of the Nigerian authorities to these unfortunate incidents. “How on earth would the Vatican and the British authorities speak before the Nigerian government on attacks within Nigeria that have led to the deaths of our

citizens? This is clearly a failure of leadership at a time the government needs to assure the people of the capacity to guarantee the safety of lives and property.” He called on the government to rise up to the challenge of security in our country beyond the mere allocation of almost a quarter of the budget to security. “You can devote the entire budget to security and there won’t be any result if there is no competence in leadership to know what to do at the right time”, the retired general and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the April election said.

Security agencies assure Nyako of peace

ECURITY agencies in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, yesterday assured Governor Murtala Nyako of their readiness to ensure peace. Brig Gen Y.N. Nwaoga, the Brigade Commander of 23rd Amour Brigade, Yola, gave the assurance when he led heads of security agencies in the state on Christmas homage to the Government House. “We can assure you that we are making every effort to ensure that the state remain peaceful”, Nwaoga said.

HROUGH its National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday condemned the spate of bombings that claimed several lives before and during the Christmas celebration. He spoke for the National Working Committee (NWC). In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, the PDP regretted the loss of

He noted that there would be no development where “there is no peace and where there is suspicion and mistrust’’ and urged the people to remain united and committed to check any group or individual trying to disturb the peace. “A lot of people are trooping into the state; some of them are bad. We will partner with you to sift the bad ones, while accepting the good ones to help develop your state,” Nwaoga said. Meanwhile, Rev. Moses Tafarki, the elected Chairman of the state chapter of

the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has lauded the state government for its commitment to peace. Tafarki made the commendation when he led some members of his executive on a courtesy visit to Nyako at the Government House. He assured him that Christians would continue to support all moves aimed at promoting peace through their actions and prayers. Replying, Nyako praised the role being played by security agencies and religious leaders in promoting peace and assured them of his gov-

ernment’s support “at all time in order to sustain the tempo’’. Some locally made bombs were detected and diffused around three churches in Mubi on December 23, while the fourth one placed in a hotel in the commercial border town went off, injuring a lady. The incident, which drew widespread condemnation from the people of Adamawa, was the first of its kind in the state. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the bombs.

PDP denounces bombers From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

lives and properties. He said that the bomb blast has brought untold hardship, pain and sorrow to the people affected during this period that Nigerians are suppose to celebrate Christmas. The statement reads: “We wish to once again condemn in totality this recourse to extremist ideologies in a multi-religious and multi-

cultural society such as ours and urge our people to take the path of dialogue rather than violence. “We wish to therefore call on all stakeholders, politicians and religious leaders across the country to eschew violence and support President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo to preach the message of peaceful co-existence which is a fundamental condition for sustainable democratic

governance in the country. “We call on all Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and bring to the attention of the law enforcement agencies any threat to law and order. “There is no doubt we cannot advance as a people and as a democratic nation in an atmosphere of insecurity, violence and anarchy and we want to once again call on our security agencies to bring to justice all those involved in these dastardly act”, he said.

Nine varsities illegal, says Rep

•Senator Bukola Saraki addressing airport correspondents at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos...yesterday.

OUSE of Representatives member James Faleke (Ikeja Constituency) has declared that the nine federal universities recently announced by President Goodluck Jonathan were illegal because their establishment were not backed by law. He urged those in power to draw instructive lessons from the nature of the current constitutional order, warning that any governmental action that does not follow due process would not be condoned ny the National Assembly. Faleke spoke at the empowerment programme organised by his Constituency Office at Ojodu, where he distributed items worth N32m to constituents. The items include tricycles, sewing machines and bags of rice. He said it was in the fulfillment of his promise to fight poverty in the constituency, thanking them for voting him in the last general elections. Faleke, the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Com-

•Lagos lawmaker distributes N32m empowerment items By Emmanuel Oladesu

mittee in the House, rendered his stewardship before the constituents comprising traditional rulers, politicians, artisans, peasants and students. He said he has justified the confidence reposed in him by the people in the last six months. The legislator spoke on his activities, saying that he has sponsored a motion in the House alerting his colleagues and Nigerians to the danger of establishing new federal universities by the President without following the guidelines. He said: “The President established them without following the due process. He only made pronouncement. Money has been allocated to them without budgeting for them. The Federal Government must come with laws to back their establishment. The motion has compelled the executive to bring about a bill for that purpose”.

Faleke also said that he and his colleagues from the Southwest have drawn attention to the pitiable Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which he described as a disaster. He disclosed that the Minister of Works has asked the concessionaire to double his efforts on the project. He also said that he has sponsored a bill on Health Insurance Scheme for the members of the

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who may sustain injuries during the one year compulsory programme. He added: “ I feel that those who sustain injuries in the course of serving the nation and families of those NYSC members who die deserve adequate compensation. That is why we want the NYSC ACT to be amended to accommodate the health insurance scheme”.

NBTE hails Ife poly

HE National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has lauded the Polytechnic, Ile-Ife, Osun State for the establishment of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies and the Centre for Information and Communication Technology. NBTE representative M. H. Koko, who spoke during the institution’s governing council meeting, noted that the centres would encourage computer literacy and private enterprise among graduates. He also praised the polytechnic for going beyond the Federal Government benchmark on salary matters despite not running any outreach programmes. The Rector, Rev. T.O Siyanbola urged the NBTE to assist the polytechnic through the Education Tax Fund in equipping its laboratory with needed equipment and providing other infrastructure.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS Archbishop confirms 22 inmates From Adimike George, Onitsha

•From left: Onikosi of Ikosi, Oba Samuel Alamu Oloyede; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Olutoyin Ayinde; and Genral Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning and Development Authority (LASPPDA), Mrs. Bola Adefihan; during the LASPPDA interactive session with residents and stakeholders in Kosofe Local Government, Ikosi - Iseri and Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area...yesterday. PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

RCHBISHOP of Onitsha Diocese Most Rev. Valerian Okeke yesterday administered the Sacrament of Con firmation on 22 inmates of the Onitsha Prisons and four warders. Okeke donated 120 bags of rice and two cows to the inmates. Other items donated included 40 Christmas cakes, biscuits and soaps. In his homily, the Archbishop said: “Through our connection with Christ, who is the light, we share in being lights of the world; and with light, you have direction and clarity. “As we celebrate Christmas, we must imbibe the life of Christ and the light of Christ that shines in our lives would radiate to others in terms of good works and love shown to them. “It does not matter where you are; whether in prison or in government, you can still touch the lives of people around you through positive living and love. “This means that each of us can be leaders without titles, by being of service to others and making them happy always.” He said the church is planning to build a skills acquisition centre in the prison. The Deputy Controller of Prisons in charge of Onitsha Prisons, Mr. Anthony Ubaike, thanked the Archbishop for his support. “There has been no confirmation in this prison in the last 20 years. Today’s event shows that Archbishop Okeke cares for the physical and spiritual welfare of the inmates.”

Group seeks debate on oil subsidy removal

Tinubu Foundation felicitates with A elderly, widows A

NON-governmental organisation, Bola Tinubu Foundation, has distributed 3,000 bags of rice and vegetable oil to elderly people and widows in Lagos State. This was part of the foundation’s Christmas outreach programme. The coordinators, Ademola Gbadegesin and Seyi Tinubu, told reporters at the Women Development Centre, Ogba, where the items were distributed, that the foundation believes in caring for the needy. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central District, handed the items over to the wives of local government chairmen. They are to distribute them to the targeted people in their councils. She urged wealthy Nigerians to share with the less privileged. Senator Tinubu said: “I was not brought up in an affluent home, but we were comfortable. We are not equal in the society. All hands are not equal. Those who have today should remember those who do not have enough. In this season

•Senator Tinubu speaks on sharing with the poor By Emmanuel Oladesu

of goodwill, what is important is to share the joy and happiness of the moment with the needy in our midst; to put smiles on the faces of all in the neighbourhood, so that we can all be happy during this season. Last year, we did it and it was successful and people were happy. That is why we have intensified our efforts.” Mrs. Tinubu said another 2,800 bags of rice and gallons of vegetable oil would be taken to a Christian charity organisation for distribution to the aged. Gbadegesin said the foundation would focus more on educational, poverty alleviation, training and sensitisation programmes in next year and would not relent in its advocacy for justice and good governance. The wife of Mosan Oku-

nola council chairman, Alhaja Abiodun Mafe thanked the foundation for the gesture. She said: “We will distribute the items to the intended beneficiaries and we will take the lesson home that we should create and sustain programmes of welfare at the grassroots.” Her Agege council counterpart, Mrs. Sherifat Karim, said: “We really appreciate the gesture of our leader, Senator Tinubu. We pray that she will continue to wax stronger and grow from strength to strength. If our leaders have been doing this, the society would have been better.” The wife of Ojodu council chairman, Mrs. Bolanle

Oloro, said Mrs. Tinubu has been putting smiles on the faces of people and urged Nigerians to emulate her. The wife of Oriade council chairman, Mrs. Barisi Sanusi, said: “Mrs. Tinubu is blessed with a heart of gold and she needs the support and prayers of women to continue to succeed.” The wife of Onigbongbo council boss, Mrs. Aderonke Oke, described the senator as an amazon, who has compassion for the poor and needy. Wife of Ifelodun council chairman, Mrs. Falilat Ajidagba, said: “We congratulate this foundation for turning its attention to the grassroots, to the less privileged, the needy and voiceless.” A House of Assembly member, Mrs. Lola Akande; and former Chairman of Agboyi/Ketu Local Government Council, Otunba Yetunde Arobieke, were also at the event.

GROUP, SoutheastSouthsouth Professionals of Nigeria (SESSP), yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to consult with Nigerians on the proposed fuel subsidy removal. Speaking with reporters on the state of the nation, the leader of the group, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, said: “The position of SESSP is that Nigerians should reach a consensus on fuel subsidy by objectively looking at the facts without the colouration of the negative perception of the government by the people. “A market determined price for petroleum products is best for the economy. We are also mindful of the need to fairly and equitably manage the short-term economic dislocation. Before the commencement of the market-determined prices,

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

government at all levels should enter into a contract with Nigerians on the sharing of the shortterm pains and gains.” Ugwu-Oju suggested that if fuel subsidy is removed, the money saved should be shared equally among the six geo-political zones and the people should decide what projects would be executed with the funds. He urged the Federal Government to consider restructuring the economy to pave the way for wealth creation. Ugwu-Oju said: “A situation where federal and state governments spend over 70 per cent of the budget on recurrent expenditure, comprising salaries, emoluments and overheads for an overbloated bureaucracy, is surely a pathway to disaster.”

Security tightened in Onitsha

ECURITY has been strengthened in Onitsha, the Anambra State capital. Policemen were stationed at every junction in the commercial city to ensure a hitch free Christmas celebration. They also ensured free flow of traffic. Residents said the heavy presence of policemen and frequent patrol of the city has reduced crime in the city. A resident, Ebuka Onyebuchi, praised the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in the town, Mr. Larry Osita, and Police Commissioner Ibrahim Muhtari for tightening security during the Yuletide season.

From Adimike George, Onitsha

Onyebuchi said the police have woken up to their duties. He said though there are still incidents of robbery, the heavy presence of the police, especially those on stop and search duties and patrol, has reduced crime. Another resident, Austin Nwachi also praised the Police. Nwachi urged the police to maintain 24-hours surveillance at upper Iweka, an entry point into the city. A police source said they got an order from the Commander to ensure a crime free Christmas and New Year celebration .

•The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Sa’ad 111 (left), being received by the Protocol Officer, Lagos State Governor’s Office, Dr. Abudul Gbadamosi (right); at the Presdential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos... at the weekend. PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS N600m for UNILORIN hospital complex From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

THE Kwara State Government will spend N600million to equip the old University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Teaching Hospital complex. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed spoke at the opening of the 46th annual national conference of Ilorin Emirate Descendants’ Progressive Union (IEDPU) in Ilorin, the state capital. He said the state would convert the old site of the university’s teaching hospital to a general hospital. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the governor said the upgrading of the hospital would be done between January and September, next year. To make potable water available to the people of the emirate, Ahmed said the government has approved the construction of six boreholes in each of the five local governments in the Ilorin Emirate. He expressed delight that the security challenge, which reared its ugly head in the metropolis about three months ago, has been curtailed.

Kwara to host PDP Northcentral congress KWARA State will host the North-Central zonal congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in February, next year. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed spoke about his administration’s commitment to meeting the SevenPoint Agenda target. Addressing the state’s Central Working Committee of the PDP at a meeting on the policies and programmes of his administration, the governor said he would be responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people. Thanking the party hierarchy for its support to his administration, Ahmed expressed delight that the state had progressed in the past seven months. He added that the 2012 budget was formulated to bring succour to the residents. The governor said his administration would partner local governments to enhance financial management challenges through bio-metric data capturing. According to him, the state government will continue to focus more on the provision of good roads, water, energy and effective health care delivery system.

Six dead in Enugu-Onitsha road crash

IX persons have died in a road accident on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway at Umumba, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, the state Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Hyginus Fuomsuk, has said. The accident involved a commercial bus, with registration number XG815USL and an unmarked trailer. Thirty-three traffic offenders were arrested, tried and convicted by a mobile court

•33 convicted for traffic offences From Chris Oji, Enugu

at the 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, for violating traffic rules. Fuomsuk said the accident was caused by speed violation and dangerous driving. The dead included two women, two men and two children. Eleven others were injured. The Sector Commander addressed reporters at 9th Mile Conner in Udi Local Government Area of the state during

the FRSC’s special festive period surveillance and monitoring of vehicles. Fuomsuk expressed delight over the way drivers had complied with the commission’s Operation Zero Tolerance for Accidents. He said the measure was meant to actualise the global Decade of Action against road accidents. The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka,

blamed most road crashes on human factors such as excessive speeding and dilapidated vehicles, among others. Represented by an Assistant Corps Marshal, who is also the commission’s Legal Adviser, Chidi Nwachukwu, the FRSC chief warned motorists to avoid reckless driving. He urged them to observe traffic rules and regulations or face the wrath of the commission. Chidoka noted that the nationwide surveillance was to

ensure sanity on Nigerian roads as well as instill discipline in motorists, especially during the festive period. “So, my massage to all motorists during this festive period is that they should drive with caution; they must obey all traffic rules; they should avoid excessive speeding. Like I said earlier, this surveillance is to ensure free flow of vehicles on the roads. The exercise is covering all parts of the state,” he added.

Appeal Court reserves verdict on Niger governorship poll From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle) with his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola; and Oba Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland at this year’s Iwude Ijesa Festival...at the weekend.

Benue lawmakers plot Speaker’s impeachment

ARELY a month after he assumed office as the Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, David Iorhemeba is being threatened with impeachment by his colleagues over next year’s budget, which Governor Gabriel Suswam recently presented to the Assembly. Iorhemba became Speaker following the removal of Terhemen Tarzor by the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, which upheld the verdict of the lower tribunal. The tribunal ordered the withdrawal of his Certificate of Return and issued it to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Avine Agbom.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Even before he replaced Tarzor, there was opposition against his candidature, as most members preferred Kenneth Iyo Ihyarev, representing Gwer West. But Suswam and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prevailed on the lawmakers to choose through a voice vote rather than by an election during plenary. The lawmakers are poised to remove Iorhemba for what one of the arrow heads of the plot, who spoke in confidence, called high-handiness and lack of leadership quality in carrying out legislative

functions. The Nation learnt that the allegations the members have levelled against the Speaker include what happened when the governor presented the 2012 budget to the Assembly last Wednesday. The lawmakers accused the Speaker of witch-hunting some members, who are reportedly loyal to the former Speaker. This is besides the allegation of cutting their allowances and threatening to dissolve the House committees. “We blame Governor Suswam, who pleaded with us to elect Iorhemba as

Speaker. Now that we have seen his leadership quality in leading the House, we are determined to remove him at the commencement of the next legislative House,” the lawmaker said. At the time of filing this report yesterday, proponents of the impeachment were reportedly holding a meeting in Gboko, to finalise the process and get the lawmakers’ signatures. Attempts to get the Speaker’s comment failed, as he did not pick his calls. He also did not return the text message sent to him. His media officer, George Okoh, declined to comment on the matter.

‘Kano saves N600m from urban renewal projects’

ANO State Government has saved over N600 million through its direct involvement in urban renewal and road rehabilitation in the past six months of the Musa Kwankwaso administration. The Managing Director of Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA), Alhaji Isyaku Muhtar Kura, told reporters yesterday that the authority was carrying out urban renewal projects through direct labour because of the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

meagre resources available to the government. Kura said direct labour was adopted to ensure judicious utilisation of resources. According to him, the government has, in the past six months, rehabilitated many roads in the metropolis. These include major round abouts, which were hitherto in a very bad shape. He said the governor’s support made them

possible. The Managing Director predicted that before the expiration of the administration in 2015, Kano would have been transformed into a modern city, second to none in the country. “We will transform Kano and make it better than what it has been in the past 40 years,” he said. Admitting that the challenges are enormous, Kura expressed the hope that with the assistance of Governor Rabiu Musa

Kwankwaso, there would be changes in every part of the state, such that Kano would be a better place to live in and even better than Lagos. “The challenges are enormous but with the assistance of the governor, there will be changes in every part of the state. “Everybody is shouting Lagos, we are just six months old in office, haven’t you seen any change, of course, there are a lot of changes,” Kura added.

HE Court of Appeal, Abuja, has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the Niger State governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Alhaji Ibrahim Shettima, challenging the verdict of the state Election Petition Tribunal. The tribunal had dismissed his petition on the April 26 election victory of Governor Babangida Aliyu for lack of merit. Shettima is asking the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment on the ground that the tribunal failed to look at the facts placed before it properly before reaching a conclusion. His counsel, James Ocholi (SAN), complained about over-voting during the election. He said: “Over-voting is an offence in an election. It can occur in different ways. Where the number of total votes cast are more that the accredited voters, it amounts to over-voting. In an election, if the presiding officer says voters should line up and there are 500 people on the queue, there should be a security agent at the end of the queue so that no other person can join the queue after accreditation has been done. “Remember that before now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) used to give a specific time when voting stops. But under the current law, voting can only end after the last person on the queue has voted. To prevent a rowdy situation, a security agent is asked to stay behind the last person on the queue so that those who are not accredited won’t be able to join the queue.” But counsel to the governor, Sunday Ameh (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the argument. He averred that the appeal lacks merit.

No challenge is insurmountable, says Jonathan

ESPITE the nation’s increasing challenges, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future is bright. He said the challenges confronting the country are not insurmountable. The President said Nigeria would overcome the

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

challenges with prayers and attain greatness. Dr Jonathan spoke at the Christmas service at the Diocese of Abuja (The Cathedral Church of The Advent), Life Camp, Gwarinpa.

The Bishop of Abuja Diocese, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, delivered the sermon on the topic: Emmanuel, God with Us. He assured that despite the insecurity challenges in the country and the activities of a few misguided people, who make the country unsafe, Nigeria will not collapse.

The President noted that none of the nation’s challenges was insurmountable, if the people are determined to reach their goal. Dr Jonathan thanked Nigerians for their prayers for his administration to succeed, saying: “I believe we will succeed.” Referring to the sermon,

the President said: “The Primate, in his sermon, made reference to the Isrealites, that it took them 40 years to get to the promised land, a distance, if you look at it in the present day map, will take you just days, even if you are trekking. “The story of the Isrealites

is similar to the story of Nigeria after independence. We were at the same level with some countries at Independence. But today they have all left us behind. That means we are not doing things the way we should, both the government and the beautiful people of this country.”

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

NEWS

Police parade two kidnap suspects

HE Osun State Police Command yesterday paraded two kidnap suspects, Ekene Madu and Isaac Ndubuisi. The duo allegedly kidnapped the Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketing Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Ife, Osun State, Alhaji Popoola Ogundoyin, on December 8

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

at his Ife home. According to the Commissioner of Police, Solomon Olusegun, the kidnappers allegedly carried out the operation in a red Golf car. Olusegun said the family did not involve the police because they paid N5 million only to be asked to pay N30

million. “The family then ran back to the police and with the support of the local vigilance group, Madu and Ndubuisi were arrested near Garage Olode, where they wanted to pick up the ransom. The commissioner said their sponsors, Alfa Ahmed Adewumi in Garage Olode and Dele in Ibadan are at

large. He said other suspects arrested include Bisiriyu Adewumi, Sunday Aderogba, Usman Rasaq, Kareem Alamu, Yekini Adeojo, Bashiru Adebowale and Wasiu Ajadi. Solomon said N3,569,020 million was recovered from the two suspects, which he said they claimed was part of their share.

ICT centre for Oyo

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has inaugurated the Florence Ajimobi Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre for women public servants. He urged workers to work together with his administration to develop the state. Speaking at the ceremony in Ibadan, the governor, who described the initiative as commendable, said it would engender a remarkable improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the modus operandi of the civil service. Besides, he said it would send a message to all that his government sees the civil service and civil servants as partners in progress. The governor noted that the means of communication and information dissemination had undergone a radical revolution, thus making the world to become one big global village. “The singular factor that makes this possible is ‘communication’, enhanced by modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems,’’ he said.

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee, Ondo State and the Senate of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) have condemned the purported suspension of the NAOSS President, Victor Oguntoyinbo. Some executive members of NAOSS suspended the president, alleging that he has become the governor’s pauper.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HERE was jubilation at the weekend in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as Governor Rauf Aregbesola received 700 train passengers, who had travelled on the bill of the state, at the Railway Station, Osogbo. Fulfilling his earlier promise, the passengers were transported free from Ido railway terminus in Lagos on the train called the Omoluabi Train. Aregbesola led a team of top government officials, including Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori; Head of Service Segun Akinwusi and members of the executive council. The passengers, many of whom were coming to the state to celebrate the Christmas, boarded the train on Friday from Lagos at about 11am and arrived at the state capital at about 8:15pm. Three months ago, the governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Railway Cooperation (NRC) on the project and flagged off the haulage of cement and other goods through rail service from Lagos to the state. Receiving the passengers , the governor said: “Everybody thought we were joking as at the time we said we will facilitate rail services for goods and passengers movement free of charge. “This is the beginning and I believe it will never stop again. “As you all know, railway service is a strong infrastructure for economic development. “For a start, people will be enjoying this service weekly and as times goes on, we may turn the services to daily operation.”

Ondo to clear waterways

HE Ondo State Government at the weekend flagged-off the clearing of waterways in Ilaje Local Government. This, according to the government, will ease transportation of goods to other areas, particularly Lagos and Ogun states. Speaking at the ceremonyat River Alape in Ilaje, the Commissioner for Environment, Sola Ebiseni, said the government would improve the standard of living of the riverine people through the clearing of the waterways. Ebiseni said the Alape River connected Ilaje with Lagos and Ogun for commercial transportation of goods. “As you all know, the Ilaje riverine area is known for fishing and following this,

He said the Southwest states have a lot to gain if they come together and put the project in place, one of which is the socio-economic development of the zone. Ajimobi said the states should work closely with Lagos and tap its economic advantage to make the project a reality. He pointed out that if statesare allowed to have shares in a privatised PHCN, it would create a pool of funds that would boost the operations of the company.

The governor, who called for the support and cooperation of PHCN, urged the company to look into the possibility of exploiting the potentials of Ikere George Dam and the Dandaru Waterfall in Ibadan for power generation. He urged the company to assist the state in its efforts at setting up a power interjection station within the government secretariat in 2012. Oyesiku commended Ajimobi for restoring peace in the state.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

the people will partner with Lagos State and other areas for business. “But, for some period now, the people had been finding it difficult to transport their goods to Lagos and other states due to blockage of the river by aquatic weeds. “We are being mandated by the state to mobilise the people, especially the youths to control the weeds. “As you can see the youths are here in hundreds but these efforts will not be enough if the ministry did not involve its mechanical device to bring lasting solution to the aquatic problem,” he stated.

Afenifere to Fed Govt: increase states’ funding

•Managing Director, Friseland Campina Wamco, Bob Steetcam, presenting a cheque to the winner of the Peak Talent Show, Ozumbo Ozondu Marvellous (M-Factor), at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Ajimobi seeks joint power project for Southwest O YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has called for the collaboration of states in the Southwest in the area of independent Power Project (IPP) to improve electricity supply in the zone. He suggested that states should be allowed to buy into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) under the privatisation arrangement being planned for the company. The governor spoke at the weekend when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PHCN, Ibadan Zone, Bolaji Oyesiku, visited him in his office.

700 get free train tickets in Osun

•Ajimobi

He said his company would partner with the state to make the planned power interjection station a reality.

HE Ekiti State chapter of Egbe Afenifere has appealed to the Federal Government to increase allocation of funding to states. The body said this would enhance development in the states. Rising from a meeting attended by delegates from 16 local governments held at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, the body urged the Federal Government to accommodate opinions favouring increased autonomy of states, adding that only this could enhance true development. In a communiqué at the end of the meeting read by the group’s Chairman, Ibidapo Awojolu, Egbe Afenifere commended Governor Kayode Fayemi for his development initiatives. It also commended the Southwest states and Edo for the ongoing efforts at regional integration, urging stakeholders to pursue the goal with more vigour. The communiqué reads: “We welcome and support the decision of Afenifere to hold its national conference in Ekiti in February and urge all to work for its success. “That Egbe Afenifere in Ekiti State congratulates Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for its success at the last general elections and urged the party not to relent in its efforts at ensuring success in the coming local polls in Ekiti state in January.

NANS, JCC fault suspension of student leader From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

They also alleged that Oguntoyinbo travelled with some governor’s aides to Dubai when students were battling the government over scholarship funds. But NANS and NAOSS Senate alleged that the student leaders behind the suspension were being sponsored by the opposition to cause violence among the students.

They also said the students were bribed with N2million by some politicians. Addressing a joint news conference in Akure at the weekend, Ondo State NANS Chairman Omotayo Oladele and NAOSS Senate President Aladesoyin Abiodun Anthony declared the suspension null and void. They noted that the decision to suspend any member of the executive of NA-

OSS rest on the legislative arm of the group. He said: “I have never seen anywhere in our association’s constitution, where members of the executive are empowered to remove the National President. “The power to suspend any member of the executive rests solely on the Senate. “In view of this, the action of the central executive arm of NAOSS in suspending the

National President is null and void; it is illegality of the highest order.” Oguntoyinbo, who was also present at the briefing, said his suspension was not carried in good fate. His words:”Those behind my suspension are clowns being sponsored by the opposition to cause unnecessary among the students’ body. “It is comical that some members of the executive

can just announce my suspension without recourse to due process. ‘All the allegations leveled against me are mere fictions calculated at damaging my image. “I have always carried along other members of the executive. “Government cannot send every member to Dubai at once. “I didn’t go to Dubai for a tour but to attend a conference.”

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

FORIEGN NEWS

Pope urges end to Syria bloodshed in Christmas message

•Pope Benedict XVI

OPE Benedict XVI has used his traditional Christmas Day message to pray for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. The head of the Roman Catholic Church said: “May the Lord bring an end to the violence in Syria, where much blood has already been shed.” He also urged the world to help famine victims in the Horn of Africa.

The Urbi et Orbi (English: to the city and the world) message was broadcast around the world in 65 languages. At Christmas Mass on Saturday, the pontiff attacked the commercialisation of the Christian festival. He urged worshippers to “see through the superficial glitter”. Speaking in Italian from a balcony above St Peter’s Square, the pontiff spoke out against wars in general. Coffins in Damascus, 24 December Damascus held a mass funeral for bomb victims on Saturday “May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the Earth with blood,” he said. His remarks on Syria come after a year which has seen more than 5,000 deaths in anti-

government unrest there. On Saturday alone, suicide car bombings in Damascus claimed 44 lives and left more than 150 people injured. Addressing the “Arab Spring” as a whole, he prayed for “renewed vigour for all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good”. The Pope also called for reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as in the Great Lakes Region of Africa and the newly created state of South Sudan. He called for dialogue in Burma, which has recently seen signs of limited reform. Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict said, had “brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace”. Remembering Africa’s famine victims, he also

prayed for flood sufferers in Thailand and the Philippines. The Christmas Mass in Rome had been brought forward two hours from midnight (23:00) to 22:00 in order to spare the 84-year-old Pope a late night. He urged the faithful to focus on the story of Jesus’s birth, saying this would help “find true joy and true light”. Praying for those who would spend this Christmas in poverty and suffering, he attacked “oppressors” and warmongers. “In this time of ours, in this world of ours, cause the oppressors’ rods, the cloaks rolled in blood and the footgear of battle to be burned, so that your peace may triumph in this world of ours,” he said. Even if he is physically more frail now, his message was firm, the BBC’s Alan Johnston in Rome says.

Bonds of trust in UK broken by financial crisis, says Archbishop

HE summer riots in Britain and the financial crisis have broken bonds and abused trust in British society, the Archbishop of Canterbury said in his Christmas Day sermon. Archbishop Rowan Williams appealed to those congregated at Canterbury Ca-

thedral on Sunday to learn lessons about “mutual obligation” from the events of the past year. Citing the four days of U.K. riots and the current European debt crisis, the Archbishop said “the most pressing question” now facing Britain is “who and where we are as

a society.” “Bonds have been broken, trust abused and lost,” he said. “Whether it is an urban rioter mindlessly burning down a small shop that serves his community, or a speculator turning his back on the question of who bears the ultimate cost for his acquisitive

adventures in the virtual reality of today’s financial world, the picture is of atoms spinning apart in the dark.” Williams, leader of the world’s Anglicans, also quoted from the Book of Common Prayer in his sermon to say that if offenses are against one’s neighbors, one should be ready to make restitution.

Nelson Mandela’s grandson faces contempt of court

HE first wife of Nelson Mandela’s grandson is seeking to have her husband’s wedding to a Swazi princess annulled in court, according to reports. Mr Mandela is a grandson of the former South African president and also a member of parliament. He heads the Mandela family clan. Mandla Mandela, 37, defied a court ban to marry Mbali Makhathini at the Mvezo

Royal Palace in rural Eastern Cape province on Saturday. Mr Mandela is a grandson of the former South African president and also a member of parliament. He heads the Mandela family clan. A South African court Thursday granted Tando Mabunu-Mandela, his first and currently only legal wife, a ban on him marrying another woman, for the second time in seven months.

“You must remember that both Mandela and his new wife Nodiyala are both in contempt of court, they ignored a court order ... I am busy ... drafting the papers,” her lawyer Wesley Hayes told the Sapa news agency. Ms Mabunu-Mandela had her estranged husband’s 2010 marriage to a woman from Reunion Island declared illegal in May this year on the same grounds.

•Mandela’s grandson, Mandla

Syrian opposition calls for UN role to end crisis

YRIA’S top opposition leader called on the Arab League yesterday to bring the United Nations into the effort to stop the regime’s bloody crackdown on dissent as security forces pressed ahead with raids and arrests and killed at least seven more people. Burhan Ghalioun, the Paris-based leader of the Syrian National Council, made the plea as Arab League officials were setting up teams of foreign monitors as part of their plan aimed at ending nine months of turmoil that the U.N. says has killed more than 5,000 people. Opposition groups say the Arab League is not strong enough to resolve the crisis, which is escalating beyond

PUBLIC NOTICE HAILO I formerly known and addressed as Hailo Ronke Sewande, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajayi Ronke Sewande. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

mass demonstrations into armed clashes between military defectors and security forces and a double suicide bombing that shook Damascus on Friday. “I call upon the Arab League to ask the Security Council to adopt its plan in order to increase possibilities of its success and avoid giving the regime an opportunity not to carry out its obligations,” Ghalioun said in a televised speech marking Christmas. The opposition council “holds the international community to its responsibilities and asks them to use all available means to put an end to the tragedies experienced by the Syrian people,” he added. “The barbaric massacre must stop now,” Ghalioun said. The Arab League has begun sending observers into Syria to monitor compliance with its plan to end to the crackdown on political opponents. President Bashar Assad agreed to the League plan only after it warned that it

could turn to the U.N. Security Council to help stop the violence. The plan requires the government to remove its security forces and heavy weapons from city streets, start talks with opposition leaders and allow human rights workers and journalists into the country. The opposition has accused Assad of agreeing to the plan only to buy time and forestall more international sanctions and condemnation. Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, head of the Arab League observer team, traveled to Damascus late Saturday after meeting with Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby to discuss arrangements of the mission. More monitors are expected to arrive Monday. Yesterday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees activist groups said troops shelled the town of Juraithi in the eastern province of Deir elZour, killing one person. They

added that security forces killed three others in the village of Kouriyeh, also in Deir el-Zour. The groups also reported that parts of the restive central city of Homs was bombed Saturday, killing at least three people and wounding dozens. The two groups also blamed the regime for the assassination of a former member of Assad’s ruling Baath party in Homs Ghazi Zoaib and his wife Saturday night. The groups said Zoaib had recently expressed support of the opposition. The Syrian government has long contended that the turmoil in Syria this year is not an uprising by reform-seekers but the work of terrorists and foreign-backed armed gangs. Syria blamed al-Qaida for sending two suicide car bombs that blew up in Damascus Friday, killing 44 and wounding dozens more. Opponents of Assad suggested the regime itself might have been responsible.

Sudan Darfur rebel Khalil Ibrahim ‘killed by army’

HE Sudanese army says it has killed the leader of Darfur’s main rebel group, Khalil Ibrahim of the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem). The report of his death, in fighting in the Wad Banda area of North Kordofan, could not be independently verified. Mr Ibrahim had returned from exile in Libya after the fall of Col Muammar Gaddafi’s regime this year. If confirmed, his death would be a major blow to the Jem, which was behind several high-profile attacks. Sudanese army spokesman Sawarmi Khaled Sad told the BBC Arabic Service that Mr Ibrahim had been killed at dawn on Sunday . He and other rebel leaders had been trying to enter South Sudan, which seceded from Sudan in July, the spokesman told Sudanese TV. There was no immediate comment on the news from the Jem but a source close to the rebels told AFP news agency: “I’m pretty sure it’s true.” Khartoum accused Jem of fighting for the late Libyan leader in his attempt to hold on to power. Gaddafi’s fall in Tripoli was a blow to the rebels as he had given them sanctuary and financial and military aid, analysts say. Mr Ibrahim founded the Jem and made it the most powerful and most heavily armed rebel group in Darfur. Attacks launched by the group include one on the capital, Khartoum in 2008. More than 220 people were killed when the rebels drove across the desert to Omdurman, just across the River Nile from the presidential palace. Government troops repulsed them after heavy fighting. Just on Saturday, the Jem said they were planning a new advance on Khartoum. The rebels signed a ceasefire with the Sudanese government in February 2010 but abandoned peace talks soon after, accusing Khartoum’s forces of launching new raids in Darfur. About 300,000 people have died in the conflict in Darfur since it began in 2003, the UN says.

US teenager Jordan Romero sets climbing record

UNITED States teenager has become the youngest person to climb to the summit of the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. Jordan Romero, 15, reached the summit of Mt Vinson Massif in Antarctica on Saturday, the final peak in a quest he started six years ago. His team, which includes his father and stepmother, hope to complete their descent to base camp later on Sunday. At 10 years old, Jordan climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa. At 13, the Californian climbed the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest. He called his mother, Leigh Ann Drake, on Saturday to confirm he had reached the top of Mt Vinson Massif. Jordan beat the record previously held by British climber George Atkinson, who completed the ascents at the age of 16 in May. A post to his Find Your Everest page warned there would be no celebrations until the team had completed their descent. The other peaks climbed by Jordan are Russia’s Mt Elbrus (July 2007), Argentina’s Mt Aconcagua (December 2007), Mt McKinley in the US (June 2008) and Indonesia’s Carstensz Pyramid (September 2009). In April 2007, he also climbed Australia’s highest mountain, Kosciuszko.

Massive Khan rally defies Pakistani ruling party

AKISTAN’S former cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan brought at least 100,000 people into the streets of Karachi yesterday in a massive rally that increases pressure on the civilian government and cements his standing as a political force. Khan, 59, is riding a wave of dissatisfaction with the government of President Asif Ali Zardari, who co-chairs the ruling Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and is facing challenges from the military, the supreme court and political opponents after a year of cascading crises. Police estimated the rally had been attended by between 100,000 and 150,000 people. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI), or Pakistan Movement for Justice, estimated the crowd at more than 500,000. Even at the lower estimate, it is among the largest political rallies held in Karachi in recent years. Khan, in a rousing speech punctuated with patriotic musical refrains, pledged, if elected, to curb Pakistan’s endemic corruption. “We need a government that changes the system and ends corruption, so we need the PTI to come to power,” Khan told the crowd. “The first thing we need to do is end corruption.” “I promise we will end big corruption in 90 days,” he added. Khan’s massive rally comes at a time of crisis in Pakistani politics. Tensions are rising between Pakistan’s civilian leaders and its generals over a memo that accused the army of plotting a coup after the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden in May. There are signs that Pakistan’s powerful army is fed up with Zardari and wants the supreme court or early elections to force him from office. The army chief dismissed any rumours of a coup, however, as “speculation”.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

SPORT EXTRA NO CHRISTMAS BREAK

Eagles to tackle AMACO, Ranchers Bees

HE rebuilding process of the national team continued all through the Christmas period in Abuja, the Federal Capital, with players sweating it out in rigorous training sessions conducted by Head Coach

Steve Keshi, except on Xmas day. To consolidate on the players fitness and match readiness, officials of the team have scheduled two friendly games for Tuesday and Wednesday in the Federal

Capital. The first game on Tuesday, will be against Amateur League side, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMACO). The second will be against a more formidable opponents in Pro-league Division One A side and

former Premier League campaigners, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna. Head Coach Steve Keshi, said the games will afford him a second look at the players and their readiness for the task ahead. “We must get some of these boys into the main team and its through games like the ones ahead and the one we have played before that we can discover the ones that are ready to give Nigerians joy in the new order”. Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta, revealed that more of such games will be played, even as he reiterated that there will be an international friendly for the boys by January 7.

Okonkwo, Okwuosa out of Camp

Keshi targets five homebased for Kigali battle

UPER Eagles’ boss, Steve Keshi, says he’s ready to take at least five local professional players to Kigali, the Rwanda capital for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier, if the present players in camp prove that they are better than the foreign based pros. He even declared that he will be ready to take up to ten players to Kigali from the home-based Eagles If the 30 players in camp, give him the reason to do so. “But they must show the hunger that they are better than the ones who are coming from Europe and are ready to win games for Nigeria and resist showing any complex, because those who are now in Europe started from here”. Keshi bared his mind when

Team Psychologist, Robinson Okosun, drilled the players psychologically to prepare them for the challenge of playing for the national team. Big boss Keshi, however said if the players fail to show enough drive, he will still take at least three of them to Kigali for the qualifier. “I’m telling you early now, so that you can go out there and prove to me and the rest of the technical crew that you can play better than those whom we often call upon from Europe”. About six of the players led by Moses Ocheje, spoke after the coach’s challenge, promising to surprise him when training resumes Monday morning after observing the Christmas day as an off day in training.

T •Eagles in training

Officials, players hail Bolton over Xmas bash

LAYERS and officials of the Super Eagles took time off their hectic training schedule to unwind on Christmas day Eve and what a party it turned out to be. The Management of Bolton White Hotel and Apartments, had through a letter to Head Coach, Steve Keshi, requested to host the team so that they can have a feel of the season through a cocktail that was fully sponsored by the hotel. And they lived up to their words, as exactly by 9pm on the night some of the best entertainment acts in the Federal capital led by comedian FredBright, who was also the MC of the night led a retinue of musicians, comedians and the hotel management to thrill the players in an event that led to most of the guests reeling with laughter. GM Of Bolton White, Chiedu

Anekwe and Apartment Manager, Chika Udeochu, said they were motivated to organize the event, not only as a honour for the technical crew which found the place worthy but as part of its contribution to the rebuilding of the national team. They prophesied that trophies that have eluded the national team in recent times will soon start flowing in torrents. Players led by goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim, Moses Ocheje, Rabiu Ali and Sunday Mba said they were taking aback by the huge reception and despite not being at home with their families, they thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas season. Team Psychologist, Robinson Okosun spoke on behalf of other backroom staff, declaring that the hotel has proven that it has the

Keeper gives Eagles Xmas baby

OME-BASED Super Eagles camp at the Bolton White Hotel was in celebration mood on Saturday, December 24, just after the morning training session, when one of the invited goalkeepers, Godwin Paul, got a call from his wife that she has been delivered of a bouncing baby girl. “It was a safe delivery, baby and mother are in good shape”, Paul told Head Coach, Steve Keshi, who subsequently asked his Assistant, Dan ‘the Bull’, to announce it to other players and officials in camp.

Speaking later on the safe delivery of his first child, the Enyimba of Aba, first choice, said he was delighted and overjoyed, that his wife brought forth the bundle of joy even when he was on national assignment. “Maybe, she will play for the Super Falcons in future”, he said amidst smiles. Keshi, said the arrival of the baby is a good omen that the regeneration of the national team is on course and said there will be a special gift for the baby, when the team goes on a brief New Year break by December 30th.

capacity to host super stars and top events, because of the orderly conduct of the staff and management. On his part, Big Boss; Steve Keshi, said he was convinced that sooner than later the national team will be back in the hotel. “Security was perfect and we didn’t have to keep awake because all manner of people are coming here as we face in some other hotels. This is commendable and I urge the hotel management to keep it up. A huge Super Eagles cake was later cut by Keshi, assisted by Amokachi and the hotel management to commemorate a new dawn and mark the yuletide by the national team.

WO players, Chibuzor Okonkwo and James Okwuosa, are presently out of the national team’s camp. While Okonkwo, was given permission by the technical crew to attend to some personal issues, Okwuosa, who features for Rangers International, was probably home-sick and started given all manner of reasons while he should be allowed out of camp at the weekend. Initially, he told Team doctor, Abubakar Gyaran, that he was feeling dizzy and could not sleep, then went to the technical crew to say he was called by his mother to start coming home because he has lost his grandmother. When the technical crew, saw the contradictions in his reasons to leave camp, he was simply asked to submit his kits and leave. “Unfortunately, he left without submitting his kits, we’ll get in touch with the management of Enugu Rangers to make sure that the kits are returned”, said an angry Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta. He revealed that there are plans to invite a replacement for Okwuosa, hence the need for him to return the kits, since those approved for the team has been exhausted.

Dalglish: We can keep Aiyegbeni at bay

IVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish admits Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu poses a threat at Anfield on Boxing Day, but is confident his inform defence will keep the Nigerian quiet. Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admits Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu poses a threat at Anfield on Boxing Day, but is confident his in-form defence will keep the Nigerian quiet. Rovers' summer signing from Everton has 10 Barclays Premier League goals including four in one match against Swansea three weeks ago - this season. However, the Reds have the most miserly defence in the top flight having conceded just 13 times in 17 league matches and have kept seven clean

sheets, five of which have been in the last eight games. "His goal tally is pretty impressive for a team at the bottom of the table," said the Reds boss. "He's a clinical finisher. He got four against Swansea and got another goal the other night (against Bolton). He is a threat, but then there are a lot of good strikers that Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have come up against recently and they've been playing particularly well." He added: "We won't be presumptuous that they are going to play well but then again we won't be presuming Yakubu is going to score against us either. "It will be a decent game, and it will be a good competition between Yakubu and ourselves.”

•Keshi

Chairman's Cup debuts in Lagos

HE first edition of Chairman's cup for basketball players will kick-off on the today on the basketball court of Police College, Ikeja. The championship which is being bankrolled by the chairman of Police Basketball Association, ACP Moses Jituboh will see 12 teams participating in this inaugural edition. Although it’s an open championship the teams can only feature three professional players during a game. The six-day tournament

winner will go home with the N60,00, runners-up, N40,000, while the third place team will go home with N20,000. According to the coordinator of the championship, Mark Balogun the finals will hold on the 31st of December, 2011 Mark Balogun was full of praise for the sponsor, Jitoboh who is also a member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, (NBBF). He said, "We are very grateful to the sponsor because this is a special tournament that will help our young players to gain from their experience counterparts."

Adebutu Foundation tournament to kick-off IR, Kesington

Adebukonla Adebutu Foundation has donated three trophies to kick start the maiden edition of the Under-20 football tournament slated for December 27 to January 27 at the Jalingo Playing ground Oshodi. At the unveiling of the ceremony on Tuesday, Adebutu noted that the main aim of the organisation is to help in discovering and developing young talented players through the staging of various competitions in the mode of the U-20 Kesington Adebutu Cup. It is also belived that the Government alone cannot carry the burden of sports development in his country

hence the need to sponsoring a grassroots tourney by Sir Adebutu which was aided by the grand patron of the group, Brig. Gen. Dr. Mobolaji Johnson(rtd). In the same vein, the tournament will also be used as avenue to pick raw talents while scouts have been urged to avail themselves the opportunity to hunt for young talents to replace the old legs in the various professional clubs across the country. Meanwhile, the tournament will be used as a Test-Run while subsequent editions will be competed by all South-West states.

THE NATION MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

Osaze ready for Man City challenge P

ACY West Brom forward, Osaze Peter Odemwingie will definitly have his hands full today at home as league leaders Man City comes visiting today. Though he has been faced with an injury-prone season,Osaze, still basking in the euphoria of his performance since resemption from the last injury spell scoring one of his team's goal away to Newcastle last weekend,the Nigeria international will hope to continue his goal run today against a more experience Man City side. Following on from the victories at home to Arsenal and Stoke, this is another chance for Manchester City to continue to provide seasonal

cheer. Top of the table at Christmas and looking superb in the process, Roberto Mancini and the players have made sure that it is a hugely enjoyable festive period and three more points at the Hawthorns would be a lovely present. West Brom come into this game on the back of a thrilling win against Newcastle, though they have been defeated in all five of their Premier League matches of Boxing Day. With a reported injury worry for defender Steven Reid, who has been ruled out for a month after he underwent a knee operation,the Baggies will have to fight more. City have won the previous three meetings between the teams so the omens are

positive, although we will have to remain focused and avoid complacency. With regards to team selection, Micah Richards and Edin Dzeko are both likely to have recovered in time

though I doubt Mancini will risk them with such important games on the horizon. Pablo Zabaleta therefore might come into the side, whilst Kolo Touré is competing with Joleon

Lescott to partner Vincent Kompany. James Milner and Nigel De Jong have both sat out the past few games and will be hoping to get the nod, whilst Adam Johnson is likely to

remain in the side after his superb goal against Stoke. In this fixture last season, Mario Balotelli scored twice to win the game for City and then received a red card, and he’s another pushing for a place.

Runsewe backs Keshi’s ear-ring ban

IRECTOR General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has hailed Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi for banning the Super Eagles from wearing earrings. “This action is courageous and bold. It is also in line with our cultural values,” Runsewe said in a statement yesterday. Runsewe has been in the forefront of condemnation of wearing of earrings and

dreadlocks by national team players. For the past two years, he has waged a public campaign against it on the basis of it not being cultural. “I have always said it that it is not cultural for men to be wearing women’s apparel in Africa. It is a bad habit that people should not copy, especially by footballers who are hero-worshipped by our teaming youths. They should show example, “said the

NTDC DG, who has been carrying the nation’s cultural flag as an ambassador. Runsewe said by taken this action, Keshi has started his assignment as national team coach “on a very good note.” “Keshi is imposing discipline which is very important if he must achieve the objective of returning the Super Eagles to the enviable height the national team attained in the 1990s, which Keshi himself was part of as

captain of the Super Eagles. Discipline is key to achievements in sports,” Runsewe said. The Super Eagles coach has banned players from wearing earrings while on national assignments as part of new measures to enforce discipline. He told home-based players in currently in camp in Abuja that wearing earrings by men is alien to African culture and “no player is permitted here to wear them.”

www.thenationonlineng.net

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

AST week, two news reports told the story of Nigerian desperation and the Jonathan presidency. The first news story was the assertion from the lips of the Central Bank Governor, Lamido Sanusi, that 90 percent of Nigerians live below two dollars a day. On the same day, a news report had it that the Presidency was going to spend N1.2billion to build a clinic in the State House. All the information was unveiled as Nigerians are on the verge of potentially the most drastic lifestyle change since the introduction of the structural Adjustment Programme during the Babangida administration. I refer to the removal of the so-called fuel subsidy. If Nigerians live below two dollars a day, it means that most people cannot spend up to N320 a day, and it is sad to imagine what N300 cannot afford. It means that most Nigerians cannot afford basic health care. A fruitful visit to the hospital would require thousands of Naira at the cheapest. It means that most Nigerians cannot afford a square meal a day. That is even sadder, and it implies that most of the people we see on the streets who eat and participate in the rituals of the day like work and play do so without the requisite nutrients in the body. Is it really a surprise that Nigerians do not live longer than their forties? We are a young nation, and a huge chunk of the population dies before they get to the age of majority. Many die at birth, and it is hard to encounter the really old in this society because they don’t get the body intake of food and healthcare required to live long. If we factor the provision of shelter into the N320, it means that 90 percent of Nigerians live in inhabitable homes. If they have to go to school and give their children good education, it would mean that most Nigerians spend probably less than N100 a day on food. In the midst of all these, the Jonathan presidency is spending N1.2 billion on a state clinic. Is this his view of transformational leadership? Is it about the transformation of an elite class? The denizens of the State House often have enough to afford healthcare because they have enough cash. Most of them go abroad for the smallest check anyway. Maybe they do not want to go abroad, and they want the services now in the country. But why can’t they concentrate on primary healthcare. I wondered aloud at the office when I saw the news report about how many primary health centres N1.2 billion can build in the country. With N10 million, a small health centre will be in place with at least a nurse and small generator and a few basic medications. Many Nigerians die for lack of such rudimentary care. How many N10 million do we have in N1.2 billion?

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

Our two dollar economy

‘

•Dr. Jonathan

Another news report said the Presidency runs a budget of about N1 billion on food and entertainment. I also wonder what amount of food and how many people gorge on the food in the course of a year. How much would it cost to have three square meals a day? Somebody told me it could cost a person in the region of a N1,000 conservatively. So, those in Aso Rock have a surfeit of balanced diet? Somebody needs to explain to us how so much money goes to so few people when the majority cannot enjoy the basic of subsistence living. It all shows that Jonathan does not really get the issue of governance. In his anaemic media chat last week, he could not articulate any salient point. He stumbled rhetorically from one point to another as though words were a burden or ideas were too profound or governing Nigeria was too complex for him. He said many projects were on and he could not mention one, and he could not show why the so-called subsidy should go. Yet, he wants

RIPPLES COURT FREES MAN DETAINED 13 YEARS WITHOUT TRIAL–News

LUCKY MAN...13 YEARS FREE ACCOMODATION

VOL.7, NO. 1,986

We came to the year with many hoping things would be better. But things got worse. We are ending the year bowled over by the breakdown of security. We are going to enter the new year worried over another security: food and other basic amenities. With subsidy gone, we cannot predict the agonies ahead

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2011

WHO SAID WHAT

‘I want to repeat here that we can no longer accept the usual ways of doing things. The implememntation of the action plans after they have been assessed will be closely monitored for the benefit of Nigerians’

sacrifice for Nigerians. He wants the teeming majority who live on less than N320 a day to sacrifice. So how about the sacrifice of the helmsmen? If the subsidy goes, the average Nigerian would then live below a dollar a day. Sanusi’s assertion of two dollars was generous. Less than a decade ago, a research reported that Nigerians lived on a dollar a day. Today, the infrastructure is poorer, more people are out of job, power supply has not stopped more companies from shutting down and packing their all to Ghana and other countries, the borders are more porous. The value of the naira has dropped steeper than those years. The implication is that the standard of living has plummeted. But with subsidy gone, Nigerians would be living under a dollar and that will translate to below N160 a day. Is that not scary? Yet, President Jonathan still wants us to believe he is a transformational leader. I don’t believe he is. The year 2011 is

HARDBALL

T the opening of this century, no one could have predicted that as early as the second decade, tumultuous events of epic dimensions would be rocking the world, reshaping politics, overthrowing rulers and pushing many societies to the edge of collapse. This decade, for instance, opened dramatically with the Arab Spring that has arrested the attention of the world. Tunisia did not bother to wait for the adjustment mechanisms of democracy or elections before it overthrew its government. Libya fought a bitter civil war to get rid of its somewhat patriotic but doubtless charismatic leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi. After weeks of protest, in which hundreds were killed, Egyptians also deposed their long-time leader, Hosni Mubarak. Now, Yemenis are up in arms against their government, Bahrain is seething, and Syrians are locked in a fierce and bloody battle with their intransigent ruler, Bashir Assad. Two years ago, no one could have foreseen these epic events, and certainly not the region that has become the focus of the ongoing ferment. The United States has just weathered its own unique form of protests against what many Americans describe as the insensitivity of corporate America, represented by Wall

NYESOM WIKE

the year of the great deception. It began with many feeling that Jonathan deserved to be the president for no other reason that he did not come from the North. As I noted on this page when he won the polls, most Nigerians who voted him in ought to accept whatever he anoints as policy. No one voted him in to change Nigeria. According to those who voted him in, his election was the definition of change. Now, things are on the downswing. They should not complain. Violence has become a metaphor for Nigeria. He won what his spinmeisters called a pan-Nigerian mandate. Now the North boils. Christmas boiled over with the blood of the innocent. Some of his men have argued that top Northerners are quietly gloating that the man cannot tackle the crisis. Some have argued that northerners suffer from sour grapes because the North did not get the crown, having lost it at the demise of Yar’Adua. No one has evidence of this, but their point may well be true. Prominent northerners have not really spoken with any stridency about the Boko Haram outrage. They should. But we should not forget some salient points though. Boko Haram did not begin in April this year. Jos and the plateau had burned long before he became acting president. Two, President Jonathan did not make a concerted effort to reach out to the North, especially after the acrimony that shot through the zoning debate of the past year. He probably assumed that he had a panNigerian mandate. The basic thing is that the flowering of Boko Haram is a failure of governance. Jonathan’s intelligence and security strategies and institutions have failed over and over again. He seems clueless. We came to the year with many hoping things would be better. But things got worse. We are ending the year bowled over by the breakdown of security. We are going to enter the new year worried over another security: food and other basic amenities. With subsidy gone, we cannot predict the agonies ahead. Ironically, the partisans of these bombings were driven to such acts of violence by the lack of basic provision. It is because 90 percent of us cannot afford N320 a day that we have Boko Haram and all the other security nightmares. This is especially so when they see obscene displays of plenty like spending N1 billion for food in the State House and N1.2 billion for a clinic in which facilities will also be provided for pets. In Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero inspired the line: “Our revels now are ended.” In the midst of the Christmas jollification and new year gusto, the bard probably had 2011 in mind when he minted those words.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

1968, 2011: The years of ferment Street, to the issues of poverty, economic turmoil, financial greed and corruption. The fever, which began in September, briefly spread to parts of Europe, and is now berthing rather clumsily in Russia through protests against Vladimir Putin’s alleged electoral shenanigans. It is not certain yet whether “Occupy Wall Street” would have any effect on next year’s presidential elections in the US, or whether Prime Minister Putin’s subterranean manoeuvres to return to the Russian presidency in March 2012 would be undone by the burgeoning protests against the early December parliamentary election won by his party. However, it is certain that North Africa and parts of the Middle East will not remain the same again, whether they go fully democratic, as it now seems, or the process is legitimately hijacked by Islamist parties. Protests are spreading everywhere, even as the issues prompting them are diverse and not limited to countries under authoritarian rule. The ferment of 1968 not only changed the political and economic complexions of Europe, albeit not fundamentally, it also bears eerie resemblance to the ferment currently

sweeping many parts of the world. Even the US was not immune to the protests that convulsed the world in 1968. Recall the civil rights movement, youth revolt, rebirth of feminism, the growth of feminist ideology, and the Vietnam War protests. But much more striking were the greatest general strike in history that occurred in France in May 1968 when an estimated 10 million workers occupied their factories, and the crushing of the Prague Spring in August by the then Soviet Union. Marx and Engels, students of history will remember, once wrote that some events were capable of compressing decades into one day. They might as well be writing of the Arab Spring. And who can tell yet where the Russian protests will end, or what the social and political consequences of the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria would be? Clearly, a culture of protests is taking root. It may be short-lived, or it may last much longer than many have envisaged. A wise government would note the ferment and be reluctant to be sucked into its vortex. But not all governments are wise.

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