The Nation December 26, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Keshi: no deal on Ameobi, Shittu

Petrol shortage mars ‘Xmas in Lagos, Abuja

NEWS

Page 58

NEWS

Page 23

•Eagles coach warns English clubs

•NNPC blames Ijeododo pipeline fire

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VOL. 7, NO. 2352 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Hospitalised Mandela in high spirits, says Zuma

F

ORMER South African President Nelson Mandela is in good spirits and doctors are happy with his progress, President Jacob Zuma said after visiting him in hospital.

Mr Zuma said in a statement that Mr Mandela, 94,

was happy to have visitors on Christmas Day. He was admitted to hospital in the South African capital, Pretoria, two weeks ago and has been treated for a lung infection and gallstones.

Mr Mandela spent 27 years in jail for fighting against

the apartheid regime.

He served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999 and is regarded by many as the father of the nation.

His health has been a cause of concern for many years.

He first contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while de-

tained in Robben Island prison.

He has been admitted to hospital on three occasions in the past two years.

Mr Zuma said: “We found him in good spirits. He shouted my clan name, Nxamalala, as I walked into the Continued on page 2

Gunmen kill 12 in ’Xmas Eve attacks on churches It’s bestial, says Oritsejafor Pope laments ‘savage acts of terrorism’ in Nigeria

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WELVE people, including a pastor and a deacon, were killed in attacks by gunmen on churches on Christmas Eve in Yobe and Borno states.

Gunmen also attacked a local government official in Kano yesterday. He escaped with some injuries but his driver died.

The attack on the Yobe church during a Christmas

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Duku Joel, Damaturu

Eve service, led to the killing of the pastor and five worshippers. The church was also set on fire.

Worshippers were attacked at the First Baptist Church in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. A deacon and five church members were killed.

The incidents dented the

massive security cordon woven around the country to prevent killings during the celebration. Besides, it brought back the sad memory of the Christmas Day bombings in Madala, Niger State, last year, in which many died.

Pope Benedict XVI decried attacks on churches in Nigeria in his homily at the St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, yesterday.

“A group of gunmen came into the village at midnight and went straight to the church... they opened fire on them, killing the pastor and five worshippers. They then set fire to the church,” said Usman Mansir, resident of Firi village, near Potiskum, the economic capital of Yobe State.

Police spokesman in Yobe Adamu Salihu, yesterday

confirmed the attack on Firi Village.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that unknown gunmen had attacked the village early Tuesday.

He said there was no bomb explosion but gun attack with some casualties.

“We have received report on the attack but there are no details yet.

“There may be casualties but

no accurate figure yet; we are still awaiting the details from our men in Potiskum Division,” he said.

There were reports that the COCIN Church in the village was also burnt down by the assailants, but this could not be confirmed.

Spokesman of the The Joint Task Force in Yobe Lt. Lazarus Eli said: “Five perContinued on page 2

Jonathan gets wake-up call on terrorism, kidnapping •Why govt is slow, by President From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday admonished to banish the twin menace of terrorism and kidnapping next year.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Nicholas Oko, urged the government to find a permanent solution to terrorism and kidnapping.

He spoke at the Christmas Day Service at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp in Abuja.

President Jonathan, First Lady Dame Patience and members of the first family attended the service.

Terrorism is rampant in the North where Boko Haram (western education is a sin), has been killing people. Kidnappers are on the rampage in the South, especially in the Southsouth and the Southeast.

The rights group, Campaign for Democracy (Southeast), alleged that kidnappers make Continued on page 2

Y: Members of the Cathedral of St. Michael Church choir during the Christmas Service in Kaduna…yesterday •LET PLAY LET THE MUSIC PLA

PHOTO: NAN

•LIFE P25 •SPORT P23 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P43

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

NEWS CPC condemns Jonathan’s ‘Xmas message

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•President Goodluck Jonathan (second right) receiving a Christmas card from Vice President Namadi Sambo (right) during a Christmas homage to the president in Abuja…yesterday. With them are: First Lady Dame Patience and wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Amina

Primate to Jonathan: let’s end terrorism, kidnapping Continued from page 1

an average of N750 million weekly in the Southeast, making it the most “lucrative business”.

Primate Okoh said: “If you look at this church environment, you will see so many security men on duty.

“It is not everybody that can bear with this kind of situation; since the emergence of terrorists, many people no longer go to church and many select the day they go.

“So, it is our duty and prayer that in the coming year, Nigeria will know perfect security and that men and women will return to normal life.

“And nobody will stop anybody from visiting anywhere; if you want to go to Maiduguri or Kaura Namoda, you should be free to go.”

The cleric also expressed concern that kidnapping was being fuelled by greed and “love of money’’.

“This type of people, we cannot justify them by talking of unemployment; the kidnapper is not interested in employment because you cannot pay him.

“They have become used to spending big money and if from one kidnapping he gets

N50 million, tell me where you can employ such a person?’’

The primate’s sermon was on the theme: ‘’Messiah’s presence in our midst’’. He drew his message from Isaiah, Chapter 9 and the gospel of John chapter 1.

Rev. Okoh also prayed that in coming years, Nigeria will have perfect security, people will no longer have fear for personal security.

According to him, “Jesus Christ has come to give us eternal salvation, shine his light in the darkness of the world. He has come as the Prince of Peace. He came down to lift up the poor.

“The Lord came with the gospel of transformation and power that has transformed us from darkness to light. If you want to know God and his workings, then look at Jesus.

“He has given us moral light to shun what is wrong and do the right thing.

“We need to embrace peace in this country. We have of late been praying to have peace between man and man in our country. The Christian faith does not encourage tit for tat for the frequent killings because Christians are peace

bearers. Irrespective of provocation, we must promote peace.

“It also has the solution to the frequent tribalism that has affected us and caused chaos.

“For all in leadership, traditional, religious, political, the emphasis of leadership is the poor, the down trodden. At all times, their welfare and relief must occupy the priority of the leaders.

“We need to thank God for what the government is trying to do that we will no longer be slave to massive rice producers like Thailand.

“Is difficult to understand why it took us so long to realise that if we produce our rice that we can eat and generate jobs for our people. Also we have started producing bread with local content and it is good news to the poor. It will be political miracle if we have constant power supply and it will be good news to the poor.

“The development of the railway system and the construction of road also will be good news to the poor.

“Following the story of incarnation, the government can continue to come down to the poor because God is interested in the affairs of the poor”.

Prayers were said for the first

family, government and the country.

The First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan took the old testament lesson from Isaiah 9:2, 6&7.

President Jonathan read the Epistle from the book of Hebrew 1:1-12.

The President said his administration would fulfil its promises to the people.

He said: “I want to reassure Nigerians that we are committed and will keep faith with our promises. At least what we are doing in agriculture, transportation and power has been noted by the Primate.

“We have laid a solid foundation for power, agriculture and transport sectors and I can assure you we will not go back again.

“By human thinking, our administration is slow, I won’t say we are slow but we need to think through things properly if we are to make a lasting impact. If we rush we will make mistakes and sometimes it is more difficult to correct those mistakes.

“I want to assure Nigerians that any step we take, whether little or giant, we won’t go back. And where we need to Continued on page 63

HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday condemned the Christmas message delivered by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The party described the message as a “damp squib.”

The CPC, which made its position known in a statement in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) of running a pauperisation policy.

The statement said: “The Congress for Progressive Change heartily congratulates the Nigerian people for stoically wading through a very horrendous year, largely made so by the deliberate pauperisation policy of the PDP-led ruling Federal government.

“A year that started with the crude and perilous 49 per cent increase of petrol pump price by a very cruel and insensitive regime, eventually unveiled the most bizarre incongruence in national life in the over five decades’ existence of the Nigerian State.

“President Goodluck Jonathan, in his season’s message to Nigerians, said interalia: “No one should doubt that we have the political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time….. It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and measures we are already undertaking in these areas will successfully come to fruition next years and make the

From Yusuf Alli and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians.”

“It is doubtful if the President truly believes that Nigerians can trust him on this one, after many broken promises in the past one year and sheer unwillingness to assuage the cruelty unleashed on them by his administration’s lethargy and incompetence.

“Indeed, this President and his forebears in the ruling behemoth have collectively mismanaged – in the last 13 years - the hopes of Nigerians and brought the nation into impecunious status through unprecedented corruption and profligacy.”

The party picked holes in the huge funds being spent on fuel subsidy.

It alleged that the subsidy regime has become a bleeding pipe through which scarce funds are siphoned into private pockets.

The statement added: “With N2.67 trillion and N1.05 trillion said to have been spent on fuel subsidy in 2011 and 2012 respectively, this administration has unwittingly created a bleeding pipe – in which the scarce resources of state are siphoned into private pockets of cronies and acolytes of the regime.

“The conundrum that this administration has brought the Nation is that: any inContinued on page 63

Mandela in high spirits Continued from page 1

•Mandela

ward.

“He was happy to have visitors on this special day and is looking much better.”

Mr Mandela lives in Qunu, a small rural village in Eastern Cape province, where he says he spent the happiest days of his childhood.

He retired from public life in 2004 and has been rarely seen in public since.

Gunmen kill 12 in ’Xmas Eve attacks on churches

Continued from page 1

sons lost their lives and four others sustained injuries during the attack. One suspect was arrested in connection with the attack”.

Damaturu the state capital remained calm without any tension.

Normal church services were held in the metropolis with intensive security check carried out on cars and worshippers.

Most of the clergy men at their Christmas sermons preached the love and joy of the birth of Christ to come upon the country.

Rev. Fr. Allen of the St. mary’s Catholic Church Damaturu prayed for peace to return to the country.

He urged Nigerians to forgive one another and allow the love of Christ to envelop the nation.

In Kano, some gunmen yesterday injured the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council Interim management

It is a bestial act, says Oritsejafor

C

HRISTIAN Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor yesterday described the Christmas Eve killings as a bestial act against a people exercising their right to worship.

He said: “It is highly disturbing and very barbaric. It is archaic. It is totally against God and anything that has to do with Him. You wonder how people will go through this extent in the name of God. “Let us not continue to deny that there are jihadists, extremists and Islamists in this country. They are here. Let us agree that it is time for us to take certain steps to bring this madness to an end.”

He urged the worshippers in the area not to succumb to evil perpetrators by absconding their ancestral homes, stressing that doing so would smack of officer, Alhaji Ahmed Kambai Ismaila. They killed his driver.

The incident, according to eyewitnesses, happened at

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

cowardice.

Pastor Oritsejafor explained that even though he was not cut out to disparage adherents of other faiths, the truth must be told.

He added: “Let me again say that I have high respect and regard for my Muslim friends and brothers. I’m not against Muslims. We need their help. We have been saying it and we will continue to say it. Not only do we appeal to them to condemn it, we are asking that they must help us take this message to the grassroots.

“We (Christians) are not their enemies. The clerics that preach in the mosques, they should help us spread this news. With this goodwill, they will be able to flush out those people from among them. When An American ambassador was killed, the ordinary Muslim got angry. This is too much. Americans knew these people and they went and flushed them out of their camps.

about 9:30 am at Sallari quarters of Kano city. It was gathered that the gunmen, who trailed Ismaila, opened fire on him when they got close to his

Oritsejafor also noted that it was not enough for the Northern leaders to condemn an act of violence whenever it occurred; they must do something about it.

“These people are not really helping them. They are destroying their economy.

When things like this happen, many (northern leaders) come out to condemn these acts. Condemning it as it is now is not enough. They must go a step further.

They must condemn these acts. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must join hands to make this nation what it is supposed to be.

“Nobody is against them. Their minds must be disabused not to believe that these extremists and jihadists are fighting for them. We need these leaders to save us. If they were in Warri, we will know how to flush them out. The northern leaders can do more,” he said.

The CAN President spoke in a telephone interview.

vehicle. The bullet missed the target but hit the driver, who died instantly.

Kano police spokesman Majia Magaji said the area has

been condoned off as investigation continues.

The Pope lamented “savage acts of terrorism” that frequently target Christian

churches in Nigeria during his traditional Christmas message.

The pontiff prayed for “concord in Nigeria, where savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians”.

The Islamist extremist group Boko Haram (wester education is a sin) has often targeted churches in its bloody insurgency, as well as police and other symbols of the establishment.

Violence linked to the insurgency is believed to have left about 3 000 people dead since Continued on page 63

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS 2012 IN REVIEW

Gone with the year The outgoing year is one that witnessed the death of many Nigerians.

Some died in plane and helicopter crashes. Others died of terminal illnesses and some passed away in their sleep, writes Buki Ponle, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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HEN is a goodbye not good at all? Perhaps, it is when a dear one is dead.

When is goodbye not good for a country? It is when that country has lost the gem of its people, especially in a rapid frequency as it happened in Nigeria in 2012.

Many Nigerian families lost dear ones and for members of some of the families; life can never be the same again.

This is because the deceased could have been the life support of the family members: their water during thirst, their shelter in time of homelessness and their hope in time of need.

And they are all gone!

Among those citizens who died in the outgoing year are statesmen, eminent lawyers, politicians, film stars and national heroes, who in one way or the other, touched the people’s lives, directly or indirectly. However, their deeds live on even after their demise.

The Dana plane crash of June 3 in Lagos State killed 153 persons on board and caused six deaths and a number of injuries on the ground, all celebrities in their own right. It was a traumatic experience for residents of Lagos in particular and a calamity for Nigerians generally.

Perhaps the most dramatic and painful of deaths was the latest, involving the former Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Patrick Yakowa (65), who died on December 15, along with five others, after attending a funeral ceremony in Bayelsa.

The late Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, were returning in a navy helicopter, after the burial of the father of Oronto Douglas, the Special Adviser to the President on Research, Documentation and Strategy, when the fatal accident occurred.

In a tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan eulogised the late Yakowa, describing him as a “bridge builder’’ who loved his people, irrespective of religious and ethnic considerations.

“Yakowa was a nationalist. He played his roles very well as a civil servant of the old, not as a civil servant of today. No ethnic or religious divide in his blood,” he said.

Commenting on the late Yakowa’s death, the Most Rev. Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, said that nobody could neither teach God knowledge nor question His decisions.

He, therefore, urged the people should not feel despondent over the governor’s death.

“The deceased died at his appointed time by God,’’ he said, adding that people should disregard those who are wielding suspicious stories about his death.

Kukah said the late Yakowa

made history as the first man from the Christian-dominated southern part of Kaduna State to attain top positions at various levels of government.

He acknowledged the late Yakowa’s achievements as governor, particularly in development efforts and in promoting unity.

When renowned jurist Kayode Eso was being interred on December 22, the Primate of the Anglican Church, Rev. Nicholas Okoh, stressed that the only way to immortalise him was for Nigerians to allow justice to prevail in all circumstances.

Okoh, in a sermon on December 23 during the thanksgiving service held in honour of the late Eso at the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity in Ilesa, Osun, described the late jurist as a “champion of justice and jurist of the helpless.

“Unless Nigerians realise that there is value beyond money, the problem of graft and corruption will be difficult for the government to tackle,’’ he, however, said.

The late Eso, a retired justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria who died in Britain at the ripe age of 87, was given a state burial by the Osun Government in recognition of his courage and fearlessness which stood him out an exceptional jurist.

The late Dr Olusola Saraki, 79, the strongman of Kwara politics and a Second Republic senator, also died on November 14. Prior to his election as a senator, the consummate politician was a member of the Constituent Assembly which produced the 1979 Constitution.

The late Saraki, a medical doctor, also worked as a medical officer at the General Hospital, and the Creek Hospital, both in Lagos.

Other politicians who died during the year include Alhaji Lam Adesina. The 73-year-old former governor of Oyo State, who died on November 11, was described by many as an insightful politician, bridge-builder and a listening leader.

The movie world was hard hit in 2012 with the deaths of no fewer than 10 actors and actresses, both famous and obscure. Messrs Pete Eneh and Enebeli Elebuwa are two of the renowned actors who lost their lives in the year.

The late Elebuwa’s career captures the ups and downs of Nigerian life and accurately charts the country’s emergence as a significant producer of talented artistes.

His march to stardom began as one of the star actors who featured in the legendary television series — The Village Headmaster — which hypnotized the country’s television audience in the 1970s.

In the 80s, Enebeli became a superstar with his incredibly realistic portrayal of “Andrew’’ — the desperate and frustrated Nigerian

•The late Azazi

•The late Yakowa

•The late Eso

•The late Dr. Saraki

The late Anyene Six

SOME OF THE DEAD •Kayode Eso •Patrick Yakowa •Cynthia Osokogu •Gen. Owoye Azazi •Levi Ajuonuma •Hope Harriman •Enebeli Elebuwa •Pete Eneh •Lam Adeshina •Rashidi Yekini •Sam Loco Efe

•Gyang Dantong •Mathew Mbu •Dr. Olusola Saraki •Adeyemi Sowole •The Anyene Six •Prof. Sam Aluko •Dr. Lateef Adegbite •Uba Ahmed •Gyang Fulani •Gen. Mohammed Shuwa •Gen. Sylvester Iruh

who was determined to abandon Nigeria and emigrate to a foreign country in search of greener pastures.

As 2012 comes to a close, Nigerians say farewell to the dead politicians, actors and actresses and national heroes who had once touched their lives in one way or the other. However, the list of the departed appears inexhaustible.

All the same, death is inevitable!

Perceptive observers urge Nigerians to be mindful of this fact, while they strive to do things that will place them on the good side of history.

Adieu, our departed souls — the young and the old, the mighty and the low, the strong and the weak, our celebrities and minions — you will greatly be missed.

At this time of each year, many make resolutions about what to stop doing or start doing in the coming year, with not a few breaking the resolutions, writes Kayode Olaitan, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

B

Y most accounts, public opinions have shown that New Year resolutions are easier said than fulfilled.

There are divergent views on whether or not such resolutions made by individuals are adhered to religiously by them at the end.

Now, as another year approaches, several people in various gatherings will resolve to drop, add or change some values in their life styles.

Opinions indicate that only few of these resolutions are firm while the rest are said just to satisfy righteous-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS 2012 IN REVIEW

•The late Osokogu

•The late Ajuonuma

•The late Harriman

•The late Yekini

•The late Mbu

•The late Sowole

•The late Elebuwa

•The late Adegbite

•The late Adeshina

•The late Aluko

Why do people make resolutions they may or may not be able to keep? ness.

For instance, on December 31, 2011, at a Christian vigil, Mr D.I, made a resolution to quit smoking he had been addicted to for almost 20 years, but barely four months into the New Year, he found smoking more interesting than when he quit.

At the same service, a lady, Miss L.O, resolved that she would stop making trips to a West African country to do a certain business because of the risk involved.

She said she has been sustaining the resolution since then.

Why do people see the need to make resolutions they may or may not be able to adhere to?

The Islamic Forum online stipulates that the New Year is a good time for Muslims to renew the resolutions they made during Ramadan.

According to it, a list of resolutions which should include spiritual, physical and mental practices should be written down so that one can refer to them throughout the year.

“Everyone seems to have a bad habit that harms his or her health, such as drinking, smoking and overeating.

“Keep in mind that any activity that is forbidden in Islam is unhealthy and that any activity that starts to become an addiction is also unhealthy, make a pledge to yourself to identify your addictions and stop them.

“In many cases in the Qur’an and Hadith, it is mentioned that you do not actually have to perform a bad act to be affected by it. Muslims are encouraged to hang out with people they

would like to emulate and not with those that are bad influence on them,’’ it stated.

The essence of making resolutions is underscored by the desire of mankind to re-assess and re-align some patterns of life for better, according to Pastor John Abiodun of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Abuja.

He believes that some people, at a point, perceive they have moved away from what they should be known for or what they ought not to have been doing and when they realise this, they resort to making resolutions.

“Of course, occasions such as the eve of a new year presents a unique opportunity for making resolutions because of the belief that the old way of life is cast aside.

“It ought to be a spontaneous confession to the realities of

individual’s life-style and a strong determination to maintain whatever is said to be done,’’ he noted.

He, however, observes that more than 90 per cent of the resolutions made by various people are shortlived.

“I believe the reason for this is lack of adequate preparation and strong determination to tame some of the activities that hinder the resolutions to be firm.

“For instance, if somebody says he wants to stop stealing but still finds himself in the midst of criminals, within a short time, such a person will denounce his resolution.

“Another factor is the prevailing socio-economic situation; somebody may determine to quit prostitution but later finds out that she has no good job or even jobless to fight hunger, definitely she will for-

‘

get about the resolution.

“However, in every resolution we make, it requires the Grace of God and prayer for its sustainability because when we make such godly decision and commit it to God, He will provide the strength and means of sustaining it,’’ he said.

Dr John Grohol, the founder of Psych Central in the U.S, published in a research that people who believe that self-control is something dynamic, changing and unlimited, tend to set more resolutions.

He cited the instances of those who believe that: “I can stop smoking, all I have to do is put my mind to it. I can also change my eating habit and be a better person, it just takes willpower’’.

According to him, people who believe that we all are born with a limited, set amount of self-control

Of course, occasions such as the eve of a new year presents a unique opportunity for making resolutions because of the belief that the old way of life is cast aside. It ought to be a spontaneous confession to the realities of individual’s life-style and a strong determination to maintain whatever is said to be done

’

that one cannot change, naturally do worse on obtaining their New Year’s resolution goals.

“What this means is that you will do better on your New Year’s goals if you believe that self-control is indeed an unlimited resource that we all have access to and can leverage with our resolutions.

“The more you believe in your own capabilities, the more likely you will succeed as well; it also seems to help to set more goals, because you will be more likely to succeed at them if you do,’’ he said.

All arguments notwithstanding, psychologists have identified some tips to help keep resolutions.

The first is to make only one resolution; picking just one aspect of life to improve and increase chances of success.

They also suggest planning resolution in advance, instead of waiting until New Year’s Eve to allow for reflection on what to really want to achieve.

Another tip is to avoid repeating a previous resolution, or at least try a different technique to keep it.

However, Dr Richard Wiseman, a professor of psychology at Hertfordshire University, UK believes that: “If people think they can do it, they probably can, but if they have already tried and failed, their self-belief will be low.

“By a long way, stopping smoking is the hardest, because there are physiological responses involved; it is an addiction.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS Fed Govt urged to shun calls for sack of NCAA boss

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•From left: Managing Director, Anambra/Imo River Development Authority, Mr. Onu Eluwa; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha; Mr. Nnanna Igbokwe; and Eze Emma Nwaaimo, during the commencement of Mbutu-Ngor Okpala road project in Imo State...on Monday.

94 die in 191 road crashes in five days, says FRSC

CPC: Jonathan’s regime is cruel, insensitive

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HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday described President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure as the worst so far, following the insecurity, corruption, fuel scarcity and other problems confronting the nation.

CPC said: “President Jonathan and the ruling party have mismanaged – in the last 13 years - the hopes of Nigerians and brought the nation into impecunious status through corruption and profligacy.”

Reacting to the President’s Christmas message, CPC said it doubts if Jonathan can ever be trusted after several failed promises on how Nigeria can be developed.

On security, CPC said the administration has demonstrated “lack of capacity in tackling the myriad of insecurity issues that have assailed the country in the outgoing year.”

The party said: “After each deadly bomb blast with attendant fatalities, it has become a regular template of presidential response to listen to assurances of investigation and security cover for all under the nation space.”

A statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin said: “The Congress for Progressive Change congratulates the Nigerian people on wading through a horrendous year,

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•‘President can’t be trusted’ From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

largely made so by the deliberate pauperisation policy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP-led) ruling government.

A year that started with the crude and perilous 49 per cent increase of petrol pump price by a very cruel and insensitive regime that eventually unveiled the most bizarre incongruence in national life in the over five decades existence of the Nigerian state.

“President Jonathan, in his season’s message to Nigerians, said inter-alia: ‘No one should doubt that we have the political will and determination to deliver on our promise of positive changes in the living conditions of our people in the shortest possible time… It is my hope and expectation that more of the efforts, actions and measures we are undertaking in these areas will come to fruition next years and make the results of the diligent project planning and execution being done under this administration more apparent to all Nigerians.’

“It is doubtful if the President truly believes that Nigerians can trust him on this one, after many broken promises in the past one year and unwillingness to assuage the cruelty

unleashed on them by his administration’s lethargy and incompetence.

“With N2.67 trillion and N1.05 trillion said to have been spent on fuel subsidy in 2011 and 2012, this administration has created a bleeding pipe – in which the scarce resources of the state are siphoned into private pockets of cronies and acolytes of the regime. The conundrum that this administration has brought the nation is that: any increase in world crude oil price would not translate into the prosperity of Nigeria and its citizens. The administration of the fuel subsidy under the regime has become a phenomenon in legendary opacity and monstrous corrupt tendencies.

“This is why, as a party, we believe the President’s season’s message is a damp squib.

“An administration that carries on with nauseous impunity, while the people’s rights to good living are being trampled upon, cannot be trusted. An administration that is incapable of prioritising the nation’s need as against the comfort of its principals and minions cannot be trusted. An administration that through its character and body language continually plays up the ethno-religious fault lines of the

•Jonathan

nation’s geo-politics cannot be trusted. An administration that deals in deliberate mendacity and employs obscurantist policy as its philosophy cannot be trusted.

“As a party, we know too well about the extemporaneous foundation of this regime.

It was more interested in seizing political power rather than the adequate planning for effectual governance. We have equally noted that the same national existential conditions that brought untold anguish and increased the squalid environments of the country in the last one year have not changed. It is easily discernible. Therefore that the President’s speech was meant to fulfil a hollow ritual and not the communication based on perspicacious planning for a better future. On our part, we wish the Nigerian people a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.”

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it recorded 94 deaths in 191 road accidents in the country in the last five days.

A statement issued by Mr. Jonas Agwu, the Public Education Officer of the commission, quoted Mr. Osita Chidoka, the Corps Marshal, as giving the figure.

Chidoka gave the statistics after an aerial patrol yesterday.

The commission identified over-speeding as one of the major causes of the crashes.

The Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC expressed concern over the development.

He said: “It is an attitudinal issue as this year witnessed the rehabilitation of major corridors of the highways.

“People tend to disregard traffic laws on speed limits and accelerate beyond the recommended speed.

“This has resulted in the figures we have witnessed in the last five days.

“However, we have devised measures to address this unpleasant development.”

The statement noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have rehabilitated many roads.

It said the rehabilitation was carried out after the report of an audit conducted by the FRSC was submitted.

We’ve forgiven Boko Haram, says Catholic Bishop

T

HE Catholic Bishop of the Kaduna Diocese, Most Reverend Mathew Man’Oso Ndagoso, said yesterday that the church has forgiven those who bombed and killed its members in the name of Boko Haram.

The sect claimed responsibility for the bombing of Saint Rita Catholic Church, Ungwan Yero, Malali in Kaduna metropolis and other churches.

The cleric said in his Christmas message that in the spirit of merry making, love and forgiveness to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the church has forgiven members of the Islamic sect.

According to him, the act of forgiveness became imper-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ative since Jesus Christ was born as a peace maker, adding that the essence of celebrating the birth of Christ is forgiveness.

He said there was no point celebrating Christmas with rancour, malice and revenge, adding that the need to forgive the sect was in line with the forgiveness Christ exhibited when he was betrayed and crucified.

Rev. Ndagoso appealed to Christians in the state to refrain from any act capable of causing violence, political and social upheaval in the state, adding that whatever evil was be-

•Yero urges Christians to be peaceful ing perpetrated by the sect should not be a thing of surprise to anybody but should restrain the urge to retaliate as Jesus did to His attackers.

He thanked the state government, corporate organisations and individuals who stood by the Archdiocese during the bombings and killings by the sect.

Said he: “As we celebrate Christmas, we remember the killings of our members and bombings of our churches, particularly Saint Rita Catholic Church, Ungwan Yero, Badarawa, Kaduna. We pray for the repose of the souls of the departed.

“We thank the government, individuals and organisations for supporting us during the turbulent times.

“There is nothing we can do to our enemies than to forgive them. This Christmas period, we must show love and forgive one another to enable peace reign in our society.

“We should remember that over 2,000 years ago, during Jesus’ time on earth, He faced persecution, humiliation and death in the hands of those that were supposed to love Him. But even at that He forgave them. He is born for our sake and He died for our sake.

“So violence, be it religious, political, economic or social, has been there a long time ago in the history of humanity.

“We should not forget that the recent flood might cause food scarcity. I appeal to the farmers that were not affected, especially those in rural areas, not to use middle men and women to hike the prices of their produce.

They should sell them at affordable prices to help one another.”

In his Christmas message, Governor Muhktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State urged Christians to live with others in peace and harmony.

HE Coalition of Nigerian Youth Organisations has described the demand by some individuals that the Federal Government should sack the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren, as politically- motivated and unnecessary.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, the group said the call for the sack of the NCAA boss was unwarranted and urged the Federal Government to ignore such move to rubbish Demuren.

The group’s statement was signed by Comrade Etuk Bassey Williams, ex-president of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS, Wole Badmus, President of Yoruba Youth Frontiers, Uche Casmier, President of Ohaeneze Ndigbo Youth, Mr. Splendour Agbonkpolor, President of Niger Delta Youth Alliance and Mallam Musa Abubakar Yusuf, President of Arewa Youth Forum.

The group said the allegations of negligence of duty, corruption and incompetence levelled against Demuren were insubstantial excuses.

The group passed a vote of confidence in the NCAA boss and cautioned members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation to motivate Mr. Demuren in discharging his duty.

‘Egbin Power Plant generates 1,030 MW’

T

HE Egbin Power Plant is now generating 1,030mw of electricity, up from 600mw, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mike Uzoigbe.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that five of the six turbines of the plant are now working at full capacity.

The Egbin Plant power generation dropped from 1,080mw to 600mw on December 5, because of a national system collapse.

The collapse led to a shutdown of the station.

Uzoigbe assured that the station would meet its generation capacity of 1,320mw fully as the unit six, which was faulty, was being repaired.

He said: “Egbin is generating at 1,030 megawatts capacity on five turbines, which is being distributed based on demand.

“When all the units are working to capacity, we will distribute in full blast.

“What we are doing is to maintain and improve on existing generation.’’

Uzoigwe denied the insinuation that the Egbin Plant had been shut for its inability to generate power.

“Over the years, we have had problems of obsolete equipment and spare parts.

“But since government started tackling the problems of the power sector very seriously, things are picking up gradually.

“It is only the sixth turbine that is still down, but government is making necessary arrangement to revive it.

“By the grace of God, we will be able to bring it back and be in a position to approach the 1,320 megawatts,’’ he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

7

NEWS TO NIGERIANS AT ‘XMAS

Kumuyi enjoins Nigerians to trust God

‘Xmas: Police reassure travellers on security T

T

HE General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has enjoined Nigerians to trust God in the face of insecurity.

He spoke at the retreat organised by the church at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The five-day programme tagged: ‘All Round Security in Christ’, brought together thousands of Christians. It was held simultaneously in 774 local governments in Nigeria, Europe, Africa and America.

According to Pastor Kumuyi, Nigerians must put their trust in God as this is the recipe for overcoming

•Kumuyi

By Adeola Ogunlade

insecurity and other problems.

He said believers should have faith in God, adding that faith is the key ingredient for walking successfully with God. Kumuyi admonished Christians to live a holy life.

HE Kogi State Police Command yesterday reassured travellers in the south and western part of Lokoja, the state capital, of security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Commissioner of Police Muhammed Musa Katsina, in a chat with The Nation, said people are safe to travel in the state at any time of the day as security personnel have been stationed at strategic areas on the highways.

He said: “I urge travellers not to be afraid of plying the roads. We have stationed well-armed men to provide security on the highways. They can travel during the day and night.

There is no cause for alarm.”

•Wada urges unity From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

Katsina said his command has prepared for the Yuletide. “This is why there has not been armed robbery in the state,” he added.

On the metropolitan security, Katsina said he has set up a security team, known as cub-web, to arrest criminals.

He congratulated the indigenes, especially Christians, on the Christmas and New Year festivities, urging them to go about the celebration without harass-

ment.

The police command had earlier warned against the throwing of banger, vowing to penalise anyone that flouted the order.

Governor Idris Wada has enjoined Nigerians to be united.

In his Christmas and New Year message on Monday, he congratulated Kogi State indigenes and other Nigerians, especially the Christian community, for witnessing the occasion.

Wada said: “It is my prayer that the New Year will usher in a season of

peace, security, joy and prosperity.

“For us as a government, this year’s celebration is unique. It is the first Christmas and New Year season our administration is marking.

“I hail the indigenes and residents for the orderliness and peace in our state.

“Your support and cooperation have ensured the progress achieved by our government.”

The governor urged Nigerians to pray for the country for protection and blessings, “As we go into the New Year, government will continue the execution of programmes that will set free our society from the shackles of despair and poverty,” he said.

Orji felicitates with Christians

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has felicitated with Christians as they celebrate Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue, the governor said the birth of Jesus brought peace, joy and salvation to mankind. According to Governor Orji, “as Christians celebrate, they should continue to exhibit those virtues Jesus Christ symbolises.”

He urged Christians to use the period to pray for peace and unity as the nation is experiencing insecurity.

The governor said prayers can change situations for good.

He said he is optimistic that the country would soon become the envy of other nations and called for support for government at all levels.

He assured Abia State indigenes of security during the Yuletide, saying security agents have been placed on the alert to forestall violence.

‘Jesus is solution to corruption’

T

HE District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith, West and Central Africa, Rev Adebayo Adeniran, has identified Jesus Christ as the solution to the myriad of problems facing Nigeria, including corruption.

He urged Nigerians to allow Jesus rule their lives in this season and beyond.

Rev. Adeniran said the acceptance and application of

By Nneka Nwaneri

Jesus’ principles would result in a prosperous economy.

He said: “Jesus is the reason for this season. He is God’s gift to humanity. He came for the mankind through the love of God.” Rev Adeniran spoke during the annual Christmas Concert of the Apostolic Faith Church in Lagos.

He urged Nigerians to embrace love

Power outage disrupts celebration in Ibadan

I

N Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, some residents did not enjoy electricity supply because of power outage.

It affected major areas of the city, such as Apata, Oluyole, Eleyele, Iyaganku, Lanlate, Interchange and Liberty Road.

The development has caused customers a lot of discomfort as they celebrated Christmas without electricity.

Mr. Jide Oyenuga, Public Affairs Director, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC), attributed the outage to a shattered Current Transformer (CT) serving the affected areas.

He said: “The power outage was caused by the shattered Current Transformer on the MVA132/33KV at the Transmission Station at Ayede in Ibadan.

“The Current Transformer exploded in the early hours of Monday as a result of suspected over-heating and the age of the equipment.’’

He said the fire outbreak destroyed an extensive quantity of underground cables.

“Seven feeders are affected within and outside Ibadan metropolis.

“The engineers are working on site to assess the extent of the damage, reconstruct the affected cables and replace the Current Transformer,’’ Oyenuga said.

He said the company “is aware of the need of our customers in this festive season and we‘ll do all we can to overcome the challenges.’’

The spokesman pleaded with the customers and the public to bear with the management, as it is working on restoring electricity to the affected areas.

Most residents in the affected areas are using generators to celebrate the festive period.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (right); Vice Chairman of Island Club, Alhaji Adedeji Salako (middle); and former Chairman of the club, Amb. Bashorun Abayomi Akintola, during the club’s 2012 Christmas Eve Dance at the Peacock Hall, Island Club, Onikan, Lagos, on Monday.

Oritsejafor: Nigerians should exemplify Christ’s virtues T HE insecurity in parts of the country yesterday dominated religious leaders’ goodwill messages to the nation, as Christians mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

In their messages, clerics spoke on the need for peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, which the nation’s founding fathers fought for.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, enjoined Nigerians to exemplify Christ’s virtues. He admonished Nigerians, irrespective of religious differences, to see the celebration as a period for peace, reconciliation and justice.

In his Christmas message, through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Kenny Ashaka, Pastor Oritsejafor urged Christians to preserve the fundamentals and true spirit of reverence which, he noted, many displayed towards Jesus Christ.

The message reads: “I rejoice with Christians on this

joyous season, which marks the birth of our saviour and master, Jesus Christ.

“I pray that as God loves the world so much and sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who came and lived among us, bringing salvation to mankind, we should also be the sign and instrument of reconciliation, justice and peace.

“May this Christmas bring forth joy, hope, peace and harmony in our land. I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of our religions, to display the true spirit of reverence, which springs from our faith as enshrined in the Holy Books.”

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, called on Nigerians to pray for lasting peace and unity in the country.

He urged the political class to be more responsive to the yearnings of the masses.

The Prelate of Methodist

Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Sunday Ola Makinde, said: “It is important that as we celebrate Christmas with food, drinks and all forms of merriment, we need to hold in focus what the season represents. Christmas should be a time for us to remember that we as Christians have an obligation to leave the comfort of our everyday life to help the less-fortunate just as Jesus did for all of us.”

The Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, bemoaned the myriad of challenges facing the nation, ranging from neglect to suffering, poverty, diseases, robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, religious wars, political fracas, insurgency, militancy, violence, plane crash and natural disasters. He said such problems “are fast becoming part of our daily lives.”

Ademowo expressed wor-

ry that at 52, Nigeria is yet to stand on its feet despite the resources the nation is blessed with, noting that the lessons of Christmas must be geared towards overcoming “the challenges confronting us.”

The Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, urged Nigerians not to lose hope “in our collective project, called Nigeria.”

He added: “The key motivating factor that has kept my hope alive is God’s finger upon our nation. Nigeria is endowed with the resources to make us a great country and become the envy among the comity of nations.”

The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Rev. Monsignor Gabriel Osu, said: “We are in that special season once again. A season of joy, peace and great tidings. A season when we celebrate the birth of Christ the King, the redeemer of mankind. Jesus is the reason for the season.”

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

NEWS

•The General Overseer of the the Reedemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, preaching during the Christmas Service at the Police College Training •A cross section of worshipers at the Christmas Service of the Reedemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Police College Training Ground, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

Ground, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTOS: NIYI ADENIRAN

Adeboye preaches righteousness

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye has urged Christians to embrace righteousness.

Adeboye spoke yesterday at the ‘2012 Lets Go A-Fishing’, a soul-winning project of the church.

He said when the faithful embrace righteousness, they would be able to attract God’s favour.

The programme, with the theme: ‘Highly Favoured’ was organised by the RCCG National Headquarters at the centre for Management Development, Shangisha, Lagos.

He said any nation with the fear of God and filled with righteousness, would earn Gods’ favour.

Pastor Adeboye said:“When God decides to favour you, it does not matter where you are, the favour of God will surely locate you. Once the favour of God locates you, it changes your destiny, you will get to the top and the blessing will flow to others. When God decides to favour you, you are empowered, it turns you into anointing and it brings you in contact with greatness. When God decided to favour David, He gave him power.’’

‘Humility is the spirit of Christmas’

By Damilola Owoyele

B

ISHOP of St. Jude Cathedral, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde has urged Nigerians to embrace humility.

In his Christmas message, Rev. Akinde urged Nigerians to emulate the character of Christ who, was a carpenter and was born in a manger to “rustic parents”.

He prayed for the success of the country and urged Nigerians to turn to the church.

Rev. Akinde said: “The Cathedral of St. Jude is Nigerians’ cathedral foremost before it is ours. All encumbered souls should come and unburden themselves here.”

He urged Nigerian leaders to be forthright in carrying out their responsibilities.

17 held for robbery, cultism in Oyo From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T

HE Oyo State Police Command has arrested 17 suspects for robbery and cultism.

Parading them at its headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital, Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu, who was represented by his deputy, Clement Adoda, said weapons, charms, stolen vehicles and some foreign currency were recovered from the suspects.

He said the parade was necessary to discourage criminals.

Mbu said on December 9, Victor Okafor, Alhaji Ibrahim Animashaun and seven others allegedly snatched a Toyota Avensis, marked TT 273 AAA, from Mrs. Florence Oluwamida at gun point in Ibadan.

He said they were arrested in Ikire, Osun State.

The CP said on December 3, Yakubu Olamide and Muraina Amuda were arrested in possession of a stolen Toyota Prado Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and two pistols.

He said eight suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity were arrested last Friday around 3am, while initiating new members in a bush at Ajibode, Ibadan.

Mbu said the suspects, who claim to be students of the University of Ibadan (UI); The Polytechnic, Ibadan and Lagos State University (LASU), have confessed to being members of the cult.

Asalu Babatunde (22), a student of Guidance and Counselling at UI, said he joined the cult a month ago.

He said: “I was blindfolded and beaten up about a month ago in a bush. I am regretting my decision now.”

Mbu said the police would sustain the peace and security in the state.

PDP accuses chieftain of T anti-party activities HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has accused the Director-General of the Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation (OOCO), Dr. Dare Bada, of romancing the Labour Party (LP).

It debunked Bada’s alleged claims that former Governor Olusegun Agagu was instrumental to Oke’s emergence as the party’s candidate in the October 20 governorship election.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Wale Ozogoro, PDP said: “First, it must be put on record that Bada was one of the governorship aspirants of the PDP before Oke’s emergence. Bada was economic with the truth when he alleged that Agagu persuaded the governorship aspirants to endorse Oke. “Agagu was not part of the selection process that led to Oke’s emergence. The aspirants met and presented Oke

•’We lost because of our choice of candidate’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

as a consensus candidate. So Bada should stop playing to the gallery and admit that he is acting out the script of his pay master, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

“Oke, who was chosen by consensus, obtained the party’s nomination form and was unanimously elected as the PDP’s candidate. No leader or member of the party stopped Bada from obtaining same and contesting the primary election. At this juncture, he should be considered a clown or, succinctly put, a traitor empowered to carry out onerous assignments.

“The PDP is aware of Bada’s secret meetings with the LP leadership before, during and

after the election. We confronted him during the election, but he denied it.

“After the election, he was asked to account for funds appropriated to his office as OOCO D-G and he started behaving funny. Bada was yet to account for the N65 million in his kitty when he started fighting the party’s leadership to prevent them from asking about the money.

“Most disturbing is the fact that Bada emerged OOCO DG at the mercy of the PDP’s State Working Committee after much plea from him. It is surprising that he could turn himself into a clown and a pawn on the chess board of the LP government because of the paltry sum Mimiko offered

him.

“The party is highly disappointed, but we wish him well in his new-found love. We look forward to reclaiming our stolen mandate at the tribunal.”

Bada said the PDP’s statement was a deviation from the truth.

He said the party lost the election because of the wrong choice of candidate, poor funding and bad leadership by Agagu.

Bada said PDP won “marginally” in Okitipupa and Ilaje local governments, adding that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) won in three local governments, spread across three divisions in two senatorial districts.

Why I suspended council chief, by Amosun

O

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday explained why

the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area and councillors were suspended.

The governor said the action was taken to forestall acts “that could be injurious to the socioeconomic well being of the generality of the people of the state”.

Amosun said though the third tier of government should be independent, the state government should not allow the disruption of the peace necessary for the socio-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

economic development of the state.

The governor spoke yesterday in Abeokuta while receiving the report of the Panel of Enquiry, which investigated the conflict between the Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government, Mr. Patrick Ogunde and the councillors.

Amosun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa, said government had to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

He said: “The state government will not fold its arms and watch some people, under whatever guise or claim to political sovereignty take actions that could be injurious to the socio-economic wellbeing of the generality of the people of the state.”

The governor said no meaningful growth could be achieved in an environment where peace did not exist. He said his commitment to the development of all parts of the state remained unwavering, adding that government would continue to take steps

necessary to impact positively on the lives of residents.

He thanked members of the four-man committee for working within the 14-day deadline given to them to carry out the assignment.

The governor said government would study the report and come up with a White Paper to prevent a recurrence.

The Chairman of the Committee, Chief Wole Adesiji, thanked the state government for the opportunity to serve the state. He said the recommendations would assist government in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

Kudos for Aregbesola on free train service

B

ENEFICIARIES of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s free train service have hailed the gesture.

On Monday, the free train service offered by the state government for Christmas and New Year conveyed the second batch of passengers from Lagos to Osogbo.

The first batch on Sunday conveyed thousands of indigenes of Osun and other neighbouring states, such as Oyo, Ogun and Kwara, living in Lagos to Osogbo.

There was a sharp increase in the number of passengers who boarded the train on Monday.

Some of the passengers de-

scribed Aregbesola as a masses-oriented governor whose gesture has positively affected the lives of many people.

Prophet Oyewole Sunday, an indigene of Ile-Ogbo, described the free rail service as incomparable, adding that no government has ever done so.

Flanked by his wife and three kids in the train, Owoeye said: “Apart from the fact that it is safer, what we would have spent on fare would have been enormous and with this gesture, such money would be used to take care of some other things.

“If no other thing, that is even enough, especially during this festive period. Aregbesola

deserves nothing other than prayers, commendations and support from the people.”

Another passenger, Mr. Ogunlade Olusegun, said Aregbesola should be emulated by other governors.

He said: “This is a valueadded initiative that would ensure the development of our country and ensure better living standard for the people.”

Mrs. Bamiduro Rachael, who boarded the train on her way to Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government, said: “God will continue to protect him, his family, his government and the entire state of Osun. He and his family would never be starved, because, a lot of people would have been stranded during this period, but for his kindness. God

•Aregbesola

will reward him abundantly.”

The train would depart Osogbo on Wednesday to return passengers to Lagos.

Next Sunday and Monday, the train will convey passengers to Osogbo for the New Year and on January 2, 2013, it will return passengers to Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

9

NEWS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

•Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos Anglican Communion, Dr. Adebola Ademowo (second left) and Justice George Oguntade after a service in Lagos...yesteday.

•Bishop, St. Jude Cathedral, Anglican Diocese of Mainland, Rev. Adebayo Akinde (second left); Deputy Chancellor, Justice Yinka Fayi (left); Chancellor, Justice Ibikunle Adesalu (second right) and Deputy Registrar, Mr. Leke Owolabi after a service marking the Christmas festival at St. Jude Cathedral, Ebuta-Meta...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

•Prelate, Methodist Church, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde (second right); Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Agbese (left); Bishop of Tinubu, Rev. Sunday Oluyemisi and Rev. Steven Adegbite after a service in Lagos...yesterday.

•Worshippers at the Cathedral of St. Michael Anglican Church in Kaduna...yesterday.

•Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), Rev. Peter Adebiyi (second right); Dean, Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church, Ven. James Odedeji (left); Registrar, Mr. Bambo Adesanya (SAN) and Chancellor, Justice Babalola Ogunade at the service...yesteday.

•Picknickers having fun at a beach in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

•Picknickers at Oshodi Heritage Park...yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Cathedral Administrator, Methodist Cathedral of Unity,Very Rev. Dennis Okechukwu Mark, (right) greeting Senior Cathedral Servant, Mrs Chidima Nwosu at a service at the Methodist Church, in Abuja...yesterday. With them is Senior Pastor, Rev. Ifeanyi Chukwu. PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

10

CITYBEATS Slain bus driver was preparing H

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

E had the tradition of hosting his kinsmen during the Yuletide.But his death on D ecember 24, has put paid to that.

At the beginning of every year, the late Isaac Popoola, who was allegedly killed by the officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) hosted members of his extended family in his home.

The 2013 event was billed to hold on January 2 before he was killed on Monday. In preparation for the feast, he had bought a goat and other items.

The death of Popoola, who hailed from Modakeke, Osun State, drew his family to his home ahead of the yearly reunion feast.

Yesterday, his home at 16, Ojo Ogundana Crescent in Akowonjo, a Lagos suburb, was a mecca of some sorts as

for family reunion, says son

By Balogun Segun

as family members gathered to mourn his death. He was killed on Monday.

His son, Ibukun, in tears yesterday told The Nation: "See the goat he bought for that celebration," said Popoola's first child, Ibukun, pointing to a spotted mid-sized goat tied to a tree in the compound.

"He has painted the house and has even been disturbing his tailor to bring his dress," Ibukun added.

The moderate two-room apartment sits at the end of the portion of the land; the remaining serves as a mechanic garage where Popoola's bus

and those of his coterie are repaired by a man identified as Mr. Sunday, who broke the news of his death to the family.

The 26-year-old Ibukun said he was not born when his father started the transportation business in 1984. "He worked briefly at a filling station in Mushin before starting the business in 1984. And that's the business he did to build this house and care for his family. We moved in here in 1991.

"It is just a shock to us. He died the month he was born.

There was no premonition.

He just wanted to do two trips and then rest on Christmas

but he didn't even complete the first trip. He leaves the house as early as 5am and comes back at anytime, depending on how many trips he wants to do. He plied Egbeda-Oshodi route and everybody in the motor parks loved Baba or Americana as he was fondly called.

"He was a straightforward person. I am still speechless now but I know I will forever remember December 24. If he were alive today, he would be putting smiles on our faces.

He's a very jovial person," Ibukun said, adding that the family would find it financially tough henceforth.

"I have just graduated from

accounting department of Federal Polytechnic, Offa and awaiting my NYSC call-up letter in February. The last born is just nine years and the remaining three are seeking admission into higher institutions. Our mom is a trader."

Popoola's widow, Modupe, was too shocked to speak.

Ibukun urged the government to "do the right thing because we don't like what is happening now. We have not heard anything from LASTMA, not even a condolence message."

"For almost eight hours, his body was left in the bus while we dragged the issue of who

Firm donates to orphanages

Fashola tasks Perm Secs on service delivery

By Oluwakemi Dauda

By Oziegbe Okoeki

GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola has urged the 16 new Permanent Secretaries in the Lagos State`s Public Service to live above board in the discharge of their duties.

He gave the charge at the inauguration of the appointees at the Government House, Alausa, Ikeja.

He said government looks up to them to assist in implementing its policies and programmes.

Addressing them he said: “I welcome you to the leadership of the government of Lagos, you applied to be considered Permanent Secretaries, clearly nobody was compelled and these appointments were based on examinations and interviews that were conducted.

“I hope you know, what you have signed on to.

You have signed on to enormous privileges and responsibilities. You have offered to serve the government and the people of the state conscientiously. ``You have committed yourself not to discriminate against the people you serve, either by tribe, religion or any form whatsoever.

“Indeed, in this public space, even though you can choose who your friends will be, you cannot choose who you will serve. As you occupy this privileged leadership position, I expect you to be fair, just and do your work without hindrances. “ He urged them to keep official secrets, warning that revealing them could undermine government`s decisions.

Fashola had earlier presided over the inauguration of a six- member Tribunal of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters.

He urged them to submit themselves to the service of the people, adding that, the tribunal should address conflicts arising from chieftaincy and Obaship issues in the state.

The tribunal is headed

by Justice Titilola Osho.

Other members are Mr. Akeem Giwa; Mr. Shakiru Seriki; Mr. Rabiu Oluwa; Mr Tunji Adams and Mr Fatai Oluwa.

•Popoola

should be responsible for the autopsy and morgue fee. The police said we need to take care of the corpse first but his bus is still with them.

"The government should please let justice be done. Nigerians and Lagosians must know why Isaac Popoola was killed. He is the breadwinner, so we also hope adequate compensation would be paid to us."

• General Manager, Lagos State Agricultural Imput Supply Authority, Mr. Idowu Agoro (right), who represented Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives Prince Gbolahan Lawal at the commencement of the distribution of relief materials to flood victims at the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Oko-Oba, Agege.

Monarch denies businessman’s claim to land

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HE traditional ruler of Epe, Oba Kamurudeen Animashaun, has described as false the claim by Rivbond Nigeria Ltd. chief Lanre Razak that the land his firm wants to develop as an estate in Epe was acquired 34 years ago.

Reacting to a publication in a national daily, the monarch said the land belongs to the community, adding that it was at no time sold to either Chief Lanre Razaq or his firm.

"Chief Razaq cannot prove that he bought the land, the Temu Community, which he claimed sold the land to him has confirmed that it did not sell the land to him or to anybody, and the land remains a community property which has been given to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for a sub-station," Oba Animashaun said.

The monarch said when the community discovered that Razaq was laying claim to the land, it petitioned

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Governor Babatunde Fashola and when the investigations was, he added, were found tobe false, and the governor revoked the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) given to him.

The notice of revocation which Oba Animashaun presented to The Nation was dated October14, 2011 and it was signed by Governor Fashola.

The revocation letter reads: "In the matter of all that parcel of land (with any improvement thereon) measuring 4, 144.820 square metres situate and lying along Ikorodu-Itoikin-Epe/Epe Ajah Express Road, Epe in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State of Nigeria; "Whereas the Governor of Lagos State of Nigeria requires all that land belonging to Messrs Rivbond Nigeria Limited with C of O dated 6th Day of August 2009, and registered No. 30/30/2009Q specified in the Schedule at-

tached to this Notice for overriding public interest (construction of proposed 132/ 33kv substation); "The said parcel of land being situate and lying at that place specified above in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State containing the area of which is described in the schedule hereto and more particularly delineated in the plan at the office of the Director of Lands Services, Lands Bureau, Governor's Office, the Secretariat, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos of Nigeria; "Now therefore, in the exercise of the powers conferred on me pursuant to Section 28 of the Land Use Act Cap. 202 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria: I, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the Executive Governor of Lagos State hereby revoke the existing right of occupancy in the said land with effect from seven days of the service of this Notice for the reason given above.

"That any holder, owner or occupier of the said land or any part thereof is accordingly directed to yield up possession of the land on or before the expiration of the period specified in this Notice."

The monarch insisted that community’s interest must override an individual's interest even if the land belongs to Razaq as he claimed.

"The entire community wants it for the PHCN project and funny enough, the land is not for him and the governor has since revoked the C of O which was wrongly issued," he said.

Earlier, Razaq, a former Chairman of the Local Council, had said the site was acquired 34 years ago while the necessary processes for the issuance of C of O started in 2009 after the payment of about N24 million.

He said the project’s takeoff was dealyed because of some minor misrepresentation about the site.

Ikuforiji urges Christians to keep hope alive AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has urged Christians to keep hope alive despite the country’s economic downturn.

In a Christmas message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji rejoiced with Nigerians for witnessing another commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

"While the general downturn in the world economy may make a lot of Christians to focus more on the hardship in their environment rather than giving thanks to the Almighty God for being alive to witness yet another Christmas season, I urge all Nigerian Christians to keep being hopeful for the dawn of better and brighter days ahead," he said.

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By Oziegbe Okoeki

He said as a Muslim married to a Christian he is aware that both religions place importance on the need for believers to be hopeful at all times. "Without hope, no good thing can happen to any believer. This is why I strongly believe in the adage that says 'when there is life, there is hope' and 'a man with hope can move mountains.

"With all Nigerian Christians hanging on to hope and praying for a better tomorrow for our nation, I strongly believe that our prayers will be answered by the Most High, and we all, Christians and Muslims, shall have every cause to celebrate the better days ahead of us all," the Speaker said.

THE management of the Lagos Channel Management (LCM), has donated N5 million to four motherless babies' homes and Vitiligo Foundation in Lagos and Ibadan.

Each of the beneficiaries received N1 million in addition to other items.

The beneficiaries are Wesley School for the Deaf on Ajao Street, Surulere; Lagos Cheshire Home, in Mushin; Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation and Peculiar Saints Orphanage at Ajah; while the last recipient, Care People Foundation, is at Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director, LCM, Mr Danny Fuchs said there was need for the society to support the good efforts of those running the homes. He urged other corporate organisations to go the extra miles in attending, not only to the physical needs of the children in the motherless homes, but to publicly assist them to fight what he described as "discrimination" and "stigmatisation."

"We must recognise that for most of those less fortunate children, there is no union to speak for them. In most cases, they have no one who would speak for them," he said.

Danny urged home organisers to rededicate themselves, stressing that they were in no doubt rendering unique services to God and humanity, by tendering the poor children.

"These children you are seeing, some of them may not be able to survive without your assistance.

And that is why we must come to you, to appreciate you, to thank you for taking very good care of them. You are indeed, demonstrating the special love of God, in the middle of an uncaring world," he said.

He advised people not to look down on the children in their various homes.

According to him, "they actually came into the world, upon invitations, by some people."

He said each of the company's expatriates is surrounded by more than 30 Nigerians who are being trained, with the sole aim of ensuring a smooth takeover of duties by Nigerians, in not too distant future.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS Rotimi’s wife travels abroad

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RS. Titilayo Rotimi, wife of the former Military Governor of the Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, who was released by kidnappers on Friday, has travelled abroad.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police Joseph Mbu said this on Monday.

Mbu said Mrs. Rotimi was not rough-handled by her captors.

He said the kidnappers

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

would be apprehended.

Mbu said the 10 suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap would soon be released, adding that they were not “directly” involved.

Mrs. Rotimi was abducted two weeks ago in front of her haulage firm, AOP Logistics Limited, located at Alakia on the Ibadan-Ife expressway.

‘Activist’s death shocking’

T •Former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo and Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Ekiti 2012 Merit Award in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital... at the weekend.

•The first female pilot in Nigeria, Capt.

Bolaji Agbelusi holding her award at the Ekiti 2012 Merit Award in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

With her is the wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi... at the weekend.

HE Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) has expressed shock on the death of the Executive Secretary of the Ola Oni Centre for Research, Comrade Simon Kolawole.

Kolawole, a 45-year-old father of four, and his wife, Cecilia, died in an auto crash at Ikoro-Ekiti on Sunday .

OCSC Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, described the death of the late rights activist as unfortunate.

He said it was a “huge blow” to the human rights community.

Lawal, in a condolence message, commiserated with the family of the deceased and the state government.

He prayed to God to grant the bereaved family the

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

fortitude to bear the loss.

Lawal said the late Kolawole’s position would be difficult to fill.

He described the deceased as a “gentle, upright, dedicated rights’ crusader, who committed all his resources to defending the helpless”.

Lawal said the deceased contributed immensely to the restoration of democracy in the country and the liberation of student movements.

The late Kolawole was the former Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1991 and 1992.

‘Security is everyone’s responsibility’ HE Ekiti State Chapter of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has said communities must step up vigilance to ensure security.

The group’s Chairman, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe, in a statement, said: “The task of combating crime must involve the people, the Oodua group and the police.

“To control crime, the people must be vigilant and ready to offer information on criminals in their communities, while OPC and the police must complement them.

“Recently, we arrested a gang of armed robbers with the support of the people. We also arrested another group of bandits.

“Each time we make such arrests, we hand the

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

criminals over to the police for investigation and prosecution and the police have been very appreciative.

“Our job is to assist security agents. We will continue to work with the police.”

Adedipe said OPC recently held a campaign in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the need for Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility and shun crime.

He said: “We pledge our support for Governor Kayode Fayemi in the task of transforming the state.

“The state’s revenue is small, but the governor’s efforts have been great and wonderful.”

Old Students to meet

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second left); his wife, Olufunso; Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State chapter, Rev. Timothy Ajibola (left) and Rt. Rev. Okikiola Ositelu at the Christmas party at the Government House, Abeokuta...yesterday.

THE Ajowa Grammar School Old Students Association will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday.

In a statement, the Association’s spokesman, Mr. Sola Imoru, said old students of the institution would converge at the school’s hall at 11am to receive and adopt reports from the branches and discuss matters affecting the school.

Assembly passes vote of confidence in Dickson From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

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•A cross section of clergymen at the Christmas party at the Ogun State Government House, Abeokuta...yesterday.

HE Bayelsa State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Seriake Dickson.

The lawmakers said they were impressed with Dickson’s performance within his nine months in office.

Shortly after Dickson presented the 2013 Budget to the Assembly on Monday, Deputy Leader Mr. Tonye Isenah (Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency I), explained why the House should pass a vote of confidence in the governor.

Isenah moved the motion and it was seconded by Mr. Daniel Igali (Southern Ijaw Constituency II).

Speaker Konbowei Benson said Dickson has performed brilliantly and deserves the honour.

The speaker, who gave N2 million to Assembly workers for Christmas, said Dickson approved N30 million for the rehabilitation of the Assembly Complex.

He said the ongoing renovation at the Assembly Complex would provide a conducive work environment.

The speaker thanked the Assembly workers for their commitment and wished them a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS

Sanusi: Excessive debt dangerous for economy

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HERE is grave danger in accumulating foreign debts, which will place undue burden on future generations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has warned.

He said danger lies ahead for the economy, if the level of borrowing is not checked.

Sanusi, who spoke at the just concluded conference of Honorary International Investments Council (HIIC) in London, warned that there is grave danger ahead if the nation continues to live above its means.

If such development goes on unchecked, it would amount to an unmitigated hardship for the population, he stated.

He urged the government

•Says Nigeria living above its means

By Collins Nweze

not to allow the present and unborn generations inherit the heavy burden of foreign debts, saying Nigeria’s current foreign debt level puts the coumtry in under in great danger.

His words: “We are borrowing more money today at a higher interest rate while leaving the heavy debt burden for our children and grandchildren. For example, if you receive your salary and every day the money is not enough, you have two options to adjust yourself; Either check your expendi-

ture or check your wages.”

He urged the ruling class and the older generation to set good example and educate the coming generations for a better and secured future, saying such example can best be set by not accumulating debt for future generations to inherit. ”Where would the future be for Nigeria, if today should be allowed to destroy the future?” he queried.

The conference looked into the best ways of attracting investment to Nigeria, with all the speakers agreeing that the nation with many opportunities and

natural resources stands to grow faster economically, if the current trend of economic progress is sustained.

Convener of the conference, British MP and former International Development Minister, Baroness Linda Chalker, spoke of Nigeria as a well-placed economic giant, advising that every opportunity should be harnessed by the Nigerian media to highlight to the World all existing prospects for investment.

She warned however, against negative reportage of the situation in the country.

“You actually let your

own country down when you focus on the negatives,” she stated.

She said Nigeria’s current security challenges do not in any way have a negative impact on the drive for investment, but argued that the way the edia dished out the reports on the security challenges gave an erroneous negative impression on the nation.

Also speaking, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said Nigeria stands the best chance to drive her growth and development forward, point-

ing out that the nation’s economy has been growing by seven per cent in the last 14 years.

“We had spent some time looking at the macro economy, and the good news is that Nigeria has a very good and compelling story to share with the world, especially with its strong and stable macro-economic environment,” he said.

Aganga added: “It is a strong and positive story and investors are reacting to this positively all over the world. People are excited about the credit rating of Nigeria and we have seen a lot of investors in the country.”

N11.3tr partially insured by NDIC

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HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has given partial insurance cover to about N11.328 trillion of banks’ deposits.

NDIC in its 2011 annual report released recently, said: “The total deposits partially covered at N500,000, increased by 19 per cent from N9.526 trillion in 2010 to N11.328 trillion in 2011.”

However, “the total deposits fully covered at N500,000 decreased by 23.6 per cent, from N1.310 trillion as at the end of 2010, to N1.001trillion, in 2011.

“In addition, the Corporation said it has so far fully covered 44.5 million depositors of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

“The number of depositors fully covered in the 20 DMBs increased by 6.2 per cent from 41,926,807 in 2010 to 44,508,600 in 2011,” adding that there was a modest growth of 3.3 per cent in the total number of depositors of DMBs between the ends of 2010 and 2011. Similarly, there was a higher ratio of fully covered depositors to the total number of depositors.

“By this development, the report stated that 97 per cent of the total number of depositors in 2011 were fully covered at N500,000, whereas only 94 per cent were so covered over the same period of 2010.

“This implies that there was a smaller percentage of partially covered depositors

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

to the total number of depositors, both in comparison to 2010 and also in absolute terms,” it indicated, stating that the number of depositors partially covered at N500,000 decreased over the year by 44.5 per cent from 2,512,531 in 2010 to 1,395,647 in 2011.

The Corporation said it’s risk exposure as depicted by the amount of insured deposits in the industry was N1.70 trillion, or 13.79 per cent of total deposits as at December 31, 2011.

The insured deposits of the top seven banks FirstBank, Zenith Bank, UBA, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, EcoBank and Skye Bank, the report said, “accounted for 70.14 per cent, while the rest 13 banks represented 29.86 per cent of the total insured deposit of the industry.”

On the premiums paid banks to secure the insurance coverage of the NDIC, the report stated that “the maximum rate paid by the most risky bank in 2011 was 0.65 per cent, representing a decrease of 8.62 basis points from 0.74 per cent paid by the most risky bank in 2010.”

Similarly, the minimum rate paid by the least risky bank during the year was 0.47 per cent, representing a decrease of 7.37 basis points compared to 0.55 per cent paid by the least risky bank in 2010.

Govt designates Kano Airport for agric export

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O boost mass production of agricultural produce, the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport has been designated for the export of agric and perishable goods.

Its General Manager, Corporate Communication, Yakubu Dati, who stated this after an inspection of facilities of the on-going remodelling of the airport, said the government has concluded arrangement to provide the enabling environment to stimulate the export of perishable goods, such as potatoes, tomatoes among other agricultural produce.

He said the move is intended to stimulate investment and encourage farmers

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

to export their goods without much delay due to the perishable nature of such produce, adding that to achieve this, the Federal Government and Kano Chamber of Commerce would enter into partnership.

Dati said a big warehouse has been built where refrigerators would be mounted for storing such large quantities of perishable goods billed for export.

He explained that the airlifting of the goods from Kano to other parts would restore the lost glory of the aviation sector.

Dati said the facilities installed are significant to the realisation of the project.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

FESTIVITY

PROJECT

HEALTH

Makurdi transformed in Yuletide

Katsina spends N300m on community development

Free medicare for community

Benue

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Jigawa

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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Ogun

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Sokoto, Zamfara lose 215 lives in accidents

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•Governor Wamakko

MANUAL of success has been provided for the youths. At a summit in Lagos, they were groomed on how to make a good living.

The Federal Government was equally urged to show commitment to creating jobs as well as providing the enabling environment for productivity.

A crucial part of that enabling enironment is adequate infrastructures.

The Executive Director, Nestle Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), Ranti Solesi challenged the government to ensure that youths were given the necessary entrepreneurship skills and training that would enable them to establish small-scale businesses on their own after their education.

He also called for a school curriculum that will turn out job creators rather than seekers of employment.

Solesi gave this advice during the Youth Empowerment Summit in Lagos. The programme, which was organised

by Jade Academy, an entrepreneurship non-governmental organisation, aimed at instilling positive values in the youth, inspiring them to go beyond their limitations, and achieve their potential.

The summit employed conferencing, counselling, mentoring and real life success stories to arouse the interest of the youth and to help them to channel their creativity to a rewarding venture.

Solesi noted that there is disproportionate equation between the available jobs and the number of unemployed youths. He therefore urged them to brace up with the challenges of creativity in order to prevent a total collapse of the situation.

Delivering a lecture with the theme “The Roadmap to Excellence,” he outlined intelligence, articulation, clear vision, passion and coherence as qualities the youth should im-

O fewer than 215 persons lost their lives in road crashes in Sokoto and Zamfara states between January and November of the outgoing year, according to Alhaji Danjuma Aliyu, Head of Department, Vehicles Administration, Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC).

Aliyu gave the details in Sokoto while addressing reporters to mark the commencement of a special end of year campaign

From Adamu Suleiman,Sokoto

tagged ”Operation zero tolerance to road traffic crashes.”

He said: “Until Nigerians become more disciplined drivers and commuters and respect the rights of others while on the wheels, we will continue to have statistical increase in accidents frequency.”

Aliyu said that ”82 fatal crashes were recorded in the zone during the period under review, 77 of which were critical.”

Aliyu said that the nationwide operation was embarked upon by the commission to make sure that motorists observe traffic rules and regulations.

“Nigerians must take safety as personal and collective responsibilities,” he said. “It is only the living that celebrate and they are those who are careful.

Accident is no respecter of class or social status.”

Aliyu further promised that the nearly 30,000 regular and

special marshals across the nation are totally committed to ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

“We badly need the usual support and cooperation of all the stakeholders in the country in making our roads safer,” he said.

He stressed the need for additional operational support with patrol vehicles, ambulances as well as tow trucks , among other logistics.

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•Adebajo Olorunfunmi (fourth left), Stephen Akintayo (third right), Vocal Slender (second right), Ranti Solesi (right) and other participants at the summit

Youths groomed on productivity Fed Govt urged to create jobs

By Ambrose Nnaji

bibe to succeed.

He said though one could be successful without being excellent, he maintained that one must understand the roadmap in order to reach that level.

“It is a conscious thing, you don’t stumble on excellence; you simply need to work hard for it and you have to continue to work hard,” adding, what is excellent today might be obsolete tomor-

row.

The founder and convener of the summit, Adebanjo Olorunfunmi, urged the youths to be actively involved in things that would improve their lives which he said included entrepreneurship skills and development trainings.

She said the academy was committed to promoting vocational education, career counselling and youth empowerment through seminars and work-

shops to equip them with various skills to enable them to be self-employed.

She said education is a means to an end, not an end in itself, even as she emphasised the need to marry education with entrepreneurship skills is to raise the leaders of tomorrow.

Olorunfunmi disclosed that the summit would be replicated in other states of the federation so as to be able to reach out to

many more youths.

She therefore appealed to both the federal and state governments, corporate organisations and other good-spirited individuals to help the academy with funds in order to achieve this objective.

The founder, Infinity Foundation, Stephen Akintayo, said until we start creating businesses, we may not find a nation that would indeed be the giant of Africa, adding, entrepreneurship is the key to solving Africa’s challenges.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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Beneficiaries laud Jigawa’s free eye treatment B

•Governor Lamido

ENEFICIARIES of the free eye treatment in Jigawa State have praised the state government over the exercise, describing it as a positive step toward enhancing eye care services.

It will be recalled that the Jigawa Government in November treated 3, 000 eye patients under its free eye treatment to control cataract and blindness in the state.

A cross section of the beneficiaries told journalists in Dutse that the exercise had assisted in restoring their sights.

Malam Aminu Isa, a farmer, said he was treated for cataract which had impaired his vision for the past six months.

Isa said that he had been using traditional herbs to treat the impaired vision since he could not afford the hospital bill for medical

Oyo Cocoa farmers plant 400,000 seedlings

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HE Chairman,Oyo State branch of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Chief Joseph Ojediji said members have planted about 400,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings.

Ojediji told journalists in Ibadan that the last time seedlings were provided free to farmers in the state was two years ago. “ Two years ago, we got about 1.5 million seedlings from the government, this time around, we got about 400,000 while we got nothing during the last planting season,’’ he said.

He said the Abiola Ajimobi administration in the state had improved its relationship with cocoa farmers in the state, adding that his members really appreciated the free seedlings distributed to farmers.

Oyo Asked whether the farmers were satisfied with the reduction in the number of seedlings, he said “instead of zero last year, it is better than nothing.’’

Ojediji said government could not distribute more than what it was supplied by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) being the only source of hybrid seedlings for the Federal Government Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

The CFAN chief said that by March 2013, the farmers would start preparing the land on their farms for the eventual transplant of the matured seedlings.

Jigawa

treatment at the hospitals.

“I have received free treatment and now, my sight is clear. Many eye patients who could not afford treatment also benefited from the exercise,” he said.

Halima Ibrahim, a 50 year-old widow, told newsmen that she was diagnosed during the exercise and her sight was restored.

“I can see with my eyes and all the pain I experienced due to poor sight is now over.

The exercise is good because it assisted many eye patients,” Ibrahim said.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Tafida, said that the patients were treated for cataract and glaucoma diseases at the Ringim, Gumel, Hadejia, Kazaure and Dutse centres.

Tafida said that persons with refractive error were also screened and provided with drugs and glasses to improve their sight.

He explained that the exercise was conducted in collaboration with the Vision 2020 to enhance eye care services at the grassroots.

According to him, this is part of efforts to ensure total eradication of blindness in the state.

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HE Katsina State government has expended N300 million on community development projects under its Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) scheme in the past three years.

The state’s Commissioner for Lands, Alhaji Nasidi Danladi, made the disclosure in Katsina at a training workshop for 300 local government workers, organised by the CSDP. The CSDP which replaces Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP), is aimed at assisting local communities in infrastructure development.

The commissioner who was represented by Alhaji Gambo Lawal, Director Finance and Administration of the ministry, said that the funds were used for community-driven development projects across the state.

According to him, 57 communities across the state have so far been supported by the CSDP in the execution of various projects

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FRSC ends ember months campaign

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OLLOWING the incessant accident on the roads, the Federal Road Safety Commission, Ota Unit, Ogun State in conjunction with Nigerian Breweries Plc has held a campaign at the Sango Ota Main Garage, Ogun State to sensitise road users against dangerous driving and disobedience to traffic rules on highways. The event marked the grand finale of the Command’s ember months campaign for the year.

The Acting Ota Unit Commander, Mr Bashiru Adeyemi, said: “Ember months are festive months spanning from September to December which associated with high volume of human and vehicular movements and comprising mad rush to acquire wealth to celebrate the yuletide.

“The period is characterised by hustling and bustling of majority of populace striving doggedly to achieve whath has been left behind from the beginning of the year and the result of these are traffic jams and gridlocks with high propensity to endanger crashes.”

Adeyemi, said the command is using this opportunity to remind the road users to emulate good driving culture and avoid dangerous driving habits, obeying traffic laws in the bid of achieving zero tolerance to road crashes during and beyond the yuletide.

The Ogun State Sector Commander, Mr Abayomi Omiyale while addressing the drivers said they should consider the three factors determined successful of safe journey while on the wheel which are mechanical, environmental and behavioural, that when these factors are considered, there must be zero tolerance on crashes.

Omiyale, therefore, appealed to the motorists to say no to excess drinking of alcohol, overspeeding, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, dangerous overtaking, always

By Olalekan Ayeni

fasten seat belts and shun patronising used tyres which had expired before being imported into the country.

Youths advised on discipline at Xmas YOUTHS across the country, especially students, have been urged to embrace discipline in the ways they conduct themselves during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, who gave the charge during a chat with NewsExtra, also advised parents and guardians to keep an eye on their wards to keep them off excesses in the festive season.

Echoing his view, former managing director of Nigerian Tribune and MD/Chief Executive Officer, Megavons West Africa Limited, Dr. Rotimi Oladele added that even beyond the Yuletide, discipline and moderation must be the pivot on which the character of youths and even adults should rest.

“The Yuletide is a special season for celebration and most students and other youths are expected to celebrate with their families. But it is no longer news that most youths do indulge in excesses under the guise of the celebration. This is why I feel that parents and guardians must make sure that they keep their wards under control for a peaceful season”, Oloyo explained.

He urged students of his school to remain its good ambassador by upholding the culture of discipline that the institution is known for., saying: “Here, discipline is our hallmark; our student should therefore evince the virtue during the celebrations.”

Katsina He said that a total of 52 micro-projects in education, health, water supply, environment and natural resources, transportation and gender and vulnerable group initiatives had been completed.

The commissioner also re-stated the state government’s commitment to continuing with the CSDP projects as they impacted on the lives of rural communities.

Danladi urged the workshop participants to use the knowledge gained not only in delivering their mandates but also in building their

By Chinaka Okoro

year’s love feast celebration to thank God for keeping members of the congregation alive.

It held at the church’s auditorium.

He countered some views that there would be acute scarcity of food in 2013 because of the flood that ravaged farmlands across the country.

“There will be abundance of food in Nigeria in 2013. It is in 2014 that there would be dreadful food shortage. Heaven has proclaimed blessing and ordained destiny in Nigeria. The flood that washed away plants and crops will not affect food production because the food that Nigerians will eat in 2013 are the yields of 2012 and that of 2013.

“The flood that ravaged farmlands in Nigeria was only a surface disaster. It did not wash away the blessings which are still in abundance,” he said.

He further said: “Between August and September, the churches in Africa will unite to campaign for one religion; breaking the bar-

persons.

The General Manager of the CSDP, Alhaji Salisu Yar’adua, said the workshop was to train stakeholders on the implementation and monitoring of community development projects.

Honour for council chair

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HE Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,Mr Ademorin Kuye has presented Hon. Adepitan with gold award as the Best Performing Chairman on Education. At the award ceremony organised by Celebrity magazine and attended by many council chairmen in the state,the commissioner said: “It is very important and rewarding for a council chairman to understand his domain and provide amenities that can improve the well-being of the residents”. He said no other chairman in Lagos State was qualified for the great award.

According to Kuye, “Adepitan was a classroom teacher for 27 years. He seems to know what would lift the boys and girls in Mushin Local Government. The construction of an ultra-modern public library is unique because this will boost the desires of the youths to take to education.Adepitan has proved to be a grassroots leader of unparalleled equal “

•Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill (middle) displaying his award of Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize 2012 for Sustainable Development in Africa given by the Millennium Excellence Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.With him are the Kenyan Vice President, His Excellency, Stephen Kolonzo Musyoka (right) and Ambassador Ashim Morton, Founder, Millennium Excellence Foundation.

Tinubu, council chief help the needy

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T was another happy yuletide season for widows, orphans and the aged in Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development irre-

Church programme •From left : Pastor Larry Omoyeni; Pastor Awom; Pastor (Mrs) Fineness Awom; Pastor Isaac Godwin and Pastor Emeka Ashimole during the Love Feast of Mortar Prophetic Ministry Gethsemane Church

Amusement Park opens new branch

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REAMWORLD Africana Amusement and Theme Park has opened the phase one of its project, an amusement park in Lekki,Lagos State. The venture worth over N1 billion naira, is to offer fun, leisure and adventure to different families from historic scenes in Africa.

The phase two of the project which is a theme park to take visitors on an exciting and thrilling ride into great and historic African experiences, will also open soon as the full implementation of the two phases (the amusement and theme park) worth over $25 million.

The theme park is to deliver different experiences like exploring scenes and attractions from the gread pyramids of Egypt, enduring the excitement of climbing Mountain Kilimanjaro, surfing in Victoria Falls, taking part in a simulated version of Dakar-Paris Rally and others.

In his address, the Chairman, Dreamworld Africana, Chief Willie Belonwu said that the idea behind the park is to give Nigerians one of the best quality Amusement Park experiences com-

parable to anything they can get anywhere else in the world.

He added that they decided to create something unique which, therefore gave rise to the Afrocentric theme idea it wants to deliver.

“Nigerians are variously acclaimed as the happiest people on earth and they love good quality and exciting leisure and amusement facilities and sometimes jet out every summer to different parts of the world at great cost to find these.

“We decided to embark on this project as conceived seven years ago to take people on a thrilling ride into historic African experiences instead of travelling outside Nigeria to get the experiences”, Belonwu reiterated.

The Managing Director, Dreamworld Africana, Mr. Jude Atoh, said that aside the exciting experiences of Victoria Falls, Pyramids of Egypt, Lake Victoria and others, there will be dreamworld cultural parade featuring the best Nigeria and African Cultural dances and a Dreamworld/ Eiffel Tower which will be Africa’s tallest structure with a tower restaurant and a mounted telescope for viewing remote locations and villages.

US investors hopeful on IFRS adoption

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•From left: Superintendent Israel Akinadewo Supervising Head, Motailatu Church International Sub-Headquarters, Alakuko Lagos; Special Snr.Ap. David Onanuga; Prophet Solomon Alao; Head, Sacred C&S Church Worldwide; Prophet Gabriel Fakeye, Cherubim and SeraphimChurch, Movement, Ayo Nio at the 2012 Adoption/Thansgiving Service of MotailatuChurch International Headquarters,Alakuko,Lagos

Katsina spends N300m on community development

‘Nigeria ‘ll not lack food’ ONTRARY to views that Nigeria will experience acute food shortage next year because of the flood that destroyed several farmlands across the country, a cleric has revealed that there would be food surplus for the citizens.

Pastor Ndubuisi Awom of Mortar Prophetic Ministry of Gethsemane, 85, Ijegun Road, Babalegba bus stop Ikotun in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State disclosed this on Sunday during this

47

NVESTORS in the United States are of the view that sufficient manpower training should precede the country’s adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in place of its current financial reporting method.

A survey conducted by Forbes Insights but sponsored by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) revealed that majority of the early 500 US-based investors interviewed believed that country will eventually adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), but that the process will take time and need substantial investment in staff and training.

By the survey, 57per cent of investors expect that the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) will one day require reporting under IFRS, with more investors agreeing than dis-

By Eric Ikhilae

agreeing that the long term benefits of adoption would outweigh the costs 41per cent against 29per cent.

Technical director at ACCA. Sue Almond, said “More investors believe the eventual adoption of IFRS in the US will result in a net benefit to the US economy than not. In ACCA’s view, US adoption of IFRS would give a tremendous boost to the cause of globally comparable financial reporting, and more importantly, the US and world economies.

“ACCA has repeatedly called for putting investors at the heart of the standard-setting process globally, and this is why we commissioned this research, to understand what US investors thought about the future of IFRS in the US, “he said.

The annual Festival of Praise and Worship programme of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,Chapel of Mercy, Porter’s House will take place on Saturday, December 29. The theme is:The Manifestation of His Glory and venue, Teens Church,Zone 5,Area 8,Lagos Province 21,along Big Tent 15,Aladelola Street,off Ikosi Road,Ketu,Lagos.

The teens co-ordinator, Brother Daniel Edegbai, said it is a programme set apart for teenagers and young adults.

He stated that the event would witness prophetic outpour and impartation. It will be anchored by tested ministers of God including Pastor Alexander Farapojo.

Book launch HE book Who Needs Deliverance written

by Pastor Okeneye Julius, of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM) Zonal has been launched. It was launched recently on his birthday at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos. Many MFM pastors, members, as well as some dignitaries were all at the event. According to the author, the book contains a practical approach to deliverance with over 100 spiritual revelations and destiny-changing prayers.

“The book is a clarion call to Christians to wake up to their responsibilities for life to move forward. The book reminds us that nothing moves except we move it and nothing stops except we stop it,”he said .

It is written from his wealth of experience as a deliverance minister. It gives transformation to life and destiny. It is for everyone who desires to be liberated from the oppression of darkness and fulfill their destiny •Okeneye on earth.

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•One of the beneficiaries receiving items from Mrs Oresanya

NGO holds economic summit

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N o n - g o v e r n m e n t a l organisation,Citinet Group, in collaboration with MOT Entertainment last week organised a summit with the theme: Sustainable industrial and economic growth at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki,Lagos Many professionals and notable personalities spoke at the event. Mr Okoye Offor,Managing Director Northeast Group of Companies, spoke on environmental safety as a tool for industrial development. He said that for environmental safety, every material must be manufactured locally to generate employment. Mr Offor pledged to support Citinet in its work. Mr Femi Okunade spoke on employee welfare. He said welfare is the tool for economic growth, and that human capital is the most valuable asset in a country. Mr Okunade’s company won the corporate social responsibility award for employee’s welfare.

Another speaker, Mr Robert Kayode, spoke on local government autonomywhich he said, will propel and commit local governments to realistic and steady transformation for economic development. Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede represented National Union of Road Transport Workers. He spoke on the essence of the union in Lagos State Mr Kayode won Born to Serve special award for 2012.

Each participating company pledged support for annual summit and other programmes by Citinet Group.

The chairman of Surulere local govt Hon. Tajudeen Ajide also bagged A Heart for the Poor award for his humanitarian gesture. Mr Bola Agunbiade (SAN), a role model within the law firm got Born to Serve the nation Crystal Award . Other dignitaries at the summit include Mr Femi Okunade, the director of Xerox Nigeria Ltd, Mr Robert Kayode, Chairman, Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, and Mr Taofik Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy; Alhaja Kuburat Adeogun, MAO Petroleum on behalf Dr Prince Akin Fadoju, Mr Femi Dare of Link Stride Security and Mr Bola Agunbiade

(SAN). The list also include Mr Banjoko Imman, CEO of the Terreco, Comrade Tajudeen Agbede, Lagos NURTW honoured for his ability to to maintain peace within the union.

By Jeremiah Oke

spective of their ethic background or party affiliations as the National Leader of Action Congress of Nigerias, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chairman of the council donated food items to them. They received a bag of rice and three litres of vegetable each as gifts.The event happened early this week.

The incentives donated byAsiwaju Tinubu were given to them at council secretariat.

The programme was also scheduled to be part of one year administration of the the chairman, Hon Abdulfatai Oresanya who used the medium to appreciate the enormous contributions of Asiwaju Tinubu, leaders of the party in state and the local government and the entire people who had contributed to the success of his adminstration.

“Asiwaju gave out these incentives to be distributed in 16 local government areas of Lagos State which comprises of Lagos East senatorial district and the first ladies of the local council were directed to handle the distribution without bias,”he said.

Speaking on behalf of the national leader, the wife of the chairman of the LCDA, Mrs. Omolola Oyesanya said the Christmas gift outreach of Asiwaju was to assist the needy and poor who cannot afford to buy those food items as the Christmas approaches.She expressed optimism that the programme would continue every year so as to give hope to the hopeless. She described the generosity of Asiwaju as the only way to assist the needy in the society.

Council cautions on security lapses

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HE Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Hon. Kamal Salau–Bashua, has joined his counterparts to present two patrol vans to the police as part of efforts to curb crime.

The council chief presented the vans to officers at the Lion Building and Adeniji Adele Police Divisional Headquarters.

He also gave a Toyota Hilux to the Neighbourhood Watch to augment the efforts of the police.

Salau–Bashua said his administration is

By Akeem Alawoki

passionate about securing the lives and properties of the electorates.

He urged stakeholders in the council to beware of security threats.

He called on residents not to hesitate in reporting any suspicious movement or characters to the Police.

Police representative Imohimi Edgal, said that the force is doing its best to combat criminal acts in the community.

•From left: Israel Jacob, Admin/Personnel, Northeast Group;Bunmi Babalola, Citinet; Ola Akintonwa, Spokesman, Citinet Group, Mr Okoye Offor, Actress Ella-Mensa and Prince Ayo Gbadebo Bus-Development, Citinet

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER 26, 2012

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

Sambo’s expensive taste • Nigeria cannot afford to splash N16bn on VP’s residence

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IGERIANS are conversant with the idea of contract variations because hardly is there any contract worth the piece of paper on which its agreement is written that does not suffer the plague. And they know what in our parlance that means! But the case of the vice president’s residence that has generated brouhaha is one variation too many. There is bound to be problem.

That is exactly what is happening in this instance.

Here was a contract that was awarded in 2009 at a cost of N7billion. Three years down the line, we were suddenly told that it would cost N9billion more! This must be a record variation even by the standards of our many sickening public contracts. The additional N9billion is needed to provide furniture, fencing, two additional protocol guest houses, a banquet hall and other security gadgets.

According to Adamu Ismail, executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), who had earlier defended the new estimate before the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), these items were not captured in the original scope of the work.

This is hard to believe. How, for instance, could a vice president’s residence be contemplated without basic things like fencing and furniture, not to talk of security gadgets, banquet hall and protocol guest houses? If all of these were omitted originally as we are now being told, then this calls to question the professional competence of those who awarded the initial contract. Or, could it be a reflection of the relatively moderate

taste of the then occupant of the office?

This is where the news report that the contract had to be reviewed to meet the taste of Vice President Namadi Sambo would seem to be more credible.

The original contract was awarded when the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, was vice president.

At that time, the incumbent vice president was governor of Kaduna State.

But, according to the report, Vice President Sambo is uncomfortable with the structure because of what it calls his ‘culture and religion’. And that is why Nigeria must part with more than N9billion more for the residence? We were even told that the amount was reviewed down to N6billion by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

This would bring the project cost to N13billion. Even Senator Smart Adeyemi, the committee’s chairman, was said to have favoured N10billion for the project. None of these costs reflects the current economic situation in the country.

We are not opposed to our vice president having a befitting residence.

But we detest everything that would make public office an excessive cost centre and a burden to the taxpayer. We already have too much of such overheads and there is no point aggravating the situation. What we should be thinking of now is how to reduce them. If we must redesign a house now simply to reflect the religion of the incumbent, what happens in the future when someone of another religious faith occupies the office? So, we have to start knocking

down walls and awarding fresh contracts to accommodate the taste of that person.

While this may be good for public officials who award the contracts, it is bad for the nation’s economy. Vice President Sambo or any incumbent of that office should live in a decent residence; but that should not tear the pockets of Nigerians who are to bear the brunt of the costs.

The fact is that our leaders are too detached from the citizenry, that is why they oftentimes cannot draw the line between what is decent and what is not.

All the figures being bandied for the vice president’s residence are too obscene for the kind of picture that the government is painting of our economy. They are simply provocative, insensitive and indefensible.

‘If we must redesign a house now simply to reflect the religion of the incumbent, what happens in the future when someone of another religious faith occupies the office? So, we have to start knocking down walls and awarding fresh contracts to accommodate the taste of that person. While this may be good for public officials who award the contracts, it is bad for the nation’s economy’

Senate and PIB •The Senate should not delay the passing of the bill on political grounds

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AST week, the Senate, rather disappointingly, stood down the Petroleum Industry Bill earlier listed in its Order Paper for December 17. All entreaties by Senate Leader Victor Ndoma Egba to get members to kick-start the process of its passage into law failed to persuade the members. In a session marked by acrimony, the upper house rejected a motion for the commencement of the debate on the general principles of the bill; it also resolved to shelve the debate to a later date.

It was a perfect execution of filibuster by a group of senators from the North.

Officially, the excuse given on the floor was that the Senate was in no mood to consider the Bill. They cited the tragic incident of the air mishap of the preceding weekend which claimed the lives of Governor Patrick Yakowa, former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi and four others. Another group came up with the excuse that they needed more time to peruse the document – an elegant way of sending the bill to the cooler!

For a bill that has been lying in the shelves of the National Assembly since July 17, last week’s development is perhaps a foretaste of the difficulties ahead. Earlier on July 20, the National Assembly had deferred consideration of the bill on the excuse that it came on the eve of their annual recess. That recess ended September 17.

Unexpected as it may appear, the filibuster would seem the least of the obstacles which await the bill, given the North’s increasingly vociferous

opposition to it. Whereas the region’s lawmakers are adamant that the bill forebodes no good for their region, the Northern Governors Forum has long held on to the view that the PIB is a recipe for further impoverishment of the region.

Latest development obviously signals the resolve of the region’s political leadership to do battle.

This newspaper on Sunday reported on the provisions considered by the leaders as particularly noxious. These are the institutional structure being proposed for the oil and gas industry; the planned divestment of equity in the proposed National Oil Company (the argument here is that the process could lock out the people of the region from ownership of oil and gas resources). There is also the proposed Host Community Fund –which they contended will grant more funds to the oil-producing communities – in addition to the 13.5 percent Derivation Fund –at their expense.

They further argue that the PIB does not create a framework for effective exploration of hydrocarbons in the frontier acreages of the nation’s six sedimentary basins. Four of these basins are located in the North. Finally, they questioned the discretionary powers granted the petroleum minister in the proposed law.

Now, these concerns may well be legitimate; only that we do not accept that they should constitute grounds for stalling the consideration of the bill.

Indeed, we see them as issues that a robust engagement with relevant

stakeholders can help resolve. The point here is that there is no such thing as a perfect piece of legislation. A law is, after all, as good as the lawmakers who made it.

So, the idea of killing the bill apriori – that is, before it gets a mention on the floor of the Senate is unhelpful as it is defeatist. What the situation requires is demonstrable commitment by the lawmakers to the principles and ideals of justice and fair-play; willingness by all parties to compromise will also help.

After all, there is nothing – at this time – to suggest that the interests of contending groups in the polity are necessarily irreconcilable.

‘The idea of killing the bill apriori –that is, before it gets a mention on the floor of the Senate is unhelpful as it is defeatist. What the situation requires is demonstrable commitment by the lawmakers to the principles and ideals of justice and fairplay; willingness by all parties to compromise will also help. After all, there is nothing – at this time – to suggest that the interests of contending groups in the polity are necessarily irreconcilable’

Playing with the fire of polio

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HE GLOBAL BATTLE to wipe out polio has come closer than ever to success, but obstacles remain. The hurdles are not only the highly infectious nature of the disease but also war, corruption, weak public health systems and failing states. Last week added another obstacle to that list: obscene acts of violence. In Pakistan, nine unarmed vaccination workers were killed by gunfire while distributing medicine that could save the lives of countless children. Six of the victims were female, including three teenagers.

The attacks were unprecedented. In their wake the United Nations suspended a vaccination drive aimed at high-risk areas of the country and the young people who are most susceptible to the polio virus, which affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis. The perpetrators are unknown, and no one claimed responsibility, but they are believed to be the Pakistan Taliban. The Taliban has denied it, but the Associated Press reported that suspicion has fallen on the terrorist organization because of its past opposition to the campaign and because of claims by some extremists that the vaccine could make children sterile — not true — or that the workers are spies for the United States. This is not true either but may be lingering blowback from the CIA’s use of a doctor in Pakistan and a fake vaccination campaign in the hunt for Osama bin Laden.

Huge strides have been made toward eradicating polio since the effort was launched in 1988. Then, the disease was endemic in 125 countries; today, only in three: Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. Last year, there were 650 cases globally; this year, as of last week, 214. In the 1980s the disease annually killed or paralyzed more than 350,000 children. The member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “programmatic emergency” in May to galvanize efforts toward a final eradication, an exceedingly difficult task that has been achieved with only one other disease, smallpox.

Pakistan’s progress is notable but fragile. This year there have been only 56 polio cases in the country, less than a third of the 175 last year.

Yet the virus can spread rapidly and unexpectedly, especially where hygiene and sanitation are poor. This is why vaccination is so important; if enough children are immunized, the virus can’t find susceptible children to infect and dies out. By shooting the vaccine teams in Pakistan, the assailants are playing with fire.

They have not only snuffed out the lives of humanitarian workers but blasted open a pathway for the disease to spread among children not immunized. It is hard to contemplate an ideology that would deliberately put so many people at risk.

The government of Pakistan has rightly condemned the shootings, as have the United Nations and the WHO. The gunmen cannot be allowed to shut down a vital public health campaign. Perhaps the workers will need to be better protected, but the vaccination effort must go on.

– Washington Post

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

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Chairman,Editorial Board • Executive Director Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) •General Editor Ade Odunewu Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager •Editor Online (Training and Development) Lekan Otufodunrin Soji Omotunde •Managing Editor Northern Operation •Chief Internal Auditor Yusuf Alli Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor • Senior Manager (Sales) Waheed Odusile Akeem Shoge •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Niyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Sport Editor Hameed Odejayi Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Now that the National Assembly is in the process of amending the constitution, a defined role needs to be enshrined in the new constitution for traditional rulers considering the contributions of the institution to community mobilisation, conf1ict resolution and in safe-guarding the cultural values and traditional heritage of their respective communities.

Before the conquest of Nigeria by the British, traditional method of administration and governance is what was obtainable and practiced in most of African nations. Traditional system or method of governance was built upon the history, heritage, cultural values and religion of the people.

During the colonial period, the colonialists saw the loyalties enjoyed by the traditional rulers among their subjects hence capitalized on it for their administration.

Post independent constitutions of Nigeria gave some level of recognition to the traditional institution as representatives of their people in the House of Chiefs which later transformed to native and local authorities with executive power over issues such as community policing, immigration, prison service, Customary/Sharia Laws well as tax administration.

The 1979 Constitutional reform which gave birth to the local government system of administration confiscated and transferred to the local government, the responsibilities performed by the traditional

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

Need for constitutional role for traditional rulers institutions in the post independence constitutions.

From 1979 to date, both civil and military administrations continued to undermine the institution by using them as mere advisers and instruments of managing crises and conflicts resolutions.

On return of democracy in 1999,

the situation remained unchanged.

Part one of the third schedule and Section 140 of the 1999 Constitution clearly spelt out that the traditional institutions can only play advisory roles through the Council of State.

In Nigeria especially the North it is a popular belief that the wish of an Emir is the will of his sub-

jects. Programmes and polices of government can be better achieved through community mobilization and active participation at the grassroots.

Looking at the decentralised nature and the extraordinary pattern of ascending throne in the traditional institutions, which require no ballot or

Fayemi’s public apology

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IR: It takes real civility for a governor to come down from the gubernatorial height to say sorry to the governed anywhere in the world, and it is a very rare feature in Africa.

But this was what the amiable, disciplined and pragmatic governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, did publicly during the recent Christmas Carol Service organized by his government in Ado Ekiti.

He did apologize to “those who might have been hurt, one way or the other, by the policies of this government”, and pleaded with them to take solace in the fact that “such policies were meant to do the great-

est good to the greater number of the Ekiti people”, Loaded was the message of the governor’s apology; calculated was it too and very suitable as a key in fathoming the character of this governor who had chosen to be a human rights activist long before he dreamt of becoming governor; who had once demonstrated his sense and love of justice, most resoundingly, as the brain behind the famous Radio Kudirat during the struggle against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The simple implication of Governor Fayemi’s public apology is that the Ekiti State has got a large-

hearted, strong-willed governor who would go to any length, including hurting some Ekiti indigenes, in the pursuance of the greatest good for the greater number of the Ekiti people.

It implies that the governor would correct anomalies or reform bastardized systems, whatever the hue and cry against such policies, while his determination to right the wrongs would not necessarily make him inhuman or daring. It implies that he knew and felt the pains of the offended even as he had no option other than to be on the side of the greater number of his people.

Those whose properties were demolished for dualization of roads or

Judgment day for oil companies

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IR: Last week something momentous happened – and those of us who campaign for justice for the victims of oil spills in the Niger Delta had good cause to feel Christmas had come early.

The event was a judgment (obtained

by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project) in which ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) court ordered the Nigerian government to punish oil companies over pollution.

The Court ruled that the Nigerian Federal Government and six oil companies – Shell, Chevron, Elf Petroleum, Exxon Mobil, Agip Nigeria and Total Nigeria – have violated various human rights.

These include the right to a general satisfactory environment and the right

nomination congresses, the traditional institution are in better position to provide answer to some of the security challenges, social and economic problems facing our society, if protected constitutionally.

It is important to draw the attention of our esteemed senators and members of the House of Representatives that in democratic settings people are always conscious of their rights. Without legal backing, the traditional leaders might not be able to enforce the law; therefore, defined constitutional responsibilities for traditional institutions must be included in the coming amendments process.

• Malam Ibrahim Saddo Wusasa Kaduna

to natural wealth and resources, as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights ratified by Nigeria in 1983.

The Court ruled that the government must now quickly implement the judgment and hold the oil companies to account.

But while there was a pause for celebration the fight goes on because pressure is needed to make sure that the government adheres to this judgment.

Oil companies, particularly Shell, have managed to evade responsibility for far too long. And the Nigerian government has allowed them to do so, putting profits before people.

As a result, communities in Bodo, an area badly affected by oil spills, are sinking further into poverty, unable to eat the contaminated fish or drink the wa-

ter, stained black from the pollution.

Oil spills have occurred since production began over 50 years ago and that’s what makes the ECOWAS judgment so significant.

It’s clear that oil companies wield tremendous influence over the regulatory regime that governs their operations.

In fact, the investigation process into oil spills in the Niger Delta is a travesty. There is very limited information publicly available regarding the state of Shell’s infrastructure in the Delta. But it is widely known that the company has failed to adequately maintain it over the years, with tragic consequences.

The government has to exert its authority over Shell as, with the ECOWAS judgment and court cases pending in the UK and the Netherlands next year, the clock is ticking against such negli-

gence.

It is due to the total failure of the Nigerian system for regulating oil companies and ensuring that spills are properly addressed that the Bodo community decided to take Shell to court in the UK. And with countries across Africa, such as Ghana, Sierra Leone and Cameroon, starting to exploit oil, these judgments have implications beyond Nigeria.

The Nigerian government and the oil companies operating in Nigeria have to set a good example and make sure that the industry brings development to the people, rather than allow a string of needless tragedies to continue.

• Dr Kolawole Olaniyan, Amnesty International, International Secretariat, London

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

beautification can now know that he expected and felt their anguish. The teachers too can now know that he understood their feelings at being reexamined for teaching. So would the LG workers now realize that the governor fore-saw their shock before embarking on restructuring.

The governor was only enlisting their cooperation with determination in his task of doing the greatest good to all Ekiti; not even only “to the greater number of Ekiti people”, as he enunciated but to all!

Come to think of it, the beauty of that public apology is that it was, in itself, committal to redress, unlike in a situation where the pains of the victims of government policies are ignored or overlooked.

In other words, the Fayemi that we knew from the years of yore would have prepared himself to proceed from his calculated public apology, not only to applying needed healing balms to the injuries of the injured but also to putting smiles on their faces and winning them back as friends and admirers.

Of course, if he would do otherwise, he would not have chosen to be a human rights activist in the first place because governance, essentially, is a function of human rights protection.

You and I can therefore watch out henceforth for better days ahead for the aggrieved in Ekiti State whose grouses had been what they suffered as a result of government policies; the public apology so adequately implied this.

• Jide Oguntoye Oye-Ekiti.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

COMMENTS

MEXAHNYIA; VIP or RIP? Nigeria is trillions rich; Resolutions Oteh Vs NASS: Who Wins the Moral War?

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UDDENLY it is Christmas and a Merry Christmas And Happy New Year in advanceMEXAHNYIA to you. It has been some year.

Tony The recognition of the Marinho VIP dead should not be so blatantly to the exclusion of the ‘equally dead’ as we are all equal before God. The VIP dead do not jump Heaven’s Gate queue. They have to line up for judgement in exactly the order in which they died, interspersed with the thousands of RIPs who died ‘unknown’ in that timeframe –nanosecond by nanosecond. A thousand years is like a second and a second is like a thousand years. Remember that all the victims in the helicopter crash, VIP and RIP are all equally dead and the families are equally bereaved and half-orphaned. We know the future differential difficulty of the widows in receiving benefits. So please remember all of them in your prayers. It is better to die alone or else you be forever among the ‘and 4 or 340 others’.

But there is no choice.

Nigeria is really, really rich as can be seen by the probably trillion naira corruption and the budget of N4,987,000,000,000 which is N 41,553/Nigerian. It is now clear that if we can kill, dehumanise and vilify corruption and corrupt acts and corrupt people in an acute, decisive manner, Nigeria will save trillions. You can take a New Year’s Resolution Oath that from Jan 1 2013 you and Nigeria will start ‘An Anticorruption Year’ we may jump further down the Most Corrupt Transparency International List and also up the Amnesty International Listsince corruption is not just about money but how we treat or ill-treat or mistreat our fellow Nigerians through bad decisions, no decisions, delayed decisions etc.

Can resolutions replace revolutions?

Why can NASS members not see the opprobrium with which they are viewed by the massed poor people? There is very little that NASS membership can do that will in-

crease the individual members and collective NASS reputation. Shouting and screaming at ‘witnesses’ and warrants of arrest are seen as mere playing to the gallery.

NASS’s excessive acquisition of the nation’s funds for ‘personnel’ comfort, work and even self-imposed and undeserved disengagement, ‘soft landing’ pension schemes, kick-started the recent ‘salary grab’. At this time, NASS members should make a sacrificial 2013 New Year’s Resolution. Since they set their own funds, they should do the right thing and take a big pay-cut in SAP – ‘Salaries and Perks’ which are now sapping Nigeria dry.

It was this ‘self-imposed political office-holders greed’ that caused salary inflation nationwide. This politicians’ salary cut, if it comes, will help reverse inflation. NASS and the government political classes must know that corruption, political salaries and excesses are glaring abuses while over 100m live in poverty without housing, water, power, health or education or even adequate nutrition.

After the cutting of political salaries and allowances it will be the turn of the CBN to deliberately improve the naira exchange rate as this will drag many Nigerians above the poverty line. If the value of the naira to the dollar improves by just N1 per month we will lift 10-20m out of poverty per annum. If we add to that a sincere effort to reduce bank lending rates from 20+% to a single digit and get 24 hour power, Nigeria could become heavenon-earth provided we tackle the crime situation. The abysmal lack of police empowerment from the federal government and a culture of judicial tardiness are noted as major problems. These are not stupid dreams but today’s norms in normal countries.

Is the NASS onslaught against Oteh a rear-guard action instigated by wounded NASS forces because she, in self-defence at being publicly tongue-lashed and ‘abused’, exposed the soft underbelly of NASS ‘corruption’ in ‘funded trips without travel’ and dared to confront NASS? Is this a genuine campaign against a bad Oteh based on facts? No doubt she will relocate and find herself in a cushy job abroad. Let this be a warning to foreign based ‘industry players’ seeking to ‘save Nigeria’. Nigeria

wants people who will play ball. The home players do not like to be exposed and react with protective herd mentality.

The attempt to starve Oteh out by starving SEC of funds for salaries etc is a typically Machiavellian move used by all dictators - collective punishment. It is sinister and evil.

We may later use it on NASS to weed out those who ‘chop our money’ and SAP us dry from fat and indecent SAPSalaries and Perks. No matter the victory of NASS it is a Pyrrhic victory, won at huge cost to a badly battered NASS reputation from allegations of payments for oversight, gifts, double payments at every point during tours and oversight functions. It is not so long ago that Ghana Must Go accompanied budgetary meetings and Bill approvals. We hope these have stopped but they are still part of NASS history and well documented thanks among others to the Oteh episode. Oteh has thus prevented much corruption in 2013. Does she deserve a National Honour? So what did Oteh do to make them unite against one woman? In America, Susan Rice fell before the Republican backlash against Obama. Oteh lost the battle but she has unwittingly led and won the moral war. No NASS member can ever again demand tickets and freebies during oversight without fearing exposure. The fear of Oteh may sanitise NASS.

‘The attempt to starve Oteh out by starving SEC of funds for salaries etc is a typically Machiavellian move used by all dictators - collective punishment. It is sinister and evil. We may later use it on NASS to weed out those who ‘chop our money’ and SAP us dry from fat and indecent SAP- Salaries and Perks’

Christmas, the morning after

T

HE celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the progenitor of the Christian faith, was held worldwide yesterday. Christian faithful, in their millions, trooped to various worship centres to commemorate the day, which is obviously the biggest festival in Christendom.

But there was a build-up to the day. All over the place, the streets were jam-packed with people – old and young – all engaged in one thing or another in preparation for the day. In Britain, not even the ravaging flood that has changed the landscape for several weeks could dissuade people from going out for the usual Christmas shopping. Elsewhere in Europe, the chilling winter was no obstacle to people who braved the odds and moved round in their winter jackets. With some of the temperature falling below 4 degree Celsius, this year’s Christmas will surely go down as one of the coldest ever.

In Nigeria, it was celebration galore. Street carnivals were held everywhere. The popular Calabar Street Carnival midwifed by Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, has assumed a life of its own. So also is the Port Harcourt Carnival introduced by Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In many homes, churches, corporate organisations and some government houses, Christmas carols were held in anticipation of the Christmas Day celebration. In Akwa Ibom State, a 9,999-man orchestra was put together to celebrate the state’s Christmas Carol. In attendance were dignitaries, including religious leaders, foreign envoys and a host of other very im-

portant personalities.

The period also witnessed a regime of bonanzas unleashed on the populace by various corporate bodies and other manufacturing companies who enticed their customers with mouth-watering promos. Market men and women were not left out. They all made brisk business and smiled to the banks as Christmas presented an opportunity for them to do good business and make huge profit. And the governors were not left out in all of these. Though there were no salary increases, many palliatives were approved for state government workers to celebrate the Christmas.

In Imo State, a two-week holiday was declared for the state government workers in addition to some stipends approved for them to enable them celebrate Christmas with their families. The governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, known widely for his unconventional style of leadership and, sometimes, erratic decisions, also approved money running into millions of naira for the security agencies in the state. His calculation was that the least paid security agent in the state would go home with at least N10,000 for Christmas. This gesture was replicated in other states of the federation in one form or another.

It all borders on merriment during the Christmas as if all Christmas stands for is eating and drinking.

Notwithstanding the avalanche of mouth-watering offers and merriment associated with the festival, various religious leaders across the country, political leaders and public office holders were quick to remind the populace of the need to embrace peace in the country. The

‘And now that the carnivals and merriment are over, shall we have good governance and accountability in all facets of our national life?

That is the only way this country can move forward’.

????????????????????

appeals come on the heels of threat of violence which have characterised the season in the past.

Last year, on Christmas Day, worshippers at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Madalla, on the outskirts of Suleja, Niger State, were callously mowed down by a suicide bomber who had targeted the worshippers as they closed from church.

It was a horrible sight as many of the worshippers died in the blast while others lost their limbs and sustained varying degree of injuries.

The church building and other adjoining buildings were not spared in the orgy of destruction. The attack drew wide condemnation from people all over the world. But such condemnations were not enough to deter the bombers who still exploded their lethal wares in other parts of the country, especially in the crisis-ridden northern part of Nigeria.

As Christmas drew near this year, residents of Madalla were gripped with fear and trepidation. Last year’s incident was obviously still fresh in their memories. This resulted in many people moving out of the area to avoid any unpleasant situation.

This is the extent of the psychological torture and trauma terrorism has inflicted on the people.

The thought of a re-enactment of the Madalla episode elsewhere in the country had stretched the security agencies in Nigeria to the limit this year. To avoid a repeat occurrence, security, therefore, took centre-stage in the affairs of the nation during the Christmas festivities.

While the focus of the agencies in the North was to avert any strike by misguided extremists masquerading under the veil of religion, those in other parts of the country were battling kidnappers and armed robbers who have been on the prowl for some time now. The roads, too, were heavily monitored by officers and men of the Federal Road Safety Commission. But because of the generally deplorable

situation of the roads, many people either stayed back or risked travelling on the roads. I am quite sure that the increase in traffic during this period must have also recorded its own fatalities. This is because of the nightmare travelling on Nigerian roads has become. It is no longer a pleasure but a horrendous experience moving from one part of the country to another.

On Friday, December 21, Chukwuemeka Ekweremadu, the elder brother to Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of the Senate, lost his life in a road crash on the EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway. Until his death, Chukwuemeka, 52, was a Director in the Enugu State Civil Service and a member, Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund. His sudden death on one of the nation’s appalling roads has put an abrupt end to an otherwise glorious career.

Not even the alternative - air transportation – is safe in the country anymore. With far too many air crashes in the recent past, there is virtually no place to hide. The latest involved a naval helicopter that crashed in the mangrove forest of Bayelsa State on December 15. The crash claimed the lives of six Nigerians – former Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and his friend, Dauda Tsoho; immediate past National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi (retd.) and his orderly, Warrant Officer Karmal; and the two pilots of the ill-fated aircraft, Commander Daba and Lieutenant Sowole. Daba’s wfe is said to have newly put to bed, while Sowole’s wife is pregnant.

The Sowoles were married for less than two years before tragedy struck. This disaster took the shine off the Christmas celebration in the affected families.

By and large, this year’s Christmas festival has come and gone but what remains is the lessons to be learnt from it. One of these is that Christmas is not about merriment

Dele Agekameh alone. It is about humility, which Jesus epitomised in his lifetime. It is about service. It is about love and care for the less privileged in the society. It should not be misconstrued to mean extravagance or ostentatious display of ill-gotten wealth.

And now that the carnivals and merriment are over, shall we have good governance and accountability in all facets of our national life?

That is the only way this country can move forward. That is the only way we can make progress as a people. So, as we move ahead into another year, let us have a rethink.

Let us devote our energy to those things that will make life meaningful to all of us. This should not be a one-sided sacrifice. It is for both the leaders and the led. Together, we must make the world worth living through our actions and utterances.

Already, the Presidency is promising Nigerians an El Dorado come 2013. But that refrain is familiar. We have heard such promises over and over again, such that it has almost become meaningless to the average Nigerian. But who knows if God will hear Nigerians’ prayers for a better life in 2013? We are all waiting for that miracle.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

22

COMMENTS ‘I was amused to read in your column of 18th December a reference to me squirming in my seat as IBB delivered his diatribe against campus-based Marxist/Socialists at an annual lecture of The Guardian newspaper in VI Lagos. Let me be clear: I have never attended any lecture or event organised by that publication.

Consequently, I could not understand why you could not compose your drama of Omoruyi’s sycophancy and IBB’s psychopathy without dragging me in as a fictive prop. I did not know until now that professional journalists were at liberty to mix fact with fiction in their formal presentations! From Segun Osoba’ •Omoruyi For Olatunji Dare Re: Omoruyi: A scholar‘s lament. The piece was precise, full of facts and comprehensive.

Please, l would have loved to read Professor Omoruyi‘s book in reference. How can l get the book? Anonymous If you come across him, tell Omoruyi that those who ride on the back of a tiger normaly end up in the belly of a tiger. He may not know, despite his erudition. From Kola Olawuni.

Your discourse on Prof Omoruyi’s lamentation was a master piece. I am still puzzled by the inability of the likes of the Prof who did not learn from the experience of what the junta did in Latin America.

Symptomatic failed state of today’s Nigeria is the outcome! Anonymous Your write-up on Omoruyi has shown your objectivity. You are unpredictable, unlike some other columunists in your stable, whose articles show passionate prejudice, and the holding of inflexible positions, no matter the subject they write about. Keep it up, the doyen of colummists and master of satire. Anonymous Re: Omoruyi: A scholar’s lament. Omoruyi meant well for democracy in Nigeria, but he walked with Maradona who called himself President without people’s mandate. From Wale Ojo Prof Omoruyi’s reconciliation with his former course mate at NIPSS and boss is classic.

The country is in dire need of people like Omoruyi and his virtues. From David Polang, Jos Professor Omo Omoruyi should have been helped with state fund. What I mean by that is that he served a public institution. It was not IBB’s CDS. Anonymous

T

HOSE who scoff at former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s increasing warnings about an impending revolution in Nigeria are probably caught in the complex of confusing the message with the messenger. Yes, Obasanjo’s privileged presence in the portals of power since 1967 make him an integral part of Nigeria’s leadership failure. But while the retired general’s share of the blame for Nigeria’s misfortunes cannot be downplayed, his expressed concerns are nonetheless not misplaced. The issue is not about his assumed self – righteousness but about the state of the nation. And one of the sore points of our narrative is that of an imbalanced federation.

With states and local governments forming the basis of revenue sharing, allocation of infrastructure and high profile appointments, the relevance of states in the nation’s political economy cannot be overemphasized.

For good reasons, attention has tended to converge on the South –east’s quest for the creation of at least one new state in the region. With the least number of states, the South – east assumes conspicuous minority status among the nation’s six geo – political zones. As such matters go in the context of Nigerian government and politics, some of the state creation demands in the South – east are among the oldest in the country and so comparatively elicit greater consideration.

Seizing the moment, the South – east has given vent to as many as six new states agitations in the zone recently. However, rising to the responsibility of leadership, Anambra State Governor and chairman, South – east Governors’ Forum, Peter Obi, has moved to get the zone speak with one voice and in such a way to achieve satisfactory results at the end of the day. Between November and December alone, South – east political leaders have met twice in Enugu on the subject. Underscoring the resolve of the zone’s leader-

Omoruyi: that he found the courage to denounce what he knew or did not know is a hallmark of dignity and decency. Your writing is very instructive. Thanks for your uprightness. Anonymous I am an ex-flagship. I just read your piece.

The sin of Azazi was his indictment of PDP in Asaba. Fajuyi died wth his friend in Ibadan July 29, 1966. What of Abiola? What of Bola Ige? Yakowa was advised to follow another Chopper but insisted to follow his friend...they killed Azazi. Anonymous Re: Omoruyi: A scholar’s lament. May God not put us in a situation that may lead us to seeking aid and assistance from our detractors. Local people call them, Enemies! That was the situation Professor Omo Omoruyi has found himself. Notwithstanding our situation, we must imbibe the ideology of firmness in life.

Prof had ridiculed the professorial position, by thinking of aid from IBB. May God Almighty miraculously heal him - Omo Omoruyi. From Lanre Oseni Omoruyi used and dumped himself. He knew the truth but took sides with falsehood.

After June 12, the attack he suffered, the books he wrote, he still went to falsehood. He had no choice having trained 400,000 agents of destruction and releasing them on Nigeria.

The country is ruined, Omoruyi is ruined, naturally ruined by cancer. Babangida cannot save Nigeria. He lacks the moral right to give him money to treat cancer. Anonymous I was amused to read in your column of 18th December a reference to me squirming in my seat as IBB delivered his diatribe against campus-based Marxist/Socialists at an annual lecture of The Guardian newspaper in VI Lagos.

Let me be clear: I have never attended any lecture or event organised by that publication.

Consequently I could not understand why you could not compose your drama of Omoruyi’s sycophancy and IBB’s psychopathy without

dragging me in as a fictive prop. I did not know until now that professional journalists were at liberty to mix fact with fiction in their formal presentations! From Segun Osoba Thanks for your brief of 21st December.

There is a typographical error in the poem. It should read ‘Ma fowuro sere...’ but not ‘Ma fowuro sise...’ God bless you. From Ayo Fakunmoju.

For Segun Gbadegesin Mr Segun, be reminded that The Nation is a national newspaper, you should restrict this crap to native journals circulating in Oyo. I am sure your kids school in UK and cannot speak your so-called rich Yoruba language.

Everyone in China sends the kids to learn English and now bear English names.

Anonymous Ise ni ogun ise. Mu ara si ise ore e mi. Ise ni a fi i di eni giga. Bi a ko ba ri eni fi eyin ti, bi ole la a ri. Bi a ko ba ri eni gbekele a te ara mo ise eni...... Mordern Yoruba orthography, sir. Anonymous I really enjoyed the write-up, culture is really something we all must think about. Thanks.

Anonymous I am not against borrowing for genuine reasons of development. But not into the bags of the few rich at the expense of poor masses.

It is quite unfortunate that our own elites will connive with the lender to divert the loans into private uses and in a bid to impoverish this nation. From Mr. Ogosu, Onne, Rivers State Re: The responsibility of citizenship. The movers of THINKOyo are commended.

However we hope some will not go back and become thievery leaders when such youths are opportuned to lead. The culture, religions and the Yorubas we hope, will be made and mixed to become a produced ‘item’ that will be used to engender growth, development and progress of Yorubaland specifically and

• Azazi Nigeria, generally. From Lanre Oseni I am one of your teeming fans who have made it an article of faith to unfailingly read you every week. I have just given your newest piece “The responsibility...” a ‘second’ reading, and already yearning for more. Baba, Agba o nii tan lorile o. E bami ki awon oree yin Baba Opalaba ati eegun nla ti n je Tatalo Alamu.

From Azeez Kehinde, (Akure) Re: Youth in Focus(1): THINKOyo is laudable if it goes beyond being a forum for intellectual masturbation and actually makes a difference. Secondly, our leaders give a lot of thought to the chance of getting caught and, most likely, they will not get caught. Also, Yoruba language, like the culture itself, is losing relevance because it is not evolving (I said “evolve” not “change”) It is not nimble enough for modern communication. By the way, I do not know any “young” person (25 50) who has banned the speaking of Yoruba in his or her home. Very suspicious statement.

From Ade Dear sir, the N9,000,000,000 proposed expenditure on a new banquet hall and VP residence is nothing more than the criminally reckless way of this goverment spending. If that money alone is given as loan to jobless graduates roaming our streets to engage in agric ventures at N1,000,000 per graduate, it will gainfully employ 250 graduates in each of the 36 states of the nation. We can now think of the number of hands these ones will employ and the effects it will have on the economic activities on each local government, state and the nation. God will surely visit His judgement on all of them, their children and generation unborn in the looting spree that we are witnessing this time around. They cannot escape it. From Nathaniel Abiodun

Obi, Kwankwaso and knot of state creation

By Ifeanyi Afuba ship to achieve result, efforts are on to streamline the different requests and come up with just one or two applications for state creation.

Disturbing questions arise from the skewed regional distribution of these entities in the country. The north’s 19 states to the south’s 17 states obviously confers it with political and economic superiority; a scenario amplified by the contrast between the South – east’s five states and 95 local governments and the North – west’s seven states and 180 local governments. In terms of revenue profile alone, the sharp contrast in the fortunes of the Southeast and other zones is glaring. Statistics from the Federation Account show that in the period January to June 2010, the South-east received the least allocation of approximately N99 billion; South-west N166 billion; Northwest N168 billion; North-central N116 billion; North-east 119 billion and South-south N386 billion. Following a consistent pattern, the February 2012 allocations display a gnawing disparity between the South-east’s approximate N10 billion and the North-west’s N15 billion.

Analysts believe Obi’s submissions were an indirect response to the stance of his Kano State counterpart Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who has demonstrated little restraint in opposing the proposal for a sixth state in the South-east. Kwankwaso was widely reported by the media in late September to have dismissed the calls for creating a sixth state in the South – east in favour of his own Kano State.

While Kwankwaso is entitled to his views, it is however necessary to situate the discus-

sion in its proper perspective. The Kano State Governor’s obsession with population and geographical size as the qualifications for state creation are misplaced.

The composition of the United States of America, the country from which our federal and presidential systems is crudely derived, reveals a more egalitarian approach to state creation. Consider that the state of California has a population of 37 million with 570,374 square miles while the state of Delaware has a population of 897,000 and 1,955 square miles in size. Consider also that Texas with 25 million population and of 261,914 square miles is not any more greater than Rhode Island which has one million population and 1,045 squares miles. Similarly, Michigan, 23rd in size among America’s 50 states co-exists with Alaska, the biggest state in size but with just a population of 710,000.

In the modern world, states are founded on the quest for self – determination. States provide the administrative platform for pursuit of development for groups with a shared sense of socio – cultural affinity. And especially in a diverse polity, as we have in Nigeria, states play a mediating role in the tensions arising from majority - minority relations.

It is instructive to note that the Gowon junta created an equal number of six states in both the north and south. Apologists of the present lopsidedness in the structure of the country conveniently forget that this equilibrium endured for nearly 10 years before it was disrupted by the insensitivity of the Murtala Muhammed regime. A sober Yakubu Gowon who appreciated the dangers posed by sectional domination acted fairly on state cre-

ation but an over-confident Muhammed could afford to act irrationally believing that nothing would happen. Subsequent military rulers who created states, all from the north, progressively maintained the imbalance, deepened further in the distribution of local governments.

It is hard to believe that these allocations of states and local governments decreed by military dictators without regard to the wishes of ordinary Nigerians can be seized upon by any enlightened person as the precedent that will guide future state creation exercises.

As the leader of the South – east geo – political zone, Governor Peter Obi’s strong advocacy for empowering the zone with a new state should be viewed both against its benefits to the region and the national distress a continued denial will provoke. When the Ibrahim Babangida junta created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states in 1987, it belittled the well – reasoned recommendation of the Cookey – led Political Bureau for the creation of at least one state in the South-east to the chagrin of the people. Continued disadvantage of the South-east again compelled the National Political Reform Conference in 2005 to resolve on the desirability of an additional state for the zone.

Obi has placed a core demand of the southeast on the table. Let the other zones do the same. With the recognition of the interdependence of the units of a whole, every group should accommodate the legitimate needs of others. This spirit will suffice to overcome the stringent constitutional requirements on state creation and other exigencies and move the country forward.

• Afuba wrote from Nimo, Anambra State.

I

AHEAD OF AFRICA NATIONS CUP

Eagles will miss Martins, says Babangida Pg. 24

No English deal on Ameobi, Shittu —Keshi …As Bolton spoils Eagles on Xmas Eve …Hails Gaya for support

Pg. 24

Sport Wednesday, December 26, 2012

•Keshi

PAGE 23

Stop the war,

Runsewe urges Keshi, Osaze

•Osaze

24

41

NATIONSPORT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Okonkwo begs Eguavoen

Stop the war, Runsewe urges Keshi, Osaze S

UPER EAGLES’ Chief Coach Stephen Keshi and West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie should end their war of words over the national team list to next month’s African Cup of Nations in South

•To return Shark's pre-contract fees •Vows to make Eagles' AFCON final list

S

UPER EAGLES returnee Chibuzor has told NationSport exclusively that he would return the N300,000 pre-contract fee he collected from Sharks Football Club back to the club tomorrow.

The player who has just been recalled to the Stephen Keshi coached Super Eagles used the medium to apologise to Shark FC Technical Adviser and former Super Eagles’ handler, Augustine Eguavoen for his actions which he told NationSport was taken his best interest.

Eguavoen popularly called Cerezo has alleged that the bulky right back collected money from Sharks on the pretext he will play for the Port Harcourt club in the coming season and then absconded.

"Chibuzor has no business being in the national team. He is a bad example for a national team player.

Can you imagine that Chibuzor came to Sharks collected our money, signed and absconded?" a furious Eguavoen had told an online football website.

The player, however, confided in NationSport that he had already called Eguavoen and made arrangements with him how the money would be paid back to the covers of the club latest tomorrow.

"Firstly I am using this medium to apologise to Coach Eguavoen for not getting in touch with him on time, it was due to communication lapses. I have also spoken with him today (Tuesday) on the matter.

"The truth is that I collected the sum of N300,000 a kind of pre-contract fee from Sharks (Football Club) but right now I am no longer interested in joining the team. So I got in touch with Coach Eguavoen and I have promised to pay back the money on Thursday (tomorrow).

"He (Eguavoen) has promised to send his account details to me so

Africa in the interest of the team, Chief Olusegun Runsewe cautioned yesterday.

Runsewe, a patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) spoke yesterday in a stateme

competition.

“There is need

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja that I can send it through him on Thursday when the bank would be working and since I am still in Eagles camp I can't go to the club to do so", Okonkwo explained.

The former Dream Team IV Player while thanking Super Eagles handler Stephen Keshi f o r giving him

nt w h i l e reviewing the Eagles’ programme for Africa’s top soccer

for a n y distra ction at the time when all hands should be on deck to ensure total victory for Nigeria in South Africa,” the Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) said.

According to him, when Nigeria won the Cup of Nations at home in 1980 and in

a

deal on Ameobi, Shittu —Keshi …As Bolton spoils Eagles on Xmas Eve …Hails Gaya for support

S

•Keshi

UPER EAGLES’ boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has declared that there is no deal with English Premier League side Newcastle United over the release of Shola Ameobi for the Nations Cup, neither is there such an arrangement with English Championship side Millwall on the release of towering defence ace, Daniel Shittu.

Super Eagles’ spokesman, Ben Alaiya, quotes Keshi as saying; “I never entered into any deal with any manager and will not because the two players in question are international stars and the rules are very clear about when they should be released for international assignments if their country so desires them”.

There were wild speculations in the Nigerian media over the two players’ release for the championship with the respective managers claiming to have

had an agreement with an unnamed Nigerian official over when to release them. Keshi’s declaration has now put all speculations to rest with National Team Scribe, Dayo Enebi Achor, declaring that the two club sides were written to on time and the onus is now on them to release the players as and when due.

Meanwhile, it was not all work and no play for the Super Eagles as the management of their camp site; Bolton White Hotels and Apartment hosted the team to a Christmas eve bash on Monday night. All the 24 players and officials led by Head Coach Stephen Keshi were in attendance at the bash that was meant to last all night but ended at about 12:00am because of what towering defender Azubuike Egwueke called ‘serious business’.

Speaking at the occasion, General Manager of Bolton White Hotels and Apartment, Chiedu Anekwe, said he was delighted that all through the qualifying series for the

Rabiu Ibrahim dreams AFCON glory Eagles will miss Martins, says Babangida

S

He said what is needed now is for the team to embark on its final phase of preparation in unity so that it could confront the opponents at its best.

“I have no doubt that Nigeria can win the Cup of Nations in South Africa because Keshi has the winning attitude and the players look strong enough to deliver,” he said.

Odemwingie at the weekend lashed out at Keshi, the NFF and even the media on twitters in response to his exclusion

by Keshi from the team which is travelling to Faro, Portugal tomorrow for the final phase of preparation for the Cup of Nations.

Runsewe said he expects all Nigerians to give the Super Eagles the maximum support so that the team can perform.

No English

sec o n d chance in the team has vowed to make the team's final list to 2013 Africa Cup of Nations slated for South Africa from January 19th to February 10th, 2013.

"I won't mind shedding my blood if necessary to make the final squad. This is a rare opportunity and I am grabbing it with both hands. I am most grateful to Coach Keshi and his assistants for giving me a second chance in the team", he told •Okonkwo NationSport yesterday.

HOCK EAGLES call-up Rabiu Ibrahim has revealed his biggest wish for 2013 is to win next month’s AFCON with Nigeria.

Midfielder Ibrahim has struggled to establish himself at Scottish giants Celtic, but was handed a chance to make his debut for Nigeria at full international level after he was picked in a preliminary squad for the Nations Cup. “I wish to win the Nations cup with Nigeria next year and take it from

n o

Tunisia in 1994, “there was absolute team spirit.”

He said issues arising from the team list especially the exclusion of Odemwingie from the squad should not lead to a spat between player and the coach but should be amicably resolved. “They should give the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Minister of Sport Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi the chance to intervene,” he said.

Runsewe, who is a believer in using sport to drive tourism, said he had already started working at giving full backing of the NTDC to the team and to drive Nigerian tourism with the competition, said Nigeria has a bright chance to excel with the quality of its squad.

there,” the former U17 and U20 star revealed.

“We have a talented team and I believe we will not disappoint the fans.

We will do our best to make Nigerians proud.”

However, the former Sporting Lisbon playmaker will first have to make the final 23-man squad to South Africa to make his dream come true.

“This is the time for me to showcase my talent and I have absolute confidence in myself,” he declared.

“I’m a fighter and I will keep on fighting.”

F

•Rabiu Ibrahim

ORMER Nigeria World Cup star Tijjani Babangida has stated the country will miss the goals and experience of Obafemi Martins at the AFCON. Martins, Osaze Odemwingie and Taye Taiwo were the notable names not on the Eagles preliminary 32-man squad for a training camp in Portugal ahead of next month’s Nations Cup. The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist told MTNFootball.com that even though Stephen Keshi is in charge of the team and has the final say on his team, he still believes Levante striker Martins should have been considered for the Nations Cup. "Obafemi Martins should have been included in the team because he has

been scoring goals in Spain almost every weekend,” Babangida argued.

“Though Keshi should be allowed to pick his team, Martins’ experience and goals would have helped the team in South Africa.

“At the 1998 World Cup in France, the late Rashidi Yekini was included in the team because of his wealth of experience if things didn't go well with Victor(Ikpeba) and the others.”

Babangida also made a case for the inclusion of Sivasspor of Turkey striker Michael Eneramo on the provisional squad.

“I was equally surprised Eneramo was not considered at all since Keshi took over despite his exploits in Turkey,” he told MTNFootball.com

Nations Cup championship in South Africa, the national team camped at Bolton White and did not lose any qualifier game both home and away. He thereafter predicted that the team will bring home the glittering trophy from South Africa at the end of hostilities in South Africa 2013.

Apartment Manager of the Boltion White, Chika Okoye, who has been largely applauded for the professional handling of players and officials during camping times, promised to improve on it and also predicted that there would be a bigger celebration party when the team returns from the Afcon 2013 Championship.

Keshi on his part said he was not making any promises about winning the trophy but was sure that the team he has at the moment has the capacity to excel at the tournament.

“We have never let Nigerians down and we would not let them down at SA 2013”, he

Agbim, Akpeyi get praise

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•Martins

declared amidst thunderous applause.

The even proper was characterized by jokes, music and sublime dance steps by players and officials that was anchored by Abuja based comedian, Fred Bright. Super Eagles emerging midfield star, Gabriel Reuben and defender Azubuike Egwueke, caught a few eye brows with their exquisite dance steps on the night that Keshi declared was to for players and officials to let off steam.

The national team Manager, also took time off to appreciate the support of all sporting personalities, especially that of House of Representative Chairman, Committee on SPorts, Hon Godfrey Gaya, who sent a sumptuous Christmas card to the entire team on Christmas day. “The Minster has been wonderful, so is the Senate with the support but we have special thanks to give to Hon. Godfrey Gaya, who is always there for us whether the weather is clear or dark. God will help us reward his labour of love”, Keshi said.

UPER EAGLES' goalkeepers, Chigozie Agbim and Daniel Akpeyi, have earned praises for their display in Nigeria's pre-Afcon camp in Abuja.

Nigeria goalkeeping coach, Ike Shorunmu said he is satisfied with the two goalkeepers' performance so far.

"Both of them have been very good since the camp for the Nations Cup started. They have been very professional in their attitude and approach to training," said Shorunmu, a former Nigerian goalkeeper.

Shorunmu believes that the battle for the goalkeeping position in the Nigerian squad for the Africa Cup of Nations will step up a further gear when the overseas goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama and

Austin Ejide arrive in camp.

The Super Eagles' assistant coach also assured that the best players will be picked in the goalkeeping position for the Afcon.

"We will only select the best to represent the country at the Nations Cup in South Africa. I'm sure by the time we have a full camp of the 32 players invited, the training sessions will be hotter than this as we will have two more goalkeepers in Enyeama and Ejide," said Shorunmu.

The Super Eagles are currently camped in Abuja and will leave for their final preAfcon camping in Faro, Portugal on December 28.

Nigeria are drawn in Group C alongside African champions, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.

•Osaze

Akpokona backs Odemwingie’s snub

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ORMER Nigeria assistant coach Lawrence Akpokona says Peter Odemwingie was rightly omitted from the country's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Former Nigeria assistant coach Lawrence Akpokona believes Peter Odemwingie was justifiably omitted from the country's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

West Brom striker Odemwingie criticised the decision of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi to shut him out of the squad that is currently preparing for the South Africa-based tournament in January.

Akpokona believes that Keshi has the right to select players based on what he has seen on and off the pitch.

"If I am Stephen Keshi, I will do the same thing. Any player that feels he is too big to respect what the coach wants is not fit to be in that team," Apokona told Goal.com.

"Osaze (Odemwingie) has not shown any maturity in the way he handled the issues. There is nothing wrong in talking.

But there is everything good in saying the right words and at the right time.

"I am in support of Keshi in everything he has done. He is the man in charge and any player that is not ready to give his all to the coach should not expect to still play for the same coach."

He revealed that the Odemwingie he knew some years ago was a humble boy, determined and passionate about the game.

"I was coach of Insurance in 2001 when Osaze joined the team from a Lagos side.

His father was a long-time team doctor for Insurance and it was as if he was made for the team right from birth. I watched him in training and concluded that if he keeps his head high he will go places.

"I am surprised to see and hear that Osaze is causing so much problems for the coaches in the national team. Keshi needs players who are loyal and are ready to abide by everything he wants.

"The Super Eagles are going into a tournament and they cannot achieve their set target with this kind of distraction but I am happy the team is focussed on their mission in South Africa.

•Akpokona

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

Brazil’s Samba in Lagos – SEE STORY ON PAGE 26 •From left:Brazilian dancers; the head of Thobias Da Vai Vai group, Mr Edimart Tobias Da Silva; festival consultant, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Commissioner for Tourism Mr Disun Holloway at the event.

Banquets for families in ‘AJ city’ – Page 27

GreenHouse opens in Ogun – Page 28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

26

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•Brazil’s Samba troupe on stage at Freedom Park, Lagos

The 2013 Lagos Black Heritage Festival has taken off with a Festival Overture at the Freedom Park.It opened with a special performance by the famous Brazilian Samba troupe,Thobias da Vai Vai Show. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

Brazil’s Samba in Lagos

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HERE was no dull moment at the Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, last Saturday. The medium-size audience got the full dose of a special performance by the famous Brazilian Samba troupe, Thobias de Vai Vai Show from Sao Paolo.

It was the opening of the 2013 edition of the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, themed Bring Back Brazil.

At the beginning, it was the skilful act of the drummers, guitarists and singers (all dressed in white trousers and a blue and yellow top) that kept the audience on the edges of their seats. As soon as the nine beautiful dancers, who wore colourful costumes (feathery head gears and wings) got on the stage, everyone adjusted his or her seat. As the drumming increased in tempo, the rhythmic movements of the beautiful dancers became infectious. Minutes later, some people took to the stage for the Samba dance led by Mr Edimart Tobias Da Silva. It was the troupe’s only performance before appearing for Calabar Carnival in Cross River State.

Festival Consultant Prof Wole Soyinka described the performance as a real return for the Brazilians. “There will be more of this presentation as we have declared 2013 the year of Brazil,” he said Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola, represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Disun

•Da Silva

‘We will endeavour to acquire some of them…We hope you will come back again’

FESTIVAL Holloway, expressed satisfaction with the Brazilians’ performance, saying he is in love with the troupe’s costumes. “We will endeavour to acquire some of them…We hope you will come back again.”

Festival Ambassador Chief Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu of Lagos, said if the night’s presentation was a sneak preview of what to expect, then the main festival would not only be exciting but would also be witnessed by a full house. “We look forward to seeing much more exciting presentations next year,” Erelu Dosunmu said.

From the presentation last Saturday, it was obvious that Nigeria and Brazil have so much history untapped. Also, there is much to know about the socio-cultural affinity between the two countries.

A Brazilian woman who is married to a Nigerian, Mrs Sandra Obi, was simply ecstatic and full of emotion when she mounted the stage to dance with the Samba group. She said the night’ performance reminded her of Brazil’s rich culture.

Mrs Obi, who last watched the group in 2009 at Sao Paolo, Brazil, said culturally, there is no difference between Brazil and Nigeria, adding that Brazilians love music and faji the same way Nigerians do.

‘The skilful act of the drummers, guitarists and singers (all dressed in white trousers and a blue and yellow top) kept the audience on the edges of their seats’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION More than Nine Lessons and Carol

For the children and their parents, it was a memorable Yuletide as LOTS Charity Foundation treated them to several days of fun at ‘Dustbin Estate’ in Ajegunle, Lagos.

EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

E

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HE memory of Christmas will linger in the minds of children and their families at a section of Ajegunle, called ‘Dustbin Estate’.

They were treated to a Yuletide of fun and freebies by the LOTS Charity Foundation that caters for children in the area.

“The foundation has given us a reason to smile this Christmas as they did for us last year. But this one is different because we received more things than last year. We are very happy and grateful,” Mrs Kafayat Oyemade, a parent, said.

From parties to movies and lots of freebies, the children, had a swell time. Beside the various parties for them, over 120 children were given hampers containing toys, provisions, shoes, books, bags and more for Christmas in LOTS’s Hamper for Every Kid project.

It was sponsored by Sahara Oil. Their parents were not left out. They also received a bag of rice, half bag of garri, one live/frozen chicken, vegetable oil, drinks and a pack containing stew ingredients under its Christmas for Every Family project.

The foundation also took the children on a tour of Lagos, and to the Cinema and Funfactory, both in Lekki under its ‘Fun Day for Kids’ project.

The day has left a mark in their mind, The children said.

Godwin Alao, 7, dazzled guests with his dance steps. Thirteen-year-old Misturat Balogun said this was the best Yuletide eve, because of the thrills of the day.

“This year’s outing was what I enjoyed most because it is what I wanted that they gave to me, such as fun, food, drink and dance.”

For eight-year-old Naomi Uzoh, the visit to the movies and the swimming pool at Funfactory was her greatest delight. Her experience is not different from that of Chisom Onyerioha, 6, who said: “I learnt new things and enjoyed myself. I like the puff puff, juice and Jangilova (meaning the slides, train ride and other play things).”

For the thrills and goodies of the day provided, Sulaimon Ahmed, 10, who said he wants to be a lawyer, had a few words for the foundation: “I ask that they should keep it up and that God would bless them. In many years to come as I continue with LOTS, I hope to be a lawyer and I will care for others like my father does too. They have given me more knowledge and understanding and they have taken me to places I did not know before.”

The exhilarating experience at the Funfactory was sponsored by the management of the factory. According to its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Bolanle Mabawonku, the first experience with the foundation and its children “was a blast”.

She said: “I decided to support and partner with the foundation after hearing about it from a friend. I was touched that somebody, a lady, took it upon herself to cater for people, especially children in the ‘Dustbin Estate’. I then invited them and hosted them on last year’s Children’s Day and that began the partnership between us. Giving the children a reason to smile this season is our greatest joy. And we would love to do more,” she said.

The three projects, LOTS said, were meant to

•The children enjoying the season

•Tolu and the children on the dance floor

Banquets for families in ‘AJ city’ CELEBRATION put smiles on the faces of the kids and their families. “It is not enough to just care for the educational and health development of a child.

If there is no food at home, nothing you teach the kids that would sink in. That is why we have gone beyond educating them to reaching out to their families as well, especially at

a time like this when love and fun is in the air. So, this year, aside the Christmas for every family, our foundation has added hampers for every child comprising all sorts of goodies worth between N15, 000 to N25, 000. We thank God and all those whose contributions made our projects successful. The all-seeing God knows their names and addresses,” said LOTS founder, Tolu Sangosanya.

I ask that they should keep it up and that God would bless them. In many years to come as I continue with LOTS, I hope to be a lawyer and I will care for others like my father does too. They have given me more knowledge and understanding and they have taken me to places I did not know before

Lagos Council urges prayers for unity at Xmas carol

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HE Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Mr Kayode Bolaji, has urged Nigerians to pray for peace and unity, irrespective of their religious and cultural differences.

He spoke at the Ibiire Oto-Awori Xmas Carol and Nine Lessons at the Council secretariat in Ijanikin, Lagos. He said oneness and respect for our different cultures and religions should always be preached.

Bolaji said that government’s responsibilities include sensitising Nigerians on the essence of showing one another love de-

By Udemma Chukwuma

spite their cultural and religious background.

“The Holy Bible has shown us several instances of love as our primary duty especially in Romans 14:8-10, which is a fulfillment of the laws and other commandments which are the fact that love does no wrong to a neighbor,” he said.

He noted that Christmas is celebrated the world over because of the role Jesus Christ played to save mankind. ”We might be blameless in spite of our misdeed, this is an opportunity to be sober and reflect on hap-

penings in the country over the years,” he said.

Special Assistant on Research and Programme Coordinator to the Chairman, Mr Abiola Ojo said the essence of the carol was to celebrate the yuletide period among the staff and the people of the local government area and as well to showcase talents among the youths in order to develop them for future.

The first Woezo fest was held in Lagos, in December 2007 at the National Museum, Lagos.

VERY SEASON, Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS), Awka and Radio Nigeria hold the Christmas carol and Nine Lessons. This year isn’t different Although The Nation missed that of ABS, it witnessed that of Purity FM Awka at Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area an arm of Radio Nigeria.

It is a Christmas programme that brings the spirit of renewal and rebirth through spiritual music that nourishes the soul.

Shakespeare had in one of his classical books said. “If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it.”

At this year’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol, it was praise galore for Radio Nigeria, especially Purity FM Awka for upholding the tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carol designed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and to put their numerous listeners in the mood to celebrate the Yuletide.

At the renovated Purity FM Hall, St Cletus Choir, Otolo Nnewi, Chapel of Redemption Choir Unizik and St Jude’s Choir Adazi Ani thrilled the audience with spirit filled carol that latter ended with a wish of Merry Christmas to everyone.

Publisher of Orient Daily and Orient magazine, Awka, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo extolled the Purity FM for instituting the annual carol of nine lessons and therefore, called on wealthy individuals to use this period of yuletide to touch lives by supporting the poor and the needy in the society as that is a gesture that attracts God’s reward.

Ezeemo, who read the second lesson, also appealed to the management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the zonal Director, Mr Chigozie Obialor, to look into the constant change of directors at the station which, according to him, hampers the tempo of development and relationship with some philanthropists in the state and restated his continuous commitment and support to the station.

Ezeemo, who is the president of Charity Ezeemo Foundation donated N170,000 to the choral groups that participated in this year’s festival. He had during that of 2011 donated some money to choral groups that participated and a bus to Purity Fm led by Chinwe Ononye.

He was represented at this year’s event by the General Manager of Orient Newspaper, Chief Barnabas Okonkwo.

In his Christmas message, the Archbishop of Niger Province and the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Christian Efobi represented by Ven. David Obiagbaoso, said Christmas is an opportunity to visit hospitals, motherless babies homes, and to reconcile with our neighbours and friends.

Bishop Efobi also noted that Christmas is a period to remind the press that there ought to be a synergy between the church and the press as both are agents of transformation.

“The birth of Jesus Christ” he said, “has called for holiness among us, husband and wife and stressed the need to cherish this word holiness and reconcile their differences.”

Archbishop Efobi therefore called on Christians to remain steadfast and prayerful and as well imbibe the virtue of humility rather than living in fear. Everybody in Nigeria is living in fear, fear of unknown, fear of Boko Haram, fear of kidnapping and fear of armed robbers; but God is telling us not to be afraid. Let us imbibe the virtue of humility which is the hallmark of the Christian living.”

Governor Obi of Anambra state described the programme as an important one which heralds the birth of Jesus Christ. He tasked Christians to reflect on the reason for the coming of Jesus Christ. Obi, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Sir Tony Udoh, advised people to turn away from evil and shun acts that will truncate the peace in Anambra State.

The General Manager, Purity FM, Mrs. Mirian Menkiti, affirmed that the programme is a tradition of Radio Nigeria aimed at remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. She noted that Purity FM is a station whose programmes focus on the promotion of peace, economic and socio-economic values.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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The GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre has been opened to the public.

The event attracted dignitaries, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

GreenHouse opens in Ogun •Govt to link art centre with expressway

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•The GreenHouse headquarters

•From left: Skye Bank Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayeni, Princess Odozi, Ashiru and Baale of Olambe (middle) at the event

LTHOUGH the people of Olambe in Ogun State, woke up to a hazy harmattan morning last Saturday, little did they know that it was going to be a day they would host dignitaries from all walks of life, including top government officials led by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Not even the rough and dusty roads could prevent the visitors from thronging the GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre in St. Lucy Estate, Olambe. Guests left with the assurance from government that the road and, indeed, others like it across the state would soon be rehabilitated.

The Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Asiru, who represented Governor Amosun, said: “When I was coming here, I saw what you have been going through. The governor and I used one day to go through, Ota, Okearo, Ijoko, Alagbado, Sango, Ifo roads; and the government is going to construct the road from Ota through Ijoko, Alagbado to Akute, and a bridge that would link the expressway. It would cost N40 billion and the contract has already been awarded. When we start doing the roads many houses would go.”

He praised the initiators of the art centre, saying it was inspiring that they chose to establish it in the state and not in their states. He urged others to take a cue from them.

The massive structure is a sight to behold. The multipurpose art hub, now christened GreenHouse Art Empowerment Centre, a subsidiary of GreenHouse Plaza Limited, houses an art gallery, museum, resource centre, and training/empowerment centre, among others.

The mural heads of two Benin kings with the OriOlokun and Queen Idia heads, (both signifying the marriage of the ancient kingdom) that came as worthy complement with other murals, welcomed guests to the unveiling of the multi-million naira edifice.

While they were still savouring its artistic milieu on the outside, on entering the inside, they were completely blown away by what the saw as they were taken on a tour around the edifice.

The event also featured, on the ground floor, a solo art exhibition of its initiator, Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi, comprising of the installations, photography and paintings. It would run till the end of January. Olambe seems to form the greater part of exhibition’s motifs, featuring several themes and artworks inspired by the place. Guests were shocked to find the trees uprooted in the site as part of the installations on display. The work, Sunset at Olambe also had an effect on guests. “What better way to show we are at peace in the area than to replicate it in my art,” Iyase-Odozi said. And by the end of most of the works had already been ordered for, it was learnt.

The empowerment centre, according to her, is meant to train, empower and touch lives, especially those of the lessprivileged in the area. And subsequently, they would be training art educators, it was learnt. She said: “In all, the centre would be empowering everybody in various arts and craft: women, youths, children and anybody who is willing to learn. Although the centre is not a money-making project but participants would pay a token to engender a sense of commitment in them.”

The second and third floors house the founder’s private collection, comprising of her works and that of other artists like Oladele Awosoga, Oyesanya Bunmi Ayaoge, Ogunwo Bolaji, etc; the art museum (ancient and contemporary), in which work is still in progress; and the empowerment centre housing conference and classrooms, among others.

The structure, its blend of colours and artistry goes to show how deep and imaginative its founder is, it was said.

They also observed that it was a project that would have fitted perfectly in the hub of business activities such as Lagos.

“This is a massive and fantastic structure that has been put up here,” Skye Bank Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayeni, had exclaimed. He said the project would not just serve humanity but bring development to the community. But that was not the first time, Ayeni, who also chaired the event, would be visiting the centre. In fact, he was also impressed when he had first visited.

He was captivated by the spread of art works particularly within the place. “The first time I came to visit Mr Victor Odozi, I was admiring the artworks and was surprised when he told me that all the paintings were done by his wife. And when he told me of this project which was under construction then, I was impressed. Most people would have gladly put this kind of edifice in the city centres such as Lagos.

This is like giving back to the society. With its establishment here, it would attract far more development which is good for the community,” he said.

•Continued on page 37

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

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

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

TUC warns lawmakers on zero allocation to SEC

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HE Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticised the approved zero allocation in the 2013 budget for the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) by the National Assembly.

The congress, in a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Peter Esele and Acting Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Lawal, said the lawmakers should follow due process by directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute the SEC Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh, instead of starving workers in the commission over ego feud that has nothing to do with the welfare of the workers and the nation’s economy.

It warned that such action by the lawmakers to cause more hardship on the workers as a result of the feud it had with the Director-General of the commission would incur the wrath of the workers.

The House of Representatives has failed to approve the budget of the SEC

•Suggests investigation, prosecution of Oteh in the 2013 budget over a long-running feud Ms Oteh had with the House, after she accused members of a committee set up to probe the capital market of soliciting bribes from the commission.

The statement reads in part: “We are against the tough stance taken by the National Assembly on SEC by the approved zero allocation for the commission because such action by the lawmakers will bring untold hardship to the workers in the commission as a result of the feud.

“The organised labour will have no choice than to defend workers should their salaries from January 2013 be delayed over the feud.

“We call on the National Assembly to follow due process by directing the EFCC and any other government relevant anti-graft agency to investigate and prosecute the SEC director-general, instead of starving workers of the commission

over ego feud that has nothing to do with their welfare and the nation’s economy.”

TUC said the National Assembly should be cautious in taking measures to tackle SEC, in order not to push the economy back into recession.

“We urge the National Assembly to take action by calling on the nation’s anti-graft agency to prosecute Ms Oteh, instead of infringing on the rights of the workers,” it added.

The National Assembly on Friday passed the 2013 budget with an increase from N4.92 trillion to N4.98 trillion. The figure has a difference of N62 billion as against the proposal presented by President Goodluck Jonathan in October.

Both chambers of the National Assembly considered a report of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance on the 2013 Appropriation Act. The lawmakers warned that all unutilised capital expenditure in

• Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun receiving a cheque of N200million from Mr Funwa Akinbande,the Head of Products of Ecobank PLC during the flag-off of the second phase of the state’s N200million micro-credit empowerment for women … on Monday. With them is the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi.

T

NSE: Retail bonding trading to boost market liquidity

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) will get more liquidity as retail bond trading begins in the first quarter of 2013, operators have said.

They said the development, coming months after the introduction of the market makers, would enhance the liquidity position of the market.

According to the operators, the mood of the market has been upbeat following speculations that the Exchange will soon set the tone for the take-off of retail bond trading on its platform early next year.

Speaking to The Nation, the Managing Director, BGL Securities Limited, Mr Sunday Adebola, said the appointment of Stanbic/IBTC as the government’s stockbroking firm has elicited more confidence in the market.

He said investors and stockbroking were looking forward to the day

MfBs record N5.8b loss -

Page 31

By Akinola Ajibade

bond trading would start at the retail market, adding that the trading platform has been configured to meet this needs.

He said: “The market is excited about the issue for various reasons.

First, operators have a strong confidence in Stanbic/IBTC because of its pedigrees in the country and beyond. Secondly, the bank has strong liquidity position and as such, would not find it difficult to inject enough cash for trading on bonds.

Thirdly, the idea will compliment the efforts of market makers that have been trying their best to inject liquidity into the system.”

According to him, the market is

waiting to attract more liquidity from bond trading since many of the market markets have not been able to live up to expectations.

“Judging from the pulse of the market, expectations are high on the issue of starting bond trading( retail) next year. We are expecting NSE to provide the modus operandi for the commencement of bond trading soon. We are really waiting,” he said.

Also, a market analyst, Mr Tayo Bello, said the market will record more growth when more flexible and high-yielding instruments, such as bonds are introduced into the market.

Bello said this would boost market operations throughthe provision of funds.

the 2012 budget should be rolled over to form part of the 2013 Appropriation Act. They retained the $79 per barrel oil benchmark price for the budget, higher than the $75 a barrel proposed by the President.

Stockbrokers may embrace bailout package

By Tonia Osundolire

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ANY debt-pressed stockbro kers appeared to have no choice in resolving their debts and and illiquidity outside the forbearance package announced by the Finance Minister Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala despite the stringent terms attached to the forbearance package.

A major market operator, who craved anonymity, said brokers can only reject the Federal Government’s package if there is a better option.

Already, there are indications that about 20 per cent of the 84 stock broking firms, which have been listed as beneficiaries of the package, might reject the offer.

Earlier, President of the Association of Stock brokering Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) Mr Emeka Madubike said the decision of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is wise, adding that it would allow brokers to be treated equally.

He said brokers, who are represented by AMCON, could only allow for a better negotiation of equal conditions instead of having the banks to deal with individuals which might give room for double standard.

His words: “The conditions are stringent but not too stringent and some stockbroking firms will be taking it.

We have met and have decided that the conditions are okay, though some stockbrokers will not be taking the offer, majority will be taking it.

“However, the most important thing for us is that the government is finally recognising the importance of the capital market to the economy and they are looking our way”, he said.

The Chief Executive of AMCON Mr Mustapha Chike-Obi last week confirmed that some brokers would reject the government’s bailout package.

According to him, there has been feedback that many of the stockbroking firms would reject the forbearance package due to the stringent rules that comes with the package, adding that some of the stockbroking firms believe they would not comply with the rules.

Chike-Obi has said the corporation wiould send letters to each of the 84 stockbroking firms informing them of the offer and giving them a timeframe to ether take or reject the forbearance package.

The Finance Minister recently announced a bail-out package for 84 stockbroking firms affected by margin loans, which may run up to N22 billion.

One of the conditions set for the brokers is that they would not consult for any firm for three years.

However, some brokers said though the conditions were stringent, some of them would still go ahead to take the package.

Starcomms announces N5b NAICOM’s proposed ‘no premium, no policy’ excites loss in nine months insurers - Page 33 - Page 34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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MONEY

Banks lower charges to reduce customers’ burden

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N line with the Central Bank’s directive, banks have started reducing charges on customers’ accounts to reduce their burden.

Known as ‘Guide to Bank Charges,’ the initiative by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is to reduce charges seen as exploitative.

Findings showed that many banks charge overdraft protection fees for honouring cheques that exceed the amount in a customer’s account; bank transfer fee for the transfer of money from one bank to another; credit reference fee for providing a third party with information about a customer’s creditworthiness; fee for counting coins; teller fee for interacting with tellers; safe-deposit box fee for storing items in a safe-deposit box valuable.

There are also, the money order/ cashier’s cheques charges as well as maintenance fees charged by the month or year for the maintenance of an account and fees for services like overdraft coverage and returned cheques, among others.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, it was learnt, has begun implementing the guideline. It has removed access fees for all electronic channels and lowered transaction fees for its range of electronic products (e-products) and services. In a statement, the bank said its gesture is meant to drive the cashless initiative and provide value added services to customers during this festive season.

Under the plan, the bank’s customers will be allowed access

• UBA CEO, Phillips Oduoza Stories by Collins Nweze

transactions at significantly lower rates, across its electronic platforms such as the UBA Debit and Prepaid Cards, U-Mobile (Your Bank on your Mobile ) and U-Direct (Your Bank on the Web).

Head e-Banking, UBA Plc, Adeyinka Adedeji, said the lender has also cancelled the N100 monthly access charge to U-Mobile and U-Direct for retail customers and removed N150,000 enrollment fee for web payment gateway installation on merchant’s website.

Also, First City Monument Bank

• Diamond Bank CEO, Alex Otti

(FCMB) recently communicated its decision to reduce charges on online transactions to its customers.

In an email entitled: Reduction of transaction charges on FCMBOnline, the bank slashed charges on transfers by 50 per cent, with transactions costing N200 reduced to N100; N300 to N150 and N500 to N250.

Diamond Bank had before the cancellation of interbank ATM withdrawal fee, stopped all such fees. The lender said the move was to demonstrate its commitment towards customer satisfaction as well as its resolve to drive innovation

in the industry.

Last week’s stopping of N100 transaction fee on other banks’ ATMs by banks was seen as an initial test for the guideline, which is at its final stage of approval, a top executive in one of the commercial banks said.

The apex bank said the guide would make it more difficult for banks to set high fees and charges without having reasons acceptable to the regulator. The CBN said banks’ drive to make inroads into the legions of the unbanked, financially illiterate and those isolated from traditional banking services through distance and hard terrain will be hampered by excessive charges.

The source said the guideline was meant to address complaints arising from bank tariffs and other miscellaneous fees charged by banks on their customers’ accounts.

He said the review was, among other things, discussed during the last Bankers’ Committee meeting in Abuja.

He said the review was at ‘advanced stage’ and that the apex bank was working on harmonising areas to end the review.

In a statement the CBN said complaints arising from high bank tariffs could threaten confidence in the banking system. It said in reviewing and updating the document on the charges, the CBN will be guided

Statistics Bureau projects rate cut

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S the global economy continues to slide, the scope for rate cut by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has widened and should be expected in 2013, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said.

The agency said the rise in inflation from 11.7 per cent in October to 12.3 per cent year-on-year last month was informed by a floodrelated temporary rise in food prices. However, with the worst of this now seemingly over, inflation should begin to ease again in the coming months, which will open up the possibility of monetary easing next year.

The NBS said the continued weakness in world demand expected in 2013 will ease pressure on global commodity prices.

It explained that given policymakers’ concerns over fresh spikes in global food prices, the CBN is likely to remain in wait and see mode for a while longer.

The CBN kept rate at 12 per cent unchanged at the last Monetary • From left: Executive Secretary, Distillers and Blenders Association Sector Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Aare Fatai Odesile; Acting Secretary, Nigeria Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Comrade Lamidi Danjuma and National President, Comrade Lateef Oyelekan, during a briefing on influx of PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO smuggled alcoholic wines and spirits in Lagos.

CBN lists recapitalisation options for mortgage banks

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined the options for recapitalisation available to Primary Mort-gage Banks (PMBs).

CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Department (OFISD), O.A. Fabamwo, said PMBs could raise funds from the capital market, right issue, private placement, public offer, business combination, mergers and acquisition to enable them meet the recapitalisation deadline of April 30, 2013.

He said it was important to remind directors and shareholders of the options to meet the prescribed capital requirements of N5 billion for National PMBs and N2.5 billion for State PMBs and the documentation requirements to

obtain regulatory approval for each option.

He, advised the banks to conduct due diligence and seek professional legal and financial advice. However, the PMBs that may choose to undertake rights issue, private placement, or public offer, are advised to complete the process and submit the documentary requirements for verification on or before March 31, 2013.

This, he said, is to allow enough time for the capital verification exercise and subsequent correction of any discrepancy and/or submission of any additional evidence that may be required, to ensure that the capital is verified, confirmed and approved before the stipulated

deadline.

Also, the PMBs that may choose the business combination option would have to comply with the requirements of the Banks and Other financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 1990 and the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2007.

They are also to obtain regulatory approvals of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the CBN, hold statutorily required meetings and obtain orders of the courts, where necessary.

“These timelines are for guidance only. PMBs are strongly advised to conclude the processes even before the recommended timelines,” he said.

by, among other factors, financial inclusion, with emphasis on consumer protection, unit cost of banks, and contemporary developments in Nigeria’s banking industry.

The banking watchdog said the guideline, which was issued to the industry several years ago, is being reviewed to protect bank customers’ interest. It lamented the practices in some banks, where products and services are deployed at exorbitant costs to the customers, saying that the high costs have helped in discouraging many people from assessing financial services.

According to the apex bank, commercial and other banks need to be key partners in its drive for financial inclusion, even if for reasons of enlightened self-interest. In this context, there is a need to take a different approach to bank charges and fees to customers.

Analysts said financial inclusion satisfies CBN’s needs to see a previously ignored sector of the public economy catered for and nurtured, and takes some of the heat off costs levied elsewhere on the banks’ clientele. It also opens a new sector that might be unprofitable for now but which will pay future dividends. The banks consider the time, money and effort invested in developing the socalled ‘unbanked’ market wellspent.

Policy Committee meeting. “Our expectation is that as the global economy continues to slow, we think there is scope for rate cuts in 2013,” it said.

The MPR, the benchmark rate by which the CBN determines interest rate, has remained at 12 per cent since October 2011 when it was increased from 9.25 representing 275 basis points raise. Beside, the CBN was advised to sustain its efforts at finding other innovative ways to unlock the credit market and stimulate the economy.

NBS said that on a year-on-year basis, the relative increase in the headline index in November was as a result of higher prices in both the food and core indices. The core sub-index has deviated from its trend over the previous months, increasing to 13.1 per cent, while food prices continue to indicate lagged effects of the floods which occurred from July to mid-October, as well as other demand and supply conditions.

Govt to recapitalise BoA

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ANK of Agriculture (BoA) will be recapitalised by the Federal Government, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adesina Akinwunmi, has said.

Speaking at a workshop on ‘Financing Nigeria’s agricultural revolution’ in Lagos, he said the bank was critical in achieving government’s agenda for the sector, especially concerning adequate funding.

He explained that public equity funds also need to do more in funding agriculture. According to him, the World Bank has invested $500 million; African Development Bank, $250 million while Bill Gates Foundation is working with the Federal Government on advisory role to strengthen agricultural financing in the country.

The minister said agricultural lending is promising and has moved from one per cent to over three per cent in the last one year, adding that there is an increasing demand and opportunities for agriculture funding for banks.

He said there is need to unlock the potential in the agricultural sector adding that banks should see agricultural financing as a serious business that can impact positively on their balance sheets. He saidpublic equity funds also need to increase their stake in agricultural financing.

Information obtained from the website of BoA described it as Nigeria’s premier agricultural and rural development finance institution, 100 per cent wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The ownership structure is: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 40 per cent and Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated 60 per cent.

BoA Limited is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

“We provide affordable credit facilities to segments of the Nigerian society who have little access to the services of conventional banks. We accept savings deposit from customers and encourage banking habits at the grass-roots,” the bank said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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MONEY

MfBs record N5.8b loss • CBN urged to extend Dec. 31 recapitalisation deadline

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ICROFINANCE banks recorded a loss of N5.8 billion last year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

Speaking at a forum organised by the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMBs) in Lagos, a senior staff member of Other Financial Institutions Department, (OFID), CBN, Mr David Adelana, said despite the loss, the banks are determined to improve and engender economic growth.

He said: “Based on the CBN’s report, the microfinance institutions have significantly reduced their losses from N11 billion in 2010 to N5.8 billion in 2011. This is, in spite of various odds in the sub-sector and the economy in particular.”

He said the apex bank introduced the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy to mitigate risks in the industry, advising the banks to apply stricter measures to safeguard depositors’ funds.

He said certain commercial banks contend with a lot of dormant accounts because their owners are not bothered.

“First Bank and Union Bank are having many dormant accounts.

“The reason is because people that opened these accounts do not come

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

back to operate them. This is one of the reasons behind the introduction of KYC guidelines. It is now left for banks to put in place customer due diligence in place to control risks,” he added.

MfBs have called on CBN to extend the recapitalisation deadline by one year. The operators said the December 31, deadline is not feasible because of the poor state of the sub-sector, urging the banking watchdog to extend the deadline for recapitalisation to December 2013.

Reacting to the CBN’s circular entitled: “No deadline extension for Microfinance Banks and Primary Mortgage Institutions” dated December 20, 2012, the Chairman, NAMBs, Southwest Region, Mr Olufemi Babajide, said the banks had no choice but to seek an extension of the deadline. Babajide said though some banks have agreed to merge operations to get the capital base of N20 million, N100 million and N2 billion, they are still facing liquidity problems.

He said operators were making efforts to get the required capital and further escape CBN’s hammer.

“It is not that the banks are not taking the recapitalisation issue seriously. Since 2011, when the CBN imposed a multi-phase and flexible capital regime on operators, efforts are being made to ensure that operators recapitalised based on their capacities. However, liquidity squeeze has stalled the ambition of the operators to recapitalise and play at either local, state and national level as contained in the recapitalisation guidelines set for the banks,” he said.

The association’s former National President, Mr Mathias Umeh, said recapitalisation is germane to the growth of the sub-sector. He said operators still have more time to shore up their capital base for growth. He said strategies on how to meet the capital base have been evolving among the operators since last year.

He advised operators to double their efforts to recapitalise their operations, in case CBN extends the deadline.

He said mergers and acquisition process continues in the sub-sector, stressing that the bigger banks are entering into agreements with the smaller ones to form bigger and stronger institutions.

Bankers’ forum for Accra THE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has advised its members to participate in the international seminar on enterprise wide risk in Accra, Ghana between January 14-17, 2013.

In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr Ben Igbokwe, the body said the seminar with the theme: “International Seminar on Enterprise Wide Risk Management” is being organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Ghana and the University of Reading, United Kingdom.

It said the forum would help senior banking and finance professionals, and eminent scholars to engage in strategic knowledge sharing for self development, adding that it would encourage industry growth.

Ecobank, Airtel Money to hold exhibition ECOBANK International Incorporated (ETI) is partnering with Airtel Money to organise an exhibition in Lagos in 2013.

According to a statement from Mobile Money Africa, the exhibition with the theme: “Boosting women entrepreneurship via mobile money“ will showcase more case studies on mobile payments, cards, microfinance.

It said the forum would help in intimating stakeholders with technologies driving mobile financial services that are yet to be seen in similar conference in Africa.

Domestic Bank Manager, Ecobank International Incorporated, Mr Mohammed Bar, said Airtel Money Product branded “Ecobank Mobile” was designed to take banking to the doorstep of ordinary citizens.

“The event will help people to understand Mobile Money Agency propositions and operations in Nigeria. Also, the nation’s mobile money industry would be able to avail itself of immense opportunities in the area of mobile money for the development of the economy,” the statement added.

UBA gains after forecast UNITED Bank for Africa Plc rose for a ninth day after forecasting higher first-half profit.The bank with operations in 19 countries has been enjoying good performance on the floors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE) on accounts of its quarterly results.

The stock gained 17 kobo, or 4.8 per cent, to N3.74 in Lagos. A close at this price would be the highest since October 13. The shares have advanced 44 per cent this year.

Profit after tax for the six months through June is expected to be 26.6 billion naira ($169.3 million), with gross earnings of 113.4 billion naira, the Lagos-based lender said on the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s website today. The bank, known as UBA, didn’t give year-earlier figures. First-half net income last year was 8.2 billion naira, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Wema Bank boosts customer service

• Queue in front of a bank in Gwagwalada, Abuja on Monday.

CBN’s policy triggers investment in TBs, bonds C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) tight liquidity measures in the past 12 months would result in in-flow of funds to the banking industry, experts have said.

They argued that CBN’s decision to continue tightening liquidity via raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) would help in changing investors’ decision, and in moving funds from one segment of the financial market to another.

According to them, the banking sector would benefit greatly as investors abandon the capital market for less risks and high yielding instruments such as Treasury Bills (TBs).

Speaking on the issue, the Managing Director, Investment Banking, BGL Securities, Mr Wale Oluwo, said the decision to maintain MPR at 12 per cent will further depress the capital market because investors would abandon stocks for a safer financial instruments.

Oluwo said the development would make fund managers and banks to continue to invest in safe government instruments such as TBs and bonds where they can make cheap and double digit returns without taking any risks.

He said though banks would be making money from the two fixed-

income instruments, they would nevertheless be able to provide money to the private sector of the economy. He said the apex bank plans to leave MPR at 12 per cent would hike the lending rates, thereby hindering private sector operators to access credit for growth.

Accordingly, funds will not get to the private sector and their financial performance would continue to dwindle, further depressing the prices of their shares on the exchange. Individuals and households will also not have access to funds which will make the Nigerian economy to continue shrinking,” he said.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Lambert Trust and Investment, Mr David Adonri, said: “The implication of the retention of MPR at 12 percent for the capital market is that the fixed income market will continue to maintain its dominant position.”

He added that prevailing high interest rate on bank borrowing and increasing public borrowing will continue to crowd out the real sector and the equities market.

The Vice Chairman, Anchoria In-

vestments and Securities Limited, Dr Olusola Dada, said the outlook in the fixed-income market remains positive in view of the regulatory stands on certain financial matters.

Dada said the stock market thrives on liquidity coming mainly from the private sector, adding that inability of the sector to access credit for investment purpose would have far reaching effects on the capital market.

He said once private sector operators are unable to access the lending window available to them, they capital market runs the risk of getting liquidity for growth. He said investors now preferred treasury bills and bonds option where they would on average get some earnings to share.

“I think the money market rates are now more appealing to some investors since they are sure of getting returns on investments. To some people, it is safer to put their money in fixed accounts, or invest in TBs for better yields. If CBN continues with its liquidity tightening measures by way of retaining MPR or increasing it further, the better for banks among other investors in fixed income securities. Conversely, the situation portends danger for capital market operators,” he said.

WEMA Bank Plc has begun the deployment of Finacle banking software from Infosys Limited to boost service delivery. The development is aimed at strengthening the bank’s retail services in its over 130 branches across Nigeria.

According to a statement, Infosys will implement Finacle core banking, consumer e-banking and treasury solutions at Wema Bank.

This will in effect drive the bank’s objective of enhancing productivity and innovation-led customer experience in all its operations.

The bank in a statement, said the initiative will help in will in creating a differentiated customer experience through personalised offerings, bundled products and an enriched segment-specific portfolio, among others.

According to Divisional Head, Information Technology & Operations, Wema Bank, Olayinka Oni, “Our clients are our number one priority, and it is essential that we possess the best technology to meet their needs effectively.

“We are confident that once Finacle is implemented, the bank will be able to create value adding customer experience by offering innovative products and seamless integration across channels.

We are delighted to partner with Finacle and Infosys and look forward to a successful operations,” he said.

Stanbic/IBTC promises innovation STANBIC IBTC Bank has reiterated its commitment to deliver innovative products and solutions. Speaking at an event in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, said since 2009, the bank had shown commitment to technology-driven branchless banking services.

Mrs David-Borha said the organisation’s decision to launch the ‘*909# Stanbic IBTC MobileMoney’ solution last year was underscored by the bank’s strategic focus of strengthening its universal banking franchise.

She described mobile money as a game-changer which will enable customers to conduct basic financial transactions such as mobile money account opening, buying airtime, deposit and receipt of cash, as well as payment of utility bills through their mobile phones. She added that it also offers enormous benefits to the economy by channeling the huge funds in the informal sector through the banking system to engender economic development.

Also, Executive Director of Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Obinnia Abajue, explained that it was in recognition of the need for market-driven partnership and alliance with different stakeholders in the mobile money value chain, that the bank went into partnership with all the major telecom operators in Nigeria.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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THE NATION INVESTORS

Analysts project 32% return on equities’

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HE equity market could close with a year-to-date re turn of 32.05 per cent despite cash demand for the Yuletide and long holidays that tend to strain people financially, analysts have said.

The stock market closed on the eve of the Christmas with a yearto-date return of 31.91 per cent.

Analysts at FSDH Securities said they expected the market to round off within the remaining three trading days before the end of 2012 to close the year at 32.05 per cent.

“We remain positive about the outlook of the equities market in the next few weeks. We expect the NSE All Share Index to close the year in the region of 32.05 per cent year to date. As a result of the festivity we expect intermittent upside coupled with profit taking to

persist for the remainder of 2012,” FSDH stated in latest market review.

The latest forecast followed the trend of optimism that has continued to trail equities, which are set to record their best performance in five years.

Investment advisors at Cowry Asset Management Limited, FSDH Securities Limited and GTI Capital Limited among others had said the stock market would neutralise intermittent profit-taking dips and expected increase in demand for cash by the year end with upswings from bargain hunting and portfolio rebalancing as investors await full year returns of quoted companies.

Analysts had stated that with the significant capital appreciation that delivered about N1.4 trillion capi-

tal gains in the third quarter, the market would witness a mix of bargainhuntingand profit-taking in the remaining months, with the thin-edge going to the upside by the end of the period.

Analysts at Cowry Asset said the releaseof companies’thirdquarter results particularlyfrombanks and the continued influx of foreign portfolio investorsmay possibly push theASI beyonditscurrentposition.

They noted that the expectations of final approval of the new Pension Fund InvestmentGuideline could trigger mild market rallies as PensionFund Administratorsre balance their port folio store flect new threshold.

Investment advisors at FSDH said the macroeconomic developments in Nigeria and initiatives

in the equities market should further drive the equities performance in the remaining period of the year.

“Our expectation is hinged on the premise that most companies results released up till date have shown improved performances with wide margins against previous years. Albeit there are some challenges which may adversely impact the market, we are of the opinion that the equities market will close year 2012 remarkably better than it recorded in the last five years,” FSDH stated.

Analysts said they expected the ASI to achieve a growth rate of 25.46 per cent in the second half of the year, thus nudging the fullyear return to 32.05 per cent.

Following the review and expectations of the financial market in

the next one year, investment advisors at FSDH were bullish on equities and recommended portfolio allocation of 30 per cent, 10 per cent, 20 per cent, 20 per cent and 20 per cent in favour of equities, fund placement, treasury bills, mutual funds and bonds respectively.

Looking beyond 2012, analysts at FSDH said their model portfolio should deliver a return of 16.17 per cent within the next one year given the prevailing macroeconomic situations.

“An equity portfolio that invests in our carefully selected stocks, following the fund allocation and abiding by both entry and exit prices, should be able to record a return of 19.88 per cent. Meanwhile, the return on individual stocks is made up of both capital appreciation and dividend payments,” analysts advised.

Operators hail appointment of new SEC board

By Tonia Osundolire

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ARKET operators have commended the ap pointment of a new board for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a positive step that would boost the operations of the apex regulatory body and the capital market.

The immediate past board of the commission, led by Udo Udoma vacated office last June while the Director-General, Ms. Arunma Oteh, has been running the affairs of the commission without a board.

However, the Federal Government, at the weekend, announced a new board with Dr. Suleiman Abdu Ndanusa, a former director-general of the commission, as chairman.

Other members are: Mallam Mounir Gwarzo; Mrs. Sa’adatu Bello; Mr Zakawanu Imhobobho Garuba; Mr Adefunke Abiodun;Mr Ugochukwu Ikemba.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Emeka Madubuike, said the appointment would enhance the operations of the commission.

“It has been long overdue because the last board left office last June. With a new board some of the actions that needed board’s approval that have been delayed can now considered. We are also pleased with the inclusion of some experienced people on the board, especially the chairman, who was once a DG. This is a good development for the regulation of the market,” he said.

However, advised the board to work in harmony and take proactive decisions that would sustain the recovery being witnessed in the market.

“For instance, SEC came out with a list of 35 stock broking firms, saying their registration has been withdrawn. It is good a move but such information should be put in better perspective. The broking firms referred to have been out of operations for over four years.

But investors may not know this.

“We only hope that the new board would address how the commission send its market sensitive information out so as not to create panic this time that the market is witnessing gradual recovery,” he said.

• Immediate past Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu being conferred with fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), by the institute’s President Mr Segun Aina in Lagos. With them is 1st Vice President, Otunba ‘Debola Osibogun.

‘Insecurity has not affected trading’

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ANAGING Director Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc Mr Dimeji Owofemi has said the insecurity situation in the country has not affected trading.

Rather, it has helped to strengthen the marketing chain, especially in the Southwest.

Owofemi spoke at the launch of the company’s new product called “Moor Instant Chocolate Drink on along LagosIbadan Expressway.

He said despite the insecurity in the northern, trade within the region hadn’t stopped.

According to him, “Vehicles still travel from the north to Lagos daily to lift fuel and convey goods from the state to the region. So, I do not see the reason anyone will say it has placed barrier on trade.”

He added that the farmers in the northern were also interested in exchanging their produce into cash.

“As this continues, it has led to the expansion of the market chain to give more people the opportunity to operate within the system. And it hasn’t affected the introduction of new product into the market.

“Daily new brands are introduced into the market and they all find their way to the parts

By Tonia Osundolire

of the country that we all brand as place with high level of insecurity,” he further said.

He noted that the level of security would increase when youths realised the importance of their hands as a tool for the development of the country.”

He added: “hundreds of

youths while they were growing up weren’t exposed to how they can make use of their hands to produce materials that will benefit the society.

“And to address this, our company has trained hundreds of pupils from 43 different schools on how to use their hands effectively to produce different products with co-

coa.”

Speaking on the new product, Owofemi said the company discovered that many chocolate brands in the market do not have enough cocoa, adding: “This is what the product has come to offer in the market.”

He noted that the product has 20 per cent cocoa, which gives it an edge over other brands.

Ghana becomes haven of investors

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closely fought but peace ful election in Ghana this month has burnished the international image of the West African oil, gold and cocoa producer as “the Switzerland of Africa.”

But to win economic bragging rights too, Ghana’s new government will have to convince investors that it can tame a swelling fiscal deficit, stabilise a volatile currency and rebuild foreign exchange reserves that have declined this year while those of other African economies have grown.

Elected President John Dramani Mahama’s administration will have to confront these challenges while economic growth slows albeit to a robust 7.8 per cent projected for 2013, from a blistering 14.5 per cent last year.

Then there is the pressure of high expectations from ordinary

Ghanaians impatient to see the benefits of oil production, which started in 2010.

Investors say they would also like more opportunities to participate in Ghana’s capital markets, but the main constraints are a bond yield curve that ends at five years and a small and illiquid stock market with just 34 listed companies.

“Ghana is one of our favourite places,” said Sven Richter, head of frontier markets at Renaissance Asset Managers. “We would have more in Ghana if there was more liquidity. We have less than one percent of our fund there and we’d quite happily have 10 per cent.”

Despite a legal challenge by the opposition to Mahama’s narrow victory earlier this month, the largely incident-free election in a region known for coups and civil wars has given foreign investors comfort.

“Someone described Ghana to us

as the Switzerland of Africa. I think that’s an apt description,” said Ayo Salami, chief investment officer of asset manager Duet Group’s Africa Opportunities Fund. “There seems to be a continuing commitment on the part of the government to institutional reform, to embedding democratic culture. All these are things we like.”

But the government has to show it is serious about cutting Ghana’s twin deficits - on its budget and current account - which are putting pressure on the currency, Salami said, echoing the concerns of credit rating agencies.

Continuing an election year trend, heavy public spending forced the government to revise its 2012 budget deficit target to 6.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), from the original 4.8 percent. Some analysts think it could end up in double digits when figures are published next year.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

THE NATION INVESTORS

Starcomms announces N5b ninemonth loss as shareholders meet A

HEAD of the extra-ordi nary general meeting of shareholders scheduled for this Friday, Starcomms Plc has announced that it recorded a net loss of N5.3 billion in the third quarter, painting a worsening scenario for the ailing telecoms company.

In the latest window on the operations of the company, the board of directors indicated that the company’s net loss during the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 worsened to N5.3 billion compared with N478.69 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2011.

According to the report, total sales had more than halved from N16.1 billion in 2011 to N7.5 billion in 2012. The company’s balance sheet remained precarious with net deficit of about N20 billion in 2012 as against N14.7 billion in 2011.

The third quarter report followed quarter-on-quarter performance trend for the ailing company. First quarter report had shown net loss of N1.9 billion while this mounted to N2.96 billion in the second quarter.

Analysts said the worsening performance outlook indicated by the third quarter report might persuaded shareholders to consider urgent measures to salvage whatever they could of their investments in the company.

Shareholders of Starcomms are scheduled to meet on Friday to consider the reconstruction of the outstanding shares of the company and acquisition of 90.5 per cent equity stake by a new core investor.

The main agenda of the meet-

•Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research & Leadership Technology, Mioses Essien and River State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, at the African Product forum in River State.

ing is the proposals that Starcomms reconstruct its current outstanding shares and subsequently offer 90.5 per cent postreconstruction equity stake to Capcom in exchange for total investments of $210 million, about N32.7 billion through a private placement of shares.

Starcomms had secured the statutory order of the Federal High Court to convene extra-ordinary general meeting of members of the company for consideration of the Scheme of Arrangement for the reconstruction and

acquisition.

The meeting is expected to highlight the potential of the acquisition but it would also contend with concerns by shareholders, who have not received any dividends from the shares being wiped away.

According to the plan for the share reconstruction, the telecommunication company’s current outstanding shares of 7.09 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each may be reduced to less than one billion shares. Starcomms’ shares are trading at the Nigerian Stock

Skye Bank finances new aviation services partnership

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KYE Bank Plc is bankrolling a major new initiative to boost air travellers’ in-flight experience as the financier of the strategic airline catering and logistics alliance between Servair, a foreign firm and Global Trade Investment Limited, a Nigerian company.

Servair, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air France, brings world class management and technical expertise while Global Trade brings deep knowledge of the Nigerian market to create a customer service hub aimed at redefining inflight experience. Skye Bank brings the finance to make the partnership a success.

The Servair-Global Trade partnership will lead to an initial production capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 meal trays per day which will increase as market dictates. The hub of their operations is the Muritala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, which is strategically positioned for this development with approximately 6.7 million passengers passing through it every year.

Skye Bank is at the centre of the new initiative to make Nigeria the largest operational base of Servair in Africa. The bank is financing the 5000 meals per day in-flight catering facility with a 900m2 temperature controlled warehouse to cater for airlines under an Export Free Trade Processing Zone arrangement at the international wing of the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

Besides in-flight food services, the Servair-Global Trade partnership also engages in handling of equipment and logistics consisting of the loading and unloading of aircraft, management and storage of airline products, provision of

airport assistance from runway to the terminal, cleaning of the cabin, and preparation of clean and comfortable aircraft.

The new project is another indication of Skye Bank’s commitments to projects and investments aimed at ensuring safety and comfort of air travellers. It should be recalled that Skye Bank Plc also provided finance for a new domestic airline, First Nation, which parades in its fleet modern aircraft in line with the requirements of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo said that the bank has been playing an active role in nurturing the industry to growth through funding of infrastructure, acquisition of aircraft and partnership with support service providers in the industry.

He noted that the special nature of air travel makes the aviation industry a very sensitive one that requires high standards, effective regulation and complementary equipment to ensure safety of both passengers and aircraft.

According to him, the intensity of airlines core services and activities often imposes financial constraints to the airlines but a strong financier like Skye Bank provides the necessary back-up to ease such strain and make air travelling more exciting.

Industry analysts noted that most times, the high demands imposed on airlines in terms of having their aircraft well maintained and properly equipped with safety equipment leave the airlines with little

or no time to attend to on-board customer service. Often, their preoccupation is the safety of flights and passengers which many national and international aviation regulatory agencies are out to regulate and enforce.

As a result, there is a service gap left unfilled by the airlines which though may be not be given high premium by the airlines but which undeniably ranks high in the preference of air travelers-customer service.

Analysts pointed out that with its array of services and solutions, Servair has helped many airlines globally to expand their businesses, ensure higher profitability and giving them a competitive edge.

According to analysts, just as there is much emphasis on safety and standards in the aviation sector, creating an exciting and pleasant experience in air travel is no less important. Delighting air travelers and winning them over is now the ultimate desire of many airlines worldwide. This desire is borne out of the need to achieve repeat patronage and, consequently, increase market share.

Analysts noted that by delegating the management of their onboard services to Servair, airlines can concentrate on their core business in all tranquility and optimize the quality of services given to passengers.

Servair’s value proposition is to allow airlines concentrate fully on carrying passengers by offering them a complete range of customized services, a palette of turnkey solutions developed to offer the best possible ground and inflight support to the airline world.

Exchange (NSE) at par value of 50 kobo, giving the company market capitalisation of N3.54 billion.

Share reconstruction could initially wipe away some N3.1 billion in market values, although post-reconstruction and acquisition revaluation may likely restore values to shareholders as the new shares respond to market forces.

The proposal also includes a window for additional investments in the company to pre-reconstruction shareholders through a rights issue. The rights issue, which would be undertaken after the private placement to Capcom, will be on the same valuation as those shares offered to Capcom.

On completion of the private placement to Capcom, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and Helios Investment Partners would acquire equity stakes in Starcomms through equities derived from Capcom shareholding. AMCON’s shares would result from conversion of bad loans it took over from banks, which Starcomms was indebted to.

Capcom is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created for the purpose of making the investment into Starcomms and other related transactions. Investors under Capcom included MBC, a private trust with a focus on investing in emerging markets; Pan African Capital through its asset management division, PAC Asset Management; and the family offices, Bridge house Capital and Oldonyo Laro Estates.

As part of the investment agreement, Capcom would acquire, release and merge the spectrum licence of MTS and the CDMA mobile telecoms business of Multi-Links to that of Starcomms.

Besides, Capcom will provide $98 million in cash to finance the integration of MTS and Multi-Links into Starcomms and for the emergent company to meet on-going short-term losses in the business and to deliver the combined company’s new business plan.

The proposed transaction is expected to create a leading CDMA operator in Nigeria and represents a fundamental step as part of the consolidation move in the telecoms industry.

With the benefit of the 20 MHz of contiguous 1900MHz spectrum to be held by the consolidated operations, the largest spectrum allocation for any mobile operator in Nigeria, the new entity will be positioned at the forefront of the shift away from current generation of services into a Long Term Environment (LTE) technology platform capable of delivering new 4G and related data and other services that will offer customers substantially improved performance.

Central banks begin implementation of new capital base next week

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EVERAL financial authori ties would begin imple menting the new capital requirements stipulated by the Basel III on January 1, 2013, according to latest update on the roll-out plan.

Eleven countries have published the final set of Basel III regulations and readied for take-off on the effective date of January 1, 2013 including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa and Switzerland.

Seven other countries including Argentina, Brazil, the European Union, Indonesia, Korea, Russia and the United States of America have issued draft regulations, and have indicated they are working towards issuing final versions as quickly as possible. Turkey is expected to issue draft regulations in early 2013.

The implementation of the new global capital requirements may exert pressures on Nigerian banks and financial authorities to review their capital adequacy vis-à-vis global standards, especially for banks that seek to compete in the international financial market.

Chairman of the Basel Committee and Governor of the Sveriges Riksbank, Stefan Ingves, said that while some

countries have not been able to meet the planned start date, a large number will be ready to begin introducing the new capital requirements as planned on January 1, 2013.

According to him, the globally agreed timeline for the implementation of Basel III includes a number of milestones from 2013 to 2019, designed to provide for a gradual phasing in of the new capital requirements.

“It is expected that as remaining jurisdictions finalise their domestic regulations during 2013, they will incorporate all the remaining transitional deadlines in line with the origin a l global agreement, even where they have not been able to meet the January 1, 2013 start date.

Hence, by the end of 2013, almost all Basel Committee jurisdictions will be implementing Basel III in accordance with the agreed timetable. This is an absolutely critical step towards strengthening the resilience of the global banking system,” Ingves said.

He added that even though there were delays in implementing the regulations, national supervisors are ensuring that internationally active banks are, where necessary, making steady progress in strengthening their capital base in accordance with the Basel III framework.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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INSURANCE

NAICOM’s proposed ‘no premium, no T policy’ excites insurers HE insurance community is excited over the plan of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to implement the ‘No premium No policy’ from Monday.

To insurers, the proposal was a right step in the right direction.

It was taken to reposition the industry and make it contribute to the development of the economy.

The Managing Director, Royal Exchange Prudential Life, Mr Wale Banmore, said the implementation of the policy will have effects on the insured, the insurer, as well as on the economy.

On the insured, he said when the insurance firm collects premium on time and invests same, when it is time to pay claims, the insurer will not have any reason to drag its feet. He said, “for instance if someone insures a car for N1 million on the first day of a month and pays just N100, 000 and on the tenth day of that same month the claim becomes due, the insurance company will not have any option but to pay the insured the N1 mil-

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

lion irrespective of the fact that the insured paid just N100,000 premium 10 days ago. The insurer must pay the N1million. So the insurance companies need the premium from the insured as early as possible to pool together and invest so as to be able to carry the risks.”

On insurance firms, he said they are all over the world thrive on putting the little amount of premium paid by the community (the insured) together, and investing same. The policy when fully operational will affect the insurers positively, he said, adding that in the instance of governments that normally pay in areas, he said they will have no option than to adjust.

He said.“The law is that you must pay before cover is granted.

All over the world, insurance covers are only extended after pre-

mium has been made. It is only in Africa, we always try a way around an issue that will not take us anywhere. The government is the biggest consumer of insurance products but the insurance industry is determined to implement the policy because this is the right way to do it.”

Also, the Managing Director of Union Assurance Limited, Mr Godwin Ejembi Odah, said it is not that the government does not pay premium, it is only that it takes time. They don’t pay as at when due but the government does pay.

“The government takes time in everything. For instance, the budget that is the basis for everything does not usually become operative immediately because of the process that it goes through.

The National Assembly has to approve budgets before they can become operational, that is why government takes time before paying

premium but it does pay.

“But we hope that there will be changes because the era of extending insurance cover on credit is over.” He said when insurance companies get their premium on time, invest same and run their businesses profitably, they will be able to pay dividend to their shareholders and the economy will be the better for it.

Commissioner of Insurance, Fola Daniel, said as from January 1, 2013, all insurance covers shall only be provided on a strict, ‘no premium no cover’ basis to all who seek such cover, be they governments or otherwise. He said the day premium is paid is the day cover is provided, “no cover on credit anymore,” he stated.

The Commissioner said “any insurer who grants cover without having premium in advance, or premium receipt notification from the relevant insurance broker, shall be liable to a penalty of N500, 000 for each cover so granted, and in addition, may have his licence suspended.

He said: “Irrespective of the period of insurance, insurers shall ensure that at any point, they have received directly or indirectly, through the insurance broker the full premium in advance for cover being granted.”

Daniel observed part of the reasons insurance firms are unable to settle claims promptly could be attributed to the delay, or nonpayment of premium by the insured.

According to him, “most insurance

firms make huge provisions for outstanding premiums in their books annually, which invariably affects their bottom-line and thus, their ability to settle claims as and at when due to the insured, make profit, pay dividend to shareholders and attract investments to enable growth”.

He noted that the situation is unhealthy and dangerous to the insurance industry and unless it is halted, it is capable of driving the industry into extinction.

Daniel accused government at all levels as the major culprit as far as insurance on credit is concerned. We have noticed that budgetary provisions for insurance of government assets and properties are either inadequate or in most cases not made at all.”

“Besides, where the provisions are made, payments of premium to insurance companies are either delayed for months or the funds redeployed to meet other needs by ministries, departments and agencies of government which is in clear breach of Section 50 (1) of the Insurance Act 2003.” From now January 1,2013, no insurance cover shall be extended government or any other person without adequate premium paid.

Managing Director, Royal Exchange Life, Wale Banmore, said the policy will succeed and that corporate bodies were making calls to inquire on payments for their policies.

Banmore said before the policy was announced, most of them will not make any enquiry until about the second quarter of the year.

He said he was optimistic the policy will succeed.

Framework to protect insured coming, says commissioner

T • From left: Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr Rotimi Hussain; a retiree, Olori Abike Olayemi; Head of Service Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe and Executive Director (Technical), LASPEC, Mrs. Folasade Onanuga, at an event where the government presented bond certificates to its retirees.

Standard Alliance records 23% growth in premium S TANDARD Alliance Insurance Plc has recorded a 23 per cent rise in its gross premium.

Presenting the operational results for the year to the shareholders in Lagos, the Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Yahaya Sa’ad, said the company’s gross premium moved from N3.883 billion recorded in 2010 to N4.765 billion by the end of 2011 business year, giving a growth rate of 23 per cent.

Reviewing the results, he said the net premium earned, moved from N3.514 billion in 2010 to N4.160 billion in 2011, giving a positive dif-

ference of N646.598 million or 18 per cent increase.

Similarly, the firm’s underwriting profit grew by 56 per cent or N974.729 million, having moved from N1.754 billion recorded in 2010 to N2.728 billion by the end of 2011 operations.

The investment income rose from N49.250 million in 2010 to N171.116 million in 2011, an increase of N121.866 million or 247 per cent growth.

He told stakeholders that the underwriting firm recorded a profit of N319.095 million, up from a loss position of N8.462 billion recorded in 2010, giving a 104 per cent growth.

But the company’s claims payment level dropped by 29 per cent as only N535.848 million was paid within the reviewed period as against N758.348 million paid in 2010.

Divorce costs thousands of women health insurance BOUT 115,000 women lose despite the financial hardship coverage their private health insurance divorced women often experience,

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yearly in the wake of divorce, according to a University of Michigan study.

And this loss is not temporary: women’s overall rates of health insurance coverage remain depressed for more than two years after divorce.

“Given that approximately one million divorces occur each year in the US, and that many women get health coverage through their husbands, the impact is quite substantial,” said Bridget Lavelle, a U-M doctoral candidate in public policy and sociology, and lead author of the study, which appears in the December issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour.

Lavelle conducted the study, which analyses nationally representative longitudinal data from 1996 through 2007 on women ages 26-64, with U-M sociologist Pamela Smock. Their research was supported by the U-M National Poverty Center.

Among the other key findings of the study: •Each year, roughly 65,000 divorced women lose all health insurance coverage in the months following divorce. Many women have trouble maintaining private insurance coverage because they no longer qualify as dependents under their husbands’ policies or have difficulty paying premiums for other sources of private insurance. And

many do not qualify for Medicaid or other public insurance.

• Women insured as dependents on their husbands’ employer-based insurance policy are particularly vulnerable to loss of coverage after divorce. Nearly one quarter of them are uninsured six months after divorce.

•Women who have their own employer-based coverage are less likely than other women to lose coverage (11 per cent versus 17 per cent), but they are not completely immune from loss of coverage because financial losses related to the divorce may reduce their ability to meet ordinary expenses, including their share of employee-sponsored health insurance.

HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is taking steps to reposition the industry to protect policy holders and serve the low-income earners, the Commissioner of Insurance, Fola Daniel, has said.

Speaking at a forum in Lagos, Daniel said the commission has reviewed the industry’s claims management process which culminated in the development of a draft framework.

“The framework when operational will enthrone robust insurance consumer/policy holder’s protection, fair treatment of customers, transparency and disclosures”, he said.

According to the Commissioner, this will go a long way in improving public confidence in insurance.

He said the steering committee that would facilitate micro-insurance development in the country will include all the stakeholders such as regulator, the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), NCRIB, Corporative societies, micro finance institutions as well as nongovernment organisations.

Daniel also added that collaboration will also take place under the auspices of the national financial inclusion strategy that was introduced recently by the Federal Government.

He said,”the process for the appointment of a national micro – insurance coordinator to drive for financial inclusion using microinsurance is ongoing. The expert will transfer knowledge and will coordinate all the partnership between all the stakeholders in micro insurance value chain.”

According to the Commissioner, the development of a re-

liable micro insurance framework is moving close to completion. He said the framework will provide clear rules for the wouldbe operator and proactive micro insurance consumer protection requirements.

In recognition of the peculiar nature of micro insurance, the Commissioner said that the framework would be simply supervisory, reporting, underwriting and licensing processes and identification of certain incentives for micro insurance model selection, fees and commission level for intermediaries.

He said: “We shall ensure that the rules are flexible and are designed in such a way that encourages new and innovative products that relate to the needs of the small and medium enterprises and at affordable cost.”

According to NAICOM Boss, an effective micro insurance distribution channel is a major concern.

The issue, he added could not be overemphasize considering the fact that micro insurance cannot be effectively accessed using the conventional intermediaries such as the brokers and agents.

He said there are a variety of alternative intermediaries and channels that that can be involved in micro insurance distribution.

The distribution network appears to be highly concentrated in a few cities with a focus on corporate accounts and mandatory insurance using alternative channels and distributors that already have links with the uninsured in rural and urban areas is vital for sustaining development of micro insurance while offering value and convenience to clients,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

35

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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HE story of Mr Samuel Obafemi George is that of moving from failure to suc-

cess.

From nothing, he founded a firm, which comprises a sales/training centre and consulting business; and a real estate company with a portfolio worth millions of naira.

The Chief Executive of 4front Consulting Nigeria, said in 1995, he won the United States visa lottery. He said he wanted to leave the country. But there was, as he called it, a divine intervention. He got admission to study Political Science at the Lagos State University (LASU). He graduated with a second class upper.

While at the university, George launched into self-employment.

As a Youth Corps member in 2000 in Niger State, he developed a video game business, where he made some money.

He spent long hours in the business to make it a success. He wanted to achieve financial independence and live his dream.

Later, he veered into the importation of men’s wears. He was try-

Motivated to the top by a cleric Stories by Daniel Essiet

ing to run several successful businesses in many sectors. But after some time, the businesses collapsed as he had bitten more than he could chew.

That was the beginning of his woes. He was to face more challenges. George struggled with them. He went into a partnership that he shouldn’t have. The deal did not favour him. The business failed. He was broke.

It was at this point that he heard about a success seminar organised by the Senior Pastor of DayStar Christain Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, Rev Sam Adeyemi.

George borrowed N2000 to attend the training. It was a good decision Since then his story changed.

He was inspired by the presentation of the cleric famous for

his inspirational teachings that he decided to launch into business again.

The following year, he studied personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship and lifestyle design.

With this new knowledge, he created a plan that allowed him to be free of money worries.

He started selling books and later went into real estate business. He was able to get back on his feet again, with a shift in inventory and renewed commitment to customer service.

He said every entrepreneur must be future-oriented. He admonished entrepreneurs to find time and guidance to plan, make changes in business and life, including employing skilled staff.

He counselled small business owners to have a vision.

According to him, the state of the economy requires creating

strategies to get opportunities, and establish plans for quick results.

George advised Nigerians to have clear-cut plans for increasing income despite the confusion and stagnation in the economy. He focuses his time only on revenue-generating activities.

On the secret of his success, George said besides God, he has been successful, aggressive, and independent. He provides his clients and team members with working systems and a “big picture” vision in the face of uncertainty.

He said he applied his principles to real estate and has since been involved in millions worth of real estate transactions creating a real estate portfolio worth millions of naira.

•George

At the moment, he said his mission is to help Nigerians develop strong entrepreneurship principles, keep people inspired so they can achieve their dreams, adding that no man is free until he is financially independent. He said a life of happiness without debts is achievable.

‘I’m committed to kids’ development’

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•From left: A representatiive of the wife of Governor, Rivers State (Mrs JudithAmaechi), Chinda Ogbuji, receiving an award from Certified Marketing Communications Institute of Nigeria (CMCIN) in Lagos, from Dr. Beatrice Laninhun, of Department of Communication & Language Arts(CLA) University of Ibadan.

‘Entrepreneurial training our priority’

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ICE-CHANCELLOR, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Prof Benard Eromosele, has said the institution is determined to groom entrepreneurs, especially youngsters, in small and medium enterprises.

He said they are among the country’s growth machine.

In an interview with The Nation, he said students would learn how to manage their own businesses and money to life skills, including conduct in business.

According to him, the university will equip the young people with skills that they will need to launch their own businesses, so that they, in turn, can employ others. This is to help break the cycle of unemployment.

The contraction in the economy has created opportunities for selfemployment.These, he explained, are attractive to entrepreneurs to set up new businesses.

He stressed that high-growth entrepreneurship has led to the creation of employment.

Entrepreneurs has a lot of potential for creating businesses, which ensure the creation of employment, he said.

Eromosele said the young institution is determined to provide good and appropriate preparation for entrepreneurial activity and

setting upnew businesses.

This preparation will include professional, vocational and continuing education systems which affect acountry’s ability to achieve economic, scientific, technological and business development and to cope in the global environment.

Eromosele further said new technologies will be transferred and applied to new and growing ventures.

He said the university will enable new and growing firms access to new research studies and technology as large and wellestablishedfirms.

Eromosele said the scientific and technological base will be improved to efficiently support the creation of new technological ventures.

He said there will be good and available support for engineers and scientists who wish to commercialise their ideas by setting up new companies.

Hre also said consumers are aware of innovation and consume innovative products and services, but, at the same time, are sophisticated and critical enough to test the added value of new products.

Eromosele said the university is determined to provide a guidance centre for entrepreneurs, which will operate as a one-stop shop. The centre will provide com-

prehensive service for entrepreneurs.

The centre will provide information and guidance to those requesting it, in business plans, and in managerial and business consultancy. It will avail itself to professional private entities in the performance of its tasks.

According to Eromosele, training in management and operation of businesses should part of educational programmes for scientists/ researchers in the natural sciences, engineering andtechnology.

HE key to cultivating entrepreneurial culture is in fashioning out the best ways to bring out the potential in people to create, solve problems and take advantage of opportunities, says the Executive Director, Foundation for Skills Development (FSD), Mrs. Omowale Ogunrinde.

Addressing a seminar in Lagos, Mrs Ogunrinde said her organisation trains and builds minds for self-reliance.

According to her, she nurtured the dream to groom entrepreneurs when she started working as a teacher in her church. She realised that many teenagers have similar problems, and they were not happy with their situation, but there were no options for them except going for varsity entrance exam lessons.

In May 2003, FSD was born and they had the first outing using the church premises to teach vocational skills to young people.

Her love for idle youths grew deeper, so she decided to move the programme out of the church to reach more youths in the streets.

The foundation run three different programmes: vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training. There is a programme under the Smart Kids programme.

She gives career training at public schools, where she educate kids on options and alternative routes to education and success.

“We train and equip in various diversities from event nd decoration, hotel and catering, fashion designing, textile, hairdressing, make up artistry, nail technology, computer department, furniture craft and also in electronics and electrical repairs.

“ The foundation since inception has invested in over 2,000 women in entrepreneurship and over 1,000 in vocational skills from different parts of the country who have gone back to establish business of their own,” she said.

She had her first degree in Demography and Social Statistics in 1984 from the University of Ife 9now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU); obtained her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos in 1990. Later, she had a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the same institution.

Omowale had worked in the bank for 10 years before she started up a retail business on Allen Avenue, Lagos.

An author of children books, she has participated in many international and local trainings. In 2006, she received Certificate of Special Recognition from Maxine Waters in California. She received also certificate of partnership in ‘Support Our Schools Initiative’ from the Lagos State Government.

A vocational training expert, Mrs Ogunrinde called on the unemployed and less privileged women to embrace skill development and vocational programmes so that they can make use of their hands.

She said providing sustainable and qualitative entrepreneurial skills for women was one of the avenues for economic development.

Mobilising women, making them to understand the need to start a business that could be their economic lifeline is quite daunting, Mrs Ogunrinde said, adding that she is committed to job creation and training.

NDE registers 40,000 unemployed youths

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HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Enugu State registered 40,000 unemployed youths this year, its Coordinator, Mr Nnamdi Asomugha, has said in Enugu.

He said the registration was done in 17 local government areas of the state, adding that women constituted a greater percentage of those registered.

“This year, we registered 40,000 unemployed persons in Enugu State. We went to the local governments and embarked on massive registration of unemployed persons.

“The idea is to have a profile

of unemployment in Enugu State, and to have an idea of the social characteristics of those who are unemployed, where they reside and their competencies, if any.

“We have the data already and the registration was done within a week. We have done the analysis of those unemployed and majority of them are women,’’ the coordinator said.

Asomugha said the directorate trained 2,000 others on such skills as cosmetology, basic computer application, carpentry, GSM repairs, rural agricultural development

scheme and wielding, among others.

He said the directorate would introduce a new scheme tagged: “Graduate coaching scheme’’ next year, which would ensure the employment of about 500 graduates in the state.

“We are opening coaching centres in local government areas where unemployed graduates with university degrees or higher qualifications will be engaged to teach or coach students who are preparing for WASCE, NECO or those sitting for entrance examinations to higher institutions,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

China’s economy’ll be No. 1 in less than 20 years, says US report

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HINA’s economy is likely to surpass the United States in less than two decades while Asia will overtake North America and Europe combined in global power by 2030, a U.S. intelligence report has said.

“Meanwhile, the economies of Europe, Japan, and Russia are likely to continue their slow relative declines,” it said.

The report, Global trends 2030: Alternative worlds, was issued by the National Intelligence Council, an analytical arm of the U.S. government’s Office of the Director of National Intelligence. In addition to U.S. intelligence analysts, the report includes the views of foreign and private experts.

It is the fifth report of a series - the previous one was released in 2008 - that aims to stimulate “strategic thinking” among decision makers and not to predict the future.

The health of the global economy increasingly will be linked to progress in the

developing world rather than the traditional West, the report said.

“As the world’s largest economic power, China is expected to remain ahead of India, but the gap could begin to close by 2030,” it said.

“India’s rate of economic growth is likely to rise while China’s slows. In 2030 India could be the rising economic powerhouse that China is seen to be today. China’s current economic growth rate - eight to 10 per cent will probably be a distant memory by 2030.”

Economic growth in emerging markets was expected to drive technological innovation and flows of companies, ideas, entrepreneurs and capital to developing countries will increase, the report said.

“During the next 15-20 years, more technological activity is likely to move to the developing world as multinationals focus on the fastest-growing emerging markets and as Chinese, Indian, Brazilian, and other

emerging-economy corporations rapidly become internationally competitive.”

Technology will help shift power away from any one country and toward “multifaceted and amorphous networks” to influence global policies, it said.

“Technology will continue to be the great leveler.

The future Internet ‘moguls’ - as with Google or Facebook -sit on mountains of data and have more realtime information at their fingertips than most governments.”

That data will enable private companies to influence behavior on as large a scale as government entities.

The widespread use of new communications technologies will mean social networking will enable citizens to join together and challenge governments, as seen in Middle East, but will also provide governments “an unprecedented ability to monitor their citizens,” the report said.

In the Middle East, the

youth who drove the Arab Spring will give way to a gradually aging population and with new technologies starting to provide the world with other sources of oil and gas, the Middle East economy will need to increasingly diversify, the report said.

“But the Middle East’s trajectory will depend on its political landscape.

“On the one hand, if the Islamic Republic maintains power in Iran and is able to develop nuclear weapons, the Middle East will face a highly unstable future. On the other hand, the emergence of moderate, democratic governments or a breakthrough agreement to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could have enormously positive consequences.”

Islamist terrorism might end by 2030, but terrorism is unlikely to disappear completely because states may use such groups due to a “strong sense of insecurity,” the report said.

Three Swiss bankers charged in offshore account case

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HREE Swiss bankers accused of conspiring with American clients to hide more than $420 million from the tax-collecting U.S. Internal Revenue Service were indicted, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan said.

The indictment named Stephan Fellmann, Otto Huppi and Christof Reist, all former client advisers with an unnamed Swiss bank. None of the bankers have been arrested, authorities said.

Their attorneys were not immediately known.

The indictment said the unnamed bank did not have offices in the United States.

Banking secrecy is enshrined in Swiss law and tradition, but it has recently come under pressure as the United States and other na-

tions have moved aggressively to tighten tax law enforcement and demanded more openness and cooperation.

In April, two Swiss financial advisers were indicted on U.S. charges of conspiring to help Americans hide $267 million in secret bank accounts.

In January, prosecutors charged three Swiss bankers with conspiring with wealthy taxpayers to hide more than $1.2 billion in assets from tax authorities.

UBS AG, the largest Swiss bank, in 2009 paid a $780 million fine as part of a settlement with U.S. authorities who charged the bank helped thousands of wealthy Americans hide billions of dollars in assets in secret Swiss accounts.

‘Economic growth still modest’

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HE United States’ economy trucked along at a “measured” pace in recent weeks and hiring remained modest, according to a Federal Reserve report that did little to calm concerns about slow growth and high unemployment.

Details from the manufacturing sector were mixed, the Fed said in its Beige Book report on Wednesday. Contacts in five of the Fed’s 12 districts reported worries about the outlook for 2013, predicated in part on concerns about a looming “fiscal cliff” contraction in the U.S. government’s budget.

“Consumer spending

grew at a moderate pace in most districts,” the report said, alluding to a generally upbeat outlook for holiday sales from those contacts that offered their views on the key shopping season for retailers.

The report, which compiles anecdotal evidence on the economy based on the Fed’s business contacts, also found few signs of price pressures.

That should give comfort to Fed policymakers, who recently launched a large new stimulus plan aimed at supporting the economic recovery and keeping longterm interest rates low.

News Corporation publishing arm loses $2.1b

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• GM is recalling these vehicles because of hood latches

Buying back Greek debt rewards Hedge Funds

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REECE, under pres sure from its Euro pean creditors, wanted to retire some of its debt by buying back its bonds at a deep discount to their face value.

A senior executive at Deutsche Bank proposed that Europe take a tough negotiating stance toward private hedge funds that had bought Greek bonds.

He urged officials to use a legal mechanism that would force the funds to sell at a lower price than they might voluntarily accept.

The move was “perfectly legal” and would not “upset the markets,” the executive, Hakan Wohlin, argued. And by forcing private investors to sell low — for 28 to 30 cents on the euro, instead of the 34 to 35 cents many hedge funds were aiming for — Greece could achieve significant debt reduction at a reasonable cost.

But in this latest show-

down with private investors over Greece’s debt, Europe blinked first.

With litigious hedge funds and global finance’s most powerful lobbying group warning of a market crisis, European officials rejected the hard-line approach.

When the results were tallied on Decemeber 12, Greece had reached its target of buying back enough bonds at a discount to retire 21 billion euro (about $27 billion), of its debt. The bigger winners, though, were hedge funds, which pocketed higher profits than many had expected, in yet another Greek bailout financed by European taxpayers.

To some experts, this latest chapter in the long-running Greek drama is another reminder of how private investors have outmaneuvered European officials at various stages of the debt crisis. And they cau-

tion that each time it happens, future debt workouts in the euro zone will become even more costly.

“I just don’t understand why they did this,” said Mitu Gulati, a sovereign debt specialist at Duke University School of Law, who argues that Europe could have saved up to two billion euro. “This would have been an easy transaction to do, and still the hedge funds would have come out with a hefty profit.”

Opportunistic hedge funds have profited handsomely from the euro zone crisis, be it by speculating in Greek bonds or by buying up the senior debt of failed Spanish banks. They have successfully bet that Europe, ever fearful of Greek-style contagion, will prefer taxpayer-financed bailouts to forcing concessions from the private sector.

In Greece this year, so-

called vulture funds like Dart Management were paid back in full after refusing to take the losses that most other private bondholders grudgingly accepted as part of the 100 billion euro Greek bailout that Athens and Europe agreed to in March.

The big winners this time, according to bankers and investors, were American and European hedge funds like Greylock Capital, Fir Tree, Brevan Howard and Third Point, all of which snapped up Greek debt last summer as warnings grew that Greece might leave the euro and default on its debt. Many have booked gains of 100 percent or higher.

They largely have the financial lobby to thank — in particular the Institute of International Finance, which is based in Washington and represents the interests of more than 450 banks, hedge funds and other financial institutions around the world.

EWS Corporation says its publishing wing incurred a $2.1billion (£1.3billion) loss in the last financial year.

Revenues fell five per cent, partly as a result of the closure of the News of the World, which it stopped publishing after the phone-hacking scandal broke in the UK. The company detailed the losses as it formally applied to US regulators the Securities and Exchange Commission to split its business into two.

News Corp plans to separate publishing from its film and TV business.

The publishing arm, which News Corp said had made a profit of $678million the year before, will be called New News Corp. It will include book publisher Harper Collins, the Times and the Sun newspapers in the UK, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post and the Australian.

The more lucrative TV and film business will be the parent company and will be called Fox Group.

It will include the US news channel Fox News and the 20th Century Fox film studio.

The loss made by the publishing arm included a $2.6billion impairment charge, after writedowns of $1.3billion for goodwill and $1.3bn for other intangible assets, primarily newspaper

mastheads and distribution networks.

These impairment charges were largely the result of “adverse trends affecting several businesses”, including a weakening economic environment in Australia and lower predicted revenues from certain businesses.

The charges also reflected the expected sale of certain assets at a value below their carrying value, News Corp said.

The company first announced its plan to split in June, after pressure from shareholders who were concerned about the damage done to the publishing business by the events at the News of the World.

Robert Thomson, who is currently the managing editor of the Wall Street Journal and previously edited the Times, will be head of the new publishing company.

He will receive an annual salary of $2million, and a performance-based annual bonus with a target of $2million.

Rupert Murdoch will carry on as chairman and chief executive of the parent company, for which his compensation totalled $30million in the last year.

His pay will increase “modestly” as he takes on the role of executive chairman of the publishing company.

37

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Film training in Lagos

T

HE Lagos State government has charged all those who participated in the Nollywood Upgrade workshop touse their knowledge to enrich the profession.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mr Ashamu Fadipe, said the state believes that capacity building is what practitioners need to develop their abilities and meet the challenge of being the third largest film industry in the world.

He said that as part of its activities to develop the film industry, the government will ensure that it develops the proposed film village in Badagry which will serve as a major base for all film-related activities, adding that participants were exposed to film production in its entirety.

The training, which was for free, featured over 110 film professionals also presented an opportunity for Nigerian filmmakers to collaborate with their collages from Hollywood and other film industries worldwide.

The Director of the Nollywood Upgrade workshop, Ms Aimee Corrigan, said the training was the first phase of the Nollywood Upgrade project, which is an initiative of Lagos to support Nollywood to withstand challenges in the industry.

She said it is aimed at supporting the film industry. She added that the programme involve seven workshops across many areas in Nollywood like directing, cinematography, business of filmmaking, editing, acting, script writing and production design, adding that in each of the areas, great improvements have been seen among the participants.

Corrigan noted that the government intervention is both inspiring and impressive, noting that Nollywood is not just about making movies but one of the largest employers of labour. She said that the quality of work seen from some of the short sketches screened for the audience shows what can happen if one spends some quality time on skills and training for Nollywood practitioners.

“Nollywood is a source of jobs, development, education and communication.

•Tree (from Olambe) installation by Princess Iyase-Odozi.

PHOTOS: EVELYN OSAGIE

GreenHouse opens in Ogun •Continued from page 28

FACILITY It was apparent that his bank came with its full weight to support the centre as other members of its board were also there, which included the Group Managing Director, Mr Kehinde Durosimi-Etti; the executive directors, Mr Michael Terfa and Mrs Amaka, among others. It was, then, no surprise since the founder’s hubby, Mr Victor Odozi, is also on the bank’s board.

“The art project would fulfil its purpose here than if it were located in the city. It represents a new frontier of opportunities for the people of Olambe,” the centre’s Chairman, Odozi reiterated Ayeni’s words. And to further demonstrate that it is a community-based project, he added, that all the staff was sourced from within the community.

“We chose to live and establish it here because our

philosophy is about touching lives. Our success would not be complete if it is not linked with the success of others. Our immediate priority is to provide help for the Olambe people. This initiative has been well-received by the community and we hope it would become a worthy private economic intervention in the area,” he said.

Seeing the event had brought under the same roof the government and its people, he called on the government to repair the road leading to the place, saying it would ensure speedy development in the area.

The people of Olambe led by their Baale, Chief Rasaki Ayinde Ogunremi, added their voices to Odozi’s, urging the government to look into their plight, lamenting that the road has become almost impassable in recent times.

“We, especially our youths, are suffering because of the state of the road. Do our roads as soon as possible, take over the community schools in the area, and we need more infrastructures,” they pleaded.

Actors for The Family Xmas

N

HE Wale Adenuga Production and its team of stars will be at the presentation of a play, The Family Xmas at Breath of Life, 24 Obanikoro Street, Lagos, by 4pm.

They include G O R, Benita Okojie, Topsticks, Kaycee, Isaac, Chris and others.

The presentation which is being organised to celebrate the yuyletide season is by Real Music Theatre Productions in conjunction with Akinmusic Entertainments.

The stage will be managed by Franklin Chude.

Red carpet begins by 3pm.

Teenager introduces book

A

UTHOR Angel Okwuosa paints the unique, funny and refreshing insights of a school outcast in her book, Diary of a Misfit.

Engaging and endearing, she shares the daily battles of an eighth-grader as she ventures forth; the trials and tribulations of surviving peer pressure, dealing with physical changes and, to top it all, balancing academics.

This book takes readers to the realities of a school girl’s life, most specifically, one who is christened a social misfit by her peers.

Going through puberty is not as easy as what many think. From dealing with school bullies who would stop at nothing to humiliate, mortify and make one’s life miserable, to the whirlwind puppy love encounters with the opposite sex, and all the way into finding the right people who share the same interests and hobbies, life as a teen or preteen is not at all a walk in the park. Nonetheless, Diary of a Misfit allows readers a glimpse of all these personal issues in a whimsical and humor-filled fashion.

Readers will be thrilled to go through the pages of this book as it paints the raw, invigorating and impulse-driven emotions, thoughts and ideas that are characteristic of the youth. Bringing back those nostalgic memories during their school days, this work will take adults back to a memorable time in their lives. A must-read for the young and the young at heart, this book is easy to relate to.

Filled with insights on what goes on inside the mind of a social misfit in school, Diary of a Misfit is indeed a joy to read.

•From left: Mrs Idu Okwuosa, author’s mother; Mr Ernest Nwapa, Chairman, Nigeria Local Content Management Board; Miss Angel Okwuosa, author of the novel Diary of a Misfit and Mrs Chizor Malize, Managing Partner, Brandzone Consulting LLC at the event at the Oceanview Restaurant, Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

38

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

AKWA IBOM NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS CAROL

•Akwa Ibom gospel singers on stage

Ibiyemi’s Play out

‘My mom discouraged me from studying Fine Art’

S

OUL singer,Ibiyemi Ajakaiye has double reasons to be ecstatic this month of Yuletide.

After what many have considered as a long wait, Ibiyemi has finally released the video to her 80s style up-tempo track, Play, alongside news of the arrival of her little bundle of joy.

The fine vocalist, who has earned a devoted fan base courtesy singles such as ‘Can You Love Me?’, ‘It Could Be’ [Feat. Dipo], and smash hits ‘Don’t Leave Me’ and ‘Ore’, delivered a baby boy on Sunday, December, 23 in America. Mother and child are doing well.

Ibiyemi, who took some time off work to concentrate on the arrival of her baby, is glad to finally release the Play video to her fans.

According to her “I am very excited about the next chapter of my life, both personally and professionally. Thanks to all the devoted fans who kept tweeting and sending messages asking about the video. I appreciate your patience. It’s here!” Play was directed by the talented Tosin Igho for IGH Films.

“N

OBODY in my family encouraged me to participate in the fine art competition; not even my mummy. Each time I want to draw, my mummy will chase me away from where I’m drawing and say I should go and do my home chores.”

These were the words of Joseph Obasi, a 15-year-old pupil of Ajumoni Junior Grammar School, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, who won the Lagos Junior Schools Fine Art Competition.

He spoke while receiving an award at Aina Onabolu Complex, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Obasi is just like many other children out there whose parents see fine art as a waste of time and will not encourage their wards to become professional artists. Despite the challenges, Obasi said he is determined to become a professional artist in the future because he loves fine art.

His art teacher Mrs Monisola Olukemi Agunlejika who was at the award ceremony to support Obasi described his talent as an in-born gift adding that she sees Obasi becoming a professional artist in the feature.

Mrs. M. O Agunlejika lamented that visual art is being marginalized in schools unlike other subjects. According to her, “we have a lot of challenges in the educational system, and the system is marginalizing art subject in schools. We suppose to have standard studio with art materials so that the children can practice. Our government should try as much as possible to support the art teachers as well as the teaching of art in schools. We teach the children in abstract because art materials are expensive and these children cannot afford them”.

She urged government to give priority to art the way they give to English and science subjects. She also advised parents to identify the talents and encourage their wards in order to bring out the best in them.

•From left: Agunlejika, Obasi and Thompson

By Udemma Chukwuma

VISUAL ART The award ceremony was held at Aina Onabolu Complex, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos where the ten contestants were rewarded with various prizes. The first runner-up received 50, 000, 30, 000 and 20, 000 respectively. The ten participants who made it to the final stage are: kindness

‘Nobody in my family encouraged me to participate in the fine art competition; not even my mummy. Each time I want to draw, my mummy will chase me away from where I’m drawing and say I should go and do my home chores’

Edemson from central junior high school Okota, Lagos, Oguejiofor Onyenbuchi from Bolade Junior Grammar School, Oshodi, Lagos, John Irih Tochukwu from Central Junior High School Okota, Lagos, Oluwatobiloba Adebayo from Ijeshatedo Junior Grammar School, Sanya, Lagos, Opeyemi Ibrahim from Community Junior Secondary School, Mushin Lagos, Idris Teslim from Community Junior Secondary School, Mushin Lagos, Apeja Ebuka from Isolo Comprehensive High School, Lagos, Grace Acha Mba from Ikeja Junior College Oshodi, Lagos, Quadri Adekunle from Ikeja Junior College, Oshodi, Lagos.

The competition lasted for a period of four months focusing on Oshodi, Mushin and Isolo Local Government Areas. Ten contestants were selected after the first and second stage of the screening and were taken to Universal Studios of art for a week trial.

The competition was sponsored by CANIZE Limited an initiative of See-Joy Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation aimed at discovering young talents, the less-privileged as well as rendering help to the physically challenged in our society.

•Ibiyemi

39

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Recreating California in Ikoyi At House 13, Alexander Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, is a choice wellness resort that sells privacy, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

H

AVE you been to any city in California, United States, of late? Or have you experienced the spa and recreational life style of California? If not, don’t worry as the haven behind House 13, Alexander Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, provides you with five-star unforgettable leisure experiences. The place is Clear Essence California Spa and Wellness Resort, which offers guests an escape from hassles.

A trip to the house revealed a wellkept secret where paradise awaits all.

The 17 suites at the resort feature four categories: comfort, opulence, vista and luxury, and capture the Clear Essence style of grandeur and opulence.

From the reception to the lounges, the suites, the spa, the gym, the library and the lush garden with fountain, you find the California characters. Little wonder

•Clear Essence Garden

TOURISM you find names such as Beverly Hills, Hollywood suites, Vineyard, Pebble beach, Palm Spring, New Port beach among others. All facilities in the Clear Essence California Spa and Wellness Resort, which opened initially as mem-

bership outfit in 2009, is equally equipped with branded products of Clear Essence, US. The garden is endowed with rich diverse floral with soothing waterfalls, enveloped with the sound of music where stones serve as loud speaker.

Also among the great offerings of the

resort is Pasadena, a perfect setting for retreats, annual general meetings, conferences, product launches and private parties.

In an interaction with the press after a guided tour, Sales Manager, Omolade Olatawura said the resort opened its doors to the public last year with an improved patronage. She said unlike other hotels, the resort is essentially concerned with creating ambiance for life. “We are not like other hotels. And we are not a business hotel. The Clear Essence as a brand has been on for 23 years and has been everywhere in the world. We are basically climbing on its back. In the next five years, we shall duplicate the facilities for better services. However, we hope to move to Abuja soon,” she said.

According to her, the resort ensures that every guest that comes in must forget that he is in Lagos. The room, she said, must be kept with a particular temperature and aura for the comfort of guests.

The Marketing Manager Nnenna Obioha identified spa life and relaxation as the unique selling points of the resort, a trend she said are the thriving business in California today. “That is what we are promoting in Lagos,” she added.

Diversity with perfection at Muson

W

OEZO Africa in collaboration with Ijodee Dance Centre will be promoting creative dance talents in the second edition of WOEZO Africa Fest 2012.

With the theme Diversity with Perfection, the festival seeks not only to showcase new talents, but also to promote them most especially outside the shores of Nigeria.

Proprietor of Ijodee Dance Centre, Mr. Dayo Laidi said the fest was initially shifted to next year due to financial constrains but reconsidered hosting it this year. He disclosed that the fest would feature international dance companies from Canada and Nigeria. The festival which will hold on Thursday December 27 will kick off with a dance workshop between 9am to 1pm while the main event will begin by 5pm at Agip Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos. The festival will feature Fast and Furious Dudes (HipHop), Drums View Concepts (Traditional

Dance), Ijodee Dance Company (Contemporary), Crown Troupe (Dance Theatre) and Walerubber Productions (Latin and Ballroom).

Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre was founded in 2006 in Alberta, Canada

by Director Wunmi Idowu and Olamide Idowu. The first Woezo festival took place in Lagos, in December 2007, when it hosted a two-day festival at the National Museum, Onikan Lagos with the motive of setting a new standard in the dance festival with a twist of cultural exchange.

Woezo Africa Music & Dance Theatre embraces the links between cultures across the West Africa Diaspora by teaching dance classes and workshops, holding residences and performing at various events and festivals. Woezo Africa has shown that ‘traditional’ African dance is not fixed in time and remains tremendously inclusive and diverse.

•Guests at Tantua’s exhibition

A

•From left: Wunmi and Dayo

Niger establishes book agency

N

IGER State government has established the Book Development Agency.

It will serve as the place for the Intellectual Capital Project (ICP) of the state, it was learnt.

Among other things, it would also be charged with organising the Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (MBA) National Literary Colloquium in November yearly.

It will be headed by Baba Mohammad Dzukogi.

“It is established to give accelerated de-

velopment to documentation of government activities, people and places in Niger State, creative writing and authorship for which Niger State has a deep rooted tradition. It would create an organised, serene environment for research in arts, culture, leadership, research writing in any discipline, and organisation of thoughts by local, national and international scholars, artists, students of higher level studies and policy studies; and provide excellent modern library services in both electronic and physical resource formats,” he said.

FTER a successful solo art exhibition earlier in the year in Paris, France, Port Harcourt-based pop artist Diseye Tantua has held another art exhibition at the Beautiful House, North Carolina, United States.

It ran from October 29 to November 5.

Tantua is being managed by a French collector and director of Galerie Teodora, Paris, Mr Gerard Hermet.

The North Carolina exhibition, tagged Phase Two of Afro Pop Art, was part of the opening of the Beautiful House, US. The director of Beautiful House, Mrs Khiki Eke Spiff, said it was pleasing to have Diseye Tantua and his art open the House, as they complement our modern and contemporary interior designs, which we make for people with great taste and style.

“It was a bit of a challenge with the exhibition here as this was a difficult period for North Carolina and New York with the warnings of Hurrican Sandy, which brought panic to most people in these areas. But I am glad we still had a good outing with a crowd of collectors who still showed up for the event” Although his paintings are doing quite well in the Nigerian and Ghanaian contemporary art scenes, Tantua said ‘it is time for my works to travel beyond these shores, which is why I am embracing a new audience in addition to my present audience. It gives me a general idea of how my work is perceived when I get a

Tantua’s pop art breaks new ground

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

VISUAL ART wider audience to view my art. ”It was my wish that after the exhibition in North Carolina, I take a tour around the US and UK as no man is an island; which is what I did visiting ten cities in a month and a half before returning to Nigeria.”

“I had a swell time,” Tantua said, noting that he found a new art form, photography interesting. “I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programmes because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it.

“In all the cities I visited, I found New York the most exciting city so far for its diversity of culture and its busy streets filled with art,” he said.

He made out time as part of his tour to visit galleries and museums in most cities he went to which included the Museum for African Art in Washington DC, Skoto Gallery, The NEW Gallery, Metropolitan Museum for Art where he was lucky to view an on-going exhibition of works by Andy Warhol and other Pop artists.

40

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION II

All for the Season

Young creative minds on stage at the Musical Youth Festival 2012 held at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos recently.

PHOTOS:NIYI ADENIRAN

Mrs Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, wife of the chairman, MicCom Cables and Wires Ltd and MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Ada, Osun State, Prince Michael Ponnle, began her final journey at the Olona Hall on Thursday night. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO covered the Night of Tributes.

I

T was a night full of emotions. One that revealed many sides of a woman whose death many are yet to come to terms with.

The late Mrs Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, wife of the chairman, MicCom Cables and Wires Ltd and MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Ada, Osun State, Prince Michael Tunde Ponnle, died on October 29 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Her death came barely three weeks and three days to her 68 th birthday.

Some 52 days later, those who converged on the MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort last Thursday night, spoke about her as if she was with them.

The Night of Tributes, was one of the events of the three-day funeral.

A documentary on the late Mrs Ponnle was screened for the gathering.

It was Mrs Ponnle who did the introduction in that documentary.

Decked out in a beautiful Nigerian dress (Iro and Buba), a highflying gele (headgear), lovely eye glasses, stunning jewellery and royal beads dangling on her ears, neck, wrist and matching pair of shoes, Mrs Ponnle said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, what you are about to watch now is the life journey of an amazing woman. Sit comfortably, relax and enjoy your-

•From Left, son of the deceased, Mr. Biodun Ponnle, Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd) his wife Patience, Prince Ponnle, Mrs Yinka Adedayo (Tastee) and ace broadcaster Bisi Olatilo

Night of tributes for MicCom’s matriarch self. I wish you a happy viewing.”

The Olona Hall was quiet; the light put off, allowing the audience to see clearly the video of the life and times of the matriarch on various giant projectors hung at

TRIBUTE strategic places.

After watching the documentary, the hall clapped for the late Princess of Osogbo.

Earlier before the documentary that signaled the end of the special night, guests paid glowing tributes to the silent philanthropist.

Among the speakers were former Governor of Osun State Prince

Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the late Mrs Ponnle’s classmate, Mrs Oluremi Awofisan; Chief Executive Officer BISCOM Mr Bisi Olatilo; Dr Fowoke Akinleye; Captain of MicCom Golf Resort Club, Dr Bayo Faforiji and former Director of A.G Leventis (Nigeria) Plc Prince Ademola Adetona, who read a moving tribute that was applauded by the audience.

Mrs Awofisan described the deceased as brilliant and humble.

“I was her Chief bridesmaid when she married in 1966 and she was also my Chief bridesmaid the following year. I would have died in 1969 due to illness if not for her and her husband who took care of me. She built a three-bedroom flat in my name and handed the key to my child. I never knew my conversation with her on October 14 was going to be the last.

“Haah Olufunke! You are a friend in a million,” she said.

Oyinlola said the late Princess Ponnle displayed an uncommon support for the welfare of many.

“She was a pillar to my family and my government. The stoic mien of an amazon is always displayed. She made money legitimately with her husband and spend it in the way of God,” he stated.

Prince Adetona, who did not want to take part in the tributes, summoned courage to say a few words.

The ex-Leventis chief said the deceased had a glorious exit.

Ronaldo ready to quit Madrid

“(The) NFF has been served a letter and we are meeting this Friday at the Federal High Court 7 in Abuja as I will not allow them to cheat me.”

Former NPL chairman, Rumson Victor Baribote declaring his intention to head to the 42 courts after he was unceremoniously sacked.

Wednesday, November, 26 2012

BLUE CHRISTMAS:

•Ronaldo

Terry, Lampard C

soak

up xmas C

HELSEA captain John Terry was clearly in the Christmas spirit as he posted this picture of himself and Frank Lampard on his Instagram account.

The mocked up pic shows Terry having the time of his life with a Scalextric set and Lampard enjoying himself on a child's tricycle.

Although these would be fine Christmas gifts for anybody, Chelsea fans would rather Lampard was presented with a new contract.

He scored a cracker against Aston Villa from outside the box in Chelsea's 8-0 triumph on Sunday night.

Chants of 'sign him up' and 'Super Frankie Lampard' reverberated around the stadium as the fans made their point to Rafael Benitez and Roman Abramovich.

Other Chelsea players also got in the

•Messi

Christmas spirit by recording some short messages for this video below.

Oscar, Oriol Romeu, Cesar Azpilicueta, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, Juan Mata, David Luiz and Terry all offered their supporters season's greetings.

Luiz had to tell his rowdy team-mates to 'shut up' as they were making too much noise while he recorded his segment.

RISTIANO RONALDO has waited 11 months for Real Madrid to give him a new deal — now he can force his way out in the summer.Just like he did when he was at Manchester United.

And it’s ironic how the Ronaldo story can come full circle as boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants the prodigal son back at Old Trafford.

His £810million get-out clause gives Madrid the upper hand. Or does it?

This summer, Ronaldo will have two years left on his contract.

Snub a new deal and, get-out clause or not, Madrid will have to accept a much lower fee.

In 2009, United lost their battle to keep Ronaldo who forced a move for a world-record £80m fee. Now the boot is on the other foot.

How amusing that must be for Fergie, if nothing else.

Frustrated Ronaldo watched Lionel Messi land a new six-year deal at Barcelona worth over £100m.

Lampard breaks record in romp

F

RANK LAMPARD wrote himself into the history books Sunday as he led Chelsea to an 80 romp against hapless Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old, set to leave the club at the end of this season after not being offered a new contract, hit Chelsea’s fourth goal – and that made him the

club’s highest-ever top-flight scorer.

Chelsea tore a feeble Villa apart at Stamford Bridge as goals from Fernando Torres, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic, Lampard, Oscar with a penalty, Eden Hazard and two from Ramires inflicted the heaviestever defeat on the Midlanders.

SACK:Baribote heads to court

F

ORMER Nigeria Premier League (NPL) chairman, Rumson Victor Baribote’s sack is dragging into another round of court suit.

Baribote was unanimously kicked out at the 7th annual congress of the NPL held on December 11 in Abuja after being accused

of misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency and accountability which the clubs owners claimed was responsible for the inability of the Nigeria's top flight to attract sponsorship for the past two seasons.

The NFF, however in their Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Port Harcourt this

month ratified the decision taken at the NPL congress and therefore set up a 13-man committee which includes former Nigerian international, Nwankwo Kanu.

Baribote disclosed to supersport.com that it would be disastrous for his status to allow injustice to prevail in the NPL.

“(The) NFF has been served a letter and we are meeting this Friday at the Federal High Court 7 in Abuja as I will not allow them to cheat me.

Nigeria Premier League was last season rated as one of the best league in Africa, and yet they claimed that it was the worst season ever in the history of the Nigerian football.”

Nation Sport...Nation Sport...Nation Sport...Nation Sport...Nation Sport...

Zambia: Kalaba Tunisia will be tough to beat Ethiopia snubs ex-Pirates striker fit by New Year

R

AINFORD KALABA could be back to full team training by New Year’s day, according to Zambia team doctor Joseph Kabungo.

Kabungo told MTNFootball.com that he will have another look at the influential playmaker when Zambia enter camp in Johannesburg on December 26.

Kalaba has been out of action since October 10 after sustaining a groin injury on CAF Champions League duty with DR Congo club TP Mazembe.

"We will determine how well he progress in the next few days and he might actually be back sooner than you think," Kabungo said.

"It (his rest period) was highly precautionary.

Rainford stayed out of action for such a long time and there was no way he could just join the guys who have been busy throughout season."

Kabala has been doing light training alone since the main team Zambia kicked off their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations preparation on December 15 in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, Kabungo disclosed that defender Kampamba Chintu's injury he sustained on his left leg against Tanzania before he was taken off in the second half on Saturday is not serious.

"It is a minor quadriceps strain and we will give him a couple of days to rest but he should be okay," Kabungo said.

"After he felt some pain it was prudent that we pulled him out.”

T

UNISIA will be one of the toughest opponents to defeat in the 2013 African Nations Cup (Afcon) 'group of death', which comprises their North African rivals, Algeria, Togo and Ivory Coast.

Tunisia's first major glory was the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, which they hosted.

The tournament started with a 2-1 win over Rwanda in Rades, followed by a 3-0 win against DR Congo and a 1-1 draw with Guinea.

The quarter-finals saw them beat Senegal 10, and the semi-final against favourites

Nigeria went to penalties after both Jay-Jay Okocha and Tunisia captain Khaled Badra scored from the spot during normal time.

Ali Boumnijel saved Peter Odemwingie's strike, and Karim Haggui scored the winning spot kick to send the host nation through to their third Nations Cup final.

The final was against local rivals Morocco, and Brazilian-born striker Francileudo Santos put The Eagles Of Carthage 1-nil ahead on four minutes, Morocco equalised just before half-time, but Ziad Jaziri made the score 2-1 on 51 minutes to win the tournament for Tunisia.

E

X-ORLANDO Pirates striker Fikru Teffera has been left out by Ethiopia from a provisional squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ethiopia coach Bishaw Sewnet has drafted five players based abroad with Teffera, who also starred for Supersport United, the biggest omission.

Teffera, who now features for Vietnamese club Thanh Hoa, is not part of the team after playing for Ethiopia at the 2012 CECAFA Cup where the team reached the quarterfinals in Uganda.

Sewnet has instead called up key striker Saladin Said of Egyptian club Waldi Gelda and Sweden-based player Sala Yusef.

Germany-based Dawit Bisha as well as two USA-based players, Faud Ibrahim and Abdi Welimehamed, complete the five foreign call-ups.

Their inclusion brings to 31 the players in Ethiopia’s provisional squad who are currently heading into their third week of training camp in Addis Ababa.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia host Niger in a warmup match on December 30 in Addis Ababa.

The Walia Antelopes will later host Togo on January 3, before flying out to the Persian Gulf to face Tunisia in Qatar on January 7.

The 1962 champions also have two yet to be confirmed January dates away to Tanzania and Morocco.

Ethiopia will at next month’s AFCON in South Africa be marking their first tournament appearance since 1982.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PRESIDENT’S 2012 SCORECARD In a matter of days, this turbulent year will go to bed. Nigerians, in this piece by MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, express their views about the dying year and their assessment of the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration.

Jonathan and 2012: Nigerians take stock D

EPENDING on which side of the divide they belong, Nigerians are already passing judgements on the performance of Jonathan Administration in this outgoing year. Also, stakeholders are beaming a searchlight on the performance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

People’s perception about the administration in the year began when they woke up on January 1 to the stupefying reality of an increase in the pump prices of petroleum products.

Of course, the authorities might have expected some rebuffs. But little did they envisage the massive reactions it attracted, which held the country down for days. From south to east, north to west, Nigerians, in utter exasperation, trooped out to have government reverse the “anti-masses” decision, which catapulted the fuel pump price of from N65 to N140.

After gruelling days of sleeping in the streets over the matter, the people won for themselves what many termed as Pyrrhic victory. Unfolding developments that followed that decision opened another can of worms: an enquiry into the oil and gas sector which revealed corrupt deals of unimaginable magnitude.

The probe led to the beaming of the searchlight to other government departments. This has largely informed the opinions in many quarters that the administration has not lived to its electoral promises in terms of judicious use of tax payers’ money.

Another parameter for Nigerians’ assessment of the administration in the year is the worrisome state of security. The chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, is among the deeply worried Nigerians over the insecurity that has for months now, remained on the high side.

While assessing the out-going year vis-àvis the general performance of the administration, he described Jonathan’s performance as marginal. “This administration has only given a marginal account of itself; all the problems he listed to be tackled during electioneering campaigns are still very much there. There is now the prevalence of hunger in the land; the security situation has not improved and there is high-scale corruption among government agencies,” he said.

To the former Kaduna State governor, although the probes in some ailing sector have unveiled the dirty deals going on in many departments, those probes are not different from those put in place by previous administrations. Reason: There has not been any decisive punishment for those indicted.

Balarabe may not be wrong after all. For instance, in the enquiry into the oil and gas sector, billions of naira were discovered to have gone down the drain as petroleum marketers claim subsidies for the products they never supplied. Unfortunately, some key members of the House of Representatives, whose mandate was to scrutinise the involvement of those mentioned by the probe, were equally caught in the web.

To former President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr Olasupo Ojo, the probe is nothing but a wild goose chase. He contended that whatever government was doing in the name of fight-

• Dr Jonathan

ing corruption would not lead anywhere because it was not being done genuinely.

Also, to Ojo, government has been insensitive to people’s plight as it had not cared whether the people had something to eat or not. He noted that a government which earmarked over a billion naira for breakfast and lunch in its budget could not be bothered whether the people went to bed on empty stomach or not. He said those in power are obsessed with gluttony while people bear the brunt of taxation.

Ojo lamented that government could no longer think about people’s welfare because the seat of power had become an avenue for merry making, thus leaving helpless Nigerians to bear the consequences of their inactions.

He said: “Government has failed in all departments and its programmes and policies don’t have human face. It has let the people down when it matters most with harsh economic implication forced down people’s throats.”

Equally disturbed by the awry turn of events in the country is former Secretary General, National Union of Petroleum Employees and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori. He reflected on the orgy of corruption perpetuated by those entrusted with the leadership in the country, submitting that “the whole situation is amusing.”

He contended that the present administration has no capacity to fight corruption because it was not well-positioned to do so.

He stressed that the probes set up to look into the activities of corrupt government officials and departments were mere shadow chasing because nothing concrete would come out of it.

His words: “There is this rumour making the rounds that Jonathan is very corrupt; therefore, corruption cannot tackle corruption. If you are corrupt, you will be afraid to tackle corruption. The late General Murtala Mohammed was able to tackle corruption within the six months of his leadership because he was not corrupt.

“General Yakubu Gowon was not corrupt, but did not fight corruption because those around him were corrupt. Alhaji Shehu

• Balarabe

Shagari was not corrupt, but those around him were. General Muhammadu Buhari was not corrupt. General Ibrahim Babangida was very corrupt and paid deaf ears to the fight against corruption. The late General Sani Abacha went nuclear with corruption as his family was involved in high-scale looting.”

The former labour activist noted that the heart-rending looting of public fund drew the ire of international community as Nigeria was seen as the dumpsite of corruption during the military era.

To him, despite the confidence that Nigerians reposed in ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Ota farmer could not tackle corruption headlong.

He further lamented: “Government stealing from the national coffers has left the people suffering; it has heightened the rate of crime because of youth restiveness due to lack of jobs, and this has exacerbated the security situation in the country. This administration has shown that it lacks the capacity to confront these challenges; this has further cast a dent on the government’s image.”

However, some analysts believe that the Jonathan Administration is on course. They opined that his administration inherited, and has almost been overwhelmed by crippling forces.

For instance, the government’s probe and trial of those who swindled the N32 billion Pension Fund; the smooth conduct of Edo and Ondo governorship elections this year, and getting NNPC and PPPRA to return over one trillion naira into government purse are being cited as a pointer government’s genuine effort to give credible leadership.

Chief Femi Alafe-Aluko, a governorship aspirant in Osun State in 2011 under the PDP gave an insight into the administration efforts. “President Jonathan has succeeded in keeping Nigeria one, despite all odds.

Jonathan means well for the country, but honestly, he really has to do more,” he said.

Many are quick to point at the governorship elections that were held in Edo and Ondo states as one of Jonathan’s cardinal achievements. But some believe that it was because the people were really out to defend their votes against any machination that gave room

‘The administration lacks direction on all fronts. Majority of the people are not feeling the impact of governance; rather, they are getting death through bombs from Boko Haram as gifts. There is no index to show that there is genuine effort to reduce the problems facing Nigerians because there is evidence of complacency on the part of those who rule; this is rather sad for the country. The government must show its genuine commitment to rebuilding Nigeria in the coming year. Nigeria, to say the least, is in dire need of sanity’

• Kokori

for electoral normalcy in both states.

Balarabe, for instance, said it was a balance of terror that really played out. “In the areas where PDP was defeated, it was not because the election was given a free hand by government; it was because there was balance of terror.”

The Jonathan Administration has always beaten its chest that every vote in Nigeria will count at any election. This forms the basis of ongoing reforms in the nation’s electoral process.

Kokori, while commending the President on the electoral success recorded so far, remarked that the ‘one man, one vote’ regime should be extended to the entire Southsouth, where he believes the ruling party had not completely allowed the people to make their choice.

He said: “The ‘one man one vote’ is eventually catching up and I commend Jonathan for this, but he should allow it to be extended to the other Southsouth areas where election has not been free. The people of Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states need to have free and fair elections.”

Analysts also believe the highest number of avoidable deaths among defenceless Nigerians has been recorded under this administration this year than any previous government. The refusal of Boko Haram sect, which often claimed responsibility for the killings, and the group’s readiness to open possible negotiation with government, portray the administration in bad light Many said it lacked the tact to instil peace in the polity.

The people are now used to hearing of bomb blasts and nobody seems to feel concerned each time the news of bombing is announced in any part of the country. And government is fond of promising to deal with the perpetrators. A federal legislator, Bamidele Faparusi, who represents Emure/Gbonyin/ Ekiti East Constituency in the House of Representatives put it succinctly: “The administration lacks direction on all fronts. Majority of the people are not feeling the impact of governance; rather, they are getting death through bombs from Boko Haram as gifts.

“There is no index to show that there is genuine effort to reduce the problems facing Nigerians because there is evidence of complacency on the part of those who rule; this is rather sad for the country. The government must show its genuine commitment to rebuilding Nigeria in the coming year. Nigeria, to say the least, is in dire need of sanity.”

The late foremost educationist, Dr. Tai Solarin, if alive now, would weep his heart out in view of the festering rot in the sys•Continued on page 44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

44

POLITICS

Can governors perform better in 2013?

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, governors and other leaders have been admonished to do everything within their powers to urgently rescue the living condition of Nigerians from the brink of further devastation.

“The life of an average Nigerian today is utterly devastating; this our leaders at all levels and arms of government must arrest,” Lagos-based activist lawyer and social commentator, Bamidele Aturu told The Nation yesterday as he reflected on “Nigerians in the coming year.”

His voice bore exasperation as he lamented the dwindling fortune of ordinary Nigerians, especially in the past one year, in the face of growing corruption that, according to him, had defied every solution.

The legal practitioner lamented: “Take a honest look at the living conditions of an average Nigerian today; it is a sordid story of devastation, especially economically and infrastructurally. People’s purchasing power has plummeted to zero. Our roads and other infrastructural facilities are decrepit. This is in the same stupendously endowed country where sadly, looting of public treasury has become a norm.

“Unemployment is enjoying a field day unchallenged. Kidnappers have found Nigeria a goldmine and insecurity of lives and property has grown monstrous. Where is that family that can conveniently feed and educate its members today? Why are armed robbers turning into kings before the very eyes of our so-called leaders? Who is on the side of the helpless amidst us today? Look at this Christmas celebration; virtually every one has turned beggars under the pretence of demanding Christmas gifts from the privileged few. I think this should be a food

‘No crisis in Delta ACN’ W

• Aturu

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

for thought for those in positions of authorities in the coming year.”

However, Aturu would not agree that the much-lamented failure of leadership in the country is solely tied to the neck of President Jonathan. To him, all the state governors including local government chairmen across the land are culpable.

“We won’t be fair and honest in our assessment of situations if we single out the President for blame over our worsening woes. What have the state governors and lesser leaders been doing in their various domains? Like the President, they should be equally responsible to their people statutorily.”

On the President’s pledge to do better in 2013, he said: “Of course, he cannot do worse than we can see now; he can only do better. The suffering of Nigerians has exceeded its elastic limit; so, the only opportunity open to him and the state governors is to strive to do better in the coming year.”

CNPP advises de-registered parties

T

HE Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) yes terday urged all the parties recently axed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to join the ongoing merger plan of the ACN, CPC and ANPP .

CNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Osita Okechukwu, who spoke in Abuja said that the conference supported the merger proposal.

“CNPP is in support of the three political parties that are trying to merge and calls on those de-registered to join the merger plan.

“We applaud the CPC, ACN and ANPP for trying to come together; this will enable them to form a united front,” he stated.

Okechukwu urged the INEC’s National Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to “pay more attention to those things that can bring to bear, free and fair election in Nigeria”.

“Government has stopped funding parties and so, they would find ways to sustain themselves,” he said.

Okechukwu urged the INEC boss to pay more attention to the Uwais Electoral Reform since he (Jega) was a member of the committee.

“He should pay attention to advance those courses recommended by the committee. We need free and fair election; if there is free and fair election, the political parties on their own will do their own internal censorship,” he said.

Jonathan and 2012: Nigerians take stock •Continued from page 43

tem, so one of his loyal apostles told The Nation on Monday. He is the national coordinator of National Problems and Solution (NPS), a non-governmental pressure group, Dr. Wale Omole.

Omole, also the Chief Executive of T&S Hospital, Lagos, said: “Nigeria is deep in trouble. The present administration is practically confused; it is at a loss for what to do to salvage the situation. Look at the condition of our youths; look at the state of things in all sectors of the nation’s life; all these things call for emergency attention by any serious government. Government must wake up and act. Nigerians are on the precipice. It is time govern-

Frank Eghomien is the Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Delta State. In this interview with POLYCARP OROSEVWOTU, he speaks on the activities of the party.

ment put in vantage positions, those who have the genuine interest of Nigeria and its people at heart. It is long overdue.”

To worsen matters, natural disasters have increased the emergency challenges confronting the government. The surging of the oceanic and river beds put additional burden on government. Most farmlands were swept away and homes submerged, rendering thousands homeless across the country.

Now, another new year beckons.

Are the country and its constituents going to inherit the woes of 2012? This is the poser begging for urgent answer. The President has beaten his chest that he would do better in the coming year. Now, the nation waits to know if it is yet another case of empty promise.

HAT efforts are being made by ACN leaders to halt the crisis that has engulfed the party in Delta State?

There is no crisis in Delta ACN. Differences do not mean crises and we all know that there could be misunderstanding among even family members and at the end, there is bound to be settlement and that is politics for you.

The little issue we seem to have is about some few overzealous individuals who want to hijack the party; but we are saying no, that a contestant who is seeking for an elective position cannot at the same time claim to be the leader of the party when there are executive members from the wards to the state. That is not done in a progressive party like ACN and that was why we have always said ‘no’ to them.

As l speak, the leadership of Chief Joe Adolor Okotie-Eboh whom God has sent to liberate and sustain the party to this present state with over 20 per cent of the congress chairmen intact under his leadership cannot (at this challenging time that we are preparing for 2015) be disturbed. He has been wonderful and has been the rallying point of the Delta ACN. Who is he the rallying point in Delta ACN? Most of the things that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not done in their party, even with the status of being a ruling party, we have started seeing them in our party. If you go round the 25 local government areas, you will see that what those overzealous persons could not do in their respective local government areas, Chief Adolor OkotieEboh has done them. He has ensured that secretariats are put in place in almost all the local government areas aside some administrative costs that he shoulders as the state chairman. Unfortunately, there are still some people out there thwarting his efforts instead of appreciating him.

The likes of Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu, Prof.

Adego Eferakeya and Ovie OmoAgege are on the other side; won’t this reduce your membership strength?

The people you just mentioned have no other state chairman apart from Chief Adolor OkotieEboh and their allegations against the party’s state executive was to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. One thing we must correct in the party is that those who contested elections in the party cannot turn round and become leaders in the party; we can never accept it. The leadership of the party is in the hands of Chief Joseph Adolor OkotieEboh.

In the case of Mr. Ovie OmoAgege who left the party for PDP, it is obvious that he has gone and cannot be one of us except he retraces his step and rejoin the party as a new member. But for Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu and Prof.

Adego Eferakeya, they are not helping the party. We expected them to be complementing the effort of Chief Okotie-Eboh; instead, they are trying to thwart his effort and that is not the character of a progressive.

I still believe if they can repent,

• Eghomien

l have no doubt in my mind that they will be reconsidered and allowed to come back and be a progressive. So, there are no issues of factions in the Delta ACN as people claim.

So, what do you think should be done to sink all differences in the party?

There are bound to be differences in every political setting; so, it is not strange or peculiar to the Delta State CAN. We have seen a lot in other political parties and on issues of reconciliation, l must tell you that there are no factions apart from some few that want to take leadership by any means. We will always welcome them as much as they are ready to change and become a progressive. So, we can call them so that we can ride on. No permanent friend or enemy and this could be achieved only when we drop our pride and submit totally to the party’s decisions since party is supreme.

How would you describe Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh as an individual?

You and l know that the name Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, first

‘On the forthcoming local government election, we are prepared and l must tell you that the ACN party is putting all machineries in place from the state to wards in ensuring that the election is free as many are banking on rigging the election. We are so confident that there is no way we will allow rigging and we will ensure we monitor the election from the wards to the state level until the results are announced’

Republic Finance Minister was a household name and working with his son, Chief Joe Adolor Okotie-Eboh, as my state chairman, gives me great pleasure. He epitomizes ideal leadership.

I have always referred to him as the leader of the party because he the major financier of the party and since l have been working with him, his leadership qualities cannot be compared and that shows too that he is a true son of his father. It is not easy for one person to shoulder the responsibility of a political party in a state.

He is such a wonderful man, well prepared to work with his executive members to take the party to an enviable height.

The local government and 2015 general elections are approaching. How prepared is your party?

We can face any election at any time because the party is on ground with huge number of committed members. We are not afraid of any election as long as Delta Sate is concerned. On the forthcoming local government election, we are prepared and l must tell you that the ACN party is putting all machineries in place from the state to wards in ensuring that the election is free as many are banking on rigging the election. We are so confident that there is no way we will allow rigging and we will ensure we monitor the election from the wards to the state level until the results are announced. The fact that our leader and chairman of the party in the state, Chief Okotie-Eboh has ensured that secretariats are put in place in all the 25 local government areas is a clear manifestation of his readiness for the local government and 2015 general elections.

I am saying this because if you go round the local government councils across the state, you will find out that it is ACN that has taken the challenge to put his structure on ground and these are steps that are taken solely by the state chairman as it mostly involves finances. So, with our tentacles that we have spread across the state, l must tell you that we are waiting and warming up for the two elections and l know we will excel at the end of the day as of course, we have started building bridges.

There are no indications that your party men are warming up for governorship, or are you trying to align with other political parties in the state?

This is emphatically wrong; we are still working and we know if there will be such a thing, first, it will be known to us through the state chairman. So, we have never been bothered about it because when the time comes, you will see them but I’m not perturbed because my state chairman and his executive will scrutinize all those that will come and join us before issue of contest comes up.

Furthermore, we don’t have any intension to align with any political party but if we will even do, we will have the briefing from the leadership of the party. As far as we are concerned now, no any other party has the kind of structure that ACN has in the state, and that tells you how prepared we are for coming elections.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

45

•Mr. Biggs Roundabout in Makurdi

M

AKURDI, the capital of Benue State, has been transformed in the spirit of the season.

Every roundabout in the metropolis has been decorated to reflect the mood. From Wurukum Roundabout to Mr. Biggs to High-Level to Government House, bright and colourful decorations have

Makurdi transformed at Yuletide From uja Emmanuel,Makurdi

changed the ambience. Banners in different colours flutter in the wind.

All the major streets in the state capital are enjoying fresh

coats of white and black paint while Christmas lights are seen in strategic places.

The roads are also rehabilitated, while collapsed portions are reconstructed and

put into shape for smoother vehicular movement.Armed policemen,Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Corps personnel are in strategic places watching over

Council donates security vans to police

T

HE Chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon. Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi has said that security of life and property is one responsibility government owes the citizens.

Hon. Sanusi stated this while speaking at a ceremony during which the council donated security patrol vehicles to Kirikiri, Satellite Town, and Onireke police stations and Neighbourhood Watch. The event held at the massive Chief Alhaji Yinusa Akinola Memorial Hall at the council secretariat.

He disclosed that the donation was to complement the efforts of the Lagos State government towards securing lives and property of the residents, even as

By Chinaka Okoro

he praised Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who directed that all local governments and local council development areas in the state should provide security patrol vehicles to security operatives.

The council chief emphasised that this collaboration would help in safeguarding people’s lives and property. He urged the three police stations and the Neighbourhood Watch to use the vehicles to achieve the purposes for which they were provided.

Responding, Mr Onaade S. Awoniyi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), expressed his thanks to the Oriade LCDA for its goodjudgment in donating the

security patrol vans to the security outfits. He noted that the gesture was a clear manifestation of the council’s commitment to assist the police and the neighbourhood watchers in ensuring effective policing of the area.

Mr Awoniyi, who stood in for the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr Manko and the officer in charge of the ‘X’ Squad, Zone 2 of the Lagos State Police Command urged the residents to be security conscious in the face of what he called uncomplimentary security situation in the country. Though he admitted that the issue of security was supposed to be the sole responsibility of the police, he however, noted that the present security condition in the

country demands concerted effort to check.

“It is true that the police are saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens. However, due to widening security challenges in our society, there arises the great need for the people to feed the police with useful information that will help them to nip any security threat in the bud.

“People have to be security conscious. Supply the police with useful information on strange elements and movements. This will help the police to check the activities of criminals who may want to disrupt the peace of the society,” he said.

The former Area Commander of Area ‘L’, Ilashe Lagos, pleaded with the council chairman to provide the police

life and property.

A Government House source said the new look is part of efforts to beautify the city for the festivities and also make it attractive to tourists. in Oriade council with speed boats to enable them to provide effective policing for the riverside communities.

The event was also used to inaugurate the maiden edition of Oriade Bulletin; a fortnight press-release platform of the Oriade Local Council Development Area. Oriade Bulletin, the brain-child of the Information Department of the council is an all-colour-paged monthly broadsheet aimed at informing residents of the area of the activities and achievements of the Sanusi-led administration.

There was also presentation of awards to some citizens of the area who had contributed to the growth and development of the council. About 13 individuals and groups received plaques, cash awards and other items.

Some of the items presented to the recipients included plasma televisions, washing machines, gas cookers, among others.

People have to be security conscious. Supply the police with useful information on strange elements and movements. This will help the police to check the activities of criminals

•Hon. Sanusi inaugurating the security patrol vans

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

46

‘Disunity among Christians strengthens Boko Haram’

W

ITH less emphasis on the use of force, the continued onslaught of the Boko Haram sect on innocent Nigerians can be tackled with total unity of purpose in the Christendom, Rev. Ladi Peter Thompson, Special Adviser for Conflict Resolution & Counter-Terrorism to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Ayo Oritsejafor, has advised.

The cleric took the position while sharing with Newsextra, the crux of the parley that recently held between the Oritsejafor-led CAN representatives and the United States ConsulGeneral, Jeffrey Hawkins, in Lagos.

“Working together with the global community, the Nigerian Boko Haram problem would cease to exist in six months if we could put the CAN house in order! The whispers coming from the shadows of CAN are the greatest threat to all the sacrifices that genuine Christian leaders are making to preserve our future.

The terrorist designation for Boko Haram that the CAN President sought in his mid-year congressional visit to the US Government would have been granted but for the whispers of the “useful idiots” within our system.

The “useful idiots” syndrome is not a term that Nigerians are familiar with but it is not in anyway a new concept,” Thompson declared, adding: “All that Nigerians need to do is to open their eyes and think.”

He is unhappy that some voices within the rank and file of the CAN have been misinforming foreign authorities about the severity of the insecurity problems in the country which has, for a long time, been spear-headed by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

Recounting his observations at the Lagos meeting, Thompson sad: “Seated across the table was the US Consul General flanked by two aides from the embassy and for once, I re-

R

ESIDENTS of OgunnaikeErunwen community in Ikorodu, Lagos State have taken to the streets in a peaceful protest to draw attention to what they called the invasion of their once peaceful community by gunwielding hoodlums allegedly acting on the orders of one Deacon G. T. Hassan, a popular estate developer based in Ebute-Metta area of the state.

Led by members of the executive committee of the Ogunnaike Community Development Association (CDA) the protesters visited the Igbogbo Divisional Police headquar-

•One of the attacked structures

By Dada Aladelokun

ally felt sorry for the CAN president as I watched him struggle to persuade the diplomats that the Boko Haram was a product of a religious ideology cut from the same cloth as the Al Qaeda.

Summing up his case, he recounted the recent attack on the church in the military installation in Jaji and wondered aloud why it was so difficult to connect the dots. As the special adviser to the CAN president for conflict resolution and counter terrorism, my mind played back meetings that the CAN president had held with several dignitaries from various countries. A coin dropped when it dawned on me that the follow-up questions from our foreign dignitaries seemed to conform to a set pattern.

“When the US diplomat casually mentioned that Nigerian Church leaders had informed them that there were radicals and extremists on both sides of Nigeria’s religious divide, the CAN President raised a vigorous objection and demanded corroboration! The same thing exactly had happened earlier at a meeting in Abuja at the Italian Ambassadors residence with dignitaries from the European Union, the Apostolic Nuncio and several bishops representing the Anglican, Catholic and Methodist churches.

As the representative of the CAN president at that meeting I was alarmed when the foreigners made the same assertion. My clinical refutation was no less vigorous than that of the CAN president. It did take us a while before we realized that the recurring assertions were a product of a deliberate propaganda coming from our own ranks! It is my candid opinion that the CAN president is often at a tactical disadvantage at diplomatic meetings because there is so much that cannot be divulged publicly about the depth of the boko haram

•Pastor Oritsejafor (second right); Rev Thompson (second left); Hawkins, Ben Lazarus, a Political Officer from the US Embassy and Jennifer Cohen from Washington, after the parley situation in Nigeria.”

Lamenting the awry security development, Thompson recalled Oritsejafor’s experience in Warri when he received a distress call from Damaturu recently in hot tears. “Pastor Oritsejafor was in tears when he narrated the story of a frantic call.

‘They are coming … I hear gunshots’ were the caller’s last words to the CAN President’s cellular phone. Yet another Christian victim dead in the hands of the Boko Haram men and their campaign of religious intolerance.”

“Putting myself in the shoes of the US diplomats,” Thompson revealed further, “I had to admit that there are complexities to the Nigerian challenge that could obscure the focus of any well-meaning friend especially when there is no dearth of conflicting information from the side shadows of CAN!” On the “useful idiots” concept, he noted that it is a pejorative term for people perceived as propagandist for a cause they do not understand and

become unwitting tools in the hands of the leaders of such causes,” adding that “it is interesting to note that many highly respected persons sometimes fall prey to its lure. In the era of the cold war the term was used to refer to Soviet sympathizers in the Western countries. In political terminology this implied that the people naively thought themselves to be friends of the Soviet Union while they were actually held in contempt by the Soviets and used cynically for propaganda.”

Citing an example, the activist cleric said: “When French Prime Minister Edouard Daladier and Neville Chamberlain, his British counterpart went to Munich to sign the September 30, 1938 agreement with Adolf Hitler of Nazi Germany, both men earned themselves prominent seats in the community of “useful idiots”!

The Munich Agreement was an appeasement permitting Nazi Germany to annex some parts of Czechoslovakia inhabited by ethnic Ger-

mans called Sudetenland. The agreement was negotiated at a Munich conference without the presence of Czechoslovakia and signed by Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy. Both Prime Ministers of France and the UK returned home to cheering crowds with glowing reports of how war was averted.

“On the Nazi side, Adolf Hitler held Chamberlain in utter contempt describing him as an umbrella wielding fool! Winston Churchill denounced the agreement in the House of Commons. The rest is history because Nazi Germany was raining bombs on London a few years down the road in Hitler’s quest for global domination. Adolf Hitler’s recruitment of “useful idiots” was not limited to the political world. There is a long list of religious leaders who initially swore by the innocence of Adolf Hitler and helped to recruit millions under their care into the Hitler Youth!”

Community protests invasion by land speculators

By Dare Odufowokan

ters, the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi as well as the secretariat of the Ikorodu Local Government Area.

Lamenting what he called a plot by some members of the Ogunnaike descendants family to unleash mayhem on the residents of the area in order to reclaim some undeveloped plots of lands, the chairman of the

C.D.A, Mr. Paul Ojo said miscreants brought into the community a few months back have been harrasing and intimidating the people since July 2012.

“We bought our lands from the Ogunnaike descendant family since 1999 and we have enjoyed peaceful possession of the said lands until July 2012 when Hassan, claiming that he has been given power of Attorney by some members of the Ogunnaike family to repossess our lands,

stormed the community with thugs.

“The hoodlums went about beating and maiming artisans and landlords working on their sites. They used dangerous weapons like guns, cutlasses and cudgels as they went on rampage for days until we were invited to a meeting by Hassan and one Alhaji Tajudeen Bolowotan.

“At the said meeting, Hassan, Bolowotan, Alhaji Fatai Adetola and Alhaji Igi Aje, claiming to be representing the family, said the thugs will continue to terrorise us until we repurchase the lands from them, since they are the new executives of the Ogunnaike descendants family.

“Not even the comfirmation by the former executive members of the family including Alhaji Agbaje, Alhaji Mukaila German, Alhaji Hassan Odugate and Mr. Sunday Ojurewu, who were also present at the meeting, that we purchased the plots of land from them after fulfilling all family requirements could make these people change their mind.

Reacting to the plight of the community, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke with the leaders at the council secretariat, promised to wade

into the matter with a view to ensuring justice. She requested that a detailed petition, explaining their plight be submitted at her constituency office same day to enable her take urgent action.

At the Police headquaters, the protesters were enjoined by the Divisional Police Officer to refrain from taking the law into their hands but should rather allow the Police to investigate the matter and take action.

When contacted by our reporter for his side of the story, Deacon Hassan confirmed deploying some boys to the community but said they did not destroy anybody’s property.

“Yes, I took some boys to the place after I got a power of Attorney from the Ogunnaike family to reposses the land from the people there. I am only there with my boys to do my work and we have the right to stop those who may want to stop us from doing our work.

“Those boys will remain there until the community comply with the terms of the new executive of the family. My own work is to ensure that they comply and that is why my boys are there,” he said.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

The mission has reached out to many communities in more than six states like Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara. He added that the initiative receives supports from doctors, churches, teachers and others…There are no hospital, school, electricity, road in these communities

NGO provides free medicare for Ogun community

A

CHRISTIAN non-governmental organisation, New World Missions and Help Foundation, in collaboration with Jason Health Corps of the University College Hospital, (UCH) Ibadan has organised a three-day free Medicare and advisory services for residents of Kenge Village, a rural community in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The programme began with evangelism, prayer, and deliverance services. At the end of the programme, over 300 residents of the community underwent tests to ascertain their sugar level, blood pressure, HIV and AIDS. Medical experts from Jason Foundation conducted the tests and also enlightened the residents on the importance of blood donation, safe water for healthy living, even as free drugs were provided for them.

Also, food, clothes, shoes and other materials were distributed to the residents.

The Baale of Kenge Village, Mr. Solomon Aina who; on behalf of the beneficiaries of the exercise, expressed his gratitude to the initiator of the foundations for remembering them. He noted that many prominent people who are in positions of authority have regarded the residents as “forgotten ones.”

The octogenarian also noted that the exercise has touched the lives of people in the community, adding that the benefits of the free medical treatment can never be over-emphasised. He disclosed that many of the community members have suffered from high blood pressure for more than 10 years without knowing how to manage the ailment.

He described the session as re-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

vealing, saying he was exposed to better ways of managing his Christian life and health condition.

Another member of the community, Mr. Omonigbehin Babatunde, who claimed to have been residing in the village for over 10 years, stated that he had been a diabetes patient.

He hinted that apart from the medical advice he received, he was also given drugs to treat the ailment.

On why the foundation embarked on the mission, President of the New World Missions and Help Foundation, Rev. Nnamdi Stanley Ekwerelam said God had given him the vision since 13 years ago with the mandate to help the rural dwellers who are not reached and have been abandoned by the government.

He explained that the mission has reached out to many communities in more than six states like Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara. He added that the initiative receives supports from doctors, churches, teachers and others.

“There are no hospital, school, electricity, road in these communities.

Although it is the responsibility of government to provide them with these essentials of life, the government cannot do it alone. It is our primary objective to preach the gospel •The medical team conducts a test on one of the villagers and provide them with other of their needs. The foundation has also helped Continuing, he said: “Our chalin giving education to more than 15 lenges are quite enormous. They Oluwaseun said the two organisastudents who had no hope of receiv- range from funding, transporta- tions decided to enter into partnering quality education,” Ekwerelam tion and spiritual attacks. We are ship when it was discovered that many rural dwellers in the country said. appealing to the government for lack access to good Medicare.

He further explained that he started assistance in terms of funds and He added that many Nigerians in a school in Ido Local Government building of a modern structure, Area in 2008 for the people. The good road and sinking of borehole the rural areas are suffering from many ailments and have little school, he said, which started with in Ido Local Government Area.” knowledge on how to handle their five children in an old house donated In a chat with Newsextra, the health status, which often result in by the Baale of the town now has 110 leader of the Jason Foundation death or permanent deformity. pupils. medical team from UCH, Mr. Ojo Oluwaseun said: “Over 100 of the

villagers have received free treatment, tests, and drugs, while free glasses will also be given out to them. Some with intensive ailment will be referred to UCH for further treatment and we will foot their bills.”

He therefore advised public office holders to always endeavour to fulfill their campaign promises by giving back to the people they represent.

Council chief inspires staff, police

C

HAIRMAN of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Ramota Oseni-Adeyeri has raised the morale of her staff, just as much as she lifted the spirits of policemen in the council.

She rewarded the hard work of her senior staff as well as the efforts of the legislative arm of the council by providing them with brand new vehicles.

Oseni-Adeyeri presented 13 Chevrolet cars to the council staff, and two patrol vans to the police to enhance their work.

The benefitting staff, drawn from different sectors of the council, included the Chief of Staff, Supervisors for Works, Health, Agriculture, Budget, Environment, Market, among several others.

While presenting the vehicles, the council boss urged the staff to be more committed to their work, with the vehicles providing additional impetus.

The Chief of Staff and Deputy Leader of the council, Prince Peter Adeymi and Hon. Yinusa Adeola told Newsextra that the gesture was borne out of the council’s desire to ease the transportation challenges of the staff.

They expressed happiness and promised not to fail in their duties or disappoint their supporters who

•From left: Hon Ramota Oseni-Adeyeri presenting a car to the officers of the council

By Emmanuel Udodinma

look up to them.

Presenting the vans to the Nigeria police, Princess Oseni-Adeyeri challenged the law enforcement agents to make judicial use of the vehicles and bring crime to the barest minimum in the area.

Each of the vans was given to the Okokomaiko Police station and Iba Divisional Police Station.

Oseni-Adeyeri who gave out the vans at the council‘s secretariat, said they were meant to boost security in the council.

She praised the Divisional Police Officer at Okokomaiko, Superintendent Temple Ituma and Superintendent Okoye Ngozi of Iba for

their proactivenss and prompt response to distress calls, even as she challenged them to do more.

Receiving the vans, the DPOs praised the council for the vans and pledged that they will be used for the purpose for which they were acquired.

“Let me, on behalf of the Nigeria Police, thank the council Chairman

for this donation. Coming at a time like this, we know you have challenged us to come out more forcefuly against criminals in our midst. Let me send a note of warning to all men of shady character to leave this council or face the wrath of the law, because we shall soon smoke them out,” Ituma said. So too did Ngozi.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1

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1. Correspond (9) 2. Pinch (3) 3. Sexual Desire (4) 4. Ourselves (2) 5. Moisture (3) 6. Discourage (4) 10. Expression of Surprise (3) 11. Get with Difficulty (3) 15. Enumerate (4) 17. Bird (3) 18. Taxi (4) 20. Father (2)

1. Finalised (9) 7. Employ (3) 8. Tear (3) 9. Succeeded (3) 10. Consumed (3) 12. per Unit (4) 13. Bird (4) 14. Beer (3) 16. Imitate (3) 18. Bed (3) 19. Resort (3) 21. Justly (9)

MISSING LETTERS All the words in the columns below have lost their first letters as indicated by the blank spaces above them. You are required to find and affix them. When done, all the first letters will form a 9-letter, sexually offensive word or action. Happy Puzzling!‘

Sands of Time AALIYAH

Produced by the successful singer R. Kelly, the album quickly sold a million copies and eventually earned platinum status based largely on the success of two hit singles, “Back and Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love).” Later that year, tabloid reports surfaced claiming that the sultry teen singer had married the 27-year-old Kelly, but Aaliyah denied the union and the marriage was reportedly annulled.

Natalie Portman

Singer, actress. Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, the young singer competed unsuccessfully on the television program Star Search at age 11. Later that same year, she performed with R&B legend Gladys Knight, the former wife of her uncle and manager, Barry Hankerson, at a five-night stand in Las Vegas.

In 1994, at the age of 15, Aaliyah catapulted onto the R&B charts herself with her debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number”.

Pep Talk

While a student in the dance program at Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (she graduated in 1997), Aaliyah released her sophomore album, One in a Million (1996). Helmed by the well-known pop producer Timbaland and featuring rap performer Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, One in a Million portrayed the 17year-old singer as a sultry hip-hop chanteuse with a selfconfidence well beyond her years. The album garnered favorable reviews and sold two million copies.

In 1997 she recorded “Journey to the Past,” the Academy Award-nominated theme song to the animated feature Anastasia and performed the song for the Oscar telecast in 1998. Her next soundtrack effort, “Are You That Somebody?” for 1998’s Dr. Dolittle, starring Eddie Murphy, went to No. 1 on the R&B charts and was a pop crossover hit, earning Aaliyah her first Grammy Award nomination.

In 2000, Aaliyah made her acting debut in the surprise action hit Romeo Must Die, starring opposite martial arts star Jet Li in a Romeo and Juliet-inspired story set in modern-day Los Angeles. She was also an executive producer of the movie’s soundtrack and performed the hit single “Try Again,” which netted her a second Grammy nomination as well as two MTV Music Video Awards for Best Female Video and Best Video From a Film.

Aaliyah was killed on August 25, 2001, when a small Cessna passenger plane carrying the singer and her video crew crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Abaco Island in the Bahamas, where they had just completed work on a video. The plane was headed for Miami, Florida. Aaliyah and seven other people, including the pilot, were believed to have died instantly, while a ninth passenger died later at a Bahamian hospital. Aaliyah was 22 years old at the time of her death. She is survived by her parents, Diane and Michael Haughton, and an older brother, Rashaad

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HUMOUR True Believers The two thousand member Baptist church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.

One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons. The one in the middle announced, “Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!”

Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.

After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit. The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, “All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service.”

Getting Into Fights A young couple drove several miles down a country road, not saying a word.

An earlier discussion had led to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position.

As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the husband sarcastically asked, “Are they relatives of yours?”

“Yes,” his wife replied. “I married into the family.”

Our ideas like orange plants, spread out in proportion to the size of the box which imprisons the roots.

– Edward Bulwer Lytton

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-12-12

China stocks erase year’s losses •As Yen drives Japan shares

C

HINESE equities rose, with a benchmark gauge erasing losses this year, amid expectations for a recovery in the world’s second-largest economy. Japanese shares and rubber gained after the yen touched a 20-month low.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index (MXAP) climbed 0.3 per cent in Tokyo, while the Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) rose 2.5 per cent and Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock Average added 1.4 per cent.

The yen rallied 0.2 per cent after falling to 84.96 per dollar earlier, the weakest since April 2011. Rubber futures rose 1.6 per cent in Tokyo. Most markets in Europe are closed and the U.S. is shut for the Christmas holiday.

China is due to release figures this week on November profit for industrial companies, following a more-than 20 per cent earnings surge in October.

Japan’s incoming Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe agreed with a coalition ally on a policy package that includes “bold monetary easing” to reach 2 per cent inflation. Japanese

consumer prices excluding fresh food slid last month, economists said before data this week.

“There are growing expectations that new leaders will take measures to reform the economy and the financial system will find China new growth drivers,” said Wang Zheng, the Shanghai-based chief investment officer at Jingxi Investment Management Company, which manages $120 million. “That’s why you see all these big-caps rallying. The on-going economic recovery is spurring the rebound as well.”

Almost three stocks rose for every one that fell on MSCI’s Asian gauge, with only energy shares down among the 10 main groups in the measure.

Japan’s Topix Index (TPX), the nation’sbroadest gauge of stocks, rose 0.6 per cent as Japanese markets reopened after a holiday yesterday.

On company profit, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (MXEF) added 0.1 per cent as Taiwan’s Taiex Index gained 1.3 per cent. Asian markets outside of Japan, China,

Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are closed.

Russia’s Micex Index (INDEXCF) climbed 0.1 per cent, Turkey’sbenchmark index increased 0.4 per cent, a second day of gains and the highest level since at least January 1988, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Property developers led gains on the Shanghai Composite Index, which slipped as much as 11 per cent this year.

Poly Real Estate Group Co. and China Vanke Co., the biggest Chinese developers (SHPROP), gained more than 4.7 per cent after Soufun Holdings Ltd. said it sees improvement in the property market in 2013.Wuliangye Yibin Co. (000858) paced gains for consumer-staples companies after the 21st Century Business Herald reported that the liquor maker may raise prices next year.

The previous corporate earnings report from China showed a 20.5 per cent gain in October from a year earlier, turning positive for the year as factory output accelerated and exports picked up following a sevenquarter economic slowdown.

Looking at the rate cut, Israel’s T-25 Index dropped 0.8 per cent to 1,181.48. Israel’s benchmark government bonds rose, pushing the yield to a record low, and the shekel weakened after the central bank cut its base lending rate to counter slower economic growth.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-12-12

55

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

MONEY LINK

‘Reserves to hit $47b in Q1 2013’ T

N

IGERIA’S foreign reserves are expected to hit $47 billion, by March next year, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismark Rewane has said. He projected that such accretion would strengthen the naira.

Nigeria’s external reserves strengthened further to $44.3 billion as at December 20, from a low of $33.09 billion as at January 4th this year.

The global oil prices continue to fluctuate as risks of supply disruptions in the Middle East increase, and global economic outlook weak-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ens further. Bonny Light declined to as low as $111.4 per barrel in October and as at December 19, traded at $112.6 per barrel.

“With the global uncertainty surrounding the Euro zone, weak demand from China, the US and Middle East tensions, there are expectations of an increased volatility in global oil prices in the months ahead,” he said.

The reserves stood at $41 billion on September 10 and had maintained a steady rise to current status. Before now, the re-

serves stood at $36.35 billion on August 7; rose to $36.41 a day after; $36.46 in August 9 and $36.51 the next day. It had dropped to $36.36 billion on July 20, from $37.19 billion four weeks earlier, losing about $830 million within the period.

The foreign currency reserves were up to $68 billion in August 2008 before the global financial crises impacted negatively on it. The apex bank had consistently maintained that inflow into the reserves was not consistent with the oil prices and, this underscore the need for tighter fiscal controls around oil rev-

enues.

Analysts at Afrinvest said the CBN needs to build up adequate external reserves to satisfy the genuine needs for foreign exchange as such is consistent with the increase in the growth in economic activity. It will equally assist in conserving resources and withstanding external shocks.

The apex bank has also said there was urgent need to pursue policies that would foster macro-economic stability, economic diversification as well as encouraging foreign capital inflows.

HE naira gained 2.6 per cent to close the year at 158.2 per dollar at the foreign exchange market moderated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), findings have shown.

The closing figure was its weakest since November 16, but still places it as the secondbest performing currency in Africa, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The local currency had declined to its lowest in a month last Wednesday as dollar demand increased before the official market was closed for the year, to resume on January 7, 2013.

The naira has gained 2.6 per cent this year

Cashless: Cleared cheques decline to N10tr

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HE value of cheque transactions declined by 13.5 per cent to N10 trillion, during the first half of the year, over increasing use of electronic payments in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cashless policy.

According to a CBN report obtained by The Nation, the value of electronic card (ecard) transactions rose by 32.8 per cent to N1 trillion from N764.14 billion in the first half of 2011.

Data on various e-payment channels for the period under review indicated that Automated Teller Machine (ATM) remained the most patronised, accounting for 96.4 per cent, followed by mobile payments with 1.3 per cent and Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, 1.2 per cent. The web (internet) was the least

patronized, accounting for only 1.1 per cent of total epayment transactions.

“In value terms, ATM accounted for 90.8 per cent; PoS, 2.5 per cent; the web (Internet), 4.9 per cent; while mobile payments accounted for 1.8 per cent. The number of ATMs stood at 10,221 as at end-June 2012. The volume of ATM transactions amounted to 178,421,736 compared with 164,755,055 in the first half of 2011,” it said.

It said the value of ATM transactions, also, increased during the period to N937.39 billion from N698.19 billion representing an increase of 34.3 per cent. The development reflected the increasing popularity of the mode of payment by the public.

Also, internet payments increased by 74.8 and 9.3 per

cent to 2,103.4 and N50.4 billion in volume and value, respectively, in the review period. The rise was due to increased acceptance of the use of online payments.

The apex bank said monetary targeting, in principle, remained the framework for monetary management during the first half of 2012. “In reality, however, actual implementation of monetary policy adopted an eclectic approach, as attention was focused on both quantity and price variables to achieve the objective of monetary and price stability,” it said.

It said the exchange rate was relatively stable during the period under review. “The demand pressure moderated at the foreign exchange market owing to the intervention by the Bank and the increased

supplies from autonomous sources,” it said.

It said the apex bank intensified its supervisory and surveillance activities in the banking sector in the first half of 2012. In this regard, the regulator continued close monitoring of banks through regular appraisal and review of banks periodic returns, spot checks, special investigations and risk-based supervision, among others, to ensure that regulatory concerns were proactively addressed.

It said two banks had fully complied with the provisions of the regulation on the scope of banking activities and ancillary matters under the new banking regulation policy.

As part of the effort towards combating money laundering and financing terrorism, the CBN developed a three-level

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

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

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

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

350m

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 24-12-12 SYMBOL

FO NPFMCRFBK RTBRISCOE JAPAULOIL TRANSCORP ZENITHANK NEIMETH PRESTIGE NEM ETI

O/PRICE

7.75 1.03 1.34 0.56 0.92 18.20 0.95 0.51 0.56 10.62

C/PRICE

8.13 1.08 1.39 0.58 0.95 18.60 0.97 0.52 0.57 10.80

CHANGE

4.90 4.85 3.73 3.57 3.26 2.20 2.11 1.96 1.79 1.69

O/PRICE 0.80 1.44 1.05 3.57 23.35 1.55 4.52 2.29 12.45 0.59

C/PRICE 0.76 1.37 1.00 3.40 22.25 1.48 4.38 2.23 12.22 0.58

CHANGE -5.00 -4.86 -4.76 -4.76 -4.71 -4.52 -3.10 -2.62 -1.85 -1.69

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

Current Before

Current After

CUV Start %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

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

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

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

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 24-12-12

SYMBOL IKEJAHOTEL LIVESTOCK FIDSON JOHNHOLT GUARANTY MAYBAKER UBA FIDELITYBK OANDO AIICO

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

Companies had increased demand for foreign-currency after the CBN said last week it will end dollar sales to lenders at twice-weekly auctions on December 19 and resume on January 7.

Ending the auctions is “likely to create a major shortfall in dollar supply, thereby jeopardizing recent exchange rate stability,” analysts said.

However, Managing Director, Blue Wall Bureau De Change, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said there might not be any volatility because many heavy foreign exchange users had bought dollars in advance.

He said there has been temporary surge in corporate demand for dollars to cover import bills ahead of the Christmas season.

Nigeria’s inflation rate rose for the second consecutive month in November to 12.3 per cent from 11.7 per cent, the National Bureau of Statistics said yesterday in an emailed report. The CBN left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 12 per cent this year to control inflation and stabilize the naira.

Yields on 10-year naira debt rose three basis points to 11.88 per cent, according to yesterday’s prices compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

Borrowing costs on the nation’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 fell one basis point to 4.13 per cent.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

tier Know-Your Customer (KYC) regime for banks and other financial institutions during the review period.

Also, to promote financial inclusion, the CBN issued an exposure draft on Financial Inclusion Strategy for Nigeria.

The strategy, it said, is aimed at reducing the percentage of adult Nigerians excluded from access to financial services from 46.3 percent in 2010 to 20 per cent by 2020.

The CBN Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) recorded improved basic credit information on customers in the first half of the year. The number of borrowers registered in the CRMS database rose by 9.2 per cent to 84, 090, reflecting increased awareness by banks and customers on the critical role of CRMS database.

‘Naira gains 2.6% in 2012’

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 132.65 125.53 0.80 1.13 0.92 1,763.58 11.31 1.39 1.87 9,270.16 193.00 1.67

9.08 1.00 132.34 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 1,754.53 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,029.05 191.08 1.62

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 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 FIDELITY NIGFUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS

•From left: Rev. Fabian Obi (Anambra State Governor Obi’s younger brother); Ofunne, wife of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG); SSG Oseloka Obaze; Governor Obi; his wife Margaret; House of Assembly Speaker Chinwe Nwebili; Chief Judge Peter Umeadi; Rev Sebastian Anokwulu and Commissioner for Education, Dr. Uju Okeke, after the Christmas Mass at the Governor’s Lodge Chapel, Amawbia...yesterday.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges unity

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HE Kano State chapter of the Pan-Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged Nigerians to uniteagainst terrorism and other vices threatening the country.

Its President, Chief Tobias Michael Idika, addressed reporters in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

He said: “We need to show love to our neighbours and lift up the candles of unity and hope for a better tomorrow so that we can secure a united country for future generations.”

The Igbo leader noted that it is high time Nigerians defended the nation’s dignity.

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

According to him, patriotism remains the major legacy the nation’s founding fathers bequathed to the nation.

Idika said: “When we refuse to support identified corrupt politicians and government officials, corruption will be minimised in our polity and our budding economy will survive.”

Idika, who is also the President- General, Leaders of Ethnic Communities Resident in Kano State, noted that the non-indigene syndrome constitutes a wedge to national integration.

Senator promises accountability

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HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas Resources, Nkechi Nwaogu, has assured Nigerians of her committee’s commitment to maintaining standard and ensuring accountability in the oil and gas industry.

Nwaogu spoke in Aba, Abia State, during a Town Hall meeting with the people of her constituency.

She explained that the gas committee had adopted measures to maximise the nation’s gas potential for

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

the economic development of the country.

Nwaogu said: “Before I assumed office, there was no standard measurement for gas production and utilisation in Nigeria. But since I assumed office as the chairman of the committee, we have invited relevant government agencies and International Oil companies to the National Assembly to explain why Nigeria’s gas is not well measured and accurately accounted for.”

Show love this season, says Uba

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HAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission, Dr. Andy Uba, has counselled Nigerians to demonstrate the virtues of love, sacrifice and good neighbourliness during the Christmas.

Uba, in a goodwill message, said the celebration of Christmas would make real meaning when Nigerians learned to love each other and eschew ethnicity, religious bigotry, corruption and violence.

He said: “Jesus Christ made the greatest sacrifice

for mankind by coming to this world to give salvation to a weary world.

“In a season like this, we should reach out to one another and help the downtrodden and needy Nigerians in every way we can to also enjoy the Christmas.

“The greatest lesson of Christmas is - love your neighbour as yourself.

Whatever you feel is good enough for you is also good enough for your neighbour.”

Uba, who represents Anambra South also urged Christians to pray for peace in the country.

Youths attack Imo community over kinsman’s death A NGRY youths on Christmas Eve attacked Umuochi village in Ihitte, Ngor–Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, following the death of their kinsman, Ikechi Eke. The deceased was allegedly stabbed to death by a man, who was said to be from neighbouring Umuochi village.

The youths from Umuohie village, it was learnt, invaded the neighbouring village to avenge the death of their kinsman.

The youths reportedly torched the home of the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

suspected killer.

They were also said to have invaded the homes of other villagers and destroyed their homes and property.

A resident of Umuochi, Mr. Mike Nkwocha, said nobody expected what happened.

He said the villagers were preparing for Christmas when the incident occurred.

According to him, there was pandemonium in the village following the youths’ invasion.

Nkwocha added: “About

8pm, the late Ikechi Eke, who had attended a social function in Umuochi, was accosted by the murder suspect and an argument ensued. It led to a fight.”

The villager explained that passersby settled the squabble.

He said nobody knew the suspect had gone home to take a dagger.

The suspect allegedly stabbed the victim to death.

Nkwocha said it was Ikechi’s cry that attracted the villagers to the scene.

The suspect was said to have gone into hiding.

But Ikechi’s kinsmen stormed Umuochi, looking for the suspect.

The Umuohie youths reportedly began the search for the suspected killer in the homes of the villagers.

The suspect was reportedly apprehended by his kinsmen yesterday when he wanted to board a Lagosbound bus.

Efforts to reach police spokesman Vitalis Onugu on the matter were unsuccessful.

He did not answer his calls.

Stakeholders warn against misuse of Imo flood funds

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OLLOWING an alleged diversion of materials for flood victims in Imo State, political leaders and other stakeholders have warned against further exploitation of the victims.

The leaders, who are from the two affected local governments - Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema - alleged that over 70 per cent of the materials and funds donated to the victims were diverted.

The member representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta in the House of Representatives, Gerald Irona, addressed the leaders at the home of maverick politician, Arthur Nzeribe.

Irona warned that he would not tolerate the mismanagement of the Federal Government’s intervention fund.

He said: “Those who were affected by the floods were short-changed by people who were appointed to manage the materials. In each of the communities, there are recognised leaders who should have coordinated the distribution of the materials. But they were ignored by the committee, for selfish reasons.”

The lawmaker said the Federal Government and other intervention agencies did not consult him on how the committee handled the

Obi’s ex-aide donates materials to victims From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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FORMER Anambra State Commis sioner for Womens Affairs and So cial Development, Dr. Cordelia Ego Uzoezie, has urged the people to cooperate with Governor Peter Obi to rehabilitate flood disaster victims.

Dr. Uzoezie addressed reporters at the office of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Awka, the state capital, when she presented materials with her family to the flood victims.

She donated are 10 cartons of Indomie From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

materials and funds to the flood victims in his constituency.

Irona added: “Even as the member representing the affected local governmet in the House of Representatives,

Noodles, five cartons of biscuits, five cartons of Premier soap, five cartons of bar soap and assorted toiletries.

Dr Uzoezie said: “My family is here to console the victims and make them understand that what happened to them can only last for some time. It is temporary; I am sure it will not continue that way.”

The former commissioner hailed Obi for showing that “he is the Okwute Ndigbo by providing succour to the victims and attracting the Federal Government, philanthropists and donor agencies to commiserate with the victims. no one has ever consulted Ignatius Umunna, expressed me or sought my opinion dissatisfaction on the hanon how best to manage the dling of the materials.

He said: “There is no way situation. But we are watching to see how the 100 per cent of the materials N400million will be dis- or funds can get to the victims, given the mentality of bursed.”

A former Secretary to the our people. Some of them State Government (SSG), Nze will be cornered.”

Orji pardons eight prisoners

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bia State Governor Theodore Orji has pardoned eight prisoners as part of his prerogative of mercy for yesterday’s Christmas celebration.

In a statement in Umuahia, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ugochukwu Emezue, the governor said the beneficiaries are Ngozi Simon, Ngozi Esina, Okwuonu Eme, Lawrence Egbu and Sunday Amala.

They were serving various

jail terms for murder.

The rest are Chidiebere Jacob and Pius Anizo, who were convicted of manslaughter.

The last beneficiary, Chibuzo Azuonwe, was convicted for robbery.

In his Christmas message, Orji urged Christians in Abia State to “continue to exhibit those virtues Jesus Christ symbolises”.

He advised the people “to use this period to pray for the peace and unity of Nige-

ria” because of the current security challenges in the country.

The governor noted that “prayers can change situations for good”.

The statement added: “The governor said he is optimistic that the country will soon become the envy of other nations.”

It assured the people of tight security of life and property during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS ‘Three die, 11 injured in three ‘Xmas crashes’

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HREE persons were confirmed dead and 11 others injured in separate road accidents yesterday in parts of the country.

A statement by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said a Toyota Hiace car, with registration number XA 651 NKR belonging to Onitsha Mass Transit, crashed into a motorcycle with registration number BND 601 QC on Mile 2/Afikpo.

Two persons were injured in the accident. They were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Also, at Gada Biyu on AbajiGwagwalada Road near Abuja, two persons died and three others were injured when a DAF truck, with registration number XA 961 MLF, crushed a motorcycle.

The victims were taken to the General Hospital, Kwali, while the road has been cleared of obstruction.

One person also died and six others were injured at Chikara, around Abaji when a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number (Abuja) YAB 91 AL had a burst tyre.

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Middle Belt youths allege sabotage in Yakowa’s death

HE Middle Belt Youth Youths Forum has alleged that the late Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa was killed as part of a plot to eliminate Christian governors and leaders from the North.

They also alleged that the crash in which Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) John Haruna died and the plane crash in which Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai was severely injured were acts of sabotage.

The forum’s National President Pius Attah told The Nation that they have reasons to suspect sabotage.

According to him, the three incidents were not mere coincidence.

The late Yakowa, his friend Dauda Tsoho and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Andrew Azazi, died in a helicopter crash when they were returning from the funeral of the father of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide on Research, Documentation and Strategy, Oronto Douglas, in Bayelsa State.

Attah said the outcry by Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam of an alleged threat to his life as well as the series of crises in Plateau State were parts of the conspiracy against Middle Belt leaders.

He said: “We in the Middle Belt Youth Forum, on behalf of millions

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

of Middle Belt youths, commiserate with the Government and peace-loving people of Kaduna State on the tragic death of Governor Yakowa.

May his soul rest in peace.

“We believe the late governor’s death and the circumstances surrounding the helicopter crash at Nembe, Bayesa State, were suspicious. They will leave unhealed wounds in the hearts of Middle Belt people and concerned Nigerians.

“What has been secretly held and kept as a long plotted strategy of core North’s expansion and hegemony to subdue, subjugate and castrate the Middle Belt, has come to the fore so glaringly.

“We consider the helicopter crash at Kabong village in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which led to the death of DIG Haruna from Taraba State, as a conspiracy against him and the Middle Belt.

“The Federal Government set up an investigation team on the crash.

But till now the report has not been made public.

‘We, therefore, view seriously the motive behind these acts as attempts to keep the Middle Belt perpetually backward economically, politically and otherwise by constantly promoting crises in the region’ “Again, we believe Suntai was not left out in the plot. He is still at a hospital in Germany.

“Governor Suswam is under threat by core North’s ‘terrorists’, who are sponsored by their evil collaborators at home and abroad to achieve their selfish motives.

“Plateau State Governor Jonah David Jang is also in their list,

through constant attacks. He was targeted to be unseated from his position or killed, but their plot failed because he works with God. “We, therefore, view seriously the motive behind these acts as attempts to keep the Middle Belt perpetually backward economically, politically and otherwise by constantly promoting crises in the region.

“There is a clear indication and manifestation of a terrorists’ coup d’etat to make Plateau ungovernable because of Fulani attacks daily at Barkin Ladi and Riyom Local Governments, including the sponsorship of what is known as unknown soldiers, even when some are identified to kill the indigenes (Berom) in the two local governments.

“For ages, Plateau and other Middle Belt states have been the targets of all forms of attack and sustained aggression.

“As the game plan unfolds, it has become clear to the unsuspecting that the dislocation and castration of Middle Belt strongholds, through a strategy of destabilising and eliminating their leaders, is now the vogue. They have been hunting the lives of Middle Belt leaders.”

Anambra set for Harmattan carnival

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ESIDENTS of Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government of Anambra State are set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the annual Harmattan Carnival.

The carnival is one of Anambra’s biggest social events. It will hold from December 30 to January1, 2013.

The three-day celebrations comprises music, dance and performances by musical acts.

It also has massive fireworks, traditional bonfire dancing, among others.

One of the organisers, Dynamic Minds League (DML) Derek Ofojekwu said preparations are in top gear to host what he called a spectacular edition of the event.

Ofojekwu said: “Popular Nigerian artiste and king of Igbo rap music, Mr Raw (formerly Nigga Raw), Sortitude, Desperate Diva, Parrot Mouth, DJ Ve-

By Nneka Nwaneri

gas, among others, are among the stars who will thrill over 10,000 spectators expected to attend the event.”

“The Harmattan Carnival’s 20th anniversary celebration will hold more than just dancing, singing or having fun. It will also celebrate pioneer organisers who, through passion, instituted the carnival in 1992.

“It promises to be a unique blend of the modern and old skool tunes. It creates a platform for returnees (as we say, Nataad persons) to the Southeast during the Yuletide. Such returnees are from all over the world. They will unwind and have fun while interacting within the setup of a typical African carnival. It showcases fabstic fireworks.”

Fuel scarcity mars celebration in Abuja, Lagos

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HE persistent fuel scarcity yesterday marred Christmas festivities in Abuja and Lagos.

Checks by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in both city centres showed that there was no fuel at several filling stations.

Those selling the product had long queues of motorists.

Anxious motorists were seen at the Forte Filling Station and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega-station in the Central Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Some motorists told NAN that they had to use the Christmas holidays to shop for fuel.

A civil servant, Mr Samuel Ogah, noted that it was becoming increasingly difficult to get fuel on working days when there were long queues at filling stations.

He said: “You know work will resume on Thursday. So, I want to seize this opportunity to fill my tank.’’

A lawyer, Mr Andrew Omoh, expressed disappointment with the worsening fuel crisis.

He wondered why fuel would not be available during Christmas celebrations.

However, the scarcity did not prevent fun seekers from visiting recreation spots in the FCT. There was a high turnout of fun seekers at Wonderland Amusement Park on Airport Road.

An official of the park, Mr Godwin Amodu, told NAN that Christmas season was always busy for the park.

He said: “You know we always

look forward to this season for high patronage. But Boxing Day is usually more lucrative for us.’’

In Lagos, many residents decried the fuel scarcity. They said it hampered the movement of people celebrating the Yuletide.

Some of the residents urged the government to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products.

The residents expressed displeasure over the sudden scarcity of fuel. They said this became more noticeable on Christmas Eve. Many filling stations in the city were closed while hundreds of motorists at the few filling stations struggled to buy fuel.

A motorist, Mr Jare Olorunshoga, who had been on queue for several hours, told NAN that it was unfortunate the scarcity was happening this season.

“I have been in this queue for two hours now which is so frustrating.

“The government should act fast on this,’’ Olorunshoga said.

Mr Ibrahim Olowo also told NAN that the scarcity was deliberate to make Christmas dull.

He added: “This scarcity has paved the way for fuel attendants to make money by selling above the official pump price.’’

He urged the government to solve the problem.

Mrs Ifeoluwa Daniel told NAN that the fuel scarcity had made the Christmas season dull.

“There is no light in this area and people still cannot get petrol to buy to enjoy the festive period,’’ Daniel said.

* Gombe State Grand Khadi, Alhaji Usman Baba-Liman leading the jannaza (funeral prayer) for Second Republic Senator Uba Ahmed with Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (left) and the Mai (chief) of Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Mohammed (second left), in Kaltungo Local Government...on Monday

I’m not patient to deliver, says Aliyu From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

•Aliyu

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IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu has told top civil servants, elected and appointed officers, that he will not be patient to deliver and conclude the projects he started since he assumed office.

The governor spoke in Minna, the state capital, when he addressed political office holders, permanent secretaries and heads of agencies following dis-

coveries that the books of 16 corporations and agencies had not been audited for almost a decade.

He said: “I’m not patient now. I have only two years to conclude all the things we started. All commissioners, permanent secretaries and heads of agencies should be ready to work and ensure delivery.”

Aliyu hinted of a possible reshuffle in his State Executive council in the New Year.

He said: “In 2013, reinvigoration of government will be total and all of you must sit up because we have only two years in office and we must deliver all that we started.”

The governor urged his commissioners to comply and forward to his office the projects executed by his administration since 2007.

Aliyu noted that the inventory should include financial implications of such projects, state of the projects and how much has been spent on them.

He said the directive for the auditing of executed and ongoing projects followed the refusal of some heads of agencies to submit their books for statutory annual auditing for almost 10 years.

According to him, heads of the affected agencies have claimed that they do not have enough funds to audit their agencies’ financial books.

Top on the list of defaulting agencies is the Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs).

The books of the agency have not been audited for eight years, Aliyu said.

He added: “All they need is N8million to carry out the exercise.”

The governor also said IBB Specialised Hospital has defaulted for five years.

Other defaulters are Secondary Education Board, Rural Electricity Board, Newsline Publishing Company, Science and Technical School Board, Tornadoes Management Board, Niger State Housing Corporation, Urban Development Board, Hospital Management Board and State Scholarship Board.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2012

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NEWS

•Senior Product Manager, Nokia West Africa, Linda Yeo flanked by representative from National Lottery Regulation Commission, Ita Calix (left) and Anchor Alionye Emmanuel Chigozie at the Nokia Asha Millionaire Christmas Promo draws in Lagos.

•The ever busy Marina empty ...yesterday

23 expatriates released in Rivers T HE 23 Greeks arrested by naval officers for illegal bunkering on November 13 have been released with their vessel, MT Aegean Horizon.

It was learnt yesterday that the expatriates were not guilty. This prompted the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, to order their release.

The Greeks were arrested at Ibot terminal, Akwa Ibom State, with their vessel, loaded with 900,000 barrels of crude oil, during the Navy’s fleet evaluation operation, titled: “Exercise

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Farauata.”

The Commanding Officer, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Bonny, Capt Chukwuma Okafor, said the vessel and the 23 crew members were arrested because they gave unsatisfactory answers on their documents.

Okafor noted that after thorough investigation by Naval authorities, it was dis-

covered that the vessel obtained relevant documents from duly-authorised Nigerian authorities.

The commanding officer then lauded the suspects for their cooperation during the investigation.

The captain of the vessel, Kanellopoulos Ilias and 22 others were elated on their release.

The representative of the vessel, Gregori Esiri of Bluesea Maritime, was grateful to the Navy, for speeding up the investigations and ensuring their release.

Bayelsa saves N20b AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the state has N13.433 billion as the gross inflow in November.

Dickson spoke at the monthly transparency briefing, tagged: “Bayelsa State Transparency Initiative” monthly briefing for November, which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Yenagoa.

He said of the amount generated, N2.395 billion was from statutory allocation, N9.572 billion came from the 13 per cent derivation accruing to the state.

VAT got N625,326,631; disbursement from SURE account N1.65billion.

He said the total deductions in the same month amounted to N2.3 billion.

Putting salaries for political appointees at N327million and the monthly overhead for ministries and agencies at N1.6 billion, Dickson said “even this figure will be reduced by next year”.

He recalled that a balance of N23.572 billion was brought from October, and when added to the total capital payments for the month it amounted to N9billion and that of recurrent at N2 billion, the total funds available for November was put at N20,89,108,172,38.

B •Bayelsa StateGovernor Seriake Dickson presenting the budget proposal to the Speaaker of the House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson.

•Children having fun at at the Bar Beach in Lagos...yesterday

Amaechi praises NLC

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State has been lauded for supporting the government.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi spoke yesterday at the fifth anniversary and thanksgiving service for the NLC State Chairman, Chris Oruge, at the St Georges Anglican Church, Oduoha, Emohua Local Government Area.

He said labour has supported the administration.

Amaechi urged labour leaders and Nigerians to use the yuletide season to show love to one another.

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

“Christmas brings peace so we should share love to each other.”

Oruge called for quick completion of the Oduoha -Elibra road.

As a follow up to that, the governor directed the Commissioner for Works to ensure that the Oduoha road is constructed and completed in due time.

Amaechi said: “This is not the kind of road we envisioned, we would invite the contractor to explain to us what we need to do to the road to make it better.”

• State to increase IGR From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

“Because of the robust development agenda, enthusiasm and commitment, some concerns have been expressed whether we are not doing too much.

“The truth is people find it difficult to believe that all these are possible but it is possible with dedication, commitment, discipline and prudent management of scarce resources a lot can be done.”

Highlight at the briefing was the signing of a N31.3 billion contract awarded to a Chinese firm for the Yenagoa-Oporomo road.

He emphasised the importance of opening up the major link roads to the riverine areas, including the Nembe-Brass road, which will lead to the Brass LNG project; the Ekeremo-Agge Road which is also the site for the deep sea port.

Another contract awarded included the Sagaba-Ekeremo Road.

As part of measures to boost the state’s revenue profile, the governor has constituted the state board of internal revenue with Torukuru Godson as its chairman.

Speaking at the inauguration at the Government House, Dickson urged the board to develop new rev-

enue streams and work out modalities to block all leakages and wastages.

The governor, who described the board’s assignment as critical to the administration’s restoration agenda, urged it to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and a committee, headed by Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah.

Lamenting the state’s low Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), the governor noted that his administration would not depend on federal allocation to execute its infrastructural development initiative.

“I don’t see any reason why multinational companies operating in the state with the massive degradation they wreak on our environment will not pay tax to our state….

Where we need amendment of the law, work with the Attorney-General that I have already mandated so that we can create an enabling legal environment when necessary.”

Others members of the committee are Mrs. Ezougha Ogborodi (Legal Adviser and Secretary), Anthony Ikobho, Felix Pere-Kalama, Joseph Freeman Isowo and Anthony Audy with two directors to represent the Inland Revenue Board.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

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FOREIGN UK on flood alert CHRISTMAS has got off to a soggy start for many parts of the UK, as more rain falls on flood-threatened areas.

Hundreds of homes and businesses have been swamped with floodwaters as winter rain continues to fall on saturated land.

Staffordshire Police have closed the M6 northbound following an accident in which there were multiple deaths.

Police also closed the junction 10 exit of the M27 at Wickham and the A127 near its junction with the M25 due to flooding.

The Environment Agency (EA) said widespread showers meant many places remain on flood alert despite the persistent heavy rain being expected to ease off by the end of today.

An EA spokeswoman said: “While the worse of the weather is behind us, the risk of flooding continues with rain falling on already saturated ground.

“As a result, flood warnings and alerts will remain in place for much of the week ahead.

“This is because river levels remain high and sensitive to further rainfall.”

The rivers Severn, Trent, Avon and Thames are most at risk of flooding, the EA said, and another band of rain is expected to swamp the country on Boxing Day.

27 killed in Kazakhstan air crash MILITARY plane said to be carrying senior Kazakh security officials has crashed in the south of the country, killing all on board, reports say.

Twenty-seven people were on the flight, which went down near the city of Shymkent, officials said.

A regional emergencies head told Ria news agency the plane had been completely destroyed.

The Antonov An-72 plane was carrying border service officers, including acting head Turganbek Stambekov.

KTK TV said the plane had disappeared from radar

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shortly before 19:00 Kazakhstan time (13:00 GMT) as it was making its descent near Shymkent, which is the main Kazakh city in the south, some 75 miles (120km) north of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.

Eyewitnesses told KTK that the plane fell from a height of 800m (2,600ft), causing a loud explosion.

A resident identified as Baurzhan Dosov described a big fire, adding that military hats were strewn around the crash site.

The plane went down 12 miles (20km) from Shymkent aiport in what correspondents told KTK

was very bad weather.

“There was no need for rescuers’ help. Only fragments remain,” the head of Kazakhstan’s regional emergencies department, Valikhan Derezhepov, told Ria news agency.

Seven crew and 20 military personnel were on board the military transport plane, Kazakhstan’s Committee for National Security said in a statement.

Interfax-Kazakhstan said that one of Col Stambekov’s deputies and several regional border service commanders were also on the flight, from the Kazakh capi-

tal, Astana, to Shymkent.

Col Stambekov was made acting head of the service in June, weeks after 14 border troops were found dead at a burnt-out border post near Kazakhstan’s southern frontier with China. The incident prompted his predecessor to resign.

Another border guard was jailed for life for his alleged role in the incident at the Arkankergen post near Almaty, after he had reportedly confessed to the authorities.

He later said he had been forced into making the confession.

Newtown still mourning Newtown has marked Christmas amid snowcovered teddy bears and other tributes left to honour the victims of the massacre that took the lives of 20 children and six adults.

The outpouring of support for the close-knit community continued through Christmas, with visitors arriving with cards, handmade snowflakes and sympathy.

“We know that they’ll feel loved. They’ll feel that somebody actually cares,” said Treyvon Smalls, a 15year-old who came to Newtown on Christmas Eve with hundreds of cards and paper snowflakes from mourners around the state.

At the Trinity Episcopal Church, the sounds of a children’s choir greeted crowds of several hundred people attending Christmas services.

The services took on a celebratory tone, with Pastor Kathie AdamsShepherd leading the congregation in praying “that the joy and consolation of the wonderful counsellor might enliven all who are touched by illness, danger, or grief, especially all those families affected by the shootings in Sandy Hook”.

•The Pope delivering his message...yesterday

Pope calls for political solution in Syria, Nigeria

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OPE Benedict XVI has called for a political solution to the violence in Syria during his Christmas message, the Urbi et Orbi, in Vatican City.

In front of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, he called for all sides in the conflict to engage in dialogue.

“I appeal for an end to the bloodshed and easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced,” he said.

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

In Bethlehem itself,

Christmas Eve Mass was celebrated at the 1,700-yearold Church of the Nativity, on the spot where it is believed Jesus was born.

The Urbi et Orbi, which means “to the city and the world”, is a customary part of Christmas for Roman Catholics.

The Pope’s message this year focused on trouble spots around the world, particularly Syria.

“May peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict that does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims,” he said.

Activists say 40,000 have been killed in Syria since an

anti-government uprising began early in 2011.

The Pope also prayed for harmony in Nigeria, lamenting what he called “savage acts of terrorism” that frequently target Christians.

And he urged China’s new leadership to respect the contribution of religion in creating a “fraternal society”.

The BBC’s David Willey in Rome says it is the first time the Pope has asked for blessings for the Chinese leadership in his Christmas message.

Relations between Beijing and the Vatican are often strained over the Chinese government’s efforts

to install clergy sympathetic to the Communist state.

The Chinese authorities detained a Catholic bishop earlier this year after he refused to accept oversight from a state-run body.

Our correspondent says relations between China and the Vatican reached a new low over that incident.

On Monday, Christmas Eve Mass in the Vatican, usually celebrated at midnight, was brought forward by two hours to avoid tiring the 85-year-old pontiff.

At the Mass, he urged Christians to “find time and room for God in their fastpaced lives”.

New York gunman left ‘killing note’

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MAN ALLEGED to have lured two US volunteer firefighters to their deaths in Webster, New York left a long note outlining his plans, police say.

They told a news conference that the gunman, iden-

PUBLIC NOTICE LOSS OF DOCUMENTS

This is to notify the general public that the original copies of the following Land Documents and Sales Agreement Papers belonging to Fagbemi A. Samson of F15 Surami road, Angwar Rimi, Kaduna is declared missing, a. Letter of Conveyance of plot N0 1327, 837 square meter,dated 18/12/98 b. Letter of Conveyance of plot No 1296, 899 square meter,dated 18/12/98 c. Land Sale Agreement between Wumi Medupin and Fagbemi A. Samson,20/05/01 d. Land Sale Agreement between Adewumi Stephen and Fagbemi A. Samson, 20/05/01.

All effort to trace them proved abortive.

tified as 62-year-old William Spengler, had three guns and aimed to burn down his neighbourhood.

No motive was given but the note said he was planning to “do what I like doing best - killing people.”

The firefighters were shot dead as they arrived to tackle a fire on Monday.

Seven homes on a narrow stretch of land beside Lake Ontario were destroyed by the fire and another two firemen were wounded in the attack.

Police Chief Gerald Pickering told reporters that Spengler, who apparently shot himself in the head, had used a .38 calibre revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun and a Bushmaster .223 calibre rifle

with flash suppression.

The same make and calibre rifle had been used in the murder of 26 teachers and children at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut on 14 December, he said.

The police chief told reporters in Webster that a two- to three-page note from the gunman had been found in which he said: “I still have to get ready to see how much of the neighbourhood I can burn down and do what I like doing best - killing people.”

Spengler had served 17 years in jail for killing his grandmother with a hammer but had done nothing to attract the authorities’ attention since being granted parole in 1998.

As a convicted criminal, he was not allowed to own weapons.

Police said he appeared to have set “a trap” by setting fire to his home. His older sister, Cheryl, whom he reportedly hated, is missing.

Two of the firefighters who responded to the call, Tomasz Kaczowka and Mike Chiapperini, were shot dead in what was described as a “clear ambush” on emergency services.

Their two wounded colleagues are said to be in a stable condition with gunshot wounds.

An off-duty police officer who was also shot and wounded as he came to their aid was praised by the police chief for saving people’s lives.

Chavez improving after surgery

V

ENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez has improved after a cancer operation and has started walking and exercising, the country’s vice-president has said.

Nicolas Maduro told state TV he had spoken on the phone to Chavez, describing the call as “the best present we could get this Christmas”.

Chavez underwent his fourth cancer operation on December 11 in Cuba but suffered a respiratory infection.

The president - in power since 1999 - won another term in October’s election.

Earlier, Venezuelan Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said: “The patient has shown a slight improvement in his condition.”

However, no pictures of Chavez after the surgery have been released so far.

Chavez, 58, is scheduled to be sworn in on January 10.

The lack of any word from Chavez for two weeks prior to the comments by the two senior officials raised serious concerns about his current condition and his ability to attend the swearingin .

Bolivian President Evo Morales was in Cuba over the weekend but did not speak to reporters and a Cuban government invitation for media to cover his arrival and departure was withdrawn.

Morales is expected to issue a statement later on Chavez’s condition.

Two killed in Burma

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T least two people have been killed and another 11 injured

after a plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Burma, officials say.

The Air Bagan plane was carrying more than 60 passengers. Two Britons are believed to be among those hurt.

It was on its way from the city of Rangoon to Heho airport in Shan state when it crash-landed about 3km (two miles) from the runway.

Reports say a fire in one of the engines may have caused the accident.

Burmese government officials have confirmed a passenger was found dead inside the plane.

A motorcyclist near Heho airport was also killed when the Fokker jet made its emergency landing in thick fog in a rice field.

The UK Foreign Office said it was working with Burmese authorities to establish whether two of the foreigners wounded in the crash were British.

“Our acting consul is en route to Heho Airport and the charge d’affaires has been deployed to Rangoon airport as we understand that some passengers involved in the incident are being flown there,” a UK Foreign Office spokesman said.

Swiss survivor Leandre Guillod, 28, told the BBC from hospital in Rangoon that the crash happened just before the plane landed as it was flying through some clouds.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

61

NEWS US battles severe weather

Queen: 2012 was memorable

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RITAIN’s Queen Eliza beth II reflected on a year of personal and Olympic celebration in a Christmas message Tuesday that emphasized serving others.

“This past year has been one of great celebration for many,” the 86-year-old monarch said in a videotaped message, reflecting on her Diamond Jubilee, which she called “especially memorable for me and my family.”

She added: “It was humbling that so many chose to mark the anniversary of a duty which passed to me 60 years ago.”

Her message also cited “a splendid summer of sport” with the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, which she called inspiring and filled with excitement and drama.

The queen noted that Christmas celebrates God sending his only son “to serve, not to be served.”

“He restored love and service to the center of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ,” she said. “It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others.”

The Queen has praised the “army of volunteers” at the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In her Christmas message, she said it was striking to see the “friendship” of so many people who marked her Jubilee, particularly during the river pageant.

She said the 1,000-vessel pageant on the Thames - on a wet, cold June day showed a “determination to celebrate triumphing over the elements”.

She earlier attended Christmas service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk.

Her husband, sons and daughter, plus many grandchildren, accompanied the Queen to church. Afterwards she received bouquets of flowers and spoke to about 70 children who had waited outside for her.

The Queen traditionally spends the festive period with her family at Sandringham, but this year has not been joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who are with the duchess’s family in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Prince William and Catherine were expecting their first child, after the duchess was admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness.

Prince Harry is absent from the celebrations, as he is currently serving as an Apache helicopter pilot with the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan.

Car rebels seize another town

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EBELS in Central African Republic have taken another town despite pressure to halt their advance.

The rebel coalition on Tuesday seized the town of Kaga-Bandoro, located about 385 kilometers (240 miles) from the capital, Bangui. The move comes just days after they gained control of the key town of Bambari.

Telephone lines were cut in Kaga-Bandoro, but a resident of a nearby community reported seeing the rebels’ vehicles crossing the town on Tuesday.

The rebels have now gained control of about 10 towns.

They say they want to renegotiate past peace deals with the government of this desperately poor African nation.

President Francois Bozize’s government has sought military help from neighboring Chad.

Israel to build in East Jerusalem

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SRAEL has advanced the process of building 942 more settler homes in east Jerusalem under a new fast-track plan to tighten its grip on the territory, which the Palestinians claim as the capital of a future state.

A government planning committee on Monday moved the project to the advanced stage of asking contractors to submit bids to build them, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday. Once a bid is awarded, construction can begin on the project in the Gilo area, though it can take months, if not longer, to reach that point.

An additional 300 units can be built after further planning, said attorney Daniel Seidemann, an expert on Jerusalem construction who sees the building as an obstacle to peacemaking. About 40,000 Israelis live in Gilo.

Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said the new Israeli announcement was a “red line” that would block the chance for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which a Palestinian state would be established alongside Israel.

US actor Klegman dies at 90

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S actor Jack Klugman, who starred in hit TV series in the 1970s and 80s, has died at the age of 90.

He passed away in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon, his son Adam said, without giving further details.

Klugman played a no-nonsense medical investigator in Quincy M.E. and a sloppy sports writer in The Odd Couple.

The actor lost his voice to throat cancer in the 1980s but later trained himself to speak again. He returned to acting in the 1990s.

In his later years, he guest-starred on TV series including Third Watch and Crossing Jordan.

Off-screen, he owned racehorses and enjoyed gambling.

“The only really stupid thing I ever did in my life was to start smoking,” he said in 1996. He said seeing people smoking on television and films “disgusts me, it makes me so angry - kids are watching”.

A

powerful storm system provided a white Christmas for many Tuesday, but brought a less idyllic scene to the South, where at least one storm-related death was reported.

A 25-year-old man was killed after a tree fell on his pickup truck as he was driving on the northwest side of Houston, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Thomas Gilliland said.

Officials suspected high winds knocked the tree down.

Chunks of the eastern and southern parts of Texas remain under tornado watch through the afternoon, CNN affiliate KPRC reported.

The portion of the country from East Texas to the Florida Panhandle will face severe weather throughout the day, said CNN Meteorologist Alexandra Steele.

Major cities under severe weather threats on Christmas include Houston, New Orleans, Birmingham and Atlanta. The storm will move eastward, putting northern Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas in its sights on Wednesday.

The biggest threat is for the possibility of tornadoes, Steele said.

Straight-line winds may be as strong as 60-80 mph from this afternoon through tonight.

•Queen Elizabeth

Egyptian voters back constitution

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EARLY 64% of vot ers in an Egyptian referendum have supported a proposed new constitution, the election commission has announced.

The result of the two votes - held in stages on 15 and 22 December - was made public yesterday by the commission live on state-run Nile News TV. Elections must now take place within two months.

Critics say the document, which has triggered

mass protests, betrays the revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak.

But President Mohammed Morsi’s mainly Islamist supporters say it will secure democracy and encourage stability.

Turnout was 32.9% of Egypt’s total of 52 million voters, election commission President Samir Abul Maati told a news conference in Cairo.

He said that the new constitution was supported by 63.8% of voters over the two

rounds of voting.

The head of the election commission says the new constitution has passed with a 63.8 percent “yes” vote in a referendum.

According to official results announced yesterday, 32.9 percent of voters participated.

The announcement turns the Islamist-drafted charter into the country’s first constitution after the uprising that forced Hosni Mubarak out of office after nearly 30 years of authoritarian rule.

The opposition had campaigned against the constitution, charging that it will usher in Islamic rule in Egypt and restrict freedoms. It has vowed to challenge the results.

Judge Samir Abou elMaati, the head of the electoral commission, denied allegations that judicial supervision was lacking in the vote.

The official results closely mirror unofficial results announced by the Muslim Brotherhood, the main group that backed the charter.

Four killed in Kenyan attack

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ATTLE rustlers shot and killed four people during a raid at a Manyatta in Baragoi on Monday night, barely a month after a similar raid left at least 42 police officers dead.

Police said the raid occurred within Tuum division, about 24 kilometers from Baragoi township.

“The raid occurred at night when the Turkana raiders went to steal cattle, they shot four people dead,” a police officer in Baragoi said.

Twelve others sustained serious gunshot wounds but they were declared out of danger at the Baragoi and Malalal district hospitals— according to police.

The officer said the raiders made away with some 200 goats but revealed “some of them have been recovered.”

Police and the military have mounted a security operation in the region af-

18 killed in Zimbabwe car crash ZIMBABWE state radio says 18 people headed home for the holidays died when their open truck veered off a mountain road and plunged into a ravine in northeastern Zimbabwe.

The radio said Tuesday another 46 passengers crowded on the back of the truck were injured in the crash in the remote Honde Valley region known for its steep and winding roads and tracks. ter 42 police officers were killed in an ambush as they were hunting cattle rustlers— the deadliest attack against the country’s police force.

Several suspects—including local administrators are facing charges over the massacre.

Cattle theft and ensuing clashes between rival pastoralist groups claim dozens of lives every year in northern Kenya.

With the country set to conduct a general election in March 4 next year, such inci-

Bus and truck accidents, common in Zimbabwe, are mainly blamed on poor vehicle maintenance and speeding.

Zimbabweans traditionally travel to their rural villages for the holidays.

Travelers this year complained that bus companies hiked fares, in one case from $4 to $10 for a 150 kilometer (90 mile) trip.

State radio said police Tuesday warned against boarding private vehicles unlicensed to carry passengers.

dents are raising serious security concerns.

Tribal violence claimed at least 1300 people in the last general election held in 2007, triggered by disagreements between supporters of in-

cumbent President Mwai Kibaki and his then bitter political rival Raila Odinga who later became prime minister in a power sharing agreement mediated by former UN chief Kofi Annan.

Kenyan police have come

TODAY IN HISTORY

2004: Thousands die in Asian tsunami Sea surges triggered by an earthquake under the Indian Ocean kill over 10,000 people in southern Asia, with many more feared dead.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

We can't invite everybody —Keshi

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EAD COACH of the Nigeria’s national team, Stephen Keshi has been under intense scrutiny in recent days.Keshi stoked the fire of controversy on Friday, December 21 when he released a provisional list of 32 players for the 2013

Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Football faithful across the nation raised eyebrows as stellar performers like Kalu Uche, Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins failed to make the cut.

Odemwingie predictably did not take his exclusion lying down and went on an astonishing tirade via the social networking site, twitter to launch a scathing attack on Keshi, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles’ captain, Joseph Yobo.

Millwall Manager, Kenny Jackett, and his Newcastle counterpart, Alan Pardew have made known their intentions of preventing the duo of Danny Shittu and Shola Ameobi from playing for Nigeria at the 2013 Afcon.Keshi took out the time to discuss the issues with supersport.com and several startling revelations were made.

It must have been a roller coaster week for you, how have you dealt with the pressure?

There is no pressure. This is my job and anyone who cannot deal with pressure is not ready for this.

I’m fine with this. All is well.

You left out Obafemi Martins, Kalu Uche and Osaze Odemwingie out of your provisional 32-man squad for the 2013 Afcon. Why? There are a lot of good players in Nigeria. We cannot invite everybody to play all at once. If we do that, it will be a jamboree situation. We don’t want that.

But these players have been in fine formfor their various clubs this term and many expected them to make the list.

The exclusion of these players does not mean they are not good players. I have also heard people say I have a personal grudge against these players. That is not true.

It only means that they are not needed at this time. They are still in my plans (for the future).

There is no problem at all. It just means that the 32 players selected are the ones that are needed for now.

It was a shock when Bright Dike of MLS club, Portland Timbers made the squad. He has only been capped once at international level and has never played a competitive match for Nigeria. Why was he selected?

Well, the truth is the list I announced is a provisional list.

Not everyone in that list will be on the plane to South Africa.

Yes Dike has one cap but I was really impressed with his fitness level when we played against Venezuela in Miami. His dedication level is impressive.

These are the kind of players that I need.

I am not saying he will make the list or will be dropped

NFF declare war Newcastle over Ameobi

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HE Nigeria Football Federation has declared war with Newcastle, following statements credited to the team manager, Alan Pardew that Shola Ameobi will not be at the Nations Cup. - We will invoke the FIFA statutes if neccessary to get our man, a top official of the NFF told futaa.com on Tuesday.

- The fact that we had not made any fuss with any European team over any of our players in the past does not mean we don't know the

right thing to do.

We have always considered the relationship between our players and the clubs, but now that Pardew has shown his hand, we will respond accordingly if Ameobi fails to show.

The NFF bigwig insists that the Nigerian striker will not play for Newcastle as long as the Nations Cup is on.

- That is it, he will not play for them if they fail to release him. If that is what we have to do, we will do it. He concluded.

eventually. When the camp opens in Portugal, we will see who is who.

Many are questioning the rationale behind your decision to include Rabiu Ibrahim who has yet to make a single start for Celtic in either the Scottish Premier League (SPL) or the UEFA Champions’ League this season.

I watched Rabiu play in a Scottish Cup tie for Celtic recently and was impressed. He is a creative midfielder and one of the areas where we come up short (in the team) is the creative midfield position.

I invited him to see, at close quarters, what he can.

Alan Pardew says Shola Ameobi will not play for the Super Eagles at next year’s Afcon even if he is selected in the final squad. Pardew says you know the reasons why Ameobi won’t play. What are the reasons?

I have never spoken to Alan Pardew in my life. I have only seen him on television so I don’t know what reasons he is talking about.

Have you spoken to Shola about the situation?

No, I have not. Not yet...but I will eventually do that and get to the root of the matter.

The Federation (NFF) has insisted that Ameobi will be compelled to go to the competition if he is eventually selected in the final squad. Are you on the same page as the Federation?

Of course, I am on the same page as my Federation. Alan Pardew knows he cannot stop Shola from going to the Cup of Nations because the competition is recognised by FIFA. I don’t know what is in his (Pardew’s) head or what he is thinking about.

The Millwall Manager, Kenny Jackett has also vowed to stop Danny Shittu from

•Keshi

going to the Afcon if he is selected....

I don’t know why the English clubs are trying to stop their players from going to the Cup of Nations. Do they feel these black boys don’t have the right to play for their countries? I don’t know.....but any player who is selected to play will play at the Cup of Nations because we reserve the right to do that.

However, I would not want to cause any problems for any player over something like this because that is his career and eventually, he will have to return to his country.

But the clubs also have to understand how important this competition is and that it is sanctioned by FIFA. When will the invited overseas-based players be expected to arrive the camp in Portugal?

From January 5, 2013. We want to begin preparations early and we will want to get all our players in camp on that date.

Were you shocked at the reaction of Osaze Odemwingie following his exclusion from the 32-man provisional squad for the 2013 AFCON? To be honest, I will prefer to talk about players in my list and not those that were not invited.

I am not interested in what Osaze is saying or not saying at the moment. It’s none of my business.

Nigeria will face Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and the champions, Zambia in the group stages of the competition next year. What should Nigerians expect from the team?

We will give our best in the competition. We ask Nigerians for their prayers and I want to use this medium to wish Nigerians a very merry Christmas.

Orogbum Community welcomes EOPLE of Orogbum Princewill community thronged

•L - R: Ekpe Ndiyo, Business Development Manager, Public Sector South, FirstBank; Winner of the 2012 Mary Slessor Charity Golf, Jackson Offem and Acting Governor, Barrister Effiok Cobham, at the just concluded Mary Slessor Charity Golf Tournament sponsored by FirstBank.

their town hall penultimate Thursday to welcome their son, Princewill Owohrmeji who was evicted from the Glo Soccer Academy in Lagos.

Speaking at the reception organised to receive Princewill, the chairman of Orogbum community council, Comrade Kenneth Ugbonda expressed joy that one of the sons of Orogbum

NSSF calls for more sponsorship support

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HE Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) on Tuesday called for the support of the Ministries of Sports and Education, to enhance its grassroots sports initiatives.

Its President, Ibrahim Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview in Lagos

that the body lacked the means to single-handedly pursue its programmes.

"We need help from the Sports and Education ministries because they have critical roles to play in our activities as we need funds to execute our programmes.

"I have always talked about the need for synergy between the

two ministries. There is a need for them to help to propagate policies that will improve school sports in all its ramifications," Mohammed said.

The NSSF president, however, applauded the support of the body’s regular partners and appealed for more sponsorship assistance for its activities.

Rangers shun Christmas in camp

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GLO SOCCER ACADEMY EVICTION

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AHEAD OF SUPER 4, LEAGUE

was among the 33 players picked out of over 7,000 youths screened in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin for the Academy.

According to him: “Its a privilege for this community to be represented at the Glo Soccer Academy and we are quite optimistic that Princewill will make the best use of the knowledge he gained at the academy.”

Chief Ogbonda said that Princewill is a hero in the community and he predicted that he will go far in the round leather game in the future.

He thanked Globacom for setting up the academy which according to him will produce future footballers for Nigeria.

Speaking at the occasion, Globacom Divisional Director, South South, Mr. Sam Edoho commended Princewill for conducting himself very well at the academy.

A N G E R S International FC of Enugu are not observing the Christmas holidays, to prepare for crucial club engagements early in the new year, a top official of the club said on Tuesday.

Foster Chime, Media Officer of the Club, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that the club decided to call off the break in order to prepare for the Super Four, expected to hold within the first week of the New Year.

According to him, the team will also prepare for the kickoff of the Premier League, as well as their Continental engagements. ``They have been in camp all along. During these festivities, the management decided they will still stay in camp and we are not giving them any break because we have a full programme from Jan. 4.

"We will be playing the Super 4 in Kano and after that, you know the league will be resuming in the second week

of January and by February, we have our first match in the CAF Champions League.

"We have a tight programme, so we do not want to leave anything to chance. And that is why we decided to ensure that both the players and technical crew are all staying in camp.

"That is why we are not giving them any break for this period,’’ Chime said.

According to him, in order to motivate the players, we paid them their December salaries and we have decided to slaughter a cow for them.

Chime also said that the spirit in camp had been high.

"They have been full of expectations. They are all raring to have a go at the commitments for next year."

The media officer said the club had since completed all the registration formalities, ahead of the upcoming season.

He added that the fans of the team had also been full of expectations ahead of the season.

Dutch coaches laud development of youth football in Nigeria

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UTCH coaches from Vitesse Arnhem FC of Holland have commended Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell milk for its development of youth football in Nigeria.

The coaches made the commendation at the Main bowl of the National Stadium Surulere on Sunday in Lagos, at the just concluded eight-day training programme for Cowbell Football Academy, CFA coaches and footballers among others.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, the proprietor of Soya, a Hollandbased NGO committed to youth football development in Nigeria lauded the CFA footballers’ style of play and youthful age.

He said he did not expect them to win the Eko Junior Quadrangular Invitational Tournament which was based on round-robin because the teams they played against

were of older age.

“It’s not about winning but about football development in Nigeria,” Okonkwo said, adding that Cowbell Football Academy will not like to field older players because of integrity and honesty.

A coach with the CFA, Mr. Ordia Ikhalo said the CFA player were technically good but age difference between them and the teams they played against was a major issue. He said officiating of the tournament was eight over ten.

Aside been given certificate of participation, the 60 coaches who were trained will be upgraded next year when the Dutch coaches will return for another round of training.

Besides the coaches, about 400 footballers (160 from Cowbell Football Academy and 240 from other clubs in Nigeria participated in the training programme and tournament.

Martins splashes N10m on orphans, mothers at Xmas

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EVANTE striker Obafemi Martins has alledgedly spent N10m on Christmas celebrations as he visited hospitals and orphanages in Lagos on

•Martins.

Photo: Bola Omilabu

By Stella Bamawo Christmas day. ‘Obagoal’on behalf of his foundation gave away gifts to three hospitals and orphanages.

A representative of the player told MTNFootball.com: “Martins will stage a charity event for new mothers and their babies. He will hand out donations and also pay the bills for the mothers who can't afford to do so.”

Meanwhile, Levante fans are thrilled Martins will stay back at the Spanish club after he was not called up by Nigeria for the Nations Cup in South Africa.

The fans are delighted the 28year-old striker will not miss any of the games in their La Liga campaign come the New Year.

Martins has been integral part of Levante after he scored six goals in 13 League matches with the club now sixth on the table.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012

63

NEWS CPC condemns Jonathan’s ‘Xmas message Continued from page 2

crease in world crude oil price would not translate into the prosperity of the Nigeria and her citizens. The administration of the fuel subsidy, under the regime, has become a phenomenon in legendary opacity and monstrous corrupt tendencies.”

Regarding insecurity in the country, the party accused the Jonathan administration of lack of capacity to address it.

The statement said: “On security, the administration has demonstrated lack of capacity in tackling the myriad of insecurity issues that have assailed the nation in the outgoing year. After each deadly bomb blast- with attendant fatalities- it had become a regular template of presidential response to listen to assuranc-

es of investigation and security cover for all under the nation space. This is why, as a party, we believe President’s season’s message is a damp squib.

“An Administration that continually carries on with nauseous impunity, whilst the people’s rights to good living are continually being trampled upon, cannot be trusted.

“An Administration, that is incapable of prioritizing the nation’s need as against the avaricious comfort of its Principals and minions, cannot be trusted. An Administration that, through its character and body language continually plays up the ethno-religious fault lines of the Nation’s geo-politics cannot be trusted.

“An Administration, that continually deals in deliberate mendacity and employs obscurantist policy as its philosophy, cannot be trusted.

“As a party, we know too well about the extemporaneous foundation of this regime. It was more interested in seizing political power rather than the adequate planning for effectual governance.

“We have equally noted that the same national existential conditions, that brought untold anguish and increased the squalid environments of the nation in the last one year, have not changed.

“It is easily discernible, therefore, that the President’s speech was meant to fulfill a hollow ritual and not the

Primate to Jonathan: let’s end terrorism, kidnapping Continued from page 2

•Dr. Jonathan

communication based on perspicacious planning for a better future. On our part, we wish the Nigerian people Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.”

act fast, we will do so; that we demonstrated with the flood disaster because it required immediate response.

“Democracy must be dictated by ballot papers and I think we have achieved that with electoral reform. We will not go back but will continue to improve.

“For our transformation to be sustained, we Nigerians must be reformed. We must not see our country as where we make money only and build walls and live as prisoners because of the criminal activities of a few”.

The President also underscored the need for re-orientation in the country, noting that a situation where some crimi-

Gunmen kill 12 in ’Xmas Eve attacks on churches Continued from page 2

2009.

Pope Benedict XVI called for peace around the world.

The message was watched live by a worldwide audience and about 40,000 pilgrims who listened live to the 85year-old Pontiff.

He said: “May the Birth of Christ favour the return of peace in Mali and that of concord in Nigeria, where savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians.

“May the Redeemer bring help and comfort to the refugees from the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and grant peace to Kenya, where

brutal attacks have struck the civilian population and places of worship.

“May peace spring up in the Land where the Redeemer was born, and may he grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path of negotiation.

“In the countries of North Africa, which are experiencing a major transition in pursuit of a new future – and especially the beloved land of Egypt, blessed by the childhood of Jesus – may citizens work together to build societies founded on justice and respect for the freedom and

dignity of every person.

“May peace spring up on the vast continent of Asia.

May the Child Jesus look graciously on the many peoples who dwell in those lands and, in a special way, upon all those who believe in him. May the King of Peace turn his gaze to the new leaders of the People’s Republic of China for the high task which awaits them.

I express my hope that, in fulfilling this task, they will esteem the contribution of the religions, in respect for each, in such a way that they can help to build a fraternal society for the benefit of that noble People and of the whole world.

“May the Child Jesus bless the great numbers of the faithful who celebrate him in Latin America. May he increase their human and Christian virtues, sustain all those forced to leave behind their families and their land, and confirm government leaders in their commitment to development and fighting crime,” he said.

Pope Benedict XVI called for an “end to the bloodshed” in conflict-wracked Syria.

“There is hope in the world … even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations,” he said, praying that “peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply

•Oritsejafor

wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims.”

nal-minded Nigerians vandalise government property to sabotage the government’s effort must be condemned as such actions are tantamount to the transformation plan of the government.

“People play politics with things that affect even their own lives. You wonder why a person go and cut down a conductor carrying cables that produce electricity because you want a government to fail.

This happened somewhere in Enugu. You begin to wonder if they are humans. That is why we need to reform if we must transform.”

The President also said the church has a critical role to play if democracy must be sustained.

“The sermon today brought a number of things to lime light, our transformation in agriculture and others.

“When we were planning for our campaign, we spent a whole day debating on what should be our theme and we settled for transformation. At the time, it sounded strange and many people even asked what are we transforming but I’m glad that today people are beginning to see the transformation.

“The church has a great role to play if the transformation must succeed because you can’t transform without reformation and is the role of the church to do so.

“I urge the church to come up with various programmes to talk about how we Nigerians can be reformed.”

087

26-12-12

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘‘The attempt to starve Oteh out by starving SEC of funds for salaries etc is a typically Machiavellian move used by all dictators - collective punishment.’

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7 NO.2,352

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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ENULTIMATE Monday, i.e. December 17, General Muhammadu Buhari, former military head of state and perennial presidential contender since 2003, turned 70.

An austere person, his birthday celebration was to have been low key to begin with. However, in apparent deference to the national mourning over the tragic death in a helicopter crash the weekend before of Sir Patrick Yakowa, governor of Kaduna State where he is resident, along with former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi, and four others, the general virtually cancelled the celebration.

That virtual cancellation of his birthday bash on account of the previous weekend’s national tragedy spoke volumes about the man’s essential humanity, something Nigeria’s dominant southern media, his nemesis, had done, and continues to do, almost everything it can to tear into shreds.

This media has done virtually all it can to portray the general as a stone-hearted, tyrannical, parochial and religious bigot, unfit for election as a civilian leader. In truth he is anything but.

Instead he has been a victim – along with each and every Northerner, with the possible exception of General Murtala Mohammed, who has held power in the country, from the Northern premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and the country’s first and only prime minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, through President Shehu Shagari to Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha and Abdulsalami Abubakar - of a sustained media propaganda which has succeeded in creating the popular impression that the Northern elites believe Nigeria is exclusively theirs to rule and ruin.

As with all successful propaganda, this negative portrayal by the dominant Nigerian media of the Northern political elite, in mufti or khaki, is not entirely without basis; Northerners have ruled this country much longer than those from the other regions and their record in government, generally speaking is, to put it mildly, difficult, if not impossible, to defend.

However, again as with all successful propaganda, the kernel of substance has been mixed and padded again and again with lots of halftruths and even barefaced lies.

Take the case of General Buhari as an example. As I said, the man, like all Northern leaders of the country, has suffered more than his fair share of malicious propaganda. There is, however, a major difference between his case and the rest; he never really enjoyed any honeymoon with the media from the time he emerged onto the national arena as minister of petroleum in 1976 up to the time he became head of state in 1983 – and even well beyond.

Dr. Aliyu Tilde, one time Friday columnist with the Weekly Trust and now a co-publisher of the online newspaper, The Premium Times, accurately captured the general’s hate-hate relationship with the Nigerian media in his rested column in the Trust of July 6, 2001, which he entitled “The Seven Sins of Buhari.”

Tilde’s piece was in apparent response to my earlier article in the Daily Trust which was critical of the general’s controversial remarks in Sokoto ahead of the elections in 2003 about how Muslims should vote.

For that article, Tilde lumped me along with

RIPPLES NIGERIA MAY MISS VISION 2020 TARGET–Cleric

We’ve missed it...what we have is FICTION 2020

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Muhammadu Buhari at 70

•Buhari

others who he said disliked Buhari for no worse crime than committing “seven unforgivable sins” in their eyes. These sins, he said, were that the general was a northerner, a Muslim, honest and transparent to a fault, popular with the masses, apparently disliked General Babangida (his army chief who overthrew him in a palace coup in 1985), enacted Decree No 4 which criminalised embarrassing any government official, and served under the much condemned General Abacha.

“Briefly,” Tilde said, “these are some of the sins that Buhari committed and for which he is too arrogant to repent. If he could change his habits and become deceitful and corrupt, he cannot change his birth, his history and his faith.

After all he is not a politician and does not need our votes.”

Obviously Tilde was speaking tongue-incheek. Buhari, as he said, could hardly change his birth and history and, like most adults, was unlikely to change his faith. And with the exception of the general’s well-known grouse against his former army chief and his enactment of Decree 4, his other “sins” were really universal virtues. Again even his worst enemies could not but acknowledge that he served as executive chairman of the Petroleum Task Force under the much-condemned Abacha with distinction and transparency.

Even then his virtues never endeared him to the rump of the Nigerian media and by exten-

sion much of the Nigerian public. The source of this bad blood between the two dates back to his job as minister of petroleum. Under his charge the media circulated a story that 2.8 billion Naira of our oil revenue had gone missing. A judicial panel that looked into the case concluded that it was all rumour. In the end otherwise respectable Nigerians like the late Tai Solarin and Chief Gani Fawehinmi that had claimed Buhari was culpable could not prove their claims. Instead Solarin, for one, had to admit that it was a piece of gossip he picked up on a bus!

That, apparently, did not stop the media from continuing to peddle the falsehood as fact right up to the moment.

Predictably when the man became head of state in December 1983, following the overthrow of the Second Republic under Shagari, he enacted Decree 4 under which two reporters of The Guardian, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, were jailed for a leaked story on the appointment of a new high commissioner to the UK which the government found embarrassing.

As if the N2.8 billion false story was not bad enough, the media went to town with another one about the Emir of Gwandu and father of his aide camp as head of state, Major Mustapha Jokolo, going to Murtala Muhammed international airport to clear 53 suitcases for the emir at a time the general had closed our borders with other countries to stem the smuggling of currencies and other contrabands.

That, like the so-called missing oil money, also turned out to have been blatant falsehood.

The general’s ADC was at the airport alright to receive his dad who was returning from a trip abroad, but the suitcases belonged to the large family of a former ambassador who was coming home to serve as the general’s chief of protocol.

Obviously this fact was poor copy for a story so the media decided to spruce it up a bit in order obviously to sell well. To date the lie, like so many distortions that have caught the imagination of the public, has simply refused

HARDBALL

TONY MARINHO

to go away.

At the time Tilde wrote about the general’s “seven sins,” the man had repeatedly said he hated politics and politicians with a passion. As head of state he had certainly left no one in doubt as to what he thought of them from the way his regime tried and jailed virtually all of them, many of them many life times over.

The general must have therefore surprised even himself when in 2002, he announced to an astounded public that he was joining politics.

Since then he has become a perennial presidential candidate; three times in 2003, 2007 and 2011 he ran for the job and three times he lost in elections that got progressively worse.

The last one triggered one of the worst political violence in the North - except for the 1966/ 67 riots - especially in Kaduna his state of residence, a violence which the authorities naturally blamed on the general’s pre-election warnings that any attempt to rig the election will be resisted by the masses.

As with the elections themselves he also lost his cases against the ruling party in the courts.

After losing his case last year an apparently frustrated Buhari told the world that it would be the last time he will stand for election. It was all reminiscent of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the other perennial loser of elections for the leadership of this country, when he told The Guardian in one of his most exhaustive interviews shortly after losing the massively rigged 1983 elections to President Shehu Shagari, that he was done with politics in Nigeria because he was convinced the country would never experience genuine democracy in generations to come.

Unlike the late venerated chief, however, the general seems to have changed his mind about not ever offering himself to serve as leader; in an interview in the Saturday Sun (December 22), he said in effect that he would if given the chance.

His party, he said, has been in serious talks with the two leading opposition parties for merger. At the same time he has, he said, been under tremendous pressure from his huge following to rethink his stand. “If,” he said, “they give me the ticket or recommend me, I will consider it.”

The general at 70 is obviously now a different man from the one who, until barely 10 years ago, was absolutely sure he will never want to be a politician. It will be a miracle if, as a politician, he ever gets a fair shake from a media that has harboured deep prejudice against him essentially because, like Awolowo whose mirror image he is, he is given to speaking bluntly.

It is a measure of his dislike by the rump of the Nigerian media that the same quality they had seen as virtue in the late chief they have treated as a vice in the general.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Kaduna abduction indicates underlying morass

I

T should qualify as one of the craziest abductions in recent memory. Armed men numbering about 20, according to eyewitnesses, stormed two houses in Kaduna in the wee hours of Sunday and whisked away the editor of a Kaduna-based Hausa newspaper, Al-Mizan, Mallam Mohammed Awwal, and his reporter, Mallam Aliyu Saleh. The current edition of the paper has a story on the alleged atrocities perpetrated by men of the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) in Potiskum in which 84 persons were said to have been abducted and whisked away to unknown destinations. On account of the controversial JTF story, the abducted editors’ families suspect that the invaders were probably agents of the State Secret Service (SSS) or the JTF itself. Spokesmen of the police and the military have denied involvement in the abduction of the editors.

But few people are convinced, in spite of the abductors dressing up in United States-style military fatigues.

If it is eventually proved that a government security agency carried out the abduction of the editors, it will represent a new low in law enforcement in Nigeria. The act will not only exacerbate insecurity, it will also unfortunately

lend credence to the allegation that security organisations such as the JTF indeed subscribe to very unusual tactics in fighting terrorism in the Northeast. The editors, their families told the media, were abducted without warrant, and were brutalised together with their families during the arrest. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, some news agencies carried reports indicating that 84 people were arrested by the JTF and taken to unknown destinations. The reports, which the military authorities have vigorously denied, also insinuated that murder, torture and other forms of atrocities were committed by security agencies in the Northeast town of Potiskum.

Whatever the merit of the case against the editors, the methods employed in arresting them are evidently unlawful and showed how clearly law and order can no longer be guaranteed in the country. Even for the most inciting and mendacious media reports, there are established modalities for tackling them and dealing with media professionals who break the law. With the country swamped by robbers, kidnappers, impersonators, and security agents who have embraced extrajudicial killing, it is a disservice to the

government and people of Nigeria for any law enforcement body to adopt the style of the underworld. The Kaduna abductions indicate the gradual and steady decline of the country into jungle justice.

If any security agency is complicit in the unlawful arrest of the editors, it is not enough that the editors should be released and the proper procedures followed in bringing them to justice for any wrongdoing; the abduction itself must also be investigated and all the law enforcement agents involved in the unlawful act punished. The danger in glossing over this obnoxious method of law enforcement is that the gangland style of arresting citizens will be successfully imitated by criminal organisations, as in fact they are already doing, encouraged by the culture of impunity that is pervasive among security agencies.

No matter the provocation, security agencies must have the discipline to uphold the law unquestioningly. Nothing excuses security agencies acting like gangsters. And we must hope that the Kaduna editors were not abducted by real criminal gangs, for that would compound the distress the country is experiencing and the incompetence of the government in guaranteeing security.

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