The Nation February 18, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

...100 D AYS TO GO DA

•INEC: 52.2m get PVCs•Mark dispels interim govt fear MORE ON •Jega to brief Senate today on elections plan •AND PAGES 2-9&51 •Don’t blackmail Obasanjo, Buhari Campaign tells PDP •Tambuwal: polls shift dents integrity of electoral process

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3129 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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APC: Obanikoro, General, others must be punished Party seeks sanctions against Ekiti election scandal actors Military ‘should not be used for polls’ Card reader ‘must’ From Yusuf Alli and Tony Akowe, Abuja

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LL those involved in the Ekiti State election rigging plot should be punished, the All Progressives Congress (APC) demanded yesterday.

Police Affairs Minister Jelili Adesiyan, ministerial nominee Musliu Obanikoro and 32 Artillery Brigade Commander General Aliyu Momoh, among others, are allegedly involved in the poll rigging plot exposed in an audio recording.

The party also asked the Senate not to confirm Obanikoro, who has been re-nominated.

It insisted on the use of card readers for the general elections on March 28 and April 11, saying the military should have no role in the polls.

The party made the demands in a communiqué signed by National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed at the end of a Joint Leadership Meeting in Abuja.

The communiqué reads: ”At the end of its Joint Leadership Meeting held on the 17th of February 2015 at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Continued on page 4

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15, LAST YEAR EVER RETURN?

INSIDE •Be vigilant, Tinubu urges party chiefs •Buhari: don’t drag military into politics •’Jonathan plunging Nigeria into crises’ •AND MORE ON PAGES 4&51

•The scene of the rally after the violence...yesterday.

•JUST BEFORE THE ST ORM: Part of the crowd at the rally...yesterday STORM:

•Television reporter Eruka taking cover...yesterday.

Explosions, gunshots disrupt rally at First Lady’s hometown •PAGE 4

Policeman dies Reporter stabbed PDP: we’re not to blame

•SPORTS P19 •MONEY P22 •INVESTORS P24 •POLITICS P39 •LIFE P41 •FOREIGN P52

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

2

NEWS

MAY 29 ...100 DAYS TO GO

Obasanjo, Defence The days of Esprit de Corps are gone for good in the military. The slogan: “Once an officer, always an officer” has been confined into the dustbin of history. In this analysis, Editor-atLarge SEGUN AYOBOLU reminds serving officers who talk to their retired senior colleagues anyhow that they too will bow out of office one day.

ANALYSIS •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (third right) cuttng the tape to inaugurate the 100 air-conditioned metro busess at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Yard, Oshodi, Lagos...yesterday. With him are: his deputy Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third left); All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship running mate in Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule (second right); Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (right); and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi (left) PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

•Passengers alighting from an Arik Air plane on its inaugural flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire...yesterday.

Dr Abubakar Ataja of the Agricultural Council Of Nigeria (ARCN), handing over the Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) to the Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute, Dr Adenike Olusolape (middle), after the signing of the document in Abuja...yesterday.

With them is a member of the Institute, Dr Stephen Okoye.

•From left: Globacom Brand Specialist, Adebanke Kuye; Regional Chief Marketing Officer, Ashok Israni, Head Corporate Sales, Kamaldeen Shonibare, Brand Specialist, Ijeoma Ngodo and Director, Information Technology, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Chris Amakulo at the inauguration of the Glo Postpaid Smart Plans in Lagos...yesterday.

H

OW exactly can we make sense of the utter lack of restraint, the bare knuckled aggression and virulence with which Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday descended heavily on an iconic General of the Nigerian Army, a civil war hero, a former military Head of State and two-time elected civilian President, namely General Olusegun Obasanjo, declaring him as constituting an embarrassment to the military?

What could have irked Nigeria’s current military high command so badly that it virtually sought to disrobe its former Commander–in–Chief and one of its illustrious symbols in public? Of course, the answer is evident in an unsigned statement posted on the DHQ’s website on Monday.

The country’s security chiefs are angry at some of Gen Obasanjo’s comments on their role in the postponement of the general elections by six weeks and his perceived insinuation that they were tools in a sinister and cynical plan to achieve tenure extension for President Goodluck Jonathan. The polls were previously scheduled for this month The DHQ statement reads: “For instance, the comments credited to Chief Obasanjo alleging that the postponement of the general elections was to use the Service Chiefs to plot a tenure extension is, to say the least, very surprising. It is surprising indeed, considering the fact that the retired General chose to ignore the clarification and emphatic assurance of non-partisanship of the military as declared in a DHQ statement on the position of the Armed Forces in the on-going political activities”. The truth, however, is that a significant number of Nigerians share with Obasanjo a deep suspicion of the role of the Security Chiefs in the last minute postponement of elections the dates of which had been fixed at least a year ago and fear that this may be only a precursor to more brazen attempts to derail the current democratic process.

It is not impossible that the DHQ felt compelled to respond to Obasanjo because of the weight of his voice particularly on the international arena.

But even if it had to debunk Obasanjo’s views, could the language of the rebuttal not have been more civil and less bellicose? Given the well-known strained relationship between Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the PDP, does the uncouth attack on Obasanjo by the DHQ not further portray the military chiefs as descending into the partisan arena in defence of their current Commanderin-Chief? Would a measured and non-hysterical reiteration of the military’s non-partisanship not have demonstrated a greater degree of emotional distance and thus professionalism and impartiality by the military?

In any case, what are the concrete details of Obasanjo’s views that the DHQ felt compelled to react so viscerally to? On his return to the country from a foreign tour to, among other engagements, promote his new set of memoirs, the former President had spoken to reporters on the state of the nation at his Hilltop presidential residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking specifically on the postponement of the elections, the Owu chief said: “I refused to make any categorical statement on this issue because I wanted to come back home and learn what actually transpired and what was going on and it turned out to be a forced decision on INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission), because it was alleged that the security chiefs were unable to provide security and as a result, the Chairman of INEC had to postpone the elections, in accordance with the dictates of the so-called security chiefs.

For me, that was a bad day for democracy in Nigeria. It meant it doesn’t matter what preparation or lack of preparation any electoral body could make in Nigeria, the final decision on whether election will take place on the scheduled date lies in the domain of security. It is a sad day for democracy in Nigeria”.

Not done, Gen Obasanjo expressed grave worry at President Jonathan’s claim during his last nationally televised media chat that he was not consulted about and had no knowledge of the shift in the dates for the elections.

Obasanjo said: “I get worried, very worried that if the President of Nigeria is not in charge of security, maintenance of law and order and such a decision can be taken behind him, assuming that it is true, then the President must be reigning and not ruling”.

Also faulting the attribution of the postponement of the elections to the need to concentrate on fighting the Boko Haram insurgency, the former President wondered how a war against the sect, which had not been won since 2009, could now be successfully prosecuted in six weeks.

Now, there is nothing that Chief Obasanjo said that has not been widely and even more vigorously expressed by a cross-section of Nigerians at home and abroad. The statement by the DHQ suggests that the military high command is utterly oblivious of the grievous erosion of public trust in the present military hierarchy. With the astounding revelations of military complicity in the rigging of the last governorship elections in Ekiti State and the deployment of troops to intimidate leading opposition politicians after the postponement of the elections, the credibility and integrity of the military has been seriously compromised. Chief Obasanjo’s views are, thus, more likely to resonate more positively with public opinion than the statement of a DHQ that is increasingly perceived as no more than the armed wing of the ruling party.

This perception is reinforced by the needless partisanship of the DHQ statement. For instance, according to the DHQ, “Much as the military desires to respect the old General and his views, it has become necessary to point out that his conduct and unguarded utterances of late have fallen short of the standard of discipline expected of an individual who has had the privilege of service in the military and risen to the status of a General”.

The DHQ does not tell us how this is so. It only makes an assertion which it does not demonstrate logically or empirically. Who exactly is the DHQ speaking for here? Is it the rank and file of the Armed Forces; the Nigerian public or the PDP? It is baffling.

Taking another swipe at Obasanjo,

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

3

MAY 29 ...100 DAYS TO GO

e Headquarters and dignity of military institution

‘

•Chief of Defence Staff Alex Badeh

• Chief of Air Staff Adesola Amosu

•Chief of Naval Staff Usman Jibrin

•Chief of Army Staff Kenneth Minimah • Defence Minister Aliyu Gusau

•National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki

the DHQ asserts: “Indeed, he needs to be told that by virtue of their better training, exposure, education, assessment and environment, the military personnel of today are already far beyond his level in their appreciation of democracy and its indispensability for the stable and prosperous society which Nigerians cherish”. Continuing on this note, the DHQ went on:

who had served the country meritoriously before them. Even then, it should only be logical that the military institution should improve progressively with time. There should be nothing to celebrate about that. Unfortunately, this is not even the case.

Many analysts will contend that the professional quality, technical capacity and moral integrity of the Nigerian

“The Nigerian military is now better placed to strive for the maintenance of the legacies and ethos of service, valour, subordination to constituted authorities and non-partisan commitment to duty and fatherland”. Those who drafted and authorised this statement are disturbingly unaware that they are rubbishing the entire generations of outstanding officers

Given the wellknown strained relationship between Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan as well as the PDP, does the uncouth attack on Obasanjo by the DHQ not further portray the military chiefs as descending into the partisan arena in defence of their current Commander-in-Chief

‘

military, three or four decades ago, were far higher than what we have today. The unprecedented level of mutinies and court marshals today are indications of how far the military has descended in terms of morale, confidence, equipment and capacity since independence. This was a military with the illustrious history of serving with distinction in the Congo in the

First Republic, effectively fighting a three-year civil war to keep the country one, quelled the Maitasine fundamentalist uprising in the Second Republic and fought gallantly and brilliantly to restore peace, stability and order in Liberia and Sierra Leone during the aborted Third Republic.

Of course, Obasanjo is no Saint.

Many would even contend that he is getting what he deserves. They accuse him of a hypocritical self-righteousness and a tendency to always seek to point out the flaws in others while portraying himself as a super patriot. It is argued further that he equally wielded the extensive powers of the Nigerian presidency with scant regard for the rule of law when he was in the saddle of power as Nigeria’s elected President between 1999 and 2007. Some would cite the failed Third Term agenda designed to extend his tenure as President as one of the failings of Obasanjo in power. Yet, to his credit, when the Third Term project failed, Obasanjo did not seek to utilise his immense powers as Commander-in-Chief to manipulate the system to perpetuate himself in power.

Perhaps one of the most glorious moments in the history of the Nigerian military was when Obasanjo voluntarily handed over to a democratically elected President in 1979, setting an example for military and one-man dictatorships across Africa. Despite all his human flaws, Obasanjo is a great pride to the Nigerian military. When the DHQ insults and denigrates a veteran General of his stature or that of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, it erodes the dignity of the Nigerian military and makes the institution a laughing stock among its peers in the world.

Furthermore, the current military high command must realise that they will one day be out of service and must lay an example of how they want to be treated by succeeding generations of officers.

Jonathan, the military and elections W

HAT should be the military’s role in the conduct of elections? Until now, this was an issue agitating the minds of many as the nation gets set for the general elections holding on March 28 (presidential and National Assembly) and April 11 (governorship and Houses of Assembly). The issue has now been settled by the Court of Appeal, which on Monday, held that it is illegal to deploy soldiers for election duties. The appellate court’s verdict is an affirmation of the January 29 decision of Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Sokoto, that soldiers have no business with elections except to support the police and the electoral agency to ensure free and fair polls.

Ahead of the rescheduled elections, the public has been wondering whether the Federal Government will use soldiers for the polls as it did during the governorship elections in Edo, Ekiti and Osun states on July 14, 2012; June 21 and August 9, 2014. The way the soldiers went about their assignment in those states drew the ire of many, who accused them of partisanship.

Indeed, the soldiers were favourably disposed to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the discharge of their duties. They allowed PDP candidates to campaign freely, but did not extend such gesture to the opposition. In some instances, they stopped party stalwarts from attending their candidates’ campaigns.

In this wise, Ekiti stood out. The soldiers openly showed their bias against then Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was seeking reelection on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), among others, were stopped by soldiers from entering Ado Ekiti, the state capital, for the grand finale of Fayemi’s campaign. The soldiers were sent there, from what is emerging now, to execute the grand plan of installing PDP’s Ayo Fayose by hook or by crook. A witness to the rigging plan, Army Captain Sagir Koli, an Intelligence Officer, who was until recently of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, the Ondo State capital, in an interview with this paper last Sunday, said he discovered

The Court of Appeal, on Monday, held that it is illegal to deploy soldiers for elections. With the general elections a few weeks away, the nation waits to see if President Goodluck Jonathan will comply with the order, which confirms the January 29 verdict of the Federal High Court in Sokoto.

LAWAL OGIENAGBON (Deputy Editor) writes to his chagrin that they (soldiers) were sent to Ekiti to rig the election for PDP. Koli said : ‘’When we got to Ekiti State, as military personnel, we were supposed to be apolitical , non-partisan and neutral. We were sent there purposely to provide an enabling environment for election to be conducted peacefully...we were to ensure security of voters, observers, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and any other person or organisation that was there to ensure free and fair election. We were to provide security for them. But when we got to Ekiti, I discovered that we were taking sides with a political party. I tried to bring this to the knowledge of the command and the commander in particular. But I found that he (the commander) was working based on plans. ‘’Two days to the election, I told my commander (Brig-Gen Momoh) that ‘sir, the way we are going is negating our primary role here.

He categorically said: by now you would have seen my direction. And all I want you guys to do is to follow my direction. I am working on directives’...the military was handed over completely to Fayose and his men to work for them. That raised Fayose’s and his people’s morale’’.

To avoid the Ekiti experience in the coming elections, the opposition has been strident in its campaign that soldiers should not be used for the exercise. The opposition argues that constitutionally, it is wrong for the President to deploy soldiers for a duty, which is the exclusive preserve of the police. Moreover, the nation is not at war. So, why deploy soldiers in the streets in peacetime?

But, the stage is being set for their deployment during the forthcoming elections with the excuse

that the Northeast is unsafe. In an ‘’advisory’’ to INEC, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh and his Service chiefs advised INEC to postpone the elections, which were to hold on February 14 and 28 for six weeks to, figuratively speaking, enable them make the Northeast safe enough for the elections. Can this be enough ground for the deployment of soldiers during the March 28 and April 11 elections? The answer is no, going by Monday’s verdict of the Appeal Court. But, it appears that the PDP is determined to use the military to have its way at the polls at all costs. The party is said to be planning to foment crisis in the Northwest to pave the way for the deployment of soldiers during the elections by the president. It is also said to be planning to use the military to intimidate voters in APC-controlled states as it did during the governorship polls in Edo, Ekiti and Osun.

The verdicts on the impropriety of using soldiers for elections emanated from what happened in Ekiti last June 21. Affirming Justice Aikawa’s verdict, the Appeal Court held that his decision that the president cannot deploy soldiers for any purpose without recourse to the National Assembly is the law. Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution as amended stipulates : ‘’The Federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf, equip and maintain the armed forces as may be considered adequate and effective for suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the president, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly’’. All the deployments made so far by the president have been without the National Assembly’s approval.

• Dr. Jonathan

According to the court, ‘’it must be stated by way of emphasis that the armed forces have no role in the conduct of elections, must not be involved, except perhaps, in the area of providing logistics services to the agencies of government in the preparations for the elections.

They should not be called out on the streets or places of election in the name of security, because that would militarise the process and create an atmosphere of military siege, fear and intimidation of the public...the time has come in our learning process to establish the culture of democratic rule in the country and strive to do the right thing, particularly when it comes to dealing with the electoral process, which is one of the pillars of democracy. ‘’We should by all means try to keep armed personnel of whatever status and nature from being part of the electoral process. The state is obliged to confine the military to their very demanding assignment, especially in this time of insurgency and encroachment into the country’s territory, by keeping them out of elections’’. The courts have spoken, but will the President listen?

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

NEWS INEC: 52.2m get PVCs

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given out 52.2million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) - as at last night.

The commission said with the latest collection figure, 75.94% of the registered 68.8 million would-be voters had been issued with their PVCs. A breakdown of the figure shows that over 90% collection rate has been recorded in six states. Zamfara has the highest with 97%. Ogun State is the lowest with 40.86%.

States, such as Lagos, Oyo and Imo, which had less than 40 per cent collection rate before the extension, have now

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

recorded higher percentage.

Ten states, according to an INEC report, achieved over 60% . 15 states have over 70%. The collection of the cards will continue till March 8.

The electoral body insists that only voters with the PVCs will be allowed to vote in the general elections.

According to a statement signed by Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu, Secretary to the Commission, INEC “hopes that the extension (till March 8) will finally avail every registered person yet to collect his/her PVC the opportunity to do so in readiness for the elections.”

PVC DISTRIBUTION AS AT YESTERDAY STATES

•From left: Asiwaju Tinubu, Gen. Buhari,Chief Odigie-Oyegun, Governor Amaechi, Chief Onu and others at the meeting...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Polls shift: Tinubu urges APC leaders to be vigilant

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday warned party leaders not to take things for granted because of the sixweek postponement of the elections.

He said the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might postpone the general elections again.

But, according to Tinubu, the APC will resist another shift or rigging of the March 28 and Aprill 11 elections.

He asked APC members nationwide to turn themselves into great vigilantes for free-

From Yusuf Alli and Tony, Akowe, Abuja

dom, liberty and democratic government.

National Assembly members, said Tinubu, should place patriotism above any other interest to curtail what he called PDP’s abuse of power to scuttle the elections.

He insisted that Card Reader machines must be used for the polls to check malpractices.

Tinubu, who spoke at a Joint Leadership Meeting of the party at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, said the PDP bought time for itself with the

postponement.

He said APC was lucky not to have fallen into the “booby trap” set for the opposition by the shift.

Tinubu praised the presidential candidate of the party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for prevailing on Nigerians to endure the postponement of the elections, which were originally scheduled to hold on February 14 and 28. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the shift after Service Chiefs said they could not guarantee security in four states.

“Congratulations for walking

off the booby traps and congratulations to all of us because we are getting close to bringing down the Berlin Wall. We cannot celebrate yet but have to be stronger and vigilant,” Tinubu told the party chiefs, adding: “I want to say that our presidential candidate is more democratic today than ever before.

The booby trap set for us on the postponement is that they expected us to react violently so that they can declare a state of emergency in the country. He led us away from that path and spoke, telling Nigerians to be patient and endure the pain and Continued on page 51

Gunshots disrupt APC’s rally in First Lady’s hometown

A

POLICEMAN died and three others were injured yesterday when unknown gunmen opened fire at a crowded Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Okrika.

Five explosions and a burst of gunfire hit the campaign by APC governorship candidate Dakuku Peterside.

Okrika is the hometown of First Lady Patience Jonathan who Governor Chibuike Amaechi said yesterday had vowed that the APC would not be allowed to campaign in the town.

The policemen shot at the rally died last night at the Braith-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

waite Memorial Specialist Hospital in Port Harcourt, Peterside said, adding that the others were critically ill. Channels Television reporter Charles Eruka was among the injured. He was stabbed.

No fewer than 50 people were injured.

Gunmen opened fire on supporters of the APC at about 2 p.m. at the Okrika National School ground, Commissioner for Information Mrs Ibim Semenitari said.

“Dynamite was thrown at a nearby primary school to scare our supporters away,” Mrs. Semenitari added. “Later, gunmen opened fire on us and we had to leave the rally venue for our safety.”

Police spokesman Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 17/02/2015 at about 1430 hours at National School Field, Okrika, All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial rally arena was disrupted with sporadic shootings from a far distance to the arena by un-

known and unpatriotic elements.

“It took the instantaneous efforts by policemen massively deployed to secure the arena to repel the assailants and save the situation. Preliminary details indicate that a policeman engaged in the operation lost his life and three others got injured from stray bullets and a journalist was also stabbed. Nothing happened to any of the APC stalwarts, as they were safely evacuated by the police. The area is now calm while discreet investigation into the scenario has in earnest commenced.

Continued on page 51

•ABIA •ADAMAWA •A/IBOM •ANAMBRA •BAUCHI •BAYELSA •BENUE •BORNO •C/RIVER •DELTA •EBONYI •EDO •EKITI •ENUGU •FCT •GOMBE •IMO •JIGAWA •KADUNA •KANO •KATSINA •KEBBI •KOGI •KWARA •LAGOS •NASARAWA •NIGER •OGUN •ONDO •OSUN •OYO •PLATEAU •RIVERS •SOKOTO •TARABA •YOBE •ZAMFARA TOTAL

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

NO. PVC REMARKS COLLECTED

1,396,162 1,118,368 1,559,012 1,328,136 1,680,759 1,468,708 1,963,173 1,499,317 2,054,125 1,745,441 610,373 404,119 2,015,452 1,548,074 1,934,079 1,320,667 1,175,623 879,249 2,275,264 1,728,524 1,074,273 714,351 1,779,738 1,145,782 732,021 503,431 1,429,221 1,065,210 881,472 541,359 1,120,023 1,064,577 1,803,030 1,252,030 1,831,276 1,706,814 3,407,222 3,133,813 4,975,701 3,487,155 2,827,943 2,620,829 1,470,648 1,316,656 1,350,883 915,338 1,142,267 843,792 5,905,852 3,685,322 1,242,667 1,196,583 2,014,317 1,552,067 1,829,534 747,556 1,524,655 1,071,010 1,407,107 1,012,678 2,415,566 1,569,390 2,001,825 1,406,528 2,537,590 1,923,139 1,611,929 1,380,840 1,340,652 1,196,583 1,099,970 824,401 1,495,717 1,357,531 68,833,476 52,275,367

80.10 85.19 87.38 76.37 84.97 66.21 76.81 68.28 74.79 75.97 66.50 64.38 68.77 74.53 61.42 95.05 69.44 93.20 91.98 70.08 92.68 89.53 67.76 73.87 62.40 96.29 77.05 40.86 70.25 71.97 64.97 70.26 75.79 85.66 89.25 74.95 90.76 75.94

APC: Obanikoro, Adesiyan, General, others must be punished Continued from page 1

Centre, the All Progressives Congress resolved as follows: “ Immediate and necessary disciplinary action for all individuals that were involved in the subversion of democracy in the 21st JuneEkiti Governorship Election as revealed by the videos released

by Sahara Reporters. They include (a) Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh who should be immediately investigated

by the Military authorities. (b) The Hon Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan who should immediately be relieved of his ministerial appointment. (c) The former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro whose name has just been sent to the Senate for confirmation again as a minister of the Federal Republic must not be confirmed by the Senate and must be barred henceforth from holding any public office. ”That in line with the Court of Appeal decision of yesterday that upheld an earlier judgment of the Sokoto Federal High

•Buhari warns against military in politics Court that ruled as illegal the participation of the military in the electoral process, the military should be kept away from election duties henceforth. ”That the rescheduled election dates of the 28th of March and 11th of April remain sacrosanct as the party will not tolerate any further shift “That the use of the card reader for the 28th of March and 11th of April is non-negotiable, as contrary to the misinformation being disseminated the use of card reader is not synonymous with electronic voting.”

The meeting was attended by key officers of the APC, including presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former presidential aspirant Sam Nda Isaiah, governors, senators and other leaders, including former House of Representatives Speaker Mrs Olubunmi Etteh and Niger State Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto.

Gen. Buhari pleaded with party leaders to work for victory at the polls.

He requested them to bear the six-week shift with patience and resilience.

The former Head of State warned the Presidency against dragging the military into partisan politics.

He said: “As you are all aware, our country is passing through trying times imposed on us by the bad PDP administration. The imminent change in answer to the yearnings of our people has been delayed by the postponement of the February 14th, 2015 elections.

“Our patience and resilience will be tested in the days ahead.

We must pass this test. In a time like this, which in football analogy can be referred to as extra time, we must avoid making costly mistakes. In the weeks ahead, I would like to implore you to remain true to the vision - to build a country that works for all of us and not just for the few. To rescue and stabilise our nation from the hands of plunderers. On this, I believe we are all agreed.

“The important issue today is

that we must use the next six weeks that have been imposed on us, to re-charge and re-focus on our goal. The goal is to win the elections now slated for March 28th and April 11th with a convincing majority.

“We should aim to achieve a victory that will be beyond dispute and proceed to form the next government and start work on the task of rebuilding our beloved country.”

“Our eyes must be on the objective to build a great society that works for all of us. A country where every child has an equal opportunity to get an education, where every young Nigerian who needs a job can find one. Where the sick are looked after and senior citizens are provided for. A country which gives value to human life, where the welfare and security of all is a national priority and corruption is defeated.”

Gen. Buhari warned against the danger of dragging the military into politics.

He described the audio on how the Ekiti governorship poll

was rigged as mind-boggling and wondered why the Federal Government had been silent on the tape which has gone viral.

He said: “However, I must not fail to mention, at this point, one issue which has become topical in the last few days and that is the worrisome revelations by Capt. Sagir Koli about how he, a serving officer at that time, was deployed, with other serving officers, some more senior in rank to work with key politicians of the PDP to rig the Ekiti elections.

“Up till now, there has been no official denial of this most unfortunate event. It makes me wonder, in the circumstances that led to shifting of the date of the Federal elections, whether the security services are even now being prepared to play similar roles in the March 28th and April 11th elections.

“Let me reiterate once more that our security services have serious constitutional responsibilities to the people of the nation and so their importance to the health of the country cannot

be under estimated.

“It is therefore imperative that their leaders must not drag these invaluable institutions into the realm of partisan politics. I personally and, I’m sure, all Nigerians, have tremendous respect for our security services. I, therefore, urge strongly that they stick to, and concentrate on, their constitutional duties; otherwise they stand the risk of becoming part of our already complicated national situation.”

APC Presidential Campaign Council Director General Rotimi Amaechi said the massive turnout at the party’s campaigns nationwide underscored the readiness of Nigerians for change.

Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: “You cannot drive change by proclamation; it is a function of struggle.”

His Kano counterpart Rabiu Kwankwaso said: “When the time for an idea or change has come, nobody can stop it.”

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Naval officer, brother detained for airport worker’s death

Trailer driver visits injured reporter in hospital

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ULL of remorse, the trailer driver that hit Rasheed Abubakar, reporter with a softsell journal, Encomium, has shown up at the Gbagada General Hospital in Lagos to wish him speedy recovery.

The driver came with his relations after reporting to the Alausa Police Station in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

The accident occurred at Ojota Bus stop on February 4.

Abubakar has since undergone surgery on his crushed legs. He is in stable condition.

The driver met Abubakar’s brother, Ishaq, at the police station from where they left for the hospital.

At the hospital, the driver and his family told the Abubakars that the accident was not intentional.

They begged the Abubakars to collect N100, 000 as their contribution to the medical bill.

Mr Ishaq Abubakar, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) worker told the driver and his family that they (Abubakars) have spent more than N300, 000 so far.

“To us, money is not the issue but the care for our brother. If the police had colluded with the driver and released him without our knowledge, won’t we take care of our brother’s medical bill? We made them realise that they should not

A

NAVAL officer is being detained by the Western Naval Command (WNC) in Apapa, Lagos, over the death of an airport worker.

Lieutenant Ifeanyi Chukwu and his brother were said to have caused the death of Yusuf Muhammed of Dowutas Trolley Service at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) one of the Domestic Wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, last Sunday.

Chukwu’s brother is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

The Chukwus, according to witnesses, drove into the drop zone area of the departure hall about 6am and parked his Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the lot “drop off” zone. They consequently escorted their mother, who was travelling, into the terminal.

On their return, they met the SUV’s tyres clamped by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) concessionaire that tows vehicles parked “illegally” within the airport.

The concessionaire asked them to pay N5, 000 for the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

abandon him, that they should take time to visit him till he recovers fully,” he said.

Speaking with The Nation on his sick bed, A b u bakar l a mented the poor state o f

•Abubakar on his sick bed

the hospital.

“What people see outside the hospital is a glittering building but inside it is in a sorry state. Imagine a big hospital like this without electricity for long hours.

We can’t even get light to recharge our rechargeable lan-

terns not to talk of physicians using the light for treatment of patients,” he said.

A doctor told The Nation that Abubakar’s left leg would take six weeks to heal; the physiotherapist is expected to start working on the right leg soon.

Court fines Joshua, Synagogue N25, 000 for delaying trial

J

USTICE Lateefa Okunnu of the Ikeja High Court yesterday fined Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and its founder, Prophet Temitope Joshua, N25,000 for delaying proceedings.

Justice Okunnu said the cost awarded against them was for “wasting the time of the court and tax payers money.”

Joshua and his church filed a suit against a Lagos State Coroner, Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, and the Lagos State Government, seeking to stop the inquest into the church’s collapsed building.

Joshua and his church are praying the court to declare that the coroner has exceeded his jurisdiction by dwelling into areas that

By Adebisi Onanuga and Peace Iyere

are beyond his scope.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, their counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), told the court that he has filed two fresh applications relating to the suit.

“We filed two processes yesterday. One is a motion and the other one is the applicants’ consolidated reply on points of law,” he said.

Responding to the development, counsel to the state government and the coroner, Mr Karmardeen Bakare, said the processes were served on him in court yesterday.

Bakare told the court that he needed time to prepare his reply.

He prayed the court for

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HE Ifako- Ijaye Customary Court in Lagos yesterday dissolved the 12-year-old marriage of Joshua and Sebrina Sy-apoe.

The court said the marriage had broken down irretrievably since the couple became estranged about 11 years.

Its president, Mrs Christiana Odujoko, said the only child of the marriage should be in the mother’s custody.

The parents are to agree on the time and place to see the 12-year-old boy, whose medical expenses would be their joint responsibility.

The petitioner, an educationist, who lives at 4, Alamutu Estate in Obawole Ifako, Agege, Lagos, told the court his wife denies him access to their son.

A

By Rukayat Jimoh

Ekwuano with the false pretence to get her a land.

The land was said to be at Isheri Oshun in Lagos.

The defendant allegedly presented the land of another person to her.

Okonkwo pleaded not

guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.

The defence counsel, Mr Ola Ogunbiyi, applied for his client’s bail “on the most liberal terms.”

The police prosecutor, Iyobosa Onaiwu, told the court that the defendant an offence

•Parents fight over son’s custody

By Basirat Braimah

He said: “When I realised she was no longer interested in the marriage, I collected our child from her and the house keys. Our child was in my mother’s custody for four years but I left him with my mother-in-law in 2008 when my mother and I went for a conference.

Since then, they refused to let me see him. I have been responsible for our child’s upkeep; I only stopped when I was no longer allowed to see him. I just want my son in my custody because I intend to nurture him along with my other children.”

Mrs Sy-apoe, 37, in her defence said: “11 months after

the birth of our son, our marriage troubles started. I wasn’t tired of our marriage.

I was sent out because my husband impregnated another woman and wanted to bring her in. He took our son and the house keys from me. I didn’t see my son for a while. Even when I went to welfare office, he still restricted me from seeing our son except when he wanted me to wash his clothes.

“I was glad when my husband and his mother went for a conference because having our son in my custody was a dream turned reality. My husband once sent thugs to beat my mother in her place of work. I also want our child in my custody.”

Three robbery suspects arrested

O

PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested three of a five-man robbery gang.

Their arrest followed information received by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti that a dangerous gang was at Oshodi Railway smoking weed.

Estate agent charged with fraud 42 year old Agent, Levi Okonkwo, was yesterday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s court in Lagos, for an alleged N1.9million fraud.

Levi was alleged to have fraudulently obtained the cash from one Mrs Ebele

“illegal” parking.

A witness told reporters that the naval officer and his brother were annoyed by the demand, claiming that the late Muhammed asked them to park in the “drop off” zone.

The late Muhammed, it was learnt, only advised the Chukwus not to leave the vehicle for too long otherwise it will be towed.

In the ensuing argument, the Naval officer’s brother was said to have punched the late Muhammed in the face; the naval officer reportedly cleared his feet off the ground.

The late Muhammed hit his skull on the floor and started bleeding.

The officer was said to have rushed him to the nearly FAAN clinic, from where he was referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

While being taken into the emergency unit, the late Muhammed started convulsing.

All attempts to revive him failed; he died around noon.

Another witness said the officer informed his base in Apapa of the development and four pick-up vans with naval ratings from the Lagos

Operation MESA security outfit dashed down to LASUTH. The naval men’s attempt to speak with the officer was said to have been rebuffed by a nurse.

The officer’s brother was picked up by Airport Police Command operatives and the case transferred to Panti.

The SUV has since been parked at the local airport police station.

A female officer said to be WNC’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) confirmed that the formation is investigating the incident. The PRO who declined to give her name, said the naval authority had contacted the bereaved family.

A navy source confirmed that the officer is in the guardroom. Investigation, the source said, was ongoing.

He said after Chukwu refused to pay the N5, 000 fine, the officer stepped aside to call military personnel attached to the Operation MESA. But upon his return, he saw the late Muhammed and about five others fighting his brother.

According to the source, the officer pushed those fighting his brother way and Mohammed fell hitting his head on the floor.

Court dissolves 12-year-old marriage

•Pastor Joshua

an adjournment to enable him file his response.

Ruling, the judge said it was clear the day’s proceedings could not go on as scheduled.

Justice Okunnu recalled that the suit had been adjourned severally in the past at the applicants’ instance.

She ordered the applicants to file an affidavit of compliance, with her order before Friday.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

punishable under Sections 409 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Chief Magistrate F.J.Adefioye granted the defendant N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The case was adjourned till March 11.

By Ebele Boniface

The suspects include Musiliu Ahmed, 23, Mutiu Rasheed, 22 and Sadiq Dada, 21.

Ahmed confessed to being the group’s armourer.

Rasheed, who fled his Ketu residence after learning of Ahmed’s arrest, was picked up in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

The police recovered two guns and six out of the 20 cartridges in their possession.

Ahmed said he started with pick pocketing and stealing of phones and wrist watches.

“It was at my smoking joint at Bolade that I met the gang members and the first operation I followed them to do is one chance.

We have four guns brought

by our squad leader. I am from Osogbo, Osun State. I have been in Ikoyi Prison for cutting net at Ebute Meta. I participated in snatching of one Toyota Camry Pencil which was sold N100, 000 and I was given N20, 000. We were five,” he said.

Dada, who hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State is a commercial bus driver.

“I carry small locally made pistol but I have never fired anybody. I only use it to defend myself to intimidate my oppressors. I prayed that in the course of doing this temporary job, God will not allow me to shoot somebody not to talk of killing somebody and God heard my prayers. Go and check, I have not shot anybody in any operation I participated,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

6

NEWS

...10 AYS TO GO ...1000 D DA

APC in clear majority in House of Reps •Tambuwal halts leadership change From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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•STANDING SECOND ROW: All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (fifth right); former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi (fourth right); Anambra Central Senatorial candidate Chris Ngige (sixth left); Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere (fifth left); Hon Abike DabiriPHOTO: OBI CLETUS Erewa (third left) and party chieftains with members of Enugu State chapter of Buhari Support Group...yesterday.

Odigie-Oyegun: Jonathan plunging Nigeria into crises

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has accused President Goodluck Jonathan of instigating constitutional, religious and ethnic crises in a manner never witnessed since the nation’s independence.

Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke when he received a group of Ijaw youths under the auspices of Izon-Ibe Global Policy Network (IGPN) at the party’s national secretariat, said the Jonathan administration’s attitude was threatening the country’s corporate existence.

He lamented that because of the president’s ambition, the country had been divided in a way never experienced before.

The party’s national chairman said: “What is most worrisome is that we not only think that there has been no phenomenon development, but for some funny reasons, the whole country is being plunged into unnecessary crisis, constitutional and otherwise, which is in very real terms threatening the nation’s existence.

“In all the history of this country, even before the civil war, the people of the Southsouth have been noted as those who kept the country going through thick and thin and through the period of the civil war.

“Today, as we seat, we are not sure what will happen tomorrow. We are not sure whether the election of March 28 will hold; the country is divided so seriously in a way it has never been - along religious and ethnic lines, along the poor and rich, corruption, insecurity; all to the extreme.

So, when I come across young people like you, who are professionals, I am always very impressed because the future belongs to people like you.

With people like you, there is definitely hope for the Nigerian nation.”

Expressing happiness about the decision of the youth to associate with the APC, Odigie-Oyegun said: “It is not easy to find particularly young men of Ijaw extraction ready to stick out their neck and say their own brother has failed them, their own son has

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

failed them and that what is important is who is best placed to address the challenges and the ills of our nation.

“Even outside Ijaw areas, the South generally, there are very few people who have that courage. We all seems to be trapped in the old antiquated mentality that once somebody is from us, whether he is right or wrong does not matter.

“I am glad that with people like you, we have proven that we are getting out of that mentality of my brother is right or wrong. I must say that the President is someone who has been blessed by God in every way possible.

“He became deputy governor riding on the goodwill of the governor; he became governor because your principal fell out with the federal system and so, they set him up and properly dealt with him.

“You were asked to become vice president. You pleaded to be allowed to remain in your state to continue to be governor, but you were dragged screaming to become

•Ijaw youths back Buhari vice president.

“Again, nature took its course. God called your principal home and without lifting a finger, the whole of Nigeria rose up in your defence and you became President and you served the almost two years that was left. On your own, and with the whole country routing for you, you became President.

“A man in the position will look up in the sky and say God, use me. Whatever you want to use me for, I am ready and available. At the end of the term he is serving now, he would have served six solid years as the No. 1 citizen of this nation.

“Anybody in that position would knee down and say God, you have been kind to me and would want to write his name boldly in the annals of history, such that people will look back generations from now and be proud.

“Those of us from the Southsouth will also be proud that when our brother was there, when our son was there,

this name recorded phenomenal growth and we in the Southsouth will say, but for him.

“We would not have known what a railway station is or what a train looks like; but for him. We would not have known what a true expressway is. But for him, we would not have known what it is to have electricity round the clock. But for him, we would not have had the industries that are now taking care of our children as they come out of schools.

“For a man, who is so blessed, he would like to leave his name in the annals of history having been there for six years; two years short of the normal eight years, which is two terms of a normal president. So, it is a matter of concern.

“I am also from the Southsouth, the Niger Delta, even though peripheral. But you are proper Ijaw from the various states of the Niger Delta. I particularly commend your courage for looking at these last

six years and conclude that we can do better. Whether he is our son or not, we must have the courage to say no, ‘you have not done well; somebody else can do it better’.

“So, I want to say that we appreciate the courage of what you have done; we appreciate the spirit of what you have done and to say to you that it is stuffs like you that nations are made of, that nations are built on, and that you should continue the good work that you have started and I want to assure you that at the proper time, you will be appreciated and acknowledged.”

The group’s spokesman, Ayubalayefa Dennis, said its members have mobilised over five million youths from the Niger Delta region to carry on the gospel of change and ensure that General Muhammadu Buhari is voted into office.

He lamented that the amnesty programme put in place for youths of the Niger Delta was badly managed by President Jonathan, alleging that he had politicised the programme.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost six members in the House of Representatives yesterday as the lawmakers resumed from break.

The members defected on the floor during plenary to four other parties.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) gained two members each while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Accord Party gained one member apiece.

The members, who defected are: Robinson Uwak (PDP, Akwa Ibom) moved to APC; Mohammed Ibrahim (PDP, Jigawa) moved to APC; Tobias Okwurio Chukwuemeka (PDP, Ebonyi) moved to Labour Party (LP); Peter Ali (PDP, Ebonyi) also moved to LP. Akpan Umoh (PDP, AkwaIbom) defected to Accord; and Chineyen Eke (PDP, Abia) defected to APGA. The defection gives the APC a clear majority in the House.

The strength of the APC in the House is now 181 members, with that of the PDP reducing to 156 - six members down from its former number.

Other parties in the House now have 23 members. These are SDP (10), Labour (five), APGA (four), PDM (two), and Accord (two).

However, a move by the Deputy Minority Leader Suleiman Kawu under the Order of Privilege to effect some immediate change of leadership in the House was halted by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

Kawu said the leadership of the House was meant for the majority party, adding that since the APC was now in clear majority in the House, there was need to change the leadership structure accordingly.

But, Tambuwal reminded Kawu that there was an existing court case halting such a move.

“Your Order of Privilege is hereby noted, but I remind you also that this matter is before a court of law. I hereby advise that we tread cautiously,” Tambuwal said.

Jega to brief Senate over polls’ delay From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•Prof. Jega

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HE Senate yesterday summoned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to brief it on the circumstances that made him to postpone the February 14 and 28 general elections.

The invitation of Jega, however, attracted sharp criticisms from opposition senators, who said that Service chiefs who were instrumental to the election postponement, should also be invited to ex-

plain why they used the issue of security to force postponement of the polls.

The Senate also said Jega would be made to demonstrate the workings and deployment of the card readers This followed a motion by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who prayed the Senate to invite the INEC chairman to brief the Senate at plenary on the issues and others related to the commission’s preparedness for the conduct of the 2015 elections.

According to NdomaEgba, the Senate must mandate the commission to demonstrate the workings of the card reader and its deployment to senators.

After narrating the background to the election post-

•Opposition senators want service chiefs summoned ponement, the senator pleaded: “I, therefore, move that this distinguished Senate do invite the chairman of the INEC to brief this distinguished Senate at plenary on the issues and various other issues related to its preparedness for the conduct of the 2015 elections and that secondly, the commission be made to demonstrate the workings of the card reader and its deployment before this distinguished Senate.”

But, the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, who sought amendment of the motion, noted that though they have no objection to the invitation of Jega, Service chiefs, who claimed they could not provide security for the elections, should also be invited.

Akume said: “We have no

objection to the invitation of the chairman of the INEC on this matter of postponement, which is a very sensitive issue.

“But we also want to add that in inviting Jega, we should also invite those who wrote advising him that because of their inadequacy to provide security for the exercise, the exercise should not hold.

“It is important because Jega had spoken before that he was ready to go ahead with the elections. Jega was ready until he was overruled.

“Mr. President, the National Security adviser, who first started this issue of postponement in London, raised a major issue that the distribution of PVCs was behind schedule and that so many people had not been availed

the opportunity to collect the PVCs. “The issue of providing security cover was not the reason advanced for possible postponement. Eventually, this became an issue. I say it is sensitive because time is of the essence.

“We want to hear from them why they cannot provide security for an exercise that will last for only a day or two.”

Senate President, David Mark, ruled that the Senate should invite Jega in the first instance and hear from him.

Mark added that after hearing from Jega, if it became necessary, the Service chiefs would also be invited.

The lawmakers thereafter resolved that Jega should appear before the Senate in plenary today by 11 am.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

7

NEWS Constitution amendment: Reps seek free Healthcare, Education

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HE report of the fourth alteration of the 1999 Constitution was adopted yesterday as members of the House of Representatives returned from a fiveweek recess.

Among other highlights, the report shows that the State Assemblies rejected independence for local government councils and hence denied them the opportunity of becoming a third tier of government.

The proposed amendment of Section 7 of the Constitution, which seeks to grant full autonomy for local government councils was stalled by 16 states namely: Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, which kicked against it, according to the report.

After the Deputy Speaker and chairman, adhoc committee on constitution review, Emeka Ihedioha, laid the “Returns of State Houses of Assembly on the constitution (fourth alteration) bill, 2014” before the House, members resolved to transmit it to the Presidency for assent after it was adopted.

In consonance with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the harmonised report of the Constitution amendment bill was transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly on Tuesday, October 28, 2014.

Ihedioha, who gave a summary of the resolutions of the State Houses of Assembly on the amendment of the constitution, said new sections 45A and 45B were introduced to lift two items bordering on free basic education and free primary and maternal healthcare services from Chapter 2 to Chapter 4 to make them justiciable.

Consequently, citizens are guaranteed the freedom to go to court to seek redress for perceived breach of these rights by government.

The report also shows that the national security agencies, the

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Nigerian police, State Houses of Assembly, Attorneys-General, Auditors-General are now listed as bodies and offices to enjoy a first line charge from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

A significant amendment that also scaled through from the states is the endorsement of independent candidacy in elections “to further open up the political space”.

The states also agreed to a new section 228(e) which states that “the National Assembly may by law provide for procedures, guidelines and qualifications for access to the ballot by political parties and independent candidates.”

They approved that ‘Force’ be removed from the name of the Nigeria Police Force to emphasise the civil nature of policing “rather than celebrate brute force.”

Several other highlights of the report, as detailed in Ihedioha’s presentation, include introduction of a new office of the Accountant –General of the Federal Government as separate from the office of the Accountant –General of the Federation; introduction of civil/ criminal sanctions for failure or refusal to honour summons issued by a legislative House or its committees; separation of the Offices of Attorney –General of the Federation (and State) from Minister (and Commissioner) for Justice.

There was also the amendment for the 180 days and 60 days respective timelines for filing of election petitions and delivery of judgment by tribunal (or court) to take unforeseen events of force majeur into consideration.

Members of the legislature were also insulated from civil or criminal proceedings in respect of words spoken or written before the House or its committees.

Polls’ shift dents integrity of electoral process, says Tambuwal

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HE House of Representatives resumed from a month break yesterday, deploring the postponement of the February 14 and 28 general elections.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said the only way to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process was for the government to organise free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections.

Tambuwal, in his welcome address, sad the postponement inflicted an indelible dent on the integrity of the elections and the country’s electoral process.

His words: “Last week, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the abrupt postponement of the general elections earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28.

“Expectedly, public reaction to this unfortunate development has been spontaneous, intense and varied.

“The preponderance of opinion is that the postponement was ill-timed, the blame on security concerns notwithstanding.

“This singular act has inflicted an indelible dent on the integrity of the 2015 elections and indeed the country’s entire electoral process.

“Government owes Nigeri-

•Speaker seeks action against war-mongers From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ans a duty to make deliberate and honest efforts to restore public confidence in the process and in its commitment to free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections”.

He, however, hailed Nigerians and other stakeholders for the maturity employed in handling the development.

“May I appeal to all Nigerians to sustain the spirit and zeal so that on the rescheduled dates, they will go out en mass and exercise their civic responsibility of casting their votes for candidates of their choice without let or hindrance”.

Praising the military for battling insurgency in the Northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the Speaker expressed the confidence of the House in the ability of the military to surmount the challenges.

“The legislature has consistently supported the quest for a well-armed and highly motivated armed forces through appropriation. Recent information that arms, ammunition and other equipment are now being delivered to the armed forces is, therefore, heart-

warming and we urge that this be sustained,” he noted.

However, the Speaker regretted the seeming inaction of some security agencies that balked at carrying out their duties concerning inflammatory statements by some individuals and groups regarding the general elections.

He said: “Recent inflammatory utterances by some Nigerians, which are inimical to our unity, peace and public order give cause for serious concern and I am persuaded that the nonchalance or at best reluctance of the security agencies in resorting to the laws of the land in arresting the trend constitute a direct affront on the revered doctrine of the rule of law.

“Nigerians have never needed intimidation or threats from any quarters to vote candidates at elections and they surely do not need any now.

“Our constitution makes elaborate provisions for the rights and liberties of all citizens and, therefore, when certain misguided individuals or groups seek to unlawfully curtail these rights and liberties, the appropriate agencies of state must rise as a bulwark against such infractions.

“Since 1999, Nigerians have

become accustomed with the installation of governments through the ballot box, they have shown and continue to show overwhelming preference for this democratic process and thus all retrogressive forces that seek to truncate democracy should be stoutly resisted by the people to whom power belongs.

On the status of the 2015 Appropriation Bill, the Speaker said though the House was desirous of a speedy passage of the budget, but that the lawmakers would not do a shoddy job of it.

He said: “Besides the 2015 budget, similar diligence is required for other critical bills before us. Notwithstanding the limitation of time, I am confident that we shall pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Constitutional Amendment Bill and similar critical bills that are already at Report Stage.

“Also of the utmost urgency is the Electoral Act Amendment Bill which has already been passed by the two Chambers. The House of Representatives has already constituted her harmonisation committee and I believe that the Senate will do same expeditiously so that we can wrap up soonest.”

Lamido: ex-president still our political father From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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ESPITE former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s dumping of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido said that he remains a political father.

He spoke with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: “Baba is more than a party man. He is an icon, a national symbol and a leader and an inventor, a creator of all the institutions today in Nigeria - from the presidency to the governors, who are his own sons.

“And so, when a father is angry with his own children, we will only say we are sorry to him. But then, we cannot be renounced for whatever it is. If you do any political DNA of our blood, you will find his blood in us.

“No matter what we are, we may not be able to live up to his expectations. We might have made some mistakes, but abandoning us is not the solution, because the country is first before anything else.”

Jonathan seeks confirmation for eight ministerial nominees

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has forwarded the names of eight ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The new ministerial nominees, whose names were contained in Jonathan’s letter read at the plenary by Senate President David Mark in Abuja, include: Senator Mohammed Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos),

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Senator Patricia Akawashiki (Nasarawa), Prof. Nicholas Akis Ada (Benue), Col. Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu (rtd) (Abia), Fidelis Nwankwo (Ebonyi), Mrs. Hauwa’u Lawan (Jigawa), ) Mr. Kenneth Kobani (Rivers) and Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya (Taraba).

•From right: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga and Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero, at the Presidential Jobs Board Meeting in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Don’t blackmail Obasanjo, APC tells PDP

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has condemned the presidency’s bid to blackmail former President Olusegun Obasanjo for dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It said the presidency committed serious error of judgment by seeking to blackmail “the messenger” (Obasanjo) with an incredible story that he was positioning himself to head an Interim National Government.

APCPCO, in a statement by its Director, Strategic Communications, Dele Alake, said Obasanjo should not be vilified for expressing his opinion.

According to Alake, the intimidation of opposition leaders by laying siege to their homes using soldiers; viola-

By Joseph Jibueze

tion of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution by setting up a Federal Task Force in Lagos to take over the advertising corridors owned by the local councils; the “crucifixion” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for apparently refusing to be part of anti-electoral fraud, and the mobilisation of primordial sentiments and groups to patronise President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential ambition provide incontrovertible evidence of the dark clouds hanging over the country.

“Yet, from that crimson cloud has emerged hopeful and anxious silver lining. The nation’s statesmen have not gone to sleep. They have raised their voices to express opinions on the drift of the nation towards a dangerous preci-

pice.

“Opinions may differ on the role of former President Obasanjo in the history of our country. But it will be foolhardy to trivialise the contributions of a man who has been fortunate to govern this country for a total period of 11 years.

“Certainly a great gift of introspection and intuition comes from the occupation of the highest office in the land by such a person. Add to this, an international track record in peace-keeping and conflict mediation, one should fairly and honestly accord former President Obasanjo the actual weight of his recent commentary on the PDP’s design for our country,” the organisation said.

Alake said a presidential spokesman’s “peregrinations” on Obasanjo failed to address

the alleged obvious fact that the decision to postpone the elections was President Jonathan’s plot in his desperate bid to avoid a crushing defeat.

“Without that regrettable decision, President Obasanjo would not have had the burden of ruminating on this international failure and what it portends for Nigeria and her electorate.

“Indeed, the premise of President Obasanjo’s thesis is dramatically demonstrated in a viral video clip in which another spokesperson of President Jonathan, faced with the stiff resistance of Nigerians at a white-wash event in the United Kingdom, repeatedly shouted on top of his voice that the PDP will not allow General Muhammadu Buhari to be president,” Alake said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

NEWS Fed Govt owes Ondo N11b From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Federal Government owes the Ondo State government over N11billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of trunk ‘A’ roads.

Commissioner for Works Gboye Adegbenro said the amount had accumulated over the years from the administration of the late Olusegun Agagu in 2003.

According to him, “the state is expecting refunds on the money spent on the Itanla-Ondo Road and the rehabilitation of the Ore Junction on the Benin-Sagamu Expressway.

“The economic meltdown is affecting the execution of capital projects in our state and we need to access all the funds.”

Adegbenro listed some of the projects as Ore-Okitipupa Road in the Southern Senatorial district, Owo-Ikare and Ajowa-Kogi State boundary in the northern senatorial district as well as the Oke-Isua Road that connects the state to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

‘Jonathan’s rallies are parting shots’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has described the presidential campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “parting shots”.

It noted that PDP’s rallies and campaigns were like a jamboree depicting a “celebration of life after office”.

“During the presidential campaign in Akure, like other state capitals, the premises of the campaign were filled with decorations, even half of the space that should have been occupied by party supporters was filled with decorations.

“This actually demonstrated that Jonathan’s rally in Ondo was merely a politi-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

cal jamboree which has no influence on the citizenry.

“The supposed campaign tour of President Jonathan is an attestation to the rape of our intellectual strength.

Under the PDP administration, thuggery has been elevated with relegation of intellectuals.

“The President has thanked Nigerians for their support during his six years in office, which he did under the pretext of campaigns.

“The people will prove to the world that even the orchestrated postponement of the elections will further embolden them to push for what they perceive to be the long-awaited Change.”

APC to challenge Fayose’s victory at Supreme Court T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has said it will challenge the election of Governor Ayo Fayose at the Supreme Court.

The Court of Appeal on Monday affirmed Fayose’s victory in the June 21, last year, governorship election and dismissed the appeal filed by the APC challenging the verdict of the tribunal delivered on December 19.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Fayose winner having got 203, 090 votes. The APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, got 120, 433 votes.

The APC filed a petition at the Election Petition Tribunal, claiming that Fayose was not qualified to have contested for the election on account of his impeachment in 2006 and that he allegedly

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

presented forged certificates to back up his nomination.

But the tribunal dismissed the petition on the grounds that the issues raised were pre-election matters.

The APC, in a statement on Tuesday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, maintained that the law must take its course in the final determination of the matter.

The party said although the Appellate Court ruled in favour of Fayose, it was heartwarming that it gave a judicial seal to its complaints on the illegal use of soldiers for electoral duties to harass and intimidate the opposition.

It also expressed satisfaction

with its success in proving that Fayose was legally impeached in 2006 as resolved by the Appeal Court in its judgment.

The APC, however, emphasised that it would appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court, as there were other issues that should have been addressed by the judgment.

The statement reads: “The judgment has vindicated us on our complaint that it is illegal for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deploy troops to intimidate voters to influence victory for its candidates because this is a clear infringement on the constitution on the use of the military.

“The leaked audio clip has

further lent credence to our petition that the election was neither free nor fair. We are also vindicated that Fayose was legally impeached in 2006.

“As observed in the judgment, it is now left for the National Assembly to determine whether or not it is right and lawful to allow a man who was impeached for gross misconduct, public funds embezzlement and violation of the constitution to re-contest the position he had earlier lost over such constitutional breaches.”

“Other issues that were not addressed by the Appeal Court in the judgment would be trashed out at the Supreme Court.

“We urge our members to be law-abiding and wait till the party employs all constitutional means to get justice in the matter.”

Igbo groups adopt Amosun

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GROUP, Ogene Ndigbo Royal Ambassadors and Nollywood Igbo Media Group in Ogun State, have adopted Governor Ibikunle Amosun as their consensus candidate.

Speaking in Abeokuta, leader of Ogene Ndigbo Royal Ambassadors Eze Harris Chuma said Amosun has distinguished himself as the best governor in the state’s history.

“The good works he has done in the short period is quite enormous. It is only a blind man who will see a good thing and refuse to acknowledge it.

“Ogun State is theatrically endowed, and possesses the best filmic environment in Nigeria. It is the hub of Nollywood filmmakers and music industry practitioners.

“Many artistes of Igbo extraction reside and do their business without any hindrance or molestation. It is only in Ogun State that you find a Nollywood Estate, a safe-haven and community of the creative industry’s practitioners.

“We, the members of Ogene Ndigbo Royal Ambassadors, a socio-cultural group and Nollywood Igbo Media Group, Ogun State, having concluded our consultations, support Governor Amosun for a second term to enable him finish all the good works he has started.”

Obanikoro’s nomination faulted

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has carpeted President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro as a minister.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, the APC wondered what value the President is expecting from a minister, who recently resigned from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The party said the PDP government cannot take Nigeria and Nigerians higher with the recycling of people of questionable character.

The statement reads: “Is Musiliu Obanikoro the only Lagosian qualified to serve in the Federal Executive Council?

“As a minister, Obanikoro left the Jonathan cabinet to pursue a failed governorship ambition.

“Why is it that the President has turned the FEC to a games’ room? Is the nomination Jonathan’s way of placating the former minister, who lost the PDP governorship ticket in a primary that returned more ballots than accredited delegates?

“How does one explain the nomination of a character, who as a serving minister, has been linked to the audio tape recording of a meeting where plots were perfected to rig the June 21, last year, governorship election in Ekiti State?

“Should a President, who has respect for the rule of law, nominate such a character to serve as minister again or recommend him to the appropriate security agency for investigation and prosecution?

“We, in the APC, are of the view that the nomination is President Jonathan’s endorsement for lawlessness and abuse.”

•Guest Personality of the Nite, Nollywood actress, Ms Mercy Aigbe (second left) receiving a Valentine gift pack from Grand Oak Media & Market Research Manager Mrs. Linda Temienor-Adevokhai and Promotional Manager, Mrs. Kate Akeju (right) at the Grand Oak Valentine party in Lagos. With them is the.Assistant Media Manager, Miss Oyinlola Sobowale (left).

Rector, Poly workers reach truce on dues

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HE crisis rocking the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, will soon be over.

The management of the polytechnic promised to pay all outstanding check-off dues, which was the reason workers were quarrelling with the Rector, Dr Taiwo Akande.

This was one of the resolutions agreed upon by the two parties after a meeting, lasting three-and- half hours.

Payment of the outstand-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

ing check-off dues, according to the rector, would enable normal academic activities resume in the institution.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) are locked in a battle with Dr. Akande.

The workers went on strike which resulted in a protest by the students, leading to the closure of the polytechnic.

The rector, who lamented the rate at which misinformation and falsifications were peddled by the union leaders, said arrangements had been concluded to pay all outstanding dues owed the cooperatives, arising from the implementation of the second phase of CONTISS 15.

She added that the Governing Council, acting within the powers conferred on it, took the decision to suspend all union activities, so that peace could return to the polytechnic.

Dr. Akande urged workers to return to work, appealing to the teaching staff to have the love of the students at heart.

The Librarian, Nurudeen Alokun, urged the rector to resolve the impasse between the management and the unions and ensure that all their grievances were addressed.

Alokun said the Conflict Resolution Committee should expedite action on reconciliation to restore peace to the beleaguered institution.

Residents protest poor power supply

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ESIDENTS of Ondo town, Ondo State, marched on the streets yesterday to protest the epileptic power supply and outrageous bills by the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in the last two months.

The protest, which began at 6.30am at the BEDC office on Brigadier Ademulegun Road, ended at the palace of the Osemawe, Oba Victor Kiladejo.

The protesters included representatives of market women, students, artisans, as well as various groups and associations.

The development caused gridlock on major roads; commercial activities were halted for several hours.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The singing protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Ondo kingdom reject crazy bill”; “Epileptic power supply, no more fixed charge”; “We reject yahoo power supply”; “Ondo kingdom say no to light sabotage”, among others.

Some protesters carried locally-made lamps; others held white candles to demonstrate their displeasure.

The president, Ekimogun Youth Forum (EYF), Felix Akinmoladun, said the residents were “tired” of the activities of BEDC officials in the community.

Akinmoladun said the situation had brought hardship to the people.

He lamented that this was coming a

few months after the new Business Manager, Auta Yahanna, resumed.

The EYF president said most of those affected by the crazy bills were owners of small and medium scale businesses.

Many landlords said several complaints had been made at the Ondo office of the company several times.

Oba Kiladejo, who spoke through Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, praised the people for their peaceful conduct.

He urged his subjects to be patient, saying the council would liase with the headquarters of the organisation in Benin City to solve the problem.

Yahanna attributed the poor power supply in the area to a fault from the transmission network in Osogbo National Control Centre(NCC).

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NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Folarin: I won’t betray your trust From Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan

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•Some of the 100 Air Conditioned Lagbus buses inaugurated by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola in Lagos …yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Lawyer seeks court order for Mbu’s removal

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AGOS lawyer Tope Alabi has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to strip Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu of his rank and declare his office vacant for allegedly abusing his powers.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that the first defendant (Mbu) “is unfit to be a police officer in Nigeria”.

This followed Mbu’s alleged threat to kill 20 civilians for any policeman killed during the general elections.

Alabi said the AIG swore to uphold the rule of law and abide by the constitution, but “has been behaving as if he is above the law”.

We won’t be partisan, says NURTW From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Najeem Usman Yasin, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties of an efficient conveyance of electoral materials and personnel during the general elections.

Yasin’s comments followed fears by the Accord Party in Oyo State on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between INEC and NURTW. The electoral agency and the NURTW last month signed an MoU, which gave the NURTW the nod to give logistic support to INEC during and after the elections.

NURTW buses are to be used to convey electoral materials and personnel during the elections.

Allaying fears that NURTW members could misbehave while performing the task, Yasin said the arrangement with INEC was mainly to transport electoral materials and personnel, adding that electoral officers and security personnel on duty would direct the drivers on where to go Yasin said: “Our men will just operate as drivers and they will be taking instructions from electoral officers and security men attached. The fear that our men (drivers) would misbehave should not be entertained at all.

“We have warned our men not to be partisan while on duty. We told them that whoever is found wanting during the exercise would be dealt with. Our arrangement with INEC has legal backing and we are aware of the consequences, if we fail to perform as agreed. He assured that NURTW will be apolitical during the election.

By Joseph Jibueze

His latest action, the lawyer said, was his directive to policemen under his Zone 2 Command, covering Lagos and Ogun states.

“If one of my men is killed, I shall kill 20 of them but don’t shoot first,” Mbu was quoted as saying.

The lawyer prayed the court to determine whether or not Mbu is fit to remain in office, considering his controversial utterances and “his public misconduct,” and if Nigerians were safe.

The plaintiff asked the court to hold that Mbu’s threat as widely reported was ultra vires (beyond his powers) and therefore in breach of

Section 308 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution.

Alabi asked for a declaration that his life and those of other Nigerians were in danger as long as Mbu remained in office, and that their rights could not be guaranteed, unless he was removed.

The plaintiff prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mbu from giving any orders during the March 28 and April 11 general elections.

The plaintiff asked for an order stopping Mbu from arresting any governor in light of Section 308 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution. The AIG had told officers to arrest any governor, who goes to a polling

unit with an entourage.

Alabi said the AIG had no powers under the law to kill or direct officers under his control to kill innocent Nigerians in retaliation should any officer be attacked.

According to him, by Mbu’s utterance, he had chosen to flout the laws he swore to uphold as his statement was “capable of inciting mass killings, violence and anarchy”.

“It is in the interest of justice to declare the first defendant unfit to be and to remain a police officer in Nigeria, considering his public conduct all the time and to declare his position and seat vacant and a replacement made without delay.”

No date was fixed for its hearing.

Lagos CJ seeks financial autonomy for judiciary

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HIEF Judge of Lagos State Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade yesterday pleaded with Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to pay the January salaries of judiciary workers withheld as a result of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike.

Justice Atilade made the plea at the inauguration of a new High/ Magistrate’s Court complex in Ikeja named after a former Chief Judge, Justice Rosaline Omotosho.

The chief judge also asked the government to grant the judiciary financial autonomy as provided for in the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Atilade explained that the appeal became imperative because of all the months January is usually the “toughest”.

By Adebisi Onanuga and Peace Iyere

She said payment of January salaries would boost the morale and productivity of judiciary staff.

The chief judge recalled that when JUSUN called off the strike in Lagos, the industrial action was still going on in other states.

Justice Atilade acknowledged that the state judiciary had undergone commendable progress under the present administration.

She thanked the government for the new court complex, which would boost quick dispensation of justice.

The governor promised that his administration would never do anything to undermine the independence of the judiciary.

He said the issues between both arms of government could be resolved through dialogue.

Fashola said the nationwide strike by the workers was dangerous to the nation’s stability and capable of sending the wrong signal to the international community.

He said the JUSUN did not explore all possible avenues before shutting down the nation’s justice system in its quest for financial autonomy for the judiciary.

The governor said the arms of government were also interdependent.

He said while the constitution empowered the governor to appoint and swear in the chief judge while the chief judge is the only person to swear in the governor.

Adefuye faults New York Times editorial

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IGERIA’S Ambassador to the US Prof. Ade Adefuye yesterday faulted an editorial published by the New York Times on the postponement of the general elections in the country.

“I was shocked and disappointed to read your editorial of February 16 titled ‘Nigeria Miserable Choices’ because it distorted and omitted important facts,’’ he said in a statement yesterday, which was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The publication had in its editorial said the main reason Nigeria’s elections were postponed was to frustrate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adefuye said the decision to postpone the election was made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and not by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The election management body has always been allowed a freehand in conduct of its activities, including the time table for the elections.

“In arriving at the decision to postpone the elections, INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, said

‘no one pressurised INEC to take the decision’,“ the ambassador said.

He noted that in arriving at the decision, the commission took into consideration the prevailing situation in the country in the build up to the February 14 earlier scheduled for the commencement of the elections.

According to him, the issues involved included distribution of the permanent voter cards, card readers and security.

He said the issues were acknowledged in a research conducted by the US-based National Democratic Institute and the International Republic Institute after a four-week stay in Nigeria.

“The research was sponsored by the U.S. State Department and has been published; it is surprising that The New York Times is not aware or chose to ignore this report,“ he said.

Adefuye said Boko Haram constituted a serious threat to the country and that government had in the recent past made appreciable progress in tackling the problem.

“Boko Haram will soon be a thing of the past. It is simply not practicable to be fighting Boko Haram and be providing the security necessary for the elections.

“It is very clear that this editorial of yours was motivated by bias and ignorance both of which are inexcusable,’’ he said.

Lent begins today

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ENT, the season of penance and prayer before Easter, starts today.

A statement by the Senior Superintendent, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, G.F. Akinadewo, urged all members of the 50-year-old church to observe the period with humility.

“According to laid down rules and regulations by the Founder, Prophet, Primate and Supreme Head, Archbishop I.M. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu), Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and prayer.

“There will be no beating of drums, no clapping, no dancing and no shouting of Halleluyah, Iye and Hosanna in all our parishes. It is total humility before God.”

HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, has assured the electorate that he will not betray their trust.

He said he will never promise what he can not achieve in four years.

Folarin, who spoke when his campaign train visited Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, decried the deplorable conditions of amenities in the market and promised to fix the toilet, roads and water facilities, if elected.

He assured traders that he would ensure that the health centre in the market is built, few months after his inauguration.

The former Senate leader said: “We won’t tell you what we can’t achieve within four years. In less than four years, we are going to transform Oyo State to its position as a pacesetter state. I am promising you today that I won’t betray your trust.

“I will come back here after a year and tell you we have fulfilled our promises. President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to empower many traders in Oyo State if he is re-elected.”

Mimiko to host post-Confab summit

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ORUBA delegates to the National Conference will converge on Akure, the Ondo State capital, tomorrow for a post-conference summit.

A statement in Akure by the Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, yesterday said Governor Olusegun Mimiko would host the summit.

According to the statement, the gathering would study and review the outcome of the National Conference as well as discuss its gains.

It also mentioned that the summit would advise government on all matters necessary for the effective implementation of the Conference recommendations.

Expected at the summit aside the delegates are notable Yoruba leaders.

INEC: card reader education coming

By Musa Odoshimokhe

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HE National Electoral Commissioner in charge of Lagos, Ondo and Osun, Prof Akinola Salawu, has said the public will be educated on the importance of the card reader.

The commissioner, who was in Lagos, said the device would produce free, fair and credible elections.

He said: “I want to say hopefully by next week, the public enlightenment on the use of the card reader by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) will begin.

“The public will be educated on its need and value. The device will give free, fair and credible election that we are looking for.”

Salau added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is prepared to conduct a transparent election.

“We are prepared in terms of materials and personnel, though it cannot be 100 per cent, but the preparation is enough to conduct election.

“My parting words to voters in Lagos are that they should please go and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). INEC cannot force you to collect it. So, I plead that everybody should collect his or her PVC.”

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Why Jonathan will not get our vote

Subsidy sores •Nigeria is trapped in a dilemma of its own making

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HE incompetence, deception and outright corruption that have come to characterise Nigeria’s byzantine petroleum subsidy regime are continuing unabated, in spite of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promises to resolve them. The latest manifestation of this fiscal quagmire was the news that the subsidy had risen steeply due to a combination of reductions in global oil prices and the resultant strain on the naira.

On February 2, the subsidy stood at N8.47 per litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). On February 3, it rose to N12.27 per litre, and hit N14.79 per litre on February 9. In other words, the cost of subsidising petroleum products imported into the country rose by 74.62 per cent within the space of one week.

The rise has been attributed to increases in the product cost and freight component, which stood at N69.79, N73.46 and N75.90 per litre on February 2, 3 and 9, respectively. In addition, landing costs for imported products rose from N79.98 per litre on February 2 to N83.78 on February 3, to N86.90 on February 9. These increases converged to raise the Expected Open Market Price, the total cost of PMS per litre, to N95.47 from N88.23 on January 29.

The impact on Nigeria’s budget could be devastating. At the end of January, it was estimated that the Federal Government would be spending N55.98 billion on subsidies in 2015, based on the rate of N2.84 per litre of PMS then. Given that the latest figures are more than five times the January subsidy, costs could rise to a staggering N279.9 billion on subsidies

alone for 2015. The cost could be even higher if the naira continues to decline against the world’s major currencies.

It is truly surprising that the Federal Government is yet to arrive at the very simple answer to these torturously complicated calculations: progressively reducing Nigeria’s unwarranted and unacceptable dependence on the importation of refined petroleum products. The simple fact of the matter is that the country is so vulnerable to fluctuations in the cost of refining and importing petroleum products because its local refining capacity has remained grossly inadequate for decades.

When world crude oil prices were still high, Nigeria could afford to be in the anomalous position of being dependent on imports of refined petroleum products, even though it was Africa’s largest exporter of crude oil. With the steep decline in oil prices and the subsequent contraction of its revenue earnings, that is a luxury the country can no longer afford. Not only is there not enough money, the recent eight per cent devaluation of the naira means that importation will cost more, as will the subsidies that accompany it.

To further worsen an already-atrocious situation, the blatant corruption that has riddled the country’s subsidy regime is yet to be tackled fully. Investigations in the wake of widespread protests against the purported withdrawal of the petroleum subsidy in 2012 revealed a six-fold increase in subsidy costs, from N384 billion in 2009 to N2.587 trillion in 2011. Payments were made even when nothing was imported. Although a number of high-profile arrests were made, not one person has

been convicted in relation to the subsidy scam. Meanwhile, the subsidy regime continues to be administered by parastatals and agencies notorious for their lack of transparency and resistance to change.

Now that the country has arrived at this sorry pass, it has become incumbent on the Jonathan administration to confront its self-afflicted subsidy woes head-on. A comprehensive audit of the Petroleum and Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPPMC) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) must be conducted. The trials of individuals indicted in the subsidy scam must be expedited. The nation’s refining capacity must be expanded. Only then will Nigeria live up to its potential as a global energy power.

‘It has become incumbent on the Jonathan administration to confront its self-afflicted subsidy woes head-on. A comprehensive audit of the Petroleum and Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPPMC) and the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) must be conducted. The trials of individuals indicted in the subsidy scam must be expedited. The nation’s refining capacity must be expanded’

Overload

• 5,000 ten-year-old cases = Injustice

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HE report that there are about 5,000 10-year-old cases pending at the Supreme Court, if true, clearly undermines the integrity of our national judicial system. Such a state of affairs also flashes across the world, notice of gross inadequacy of our judiciary and country. Considering that cases at the lower courts - the High Court and Court of Appeal, also last for five to 10 years apiece, it means that a litigant could spend 20 to 30 years to get a matter fully dealt with, going through the hierarchy of our courts.

In the circumstance, it is fair to ask, what manner of justice will a litigant who toiled for 20 years or more get?

The likelihood is a stale or anachronistic justice. Our judicial system

‘The Supreme Court must devise a means to clean this blot on our judicial process. This it can do by enhancing greater bureaucratic efficiency, considering that there are clearly cases, most times with notable litigants or lawyers, which run all the way to the apex court and out, in a matter of months. Some of those cases, which mainly border on political questions, appear to have untoward speed at the expense of others’

belaboured by the undue delay, is clearly an aberration and we urge all stakeholders to proffer solutions to this ignominious anomaly. Indeed, we are lucky that Nigerians still invest hope in such a debilitating process; except of course, in instances where the mere longevity of the cases, becomes a means to settle scores. But such would only apply to a litigant who has a bad case, and is merely using the long stay in courts, to punish the other party.

One major way out of this maze is to reduce the number of cases that are allowed to proceed to the Supreme Court. One way to do that is to create state or regional-based appeal courts as we had in the first republic, to deal with the interpretation of laws made by and applicable to the states or regions. If this process is reactivated, the federal courts will deal with laws that have trans-state effects and the federation alone. Such a process will create efficiency, as state courts and federal courts will concentrate on laws reflecting the ethos of their arrears of separate jurisdictions.

In the meantime, the Supreme Court must devise a means to clean this blot on our judicial process. This it can do by enhancing greater bureaucratic efficiency, considering that there are clearly cases, most times with notable litigants or lawyers, which run all the way to the apex court and out, in a matter of months. Some of those cases, which mainly border on politi-

cal questions, appear to have untoward speed at the expense of others, like the 10-year-olds. On this score also, the infrastructure and number of Supreme Court justices could also be expanded to have more sessions.

At the lower courts which feed the Supreme Court, there is also the need to adjust to other modern ways of dispensing justice, to reduce the disputants who push further their cases to the apex court. One emergent process that has an appeal to sooth disputants is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. Experience has shown enormous advantages for matters which pass through that process.

In some states, like Lagos, which has adopted the ADR as part and parcel of their judicial process, the number of cases that proceed to trial have reduced, and where parties agree on terms with one another, the possibility of an appeal is minimal.

We also acknowledge that part of the challenges facing our courts may be inadequate budgetary allocation.

Perhaps if the battle for financial autonomy of the judiciary is won, the National Judicial Council and National Judicial Service Commission may have no excuses for the debilitating delays at our nation’s apex court. We urge both the executive and the legislature to also note this inordinate delay at the Supreme Court, and ensure that adequate resources are earmarked for the judiciary.

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IR: At the inception of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration, he promised to complete the Oyo/ Ogbomoso portion of the Ibadan-Ilorin dual carriage road in 26 months. The promise has not been kept 45 months on. The old road being currently used has since become a death trap killing many innocent and promising Nigerians. It is only the officials of Federal Road Safety Commission, Ogbomoso command that can give the statistics of accidents and death on the road in last two years.

It is the constitutional right of all citizens to be protected by their government.

When this is not given by any government, the electorates are left with no other option than to vote against it to effect change.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) asked Jonathan to reinstate the now retired Justice Ayo Salami. The President turned a deaf ear until the man retired.

Peace is not only the absence of tension it is the presence of justice.

The citizens are not secured by Jonathan’s government. Rather, the president chose to send all the nation’s security operatives to harass innocent voters in Ekiti and Osun states. More appalling is the bizarre abduction of 276 girls from their dormitory at Chibok in April, 2014.

Their release remains elusive till date despite repeated assurances by President Jonathan. We are missing a generation by their absence. Many lives have also been lost to insurgency while many others have been displaced.

Those at home in the North-east are not sure of life abundant. The fear of Boko Haram is daily haunting them even in their sleep. They are traumatized and depopulated. When will these howls end?

When will the people know peace again?

The answer is in the change to be effected by the electorate come March 28.

On October 1, 1970 when Nigeria celebrated a decade of political independence, the Yakubu Gowon government earmarked money for it and feted all school children to mark it. Jonathan’s administration coincided with 100 years of amalgamation of northern and southern protectorates and 50 years of nationhood. Billions of naira was expended on the two occasions with no direct or significant impact on the citizens. This larcenous policy has further depleted our common wealth.

• Adelani Olawuyi, Odooba, Ogbomoso, Oyo State

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY,FEBRUARY 18, 2015

16

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: It was Hannah Arendt who said that, “War has become a luxury that only small nations can afford.” Front-runners of big nations focus efforts in rescuing their citizens from neediness and monitor measurable, progressive developments across the space.

It is thus easy to see why the United States despite its challenges is a big nation. One needs not look far to see why Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, Japan are also ranked as big nations.

In contrast, small nations follow the fractious path of ethnic and religious divide, demagoguery, and a malaise synonymous with the Nigerian: Majority/Minority logjam.

Some pundits have said that when minority people rule citizens suffer. These political experts point to scenarios in many countries where the social process for integration of all citizens into the polity is (was) caused by leaders from the minority populations of those countries who refused to see the big picture to follow nationalistic causes. They either cosseted the majority people unnecessarily or became brutal dic-

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Myths about rule from the minority tators and annihilated the entire population by following irritable track.

Muammar Gaddafi, a minority and a relatively nameless and taunted Bedouin before his sojourn to the Libyan Army and subsequent overthrow of the monarchy failed to see the big nationalistic picture to develop the country but surrounded himself with kinfolks and loyalists to the detriment of an allinclusive growth of nation.

Even though the economy grew under him, there was mutual suspicion all across the country buoyed up by his Machiavellian way of governance.

It was his way or the high way and all forms of protestations were outlawed. Is it any wonder after his death that brigands now run differ-

ent sections of the country?

Saddam Hussein, a Sunni minority Muslim and Iraqi maximum ruler refused all requests to engage with the Shia majority until his death. And as soon as the Shia majority had their chance with foreign backing, he was executed. After consolidating their hold to power they consequently went on a war path with the Sunni and alienated them the way Saddam, did them. Is it any surprise that there are dogmatic wars in time without end in Iraq today?

Samuel Doe of Liberia, Mengistu Haile Mariam of Ethiopia were minority leaders and they loved to blame the ‘other side’ for the travails of ‘this side’. They shifted their gaze from national to self-seeking interest which ruined their reign

General elections postponement

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IR: It is obvious that the fortunes and good luck of the PDP are waning fast and no amount of buying of time can save it. Postponing the election from February 14 to March 28, is like procrastinating that steals time because the security forces will still be contending with the same security challenges even if the elections are postponed by a year. It is an act of cowardice to cite whatever reasons in order to run away from a scheduled battle.

In view of the constitutional provisions for the taking of oaths of office of a president, it would have been proper had President Jonathan declined participating in the election. But he failed to leave when the ovation was loudest and to save his face from a total rejection he now pushes for additional six weeks in order to perfect the

method of rigging after he had used his several campaigns to test his declining acceptability. Nigerians today are wiser except for some handful PDP beneficiaries who would continue to deceive the President. This set of people should not forget history in a hurry; what happened to the YEAA of Abacha’s days and the infamous third term bid of Obasanjo. In essence, what goes round comes round and at the end of the good luck is a bad luck.

The Nigerian Armed Forces have also acquiesced in the election postponement because of its reasons of security challenges. That in itself is an admission of failure because security agents are trained to be alert at anytime. It is now becoming clearer why they cannot contain Boko Haram and have to rely on the forces of smaller nations to help out. The only time they are

battle ready is when they confront harmless civilians. The service chiefs cannot be exonerated because they knew that their time would be up with the exit of this administration in the event of change. So, they will compromise in order to extend their stay.

Clearly, personal interest is overriding national interest and that is not in the interest of democracy and good governance.

Finally, the election postponement may have slighted the feelings of many people, but I know that the spirit of an exasperated people yearning for a change cannot be overstretched because it is the spirit of the times – whether February, March or April.

• Emmanuel Rotimi, Kabba, Kogi State.

and took their country backwards.

Is Nigeria different from these countries? How come there are too much bedlams in the land now like never before with threats of secession and war by political jobbers, one-sided rundowns which leads to the disrespect of regions and people in the political entity?

How then you envisage achieving a meaningful end when leaders called for national service promote discourteous stereotypes?

I refuse to believe that being a minority is enough reason to fail in governance. As stated elsewhere by this writer, if elections are won on calculations then it would have

been difficult for Bill Clinton (governor of a poor state and a draft dodger) to upstage George Bush, a World War 11 veteran and an incumbent President in the November 3, 1992 election in the United States of America.

Free and fair elections are won or lost based on demonstrated leadership by incumbent officials or the lack of it. Sincere democracy as a system of government promotes fairness, equity and justice. It empowers man economically, socially and makes it possible for children from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed. The major impediment to the growth of Nigeria is the lack of a stable, organised political order.

A political order based on fairness, equity and justice. It remains to be seen if the government can correct the disorder in the country to lessen the rivalry among tribes which has left a lot of people exasperated.

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• Simon Abah, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The essence of power

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IR: Power, that five lettered word which transforms men into heroes or villains, direct or determines the fortunes of men and nations, sets course of history and can be appropriately applied positively to rewrite the misfortunes of men and women all the world, is full of mysteries.

Nigerians are clearly hungry and this hunger has root in the contrivance of some visionless individuals whose only occupation is the endless craving for power. What is the essence of power when it masticates, suppresses, and tramples the masses that ordinarily should be the source of this power? When leaders abuse power, the people will have no choice but recall the terms of Locke’s social contract; the people then have the right to question such abuses by all means.

Nigeria’s ruling class lives in denial; they believe that all will always be well in spite of crass ineptitude of their actions. There is a beggarly resort to brandishing of

statistics, which of course are generated by the World Bank and IMF, and do not reflect the reality of the situation on ground. But the truth is that Nigeria is on a spiral and when the whirlwind stops, we can only imagine where and in what shape this country will be found.

The essence of power cannot always be for selfish ends; for those who know the dynamics of power, it is like a boomerang which twirls round and will surely come your way again. Power does not begin and end with its “capture”. The most important thing lies in the question, what do you do with power when you capture it?

The fate of this country lies in the correct answer to this question. The nation is overwhelmed by the noise of “capture this” and “capture that” but after all the capturing, are we going to be less hungry?

• Lawrence Blessing, IBB University, Lapai, Niger State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

17

COMMENTS

Our Girls; Our soldiers; NHRC; Election babies; Who is dying for and who is killing to rule Nigeria?

‘O

UR Girls and Our People are still missing since April 15, 2014. As we thank God for the three Aljazeera journalists released we pray for release of the Tony Chibok Girls though we Marinho cannot resurrect the nearly 10,000 dead fellow Nigerians and a million displaced across state and national borders - all distressed, dispossessed and desperate. Meanwhile Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) suffer preventable hardships witnessed to us by BBC, Aljazeera, Sky and CNN, as our devilish politicians play death games and execute evil for political gain.

It seems unwise of the NFA to announce Golden Eaglets football team was travelling from Sokoto to Niger Republic by road. This should be a secret. Boko Haram also listens.

How many high NFA officials will fly, for security reasons?

Could the presidential fleet not lend NFA one plane?

Many of our soldiers have also paid the ultimate price and this is again highlighted during the coming battles against Boko Haram which will go on for years if Nigeria’s political incompetence and military inadequacies in the last six years are an indicator. The six weeks self-ultimatum to finish the ‘Boko Haram race’ is just five and a half weeks away and Boko Haram are announcing a haram against voting, apparently unanticipated by those who postponed the election or was that their game-plan? Even in war remember there are many other Nigerian old soldiers, who in the line of fire have died, were injured or survived to a ‘life without a pension as and when due’, all from fighting the good fight.

I do not know about you but I respect the Nigerian soldier, not the ‘dusk to dawn’ curfew, election cancelling, N12.4b Gulf wind fall, looting, koboko wielding, civilian murdering, arrogant, thief of soldiers’ foreign salaries, or the thieving generalissimos, irresponsibly still spewing rubbish ‘democracy’ advice today when they should be ‘Silenced by the media for their sins’ that have cut the light to and

L

IKE a nagging toothache, the issue of cowardice associated with Nigerian soldiers on the battlefront has again come to the front burner. It’s an old problem, an old problem that has now taken on the toga of a recurring decimal.

In fact, this is believed to be a major clog in the wheel of progress in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east of Nigeria.

And last week, the media was again awash with news of soldiers running away from the battlefront.

This bombshell was recently dropped by Mahamadou Karidjo, Niger Republic’s Defence Minister, when he made a comment suggesting that Nigeria’s troops are cowards. Karidjo had said: “Our soldiers are not like Nigerians. They don’t run.” His comment did not go down well with Chris Olukolade, a Major General and Nigeria’s Director of Defence Information, who swiftly took to his tweeter handle to denounce the statement. In a series of tweets last week, Olukolade described soldiers from Niger Republic as looters who collaborate with terrorists “as a way of surviving the poverty in their country.” He said: “Our soldiers have been defending our people and nation’s wealth from mercenaries supplied to Boko Haram by those who boast that they don’t run.”

But the Nigerien Defence Minister is not alone. Just last month, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram terrorists, had in a 36minute video released via YouTube, described Nigerian soldiers as cowards. He had said: “Your army kept deceiving the world that you can’t fight us because you have no arms.

Liars! You have all that it takes; you are just coward soldiers. Is it not amazing that we, who started with

‘Destroyed The Hopes And Dreams A Generation Of Nigerians’. I mean here to appreciate the real Nigerian soldier serving in many places including The Congo, Sierra Leone and most recently to the home front with the attempt to retake Sambisa forest and Dadinkowa, Gombe, hopefully well-equipped to meet international standards. In my medical work, I meet and offer treatment advice to many such fine military men and women, some wounded in battle.

I do not include the soldiers being used to abuse opposition civilian governments by the ruling political party.

I have visited many cemeteries, usually for funerals but I seriously recommend you undertake a pilgrimage to Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos. Seek out the military section where a few of the as yet unconfirmed 8,000 dead ECOMOG soldiers lie in peace at last. Ask if their families are taken care of. The answer will be ‘not enough’ even in ‘the largest economy’ in Africa where already richly rewarded politicians further richly reward themselves with full salaries for life. The USA respects its war dead. At Arlington, I was moved by the defined geometry of military death in row upon row of dead men’ and women’s graves marked with thousands of sepulchre white crosses - all dead in conviction for country.

Our fight against election violence is official, but inadequate with the brazen Ekiti voice recording showing evil ‘leaders’ stooping to vulgar violent actions. The whistle blowers need awarding with the ‘2015 Election Award for Altruism’. It is good that NHRC is documenting atrocities. In 22 states, 58 people killed in 50 days. NHRC should investigate all violence- injuries, vehicles and property. NHRC-led prosecution and restitution must be the goal. Violence is violence. Murder is murder. GUILTY POLITICIANS MUST BE JAILED, GUILTY POLITICAL PARTIES MUST BE FINED AND BANNED FROM RE-RUNNING IN RIGGED ELECTIONS. Command and control your political men, murderers must be stopped. Internationally, Nigeria will remain an idiot country if violence continues. Are you violent? Stop. Violence prone people must not take over the state. All is TERRORISM’ - like Boko Haram. NHRC MUST DISTINGUISH BETWEEN VIOLENCE AND SELF-DEFENCE and being set up.

How was your Feb 14? Probably a most ‘empty diary day’ without the postponed elections for which the usual deluge of weddings changed date and filled it with Valentine’s Day love for married couples. Expect a ‘double baby bubble’ celebration of ‘Election Postponement/Valentine’s Day’ baby boom around 8-11-2015, the EDD, delivery date for any baby conceived on Feb 14, 2015. Watch out for ‘Election Babies’!

Professionals in the building trade and students should visit this single solar building in our sun-drenched country.

There is a new film, Timbuktu about the take-over of that ancient learned city by the Islamic fundamentalists. When will we in Nigeria make our own films about the Fulani herdsmen/Nigerian farmers War and the Boko Haram War? There are so many good Nigerians working and fighting everywhere from the Sambisa Forest, police stations, public office space, the private sector, orphanages or just in the small village square. They, not the politicians, make Nigeria grow. Identify and salute ‘The Good Nigerian’. Nigeria must not squander this election. The citizens ‘Right’ must overcome the politicians ‘Might’ or we return to the ‘Years of the Locust’ of the past regimes. Nigeria deserves better. As you read this Nigerians are actually being shot and dying for Nigeria.

Do our soldiers and civilians deaths mean nothing to Nigerian politicians? Reality check: Who Is Dying For Nigeria And Who Is Killing To Rule?

‘There are so many good Nigerians working and fighting everywhere from the Sambisa Forest, police stations, public office space, the private sector, orphanages or just in the small village square. They, not the politicians, make Nigeria grow. Identify and salute ‘The Good Nigerian’. Nigeria must not squander this election. The citizens ‘Right’ must overcome the politicians ‘Might’ or we return to the ‘Years of the Locust’ of the past regimes’

A coalition under threat sticks and machetes, are today the biggest headache to the almighty Nigerian soldiers? What a shame!!

He did not stop there. He also boasted about Boko Haram’s collection of ammunition. Pointing to a heap of war arsenals, he said: “All these arms and ammunition you see in their thousands are gotten from Baga. As you can see, we have thousands of AK 47 rifles; we have so much that we are still conveying them to our camp here.”

It would be recalled that between January 3 and 7, Baga and its environs in Borno State became a theatre of wholesale massacre when Boko Haram terrorists, like a swarm of bees, descended on the communities. In the attack, the terrorists overran a military base harbouring the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force comprising troops from Chad, Niger and Nigeria. In the melee that ensued, the troops, mainly Nigerian soldiers, voted with their feet, abandoning their weapons which the terrorists gladly confiscated and converted to their criminal use.

Writing under the caption, ‘The Devil’s Alternative’, on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, this column had this to say: “It is no longer in contention that the military is in tatters, no thanks to the many years of military dictatorship and the rapacious corruption that came with that era and subsists till date. The depth and breadth of the rot has been amply demonstrated by its lacklustre performance so far in the war on terror and terrorists now threatening to overrun the country or at least, a section of it. Nigerians are scandalised by the shallowness and cow-

‘If the current face-off between the Nigerian and Nigerien army leaderships is not quickly resolved amicably, it has the capacity and ammunition to scuttle the ongoing regional military co-operation mid-way’

ardice of most of the officers and their amazing capacity for fibbing.

Nothing explains this more than a recent submission by Mark Welsh III, a United States General and US Air Force Chief of Staff, who said that the Nigerian military is becoming afraid of engaging the Boko Haram insurgents. He said this while testifying before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

According to him, “We’re now looking at a military force that is, quite frankly, becoming afraid to even engage”.

With the above, notwithstanding the vituperations of the Nigerian Defence Ministry and its officials, it is quite clear that the Nigerien Defence Minister’s view about Nigerian soldiers may, after all, not be totally out of place. At any rate, there is a precedent to that as exemplified by the words spoken several months back by Mark Welsh III. Just last week, this view was also corroborated in an interview granted to the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by an unnamed Nigerian soldier in the frontline of the battle against Boko Haram. The soldier accused Nigerian leaders of treating the war on terror like a football game where it is important to “support the home team” and armchair patriots can kick back in their houses while soldiers put their lives on the line.

The soldier said he was willing to lay down his life for his country, but wants the country’s leaders to first solve the problems of low manpower, obsolete warfare equipment and underwhelming morale of soldiers.

Furthermore, the soldier lamented that, anytime they are attacked by Boko Haram, Nigerian soldiers are reduced to mince meat because “we don’t have support weapons and we are usually outnumbered.” “In some instances,” he said, “about 116 soldiers are asked to fight 3,000 well-armed Boko Haram terrorists.” When asked if he agreed that the current regional

force can defeat the sect within six weeks, he retorted: “I don’t agree. I can look on, but I can’t agree.

Things are wrong; that’s what I am telling you; that’s the truth.” According to him, “we can defeat them anytime, but if logistics fail, weapons fail, morale of the soldiers will fail because many things are wrong.” That speaks volumes about the situation on ground in the North-east.

However, the latest embarrassment to Nigeria coincided with a promise by President Goodluck Jonathan, last Friday, that the nation’s security forces would completely wipe out members of Boko Haram from Adamawa and Yobe states before the March 28 and April 11 rescheduled dates of the country’s general elections. He made the promise during a cocktail he organised for members of the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said the security forces would carry out the operation in order to ensure that elections hold in the three affected states. He also boasted that his administration would defeat Boko Haram and terrorism the same way it defeated the Ebola Virus Disease.

The President must have played to the gallery in drawing parallels between a potential victory against Boko Haram and the Ebola Virus Disease that greatly tasked the country’s health system last year. I think that while, of course, the virus is still around, Africa or even the world cannot really rest on its laurels, never mind Nigeria and its West African neighbours. And also, war against a widespread disease and a war against a bloodsucking ideology, is all about relative examples. By the last count, the disease had wiped out the lives of no less than 9,253 people in the three most affected countries in West Africa, namely: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Right now, the casualty figure from this Boko Haram terrorism, put conserva-

Dele Agekameh tively at 15, 000, has far exceeded the total number of deaths from Ebola. So, in essence, what we have on our hands in Nigeria is a situation that is far worse than the Ebola Virus over which the President is claiming victory.

A coalition of forces drawn from some of Nigeria’s neighbours including Cameroun, Niger Republic and Chad, have now contributed troops to fight Boko Haram. This has resulted in a renewed vigour in the onslaught against the terrorists to pave way for elections in the North-east of the country at the end of March. At least 750 Nigerien soldiers are among the 7,500 regional joint forces. If the current face-off between the Nigerian and Nigerien army leaderships is not quickly resolved amicably, it has the capacity and ammunition to scuttle the on-going regional military co-operation mid-way. Like Charles Hendrickson Brower, an American advertising executive, copywriter, and author who died in 1984 once said: “A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn. It can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man’s brow.” Indeed, there is a lesson to be learnt here.

There is the need for caution as these times call for sober reflection!

Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

COMMENTS ‘It is a pity that Nigeria is being governed by a leader who does not understand himself. If Nigerians had stood up firmly when they said 16 was greater than 19, I believe the president would not have also said six weeks is greater than six years. I believe the president had indicted himself for extending the election by six weeks because it means he had the equipment to fight the insurgency but deliberately did not do so. If the president who could not order soldiers to fight in the last six years is now singing a new song, I think he should apologise to the nation and resign. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos’

•Buhari

For Olatunji Dare It is very unfortunate that the president and his advisers who should be encouraging the electorate are now intimidating them. I have never seen or come across a ruling party that has everything at its beck and call being afraid of an election. If the president had listened to patriotic Nigerians, he would have succeeded but instead, pitched his tent with the criminals around him. Nigerians will stop at nothing in making sure our hard-earned democracy is sustained. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos.

The Poll-shift might not be the best in the circumstance but then nothing should be seen as to have gone wrong, if at the end of the day the elections are free and fair with the rightful winners installed. Ours now should be to work hard to ensure that the new dates are not tampered with again no matter what. Trading tackles as a result of the poll-shift can’t help matters at all. That Nigerians had already made up their minds as to who to vote for before the pollshift, to me, makes the new dates immaterial and non-issue. From Emmanuel Egwu.

As usual I read your article entitled “Coup-makers at work”, a Yoruba adage says “Ojo gbogbo ni ti ole, ojo kan soso ni ti Onikan”, a thief may be eating his case and still having it but one day he will run out of luck, postponing the election by six weeks is just a stepping stone to many other tricks to rig or abort the election. Another Yoruba popular saying that “Egberun Samuel kole sa mo Olorun lowo” meaning thousands of Samuel can’t escape from God Almighty. Yorubas’ have a lot words of wisdom, Egberun odun mbo wa ku ola” one thousand years will come to pass, Mr President and his party must realize that they can only fool some of the people some of the time but they can’t fool the people all the time. Martin Luther said: “Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows”. Brian Tracy said “It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matter is where you are going”. I thank God that Nigeria is still lucky to have people like you who can look straight into the eyes of the government and tell them the truth. From Pastor Eyilesan Ajibola JP, Ayedun Ekiti.

Prof, “Coup-makers at work” was an engaging piece from the master of flowing prose, as usual; but this erratum: In 2007, General Buhari did not pair, on the presidential ticket, with Chuba Okadigbo; Buhari paired, in that year’s election, with a certain Ahamba, a legal icon. Rather, it was in 2003 that Buhari paired with Chuba. Cheers! Anonymous Sir, the question you posed at the tail end of your essay prompted me to ask: constitutionally, and adding 2+4+4 together, would you say loud and clear that President Jonathan is qualified to contest? Now, don’t you tell me only the Appeal Court can say? Have a nice day. Anonymous Is it an agreement between PDP government and Boko Haram to end the killings

of innocent Nigerians within six weeks while they could not defeat them in the last three years? Shame to PDP and its lost leaders that Chad is now coming to our rescue.

Boko Haram is therefore a known organization to PDP government. You are bound to crumble. From Mohammed, Lagos.

Just read your write-up, ‘Coup makers at work‘, in The Nation newspaper, of Tuesday, February 10 and must protest the lack of balance in your report. Whatever happened to objectivity in today’s journalism.

Thanks. From Nicodemus, Abuja.

Your article titled: Coup makers at work, is the best after the unfortunate and ill informed postponement of the elections that Nigerians have been looking forward to for the past four years. You are very correct in your analysis, Nigerians can no longer be fooled by the blind ambition of an individual who has succeeded in destroying the enormous good will handed to him on a platter of gold.

Anoymous.

President Jonathan acted wisely for not making elections to hold at all cost. Because there is safety in the South, critics tend to know less about the sleeplessness in Northeast. Peace! Peace!! Peace!!! Preach peace rather than fan ember of ‘just criticism rather than reason’. From Lanre Oseni.

I know you must have had your own subjective reading or calculations of how Okonjo-Iweala currently runs her ministry and the way Soludo managed his own portfolio in his time, that their present open feud, to you, only becomes a welcome opportunity to tar them the more. Sanusi who took over from Soludo and wasted so much money on himself should be seen as spotless because he also was conducting crusade against the very establishment of which he was an integral part. Ethnic, party and religious sentiments in Nigeria! I blame the two economic gurus (OkonjoIweala and Soludo) for coming out to fight so ‘dirty’ in the public. From Emmanuel Egwu They all know that defeat is in their hands, they want to truncate our democracy through the postponement of the elections. Insecurity they didn’t tackle in six years, they said six weeks they would end insurgency, well. Let us keep our fingers crossed and watch. From Gordon Chika Nnorom Churchill once said; “Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers they dare not dismount from. And the tigers are getting hungry.”

At this moment, only two options are left for Jonathan and his circles- 1) Allow free conduct of the elections, lose quietly, handover and become one of the few African incumbents that had that honour or continue on the hazardous road of gagging and manipulations. I wish he takes the former. From Architect Eddy Ogbuefi.

President Jonathan and PDP can shift the election date, but they cannot shift the decision that has been taken by Nigerians to vote against PDP. We need APC. From Ava, Benue Solution is the setting up of FGN monitoring teams made up of TV cameramen with mobile patrol units at 778 LGAs. If they have the video recordings with dates, they are admissible as evidence. Even if they cannot be stopped, evidence of their frauds to be shown on NTA for the whole world to see. From Kola Ayoade esq

For Segun Gbadegesin Waiting for the dying minute to crush Boko Haram was a bad idea and logic.

The truth is that we are economical with the truth most times. Mr. President is running from one church to another and pastors are afraid to tell him the truth. What a wicked world? My fear goes to re-June 12.

May God save Nigeria and Nigerians.

From Sani Jibo, Katsina.

Sir, did you listen to Prof Femi Otubanjo in ‘Good Morning Nigeria’ programme this morning? He identified the lack of preparedness of Jega for the election but because he had perfected the plan to rig the election with APC through the use of illegal manipulation of PVC. This is why APC cannot endure the movement from February to March. The God that saved us from Abacha is not sleeping. I thank God that there are still some reasoning people out there. Anonymous Throw a determined man into the sea to get drowned, the saying goes, he comes out of it with a golden fish on his mouth.

APC, one had thought, would have seen the poll-shift a welcome opportunity to consolidate its spread for more supporters and then additional votes to itself, than being busy imputing and giving all manner of interpretations to the unexpected development, which neither brings back the date of the elections nor adds value to its lofty policies that have won many Nigerians over to the party. From Emmanuel Egwu I admire and I am also emboldened by your write-ups. I pray that God continually give you the courage to take objective stand on issues of national interest. From Luke, Benin-city Re-In the name of security. The Professor sir, agreed that Mr President was slow in tackling the Boko-Haram insurgency at the beginning, who would want his/ her NYSC son or daughter follow Professor Jega’s INEC to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for the February 14 and 28 elections for the ‘kill’? Just because elections are postponed, should that cause instability by the opposition? Did the opposition ever debate it as a motion before now, what would happen if situation in the three states worsened before February 14? Selfishness and insincerity are killing our politicians. From Lanre Oseni.

Re: “In the name of security.” We are not the only country where elections are held periodically to chose those who will oversee the affairs of the country for the term which the constitution has stipulated but, why are we so crude, corrupt and wicked to the extent that each time we want to hold elections, we are always in the news, bad news for that matter. International Community always admonish us to hold credible elections that will be free and fair. There are tensions and apprehensions in the land on the forthcoming elections already and these have dampened the spirit and the morale of the people on the envisage change. This is the most painful and absurd thing to do, that is, the postponement of the elections, in the name of security. The only stupid aspect of the whole scenario is the unwarranted and unnecessary clampdown on members of opposition just to intimidate and rig the elections, so that they could stick to power. Telling lies does not stop

• Jonathan

us from getting rich. Betrayal does not stop us either from getting old. But the last day on earth is what matters. From Prince Adewumi Oyeromade Agunloye.

Sir, it’s the truth, but it’s a bitter pill. From Zobube We don’t need Dr Jonathan again with so many reasons, ‘can’t deliver us, let him go home, we need Buhari. Thanks. Anonymous “In the name of security”, I just pray that after all said and done, the poor citizens of this great country will still have a country to call their own. Anonymous For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Six weeks. Although Mr. President acted late and too slow on Boko Haram, and treated the insurgents with kid gloves between 2010 and 2013, the sore had become cancer today that his military is taking vociferous actions. Holding elections on February 14 would have been regretted. Who among the critics would have allowed his or her NYSC son/daughter to follow INEC to Adamawa, Borno or Yobe for electoral assistance? Peace before election; election won’t run away. To me, the president, in acting humane, was jeopardising the sporadic need to stamp out the insurgency.

Peace first. From Lanre Oseni.

It is a pity that Nigeria is being governed by a leader who does not understand himself. If Nigerians had stood up firmly when they said 16 was greater than 19, I believe the president would not have also said six weeks is greater than six years. I believe the president had indicted himself for extending the election by six weeks because it means he had the equipment to fight the insurgency but deliberately did not do so. If the president who could not order soldiers to fight in the last six years is now singing a new song, I think he should apologise to the nation and resign. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

GEJ came in meek like a lamb. He soon turned a lion. And is now a law unto himself. Yes, we are staring a dictator in the face already. Anonymous.

I get worried that with the glaring lopsidedness in distribution of PVCs, undelivered electoral materials from foreign publishers and non-training of ad-hoc staff on the use of card readers, among other INEC weaknesses, people criticise the rescheduling of the elections. People who think they can be smart in electoral processes end up suffering either annulment or rescheduling. From Dr. Nwagwu, C.C. Sir, Gowon was overthrown in 1975, not 1976. Anonymous.

Until Nigeria is allowed to go back to six geopolitical zones, the cut-throat struggle for Abuja will continue. Hausas have been ruling, Yorubas have had their turn and are scheming to go back. No consideration for the Igbo and we talk of peace and unity.

The Niger Delta is asking for second term but the ‘owners’ of Nigeria want to deny them that, and you talk of unity. ‘I dey laugh o’, according to Obasanjo. From Mazi Bende.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

21 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

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

Why agric sector needs accurate data base

By Daniel Essiet

F

OR the agricultural sector to attract more international investors, there is need for a comprehensive database which should provide credible sources of market information for all stakeholders, the Chief Executive, Intace Teach Limited, Olumide Ogunbanjo, has said.

He said foreign investors need an information platform which uses Geographical Information System (GIS) and a standardised portfolio of market information systems (MIS), to explore agric investment potential, adding that at moment, the sector lacks accurate, up-to-date information on agro-geographical potential of each state. He said information is critical to agricultural productivity and to the development of business linkages and trade.

He said for increased access to market data, it is critical to connect farmers, agro-dealers, processors and other stakeholders along the agricultural value chain to market opportunities.

He said his organisation was working on a national agric data base that would provide market information, including data on research results, crop varieties that have been produced by research institutes, where they can be planted, trade statistics, directories of suppliers and agro-dealers, among others.

Sub-Saharan Africa needs $300b investment in power A BOUT $300 billion investment is required to provide electricity to sub-Saharan Africans, the Managing Director Africa, Electrical Sector, Eaton International Industries, Mr. Shane Kilfoil, has said.

Eaton, an American power management firm provides energy-efficient solutions.

Kilfoil said the amount would provide sub-Saharan Africans access to electricity by 2030. He said about 600 million people in the sub-Saharan Africa, 70 per cent of whom are without electricity.

Kilfoil told The Nation that the United States Government has put in place double access to power in sub-Saharan Africa with focus on Nigeria. The initiative would address the challenges

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

of access to electrical power and sustainable economic growth and development.

He said there is collaboration between United States, international and African partners in both private sector and government to achieve this objective.

He said the collaboration will help countries develop newly discovered resources, explore the potential to develop clean geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy, and also build out power generation and transmission and expand the reach of mini-grid and off-grid solutions.

He listed some United

--

States Government agencies that have invested in the power projects. They include US Export-Import Bank (ExIm) $5 billion, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) $1.5 billion, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) $1 billion, US Agency for International Development (USAID) $285 million, OPIC and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) $20 million and US African Development Foundation (USADF) $2 million.

Kilfoil noted that Eaton has extensive expertise and solutions for renewable energy, including high quality products that enable durable, safe

and cost- efficient solar projects, a wide range of DC and AC protection and switching devices, and a proven services organisation that can help deliver the lowest cost of quality power.

Eaton, according to him, last year recorded sales of $22.6 billion.

“Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably.

“Eaton has about 102,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries,” he added.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/ troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-0.2958 -206.9 -242.1 -156 -1.9179 -238 -40.472

•From left: Tony Obizeko, Head, Main Board, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar Onyeama, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Dr Chris Ogbechie, Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc; Uzoma Dozie, Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc; Haruna JaloWaziri, Executive Director, Business Development, NSE and Victor Ezenwoko, Executive Director, Lagos & West Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc at the closing gong ceremony by Diamond Bank to close trading on the Lagos floor of the NSE.

‘Political adverts not impacting industry’

D

ESPITE the huge budget on political adverts in the ongoing election campaigns, the advertising industry is not growing, a top manager at a media independent agency has said.

This is because much of the ad money go to informal groups, he added.

An analyst also said due to uncertainties and spends on political adverts, marketing had been limited, thereby slowing growth in the first quarter of the year.

As speculated last year, the this fiscal year in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), the industry is expected to rally growth through adverts from political adverts that pass through media buying agencies However, an analyst also noted that core marketing had been undermined by political advertising and uncertain political climates.

CBN to audit aviation, power, MSMEs intervention funds - P22

Adedeji Ademigbuji Another analyst said most of the political advertising should have been channelled through formal industry groups and professionals, such as Advertising Practitioners’ Council (APCON), Media Independent Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) and the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN).

One of the groups, AAAN recently complained that most of the sponsors of the political adverts disobey the advertising code.

“In obvious disregard of the advertising code and ethics of APCON (Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria) and the AAAN, most of these political advertisements have been exposed without going through the vetting procedures and consequent approvals from the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP)

of APCON,” the association’s President, Kelechi Nwosu said.

The industry total billing in 2013 moved to N103.8 billion from N91.9 billion that was recorded in 2012. The pattern of the media spending by advertisers across the country thus represents an increase of N12.95 billion over the previous year.

But with most of the political adverts passing through informal media buyers, head of the media agency manager said these might not be accounted as the industry billing.

“During the 2011 elections, billions of naira was spent on adverts comprising the entire advertising sector, such as in electronic, print media, and bill board. Looking at the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics and the growth in the economy, it should be expected that the amount to be generated from the general election will be higher than that of 2011,

SEC gives 82-day timeline for resolution of capital market disputes - P24

and may surpass the 2013 ads revenue, the same way that spending on 2011 elections is higher than that of 2007,” said analyst.

Besides, a senior analyst at a leading PR agency, Mr. Kenneth Eze, said the effect of political adverts and activities has slowed marketing.

“While politicians hunt for political gains and the people ponder dividends of democracy, businesses take the bashing. As the votes are being hunted by all means, the ‘votes for brands’ or purchases/patronage seem to take the back seat. In Nigeria, it is said you cannot put two hands into the mouth at the same time.

Each man has two ears, but hearing is often done once at a time.

This explains why all the astute creative in Nigeria are saddled with political briefs. No one can blame them; this is where the ‘pepper is red’ at this time,” he added.

Africa Trade Fund approves $1.4m for four projects

By Collins Nweze

HE Technical Review Committee of the Africa Trade Fund (AfTra) has okayed over $1.4 million for four trade development projects in Africa.

AfTra, a trade-related technical assistance facility hosted by the African Development Bank, was established in 2013 to provide funding for trade facilitation, building capacity for trade institutions, and developing products and markets in Africa.

Two of the projects that have just been approved will support value chains development in the apiculture and cashew industries.

The first, titled: Trade and institutional capacity building in the apiculture sector, will be implemented by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, Zambia.

It will improve the capacity of traders, processors and producers of honey and bee products to comply with SPS measures. This will allow them, among others, to upgrade within the honey global value chain by exporting table honey instead of bulk honey, thereby capturing more of the value.

The other value chains development project, presented by the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), aims to support cashew industries in both East and West Africa. This project, by improving the product quality and market development, as well as the environmental standards and sustainability in cashew processing, offers the chance for Africans to upgrade within the cashew global value chain. It also has an added focus of targeting women who will be supported to move up the value chain – from selling crops to local traders to processing them.

The third grant was made to the African OrganisARSO). The project, titled: Harmonisation of African standards for agriculture and food products, aims to provide coherent and systematic codes of practice for African food products. Harmonising standards and codes of practice across African countries will provide a clear and predictable policy framework for regional trade so that institutions that facilitate exchange and mitigate the inherent risks associated with food production.

The fourth project, a study titled: Regional cargo tracking system on the Northern Corridor, will assist the six-member countries of Northern Corridor Trade and Transit Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) – Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda – prepare for the implementation of the regional electronic cargo tracking system.

T

Advocate of goat farming - P36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

22

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN to audit aviation, power, MSMEs H intervention funds OW is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) N700 billion intervention funds for aviation, power, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and others being disbursed?

CBN is set to audit the disbursements to address concerns on small businesses’inability to access intervention funds.

According to a circular by the CBN, the assessment will cover projects done since 2009, including the N200 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme (CACS), N300 billion Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF) and N200 billion Small and Medium Enterprises Restructuring and Refinancing Facility (SMERRF).

The CBN is requesting for proposals from interested and compe-

Stories by Collins Nweze

tent organisations for the exercise.

Doing that, it said, would ascertain the extent to which it has met its objectives. The assessment will also identify areas of success, impact and challenges; serve as input in evolving a new initiative for the financing of agricultural enterprises on a sustainable basis.

The CBN had in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources established the CACS in 2009. The CACS was meant to finance agricultural value chain from input supply to marketing.The scheme commenced operations on April 23,

2009 with the approval of the Federal Government.

The CACS was also targeted at fast-tracking the development of the agricultural value sector through the provision of credit facilities at single digit interest rate to large-scale commercial farmers.

However, despite these efforts, the agric business remains largely underdeveloped, hence the need for appropriate agric sector policies. Such policies will engender public-private investment and build capacities in banks and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and increase budgetary commitments to agriculture by the

government.

The N300 PAIF was meant to facilitate intervention in the transport sector by providing long term financing that would stimulate private sector participation in the sector.

The CBN said the Fund provided the banks in the first half of 2013, is a window to finance power sector projects, restructure and refinance outstanding facilities in the aviation sector on a long-term basis of 10 to 15 years at a concessionary interest rate of seven per cent.

Banks told to achieve 70% BVN compliance by March

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to enrol 70 per cent of their customers under the Bank Verification Number (BVN) platform by March 30.

CBN Director, Banking and Payments Unit, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said the banks would be monitored for compliance. He explained that where a customer wishes to register, capturing his signature and photo identification document may not be necessary, as the bank is expected to have those records during account opening.

Also, where a customer wants to do a change of name, after enrolment, due diligence should be exercised and appropriate legal documents obtained, before the change is effected.

•From right: Executive Director, Empire Trust Microfinance Bank (ETMB), Adelagun Otufale; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Seun Durojaye; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Remi Bello and Executive Director, ETMB, Biodun Otunola, during the inauguration of ETMB, in Lagos.

‘Nigeria’s banking regulation toughest in Africa’ N IGERIAN banks operate under some of the toughest regulations, a survey of core banking regulatory bodies in Sub-Saharan Africa has shown.

The ‘tough’ regulations have led to earnings decline, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, said.

The firm said liquidity ratio in Nigeria is 30 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in Kenya, 20 per cent in Rwanda and no minimum regulatory requirement in Ghana.

There were proposals to increase the minimum liquidity ratio to 35 per cent for Systemically Important Banks, but that could be excluded from the final regulation set to kick in by 2015.

Nigeria’s blended Cash Reserve Ratio, at 31 per cent, almost three times that of Ghana, at 11 per cent, and six times those of Kenya and Rwanda, at 5.25 per cent and five per cent.

The minimum CAR is 15 per cent for international banks (10 per cent for local banks), compared with 10 per cent in Ghana, 14.5 per cent in Kenya, and 15 per cent in Rwanda.

“We expect the SIB rules in Nigeria to indicate a minimum CAR of 15 per cent for SIBs, with tier 2 capital capped at 25 per cent of total qualifying capital. Above the 15 per cent, SIBs will be required to maintain a one per cent capital buffer that comprises entirely of tier 1 capital, which will raise the minimum CAR for SIBs to 16 per cent. The first set of identified SIBs include: First Bank, Zenith, UBA, GTBank, Access, Ecobank Nigeria,

Diamond and Skye Bank,” it said.

The minimum capital requirement is $150 million for local banks and $310 million for international banks in Nigeria, compared with $15 million in Ghana and $11 million in Kenya. Basically, the lower end of the absolute minimum capital requirement for commercial banks in Nigeria is 10 times more than the minimum for the next closest country, Ghana.

According to RenCap, other regulatory constraints the Nigerian banks face include AMCON introduced a levy following its acquisition of non performing loans from the banks.

In 2013, a reduction in commission on turnover was announced.

This is a fee charged to retail bank-

ing clients on transactions, and the measure is very much oriented towards consumer protection.

The permissible fee was initially reduced to 0.3 per cent of total monthly debit transactions, from the previous 0.5 per cent, with a timeline of reducing the cap further to 0.2 per cent in 2014 and 0.1 per cent in 2015, before finally abolishing it in 2016. The lower commission on turnover has had a negative impact on non-interest revenue across the sector.

Also cutting banks’ earnings is the minimum interest rate on savings accounts is now pegged at 30 per cent of the Monetary Policy Rate even as the current minimum savings rate is 3.6 per cent. Capital requirements have been tightened ahead of the transition to Basel two and three last October.

It said the PAIF helped in relieving the banks of the burden of Non-Performing Loans on their balance sheets. It improved the credit rating of the beneficiary institutions, thereby providing them access to additional funds for their operations.

As at September 30, 2013, N109.3 billion was disbursed to 21 companies, by 11 banks. The fund, has among others, financed the construction of 125 kilometre gas to power pipeline and the generation of about 800 megawatts of power mostly by manufacturing companies to guarantee stable power supply and to free the national grid to other users.

Fatokun said the directive is aimed at fast-tracking the enrolment, adding that banks are to give more attention to the enrolment of their customers.

The CBN had set June 2015 deadline for all bank customers to enroll on the BVN platform.

The BVN enrolment, which involves capturing of customers’ physiological or behavioral attributes – fingerprint and signature among others, is ongoing in some banks’ headquarters in Lagos.

The exercise is a continuation of the $50 million biometrics project involving the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee, Dermalog and Charms Plc. It was meant to assign a unique number to every bank customer for enhanced security of transactions.

ECOWAS institutes new code to boost transparency

T

HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has introduced a new Tender Code and Procedure as part of efforts to increase transparency, accountability and efficiency in procurement of goods and services for its Institutions and Agencies..

GIABA, a specialised ECOWAS Institution mandated to assist ECOWAS member-states to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, requires various goods, works, and services in carrying out its mandate.

A statement from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), said the provisions of the code and procedures, which are applicable to all public contracts with ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies, requires all qualified contractors, suppliers, service providers and consultants with GIABA to submit a written Expression of Interest (EOI) that is consistent with

its laid down processes, among other procedures.

Meanwhile, new guidance from Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on preventing the misuse of corporate vehicles to hide true company owners has been inaugurated.

A report obtained from the International Banking Operations, quoted crime prevention specialists as saying that the new guideline will help countries struggling to meet international standards on anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF last year removed Nigeria from the list of countries identified as jurisdictions with significant deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes.

The action was taken following the country’s full implementation of the mutually agreed Action Plan and the exhibition of a clear political commitment to continue the development of its AML/CFT regime.

New app ’ll cut credit card travel hitches, says VISA

F

RAUD detection systems introduced by Visa has made it possible for customers who travel, to use their credit card because location-sensing smartphone software can help approve a legitimate transaction.

Visa’s service checks that a purchase transaction is happening in the same place the purchaser’s smartphone is, reduces the likelihood of fraud.

Software called Visa Mobile Location Confirmation, uses customer’s mobile phone’s ability to locate itself and verify that he is near where the card is being used. The

idea is that the chances of a fraudulent transaction are a lot higher if the transaction takes place in a different location from the phone.

The software, supplied by a company called Finsphere, will be available through banking apps available to US customers starting in April, Visa said. It’ll be an optin service, meaning that it won’t work until people grant permission.

“The service reveals how useful it is to have a general-purpose computing device tucked away in your pocket or purse. In addition to all the utility for email, navigation,

photos, social networking and phone calls, smartphones can also help bolster security,” a report on the product indicated.

In addition to enabling services like Visa’s, smartphones can help supply codes used for login or money transfer through an idea called dual-factor authentication.

For example, customer can set Gmail to require not just a password, but also one of these authentication codes from a phone-based app. Because the codes are shortlived, a thief couldn’t just write it down and use it in the future.

“People can call their banks to tell

them where and when they’ll be traveling, so credit card payment processors needn’t reject transactions that seem suspicious but are legitimate. That’s a hassle, though, and plenty of people don’t bother,” it said.

Visa has been trying to make the process less difficult. Last year, it began offering an online mechanism for people to discuss their travel plans. It also introduced a service called Visa Travel Authorisation Tag that gauges travel plans based on plane, train, and hotel purchases made with the credit card.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

23

MONEY The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks, payment companies and law enforcement agents are looking at ways of fighting fraud in the financial services sector. Stakeholders insist that timely resolution of fraud-related issues will boost confidence in e-banking, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

Mission to curb fraud I

T is an headache which banks constantly battle with. Though, they have taken steps to curb fraud, the vice seems to have refused to go away. Globally, estimated credit card fraud stands at $11 billion, making it one of the most significant criminal developments in modern times.

The 2013 Global Fraud Report, showed Africa has the largest fraud cases. Among other regions surveyed, Sub-Saharan Africa scored 77 per cent as the zone with the most prevalent fraud problems. For physical assets thefts, it scored 47; corruption, 30 per cent; regulatory or compliance breaches, 22 per cent; internal financial frauds, 27 per cent and misappropriation of organisational funds, 17 per cent.

It also showed that 2.4 per cent of the regions revenues are lost to fraud.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) traces rising cases of e-fraud in international card to increased insider abuse mainly through theft and abuse of authorisation.

CBN Director, Banking and Payments System Department, ‘Dipo Fatokun said increased use of automation in most banking payment processes has further escalated insider abuse in banks with weak authentication procedures.

He said the fraud cases are rampant when International hybrid cards issued by Nigerian banks are used in non-EMV environments like the United States.

He said all data on card fraud occurring abroad should be rendered on the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) fraud portal.

He urged banks to implement a maker/checker control structure for all payment platforms, including account and database system maintenances on core banking systems, pointing out that lenders are to implement two factor authentication at login points for applications driving transfers, withdrawal, deposit, standing order, account maintenance and system maintenance processes.

He said banks are to ensure that from February 1, only customers that indicated their intension of travelling to non-EMV jurisdictions, would have their cards default to the magnetic stripe and for the period indicated by the cardholder only. To this end, banks should ensure that their customers are adequately educated.

Besides, these fraud statistics have prompted the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) to take urgent steps aimed at curbing the practice.

The NeFF which comprised of banks, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, the Police, Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), meet regularly in Lagos to discourse the way forward.

Piqued by the growing incidents of Electronic Fraud (e-Fraud) in the financial sector of the economy, stakeholders called on banks to establish anti-fraud departments as a way of curbing the menace. They insist that every financial institution should take the issue seriously because this year alone, the industry has lost about N4 billion to electronic fraud last year.

Should this trend continue, about N6 billion would be the estimated loss by the end of the year. If this is not checked, the trend will lead to unbearable levels of capital erosion in the system. They insist that electronic fraud has been in an upward trend since 2010 and needs to be checked.

Founder and Managing Director,

DataPro Limited Abimbola Adeseyoju said criminals know that there are compliance procedures, such as Know Your Customer (KYC). They, therefore, come prepared, hence the need for lenders to go the extra mile in verifying their customers’ identities.

He said fraudsters either modify their identity slightly, or create a synthetic identity which can be detected through a Link Analysis Solution. This applies advanced analysis to determine the risk level for both the network and every individual associated with the network, he said.

Examples of attributes that could be shared and linked are Personal Identity Information, Account Information and Transactional Information.

“Once the entities are linked together, advanced analytics are applied to determine the level of risk and create a risk score. The i2 Notebook used by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIUs), among others, enables them to search multiple data sources simultaneously, find hidden links and entities and visualise transactions and timelines,” he said.

Adeseyoju urged financial institutions to pay special attention to all complex, unusually large transactions, or unusual patterns of transactions that have no visible economic or lawful purpose, stressing that the lenders should investigate suspicious transaction and report its findings to the NFIU immediately.

However, banks have continued to promote and support the CBN KYC initiative. The lenders, analysts said, are omitting huge funds into the KYC project because of its immense benefits in fighting fraud.

Chukwuemeka Okafor, an expert in fraud control, said the rising cases of fraud is worrisome. “Unfortunately, bankers, auditors and internal control officials of financial institutions may not be as knowledgeable as the fraudsters themselves. Therefore, banks need to as a matter of urgency, establish anti-fraud departments with staff that would always be ahead of the fraudsters in every sense of the word,” he advised.

The establishment of anti-fraud units, he said, will provide continuous improvement initiatives in fraud control and present a platform for the implementation of viable fraud management solution to highlight deviations of fraudulent transactions from normal transactions; ensure compliance to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) initiatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as guarantee the implementation of other Fraud Control measures and Security initiatives both on the network, and applications of the bank. It will also

ensure the implementation of a Database Access Monitory (DAM) and Account Access Monitory (AAM) solutions among others.

Commending the organisers for choosing to deliberate on this trend that is plaguing the industry, Okafor said he sees the establishment of the NeFF as a collective step in the right direction in the attempt to eradicate e-Fraud in the financial sector because NeFF provides the opportunity for practitioners to share knowledge about global trend in e-Faud, industry trend as well as new methods of perpetrating fraud, among other issues, that affect every bank. He argued that this was the only way banks can protect their funds from relentless fraudsters.

Operators’ view Visa said it invests heavily in advanced fraud-fighting technologies and continues to develop and deploy new and innovative programmes to mitigate fraud and protect cardholders, its Country Manager in West Africa, Ade Ashaye has said.

Ashaye told The Nation that the global payment firm’s efforts have helped keep fraud rates steady near historic lows, enabling accountholders to use Visa with confidence.

“In fact, with technological innovations and advances in risk management, global fraud rates have declined by more than two-thirds in the past two decades. Because VisaNet processes more electronic card payments globally than other networks, it has an enhanced ability to identify fraud on individual accounts and coordinated attacks on multiple accounts across the system, enabling issuers to stop potential fraud at checkout, before it occurs,” he said.

He said the firm’s advanced authorisation remains an industryleading security technology that analyses and scores in real-time every Visa transaction for its fraud potential. Risk scores are based on a global view of fraud and spending patterns across the entire Visa network providing an analysis of fraud trends.

“In less than one second of processing, the Visa network can analyse transactions and provide risk scores accurately. This speed and clarity help issuers prevent fraud from occurring in the first place, rather than just reacting to fraud after it occurs,” he said.

At the global level, Visa, MasterCard and American Express, the biggest US payment networks, have proposed using “digital tokens” instead of account numbers for processing purchases made online and with mobile devices.

“Tokens provide an additional layer of security and eliminate the need for merchants, digital wallet

• Emefiele

operators or others to store account numbers,” the companies said in a joint statement.

The standard, to be applied worldwide, they said, will be presented to other payment firms and industry trade groups in coming weeks, according to the statement.

Tokens would be the digital equivalent of magnetic stripes on the back of plastic bank cards that contain customer information.

They also may help to reduce fraud by providing uniformity as companies such as Google and Starbucks embrace mobile commerce and offer consumers new ways to pay.

Steps taken by CBN Aware of these dangers, the CBN decided to set up a five-year Information Technology (IT) Standards for banks. John Ayoh, CBN Director, Information Technology, said the exercise would help banks identify and adopt global IT Standards that address industry problems. He said banks are expected to implement the plan on continuous basis and in accordance with set timelines.

CBN said the introduction of chip and pin payment cards have led to drastic drop in ATM card fraud.

The CBN also instructed banks to set and implement mandatory daily limits for ATM cash with-

‘At the global level, Visa, MasterCard and American Express, the biggest US payment networks, have proposed using “digital tokens” instead of account numbers for processing purchases made online and with mobile devices. Tokens provide an additional layer of security and eliminate the need for merchants, digital wallet operators or others to store account numbers’

drawal, while other related transactions, including POS and Web purchases should be subjected to stringent limit as agreed and documented between the banks and customers. It said it is the responsibility of the banks to ensure that a trigger is automatically initiated when limits are exceeded.

At the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (CCCOBIN) in Lagos, Emefiele said Nigeria has adequate legal and regulatory measures that should address breaches to the KYC, Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (EDD) provisions.

“It is the application of these KYC provisions that are meant to reveal illegitimate sources of funds and trigger investigation by relevant stakeholders that matters. Like in many developing countries, compliance has been a major regulatory challenge in Nigeria,” he said.

Emefiele said the practice of placing high value on the accumulation of wealth without regard to its source, continuous advancement in technology without commensurate emphasis on capacity building; inadequate laws or poor implementation of legal/regulatory provisions and insatiable appetite for wealth among others are fueling fraud, poor staff recruitment processes and weak internal controls are also to blame for rising cases of fraud.

Also, the Global Economic Crime Survey 2014 by PWC Global showed that fraud; identity and password (IP) infringement and accounting fraud have damaged the reputation and integrity of financial institutions and also discouraged honest investors. “These practices have caused loss of jobs, loss of retirement benefits, untimely death and closure of businesses. They continue to affect the stability of financial institutions as well as economic growth of the country,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

24

THE NATION INVESTORS

SEC gives 82-day timeline for resolution I of capital market disputes NVESTORS, capital market operators, public companies and other stakeholders in the capital market can look up to effective resolution of their complaints within a timeline of 82 days, according to a new complaints management framework launched on Monday by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The launch of the new rules and processes for complaints management on Monday concluded a three-year review aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of complaints resolution mechanism in the Nigerian capital market.

The new framework is part of efforts to enhance investors' confidence and integrity of the Nigerian capital market.

The major highlights of the new "Complaints Management Framework in the Nigerian Capital Market" included the recognition of registered industry trade groups and self regulatory organizations (SROs) as important parts of complaints management and resolution system.

In a circular to all operators and stakeholders, SEC directed all market operators to register as members of their respective industry trade groups as henceforth investor complaints shall be handled at the trade group level.

Under the new dispensation, only complaints that remain unresolved at the trade group or SROs level shall reach the apex capital market regulator for resolution.

According to the rules, SEC, SROs, recognised capital market trade groups and capital market operators (CMOs) and listed public companies are under obligation to establish fair, impartial and objective complaints management policies for the handling of complaints against operators by clients, complaints between operators, complaints against regulators and SROs, complaints against operators by SROs and regulator and trade manipulation, accounting frauds, Ponzi schemes and such other complaints as may be determined by the SEC from time to time.

Complaints to be addressed by trade groups must contain all material facts with supporting documents including name, full address, mobile number, email address, signature of the complainant and date.

However, the complaint management framework will not deal with complaints against private wound up and liquidated companies, complaints on matters that are subjudice or in arbitration, complaints falling outside the purview of SEC and complaints lodged with capital market operators and listed public companies.

The rules stipulate that all capital market operators and listed public companies shall be required to establish a clearly defined complaints management policy to handle and resolve complaints from their clients. The framework shall deal with complaints against operators by clients or other operators, shareholders and public companies and investors.

The policy should be defined and endorsed by the company's senior management, who should also be responsible for its implementation and for monitoring compliance.

Under the new rules, trade groups

Stories by Taofik Salako

will also play supervisory roles by ensuring that companies have a complaints management function which enables complaints to be investigated fairly and possible conflicts of interest to be identified and mitigated.

Also, the complaints management policies shall be made available to shareholders of companies at their general meeting while operators shall issue complaint management policies to their clients during their account opening process. Quoted companies and operators are also expected to post their complaint management policies on their website.

Besides, companies and operators are expected to register complaints in accordance with the new rules and regulations and in an appropriate manner and they are expected to provide information on complaints and complaintshandling to the relevant trade group on a quarterly basis. This data should cover the number and nature of complaints received and should be differentiated according to their various criteria.

Altogether, complaints are expected to be resolved within a maximum timeline of 82 days. However, SEC can grant extended timeline for exceptional cases. Under the new rules, operators and public companies shall acknowl-

edge receipt of complaints received by email within two working days and where complaints are received by post, written response must be made within five working days of the receipt of the complaint. Copies of the complaint and the acknowledgement letter shall be forwarded to the relevant trade group.

All complaints are expected to be resolved by the public companies and operators within 10 working days from the date the complaint was received while the trade group shall be notified of the resolution of the complaint within two working days.

Where the complaint is not resolved within the given timeframe, the complainant or operators shall refer the complaint to the relevant trade group within two working days. The letter of referral shall be accompanied by a summary of proceedings of events leading to the referral and copies of relevant supporting documents.

Also, where there is no relevant trade group, the complaint shall be referred to the SEC within two working days with the same letter of referral accompanied by a summary of proceedings of events leading to the referral and copies of relevant supporting documents.

Meanwhile, only complaints between operators and complaints against the relevant trade group may be lodged at first instance, with the relevant trade

group. All complaints lodged at first instance with the relevant trade group shall be resolved within 20 working days. For all complaints that are not resolved thereafter, the outcome shall be referred to SEC within five working days.

Also, where complaints are referred by capital market operators to relevant trade group, they must be resolved within 20 working days of receipt of the complaint. The letter of referral shall be accompanied by a summary of proceedings of events leading to the referral and copies of relevant supporting documents, within two working days.

Where the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the relevant trade group, the matter shall be referred by the complainant to the SEC within two working days.

The rules stipulate that failure to forward a summary of proceeding within the specified timeframe shall attract a sanction in line with the rules and regulations of the Commission.

The rules outlined that only two categories of complaints can be lodged in the first instance with SEC. The first group of complaints includes complaints against operators by SROs or a regulator.

The second group of complaints involves trade manipulation, accounting frauds, Ponzi schemes and such other complaints as may be determined by

the SEC from time to time.

In the case of complaints against operators by SROs or regulator, SEC shall acknowledge receipt of complaints received from complainants by email within five working days.

In the case of the second group of complaints, SEC shall assess the complaint and decide whether the subject matter falls under its purview or whether it needs to be referred to another entity.

SEC shall assess the complaint within 10 working days.

After the assessment and where the SEC has ascertained that a complaint is within its purview, it shall launch an investigation to verify the assertions made in the complaint. The investigation shall be concluded within 30 working days or for an extended time as the SEC deems fit.

"Where it is determined by investigation that there is a prima facie case to be answered, the matter may be referred to the Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) of the SEC or where it is determined that a crime has been committed the matter shall be referred to the appropriate criminal agency for prosecution," the rules stated.

In the event of complaints referred to the SEC from relevant trade groups, SEC shall review the complaint and decide whether the subject matter falls under the purview of SEC or whether it needs to be referred to another entity. The SEC shall review the complaint within five working days and where SEC determines that it falls within its purview, it shall resolve the complaint within 20 working days or for an extended time as the SEC deems fit.

•Acting Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo(third right); Deputy Commissioner of Insurance (Technical), NAICOM, Mr. Muhammad Kari (middle); Mr. Nickolas Oparah, Director (Supervision) NAICOM (right); Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba, Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services) SEC (second right); Ag. Executive Commissioner (Operations) SEC Mr. Abatcha Bulama (third left); Head (Enforcement and Compliance) NAICOM, Ahmad Ibrahim (second left) and Assistant Director (Corporate Affairs) NAICOM Rasaaq Salami (left) during the visit of NAICOM executives to SEC.

Cappa and D’Alberto opens for trading at NASD OTC market

I

NVESTORS in Cappa and D’Alberto Plc, which was recently delisted from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), can now trade their equities on the NASD Plc. The NASD is an over-the-counter (OTC) platform that trades on unlisted securities. It is licensed by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The NASD OTC was formally launched on July 1 and opened for trading on July 2, 2013.

Management of the NASD said it has put in place structures to ensure seamless transactions in the shares of Cappa and D’Alberto, a civil construction company.

According to the NASD, the struc-

tures have been put in place and communicated to the relevant OTC stakeholders to allow seamless continuity of transactions in the security. These modalities were put in place to allay the fears of shareholders about the useful life of the security.

“Shareholders who wish to trade their shares should approach a participating institution-stockbroker, who can trade on their behalf with the identifier code SDCAPPABETO in an open, transparent market,” NASD stated.

NASD recently introduced a price movement band of 15 per cent. The introduction of the price movement

band was expected to modulate the pricing pattern of securities on the OTC market. NASD previously has no price movement band. The price range of 15 per cent for OTC-listed stocks is five per cent above the 10 per cent pricing range for quoted equities on the NSE. The price movement band implies that the price of any security can only rise or fall by 15 per cent in a trading session, daily.

Major companies on the NASD included Dufil Prima Foods Plc, the manufacturer of Indomie Noodles; Friesland Campina Wamco Nigeria Plc, manufacturer of Peak Milk brand; Industrial & General Insurance Plc, Central Securities Clear-

ing System Plc, the clearing and depository arm of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Jaiz Bank Plc, the Islamic bank.

Other stocks included Acorn Petroleum Plc, Arm Life Plc, Afriland Properties Plc, BGL Plc, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Food Concepts Plc, Geo-Fluids Plc, Golden Capital Plc, Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc, Partnership Investment Company Plc, Resourcery Plc, Riggs Ventures West Africa Plc, Swap Technologies & Telecomms Plc and Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc. After nearly six years of stalemate between the management of the NSE and Cappa & D’Alberto

Nigeria Plc, the NSE had last month finally delisted the construction company from the its official list. With the delisting, shareholders of Cappa & D’Alberto will not be able to trade their shares on the NSE. However, they may now trade their shares on the NASD, the over-the-counter (OTC) market for unlisted securities.

The board of directors of Cappa & D’Alberto had in 2009 decided on the delisting of the company from the NSE pursuant to resolutions passed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held on 24 March 2009.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

PAGE 25

There is unrest in Ifedapo community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, following the continuous dumping of toxic wastes into the Ibeshe River by a textile manufacturing company. The has continued to negatively affect both human and aquatic life. SEUN AKIOYE reports

•Nichemtex factory and the river where the toxic waste was allegedly being dumped

R

INSIDE

ESIDENTS of Ifedapo community in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State no longer sleep with their eyes firmly shut. And there are many reasons for this, chief among which is a textile industry situated in their community: The United Nigerian Textile Limited otherwise known as Nichemtex, “makers of quality textile products.”

Under a normal situation, the factory should be of immense benefit to the host community, generating employment and engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) and protecting the environment from industrial waste products.

Battle against bird flu in Oyo PAGE 26

Living under toxic siege But none of these has been en joyed by the people of Ifedapo. Instead, they have had to battle with a polluted river, obnoxious odour from chemical effluents, contaminated waterbed and frequent ailments.

The community, of about 20,000 residents on Owode/ Ibeshe road on the outskirts of Ikorodu has not known peace for many years. The first sign that the company’s presence may not be a blessing was the contamination of the popular

•LASEPA to conduct evaluation visit this week Ibeshe River, which flows across the town.

Then there were the ailments seemed to affect both the young and the old; not a few were puzzled by the “strange” ailments which seemed to defy all medications until it was discovered that the waterbed of the community had been contaminated by effluents from the toxic waste of the textile com-

Southwest Muslims mark World Hijab Day PAGES 30

pany contaminating the drinking water of the people.

For many years, this has been the condition under which the residents live.

Contaminated water, toxic air

On a hot afternoon in February, the Ibeshe River, which passes through Ifedapo community, flowed noiselessly. Its water is

black and a strong stench flowed with it as it made its way southwards. In the past, this river provided the economic power to the people who are traditionally fishermen.

But no fishing goes on in there nowadays and the fishermen have since abandoned that profession.

Cultism angers residents in Ondo town PAGE 32

•Continued on page 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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With the reported outbreak of the dreaded Avian Influenza disease in some poultry farms in 14 states of the Fed ase otherwise called bird flu in the state. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports

Battle against bird flu in Oyo P OULTRY farmers in Oyo State are keeping an eagle eye on their birds and they have a very good reason for being vigilant.

In neigbhouring Ogun State as in 13 other states across the Federation, the dreaded Avian Influenza disease otherwise known as bird flu has been reported in some poultry farms putting poultry farmers elsewhere in the country on red alert over possible outbreak of the disease in their area.

When the disease was reported in Nigeria some years back many poultry farms across the country infected with the bird flu virus had all their birds recalled, burnt and the farms quarantined to prevent a spread to other farms, resulting in huge economic loses running into millions of naira to the farmers.

Some of the farms had to close down with little or no support or compensation from government to cover their loss.

So it was no surprise when many poultry farmers in Oyo State were gripped with fear when it was reported that bird flu had surfaced again in some states as they make frantic efforts to protect their birds.

When The Nation went round some poultry farms in the state, it was gathered that no incidence of the disease has been reported yet in the state, but stringent measures have been put in place by the farmers to prevent its outbreak.

Since the recent outbreak was reported, the government it was learnt has stopped cross border transportation of poultry birds as well as the importation of eggs and day old chicks into the country since it is believed that the disease could easily be transmitted from one country to another through movement of poultry birds/products across international borders.

The measure, it was gathered, will however have a far reaching effect on the availability of key poultry products to farmers.

In the poultry farms visited, most have stepped up sanitation, hygiene, bio-security as part of measures to check the outbreak of the deadly disease in the state. At the entrance of most of the farms, there were dip-mats where every visitor must pass through for sanitation before being allowed into the premises, while visitors are not allowed into certain places.

Certain items such as foreign birds, bags, crates, and vehicles were also not allowed into the area where birds were kept.

Non staffers were restricted as well in the pen areas.

According to a poultry farm manager at Araromi Idowu in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr Tunde Osagie , many farmers have been told to be on the alert and report any farm where bird flu had been spotted. This he said became imperative to protect others from the disease.

“Once it is detected, it can be controlled and checked as long as the infected birds are recalled and the farm quarantined. Apart from that, we have veterinary doctors on the farms to ensure that necessary mea-

sures are taken to prevent the outbreak of the disease. We don’t pray for it here in Oyo state, because it is a serious problem. Not only the birds that will go, but the affected farmers may never recover in most cases”, he said.

At Zartech , the largest poultry farm in the zone, security was very tight when The Nation visited.

Though the Managing Director, Mr W. Zard could not be reached, a senior staff of the company who spoke on condition of anonymity said a very high standard of hygiene and bio-security is maintained.

“The company is highly respected for its quality and standard practice. As you know, we use biosecurity here where the best practice in poultry is observed.”

According to Osagie: “Avian flu is not new here in Nigeria, but I can tell you that it can only affect birds in those backyard poultry farms where there are poor hygiene and sanitation. It is also an economic and not a human problem.

The farmer loses all his birds, and definitely suffers economic loss, “Osagie.

The former national Vice President, Poultry Association of Nigeria and Chairman, Fol-Hope Farms Nigeria Limited, Chief Emmanuel Folunso Ogunaike said farmers in the state were fully prepared to check the deadly scourge, adding that they had been given adequate enlightenment and information regarding the disease.

Ogunaike lamented the challenges facing the poultry industry in Nigeria especially the absence of needed infrastructure to develop the business.

To him, bird flu is not a problem to poultry farmers rather the problems are poor public electricity supply, drought and deplorable road network.

He called on members not to panic over the outbreak of the disease, but to remain focused on applying the necessary precautions to ward off the outbreak of the disease.

He said: “To the best of my knowledge and to be candid, poultry business is facing serious challenges in Nigeria. For example, we are unable to sell poultry products particularly egg at a profitable

Living under a toxic siege

haling the contaminated air. It was gathered that when the company releases the toxic wastes into the river-which is done every morningthe offending smell is usually so overpowering residents would lock themselves inside their houses and shut the windows.

But they also had to deal with other environmental issues arising from the indiscriminate dumping of toxic wastes by the textile company.

“If you look at the roofing here, we cannot use zinc because of the chemicals, after a few months you will need to change the roofing of your house. The air is also very toxic, but the water is the most dangerous,” another resident identified as Olajide Idowu said.

•Continued from page 25 The reason according to many of the residents is the continuous dumping of toxic chemicals into the Ibeshe River by Nichemtex Company; as a result the fishes and every other aquatic life have been killed. Now, the river is a mass of black water with poisonous chemicals that cannot support any living thing.

But a contaminated river is not the only effect of a toxic dump; the water bed was contaminated too, making the water from boreholes dug in the community extremely dangerous for drinking or cooking.

Oluwasegun Adenuga, who moved into the area last year, remembered how he almost lost his entire family to the contaminated water.

“We just moved here and we were boiling the water to drink. Suddenly we found that the children were falling sick, they faced different forms of unexplained sickness. Sometimes their eyes will just bulge out, it was so terrible we almost lost them until the doctors were able to discover

price and cost of production is going up. A situation where it costs you almost N500 to produce a crate of egg and you couldn’t sell it for more than N450 is troubling. You will know that that business is being run at a loss.

“Other challenges include irregular power supply. When public electricity supply is not in place, I don’t know of any business that one can run profitably. You know, all the would-be profit, even borrowed capital would be used to acquire diesel to run the generating plant. The challenges are many. I think what the government can do is to make available soft loans available to (poultry) farmers or to guarantee such loans at lower interest rate. Then provision of amenities like good roads, regular electricity supply and farming equipment.

“Avian Flu outbreak in the country is not new and it has been on for a very long time in the developed nations. We witnessed it here about eight or ten years ago but through bio security, proper hygiene and proper sanitation, we were able to ward it off. So, people

A divided community

•The pipe through which water is supplied to Ifedapo

that our water was contaminated,” Adenuga said.

But he is not alone; two other residents said they contacted a water engineer who conducted a test on the ground water to determine the level of toxic deposit in it.

“We conducted a test on the water and it was discovered that the water from our borehole contains cyanide. We were told never to drink or cook with the water. It was that bad, in all this community, there is no house where you can

safely drink the water from the borehole,” they said.

There is also the issue of sickness.

According to Adenuga, residents “fall sick at will” in the community.

This is not as a result of drinking the contaminated water but of in-

Fear seems to have a free reign in Ifedapo. When The Nation visited, many of the residents declined to talk and some who did spoke on condition of anonymity. Investigations reveal that one of the weapons the company has used successfully against agitations by the residents, is the divide and rule system.

According to findings, some of the leaders of Ifedapo are in league with the company and this makes any agitation impossible. Also, it was learnt that there are spies all over the town who reportedly report any “troublemaker” to the company.

One resident who is simply iden-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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THE SOUTHWEST REPORT

Federation, poultry farmers in Oyo State have stepped up preparation to battle any likely outbreak of the dise

•Inside a poultry farm in Ibadan

should not panic. What they need to do is to report any outbreak of the disease to the nearest Veterinary Clinic and follow the instructions of professionals. I know it will surely become a thing of the past.”

At the egg market, the prices were unaffected as a crate of egg still sells for between N450 to N700 depending on the size, same also goes for a full size live chicken which sells for between N1500 to N2000 per one.

“We don’t know if there is bird flu here. It is not here in Oyo state, God will not allow it to come here.

Nothing has affected the price of chicken. It is only that sales are low and it is so because we are not in the festive period when we usually experience a boom”, Madam Anike Ojo , a fowl seller at Molete , Ibadan said.

Types of bird flu According to a Veterinary Doctor at Joe & Joe Farms Nigeria Limited, Omi Adio, Ibadan, Akin Adesoji there are different types of Avian Influenza and they also have different effects on birds and humans.

“Avian influenza known informally as avian flu or bird flu refers to influenza caused by viruses adapted to birds. There are different types of Avian Influenza including the H5N1 subtype and Influenza A virus subtype H5N1.

“The version with the greatest concern is the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Most human contractions of the avian flu resulted from either handling dead infected birds or from contact with infected fluids. While most wild birds mainly have only a mild form of the H5N1 strain, once domesticated birds such as chickens or turkeys are infected, it could become much more deadly because the birds are often within close contact of one another.

“There is currently a large threat of this with infected poultry due to low hygiene conditions. Although it is easy for humans to become infected from birds, it’s much more difficult to do so from human to human without close and lasting contact.

“Spreading of H5N1 is much more likely caused by both legal

and illegal poultry trades than through wild bird migrations. According to recent studies, there were no secondary increases in infection when wild birds migrate south again from their breeding grounds. Instead, the infection patterns followed transportation (of birds) by rail, roads, and (across) countries’ borders, suggesting poultry trade as being much more likely the cause.

“While there have been strains of avian flu they have been extinguished and have not been known to infect humans.

“In spite of their pandemic connection, avian influenza viruses are noninfectious for most species.

When they are infectious, they are usually asymptomatic, so the carrier does not have any disease from it. Thus, while infected with an avian flu virus, the animal does not have a flu. Typically, when illness from an avian flu virus does occur, it is the result of an avian flu virus strain adapted to one specie spreading to another specie (usually from one bird specie to another bird specie).

“So far as is known, the most

common result of this is an illness so minor as to be not worth noticing. But with the domestication of chickens and turkeys, humans have created species subtypes that can catch an avian flu virus adapted to waterfowl and have it rapidly mutate into a form that kills over 90 per cent of an entire flock in days, can spread to other flocks and kill 90 per cent of them, and can only be stopped by killing every domestic bird in the area.

“Until H5N1 infected humans in the 1990s, this was the only reason avian flu was considered important. Since then, avian flu viruses have been intensively studied; resulting in changes in what is believed about flu pandemics, changes in poultry farming, changes in flu vaccination research, and changes in flu pandemic planning. Influenza A/H5N1 has evolved into a flu virus strain that infects more species than any previously known strain, it is deadlier than any previously known strain, and continues to evolve, becoming both more widespread and more deadly.” He said.

tified as Mr. Moses told The Nation: “We have many problems in this community but the leadership has sold us out, they cannot talk because of the small change (money) they get from the company. This has made it impossible for this community to progress, there are spies everywhere and one has to be careful, I should not be seen talking with you.”

The Nation learnt that the company has not executed any CSR project in the community. “Our roads are bad and there is nothing we enjoy from the company except the poisoning of our environment,” Adenuga said.

But that changed some months ago when the company outsourced the job of cleaning up the toxic waste on the river to a member of the community. “ Every morning, there is something like white flakes on the river, they have employed about five members of the community to pack them every day after which the flakes are taken back to the company,” Idowu revealed.

But there is the issue of the environmental hazard as it has been alleged that no personal protective equipments were allegedly supplied to the workers. It was learnt that one of the workers was already showing signs of sickness and has since remained indoors. All efforts

by The Nation to see him proved abortive.

But the company is not new to controversy over the dumping of toxic wastes in the Ibeshe River and its subsequent health hazards on the nearby communities. In 2012, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) shut down the company over the dumping of effluents into the Ibeshe River, thereby affecting marine life.

The government took the drastic action after the company failed to heed several warnings against such actions.

However, there is one thing the residents of Ifedapo should be grateful for, seeing that the waterbed in the community has been polluted; Nichemtex ran a pipe from its company to the community supplying portable water to the residents. But this arrangement, according to Idowu, is complex and fraught with many inconsistencies most notable is that it puts the residents at the mercy of the company.

“The company will say it is providing us with water, but they destroyed or water first and they are not doing us any favours. If they decide to shut the water we cannot complain, so giving us water is really nothing to applaud,” he said.

A visit to the site at the extreme corner of the community reveals that the pipe which supplied water

to the community had busted and a black rubber was tied around the damaged area to prevent the water from leaking. The pipe passed over the dirty and unhygienic Ibeshe river and it is doubtful the content of the pipe could be anything but healthy.

Efforts to reach the company proved abortive as all its numbers are constantly switched off and on a visit, a worker directed the correspondent to book an appointment.

However, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), has said that it will broaden its monitoring procedure of the textile company. Speaking to The Nation, the Assistant Chief Scientific Officer (ACSO) at the agency, Mojisola Afuwape, said the zonal office in Odonguyan will monitor the situation.

“When we sealed the company, they abated and complied, but if the situation has returned to what it used to be, we will mandate our zonal office in Odonguyan to go and evaluate the situation, then we will know what step to take. I can assure you that before the end of this week, we will go and monitor the situation,” she said.

On the contaminated waterbed, she said the residents would need to bring to LASEPA about three samples of the water for analysis.

“If they can bring three different

samples of their water here for analysis we will be able to tell what they contain and tell them what to do next,” Afuwape said.

But the chairman of the Ifedapo Community Development Association (CDA), Mr. Femi Ayodele has a different solution to the problem. “The government should dredge the river so that it can flow better. We have spoken to the government about this issue and we are still expecting,” he said.

Ayodele also denied that the toxic dump has had any health effect on the community. “Not that we are suffering now, but we believe that over a long time it may start having effect.” But when he was confronted with the contaminated water, he agreed. “The water bed may have been contaminated and the water may not be suitable for drinking, but the company has provided us with water and we talk to them from time to time. But there is nothing they can do for now, it will take a long time for the situation to be managed,” he said.

Ayodele also said the company is currently undergoing stress and putting pressure on it may lead to its collapse. If this happens then the fate of the residents of Ifedapo may have been sealed as their only source of drinking water would have been shut, maybe forever.

Revelry as Ojota FRSC command braces for better service

By Adekunle Yusuf, Assistant Editor

A

LL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, says an adage.

That wise saying is perhaps what informed the decision of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ojota Unit Command, to treat its men and officers to a colourful party to mark its end of the year recently. The unit commander, Kehinde Hamzat, an Assistant Corps Commander (ACC), said his officers and men deserved to be encouraged with the merriment “because the command achieved so much in 2014.”

Thanking everybody in the command for working together as a family, which he said made the achievements of last year possible, Hamzat craved the indulgence of officers and men in the command to worker harder in 2015 so that the unit can reach higher heights. “I am happy that the command is working together in harmony.

We achieved so much in 2014 due to the existing cooperation and camaraderie in the command. I have enjoyed staying and working with you,” he said.

When FRSC officials took turns to bare their mind on happenings in the command, it was encomiums and prayers galore for the leadership of the unit for “always treating us equally, and promptly attending to our interests in a non-biased and detribalized manner.” According to them, welfare package and training opportunities enjoyed in the command last year were unprecedented – a feat they attributed to the leadership of “our agent of transformation and development.” Most of those who spoke said the command’s list of achievements also included a special officers’ course, described as first of its kind, in which the unit commander came out as the “most outstanding officer” out of thousands that attended the course nationwide. “We are not just proud and happy about it; we all share in the glory of a man who is always seeking the welfare of everybody under him.”

Besides FRSC officials, the festivity, which took place in the unit’s newlypainted premises, was also graced by friends of the command. Among other guests, transport workers in nearby parks who also joined the FRSC in the revelry, said the command is adding value to its immediate environment.

The get-together, where everybody ate and drank to their fill, also included a gift presentation to one Salahudeen, a former intelligence officer in the unit who was recently posted to assume higher responsibilities elsewhere.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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THE SOUTHWEST REPORT

THE SOUTHWEST REPORT

A fortnight ago, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi traversed the entire Oke-Ogun area of the state, seeking residents’ votes to continue his restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda for another four years, reports BISI OLADELE

F

OR three days a couple of weeks ago, the Oyo State governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi was on the hustings in the Oke Ogun area of the state bonding with the people who were also happy to receive him.

It was a friendly atmosphere as large crowds of party faithful, women and youth groups, community leaders and ordinary folks welcomed the governor’s campaign train as it moved from one town to another across the 10 local government areas that make up this largely agrarian and rural communities perched on the northern tip of the state and bordered

by Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibadan and Ibarapa zones.

The governor who was in their midst to seek their support in the April 11, 2015 governorship polls, also used the occasion to commission some projects to showcase the achievements of his administration in the last four years and stress the need for another four year term.

Oke Ogun, the food basket of the state is a formidable political bloc that all political parties in the state court. It boasts of towns like Shaki, Iseyin, Igboho, Kisi, Igbeti, AgoAre, Tede, Ago Amodu, Sepeteri and Okeho among others.

Before his visit to the zone, the second in six months, Ajimobi had earlier taken his campaign tour to Eruwa and some local governments in Ibadan, the state capital, during which he met traditional rulers, politicians, groups, artisans and students, selling his achievements and promising to work with them if given another opportunity of four more years.

He had, in November last year, toured all the 33 local governments in the state (including the 10 in Oke Ogun), distributing letters of appointment to 5,300 newly recruited teachers and meeting with stakeholders to identify priorities of each community and how to address their needs.

But this time, it was both campaign and bonding with his subjects. It was also time for trumpeting his achievements since he has been at the saddle as the basis for seeking a second term in office.

At Iseyin, the governor inaugurated the newly completed Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC). The NYSC in Oyo state had been operating from a temporary site for over 20 years before the advent of the present administration.

While inaugurating the project, Ajimobi rated his administration high in human and infrastructural development in the state.

He said the orientation camp epitomizes the quality of his administration, adding that it was also a reflection of his plan for the development of the state.

The governor, who described the Iseyin permanent site as the best in Nigeria, said his administration was able to complete the complex based on his tripod of transformation restoration and repositioning agenda.

He added that the orientation camp also encapsulates the dreams of his administration to restore the lost glory of the state making a true reflection of its pace setting status.

In her response, NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Funmilayo AkinMoses commended the various achievements of the Ajimobi administration, particularly in the education sector, adding that the governor’s effort at completing the camp would remain indelible in the heart of the people.

Thereafter, the governor addressed a large number of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his adminis-

Youth group seeks change through ‘BOYS’ Various youth’ groups and associations have come together in Lagos under one body to support the Buhari/Osinbajo presidential ticket and ensure its victory in next month’s election.. AJOSE SEHINDEMI reports.

C

•Ajimobi at Ado Awaye

HANGE, as a popular saying goes, is the only thing constant in life and for a country like Nigeria, battling various vices such as indiscipline, insecurity, corruption and prostate economy and bad governance among others, change is the necessary recipe to turn things around.

The need for this change informed why a cluster of youth groups in Lagos State under the aegis of Buhari/Osinbajo Youth Squad (BOYS), have formed a synergy to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in the March 28 election, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The youths hinged their resolve for the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket because according to them, Buhari’s running mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is a man of integrity, mission and vision and with him being the right hand man to the former Head of State, purposeful and responsive governance is assured.

The convener and coordinator of BOYS, Mr Abiola Ojo, said the need to identify with a man of credibility who can push them to victory at the polls was their motivating factor. Ojo said this was why various youth associations have collapsed into BOYS, for easy identification.

Speaking in Lagos recently at the formal coming together of the youth groups at LTV multipurpose hall, Ikeja Ojo said the organization comprises both sexes, not minding the acronym. He added that a government that is accessible to all Nigerians is what the Buhari/Osinbajo presidency intends to offer.

He said: “We want change in all areas of the country, not selected places and for Nigeria to attain her lofty position among the leagueof nations”.

Ojo, who is also the coordinator of Green Paths, a youth association, said the objective of BOYS was to inform, as well as reorientate Nigerian youths on how to support, vote for change and protect their votes.

He said a Buhari/Osinbajo presidency will not allow a situation where hundreds of Nigerians become refugees on daily basis, or an army of gullible but unemployed youths to be tricked like what happened when one of the federal government agencies held a recruitment exercise last year which claimed the lives of 19 youths without justice being done.

Ojo lamented that the present situation was a factor in propelling some youths to engage in criminal activities; hence the need for all youths to align with the government that can bring about growth and development for all Nigerians, nothing that the youth are key players in the forthcoming general elections.

Mr Daramola Oladimeji, who is the head of mobilization for the association, said change is what the country needs as most of the infrastructures are an eyesore despite outrageous amount the Federal Government claimed to have put into them.

•Ajomobi at Igbeti

Council chief urges residents to support government

By Emmanuel Udodinma

T •Ajimobi at Ado Awaye

•Ajomobi at Igbeti

When Ajimobi campaigned across Oke-Ogun

tration has done a lot for the people of the town through infrastructural development and political appointments.

He assured them of more projects if given another opportunity to remain in office, stressing that the completed Iseyin township road dualization project would soon be inaugurated.

He also held a meeting with religious and community leaders in the Iseyin Local Government where he sought unity and peace among all religious leaders, stressing that his administration would not tolerate politics of bitterness, deceit and character assassination.

At Kisi, where his team was also received by a tumultuous crowd, Ajimobi assured the people of Irepo Local Government of more developmental projects if given the opportunity of a second term.

The governor, who was overwhelmed with the large turnout of residents, said he would initiate projects that would be commensurate with the love and support displayed for his administration.

Governor Ajimobi said he would expedite action on the newly approved Kisi College of Nursing for its smooth take-off in line with the transformation agenda of his ad-

ministration.

While giving his royal blessing, the Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Aweda Lawal Arowoduye II, expressed appreciation to the governor for projects executed within his domain during his first term in office.

Judging by these projects, the monarch expressed optimism that the town would witness more of such in the governor’s second term.

Ajimobi addressed a mammoth crowd of his supporters at the town square after which he also had an interactive meeting with the Muslim community in the town.

While at Igboho, the governor observed the Jumat service at the Oorelope Central mosque where the Chief Imam, Sheik Ismail Olanrewaju, urged worshippers to see their participation in the general elections as a religious duty.

The cleric said Islam encouraged good governance. He urged them to vote for people of proven integrity and who would work for the socio-economic development of the country.

While addressing the crowd of supporters and admirers after the prayer, Ajimobi urged them to avoid violence before, during and after the election.

He said his administration had been fair to both Christians and Muslims as well as adherents of other religions in the state.

When the governor’s campaign train moved to Ado-Awaye, Ajimobi expressed his commitment to making the suspended Ado-Awaye Lake project an internationally recognized tourist centre.

He said the lake could be a source of revenue for the state government in view of the dwindling revenue accruing to it from the Federation Account.

The governor disclosed that his administration had concluded arrangement with foreign investors who would make Ado-Awaye a centre of attraction to the world just like the Agodi zoological garden that had been turned into a worldclass tourist centre by the administration.

Governor Ajimobi also addressed a large crowd of supporters at Ilua where he admonished the people to conduct themselves peacefully during the forthcoming elections.

The campaign train also visited Ilaji Oke, Ayetoro Oke and Ilero all in Kajola Local Government At Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa Local Government, Ajimobi branched to

commiserate with the immediate family of the late former chairman of the council, Barr. Tajudeen Salami who passed on two months ago.

At the campaign ground in IwereIle, Ajimobi made a surprise announcement that all the recently recruited teachers would be receiving their salaries as from end of February.

He said the power supply to Iwere-Ile town would also be extended to the nearby towns and villages.

The governor also assured the people of the town that the main road linking the town with Idiko Ile and Itasa Ijio, which is under construction, would soon be completed The campaign train also moved to Ijio passing through Ilaji Ile, Idiko and Itasa - all in Iwajowa Local Government.

The train made a detour at Ijio to Iganna to pay a courtesy call on the Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Abdul Azeez Soliu Oyemonla. The monarch assured the governor of his support and that of his people in the coming election.

In his response, Ajimobi promised more dividends of democracy to the community if voted in the second time.

The campaign train moved back to Okeho where the governor also addressed a large crowd of party supporters and assured them of more development projects in Kajola Local Government.

At Saki West, Saki East and ATISBO local governments, Ajimobi advised Nigerians not to be deterred by the postponement of 2015 general elections.

He urged them to hold unto their beliefs in the process of enthroning and re-affirming good governance in all parts of the country.

He also urged all progressively minded Nigerians to remain calm and uphold their loyalty to APC, stressing that the Federal Government had become jittery as a result of popularity and acceptance of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari and the APC. He added that no matter how many times the election is postponed, the APC would definitely win whenever the election is eventually conducted.

Similarly at Saki market square, Ajimobi admonished the people to remain calm and peaceful even in the face of provocative utterances from the opposition members.

He said the ongoing Saki Ibaruba road dualization will soon be com-

pleted while necessary steps would be taken to ensure that the OkeOgun Polytechnic in the town would have all its courses accredited within the stipulated time.

Thereafter, the governor had an interactive session with stakeholders and community leaders in Saki town, where he was commended for the appointment of Justice Muntar Abimbola and granting of autonomy to the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic.

Earlier at Ago Amodu, Sepeteri and Tede, Ajimobi, while addressing the regent of Sepeteri, Chief Ganiyu Fehintola and other chiefs, appealed to the community to support his administration to ensure a rapid development of the community and the state as a whole.

He assured them of peaceful atmosphere that would facilitate the necessary development for the Saki East Local Government.

In Igbeti, the governor disclosed that arrangement was being concluded with foreign partners to commence exploration of marble in Igbeti land for the development of the state.

He told the Onigbeti of Igbeti Oba Emmanuel Oyebisi Afegbejo III and his chiefs that the state government had registered a mining

company, Pacesetter Mining Corporation with the aim of working with foreign partners to explore and develop the moribund marble industry in Igbeti.

He said his administration would develop the marble site in area and make it one of the largest industries in the state.

Governor Ajimobi also assured the people of Igbeti that the abandoned Igbeti dam would be developed to produce potable water for the town and its environs.

He added that the clamor for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Igbeti would be implemented if he is re-elected.

The Onigbeti expressed willingness of Igbeti community to support his second term ambition while also praying for success of the governor in the election.

Governor Ajimobi met different interest groups and associations at the Igbeti Town Hall. He also addressed APC supporters at the Igbeti market square.

While rounding up his campaign in the area, Governor Ajimobi enjoined his followers in Igbeti to be peaceful during the forthcoming election and ensure that they have their Permanent Voter Cards intact.

HE dream of actualising the mega city status of Lagos can only be achieved when the residents are prepared to partner with the government in the drive to attain this lofty aim.

This was the submission of the Executive Secretary, Bariga Local Development Area Mr Kolade Alabi at a stakeholders forum held at Igbehinadun Primary School, Pedro,Bariga recently.

Alabi said:’’ The essence of good governance is to provide dividends of democracy for the benefit of the masses so as to improve the standard of living. ‘’Bariga LCDA have taken a giant step of fixing seven roads in Tapa, Ogbere ,Akinwale ,Taiwo ,Jalaosho ,Amodu and,Oremeji streets in Idi Aba and Ilaje area,’’ he said.

The council chief said the palliative measures were necessary and promised to fix 30 additional roads before the end of February.

He disclosed that the French Government through the state government has given a 100 million dollars assistance to the council for road development, stating that Ilaje road will be the major beneficiary of the grant.

He told those in attendance that attention would be given to the education sector, just as he said that desks and benches were ready for distribution to all primary schools across the council .

The secretary urged residents to collect their permanent voters card before March deadline and vote massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC), that can guarantee good development.

In attendance were the traditional leaders, CDC members, religious leaders, market leaders, artisans, NURTW members and others. They urged the council chief to extend his developmental drive to their respective areas.

•L-R;The Executive secretary Bariga Local Council Development Area,Mr kalade Alabi and Alh.Anifowoshe Dengel,APC LGA Chairman of Bariga at the event.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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THE SOUTHWEST REPORT

As the Muslim world marked World Hijab Day on February 1, the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) mark the day, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

•The crowd at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota

•From left: Alhaja Adeyemi; Mrs Ruth Akinwunmi-King; Mrs Sherifah Ajibade-Yusuf and

•Mothers joined the rally at Ojota

•Members of Al-Mu’minaat preparing for rally at Maryland, Lagos

Southwest Muslims mark World M

ILLIONS of people gathered at several locations in over 116 countries on February 1, to celebrate a day globally set aside to mark what the Muslim women regard as their pride – the Hijab. This year marked the third edition of the celebration which had millions of women wearing the hijab globally.

World Hijab Day (WHD) was initiated by Nazma Khan, a Bangladesh lady in New York on February 1, 2013. It was in reaction to the persecution of Muslim women who chose to wear the Hijab and live a life of modesty. The day was to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (Muslins /non-Muslims) to experience the Hijab for one day.

This year’s theme was ‘Covered by choice’.

It was celebrated with rallies, lectures, picnics, symposiums and seminars in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Kwara States.

In Lagos, no fewer than 7, 000 women dressed in different colours and styles of Hijab stormed the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota to join the rest of the world to celebrate the day.

It was organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit.

As early as 7am, many of them were at the Maryland complex for the walk that started around 9am.

The large crowd walked along Ikorodu road chanting various Adhkar (supplications) in a loud voice. They carried banners with different messages about Hijab.

Among them were, ‘we are covered by choice not by force’, ‘Join the

movement’, ‘better awareness’, ‘greater understanding’, ‘peaceful world’, ‘Hijab is my choice not compulsion’, ‘Hijab is my Choice’, ‘Hijab is my constitutional right’ and ‘Hijab is my life’.

The crowd attracted residents, commuters, traders and passers-by, who admired the peaceful procession. The women also gave out tracts which explain what the World Hijab Day was all about.

Diverse Islamic associations, primary/secondary schools and tertiary institutions were at the walk in large numbers.

Among the several institutions present were, Walkway College, AlAlim College, Wesley Girls and Eletu Odibo High School. They students were dressed in their school uniform with hijab. Associations in attendance include Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), the women wing of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, and Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Association among others.

The security and protocol officers of MSSN did a great job to control the large crowd on the ever busy Ikorodu road amid vehicular movements.

Arriving at the park, after over an hour walk, the MSSN Amirah (Female President), Hajia Hafsah Badru cheered the crowd.

She told the crowd that the World Hijab Day was being celebrated to make the world know that Hijab is a matter of choice.

She said: “For many people who think that Hijab is a symbol of oppression or segregation, it is not; it is to foster religious tolerance. You

will only subject us to oppression by denying us of the usage because we have chosen to wear it and we love it.

“The walk is to neutralise some of the controversies surrounding why Muslim women chose to wear the Hijab and opening up new pathways to understanding the concept of Hijab.”

Hajia Badru who grew up using the Hijab said it is Allah’s injunction to protect and guide women and to give them honour in the society.

“I was not forced to use it. In fact, it

is against the wish of some of my friends; even my father initially was against the use of Hijab but later realised that it was the best for us and he eventually appreciated it,” she said.

She wondered why some pupils are flogged, punished and molested for using Hijab, adding that government, certain individuals and corporate organisations are unfair, partial and unnecessarily aggressive when it comes to wearing Hijab.

“We will never rest till we get justice. The Ikeja High Court that we

approached for judgment in favour of Hijab ruled against it claiming the “secular nature” of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole (as the reason).

We have appealed the case and no matter what they do, they cannot frustrate us, we will continue to be law abiding and ensure that we see the case to a successful end because it is our right; it is a commandment from our religion, the Nigerian constitution backs it and it is recognised by the international charter, we know that at the end of the day we will get justice”.

Group wants Owo FMC upgraded

A

S Federal Government continues its consultation on where to locate the proposed Teaching Hospital/College of Medicine in Ondo State, a SocialCultural group Owo Nucleus Club (ONC) has advised the government that rather than looking for a fresh location, it should upgrade the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the town to a Teaching Hospital.

The group which is a platform to promote the interest of old Owo Division, covering the current Owo and Ose local government areas said upgrading the FMC would remove the unnecessary duplication of a Tertiary Medical Centre elsewhere in the state, with the attendant fiscal absurdity.

Addressing reporters in Owo, the National president of the association, Lt. Col Yakubu Anifowose (Rtd), who listed eight reasons why

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Owo FMC should be upgraded to a teaching hospital, stressed that Ondo State has been due for a teaching hospital for a long time.

He noted that such a facility was needed in a state like Ondo, being on the all-important routes linking south west Nigeria to Abuja, and other northern states, as well as the South South and South East.

Stresing the case for Owo as the best place to site the project, ONC President said “it is pertinent to note that cost-effectiveness is the core factor in the determination of the need (for) and citing (of) a new project, whether in the public or private sector, then it will be clear that the presence of a FMC in this state, gives the needed clue to the government on the choice of site for a Teaching Hospital or College of Medicine (in Ondo State) as it totally removes the

unnecessary duplication of a Tertiary Medical Centre elsewhere in the State.

“The centrality of Owo to the north and southern axis of the state in addition to its location on the commuters-routes which transverse the state to the East, South-South and the Northern Zones in Nigeria, will make a teaching hospital in Owo more easily accessible, primarily from across Ondo State but also to other residents and transit Nigerians. This centrality will thus lend the Teaching Hospital Owo, to becoming an effective teaching and research-oriented centre in the country.

“Existing establishment in Owo FMC, in terms of physical facilities like land space, clinic, theatres, wards, roads among others are substantial and eliminates the economic mistake of development and acqui-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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THE SOUTHWEST REPORT

SN), Lagos State Area Unit organised a rally from Maryland to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota to

f and Hajia Nimatullah AbdulLateef

•Mrs Ruth Akinwunmi-King of Radio Nigeria speaking. With her is MSSN Lagos Amirah, Hajia Hafsah Badru (second right) and the moderator at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota

•Women marching for Hijba in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital

•Young girls walking along Ikorodu road

d Hijab Day According to her, “Hijab is not something cultural; its usage for protection and safeguarding of women. It is not just a piece of cloth; it is behaviour, manners and speech.

She called on all individuals, companies, organisations and all arms of government in Nigeria, politicians and leaders of thoughts to consider their demand on the issue of Hijab.

“We are not calling for the Hijab to be compelled on students, our demand is simple: permit Hijab and discriminate not against it nor

victimise the Hijabites,” she stated.

She said building barricades against the use of Hijab signals promotion of seduction and moral decadence and leaves females as merchandise articles exhibited for anyone to look at.

“It corrupts the morality of men, especially the youth and adolescence.

It pushes them to commit various kinds of sins. It will promote destruction of family ties and causing a lack of trust between family members and the spread of divorce, disease among others,” she said.

d to teaching hospital sition implicit in the choice of an alternative venue.

“The federal government has been investing on medical, surgical and laboratory equipment which have served as considerable enablement in referrals at Owo FMC and other services, to Nigerians within the state and beyond. Their existence in the FMC makes the duplication of such basic but crucial hospital/research hardware elsewhere in the state an avoidable extravagance.

“Existing departments which include OPD, Emergence, Medicine, Surgery, Dental Orthopedics, Paediatrics, Renal have been meeting a lot of the general and special health needs of patients.

The staffing complements in medicine, surgery, pathology, nursing, physiotherapy and ancillary staff make the FMC a fiscally-friendly human resource system with commend-

able service delivery which can be built upon towards the creation of a college of medicine.

“The system is already linked with the new federal government integrated payroll and personnel information system, as a seamless administrative platform for the envisage college.

“There are some ongoing postgraduate training programmes in FMC Owo which will constitute excellent foundation to the full complement of such integral parts of the proposed Teaching Hospital/College of Medicine. The products of the programmes are already being productively deployed in the FMC and across the country”.

Anifowose said the group’s position on Owo FMC as the best venue to domicile the proposed teaching hospital/ college of medicine was arrived at after a properly conducted its research.

•Women gathered for World Hijab Day in Ilorin, Kwara state capital

Hajia Badru described the Hijab as an apparel of honour, a garment of modesty, regalia of dignity and a golden shield against immorality, saying: “It is our pride and our dignity; allow us to use it to showcase the beauty of Islam and thread the path of modesty.”

Amirah of the Lagos State Chapter of Al-Mu’minaat organisation, Hajia Aishah Ilyas, called on Federal Government to caution Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on the latter’s stand on hijab.

“The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and several other documents and protocols to which Nigeria is a signatory uphold the right to freedom of religion and expression,” Hajia Ilyas said.

According to her, the discrimination, intimidation and daily harassments of people wearing Hijab must stop.

“The harassments at the places of image capture and biometrics, such as at commercial banks for the Bank Verification Number (BVN), Drivers license at Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Immigrations Service for passport and the National Identity Card at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) among others, has become almost a daily affair for Muslim women. We are insulted, ridiculed and molested by officials in these organisations; we are told to remove our head covers even though their faces and finger-prints are visible. Government must stop theses excesses before things get out of hands,” she said.

She stressed the need for people to understand that Hijab is neither a threat nor a tool of oppression. ”We wear Hijab because it is part of our faith, we love it and we feel liberated with what protects our modesty and dignity, it doesn’t limit us; it enhances our performance in all areas of life. It is a walking billboard for Islam and a key to paradise,” she said.

She urged Hijabites not to feel intimidated or scared.

Also speaking, the representative of Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOWAN), Alhaja Fatimah Osho urged Governor Fashola to allow the use of Hijab by Muslim pupils in secondary schools in the state. ý”We, mothers beckon on you (Fashola) to allow hijab for our children. It’s an injunction from Allah our creator. The battle we are facing insha Allah we are going to win.

“To you all our children, when you are allowed to use Hijab, don’t use it to abuse Islam. Use it to propagate Islam,” she added.ý A female journalist who also spoke at the function, Mujeedah Olagunju said: “Hijab has nothing to do with terrorism, it’s just the way Muslim women dress and it is the way we want to be looked at; wearing of the Hijab is an Islamic injuction just like we drink water every day, so also, a Muslim woman will not feel at peace without wearing her Hijab because it is her normal way of life. It is the way she sees herself and it is the way she wants to be looked at,” she said.

An ICAN student who is also a

member of MSSN, Rofiat Olanrewaju, recalled her days in a missionary secondary school where she was not allowed to use her Hijab throughout her school days.

“I was the only Muslim that wore Hijab to school on my graduation day and this caused a lot of unfair talks to me from both my teachers and my friends but I neglected it all,” she said.

She said now she uses her Hijab everyday because it is her choice, urging her peers who do not use the Hijab to start using it.

Mujibat Alamubu, a student of Adams College lamented that the world feels people using Hijab are senseless.

“We, Hijabites are brilliant and intelligent. Dressing does not make a person; rather what is inside makes the person,” she said.

In Ogun State, Al-Mu’minaat and MSSN held procession to mark the day.

Hajia Salimot IbrahimAdekomaya, the Al-Mu’minaat Amirah Remo chapter, while addressing the gathering decried discrimination, intimidation and molestation being meted out to Muslim women due to their use of Hijab.

He described government officials fond of harassing Muslim women to uncover their hijab before been attended to as over-zealous.

She however, decried the nonchalant attitude of the government to the plight of Muslim women and called for urgent step to address this marginalization.

Addressing the crowd, Chief Imam of Ansar-ud- Deen Society in Sagamu, Alhaji AbdulFattah IdrisulAwwal urged Muslim women to be a role models and uphold the injunction of Allah on Hijab.

He admonished parents to promote the use of Hijab among their female children.

In Abuja, female Muslims dressed in various colours and styles of the Hijab, turned out in large numbers to celebrate the World Hijab Day at ThisDay Dome in the Central Business District of th federal capital.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo; wife of the Federal Capital Minister, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed; Hajiya Aisha Dukku and Senator Khairat Gwadabe.

Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Sambo reminded the gathering that both Christianity and Islam preach covering of women’s hair in decent and modest ways.

She quoted from the verses of the Holy Qu‘ran to buttress her point and enjoined all female Muslims wearing Hijab to be proud of their dressing, as well as to be proud of themselves as Muslims wherever they go

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THE SOUTHWEST REPORT There is anger among residents of Ondo town, Ondo State over the activities of cultists who in the last one year have caused deaths and destruction in the ancient town, DAMISI OJO reports.

Cultism angers residents in Ondo town T

HE last one year has been particularly bad for residents of Ondo town and its neigbhouring communities following an upsurge in the cases cultism and cult related violence.

Violent clashes between rival cult groups often resulting in deaths or serious injuries are becoming very frequent in spite of concerted efforts by the Ondo State police command to rid the area of the menace of cultists and other criminals.

One of such bloody clashes took place recently during a party hosted by a young man in honour of his girlfriend who was celebrating her birthday. Two rival cult groups, ‘Eiye’ and ‘Black Axe’ clashed at the venue of the party and the young man, alleged to be a member of Black Axe was killed in the process, in the presence of the girl friend simply referred to Bolaji.

The deceased who was said to have come from a wealthy family had organized the party at his Ijoka residence in Ondo town and invited his friends who were also members of his cult group. But unknown to him, members of the rival cult group, Eiye got wind of the party and stormed the venue.

The Nation gathered the party was progressing well until a friend of the deceased introduced him to a leader of Eiye confraternity who after a minor argument brought out a dangerous weapon and killed him in the presence of his girl friend and others.

This development however led to a serious clash between the two rival cultist groups which abruptly ended the birthday party on a sad note.

It was gathered that the two rival cult groups had earlier clashed at Ijoka Street in Ondo town where dangerous weapons and charms were freely used by their members before some of them later met at the party.

•The suspected cultists paraded by the police

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Enuwa Police Division in Ondo town, Mr. Kunle Omisakin confirmed the incident, stressing that police were already working hard to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

It would be recalled that cult related activities have been on the rise in Ondo town since last year and efforts to curb their activities by the Police are yet to yield good results.

Sometime ago, suspected cultists clashed at the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo during which several properties were destroyed and many wounded leading to the closure of the school.

In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command recently arrested some hoodlums, mostly cultists and armed robber that have been making life difficult for residents in the state.

No fewer than 33 suspected cultists and six armed robbers operating in different parts of the state, particularly in Ore, Owo and Akure, the state capital were ar-

rested.

According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke, the suspected cultists among them were members of Eiye, Ayee and Arobaga fraternities, adding that the Police were on the trail of their leaders.

Eke, while parading the suspects before the public also disclosed that three live cartridges, one single barrel and one double barrel guns were recovered from the suspects by the Police. He said a Toyota Camry car with registration number AKR 865 AJ and a Mazda Wagon with registration number Lagos FD 708 KRD were also recovered from the suspects.

He noted that the suspected robbers had at different times tormented the people of Akure and other major towns in the state, saying that the Police would soon bring an end to all criminal activities in the state.

The Police boss hinted that the Police were already working on all the information given by the suspects, adding that they would soon

•CP Isaac Eke

be charged before the court for prosecution.

One of the suspected cultists arrested Kola Asoga, was said to have terrorized the people of the state with his cult members, killing and maiming many people in the process.

While commenting on the arrest of Asoga, the police boss noted that “he has been on our wanted list and we shall prosecute him.

He would also be out of circulation for sometime till we go after others members of his gang who are found culpable.”

In his confessional statement, the 37-year-old Asoga revealed that one Akeem initiated him into the cult group sometime in 2010 in Akure, adding that “Akure cannot know peace until our two other people are arrested.

“If they want Ondo state to be peaceful and devoid of cult activities, the Police must also arrest ‘Ade Basket and Ekun’ who are leaders of AVE secret cult and Aye secret cult in the state respectively.

“Let them bring the three of us together to sign an agreement that nothing like killings and trouble would happen in the state again.

If not, the police are just wasting their time. They should arrest the three of us together and we should sign a peace pact,” he said.

However, police said that the suspect and the 33 other cult members of the group would be charge to court for prosecution.

Another three suspected armed robbers paraded alongside the cultists by the police were said to have unleashed terror on residents of Shagari Village in Akure and robbed seven houses before carting away properties and goods worth millions of naira.

The suspects were; Deji Ogunlade (21), Akeem Oloruntoba (32) and Ogunleye Timilehin (18).

Detectives from the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) were said to have arrested the gang of robbers at a hideout in the city and it was gathered that they all confessed to the crime.

The age long rivalry between the Yoruba of Ilorin, otherwise known as Afonja and descendants of the Fulani Islamic cleric Alimi over the rulership and control of Ilorin, a Yoruba town being ruled by an Emir remains a source of concern for Alhaji Abdulkareem Olola-Kasum, President, Afonja Descendants’ Union. He spoke with BODE DUROJAIYE on the issue and alleged marginalisation of the Yoruba in Ilorin Emirate.

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‘We are suffering internal marginalisation’

HERE has been outcry over the marginalisation and relegation of Afonja people who are predominantly Yoruba in Ilorin, Kwara State. Can you shed more light on this?

In the first instance, Ilorin does not belong to the North-Central geo- political zone of Nigeria. We are Yoruba to the core and the boundary demarcation done by the colonialists in person of Lord Lugard and Captain Bower was a ruse. There is no boundary between us and the South-West people. The two colonialists carried out arbitrary designation of the boundary between the North and South. They were foreign people .They put one boundary at Odo-Otin and the other at BudoEgba. They didn’t consult anybody and you can’t find any record. You only have it in history that a boundary was created. We have been agitating that these boundaries should be removed and our brothers joined to the South-West. This is why Afonja Descendants’ Union was formed to promote retired Justice Ekundayo

panel’s report which was in our favour.

What do you mean by Ekundayo’s report?

In 1978, the then Military Governor of Kwara State, George Innih set up a panel headed by late Justice Anthony Ekundayo to investigate the constant rivalries between the Alimi and Afonja in Ilorin. The panel which toured the whole of Kwara State, including the present Kogi State had late Akanbi Oniyangi as one of the members while the former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami was the Adviser to the panel. The panel’s report has not been released till today because it favoured the Afonja descendants. The report stated that, ’in the event of the vacuum being created in Ilorin Emirate, succession to the throne should be decided through plebiscite between Afonja and Alimi families.’ I later met with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo over the matter at Ota in Ogun State, shortly after his retirement from the military and under whose tenure as Head of

State, the panel was set up. He told me that it was difficult to implement the report because it would have split the country. Obasanjo said besides himself, all others who served in the top hierarchy of his government were northerners who opposed the panel’s report. Even, our son, the late governor Mohammed Lawal could not publish let alone implement it.

We are therefore appealing to the present administration to publish and implement this report, as well as remove the so-called boundaries.

Ilorin people speak only one language, which is Yoruba for commercial, religious and all other interactions. It was also in Ilorin that the Holy Quran was translated into Yoruba and not to Fulfude [Fulani].

How justifiable is your allegation of marginalization considering that Kwara State has a fair share in the siting of some of federal establishments. Who occupies the headships of all these?

Yes it is true that Kwarans dominate headships of these institutions, but where are they from in the state?

If they are Ilorins, which area in

Ilorin are they from? The fact that a portion of a settlement is flowing with milk and honey does not eradicate hunger from the land. At the University of Ilorin for instance, how many Afonja are there either as senior or junior staff? You must first be seen as belonging to a particular group before being offered employment. I challenge anyone in this respect to publicly present the employment list of the university for the public to see. You will see how our people have been marginalized. We need to face the reality on ground to avert looming danger. Kwara State people from outside are often carried away by the mantra of it being a state of harmony. It is like a beautiful sepulcher full of rotten bones but with colourful walls of marble. We know how it is and we need to put it in its right perspective. We are suffering from internal marginalisation in Kwara State . Our people, Afonja Descendants have been reduced to second class citizens in the state and it is indeed saddening. By all standards, Afonja are the most popu-

lous in the state. In fact, there is hardly anywhere you get to today that you will not find an Afonja.

But as it is now, we are a people reduced to puppets and empty vessels.

Don’t you think that the alleged marginalization of the Afonja could be as a result of shortage of qualified personnel?

It is not true at that Afonja descendants lack competent personnel. I will cite one instance. See the case of the former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Issa Salami. Salami, an Afonja descendant is one of the best brains in the nation’s judiciary.

He was booted out of office and all efforts to get him back to office had been in futility. Over 90 percent of llorin people are Yoruba. It is out of our customs for a Yorba man to be an Emir. The word Emir or Emirate is alien to Yoruba race.

While the Emir should be for the Ilorin Emirate, Yoruba of llorin are not slaves to anybody and are entitled to have their own traditional ruler of llorin and in llorin, their native land.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

Foreign investors eye May & Baker S

OME foreign investors and venture capitalists have indicated interests in the possible acquisition of strategic equity stake in May & Baker Nigeria Plc. Investors' interests in May & Baker Nigeria have increased in recent months as the pharmaceutical company successfully completed a major stage of its World Health Organisation (WHO) certification and pre-qualification process with the issuance of the WHO's current General Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) to the company. May & Baker Nigeria is one of two quoted companies that had received the high-profile certification.

The company is currently in the process of completing the pre-qualification of its products from its WHO-standard manufacturing complex at Ota, Ogun State-The Pharma Centre. The completion of the prequalification by the WHO will enable May & Baker Nigeria to export its products globally and to also participate in multi-billion Naira donor-funded drug manufacturing and supply contracts in Nigeria. It will also be able to undertake global contract manufacturing for other global pharmaceutical companies.

Managing director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, who confirmed the preliminary expression of interests and discussions with the for-

•We’ll consider technical competence, capital, says MD Stories by Taofik Salako

eign investors and venture capitalists, said the company will consider strategic partnership that can provide additional technical competence and funding that could be used to enhance returns for all stakeholders.

According to him, there have been a lot of interests in the company from foreign and Nigerian investors but the company will only be receptive to arrangements that protect the interests of the existing shareholders and create substantial future values for all stakeholders.

He noted that with the increasing success of the The Pharma Centre, one of the main strategic initiatives now is to deleverage the company's balance sheet through injection of additional equity fund stressing that this new equity issue will be done in a way that recognizes the support of existing shareholders over the turbulent years.

"We are talking to the major shareholders to feel their pulse and see when they will be ready to take their rights and we are also talking to some foreign investors, especially those that will also bring some technical competence and skill, and I think within this year we should be able to strike a good balance

that will ensure that everybody is taking care of in a fair way," Okafor said.

He outlined that the company is being careful in considering foreign interests to avoid a situation where the foreign investors will only use Nigerian investment as a cover for its trading global activities rather than valueadded relationship that transfers competence, skill and technology to the Nigerian affiliate.

He said government should also reconsider Nigeria's foreign direct investments policies to ensure that such investments transfer values to the Nigerian affiliates through domestic manufacturing and technical know-how.

"Some companies want to come in and have the Nigerian partners; manufacture in factories overseas and ship to Nigeria, and use you as an established name in the country to ride the market, establish their plants and take over the market. So we are being mindful of that and we are looking for partners that truly want the long-term partnership with us who want to transfer or to share technology, so we are open to that. It is something that we will be very glad to conclude as soon as possible," Okafor said.

He called for establishment of a specific industry-based intervention and

support fund for the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry noting that the strategic importance of the sector and opportunities therein for global relevance and foreign earnings justify such support.

Citing other sectors that had received special intervention funds such as agriculture, aviation and power, Okafor pointed out that while some healthcare companies, including May & Baker, had been able to access some other funding through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and small and medium enterprises initiatives, a sector-specific funding will be more suited to fit into the peculiarities of the healthcare industry.

"For the past two years we have been talking about the N200 billion intervention fund; that has never happened, we have been pushing it but we have not gotten anything out of it. We believe it is very important for our industry especially as we are upgrading, we believe that for us to position well enough to compete with our Asian counterparts, we need access to longterm funding. The major challenge we had or have in May & Baker is because most of the money we used to build The Pharma Centre was obtained from

the banks. If you take a short-term fund and put it in a long-term project, you have the kind of situation we are having. It is something the industry needs," Okafor said.

He stressed the need for the Nigerian government and citizenry to imbibe the culture of supporting domestic manufacturing by patronizing made-in-Nigeria goods noting that while the economic outlook might be tough, Nigeria can pull through with the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

"The only thing I want to say is that the way the economy is going everybody has to get involved to ensure that we get out of this situation. Nigerians need to have a culture of purchasing made in Nigeria products which they are not very good at. We need to think Nigeria, both as citizens and government.

We need to support ourselves to move out of the situation, this country is very resilient, we have gone through the worst periods in the past and we came out of it. I believe that if we work together as Nigerians and put our resources in Nigeria, we should be able to pull out of the situation we are in today," Okafor said.

Professional bodies make case for investors-friendly environment •Set agenda for new government

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•From left: Secretary-General, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Jacqueline Odiadi; First Deputy President, Dr. Omede Idris; President, Mr. Foluso Fasoto; and First Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe, during a board meeting on Extra-ordinary General Assembly and Political Interaction in Lagos

African capital markets raise $11b in IPOs

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FRICAN markets excelled in terms of capital raising for business in 2014 with a total of $11 billion raised through a total of 24 initial public offers (IPOs) and also through further offers (FOs).

According to the inaugural publication IPO Watch Africa 2014, released by PwC , a significant portion of the 2014 capital raising came from outside South Africa, compared to previous years.

The PwC study covers the 5 years 2010-2014 and shows that the total money raised in 2014 was equivalent to the combined total for 2012 and 2013. The sum from IPOs alone was $1.7billion in 2014, up from $0.8billion in 2013. Listings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange accounted for 32 per cent of total IPO capital in 2013 and 44 per cent in 2014.

PwC Africa Capital Markets Leader, Nicholas Ganz, , said in a press release: “The performance of African markets was strong in 2014, with an increase in equity capital market activity of 40 per cent in terms of volume of offers and 100% in terms of capital raised when compared with prior year activity.”

African capital markets news.com reported that South Africa accounted for 87 per cent of the capital raised through FOs offers with a 50 per cent increase in the number of transactions and doubled in terms of capital

raised to $9.3bn, from $4.6bn in 2013.

PwC South Africa Capital Markets Partner, Coenraad Richardson, said of South Africa’s share of the market for further offers: “This is a reflection of the depth and stability of the South African listed company and investor base, underpinned by a securities exchange regulatory framework ranked number one in the world by the World Economic Forum’s 2014-2015 Global Competitiveness Report.”

The excellent report can be downloaded here and includes lists of the top 10 IPOs in 2014 and 2015, performance by exchange, share performance from the IPO to 31 Dec (the Egyptian Exchange’s Arabian Cement Co raised $109m and then soared 88 per cent) and much other useful information.

The financial services sector (including real estate) was 57 per cent of the combined IPO and FO volume, followed by industrial products & services, and consumer products.

Growth in these sectors reflects Africa’s shifting economic and social demographics, including increasing urbanization and an emergent middle class. The resources sectors were a smaller proportion of 2014 activity.

The trend also shows “increasing global integration of businesses in Africa and the interest of interna-

tional investors in opportunities in Africa” according to the report. Several top 10 IPOs in 2013 and 2014 had an international component, either foreign companies raising capital directly on African exchanges, or African companies marketing shares to international investors through dual listings or sales to qualified institutional buyers abroad.

During 2010-2014, African companies raised a total of $31.1bn through FOs on African exchanges plus another $1.2bn of FO capital raised by African companies on international exchanges. This included companies expanding their investor base via a secondary listing, as with the 2011 listing of Elemental Minerals on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the 2013 listing of MiX Telematics on the New York Stock Exchange under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, as well as those raising further funds from existing international listings. Resources transactions are more prominent in “outbound” FOs compared to the African IPOs and FOs over the period 2010-2014.

The report notes: Further liberalization of exchange regulations in some key territories, such as Tanzania, as well as harmonisation of regional exchanges bodes well for continued growth of ECM activity in 2015. Other positive factors include

ROFESSIONAL bodies said the new government after the March 28 general elections should make provision of investorsfriendly environment as one of its top agenda.

Professional bodies, under the auspices of Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), said the elected government should accelerate the pace of industrialisation by providing conducive environment for investors. The APBN is the umbrella body of all professional bodies in Nigeria.

At a briefing after the first quarterly meeting of the APBN hosted by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), the President of APBN, Mr, Foluso Fasoto, said industrialisation could only be achieved by providing amenable environment for investors.

According to him, it is time for Nigeria to be known for its own manufactured products and the elected government should put in place conducive environment for investors to establish industries and at the same time encourage all the big industries that left Nigeria for other West African countries to come back to the country.

In a nine-point agenda, Fasoto outlined that the new democratic dispensation should usher in good governance which is participatory, consensus-oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and one that follows the rule of law.

He pointed out that the government should not only allow but also encourage any state of the Federation that is financially capable to generate its own electricity for the consumption of the people of the state noting that there should be healthy competition between the State and the independent private power companies for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.

"As a matter of priority, the elected government should review and facilitate the speedy completion of the existing contracts for the building and rehabilitation of petroleum Refineries in the country with a view to transforming Nigeria from crude oil exporting country to refined petroleum products exporting country," Fasoto said.

According to him, the autonomy of the judiciary is non-negotiable and the National Judicial Council needs to be rejigged to ensure that almost all justices and judges are people of impeccable character who would guarantee speedy and equitable dispensation of justice.

He added that there is need for the

citizens to have absolute confidence in the judicial system rather than the current practice by which the culprits explores the weakness of the system as strong support for carrying out their clandestine activities.

He noted that the yearning of the electorates today is the dire need for peace adding that there should be peace at all times in any part of the country so that people can move freely from one location to another in the country without fear or molestation.

"Citizens are looking forward to an elected government with very strong political will to support the quick dispensation of justice in the cases of corruption levied against individuals or groups which are with anti-corruption agencies and also in the public domain with a view to bringing all culprits to justice. All over the world, corruption always fights back whenever the government wages war against it but examples abounds also that countries that are very serious about fighting corruption have succeeded in reducing it to the minimum like in China, Indonesia and even Ghana. The problem with corruption in Nigeria is that people get away with stolen and ill- gotten wealth.

The elected government will need to ensure that no corrupt person goes unpunished," Fasoto stated.

He outlined that government should pay adequate attention to qualitative heath care services to ensure universal health coverage including comprehensive healthcare services offered by the various health care professionals while National Health Act 2014 must be promoted by the elected party at all levels of government.

According to him, budgetary allocation to health must be commensurate or close to the 15 per cent of the total national budget as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Most public-private-partnership (PPP) arrangements are promoting commercialisation of health services making it out of reach of the poor masses.

Health care services should be qualitative and made available and affordable to the masses and not to commercialise it through any form of guise. Harmonious working relationship must be promoted among all professionals in health sector through policies that will be just, fair and equitable and not to promote one particular professional group at the expense of others. The elected party must ensure that its government honours all the agreements hitherto entered into with the relevant professionals.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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BUSINESS AFRICA

Euronext to license wheat futures to South Africa’s JSE

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URONEXT has agreed to license its Paris-based wheat futures contract to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the European exchange said on Monday, as it tries to expand its flagship commodity product overseas.

Euronext has made derivatives including agricultural futures a priority after its spin-off last year from Intercontinental Exchange, and is facing a challenge from Chicagobased CME Group, which is planning to enter the European wheat market.

JSE will list Euronext’s milling wheat contract <0#BL2:> as a first

step in a reciprocal licensing agreement that allows for each exchange to use the other’s commodity products and settlement prices, Euronext said in a statement.

JSE would offer a cash-settled, randdenominated version of the Euronext milling wheat contract, in keeping with what it already offers in relation to other overseas commodity products, Nicholas Kennedy, head of commodities business development at Euronext, told Reuters.

He declined to give a timetable for JSE’s milling wheat listing and said there was scope for JSE to adopt Euronext’s current wheat contract or a new, premium-quality version that

Euronext is launching in March.

Euronext’s commodity derivatives also include maize and barley in cereals and rapeseed products in the oilseed sector. It is due to relaunch dairy derivatives by the end of March with an enlarged range of products.

JSE operates its own futures with physical delivery for white maize, yellow maize, wheat, soybeans and sorghum, and also runs cash-settled versions of CME’s Chicago and Kansas wheat contracts.

The alliance with JSE follows Euronext’s preliminary agreement last year with China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange to cooperate on product development and marketing.

Chi Exotic Nectar campaign unveiled

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HI Limited has introduced the Chi Exotic Nectar campaign, tagged “Taste of Paradise.”

The TV commercial, which is running on all leading television channels, has received wide acclaim for its succinct depiction of the Chi Exotic brand with premium and persuasive imagery.

The messaging is apt as an experience of the Chi Exotic Nectar resonates with the feeling of uniquely savory taste typical of natural fruits.

There is no gainsaying that the TVC, which opened with a young woman who paused to take a drink of Chi Exotic Nectar while working on her laptop communicated the exotic nature of the refreshing drink. As she savoured the fresh, natural and rich taste of the drink, she closed her eyes in sheer pleasure and was briefly transported to an exotic beach on a fantasy island.

Dressed in a light chiffon gown, she floated along the beach before sauntering into the orchard nearby to revel in heady pleasure of exotic fruits – coconut, pineapple,

mango, orange and berries - that abound.

To enhance preference for the brand, the TV story matched the brand message with every component of the Chi Exotic Nectar brand. As the woman opened her eyes and realised she was in fantasy land, she took another sip and returned to ‘paradise.’

A Physical and Health Education teacher at a Secondary School in Maryland, Lagos Mrs. Jumoke Ayomide, who takes Chi Exotic nectar juice regularly, said she is attracted to the drink because of its natural, rich and unique taste.

“It is a drink that is worthy of indulgence,” she said, adding that the juice satisfies her longing for its distinctive refreshment.

The Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, said: “The objective of the TVC was to assure consumers that whether they are in the comfort of their homes or going about their daily activities, Chi Exotic Nectar will always be at hand with a promise of great taste to appeal to their senses with sheer pleasure”.

Medview Airlines gets Jeddah, Dubai slots

M •From left: Head, Ecobank Capital Nigeria, Kunle Osilaja with Managing Director, Ecobank Capital, Moyo Kamgaing during the Ecobank Capital Investment Banking Conference in Lagos.

Burundi trade deficit narrows in 2014 on firmer currency, lower imports

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URUNDI’S trade deficit nar rowed to $640 million in 2014 from $717 million a year earlier after the local currency strengthened against the dollar and the volume of imports fell, its central bank has said.

The landlocked east African country of nearly 10 million has

struggled to boost its economy following a chronic imbalance between imports and exports, in a nation where coffee and tea account for 85 percent of total export revenues.

From January to December 2014, Burundi’s franc gained 0.5 percent against the dollar compared with the previous year.

Export revenues rose 32.4 percent to $125 million, while imports fell 5.7 percent to $765 million. Economic analysts and donors of the coffee producer nation like the World Bank, often recommend efforts to revive exports and diversify the economy to accelerate growth.

Smile Communications introduces new SMifi

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MILE Communications Nigeria Limited, a broadband service provider, has introduced the new SMifi, which is a portable device.

The device is being offered with a 5GB data bundle and a months validity.

Announcing the product, the Chief Marketing Officer of Smile Communications, Mrs. Alero Ladipo said the new product offer comes with a combination of New SMifi + 5GB + 30 day validity, for as low as N14,000. This is a reduction from the N16,000 it was initially sold, in spite of the additional features.

Explaining the new features,

Ladipo said that this device is capable of connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously. It comes with the Play and Play feature, which automatically eliminates the installation of plug and drivers before usage, which again, makes it the easiest and quickest way to connect all devices to Smile’s super-fast 4G LTE broadband.

Other features, according to Ladipo, include super-fast internet access up to 21 Mbps when attached to Smile 4G LTE network; superior battery capacity and low on-power consumption of up to 10 hours continuous usage battery life.

The new SMifi has is super lightweight, its screen display indicates

connection status, signal strength bars, battery level, calendar/time, usage statistics, WiFi Key, among others.

Giving reasons for introducing the new SMifi, Ladipo said the demand for mobile data in Nigeria is on the increase and that Smile Communications is matching the new trend of demand with its innovative products that would satisfy the needs and demands of Nigerians in the area of internet access.

“We are broadband company, our focus is to deliver internet services to our customers at cheaper rates and we will continue to do so in order to provide internet access to all Nigerians,” Ladipo said.

Ivory Coast rain offers good prospect for cocoa mid-crop

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AIN and hot weather last week in most of Ivory Coast’s main cocoa growing regions should help the April-to-September mid-crop as the main crop tails off, farmers and analysts said on Monday.

The world’s top cocoa producer is in a dry season that runs from mid-November to March, but the mid-crop needs a downpour each week over the next two months to encourage the flowers that be-

come pods, farmers said.

In the western region of Soubre, at the heart of the cocoa belt, one analyst reported 35 millimetres of rain last week, compared with 9 millimetres the previous seven days.

Lazare Ake, who farms on the outskirts of Soubre, said: “It rained well.

We are happy because the conditions for good flowering are coming into place ... March will be decisive for the mid crop. If there’s enough water in the next four weeks the trees

will become strong.”

In the western region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of Ivory Coast’s output, farmers said rain was patchy.

“We need more humidity in the months ahead. But with the rain that we’re starting to have, we think that the mid-crop will start slowly in April and grow through the end of May,” said Abel Kouame, who farms in the outskirts of Daloa, adding that the main crop is almost over.

EDVIEW Airlines has se cured slots for flights into Jeddah and Dubai in Saudi Arabia and the United Arabs Emirates (UAE), its Managing Director, Alhaji Munner Bankoke, has disclosed.

He said the airline was granted four weekly flight slots from the Lagos-Abuja-Kano airports into Jeddah by the General Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia.

The airline, he said, was also granted three weekly slots for flight on the Abuja-Dubai route.

Bankole spoke in Lagos, while Medview taking delivery of a Boring 737-400 aircraft from Thailand.

He said his firm was expecting another Boeing 767-300.

He said with the increasing aircraft fleet the airline would open new domestic routes, which he listed to include Asaba, Uyo and Kano.

He disclosed that the Jeddah and Dubai operations will soon be unveiled as the airline was putting last minute efforts in place for a hitch free flight.

Bankole said the Lagos-Accra flights will resume soon, as its temporary suspension was due to issues related to containment of the Ebola crisis which affected some West African countries .

He said Medview Airline would continue to consolidate its market share in the domestic scene, having airlifted over 760.000 passengers since it started operations.

He assured that when the aircraft in the fleet of the airline reaches six, it would attain one million passengers mark.

On the Boeing 737-400 aircraft, he said: ”We are going to dedicate this aircraft on the Abuja - Yola route and other routes where there is capacity . “

Glo rewards promo winners

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LOBACOM has presented cheques to 20 more winners in the on-going N120 million Glo Overload Reloaded promotions. Each collected N1 million.

The cheques were presented at the popular Yaba Park in Lagos.

The presentation brought to 40 the number of subscribers who won the N1million prize in the Overload promo. Eighty more Glo millionaires are expected to emerge in the customer-reward programme.

Among the latest winners were a Lagos-based electrician, Francis Oshin; a nurse, Tawakalitu Ayedun; a civil servant, Atolagbe Folake; a Naval Officer, Bassey Victor Elesiok, and a fish seller, Rukayat Tijani.

The Naval Officer, Bassey Victor Elesiok, expressed joy, saying he got the call informing him of the Glo prize after his wedding. He said the N1million as a perfect wedding gift.

He was also commissioned in the Navy shortly after. He said he would use the money to set up his wife in business and help his siblings.

Apart from the chance of winning N1 million, subscribers also get instant bonus of 400 percent of the value of their airtime recharge of N200 and above. Also, under the promo, data subscribers get 4.5GB of data for data plan subscription or renewal of N2,500.

Over N30 million worth of gifts will also be given out as consolation prizes in the course of the promotion.

ECCIMA shifts trade fair

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HE 26th Enugu International Trade Fair has been shifted to March 13-23.

They were scheduled for March 27 -April 7.

The change, Director-General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), organisers of the event, Mr. Emeka Okereke, said was because of the postponement of the general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11.

He, however, said the rescheduled fair promises to be bigger, better and more exciting than pre-

vious ones.

“We have decided to establish a very big tent, about 1, 000 square meters fully air-conditioned tent for special organisations. We also have lottery, which means that anybody entering the fair is playing lottery at the same time. So, you might be coming with nothing and going home with something valuable and surprising,” he said.

The chamber’s hemlsman said no fewer than 500 firms, 80 of which are foreign firms, had indicated interest to participate in the fair.

The foreign firms include those from India, UnitedKingdom, United States, China.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

35

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

World stocks hit near five-month high before Greece talks

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LOBAL shares hit their high est since September and the euro firmed on Monday with investors cautiously optimistic euro zone finance ministers would reach a deal to shore up Greece’s dwindling finances.

The prospect that Greece and its partners will find common ground in talks later in the day and reach an agreement that would prevent Greece having to leave the euro zone helped push low-risk government bonds yields higher. However, a rise in the price of safe-haven gold testified to the uncertain outcome.

The meeting of euro zone finance ministers is due to begin at 1400 GMT. The MSCI all-country world stocks index .MIWD00000PUS, which has risen in recent days on prospects for a Greek deal and af-

ter last week’s ceasefire deal for Ukraine, touched its highest since Sept. 22.

Tokyo’s Nikkei .N225 closed at its highest since July 2007, buoyed by a record close on Friday in the U.S. S&P 500 index .SPX and after data showed Japan emerged from recession in the final quarter of 2014, although its 0.6 percent growth was less than forecast.

U.S. financial markets will be closed on Monday for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

The euro EUR= rose 0.3 percent to $1.1413 and gained 0.2 percent to 135.37 yen EURJPY=.

“This can quickly turn sour for the euro if there is no deal today,” said Susanne Galler, a strategist with Jefferies in London.

“The market consensus is for them to do a deal by the end of this week.

But we think that if there’s no deal

today and the clock starts ticking then the euro will look increasingly vulnerable.”

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 stocks index was last down 0.1 percent and Germany’s DAX .GDAXI, which hit a record high on Friday, was down 0.4 percent.

Athens’ volatile .ATG stocks index fell 4.4 percent, having risen 5.6 percent on Friday. Greek three-year bond yields GR0029312=TWEB rose 170 basis points to 17.44 percent, way below last week’s 21.8 percent peak.

“I’m not too worried for now. I don’t think that Germany can afford to let Greece leave the euro zone, and the Greeks themselves will have to compromise a little bit. So I think we’ll reach a half-way house compromise,” said Clairinvest fund manager Ion-Marc Valahu.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, elected last month on a pledge to scrap austerity measures imposed under Greece’s international bailouts, said on Sunday he expected difficult negotiations but was “full of confidence”.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin hinted at a slight easing of euro zone opposition to Greek requests for an end to austerity and a new debt deal, saying Europe must respect the political change in Athens. However, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said in a radio interview on Monday he was “very sceptical” there would be a deal.

Greece’s current bailout deal runs out on Feb. 28.

Cautious optimism over Greece helped push core euro zone government bond yields higher. Benchmark German 10-year yields

DE10YT=TWEB rose 0.3 basis points to 0.346 percent.

The dollar was broadly weaker. It fell 0.2 percent against a basket of major currencies .DXY. The yen rose 0.1 percent to 118.60 to the dollar and sterling, buoyed by recent policymaker comments viewed as hawkish, hit a six-week peak of $1.5440 before retreating.

The oil price held on to last week’s gains after Kuwait’s oil minister said lower levels of supply would support prices in the second half of this year. Brent crude LCOc1 was last up 1.3 percent at $62.33 a barrel.

Oil topped $60 a barrel last week for the first time since December as the number of oil rigs in the United States fell.

Gold, often sought as a safe haven in times of market turmoil, rose before the Greek talks and on dollar weakness.

China January FDI grows at strongest pace in four years

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•From left: Promo winners, Moriamo Kazeem, Francis Oshin, Bassey Elesiok, Aladesanmi Ojo, and Clement Dopamu; Head, Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring, NCC, Philip Erelan and State Manager, Lagos 1, Joel Nwanze, during the presentation of cheques to winners in Lagos.

Asian supply lines hit by U.S. West Coast ports dispute

A

labor dispute at ports on the U.S. West Coast is disrupting supply chains across the Pacific, forcing some Asian suppliers to resort to costly air freight and pushing up shipping rates as more freighters are caught up in long queues to dock.

With ports near gridlock and cargo delays being felt throughout the U.S. economy, President Barack Obama on Saturday dispatched Labor Secretary Tom Perez to California to try to broker an agreement on a new contract between dockworkers and the group representing shippers and terminal operators.

Ports along the coast, which between them handle nearly half of all U.S. maritime trade and more than 70 percent of imports from Asia,

have been experiencing severe delays since October, and the effects are rippling far beyond the United States.

Japan’s Honda Motor Co (7267.T) said on Sunday it would slow production for a week at plants in Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada, as parts it ships from Asia have been held up by the dispute, affecting models including the Civic, CR-V and Accord.

“We do not have a sufficient supply of several critical parts to keep the production lines running smoothly and efficiently,” spokesman Mark Morrison said.

Honda and other carmakers have already started transporting some

crucial parts from Asia to their U.S. factories by plane.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (7270.T), maker of Subaru cars, said it would continue flying parts to its U.S. factory beyond an initial arrangement through the end of February, which it previously said would cost an extra 7 billion yen ($59 million) a month.

Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), which built about 2 million vehicles in North America last year, said it has reduced overtime at some factories as a result, while Nissan Motor Co Ltd (7201.T) said it had been slightly affected.

With dozens of ships caught up in queues for miles along the West Coast, many waiting more than a week, the rates to charter container ships have begun to climb.

Japan emerges from recession

J

APAN’S economy rebounded from recession in the final quar ter of last year but growth was weaker than expected as household and corporate spending disappointed, underlining the challenge premier Shinzo Abe faces in shaking off decades of stagnation.

The annualised 2.2 percent expansion in October-December was smaller than a 3.7 percent increase forecast in a Reuter’s poll, suggesting a fragile recovery as the hangover from last year’s sales tax hike lingered.

The preliminary reading for gross domestic product (GDP), which translates into a quarter-on-quarter increase of 0.6 percent, follows two straight quarters of contraction, data

by the Cabinet Office showed on Monday.

Economic Minister Akira Amari told reporters after the data’s release that the economy was on track for a recovery with signs consumer sentiment is picking up.

But analysts pointed to the weak rebound in consumption and capital expenditure as worrying signs to the outlook.

“These are somewhat disappointing figures,” said Takeshi Minami, chief economist at Norinchukin Research Institute. “The situation remains weak and companies are clearly postponing investments.”

The rebound from recession, however, will allow the Bank of Japan to hold off on expanding monetary

stimulus for now even as slumping oil prices push inflation further away from its 2 percent target, analysts say.

“The BOJ is expected to keep monetary policy unchanged for a while to see the impact from the latest easing,” said Taro Saito, director of economic research at NLI Research Institute.

The data will be one of the key factors the BOJ will scrutinize at its twoday rate review ending on Wednesday, where it is widely set to maintain the current pace of asset purchases in its monetary stimulus program.

Private consumption, which makes up about 60 percent of the economy, rose 0.3 percent in the final quarter, less than a median market forecast for a 0.7 percent increase.

OREIGN direct investment (FDI) in China grew at its strongest pace in nearly four years in January, surging 29.4 percent from a year earlier to $13.9 billion as investors largely shunned the troubled manufacturing sector and focused on the more resilient services industry.

But analysts cautioned about reading too much into economic indicators for January alone, given the strong seasonal distortions caused by the timing of the Lunar New Year holidays, which began on Jan. 31 last year but start on Feb. 19 this year.

January FDI rose 4.5 percent from December, the Commerce Ministry said on Monday. In terms of value, January FDI was the highest since June 2014.

Earlier data showed FDI in China rose just 1.7 percent in 2014, the slackest pace since 2012. The weak performance underscored a cooling economy which is spurring more Chinese firms to plow money into assets overseas in a trend that is soon set to overtake inbound investment.

Foreign direct investment is an important gauge of the health of the world economy and is also a good indicator of where capital is flowing within the country.

The ministry’s spokesman, Shen Danyang, told reporters that China’s foreign direct investment will be stable for 2015, but it was too early to predict whether China will continue to be the world

leader in attracting FDI this year.

China overtook the United States to become the top destination for FDI in 2014, largely due to falling inflows caused by a deal between U.S. firm Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N) and its British partner Vodafone (VOD.L), according to the United Nations economic thinktank UNCTAD. “We are fully confident that China’s FDI will be among the highest in the world (this year),” Shen said.

But he conceded that China’s foreign trade still faces many uncertainties as the global economic recovery remains fragile.

He added that while the world’s second-largest economy should pay attention to deflationary risks, China has not sunk into a deflationary cycle.

In January, the top 10 investors, led by Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan, made up for 96.5 percent of China’s FDI, the ministry said.

In line with China’s manufacturing slowdown, the data showed investors were flocking to the services industry, which has remained relatively buoyant.

Foreign direct investment in the services sector hit $9.2 billion in January, up 45.1 percent from a year earlier and accounting for 66 percent of total FDI. China’s outbound direct investment (ODI) hit $10.2 billion in January, up 40.6 percent from a year earlier, the ministry said.

LG fight with Samsung over washer damage on YouTube

S

OUTH Korea’s LG Electronics Inc, whose appliance chief has been indicted on a charge of damaging Samsung Electronics Co Ltd washing machines, issued a video clip that it says shows the executive was merely testing its rival’s products at a store in Germany.

The video from the incident last September was released on YouTube days after Jo Seong-jin and two other LG Electronics employees were indicted by South Korean prosecutors, escalating a bitter dispute between the cross-town peers.

In a nearly nine-minute video containing edited footage from surveillance cameras, Jo and other LG employees are seen touring a Samsung exhibit at a shop in Berlin. The officials are seen opening and closing the doors of appliances, with uniformed Samsung retail representatives sometimes looking on.

“There were many people around besides those I was on this business trip with, and Samsung workers

were looking on right next to us,” Jo said in an accompanying statement. “They would not have stood by had I deliberately damaged a washing machine.”

Samsung said the clip released by LG zooms in on Jo when he damaged the washing machine, so viewers cannot see how Samsung retail representatives were looking elsewhere at that moment. Samsung said it will not release the original video, however, calling such a response “inappropriate”.

The spat is the latest in a run of public disputes between the rivals.

Soon after the incident, LG had agreed to pay for what it called accidental damage to four machines after mediation by German authorities, but it couldn’t resist taking a pot shot at the quality of its rival’s products. Samsung railed against what it described as slanderous claims and filed a complaint, which LG has contested.

Mediation efforts by South Korean prosecutors failed to resolve the dispute, people familiar with the matter have said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY18, 2015

36

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151

The high demand for goats and their products has made many businessmen, professionals, exservicemen and educated youths to take up goat farming on a commercial scale. One of them is Lawson Adeyemi, a Computer Science graduate. DANIEL ESSIET writes.

Advocate of goat farming L

AMSON Opeyemi is an enterprising farmer who is rewriting the rules of agribusiness by focusing on practical ways of making money through mini- livestock farming.

He was not born with a silver spoon. Neither was his rise to fame meteoric. Indeed, his story is the quintessential entrepreneur,who instead of making it from Computer Science which he studied, Opeyemi has found fortune in agriculture.

Owner of farmingbizsetup.com, Opeyemi has immersed himself in the field, learning enough in the business to dream of owning a large company.

While many are seeking ways to get a good-paying job; some even go abroad to earn a living, he is advocating that farmers can think like entrepreneurs and uplift their standard of living.

Many succeeded because of their passion in doing it. Today, they are enjoying the fruits of their labour.

He owns a plantain farm and has his business through process innovation and research.

With the expansion of his business, Opeyemi realised the need to encourage other local farmers to engage in plantain production.

Determined to help his community in Alapado, a Lagos suburb, he is encouraging his people to convert vast lands into plantations to produce plantain and offer information to inspire Nige-

•Goat kids

rians to do backyard farming.

To Opeyemi, goat farming is a goldmine. He is ready to help young Nigerians raise goats and make profits and a living. He has come a long way in developing a profitable mini-livestock base.

He is happy as more people are now raising goats — in their farms, in their backyards and even in their ranches.

Describing goat production as economically vaible, Opeyemi said goat raising is one of the most simple, low-cost food production projects that Nigerians can get involved in.

This is because despite the rising cost of commercial feeds these days, there are alternative means of producing feeds for goats.

Since they require grazing ar-

•Opeyemi

eas, the goats eat tree leaves, grasses, weeds, and agricultural by-products.

To start a profitable goat ven-

ture, Opeyemi said one needs a goat house and breeding stocks, operating expenses for veterinary medicines, vaccines, concentrates and additional feed supplements.

For large-scale operation, he listed things, such as land, goat house, fences, pasture area, water pump, feeding trough, breeding does and breeding bucks. Other operating expenses include veterinary medicines, drugs, and vaccines; feed supplements and goat rations; and repair and maintenance of goat house, fences, equipment, and pasture. Fixed and seasonal labour is also required.The strategy is acquiring the best females and culling the herd.

For a starter, he suggested 13 females and two males. By his estimation, one female will produce

two kids and there is a possibility of the population increasing to 52 in 14 months.

Though goat production requires low initialinvestment and small risks compared to other livestock, he advised farmers to get superior breeds from crossing to enable improved reproductive performance, sustain nutrient needs of their offspring called kids, and faster fattening ability that allows for earlier slaughter.

Aside from providing steady income from sales of breeding stocks, one thing about the animals is that the manure is a good source of fertiliser.

As a shrewd farmer, he invested his time into researches which he mainly did through online and farm visits to farmers who are already into the business and want to be sure of what he is investing in.

This initial cost included the house structures, fencing to enable the goats space to fend for themselves.

The key to keeping goats, according to him, is allowing them enough space to fend for themselves.

The market demand for goats,he said, is overwhelming but still underfed.

Despite the promising rosy returns, the goats have their fair share of challenges , the most challenging part of them is dealing with diseases and he advised that if one wants to reap from any agribusiness venture, then he needs to create time and be physically involved daily.

He has come a long way. Despite all handicaps and hardships, Opeyemi has not given up. For him, hard work, dedication and untiring efforts can take one to the sky, he counselled.

Since Sina Ogunrinde left banking for embroidery, he has found fulfilment. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

From banking to embroidery

H

E is an ex-banker with a mission - to stamp out poverty through his business embroidery.

For Sina Ogunrinde, it is tough to live in Nigeria where two-thirds of the people live on less than $2 daily. Yet, it is getting worse, especially as the jobs are not there.

He said there was urgent need for the people to set up small businesses.

Across Agege and within the business incubator centre in Lagos State,where he, and others have been provided accommodation by the government since Ogunrinde pitch tent there. With this help, he sees struggling small businesses surviving. Though much money is not coming in, life has made much easier.

He said embroidery has become the bastion of tailoring. The rise of the high street tailoring has done away the need for custommade clothing, but embroidery businesses can still carve a niche in the market.

His first foray, however, was not in embrodiery. In the 1990s, he went into advertising, after a stint at Union Bank.

According to him, when the ad business nosedived in 2005, he moved into embrodiery. Then, the business was growing at a fast pace in Lagos and other cities.

Those making it then were the screen-printers and embroiderers.

Ogunrinde registered Trustmark Communications Lim-

•Ogunrinde

•Embroidery works

ited. As Chief Executive, he started with two machines and two staff.

Sales were good, thanks to the popularity of embriodery items.

Consequently, makers of embroidery systems began to offer start-up packages for specialty retailers and items that were tailored to fit a local audience, giving retailers even more flexibility and the chance to capture more impulse sales. In addition to supplying embroidery machinery, computer hardware and software emerged to help those who wanted to get the merchandise for embroidery.

Later, there were companies providing training and support that could help retailers avoid

costly mistakes during (and after) start-ups.

This made it easier for Ogunrinde to get established in the business. Thanks to developments in embroidery equipment as well as the related computer hardware and software that turn digital designs into beautifully stitched final products; retailers don’t need to be master-embroiderers to start. In fact, they don’t have to know how to stitch.

Ogunrinde’s efforts paid off.

Using his advertising training, he built an extensive customer base.

His growth has been due to words—the best form of advertising.

It is was in his place people

could get embroidery quickly.

From two staff, he was able to employ about 10. Embroidered products were sold all year-round and there were various products available to him.

As a result, he could attend to customers wanting to make designs —from weddings and birthdays to gag gifts and sports apparel—so he could give shoppers what they want and when they want it.

Later, he took a loan to grow the business. One thing about the business is that it offers mainstay service and tends to do well in any area. Though the business is worth N20million, Ogunrinde said the

business is not bring much turnover, following stiff competition.

Worse still, they are suffering from poor power supply. He attributed one of the problems in the sector to lack of support services.

Following this, he said his business has been struggling, adding that what he has been making is chanelled to paying off his loan which he would soon liquidate.

For businesses to succeed, he urged the government to support startups to get accommodation through incubators.

Also, he wants business incubation centres to develop partnerships to ensure entrepreneurs have access to as much assistance.

According to him, when small businesses are supported, they tend to do better in creating jobs and expanding services.

While opportunities are there, he said the small-business loans are not. This is because the banks’ rate lending requires small business owners to shoulder from 75 percent to 100 percent of their liabilities.

38

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

39

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KWARA POLITICS

•Governor Ahmed waving at the crowd

Ahmed: Kwara ‘ll not vote for PDP A large crowd of party supporters witnessed the flag-off of the Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Ilorin, the state capital, where Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed tendered his stewardship and asked for a fresh mandate, reports Correspondent ADEKUNLE JIMOH.

T

HE weather was benevolent. The crowd was huge. Yet, the campaign was not rowdy. The man of the moment, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed staged a popularity walk into the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin, the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally.

Brooms, the symbol of the party, filled the air.

Exuding confidence, the governor waved at the supporters. “I have served you meritorously in the last three and half years. I want to serve you again,” he said, thanking the people for the opportunity given to him.

There was traffic snarl along the Asa Dam Road. Ace musicians-Tony Tetula and Sule Alao Malaika-thrilled the crowd. The presence of the party leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, was electrifying. He was accompanied by former Sports Minister Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

Kwarans gave to the younger Saraki the honour they gave to his illustrious father, the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

When he opened his mouth, it was ajar. He said PDP has failed Kwara, urging the people to reject President Goodluck Jonathan at the poll. Saraki said Gen. Muhammadu Buhari will fulfill his promises to the state, if elected as the President. Describing the PDP as a sinking ship, he advised the people to shun the party and its governorship candidate, Senator Simeon Ajibola. Saraki also advised prospective voters to guard their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) jelously. He said they are the weapon of change in their hands. As Kwarans vote for change at the centre, Saraki said they should vote for continuity at the state level because Ahmed has lived up to expectation.

Echoing the former governor, Abdullahi said that the PDP has derailed. Lamenting the growing poverty and misery in the country, he said President Jonathan should take the blame. The former minister said Buhari is the

answer to the rot in the polity.

Ahmed flayed the President for what he described as the financial emasculation of the state. He said APC has offered a better deal, urging the people to vote for him and Buhari at the polls.

He said: “The dwindling allocation from Abuja notwithstanding, the state government has not defaulted in paying workers’ salaries as at and when due. We have not relented in creating jobs for our teeming youths.

“Today, we are assuring you that we shall not abandon our ongoing projects. We are not liars as we don’t say what we cannot do.

Through President Jonathan’s campaigns we can decipher that the PDP is peopled by a bunch of liars. They embark on shadow-casing rather than focusing attention on issues. I urge us all to close rank and sweep the PDPled government away at all levels. The other day told you that PDP’s umbrella was already leaking. That is apparent to all of us now.

Saraki said: “If the President Jonathan could not control Nigerian economy when one barrel of crude oil was over $100 per barrel, how can he manage the economy when a barrel is about $50?”

“My people of Kwara State, one year ago , I came here and pleaded with you that it is time for us to say good bye to the PDP. I said I am not doing it for my personal interest, but for the interest of all of you. Because, here in

Kwara State, we voted for PDP, what have they done for us?

The last time we had something was when we went to launch the transformer in Ganmo under the blessed memory of President Yar’Adua. When they come here, they come and abuse us. They say no more Saraki, no more freedom. They do not know that Saraki does not mean an individual. We are all Saraki because we all believe in one thing: all of us must get better.

The former governor added: “We are happy that we belong to where Nigerians say the new leadership must be. I have gone to Southeast and Southwest for campaign, the whole of where Nigerian wants is where we are today.

I now appeal to Kwarans who are not here, who made the mistake to stay in that party that their time is up. We in Kwara will always stand on the right side. Let us vote and know who are the champions. There is no other party than APC. “I want to appeal to all of us as we move today, we go and vote massively more than in 2011 for APC. People were shouting freedom; they should free themselves from Jonathan and come to back to APC. This is where freedom is and this is the future. All of us must go out and vote for APC.” Three days after the Ilorin rally, the campaign train not rolled into Ifelodun Local Government Area. The team moved from Omupo

happy that we belong to where Nigerians ‘sayWethearenew leadership must be. I have gone to Southeast and Southwest for campaign. The whole of where Nigerian wants is where we are today

‘

to Igbaja and, from there, to Oke-Ode and Babanla.

In these communities, the governor told the people that Abuja is doing all it could to strangulate APC states.

He said he is not perturbed by the Federal Government’s attempts to block state governments from obtaining bonds from the capital market and loans from commercial banks for developmental purposes.

Ahmed said that the Federal Government’s plot to starve state governments under the control of the APC of funding was unhealthy for a democratic culture.

He said, in spite of the plot to render the state redundant financially, the state government has been operating with strict financial acumen.

Ahmed advised the people to collect their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVCs) to avoid being disenfranchised. He urged them to vote massively for candidates of the APC at all levels to check insecurity and corruption in the country.

The governor urged the people to vote for APC, which he described as a movement for better Nigeria.

He added: “Every Nigerian must be concerned by the high level of insecurity, mass unemployment, inadequate power supply and near collapse of the economy in the country.

We must therefore use the opportunity this election provides to drive out the PDP by voting massively for the APC at all levels.”

Ahmed said that PDP as a party lacks ideas and creativity to drive socio-economic development of the country.

He noted that, in the last six years the PDP mismanagement has virtually driven Nigeria aground as insecurity and unemployment remain major challenges in the country.

40

THE NATION WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2015

It was testimony to this proof of sagacity ‘that President Goodluck Jonathan and his large presidential campaign entourage chose to spend the night in Dutse after a rally ‘

...10 0D AYS TO GO ...100 DA

“Leadership is not an occupation, leadership is not an art of fraud and proud, leadership is not yours or mine, leadership is an attribute of God, leadership is the will of God, leadership is the choice of God, and leadership is a trust. Leadership is a burden. So, am fulfilled, contented and very grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Jigawa diligently, honestly and heartedly.” —Sule Lamido

Lamido: The last PDP founding father standing

M

ANY of the men who qualify to be called founding fathers of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have left the scene to newer entrants. Many of them are now deceased while most of the remaining ones have quietly moved to the sidelines. Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido is the lone Founding Father still astride the landscape and his four decades of experience in the rough and tumble of Nigerian politics is being brought to bear in this election circle.

He is so often in the news for a combination of reasons including his imposing physical presence, his simple style of doing things, his solid record of achievement especially since 2007 when he became the helmsman of Jigawa State and his fearless stance on all controversial national issues.

Sule Lamido always says his mind, which in all cases aligns with the interests of the common man. He is not stampeded by persons or sentiments.

He does not ebb and flow with the

By Adamu Muhd Usman current as so many politicians do; rather he stands rooted to principle and to progressive politics and he brings rich personal experience to bear in all he does.

Lamido loves elections and where many other governors try to dodge local government elections by perpetuating caretaker councils in place, he organized regular local government elections in Jigawa State every two years according to the state’s Local Government Law. Now that another general election circle is at hand, his sagacity is in full display.

He has deployed his unmatched energy and political skills in campaigning for PDP candidates from the top to the bottom. He organized an impressive state-wide flag off of campaigns at which event all the candidates received their PDP flags. The campaign organization then dissolved into local governments, wards, and polling units. At every

level key party stakeholders met and mapped out strategies on how to market the PDP’s candidate and how to deliver the area to the party.

In this election circle, Jigawa State PDP draws enormous strength from Sule Lamido’s near-miraculous record of achievement in office since 2007. All its candidates are hoping to ride to power on the strength of this record and the popularity of the party’s state leader. There is so much to point at that campaigning in Jigawa State has been free of insults and abuses. In every community and at every level PDP candidates can point to the projects and policies that have uplifted the state and the community in terms of education, transportation, health, economy and infrastructure.

This record of achievement is a political aspirant’s dream. In other countries it is called “coat tails;” a candidate clings to the coat tails of his popular party leader to ride to elected office.

The state-wide PDP campaign tour

to the 27 local government areas that Governor Sule Lamido led has been a model in peaceful and issue-based campaigning. No mudslinging; no foul language; no resort to intimidation and violence. Why mudsling when you have an enviable record of achievement to showcase? No wonder that the PDP campaign train was welcomed to every part of the state by huge and enthusiastic crowds of supporters and well wishers. Huge crowds of people arrived at the rallies not only in cars, buses and trucks but many also came on motor cycles, bicycles, camels, horses and on foot.

It was testimony to this proof of sagacity that President Goodluck Jonathan and his large presidential campaign entourage chose to spend the night in Dutse after a rally. It was the first and only time during this arduous campaign circle which takes the entourage to two states every day that the president spent a night anywhere outside Abuja. The president spent the night in Jigawa because he

•Lamido

was impressed by its total transformation under the leadership of Sule Lamido. He decided to spend the night in Dutse in appreciation of the superior organization of the state’s party chapter. Finally, he decided to spend a night in Dutse in order to honour a man who is a repository of political tact and wisdom. In short, the president recognized that Sule Lamido as the last party Founding Father still standing.

Adamu is Special Adviser to Jigawa State governor on Media.

APC NATIONAL JOINT LEADERSHIP MEETING IN ABUJA, FCT.

•Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola (left), Deputy National Chairman (South), Mr. Segun Oni and Niger State Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto at the meeting held at Sheu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

• From left: Osun Governor State Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo Sate Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Niger State Deputy Governor Ahmed Musa Ibeto, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, Senator Abu Ibraheem, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and others...yesterday.

•Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso(left) Mr. Isa Nda-Isaiah and Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko at the meeting.

• Deputy National Chairman North Lawan Shuaib (left), Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Mr Boss Mustapha at the meeting

• National Women Leader Dr Ramatu Aliyu (left), Women Leader (Southwest), Mrs Kemi Nelson and National Secretary Mala Buni...yesterday

•APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Hon. Dino Melaye and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the meeting PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Life

41

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

Text only: 08023058761

Gani Adams promotes Yoruba heritage in Cyprus – Page 15

Muson unveils New Horizons – Page 16

•Ebunoluwa

Eruobodo: Home forspecialchildren for special children -SEE STORY ON PAGE 42

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

In the early 90s, some expatriate women in Lagos, under the aegis of Eruobodo House Society, established a home for children with physical and mental disabilities. Their mission is to help these children medically, educationally and socially to enable them lead satisfying life. Today, the society is overseeing the well-being of over 30 children and adults at its Eruobodo House in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

Eruobodo: Home for special children

M

ISS Fatima Musa, a teenager from Kogi State is the first child of her parents. At 12, she was full of dreams despite losing her mother in 1995. She kept faith with her dream until she lost her father, a mobile policeman, who died in 2003 in service when she was 17. This was the last straw. She could not continue her education as she became the family’s bread winner. Consequently, Fatima dropped out of school to fend for her siblings.

Today, Fatima is a graduate. She is doing her master degree in social work at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology , Ogbomoso, Oyo State. She realised her dream of going to school through a charity organisation, which caters for orphaned and special children. Like many of her ilk, her case was taken up by Ebunoluwa Foundation, a key suppoerter of Eruobodo House.

“I felt the world has come to an end. I was preparing for my ‘O’ Level examination when I lost my father. So, I let the examination go. But, on encountering Ebunoluwa Foundation’s Senior Social Worker, Mr. Hakeem Ariori in 2006, I was able to go back to school to re-write my examination. Since then, the foundation has secured the sponsorship of my education till date.

“Also, the foundation took up the education of my three siblings, who were enrolled at private school and the Sacred Heart Seminary, Akure, Ondo State,” she recalled with nostalgic feeling.

In retrospect, Fatima is ever grateful to the foundation that made it possible to realise her dream.

“In appreciation of the support from Ebunoluwa Foundation and as part of my contributions to humanity, I told myself that I must help a child. So, I adopted an abandoned child, who is with a heart problem. I named her Marvelous. Some of my friends were telling me that my would-be husband may not be comfortable with the idea of adopting a child before wedlock. I told them, I don’t mind,” she said reassuringly.

One of Nigeria’s emerging filmmakers, Miss Victoria Uzoechi and her sister, who studied catering were also beneficiaries of the foundation’s support.

Ebunoluwa Foundation is not relenting in its efforts at expanding its facilities to meet the needs of children with physical and mental disabilities, and orphans. First on its priority is the construction of a new purpose built home.

Founder and Chairperson of Ebunoluwa Foundation, Chief Mrs. Aino Oni-Okpaku disclosed that the foundation has acquired and fenced 6 acres of land as well as raised over 30 million naira in cash and kind towards the development of the project.

According to Oni-Okpaku, the aim of the foundation is to give ‘these young people the chance to live as independently as possible. This starts with providing a stable living environment, followed by providing the medical support to upgrade their physical and mental abilities. Of equal importance, through education and occupational training, we try to maximise each child’s potential to earn a living and be an active contributor to their community’.

Beyond all of this, the foundation runs some income support and training projects on site. They include fruit farming and veg-

• •Mrs Oni-Okpaku

• Ebunoluwa Foundation football team

‘In appreciation of the support from Ebunoluwa Foundation and as part of my contributions to humanity, I told myself that I must help a child. So, I adopted an abandoned child, who is with a heart problem. I named her Marvelous. Some of my friends were telling me that my would-be husband may not be comfortable with the idea of adopting a child before wedlock. I told them, I don’t mind’’ • The orphanage

PHILANTROPHY etable gardening, which provide food for the home as well as income stream through sales- two crafts and retail income support projects including fabrication of gifts (baskets, necklaces and cards), car wash centre, barbing shop and a second-hand clothing shop. These projects help the children develop skills and confidence as well as pride in being a contributing member of the community. The property, where Eruobodo House is situated, was provided by the late Betti-O, a Scot on a lease-free basis.

“The foundation believes strongly that ‘every child has the right to a safe and happy home in which he or she can develop to the best of his or her ability. In Nigeria, many children do not grow up in an environment which enables them to reach their full po-

tential. The most vulnerable children, those least likely to have the support they deserve, are those with physical and mental challenges, children with HIV/AIDS and children who have been, for whatever reason, abandoned by their families,”Oni-Okpaku said.

She continued: “It aims to create an environment in Nigeria in which orphans and vulnerable children get the care they need to have a full, productive and satisfying life by running a home for orphaned and disabled children; providing scholarships and medical assistance to those who need it and mediate in adoptions to families who can care for these children and advocate on the behalf of these children both at the community and state level for changes to policies and attitudes towards these children.”

Oni-Okpaku disclosed that the development of the multi-million naira new site will

‘We get funds through donations and what the children generate themselves. We use to have fish farm. And for most of the students, we have sponsors of their education. In Holland, there is Ebunoluwa Foundation that also provides support for the home. They sometime help adopt some of the children’

commence with a fund-raiser this April, adding that the foundation gets its funds through donation and internally generated income for the day-to-day running of the home. She lamented that there has been no meaningful financial assistance from any government since its inception.

“We get funds through donations and what the children generate themselves. We use to have fish farm. And for most of the students, we have sponsors of their education.

In Holland, there is Ebunoluwa Foundation that also provides support for the home.

They sometime help adopt some of the children,” she said.

At the initial stage, integrating the children with the local community at Ijebu-Ode was a big challenge for the home because of the perception about the children’s state of health. But today, that barrier has diminished following the efforts of a lawyer who sensitised the community on the need to support the children with food items and love.

A Senior Social Worker with the foundation, Mr. Hakeem Ariori said the initial perception about the home and the children has been overcome through outreach programmes of the foundation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

43

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

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HE convener, Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Otunba Gani Adams led a delegation of OPU to North Cyprus to inaugurate the first student wing of the union at the Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus. It was part of the union’s efforts at promoting and enhancing the socio–cultural and tourism heritage of the Yoruba race among the Diasporas. The inauguration was held at the Tourism Hall, Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus.

The delegation, which included the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun; the Olu of Igbore, Oba Adeogun Ogunbona; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) International School of Aviation, Capt.

Olatokunboh Adesina and Prince Segun Akanni paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Famagusta, Mr. Ismail Arter.

Otunba Adams said he was highly impressed by the reception accorded his entourage by the Mayor’s officials, who welcomed them with enthusiasm and warmth.

He said: “We felt that it will be inappropriate for us to visit this lovely Island of bliss and inaugurate Oodua Progressive Union without paying a courtesy visit on the Mayor, particularly to one who has been described as a lover of Nigerian students in North Cyprus.

“It will also be a sign of ingratitude for me as a Yoruba man and promoter of the culture to visit this country, launch OPU for the students here and not visit a Mayor who is not only in love with Nigeria as a country, in love with Nigerian students here, but has gone a step further by inaugurating a scholarship scheme for the Nigerian students.”

Otunba Adams said the delegation was in North Cyprus to inaugurate the students’ wing of OPU in Cyprus, the first ever. “The essence is to promote and sustain the cultural values and norms of the Yoruba race among our students who study abroad. It is a known fact that a culture die fast or rather goes into extinction as fast as possible if the young people are not in tune with its tenets, hence we found it necessary and urgent to safe our culture from being pushed into the sea of forgetfulness,” he said.

He continued: “The Yoruba culture is one of the best in the world with clear and distinct value descriptions, which norms and values regulate the behavioural pattern of the race, ensure conformity with societal rules and regulation and strive to produce responsible citizenry for a better community relationship.”

He drew attention of the Mayor to two specific areas where Cyprus and Nigeria could reap and engage in mutually beneficial enterprise and relationship.

“I have noticed that North Cyprus is a haven of tourism and agriculture. There are a lot of engagements, which the two countries can gain from, if these two sectors are looked into. It will go a long way to fasten the relationship between Nigeria and Cyprus,” he noted.

Mr Arter lauded Otunba Adams for his activities as a leader of Oodua People’s Congress, (OPC) and OPU. “We are most pleased to welcome you and your delegate to our municipality. We are happy to inform you that we are very close with Nigerian students here and we see them as an integral part of the municipality.”

He noted that Otunba Adams is the first Nigerian to visit him in office with a powerful delegation to discuss areas of cooperation and engagement.

“I must tell you that I highly appreciate your visit to my office and I must let you know that you and your entourage are the first set of Nigerian delegate I am receiving in this country since I assumed office. I thank you for your observation on areas of cooperation between Nigeria and Cyprus.

It gladdens my heart that you are talking of agriculture which we have the expertise and technical know-how and tourism which is one of the revenue base of the country.”

He described the visit as an opener of a new vista in ‘our relationship with Nigerians and Nigeria. “It has again rekindled our interest and passion about Nigeria. We appreciate your efforts and commend your altruistic cultural–tourism promotion of

•Gani Adams presenting a book to the Mayor of Famagusta

Gani Adams promotes Yoruba heritage in Cyprus

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

HERITAGE your race and your strides to add value to the image of your country. Although Nigerian students have cut short the long distance between Nigeria and Cyprus, but your step and actions have expanded the border of this relationship, which we are not only going to improve upon but enhance,” he said.

He assured the Yoruba delegate that ‘it is my love for Nigerian students because of their sense of responsibility that I inaugurated a scholarship scheme, which you made reference to and which will be executed promptly now that you have intervened. It is my duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Nigerians in this country’.

The Mayor assured that his municipality is ready to share knowledge, expertise and technical know-how with any Nigerian or state government wishing to relate with Cyprus on tourism and agriculture.

“I am glad at this visit. I am happy to meet the two traditional rulers from Ondo and Ogun States. I am also happy meeting a Nigerian, who has aviation schools in many countries. There are a lot for Nigerians to explore here and we are ready to assist and facilitate investment opportunities in a symbiotic situation relationship. I am hoping to see you again,” he added.

Otunba Adams presented a copy of his biography and documents on vision of OPU and its activities to the Mayor while he formally university’s OPU Coordinator Mr Segun George to the Mayor who described Segun as a ‘good ambassador of Nigeria in Cyprus. He is a responsi-

ble student’.

However, Otunba Adams cautioned Yoruba at the Eastern Mediterranean University, North Cyprus to see themselves as the light of the race. He captured the essence of the inauguration thus: “My theme for this short address is You are the light of Yoruba Race . With this theme, I will borrow a verse in the Holy Bible where Jesus Christ charged the Apostles saying “You are the Light of the world. A city set on hill cannot be hidden. Let your Light shine among the world so that they can glorify your father in heaven.”

According to him, “we decided to congregate here and inaugurate this chapter not only because we have a bunch of Yoruba students, who are eager to be part of the Yoruba cultural revolution, but largely due to the testimony of splendid behaviour, good character, exhibition of positive values and conduct made by Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen and Vice Rector for Promotion Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, when a delegate headed by the Zaki of Arigidi visited this campus in December 2014.

“If the report was negative we would not have been here, but because you have allowed the virtues of Oduduwa the champion of good conduct to shine and radiate in you, we have no option than to make a second journey within a spate of 60 days to seal this testimony of you all as worthy ambassadors of Yoruba race and Nigeria as a country in a foreign land,” he said.

Otunba Adams revealed that ‘this is the first time that OPU is being inaugurated on a University campus anywhere in the world. It is to task the moral sensibility of the members to always live above board

‘We appreciate your efforts and commend your altruistic cultural–tourism promotion of your race and your strides to add value to the image of your country. Although Nigerian students have cut short the long distance between Nigeria and Cyprus, but your step and actions have expanded the border of this relationship, which we are not only going to improve upon but enhance’

and strive always not to fall below the benchmark of these pristine values, which won for you the rare recognition as a member of a noble race among other races on this campus.’

He said: “Your inauguration today has put on you the enormous task of self examination, self respect, self caution because you are no longer that individuals from different homes, but a crop of light bearers of the most respected and noble Yoruba race, who are automatic ambassadors of Nigeria our beloved country.”

“Otunba showed gratitude to the university authority and Management of the university, saying that “not only for providing this wonderful, lovely and academically conducive five-star hotel environment for learning, but for its magnanimity and show of understanding of cultural diversity and utilising same to forge international cooperation, intercontinental networking and minting of a rare crop of global students, who have gone through the furnace of academic, intercontinental relations and socio-cultural virtues.”

He urged the new members of OPU to ”stand up, sharpen your intellectual plate, wake up your cultural intuition, refresh your moral value, reeve your patriotic passion, tuned up your behavioural pattern, exhibit to the world that you are the true sons and daughters of Oduduwa and tell them that through your virtues that we are from a race with enviable and memorable past , wonderful present and glorious future .

OPU coordinator at the university, Mr Segun Okoya George assured that “our chapter will not only be the shining light for others, but we shall earnestly strive to make Otunba Adams, all OPU members and Yoruba race proud and add value of purpose and credibility to Nigeria.”

Otunba Adams later led the Nigerian delegate which included OPU members from Sweden led by Victor Mobolaji Adewale, Sikiru Erinfolami and Abass Owade to a meeting with the Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen and Vice Rector (Promotion) Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, where the management agreed to support OPU to lubricate the aims and objective of the association.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

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ITH the gridlock of election campaign on valentine’s day Mrs Nigeria Diaspora beauty queen, Ms Olapeju Olayemi, distributed palm seedlings and Diana Basket to people as valentine’s gift at a sensitization campaign programme for valentine celebration. She also urged them to plant the palm seedlings for valentine so as to ensure the aesthetic of the environment and for economic sustainability.

The inspirational programme, which saw participants from schools, public and private sector was carried out in all the 36 States of Nigeria before and on Valentine’s day via Environment Sustainability and Tree Planting Network.

The Lagos State event was endorsed by Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) which also participated in the distribution of oil palm seedlings and Diana Baskets. The oil palm seedling was presented to the First Lady of Lagos State and Her Husband and was distributed to people during the valentine’s day event organized by the First Lady for serving and exPermanent Secretaries and their spouses, Head of Departments of Lagos State Ministries and other dignitaries at Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie Park in Lekki, Lagos on Saturday.

According to the Ondo State born beauty queen, the aim of the Green / Palm Valentine was to create more platform for Nigerians to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) by ensuring environmental sustainability of international standard and best practices.

Happy Valentine’s Day message was enclosed with the palm seedling inside the Diana Basket. The message read thus “Tree planting fulfils the exact history of Saint Valentine’s Day which began in Rome in 270AD with Julia and her friend, the legend Martyr, Saint Valentine. Julia planted an almond tree near St Valentine’s grave when he was executed by the order of oppressive Roman Emperor Claudius because he was preaching the gospel of Christ. We are now re- defining Valentine’s gift. We want to transcend from gifts of rose flowers and expensive dinners to simply giving out tree

•From left: Olayemi and Titi Anibaba during the sensitisation exercise at LASPARK office, Oregun Lagos.

PAGEANT seedlings like this oil palm seedlings for people to plant to symbolize love and promote tree planting in Nigeria”.

The Managing Director Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Dr.

MrsTitiAnibaba said the Palm / Green valentine tallies with the Operation Green Lagos which the agency has embarked on to transform Lagos State and create a healthy state through the establishment of functional parks, gardens and recreational centres. She said this is in line with the environmental vision of flood free, hygienic and beautiful

Lagos as encapsulate in the ten point agenda of the State government.

To encourage people embrace Palm / Green Valentine, the Environment Sustainability and Tree Planting Network also organised Me and My Tree Valentine’s Competition in all states of the federation and winners will go for study tour.

noted.

Banjo described the Muson School of Music as a strong contributor to the growth of music in the country saying that old students from the school are in different music schools as trainers. “Again, our repertoire is in tandem with the culture of the society we are and we continue to broaden the content of our package and our audience choices,” he added.

On February 22, the first concert series, African Connections will feature premier Nigerian spoken word artist Dike Chukwumerije, singer/multi percussionist, Venus Bushfires, Age Beeka, Imoleayo Balogun and the Art Ensemble of Lagos. Af-

rican Messiah, a meeting point between African and Western classical music told in narrative will hold on March 29 featuring Muson Choir and Samadhi Ensemble conducted by Sir Emeka Nwokedi.

On April 19, it will be After the Dream, an adaptation of classical work into story lines and will feature African American opera diva Laverne Williams and opera singers such as Guchi Egbunine, Fatima Anyekema and Chika Ogbuji. Emidy: He Who Dared to Dream a concert on the life and times of composer Joseph Antonio Emidy will feature Tunde Jegede, Diana Baroni and Renu Hossain on June 14.

Muson unveils New Horizons

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IX months after assuming office as Artistic Director of Musical Society of Nigeria (Muson) Lagos, Mr Tunde Jegede has initiated a new concert series, New Horizons as part of the society’s menu for its growing audience. The series, which will commence on Sunday February 22, will run for 4 weekends at the Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos by 6pm. New Horizons, which is African classical music in poetic, historical and cultural context is a brand new concert series which gives Jegede’s operatic jazz and chamber music with a difference. It will feature some of the world’s leading international artists, including the African American opera diva, Laverne Williams, Argentinean singer and flautist Diana Baroni, the Samadhi Ensemble and the Muson Choir.

Jegede said the concept of the New Horizons is a response to his observation at the last Muson Festival, which afforded him the chance of seeing the creative talents. He noted that the concert is designed to give platform for the Muson choir, opera and jazz in spoken words, singers and guest performers. He stated that the concert is another way to broaden the audience base of Muson adding that classical music has its audience over the world and not peculiar to Muson alone. “But, through programming, the society can increase its audience drive that goes beyond the box,” he said.

On the need to have outreach, Jegede said it is a very important way to go because ‘we now take music to the people. It is a strong way to connect to the people.’ He stressed that it will not be out of place for musicians from Muson to partner schools’ music departments as part of the outreach programme.

General Manager Muson Centre, Mr.

•Muson choir led by Tunde Jegede (centre).

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

CONCERT Gboyega Banjo assured that the society is not averse to the consideration of having another Muson outside Lagos as a way to take classical music to wider audience. “It is a major step to take, but we could pick Port Harcourt of Abuja to replicate Muson if the fund is available. Another scenario is to partner with institutions in those cities or take some of our programmes to such places. All these are determined by many factors. We don’t want to be seen as Lagos Muson,” he

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

45

BUSINESS EXTRA

Disabled entrepreneurs to access N4.5b MSME fund

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ISABLED entrepre neurs are to access N4.5 billion of the N220 billion Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) fund being provided by the Federal Government.

This was made known by the President of Persons with Disabilities and Executive Director of the Disabilities Leadership Initiative, Adeboye Abioye.

Abioye, who spoke at the end of the second National Council on Small and Medium Enterprises meeting chaired by Vice President, Namadi Sambo, said:

• Govt amends criteria for accessing N220b From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“the Council also took into consideration that fact that persons with disabilities are a critical factor in the scheme of things especially with regards to the MSME funds.

He said two per cent of the funds, amounting to about N4.5 billion has been set aside to be accessed by entrepreneurs with disabilities.

“And what we have also

agreed upon is to engage people with disabilities beyond the charity model to be able to engage their values and to see how they can also contribute to economic development in Nigeria.

“This is the first time and we will like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. President for creating this fund for persons with disabilities and engaging the challenge of this particular group.” he said The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

and the Minister of National Planning, Sulaiman Abubakar, also announced some reductions in collateral criteria and others to boost access to the fund.

Aganga said: “At the last meeting a sub-Committee was set up to look at the funds, and examine conditions that are required or the criteria you have to meet to access the fund. That committee was chaired by the Minister of National Planning. His report

• From left: Country Director, Empretec Foundation, Mrs. Onari Duke; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu and President, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, at the inauguration of Aig-Imoukhuede as Chairman of the Interim Board of the Nigerian network of the Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Lagos...recently.

Retired policemen praise PTAD on verification

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HE Association of Re tired Police Officers of Nigeria (ARPON), has praised the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) on the ongoing verification of Police pensioners in the country.

The commendation was given at the weekend when the association executive led by its first Vice-President and former Governor of Rivers State, Fidelis Oyakhilome (Rtd DIG), visited the Director-General of PTAD, Mrs. Nellie Mayshak in Abuja.

In a letter, Oyakhilome, said the current verification exercise carried by PTAD was a marked departure from previous exercises where their members were subjected to untold hardship.

“During previous exercises, no seats were provided for pensioners. The halls at

• Suleiman-Abba, IG

venues were not big enough to contain our swarming members, and in venues were there were no trees for shelter, our members went through ordeals that can be better imagined than described,” he stated.

He said in the current verification, pensioners arrived at venues into the open arms of courteous, caring and polite officers, who carried out their duties professionally, which ensured that the exercise was concluded in minutes, unlike previous exercises where officers go with mats to stay overnight,” adding that this was a fine arrangement.

Oyakhilome said the arrangement was excellent, “and coming from a government agency, it is good and unbelievable,” the letter stressed.

PTAD was established by the current administration to streamline and harmonise all pension departments in the defined benefit scheme to reduce administrative bottlenecks and eliminate the various cases of fraud, which

Govt’s economic policies not business friendly, says Fashola

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday lamented that some economic policies of the Federal Government are taking their toll on businesses as well as frustrating infrastructural development in the country.

The Governor who said this at the launch of 100 airconditioned buses for mass transit in the Lagos metropolis, said the economic policies are also discouraging foreign investors from in-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

vesting in the country.

He said, “The environment which the investors started with has begun to change. At the time when we started Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the private investors were borrowing at about $1 to N118.

And the exchange rate at that time was about 10 per cent. When people see aging buses that weren’t repaired, it was not that the Lagos State government is not ef-

ficient.

“But it was because the private individuals who invested in the business were been incapacitated by financial regulation and economic policies that isn’t helping them to grow. We expect them to borrow money at N210 to $1 and at 25 per cent exchange rate.

And we expect them to buy buses and keep the old transport fare. What type of economics is that? he queried

Airline operators threaten aviation minister

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HE Minister of Avia tion, Osita Chidoka has disclosed that he has been receiving letters of threat from airline operators over the implementation of civil aviation regulations.

He said he would not be intimidated by anybody

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

in Nigeria to change aviation rules irrespective of the position they hold.

Earlier, Chidoka set up a three-man committee on ‘Foreign Registered, Privately Owned

Aircrafts Operations in Nigeria’ following allegations of unauthorized operations by some airline operators.

Chidoka disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday when the committee, submitted their findings.

had created an age-long distrust in the pension industry.

was presented to council today and we had the privilege of the CBN governor react to the recommendations.

And based on the comments of the CBN governor the council took certain decisions.

“The first is that access to collateral requirements which was initially 75 per cent which made it difficult for some commercial banks to be able to access has been reduced to 50 per cent. All inclusive interest rate must not exceed nine per cent. That has always been the operative of the CBN and we have stuck to that.

“However, the CBN is disbursing to these banks and the Financial Institutions and others at two per cent from the original interate rate of three per cent.” he added According to him, Council also deliberated on how to ensure sustainable funding across the board for micro finance institutions.

He said “The council’s focus today was not just on MSMEs but was more on the mirco businesses at the grassroot. These are the ones that constitute 99 per cent of the total MSMEs sector and those are the ones that require the support of the federal government.

“We also agreed that all government programmes should be better coordinated, as a result we are look-

ing at all the funds available and we will be making information available to all Nigerians on the funds that are available and the guidelines on how each one of them can be accessed by the average Nigerian. That should be put on the website and made public for Nigerians.”

Highllighting other changes in the N220 billion fund criteria, the Minister of National Planning said: “In addition to the collateral requirements approved by council, it also approved that the collateral requirements of 50 per cent of MFB be progressively reduced by period of six to nine based on the ratings of the micro finance banks (MFBs).”

“The other ones in long terms MFB should be rated by independent rating agency to such that access to MSME funds will be based on their rating.

“We also approved in council that special focus be given to the banks with the strongest infrastructure and capacity for lending to the MSME sub-sector in the CBN strategy.

“Council also approved that the loan tenure for micro loans across agriculture value chain be determined on a case by case basis based on the gestation period.

“Council also approved the interest rate for the MSME fund to be reduced to two per cent the spend for the participating financial Institutions (PFIs) to further accommodate their cost.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

46

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-02-15

Nigerian equities rally N241b gains

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HE budding bullish rally at the Nigerian stock market gathered momentum yesterday as increased demand pushed up prices of most equities. For the first time in seven trading session, advancers outnumbered decliners.

Aggregate market capitalization of all quoted equities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose by N241 billion to N9.493 trillion as against its opening value of N9.252 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI, the composite value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, recorded a day-on-day gain of 2.61 per cent to close at 28,452.60 points compared with its opening index of 27,728.63 points. This moderated the negative average year-to-date return to -17.90 per cent.

With 25 gainers to 17 losers, substantial gains by highly capitalized stocks also helped to boost the overall market situation. Nestle Nigeria Plc topped the gainers’ list with a gain of N37.67 to close at N791.17. Seven-Up

•Eye Asian investors Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Bottling Company followed with a gain of N6.98 to close at N156.98. Total Nigeria rose

by N5.95 to close at N140.

Guinness Nigeria added N5.67 to close at N119.07 while Dangote Cement rose

by N5.21 to close at N149.20 per share.

Aggregate turnover stood at above average with the exchange of 500.19 million shares valued at N3.50 billion in 4,206 deals. Financial services sector continued to dominate trading with sectoral turnover closing yesterday at 440.31 million shares valued at N2.07 billion in 2,448 deals.

Skye Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 86.37 million shares valued at N172.14 million in 145 deals. United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with a turnover of 85.17 million shares worth N256.62 million in 417 deals. Access Bank recorded a turnover of 56.39 million

shares worth N284.17 million in 153 deals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Nonye Rajis-Okpara, has indicated that the Nigerian stock market could witness more inflow of investments from Asian investors.

Rajis-Okpara was at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday to ring the closing bell for the trading session.

According to her, the Nigerian stock market would benefit from the just-concluded Nigeria-Asia roadshow which strategically engaged Asian investors to invest in the Nigerian capital market.

She reiterated the willingness of the Nigerian High Commission to support the NSE in its quest to expand into Singapore and other Asian countries.

She commended the NSE management for the transformation of the exchange which she noted was made possible by transparency, ethical dealings, integrity and professionalism of the management and operators at the NSE.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 17-02-15

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

47

MONEYLINK ‘Debt to rise on low oil prices’

Resolve customers’ complaints within six years, CBN directs banks Stories by Collins Nweze

C

USTOMERS with complaints against banks are expected to report such cases to the Consumer Protection Unit of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within six years from date of transaction, after which such complaints would not be entertained.

CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Kelvin Amugo said the CBN took this decision after consultation with stakeholders.

He said the timeline does not include fraud cases, complaints already lodged with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

and internal electronic payment transactions whose records are not retained within 180 days on the dispute resolution application.

The apex bank noted that in arriving at the decision, it considered inputs received from stakeholders; took a study of what obtains in other jurisdictions; some regulatory agencies in the country; and the provision of relevant legislations in respect of document retention and commencement of legal action.

It said the proposed time limit does not preclude the right of a complaint to seek redress in court of law.

Furthermore, it explained that the CBN in implementing its consumer protection initiatives observed that timely resolution of complaints from consumers against Financial Service Producers (FSPs) within regulated timeline has been a major challenge for bank, FSPs and consumers.

Amongst other issues, availability and access to supporting documents were identified by stakeholders as major setback for timely resolution of complaints.

Amugo said the apex bank identified the need to have in place, adequate measures to ensure that consumers are diligent in their financial

N

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele transactions by making prompt claims on financial transactions as they occur, to ensure that the FSPs are able to resolve same with the required resources.

Ecobank Nigeria raises pay as workers are sacked

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COBANK Nigeria Limited has laid off less than five per cent of its workforce who performed below expectation, even as it promoted about 500 others. The lender also instituted a merit pay increase for over 3,000 of its workforce.

In a statement announcing the exercises, the lender said its policy of rewarding performance is on course and that about 10 per cent of its employees benefitted from the latest promotion exercise.

The exercise, it added, is in line with its commitment to recognising and rewarding excellence and exceptional performance.

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku said: ‘We are fully committed to rewarding excellence and we continue to take appropriate positive action in line with international best practice to sustain excellence in our work force. Our people are our precious assets who enable us maintain service quality standards, uphold customer satisfaction

and enhance our brand experience”.

According to him, Ecobank maintains high professional culture, where exceptional performance, innovativeness and hard work are recognised and rewarded. He reiterated that the employees who were

promoted and rewarded were selected through an enhanced performance management system.

Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group present in 36 African countries. It is a full-service bank providing wholesale,

retail, investment and transaction banking services and products to governments, financial institutions, multinationals, international organisations, medium, small and micro businesses and individuals.

MoneyGram hits 25,000 locations across Africa

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ONEYGRAM, a global money transfer company, yesterday announced that its agent network in Africa has now reached 25,000 locations, following a strategic expansion initiative across the continent.

It said in a statement that recent technology advances and new agent and sub-agent signings, including an agreement with the Mauritius Post Office to offer money transfer services at more than 100 locations, have contributed to achieving the milestone.

“MoneyGram continues to grow throughout Africa as a result of forming strategic relationships with reputable companies, including banks, post offices and retailers, to bring added convenience and more choices for our customers,” its Vice President of Africa Herve Chomel says.

He explained that remittances are an important part of economic development and financial inclusion throughout the region and are integral to providing household essentials, education and healthcare in many countries. We are excited

to be a part of the region’s growth.

Chomel said consumers have access to MoneyGram’s services in more than 50 African countries.

“In a series of recent successes, the company signed an agreement with First Bank of Nigeria’s subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia, and also renewed a master agreement with Standard Bank Group, one of Africa’s top banks.

MoneyGram’s services are available at over 500 Standard Bank locations in South Africa and across 11 Southern and Eastern African countries,” he added.

IGERIA’S domestic debt will rise this year as Africa’s biggest economy borrows more to meet a shortfall in revenue caused by the plunge in the price of oil, its main export, Finance Minister Ngozi OkonjoIweala said. “‘Our income is still coming from a source that is not diversified,’’ Okonjo-Iweala told a conference Tuesday in the capital, Abuja. ‘‘Because of the drop in oil prices we will have a difficult year.’’

The additional domestic debt will go toward paying the salaries of government employees, she said. ‘‘You cannot throw people out on the streets.’’

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, depends on crude exports for 70 percent of government revenue and more than 90 percent of foreign income, making it vulnerable as prices plummeted more than 50 percent since last year’s peak in June. Pressure has mounted on the naira, which has weakened 7.5 percent this year, the most among 24 African currencies tracked by Bloomberg. ‘‘A year ago before the fall in prices we said that we should save but we were not listened to,” Okonjo-Iweala said, referring to lawmakers who had opposed her moves to use a lower oil price for budgeting and save the rest.

“Today they’re saying we didn’t save.”

Nigeria, which is facing rescheduled presidential elections on March 28, trimmed spending by eight percent and reduced the proposed benchmark oil price twice, before settling for $65 a barrel in December.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

GAINERS AS AT 17-02-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

FLOURMILL OANDO TRANSCORP GUARANTY UBCAP ZENITHBANK GUINNESS NESTLE FBNH DANGSUGAR

27.67 12.83 2.35 17.40 1.27 16.15 113.40 753.50 6.48 5.90

30.39 14.00 2.55 18.87 1.36 17.02 119.07 791.17 6.80 6.18

2.72 1.17 0.20 1.47 0.09 0.87 5.67 37.67 0.32 0.28

LOSERS AS AT 17-02-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

DANGFLOUR UAC-PROP JBERGER CAP FIDSON TRANSEXPR STANBIC CUSTODYINS STERLNBANK DIAMONDBNK UACN WEMA BANK

3.60 10.79 44.40 36.82 2.93 0.93 25.00 3.95 2.30 3.52 34.58 0.95

3.25 9.85 42.18 35.00 2.79 0.89 24.00 3.85 2.25 3.45 34.00 0.94

CHANGE -0.35 -0.94 -2.22 -1.82 -0.14 -0.04 -1.00 -0.10 -0.05 -0.07 -0.58 -0.01

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) February 13, 2015

R-DAS ($/N)

169.680

$1

Interbank ($/N)

199.100

$1

Black Market ($/N)

210.000

$1

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: December

CBN EXCHANGE RATES (RDAS) February 11, 2015

8%

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$33.2b

US Dollar

167

168

$60.91

Pounds Sterling

251.7525

253.26

Euro

189.5617

190.6968

Swiss Franc

180.1122

181.1907

Yen

1.4231

1.4316

CFA

0.2689

0.2889

234.5928

235.9975

Yuan/Renminbi

26.6837

26.8444

Riyal

44.4908

44.7582

SDR

235.2863

236.6952

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2015

48

NEWS Man sets wife ablaze

MAN threatens to shut Southeast firms

•Over alleged infidelity From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

T

HE sleepy community of Umuna in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State was yesterday thrown into confusion after a 45-year-old man identified as Uche Ubanwa set his wife, Ugochi, ablaze before handing himself over to the police.

The Nation learnt that the victim was sleeping when her husband sneaked into the room and poured fuel on her before setting her ablaze.

Although the reason for the dastardly act was not clear, it was gathered that there was a disagreement between the couple on Valentine’s Day, which might not be unconnected to the allegations of infidelity.

According to a family source, who pleaded anonymity, “the woman was sleeping when the husband set her ablaze after pouring fuel on her.”

Trouble broke out at the couple’s hometown, Umuahiami Afara, in Mbaitoli Local Government yesterday when the inlaws from Ekwe autonomous community in Isu Njaba Local Government stormed the village on a revenge mission, destroying the suspect’s property worth millions of naira.

Sources said it took the intervention of a detachment of police to quell the crisis.

Police spokesman Andrew Enwerem, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect was in custody, adding that the matter was under investigation.

Southeast APC hails Osinbajo for job creation plan

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southeast has hailed Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), the running mate to the party’s standard-bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for his roadmap on how to provide jobs for unemployed youths.

Osinbajo unfolded the plan at a town hall meeting he held with Southeast youths in Enugu on Monday, at Nike Lake Hotel.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, the Southeast APC praised Osinbajo for reviving the sagging hopes of Ndigbo and other Nigerian youths, as evidenced by the agenda for youths.

•Cites high electricity bills•One million workers face sack

T

HE Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has threatened to shut down companies in the Southeast or relocate them, if the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) fails to reduce its high tariff.

It said if this happens, over one million workers in the over 600 companies would be sacked.

These were contained in a communiqué issued in Nnewi, Anambra State, yesterday, after a meeting of MAN attended by business moguls.

Some of those in attendance were Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson Group chairman), Chief Paul Okonkwor (Poko-bros/ Whiz Oil chairman), Chief Azubuike Okafor (Zubee Group of Companies) and

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Obi Anesodo, senior special assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Public Utilities and Water Resources.

MAN said some of its members spent between N7million and N16million monthly on diesel, yet EEDC charges them.

“We know that the government is a listening one. The Federal Government should assist in the power sector as it did in the petroleum sector, to sustain manufacturing, in order to create a level-playing field for all.

“It is impossible for any business to thrive under this harsh condition of 95 per cent increment.”

The communiqué was signed by the MAN chairman in Anambra, Ebonyi

and Enugu states, Chief Azubuike Okafor and Patrick Chidi Eronobi, the executive secretary of the association.

MAN said the zone did not understand the basis for the discriminatory tariff in the country.

It added: “The increase will discourage investment in the Southeast, as investors will prefer to invest in areas with low tariff.

“The high payment of fixed charge is akin to payment for inefficiency because our members run on generator more than electricity. The fixed charge, although it is claimed to encourage investors, it’s like putting the cart before the horse.

“The rate should be the same across the federation as is applicable in other industrial areas.

“No member-company should be disconnected until the matter is resolved.

They should be allowed to pay the old rate.”

Last week in Onitsha, industrialists protested. They were led by Chief Okonkwor, alleging that over 7,000 workers had been sacked, following poor electricity supply.

The Nation learnt that the EEDC Chairman, Sir Emeka Offor, was not at the meeting held at the Innoson showroom in Nnewi. The electricity company was represented by the Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Tope Aborishade and five other workers.

It was gathered that EEDC told them to pay the old bill until a meeting with the management of the electricity company.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

The party said it was impressed that the agenda for youths captured job creating projects, their timelines and means of implementation, unlike the empty promises of the past made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government.

The statement reads: “Prof.

Osinbajo reminded the youth that Gen Buhari on January 10 promised at the state rally to revamp Enugu Coal on assumption of office and create one million jobs in four years.”

APC Southeast lauded Prof.

Osinbajo for raising the bar on how best to create jobs for millions of youths.

IG orders recovery of arms

• Governor Rochas Okorocha (left) greeting Ahanenye Innocent, Chairman, state chapter of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria, during their visit to the Government.

House, Owerri.

T

HE Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered Commissioners of Police havebeen diected

by Inspector general of Police Selaiman Abba to recover firearms in the possession of unauthorised security agencies including some state government-owned security outfits Abba directed that suspects arrested in connection with the arms, should be speedily prosecuted in view of reported cases of political violence arsing from illegal use of firearms.

A statement by Poluice spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu in Abuja said : The Nigeria Police Force is therefore using this medium to further advise political stakeholders to play the game by the rules as all measures put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election will be implemented to the letter.”

It urged members of the public to continue to collaborate with the police to fish out criminal elements and report any suspicious movement in their areas.

Church celebrates

H

EAVEN Target International Bible Church will on Sunday celebrate one year of God’s faithfulness in the members’ lives and ministry, with the theme: “Don’t trouble us, we are called by God”.

The event holds at the church’s new site on Hospital Road, Agba Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to a statement by the host, Chief Messenger of God, Favour Ezinna James, the programme would feature salvation, deliverance, healing and special prayers for the nation, individuals and families. It will start at 8 am.

He said besides holding the normal Sunday service, the church has outlined a lot of activities to mark the event.

Mark dispels interim govt fears

S

ENATE President David Mark said yesterday that those asking for the establishment of Interim National Government (ING) to take over from President Goodluck Jonathan are pushing for exercise in futility.

The ING, Mark stressed, is alien to the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The Senate president spoke in his welcome speech at the resumption of Senate plenary yesterday.

He described as imprecise, sordid and strange the prominence given to ING in national discourse.

The Senate, he said, was committed to the provisions of the Constitution, which, he added, the lawmakers swore to protect.

Distributors get rewards

P

Z Wilmar, makers of Devon King’s Oil, has rewarded its distributors, who were successful in its first promo, tagged: “National Devon King’s Cruise Promo”, with over N100 million worth of prizes.

In Port Harcourt, 11 distributors were given cheques of between N450,000 and N2.4million.

The National Activation Manager, Amit Mishra, said the promo was in line with the company’s commitment to compensate its partners for creating a strong presence for Devon King’s nationwide.

He said PZ Wilmar was known for rewarding high business performance at every level.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Mrs. Charity Iwuagwu of Kinco Global Links, got N2.4million cheque, said she was happy. She said doing business with the company was profitable.

Another winner, Mr. Odilamma Amaechi, the CEO, Odilamma Enterprises, was given N1.3 million cheque. He expressed willingness to continue to partner the company.

The presentation ceremony took place in Ibadan, Benin, Abuja, Port Harcourt and climaxed in Lagos where the Managing Director, Santosh Pillai, presented new cars to four key distributors.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

“I am alarmed that the issue of Interim National Government has been given undeserved prominence in our national discourse. This is imprecise, sordid and strange. Interim National Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Therefore, those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility. This Senate is committed to the provisions of our Constitution, which we swore to protect and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process.”

Mark called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to prepare to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible general election.

Mark, who said the Senate should have commenced its legislative activities without a welcome address, said he decided to address the chamber because “these are not ordinary times in our nation.”

He added that there was palpable tension in the country, which, he said, was being exacerbated by the comments and the body language of the politicians.

“As statesmen and women, we must rise to the occasion

and help reduce the tension.

We must refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate this already charged atmosphere across the country. This is time for us to be true statesmen and women, both in words and deeds,” he said.

He noted that the Senate as an institution and senators owe it a duty to the country to give INEC all the support it needs to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election.

Mark concluded the address by reiterating that “it is important to note that on May 29, 2015 a democratic government elected through free, fair, transparent and credible election will be inaugurated”.

U.S. army to provide equipment, others to fight Boko Haram HE United States mili-

T

tary will provide communications equipment and intelligence to help African nations in the fight against Islamist group Boko Haram, the commander of U.S. Special Forces operations in Africa said.

West African military commanders have long complained that cross-border operations against Islamist groups, from al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Mali to Boko Haram in Nigeria, have been obstructed by lack of compatible communi-

cations equipment, making it hard to swap information and coordinate.

Major General James Linder said that, as part of the annual U.S.-backed ‘Flintlock’ counterterrorism exercises this year in Chad, the United States would provide technology allowing African partners to communicate between cellphones, radios and computers.

The system also incorporates a translation function that would allow commanders in francophone countries like

Chad to communicate by message with English-speaking officers in Nigeria, a U.S. military officer said.

Boko Haram killed an estimated 10,000 people last year in its campaign to carve an Islamist emirate from the north.

Amid growing international alarm, the four nations of the Lake Chad region — Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Nigeria — plus neighbouring Benin are preparing a joint task-force of 8,700 men to take on the Sunni jihadist group.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

49

NEWS ‘Relocate ExxonMobil’s HQ to Ibeno’ From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

T

HE paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Owong Effiong Achianga, yesterday urged the Federal Government to relocate ExxonMobil’s administrative headquarters from Lagos to Ibeno.

Achianga, who addressed reporters in Ibeno, noted that since the multinational oil firm had been operating in the area for the last 40 years, it was imperative for the government to reconsider relocating its headquarters to its area of operations.

The monarch stressed that the relocation of the company’s headquarters to Ibeno would calm the frayed nerves of residents and strengthen its relationship with the hosts.

Dickson condoles with family of First Lady’s loyalist

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday visited the family of one of the 11 deceased women loyalists of First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

The women died last Saturday in a multiple road accident near Ahoada, on the East-West Road.

The governor, with his entourage, commiserated with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof.

Edmund Alison-Oguru, whose wife, Elizabeth, died in the accident.

Dickson’s visit came a day after Mrs. Jonathan visited the Ogurus and other families of the late loyalists.

The governor described

Kuku: death of Bayelsa women tragic

T

HE Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku, has said last Saturday’s death of 11 Bayelsa State women politicians in a road accident is tragic.

In a statement yesterday by Daniel Alabrah, the Special Assistant/Head, Media and Communications in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, said he received the news with shock and a deep feeling of loss.

The presidential aide commiserated with From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

the accident as tragic.

He said the news of the women’s death shocked him, adding that the incident was

the Bayelsa State Government, the people and the families of the deceased.

He said the death of the women was painful and a huge loss to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family in the state.

Kuku said: “This sad news came at a time everyone was working hard to ensure victory for the PDP in the general elections. The positive contributions of these women to the development of their state and the country will be sorely missed.”

He prayed God to comfort the bereaved families and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

a blow to the state.

Dickson said his administration and the people joined the affected families to mourn Mrs. Oguru and other de-

ceased women.

The governor urged the bereaved families to take heart, adding that the state mourned with them in their

Jonathan endorsed in North From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Oil exploration: Gokana youths back Belemaoil

A

NORTH’s group, the Council of Former Councillors of Northern Nigeria (CFCNN), has urged politicians to desist from utterances and actions that can truncate democracy.

It advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all eligible Nigerians get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the general elections.

In a communiqué signed by its Chairman and Secretary - Umar Aliyu and David Duniya – the group endorsed the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

It said the President should be allowed to complete what it called the transformation of the country.

CFCNN said: “After consultations, we have come to the conclusion that we will devote all our democratic efforts to supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s return to office in 2015, to continue with the programmes and projects now spreading across the nation.”

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

Y •First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, condoles with a survivor of the accident at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital...on Monday.

‘Obasanjo’s decision is his right’ From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

T

HE Jigawa State chapter of the All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA) has said the decision of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo in dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is within his constitutional right of association.

APGA’s state chairman and governorship candidate, Sardauna Yaro, spoke yesterday in Dutse, the state capital.

He said: “...Obasanjo has the right of freedom of association, as provided in the constitution for any citizen to choose who to associate with.

“The decision apparently followed his anger against the manner the Federal Government handles the administrative and democratic affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan.

“As a statesman, a former military leader and civilian President, he must be worried about the way peace, unity and democracy are being threatened for sentimental issues.”

moment of grief.

He said the government had announced a three-day mourning because of the incident.

Dickson prayed God to grant the bereaved families the fortitude to bear their loss.

The government also pledged government’s support to the families of the accident victims.

On behalf of the Ogurus, the Executive Secretary of the State Capital City Development Authority (CCDA), Chief Ige Iboro Idaba, expressed gratitude to the governor for identifying with them in their moment of sadness.

Wife of the Governor, Dr. Rachel, Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd), Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Konbowei Benson, members of the legislature and the State Executive Council as well as Chairmen of Local Government Councils and other top government functionaries accompanied Dickson on the visit.

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson signing the condolence register at the home of the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government (SSG), Prof. Edmond Allison-Oguru, whose wife died in the accident.

PHOTOS: NAN

$16b EPZ for Nigerians’ benefit, says committee chair

T

HE $16 billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) is for the benefit of all Nigerians, not only the host communities, the chairman of the project’s interface committee, Austin Oboroegbeyi, has said.

Oboroegbeyi said the project would be beneficial to Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe, religion or political leanings.

The chairman of Ogidigben’s 21-member EPZ Interface Committee ad-

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

dressed reporters yesterday in Warri, Delta State.

He said the project would improve the nation’s revenue base and boost its technological development.

Oborogbeyi regretted that the wrong notion in some quarters that the benefits of the project would only accrue to the host community had delayed its takeoff.

The chairman said such

notions had compelled his committee to collate divergent views on some recommendations concerning the project.

He noted that with the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to kick-start the gas project, the nation’s anticipated industrialisation had begun.

Oborogbeyi said with an effective gas project, the nation’s power generation would be boosted to a level that outages would reduce and the growth of small businesses enhanced.

The committee chairman

urged Nigerians to cooperate with the Federal Government to realise the project.

He said those working against the groundbreaking of the multi-billion dollar project should consider the gains to all Nigerians rather than to a particular community.

Oborogbeyi reaffirmed the commitment of the committee’s members to the collective interests of the communities and all Nigerians.

OUTHS in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have supported the chiefs and elders that Belemaoil should begin oil exploration in area.

The youth, under the aegis of National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and League of Gokana Community Youth Leaders (LGCYL), expressed their support when they visited the King of Gokana, Barnabas Barizomdu Bagia Paago, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom.

Gokana is one of the four local governments in Ogoniland. It is said to be the largest oil producing area.

The Anglo/Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which is the sole exploration company in the land, pulled out of the area over 22 years ago. No other company has been allowed to operate in the land.

Chiefs and elders of Ogoni, under the aegis of Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, penultimate week endorsed Belemaoil, an indigenous oil extraction company, to begin oil exploration in the area.

In a communiqué they issued and read at the end of an emergency meeting, the President of the monarchs’ council and king of Tai Kingdom, Godwin Gininwa, said the people were satisfied with the oil company and supported the take-over of its exploration.

The monarch urged the Federal Government and SPDC to give Belemaoil the cooperation it required to succeed.

But the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), in a meeting last week, said there was need for more consultations before it could approve the company.

In their separate speeches at the king’s palace, the youths unanimously accepted the company, stressing that they were comfortable with the terms and conditions given by the company.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

50

NEWS ‘Don’t sell your PVCs’

APC ‘ll surmount hurdles to win polls, says Ganduje

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

B

ENUE State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its members against selling their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to desperate politicians .

In a statement signed by the Chairman and Organising Secretary, Comrade Abba Yaro and Titus Zam, made available to The Nation, they said it had been discovered that some politicians were buying PVCs for N50,000 .

They said it was against the electoral act and a crime for anyone to sell or buy PVCs, alleging that it was an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disfranchise APC members.

“We appeal to our members and supporters not to sell their birth right and mortgage their future, as the PVC is the only tool required to vote bad leadership out of office.“

CP warns criminals to relocate from Kogi From James Azania, Lokoja

T

HE Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Ogunjemisi, yesterday warned criminals to relocate from the state.

He spoke when he assumed office at the Police Command headquarters in Lokoja.

Ogunjemisi said hard times awaited those engaged in political thuggery and other crimes.

He said criminal activities on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Road would soon be a thing of the past.

The police boss promised that the command would tackle the crisis between Fulani herdsmen and members of some communities, to restore peace.

He said: “We will not allow thuggery before, during or after the elections. There cannot be room for thuggery or criminality in whatever shade. My advice to those engaged in such activities is that they should seek other environments.

“Our duty is to secure life and property and to ensure that residents go about their activities under a peaceful atmosphere. ” Governor Idris Wada has reiterated the resolve of his administration to stamp out thuggery. He assured security agencies of support, which would enable them reduce electoral violence during the elections.

Sheriff earmarks N10b to fight David Mark From Duku JOEL, Maiduguri

I

T has been revealed that former Borno State governor and two-time senator for Borno Central, Ali Modu Sherrif, perfected plans to dislodge Senate President David if he was to return to the Senate in 2015.

According to the Borno State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ali Bukar Dalori, in a statement made available to reporters by Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Governor Shetiima noted that part of Sherif’s ambition to become the Senate President was the reason why he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the first place.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

K

•Nigeria Immigration Service officials documenting some of the illegal immigrants arrested by the Adamawa State Command in Yola…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Scores die in explosions in Biu

M

ULTIPLE explosions occurred yesterday at a military check-point in Biu, Borno State. Several people died.

A security source said insurgents planned a massive attack on Biu, with an advance team carrying explosives. They were stucked at a check-point.

The source said as the security men were strategising to check and apprehend the suspected bomb smugglers, they detonated the explosives, causing deaths at the checkpoint.

A civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) member, Abubakar

A

•Suicide bomber kills three in restaurant in Potiskum From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

Mirnga, said the explosions occurred about 1pm at Yamarkumi on Maiduguri Road.

He said: “There were three explosions at Yamarkumi in Biu town. Many people were affected. The casualty figure, from what we are seeing now, has surpassed that of the market suicide bombing, which occurred last Thursday. Ambulances are rushing in and out. We will give details later.”

Biu is about 185km from

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Another civilian JTF members said: “Many people died in a gun battle between security forces and suspected members of the Boko Haram at a stop-andsearch point at the northern axis of Biu in Maiduguri.”

A civilian member of the JTF involved in the rescue operation said: “Seventeen members of the insurgents were killed in the gun battle, while 20 innocent civilians, mostly hawkers, travellers, and farmers were af-

fected.”

He added that 23 people were injured and were at the General Hospital, Biu. A male suicide bomber at a restaurant in Potiskum killed himself and three people A source at the Potiskum General Hospital said: “Three people were brought dead to the hospital and 12 are on admission.”

Police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin confirmed the incident to The Nation on the phone.

Soldiers kill five civilians in Maiduguri

BOUT five civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members were yesterday killed in a confrontation with soldiers in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Our reporter learnt that soldiers escorting explosive ammunition, which were brought into the city yesterday, became impatient with members of the Youth Volunteer Group, who stooped them at a check point in the metropolis, insisting to see the content of a lorry, even after the soldiers had told them of the origin and the destination of the content.

The Nation learnt that a Hercules plane brought the ammunition to the Maiduguri International Airport on Monday morning and they were offloaded into the lorry with a convoy of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army headquarters in Maiduguri, as part of the renewed fight against insurgency.

We gathered that the youth mounted surveillance on

From Duku JOEL, Damaturu

roads in the metropolis as a security precaution against any attack that might be planned during the campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

The soldiers became annoyed, following what they

saw as a confrontation by the civilian JTF members, who refused to listen to their explanation, insisting on a thorough check. They forcefully climbed the vehicle and even barricaded the road to make it difficult for the soldiers to move the trailer. This provoked the soldiers, who opened fire on the boys, kill-

ing five.

A senior military source, who spoke in confidence, said: “It was an affront to the military for armed youths under any guise to accost their men on the road. A trailer was contracted to convey the ammunition by the military when the Army vehicle ferrying the ammunition broke down.”

‘I collected a token of N40m of looted money’

A

WITNESS yesterday told the Federal High Court in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, that he collected about N40 million of a sum of money allegedly looted from the Taraba State government’s coffers.

He described the amount as “a token.”

The witness, Yusuf Yamusa, is among the 25 witnesses brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to testify against the former Ac-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

countant- General of Taraba State, Joel Joseph Lenbang, who is accused by the antigraft agency of defrauding the state of N1.6 billion between January 2012 and December 2013.

The EFCC alleged in an eight-count charge that the former accountant-general “masterminded the approval and withdrawal of the money under the false pretence that the money was

being utilised for various payments to ministries, departments, agencies, bank Commission on Turnover (COT) and Value Added Tax (VAT).”

The commission accused Lenbang of committing the offence “contrary to and punishable under sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Justice Donatus Okorowo adjourned the case till March 5 for further trial.

Northern group warns interim govt proponents

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Northern Youth group under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Vanguard, has warned those canvassing Interim National Government.

It asked them to desist from such a call.

The group described the postponement of the elections as a blessing in disguise.

Addressing a news conference in Kaduna yesterday, the National Coordinator of the body, Comrade Jubrillu Gadzama, said politicians should tread with caution and should not for the sake of their ambition push the country into anarchy.

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

“Nigeria is greater than anybody’s ambition. Therefore, nobody should engage in any action that will throw the country into confusion. Nigerians are ready for the coming elections, even before the postponement, and with the shift in the date, I want to believe Nigerians are more prepared and ready for the polls.

Why would some people be nursing an odious plan that could lead to a possible interim government, when they realise their defeat is almost sure,” he said.

Gadzama went on: “Initially, we were

worried about the shift in the elections date. But we’ve realised the shift is like a blessing in disguise that has given us the opportunity to garner more support for General Muhammadu, Buhari, the APC presidential candidate.”

The Publicity Secretary, Gideon Gadjere, who said their support for Gen. Buhari remained intact, added that this was because only Buhari could guarantee the nation good leadership, tackle lawlessness and insecurity, among other problems, which had stunted the nation’s growth.

ANO State Deputy Governor and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed optimism that APC would cross all the hurdles during and after the elections.

He spoke yesterday at the APC national leadership meeting at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adu’a Centre in Abuja.

A statement made available to The Nation in Kano by the Director of Press to the Deputy Governor, Malam Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu, said despite the orchestrated postponement of the elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC would not be deterred from committing itself into a transparent electoral process, which Nigerian masses were yearning for.

He noted that the APC was the first party in the history of the country that drew its membership from all sections of the country.

Dr. Ganduje said besides the National spread, the party was enjoying, Kano State remained the stronghold of the APC as showcased during the party’s rallies in the state, noting that Kano State is determined to vote APC hundred per cent.

He accused the National leadership of the PDP of misleading Nigerians on their real intention and programmes, noting that the party has lost focus to lead Nigerians to the promise land.

Buhari ‘ll solve Nigeria’s economic, political woes, says Ahmed From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is confident that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has the ability to bail the country out of its economic and security challenges.

He urged Nigerians to vote for the APC candidate, who he said would confront and defeat bunkerers and other oil thieves in the country.

Ahmed urged registered voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so, so that they can vote for the APC candidates.

He spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, at the Joint Kwara State branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) governorship debate/interactive session with parties and their candidates.

The governor decried the deteriorating state of the economy and the attendant socio-economic challenges confronting the people.

He lamented the increasing spate of oil theft under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The governor said many local governments were finding it difficult to meet up with their recurrent expenditure, including payment of salaries.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

NEWS

Gunshots disrupt APC’s rally in First Lady’s hometown Continued from page 4

“While the command is determined to rise up to all challenges and discharge its constitutional mandate of protection of lives and property, citizens of Rivers State are continually advised to be law abiding, respect law and order and eschew violence in all its ramifications before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

“The command is determined to enforce law and order, provide adequate security for all political parties and ensure that the full wrath of the law is visited on persons who dare and wish to test our capability.”

Peterside, at a news conference at his campaign headquarters, said: “Today (yesterday) is one of my saddest days as a politician. The day had started on a pleasant note, when as part of my campaign rally in Okrika, I visited the Okrika Grammar School, my alma mater, where I met with the Principal and interacted with the students. From there I proceeded to pay a courtesy call on the Amanyanabo of Ogoloma. While I was at the palace of the Amanyanabo, reports reached me and my team that three explosives had been detonated at the venue of the rally, National School field, Okrika. Two of the explosives ripped off parts of the roof of the school building. The APC members and leadership at the venue immediately called in the security personnel and the antibomb squad, who combed the area. It is important to note that several other explosives were found by the team, but all normalcy was restored.

“We proceeded from the Amanyanabo to see the Bishop

Amaechi blames Okirika violence on First Lady

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MAECHI blamed it all Mrs Jonathan and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Nyesom Wike. He spoke in Abuja.

He said: “Again, as usual, the wife of the President won’t allow APC hold rally in that place. The wife of the president and the governorship candidate in PDP in Rivers organised thugs with guns as usual and the police could not protect us.

“Over 200 policemen were in Okrika because I asked the Commissioner of Police and he said he had over 200 policemen.

“Also, there were two explosions and then they opened fire on members of APC. The Channels reporter was injured and members of APC injured. ”There was no security warning. We had meetings with SSS and the Police and they confirmed that we can go ahead and they gave us about 20 to 30 SSS men

of Okrika Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. T. Abere, who prayed with the team at about 1:30 pm.

From the Bishop’s court. we headed for the venue and the rally began in earnest with prayers and praise and worship.

A few persons gave solidarity speeches and while one of our leaders in Okrika LGA, Mr. D.D. Alabere, was speaking, we started hearing sporadic gunshots from the back of the National School, Okrika and from the Okrika Cemetery.

“Several eyewitnesses saw a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, who doubles as a Personal Assistant to the wife of the President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, accompanied by men in police uniform and several other nonuniformed armed men numbering in excess of 50, around the venue. He (Evans Bipi) was seen personally directing the shooting. Mrs. Jonathan is a native of Okrika and had just spent the weekend In Okrika, where she

and there was nothing they could do.

He said it was unfortunate that violence was being perpetrated with impunity in Rivers State and the presidency was comfortable with it.

He added: “Ask the president, if he is in Sambisa in Borno fighting in 14 local government areas. Like I said, there were crises in Niger Delta in 2007 and there were elections.

“So if in 14 local governments in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, he can’t go ahead with election, then why is he going ahead with election when the whole of Rivers state is being invaded

by PDP and PDP thugs and security men are watching without any intervention?

“The wife of the president does not want any other person to campaign in her local government area. If we all begin to send people away from all local government area, I’m sure she won’t like it.”

said she had gone to rest. The shooting lasted for about an hour and several persons are injured including Charles Eruka, a Channels Television reporter, who was stabbed, were injured.

“Five police officers were shot, one of them is dead, and four are lying in critical condition at the hospital. One policeman is yet to be accounted for. Some other APC supporters are still missing, while equipment at the venue have been set ablaze and many cars, including three police vehicles, were destroyed.

“We understand that there are still threats to burn houses of APC supporters in Okrika.

The APC Rivers State salutes the resilience of the people of Okrika, who refuse to be cowed in the face of such intimidation and attack. We also commend the officers and men of the Rivers State Police Command for their efforts, despite the fact that they were outnumbered.”

The Rivers APC’s governorship candidate maintained that members of the party remained

resolute in their quest to rid Rivers of brigandage and criminality, reassuring his supporters that the change train could not be stopped. God is on our side,” he said.

The Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Rivers PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr. Emma Okah, however, denied the involvement of PDP members in the Okrika violence. He asked the the Rivers APC members to look inwards.

On January 22, PDP candidate Nyesom Wike, campaigned at the playground of the National School, Okrika. It was attended

by Dame Jonathan and transmitted live on television.

The APC governorship candidate was billed to campaign at the playground of the school from 10 a.m. on January 24, but bombs went off on the premises.

The Okrika rally was suspended before it was fixed yesterday.

The APC’s secretariat in Okrika was bombed at the AbamAma part of the ancient town

Polls shift: Tinubu urges APC leaders to be vigilant Continued from page 4

expectations.

“A delayed joy is what we are looking at. But we can’t take things for granted. The PDP bought time for themselves.

You can see their level of desperation in government. The PDP as a party is a very stubborn goat. Don’t take for granted that the stubborn goat will not come back to the grain again to steal it until you slaughter it.

“What we are facing are a brand of shameless, lack of honour and a people coming together to say we are going to hold on to this power by all means. You, as leaders in the various localities must have the courage and determination to go on. Do we actually have the courage to go on? Do we even believe in ourselves? Are we determined to take power from tyrants?

“Everything you saw in Ekiti video is tyranny, tyranny of people who abuse of power everyday. I want to say congratulations to Osun State and thank them for providing that technical training that we needed.

Many of your states are being trained now.”

Tinubu asked APC members to turn themselves into vigilantes to protect the electoral system and democracy.

He added: “Let us use this period not only to fasten our belt, but to wear our parachute and put our safety valves on our boats to strengthen ourselves because no one will serve you power if you don’t take it. It is not like going to Chinese restaurant and say you want noodles.

The determination is yours. We know that now that they have not been able to achieve a violent booby trap they set, they have other things up their sleeves.

“Don’t underestimate these people as you go back home.

Turn yourselves to great vigilantes for freedom, liberty and

democratic government in this country. There is nothing to be ashamed of because if you look at the history of this government, you will discover that they are reckless, unsympathetic to Nigerians. The soul of our country is security.

“Congratulations to Borno State for putting lies to their claims that elections cannot hold in that area with an incident-free campaign with a mammoth crowd. That is why we say it is an excuse to postpone the election and they will find another excuse to postpone it again, but we are going to resist it.”

The APC leader asked party leaders to prevail on their wards not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards(PVCs).

His words: “You hear that they are buying cards all over the country, go back to your constituencies and your wards and tell them not to sell their cards because it is their common sense to democratic revolution. So, secure it because it is a source of employment for our children and a sound economy.

“You see the exchange rate is wiping out businesses of our young and old traders; you cannot replace items that you bought yesterday... You cannot rely on the economy of this country any longer because they have ruined it. Let us go and emphasise that to our people back home.

“They have used religion. If they want to play religion, we want to play the economy. Our own religion is security, economy and prosperity for Nigerians. Their own religion is lies, poverty and extort ional displacement of Nigerians”.

Tinubu spoke of likely “new tricks” from the PDP, but insisted that another postponement will not be acceptable.

He said: “Don’t assume that they will not come for new tricks on that day. When we

were hearing the rumour of postponement from London, everybody argued that it will not be possible. They were even advised by the National Council of State because INEC said it was ready. They withdrew security from Jega and rendered him unprotected. He had to surrender the electoral date. We are not going to tolerate that anymore.”

Tinubu insisted on the use of the Card Reader to check rigging.

On last week’s siege to his Lagos home by the military, Tinubu said he could not be intimidated.

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the party had raised a special committee to understudy scenarios PDP might bring up in the next six weeks.

“I don’t think I need to bore you with the events of the last few days and weeks. It is very clear that through your own very hard work, your party, the APC is coasting home to an overwhelming victory.

“Anywhere we have gone to, starting for the East, SouthSouth, South-West and the totality of the Northern states, the cry has been unanimous. The people have internalised the need for change and have taken possession of the need for change and before you even open your mouth to talk to them, it appears as if they know more about change and the need for change, the necessity for change, the imperative for change than even you that has come to them to ask for their votes.

“In spite of everything, if is our prayer that these elections do hold on March 28 and the change that this nation is yearning for is not frustrated because any such thing will have very bad consequences. So, let us hope that at the end of the day, reasons prevail.”

At the session were Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Musa Kwankaso (Kano), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako (Sokoto) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).

Others were APC National Secretary Mai Mala Buni, Kwara State Deputy Governor Peter Kishra, Niger State Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto, exGovernors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Niyi Adebayo and Bukola Saraki, Sen. Mohammed Magoro, Prince Tony Momoh, Chief Ogbonnya Onu, Chief Segun Oni, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, Dr. George Moghalu, Sam Nda Isaiah, Prince Abubakar Audu, Babachir David Lawal and Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

Alhaji Gambo Magaji, Hajia Ramatu Ali, Nasir el-Rufai, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Abdullahi Ganduje, General Mohammad Magoro, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Aisha Alhassan, Sen. Adamu Aliero, ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, House Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila and Rotimi Akeredolu were also there.

at 3:14 a.m. on January 11. Another secretariat of the APC at Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area of the state, was also bombed on January 16.

Rivers State PDP, however, denied complicity in the attack.

It said: “We condemn the act and urge the police and other security agencies to investigate the incident and bring the culprits to book. Nobody should encourage violence in our polity. The PDP is a peace-loving party and believes that everybody should be given equal opportunity in all parts of the country to hold rallies and canvass for votes.

“Violence does not end well and it is for that reason that we have continued to encourage our PDP members to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the recurring cases of provocation by the APC in Rivers State and many parts of the country.”

The Rivers PDP also alleged that during its governorship campaign rally in Abua, Abua/ Odual LGA of the state, the members of the party were allegedly attacked by some gunmen, which they claimed were suspected to be members of the APC. This was denied by the Rivers Chairman of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS Egypt seeks UN mandate on Libya

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GYPT's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for a United Nations resolution allowing international forces to intervene in Libya.

There was no other choice, he told French radio. "We will not allow them to cut off the heads of our children."

Egyptian jets bombed IS targets on Monday in response to a militant video of the apparent beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.

Rival militias have been battling for control in Libya since 2011.

The country has two rival governments - one based in Tripoli, the other in Tobruk.

Mr Sisi called for weapons to be made available to Libya's internationally recognised government, which fled to Tobruk

after rival militias seized power in the capital.

In another development, the UN Security Council is to hold an emergency session on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will also hold bilateral meetings in New York with Security Council members and representatives of Arab states, according to AFP news agency.

President Sisi told Europe 1 radio that "we abandoned the Libyan people as prisoners to extremist militias."

He was referring to the aftermath of the 2011 war in which Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled with the help of an international coalition - an intervention he described as "an unfinished mission".

IS militants 'burn to death 45 in Iraq'

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IHADIST militants from Islamic State (IS) have burned to death 45 people in the western Iraqi town of al-Baghdadi, the local police chief says.

Exactly who these people were and why they were killed is not clear, but Col Qasim al-Obeidi said he believed some were members of the security forces.

IS fighters captured much of the town, near Ain al-Asad air base, last week.

Col Obeidi said a compound that houses the families of se-

curity personnel and local officials was now under attack.

He pleaded for help from the government and the international community.

The fighting and poor communications in the area make it difficult to confirm such reports.

Earlier this month, IS published a video showing militants burning alive a Jordanian air force pilot, whose plane crashed in Syria in December.

Al-Baghdadi had been be-

sieged for months by Islamic State fighters before its fall on Thursday.

It had been one of the few towns to still be controlled by the Iraqi government in Anbar province, where IS and allied Sunni Arab tribesmen launched an offensive in January 2014.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm John Kirby told reporters on Friday that al-Baghdadi's capture needed to be put in perspective.

He said it was the first time in

U. S. Judge blocks Obama immigration efforts

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Acquit Strauss-Kahn, says prosecutor

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FRENCH prosecutor has called for the acquittal of the former head of the International Monetary Fund, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, on charges of pimping.

Lille prosecutor Frederic Fevre said neither the investigation nor the evidence heard in court had established that he was guilty.

Mr Strauss-Kahn has always denied knowing that women who took part in orgies with him were prostitutes.

The judge must decide whether he did know or if he organised the parties. In France, being found guilty of pimping carries with it a jail sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of •1.5m ($1.7; £1.1m).

What is the point of a trial when the prosecutor himself asks for the accused to be acquitted? In the case of Dominique StraussKahn and the pimping charges, it is not altogether a stupid question.

From the start there have been doubts over whether the case against the former IMF chief was really strong enough to go to court. Even before the trial, the prosecutor's office recommended that the charges be dropped.

Protest marks Putin visit to Hungary

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OME 2,000 people have marched through the Hungarian capital, Budapest, ahead of talks between Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tuesday's visit is Mr Putin's first to an EU leader since June 2014.

Hungary wants to negotiate a new agreement for Russian gas supplies.

Russia has been largely shunned by EU member states because of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, although it denies accusations of fomenting the violence.

Protesters rallied in Budapest on Monday night carrying banners saying "Putin No! Europe Yes!".

Much of the city centre was closed to traffic on Tuesday as security was stepped up ahead of the visit.

Mr Putin's trip comes less than a fortnight after German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Budapest before embarking on a week of intense diplomacy, which resulted in the announcement of a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine.

The Russian president is keen to demonstrate that he has allies within the EU and Nato, observers say.

During his visit, he is due to visit the graves of Soviet soldiers.

Hungary has backed EU sanctions imposed on Russia over the situation in Ukraine, but has been vocal about their negative impact.

•A rescuer carries a child off a ship in Southern Sicily following an operation to save migrants in difficulty between Lampedusa and the coast of Libya...yesterday.

35,000 march against Boko Haram in Niger T

ENS of thousands of people have marched through Niger’s capital, Niamey, against Boko Haram Islamists. Crowds gathered in support of the country’s military following a series of attacks along the Nigerian border.

According to organisers, up to 35,000 people turned out to demonstrate in Niamey on Tuesday, chanting “all united against Boko Haram.” Many also carried signs or wore tshirts bearing slogans such as “Our army, our pride.”

The march, which was led by Prime Minister Brigi Rafini and various other government officials, was brought to an end

LENT Theme: A day that is sacrosanct!

Text:".......... for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19)

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SACROSANCT day connotes inviolability, unassailability, untouchability, sacred or holy. In view of the unpredictability nature of our political players across board, what the political class are jostling for to assuage their feelings and political aspirations is for a date that is untouchable or a date that shall manifest.

When Adam and Eve transgressed God's commandment, God reversed His original design for man to live forever and replaced it with a sacrosanct pronouncement that every life will have an end (Eccles. 3:1-2). God spoke emphatically here with the choice of "shall", meaning that we are dust and it is incontrovertible that we shall return the way we came. What this translates into is that contrary to the desire, wishes and prayers of generality of people, nothing lasts forever. It is axiomatic that all things must develop to a state of helplessness and death - marriages will expire, influence

the last couple of months that the jihadist group had taken new ground.

However, Ain al-Asad air base, where about 320 US Marines are training members of the Iraqi army's 7th Division, is only 8km (5 miles) away.

The base was itself attacked

by IS militants, among them several suicide bombers, on Friday. The militants were eventually repelled by Iraqi troops backed by US-led coalition aircraft.

will die and authority will be given to another.

Dates will come and go but a sacrosanct date for all is day of returning to where we evolved from.

The recent happenings of crass desperation for relevance in our local political hemisphere which need be acknowledged albeit very sadly as a microcosm of general happenings in the world, is not only unfortunate but saddening. Politicians have been engaging in different degrees of falsehood to hoodwink, derail, mislead and misinform the generality of people aimed at bulldozing their way to the top. In the same vein, the privileged ones in Government that are either aspiring to higher offices or in their desperation to perpetuate their political dominance in the polity have been using the instrument of the mandate given to them for basically selfish purposes. It is unfortunate that majority of people have the ignorant mindset of perpetuity of life.

Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the 40days fasting period, is a reminder of the fact that we are dust and shall surely return to dust. To fur-

with a mass rally in front of the parliament building where President Mahamadou Issoufou addressed the crowds.

“Boko Haram attacked us and you don’t attack Niger with impunity. Today’s support for the armed forces must be permanent,” Issoufou said.

Absent from Tuesday’s march, however, were Niger’s opposition parties who have previously organized street protests against Issoufou.

Earlier this month, Boko Haram militants, who have carried out a string of massacres and kidnappings, repeat-

edly struck Diffa in southeastern Niger, killing residents and forcing thousands to flee.

Police said on Monday, however, that more than 160 people suspected of having links to the Islamist terrorist group have been arrested since February 6, when Niger’s military first launched raids into the south of the country. According to army figures, Niger’s military killed 218 Boko Haram militants in operations around Diffa.

“Nobody attacks Niger with impunity and Boko Haram learned that to its cost on February 6,” Issoufou told cheering crowds on Tuesday. “Niger will be the death of Boko Haram.”

ther bring the message home, the palm fronds used for jubilation and celebration on Palm Sunday - a day to commemorate Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and people were shouting "Hosannah to the Son of David" (Mk. 11:8-10), is burnt and the residue applied on believers' heads.

This act is to remind you that you brought nothing to this world and that you shall leave the world when the end comes, with nothing, at anytime and under any circumstance ( 1 Tim. 6:7). More importantly is that, at the end of your tenor here, you shall return the same way you came - naked! ( Eccles. 5:15). Suffice to say that all that you have achieved here either legitimately or illegitimately shall remain here while you shall return to where you came from to give account of your stewardship which will determine your place of eternity heaven or hell (Romans 14:10 cf Matt. 25:31-46) The burnt palm frond is also to make you aware that mouths that are hailing and praising you today shall not always be there for you. The people that are saying "Hosannah" today shall use same mouth to say "Crucify Him" tomorrow. Beloved, always know that when things are good, "friends" will know you. In fact, your place of abode or office shall be a must-be but the moment things get awry, you will know your friends as majority of the people hanging around you will take a flight, malign and even destroy you. Human beings only lick hands that are spiced with oil and not the ones covered with blood.

Viewed against that backdrop, you are enjoined

FEDERAL judge in Texas has blocked US President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration.

Twenty-six states have filed a lawsuit to contest the policy that would prevent the deportation of as many as five million people.

The decision by US District Judge Andrew Hanen did not rule on the merits of the case, but it does allow the states more time to contest the order.

Some parts of the policy would have started to take effect on Wednesday.

The US Department of Justice said it plans to appeal against the ruling and on Tuesday the White House defended the legality of its policy.

President Obama took the action in November after immigration-reform efforts had failed repeatedly in Congress.

Without a preliminary injunction, Judge Hanen wrote that the states will "suffer irreparable harm in this case".

The coalition of states, led by Texas and made up of mostly conservative states in the South and Midwest, say the order would increase costs for law enforcement, health care and education.

President Obama's unilateral move angered Republicans who are working to stop the executive action.

The House has approved a bill that would remove funding for the policies from the Department of Homeland Security's budget.

The measure has failed to pass the Senate and President Obama is expected to veto the bill.

during this season of Lent to carry out a discrete self-examination of who you are before dust returns to dust (Haggai 1:5-7); you are to conduct a critical study of your life and make a honest assessment of yourself. Are you still living in deceit, sin and falsehood? Is your life an open book? Is the assessment of the public an empirical reflection of who you really are? Is your title in the church, the political space or the community in tandem with the obligations and demands of the offices being held?

Having done that, you are to ask God to forgive you. You need to confess your sins to Him without hiding anything. Ask Him to help you. He has promised that if you come to Him in penitence and faith, He shall in no wise cast you out. He would blurt off your past sins and give you a new beginning.

Lastly, you must make a conscious effort not to follow the advice of the wicked, to stand around with sinners or join in with scoffers.

After you have done this, you are assured that in this world you shall be blessed. You shall like trees planted along the riverbank bearing fruit each season without fail. Your leaves shall not wither and all you do shall prosper. Above all, you shall gain eternal life at last, in Jesus' name.

Prayers: Father, give me grace to live a life that is worthy of you, bless me here and that when my work is finished here, I may receive my heavenly rewards, in Jesus' name

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

53

SHOWBIZ

April date for 3rd Nigerian Entertainment Conference •As organisers list Mo Abudu, Davido, Joke Silva, M.I, others as speakers

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WAY from its usual razzmatazz, stakeholders in the showbiz industry will gather to discuss a series of industry issues and profer leway for the revered non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy.

The one-day session tagged the Nigerian Entertainment Conference has been slated for April 22, at the popular Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Put together by leading entertainment newspaper, NET Newspapers, the event, which has become the umbrella conference for the entertainment sector, has entered its third edition this year, hosting stakeholders to a full day of deliberations, workshops, exhibitions and master-classes.

Organisers, Monday, released a list of speakers and facilitators who have ac-

By Joe Agbro Jr

cepted to take part in this year’s event. They include veteran actress, Joke Silva; BET and MTV award-winning pop star, Davido; Afrinolly’s Chike Maduegbuna; founder and CEO of Ebony Life TV, Mo Abudu; IT entrepreneur, Chika Nwobi; rapper and business executive, M.I Abaga; iROKO TV founder, Jason Njoku; music distributor, Uba Pacific; media administrator, Deji Awokoya; marketing icon, George Thorpe; entrepreneur Ayo Makun; founder of NotJustOk, Demola Ogundele and Quilox chairman, Shina Peller.

The event which will be hosted by comedian Tee A for the third year running, is expected to expected to be moderated by Bukky SawyerrIzeogu (Classic FM), Zainab

• Joke Silva

Balogun (Ebony Life), Osagie Alonge (Pulse), Oreka Godis, Dayo Odulaja (NET), Olamide Adedeji (Soundcity), Ehiz Okoeguale (MTV Base) and others.

The theme for this year’s conference is BUYING AND SELLING NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT AND EVERYTHING IN-BETWEEN, and according to the convener, Ayeni Adekunle, “We’re moving the conversation beyond rhetoric this year, and

Take responsibility for your actions, Seun Kuti howls at OBJ

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EUN Kuti, musician son of Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has lambasted former president Olusegun Obasanjo for publicly tearing his party (Peoples Democratic Party) membership card.

Obasanjo on Monday dramatically tore his membership card to indicate he is no longer a PDP member.

• Seun

By Joe Agbro Jr

However, to Seun Kuti, the action does not absolve Obasanjo of his past actions, some of which the artiste considers ‘barbaric’.

It will be recalled that it was during Obasanjo’s regime as head of state of Nigeria that Fela Kuti’s Kalakuta Republic was looted and burnt by soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

Taking to his Facebook page, Seun asks; ‘Can Obasanjo tear this from the pages of history?

Tomorrow (today) marks the 38th anniversary of the burning of Kalakuta and the murder of Olufunmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti.”

According to Seun, that action dealt a financial blow to the Kuti family at that period.

“What most people don’t

know is that Fela used to go around his friends’ houses to ask for money to just survive in the aftermath of this barbaric act,” he wrote. “We shall get justice one day and not for the millions of naira looted (Fela had 2 million naira in cash looted on that day, 1977 value.

Do the Math).”

Seun lamented that 36 cars were burnt and millions of naira worth of property were destroyed in that incident.

Dismissing Obasanjo’s tearing of his PDP membership card, Seun wrote: “Have you taken responsibility for your actions? This is your democracy Obasanjo. You set the precedence and now blame people who followed your footsteps!!

Just the way you blamed the unknown soldiers who followed your orders. Grow a spine and take responsibility.”

• Mo Abudu

actually providing a platform for individuals and companies doing great stuff to come and show the world what we’re about.”

He said further: “This year’s sessions will be more about what practitioners have done in the past years, using case studies to deliver presentations everyone can learn from.

“All sessions and exhibits will also be accompanied by master-classes by the vision-

aries plotting the future of the industry.”

Previous editions have featured celebrities such as the late Amaka Igwe, 2Face Idibia, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kenny Ogungbe, Jimmy JATT, Basketmouth, M.I, Don Jazzy, Kunle Afolayan, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Lagbaja, Tony Okoroji, Audu Maikori, D’banj and Ali Baba; as well as respected executives like Aina Kushoro, Emeka Mba, Chris Ubosi, Ayo

Animashaun, Olisa Adibua, Colette Otusheso, Steve Babaeko, Ifeoma Williams, Efe Omorogbe, Frank Nweke, Gab Okoye, and Prof. Pat Utomi.

The event is also said to have the support of organisations such as MTV Base, Beat FM, Classic FM, Hip TV, Ebony Life, AV Edge, TNS, ID Africa, EDS, Top Radio, X3M Ideas and F316. The event also marks the fifth anniversary of NET newspaper.

Janelia reveals hubby on Val’s day

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• Mr and Mrs Sanya

HE last St. Valentine’s Day provided U.Sbased Nigerian soul singer, Janelia, the opportunity to reveal her husband to her fans, most of whom had thought she was single.

In a sexy photoshoot, the singer unveiled Femi Sanya, a man she described has the pillar of her musical career.

It was a sensational revelation, as many had known Sanya as the music director and bass guitar player of her Janeliasoul band.

Sanya, who is also found behind the scenes most of the time, is the producer of one of Janelia’s most celebrated songs, Love Song in Yoruba, as well as co-director of the song’s music video and Janelia’s latest music video Bakassi.

Interestingly, Mr. and Mrs. Sanya who have kept their romance away from public domain, recently celebrated 12 years of a marriage that has produced two lovely sons, aged 11 and seven.

The two met in the music industry while they were both touring with other bands in the States. Back then, Janelia, a student of Morgan State University, U.S.A, was a backup singer/ dancer in a band while Femi Sanya was the bass guitar player of that particular band before he swept her off her feet and the two became an item ever since.

Sanya is also the brains behind some of Shina’s Peters hits from the 1990s. He, alongside the Hausa drummer named Ali Muhammed, forged the Afrojuju style and Sanya played the bass guitar behind all the Shina Peters hits Nigerians have come to love, among them; Ace, Shinamania, Experience and Kilode among others.

“Femi Sanya is a musical genius, he helped develop my craft and without him I wouldn’t have a career as an artiste and a female band leader. Our marriage has been about love, God, family, music, passion, artistic expression and sometimes even sweat and tears, but overall, it is a beautiful union which I continually thank God for. We are a power couple because in over a decade of marriage we have found ways of working in unity and synergy without compromising each other’s individuality. I am married to my best friend, my muse, my producer, my number one critic and my partner in crime. As some say in America; I’m his “Radada Chick” and he is my “Nigger for Life”. I look forward to many more years of greatness with Femi Sanya,” the singer said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

55

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

SPORT EXTRA 2015 AFRICA YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP (AYC)

Nigeria, Ghana tipped for final • Flying Eagles, Satellites meet again today

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EFORE taking on the Black Satellites of Ghana in the second friendly match in Tema today, after the first match had ended in 2-2 score draw at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, the Flying Eagles’ Chief Coach Manu Garba had already seen enough of the two teams to tip them to play in the final of the 2015 Africa U- 20 Championship holding in Senegal as from March 8 through 22 which would be the 20th edition.

“The first friendly match played on Monday between the two teams at the Ohene Djan Stadium was a very good game for both sides because the game was played with high intensity.

But I faulted my defenders for conceding the two goals that could have been avoided. They were not mentally alerted. But above all it was a very good

From Segun Ogunjimi, Accra, Ghana game for both sides.

“From what I saw in today's (Monday's) friendly between us and the Black Satellites of Ghana and from the look of things I am confident that both Ghana and Nigeria are going to progress from their groups in the African Youth Championship in Senegal.

"Also we cannot rule out the two teams (Flying Eagles and Black Satellites) meeting in the final of the (2015) Africa U-20 Championship in Senegal with what I see in today's (Monday) game. We have lots of quality players in Ghana’s team and my team also”, the Flying Eagles Coach told NationSport after the match in Accra on Monday.

Speaking on the grey areas in the first friendly match against

• Flying Eagles’ players discussing Monday's match with Black Satellites with their coaches Manu Garba and Nduka Ugbade which ended 2-2.

PHOTO: SEGUN OGUNJIMI, ACCRA

the Black Stellites that he would like to work on before today’s second leg match, Garba disclosed to NationSport that "If you go back to this game (Monday' match at Ohene Djan) I believe our defense is about one of the weakest areas not because they didn't do well but because they lost concentration momentarily especially from the left back and the momentary loss of concentration cost my team the penalty for Ghana’s first goal.

Also my full backs did not react well to the second ball which also cost us Ghana’s second goal otherwise we couldn’t have conceded the second goal too. I believe we will still work on those areas by the time we go into final preparations in Gambia. We should not forget the fact that a player like Wilfred Ndidi who is one of our key players in the central defence will soon join us before going to Gambia.

“We also have Christian Pyagbara who played a continental match for Dolphin Football Club of Port Harcourt at the weekend. We also have players we dropped. So before we choose the final 21 players that will represent Nigeria in the 2015 African U-20 Championship we would have considered all these factors to pick a solid team that will make Nigerians proud by qualifying for the FIFA U- 20 World Cup as well as doing well in the Championship”, Garba told NationSport at the Mpalaza Hotel camp of the Flying Eagles in Accra yesterday.

Paris Saint-Germain fight back to hold Chelsea

P

ARIS Saint-Germain have come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie last night.

PSG made a dominant start to the match and Blaise Matuidi forced Thibaut Courtois to beat away his header and moments later the keeper was alert to palm away a similar effort from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The hosts came close to scoring again when Edinson Cavani met a corner at the front post and flicked a header goalwards, but Courtois stretched out a hand to tip the ball behind.

Chelsea had barely posed a threat, but they took the lead in the 36th minute when John Terry's cross was flicked on

by Gary Cahill into the path of Branislav Ivanovic, who directed a header into the far corner.

PSG went into the break trailing, but within nine minutes of the restart they levelled the scores as Cavani met Matuidi's cross and guided a header beyond Courtois.

The hosts almost took the lead soon after when Ibrahimovic worked some space inside the box and saw his low strike saved by the keeper, before Ezequiel

Lavezzi's follow up was cleared off the line by Cesar Azpilicueta.

Laurent Blanc's side continued to look the more likely to score a second goal and David Luiz almost found the net against his former club with a header that was tipped over the bar.

With 10 minutes of the match left Cavani threatened

once more when he waved his way past a couple of challenges before poking a strike just wide of the far post.

In the final minute of stoppage time PSG almost stole the lead, but Ibrahimovic saw his header turned behind by Courtois to ensure that the Blues took a slim advantage into the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

RESULTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PSG 1 - 1 Chelsea Shakhtar 0 - 0 Bayern

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) tries to hold off Chelsea defender Gary Cahill

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘If the current face-off between the Nigerian and Nigerien army leaderships is not quickly resolved amicably, it has the capacity and ammunition to scuttle the ongoing regional military co-operation mid-way’ VOL.10 NO.3129

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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AST week Adamu Adamu, the sharpwitted Friday columnist of Daily Trust, described it as the “Return of June 12.”

He was, of course, referring to the postponement of this year’s general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whose hands were apparently forced by the military which claimed it could not guarantee safety and security of voters on the original E-Days.

Adamu was also referring to speculations about conspiracies afoot to install an Interim National Government or contrive an extension of President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

The Trust columnist’s comparison of the shift in this year’s elections with the high-wire political drama that started on June 10, 1993 and climaxed on June 26 was apt. Indeed what happened last month was worse; it was a replay of everything that has gone wrong with our contemporary political history since the military first dabbled into the nation’s politics in the early morning of that fateful day of January 15, 1966.

As readers old enough may recall, on June 10, 1993 an Abuja High Court under Justice Bassey Ikpeme granted a dubious organization that, apparently tongue-in-cheek, called itself Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), and led by the controversial businessman/ politician, Chief Arthur Nzeribe, its prayers to stop the presidential elections that the regime of President Ibrahim Babangida had scheduled for June 12 after several contrived false starts in its long transition programme.

I said dubious because as at time of Ikpeme’s judgement, ABN had not registered as a legal entity. I doubt if it ever did.

In granting ABN its prayers, the Honourable Judge obviously chose to ignore Decree 13 of 1993 which gave the National Electoral Commission (at the time the commission’s name had not been prefixed by the questionable “Independent”) power to determine the days of elections regardless of what any court may say. Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the chair of NEC, decided to ignore the court and go ahead with the elections. In doing so he had the personal backing of President Babangida; a day after Ikpeme’s judgement, the 14-member National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) under Babangida met on the issue and agreed that NEC should comply. Babangida overruled the council and asked NEC to go ahead with the elections.

Undeterred, ABN went before the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Mohammed Dahiru Saleh, this time to ask it to stop the release of the results. The Chief Judge, like Ikpeme before him, ruled in the association’s favour on June 15.

By then NEC had announced the results of 14 states or so along with FCT’s, and it was clear that the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and business mogul, Chief MKO Abiola, was romping home to victory against his rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, of the National Republican Congress.

This time, Nwosu decided to comply because this time he did not get the military

RIPPLES

FED GOVT’LL REBUILD CHIBOK SCHOOL, Says Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

••• and we’ll have CLASSROOMS without STUDENTS?

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Unlearn lesson of “June 12”

• Dr. Jonathan

president’s support to defy the courts. Instead, Babangida finally announced the cancelation of the election in a national broadcast on June 26. And the rest, as they say, is history.

At first glance the comparison of “June 12” and the postponement of last month’s elections may seem somewhat misleading; in one case the attempt to stop it failed and whereas the weapon of mischief in one was the judiciary in the other in has been the military. Even then their objective was the same; to stop a putative winner of the presidential election from taking over power and, by the same token, achieve the elongation of the tenure of the incumbent.

This was why I said at the beginning of this piece that last month’s shift of the dates of this year’s general election was worse than cancellation of “June 12”. My reason is simple: it shows not only that we have not learnt the lessons of that cancellation. Last month’s postponement also shows we are yet to learn the more tangible lesson that every single ruler in this country since 1966 who had tried to overstay his welcome and to play God has come to either a tragic end or suffered a disgraceful exist from power.

To begin with Major-General JTU AguiyiIronsi, our first military leader. Barely a month after the ousted civilian government of the assassinated Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa surrendered power to him as army commander, he set up a Constitutional Study Group under the famous late Chief FRA ‘Timi the Law’ Williams to draft a new constitution for a return to democracy.

However, even before the committee had settled down, he listened to a few power-hungry advisers and, in a fit of ethnic triumphalism,

I

F former president Olusegun Obasanjo is to be believed, and there are certainly reasons to believe him, the mountainous magnitude of official corruption in the country and the fearfulness of the culpable may be strong factors hardening the apparent desperation of President Goodluck Jonathan to cling to power despite his unmistakable unpopularity.

It is illuminating that in reaction to the controversial rescheduling of the country’s general elections by six weeks, Obasanjo said: “I believe the President’s fear is not leaving office per se, because he and I have had occasions to talk about this both seriously and jovially. I believe the President would want an opportunity to disengage peacefully and have a nice, decent and glorious exit. I believe the President’s fear is, particularly, motivated by those who see Gen Buhari as his likely successor.”

So, why is the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, perceived as a bugbear? Obasanjo again: “I believe those people have been telling him that Buhari is a hard man, he would fight corruption and you may end up in jail if not in the grave. I

promulgated the Unification Decree which abolished Nigeria as a Federation and concentrated all powers in his hands. He paid with his life in the counter-coup of July 1966.

Next, Lt-Colonel Yakubu Gowon who took over from Ironsi as the most senior Northern military officer. Under him the riots that had broken out in the North against Igbos in the region eventually led to our civil war. In his first Independence Anniversary broadcast after the end of the war in 1970, by which time he had become a general, he announced a sixyear transition programme to democracy. He changed his mind in 1974 when he announced on October 1 that 1976 was no longer realistic.

He was overthrown on July 29, 1975 while away in Uganda attending an Organization of African Unity annual conference. He subsequently suffered years of self-exile in the UK. His successor, the mercurial Brigadier-General Murtala Mohammed, promised a shorter four-year transition programme. He was killed in an unsuccessful meaningless coup on February 13, 1976. But the triumvirate of Generals Olusegun Obasanjo, Mohammed’s deputy, TY Danjuma, the army chief, and Shehu Musa Yar’adua, which took over kept his word. Obasanjo became a celebrated African statesman much in demand after he handed over power to Nigeria’s first elected executive president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, on October 1, 1979, after a presidential election which was disputed but which was nonetheless generally regarded as free, fair and credible.

The second election during the Second Republic in 1983 fell into even more disputation than that of 1979, not least because the civilians armed the Nigerian Police under Sunday Adewusi with weapons, including armoured tanks, and used it to try and cow the opposition. The impression that they were determined to retain power by hook or crook was cited by the military as one reason for the coup of December 31, 1983.

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari who took over did not announce any plans for a return to democracy. He was overthrown in a bloodless palace coup by his army chief, General Babangida, on August 27, 1985. The selfstyled military president’s eight-year transition programme became the longest and the most intricate in the country’s history and ended with the ‘June 12’denourment which,

DELE AGEKAMEH

in turn, forced him to “step aside” on August 27, 1993.

The Interim National Government of Chief Ernest Sonekan - a business mogul and from Abeokuta, like Abiola – which Babangida handed over to ostensibly to conduct another presidential election lasted only 82 days before it was overthrown by his army chief, General Sani Abacha, who Babangida had left behind as defence minister to shore up Sonekan. This was on November 17.

Interestingly Sonekan was overthrown at the behest of June 12fers led by no less than Abiola himself. Apparently they were all under the illusion that Abacha will risk his life and simply actualize June 12. Of course he did no such thing.

There are many who have argued that Abiola, far from being a hero of democracy, was a beneficiary of Babangida’s questionable political engineering in so far as he was silent when the military president twice banned more experienced politicians in order to clear the way for so-called Newbreed politicians, including the chief. Indeed he was on record to have boasted that he had a hand in a few coups, including the one that threw out Shagari whose administration he came to have serious political disagreements with.

Once in power, Abacha who had promised his stay would be brief pushed his transition programme to 1998 at the end of which it seemed he had plans to change his khaki for mufti; all the five political parties he allowed to be registered adopted him as their presidential candidate, prompting the late Chief Bola Ige to famously describe them as the five fingers of a leprous hand.

Sadly, Abacha, as we all know, died mysteriously in June 1998. He was succeeded by his chief of defence staff, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Abubakar promised eleven months of transition programme, the shortest in Nigerian history, and kept his word. This paved the way for the return of Obasanjo as the country’s second elected executive president on May 29, 1999.

We all know how, barely into his second term, he tried to change our Constitution to secure a third term but, mercifully, failed. He then foisted on the country a president whose health was weak and a Vice whose capabilities were questionable. The long-drawn out falling-out between godson and his godfather which ended last Monday with a sad melodrama of the godfather announcing his inglorious departure from a party he has been the alpha and omega of for close to a decade, was inevitable.

One would have thought that President Jonathan has learnt his lesson from the tragic political demise of his godfather and from the sad end to which everyone of our leaders who has tried to play God has fallen.

After last month’s postponement of this year’s general elections and widespread speculations about his unwillingness to leave even if he were to lose fairly and squarely, it is obvious that the president has been a very poor student of History.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Corruption and burden of fear

ruption seems to have grown into an untameable monster. Listen to his assessment of Buhari’s approach in the bygone days: “If he has learnt lessons, he would know that you do not fight corruption by putting people in jail for 200 years. And this has been done by my own predecessor in office, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar. He recovered over $750 million from Abacha’s estate without putting anybody in jail, without hurting or harming anybody.”

Obasanjo also gave credit to his own style as president, saying, “When I took over, we recovered over $1.25 billion from the same Abacha estate without hurting anybody, without harming anybody.”

Definitely, this is the kind of counterproductive thinking that encourages corruption. It is not quite clear what Obasanjo meant by “without hurting or harming anybody.” But it is clear enough that official corruption, especially of such monumental quality, always hurts and harms the society. It is simply unreasonable to argue for recovery of the gains of corruption without punishing the guilty.

believe people must have told him all sorts of things and he is not the only one, there are other people who may be afraid of Buhari.”

Those who fear the probable anti-corruption implications of a Buhari presidency may not be exactly paranoid, given his antecedents as a former military ruler whose short-term regime sought to cleanse the rot through unusually severe methods. However, perhaps the overriding argument in favour of Buhari, which should recommend him for power at this point in time, is his unassailable antiseptic personality. The truth is that those who have professionalised corruption deserve every possible fear; and a leader known to have zero tolerance for corruption like Buhari may well be the best positioned to reverse the rubbish.

It is noteworthy that Obasanjo, perhaps unwittingly, provided an insight into why cor-

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