The Nation February 29 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

EFCC: Ibori to face trial in Nigeria

28,000 Fed Govt workers may go

NEWS

Page 7

•Agency ‘ready to try ex-governor’

NEWS

Page 11

•Recurrent expenditure to be cut

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VOL. 7, NO. 2050 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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NJC decides Salami’s fate today From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE National Judicial Council (NJC) will today meet to determine whether the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, should be reinstated or not.

The 29-member stakeholders Judicial Reform Committee raised by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, on October 14 has recommended Justice Salami’s reinstatement. He was suspended by the NJC on August 18, last year after an emergency session.

J u s t i c e ANALYSIS Musdapher, on ON PAGE 2 October 14, last year, raised a 29member stakeholders Judicial Reform Committee, headed by a former CJN, Justice Muhammadu Uwais.

A sub-committee of the panel, including Justice Mamman Nasir, Continued on page 2

•Tumultous supporters of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi celebrating the dismissal of ‘former governor’ Segun Oni’s case at the Court of Appeal at the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti ... last night

Southeast bids Ojukwu exciting bye

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HE remains of Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu went on a whistle-stop tour of three state capitals in the Southeast yesterday, sending the region where he once presided into a frenzy.

Thousands turned out to wave a final bye to Ojukwu in the commercial city of Aba (Abia State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) and Enugu (Enugu State). Shops were shut.

The late Ikemba Nnewi had charge of the remains at the capispecifically requested that his re- tals.

The body left Owerri, where it mains be taken to Aba. Although he hailed from Nnewi, Anambra passed the night after being State, where his body will be flown in from Abuja on Monday evening, for Aba in the buried on Friday (not MORE ON PAGES 4 & 5 morning.

From Aba, the body Thursday as we erroneously reported yester- was taken to Abakaliki where day), Ojukwu lived in Enugu more than 30,000 people gathsince his return from exile in ered at the Ebonyi capital’s township stadium from 8.00a.m Cote d’Ivoire in 1982.

Military pall bearers took Continued on page 2

•Dr Fayemi, who returned to the state after an official visit to Abuja on Monday and Ibadan yesterday, addressing the crowd... last night. With him is Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka

North under attack over capital votes protest Southsouth: our share inadequate North vows to fight on

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•House Speaker Tambuwal

ITH their push for a rework of the budget, the North’s lawmakers have stoked a huge anger among their southern colleagues and others.

Lawmakers are divided across regional blocks on the alleged lopsided allocation of capital votes in the 2012 budget – as reported exclusively yesterday by The Nation.

National Assembly members from

By Bolade Omonijo, Emmanuel Oladesu, Onyedi Ojiabor, Bisi Olaniyi, Victor Oluwasegun, Sanni Onogu, Kola Adeyemi, Tony Akowe and Yusufu Aminu Idegu

the North maintained yesterday that they would block the passage of the Appropriation Bill, unless the perceived inequity is addressed. Southern lawmakers contended that the Northerners were merely crying wolf.

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi,

who represents Ekiti North, accused the Northern caucus of the House of Representatives of playing games with figures. He said while the figures presented could be correct, it would only make meaning when comparative statistics of allocations over five years is released.

He said: “In as much as the budget looks as they have presented it, it would have been more interesting for them to go historical and see what the calculation was five years ago, four years ago, three years ago, two years ago. They should do a time trend analysis to see whether what they are saying here is consistently so over a Continued on page 2

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

NEWS Southeast bids Ojukwu exciting bye Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) introducing his aides to visiting Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika (second from right), who visited the State House in Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

to receive it. But the body did not arrive until 3.10p.m. It was received by a team led

by Governor Martins Elechi.

The three-day burial programme slated for Enugu will continue today. Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi yesterday received the body at the Akanu Ibiam Airport.

A mass was held at the Government House last night. Another will hold today.

President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to attend tomorrow’s burial service and tributes day at the Okpara Square.

•The late Ojukwu

NJC decides suspended Appeal Court President Salami’s fate today Continued from page 1

Justice U. Kalgo and Justice Bola Ajibola, asked the CJN and the NJC to reinstate Justice Salami back to his position.

The Committee upheld the decisions of the sub-committee and recommended Justice Salami’s reinstatement.

According to a source, Justice Salami’s fate is on the NJC’s agenda.

The source said: “The NJC will on Wednesday meet over the recommendations of the Uwais Committee.

“The committee strongly recommended Justice Salami’s return to office and the reconciliation of the suspended President of the Court of Appeal with the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu. “The committee has also advised Justice Salami to withdraw all the cases he has instituted in court as part of the reconciliation being sought in the judiciary.”

Justice Musdapher is believed to have been consulting with President Goodluck Jonathan in the last few weeks on the committee’s recommendations.

Another source claimed that the CJN sent a 24-page private letter to the President on the recommendations of the Uwais Panel on Justice Salami and the way forward.

In the letter, the CJN is said to have stated why, in his view, Justice Salami should be reinstated.

Will Jonathan rise above board?

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T is six months since Justice Isa Ayo salami was suspended from office as President of the Court of Appeal (PCA). The decision by the National Judicial Council (NJC), which claimed to have derived its power from Part 1, paragraph 1, section 21 (b) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, was based on an allegation that has since been discovered to be unsubstantiated and frivolous. In view of this, the Uwais Judiciary Reform Committee set up by Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher last October recommended the PCA’s reinstatement.

Today, the NJC is expected to examine the recommendation and empower the CJN to forward it to the President.

The suspension was highly controversial, drawing flaks from opposition politicians, lawyers, retired Justices and lovers of democracy. President Goodluck Jonathan said he was constrained to approve the recommendaAccording to sources, the CJN felt it was time for the Judiciary to move forward because the absence of a substantive PCA has affected the activities of the appellate court.

It was gathered that the stalemate led to the renewal of the appointment of Justice Dalhau Adamu as the acting President of the Court of Appeal.

Responding to a question, the source said: “The NJC’s decision on Justice Salami is the only recommendation that can be constitutionally binding on President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The NJC is critical to what-

ANALYSIS

By Bolade Omonijo, Group Political Editor

tion by an NJC meeting believed to have failed to form a quorum. He said the judiciary should be accorded respect to run its affairs as an independent branch of government without interference from another arm.

If the NJC okays Justice Salami’s reinstatement, it will then remain for the President to demonstrate that he is truly a defender of democracy and the rule of law. When he assumed office, he pledged to be fair to all, uphold the constitution and promote good governance. The judiciary is expected, at all times to be seen as independent, fearless and neutral. Only then would the judgments delivered be respected and the cause of national stability served.

A country in which the judiciary is in

ever will be the fate of a judge; that is why Wednesday’s meeting is crucial for both the Executive and the Judiciary.”

The President is empowered to determine Justice Salami’s fate - in line with the process outlined by Part I, Paragraph I, Section 21(b) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 292(1)( a)(i).

Other recommendations of the Uwais panel, which may be considered by the NJC, are: •that the appointment of CJN from outside the rank of Justice of Supreme Court should be considered by the

crisis is one waiting to be laid to waste by internal disorder and instability.

The apex judicial administrative body is meeting today to ensure that the sector is better positioned. Some of the weighty recommendations will go to the National Assembly to form part of the constitution amendment process.

All patriots and nationalists have been campaigning for the restructuring of the judiciary, reconstitution of judicial bodies, including the NJC, the Federal Judicial Service Commission and modernisation of the Criminal Procedure Laws.

One man who has the final say in the matter is President Jonathan. He approved Justice Salami’s suspension on the recommendation of the NJC, and would have to reinstate him on the recommendation of the Council. The world is watching Nigeria to see whether democracy is actually growing here.

Federal Judicial Service Commission; •the need to reform the system of appointment of judges by giving preference to court room experience and decision in legal practice; •that number of years for which a legal practitioner needs to be qualified prior to consideration for appointment as a Judge of the High Court should be increased from 10 years to minimum of 15 years post-call experience, 20 years post-call experience for the Court of Appeal and 25 years post call experience for the Supreme Court.

•NJC should sanction Judges who, from available record of NJC, have been found not to be performing. Such sanction should include removal where applicable. The need for sanction to be imposed for contempt ex-satiae curiae; •to reduce the backlog of criminal cases, retired Judges and senior member of the Bar should be appointed for a limited period of time to act as recorders (adhoc Judges) to adjudicate on criminal cases; •the criminal procedure laws are outdated and should be modernised and amended; and that

•the Attorney-General of the Federation and the AttorneysGeneral of states should cease to be members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission or committee, as the case may be.

Members of the committee include former CJNs S.M.A. Belgore, Idris L. Kutigi and A.I. Katsina-Alu, Mamman Nasir (former PCA), A.G. KaribiWhyte, Mustapha Akanbi, Umaru Abdullahi (former PCA), Kayode Eso (rtd. JSC), Umaru A. Kalgo (rtd. JSC) and Rose N. Ukeje (former CJ, Federal High Court).

Others are: Justice R.P.I. Bozimo (former Chief Judge, Delta State), Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi (Chief Judge, FCT), Joseph Daudu, SAN (NBA President), Chief Richard O. Akinjide SAN (former A-GF), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), (former A-GF), Dr. A.G.F. AbdulRazak (SAN) and Anthony O. Mogboh SAN. It also included former NBA Presidents T.J.O. Okpoko, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), O.C.J. Okocha (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu (SAN) and Prince Lanke Odogiyan, Esq. Other members are Hajiya Hairat Balogun, Prof.

Epiphany Azinge (SAN), (Director-General, National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS), Dr. Mamman Tahir (Director-General, Nigerian Law School) and Mr. A.B. Mahmud (SAN).

North’s House caucus under attack over capital votes protest Continued from page 1

period of time or it is a case of shifting priorities from one place to another.”

Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom Northeast) described the outcry as an attempt to befuddle issues. “This is a very unpatriotic development at this time. The grumbling by some people about the allocation to the Southsouth is uncalled for and wrong. It is wrong because the analysis is not correct. Whoever is pushing the figure, let him bring out the total from where it is.

“We are even complaining that what we are getting in the Southsouth is not enough, compared to what they are using in building dams, irrigation and building dual car-

riageway, and constructing railways in the northern part of the country. Is there any railway in Akwa Ibom? Is there any railway in Cross River? Is there any railway in Abia State?

“How many roads are there in the entire Southsouth? Is it not only the presidential initiative project of East-West road? Whereas there is a road from the Northcentral to Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Maiduguri.”

Enang queried the lopsidedness in the creation of local governments that have statutorily allocated funds to some states.

The former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rules and Business said: “Kano State alone has about 44 local gov-

ernments areas. Lagos State has 20 and each receives allocation. The complaint about the allocation to the Southsouth is most unfair, very unfair.”

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) said: “I will even want the 13 per cent derivation increased to 50 per cent because what the oil bearing states are getting is not enough.”

Hon. Bimbo Daramola, a member of the House from Ekiti State, urged lawmakers to shun ethnicity in discussing grave national issues.

“I want to believe that if it is empirically proven that these projects are ultimately meant to take care of our brothers and for development we can see, and not that it will end up in the pockets

of some individuals to fund and fuel corruption, our brothers from across the Niger should appreciate the fact that we have given them that level of concession …

Though it has not come to the floor of the House, but it is a fact that if this is all about ensuring that the peculiarity of Niger Delta is well captured and secured, I don’t think we should raise unnecessary dust about it.”

But to House spokesman Zakari Mohammed, who said he was speaking in his private capacity, there should be no anxiety over the matter.

“Things like this are bound to happen in a legislature.

People will always raise objections. It is normal. Solutions will eventually come when we discuss the budget

on the floor of the House,” he said.

Sani Idris (PDP, Niger State) would not be so diplomatic. He said: “We have the Federal Character Act that stipulates equal distribution of resources across the facets of this country, which means that this should not be an argument, but that we should sit down and ask ourselves if we have been fair to each other about the distribution of resources according to the Act.” Political leaders from the North backed their House members. Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) spokesman Anthony Sani told The Nation that if members of the House of Representatives felt that their constituencies have been short changed, they

have the right to address the imbalance democratically.

“After all, democracy can bring about progress only if there are changes through robust debates,” he said.

But, to an activist, Mallam Shehu Sani, “the rejection of the budget in favour of the Southsouth in terms of capital vote is laughable, especially coming on the heels of the call by Niger Governor and chairman of Northern Governors Forum Babangida Aliyu on the need to re-examine the revenue sharing formula, with the view of reducing the allocation to states in the Niger Delta and increasing same to the Northern states”. “It is ridiculous,” he said, adding: Continued on page 7

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933-2011) NEW YEAR MESSAGES

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP TOP:: From left: Bianca Ojukwu, wife of Imo State governor, Nkechi Okorocha, Governor Rochas Okrorocha and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Agbaso at the Sam Mbakwe Airport ...yesterday; eminent personalities paying their last respects to Ojukwu; Obi; Chief Martin Agbaso; Catholic priests led by Mosgr. Obiora Ike at the service held at the Govt. House Enugu…yesterday; Sen. Chukwumerije (left), Senator Ben. Obi and Senator Emeka Ihejioha, at the Government House, Enugu. ……yesterday; Governor Orji paying his last respect to Ojukwu at the Township Stadium, Aba; and people waving as Ojukwu’s body arrived the stadium.

PHOTOS: OBI CLETUS and NAN

Why we brought Ojukwu’s body to Aba, by Orji

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday said he was happy to have ensured that one of the last wishes of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu was fulfilled.

Orji said Ojukwu had requested that his body be brought to Aba before burial.

The governor, who spoke at a lying-in-state ceremony for Ojukwu at the Aba Township Stadium , said: “We are honouring the late Ojukwu by bringing him to Aba as one of his last wishes. He pleaded to be brought to this great commercial city when ever he dies and now it is the turn of Abia State to observe the burial rite, which is why Aba is the venue.”

He described the late Ojukwu as a detribalised man, who was born in Zungeru in the North, brought up in the West and ruled the Eastern region, which is his place of origin.

He said: “One can see that he came into this world fully prepared to serve the people.

“He chose to leave his wealthy background to fight for the right of his people, even putting the wealth of his father in the course of the fight

Anambra Reps to Fed Govt: immortalise Ikemba

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

for justice for his people. This shows that wealth means little or nothing to him.”

Orji said when the centre could no longer hold, Ojukwu led his people to war to fight for justice, adding that the war opened the eyes of the people.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said he is overwhelmed with the kind honour people have been giving Ojukwu both within and outside the country since his death, stressing that his name has become synonymous with justice.

Obi advised Nigerians to emulate what Ojukwu lived for, saying:“we must move beyond mouthing of slogans about Ikemba, as he was married to justice and helped to turn those his ideals into what will be of benefit to humanity by living them out.”

Spokesman of the surviving members of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Kano, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, said while facing Ojukwu’s body: “I want to say that you were the best officer we ever had, as you taught how to speak, behave and respect the senior officers.

HE Federal Government has been urged to immortalise the late Igbo leader, Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu in recognition of his contributions to national development.

Anambra State caucus in the House of Representatives spoke yesterday after honouring the icon with a procession into the chambers.

Spokesperson of the group, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, (PDP, Anambra) said it is incumbent on the Federal Government and all the Southeast States to immortalise Ojukwu due to his contributions to socio-political development of the country as well as the Igbo race.

Jerry Alagbaso, (PDP,Imo) said Ojukwu’s legacies were enough for the entirety of Nigerians to appreciate.

“The entire week is devoted to Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu who was the former military administrator in the Southeast. Members of the Anambra State caucus decided to enter the House of Representatives today and give him a symbolic entrance into the House and as a kind of national recognition considering the calibre of person he was and his contribution to development of this nation.

“It’s now time for Nigeria to give him the national honour and immortalise, which the House adopted, the same thing happened in the Senate and I’m sure with the kind of honour Federal Government gave him yesterday, they are going to honour him and recognise him.

“So, we are looking forward that Federal Government will not disappoint us. I’m sure that the entire Southeast individually and collectively are going to recognise and immortalise him. I’m sure the entire Southeast will obviously immortalise him.”

Alagbaso said Ojukwu impacted on the people. He said: “Ikemba, in all socio-economic and political ramification, was the conscience of Nigeria. Those things that agitated his mind many years ago, which needed political and economic attention but were not attended to then, are today agitating the minds of Nigerians.”

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• The late Ojukwu

“I am talking about my commander, Lt Col. Emeka Ojukwu who was the commander of the 5th battalion Kano, who taught us that soldiering was not only about being brutish, also include being both alert and using our intelligence to achieve results.”

The ceremony was attended by three governors, Orji, Obi and Rochas Okorocha.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933-2011)

•Biafran war veterans at the funeral rites in honour of Odumegwu-Ojukwu in Aba... yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Tumultous welcome for Ojukwu in Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi

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FTER a tour of Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states, the remains of Dim Chukwemeka Ojukwu was yesterday evening received at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu by the deputy governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi for a three-day burial rites in the coal city.

His body was brought in a Nigerian Airforce helicopter marked NAF 528 at about 5.20 pm from Abakaliki, the Ebonyi capital.

Ojukwu lived most of his life in Enugu on his return from exile in Ivory Coast. He also administered the former Eastern Region from Enugu.

Immediately after the airport formalities, the entourage led by Governor Peter Obi and Senator Uche Chukwumerije drove straight to the Government House, Enugu where a requiem mass was held for the repose of his soul.

The mass led by Monsignor Obiora Ike, who was assisted by a battery of priests.

The first lesson of the mass was taken from Acts of the Apostles chapter 20 verses 11 to 21 while Enugu governor’s wife, Clara Chime read the second lesson taken from the book of Psalm 14 verses 7 to 12.

The mass was conducted in Latin,

•Abakaliki stands still for Ikemba Enugu Assembly shelves plenary

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HE Enugu State House of Assembly yesterday cancelled its plenary session to enable its members to participate in activities lined up to honour the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports said the lawmakers would not hold any session until Ojukwu’s burial on March 2.

Mr Donatus Uzogbado (PDP-Oji-River), the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Petroleum, told reporters that shelving the plenary for two days was not too big a sacrifice to make when compared to the sacrifice Ojukwu made for Igbo.

From Chris Oji, Enugu and Obinna Ogbonnaya, Abakaliki

according to the wishes of the fallen Igbo leader.

In his sermon, Monsignor Ike said with the demise of Ojukwu, the Igbos are reuniting once more.

He enjoined the Igbo not to throw away this unity to the winds and ensure that the injustice Ojukwu fought for was crushed.

He said Ojukwu’s struggles should not be allowed to die as it

Another lawmaker, Mr Okechukwu Nwoke (PDPIgboetiti West), said Ojukwu was an Enugu State man because he spent most of his life in Enugu.

“We have to honour him because he was our own.

Ndigbo have lost a rare gem who lived all his life fighting their cause,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, top security officers of the joint security force in Enugu are working to ensure a hitch-free reception for the remains of the Ikemba Nnewi.

The organisers of the event were also putting finishing touches at the Micheal Okpara Square venue of tomorrow’s national funeral for Ojukwu which President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to attend.

was a struggle for all oppressed people of Nigeria.

Another mass will be held again today at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu while an enlarged burial ceremony will be held tomorrow at the Okpara Square.

President Goodluck Jonathan is expected at the Okpara Square.

Abakaliki stood still for the late Biafran leader yseterday, as markets, shops and other businesses were closed. Residents trooped to the Abakaliki Township stadium to re-

ceive the body of the late Igbo leader.

Over 1000 mobile policemen, soldiers, officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Civil Defence Corps and officials of the Immigration Service were also deployed to ensure the security of lives and property.

Members of the Biafra Movement and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) marched round the major streets chanting pro-Biafran songs.

Ojukwu’s body was flown into

Kalu hails Jonathan over Ojukwu

Eyiboh pays tribute to ex-Biafran leader

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HE Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Commiittee on Civil Society and Donor Agencies Eseme Eyiboh yesterday described the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was a patriot.

Eyiboh, in a statement, said Ojukwu championed the cause of justice.

He said: “The demise of Ojukwu has unveiled the challenge of injustice in the pursuit of Nationalism. The evolution of our sovereignty cannot be complete if we only mumble in the inner recesses of our minds the desire for justice for all, without necessarily revisiting the manifest reason for that cause, His Excellency, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu-Ojukwu championed.

Nigeria today is fast becoming an elephant with clay on its feet and the paradox of its unfortunate state is its

stunted growth occasioned by injustice, corruption and lack of national consciousness amidst clement weather, persevering population and great human and material resource pool.

“Dim Ojukwu represented in life an epitome of a candle that lost nothing in lighting others and in death, a chapter in our seeming desire for unity in diversity and national consciousness. No tribute befits a general of a populist cause, more than our collective determination to effect justice for all and enforce the rule of law that is no respecter of any religion, tribe or man. ‘General’ Ojukwu never lived long enough, but his life of courage and common humanity was good and long enough. He impacted our world and bestrode the corridor of humanity in many uncommon ways.”

Anambra CP to lead police team to burial

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NAMBRA State Police Commissioner Murtari Ibrahim will lead his men to the burial of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu.

Ibrahim was in Ojukwu’s Nnewi residence yesterday .

He said his team was conducting on the ground checks to ensure that adequate and appropriate security measures were put in place for the funeral.

Speaking for his boss, police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, said police officer in the state, includ-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

ing top shots, would be assigned duties to handle during the funeral rites.

The commissioner assured Nigerians of the security of life and property, as all roads, car parks, lodging areas, and all designated stop-overs would be adequately manned by his command.

He said: “We are checking on all connecting roads to see if are there weaknesses we can boost, especially where check points are really needed during this period. Also, we want to make sure the compound, car parks

and the like are ready for us to resume duties.

“We assure Nigerians coming for the burial that we are committed in ensuring their protection and we will do everything in our power to do so. In the light of this, every officer will work to bring this to fruition. I, too will work with my men during the burial.”

The police chief was accompanied by top officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other sister agencies.

He also visited the Igwe of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu.

Abakaliki at about 3.10pm and was received by Governor Martin Elechi, former Governor Sam Egwu, among other prominent citizens of the state.

Elechi said without the Civil war, little would probably have been known about Ojukwu.

Ojukwu’s refusal to surrender in many trying circumstances, he noted was a mark of consistency.

According to the governor, Ojukwu was seen by different people differently. “To the families and communities that lost their dear ones, property or self-esteem in the course of the war, Ojukwu became a man to be hounded, to others that lesser hate him, Ojukwu was merely a child of circumstance,” the governor said.

In a sermon, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State chapter, Rev. Emmanuel Nshii said Ojukwu’s death was a reminder that there is a beginning and an end to every creature. He urged the people to live an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

Some of the Igbo leaders, who were at the Abakaliki Township Stadium to receive Ojukwu, include: Chief ABC Nwosu, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Ben Obi and APGA’s National Chairman, Victor Umeh.

•Kalu

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ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu yesterday commended President Goodluck Jonathn for the Federal Government’s participation in the burial rites of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Kalu said: “President Jonathan is

in the right office at the right time.I do not think any other sitting Nigerian President would have honoured the Great Ikemba like Mr. President.He eschewed politics, shoved aside ethnic considerations and went ahead to change the course of falsified history by treating Ojukwu as a hero and nationalist.

“The Vice-President was there; so was the Senate President. First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan turned out in mourning dress. I just wished Ojukwu could open his eyes for one second to see his beloved country lifting him.”

The ex-governor said Ojukwu fought a war of unity.

“Call it civil war, or what you wish.To me it was a war of unity,where brother fought against brother.A Cyril Iweze on the Federal side and a Ganiyu Adeleke commanding the Biafra School of Infantry.You could find Tony Igwe playing football in Lagos while a Princess, daughter of late Oba Oyekan of Lagos dodged bullets in Ogwuaga, Abba in the Igbo hinterland,”Kalu said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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NEWS New Masquerade creator Gringory is dead

‘America not working for Nigeria’s disintegration’

By Ahmed Boulor

NOLLYWOOD has been thrown into mourning again following yesterday’s death of James Iroha, a.k.a. Gringory in the now-rested TV series New Masquerade .

The veteran actor battled with a prolonged illness, which rendered him partially blind.

His son, Akwari, in a post on Facebook, confirmed his death.

The post reads: “September 1942February 2012. Not long ago, a man we have all come to love, a man that has made us laugh, a friend to all but will always be dad to my little sister Ugonma, my brothers, Chiemela, Uche, Kelechi and me, passed on.”

Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President Segun Arinze said the 69year-old would be missed.

•US Consul-General visits The Nation

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ONSUL-General of the United States Consulate- General in Lagos Joseph Stafford yesterday said the American government has nothing to do with a report, which predicted that Nigeria would disintegrate by 2015.

He spoke yesterday during a visit to the head office of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation.

Stafford, who was accompanied by an Information Specialist in the Consulate-General, Mr Femi Omowunmi, said: “I don’t know where the idea that we think that Nigeria is going to disintegrate by 2015 came from. No, we do not believe that. And we are not working for the disintegration of Nigeria.

“On the contrary, we believe that the people of Nigeria are committed to the fundamental unity of the country and we support that wholeheartedly. The idea of Nigeria, disintegrating, dismembering, is nonsense to us.“ Stafford described the Boko Haram as “a domestic extremist loose group comprising of different factions.” He said the group may have external links with al-qaeda and other groups outside the country.

“A lot still has to be learnt about the nature of those links,” he said.

He advised that responding to the challenge posed by Boko Haram “requires a comprehensive strategy that involves more than just security.” He added: “Responding to the violence in the North is protecting

By Joe Agbro Jr.

the civilians that are in the areas where Boko Haram operates. There is the issue of respecting their rights at the same time so that they are not caught in the crossfire. And it is important to address the underlining socio-economic grievances that can give rise to extremism as represented by these elements of Boko Haram.”

Speaking on the US’s position on the growing influence of the Chinese in African economy, Stafford said: “We compete with foreign firms, whether Chinese, Western European, and so we have no sense of alarm over their role. We believe that US firms can continue to compete effectively with Chinese and other firms.”

He said a level-playing field where US companies are treated equally with other foreign companies was needed.

According to him, what the US craves for is a, “a suitable business environment in which the sanctity of contracts is upheld, rights to investors are upheld and there is a level playing field for competition.”

On piracy and smuggling, he said: “The US Navy has also provided maritime surveillance, installations, equipment, at different ports in Nigeria.”

Referring to the bi-national commission established in 2010 to bring senior officials from both countries to discuss on issues such as security,

•The late Iroha

•Stafford... yesterday governance, democracy and transparency, energy and investment, food security, public health, and the

Niger Delta, Stafford said: “We want to do everything we can to promote Nigeria’s leadership role.”

Mother relives how Naval rating threw love-child into lagoon

S

HE shed tears telling her story. Miss Glory Yusuf said a Naval rating, Moses Joseph, threw her baby girl, which was the product of their relationship into a lagoon in Apapa, Lagos Miss Yusuf said she dated the suspect, who is attached to the Naval Base at Apapa, for months.

She said: “He was a neighbour to my elder sister. He promised he was going to marry me and even went to introduce himself to my family in Lagos. When I eventually got pregnant, he suggested I terminate the pregnancy, which I refused. I did not know he wanted me to kill my unborn child then because he was already married and did not want his family to know about me.

“When I found out that the woman and two kids I see in his house are his wife and children, I decided to move on with my life. I left the barracks and moved to an apartment in Boundary area in Ajegunle. He had earlier told me that the woman and the kids are his late brother’s wife and children.”

She noted that Joseph became hostile to her and threatened to kill her if she decided to keep the pregnancy but she ignored him.

Yusuf added: “I started seeing another version of Joseph after I refused to terminate the pregnancy. I left the barrack where I was staying and moved to Boundary at Ajegunle but before I left, he told me that he would not be responsible for my pregnancy, which did not really bother me.”

According to her, Joseph trailed her to her apartment at Boundary and beat her up after he found out that she had given birth to a baby girl.

Miss Yusuf said: “ I went through a lot to take care of myself during

‘

By Jude Isiguzo

the pregnancy and my familywas supporting me. So, after I gave birth to the baby on January 13, Joseph trailed me to the house at Boundary and forced me to hand over the baby to him.

“I refused and he started beating me. It was neighbours that saved me from being killed by him. As if that was not enough, he came back the next day and demanded for the baby but I refused; he slapped me in the face and I fainted. He tried to take the baby away but my neighbours stopped him and hid the baby. “ Miss Yusuf said Joseph sponsored some hoodlums who invaded her house on February 2 and kidnapped her baby, Happiness.

She said: “I called my mother to come from the village after I regained consciousness so that she can assist me to take care of my baby. We were together when the hoodlums numbering eight, stormed my house. They beat me up and my mother to a coma. Two of them were holding guns while the others had broken bottles and other kinds of sharp objects which they used on us. Though I tried to hide my baby because I suspected that they came for her, they searched the house and found her and ran away with her. I ran after them shouting for help from neighbours. That was when I saw Joseph on a bike parked ahead on the street; I called out to him to bring my baby. I saw their faces very well because there was light but Joseph refused. I made calls to his mobile phones but he did not answer.”

Miss Yusf said she and her sister, Mama Victory, later reported the incident to the police and the

I want justice for my dead baby. I want the Navy to hand over Joseph to the police for prosecution. It has been more than three weeks now and they said they are investigating him.

So, I am calling on the Naval authorities to hand Joseph over to the police for killing my baby. He has caused me great pains

‘

• VICTIM’S MOTHER: Miss Yus 0uf...yesterday

Navy authority at Navy Barracks, Satellite Town.

The suspect was said to have been arrested and he allegedly confessed that he collected the baby from the hoodlums that fateful day and placed her inside a carton, which he allegedly threw into the lagoon at Liverpool.

It was gathered that the Navy authorities arrested two of the hoodlums who were involved in the crime.

The case has been transferred to

the Homicide Department at State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.

Two of the hoodlums are in police custody while Joseph is said to be in the custody of the Navy.

Miss Yusuf said: “ I want justice for my dead baby. I want the Navy to hand over Joseph to the police for prosecution. It has been more than three weeks now and they said they are investigating him. So, I am calling on the Naval authorities to hand Joseph over to the police for killing my baby. He has caused me great pains.”

Police spokesman Jaiyeoba Joseph confirmed the story. Joseph said the case was being investigated by the SCID. He said two of teh suspects are in police custody.

He added that the naval rating, who is still with the Navy, will soon be handed over to the police.

Retired police officers fault pension scheme From Johnny Danjuma Lafia

RETIRED Police Officers in Nasarawa State have faulted the new police pension scheme.

They spoke with reporters yesterday in Lafia at the Police Officer’s Mess on Jos road. The officers said the old National Pension Commission(PENCOM) was higher than the new one.

Led by Retired CSP Yakubu Madaki, the retired-officer said while retired Superintendents of Police and Deputy Superintendents of Police, under the new Act, take N28,000 and N26,000 as monthly pensions, the same cadres under the old Act get N45,000 and N50,000 monthly.

Fed Govt to deliver 100 Almajiri schools by June Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike yesterday said the Federal Government would provide 100 Almajiri Schools to the 19 northern states by June.

Wike who spoke during a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, noted that the Federal Government was determined to ensure that Almajiris have access to quality education.

He said the government has started 400 Almajiri schools across the country in line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign promise.

The minister said he was in Sokoto to monitor the pace and quality of work.

“The purpose of our visit to Sokoto is to monitor what contractors are doing to ensure they deliver according to specification.

We are determined to meet up with the Millennium Development Goals of access to quality education by 2015,” he said.

Wike solicited the support of the Sultan for programmes for the Almajiris.

Abubakar hailed the Federal Government for developing schools to educate Almajiris.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

7

NEWS

Ribadu flashes red card to ‘unscrupulous’ oil players

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NSCRUPULOUS players in the nation’s petroleum industry were yesterday told that the game is over.

The presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last year’s election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said it will no long be business as usual.

He spoke in Abuja after the inauguration of the Petroleum Revenue Task Force by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke.

Ribadu is the chairman of

•Petroleum Revenue Task Force inaugurated From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

the task force.

The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the taskforce would promote values that support a new dawn of business conduct in the sector for the benefit of those who play by the rule.

He said: “We seek a new ethics by promoting values that support a new dawn of business conduct in the sec-

tor so that those who play by the rules enjoy all the best support and the unscrupulous players get a red card announcement that the game is finally over.”

He however noted that the country is currently at a crossroad, stressing that the inauguration of the taskforce is to connect the administration and members of the public to a fresh level of accountability.

Ribuadu admitted that part of the future challenges

is to renew the faith of accountability with the citizenry.

“The truth, however, is that Nigeria is today at a crossroad, we are at a juncture. We understand the constitution of this taskforce as part of the efforts to connect the public and the administration in newer levels of accountability,” he said.

Ribadu pleaded with Nigerians to intimate the taskforce with information that will make the job easier.

He promised that the taskforce which was given 60 days to accomplish its task will be able to deliver.

Mrs Allison-Madueke, who expressed confidence in the calibre of the members, mandated them to work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes, royalties, etc.) due and payable to the Federal Government.

Besides, she urged the Ribadu-led task force to take all necessary steps to collect all debts due and owing; to ob-

•Mrs Alison-Madueke (third right), Ribadu (third left), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) (second left) and other members of the task force…yesterday

Ibori ‘ll still face trial in Nigeria, says EFCC

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Continued from page 2

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

in UK criminal justice system.

“Sadly, it has taken five years of legal rigmarole and high drama for the former governor to own up to having committed some of the crimes for which Justice Marcel Awokulehin of the Federal High Court, Asaba sensationally acquitted him in December 2009. The Commission challenged the ruling. That appeal is still pending before the Court of Appeal, Benin City , Edo State .

“While the EFCC looks forward to the sentencing of Ibori on April 16, it is however, a matter of concern that it took the intervention of the UK criminal justice system for justice to be served in the Ibori case. While all who worry over the effect of corruption on our nation may celebrate the Ibori guilt plea, we must all spare a thought for our judiciary, which needs urgent reform to ensure that those who loot our treasury do not get away with their loot. In deed, Nigerians must rally in support of the dogged efforts of the incumbent Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher to reform the judiciary for greater efficiency.”

The EFCC assured Nigerians that the law will still take its course on Ibori whenever he is repatriated.

The statement added: “Now that Ibori has owned up to his crime, the Commission is mindful of the concern in some quarters as to what becomes of his case with the EFCC. Will he be arrested and tried again

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

North under attack over capital votes protest

•Anti-graft commission won’t vacate other cases HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said ex-Delta State Governor James Ibori will still face trial irrespective of the outcome of his trial at the Southwark Court in London .

The commission said the London case is just a minutest aspect of corruption cases against the ex-governor.

The EFCC, which made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the forthcoming conviction of Ibori by the London Court on April 16, will not lead to the vacation of other cases he has in some courts in Nigeria.

The statement said: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) received with happiness, the news on February 27, 2012 to the effect that the former governor of Delta State , Chief James Onanefe Ibori had pleaded guilty to fraud, stealing and money laundering charges before a Southwark Crown Court in London . This, indeed, is a welcome development which vindicates the Commission’s position ab initio that Ibori had a case to answer.

“The interesting aspect of the development in London is the fact that Ibori chickened out of a full blown fraud and money laundering trial by changing his plea. This was purely a gambit to run away with a lighter sentence, rather than the product of a plea bargain as erroneously reported earlier in sections of the media. For the avoidance doubt, plea bargain is not recognised

tain agreements and enforce payment terms by all oil industry operators.

The task force, said Mrs Allison-Madueke, is expected to design a cross debt matrix between all agencies and parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

It is also to develop an automated platform to enable effective tracking, monitoring, and online validation of income and debt drivers of all parastatals and agencies within the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

•Ibori on the completion of his jail term in London? Or, will the EFCC close the Ibori case?

“For the benefit of stakeholders and lovers of justice, it is interesting to note that the offences for which Ibori faces imminent jail term in London is only a minute aspect of the bouquet of offences committed by the former governor during his eight year rule of Delta State .

“The bulk of the criminal charges against the former governor are still before courts in Nigeria and there are no plans to vacate those charges.

Moreover, the former governor didn’t steal alone. There were accomplices and as recent as two weeks ago, some persons who allegedly assisted him to launder stolen funds were questioned by the Commission. EFCC is determined to bring all Ibori accomplices to book, no matter how long it takes.

“For now, the Commission awaits the sentencing of Ibori and, more importantly, the repatriation of the funds stolen from the treasury of Delta State government. That will be some just reward to Nigerians for the efforts and resources that have been committed to the corruption and money laundering investigation and trial of Chief James Ibori.”

“It is a kind of conspiracy between the northern political class to give excuse for their nonperformance and betrayal of the people who voted for them. Governor Aliyu and his cohorts should be thinking of how they can harness the human and natural resources of the region to improve the quality of life of the people and make the region less dependent on federal charity that has become a reason for its ridicule.

“Today in the northern part of Nigeria, most resources allocated to the states and the local governments, which ideally should be used to build schools, hospitals, support commerce and industry and revamp infrastructure, agriculture and solid minerals are shared to pro-government traditional rulers, religious clerics and political cronies for narrow and immediate political gains.

“Governor Babangida Aliyu and his likes in the House of Representatives should on behalf of the Northern elite apologise to the talakawa for their perfidious and gangster politics and decades of consistent neglect that has today sunk the region into depths of division, want and menacing insurgency.”

Second Republic lawmaker and radical politician Dr. Junaid Mohammed said the Goodluck Jonathan administration only cares for three states—Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta. “The action of the lawmakers from the North for rejecting the lopsided budget allocation for capital projects to the Southsouth is absolutely justifiable,” he said adding: “The lopsidedness in the country’s budgetary provision is one of the dangerous

trends afflicting this country since the Olusegun Obasanjo era.

Junaid argued strongly against the design of the 2012 budgetary allocation, pointing out that “what they (the core Niger-Delta) are getting is in addition to the 13 per cent derivation”. “Apart from that, another 13 per cent out of the total budget goes to just one ministry known as Niger Delta Ministry, which is 100 per cent funded by the Federal Government.

“Again, another agency known as NNDC is funded by the Federal Government,” he said.

In Kano yesterday, a former Political Adviser to former President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, said: “If it is true that such allocation is given to the Southsouth in the 2012 budget, then the only advice is for the government to readjust the budget, to make it fair for all.”

But Yakasai advised that the issue should not been blown out of proportion, “in such a way that it can heat the polity”.

From the Northcentral, a Second Republic Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Prof. Dakum Shown, backed the caucus. He said: “If the lawmakers are satisfied, they should pass the budget, but if they still feel there is injustice in the distribution of the projects, they should scale the allocation to the Southsouth down.”

A former member of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Allocation from the state, Chief John Mankilik, said: “I read it in the papers and I was surprised at what I saw; it is not a fair distribution of wealth. We are giving the Southsouth too much advantage and it could cause disorder in the polity.”

Afenifere chieftain Chief Ayo Adebanjo and prominent Southsouth activists frowned at the threat by Northern legislators to frustrate the budget’s passage, if the 29.65 per cent capital allocation to the Niger Delta is sustained. They argued that the threat has underscored the urgency of convoking a national conference to discuss the basis for coexistence among Nigeria’s component units.

The Niger Delta Peoples Coalition, of which environmental activist Tony Uranta is secretary, asked the Northern legislators to ponder on the calculations that led to the budgetary projections, stressing that the figures are not in bad faith.

Uranta said: “Our position is simply this - If this nation is truly federal, every component unit should contribute to its purse. If this country is federal, every unit should benefit from resources based on derivation.

The Southsouth should own the resources and pay 50 per cent to the centre. That is why Southsouth, Southwest and, to a large extent, Middle Belt, are clamouring for a Sovereign National Conference. We cannot encourage a situation where “monkey is working and baboon is chopping.”

In Uranta’s view, considering the lump sum accruing to the federal purse from the region, the allocation is still inadequate. He urged the Northern legislators to show understanding of the plight of the traumatised zone.

Uranta added: “What is the North bringing to the table?

Lagos is bringing tremendous amount through VAT and port charges. If we go back to the past, we should allow the regions to control their resources and remit part of them to the centre.”

8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

NEWS

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (4th right) inaugurating the new Headquarters of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) built by the State Government. With him are: Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (3rd right); Chairman, OPD Governing Council, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (2nd left); Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Inumidun Akande (3rd left); Senator Oluremi Tinubu (4th left); Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye (5th left); and Group Managing Director, Moreno Group, Dr. Nicola Busacca (right)...yesterday.

INSET: The building. Story on page 10.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Supreme Court determines Orji’s fate May 25 T

HE Supreme Court yesterday fixed May 25 for judgment in an appeal by a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, challenging the election of Governor Theodore Orji.

The appellant is praying the court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court.

The Court of Appeal had declared Orji as the authentic candidate of the party in the election.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

The respondents are PDP; its Acting National Chairman, Dr. Bello Mohammed; the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and Orji.

The appellant’s counsel, Mr. U.N. Udechukwu (SAN), said the purported screening and primaries were acts done in disrespect of a pending suit.

He said Orji did not emerge from a state party

congress held in compliance with Clause 12. 41 of the PDP Constitution.

Ugochukwu said at the time of the primary election, Orji’s was a card-carrying member of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA).

He said: “Membership of the PDP cannot be claimed orally, but by the presentation of the relevant membership card and proof of payment of membership fee. Where membership had not been established, waiver to contest an election is

impossible. You cannot build anything on nothing.”

The PDP’s counsel, Chief Olusola Oke, said the appellant did not participate in the primary election authorised by the PDP National Executive Committee, but the one organised by a dissolved State Executive Committee.

Counsel to Orji, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the appeal.

INEC’s counsel Ahmed Raji argued that the court has no jurisdiction to nominate a candidate for a party or compel a party to present a political candidate.

Don’t prosecute me twice, Daniel urges Amosun

F

ORMER Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel yesterday urged his successor, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, not to subject him to double trial on the issue of the Golf Resort Hotels in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Daniel said he is already being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged wrong doings on the same matter.

He was reacting to the

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of the resort and the confiscation of the facilities by the state government.

Daniel is on trial at the State High Court, Abeokuta, before Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje on a 43-count charge of stealing, conversion of state property to private use and failure to truthfully declare his assets as

statutorily required.

In a statement yesterday by his Media Aide, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, the former governor said the law does not permit one to be tried or punished twice for the same offence.

He said: “The law says a person should not be tried for the same offence twice.

The issue of the hotel and associated land matters are part of the counts entered against one of its promoters as counts 5,6,7,8 by the

EFFC. “The trial of the case is yet to begin and it is unsettling that the state government has reached its verdict and executed it.”

Daniel alleged that the government’s occupation of the resort predated the issuance of a White Paper that recommended the action.

“Why did the government rush to issue a White Paper when its Panel of Enquiry on Land Administration is yet to wind up?” he added.

Osun college students protest ‘harmonisation plan’

S

TUDENTS of the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, yesterday protested the alleged plan by the state Government to harmonise the four state-owned tertiary institutions.

But the government said it has no such plan.

The students, in their hundreds, marched to the palace of the Owa of Ilesa, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, and urged him to prevail on Governor Rauf Aregbesola not to involve

•Govt: no such plan From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the college in the alleged harmonisation plan.

Aromolaran told the students that there is no such plan. He said the rumour is unfouned, adding that the government has no plan to merge any institution.

Praising the students for conducting themselves peacefully, the monarch said: “The governor is com-

mitted to improving the state. We are fighting for you. You have to be patient because Aregbesola has many things to do in Osun for all of us.”

Commissioner for Information and Strategy Sunday Akere said the government has no merger plans.

Akere said: “There is no plan by the government to merge tertiary institutions.

Those protesting should be assured that the government would not do anything to jeopadise their in-

terest.

“The harmonization committee was set up to improve tertiary education. Some members of the committee are Ijesha indigenes, such as Prof. Ibidapo Obe, Prof. Wale Omole, Prof. Olu Odeyemi and others.

“These people know what they are doing and residents should allow the government to do what it is best for the majority of the people.”

Oyo Assembly orders SEMA to assist storm victims •FRSC chief appears before House HE Oyo State House of Assembly yesterday ordered the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to visit and distribute relief materials to victims of the February 19 rain storm in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area.

The storm killed three people, a year-old child, a fisherman and an aged woman.

Many others were injured and the roofs of over 100 houses were blown off.

Mr. Adesope Azeez, representing Oorelope Constituency, moved the motion under matters of urgent public importance. He said many of the victims are homeless and urged the state to assist them.

The lawmakers called on the Ministries of Agriculture; and the Environment to encourage residents to plant trees around their premises to stem the negative effects of climate change.

They also directed Oorelope Local Government to bear the hospital bill of the victims.

Also yesterday, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Godwin Ogene, appeared before the Assembly.

T

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

He was summoned following the agony resulting from the centralisation of the issuance of driver’s license.

Ogene said the centralisation of the license was to prevent the fraud experienced in the allocation of the old license.

He said: “The old driver’s license has been corrupted by fraudsters. Many people use expired licenses and there is need for efficiency.

“We are changing from the old system to a new one because we need to improve the integrity of the old driver’s license.

“All the stakeholders involved are working tirelessly to ensure that the issuance process is easy.”

Ogene advised banks to from demand driver’s license as a means of identification from their customers. He said the demand has increased the number of applicants for driver’s license.

The Speaker, Madam Monsurat Sunmonu, ordered the FRSC, VIO and the State Licensing Director to work with a committee that will be set up in the House to ease the issuance process.

Truck crushes mother, daughter on Ado-Ikere road

A

WOMAN, Madam Titilayo Akogun (48), and her 28year-old daughter, Busayo, were involved in an accident on the Ado-Ikere Road in Ekiti State yesterday.

They were roasting yam by the roadside when the rear of a 40-feet truck marked Lagos 603 XA detached on motion and hit a container where the victims were plying their trade.

Their legs were crushed and the mother was said to have sustained head injuries.

They were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), IdoEkiti. The driver of the truck fled the scene.

An eyewitnes said: “Only God can save them. In fact the lady’s legs seemed to have been paralysed. It will take the grace of God for her to be able to walk again” The matter was reported to the police.

Police spokesman Mohammed Jimoh confirmed the incident.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

9

NEWS

Nigeria, Cameroon sign pact on Boko Haram, piracy acy

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HE Federal Government yesterday signed a bilateral agreement with the Republic of Cameroon on the establishment of a trans-border security committee.

Members of the terrorist group, Boko Haram, have been moving to Cameroon and other neighbouring countries to hide after perpetuating deadly attacks in the northern parts of Nigeria.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government.

He said the ceremony was timely as it happened at a period when the world is fighting terrorism and piracy.

Ashiru said: “There is no region that is immune to the heinous activities of terrorist groups and pirates.

“The United Nations and the African Union have led the international and regional

Claimants deny court order From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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WO chiefs from Bakassi Local Government in Cross River State, whose names appeared as claimants in the order that stopped last Saturday’s governorship election in the area have dissociated themselves from the order.

They claimed they had no idea their names were on it.

Last Friday, Justice A. F. A. Ademola, had in a suit against INEC and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, stopped the election in Dayspring 1 and 2 and Qua Island wards.

It was instituted by Edet Etim Asuquo, Antigha Cobham, Bassey Ekpeyong Etim and Effiong Iman for themselves and on behalf of the Ikang people of Ikang Clan, Esighi Clan, Antigha Ene Eyo Clan and Edihi Idim Ikot Eyi Clan of Bakassi Local Government.

But Iman said: “We were waiting to vote because I had registered there, and we organised people to vote, but along the line they said they had put injunction and that my name is there (as one of the plaintiffs).

“I want to say that I do not know anything about it.

“I am surprised to see my name there. I dissociate myself from that.

“I am not part of it. I just want to clear my name that I am not the one.”

Etim said: “I planned to vote at Bakassi and even organised my men and even asked them to go suspend their normal business and go for the election last Saturday.

“But we came to hear that the court has stopped the election in Bakassi area.

“I was not happy to see my name there because I am not a party to it.

“No one consulted me. I am dissociating myself from whatever they did. I was not a party to it.”

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

initiatives to combat these challenges.”

According to him, the international conference on Somalia in London and ECOWAS summit in Abuja dwelt extensively on the dangers of terrorism and piracy.

The agreement, Ashiru said, would constitute a major bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening security along both countries’ borders.

The minister said Nigeria attaches great importance to the agreement because it demonstrates the ability and political will of both countries in addressing the challenges.

“Nigeria is committed to its full implementation and realisation of its objectives in the interest of the progress, peace and security of the people of our two countries.”

He hoped that Cameroon

•Ashiru (left) greeting Ali at the event ...yesterday. With them is the Head, Legal and Treaties, Ministry of External Relations, Cameroon, Ambassa Richard

will also demonstrate the same commitment to the agreement.

The Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Delegate of the Presidency of Cameroon,

Amadou Ali, who signed for the Cameroonian government, said the agreement showed that confidence has been restored through permanent dialogue, consulta-

tion and reinforcement of cooperation between Cameroon and Nigeria.

He said: “The construction of a trans-border road, electricity interconnection

We’ll do more with our mandate, says Imoke

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ROSS River State governor-elect Liyel Imoke has promised to do more with his renewed mandate.

He spoke after he was sworn in yesterday at the main bowl of the Cultural Centre Complex in Calabar, the state capital.

Imoke said his return as governor “is a testament to the satisfactory achievements we have gained together thus far and the overwhelming nature of this renewal is a confirmation that we are moving in the right direction.”

He said the popularity of this joint agenda rather than waning after the first term seems to be on the rise as re-

•Sacks apointees From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

flected by the enormous support during the campaigns.

According to him, all across the state his work is rapidly and radically converting people to believe that the dreams for Cross River can be a reality.

He said government should always be there for those who need it most, improving and upgrading education and health care as well as providing infrastructure.

Imoke said his administration believes the state should be positioned to become a self-sufficient, dynamic and competitive, non-oil de-

•Takes oath

pendent economy in the 21st Century.

His words: “Our economic growth shouldn’t solely be a factor of a single natural resource but should emanate from a range of economic activities.

“Given our geographical location and proximity to our better endowed neighbours in the Southsouth, it is imperative that we work to create a conducive business and leisure environment which will be attractive to investors and tourists.”

The governor yesterday approved the dissolution of the state executive council.

According to a statement by

the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mike Aniah, the dissolution took effect from February 28.

“Accordingly, all commissioners and special advisers are hereby directed to hand over the affairs of the ministries, departments and parastatals to their permanent secretaries.

“The handing over should completed on or before tomorrow.

“The governor hereby acknowledges with appreciation the contribution of members to the development of Cross River State and wishes them every success in their future endeavours,” the statement read.

Price of fuel hits N150 in Akwa Ibom

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HESE are not good times for motorists in Akwa Ibom State as the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, has increased.

Petrol is being sold at N150 per litre in most of the filling stations visited yesterday by The Nation.

At the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC’s) Mega Filling Station on Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, the state capital, there was a long queue of vehicles.

Motorists lined up at the mega station where fuel was being sold at N97 per litre.

It was gathered that the mega station is the only fill-

PPMC condemns price in Delta From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

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HE Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Warri, Delta State, has decried the outrageous pump prices of petrol in some filling stations in Delta State.

The Depot Manager, Kess Omiogbemi, made the complaint when the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by the Delta State Chairman, Williams Akporeha visited him.

He said: “What happened was that we had a slight shut down when the Warri refinery was down temporarily but now the refinery has started picking up.

“We have been selling PMS to marketers at N87, so any marketer who sells above N97 is just out to exploit the public and this is unacceptable.”

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

ing station dispensing fuel at N97.

Most of the independent

marketers have different prices.

At most of the filling stations on Ikot Ekpene, Oron,

Abak and Nwaniba roads, petrol was sold for N130, N140 and N150.

Most motorists condemned the attitude of the marketers, saying they are contributing to the hardship of the people by refusing to adjust to the new price regime.

Total, Oando, African Petroleum and Mobil stations on Ikot Ekpene Road were not selling yesterday.

Akpan Umanah, a civil servant, pleaded with the Federal Government to make the products available in the interest of the masses.

Umanah said since the arbitrary increase, fares have increased by more than 60 per cent.

Strike: Police set up special courts to try suspects

F

OLLOWING the prolonged strike by judicial workers in Edo State, the state police command has established a special court to try arrested suspects.

Police spokesman Etim Bassey said this is to ensure that suspects are not detained more than 24 hours without trial as directed by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar.

According to Bassey, the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, has met with the Chief Judge, Cromwell Idahosa, requesting for a court to avoid congestion of cells.

The police spokesman said the request was approved and the special court has been set up inside the police headquarters in Benin City.

He said the judicial workers’ strike has impacted on po-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

lice operations.

Bassey said: “Magistrates come with some of their workers to try suspects. Their lawyers also attend to defend their clients. Suspects, except those arrested for heinous crimes, are released within 24 hours.”

The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) called an indefinite strike, following the non-implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage for its members on Grade Level seven and above.

The National Life correspondent, Ben Ogbemudia, was almost attacked by the striking workers when he and other reporters went to get the reaction of the Court Registrar to the development.

project and cultural exchange not only portray the will and determination of the two heads of state but also pave ways for citizens to strengthen the unity.”

Uduaghan petitioned THE Ijaw community in Delta State has petitioned Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on the disparity in the allocation of members into the state traditional council.

The community queried why Ijaw, the majority ethnic group in Delta South, should be treated unfairly.

The Coordinator of Ijaw Community, Bare Etolor, said: “In the council, Urhobo had two slots before the demise of one of its traditional rulers, Ijaw had eight slots and Isoko four before the dissolution of the board.”

He said the government allocated five more slots to Isoko, leaving the rest as they were.

Ijaw threaten to shut Chevron flow station From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri IJAW host communities have threatened to shut down the flow station of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) for alleged neglect.

The communities, under the auspices of Gbaramatu/ Egbema Host Communities Welders and Fitters (ESCRAVOS), vowed to cripple the activities of the American oil giant over its failure to convert Ijaw welders and fitters to permanent workers.

They also warned that if their demands are not met, they will shut Chevron’s flow stations in Abiteye, Otunana, Makaraba, Dibi, Alero and Opukeba.

In a letter to Chevron’s Chairman/Managing Director, by Chairman George Timiyan, Secretary Ekpetipu Mamukemi and spokesman Siko Eyenmi frowned at the nonconversion of Ijaw welders and fitters to permanent staff.

“It is therefore tantamount to injustice and oppression that we the Ijaws are excluded from any benefit that arises from the Escravos Tank Farm.”

When contacted, a Chevron official dismissed the claim, declining further comment on the matter.

10

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

NEWS Ekiti’s new website for launch

G

OVERNORS of the five Southwest states, whuch own Oodua Investments Limited yesterday hailed the management as the company’s investment in real estate hits N76 billion.

The governors are Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun).

They spoke at the annual shareholders’ meeting, which was held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

Speaking with reporters on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, Fayemi said they were happy with the performance of the company.

He said: “The company has taken great strides, particularly in property. The Headquarters has moved to Cocoa House and we understand that the building currently has 70 per cent occupation. The conglomerate is expanding.

Its property base is valued at N76 billion, including that of Wemabod Estates.”

Fayemi said professionalism is important to the owner-states, adding that job creation is one of the goals of the company.

He said the governors of owner-states would now meet quarterly as against the annual meeting.

Amosun: our actions are in public interest OGUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said the decisions taken by his administration are in the interest of the public.

Amosun said he was elected by Ogun citizens to restore sanity to governance.

In a statement by his Media Aide, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, the governor said: “I have no political or personal scores to settle with any person. We are too preoccupied with developmental issues and have no time for distractions. “I took an oath to obey the laws of the land.

That I shall continue to do.

I shall continue to discharge my responsibilities without fear or favour, placing public interest above personal interest at all times.”

Amosun thanked residents for their support.

‘Oni will fail’ EKITI State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice Dayo Akinlaja yesterday warned ousted Governor Segun Oni and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal on the election of Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Supreme Court.

On Monday, the Court of Appeal struck out Oni’s petition challenging Fayemi’s election.

Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Akinlaja said any attempt to unseat Fayemi would fail.

He said: “Oni and his party’s frivolous suit is intended to distract the popular and legitimate government in Ekiti State.”

E

•From left: Fayemi; Mimiko; Ajimobi; Amosun and Aregbesola...yesterday PHOTO: OYO STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Southwest governors hail Oodua’s management

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Fayemi said an independent consultant would be appointed to review the company’s operations to ensure greater development.

The Group Managing Director (GMD), Mr. Adebayo Jimoh, said the focus on real estate is to improve on the

•Firms real estate hits N76b investments of the founding fathers.

Jimoh said the company would work with the gov-

ernment’s committee on regional integration.

He said the appointment of an independent consultant

would strengthen the company’s performance.

The company’s latest properties in Ibadan include: the biggest shopping mall in the region, Heritage Mall; Cocoa Mall; a residential estate at Idi Ape, Almond Court; and a modern shopping Complex at Agodi, Oodua Shopping complex.

Fashola hands over office of public defender

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday handed over the new Office of the Public Defender on Iyun Road, Surulere.

He said his administration would ensure that all residents, irrespective of class or ethnic group, obtain justice.

Established in 2000 by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to render free legal services to indigent persons and the physically challenged, the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has handled 34,100 cases, comprising 24,791 petitions, 6,629 court matters and 2,680 police station matters.

Fashola said: “We intend to pursue this cause of justice as our critical agenda for law and order. I assure citizens that whatever part of the country they come from, whatever language they speak, whatever the level of their means, they will get justice.

“The government has found the right men, generated substantial resources and put men and resources to work. The story is one that I am very proud to tell.”

He said almost all the agendas of the State’s Justice Reform in 1999 have been achieved.

They include reformations that took place in the State High Courts in terms of Civil Pro-

L

•Lagos to prosecute fake callers to emergency centre •Inaugurates security centre access to justice, how can we

By Miriam Ndikanwu

cedure Rules, infrastructure and welfare packages.

Describing them as “Champions of the Justice Reforms,” Fashola thanked Tinubu; former Attorneys-General Prof.

Yemi Osibajo and Mr. Supo Shasore; and Justice Bisi Akinlade for their roles in the success of the reforms.

He said: “We have seen reform on paper, we have seen reform in people, we have also seen reform in physical infrastructure.

“Immediately Mr. Supo Shasore became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he insisted on taking the reforms to the Magistracy level.

“He told me that the biggest, quickest and closest justice system to the majority of our citizens is the Magistracy level and that we needed to do something about it. That led to the re-writing of the Magistrate Court Law that was almost 100 years old.

“It also led to the ambitious and very audacious programme of improving the infrastructure, the courtrooms and the working environment

of the magistrates. This led to the building of 10 new Magistrate Courts across Lagos and the cumulative number of Magistrate Courtrooms that have been delivered in excess of 100 courtrooms across the state.”

Fashola said it was also during Shasore’s tenure that the Public Advice Centre, which provides advice to citizens on their rights, became active.

He said: “These are reforms that will continue and I am glad that many other states have followed in our steps.”

Reacting to the testimony of a beneficiary, Chief Diyaolu, who said a long-standing family property disagreement was resolved by the OPD, Fashola said: “I am happy that the case was resolved in this building.”

He cited the celebrated case of Miss Uzoma Okere, who was molested by a Naval officer, whom the OPD won N100 million for as damages.

Tinubu, who was represented by Osibajo, said he is happy that the OPD is fulfilling the purpose for which it was established.

He said: “If only a few have

say we are practising democracy?”

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaiye said: “The OPD is the manifestation of public-spirited thinking. It appeals to the ideals of a just and egalitarian society where the rights of all men and women, whether young or old, rich or poor, are protected with equal force by the laws and authorities of the land.”

Also at the ceremony were Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Inumidun Akande; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Director of OPD Mrs. Omotola Rotimi; traditional rulers and top government functionaries.

Also yesterday, the governor inaugurated the Lagos State Security Command Center in Alausa.

The centre was established to enable residents get help in emergency situations.

But the governor lamented that the centre is often bombarded with fake calls.

He said a Bill to prosecute fake callers has been initiated before the House of Assembly.

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi will today inaugurate the new website of the state.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, said the website is highly interactive.

He said it would provide information on government activities, ensure participatory governance and make the government more accessible to the people.

Oyebode said it would ensure feedback and carry the younger generation along.

He said it would also showcase the investment and tourism potentials of the state to the world.

The site, www.ekitistate.gov.ng, will become accessible immediately after the inauguration, which is slated for the Exco Chamber of theGovernor’s Office.

‘I’m working for ACN’s victory’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Mr. Joseph Ajata, has debunked the rumour that he is stepping down for another aspirant.

The two-time representative of Oshodi/lsolo Federal Constituency in Lagos State spoke with reporters on Monday in Akure, the state capital.

He said he has the experience to govern the state and his age would not be a barrier.

Ajata said it is after the party’s candidate emerges, that other aspirants would work to ensure his/her victory.

He said what matters is for the ACN to produce the next governor.

The former lawmaker said he would focus on housing and urban renewal, agriculture, education and health care delivery, if elected.

He said: “During my tenure in the House of Representatives, I executed over 50 projects in my constituency. They included 19 transformers, boreholes, road repairs, street light and the completion of General Post Office in lsolo, among others.”

Obasanjo wanted Tinubu and I dead over LCDAs, says Akiolu

AGOS monarch Oba Rilwan Akiolu has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted him and former Governor Bola Tinubu dead, following the crisis triggered by the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

During his tenure as governor, Tinubu created 37 LCDAs from the 20 local government areas, after conducting a referendum and getting the endorsement of the House of Assembly, which signed it into

law.

The Obasanjo-led administration viewed the creation of council areas by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) state as an affront on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled Federal Government.

Akiolu warned council chairmen not to let the people down by being redundant, stressing that the former President did everything he could to get rid of him for support-

ing Tinubu.

He spoke at the Seventh Assembly First Consultative Roundtable and Policy Retreat for Local Government Officials.

The monarch said: “Obasanjo attempted to get rid of Tinubu and I, but God saved us. I received a lot of threats and blackmail from the Obasanjo administration because of my disposition towards the creation of those LCDAs.

“The creation of more local government areas in Lagos was stopped by the Obasanjo administration even though he knew their importance, considering the influx of people into the state.”

He defended his association with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) administration in the state.

Akiolu said those calling him a politician because of his support for the party are enemies of progress.

He said he would continue to support anybody who wish-

•Oba Akiolu

es Lagos well and works for its development, irrespective of where the person comes from.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

28,000 Fed Govt workers to go

Reps to repeal Customs laws From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

HE operation of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has no legal framework backing it, it was learnt yesterday.

Subsequently, the House of Representatives is on the verge of repealing some of the legal frameworks, supporting laws and legal notices the Customs is operating with as a bill to that effect passed the second reading yesterday.

The lawmakers affirmed that the existing Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) that dated back to 1958 is grossly inadequate and out of tune with modern economic realities.

Sponsor of the bill, Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta), who is also the Deputy Leader of the House, said the existing arrangement poses a challenge with the use of circulars and Customs notices in implementing operational procedures.

“A very important shortfall of CEMA is the fact that it does not legally provide for the establishment of the Nigerian Customs Service, as a result, the NCS does not have legal existence,” he said.

Besides, he anchored his argument on the need to repeal CEMA, stressing that, the current arrangement sometimes conflicts with other existing enactments, which have not been repealed.

According to him, this becomes further confusing when completely new procedures are put in place without an enabling law even despite a provision allowing for such change to happen (Destination Inspection).

He said the CEMA, as of today does not contain provisions to support the use of modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT), in addition to operating on severely outdated penalty structure to the point where it may be more affordable for less ethical traders to break the law.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$123.6/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.7% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

It is an offence to charge rates outside the approved tariff regime. Any erring distribution company will be made to refund its customers money collected in excess of the approved tariffs.

- Dr Sam Amadi, Chairman, NERC

T

HE Federal Government is planning to sack no fewer than 28,000 federal civil servants to trim the existing high recurrent expenditure in the yearly federal budget.

A top government official saddled with the task disclosed this to The Nation yesterday. The source said that the yearly budget can no longer absorb the staff strength in the public service.

The official said the exercise, which is expected to be carried out next year, would affect only civil servants who are considered to be unproductive and who do not add value to service delivery.

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor (Abuja)

According to the source, who heads a strategic organ of the federal civil service, “the structure of the Nigerian budget can no longer accommodate the current unwieldy number of civil servants in government employment across the nation”.

He attributed the difficulty in operating the federal budget to the over-bloated recurrent component of the budget, especially personnel.

Justifying the impending mass sack, the official added that the demands by university lecturers, doctors and the entire civil service have stretched available resources

to a breaking point.

He pointed out that it was for this reason the Federal Government was forced to cut its recurrent budget for 2012 by two per cent; from 74 per cent to 72 per cent, a cut whic, he said, has resulted in government saving about N200 billion.

The source, however, stated that the government would be extra careful in the handling of the exercise, saying that it would come in phases to avoid possible social and economic dislocation.

The government, the source said, does not want thousands of workers on the streets at a go to avoid having another civil unrest

on its hands. ‘’But those saying we should cut recurrent expenditure should not forget that we have to sack workers,” he added.

“Mass sack is inevitable but we will go into it with a lot of sense and tact. Workers who are not adding value will certainly have to go, he added. Already, a committee headed by a former Head of Service of the Federation Mr Steve Oronsanye has been put in place with a mandate to trim and reform the federal civil service. The committee is said to have started the necessary groundwork on the exercise.

To guard against a repeat of the dislocations and end-

• From left: Chief Operating Officer, Dangote Group, Mr Olakunle Alake; Chief Executive, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema and President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, during the ringing of bell to close the market in Lagos ... on Tuesday.

less litigations thrown up by a similar exercise carried out by the Obasanjo administration a few years ago, the source said government will attempt to review the existing civil service laws, which do not allow mass sacking of workers.

According to him, the laws will be reviewed so that those affected will not go to court. “Many of those that were laid off in that exercise simply went to court and today they are back to their jobs,” the source added.

Another source in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) also confirmed the planned reduction in the number of civil servants. The source said: “At present, there are 78 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) but we expect another five MDAs by March and by April this number will rise to 98.”

The first step in the mass purge, the AGF source said, will be the harmonisation of all the existing MDAs under the Integrated Payroll and PersonnelInformation System (IPPIS). The source, however,identified the major problem with the IPPIS as that of connectivity but added that the office of the AGF has started working with Galaxy Backbone, another government agency, to address the problem.

The source assured that all the MDAs will be captured on IPPIS by the end of this year with a significant reduction in government’s payroll.

The AGF source also explained that the Pension Task Force put in place by the Federal Government recovered about N74 billion, stressing that further recoveries are being expected.

IMF urges Nigeria to halt interest rate tightening

N

IGERIA requires a pause in interest rate tightening and needs to adopt inflation targeting to cage price increases, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

Executive Directors of the Fund, which made this call in an e-mailed statement at the end of their 2011 Article 1V Consultation with Nigeria on February 22, 2012, also called continuation of policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability, diversify the economy, and make growth more inclusive to alleviate poverty.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had raised interest rate by percentage points since 2010 to rein in on inflation The banking watchdog kept its main lending rate unchanged for the second time at a record high of 12 per cent last month after six increases last year to help offset a decline in the naira and rising prices. Inflation accelerated to 12.6 per cent

• Advocates diversification of economy

• Seeks comprehensive tax reform

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

last month from 10.3 per cent in December after the government partially removed fuel subsidies.

While commending the authorities for counter cyclical policies that have supported economic activity in challenging circumstances, the IMF noted that Nigeria’s medium-term growth outlook remains favorable, although subject to external downside risks.

Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually yearly. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the

staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarises the views of executive directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities.

Highlighting the importance of improving public financial management, including a stronger framework for managing Nigeria’s oil wealth, the Fund welcomed the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and underscored that a rulesbased approach to setting the budget reference oil price would strengthen the budgetary process and the operations of the SWF. Consequently, IMF recommended that outlays

from the SWF’s infrastructure fund be integrated into the budget and medium-term expenditure plans.

It noted the monetary authorities’ commitment to further reduce inflation but considered that a pause in the tightening cycle is at present warranted. “More broadly, they agreed that a monetary framework better focused on a clear inflation objective should help anchor inflation expectations and support disinflation. Greater exchange rate flexibility will also facilitate the pursuit of price stability,” the Fund said.

The IMF commended the authorities for their actions to resolve the recent banking crisis but stressed that the modalities of operation of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) should continue to make sure that fiscal risks and moral hazard are minimised. “Direc-

tors supported the central bank’s focus on strengthening supervision and the regulatory framework, including by addressing remaining deficiencies in the Anti-Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism regime. They also agreed that a Financial Sector Assessment Program update will help take stock of the progress so far and provide a road map for remaining reforms in the financial sector.

“Directors concurred that wide-ranging reforms are needed to make growth more inclusive. They welcomed the authorities’ initiatives to improve the business climate and reform sectors with high employment potential, particularly agriculture. Directors encouraged the authorities to persevere with planned reforms in the energy sector under appropriate social safeguards,” the Fund stated.

12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Airtel to boost service

MONDAY - FRIDAY

IRTEL Nigeria has taken a significant step to deepen its network capacity and quality as it rolls out 3.75 Generation (3G) services across the 36 states and Abuja.

With the pan-Nigeria launch of 3.75 services, the company, according to a statement, is set to boost customers’ experience with high speed mobile broadband and internet access, empowering telecoms consumers to watch live TV, download music, make video calls as well as send and receive emails using enabled devices.

Riding on the strength of the 3.75G network, Airtel also announced up to 50 per cent bonus offer on purchase of any of its data plan bundles; free 2GB on purchase of data dongle and a free one month subscription for BlackBerry users who activate a two-month plan.

In addition, new customers on the network will enjoy a bonus N100 airtime on any recharge from N100 and above, plus complimentary 10MB data valid for seven days.

Speaking at the launch, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rajan Swaroop, said Airtel has yet again raised the bar in its quest to delight Nigerians with more innovative and affordable telecoms offerings.

He said the latest innovation is timely and a direct response to the yearnings of telecoms consumers across the globe and especially in Nigeria where technological advancement is moving with the speed of light in line with global trends.

LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

A

• From left, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; Head, Procurement and Logistics, Dufil Prima Foods Plc (DPLF), Mr Rajesh Gaggar; General Manager, Dr. John Ndanusa Akanya; Deputy General Manager Abdul Waheed Adiamo and Financial Controller Mr Arubuola Jossy at a partnership meeting on food security and plan to boost between the state and the firm in Osogbo, the state capital ... on Monday.

Indorama group invests N325.5b in petrochemical plants T HE core investors in Eleme Petrochemical Limited, the Indorama Group, has concluded plans to invest additional N325.5billion in three new plants at Eleme Petrochemicals for Poly Ethylene Terephate, (PET) fertiliser and methanol projects within the next three years.

These will complement the existing investment of about $575million, which the Group has injected to revive the moribund plants that currently produce various petrochemical products such as polyethylene and polypropylene for exports.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, confirmed the group’s new investment plan during his inspection of the facilities and operations of the company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said: “The Indorama Group assured they had concluded plans to invest additional $2.1billion in three new plants at Eleme Petro-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

chemicals for PET, fertiliser and methanol projects. This is a clear indication that we have the potentials to make Nigeria the hub of petrochemical industry in Africa and then compete with other major global players.

“This is because we have the raw materials and the people. The model today is that most of the raw materials used in the petrochemical industry are produced in the Middle East. The latest Forbes ranking of the wealthiest nations, which was released a few days ago, showed that Qatar has become the richest country in the world, with per capita income of more than $88,000.This is based on the growth of their petrochemical industry.

“The reason I am focusing on the development of the petrochemical

industry is that my vision, and that of this administration, is that in this industry, we can easily become the leaders in the world. Specifically, I am focusing on areas where we can become top three in Africa and at least top 10 globally.

“Already, with the plans the Indorama Group has on ground, we will have the second largest petrochemicals facility in Africa, second to South Africa. However, it won’t take long, within the next two to three years, we should have the largest petrochemicals industry in Africa.”

Aganga said his ministry would base its industrial revolution strategy on areas where the country had comparative and competitive advantage, adding that the petrochemicals industry was one of the key areas to be given priority attention.

NSE to shortlist 10 market makers

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is reviewing applica tions for market makers from brokers and dealers and will soon shortlist 10 applicants to kickstart the introduction of market making in the Nigerian stock market next month.

Market making is a technical term that generally refers to the system of providing liquidity to securities through provision of bid and offer prices in the trading system of a stock exchange. A member of the Exchange that undertakes the function of market making is called market maker.

Generally, market makers ensure a fair and orderly market in their securities of responsibility and assist in the effective functioning of

• Outlines recovery initiatives

By Taofik Salako

the overall market.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Oscar Onyema, said the Exchange had received 17 applications from brokers and dealers and has started taking the applications through a rigorous and transparent selection process.

He said the NSE plans to select 10 primary market makers and start market making and other market structure enhancements by first quarter 2012.

He pointed out that under the market making initiative, each security will be assigned to one primary market maker, adding that the introduction of market makers is one of key initiatives aimed at shoring up liquidity and depth in the equities market.

Onyema said the rules and guidelines for market making have already been submitted to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for approval.

To enhance the disclosure process, we are in the process of automating company reporting processes and developing a reliable calendar of reporting activity.

He said the NSE was embarking on several initiatives to enhance the development of the market and ensure stable recovery.

Terrorism threatens businesses, says CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the alarm that the current spate of bombings across the country by terrorist groups is threatening the country’s business.

CBN Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and his Deputy in charge of Operations, Mr Tunde Lemo, stated this at the inauguration of the Business Continuity Institute (BCI), Nigerian forum in

From Nduka Chiejina, Asst. Editor, Abuja

Abuja yesterday.

Sanusi noted: “The current spate of bombings across the country by terrorist groups allude to the fact that our business environment is becoming more and more threatened.”

This threat, he said, has necessitated the need to develop a frame-

work that will enable the apex bank to effectively respond to any crisis and thus safeguard lives, property, ensure stability and growth in the economic system. He said many organisations have acknowledged the need for business continuity planning as an essential priority for effectively anticipating, preventing, mitigating and surviving natural disasters, data loss, accidents and the like.

Dangote begins Ibese Cement Plant expansion

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RESIDENT of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, yes terday assured Nigerians of the availability of Cement in the country.

In a statement, Dangote said, soon, the supply of Cement will surely be more than the demand and that will ultimately result in significant reduction of price of the commodity.

Speaking on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Dangote unveiled plans to expand the Ibese plant’s capacity to 12 million metric tonnes per year.

The plant, was opened early this month.

Addressing dealing members and management of the Exchange during an interactive session in Lagos, Alhaji Dangote said agreements for the expansion of Ibese and Obajana plants had been signed.

He disclosed with the planned opening of production line-three of the Obajana Cement plant Kogi State next month and the extra one million metric tonnes expected from Gboko plant Benue State, Dangote Cement is set to become the world largest cement producer. These projects, he noted, will be ready in the next 26 months.

Making a presentation on “A Pan-African Cement Producer”, Dangote explained the logic behind his plan for the spread of his cement project across other Africa, especially the sub-Saharan African countries.

US court to rule in Nigerians versus Shell torture case in June

A

NUMBER of Supreme Court justices expressed skepti cism yesterday that corporations can be sued in the United States for alleged complicity in human rights abuses abroad, a case with important financial, legal and international implications.

The high court during arguments considered limiting the reach of a 1789 US law that was largely dormant for nearly two centuries, but used in the past 20 years by foreign victims to sue multinational corporations for abuses committed overseas.

The court’s conservatives voiced concern that allowing such lawsuits violated international law, that it created tensions with foreign nations and that the U.S. law only applied to acts by individuals, not to corporations.

The case before the court in-

volved a lawsuit by 12 Nigerians who alleged that Royal Dutch Shell Plc helped the Nigerian government crack down on oil exploration protests between 1992 and 1995 through torture, executions and crimes against humanity.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

13

ISSUES First, it was fuel subsidy removal.

Now, it is fertiliser subsidy removal.The first generated heat; nothing is being heard about the other because the issues seem not to be as significant as the fuel subsidy. But such analogy may be wrong because fertiliser is crucial to food production.

Self-sufficiency in food can only be achieved by making fertiliser easily accessible to and affordable by farmers. The Federal Government intends to stop fertiliser import to allow private investors drive the business.

But some stakeholders, are supporting fertiliser subsidy retention, reports DANIEL ESSIET.

F

OR Nigeria to feed itself and others, it needs to increase the productivity of farmers. Farmers need better seeds and fertiliser, which boost productivity, yields and profitability.

Although the government subsidises fertiliser, being the sole importer of the product, the subsidy seems to have hindered easy access to, and the free flow of, the commodity resulting in its determination to leave the business of fertiliser to the private sector. The decision is generating heat. While some stakeholders support the deregulation of the fertiliser market to enthrone accessibility, others are pushing for the continued subsidisation of the commodity in view of the poor financial capacity of most rural farmers.

But the question is: Do the farmers who need the product more get it?

Sidi Bweta, a 32-year-old farmer living in Guyuk, a rural town in Adamawa State, lamenting the difficulty in accessing fertiliser, said for as long as he could remember, his mother had been buying fertiliser for their small family farm from one of the local households that has access to it.

Bweta, who said he has started his own small maize and sorghum farm of 1.5 hectares, is unsure of where to buy fertiliser for his crops. He said he is still depending on his mother’s connections.

“The government controls fertiliser distribution in our state. If you are not con-

• Bags of fertiliser

Should fertiliser subsidy go? nected to one of the households taht has access to the product, you cannot access it,” he explained.

According to him, the government provides subsidised fertiliser to the ward councilors, who redistribute it to the town elders. The elders resell fertiliser to those households that have been providing political patronage over the years.

The households either use the fertiliser on their farms or resell to relatives and close friends, such as Bweta’s family. The rural retail market is also an unreliable source of fertiliser as the traders often buy up the supplies and sell at big markets in urban centres at higher costs, Sidi said.

Bweta, however, has discovered an alternative source. Across the street from his local bank, Ayuba Bwangale, a rural sales agent, sells fertiliser produced by Notore Chemical Industries Limited, Port Harcourt, a leading fertiliser company, in one-kilogramme packs. When Bweta

bought fertiliser, Bwangale taught him how to space and plant the seeds in addition to using the fertiliser properly.

Bwangale is one of 10 Village Promoters (VPs) trained by Notore to act as independent rural fertiliser merchants in Adamawa State. The VPs’ sales training is unique in that they educate farmers who buy their products.

Support for private sector intervention Speaking with The Nation, the Programme Co-ordinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, said fertiliser subsidy has not helped farmers. Those benefiting from it, he noted, are politicians who don’t have farms.

Canvassing the deregulation of the fertiliser market, Olowe said it would enable farmers to access various brands and improve their farm productivity. Farm-

‘The Federal Government is withdrawing from fertiliser import and distribution to allow the private sector to move in. The programme was said to be costly and prone to mismanagement and corruption’

ers, he said, need fertiliser for better produce.

In his contribution, the Managing Director, Mid–Century Agro-Allied Ventures Limited, Mr Ray Obiajulu, said the government’s involvement in fertiliser purchase and distribution is one of the main reasons for low consumption. The fertiliser programme, he observed, is heavily politicised, with many politicians using fertiliser supply and subsidies to garner votes and reward patronage.

Chief Executive, Notore Chemical Industries Limited, Mr Onajite Paul Okoloko, said: “The subsidies cost the government dearly and often benefit the wrong people.”

Above all, he said many poor farmers find it difficult to buy the 50kg bags of fertiliser. They either buy in small units from open bags, which often contain degraded or adulterated products, or wait in vain to receive subsidised fertiliser, thus missing out on applying it at the optimum time, if at all.

He said the company, aware of the inconsistencies in government distribution network, decided to develop private distribution channels to make fertiliser available to farmers in small quantities.

Okoloko said the introduction of the one kilogramme fertiliser bag was to address the financial challenges of subsistent farmers.

“The farmers, who earn less than $1 • Continued on page 14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

14

ISSUES

Should fertiliser subsidy go?

• Continued from page 13

(N150) a day, live far away from market centres and cannot access the markets easily. Not only do the farmers find it difficult to come up with the cash to buy the 50kg bag of fertiliser, but carrying it home from the marketplace also poses a challenge for them,” he said.

He added that while introducing the one kilogramme bag, they selected salesmen also known as Village Promoters. Notore, Okoloko said, conducted a rigorous and transparent nationwide recruitment of distribution partners, in which one of every five applicants emerged as a distribution partner.

To enhance farmers’ access to fertiliser, he said Notore has embarked on aggressive fertiliser processing.

Okoloko said the development would enhance farmers’ productivity and income.

According to him, the company is targeting 1.7 million tonnes in the next four years, adding that such will enable Nigeria to be self sufficient in food.

Case for subsidy Mrs Atim Udoh operates a farm on EketEtinan Road in Akwa Ibom State. After much effort, her harvest increased, producing plenty of food for her family and more than enough to sell at the local market.

The difference, she said, is fertiliser. For years, this basic input was simply beyond her means and those of other farmers.

Costing about N7,000 a bag, fertiliser was just too expensive to use, and buying it on credit was too great a risk for farmers who are at the mercy of the rains and poor-quality seeds.

Then the government began subsidising fertiliser and high-yielding seeds for farmers. The move cut fertiliser prices by 80 per cent.

There is no doubt that making high-quality seeds and fertiliser affordable for small farmers, such as Mrs Udoh, will be the key to the government’s agriculture transformation agenda.

The fertiliser subsidy programme is seen as a model by a number of African governments and international agriculture development agencies.

Speaking with The Nation, Etekhai Martins, a professor of Fisheries at the Lagos State University (LASU), said farmers need subsidy on fertiliser to mitigate the effects of food crisis.

The success of the agricultural transformation agenda, he noted, depends to a large extent on optimal fertilisation and timeliness in planting. None of the essential input is within the grasp of many small farmers.

Martins said fertiliser subsidy is important; and if truly managed has the potential for big gains in a short time. Even with the reduction of interest rate, Martins said most farmers are too poor to pay commercial rates for fertiliser and seeds.

He advised the government to set up more distribution channels in remote areas to increase farmers’ access to fertiliser, and to encourage banks to provide guarantees.

Government’s position The Federal Government is set to withdraw from fertiliser import and distribution to allow the private sector to move in, arguing that the fertiliser subidy programme is costly and prone to mismanagement and corruption.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwumi Adesina said there would no longer be fertiliser contractors because the system in which the government imported and distributed fertiliser was ineffective, inefficient and corrupt as only about 11 per cent of farmers enjoyed the subsidy.

Adesina said under the new arrangement, fertiliser importers would have to build their markets and sell directly to farmers.

Last year, the Federal Government said it spent N22.30 billion on subsidy for 900,000 metric tons of fertiliser so that farmers could get the commodity at a lower price yet most farmers could not access the commodity.

Experts’ opinions The Executive Secretary, Fertiliser Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN),

Ahmed Kwa, said the nation has the potential to produce its fertiliser. He said the abundant natural gas flared could be harnessed to produce nitrogenous fertilisers.

He said there are large quantities of rock phosphate deposits in Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun that can be used for the production of phosphate fertilisers.

“The only raw material that is not yet found in substantial quantity in Nigeria is potassium deposits. Even this can be sourced from our North African neighbours.”

Due to the lack of local production, Kwa said most of the fertiliser used in the country is imported.

“The consequences of relying on imported fertiliser include draining the foreign reserve, insufficient supply due to high capital for importation and high retail prices which make the input unaffordable. These, to a large extent, have led to insufficient fertiliser and the little available very expensive.”

Despite this, he said there was hope for the revitalisation of local manufacture of fertilisery. The factors that favour this, Kwa said, include, large expanse of arable land and ecologies that are conducive for the cultivation of a variety of crops; withdrawal of the Federal Government from direct production and importation of fertiliser – especially the privatisation of its two main production plants – and privatisation of state governments’ fertiliser blending plants, among others.

Substantial investments have made to boost fertiliser supply. This includes Notore Chemical Industries Limited’s installed capacity of one million metric tonnes for Urea, Ammonia and NPK and Federal Super Phosphate Fertiliser Company (FSFC) with the capacity for 100,000 metric tonnes of single super phosphate.

There are about 25 bulk blending plants in the country. Most of them are owned by state governments. About five of them are owned by private entrepreneurs. They have an installed capacity of about 1.8 million metric tonnes.

An effective fertiliser distribution system, Kwa explained, ensures that the right quality of fertiliser are delivered to farmers in the right quantity at the right time; and that they have access to fertiliser close to their farm gates.

Under the public sector distribution system, Kwa said various models were applied, and different prices charged due to variation in subsidy level. This, he explained, promoted diversion and recycling as well as corrupt practices.

Following the liberalisation in 1997, he said many private sector entrepreneurs have entered the fertiliser market. Kwa said many set up distribution networks, and were using their outlets/depots to sell to their dealers in major agricultural areas who resell to farmers.

According to him, the liberalisation saw the rapid development of fertiliser selling points in the country.

Except for one or two companies, Kwa said the private suppliers are not making efforts to develop the market chain.

“Most suppliers rely mainly on government orders, which they readily deliver on credit basis. But they insist on full payment for orders by private distributors. While government takes delivery on credit, private distributors are required to operate on cash-and-carry basis. However, this may be because of the experiences of suppliers who had lost money fraudsters. This is common in the country.”

A consultant to the African Development Bank, Prof Biyi Daramola, said neither the subsidy nor fertiliser is a solution to the complex agricultural problems.

He noted that making farming profitable, sustainable and productive will require

• Adesina

• Kwa

land use reform, political empowerment of rural communities, long-term investments in irrigation, sustainable fertiliser use and soil management, modern farm technology and extension services, and transport and communication systems.

According to him, the seeds of food security can grow with just a little fertiliser and a lot of political commitment at the top.

Although poor farmers rarely access fertiliser, the major beneficiaries of subsidies, he noted, are politicians.

cent per annum with the Ministry of Finance guaranteeing 70 per cent of the loan principal payment.

It is envisaged that the partnership will ensure that at least 500,000 farmers have access to the input and the initiative to create about 3,500 jobs and also generate 20 million metric tons of food.

The minister said the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) programme, which is private- sector driven and supported under the financing arrangement with the government guarantees 70 per cent of the total loan (about N17 billion of the loan amount) replacing the old inefficient fertiliser system that was led by the government.

Challenges At present, the nation doesn’t have a strong commercial fertiliser industry.There are three major companies involved in the business: Notore Chemicals Industries Limited, Federal Supper Phosphate Fertiliser Company and TAK Continental Limited.

There are many small enterprises which have no primary chemical production at all, they buy their materials to make mixtures or blends, which are termed compound fertiliser.

Clearly, investments in infrastructure and transport (roads, rail, ports) and reduction in clearing processes by the Customs are part of the long-term solution to increasing fertiliser use in the country.

Fertiliser is bulky. As a result, transport costs are a major element of the total cost of delivery to the farm and can have a major impact on the profitability of a factory or distributor.

Cost disparity Changes in fertiliser prices and/or subsidies are as politically sensitive as changes in food prices. In the past two decades, the government has not made tremendous effort to develop domestic supply and reduce dependence on the world market.

Government, banks to fund fertiliser, seeds supply Last year, the federal ministries of Finance and Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with commercial banks for the supply of N30 billion worth of fertiliser and seeds to farmers.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU, Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala gave a breakdown of the loan. She said N22.6 billion was earmarked for fertiliser, N2.7 billion for seeds procurement and the balance for agro-dealers with each of them entitled to N3 million.

She added that the loan shall be made available to registered agriculture input dealers across the six geo-political zones at a subsidised interest rate of seven per

‘Changes in fertiliser prices and/or subsidies are as politically sensitive as changes in food prices. In the past two decades, the government has not made tremendous effort to develop domestic supply and reduce dependence on the world market’

Fake fertiliser There have been reports of some traders selling fake fertiliser believed to be a combination of fertiliser residues and stones.

The composition of the product is very low compared to the chemical fertiliser. Its chemical composition shows that it is organic fertiliser (manure). Farmers in Kwali Area Council of the FCT alleged that adulterated fertiliser was sold to them by the council at subsided rates.

A farmer, Mr Yohanna Gabriel Bako ,said he bought 24 bags of fertiliser from the council which were adulterated with sands.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Mr Joseph K. Shazin, confirmed the allegation, describing the incident as unfortunate. He said the council would investigate and report to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for further action.

Fertiliser pricing The financial status of farmers could be improved if their production prices are higher than the costs of fertiliser. In general, farmers produce below costs thus losing a great deal in the bargain. Fertiliser costs 35 per cent more than the list price by the time it gets to farmers. Small farmers’ income from farming is insufficient for them to live on. they have to subsidise with other on-farm and off-farm income-generating activities.

The main issue is that producer prices are not keeping pace with the cost of fertiliser.

This has inhibited usage. Government approved the selling of fertiliser for 2011 cropping season as follows: NPK N2,000 and Urea N1,900 against the purchase price of N4,750 and N5,500 per bag.

There are many challenges for small farmers. Labour is insufficient to allow more than small areas to be weeded. Yield losses and total crop failure are often due to inadequate weeding. Small farmers’ crops are subject to attack by pests.

Generally, understanding the importance of matching crop variety with field conditions is poor among small farmers.

Need for local manufacture Importation of fertiliser can be reduced by using locally available raw materials to manufacture them.

The constraint is the availability of raw materials such as lime, nitrogen and vermiculate used to manufacture fertiliser.

High transportation costs and other transaction costs also push up fertiliser costs, making them unaffordable by farmers.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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MONEY

CBN: Bombings may delay cash-less policy implementation in North T

HE spate of bombings may affect the take-off of the implementation of the cashless policy in certain states of the federation in June, an official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Shared Services Office, Governor’s Department, Mr Chidi Umeano, has said.

Umeano argued that insecurity in the country, especially the mayhem unleashed by the religious sect ‘Boko Haram’ may affect the execution of the cash-less pilot studies in some parts of the country.

Speaking to The Nation, Umeano said it is not in the consideration of the apex bank to toy with the time-table set for the implementation of cash-less policy. He said CBN is working towards the successful implementation of the policy in line with the regulatory

• To address complaints on bank charges

By Akinola Ajibade

provisions, adding that the issue is of great importance to the banking watchdog.

He said: We are working towards ensuring that the policy achieves its objectives of transforming the country from a cash-based to cashless economy. That is our primary goal. But the issue of insecurity as related to the Boko Haram sect can be an obstacle. If the June 1 date aside for the take-off of the policy in other states is not feasible, we would move it forward. However, we are not thinking along that line because we are committed to the

Banks face credit decline from offshore lenders

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ANKS are having difficult times accessing credit from international lenders as the European credit crisis deepens, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, an investment and research firm has said.

According to its Diamond Report and projections for 2012, the firm said evidence suggests that a number of Nigerian banks have recently witnessed reduced credit lines from their international partners on account of the growing need for liquidity of major European banks following mounting sovereign default risks.

However, it said such occurrence, would not have a debilitating impact of the overall health of the sector as a whole, though it did not rule out potential impacts on the liquidity of trade finance focused lenders.

“We expect Nigerian banks to weather the looming storms as local funding conditions remain strong and unchanged since the commencement of the European debt crisis. With a largely “home grown” funding base and relatively underleveraged balance sheet, Nigerian banks look set to ride the curve even with regulatory oversight at an all-time high level,” it said in a statement.

It explained that given the precarious state of the global economy and the high probability of contagious impacts on emerging economies through their relatively fragile financial markets, attention on the ripple effects of drastic slowdown in global financial intermediation is imminent.

success of the policy”.

He said there are penalties for operators who fail to implement the cash-lite policy strictly in line with the regulations, adding that the sanctions have not been clearly defined.

Commenting on the policy, a former president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Sam Nzekwe, said the successful implementation of the cash-less banking policy depends on how CBN can strengthen the confidence of the bank’ customers.

Nzekwe said: “If all Nigerians are within the banking net, there is no need of talking about the cash withdrawal of N150,000 among others.

“What the policy will do is that it will encourage people who need a huge amount for a project to be

withdrawing it in bits and keeping it in their homes until the sum is withdrawn so as to escape paying the charges.” He said the implication of this development is that robbers will get to know that people are keeping money at home and this will increase the level of crime in the society.

But a top official of a new generation bank who spoke on condition of anonymity said whatever were the weaknesses of the policy, they were outweighed by its benefits.

“The cost savings alone that banks would get from this policy are enough to override its disadvantages,” he said.

The Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) has expressed its commitment to address complaints arising from bank tariffs. It said it is in the process of reviewing guidelines on bank charges and fees, as part

of efforts to bring down the cost of banking and financial services on customers. The regulator said its ‘Guide to Bank Charges,’ which was issued to the industry several years ago is being reviewed to protect bank customers’ interest.

A statement from the apex bank said such complaints arising mainly from high bank tariffs could threaten confidence in the banking system. The apex bank said in reviewing and updating the document of the charges, the CBN will be guided by, among other factors, those including considerations of financial inclusion, with particular emphasis on consumer protection, unit cost of banks, and contemporary developments in the banking industry.

It lamented the current practices in a number of banks, where products and services are deployed at exorbitant costs to the customers, saying the high costs have helped in no small measure in discouraging a large number of the population from assessing financial services.

‘Reforms not lifting African markets’

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HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that de spite reforms in many African countries, their money and capital markets remain shallow. The IMF reported that domestic money and capital markets in Nigeria and most sub-Saharan African countries remain underdeveloped and shallowoffering mostly short term instruments.

Accordingly, stock market capitalisation remains low, while private securities markets are largely underdeveloped. The IMF stated that the shallowness and lack of depth of hedging instruments in African financial markets likely accentuated shortterm exchange rate movements.

Therefore, foreign exchange

markets offers a limited array of forward hedging instruments, reflecting in part the concentration of foreign exchange receipts in the hands of the public sector, through aid or commodity exports.

Nabil Ben Ltaifa, Stella Kaendera and Shiv Dixit of the African Department, IMF, in their submission “Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Exchange Rates and Policies in sub-Saharan Africa’ observed that the currencies of many sub-Saharan African countries, like those of many emerging and developing economies, offered large depreciations with the onset of the global financial crisis.

‘Single ECOWAS currency still feasible’

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HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states have insisted that the region’s plan to use single cur rency can still be achieved despite economic crisis in Eurozone.

The ECOWAS called for speedy implementation of the commission’s Macroeconomic Convergence, known as ECOMAC, to expedite single monetary union in the region.

A statement from ECOWAS Commission, said series of workshops had been held in Lomé, Lagos and Abidjan in 2010 to examine and validate the ECOMAC database to that effect. The Information Officer in the Commission, Uwem Thompson, said in a statement that the methods of data retrieval from each ECOWAS member state were also discussed.

“Member states, experts and other regional institutions have called on the commission to accelerate the process for the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Macroeconomic Convergence,’’ the statement said.

It said further that the commission reiterated its commitment to the operation of the database to facilitate macroeconomic activities of the member states. The ECOMAC database is expected to be launched in July. The database will focus on generalities and country-specific guides which were developed to address challenges in each of the member states.

The general and country-specific guides will be prepared in the three ECOWAS official languages comprising English, French and Portuguese. The ECOWAS member states are the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

• From left: President, Academy of Science, Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Dere Awosika; Director-General, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof James Momoh, at a stakeholders’ meeting on harmonisation of strategy to reposition the agency in Abuja.

How N600b recovered debts will be invested,

by AMCON T HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has said it will abide by its investment policy in deciding where to put the N600 billion recovered from debtors.

AMCON Chief Executive Officer, Mustapha Chike-Obi disclosed this during the Bankers Committee meeting held in Lagos. He said the corporation will invest the money is areas that present lowest risk and good returns on investment.

When asked if he might consider putting the money in the capital market, he said: “The capital market is useful to AMCON. We have not ruled out the possibility of investing the money in the capital market.

But we have an investment policy that will guide our decisions.”

Chike-Obi said the corporation is still open to advice from anybody on how to compensate shareholders of the three nationalised banks for losing over N32 billion equities in the banks.

He said whatever decision is taken at the end of the exercise will be anchored on protecting the interest of minority shareholders. “If anybody gives us advice on how best to approach it, we will look at it. But I want to assure you that it will be done in the interest of small shareholders,” he said.

By Collins Nweze

The AMCON boss said it recovered N600 billion from the non-performing loans it bought from banks last year. He said the corporation has so far, recovered N100 billion this year, and will achieve a target of N1 trillion by the end of the year.

He warned all debtors and other obligors to pay up as the corporation is prepared and ready to recover all its debts. “Debtors must pay what they owe. And they will pay. However, we are recovering debts at a faster rate than expected. We have recovered about N100 billion so far this year. Our target is to recover N1 trillion this year,” he said. AMCON bought N3.14 trillion bad debts from banks.

AMCON had in January, read the riot act to all its debtors and other obligors to pay up, threatening to deploy its special statutory powers under the AMCON Act to recover all its debts including the accrued interests.

In a statement, AMCON advised debtors and other connected obligors to disabuse their minds of any erroneous notions that such debt obligations will not be vigorously

pursued and enforced by the corporation.

It said: “In furtherance of the above stated intent, AMCON hereby gives notice to all debtors and other obligors connected with any such loans, to, forthwith and without further delay, pay up their debts or present a credible restructuring proposal.

“All debtors and connected obligors are further given notice that AMCON shall, without further recourse to them, deploy the full array of its special statutory powers under the AMCON Act to recover the amounts due and outstanding (principal plus accrued interest) in respect of all such loans.

“Debtors and other connected obligors may wish to note that AMCON is under a mandatory statutory duty to realise and recover debts owed to it.

Accordingly, debtors and other connected obligors will be well advised to disabuse their minds of any erroneous notions that such debt obligations will not be vigorously pursued and enforced by AMCON. For the avoidance of doubt and contrary to any such patently erroneous notions, AMCON shall discharge its statutory duty dispassionately, and exercise the full gamut of its statutory powers to ensure the recovery of all debts owed to it.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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MONEY

ATM complaints: Banks breach CBN rules

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ANKS are still not complying with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) rule, mandating them to resolve complaints arising from the use of the platform within 72 hours.

The Nation’s investigations showed it takes majority of the banks about a month to resolve simple complaints such as nondispensal of cash, card trapping or repair of non-functional machines.

The banks are also not abiding by global practices that mandate them to specify and inform customers about machines that need repair or out of service.

Chukwudi Okafor, a customer of one of the banks, who is yet to have his N40,000 refunded after the ATM debited him without dispensing the cash, said he has written several letters to the bank, completed complaint forms, for almost a month now, but nothing has been done.

He said the challenge of delayed resolution of ATM complaints may affect customers’ perception on use of other e-payment channels such as Point of Sale (PoS) terminals among others.

Okafor said the problem would have been averted if there was a notice on the machine, informing customers that it was faulty. “In

By Collins Nweze many cases, customers get into problems because banks fail to properly inform them about the working condition of ATMs at a given time.

I doubt if any customer will attempt using a machine that is faulty knowing the implications,” he said.

Another customer, Abiodun Ogundipe whose card was trapped in one of the ATMs, said he had problems getting the bank to reissue a new one. He said after paying N1,000 to replace the card, nothing has been done for the last one month.

Investigation shows although many banks advice customers to complete forms to guide them in resolving such complaints, but resolution if at all, takes about a month or months.

The apex bank had earlier warned banks to resolve complaints from ATMs within 72 hours. “The CBN circular said: Failure to respond to the customer or the CBN on ATM complaints within 72 hours will attract a fine of N50,000 per day for each complaint after the 72 hours until the response is received, while failure to resolve any ATM dispute with evidence of resolution within 14 days, the operator will refund the total money involved in the fraud.

“All cardholders’ complaints are

to be treated within a maximum of 72 hours from the date of receipt of the complaints. Networks used for transmission of ATM transactions must be demonstrated to have data confidentiality and integrity. Where the user of the ATM block his image for camera capture, the ATM should be able to abort the transaction.”

The regulator also said operators that fail to establish help desk contacts or non functional help desk contacts will attract a fine of N50,000 for each day of infraction, while for failing to disclose ATM surcharge to customers, the CBN will enforce a refund of the surcharge.

The CBN added that other nonmonetary sanctions that could be applied for these infractions include naming the offenders at the Bankers’ Committee Forum, suspension of offenders from participating in clearing operations until the infraction is corrected, in addition to suspending offenders from participating in Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) operations until the infraction is corrected.

Also, the CBN directed that the helpdesk contacts are to be adequately displayed at the ATM terminals, while all surcharges are to be fully disclosed to customers. The new rule also stipulates that there

must be availability of cash in ATMs at all times.

“The funding and operation of the ATM deployed by non-bank institutions should be the sole responsibility of the bank or institutions that entered into agreement with them for cash provisioning. Every ATM is expected by this arrangement to have cameras that will view and record all persons using the machines and every activity at the ATM like card insertion, Personal Identification Number (PIN) entry, transaction selection, cash withdrawal and card taking, among others.

Also, regulatory monitoring stipulates that any institution which operates ATM should file an updated list of such machines, including the details of location of their addresses with Banking and Payment Systems Department of the CBN for compliance monitoring.

The apex bank is expected to conduct onsite checking of such machines, with a view to ensuring compliance with cash and service availability at the ATMs. On penalties to defaulters, the new CBN

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

guidelines stipulate sanctions in the form of monitory penalties, or suspension of the acquiring / processing services or both will be imposed on such erring institutions for failure to comply with any of the provisions.

Apex bank, lenders collaborate

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and banks are implementing fresh measures aimed at empowering farmers financially and providing favourable fiscal policies for their operations.

The CBN and banks are also working with Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and other key stakeholders to develop an innovative financing mechanism, tagged Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

Data from the CBN said the annual demand for agribusiness financing over the next 40 years is projected at $6.5 billion per annum, compared to the current annual fund supply of $1.5 billion.

The apex bank said the scheme is expected to provide farmers with affordable financial products, while reducing the risk of loans to farmers under other financing programme offered by the financial institutions. The initiative will build capacities of banks to expand lending to agriculture, deploy risk sharing instruments to lower risks of lending and develop a bank rating scheme to assess banks based on their lending to the agricultural sector. The apex bank boss said the initiative will help unlock access to bank finance, critical for stimulating agric lending and increasing food and crop production.

Already, the apex bank has granted zero tariffs for the importation of agricultural machinery and equipment. The bank said it took the action, to create a robust agricultural sector and provide enabling environment for investment.

‘Businesses need to re-think risk’

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• From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Registrar, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mr Sunday Adeyemi and Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Sali Isa during a working visit to the Head of Service in Abuja recently.

Mobile money: NCC, stakeholders list challenges T HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and mobile money operators have expressed concern about the state of preparedness of the mobile money system. They spoke differently on the ominous challenges the scheme will face, unless urgent action is taken.

According to the Executive Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, the issue of tariff is a major problem, which the 16 licensed mobile money operators would face when they begin operations.

Speaking during a stakeholders forum in Lagos, Juwah argued that inability of the operators to reach a convergence on the tariff they would be charging consumers would affect the scheme.

He said: “NCC is particularly concerned about the tariffs that would be charged in the mobile payment scheme. We hope the operators will work with the CBN and come out with good tarrifs that will be suitable and fair to consumers.

The NCC wants an effective tarrifs

By Akinola Ajibade

regime in place and this is the reason why we are looking at a regulatory framework to make mobile money system competitive.”

Juwah said issues such as allocation of soft code, interconnectivity among the operators and pricing must be addressed for the benefit of the mobile money payment.

“The mobile payment system is generally regarded as value added where payments are made via short code. The ongoing SIM registration is very key and vital to ensure the safety of consumer information. It is important that the operators of the scheme should ensure that only consumers who have registered their SIM should come on the scheme,” he added.

He expressed concern over the issue of consumer awareness, adding that it is critical to the implementation of the scheme.

Similarly, the Principal Associate, Mobile Money Africa, Mr Emmanuel Okoegwale, said the challenges ranged from agency network to poor quality. Okoegwale listed other problems to include cash float problems, money laundering, poor customer services, among others.

He said operators are going to face the challenge of employing and coordinating at least 10,000 agents, before they can increase their spread nationwide.

Also, the Managing Director, Fortis Mobile Money, Mr Henry Nwawuba, said there is the need to manage the agents’ network well before the mobile money can work well.

The Managing Director, Technocrat Consult and IT System, Mr Femi Ayo-Yusuf, said there is going to be cash float problems for agents and customers, especially in the rural areas. Ayo-Yusuf said there is the need to urgently address the problems, because majority of the customers reside in the rural areas.

USINESSES need to work harder to spread responsibility for risk management across the whole organisation, according to a new report from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The survey of over 2,000 members found that accountants have vital roles to play in successful risk management.

The Country Manager, ACCA Nigeria, Toyin Ademola, said the survey also found a statistical link between the use of accounting practices that contribute to managing risk and lower occurrences of fraud. It also found differences in the perception of a company’s exposure to risk between those at board level and accountants working below board level.

Risk management needs to be something that is undertaken by everyone in an organisation so it is fully integrated. The survey shows accountants have an excellent grasp of the risks faced by their organisation and the steps needed to manage those risks. The survey also shows clear support among accountants for ‘challenging senior people’ as being part of good business culture,” he said.

Skye Bank deploys improved PoS terminals

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KYE Bank Plc has concluded plans to roll out improved Point of Sale (POS) terminals into the market. The product, the bank said in a statement, will ensure 24 hours uninterrupted operation.

This is in addition to its efficient fund transfer services as well as mobile and Internet banking facilities.

The bank’s Group Head, E-Channels, Mr Chuks Iku, who disclosed this, said the dual SIM PoS terminals would be deployed to merchants, hospitals, hotels and retail outlets to facilitate payment for goods purchased and services rendered.

According to Iku, all the bank’s merchants and retail outlets have been profiled for Point of Sale (PoS) terminal deployment based on market segments, value and frequency of transactions to boost the Cash-less project.

Explaining the competitive edge that the dual SIM PoS will have over the other terminals, he said if one SIM is down, the other would power the terminal and ensure continuous operation daily.

Under the funds transfer service, he said distributors, retailers and other large organisations could wire money to manufacturers using a very secure code provided by the bank thereby reducing the risks associated with cash handling.

Iku said the bank’s mobile banking facilities would be used to bring the unbanked population into the financial system, noting that other initiatives, such as the campus card and pre-paid card tied to mobile banking are being promoted by the bank.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

18

INSURANCE Oil and gas to drive N1tr NAICOM mulls stiffer penalty premium income for late submission of accounts P

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TIFFER sanctions await insurers and re-insurers who delay the submission of their financial accounts, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, has said.

Daniel told The Nation that most operators are comfortable with the current N5,000 daily penalty, adding that the anticipated Insurance Act will place stricter discipline on defaulters.

Investigation revealed that about four companies are yet to get their 2010 financial accounts approved by NAICOM because of non compliance with stipulated rules.

Daniel said the accounts of most companies fall below the industry standard; hence they were rejected for approval.

The commission, he said, is poised at repositioning the industry and will not tolerate unethical practices.

Daniel said effort are been made to ensure companies submit their accounts as specified in the Insurance Acts.

He note that the present provision in the Act, allows NAICOM to charge errant companies N5,000 daily for failing to submit their accounts after June. He said such misdeeds would be corrected in the new Act which

Stories by Chuks Udo Okonta

will soon be implemented by NAICOM. He said the commission is committed to strengthening the industry to enable it contribute positively to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) He said: “One fact which we have all had cause to reflect on several times in the past is the relative weakness of the insurance industry in the financial services sector of the Nigerian economy. A major index of that weakness had been the relatively low contribution of the sector to gross domestic product.

“When viewed against the central role that insurance plays and the contribution it makes to the economy in other parts of the world, there is general consensus that there is huge untapped potential for the Nigerian insurance industry to grow. This should be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity.”

Daniel said to reposition the industry, NAICOM has initiated measures such as improved capital base of operator, increased ability to attract and retain talents and enforcement of law.

”In dealing with some of these challenges, NAICOM has initiated several reform programmes, the latest of which was the recapitilisation / consolidation of 2005/2007. With the support of the federal government, the different professional associations, interest groups and players in the industry, some of these reforms have yielded positive dividends and moved our industry forward,” he added.

He said the industry’s operation guideline also mandated the operators to publish in their annual account on a quarterly basis or be penalised.

“All insurers and re-insurers shall each file with the commission on quarterly basis, details of financial malpractices established against its staff, clients or any other person. The detail shall include but not limited to the following, identity of the perpetrators, nature of malpractice, amount involved, penalties and prevention measures.

“All contravention on which penalties have been imposed in any accounting year shall be disclosed in the audited annual accounts to be presented at the annual general meeting,” he said.

REMIUM income from oil and gas will help accelerate the attainment of the insurance industry’s N1trillion target, the President, Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr Tunde Oguntade, has said.

Oguntade told The Nation that the insurance industry as a group, may achieve the target, given the fact that they now benefit from oil and gas, aviation insurances.

He said the local content has paved the way for insurers to venture into risks that were unable to underwrite in the past.

He said: “Now, the local content allows much money to flow into the industry locally instead of the capital flight experience we used to

have. With the inflow of forex and new accounts in oil and gas as a result of the Cabotage Act, we might meet the target.

“Also because of the MDRI, we might be able to have much more money flowing into our purses, especially now that micro insurance is developing and a lot of people are beginning to appreciate insurance, even though very slow, we should be able to meet the target.

Even if we meet the target, we would still be less than seven per cent of the expected penetration.”

He said more insurers are bidding for the insurance risks in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), this year, adding that same happen in other areas where the Local Content Act has increased operators participation.

FirstBank Life eyes general business

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IRSTBank Life Assurance Limited will before the end of the year apply for general insurance licence, its Managing Director Mr Val Ojumah, has said.

Ojumah, who disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos, said the company will leverage on its parent company First Bank of Nigeria Plc and other platforms to offer seasoned insurance services to the populace.

He said there is great need for insurance products to be properly researched to meet customers’ needs.

He said the industry will continue to witness growth as operators improve on claims settlement. He call for improved awareness, adding that the industry has received its fair share of negative publicity which has contributed to the current poor perception of the business.

He said FBN Life Assurance made N1.27 billion gross premium income last year, adding that the company has a mandate to provide premium

value in the insurance market and become first choice in wealth creation and financial security. He noted that to achieve this feat and remain the pace setters in the industry, the company have designed operations to consistently reflect its core values of integrity, innovation, professionalism, respect for every individual and excellent quality.

He said: “At FBN Life, integrity is our watchword. We remain reliable and responsible to our customers and stakeholders. We are an outstanding ambassador of our brand. We are especially mindful of the need to be increasingly innovative in order to meet the needs of our diverse stakeholders.

Today, we record above industry average in monthly business generation, our business process is driven by technology and we continue to introduce new and innovative products into the market.

Operator lists IFRS’ benefits

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• From left: Head, Distribution FirstBank Life Assurance Limited Mr Ayodeji Bankole-Olushina; Managing Director, Mr Val Ojumah and Chief Operating Officer Mr Andrew Greenwood at an event in Lagos.

Our challenges on market pact, by NIA boss U

NDERWRITERS’ decision to have unified premium rate is threatened by non-compliance by operators, the Chairman Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) Chairman, Mr Olusola LadipoAjayi, has said.

Ladipo-Ajayi told The Nation that most operators have decided to join the bandwagon of faulting the rule rather than supporting the association’s rule. He said the agreement has become a problem instead of a panacea.

“The market has become a problem and I have explained the frustration of the association. The most difficult thing is that everybody complains, but nobody is reporting defaulters to the association.

“We are not policemen in NIA secretariat. If our members report, it will be easier for us but rather everybody goes back to join the bandwagon and the truth of it is that the market agreement is being observed in the breach of it. But at NIA, we have resolved to take an official position of NIA on every matter. So, whoever decides to go against it is

not going in accordance to NIA rules and everybody knows the NIA position,” he said.

He said the association will not relent in its efforts to sanitise the industry, adding that the customer complaints bureau was set up to make operators abide by the rule of a unified premium rate.

“To counter the free fall of premium, we have established the customer complaints bureau.

“We have resolved that we are not going to court to settle insurance cases; all the cases that are decided by the bureau, our members accepted them. Because we did not want people to feel aggrieved with the decision of the bureau, that was why we took the pain to get a retired Supreme Court judge to be the chairman of the bureau and that the only way we can checkmate our people.

“We have esteemed our standard.

If we have a report of violation, when what we are preventing operators

from doing happens, they will have no hiding place because they are not going to cover up anybody and that the best NIA can do for now.”

Director-General Nigerian NIA Mr Sunday Thomas, said market agreement is not just about rates, but about service delivery. He said people would have misconstrued market agreement to mean rates, adding that it is beyond that, as a lot of things are meant to be achieved appropriate.

He said the association’s disciplinary committee has disciplined errant members.

“Some members have been suspended and on serious cases some have been expelled. Ours is a voluntary association not set-up by the government. If the way a member conducts his affairs is not consistence with the belief of the association, the association has the right to excuse the fellow. If the association sees that what you are doing is not helping the interest of the association, they would ask you to move, which is part of the constitution of the association,” he added.

HE Managing Director, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr Wale Onaolapo, has said the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) will boost business between local operators and their counterparts abroad.

He said insurers are intensifying efforts to meet the 2012 deadline stipulated by the government for companies to be IFRS compliant, adding that operators are collaborating with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other relevant bodies to achieve a seamless migration.

He said: “The industry is taken the issue of IFRS seriously to meet next years’ deadline. Many companies have extended the initiative by engaging services of professional advisers that would join hands with them to implement the IFRS regime.

“The regulator is also educating

the operators on the scheme. I think the industry is embracing the idea positively and the scheme would on the long run benefit the industry tremendously.”

Onaolapo also called on insurance practitioners to toe the path of professionalism and integrity, adding that attitude of the operators is responsible for the poor growth of the industry.He said the industry still has a lot to do in terms of gaining the confidence of the Nigerian insuring public and generating high patronage level.

He said the growth and advancement of the industry largely depends on the way practitioners conduct themselves in all areas of their operations. “The bedrock of our success lies within our powers; we have the wherewithal of turning the vast opportunities around us to goldmine but we must be prepared to uphold professionalism and make integrity our watchword. “

Experts seek ways to mitigate risk

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OW to mitigate risks through provision of social security will top the agenda of a workshop to be organised by the African Institute for Applied Economics (AIAE) in Abuja.

Communication Manager of the institute, Mr Sola Oluwadare, told The Nation that the event billed for February 29 will enable experts drawn from different professions deliberate on how risk can be reduced through social security and insurance.

He noted that the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Muhammed Dogo Muhammed, is expected to deliver a paper on the challenges and achievements of the scheme at the event.

Oluwadare said the seminar will also review government efforts on social protection policy through its

agencies vis a vis international best practices, and analyse and proffer solutions to the challenges being faced by the implementers, operators and participants of the program.

He said social protection policies and programmes refer to initiatives that deliberately seek to protect people and groups against risk and vulnerability, mitigate the impacts of shocks on livelihoods, and support people who suffer from chronic incapacities to secure basic livelihoods.

He noted that in Nigeria, social protection policy initiatives cover employment, health, poverty, pension and education sectors, adding that some of the initiatives include the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), NHIS, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Good riddance •Zakari Biu’s dismissal from the police is long overdue

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ORMER commissioner of police, Zakari Biu’s cup was finally full on February 22 when he was dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force by the Police Service Commission (PSC). That was the second time he would be dismissed from the force; and we hope it would be his last. Biu, commissioner of police in charge of investigations of terrorism activities at Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, was eventually sacked over the escape of Kabiru Sokoto, a prominent member of the deadly Boko Haram sect that was behind last year’s Christmas Day bombing of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State. At least 44 people were killed and many others injured in that incident.

‘Biu’s dismissal is a befitting epitaph to the ugly past of Nigeria that he represents.

But this should only be the beginning of his punishment. He should be prosecuted for allowing a prized suspect like Sokoto to escape. Perhaps the most important thing now is the fact that he is leaving the police force with ignominy. But for this comeuppance, he would have retired from the police force next month’

The police later declared Sokoto wanted and placed a bounty of N50milion on his head. He was however re-captured by a team of men of the State Security Service (SSS) and soldiers in Taraba State on February 10. The suspect is currently in the custody of SSS. Sokoto’s escape, in dramatic circumstances on January 15 from a team of policemen led by Biu detailed to take him for a search of his house at Abaji, Abuja, made Nigerians and indeed the international community to wonder whether the Federal Government was serious in fighting terrorism. Indeed, it led to more strident calls for changes in the security agencies, with many fearing that the Boko Haram had infiltrated their rank and file.

As a matter of fact, President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed this much.

To demonstrate its discomfiture with the unfortunate incident, the Federal Government reacted with sweeping changes in the police force. The matter claimed the job of the former InspectorGeneral of Police, Hafiz Ringim, and some other top police officers, and led to the elevation of the incumbent IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, an assistant inspector-general of police until his elevation.

It is a delight that Biu’s evil deeds finally caught up with him. In the first place, he ought not to be in the police force, having been sacked earlier over gross violations of human rights abuses.

Indeed, the Human Rights Investigation Commission, otherwise known as ‘Oputa

Panel,’ had recommended him for sack over these abuses and he was sacked, only to be reabsorbed into the police force.

Ironically, it was the same Parry Osayande-led PSC that re-absorbed him in 2010, on the excuse that he was not properly dismissed. We hope the PSC has learnt its lesson and followed the due process in dismissing him this time around.

It would be tragic for the nation if by some incomprehensible means a man like Biu again finds himself in the force due to non-adherence to due process in his dismissal or for whatever reason. He is too dangerous to remain in our police force, given his antecedents. His competence is doubtful even as his loyalty is questionable.

Biu’s dismissal is a befitting epitaph to the ugly past of Nigeria that he represents. But this should only be the beginning of his punishment. He should be prosecuted for allowing a prized suspect like Sokoto to escape. Perhaps the most important thing now is the fact that he is leaving the police force with ignominy.

But for this comeuppance, he would have retired from the police force next month.

It is good that the point is made that normal retirement, with the accompanying benefits, is not automatic; it should be for officers who served diligently. To allow a police officer like Biu to benefit from such gesture would tantamount to making him reap from where he has not sown.

Moreover, that would encourage officers like him to toe his path, seeing that it is after all, rewarding.

FG’s insistence on SURE •Why not wait for the House probe on subsidy before proceeding with the scheme, if we must

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N SPITE OF of the huge disparities in figures tendered as the quantity of fuel consumed in the country daily, President Goodluck Jonathan is still forging ahead with the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE).

At the 58 th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Jonathan insisted that his administration would go ahead with a modified version of SURE, in view of the fact that the ‘full deregulation’ of the downstrean sector of the oil industry envisaged by the government before conceptualising the idea was no longer feasible. By the government’s projection, a litre of fuel would have been selling for about N141 which the pump price jumped to immediately the government withdrew subsidy on the product as a New Year’s gift.

The SURE programme has the total projected subsidy reinvestible funds per annum at N1.134 trillion based on average crude oil price of US$90 per barrel. Of the amount, N478.49 billion accrues to the Federal Government, N411.03 billion to state governments, N203.23 billion to local governments, N9.86 billion to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and N31.37 billion as transfers to derivation and ecology, development of natural resources and stabilisation funds.

The programme focuses on utilisation of Federal Government’s share of the subsidy on social safety nets, Niger Delta development project, road infrastructural

projects, rail transport projects, water and agriculture projects, selected power projects, petroleum/NNPC projects and ICT projects. These, no doubt, are worthwhile projects.

But then, the Federal Government should have waited for the outcome of the House of Representatives panel investigating the subsidy regime, to see whether or not there has been fuel subsidy all along, or at least its extent. The inclusion of N880billion in the 2012 budget implies not only that there is subsidy but that it amounts to N880billion which, unfortunately, is being disputed and which may turn out to be a huge fraud waiting to be discovered.

Now, what happens if it is eventually found out that there was really no subsidy? Or that if it existed, it was at the level it was (just a little above N200bn) in 2010 before it was dangerously hiked to N1.7 trillion in 2011? If either were the case, the government would have been wrong to have gone ahead with its programme, as if the House probe on the matter is of no consequence?

We are not surprised though that the government is insisting on the programme. The fact is that there is not much details given to accountability by the administration and this has reflected in some of its actions and pronouncements. SURE, like the removal of fuel subsidy or most other government policies, we insist, was not well thoughtout. Otherwise, all the suspected fraud being unfolded by the House of

Representatives panel would have been discovered; and the government would have had the benefit of facts and figures to work on to have made SURE certain instead of groping in the dark in its desperation to make Nigerians feel it is working.

We have nothing against deregulation per se; but we are averse to the so-called deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry based on the present importation template. We are also concerned that chances of sweeping the report of the House probe panel under the carpet are high if the government went ahead with its SURE programme without knowing exactly how much we spent on subsidy, especially last year. We cannot be in a hurry to develop where monumental cases of fraud are treated with levity.

‘We are also concerned that chances of sweeping the report of the House probe panel under the carpet are high if the government went ahead with its SURE programme without knowing exactly how much we spent on subsidy, especially last year. We cannot be in a hurry to develop where monumental cases of fraud are treated with levity’

GOP’s reckless saber-rattling on Iran

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HE Republican presidential candidates are unfairly portraying Obama as an appeaser and are encouraging a rush to

war.

Obviously, the Republican presidential candidates have the right to speak out on any issue they choose, and just as obviously, the escalation of hostility between Israel and Iran is a terribly important subject that should concern every American. But so far we haven’t gleaned much wisdom from the GOP contenders, who, except for Ron Paul, are encouraging a reckless rush to war while unfairly portraying President Obama as an appeaser.

At Wednesday’s debate in Mesa, Ariz., Mitt Romney assailed the administration for cautioning Israel against launching a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Newt Gingrich made it clear that he would react positively if Israel’s prime minister informed him that the country planned to attack Iran.

And Rick Santorum accused Obama of doing “nothing” to counter “a dangerous theocratic regime that wants to wipe out the state of Israel ... and take on the Great Satan, the United States.” Not surprisingly, none of the three gave the administration any credit for ratcheting up the economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran. Nor did any address the potentially catastrophic consequences of an attack on Iran.

An Iranian nuclear weapon would be a dangerous and destabilizing development, even if Iran never launched the suicidal attack on Israel that Republicans treat as a foregone conclusion. The United States, its allies and the International Atomic Energy Agency rightly refuse to take at face value Iran’s assurance that it is interested only in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. All available diplomatic steps should be taken to prevent the creation of an Iranian bomb, which, as well as posing a terrifying threat to the state of Israel, would immediately recalibrate the balance of power in the Middle East and very likely set off a new arms race among the other powers in the region.

But for an American president to give carte blanche to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be irresponsible. By most accounts, an Israeli attack would be enormously difficult to carry off and would do little more than delay the Iranian program by several years. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said an Israeli attack would be “destabilizing,” and former CIA DirectorMichael V. Hayden called it “beyond the capacity” of Israel to launch an attack that would seriously set Iran back.

What’s more, Iran’s response to such an attack could disrupt global oil shipments, unleash Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel and threaten U.S. interests worldwide.

Dempsey said recently that in the view of U.S. intelligence, the Iranian regime “has not decided” whether to make a nuclear weapon.

If so, there is time for measures short of military action to deflect Iran from that choice. There are also signs that sanctions are beginning to pinch. Iran has indicated a willingness to resume talks with the United States and other great powers. Abandoning such initiatives in favor of precipitous military action might be good Republican politics, but it would be disastrous policy.

– Los Angeles Times

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: The heinous activities of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram have put everyone on his toes in Nigeria. Both the government and the governed have been rattled and as such several options are being considered in different circles on how to curb the marauding menace of the terrorist group. The other day, the zonal office of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was forced to issue a warning to the sect as well as urging her members (Christians) to defend themselves since government has failed them.

Although, the national president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor after the announcement appealed to Christians not to retaliate, tempers are already high following the reported mass exit of southerners from the far northern states.

Shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan’s meeting with security chiefs to chart the way forward, indications emerged that the federal government was considering engaging the services of some foreign bodies to tackle the Boko Haram. The president’s special adviser on politics, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak said this was in response to the sect’s continued attacks.

The idea of recruiting foreign professionals to fight terrorism in the country would certainly not be in the interest of the nation. Its disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. First of all, this will be a slap on the collective psyche, pride and sovereignty of Nigeria as an independent nation. Secondly, the foreign experts will have to rely on the information from their local counterpart to make any impact.

Thirdly, it will negate the President’s earlier resolve to fish out our best in Nigeria.

At the inception of this administration, the President through his transformation agenda

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Don’t outsource Boko Haram fight to foreigners assured Nigerians that he would attract Nigeria’s best professionals within and in the Diaspora to assist him. I believe it is in that vein that he invited intellectuals and technocrats like the finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-iweala, agriculture minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina and the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega who are doing exceptionally well in their various areas of assignment.

We hope that he can also identify Nigerians who have been trained both home and abroad in security and terrorism related areas and give them the required support and encouragement. They will certainly bring the much needed changes and fashion out modalities for taking Boko Haram head on. It is not impossible that Nigeria, a nation of over 160 million would not have experts in this very important field.

In as much as we need to checkmate Boko Haram, we also have to make use of what we have. I believe Nigerian experts in this area are not lacking and could be harnessed for the future of this country if we really believe in the project Nigeria. This is the time to rely on our own.

This is not to say that the country should not work in collaboration with other countries, but we must

Regional integration, best for Nigeria

S

IR: Regional integration is not an exercise to divide or undermine the unity of the country. People with the same culture should integrate and develop the dynamism in their common beliefs. Nigeria is so interwoven that a mere issue of regional integration cannot cause national disintegration. Stronger regions in Nigeria will stimulate and challenge the federal to be stronger.

The basis of regional integration of the South-west of Nigeria and Edo State is based on the theory of collectivism.

Since time immemorial, the Yorubas have been trying to harmonise and integrate. They have held series of meetings to show that, irrespective of their locations, they are one.

There are Yorubas in Republic of Benin, Brazil and other parts of the world. The broom, the symbol of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) depicts the strength enjoyed by unified people as against

individualism. It is ironical to discuss Nigeria development without regional integration and regional development.

The geo-political division of the South West and Edo into states should not divide the people. The Yorubas and the Binis are people with common identity; they have common resources which should be commonly enjoyed by all. With regional integration, governments of all the South-west states will be able to compare notes and push for national development. The benefits of the economic principles of division of labour and economies of scale are not being derived by states because of bad leadership structure in the centre. If the regions cannot influence the centre, they should not have problems to integrate and influence their regions positively.

The conspicuous failure of the central government to provide infrastructure is the tonic needed to forge the regional integration

idea. It will not only challenge the country as a whole, it will ensure mass production of wealth based on the principles of comparative advantage and this will ensure mass prosperity. The South West under Late Premier Obafemi Awolowo was able to achieve more than other regions in terms of development because of the dynamics of the participating people.

South-west states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, as well as the contiguous state of Edo are better off integrated into an economic zone, sharing resources and attaining economies of scale for economic growth and development. The region suffered greatly during the incongruent governments between 2003 and 2011. To rapidly correct the malaises of the governments that ruled the region during the time, the progressives must unite the states.

• Olufemi Oyedele.

Lagos.

be careful not to mortgage our independence and plunge the nation into avoidable security crisis. The federal government should therefore have a rethink on its intention to commit our security into the hands of foreigners.

• Dr. Ifeanyi Nwabunor Abuja.

Re-March to victory

S

IR: I read in The Nation of Wednesday, February 22 page 61 a paid advert titled ‘March to victory’, where it was published that the entire supporters of the Imole Agba, the pillars and the Jaiyeola Ajata Campaign Organisation congratulate Dr. Jaiyeola Ajata of the Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on his declaration for the governorship election of Ondo State in 2013.

The said publication, among other things, named some eminent personalities including my humble self as signatory to the advert.

I wish to state categorically that I am not privy to such arrangement and at no time did I attend any meeting or gathering of the Ajata Campaign organisation.

As said, the publication is not only astonishing but embarrassing.

Consequently, I use this medium to reaffirm my loyalty and support to my party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The publication is hereby refuted and rejected in its entirety.

In view of the above, the publisher should apologise in the same newspaper, within seven days to this rejoinder for the embarrassment caused me and my entire organisation.

• Senator Remi Okunrinboye Akure, Ondo State

21

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Electricity today, not in 2020; Pre-conception Folic Acid; You, stop the Lassa Fever Epidemic

C

ITIZENS, there is a 50 year old c o m p a n y Aggreko, providing power generation in units of 10-200Mw within three months for Tony cities and corporations.

Marinho Recently it did it in Japan when the nuclear plant was destroyed. The plants run on diesel or gas. Can this not be used by forward looking state governors in Nigeria immediately until their majesties in Aso Rock and NASS agree to give us the 100,000Mw needed for Nigerians to lead a normal life?

Life transcends politics and if you know any woman anywhere planning to get pregnant, please advise her and all other pre-pregnant women to take a tablet of folic acid, pre-conception- just 1mg is fine daily. It helps prevent early abortion and is very important for the formation of the baby’s brain and spine. Tell everyone, your children included, in pre-marriage counselling, your church and mosque, in school, office, family and union. Much misery and anomalies that babies are born with will be prevented. Pre-conception preparation for a safe pregnancy and healthy baby includes avoiding taking dangerous drugs and using pre-pregnancy vitamins as recommended from before conception. Newly married couples and married couples seeking a new pregnancy should be told this life saving information. We must look after ourselves. The media will not tell us. We each live individual lives with no government assistance.

We must take individual decisions everyday quite independent of what the LGA, State or Federal Government do or do not do. ‘A folic acid tablet a day helps to keep abortion and abnormalities away’.

In a normal society one would have expected the 100 TV and 180 radio stations to disseminate this message and the 100 other life saving messages daily to enlighten the citizenry. But commercial greed has subsumed any social responsibility of the media to the citizenry. Yet there is so much waste space in the media day filled with mindless music. It is not only about security in the face of the new

bombing threats that the citizens should be well informed.

The Lassa fever epidemic is a very serious point in question.

By now every single radio and TV station and newspaper including cable networks should be carrying up-to-the-hour data about the Lassa fever epidemic, including deaths and cases reported, as a necessity for healthy survival of the country. The document from the Federal Ministry of Health reproduced below or from a nearby Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre or State General Hospital Preventive and Social Medicine Specialists or the State Ministry of Health should have by now flooded the media and the community with Lassa fever information. In the alternative the internet can generate adequate information for a Lassa Fever Information document to be made as a school/ university project from information available for school/ university notice boards and to be read out at every assembly.

As preventive measures, by now states and LGAs should be producing tens of thousands of ‘Avoid Lassa Fever’ posters perhaps in cooperation with MTN and the other private sector major advertisers and ambulances and other public announcement vehicles should be everywhere in markets, schools, churches, mosques informing us of how to avoid the deadly disease spreading. Politicians should hand this Lassa fever epidemic over to the professionals in medicine and the media. Lassa fever posters should be a widespread as ‘Vote For Me’ politicians’ posters have been in the past.

Please cut and photocopy x100 copies and paste on notice boards this message: From the Federal Ministry of Health/NEMA LASSA FEVER ALERT: KNOW THE FACTS WHAT IS IT? It is an acute viral infection associated with persistent high fever caused by Lassa Virus.

WHERE IS IT FOUND? It was discovered first in Lassa, Borno State, Nigeria in 1969. However, it can be found in other places, especially in West Africa e.g. Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

HOW IS IT SPREAD? People become infected by eating infected bush rat or eating food contaminated with the rat excreta/urine deposited on surfaces such as floors, beds, household utensils or in food and water (e.g. Grains spread out to dry along the roads by farmers). Person to person spread also occurs by direct contact or inhalation of infected

body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, throat secretion etc. . WHO CAN BE INFECTED? All age groups. Persons at greater risk are those in areas of poor sanitation and health workers managing such cases.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? The illness usually starts with fever, general weakness and malaise.

Other signs and symptoms are headache, sore throat, pain behind the breast bone, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, abdominal pain and red spots. In severe cases, it may progress to swollen face, bleeding (from mouth, nose, and vagina), gastrointestinal tract and low blood pressure.

HOW CAN LASSA FEVER BE PREVENTED? Avoid contact between rats and human beings. Keep your house and environment clean. Cover all foods and water properly. Cook all foods thoroughly. Block all rat hideouts. Do not spread food where rats can have access to it. If you suspect Lassa fever, or have persistent fever not responding to malaria and typhoid treatment, report to the nearest health facility.

Introduce a ‘Kill Rats’ programme in your home, office and jurisdiction.

TREATMENT OF SUSPECTED CASES: under medical supervision. Early treatment with Oral Ribavirin is recommended. In severe infection, injection of Ribavirin is used. Barrier nursing - masks, gloves, and clothing- is highly recommended.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH OTHERS. FMHealth/NEMA. God Save Us!

‘Do not spread food where rats can have access to it. If you suspect Lassa fever, or have persistent fever not responding to malaria and typhoid treatment, report to the nearest health facility. Introduce a ‘Kill Rats’ programme in your home, office and jurisdiction’

‘King of the Road’

L

AST Monday evening, motorists plying ApapaOshodi expressway in Lagos literally went through hell, spending hours in the traffic, as fuel tankers waiting to load fuel at the tank farms in the area blocked the entire expressway. The traffic, which stretched through several kilometres, was particularly chaotic at Mile 2 and Julius Berger Yard area, due to the blockade of the service lane by the construction giant, Julius Berger Plc. Also, a large number of petrol tankers were indiscriminately parked in a manner which completely took over the route leading to Apapa Port.

As a result of the commotion, some motorists got home as late as 1:00 am the following day. This is because those who could not navigate their way to Orile, a Lagos suburb, turned against traffic and drove towards Mile 2 in their efforts to access Orile, thereby compounding an already bad situation. The scene on the bridge linking Kirikiri Maximum Prison was not different. For hours, motorists were grounded on the bridge till late at night. A few weeks ago, a fully loaded petrol tanker exploded at Mile 2 and ignited an inferno which consumed three lives and 36 vehicles.

Those who frequently ply the route described their experiences as terrible and horrifying. The chaotic and unbearable traffic gridlock is often caused by tanker drivers who usually take over both sides of the roads. Quite a good number of Nigerians have called on the government to devise measures to check the menace of these tankers as the nation is losing

unquantifiable man-hour on the road, the only road to the nation’s seaports. The plight of motorists on this route seems to have caught the attention of the Lagos State government which has recently recorded success in clearing the tankers off the route. One only hopes that the current sanity will be sustained.

There is no doubt that the activities of these tanker drivers and trucks are silently killing the economy. Apart from the fact that two of the major ports in the country are located in Apapa, more than 75 per cent of the goods that are imported into the country come through the ports. The implication is that the blockage of the access roads leading to these two important ports makes it difficult to effectively service the economy because of the difficulty in accessing the ports.

However, it is not only in Lagos that the tankers and articulated vehicles carrying containers have become a nuisance. They are largely ubiquitous in Onne Port in Port Harcourt, East-West Road, Ijebu-Ode-Benin Road, Ile-IfeAkure, Akure-Ondo, in the southern part of the country. They are also highly noticeable in many parts of the northern states.

Wherever there is high volume of trade or movement of goods, you will find them in their nuisance quantity.

If you are a regular user of the nation’s ‘expressways’, you will understand what I am saying. These vehicles are “kings of the road”.

Whether they are coming towards your direction or you are trailing them from behind, all you need to do is to apply extra caution. They

‘The FRSC should be properly funded and strengthened to carry out its statutory functions of saving lives on the roads’.

can either push you completely out of the road when they are coming directly opposite you or they could overrun you if they are coming behind you. If you are the type who embarks on reckless overtaking on the roads, you must ceaselessly blare your horns when you want to overtake such vehicles, otherwise you could end up in a ditch if the “king of the road” suddenly decides to change lane or avoid one of the many potholes dotting our roads.

This is one of the reasons why people are quick to attribute the cause of road accidents to bad roads.

Agreed, bad roads, which are a regular feature of our roads, contribute immensely to carnages on the highways, but the human and mechanical factors far supersede this. Bad roads can be patiently managed by a diligent and meticulous driver. That is not to say that governments at whatever levels - federal, state and local governments - should be exonerated from blame. Far from that.

It is a good thing that trailer parks are springing up everywhere now.

The drivers must be made to use them to refresh during long distances. Though the drivers of these vehicles appear to be highly unruly and not disciplined, efforts should be made by government to single them out for proper education on tolerance on the roads, good conduct and strict adherence to traffic laws and safety regulations. If you go to Ogere area of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway or Ore on the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway, you will understand the pervasive indiscipline among this category of drivers. They neither respect law enforcement agents nor respect traffic laws and regulations.

Since 1993, when they were visibly involved in the struggle for the actualization of the late Basorun

M.K.O Abiola’s election, tanker drivers have constituted themselves into a formidable group that can disrupt smooth public life at the dictates of their own whims.

Perhaps, that was why they bared their fangs in 2008 when they physically used their long vehicles to block the Shagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after a minor dispute with the Ogun State government. I was one of the motorists caught in that unholy trajectory at the time, and my experience is better forgotten.

Whichever way one looks at it, these drivers need to be properly orientated because of the human and economic destruction they wrought on the nation from time to time.

So, in essence, we are faced with the double-edged assault of tankers and articulated vehicles whose drivers have little or no consideration for other road users.

In many instances, the tankers and articulated vehicles are driven so recklessly that they often create avoidable fatalities. In the process, a lot of Nigerians have met their untimely death. Many have attributed the fatal accidents involving these vehicles to drunkenness on the part of the drivers, sleeplessness resulting in fatigue while driving, and the last but not the least, mechanical fault.

It is no longer news that drivers drink while driving in Nigeria.

When I say drivers, I don’t mean commercial or professional drivers alone as some I-go-drive-myself also indulge in this ruinous habit. At the inception of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in 1988, one of the major campaigns embarked upon by the body was to dissuade drivers from drunkdriving. These campaigns were vigorously pursued at motor parks and other public places to sensitize the drivers to the damaging effect of drunk driving. At a point, a

Dele Agekameh mechanism, generally known as Alcolyser, through which the alcoholic content in a driver could be detected, was regularly used. But this method seems to have lost steam.

Similarly, many years ago, there were constant adverts or jingles in the media warning drivers on the dangers of road accidents, but such jingles have dwindled in volumes or have completely disappeared from the screen or airwaves. The government needs to do more on public enlightenment about safe driving culture, especially by the drivers of these tankers and articulated vehicles. The carnage on our roads has become an epidemic, so much that it will take a complete reorientation of the mindset of this category of drivers to bring sanity to the roads. The FRSC should be properly funded and strengthened to carry out its statutory functions of saving lives on the roads. The time has come for the governments to wake up from its deep slumber and do something to reduce the menace posed to road users not only by tankers or articulated vehicles and their drivers but all other motorists. And the first step is to fix the roads!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION FROM THE CELL PHONE ‘You underestimate the problem and depth of corruption in Nigeria. There are sitting lawmakers facing criminal charges. ‘The Economist’ reported in its May 28, 2011 edition that “fuel subsidy conmen are the President’s supporters who he cannot apprehend or confront … The people of Nigeria have a war to fight to get rid of corruption, as those currently in power will not commit suicide.

From O.V. Sotubo, Sagamu’

• Obasanjo

For Gbenga Omotoso As a former President that once attempted to change the constitution to continue in office beyond his term limit, does General Obasanjo have any moral credibility to lead the efforts to dissuade incumbent Senegalese President, Abdullahi Wade, from his maniacal desire to continue in office after completing his two terms? Obasanjo’s hypocrisy is nauseating. This was a man that became a hero on the account of his stiff opposion to General Babangida and Abacha’s agendas to perpetuate themselves in office.

Ironically, he ended up like a doctor infected by the same disease he was trying to cure. His tenure elongation plot of 2006 was the clearest demonstration of his insincerity over the recurring political disease of the sit-tight attitude of African leaders.

With these discredited antecedents, what morally qualifies Obasanjo for his hypocrital mission to Senegal to knock reason into the head of President Abdullahi Wade to abandon his cranky ambition to rule perpetually? Do we have any reason to accuse the Western media of negative reporting on Africa when our leaders continue to behave negatively?

From Na’Allah Mohammed Zagga, Abuja.

Re: “While I was away”. It pays to be a Nigerian depending on your sanguine perception! I enjoyed the joke and I want to ‘retaliate’. In a zoology class, the following dialogue ensued- Lecturer: What is Nigeria? Student: A place where all types of creatures co-habit like nothing else matters. Lecturer: and to survive?

Student: A creature must have the hyde of a hippo, the memory of an elephant, the patience of a vulture, the instincts of a serpent and the hunting spirit of a lioness!

Welcome back and good morning. From Kayode A., Abeokuta.

It will be good if you combine with baba suwe for a proper training in comedy! It is funny but your hell story is a true reflection of our nation. From Muneer, Kano.

I think Sanusi is having political agenda by donatng Nigerian money like a prodigal son, senate should ask Sanusi for a copy of CBN 2012 budget to find out if there is apropriation for such frivolous spending which Sanusi chose to start from Kano his home state, what a way to be a true nationalist! From Godwin Trully, it pays to be a Nigerian in this circumstance, according to the concluding paragraph of you write-up of February 2nd, 2012. Welcome home. Anonymous Thank you Gbenga, it pays to be a Nigerian the incubating machine of corruption, sorrow, the Zakari Bius and unknown destinations. May God help us.

Anonymous Dear Editor, welcome back home. You are now a philosopher. Yes, it pays to be a Nigerian if our leaders turn a new leaf and find time to read your editorial notebook to refresh their memories and practise it in their administrations. I hope you did not come with catarrh. Kudos to you and your paper. From Hon. Falegan.

Re: “While I was away”. You are welcome back home. You have been able

to capture most events during your absence, very concisely. However, Sanusi Lamido’s donations to victims of bombblasts are of interest to me. Sectional or roleright or wrong, timely or untimely, what happens if he pocketed all he had been donating? Where are the other eminent Nigerians till now? We like making mountains out of mole hills here in Nigeria, period! From Lanre Oseni, Lagos.

Good piece on The Nation’s backpage but leave Yakubu alone! Great players have missed chances like that before. Torres for $50m has less than three goals this season,Yakubu who is priceless has 13 goals. Keshi made no mistake. Yakubu is the best striker we have in Nigeria right now! From Akpo.

One more reason it pays to be a Nigerian: a day will come when the prison gates will be flung open for the ‘man’ to take his exit, courtesy of our brothers up North. It was an interesting piece you wrote last Thursday. From Andy, Calabar Gbenga, thank God for your trip-mercy.

The tail end of your piece was fantastic. I must say its meaning will not be lost on those “misleaders” paraded in “Nigeria” as “leaders”. From Xulu, Benin Re: “While I was away”. What an hillarious way to end a write-up that reminds Nigerians of the multiple problems plaquing Nigeria! From Femi Samuel I read with keen interest your write-up titled in the name of the poor on the back page of The Nation on January 27th, 2012.

The write-up was a master piece. My comments: NAPEP and other peps are good programmes but the problem is with implementation. From Isaac O. Matthew.

I will appreciate if you kindly oblige me five minutes of telephone conversation on your article. Regards. Anonymous The Nigerian hell? That is a cosmic joke!

I fancy your sense of humour, you know Gbenga? Who writes HARDBALL? Anonymous For Dare Olatunji So sad for NEXT, yet so rewarding in the short period. Insightful and inspiring, we will truly miss NEXT. But as it is said: “it is not how long, but how well”. Anonymous It is unfortunate that ‘NEXT’is ‘resting’.

I hereby make a plea to our money bags to donate handsomely to revive the paper that gives us wholistic truth.

NEXT failed largely on account of weak marketing and distribution strategies. A paper so far ahead of its time needed more advanced methods. It had no vested interest group as ally. An elitist paper that is anti establishment and irreverent of even religious sensibilities was bound to fritter its goodwill. Quality of play alone does not fill a stadium as people flock but to watch teams they identify with. Anti GEJ when the people were anti GEJ opponents.

A paper, like a shepherd, should go meet the people where they are then take them far. Not stand far and takeoff wondering why they cannot catch up. 234NEXT should not despair but retool and return.

The market wants you back! Anonymous Dare you were in one of your best forms in “What next for NEXT?” in The Nation of Tuesday, 21st February, 2012. You are a wordsmith. Keep it up please. From Elder Peterside, Port Harcourt.

Sir, your article today was interesting.

Truth is that NEXT was great editorially.

But it had no business plan and sustainability strategy. Great private and profit oriented institutions do not get built and sustained merely on the socio-

political ideologies or professional principles of the founders. Olojede is a great journalist but also a business and managerial novice. If he were humble, he would have tried to understand the difference between “media managment” and “reportorial enterprise.” He made the mistake of many - playing over sabi.

Anonymous Bravo, what a delightful read. Your article today is a portrayal of our collapsing ingenious institutions. What is NEXT with the Nation? From Kaybee NEXT vanished because Nigeria is ruled by those who know next to nothing about good governance. The PDP government, we all know, is populated by rabid kleptomaniacs whose only ‘convenant’ with Nigerians is ruination. After 12 years in power and trillions of Naira in national resources, the verdict is out by their own Bureau of Statistics: over 100million Nigerians live on less than $1 per day!

They put out nauseating pro-government ads funded by the oil subsidy cartels - the same people who fund their massive rigging machine. How is a newspaper like NEXT going to survive under such treacherous condition? Our day shall come, Dr. Dare. Regards. From Olu. You seemed to be recommending NEXT for me and I will rigorously pray for its survival. I am a fanatical reader of The Nation since the day of The Comet. It is true we do not have many analytical tabloids so we must ensure the existing one do not lose their existence. I rarely go for those newly emerged papers. But this...

Anonymous Mr. Dare, thanks for telling the story of NEXT in your column today. NEXT was a great experiment which could have succeeded but for some reasons which are regrettable. I was on the politics (Nation) desk of NEXT from January 2009 until the very end. During that period, we worked hard to keep the dream alive. Indeed, NEXT was a family one felt proud to belong. Many thanks to you for highlighting some of the issues that killed that great dream. However, I believe that the full story of the rested newspaper will be told someday, perhaps by Dele himself.

Stay blessed, sir. From Festus Owete, Abuja.

Good report on NEXT newspaper. Why can’t journalists form that type of paper to avoid bad patronage. Anonymous Hello Sir, your piece: “What next for NEXT?” resuscitates my agony in the knowledge that NEXT might never be on the news stand again. I can not imagine myself writing for another newspaper. My passion for NEXT is beyond description.

However, I enjoyed your articulate and free flowing writing. From Jethro Ibileke, Edo What happened to 234NEXT happens to businesses everyday, they go bust. It is sad but it is no big deal. When expenses is more than revenue, it is a matter of time.

Better luck in Olojede’s next venture.

Anonymous The temporary demise of NEXT reveals a population of functional illeterates and intellectually indigent folks. Thanks for your unusual craftmanship. From Bruce Ugiomoh.

“What is next for NEXT?” is for the proprietor to appraise and re-appraise its operations for better performance. Infact, your piece is actually an advertisement for a dead or non existing product. If you had written this piece before the demise of the NEXT, surely many people would have become its patrons. From ADEYCorsim,

• Jonathan

Oshodi, Lagos.

For Tunji Adegboyega Tunji, I have been reading your paper for years but permit me to disagree on your last Sunday article titled “World Bank to vet our contracts? Haba!” Anything done to curtail the high wire looting in contract awards should be supported. From U. N Nso. Your write-up on the World Bank vetting contracts in Nigeria was a good one. But can a government lobbying for soft-landing for subsidy fraudsters fight corruption? It shows the government is complicit. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Diezani AlisonMadueke should go! Anonymous.

You underestimate the problem and depth of corruption in Nigeria. There are sitting lawmakers facing criminal charges.

‘The Economist’ reported in its May 28, 2011 edition that “fuel subsidy conmen are the President’s supporters who he cannot apprehend or confront … The people of Nigeria have a war to fight to get rid of corruption, as those currently in power will not commit suicide. From O.V. Sotubo, Sagamu.

Nigeria belongs to the imperialists and the pro-imperialists are in power. So, what should the oppressed do? Come together and seize power. Yes. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.

Nice piece today. We do not really need World Bank chiefs vetting our contracts.

This will amount to second colonisation of Nigeria. I wish you could also write on the pressure on the House of Representatives committee probing the fuel subsidy regime to mellow down on its recommendations.

Quite absurd, I think. From Edu, Owerri.

I have for long been one of your admirers; indeed, my Sunday is not complete until I have read your article and those of Femi Orebe,, R. Sekoni and a host of others. Your article in the February 19th edition of your paper was heartwarming. Ride on, brother.

Thanks for the beautiful piece. From Dennis Tuedor, Ughelli, Delta State.

Tunji, your write-up of February 19 on Justice Isa Salami was well done. You have spoken the minds of millions of Nigerians.

I hope Jonathan is listening to your warning and advice. Have a wonderful day. From S. Awelewa.

Why blame PDP, after all, we voted massively for the president in the southwest? Anonymous.

Justice P Affem said he granted Oni’s prayer in the public interest. What he should have said is PDP’s interest. PDP has not forgiven Salami for its loss of Osun and Ekiti states. Jonathan has no respect for the rule of law. I’ll be surprised if he returns Salami to his seat as recommended by the Uwais committee. From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Felele, Ibadan.

Tunji, this Salami, is he clean? A senator took a paid advert that he (Salami) was compromised. He didn’t sue the man to clear his name. No name to protect?

I was highly impressed about your writeup. Please keep it up. From ASP Ibrahim, Asaba.

Well-done sir, I was just reading your write-up titled “Who wants Jonathan dead?” It is a basic truth told in a funny way. Keep it up. From Adams, Ilorin.

Super Eagles’fans miss N28.8m-chartered flight

Pg. 41

YOBO TO RWANDA

We’re here to win Pg. 24

Nation Wednesday, February 29, 2012

• Yobo

PAGE 23

KESHI TO EAGLES

BEAT

Rwanda silly

EAGLES LIKELY LINE UP

Vincent Enyeama Joseph Yobo Osaze Odemwingie, Yakubu Aiyegbeni Ahmed Musa Joel Obi, Dickson Etuhu Azubuike Egwueke Juwon Obinna Nwanchukwu Igbinegbu Ike Uche Taye Taiwo Sani Kaita Victor Moses

KICKOFF 2.30pm Nigerian time

Eagles here to enjoy the game

We’ll go home with the 3 points

24

41

NATIONSPORT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

NIGERIA/RWANDA CLASH

Keshi

remains positive

KESHI TO EAGLES

Eagles’fans miss N28.8m-chartered flight

BEAT

Rwanda silly

•Eagles here to enjoy the game •We’ll go home with the 3 points Ade Ojeikere reporting from Stade Regionale de Kigali

•Keshi

AHEAD IPF WORLD CUP

NPPA seeks assistance for training tours

A

S Nigeria Professional Powerlifting Association (NPPA) begins preparation for two major International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) events this year, the body is soliciting for financial support to enable the lifters embark on training tours.

The NPPA is preparing for the World Bench Press Championships for Women & Men scheduled for May 21-26 in Plzen Czech Republic and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Classics Powerlifting World Cup slated for Stockholm, Sweden from June 1117.

According to coach Enifiok Bassey, the financial assistance is to help to take the lifters selected for the championships to Europe for training tour and to prepare them for the challenges ahead.

“We need support to enable the lifters go on tour of UK and Poland to train as well as get used to new equipment and rules of the event. As against what we have here, these countries we are going have up-to-date equipments that we put the lifters in frame for the

Czech and Sweden tournaments,” Enefiok stated.

He said eight lifters have been selected for the training tour and will eventually represent the country at the tournament in both countries.

“It's important for us to attend both events as it will boost Nigeria’s rating as well as the lifters in IPF organized tournaments.

The lifters include Waheed Kareem, Ibrahim Idris, Muritala Muhammed, Sadiq Jamiu, Onyenobi C (male) and Anamemere Mabel, Adesanmi Oluwatoyin and Nkechi Adrew (female).

Nigerian lifters were in UK in December for the 2011 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship held in Bournemouth University, England from December 15 to 18.

The Nigerian lifters have also competed in the All Africa Championship since 2006, Junior World Championship in South Africa (2006), World Master, USA (2008) and World Men and Women Championship in South

I feel better now, says YOBO TO RWANDA We’re here to win Yakubu S S

Dilema,asRwandainsistsongreensocks

UPER EAGLES’ captain, Joseph Yobo shocked Rwandans on Tuesday evening when he told them that the Nigerian side was in Kigali to win at all cost.

“Both teams need victory in today’s match, but we need it more because we are rebuilding our team, we need this victory to boost the confidence of this team.

“We are here with pros who play

their football in Nigeria and Europe and I must commend coach Stephen Keshi for having the courage to rebuild the team as he’s doing with young boys who are hungry for glory.

Its a new dawn, and a new beginning that we must crown with a victory today,” he said. Asked if his record breaking 88 apperances achievement if he plays today was bigger than

victory for Nigeria, he said: " Victory for Nigeria is non-negotiable, it is the reason why we are in Kigali not any body. i will play as if its my first game for Nigeria, but i will celebrate only after we have won.

"Playing 88 times is a record and i acknowledge, but the Rwandans today will be my biggest achievement," he said .

BATTLE OF KIGALI

Glo charges Eagles for victory Eagles to don new Addidas jerseys against Rwanda

UPER EAGLES' striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni has explained his •Aiyegbeni shock miss when Nigeria faced South Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“I don't feel bad anymore. It gives me the determination to do more and hopefully, I can perform better in the future,” he said.

The striker missed an open goal in the second half of the game played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban after being supplied with a sublime low cross from Ayila Yusuf.

The 'Yak' says 'it's normal' to miss goals in matches.

“It's normal when you play for the national team as a football player. You get chances and miss some. You get criticism both from your teammates at your club and at the national team. It's normal,” Yakubu explained.

The 29-year-old said that he no longer feels bad about the miss as he has now resolved to perform bett er for the national side in upcoming fixtures.

The striker was much vilified for his miss by majori ty of the Nigerian public who asked for him to be blacklis ted from the national team but the Yak says his relationshi p with the fans is now fine.

“I don't have any problems with the public. When you miss chances, it's only normal that they criticize you so I have no problems with them,” he explained.

Yakubu has not played for the Super Eagles since the 2010 World Cup as he was completely ignored by former coach, Samson Siasia.

The Blackburn Rovers' man is pleased to be back in the fold after a 16-month international hiatus.

“Of course, I am happy to be back. I didn't get the chance to play for the team since the last world cup and I am pleased to be back in the national team,” he said.

Yakubu has played 57 times for Nigeria and scored 21 goals.

HEALTH

PROJECT

BENEVOLENCE

Thelish: Where sights are restored

N300m for hospital rehabilitation

Council fetes senior citizens, others

Kaduna 27

Kano

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

38

Lagos

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Page 25

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

•The Gen. Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu

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Yobe revives health sector

HE Yobe State Government has built an ultra-

modern hospital to serve the health needs of the people. Her commitment to the provision of premium healthcare service for those indigenous to it provided the grounds for the state to commit a whopping N1.1b to the establishment of avant-garde hospital equipped with state-of-theart facilities.

Mindful of the importance of the facilities for the well-being of the people, the state showed more curiosity in the contractor’s dedication to the time frame for the completion of the project and also delivering according to specifications.

In the circumstances, therefore, the state took a tour of inspection of the facilities for on-thespot assessment.

N1.1b infirmary ready for inauguration From Joel Duku, Damaturu

So, recently, the Deputy Governor Mr Abubakar D. Aliyu, an engineer who is also the overseeing Commissioner for Health undertook the inspection of the Damaturu ultra-modern hospital.

The multi-million Naira Damaturu ultra-modern specialist hospital, which has the capacity for over 200 beds, is located along the Kano-Maiduguri Highway. It is completed and ready for inauguration.

The project, which was started since 2007 by the late Mamman Ali administration, was billed to be completed within a year but progress on the project was delayed resulting in belated completion.

The visit of the deputy governor to the project underscores the importance the state government attaches to the projects and the commitment of Mr Aliyu to seeing it to the completion of the project so as to avail the people of the state to enjoy the benefits derivable from democracy.

He expressed his joy that the project is finally completed and would soon be put to use.

The elated deputy governor said: “We are very happy that the project has now reached this level.

The entire building is now completed and handed over to the Ministry of Health by the state Ministry of Housing.

“What we expect now is for the Ministry of Health to bring out everything necessary that will see to the inauguration of this building so that the people of Yobe will begin to have value for their

money.”

Mr Aliyu also disclosed that a team of experts has been put together to fashion out the best way that the hospital would be managed, adding that “state-ofthe-art equipment and qualified consultants will be engaged to put the hospital at its optimal usage.

“The state government has set up a committee comprising a team of experts to come out with the best recommendations of how this hospital would be optimally used for the well-being of every Yobe citizen.

“Qualified consultants would •Continued on Page 26

Benue trains 500 revenue managers

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•Governor Suswam

HE chairman of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Andrew Ayabam, has declared open a one-month training for about 500 newly recruited graduate staff.

The training, which is on capacity building for effective service delivery for revenue managers, was organised in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. It is being held at Steam Restaurant in Makurdi.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

The new members of staff have been divided into four groups with each group undergoing training for one week.

Declaring open the training, Mr. Ayabam stated that apart from drawing experienced resource persons from the public and private sectors, guest lecturers including a sitting governor and an international banker have been invited to give inspirational talks.

He said the training was intended to equip staff with fundamentals for the task ahead and to position the incoming revenue managers to function in the tradition of excellence and effectiveness for which the service is known.

The chairman, however, stated that a staff would be given his or her letter of appointment subject to his or her success in an examination at the end of the training.

Director of Finance and Administration and Programme Coordi-

nator, Mr. Ityosange Akaagerger, stated that the programme was designed to equip trainees with skills in procedures for tax assessment, revenue collection and accounting, the revenue law as well as tax intelligence and investigation.

Other areas, he said, include discipline in service and work ethics, human resources management, revenue terminologies, and modern trends in fraud detection, prevention and control.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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•The Damaturu ultra-modern hospital

•Continued from Page 26 be engaged and state-of-the-art equipment would be procured for the hospital. People will no longer need to travel to Egypt or any other part of the world for medical treatment,” the deputy governor said.

Continuing, he said: “As I told you earlier, this hospital would be well-equipped. Travelling out of the state or to other countries like Egypt or India for medical care will soon be a thing of the past. We have adequate provisions for laboratory examination, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of various kinds.

This hospital will help reduce the load on our existing specialist hospital which has been overstretched over the years. Everything would be put in place and I assure you that we can.”

The deputy governor also refuted claims that the ultra-modern hospital has diverted the attention of government from the primary

T

HE United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has announced a major support for Nigeria’s quest for agricultural transformation agenda, just as it said it had spent over $30m on industrial development in the country.

The organisation has also assisted Nigeria with workable policies to develop the country’s industrial sector as well as helping in the area of institutional capacity building and entrepreneurship.

The agency also expressed its determination to partner with the Ministry of Trade and Investment to establish an agric-business policy for Nigeria.

The policy, which is expected to assist Nigeria with a clear-cut modern direction in developing agro-indus-

Yobe revives health sector healthcare.

“You don’t have to neglect another sector because of the other; Yobe is paying attention to all aspects of health in the state; be it primary, secondary, or tertiary. We have renovated all the general hospitals in the state and with the upgrading of the primary healthcare unit in the Ministry of Health to a

board, the primary health centres across the local governments have been strengthened,” he said.

Mr Aliyu also disclosed that: “Government is committed to providing people with affordable and accessible healthcare delivery services across the state as it has introduced and sustained the free drugs programme for pregnant women,

Government is committed to providing people with affordable and accessible healthcare delivery services across the state as it has introduced and sustained the free drugs programme for pregnant women, children under five years of age and road accident victims

children under five years of age and road accident victims.

“About N480m has so far been expended for the free drugs programme with N20m million worth of drugs are procured and distributed to government hospitals monthly “Government has also taken measures to reduce maternal and infant mortality, even as it has promoted massively the campaign against polio. Healthcare, by and large, has received tremendous boost as it remains top on the priority list of the administration of Ibrahim Gaidam,” he stated.

He, however, called on the people of the state to take advantage of the huge investments the state government has made in the health sector by accessing facilities and protecting them for generations yet unborn.

Newsextra gathered that the state government is constructing an amenity and maternity wards at the cost of N140m and N60m respectively.

Representative of Kap Integrated Investment Limited, the contractors handling the construction of the amenity ward, said that only landscaping of the building is left and that the building will soon be handed over to the state government.

The Medical Director of Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Dr. Garba Musa Fika disclosed that the maternity will soon be completed while the amenity ward would be put to use in the next two weeks as work on the building and equipment are 98 per cent completed.

Dr. Fika also praised the political will of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam to completely overhaul the health sector in the state, adding that the entire health workers in the state have been energised by the commitment of the governor.

Nigeria gets $30m development support From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

tries, is coming at a time the country is battling with finding more creative means of reducing the poverty level, recently put at 71 per cent of the country’s population.

The Deputy Director General of UNIDO disclosed this during a visit to the Minister of State for Trade and Investment Samuel Orto in Abuja. He stated that the visit was part of the mandate of UNIDO to assist developing countries to achieve sustainable de-

velopment.

He said: “To do this, I think that it is important to diversify the industry and that is something that we could assist the government of Nigeria in particular in achieving. This is something we are currently doing with the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

“It takes time, but we have been collaborating in Nigeria since 1966, more than 40 years. We have gradually been seeing the result.”

Patrick Kormawa, UNIDO Representative in Nigeria, who was part of the team in his remarks stressed that over $30m had been spent on various

•From left: The Nation columnist, Alhaji Femi Abass; executive secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Daud Noibi and Convener of Odua Religious Summit, Mr. Adewale Adeoye during the religious summit held at Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos

UNIDO projects in Nigeria in the past few years.

“We have been assisting this country with workable policies, because without policies, you cannot develop your industries. We have also helped in the area of institutional capacity building, which means, helping even the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment to train people in specific areas that are necessary to support the implementation of those programmes.

“At the state level, we have implemented certain programmes to help the young people train in ICT and in business and those are now setting up their own businesses and employing people.

“We are also helping in the area of entrepreneurship. We are working with the Ministry of Trade and Investment to develop a blueprint for the development of agric-business and the agro-industries in this country.”

To boost Nigeria’s off-grid expansion programme, the organisation said it is also assisting in the area of establishing small hydro power.

Stressing the place of off-grid energy to industrial development, he called for greater attention to be paid on ru-

ral electrification.

He noted: “Without energy, you cannot reach the rural areas to set up rural infrastructure and rural industries. That is one area we have been very active.”

The Minister of State Trade and Investment Samuel Ortom, in his remarks stressed that government had inaugurated experts to work with UNIDO on the draft agric-business policy for the consideration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“UNIDO is a partner with us in industrial development. Through their relationship with us, we have launched a book on agric-business. We are not just looking at Nigeria farming; we are also looking at agric as a business. This is one way that they can assist us technically with the knowledge and we are going to put it into practice.

“The book has been launched and we are looking forward to partnering with them to see how best we can improve on industrial development in Nigeria. Already, there are a lot of things that we are doing together to see how our moribund industries can be revived and how new jobs can be created so that we take care of our teeming youths.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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First Lady makes case for women, children From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

•Dame Jonathan

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HE First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over the plight of women and children, even as she said women and children were mostly affected by violence that had erupted in various parts of the country.

The First Lady, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 1st National Women Retreat in Uyo, AkwaIbom State said since women bear the greatest burden resulting from conflicts and violence and are also left to nurse the injured, they should be trained in conflict resolution and management.

While stating that the country’s corporate existence is being threatened by the various cases of violence in the country, she admonished state governments to preach peace and advise their residents to embrace dialogue in resolving crises.

“As women, since child-bearing has a time frame, we cannot continue to lose our children to violence. All hands must be on deck to stem the waves of violence so as to guarantee development in the country.

“Without peace, there cannot be

development. It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the needed peace in the country can be assured,” she stated.

While describing women as champions of national peace, Mrs Jonathan admonished them on unity and stated that “since the fabrics of our nationhood are closely woven, it is very difficult for us to live without the

other.”

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina while speaking on the theme of the retreat which is “Empowering Women as Change Agents for National Transformation, Peace and Development,” described the poor security situation in the country as a great source of concern.

All hands must be on deck to stem the waves of violence so as to guarantee development in the country…Without peace, there cannot be development. It is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity that the needed peace in the country can be assured

“Peace is eroding us and our sense of security is fading away as a country,” she lamented.

Continuing, she said: “Security can only be guaranteed through the involvement of women in peace building process, mobilisation of women for the expected transformation of the country.”

She further charged wives of state governors to do everything possible to improve the lives of women and children in their respective states.

“Why should a Nigerian woman die while giving birth to a baby?

Governors’ wives should fight for the rights of women, clamour for more access to training and also ensure the provision of more credit facilities for women in your states,” she added.

Hajia Maina also condemned the discrimination against female politicians.

She also urged state governments in the northern part of the country to increase school enrolment for the girl child.

Thelish: Where sights are restored

E

MMANUEL Dare had an encounter with a group of boys at the popular GSM Market in Abuja in May 2010. That incident rendered him partially blind as he could no longer see with his left eye after he was attacked.

According to him, he was walking past a group of boys who apparently have been smoking and they pounced on him. One of them slapped him hard on the left eye, but he managed to escape from the hoodlums who had the intention of killing him. That was the beginning of his partial blindness.

The 29-year-old Emmanuel told Newsextra that he was determined to see again with the partially-blind eye and had to go to several hospitals in search of treatment. Unfortunately, there was none coming his way until someone informed him about the opening of Thelish Eye Centre, an ultra-modern Indian eye specialist hospital in Kaduna.

The hospital, with state-of-the-art equipment is managed by Dr. Agarwal Eye Institute which is one of the biggest and oldest eye specialist hospitals in the world. Today, Emmanuel can see again with his two eyes after a surgery was carried out on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. The surgery lasted for 30 minutes. He said.

“Someone slapped me heavily on my left eye but I managed to escape. I started losing vision with that eye.

For months I was blind on the left eye. But, when I was brought here and operated upon, I can see everything clearly,” he said, pointing to all objects, and persons with the other eye shut.

Dr. Khalid Lateef, General Ophthalmology Consultant and eye surgeon who had performed several thousands of eye surgeries before coming to Nigeria said that when Emmanuel was brought to the hospital, they carried out some tests on him and discovered that he can see again.

He told Newsextra that “when we tested him with one of the world’s latest and best machines in our laboratory, we discovered that he still had some reserve for vision. The operation took less than 30 minutes two days ago. He could have gone home same day to play football if he

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

liked.”

Newsextra also learnt that even though the results from other eye centres where Emmanuel had gone for treatment indicated that there was no remedy for the damaged eye, Thelish Eye Centres investigations revealed that there was still a possibility for him to regain his sight and so, they took the initiative of carrying out a corrective surgery on him without necessarily cutting into the eye.

Dr. Lateef further said: “The surgery was carried out two days ago when we discovered, after the necessary tests, that there was the possibility of him seeing again. The surgery was done without a single drop of blood. That was made possible because of the kind of equipment we have in this hospital which cost us over N200m to install.

“There is also another person who said he was hit in the eye at the age of three and for two decades, he could not see with the eye. We have also done successful surgery for him and today, he is seeing perfectly with that eye, but he does not want to be shown in the media,” said Sundaresan Rajagopalan, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, India.

The coming of the centre will, no doubt, reduce the cases of Nigerians travelling to countries like South Africa, India, United States of America and other European countries for eye-related treatments.

Rajagopalan said that though the equipment in the hospital is worldclass and very expensive, the centre will not turn back any patient just because he could not afford the cost of treatment.

He said: “The treatment will not be free, but it will be made affordable so that even the poor can afford to come for treatment.”

Conducting journalists round the hospital, Rajagopalan further said: “Dr Agarwal’s aims of extending world-class eye care services to common man are affordability and accessibility to these services. Our presence in this part of the African Continent has given us opportunity to serve other parts of the world. Ur-

The surgery was carried out two days ago when we discovered, after the necessary tests, that there was the possibility of him seeing again. The surgery was done without a single drop of blood

•Some of the officials of the hospital banisation, working situations and lifestyles bring with them complications. As such, everyone needs to take care of his health with proper balanced food, exercise and eye care as prevention is better than cure”, adding that “vision lost today cannot be gained again.”

With a full complement of Indian doctors and supporting staff to operate the machines, he disclosed that they are currently in the process of training the Nigerian staff on how to operate the machines, pointing out that whatever service Nigerians get outside the country can be provided at the hospital.

However, there are clear-cut testimonies that several people have benefited from the hospital that has been in existence for only eight months.

Several people have benefited from the hospital in Kaduna without necessarily having their eyes cut and with no oozing of blood, no pains and the entire trauma associated with a normal surgical operation.

Rajagopalan noted that Nigerians seeking solution to their visual problems have come to the hospital while many still travel outside the country, spending huge amount of money to get the service which is available within the country.

He disclosed that since they arrived in the state, about 80 major eye surgeries have successfully been carried out at the hospital, even as he was quick to add that “the estimated cost

of their world-class machines alone is about N200m.

He stated that “you can also see how we spend much to keep this place and machines at world-class level. But we have never turned back one patient because he came here and did not have money for treatment.

We can always arrange something for everyone.”

The hospital is equipped with modern lab tools which are obviously not common in the country; some of which could see right into the centre of the retina without removing the eye. The problem is seen and corrected with LASSER beams in less than 20 minutes, devoid of any pain.

Some of the equipment are zies optical coherence tomography; zeis fundus flouecsein angiography, zeis surgical microscope and soverein phacoemalcification machine,

among others.

According to the team of doctors, these machines are the latest in the world and were brought into the country directly from Germany and the United States of America.

Dr. Akbar Salem, a vitreorentinal consultant, and surgeon with the institute, told Newsextra that “if it is about the eye,” you don’t have to go to Europe or America anymore because what we have here are some facilities and technology of some of the places you may be referred to for treatment. I tell you, they may not even have this equipment.”

The initiator of the eye centre, Dr. Ime Etuk said the idea of establishing the place was borne out of his desire to have a world-class eye facility in the country where Nigerians could go for treatment instead of travelling out of the country.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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HE Head of the Civil Service of Taraba State , Mr Augustine Bazing, says the state government will create jobs as soon as the ongoing staff audit is completed.

He said this in an interview with journalists in Jalingo, the state capital.

Bazing said that the embargo on employment over the years had impacted negatively on workers in the lower and middle cadre in all ministries.

He explained that the government had implemented the new National Minimum wage for all workers in the state but that only the local government workers had yet to benefit.

According to him, there is need to authenticate the number of employees in council areas as well as primary and secondary school teachers in the state.

He appealed to the workers to be patient, adding that as soon the verification was over, they would be paid the new wage.

It would be recalled that there had been an

•Suntai

Govt urges waste contractors,cleaners to be vigilant T

HE Kaduna State government has warned solid waste contractors and street cleaners to be vigilant for strange objects while on duty.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Zachariah Shamaki, gave the advise while speaking with journalists in Kaduna.

He said that the spate of blasts from locally made explosive devices had made vigilance imperative as it would not want to lose any of its workers to explosions.

He advised evacuators to pay more

Kaduna

attention to any strange objects wrapped in polythene or leather bags.

Shamaki also urged them to report any suspected object to security outfits for prompt action.

“The waste must be evacuated and those involved in the exercise should do their work with caution.”

Council to pupils:be serious

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HE Chairman,Apapa Local Government Area, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, has said that the council will continue to place high premium on the educational development of the residents.

Speaking through his wife, Sarah Joseph at the 2012 Spelling Bee Competition, he noted that without the right education, it would difficult to overcome their economic and social challenges.

He said: “Kudos must be given to the present administration in this local government for placing a very high premium on education. This is a hallmark of an administration that is future conscious.”

Joseph explained that the priority any community gives education will reflect in its level of development.

“We have consistently maintained that we will leave indelible footprints in the education sector because without it, no nation can make progress.”

He told the people to support the council laudable programme and ensure that education was not compromised as this was the best legacy any society could bequeath.

“It therefore follows that that the future of this council and the people is bright if all hands are on deck to make it a reality.”

Islamic scholar condemns ‘same sex’ marriage

embargo on employment in the state since the administration of Rev. Jolly Nyame while the current administration of Governor Danbaba Suntai had not recruited since its inception in May 2007.

A

Qur’anic school graduates 40 Kano

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• From Left: Acting Bursar, Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, Mr. Jamiu Lasisi; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Omolara Bamigboye, Head Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Cool FM Radio, V.I, Mr. Adeola Arije; Vice Chancellor, LASU, Prof. John Obafunwa; Chief Operating Officer Cool FM, Evita Moussalli; LASU Registrar L. Animashaun and Librarian, Dr. Adetoun Idowu, during a courtesy visit by LASU team to the radio station.

Youth leader tasks monarchs, religious leaders on terrorism

A

Peoples Democratic Party youth leader in Sokoto State, Malam Attahiru Isa, has called for active participation of religious

and traditional leaders in the fight against terrorism in the country. Speaking with

Sokoto newsmen in Sokoto, Isa said that the involvement of the two groups would enable the security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the terrorists.

He urged the royal fathers to mobilise their followers on the need to offer intelligence reports in their surrounding .

He said religious leaders were expected to sensitise the people on the need to be security conscious.

Isa called on the Federal Government to provide basic working tools to the nation’s security outfits to enable them to confront the security challenges.

He said provision of sophisticated gadgets would enhance productivity among the workforce.

N Islamic scholar, Dr Miftahudeen Rauf, has described the practice of same sex marriage as “Sodomic” which carries great penalty before God. Rauf, a Lecturer at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, said this in Osogbo, Osun State at the professional monthly forum of the Muslim Congress, Osun branch.

According to him, Islam does not have a place for same sex marriage; “anyone engaging in the sinful act is committing crime against God and humanity. “ Even Islam allows husband and wife to have intercourse for the purpose of procreation, they cannot do it through anus or when the wife is menstruating.’’

He described those engaging in gay marriage, lesbianism and other forms of marriage which negate what was laid down in the Holy Book as satanic.

Rauf lauded the National Assembly for rejecting the proposed obnoxious bill, and called on parents and guardians to always teach their children and wards the words of God to avoid penetration of evil thoughts into their minds.

Another Clergy, Dr Wasili Adebimpe, from Osun State University, said that same sex marriage exposed gays and lesbians to extreme risks of sexual related diseases, physical injuries and mental disorders.

According to Adebimpe, psychiatric illnesses including depression, drug abuse and suicide attempts are common among same sex lovers.

He also warned husbands and wives who engaged in anus sex or oral sex to desist because of its health implication.

Mr Dhunurain Okunola, a legal practitioner, in his contribution said that “14 years’ imprisonment awaits anyone who engages in same sex marriage in Nigeria.’’

Borno records first case of lassa fever

B •Chairman, Somolu Local Government Area Hon. Gbolahan Bago-Stowe (middle) inaugurating one of the transformers donated to residents to mark his 100 days on office.

Briefly

Church vigil

•Hon. Joseph presenting a prize to the winner of 2012 Spelling Bee Competition, Master Ugwu Joshua of State Nursery and Primary School, Apapa assisted by Mrs Kike Balogun.

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HE Kano State government says it has voted N300 million in this year’s budget for the general rehabilitation of some of its general hospitals.

The state Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Yusuf Danbatta,

Taraba

By Musa Odoshimokhe

The chairman praised the initiators of the competition because of the positive impact it was making in schools especially among the youth. This, according to him, had entrenched competition for laurels, raising the stake in the quality of input.

“At this juncture, I must commend the initiators, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for pioneering such a rich programme and the current First Lady for keeping the flag of this soul-building endeavour flying.”

He asked the youth to take advantage of the competition to redefine their future instead of engaging in activities that would not make positive result in their lives. This, he said, could be achieved by devoting ample time to their studies.

“Our children, I want to make it very clear that what you have today is a rare opportunity which does not come always, hold to this opportunity, utilises it adequately and the sky is your limit.”

The chairman also sought co-operation of teachers in building the future leaders of the country because the input they make in the lives of the pupils would go a long way to frame their future.

Kano votes N300m for hospitals

Taraba to create jobs

ANO State Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Ganduje has appealed to parents to make strong commitment towards the education of their wards.

He made the appeal at the Qur’anic graduation of 40 students of Kalawiyya Islamic School, Rimin Kira Kano.

The Deputy Governor stressed that the government was committed to qualitative education at all levels Ganduje said that both Qur’anic and western education would be given priority and advised the graduates to use the education they received to the advantage of the nation.

He gave the assurance that the government would continue to support Qur’anic education.

37

THE Lion of Judah Prayer Ministry at No 1, Emmanuel Street, Off Olaleye Market, Somolu is holding a two-day vigil beginning from today. The annual programme, with the theme: Divine Announcement, will end tomorrow. The event begins at 10pm everyday.

Speaking on the programme, Sister Ogbumibala Chidi-Ebere said: “God will definitely announce somebody just as the did for Esther and took Mordecai; from gateman to the king’s palace”.

She promised divine assistance to everyone that attends the programme.

Other anointed ministers of God expected at the programme include: Sister Amaka Okwuoha, Brother Tochukwu Winifred and Prophet Martins among others.

Female village head lauds subjects Adamawa HE only female village head in Adamawa State , Malama Asta Dikko, haspraised her subjects for their support and cooperation in the last seven years.

Dikko, who is the village head of Dimgeb in Ganye Local Government Area, made the commendation while addressing newsmen in the village.

Dikko, who is the 15th village head of Dimgeb, said the position was reserved for women by tradition and as such men were forbidden from assuming position.

She spoke through an interpreter.

She said she had enjoyed full support and cooperation from the people since she assumed office seven years just like her predecessors.

She said she had a council of 12 people made up of five men and seven women.

The 70-year-old leader listed the absence of potable water, access roads and health facilities as major problems facing the village.

Dimgeb village is inhabited mainly by the Chamba ethnic group, who believes that if a man is allowed to rule there will be a calamity.

T

ORNO State has recorded its first case of Lassa fever, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Salam Anas-Kolo, has said.

Anas-Kolo told newsmen in Maiduguri that a middle-aged man had died of the disease on February 21.

“We have recorded the first case of Lassa fever in the state. Last Tuesday, a middle-aged man was afflicted by the disease and he died a few hours later at the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, after doctors tried to save his life but to no avail,” she said.

The commissioner blamed the victim’s death on ignorance, saying he probably would

Police warn vehicle owners

THE Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles and motorcycles parked at the following divisions to remove them immediately or lose same through auction.

Ibafo Division 1. BMW – AX 223RSH 2. AUD180 JR 133KJA 3. BMW JR 100 EKY 4. Toyota Camry FE 654AAA 5. Toyota Corolla – KF496AAA 6. Jetta NH701KJA 7. Daewoo Espero – unregistered 8. Mazda bus XH242KRD 9. Nissan Almera – JJ748 EKY 10. Toyota Corolla GB433EKY 11. Urba Nissan bus YA 299KJA Motorcycles 1. Bajaj motor cycle Napep – QK3449KRD 2. Jincheng M/cycle – unregistered Ikenne Division 1. Mitsubishi – DP841EKY 2. Golf car – AR157 NND 3. Mercedes Benz XQ47FST Motorcycles 1. Bajaj motorcycle – QF598 FKJ 2. Boxer motorcycle QV 712 BDG Lagos Police Command Isheri Division 1. Toyota Camry – DH640 LSR 2. Opel CW 974 SMK

Borno have survived if he had reported early enough for medical attention.

“The victim died because he sought for medical attention very late, when the killer disease had reached an advanced stage .

“If he had reported the case to the hospital early enough, his life would have been saved,” she said.

Anas-Kolo urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspected case to the nearest medical centre.

She listed signs of the disease to include high fever, stooling and passing of excessive urine, among others.

Anas-Kolo advised residents to observe simple rules of hygiene to prevent the spead of the disease.

Kano disclosed this while giving a breakdown of the 2012 budget in Kano.

Danbatta said some of the hospitals that would benefit from the rehabilitation included the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Bichi, as well as Gezawa and Gaya general hospitals.

According to him, the state government has also set aside N500 million for the procurement of hospital equipment to be distributed to all the health institutions across the state.

“Our health institutions will also be provided with basic learning and teaching materials to meet their accreditation requirements.”

Danbatta said that the state government had also planned to establish two new schools of nursing to complement the existing ones.

“The state government has set aside N500 million for the execution of the projects this year,” he said.

Danbatta, who restated the state government’s commitment toward the

•Kwankwaso provision of quality healthcare services, urged the people to give government the necessary support and cooperation to achieve the desired goal.

•From left: Bono’s Company Secretary, Mr Lekan Sanni; Chairman, Vono Products Plc. Mr. Bashiru Lasisi and the Managing Director, Mrs. Titilola Bakare during the Complition Board Meeting of the Company in Lagos

Commissioner advises councillors

T

HE Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Afffairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, has admonished elected councilors to be proactive in their communities.

Speaking at a capacity building workshop for improved legislative functions and good governance held in Lagos, Kuye said that local lawmakers should tailor their programme in tandem with the needs of the people in their council areas.

“As lawmakers, councillors should

•From left: Alhaji G. Adetona, Director of Boundary, Lagos State Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Ademorin Kuye and Permanent Secretary Mr Nurudeen Ojora -Adesuyan at the event

By Kunle Akinrinade

develop and have a well prepared programme to meet up with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

They must take cognisance of the fact that they are representatives of the people and they must look after the well-being of their electorate.Therefore,there must not be a kind of disconnect between the grassroot legislators and the electorates.”

He urged councillors to serve as watchdog in their council areas, adding that they should refrain from conduct inimical to peaceful coexistence of people in their communities.

“They should monitor their environment and report any matter that could cause breach of peace and undermine security in their council areas. They should also ensure peaceful and harmonious relationship among various interest groups in their council areas.”

He explained the parameters necessary for councillors to excel in the discharge of their statutory functions.

“Council areas must have proactive departments or units that could promote their policies and actions for good service delivery. And efforts must be made to provide manageable public health centres while adequate welfare package must be provided for the medical personnel working there, so as to encourage them.

“However, for the councillors to effectively function, they need to be conversant with the laws of the state and the rules guiding legislative functions for effective performance.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Life

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The Midweek Magazine

‘Looking for money? Don’t be a writer’ – Page 31

Man loses home, businesses for citizenship – Page 35

‘Why we celebrate D. O. Fagunwa’ – Page 36

Beware! This art is fake

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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Beware!

This art is fake They are reaping where they did not sow. Passing off fake art as the real work, fraudsters are smiling to the bank, while artists are gnashing their teeth. The works of great artists such as the late Ben Enwonwu, Erhabor Emokpae, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Ben Osawe have been counterfeited.

The latest victim is Kolade Oshinowo whose The Drummer has joined the list of faked works, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME

A

1975 painting, The Drummer, by former President, Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr Kolade Oshinowo, has been counterfeited by an unknown artist. The faked painting, (oil on board), was offered to a collector, Mr Ovie Omatshola for N2.5million by an unknown seller in Lagos. To ascertain the genuineness of the painting, Omatshola advised the seller to leave the artwork behind and come for his money later. The seller refused but allowed Omatshola to take a photograph of the work, while he keeps it until the buyer is ready to pay.

Expectedly, Omatshola, sent the photograph of the artwork to Oshinowo to verify. Behold, the painting was faked and so were the year and signature. The original piece was done in 1975 as against 1995 signed on the fake painting.

But for the intervention of Oshinowo, the seller would have duped the eventual buyer of N2.5million.

According to Oshinowo who sent alert to collectors, gallery owners and fellow artists, “when I saw the photograph of the work, I knew it was fake. And what else can I do to prevent the public and other buyers from falling victim?

So, I decided to put the warning on public space via emails.”

He said his case is one of the series of forgeries in visual art, noting that he has seen lots of other artists’ works that have been counterfeited in the past. “Art works by famous artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Ben Osawe, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Erhabor Emokpae are among the most highly faked in the art market today,” he said.

“The faked painting was originally painted in 1975 and while it was under production, the wife of the former director of culture, Mr Frank Aig-Imoukhuede showed interest in buying the piece. She acquired the work and paid twice the price because she was going to do reprints of the original. One of the prints was bought by Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi for N375,000 at an auction in Lagos. The signature on the painting was not mine, even though it shows my name,” he added.

Oshinowo said the seller bungled his chance of selling the work by demanding for as much as N2.5million. He recalled that recently The Drummer was brought to him by Aig-Imoukhuede for restoration.

Reacting to the development, Aig-Imoukhuede, who confirmed taking the original artwork to Oshinowo for restoration, wondered if it has gone that bad in the art sector.

He noted that in the past 18 years, works by artists such as Ben Enwonwu, Ben Osawe, Kolade Oshinowo, Erhabor Emokpae have been faked by artists. He added that The Drummer must have been faked from one of the posters made from the original work. “Even the posters are costly now. For instance, prints from Enwonwu’s Tutu 10 years ago, were sold for N20,000.” He, however, regretted that some collectors are still buying works without bordering to authenticate them.

For Omatshola, the case is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, as it is a global problem in the art market. According to him, this is not his first experience because it is becoming rampant in Nigeria with the thriving art market. Asked how he knew it was likely a faked art work, Omatshola said: “I knew it was fake when I told him to leave the painting and come back later for the money and he refused. He insisted the owner needs money. I then took the photograph of the painting and

•The Drummer (fake)

•Oshinowo

ART the signature, which I sent to Oshinowo for verification. Again, I gave him my telephone number and he did not drop his. Up till this hour, he has not called me.”

The economy remains quite vulnerable to counterfeit art as the art market is increasingly growing and attractive to genuine investors, especially domestic collectors and auctioneers. Ben Enwonwu’s Africa Dance was sold for N8.8million at an auction in Lagos. Also, Victor Butler’s Waiting on God and Bruce Onobrakpeya’s Totem of the Delta were sold for N6.8million and N3.2million respectively.

Last April, the owner and an employee of an art gallery in Chicago’s River North section and a New York man have been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly producing and/or selling counterfeit limited edition fine art prints of renowned artists.

The charges stem from an international investigation of fraudulent artwork that became public in Chicago three years ago when federal agents executed search warrants at the Kass/Meridan Gallery (KMG), also doing business as Allegro Art, located on West Huron Street in Chicago.

In March 2008, seven defendants from Europe, Florida, New York, and Illinois were charged with fraudulently producing and/or selling $5 million worth of counterfeit fine art prints. Subsequently, two additional defendants were charged. The indictment announced today brings to 12 the number of defendants who have been charged in Chicago as a result of this investigation.

Freemanart Consultancy, specialist in art authentication and art fraud investigations claimed it sees more fake Pablo

‘I knew it was fake when I told him to leave the painting and come back later for the money and he refused. He insisted the owner needs money. I then took the photograph of the painting and the signature, which I sent to Oshinowo for verification. Again, I gave him my telephone number and he did not drop his. Up till this hour, he has not called me’

Picasso drawings, prints and water-colours and oil paintings than any other artists work. On the average, it sees about a dozen a week.

In Germany last year, Lothar Wilfried Senke was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for Giacometti sculpture forgery. It was described as the largest scam to ever shake the German art market. Lothar Senke, also known as Count Graf von Wallstein, was accused of the worst counterfeiting scandal of works of Giacometti to date in a case involving more than 1,000 bronzes and plasters. He was convicted on June 30, 2011 in Stuttgart, Germany for 38 of the 50 crimes including the infringement of the copyright of Alberto Giacometti. Senke had produced as provenance for prospective buyers, some who had bought fake Giacometti sculptures out of the boot of his car, providing a convincing book of photographs and dialogue relating to the forgeries which purportedly has been secreted away

by Giacometti’s brother who was a personal friend.

Accomplices named were Herbert Schulte, an art dealer in Mainz, as well as Schulte’s wife and another accomplice.

Schulte also admits to sending bank transfers to the Netherlands amounting to •700,000.

From harmless imitation to forgery According to reports, “the imitation of works of art, from paintings to sculpture, has carried out for hundreds of years. Students and followers have always made copies of the works of master artists as part of their instruction. There are many artists, both amateur and professional, who like to paint or draw in the style of those they admire. There is nothing morally wrong or illegal with this kind of copying or imitation. Art forgery, however, is different. It involves passing a copy of the artist’s work off as created by the original artist, usually for financial gain. Where fraud or deception is involved, establishing whether a work of art is a forgery becomes a forensic investigation.

“Art forgery can be extremely difficult to detect and investigate. There may be many forged works of art in museums and galleries around the world, and in private collections. Experts may be unaware if the forgery is accomplished cleverly, of the existence of a forged artwork, or they may be reluctant to admit they have been deceived.

Sometimes the forger is more interested in getting the better of a dealer or collector than they are in their own financial gain. In such cases, transactions may be covered up and it is difficult to prove whether a criminal act has actually taken place.

“For instance, the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali (1904989) gave away around 20,000 blank sheets of paper with his signature, triggering a flood of forged Dali prints.

Dealers would pay $2,000 to $20,000 for these fake prints.

The art world also abounds with fake Picasso, Chagall, and Miró prints to the extent that some experts are now reluctant to authenticate prints from certain modern artists because of the sheer volume of work it involves.”

To avoid falling victim of arts forgers, collectors and buyers of art must obtain sufficient provenance on the works, verify the authenticity of the works from the artists when in doubt. Until these are done, payment should not be made.

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Award-winning Ugandan writer Doreen Baingana saw first hand the atrocities committed by her country’s famed leader, the late Idi Amin. After living in the US for 17 years, she returned to her roots in Africa, a region whose story she believes is misrepresented and misinterpreted by the media. Her debut work, Tropical Fish, celebrates the girl child’s voyage to womanhood despite all odds. The book won several prizes, including the 2009 Commonwealth Prize for First Book, Africa Region and the Associated Writers and Writing Programmes (AWP) Award. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her childhood experience and more.

Y

OUR book tells a story of some African women’s experience growing up. Would you say you are a feminist?

They are just human stories. As a woman I am concerned about women issues and lives. My initial interest, my first book, focused on the coming-of-age stories of some girls - becoming women - because I am more experienced about women and how they are perceived as women.

And that was what I tried to explore in the stories. So, it is not that this would be my focus in subsequent works. Even the stories are of much importance to the men. I think men should be concerned about learning about women. Yes, I am a feminist. Anyone who wants equal pay for equal work is.

Has winning the prizes affected the acceptance of your work internationally?

Yes, in terms of recognition and appreciation in Uganda.

When this book won Associated Writers and Writing Programmes (AWP) award in the US, even though I had lived there for many years, I did not feel that other people were proud of my work. Whereas, in Uganda I was embraced as a Ugandan; it motivated more people to read my work. It really helped in the publicity. It is unfortunate that that is how people react. If you’ve won a prize, then they’d think the book is really worth reading; whereas the prize has nothing do with the work you’ve put in beforehand. People are now seeking me out, asking to publish my short stories even across Africa. And I am grateful for that. But aside the prizes, the real reward is the work itself – writing and finishing it. Other things would come later as extra prizes.

How much of your childhood experience influenced your writing What influenced my writing most was reading! From when I was a child, I loved to read and there were books around the house. I had older sisters who had such interesting books that introduced me to other worlds. At that time I had thought it was a form of escape where you’d go and see other people.

But actually, it was a form of knowing yourself better; then, you’d understand human nature. And you’d feel as if you travelled all over the world through books. So, I had always admired writers and I had thought that if I could do that magic that they are doing… I would be happy. And then, having lived away from home makes you see your own home better because a lot of things are comparative. So, when I left home and began writing about home, it became quite thrilling for me. Because I could explain and describe all my experiences that were different. The water tasted different, the air smelt different. It was the days before emails so we were writing letters. I realised it was something I found satisfying, expressing myself in the written word. It made it easier that I was out and able to look back with a certain distance and perspective. And then when you are living around such misunderstanding where people don’t seem to have a clue about Africa as a whole, you feel you have a duty to explain the nuances and really go deep down to character, personality and show the real story not what you read in the newspaper. Because fiction can do a lot in going deeper to show our challenges as humans and why people act the way they do.

How was it growing up under the Idi Amin Regime?

I had a ‘normal’ childhood. It was like you growing up in the desert, it would be abnormal to have green around you.

As a young child, not having seen anything else, it did not seem strange that there were army men working around the streets with guns. I always assumed that that is what army men do. That sugar and other basic things were scarce, to me

‘Looking for money? Don’t be a writer’ •Doreen

INTERVIEW

‘As a young child, not having seen anything else, it did not seem strange that there were army men working around the streets with guns. I always assumed that that is what army men do.

That sugar and other basic things were scarce, to me that was just the way we lived. You dealt with scarcity. It was only afterwards that I realised that, perhaps it was an abnormal situation’ that was just the way we lived. You dealt with scarcity. It was only afterwards that I realised that, perhaps it was an abnormal situation. Even so, we continued with our normal life. There were the childhood dramas; going to school every day; parental issues. It is like here when you hear about the bombings in the north, you may think Nigeria has come to a standstill. But life goes on.

In spite of the atrocities that happened during that era, so people still lived normal lives and not in fear?

Well, there were some fears. As I was a child, I think, my parents protected me from it. The fear was there. There were disappearings. Many people went into exile. I am not

trying to underplay the bad things that went on; but I was protected from it and then I got used to that routine. We went to school – our schools (education) functioned. My school (a government primary school) was much better then, than it is now. The civil service held the country together. We had food: we were not starving. For as much as people were living in horror day-after-day, people went on with their lives. I think this connects to the larger African story. People just imagine it is all about famine, starvation, war; but, actually, there is so much more going on.

And I think it is our work as storytellers to bring these things to the foreground.

In 2005, you wrote in The Guardian that your audience expected you as an African writer to write more about poverty and hunger. Have those expectations changed?

There are still those expectations. People see our continent and countries through a particular lens. They prefer to focus on their chaos; and not talk about their energy, business acumen and all the positive things that are going on. Another setback for us who are writers is that we have to go through publishers. The publishers are gatekeepers.

So, what stories do they feel is worth publishing; what do they think are the stories of the day coming out of Africa?

Unfortunately, many of these gatekeepers are outside Africa. They seem to have a different understanding of what Africa is all about.

•Continued on page 32

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E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Dr. Dul Johnson is a writer whose second collection of stories entitled: Why Women Won’t make It to Heaven, is stirring controversy. He is also an award-winning film scriptwriter and director. He now lectures at the Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State. He shares his views on creative writing, Nollywood and more with EVELYN OSAGIE.

‘Global acknowledgment is Nollywood‘s problem’

Y

OUR work, Why Women Won’t Make It to Heaven is still the butt of debates.

(Laughs) Actually, I was helping women in that story. I wanted, for those of them who want to go to heaven, to see how they could try to shape their lives and mend their ways. The book is a collection of short stories. But not all of them were about women; it’s just the title story.

How did you come about the title?

Because it is the first story in the collection, and in the absence of a title, that was the best thing that I could come up with. Let me confess. I did not choose the title, one of my students did and I felt it was a good idea since it is a lead story and it worked.

Has there been any backlash from the womenfolk?

Yes. They have actually sat me down at a reading in Abuja.

I remember the hall was filled with women. They wanted to tear me to pieces. But they were not able because a good number of them had read the story and I think I was able to defend myself as well. And may be, because, I was able to help them see themselves as they hope to make heaven.

What if there is no heaven?

I’m not saying they won’t make it to heaven. I’m only saying if they did what the story talked about, they wouldn’t make heaven. But if they found a way to avoid those things that chuckle women, then they would be able to make it to heaven. Have you read the story?

It’s just about women, the kind of time they spend doing all their unnecessary things; like putting on lipstick; they spend like an hour trying to comb a second head, for instance. All of those I think constitute waste of time. And I just imagined that if there was going to be a bell ringing for people to rush to heaven, then, perhaps 95 per cent of them won’t get there because by the time they finish all of that stuff and start off, the gate would have been closed.

With the title, one could deduce you are a Christian...

I am but I don’t think that informed my choice. If you talk about going to heaven, the Muslim also talks about going to heaven. I think even the traditionalist believes there is a place where people go when they leave this world.

Should we also expect one on men?

Yes. Like women, men also have problems that can prevent them from going to heaven. And if I do find time to do the story in future… you see, it would be set in one of the places you won’t expect good guys to be. And I’d have three or four men living in a world – I mean it’d all be in their head (the kind of happenings in that place) – and by the time they wake up from their day-dream, time has completely gone and they would not be able to achieve whatever they would have wanted to. So, that’s the frame of the story, but it refused to write itself, and there is nothing I can do about it. I keep promising women that some day, they would see the flipside of Why women Won’t Make It to Heaven.

What is new; in your next book are you going to be attacking women?

This is a very didactic story, a very difficult story to talk about. It’s actually amazing that in all the problems, the crisis, the killings, the horrors that people experience, something can come out of it. I read a story by one of my former students – an excellent story set in a Nigerian city where crises have taken place. The story is reliving the life of a young boy who witnessed all of that. I’m also working on a story that takes its life from the Plateau crisis; things I have observed from my own locality and from Jos and other places. There was a need to do a story that would help people understand the kind of problems we create for ourselves.

The story is not going out well as the things I saw because I’m trying to fictionalise the realities and it’s a bit difficult.

Being fiction, it makes it the more difficult.

How far have you gone with it?

I have gone 10 chapters.

Are you close to completing it?

•Johnson

INTERVIEW The whole thing is about 15 chapters. I have revised 10 chapters. In terms of volume, I will say I have achieved quite a bit, but the problem is whether in terms of achieving what I wanted to get in how far I have gone. Sometimes I think that I have achieved a great deal, sometimes I feel defeated; I think I have wasted my time, but I think we all felt the same way so I don’t think it’s peculiar to me.

It sounds a great idea.

That’s part of the problem, because stories are not great ideas; stories are living things that could go either way.

It is believed that many Nigerians have a poor reading

‘It’s just about women, the kind of time they spend doing all their unnecessary things; like putting on lipstick; they spend like an hour trying to comb a second head, for instance. All of those I think constitute waste of time. And I just imagined that if there was going to be a bell ringing for people to rush to heaven, then, perhaps 95 per cent of them won’t get there because by the time they finish all of that stuff and start off, the gate would have been closed’

culture. What are the chances that your message will get to those it is meant for?

I made a mistake by using the word, didactic. I withdraw it. You see, every story teaches something, every story says something to the reader and if 10 readers are able to see that there is a problem the way we treat certain groups of people or individuals, I would have made my point. Every writer will be glad if there will be 10 million readers. Unfortunately, it is not the case with Nigeria, but then let me also not put the blame on the readers. Suppose the story is not as interesting as people will like to read, will I blame them? If it turns out to be an interesting story, I think there will be readers for it, whether they are Nigerians, Ugandans or Americans.

As a film maker, how would you compare the storylines featured in Nollywood with creative writing?

Maybe we shouldn’t dare to talk about that. I saw one or two films that were really good. I was very proud of the films, like the one done by an ex-student at film institute. It was a beautiful story and very well shot. I was very proud.

The jury was quite impressed and that made me feel that at some point we will be able to tell good stories in our films.

A lot of them don’t tell stories; but take ideas which have not really been given form; and shoot them as films. There are great stories coming out of Nigeria. And we have asked why filmmakers don’t use these existing stories to make films. And I have discussed those issues with my fellow filmmakers; but that has not come to be. The excuse has always been there is no copyright to turn a story into film, but I don’t believe that. I know Tunde Kelani is pretty well turning existing stories into films. And everybody acknowledges the fact that his films are different. So, our filmmakers can begin to look at stories that have already been published, the storyline would improve. As writers, we know how it takes to craft a story. So the stories that go to the films are not stories. And if they move from ideas to stories, they have failed to get to the level of film scripts. But there is hope. I have seen hope in other festivals such as AMAA. But in spite of all these, Nollywood has global acknowledgment… …That is the problem! It is very well acknowledged in the world. But we have been put in our own class. And it is okay, but like a friend of mine once said we were sitting down here like professors of medicine waiting for good equipment to be set up, meanwhile, the quacks have already set up small clinics and they are making all the money and killing people. But if there are interesting stories to tell, are we able to turn them to films? That is the point I’m making. You see, you watch a Nigerian film and you can stay in the toilet and follow the film. You can be in the kitchen cooking and follow the film. You don’t need to apply your brain. I think that good films require that you meet them halfway; like a good story. If you read a good story, you have to take yourself into it before you can appreciate it. It is not like it is served to you as wine. That is the problem I see in it. We were told that we were the third largest film producing nation; how many awards have we won internationally with those films produced?

As a lecturer cum writer, what is your take on residency and its effect on creative writing?

All writers think that this is even belated. Because this is an idea that had been practiced and enjoyed all over the world for a very long time but then it can never be too late in Nigeria. We have always needed it and I think it’s a wonderful idea. We have always thought that ANA should have had something like this. Every time we go for convention, we argued about the writers’ village. This is the idea. We need a place where writers can go to. I think it’s really good an idea that we have the Ebedi Residency.

‘Looking for money? Don’t be a writer’ •Continued from page 31

What is your opinion of the vibrancy of Nigeria’s literary scene?

I think Nigeria has a very lively literary scene. Comparing Uganda and other African countries, it is more developed and there is lot of energy. For example, my coming here was in short notice. And in less than no time, they have organised readings for me in three different cities. People are ever on the move. I am impressed that a lot of Nigeria’s female authors are well known outside the continent with award-winning works of repute. When FEMRITE made a call for last year’s regional residency, we got very many good quality applications from Nigeria and South Africa. And it was indeed quite hard to choose.

In spite of its vibrancy, unfortunately, it is observed that many writers do not live off their writing. Is it same in Uganda?

It is the same, may be, worse. If you are looking for money, don’t become a writer. It is very hard surviving as a writer.

We have had to do something else on the side. Even while I was living in the United States, many of the writers had to teach in the university. They don’t live off their writings; and yet over there, they are better paid.

How would you compare the cultures in Nigeria and Uganda There are some common features, like working a small village/town, you’d see scenes of naked babies and small shops selling similar things. But there are behavioral differences.

Lagos is a bit brusque. In Uganda, the conductors would say

some niceties when they are getting their money from you like ‘sir’ and ‘madam’. It is just part of our culture. I am not talking about a better one but just different ways of behaving with each other. Here, maybe because it is urban, there is no time for such niceties – they are in a hurry. I think it is the thing with urban culture. It is just like how New York is very different from other parts of America. Different people coming together in one place creates certain ‘madness’.

Unlike us, people here are not aware of Ugandan culture unless they have to travel there. We don’t have anything that exports Ugandan culture. But you have your movies.

So, when you are not writing, what do you do?

I look after my little boy. He is three. We play with each other. I am learning from him. I swim and all the fun things that people do.

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Lagos realities on canvas

I

N the summer of last year, the Nike Gallery in Lagos hosted an exhibition of recent painting by Gbenga Orimoloye, a Nigerian artist resident in London. Before actually seeing the display, I requested information about the artist from gallery officials who informed me that the title of the exhibition was, Iwa. Orimoloye was totally unknown to me at that time, but I went to see the show just because of the title that was sufficiently eloquent to pique my curiosity for two significant reasons. First, the economy of the mono-verbal title insinuated that the artist has probably cultivated the sensibility of an author who wastes no forms, but cuts directly to the core of the content. Second, the linguistic references and axiomatic ramifications informing the title suggest a hybrid vision that grounds its sources in an indigenous African aesthetic idiom.

When I subsequently saw the paintings, my suspicion became justified on both grounds. Orimoloye, unlike the legendary Twins Seven-Seven, does not lavish extensive phrases that are as lengthy as a London municipal railroad on his compositions. Neither does he mince words on his canvas: for him, a spade is a spade. He does not draw his content from the esoteric world of the Osogbo school, in which artists such as Jimoh Buraimoh and Muraina Oyelami excavate images and figures from the mythological realm of fantasy and the open-ended world of unbridled dreams.

To compound his penchant for a formalist aesthetics, Orimoloye, from the onset, asserts his belief that the art of painting is not chained to the vision of an unmitigated dose of reality. His painting relentlessly explores the architecture of “paint.” This implies that his work leaves viewers in no doubt that a painting is in fact an article produced with pigments in such a manner that the medium of fabrication is not masked or faked to trick the eye. His style is unapologetically antithetical to the “trompe-l’oeil” tradition of painting that ruled Western art from the 15th to the 19th century. Neither does Orimoloye work in the lifeimitating palette of Abayomi Barber, whose paintings ally with Erhabor Emokpae’s mimetic expressions of painterly copies from verifiable reality.

In other words, Orimoloye does not mistake the painting of a person, place, or thing with the subject or model of representation. His work convinces viewers that the painting of a person is not a person, but merely a personal translation that informs reality without copying nature. He truthfully displays the tactile quality of patterned surfaces, in a manner that encourages the audience to interact with the complex process of creativity, within the allowance of simple tools and narrow range of hues available to the painter.

Orimoloye, in his latest work, explores the meanings of the city of Lagos. What becomes fascinating, therefore, is Orimoloye’s ability to reveal a radiant range of truths about the quality and substance of Lagos reality, without enslaving himself to the colours and textures inherent in the mundane manifestation of urban life.

The pursuit and rendering of Lagos realities on his canvases, therefore, transcend what lies before the eye of the beholder. There is an extraordinary layer of truth hiding behind the ordinary appearances that interests Orimoloye, a truth that invests Lagos life with meaning outside the material veneers of surface interactions. A major pursuit of his work, therefore, lies in excavating the buried truth behind the curtain of Lagos life, in a world that has become a stage on which characters act different roles and play several parts, according to the shifting demands of momentary cues.

When life in Lagos is lived as a lie, especially in an era that is increasingly secular, time loses the authentic essence of its ticking hours, and what remains is a mutual exchange of banal deception. Even when people prefer to dwell on the physical body of matter, within that frame of existence is the substance that forms the core of a Lagos reality that Orimoloye draws upon. Orimoloye’s work convinces the viewer that only the visionary eye of the artist, the prophet, and the seer retains the courage to locate and map the distance between fact and fiction in the exploding city of Lagos.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Orimoloye has packaged his recent study of Lagos under the title of “Ona.” Meaning the road, “Ona” is a Yoruba bi-syllabic term that is loaded with metaphysical, poetic, and factual condiments. If the world is a journey or an endless road (as Yoruba people are fond of saying), then life itself is the highway along which people in Lagos must travel. When idiomatically configured as a passage, life in Lagos is paved and illuminated with varying moral and ethical convictions, without which the traveller is lost. In addition to the metaphoric light, the traveller along the way of life needs milestones, traffic directions, good bridges, and clement weather to move safely through the passages of existence. But equally important are the qualities of the road and the pleasures of travelling companions, when voyagers journey through life, in a trip without a beginning, toward an uncertain eternity.

Using Lagos as the point of departure, Orimoloye takes viewers along an allegorical journey with the large vehicle of his artistic and philosophical palettes. The conviction of

•Eti-okun by Gbenga Orimoloye

•

•Ona by Gbenga Orimoloye

By Moyo Okediji

VISUAL ART his painterly argument lies in the ease with which he wields his brush to empower viewers to remain inside the emotional world that he maps, while providing them the tools to navigate the landscape within and outside the vistas that unreel as the journey progresses from one milestone to another.

Along the “Ona” that Orimoloye travels, he maintains a commanding control of the artistic vehicle that conveys his audiences as passengers who see through the open windows of his patient vessels. He simultaneously allows the passengers to enjoy the unfolding views with the rational and emotional lenses of their own eyes and minds. The avenues along which he carries his audiences are mostly familiar terrains.

The journeys, therefore, become potentially boring without the innovative forms and the poetic phrasing with which Orimoloye introduces materials which fellow travellers have seen countless of times. The subjects and objects are so familiar that they run the risk of being jejune. But the commanding presence of Orimoloye’s masterly conviction elevates the prosaic properties to proverbial proportions.

What are these prosaic references that Orimoloye translates into timeless experiences? The subjects are simple, and the titles are accessible to anyone who has visited an African city: “Girl reading,” 2011; “McNeil Road, Yaba,” 2012; Groundnut seller,” 2012; “African women,” 2011; “Figure studies,” 2011 and 2012; and “Market women,” 2012. Sometimes he titles his work in the Yoruba language: “Aje a wa o,” 2012 (May fortune call); Awon meji lori ona, 2012 (Two travelers); “Eti okun,” 2012 (Beach); “Onigele pupa,” 2012 (Woman with vermilion headgear); “Onidiri meta,” 2012 (Three women plaiting hair); “Olororo,” 2012 (Vegetable oil seller.) These are subjects and titles lifted from the mundane lives and urban dwellers of Lagos

But what elevates these ordinary events and scenes to extraordinary experiences are the colors that Orimoloye combines to render them, the painterly movements of his hands, the buttery application of his palette, and the detailed keenness of his eyes. His work is not silent. There is a musical component that borrows from the voluminous voice of Lagos in Orimoloye’s work. He projects Lagos as a percussive city. But the auditory experience is not merely noisy. It is a persistent voice that highlights the simplicity of the people within the complexity of their Lagos.

The elegance of Lagos women comes through in their portraits, especially in “Onidiri Meta,” where three standing women arrange themselves around a seated figure that allows them to demonstrate their hair-plaiting craft on her head.

In “Olororo,” he depicts a seller of vegetable oil as she pours the liquid from one container to another. In these and other paintings, Orimoloye convinces the viewer that he fluently understands the body language that Lagos speaks with somatic eloquence. In other paintings including “McNeil Road, Yaba,” and “Eti Okun,” he displays his familiarity with the minute details of street life in Lagos, where one frequently encounters the fulvous municipal buses that seem to constantly break down (see “Pit stop,” 2011), even as the rhythm of the city keeps its beat in the worst of unpredictable weathers (see “Ona—I, II, and III”).

But nobody has more convincingly enunciated the intrinsic nature of Lagos with fewer colours than Orimoloye. He insists on the unity of a few hues, which he infinitely stretches with tints and shades that are layered with generous endowment on the canvas.

Orimoloye’s work theorises painting as a medium that transcends the optic dimension. He has discovered a style that elevates ordinary life to the rhythm of a painter’s palette in his desire to bring dignity to the humdrum of daily existence, as the highlights the humanity of ordinary people in Lagos.

• Okediji writes from Texas, US

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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

The General Manager (Sales), FIDSON Healthcare Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading health care companies, Mr. Yomi Alli-Balogun, is not a pharmacist by training.

He got into the pharmaceutical industry by chance though trained as a microbiologist. He spoke with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME, on drug counterfeiting as the bane of the industry, how Nigeria can meet the MGDs, among other issues in the sector.

‘Nigeria can meet the MDGs if…’

H

OW will you assess Nigeria’s efforts at meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target with less than three years to go?

“I am not in government. But, looking at the role FIDSON will play in making government realise the goals, it will be a function of how government is intervening in the sector. This will also determine how successful Nigeria will be in achieving the goals.

If government is willing and ready to help by providing intervention fund, everybody will aid government in actualising the goals. Already, some interventions are coming from the Federal Government. But, a specific fund directed at the sector will fast- track the meeting of the MDGs. However, Nigeria can’t meet the MDGs in isolation of the pharmaceutical industry. So, we must work together with government in this direction.

What is the real headache of the industry?

The real headache of the industry is counterfeiting, This is the biggest problem because investors spend billions of naira and will be getting nothing in return.

And if government can’t protect the industry from counterfeiting, then investors will go bankrupt. Fake product is a plague, but NAFDAC is working hard to fight it.

However, the law guiding prosecution of offenders must be reviewed to make it effective. The penalty for offenders is not deterring enough.

In particular, how does FIDSON tackle counterfeiting?

Counterfeiting as a plague is not unique to FIDSON. It is an industry problem, and in fact, a global one. The Federal Government is doing a lot in fighting this scourge through NAFDAC. At our level, we have devised a mechanism to prevent our products from being counterfeited.

What separates FIDSON from other pharmaceuticals in the industry?

It is consistency in our operation. Over the years, what people have recognised is the quality of our products and you can’t buy this virtue. It is a reputation we have earned over the years, and that stands us out.

Who are your target audience?

Our products exist in every sector of human life. Our products are for infants through to old age. We are addressing one health issue or the other. But note that you can’t play in every area. FIDSON is in every demographic area addressing one disease or the other. There is really no part that we are not well represented.

What is the growth projection of FIDSON? As a Plc, we always have a three-year projection and without putting figures to it, our growth rate is in line with being the best and number one.

Who is a successful salesman?

He is one with confidence, well dressed and good looking.

As a young man I also want to belong to this group.

In fact, I love the job. Immediately after the one year compulsory service, I knew I was not going to accept other jobs. It is very difficult when you enjoy the job to move away from it.

For 14years, I have been into it. As a sales man, you have to

•Alli-Balogun

INTERVIEW promote a product to the level that everyone will accept it in the market. To be successful in sales, you have to enjoy it.

I got into pharmaceutical marketing by chance because when I left the university, I never thought of working in the sector. My training was not to be a sales man, but this is what one can train to attain or you have a flair for. As at today, I can’t do anything else other than sales.

Who is a typical FIDSON salesman?

A quintessential Fidsonian should be confident, persistent and have the drive. You can rarely find a Fidson staff who is not confident and persistent.

This is your 10th year at FIDSON. What is the experience like?

As a sales man, every other day is different and you don’t rest on your oars because there is competition.

Managing my team involves team work but my colleagues must trust me. I tried to work on collective decision and crave for understanding. So, most of my team-mates understand my decision because I would sample their views on such issues. That is how I provide leadership. In fact, I make sure they are part of the decision making process. Yes, the buck stops on my desk, but the decision making process is a collective one.”

Literary Star Search appoints judges

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HE on-going grassroots literary competition, Literary Star Search, being organised by Creative Alliance, has appointed judges to decide the winner come July. The one million naira first prize contest, with a deadline of April 30, has named PEN Nigeria President, Mr. Tade Ipadeola, 2011 first runner-up for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Ayodele Olofintuade and literary critic and journalist, Mr. Terh Agbedeh as its 3-man judge.

Making the announcement early in the week, spokesperson for the contest, Mr Seun Jegede, who said Literary Star Search is a credible contest made more credible by the quality of judges selected to decide the winner. He assured that the organisers and the judges will perform credibly to endear the contest to Nigerian writers in the organiser’s bid to give writers a lift in the country.

Jegede said Ipadeola is not just a known poet, he is also an erudite critic of the fictive genre and a brilliant essayist. Olofintuade, whose children’s book, Eno’s Story, came second in The Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by gas company, Nigeria LNG, is also a brilliant short story writer. Those who saw her perform last weekend in Ibadan at the Book Reading Forum at Ibadan American Corner were amazed at her skill in the short prose sub-genre.

Also, Jegede expressed happiness at the enthusiastic manner Ni-

gerian writers have responded to call for entries for the Literary Star Search contest so far, and enjoined those yet to apply to seize this rare window of opportunity so as to start benefiting from their creative sweat as writers. He said since publishing seems a mirage for most writers, getting involved in such creative endeavours of reward like Literary Star Search was the only means for writers to prove their mettle, get recognised, be promoted and be rewarded handsomely.

Jegede stated that the magnanimity of the organisers in its intention to publish the first best 25 entries apart from the three winners was an added advantage writers must take seriously to further promote their craft to both the Nigerian and international public.

With the added boost that Creative Alliance will enter stories from the collection in international contests like the Caine, Commonwealth and other prize contests at its expense and on behalf of writers, Jegede said Nigerian writers were indeed in the right hand and the best of times.

He, therefore, urged those yet to apply to visit www.creativeallianceng.com for further details on how they, too, can be part of the literary harvest of the year, which promises to give writers a new season of fulfilment.

Marriage: Light from a classical Ife bronze object

By Elizabeth O. Hambolu

S

INCE time immemorial, marriage has been an agreement between a man and a woman to join together for the purpose of raising children. Marriage functions within an established system of belief, norms and customs of a people that is passed on from one generation to another. Therefore, authors, researchers and dictionaries, have always defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

This brings me to the on-going debate on gay marriage that makes me ponder on the place of our cultural heritage in our day to day life. The majority of people in Nigeria consider gay marriage an abomination, something that has not been heard of since the time of our forefathers.

The Holy books, Bible and Quran condemned the act of gay in totality. It was recorded that during the time of Lot, God destroyed the people of Sodom and Gomorah except Lots’ family because of their lusts and gay activities in the land. See Genesis 19: v 1-25, Lot even offer to give his two daughters to the men but they rejected the offer and in Quran 27Vs 55-56 which says “do not practice your lusts on men instead of women”. Nay but you are a people who behave senselessly”. This is to say from creation that God knew it was not proper for man and man to have a carnal affair with each other.

Therefore, one is glad about the position of the highest legislative body in Nigeria, which has taken a firm stand on the issue by banning same-sex marriage and prescribing appropriate punishment for would be offenders or violators.

During my research on Traditional Marriage in Okunland (Hambolu E.O 2004 Published in The Guardian Newspaper) l had no doubt in my mind that marriage is between a man and a woman. The issue of same-sex marriage could not have come up in my research as l am sure my informants would have been shocked if l raised such an issue. However, after l had presented my paper l came to the knowledge that there were situations in some parts of Nigeria that a woman could “marry” a woman. This l was told obtained in case of a woman not being able to procreate, could arrange for the payment of bride price of a woman, who would co-habit with the husband of the paying woman and the children would become hers. This is a clear situation of response to social demand to have children. And it clearly shows here that it is not the woman paying that have affair with the woman but her husband.

As Museum educators, it is our duty to educate the populace by using information derivable from museum collections.

It is this light, l seek to use a unique pair of bronze objects from classical Ife to illustrate what was considered an ideal marriage. The pair of object depicts a king and his queen intertwined in a marriage that “only death could part”.

Description: Both necks are elaborately decorated with beads, showing royalty. They wore beaded caps. The height of the king is 29.6cm while the Queens’ height is 26.8cm, which illustrate a common feature of men being generally taller than women. This object was found at Ita-Yemoo in Ile- Ife, where Prof. Willet conducted excavations in 1957.

According to Enid Schildkrout, the linking of male and female in Yoruba art expresses the cultural theme of dependence of the sexes upon one another for the actualisation of their essential natures (iwa) It is an interesting object. It has featured in so many exhibitions by National Commission for Museums and Monuments at home and abroad. It is being exhibited in the Abuja Mini gallery in a pictorial form. It has been reproduced for sale especially to would- be couples and published in many catalogues. See p.85 of Ekpo Eyo’s Two Thousand Years of Nigeria Art; P. 5 in Dynasty and Divinity: Ancient Art Traditions of Nigeria and a CD produced for Education unit of NCMM. (Hambolu E.O 2006) Slide 28 In conclusion, God, the creator of the universe created man and woman to be husband and wife; to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.( Genesis 1:28b). Thus, based on the doctrines of the dominant religions in Nigeria, samesex marriage is an aberration. It must not be allowed.

• Hambolu is of the Dept of Educational Services & Training, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Man loses hom home, businesses for US citizenship

Book on migration profile launched

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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A

NIGERIAN immigrant and chef who was almost deported twice took the oath of American citizenship in Columbus, Ohio, recently. It’s been a long, wayward path to legitimacy: Along the way he lost his house, his rental property and virtually everything else his owned.

All told, Magnus Duruji says his plight cost him $1.5 million — and his freedom. In spite of it all, the former Nigerian says it was worth it. He still believes in the American dream — and its slowly turning wheels of justice.

Duruji didn’t breathe a sigh of relief until 2:30 p.m. on January 25, 2012.

He can remember the time and day, because he’s been holding his breath for 15 years, waiting on the news that arrived that Wednesday afternoon: his application for US citizenship had been accepted.

His story started in 1997, when Duruji applied to become legal US citizen. Or perhaps the story started before that.

Maybe it started in 1982, when Duruji immigrated to the United States on a student visa. In 1983 and 84, he failed to comply with deportation orders and that set the course for his bumpy road to US citizenship.

In 1997, Duruji was a husband, married to a US citizen, and father of four, a home owner and a full-time cook at Cap City Diner. That same year, he filled out an application to become a legal US citizen. But instead of approving Duruji’s application, deportation officials came after him two years later. He would ultimately serve six months confined in detention facilities in Maryland and Dayton, Ohio, and all of his property — including his home and rental property, were seized.

Quickly, however, members of the Central Ohio community took up his cause, not the least of which was his boss, Cameron Mitchell, who covered most of his employee’s legal expenses and helped take care of his family. “He led the fight for me,” Duruji said.

Eventually, others, including then-Mayor Greg Lashutka, former Gov. George Voinovich, former City Attorney Janet Jackson and (then) Congressman John Kasich all wrote letters of support to Janet Reno, who was then the US Attorney. According to Duruji, it also took a heaping dose of divine intervention and the unwavering support of Mitchell and his restaurant group to change the tide. The deportation process was suspended.

But Duruji was not yet a citizen, and citizenship was what he wanted. It would still be a long time coming. In the years since 1999, Duruji has worked tirelessly on obtaining citizenship, as well as a few restaurant projects (including one of his own) and his education. He’s currently working on a dissertation for his Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialisation in criminology.

It was another anxious phone call to his attorney on January 25 that brought the news he’d waited so long to hear. “They said ‘Let me check one more place.’ Then, ‘Let me check another place.’” He kept holding, waiting to exhale: “(Then) they said it had been approved just an hour before.

“I was thrilled to hear that Magnus was going to get his US citizenship more than 12 years after his terrifying near deportation to Nigeria,” wrote Cameron Mitchell in a statement to The Other Paper. “It has been a long, sometimes

•Duruji

‘I came here when I was 21, and I never wanted to be anyplace else.

It’s the people. The people who knew me and the people who didn’t know me, they all came to help me... It may not be perfect, but it is the best in the world. Because of due process, it is the best’ IMMIGRATION difficult road for Magnus and his family, but they have persevered and I am proud to call Magnus a fellow American.”

It’s a victory, says Duruji, for all of the people in Ohio: “I came here when I was 21, and I never wanted to be anyplace else. It’s the people. The people who knew me and the people who didn’t know me, they all came to help me.”

And the celebration? He said, “I haven’t had time to celebrate, I’m working on school work.” The working title (and he emphasised “working” title) of his dissertation summarises something he knows very well: “Implications of Immigration Policies on National Security”. Duruji’s got a book in the works, too. Ultimately, he wants to teach.

Through it all, he maintains his appreciation of America’s legal system. “It may not be perfect, but it is the best in the world. Because of due process, it is the best.”

Even when the process takes 15 years, Duruji finally became a US citizen.

“In America, you don’t give up,” he said.

•Source: The Other Paper

MINENT citizens and university dons across the Southwest states recently assembled at a book launch to celebrate one of their own, who has contributed immensely to migration and developmental issues. The event, which was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos attracted distinguished guests including Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief Arthur Mbanefo and Chairman House Committee on Diaspora Hon. Abike Dabiri –Erewa among others.

Two books, Migration in the service of African Development: Essays in honour of Professor Aderanti Adepoju and Seeking Greener Pastures Abroad: A Migration Profile of Nigeria were launched consecutively. Chief Mbanefo, who chaired the occasion, described the publication as a testimony to the accomplishment of Prof. Adepoju towards national development.

He explained that the author of the books laid a strong foundation for immortalising the scholar. Mbanefo also lamented the recent political trend in the country and the choice of recipients for National Award, stressing that intellectuals like Adepoju whose works have contributed in shaping the nation’s policy should be recognised and considered for such awards rather than continue with the present trend. According to him, “the presentation represents for me significant landmarks; the first is the opportunity to present my friend, Prof.

Adepoju, to Nigeria, where he is less known as a renowned scholar and diplomat: a leading world authority on migration. The second is the presentation of the subject of migration to the Nigerian public as one of the most serious global issues of the moment.”

He said migration impacts directly on national interest due to its security implications, adding that it is not just a tribute, but as a material that would grant understanding of the challenges Africa faces to make it to the peak. ”This is a dynamic subject propelled by rapid changes and events. Often not easily predicted; nevertheless has tremendous impact on development of any country in all its ramifications.

It also impacts on the demography of countries. Indeed, any country today which does not have dynamic and progressive migration policies is doomed.” Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said it is a book for policymakers, assuring that a copy would be made available to every member of the House of Representatives. “It has a lot of fact and a lot of information; it is intellectually stimulating as it tells you about migration. But the idea is how do you tap into this migration challenges? You are going abroad, how you will benefit from wherever you are coming from and where you are going. She said the book is valuable for all policy makers, academics and students.

“As chairman House Committee on Diaspora, I find it very, very useful.

“We have migration policy but it is just on paper but we need policy makers to understand the issues around migration that is why I say this book is vital to development.” She also disclosed that Nigeria remits 70 per cent from Africa, adding that the committee is working on the Diaspora investment fund in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to harness the contribution from these remittances into economic growth.

Friends honour ex-NAFDAC chief

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ANAGING Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Chief Keith Richards, has described the former director of National Agency for Foods, Drugs and Administration Control (NAFDAC): George Baptist, who turned 80 recently as a man of impeccable character.

Richards who spoke at a reception in honour of Baptist said, “He has helped to save lives of millions of Africans through his regulatory advice to manufacturing firms in the country.”

He led a team of senior employees of the company to the event and also served cocktails. It was the celebrant’s 80th birthday bash which started with a thanksgiving at his church and was rounded off with a reception at the prestigious Ashton Garden in Ogba, Lagos.

Professor Gabriel Osuide, former Director-General of NAFDAC eulogised the celebrant as a man of honour and integrity.Baptist among others was deployed some years ago from the Federal Ministry of Health to start what is today known as NAFDAC. He helped to nurture the agency both from policy formulation and administrative angles.

The celebrant is also a respected spiritual personality as most of his friends attest to the fact that he was once one of the pillars of the Ayo Ni O Church, a Cherubim and Seraphim denomination before moving to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

•From right: Manager, Quality Assurance, Josephine Ajayi; Manager Project Management Office, Judy Okolo; Supervisor, Regulatory Affairs, Yinka Abikoye all staff of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, presenting a gift to Baptist on his 80 th birthday while Richards (left) looks on.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

36

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

SCENES FROM THE COMMAND PERFORMANCE OF LANGBODO, AT AKURE, ONDO STATE

•Pami nku(Chioma Nwosu) kneeling down and other hunters

•Some of the wives of Oba of Benin.

PHOTOS: SAM OLUSEGUN

‘Why we celebrate D. O. Fagunwa’

A

FTER watching a pulsating drama performance of Wale Ogunyemi’s Langbodo, (an adaptation of D.O Fagunwa’s A forest of a thousand demons), a highly spectacular epic that deploys drama, dance and music for over two hours, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State could not hold back his feelings. “We can’t afford to pay you for the wonderful performance. But, I salute your creativity. This is your own way of contributing and appreciating what we are doing in the state.

And what we have celebrated today is the incredible genius of the late D.O Fagunwa,” Mimiko said to the cheering cast and crew of Langbodo at the Adegbemile Hall, Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State capital. Governor Mimiko who was accompanied by his wife, Kemi, deputy governor Ali Olanusi and wife, and top government functionaries to the command performance, commended the efforts of the anniversary committee for a successful celebration.

He said the state is committed to use culture and tourism as tool for development, adding that people could not truly develop if they cannot reach their roots. “Culture as demonstrated here today is a veritable tool for total development.

And if there is one area Nigeria has excelled, it is in the creative industry,” Mimiko said.

In appreciation of his support for art and culture in the state,

THEATRE OZOLUA UHAKHEME, Assistant Editor (Arts)

the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Deji •“From left: Mrs. Kemi Mimiko, Governor Mimiko, Dep. Gov. Olanusi and wife, and Falae.

Falae, who was the executive understanding. producer of Langbodo, presented the governor with a special At the closing part of Langbodo, Oba of Benin (Bayo Bankole) award. He also presented Governor Mimiko with the Abuja rebuked the surviving hunters thus: “Welcome from your many Carnival award won by the Ondo State contingent at last year’s trials. I salute you for your endurance. I see that only three of edition of the carnival. The state emerged as the first cultural you survived the journey…Nothing to take, nothing to give. troupe at the carnival.

Let your people love one another. If they have self dignity, they Director of Langbodo, Prof. Rasaki Ojo Bakare thanked Goverwill not steal.” nor Mimiko for his interest in the promotion of culture and All these virtues were exhibited in the total theatre package tourism in the state, noting that as director of Abuja Carnival, that witnessed the many hurdles before the seven brave hunters Ondo has been doing well since Mimiko came to power. in search of an iconic object that will bring peace, progress, The two and half hour command performance of Langbodo prosperity and sustainable development to their people. was watched by a capacity full hall with many people unable to The drama is woven round the key characters; the seven brave gain access into the hall. Langbodo is a dramatic expose on the hunters-Akara Oogun, Imodoye, Elegbeje Ode, Aramonda strains of leadership and responsibilities of followership. It Okunrin, Olohum Iyo, Kako and Efo Iye who exhibited one teaches how a people can achieve sustainable development and form of vices or the other in the cause of their search. It was true peace through hard work, cooperation with leadership, gathered that Ondo State government is condisdering taking self-control and discipline, self-esteem and integrity, determithe drama on performing tour of the country. But nation and resilience as well as sacrifice, selfless service and

Lasisi drops Eleleture video

P •From left: Ewenla, Edaoto and Lasisi

OET and journalist, Akeem Lasisi is set to drop the video of Eleleture, the title track of his album of musical poetry Wonderland released last year.

The album is Lasisi’s third effort.

Renowned poet Professor Niyi Osundare has described it as a beautiful production.

It is the first major Nigerian video of musical poetry. The clean and crisp video is shot with the latest recording camera by young cinematographer, Asurf at African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), Lagos. It features folk singer Edaoto Agbetuyi, dancers of the Crown Troupe of Africa, choreographed by founder of the group, Segun Adefila. The troupe enthralling steps adds a touch of class to the video. Taking the role of the lady celebrated with moving poems in Not a Small World is Bukola Awoyemi (Arugba), star of Tunde Kelani’s movie entitled Arugba. Writer and lecturer, Folu Agoi also appears in the video that will soon start showing on TV stations across the country.

By Evelyn Osagie.

According to Lasisi, he is also planning to shoot other videos in the six-track effort.

Described as a journalist by day and poet by night, Lasisi is a two-time winner of the ANA/ Cadbury Prize for Poetry. IREMOJE: Ritual Poetry for Ken Saro-Wiwa, a compelling tribute to the late Ogoni activist and writer, earned him the prize in 2000 while his Night of my Flight was deemed the best in 2005.

He is also the author of works that include Ekun Iyawo: The Bride’s Chant, Right Option English: Lexis and Structure for Secondary School Students and Goodness and Messi: A Collection of Jokes.

Born in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1967, Lasisi attended Ibadan District Council School, Solalu; Iroko Community Grammar School, Iroko; Oyo (now Osun) State College of Education, Ila Orangun; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and the University of Lagos, where he studied for his Masters and is at present a doctoral candidate.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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Fans share in Nigerian Idol’s cash prize

I

N what could be described as an amplified prize regime, popular music reality show, Nigerian Idol, has introduced a reward initiative, aimed at making millionaires out of regular SMS fans of the show.

Tagged ‘Live Your Life Like An Idol,’ the new promo, organisers of the show said, is a 92-day extravaganza that gives fans the opportunity to win 79-daily prizes, 12 weekly prizes and one grand prize at the finale.

“Live your life like an Idol is our way of giving fans of Nigerian Idol the opportunity to win big like the winner of Nigerian Idol. The exciting fact about this promotion is that there will be daily and weekly winners as well as the final grand prize winner,” said Project Manager, Tiwa Medubi.

Medubi further explained that “everyday, from Monday to Saturday, one participant can win up to N2m in cash through a lucky draw.

For the weekly prize, there is a Sunday draw available only to players that participated during the week; players can win up to N4m in cash.”

The show is, by this competition, putting the initial SMS of 100 to a

T

HE Alalubosa Community and the Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (COFDWA), Ilorin, Kwara State capital are at daggers drawn with Globacom Communications over alleged erection of telecommunications masts.

In a petition entitled: “Indiscriminate erection of communication masts,” and signed by Engineer A.T Aduragba and Prince Isong Iyangudoh chairman and secretary of the Alalubosa Layout Residents’ Association respectively observed with dismay the indiscriminate erection of communication masts in the area.

By Mercy Michael

more profitable use, by dialling the short-code; 34365.

Nigerian Idol is sponsored by Etisalat in association with Pepsi and Sony. The show also enjoys the support of Air Nigeria, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Megalectrics (owners of Beat FM, Classic FM and Naija FM).

Live your life like an Idol is our way of giving fans of Nigerian Idol the opportunity to win big like the winner of Nigerian Idol •Joe Blue celebrates

Kwara community, NGO kick against mast erection From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The petition, which was addressed to the state town planning authority, was also copied to the state coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulation Agency (NESREA), Commissioner of Police and Permanent Secretary Lands Bureau.

The letter reads in part: “We have observed with dismay, the rapidity and impunity at which communication masts are being erected

within this vicinity. It should be understood that residents of the layout, mostly the landlords, accepted the allocation of land and the erection of buildings with the understanding that the area is strictly residential.

“One of these communication masts is erected right by the fence of one of our members and we are informed that there was no due approval. We want you to know that the citing of these masts is possing serious hazards and security risks to the residents, especially when

•The Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, flanked by Hon. Omisore, member, House of Assembly, Lagos, and Hon. Sikiru Adetona, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism during the graduation ceremony of the participants of Tie and Dye Technology Empowerment Programme at Ile-Ife

A

S part of its efforts to transform the state in order to ensure its rapid economic growth and manpower development, the government of Osun State has established a Tie and Dye Technology Empowerment Programme.

The scheme has churned out some graduates.

The graduation ceremony was attended by prominent individuals in the state, including the Deputy Governor Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-

Participants graduate from Osun empowerment Tomori who commended the efforts of the Osun State Tie and Dye Association (Ife division) particularly for its hard work and commitment to the goals and objectives of the empowerment programme as envisioned by the Aregbesola-led administration.

She pledged government’s continued support for empowerment programmes; particularly as a demonstration of its commitment to the well-being of the people through reduction of hunger, poverty, and unemployment.

strange faces come in at night to work at the sites. Equally, vehicles carrying materials have damaged our roads thus making the efforts of the residents to go and come into the community more taxing.

“In view of the above, our members are demanding the immediate dismantling of all communication masts within the vicinity.”

In his petition to Globacom which was copied to NESREA and security agencies, the Executive Director, COFDWA, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye said: “This is in respect of the communications mast you erected less than two metres to the home of Prince Isong Iyangudoh which has caused and is still causing the following cracks on the fence and veranda of the house within the first month of erection; exposing the lives of the occupants of the building and neighbourhood to permanent danger which may arise from radiation impacts; carbon dioxide (smoke) deposit in the house and high vibration level and other forms of noise from the generating set.”

He added that “the mast was inflicting permanent mental and psychological torture especially to his wife and children who, before the erection of the mast, had enjoyed peaceful and serene environment and environmental pollution and climate change is also a serious issue in these circumstances.”

He said: “Our inspection of the house revealed that you did not carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the erection of the masts.

“We therefore demand that the mast be dismantled and relocated away from its present location to a

safe environment within four (4) weeks of receiving this letter. And we also carry out joint Environmental Impact Audits (EIAs) to determine the extent of havoc your action has caused him and his family; and adequate compensation paid by your company; that Glo Communications bear the entire cost of building another house (the same type of building) in another location safe for his family.

“We are in partnership with Environmental Rights Action (ERA), Friends of the Earth, Nigeria and the Green Alliance Nigeria (GAN) in this matter. We shall proceed to a competent law court to seek redress on behalf of our client should there be no compliance by your company.”

In its reply to the environmental concerns raised by the complainants, the Kwara State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr A.F Jacob said: “I wish to inform you that this office carried out several and thorough investigations on this issue after receiving complaints from Prince Isong Iyangudoh. The report and environmental concerns observed during the investigations were forwarded to our headquarters for further actions.

“A letter of stop-work was subsequently issued to the telecommunication operator (Glo) by our agency’s headquarters. This order, according to findings by our routine compliance monitoring, was said to have been ignored by the company which went ahead with the installation of the mast.

“Our last investigation to the facility revealed that the environmental concerns as observed were still not abated; the detail report has also been forwarded to our headquarters for further directives.”

A letter of stop-work was subsequently issued to the telecommunication operator (Glo) by our agency’s headquarters. This order, according to findings by our routine compliance monitoring, was said to have been ignored by the company which went ahead with the installation of the mast

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

T

HE World Bank is to support the Federal Government in the areas of women and girl-child education, maternal and child mortality and other critical health issues, economic empowerment, access to justice and the decision-making process for the Nigerian woman.

This was disclosed by a delegation of the World Bank led by Foluso Okunmadewa, Sector Leader, Human Development, during a working visit to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja.

The leader of the delegation disclosed that they were in the ministry as part of ongoing wide con-

39

Fed Govt partners World Bank on gender issues From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

sultations ahead of the next round of the World Bank’s country partnership programme to enable it to key into the ministry’s programmes and its developmental strategy.

“Our partnership and collaboration can only be successful if we key into what you are doing,” he said.

According to Okunmadewa, the World Bank’s interest in gender equity and development is well

We are here to understand government’s agenda on women and development, because from afar, we know the government of Nigeria has a strategy and there are some programmes in place. But we need to move closer and get to understand what the ministry is doing through the leadership of the minister and therefore get to develop a partnership and offer some supports as required

known especially with regard to achieving the Millennium Development Goals target 3 on Gender Equity and Women Empowerment.

He said the World Bank was therefore interested in sustaining stronger partnership with the Federal Government in key areas of the country’s life for the next five years in line with its World Government Reforms Initiative.

Moreover, according to the World Bank, countries that invest in promoting the social and economic status of women tend to have lower poverty rates, even as he explained that in 2007, the World Bank launched the Gender Action Plan (GAP) to focus on gender in the land, labour, agriculture, finance, and infrastructure sectors. ”We are here to understand government’s agenda on women and development, because from afar, we know the government of Nigeria has a strategy and there are some programmes in place. But we need to move closer and get to understand what the ministry is do-

ing through the leadership of the minister and therefore get to develop a partnership and offer some supports as required,” he said.

Responding, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina thanked the delegation for the follow-up visit, noting that it was the second time the bank would send its officials to the ministry.

She pointed out that the areas of interest highlighted by the World Bank for possible partnership with the ministry were areas the Ministry was concentrating on in line with its mandate.

“We are doing a lot in the areas of social, economic, political and educational empowerment of the Nigerian women,” Hajiya Maina stated.

For instance, in the area of political empowerment, the minister noted that in the last election in the country, the ministry engaged in wide advocacy and several programmes to ensure full and active participation and election of women.

In the area of healthcare, she said the

ministry has also provided a lot of materials for women as well as procuring and distributing ambulances to all the states of the federation.

Other areas include the passing of the Child Rights Act in 26 states.

Also on economic empowerment, Hajiya Maina said her ministry has been working in conjunction with relevant financial institutions and has helped women in at least 28 states in the country to access loans from the Bank of Industry.

“The ministry is working seriously towards achieving these goals. Our only concern is finance, and I am happy that we are talking today.

Time is against us; because the more we delay action, the more it affects our programmes. We need to expedite action on our programmes for the development of our women and our country,” she urged.

Other member of the World Bank delegation included, Caroline Sage, Senior Social Development Specialist, Markus Goldstein, Africa Region, Gender Practice Leader, Diane Zovighian, Social Development Specialist and Sabrina Koshan.

T

HE chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area Hon. Ibrahim Tunde Sanusi has pledged the commitment of the council to the welfare of the physically-challenged persons in the area; especially those who are into one sporting activity or the other.

Hon. Sanusi made the pledge recently while speaking at an event to honour the council’s senior citizens, award of bursary to students and donation to the Skylaks Sports Club for the disabled to help them in acquiring a bus for their sporting activities. The event took place at the council’s secretariat.

He praised members of the club for their determination to make something positive out of their seeming disability instead of resorting to begging on the streets.

He encouraged them to continue to be self-reliant, noting that “in every form of disability, there is tremendous ability. It requires individual’s resolve to make success out of an unsavoury health situation.

Once you are committed to a genuine cause and determined to succeed in life, there is no wall of inability that you cannot surmount. As long as you remained committed to making something meaningful out of your present health situation, be assured that you will always receive supports from the council.”

He later made a donation of N200, 000 to the group, even as he urged them to remain good citizens.

Reacting to the council chairman’s gesture, Mr Innocent Nwabunwanneya, the secretary of Skylaks Sports Club of Nigeria for the disabled thanked Hon. Sanusi and members of his executive for coming to their aid. He promised that the money would be judiciously used in order to achieve the aim for which it was donated.

In a chat with Newsextra after the event, Mr Nwabunwanneya disclosed that the club is an affiliate of disables sports of Nigeria which promotes and encourages sporting activities among the physically-challenged persons in Nigeria.

“Once one is disabled, one is under Skylaks even if one is not into any sporting activity. This is so because the club takes care of the welfare of its members, helps the disabled persons to be established by sourcing funds for them. This is a way of discouraging them from begging on the streets,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “We encourage them to be involved in one sporting activity or the other or to learn a trade which will help them in life instead of resorting to begging. This aims at enabling the individual to fall back on something when he or she is old enough not to be active in sporting activities

•Hon. Sanusi (left) and his Vice Hon Gbolahon Dauda with some officials of the club (Mr Nwabunwanneya right)

Council lifts the physically-challenged

By Amidu Arije

again.”

The club, Newsextra learnt, has been in existence since 1986. “But it was after Atlanta Olympics Games of 1996 that some of us who participated in the games thought it wise to encourage more of our members to be more active in sports for the disabled persons,” Mr Nwabunwanneya said.

On their bid to procure a bus that will be conveying them to their training venue, he told Newsextra that: “We wrote an SOS letter to the council chairman on our plight; what we encounter during our training sessions. Again, most of us live in various locations and coming together for training sessions at the National Stadium Surulere where we do our training is very difficult, especially

for some of us on wheelchairs.

“Our problems are compounded by the fact that most of these commercial drivers don’t like to carry us. So, we wrote to the chairman to come to our aid in procuring a bus that will help in picking us from our various locations and convey us to our training venue and take us back to our individual locations after the training. He asked us to come today.

That’s why we came to the council secretariat.”

Mr Nwabunwanneya, who participated in the Atlanta Olympics Games in 1996 and the Commonwealth Games is an expert in wheelchair athletics, said the Federal Government sponsors them any time they have international competitions.

In disabusing the minds of many

Disability means challenge; you are challenged and you have to be courageous and pursue your career. Every disabled person should not think that his life is ruined; he rather should endeavour to make something out of life

who have the wrong notion about physically-challenged persons, he said: “Disability is not inability. That one is a disabled person does not mean that one is invalid. Disability means challenge; you are challenged and you have to be courageous and pursue your career. Every disabled person should not think that his life is ruined, he rather should endeavour to make something out of life.”

On his expectations from Government, he urged government at all levels to show more commitment to disables sports in the country by providing more and up-to-date equipment. “We need wheelchairs; we need sports chairs for training sessions. Government has been making promises without fulfilling them. This is not encouraging, to say the least,” he concluded.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

Since my retirement, it has been difficult to get my pension. God will have mercy on Adelaja; looking after the welfare of the old people is a task recommended all over the world. I appreciate his gesture and pray he does more

•Cross section of beneficiaries O fewer than 100 old men and women including widows converged at the pavilion of Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), at the outskirts of Lagos.

They were joined by large number of youths, majority of who are secondary school leavers with the zeal to further their academic career in higher institution.

The large-size canopies could not take the crowd that included leadership of the council.

It was at the inauguration of the monthly allowance to the old people and widows by the chairman of Eredo LCDA Hon. Sabiu Adelaja.

The occasion afforded the council boss the opportunity to distribute free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to school leavers who are willing to further their education.

Adelaja said the council deemed it fit to extend the gesture due to the burden associated with old aged and the prevailing economic constraints in the society.

“During our electioneering campaigns, we did promise that welfare of the aged will be given prompt attention. In order to make this a reality, over 100 aged people who have laboured so that we can be what we

N

PHOTOS: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

•Hon. Adelaja presenting cheque to Mrs. Saibu

Council fetes senior citizens, widows, others

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

are today will go home with an allowance of N5, 000 which will be collected monthly from the council,” he said.

The council chairman admitted that the amount might be paltry, but he noted that “it will relief you economically and we shall not hesitate to increase it when our finances improve.”

On the free JAMB forms, Adelaja said the council considered serious economic hardship parents experience in order to train their children beyond secondary education and the resultant effect in the lives of those children. It is as a result of this that the council resolved to come to their aid through the purchase of JAMB and GCE forms and the award of bursary allowance.

He promised to offer scholarships to bright but indigent students.

While promising to run a transparent government, Adelaja enjoined the people to support his administration to make life more meaningful for the people.

Among the beneficiaries were a retiree from General Hospital, IdiAde, Ogun State Pa Kazeem Salabiu and Mrs Batile Saibu.

The duo thanked the council boss for the initiative.

“Since my retirement, it has been difficult to get my pension. God will have mercy on Adelaja; looking after the welfare of the old people is a task recommended all over the world. I appreciate his gesture and pray he does more,” Pa Salabiu said.

“I am short of words. I do not know how to thank our council chairman,” Mrs Saibu said.

“He has displayed a good courage

expected of somebody in that position. He has started on a good note, I pray he ends well,” she said.

A school leaver, Shamsideen Ajala who finished from Odomola Senior Secondary School was full of appreciation to the council boss.

Depending on how successful he is in the JAMB examination, Ajala told Newsextra that he intends to study Banking and Finance at the University of Abuja.

Member, House of Representatives representing Epe Constituency Hon. Olanrewaju Odubote urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity at their disposal.

“You should study hard to make good grades during the examination.

Education is the key in this world and anybody with this opportunity does not have excuse not to be at higher institution,” he said Odubote hailed the council boss for assisting the aged people financially and improving education at the grassroots level.

He congratulated the widows for making the list.

He also thanked the leadership of the party for the vision to carve out the LCDA out of Epe. This, he said, has aided dividends of democracy to reach more people.

Seminar on security holds today

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HE African Institute for Applied Economics (AIAE) said it has concluded plans to hold a policy consultative seminar on social protection.

In a statement, its Communications Manager Mr Sola Oluwadare, said the event billed for today, will feature the presentation of the early work-in-progress of the research

•From left: President, Council of Muslim Ladies Alhaja Raliat Koleosho; former President, National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS) Mrs Azeezat Gbobaniyi and former NCWS National Secretary mrs Husamotu Ajala during the conference of NCWS Lagos Chapter at Eko FM Hall, Agidingbi, Lagos

By Chuks Udo Okonta

project and elicit feedback and perspectives from policy officials, nongovernment organisations and relevant stakeholders.

He noted that the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Dr Muhammed Dogo Muhammed is expected to deliver a paper on the challenges and achievements of the scheme at the event.

Oluwadare said the seminar will also review government’s efforts on social protection policy through its agencies vis-a-vis international best practices, and analyse and proffer solutions to the challenges being experienced by the implementers, operators and participants of the programme.

He said social protection policies and programmes refer to initiatives that deliberately seek to protect people and groups against risks and vulnerability, mitigate the impacts of shocks on livelihoods, and support people who suffer from chronic incapacities to secure basic livelihoods.

He also noted that in Nigeria, social protection policy initiatives cover employment, health, poverty, pension and education sectors, adding that some of the initiatives include the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), NHIS, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and others.

He said while these schemes have been in operation for some time now, there is need to undertake a

critical examination on coverage, effectiveness and sustainability, adding that examining these parameters will enable better understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with these initiatives and strategies and measures to enhance their impacts.

He said: “Poverty, social exclusion, economic marginalisation and vulnerability (both nominal systemic) are crucial socio-economic challenges experienced by societies and economies in the developing world.

Recent and current waves of global economic shocks have underscored the need for countries to reinvent the mechanisms and phenomena for social protection, equitable development and balanced growth. Though countries have existing social protection systems, many are already stressed by the global economic shocks and the attendant social ripple-effects.”

He said participants are drawn from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs), NHIS scheme, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Programme for Poverty Eradication (NAPEP), National Planning Commission, National Pension Commission, Pension Funds Administrators, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Insurance Companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others.

"Something tells me that I will provide. I do not know why. Hopefully it will be so and we can win the World Cup. It would be spectacular to win in Brazil. Rather than sleep, I dream awake."

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

WORLD CUP 2014

•Messi

Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi, expressing belief that he can lead his country to its first World Cup victory since 1986.

tips Argentina to triumph

B

ARCELONA and Argentina star Lionel Messi believes he can inspire his country to their first World Cup win since 1986.

Messi is with Alejandro Sabella's Argentina squad in Switzerland ahead of their friendly clash with the Swiss on Wednesday.

Diego Maradona was the star as Argentina surged to victory in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and Messi believes he has what it takes to be the catalyst for his nation's return to glory.

Speaking to La Red, Messi stated his ongoing ambition to be crowned World Champion: "It is my dream and I always said that the talent of the group are worth more than the individual.

"Something tells me that I will provide.

I do not know why. Hopefully it will be so and we can win the World Cup." Messi's ambitions are not just distant longings. He believes his side can match the best at the 2014 World Cup in South America.

"It would be spectacular to win in Brazil. Rather than sleep, I dream awake," the Barcelona man concluded.

Villas-Boas

•Arjen Robben

I'm a true Gunner, I love

wary of Abramovich's axe

A

NDRE Villas-Boas has revealed for the first time his fear that the 'cultural pattern' at Chelsea could continue and he could be sacked.

Villas-Boas has repeatedly insisted he retains the full backing of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, but has now confessed to the first seeds of doubt about whether he would keep his job.

Speculation has been rife over the future of Villas-Boas during what is currently Chelsea's worst season since Abramovich joined the club in 2003.

Saturday's 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton ended a miserable run of five games without a win and four victories from 14, easing the pressure on Villas-Boas.

In an interview with Portuguese radio station TSF which took place two days earlier but which was only broadcast on Monday, the 34-year-old reiterated he felt he retained the "confidence" of Abramovich.

But he compared his situation to that of Carlo Ancelotti, who the Russian sacked at the end of a trophyless season in May. "We are now in the exact same moment as last year," Villas-Boas said. "It is an exact copy.

"The pattern of behaviour of the owner has led to a (manager's) downfall in similar situations or even 'better' situations.

"What will be the reaction? It will be one of the two, a continuation of the project and full support or just the cultural pattern that has happened before. We don't know."

•van Persie

I'm not 100% fit

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AYERN Munich midfielder Arjen Robben has revealed he is still in pain over the injury which forced the Dutchman to miss most of the opening season.

The 28-year-old remains frustrated with the injury, having previously blamed manager Jupp Heynckes for interrupting his recovery, and has now confirmed he experiences discomfort.

“I am in pain almost every other day,” said Robben to Dutch TV station NOS. “I do not wish to complain constantly, but it is true that the last injury of my career has been annoying.”

Robben talked about concerns over his fitness, and has declared he is not yet 100 per cent fit and that only game time will get rid of his pelvic injury.

“With the adrenaline [from the match] and everything - it goes well,” added the Dutchman.

“I still do not know if I’m 100% match fit. The only thing you need are games to get back into rhythm.”

D

UTCH newspaper De Telegraaf have some comforting words for Arsenal fans from Robin van Persie today. Fresh from their excellent win at the weekend, the Dutch striker has taken steps to calm fears that he's on his way out of the Emirates.

"I sit there for eight years and I'm proud. At the end of the season I sit down with the trainer and the president.

Then we make a cup of coffee all together. I am a true Gunner. I love this club and that's no secret."

Van Persie is keen to leave everything until the end of the season, when he'll only have a year left on his contract. Though he may have the best intentions at heart, the delay has created many rumours and also stirred interest in other clubs who feel they may have a chance of signing him. He's still determined to wait "We will soon talk about many things. I do quite often with the trainer anyway. Only later on is the president there."

Robin van Persie is the Premier League's top scorer with 23 goals for Arsenal already this season.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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NEWS

BIR THD AY BO Y : Mr. Emmanuel Olugbenga Obisesan (right), his wife Modupe and children: •BIR BIRTHD THDA BOY Olamide and Damilola at the thanksgiving to mark Obisesan’s 50 th birthday at the Diocese of •Kogi State Governor Idris Wada (right) being welcomed by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom to his office in Abuja...on Monday. With them is Permanent Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ogudu, Lagos…yesterday Secretary Dauda Kigbu PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•Kwara State Governor Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed (right) receiving a souvenir from Team Leader of Connell University, New York, Prof. Ronnie Coffman •Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (right) acknowledging cheers from members of Umeh Need Road during the inauguration of a team - Kwara Agriculture Mordernisation Plan Forum during an open Town Hall meeting at theGovernment House, Ilorin

•Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Mr. Tunji Bello and •Founder of Visafone Communications Limited, Mr. Jim Ovia (middle) being assisted by Managing Director Sailesh Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, who Iyer (left), Chief Operations Officer Srinivasa KV, Head of Customer Care Lynda Amechi and other members of the represented Governor Babatunde Fashola, at a Town Hall meeting on management to cut the company’s fourth anniversary cake in Lagos Enviromental Sanitation in Surulere PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

•Pastor Smart Odiaua of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Centre Zone, Province 1, Region 5, Rivers State presenting 2,000 exercise books to Headmistress of Community Primary School II, Elekahia, Mrs Alete-Omoni Gloria, as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility mission...last weekend. With them are Pastor Alex Idachaba •Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Commissioner for Health Dr. Dayo Adeyanju and the of Breakthrough Area and Mrs Muzan-Ekpelu Emily, Deputy Headmistress, Community governor’s wife, Olukemi, at the celebration of “Abiye” (Safe Motherhood) to mark Mimiko’s third anniversary in Akure...last weekend Primary School

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

45

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Another judicial victory came the way of Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is the Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). BISI OLANIYI, who covered the tribunal’s sittings in Port Harcourt, reports the road to the triumph and its impact on the political setting.

What next for Omehia, Sekibo?

R

EMINISCENT of October 25, 2007 when the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment, sacked the then Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, February 23, 2012 was another memorable day for Governor Rotimi Amaechi. His kinsman and major opponent, Omehia, again lost at the Election Petitions Tribunal in Port Harcourt.

Amid tight security provided by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) and policemen, the chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Abdulahi Mohammed Liman, dismissed the petition, as he declared that it would amount to “gross judicial impudence” to close eyes to the February 17, 2011 judgment of the apex court, in line with the country’s constitution.

It was not difficult for Amaechi to get the ruling party’s reelection ticket, but he had two main challengers in the April governorship election: Omehia, the standard bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Abiye Sekibo.

Amaechi and Omehia are cousins and both hail from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers state. When the result of the election was announced, Omehia and Sekibo who lost to Amaechi with a wide margin, alleged massive rigging and other irregularities and proceeded to the Election Petitions Tribunal for redress.

Weeks into trial, Sekibo withdrew his petition, stating that he was frustrated by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some leaders of the PDP who allegedly made it extremely difficult for him to have access to vital documents needed at INEC’s office to prosecute his case at the tribunal.

Omehia, saw the opportunity as payback time and forged ahead with the case. Quite unfortunately, the tribunal dismissed Omehia’s petition for lacking merit, but he remained undaunted and proceeded to the Court of Appeal, which ordered retrial of the petition on its merit, leading to the reconstitution of the Liman’s tribunal.

During the pre-trial, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who was the lead counsel to Amaechi and Ikuru (first and second respondents), said he had listed 70 witnesses and might call 30 witnesses or less in five days, while interpreters might be needed, with forensic examination of ballot papers and other electoral materials to be carried out.

The lead counsel to the third respondent (PDP), Ighodalo Imapegbelo (SAN), told the tribunal that he had listed 69 witnesses, with 14 to be called in four days, but without interpreters, while “single independent expert” would also be called, with forensic examination of ballot papers and other electoral materials used in the 4441 polling units across Rivers State, to be carried out.

INEC’s (fourth respondent’s) lead counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN said he would call seven witnesses in four days, without needing interpreters.

The lead counsel to Omehia and APGA, James Ezike, promised to call 13 witnesses in four days.

Before the end of the pre-trial, Ameachi/ Ikuru and INEC filed separate applications to strike out some paragraphs of the petition by

•Amaechi

Omehia and APGA. The petition suffered a setback at the February 15 sitting, as paragraphs 10 (1 to 25) and 12 were struck out, based on the fresh applications by Ameachi/Ikuru and INEC, for containing criminal allegations against some individuals and security agencies.

In the unanimous ruling, delivered by the tribunal chairman, it was stated that non-joinder of the parties mentioned in Omehia and APGA’s petition for alleged criminal offences, rendered the paragraphs ineffective and not in line with the Electoral Act, 2010 and other laws.

Serious criminal allegations were levelled

by Omehia and APGA against the then Director-General of Amaechi Campaign Organisation, Chief Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of State for Education; the Rivers Chairman of the ruling PDP, Chief Godspower Ake, other individuals and security agencies.

With the granting of the prayers of Amaechi/ Ikuru and INEC through the fresh applications, more than 80 per cent of the paragraphs in Omehia and APGA’s petition were struck out.

With the ruling, the stage was then set for the trial, with Ezike inviting his first witness (Omehia), who was accompanied by his running mate, Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, a former Majority Leader of Rivers Assembly, when Amaechi was speaker and APGA’s Rivers Chairman, Godffrey Terry.

The APGA standard bearer mounted the witness box and was cross-examined by the counsel to the respondents and petitioners.

At the February 16 sitting of the tribunal, the lead counsel to Omehia and APGA (Ezike), closed his clients’ case, after only the party’s governorship candidate was cross-examined, contrary to his earlier promise of calling 13 witnesses in four days.

The lead counsel to Amaechi and his deputy, Oluseye Diyan, expressed shock that the petitioners (Omehia and APGA) decided to close their case suddenly, thereby requesting adjournment, to be able to assemble his clients’ witnesses.

The lead counsel to the PDP (Imapegbelo) and his counterpart for INEC (Ukala) did not raise objection to the adjournment, promising to also assemble their witnesses.

The lead counsel to Omehia and APGA (Ezike), however, declared that the drama was yet to start, while the tribunal chairman described the development as an anti-climax.

Liman maintained that each counsel would

•Sekibo

be entitled to only 15 minutes to cross-examine each witness, in order to round off quickly.

The February 17 judgment of the apex court affirmed the victories of Borno and Zamfara States’ governors, insisting that the 180 days could not be extended by any court order, in line with Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended and the Electoral Act, 2010.

Ahead of the sitting of February 23, Amaechi and Ikuru filed a fresh application at the tribunal, seeking the dismissal of the petition by Omehia and his party.

The lead counsel to Amaechi and Ikuru, Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), said with the February 15 setback suffered by the petition at the tribunal, through the striking out of some paragraphs, the petition would no longer stand.

Adedipe also stated that with February 17 judgment of the Supreme Court, which forbids the setting up of fresh tribunal, after the expiration of 180 days, from the date of filing the petition, in line with Electoral Act, 2010, the Omehia and APGA’s petition must be dismissed, like that of Akwa Ibom State.

On February 20, the tribunal in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, in the petition by the state’s governorship candidate of the ACN, John Akpanudoedehe, and his running mate, Ime Umanah, against Governor Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Nsima Ekere, the petition was dismissed over the 180 days provision.

At the February 23 sitting of the tribunal, Omehia and APGA’s petition was consequently dismissed.

Litigants and members of the public were allowed at the premises of the courtroom in the Rivers High Court Complex, during previous sittings, but the fully-armed operatives of the State Security Service, with bulletproof vests, marked “DSS” and policemen, did not allow them to move close, when the ruling was given.

The lawyers, politicians and journalists, who were allowed into the courtroom, after properly identifying themselves, were thoroughly searched, with the fierce-looking security personnel completely taking over the courtroom and premises.

After the sitting, one of the security men said they decided to be proactive and acted on intelligence reports, that with the likelihood of dismissing the petition, the supporters of Omehia and APGA might unleash mayhem, thereby leading to a breakdown of law and

‘The political scene in the state has seen been agog with supporters of the governor celebrating and his opponents licking their wounds. How would this impact the contests in 2015? There are speculations that the political boundaries would soon be redrawn’

•Omehia

order.

The tribunal’s chairman said: “The tribunal must not fail to obey the law. The judgment of the Supreme Court of February 17 is very clear, that the petition must not be retried after 180 days. It is the law and must be obeyed to the letter.

“It will amount to gross judicial impudence to close our eyes to the law. The petition is hereby struck out. The apex court and the legislature may later amend the decision, but for now, we must abide by it.”

The lead counsel to Amaechi and Ikuru, Ifedayo Adedipe, SAN, before the final ruling, had called the attention of the tribunal to the fresh application filed on behalf of his clients, seeking the dismissal of the petition, in line with Section 285 (6) of the constitution.

He said the February 17 judgment of the Supreme Court affirmed the victories of Borno and Zamfara States’ governors, and insisted that the 180 days could not be extended by any court order.

The submissions of the lead counsel to the PDP (Imapegbelo) and INEC (Ukala) were in line with the position of Adedipe.

But, the lead counsel to Omehia and APGA (Ezike), referred the tribunal to another judgment of the Supreme Court on November 14, 2011, in the suit filed by the governorship candidate of the ACN in Benue State, Prof. Steve Ugbah, against the PDP and others.

Ezike noted that the apex court held that Ugbah’s petition should be retried on its merit, even after the expiration of the 180 days stipulated by the Electoral Act, 2010 and Nigeria’s constitution, as amended.

The lead counsel to Omehia and APGA said: “We are here (tribunal) for the continuation of hearing. If the respondents (Amaechi, Ikuru, PDP and INEC) are not ready to call their witnesses, I will move a motion for judgment.

“The submissions of the counsel to the respondents, especially on the February 17, judgment of the Supreme Court should be ignored, since it is in conflict with the November 14 last year’s judgment of the same court. The tribunal should stand by the truth.”

After the ruling, the lead counsel to the respondents lauded the judges for doing a good job and effectively contributing to the nation’s jurisprudence, but Ezike, who also thanked the tribunal members, called for constitutional amendment, in order to always ensure justice and not to deny litigants and other Nigerians their rights to fair hearing.

The political scene in the state has seen been agog with supporters of the governor celebrating and his opponents licking their wounds.

How would this impact the contests in 2015?

There are speculations that the political boundaries would soon be redrawn. Major political players, according to sources, are already mapping out plans for the next governorship and senatorial elections as Amaechi would no longer be eligible to run for the office. It is still early days. The build-up has just started.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

46

POLITICS TITBITS ON CROSS RIVER ELECTION

By Nicholas Kalu

Residents unaware of election Surprising as it may seem, some people were actually oblivious that the governorship election would hold last Saturday. Up till the day, some people were arguing that the election had been cancelled. An undergraduate in the capital city, Calabar, expressed surprise that the election was still held. Could that be the reason for the low turn out?

CPC protests

•From left: Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola, presenting a gift to General Adeyinka Adebayo while Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN) looks on, during a visit of the members of the Yoruba Council of Elders visited Aregbesola in Osogbo, Osun State at the weekend.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Controversies trail recall of Kwara Chief Judge The reinstatement of Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb as Chief Judge of Kwara State is generating ripples. Correspondent ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

T

EN months after the general elections, politics has taken the centre stage again in Kwara State. The Supreme Court judgment penultimate Friday reinstating the sacked Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb, has set politicians across the political divides at war. It has also pitched members of the state Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), who are opposed to her return against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch.

Former Governor Bukola Saraki had, after obtaining the consent of the State House of Assembly, removed Justice Habeeb-Elelu as the Chief Judge, citing alleged corrupt practices and highhandedness as reasons.

Following her removal from office in March 2009 by the Saraki administration, Justice Elelu Habeeb approached the court, seeking among other things, “a declaration that the letter of the House dated May 4, 2009, is in breach and violation of the 1999 Constitution in so far as it relates to, connected with her in exercise of her functions as Chief Judge and therefore, null and void, and an order setting aside, nullifying and putting away the decision of the 3rd and 4th Defendants (Kwara House of Assembly), contained in the 3rd defendant’s letter dated May 4 this year and any other steps taken thereon in so far as it relates to the office of the plaintiff, as the Chief Judge of Kwara State, the same being inconsistent with Sections 153, 197, 271 (2) and the 3rd Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.”

Reprieve came the way of the former sacked CJ three months after the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin voided her removal from office by the state government The court declared all actions taken

by Saraki and the House of Assembly on her status as CJ null and void.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Bilikisu Bello, held that the NJC is, by law, a necessary party that must be involved in determining the fate of a judicial officer and agreed that by a combined interpretation of Sections 153(1) (i), Paragraph 21 (d) of the 3rd Schedule and Section 271 of the 1999 Constitution, and Sections 4, 153, 292 and paragraphs 20, 21, of the 3rd Schedule, part 1 of the Constitution, it is only the NJC, first defendant in the case, that has the exclusive power and authority to query, command, order or inquire into any complaint against the plaintiff .

Justice Bello said, contrary to arguments by counsel to the defendants, all provisions of the Constitution on

the appointment and removal of judicial officers, including the CJ, as well as the powers of the governor and the state assemblies in appointing or removing such officers, must be read together and in the circumstance of the case, would indicate that the intent of those who drafted the law was that the NJC must be a necessary party in the process of determining the fate of the CJ. She granted all the five relieves sought by the plaintiff in her originating summons.

The state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) hailed the Supreme Court judgment, describing it as “a step forward in our people’s longstanding quest for justice and fairness.”

The ACN chairman in the state Kayode Olawepo enthused: “For us, the unlawful sack of Justice EleluHabeeb was just one of the many injustices and impunities of the past administration.

“If anybody doubted that the then government was one of impunity, lawlessness and disregard for due process, the Friday ruling served as an eye-opener, and further strengthens the people’s confidence in the rule of law.

“We are not unmindful of the antics of the PDP government to dampen the spirit of the honourable Justice and undermine the Supreme Court ruling, but, as the court verdict has shown, there will always be a tragic end to impunity and mischief.”

No sooner was she reinstated than members of the state branch of the Judicial Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) embark on a week’s warning strike.

JUSUN claimed that its protestation was “aimed at protecting the image, integrity and the overall interest of the judicial system/administration from total collapse in the state.”

The state Chairperson of JUSUN, Mrs. Folake Laaro, said: “As a path of honour, we respectfully recommend that his lordship should bow out honourably since the entire workers in the Kwara State judiciary have resolved that we can no longer have or work with his lordship as the Chief Judge and head of administration in the state judiciary.”

The national body of JUSUN has, however, dissociated itself from the workers’ action and directed its striking members to go back to work. In a text message, the National Publicity Secretary, JUSUN, Mr. Marwan Adamu, said: “We at the national body accept and respect the said judgment and hereby direct our members

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) says despite participating in the governorship election in Cross River State, it is still in court to challenge the February 25 date in court.

Governorship candidate of the party, Miss Mary Ekpere, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on being bent on rigging the election in favour of the ruling party by abridging the election time table without consulting stakeholders.

Her words: “We are participating in protest as we are already in court. I wonder why INEC should contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act, which is the fundamental law that guides the practice and procedure for the conduct of elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is indisputable that any non-compliance with the provisions of the Act will render any election conducted illegal, null and void. Why is INEC bent on conducting an illegal election? By this we do not believe that INEC will be fair, our party members are law abiding, and peaceful. We shall direct all complaints to the appropriate authorities.”

Also speaking the National Publicity Secretary of the CPC, Mr Rotimi Fashakin, said “as a party we are averse to election holding February 25, 2012 on the grounds that INEC would be contravening Section 31 (1) of the Electoral Act. But at the same time, we believe it would not be noble to boycott the election on that ground.

However, we would pursue the election in court.”

No election in Bakassi

•AbdulFatah-Ahmed

to go back to work as their action is illegal. The Supreme Court judgment is final and must be obeyed.”

Also, an Ilorin based legal practitioner, Mr. John Bayeshea (SAN) has faulted the action of the workers, adding that any disobedience of the Supreme Court judgment was an invitation to anarchy.

Bayeshea told The Nation that “once the Supreme Court has spoken on a matter, that is the final decision; we must respect, obey and enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court, otherwise we will be giving room for anarchy. Now, the CJ has been reinstated. In fact, we, senior members of the Bar, have interacted with the high court judges in Kwara State and their position is that the judgment of the Supreme Court reinstating the CJ has to be obeyed, has to be complied with.”

The Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) equally condemned JUSUN’s decision to down tools, describing the judicial workers action as ill-timed “as it constitutes a stumbling block in the enforcement of the judgment of the Supreme Court.”

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kamaldeen Ajibade, promised to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Ajibade said that the “state government is a respecter of rule of law and will not by any means encourage the flouting or outright disobedience of the judgment of the apex court of the nation.”

All eyes are now on the returning CJ and JUSUN on how the crisis initiated by politicians would be resolved.

Election did not hold in Bakassi local government due to a court order served on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) late Friday, restraining them from conducting the election in the area.

After the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon as a result of a judgment of the International Court of Justice in 2002, the state government, through the State House of Assembly Law No. 7 of 2007, had carved out three wards in Ikang in Akpabuyo Local Government and called it the new Bakassi.

However, in last year’s elections in the state, INEC had disregarded the new Bakassi, recognising Dayspring Island 1 and 2 and the Qua Island, which is the remaining part of the land ceded to Cameroon on the Nigerian axis. INEC’s reason was that the New Bakassi was not recognised by the constitution.

This has been despite the state government’s insistence at various fora that the New Bakassi is legitimate. In last year’s election, the people of Bakassi were registered and voted at Dayspring Island.

On Friday, a Federal High Court in Calabar presided over by Justice A. F. A. Ademola, had in a suit with number: FHC/CA/ CS/21/2012 instituted by Edet Etim Asuquo, Chief Antigha Cobham, Chief Bassey Etim and Chief Effiong Iman for themselves and on behalf of the Ikang people of Ikang Clan, Esighi Clan, Antigha Ene Eyo Clan and Edihi Idim Ikot Eyi Clan of Bakassi LGA against INEC and the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Cross River State stopped the conduct of the February 25 polls in the Dayspring.

The court orders as follows: “A declaration that the Defendants conduct the upcoming February 25, 2012 in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State and subsequent ones in accordance with ward delineation based on the current Bakassi Local Government Area created pursuance to Law No. 7 of Cross River State House of Assembly and not based on the ward delineation as existed before the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

“A Declaration that given the decision of this Honourable Court in Suit No. FHC/CA/CS/41/2011 delivered on July 8, 2011, the Defendants cannot disregard the three wards of Ikang as the current Bakassi Local Government Area or do anything contrary to the Orders of the Judgement.”

Election observers change tactics Project Swift Count (PSC), an election observer group, deployed 628 observers to observe the governorship polls in the state.

First co-chair of the group, Dafe Akpedeye, said, 600 were deployed to pre-randomly selected polling units across the 18 local government areas in the state, while the remaining 28 were roving.

Akpedeye, who spoke through the second co-chair, Mashood Erubami, said PSC used the swift count methodology to observe the election. The methodology involves the use of information and communication technology and statistical principles which enable observers provide more representative and accurate information about the electoral process in real time to voters, political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, PSC’s plans to observe the Cross River governorship election is in line with its vision and mission which is to build confidence of voters in the electoral process, promote free, fair, peaceful, credible and legitimate elections in Nigeria.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

47

THE NATION

INVESTORS Equity crunch hits firms’ profitability T

HE unyielding recession at the capital market and the attendant low investors’ appetite for equities appeared to be affecting corporate profits, reports have shown.

Though audited reports of some companies for 2011 business year indicated increase in turnover, their profit growths remain almost unfavourable.

The companies include Nestle Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria and Chellarams Plc. Their reports showed strong growth in sales but the gains were wiped off by high finance expenses, leaving profits almost flat.

Nestle Nigeria, which had grown sales by 22.3 per cent during the period, ended the year with a mere 1.6 per cent increase in profit before tax as interest expenses jumped by 325 per cent.

Vitafoam Nigeria grew sales by 37 per cent but this was reduced by 35 per cent growth in interest expenses, leaving profit before tax almost unchanged with 0.04 per cent increase.

Nestle Nigeria reported that its bank loans, otherwise known as short-term borrowings, spiked up to N6.78 billion in 2011 compared with N3.40 billion in 2010.

The increasing dependence on short-term borrowings pushed finance costs from N753.3 million in 2010 to N3.2 billion in 2011.

Nestle Nigeria’s turnover rose from N80.11 billion in 2010 to N97.96 billion last year. Profit before tax, however, inched up to N18.54 billion in 2011 as against N18.24 billion in 2010.

Vitafoam Nigeria also reported that short-term borrowings rose by 648 per cent from N408.8 million

Stories by Taofik Salako

in 2010 to N3.06 billion in 2011. Interest expenses consequently increased from N265.75 million to N357.32 million.

Significantly, the foam-manufacturing company grew sales from N10.62 billion in 2010 to N14.52 billion in 2011, but profits before and after tax were almost stunted at N823.57 million and N518.85 million in 2011 as against N823.25

million and N512.78 million posted in 2010.

Managing Director, GTI Securities, Mr Tunde Oyekunle, said the increasing financial leverage of the companies reflect the downtrend at the primary equity market.

The Nation had earlier reported that most firms that had indicated interests in raising new equity funds were suspending the plans for supplementary equity issues as investors’ apathy continues to under-

mine the viability of the primary equity market.

It had shown that many companies, which had earlier indicated interests or secured initial approvals to float new equity issues, have suspended the plan due to what they described as unfavourable situation at the primary market.

Earlier, no fewer than 11 companies had indicated interests in raising some N250 billion in new equity funds.

Oyekunle said the capital market recession has started to have a double-jeopardy situation on investors as the downtrend is not only affecting secondary market valuation but now the actual fundamentals of the companies.

According to him, the inability to access new equity funds has forced some companies to turn to interestbased finances, which are relatively costlier and mostly unsupportive of long-term growth plans.

•From left: Vice-Chairman, African and Middle East Region Committee (AMERC), International Organisation of Securities Commission (IOSCO)/Chief Executive Officer, Morocco Securities Market Regulator, Mr Hicham Elalamy; Chairperson, AMERC/Director-General, SEC, Arunma Oteh, CEO, Capital Market Authority, Kenya, Mrs. Stella Kilonzo and Senior Advisor, IOSCO, Isabel Pastor, during the 28th AMERC Meeting/Conference in Mombasa, Kenya at the weekend

Investors raise stakes on sovereign bonds to N546b

I

NVESTORS doubled their stakes on Federal Government’s debt issues this month as the recession at the stock market, rising inflation and uncertain macroeconomic environment increased appetite for almost riskfree sovereign bonds.

Sources said foreign investors showed keen interests in Nigerian sovereign bonds because of their attractive yields.

Turnover at the Over-theCounter (OTC), the secondary market where the Federal Government’s bonds are traded, stood at N545.84 billion for 646.42 million units in 4,982 deals this month. This represents about 97 per cent increase on N277.71 billion staked on 305.96 million units in 1,350 deals last month.

Average weekly turnover this

month stood at 161.61 million units valued at N136.46 billion in 1,246 deals as against average weekly turnover of 76.49 million units worth N69.43 billion traded in 338 deals last month.

There are 27 sovereign bonds on the secondary market with a nominal value of N3.54 trillion.

Investors had gradually stepped up demand for sovereign bonds from the second week of the month and closed it with the highest weekly turnover of 204.31 million units valued at N169.09 billion in 1,569 deals.

But investors continued to focus on sovereign bonds with shortterm maturity period, showing cautious balance between locking into fixed income and unnecessary tying down of capital in relatively low-yield securities should the

equity market rebounds.

The most active bond during the month was the Seventh FGN Bond 2013 Series 1, a three-year shorttenor bond issued in February 2010 and due for redemption in February 2013.

The Seventh FGN Bond 2013 Series 1, which carries a coupon rate of 5.5 per cent, recorded a turnover of 147.33 million units worth N135.38 billion in 1,185 deals. These represented about 23 per cent and 25 per cent of the total volume and value traded during the month.

In January, the most active bond had been the Eighth FGN Bond 2014 Series 1, a N300 billion short-term three-year bond which carries a coupon rate of 10.5 per cent and is due for redemption by March 18, 2014.

The bond was issued on March 18, last year.

Weekly analysis showed that the OTC had a good start with a turnover of 151.3 million units valued at N128.4 billion in 1,030 deals. Turnover, however, slowed down to 127.71 million units worth N111.90 billion in 875 deals.

Turnover rose above average to 163.1 million units worth N136.71 billion in 1,508 deals in the third week.

Economist and investment adviser, Sterling Capital, the investment banking arm of Sterling Bank Plc, Sewa Wusu, said sovereign bonds have become attractive as hedging instruments against the downtrend at the stock market and also because of the attractive yields of the bonds.

According to him, in an environment where inflation runs in double digits and it’s still rising, bonds would thrive better as investors sought for protection of fixed-incomes and security of capital.

He noted that the only alternative investment outlets in the period of rapid selling pressure in the stock market are the fixed income instruments.

Wusu confirmed that the rise in turnover was due to increasing foreign appetite for Nigerian government bonds.

He added that fund managers were rebalancing their portfolios in favour of bonds to preserve their capital while ensuring continuous flow of incomes to manage the downtrend at the equity market.

230,000 shareholders in mutual funds as net assets hit N85b

A

BOUT 230,000 Nigerians are participating in mutual funds as many investors prefer individual ownership to collective investment schemes.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which disclosed this figure in its latest report, stated that there are 44 registered collective investment schemes, also known as mutual funds in the country.

The funds have total net assets of

N85.31 billion dominated by equity funds.

The existing mutual funds include 20 equity-based funds, two money market funds, four bond funds, four ethical funds, two real estate investment trust schemes, 11 balance funds and a sector-based fund, it added.

SEC has, however, said it would implement some policies to drive participation in mutual funds.

Director-General, SEC, Ms

Arunma Oteh, lamented the low domestic participation in the capital desspite its large base of potential investors and assured that the commission would focus on driving domestic participation in the capital market.

According to her, the commission would find more innovative ways of building a culture of savings and investment to boost the number of indigeneous retail investors.

She said SEC would encourage in-

stitutional vehicles such as mutual funds and collective investment schemes.

In other advanced and emerging securities markets, mutual funds play dominant roles as investors’ representatives. These funds pool investors’ funds and take up significant positions in companies, which enable them to influence corporate performance and market direction.

Old Mutual, the 167-year-old in-

ternational long-term savings group that was established in 1845 in South Africa, has grown to become a FTSE 100 listed company operating in 33 countries. Old Mutual last week announced that it has reached a preliminary agreement to buy a Nigerian insurer - Oceanic Life from Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

ETI, which had acquired Oceanic •Continued on page 48

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

48

THE NATION INVESTORS

New fiscal measures favour agro stocks

Q

UOTED agricultural companies and other companies with significant agrorelated operations would receive a boost from new fiscal policy measures approved by the Federal Government.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a statement to authorised foreign exchange dealers stated that the Federal Government has approved the release of the fiscal policy measures for 2012 which included a zero duty on agricultural machinery and equipment with effect from January 31, 2012.

According to the apex bank’s circular, equipment and machinery in the power sector would also attract zero duty. Besides, government shall prohibit importation of cassava flour with effect from March 31, 2012.

The circular noted that the new fiscal measures were introduced to support the development of agricultural sector.

Market analysts said the new fis-

By Taofik Salako

cal policy measures would impact positively on quoted agricultural companies and enhance their profitability within the medium to long-term.

According to analysts, the new policy would help to reduce the costs of agricultural companies and further stimulate investments in mechanized operations.

Analysts commended the new policy measures as much-needed incentives to boost large scale agricultural business noting that although the timeline for the impact may differ from company to company, the new measures would be general impetus for the sector.

There are five wholly agricultural companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) including FTN Cocoa Processing Company, Okomu Oil Palm, Presco, Ellah Lakes and Livestock Feeds Plc. But several other quoted companies have subsidiaries or substan-

tial operations in agriculture. These include Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, PZ Cussons Nigeria, UAC of Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria and Cadbury Nigeria Plc. PZ Cussons is investing almost N100 billion over the next five to six years to develop oil palm plantations that would feed the its$56 million palm oil refinery, which is expected to take off by the third quarter of this year.

The palm oil refinery, a partnership with Singapore’s Wilmar International, is a major capital project for the PZ Cussons Group.

Managing director of PZ Cussons Nigeria, Mr. Christos Giannopoulos said the joint venture company- PZ Wilmar, is the group’s biggest investment and would commence operations in the third quarter of 2012.

He noted that Nigeria imports around 400,000 tonnes of oil palm a year.

“We are in the process of expanding our activities into oil palm plan-

tation and creating the raw materials in Nigeria to satisfy not only our own refinery but also the growth of the sector,” Giannopoulos said.

Also, Flour Mills recently concluded agreements to invest N7 billion in the supply of a new 500 metric ton per day edible oil extraction and refining facility to be established in Ibadan.

The latest investment constituted the second phase of Flour Mill’s three-stage N20 billion investment programme in the cultivation and extraction of edible oil from soybeans and oil palm. The first stage involved the expansion of the company’s soybeans cultivation in Kaboji, Niger State and the purchase of an existing oil extraction and refining business in Ibadan.

Head of Flour Mills Agro-Industrial Division, Mr. Paul Gbededo, said the new oil complex would bring additional capacity to the company’s existing edible oil operations and provide much needed raw materials for Flour Mill’s ani-

mal feed milling operations, thus providing synergy, economy of scale and cost reduction for the group.

According to him, the new plant would more than double the extraction capacity to 500 metric tons per day of soy and 300 metric tons per day of palm kernel.

He outlined that the extracted crude oils would be refined in 400 metric tons per day state-of-the-art multi-oil refinery to be established on a new site purchased for this purpose while a 100 metric tons per day fractionation plant would split 100 metric tons per day of the refined palm oil into Olein, which would be bottled for retail consumption and stearines for industrial use.

Gbedebo said the third stage of the company’s investment in edible oils would be the establishment of palm plantations to augment local raw material supplies, and the establishment of an additional 750 metric tons per day multi-oil refinery and margarine packaging plant at Agbara Industrial Estate, Lagos State.

230,000 shareholders in mutual funds as net assets hit N85b •Continued from page 47

Bank International in recent mergers and acquisitions, took over all the bank’s subsidiaries including Oceanic Life.

According to the investment

company, Old Mutual and ETI are negotiating and finalising the relevant legal agreements, which will include regulatory approvals in South Africa and Nigeria.

The acquisition is part of Old Mutual’s strategy of expanding its

presence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Old Mutual, which started as a mutual company, was demutualised in 1999 and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Zimbabwe Stock Exchange,

FACTS

M

TO

Malawi Stock Exchange and Namibian Stock Exchange.

Also, PIMCO, world’s largest mutual fund, has said it will launch an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) on Thursday. PIMCO Total Return holds about $250 billion, topping

the $177 billion of second-biggest fund, Vanguard Total Stock Market Index. Total Return has averaged a 6.3 per cent annualised return over the past 10 years, placing among the top 13 per cent in its category.

FACTS

Evans Medical vs May & Baker: Finance blues

AY & Baker Nigeria Plc and Evans Medical Plc are two of the oldest healthcare companies in Nigeria.

Incorporated in 1944, May & Baker had metamorphosed from a foreign-owned company to a whollyowned Nigerian company following the exit of the foreign core investors. Evans Medical meanwhile still has substantial foreign ownership. Both companies are historical companies with several similar characteristics and products.

Audited reports of the companies showed a common underlining factor: the excruciating impact of financing and operating costs on investors’ returns. Evans Medical is struggling to its feet after several periods of losses and negative reserves. May & Baker however has sustained its profitability over the years, although it has increasingly lost grasp of the margins.

Sales Generation Turnover of the two companies increased in 2010. May & Baker’s top-line resumed on the uptrend in 2010 after it declined by 15 per cent in previous year. With 0.8 per cent marginal sales increase in 2010, the company’s average sales growth however remained negative at 7.3 per cent. Meanwhile, Evans Medical grew turnover by 12 per cent.

Profitability May & Baker maintained an edge in terms of profitability in spite of worrisome continuing decline in margins and actual earnings. Gross profit grew by 8.3 per cent in 2010 just as gross profit margin improved from about 38 per cent to 40 per cent. Pre-tax profit margin however dropped from 7.5 per cent in 2009 to 6.6 per cent in 2010, indicating two-year average margin of 7.05 per cent. With these, profit before tax dropped by 19 per cent and 11 per cent in 2009 and 2010 respectively, implying average yearly decline of about 15 per cent. Profit after tax dwindled by 17 per cent in 2010, continuing the downtrend that characterized the previous year when net earnings dropped by about 45 per cent.

Evans Medical tottered between recovery and a relapse. Gross profit

FACTS TO FACTS Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth 47.165 Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth 50.495 Return on Assets Return on Equity

May & Baker 2010 % 0.8 8.3 -10.6

Evans Med 2009 % -15.4 -18.6

Average % -7.3 4.15 -14.6

2009 %

Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth

2010 % 11.9 47.2 -94.33

40.3 6.6 -16.8

37.5 7.5 -44.5

2.8 6.7

3.8 8.6

38.9 7.05 -30.65

Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth

46.8 -1.4 -100.99

35.6 -27.22

41.2 -14.31 -

3.3 7.65

Return on Assets Return on Equity

0.2 15.8

-22.4 -1351.8

-11.1 -668

Pre-tax profit margin (May Baker)

By Taofik Salako

grew by 47 per cent in 2010, reflecting appreciable top-line cost management that saw gross profit margin improving from 36 per cent in 2009 to 47 per cent in 2010. However, a negative pre-tax profit margin of 1.4 per cent indicated the hangover from the previous losing spree. Pre-tax profit margin had stood at -27.2 per cent in 2009, which altogether implied average loss per unit of 14 per cent in recent years. Its modest net profit af-

ter tax was therefore a technical recovery driven mainly by tax adjustments rather than operations.

Actual returns May & Baker has sustained positive returns on shareholders’ equities and other assets. Returns on total assets and equity stood at 2.8 per cent and 6.7 per cent in 2010. These however fell below yearly average of 3.3 per cent and 7.65 per cent.

Return on assets had stood at 3.8 per cent in 2009 while return on equity was higher at 8.6 per cent. With the tax gains, Evans Medical showed a

Average % 5.95 23.60 -

Pre-tax profit margin (Evans Med)

semblance of positive bottom-line.

Return on assets was marginal at 0.2 per cent while return on equity stood at 15.8 per cent.

The Bottom-line Both May & Baker and Evans Medical are suffering from hemorrhage from high financial leverage.

With banking loans averaging some 36 per cent of their turnover, midline costs remained a major challenge to the companies. While recent sales initiatives are expected to further accentuate top-line performance, there is need for balance

sheet restructuring with the aim of reducing debts and increasing equity funds to support the long-term growth aspirations of the companies.

The healthcare industry generally faces many challenges that oftentime militate against the performances of the companies. Beside the acute infrastructural challenges faced by Nigerian manufacturers, healthcare companies suffer under the hydra-headed problems of counterfeits, substandard products and dumping.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

49

THE NATION INVESTORS CORPORATE SCORE BOARD

Vitafoam Nigeria: depressed by finance costs

V

ITAFOAM Nigeria Plc witnessed substantial growth in sales last year, but galloping operating and financing costs undermined profitability, leaving the bottomline flat.

Audited report and accounts of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc for the year ended September 31, last year showed appreciable turnover growth of 37 per cent but operating expenses and finance costs counteracted the top-line growth with increase of 55 per cent and 34 per cent.

The thin pre-tax profit margin of the foam-manufacturing company was stretched further downward, undermining the ability of the company to pass top-line growth into increased returns to shareholders.

With static cash payout rate, two percentage points decline in average pre-tax profit per unit of sales and lower actual return to shareholders,worsening cost efficiency and liquidity position illustrated the strangulating impact of the company’s high financial leverage and mid-line costs.

Vitafoam, however, controlled its top-line costs efficiently, leading to improvement in gross profit.

Financing structure Vitafoam’s paid up capital remained unchanged at about N410 million. Shareholders’ funds rode on the back of retained earnings to N2.81 billion in 2011 as against N2.47 billion in 2010. With shortterm borrowings overwhelming equity funds at N3.1 billion, the company became overtly highly leveraged.The over-geared financing structure raises the need for equity financing, which many

By Taofik Salako

companies have found impossible due to the depression at the capital market.

Efficiency Available extracts showed that the company’s cost control structure generally weakened during the period. About 55 per cent increase in operating expenses impacted negatively on the overall cost of business and undermined the profit margin of the company.

Total cost of business, excluding finance cost, rose from 90.9 per cent in 2010 to 93.4 per cent last year.

Profitability Vitafoam continued to struggle with dwindling fundamental ability to generate profit and pass this to shareholders in increased actual and distributed returns.

While the gross profit margin improved marginally from 29.8 per cent in 2010 to 30 per cent in 2011, average pre-tax profit per unit of sales continued on the downward, slipping through 8.0 per cent in 2009 to 7.7 per cent in 2010 and 5.7 per cent in 2011. This sustained the flat bottom-line scenario that has characterised the operations of the company in recent years. Profit before tax stood at N824 million in 2011 compared with N823 million in 2010. Profit after tax was also almost unchanged at N519 million in 2011 as against N514 million in 2010.

Basic earnings per share thus stagnated at 63 kobo, forming basis for the board’s decision to retain cash payout at 30 kobo per share, same rate like previous year.

Expectedly, dividend future

outlook remained unchanged with a dividend cover of 2.1 times. Net assets per share, however, improved from N3.05 to N3.43.

Vitafoam had grown sales by 36.7 per cent from N10.62 billion in 2010 to N14.52 billion in 2011.

Corresponding cost of sales increased by 36.3 per cent from N7.46 billion to N10.17 billion.

Gross profit consequently rose from N3.16 billion to N4.35 billion.

Operating expensesadministrative and distributive expenses, however, jumped by 55 per cent from N2.2 billion to N3.4 billion. Similar significant increase of 34 per cent in finance expenses from N266 million to N357 million squeezed all gains at the mid-point, after neutralising improvement in non-core business incomes from N121 million to N227 million.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the company declined considerably in 2011. Although the current ratio could not be determined, equally relevant ratio of working capital to sales dropped from about 11 per cent in 2010 to 3.1 per cent in 2010.

Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 16.4 per cent in 2011 compared with 95 per cent in 2010.

Governance and structures Vitafoam is a wholly Nigerianowned company with a highly diversified shareholding structure.

Staff of the company hold more than 20 per cent per cent equity stake. Undisputable leader in the foam-manufacturing industry, Vitafoam has gradually extended its local dominance and international expansion. It has

bought the controlling equity stake in Vono Products Plc, another quoted foam manufacturing company and Vitafoam’s longstanding competitor, while pursuing strategic expansions in the Sub Sahara-African region.

There were no changes in the board and management of the company. Chief Samuel Bolarinde, who holds the largest single shareholding, presides over the board of directors while Mr Bamidele Makanjuola leads the executive management team. The company broadly complies with the code of corporate governance for public companies.

Analyst’s opinion Vitafoam’s aggressive marketing strategy and expansion energised previously sluggish top-line, but the company remains highly susceptible to negative shocks of growth costs. As noted earlier, there is need to restructure the balance sheet of the company to ensure that the gains of a commendable focus on growth and expansion get to the shareholders. The overwhelming gearing ratio, which peaked in 2011, re-emphasise the urgent need to synchronise growth plan with balance sheet structure in a way to ensure sustainable growth and better returns. Given its appreciable historic performance, Vitafoam’s main constrain to sourcing longterm funds was the capital market recession.

With current market consideration below net assets value, Vitafoam still holds out good prospects over the medium to long term.

Both technical and fundamental measures indicate positive outlook for the company.

Recent capital investments and

Fiscal Year Ended September 30

Fiscal Year Ended September 30 Nmillion

2011 12 months

% change

2010 12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Turnover: Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross Dividend Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net assets per share (kobo)

14,520 14,520 10,166 4,354 3,400 227 357 824 519 63 246 30 343

36.7 36.7 36.3 37.6 54.9 87.5 34.3 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 12.5

10,624 10,624 7,460 3,164 2,195 121 266 823 514 63 246 30 305

Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities

2,568 2,568 291 NA NA

51.8 38.7 -61.5 #VALUE! #VALUE!

1,692 1,851 755 4,258 6,109

1,772 3,061 NA NA NA

121.9 35.3 #VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE!

799 1,162 3,128 514 3,642

410 2,806

0.0 13.7

410 2,468

Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

•Bamidele Makanjuola, Vitafoam Nig Plc

MD,

expansionary drives have created huge growth potential, which could further insulate the company from extreme shock from a market segment. Vitafoam had established two market-facing subsidiariesVitablom Nigeria and Vitapur Nigeria, to harness opportunities in the fibre-based and rigid-foam businesses. With operations in Ghana and Sierra Leone, the company is making gradual inroad into other African markets. Overall, the future sustainable outlook of Vitafoam depends largely on the company’s dexterity in managing its growth aspirations and the attendant costs.

Kenku said the debenture option was due to the “inevitability of additional capital raising by the company” and “in tune with current market realities.”

2011 %

2010 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

#VALUE! #VALUE! #VALUE! 109.1

40.4 59.6 51.2 47.1

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

30.0 5.7 #VALUE! 18.5 2.1

29.8 7.7 13.5 20.8 2.1

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Sales Total liabilities/EBIT

NA NA 93.4 NA

1.7 0.853 90.9 376.2

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Sales Debtors/Creditors Total liabilities/Operating cash flow

#VALUE! 3.1 16.4 NA

1.4 10.6 94.5 580.9

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

50

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Breeding antelopes for sale A

NTELOPES are endangered livestock.

As a result of poaching for the popular bush meat, a lot of them have been killed. Consequently, their numbers are reducing by the day.

But worldwide experiences in domesticating various deer species suggest that the organised production of antelopes is possible.

Passionate about creating business opportunities, Prince Arinze Onebune, the Chief Executive and Managing Consultant of Jovana Farms is mobilising Nigerians to produce antelopes as commercial breeds. The animals produce higher yield, contribute to self-sufficiency and wealth of rural communities – as well as boost incomes.

As wildlife numbers decrease across the country, overall productivity is still very low across the forests.

There are challenges ahead in meat supply.

It is now a business opportunity to rear them to ensure adequate and surplus meat production for local consumption and for export.

Onebune is promoting antelope farming because they produce a high quality meat. While cattle select a limited number of grass species; antelopes choose a wider range. On the other hand, they generally require a richer diet than cattle. More important thing is that antelopes are resistance to many diseases. Most, if not all, are resistant to trypanosomiasis, the disease carried by the tsetse fly.

Experts said antelopes do not require a continuous supply of rain to survive.

Evolution has perfected their adaptability so that their body functions like a battery that stores energy from food and water when it is available and consumes the stored energy in times of need.

He has found this and other traits about the antelope and is making efforts to produce animals. They live on diverse habitats. But they can be kept in pens, or herded like cattle. He wants farmers and communities to breed them. For him, people need to realise that antelopes can earn for them in the same way that livestock can. Antelopes can digest, and adapt to tropical habitats, where cattle and other livestock often grow poorly.

He wants to propagate the breeding of antelopes to contribute to cultural diversity and to produce tasty meat.

For starters, antelope farms must be laid out to certain special specifications. To prevent escapes, the boundary fences must be high with netting mesh.

Water troughs are placed in the middle of the fields, and nothing is allowed to jut inwards from the fences because the animals tend to walk fence lines and take comfort from the illusion of openness.

Their yards can be of any design, but the sides of the passageways and holding pens should be solid, as they do not see fences very well, particularly when under pressure, and may injure themselves in a leap to what appears to be wide open space.

The holding pens should be roofed, as semidarkness has a calming effect. Despite

the special facilities, however, handling antelopes takes time and care and experience. The most successful farmers spend much time among the animal so that the animals become accustomed to human presence.

New arrivals are allowed to wander through the yards to become familiar with them.

He teaches husbandry, including, feed efficiency, and reproductive and growth rates rate.

He cannot do without talking about grass cutter farming. He is promoting both animals. With his seminars, he working to get more Nigerians to embrace grass cutter farming.

With his efforts and others, grass cutter farming is expanding and consolidating and turning into one of fastest growing of all livestock sectors.

For the masses of deprived, marginal and landless farmers, he said grass cutter serves as both a safety net and a means to acquire assets and move out of poverty. If they are reared under the right husbandry conditions, they give a higher yield in terms of meat.

He has found low-cost methods to enhance the contributions that grass cutters make to farmers’ livelihoods, without having to invest in costly new institutional and market frameworks. He provides training and help investors access to some input.

He believes in the diversity of the farming system; the more diverse the farm, the better.

On what Onebune teaches them at the seminars, he said: “We show them how to breed the grasscutter and how to start with as little as N47,000. Out of this amount N40,000 is for a family of one male and four females. The N7,000 is for the wooden cage. We teach them the nitty-gritty to maximise the farm; how to market them too and export them to Italy, Germany, the U.K. France , the USA, especially where you have large concentration of Africans, black people. Let me explain an interesting incident to you. We discovered a large expanse of land with plenty of elephant grass as we moved from Akwa Ibom to Cross River State. They were just wasting away. In fact, they were losing money by paying people to clear them. But after I showed them what they could be used for; they were very happy with me because I have come to liberate them from ignorance and now they know how to use the same grass to make money.”

On what he wants state and Federal governments to do for Jovana Farms, he said: “The truth is that in job creation, what we are doing is what the Federal and state governments are supposed to be doing. Jovana Farms is preaching grasscutter and snail farming because a widow, a retiree, under-

• Onebunne with an antelope.

graduates, youths, unemployed graduates and the poorest members of the society can go into it. Government should, therefore, assist Jovana Farms in reducing the financial burden of our seminars in 30 states.

We spend our money to organise them. Now we are planning to extend this to the 744-local government areas in the country. We are spreading the good message all over the land. Government can assist us with a 14-seater bus to facilitate this selfless service we are doing to eliminate crime,

hopelessness and poverty.”

According to him, people now prefer grasscutter meat because it is white meat instead of cow meat that is red.

The reason is that the latter is not good for health.

“There is a ready market for it. Go to any major city or Abuja and the major hotels such as Sheraton, NICON NOGA-Hilton and sell it every day. The market is not the problem.

Come to our seminars and we will open your eyes to a lot of secrets about marketing it even outside the country.”

Delta group to float entrepreneurial centre

T

HE Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA) says it has concluded plans to set up an entrepreneurial development centre in the state.

President of the association, Chief Uju Udeme, who disclosed this in Asaba, said the centre would be based at the Trade Fair Complex at Osubi, near Warri.

Udeme explained that the ojective of the centre was for regular organisation of in-

tensive training programmes for youths and unemployed graduates on entrepreneurship management, adding that the training would be held bi-annually.

He said the centre will be affiliated to the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro.

He disclosed plans to compile a list of the unemployed graduates in the state, adding that this will be stored in a data bank.

He said: “We intend to use the data in facilitating

the placement of youths into gainful employment through direct liaison with employers. ‘’ Udeme, who was recently elected, also said his organisation would conduct a survey on economic and investment opportunities for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

He said the survey would help the SMEs to mobilise interested entrepreneurs to key into viable proposals and hinted that the associa-

tion will hold an economic summit in the state before the end of 2012.

According to him, the summit will bring together experts in various fields, including leading members of the organised private sector, to brainstorm on the way forward for industrial and economic development of the state.

“The outcome of such brainstorming shall be used as a basis for further economic activities and projects in the state,” he added.

SMEs will create jobs, says AfDB chief

R

ESIDENT Representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Ousmane Dore, said the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would generate more jobs than oil in the country.

He said Nigeria’s yearly economic growth rate which hover around seven per cent in the last two decades was commendable. He decried that this had not translated to employment. “In Nigeria in particular, growth rate has averaged about six per cent to seven per cent which is quite respectable knowing what the global environment look today.

“The bank has also noticed that at the same time that we notice this improvement in the micro-economic performance in term of growth, this has not translated into

employment generation.

“What you see in a country like Nigeria is while you get seven per cent growth rate, unemployment is still stuck at about 25 per cent, the youth component of that figure is even higher,’ he said.’

Dore said a major issue in Africa is that of poverty and the fact that the continent had been unable to deliver on the improvement of living conditions.

He said this was why the bank had to study the problems of the society and establish ways to generate jobs.

“There is a need clearly as a development partner, to understand what has been the problem.

“One of the factors that was pinpointed precisely is that you need small and medium size enterprises; they are clearly the engine of growth;

they basically can create more jobs compared to large industry like oil where you tend to see an enclave of production that is not really making large use of people.’’

Dore also said the lack of job creation and the need to develop SMEs was a major reason why the bank had to shift its intervention to job creation.

He said the bank hoped that if governments of member-nations created jobs through the bank’s instruments, it would help to address the underlying structural problem facing the countries.

He explained that most of the bank’s instruments and funds were routed through commercial banks, but regretted the lack of willingness of the banks to support small businesses.

“I can tell you 80 per cent of our private sector operation is in the form of lending to commercial banks for them to lend to businesses.

“We understand that commercial banks may not target SMEs so for that we decided to think of another instrument; this is the Sovereign Guarantee Loan.

“We have just passed at the board 700 million dollars to be channeled to the Bank of Industry and the NEXIM bank for them to on-lend to small and medium size enterprises for the purpose of creating job.’’

Giving reasons why the 700 million dollars had not been released for the SMEs, Dore said that the delay had to do with some internal processes in Nigeria which the bank must follow as the fund was more of a loan than a grant.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Market tumbles again as investors’ losses widen

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-2-12

MIDST expectation of sustained gradual recovery and dividendinduced upward pricing, the Nigerian stock market suffered a major reversal yesterday as the benchmark index recorded its second highest decline this year.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all quoted equities and doubles as Nigeria’s country index, slumped by 1.11 per cent to 20,137.51 points as against its opening index of 20,364.56 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities also dropped by N72 billion from N6.418 trillion to N6.346 trillion.

The decline yesterday worsened the average yearto-date return at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to -2.86 per cent.

With nearly two decliners for every advancer, the downtrend was exacerbated by significant losses suffered by highly capitalised stocks in the breweries, banking and manufacturing sub sectors.

The decline was driven by upsurge in sale orders, which overwhelmed the market’s latent demand and turned the market into an overtly bearish one. The surge in supply was attributed to profit-taking transactions and concerns over the probable yields on some stocks. Notably, both Nigerian Breweries and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer

A

Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Nigeria (GSK), which just announced their dividend recommendations featured prominently among the top losers.

The bearishness was widespread but was more pronounced in the high-cap and manufacturing stocks segments. Besides the NSE Oil and Gas Index, all sectoral indices at the NSE faltered with the NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised companies, dropping from 929.97 points to 917.96 points.

The NSE Banking Index slipped from 301.38 points to 298.32 points. The NSE Consumer Goods Index dropped from 1,628.37 points to 1,584.17 points while the NSE Insurance Index slipped from 121.09 points to 119.46 points. However, the NSE Oil and Gas Index appreciated to 212.38 points as against its opening index of 211.63 points.

Nigerian Breweries, which recently declared a dividend per share of N3, topped the losers’ list with a drop of N4.80 to close at N91.30.

Seven-Up Bottling Company followed with a loss of N2.10 to close at N43.90. Guinness Nigeria ranked third with a loss of N1.61 to close at N220.

PZ Cussons Nigeria dropped

by N1.30 to close at N24.70.

Conoil lost N1.26 to close at N24.01. GSK, which two days

ago announced a dividend per share of N1.20, lost N1.10 to close at N20.90.

Other top losers included Flour Mills of Nigeria, which dropped by N1.01 to close at N55; Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria that fell 95 kobo to close at N39.85; First Bank of Nigeria, which dropped by 59 kobo to close at N11.21 and Okomu Oil Palm that lost 39 kobo to close at N21.50 per share.

On the upside, Oando led the advancers with a gain of N1.05 to close at N22.16.

Dangote Cement chalked up 11 kobo to close at N105.11.

United Bank for Africa rose by 10 kobo to N2.59. Guaranty Trust Bank and Cutix Plc added 6.0 kobo each to close at N14.21 and N1.38 respectively. Diamond Bank gained 5.0 kobo to close at N2.60 while Livestock Feeds, RT Briscoe, Fidelity Bank and Access Bank added 4.0 kobo each to close at N1.03, N1.25, N1.43 and N7.14 respectively.

Total’s turnover stood at 417.9 million shares valued at N2.62 billion in 4,720 deals.

Banking subgroup accounted for 310.13 million shares valued at N1.91 billion in 2,845 deals. Insurance sub sector staged a distant second position with 54.02 million shares valued at N29.61 million in 278 deals.

United Bank for Africa Plc remained the toast of investors with a turnover of 99.8 million shares valued at N257.85 million in 488 deals.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) followed on the activity chart with a turnover of 48.43 million shares valued at N522.09 million in 97 deals. Access Bank recorded a turnover of 39.19 million shares worth N279.27 million in 323 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 28-2-12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

‘Govt committed to fighting multiple taxation’

T

By Collins Nweze

HE Chairman, Joint Tax Board (JTB) Ifueko Omoigui Okauru has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting multiple-taxation in the country.

Speaking yesterday on the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2011, she said that the government is working on getting a National Tax Data that will enable the government was all levels tax people effectively. She added that such feat will help address the problem of multiple taxation.

She explained that one of the major reasons for the Amendment of the Act was to bring the Personal Income Tax up to date, with existing realities of the Nigerian economy especially in relation to how it impacted low and middle income earners.

Okauru said that from the outset, the act was developed to ensure that

personal income tax was administered equitably and that its major provisions reflected the focus of the overall tax reforms, which included introducing a more equitable tax system by introduction of realistic tax rates, efficient and effective tax administration system, simplification of laws, empowering tax authorities and a shift from direct to indirect taxation by lowering of direct tax rates.

The Act also increased penalty provisions for offences committed in the Act. Going forward, any company that engages in banking business but fails to render returns, books documents and information of demand within seven days will pay N500,000 as against previous N5,000. The fine was also increased from N500 for an individual to N50, 000. Likewise, a bank that fails to

authorities can now use presumptive basis for determining the tax liability of such taxpayers.

She said these major changes in the law are expected to bring about a more effective and efficient personal income tax administration at state and federal levels.

render information about new customers within seven days will now pay N500,000 as against previous N,5000.

There were also enhanced administrative powers of tax authorities in the states with the provision of statutory qualifications for appointment as Chairman and members of state board of internal revenue through the retention of a percentage of tax collection.

She said the Act also contains a uniform, independent and cost effective process of dispute resolution by referring all disputes to the Tax Appeal Tribunal established in the six geopolitical zones and one each in Lagos and Abuja.

There was also introduction of a Presumptive Tax Regime for informal sector and other persons, whose incomes are not easily verifiable. By this provision, the tax

•Okauru

How Nigeria can improve economic status, by World Bank

N

IGERIA can improve her world economic develop ment rating to 70th from 133rd out of 180 economically developed country if the best of each state of the country is brought out through the adoption of the state peer review mechanism.

World Bank Country Director, Ms Marie Nelly Francoise disclosed this yesterday. in Niger State.

She said that the state peer review mechanism can be worked on and used as an entry point in doing business and improving the use of resources for better outcome in the country.

Speaking at the Initiation and Sensitisation Workshop on the State Peer Review mechanism, the Country director of the World Bank stated that the bank is ready to mobilise support to help Nigeria in improving its economic development, pointing out that the state peer review mechanism represent a humble approach to foster economic development and bring the best out of the country.

Francoise stressed the need to build on the reports of each state peer review mechanism to enable states get good management of its resources, adding that the implementation of the mechanism will bring about good dividends in each state.

‘Fidelity Bank’s real sector financing stimulates growth’

F

IDELITY Bank’s support of critical infrastructure’ in the productive sectors of the economy has led to the emergence of a new generation of businessmen in the country. This can be seen in the increase in the number of small businesses and the general growth of the informal sector of the economy.

Citing the multi-million naira Independent Power Projects (IPP) in Akute and the Lagos Island financed by Fidelity Bank Plc for the Lagos state government, Group Head Marketing Communications, Mr Emma Esinnah, noted that the bank’s involvement in the project has impacted positively on the people and businesses in these areas.

He said the Akute power project generated steady power supply to the Lagos state Water Corporation for the supply of water to industries and homes in the state. He explained that with steady power supply, many new businesses sprang up as people no longer required the use of generators to run their opertaions. “Fidelity Bank’s support of critical infrastructures like Massey Street Children Hospital, Lagos Island Maternity hospital as well as security in the inner city has stimulated growth in the economy”.

Alluding to the fact that the cost of production in Nigeria is 30 percent more than the cost of production in other developing countries, Esinnah noted that Fidelity Bank’s

exposure to real sector financing will be better appreciated when one notes that the cost of energy amounts to 70 percent of the total cost of production.

Earlier, at the commissioning of the $25.5 million Independent Power Plant and the $ 16 million Independent Power Plant for the Island Power Limited as well as the $28 million 15MW Alausa Power Limited financed by the bank for the Lagos state government, Dr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc noted that the bank’s support to the industrial sector indicates its unwavering commitment to efforts aimed at revamping the economy.

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

OBB Rate Call Rate

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

O/PRICE

OANDO CUTIX LIVESTOCK UBA AIICO FIDSON GOLDINSURE RTBRISCOE FIDELITYBK DIAMONDBNK

21.11 1.32 0.99 2.49 0.50 0.80 0.60 1.21 1.39 2.55

Current Before

C/PRICE

CHANGE

22.16 1.38 1.03 2.59 0.52 0.83 0.62 1.25 1.43 2.60

1.05 0.06 0.04 0.10 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.04 0.05

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

22.00 26.00 11.80 96.10 25.27 1.41 3.73 1.66 4.02 46.00

C/PRICE

CHANGE

20.90 24.70 11.21 91.30 24.01 1.34 3.55 1.58 3.83 43.90

1.10 1.30 0.59 4.80 1.26 0.07 0.18 0.08 0.19 2.10

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m 400m

313.5m 443m

250m 400m

150.8 150.7

03-8-11 01-8-11

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 120.93 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,276.62 193.00

9.08 1.00 120.79 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,088.65 191.08

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

LOSER AS AT 28-2-12

GLAXOSMITH PZ FIRSTBANK NB CONOIL AIRSERVICE ETERNAOIL CUSTODYINS NASCON 7UP

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 28-2-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 Currency

INTERBANK RATES

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

According to the World Bank Representative, “If the State Peer Review Mechanism is adopted following the African Union approach, it will allow Nigeria to rise to the place it deserves in the continent and the globe in general.”

The Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Rt. Honorable Rotimi Ameachi in his keynote address said that the State Peer Review Mechanism will serve as an instrument to assist states in accelerating the pace of their development through periodic reviews of progress in the implementation of their development policies, programmes and plans.

According to him, state governors through participating in the peer review process will be able to learn about innovative and good practices that can be adopted in their states while imploring the 36 states to peer review themselves in a manner modeled after the African Union Peer Review Exercise.

Ameachi, who is also the governor of Rivers state emphasised that the State Peer Review Mechanism is not a scorecard or finger pointing exercise but an instrument for advancing governance and development in the states of the country.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS

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

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

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

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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

57

NEWS

‘Southsouth deserves budget allocation’

A

FENIFERE chieftain Ayo Adebanjo and p r o m i n e n t Southsouth activists yesterday condemned the threat by northern lawmakers to frustrate the passage of this year’s budget.

Northern lawmakers are querying the 29.65 per cent capital allocation to the Southsouth.

The activists argued that the threat has underscored the urgency of a national conference to discuss the basis for co-existence in the country.

The Niger Delta Peoples Coalition asked the northern lawmkers to ponder over the calculations that led to the budgetary projections, stressing that the figures are not in bad faith.

Its secretary, Tony Uranta, said: “Our position is simply this. If this nation is truly federal, every component unit should contribute to its purse.

“If this country is federal, every unit should benefit

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

from resources based on derivation.

“The Southsouth should own the resources and pay 50 per cent to the centre.

“That is why Southsouth, Southwest and to a large extent, Middle Belt, are clamouring for a Sovereign National Conference.

“We cannot encourage a situation where ‘monkey is working and baboon is chopping.”

He said considering the huge amount accruing to the

federal purse from the region, the allocation is still inadequate, urging the northern lawmkers to appreciate the plight of the traumatised zone.

Uranta added: “What is the North bringing to the table? Lagos is bringing a huge amount through Value Added Tax (VAT) and port charges.

“If we go back to the past, then we should allow the regions to control their resources and remit part of them to the centre.”

An activist from Bayelsa State, Denzil Ketenbe, said:

“The North should look at Nigeria as one nation or else, we should go back to the regional arrangement so that each region can develop at its pace.

Adebanjo described the position of the northern lawmakers as embarassing, adding that they wanted to destroy the country.

He said if the budgetary projection is based on the allocation formula that has been agreed upon for now, it is improper for them to threaten the peace and unity of the country.

Bayelsa Speaker faults oil firms

S

PEAKER of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Konbowei Benson yesterday faulted the activities of multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta.

He blamed the degeneration of the environment on the unwholesome oil and gas exploration activities of the firms.

Benson called for the quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The Speaker, who spoke after a visit to the Chevron gas explosion site and affected

From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

host communities, said the operations of the companies have negative implications for marine life and coastal vegetation.

His words: “Oil spillage is another potential environmental hazard that the people have to contend with.

“Leaking pipelines running through villages, farms, creeks and rivers in the Niger Delta have become a major source of pollution.”

Akpabio advises law students

•Akpabio

A

KWA Ibom State students in the Nigeria Law School have been advised to see themselves as agents of change in the development of the country.

Governor Godswill Akpabio gave the advice when he met with the law school students from the state on Monday.

Akpabio hailed them for their level of preparation to take up responsibilities.

He urged them to consider all forms of challenges during their one-year studies as stepping stones to success.

“You must see yourselves as agents of change. No form of difficulties should be a hindrance to your success.

“I am here to encourage you, once you are through with this one year studies the future will be better than today.”

Akpabio told the students that his administration has undertaken mega projects, such as the reconstruction and dualisation of roads, building of aviation facilities, tourism and flyover bridges as well as equipping the e–library.

The governor said: “I see the future of Nigeria from Akwa Ibom.

“We are taking steps to correcting the mistakes of the past.”

Leader of the students’ delegation Bassey Bassey said the forum was to thank the governor for his courageous approach in the transformation of the state .

Bassey, a graduate of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, noted that the achievements of Akpabio have remained incomparable .

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

58

NEWS Bomb scare in Katsina From Isah Idris, Katsina

L

ESS than 24 hours after bombs exploded in Jama’are Local Government, Bauchi State, Katsina was yesterday thrown into confusion following the discovery of a polythene bag left by the roadside .

The incident occurred about noon when a lunatic reportedly dropped a polythene bag containing food remnant by the side of Katsina–Dutsinma Road in Yankatako. People suspected that it was an explosive and raised the alarm which sent everyone scampering for safety.

Sources informed The Nation that the police were alerted and bomb experts were drafted to the scene.

The area was deserted as traders, passers- by and motorists abandoned the highway.

After studying and analysing the object, the bomb experts found that it was food remnant.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Shehu Koko Mohammed, confirmed the incident.

He told residents to go about their activities, but urged them to be security conscious and report suspicious objects to law enforcement agents.

Boko Haram kills policeman

G

UNMEN suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect on Monday night attacked a police station and a bank in Bauchi.

The attack occurred in Jama’are, about 125 miles (200 kilometres) from Bauchi. A policeman was killed and another injured.

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi A resident, Habibu Adamu, said he heard multiple bomb blasts, followed by gunshots that lasted for an hour.

A search team detonated 12 explosives found in the town.

Suspected members of the sect yesterday also set ablaze

a school in Borno State.

Military spokesman, Lt. Col. Hassan Mohammed, said they attacked Gamboru Primary School and razed a coeducational school in Maiduguri.

He said no casualty was recorded and that the police were still investigating.

Immigration official allegedly killed in Maiduguri

S

USPECTED gunmen yesterday allegedly killed an immigration officer, Kolawole Olayinka, at Gwange in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred a few hours after Gomari Costain Primary School was torched. Six classrooms and a store were destroyed.

The gunmen reportedly came in an unmarked vehicle, shot the victim several times in the head and chest and took his laptop and briefcase. The official was said to be heading for the Passport Office located at

From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri Customs area.

Police Commissioner Simeon Midenda said: “I’ve not heard about the incident. In fact, I am hearing it for the first time from you.

We are yet to get the report from our area commander at Gwange.

“There has been no official report from the area command where the incident was said to have occurred.”

A senior official of the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) confirmed the incident.

Supreme Court affirms Kwankwaso’s, Aliyu’s victory From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HE Supreme Court yesterday in separate judgments upheld the victory of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Rabi’u Musa Kwanwaso (Kano) in April 26 election.

The apex court dismissed the two appeals for lacking in merit and upheld the decision of the Tribunal and Court of Appeal.

Delivering the lead judgment in Niger, Justice Mary Odili held that the appellant failed to prove that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not produce the materials requested by it to be used as evidence.

The court also held that the petitioner did not take any action against INEC when it allegedly refused its request.

“The appellant is not qualified to be given the relief it has sought for. The Tribunal and the Court of Appeal are within their power to give judgment the way they did.

“In conclusion, issues are resolved in favour of the respondent and no order as to cost.”

In the Kano judgment, Justice Suleiman Galadima held that the appellant only alleged corrupt practices and substantial noncompliance with the Electoral Act but did not go ahead to prove this beyond reasonable doubt.

He also held that the appellant only reacted to one of the objections raised by the respondent.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT The Traditional Ruler Identification Committee, Ugbaike Ozzi Autonomous Community IgboEze North Local Government Area hereby invites applications for nomination for the vacant Chieftaincy stool of the community from qualified indigenes of Ugbaike Ozzi Autonomous Community. Applicants must not be below forty years of age and must also have a visible means of livelihood. Interested applicants should submit applications to Mr. Anthony Eze Ojobo, secretary, Traditional Ruler Identification Committee, Ugbaike Ozzi Autonomous Community before March 30,2012.

Signed: ANTHONY EZE OJOBO Secretary

•Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa (left), Director of Protocol, Government House, Mohammed Ibrahim and member, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters, Senator Mudashiru Hussein during the investigation of Pension payments and Management of Pension Funds in Kaduna...yesterday

Ogboru’s lawyer Sagay dies

By Eric Ikhilae and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mogbeyi Sagay is dead. He was 59.

The deceased, believed to be a younger brother to the renowned Constitutional Law expert, Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), reportedly died yesterday at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

He was said to have died from injuries he sustained last Wednesday in a car accident while returning to Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

It was gathered from some officials in his chambers located at 29, Adeola Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, that he travelled to Bayelsa to handle a case and on his way back, took a taxi to Port Harcourt International Airport from where he had planned to travel by air to Lagos.

The accident occurred on his way from Bayelsa. It was gathered that he died between 8 and 8:30 yesterday morning when efforts had been concluded to fly him abroad.

ACN urges calm as tribunal saves Suswam

T

HE Benue State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, yesterday struck out the petition of the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prof. Torkuma Ugba and that of the All Nigeria People’s Party(ANPP) Professor Daniel Saror, for lack of jurisdiction.

ACN told its supporters to remain calm and firm, saying its case suffered a technical ruling.

The tribunal based its ruling on the recent judgment of the Supreme Court in the Borno appeal case which said judgment must be delivered within 180 days in writing from the day a petition was filed.

Counsel to Governor Gabriel Suswam, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) D.D. Dodo (SAN), Chief Solomon Akuma(SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa(SAN) had moved a motion which sought to terminate further proceeding on the two petitions.

According Dodo, Section 285 has become a law in Ni-

Party heads for Supreme Court

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) last night reacted to the judgment.

In a statement the party said: “Today, as on 19th September 2011, the Benue State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, headed by Justice Halima Mohammed, like the previous panel of Justice Munir Ladan, shut the doors of Justice against the petition of Prof Steve Torkuma Ugbah and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Benue State.

“Once again, just as the technicality of mode of application for commencement of pre-trial had terminated the life of our petition, the technicality of 180 days, which the Supreme Court was aware of when it ordered the retrial of our petition on merit on 14th November 2011, has again led to the termination of our petition. The position of the law is that a party before a court must be allowed to ventilate his grievance.

“The intendment of the legislature in an attempt to fast track judicial process by inserting From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi geria and has been interpreted and applied by the Supreme Court, and to do otherwise would amount to judicial suicide. He urged the tribunal to strike out the petition.

Counsel to the PDP and INEC Chief Solo Akuma and

180 days in the Constitution within which the Tribunal must deliver its judgment in writing, cannot be used as an escape window for election riggers and people who do not possess the requisite qualification to contest elections. We have traversed this path before and we are going to make the journey back to the Supreme Court who made the initial order.

“We are always reminded and encouraged by what the Israelites went through before they reached the promised land and what our brothers and sisters went through in Edo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun before justice was finally done.

“We believe in justice and the constitutional pursuit of our stolen mandate. Our supporters should therefore not take the law into their hands but to remain calm, law-abiding and resolute as our team of lawyers led by Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN have concluded arrangements to be before the Supreme Court soonest.”

J.S. Okutepa aligned with the argument of the counsel to Suswam, who is the first respondent in the petition.

In his counter argument, counsel to the ACN governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who appeared with Femi Falana, Joe Abaagu and Joe Agor urged the court to disregard counsel to Suswam and hear the petition

Telecoms employee allegedly killed over N10 T HERE was protest yesterday in Ejigbo, Lagos, following the alleged killing on Monday evening of an employee of Etisalat by members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).

Sources said the deceased was murdered following an argument over the payment of N10 toll fee.

The Nation learnt that residents always pay toll fee to OPC members to use the foot bridge linking Ajao Estate with Ejigbo.

The incident resulted in a crisis as residents attacked members of the OPC, killing one.

It was gathered that policemen from the Ejigbo Police

By Jude Isiguzo

Station prevented the crisis from escalating.

The foot bridge and motorcycles belonging to the toll collectors were destroyed by the protesters.

Reports said the deceased, who was simply identified as Chukwuma, had no small notes on him.

He was said to have explained to the collectors that he had N1,000, but they insisted that he must pay.

After paying, the OPC members told him to come back for his balance.

But when he came back, one

of them, a woman, reportedly engaged him in an argument, denying that he gave them N1,000.

This resulted in a fight.

Sources said an OPC member, whose name was given as Ultimate, reportedly hit Chukwuma on the chest with a charm.

Chukwuma reportedly slumped and died.

His assailant was reportedly arrested yesterday morning and taken to the palace of the traditional ruler, who was alleged to have hired the OPC members.

Yesterday, residents were discussing the incident. The deceased was said to be preparing for his traditional wedding in April.

on merit.

According to Akeredolu, Suswam has already filed an appeal at the Supreme Court on the same issue and cannot bring same application before the tribunal to preempt the decision of the Supreme Court.

He said the Supreme Court was direct and specific that the matter should be heard on merit.

Students, drivers clash in Ilorin From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

STUDENTS of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin and commercial bus drivers yesterday clashed at the Poly Gate bus stop.

The Nation learnt that the fracas occurred because the commercial bus drivers did not allow the buses introduced by the Federal Government as a palliative for the partial removal of the oil subsidy to carry passengers.

The fight lasted between 7am and 10am. No life was lost.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

59

60

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS

French genocide law: Sarkozy orders new draft killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I, was passed by both houses of the French parliament.

Turkey has welcomed the ruling.

The legislation had strained relations between the two countries.

Noting the “great disappointment and profound sadness” of the law’s backers, Mr Sarkozy’s office wrote in a statement: “The President of the ReJAM’YYATU DAARIL-HAQ SOCIETY, NIGERIA p u b l i c considers The general public is here by notified that the above-named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commissions for registration under Part C of the Companies t h a t and Allied Matters Act 2004. [genocide] deTHE TRUSTEES ARE: nial is ini Mr. Rufai Shehu Asimiyu tolerable ii Mr Olukoya Habeeb Adelaja

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has ordered his government to draft a new law punishing denial of the Armenian genocide after a top court struck down a previous bill.

The Constitutional Council earlier ruled the law backed by Mr Sarkozy infringed on freedom of expression.

The bill, which covers the mass

A

iii iv: v. vi.

Mrs. Mustapha Memunat Mrs. Onakoya Amope Mr Iwaloye Lukman Olajide Mr. Giwa Yusuf Damilare

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: i. To live unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood ii To propagate the good teachings of Islam iii To encourage literacy and intellectual pursuits among members Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporation Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28days of the publication.

SIGNED: Bisi Abdul-Azeez (Esq) Bisi Abdul-Azeez & Co 81, Folabade Street, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

and must therefore be punished.

He has asked the government to prepare a new draft taking into account the decision of the Constitutional Council.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the cabinet would meet to consider whether to restart economic, political and military contacts with France which were frozen after the French parliament passed the law on 23 January.

France’s Constitutional Council said in its ruling that “by punishing anyone contesting the existence of... crimes that legislators themselves recognised or qualified as such, legislators committed an

unconstitutional attack on freedom of expression”.

About 550,000 Turkish citizens live in France while nearly 930,000 French tourists visited Turkey in 2010 Sources: Turkish foreign ministry and Reuters news agency More than 130 of senators and MPs across the political divide had appealed to the constitutional court to examine the bill, in a move welcomed by Turkey.

France already recognises the killings as an act of genocide, but the new law would have meant that anyone denying it faced up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of 45,000 euros ($57,000).

Armenia says up to 1.5 million people died in 1915-16 as the Ottoman empire split. Turkey, which rejects the term “genocide”, has said the number of deaths was much smaller.

Defenders of the bill argued it covered all acts of genocide.

The vote last month spurred angry protests in both in Paris and Ankara. The Turkish government suspended political and military co-operation with France.

The Turkish government argues that judging what happened in eastern Turkey in 1915-16 should be left to historians, and that the new French law would have restricted freedom of speech.

US PRIMARY

Romney, Santorum slug it out in Michigan, Arizona

M

ITT Romney and Rick Santorum are going head-tohead as United States voters in Michigan and Arizona choose their picks for Republican presidential candidate.

Both men have been campaigning intensively over the past few days. Latest polls give Mr Romney a marginal lead in Michigan, and a stronger advantage in Arizona.

Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are focusing their efforts on other states.

Analysts say a victory in his home state of Michigan is key for Mr Romney.

He has long been seen as the front-runner and favourite for the nomination - and currently leads the race for delegates - but has struggled to win over a strong majority of conservative Republican voters.

The winner of the eventual nomination will go on to face President Barack Obama in the November election.

Yesterday, Mr Romney appeared to acknowledge that he has had trouble winning over conservative vot-

•Romney in a last minute chat with supporters...yesterday

ers in a state where he was expected to do well.

Mr Romney said his disconnect with the party’s right-wing stemmed from his unwillingness to make “incendiary” comments.

Rick Santorum has been riding a wave of momentum following a hat-trick of wins in recent votes He accused his rivals of saying “outrageous things” in an effort to win the backing of the Republican base, adding that

he was not prepared to set his “hair on fire” in a bid for support.

He also attacked Mr Santorum’s recent move to target Democratic voters with an automated message criticising Mr Romney’s record on bailouts for the automobile industry.

Mr Romney accused Mr Santorum of trying to “kidnap the primary process” by attempting to turn Demo-

crats against him. He told Fox News yesterday morning that the tactic was “outrageous and disgusting... a terrible, dirty trick”.

“This is a new low for his campaign and that’s saying something,” Mr Romney said.

Mr Santorum’s recorded message to Democrats said: “Romney supported the bailouts for his Wall Street billionaire buddies but opposed the auto bailouts.

Israeli PM vows to block bills, protect judiciary

I

SRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will block any proposed law that would damage the “strong and independent” Israeli courts system.

Netanyahu spoke yesterday at a swearing in ceremony for Israel’s new Supreme Court president,

CHANGE OF NAME OLAGUNJU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olagunju Foluke Abodunrin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ojo Mofoluwake Abodunrin. All former documents remains valid.

Osun State Polytechnic Iree, NYSC and general public should take note.

LOSS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT This is to inform the General Public of the loss of my E-International Passport A00813163. The document got lost at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

All embassies, High Commissions, Nigeria Immigration Service, Security Agencies and General Public to take note.

If found, please return to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Block 18, 2 nd Floor, Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.

OR Call 08024792900, 080258876702

Asher Grunis.

Whenever a bill that might hinder the independence of the courts in Israel reaches my desk, I will block it,” Netanyahu said. He said the courts system is the institution that enables democracy and must be protected.

Over the past year a slew of contentious bills were proposed that human rights groups said were designed to muzzle dissent.

Last month Netanyahu stopped a bill that would have allowed the hard-line

parties now in power to stack the committee that selects Israeli Supreme Court justices.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Wade accepts poll run-off in Senegal

S

ENEGAL’s leader Abdoulaye Wade has admitted that he will now go to a run-off after failing to win more than 50% in the first round of voting.

“The numbers are clear, we are headed to a second round,” his spokesman Amadou Sall said.

Unofficial figures show Mr Wade, 85, is likely to face former Prime Minister Macky Sall in the run-off.

European Union observers have criticised the lack of official results from Sunday’s contentious elections.

Senegal’s election commission has yet to release any provisional results, which are being announced by local media as they trickle in from polling stations.

Earlier unofficial results with more than half of the vote counted - gave Mr Wade 32%, with his closest rival Macky Sall on 25%. There were 12 other candidates.

Analysts say Mr Wade is likely to struggle in the second round, when the field narrows to two candidates.

Mr Wade’s bid for a third term has sparked weeks of violent protests, leading to about six deaths.

Fell out with president after summoning Karim Wade to answer questions in parliament Only opposition candidate to run nationwide campaign Polling day itself was largely peaceful - but the BBC’s Umaru Fofana in

Dakar says people are now becoming impatient and suspicious that there are no official results.

Election officials previously said provisional results would be available on Tuesday - but then put that back to Friday, saying they were acting within the law.

EU observers have questioned this delay.

“In the internet-era, it is inconceivable that the Senegalese will need to wait until Friday to know the official results,’’ the head of the delegation of European parliamentarians, Cristian Dan Preda said.

A second round - due on 18 March - is inevitable, according to foreign observers.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

61

NEWS Calls for conference will breed anarchy, says Senate

Alleged N47.1b theft: Court stops Akingbola’s bid to stall trial

J

USTICE Hakeem Abiru of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has dismissed an application by the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Dr. Erastus Akingbola, to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide him with the originals of some documents for his defence.

Akingbola, through his counsel, Chief Felix Fagboungbe (SAN), claimed EFCC had denied him access to documents that would assist him.

He argued that except the EFCC provides the originals of the documents in the office of Tropics Finance Limited, it would be impossible to proceed with the trial.

Akingbola and an associate, Bayo Dada are on trial for alleged theft of N47.1 billion

By Adebisi Onanuga

brought against them by the EFCC. Fagbohungbe told the court his client would have been denied the right to a fair hearing if his application was denied.

He also said except they have access to those documents, it would be impossible to cross-examine the witnesses brought to court by the agency.

Fagbohungbe said the EFCC’s offer to certify copies of the documents was a breach of the accused’s constitutional rights.

EFCC counsel Mr. E.C Ukala (SAN) said the application was unreasonable, adding that prosecution had offered them copies of the documents.

He said: “Their demand to remove the originals is impossible and unreasonable. It will make it impossible for other persons to make use of it in fu-

ture.

“The defence has no right to remove or demand the originals. It is only a ploy to waste the time of the court and delay cross-examination as planned today.”

He added that the commission had, by a letter dated February 21, asked them to suggest a date for them to have access to the documents.

Ukala said the EFCC refused to release the original copies of the documents to the accused because they belonged to the company and not to any individual.

Justice Abiru, however, dismissed the application, saying “it failed in its entirety.”

He said the letters attached as exhibits to the application showed that the EFCC had offered to grant the accused access to the documents, but that they refused to take advantage of the opportunity.

The judge added that the

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

HOSE clamouring for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) are courting anarchy, the Senate said yesterday.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Enyinnaya Abaribe, spoke with National Assembly correspondents in Abuja.

He said it was wrong to think that the Senate is afraid of any conference with whatever name and urged the advocates of the SNC to go through their representatives in the National Assembly to bring about change through amendments to the constitution.

Abaribe said: “Well, it has been a topical issue and we will continue to say that the National Assembly is not against any group or any forum where national issues are discussed.

“What the Senate feels and

T •Akingbola Federal High Court had made the EFCC custodian and office of Tropics Holding Ltd was no longer the possession of the defendant.

Former Chief Inspector of the bank Mr. Abdulraheem Jimoh had alleged that Akingbola in 2009, ordered fraudulent diversions of about N18.6 billion belonging to the bank to the account of the company, in which his wife, Anthonia, had interest.

Why war against corruption is slow, by ICPC chief

A

NTI-GRAFT agency the Independent and Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has blamed the seemingly slow pace of the war against corruption on lack of money to fund the judicial prosecution of suspected corrupt people.

A top official at the Special Operations Unit, ICPC,

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Nathan Bako droped the hint in his presentation at the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) at the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Ibadan.

Despite the financial constraints, he acknowledged that the war against corruption and other related of-

fences has improved the rating of the country from the various international watchdogs.

Bako stated that if the antigraft agency has enough money, it would have gone far in the battle against graft in the public and private sectors.

Most Nigerians still think they are in public office for private gain by whatever

means, ether legitimate or otherwise, adding, “we still inflate contracts, confer undue advantage upon ourselves, our associates and cronies. We still loot, divert and in fact, waste public funds.”

Prior to the inauguration of the ICPC, according to him, the nation was rated the most corrupt country in the world in 2000, while the

country became the second most corrupt country in the world from 2001 to 2005, the sixth most corrupt in 2006 and 32nd most corrupt in 2007.

Bako said though the government has contested the parameters for the assessment with the international watchdogs, yet we should not feel comfortable that there is any improvement.

the National Assembly in general is that we are all working under the 1999 Constitution and when you work under the 1999 Constitution, then necessarily, you must follow the stipulation in that constitution and the amendment to that constitution is also stated therein.

“I think Section 9 of the Constitution states it very clearly. So, whatever you want to do in terms of amending the constitution, whatever reality that you want, you have nowhere else to go except to bring it through your members in the House of Representatives or your Senator to the Constitution Review Committee that has been set up at both chambers of the National Assembly.

“To suggest that the National Assembly is afraid of whatever they call conference, is something that we will say is a misnomer.

“What we say actually is that if you say that you must have some persons somewhere else that will determine what happens and write a constitution on matters of that nature, then what you are saying in effect is that you have no confidence in the present democratic structure.

“Anybody who says he doesn’t have confidence in the present democratic set is seeking nothing but anarchy.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

62

NATION SPORT AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER IN KIGALI

Osaze backs home based to excel O

SAZE Odewingie has predicted that the invited Home based players in the Super Eagles may

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja make the difference in the team today. According to him, the

players are so determined, and are very confident. This, he said is due to the high level of training they have been exposed to.

Udoh, Oliha differ on Eagles’ chances

F

ORMER Nigeria U-23 defender, Kingsley Udoh says weather should not be any hindrance to Super Eagles' victory over the Wasps of Rwanda in today’s 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ cracker in Kigali since Nigeria has similar climate with that of the East African nations presently.

Udoh who was a member of the Flying Eagles that played in the 2009 U-20 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Rwanda, disclosed to NationSport that the Nigerian U-20 contigent to Kigali were at ease with the weather throughout their stay in that country.

The Heartland FC of Owerri player tipped the Super Eagles to overrun their Rwandan counterparts while praising the bold steps made by the Stephen Keshi led technical crew to give players plying their trade in the domestic league an opportunity to lay claim to the senior national team just like those based abroad.

He called for a proper blending between the foreign based and those in the Nigeria Premier League ahead of today’s tie. He also admonished the head coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi to fashion out a winning formular and to pick his first eleven on current form of the players in

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri camp and not on their names or track record.

Udoh said:“ Rwanda has similar weather with ours and as at the time we played the Under -20 AYC there some three years back it was in good condition for us to play our game. We didn’t do well in that competition not as a result of the weather at all. The AYC was played at also same time that this AFCON qualifier has been fixed so that should not be an issue.”

Meanwhile, former Nigerian international, Thonpson Oliha has disagreed with Udoh’s assertion that the weathers

would play no part in the Eagles’ match up with Rwanda stating that weather will continue to be an issue as long as it is a football tie outside the country’s region.

Citing the match played on April 11, 1993 between Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia and the Eagles in a 1994 AFCON Qualifier in Addis Ababa, another East African, Oliha noted that the weather gave their hosts a fitting edge which eventually led to their 0-1 loss before they outscored their opponents with a 6-0 home win in Sunday Oliseh’s debut for the Eagles on July 24, 1993 at the National Stadium in Lagos.

He said that the weather condition and the turf will also play a prominent role, but he believed every player is prepared for the worst "Yes we would be struggling with the weather. We are not going to be the only one struggling with the weather, I came with leather boots, because Daniel Amokachie advised on that. I hope all other players have other options also. We are not bothered. We are used to that.

We would play our game, and God willing, we would win".

He said Nigerians should look out for his goal in the match, because it is always his wish to score for Nigeria "It is my prayer that I score in every game, and this one would not be an exception.

What make s a good attacker is your ability to score goals.

I think as things are going well for me in my club, so shall it also for my country" he said.

Lagos plans maiden Dart competition

T

HE newly inagurated board of the Lagos State Dart Association,LSDA, has taken the bull by the horn, as it plans maiden Dart competition.

The competition is billed for March 1-2, 2012, at the Dart section of the Lagos Country Club as thirty six(36) Dart players from Nine clubs of four players each in the male and female categories are expected to participate in the 501 Singles.

According to the organisers, the event is centered on rebuilding and reforming the association's athletes in a bid to excel especially in national and international competitions.

Chairman of the Association, Prince Adedayo Olowu, said he is determined to take the sport to the next level, adding that there's a resolve by members of the association to live up to expectations and also to align

with the policies on sport of the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola's administration.

Olowu explained that the mandate as informrd by the Commisioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development Enitan Oshodi during the inuaguration of the various Sports Associations, is to add value to sports development in the state, hence the move tocommence the development process with the competition.

Lagos Polo Club set for 10th tournament

W

ITH one hundred and eight years of playing history in Nigeria, the Lagos Polo club is poised to kick off the 10th annual Lagos Polo tournament at the Lagos Polo club grounds today in Lagos.

At a well attended press briefing in Lagos yesterday, the hierarchy of the Polo club led by Adedolapo Akinrele SAN announced that in its10th year (2012) the tournament had evolved over the years from being just a sporting event to a brand now known as the ‘King of sports’.

Akinrele opined that the improvement in standard of infrastructure is a daunting task consistently engaging the time and skills of the management committee of the club. He said "If properly organised, Polo is the greatest sport in the world The extreme enthusiasm of personnel and committee members who interface with the stakeholders tend to reap big dividends and results. This progressive stance, always make

By Kayode Williams people and organisations to gravitate towards the Lagos Polo Club as a brand".

With Mustapha Fasinro as the club captain, Ayo Olashoju, Tournament manager and several other officers, the stage is all set for a two-week tournament of great display of Polo supported

by Dansa Foods, Atlantic Energy, Oando Plc, Southern Sun, Caverton Helicopters, Union Bank of Switzerland with MTN as main sponsor.

In her own speech, Cherry Eromosede Senior Manager, Consumer Marketing MTN Nigeria,stressedthatthetournament provided a strong platform for sportmanship and as the title sponsors, MTN is set to double its efforts in improving the brand.

Thisyear'stournamentwillfeature players from the United Kingdom, Argentina, Ibadan and Kano, including Babangida Hassan, the Alakija twins, Adamu Atta, Obafemi Otudeko, Bashir Dantala jnr. Sani Dangote among others.

•L-R: Senior Manger consumer marketing MTN, Cherry Eromosele, Adedolapo Akinrele (SAN), president Lagos Polo Club, and Tournament Manager, Ayo Olashoju at the press conference yesterday announce the schedule of play for the 10th Lagos Polo tournament.

PHOTO: Bola Omilabu

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, FEBRURARY 29, 2012

63

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TOMORROW IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘But we must begin from the realistic level of first taking care of Nigeria’s interest, then that of our neighbours, and then ECOWAS, before burning our energy on a visionary hope of continental union’ VOL.7 NO.2050

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

ELL’s edition of penultimate Monday (post-dated February 27) carried a lengthy exclusive interview with President Goodluck Jonathan which is probably his most comprehensive press interview to date. For that reason alone it is somewhat surprising that it has been paid scant media attention; perhaps I had not looked hard enough but in the one week since its publication, I have not read a single story in any of our newspapers about the interview.

It is, however, not only probably his most comprehensive press interview to date. It provided very useful insights into the workings of the man’s mind.

One of such insight is that he is not easily moved by public opinion. “I am,” he said in answer to the last question of the interview, “not moved by public opinion so easily because, in most cases, the public opinion may not be quite right.”

Even more insightful was his analysis of the make-up of all societies. In every society, he said, there are three categories of people; the critics, the advisers and the doers. The first job, he said, is the easiest, followed by advising with implementation being the most difficult.

“It is,” he said, “just like a soccer game; people will be abusing the coach. Sometimes you think you know more than him. No. He knows more because he has been with his players more.”

Hardly anyone would disagree with the president’s classification of these three jobs in any society. However, being the easiest does not necessarily make the job of the critic a useless one to society. On the contrary, criticism is the trigger for progressive change in any society, provided, of course, it does not degenerate into cynicism.

And even when criticisms degenerate into cynicism, chances are those who have the power to implement are more to blame than the critics for the simple reason that all too often the latter abuse their power for selfish ends and do not say what they mean or mean what they say.

The president himself provided one incontrovertible proof of why cynicism by critics can be justified. “When I look at some people that I know and they shout ‘corruption, corruption!’ I just shake my head,” he said.

Clearly the president is here referring to hypocrisy in high places. And it is this kind of hypocrisy that makes not just critics but other members of the public have little or no faith in those they have entrusted with power to do things or in those who seize power by force or by rigging elections, purportedly to do things in the public interest.

Tell’s interview covered at least nine issues, each of them critical to the country’s unity, stability and integrity; the threat of Boko Haram’s terrorism, state police, the economy, oil subsidy, the related Petroleum Industry Bill, agriculture, power, corruption and, not

People and Politics

370,000?...FOR MILLIONS OF UNEMPLOYED NIGERIANS?

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Tell’s Jonathan interview; in defence of critics

least of all, the continued existence of the country itself.

On this last issue, the president’s position was predictable. “I am,” he said, “very optimistic that Nigeria will progress.” No leader would, of course, express pessimism about his country. To do so would be a vote of no confidence in one’s own ability to govern well and with equity.

However, the trouble with President Jonathan’s declared optimism about the country, as was the case with that of his great benefactor, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is that while he expresses faith in the future of the country, he has done little to restrain forces that seem hell bent on destroying Nigeria. On the contrary, his regime seems to be at least complicit in the activities of those whose stock-in-trade is to abuse anyone or any group or any section of the country that differ from him or his government, and threaten them with fire and brimstone.

When you express faith in the future of your country as a leader but create a distinct impression that there is a hidden hand of government behind forces that want to divide its people, you can only invite suspi-

RIPPLES GOVT TO GENERATE 370,000 JOBS THIS YEAR, SAYS JONATHAN

cions about the integrity of your faith.

And you raise those suspicions even more when you have one rule for one set of disgruntled citizens and another rule for another set, as was the case in his reply to the question about whether his government should engage the Boko Haram insurgents whose terror is threatening to tear Nigeria apart with an endless religious war between Muslims and Christians.

He is, he has said not only in this interview but at other fora, prepared to listen to Boko Haram, provided its leaders identify themselves and provided their demands are reasonable.

The President is right to insist any disaffected group must be reasonable in its demands before they can be negotiated with. However to say, as the President did in comparing Boko Haram with the Niger Delta militants, that Boko Haram had no reason to be restive and to also say they are ghosts is to distort their origin.

“People like Asari (Dokubo), they were not hiding. So there was a basis for negotiation. They had a reason for restiveness and they had faces.”

True. But then so also had Boko Haram. Boko Haram may have expressed extreme views about modernity and about Westernisation, but as the President knows very well, it was a harmless group and its leaders were well known until the authorities in Borno State, where it began, decided to set the security forces against it because of its trenchant criticisms of their maladministration.

As the President also now knows all too well, the attempt in 2009 to execute a final solution to their ensuing confrontation with the security forces merely drove them underground only to rise, phoenix-like, and return with vengeance.

The lesson of that failure should be obvious; the greater the attempt to wipe out a group, the deeper it goes underground and the more difficult it is to find solutions to its grievances.

Two more things about the Tell interview. The first was his views about agriculture. Asked about what he intends to do about the non-oil sector, he promised agriculture will be the focus of his economic policy. Oil, he said, contributed only 14 per cent of the country’s GDP as com-

pared to agriculture’s 40 per cent, telecom’s six per cent and the banking sector’s four per cent.

“Though in terms of earning of government, it is oil but in terms of earning of the public, it is agriculture. That is why we are emphasising agriculture so much now. Our target is to make sure that between now and 2015 we will develop agriculture to the extent that it will generate two million jobs,” he said.

This is unlikely to happen in a country like ours where in the foreseeable future the capital budget is unlikely to exceed 40 per cent and where security alone gobbles nearly a third of the budget. It is even more unlikely to happen in our country where the movement of people and goods have become a nightmare because of useless, if not potentially dangerous, security checkpoints ostensibly meant to eliminate Boko Haram.

Second, it is interesting and somewhat ironic that in the interview the President has chosen to lay the blame for the scandalous spending of last year’s oil subsidy on the Central Bank of Nigeria; interesting because in the presidential system the buck stops on the president’s desk, and ironic because the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has arguably been the greatest defender of oil subsidy removal.

The figure of N2.3 billion oil subsidy for last year (and still counting), said the President, should have prompted the CBN to raise alarm.

The CBN, he said, should never have continued paying and paying. “Assuming there is no probe (on the fuel subsidy payment by the House of Representatives),” he said: “Will the CBN just keep quiet?”

Clearly this attempt to pass the buck to the CBN says a lot more about the readiness of the Presidency to accept its responsibility for the management of our economy than it does about the competence and integrity of the CBN. Sorry, one more thing and this is really final. Perhaps the most interesting remark by the President in the interview was his promise about power, given its central role in the revival of our comatose economy. “I promised Nigerians,” he said on this issue, “we will stabilise power but if you ask me how many megawatts, I will not tell you.”

He then went on to promise that “By the middle of next year, you will ‘dash’ me your generator. I’ll send it out of this country because we won’t need it here anymore.”

Obviously, the President said this in good humour. However, the contradiction about how he can make the use of stand-by generators in the country redundant when he does not know how much megawatts he will generate in the next one year seems lost on the man.

But humour or no humour, he can rest assure that come June next year, Nigerians will hold him up to his promise to get them to “dash” him their generators.

•For comments, send SMS to 08054502909

By

•Dr. Jonathan

L

AST weekend’s rerun election in Cross River brings to an end the five highly anticipated governorship elections ordered by election tribunals following disputed 2011 election results. The others were Adamawa, Sokoto, Kogi and Bayelsa.

As we saw in Kogi and Bayelsa, the rerun polls were not without extraordinary drama. When the reruns were ordered, the litigants hoped in nearly all the cases that the court judgments would consolidate on the justice they got from the tribunals. Since all the sacked governors belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the plaintiffs’ expectation of justice led them to hope that the ruling party would suffer crushing defeat at the hands of candidates from other parties. But as we found out, the plaintiffs were either too optimistic or they misinterpreted justice to mean that a litigant could in fact secure victory after having caused the sack of a governor.

Having unexpectedly suffered defeat at the hands of the PDP in the five states, the challengers began to yield to despair as they realised that the belated victories they secured at the tribunals only gave them their

JIDE OSUNTOKUN

Justice sometimes seems so futile say as far as the tenets of democracy were concerned, and nothing more. The PDP had its way, as they always do in ways that are sometimes incongruent with democracy and even the principles of natural justice. This column, readers will recall, noted recently that the PDP won most of its elections against the run of play, or in defiance of gravity. It mattered little that the ruling party assailed the constitution, abused civil rights, subverted political freedoms and denied the poor economic justice; they nearly always won whatever elections they set their minds on, lock, stock and barrel.

Indeed, in some of the elections, rerun or otherwise, the PDP won by a margin hard to reverse in any election tribunal. The victories in fact called into question the so-called political consciousness and electoral sagacity of the electorate rather than the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the PDP. So, of what use are election tribunal victories when in five elections in a row the court-deposed PDP governors returned to office without so much

as a sweat. The reader will remember that last year, many of the deposed governors who won their rerun elections even had the added benefit of elongating their tenure until the Supreme Court recently put paid to the juridical folly by forswearing the need for two oaths of office by one governor.

The recent rerun elections show the limit of court-obtained justice. How many parties and politicians have the same sort of pertinacity as Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who repeatedly went back to court a few years back to prove the unsustainability of the injustice meted out to himself and his party? One injustice, it seems to everyone, especially if it is crushing and dispiriting, is enough for one man in one lifetime.

However, we should look on the bright side: suppose we did not even have our say, as futile as it might seem? After all, thousands of North Africans died in the recent Arab Spring just to have their say, and thousands of Syrians are still dying for the same priceless commodity.

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