Friday 14 03 by The Nation

Govt rejigs conference list

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‘Missing’ $49.8b: Senate picks auditors

NEWS

NEWS Page 53

Pages 4&6

•Ex-speakers reject nominees

•No money is missing, insists NNPC

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VOL. 9, NO. 2787 FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (fourth left), Heineken Ambassador and legendary Dutch international footballer Ruud Gullit (third left), Marketing Director, Nigeria Breweries, Mr. Walter Direnth (second left), former Captain of Super Eagles, Austin J J Okocha (second right), Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development Mr. Waheed Enitan Oshodi (third right), exinternational Sunday Oliseh (fourth right) and others during the presentation to the governor of the UEFA Champions League trophy, which is on a three-day tour of Lagos, one of the selected three global cities for the tour organised by Heineken at the Lagos House, Ikeja…yesterday.

Finance commissioners call for subsidy removal •Cash crunch A hits states

House to probe spending on soldiers’ welfare

•Military warns against ‘inciting talks’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal hinted yesterday that a probe into the utilisation of military funds was on the way. Tambuwal said there were complaints that funds meant for the welfare of military personnel and procurement of equipmemt were being mismanaged. While linking the morale of the soldiers to the possible turnaround of the challenging security situation in the Continued on page 4

•Tambuwal

FTER a long while, the fuel subsidy debate is set to reopen. Members of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) are agitating for the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol. The government believes

•Pages 2&3

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

such a step will free funds for infrastructural development but critics say it will enrich a

few and deepen the common man’s pains. Speaking yesterday at the end of this month’s FAAC meeting in Abuja, the chairman of finance commissioners, Mr. Timothy Odaah, said they were advocating that “the subsidy should be reContinued on page 4

Unknown gunmen kill 100 in four villages Jonathan orders troops to comb forest for killers

•Dr. Jonathan

HE orgy of bloodletting in some parts of the country has continued, with no fewer than 100 killed in four Katsina State villages. Officials and witnesses said yesterday that the attackers on Wednesday rode motorcycles into villages in

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

broad daylight and killed residents. President Goodluck Jonathan last night ordered the military to dislodge the terrorists whose identities remained unclear. Witnesses said some of the assailants were ethnic Fulani. It was unclear

whether they were Boko Harm insurgents. Some people described the assailants as cattle rustlers. House of Representatives member Abdullahi Abbas Machika said 47 people were buried in one village alone, following the attack. “So far, 69

bodies have been recovered from the attacks carried out by a large group of gunmen riding on motorcycles,” he added. A witness who narrowly escaped and later returned to his village told Premium Times yesterday that he atContinued on page 4

•SOCIETY P13 •SPORTS P23 •BRANDS P26 •AGRIC P38 •POLITICS P45 •CITYBEATS P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS •Senator Oluremi Tinubu discussing with British Member of Parniament and former UK Home Secretary Jack Straw after Straw’s meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators and members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly, Abuja;

Cash crunch s Nigeria is not broke officially. But all facts show that the economy seems to be at a standstill. Cash crunch has affected governance in virtually all the 36 states. Due to unchecked theft in the oil industry, which is said to be responsible for the dwindling remittances from the Federation Account, states are being starved of funds, making them increasingly unable to meet basic obligations, reports Assistant Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

T • From left: Product Manager, Smartphones, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Anish Mathew; Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas and Managing Director, Mr. Brovo Kim, all of Samsung Electronics West Africa at a news conference to announce the commencement of Samsung's Galaxy S5 preorder drive and launch of Samsung's NX30 Smart Camera in Lagos.

•From left: Director-General , Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Isemede, Head, Nigerian-Belgian Commercial Information and Documentation Centre, Paulette Van Trier, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Nigeria, Dirk Verheyen and Deputy Director General of NACCIMA during the visit of the Ambassador to NACCIMA Secretariat...yesterday. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•From left: Chairman, Idea Incubation Centre, Mr. Dotun Sulaimon, Minister for Communication and Technology Mrs. Omobola Johnson and Senior Manager Technology, Accenture Nigeria, Bayo Ibraheem at the inauguration of Techlaunchpad Phase 2, coordinated by Accenture Nigeria in conjunction with Ministry of Communication and Technology in Lagos PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

HE mood was unusually upbeat at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja, as Governor Babatunde Fashola signed the 2014 N489.690 billion budget into law on January 14. Besides the fact that the fiscal bill enjoyed a seamless passage in the Assembly, Fashola was all smiles that its contents would be sweet music to the ears of Lagosians. Although the budget is 3.43 per cent lower than that of last year, which was N499.105 billion, the fact that education (N51.378 billion), health (N22.07 billion), work and infrastructure (N100.12 billion) took the lion’s share in this current fiscal year signifies that the frenzied pace of development projects in the state seems irreversible. However, just two-and-a-half months into the fiscal year, high hopes of achieving a superlative budget implementation performance have started fading. Now, members of the economic management team are stiff worried that the budget, which has a higher portion devoted to capital expenditure, may be facing bleak prospects ___no thanks to persistent dwindling allocations from the Federation Account, which started last year. According to the Lagos State Government, the plummeting federal allocation to the state was having adverse effect on the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but it is “struggling to ensure that the effect is minimal.” It added that the review of the country’s revenue sharing formula last year by the Federal Government has led to the state losing N800 million in November and December. This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Finance, Ayo Gbeleyi, Economic Planning and Budgeting, Ben Akabueze, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Abimbola Shodipo and the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary office of Treasury, Mr. David Sunmoni at a special plenary session chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Kolawole Taiwo, at the Lagos State House of Assembly. But the disclosure was not an isolated case. It was sequel to Fashola’s complaint when he spoke against the federal financial strategy. He lamented that the situation has forced the state government to leave social services to meet urgent welfare needs of personnel . The governor linked the decline to “what is characterised as uncoordinated and discretionary application of the Federal Government’s fiscal policy on waiver and negotiating the duty credit certificates.” Last week, ostensibly speaking the

•Dickson

minds of his colleagues, Fashola said the economy was in dire straits, adding that the situation portends doom for the country. While addressing the Lagos State House of Assembly on March 3, the visibly worried governor said no state could adequately meet its financial obligations in 2014, as all the 36 states are enmeshed in a deep financial mess imposed by plummeting monthly revenues accruing from the Federation Account. Fashola said: “The frightening pattern had continued from the second half of 2013 to January 2014. Now whilst this revenue decline has gone up, we have been unable to hold the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja. In the past, the meetings had held every month. The meeting has not been held now for, at least, six months in spite of clear revenue declines.” But, if Lagos State, with internally generated revenue (IGR) of N29 billion per month, can feel the pinch of revenue shortfall, experts say a worse fate awaits states that are less economically viable. Ekiti State, a largely agrarian part of the Southwest, is one such unlucky states. While briefing the Ekiti State House of Assembly about the crippling effects of the dwindling monthly allocation from the Federation Account, Governor Kayode Fayemi said his state has suffered reduction in revenue of over N481 billion between last September and this February. The crux of the governor’s address is that failure to fully account for revenue accruing to the Federation Account has significantly affected distributable revenue to states and council areas. Similar unwelcoming sentiments run high in Osun, another state that receives one of the smallest handouts from the Federation Account. For more than six months, Osun is said to have been receiving between 25-30 per cent less what it was receiving from Abuja. In specific terms, it is gathered that the monthly allocation to the state is at least N1 billion short of its previous monthly accruals. Based on what experts in the state have projected, it means that monumental development projects in education and road construction may bear the brunt of the persistent shortfalls. However, it is said that Governor Rauf Aregbesola is leaving no stone unturned in seeking creative ways to keep the pace of governance moving without owing salaries, including how the state’s 2014 budget of N216 billion will not run into trouble. Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun raised similar concerns late last year. During the inauguration of the Mission To Rebuild Ogun State (MITROS) in Abeokuta, the state capital, the governor noted the almost impoverish level of most of the states of the federation, which had made the

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

sends governance on suspension in states ‘

As I talk to you, we have not been able to pay salaries, because we have had to borrow to pay salaries. We have not paid February salaries •Amosun

•Imoke

payment of salaries and normal running of government a herculean task. Amosun said: “The situation became critical in August (last year). As I speak, we are yet to collect anything from Abuja. Salaries are presently not being paid in several states in the country due to this development because many states rely on federal allocation to pay their workers. You will agree with me that this is causing untold hardship for Nigerians.” Months after, the situation of things in non-oil producing states has not changed; it is even getting worse. Interestingly, it is not only non-oil producing states that are reeling under the regime of cash crunch, as worrisome as the new reality is. Although everything is being done to conceal it, governance in the true sense of it is on hold even in oil-producing states. For instance, in Cross River State, workers are not finding things easy at the moment. Reason is that many of them have not been paid their January salary and none has been paid for February. Even those that got their January salary collected towards the middle of the following month. The situation is actually a departure from what they are used to as salaries before now used to be paid before the end of the month, or at worst, within the first couple of days into the next. But that is not the only outcome of the spate of cash crunch in the state. Also very noticeable is the decline in the pace of ongoing projects, especially road projects in the state. And for the state to maintain its march towards greatness and break from the doldrums of economic backwardness, stakeholders insist that is has to redouble its efforts in development projects – a dream that is fast receding in the face of persistent paucity of revenue to fund its N176.3 billion budget for the 2014 fiscal year. N a state with a wage bill of about N1.8 billion and with an inflow of approximately N3 billion monthly from the Federation Account, a sharp decline in the cash inflow to the state cannot but impose additional heavy stress on several contractual commitments in the state. A technical director in the Office of the Accountant General, Cross River State, who pleaded for anonymity, admitted that the dwindling of the inflow in the state has worsened but would not give specific figures as to by how much it has dropped. “All I can tell you that the drop in the past couple of months is substantial and it is affecting us in no little way. As I am talking to you, we have not been able to pay salaries,” he said. And for a state like Cross River where every sector mostly depends on the government, the situation has taken its toll. He continued: “It is true the Federation Account has been dwindling in recent times, but we started having our problems before the

•Uduaghan

•Amaechi

recent dwindling of the inflow. Our problems actually started when Bakassi was taken from us. We have found it difficult to be breaking even especially given the number of capital projects the state government had embarked on due to the inflow it had at that time. Contractual obligations became difficult but we cannot revoke what we started halfway. As I talk to you, we have not been able to pay salaries, because we have had to borrow to pay salaries. We have not paid February salaries. “We were using overdraft but the CBN came with 100 per cent CRI on banks for public funds, so we cannot borrow any longer. To that extent, we have become stifled. The IGR has increased but cannot meet the drop in Federal Allocation. We are facing a lot of challenges. Projects are not going on the way they are supposed to be going on. Only the ones loans have been taken for are on-going, but the ones that are not on loan are suffering. Payment is not going on as supposed to be. We even owe gratuity. For pensions, we are paying as soon as we pay salaries. Besides our wage bill, we have subvention to the Cross River University of technology to the tune of about N170 million, State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) to about 30miliion and Local Government Pension Board to about 25miliion. Even then this is not enough for them. These are all difficult for us now.” Acting Chairman State Internal Revenue Service, who doubles as the Special Adviser on Budget to the Governor Liyel Imoke, Dr Peter Oti, would not give facts and figures as he said they were still reconciling their accounts. In the presentation of a budget breakdown in Calabar recently, he stated that the state’s IGR target for the current fiscal year, which is put at N30.9 billion, represents an 18 per cent increase above the 2013 target of N26.3 billion. He added that the state expects at least N51 billion for the Federation Account in addition to revenues from other sources to make up the year’s budget. Given the fact that Cross River is still servicing debts to the tune of over a N100 billion, which Governor Imoke inherited from the previous administration, the state has found itself at the moment in a very precarious financial situation. But the governor has not hidden the bad state of the finances his administration is grappling with, even though he is reticent on specific figures. The Governor has however assured the people that the debt profile will be effectively managed as provisions have been made to that effect. And as a source in the AG’s office put it, “It is going to be tough from what we are seeing with the drop in the (cash) inflow. With debts being deducted from the statutory monthly allocation to the state from the Federation Account, we envisage bleak times.”

•Oshiomhole

Even in Bayelsa, another oil-rich state where Governor Seriake Dickson is holding forth, similar level of despondency has enveloped the state’s economy. Depressed by persistent drop in revenue accruing to his state, the state government recently called on the people of the state to brace up for harsh economic realities, asking them to be ready for belt-tightening measures as it implements its N299.2 billion budget for 2014. In the state, monthly allocation is said to have nosedived by as huge as N5billion. According to a Government House statement, this situation has prompted some states to cut salary of workers in their states by half, while some states cannot meet their salary obligations to civil servants and even to contractors – though mum is always the word in states where cash crunch has sent their economy on crunches. It is gathered that Cross Rivers and Benue states are among states in the Federation that have taken steps to cut salaries by half owing to the grim economic downturn. However, the situation is being managed in order not to fuel an already bad condition, which explains why nobody is taking to the street in protest in the face of difficult times in many states. UT, like every other state, Bayelsa State’s financial situ ation has compelled it to evolve necessary measures to avoid a situation where it will impact seriously on the state’ economy. That is why the Dickson-led administration has been prudent in granting approvals that are recurrent in nature. In response to the new realities, the Commissioner of Finance has been ordered to expeditiously work out modalities to cut down on the state wage bills, especially remunerations and travel allowances for government functionaries, including the governor. The Nation was told that the cut may be as much as fifty percent, though Dickson has instructed that reductions in salaries and emoluments be carried out in a way that can allow the state to cope with the new regime of financial. “Our monthly revenue has dropped by over N5 billion. So, if we are not careful to build alternative revenue sources, we will get to a point where the federal revenue will not be enough to enable us meet our minimum obligation as a State, particularly bearing in mind the very high wage bill that we have in this state that is higher than that of any other state in this country. Therefore, I have directed that approvals beginning with Government House expenditures should be further reduced by as much as 50 per cent in the light of the current realities,” Dickson said. Similar bitter pills are being forced down the throat of the people of Delta State where Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is completing his second term in office. From between N20-21

‘

billion monthly, including proceeds from the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), the oil-rich state now receives about N12-13 billion monthly from the Federation Account. Besides engendering fears about possible hiccups over how to fund the state’s N450 billion budget for 2014, the bleak realities have imposed a shortfall of minimum of N6 billion monthly on the state, with attendant severe implications for governance in the state. Although the state governor has promoted the mantra of Delta beyond in the last few years, it is doubtful if the state has ever envisaged that the bad times will come knocking at this time. In Rivers State, the situation report is not anything better, as the state struggles with how to finance its N485.524 billion 2014 budget. As the country’s finances sink deeper, it is negatively affecting Rivers State, which has had its monthly allocation dwindled by at least N5 billion. According to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the financial crisis is adversely affecting economic planning and development, including payment of bills incurred by the state government. “There is even disaster in the revenue that we are sharing. You won’t believe that from N18 billion to N20 billion allocations that we have been receiving from the Federation Account, we now receive only about N13 billion monthly. The meaning (of this) is that our wage bills are now affected, including social development. That is a disaster too. We intend to look for funds. Currently, the traders are not happy with us, because we are not able to bring the funds we promised them, because all our funds have disappeared and money is disappearing because of the corruption in our oil industry. Those who caused the disasters are walking on the streets, while those they inflicted the disasters upon are dying on a daily basis,” Amaechi said. Last year, the Federal Government pegged expected monthly revenue at N702.54 billion in the 2013 budget, the expectation was not met. Last year, N651.26bn was earned in January, N571.7billion in February, and N595.71billion in March while the spate of depressing revenue continued in April with N621.07 and N590.77 billion in May. Though there was a brief respite in June when N863.0 billion was declared as revenue, which surpassed what was projected, the revelry quickly receded by the time when N497.98 billion was declared in July, falling short of what was expected. Worried by the grim consequences of the shortfalls, the FG chose to augment allocations to states from the lush Excess Crude Account. In July 2013, suspended CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi told the House Committee on Banking and Currency that

the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to a mere $5billion from the lofty $12 billion, a shortfall of $7billion. By August, the FG stopped the augmentation of the allocation to states and local government, a situation which has now imposed serious stress on all the states, since all of them rely heavily on the federal allocation to fund their budgets. T a point, it is too difficult to accurately calculate how much the FAAC owes the states, though the blame for the unpalatable fate that has befallen the states and local governments is often laid at the doorstep of the NNPC. Governor Adam Oshiomole recently accused the NNPC of withholding the payment of about N2.3 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federal government. Earlier, a group named Forum of Concerned Members of FAAC alleged that the NNPC has withheld about N2.983trillion from the federation account. While the NNPC had denied that it owed the FG, some stakeholders have come out to refute the claim. Last week, 11 governors on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) insisted that the corporation indeed owed. “We wish to say that there is no justification for the continuous dwindling revenue collections into the Federation Account given that the price of crude oil, being the main revenue earner, has been relatively stable and above $100 per barrel since the beginning of 2013. The forum excoriates the FG’s consistent flagrant disregard for the Constitution and the Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly. In fact, we wonder why the Jonathan’s administration is unable to implement the budget provisions, which it willingly formulated and which the National Assembly passed into law,” the forum said. In addition to this is the unbridled opaqueness in the revenue remittances to the coffers of the federal government by the NNPC. Although the this year’s N4.6 trillion budget is predicated on $74 per barrel of crude oil out of an estimated 2.39 million barrels per day forecast, the country’s oil has often sold far more than what is predicted, usually with an average of $35 profit margin per barrel. The implication is that more money accrues into the Federal Government’s coffers, which in turn means more money available for sharing among all the three tiers of government. A comparative analysis of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) monthly economic report conducted by Fayemi said there was no time oil sold for less than $95 in 2013 and $110 in 2014. “Conclusively, Nigeria earned more revenue from oil sales in 2013 and 2014 than budgeted,” Fayemi said. But rather than more money, the reverse has often been the case since last year. But, non-remittance of the full revenue by the NNPC is not the only cause of the shortfall. According to the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, oil theft, which currently reduces Nigeria’s earning capacity by 400,000 barrels per day, is to be blamed. Despite involving a plethora of security agencies to secure pipelines, including awarding fat contracts to some Niger Delta ex-militants to the same effect, the truth is that the economy, which depends almost solely on oil revenue, is bleeding as a result of massive oil theft, resurgent illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism. Thus the question is: does it mean that the current biting cash crunch, with its debilitating effects on the development agenda of Nigeria’s 36 states and 774 local government councils, is here to stay? With additional reports from Nicholas Kalu (Calabar) and Bisi Olaniyi (Port Harcourt).

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

•Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, officials of Kogi state and UBA with pupils of Crowther Memorial College Lokoja, during financial literacy training programme for students, an initiative of CBN, held in Lokoja…yesterday

Unknown gunmen kill 100 in four villages Continued from page 1

tended the burial of 27 people in his hometown, Maigora. He said he later attended the burial of another 21 people at Sabon Layin Galadima; 40 people were killed at Marabar Maigora; seven in Kurar Mota and eight in Unguwar Doka. Local residents told the BBC Hausa Service that security personnel had not been deployed in the area as at yesterday. The villages attacked are Mararabar Gora, Maigora town, Sabo Layin Galadima and Unguwan Doka in Faskari local government area. The gunmen moved from house-to-house, killing and maiming people, including children and women. They set houses on fire. It was learnt that the attack, which was started on Tuesday night, was extended till Thursday. “We are just coming from the funeral of innocent victims at Maiangua town; we attended similar funerals at Unguwar Doka some hours ago,”an eyewitness said. Police spokesman Aminu Abubakar declined to speak on the attack yesterday. Machika told the BBC that

Jonathan inaugurates N8b Katsina Govt House

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday inaugurated the N8bilion Katsina State Government House. He praised Governor Ibrahim Shema for his selfless service in completing the project, a year to the end of his administration. Shema said politics should be about service to humanity and not about personal interest. He urged President Jonathan to continue with his programme and not be distracted by the challenges facing the nation. Schema said: “Mr. President, you have offered yourself for the service of this country and you are doing the best in human capacity development. “In human endeavour, there must be some challenges, so yours is not peculiar and Nigeria is facing its own challenges like the other nations of the world.” “There is no part of the world today that can claim that it is 100 per cent in peace and harmony but deliberate and sincere work from leaders must be put in place to address the issue,” he said. According to him, the N8 billion spent on the edifice was not sourced from federal al-

Finance commissioners call for subsidy removal Continued from page 1

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

location or Internally generated revenue, but done from interest accruing from bank savings. Shema also said the proceeds from the bank interest were used to construct the N400 million Katsina Government Liaison office in Abuja. Shema said his administration built 200 secondary schools and 38 primary schools. Education from primary to secondary is free, he said. He said his administration had sent 600 students to various higher schools of learning to study specialised courses, such as medicine, engineering and environmental sciences, among others. He said that the State built 2000 houses which were sold to indigenes at 50 per cent discount with instalmental payment in 15 years. The Government House complex include the governor’s office, governor’s lodge, office complex for the governor’s wife and additional offices for principal staff of the governor. The edifice also includes, the Presidential Lodge and chalets for presidential aides, 200capacity banquet hall and an indoor games and fitness centre.

security personnel were busy protecting President Jonathan, who was on a twoday visit to the state while people were being killed in his constituency. President Jonathan last night ordered the military to comb the Rugu Forest and dislodge the terrorists.

Speaking at a dinner organised in his honour by the Katsina State government at the Government House Banquet Hall, Jonathan said the Rugu forest is a border area linking four states of Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna and the neighbouring Niger Republic.

He regretted that the forest meant for economic purposes had turned to hideout for insurgents from where they launch attacks on the states. The President also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver relief materials to the affected communities.

come back, we are going to have some motions that are talking about welfare of our men on the field.” The House, he said was not reacting on assumptions. “We have received several complaints from soldiers that they are not getting what is due to them on the field. “How do you take someone that is less motivated to the battle field? I believe that we need to be more serious and I believe that those responsible should be responsible enough to cater for these troops,” he said. Tambuwal said the situation on ground required radical legislative approach. “The legislature has its limitations. We cannot commandeer troops, we can only pass resolutions; we can only appropriate funds. “Of course, we can perform oversight, but we have our limitations in following the money, in following appropriated funds. “That is why I said in my

speech that even as parliamentarians, we may have to find new ways of improved oversight so that we ensure that what is meant for the welfare of our soldiers who have surrendered their lives to this country should be improved.” “We are committed to that, we shall give government every support. And we have taken extra steps to support the government to support the people that are being affected by this crisis. “We are amenable, we are available; we are ready to do everything possible to bring this to an end,” he added. Security agencies warned politicians against making disparaging comments capable of undermining the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the Northeast. The Joint Security Information Committee (JSIC), comprising spokesmen of the various security agencies, at a news conference, said such comments by politicians and

other commentators would no longer be tolerated. The head of the committee and Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade said henceforth “anyone that undermines our operations would have themselves to blame”. Said he: “We don’t need spokesmen of terrorists to tell us how to carry out our operations.” Such comments by a section of the political elite constitute a frontal attack on the morale of the troops, Gen. Olukolade said, adding: “They make frivolous and unfounded claims and allegations on the welfare of soldiers under the pretext of being more caring for the welfare and condition of Nigerian soldiers, but their intention is to encourage indiscipline and ultimately mutiny. “This set of Nigerians has taken up every available media platform to disparage efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terror.

moved so that every state or any member of the federating unit sharing from FAAC will take its own money and determine how to use it or grant subsidy to the level that it can afford.” “Subsidy is not solving the problem which it is meant to

country, the Speaker said the House would take bolder steps to stem the tide. Tambuwal spoke while receiving members of the Unity Schools Old Students’ Association (USOSA). But a military spokesmen warned against inciting comments by politicians on military men’s welfare. President-General of USOSA Muhammadu Kabiru Nuhu-Koko praised the Speaker for his concern for the fate of Nigerian children amid the security situation. Tambuwal said: “A situation whereby we appropriate funds for our men to be well taken care of, to be well kitted and for them to have the best of arms and somebody somewhere is playing politics or is not implementing and applying those funds judiciously is not acceptable and we are ready to take on whoever is involved in that. “Very soon, by the time we

Continued on page 58

Fed Govt rejigs conference delegates’ list

HE Government adjusted yesterday the list of delegates to the National Conference due to be convoked on Monday in Abuja. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim invited former Presidents and Heads of State, leaders of political parties, lawmakers, gov-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ernors, members of the Judiciary, members of the Federal Executive Council, members of the Diplomatic Corps, religious leaders and traditional rulers to attend the inauguration. Continued on page 58

Youths protest in Ado Ekiti

GROUP of boys last night made bonfires in Ojumose area of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. They were chanting war songs as they protested the alleged killing of one of them by a policeman, who reportedly fired some shots.

House to probe spending on soldiers’ welfare

Continued from page 1

solve,” Odaah said. He noted that the “Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and majority of the Nigerian populace appear to have been deceived into clamouring for subsidy because of syndicated projects and programmes that were put in, especially with

“Indeed, the tendency is propelled by nothing altruistic other than to curry undue political capital out if the unfortunate crisis in the Northeast. They have not only accused the military and security authorities of denying the soldiers and other security personnel of their entitlements. “They have been spreading the sick rumour that the gallant Nigerian soldiers are grumbling over inadequate resources and lack of motivation to take on the insurgents. “These unfounded allegations and outright rumour mongering are, to say the least, callous, mischievous and inimical to the well being of our national security.” Gen. Olukolade, however, added that despite the orchestrated campaign of calumny, the troops are determined more than ever before to bring terrorism to an end in any part of the country. According to the commitContinued on page 58

Neither the identity of the victim nor that of the alleged killer could be confirmed at press time.. Spokesman of Ekiti Police Mr. Felix Uyanna, could not be reached last night. His phone was switched off when called at about 11.30pm

•Gen. Olukolade

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 08099365644, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

States yet to access N70bn funds, says Wike

Trial of Ehindero, others suffers set back From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Federal Government has said over N70 billion grants are yet to be accessed by States in the federation because the States have failed to provided their counterpart funds. Also, the Federal Government noted many tertiary institutions have not fully accessed their Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) because of challenges of capacity in project implementation. The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday at the Stakeholders Town Hall Meeting on TETfund interventions for the Southwest at the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State capital. He said the Federal Government has made available N125 billion to states between 2010 to 2013 as matching grants to support the development of infrastructure and resources in basic education. In addition, each state also received N170 million to enhance the development of teachers training last year, he said. Wike said in 2013 budgetary allocations to federal tertiary institutions stood at N336 billion while Tertiary Education Trust Fund provided complimentary financial support to tertiary institutions. He added that the number of institutions funded by TETFund increased from 164 to 179 the same year. The minister said support to each polytechnic increased from N240 million to N443 million in 2013 while that Colleges of Education increased from N190 million each in N390 million in 2013.

Be an impartial umpire, Bush–Alebiosu urges INEC By Adetutu Audu

HEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to be fair to all political parties. Member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos in the House of Representatives, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, made the call in Lagos yesterday. He told reporters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been conducting several rallies despite the ban on election campaigns by the Electoral Act. Bush-Alebiosu said: “INEC has lost the moral right and authority to threaten sanctions against anybody or political parties on the issue of early campaigns as Professor Jega did not see anything wrong when President Jonathan went to Minna (Niger State), Sokoto, Ilorin (Kwara State), Imo and Kaduna State for PDP rallies and INEC is still saying the ban on election campaign is still in place. ‘If truly the ban on campaigns by political parties has not been lifted, why has INEC refused to speak out against the PDP and Mr. President instead of accusing all the political parties of contravening the law when INEC National Chairman knew the parties that were involved in the illegality?”

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo (second right) cutting the tape to inauguarte a state-of-the-art P&G manufacturing plant in Agbara, Ogun State...yesterday. With him are Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second left), Minister of State for Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom (right) and Group President, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Mr. Laurent Philippe.

N35b unaccounted for by Head of Service, say Reps W

HAT happened to over N35 billion sent to the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation from the Service Wide Vote by the Budget Office from 2004 to 2012? Why were these funds not in the records of the OHSF? Were the funds received by the OHSF and if not, where did the money go? Why could the OHSF only account for the receipt of N17.6 billion out of almost N53 billion? These were the questions the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts laboured yesterday to find answers to, while investigating the disbursement of Service Wide Votes from 2004 to 2012. Members of the Solomon

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Olamilekan- Adeola headed committee were surprised yesterday when the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, OHSF could not account for a total of over N35 billion received from the Budget Office of the Federation over a period of nine years. While the Permanent Secretary of the OHSF, Mr. Remi Adelakun claimed they received only N17.6 billion over the period, the Budget Office discounted the assertion by reeling out records of the disbursement of the funds from the Service Wide Votes from 2004 to 2012 and

received by the Office of the Head of Service. According to the Budget Office, the OHSF received well over N52 billion within the period under investigation. The Budget Office, which was represented by Mr. David Eze, said in 2004, the OHSF received N2.7 billion, N9.8 million in 2005, N701.7 million in 2006, N896.3m in 2007, N5.3b in 2008, N612.9m, another N70m in 2009 and N17.6b in 2010. Other releases, according to the Budget Office, are N13.6b in 2011 and N8.5b in 2012. The Chairman of the Committee, Solomon AdeolaOlamilekan, noted that the

OHSF documents only refer to the N17.6b it received in 2010. He said based on the figures given by the Budget Office, there’s a disparity of almost N35 billion and requested for the documents for the rest of the years in question. However, following the inability of the OHSF to satisfactorily answer the queries of the committee over Service Wide Votes disbursement, the Chairman of the committee advised the OHSF to return to its archives and if necessary reconcile its records with the Budget Office and return on March 27 to the committee with the relevant records.

Jonathan: politics is about development, not trading words

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday advised politicians to focus their attention on development rather than engaging in insults and abuses. The President spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the 3- lane 48 kilometers long Katsina Ring road in Katsina State. According to him, politics is about infrastructural development and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and not about shouting on the pages of newspapers. Jonathan, who is in Katsina on a two-day state visit, hailed the foresight and infrastructural drive of the Ibrahim Shema- led administration in the state. He said: “Shema is a great supporter of the administration. He is also a great member of the party. This project is being commissioned at a time most states and even the Federal Government are lacking funds to carry out big projects.” “I commend you for your efforts. Politics is all about development. It’s not about insulting ourselves and shouting in newspapers. Politics is about providing infrastructure for the people and creating the enabling environment for business to thrive,” he said.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

He thanked the people of the state for the love they have extended to him since he became President. Speaking earlier, Governor Ibrahim Shema commended the President’s efforts in developing power, railway and water, stressing that his administration has done so much to transform the state. His administration, he said, since inception constructed 49 roads across the state and dualized 7 local government roads, while many jobs were also created during implementation of the projects. According to him, his administration has spent N74

billion on road construction since inception. The Commissioner for Works in the state, Abdulaziz Isa Kaita noted that the 3- lane 48 kilometers ring road was started in 2009 and completed in 2013 by the state government without borrowing any money. The road project, he said, contained a drainage system, independent water system and solar powered lighting. The President’s plane landed at the Umaru Yara’adua Airport by 10:30am and was received by the host governor, the Minister of Mines and Steel, Musa Sada, Information, Labaran Maku, State for Works, Ambassador Bashir

•Dr. Jonathan

Yuguda, Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina as well as former Minister of State for finance, Dr Yerima Ngama Former Governors Ibrahim Ahmed Shekarau (Kano), Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa (Sokoto) and Abdulkadir Kure (Niger) were also at the airport to receive the President.

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has suffered a set back in its prosecution of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sunday Ehindero and a member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan before the Abuja High Court. The trial judge in both cases, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, has returned the case files to the Chief Judge of the court, upon his elevation to the Court of Appeal. The Nation learnt yesterday that Justice Oniyangi, who was recently elevated with 23 other judges, remitted both files and others, to the court’s CJ for reassignment to another judge. By the development, progress is stalled in both cases as parties are, under the court’s rules, required to await the reassignment of the case to a new judge for proceedings to commence afresh. The ICPC had filed a sixcount charge against Ehindero and John Obaniyi, a suspended Commissioner of Police-in-charge of Budget, accusing them of alleged involvement in N16 million fraud.

‘Kidney disease prevalent in Nigeria’ By Wale Adepoju

MORE Nigerians are having kidney disease, Consultant physician/ nephrologist, Dr Ebun Bamgboye, has said. According to him, no fewer than 10 per cent of the country estimated 160 million people may be suffering from the ailment. Bamgboye spoke during a programme organised by St Nicholas Hospital (SNH) to mark the World Kidney Day (WKD) yesterday. The theme was Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ageing. He said kidney disease can be prevented if the predisposing factors such as hypertension and diabetes, among othrs, are control. He called for early diagnosis of kidney disease to save lives. Bamgboya said the activities of renal/ dialysis centres should be controlled to prevent deaths, adding 76 dialysis centres should be increased to meet demand of patients. “Out of about 10,000 who require dialysis yearly only about 2000 are able to access it,” he added.

Ex-Ogun governorship aspirant Soyinka advises Yoruba confab delegates

ORMER Ogun State Governorship aspirant on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Kayode Soyinka has advised Yoruba delegates at the National Conference, not to push for the possible secession of Yorubaland from the Nigerian federation. The three-time governorship aspirant made the appeal while speaking as a special guest at the meeting of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) held in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

The renowned journalist and publisher of Africa Today magazine reminded the gathering that the political leader of the Yorubas, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, left his comfort zone to go up-North to persuade the Sardauna of Sokoto to see reasons why Nigeria should be independent when the North said it was not ready to join the South in the struggle for independence. He said: “So, why should we now want to reinvent the wheel after 100 years of our sacrifices and 54 years of independence and a gruesome civil

war in-between? If we cannot do better than Chief Awolowo in our vision for “One Nigeria”, we should at least do him the honour of not destroying the “One Nigeria” that he struggled for till his dying day - the Nigeria that he built”. The Yoruba, he said, were not myopic people and urged them to “always think big and look at the bigger picture, the advantages to all Yorubas in a United One Nigeria”. Soyinka appealed to delegates at the National Conference to rise up to the occasion

rather than always thinking negative about the country: “Let us learn from our mistakes of the past, and acknowledge the gains and achievements we have made in our journey together so far because it could not be said that we have achieved nothing together as a nation over the past one hundred years, and let our findings help us to strengthen the ties that bind us. Those ties are today by far stronger than they were when Lugard joined us together 100 years ago or when we got our independence from Britain 54 years ago.”

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS Anti-gay law: UN mounts pressure on Nigeria From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

HE United Nations has joined in the pressure against Nigeria to drop the anti-gay law. Speaking yesterday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, described the law as a “human rights violation.” Ms Pillay told the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali: “It is a violation of the human rights enshrined in the international covenant of civil and political rights. It contravenes Africa’s charter and the Nigerian constitution.” Ms Pillay said the UN was concerned with the negative consequences in Nigeria, stressing that it might deter the affected persons from taking up HIV education, treatment and care facilities and hinder the ability of government and civil society. She urged the government to have, instead, a moratorium on prosecution, saying: “I am seeking your good office to see some kind of moratorium on prosecution at this moment. We can do much more work, to have all Nigerians respect the human rights of people, to respect diversity, to promote values of tolerance, acceptance … with targeted training for law enforcement and other things.” The UN high commissioner said although Nigeria made landmarks on human rights protection, it lagged behind in some human rights reports. “Nigeria is behind in many of its reports and I am here to see how best we can support you in catching up with those reports.” Speaking on the landmark resolution adopted by the UN Council on Human Rights in March last year, she said: “It recognises that the use and abuse of national law to impair and criminalise the work of human rights defenders is a contravention of the international law and it must end.” Wali told the UN human rights chief that same sex marriage was alien to Nigerians and the majority have rejected the idea.

Confab: Southeast appoints leader From Chris Oji, Enugu

HE former Minister of External Affairs, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, was yesterday appointed as the leader of the delegates of the Southeast to the national conference, billed to be inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday. Briefing reporters at the end of a four-hour meeting of Southeast governors and delegates from the zone, the Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum and Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Prof. George obiozor, were appointed as deputy chairman and secretary. Orji said each of the five states of Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu also appointed leaders. He said while former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, would lead Enugu delegates, ex-Ebonyi Governor Sam Egwu emerged as the leader of the state’s delegates.

Forum of ex-speakers rejects delegates’ list

ORMER speakers of state legislatures have rejected those the Federal Government nominated as their delegates to the national conference. They said the list published was different from the one they sent to the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. In a communiqué at the end of their meeting in Jos to discuss the substitution of their nominees, the exspeakers described the action as a negation of the spirit behind the conference. The communiqué was signed by the chairman, Mr. Simon Lalong, secretary, Mr. Stanley Ohajuruka and publicity secretary, Mr. Friday Itula. The former speakers said the six names they submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation include Mr. Habu Isa Ajiya (Northeast Taraba State); Mr. Mohammed Yaro, Northwest - Kaduna State); and Mr. Simon Lalong (Northcentral -Plateau State).

‘We disown Southwest delegates’

GROUP, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum, has rejected the Southwest list of delegates. The body, in a statement by its SecretaryGeneral, Akin Malaolu, said: “We reject the list of the delegates, who will represent socio–cultural groups in the Southwest. The delegates do not have the approval of our people. Any agenda presented is not a representative of the desire of the Yoruba race, but that of the individuals, who sent them. “The rejection of four nominees earlier forwarded to the secretary to the government of the federation is noted, but we shall one way or the other contribute to the discussions and react to obnoxious agendas, From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Others are Mr. Stanley Ohajuruka (Southeast -Abia State); Mr. Azeez Alarape Southwest - Oyo State) and Mr. David Iyoha (Southsouth -Edo State). They said it was regrettable that the government replaced four of the delegates with other people and urged it to revert in the interest of justice and fairness. The ex-speakers said their

such as single tenure, regionalism, state police and resource control anytime they are put forward. “The faith we have in the national conference has waned due to the inclusion of about 58 per cent of those who participated in the Abacha conference as delegates and with an additional 22 per cent of old men, who were involved in the death of the First and Second republics, while the balance of 20 per cent represents a mixture of charlatans, pretenders and the knowledgeable. “The national conference’s conclusions and recommendations may not meet the desire of Nigerians if care is not taken or complaints addressed quickly.”

representatives were carefully chosen, with all former speakers in attendance. The communiqué reads: “The Federal Government via a statement from the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation allotted six delegates to the forum. Thereafter, a meeting of members was convened in Abuja on February 17. It was attended by members across the federa-

tion. “After deliberation, dialogue, consultation, election and consensus, the under-listed were nominated as our nominees and a letter to that effect sent to and acknowledged by the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation on February 18. “To our embarrassment, four of our delegates were substituted. This is unfortunate. It is a condemnable act

frowned at by members. “As a result, the association, after deliberation, issued the following: “That we hail President Goodluck Jonathan for his transformation agenda to reposition the country and for the honour accorded our group through the allotment of six delegates. “That members condemn the purported substitution of our original and authentic list by a few minorities, who claim they are acting on orderS from above. “That the Federal Government should note that the Association of Former Speakers is indivisible. It was not formed because of the national conference. It should be accorded the honour, dignity and respect given to the Senators and House of Representatives Forum. “We urge the Federal Government to revert to our original list. “Failure to adhere to our list will portend fundamental and credibility questions, which the conference intends to solve.”

•Oyo State governor’s wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi (fourth right), with the representatives of Geely Group, Camaco/YTO Group and Shaolin Bus Group, partners of the ABC Foundation, at the ABC HUB in Beijing, China.

2007 poll: CBN to refund N1.015b over alleged double payment for ballot papers T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been ordered to refund N1.015 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Account (CRA) for a contract for the supply of 65 million ballot papers for the 2007 presidential election. The order followed the failure of the apex bank to provide evidence of the transaction, which the House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Account alleged was paid for twice by the Federal Government. The committee invited the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atahiru Jega, Permanent Secretary of State House, Emmanuel Ogbila, and the Acting Governor of CBN, Sarah Alade, to give accounts of the transaction. Dipo Fatokun, director,

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Banking and Payments System Department, who represented the CBN, said there was no double payment for the transaction. He said: “There was no double payment for the transaction. When we first appeared before the committee, we did not check our records well. That was why we thought there were double payments. “But now, we have checked our records well and discovered that there were no double payments. Our records showed that there was no payment made for the memo from the State House because the minute on it was Keep in View (KIV).”

Ogbila said the State House took over the contract from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) when INEC was unable to meet the financial requirements of the transaction in time. The committee doubted the submission of the CBN representative. According to the committee, State House statement of account generated from CBN showed that cheques for the transaction and debit entries were contradictory. Two cheques for N262 million and N763 million could not be found, while two debit figures of N10.5 million and N1.4 billion were suspicious. The two debit entries did not tally with the approved

amount of N1.015 billion. The committee queried the legitimacy of the transaction, as the money remitted to South Africa for the supply was less than approved. The INEC chairman, who said the commission was not involved, was requested to confirm the receipt of the 65 million ballot papers. Jega pleaded for time to check the commission’s records, as he was not there at the time. Explaining why the money remitted to South Africa was less N10 million, Fatokun said it was a service commission charged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) by the CBN and that commercial banks would have charged more.

“Who authorised the CBN to reduce the amount? The money approved was N1.015 billion, but CBN remitted less, this brings us to doubt if the transaction was actually consummated? “In view if this development, the CBN is ordered to remit to the Consolidated Revenue Account, N1.015 billion within one week,” Chairman of the committee, Solomon Adeola, said. Sixty-five million ballot papers were supplied by a South African firm, following the declaration of the Supreme Court on April 16, 2007, that the then Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was free to contest the presidential election on April 21, 2007. He was disqualified by INEC, following an administrative panel of enquiry, which indicted him of corruption.

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

Gbemi Saraki’s nomination N divides Kwara PDP

Al-Makura to Suswam: I share your pain

•Members threaten protest votes to APC From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Saraki

HERE is tension in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, following reports that Senator Gbemisola Saraki may be tipped as a minister. Senator Saraki is said to lead the pack of those jostling to replace the Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi. But it was gathered that some top party chieftains are against her choice, threatening to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, should the Presidency nominate her. It was learnt the former senator, who represented Kwara Central, had the backing of the party’s National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.

Other likely PDP chieftains jostling to replace the ex-Sports minister include Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC) Shuaib Abdulraheem; Kunle Sulyman; Deacon John Dara and Bio Ibrahim. Others are Yekini Alabi; Salman M. Ajadi; Lola Ashiru; Muinat Shagaya; Bode Ojomu and Yinka Aluko. Since the defection of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki to the APC, the state PDP has been engulfed in a battle for supremacy. A source said: “We have told the president and the PDP leadership to forget Kwara votes, if Gbemisola Saraki is nominated.’’ Forces opposed to Senator Saraki’s choice as minister are spearheaded by a

‘Gbemi’s appointment as minister would amount to a perpetuation of Saraki’s dynasty, which the PDP members are believed to be waging a war against’ billionaire businesswoman, who is said to be close to Patience Jonathan. The Ilorin-born businesswoman, it was gathered, boasted that she would splash N2 billion to disrupt the ruling APC in 2015. The source added: “If Gbemi emerges as a minister, she will assume the leadership of PDP against the interest of the billionaire businesswoman. “Gbemi’s appointment as minister would amount to a

Probe Fulani/Tiv clash, says ACF

HE pan northern socio-political organisation, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on the Federal Government to set up a judicial commission of enquiry to probe the clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen. ACF also urged governments to redouble their efforts in intelligence gathering and be proactive in tackling the security challenges. He said the attack on the convoy of Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam was a sign that the common man was no longer safe. The National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, in a statement, said: “Only last week, the ACF, in an ad-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

dress to the 19 northern governors, expressed dismay at the pervading security challenges in the North. “We described the situation in Benue as boiling because in the last two weeks or so, Benue State has experienced intense and vicious ethnic/communal clashes between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen, which have resulted into huge loss of life and property, farm crops and cattle. “The incessant and reprisal attacks by the two groups, which have lived together for many years, is worrisome and capable of

undermining the peaceful relationship between them. “The attack on the convoy of Governor Gabriel Suswam in Guma Local Government Area was most shocking and unfortunate. “If the convey of a governor with the security detail could be attacked by bandits, what hope does the common man have? “The ACF urges the federal and northern state governments to redouble their efforts and be proactive in tackling security challenges. “Communities must be vigilant and monitor suspicious people, get involved in intelligence gathering and alert security agencies. “The call by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar

Kwankwaso assures corps members of safety

perpetuation of Saraki’s dynasty, which the PDP members are believed to be waging a war against.” Another source said: “Members believe that a minister is the leader in the absence of a governor, who is regarded as the leader of the party.” APC’s State Interim Chair Ishola Balogun-Fulani said the developments showed that the PDP was rudderless. Balogun-Fulani added that many PDP members would soon join the APC, saying “they are only on sabbatical leave at present. “The PDP crisis to me is its cup of tea. I want to say it shows that the PDP has no leader. Right now, there are about eight factions in the party and so, if they decide to give Gbemi a ministerial slot and the crisis erupts, that is their problem. We will welcome more members into our party.”

•Shun anti-social behaviour, says Akpabio

ANO State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso yesterday assured the 1,900 corps members posted to the state of adequate security. He called on parents and guardians to pray, stressing that prayer was the only weapon to ensure security of life and property. Commissioner for Information Prof Farouk Umar Jibril, who represented the governor, urged corps members to be security-conscious wherever they may be posted. Kwankwaso said: “Only Allah can guarantee security, hence the need for us to pray to Him to grant us security, as human beings can only do things that are humanly possible.” Presenting the speech of President Goodluck Jonathan on behalf of the governor, Jibril said the scheme was a rallying point for youths. Jonathan enjoined corps members to regard wher-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

ever they would be posted to as their fatherland, noting that they should contribute their quota to its development. The state Coordinator, Sanusi Abdulrasheed, assured parents that there was no cause for alarm, saying the state is safe. He said the NYSC would allow expectant corps members, whose husbands are not residing in the state, to relocate. Abdulrasheed said others who wish to relocate would also be given the opportunity on convincing reasons. In Akwa Ibom State, corps members have been advised to shun vice and antisocial behaviour. Akpabio, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Monday Uko, urged corps members to put the interest of the nation above everything.

•Kwankwaso

His words: “On our part as government, we will do everything possible to ensure your safety and welfare during this national assignment. “As responsible and educated citizens, I admonish you to shun vice and anti-social behaviour. Always put the interest of the nation above everything, and do not lose sight of your role as future leaders.”

lll, that a judicial commission of enquiry be instituted to unravel the causes of frequent clashes between the farmers and herdsmen is most welcome and should be considered by government.”

ASARAWA State Governor Tanko AlMakura said yesterday Fulani herdsmen killed 120 people and destroyed a settlement of over 2,000 inhabitants. The governor was at the Benue State Government House, Makurdi, to commiserate with Governor Gabriel Suswam over an attack on his convoy in Guma Local Government. Al-Makura described the attack as an attack on the people and government of Nasarawa State. He said the people of Nasarawa had their share of violence when armed bandits sacked a settlement of 2,000 people and killed 120 people. Al-Makura said: “As a neighbour, friend and colleague, who once shared the Benue administrative province and were in the old Plateau State, it is natural for me to come and commiserate with you. As what affects you and Benue State affects me di-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

rectly.” Suswam said the sophisticated nature of the attack on his convoy called for concern, as the attackers were armed and accurate in their shooting. He said he was in Guma Local Government for a factfinding mission when he was ambushed. “The kind of cows we saw were different from the one I used to see. They were much and the gunmen hid among them, coming out frequently to attack poor Benue farmers.” “If the terrorists are not stopped now, we will have the kind of situation found in the Northeast. “They killed, sacked villages and settled there, so if they are not checked now, they will use the settlement as a launch pad to carry out deadly attacks. Please cooperate with us and let’s chase out the bandits.”

Madam Orogbo dies at 78

HE Orogbo family has announced the death and burial of Madam Florence Olufemi Aderonke Orogbo. Mrs Orogbo, who died on January 21, was buried at the family home in Ota, Ogun State, on March 1. She was a minister of the Good News of God’s Kingdom (regular pioneer), associated with the Oja-Oba Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Afobaje, Ota. Born on September 1, 1936, ‘Mama Orogbo’ as was fondly called, was baptised on March 22, 1969. She entered into fulltime service on January 1, 1980. She is survived by Pa Joseph Orogbo, three daughters and two sons - Emmanuel and Samuel - grand and great grandchildren. Brother S. T. Adewunmi, of Jehovah’s Witness, described Sister Orogbo as sleeping in death, awaiting the resurrection Jesus promised.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

Voter registration shoddy, says Ekiti APC

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) as “shoddy and a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise the people.” In a statement by its Publicity Director, Segun Dipe, APC said the defects observed at the registration centres showed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) either failed to prepare for the exercise or deliberately wants to “shortchange” the people. It listed some defects as the use of obsolete or faulty DDC machines and inadequacy of workers and materials. APC said: “This runs contrary to INEC’s promise to get it right with the Ekiti election and, if the morning shows the day, then it is not yet Uhuru for INEC. “This is not about one party; it is about a people who want INEC to conduct credible election, so they can have a democratically-elected governor. It

New forum in Lagos

Deputy Governor urges residents to be patient

KITI State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu has urged eligible voters not to be discouraged by the technical hitches encountered at the Continuous Voter Registration (CRV) centres. Mrs. Adelabu spoke at the Ward 13 centre at Ojido in Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, following complaints of inadequate Data Capturing Machine (DCM) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They said the centre needed more than one DDC machine, adding that they had been on the queue for a long time without being attended to. is about a people who do not want to relive their past experience and don’t want to be shortchanged. They deserve to be registered without hiccups. They should be encouraged, not discouraged. “The use of faulty and obsolete systems was noticed from the first day of the exercise in some centres, where data collected could not be stored in the systems and was lost. It is possible that those who registered and were given the temporary voter card may still have their names missing on INEC’s list.

Mrs. Adelabu urged them to be patient so they can get their voter cards, without which they would be unable to vote at the June 21 governorship poll. She said: “Do not allow the teething problem to dampen your morale. Your vote is your voice. Once you leave the registration centre in frustration, you have automatically disenfranchised yourself. The CVR is not for the under-aged. It is for those who attained 18 years after the 2011 voter registration and adults, who are yet to be registered.” The deputy governor warned against multiple registration.

This is likened to the Anambra experience where names beginning with O-Z could not be found in the register. “Another defect is the skill deficiency displayed by the INEC officials. We observed that they could not operate them and even vent out their frustration on citizens. Most times, they ask impending registrants to wait for hours before they could be registered. The result of such endless waiting is impatience and agitation. “We also observed that in wards that constitute more

than one town, such as Eka Meta and Eka Marun, residents of other towns would need to travel to the centre, only to return with disappointments, when asked to come another. This is frustrating, especially when such people do not have enough resources to transport themselves on the needless number of times it will take INEC to get it right. “Last week’s collection of permanent voter card did not fair any better. We complained about the time allotted to the exercise and INEC

said it would look at it and make it a continuous one. The commission told those who could not make it to the polling unit within the stipulated time to go to INEC secretariats in their local governments.Our people who went there met empty offices and there were no INEC worker on ground to attend to them. Those affected are yet to collect their permanent voter cards. “The morning shows the day and a stitch in time saves nine. The time for INEC to get it right is now. We do not want to wait till the election time, when such technical rigging must have been committed, as as the case in Anambra, where INEC only regretted what it termed logistical problems after the election had been shabbily conducted. “If, indeed, INEC wants the best to happen in Ekiti State as it said, then the commission must rise up to its challenges and correct the anomalies. INEC must perfect the system before the election, after all its Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, promised that the commission would take constructive criticisms and effect corrections when and where necessary.’’

Man held with 18 human skulls in Ogun From Ernest Nwokolo,

Abeokuta

MAN, Adelani Ayomide, was arrested yesterday with 18 human skulls on the Ado-Odo/Owode road in Ogun State. It is suspected that the skulls may have been harvested from a burial ground. The Nation gathered that policemen attached to the Ado-Odo Division saw Ayomide, who was walking, carrying a bag and stopped him. On searching the bag, 18 human skulls were found in it. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the suspect, who hails from Ilaro, would be transferred to the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Adejobi urgead the public to assist the police with information on other suspects working with Ayomide.

NEW political organisation, New Justice Forum (NJF), has been formed in Lagos. A statement by its Coordinators, Taiwo Ayedun and Olatunji Folami, said the group was concerned about electing good and committed leaders at the national level and in Lagos State. It said: “With this objective in mind and mindful of how the Justice Forum became a political force for good governance 15 years ago and produced good leaders, most of who continue to serve Lagos State and Nigeria, we are a new generation of youths, who are hungry for change, thirsty for good governance and committed to free, fair and credible elections in Lagos State and beyond. We are no opposition to the Justice Forum rather, we share its ideals. “Our members are aggressive youths and adults, who are positioned to protect people from political manipulation. We would collaborate with similar groups with no hidden agenda and expose any group with hideous political agenda to take advantage of the Lagos electoral process.”

•A cross section of pupils, teachers, parents and guests at the inauguration of the Lagos State Expanded School Eye Health Programme at Olusosun Primary School in Oregun, Ikeja...yesterday. INSET: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right) presenting the vision screening board to the guests.

Ondo residents urge govt to pay monarch

OME residents of Arigidi-Akoko in Ondo State yesterday urged the state government to pay the entitlements of the deposed Zaki of Arigidi, Yisa Olanipekun, and

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

recognise him as the town’s monarch. The residents, who assembled at the Governor’s Office in Akure, said Olanipekun’s selection was

Jonathan backs Amosun’s economic plan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said the Federal Government will support Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun in its “Rebuilding Mission.” Speaking at the inauguration of Procter and Gamble’s multi-million dollar plant in Agbara, Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said the Amosun administration was creating a conducive environment for businesses in the state. He said: “I believe Ogun is an industrially developed state. We will work with you based on synergies and policies that allow businesses to thrive.” The President said the contract for the construction of a

gauge fast train to connect Lagos to Ibadan through Ogun State had been awarded, adding: “Olorunsogo Power Plant in Ogun has been completed and privatised.” He said plans for the longawaited Lagos-Sokoto Road had reached an advanced stage, adding that its designs were being completed and the project would be executed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Jonathan said the Federal Government would build an additional power transmission system and invest in the development of gas infrastructure to support the state government’s efforts. Amosun said the plant was the 43rd he is inaugurating in his less than three years 0f his

valid. On Wednesday, some residents, led by Mr. Amos Ogunleye, went to the Governor’s Office, urging the government to stop Olanipekun from parading himself as the Zaki. They accused Olanipekun’s supporters of attacking them and urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to release the White Paper of the report of a committee that looked into the leadership tussle in 2009. Yesterday, Olanipekun’s supporters said the process leading to his selection was not faulted by the court, but

“the presentation of staff of office to him.” Explaining that Olanipekun was the best choice for the stool, they said the embattled monarch had the support of nine of the 10 kingmakers. A kingmaker, Chief Francis Alabi, said since Olanipekun had challenged his removal in court, he could parade himself as the monarch, pending the determination of the suit. Alabi said Olanipekun should be recognised as the Zaki and his entitlements paid until the court rules otherwise.

He said: “Oba Olanipekun remains the Zaki of Arigidi since he has challenged his removal at the Supreme Court. In fact, the court did not fault his selection and we are confident that the court will rule in his favour. “His selection was supported by nine of the 10 kingmakers and, by the grace of God, he will triumph in court. That is why we are calling on the government to accord him the respect as the Zaki of Arigidi. Those against his selection are the ones causing trouble. Oba Olanipekun deserves to be paid his entitlements.”

Oyo Security Fund donates items to Operation Burst

•Sen. Amosun

administration. He said the company would create 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, urging firms in the state to be alive to their corporate social responsibilities to their host communities. Amosun said the government would continue to provide security and an enabling environment for investors.

HE Oyo State Security Trust Fund has donated items worth N4.8 million to the security outfit, Operation Burst. The items were donated by Dr. Ayo Abinna on behalf of the Fund. They include 84 tyres, 37 batteries and 35 foot mats. Presenting the items to the security outfit at Agodi in Ibadan, Abinna said the Trust Fund would continue to support security agencies. Praising officers and men of Operation Burst for curbing crime, he urged them to use items well, adding: “We are aware of

the good job you have done since the Trust Fund was inaugurated last year and I want to emphasise that we provided the items you requested. We are working on refurbishing some of your vehicles and this has reached an advanced stage.” Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Segun Abolarinwa, who received the items, thanked the Trust Fund’s Board of Trustees for the donation. He called for sustained collaboration between the government and the Trust Fund to rid the state of criminals.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

•The school...yesterday.

Leadership is empty without vision, says Aregbesola •’We’ve built 1,724 classrooms in 39 schools’

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said leadership is empty without vision, adding that vision without action will not lead to development. The governor spoke yesterday in Osogbo at the opening of another state-of-the-art elementary school in IsaleOsun. Residents gathered at the 1,000 pupils-capacity AUD Elementary School to catch a glimpse of its 28 classrooms, hall, sickbay, staff room, grassed courtyard, basketball court and recreational area containing swings and toys. Aregbesola said his administration’s policies and programmes are “deeply steeped in vision, well-oiled by passion and firmly backed by action”. He said as far as education

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

in Osun is concerned, the government is on a mission to develop the greatest asset in nature and the human mind. The governor said: “When I assumed office as governor, I had a vision of what the future of education in Osun public school should be like. It is a vision that sees our public sector education on a comparable level with what obtains in the most educationally advanced parts of the world. “It is towards the realisation of this vision that the energy and attention of my administration have been resolutely focused. It is a vision that we intend to see through without minding the obstacles in our path. “This education mission is

solely driven by public interest, without preference for any private interest, be it religious or otherwise. As I said during the last elementary school inauguration in Ile-Ife, the goal of our education policy is to bring about human advancement and progress, which are desires that are common to all members of the human family.” Aregbesola said the overriding purpose of the state’s education policy is to give children what it takes to be masters of their environment, urging critics of the policy to change their mindset. He said: “In the building of more schools, we will keep on confronting them with the evidence of their futility, and with the accompanying message that they cannot alter our focus, neither can they derail

Lagos impounds 50 power bikes

HE Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences has impounded 50 200cc motorcycles used for commercial purposes on prohibited routes. The bikes were impounded on Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Mile 2, WEMPCO Road, Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Since regular motorcycles have been restricted from operating on highways, commercial motorcyclists have resorted to using 200cc bikes to convey passengers on prohibited routes. The Task Force Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, said power bikes are not meant for commercial purposes and that when they ply the highways, only the rider must be on it. He said they are meant for courier companies and

The law did not say you have to replace other bikes with 200cc for business. This is not the intention of the state government. They are not for commercial purposes; they are for courier and private use. “Anybody caught using 200cc bikes for commercial purpose will be charged to court and the bike will be forfeited to the state government. By Oziegbe Okoeki

private use, adding: “The law did not say you have to replace other bikes with

200cc for business. This is not the intention of the state government. They are not for commercial purposes; they are for courier and private use. “Anybody caught using 200cc bikes for commercial purpose will be charged to court and the bike will be forfeited to the state government. We have arrested some offenders and arraigned them in court. They were convicted and made to pay fine. “When we arrest offenders, their passengers always tell the truth but the riders lie. Some of them even make use of securityagencies’ emblems to escape.” Sulaiman said the state government has procured 200 power bikes for the police to be used to chase erring commercial motorcyclists.

• Aregbesola inaugurating the school...yesterday. He is flanked by Mrs. Laoye-Tomori and House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye.

our mission. “For this is one mission we regard as our sacred duty towards our children and those unborn, and we will not fail them. And if only for their sake, we will stick with what we are doing until our mission is accomplished.” The Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, who is also the Commissioner for

Education, said school reforms have confirmed to the people that the administration is determined to salvage the “battered” education sector. She said the improvement in the results of pupils in public examinations showed that the reforms are yielding fruits. Mrs. Laoye-Tomori said:

“Today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of one of the governor’s electioneering promises. Since the commencement of the school reforms, we have built 1,724 classrooms in 39 schools across the state and the job continues. This administration is determined to create a level playing field in the education of children in Osun.”

Ondo Assembly passes Pension Bill

HE Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law the controversial Contributory Pension Scheme Bill. At plenary yesterday, the lawmakers unanimously endorsed the bill. On Monday, civil servants protested against the bill, urging the House not to pass it into law. In a letter to the Joint Negotiation Committee (JNC), the workers said the scheme was “fraudulent and aimed at enslaving the workforce”. Yesterday, the lawmakers assured the workers that some clauses had been removed from the bill to serve them (the workers) better. The Deputy Speaker, Dare Emiola, who pre-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

sided over the sitting, said the Assembly would monitor the implementation of the law to ensure

that workers are not shortchanged. Emiola told reporters after plenary that the law protects the interest of workers.

Ogun Varsity: no directive on extra fee

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State has said no student was asked to pay extra tuition fee. OOU Head of Corporate Affairs Niyi Oduwole told The Nation yesterday that students resumed without paying extra fees. He said the news circulated in the social media that the management told final year medical students to pay additional fees is false. Oduwole said the study period of medical students may be extended following the doctors’ strike at the teaching hospital, adding that the university had make provisions to accommodate the back log of students from pre-medical school. According to him, six sets of students would participate in the clinical programme instead of three sets. Oduwole said this could lead to an extension of the clinical session beyond the normal academic session.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS

I was fed gari and oil, says freed Jonathan’s cousin

OOKING emaciated and speaking in a frail voice, Inengite Nitabai, the septuagenarian cousin of President Goodluck Jonathan, relived yesterday his 18-day ordeal in kidnappers’ den. Nitabai was rescued by police officers from the anti-kidnapping squad of the Bayelsa State Command, led by Chris Nwogwu. Dressed in grey Ijaw attire with shining black shoes to match, the President’s adopted father said his abductors blindfolded him, most of the time. Nitabai said the gunmen hit him with the butts of their guns and collected N400,000 from his wife before taking him away. “It was a horrible experience. Most of the time, they blindfolded me. I didn’t know where l was throughout the period. They threatened to kill me at some point,” he said. When asked what he was fed during the period, Nitabai, a retired lecturer at the Niger Delta University (NDU), said: “They always gave me gari mixed with oil.” Praising the police, especially Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara, Nitabai, who was also a former lecturer at the Rivers State University, said the police had shown they could tackle crime. He said the police lacked the capacity to curb criminality, adding that the effort of everyone was required. On whether his abductors carried out the act because of his relationship with Jonathan, he said: “That may be a factor. It was a bad experience and l don’t wish anybody to go through it.” Nitabai was abducted by 10 gun-

•Victim relives ‘horrible experience’ • Police chief: no ransom was paid JTF foils kidnap attempt on Jonathan’s relation

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HE Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, has foiled an attempt to kidnap a relative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Madam Patience Agbani. Madam Agbani is said to be related to the President’s mother. She was reportedly trailed by six assailants at 11 p.m. on Wednesday on her way from a business outing. Sighting them from a distance, the woman was said to have ran, with the bandits in pursuit. JTF’s Media Coordinator Col. Onyema Nwachukwu said Madam Agbani ran into an uncompleted building and called a JTF operative. He said: “We foiled the kidnap attempt on the woman at Akimpli at 11 p.m. She was returning from a business outing. But she was being trailed by a group of about six men. “They chased her, but thank goodness she had the phone number of one of our men deployed in SETRACO at Ogbia. Our patrol team responded and it prevented the kidnap. “We foiled the attempt from the would-be victim because of the information we got. People should assist JTF with information,” he said. Madam Agbani, it was learnt, was taken to the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa, for debriefing. From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

men on February 23 from his home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area. He was taken away in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) by the bandits, who harassed his in-law and collected N400,000 from his wife. His car was recovered at the Onuebum waterside. Three days after the incident, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N500 million.

Days after, the abductors were said to have stuck to their demand, despite appeals from the family to accept N30 million. The police arrested the 57-year-old father of the “leader” of the gang and five others at Odioma community in Brass Local Government Area. It was gathered that the gunmen abandoned their victim at Ogboma, off Odioma in Brass Local Government Area. Nitabai was found by the squad and brought to the headquarters in

•Nitabai...yesterday.

Yenagoa for “debriefing”. “The father of the kingpin was arrested and other persons who have direct link to the kidnappers apprehended. This arrest weakened the kidnappers, it was said. “Knowing that the police know their identities, the kidnappers had no choice but to abandon their victim,” a police source said. It was gathered that those arrested in connection with the incident facilitated Nitabai’s freedom. Opara said the police were professional in the way they carried out the operations. He said no ransom was paid to the kidnappers. The commissioner thanked the

victim’s family for cooperating with the police. He said the family, especially the wife of the victim, was in touch with the police and heeded the advice not to pay any ransom. The police chief praised the inspector-general of Police and the assistant inspector-general (Zone 5) for not mounting pressure on the command. Opara said Governor Seriake Dickson provided funds for the trips embarked upon by the police. He said: “We applied professionalism in the way and manner we went about this case. No ransom was paid. We are going to arrest other persons involved in this crime.”

Broadcaster kidnapped in POPULAR broadPort Harcourt caster with Wazobia

FM, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Anthony Akatakpo, also known as “Akas Baba”, has been abducted. Akatakpo was abducted from his home in Rumuekini, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area about 2 a.m. yesterday. It was gathered that the gunmen, whose number could not be ascertained, knocked on his door, but he refused to open it. They cut the burglary proof before breaking the door. On entering the house, they shot Akatakpo in the leg and asked for money, which his wife, Candy, gave to them. They also took the keys to a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and the woman’s trinkets. Commissioner of Police Tunde Ogunsakin, who visited Akatakpo’s home yesterday, assured his wife the police would ensure the re-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

lease of her husband. Ogunsakin said: “We will get there. Wherever he is, we will get there. We will put everything in motion to unravel it. I can assure you that we will get there.” Reliving her experience, Candy said her husband was shot in the leg before he was taken away in the car, LSD 871 CM. “They shot the gun directly at my husband’s leg. Part of the bullet also entered my leg. Before they left, they said if I have N10 million, they will release him. They said as a wife I know what to do. “They asked for the car keys, which we gave to them. They carried my husband away with them. I believe they put him inside the boot. I am appealing to those involved to please release my husband.”

98 illegal refineries destroyed

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

HE 4 Brigade said yesterday that it destroyed 98 illegal refineries in Edo, Delta and Ondo states in the last 30 days. It said 75 persons were arrested and 15 trucks, 141 boats were destroyed. The Brigade’s spokesman, Capt Abubakar Abdullahi, spoke yesterday while setting ablaze one tanker and truck intercepted with 33,000 litres of illegally refined diesel and 13,000 litres of crude oil. Capt Abubakar said 40 illegal fuel reservoir and 1,709 drums of illegally-refined petroleum products were also destroyed. He said the truck with registration: URM 298 XA, was intercepted at Oyemwonsa Street in Benin, Edo State. The tanker, marked XA 490 USL, was impounded at Ugo.

•Dr Ogunbiyi (left); Mr Tijani; Mrs Ogunbiyi and Permanent Secretary, ministry of Energy and Mineal Resources, Mrs Reginal Obasa at the inauguration...yesterday

Firm lifts school in Lagos

ANUS Books Limited, a frontline publishing firm, has installed two fully functional e-classrooms at the Ayedere/ Ajibola Secondary School situated in Ketu, Lagos. The modern teaching platforms, besides being capable of hosting 80 students, comprise 80 tablets, two computers, two projectors, and a wireless router with a microphone and amplifier; two ceiling fans and two air-conditioning units. The entire system is powered by solar energy. With the development, the school will enjoy a massive savings by cutting cost on fuelling its electricity generating set. To the donor, it is a way of actualising its corporate so-

By Tonia ‘Diyan

cial responsibility to the educational sector in fulfillment of its pledge to donate an eclassroom to the winning school of the Lagos State Power Conservation Initiative, ‘The PowerKids Programme’. By the gesture, pupils and teachers at the beneficiary school now have the opportunity to interact on an electronic platform through the use of visual projectors and teaching e-tablets, which ultimately boost their attention span. The Head, Digital Department of the firm, Mr Tokunbo Ogunbiyi, said: “The donation was predicated on the desire to make teaching

easier as the digital technological platform adds a new dimension to the usual way knowledge gets imparted into students.” He stressed the importance of introducing students to such pertinent technological platforms, saying that it would increase their employability in future, given the importance technology has assumed in driving the modern economy. He added: “It is the hope of Tanus Books that the e-class will stimulate the students’ appetite for deeper learning through the use of such technology platforms”. The Executive Chairman of Tanus Books, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, said: “Today’s events are for the kids. We

have observed that they can learn better this way. The electronic textbooks are quite expensive and should be used properly. As we get support from the government, we will power more schools.” Commissioner for Energy, Engr Taofeek Tijani, said: “The governor has taken so much keen interest in solar energy and we hope that this will go round. Let us make this work; the children should test it and give us feedback.” The General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mrs Daramola Ogunbiyi, said she was proud to be an official in the state because of its unique educational system.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS Govt advised on conference From Jeremiah Oke,

Abeokuta A GROUP, the Youngsters International, Nigeria chapter, has urged the Federal Government to ensure equal representation at the national conference. It described the non-inclusion of traditionalists as unfair, alleging that traditional religion is being relegated. In a communiqué signed by its President, Adefabi Dasola and Secretary-General, Fayemi Fakayode, after its meeting at the national secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State, the group accused the Federal Government of promoting discrimination and inequality.

Church holds programme

Ngige’s 40-bag evidence shocks tribunal

NAMBRA State Elections Petitions Tribunal, headed by the Justice Ishaq Bello, was shocked yesterday, following 40 “Ghana-must-go” bags filled with evidence, brought by Senator Chris Ngige. After one week break, the tribunal resumed with bags of evidence brought by Ngige, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 16 poll. Ngige’s petition is against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident

•Panel refuses to strike out Obidigbo’s case From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Electoral Commissioner (REC), Chief Willie Obiano and the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Some documents tendered by Ngige’s lawyers, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), were voter registers used during the election. Ngige and APC tendered other documents, such as the ballot paper account, oath of neutrality and the list of ad hoc workers. In selected areas, ballot papers would be

tendered. The tribunal refused to dismiss an application by Adegboyega Awomolo and Patrick Ikwueto to strike out the petition of Dr. Chike Obidigbo, challenging the recognition of Obiano by APGA . Justice Bello said they were at the tribunal to play by the rules of fairness and not to promote injustice. He held that the tribunal would give Obidigbo’s counsel, Mr. J.O. Onwujekwe, an adjournment to enable him produce

documents held by Oba Maduabuchi, who lost his brother. The tribunal was surprised that although most of Ngige’s evidence was struck out at pre-trial, the petitioner still came up with bags of other evidence. Members of the Bar yesterday commiserated with Justice Bello, who lost his uncle on Wednesday. Awomolo, counsel to INEC, Ikwueto, counsel to APGA and Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

TRIUMPHANT Baptist Church, Akowonjo, Lagos, will, on March 15, hold its monthly programme tagged: “Heavenly Dew.” The theme of the programme is: “The Gracious Hand of our God.” It starts at 7a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m. Pastor Sunday Oladejo said the programme provides an avenue for people to pray for their challenges in life.

Body plans workshop

ESDEES, a professional body, will organise a twoday workshop and training session. It will hold between this month and next at Ozone Cinema, Yaba, Lagos. The organiser, Seun Dosumu, said: “Our intention is to train participants to understand the travel industry, making reservation on the global distribution system to know, encode and decode cities, airports and airlines’ codes customer service. We will train them in the tracking of bookings, checking the rules of a booking class and others. “We expect students, undergraduates, graduates, self-employed people and employees to acquire skills.”

N160m for First Class graduates From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

PUBLIC NOTICE ADEKUNLE

I formerly known and addressed as Adekunle Bosede Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed Obaro Bosede Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OYENIYI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeniyi Bamidele Nike now wish to be known and addressed Mrs Olajumoke Bamidele Nike. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

•Senator Ngige flanked by his running mate, Ralph Okeke (right) and APC Anambra State chairman, Chief Amaechi Obidike, departing the tribunal...yesterday. INSET: Some of the bags.

ANAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi yesterday presented N1 million each to 160 First-Class graduates, who are indigenes, to enable them establish themselves. The event took place at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, while he was presenting 15 Toyota buses to 55 secondary schools. Obi said the gesture was to encourage hard work among students and youths. The recipients are graduates of Nigerian universities. The governor distributed more than 200 transformers to communities and two fire trucks to the fire service.

Death penalty: Govt to honour court order stopping execution some security operatives enHE Attorney-General of of condemned prisoners, says AGF gaged in the operations. As earthe Federation, Mr. Mo-

hammed Bello Adoke (SAN) yesterday said the Federal Government would respect the order of the ECOWAS Court stopping the execution of condemned prisoners nationwide. But he said the government

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

would continue national dialogue and consultations on whether to abolish or retain death penalty. He also said in spite of the

fact that the war against Boko Haram insurgents is challenging, it will be conducted with respect for human rights. He however, said there is no going back on the ban on samesex marriage Act which was recently signed into law by the President. Adoke made the submissions in an address at a closed door session with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Madam Navi Pillay. Pillay’s visit was the first by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since the office was created 20 years ago. Adoke said: “As the leader of government delegation to the Human Rights Council review of Nigeria under the Universal Periodic review mechanism in October last year, I observed that most of the Council Members expressed concerns on the death penalty in Nigeria and also the passage of the Same Sex Prohibition Law which has since been assented to by the President. “Just as I remarked during the review, the issue of death penalty is sensitive in Nigeria, especially taking into account the federal nature of the country. Government will take a position as to whether to remove it or not from our statute books after due consultations with the broad spectrum of Nigerian populace. “I must however observe that the ECOWAS Court of Justice has recently granted an Injunction restraining the Nigerian

Government from carrying out the execution of condemned persons and directing the Government to continue to abide by its commitment to the Moratorium against the death penalty. “We shall respect this order by the Court, even as we continue with our national dialogue on the abolition or retention of the penalty.” On the security challenges facing the country, he said although the war against Boko Haram insurgency had been challenging, the Federal Government would wage it with respect for human rights. Adoke added: “To address the present security challenges in the country, government has set up many committees, the reports of which are being considered and implemented. “The Federal government has also adopted other constitutional measures which include the declaration of a State of Emergency over Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. “While the war on terror currently been waged by our security agencies is undoubtedly a difficult and challenging one in view of the guerrilla tactics adopted by the insurgents, our forces have been under strict instructions to ensure that the war is waged with due regard for the human rights of residents of the affected areas, in line with our international and domestic obligations. “As a government, we are however aware that despite our best efforts, there had been some allegations of excesses by

lier indicated, we shall continue to deal with all reported cases strictly in accordance with our laws and the commitment of the present administration to the Rule of Law.” On Anti-Same Sex Marriage Act, the Minister said it was in line with the wish of 92 per cent of Nigerians. He said: “I wish to re-emphasise that our laws do not criminalise individual sexual orientation. “The focus of the Act is therefore discouragement of samesex marriage which is a reflection of the overwhelming beliefs and cultural values of the Nigerian people as demonstrated by a 2013 Opinion Poll which showed that 92% of Nigerians reject same-sex marriage.” He clarified that the government had not been shielding law enforcement agents and security officers engaging in extra-judicial killings. He added: “The Nigerian Constitution does not permit extra-judicial killings and has zero tolerance for any form of cruelty or inhuman treatment. “While there have reports of extra-judicial killings, let me assure you that security officers that have been found culpable irrespective of their position are made to face the full weight of the law.” Pillay, who admitted that Nigeria has had some serious underlying problems, said: “I’m not here to come and criticize. I’m here to encourage them (the government) to do more to protect everyone human rights.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX -PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

•From left: Chief Olanipekun, Mrs Martins, Bode and Tolu, Mrs Olanipekun and Chief Martins

T was the gathering of the high and mighty. They came to share in the joy of two members of their club whose children were getting married. Olabode Olutoyin, lawyer- son of eminent lawyer and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Tolulope Aduke, daughter of defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) stalwart Chief Kenny Martins were joined in holy matrimony at an elaborate ceremony in Lagos. The couple exchanged marital vows at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Church Parish, on the Gbagada/ Oworonshoki Expressway in Lagos before family members, friends and associates. The couple was the cynosure of all eyes in their exotic suit and gown. It was a wedding with a statement as members of the couple’s parents’ social class turned out in large number. Legal bigwigs, captains of industry and political giants were present. Many uniformed officials were on hand to ensure order. Olanipekun, his wife, Omolara, and their in-laws radiated warmth as they received guests. Among clerics, who joined the couple together were: The Regional Evangelist of RCCG, Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye; Pastor Funsho Adedayo; Pastor Tunde Fowler; Pastor Sylvester Mbamali and Pastor Emeka Obiagwu among others. The couple were told that marriage is an institution for mutual fellowship where they should keep their bodies holy as the body of Christ to follow God for procreation.

They come from a solid background. The groom, Olabode Olutoyin is the son of eminent lawyer and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and the bride, Tolulope Aduke, is the daughter of a political stalwart, Chief Kenny Martins. Their wedding in Lagos attracted the cream of society, NNEKA NWANERI reports.

A show-stopping wedding “God, give me the grace to do this for my children," some prayed during the service as the bride gave the groom a Bible. All eyes were on the couple as they held the Holy Book and declared their consent to be one forever. Obasanjo and Tinubu, took photographs with the couple and their parents. State-of-the-art automobiles scrambled for space at the expansive Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos where the reception was held. Many arrived in time for the event. The Divisional Police Officer, Bar Beach Police Station, Adegoke Fayoade, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), led his men to secure the event centre. The venue was decorated in gold, except the stage. The lightings brought out the beauty of the setting. The tables, big enough to sit 10 or more people each, bore golden overlays. On the stage was a white tent with white rug and a couch for the couple. Leading to it was a walk-

way with candles light on both sides. After the opening prayer by Pastor James Omolafe, ace comedian Julius Agwu got guests waring with laughter. The Awesome Band, led by Abbey Awesola and Hip-hop singer Tiwa Savage, supplied music. She electrified the arena with her songs and dance. The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, joined others to dance to her music. Savage got the guests yelling for more with her hit number, Eminado. By the stage was a projector displaying pictures of the couple. There was also a documentary, in which the couple's siblings and parents spoke about them. Tolulope's brother, Femi Martins, described her as a book-worm, saying she would always lock herself up in her room reading. Soon, the couple were called to cut their white-and-gold cake. Former Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Director-General Prof NdiOkereke Onyuike directed the session. She urged the organisers to ensure that the cake was shared and

eaten by everyone. Olumide Osoba, who proposed the toast, said he had known Olabode for more than a decade. He said the couple were made for each other. After Tolulope displayed humility while feeding her man, Olabode was asked how much he loves his wife. Beaming with smiles, he responded tersely: "... a whole lot!" The gathering applauded as Tolulope responded in like manner. Photographers clicked away as guests posed with the couple and their parents. Food and drinks were in abundance as the waiters went round to ensure everybody was served. "Please, feel free to ask for more food and drinks; they are all for you," a voice pleaded, as the dance floor was just thrown open, beginning with the couple. "With this outing, God has again and again beamed His grace on my family," Olanipekun said. The legal giant urged the couple to be faithful to each other. "It's a day the Lord made for us," Martins said, smiling.

At the church were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi; Chief Justice Maryam Aloma Mukhtar; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi his wife, Erelu Bisi; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) Governors Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, among others. At the reception were: Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos; Justice Funmilayo Atilade; former Zenith Bank Chief Jim Ovia; First City Monument Bank (FCMB) founder, Otunba Subomi Balogun; Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi; Lagos State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Manko, who represented the Inspector-General of Police (IGP); Minister of State Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Lagos White-Cap chiefs; activist lawyer Femi Falana; Chief Julius AdelusiAdeluyi; Mr Fola Adeola; former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe; Bishop of Goodnews Miracle Bible Church Arch Bishop George Amu, and the CEO, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Mr Ifeanyi Uba. Dele Adesina (SAN); Justice George Oguntade (rtd); Chief Mike Ozekhome; Publisher, Ovation Bashorun Dele Momodu; Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; Members of the Board of Trustees of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme; members of Ikere Development Forum (IDF), an umbrella body of indigenes of Ikere Ekiti, Olanipekun's home town. •More pictures on page 14

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SOCIETY A SHOW-STOPPING WEDDING

•From left: Governor Fayemi and wife Erelu Bisi; Asiwaju Tinubu and wife Senator Oluremi

•Chief Obasanjo

•Governor Shema (left) and Governor Fashola

•Prince Oyinlola (left) and Governor Uduaghan

•Oba Akiolu

•From left: Justice Phillips; Justice Atilade and Mrs Evelyn Obioha

•Prof Onyuike (left) and Lady Ada Chukwudozie

•From left: Mr Rickey Tarfa, (SAN); Chief Mike Igbokwe (SAN); Mr Jimi Shotunde and Dr Erastus Akingbola

•Mr Uba, his wife Uche; Mrs Josephine Ozekhome and her husband Chief Mike

•Prof Ibidapo-Obe (left) and Chairman, Governing Board Oil and Gas Free Authority Dr Chris Asoluka

•Otunba Dayo Olarenwaju (left) and Otunba Balogun PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SOCIETY

Union of bankers •The couple Olabisi and Omobolaji with members of the bridal train

•From left: Representative of groom’s father Mr Folami Ajala; groom’s mum Mrs Toyin Ajala-Amos; bride’s parents, Chief Akomolede and wife

•Mr Dele Adesina (SAN)

Two bankers Olabisi Bridget and Omobolaji Oladimeji Ajala have been joined in holy matrimony at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in 1004 Housing Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

ALL it a union of bankers, you may not be wrong. The couple work in banks. The groom, Omobolaji Oladimeji Ajala works in Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and the bride, an employee of Skye Bank. On March 1, they consummated their marriage after a three-year courtship. The wedding took place at the St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos. The bride is the daughter of the Asiwaju of Ilawe Ekiti, Chief Kola Akomolede. The Bible reading was taken from Tobit 8:4-8. The couple were joined together by Monsignor Edward Ogidan and Rev Fr Debres Trinkson, who admonished them to avoid third parties in their marital affairs but to sort out their differences amicably among themselves. Bisi displayed joy and pride. Though it was the happiest day of her life, she chose to be simple. She wore no makeup and was simply adorned in a silk patterned floor length gown. She and her father called out the

•From left: Mr Bolaji Ajala, his wife and Mr Femi Falana

•Monsignor Ogidan (left) and Rev. Fr. Trinkson PHOTOS: MUYIWA HASSAN

order of photographs outside the church. "This is just typical of her," Chief Akomolede, said. She is an organiser; so, it is not strange that she is the one co-ordinating the order of photographs. That is the kind of person she is," he said. The elegant bride told The Nation that she has felt married to him since they met. "All we are here for is to make it official. We have been married in our hearts long before now. But all the same, he's been worth the wait, an amazing man and I can't wait to start a life together with him," she said. The couple were linked through a mutual friend. Bolaji said: "We met through a mutual friend. We have been able

ring. I showed Bisi the video clip. She was amused by it and, at that point, I brought out the ring and asked her to marry me and she accepted. "Bisi makes me a happy man and I feel fulfilled that was why I chose to spend the remaining part of my life with her. She has a very good heart and is generous," he said. Chief Akomodede was elated. Decked in a blue agabda made of Yoruba Aso-Oke material, he wore same uniform with the groom's father. Mothers of the couple also stood out in their uniformed attires. "Today, I am a happy man because my daughter is very responsible, hardworking and obedient. She is one I hate to miss in the family. But I have no choice than to let her go. “Unlike his wife, my son-in-law

to get along easily because we chatted for weeks before we finally met so we blended fine. Though during the chatting periods, I saw many pictures of her. But when we met, she turned out to be taller than I expected but we clicked and thus, began the process that brought us here today." Olabisi interjected: "Its been great since then and everyday has been a memorable day for us. No day in particular has been different from another. Everything and everyday has been memorable for us." Bolaji was glad his marriage proposal came as a surprise to her. "I saw a video online. A funny video of a guy that has been dating a girl for many years and the girl's family has been praying that he proposes. He did give her a promise

is a cool, calm and calculated person. Their combination works well and they complement each other. While Bisi is a goal getter, Bolaji is a quiet achiever," he said. He enjoined them to love each other, pray together and keep their differences within themselves. The reception held at KFA Events Centre, Lekki, where peach and blue colours were on display. The uniformed lace for the occasion was complemented by blue headgears for the women and caps for the men. Their dresses were sewn in traditional Yoruba style. Present were members of the Rotary Club, Ikoyi Club; Busy Bee Society; members of Unique Sisters; Ilawe people and the members of the Ekiti Parapo Club were led by activist lawyer Femi Falana.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SOCIETY WEDDING

•Mother of the bride, Mrs Funmilayo Adumati and Odofin Ejiyan, Ekiti State, High Chief Thomas Awoleye

•The couple, Busola and Busayo Ogundeyi

•From left: Retired Col. Odebiyi and groom’s parents, Mr Babatunde Ogundeyi and wife

•From left: Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Osun State Government, Mr Semiu Okanlawon; Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspapers, Mr Bolaji Tunji; Nollywood actor/producer, Kunle Afolayan; Managing Director, Forbes Integrated, Mr. Sam Davies; Chief Executive Officer, Relentless Media, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Mr. Seun Soyinka.

Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Mix Ltd, Mr Akin Adeoya and his wife, Florence.

•Percy Ademokun

•From left: Mr Wole Agbola; President, Christian Unity Bank, Mr Abel Johnson and Mrs Comfort Taiwo

LASUMBITE 2010 AND 2011 SECTION COCKTAIL PARTY

•Mr Kunle Ola (left) and Dr Mike Aremu

•From left: Shina Adesola; Moji Fadipe; Abraham Odabi; Rapheal Akinsulire; Arinola Odunlami; Laleye Yinka and Collins Okoluino PHOTOS:OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SOCIETY

50TH BIRTHDAY OF SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONFERENCE 57 HON HAKEEM ADISA BAMGBOLA IN LAGOS

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Summary of Technical Speech

•Wife of the celebrator, Alhaja Aisha Ashabi Bamgbola (fifth right) assisted by friends and well-wishers to cut the cake

•Mother of the celebrator Alhaja Rafat Bamgbola (left) and Alhaja Ajose Munirat

•From left: Chief David Adenekan; Alhaji Kayode Quadri and Alhaji Morufu Balogun

•From left: Secretary, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Gbenga Oyebode; Vice-Chairman, Alhaja Mulikat Ajala; Leader of the House, Hon Sina Mustapha; Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Ronke Balogun and Supervisor for Environment Ahmed Apatira.

WEDDING

•The couple, Mr Surulola Eke, a University of Benin (UNIBEN) lecturer and his wife, Ovoko at their wedding in Benin, Edo State.

•Chief Executive Officer Lagos Drain Duck Alhaji Akeem Apatira (left) and Alhaji Fasasi Amodu PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

RECEPTION

•Members of Awori Club 98 Mrs Morenikeji Okwuonu and Mr Samson Akinbami during a reception for them at Oba Elegbada’s Palace on their promotion as Council Managers.

ECHNICAL speech is designed to communicate specialised information. It is the type of speech that presents information that can only be understood by people within a particular group. The informaAMODU LANRE OLAOLU tion is not meant for everybody, but only for (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. 07034737394 those who can make use @lanreamodu of it to create services or products that the general public can find useful. Technical speech is unique in its nature and delivery. Its very name betrays its level of seriousness. The following are some of its characteristics: •It is Informative: Technical speech aims at informing its audience about a specific subject. This is done in such a way that at its conclusion, the audience knows more about the subject matter than it did at the beginning of the speech. •Research based: one of the major characteristics of a technical speech is that it is research based. This is not just about the background information you gather so as to enrich your speech; rather, the speech itself is a scientific (so to speak) report. •The use of technical aids: though it may seem obvious, it is still important to mention that the "technical" in the name of the speech does not only refer to the complexity of the idea being discussed; it also refers to the technical assistance needed for conveying the message. •There is opportunity for questions or contributions: this is one of the few types of speeches that allow the audience to ask questions from the presenter after the presentation. •The use of statistics: this may not be compulsory, depending on the subject matter. Nevertheless, if the report is based on some research findings, there will always be need to present the data in tables and graphs. Just as we have in point three above, technical speech makes use of technical aids such as handouts, multimedia and statistics. Here are some of their uses: Handout •Documentation: There will always be need to refer to some of those materials in future. •Easy dissemination of ideas: while dealing with a complex idea, it is necessary to package it in a document so that the audience can take a closer look. •Sustains attention: since technical speech tends to be boring because of the seriousness of the subject matter (unless the speaker can manage to infuse humour without watering down the message), the minds of the listeners tend to wonder. Handouts help to keep the audience busy. •Aids preview: for quality contribution, it is preferable for the handout to be given to the audience before the presentation. Multimedia •It is Illustrative: multimedia helps the speaker to illustrate his/her ideas. •It is interesting: it captures the attention of the audience. •It makes use of projection: when using multimedia, the information on a computer is projected to a distant surface so that the audience can see it. •It helps the speaker to avoid reading notes: when speakers make use of multimedia, they look up at the information on the screen instead of looking down all the time at their notes. Statistics •Information is usually so much that managing it becomes difficult. By grouping such information, it is easy to deal with. •There is hardly enough space to provide all the information available for a report in a single document. Hence, there is need to compress the information through the use of statistics. •Most times, information may not make sense to its recipients unless it has been processed statistically. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SOCIETY

A double celebration it was for Mr Rasheed Oyeyinka Adesina, the retired Principal of Igbo-Owu Senior Secondary School, in Lagos. A send-off party and 60th birthday bash were held for him on the school premises. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

Double celebration for ‘wonderful’ principal

OR the retired Principal of Igbo-Owu Senior Secondary School in Mushin, Lagos, Mr Rasheed Oyeyinka Adesina, it was a double celebration. He celebrated his last day in office as the Principal of the school and also marked his 60th birthday on the school premises on February 21. Before noon, students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the schoo were waiting for the arrival of Adesina. Tents were erected in the school compound and decorated in gold and brown. White plastic chairs were set round tables. Some members of staff and students stood on the left and right sides from the school gate to the tents to receive the celebrator. The students wore their uniform while the members of staff were in uniformed brown Ankara with gold head gear/cap. Most of the guests wore traditional attire. Some members of the school’s old students association were also there. The event started at the entry of the retiree and his wife, Abisola. They wore blue traditional attire. He came in with his entourage amid songs supplied by Booms and Pops D.J. He and his wife greeted guests and hugged some as they moved through the tents to their seats. After the national and school anthems were taken, the Chairman, organising committee for the retirement/send-off party, Mr Idowu Akinbile, welcomed guests. He thanked the students, staff of the school, old students, friends and family members for coming to share in the joy of Adesina. Akinbile said Adesina managed the school like a private school. “He has given the school a new lift since he became the principal. Many new things happened during his tenure, including provision of I.C.T. facilities, modern laboratories, sizeable classrooms, excellent S.S.C.E, results, disciplined students and a new block of 18 classrooms to mention a few,” he said. Mr Abdul Raheem Sayi, a lawyer, took to the microphone. He urged everyone to hold on to

•Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs Iyabo Osifeso

thank God I made it through,” he said. The Vice •From left: Mrs Olufowobi, assisted by her husband, Alhaji Olumide Olufowobi, to present a portrait P r i n c i p a l to Mr Adesina and his wife, Abisola. (Academics) Allah and put their total trust in him. He told them to understand the purpose for which Allah created them, adding, Allah is so great that He does not need assistance from any body. Prayers were said for the retiree. The event continued with a dance performance by a cultural group. The dancers wore uniformed attire with traditional beads and had horse tail in their right hand. They sang Yoruba songs. The retiree joined them, dancing and spraying

money. Guests later presented gifts to Adesina and his birthday cake was cut. He was assisted by his wife and other guests. Guests took turns to take photographs with him. Adesina took to the microphone singing a song O ye ki a dupe. He thanked God for the day. He also thanked the staff and students for making his tenure a successful one. “When I first came to this school, it was a school of all sorts. But I

of the school, Mrs Bolanle Olufowobi, described Adesina as a disciplinarian, goal setter and goal achiever. “Some people may see him as too strict, some people may see him as too rigid but none will say he is wicked. He only has zero tolerance to laziness and indiscipline,” she said. Mrs Olufowobi wished him long life with good health. The daughter of the retiree, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, thanked her daddy for showing his children the right ways.

“You are the best dad in the whole world and we are proud of you. If we can be half of the person you are, we would consider ourselves to be extra-ordinary human beings,” she said. President, Ijebu Mushin College Old Students Association (IMCOSA) Club 71, Prof Omooba ‘Lasun Gbadamosi, described the retiree as a matured individual who interacts with everybody, not minding the age difference. “He is sociable and easygoing gentleman; always considerate in his dealings with people,” he said. Ambassador Alu Akinola, for Igbo Owu Senior Secondary School Alumni ’99 (IOSSA ’99), thanked Mr Adesina for his contributions to the school, adding that the legacy he left would not be erased.

Penultimate Sunday, the Prophetic Power Ministry (PPM), Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos held an anniversary at the church premises, reports JOSEPH ESHANOKPE.

In the Lord’s vineyard

OR the first time since the church was formed over 10 years ago, there was no service at the Prophetic Power Ministry (PPM) in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos. In its place a seminar with the theme: Success Story was held last Sunday as part of activities marking the church’s anniversary. Though billed to start at 8 am, the event did not begin until about two and half hours later. While the General Overseer (GO) of the church Apostle Randle Oriafo did not explain the reason, both guests and members of the church waited patiently, singing and praising God. They were, however, compensated when the guests walked from the GO’s office to the altar all smiling and acknowledging greetings; some wriggle, others murmur. It is likely that this was the first time they were seeing famous actress Stephanie Okereke and her amiable husband Pastor Idahosa Linus. There was joy on their faces. Oriafo, who was also the MC of the maiden event, stated why it was being held. According to him, “we want our youths to be saved.’’ But there was more. He said he brought the couple to teach the members of the church, especially the youth that

despite their background and station in life, they could be successful. If that was the aim, then Oriafo made a good choice as Idahosa pointed out later: he grew up in Ajegunle, but when fortune smiled on him after many years of hard work, tenacity of purpose and unshakeable faith in God, he relocated to his massion in Lekki, where he lives with his family. To welcome the Idahosas were the women group. Although they meant well, their leader almost spoilt the show as either she lost her voice or line from the very first humming. But a growl from the congregation quickly put her in check. Thus their song titled: ‘Nobody be like you…,’ a praise song of the Almighty was beautifully rendered and applauded by Stephanie. But the Drama Group received the most applause. Their presentation titled: ‘Money palaver’ was adjudged the best. It was Stephanie who spoke first. Hers, curiously, turned out to be the shortest speech. Unexpectedly, she did not preach. She said: “I am excited to be here. This is a wonderful church. I am grateful and thank you for having us here.” When Pastor Linus, who wore a

•Mr and Mrs Linus flanked by Pastor and Mrs Oriafo

white shirt, a suit with a pair of black shoes to match mounted the pulpit, it was clear he was not living under the shadow of his wife’s stardom. He has a story of his own to tell. In the over one hour sermon, he not only told the story of his life, he said one’s background is not a barrier to success in life. The congregation was stunned when he said he grew up in

Ajegunle, where his father, a pastor, mother (who was in the congregation), aunty and siblings lived in a two-room apartment for many years. Noting that their condition could best be described as squalor in the no-holds bar sermon, he said he knew that that was not God’s plan for them and fought poverty all

along. He warned: “The fact that you pray, come to church and serve God is not enough that you will move to the next level.” At the event were Apostle Paul Glint from Delta State; Rev Kingsley Albert; Evangelist Emeka Peter Samuel; Deanconess Comfort Ifelodun and Mercy Oyibo.

THE NATION FRIDAY,MARCH 14, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

PDP’s janjaweed comment •A most reckless and irresponsible call from a ruling party sworn to national unity

NE of the most remarkable ironies about consistent partisan exchanges is that they often sound like crying wolf, where there is none. But the very occasions that there is indeed a threatening wolf, the danger is not given the attention it deserves. Such a scenario just got created. But it is no surprise that it has not got the ringing condemnation that should meet it. After the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Roadmap, Olisa Metuh, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national publicity secretary, perhaps to underscore his contempt for what he thought was partisan spin, dismissed the roadmap as a product of Janjaweed thinking. On the surface, no offence in that. Mr. Metuh’s job, as chief spokesperson for his party, is to discredit the opposing party, lest its programmes gather suction to hurt his own party. In partisan battles, as in real wars, the guiding philosophy is get the opposition before it gets you. So, Mr. Metuh would be damned if he allowed APC to take over the public space without offering stout resistance. But that was the only thing right about Mr. Metuh’s ill-fated comment. To start with, Janjaweed is scary symbolism. It is native to the troubled Darfur region of the eternally troubled Sudan; and it is the name of an Arab militia, allegedly armed by the state, to brutally suppress the revolting African Muslims, up against the Sudan powers-that-be. Janjaweed, as Lai Mohammed, APC national publicity secretary correctly remarked, has a disturbing religious connotation; not to talk of its settled place in

infamy, given its murderous havoc on coSudanese, who just disagree with the extant government. But perhaps this, as bad symbolism as it is, would not have mattered much, but for the consistent reckless statements from this same Mr. Metuh, from which he gives the impression he does not particularly care if these wild statements may push the country to needless religious conflagration. Mr. Metuh, not long ago, declared APC a Muslim party. Though that appeared a panicky statement, as it came at the height of the high-voltage defections from PDP, it would appear a Freudian slip, which fits nicely into Mr. Metuh’s latest Janjaweed philosophy. Might that then reflect the innermost recesses of the PDP powers-thatbe, as the build-up to 2015 starts? Add this series of symbolism, and everyone probably has a lot to fear: President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Metuh’s principal, has launched sorties to churches nationwide, making political statements, clubbing opponents and generally abusing the sanctity of the churches he visited. Now, a not illegitimate question: does Mr. Metuh have the mandate to drape the main political opposition in his phantom Islamist-Janjaweed vision, while the president himself goes on an identity tour, which suggests a “We Vs Them” connotation? Perhaps there is nothing to it than just a disturbing trend. But even that itself is bad enough, for a country plagued by needless religious tension. It is bad enough that Mr. Metuh’s reflex criticism of the APC Roadmap was crassly

emotional, without any critical rigour. A serious ruling party should be made of more rigorous stuff. It is even worse that his emotional reflex picked up religion, with nary any thought of its devastating consequences, should things go awry. That is why every right-thinking Nigerian must condemn this unforced resort to volatile passion by a ruling party whose most important job is securing nation-wide peace by being fair and just to all. Instead of this reprehensible appeal to base religious emotion, the PDP must raise its game to reasoned and logical ripostes to whatever APC — and indeed other parties — throw at it. Mr. Metuh’s newfound hobby of appealing to base religion must stop. Otherwise, it is a road that would lead everybody to perdition.

‘Now, a not illegitimate question: does Mr. Metuh have the mandate to drape the main political opposition in his phantom Islamist-Janjaweed vision, while the president himself goes on an identity tour, which suggests a “We Vs Them” connotation? Perhaps there is nothing to it than just a disturbing trend. But even that itself is bad enough, for a country plagued by needless religious tension’

Bugaje’s mindset

•His view on Law of the Sea is too dangerous for comfort

HE exuberance exhibited by Dr. Usman Bugaje at the meeting of some prominent Leaders and Elders of Northern Nigeria, in Kano, last week, for which he received a standing ovation, is completely misguided. Dr. Bugaje had in reckless excitement claimed that: ‘whatever mileage you get in the sea according to the United Nations law of the sea is a measure of the land mass that you have, that is what gives you the mileage into the sea and the land mass of the country that gives that long 200 nautical miles or more into the ocean is because of the 72% of the land mass of this country, which is the north”. Obviously, Dr. Bugaje’s mindset is predicated on a classical ultra-dependency syndrome on the oil mineral re-

‘Obviously, Dr. Bugaje’s mindset is predicated on a classical ultra-dependency syndrome on the oil mineral resources, which is principally concentrated in the Niger Delta area and its continental shelf. In our view, it is the mindset that is at the root of the underdevelopment of Nigeria, particularly its northern part. It is also a fraudulent sense of entitlement, which historically has undermined robust economic activities across our country’

sources, which is principally concentrated in the Niger Delta area and its continental shelf. In our view, it is the mindset that is at the root of the underdevelopment of Nigeria, particularly its northern part. It is also a fraudulent sense of entitlement, which historically has undermined robust economic activities across our country, as it engenders more effort on the sharing of the petro dollars from the hydro-carbon resources of the Niger-Delta, in place of labour. The dangerous consequence of the ascendancy of the Bugaje’s mindset is a rent economy and the de-industrialisation of the country. Indeed, Dr. Bugaje’s reference to the land mass as the determinant of the Exclusive Economic Zone of a state under International Law is hogwash. His thesis is also ant ethical to the fundamental principles of federalism. Perhaps Dr. Bugaje needs to read the history of how nations arrived at the choice of 200 nautical miles as the exclusive economic zone of states and also 200 nautical miles as the continental shelves of states, to understand the historical forces that were at play. Similar forces are also in context at the municipal level. An understanding of our national struggles will help him and those who think like him, to appreciate the historical imperatives that led to the proviso to section 162(2) of the 1999 constitution. For Bugaje and his ilk, it is important that they appreciate that the historical imperatives that led to that provision on derivation in the 1999 constitution may have informed the historic in-

tervention of the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to stem the crisis. So, to attempt to deny these historical facts is to harbour an ultra-dangerous mindset, which is clearly detrimental to the country’s well-being. If Dr. Bugaje claims that the Niger Delta states have no claim to resources accruing from Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone, has he pursued to ask himself, whether the unity of Nigeria is cast in marble. Indeed, does Bugaje not realise that if his misbegotten argument is further stretched, then the people of the Niger Delta region could in similar warped reasoning claim exclusive ownership of their continental belt? To show the misconception in Bugaje’s logic, we ask, on what basis is he referring to a political entity called ‘the North’ with a 72% land mass? As far as we know, the Northern region, as a contiguous political entity ceased to exist in 1967, with the creation of 12 states in the country. So, to attempt to use a legally and politically fictional ‘North’ as a basis to pursue a self-serving agenda is condemnable and must be deprecated by all rightthinking Nigerians. What Nigeria needs are salutary mindsets which will help create common national ethos founded on patriotism. So, Dr. Bugaje and those who are excitable like him must appreciate that more than ever before, our country needs statesmen, not scaremongers.

Down time

– The merits of idleness should be rediscovered in an age of anxiety O time to play? That’s what Brigid Schulte thought. Ina new book, Overwhelmed, she considers the problem of juggling the demands of family and professional life. It turns out she is wrong. Consulting an expert on time management, she finds something surprising: there is a lot of space in her diary. It’s just that she chooses to pack it with activity. That is the busy professional’s choice; yet sheer indolence is also a choice, and a fine one. There is a long and ancient tradition of condemning frenetic, frivolous activity. In De Tranquillitate Animi, Seneca notes those who are “out of breath for no purpose, always busy about nothing”. Among the purposeless activities he lists are, with extraordinary prescience, sunbathing on the beach, being groomed at the hairdresser’s and flocking to popular spectacles (wrestling, in the Roman’s case). In his essay Of Idleness, Montaigne warned that slothful minds might “run into a thousand extravangaces… in which wild agitation there is no folly, nor idle fancy they do not light upon”. Napoleon, worried at the tedium of exile on St. Helena, reflected that “work is the scythe of time” – and wished to have it. These sages are wrong. They conflict with another ancient source of wisdom: Aristotle’s belief that leisure is the first principle of action. The opportunity to choose trivially in leisure is a blessing of an affluent society. Still more is the opportunity to choose idleness. The spiritually minded refer to a bout of determined inactivity as contemplation, but the truly dedicated flaneur will recoil at the suggestion of mental activity. Doing nothing is a noble calling. It was not through an aversion to work but to a fascination with it that Jerome K. Jerome remarked, in Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow, that he could sit and look at it for hours. That’s more like it.

–The London Times TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: On March 5, my wife and I were riding through Obinagu Road on route Nsukka. As the vehicle was about to join Nike Road from Obinagu Road at Liberty Junction, a man wearing light blue shirt and dark trousers approached the car. Before we could understand what he was saying, he forcibly opened the passenger front door and began to wrestle my driver over the key and steering, insisting that we had contravened traffic laws. As the car came to a halt, two other men wearing the same uniform opened the back doors violently and tried to sandwich my wife and I inside the car but we quickly shut the doors. Whereupon one of them ran to the front of the car and violently ripped off the number plate. Then he darted to the back of the car like an enraged bull and tried to force the boot open. When he couldn’t, he descended angrily on the rear

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Governor Chime must hear this!

number plate and also pulled it off with superlative violence and undue energy, disfiguring it in the process. All the while we were still wondering what the offence really was and whether there was no better and human way of confronting offenders. Was there no way of creating awareness for these traffic laws? As they kept mentioning obstruction, one wonders what really constitutes obstruction, and whether a vehicle waiting at a junction to join the traffic on an opposite or adjoining street is really obstructing any

vehicles except those behind it which should logically wait until traffic is clear for all to move on. Even when one has run afoul of traffic laws, does it call for the worst in the human animal to the effect that offenders are treated like prisoners of war? The next day, at the same Liberty Junction, as we tried to join Nike Road, having been passed by the traffic warden, there was a little jam in the adjoining traffic. As my driver negotiated patiently, a young man in the same uniform jumped in. Initially, he blew hot and

cold, refusing that we should stop by the filling station to buy some fuel. When he engaged my driver in the negotiation of bribe, I ordered them to go out of the car as I did not want to hear the negotiations. He refused to step down and ordered the driver to go to their office at Nkwo Nike. My driver later called me to say he got a written demand to pay N25,000 official penalty which was later reduced to a bribe of N6,000. This was paid in the afternoon of March 7, as the team leader of the men could not come to the office early enough to receive

As Jonathan breaks Second Niger Bridge jinx

IR: The jinx that has bedeviled the Second Niger Bridge is finally broken. On Monday, March 10, President Goodluck Jonathan performed the historic ground-breaking ceremony for the second bridge across the Niger to link the eastern flank of the country with the West. The event is significant in many ways and it can better be appreciated on the premise that previous administrations made similar promises on the second Niger Bridge without fulfilling them. Former Presidents – from Ibrahim Babangida to Olusegun Obasanjo and his successor, the late President Umaru Yar ‘Adua, the project had always been touted as national priority with little done in concrete terms to actualize it. Obasanjo even went a step further in the last days of his administration to perform the foundation stone-laying ceremony in May 2007, but it was a ceremony that was full of symbolism but lacking in substance. Twelve months ago, Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, fired up expectation when he announced that the work would start before the third quarter of 2014 and would be completed during Jonathan’s administration. As the

President explained, the delay in starting off the project was simply to ensure that all financial and other logistics arrangements were in place before the ground-breaking ceremony to avoid abandonment. Already, construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd has since begun work on the six-kilometre road between the bridge head and Oko-Amakom community where the company plans to use as its base

IR: The lingering strike of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has taken an unnecessarily long period. When the Academic Staff of Union of Universities (ASUU) was on strike, it was as though the whole of Nigerian students or parents would not sleep. Religious leaders, groups and individuals of influence had a lot to say about it as they pleaded with the government and ASUU to resolve their differences. It is not same with ASUP strike. Isn’t it because we place more emphasis on universities than their polytechnic counterparts? In Nigeria, education, especially tertiary education, has ceased to be a right long ago; it is a privilege.

for the bridge project. The Jonathan administration has taken practical steps to demonstrate its commitment by producing the drawing, completing the bidding process won by Julius Berger PLC and awarding the contract. The N117 billion project, which will span Oko in Delta State up to Ozubulu and Ogbaru areas of Anambra State will involve 12.4 kilometres of approach road while

the bridge alone will span a length of 1.8 kilometres. The economic importance is better imagined and the fact of its political expediency is obvious. It is a project whose relevance and national importance will continue to unfold in the years and decades to come.

To be a university or polytechnic student is a thing of chance. There are those who are in not in any and there are many too who pursued university admission fervently but who ended up in polytechnics especially in a Nigeria where we fight for nearly everything. The preference for university graduate as against their polytechnic mates by employers does not help matters either. The dichotomy between a university and polytechnic graduate is an issue the government has not done enough to resolve. On the current elongated strike embarked upon by polytechnic teachers, it is regrettable just as it is totally unthinkable for tertiary institutions to be closed down for

eight months due to an industrial action linked to government’s neglect. The most affected group in any industrial action affecting tertiary education institutions in Nigeria remains the students. Nigerian students (who are of the voting age) do not however know that there is a lot of power in their hands – particularly in their thumbs. The power they possess goes beyond taking to the streets to protest against unjust government actions and inactions. It goes beyond carrying placards on the street of Lagos or in a remote campus in any part of Nigeria. The population of the Nigerian youth is staggering and when it comes to election, they have a big

• Sylvester Okoro, Awka, Anambra State

the money which, I am told, he said, was so-reduced “on grounds of pity.” I wonder where we are heading to in Enugu which has been the pride of the East. Societies enact laws to maintain order and discipline and to deter those who would do evil or cause harm to others. When society and its trappings become an albatross on the neck of the people, it loses humanity and ceases to be a society. Laws are made to create a better society and not to generate tension and terror; they are not to be used as instruments of ambush and aggression against the population. Enugu has developed in leaps and bounds in the last seven years under the guiding hands of Governor Sullivan Chime and his team. I am unsure whether the introduction of these uniformed men and their belligerent attitude to motorists will do Enugu any good. Uniformed men claiming to be in the pay of local governments and running after vehicles like hunters running after game in the bush only paint an unfriendly picture of Enugu and will undermine its prospects for tourism. I hope that this matter will be investigated and those concerned cautioned. If not, we are only cultivating a glorified jungle where only the fittest can survive.

The lingering ASUP strike

• Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi Associate Professor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

role to play. The youth of today can decide who should be their head through the power of their vote. It is left for them and their parents to decide who leads them come 2015. The ASUP strike and the unnecessary dichotomy between the Bachelor of Science and the Higher National Diploma degrees need to be attended to. The employers of labour need to come to the full understanding that in getting the work done, delivery on the job and not paper qualification is what matters. There is hardly anybody who has not had enough of this unnecessary neglect of duties by the government. We need a change. • Anani Sunday, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014 16

COMMENTS

In dark time Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

ODAY, the Nigerian youth becomes fleeting fracture of the towering immensity he ought to represent. More worrisomely, many of the nation’s youth seem to develop mental arteriosclerosis 40 years before they get the physical kind from chain smoking, binge drinking, gluttony and mental indolence. Who cares though? It’s every man for himself; the ruling class and Nigeria’s senior citizenry will not bat an eyelid even if our youth is wasted beyond redemption, as long as their children inherit their stash of the country’s looted wealth. The ordinary youth however, continues to perpetuate that sly, sharp instinct for self-preservation that passes as “wisdom” among the rich but arrant foolishness of the masses. Hence the successful doctor, banker, journalist, engineer, accountant to mention a few, amongst us, do not care about anything and anybody else. Yet we pine for positive social change and environment in which we could thrive. The few that claim to be intellectually endowed and progressive in thought amongst us seek to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to actualize their dreams of bliss. But even this few have no taste at all for the vagaries of honest industry.

We live and thrive on a perversion hence when we cry for a historic revolution and youth-friendly society, our thoughts pander to a more permissive and corrupt society that will aid our mad, desperate dash for unearned wealth or what we deem our share of the Nigerian dream. This is our Nigerian dream: a lush, breathtaking future that deemphasizes honest toil and accords our vanities a caressing glance. We dream of strings of bank accounts at home and abroad; we hope to drive the best cars, live in palatial mansions in highbrow areas and enjoy the most lucrative contracts and job offers even when we do too little to deserve these. Our lust for the fleeting banishes reality. And this depravity is pervasive. Decades ago, it manifested as worrisome and inordinate selflove; today, we re-establish it as the language of the socially inspired and politically correct. Hence the frenzy with which we seek out and worship industry titans, political messiahs, entertainment superstars and other celebrity icons. It’s all part of our desperate ploy to substantiate our vanities by seeking ourselves in those we worship and establishing a false intimacy with them. If modern gospel of prosperity

‘It’s about time we cultivated progressive interest in such realms and practicable goals and norms for their actualization; without these, we will continue to flounder in the sea of often ‘well-meaning’ but ineffective good intentions’

TAND up, Bolaji Abdullahi. Take a bow and have your seat among the greats of our land. You have distinguished your pedigree. You have exhibited the character of an Omoluabi. You have shown Nigerians, nay, the global community; the stuff great minds are made of. It does not have to be by age; otherwise you will not have shone so brightly where the aged slanted. The Sheikh Alimi community, Ilorin, is proud of you. Kwara celebrates your uncommon audacity to stick to honour and integrity. The Nigerian youth is proud of your respect for friendship and leadership. Welcome back home. Here we appreciate you. Here we know your worth. Here, following the steps of your mentor, you made every child count. Here you transformed our education system to excellence. Come home, Bolaji, we appreciate you. Nigerians are singing that you once ministered well in your ministry of sports. Nigerians celebrate removal of public office holders, but not so in your case. The torrent of comments condemning your removal as sports minister is testimonial to your accomplishment and the love Nigerians have for you. Please read them and thank Allah who made it possible for you to lay your hands on such outstanding accomplishments. Bask in the love of the people, whose cause you swore to serve and whose cause you served till you were asked to go because you will not serve anything less than the cause of the people. We are glad that you were made to leave when the ovation in your national assignment was loudest. You may not be the one to lead Nigeria to the World Cup in Brazil, but you were in the saddle when we qualified. No one can take that from you, not even your traducers. Your sterling performance that assisted in our qualification will be in the hearts of the coaches, in the hearts of the players and in the hearts of every sport- loving Nigerian each time our boys file out to play, because you served them with your heart. You may not be the one to bring back a trophy for Nigeria from any international competition again, but no one can replace your name as the minister during whose tenure Nigeria won most of the laurels she had long forgotten were still available. They may doubt your loyalty, yet you were not disloyal. You are a thorough-bred professional; a consummate administrator. None can question that your tenure saw the creation of the first High Performance Centre in West Africa, a science-based support system for elite athletes in Nigeria. You started Rhythm and Play, a flagship programme for grassroots sports development in Nigeria which was launched by the President in June 2013. They may say what they like, no one will forget that in 2013, the first ever National Youth Games for athletes between ages 13-17 took place in Nigeria. That event alone led to the discovery of over 300 special talents that will make Nigeria proud in the

and motivational literature won’t make us celebrities, then celebrity idols, reality television and sheer violence will. We impatiently wait for our cue to walk on stage inside our theatre of the absurd to be admired, feared or envied. Our vanities cramp the growth of our human spirit: they restrict the resuscitation and positive engagement of our productive faculties. Thus we find it hard to subscribe to such faith, simple decencies, honesty and values that demand that we enthusiastically dedicate ourselves to progressive personal growth and realistic rejuvenation of the Nigerian enterprise. That is why we have youth threatening to destroy Nigeria and perpetuate ethnic genocide if President Goodluck Jonathan retains his seat or is booted from office come 2015. It is unforgivable idiocy and utter insanity for any youth to lend himself to such pitiful causes despite glaring political and socio-economic constraints that the incumbent administration foist upon us. This is not to absolve preceding governments of culpability but it is simply too repulsive in thought and action for the contemporary Nigerian youth to root for leadership that has done too little to improve standard of living in the country even as it gorges on resources meant for the sustenance of the collective. A societal madness has begun to occur: bigoted, unemployed youth and bigoted employed youth; lost souls wandering the streets of Nigeria’s major cities, day and night, like loose molecules in an unstable social fluid have begun to ignite. Thus our cities have become covens of immense cruelty where youth, fired by angst, a lingering sense of hurt and revolt, take alarming steps from threatening violence to perpetrating it. Traditional neglect of the youth as negligible integers of growth has evolved to

dangerous generalizations and the demonization of peaceful majorities. Today, economic forces create an overriding sense of disenchantment and futility among the youth. Additionally, the tyranny and insensitivity of the ruling class accentuates reactionary attitude and selfaggrandizing pursuits amongst the youth. The prominence of social justice and equality movements has dissipated as we become more concerned with identity politics than the greater good. Ironically, the ruling class, their close associates and scions are the only beneficiaries from this splintering of Nigeria into racist and more selfish associations. A prevalent crisis of confidence has occurred in reaction to the social turmoil. More youths are feeling empty and without purpose yet we continue to moot revolution like the next best thing we could orchestrate after our last follies have fallen silent. We forget, still, that there is a time to speak and time to act; time to scream and silently orchestrate the inestimable violence of uprightness. Our much vaunted “Occupy Nigeria” movement failed because the Nigerian youth is innately lacking in grit, honesty and ideal; that is why we remain perpetually exploitable – victims of what George Bernard Shaw, terms “the stupid system of violence and robbery which we call Law and Industry.” Despite our romanticized wish to abolish the status quo as the protests dragged, the eventual result was as usual, an opportunistic contract between the exploiters (the government) and a part of the exploited (labour leadership), at the expense of the rest of the exploited (you, me and everyone) – something Noel Ignatin would call “the original sweetheart agreement.” Eventually, the Nigerian youth is

written off and our grievances dismissed as the crazed rant of a pathetic mass of revolutionary impostors. President Jonathan and company couldn’t be wrong for eventually dismissing us as essentially hopeless and misdirected, I reiterate. Here, then, is the crucial temptation facing us; either we acquire at least a provisional and concrete ideology and the ability to commit ourselves to more progressive enterprise, or we expose ourselves to greater exploitation and disillusionment. More often than not, we are tempted to give up and retreat, in search of some comfortable, greener pasture where we can luxuriate and “survive” according to the idiosyncrasies and social conditioning our host nation deem worthy of us; this is always the resort of cowards and the feeble-minded. The alternative is to drastically overhaul our values to become more progressively inclined and concerned with the political, the economic and social; to acquire the competencies and the skills necessary for the tasking work that must be done if the social structure of Nigeria is to be even slightly modified. Solutions can never be discovered without profound understanding of law, governance methods and the economics and social organization of humane statehood. It’s about time we cultivated progressive interest in such realms and practicable goals and norms for their actualization; without these, we will continue to flounder in the sea of often ‘well-meaning’ but ineffective good intentions. These are dark days for the Nigerian youth. We are going through a particularly unpleasant form of hell but it’s a hell that we have made for ourselves by our ghastly greed, laziness and inarticulateness. But we have still got youth on our side and thus the possibility of change.

Stand up, Bolaji Abdullahi By Abdulwahaab Oba nearest future. What of international competition? Maybe they forgot and so decided to let you go. Nigerians cannot forget that our under-17 boys won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in the UAE under your watch, that our home-based Super Eagles qualified for the African Nations Championship, CHAN, for the first time and won bronze, under your watch. Okagbare won two medals for our nation at the IAAF Championship, under your watch. The last time we had that fortune was in 1999. Again in 2012, we won the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years. Under your watch, Nigeria won both the senior and youth championships at the same time. It has never happened in Africa. They might have forgotten but we cannot forget that under your watch we did it. In athletics, just as in football, we have become the leading light of Africa. We were third at the 2012 senior African wrestling championship in Morocco and we were overall winner at the 2012 senior Africa Weightlifting Championship that held in Kenya. We won six gold, five silver and one bronze at the London 2012 Paralympics Games, under your watch, Abdullahi. Under your supervision, the local league has seen its credibility being restored with transparency and players welfare being paramount and made manifest. We are proud of you at home, Kwara state, and particularly in the emirate; your origin. Have you heard what leaders of the emirate are saying? They are singing praises of you. No one credible leader of our people have come out to say you have not done well, no , no one. Even those who don’t like you have become silent. They have seen the error of their ways in pushing for your removal on the altar of politics. Suddenly your name has become a household commodity, even more popular than when you were in the saddle. See how Allah can transform misfortune into fortune? Bolaji, you exhibited character. We have not heard of scandals involving you while on that seat, one of the most reported seats in Nigeria and one of the most subjected to serious scrutiny by reporters and thousands of stakeholders. They said you were asked to go because they could not trust you to destroy an age-long heritage, the Saraki political dynasty. Now that they will have their yes men, or are they women, who can do that, let us wait and see how Allah shall recompense them, for certainly, what they quest after is certainly not in the interest of the people and the Almighty.

Their plot will fail and the house of Alimi shall triumph. And as they fail, you will be promoted. They might be celebrating that they have taken away from you something significant, but Abdullah you retain your honour, integrity and credibility. You are unscathed. Almighty Allah alone determines what we get, where we get such and how we get it. If it has pleased Allah to allow them at this time, then it is to say that we came to this world with nothing and we shall not take anything to the hereafter. Nothing is our permanent possession, not even the highest position in the land and not even our lives. But wherever you go, we shall celebrate you. You have queued behind Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola and Abdulfatah Ahmed who proved to the world that we still have in our nation people who celebrate excellence above mediocrity; men who still hold to the value of personal honour and integrity; people who can be trusted and relied on. These are men of honour; men of integrity. Bolaji, wherever they are today, they are hero and heroine. They brought you up in the way of Allah to serve humanity with honour and dignity. Your forebears have not laboured in vein. Your children are happy with you. You have taught them resonate lessons in honor, integrity, dignity, faith and loyalty. We are proud of you, Abdullahi. Stand up, let us celebrate. • Oba is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor.

‘They may doubt your loyalty, yet you were not disloyal. You are a thorough-bred professional; a consummate administrator. None can question that your tenure saw the creation of the first High Performance Centre in West Africa, a science-based support system for elite athletes in Nigeria...no one will forget that in 2013, the first ever National Youth Games for athletes between ages 1317 took place in Nigeria’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

COMMENTS ‘’He flattered himself on being a man without any prejudices; and this pretension itself is a very great prejudice’’ - ———Anatole France

UITE an infinitesimal few, no doubt, would doubt the fact that Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, her gender notwithstanding, is a noteworthy citizen of this country. Within a period of 14 years, her life has transformed from a struggling Nigerian to one who is rated globally. Her track record: she came to limelight when she served the Obasanjo administration as Presidential Aide in charge of Public Procurement Reforms; Minister of Education and later, Minister of Mineral Resources. She was later appointed Vice-President of the dreaded World Bank that has been the main agent of retardation of developing countries. Currently, she is the Senior Economic Advisor for Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative Open Society Foundation. By virtue of this position, she doubles as senior advisor to a number of leaders of African countries who are looking up to the World Bank for economic ideas/supports which have never rescued them from the yoke of neo-colonialism. Since the advent of President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, this turn-coat and onceupon-a-time pro-establishment woman, has taken the gauntlet of deceitful activism of economic reforms against the baby of same establishment that created her. Some public watchers have said that her unusual activist stance was borne out of the twist in the relationship between her mentor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the present administration’s leadership. That her powerful benefactor unleashed her on President Jonathan; to punish the incumbent for disobeying him and not doing enough consultations with him on state affairs - for selfish ends. This dubious self-righteousness must have misguided some people in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to tip her to deliver the keynote address at the party’s 2014 national summit which held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Her lecture titled: ‘The Uncomfortable Truth of Elusive Economic Development,’ to say the least, has generated so much review on social media and deafening hullabaloo in the polity. The title should have read:’ The Deceitful Truth of Mismanaged Economic Pontification.’ This column believes that nature condones personal weaknesses even though it abhors egomania and pretensions. Oby was unnecessarily and vaingloriously full of herself when, in abuse of the privilege such an Au-

HE present controversy surrounding the alleged missing money has been made more controversial with the removal by suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS). An otherwise straightforward situation has been so deliberately dramatized, that the citizenry is now confused and polarized. The following is my own dramatization of the situation. Afe Udia is a religious organization, whose membership is made up of only salaried employees. It is headed by the Overseer. The organization has different administrative departments for various roles. Part of the tenets of the organization is that each member must contribute 20% of his or her take-home salary to the organization. The accounts department is responsible for collecting the mandatory contributions. There is a governing committee which decides how monies should be spent and an expenditure committee that does actual disbursements. As is typical in organizations and even religious ones like Afe Udia, members in typical fashion start grumbling that the huge financial chest is not being properly managed and several projects including funding for the organizations charities are unsatisfactory. The governing council of Afe Udia decides to take steps to ensure accountability and boost confidence in the financial integrity of the organization. An independent accountant is appointed by the overseer after approval from the governing council. In his contract of appointment, the accountant is to use his best professional skills to further the interests of Afe Udia under the headship of the overseer. As standard policy and to maintain his independence, the contract stipulates that should the accountant be found wanting, the contact can be terminated and his services dispensed with by the overseer only with the approval of the governing council. The accountant commences his work in earnest and puts different structures in place to ensure success. Part of the new initiatives is that every member should make their contributions via a standing order to the employers, for the money to be deducted directly from the salary and paid to the finance committee. There-

07011117777

Oby’s macabre dance

•Oby Ezekwesili

gust platform offered her, declared before beginning her lecture: “I do not know how you decided to take this high risk of inviting me to your gathering, knowing full well that my zeal for candour can be generally unsettling for some people of your class and occupation. Since you took the risk, I have assumed the liberty to speak boldly even to your discomfort, especially considering that we live in a season of grim when our country is greatly troubled. In perilous times like this, truth is the absolute freedom. I shall be spurred on by the counsel of George Orwell who, in honour of truth, stated that “in a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”. I further assume that if you wanted someone with the skills of deceit, it would not be me that you would have invited to your gathering. I, therefore, speak to you today not as a politician.” By even reiterating that she was not ready to speak as a politician, this woman gave her-

self away as a prejudiced lecturer that was out to vent the anger of her hidden paymaster on APC. She showed undisguised partisanship when she told her listeners: “Your gathering here cannot be on how to unseat the ruling party. APC is just a new set of political operators who want to control statecraft. Will you deliver different outcome? I doubt. If we say having APC is the solution to Nigeria’s problems, then we are mistaken’’ What she is fraudulently insinuating here is that the ruling People’s Democratic Party should continue with its brazen misrule. If indeed telling the truth in a time of deceit is a revolutionary act, Oby should have started her suspect activism during the tenure of her paymaster, Obasanjo, when real political, economic and social deceits commenced in the country. She copiously quoted a Professor of Leadership, John Jacob Gardener’s definition of Transcendental Leadership to wit: “A new metaphor, transcendent leadership, answers a planetary call for a governance process which is more inclusive, more trusting, more sharing of information, more meaningfully involving associates or constituents, more collective decision making through dialogue and group consent processes, more nurturance and celebration of creative and divergent thinking and a willingness to serve the will of the collective consciousness as determined by the group – in essence, a leadership of service above self” Oby made mockery of this landmark definition if she thought her target was APC and its leadership alone. Oby’s first (dis)service to the nation, in sync with this definition, was her failure to honourably resign from the Obasanjo administration when things were going irredeemably awry. Otherwise, what is transcendental leadership in the noninclusive, treacherous, information hoarding,

The overseer, accountant and us! By Edo Ukpong after the finance committee renders an account to the accountant who will then collect all the money and hand over to the governing committee. In the process of doing his work, the accountant discovers that some unit treasurers have been taking liberties with funds entrusted to them. After scrutinizing available records he informs the overseer that in accordance with his powers under the contract of appointment, he will replace some of them and recover stolen Afe Udia funds from them. He duly carries out his threat but of course with serious protestations from the affected unit treasurers and their supporters. From his observations and interactions within the Afe Udia, the accountant notices that whereas some officials are evidently living beyond their means, projects were suffering because of shortage of funds. He discusses this with the overseer who suggests that maybe the members should be levied a higher percentage. Still troubled by the anomaly and sensing that he was missing something, the accountant decides to seek help from the general tax office. He scrutinizes the returns made by the different employers of Afe Udia members under the employee tax scheme. He does his calculations and is alarmed at what he discovers. He makes a report to the overseer stating that from his records there was a huge disparity between what was being declared by the accounts committee and what should have been actually received based on the records of the tax office. The overseer does nothing and after some months the members get wind of the essence of the report to the overseer. The resultant outcry by members creates anxiety in the organization and has the overseer and his inner circle worried. The governing committee invites the accountant and finance committee members to iron out the discrepancies. The meeting is deadlocked as the accountant maintains his position that huge amounts are missing. The accounts

committee explains that because of the poor power situation, it had to spend a huge sum replacing old generators in the branches and that reference to the expenditure committee would have occasioned delay thereby causing disruptions. The explanations fail to close the matter or the grumbling among members. The overseer’s intervention for the accountant to tell members that the explanations were acceptable and the accounts in order, fail to change the accountant’s stance. The overseer queries the loyalty of the accountant to him and the governing committee. He asks the accountant to resign because by his attitude he will cause disaffection in Afe Udia which could jeopardise his position in the organization. The accountant refuses to resign on the basis of his letter of appointment. He says that if the governing council approves that the overseer should remove him, then he will have no choice but to go. The overseer is not sure of some members of the governing council and in fact some of them had become close to the accountant. Some of the overseer’s staunch supporters sense his predicament and map out a plan to rescue the situation. A general meeting is called for the accountant issue to be discussed. The overseer’s supporters are very vocal and one after the other they lambaste the accountant. The meeting is told how the accountant although not a member of Afe Udia, has been going around criticizing the lifestyle of members of the governing committee. That he wants to cause disaffection in the organization hence he published the make and number of cars owned by the officials of the organization. That he was in the habit of flirting with female members of Afe Udia. That from the organization’s money at his disposal to carry out his work effectively as he deems necessary, he commissioned a restaurant to give free lunch to the indigent people who could make their way to the organizations premises every Monday and Wednesday. They angrily denounced this as reckless spending of the organizations money. That no similar

unitary decision-making without most groups’ approval and self-serving administration of Obasanjo under which she served? Obasanjo had the opportunity of approving the Freedom of Information Bill but he never did because he was – and remains - a tyrant. The same man ensured that he was above the law during his reign as whatever he believed in was imposed on the nation. That was how we came about the late President Umaru YarÁdua and the current president. Was Oby not in that infamous government when Obasanjo was pursuing his Third Term Agenda that would have prolonged his tenure? It was a period that witnessed huge wastage of the nation’s money that was criminally shared out to lawmakers as bribes to ensure easy passage of that agenda into law. What was Oby doing in that government then? Couldn’t she have resigned if indeed there remained any iota of honour in her as she would want the world to believe at the Abuja APC summit? Was she not aware that billions of naira were given as bribes at the period? What was her publicly professed economic opinion to this? Nigerians are waiting to hear from her! Yes, she spoke well on her aversion to Boko Haram terrorism, but she needs to tell the public whether it was not her well-derided “transactional politicking” that caused the political feud between Jonathan and Obasanjo, her benefactor. Oby’s self-serving lecture was not her fault, but that of those that got deceived by the fraudulent outbursts of this emergency economic reform activist. Her legacies: Oby caused so much discontent among staff of the Procurement Office during her tenure; she left an insignificant mark as education minister and was a better forgotten minister of mineral resources of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigeria is truly in search of political and economic truths, but any emanating from this agent of neo-colonialism should be better ignored by Nigerians for its injurious ingredient. May God help Nigeria!

‘Nigeria is truly in search of political and economic truths, but any emanating from this agent of neocolonialism should be better ignored by Nigerians for its injurious ingredient. May God help Nigeria!’ organization had an accountant who behaved like Afe Udia’s accountant! When a dissenting member asked whether all contracts of appointment of accountants were uniform or whether this accountant had gone outside his contract of appointment, he was shouted down and told that the contract was stupidly drafted and when they queried and tried to change it, it was foolish members like him that scuttled the process. Another member reminded the meeting how the accountant even had the effrontery to ridicule the contents of the overseer’s last end of year message. So many accusations but the accountant when called upon to defend himself maintained his position that he had acted within his contract and that money was missing. The overseer in a surprising announcement to members following the meeting says the accountant will be denied access to his office and the organizations records and that the governing committee will soon appoint a new more competent accountant. The accountant’s assistant would replace him until a new appointment. Some members are however confused and are asking only a very few questions. In the midst of all the noise, what is the true position with the alleged missing money? How tenable is the answer by the finance committee that it diverted some of the money to buy generators for the branches without clearance from the governing committee? Why does the overseer’s body language give the impression that he thinks that no money is missing? How can the accountant know exactly how much is missing when he is not privy to how much exactly was diverted by the accounts department and for what purposes? And lastly, if the overseer locks out the accountant and prevents him from doing the work for which he was contracted, has he not effectively removed the accountant without the approval of the management committee? For me as a member of Afe Udia, there is only one question each for the overseer and the accountant: ‘Where is our money’? And ‘Why do you talk so much’? Only a fool does not know which should come first! • Ukpong, a legal practitioner writes from Lagos

BUSINESS

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Lack of capacity bane of local content devt, By Chikodi Okereocha

HE divestments of oil and gas assets from Ni geria by some international oil companies (IOCs) may have affected indigenous operators who have long been clamouring for increased participation in the lucrative oil and gas industry. The local operators may not hold their own, much less fill the gap left by the IOCs due to lack of capacity and expertise, an oil and gas expert, Oliver Mordi, has said. He told The Nation in Lagos that though, continued divestments by the IOCs would encourage indigenous participation in the industry, the problem is that local operators do not have the competence to handle highly technical jobs. According to him, most of the technical operations of the IOCs are being handled by expatriates, while only a few Nigerians are into exploration. There has been a rash of divestment, mostly from onshore or swamp fields, by some IOCs. For instance, since 2010, when Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) commenced divestment in Nigeria, others, such as Total and Agip Oil, which are partners to the Anglo-Dutch oil company followed suit. The United States’s oil firm, Conoco Phillips, also disposed its assets to indigenous oil company, Oando Plc. Same for Brazilian oil company, Petrobras.

At the moment, there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap. - Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Insurgence, others raise army insurance claims to N1.5b in six months I

NSURERS are paying more claims – no thanks to the insurgency in the Northeast. Over N1.5 billion has been paid to the families of military personnel who died in the anti-terrorism war. This is besides those who died from other causes between January 1 and June 30, last year. More casualties are being recorded, raising fears of higher claims, bolstered by police and state security personnel casaulties. The Nation stumbled on a letter, titled: ‘Group Life Assurance Scheme for the Nigeria Police Force 2013 Assurance Year’, from the Inspector-General of Police ‘A’ Department (Insurance Unit) to the Office of Head of Service of the Federation

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

(OHOSF). The letter shows that the N1.5 billion is classified as uninsured losses as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to facilitate premium payment on the Group Life Assurance Scheme (GLAS) to the assurers, following the military, security operatives and the police exit from the Contributory pension scheme (CPS) in April 2011. It is unclear how the government intends to settle the claims of the security personnel as the ‘No Premium, No Cover’ policy bars operators from providing cover with-

out premium payment. The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) from January 1, last year, started the enforcement of sanctions against operators who issue policies, or grant covers in violation of Section 50 (1) of the Insurance Act 2003. According to documents obtained by The Nation, titled: “Report of meeting held between Director, Inspectorate, NAICOM and Director, Expenditure, Federal Ministry of Finance on GLAS for Federal Government Employees 2013”, the problem started with the administration of the Group Life Insurance Policy (GLIP) of the security

personnel when the Appropriation Acts 2012 and 2013 made separate allocations to GLAS of MDAs, Nigerian Police Force and Armed Forces. A consortium of insurance firms and brokers was appointed as underwriters and brokers on the GLAS. The appointments were to cover January 1 to December 31, last year. Having secured the approval to start the disbursements of premium to the firms in September, last year, the OHOCSF’s attention was drawn to the cover policy. However, the scheme, which is funded from the budget, was not passed until

Dunoma takes over from Uriesi at FAAN By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

April, last year by the National Assembly, thereby delaying contracts awards in January when the scheme ought to have taken off. The OHOSF, who did not want to violate the law on premium payments, sought the advice of NAICOM. Recommendations were made to the commission through its Director of Inspectorate, Mr. Barry Thompson, who said last year’s premium should start on October 1, last year and end on September 30. In his response on September 23, last year, Thompson advised that as the premium was not yet paid, cover could not start, because of its security implications. Thompson said: “Since the premium is yet unpaid, this liability may be borne by the government possibly through another budgetary allocation in 2014 to pay these uninsured losses.”

• From left: Sales Manager, Card and E-Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs. Vivian Ogbonna-Nwoha; Senior Public Relations Officer, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos Office, Mr. Nicholas Utsalo; Regional Head, Mainland Region, Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs. Olanike Kolawole; Deputy Manger, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Daniel Onyemenam and Head, Card Business, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Oyegoke Akande Oyebode, during the first draw of Ecobank Card 4 Prizes Promo in Lagos.

Foreign portfolios’ outflows rising, says NSE

HERE has been a nega tive spike in foreign portfolio transactions this year, with more funds moving out than coming in, according to the latest foreign portfolio investment report by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The maiden foreign portfolio investment (FPI) report in the year tracked the outflow and inflow of foreign investments at the stock market in January and compared these with January, last year and preceding period in December,last year. The NSE’s foreign portfolio investment report indicated that while foreign investors were relatively active in January compared with January, last year and last December, their transactions were mostly on the sell side rather than buy side. The report used two key indicators - inflow and outflow, to gauge foreign investors’ mood and participation in the stock market as a barometer for the economy. Foreign portfolio investment

Taofik Salako

Capital Market Editor

outflow includes sales transactions or liquidation of equity portfolio investments through the stock market while inflow includes purchase transactions on the NSE. According to the report, total foreign outflow was N50.14 billion in January as against inflow of N39.53 billion during the period, bringing total foreign transactions to N89.67 billion. In January, last year, foreign inflow was higher at N40.96 billion against outflow of N20.50 billion. The report underlined increased foreign participation, though negative. Foreign investors accounted for 49.28 per cent of total transaction value of N181.97 billion in January 2014 as against 36.89 per cent of total transactions of N166.60 billion in January, last year and 48.91 per cent of total transactions of N142.24 billion in December 2013.

Portfolio flow analysis in recent period had shown a consistent trading pattern in foreign transactions. While foreign investors flowed in more funds than they took out in the first half of last year, they have since been taking more money out than they invested since the beginning of the second half of last year. Monthly analysis showed that total foreign transactions closed December 2013 at N69.57 billion, consisting of inflow of N32.40 billion and outflow of N37.17 billion. Total foreign transactions rose to N88.89 billion in November, including inflow of N42.68 billion and outflow of N46.21 billion. These had closed October at N82.33 billion including inflow of N39.45 billion and outflow of N42.88 billion. In September, last year, total foreign inflow was N26.14 billion as against outflow of N27.88 billion, bringing total foreign transactions to N54.02 billion. Total transactions at the

stock market during the month stood at N108.19 billion, out of which domestic investors contributed N54.17 billion or 50.07 per cent. In August, foreign inflow had stood at N31.12 billion as against outflow of N39.76 billion. Total foreign transactions thus stood at N70.88 billion, 52.26 per cent of the total turnover of N135.63 billion recorded for the month. Foreign investors had took out nearly a double of every penny they invested in the Nigerian stock market in July, unusually high disparity between foreign portfolio inflow and outflow, which led to significant decline in net foreign investment in the Nigerian stock market. The seventh month report for last July had indicated that total foreign inflow stood at N31.81 billion as against outflow of N61.90 billion in July, showing the widest divergence between inflow and outflow so far this year.

IGHT days after he was removed from office, the former managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), George Uriesi yesterday handed over to his successor Saleh Dunoma as chief executive of the airport authority. The hand over took place at the headquarters of FAAN in Ikeja, Lagos. At a brief ceremony, Uriesi praised the appointment of Saleh as one of the best decisions by the Federal Government, affirming that it would be a boost for the authority. He described Saleh as a straight forward leader, whose humility and dignity never failed to marvel him. Uriesi expressed appreciation for the great privilege he had working with Saleh and the staff over the past four years, first as a Director and later as Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. The former Chief Executive explained that though it would be challenging running the Authority, his desire was to see FAAN blossom. The new managing director said he had a close working relationship with Uriesi, adding that he was allowed to take critical decisions on behalf of the former managing director. Saleh expressed appreciation for the trust and the support he enjoyed from the former Chief Executive, adding that his exit from the Authority was a fulfilment of destiny, as it was time for him to move somewhere else. He said he was confident that he would succeed in assignment.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Mobile tech to revolutionise marketing

OBILE technology is the next step in the market ing evolution and a medium which would redefine brands interaction and engagement with their target audiences on the continent, experts have said. With half of the continent’s people benefitting from an increasing access to the internet for the first time on mobile devices, the Group Managing Director/ Founder of

• Telcos to generate $1.3b revenue from mobile ad Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

Terragon Group, Mr. Elo Umeh, at the just concluded Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain said the industry was experiencing a tremendous growth in the mobile market. “Mobile penetration in Africa is

stipulated to be about 80 per cent in 2013 and growing. Right now, there are more mobile devices than there are television sets. Mobile and digital services have the potential to generate significant earnings and boost the economies in Africa,” he noted.

African markets account for the highest growth of smart phones globally. Report from a research by Gartner Inc, shows African Telecoms firms specifically are expected to generate over $1.3 billion in mobile advertising revenue alone by 2016.

“The global market for mobile advertising will reach $18 billion in 2014 and grow to $41.9 billion by the end of 2017 this information goes to show the potential that mobile advertising has, not only in Africa but globally,” he added. Terragon, a digital media marketing agency, made its debut at the event with three businesses.

• From left: Head of Training, APCON, Mike Oji; Publicity Secretary, EXMAN, Henry Alade; Chief Administration/Personnel Officer, APCON, Abiodun Aghedo; Ipaye; Olagesin; Financial Secretary, EXMAN, Kehinde Salami; Head, Planning, Research and Corporate Affairs, APCON, Ralph Anyacho and Head, Regulation, APCON, Ijedi Iyoha, during the visit.

Group seeks professional certification for member-agencies

HE Marketers Association of Nigeria, EXMAN is set to standardise its professional qualifications to harness the demand of its members. Towards this end, the executives of the association visited the Lagos office of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). President of EXMAN, Kayode Olagesin, said: “Unlike other sectors of the advertising industry, our sector is not properly organised. That was why we decided to organise ourselves into a profes-

sional body with the purpose of building standards within the sector and help the larger IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) industry to grow and also to strengthen ourselves by being each other’s brother’s keeper.” He continued: “After our inauguration last year, we have spent quite a bit of time building a strong foundation for ourselves because we are new and we need to do things methodically and register our presence in the minds of industry leaders. So, we felt that it was important that we paid a visit to the different

stakeholders within the IMC industry and we believe there is no stronger stakeholder than the APCON in the advertising industry.” After presenting the EXMAN Code of Conduct to the APCON officials, which he said was developed as a means of self-regulation to ensure that experiential marketing is practised according to strict professional and ethical standards, the Director, Human Resources, Abimbola Ipaye, who represented APCON Registrar, Alhaji Bello Kankarof, said: “We are very happy that you recog-

Oando unveils lubricant’s television commercial

HE Televison Commercials (TVC) unveiled by Oando Marketing, a subsidiary of Africa’s largest indigenous energy solutions provider, Oando Plc, is aimed at promoting Oleum, its flagship lubricant brand, Soyinka, its Head of Marketing Communications, has said. Speaking at a parley in Lagos, he noted that the TVC, titled: ‘The history’ is the first product-based commercial by Oando Marketing to promote Oleum. He said the firm used various advanced film making technology in producing the TVC because it was keen at demonstrating the advanced technology behind the product and “that was why we settled for a TVC that in itself showcases so much in technology”. He added that the TVC highlights

advanced formulation and cutting edge technology as key ingredients in producting the premium lubricant, demonstrating that Oleum goes through a rigorous process to emerge as ‘The Master Engine Oil.’ Lubricant Technical Manager, Oando Marketing, Mr. Abayomi Odetola said lubricants are highly technological products with expertise. He said lubricants, which represent a key part of Oando Marketing’s businesses, are manufactured to the highest international standards at all the firm’s ultra-modern lubricant plants in Nigeria. “Besides our other lubricant plants, we also have a brand new one in Lagos, which is the most modern lubricant blending plant in West Africa. The combined capacity of our plants is more than 150 million litres,” Odetola said.

He further said Oando Marketing is a high performing fir, which believes in giving the highest quality lubricants to customers. He said: “We partner with some of the world’s biggest technology oriented companies in making our lubricants. This is why we are able to pass all the relevant tests required by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the highest body in the world for the certification of engine oil. In addition, our quality assurance process is very robust. All these are done so that the consumer can have peace of mind after buying any of our lubricants. Oando is reliable and responsible.” Soyinka said Oando is unique. “And so, we didn’t want a run-off-the-mill TVC; we wanted something very relevant and appealing but distinctively different,” he added.

nise that APCON is the mother of every sector in the advertising industry. APCON is open to receive as many children as are willing to come to it. We assure you that we shall study your code of conduct and also look at how we can

harmonise it for the suitability of the industry.” While urging EXMAN members to register with APCON, Ipaye lauded EXMAN, promising that the council would lend it all its support.

APCON, NBC to hold forum March 20

HE Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) are organising a stakeholders forum to review the communications and packaging of traditional medical products and services on March 20 at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Iganmu, Lagos. Its theme is: Regulating trado-medical packaging and communication for a healthy society. The Chairman of the Planning Com-

mittee, Mrs. Bunmi Cole noted that the forum would afford stakeholders an opportunity to review the packaging and communicating of trado-medical products and services by practitioners in this sector. “All registered and yet to register traditional medicine practitioners and marketers, pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, medical bodies, Ministry of Health, relevant research institutions, advertising agencies and media were required to attend.”

InterContinental Hotel to reward guests

NTERCONTINENTAL Hotel, Lagos, in partnership with two banks, has launched the world’s first prepaid hotel Loyalty Card Scheme, for members of its Reward Club According to the hotel, the club is a points-based booker’s incentive programme open to individuals and corporate organisation with a range of exclusive privileges and benefits which will enable members’ book and spend with the two banks’ InterContinental Prepaid Card. The Director, Sales and Market-

ing of the hotel, Mr Krishma Kunar, said corporate and individuals who book rooms, meetings, banquets with the InterContinental, Lagos get every dollar back via points, which will be remitted to each guest’s Wema Bank InterContinental Rewards Prepaid card when due, and will enable the holder to use the card and spend the money anywhere. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wema Bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, noted the desire to partner with the InterContinental Hotel Group.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

Brandnews Food exhibition holds April 24

O celebrate the centenary, ARESVEEPEE Limited, a subsidiary of Keskese Limited, will hold the first Nigerian Foods and Drinks Exhibition tagged: ‘Naija Food Fiesta’ between Thursday, April 24 and Sunday, April 27 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. The organisers said the event is aimed at promoting various foods, beverages, confectionary, condiments, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the six geopolitical zones to grow the sector. According to the Managing Di-

rector, ARESVEEPEE Limited, Miss Kemi Koyejo, participation is opened to manufacturers of foods. She noted that the ‘Naija Food Fiesta’ offers unique and huge marketing opportunities to exhibitors as it provides them an excellent platform for showcasing and growing their businesses through massive brand awareness and brand visibility with consumers. She explained there would be presentation of certificates at the closing.

Promasidor launches Onga cubes

P • From left: Managing Director ARESVEEPEE Limited, Ms Kemi Koyejo; Project Consultant, Keskese Limited, Mr Tade Adekunle and Executive Director, Nigeria Food Fiesta Limited, Yinka Oguntokun during at the briefing in Lagos.

Cutler Communications moves to tackle unemployment

UTLER Communications, an integrated marketing communications agency, has unveiled an initiative, Promoting Entrepreneurial Education (PEE), to address the country’s unemployment. It was unveiled at a public discourse tagged “Job creation: Pathway to sustainable economic growth,” in Victoria Island, Lagos. The Chief Operating Officer of Cutler Communications, Laura Oloyede, explained that “focusing on promoting entrepreneurial education, especially because the Coordinating Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, called for the involvement of the private sector in entrepreneurship education as a means of tackling the current trend in Nigeria where creative

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

entrepreneurs are job seekers rather than being job providers.” She added: “We believe that tackling the unemployment situation in Nigeria is not about pushing for government to create more jobs; rather we should look for innovative ways to tackle unemployment collectively.” Ol o y e d e s ai d h e r f i r m w as working at becoming a bridge between the private sector and the potential entrepreneurs in promoting entrepreneurship through the initiative. “We believe that the pathway to a sustainable economy is everyone’s responsibility. Our duty call therefore, is for people, to embrace entrepreneurship.” At the event, which was mod-

erated by Soni Irabor,a broadcaster and marketing communications expert, discussants addressed the need for Nigerians to have a new mindset that the government cannot create jobs alone. The discussants, who comprised Lere Baale, Director of Business School Netherlands, Nigeria; Lolu Akinwunmi, Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet Africa; and Ituah Ighodalo, an accountant and managing partner, SIAO, agreed that, though it is government’s responsibility to create an enabling environment for job creation, Nigerians must realise that to tackle unemployment, individuals need to embrace entrepreneurship.

IABC appoints Ikiebe into Global Communication Council THE International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has appointed a communication and media scholar, Richard Ikiebe, into a 10-person inaugural Global Communication Certification Council to develop and manage an international certification programme for business communication with ISO endorsement. IABC President and International Executive Board chair, Robin McCasland announced appointment. An Associate Professor at Mid-

dle Tennessee State University (MTSU), United States Dr. Janet McCormick, will chair the council, while its Vice-chair is Dr. Rajeev Kumar, of the Tata Group Corporate Communication in Mumbai, India. Ikiebe has a renewable threeyear term. Others to serve with him are Ana Maria RamirezGomez, Zurich, Switzerland; Lynda G. Phelan, Alberta, Canada; Liam FitzPatrick, London, United Kingdom; Jacky Hood, Palo Alto, California, US; Neil Griffiths, London, United Kingdom;

Others are two ex-officio members, Russell Grossman, IABC vice chair, and Ann Lazarus, IABC interim executive director. The council will hold its inaugural meeting in April. Nigerian chapter President, Chido Nwakanma, congratulated Mr. Ikiebe, noting that his appointment would further the recognition and growth of business communication in Africa as well as stimulate adoption of best practice paradigms by communication professionals in the private and public sectors.

Centenary Celebration: lottery firm offers N100m, prizes

S part of the country’s 100 years anniversary celebration, a lottery firm, Secured Electronic Technology Plc, has said it is offering N100 million to a winner at a grand draw in June. The Managing Director of the firm, Dr. Odunlami Kola-Daisi, made this known in Lagos. Other prizes on offer include Hyundai Accent cars, Prado jeep, tricycles otherwise called Centenary tricycles, LED Tv sets, cash prizes, generating sets, chest freezers, among others. Winners will emerge daily

through electronic draws, which will be aired on the National Television Authority (NTA). The lottery, which began on Monday with a draw, will last 90 days. Kola-Daisi assured that the lottery would be transparent and based on international standards. Kola-Daisi has said the proceeds from the lottery will be channelled towards the centenary projects planned across the country. The firm boss, who said the lottery has already received the nod of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), assured that

there would not be poor quality of service during the draws. To participate, players are enjoined to text or sms to a special code at a cost of N100 per sms on MTN, Airtel, Glo, Etisalat and Visafone networks. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who was represented by his Special Assistant Media, Sam Onwuobasi, expressed the support of the Federal Government to the project. He noted that it was private sector–driven.

ROMASIDOR Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, has launched Onga cubes into the market. This followed the success of Onga powder, which was introduced into the market a decade ago. Its Executive Director, Commercial Mr. Kachi Onubogu, said: “After almost two years of insightful and innovative work by the Promasidor team, I am

happy to welcome Onga Cube into the Promasidor Nigeria family of brands.” He said the new cube is in four grammes and two variants, which can be used for dishes while Onga Chicken, with superior chicken flavour. It has 50 cubes in a pouch and 24 pouches in a carton. He added that cubes are diffrent from the Onga powder.

NBC donates tricycles to group

HE Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has restated its commitment to protecting the environment by supporting Wecyclers Nigeria Limited, a group that seeks to solve the urban waste challenge by using a fleet of low-cost cargo bicycles to offer convenient household collection of wastes. To expand its collection capacity, the company has donated eight tricycles, known as Wecycles, to the group. S pea k i ng a t t he ha nd ov er , which took place at the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) yard in Ebute-Metta, Head, Public Affairs and Communication, NBC, Mrs. Adeyanju Olomola, said the company was de-

lighted to support Wecycler’s drive on waste collection in Lagos State. Olomola added that NBC’s sponsorship and participation in recycling is borne out of an active commitment of the company to packaging waste recovery and recycling, one of its seven sustainability pillars, noting that the deal with Wecyclers, represents a community-led initiative. She emphasised that NBC was not only concerned with refreshing consumers with a wide range of products, but is also interested in working in partnerships to minimise the impact of packaging on the environment.

Winner emerges in Star promo

41-YEAR-OLD dealer from Enugu State, Mr. Timothy Victor, has emerged the first winner in Star Lager beer’s Trip To Brazil promo. This qualifies him for an all-expense paid trip to Brazil. The promo is a brand activation from Star beer produced by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Eleven winners are expected to emerge from draws, which will be held in selected bars across key regions/districts of the country. Victor, who could not hide his joy when his ticket was picked at the Cyclic Centre, Costain, Lagos, said: “I’m very very happy because I wasn’t expecting to win. I came from Egbeda to Costain, just because of this promo.”

Another winner, Alhaji Abdullahi Abiodun Ayinla, won a 2.5 KVA power generator. He said Star was not his regular beer, but only drank it when he learnt of the promo. In addition, two others, Chidi James and Amarachi Joy Eze, won 32’ TV sets. The Brand Manager, Star, Mr. Omotunde Adenusi, said the promo was the brand’s way of appreciating consumers for their patronage. Omotunde added: “As Nigeria’s highest selling beer brand, we continually seek means of rewarding our consumers. Taking them on an all-expense paid trip to Brazil is a memorable experience, which I’m sure, they’ll cherish for years to come.”

Sanofi unveils centre in LUTH

ANOFI has reinforced its commitment to the healthcare sector and African children with the launched of a Fun Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The Sanofi Representative, Dr Fifen Inoussa said the firm remains a leader in Africa with the largest healthcare dedicated to children. He said the event remains an opportunity to show concern to chil-

dren with different kinds of diseases so that they will be able to get over their challenges. The firm’s International Senior Vice-President, Global Operations, Antoine Ortoli said pediatrics is a priority for Africa as one child out of four in the world is an African even as 50 per cent of global infant mortality also occurs within the continent.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

• Obi addressing handlers of the convention centre in the same compound with shopping mall.

Shopping malls have come to stay in the country. More malls are daily springing up across the major cities and towns of the country. Anambra State’s commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka are hosting new shopping malls, TONIA ‘DIYAN and ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU report.

More modern markets emerge

HE past few years have seen the rise of modern shopping malls in Nigeria with Shoprite setting the pace. It is just a natural progression from what has always been a way of life for an average Nigerian who is known to be a great spender. Since the first shopping mall, The Palms,Lekki-Lagos landed in the country in 2005, the number of shopping malls have continuously been on the increase. Cities, such as Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Enugu and now Onitsha, Nnewi and Akwa can boast of modern shopping facilities that have brought tremendous transformation in the way people now shop. The potential buying power of Nigerians has been recognised by the outside world. Foreign firms have now realised that there is a lot of wealth in the country and had seen the neccessity to build modern markets, despite the existence of challenges such as dearth of infrastructure and access to land. According to experts, the availability of suitable land for siting shopping mall continues to be a challenge as the appropriate location remained an issue. Former Chief Executive Officer, Broll Nigeria, Erejuwa Gbadebo, said the financial institutions must support projects such as shopping malls with finance. According to her, shopping mall projects create jobs and leads to the rejuvenation of the micro economy around places where they are sited.

The new shopping malls Global leader in retailing business, Shoprite is set to open more retail malls in major cities in Anambra State. It will start from Onitsha, then move to Awka and Nnewi. While that of Onitsha has attained 75 per cent completion, that of Awka and Nnewi are at various stages of completion. The

Awka mall is located at the site of the old Ikenga Hotel in Awka, the state capital. Governor Peter Obi is happy about the projects. This is because the malls will provide alternative shopping avenues for expatriates and other prominent Nigerians that will lodge in the three international hotels and resorts as well as the convention centres he is building in the three cities. At the moment, Shoprite is the favourite and would be charged with the responsibility of supervising other tenants but other big names in shopping mall business have also indicated interest in opening branches in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka especially now that Obi has provided a level playing field for all players. The Onitsha Mall is located at the side of the Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre. It is situated on a vast land that boasts enough space for the level of commercial activities the mall will expectedly host. The governor promised to provide facilities to boost activities in the area, including dualisation of Park Road, the access road to the complex which he has done. From the foundation laying structures on ground, it is clear that the shopping malls are big and ultra-modern. The state is constructing the malls in partnership with African Capital Alliance under Private-Public Partnership (PPP). Obi said it is in line with his commitment to the transformation of Anambra State, which, according to him, included returning Onitsha to its past glory as the number one commercial city in Nigeria that wil host the biggest market in West Africa.

Financing the projects The Attorney-General of the State, Peter Afuba said Governor Obi has put in a lot on the project, to be financed jointly by African Capital Alliance and Anambra State Government through Private Public Partnership

(PPP). He explained that after the construction, Shoprite would serve as anchor for tenants. A Senior Manager with African Capital Alliance, Mr Osita Okonkwo said the project would cost over $30 million, with 15,000 sq. meter of shopping and retail spaces. He said the money was coming from international financial institution as foreign direct investment (FDI) and that it was not possible to attract such money to Anambra State before Governor Obi. He added that it is now possible for the state to attract FDI now because of the enthronement of stability and good governance which have been made possible by the governor. He recalled how Obi visited Shelter Afrique in Kenya, when he was and how he showed passion for the growth and development of the state. Obi said: ”Many big organisations wanted to hold their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in Awka. They want to hold it in Onitsha, the largest and biggest market in Africa or Nnewi, the Japan of Africa but were deterred by the absence of befitting hotels and convention centres. Now, history is being made as we put these facilities in place.” Also, on the finance to complete the shopping malls as the tenure of his administration is about to lapse, he said the government had saved enough money to see the projects through to completion. Obi said: “We have conceived them (the projects) since and saved enough money to see them through. Just watch and see what will happen. Not just these two, we are starting the Governor’s Lodge, legislative and judiciary buildings in few days. We have the resources to execute them. We have the resources to aggressively execute and complete the many projects, including road projects we are working on. “It is my belief that a governor should work

for his people unceasingly. Many people wonder why I keep working and flaggingoff projects even when I am supposed to be winding up, but I believe a governor should work for his people in season and out of season. I shall continue to work till I handover, especially to make things easier for my successor.” Already, the state government will expand parts of Awka road, and further widen the access road to Onitsha International Shopping Mall in addition to the ongoing dualisation of the Park Road, GRA. There would be an Amusement Park built in the area in line with on-going upgrading of infrastructure in Onitsha and environs.

Shoprite plans A representative of the Shoprite Group, Mr Gerald Frits, said when functional, the mall will reduce the cost of goods as they would be working with local farmers in the state. Mr. Frits said the facility would also provide a lot of employment opportunities and commended the vision of Governor Obi in attracting high class investments to the state. Obi warned contractors working on projects in the state, especially on the shopping malls, to sit up and face their jobs squarely or face severe sanctions. ”My government does not owe any contractor. We have enough money for our projects and only demand from contractors to be fast, with assurances that any certificate generated would be paid for. But for those who are not serious for reasons only themselves know, we will not hesitate to revoke their contracts,”Obi said. These three shopping malls will add a difference to the lives of the super rich and middle class who once in a while travel out of the state to do their shopping as well as visitors to the state.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

PAGE 29

PETER OK OCHA OKOCHA

JTF’S NEW F ACE FA

GR OUND RENT GROUND

DELTA STATE-born frontline businessman Peter Okocha is not a novice in politics. As the state prepares for the next general election, he is interested in succeeding Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

THE Joint Task Force (JTF) has a new face in the Niger Delta. He has issued quit notice to kidnappers. How far can Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe go in ridding the region of criminal elements?

THE introduction of ground rent in Delta State is generating so much uproar. What really is the ground rent all about? Will landlords transfer it to tenants by way of higher rent?

•PAGE 34 •Okocha

•PAGE 35 • Maj-Gen. Atewe

•PAGE 34 •Nwugo

• HOW OSHIOMHOLE MAKES LIFE BEAUTIFUL FOR EDO’S CURSED COMMUNITIES PAGE 33 2015: Rivers Ijaw seek support to produce Amaechi’s successor By Olukorede Yishau

T was tagged a sensitisation symposium. But, its theme “The Eastern Delta in the Political Development of Rivers State: Past, Present and Future” shows that this event organised by the Eastern Delta People’s Association (EDPA) is about the future of Rivers State. Any doubt about this was erased when speakers began to mount the podium at the Atlantic Hall of the Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt. The riverine communities of Rivers State, at the symposium, demanded to produce the successor to Governor Rotimi Amaechi in 2015.The event, which attracted persons across party lines, had in attendance the cream of Rivers Ijaws from all walks of life, including traditional rulers, elder statesmen, political office holders, religious leaders, women, youths and students. Interestingly, despite the political crisis in Rivers State, which has divided the people along party lines, the political elite still came under one roof to demand that riverside communities must produce the next governor. • Continued on page 30

ANALYSIS

Before guns boom again in Niger Delta

•Aerial view of Calabar

Dying businesses of Cross River Calabar, the Cross River State capital, and other towns around are witnessing a lull in business. The multi-billion naira Tinapa Business and Lesure Resort is not left out of the bad times, reports NICHOLAS KALU, Calabar • Continued on page 30

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HE creeks are calm now. Chirping of birds could be heard from the mangroves of the Niger Delta. No more reckless booming of guns. The warriors are out of their notorious camps where they commanded guerrilla fighters. From the trenches, they have become millionaires. The ex-militant commanders own mansions, drive exotic cars and have damsels at their beck and call. They appear to have forgotten resource control, development, equity and fairness which they claimed were the reasons they took up arms against the Federal Government. But it is not yet uhuru in the Niger Delta. Apart from widespread and intractable menace of economic sabotage such as pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, violence looms. The amnesty granted the creek warriors by former President Umaru Yar’Adua has only succeeded in making a few millionaires to the detriment of the region. • Continued on page 30

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Dying businesses of Cross R A

Continued from page 29

FEW weeks ago, the new Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in charge of Akwa Ibom, Cross River and the Calabar Free Trade Zone Command, Bamidele Akande, visited the Cross River State Security Adviser. The visit was to familiarise the leadership of the command with the state government and seek ways of collaboration for the benefit of the people. Akande pointed out something that appears a lot of people will rather sweep under the carpet. He said businesses were dying in the state. He expressed concern over the lull in economic activities. He said with a viable seaport, businesses should be booming. He urged the state government to do something about the situation. The Tinapa Resort, he pointed out, is also suffering, adding that due to the situation, some investors were already making plans to move elsewhere. Several reasons have been adduced for the situation, but topping the list are the shallow Calabar channel and the terrible condition of link roads, especially the Calabar-Itu federal highway. Akande said: “We have identified some key factors in the lull in economic activities in the state. The bad road is one of them. We have seen that the government is doing very well in terms of providing good roads within the city, but the problem is the road linking the state to other states is the main problem. They are very bad sections and this is really affecting economic activities in the state adversely. “The road is a serious problem as we have been in touch with business men in Abia and the neighbouring states but they complain that they cannot come here to do business because of the bad road. “Another problem here is the dredging of the Calabar Channel. This is another cause for concern and something should be done about it urgently.” A top official of the Calabar Free Trade Zone, who pleaded for anonymity, said the zone felt highly challenged because of the constraints against the proper kick-off of economic activities in the state. The official said goods destined for the zone as well as Tinapa have to berth in Onne in Rivers State for onward movement to Calabar, a situation, he said, has created several logistic problems for business. He said: “Calabar Free Trade Zone feels highly challenged because the roads leading from Onne, which is the nearest port to Calabar, is something that needs urgent attention. It causes great discomfort for our people to bring in their goods or take out their goods. The Calabar Port that is among the oldest ports in Nigeria, which has got a lot of history behind and it is attractive to shipping lines. We have been told of so many reasons why it is still not working, but we are still unable to understand.” He also identified electricity as another major challenge. He said: “After road and port another major infrastructure challenge is the availability of electricity. We hope that with the privatisation of the discos maybe we would now start solving the problem. We want to say that Calabar as a growing industrial city should receive priority in terms of allocation by the transmission companies. If we have electricity there would be enough to encourage

•Tinapa

•Onne Port

people to come and settle. The problem is the investors would say they would not come because no power. The power companies would say well there are no people who are consuming. We have to start from somewhere. We have people who are interested in coming here to establish and generate their own power, but also we have limitations in terms of the gas supply.” The chairman of the Cross River/ Akwa Ibom states branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Elder Iniobong Jackson, decried the situation in an interaction with reporters recently. He urged the federal and state governments to engage the private sector in repairing the deplorable Calabar-Itu Highway. He believes the road requires a complete overhaul and government needs the input of the private sector in this regard. Jackson, who is also a Calabar industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Devos Enterprise, said it would not be out of place for the government to re-introduce toll gates on the highway, so far as its proceeds are used to maintain the road. He said the road is very important to the state’s economy and should be prioritised by the state government. He also rued the Federal Government’s failure to dredge the Calabar Sea Port even when others in the country are frequently being dredged. Describing the state of the Calabar port as pathetic, he said: “Most of us

in the Free Trade Zone usually have our goods coming either through Lagos or Rivers State ports. “No shipping line is effectively operating this route because they say there is no adequate traffic, and this makes the cost of production higher.” Elvis Masor, the Managing Director of the Ugonabo Trading and Logistics in Tinapa, told Niger Delta Report that he would leave Clabar as soon as the goods he has are sold out. According to him, there was no need continuing to stay and incurring losses as economic activities were not moving as expected. He said: “You can see there is no traffic. You can stay from morning till night. Virtually we don’t make sales again. Basically it is actually the major problem we are having because what really do is importation and this is known to be a free zone and most of our customers who come from other countries when they come they get some embarrassment from customs discouraging them from coming in to buy. Our mode of importation that we feel could be addressed in future. We are expecting that the Calabar seaport should work, because during our importation, we bring in from Onne in Rivers meanwhile Calabar is the final destination. Goods coming in from Rivers would still be on transit to Tinapa. Had it been the Calabar Port is working, it would have also gone a long way to salvage most of the problems we have as a free zone. “If the business is flowing we

would recoup the expenses we have made but now it is not moving, we have been affected. The road is the only means and it has been another factor affecting us. Most of those goods are not insured. They use to fall on the road and once they fall, then some of them get damaged. All boils down to the fact that if this seaport is working, it would go a long way to help us salvage the problem.” For Kingsley Ihenacho, the General Manager of Ecomarine (ECM) terminals concessioned to manage the Calabar Port for 25 years, the noncompletion of the dredging of the channel to the advertised draft of 9.4m meters is the biggest threat to the development of the port with adverse effect on their financial projection and cargo throughput which was predicated on the completion of the dredging as assured during the concession exercise. “The drop in performance in general cargo and container volumes shown above are purely affected by non-completion of dredging and pullout of container services from Calabar(by Maersk line). This is in spite of ECMT’s huge investment in this sector of our operation (in terms of equipment purchase). Also, with the withdrawal of Baco Liner services in Nigeria, Calabar port is completely without a container service. At the moment, all the cocoa exporters are trucking to Lagos for consolidation and export at the expense of the government of Cross River State in terms of revenue and to the port in terms of

cargo traffic,” he said. Also commenting on the road, he said: “There is an urgent need to fix the bad roads leading out of Calabar. On completion of the dredging, the envisaged increase in container business may not be realised as the bad road will still prevent the importers from the South-East and North-Central states from bringing in their cargo through Calabar which was built to service the importers/exporters from these areas. We request the Federal Government to assist in addressing this impediment.” The net effect of the constraints, he said, has led to the non-calling of container ships to Calabar and has affected negatively forecasted cargo volumes upon which their development plan was hinged on. “Hence the company is basically thriving on low hanging fruits while hanging on awaiting the Capital Dredging of the Calabar River Channel. Negligible import container and general cargo volume due to the noncalling of the Container vessels to Calabar Port has consistently depleted our revenue base thereby impacting on our desire for backward integration. “Our major clients, such as Flour mills, Unicem and Dangote etc do not presently enjoy the economy of scale in their vessel nominations to Calabar due to the fact that their full load arriving vessel has to lighter off some cargo tonnage in Lagos before calling Calabar Port due to draft limitations. Hence, a cargo ship load that could

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

ss River

‘

It is a territory coming out of the doldrums and once we address the challenges of infrastructure, they will beat Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna or any other place. But first they have to address the obvious challenges which are hampering economic activities or they would go nowhere

‘

have come at once per voyage ends up being conveyed down to Calabar Port in two or three voyages. This increases their operating cost and by extension cost of the end product from the end-users position. It also leads to capital flight out of Nigeria. This makes these companies less competitive. We have equally lost several business prospects like a fertilizer Company- Nargajuna and several Ro-Ro. Shipping companies that could have been plying their trade in Calabar Port due to the restriction of approach draft limitation. It is ironical that the even draft alongside quay at Calabar Port is 10m whereas the Calabar river approach draft is 6.4m on high water. All these have had limiting and stunting effects on the growth efforts of the various Free Trade Zones in Calabar(CFTZ and TFTZ) and has largely made them unable to realize their basic potentials. The FTZ are all struggling presently due to the nondredging of the Calabar river channel. Based on all of the above, the going-concern status of ECM Terminals Calabar is threatened,” he said. But must wait for the dredging of the Calabar channel, which has almost become politicized, continue for economic activities to kick start at the port? Stakeholders do not think so. Akande said even as the channel is some vessels can still come in he said vessels can still come in with bulk consignments. There is high tonnage. “The kind of tonnage they can bring in is still enough to make a lot

of difference around here,” he said. The CFTZ official also agrees with this. “We have always been told that the port needs to be dredged and the channel needs to be dredged but for me as a person, I would love a situation where we encourage smaller vessels to ply the route and channel to make the port busy so that business find it attractive and then continue to use it and then build up skill which would then make it possible for government to say okay lets dredge it and allow bigger vessels. But if we keep saying we would not use the port until the channel is dredged for bigger vessels, if bigger vessels cannot find the volume of business to come here, then we would always remain in that situation. We would not use the port until it is dredged. The commercial shipping lines would not come because there is no volume and because it is not dredged. “If investors in the zone could guarantee something like 50 containers a month, if we put heads together all the people around Calabar, the business community under the chamber of commerce, under MAN, and the investors in Tinapa, by the time we put our heads together we can make at least a hundred containers a month. “Why it has not happened, I don’t know. If we do this we should be able to attract business. When a ship gets to Onne, we transload it and bring it to Calabar. If we start with a small number of containers and it is regular, we would get the port working. From there we would move to the next level. “It would get to a point where everybody would see the port working and would now divert his goods to the port and we would be able to manage it. That would reduce the pressure on the road itself, particularly the Itu road. Anytime there is breakage, think of the trouble, the trauma, the delay. So we are saying let us reduce that. Let us have a vessel that would be bring in containers directly from Onne to the Calabar port. Jackson also said the situation does not stop economic activities in the zone. “It does not make it impossible for ship to come. At the moment, ships are coming but they are mostly dedicated ones. It only reduces the volume of ships that can come at a given time”. Many stakeholders point out that Cross River generally is not an industrial state but with its potential for being an investors’ haven, it could possible beat other economic destinations in no time. However, they believe this cannot be achieved if the problems highlighted are not adequately taken care. A stakeholder said: “When you look at the traditional industrial areas of the nation whether it is Lagos, as economic hub, Kano as trading hub, Kaduna as manufacturing hub or Port Harcourt for oil and gas, you notice that each of these areas is either full and saturated. So we believe Cross River State and in particular Calabar has become the investment destination of today and tomorrow. Because it is a territory coming out of the doldrums and once we address the challenges of infrastructure, they will beat Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kaduna or any other place. But first they have to address the obvious challenges which are hampering economic activities or they would go nowhere.”

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER Rivers Ijaw seek support to produce Amaechi’s successor

• Continued from page 29

INCE 1999, this part of the state has been unable to produce the governor, despite its huge economic contributions to the state and country. The Eastern Delta people spread across the coastlines in the over ten local government areas of Andoni, Opobo-Nkoro, Bonny, Okrika, OguBolo, Port Harcourt (South), AsariToru, Degema, Akuku-Toru and Abua-Odual and so on agreed at the event that the time had come to discard parochial interests to agitate for the state’s number one seat. The Chairman of the Steering Committee of the EDPA, Deacon Lawrence Jumbo, said the Eastern Delta People’s Association is a non-aligned sociopolitical group that seeks to promote unity, peace and progress among the people of all Ijaw- speaking communities in Rivers State and set the agenda for human and infrastructural development of the Ijaw communities of Rivers State and the state at large. He said the group also pursues the protection and preservation of the ideals of equity, fairness and justice as it relates to the Ijaw speaking people of the Eastern Delta. He said the symposium was the first step in a series of socio-political actions to actualise these objectives. Jumbo added that there was an urgent need for the people of the Eastern Delta to have a platform to articulate their interest ahead of the next political era. He said nature had so made it that the Upland/Riverine dichotomy in Rivers State was undeniable, adding that it would only be fair and just for both distinct geographical and cultural groups to produce the governor of the state successively. Jumbo added that the symposium provided a veritable and nonaligned platform for Rivers Ijaws to articulate and realise their dream of leading the state after a long wait of sixteen years. He said: “This long wait is gradually affecting the collective psyche of the riverine people of the state to the extent that their place in the polity and the socio-economic development of the rather challenging coastline areas of the state is not sufficiently guaranteed.”The Chairman of the occasion, Ambassador S. M. K. Taribo,

the Co-Chairman, Rear Admiral O. P. Fingesi, the keynote speaker, His Highness , Alabo Dagogo Fubara, who is also a professor, and the two paper presenters, Faye Dikio (SAN) and Dr. Okere Iragunima, called for unity among Rivers Ijaws and bridge building with their neighbours and brothers in order for the dream to be realised. They expressed dismay at the dwindling educational and economic fortunes of the Eastern Delta, despite the educational strides and economic advancements in times gone by due to early contact with the Europeans. They, therefore, called for all people of goodwill and means in the Eastern Delta to both initiate and/or support any effort that would bring back the glorious days of excellence in education and commerce. Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, a former Commissioner in Rivers State, Alabo Paworiso Samuel Horsfall, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, all spoke extensively on the need for equity, fairness and inclusiveness in the governance of Rivers State. Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mrs. Ibim Semenitari and a member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dawari George, also buttressed the need for unity among the Ijaw clans of Rivers State, noting that that all Rivers Ijaw sons and daughters irrespective of their political affiliations should embrace every effort to address the challenges of the coastal communities and the state. Toby stressed that care must be taken to ensure that the effort of uniting the people of the Eastern Delta behind a common agenda was not truncated as was the case in the past. Sara-Igbe called on the political class in the state not to renege on the unwritten code of rotation of power between the upland and riverine peoples of the state. Alabo Paworiso called for the unity of all Rivers Ijaws and stressed that they must uphold the tenets of politics without bitterness and the ‘pulling down syndrome’. Mrs. Seminitari also chronicled the achievements of the administration of Amaechi, such as the ongoing construction of the Andoni-Opobo Unity Road,Okrika ring road, Bolo bridge, shore protection of Egbomung

•Amaechi

Andoni, the award of the TransKalabari Road and the land reclamation project at Opobo Town, numerous model primary schools and health centres spread in Ijaw communities of Rivers State and challenged all Rivers Ijaws to give their support to only eminently qualified men and women who have a good grasp of the development challenges of the coastlines and are committed to ensuring even development across all communities in Rivers State. In another breadth, Dr. George challenged the people of the Eastern Delta not to allow oil economics and boundary matters to divide them as justice and truth must be the foundation for addressing such matters. At the end of deliberations, the session adopted a seven- point communiqué, which emphasized the unity of all Rivers Ijaws towards the security and development of the coastline areas and the demand for the chance to produce the next governor of Rivers State. The session was, however, careful to note that the aspiration of the Eastern Delta can only be actualised through the support and goodwill of other ethnic nationalities of the state. They thus appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all ethnic nationalities for a chance to lead the state.

Before guns boom again in Niger Delta

• Continued from page 29 If Samuel Peter had remained in the Niger Delta region, he wouldn’t have been a good boxer. But he found himself in HE region has remained largely underdeveloped. an environment with facilities he needed to become an exThere is rising frustration among the teeming popu- cellent boxer”, he said. lation of unemployed youths. Their anger is like a Apart from sports facilities, he called for commencement keg of gunpowder waiting to explode. Their unhappiness of work on the Bonny and Brass Liquified Natural Gas is worsened by their inability to derive tangible benefits (LNG) projects. If completed he said the projects would offrom the Presidency which is occupied by their kinsman, fer many job opportunities to the unemployed especially President Goodluck Jonathan. ex-militants who had undergone technical training. He said In 2011, Jonathan and chieftains of the Peoples Demo- the two projects, when completed, would serve as a “posicratic Party (PDP) traversed their poverty-stricken commu- tive distraction” for the youths of the Niger Delta. nities and promised them development, job opportunities Tonyo-West insisted that the government must muster and empowerment. They spoke of modular refineries, required political will to assist the youths. For instance, he coastal roads, East-West roads, training programmes and said the federal government should turn the technical school other juicy dividends of democracy. in Bonny to an oil and gas university. This, he said, would The Association of Non-Violence in Niger Delta provide needed empowerment for the youths to become (ANVND) implored the government to address all issues employable in the oil and gas sector. of empowerment and development of the region before He said: “We also want the Federal Government to ur2015. The Coordinator of the Non-Governmental gently rehabilitate Bonny Technical College in Rivers State Organisation (NGO), Mr. Kennedy Tonyo-West observed and upgrade it to Oil and Gas University. high level of unemployment in the system. “The facilities the students can learn from are already He noted that many factories and industries had gone there. We are pleading with President Goodluck Jonathan moribund in the region and asked the government to in- to upgrade the BTC as a matter of urgency.” tensify efforts in reviving them. He asked both state and Besides, he called the attention of the Bayelsa State Govfederal governments to look for and recover underutilized ernment to the moribund Hyndai project which was iniopportunities. tially conceived by the past administration of Governor For a violent-free 2015 general elections, he asked the Timipre Sylva to attract investors and create over 2000 jobs. PDP-led government to explore all sectors in the Niger Delta “This project is designed to mop up unemployment. The region so as to create needed opportunities for the youths. government should look into the matter and address the Specifically, he called on interventionist agencies in the issues. He implored the Senate to immediately pass the region, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law. (NDDC), the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs and the He said the Niger Delta region would base its voting SURE-P Programme to build 100 sports centres in 100 com- decision in 2015 on the passage of the PIB. munities in the region. He said the the bill was essential for the growth and Describing the youths in the region as skillful and tal- development of the country’s petroleum sector. ented, Tonyo-West said it was regrettable that facilities were He said: “We call on the Senate President to make a not in the region to enable the youths hone their skills. He firm decision on PIB still lying in the Senate without being said Olympians and award winners in sports would passed. We do not want to believe that members of the upper emerge from the region if facilities to develop such skills legislative chamber have been induced to withhold paswere built. sage of the bill into law. “The skills are dormant because the facilities are not there. • Continued on page 35

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

LifeisnowbeautifulforEdo’s ‘cursed’communities F

OR many years, people living in communities, such as l Anenegbette, Udaba, Okpekpe, Imiegba and Imiakubu, in Edo State were told a ‘terrible lie’. The lie was that it was difficult or perhaps impossible to construct access roads to their communities. They were labeled ‘cursed’ for living in areas difficult to attract developmental projects. The people had to accept their fate waiting for a miracle. For those at Anegbette and environs in Estako Central, their prayers is for the rains not to fall at all because they will be cut-off by flood. The road to their communities was swampy with local two local bridges constructed on two rivers. They usually had to wait for the dry season before they take their dead ones home for burial. Okpekpe, Imiegba and Imiakubu are located on mountainous terrain. Rich individuals from the communities choose to rather build houses at Auchi, headquarters of Estako West because they could not get to their communities. It was in fact not possible to drive through communities in the three Estako local government areas. Little wonder the villagers who were returning from farms brought out their drums to celebrate the unscheduled visit of Governor Adams Oshiomhole who was inspecting some completed and on-going road projects across the three local government areas of Etsako West, Etsako East and Etsako Central. In Estako West, the governor inspected Council Road, Iyofa Road, Okotokwe Road, Iyekhe Road and Jattu-Elele Road. Most of the roads were completed with side drains to help fight erosion in Auchi. Oshiomhole took time to educate the people on why they should not dump debris in the drains. He told the jubilant crowd that he was in the area to see work progress on the projects, adding, “People can see what we are doing on the major roads but can’t see what we are doing in the villages and tra-

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ditional areas where there were no roads. We decided that to fight erosion in Auchi, any road we are doing must include drainage so that water can flow in a coordinated manner”. A woman who gave her name as Aminatu Aliu said they didn’t knew the Okotokwe road could be made accessible. Governor Oshiomhole was at Etsako East where he inspected the AyogwiriApana-ImiegbaImiakebu road and the ApanaOkpekpe road. The roads are complete with bridges and water was flowing from one the rocks through which the road cuts through. The residents of Imiakubu ran out of their houses when they saw the governor’s convoy to welcome him to their community. Women sang songs of praises which the governor danced to. Zunetu Usman said: “Look at our Imiegba. Our village is now a town. The governor has turn it to London. What we need now is water. You are a good governor and we have not seen a man like. Others said the road was impossible but now it has been done. Our people can now come home without stopping at Auchi.” A local musician at Imiakubu, who gave his name as Anthony Omokheki, urged the governor to prepare to go Abuja to extend the good work to the rest of the country. He urged the governor to extend the road construction to Okpella, a neighbouring community adding that what they need now is water. An elated Oshiomhole who directed the construction of a roundabout at the end of the Okpekpe road promised to sink a borehole in Okpekpe so that the people may have access to clean, potable water. He said: “I came here to assess the extent of work. When we started the road construction, people thought it will not be completed. Any good thing in man’s heart, God has a way of starting and bringing it to an end.

•A bridge on Jattu-Apana-Imiegba-Imiakaebu Road

•Jattu-Apana-Imiegba-Imiakaebu Road

•Appreciative villagers at Okpekpe dance on seeing Oshiomhole

“Today, I am glad that the road project has been completed on schedule. You can see the quality of the road, so by the grace of God, we will bring more development.” The Onwuwueko of Okpekpe, His Royal Highness Peter Osigbemhe, thanked the Governor for cutting rocks to construct road

to their communities. He said “We are happy that you are in Okpekpe today for the road construction which has been realised and the renovation of schools which is also on–going. We thank you because you have done so well. This road has been a problem for long as past government

shied away from constructing it due to the difficult terrain, but you have come and conquered this difficulty and we are indeed grateful to you that we can drive to our homes on smooth, motorable roads.” At Etsako Central, Oshiomhole inspected the Ugbekpe-Ekperi-UdabaAnegbete Road said the road was re-

designed and reconstructed following the overflow of the River Niger that caused flooding in the area. Oshiomhole told the people the road was redesigned to withstand flooding. The Clan Head of Anegbette town, HRH Ogbodaga Yakubu, thanked the Governor for the infrastructural

New dawn for Ebendo indigenes U

NLIKE in many communities in the Niger-Delta where violent conflicts arise between communities hosting oil facilities and oil multinational companies, Energia/Oando JV, operator of the Ebendo/Obodeti marginal field, OML 56 enjoys cordial relationship with its host, EmuEbendo. The community, in the last few years, has witnessed rapid infrastructure development making it the envy of neighbouring communities. Emu-Ebendo boasts of a health centre, ultra-modern market, water bore hole to ensure provision of clean potable water and a host of other projects. Emu Ebendo community is made up of five clans including EmuEbendo, Emu Unor, Emu Ebeoma, Emu Iyasele and Emu Obodeti. It is a rustic, agrarian community in the Ukwuani heartland in Ndokwa West L.G.A. Penultimate week, it celebrated its annual Ebendo Day with fanfare. The epicenter of celebrations was at

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

sacred Aboshi tree in the village square .It towered in the village square where a large crowd had gathered to celebrate. Gaily dressed women sat under long rows of canopies on the 5.72 km walkways along the tarred axial road. The atmosphere was electrifying as music from the bandstand filled the air, punctuated intermittently, by tuneful songs from cultural troupes as each tried to outdo the other in intricate dance steps and songs. Masquerades danced the length of the village square to the admiration of the crowd, sometimes scaring children who had come out to enjoy the occasion. Crème-de-la-crème of Ukwuani society were in attendance, including Okpala-Uku –in-council , palace chiefs , President-General Ndokwa Neku Union , Paul Enebeli , Chief Godswill Obielum , Friday Osanebi , member representing Ndokwa West in the State’s legisla-

•A masquerader entertaining guests at the Ebendo Day

ture ,traditional rulers and kiths and kin from Onicha-Ukwuani, Ezionum ,Aradhe, Ellu and Ovrede communities. In an address by Chairman, Ebendo Community Development Association (ECDA), Samuel Osademe , urged Ebendo indigenes to be proud ambassadors of the community. He commended indigenes which constitute ESCOM, a body of volunteers that render freely their professional service to realize Ebendo

development plan, while also appreciating Energia/Oando JV for actualizing a host of projects commissioned in the community since 2011. According to him, the bonds of friendship will be further strengthened with neighbouring communities which had turn up en masse for the celebration. His words: “Ebendo Day have successfully brought together all the Emu communities and their brother communities-in the likes of Onicha Ukwuani, Ezionum, Aradhe, Ellu

•Osademe flanked by dignitaries at the inauguration of the 2.86 km road

and Ovrede. This in turn has helped to create awareness on the blood relationship among these communities thereby strengthening their peaceful co-existence”. The highpoint of the occasion was the inauguration of the N144 million 2.86 km asphalt axial road project that bisects the community by the President General Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Paul Enebeli. Osademe expressed happiness at the celebration of Ebendo Day, adding that this year’s event turn out of

notable people has proved that the annual event has come to stay. On the rapid development witnessed in the community, Osademe said funding for all projects in the community was from the 1.25 per cent accruals adumbrated in the MoU signed between the community and Energia/Oando JV. He said the money was entrusted in the care of the Board of Trustees, adding that Escom initiates projects jointly with elders and ECDA that would be beneficial to the commu-

development in Edo North and his effort at alleviating the plight of the rain storm victims in Aniegbette and its environs. He noted that people of the area are elated that they can drive to their communities and that already a factory has been sited in the community as a result of the good road. nity following which funds are released by the marginal field operators. Osademe said the secret behind the peace and unity experienced in the community was the result of a determination by the community to deal fairly and equitably to all and enjoy the benefits of oil exploitation. He said members of the BOT are screened before they are appointed, so as to ensure that members are above board in their dealings with financial matters. According to ESCOM, the road project had suffered a few setbacks ranging from late release of funds to protracted rains, adding that these constraints extended the completion period from nine months to two years. Although the project is almost completed there still remain two access roads that is currently ongoing. Osademe said the community has benefitted a lot from peaceful co-existence between it and the oil company, adding that all basic amenities have been provided including a health centre, market, roads, water projects and schools. He appealed to government to ensure that electrification of the community is prioritised, so as to enhance the welfare of the people and arrest rural urban drift.

It’s ridiculous to put off phones at filling stations, says Apple co-founder Wozniak

ITH intimidating frame, Steve Wozniak, a co-founder of Apple, smartly moved to the podium, having been introduced by a foremost comedian, Tee-A, who was the compere at the MTN’s leadership seminar at the Aztech Arcum Event Centre, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. With the teeming customers of MTN, a South African company, earlier briefly treated to sumptuous cocktail in the evening of Wednesday, March 5, they were then ushered into the expansive hall for the main event, with the theme: “Exploring New Technology Frontiers for Life and Business.” The telecommunications giant’s General Manager, Kolawole Oyeyemi, while welcoming the guests, noted that MTN believed in the project called Nigeria, with the company’s determination to affect the mindset of Nigerians, leading to the leadership seminar, with eminent personalities all over the world regularly invited as guest speakers. Oyeyemi said: “We believe in the can-do-spirit. MTN came into Nigeria, when most companies were scared of investing in the country. We have not regretted the bold decision we took. Our customers mean so well to us. Steve Wozniak is a man worth listening to.” The Apple’s co-founder, with black suit, T-shirt and shoes to match, did not disappoint the customers of MTN, holding them spell-bound for about two hours, when he picked the microphone, with the people asking for more and later asking him various questions, not minding the fact that it was getting late in the evening. Wozniak went down memory lane,

•Wozniak From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

on how Apple started from the scratch, but with determination to be one of the best computer/ communications companies in the world, which he said with fulfilment, had been achieved. Apple’s co-founder said: “Technological devices help society. Between ages 9 and 12, I taught myself how to make things. From elementary school, I was doing what I loved to do (engineering/ manufacturing). I taught myself how to design computers. I wanted to be a great engineer, which I have been able to achieve. “I was always sitting and thinking about how to do things better, how to

improve and I was seriously competing with myself. As a young man, I had no money, but I could design any computer in the world. In business, always work with the resources you have. “The purpose of engineering is about the people. Engineers are about the best people in the world, because engineering is about the truth. If you are going to do something, do it well. Follow your heart, follow your dream. If you have a brain, you will always think of new ideas. “Everybody does not need to be an engineer. Let the children pursue their interests and encourage them. It is ridiculous to put off phones while inside filling stations. Radiation from phones is minute and not injurious.” Wozniak, who co-founded Apple with the late Steve Jobs, also described happiness as the goal of life, stressing that happiness is smile minus frown, which he later modified to be derivable from food, fun and friends, while advising people not to always win all arguments. The Apple co-founder noted that he met the late Jobs, who was not an engineer, but they played with computers together and had a perfect partnership with him, but he (Jobs) was good in being company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), stating that Apple has a reputation for making parts that are easily used. Another senior official of MTN, Obinna Nweje, while also speaking, stated that the event was to enrich lives, with great leaders from across the globe being invited for the leadership seminar, especially speaking on creativity, innovations, enterprise and inventions, as a way of giving back to the society.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW

Why I want to be Delta’s next go

Peter Eloka Okocha, businessman, is not a novice in Delta State politics. In this interview, Okocha, who wants to be the next governor of the state, speaks on his plans. OLUKOREDE YISHAU met him.

O what informed your decision to join politics and to eye the governorship seat of Delta State? I believe I have something to offer. It is not enough to sit on the fence and complain. Of course, I made an attempt in 2007; I was excluded because I am a friend to the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar. They said I was corrupt. The ElRufa’i Whitepaper said I was corrupt. But interestingly, since I was born, I have never worked for anybody. So, who corrupted me? The case went to court. By the time it was over, the elections were over. Then, we started going to court over exclusion. The present governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, won the appeal but the good thing is that he has succeeded in completing his eight years term. What is the issue of power rotation that some people are talking about in Delta State as politicians get ready for the 2015 elections? In Delta State, we have what we call ‘gentlemanly understanding’ that is also hoisted on us by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is that power would rotate from one senatorial district to the other. The Delta Central has served under James Ibori for eight years. The Delta South also produced Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who will by 2015, complete his eight years. If the gentlemanly understanding is

respected, the Delta North has to produce the next PDP candidate. It is an understanding, not an agreement, because any agreement will be unconstitutional. It is only an understanding in PDP. No other political party has that kind of understanding. The people that are abreast of political development in Delta State would have read what the state PDP chairman said, what the secretary to the government has said and what the governor has not said. The governor has kept quiet on it. But the truth of the matter is that there is a gentlemanly understanding. There is no agreement. We hope and pray that they would respect that gentlemanly understanding. If our brothers from the Delta Central and Delta South respect that gentlemanly understanding, it means that all the candidates that will emerge for screening and for primaries will be from the Delta North. But I am not averse to competition. I believe that a country can only grow if the best and brightest is chosen. Do you have any fear that PDP may not respect that gentlemanly agreement? It is not an agreement because an agreement is something you sign and seal and you are waiting to deliver. I call it gentlemanly understanding. The various senatorial districts that have enjoyed that under-

standing, should respect it. However, there is no law that stops anybody from those districts from contesting. But we are hoping that the governor will in time lend his voice to the gentlemanly understanding. I hope that, even the governor’s opinion will be respected, because if he says it, it is still unconstitutional. What would you do if the gentlemanly understanding is not respected and people from the Delta South and Delta Central decide to run? I am not one of those who believe this power allocation. The best and the brightest should be given a chance. Unfortunately, the Nigerian media and various organisations are also to be blamed for us coming up with half-baked leadership. Most of them have not been put to test. I am glad that the chairman of the governor’s forum once said that 50 per cent of the politicians are people that don’t have anything to do. Most people come into politics because they could not find employment. They are not educated or literate to write…may be providence smiles on them, they become local government chairmen. Anybody who dares to say he wants to become local government chairman becomes an enemy. We the citizens of Nigeria have fundamental human rights. We can recall a nonperforming legislator. We have

•Okocha

not tried it to see whether it will work or not. So, the power that is latent in us, given to us by the constitution, has not somehow been tested. However, I am not averse if it is thrown open, I will go the whole hog and I believe that I will get it. I believe that I have

what it takes to be the next governor of Delta State. You are a professional in politics, but do you have a structure on ground that can attain that for you? I am not a green horn in politics. Since the inception of Social Democratic Party (SDP), I

have always made the councilors in my local government. I am a businessman and I am always interested in politics. I did not just move my factory from Lagos to Ibusa, Asaba Road, for the sake of it; though there is market. I moved it to empower my people as one of my contri-

‘Ground tax’ll not lead to higher rent in Delta’ The Delta State government has introduced a ground rent, which has pitted it against some of the citizens. The chairman of the Ground Rent Task Force, Chief Frank Nwugo, a lawyer, clarified the development in an interview with reporters. SHOLA O’NEIL was there

ODALITIES for the ground rent The state was divided into six zones comprising Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele and Agbor zones. We are starting from Asaba zone. We have government lands and private lands. Government land is divided into five zones. On the essence of ground rent, which is part of tax, the constitution is very clear about payment of tax by all citizens of this country that are adult. Section 24 sub section F of the constitution made it so. Now the 1978 Land Use Act confers the ownership of all lands in the states on the Governors of the states. This implies that every land in Delta State is under the ownership of the Governor of the state. And therefore, whoever buys land be it private or government, is on lease, on the other hand, we can say the person is a tenant to the Governor. Now if you are a tenant, the only power that makes you sustain your tenancy is continuous payment of your rent in the tenancy agreement. When you don’t pay, the landlord has the right to revoke the tenancy agreement and take possession of his land. Under the C of O, one of the conditions for continuous retention

or ownership of land is the payment of ground rent. Every year you are expected to pay a particular amount to the state government for the right given to you to possess that land within the period of 99 years as conferred on you by the C of O. And now for the purpose of this ground rent payment, the 1999 constitution empowers the state government (via State House of Assembly) under Sections 4(6) and 44(2) to make laws concerning tax. Base on this, the Delta State House of Assembly in 2009, enacted the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated Law of 2009. Section 30 sub section 7 of that Law divided the land in Delta State into four. We have category A, Land in Asaba, Warri and Effurun. Category B in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Ughelli, Sapele, Agbor and Abraka. Category C all Local Government Headquarters except Isiokolo and Aboh. Category D covers Aboh, Isiokolo and other towns in Delta State. The purpose of this categorization is premised on the fact that urban nature has effects on the land. For those in Category A, a square meter is N50 naira per annum and it also depend on the purpose of the land. It could be used for residential, or commercial, or

agriculture. If it is residential it is fifty naira, if it is commercial, it is hundred Naira, if it is for agriculture, it is twenty naira because of the importance government have on agriculture and it is to encourage everybody participate in farming. When will enforcement commence, because people are apprehensive? Under this platform, you know the law is the issue. There are two laws regulating this apart from the constitution. One is the Personal Income Tax (Amendment) Act of 2011 and the Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated Law 2009. Now by the Act which is the National Assembly creation, ground rent is due on the first day of January each year. And by Section 94 of the Personal Income Act, you are given 90 days to comply. For payment, go to the office and show them your land particulars. You can assess yourself because these are regulated issues. If your facts are correct, you now pay. If after 90 days the agency did not hear from you, they now issue a demand notice. Having gotten the information, the next is to raise an assessment based on information available. If after 30 days of serving the demand notice, you

did not pay, you will be given another seven days’ reminder to ensure you pay. If you fail to pay, you will be prosecuted or your land will be revoked or your premises sealed up as required by the law. By virtue of accepting the C of O, it means all the conditions and terms stipulated in the C of O are binding on you. Remember, one of the conditions I told you is the payment of ground rent annually. If you fail to pay the ground rent when you ought to pay, then government is at liberty to take necessary measure in order to recover their land or take other measures to force you to pay the annual rent and the penalties for non-compliance because the law makes provisions for penalties and even interest at the current CBN rate. Legally, the effective day for this ground rent in Delta State is 1st July, 2009, or date of the C of O, whichever comes first. But the governor being the Chief Executive, relying on the provisions of the law can say okay, let it take effect from 2010, 2011, 2012. There are quite a large number of landlords and citizens who are not aware of this new tax; don’t you think it will create problems? I don’t want to go to the effect that ignorance of the law is not an excuse

•Chief Nwugo

but that is the law I cannot change it. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. But we are being patriotic and cautious in what we are doing that is why we are taking pain and time to inform everyone about the ground rent. I told you we started since July last year. There are concerns that this new tax on landlords may be passed to tenants in the form of increase in rent… I don’t think it is going to jack up house rent anymore. It is not new to law neither is it anything different because they have been paying it. Before he starts building on the land, he has paid ground rent.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT

xt governor, by Okocha ‘

The underdevelopment of Oron is the handiwork of the governor. Remember, he said that Oron did not support him. Second, our governor has seen the need to use state funds to dualise federal roads in his own senatorial district; and he gives no regard at all to the state of complete disrepair of the federal roads in Oron Federal Constituency.

‘

butions. Today, it stands as one of the viable industries in Delta State. It was not by chance. It was planned. Yes, I have the structure and I have the infrastructure. I have men and materials on ground. I have actually started consultation with various opinion

leaders, gentlemen and chiefs to sell my ambition and what I stand for before the whistle on the campaign is blown. The consultation has gone wide. This will be followed with opening of a campaign office in Asaba. The staffs are already there. I have wards, local government and senatorial coordinators that I can call on in a jiffy. But the campaign has not started. I am one of the founding fathers of PDP in Delta State. I am not only among the founding fathers; I am also one of the biggest financiers from Ibori time to present. What is your take on the agitation of the people of Anioma that it is their turn to produce the next governor? Sincerely speaking, we should not actually be clamouring, because we have more local governments. There are 25 local government areas in Delta State; nine are Igbo, eight are Urhobo and out of that eight, three are Iteskiri, three are Ijaw and two are Isoko. If we play smart politics, we can take our nine and just poach from there. How did you resolve the issue of your exclusion from the governorship race the last time; more so that you said you have never served any government or worked for anybody, in the light of the allegation of corruption initially levied against you? They removed the issue of corruption. So, I was no longer excluded for corruption. Then, they started the issue that I had no deputy. My deputy resigned that he is no longer my deputy. By the time I got another deputy, they said no, that the deputy that I enlisted initially had resigned. The other person

that I got also, because of our geographical diversity, from Isoko, took a sworn affidavit that he was no longer interested. It was, simply put, a mess. Then our argument through Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) was that at the time that I filed my paper, I had a deputy. So, the issue of deputy should not come up. But I am happy with the new law, which says nobody would be sworn in until the court cases have all been resolved. Why did you choose the PDP as the platform to achieve your ambition? I have been back to PDP. One, my state is PDP. Two, I was badly treated by the Action Congress. That made me to go back to the PDP. Throughout my time in court, I financed all the candidates in Action Congress for local governments, House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate. I did not receive one penny from the national body. But during the litigation, nobody from the national body of AC came to court for one day. The chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, never came to court one day and I am not a nobody. So, when that case ended, I knew that I could no longer stay in the Action Congress. I decided to go back to PDP. The state is more of a PDP state, and there are no owners. Whoever becomes the president becomes the leader of the party. You cannot say a particular person owns the PDP. With what you said, what does it suggest to you about AC turned to ACN and now APC? The truth of the matter is that I don’t have faith in them. I be-

lieve that they would have their own crisis. Former military president, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida had the best model, when he introduced the Social Democratic party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). We need only a two-party system. If you have three, they would go under the tripod of Hausa, Igbo and the Yoruba. So, SDP and NRC were the best thing that had happened. Unfortunately, IBB did a good job but spoilt it at the end. He annulled M.K.O Abiola election. It was the worst thing that ever happened to this nation. All Progressives Congress (APC) will all go through their challenges. Some of the original members will still leave, like you have seen Ibrahim Shekarau (former governor of Kano State) has left. May be, former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Buba Marwa, will also leave. Some others will leave. This also brings me to another chapter. We have not started playing the politics of ideology. Though I was born and bred in the Northern Nigeria, I came back during the Northern crisis. I became one of the beneficiaries of the free education policy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Western Region of Nigeria. This is one of the things I will introduce to Delta State. Forget about what people may say or not say about Awolowo. He had an ideology. He had a belief. He had a vision. The politics we play today is the politics of the pockets. When you offer somebody a ministerial or another position, he dumps his party with reasons or no reasons and crosses over to the ruling party.

Before gun booms again in Niger Delta • Continued from page 31

“M

AY we, therefore, call on the Senate to give express passage of the PIB into law for the benefit of the country and the citizens. We are against all the delays that have characterized the passage of the PIB.” Tonjo-West also called on Jonathan and the National Assembly to pass the Nigeria Merchant Navy Security and Safety Corps (NMNSSC). He said NMNSSC would no doubt contribute to the reduction of pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. “The Nigeria Merchant Navy Security and Safety Corps will create safety on our waterways. Besides, it will be a good outlet for employment creation as well as securing lives of seafarers,” he said. He commended the establishment of Youth Development Centre (YDC) in Bayelsa State. He, however, appealed to Governor Seriake Dickson, to appropriate funds needed for the centre to take off. The NGO was not happy that most of the programmes and projects formulated in the past to benefit the youths

•Niger Delta militants in their heydays

were abandoned on the way by the government. For instance, he observed that two expensive trawlers acquired for commercial fishing in Bayelsa State had been abandoned to rot at Ogbia water-

side. The trawlers, MV Patience Jonathan and MV Margret Alameiseigha, were acquired under the agricultural programme of Sylva. They only went fishing in the sea

once. Since then they were anchored and forgotten at the Ogbia waterside. But TonyoWest appealed to the government to revive and put them to use.panies like Okomu and others.

NEWSMAKER

Atewe...JTF’s new kid on the block

“Y

OU can't be here and people are being kidnapped. This is the headquarters and we must portray the real essence and values of our military profession". With the above words, the new Commander, Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, summoned in an unusual fashion, officers and men of JTF for an emergency meeting. Though it was 2.30am, the soldiers scrambled on their feet and trudged down to their commander at the conference hall of JTF's headquarters, Yenagoa. Men and women of the command and even persons accommodated in hotels outside the headquarters heeded the order. When they got there, they met an angry and restless commander. Atewe was jolted by the news of kidnapping which filtered into the command. The news got to him at about 9pm. Mrs. Joyce Ebua, a sister to the Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Maitama Obodo, was kidnapped. Five gunmen struck at Oloibiri, a community where oil was found in commercial quantity in 1956, and abducted Ebua. Ebua was relaxing outside her house close to the Oloibiri waterfront when the hoodlums arrived. Abducting her was an easy task as the hoodlums simply forced her into a waiting speedboat and sped off. Though people were around and could have stopped them, the daredevil criminals shot sporadically into the air to scare them. They escaped after what looked like a smooth operation. Indeed, it was one kidnapping too many. Ebue's abduction occurred at a time security outfits in the state were trying to locate the whereabouts of President Jonathan's cousin, Chief Inengite Nitabai. Nitabai was abducted on February 23, by 10 gunmen at his compound in Otuoke, Ogbia local government area. Nobody including security operatives knows the whereabouts of Nitabai and his assailants. In fact, rumours of his death have been circulating in Yenagoa and its environs. While 10 gunmen were involved in Nitabai's case, five armed men carried the operation that took Ebue away to an unknown place. The abduction of Ebue was the first criminal incident to have occurred in the state since Atewe assumed the command of JTF. He took over from Maj-Gen. Iliyasu Abbah, who has now been appointed a Military Secretary. Atewe was the Commander of Guards Brigade, Army Headquarters, Abuja before he assumed responsibility of JTF. He was in charge of security at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. As a gallant and action officer, Atewe, an infantry soldier, was not comfortable that somebody was kidnapped in his domain. He murdered sleep and forced his soldiers out of their beds to fashion out ways of freeing the victim. "We cannot allow kidnappers to take over our domain. We

•Maj-Gen. Atewe From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

cannot be here and somebody is kidnapped. We are soldiers and our responsibility is to tackle criminality. We can only sleep when the people are sleeping. If they are not sleeping we, won't sleep", he said. A senior officer who was part of the emergency meeting said Atewe showed a common zeal as he spoke to them. He said the commander banged the table many times while he spoke to them. "We were surprised. We have seen many commanders before, but this new one is different. None of us slept. We were awake till 5am. At a point he said we should move to the crime scene that night. "But after many discussions, he now concluded that the Commanding Officer, 5 Battalion at Otakeme, Ogbia should be moved to the area. He immediately called the commander and ordered him to go to the crime scene", he said. He added: "This is a new regime in JTF. It is either you shape in or shape out". He later said the commander assembled the soldiers on Tuesday and led them to the crime scene. Before departing the command, Abbah had described Atewe as a committed soldier. He said: "Atewe is a very committed military officer. He is going to do the work according to the mandate of the JTF. He is so good to handle the task. I have confidence in his abilities". Atewe vowed to tackle piracy, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering in the region. He said he would study the situation in the Niger Delta and formulate strategies to tackle economic saboteurs in the region. "I have to study the situation. It is my intention to professionally follow the mandate of the JTF to address the menace of piracy, pipeline vandalism, illegal oil bunkering and other illegalities in the Niger Delta," he said . Confirming the abduction of Ebue, the Media Coordinator, JTF, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said all the soldiers were working hard to locate the kidnappers and free their victim. He said: "The command has activated the security network on both land and waterways in conjunction with other security agencies to locate and track down the kidnappers."

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GAIN, I wear my borrowed cap and my name, if you have forgotten, is Oronto Douglas. And I am Ijaw. But my concern now is a pan-Niger Delta agenda and not the quarrel between my Ijaw brothers, which have been settled in the interest of Mr President’s 2015 ambition. Many leaders from our zone are gearing up for the National Conference, put together by our son, Goodluck Ebele Azikwe Jonathan, to discuss the trouble with Nigeria. As someone, who started from the creeks, I have a one-point agenda for the conference and the agenda is that we should determine what we give to the Federal Government from the cash made from our region. Not the other way round. This, I think, will help us and also help other regions in the country in the long run and reduce the do-or-die attention on the centre. That brings us to the issue of resource control. The first time I heard the phrase ‘resource control’ was about 14 years ago. Thanks to the then Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah. At that time, I could see wealth around and about me. From Bayelsa to Edo, there was wealth and there is still wealth. The wealth I talk about is not just oil, though it is the main thing. If not for the devastating effect of oil, sea food is another money spinner for the Niger Delta. Also, the rich history is another area we can make money from in terms of tourism. But, oil has overshadowed everything. It has blocked our vision and made many of us unable to see beyond oil. Even the Federal Government is so blinded and confused by oil and things are not moving as expected. The Federal Government, at the moment, has too much on its hands. To say the least, many of the things the central government gets enmeshed in now, such as construction of roads, water projects and so on should be none of its business. Its focus should be more on Foreign Affairs and Defence. I am particularly glad that the author of resource control, ex-Governor Attah, will be at the conference as one of the representatives of former governors. It should be nothing but resource control all the way. No matter the name it is called. But resource control is not a stupid idea. Is it?

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Resource control, not stupid

‘

From Bayelsa to Edo, there was wealth and there is still wealth. The wealth I talk about is not just oil, though it is the main thing. If not for the devastating effect of oil, sea food is another money spinner for the Niger Delta. Also, the rich history is another area we can make money from in terms of tourism. But, oil has overshadowed everything. It has blocked our vision and made many of us unable to see beyond oil. Even the Federal Government is so blinded and confused by oil

Alams’ loot: Whose game? One of the major news of the week centres around the so-called attempt by the Bayelsa State government to claim the N1.4 billion and another $1.3 million recovered from former Governor Diepreye Alamieyesiegha by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The state government believes the money belongs to it and mandated the Chief Executive of Panic Alert Security System, George Uboh, to get the money released to it. Uboh, in a petition to the anti-graft body, urged the release of the money to his client

•Attah

within seven days. That was last year. The petition yielded no fruit. Now, a report said the Bayelsa government has dragged EFCC to court. Bayelsa, according to initial report, believed the failure to release the money is an act of corruption and an economic crime contrary to sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004. The initial report also said it was asking for

THE WEEK’S QUOTE

‘

They removed the issue of corruption. So, I was no longer excluded for corruption. Then, they started the issue that I had no deputy. My deputy resigned that he is no longer my deputy. By the time I got another deputy, they said no, that the deputy that I enlisted initially had resigned...It was, simply put, a mess.

‘

Peter Okocha on how he was excluded from the governorship race in 2007 . __

HE position of leadership should be one of trust. Only people who can be trusted or are trusted should be given leadership position. Until recently, many communities in Edo State were made to live a lie. They were made to believe their communities did not deserve good things. The liars had nature as excuse. Since these communities, such as Anenegbette, Udaba, Okpekpe, Imiegba and Imiakubu, in either mountainous area or marshy areas, they were told by their past leaders that it was difficult or perhaps impossible to construct access roads to their communities. Because of this lie the people of Anegbette and environs in Estako Central of Edo State, always prayed against rains. Each time it rained they were usually sacked by flood. The two local bridges constructed on two rivers leading to their community were usually overrun. For Okpekpe, Imiegba and Imiakubu, which are located on mountainous terrain, the situation was not palatable. It was so bad that their rich sons and daughters would rather build houses at Auchi, headquarters of Estako West. No thanks to lack of access roads. Simply put, the communities were living life without good luck. All that have now ended and the good times are here. It took a visionary leader like Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole to end their life without good

‘

the interest which had accrued on the money. The state also wants EFCC to pay 21 per cent interest on the N1.4 billion and the $1.3 million from November 1, 2013 until judgment was delivered by the court. The state, said the initial report, also wanted the court to “direct EFCC to pay to it $400,000.00 being the amount forfeited by its former governor and which funds had since been repatriated by the United States

LAST WORD

Government to the EFCC”. When I first heard the news, my thought was: Governor Seriake Dickson is on a wild goose chase. I also felt nothing would come out of this case. At best, Dickson, I thought, will only end up wasting tax-payers’ money on lawyers. Delta tried the same game with the loots of former Governor James Onanefe Ibori. We all know what came out of it: nothing. Lawyers enjoyed though while the case lasted. Dickson has since denied the lawyer who filed the suit, making one wonder whose brief the lawyer took. Or has pressure been put on the governor to abandon the ill-advised venture? Whatever it is, we thank God that the people’s money won’t be wasted on frivolity.

Ama Pepple’s revelation Former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Ama Pepple, in an interview with Daily SUN on why President Goodluck Jonathan sacked her as minister, said: “Our elders came from Rivers State. Amaechi was not there. They were led by Victor Odilli. He is the chairman of Rivers State Elders Forum. He was there. Justice Karibi-Whyte was there, Professor Tekena Tamuno was there. These are men in their 80s. There was Professor Fubara who was honoured in the centenary celebration. There was Professor Nimi Briggs who at one time was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). There was Osi Harry, the former Executive Director of Finance, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). There was also Chief. Agbarho, a civil servant and there was also a lady, Dr Constance Sarowiyo. She is from Ogoni and she was much, much my senior in the secondary school. We went to the same secondary school but I didn’t meet her in school. She was one time a commissioner in Rivers state. So, this problem just started, but we could see the signs that it was not a healthy thing. And all of them without exception, spoke and asked that there should be peace, there should be forgiveness and peace so that the people in Rivers State will be comfortable and feel safe in their environment. I added my voice to it and I begged. I also begged Amaechi so that peace can reign. The Bible says blessed are the peacemakers.” My take: If Ms Pepple lost her job to being a peacemaker, it is a sad development. People should only be relieved of their jobs on the basis of incompetence. Rivers’ crisis and incompetence are not one and the same. Yes, it is important that leaders need loyal aides, but loyalty should not be misconstrued with sycophancy. Loyalty entails that one will not do anything to harm his or her principal’s interest; it does not mean you will always tell him or her he wants to hear always, which is sycophancy.

•Last Word is Niger Delta Report’s verdict on Southsouth affairs

Life without good luck luck. Oshiomhole has either completed some access roads or about to complete them . In Estako West, Council Road, Iyofa Road, Okotokwe Road, Iyekhe Road and Jattu-Elele Road have been completed with side drains to help fight erosion in Auchi. And in Etsako East, Ayogwiri- ApanaImiegba-Imiakebu road and the ApanaOkpekpe road have been completed with bridges. To build these bridges, rocks had to be blasted. A resident of one of the communities said: “Look at our Imiegba. Our village is now a town. The governor has turn it to London. What we need now is water. You are a good governor and we have not seen a man like. Others said the road was impossible but now it has been done. Our people can now come home without stopping at Auchi.” Significantly, when construction started on these roads, people thought they would not be completed.The lie they had been told that it was impossible to have roads leading to their communities had stuck in their heads. No wonder Oshiomhole remarked: “Today, I am glad that the road project has been completed on schedule. You can see the quality of the road, so by the grace of God, we will bring more development.”

For these people, it is the dawn of a new era. Never again will they believe anyone who tells them it cannot be done. Now they know it can be done once the political will is there. It is not just about cash. Yes, the terrains are difficult and more money may be required to have access roads in some communities. The country has enough for its needs, but perhaps not enough for the greed of the elite, which means once the greed of the elite can be contained, nothing really is impossible. We say kudos to Oshiomhole. We also say other Niger Delta communities, such as the oil-and-gas rich Bonny Island, deserve access raods too. For years, the Federal Government has been earning billions of dollars from Bonny as a result of the operations of Shell, Chevron and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited. Eight years ago, the contract for the Bodo-Bonny Road was awarded, but nothing concrete has happened. President Goodluck Jonathan blamed former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He too has been in power for years and still no dice. He has made a fresh promise. The time to keep the promise is now. The people will sure remember him as the man who ended their era of life without good luck. They sure deserve good luck.

014

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

SHOPPING

LG delights shoppers with 21st century TVs

•From left: Sales and Marketing Manager, Buyam.com.ng, Oluwatoyin Gbede; Chief Technical Officer, Bimpe Olufemi; Mordi and Creative Director, Ezinne Chinkata at the event.

Buyam.com adds more merchants to platform S

INCE online shopping has become more affordable, desirable and accessible to a wider range of people, Buyam.com.ng has added more merchants to its growing repertoire of online stores. Its Managing Director, Emeka Mordi said the latest addition of merchants to the site is the company’s commitment to ensuring that its customers have diverse range of products and services to choose from. He also noted that in the last couple of months, it carried out a survey and have worked closely with our partners and customers in a bid to understanding the things they want. “We have come to realise that majority of our customers want to shop for different products, in different places, but at the same time; and this is the unique platform that Buyam offers them. “With the cost of accessing the internet

By Nneka Nwaneri

dropping every day, it seems, e-commerce is fast becoming the way to do business, especially as you marry the online experience with the growing, aspirational middle class and a growing variety of payment options. With the value of e-commerce standing at around N225billion, and continuing to grow rapidly, it is a sector that expects to see a lot of positive movement, in terms of new players in the coming years. And these are developments that we are looking forward to at Buyam.com, Mordi said. On the metrics for selecting merchants on the site, he said Buyam.com will accommodate any type of merchant; from those who have massive inventories like Park N Shop to smaller businesses with less extensive stock, cognisant of the fact that

the customers have varied needs. To effectively meet their needs, merchants must provide as much diversity in stock and brands. “For them, it is also a win-win situation as we are built from the ground up with the Nigerian merchant in mind. Whether small or large, they all get the same level of fantastic service from our extremely professional and efficient service team,” he said. Buyam.com.ng has quietly and quickly built an impressive resume of who is who in the Nigerian Retail space and is consolidating its position with the new offerings in the year with the addition of mega store Cash ‘N’ Carry to its bulging list of merchants. Small to mid-sized brands, such as The 1k Arcade, Bible Wonderland, Fuel Doctor, Costoonz, Fig Health Store, 1407 Style, Belle Vista Investments and a host of others; are enjoying the offer, bringing the number of individual retailers to nearly 120.

HE 21st century’s TV innovation landscape represents one of the most dynamic times for picture quality given the emergence of new cutting edge technologies able to render imagery as never before, LG Electronics has said. According to the household electronics manufacturer, the future of TV market/industry is driven by three key technologies at the moment the light emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs. These use light-emitting diodes to light up the LCD screen and offer the widest array of price points, sizes and features. LCD TVs still exhibit imperfections when displaying rapid motion, as in sports and because of the nature of the technology, the color black is represented by dark grey. The firm, in a statement said, said in a bid to encourage quality viewership, iconic consumer technology trade highlights that while the high definition (HD)TV market landscape is undergoing more changes than ever, it will take some time to see which technologies and market strategies that eventually stick. General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Steve Ryu, said: “Both Ultra HD, organic light emitting diode (OLED) and the effect of new game-changers such as intuitive OS and curved screens will all have their part to play besides higher resolution, panel technology is seeing some changes to make them look brighter, sharper, more immersive, these technologies are not mutually exclusive and in most cases exist sideby-side. We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the market. “The next-generation display technology and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm come with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed.” He explained that rather than using a new or different display technology, Ultra HDTVs are LED LCD models that “cram” more pixels onto the screen. With more pixels in a given area, images are sharper and more- detailed than on regular HD TVs. Also known as 4K TVs, consumer Ultra HD sets have four times the resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) of traditional HD TVs (1920 x 1080 pixels). Ultra HD TV is on the rise and coming to consumer homes in a meaningful way with various high-profile launches from leading manufacturers which also demonstrates how we are witnessing the second or third generation of 4k screens from some companies and while they still generally command a premium and affordable. However, OLED still remains the aficionado’s favourite and is widely regarded as the one technology able to offer superior quality on an unrivalled scale. One only needs to see a significant trademark demonstration of OLED technology to prepare for the imminent growth in demand for OLED TVs around the world, LG recently announced that it will establish production bases in a number of countries around the world. The company has completed the construction of new OLED TV plants in Brazil, Poland, China and Thailand with a facility in Mexico commencing operation this year producing OLED TVs for the North American Market. Skeptics have long bemoaned the absence of a truly intuitive OS when it comes to smart TVs. Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani said: “Our groundbreaking CURVED OLED TV marks the beginning of a whole new era in home entertainment. Its IMAX-like curvature guarantees an amazingly immersive and comfortable viewing experience. Indeed, it is a point of pride that we were able to bring the CURVED OLED TV into the market and we will continue to expand and improve our industry leading television technology.”

• N2.5million Golden bed.

Girl wins diamond ring

YOUNG lady, Maureen Ndudi Amaigwe, has emerged the winner of diamond ring valued at N450,000 in a promo bankrolled by Jumia in Lagos. The promo held between January 24 and February 14. Exciting prizes, such as one night stay at Four Points Hotel, makeover session, dinner for two at a choice restaurant and the big one, a diamond ring worth 2,000 euro, were up for grabs for customers who shopped items within its valentine store with ‘101 gifts of

love’. The star prize winner could not believe her luck when she emerged the winner of the diamond ring. She couldn’t hold back her excitement as she screamed: “Jumia has made my year and I am the happiest woman in the world. Presently, you know as the saying goes diamonds are a girls bestie”. Other winners include Dr and Mrs Theophilus Chiazor, who won the Spa package and Jeffrey Loso, who won a night’s stay at Four Points by Sheraton.

• The winner Maureen

• OLED TV

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

Concerns mount over contaminated meat at abattoirs Stakeholders are concerned that abattoirs are in terrible conditions and that contaminated cattle are slaughtered for consumption. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

IVESTOCK expert Dr. Ademola Adeyemo has said continued threats of meat contamination and the poor state of the abattoirs underscore the need to modernise meat inspection. Adeyemo, who is Head, General Management Division, Agricultural and Rural Management and Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, said the public is worried that contaminants could get into food, creating anxiety among consumers about food safety and quality. He called for the modernisation of meat inspection to improve protection and empower inspectors. He maintained that less inspection would lead to contamination and as such, more inspection ought to be done to reduce food contamination, explaining that health risks from meat are microbiological and cannot be detected by the eye. Reacting to allegations of food safety compromise around slaughtering places and abattoirs, Adeyemo called for improved legislation, and higher hygiene standards in plants. He said any official controls in slaughterhouses must provide effective protection against meatborne risks to health, for the welfare of animals and against the risks associated with the spread of animal disease. He urged the government to focus on ways of enhancing consumer protection by modernising inspection systems to ensure they are relevant. To reduce the risk of diseased carcasses entering the slaughterhouse in the first instance, Adeyemo said there should be some sort of information coming from the farm to the slaughterhouse. He explained that if one gets information about diseased animals and the treatments they have had at the farm level, then inspection would be tighter. The founding President, Mycotoxiclogy Society of Nigeria,

Stories by Daniel Essiet

Prof Dele Fapohunda has called on the Federal Government to standardise inspection procedures for food and farm animal feeds produced in the country to make them safer and prevent losses for producers. This follows concern over the safety of livestock feeds that mounted in recent years, as discoveries of contaminated food and livestock feed led to worries about the safety of the food production system. Fapohunda stressed the need to improve standards for inspections by states and other regulatory bodies that oversee the production of food and feed for farm animals, such as cattle, chickens and pigs. While routine inspection and enforcement practices may not differ among the various states’ agencies responsible for conducting inspections of the companies that make these products, he maintained that problems can often fall through the gaps. He urged the government to unify the process, with guidelines that range from on-site inspection protocols at feed plants, to how to respond to feed-related illnesses or deaths. He urged practitioners to implement the feed standards and support efforts to build uniformity and consistency among state-feed regulatory programmes. In addition to this, he called for measures targeted at monitoring drug residues and contaminants in meat animals, by strengthening testing of meat products for drug residues and contaminants to reduce risks to both health of livestock and human beings. Also, at the 19th Economic Summit Group in Abuja during the Presidential Dialogue, one of the discussants and Chief Executive Officer of Halal Meat Limited, Alhaji Tafida, drew the attention of the President and other eminent

• Butchers preparing meat for sale in an abattoir.

participants on the sorry state of abattoirs and the health implication of unwholesome meat to many Nigerians. According to Tafida, meat consumed in Nigeria falls short of international standard. Apart from the filthy and dirty environment, the animals being slaughtered daily in these abattoirs are not inspected and examined by qualified and registered veterinarians, he noted. He lamented that in the 21st Century, Nigeria lacks standards in the production and processing of meat, adding: “Abattoirs are operated in open places infested with flies and maggots, with flies infested tables and faulty scales for measuring meat for consumers.” The meat, according to him, is often conveyed from abattoirs to other places with dirty wheelbarrows and rickety vehicles which constitute health hazard to the consum-

‘Stable interest rates can help farmers to plan’

TEADY bank interest rates will help farmers to plan, the Chairman,Southsouth, Southeast chamber of Commerce, Dr. HykeOchia has said. He told The Nation that bank rates should be low and unchanged to enable farmers access loans. Ochia said decline in interest rates on farm loans at commercial banks would help sustain farm lending. He said farmers need some level of assuredness in planning and this depend on accessing the best available interest rates. He added that the various financial instruments available to farmers to manage risk play a vital role and contribute to maintaining competitiveness in agriculture. Ochia urged the government to ensure more Nigerians take advantage of opportunities available in agriculture by addressing aspects, such as infrastructure investment, reduction of red-tape and improving farm gate returns. He said for as long as the government gets the policy settings right and industry plays its part through investment, better business practices and relationships, farmers would be placed in a better position to realise the opportunities before

them. Ochia said to ensure agricultural industry competitiveness, government and industry need to work together to achieve increased profitability for businesses, and better outcomes for the economy, society and the environment. He urged the Federal Government to improve funding for agriculture, to help fuel and grow the national economy. The Programme Coordinator, FarmersDevelopment Union(FADU), Mr. Victor Olowe, said a rise in interest rates places upward pressure on commercial banks charge for nonfarm loans, adding that the agric industry can be beefed-up by potential reductions in transport costs. While infrastructure investments wpuld reduce producers’ costs, he said there was need to evaluate the supply chain to ensure investments were maximised in the agricindustry productivity chain. He said transport cost makes up a large proportion for farmers, adding that the government needs to identify beneficial infrastructure investments, while planning for the future.

ers. To this end, Tafida called on President Goodluck Jonathan to convene stakeholders’meeting that would involve all tiers of government to dialogue on the best way to process meat to save Nigerians from spending huge amount of money as a result consumption of unhygienic and disease-infested meat. He contended that the quality of meat is inimical to their health. “It is unarguable that sustainable food security through the production and availability of good quality animal and fish protein products would enhance the healthy growth of Nigerians and overall socio-economic development of the nation,” he pointed out. Speaking in another forum, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. AkinwumiAdesina, described the state

of abattoirs as “unacceptable and distasteful. ” He decried the unhygienic environment, poor meat handling and substandard products found in some abattoirs. The Minister also expressed concern on the quality of technical training and service provided in the livestock subsector, calling for a renewed regulatory framework to move animal production away from the subsistence economy to a sustainable livestock business that would create jobs and generate wealth. He tasked the Council to come up with guidelines and minimum standards for the industry to address quackery and other sharp practices in the profession. He explained that Nigeria is yet to meet minimum animal protein intake per person as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), calling for a paradigm shift to reverse this trend.

Don urges vigilance against swine dysentery

•Adeloye

IG farmers have been urged to be vigilant for symptoms of swine dysentery and step up their defences with climate change. Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Abiodun Adeloye said the risk of dysentery is possible if the wet season starts abruptly. The disease can spread rapidly, particularly in cold and wet conditions, he added. He was concerned about the risk of foreign diseases entering Nigeria and spreading quickly through a naive pig population. Swine dysentery (SD) is caused by

a spirochaetal bacterium called Brachyspirahyodysenteriae. The organism causes a severe inflammation of the large intestine with a bloody mucous diarrhea. It is common in pigs from 12 to 75kg, but severe cases occur occasionally in sows and their sucking piglets. Experts said SD would survive outside the pig for up to seven weeks in cold moist conditions, but it dies out in two days in dry warm environments. The high cost of disease, experts said is associated with mortality (low), morbidity (high), depression of growth and feed conversion efficiency, and costs of continual in-feed medication. The incubation period in field cases is seven to 14 days, but can be as long as 60 days. Pigs may develop a subclinical carrier state initially and then break down with clinical disease when put under stress or when there is a change of feed. To tackle it, requires taking regular faecal samples from pigs, particularly incoming stock, and having them tested for dysentery . Adeloye called on the government to step up defences against African

swine fever, which is harmless to humans, but fatal to pigs. He implored the government to step up security at border posts to prevent contaminated meat being carried into the country, saying African swine fever is a notifiable disease and if it arrives in the country it has the potential to seriously damage the nation’s pig industry. He expressed fear that other diseases could emerge, linked to swine dysentery, which further increases the complexity of the situation and make thorough examination necessary. He stressed the need to promote keeping Nigeria free of imported diseases. He said sub-standard lorry washes are considered the weakest link in the industry’s armoury against endemic diseases such as swine dysentery, and imported diseases such as African swine fever and porcine epidemic diarrhoea. Disease can be spread rapidly from farm to farm by livestock lorries, unless hauliers are able to properly wash and disinfect their vehicles every time they deliver pigs to an abattoir. But washing facilities at most abattoirs are reported by pig producers and hauliers to be inadequate.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS Packaging is vital to agro export’s success. Produce need to be preserved and protected to reach their destination. This requires using qualitative materials. It is a challenge to many farmers who are looking at the export market. DANIEL ESSIET reports

How packaging can boost export F

RESH produce, such as fresh fish, fruit and vegetables are sought after by many households. Unfortunately, some fresh produce only originate from certain parts of the world and must be transported to other parts. And, with that comes problems, such as quality and freshness of the produce. For instance, in the horticultural sub-sector, about 30 per cent of the produce is lost inadequate infrastructure and less use of modern post-harvest technologies. Chief Executive, Anjorin & Atanda Investment Limited, Sunday Anjorin explained that fresh horticultural produce has limited shelf-life ranging from a few hours to a few weeks. Therefore, good packaging is required not only for the preservation and protection, but also for safe transportation during storage and handling. Concerns are mounting because produce, such as vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers— have grown steadily to become the single largest category in world agricultural trade, accounting for over 20 per cent of such trade in recent years. On the average, horticultural exports of SubSaharan Africa brings in revenue in excess of $2 billion yearly. In view of this, quality packaging has become key in the agro export markets. Anjorin said packaging plays a crucial role in creating value-added packs, which some importers require. There is also growing concern among consumers for food safety certification and compliance with environmental and ethical standards. Increasing exports and stringent export market requirements have also influenced the packaging trend. Meeting these requirements presents a challenge. At present, vegetable and fresh produce entrepreneurs focus on exporting the products to Europe, China and Asia. Factors to be considered include early delivery, taste, quantity/volume, size, phytosanitary, and quality and all these affect packaging consideration. Export of fruit and vegetable sector must compete with exporters from Asian region, including Thailand, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Australia and others, including Israel,African, and South American countries. The quality of F&V resulted from seed, cultivation, preservation and transportation. Processed F&V exporters face problem of seeds, which result in low productivity and unreliable quality. European Union (EU) buy-

• Faseru

• Anjorin

• Vegetables and fresh fruits

ers require on-time delivery; and good quality. To satisfy good quality, exporters should follow GAP. The main problem is how to maintain good quality fresh product to the market. The far distance causes this problem. Exporters of oranges face challenges too. They have to place them in moulded pulp trays with cavities for individual oranges. Each tray contains about 20/25/30 oranges depending upon the size. About five such trays are placed in a corrugated fibreboard box. Similarly, the Nigeria Quarantine Service encourage vegetables exporters to pack them in three-ply or five-ply corrugated fiberboard boxes with ventilation holes depending upon the capacity. The capacity of box varies from 5kg to 7kg to 10 kg. Generally, the box is lidded type (0306) but at times for some veg-

etables RSC (0201) box is also used. Packaging, according to Anjorin, doesn’t just protect and keep fresh vegetables but it tells a story of where it’s from. Although preservation and protection of products are important, henoted that they are no longer enough as packaging as a front-line ambassador to market and sell products, as well as to mindicate compliance with emerging standards through certification, is coming to the fore.” Hence, it is important farmers learn and benefit from the exporting advantages that higher-quality packaging brings. President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria(NCAN),Tola Faseru said the industry is facing new challenges and needs to continue to adapt and upgrade its capabilities. This is as a result of emerging regulations

‘Irrigation key to food security’ T

HE Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr DaudaAbdullahi, said harnessing the nation’s irrigation is vital to food security. Abdullahi, who said this in an interview in Bauchi, added that it would be difficult for the country to meet its food needs if depends on rains. He said farmers, who planted after the first rains, might lose everything as their plants are dying due to the lack of rains. “This has been the trend in the past few years as the effects of climate change continue to adversely affect the country’s agriculture sector. “With climate change, everything is uncertain. We can no longer determine when the rain will commence and when it will cease. The only way out is irrigation. “We really need to develop our ir-

rigation system, if we intend to explore our agricultural potential,“ he said. He said embracing irrigation would improve the nation’s agricultural output and conveniently feed the country. Abdullahi said the state has 182,000 hectares of land suitable for irrigation, adding that so far, only 15,000 is being explored. “If farmers do not adopt the use of irrigation systems, then the issue of food security will always remain a thorn in the flesh of the nation. “Irrigation is the way to go. If we want to talk about serious agriculture, then farmers should embrace irrigation.” Abdullahi said to encourage irrigation farming, the Govornor Isa Yuguda led-administration is supporting farmer with subsidised input.

“The state is providing farmers with subsidised irrigation water pumps, fertiliser, seeds, agro-chemicals and farm machinery services as well as agricultural extension services.” The permanent secretary said this year, the state government approved the purchase of 60,000 bags of fertiliser to be sold to farmers at N3,000 per bag, adding that distribution would soon start. He added: “The Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BASDP) is also providing training for dry season farmers in the state to equip them with the needed techniques to improve their efficiency.” Abdullahi called on dry season farmers to seek professional advice from agricultural extension officers and other professionals to optimise their production potential.

and standards, as well as health, environment and security concerns, notably in Europe, North America and Japan. Consequently, creating new and increasing demands on the packaging of agro exports. For this reason, he advised small business exporters to develop the mindset that they are competing in international markets and packaging is an important part of that competition. The impact is great on exporters of cashew nuts. Consequently, exporting cashew kernels now requires volume, a large investment in factory, equipment and raw material to achieve international expectations. The international market buys predominantly full containerloads of cashew kernels. Buyers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East purchase vacuum-packaged cashew kernels.Two vacuum-packed 25-pound plastic bags fill one carton; 700 cartons, or 15 MT, fill a 20-footcontainer. While there are 26 grades of cashew kernels sold on the international market, buyers mostlyaccept containers with one tosix different grades. The26 grades are based on size of the kernel (number of kernels per pound): alow number, such as 180, indicates largekernels, and a high number, such as 450, indicatessmall kernels, The normal packaging used for the export of kernels is air-tight cans of 25lbs (11.34 kg) weight capacity. The packaging material needs to be impermeable, since cashew kernels are subject to rancidity and go stale very quickly. He explained that the quality of cashew kernels that is exported depends onthe quality ofthe raw nuts. For this reason, he said the exporters monitor the process from harvesting to shipment toensure the quality of their raw cashews. These include ensuring that the nuts is harvested only after they have fallen to the ground,sun-dried immediately after harvesting and that during the drying process (which normally lasts two to three days), the nutdensity should not exceed 20 kg per square metre. He said exporters of raw cashew nuts must ship in jute bags. Following harvest, he said farmers typically sun dry and bag cashew nuts and store them in their houses in polypropylene bags. The bags, according to him, do not allow adequate air circulation, which is not generally a problem if marketing occurs promptly. But the delay allowed the cashew nuts to become damp and moldy. The extent of the quality deterioration, he noted, was realised only after shipments that were exported were rejected as below contract standards. He stressed that deterioration in export crop quality was serious. He stressed that developing a competitive private sector processing industry would create jobs. He said raw cashew nuts are not processed in the country. They are exported to India and Vietnam. In these two countries, the nuts are processed and then sold via international traders to European and North American roaster/salters who then distribute them to consumer markets.

HE Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (CBADP) has distributed goats and water pumps to 65 farmers in Guri Local Government of Jigawa State. The programme, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is designed to encourage agriculture and infrastructure development. It is also to reduce poverty and provide means of livelihood to rural dwellers. IFAD’s Communication Officer, Mallam Adamu Isa, said this at the distribution of the items to Abunabo and Matara-Babba farmers’groups. He explained that 20 water pump machines, 30 tube wells and 10 work bulls were given to irrigation farmers. Also, 20 goats and 60 sheep were distributed to women groups to enable them to engage in livestock production.

Jigawa farmers get goats, water pumps He added that several sets of assorted fishing kit were also provided to fishermen to encourage fishery. Isa said the gesture was to support farmers and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of farming communities. “The items were given to the farmers under a soft loan revolving scheme,’’ Isa said. He urged them to ensure the effective use of the items, to promote participation in the programme.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL Basel targeted on global scale

UROPE’S biggest covered bond issuers are turning to Asia to rally support in what they say will become a global challenge to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The European Covered Bond Council, whose members include HSBC Bank Plc (HSBA) and BNP Paribas SA (BNP), is looking to South Korea, Singapore and Australia to find allies in its efforts to persuade Basel to rewrite its liquidity rules. The group wants global regulators to grant covered bonds the same status as government debt, giving banks limitless scope to use the securities in liquidity buffers. “It’s a question of levelling the playing field,” Luca Bertalot, head of the Brussels-based ECBC, said in a phone interview. Covered bond issuers in Asia “have the same interests as we do.” Since Basel unveiled its liquidity rules in 2010, Denmark has led criticism against the committee for treating covered bonds as secondclass assets. Now, as the group of nations willing to challenge the framework grows, Basel faces a new fight from a lobby that’s showing little sign of giving up.

Under Basel rules, banks face a January deadline to build up stockpiles of assets that can easily be converted into cash. Lenders need to survive 30 days of limited or no access to funding. Basel requires banks to limit covered bond holdings to 40 per cent of their liquid assets, and to book the securities at 85 percent of their market value. It gives all government bonds, including debt sold by bailed out nations, such as Greece, the highest liquidity status. Basel views its proposal as a “concession” to covered bond issuers, Wayne Byres, the committee’s secretary general, said by e-mail. “As a general principle, all bank-issued securities — deposits, bonds and equities — are ineligible” for inclusion in the top liquidity bracket, he said. Basel acknowledges that some covered bonds — securities backed by collateral pools — are “less prone to illiquidity than other types of bank paper,” which is why the committee lets banks use them for 40 per cent of their buffers, Byres said.

U.S. refiners form group to tackle oil exports F OUR United States (U.S.) oil refiners, trying to counter growing calls to lift the nation’s ban on most crude oil exports, have launched the first major lobbying effort to keep abundant oil supplies from being sold overseas. Rising U.S. shale oil production has opened the door to a possible revision of the decades-old policy restricting most exports of unrefined petroleum. Various groups and lawmakers favouring exports have been fast out of the gate, seizing on a comment by U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz in December that it might be time to take another look at the law. Philip Rinaldi, chief executive of Philadelphia Energy Solutions, said the anti-export group Consumers and Refiners United for Domestic Energy, or CRUDE, was formed with the goal of preventing a hasty reversal of policy.

Abruptly allowing exports after a few years of rising production, but decades of concerns about energy security, would be “rash,” Rinaldi told Reuters. “What’s the rush? You’ve waited 40 years. Why not take time to kind of understand the dynamics of the market,” he said. CRUDE’s goal runs counter to the message from major oil and gas lobbies, such as the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. API is dominated by crude oil producers, but Rinaldi said CRUDE was founded to speak specifically to the needs of refiners and the users of crude oil products. PES, based in Philadelphia, is joined in the coalition by Monroe Energy of Trainer, Pennsylvania; PBF Energy Inc of Parsipanny, New Jersey; and Alon USA Energy Inc of Dallas. Certain market and policy condi-

tions need to be met before the coalition could support oil exports, Rinaldi said. The group has hired lobbyists from the firm Peck Madigan Jones to push its views in Washington, disclosure forms show. Established after the 1970s Arab oil embargo, the export ban has divided oil producers, who support its repeal, and some refiners, who have benefited from being able to buy plentiful and relatively cheap U.S. crude and then exporting the valueadded refined products. While U.S. law prohibits the export of crude oil, overseas sales of petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel are allowed. Oil drillers argue that they face a growing disconnect between production of light sweet crude from shale formations in the United States, and capacity constraints among refiners on the U.S. Gulf, whose equipment is more suited to heavier crudes.

European stocks little changed

UROPEAN stocks were little changed, after swinging between gains and losses, as investors weighed economic data and the growing conflict in Ukraine for their impact on company earnings. African Barrick Gold Plc plunged the most in 14 months after its majority shareholder sold a 10 per cent stake. Galenica AG (GALN) tumbled the most since July 2012 as its forecast fell short of some analysts’ estimates. Hannover Re fell 1.3 per cent after reporting a 35 per cent drop in quarterly operating profit. Geberit AG rallied to a record after naming a new chief executive officer and saying profitability increased. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index added less than 0.1 per cent to 331.49 at the close in London. The equity benchmark has dropped two per cent from a six-year high on February 25 as tensions escalated between Russia and the U.S. over the future of Ukraine. “Investors can get very nervous with geopolitical risk but there is a lot of liquidity to stabilise the market as soon as prices come down,” said CarstenHilck, who oversees about $6.9 billion at Union Invest-

ment Privatfonds GmbH in Frankfurt. “These two opposing factors are dominating the market at the moment. You just have to live with all kinds of risks, decide if they are being priced in, and create chances where you can.” Benchmark indexes rose in 11 of the 18 markets in western Europe. Germany’s DAX climbed 0.5 per cent. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 lost less than 0.1 per cent and France’s CAC 40 slid 0.5 per cent. Russia showed no signs of yielding in the Crimean standoff as Ukraine bolstered its defenses before its prime minister meets U.S. President Barack Obama tomorrow. In addition to testing its military’s combat readiness, Ukraine may mobilise 20,000 people to protect borders, Interior Minister ArsenAvakov said. Russia has vowed to defend the ethnic Russian majority in Crimea after an uprising unseated Ukraine’s Moscowbacked leader. It rejects the legitimacy of the new cabinet in Kiev.

‘Dry bulk vessels most popular’

RY bulk carriers have remained the most popular vessel type among ship owners as proven by the sheer number of second hand vessel sales and newbuilding ordering activity reported over the past week. With the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) on a recovery mode (now well over the 1,500-point mark), this trend is only going to intensify in the coming weeks, especially given the fact that financing options are increasing, with the rise of private equity funds and investors, looking to exploit the looming upward cycle of the shipping market. According to the latest weekly newbuilding report provided to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide (www.hellenicshippingnews.com) from shipbroker Clarkson Hellas, there was “a significant volume of ordering to report across the dry sector. “Jiangsu Eastern has announced an order for four firm plus four option 208,000 DWT Newcastlemax. As of yet, the buyer is unknown, however delivery is due from the middle of 2016 onwards. Although understood to have been concluded some time ago, it has come to light this week that NACKS has taken an order for two firm 209k

Newcastlemax from RGL Shipping, with delivery of both vessels in the second half of 2016. Also at Jiangsu Eastern, Oldendorff has added an additional 97,000 DWT post-panamax bulker. This takes the total order to two, with delivery of the most recent vessel in mid-2015. Also this week, clients of Paragon Shipping announced an order for three firm 81,800 DWT Kamsarmax at Jiangsu New Yangzijiang. The order is understood to include a number of options, with delivery of the firm vessels from the second quarter of 2015”. Clarkson Hellas also noted “a significant order at Sainty Marine, with Precious Shipping announcing a total of 10 x 64,000 DWT Ultramax, due for delivery from the second quarter of next year onwards. At Hantong, Spar Shipping have declared a further four options for 64,000 DWT Ultramax. The latest vessels are due to deliver in 2015/ 2016 and takes the total series to six vessels. Portline S.A. have placed an order for three 61,000 DWT Ultramax at NACKS/ DACKS, with delivery in 2016.

• From left, Som Ghosh of Queen School of Business Commerce,Canada; Faculty Advisor, Ellen Xue; Philip Osanic; Donna Yan and Samuel Battista at the international case competition.

Japan to study natural gas exchanges

APAN will start talks on the possibility of creating natural gas exchanges to vitalise the wholesale market and increase transparency as part of efforts to further deregulate the country’s gas market, a government official said. A subcommittee of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on Tuesday laid out some agenda to be discussed in coming months as it compiles proposals for possible new regulations to completely liberalise the country’s retail market. No timelines have been set to conclude the talks. “There was a case where a gas utility had only one supplier,” a ministry official told Platts after the

subcommittee meeting. “We will discuss the possibility of setting up exchanges.” The country’s city gas market is dominated by large utilities with Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Toho Gas holding a 70 per cent share. They operate several large-scale LNG receiving terminals and own vast pipeline networks, according to the METI. Hokkaido Gas, Gas Bureau at City of Sendai, Shizuoka Gas, Hiroshima Gas, Saibu Gas and Nihon Gas, hold a combined nine per cent share, each owning one or two LNG terminals and limited pipeline networks. The remaining is largely represented by smaller gas utilities that

procure gas from wholesalers through pipelines. Other agendas include ways to improve Japan’s third-party access to infrastructure such as LNG terminals and pipelines, ways to lower barriers to entry for newcomers, and steps to maintain safety standards. The discussions come as Japan faces high energy costs in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent nuclear outages. Japan is also in the process of deregulating its electricity market. It plans to liberalise the household market in 2016 and split up utilities into generation, grid and retail companies as early as 2018.

Credit squeeze hits Chinese steel mills

N a move that could further erode Australian mineral exports to China, the government there says it is preparing to cut off credit to under-performing steel mills in the hope that they will close, merge or become more efficient. China’s banking regulator with control over the country’s lending policy said steel firms with high levels of pollution or problems with overcapacity would be starved of credit. In the short term, this could eat into Chinese demand for Australian iron ore and coal, but some analysts think China has to take a tough approach to some dilapidated industries to produce more stable growth. The announcement comes as min-

ing bosses from Australia say they are unconcerned with this week’s plunge in ore prices. On the sidelines of China’s main annual session of parliament, the National People’s Congress, it was the turn of the central bank and other regulators to speak to the media. Shang Fulin is the chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission. In this role he is not only a watchdog, but is able to tell China’s state-owned banks to whom they should and should not be supplying credit. And he delivered some bad news to Chinese steel firms that are not up to scratch. “We’ll take measures with over-

producing and backward industries. We’ll encourage them to merge, to reorganise or even close down,” he said. “And, using our methods, some of them will actually increase efficiency.” For a long time, parts of the steel industry have created major headaches for China. They have overproduced steel and stockpiled it, thinking that the infrastructure-led economic model there would last forever. They have churned out this steel using loans from non-official or shadow banking sources which have a blasé attitude to handing out finance, fanning fears of a string of defaults to come.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

POLITICS

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Correspondent NICHOLAS KALU examines the profiles and chances of the three gladiators jostling for the Cross River Central senatorial ticket on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Epic battle for Senate in Cross River Central T

HE Cross River Central Senatorial District is widely known as the hotbed of politics in the Southsouth state. It is a politically sophisticated zone. Who is the next senator from the district? This is the question on the lips of observers. The stage is set for an epic battle for the slot. Since 2003, Victor NdomaEgba, a successful lawyer, has been representing the district. His is the Senate Leader. Although he is yet to unfold his aspiration, there are people already campaigning against his re-election. The Senate Leader was quoted in an interview as saying that the state would suffer, if he does not return to the Upper Chamber next year. But, he later refuted the it. Yet, he has remained silent on his next move. There are speculations that the governor, Liyel Imoke, his wife, Obioma, Ndoma-Egba, and other big wigs are interested in the seat. In fact, it was believed that the First Lady was being broomed for the role. When she launched her pet project, ‘the Power Political Advancement for Women (PPA4W) Project’, an initiative to encourage and support interested and qualified female politicians, late last year, people thought that she had kicked off the mobilisation for her ambition. Eminent Nigerians witnessed the ceremony in Calabar, the state capital. The senator fromAdamawa South District, Mrs. Grace Bent, drummed support for the governor’s wife. She also extolled her virtues, urging the district to give her a trial. Bent said that, if she could succeed as a politician in Adamawa State , the birthplace of her husband, Mrs. Imoke can also succeed in Cross River State. However, Governor Imoke clarified that his priority was not political ambition. He said he would focus on his present duties as the governor. In the Central District, the governor’s senatorial bid is the talk of the town. When he declares his aspiration, he will have to contend with resistance from Ndoma-Egba and the House of Representatives member from Obubra/Etung Constituency, Owan-Enoh, and other aspirants from Boki/Ikom and Abi/Yakurr Constituency, which constitute the district. Ndoma-Egba is from Ikom. Imoke from Abi and Owan-Enoh from Obubra. The aspirants are fortifying their structures. They now visit home regularly. They attend social functions and donate at public functions. Speculations are rife that the governor, who is the party leader, may use his clout to a maximum advantage. The scenario being built by analysts is that the clash of ambition between the governor and Ndoma-Egba may strain their relationship, if it is not properly managed. Many groups have endorsed

• Imoke

both the governor and senator for the job. Observers argue that NdomaEgba’s ambition may crumble, if the governor deploys his arsenal. The critics of the senator want him to allow a fresh blood to make novel contributions on the floor of the National Assembly. But, those supporting NdomaEgba argued that the governor should not nurse senatorial ambition again because he had served as a senator before. The Senate Leader’s supporters ppoint out that the vantage position, which Ndoma-Egba occupies in the Senate, would be lost, if a new person succeeds him next year. Many lawyers in the state are backing Ndona-Egba. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikom Branch, has thrown its weight behind Senate leader. Rising from its third general meeting at Obubra, Central District, the body said that the legal luminary is the best man for the job. “The Bar pledges its total support for the re-election of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba to the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for providing exemplary and good leadership to the nation and for his support, hospitality and commitment toward the success of Ikom branch in promoting the rule of law,” it said. Also drumming support for Ndoma-Egba is the Cross River State Legion for Democratic Advancement (CRSLDA). According to the group, a legislator should be assessed by bills sponsored and not the number of motor cycles, vehicles and largesse doled out to constituents. Its President, Mr. Leko A Inah, said in a statement that senators who performed below expecta-

• Ndoma-Egba

tions in the National Assembly should not seek for a fresh mandate. He said Ndoma-Egba is not one of them. “Flaunting wealth in the name of human development is not the same thing as enacting development-oriented laws that will spur government into development activities. “We in CRSLDA have observed keenly with pride and admiration the contribution of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, which transcends his senatorial district and the state. We strongly believe that his continued service in the Senate will continue to consolidate the gains of the Fourth Republic. “It is on record that Senator Ndoma-Egba has singlehandedly sponsored more bills in the Senate. He has sponsored 24 bills that have far-reaching impact on the nation. They represent a tribute to a senator’s career in the Senate because his name is associated with important bills. “As we gear up for another the general elections, CRSLDA calls on Cross Riverians and the good people of the Central Senatorial District to count their gains of having a senator with the intellectual capacity of Senator Ndoma-Egba, who the senatorial district must feel hugely proud of to have contributed to the nation. ‘’His return to the Senate in 2015 will eloquently illustrate the value of legislative continuity, effective representation and project, not only the Central Senatorial District, but Cross River.” However,those backing the governor are growing in leaps and bounds. One of the groups, the Cross River State Political Network (CRISPON), has held a rally in his support. The group’s leader, Michael

• Onah

Abuo, has forwarded “a letter of adoption and request” to Imoke, urging him to publicly declare his interest. He said Imoke’s return to the Upper Chamber will put the the senatorial district on the front burner.. IThe letter reads in part: “On February 22, 2014, members of CRISPON from the Central District met at our secretariat and resolved that you should contest the 2015 senatorial election. “As a unifying factor and experienced personality, the district needs you now than ever. Your experience and person is in dire need for the advancement of our region and state at this very critical moment of our fledging democracy. We need you, our people need you. “Your Excellency and the good people of Cross River State, members of the Cross River State Political Network (CRISPON) from the Central District are calling on our dear performing, amiable governor and leader, Senator Liyel Imoke, to run. “Having seen your leadership qualities in the following political capacities, which you have done reasonably well, as a senator, special adviser to the President, minister and governor, we are optimistic that having you in the Senate will revive and reinvigorate our senatorial district, the state, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and consolidate democracy and good governance in Cross River State and Nigeria. “Sir, be assured of our absolute loyalty and support at all times. We have unanimously adopted you and we are calling on the entire state and the people of the Central District that have offered us their son to serve the entire state so well to give him a chance

‘Speculations are rife that the governor, who is the party leader, may use his clout to a maximum advantage. The scenario being built by analysts is that the clash of ambition between the governor and Ndoma-Egba may strain their relationship, if it is not properly managed’

in the Senate.” Owan-Enoh is not left in the cold too. He has been endorsed by some groups. One of the groups is the ‘Mandator Group’. Its Chairman, Etaba Okpa, the former Vice Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, has led a delegation to the PDP Chairman, John Okon, to drum support for his candidature. Noting that Ndoma-Egba has dome well in the Senate, Okpa said that Enoh will do better. He also said that it i reasonable that the Senate Leader should bow out after completing three terms. Okpa added: “We have looked at the entire Central Senatorial District and we have ex-rayed the quality of our representatives; we have looked at our amiable leader of the sSnate, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba. He has done so well. In fact, there is no way you can mention three senators in the Senate without mentioning Victor Ndoma-Ebga. He has done extremely well and our thinking is that, for a man that has done so well, we need to encourage him, he needs a pat on his back to move forward. “Gone are the days when we sit down in Cross River and run down our leaders. The Mandator Group has a simple answer to this issue. Ndoma-Egba needs to move forward. We are not ready to bring down anybody. We are ready to move those that has done well forward. We have also looked at his activities and we discovered that he has been elected three times. If you remain too long in the toilet, there is the tendency that you will be seeing demons. And because we love him, we will not want our senator to see demons. “We want a situation where those that have served well in a particular position should move ahead. There are a whole lot of vacancies up there. Based on the relationship that our senator has with the President, he can become the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from Cross River State. “We have also looked at our House of Representarives members. We have three of them and we discovered that, for the position of the Senate, the Abi/Yakurr Constituency has enjoyed that position very well. Boki/Ikom is still enjoying that position and the only federal constituecy that has not enjoyed it is the Obubra / Etung Constituency. So, we are thinking that there is a man that is asking the hand of the Senate in marriage. His name is John Owan Enoh”. The PDP Chairman, Okon, said that the aspirants will test their popularity at the primaries. He added: “There will be no foul play and shifting of the goalpost. Here, we give all the support to all our candidates. Let me assure you that we will give all our candidates a level playing ground.” But, when the big masquerades invade the playground, would there be a level playing ground?

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

POLITICS Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo is the Iyaloja of Lagos and President-General of the Market Men and Women Association of Nigeria. She spoke with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on the proposed national conference, the agitation for special status for Lagos and women participation in politics.

Confab: Middlebelt minority groups reject delegates’ list

‘Market women are marginalised N at national conference’

OME people have alleged that you were forcing market women in Lagos to register as members of the APC. What is your reaction? It was a big lie. It was false. It was fabrication. It was a figment of hyperactive imagination. It was a piece of falsehood. It was a campaign of calumny. What was published in that newspaper did not represent the opinion of the Iponri market men and women. At a press conference, the traders later told reporters that I never forced anybody to register as members of any political party. I did not force anybody to register for the APC. There is the freedom of association. If I want to force the market people, what is the population of the Iponri market people? I can as well go to Mushin, Mile 12, Alaba-Rago markets. The shop owners in Iponri market are educated people; learned individuals. We have in that market eminent personalities in that market that you cannot order around. They know what they are doing. They know their rights. They ask questions. Nobody can force people to register for the APC. APC knows its members. The registration was just a formality. Can anybody force you to register as a member of a political party against your wish? But, some people who are not interested in following the rules are just blackmailing us and looking for loopholes. that is why they are peddling rumours. In order words, as the Iyaloja of Nigeria, you are using your position to foster the freedom of political association... Yes. People have the right. I have my right and others have their rights. Nobody can force me to join a political party and I cannot force anybody. Nobody can force me to join a political party against my interest and policy. my position does not allow me to force people to join a political party. What are the challenges that have confronted you since you assumed office as the Iyaloja of Lagos? This is the challenge of leading a vital segment of the society. Some challenges rose from our decision to do the right thing and insist on rules and regulations at the Iponri Market, Lagos. We were confronted with the refusal to pay levies and dirty environment. Some traders also had misunderstanding among themselves. We have always organised ourselves to embrace the convention of not going to the law enforcement agents, until the association has been informed and the avenues for the ventilation of grievances have been explored, or the problem is of enormous proportion capable of disturbing the entire community. We have a tradition of resolving issues internally and amicably in a way that would foster cohesion and guaranteed unity. Some detractors came up with the unfounded allegations that I was demanding N10 million or N5 million. That has been sorted out now and those who purportedly made the allegation have denied making such a spurious allegation. The association has insisted on enforcing its rules and penalising those who violate them. This is challenging. I was a private person before assumed this responsibility and some people were sponsoring the media to attack my personality and that of my father as if I am one of Tinubu’s children who went to the market to shut down the market because my father is a political leader. Can the attacks been linked to the fact that you are the daughter of the political leader, Asiwaju Bola

• Mrs Tinubu-Ojo

Tinubu? Yes. That was what I told the reporters here during a press conference, that you don’t even have to address me as the daughter of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While attacking me, you don’t have to say that Tinubu’s daughter did this or that. I don’t go out to shut down shops because my father is the political leader. If you want to address me, I am the Iyaloja-general. I have my own name. You have to address me in that capacity. I am not the only child of the man. He has other children. My dad is a disciplinarian. He can never allow any of his children to go out of their way to step on peoples’ toes because he is the political leader. Before I became the Iyaloja-General, if I have been using my father’s name, you would have known me one way or the other. I don’t live under the shadow of my father. Thank God, he is my dad. I can’t blame my God for sending me into this world through Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is my biological father. But, I bless God for everything God has done for me today. What are the values and virtues you are imbibing from your father? Discipline. Truthfulness. Openness. Unbiased judgment. What is your reaction to the choice of market men and women association’s delegates to the proposed national conference? As far as I am concerned, the only person on that list representing the association is Mrs. Felicia Sanni. She is the only market leader on the Federal Government’s list. That list is not representative of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Mrs. Sanni can only speak for the market people in Abuja. So, were not duly represented at the conference. What is the implication? Any decision they take in respect of the market people will not be acceptable to us. Those there cannot speak our mind, they cannot stand for us. It is

‘Lagos is a mini-country. It shoulders enormous national and continental responsibilities. As the former Federal Capital Territory, it should not be neglected by the Federal Government. I am not saying that any city should also be neglected. But, in developed countries, when the capital is relocated, the central government still takes care of the former capital. Lagos is the commercial hub and economic nerve centre’

just for Abuja people. It is believed that you are using your position as the Iyaloja for political mobilisation... That is untrue. My position is not political. But, whether we like it or not, we are all political animals. Every one of us has the right to belong to a party of choice. You have the right to choose your own political family. I also have the right to choose my own political family. In our association, we have PDP members, APC members, Labour Party members. What is your position on the agitation for a special status for Lagos? Lagos is a mini-country. It shoulders enormous national and continental responsibilities. As the former Federal Capital Territory, it should not be neglected by the Federal Government. I am not saying that any city should also be neglected. But, in developed countries, when the capital is re-located, the central government still takes care of the former capital. Lagos is the commercial hub and economic nerve centre. There is pressure on the amenities here. So, the Federal Government should consider giving Lagos a special status, backed with special funding because all Nigerians from 35 states of the federation live in Lagos. As the Iyaloja, how have you been able to cope, work and relate with the old market veterans, who operated along with your illustrious grandmother? I have been working with them as market leaders for four years before Mama passed on. I have been representing Mama at the Market Board. So, working with them now is not strange to me. I have been acting on behalf of Mama before she died. However, when I became the Iyaloja, they started to give me the respect. It was not easy for me to adjust to this. But, I instantly accord them their own respect. What are those things you learned from the market matriarch, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji? One of the virtues I learned from Mama was the ability to carry the people along; fighting for the rights of market people, being there for them, defending them when it is necessary. How have you been able to articulate the interests and problems of market men and women in Lagos? We have been demanding for better life for all people, including the market people. If there are good roads, free education, free health, good and affordable housing, security and other social amenities for the society, market people, who are part of the society, will benefit. But, market people also owe certain obligations to the government and society. Government should play their parts and the people should also play their parts. Governance is a collective enterprise. Government is trying its best for the markets. But, like Oliver Twist, we are asking for improve amenities. We tell the market people to make the market clean; don’t display your wares on the roads. They will tell you that they would do it. When you leave there, they are back on the road. Some market people just called me from Agege to complain that the KAI people packed their goods from the roads. I asked them: are you sure you were not arrested because you spread your goods on the road? Then, I asked them to send the picture of where they were to me. When they brought the picture, I knew that they were actually on the road. This is a challenge. We have to continue to sensitise our people. Rome was not built in a day. It is also a big challenge that some people are still sleeping in the market in the night. But, we are sensitising them. That is why the number of those who do that is reducing drastically.

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

ORTHCENTRAL minority ethnic groups have rejected the na tional conference delegates’list, saying that they were marginalised by the majority tribes. They compalined that the list has confirmed the deliberate efforts of Federal Government to silence the minority. In a statement, the Kwararafa Kingdom Cultural Development Association said that the conference is designed to protect the interests of the majority ethnic groups. Its National President, Stephen Sariki, lamented that traditional rulers from the minority tribes did not make the list. He said: “Of the seven-member Northern delegation of traditonal rulers, five are Hausa Fulani and only two are of the minority extraction. Describing the list as “unfair, unjust and a negation of the spirit of the conference, he added: “ The Aku Uka of Wukari, Taraba State; Osana of Keana, Andoma of Doma and Aren Eggon from Nasarawa State; Attah Igala, Kogi State; Ochidoma, Benue State; Long Gamai and Ngolong Ngas of Plateau State, and the Emir of Zuru, Kebbi State, are tactically schemed out of the conference, thus denying them the opportunity of representing their people and presenting the myriads of problems facing the minority”. Sariki acknowleged that all the traditional rulers cannot attend the conference. But, but he maintained that the minority tribes were sidelined. He urged the Federal Government to review the list so that the marginalised tribes can be accommodated. Also protesting its exclusion, the people of Igala said that it smacked of injustice.

APC enlarges coast in Kebbi From Khadijat Saidu

EBBI State politicians are mounting pressures on Governor Saidu Dakingari to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Many political office holders have been holding partisan meeting with the opposition, since the mass defection to the APC in the neighbouring Sokoto and Zamfara states. However, sources said that the governor is biding his time, since he is ware that his associates are already on their way to the APC. It is believed that his predecessor, Senator Adamu Aliero, and his supporters have been gravitating towards the APC’s direction. The former governor, who was removed as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has grudges against the PDP. Politics is inthe air in Kebbi and gladiators have returned to the drawing board, ahead of the 2015 polls. During the recent APC memberhip registration, many PDP chieftains participated in the exercise, signalling their departure for the opposition camp. The APC has also designed a lot of activities that has revived the opposition onslaught against the ruling party. The governor, sorces said, is studying the trend. The agitation for power shift is another reason many PDP chieftains are leaving the party for the APC. There are three zones in the state-Kebbi Central (Gwandu Emirate), Kebbi South (Zuru Emirate) and Kebbi West (Argungu Emirate). From 1999 to date, Kebbi Central has produced the s governor while others produced the deputy governors. But, the two zones are now agitating for power shift.

Group disowns Elechi’s senatorial bid

GROUP, the ‘Igboesa Integrity Forum,’ has denied endorsing Ebonyi State Governor Martins Elechi for the Senate. The group led by Chief Ogbu Godwin rejected the governor’s bid, following consultations with stakeholders. In a statement, Godwin said the people of Igboesa deserved a senator, who will uplift the social, economic and infrastructural standards of the community and make meaningful contributions on the floor of the National Assembly. Lauding President Goodluck Jonathan’s achievements, he said, if the area is represented by a good senator, more dividends of democracy would be attracted. He praised the President for the reconstruction of the Enugu- Abaliki Expressway and the upgrading of the Enugu Airport to an international airport. Godwin added: “It is pertinent that the group scrutinises all aspirants that would want to represent the zone and come up with a consensus candidate that is experienced, intelligent and presentable to the people of Igboesa, based on his achievements and contribution to the infrastructural development and social wellbeing of the Igboesa clan”. The community leader called on the people to disregard the purported endorsement of the governor, saying that it is misleading. He said the media propaganda in Elechi’s favour does not have the blessing and consent of the clan. Godwin also dissociated the association from the pro-Elechi campaigns, urging the people to be vigilant. He added: “Our people should remain calm. Those that signed and placed the announcement on radio stations in the state did not have the consent of the people and it is an affront to the good people of Igboesa, especially the major stakeholders of the clan.” •Elechi

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14 2014

COMMENTARY

HIS article was a reaction to an outburst of some Nigerian political demagogues aimed at strengthening the confusion in the land. It was first published in 2013 but has to be repeated here today due to popular demand by ardent readers. It went thus: “Conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it” Uthman Dan Fodio Nest, to the hornet, is a sanctuary. Whoever wants to stir it must be ready for painful sting. It was the words of Nigeria’s lotus eaters against those of the former American President, Bill Clinton, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, sometimes last year. When the latter opened up on the cause of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly concerning Boko Haram, hardly did he realise that he was stirring the hornet’s nest. As a man who knew because he was in a position to know, Bill Clinton openly identified poverty as the main cause of insecurity in Nigeria without minding whose ox was being gored. Commenting as a guest speaker on Nigeria’s insecurity at ThisDay’s awards ceremony, the former US President canvassed some ways by which Nigeria could effectively deal with Boko Haram insurgency and other forms of insecurity in the country. Among the ideas he suggested were poverty eradication, thorough education at all levels, equitable distribution of wealth and job creation for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths. Highlighting some desired programmes urgently necessary for curbing the spate of violence and general insecurity in the country, Clinton said: “You have to somehow bring economic opportunity to the people who don’t have it. You already have all these political problems — and now violence — that appears to be rooted in religious differences as well as all the rhetoric of Boko Haram and others, but the truth is that poverty rate in the North is three times that of Lagos”.

Economic Management

Counseling on the need to re-design the country’s economic management to the delight of all and sundry while pointing out that “too much inequality” was capable of limiting growth and opportunities among the citizens of a country, he stressed that only a redistribution of wealth would go a long way to address the prevalent violence and insecurity in Nigeria. He went further to say: “You have about three big challenges. First of all, like 90 per cent of the countries who have one big resource, you have a number of ways with your own money. It shows you have different ways. Now you are at least not wasting the natural gas, you are developing and selling it through the pipelines. You have to do better job of managing the natural resources.....” “Secondly, you have to somehow bring economic opportunities to the people who don’t have. This is not a problem peculiar to Nigeria. In almost every place in the world, prosperity is heavily concentrated in and around urban areas. So you have all these political problems for now even violence. There appears to be political and religious differences and now, the rhetoric of Boko Haram and all that. You have to build a powerful state and local governments as well as a national policy that works along. If you just keep trying to divide the power into loosening strategy, you have to figure out a way to devise a strategy that will help share the prosperity.” He then went further to advise that education should be used as a tool to tackle poverty among Nigerians, saying that if citizens were well educated they would be economically empowered and hence have less inclination towards violence. He opined that: “Nigeria, which earns billions of dollars from her oil industry and is a major supplier to the US, must not take a “divide the pie” approach towards attacking poverty”. He, therefore, advised that governments at all levels needed to tackle youth unemployment which, according to him, is a major source of instability across the world. Bill Clinton was not the first experienced international figure to make such truthful but painful comments about Nigeria and her style of governance. On January 27, 2010, the former US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hilary Clinton spoke in the same manner about Nigeria in Nigeria. And the reactions that followed her statement were not in any way dissimilar from those that

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

The hornet’s nest

•Clinton

•Mrs. Clinton

greeted Bill Clinton’s statement last year. Incidentally, both Clintons are a couple but spoke differently and in different capacities. While the wife spoke in official capacity, the husband spoke in private capacity. But the coincidence in their speeches was not just in the similarity of their thoughts but also in the similarity of the reactions that greeted both speeches. Speaking in blunt terms at a “town hall” in a meeting with Nigeria’s State Department officials in Abuja Mrs. Hillary Clinton said: “....The most immediate source of the disconnect between Nigeria’s wealth and its poverty is a failure of governance at the federal, states and local levels … Lack of transparency and accountability has eroded the legitimacy of the government and contributed to the rise of groups that embraced violence and rejected the authority of the state.”

Government’s Failure

Nigeria, she continued: “Africa’s biggest energy producer and second-largest economy, “faces a threat from increasing radicalisation that needs to be addressed. Describing corruption in Nigeria as unbelievable, she reiterated that the government’s failure to deliver basic services helped foster extremism in young people...adding that: “The failure of the Nigerian leadership over many years to respond to the legitimate needs of their own young people, to have a government that promoted a meritocracy, that really understood that democracy can’t just be given lip service, it has to be delivering services to the people, has meant there is a lot of alienation in that country and others”. She lamented poor governance and deteriorating living conditions which she said made Nigeria’s disaffected young people ripe targets for militants looking for recruits to attack the West. Substantiating her assertion, Mrs. Clinton said, when she met with a group of Nigerians in the capital city of Abuja, “people were … standing and shouting about what it was like to live in a country where the elite was so dominant, where corruption was so rampant and criminality was so pervasive”. And “that”, according to her, “is an opening for extremism that offers an alternative world view”.

Reaction

However, in a spontaneous reaction, some members of the ruling party who were then in government virtually told Mrs. Clinton to shut up and mind her own business by leaving Nigeria alone. The resentment came through the mouth of the then Publicity Secretary of the party, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, who, in a swift statement, said Mrs Clinton’s remarks were baseless. He recalled that the ruling party had cause to comment on the relations between Nigeria and the United States, following President Barack Obama’s visit to Ghana, “which was viewed by some commentators as a slight to Nigeria”. In his words: “Although the ‘ruling party’ saw Mrs Clinton’s “visit to Nigeria as a further ex-

pression of the age-long strong cordial diplomatic relations between both countries, we are at the same time concerned that some of her remarks are not only way off the mark but also based on misinformation. Her sweeping statement on what she calls a ‘failure of leadership’ does not correspond with the reality of present day Nigeria where a committed leadership operating within the realm of the rule of law holds sway”. Professor Alkali said the ‘ruling party’ found Mrs Clinton’s “condescending statements against our country and leaders not contextualised,” adding that she “seems to have taken her briefs from individuals or groups and other failed politicians who have an axe to grind with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. He added: “It is a fact that the present administration inherited a lot of challenges that were entrenched in the body polity for a long time since assumption of office in May 2007, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has demonstrated a rare but firm commitment to right the wrongs of the past, using constitutional instruments in order to strengthen democratic governance in the country”. Despite leaving a bad taste in the mouth, Alkali’s statement did not bother Mrs. Clinton who knew Nigeria better than the respondent Nigerians. Her reaction was a reminder of a Yoruba adage which says ‘a dog that refuses to respond to the warning whistle of the hunter is surely destined to stray into permanent perdition’. If Bill or Hillary Clinton were a Muslim, some fanatics especially in Nigerian media, would have characteristically accused him/her of wanting to Islamise Nigeria just for telling the naked truth. However, to the great delight of reasonable and patriotic Nigerians, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), in a statement signed by its President then, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said it wished “to align itself with the statement credited to the US Secretary of State the summation of which was that corruption, amongst other factors, has caused failure of governance in Nigeria”. “We cannot agree less and note that President Yar’Adua admitted that Nigeria was facing challenges in its war against corruption and bid to reform its electoral system, which has underscored failure of governance at the federal, state and local government levels,” it said, adding: “This intervention could not have come at a better time than now when agents of the government are on the prowl, deploying viciously the weapon of blackmail against the leadership of the NBA who has long identified this and continues to clamour for change”. He continued: “Secretary Clinton having reiterated the position of the Bar, it would, perhaps, not be out of place for those who are quick to stand logic on its head to satisfy greed, to conclude that the top diplomat, being a lawyer, must also belong to Action Congress or any of the opportunistic organisations dubbed parties.”

Nothing Strange

It is not strange therefore, that last year’s comments by Bill Clinton drew similar parochially partisan reactions from those who are benefiting directly from the ongoing rot in the country. It seems that politics in Nigeria is like an animal carcass on which idle vultures must feast without caring about the pollution which the odour there from would cause to the environment. Even a blind person can perceive the poverty in Nigeria or smell its odour. It is rather an added assault on the public to say that Mrs. Clinton in 2010

and Mr. Clinton in 2013 must have been briefed by certain individuals who were antagonistic to the ruling government. Such a statement could only have come from people of feeble minds who exemplified the ineptitude of Nigeria’s government of the time. On December 22, 2012, the Nigeria Muslim Forum, UK, held its 22nd Annual Winter Conference at Stamford Court University of Leicester. At the conference, retired General Abdur-Rahman Dambazau delivered a paper that electrified the Hall. The paper which was entitled ‘Poverty Alleviation, Security and Stability’ addressed the Nigerian situation from social, economic and political points of view. In the paper, he made the meaning of poverty clearer, using verified statistical indexes to buttress his arguments. The retired General also looked at the ranking of Nigeria on the poverty table which showed Nigeria as one of the 20 most poverty-stricken countries in the world; and the Northwest as the most hit and Southwest of the country as the least affected. Generally, the situation is by far worse today than it was then. “In his own contribution to the discussions the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Dr. Mathew Kukah, stressed that poverty was one of the main causes of intolerance in the society, which in turn often leads to conflict and insecurity. He said people react to poverty in various manners and that they respond to conflict in ways they feel would bring them justice. He also blamed the deterioration of the situation in Nigeria on injustice and warned that injustice would continue to breed violence in the country unless something was quickly done to ensure equitable dispensation of justice. He explained that diversity should be seen as an advantage to the society as it enhances growth, “although in Northern Nigeria the reverse is the case due to the failure to manage it well in view of the crises the region now faces”. He therefore advocated respect for human dignity as opposed to simply tolerating each other and significant boost to governments’ poverty alleviation policies. He also urged the Diaspora communities to lend financial support and contribute constructive ideas towards tackling the challenges in order to elevate the status of the country internationally”.

Frank Talk

In an earlier similar statement he made in January 2012 about Boko Haram and causes of insecurity, Bishop Kukah said inter alia: “We live in a state of ineffective law enforcement and tragic social conditions. Corruption has destroyed the fabric of our society. Its corrosive effect can be seen in the ruination of our lives and the decay in our society. The inability of the state to punish criminals as criminals have created the illusion that there is a conflict between Christians and Muslims. In fact, it would seem that many elements today are going to great extremes to pitch Christians against Muslims, and vice versa, so that our attention is taken away from the true source of our woes: corruption. As Nigerians, Christians and Muslims, we must stand together to ensure that our resources are well utilised for the common good. This is why, despite the hardships we must endure as a result of the strike, the Fuel Subsidy debate must be seen as the real dividend of democracy”. “Three, religious leaders across the faiths must indeed stand up together and face the challenge of the times by offering a leadership that focuses on our common humanity and common good rather than the insignificant issues that divide us. We therefore condemn in very strong terms the tendency by some religious leaders to play politics with the issues of our collective survival”. Rather than rallying our people, some of our religious leaders have resorted to divisive utterances, wild allegations and insinuations against fellow adherents of other religions. In the last five or so days, text messages have been circulating across the country appealing to some of our worst demons. We are told that many senior clerics either believed or encouraged the circulation of these divisive and false text messages. We must condemn this for what it is.....” With all these issues still prominent on the national table it may be interesting to ask a very vital question as the so-called National Confab is about to commence thus: ‘To what direction will the pendulum in the horizon finally swing? The answer may be provided in this column next Friday God willing.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA

$49.8b unremitted fund: Senate appoints auditors T HE Senate Committee on Finance investigat ing alleged non- remittance of $49.8billion by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday said it has appointed independent auditors to conduct forensic examination of the volume of expenses incurred by the state-run oil firm. Its Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi disclosed this at the resumed session of the committee in Abuja. The appointment of the auditors nowithstanding, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu has insisted that no money is missing from the coffers of the corporation. But Makarfi said the engagement of the independent consultants became necessary to enable the committee get to the root of the controversial matter. He siad the findings of the consultants would also enable the committee to form its opinion on the alleged missing money. Makarfi said: “The committee appointed independent consultants to do forensic examination and audit on the volume of expenses you in-

•No missing money, NNPC insists

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

curred. “We expect their report by the end of next week. And their independent report is what will make us form an opinion on the expenses and losses totaling about $2.1 billion based on your submission. “The other issue which we don’t have to wait before we make our report is the Auditor-General of the Federation who has written formally to the committee confirming he is conducting forensic checks and that the forensic check comprehensively covers our areas of concern and that he is going to send the report of the forensic check or audit to us. “It would not stop us from making our report subject to whatever he may present to the National Assembly. He would make a report directly to the National As-

sembly on this. “In respect of unremitted revenue, we have received virtually all that we need to receive. Report of our own independent forensic auditors on the expenses and other losses totaling $2.1 billion and final certification from PPPRA from July to December 2013 on subsidy.” “That is what will make us finalise our work and make our report to the Senate. “That would be the last issue that needs to be publicly submitted to us. We don’t want to submit it in our offices. We want to submit it in the presence of everybody so that we know what the figure from July to December is so that when we make our report, it would be on the basis of what the public is already aware of, as presented by the agencies.” The GMD however insisted that no money is missing, saying the monies that accrue from crude oil liftings are shared 60/40 per cent by the Federal Govern-

ment and the Joint Venture (JV) partners. Yakubu said: “We have given a detailed account, no money is missing, each business is governed by a different business arrangement, if you do not trace it to the business arrangement and the governance structure, you will not understand. “Now you heard we had under-lifting and reconciliation are held quarterly. When you reconcile, you will be able to balance your books and come up with the true position of things. “I am saying it is too hasty for people to say that money is missing and apportion such a large amount. You have seen how we have broken them down to the various business arrangement and how monies are accounted for in various arrangements. The fact that money is not seen in the Federation Account does not mean the money did not go to other beneficiaries.” He appealed to the media to save the image of the as reports on the alleged missing funds are capable of stifling Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria.

• From left: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu; Chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Nigeria Council (SPENC), Mr Bernard Oboarekpe; representative of the Managing Director, International Energy Services Ltd, Mr Tonye Tamuno and NNPC, Group Executive Director (Exploration and Production), Dr Abiyi Membere, at the 2014 Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum in Abuja...yesterday.

Nigeria begins Transfer Pricing regime

IGERIA has joined the league of African countries that have commenced the implementation of Transfer Pricing (TP) regime to protect tax base. Delivering the keynote address to stakeholders at the TP enlightenment forum in Abuja yesterday, Executive Secretary, Fed-

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

eral Inland Revenue Service ((FIRS), Alhaji Kabiru Marshi, said TP is designed to ensure that taxpayers pay taxes that are commensurate to the level of activities undertaken in the country.

He said the goal is to implement the TP regime transparently, efficiently and effectively so as to promote voluntary compliance. He however solicited for valuable contributions that will make transfer pricing regime in the country a model for other African countries.

Nigeria’s TP Regulations he said took effect from the base period beginning after August 2 last year to serve as a tool in the hand of the tax administration, to fight tax evasion that are embedded in over or under pricing of controlled transactions between associated enterprises.

‘30m households lack electricity’

HE Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo yesterday said about 30 million households in the country have no access to electricity. In order to address the deficit, he said the Federal Government is seeking equity investments in renewable energy. Represented by the Permanent Secretaryin the ministry Ambassador Godknows Igali, at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Private Equity Seminar in Abuja, Nebo said: ”There is still a large gap of lack of

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

access to power. According to United Nations (UN) estimates, about 600 million people in the world do not have access to power at all. That is 70 per cent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa. And more still 85 per cent of that is in the rural areas. Sadly for us here in Nigeria, we still have up to 30million households that do not have access to power at all.” He noted that for government to meet its electricity

target by 2025, it has to fastback measures to meet 10 per cent from renewable energy. The shortfall, according to him, informed the efforts by the Federal Government to focus in the development of renewable energy, mostly off-grid and mini-grid systems that would not depend on grid network. Nebo announced that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is working out framework for the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for renewable energy.

He added that the ministry is working closely with the Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trader (NBET) to ensure that there is a proper PPA that will different sources of renewable energy. The minister said the ministry is now at the closure of financing arrangement such as equity to implement the 700Mw Zungeru Hydro Electric Project. Founder/ Chief Executive Officer of Henshaw Capital Partner, Barbara James, explained that the bank loans are not enough for financing power projects.

She said in Nigeria, bank

Fed Govt pays oil marketers N41b

HE Federal Ministry of Finance said it has paid N41,074,772,210.95 to 27 oil marketers whose claims have successfully gone through the verification processes. Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Paul Nwabuikwu, in a statement said the 27 oil marketers so far paid are: A-Z Petroleum Products Limited; Acorn Petroleum PLC; AITEO Energy Resource Limited; ASCON Oil and Gas Company Limited; Avidor Oil and Gas Company; Conoil Plc; Dee Jones Petroleum and Gas Ltd; Dozzy Oil and

From NdukaChiejina (Asst. Editor)

Gas Limited; Folawiyo Energy Ltd; GULF Treasures Ltd; Hudson Petroleum Ltd; HYDE Energy (NIG) Ltd; Ibafon Oil Ltd; Masters Energy Oil and Gas Ltd; Matrix Energy Ltd; Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc; MRS Oil and Gas Company Ltd; NEPAL Oil and Gas Serv. Ltd; NIPCO Plc; Northwest Petroleum and Gas Ltd; Oando Plc; Obat Oil and Gas Services Ltd; Rainoil Ltd; Shorelink Oil and Gas Services Ltd; Techno Oil Ltd; Tempogate Oil and Energy Company and Total Nigeria Plc.

Saakashvili, Dangote, others for WO former Presidents Lagos summit – Mikheil Saakashvili

of Georgia and Pedro Pires of Cape Verde; foremost industrialist and President, Dangote Group, AlhajiAlikoDangote and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji are topping the list of high profile international and local speakers whose participation at the forthcoming 7th Lagos Economic Summit (EHINGBETI 2014) has been confirmed. The summit is a three-day event holding between April 8 and 10 in Lagos with ‘‘Powering the Lagos Economy: Real Opportunities, Endless Possibilities’’as its theme. While Saakashvili is expected as the main Keynote Speaker, Pires will speak at the dinner event being put together as one of the side attractions of the summit. In the same vein, the Governor of Lagos State and host of the summit, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), will deliver the opening address. Other speakers and panellists for the summit include the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi; Commissioner, Market Competition and Rates, NERC, Mr.EyoEkpo; Group Executive Director (Gas and Power), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige; Dean, Faculty of Environmental Science, University of Lagos, Prof. OlumideOlusanya; and Lagos State Commissioner for En-

ergy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Taofiq Tijani. Also confirmed are the Chairman, Falcon Petroleum Ltd., Mr. Chima Ibeneche; Chairman, West Power & Gas, Mr. Charles Momoh; Principal Partner, Mckinsey Nigeria, Mr. Scott Desmarais; Managing Director, Tata Power Company Limited, Mr. Anil Kumar Sarda; Senior Vice President, Gas and Power, CAMAC, Mr. Fisoye Delano; Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Solomon AdegbieQuaynor; and former Partner, Lazard, Mr. Ken Costa among others. Announcing the names of the speakers and panellists, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze, said the confirmation of attendance by these high calibre personalities was a boost and affirmation of the quality of deliberations and most importantly, investment decisions that would be taken at the summit. Akabueze, who doubles as the Co-Chairman, Lagos Economic Summit Group, said: “We are delighted at the number of confirmations that we have received so far from our outlined speakers and panellists. And, we are very encouraged that their participation and quality of deliberations and decisions that will take place during the 7th Lagos Economic Summit will make it a worthwhile being at the summit.’’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT

13-3-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-3-14

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

EQUITIES

Bearish trend worsens as equities lose N208b

HE simmering downtrend at the Nigerian stock market boiled over into major burns for investors yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) with losses totaling N208 billion over 4006 deals. With nearly seven out of every eight price changes ending in the negative, aggregate market value of all equities on the NSE dropped by N208 billion from N12.576 trillion to N12.368 trillion. While a total of 121 stocks

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

were traded, there were only seven gainers as against 48 losers, a situation that further depressed the overall market return. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, indicated a day-on-day decline of 1.65 per cent, nudging the average year-

to-date return to -6.84 per cent. The ASI slipped below the 39,000 mark to close at 38,503.65 points as against its opening index of 39,150.30 points. Market analysts attributed the steep decline to significant selling pressures from profit-takers and speculative investors, who were desirous of locking in their gains against expected lull in the post-earnings period. Guinness Nigeria topped the losers’ list with a loss of N6.40 to close at

N166.75. Dangote Cement followed with a loss of N3.98 to close at N235. Nigerian Breweries recorded a loss of N2.55 to close at N145.50. Mobil Oil Nigeria dropped by N1.10 to close at N120.90. Presco slipped by N1 to close at N43. International Breweries lost 98 kobo to close at N27.01. UACN Property Development Company declined by 96 kobo to close at N20.10. Oando dropped by 95 kobo to N16.63. Guaranty Trust Bank lost 70

kobo to close at N24.30 while Union Bank of Nigeria dropped by 63 kobo to close at N10.05 per share. Total turnover stood at 367.19 million shares valued at N1.82 billion in 4,006 deals. Financial services sector accounted for 271.62 million shares worth N945.64 million in 2,318 deals. African Alliance Insurance was the most active with a turnover of 150 million shares valued at N75 million in four deals. Market sources said the deals on African Alliance Insurance were cross deals, implying that the buying and selling sides had been matched ahead of the final closure through the market.

GlaxoSmithKline declares N1.24b dividend

SEC pushes for regulations on greater women directors

ECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) will champion the cause of rules and legislations that will encourage companies to appoint more women unto their boards in order to achieve gender diversity and inclusive growth. Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, who spoke at the

annual lecture series of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (Wimbiz) yesterday in Lagos, said there was need to address gender inequality in board appointments. According to her, women must be given more important roles at the highest levels of business governance because it makes economic sense to do so and SEC as the custo-

dian of the code of corporate governance in Nigeria is interested in seeing companies pay more attention to gender diversity at board and senior management levels. “This issue has to be addressed. We are going to work with sister regulators to set guidelines that encourage companies to pay more attention to gender diversity on their boards. We will work with the

Wema Bank, UBA harp on financial literacy for kids W EMA Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc yesterday called for all-inclusive approach by parents and the general society in teaching children how to save, plan and invest their money to ensure financial freedom in future. Managing directors of Wema Bank and UBA yesterday participated in teaching school children about finance and investment as part of activities to mark the Global Money Week. Group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, called on parents to ensure that their children become financially smart at an early age noting that financially smart kids will become financially smart and wealthier adults. Oduoza taught students of Crowther Memorial College , Lokoja, Kogi State, basics of savings, budgeting, pensions, insurance and investments. He also took time after his lecture to answer questions from the students. Students asked different questions on different aspects of finance including savings, the difference between needs and wants, pensions, how to better manage their pocket money. “When we were growing up, no one thought us about money. We were thought biology, physics chemistry, economics, but nothing about money. Yet we all grow up realizing money is something we have to deal with everyday. That is why the Banker’s Committee, with the Central Bank of Nigeria, decided to embark on this initiative,”

Oduoza said. Oduoza also explained that UBA decided to come all the way to Lokoja to carry out its financial literacy training because it realizes such education should not be restricted to students in the big cities only. He advised the students to take an interest in knowing about money as it will make them better adults in future. Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, commended Oduoza for taking time off his very busy schedule to personally come to teach the students financial literacy skills. “There is no doubt that this initiative will create a generation of adults who will have a better understanding of money, how to make money and most importantly, how to manage it, “ Wada said. He said that he personally attended the training because of the priority his government places on education noting that the three priorities of his government are education, education, education. He commended UBA’s contribution to education development in the state and called on other financial institutions in the state to contribute to the economic development of the state. In the same vein, managing director, Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, taught pupils of Maryland Convent Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos on basics of finance and investments.

He noted that it is the responsibility of the larger society and not just the family alone, to teach and mentor young people on the right way to live by showing them how to save and manage their resources. According to him, proper financial literacy will help to create the right environment for a secure future for the children, communities and the nation as a whole. In her remarks, the Head Teacher of the school, Reverend Sis. Gladys Osagie, thanked Wema Bank for bringing the timely initiative to the school. She said the initiative would go a long way in moulding the character of her pupils. Wema Bank also presented financial literacy materials to the school library on behalf of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The initiative was sponsored by the Royal Kiddies Account from Wema Bank. The Royal Kiddies Account from Wema Bank is open to young people from ages 0 to 13years whilst Purple Account is targeted at young adults from ages 13 – 24 years. Royal Kiddies Account offers life assurance as much as 10 times the account balance subject to a maximum of N10million in case of accidental death or permanent disability of the parent or account administrator. The Royal Kiddies Account holder is also eligible for an e-purse electronic wallet. On the other hand, the Purple Account gives its holder access to various electronic and mobile banking platforms as well as other opportunities tailored to their needs.

Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) where necessary to craft legislation that requires companies to apply some form of gender representation quotas on their boards,” Oteh said. She added that there is also the need for legislative and administrative reforms to set up effective enforcement machineries to support women in exercising their rights of equal access to economic resources including the right to inheritance and ownership of land and property. She noted that there are several opportunities for women to source funds from the capital market pointing out that the meritocratic system of assessment in the capital market provides equal opportunities for all fund raisers. According to her, the assessment of companies seeking to raise funds in the capital market is gender-neutral as the focus is on the fundamentals of the company not the promoter. She outlined that when a company is accessing the capital market to raise funds, approvals are given based on the soundness of the company and predetermined rules not based on the characteristics of its promoters noting that the best ideas or projects in the capital market usually attract the right level of long term funding at cheaper cost regardless of the gender of the sponsors. “Since access to funding is a key challenge for women entrepreneurs, capital market is an important part of the solution. There are multitudes of ways by which capital markets facilitate fundraising whether through equity or debt instruments,” Oteh said. She urged women entrepreneurs to list their companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) noting that listing unlocks access to cheaper long term capital for growth and expansion while the companies will also benefit from higher corporate governance standards expected from quoted companies.

HE board of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK) Plc has announced dividend recommendation of about N1.24 billion for the 2013 business year as investors await the full audited report and accounts of the healthcare company. An investors’ notice obtained by The Nation indicated that shareholders would receive a dividend per share of N1.30 for the immediate past year ended December 31, 2013. The dividend will be paid on June 12 subject to approval of the recommendation by the annual general meeting of the company on May 11. GSK is the first healthcare company to declare dividend. GlaxoSmithKline United Kingdom (UK), the core investors in GSK Nigeria had recently withdrew its bid to acquire additional shares from Nigerian shareholders to increase its controlling equity to 75 per cent following intense resistance from other investors. GSK UK was seeking to acquire 273.46 million ordinary shares out of the Nigerian shareholders’ holdings to add 28.58 per cent to push its post-acquisition holding to 75 per cent. It had retained a belowthe-market price of N48 per share, in spite of substantial rally since the deal was first announced.

PZ Cussons’ shareholders approve N5.2B special dividend

HAREHOLDERS of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc yesterday approved the distribution of N5.16 billion from the general reserve of the company as a special dividend to shareholders. At the Extra-ordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Lagos, shareholders commended the board of the company for its investors’ friendly stand. According to the shareholders, the decision of the board to pay the special dividend indicated that the directors have the interest of other shareholders at heart. They urged the board to continue with impressive performance of the company in spite of the challenging environment. A breakdown of the special dividend indicates that shareholders will receive N1.30 per share. With the approval, shareholders will begin to receive their dividends as from Monday, March 17. PZ Cussons had, for the first time, last month paid an interim dividend of about 20 kobo after posting 4.7 per cent increase in revenue for the half year ended November 30, 2013. Gross turnover rose from N31 billion in 2012 to N32.46 billion in 2013. Profit before tax rose by 53 per cent to N3.1 billion from N2 billion. Profit after tax also rose from N1.515 billion to N2.317 billion.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

MONEYLINK

CBN: Why coins circulation is low From NdukaChiejina, Abuja

•Acting CBN Governor Sarah Alade

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says low purchasing power of the coin in comparison to other currency denominations is responsible for its limited circula-

tion. The Acting Governor of the CBN Dr Sarah Alade stated this yesterday in Abuja at the on-going school mentoring programme on financial literacy for Nigeria as part of celebration marking the Global Money Week. Alade, who was responding to a question asked by one of the students on why there is scarcity of coins in Nigeria, said despite its limited circulation, the apex bank still regards it as a legal tender in the country. The Acting CBN Governor, said the bank is working on some initiatives that would encourage the use of coins by Nigerians. One of such initiative,

FCMB rewards customers with cars, cash

HREE Lucky customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited have each been rewarded with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) for emerging as the star prize winners at the bank’s 30th anniversary promo. In a statement, the bank said the winners emerged at the electronic draw conducted at its three regions and 26 zones nationwide. In addition to the car gifts given away, another set of three customers went home with N1million each, while 130 others won LCD Televisions, Fridges, Generators and DVD players. At the Lagos/South-West Regional draw held at Idimu in Lagos state, Mrs Saidat Mojirike Ajitena won the star prize of an SUV on offer, while Mr.AdamuDangoro also emerged a winner of another

SUV at the North Regional draw held in Abuja. The third vehicle went to Mr. Gabriel AsaUdoh-Affah at the South-East/South-South Regional draw which took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers state. The reward of N1million cash each went to Mr. Samuel IfeanyiEzeudu (Lagos/South-west); Mr.AbdullahiAminuHamcheta (North) and Mr. William OnyemechiOnwu (South-East/ South-South). Speaking at the event in Lagos, FCMB’s Senior Vice President/Divisional Head, Retail Banking, Mr.OluAkanmu, stated that with the grand finale of the draws held nationwide, the Bank has fulfilled the promise it made to customers to reward those who participated and qualified in the anniversary promo.

she said, is the planned introduction of a vending machine that would make the coin its major source of transaction. She said, ”Sometimes 50 kobo can’t buy much and that is why we are hoping that very soon, we will be able to have a vending machine so that we can have coins that people can use to buy things. When we do the new currency which we want to do, we will be able to integrate coins for other uses. So coins are still legal tender in the country.” At another school, students were advised to cultivate the idea of patronizing banks to enable them know more about its benefits as well as methods to be taken if they face any difficulties with their fi-

nancial transactions. In a presentation to the Financial Literacy School 101 Outreach programme at the Government Science Technical College, Area 3 Garki, Abuja, the Central Bank Deputy-Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau told the students that with 70 percent Nigerians being illiterates,the youths have no option, but to embrace financial literacy. According Barau, ‘’there is no going back for you my children but for you to learn and imbibe financial literacy, for you to know how you get and spend your money, but most frankly, you need to know how to work for your society too’’.

Banking security tops agenda at Securex confab

Abiola said the participants will be discussing latest security initiatives, trends, challenges and emerging technologies during the show. She explained that evaluating existing counter terrorism policies, understanding new domain threats posed by regionally active militant organisations, cyber security, training security forces, strategic approaches to emerging threats and accessing gaps in existing commercial and homeland security infrastructure among others will equally be covered. Representative of Halogen Securities Limited, Raphael Ojo-Kadiri said there is need to reduce the level of people’s exposure to risk through education. He called on stakeholders to develop counter-measure that would enhance security.

ANKING security, biometric solution and enhancing consumer trust in mobile banking services will be among issues to be discussed by stakeholders during this year’s Securex West Africa trade show holding next week in Lagos. Speaking ahead of the event scheduled for March 18 to 19 at Eko Hotel, Lagos, Managing Director, Montgomery West Africa, Tori Abiola said the organisers will bring together, all the major manufacturers and service providers in commercial, homeland and cyber security, fire protection and safety suppliers. She said the show is organised by Montgomery West Africa and sponsored by HIK Vision, Halogen Security, Kontz Engineering and Rapid Vigil.

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

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

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 13-3-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

AGLEVENT

1.40

1.47

0.07

ETERNA

3.55

3.70

0.15

NPFMCRFBK

0.75

0.78

0.03

OASISINS

0.54

0.56

0.02

PRRESTIGE

0.56

0.58

0.02

FIDSON

3.03

3.11

0.08

NEM

0.76

0.78

0.02

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

PRESCO ZENITHBANK UBA ABCTRANS GNI DANGSUGAR UTC FIDELITYBK STERLNBANK NB

O/PRICE 44.00 22.57 7.40 0.93 0.51 10.65 0.55 2.28 2.30 148.05

C/PRICE 43.00 22.08 7.24 0.91 0.50 10.45 0.54 2.24 2.26 145.50

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8

2-5-14 2-3-14

400m

399.9m

155.7

1-29-14

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

400m

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Date

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 156.27 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,620.45 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,886.59 • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND

CHANGE -1.00 -0.49 -0.16 -0.02 -0.01 -0.20 -0.01 -0.04 -0.04 -2.55

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m

Name

LOSERS AS AT 13-3-14

SYMBOL

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

KYE Bank Plc yesterday adopted Government Secondary School, Wuse II, Abuja for the financial education of its students. Speaking at a ceremony to mark the adoption of the school as part of the 2014 Global Money Week commemoration in Abuja, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the exercise is in furtherance of the lender’s commitment to promoting financial literacy among students. He said the essence of the initiative was to impart knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions to the students. The bank CEO said the Financial Literacy Sub Committee of the Bankers’ Committee had set March 13, 2014 to launch Financial Literacy (FL) Day, with focus on children and youth in primary and secondary schools nationwide, both public and private. “Skye Bank has adopted and is launching the Financial Literacy Day at Government Day Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja, FCT. We have raised a team that will ensure the sustainability of this initiative which will run over the next nine months”, he explained. Speaking on the development, the Principal of the school, Mr. Akoh Joseph, described the event as a milestone and expressed hope that financial education and the adoption of the school would impact positively on the students. Government Secondary School, Wuse 11 is one of the best schools in the Federal Capital Territory and recorded the best Senior School examination results in the Federal Capital Territory in 2013.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Skye Bank adopts Abuja school

Movement

1.33363 1.2859 1.0198

Bid Price 155.84 9.08 1.05 1.17 0.68 1.33 1,618.47 1,000.00 115.13 100.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,883.42 1.3245 1.2859 1.0013

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS Rescuers comb New York blast site

RESCUE operation is continuing in New York after a gas leak triggered an explosion that demolished two buildings and killed at least seven people. Firefighters are trying to find further victims trapped beneath the rubble of the apartment blocks in Harlem, with the death toll expected to

rise. A police spokesman said five people remained unaccounted for. More than 60 people were injured after the devastating blast sent debris flying through the air on Wednesday. Residents were said to have complained recently about "unbearable" gas smells.

China images ‘not connected’ to missing jet

HINESE satellite pictures of debris in the South China Sea are not connected to the missing Malaysian airliner, Malaysia's transport minister says. Hishammuddin Hussein also denied a US report that Flight MH370 might have flown for

hours after contact was lost. Chinese state TV is still treating the pictures as relevant and says a warship is continuing to hunt for the debris. The plane went missing early on Saturday with 239 people on board. The search now includes the Indian Ocean.

LENTEN MESSAGE Theme: Mercy over Supreme Court

HE world’s judicial system is well structured such that a case can be appealed from the Magistrate Court to the High Court to the Appeal Court and finally to the Supreme Court, whenever any of the parties is not in agreement with the courts’ adjudication and desires justice. When a matter has reached the Supreme court however, whatever judgement passed at that court, either rightly or wrongly is regarded as ‘fait accompli’. Suffice to say that such a judgment cannot be reversed, but the good news is that the Court of mercy has capacity to reverse any human or spiritual judgement. When blind Bartimaeus, a man that had been sentenced to the pathway - a place of begging and insults, took his case to the Court of mercy, Jesus stood still for him, reviewed his case, discharged him from the pathway of human judgement, degradation, ridicule and poverty, and freed him to a highway of blessings, recognition and celebrations ( Mk. 10:46-52). Whenever any matter is tak-

en to the Supreme Court of mercy, there is a change of story because the appellant is moved from utter darkness into His marvelous light and a nobody in the society is recognized and celebrated. The Holy Bible has record of lots of people that mercy lifted up from nothing to something and nobodies to somebodies in the society. Esther, for instance was a foreigner with no sound family background, she was staying with her Uncle who was a gatekeeper and her life was devoid of palace etiquette but His mercy singled her out ( Esther 2:15-17). Jephtah was son of a prostitute and hated by his brethren but His mercy lifted him up and he became a celebrity (Judges 11:1-11). David too was perhaps the most insignificant of the children of Jesse but mercy gave him a space and place in histo-

ry. The highly revered Prophet Samuel because of God’s mercy told Jesse that he wouldn’t sit down until the ‘boy’ David came and he anointed him ( 1 Samuel 16:113). May your name join that list in the name of Jesus. Brethren, has the world written you off or have you written yourself off? Perhaps you don’t even believe that you can be someone great in this world. Is marriage an issue, is it conception, employment, accommodation or are you having spiritual challenges that are not making your life move forward as you would have desired? It is not over because His mercy reverses and prevails over any kind of human or spiritual judgment. When the mercy of God comes, it will cancel every human and satanic judgement, it will protect from adversaries (Psalm 56:1), heal the soul ( Psalm 45:4-5), open the gate to blessings ( Psalm 67:1) and wipe away tears (Psalm 86:3).

N •Revd Adelegan

Then you will have an opportunity to testify that “he that was hated and forsaken that no man came to him is now an eternal excellency and joy of many generations in the name of Jesus” ( Isaiah 60:15). It is surely not over with you, just take your case to the Supreme Court of mercy at this Lenten season and you shall return with celebration. Prayers: Almighty God, there is surely no bad case with you. I come to you this day with a penitent heart. Father, reverse whatever judgement the economy of this country or spiritual powers have placed upon me. Give me grace to do all that I desire to do without stoppage in Jesus’ name.

NEWS Court reserves judgment in suit to halt EFCC directive on lawyer/client financial dealings

USTICE Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja will on May 16 deliver judgment in a suit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seeking to restrain the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from enforcing its directive requiring lawyers to reveal certain financial transactions they made for their clients. The directive which requires all law firms operating in the country to register with the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), an agency of the EFCC, was informed by increasing cases of

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

lawyers collusion in money laundering cases. EFCC had, while justifying its directive, argued that its experience in the investigation of money laundering cases, particularly those involving politicians, revealed that their lawyers, in most cases serve as conduit through which funds are taken out of the country and lodged in coded foreign accounts. Justice Kolawole fixed the date for judgment yesterday, after lawyers for the plaintiff and the defendants adopted their fi-

nal written addresses. The NBA, suing through its Registered Trustees, had opposed the EFCC’s directive and sued the Attorney General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The EFCC had categorised law firms as Designated NonFinancial Institutions (DNFI), which must register with SCUML and also comply with existing anti-money laundering regulations. In its suit, NBA argued lawyers will not comply with the directive on the ground that it breached lawyers-clients rela-

were released by China's State Administration of Science on Wednesday. Despite the denial, state TV in China says a warship is continuing to search for the debris spotted in the South China Sea. One commentator dismissed Mr Hussein's comments, and the report said China would continue to analyse new satellite images.

North Korea disowns Libya oil tanker

Text: “....... and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” James 2:13b By The Revd. Henry O. Adelegan

The minister said the disappearance of the Boeing 777200ER aircraft was unprecedented. He told reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport that the Chinese embassy in the Malaysian capital had said the satellite images were released by mistake and "did not show any debris from MH370". The grainy satellite images

tionship. It stated that the CBN had also issued a directive to all banks not to allow law firms, who have not registered with SCUML, to operate their bank accounts. The lawyers asked the court to among others, declare the directive illegal. They also seek an order of perpetual injunction restraining the CBN and AGF from enforcing their directives to all banks in the country against any lawyer by preventing legal practitioners yet to register with SCUML from operating their bank accounts.

ORTH Korea had nothing to do with a tanker which left Libya with an oil shipment in defiance of the government, a Pyongyang official has said. North Korea revoked the Morning Glory's registration when it learned of the incident, Jon Ki Chol said. Libya's Prime Minister Ali Zeidan was dismissed by parliament on Tuesday after the ship evaded a naval blockade to set sail from a rebel-held port. It fuelled speculation about links between North Korea and Libyan rebels. Mr Jon, deputy director-general of North Korea's Maritime Administration, said the Morning Glory was operated by an Egyptbased company. On Wednesday, Libyan government spokesman Habib al-Amin said the navy had fired on the vessel, but failed to disable it.

Pope Francis marks first year in office

OPE Francis is celebrating his first year in office. The Argentinean-born pontiff is currently on a week-long spiritual retreat with cardinals and bishops in the Alban Hills near Rome. Italian opinion polls give Pope Francis the highest popularity rating of any recent pontiff. However, the BBC's David Willey in Rome says that Francis's papacy so far has shown a change of style rather than of substance. Pope Francis is the first Lat-

Police arraign Lagos businessman

HE Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police has arraigned a Lagos businessman and Chief Executive Officer of A.G Moeller Limited, Olukemi Adeloye before a Federal High Court Lagos for an alleged attempt to defraud the Chief Executive Officer of Cross-Country Transport Limited, Bube Okorodudu. Adeloye, who was arraigned on a five- count charge by the police before Justice Okon Abang, however pleaded not guilty to the charge. During the commencement of his trial on March 6, the complainant, Okorodudu, testified as the first prosecution witness and was cross-examined by Adeloye’s lawyer, Kunle Ogunba (SAN). Hearing on the matter has been adjourned till April 2. The accused was arraigned for allegedly transacting financial business without a valid licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), contrary to Section 57 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 59 (6) (b) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), Cap B3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Adeloye’s company was also accused of transacting financial institution without valid license from the CBN. In count four of the charge, Adeloye was said to have: “With intent to defraud, you did obtain the sum of N80 million from Okorodudu in excess of the capital sum of N140 million advanced to him through the medium of a contract of finance lease facility induced by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (ac) and Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.” Adeloye was said to have used the premises of his company located at No. 2, Ebun Street, Surulere in Lagos to commit the said offences.

H •National President, Federal Government College, Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA), Akinwunmi Ambode cutting the tape to inaugurate the school’s renovated Dinning Hall by the association. With him are a pupil, Dauda Ilya (left); National ExOfficio Peter Ilya; National Financial Secretary, Mr. Abiodun Fabiyi; National Secretary, Paul Edemu (third right) and others

in American - and the first Jesuit - to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Since taking office, pilgrims have been arriving in Rome in unprecedented numbers. He is also riding high on social media, with 11 million following him in nine languages on Twitter. Our correspondent says Francis's approval rating has remained high despite a recent UN report accusing the Catholic Church of systematically covering up for tens of thousands of child-abusing priests reported to the Vatican.

Chief Onyejiaju is dead

IGH Chief Alfonsus Onyejiaju (Okosiosi 1 of Awoidemiri, Ugbo Oyanuba 1 of Awoidemiri) is dead. He died on February 28. He was 75. He was president of Awo Idemiri Development Union. He is survived by two wives and six children.

The late Onyejiaju

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

NEWS Fed Govt rejigs conference delegates’ list Continued on page 4

Despite the adjustment, the number of delegates is still 492. The statement from the SGF, titled ‘Corrigendum on the National Conference Delegates List’ reads: “Following the release of the list of delegates to the National Conference, some updates, changes and adjustments have been effected as follows:” On the Elder Statesmen list, Dr. Kunle Olajide from Ekiti State replaces Chief Afe Babalola, (SAN). For the Traditional Rulers list, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro, the Etsu of Bwari replaces His Royal

Highness, Alhaji Ismail Danlami Mohammed, Sarki of Karshi on the request of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria. Based on the request of the National Council of Women Societies of Nigeria, Mrs. Millicent Okoronkwo replaces Mrs. Love Ezema on the Women Group list. On the list of Political Parties, the nomination of Chief Chris Ejike Uche and Dr. Sagir Auwal Maidoya to represent APGA was withdrawn to allow the party to resolve the issue of its nominees. Amendments were also made on Southwest geo-political zone under the Socio-Po-

litical/Cultural and Ethnic Nationality Groups with Prince Rabiu Oluwa replacing Supo Sonibare and Oba Kehinde Olugbenle replacing Chief Adeniyi Akintola, (SAN) whose name is retained in the Oyo State delegates list. For the National Academies list, Professor Layi Erinosho was nominated by the Academy of Social Sciences to fill the one slot allocated to the Academy. The statement also said that Former Governors Forum nominated Alhaji Mohammed Goni (Borno State) to fill the slot for the Northeast geo-political zone under the former

took is that subsidy should be removed.” The committee, he said, “will formulate a letter that will be sent to the Nigerian Goverors Forum and we are going to brief our respective governors and we will inform the President. We know it will be very difficult, considering the critical period we are in.” To back the claim for the removal of subsidy, Odaah said “there are some states that are fully industrialised and you have many industries and you use this subsidy in that particular place and the people who benefit more are those from the states that are industrialised because the fuel consumption of those industries which use more of the fuel subsidy, unlike the states that are under industrialised.” With regards to marketers of petroleum products, the chair-

man of Finance Commissioners Forum said “marketers are not following the intention of the government because it has created a very big market for them in certain ways. This is because transparency is not coming up. There are some people that are eating from the subsidy to the disadvantage of others,” he said. It is because of that, he said “the resolution at FAAC, and that has been the position of the Finance Commissioners, is that the call should be made to the President so that he will have to review and reconsider the position of this subsidy and remove it”. To prevent a backlash, Odaah advocated the “sensitisation of the average public in Nigeria and the labour leaders to understand that we were deceived because it is not really serving the purpose because many states are crumbling as subsidy payment

Political Office Holders (Former Governors) list. It said that the following state governments submitted a nominee each to fill the vacant slot in their delegates’ lists: Delta State -Chief Isaac O. Jemide, Edo State -Prof. Eddy Erhagbe, Oyo State -Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, Rivers State -Chief Sampson Agbaru and Yobe State -. Abubakar Buba Galadima. Also on the list of delegates are: Hon. Wale Oshun, Mr. Ledum Metee,Mike Ozekhome, Barr. Anthony Akika, Alhaji Sule Iyaji, DIG (Amb) Abdulmumuni M. Abubakar (rtd).

Finance commissioners call for subsidy removal Continued on page 4

regards to easing transportation problem and likewise tariffs on power supply, but you will discover that its the average poor man that suffers.” For example, Odaah said, most transporters are not applying any benefit of subsidy in what they charge “because we know of course that the Federal Government has a good intention to subsidize transportation so that it will be to the absolute benefit of every Nigerian, but there is no reflection of that subsidy benefit. Besides, its like a system that robs Peter to pay Paul by making the rich to grow richer and the poor to go poorer.” Odaah said: “A committee for subsidy has been constituted and it is to look into the impact of subsidy, whether it should actually be allowed, but I want to tell you that the resolution we

has eaten so much into the crude reserves.” The Excess Crude Account (ECA) has $3.5 billion because $1 billion was transferred and, according to Odaah, “it is because certain approaches were followed, otherwise, by the month of April, you will be discovering a situation where the states’ allocation will have to be deducted to pay subsidy and where is this subsidy going into?” However, “you will be better employed in the states, the states will grow their own industry; there will be more employment compared to the situation where subsidy takes away much that could be used for the purpose of industrialisation there will be no employment, no investment and the vicious cycle of poverty will continue,” he said. Odaah speaking on behalf of commissioners of Finance, took a swipe at the policy on Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He expressed concern that “75 per cent of public sector deposits are taken to the Central Bank. This is a deliberate attempt to create artificial scarcity of funds. Then, states, local government and even the Federal Government cannot borrow because the interest rate has gone so high and there is the plan by the CBN to increase it to 100 per cent if that is done it is an absolute artificial scarcity of funds created by a manipulated means.” FAAC members, he said, “are calling on the Federal Government to look at it and review it by bringing it down so that cash would be available because cost of funds is growing too high and with that states cannot meet up. You go to borrow from international organizations, it is not possible, you want to borrow within Nigeria, it is not possible, because even the facilities you accessed previously at 12 per cent, the banks are now raising it to 25-28 per cent and by the time they push the CRR to 100 per cent it would even become 50 per cent. So, who is it serving. We see it as a solution that is serving only to confuse that is one of the issues we took into consideration.” It was reiterated at the meeting that the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) should be co-opted into the membership of FAAC. According to Odaah, “there is no reason why it should stay away from FAAC meeting and we have demanded that they should be represented here.” Total allocations to the three tiers of government for February was N641.299 billion made up of N531.332 billion as statutory allocations to the Federal Government (52.68 per cent or N247.533 billion); states (26.72 per cent or N125.552 billion); local governments (20.60 per cent or 96.795 billion) and derivation (13 per cent to oil producing states). Also for February, N66.801 billion was shared by the three tiers of government from Value Added Tax (VAT) proceeds, N35.549 billion from SURE-P and N7.617 billion refunded by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Ex-Ohanaeze leader Uwechue is dead

MBASSADOR Ralph Uwechue, a former President General of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo, died yesterday in Abuja. He was 79. A close aide who spoke on the telephone from Abuja said Uwechue, the Oguluzame of Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Local Council of Delta State, died in a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory at about 2 pm after a protracted illness. The aide who would not want his name in print said Uwechue, the first Nigerian envoy to France, died of heart failure at the hospital. He said his remains were deposited at the National Hospital in Abuja. He added that the elder statesman and author of “Reflections on the Nigerian Civil War” and publisher of “African” magazine was moved to the hospital from the National Hospital after a strike by nurses in public hospitals. He said the late diplomat underwent a heart surgery in the United Kingdom hospital

Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

late last year but was flown to the country last November when his condition deteriorated. A Catholic, the aide disclosed that his wife, Augusta and priest were with him when he died. He is survived by five children. House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha described the death of Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as painful, unfortunate and regretful. “His exalted position as president of Ohaneze Ndigbo did not in any way detract from his nationalist posture and an elder statesman with reach, contact and networks throughout the country and across the world,” Ihedioha said in a statement. Igbo elite group, Aka Ikenga, yesterday mourned Uwechue. In a statement by the group’s president, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, Aka Ikenga described the deceased as “a great man, diplomat and leader of people. “An author, publisher and a respected Igbo leader, who will be greatly missed.”

House to probe spending on soldiers’ welfare Continued on page 4

tee, operations are going on simultaneously nationwide to address every form of insecurity threat, including insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping, vandalism, communal clashes, cattle rustling, trafficking in arms and persons among others. The security spokesmen also stated that interactions

with the diplomatic community had been initiated as part of efforts to curtail insurgency in the land. They also said operations are to recover firearms from unauthorised persons and groups across the country. Present at the briefing were spokesmen of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the National Security Agency.

We’ll return armed to Enugu Govt House, says Biafra group

HE Leader of the Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF), the group which claimed responsibility for last weekend’s attack on the Enugu State Government House, has vowed to stage another attack –this time with a well armed team. Ben Onwuka also warned against any attempt to arrest him as a result of the activities of his movement, which, he said, is also to be extended to Owerri, the Imo State capital. Onwuka said he feared no arrest, but added his arrest would spell doom for Nigeria. He spoke with reporters on telephone from his undisclosed hideout. The British trained lawyer said since they operated for four hours at the Government House without any weapon and could not be arrested, it would be bloody this time around if attempts were made to arrest them. Reiterating that the group’s aim is to reclaim Biafra’s independence, he admonished that the Nigerian authorities should be cautious in the way they go after them because the world powers were behind their actions. But he did not name the world powers. “We are going again to the Government House, Enugu. This time around, we will be fully armed. We must take our headquarters from Nigeria,” Onwuka threatened. The group on March 8 stormed the Government House, Enugu to hoist the Biafran flag. They were beaten by security agents. Onwuka told reporters in Enugu on Wednesday that they succeeded in hoisting the flag, even though it may have been removed.

From Chris Oji, Enugu and Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

He insisted that the flag must rest in Enugu Government House, which is the epicentre of the Biafran federation. There were strong indications yesterday that the BZF had concluded plans to hoist the Biafra flag at the Imo State Government House. A high ranking member of the group, who pleaded for anonymity, said the BZF would take over the entire Southeast states. “We will start from the Southeast states and Imo State will likely be our next point of call and we must hoist our flags in all the government houses and no threat from security operatives can stop us.” But the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), has warned splinter groups agitating for the realisation of Biafra Republic to desist from violent measures that may further endanger the life and property of “Biafrans”. MASSOB also distanced itself from the attack on Enugu Government House, stressing that as a non violent organisation, it would continue to employ peaceful but strict measures towards achieving an independent Biafra. MASSOB’s Director of Information Uchenna Madu said: “Although MASSOB is not disturbed by the various groups championing the course of Biafra, we are non-violent and will not support any plan by any person or group of persons to engage in violence in the guise of fighting for Biafra. “We warn against any further act that will expose the lives and property of Ndigbo to any danger. We are committed to Biafra but through peaceful means”.

THE NATION FRIDAY MARCH 14, 2014

CITYBEATS W

HERE did you say my son went to? Please bring him back to me; I cannot live without him. Uyi please come home, your mother is waiting.” This was the lamentation of Felicia Okunbor, mother of Festus Uyi Okunbor, one of the victims of Tuesday night’s boat tragedy, yesterday. It was at their home 22 Road, FESTAC Town, Amuwo Odofin Local Government in Lagos State. Madam Felicia, her husband, Emmanuel and their daughter, Blessing, broke down in tears when The Nation visited them yesterday. “It cannot be true. Who will look after me and do the things he has been doing for me? I know he is not dead; he will come back. He said he went to play with his friends. No, he is no dead; if he is, then my hope is gone,” uncontrollable in tears, Felicia said. Okunbor, who could not hold back tears amid neighbours and relatives, told The Nation how his beloved son died for the love of his friends. He said Festus, a computer software engineer, had moved to Lekki, where he was managing a business for a friend who lives abroad. “He has relocated to Lekki for about six months now, but he always found time to visit us to know how we were doing. He is not my first son, but he was one son with a good heart and loved his parents and siblings. No matter how busy he was, he must check on us. “But on the day he drowned and died, he came as usual to see us - you can see how sick I am. After spending some time with us, he said he wanted to go and see his friends at 6th Avenue because it had been long he saw them. He said he would go and play with them. My son promised to come back before going back to Lekki, but he never did. I’m still waiting and hoping that I will wake up from this dream and my Uyi will come back to this house to see us the way he always did,” he said, battling tears. Recalling how the news was broken to them, the 62-year-old

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

“

‘Our hope is gone’ ‘It cannot be true. Who will look after me and do the things he has been doing for me? I know he is not dead’

•The late Festus •Mrs. Okunbor...crying yesterday By Jude Isiguzo

father said: “We overheard people discuss the incident and somebody among them saw my wife and said ‘your son was also involved in the incident’. My wife tried to find out where our son was and his condition; someone told her that he was alive, but was in the hospital.

•Okunbor

We rushed to the hospital only to find out that he was dead. My heart was broken. My joy has gone.” His elder sister, Blessing, broke down as neighbours and relatives consoled her, begging her to take heart for the sake of her aged parents. “My brother was a good man. Only God knows why

this kind of fate should befall him. He was very intelligent and was so good on the computer,” she sobbed. In honour of 30-year-old Festus, who is the fifth among his siblings, friends and neighbours set up a bonfire along the 22 Road. They also held a vigil to mourn him. The Nation gathered that

•Blessing...yesterday. PHOTOS: JUDE ISIGUZO

the reality of Festus’ death downed on the Okunbors when one of the survivors, who was also his friend, visited to console them. He reportedly told the family that they were in the boat together and when it capsized, everybody struggled to escape, adding that the struggle was so intense that he swam a distance

Survivors of Lagos boat mishap recount ordeal

OME of the survivors of Festac, Lagos boat accident that claimed 14 lives on Tuesday, yesterday recounted their ordeals, just as they vowed never to go near the canal again. Samuel Ochina and Godfery Etukufot, who said they were still in shock, said the boat capsized within seconds without signals. The survivors, who spoke with The Nation at their homes, said they had since lost sleep. To Etukufot, a student writing his examination, said: “I am still shocked at how it all happened. It was like a movie, but I thank God for my life. I was on my way to 512 Road to buy something that evening. It was not dark yet. “I was with my friend, Daniel Peters, and there were some people collecting money. They told us they would carry only 13 people, which was the boat’s capacity. We paid, entered and sat at the back of the boat. “Suddenly, some boys rushed in and insisted they must go with the fully-loaded boat. The peddler eventually succeeded in fixing three persons per seat instead of two. We complained, but he insisted that nothing would happen. “Before we took off, water had already started entering the boat. Also, the peddler could not push the boat and three boys came out

‘I don’t know if I’ll survive this’ She fondled with her Muslim rosary and suddenly, she became absent-minded. From the corner of the room where she sat on a mat starring at sympathizers, it was obvious Mrs. Maimuna Mohammed, mother of two teenagers who died in the mishap was deeply hurt. Mrs. Mohammed, a widow and food vendor at Fourth Avenue had sent her children - Mustapha (12), and Saminu (10) - to carry the rice and beans she had prepared for sale. Less than 15 minutes later, a neighbour at her Cavera home came screaming, that the boat conveying her kids developed a fault and had gone missing. Hearing that, she fainted and was later revived. The woman, who could barely talk when The Nation visited, muttered: “I don’t know if I can survive this.” After several minutes of persuasion, Mrs. Maimuna who said she had three children, deBy Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Reporter

to help him roll into the water. The driver asked us to sit well without shaking, adding that nothing would happen.” He further recalled: “On getting to the middle of the water, the canoe bent and water filled it up. People started jumping into water, but I sat still. I was in the canoe until it sank, but I tried to swim out, but somebody held my leg and

scribed the deceased as “very intelligent and helpful.” “They had just returned from school that day. As usual, they opted to carry some cooked food to the shop so I could follow them later with stew. I was pouring the stew when someone came and was shouting that the boat my children entered developed a fault and was missing. They brought out the corpses of my children around 9:45pm. This is too much for me,” she said. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials were at the scene yesterday. “We have suspended operations after we did not recover any other person. Although many said that some persons were still trapped, we have not been able to see anyone else,” said Ibrahim Farinloye, NEMA’s spokesman yesterday. In honour of the dead, the Amuwo Odofin council began a three-day mourning on Wednesday. It ends today.

I shove him off. I swam to the centre of the smelling water and turned to see if I could help anyone as they were holding themselves, but I feared I might get drowned. So, I swam to the shore at Sixth Avenue and raised the alarm. “My friend, Peters, too was lucky; when he came out, we left the place because my body was itching. We went home, showered and came back to the scene within 30 minutes, only to realise that it

was only six of us that came out five men plus Aisha (a woman). People were bringing out the corpses. I cried for them, especially the children. It pained me that I could not safe anyone.” “Nothing will make me pass there again, even if they construct a bridge. But still, because it is the fastest and cheapest route for people here, I think it is important that the government builds a pedestrian bridge,” Etukufot said, adding

that overloading was a normal thing for boat operators at the canal. Ochina, who described the ordeal as unforgettable, added: “Water flooded the canoe at once…My legs could not touch the ground and I was neck-deep in the water. I struggled and moved my head up. I held my phone tightly on one hand and swam with the other one till I got to the Fourth Avenue side of the water. “Immediately the canoe sank, those who could not swim went down but there was this Hausa woman who was struggling. So, when sighted her, I pulled off my shirt and dived into the water. I held her with one hand and swam with the other, but I could not save three of her children. The incident happened bout 8pm and there was no help in sight. There were about five children in the boat. One of them held the boat peddler by the waist. I think that was why he died because he got tired. Victims were under water for about three hours before their corpses were removed. I have not been able to eat nor sleep since then.” Ochina, who urged government to construct a bridge there, lamented that no tricycle plies the road and that bikes charge as much as N200 to N300 to transport people.

back to where the boat took off before he got saved”. It was also learnt that the underage peddler of the boat was pushed back into a canal where he died. Sources said when the wooden boat was loading, a woman warned occupants against overloading it, but they wouldn’t listen.

Nonagenarian for burial THE patriarch of Igogo family of Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa Samuel Okereduke Igogo, is dead. He was 93. A devout Christian, Pa Igogo is survived by 10 children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, including Hon. (Mrs) Beatrice Igogo-Oyibotha; Mr. Emma Igogo and Mrs. Christiana Atagbo. His remains will be interred on April 4 in his Igbide, followed by an outing service on April 5. An in-law greeting, the family said, will hold on April 6.

•The late Igogo

THE NATION FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, MARCH 14 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2,787

‘‘It’s about time we cultivated progressive interest in such realms and practicable goals and norms for their actualisation; without these, we will continue to flounder in the sea of often ‘well-meaning’ but ineffective good intentions’’ OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HOUGH I had attended Obi’s valedictory service in Awka, Anambra State last Saturday and listened to the outpourings of encomium, I had long made up my mind about the governor, his tenure and temperament. The Awka show only served to reinforce what I believed. If his emergence in Anambra politics was turbulent, his time in office turned out rather paradigmatic but not for the reasons most people tout. History will remember Peter Obi glowingly not because he troubled the red earth of Anambra so much or that he let loose a pantheon of brick and mortar over that yet rambling and shambolic entity. Peter is no big dreamer. His essence was his ability to put a leash on power and put it into sedation for all of eight years. Remember the famous words of Lord Acton, the British historian that, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men…There is no worse heresy than that office sanctifies the holder of it.” It was the reverse for Obi and Prof Pat Utomi writing in The Punch last Wednesday made the point clearer: “How does a conference of this nature discuss the simple life in political office? Yet in truth office holders squander a great part of the commonwealth in living power.” To make it more picturesque, Obi is like the matador who killed the raging bull – power. He got to Anambra when the state was disheveled and dysfunctional and her people had lost every faith in government. In fact, civic and political consciousness was a long forgotten past-time. Before he came, it was an environment of each to himself and God for all. The little palliatives that was wrought by his immediate predecessor, Dr. Chris Ngige, was undone by his godfathers who tried to yank him off the seat of power violently, torching state landmarks and government offices in the process. Obi came to a state infested by a crop of wild, ruling party godfathers and uncouth moneybags. That he, a political neophyte, could defeat them in a popular election says something about him and when they stole his mandate; that he could trail them through our moldy law courts until he reclaimed his victory and ruled for eight years would make for a refreshing case study in postgraduate political science classes. Not to mention his patience and tenacity but the legal precedents he has bequeathed Nigeria’s jurisprudence. Having killed the ogre of power and buried it, Obi set about running the state with so much commonsense, civility and frugality. Government business across the country today (except the Gov. Fashola’s example in Lagos State) is about 90 percent frivolity and barely 10 per cent work; he managed to reverse that by cutting most of the frills and shunning endless ceremonies and red tapes. Example: On a bright day in Awka, the state

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO steve.osuji@yahoo.com

The Peter paradigm edented in today’s Nigeria. Obi will also be remembered for his uncommon dedication to the Igbo. Being a product of a weak and fractured political party, it was wise and pragmatic to align to a centre that is benign and conciliatory. It is a strategy that worked for him.

Road not taken

•Obi

capital, you would encounter over a dozen convoys with fleet longer than the governor’s blazing noisily through the awkward city. It was reported that Governor Obi would often give them right of way until most of them came to learn the lesson in humility and public etiquette he was trying to teach them ever so gently. The enlightened trader and businessman in him must have made him frugal to the point that his party members almost raised placards against him at a point. But he was headstrong: he wound down governors lodges and guest houses littered all over the country and put them to rent. He abhors entourages large or small; he contained revelry, including champagne quaffing, in government house. He simply cut those excesses that are signposts of federal and most state governments across the land. This must explain the phenomenal feat of not taking a dime of loan for eight years in an era almost every state is on a reckless borrowing binge; and to think that the state got only an average of N3 billion monthly in federal allocation in Obi’s tenure. Not only did he not borrow, he left $150 million in cash and an investment in bonds worth about N30 billion. This is unprec-

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So even if there is FUEL PRICE HIKE, JUST LAUGH IT OFF

Though he had an integrated development policy through which his government made some impact in education, health and road infrastructure, he was obviously stumped by the local government system which can be said to be nonexistent during his tenure. There still is no replacement for well-structured LGAs and LCDAs for a holistic development of a state. There must be something in the Nigerian system that has killed the third tier of government. Obi was also stymied by party politics as he was unable to grow his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. The party in eight years remains as stunted as he met it. Lastly, he was unable to expand the scope of the state’s economy, living mainly off the monthly federal allocation. One example: Nigeria imports palm oil massively today yet the economy of the entire southeast region ran largely on this commodity.

Climb down to a federal appointment

Obi acquitted himself quite honorably in office as governor of Anambra State and has attained a height that would lead him to statesmanship if he stays on that trajectory. An appointment of any sort as the speculation is rife, would be a climb down. He could support the centre and even nominate appointees but he must shun applying the reverse gear by going to sit in any cabinet. In an age where Ndigbo are a headless body, he has his job well defined if he seeks another job.

HARDBALL

IRST, it is fulsome congratulations to a Nigerian elder, former Air Force general and current two-term governor of Plateau State, Jonah D. Jang. Mr. Jang has shown rare biological and political staying power. To attain 70 in a clime where average lifeexpectancy is no more than 50 is a great achievement. May Pa Jang at 70, a young old man, live many more years yet, to the joy of his family and the glory of a strong and united Nigeria. Politically, he has shown even more staying power, transiting from two-time khaki governor of Benue State (August 1985August 1986) and defunct Gongola (August 1986-December 1987) to two-term elected governor of his native Plateau State. But in the celebration of Pa Jang’s 70th birthday, a particular advert in the March 13 issue of this newspaper particularly jangles. In that advert, Benue Governor Gabriel Suswam and wife Doorshima Yemisi Suswan enthused: “Hurray! Our Chairman is 70!” Nothing wrong with that, as the chairman, to the hailing folks, appears a good old fellow. It happens, however, that the chairman

Jang: Something jangling at 70 Suswam and wife were referring to was the chair of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)! Now, on what basis might that be — that 16 (Jang’s tally at the election lost and won) was greater than 19 (which the rightful claimant, Rivers Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, polled)? More than enough perhaps, has been written about this impunity of turning logic upside down, simply because of the illusion of wielding a power that is simply not there. Indeed, Jang himself engaged in the scandal of profaning the church thanksgiving. He went to church to celebrate an election which he knew damn well he lost fair and square. It was such a charade unbecoming of the church and of the high office of governor. It was even more unbecoming of the higher office still of the President, which impunity of purporting not to accept an electoral loss

PDP: Angst of the returnees

S it possible that the barbarians who stormed the Lion House, the abode of the Enugu State Government last Saturday

were marionettes of a former governor of the state who seeks to return to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)? Recall that Chimaraoke Nnamani a former two-term governor and senator has been scrambling to rejoin the PDP recently. Last January, he reportedly staged a backdoor entrée by corralling his hapless ward’s chairman to organise a kangaroo re-registration exercise. Consider the joke of a former governor rejoining a party and the current governor who is the leader is not aware. The same jankara scenario played out in Abia state where the former governor is also intent on returning to his spittle in repudiation of the sitting governor. Here the desperate returnee, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu recently boasted in an interview (Sun Feb. 24) that: “Abia State might not be delivered to the PDP in the next election if we are not there because there is no where in Abia that people will ever vote PDP into power if I’m not there and that’s the truth…” What hubris? It is such Machiavellian mindset that generates bad blood and breeds crisis. It is a shame that Igbo leaders who have held leadership positions through these years cannot rise to statesmanship; they are still wading in the muck of petty ward politics and are embroiled in juvenile chicanery. Whither Igbo leaders?

Has Jonathan given up on Benue-Plateau?

HEY are the killing fields of Nigeria – Benue and Plateau states of the middle belt. More Nigerians are killed there in one week than Boko Haram kills in six months. Villages are razed and thousands turned refugees in their homeland. The government and even the rest of Nigeria have given up on this land of vultures as a vicious war which has been on for over a decade rages quietly. But it all took another turn last Tuesday when the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam’s convoy was confronted in a gun duel for about one hour. He was said to have escaped by the skin of his teeth. Speaking to a community shortly after, he reportedly said: “My people are being butchered and their homes destroyed. So if the security agents, especially the military, cannot provide security for us, we will have to defend ourselves.” Who says Nigeria is not failing? •Segun Gbadegesin returns next week

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above was powering the whole nonsense. Still, all these have been over-commented on. What is new here therefore is the sacrilege in relation to young and old age. The Benue gubernatorial couple are young and dashing. Other things being equal, they have many more years yet to go on wilful adventures — pronouncing a loser winner of an election and vice-versa. Sure, in a democracy, which runs on the blood stream of sane elections, that ought to be a cardinal crime. But then, other things being equal, they have enough time to change and make up for past misdeeds; don’t they? But Pa Jang — what time does he have? At 70, he is closer to his creator than to his cradle. Even on the terrestrial plane, his governorship term is running out. How then can he live with the sacrilege of wilful self-deceit, both to his Creator (whenever he is called, though Hardball wishes he lives very long still) and his kit-and-kin after his gubernatorial years? That is what that jangles with Pa Jang’s three-scores-and-ten anniversary. He will do well, forthwith, to remove that dissonance of self-deceit. But will he?

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