The Nation January 14, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

ACN seeks electronic voting for 2015 polls •It’ll be difficult, says INEC

DMO unaware of NNPC’s $1.5b loan BUSINESS Page 25

‘•Facility can undermine economic plan’

NEWS Page 2

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VOL. 8, NO. 2371 MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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Contractors anxious over Shell’s relocation

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HERE is anxiety among contractors and staff working for oil companies in Delta State.

This followed the relocation of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the planned sack of workers of the Es-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

cravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

Shell has downgraded its Western Zone Office in Warri, following a recent reorganisation.

This led to the sack of

thousands of direct and contract staff.

The development is a fallout of a restructuring programme started in 2000 under the SoFu (Securing Our Future) programme.

Responding to enquiry, Shell’s spokesperson Precious Okolobo said: “SPDC

operations in Western Niger Delta are continuing, despite the divestment of its equity in some assets in the area.

“We also continue to operate key oil and gas facilities, such as Forcados Terminal.”

Continued on page 58

CBN to monitor MfBs quarterly

Chaos looms at PDP M NWC meeting today

ICROFINANCE Banks (MfBs) are now to undergo a quarterly inspection by the Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to ascertain the state of their health, The Nation has learnt.

Governors to confront Tukur over Oyinlola’s fate

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ITH governors planning to resist the removal of sacked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) seems set for a stormy meeting today.

There are plans to bar Oyinlola from the meeting in Abuja, based on his removal by a Federal High Court. But, governors, who are said to be against such a move, plan to “either walk out of the meeting or create a scene”, a source said last night.

In the PDP civil war, Chairman Bamanga Tukur is be-

‘

In challenging a declaratory order, Oyinlola would have to first of all obey and return to the same High Court to file a notice of appeal and file a motion at the court for injunction to restrain the PDP from enforcing the judgment From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

lieved to be leading a faction loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan. Oyinlola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s nominee, has the governors’ sympathy.

The popular thinking is that the bickering and intrigues are all about the 2015 elections.

There are plans to instal Deputy National Secretary Onwe S.

’

Onwe as Acting National Secretary.

But Oyinlola, whose counsel will head for the Court of Appeal today to argue a motion for a stay of execution of the judgment of the High Court, which removed him, has vowed to be in the office today.

The hardline posture of the two sides to the conflict has generated tension.

‘

As far as we are concerned, Oyinlola will resume in his office on Monday and discharge his duties as the National Secretary because he has filed a motion at the Court of Appeal for a stay of execution of the judgment

’

Investigations by our correspondent showed that the PDP leadership, in conjunction with some forces loyal to President Jonathan, have resolved to ask Oyinlola to obey the court’s order.

It was learnt that Tukur and some leaders of the party alleged that the High Court gave a declaratory order, which must first of all be complied with by

Oyinlola before seeking redress.

A party leader said: “The judgment of Justice Abdu Kafarati was declaratory and emphatic that Oyinlola should vacate office with immediate effect and a fresh zonal congress should be conducted in the Southwest.

“In challenging a declaratory order, Oyinlola would have to Continued on page 2

Buhari urges BoT to back merger talks

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HE mood in the Faro, Portugal camp of the Super Eagles is that of optimism after Saturday’s lone goal victory over Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam, Ben Alaiya, Media Officer of the team, has declared.

Though reports suggested ...

Sport Page 41

Arepo: Five bodies found

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

News Page 8

C

Continued on page 58

Rotterdam win boosts Eagles

IVE bodies have been found at the site of Saturday’s pipeline explosion in Arepo, Ogun State.

Manager, Public Affairs, Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Imodagbe Nasir, broke the news in an interview yesterday.

•Governor, ex-minister, senator to lead CPC’s team ONGRESS for Progressive Change (CPC) leader Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the merger talks among opposition political parties, the CPC said yesterday.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the CPC, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and others are in talks to challenge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Last week in Ibadan, former ANPP presidential candidate and ex-Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shakarau similarly expressed optimism about the workability of the merger talks.

Business Page 25

French planes bombard Mali

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•The Managing Director/CEO, UBA Capital Plc, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, being congratulated by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema (right), during the listing of the shares of UBA Capital Plc at the NSE in Lagos…on Friday. With them is Executive Director, NSE, Mr. Jalo Waziri

RENCH warplanes have bombed the town of Gao in eastern Mali, extending their attacks deep into rebel-held territory.

France’s military has been in action against Islamist militants in Mali since Friday...

Foreign Page 57

•SPORT P23 •CEO P32 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43 •MOTORING P45

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

NEWS Nigeria won’t disintegrate, says Jonathan

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•President Goodluck Jonathan (left) being received at the inter-denominational church service for the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja…yesterday by (from left) Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim; Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral, Dele Ezeoba and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Alex Badeh PHOTO: NAN

Use electronic voting in 2015, says ACN

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HE time has come to embrace electronic voting system in the conduct of elections, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said yesterday.

The party said the system would ensure the integrity of elections and hand back elections to Nigerians and advocated its use in 2015.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN said electronic voting would bring down the cost of elections, stabilise the polity, eliminate the atmosphere of war usually associated with elections and erase the fear introduced into the voting process with the involvement of security agencies.

It said though Section 52, Subsection 2 of the Electoral Act bans the use of electronic voting ‘’for the time being’’, the National Assembly should move quickly to amend that part of the law and the Federal Government should provide the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) with all the resources needed to make electronic voting a reality.

The statement reads: “‘We assure INEC of our full support towards using electronic voting in 2015. We also appeal to all

•INEC: why it’ll be difficult

By Bunmi Ogunmodede

other political parties, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and indeed all Nigerians to join us in pushing for a system that will eliminate the role of thugs and sideline vote thieves during our elections, in addition to making our elections free, fair and credible.

“While electronic voting is not a magic wand, it is the surest way yet for Nigeria to join the league of countries that have wiped out electoral fraud, which is the worst form of corruption.

“It is also the best way to hand over Nigeria’s elections back to Nigerians, instead of having the judiciary determine who wins what contest. Two years is a long enough time to achieve this.

“Taking a cue from Ghana, which has organised perhaps the best elections in this part of the world, has realised it can no longer continue with manual voting, hence it did not wait for troubles associated with electoral malfeasance to break out before embracing electronic voting during its last general elections in December.”

Mohammed added: “It is not just enough for us to sit back in envy while the world hails our neighbour Ghana for being a model in electoral rectitude and

participatory democracy. Let us ask ourselves what we need to do differently to shed our toga of electoral fraud and brigandage.

“Yes, there were some hiccups during the last elections in Ghana, which were conducted with electronic voting. But Ghana quickly moved to correct whatever problems came up.

The system also allowed Ghana to extend voting without fearing that ballot boxes will be hijacked or stuffed.”

Admitting that Ghana’s last presidential election that was conducted with electronic voting has been challenged in court, the ACN said: “To the best of our knowledge, that’s the only case being contested in court since the elections ended.

“Compare this with Nigeria, where many cases emanating from the 2011 elections are still in court, almost two years later!

“It is totally unacceptable and indeed an anomaly for a nation of 160 million people to hand over the determination of its elections to a few ‘wise’ men and women on the bench. One result of Nigeria’s successive failed elections is that it has brought corruption to the judiciary. It is time to free judges to

do their duties and allow Nigerians to play more role in determining who governs them.”

The electoral umpire- Independent National Election Commission (INEC) - yesterday explained why it cannot introduce the electronic voting system in 2015.

It said the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, prohibits electronic voting, saying INEC will maintain the status quo until Section 52, Sub-section 2 has been reworked.

It also ruled out the possibility of introducing the system in one fell swoop for the conduct of the next general elections.

Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega, said the electoral umpire was favourably disposed to using electronic voting, but for what is contained in the Electoral Act. Idowu said yesterday that even if that section of the Electoral Act is amended, it might be impossible to apply the system in 2015 because its success depends on available facilities.

“But INEC will experiment and pilot-test the system in 2015, if allowed by the law. As it is, INEC as the executor of the Electoral Act is prohibited from using electronic voting for election,” he said.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the country will come out of its problems unhurt.

The President also urged Nigerians to condemn all acts of violence and those who preach disintegration of the country.

Dr. Jonathan expressed confidence that the country will not break-up as many have predicted.

To the president, it will take two mad people to have stayed together for 100 years only to divorce later.

He said the size and the diversity of the Nigerian people rather than the oil is what makes the country great.

He spoke during the inter-denominational church service to mark the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. It was with the theme: “Peace and Unity”.

January 15 has been set aside to remember the fallen heroes who died for the unity of the

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

country and for world peace.

The president said: “Let me especially thank the armed forces because today is their day and also the police and other services, we sleep because they stay awake.

“In some cases where things happen people blame them profusely but for those of us who get reports on daily happenings about such challenges, we know that these men and women have been doing very well.

“I thank them for their gallantry, dedication to service, for the work they have been doing for us and we pray that God will see them through.

“I use this unique opportunity to encourage them to continue to do what they have been doing and we believe this country will get through her various challenges.

“As we remember the work the Armed Forces and other seContinued on page 63

‘Nobody should hold PDP to ransom’

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu yesterday warned that no individual members’ ambition should be allowed to ground the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on the crisis rocking the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling party, Aliyu said member’s ambition should not cause disaffection within the party. He spoke when he hosted the members of the State Working Committee. ‘’No ambition of any individual should be allowed to stop the party from working at any level. Whether it is the party officials who are interested in something or individual member, the party must not be held to ransom. ‘’The party is supreme. The party is the mother of all, no matter who you are, you cannot be greater than the party and we must respect it,’’ Aliyu warned those involved in the internal crisis of the party.

Lamenting what he called the tribal coloration being brought into the crisis, the governor said

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

the party should be firm and decisive’’.

Aliyu said wrangling within a party is normal, arguing that the crisis could be averted if the party structure is effective and in place.

The governor said: ‘’You can’t stop crisis in any political party but if the party structure is strong, it should be able to mitigate whatever an outsider or an aggrieved person may plan’’.

He advised the party leadership to be well organised and be sensitive to peoples need and to play its role as the ruling party in the state.

State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulrahman Enagi, said the state working committee identified with the laudable achievements of Governor Aliyu. ‘’It was so gratifying when the national poverty assessment rated Niger State as the state with the lowest percentage of poverty index in the country. We are proud to be associated with this milestone achievement,’’ Engagi said.

Governors to confront Tukur over Oyinlola Continued from page 1

first of all obey and return to the same high court to file a notice of appeal and file a motion at the court for injunction to restrain the PDP from enforcing the judgment.

“After doing that, Oyinlola will also proceed to the Court of Appeal on his intent to appeal the judgment. He cannot rush to the Court of Appeal, unless he has access to the entire proceedings and records of the high court.

“PDP leadership has got legal opinion on the matter. So, while Oyinlola is complying with the high court judgment and fighting the legal battle, the Deputy National Secretary will be asked to act as the National Secretary.

“Based on legal advice, Tukur will issue a letter of acting appointment to the Deputy National Secretary on Monday.

“Technically, Oyinlola is out and if he cannot get redress within 21 days, the party will conduct a fresh Southwest Zonal Congress to elect a new National Secretary.

“As a matter of fact, the court

The High Court order that removed party chief

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HE order of the Federal High Court that removed Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola from office by Justice Abdu Kafarati reads in part: •That a declaration is hereby granted that the candidacy of the 1st defendant (Oyinlola) as a nominee of the Southwest chapter of the 2nd defendant (PDP) and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary of the 2nd defendant at the National Convention of the 2nd defendant in March 2012 were invalid, null and void by reason of the order of the Federal High Court made on the 27th of April 2012 in suit No. FHC/L/CS/282/2012 nullifying the Southwest Zonal Congress of the 2nd defendant conducted in March 2012 from which the 1st defendant emerged or ought to have emerged.

•That a declaration is hereby grantordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to delete Oyinlola’s name in its records as the National Secretary of the party.”

But PDP governors and Oyinlola have maintained that the order of Justice Kafarati was not

ed that the candidacy of the 1st defendant for and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary of the 2nd defendant at the National Convention of the 2nd defendant in March 2012 were invalid, null and void by reason that he was not a valid nominee of the South-West Zone of the 2nd defendant to which the position had been zoned in accordance with the Constitution of the party.

•That a declaration is hereby granted that the candidacy of the 1st defendant for the position of National Secretary of the PDP and his consequent election to the office of National Secretary of the 2nd defendant at the National Convention of the 2nd defendant in March 2012 were invalid, null and void in the combined circumstances of the order of the Federal High Court made on the 27th of April 2012 in suit No. FHC/L/CS/282/2012, the provision of the Constitution of the 2nd de-

declaratory.

A source in Oyinlola’s camp said: “Well, as far as we are concerned, Oyinlola will resume in his office on Monday and discharge his duties as the National Secretary because he has filed a motion at the Court of Appeal

fendant for zoning of party offices, enforcement of the zoning policy of the 2nd defendant(PDP) and the provision of Section 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

•That an order is hereby granted removing the 1st defendant (Oyinlola) from the office of National Secretary of the 2nd defendant (PDP).

•That an order is hereby granted directing the 3rd defendant (the Independent National Electoral Commission) to rectify the records of the 2nd defendant by deleting the name of the 1st defendant as the National Secretary of the 2nd defendant and replacing same in accordance with the provision of the Constitution of the 2nd defendant with candidate nominated at a valid congress of the South-West Zone Chapter of the PDP to be held within 21 days of the order of the Court.”

for a stay of execution of the judgment.

“The PDP governors and most members of the NWC are backing Oyinlola. They have asked him to go to his office on Monday.

“I can tell you that meetings

are ongoing in Oyinlola’s camp on a counter-strategy against the plot by Tukur and other forces.

We are set for a long-drawn battle.”

There were strong indications last night that Oyinlola might be “locked out of the office of the

•Oyinlola

National Secretary on Monday”.

A suspected pro-JonathanTukur organization, The Nigerian Renewal Group, yesterday called for the disbandment of Continued on page 63

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS ARMED FORCES REMEMBRACE DAY

Civil war hits Africa’s ‘biggest party’ PDP •President Goodluck Jonathan (left), Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan (middle) and the Primate of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, at the inter-denominational Church service for the 2013 Armed Forces Remebrance Day celebration in Abuja ... yesterday.

In the last one week, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been in a tinderbox, no thanks to irreconcilable differences within its fold. In this report, MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATION, YUSUF ALLI, examines the looming implosion that may affect the party’s showing in future elections.

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• From left: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; wife of the Deputy Senate President, Nwanneka Ekweremadu, her husband, Ike Ekweremadu and Senate President David Mark, at the interdenominational Church service for the 2013 Armed Forces Remebrance Day celebration in Abuja ... yesterday

HE last one week has been challenging for the self-acclaimed largest ruling party in Africa -the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Save for the botched election of a new chairman for the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), leaders of the party had looked forward to a quiet week. Although there were festering issues at the National Headquarters of the party, none of the leaders had imagined that the party would found itself in a tinderbox which would shake it to its foundation.

A crisis over the dissolution of the executive committee of the Adamawa State chapter of the party had snowballed into a national crisis.

The situation became so overwhelming enough to make President Goodluck Jonathan suspend state functions to attend to the matter for three days.

At the end of the day, the management of the Adamawa crisis created a gulf between the President and the governors elected on the platform of the PDP.

The motives behind the crisis

•A cross-section of members of the Nigerian Legion at the inter-denominational Church service for the 2013 Armed Forces Remebrance Day celebration in Abuja ... yesterday.

•From left: Anambra Governor’s wife, Mrs Margarete Obi, Governor Peter Obi, Anglican Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alex Ibeziem and wife, Martha after a church service to commemorate the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka ... yesterday

Unknown to many party members, the cold war among stakeholders in Adamawa State has something to do with undemocratic practices, lack of respect for constituted authorities and the race to the Governor’s office after Governor Murtala Nyako.

Nyako allegedly had the party structure under his control since 2007. He has been at liberty to dictate who gets what. Besides, he is in a good stead to anoint his successor after the expiration of his two-term tenure.

The governor allegedly used the control of the party structure to seal the hitherto bright future of some political heavyweights. Most of the bigwigs, who lost political relevance, include: national Chairman of the party Bamanga Tukur, whose miraculous comeback was almost frustrated by the governor.

Some stakeholders in Adamawa State have kicked against Nyako’s style.

In the club of such political leaders are: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Tukur, former Minister Jibril Aminu, Ambassador Hassan Adamu, former Minister of State for Health, Aliyu Idi Hong, Senators Grace Bent and Paul Wampana, Gen. Haladu Hananiya, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Gen. Aliyu Kamaa and a former governor of the defunct Gongola State, Wilberforce Juta.

Former Ambassador to South Africa Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, was forced out of the PDP to challenge Nyako in 2011, using the Con-

gress for Progressive Change (CPC) platform.

Ironically, most members of the party are with the governor because they claim that “Nyako has a way of carrying everyone along.”

A sore point in the face-off between Nyako and Tukur is the alleged plot by the National Chairman to install his son as the next governor.

The governor got intelligence report on Tukur’s scheming and decided to checkmate the plot. As if by deliberate design, the national secretariat of the PDP faulted the state executive committee of the party, which was put in place by Nyako.

The crux of the matter On the surface, the Adamawa crisis initially began like a local crisis.

The journey into the political Golgotha actually started in March 2012, with the conduct of a controversial congress that was rejected by stakeholders. A political rival to the governor, Umar Ardo, had in a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yola, alleged that the process was skewed against other interests within the party.

According to him, the process was manipulated to return 99 per cent of ward executives made up of the governor’s loyalists.

Besides coming from the same local government area with the governor, the state PDP chairman, Mijinyawa Kugama, purportedly elected in March 2012, was alleged to have “blood ties” with Nyako. The stakeholders called for the dissolution of the committee.

But the crisis became an issue at the national level when on October 17, 2012, the state committee of the PDP was dissolved.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said its National Working Committee exercised “Article 31, Section 2(e) and 29, 2 (b) of the 2012 amended constitution of our Party,” for the dissolution after “repeated breaches of the constitution by the Adamawa State Chapter.”

One of the articles says: “Where necessary, dissolve a State Executive Committee and appoint a caretaker committee to run the party until another Executive Committee is elected, provided that the period from the dissolution to the election of the new Executive shall not to exceed three months.”

Some of the breaches committed by the dissolved Kugama-led committee are the submission of a list for local government elections to Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) without the NWC’s consent and disrespect for zoning formula in the state, as well as the alienation of stakeholders.

Metuh listed the sins as follows:

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS

•Senator Bent

•Marwa

“The dissolved Exco was expressly advised by the National Working Committee (NWC) to halt further steps towards the conduct of Local Government Elections as agreed at a meeting of 9th October, 2012 between the NWC and the Adamawa State Working Committee.

“However, the EXCO did not only go ahead with the process, it submitted a list of candidates to the State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) without the approval of the NWC.” “The action of the EXCO was contrary to the provisions of section 50(1) of the Constitution of the Party which among others states emphatically that the National Executive Committee which the NWC acts on behalf of in this respect, is the final authority for the formulation of guidelines and regulations for the nomination of Candidates for election into public offices at all levels and conveying same to INEC or any other authority to whom it may concern.

• Tukur

•Abubakar

“The NWC also referred to complaints and petitions from principal stakeholders of the Party in Adamawa State on various unconstitutional acts of the dissolved State EXCO, especially the principle of zoning as enshrined in Article 7(3) (e) of the party constitution as well as several letters from INEC complaining of non compliance with relevant laws in the conduct of the Adamawa State Congresses.

“All entreaties to get the Adamawa State Working Committee to rescind and, or reverse these constitutional breaches proved abortive, hence its decision.”

The NWC raised a nine-member caretaker committee, headed by Yobe State-born Umar Damagun to manage the PDP affairs in Adamawa.

But a defiant Nyako went ahead to conduct local government elections against the directive from his party’s national secretariat.

• Nkayo

•Suleiman

Although he later apologised for his indiscretion, the deed had been done. The alleged disrespect of the NWC led to the summoning of Nyako to Abuja and the suspension of the Northeast PDP National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Lawan Girigiri and the dissolution of the Kugama-led committee.

In a December 5, 2012 letter to INEC headquarters, signed by Tukur and the sacked National Secretary of the PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the party notified the commission of fresh party congresses in Adamawa State.

The letter reads: “In keeping with the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010, we write to inform INEC that the NWC of our great party has approved the conduct of the following party congresses in Adamawa State , sequel to the upcoming party congresses in the state. (Ward Congresses-December 27, 2012; LGA CongressesJanuary 3, 2013; and State Con-

•Amaechi

•Metuh

gress-January 8, 2013). Accordingly, INEC is hereby notified of these Congresses.”

Based on the letter to INEC, a new State Executive Committee, headed

by Chief Joel Madaki, was elected by a faction of the PDP made up of aggrieved but influential stakeholders.

How NWC, governors joined the fray The appearance of Nyako before the NWC turned the table against Tukur. Before the fact-finding session, Metuh had said: “Tukur would not preside over the meeting but the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja would.

This is to make sure that nobody would accuse the party of any bias.”

Feeling elated, Nyako reportedly told reporters: “Of course, the election stands. The result of the election is not determined by the party. It is determined by the

•Aminu

State Independent Electoral Commission. Whatever we had to do was done in the best interest of the party.” According to a source: “The governor opened up and most NWC members were able to ascertain that the Turkur had been an interested party in the crisis that had rocked Adamawa.

“The governor also raised a lot of issues, such that members felt reconciliation was needed.” Yet, out of fear, the NWC wrote INEC for fresh congresses in Adamawa State on December 5.

Nyako’s appearance before the NWC marked the beginning of the palace coup.

To win the hearts of the NWC members, PDP governors and other stakeholders (including political godfathers) took up Nyako’s battle.

“I think there was much pressure on NWC members from their benefactors, such that they could not stand by their initial resolution to dissolve Adamawa State Executive Committee,” a source told The Nation.

One of the pressure groups is the PDP Governors Forum, which led a delegation to the party’s National Secretariat on December 10.

The governors were skeptical that the dissolution of the state committee might be a ploy by Tukur to severe party structure from them in all the states under PDP control ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Attempts by the PDP governors to have the sacked state committee reinstated was rebuffed by Tukur.

The governors, led by the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, had audience with the NWC.

Obasanjo identifies corruption, insecurity as Africa’s major problems

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ORMER President Olusegun Obsanjo has identified corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure decay as major problems confronting Africa.

Obasanjo spoke at the inauguration of the Africa Institute at the Valparaiso University, Indiana, United States (U.S.). The institute was inaugurated in his honour at the weekend.

The North America Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the institute would serve as a cultural exchange centre between it and Nigeria in particular and Africa at large.

It will also serve as an exchange and resource centre for professional studies of West Nigerian/African commerce and culture among students, artists, writers, educators and politicians.

Obasanjo said that almost every country in the continent had one form of security problem or the other, pointing out that insecurity would not

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

allow development to thrive.

On the security challenges facing the country, Obasanjo said the Federal Government must properly identify the remote causes of the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

Obasanjo stressed the need for more attention to be placed on the improvement of infrastructure within the continent.

He said the issue of human development should not be such that the individuals were allowed to leave the continent and be servicing other land.

The former president, however, called on Nigerians living abroad to return home where their knowledge would best be utilised.

“We must develop people and retain them, we must encourage most of them that are in Diaspora, to move back home,’’ Obasanjo said.

On corruption, he said that the issue of corruption was very serious that should not be undermined, adding that it was virtually in every aspect of life.

“If you pretend that there is no corruption, the world already knows there is corruption,’’ he said.

While commending the efforts of some African leaders in carrying out reforms that had made the continent an emerging economy in the 21st century, Obasanjo said Western economists earlier ruled out Africa as a living continent about 10 years ago.

He explained that some of the economists had even described the 21st century as the best for Africa.

As part of reforms to Nigeria’s economy while in office, Obasanjo disclosed that when he took over in 1999, the country owed close to $35 billion.

He also said that Nigeria was spending about $3 billion on debt

servicing.

Obasanjo said: “I decided that we should seek debts relief. I also decided that we would go for deep reforms. Our creditors took us very serious and granted us debts relief.

“The reserve of $3.7 billion that I met in 1999 grew to well over 45 billion dollars by the time I left office.

“After we paid over $12 billion, we cleared the debts slate. Nigeria was not the only country moving in that direction.’’

Obasanjo commended the university for honouring him, saying that the establishment of the institute was quite timely in view of global development.

He also said that the situation around the globe called for nations to work together.

Earlier, the President of the varsity, Dr. Mark Heckler, said the exemplary leadership of Obasanjo in Africa and in Nigeria was a driving force for the choice of

honouring him.

Heckler said that the varsity was established in 1859, stressing that the establishment of the Africa Institute was a dream fulfilled.

Prof. Ade Adefuye, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S, also commended the institution “for giving honour to whom honour is due’’.

Adefuye described Obasanjo as someone who had contributed greatly to the development of Nigeria.

Present at the event were Dr. Ewa Ewa, Chief Financing Officer, Ilinois Human Rights Commission, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, and the DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Mr Frank Nweke.

Others were the Executive Secretary, National University Commission (NUC) Prof. Julius Okojie, and Nigeria Consul-General in New York, Habib Habu.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS Spanish Navy partners Nigeria on sea crimes

By Precious Igbonwelundu

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•From left: Head of Human Resources of UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Osa Osowa; Executive Director, Corporate Services, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Joe Dada; recipients in the 30 years category of the long service awards, Mr. Andy Daudu; Mr. Amos Majaro-Ola; Group Managing Director/CEO UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah; Mrs. Victoria Yemitan; Mr. Christian Njimogu; and Mr. Olawole Simeon Awiye, cutting the 30 years award cake with the GMD/CEO of UACN Plc, during the 2012 long service award ceremony of UACN Plc, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos...at the weekend.

NEITI’s audit to cover CBN, others

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GENCIES that have anything to do with funds from the extractive industry will be audited by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

A list of agencies to be audited by the auditors recently appointed by NEITI has been expanded to include Tertiary Education Fund (TetFund), Central Bank of Nigeria (Development of Natural Resources fund) and the Administration and Application of Excess Crude Oil Account.

As a result of this development, NEITI and the appointed auditors for the proposed audit of revenues and disbursements of allocated funds to entities involved in the extractive industries will meet this week

By Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

to agree on the take off date of the exercise and the agencies that will be covered during the first phase of the exercise nationwide.

A Presidency source told reporters in Abuja at the weekend that the top level meeting between NEITI and the appointed auditors “was convened to avoid any prevarications on the audit which, in addition to the oil and gas activities, will cover major agencies in the extractive industrial sector including, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Federal Government of Nigeria’s share of Derivation and Ecology Fund and the Petroleum Technology De-

•Meets auditors this week velopment Fund (PTDF).”

Others that will be covered by the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement Audit from 2007 to 2011 are the Tertiary Education Fund (TetFund), Central Bank of Nigeria (Development of Natural Resources) and the Administration and Application of Excess Crude Oil Account.

The source, who is close to the Presidency and the NEITI said: “It is an all-embracing exercise that will cover the agencies that have one or two things to do with the funds derivable from the sector and disbursed to all agencies or institutions that have benefitted from such allocations and disburse-

ments.”

According to the source, the “Presidency is determined to ensure that transparency and accountability become the rule of all financial and operational modalities in the extractive industries. Hence the approval of the Federal Executive Council that the five-year audit should be embarked upon without further delay.”

She said: “The audit will not be limited to the oil and gas sector alone, but to players in all sectors of the extractive industries. This is necessary to get things done and achieve the purpose of the audit.”

Some stakeholders, partic-

$620,000 scandal : Falana urges EFCC to sue Lawan, Otedola

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AGOS lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to sue Messrs Boniface Emenulo and Femi Otedola for their roles in the alleged $620,000 bribery scandal.

In a statement entitled: “Charge Farouk Lawan to court now”, Falana also asked the EFCC to, in particular, arraigned Otedola for giving bribe to the two lawmakers to de-list his companies from the list of companies indicted in the subsidy fraud.

The human rights activist said no reason has been given why they have not been arraigned despite that the police have concluded investigation into the matter and forwarded the case file to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, for prosecution and in view of the fact that Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had been appointed to prosecute the suspects.

He recalled that a few months after the $620,000 bribery scandal broke out, two other members of the House, Herman Hembe and Chris Azubogu, who were alleged to have diverted $4,095 (less than N5million) illegally collected

By Adebisi Onanuga

from the Nigerian Security Exchange Commission, were sued by the EFCC. “Since what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, Lawan and Emenulo should be sued without any further delay,” he said.

Said Falana: “Following the unanimous resolution of the House of Representatives to probe the fuel subsidy scam last year, a committee was set up, headed by Farouk Lawan. Having led the “Integrity Group” in the House, millions of Nigerians were convinced that the committee would unearth the officially-sanctioned scam in the fuel subsidy regime.

“Apart from submitting a comprehensive memorandum, I gave an oral testimony at the public hearing conducted by the committee in Abuja. The committee assured me that there would be “no sacred cows. But to the chagrin of Nigerians, some of the indicted companies were absolved of any criminality after paying bribes running into several millions of dollars.

“One of the fuel importers, Mr. Femi Otedola, who had the names of two of his companies blacklisted, revealed in the media that he had paid $620,000 of the $3 million bribe charged by Farouk Lawan. Although La-

wan initially denied the serious allegation, he later admitted that he collected $500,000 bribe when confronted with the video recording of the criminal transaction.

“Another $120,000 was said to have been collected by Emenulo, the Secretary of the House Committee on the Fuel Subsidy Scam. Both suspects were arrested by the police for interrogation. In their separate statements, they confessed that they collected $620,000 from Mr. Femi Otedola.

“Lawan further revealed that he had informed the EFCC that he was under pressure to collect the bribe. However, the claim of Lawan that the money was handed over to Adams Jagaba, the Chairman of the House Committee on Narcotic and Financial Crimes, was denied by the latter.

“Embarrassed by the scandal, the House of Representatives restored Mr. Otedola’s companies to the list of indicted companies and removed Lawan and Emeluno from the House Committee on the Fuel Subsidy Scam. Lawan was suspended as the Chairman of the Education Committee pending the conclusion of police investigation.

“The cock and bull story of Lawan that he collected the bribe to implicate Otedola did not impress the House, which referred

ularly community leaders in the six states in the Niger Delta region, have hailed the Federal Government for appointing auditors to look into the allocations and disbursements of the extractive industries which, they said would help to determine how the funds had been utilised by the states.

They urged NEITI to interface with the oil and gas communities in their states, namely Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa and Ondo to investigate the utilisation of the 13 per cent Derivation Fund, which they claimed had been wasted by their state governments over the past decades with nothing to show for the disbursements in terms of physical infrastructure and socio-economic state of their communities.

UNILAG, OAU, UNIJOS top Nigerian law varsities From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

NIVERSITY of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and University of Jos (UNIJOS) have emerged as the best three institutions running law programmes in Nigeria.

This is contained in a release by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) on top 10 law faculties in Nigerian universities.

The information followed an allegation that the standard of legal education in Nigerian universities is declining.

According to a statement by the NIALS Director-General, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), the release was necessary because of the statutory responsibility of the institute to provide information, supervision, guidance and advice to law researchers.

The top 10 universities are UNILAG, OAU, UNIJOS, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Lagos State University (LASU), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Babcock University, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and Igbinedion University.

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•Otedola

the scandal to the Ethics Committee of the House for further investigation. Up till now, the committee has not come up with its report, though it concluded its assignment several months ago.”

He noted that last year, Nigeria was rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world due to the lackadaisical handling of the cases of corruption involving influential members of the ruling class.

He said having undertaken to make the fight against corruption part of its transformation agenda, the Goodluck Jonathan administration should direct the anti-graft agencies to bring to book, those who have been indicted in the various probes on the fuel subsidy, adding that no one should attempt to deceive Nigerians by saying there is no evidence to try criminal suspects who have made confessional statements.

SPECIAL Navy ship, MV Relampago, at the weekend pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy (NN) to fight sea crimes and ensure maritime security around the Gulf of Guinea.

The ship, which was on its maiden visit to the country, according to its Commanding Officer, Lt. Commdr. Anthonio Tanago De La Lastra, had visited six other African countries at the Gulfs of Eden and Guinea.

On arrival on the Nigerian waters, the Spanish Navy ship carried out offshore training exercise with Nigerian Navy Ships (NNS) Nwamba and Andoni, even as other training exercises were carried out during the visit that lasted three days by both navies as well as their Gabon and Ghana counterparts.

Anthonio said Nigeria is an important force on the Gulf of Guinea, which cannot be neglected, even as he noted that the major sea crime on the country’s waters is sea robbery.

He said: “The lessons learnt from Somalia and other hot beds in Africa on piracy and sea robbery have necessitated the assistance of the United Nations and other concerned governments.

“Our coming to Nigeria with this Spanish warship, which is a training ship, was a fallout on the need to protect the maritime domain.

“We are here to train Nigerian Navy on port security measures, counter piracy and capacity building.”

Dangote crashes sugar price by 25%

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ANGOTE Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) has announced a 25 per cent reduction in the price of its product in response to the price of sugar at the international commodity market.

With the new price regime, Dangote crashed the price of its 50kg bag from N8, 900 to N6, 660. The Managing Director of the company, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, an engineer, attributed the development to the recent reduction in the price of raw sugar at the international market.

The reduction, according to him, reflects the trends in the international market where the prices of raw sugar have dropped from about $0.26 cents to the current $0.19 cents.

He said the company has a policy of passing the benefits of price reductions to the customers.

Already, with the price reduction rocking the market and some other sugar refineries alleging that DSR reduced the sugar prices to a level where it made it difficult for competition to survive, Sule explained that Nigeria is not a sugar producing nation, hence all raw sugar that are refined locally are imported from Brazil by all industry players and that there is nothing to hide.

The DSR Chief Executive said raw sugar is traded openly on the International Commodities Market with the prices available for all and sundry to see and/or verify.

“DSR only reacted to a reduction in the international price of sugar in the last one year for the benefit of its customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to the socio–economic growth of the nation’s economy and there is no need for this horrendous accusation,” he said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

NEWS Akande for NIPR’s excellence award From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Osun State chapter, has picked the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Adebisi Akande, for this year’s Excellence Award.

Expected at the ceremony scheduled for Wednesday in Ila-Orangun, are the former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo and Ogun state governors.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Osogbo ahead of the programme, the state Chairman of the NIPR, Mr. Wale Oyekanmi, said Chief Akande was chosen because of his achievements as the Osun State governor between 1999 and 2003.

Oyekanmi, who noted that members of other political parties in the state appreciated the good work of Akande, ruled out politics in picking the ACN National Chairman for the award, saying the awardee had an outstanding record of performance as governor of the state.

He said: “As governor, he built the state secretariat adjudged the best in the country within two years. He achieved this feat without obtaining a loan from any financial institution within and outside the country.

“Chief Akande deserves the honour. He is a democrat with a pedigree and great antecedent as an agent for human growth and development. He demonstrated a knack for financial shrewdness in his days as governor of the state.

“In his four-year tenure, he did more than what he promised the people. He achieved the unexpected. The Alliance for Democracy (AD), on which platform he contested and won the governorship election, promised the electorate many good programmes, but Chief Akande surpassed the campaign promises by doing for the people what he did not promise them.”

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Sunday Akere, said Akande “as a leading light of our party, the ACN, deserves the honour.”

Ajaokuta Steel ‘ready for operation’

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HE Sole Administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr. Joseph Isah, an engineer, has said the company is in a good shape and ready for operation if funds are available.

Isah, who spoke at the weekend during an interview with reporters in Ajaokuta, said this followed the recent technical audit of the steel plant by the Ukrainians, the newlyappointed managers of the company.

He noted that over 74 per cent of steel production globally was done through the blast furnace.

Isah said the blast furnace mode of steel production adopted by the company is the best source of steel making in the world, putting to rest the

obsolete nature of the technology.

Quoting from the Ukrainian technical audit report, he said: “The condition of the steel plant’s equipment and facilities is satisfactory. Mechanically, the equipment and facilities are in good condition.”

Mr. Isah stressed that with the volume and quality of steel to be produced in the plant, the only way is the blast furnace.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the insinuation that the plant cannot function.

The sole administrator said the plant was intact and debunked a claim by the people he described as ignorant of steel technology who alleged that it had been vandalised.

According to him, the workers are passionate about the

plant and have worked hard to secure the equipment.

“I referred to the above because we need to educate Nigerians that the blast furnace technology of steel making adopted in Ajaokuta is still the best method through which large volumes of steel are produced in the world today,” Isah said.

He added that President Goodluck Jonathan was committed to the completion and operation of the plant, hence his directive for the speedy settlement of the arbitration against the company by the Global Infrastructural Holdings Limited (GIHL), an Indian firm.

He said when Ajaokuta Steel Company is fully operational, it wanted generate over

15,000 direct employment in addition to thousands to be employed informally.

Isah listed other benefits of the steel plant to the nation as enhancing technological growth, acquisition of technical expertise, provision of input for infrastructural development and adding value to the natural resources.

He said as part of plans to re-launch the plant’s lime light, management has concluded arrangement to engage the workforce in productive activities, preserve the equipment and generate revenue to reduce dependency on the government.

He said the management has also initiated joint venture agreements to put the completed mills into commercial operations.

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

CEMENT transporters have warned that over five million workers in the industry may lose their jobs, following the glut in the market and demand amid a regime of importation and an unbridled import licensing by the Federal Government.

The Nation learnt that in the last two or three years, Nigeria has witnessed a huge investment in the cement industry, which has driven the total production from the meagre three metric tons in 2006 to 28 metric tone by last December.

The country’s total cement market requirement stands at 20.5 million metric tonnes per annum, an indication that the long desired self-sufficiency in cement production was not only met by December 2012, but there were also extra for the export market to make importation of the product illadvised.

Jonathan urged to overhaul Fire Service From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

•Health Minister Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (left); President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mr. Olumide Akintayo; and National Secretary, Mr. Victor Okwuosa, when members of the PSN visited the minister in Abuja.

Fed Govt committed to trans Saharan roads

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HE Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the realisation of the Trans Saharan Road, which transverses six African countries –– Algeria, Chad, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Tunisia.

The Minister of State for Works, Mr. Bashir Yuguda, said this when he received the Secretary-General of the Trans Saharan Road Liaison Committee, Mr. Ayadi Mohammed.

He said the road is a big project which when realised, would promote culture, trade and unity in Africa.

Yuguda assured of the support and representation of

Nigeria in the committee and pledged the willingness of the country to provide a back-up for the project.

The minister said Nigeria had carried out a feasibility study on the road to Chad Republic, requiring a technical session between the two countries.

He added that Nigeria has over 1,000 kilometres of the Trans Saharan Road, which spread from Lagos to Kaduna, then Kano through Katsina to Jibiya in Niger State.

Mr. Mohammed had earlier expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded his team and briefed the minister on the activities of the committee.

ECOWAS, BoI seek more funds for gender issues HE Vice President, Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), Dr. Toga Mcintosh, has called for adequate financing of gender sensitive and people-oriented development to ensuring sustainable development.

Mcintosh disclosed this during a private sector interactive session with Madam Michelle Bachelete, United Nations Women Under-Secretary General and Executive Director.

The interactive session was presided over by Ms Evelyn Oputu, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI).

He said: “Funding such initiative is key to addressing contemporary challenges of globalisation and promoting effective and efficient development.

“We therefore, have no choice, if we seek sustained economic, social and political development, but recognise

Job losses in cement industry

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

and adequately support the role of women in the process of nation-building.

“I believe that financing women empowerment and gender equality could yield significant dividends not only to businesses but also toward enhancing over-all sustainable human development.

“ECOWAS will continue to pursue policies and programmes connected to gender equality and private sector initiatives,” he stressed.

Bachelete, while calling for equal opportunity and participation for women in Nigeria, said women empowerment could trigger the economic growth in the country, which was the largest population on the continent.

She noted that women had the tendency to get to the higher level when given the opportunity to become a poten-

‘ECOWAS will continue to pursue policies and programmes connected to gender equality and private sector initiatives” tial factor in the economy, adding that corporate organisations should find a way of impacting on the lives of women through capacity building.

The Managing Director BOI said women empowerment is vital to economic development, noting that they should not be handicapped as this means handicapping the nation.

She said the gender issue is very important and has been taken to the forefront in the six

years she has been in the office. She said she noticed that women empowerment and finance are always relegated to the background.

According to her, the paradigm shift on women empowerment was introduced to take care of women because most banks were not lending or granting loans to the women for reasons best known to them.

To achieve this, the bank, according to her, introduced a policy that 85 per cent of its fund would be geared towards developing SMEs. “Consequently, the bank introduced SMEs desk with the belief to facilitate women assess to loan through operation of SMEs, knowing that this is the major area where women are operating.

“So far, banks and other financial institutions have introduced the SMEs desk to take care of women empow-

erment. My passion is borne out of the fact that there is more poverty among women who form 50 per cent the population.

“We are going to have a programme that will address the bottom pyramid of the society in terms of empowerment and we are taking into consideration the gender issue because gender issue is not only about being given equal opportunity, but how the society is responding to basic things that surround women,” she said.

The managing director lamented that women in Nigeria die earlier than their male counterparts because the gender issues are not properly taken care of.

She urged women to cultivate the habit of pulling one another up, noting that they could overcome the problem of being left behind in the developmental process.

A group under the aegis of the Fire Disaster, Prevention and Safety Awareness Association of Nigeria (FDPSAAN) has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to overhaul the Fire Service, following the persistent inferno in the country.

The group, which spoke in Abuja at the weekend, noted that there had been increase in fire disasters, adding that the recent fires nationwide, leading to deaths and destruction of property, have become a source of concern.

The President of the group, Mr. Badanga Ahmed, told reporters that no nation would fold its arm and allow fire to destroy the economy and social life of its citizens, adding that government should re-strategise and overhaul the Fire Service.

He said it is poorly equipped to serve its primary function of fire fighting and lacks training to cope with the high scale of fire related disasters.

“Fire Service in Nigeria was established in 1901. Yet, it operates with an obsolete law, relying on the 1963 Act where a fire fighter is entitled to N10 hazard allowance,” Ahmed said.

He queried the present structure of the Fire Service in Nigeria, saying: “A situation where the Federal Fire Service operates on its own, and State Fire Service functions independently, is an issue that needs to be re-examined by the federal and state governments as well as legislatures.”

He noted: “The argument is that if the Fire Service, particularly at the state level, has remained backward in the hands of governors, then it is obvious that the problem of Fire Service is far from over.”

Ahmed advocated uniformity of Fire Service for effective administrative control and coordination.

He said only five per cent of the Nigerian population has the basic knowledge of safety tips necessary to avoid fire outbreaks, while calling for the existence of a national fire code.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS Workers advised on service delivery

How to stop pipeline vandalism, by Amosun

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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•Five bodies found

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said the “inactions” of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was part of the causes of increasing pipeline vandalism in Ogun State.

He said a closer collaboration between the federal and state governments would stop the problem.

Amosun said if the state government was given adequate funds, it would acquire between five to 10 swamp buggies to level the swampy terrain and monitor the pipeline electronically.

About 30 people were feared dead on Saturday in an explosion caused by pipeline vandals in Arepo, Ogun State.

Speaking during an interview, the governor said he was shocked by the damage he saw on the scene at Arepo.

He said: “I have just returned from the scene of the pipeline fire in the creeks of Arepo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. The truth is that we are our own problem. This is purely a failure of governance. The NNPC has failed to ensure security at the pipelines.

NNPC officials have been accused of aiding and abetting vandals. They are part of the vandalisation because from the way the pipes are buried in the water, only somebody with expert knowledge about them would know how to open them.

“The NNPC has to do more to secure the pipelines because the security is porous and the lives of the few policemen stationed there are being endangered.

“Why should vandals hold us to ransom? The Ogun State government is ready to combat pipeline vandalisation by installing a close circuit television in the area, which would be monitored from control rooms. To solve this problem, NNPC in Ogun must take this challenge seriously and collaborate with the state government.

“We have to meet on how to resolve this problem. The kind of negative publicity it gives Ogun is not good.

Jonathan,Obasanjo, IBB, Tinubu for honour

By Jeremiah Oke

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda will be honoured on Tuesday during this year’s Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture.

The lecture will hold at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Villa, Oke Ado, Ogbomoso. It is part of activities lined up to celebrate the late nationalist and former Premier of the defunct Western Region.

The guest speakers are Obasanjo, Minister of Information Labaran Maku and the Head of Political Science Department, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. OBC Nwolise.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

How do we resolve this problem when there is no access to the place? Look at the old wooden canoes the NNPC provided in this digital era to combat a problem as serious as this, when the vandals are armed with sophisticated guns.

“There is need to equip the police and other security agencies manning the place.

The idea of using canoes by NNPC to patrol the area is obsolete.”

He said any traditional leader found to be aiding the vandals would be sanctioned.

A combined team of security operatives, comprising the Joint Task Force (JTF), mobile policemen and officials of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), led by Ogun State Commissioner of Police Okoye Ikemefuna, also visited the scene.

They were led by a team of NNPC fire fighters and engineers as well as men of the NSCDC to the scene, where thick smoke was still billowing into the sky.

The Manager, Public Affairs, Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Imodagbe Nasir, said five bodies had been found.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the Arepo creeks was fumigated before the evacuation began.

NEMA spokesman in the Southwest Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye told reporters that there were bodies floating on the water.

Farinloye said: “NEMA expects the governor to make a positive contribution towards tackling vandals instead of shifting blames.

“States are expected to mobilise traditional leaders, who know their terrain, in this direction. The disaster/risk reduction principle is a bottoms-up policy. To achieve effective disaster management, the state and local governments must commit themselves to tackling the disaster and other challenges in the country.”

•Amosun (arrowed) and others in a canoe inspecting the scene of the pipeline fire...yesterday.

PHOTO: KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

‘Pipeline vandalism must be curbed’

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HE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Mr. Dakuku Peterside, has called for investigations into the pipeline vandalism in Arepo, Ogun State and Oviadge, Oghara in Delta State.

Peterside, in a statement yesterday, said pipeline vandals and their sponsors must be condemned, adding that it would not augur well for the country to fold its arms while innocent lives are wasted.

The lawmaker said pipeline vandalism should be treated as a national emergency, adding that there was a nexus between pipeline vandalism and poverty.

He said: “In recent weeks, we have witnessed deaths and infractions occasioned by attacks on our oil pipelines across the country. For instance, in Arepo, a town in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, many people died recently following an attack by suspected pipeline vandals.

“Yesterday (Sunday), another vandalism was reported by the Joint Task Force (JTF) at Oviadge.

Vandalism poses grave security, health and environmental risks and the economic consequences are enormous.

“Recently, one person was killed and many injured when a fuel tanker exploded at Mbiama on the East/West Road in Rivers State. This is because our pipelines are not safe and functional.

By Wale Ajetunmobi

The deceased, it was learnt, was selling drinks at a spot close to the scene of the accident.

“This accident occurred seven months after several people, who were scooping fuel from a damaged tanker in the same area, died in an explosion. The tanker accident on the Mbiama axis of the East-West Road brings to the fore the need to fix the road.

“These deaths are needless. Pipeline vandalism must be treated as a national emergency.

Its relationship with joblessness and poverty is worrisome.

“My grievance is with those who vandalise our pipelines. I condemn the sponsors and perpetrators of this evil. Pipelines are used all over the world to distribute petroleum products. Nigeria should not be an exception.

“This sabotage on our commonwealth has continued for too long because culprits have not been sanctioned. I urge security agencies to protect our oil facilities.

“Managing our oil resources, with regard to distribution, poses great risk to people. I decry these ugly incidents that took the lives of Nigerians. Something must be done to address this issue, if we hope to advance our cause of building a great nation.

“I commiserate with the families, who lost their loved ones, the Rivers State Government and Nigerians in general.”

Osun gets budget monitoring software

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HE Osun State Government has acquired a software for monitoring budgets and projects.

Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget Dr. Wale Bolorunduro broke the news in his office in Osogbo, the state capital, while receiving a report about “developing input and output strategies on local content” from the Chief Executive Officer of the Osun Economic Consultants on Local Content Policy, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju.

The commissioner said the software, known as ECOMATRIX, was customised for the use of Osun State.

He said: “It is the latest of such modelling software and is a step above the 2002 version in use by the Federal Government.”

Bolorunduro said the software would make planning easier, make results more verifiable and help in actualising the sixpoint Integral Action Plan of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.

He said the modelling programme would predict the number of direct and indirect jobs that are created from every fiscal input of government and give the government an accurate evaluation of the impact of its policies on job creation and the economy.

Bolorunduro said: “The State Local Content Policy, fondly called Osun Content Policy by the governor, calls for a target of 80 per cent utilisation of Osun personnel in all public projects and reserves 20 per cent for effective transfer of technology through hands-on experience by experts.

“It also stipulates that contractors draw 50 to 60 per cent of their manpower and material input from local communities.”

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

He said the local content policy was aimed at developing the economy.

The commissioner said his ministry would ensure compliance with the policy.

Adenikinju said: “The policy will stimulate growth in various sectors of the economy and raise the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The software is the first in Nigeria and probably in the West African region. It can also be used to simulate policy options by running a series of scenarios to examine the likely impact on employment generation.”

Dr. Afeez Salisu of Beads Synergy Integrated Nigeria Limited also presented a report on Household Service Delivery to the commissioner.

Salisu hailed the administration for “recognising the need to have a robust and up-to-date database to serve as a baseline for assessing service delivery and assist in designing a geo-demographic system”.

He said this would eventually improve the quality of life of the people.

Stressing the importance of housing as fundamental to health, welfare, survival and development, Salisu said the objective of the project was to assess socio-economic development at the household level by collating data on the characteristics of residential buildings in the state.

IVIL servants in Osun State have been advised to be dedicated to their

jobs.

At different events in Osogbo, the state capital, at the weekend, the Head of Service, Mr. Olayinka Owoeye and the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Ajibola Basiru, said the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration has brought innovation to governance in the last two years.

Owoeye, who was represented by the Director, Senior Management Office, Alhaji Kareem Buraimoh, spoke at the 2012 Merit Award for 28 distinguished officers of the Ministry of Works and Transport.

He said if the six-point Integral Action Plan of the administration is to be achieved, workers must be loyal to the government and diligent in their work.

Owoeye hailed Aregbesola on the prompt payment of salary and urged civil servants to shun politics.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Oladipo Amudah and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nurudeen Adeagbo, said the award was to reward hardworking workers.

Basiru spoke at a prayer session organised by his ministry to start the New Year. He urged workers to be diligent in their duties.

The commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Mr. Sunday Olajide, said the government has improved the education and health sectors and infrastructure.

He urged the workers to pray for the success of the administration.

Ajimobi presents budget today From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi will present this year’s budget to the House of Assembly today at a special plenary session by 10am.

In a statement yesterday, the Chief Press Officer of the Assembly, Mr. Lekan Kolade, said stakeholders, including industrialists, traditional rulers and senior government officials, are expected to be seated by 9:30am.

Lawmaker empowers indigenes

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HE member representing Ogbomoso South in the Assembly, Mr. Segun Ogunwuyi, yesterday empowered over 300 of his constituents.

The programme took place at the Methodist Primary School, Arowomole in Ogbomoso.

Ogunwuyi said the programme was his way of thanking the people for electing him.

He urged politicians to empower the people and make them self-reliant.

Ogunwuyi donated 22 motorcycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, school uniforms to his people. He donated furniture to schools and built three classrooms each at the Methodist Primary School at Arowomole and the Kajola Primary School at J.K Atanda Layout.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS Anglican Primate urges Fed Govt to reduce ‘medical tourism’ to India

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HE Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Nicholas Okoh has called for an urgent intervention in the health sector to stem the tide of Nigerians seeking medical help in India.

Rev Okoh made the call in his sermon at St. Matthews Church in Maitama, Abuja, during the thanksgiving service of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC).

“Are we going to become subjects of India like the British colonialists?

“Those in charge of the nation’s health sector should make a mark this year; we have suffered too many adversities in our health sector for

so long,’’ he said.

The Primate recounted that in recent times, several Nigerians had sought medical treatment abroad because of the parlous state of the country’s health sector.

Rev Okoh noted that the corpses of some of the patients flown abroad only returned to the country.

He, therefore, urged the government to strive to reduce the high traffic of Nigerians to India for medical help.

On global matters, the Primate said the world was in dire need of peace in areas such as Central African Republic, Syria and the Middle East.

He criticised the United Nations for its inaction in Syria, where thousands of people had

been killed in the raging civil war.

“The world cannot make much progress without peace.

“The technology of the world is about military technology; heavy machines meant for killing human beings.

“There is multiplication of global and regional bodies claiming to make peace but nobody is making peace,’’ Rev Okoh said.

The NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Mr John Kennedy Opara, said the commission was grateful to God for the success of the 2012 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Opara recalled that the transportation of pilgrims for the pilgrimage, which began

Kidnap of judges: We are not involved, says Delta govt

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•Rev Okoh

on October 25, recorded 120 flights without any unpleasant incident.

He stressed that the Christian pilgrimage was a time for “divine encounter”, adding: “It is not jamboree; if it is a jamboree, I would have resigned.”

Opara announced that the commission would launch an Easter pilgrimage package on January 28 and encouraged individuals to undertake the 11day pilgrimage, which would cost N460,000.

ELTA State government is not involved in the kidnap of a High Court judge, Information Commissioner Chike Ogeah said yesterday.

He also denied reports of threats by the government to abduct others.

Ogeah was reacting to a report credicted to Mrs RitaLort Ogbebor that the state was involved.

In a statement, the Commissioner said: “It is true that the Okere community and the Delta State Government have an ongoing case at the Warri High Court over a piece of land in the GRA in Warri which had been in possession of the government. It was a swampy land used for rice farming by prisoners from colonial times.

By Joseph Jibueze

“However, when prison authorities ceased using the land for rice cultivation, the Delta State Government sand-filled it and it became a dumpsite. But due to the hazardous nature of the dump site, the Government reclaimed the said land.

“The Okere community had sought the permission of Delta State Government to build a school and community hall on the land. This request was turned down and Government has proceeded to build a model school on the piece of land.

“Okere community’s resort to the court of law to advance its cause is a legitimate exercise and the suit has nothing to do with the kidnap of Justice Okon as alleged by Chief Ogbebor.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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Ositelu was a rare gem, says Assembly

Lawmaker cautions on fire

By Oziegbe Okoeki

By Oziegbe Okoeki

THE House of Assembly has described as "a shock" the death of renowned sports columnist and former Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Deacon Ayo Ositelu.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity Hon. Segun Olulade said the death of prominent Nigerians in recent times is becoming worrisome.

The late Ositelu, who was widely referred to as ''Arena'' Olulade said, was a seasoned sport administrator, a consummate politician and a versatile sport analyst of no mean stature.

According to him, the late Ositelu was a team player, loyal party man and dependable leader of the people. These attributes, he said, made him to be elected as Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA a few years ago.

He described Ositelu's death as "a colossal loss to the nation's sport sector and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) political family in Lagos State," adding that the vacuum created by his death would be hard to fill.

Olulade urged youth to emulate the late Ositelu's hard work, team spirit, dependability and sincerity, saying nations are built by men and women of great character and learning.

Lagos opens relief camp for fire victims THE Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has opened a relief camp for victims of the recent fire incident in EbuteMetta,Lagos. The agency’s General Manager, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said 1,005 persons had being admitted into the camp opened in compliance with Governor Babatunde Fashola’s directive.

Fashola gave the directive last week after visiting OkoBaba in Ebute Meta, where fire gutted some sawmills and residential buildings.

Oke-Osanyintolu said shortly after the governor opened the camp, LASEMA officials began to admit people displaced by the fire.

“On day one, 1,005 enumerated as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) were immediately moved into the relief camp located at Ikosi/Ijerin Local Community Development Area.

The governor had directed LASEMA that the fire incident site be cleared and levelled while the camp is opened immediately to accommodate the affected persons.

“Those displaced have been offered accommodation at the camp, which they have accepted and moved in immediately. There are little challenges at the camp, which the state government is addressing,’’ he said. More victims, he said, were still coming into the camp.

•Oba Ola Fatola, the Adebowuwa of Igbogbo (middle) cutting his 80th birthday cake at the Model College, Igbogbo-Lagos at the weekend. With him are his wife Olori Aderonke (fourth left), and friends PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSU

Task force uncovers illegal oil bunkering outfits in Lagos

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HE Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has demolished illegal oil bunkering hideouts in Orile-Iganmu Under Bridge and Mushin, two Lagos suburbs.

The taskforce officials, led by their Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, a Superintendent of Police (SP), besieged Orile-Iganmu under bridge, a few metres from the light rail system under construction, early on Saturday.

They freed an illegal oil

By Miriam Ndikanwu

depot where petroleum products were being sold.

The illegal hawkers fled on sighting the taskforce.

The taskforce demolished illegal structures erected on road median, setback and on some parts of the Orile-Badagry Expressway being expanded by the government.

At Mushin, illegal structures built on drainage channels at Oloruntoyin Street were demolished; abandoned vehicles were towed away, forcing me-

chanics that have turned the street to their workshop to leave. At Ladipo bus stop, an Indian hemp joint was raided and its patrons arrested.

Sulaiman told reporters that the Iganmu raid became necessary because of the light rail system, adding that under the bridge was being weakened by the illegal bunkering.

"We have evacuated them from that place before. We are going to monitor that place effectively from now on so that they do not return. At Orile, it

is part of our duty to clear the area. We have even cleared the area before the governor visited the other time.

"In Mushin, we found out that the local government had allocated the place to the people who erected shanties. If there is a fire in that area, it will be devastating," he said.

Sulaiman said the taskforce invaded the Ladipo hemp joint following a report that the place had been raided on several occasions, but the smokers still find their ways there.

A MEMBER of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bashir Oloto has asked his constituents in Lagos Mainland to be more careful during the harmattan to avert fire.

Property worth millions of naira were destroyed by fire in the area last week.

Oloto advised residents to switch off electrical appliances before leaving home and desist from keeping fuel or inflammable materials at home.

"I want to sympathise with the people of OkoBaba in Makoko, where the fire incident occurred and at the same time implore residents of Mainland to always put safety measures such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and other fire preventing and safety gadgets in place to mitigate such incidents," he said.

Oloto said the government would ensure that victims are relocated to a relief camp.

He said measures were being taken to contain fire in almost all parts of the metropolis.

The state government, he said, has bought fire fighting equipment worth millions of naira, adding that the state fire service agency records more emergency calls during the harmattan than any other season.

"Residents of Oko-Baba Sawmill Market should see government as their partner in progress and we will do everything possible to assist the victims of the area," Oloto said.

•The Students Union Arcade of Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo Campus. Inset: Governor Bbatunde Fashola (right) being conducted round the project by the Assistant Director, Architecture Services, Mr. Aderemi Adebo (middle) during an inspection tour by the Governor and members of the state Executive Council.

With him is the Vice Chancellor, LASU Prof. John Obafunwa (left)

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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N2b budget for Ojo council

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JO Local Government Chairman, Prince Yinka Durosinmi has presented a budget of N1.914 billion to the legislative council.

According to him, the "budget of sustainability" is 7.7 per cent than last year's.

He projected that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would be N61.3million N865million and N45million are to come from Federal and State Statutory allocations.

Expected revenue from the Value Added Tax (VAT) and other grants, he said, are N700million and N300million, adding that 20 per cent would be used to liquidate liabilities.

"It is the strong conviction of our administration to

By Kemi Okunade

strike a balance among competing interests that require a combination of diplomacy, discussions, consultations, compromises and concessions; being flexible to the people where public infrastructure works and government services are efficient," he said.

Prince Durosinmi said the budget's focus would not be limited to roads, health, education, rural development and agriculture, security and water.

Some of the projects, he said, include construction of footbridges at PonpokuIbode and OkulunduErekun; rehabilitation of St. Michael Primary School and

Army Barracks Primary School; construction of staff quarters at Irewe; provision of computers to schools; completion of the secretariat and the beautification projects, and human capital development.

"We have come to terms with the increasing pressure on our staff for better services and the need for increased investment in automation through the use of technology. Our government will be pursuing means to improve its mode of payment of rates and levies by the good people of Ojo Local government," he said.

"Our administration in the last one year opted for programmes and projects with

Pupil wins oratory competition

By Akeem Alawoki

•Durosinmi

the greatest positive impacts on the lives of the people. We have sought to build on the worthy legacy of our first tenure. As at the end of the third quarter last year, the overall performance of the budget was 67 per cent," he said.

Council empowers residents with Indomie Buka

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GUDA Local Council Development Area has partnered with a foremost pastry producer, De United Foods Industry, makers of Indomie Noodles to empower its residents.

The firm has donated 100 free Indomie branded kiosks as a way of paying back to the communities.

Tagged: Indomie Buka, the event featured cooking and eating of the pastry.

The ceremony was led by the council Chairman,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe. "This is interesting; our council chairman has showcased what it takes to be a good wife and mother. We are lucky to have her at the helms of affairs. Aside this, she is also a good cook. I envy her," said one of the guests.

Mrs Akinyemi-Obe thanked the De United Foods Industry for keying into her programme.

She said:"This is a manifestation of corporate or-

ganisation's trust in our empowerment drive. Reducing poverty is one of the major programmes of my administration, which must be tackled to alleviate the suffering of our people in Coker/Aguda. My administration has taken the bull by the horn by going an extra mile to procure Indomie Buka from De United Foods Industry. My administration has also taken up the responsibility of signage in order not to impede your operation," she

said.

Akinyemi-Obe urged beneficiaries to be prudent with the economic gains from the venture and make the government proud.

A NINE-YEAR-OLD pupil of International School, University of Lagos, Akoka, Bello Olasunkanmi has emerged winner of the junior category of oratory competition organised by Brainy Educare Services in Lagos.

His presentation: “If I were President, what will I do?’ gave him an edge over his competitors.

The competition according to its organiser, Mrs Eniola Olajobi, who is Brainy Educare Services chief executive officer, is meant to revive the appalling state of communication skills in the country.

It held at the end of a five-day workshop on skill acquisition by the organisation. Tagged: ‘Scribes and Orators,’ the workshop, she said, was aimed at honing the communication skills of elementary and secondary school pupils in Nigeria.

Mrs Olajobi said the competition was meant to test what was learnt at the seminar in order to ascertain how they were able to understand what was taught.

Olasunkanmi acknowledged God and the facilitators of the seminar for the success of the competition.

He elucidated that it was the inspiration from God cum the insights from the facilitators on effective communication that culminated in his victory.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Ntekim-Rex said he was surprised when Olasunkanmi presented his speech with oratory prowess.

“I saw this young man do what adults could not do; he would read the note and speak from his heart. I’ve seen adults shake while holding scripts,” he said.

Mrs. Olajobi urged the pupils to make use of what they have learnt to be able to be well-rounded communicators.

“You should go out there and make a difference. The world is the way, it is today because we have too many good people that are silent,” she said.

Shonekan Aishat of Avicenna International School came first in the middle category of the competition while Onwuchekwa Oyindasola also from International School came first in the senior category. all delivered speeches on the topic; ‘If I were President, what will I do?’

Police ask owners to remove abandoned vehicles The Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of accident and abandoned vehicles parked at Ilasamaja and Apapa Police Divisions to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 21 days of this publication.

The vehicles are: Volkswagen LT Bus with registration number XK528KRD; unregistered Volkswagen Fanagon bus; Volkswagen Golf Saloon car with number plate DB61MUS; Volkswagen bus with Lagos commercial colour, XE295LSR; unregistered Volkswagen bus; unregistered Mazda 626; Mercedes 911 Molue Bus with number plate XA286AGL; Toyota Vennet XK238FKJ; Volkswagen bus XH789JJJ and Nissan Primera CM655APP.

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Inauguration flip-flop

Parasitic federalism •This is what states should fight; not Niger Delta’s right to resources in the region

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EADING northern politicians, including Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Niger State Governor, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, Senator Danladi Sankara of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Jigawa State and Senator Abba Ibrahim of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) from Yobe State, have vehemently voiced their opposition to several aspects of the proposed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The bill is awaiting the consideration of the National Assembly.

From all indications, the passage of this all-important bill designed to sanitise and enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s corruption-ridden petroleum sector will continue to be stalled by these and other distractions, to the country’s detriment. The specific grouse of the North is that the PIB further skews revenue allocation to component parts of the country in favour of the Niger Delta, which is the repository of Nigeria’s petroleum resources. In particular, the northern spokesmen take exception to Sections 116-118 of the PIB, which provide for the creation of a Petroleum Host Community Fund (PHCF), to which 10 percent of oil revenues will be paid for the development of economic and social infrastructure of communities in oil-bearing states.

The northern political elite contend that the Niger Delta already enjoys considerable advantage in revenue allocation through the 13 percent derivation fund received by oil-producing states, the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with an annual budgetary allocation of N500 billion, as well as the Niger Delta ministry funded to the tune of N400 billion per annum.

They also cite the substantial funds committed to the Amnesty Programme for demilitarised Niger Delta youths as well as extensive development initiatives undertaken in the area through the Corporate Social Responsibility of oil firms.

What is portrayed as ‘preferential treatment’ of the Niger Delta states certainly does not take into consideration the historic injustices suffered over decades by the region. The exploration of oil and associated flaring of gas has completely devastated the environment, polluted the waters, destroyed sources of livelihood and created health hazards for millions of hapless residents. The oil wealth that largely sustains the Nigerian economy ironically became the source of pervasive poverty and chronic underdevelopment in the states where the commodity is located. It took a bloody insurgency that almost brought the economy to its knees for the plight of the Niger Delta to be taken seriously and attempts made to address its peculiar developmental challenges.

The sentiments of the North on this issue only reflect Nigeria’s unhealthy and abnormal federal structure whereby all parts of the country are dependent on centrally collected and distributed revenue derived almost totally from the Niger Delta. In a genuine federal system, each part of the country should be able to tap its own resources and ingenuity to be significantly self-sustaining as well as contributing to the common wealth. What we have instead is an oil-driven parasitic federalism in which unviable and complacent states survive on handouts from the centre. This dependency syndrome must come to an end if the full potential

of Nigeria is to be optimised.

Ironically, the North has been the strongest supporter of the current overcentralised structure that undermines the development of the states. For instance, because of the monopolistic control of mineral resources by the Federal Government, several northern states are unable to take advantage of their huge deposits of solid mineral resources for the benefit of their people.

What the north should fight is not the right of the Niger Delta to benefit from the resources within their territorial jurisdiction but the abnormal federal structure that impedes the rapid transformation of the entire country. Above all, it’s high time states began to look inwards for sustenance rather than continue to depend solely on handouts from the centre.

‘What the north should fight is not the right of the Niger Delta to benefit from the resources within their territorial jurisdiction but the abnormal federal structure that impedes the rapid transformation of the entire country.

Above all, it’s high time states began to look inwards for sustenance rather than continue to depend solely on handouts from the centre’

Here comes Mahama •Despite opposition protest, democracy marches on in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana

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HE January 7 inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama for a four-year first term, after completing the tenure of President John Evans Atta Mills who died in office, shows the steady march of democracy in Ghana, Nigeria’s neighbouring West African country. Still, opposition protests, over alleged rigging of the election that brought President Mahama to power, cast a pall over the whole process.

But even with this pall, a true hero emerged – and he was neither the victorious president and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) party nor the virulent and hurting leading opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) under Nana Akufo-Addo, the party’s presidential candidate in the disputed election.

It was, rather, former President John Kuffour, for his statesmanlike conduct, when the less endowed would have opted

‘The breath-taking simplicity of Mr. Mahama’s swearing-in was admirable, just as the simple sophistication of the biometricsdriven electoral process that even enjoyed the luxury of postponement till the next day, without the partisan players bringing down the roof and concocting conspiracy theories of rigging and allied matters, that would easily have been the case if it were to happen in Nigeria’

for partisan fray, since he belongs to the opposition NPP. In 2008 when NDC ousted NPP by a wafer-thin margin and after a disputed run-off, even if NPP’s Mr. AkufoAddo won the first round of the vote, it was then outgoing President Kuffour who told his party mates to let go, in the overall interest of Ghana.

Now, five years later when the opposition was spoiling for a fight; and strongly prevailed on the former president to boycott Mr. Mahama’s inauguration in partisan solidarity, Mr. Kuffour admirably declined. Though he endorsed his party’s right to seek judicial redress over allegedly fiddled vote, he insisted that a former president must act the statesman. So, he was duty-bound to attend President Mahama’s inauguration, since the president-elect had been so declared by the Ghana Electoral Commission (GEC).

Given that foreign and local election observers had passed the Ghana vote largely free and fair, there was a lot of merit in Mr. Kuffour’s stand. If however the courts decide that GEC was in error by declaring President Mahama winner of the polls, Mr. Kuffour would be justified to endorse Mr. Akufo-Addo.

His would be total surrender to the rule of law and total loyalty to the state of Ghana.

Nevertheless, Mr. Kuffour’s stance makes sense to the extent that the system is seen to be relatively transparent. In Nigeria, notorious for electoral opacity, Mr. Kuffour would have sounded hollow and self-serving. Again, this is another area Nigeria must learn from Ghana.

Still, it would appear, from the NPP reaction to the last election, that Ghana is fast losing its innocence in electoral matters.

Indeed, the virulence of the protest would

appear to manifest the penchant of the African as a bad loser. But that would suppose, ab initio, that the Ghana opposition had no case and were only acting in bad faith. Only the courts can determine that, based on facts at their disposal.

Still, President Mahama and his Ghana people must continue to work on the sanctity of the electoral system; because the guarantee of equal-opportunity access to power is what makes democracy tick.

Ghana has a good head start now because it has two almost equally matched strong parties that can fiercely but fairly contest for power. That makes the voter electoral king or queen.

But beyond elections, President Mahama must follow the admirable footsteps of President Mills, his predecessor, and devote himself totally to the cause of Ghana and its people. He must seriously attack poverty – particularly the huge regional economic disparity, as Ghana’s North greatly lags behind the South. The president should also work on fairness and equitability to all, lest Ghana experience deprivation-driven violence masquerading as religious crisis, ala Boko Haram in Nigeria.

The breath-taking simplicity of Mr. Mahama’s swearing-in was admirable, just as the simple sophistication of the biometrics-driven electoral process that even enjoyed the luxury of postponement till the next day, without the partisan players bringing down the roof and concocting conspiracy theories of rigging and allied matters, that would easily have been the case if it were to happen in Nigeria.

Ghana would appear to have mastered the little, little things that matter in elections. Nigeria should follow suit.

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ESPITE denouncing it in the past, Obama is taking corporate money to pay for events Jan. 20.

Time and again, President Obama has promised to curb the power of special interests, a stance more consistently breached than honored. The latest — which comes after Obama reneged on his pledge to accept only public financing for the 2008 general election if his GOP opponent did the same, and after his reelection campaign in early 2012 began urging donors to send money to a super-PAC, a financing mechanism he had spent years decrying — is his decision to accept corporate money to pay for events at the presidential inauguration this month.

It’s a notable shift from four years ago, when the newly elected president limited individual contributions to $50,000 and barred corporate entities entirely; this year, the Presidential Inaugural Committee cares less about where the money comes from than whether it’s green, accepting unlimited donations from corporations or individuals. This has goodgovernment organizations up in arms, not to mention conservative groups that accuse the president of hypocrisy. They aren’t wrong, even if their cause is a little overblown.

On the subject of hypocrisy, Obama does have a disturbing tendency to harshly criticize his opponents for behavior that he later imitates; that may not be terribly unusual in presidential politics, but it at least seems worthy of note, or an explanation, or even an apology. On the subject of good governance, the inauguration decision sets yet another terrible precedent, signaling to insiders that the president’s rhetoric about curbing special interests is nothing more than campaign blather to be swiftly ignored after the oath of office is administered — or in this case, even before.

Yet now that we’ve almost managed to work up a head of steam about the inauguration switch … comes the crashing realization that it doesn’t really make much difference.

The events hosted by the Presidential Inauguration Committee — the swearing-in ceremony, a parade and assorted balls — represent only a tiny portion of the Inauguration Day activities. They will go off without a hitch just as they did in 2009. And despite the committee’s precautions that year, it’s unlikely that the ban on corporate contributions led to much of a reduction in lobbying; most of the money raised by the inauguration committee came from bundlers working for Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs that were then in need of government assistance.

Symbolism is everything. In 2009, corporate America was being blamed for causing the economic downturn and Obama was elected with a mandate to crack down. Today, he may be seeking to mend fences and bring CEOs back to the negotiating table after a bruising campaign pitting “job creators” against the working man and woman. Or maybe he’s just being two-faced.

– Los Angeles Times

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Nigeria is drifting in a Mali-Somalia anarchy direction.All of us should stop watching helplessly.

Together, we the people must brainstorm and work for a more suitable, stable order for the benefit of all Nigerians and their descendants.

Deliberate, constant inclusion of elected trusted leaders from all regions at the federal presidentail level is needed to achieve sustained rule of law for constructive, productive labour in Nigeria.

Persisting with current winnertakes-all constitution is very dangerous from Nigeria’s past, current and future realities on ground.

Any educated, gifted and competent Nigerian from anywhere should be seriously eligible for election as President in an affordable, credible, free and fair elections.

We should consider the idea of a collective president elected on the same day by and from each zones of South-south, Northwest, South-west, North-central, South-east and North-east zones in 2014 for 2015.

The elected collective President from South-south will have the first shot for the first two years from May 2015 to May 2017. The position is then passed on every

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

2015: Let’s try collective presidency two years among the elected collective presidents from the six zones in a constitutionally preenacted order.

Key ministerial portfolio assignments/reconfirmations for collective Presidents are done by the President for each two years in consultation with the Presidents.

There shall be one term of 12

years only for each collective presidency just as new collective presidents are elected every 12 years.

No one single measure can eliminate all of Nigeria’s operational deformities. This is only one of key solutions needed along with true federalism, much less corruption than now at all levels among others.

If adopted and implemented, this change will ensure one highly respected, elected President from each of the six zones; it will reduce significantly fears of marginalization and domination for all Nigerians, enhance a feeling of actual joint ownership of Nigeria for constructive participation in nation building and give

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• Dr Kayode Olamijulo Lagos

Rita Lori and Delta’s gift IR: Frontline Itsekiri leader, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor comes to me a good woman in every sense of the word.

But sometimes last week when news that she rejected the Christmas gifts sent to her by the Delta State Government went viral on the internet and social media networks, I lost a bit of my respect for her. The following days when a snippet of her ‘rejection letter’ was published in some newspapers, I concluded that she was either on a quest for cheap popularity or on a

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mission to mudsling Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, distract the government and create needless problems in the state.

The Igba of Warri said she rejected the gifts not because the Governor had not performed, but because ‘she was unhappy with the way he had been running his administration’.

If I may ask, since when did her happiness become a yard stick for measuring the governor’s performance?

How does her personal opinion translate to that of the general public as regards the performance of

the governor?

She also said she rejected the governor’s gift because many communities in the state had not enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. I may not be a fan of Uduaghan’s style of governance but I certainly don’t agree that many communities in Delta State have not seen the dividends of democracy as she alleged. To appreciate how much the governor has done, I urge Ogbebor and other blinds critics to cast their minds back to the way

Governor Amosun, remember us too IR: Governor of Ogun state, His Excellency Ibikunle Amosun was recently showered with praises by none other than former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his giant stride in infrastructural development in the state. That, despite the fact that both men are in opposing political camps goes

Nigerians and international investors stable atmosphere for orderly advancement at all levels.

It will certainly save Nigerians from the destructive, proxy guerrilla wars by political power seekers and those seeking domination by force for Nigeria is blessed with considerable human and material resources.

Our deformities need not be permanent. We can and we should move to perform much better than we currently do with the abundant God-given endowments at our disposal.

to show the developmental stride of this administration is commendable and laudable.

Be that as it may, the Ibikunle Amosun developmental programme to me is lopsided in the sense that, since inception, the government has not considered it necessary to embark on any developmental programme in

MAKOGI/MAGADA/MAGBORO town of Obafemi Owode LGA despite the overwhelming vote the governor received from these communities.

The people have endured so much difficulty and hardship in accessing the basic necessities of life in these communities. I want to implore the governor to explore

the economic opportunities inherent in these communities by providing the basic social amenities moreso that most of us have transferred our tax payment to Ogun State while others are being encouraged to do same.

• Anthony Ineh Makogi Town, Ogun State

things were before he came on board and they will see that we are definitely better off with him at the helms of affairs in the state.

With the avalanche of projects such as road, schools and hospitals initiated and completed by this administration in virtually every part of the state, it is unfair to say that Dr. Uduaghan has not performed. Instead of undermining these achievements, what Ogbebor should have done is to encourage the governor and remind him that there are still many mountains to climb in terms of developments.

The most disappointing thing about the Ogbebor’s rejection letter is the fact that she made a public show of it. If she had no sinister motives, she could have rejected the gifts silently without the media frenzy that accompanied it. If the government did not make news of sending gifts to her, she had no justification for circulating her rejection letter.

• Oritsejolomi Ativie, Warri.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

COMMENTS

Ladoja’s Sermon on the Mount ENATOR Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, relishes the comparative edge he had over the government of his former deputy and immediate past governor of the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala, in terms of people’s estimation of the quality of their governments. Where Alao-Akala was perceived as a profligate and jolly-good fellow leader who made no distinction between public and private purses, Ladoja came across as a shrewd and miserly governor who had the people at the epicentre of his administration. In spite of the scandal of his EFCC rout over the scandalous sales of the state shares that ran into billions of naira during his government, Ladoja still relishes that phantasma of his popularity.

Thus, once in a while, like the Roman Emperor peeping out from the patio and issuing codes of association to his people, Ladoja peeps out from the patio; this time through postings on his Facebook page.

Last week, Ladoja walked to the patio again. This time, he regaled the audience with some codes of good governance.

In surprisingly good English and coordinated articulation but flaw-filled logic about how a society must be governed, the former governor sought to teach Oyo State about good governance. But the Sermon on the Mount was so awkwardly penned that you ultimately wondered whether the same Ladoja, credited by his supporters as filled with some political know-how and sagacity, was the one behind that façade.

The sermon on the Facebook was riddled with apparently self-serving treatises which showcased him as myopic and lacking the grasp of the dictates of good governance.

Ladoja’s sermon was chequered. He dwelt on health, education, hospitality and road construction and in all, his vainglory and self-congratulations were as vivid as Mount Everest. If you read his sermon, you would almost believe

S

‘How does one establish the veracity or otherwise of this claim? Even though he claimed that his government designed three over-head bridges but as at the time his cousin and current governor took over office, none saw the light of the day, despite spending over three years in office. The present government has only spent less than two years and Mokola overhead bridge is almost completed. Ladoja never laid any foundation of any of the bridges, not to talk of awarding their construction. It’s high time our leaders stopped claiming glory for dreaming dreams’

F

By Akinlolu Hassan that you were reading one of Obafemi Awolowo’s imperishable thoughts on how to administer a developing nation, the blueprint of which he had successfully practicalised. For once, you wouldn’t believe you were listening to Ladoja, whose reign as governor was as unimpressionable as himself and whom many in Oyo State still wonder why the EFCC had suddenly gone docile over his case of alleged sales of billions of shares belonging to the state.

The most instructive of Ladoja’s intervention in his sermon was his statement over the commendable Ajimobi government initiative of building the first civilian-constructed fly-over bridge in the state after the one constructed by the David Jemibewon administration over 30 years ago. A very mercurial politician that he is, Ladoja had earlier quipped, in a radio interview late last year, in the guise of commending Ajimobi, that his administration midwifed the idea of constructing over-head bridges in Ibadan. Craftily, he sought to appropriate the glory that Oyo State residents and visitors to the state had been heaping on the governor for building the fly-over. In the sermon on Facebook under reference, Ladoja again brought up this sickening quip. His administration was the one that conceived the project, he said, ad infinitum.

This stomach-churning sermon has elicited several comments. One, since when did dreamers become actualizers?

How many leaders of Chief Awolowo’s time dreamt to change the faces of their province but ended up disappointed and going to their graves with their dreams? Leaders throughout the world do not claim success for their dreams and designs but what they actually achieved while in office.

How does anyone go into the basement of Ladoja’s mind to gouge out or gauge his dreams? How does one establish the veracity or otherwise of this claim? Even though he claimed that his government designed three over-head bridges but as at the time his cousin and current governor took over office, none saw the light of the day, despite spending over three years in office. The present government has only spent less than two years and Mokola overhead bridge is almost completed. Ladoja never laid any foundation of any of the bridges, not to talk of awarding their construction. It’s high time our leaders stopped claiming glory for dreaming dreams.

The former governor again went on in his dream world sermon. He believed in 30 students per class, he said and attempted to actualize it during his administration. Whether Ladoja dreamt this or not, what the current state government inherited was that, between him and his nemesis, AlaoAkala, a decayed educational system was the lot of Oyo State.

Structurally and in all other facets, education was in stasis in Oyo. The state was placed Number 34 out of 36 states of the federation; classes had become dilapidated and moribund.

But less than two years of Ladoja’s cousin, Ajimobi, coming

on board, the situation has totally changed. The state’s position moved to 23rd and a massive rehabilitation of classrooms is on-going. Thousands of furniture are also being procured for the schools. That is the difference between a dreamer and an actualizer.

Ladoja the dreamer and sudden critic was not done. Admittedly in innuendoes, he criticized the state government for, according to him, building a hotel when there are other needs of the people. This also reveals the quality of or the knowledge base of the former governor of the state. Is Ladoja ignorant or is on a mischief roller-coaster? Because this is a gaffe that even a toddler in Oyo State or Year 1 student of Development Studies should not make. First, Oyo State government is not building any hotel. The one he sees springing up on the Mokola Hills is being built by Hilton Group, in partnership with the state government. In other words, the state’s liquid fund injection is not only minimal but negligible, except its land deposit to the Private Public Partnership venture. But for Ladoja’s rabid ambition to destroy anything not his, building a gigantic hotel should have been commendable because it will expand the economy of the state and employ thousands of our people. It is apparent that the former governor neither appreciates the dictates of a new and modern economy that is thriving throughout the world, nor is he happy to have his cousin be the engine of such economic innovation in Oyo State.

Funny that in his unsolicited homily, Senator Ladoja never commended the present government for its unprecedented strides in aggressive expansion of the economy, in order to alleviate poverty and its quest to push this with unprecedented vigour. Nor did he commend the government for its massive urban renewal that has become the sing-song even in the mouths of babes and the suckling. The hotel he talked so glibly about, for instance, is meant to provide envisaged investors with a place to stay. Right now, even Premier Hotel, one of the biggest in the state, does not have the wherewithal to accommodate international investors of the hue envisaged in Oyo State. Aside infrastructure, security and clean environment have also engaged the attention of the present government. But Ladoja’s self-righteous homily does not have room for such.

Is it not a gratuitous insult to the people of Oyo State that all Ladoja talked about his having done was combating guinea-worm when he was in government? How come he would turn his bile at a government that has done more roads than him and his former deputy put together? Why would he not have kind words for a man who has literally and metaphorically cleaned the dirt that they foisted on Oyo State? Oyo State is better than before and is wearing a new look. Our leader(s) should not mislead the public because of their ambitions. Ladoja had an opportunity to do exactly or even better than his cousin in government now but he was too busy designing and dreaming.

• Hassan teaches at Monatan, Ibadan.

Zoning and the politics of mediocrity

OR some time now, the media in Akwa Ibom state has been awash with arguments and counter arguments on where the next governorship seat in Akwa Ibom State should be zoned.

Obong Victor Attah, the immediate past Governor of the State, hails from Uyo senatorial District. He ruled the State from 1999 – 2007.

His successor and incumbent governor, His Excellency Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, whose tenure will expire by 2015, is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

Thus, there has been calls by various groups within the state that Eket Senatorial district be allowed to produce the next governor of the state in 2015 for the sake of fairness, equity and justice.

Others disagree; they argue that in each occasion when governorship primaries were conducted, aspirants from the three senatorial districts were allowed to compete amongst themselves for the best candidate to emerge.

They argue that, for equity to prevail their candidate should not be excluded from the primaries.

Others reason that, since the PDP constitution recognizes zoning, its internal organ is usually manipulated to favour a candidate in the senatorial district the office is zoned. But the proponent of this idea fail to advance reason why this organ was not used to stop the present speaker of the House of Representatives from emerging as the winner of the election to the office of the speaker even though the party had zoned the office to the Southwest. Though it could be argued that the event at the House of Representatives wasn’t purely a PDP affair that other parties joined in electing the current speaker, the truth of the matter is that some PDP reps members voted against zoning in that election; they voted for the best candidate and the best candidate won the election.

This argument no doubt, will continue in weeks, months and years ahead of 2015. But one thing is certain; by 2015 a governor will

By Aniefiok Ntoop emerge from one of the three senatorial districts. By then the gladiators will sheath their swords and turn it into ploughshare, party interest will prevail and everyone will be enjoined to support the government. That is the hallmark of party politics: no permanent friend or enemy but permanent interest.

What this means is that whether there is zoning or not, each senatorial district has a duty to project a candidate that has electoral values.

In my opinion, the argument about which senatorial district should produce the next governor of the state is neither here nor there.

The exercise rests squarely with the delegates in one hand and the entire voting population in the state on the other hand.

Though the debate may help to sway the mind of the delegates but each senatorial district must produce a candidate that possesses tall credentials that can be marketable to the delegates. The candidate must be seen to be above board in all his dealings both within and outside government. Emphasis shouldn’t be about power shift, but a person who will run a good government devoid of tribal and ethnic sentiments. He should be someone who would not allow the burning anger expressed by Governor Akpabio in his developmental strides to wane. Such person should be able to provide us with electricity, safe drinking water in our homes and not borehole water, harness hidden treasures in our land and use it to create jobs for our people.

Thank God the present administration in the state has done a lot in the area of infrastructural development. But a lot more is needed to ensure that the “Real sector” of the economy work well.

We desire a person who will focus on wealth creation, resuscitate our ailing industries and build new ones under Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. It baffles me when things such as ceramic wares are im-

ported into this country when we have abundant deposit of clay materials in Itu Local Government Area that can be used for ceramics work. So effort must be geared towards industrialization.

The clamour for power shift to senatorial districts can only breed nepotism as a section will see it as an opportunity to enrich his people. It will kill patriotic and nationalistic zeal in our people. It will rather encourage a local champion whose score-card will be what he has actually achieved for his senatorial district while the state will be the worst for it. Neophytes, charlatans and mediocres could hide under the cover to find their way into the Hilltop Mansion.

What the present democratic dispensation requires is for us to evolve a culture where every leader irrespective of his place of birth and dialect will see the state as his primary constituency, where governance will be carried out not by ethnic or tribal sentiment but based on fairness, equity and justice.

Such that an Eastern Obolo man or woman does not need to wait until his kinsman becomes governor before roads, school, hospital and pipe borne water are built in his domain. Same goes with an Ibeno person and other ethnic grouping that make up the state.

We should dissipate our energy on issues that unite us not those that divide us. The call for power rotation based on senatorial districts can further divide us as smart politicians could manipulate the system to permanently favour a particular tribe that have spread in all the three senatorial districts of the state.

I am pleased with the way and manner the present administration is running the affairs of our state. The vision of the governor and his team from day one has been that of transforming the state from a mere pedestrian state to a destination of choice.

This the administration has achieved by completing projects such as the Airport, Ibom Power plant and establishing new ones

such as the E-Library, Ibom Tropicana, Specialist Hospital and Olympic-sized stadium project and other’s too numerous to mention. The facts here are that all these project are of high class and meet international standard. So any visitor to Akwa Ibom State either for leisure or investment will find on ground first class facilities to aid his stay thereby confirming the state as a destination of choice. This feat achieved by the current administration should not be squandered on the altar of senatorial district politics. This is because the governor as a former commissioner was groomed, tested and found to be suitable by His predecessor Obong Victor Attah to be his successor when he vacates office. So rather than zone the office to any particular senatorial district, an individual (irrespective of where he comes from) with potentials for good leadership should be identified and groomed to assume governance in 2015 and continue the good works.

Collectively, we owe this state a duty to bequeath it a tested leader with proven track record of achievement when the current regime comes to an end in 2015.

• Ntoop, a political analyst writes from Uyo

‘What the present democratic dispensation requires is for us to evolve a culture where every leader irrespective of his place of birth and dialect will see the state as his primary constituency, where governance will be carried out not by ethnic or tribal sentiment but based on fairness, equity and justice’

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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HEN former President Olusegun Obasanjo speaks, we are wont to take him very seriously. Apart from having presided over the affairs of this country at three different times, he is very highly respected at home and also by the international community having been engaged in peace negotiations and sundry activities in and around the globe. He has also been actively involved in shaping the content and direction of this country right from the civil war days till date.

Whatever opinion such a personage volunteers on the affairs of this country, is bound to have profound influence on the thinking and direction of its people. Not a few Nigerians were therefore taken aback last week when he spoke to the CNN on how best to handle the Boko Haram menace in the country.

Apparently unmindful of his previous views on the matter, Obasanjo had criticized the handling of the Boko Haram insurgency by the Jonathan administration on the grounds that it did not apply the ‘carrot and stick’ in fighting the scourge.

Hear him, “to deal with a group like that you need the carrot and stick. The carrot is finding out how to reach them. When you try to reach out to them and they are not amenable to being reached out to you have to use the stick” He said Jonathan is just using the stick.

The purport of Obasanjo’s contention is that Jonathan is only applying maximum force to the Boko Haram menace without engaging them in some form of dialogue.

For him, this approach cannot effectively address the potent danger posed by that

‘Obasanjo cannot claim ignorance of the fact that Boko Haram in its present form is nothing but political grievances masquerading under a religious garb.

It has its root in the way the last presidential primaries of the PDP were conducted and he was a prime actor in the events that brought about that pass’

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Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Obasanjo’s double speak sect. That is Obasanjo’s opinion and he is entitled to it.

A couple of weeks back, the same Obasanjo had berated the same administration for its slow action in fighting the scourge. He had then drawn parallels between his deployment of soldiers to Odi and Zaki Biam in Bayelsa and Benue states respectively and the Boko Haram challenge arguing that the menace could have been nipped in the bud if the government had acted fast as he did in these two states.

But Jonathan sharply rebuffed that assertion arguing that the deployment of troops in Odi was a colossal disaster as it did not solve the problem of militancy in the Niger Delta region. He said the invasion only succeeded in the killing of innocent children, old men and women without hurting a single militant.

Apparently sensing the dangers in his recommendation, Obasanjo through his former spokesman Femi Fani-Kayode attempted to reverse himself arguing that he never recommended the Odi approach to be applied to the Boko Haram menace. He said what he meant was that a solution ought to have been found or some sort of action ought to have been taken rather than allow the matter to fester overtime like a bad wound and get worse. Not many believed in this revisionism then.

If Obasanjo had no intention of recommending the Odi strategy to the Boko Haram menace why compare the two? Why talk of quick action and the nipping of the matter in the bud if those references are not to the quick use of force? Was it possible to nip the Boko Haram insurgency in the bud then through negotiations whose duration

ITH over 9.4 million people, according to the 2006 census figures, Kano is the most populous state in the country. Yet, access to tertiary education has always been a challenge for its teeming youth. Year in year out, hundreds of secondary schools across the state churn out thousands of students eligible for university education, alas only a fraction of this huge number get to see the four walls of university lecture halls. Why? Up until last year, overwhelming number of such students could only be accommodated by Bayero University and Kano state University of Science and Technology, Wudil, established by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during his first term in office between 1999 and 2003. However, the vice chancellor of Bayero University had told Governor Kwankwaso that of over 50,000 that apply to the university, it could only admit about 5,000. The bottom line is, the overwhelming percentage of the 45,000 students are from Kano state. At a time when youth restiveness is gaining ground, to say these rejected admission seekers are a time bomb is to belabour the point.

I was with a friend last week Tuesday when I saw a newspaper advertorial, placed by the Kano State government, calling for private partnership for the establishment of a conventional university and a medical one. I spent a few minutes reading, or more appropriately, pondering over the content of the advert. And my friend, perhaps seeing the keenness with which I looked at the page, interjected. He asked if I thought additional degree-milling institutions, as he called them, are desirable in present day Kano State. I have heard similar question as my friend’s since the first move by Governor Kwankwaso, upon his return, to set up additional university in Kano which he successfully started and named Northwest University, Kano.

The concern of my friend and his co-travellers is not something that one can easily wave away especially knowing well the manner state governors complain of inadequate fund to run the machinery of governance. Close home, the previous administration is an apt example of such trend. As a government that personified ineptitude, they spent eight years squandering people’s common vault on seeking political patronage and obscurantist ‘human development’ projects that ended up developing nepotism and perpetuating gargantuan corruption.

In contrast, in Kwankwaso we see strict financial discipline that is unmatched in recent history. Thus, by sharking off the culture of profligacy and closing in all avenues of ‘authority stealing’, government’s coffers is now brimming

Obasanjo himself could not predict?

Thus, despite Obasanjo’s attempt to clarify his position on the matter, he left no one in doubt on his preference of brute force in handling Boko Haram.

It is therefore very astonishing for the same character to now pontificate on the so-called carrot and stick approach as the best solution to the menace. If he was aware of such a strategy, why the copious references to the brute show of military force in Odi and Zaki Biam? Again, why did he not apply the carrot in those instances only for his predecessor Yar’Adua to give meaning to it?

Today, the relative peace in the Niger Delta region owes its success to the late president. Yet Obasanjo was there for eight years and only found the stick the most appropriate option to militancy.

May be then, he had not been sufficiently schooled in the carrot dimension to problem solving and can be excused on that ground.

But this later day convert of the carrot approach has so contradicted himself that it is now difficult to understand where he stands on the matter. In one breadth he accuses Jonathan of being tepid and not acting fast and decisive. In another, he carpets him for solely relying on force rather than reaching out to the insurgents.

These are contradictory positions with little value for our understanding of his real stand on the matter.

In the face of this double speak, one is left with the inevitable impression that Obasanjo is being less than honest in the matter and should not be taken seriously.

It seems his anecdotal positions are de-

signed more to get even with Jonathan for whatever reasons.

More fundamentally, the allegation that the carrot is not being applied in the instant case, contradicts the more. It was the same Obasanjo who sometime ago, reached out to the loyalists of the late leader of the original Boko Haram Mohammed Yusuf in a peace effort brokered by Mallam Shehu Sani in Maiduguri. Was the man who hosted him at that event not killed shortly after for daring to receive him? There was also the peace effort brokered by Dr. Datti Ahmed which failed mid-way due to mistrust among the parties. There have been other offers that failed to take off the ground due to suspicion on the quarters from which they were emanating. Even then, the federal government has said time without number that it is not averse to a peaceful end to the crises.

All these go to underscore the point that Obasanjo’s carrot approach has been part of the calculations in ending the menace.

He may quarrel with the progress in this direction. But he must admit that at no time was that possibility foreclosed.

The point of divergence has been the insistence of the federal government that it cannot negotiate with ghosts. It wants the leaders of the group to come out, table their grievances and commence the negotiations.

But because of the atrocities committed by the group, nobody would dare come out to be identified as their leader for fear of reprisals. That has been the main issue even as there is a welter of public opinion against negotiating with such a criminal and murderous group.

Obasanjo cannot claim ignorance of the fact that Boko Haram in its present form is nothing but political grievances masquerading under a religious garb. It has its root in the way the last presidential primaries of the PDP were conducted and he was a prime actor in the events that brought about that pass. That party should hold itself accountable for the orgy of violence unleashed on this country by Boko Haram.

The simmering bad blood between Obasanjo and Jonathan is an admission of failure by the PDP led government. At the root of it all, is the touted ambition of Jonathan in 2015. Maybe Obasanjo wants to recompense for his sins in the mortal mistake of scuttling the zoning arrangement of his party. That could be the potent handle to Boko Haram insurgency.

Why Kano needs additional universities

By Ahmed Lawi with enough money to do all the things that we were told could not be done by government. At a point, during those uneventful years, common government duties of payment of salaries and pension benefits became something of a Herculean task. However, with minimal expenses on dispensable projects and government programmes, Kwankwaso has made things that we could only dream of three years not only possibilities but realities.

To answer my inquisitive friend, I first reminded him that the two new universities being considered are going to be under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Thus, the state government is not the one to sponsor the universities and convolute its payroll by employing additional staff.

The PPP arrangement would see the government contributing physical structures to support any private investor willing to finance the running of the proposed institutions, including staffing. Government’s role is basically to provide enabling environment for the operation of additional universities that would benefit the teeming admission seekers from the state.

Kwankwaso’s ultimate aim in this venture is to close a gaping void in access to education. While realizing that the government cannot shoulder all the responsibility of catering for the need of thousands of students who are thirsty for university education, the government evolved the idea of this noble partnership in providing tertiary education.

The governor had recently paid a visit to the world renowned Gulf Medical University in Dubai where he discussed the possibility of the university partnering with the state government to establish a private medical university in Kano to be fashioned after the one in Dubai. The governor tabled before the university management the option of using any of the three new hospital facilities in Kano for the purpose. The proposed sites are the Centre for the Control of Infectious Diseases located at Kwananr Dawaki and constructed by Pfizer Inc, the Paediatric Hospital along Zoo Road and the general hospital at Giginyu.

Meanwhile, for the conventional private university, the government is looking at the possibility of using the magnificent Ado Bayero House, located in the heart of the metropolis. Already, the newly established Northwest University is using part of the building as a temporary site, pending the completion of the permanent site at Kofar Kabuga, which is going on a healthy pace.

It is a known fact that in comparison of its huge population size, the number of Kano indigenes that get admitted into the university per annum is not anything to write home about. Many qualified students cool their feet at home not because they don’t have requirement or cannot afford the fares but because there are simply no space to accommodate them. This initiative would therefore go a long way in ameliorating this dangerous trend. If ideal mind is called a devil’s workshop then ideal mind of a young person is more fertile a workshop than that of an elderly person. Therefore, getting the young people engaged through academic pursuits is not only commendable but something that all well meaning citizens of Kano should encourage.

With the success story of the Northwest University, which has already admitted its first set of students for various degree courses and employed hundreds of job seekers from Kano and beyond, establishing two additional universities will further strengthen this drive of educational empowerment.

Lawi wrote from Kano.

‘While realizing that the government cannot shoulder all the responsibility of catering for the need of thousands of students who are thirsty for university education, the government evolved the idea of this noble partnership in providing tertiary education’

AFCON 2013

Bafana coach believes team is improving Pg. 41

Renard: Nigeria don’t impress me Pg. 24

•Renard

Sport Monday, January 14, 2013

PAGE 23

AFCON 2013

Ejide ‘ll be ready

•Ejide

Pg. 24

Keshi ‘taking Ghana FA supports big risk’ on decision to axe Ayew half-fit Reuben from AFCON Pg. 24

Pg. 41

•Ayew

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NATIONSPORT

NATION SPORT

AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...

Ideye targets starting line-up

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YNAMO KIEV striker Brown Ideye has told MTNFootball.com he hopes replicate his club form for Eagles at the AFCON to justify his selection.

Ideye, 24, has scored 13 goals for Dynamo Kiev this season, but has struggled to be as prolific with Nigeria since he made his full international debut three years ago.

He has represented Nigeria at U20 level and was a late replacement for injured Mikel Obi on the final squad to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, he did not get any minute of game time during the tournament. The former Sochaux striker said he will raise his game with the Eagles to justify his inclusion on the final AFCON squad.

"I'm happy to be named in Eagles final team," Ideye told MTNFootball.com “It's great to be in South Africa with Nigeria. That was my target at the early stage of the qualifiers, and all I have to do now is to do well in South Africa to justify my inclusion in the team.

“I will have to work harder to be in the starting line-up and prove my worth. I want to get goals for Nigeria as I have

been doing at my club.

"There are a lot of striking options for the coach, but I will definitely prove myself when called upon."

Emmanuel Emenike and Ikechukwu Uche are ahead of Ideye in the top striker role.

Z

AMBIA COACH Herve Renard has slammed AFCON group rivals Nigeria, saying the current Super Eagles do not impress him.

Defending champions Zambia take on Nigeria on January 25 in Nelspruit and Renard has been quick to say he has not been impressed with the Eagles under Stephen Keshi after he watched

A

•Keshi

O

•Igiebor

January 25 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. And Renard reiterated that he was also itching for payback time against the Eagles after the latter ejected them in the 2010 quarter-finals.

"So on January 25 against Nigeria, it will be a different game, it will be a tough game," the Frenchman said.

"But I can assure you we want to

finish top of our group like in 2010 and 2012. It’s not easy, but we want go as far as possible because this team has fantastic team spirit.”

Meanwhile, Zambia are due to arrive in Nelspruit late on Sunday after they played their final warm-up game against Norway at the weekend.

Chipolopolo drew 0-0 with Norway.

Keshi 'taking big risk' on half-fit Reuben

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AGLES COACH Stephen Keshi has insisted on taking a half-fit Gabriel Reuben to the AFCON, officials have specially informed MTNFootball.com The Kano P i l l a r s defensive midfielde r has

•Ideye

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

approach every national assignment with all seriousness, we may not achieve anything in South Africa".

Drawing inference from the friendly matches played against Cape Varde last week, the medical practitioner said " look at the attitude Vincent Enyeama put on in that match, when he held up the match for almost three minutes. That is not professional enough. When he saw that Austin Ejide was injured, he should have started dressing and do some warming up before entering the goal post. But he had to wait until the goalkeeper was helped out of the pitch before he started wearing his boots, and dressing up, that shows he was not ready to be part of that game. I doubt if he can put up such an attitude i n his club.

These are some of t h e things Keshi should work on if the team hopes to make it beyond the group stage in South Africa. They s h o u l d approach every match with all the seriousness i t deserves. Keshi should not hestitate to drop any player that is found wanting at any point in time" he concluded.

Real Betis thump Levante 2-0 BAFEMI MARTINS was a second half substitute for Levante on Sunday afternoon, as they fell 2-0 to Real Betis in the absence of Nosa Igiebor, who is on Super Eagles duty.

them labour to a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde on Wednesday.

"I think you saw Nigeria the other day against Cape Verde. Do you think it was the best this time?" Renard said.

"I don’t think so."

The two sides are set for an early Africa Cup of Nations showdown in their penultimate Group C match on

Real Betis coach, Pepe Mel had declared that his side 'must beat Levante' and his team raced to make that wish come true, as Joel Campbell scored within seven minutes of kickoff, to put Betis ahead.

Senegalese midfielder, Papa Diop, Juanfran, Morrocan Nabir el Zhar and Roger Marti, all received cautions as Levante tried to haul themselves back into the game.

Then in the 63rd minute, Ruben Castro, who had set Campbell up for the first, himself profited from good work by Nacho, to make it two for Betis.

Martins, who had started the game on the bench, was brought on at the start of the second half in place of Juanlu, but the Nigerian striker struggled to find his range.

Betis now have 34 points, and are into the top four, and a place in the Champions League.

not f u l l y recovered from a

long-term groin injury contrary to official statements.

His recovery was also slowed down when he went down to chicken pox before the warm-up game against Catalonia in Spain.

“There was a big meeting over Reuben for the Nations Cup because he has not fully recovered from his groin injury,” a top official told MTNFootball.com “Right now he cannot deliver long passes because of the injury, he can only make short passes. But Keshi has insisted he is too crucial in his plans to be left out.

“The player also lost about four days of training after he suffered chicken pox and so was

quarantined and did not travel with the rest of the squad to Spain for the match against Catalonia.”

MTNFootball.com further learnt Keshi plans a defensive midfield combination of Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi and Reuben in South Africa.

“As the situation is now, Mikel will now be the one supplying the long balls, while Reuben will keep to short passes so as to avoid a relapse of his groin problem,” another official informed.

Reuben only played his first match on Saturday against modest Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam as a second-half substitute since the Eagles began a training camp in Portugal at the end of last year.

Ejide ‘ll be ready for first AFCON game

D

•Reuben

ESPITE the initial fears over the injury of Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Austin Ejide, there are now strong indications that the Israel based star would be ready for action in the Africa Cup of Nations that will commence this Saturday in South Africa.

Team Media Officer told NationSport yesterday that Ejide was fast recuperating. "Ejide is fine and he is getting better but I can't tell you when he will be back. Only the team doctor would be able to do that", Alaiya told NationSport from Faro, Portugal yesterday.

But an impeccable source in Eagles camp told NationSport that Ejide would be ready for the Eagles first game.

"You won't believe the rate Ejide is

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja recovering. The recovery rate has been assuring. I believe he will be ready for Eagles first game. So there is no cause for alarm", the source revealed.

Meanwhile the Nigerian team will depart Faro, Portugal for South Africa on Wednesday as planned by the team officials after Eagles last friendly against a Portuguese second division team tomorrow.

"Yes the team will depart Faro, Portugal for Nelspruit, South Africa on Wednesday. "Yes we would be leaving Faro, Portugal for Nelspruit, South Africa for our final preparations for the 2013 AFCON competition", Alaiya told NationSport yesterday.

Osaze not Utaka active in Montpellier win S for sale —West Brom

W

EST BROMWICH Albion boss Steve Clarke insists Peter Odemwingie is not for sale.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp admits he wants to sign the Nigerian in a bid to strengthen his squad.

Redknapp said "We made an enquiry for Odemwingie.

"There is every chance we have made an offer for Odemwingie but I haven't spoken to [chief executive] Phillip Beard yet but there is every chance an offer could have gone in." But Clarke snapped after defeat to Reading, and insisted: [Odemwingie] is not for sale.”

UPER EAGLES’ ace John Utaka was on the pitch from start to finish as two second-half goals from Gaetan Charbonnier gave Montpellier a 2-0 win over Lorient Saturday night.

Utaka who failed to get a call up with for the Africa Cup of Nations turned out impressive for his French team as they begin the fight to move up the table after a poor start to the 2012/13 Ligue 1 campaign Lorient had the first chance after three minutes, but Jeremie Aliadiere could not find the finish to give his side the lead.

Souleymane Camera had Montpellier's first serious effort of the game after 21 minutes, but his shot went wide of the mark.

Soon after, Utaka had another chance for the home side, though his effort was off target.

Montpellier continued their push for the opener, with Emmanuel Herrera and Bryan Dabo coming close just after the

•Utaka 30-minute mark.

Aliadiere had another chance to give Lorient the lead on 57 minutes, but his finish was way off target.

Two efforts within a minute from Julien Quercia and Mattias Autret almost gave Lorient the lead, but both were well-saved by the goalkeeper.

Montpellier then finally took the lead on 79 minutes through Charbonnier, who was set up well by Remy Cabella.

Charbonnier then confirmed the win on 90 minutes with his second of the game.

NATION SPORT

Eagles take delivery of kits A

Renard: Nigeria don't impress me

Keshi should insist on 100% performances MEMBER of the Local Organising Committee of the Nigeria 2009 U-17 World Cup, John Ogbadu has advised the Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, to stick to his philosophy of players giving over 100 percent performance while on national assignments.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend, Ogbadu who is the Chief Medical Director of JEC Hospital Suleja, Niger State said the attitude of the players would be their undoing, when the Nations cup begins this weekend in the former aparthied enclave "we have a team that can make a maximum impact in the championship, but the poor attitude of our players while on national assignment may be our undoing.

Our players’ attitude reveal that they are only professional players while playing for their clubs, but they are entirely 'big men' while on national assignment. Until they decides to change this attitude, and

41

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

•Renard

Ghana FA supports decision to axe Ayew from AFCON From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

T

HE Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Fred Crentsil has stated that the Black Stars' chief coach Kwesi Appiah had the full blessings of the Ghana FA to axe Olympique Marseille's striker, Andre Dede Ayew over his failure to meet camp deadline.

Crentsil in an interview in Owerri said the rules are clear on the arrival of players for national assignment and for the fact that Dede failed to get to camp as and when due the Ghana FA had no choice but to back the decision of the Black Stars' head coach to instil discipline.

"The coach has taken a decision and we all need to back our coach. I wasn't in Ghana when the announcement was made but I believed it was done with good intentions.

Whatever happens, we play as a team and not built around a player. Once a team is selected, they will go there and do their best in South Africa," Crentsil explained.

He rubbished reports in the media which suggest Dede was excluded in the Ghana's squad to the Africa Cup of Nations owing to a supposed feud between the Marseille talisman's father, Abedi Pele and current senior national team boss, Kwesi Appiah.

Crentsil added: "It is completely untrue.

Everybody in the Ghana FA is there to see to the development in Ghana and I believe that our president speaks to Abedi Pele all the time. I don't we have any agenda against him.

Why would there be a conspiracy? He is a Ghanaian and whenever he wants to play for the national team I see no reason why he shouldn't be part of the team if the coach selects him."

S the Super Eagles gradullay round off their training programmes in Faro, Portugal, towards the Africa Nations Cup holding in South Africa, NationSport can confirm authoritatively that all the training kits that the team would need for championship have arrived in South Africa.

Confirming this on Sunday, the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Musa Amadu said the kitting company, Addidas has done the shipment of the kits to South Africa and it has been received.

"I want to confirm to you that all the kits that the team would need for the championship is now in South Africa. We have gotten the confirmation from addidas, and we are ready to go. I also want to confirm to you that the team would leave for South Africa on Wednesday 16th January, and they would be received in South Africa by our advanced party that are putting finishing touches over there.

We ensured that we provided all they needed to facilitate their

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

training in Faro, Portugal, and I want to assure you that the boys are battle ready. They are eager to put smiles on the faces of all Nigerians, and we are hopeful that they would achieve that. All we are asking is that Nigerians should support them with their prayers, as always"' he concluded. The Super Eagles will play their first match in the championship against Burkina Faso on 21st January .

•Musa Amadu

Eagles optimistic after Rotterdam win

T

HE mood in the Faro, Portugal camp of the Super Eagles is that of optimism after Saturday’s lone goal victory over Dutch Side Sparta Rotterdam Ben Alaiya Media Officer of the team has declared.

Though reports suggest that Eagles were wasteful in their slim win, the national team spokes man said the players and officials have taken note of mistakes made in the game and would work on that so as to get only better by the day.

"The mood in camp is that of optimism and readiness for the Championship proper in South

Africa and of course determination on the part of the players to do Nigeria proud in the tournament.

"Hopefully the team have another friendly with Fariense on January 15 before departing for South Africa on January 16th; the mood here is that of positivity.

Alaiya said Sunday morning online from the team’s base in Portugal."

According to the schedule of events for the day, the Eagles will have only one training session at about 11.45pm till 2.30pm while other activities will be off the pitch.

AFCON 2013: Bafana coach believes team is improving

•Andre Dede Ayew

Glo Soccer Academy boy dreams of playing for national team

B

AFANA BAFANA have no Gordon Igesund is convinced his momentum heading into the side is improving.

2013 Africa Cup of Nations South Africa played to a goalless (AFCON) tournament, but coach draw against fancied Algeria at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.

Bafana had come off a dour 1-0 loss to Norway in Cape Town four days earlier in their final buildup for the continental showpiece.

"It's going to get better each week.

I'm proud of my team, Igesund said.

"They were moving the ball well and controlled 70 percent of the match against the second best team in Africa."

Bafana open the AFCON tournament with a Group A fixture against tournament rookies Cape Verde Islands at the National Stadium in Johannesburg on January 19.

Concerns of a lack of goal scoring ability were compounded against the Algerians, who are 68 places above Bafana in the world rankings but did not show any of their true worth at the weekend.

Igesund, however, remained optimistic, with fit-again forwards Katlego Mphela and Thulani Serero •Igesund getting much needed game time in their last two fixtures.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

JOBS

THE CEO

Be a website designer in 14 days - P. 37 News Briefing

- Page 26 Dana Air crash: Firm accuses Prestige of laxity A FIRM of solicitors and legal consultants, M.O. Awoyemi & Co, has accused Prestige Assurance PLC of neglecting the family members of those who died in the Dana Air crash in June, last year.

- Page 39

Union flays workers’ maltreatment THE National Union of Telecommunication Technology Employees (NUCTE) has decried the ill-treatment of workers in the telecommunications industry.

- Page 40 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation 11.9% Treasury Bills 7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate 2% 91-day NTB 15% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR 12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

‘Solar energy now the way to go’ - P. 32

DMO denies involvement in NNPC’s plan to borrow $1.5b

Dangote crashes sugar price DANGOTE Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) has announced a 25 per cent reduction in the price of its product in response to the drop in price of sugar at the international commodity market.

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

T

HE Debt Management Office (DMO)has washed its hands off the attempt by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to borrow $1.5 billion to pay off its debts.

Sources at the DMO told The Nation that NNPC did not consult nor inform it of its intention to borrow.

Several sources at the DMO expressed dismay with the corporation’s plan.

“The money NNPC wants to borrow is not captured in the medium term economic framework,”one of the sources at the DMO said.

The attempt by the NNPC to borrow the $1.5 billion, he said, can rubbish the Medium Term Economic Framework that was submitted to the National Assembly last year and which generated a lot of controversy.

Another source said:

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

“NNPC must seek the permission of the National Assembly before it can engage in any external borrowing.

The $1.5 billion the NNPC wants to borrow is not included in the money the National Assembly has approved from the Medium Term Economic Framework of 2012.

“If NNPC wants to borrow money externally, it should be included in government’s borrowing plan.

That is why state governments come to defend their borrowing before the National Assembly.”

The DMO officials, who spoke to The Nation, lamented that by attempting to borrow the $1.5 billion, “NNPC wants to be a nation unto itself, and it did not even consult the DMO either for advice or permission be-

CBN, NDIC begin quarterly inspection of MfBs

M

ICROFINANCE Banks (MfBs) are now to undergo a quarterly inspection by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to ascertain the state of their financials, The Nation has learnt.

Managing Director, Partnership Investment Company Plc, Mr Victor Ogiemwonyi, said the focus of the examination is to check the lenders’stress level, clean up delinquent loans and reorganise balance sheets to forestall unwholesome practices that resulted in liquidation of many of the MfBs in the past.

He said the apex bank has begun intensive sensitisation of the subsector, educating the operators on risk management and corporate governance.

Explaining why some of the MfBs could not survive, the apex bank said many of MfBs were deficient in their understanding of the microfinance concept. It also listed poor corporate governance and high levels of nonperformingloans, among others, as key challenges facing the subsector.

According to CBN’s operational guidelines for the establishment of microfinance banks, they are not expected to engage in excessive spending.

The CBN had last month restated that the December 31, 2012 deadline for

By Collins Nweze

recapitalisation of MfBs are sacrosanct. In a circular to all banks, CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions, Mr O.A. Fabamwo, said it was exigent to remind directors and shareholders of MfBs that the deadline would not be extended.

He, however, advised the banks to conduct due diligence and seek professional legal and financial advice.

Moreover, he reminded directors and shareholders of MfBs about, particularly the capital requirements for each category of MfB and existing branches/cash centres among others.

He said, henceforth, ‘customer interaction centres’, ‘meeting points’ and ‘customer service centres’, or similar outlets, located outside the registered business premises of a Unit MfB shall be regarded as unauthorised/unapproved branches/cash centres if the deadline is not met.

Besides, previous approvals for such outlets for Unit MfBs have lapsed from the date of approval of the Revised Policy Framework by the Board of the CBN. He said the penalty for operating a branch/cash centre without prior approval of the CBN as stipulated in Section 13.1(b) of the Revised Guidelines for MfBs is N250,000 per branch for a Unit MfB, N500,000 per branch for a State MfB and N1 million per branch for a National MfB.

fore going ahead with the idea to borrow the money.”

When contacted, the Ministry of Finance offered no explanation on the matter.

A former World Bank Vice President, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, had warned that the $1.5billion loan amounted to financial recklessness and lack of transparency in the NNPC, warning that it should not be allowed to continue.

“This level of elite parasitism that has been the hallmark of our oil sector is fatal. It’s unsustainable,” the former Minister of Education and one-time chair of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), said.

She blamed the Federal Government for allowing what she termed “Federal

Republic of NNPC”, wondering: “Why does this administration encourage the idea of a “Federal Republic of NNPC in a Democratic Nigeria in 2013?”

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), faulted the decision on legal grounds. He said: “The decision of the NNPC to take a loan of $1.5 billion is illegal and unconstitutional.

The Federal Government or any of its agencies has no right to take local or foreign loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

Section Six of the NNPC Act, which empowers it to borrow money with the approval of the Federal Executive Council, has to be read subject to the powers of the National Assembly before taking such loans.”

• Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

But Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Mr Bismark Rewane, justified the NNPC’s borrowing, arguing that if the NNPC failed to honour its obligations for offshore processing transactions, it would affect the country’s international credit rating.

“If the NNPC does not borrow and pay its foreign creditors, our (Nigeria’s) credit rating will go down and this is not good for our financial institutions and the country,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

26

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

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

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

We are putting in place deliberate efforts to grow these numbers, if we must achieve the nation’s Vision 20:2020. Nigeria will do anything to create the right environment for valuing and promoting SGBs,” he said.

He said the governement has concluded the review of the challenges affecting the sub-sector.

“The Federal Government has done a review to know the economic constraints facing SGBs and is putting in place measures to upgrade them. Such measures include, online upgrade, easier registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and quicker access to credit facilities. ‘’The ministry will do all it can to help provide skill enhancement so that SGBs can add value by creating industries, help the nation to increase its foreign reserves and operate profitably and sustainably,’’ the minster assured.

Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, said ingenu-

ity and innovation from small businesses are the driving force of a nation, adding that the telco was irrevocably committed to impelementing ideas that will spur growth and creativity.

“Etisalat is committed to the implementation of ideas that will spur growth and creativity of small businesses, as innovation is key among its business pillars. As we all know, the lifeblood of any nation is innovation drawn from entrepreneurs.

“Our effort to foster innovation led to the launch of the Etisalat Prize for Innovation, where the Best Product or Service and Best Idea in Broadband were picked from over 100 applicants. The vision has also stimulated a partnership with the EDC on several projects including Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) and the development of the SME Toolkit,” Evans explained.

To the young entrepreneurs, he said, “As budding entrepreneurs, you must be proactive and confident because entrepreneurship is all about seizing opportunities to make a successful business.’’

09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

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

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55 08.30 15.10 17.40

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

By Lucas Ajanaku

12.15 12.45

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HE Federal Government is to assist small and growing businesses (SGBs) to promote regional private business ownership and global investments.

To achieve this, the government has simplified the registration of SGBs at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and is set to increase their access to credit facilities.

Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, who stated this at the quarterly business networking for SGBs at the Pan African University, Lekki, Lagos, said the Federal Government has recognised SGBs as agents of growth and development of the economy.

He said about 17.2 million SGBs have been identified in the country with about 32.4 million employees. He promised that the government would do everything possible to create the right environment to promote the sector.

“So far, there are 17.2 million SGBs and 32.4 million people employed through these businesses.

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

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

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

Fed Govt to assist small businesses

08.00 18.00

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

•From left: Team Lead, Pres-sales,Kitskoo Cloud Services Limited, Gilbert Kimeng; Executive Director Monu Ogbe and Pre-sales Executive, Itunu Ojutalayo, at a briefing by the firm on its plan to organise a customer forum for Information Technology (IT) managers in Nigeria ... on Friday.

Dangote crashes sugar price by 25%

D

ANGOTE Sugar Refinery Plc (DSR) has announced a 25 per cent reduction in the price of its product in response to the drop in price of sugar at the international commodity market.

In a statement, Dangote said it had crashed the price of its 50kg bag from N8, 900 to N6, 660.

Managing Director of the company, Abdullahi Sule, attributed the development to the recent reduction in the price of raw sugar in the international market.

The reduction, according him, “reflects the trends in the international market where the prices of raw sugar have dropped from about $0.26 to the current $0.19.”

By Bidemi Bakare

He said the company has a policy of passing the benefits of price reductions to the customers.

On the price reduction rocking the market and some other sugar refineries, alleging that DSR reduced the sugar prices to a level where it makes it difficult for competition to survive, Sule explained that Nigeria is not a sugar producing nation, hence raw sugar that are refined locally are imported from Brazil by industry players and that there was nothing to hide.

The company’s chief executive explained that raw sugar is traded

openly on the international commodities market with the prices available for all to see and verify.

“DSR only reacted to a reduction in the international price of sugar in the last one year for the benefit of its customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to the socio–economic growth of the nation’s economy and there is no need for this horrendous accusation,” he said.

He said in line with the company’s strategy of passing the benefits of price reduction to its customers, it reduced the prices of our 50kg sugar bags from N8, 900 to N6, 600 (VAT inclusive) with effect from December 16, 2012.

Banks register staff for CIBN’s certification

B

ANKS have begun the regis tration of their workers as members of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to ensure professionalism, a council member of the institute, Mr Bayo Olugbemi, has said.

He told The Nation that banks are registering their staff across board for CIBN certification, following a recent decision taken by the institute to sanction erring banks.

He said Stanbic/IBTC, Guaranty Trust Bank PLCand First Bank of Nigeria PLC, among others, have started the exercise to encourage growth.

Olugbemi, who is Chief Executive Officer, First Registrar Limited, said the development was informed by the need to check quacks and further ensure that only those

By Akinola Ajibade

who are fit practise banking.

He said: “Currently, we are trying to provoke the provision of CIBN Act 2007, which stipulates that all banking practitioners must register with the institute if they want to be relevant in the industry. A number of banks are leveraging on this initiative by registering their workers across boards. We are at the implementation stage of the exercise now. We would sanction banks that fail to comply.”

He said banks have been directed not to allow uncertified personnel to head internal audit, risk management, among other sensitive departments.

“You cannot appoint unqualified people to head a particular depart-

ment. That is our stand. Since we are regulating banks to some extent, we must have a say in whatever they are doing in line with ethics of the profession,” he added.

According to him, the institute will enforce the provision of the Act to ensure standard in the industry.

He said CIBN has made its examination flexible by introducing 20 different courses for practitioners, adding that excuses would not be tolerated.

He chided banks have turned their staff to fund mobilisers, instead of pursuing ethical standards.

The First Registrar’s boss said CIBN regarded people that are not qualified as quacks, noting that quackery is the bane of the industry.

‘Rural manufacturing can create 500,000 jobs’

By Daniel Essiet

N

O fewer than 500,000 jobs could be created nation wide, if resources in local government areas are explored, Director-General, Kaduna Business School, Dr Dahiru Sani, has said.

Sani said a national survey will reveal wasting resources in rural areas which could provide raw materials for big and small manufacturing industries.

He said successful efforts to grow rural manufacturing will create more jobs and generate economic opportunities in small towns and rural communities.

He urged the government to create an enabling environment for new industries to emerge and strive at the local government levels.

He said national, job growth creation is not widespread as much of it is concentrated in towns and cities.

For rural manufacturing to make a comeback, he said the government has to work with small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural communities to expand capital investments, spur business development and make infrastructure improvements support manufacturing and grow the economy.

To drive a massive job creation agenda, Sani said local government councils have to be involved, adding that a large number of rural communities have capacities to add jobs, but this will depend on the ability of the chairmen to implement pragmatic economic revitalisation programmes.

If local government chairmen push viable economic programmes, he said rural communities will experience the fastest rate of job growth.

Air Cote D’ Ivoire partners Arik Air

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

O

FFICIALS of Air Cote D ‘ Ivoire, yesterday visited Arik Air to seek ways of exploring mutual partnership between the two carriers.

Led by a senior official of the airline, Coulibaly Abdoulaye, the Air Cote D’Ivoire explained that the visit has afforded them the opportunity to learn how to run a service driven airline, as well as resolve the problem of intra-Africa connections.

He said the deal would equip the carrier with the strategy of achieving how to build a hub for the southern part of Central Africa, affirming that since the former regional carrier:Air Afrique collapsed, there had been no direct air link between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

He further explained that the best model for building stronger airlines in Africa is through partnership among carriers, insisting that the visit has afforded the officials the window to obtain first hand experience of running a service-oriented airline.

He explained that after the visit, both Arik Air and Air Cote D‘ Ivoire would work out a template for mutual cooperation, which he said, was key to running a solid carrier.

He said: “We are pleased with what we have seen today at the airlines premises, it is a positive surprise, we are pleased to meet an airline that is serious , well managed, cost effective as the basis for future business in Africa.”

Also speaking, the Chairman, Arik Air, Sir Arumemi Ikhide, described the visit as fruitful, adding that the airline is a good model for other African carriers to emulate, even as he called on government to continue to support local operators.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

27

ISSUES The maritime sub-sector is experiencing capital flight because of foreign control.

For the sector to impact on the economy, there must be effective implementation of the Cabotage Law, which gives local operators a leverage. TAIWO DISU reports.

•Aerial view of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

Foreigners rule the maritime world T

HE maritime sector is very strategic to the development of any economy, especially Nigeria, which derives over 90 per cent of its revenue from crude oil.

Besides, maritime, which is the second largest revenue earner for Nigeria, has the capacity to provide over five million indirect and direct jobs.

At a Presidential retreat on “Harnessing the potential of Nigeria's maritime sector for sustainable economic development”, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said Nigeria loses more than N2 trillion yearly to capital flight because of Nigerians’ inability to fully participate in the industry.

The poor participation of indigenous operators in the maritime, oil and gas industries led to the enactment of the Cabotage Act under the auspices of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the maritime sector; the Nigerian Content Act for the oil and gas industry and supervised by Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board

•Cabotage Act fails to save local operators (NCDMB ).

Stakeholders in the industry are wondering why the Jones Act has been used successfully in the United States to develop and empower American marine business and technology, while the Nigeria Cabotage Act remains largely underutilised seven years into its existence? Why has the Local Content Policy been used successfully in Brazil and Malaysia, while the Nigerian Content Policy is yet to meet set targets?

Experts say there may be several answers to these questions, but the undeniable fact is that in the countries where successes have been achieved, the common thread that runs through them is the insistence on the implementation of the laws and policies by their governments.

Nigeria has a coastline stretching about 870 kilometres, 3,000 kilometres of inland waterways, and 913, 075 square kilometres in land mass. Despite these enormous coastline resources, foreigners dominate the Nigerian coastal and inland shipping marine sector from reports and available

data.

N100 billion lost in freight forwarding yearly It is estimated that Nigeria loses about N100 billion annually to foreign operators in the freight forwarding business.

Nigerian freight forwarders are consigned merely to clearing and forwarding businesses at the ports; foreigners are in absolute control of the oil and gas component of the business where the potentials lie.

National President, Association of Nigerian Custom Licensed Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said most Nigerian operators limit themselves to the clearing and forwarding and are, therefore, edged out on the bigger picture. He said Nigerian operators lack the technical knowledge of the business, that is why foreigners dominate freight forwarding.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical bulletin, about 80 per cent of goods consumed in the country are imported, thus confirming the

size of the freight forwarding business in Nigeria.

An international freight forwarder, who does not want his name in print, said freight forwarding is done over the Internet and phones. "A typical freight forwarder will spend most of the day at a desk in front of a computer, but I really have to bewail the slow pace at which indigenous practitioners are catching up with the modern technology in the freight forwarding industry", he explained.

He said there is need for the government to control foreigners’ involvement in the freight forwarding business in line with its local content policy.

Seafarers not in the mainstream of Cabotage Law Nigeria is losing over N284.5billion to the non-employment of indigenous seafarers following the dominance of •Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

28

ISSUES

•Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

•Minister of Transport Idris Umar

•NIMASA DG Patrick Akpobolokemi

•Jolapamo

Foreigners rule the maritime world •Continued from page 27

the local shipping industry by foreign shipping firms and their crewmen. Recent study indicates that there are about 120,000 seafaring jobs in the shipping industry in Nigeria, while fewer than 800 seafarers are Nigerians.

Stakeholders in the industry pointed out that if after 52 years of independence, foreigners still dominate more than 85 per cent of maritime work force in Nigeria in spite of an Act of Parliament enacted to restrict the trade and employment 100 per cent to Nigerians, it means there is a failure on the part of government.

Recently, the spokesman of the maritime workers, Mr Adeola Lawal, said all areas of our maritime life are dominated by foreigners at the expense of Nigerian seamen, which is actually killing the Nigerian economy. “Nigerian seamen roam the streets while other nationals occupy our positions,” he explained.

However, it is said the indigenous seafarers lack the required expertise and experience to work on specialised vessels, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, which graduates a fairly large number of cadets who are supposed to be employed in the maritime industry, is perceived as providing substandard training. Also, Nigeria does not have a national carrier for the cadets to get sea experience.

The implication of all these is that Nigeria’s seafarers who are trained locally, will find it difficult to secure jobs on board international vessels.

Unfortunately, these men and women with paramilitary training roaming the streets, become easy recruits for piracy.

It is on record that Singapore and Philippines that are not blessed with oil and gas depend on their maritime industry and are the highest suppliers of seafarers worldwide. In the process, they rake in millions of dollars as remittances into their economies.

Maritime Academy The neglect and misplaced priority in maritime education have also caused capital flight in the industry. This is as a result

of those who leave Nigeria to Ghana, Malaysia, Egypt, South Africa, Norway, and the United Kingdom and for training and certification so that they could avail themselves of the opportunity of doing their practicals in an ocean going vessel, and in turn, obtain certificates that will enable them to get jobs locally and internationally.

At present, the only maritime institution recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Nigeria is MAN. After 33 years of its existence, the institution does not have a training vessel for its cadets.

However, poor funding has helped to retard the capacity of the institution to produce the required manpower with the requisite skills to take over the sector dominated by foreigners.

Dr Olaniyi Oyenekan, a master mariner, said it is surprising that NIMASA, which has a duty to give the academy at least five per cent of their statutory annual collection as support, some years ago, evolved a programme, the Nigeria Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), under which 25 seafarers from each state of the federation are to be trained overseas.

The state governments are to bear 60 per cent of the cost of the training, while the maritime agency will take up the balance.

However, some of the state governments had said the programme is expensive, and that the $25,000 per annum required for one seafarer, as a nautical scientist, ship master or marine engineer, is too high for them.

NIMASA is partnering some universities in Nigeria on maritime education.

Stakeholders in the industry said the questions that should be addressed are: how much does a training ship cost that the

Federal Government has not been able to acquire it over the years? Why is NIMASA not placing priority on MAN by evolving competing programmes and partnering other institutions?

Oyenekan said corruption, neglect and misplaced priorities are the immediate causes associated with maritime education in Nigeria.

A recent international study by the Baltic International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and International Shipping Federation (ISF) highlighted a forecast shortage of about 27,000 officers worldwide in the maritime sector by 2015, and projected a shortfall of up to 83,000 officers in less than three years.

Experts in the industry believe that now is the time for the government not only to address the problem of capital flight in the sector, but to also take advantage of employment opportunities for the seamen locally and internationally.

Shipping in Nigeria

There is serious mismatch between domestic and foreign input in the maritime sector.

These problems created the incentives for capital to flee whether or not stringent measures are put in place to control capital flight.

According to the Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Nigeria loses over N2 trillion annually in capital flight to foreign countries that owns vessels used for lifting about 150 million tons of cargoes, including oil products from this country as no Nigerian ship plys international routes Data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) made on tonnage shows that among the 13 membercountries of OPEC, which have a total of 134 tankers, Nigeria has

only two tankers, which are merely used for storage rather than lifting crude oil. The records further show that out of a total of 24 million deadweight of crude per day, Nigeria lifts less than 500 deadweight.

Executive Vice-Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said during a seminar in Ogbomoso, Oyo State that over 90 per cent of income in the shipping sector is earned by foreign shipping companies alone.

General Secretary, ISAN, Capt.

Niyi Labinjo, said Nigeria is also losing revenue through shipping ancillary services, especially the financial sector, because if the indigenous ships are working, they will be insured. Since this is not the case, Nigeria is losing about N 16.5 billion.

Chairman of ISAN Chief Isaac Jolapamo said: "It is disheartening to note that Nigeria has failed to take advantage of the vast potential in the industry to get our youths employed. Nobody can solve our problems better than ourselves", noting that the implementation is what is missing in NIMASA and NCDMB. Afolabi noted that Nigeria's experience with Cabotage Law regime has exposed and underlined one basic fact. It is not just in making the law, enforcing the law is also critical, he stated.

Fishing business

The incursion of foreign trawlers in the fishery segment of the maritime industry is also making Nigeria to lose about N300billion as a result of inadequate protection of our waters. Instead, we now depend on importation. Right now, Nigeria imports between 700,000 and 900, 000 metric tons of fish yearly to partially meet a shortfall of about 1,800,000 metric tons.

‘Nigeria is losing over N284.5billion to the non- employment of indigenous seafarers following the dominance of the local shipping industry by foreign shipping firms and their crewmen. Recent study indicates that there are about 120,000 seafaring jobs in the shipping industry in Nigeria, while fewer than 800 seafarers are Nigerians’

Stakeholders say the fishing industry is at the brink of collapse, owing to the dangers of pirates and foreign trawlers.

With huge maritime potential of a coastline measuring about 853 kilometres, Nigeria should be self-sufficient in fish production and able to export aquatic foods.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said the security threats in the Gulf of Guinea of which Nigeria is a major stakeholder had steadily risen from 45 per cent in 2010 to 64 per cent in 2012 threatening Nigeria's more than 600 million potential in fishing business. He added that the development has created major economic problems for the country and should be urgently addressed.

Recently, because of the incessant attacks on fishing crews, the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NTOA) called its fleet of over 200 trawlers and 20, 000 workers back to the shore, leading to a shortfall in fish supply.

According to NTOA, foreign trawlers from European and Asian countries come to the nation's coastal areas to raid tonnes of fish, they come with better industrial trawlers that can stay at sea for weeks and even months, equipped with ice boxes.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said piracy figures and attacks worldwide continue to rise, and cases of death are always recorded, stating that this is a major challenge to the world.

Expert advice

Adenekan said the developed countries make the best use of the sea because 90 per cent of world trade is done on sea.

Today, over 75 per cent of shipping business he whole of West Africa is, done in Nigeria alone.

He, however, advised that for the industry to become the maritime hub of west and central Africa and further check the incidence of capital flight, the government through its agencies and departments must start to implement its policies/laws, assess progress, review challenges, chart a realistic way forward and where necessary, reward/punish operators and set timelines for the attainment of goals.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

29

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

30

MONEY LINK Rebasing‘ll add N400b to GDP, says Rewane

N

IGERIA’S plans to change its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) base year to 2008 from 1990 will add N400 billion to her nominal GDP, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Bismarck Rewane has said.

The expert made this known at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FCAN) Roundtable on the Economy held in Lagos.

Putting the current nominal GDP at $273.8 billion, he said by carrying out the exercise, Nigeria will be emulating Malaysia and South Africa, which rebased their GDPs from 2000 to 2005 each and Ghana from 1993 to 2006.

He said rebasing the GDP would make the rich richer and the poor poorer while the country’s growth

Stories by Collins Nweze

trajectory will nosedive.

The GDP is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country, calculated using product, income and expenditure approaches.

The FDC boss said the real GDP is one that is adjusted for inflation while nominal GDP is the value of goods and services based on current market prices.

He said that Nigeria’s real GDP growth could decline from seven per cent to five per cent in 2013, adding that fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP is usually at a threshold of three per cent.

Therefore, by applying this principle, maximum deficit for 2013 would have been N1.3 trillion while the

rebasing will allow for a deficit of N900 billion or 1.5 per cent.

Notwithstanding, Nigeria, he said, will still be able to meet the convergence criteria for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) even as the level of inequality in the economy is magnified.

Rewane said that lower interest rates may not always boost spending and could result into liquidity trap for the economy.

He said interest rate, which will continue to be market driven, is expected to decline in 2013. Head of Markets, Sterling Capital, Sewa Wusu said regulators of the Nigeria capital market need to improve on their oversight functions to check market infractions. He said that there is also urgent need for application of more riskbased supervision as such

Access Bank backs CBN’s money laundering crusade

A

•CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi

would entrench corporate governance and deal with market infractions.

Wusu said that foreign participation accounted for over 65 per cent of total volumes of trades within the year in Nigeria and advocated improved domestic participation to build enhanced market confidence. This, he said can be achieved by collective investment schemes, increasing equity allocation of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and creating a pool of special fund at compelling rates for market makers.

JP Morgan to fix compliance laws

‘Taxation’ll re-engineer economy’

E

social amenities for the people.

Jegede, who was represented by Mr Ayodele Otitoju, an Executive of CITN, said taxation can be deployed into key sectors of the economy such as power, agriculture, real sector and creation of jobs to reduce growing unemployment rate in the country.

He said resources from taxation will complement oil revenue, to solve critical problems confronting the

FFICIENT and reliable tax system will assist the government in realising its transformation agenda in key sectors of the economy, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) President, John Jegede has said.

Speaking at a media forum in Lagos, he said that taxation has a way of complementing the government revenue drive, and making more resources available to provide

country.

According to him, an efficient and reliable tax policy will also encourage foreign direct investment (FDI), which is needful in helping the economy to grow, adding that taxes realised will equally boost the national revenue base.

He listed the FDI incentives to include low corporate and in-come tax rates, tax holidays, preferential tariffs, special economic zones, investment financial

subsidies, relocation and expatriation subsidies, job training and employment subsidies, infrastructure subsidies and research and development support.

He said that Nigeria has enough incentives in place to attract foreign investors and there are laws in place to ensure the country benefited from these investments and attendant taxes accruing to the relevant government agencies.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

NIDF NESF

Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

350m

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 11-01-13 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

STERLNBANK 1.97 CUSTODYINS 1.44 FIDELITYBK 2.81 AIICO 0.70 DANGSUGAR 6.54 LEARNAFRCA 2.00 GUINNESS 276.20 CCNN 6.01 FO 9.37 PORTPAINT 4.08

C/PRICE

2.15 1.57 3.00 0.74 6.90 2.10 290.00 6.31 9.83 4.28

CHANGE

9.14 9.03 6.76 5.71 5.50 5.00 5.00 4.99 4.91 4.90

O/PRICE 3.07 0.87 4.89 0.97 1.08 0.55 1.15 20.50 1.45 1.08

C/PRICE 2.92 0.83 4.67 0.93 1.04 0.53 1.11 20.00 1.42 1.06

CHANGE -4.89 -4.60 -4.50 -4.12 -3.70 -3.48 -3.48 -2.44 -2.07 -1.85

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

Current Before

Current After

CUV Start %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

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

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

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

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 11-01-13

SYMBOL JOHNHOLT UTC FCMB IKEJAHOTEL NPFMCRFBK NEM FIDSON PRESCO LIVESTOCK TRANSCORP

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

similar to one issued to Citigroup Incin April.

After the 2008 credit crisis companies reduced compliance staff tasked with guarding the financial system against the flow of illicit money, banking regulators said. HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA), Europe’s largest bank, agreed last month to pay $1.9 billion to settle a moneylaundering probe by the US Department of Justice and banking regulators in the US and UK.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

J

PMORGAN Chase & Co. (JPM) will become the latest big bank ordered by United States regulators to clean up its safeguards against money laundering, Bloomberg reports has said.

Banking regulators including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency will soon order the largest US bank to fix compliance flaws in its Bank Secrecy Act responsibilities, the report said.

The order doesn’t include monetary penalties and is

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

ships.

Addressing participants, the Bank’s Group Managing Director, Aigboje AigImoukhuede represented by Pattison Boleigha, Chief Compliance Officer acknowledged the contributions of the regulators towards the growth of the Nigerian banking sector.

He described the fresh directive as a regulatory effort to elevate the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in Nigeria to a much more commendable height.

The Access Bank boss informed the bank’s customers, whose profile fall into the category of the DNFBPs that the gathering was organised to provide an opportunity to address all gray areas concerning the registration requirements and interact with the relevant regulatory authorities for proper understanding of the directive.

CCESS Bank Plc as sup ported the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) money laundering war by organising a Stakeholders’ Awareness Forum.

The confab, according to a statement, was to enlighten its customers and other stakeholder groups on the apex bank’s directives to Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria and other financial institutions on additional Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).

The apex bank had mandated all financial institutions to obtain evidence of registration of DNFBPs with the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Federal Ministry of Trades and Investments prior to establishing business relation-

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 136.16 125.53 0.80 1.13 0.92 1,763.58 11.31 1.39 1.87 9,604.49 193.00 1.67

9.08 1.00 135.80 124.60 0.77 1.13 0.91 1,754.53 10.75 1.33 1.80 9,353.12 191.08 1.62

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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT

CBN mops liquidity with N218b T-Bills T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week issued N218.2 billion treasury bills (TBs) as a monetary control measure to mop up liquidity in the system.

The TBs, which were sold on January 9, were in addition to over N673 billion Open Market Operation (OMO) bills sold year to date, to ensure price stability.

Interest rates, exchange rate, quantitative easing, liquidity ratio, net open position, Open Market Operations and Cash Reserve Ratio are monetary tightening tools deployed by the apex bank to manage liquidity in the economy.

Fixed Income and Currencies Analyst at Ecobank Nigeria Olukunle Ezun said the CBN’s liquidity management remains active - supported by the decision to leave Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged throughout last year.

He said call and seven-day money market rates rose by 12.5 per cent and 13 per cent while the three-month Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) increased by 14.5 per cent. But fewer activities were executed on the tenor. The secured lending (Open Buy Back) rose by 12 per cent for commercial banks.

With market liquidity of about N430.5 billion including repayments of TBs and OMO bills on January 10, there is a strong likelihood of the banking watchdog mopping up liquidity through OMO bills this week.

Meanwhile, the naira on Friday fell by 0.1 per cent to 156.3 a dollar, paring its gain to 0.2 per cent last week. The local currency advanced by 3.9 per cent last year, the strongest performance of African currencies tracked by Bloomberg.

“The naira has been strongly supported by continued capital flows into fixed income instruments during this week’s primary Tbill auction and in the secondary bond market,” said Samir Gadio, an emerging-markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Limited. The inter-bank rate rose by 30 basis points on January 9, largely due to increased liquidity outflows into government securities and CBN forex at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS).

Autonomy Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Mr Jones Onyereri last week unveiled plans to strip the apex bank of its supervisory role and appoint a Financial Supervisory Commission to handle it.

Onyereri, who spoke at the African Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB) induction in Lagos, said such a step would forestall further failure of banks in the country. He also said that the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) was being positioned to be fully involved in the Financial Supervisory Commission, in advisory capacity.

“With the kind of challenges we have, it has come to the time that we should separate that function away from CBN. Make an independent one; probably the Financial Supervisory Committee, to deal with issues of bank supervision. We need to hear from CIBN and then take it from there,” he said.

He said it would be an integral focus of the House to ensure that it separates banking supervision function from CBN this year. CBN Director of Communications, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, however, said that the apex bank would wait for details and seek clarifications. The Banking Supervision is being handled by a special unit in the CBN headed by Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Agnes Martins. She was the first woman to occupy that position since her appointment last year.

By Collins Nweze

ing to become functional in the country will be completed this year.

According to the CBN, there have been a lot of improvements in the payment system, including the drive for financial inclusion.

“The cashless economy initiative has tremendous benefits for the people and the economy. It would reduce the cost of cash handling and cost of funds, with available statistics showing that the Central Bank and the banks would have spent over N200 billion on cash management by 2012. This cost can be ploughed into infrastructure development. It would also mean that majority of Nigerians would stop subsidising the cash handling cost of heavy cash users,” it said.

•Naira notes

Official reserves ($)

Reserves Analysts at FBN Capital have linked the ‘modest’decline in foreign exchange reserves by $300 million in December to concentration of the government’s expenditure in dollars. The reserves stood at $44.2 billion by the end of December.The investment and research firm said in an email report that the slide was the first since July.

“This is the fourth successive year in which reserves have declined in the final month despite the seasonal fall off in merchandise imports in the immediate run-up to the holiday season. One explanation could be a concentration of foreign currency expenditure by the Federal Government,” it said.

FBN Capital has predicted the decline as one-off, saying it will continue to view the CBN’s foreign-exchange policy as a success.

Inflation The Lagos State urban inflation index showed that prices of goods and services eased by 0.74 per cent to 11.87 per cent in December, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Bismark Rewane said.

According to FDC Economic report for December, the decline from 12.6 per cent in November was attributable to the food basket which dropped by 2.15 per cent for the second consecutive month after the hike due to flooding.

Legacy banks’ cheques The CBN has extended deadline for the acceptance of legacy banks’cheques to March 31, 2012. The apex bank had last November directed banks and other financial institutions not to honour or present for clearing cheques from legacy or liquidated banks from January 2, 2013.

This came after pressure from members of the banking community to that effect. The affected banks included Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc, ETB Limited, Oceanic Bank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Finbank Plc and Spring Bank Plc. Already, bank have started communicating the new date to their customers informing them that such cheques can still be presented for transactions and clearing till the new deadline ends. First Monument Bank Plc, in an email to its customers disclosed: “CBN has announced the extension of the deadline for the acceptance of legacy bank cheques (that is, those of Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc, FinBank Plc, ETB Bank Limited, Oceanic Bank Plc and Spring Bank Plc) to March 31, 2013.

FDI Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to Nigeria, South Africa and Angola are forecast to average $40.6 billion per year over

•Sources: CBN, FBN Capital

the next five years, a report by Ernst & Young, global accounting firm had said.

Ernst & Young polled 505 global executives, and 60 per cent said their perception of Africa as a business destination had improved over the past three years. Nearly three quarters said they believed Africa would become more attractive to potential investors over the next three years.

The report on global capital inflows, said as African oil and mineral reserves draw investors from emerging and developed markets. Around a quarter of a million new jobs are likely to be created in the three countries as a result.

Managing Director, Partnership Investment Company, Victor Ogiemwonyi, said majority of the foreign investors are targeting the bond market where there is sovereign guarantee and improved returns compared with other developed countries. There has also been a strong portfolio inflow to the high yields on local-currency debt including 91-day Treasury bill which was 14 to 15 per cent.

World Bank A World Bank report said the African continent would generate improved earnings through agriculture if African leaders can agree to dismantle trade barriers that blunt more regional dynamism.The report was released on the eve of an African Union (AU) ministerial summit in Addis Ababa on agriculture and trade.

In a statement, the bank said Africa’s farmers can potentially grow enough

e-payment arbitration The CBN also released exposure draft on e-payment arbitration to enhance e-payment efficiency in the country. In a circular to all banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers, the apex bank advised all stakeholders to submit their input on the draft to enable it arrive at final framework.

It said issues relating to number of agents, type and nature of agents including considerations for super agents are critical areas being considered in the draft exposure. He said all the processes for this line of bank-

‘The CBN’s liquidity management remains active - supported by the decision to leave Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged throughout last year’

food to feed the continent and avert future food crises if countries remove cross-border restrictions on the food trade within the region. The report urged African leaders to improve trade so that food can move more freely between countries and from fertile areas to those where communities are suffering food shortages.

“The World Bank expects demand for food in Africa to double by 2020 as people increasingly leave the countryside and move to the continent’s cities,” it said.

Bank to bank report Renaissance Capital (RenCap) placed a ‘buy’ rating on United Bank for Africa (UBA) shares after the lender adopted a Holding Company (HoldCo) structure.In an emailed report, the investment and research firm also forecast a target price of N7.50 per share for the bank’s share.

It explained that post the restructuring, existing UBA shareholders will be holders of four entities namely: UBA Plc, comprising the Nigeria bank, all the 18 African banking subsidiaries; UBA Pension Custodians, UBA FX Mart and UBA Capital Europe.

Also included are UBA Capital Plc, comprising UBA Asset Management, UBA Trustees, UBA Metropolitan Insurance, UBA Stockbrokers, UBA Insurance Brokers and UBA Nominees. Others are African Prudential Registrars Plc and Afriland Properties Plc. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), may sell bonds and shares as countries around the continent raise minimum capital requirements, its chief executive officer said.

According to Bloomberg report, the company, which is listed considering trading its shares on an exchange outside Africa, its Chief Executive Officer, Thierry Tanoh said.

He replaced Arnold Ekpe, who first took over the Togo-based company in 1996 and ended his second stint last year.

“We’re starting to see in a lot of countries requirements by central banks to raise minimum capital requirements,” he said in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. “If this continues quite aggressively we might have to look at raising additional resources.”

32

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

THE CEO The prediction is scary. In 50 years, some experts have said, the country’s oil reserve will dry up. Can anything be done to remedy the situation? Yes, says Managing Director, Sovereign Solar Energy Ltd, Dr Felix El-Schaeddhaei, in this interview with TOBA AGBOOLA. He advises that Nigeria to pay more attention to renewable energy, saying solar energy has the capacity to solve Nigeria’s power problem.

• Dr El-Schaeddhaei

‘Solar energy now the way to go’ D

O you think solar energy can solve power challenges in the country?

Sure, it will. The power problem is borne out of the shortsightedness of policy makers. Without vision the people suffer.

The government should promote and fund the development of solar industry in Nigeria.

The demand on the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), domestically, publicly and industrially, is so huge that it needs to triple its capacity to meet up. With the development of an alternative energy sector, residential and public energy consumption can be eliminated thus increasing energy at the disposal of industries for economic growth.

Public places, offices, streetlights, agricultural settlements, poultry farms and residences can all be solar-powered thus leaving manufacturing industries to have the much-needed power to run their plants.

Spain is one of the most advanced countries in the development of solar energy, and one of the European countries with the most hours of sunshine. In 2008, the Spanish government committed to achieving a target of 12 per cent of energy from renewable energy by 2010 and by 2020 expects the installed solar generating capacity of 10,000 megawatts (MW). Total solar power in Spain was 3.859 GW by the end of 2010 and solar energy produced 6.9 terawatt-hours (TW·h), covering 2.7 per cent of the electricity de-

mand in 2010. By the end of 2011, 4.214 GW had been installed, and that year, 7.912 TWh of electricity was produced.

Through a ministerial ruling in March 2004, the Spanish government removed economic barriers to the connection of renewable energy technologies to the electricity grid. The Royal Decree 436/2004 equalised conditions for large-scale solar thermal and photovoltaic plants and guaranteed feed-in tariff.

This singular act promoted solar development and application nationwide.

With adequate public enlightenment and education, Nigeria can make its energy problems history.

For instance, the privatisation by the Federal Government is a welcome development.

However, this alone cannot alleviate the power problem facing Nigeria. There is need for all facets of the sector to embrace adequate planning, setting of achievable targets, investment in alternative sources of energy, and accountability.

Are Nigerians responsive to solar energy adoption?

Most Nigerians don’t understand the concept of using the sun to generate electricity.

We at Sovereign Solar Energy Power are working to create public awareness of the technology and how it can be easily deployed to the populace.

We are willing to delve into the private sector; we want to address that lack of confidence in people when it comes to solar

‘Nigerians are generally scared of change.To achieve change, we have to give up a lot of things.

For instance, it has been hard convincing people to ditch their generating sets for a hazard-free hybrid system. In our line of business, it is a continual process educating the people on the advantages of a green economy’

power. I have talked to a number of people who said that solar does’t work in Lagos, but the truth of the matter is that the amount of sunlight emanating from Nigeria is greater than what Germany and the United States have.

Germany is the leading country when it comes to solar usage, so there is no reason solar cannot work in Nigeria. It is all about proper implementation to ensure that it works in different localities in the country.

Can it be used by big industries?

Of course! By Febuary 22, last year, the Chattanooga Airport had saved 90,000 kilowatt-hours of power since installing a 4.5acre solar farm in December 2011. Spain is producing solar power in terawatt-hours and we have the Sahara Desert with enormous solar resources wasting away everyday. We have more than enough solar power resources to power all our industries if fossil fuel energy source fails.

The earlier we embark on renewable energy development in Nigeria, the better the chances of our rapid economic advancement.

What can be done to encourage the adoption of solar technology?

First, we need to understand that solar can work in Nigeria. I have heard from a lot of people that solar power cannot work in some states.We are blessed with more sunlight than leading solar user countries. Having clarified that as a technology in its infancy, •Continued on page 33

33

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

THE CEO

‘Solar energy now the way to go’ •Continued from page 32

adequate awareness/education is key in encouraging solar adoption.

Many people either haven’t heard of solar or are not convinced of its potential. Some see the huge capital investment cost as a major deterrent, but proper education, including fact-based report, such as cost benefits analysis will go a long way in combating such fear.

Does government have any role to play in this regard?

It is the major player.The government needs to create incentive/subsidy package to encourage the early players in the industry. This could be in form of solar import tax rebates, net metering packages, etc.

What are your challenges in doing business in Nigeria?

Nigerians are generally scared of change. To achieve change, we have to give up a lot of things. For instance, it has been hard convincing people to ditch their generating sets for a hazard-free hybrid system. In our line of business, it is a continual process educating the people on the advantages of a green economy. Patience has been our key word as we continually strive to light up Nigeria.

Are you facing challenges at all?

Our major challenge is subsidy from the government because solar technology is very expensive as much as its products.Although the price of solar panel is dropping, we hope it drops to the level of one dollar per watt, then we will surely compete favourably with the power generated by other means.

Another problem is that we don’t have a single company producing batteries in Nigeria. All the solar

batteries are imported, so we need a company producing battery so that the cost will be reduced.

In other countries, solar is subsidised by the government, but here there is no form of subsidy, the end user pays for everything and that’s why it is expensive. Just like petroleum subsidy, there should also be subsidy for solar, which is even more environmental friendly. It doesn’t have any form of environmental pollution. Its only impact is that it covers space. Maybe the space that would have been used for agriculture is now used for solar lighting or to fix solar panels.

If we want to address that issue, we will find out that there are lots of virgin land not used for agriculture; such land can be used.

How cost-effective is it?

I have had people coming in to make enquiries. At that time, some of our portable 500W solar generators were selling for N90,000. A particular gentleman said he would rather stick to his “I better pass my neighbour”generator because it only costs him a mere N300 fuel to run each day. When I analysed for him that he is spending an average of N9,000 per month and that he would have spent N90,000 worth of fuel in 10 months, he bought the solar generator – seeing that he would save a lot of money in the long run.

The same applies to larger solar systems for homes and public places. The initial outlay may appear enormous, but huge savings will be realised for many years thereafter, justifying the investment in the first place.

What is the lifespan?

The average lifespan of the solar system is 20 to 25 years, how-

‘If we can learn from Germany and Japan and tailor various Nigerian market specific programmes aimed at reducing the cost of solar power systems, we will be able to support the growth of the solar industry’

• El-Schaeddhaei

ever, the batteries’ efficient life is usually three to five years when they are due for renewal.

When there is no light, how does it work?

In majority of cases, the solar system will continue to provide power from its energy store for an average of three days. However, because the efficiency of newly developed thin film silicon cells used in building solar panels is high, it has the capability to start harnessing power from the sun at day break without direct sunshine.

A combination of factors, for example, the intensity of rays of the sun, the panel’s wattage size and efficiency, the inverter and regulator efficacy and adequacy of battery bank will determine how long the system will work assuming there is total darkness.

How much maintenance does one need?

All things being equal, the system is maintenance free over its life expectancy of 20-25 years with the exception of course, the battery bank, which needs renewing within three to five years.

Where do you see Nigeria in the next 10 years as regards solar power?

Where Nigeria will be depends on a number of factors which include: successive government policy vis-à-vis renewable energy; how much public awareness is created in relation to renewable energy; individuals and organisations’ drive to find alternative energy source in solar power; price of the component parts of solar system and the state of the economy What is solar power and why is it efficient?

A photovoltaic panel (or solar panel) is a packaged interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells.

They are used as components in a larger solar system to provide electricity for civil, commercial and residential applications. The solar system harnesses energy from the sun, and converts it into energy that can be used for multiple practical applications.

Solar technology provides environmental and social advantages over other energy sources.

Some of the advantages are low energy costs. The sun provides solar radiation for free. It has low maintenance: Fewer moveable parts means fewer parts can break. No emissions. Solar lighting does not contribute to global warming. Besides, solar solutions continue working even if there is power cut.

Can you tell us about your products and how they are doing in the market?

Our solar products are designed and constantly redesigned with end-consumers such as individuals, domestic, community, commercial and public in mind. This is reflected in the variety of products developed over the years – from solar key-ring flashlight, to all-in-one solar streetlight, solar generator and solar home systems to mention a few.

We are sensitive to the need for constant power supply if meaningful economic development and growth are to be achieved by individuals, entrepreneurs, society and the nation.

We acknowledge that power supply on the African continent is grossly inadequate. This invariably affects every aspect of human endeavour and development – private, public, commerce and industry.

Our policy decision to establish our first African outlet in Nigeria was based on huge economic resource potential available that will be enhanced by renewable energy supply.

• El-Schaeddhaei

‘Our major challenge is subsidy from the government because solar technology is very expensive as much as its products’ We have carried out remote installations in Nyanya in the outskirts of Abuja as well as home installations in Lagos (Maryland), Nasarawa State (Karu Court, Mararaba) and in Ibadan (Ologuneru area), Oyo State.

Is Nigeria ripe for this technology?

The bane of the nation’s economic advancement is deficiency and inefficiency in power generation and distribution.This is a nation wallowing in poverty in the midst of plenty.

Nigeria is blessed with huge natural and human resources in the energy sector and scientific field. No nation will ever be described as ripe for technological growth.

Technological advancement for any nation is synonymous to a child learning to sit, crawl, stand, taking the first steps and becoming unstoppable in walking and running.

It is not a question of whether or not Nigeria is ripe for solar energy technology, but a question of resource recognition, development and management. The most important aspect of the solar energy technology is the sun, which is a major player and raw material. Nigeria has no excuse since at the dawn of each day, the creator has covenanted that solar energy be made available unhindered. All that is left for our policy makers is to make available the component parts by promoting their localised productions. Nigeria needs to start from somewhere; somehow, otherwise she will never be ready for solar technological development. The starting-point will be hands-on research projects working in co-operation with technologically advanced nations, such as USA, India, China or South Korea.

The Federal Government has to key into the advancements made in solar energy. This will enable the government to provide costeffective rural electrification with positive environmental im-

pacts.

Although Nigeria needs adequate supply of energy to drive its economy and power its domestic, economic, technological and social sectors, it has been difficult to meet the energy needs of the citizenry by successive governments.

Nigeria is blessed with a variety of energy sources in abundance. It has fossil energy, such as crude oil, natural gas and coal, and renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, biomass, biogas, and so on. Nigeria’s oil reserve is predicted to be exhausted before the next 50 years, thus it is imperative to pay more attention to renewable energy sources.

By using solar photovoltaic panels of only five per cent efficiency, the country could generate close to 600,000mw, from only one per cent of its land area.

Renewable energy is always available on cyclic basis, and can never be exhausted, unlike the conventional energy of oil, coal and gas.

As long as there is life in us, solar energy will always be there, everyday.When the sun comes up, solar energy is available.We also have wind as a renewable energy.

Wind arises as a result of extraterrestrial solar heating of the air masses in the extra-terrestrial space; leading to pressure differences, manifesting in the flow of air.

We can also tap significant amount of energy from wind.

Hydropower is also available from cyclic activities of the rainy reason.

Rivers are there and we can tap.

We also have biomass – biofuels; they are all part of renewable energy. They are always available on cyclic basis.

If we can learn from Germany and Japan and tailor various Nigerian market specific programmes aimed at reducing the cost of solar power systems, we will be able to support the growth of the solar industry.

34

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-01-13

Market rebounds, recovers N168b G

AINS by major capitalised stocks on Friday combined to revamp indicators from the previous two-day downtrend. As a result, both the All-Share-Index and the Market C a p i t a l i s a t i o n appreciated by 1.8 per cent each, slightly higher than the lost recorded between Wednesday and Thursday.

The index appreciated by 506.42 points to close at 29,202.01 points while the capitalisation of listed equities recorded a gain of N168 billion to close at N9.339 trillion. The market had shed N126 billion and 393.93 points on Wednesday and Thursday.

Although, volume and value of transactions fell by 24.1 per cent and 22.5 per cent respectively, operators said discerning investors made the most of the market as they scrambled for the shares of Dangote Cement and

By Tonia Osundolire

Nestle to pave the way for a bullish rally through the remaining hours of the trade session.

The market recorded a total of 308.965 million shares worth N2.721 billion across 5,380 deals.

This was in contrast with the 407.241 million shares worth N3.512 billion in 6,200 deals traded on Thursday.

The Finance Services sector still the major player with 230.790 million shares worth N1.945 billion exchanged in 3,440 deals. Agriculture followed with 20.665 million shares worth N32.970 million in 112 deals.

Others with relatively high volume were Consumer Goods, Conglomerates, Industrial Goods, Oil & Gas and Services sectors.

Almost all the stocks

that shed values during the bear regime especially the banking ones rebounded with strong value upticks.

The upturn was spurred by value gains recorded in the following large capitalised stocks; Dangote Cement, FBNH, Nestle, GT Bank, Guinness, Access Bank, ETI, Total, Lafarge WAPCO, Zenith Bank and UBA. Leading the gainers' table was Sterling Bank with an increase of N0.18 to closer at N2.15 followed

by Custodian and Allied Insurance with a rise of N0.13 to close at N1.97.

Also on the table were Fidelity Bank, AIICO, Dangote Sugar, Learn Africa, Guinness, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), Fort Oil and Portpaint with price gain of N0.19, N0.04, N0.36, N0.10, N13.80, N0.30, N0.46 and N0.20.

On the losers list, John Holt led with a drop of N0.15 to close at N2.92 followed by UTC with a drop of N0.04 to close at N0.83. Others on the list were FCMB, Ikeja Hotel, NPFMCRFBK, NEM Insurance, Fidson, Presco, Livestock and Transcorp.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-01-13

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2013

35

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

• Nigerian Stock Exchange trading floor

With the average return of 35.4 per cent last year, investors look forward to continuing recovery of the stock market. But how far will the bullish run go? TAOFIK SALAKO speaks to investment experts on the outlook for the capital market in 2013

2013: Stakeholders forecast another robust year T

HE stock market witnessed impressive recovery last year with average full-year return of 35.4 per cent. This implied accretion of some N2.44 trillion in capital gains to investors in 2012. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks changes in prices of quoted companies, closed 2012 at 28,078.81 points as against its opening index of 20,730.63 points for the year.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities also rose from its opening value of N6.533 trillion to close the year at N8.974 trillion, indicating capital gains of N2.441 trillion. Besides its primary importance as the benchmark index for the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the ASI doubles as the country index for Nigeria and rightly indicates the competitiveness of equity returns.

With equities within the best-return bracket of the global stock market returns for 2012, both Nigerian and foreign investors have their eyes on the market in the New Year. Will the stock market sustain its bullish run? Will equities still make double-digit returns in 2013 atop the 35.4 per cent in 2012? How will the secondary market performance impact on the dormant primary market? How will the balance of funds play out between the equities market and fixed-income market? What are the intervening variables that may mitigate market performance? These and many others are the concerns of the investing public.

The outlook suggests a robust performance for the stock market in 2013, although market pundits are divided on the extent of returns in the New Year. Across a broad spectrum of the investment management industry, market pundits and advisors appear to agree that the market would post positive return again this year. From FBN Capital to Sterling Capital Markets, GTI Securities, FSDH Securities and Investment One Financial Services (formerly GTB Asset Management Limited), among other leading investment services companies, previews show strong potential for continuation of the upswing.

But how far will the market go? A more optimistic view suggests stronger performance than 2012-above 35.4 per cent return. However, more cautious view implies good double-digit return but below 2012 return. Cautious conservative expectation appears to provide surer benchmark for return

in 2013.

Analysts agree that market performance would be driven largely by improving fundamentals of quoted companies, especially in largely undervalued sectors such as banking and insurance sectors. There appears to be unanimity about the pole position of the banking sector as a major driver of the market in 2013. While consumer goods and other manufacturing stocks that have provided significant leverage for the market in recent years may need to provide further fundamental supports to create headroom for price appreciation, most analysts said investors would easily see the locked-in values in financial services companies given earnings guides for the year ended December 31, 2012.

But there are major red flags to watch out for: foreign dominance, negative counterbalance effect from global economic challenges especially from the United States and Greeceinduced Eurozone and Nigeria's macroeconomic stability.With foreign investors accounting for nearly two-thirds of turnover on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), slight or massive sales orders from foreign portfolio managers and investors-either due to profit-taking or deficit financing and rebalancing, will have corresponding effect on the market. But this could be mitigated by the expected changes in the pension funds investment guidelines, which are expected to increase portfolio allocation to equities.

Increasing local participation from returnslured investors may also provide some support, although the impact could be negligible in case of massive divestments by foreign investors.

Head, Equity Research FBN Capital Mr Olubunmi Asaolu, said: "We have a positive view on both equities because of banks and fixed income. In the near term, equities should be supported by banks, particularly because of the attractive dividend yields in that sector.

"We see another year of gains for the NSE but do not expect the magnitude of gains this year to be on par with the 35.4 per cent gain of 2012. For a much stronger run in equities, earnings growth in the consumer names in particular will have to recover strongly - we struggle to see that kind of scenario at this point. Fixed income should continue to be supported by tailwinds in the form of inflation moving in the right direction and foreign

offshore flows into the FGN bond market, helped by Nigeria's inclusion in the JPM Government Bond Index, and a similar index for Barclays this year. There is also the possibility of a cut in the benchmark rate."

Managing Director, GTI Securities, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle said: "We have a positive but cautious outlook for 2013 in both primary and secondary market. The primary market is likely to witness few listings. The secondary market will thrive on fundamentals, most especially the banking stocks with above average performance. The year will also witness recovery from some insurance stocks, which are back to profitability and positioned to pay dividend. However, since more than 60 per cent of market transaction is dominated by foreign funds, necessary caution should be taken in anticipation of the Eurozone debt crisis and likely impact of the fiscal cliff of US. We as a company would aim at increasing investors' education through research and market intelligence to our clients."

Head, Research and Investment Advisory, Sterling Capital Markets, Mr Sewa Wusu, said : "Given the level of performance in 2012, the capital market is expected to witness another impressive performance this year. Performance will be driven more by strong macroeconomic environment, good corporate performance and companies' fundamentals.

We are of the opinion that expected monetary policy easing in 2013 should induce investment switch to further favour stock market.

Overall, market is expected to record stronger growth in 2013, and this time the growth will be more driven by sound macroeconomic environment, strong fundamentals and good corporate performance."

FSDH Securities said: "The economic reform in the country presents a huge opportunity for the banks operating in the country.

The Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulators in the financial market have taken proactive steps to implement a number of policies to make banks focus on their core banking business, develop specialisation and safeguard the banking system.

"Investment analysts at FSDH Securities said relatively low prices, good dividend outlook and emerging financing opportunities that may boost banks' incomes stand banking stocks in good stead as toasts of investors this

year. This will significantly impact on the overall market performance, one-third of market capitalisation.

"According to analysts, the drivers of investment in banking stocks in early 2013 would include good dividend payment expected from the 2012 business year and attractive valuation of banking stocks as banks are still trading at very low multiples."

Managing Director, Investment One Financial Services Limited (formerly GTB Asset Management Limited), Mr Nicholas Nyamali, said: "Nigeria's attractive double-digit yield environment has been instrumental to the attraction of offshore investment into the bond space. With continued offshore demand coupled with local demand, bond yields may likely trend towards single-digit. This yield compression will lure both foreign and local investors to enhance their total return by increasing their exposure to equity risk.

However, for yield on fixed income instruments to move into single-digit territory, the appetite for bond instruments will need to remain elevated.

"The level of foreign investors in our markets reflects the level of confidence in the system and the superior risk adjusted returns relative to other developed and frontier markets.

However, a strong dominance by foreign investors will make the local market susceptible to volatility from the global financial market space. Our bond and equity markets direction may then be strongly influenced by global events.

Furthermore, unforeseen political or economic shocks could also make our market unattractive, which could trigger capital repatriation.

"We have meanwhile, in recent time seen renewed efforts from market regulators in the direction of clearer policies, reforms and initiatives all geared towards boosting local players' confidence and market depth. We expect that more of these reforms, initiatives and sensitisation will further boost local participation. The forbearance package for stock broking firms, removal of stamp duty and waiver of VAT on stock market transactions are also clear initiatives aimed at attracting local players and investors back into the equities market. In addition, on-going reforms in the pension space, if it pulls through, will increase pension fund administrators participation in the stock market."

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

36

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

Two US policy makers warn against inflation

T

WO top Federal Reserve policymakers expressed discomfort on Thursday with the United States central bank’s easy monetary policy, suggesting Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may face more dissent this year.

In remarks that stamped her as a hawk on the Fed’s policy-setting committee, Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George warned that the Fed’s near zero interest-rate policy - aimed at boosting the economy - could spark inflation.

“A prolonged period of zero interest rates may substantially increase the risks of future financial imbalances and hamper attainment of the two per cent inflation goal in the future,” she said in her most extensive remarks in a year on policy.

“Monetary policy, by contributing to financial imbalances and in-

stability, can just as easily aggravate unemployment as heal it,” she said.

George this month will cast her first vote on monetary policy since taking the helm at the Kansas City Fed in October 2011.

“The latest remarks from Kansas City Fed’s Esther George have cemented the presence of a hawkish dissenter on the FOMC in 2013, with Richmond Fed’s Lacker passing along the hawkish torch,” said Gennadiy Goldberg, US strategist at TD Securities.

Lacker was the lone dissenter on the Fed’s policy-setting panel last year.

St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, who also votes this year on US monetary policy, also warned about the potential for inflation, although he noted that so far inflation is running under the Fed’s two per cent goal.

“It is a very aggressive policy and it is making me a little bit nervous that we are overcommitting to the easy policy,” he told reporters after a speech to the Wisconsin Bankers Association. “We are taking risk.”

Last month, the Fed voted to keep up asset purchases at an $85 billion monthly pace to lower borrowing costs and spur hiring. It said it would continue this policy, called quantitative easing, until it saw substantial improvement in the labor market outlook.

US central bankers also pledged to hold interest rates near zero until unemployment falls to 6.5 per cent, provided inflation does not threaten to rise above 2.5 per cent.

As Fed officials mull when to taper or end the asset purchases some, including Bullard, say that could happen this year - the debate may focus on potential inflation.

So will the outlook for the

economy. On this front, George was decidedly more downbeat than her colleague, saying she expects the U.S. economy to grow just above a two per cent in 2013, while unemployment falls around another half percentage point.

Bullard sees growth at 3.2 per cent this year and next, he said Thursday, and sees the jobless rate dropping to 6.5 per cent - the Fed’s threshold for rethinking its low-rate policy - by the middle of next year.

The US jobless rate in December was 7.8 per cent.

George emphasised the risks if the Fed continues to buy bonds at this rate, indicating little appetite for a prolonged Fed commitment to this policy.

“These purchases also have their own set of risks and are not without cost,” she said.

“At their current level and pace of growth, I believe they almost

certainly increase the risk of complicating the (Fed’s) exit strategy.”

Fed watchers have not heard much from George since she became a policy maker, but Fed watchers had anticipated she would follow her predecessor Thomas Hoenig in holding hawkish views, and her remarks Thursday did not disappoint.

Though Bullard too warned about the risks of inflation, he sounded more ready to stay the course on policy, for now.

“We’ve been predicting higher inflation and it really hasn’t materialised so far,” he said. “I think the way to proceed is to continue to be aggressive in our monetary policy and be cognizant that we could have an inflation problem in the future and that we would be ready to move and contain that if we need to.”

Jobless claims rise, jobs market recovery intact

T

HE number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, the Labour Department said on Thursday, but details of the report suggested the jobs market continued to grow at a moderate pace.

Other data suggested the economy remained on a steady growth path, with sales at wholesalers rising by the most in more than 1-1/2 years in November, keeping inventories balanced.

Initial claims for state jobless aid increased 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 371,000. The prior week’s figure was revised to show 5,000 fewer applications than previously reported.

Claims tend to be very volatile around this time of the year because of the holidays and seasonal layoffs, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the labour market’s health.

While claims increased last week, there was nothing in the data to suggest a deterioration in labor market conditions.

“Jobless claims data continue to suggest steady but modest US employment gains,” said Robert Kavcic, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.

The four-week moving average for new claims, a better measure of labor market trends, increased 6,750 to 365,750, still at a level consistent with steady job gains.

World stocks near 20-month highs, euro rises

A

•A cargo ship at a port of Miami, United States.

‘US financial markets are little moved by data’ A LABOUR Department analyst said there was nothing unusual in state level claims data and that no states had been estimated.

He noted, however, that jobless claims on an unadjusted basis tend to peak in the second week of January and the rise in the week ended January 5 was a build-up to that.

Economists said it would take several more weeks before the data are free of seasonal distortions.

The labor market has been gradually improving, with job gains last year averaging 153,000 per month, little changed from 2011. That has not been enough to significantly cut the unemployment rate which ended the year at 7.8 per cent.

A second report from the Labour Department showed job openings were unchanged at 3.7 million in November. Layoffs, however, declined and there was an increase in the number of people voluntarily leaving their jobs — both signs of improving labor market conditions.

Job growth has been hobbled by uncertainty over fiscal policy.

Economists said a last-minute deal by the U.S. Congress to avoid some of the $600 billion in deep government spending cuts and higher taxes, or the fiscal cliff, only eliminated part of the uncertainty.

“A sharp increase in hiring seems unlikely as the spending side of the

debate remains unresolved and higher taxes on most households are likely to weigh modestly on consumer spending in the near term,” said Jim Baird, chief investment strategist at Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A second report from the Commerce Department showed sales at wholesalers rebounded 2.3 per cent in November, the largest gain since March 2011, after falling 0.9 percent in October.

Wholesale inventories rose 0.6 percent after advancing 0.3 per cent in October.

Inventories are a key component of gross domestic product changes and accounted for almost a quarter of the economy’s annual 3.1 percent growth pace in the third quarter.

Economists expect a drawdown on inventories in the fourth quarter, which would be a drag on growth. They largely left their GDP forecasts, ranging from 0.5 per cent to 2.9 per cent, unchanged after the wholesale inventory data.

The claims report showed the number of people still receiving benefits under regular state programs after an initial week of aid tumbled 127,000 to 3.11 million in the week ended December 29, the lowest level since July 2008.

Highlighting the typical volatil-

ity at the start of the year, the last time the so-called continuing claims fell so much was in January 2011 and economists expect some correction in coming weeks.

The insured unemployment rate fell to 2.4 per cent, its lowest since July 2008.

“The good news is the underlying jobs market is improving,” said David Berson, chief economist at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio. “The bad news is we have a large number of people who are unemployed for a long time and unemployment insurance does not go on forever. So, some people might be falling off the rolls.”

N improving economic outlook held world shares near a 20-month high, while the euro rose to its highest against the dollar since April in the wake of encouraging remarks from the head of the European Central Bank.

A massive stimulus plan in Japan also boosted optimism about future business activity, but nagging worries persisted about global demand and a possible drag from the debt ceiling fight in Washington, spurring selling in oil and basic metals.

As stocks and the euro gained appeal, investors trimmed back their safe-haven holdings of U.S. and German government debt.

“Equities are very overdue for a rest but that shouldn’t make people throw in the towel in my opinion (as) they will continue to be supported by central banks’ very accommodative policies,” said Edward Page Croft, managing director at investment advisory firm Stockopedia.

While Japan aims to jumpstart its economy, US and European central bankers have talked up the prospects for their economies in the past 24

hours.

Philadelphia Federal Reserve Charles Plosser repeated his outlook on Friday that the U.S. economy will likely grow about 3 percent in 2013, bringing the jobless rate down to 7 percent by yearend. Plosser’s remarks followed mildly upbeat comments from St. Louis Fed chief James Bullard on Thursday.

Comments by ECB President Mario Draghi following the central bank’s policy meeting on Thursday suggesting Europe’s economy is set for a recovery in 2013 has raised bets that global growth might gather momentum this year.

The MSCI index of world shares .MIWD00000PUS was little changed at 349.33 points after rising earlier to 350.15, the highest level since May 2011.

On Wall Street, the three major stock indexes opened lower despite record earnings from Wells Fargo (WFC.N), the No. 4 U.S. bank. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index dialled back from its five-year closing high on Thursday.

Imports point to soft fourth-quarter growth but firmer HE United States trade defiits economy, subtracting from gross spending cit unexpectedly widened in domestic product.

T

November due to a surge in imports, pointing to a sharp slowdown in economic growth during the last three months of 2012.

Still, the trade gap’s growth was driven by imports of consumer goods, a potentially positive sign for household spending if the gains in imports were not a one-time rebound following a disruptive storm.

America’s trade deficit widened 16 percent in November to $48.7 billion, the Commerce Department

said.

Analysts were expecting the deficit to shrink to $41.3 billion, and the report led a host of economists to trim their estimates of economic growth in the fourth quarter.

“This is not good news for the fourth-quarter GDP growth,” said Peter Cardillo, an economist at Rockwell Global Capital in New York.

When a country imports more than it exports, cash is sucked out of

JPMorgan cut its forecast for fourth quarter GDP growth to a 0.8 percent annual rate from 1.5 per cent. The economy grew at an above-trend 3.1 percent pace in the third quarter.

The trade deficit was the widest since April. Imports surged 3.8 percent, the biggest gain in eight months.

Imports of consumer goods rose by $4.6 billion, while imports of petroleum products fell by $870 million.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

37

Be a website designer in 14 days For job seekers who have no qualms, there is a job waiting for them out there.

It is in website design under information technology (IT). It takes only a couple of weeks to train a designer and the trainee is in business. Web designing is also lucrative, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

J

OB seekers have another area to look up to for succour: web design. They can get jobs in web designing if they are ready to learn.

Regarded as a new media tool, web designing has to do with creativity.

It is for people who are adept in creating Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) web pages, and further display the pages on the World Wide Web. In designing a website, a designer takes into consideration the site’s layout, colours, overall graphic appearance, audience, function and traffic. For those capable of doing all these, there is no limit to the height they can attain.

According to experts, people going into web designing must learn the rudiments of the trade to succeed. The market, they added, is huge, noting that

more jobs are coming since companies and individuals create their own websites.

Chief Executive Officer, Nasbock Media, Mr Nasbock Ogunlude, said web designing and web hosting have the potential to create jobs, adding that people can learn how to create websites within a few weeks.

Such people only need to be methodical in their approach to the job. He said web designers could make money by designing individual and company websites, adding

that they must know how to upload pictures and materials, as well as placing them in the right position on the web to create appeal. Web designing, he said, could create jobs for millions globally.

General Manager, System Power Limited, Johnson Oyeniran, said there are potential for web designers in the country. Oyeniran said there were not enough websites in Nigeria because many people do not know their importance.

‘Through web designing, over 100,000 jobs can be created in the country. The figure is going to be higher as the economy improves’

Citing a study entitled: Internet exploration: opportunities, prospects and challenges, conducted by the company, Oyeniran said the use of website was not proportionate to the country’s population. He said less than six per cent of the country’s 160 million population have websites, compared to developed countries where an average individual has a website.

Many Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) do not have websites despite growing awareness about their importance.

He said: “Findings have shown that websites (corporate and individual) are less than 10 million in Nigeria. This is too small for the over 160 million •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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JOBS

Be a website designer in 14 days •Continued from page 37 population.There are huge economic potential in the country. This means that there are millions of Nigerians that still want to own websites. Based on this, jobs are waiting for website designers. Through web designing, over 100,000 jobs can be created in the country. The figure is going to be higher as the economy improves.”

Website designing and its ancillaries are not core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) job, he said, adding that it is not limited to science graduates.

“One does not need higher qualification to design a website. Three basic requirements are needed. Ability to learn, eye for details, and creativity are needed to create websites. In fact, most people designing websites do not study sciences. Some study humanities; others are social science graduates. Besides, “holders of Technical College Certificate, Ordinary National Diploma, and National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate, among others, are doing the job,” he added.

The President, Association of Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ATCOM), Mr Lanre Ajayi, said web designing has opened up opportunities for the unemployed. He said the job prospect was high, leading to a surge in business activities.

He said new businesses are coming up, arguing that the only way to achieve enough mileage is to promote themselves online. Most organisations, he added, would definitely have websites because they are crucial to growth.

“Not many companies in Nigeria have a website of their own. It is imperative they have the facility to achieve success.They have to set up a web page through which people would get to know their products or services. I think the area holds a lot of potential for job seekers. Whoever has competence to design a web, would make money,” Ajayi said.

• Ajayi

• Ogunlude

• Akano

He urged Nigerians to leverage on the opportunities in the ICT industry to create jobs, arguing that they need to acquire the required skills to fit in. The unemployment rate, he said, could be reduced if people look inwards to create jobs.

Managing Director, New Horizons Computer Learning Centre, Mr Tim Akano, advised people to create jobs through web designing. He said millions of websites are needed in the country, adding that this is the era of jobs outsourcing in the global information and technology (IT) industry.

Another area is web hosting. Ogunlude said job seekers could go into web posting

if they have the capacity to do the job.

He said web hosting is a type of Internet service that allows individuals and organisations to make their website accessible.

He said a web host provides space on a server owned or leased for use of clients, stressing that he is paid on contract basis.

He said: “Both have the potential to provide jobs. Some focus on web designing only, while others combine the two. Which ever way one looks at them, they are capable of providing income for people. What people need to do is to go for a short-term course to acquire the relevant skills.”

On web hosting, he said four stages are

involved to achieve results. He said people going into the trade must select and pay for a hosting business plan licence, promote their website hosting business, watch people pay into their account, and confirm the payment. He said there were different web hosting packages, adding each has its own rate.

Ogunlude said one could start web hosting with just N10,000, adding that they can make as much as N100,000 or N150,000 within a few months. He said the profit is higher, when one gets good clients.He said a functional website is needed before one can provide hosting services, advising people to follow the rules to succeed. This, he said, would make it easier for the person to get jobs.

“To get people to host their websites for them requires publicity. Web hosts have different advertising channels for their products. They can use google advertisement, facebook advertisement, yahoo advertisement, forum advertisement, among others, to promote their services. Through these, individuals and companies get to know them. For each website you host, you get paid. Giving the fact that there are billions of websites globally, a web host can get jobs in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

‘Not many companies in Nigeria have a website of their own. It is imperative they have the facility to achieve success. They have to set up a web page through which people would get to know their products or services. I think the area holds a lot of potential for job seekers. Whoever has competence to design a web, would make money’

CAREER MANAGEMENT

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N 2013, I am almost sure you strongly desire to get your dream job. As far as this is concerned, we are one. We will like to see you succeed. Last week’s presentation and today’s are geared towards ensuring you achieve your objective. In fact we will give you set of “Quick Guide” to get you off the unemployment line in these first set of articles in 2013. Let us continue on the drivers of effective and fast job-hunting in Nigeria’s competitive job market. We have considered five drivers.

Getting organisedfor job search The starting point is skill analysis. Skills are the fundamental basis of job search. Employers are looking for certain skills, and the best jobs are those ones where your skills match the needs of the employer. There are three types of skills job specific, self-management and transferable skills. You also need to put together an arsenal of accomplishments. This is for those with fairly long working history, highlighting their career achievements.

You need to understand your strength(s), weakness (es), interests, aptitude and potential. What would you like to do with your life, all your life? Using the input from the above, you will determine and write your career/job objective statement. It is a statement that describes or states what career or job (or a range of closely-related occupations) you desire. A job/career objective statement must highlight what skills you have to offer

Seven drivers of effective job search (I)

By Olu Oyeniran

the employer as well.

Develop a job-hunting strategy I am sure the question floating in your mind is “where are the jobs?

You are already on your way to uncovering the job market. The next step is to analyse the job and business environment. There are opportunities in education/training, agriculture, accounting/banking/finance, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, service, government, civil-society/social/professional organisations, oil/gas, media/publishing sectors of the economy. All you need to do is to develop special interest in specific job market/segment that holds promise and potential of a good job for you.

You will now generate a list of potential employers in respect of your chosen job objective. Necessary information may be obtained from friends, relations, consultants, vendors, newspapers, trade journals etc. Once you’ve made your choice, go after them- using conventional and unconventional means.

How do you intend to pursue these job opportunities? Specifically, what is your job hunting strategy? I can only tell you what is working and what is not working Let us start with what is working poorly.

The five most ineffective job search strategies are: • Internet-posting your CV/ Resume on the Internet, and expect potential employer to visit the board/site and make a choice, depending on the match between your skills and their requirements.

It has four to 10 per cent success rate • Mailing out Resume CV to employers at random (Resume blasting). Seven per cent success rate.

• Answering ads in professional/ trade journals. Seven per cent success rate.

• Responding to Newspaper ads. five to 24 per cent success rate. The higher the salary/position, the lower the success rate • Using employment agencies, five-28 per cent success rate.

• The higher the salary/position, the lower the success rate

Now, the best five ways to search for a job • Ask for job leads from family, friends, people you know, etc – “Do you know of any job at the place where you work, or elsewhere?” Thirty-three per cent success rate • Knocking on the door of any employer, factory, office etc, whether they are known to have vacancy or not. Forty-seven per cent success rate • Identifying subject/field of in-

terest, identifying employers on that field and calling on them to ask if you they are hiring for the position you desire and that you know you can do well. 69 per cent success rate.

• Do the above in a group with other job hunters. Seventy-six per cent success rate • Doing a life - changing job search (identifying your skills, proffered places, interest and acceptable working environment and going after the job you desire) 86 per cent success rate.

There is still a better method: combining the strategies (experts suggest it should not more than four!).

A fact never to be forgotten: the major difference between successful and unsuccessful job seekers is not some factors out there, or the ‘barrier’ listed earlier. It is the way they go about their job hunt. A successful job search requires organisation and effort. Don’t think of yourself as unemployed.

You have a job, full time job. If you are employed think of your job search as a part-time job. If you are unemployed, the working hours of five to eight are available for your job search. If you are employed but seeking new opportunities, you need to make time for your job search, and be consistent.

Job search requires that you develop a new set of priorities and schedules. Be aware that there will be distractions. Just about anything will sound better than look-

ing for work. Don’t be fooled, your number one priority is finding that new job. Don’t let anything get in your way. Here are some tips: • Establish measurable goals, on daily and weekly basis. If you set 10 am-3 pm every Tuesday for research, your goal could be to identify 10 new employers you can pursue. Wednesday’s goal could be to contact the employer you identified on Tuesday. Be realist, but challenge yourself.

• Make yourself accountable.

Check your progress at the end of each day and each week. Set new goals. It is a good strategy to involve someone else in your search.

Give them permission to hold you accountable for your plans. Or join/create a job-hunters club/ group.

• Keep accurate records if you are conducting a serious job campaign.

You make hundreds of contacts and generate new opportunities regularly. Don’t rely on your memory, develop and maintain a filling and/or a recording system – binders, pocket calendars and notebooks.

Your destiny is in your hands in 2013.

PS: Give yourself a big advantage in the job market- get a copy of our recently published book, JobSearchGuru’s JOB-HUNTING •Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates & Author. Author Jobsearchguru’s Job-Hunting Manual. Website: Jobsearchhow.com,ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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INSURANCE

Dana Air crash: Lawyers accuse Prestige, others of laxity

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FIRM of solicitors and legal consultants, M.O. Awoyemi & Co , has accused Prestige Assurance PLC of neglecting the family members of those who died in the Dana Air crash in June, last year.

The firm, which represents 40 families, who died in the crash, said the insurance firm refused to pay its clients the mandatory $30,000 claims as stipulated by international law, seven months after the crash.

In a statement made available to The Nation and signed by its Managing Partner, Dr Bunmi Awoyemi, the law firm accused Prestige Assurance and its reinsurers, Pritchard Insurance Limited/Lloyd’s of London, of not caring for the family members of the crash victims.

He said of the 40 families, only 13 have been paid the $30,000 each.

He said out of the over 150 victims involved in the crash, only 80 of their family members have been compensated, adding that many of them include families, who lost

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

more than one member. For such families, most of them were paid $30,000 per family, instead of the mandatory $30,000 per victim.

He said the insurer and re-insurers deliberately want to postpone the amount to be included with the balance of $70,000 they are offering to make victims family members sign-off their rights to a law suit.

He said: “They are doing this despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Act makes the payment of $30,000 per victim mandatory and payable within 30 days of any air crash. ”This wicked and callous action is being perpetrated by Prestige Assurance PLC and its re-insurer of 70 percent of the risk, Pritchard Insurance Limited/Lloyd’s of London, who have instructed their solicitors to pay only $30,000 per family, which explains why the Oyosoro’s and Ibe’s were each paid $30,000 instead of $60,000 despite the fact that they each lost two family members each. As of today,

only one more of our remaining clients has been paid.”

Awoyemi condemned the Aviation Minister and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for allowing Dana Air to resume operationswhen it has not paid compensation.

He said: ”One hundred and sixty lives were lost; many of the relatives of the dead are still dealing with the issues arising from the death of their family members. In fact, some are yet to pick up the bodies of their dead relatives; while some family members only got body parts, others are yet to find the bodies of their relatives because their bodies were incinerated.

He said based on his earlier petition to the Aviation Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, a report recommending the withdrawal of Dana Airlines operating licence for a number of reasons, including the fact that they were yet to pay proper compensation to the victims of the crash was issued.

Furthermore, the House of Representatives passed a resolution adopting the recommendations of these Committees and called on the Minister of Aviation to implement the recommendations.

“I am shocked that the Minister of Aviation still went ahead to write Dana Airlines authorising their resumption of flight in defiance of the recommendations of the report of the Joint Aviation Committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives and in defiance of the resolutions of the House of Representatives.”

Awoyemi said what Dana and Prestige Assurance are doing in Nigeria cannot be tolerated in any other country. He called on the Federal Government and well-

meaning Nigerians to warnDana and Prestige Assurance to respect Nigerians.

However, the Managing Director of Prestige Assurance Plc, Annand Mittal, denied the allegation. He said as soon as they receive the advice to pay, they would pay others.

He said the decision to pay comes from Dana Air management through their lawyers.

Mittal said, to date, they have paid 80 victims the mandatory 30 per cent, adding that the balance would be paid by Re-insurers, Pritchard Insurance limited and Lloyds of London.

He added that it is not their responsibility to determine who to pay, but that of Dana Management.

40 broking firms, others get PenCom certificates

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IX insurance companies and 40 broking firms were among the 74 companies that received the National Pension Commission (PenCom) compliance certificates last year.

In a statement, the commission said only 74 companies, which include, Creed Insurance Brokers Limited, Leadway Assurance Plc, and Lasaco Life Company met the requirement for the certificates by January 4, this year.

The Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004, made it compulsory for companies seeking government business to present certificates of compliance, which indicate that they are meeting the regulation on staff pension contributions.

The PRA 2004 also mandates employers with minimum of five staff to subscribe to the new pension scheme.

To ensure enforcement of the law, the commission said employers who fail to remit their pension contributions would pay two per cent surcharge, two weeks after deductions have been made by them.

PenCom noted that employers are to remit employees contributions

not later than seven working days from the day salary is paid, adding that if the default persists after three months, one per cent of the outstanding would be paid to the commission.

The commission said it would sue defaulters if violation persists, adding that employers who refused to give access to information about their staff would pay a fine not more that N200,000 and that every false or misleading information would attract N100,000 fine daily for the duration of the the offence.

It said any employer, who coerces employees to open RSA with Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) that is not their choice, would pay N1,000 after three months per employee for every month of violation.

The commission is seeking leave of the attorney-general of the Federation to institute criminal proceedings against employers who refused to remit pension contributions PenCom called for the amendment of Section 11(7) of the PRA 2004, stressing that the provision ihas some limitations.

CIIN advises firms on staff training • From left: Chief Financial Officer Siemens Limited Nigeria Funmi Akande; MD /CEO Michael Lacota and Head Corporate Communication Josephine Otigba during the introduction of Lacota to reporters as new MD in Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

NCRIB to check fake operators

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HE Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) is taking steps to sanitise the sector, The Nation has learnt.

Its National President, Mrs Laide Osijo, said the Council would send the list of genuine brokerage firms to clients to check fake operators.

She said the council would also close registration for members on March 31, adding that by the first week of April, the list of members would be published.

She said: “Our rule states that we should publish the list of members every year. I must not forget to commend the effort of the Commissioner for Insurance for his efforts in promoting the affairs of the council.

“Our law says that registration with NCRIB is a requirement for licensing by NAICOM. Before this year, so many brokers have been going to NAICOM for registration, but since the beginning of this year, NAICOM has refused to give anybody licence if they did not have the NCRIB registration certificate. The Commissioner and his team have been doing a good job to ensure people comply with the rules.”

The Council chief also said: “If a

firm has a new chief executive, the person has to come to the council for us to check if he is fit to run the organisation. This is because the new executive would be held liable for anything that happened in the firm.

“If an organisation changes its executive, it has to write to us and we would give it six months to present the executive for examination. If an operator failed to meet up with his financial obligations, his membership will lapse, that is also what NAICOM is doing.”

She said members have been told to renew their membership before March 31, to avoid being sanctioned.

On the proliferation of brokerage firms, the president said some of them were established to secure a particular business..

She said the council has observed that some people just register a brokerage firm because they wanted to secure a business through their relatives, who can assist them.

She noted that these individuals abandon the firms once they get the business. She added that some of the brokerage firms were also established because people wanted to be known as managing direc-

tor.

She said: “Instead of 10 people joining hands to form a strong firm, they want to be managing directors. We have always encouraged mergers and acquisition. If you have a formidable team, it is better than being alone.”

She noted that the council is collaborating with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to ensure that only genuine operators and professionals operate in the sector, adding that at the monent the council has to give approval before a firm is licensed by NAICOM. “The NCRIB law says that registration with NCRIB is requirement for licensing by NAICOM. Prior to last year, so many brokers do go to NAICOM, for registration but from last year, NAICOM has refused to give anybody licence if they did not have the NCRIB registration certificate. The Commissioner and his team have been doing a good job to ensure people comply with the rules,” she said.

Stakeholders said any step taken by the council to sanitise the sector is welcome, adding that it would help curb unethical practices and enhance the industry’s performance.

I

NSURANCE firms have been advised to raise their training budgets to prepare their staff for increased productivity and the challenges ahead.

The President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr. Wole Adetimehin, said underwriters and brokers have assured of improved budget on staff training, adding that they have realised that the best assets is their human capital.

He noted that the CIIN management had engaged the operators on the need to see the institute as theirs, adding that the body has continued to find ways of enhancing the human capital of the industry.

Adetimehin said over the years, most companies reduced their budgets for training.

He said: “I suspect that the budget for training has been falling. I do not have the figures, but I suspect that there have been some scaling down of budget for training over the years.

This is a major challenge.

He said members of the industry were getting the best on training from the institute, stressing that operators are encouraged to seek knowledge from every reputable sources to develop and re-develop themselves.

He said for the industry operators to remain relevant, they must seek and get adequate training.

Aetna fined $1m for insurance violations

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CONNECTICUT insurance company has been fined $1 million by Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler for multiple violations over several years.

Aetna Life Insurance Company has agreed to pay the fine. The violations include issuing unapproved insurance policies, failing to file legally-required documents with the state and charging unapproved rates.

“All insurers must comply with state law, and most of them do,” said Kreidler. “I hope that this fine and compliance plan resolves these problems with Aetna.”

Starting in 2005, Aetna issued health, disability or life insurance policies to more than 4,400 people that did not comply with state law. Among the violations: The policies had not been filed for approval with Washington state.

Also starting in 2005, the company issued health policies that did not include all Washington state health care mandates. Nor did they describe Washington’s appeals and grievance process, as required by law.

For more than three years, Aetna continued to sell a health policy that had been disapproved.

Starting in 2009, Aetna issued other health, disability and life policies that had not been filed with the state.

Some of those health policies that did not include Washington state mandates.

Nor did the company have an approved appeals and grievance process for those plans.

In 2010 and 2011, Aetna issued medical and dental plans for more than 100 Nordstrom retirees that had not been approved by Kreidler’s office, as required by law.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

LABOUR

Union condemns maltreatment T of telecoms workers T HE National Union of Telecommunication Technology Employees (NUCTE) has decried the ill-treatment of workers in the telecommunications industry.

National President of the union Mr Sunday Alhassan told The Nation that some of the foreign courier companies in Nigeria are violating the principles of decent work.

He said private telecoms and courier companies' workers lacked mechanisms that could protect and guarantee workers' rights.

He said the union intends to ensure the implementaion of ‘the decent work agenda’ in the industry through the unionisation of worker.

He said: “Here in Nigeria, these companies deliberately breach our labour laws as they operate with impunity with clear anti-labour policies that are neither practised nor tolerated in their home countries.

“As a result of this obvious unfair labour practices, workers in the private sector in Nigeria are caught up in conditions that defile decency at work and dignity.

“They also interfere in the ability of workers to undertake their daily economic activities in the dignity and conditions that promote respect for the worker no matter his or her status.

Noting that the International Labour Congress (ILO) has set decent work for all as the goal for its work, he said the four pillars of decent

Stories by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

work are employment opportunities, workers'rights, social protection and representations.

He added: “Most of these private companies operating in Nigeria comply with the labour laws in their home countries and as a result allow workers to unionise in their parent companies. ‘’So, I wonder why the situation should be different with them here in Nigeria when they know the rules.

“The workers need to know their rights; they also need to know that where workers exist in an organisation, they need to have a union that will stand for them.

“A body that stand between them and the management, to be able to speak on their behalf. The issue is about the workers themselves, because if the workers believe that their rights has been trampled upon, the only way to fight for this right is through the unions.

“Individual workers will find it very difficult to challenge their management on some of these issues and so they need the unions to do that. ‘’But most often some of these workers don't have the knowledge; majority of them are ignorant of what their rights are; and so we need to sensitise them; reorientate them and then en-

lighten them on some these rights."

Alhassan urged the ministries of Labour and Communications to regulate the operations of such operators to avoid confrontation with the union.

Speaking on the future of postal service in Nigeria, Alhassan called for a speedy commercialisation of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) to further stimulate the growth of the sector in the country.

He said: “When an organisation is commercialised, what the government does is to give a take-off grant for it to get started. Along the line, the organisation fends for itself and begins to generate its own revenue.

“Then, it begins to take care of its personnel and overhead cost.

Funding, as the years go by, will definitely have to reduce. So, what the organisation does is to also generate resources to assist the government and boost the treasury of the government.”

He said to reposition NIPOST commercially, it was imperative to study the activities of some of the privatised companies since the reform programme began.

The union boss noted that this was to determine if commercialisation of these companies was working or not.

He stressed the union was not opposed to the commercialisation of NIPOST.

LUTH to train doctors

HE Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is introducing a skill-improving training programme for doctors.

This would enable the resident doctors to acquire skills that would be beneficial to patients, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof Akin Osibogun.

He said the hospital would introduce a new programme to improve training of resident doctors.

Osibogun told The Nation that the new programme would enable the resident doctors to acquire skills that would be beneficial to the patients.

He said the hospital has started acquiring state-of-the-art equipment and has also succeeded in building a sophisticated surgical centre that will facilitate training of health workers in the hospital. · “By starting new programmes, by improving on our infrastructure and the facilities and by acquiring equipment, it means that new procedures and more pro-

cedures can be carried out in the hospital.

“And, as you carry out more procedures and new procedures, then you are improving on training opportunities, because we cannot train residents, if we do not have many procedures being carried out.

“We have also acquired other equipment, such as the laparoscopic equipment for pinhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

“The equipment is on ground, the facilities are on ground, and so, the training of residents is going to rapidly improve.

“We also developed one of the most sophisticated surgical skill centres in the country.

“That surgical skill centre is ready. It has laparoscopic towers for training of residents and other health workers. So, this year, we are going full blast in terms of service provision as well as training of resident doctors and other health workers to ensure that we continue to facilitate the transfer of skills.”

Lagos NUJ, Friedrich Ebert plan investment confab

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IXTY journalists in Lagos State are expected to benefit from an investment workshop to be organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.

The journalists, who will be drawn from 30 media houses at the rate of two participants per media house, will be expected to disseminate the outcome of the training to other members of their media establishments and also educate other colleagues through reporting the seminar in their medium.

A statement co-signed by Lagos NUJ Chairman, Mr Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Mr Sylva Okereke, said the workshop, which will be residential, “will hold outside the hustling ad buzzling of Lagos metropolis to avoid distractions.”

The venue is LimeRidge Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, which has good conducive environment for workshops and seminars.

Four resource persons for the workshop are expected to be drawn from the Nigerian Economic Group or Lagos Business School to achieve desired results.

Jigawa to recruit 3,044 workers

T • NLC members at a seminar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Minimum wage: Kwara NLC seeks fresh negotiation with govt

T

HE Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is asking for fresh negotiation with the state government on the implementation of N18,000 national minimum wage.

The state NLC Chairman, Alhaji Faruq Akanbi, told The Nation that the state government had not entered into dialogue with the Joint Negotiation Council since its inau-

guration in December 2011.

He appealed to the state government to review downward the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax by civil servants in the state.

The chairman assured workers in the state parastatal agencies that the delay being experienced in the payment of their salaries would soon be over.

Akanbi called for regular payment

of emolument of pensioners in the state to further alleviate their sufferings.

He disclosed that the government had implemented the promotion of teachers and local government workers, who were due for elevation.

Akanbi said that the payment for the promoted workers would begin this month.

NUPENG wants effective rail system

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HE National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has advised the Federal Government to make rail transportation a priority.

National President of the union, Mr Igwe Achese, told The Nation that rail is the best means of moving bulk products across the country.

He said the carnage on the high-

ways and the chaotic traffic jams in the cities were due to lack of effective rail networks.

Achese said road transportation of petroleum products had caused lots of disasters and losses to petroleum products marketers.

He said in 1960s and ‘70s the country had rail tankers that moved petroleum products from Port Harcourt to Kaduna.

“It is the government's responsibility to make sure that there is adequate infrastructure that is constantly maintained and expanded," he said.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola had last December appealed for an efficient rail system to move petroleum products. He said most road accidents were caused by petroleum tankers.

HE Jigawa State Government is to recruit 3,044 workers this year.

The state Head of Service, Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, told The Nation that 1,670 workers were also approved for promotion, saying that the recruitment and promotion would be spread across all sectors as captured in 2013 Appropriation Bill.

He explained that 1,200 teachers would be recruited under the State Universal Basic Education Board

(SUBEB) to teach in primary and junior secondary schools.

According to him, 400 university graduates would be employed to teach in senior secondary schools across the state. The head of service said the government had directed each of the tertiary institutions to recruit 40 workers.

Aminu said the administration is committed to reducing the level of unemployment by creating employment in the state.

Agency deploys 284 midwives in Jigawa

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HE National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has deployed 284 midwives in rural communities in Jigawa State to enhance healthcare delivery.

Director, State Primary Healthcare Agency, Alhaji Usman Tahir, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Dutse. He said the personnel included 149 midwives and 135 Community Extension Health Workers (CHEW).

He said they were moved to 45 health facilities in 27 local government areas of the state. The director said the personnel were

deployed under the Federal Government's Midwives Scheme (FMS) to enhance access to quality health services and reduce maternal mortality. He said the midwives were providing ante care services, while the community health workers would educate the communities on hygiene and sanitation.

According to him, the community health workers will also mobilise the communities to contribute in the management of health services at the grassroots.

He said the state government was working with the agency to improve the welfare of the midwives and health workers.

Chelsea tables £25m for Modric

“I'm not convinced that he will not come back here one day because he really is an Arsenal man.”

Arsenal manager, Arsenal Wenger optimistic that ex Gunners Cesc Fabregas would one day come back to play for his boy-hood club.

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Monday, January, 14 2013

Fabregas

•Modric

could come back,

L

UKA MODRIC could return to the Premier League this summer with Chelsea ready to end his La Liga nightmare.

Former Tottenham midfielder Modric turned down the chance to join Chelsea in the summer despite having been tracked by the club for two years, instead making a £33million switch to Real Madrid.

But the 27-year-old has failed to settle in the Spanish capital, playing in only 19 of Real Madrid's games and finding the net just once, and was voted as the worst La Liga signing in a recent vote by newspaper Marca.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were put on alert over his potential availability last weekend and Stamford Bridge owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sign off a £25 million move for the Croatian international playmaker.

Chelsea is a state of rebuilding with Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole set to leave at the end of the season when their current contracts expire and moves for Atletico Madrid's striker Rademel Falcao and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini are expected in the summer.

The club missed out on the signing of Brazilian midfielder Taison on Friday when he opted to join Shaktar Donetsk instead, meaning the only new addition so far in the January transfer window has been Demba Ba from Newcastle.

says Wenger

•Fabregas

Benitez: We exhibited great character ,quality

T

WO own goals from Jonathan Walters either side of half time set Chelsea on their way before Frank Lampard scored his 194th Chelsea goal and Eden Hazard fired a sensational 25yard strike to seal the points, pleasing the Spanish boss.

“I think it was a difficult game in the first half, and a great game in the second half,” he told reporters.

“We knew it would be tough, Tony Pulis is doing a

great job so we knew they could be physical and intense and we were ready for that.

“The goal [first own goal from Jon Walters] changed it a little bit as it brought them forward and they left more space, so with the quality of our players and their movement we were controlling the game.

“My players have shown great character and quality at the same time.”

Benitez's exceptional away record has helped keep

Chelsea in the hunt for a top three place as they continue to struggle at home with two defeats in their last two matches, something the Spaniard believes is down to the approach of away teams at Stamford Bridge.

“I don't think it's the way that we play,” he added.

“Against Swansea there was two individual mistakes but we created a lot of chances and we could have scored a lot of goals.

AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...AFCON COUNTDOWN...

Gyan to strike for Ghana again

G

•Katongo

Katongo: We are satisfied

Z

AMBIA captain Christopher Katongo says the team satisfied with its 2013 AFCON preparations despite not winning a single friendly.

Katongo said at the end of Zambia's 0-0 draw against Norway in Ndola on Saturday that the team will be at 100 percent in time for their first game on January 21.

"Looking at the two games that we have played Morocco and Norway I think there has been an improvement," Katongo said.

Zambia has managed to stay unbeaten in its' last two pre-tournament warm-up games recording scoreless draws against Morocco and Norway after three successive defeats.

"So as players, we are satisfied and sure that in one week remaining we will be ready," Katongo said.

Zambia faces Ethiopia on January 21 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit in both sides opening Group C game.

Burkina Faso and Nigeria are the other teams in Group C.

HANA will again be looking to striker Asamoah Gyan to rise to the big occasion at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The goals of the former Udinese striker ensured the depleted Black Stars went all the way to the final of the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

And now Gyan has been made captain after he came out of self-imposed exile following the country's shock ouster by Zambia from the 2012 tournament in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea at the semifinals stage.

This will be the fourth Africa Cup finals appearance for 'Baby Jet' and with the Black Stars without Michael Essien, Andre Ayew, John Mensah, Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, Gyan leads the team.

Ghana won the last of four Nations Cup trophies in 1982 and 27-year-old Gyan says he now wishes to end the long wait for more silverware.

"We hope to end the long wait for a trophy in South Africa," declared Gyan after he was named captain in place of injury-prone Mensah last September.

But he is not underrating Ghana's first round opponents Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Niger.

"It's not an easy group because any team who have got to this stage cannot be

underrated," he cautioned.

"We faced Mali at the last tournament, while by qualifying for their second Nations Cup, Niger must be strong and are capable of creating upsets. We just have to remain focused and fight for the nation," said Gyan.

The signs are already good for the former striker of English Premier League club Sunderland as, unlike previous competitions, he is fit.

The Black Stars sweated over Gyan's fitness right into last year's tournament and it needed the unorthodox healing powers of a Serbian woman to get him back on his feet.

Another boost for Ghana is that he is enjoying a free-scoring run at his United Arab Emirate club Al Ain.

•Gyan

Mali pins hope on Keita

M

ALI hope experienced campaigner Seydou Keita can lead them to the top bracket at the Africa Cup of Nations like he did last year.

The former Barcelona midfielder led a youthful Les Aigles (The Eagles) to a thirdplace finish in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea last year.

It was their best performance since they came fourth in 2004.

Mali are in Group B with four-time champions Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Niger, and would be expected to battle the Congolese to clinch a place in the knock-out stage with strong title contenders Ghana.

New coach Patrice Carteron, who stepped in after compatriot Alain Giresse could not agree on a new contract, has fortified the west Africans by recalling midfielder Mohamed Laime Sissoko, who missed the 2012 tournament.

They trounced Botswana 7-1 to qualify for South Africa 2013 and sent a warning signal that they are again capable of springing surprises.

The class of Keita has never been in doubt, even when he only played a cameo role at mighty Barcelona and this could again shine through in South Africa.

Carteron said Keita may have lost some pace since his switch to China, but he is not concerned because the midfielder has enough class to still lead the team.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Four governors - Senator Liyel Imoke (Cross River State), Alhaji Dambaba Suntai (Taraba), Mr. Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and Captain Idris Wada (Kogi) - are down with illness. How are the states being run in their absence? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU, NICHOLAS KALU and JEREMIAH OKE write on the lull in government activities in the states.

Tales of absentee governors T

HEY are hit by the blows of fate. Illness and accidents are no respecters of persons, including governors. Four governors are currently incapacitated. Their misfortune has slowed down governance in their states.

For almost six months, Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime has been recuperating in an overseas hospital. His counterpart in Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has been outside the country for about three months.

His aides said he is resting in the United States. Taraba State Governor Dambaba Suntai is receiving treatment for injuries he sustained in a helicopter crash. Kogi State Governor Idris Wada has visited hospital for after-surgery check-ups. He survived a road crash. His aides have not hidden his recuperating process from the public, unlike his colleages. From the day he was involved in an accident to the time he was discharged from the hospital, Kogi State government did not keep people in suspense over his health condition.

It is not the first time a tragedy will befall a governor. When former President Umaru Yar’Adua was governor of Katsina State, he spent many months in hospitals abroad because he was ill. Even, some governors who were hale and hearty indulged in absenteeism. In 2004, ‘Digital Governor’ Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State spent six months abroad, claiming that he was sourcing for foreign investors.

According to the 1999 Constitution, the deputy governors are mandated to act for the governors when they are absent from office or on leave. In the Second Republic, deputy governors were actually in charge when governors were on leave or indisposed. In Ogun State, former Governor Bisi Onabanjo swore in his deputy, Chief Sesan Soluade, when he travelled abroad for medical treatment. The acting governor performed all the functions of the governor. He was invested with power and authority.

Also, in Ondo State, when the governor, the late Chief Michael Ajasin, was ill, his deputy, the late Chief Akin Omoboriowo, was in charge. Although he was not sworn in as acting governor, he performed all the functions of the governor. Even, during the military era, the Brigade Commanders or General Officers Commanding (GOC) deputised for the governors when they were on leave.

Since the Third Republic, governors have not related with their commissioners and special advisers as colleagues, but as bosses.

Thus, there is suspicion between governors and their deputies. Also, in this dispensation, only a few governors actually trust their deputies. That may be responsible for why the impeachment of some deputy governors were instigated by the governors.

In Enugu, Governor Chime handed over properly to his deputy. However, deputy governors are usually held to ransom by the kitchen cabinet of governors in their absence.

Thus, Enugu State Acting Governor Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi is said not to be directly in charge. Observers contend that governance is at a standstill in the state. The government insists this is not true. Projects are not being commissioned. Although the executive council still meets weekly, decisions taken are said to be cosmetic. Unlike his boss, Onyeagbuchi lacks the power to discipline erring members of the executive council.

Irked by the situation, a pro-democracy group, ‘Save Enugu Group’ (SEG), cried out that the absence of the governor for 105 days

•Imoke

•Wada

•Suntai

•Chime

‘Since the Third Republic, governors have never related with their commissioners and special advisers as colleagues, but as bosses. Thus, there was suspicion between governors and their deputies. Also, in this dispensation, only a few governors actually trust their deputies. That may be responsible for why the impeachment of some deputy governors were instigated by the governors’ was worrisome. It demanded a categorical explanation about the whereabouts and health status of the governor. In its petition to the acting governor, the group urged him to set up a delegation to visit the governor and report back to the people of the state. SEG said the delegation should comprise eminent indigenes, including respected statesmen, clerics, and prominent politicians. In its opinion, the visit will lay to rest speculations about Chime’s state of health.

The group’s motive, it is believed, has political undertone. Partisan politicians, including former Commissioner for Information in the defunct Nnamani Administration, Ray Nnaji, and Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) leaders; Maxi Okwu and Willy Ugwu, signed the petition.

They asked the acting governor to also clear the air on his alleged handicap, since he

assumed control. They claimed that the governor’s long absence amounted to grave misconduct. Analysts said that these remarks were poignant. Some stakeholders even want the governor to step aside.

“We are also told that, at the time of his disappearance from public view, His Excellency, as required by Section 190 of the 1999 Constitution, duly handed over to the deputy governor. We must bring to your notice that the public is awash with accounts of the inability of the acting governor to discharge his mandate under the constitution as a cabal of unelected officers has held him to ransom. We therefore, humbly submit that this is a most untidy state of affairs”, said ESG. However, the governor’s aides, in a statement, described the criticisms of the governor’s absence as shallow and baseless,

stressing that members of the group are attention-seekers. The people of the state have organised prayers to intercede for the ailing chief executive.

In Kogi State, the governor reported for work, barely three days after the accident.

Many people had complained that Enugu, Taraba and Cross River governors were absent from office. But, Wada’s quick return to office also generated controversy. Opposition parties claimed that he was not yet fit for work.

It is a different ball game in Taraba. Although stakeholders sympathised with the pilot-governor over the crash, they have decried the way a cabal had prevented the deputy governor, Alhaji Garuba Umar, from discharging fully the duties of the governor. Prominent politicians in the state loyal to the governor do not see him as the acting governor. They claimed that before the governor was flown to Germany for medical treatment, he did not hand over to his second-in-command. Suntai’s supporters felt that the deputy governor may warm himself into the hearts of the people, if the governor fails to return in time. Thus, Umar, despite being the deputy governor, has been a nominal acting head of government in the Northeast state. Sources said the deputy governor has accepted his fate to avoid being labeled a disloyal aide.

The Cross River State governor left the country on December 6, 2012. Initially, his aides could not confirm whether he was ill or not. They merely informed the anxious people of the state that he was on leave. But when the stakeholders started to insinuate that his condition was critical, his media aide, Christian Ita, opened up on his health condition. The Special Assistant on Media said Imoke communicated his decision to the State House of Assembly, through a letter to the Speaker, Mr. Larry Odey. He said that his deputy, Mr. Efiok Cobham, had been acting for him.

Justifying his long absence, the governor explained that he embarked on his accumulated leave because “one cannot continue to cheat nature”. “It’s probably been 10 years or more without a break or a decent vacation. I truly need to take this time off.

Thankfully, we are unified in our approach to governance. So, there’s continuity, which is important,” Imoke added. Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba also dispelled rumours about the governor’s health. He said he was in high spirits in the United States.

However, it has become difficult for the acting governor, Cobham, to assert himself. Sources said Imoke’s associates are throwing obstacles on his path. In Calabar, the state capital, speculations are rife that the deputy governor may “use the opportunity to maximum advantage.” But sources close to the deputy governor rejected the insinuation, saying that he has no plan to undermine or subvert his boss.

“For now, the man is just acting and he has a limit to that acting. He can approve some money, but I don’t think he can approve a certain amount. He is still working in tandem with his boss in the United States and he still takes instructions from him on anything that has to do with finance,” said a senior government official.

“So, there is a limit to where Efiok can act and I don’t think, he can take advantage of it to even think of 2015. In less than one month, the governor will come back and assume his position. It is only because the constitution says he should act in the absence of his boss. He still takes instructions from his boss, in order not to strain any relation till the boss comes back. If he over acts and the boss comes back, there may be a misunderstanding and that would lead to something disastrous. So, he is being careful. He is just there to ensure that salaries are paid, files are attended to and all that, but crucial decisions he cannot take. He would rather shelve such decisions until when his boss would resume. He cannot do anything for now. He may be the acting governor, but there is a limit to how he can act”, the official added.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

44

POLITICS Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). In this interview with reporters, he speaks about the state’s projects and preparations for 2015. BOLADE OMONIJO reports.

‘Funding our projects is big challenge’ H

OW would you react to the allegation by a senator that governors are frustrating the constitutional amendment process?

It is not everything that is alleged to have been spoken by people that should be reacted to. People will say all sorts of things on virtually all subjects and you can’t begin to reply to everything.

But have you been frustrating it?

How would I know that? Just tell me one role the governors are playing in the constitution amendment.

Since when have the governors become the legislative arm of government? If you ask me, I think that question does not require an answer. What the senator is saying, in effect, is that there are no state Assemblies and there is no National Assembly; the governors have constituted themselves into state Assemblies and the National Assembly at the same time.

But we all know that the governors have enormous influence on their senators and House of Representatives members?

No, that is not true. We have absolutely no influence over anybody.

You can ask Senator Magnus Abbey, who was here with me this morning.

Did you watch the 2012 Budget presentation of Rivers State? Mr. Speaker blasted me and as he finished, we sat here and ate food. Many people were shocked, no quarrel. I said no need to quarrel because he was playing his role as a Speaker. He blasted me, saying “you are doing well, you have so many projects that you are doing, but you are not completing them; you have to complete them and consolidate them and stop this expansion of projects, we will not approve any further expansion, but we will consolidate”. I said thank you sir. I came home and rested. If I controlled the House, would he have said that?

You are against autonomy of local government…

Look, governors are one of the most patriotic elements in this country.

There is no country in the world that has three federating units. There are only two. Why should you say that there must be third federating units in Nigeria?

In other words you are opposed to the autonomy of local government?

Of course, yes! Let a state governor or let the states create as many local government areas as they want to create. Don’t put it there as a constitutional issue. Why would you accuse some governors of mismanaging resources? How? In Rivers State, they not only collect their money directly,

‘Did you watch the 2012 Budget presentation of Rivers State? Mr. Speaker blasted me and as he finished, we sat here and ate food.

Many people were shocked. He blasted me, saying “you are doing well, you have so many projects that you are doing, but you are not completing them”. I said thank you sir. I came home and rested.

If I controlled the House, would he have said that?’

•Governor Amaechi

they collect my two billion monthly, ask them. I pay the salaries of all their teachers and that is two billion per month. If you take away that, my wage bill will come down to six billion per month.

Should we say you and your colleagues have lost the battle for the creation of state police?

I don’t want to discuss that issue.

Until the constitution is amended, how can you know what is lost and what is won?

Recently, Professor Jibril Aminu described the Governors Forum as an oppressive body. What is your reaction?

No response to Jibril Aminu. I say leave Governors Forum alone. You can’t respond to everything.

You are building 24 model boarding secondary schools in each of the 24 local government areas which will admit 1050 students. Have you thought about the manpower to sustain it?

This January we are employing 13,000 teachers. And now, if you say we are in control of the Assembly, I may now ask you, how? We would have done this since October last year, but the Assembly stopped it by resolution and we obeyed the resolution.

Up till now, we have not resolved the issue. If you watch my town hall meeting at Asatoro, there was an altercation between me and Mr Speaker live on the platform. I was trying to incite Asatoro people against him be-

cause he is from Asatoro when I said by now we would have finished employing teachers and some of your students would have been in school, but your son stopped us. Please beg your son. He came up and took the microphone from me and said the governor didn’t go through the proper process. So, we stopped him. So, I took over the microphone from him and said, yes, we did not, but your son didn’t remember from the beginning until when we were already issuing letters of employment that he said stop. So, beg him now that he should hurry because we want to give the letters by January. So, people started shouting and he said okay we will allow him to send the letters, I said we have won. But he stopped us from October. If we were in control of the House, who will stop us?

At a point the issue of kidnapping...

No kidnapping in Rivers State.

The schools and the hospitals in your projects are designed to be free for all citizens.How do you hope to ensure the sustainability of these projects after you must have left in 2015?

Power won’t be free, people have to pay for power. Within my period in office, they will be sustainable. I will continue to manage my resources in such a way that people will enjoy free education and free healthcare services. In planning for good education and health, you must know that affordability goes together

with accessibility. If it is not affordable you will loose more lives, if you don’t educate people you will run into more crisis. So, if you want to educate people and have the society that is properly developed, then, you must make education both affordable and accessible. So, if you build schools every where and nobody can afford them, then nobody will go to those schools. As a temporary measure, government must be able to bear the responsibility of funding.

The benefits of that can’t be quantified. About 80 per cent of all those criminals claiming to be Niger Delta fighters did not go to primary schools because they could not afford it.

I just had a meeting in the morning on establishing an educational training centre by the Israelis. They are coming and Germans will also be coming this month. The Israelis have just started. At the university level, you are made to pay because that is a choice, but we have to give free education up to secondary school level that will liberate your mind and allows your mental capacity to be able to make decisions that will better your future.

Do you have the requisite personnel to mange the medical equipment?

These are hi-tech equipment. An American firm will manage those two centers. But on the third one, we are talking to an Indian group. I don’t know who will manage it yet, but if it doesn’t work, then, we will give it back to the Americans. Their job is to take care of all the patients while ours is to pay for all the patients. So, it doesn’t matter whether they say it is this or that. When I go, it will be left for the next governor. If he likes, he could introduce fees. He or she is free.

Would you consider backing your successor up with a law so that nobody can change it over night when you leave in 2015?

No. Let the governor take his own decision. I tell people that, by the time the next governor comes, he won’t be facing primary schools because I would have gone far. Yes, he will be facing the primary schools to the extent that the more children are coming, the more schools he will build. What we met on ground when we came in terms of primary school pupils was 150,000. Now, we have over 300,000. So, I have to provide for the extra 150,000.

How much does it costs you to build one of those primary schools?

It is N112 million per primary school and that does not include furnishing.

What about the secondary schools?

The secondary school is N4.5 billion without furnishing.

You are planning to build a university, but Rivers State has a University of Science and Technology.

That is the one we are just trying to move to the permanent site.

How about the funding of your projects?

Funding is critical in the sense that we are pushing hard on Internally Generated Revenues (IGR). When we came, it was N2.5 billion. Now we a doing N6.5 and our target this year is N8 billion. We want to see whether we can pay our recurrent expenditure on IGR. If we do that, then, the money we get from the FAAC will be channeled into the projects but funding is a big challenge.

Do you have fears for 2015?

I have no fears at all.

Who are you bringing to take over from you?

There is nothing like that in my agenda.

Can you sum up your vision for Rivers State?

If I am allowed to do that, then I would say quality education, health, power and transportation. You see, I don’t emphasize roads. There is just one road we are building now, the Trans-Amadi Road. It is going to take about three flyovers; one at Garrison, one at Slaughter and another at Nbogo Junction. It is going to cost N47 billion. It is 10 kilometers long.

There is another new road we are going to build now to the airport to decongest Aba Road. It is going to cost N200 billion and fifty percent of that will be spent on bridges with about four flyovers and interchanges.

So far, the planning tells you that we have a design that we call the Greater Port Harcourt Master Plan. It takes cares of both the old and the new cities. It was designed in South Africa. And they said, if you don’t build those roads, they have designed for you very soon, Port Harcourt will implode. And I give you an example.

Port Harcourt is like a human being with so much cholesterol. If you don’t open it up, it will block inside and you die. But if you open it up, the blood can flow. All these roads are being done according to the master plan. We have the mono-rail which will also take out passengers. It is 25 -kilometre-long.

Don’t you worry about maintenance of what you are putting on ground? Are you considering who will take over from you in 2015?

Leave that to God.

Agbaje: We need transformational leaders

L

AGOS politician Mr. Jimi Agbaje has called for a transformational leadership in the country, urging the elite to show more interest in governance. He urged Nigerians to learn from the triumph of Indonesia over its economic and political problems, stressing that Nigeria can survive, if its leaders imbibe discipline, moral values, patriotism, rule of law and demonstrate selflessness.

The former governorship candidate spoke at a lecture in Lagos organised by the “January 9 Collevtive”, in commemoration of the first anniversary of the anti-fuel price hike. The lecture titled: “‘Elite, leadership and national transformation’, was chaired by the House of Representatives member, Pastor Osai Osai. The ceremony, which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was attended by the Olowu of Owu-Egba, Ogun State, Oba Adegboyega

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Dosunmu, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Alhaji Shetima Yerima, and a federal legislator, Mr. Muniru Hakeem.

Agbaje observed that the fuel subsidy protest was not in vain, recalling that it opened a can of worms in the oil sector. He said, for the country to achieve the goals of ‘Vision 20:20:20’, it should be inhabited by well educated and healthy people who can contribute to the baking of the national cake, instead of competing for the national cake. The politician also emphasised that leaders should shun corruption and embrace the rule of law and good governance.

Agbaje condemned the dwindling public morality, lamenting that a privileged Nigerian, who was expected to be on bail, was being guarded by the police. He said those who make much money in Nigeria are not the most hardworking people.

•From right: Former President Ibrahim Babangida presenting an award to Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu during the first graduation ceremony of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies in Minna.

MOTORING

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THE NATION

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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

With a spacious and luxurious interior, a large glass sunroof, rear-wheel drive sedan with V6 power and multimedia rear seat entertainment, the new Kia Quoris has innovative driving assistance and safety technologies, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

•Quoris

Kia unveils Quoris T

HE name ‘Quoris’ conveys solidity, luxury and high-technology, all resonating together as a chorus. The name is derived from the English words ‘core’ and ‘quality’ and hints at the attributes within the very heart of KIA’s new flagship. The decision to adopt this unconventional name, according to the Korean maker, is for the Quoris to stand out further from the established crowd.

The car that could rival BMW and Mercedes Benz was unveiled last Friday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Motoring journalists took time to drive it round the expansive hotel.

With N11 million, auto freaks could own the luxury sedan that sets new standards for advanced design, new technologies and driving performance.

No doubt, the Quoris would power the Kia brand into a new segment of the global automotive market. The first modern rearwheel drive Kia tops the global model range and is a true landmark vehicle for the company, combining stylish design with luxurious comfort, engaging driving dynamics and advanced high-tech features.

“We are delighted to bring the KIA Quoris to Nigeria to enable our customers have a feel of this classy, luxurious and high technology model from KIA Motors,” KIA Motors Nigeria Chief Commercial Officer Mr Sandeep Malhotra, said.

To Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the Quoris is all about elegance simplicity, balanced proportions and simple surfaces.

“The class-leading long wheelbase, the prestige distance, large wheels, sharply upright

•Interior of the car

short overhangs and a long sweeping shoulder line all work together in harmony to give Kia Quoris a sporty, athletic proportion and a confident stance quintessential to a premium large rear-wheel drive vehicle,” Schreyer said.

With a 5,090 mm overall length and 3,045 mm wheelbase, the car offers generous interior space. Overall width and height are 1,900 mm and 1,490 mm respectively which creates a spacious cabin environment while efficient aerodynamics and close attention to exterior detailing result in a highly competitive drag coefficient of Cd 0.27.

The Quoris is powered by an upgraded 294 ps Lambda V6 3.8-litre MPI engine. The normal aspirated twin DOHC 3.8-litre engine is equipped with dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS).

Every Kia Quoris comes with Kia’s all-new eight-speed automatic transmission mated to an innovative Shift By Wire (SBW) technology that helps save space and weight hile reducing engine noise in the cabin.

The excellent handling balance of Kia Quoris delivers a host of driver benefits – improved traction, greater road holding, enhanced braking stability, and enhanced turn-in.

Adopting rear-wheel drive also enables to

create a purity of steering response and feel.

Malhotra said the Quoris adopts a number of intelligent safety technologies never before seen on a Kia, in order to deliver maximum driver comfort and safety.

Additional night-time safety is provided by the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) – fitted as standard – that works in conjunction with the full HID headlights. The dipped-beam which automatically moves up/down, left/ right, controlled by the AFLS which reacts to vehicle speed and steering angle. It delivers a continuously varying (and most appropriate) light pattern while also turning the lights to better illuminate bends.

To assist Kia Quoris drivers, the new sedan is equipped with Adaptive Front Lighting System (PGS). The system features automatic steering control by an on-board computer to safely perform parallel parking. The computer ‘takes over’ the task of steering, while the driver remains in control of the accelerator and brake.

The Active Safety system comes standard with Anti-lock braking, Brake force Assist System, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). EBD monitors the car’s load, the combined weight of occupants and cargo, and adjusts the front/

rear distribution of the braking pressure to enhance retardation.

It possesses exceptionally spacious interior beneath large glass sunroof as well as providing high-tech protection for its occupants, every Kia Quoris enables them to enjoy a sophisticated, refined and luxurious interior.

Trimmed in NAPPA premium leather, both the front seats are powered, heated and ventilated. The driver’s seat features 16-way adjustment and memory settings for two users, while the passenger seat has 10-way adjustment. The regular rear seat has threestage heating of the cushion and backrest, with manually adjustable lumbar support and a folding center armrest.

A special ‘VIP’ option will offer twin heated and ventilated rear seats with a reclining backrest, sliding cushion and lower leg support for the ‘nearside’ seat, together with a front passenger seat that slides forwards when unoccupied.

The interior is exceptionally spacious and the cabin can be bathed in natural light as the large powered glass tilt‘n’slide sunroof is standard on all Kia Quoris models. Trunk space is also generous – with 455 litres of capacity.

Electric Rear Window Shade is a one touch mechanism lowers or raises the automatic rear window shade for better privacy and enhanced protection from harsh sunlight.

The in-vehicle infotainment system available for Kia Quoris is powered by the Intel Atom processor. The touch screen on the dashboard allows the driver to take advantage of state-ofthe-art functions and services, while the backseat display supports a variety of video formats to entertain passengers. A rich multimedia with premium sound and highdefinition displays on dual 9.2-inch monitors mounted in the back of each front seat is provided. The folding center armrest for the rear seats incorporates a complete set of controls for the multi-media system.

Kia Quoris features a premium audio system from Lexicon by Harman, the renowned creator of truly concert-hall standards of sound reproduction. Consisting of 17 speakers and a 12-channel trunk mounted digital amplifier, Quoris’s sound system utilises acoustic lens technology to deliver consistent sound quality throughout the cabin while and inverted subwoofer translates into more trunk space and the ultimate in bass performance.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

MOTORING

Coscharis donates 100 units of HIV kits to hospital

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OSCHARIS Motors has presented 100 units of HIV test kits to Ajeromi General Hospital, Ajegunle.

This, the automobile giant said, was to mark the Ford Global Week of Caring.

Coscharis Group President/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, said the Ford

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Global Week of Caring is an initiative of Ford Motor Company, to reach the less privileged in the society.

During this period, he said, all Ford dealers and employees across the world are mandated to volunteer their time and talents, to make positive impact in the community

Avis rental to buy Zipcar

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AR rental company Avis will buy car sharing service Zipcar for $491.2 million, the company said in a deal to be completed this spring.

The Boston-headquartered car sharing startup, founded in 2000, has some 760,000 members worldwide.

“By combining with Zipcar, we will significantly increase our growth potential, both in the United States and internationally, and will position our company to better serve a

greater variety of consumer and commercial transportation needs,” Avis chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ronald Nelson said in a statement.

The rental company plans to supplement Zipcar’s 10,000-car fleet with vehicles from its rental outlets during periods of high demand.

Parsippany, New Jerseybased Avis valued the deal at some $500 million total, and expect to save $50 million to $70 million annually via the acquisition.

they work and live.

Maduka said Coscharis Motors is not a solely profit-driven company “which is why we align with Ford Motor Company on this project. Our passion and objective is to significantly contribute to the society by identifying and supporting key specific areas and agencies towards sustainable community development. We are very proud of what we have achieved as a company in terms of our corporate social responsibilities but we do not plan to rest on our oars.”

Represented by Mr Matthew Aje, the Coscharis boss described the

event as a celebration of health and safety.

He said collaboration of Coscharis Motors and General Hospital, Ajegunle, Lagos is essential to effectively reach the targets by encouraging behavioural change, organising seminar/ workshop, donation of HIV test kits, town storming or road show in some selected markets and bus stops within and around Ajegunle.

“The General Hospital’s activities and efforts are well known to all.

The dedication and commitment with which you have fought and are still fighting prevalent ailments like HIV/AIDS

is an open secret. We commend your devotion and will continue to align with your mission in this direction. Coscharis Motors and Ford Motor Company will continuously support the government and its health institutions and agencies for present and future sustainable growth,” he said.

The hospital’s Anti- Retroviral Therapy Co-ordinator, Dr O. Adeogun, thanked Coscharis for the gesture.

Adeogun urged other corporate organisations and multinationals to emulate the auto giant by donating to the health institutions.

Porsche surpasses previous year’s record figure

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HIS year, Porsche AG has delivered 128,978 new vehicles to customers around the world, meaning that the previous year’s figure 118,868 vehicles has already been surpassed one month before the end of the year. In November 2012, the Stuttgartbased sports car manufacturer sold a total of 12,928 vehicles, achieving an increase of 38.7 per cent over the same month last year.

“Our current product initiative has continuously improved the attractiveness of the Porsche brand in 2012,” says Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Porsche AG. “The fact that we have already surpassed the previous year’s result in November is no reason for us to rest on our laurels. On the contrary, it is an incentive to deliver maximum performance in the next year – in spite of continued uncertainty in the marketplace,” Maier said.

In November, Porsche reported increased turnover in all regions. The range was in particularly high demand in the United States where 3,865 vehicles were delivered, representing an increase of 71.4 per cent compared to the same month last year. In the second largest Porsche market, China, the sports car manufacturer also achieved an increase of 63.4 per cent compared to November

2011, having delivered 2,919 vehicles to customers.

The third generation of the Porsche Boxster is in high demand internationally.

Deliveries of around 1,200 roadster models equates to a near three-fold increase compared to the same month last year.

Also the classic sports car Porsche 911 Carrera enjoys great popularity around the world. In November 2012, 2,019 vehicles were delivered to customers – an increase of 91.6 per cent over the same month last year.

Double-wide Jeep Wrangler rules the road

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OMMUTERS cannot miss this Double-wide Jeep Wrangler coming in rearview mirror, no matter what lane they are driving in.

The first Siamese Jeep Wrangler has hit the road in Morocco.

The double-wide ride was created by a diplomat living in the city of

Rabat, the capital and third largest city of the Kingdom of Morocco.

Although, there are no details on exactly who built it, or how, but the bizarre creation appears to be at least 12-feet-wide, too big to fit into a standard motorway lane.

The seats could accommodate at

least 10 people, and has twin radiators, which suggests it uses two engines.

With the three-door Wrangler JK measuring 73.7 in (1,872mm) in width, the conjoined Jeep Wrangler twins’ models should be around 147 inches or 3,750mm wide.

•Ariyoh controlling traffic

thority, procure uniforms and have a personal identity that validated them as a certified rider who is restricted not to ply the highlighted areas,” he said.

More knocks for Okada riders

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OUNCIL Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon Bolaji Ariyoh has reinstated his commitment to ensure commercial motorcyclists otherwise known as Okada riders do not violate the traffic laws within the area.

Ariyoh made this declaration after several meetings and consultation between the council and Okada Riders’ Association in the local government.

He warned the commercial motorcyclists not to ply the highlighted streets/ roads within the area in the traffic laws.

“We have done everything within our power to ensure the traffic laws are implemented, especially where it affects the areas Okada riders should not ply. Our regular interactions with the leaders of the commercial motor-

By Damilare Oshopale

cyclists’ association within our council have yielded positive results. They know their boundary and they have been trying to abide by the new rules except few ones.

Those ones can easily be taken care off with our advocacy programmes,” he said.

The law enacted by the Lagos State government, the council boss said, is for safety of all including the commercial motorcyclists.

He went further to mention the areas which include Alimi-Oke Street, Oyetayo Street, Church Street, Bolade/Oshodi road among others.

“We have explained some grey areas to the association members and presented the conditions given by the state traffic officers on how to observe and conform with the laws which include overhauling

the system and begin new process to register every Okada rider with the Local Government Traffic Au-

SAFE DRIVING

Drivers of articulated vehicles and fatigue

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N the course of my training sessions for the drivers of articulated vehicles, I have come to the conclusion that the drivers and their employers still have a lot of things to learn and do, to prevent fatigue and the associated hazards such as micro sleep, death, crashes, recklessness and unco-ordinated driving among others.

Trips between Ibadan and Ilorin, Lagos to Ibadan, Ibadan to Abuja, Benin to Enugu, Kaduna to Maiduguri, and Kaduna to Kano among others will reveal the haz-

ards of fatigue on the drivers of articulated vehicles.

Below are few of my findings: •Most of the drivers interviewed are ignorant of the circadian rhythm and the deep impacts of fatigue.

•A lot of the drivers prefer to make extra money than rest. They often deny themselves the much needed sleep just because they want to make more money.

•Virtually all the employers care less about the exposure of the drivers to fatigue. Most of the employers don’t keep drivers diary which is more comprehensive than the

common log book which some of them use. The drivers diary goes deeper to determine how many hours the drivers have been behind the wheel in a week and the right time to release the drivers to rest before embarking on another trip.

•Many employers focus more attention on profit – making than on the welfare and health of the drivers. Some employers don’t allow their drivers to have good rest in – between trips.

Fatigue is a silent killer which can lead to micro sleep, headache, high blood pressure, rheumatism, weakness, bad judgment, slow reaction

time, blackout and even death among others. All these are capable of causing road crashes with devastating consequences.

It is, therefore, very expedient for drivers and their employers in particular to get the right education on fatigue (causes, symptoms, effects, prevention and management). It is not just enough to know all the basic facts about fatigue but to be totally committed to its prevention among all categories of drivers no matter the urge for profitability.

Life is much more valuable than money in all ramifications.

Jide Owatunmise •Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

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80th KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

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HE 80th sitting of the State Executive Council was held on Wednesday 9th January 2012 (27th Safar, 1434 AH) under the chairmanship of Gov. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, fnse. During the meeting, deliberations on important issues, policies and programs aimed at impacting positively on the lives of its citizenry for the overall development

of the State were held. At this sitting, approvals for an expenditure of the sum N445, 047,765.35 of was approved, which was little higher than the amount consented for expenditure during the preceding 79th sitting in the sum of N428, 582,967.78. Below is the breakdown of the decision and approvals of certain policies and programs taken at the 80th sitting: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT a. Request for participation in the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Program: This Government has inherited an Educational system on the verge of decline and has to deal with dilapidated infrastructure and low quality of the school system at both the primary and secondary levels. Thus, since inception, the Government has to invest heavily in rebuilding infrastructure to provide a conducive learning and teaching environment. Over N4 billion was expended in the provision of classrooms, hostels facilities, staff quarters, laboratories, training and recreational facilities. In the process of implementing these programs, Government opens up for any beneficial assistance and cooperation from both International Donor Agencies such as USAID, ESSPIN, UNDP and Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education Commission. An example worth stating was the fact that the State Government has accessed the Universal Basic Education Commission Fund, which the preceding administration refused to do thereby affecting the provision of educational facilities in the State.

The Global Partnership for Education is a program meant to support developing countries’ partners to get all their children into school for a longer time and for a better education, especially for girls. This vision supports government commitment of providing functional knowledge and skills to its teeming youths throughout the State. Efforts are being made to resuscitate the educational system as new schools are being established to give girl-child education the support it requires, through the establishment of more Girls Secondary Schools.

Janbaki Girl Senior School is a case in point. Thus, any Agency ready to partner with the State Government in the educational development of the State is welcome.

Council noted that before a State can participate in the Global Partnership for Education program it has to meet the following: Sound Education plans through broad-based consultations, commitment to education through strong domestic support and demonstration of results on the performance indicators both institutional and strategic as well as progress in Primary completion rate among others.

Based on the foregoing reasons, the Ministry of Education solicited for the kind approval of the Council to allow Kano State to participate in the GPE program.

Council after listening to the presentation approved all the prayers contained in the memorandum. b. Request for funds to facilitate the conduct of monitoring activities of Community Reorientation Committee (CRC) Women Empowerment Program: The Community Re-orientation Committee is the initiative of this Administration aimed at the implementation of community beneficial Programs. CRC is a targeted program in which the entire citizenry of the State is involved since the people are in the best position to identify the problems affecting their community. The CRC plan is built on the ideas of involving the community in the provision of development projects. Under this program, community is directly involved in the provision of supportive facilities in Primary Schools and other empowerment programs.

Government is eager and ready to collaborate with NGOs that are ready to be partners in progress. Thus, when the Special Adviser to the Governor on NGOs submitted this memorandum informing the Council that three (3) registered NGOs will collaborate with her office to assess/evaluate Women Empowerment Program under the CRC across the 44 Local Government Councils in the State, the Executive Council did not hesitate to give such a request an approval. The three NGOs to be involved are COBTAK (Coalition of Budget Transparency Advocates in Kano), RIBAC (Right Based Awareness Coalition) and WDI (Women Development Initiative).

To facilitate a successful accomplishment of the assessment/evaluation a proposed budget of N8, 760,000.00 was presented to the Council seeking for an approval.

Looking at the significance of the exercise, Council considered and approved the required amount of money as well as the 8-month required for the assessment of the empowerment program. c. Report on the proposed University of Science and Medicine: This Government is aware that education is the primary key to development and progress of the State, in particular and humanity as a whole. This administration has never failed to initiate educational policies since its inception, however, challenging they may be. In fact, during its first term, this administration established Kano State University of Sciences and Technology, (KUT) Wudil, to provide sciences and technical education to the teeming youths of the State. The story of KUT is a success story.

On returning to power in 2011, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso came with the zeal of providing and improving the educational system, which was comatose. Kano State being the most populated State in Nigeria has the highest number of youths seeking education.

The previous administration did nothing to solve this problem as not a single tertiary institution was established throughout their 8 years in Government to admit the hundreds of students who completed their secondary education. This Government, therefore, assessed and evaluated the problem of qualified youths who were unable to secure admission to further their studies and proposed immediate and long-term solutions. Contacts were directly made to both private and public universities and admission were sought for the State qualified candidates seeking to further their education. Of recent 200 Kano State indigenous youths were sponsored to study in two private universities in the Western part of the Country. This is the first time; such a number of Kano State students was sponsored by the State Government to study in a private university.

In addition to that, the present administration after thorough evaluation decided to establish an additional university to cater for its teeming students and those from the Northwestern part of the country in particular and Nigeria in general. The new university; the Northwest University is now a reality. This university has already admitted its first set of students for academic programs. It is worth noting that efforts of other individuals are rearing their heads toward the educational development of the State. This explains the content of this memorandum. This administration inherited a pending request by a group desirous of establishing a Science and Medical University at Bichi.

On this request, Council established a 7-man Committee to trace the history and determine the viability of the request for the establishment of a Science and Medical University at Bichi, Bichi Local Government. The Committee completed the given assignment and presented its report for the consideration to the Council.

Among the findings of the Committee was that the State Government had already identified and allocated a land for the establishment of the University and expended the sum of N8,038,000.00 for the setting-up of the Secretariat and the procurement of office furniture, project van, etc. Government had paid compensation to the individuals whose properties were affected by the project.

It was also observed by the Committee that there were no concrete documentation regarding

the project, no timeframe, no significant work on the site and the implementation Committee under the previous administration was unable to meet the initiator of the project despite their official trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for that purpose. The Committee furthermore stated that some vital information regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the association’s statement of account as well as clarification from Saudi Consulate, Corporate Affairs Commission and State Security Services were lacking despite requests for their Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso submission.

The Committee, therefore, recommended to the Council that the establishment of the University is capital intensive, and the individuals behind the project were unable to convince the Government on their source of sustainable funding. Based on these and other issues raised by the Committee Council revoked the Certificate of Occupancy of the land allocated for the project. Government is, however, ready to revisit the case if the association is fully ready for this or any other project(s) beneficial to the State. d. Presentation of Report of the Implementation Committee of Northwest University on Interview for Recruitment of Academic Staff: Citizens are aware of the recently established Northwest University by the State Government.

However, no academic institution can exist without qualified teaching staff. For this reason, Government appointed a Committee to ensure that only qualified candidates were recruited for an academic staff status in the Northwest University. The Committee conducted the staff interview through transparent and professional manner and in accordance with the established procedure.

It was also reported by the Committee that out of the total number of 1,086 applicants 325 met the minimum qualification requirement and were invited for the interview, which was conducted in the finest academic tradition facilitated by qualified resource persons. Out of that number interviewed, 76 candidates were found suitable and qualified for the academic jobs.

The Committee, therefore, sought for the Council’s approval for the appointment of the following as founding Deans: 1. Professor M. A. Maiwada as Dean Faculty of Education 2. Professor Fatima B. Mukhtar as Dean Faculty of Science 3. Professor Haruna Abdullahi Birniwa as Dean Faculty of Humanities 4. Dr. Binta Tijjani Jibril as Dean Faculty of Management and Social Sciences It then prayed to the Council for the approval of placing the 76 candidates on salaries and allowances as obtained in the Nigerian University System.

In appreciation of the efforts made by the Committee, Council noted and approved all the recommendations forwarded on the appointment of the academic staff.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING a. Allocation of a plot of land for the construction of 2 x 300 MVA 330/133/33 KV SubStation in the State by Power Holding Company of Nigeria, (PHCN): This administration recognizes the need to provide adequate electricity for the development of the State. This, however, cannot be feasible without either giving all necessary support to PHCN in providing land for the construction of sub-stations or security for their installations.

This memorandum informed the Council that the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning had allocated land to PHCN for the construction of 2×300 MVA 330/133/33KVA Sub-Station in the State. In fact, the Government is more than ready to provide land to any Federal Agency desirous of establishing or constructing development projects in the State. b. Review of Renovation and Construction Works at Deputy Governor’s Lodge Mississippi Street Abuja: It is the decision of this administration to rehabilitate and renovate all public properties in and outside the State. This explains the recent renovation of the Government House, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Cabinet Office, Ministries of Health, Audu Bako Secretariat, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Council Affairs Directorate, etc. This policy has extended to other Government’s properties in Kaduna and Abuja. This explains the base behind this memorandum seeking for the renovation of the Deputy Governor’s lodge, Mississippi Street, Abuja. This led to award of a contract for its renovation by the Council during its earlier sitting. However, in the process of renovation, various observations were made in relation to the failure of most structural elements of the main house. This called for Integrity Test by the FCT’s Development Control Unit, which ordered for the demolition of the main unit within the building for safety reasons.

In compliance with the development control directives according to the memorandum, the entire structure was demolished and re-designed to depict the status of the occupants; this has necessitated for an adjustment in the cost implication of the project with an upward review of N58, 640,646.47.

In view of that, Council approved the sum of N58, 640,646.47 for the reconstruction of the redesigned structure. c. Request for modernization of Ministry of Land and Physical Planning: This administration noticed the slow pace the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning processes landownership documentation and certification because the Ministry has been functioning with outdated equipment and facilities. At one of its earlier sittings, Council deliberated on the need to modernize the operations of the Ministry, especially in the areas of acquisition, analyses and production of cadastral data. This is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ministry in the timely processes of the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to titleholders, and other related matters such as Change of names, mortgages, sublease, valuations, etc. In this regard; more computers, accessories, and consumables were required for the modernization of the Ministry to ease the processing of Land deals.

Council deliberated on the request vis-à-vis the impact expected on land documentation from the expenditure for the procurement of the computer accessories and approved the release of N19,641,507.07 as prayed by the memorandum. d. Continuation of Second Batch of Interlock Tiles Laying Projects along Metropolitan Roads: All and sundry in the State and beyond can attest to the fact that Kano State especially the metropolitan areas are wearing new look in terms of infrastructural facility development, environmental Sanitation and beautifications.

Council recalled its earlier approval of the sum of N310 million for interlock tiling of major roads in Kano metropolitan areas and subsequent releases of funds to Kano State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KNUPDA) in phases for the execution of the projects.

Fifteen major roads now wear new look; Ahmadu Bello Way, Audu Bako Way, Airport Road, Alu Avenue, Bompai road, Gwarzo road, Iyaka road, Lagos Street, Race Course road, Sani Marshal Road, Emir’s Palace road, Dandalin Shariah, Commissioner road, Kofar Ruwa

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013 road and part of Aminu Kano road.

To continue with that project along other major roads, Council approved the sum of N50million to the Ministry for the laying of more interlocking tiles.

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY a. Request for funds to conduct Second Batch of Mobile Van Computer Library Training for Secondary Schools Students: Presently, a high percentage of students has no access to computer or the funds to train themselves on this important technology. The yearning for computer education by the teeming youths leads to an innovative strategy by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Ministry introduced a Mobile Van Computer Library Training program for Secondary Schools Students of the State. Since this innovation, maximum efforts are being made to enable more students to benefit from the program through on the spot training of computer operations and maintenance.

A few months ago, the first batch of the training program was embarked upon in selected Secondary Schools successfully. The success encouraged the Ministry to propose the conducting of the Second batch of the program. The amount required to facilitate the program was N1.6million, which was approved by the Council. b. Request for funds for the annual subscription of Internet Bandwidth Facility: Ministry of Science and Technology through this memorandum requested for Government approval of the sum of N3, 612,000.00 for an annual subscription of Internet Bandwidth facility.

The facility according to the memorandum has been assisting in the conduct of the Ministries activities especially as it relates to making contact with Ministries, Departments and agencies of the State and Federal Government including Development partners at National and International levels on issues for the development of Science and Technology in the State.

Taking cognizance of the role of the facility to the Ministry, Council approved the sum of N3, 612,000.00 as requested for the Ministry to settle the subscription fee.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES a) Request for the release of Dry Season Fertilizer Allocation to the Members of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Kano Chapter: Kano State has been creating enabling environment that will empower the peasant farmers through the provision of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs in time for both rainy and dry seasons farming. Government has assisted farmers with all agricultural inputs at a subsidised rate to fulfil its campaign promises. This explains the request sent by the All Farmers’ Association for the release of dry season’s fertilizer because of the fast-approaching dry season in the State. Releasing of the item in time will assist the farmers to be fully prepared for the dry farming season activities ahead of them.

Council deliberated on the issue, appraised the attached list of the members of the Association, and directed the Community Re-Orientation Committee (CRC) in conjunction with the leaders of the Association to verify the authenticity of the membership to ensure fairness in the exercise.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING & TRANSPORT a. Cost implication in respect of Production, Supply and Installation of Solar Traffic Lights: This administration has placed enormous priority on infrastructural development with special interest on roads’ construction, interlock tiling of major streets, and installation of street and traffic lights. In addition to the existing agency established for such purposes; Kano State Urban Planning and Development Agency (KNUPDA), the State Government has of recent established Kano State Road Maintenance Agency (KAROMA) and a Task-force Committee on the Repairs and Reactivation of Street and Traffic lights. The Task-force was charged with the responsibilities of maintaining and installing Street and Traffic Lights in the State. Out of the over (30) thirty major road junctions requiring traffic lights, Council had already approved the installation of ten (10) leaving behind twenty (20) junctions.

This memorandum, therefore, sought Council approval for the production, supply and installation of automated solar power Traffic Light control System for a 4-way intersection for the remaining twenty (20) junctions.

According to this memorandum, the cost implication per junction is in the sum of N25, 652,619.00. After deliberation, Council approved the installation of (5) units of traffic lights for the five selected junctions at the total sum of N128, 128,095.00. b. Re-construction of Steel Fence at Sani Abacha Stadium Football Pitch Kofar Mata: The support of sporting activities by the State Government can be attested with the recent performance of Kano Pillars Football Club. The Club won the National Premier League 2012, which qualified them to represent Nigeria at the Confederation of African Champions League.

Sani Abacha Stadium rated, as World Standard, was one of the venues selected for international meet. For the staging of the upcoming match, FIFA recommended that the football pitch be fenced with steel iron and barbed wire to cover the entire pitch. This explains the basis of this memorandum in which the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture sought for Council’s approval to embark on the fencing project at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata in the State metropolis at the sum of N13,680,337.79.

In its commitment for the development of sporting activities in the State, Council approved the release of the amount requested so that deadline can be met to achieve FIFA guideline for accreditation. c. Request for General Renovation of Kano State Export Production Village: Kano State for years has been identified as the ‘Center of Commerce’ and the present administration is keen on holding this position and expanding into other sectors of the Nigerian economy by encouraging the export of agricultural and small-scale industrial produce.

This memorandum noting the interest of the State in the export of products sought Council approval for the renovation of the Export Production Village at the sum of N5,247,563.73.

To actualize the aim of utilizing the Export Production Village, Council approved the sum of N5, 247,563.73 as requested.

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES a. Request for the procurement of Specialized Hydrology and Hydrogeology Equipment: Since inception, Government has expended billions of Naira on the procurement and importation of pipes for the supply and distribution of qualitative water for both domestic and industrial purposes. The perennial water shortage witnessed under the preceding regime has become history. It is in this vein; Government renovated the Hydrology/Hydrogeology Department of the Ministry of Water Resources through the provision of equipment and instruments in order to resuscitate data collection and analyses. The sum of N9,653,650.00 was approved for the initial procurement of the equipment at the 75th sitting of the Council.

Considering the importance of the project to the development of data in the Ministry of Water Resources, Council approved the release of N16, 298,070.00 as requested. b. Provision of Water Supply to Shanono Town from Pada Regional Scheme: The present administration of the State has distinguished itself in the area of Water Supply in the State. The recent improvement of water supply in Pada Regional Water Scheme at Gwarzo encouraged the Ministry of Water Resources to examine the possibility of providing Shanono with potable water from the Scheme.

In line with that, the State Water Board conducted full assessment of requirements for the extension of Pada Regional Scheme services to Shanono.

To adequately facilitate the project, the Ministry proposed an estimated budgetary requirement of the sum of N76,465,000.00, which the Council approved.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORTS AND CULTURE a. Request for the Hosting and Sponsorship of 33rd Edition of Ramat Cup in Kano: Content of this memorandum highlighted the need for the State to sponsor the 33rd Edition of Ramat Cup in the State Capital. Ramat Cup Competition has been for years one of the

51 biggest Youth Soccer Fiestas in the Country, which is annually conducted in honor of the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammad. The fiesta attracts competitors from within and outside the Country.

To enable Kano State host the 33rd episode of the tournament, the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria sought for financial support from the State Government. The fiesta is scheduled to hold from 5th – 14th February 2013.

In view of that, Council approved the release of N4million as its contribution to the event.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE a. Proposal for Pension Review for State and Local Government Pensioners: Kano State Government under the Second Tenure of Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has since June 2011 distinguished itself in championing the cause of not only the serving Civil Servants in the State but also to those that have successfully completed their Services as well as others that retired voluntarily.

It was on record that the Government has given required priority over the welfare of the Civil Servants through various initiatives such as the payment of minimum wages, vehicle’s loans, training and sales of Government Quarters to the occupants among others.

In continuation with this kind gesture, the State Executive Council has graciously approved for the upward review of the monthly pension of retirees. As from March 2013, the lowest amount to be paid to pensioners will be N5000.00 instead of the N135 being presently paid.

Council further approved the upward review for other categories of pensioners in both State and Local Government as follows: CATEGORY RANGE OF AMOUNT (N) INCREMENT 1 135- 3999 N5000 (minimum) 2 4001-5000 45% 3 5001-10,000 40% 4 10,001-15,000 35% 5 15,001-20,000 30% 6 20,001-30,000 25% 7 30,001-40,000 20% 8 40,001-50,000 15% 9 50,000-Above 10% UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 80TH EXCO SITTING 1. REPORT OF THE TEAM THAT VISITED THE MIDDLE EAST AVIATION ACADEMY (MAA) IN JORDAN Council noted the recent official trip by the State team to Middle East Aviation Academy, Jordan, to ascertain its suitability for the provision of the new intakes from the State. The committee observed the high standard of the institution and recommended it for the 100 selected indigenous youths of the State to be trained as professional commercial pilots.

2. LAUNCHING OF MICRO FINANCE BANK ACROSS THE 44 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS Council noted the launching of the micro finance bank in the State, and Government thanked the Minister of Finance and Governor of Central Bank for their support and representation towards the successful takeoff of the banks.

3. THE NOTICE OF THE FORTHCOMING 15th JANUARY POLIO EXERCISE Council noted the forthcoming 15th January polio eradication exercise that will soon commence. Government calls upon members of the general public to support and cooperate with medical personnel for the successful implementation of the exercise in the State.

4. GOVERNOR’S MEETING WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS ON IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY WITHIN THE CITY & ACROSS THE RURAL AREAS Council noted the successful meeting held by the Governor with the Interim Management Officers including other stakeholders of the State on how to improve sustainable supply of portable drinking water across the communities.

5. REPORT ON THE STATE CRAFT SCHOOLS Council noted the progress report on the establishment of Craft Schools in the State. Already, Government has approved the employment of teachers on contract and permanent basis for the successful takeoff of Schools in the State.

6. MONTHLY PENSION INCREMENT OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS Today, Council reviewed upward the monthly pension of both the State and Local Government pensioners. This decision was aimed at lessening the present economic hardship the retirees are facing.

7. PUBLIC CONCERNS OVER ERECTION OF BARRICADES ALONG HIGHWAYS IN KANO IN THE STATE Council noted the persistent road accidents across the highways because of the increasing number of roadside markets and the mounting of dangerous barricades (heavy stones or woods) on the freeways. Government urged the public and other patriotic citizens to kindly remove them to avoid further occurrence of road accidents.

8. AWARDS PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR Council noted the presentation of Awards to the Governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso by the Members of the State Judiciary and the Royal Aviation Academy Jordan for his active role towards human and capital development in the State.

9. KANO ROAD TRANSPORT AUTHORITY (KAROTA) USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown Vehicles blocking roads Traffic Congestion Accident Illegal/Wrong Parking Call Karota on – 08091626747 10. For security call the Police on the following numbers; 08032419754 08123821575 08099831808 064-977004 064-97705 11- For Fire Service call the following numbers 064-895435 07051246833 08191778888 08190548888 08190548888 08107888878 For further information on Government activities visit us at www.kano.gov.ng/new

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

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Senator, others commiserate with monarch

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HE Ekiti State Government has debunked claims that a former aide of Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr. Seun Odewale, has been arrested by the police in Katsina State.

In a statement, the governor’s media aide, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said Odewale was never arrested by the police or linked with any crime.

The statement reads: “The attention of the governor has been drawn to some online reports about the arrest and release of Odewale, his former aide, by the police in Katsina State.

“Given the various dimensions the incident was reported and interpreted in some quarters, it has become imperative for us to make some clarifications regarding the person of Odewale and his mission in Katsina.

“Odewale was a personal assistant to the governor until last October, when he was admitted for post graduate studies at the Harvard University in the United States.

“Odewale came into the country in December for the holiday and to carry out some research in connection with his studies at Harvard. He is a law abiding citizen and a gentleman of high moral standard, who would not run foul of the laws of the land.

“Thankfully, the police in Katsina, having listened to his explanation and after some checks on his personal profile and his telephones, were satisfied that he meant no harm and posed no threat to security.

Odewale and his friend, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, were released without any encumbrance.

“We deem it appropriate to make these clarifications, so that the public are not hoodwinked into believing concocted stories being peddled by some individuals and groups about the development.”

Two trucks razed at police station From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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WO vehicles impounded by the police at Enuowa Divisional Police Station in Ondo, Ondo West Local Government Area, have been razed.

Sources said one of the trucks was marked, ANAMBRA XF 364 FGG, while the other one had no number plate.

It was learnt that balls of fire from a refuse dump near the division’s Motor Traffic Department (MTD) and the Osemawe’s palace, fell on some cars in the station’s premises.

Though no life was lost, it was learnt that some senior officers at the Division had been sanctioned.

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•Oba Adeyemi

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to help in rebuilding the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (III).

Twenty rooms of the palace were razed last week.

The President spoke at the weekend during a visit to the Alaafin.

He was represented by the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, who led other traditional rulers on the visit.

Akinrutan said he was at the palace in three capacities - as the President’s emissary, as the Chairman of the Yoruba Conflict Resolution Committee and as the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Traditional Council.

He said the President “expressed sadness on the incident” and pledged to send a “powerful delegation” to de-

ENATOR Ayo Adeseun (Oyo Central) and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle (MFR), have commiserated with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, on the fire that gutted 20 rooms in his palace.

Adeseun, who led political leaders in the district to the Alaafin’s palace at the weekend, described the fire as a “regrettable incident”.

He said: “The Alaafin’s palace is a complete embodiment of the wholeness of Yorubaland, just as the Alaafin is the fulcrum of what Yoruba represents anywhere in the world.

“The palace is a Yoruba Mecca of rich culture, custom, tradition and history. The fire has destroyed irreplaceable valuables, which added dignity to the palace over time. The artiefacts, ornaments and property are worth tens of millions of naira. We thank God that no life was lost in the fire. As illustrious sons of Iku Baba Yeye, we will be part of the reconstruction process. We would be here again soon to inaugurate a more beautiful edifice.”

Adeseun hailed men of the State Fire SerFrom Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

liver his letter of sympathy to the Alaafin and assist in the rebuilding of the palace.

Akinruntan described the incident as a disaster, “not only to the Alaafin and the people of Oyo, but also to the Yoruba people.

He called for concerted efforts by all Yoruba in rebuilding the palace.

Oba Adeyemi said

vice for containing the fire.

He was accompanied by former commissioners Bayo Bankole and Aare Abdulsalam Ladi; Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Temi Adibe; Mr. Jide Adewale; Mr. Mogaji Olorode; the caretaker chairmen of the five councils in Ogbomosoland and chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Adeseun urged Nigerians to be careful when burning things during the dry season.

Oba Olugbenle, in a statement by his media aide, Elder Adetokunbo Fakeye, said: “The fire destroyed irreplaceable artefacts. The people of Yewaland commisarate with Oyo people on this sad incident.”

He urged the Alaafin to take solace in the fact that no life was lost and prayed God to grant Oba Adeyemi long life and good health.

Akinruntan’s ancestors were the original settlers in Ile-Ife, before they left for the riverine area in Ondo State.

He hailed the Olugbo’s efforts to unite the Yoruba through the conflict resolution committee.

The Alaafin said he was ready to attend any meeting of prominent monarchs aimed at sustaining peace.

He said there had never been a time in the history of

Yoruba that Oyo was under any other town as is being speculated in some quarters.

The Alaafin said: “I can give 100 empirical evidences, spanning over five centuries, to defend my position without looking into any book. It is only a person that has something to hide that will not want to hold a meeting. “I am ready for the sake of our people because it is the grass that suffers where two elephants fight.”

HE Cathedral Church of St. David, Akure, Ondo State, yesterday said there was no crisis over the election of Very Rev. Simeon Oluwole Borokini as the Bishop-elect of the Akure Anglican Diocese.

Borokini, who is the current Provost of the Cathedral Church, was elected last week by the Conference of Bishops of Nigeria at Agbhara-othor, Delta State.

Men of the State Security Service (SSS) were said to have stormed the church premises yesterday during the Yoruba service to prevent a crisis on the issue.

Elders of the church, led by former Minister of Finance Chief Olu Falae and the Balogun Ijo, Mr. Emmanuel Adegoke, told reporters that members were happy about Borokini’s election.

Falae said: “We are happy here and do not where the alleged crisis could be coming from. There is no crisis here. You can see that we are singing, dancing and rejoicing.”

Adegoke, who is the Balogun of the Cathedral, said: “When we heard the news that Rev. Borokini had been elected last week, we were happy. Many people went to his house to congratulate him. Our Church was filled with joy this morning. He has created a record. No Akure son has become a Bishop since Christianity came to the city in 1897. “

Ekiti elders: Fayemi is god-sent

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HE Ekiti Council of Elders has said Governor Kayode Fayemi is “God’s answer to the prayers of senior citizens”.

The elders, led by a First Republic Minister, Chief Joel Babatola, spoke at the weekend during a visit to the governor at his office in AdoEkiti, the state capital.

They said Ekiti was “very fortunate” to have Fayemi as governor.

The elders said the values for which Ekiti people are known are being restored by his administration and urged indigenes to support the government’s efforts to improve the state.

Praising the governor’s administrative style and “passion for development”, they said his emergence as governor was “clearly God’s answer to their prayers for someone who would be a unifying factor and a supporter of development”.

The elders included former Governor of Old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, and

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•From right: Fayemi addresing the President of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Chief Babatola Olora; Olumilua and the Chairman of the Ekiti Forum, Chief Jonny Ajayi...at the weekend.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Chief Deji Fasuan.

Fasuan, who played a major role in the creation of Ekiti State in 1996, said the council is non-partisan but passionate about the state’s

development.

He said the first half of Fayemi’s tenure was “characterised by integrity, hard work and performance” and urged the governor to continue to make these values the watchword of his administration.

Olumilua assured the governor of their support and urged him to continue to consult the elders on challenging issues.

Describing the visit as “a meeting of great minds”, Fayemi said the council was an opportunity for any gov-

ernor to get good counsel.

He said he would continue to consult the council in “a well-structured and non-partisan manner”, adding that there was need to “bridge the gap between the energy of the youth and the wisdom of the elders”.

PDP, Accord get knocks for ‘attack’ on Ajimobi

GROUP in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State, the Asiwaju Leadership Forum, has said the “attack” on the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration by the Accord and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is bad for democracy.

He said comments by opposition parties that the administration does not mean well for the people were “unguided and capable of disrupting the peace in the state”.

PDP and Accord have been critisicing the government on the demolition of illegal structures.

Speaking through its state coordinator, Mr. Sikiru Oranmiyan, the group said the demolition of illegal structures in Ibadan, the state capital, was in the best interest of the people.

It said: “The opposition should praise the transformation works done by the ACN administration, in-

stead of engaging in destructive criticism. As the leading opposition party in the country, ACN recognises the place of the opposition in governance, but when it is destructive, it portends danger.

“We could have kept quiet to the rantings of Mr. Dotun Oyelade and Mr. Dele Adigun, but we have to check their excesses in the interest of our dear state and citizens.

“The duo were part of the rot of the previous administration. No party, in a saner society, would have absorbed them, following the retrogressive roles they played during the last administration.

“Was it not when Mr. Sarafadeen Alli, who prevented the removal of Sen. Ashidi Ladoja as governor, was removed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and replaced with Adigun that the Accord leader was impeached?

“Only unserious people like the duo can criticise a

government that is doing everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people. Oyo State, since the inception of this administration, has been undergoing transformation from environmental degradation; brigandage resulting from the incessant clashes of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); flood; academic backwardness and moral decadence to a state of infrastructural development.

“The people, including their leader, Ladoja, have, at different times, extolled the virtues of the governor.

As stakeholders in the transformation agenda, we will not allow greedy politicians to draw the state backwards.”

The group urged Ladoja to be wary of Oyelade and Adigun.

It prayed God to give the Governor the strength and wisdom to improve the state and urged the opposition to engage in constructive criticism.

THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2013

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NEWS Monarch urges calm on police presence

First Bank gives five patrol vans to Abia

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

EFCC to arraign Kaduna Deputy Speaker today

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it would today arraign Kaduna State Deputy Speaker Mato Dogara for an alleged N17 million scam.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its spokesperson, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC said Dogara would be arraigned before a Federal High Court, Kaduna, with two others.

They are: Kabiru Malali and Ahmed Yahaya, former Chairman and Treasurer of Lere Local Government of Kaduna State.

The statement said the suspects would be arraigned on a six-count charge, including contract over-invoicing and criminal diversion of funds.

“Dogara is a former Chairman of Lere Local Government and had also served as commissioner in the state,” the statement said.

ZE Kalu Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, has called for calm among his subjects as security agents invaded the community to search for the killers of Chief Iroeke Ukaku at the weekend.

Speaking with The Nation in his palace at Abiriba, the monarch noted that what happened in his domain was unfortunate.

He described it as a bad way for the people of the community to begin the New Year.

Eze Ogbu advised the people to go about their normal businesses without fear.

He said: “The security men are moving round to ensure that those behind the dastardly act are apprehended.”

The monarch urged the residents to give the security personnel useful information that could lead to the arrest of those behind the killing of Chief Ukaku and abduction of his two daughters.

Eze Ogbu said the community had once experienced such a security breach, adding that it came out of it unscathed.

According to him, the people will not want to go back to such dark days of the community.

The monarch thanked Governor Theodore Orji for promptly responding to the situation.

He noted that this has helped the people to remain calm.

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HE First Bank Plc has donated five security Toyota double cabin vans, equipped with communication gadgets, to the Abia State Government.

The Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr Bisi Onasanya, presented the vans to Governor Theodore Orji in Umuahia, the state capital.

The bank chief said the bank was happy with the way the government has handled the security challenges in the state.

Onasanya recalled that there was a time kidnappers, armed robbers and other forms of violent criminals held the state by the jugular.

According to him, this made some investors to run away from the state.

He said: “But the governor tackled it frontally, leading to the return of peace and order.”

The bank chief recalled that in the days when criminals had a field day in Abia State, economic activities came to a halt.

Onasanya added: “However, you have been able to take care of the menace and have been attracting investors to the state since then.”

The First Bank chief said the bank has 22 branches in the state and is building two new ones.

He added: “This is one of the ways we can support your government, by partnering you to handle security in the state.

“Sir, the security network you have put in place in the state has enabled us to invest in Abia. We, as a bank, have benefited immensely from this. This is why we are supporting your government in our own little way with these security vans.”

Orji thanked First Bank for joining other banks operating in the state to support the security improvement.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle) receiving an the award the member, representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mrs Ayo Omidiran, won during the seventh National Assembly Media Award as the Most Outstanding Honourable Member in the Southwest, to the governor at Government House, Osogbo...at the weekend. With them is the governor’s wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola.

Okorocha: let’s enthrone merit

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GAINST the wish of many elders from the East that the zone be allowed to produce the next President, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has kicked against zoning.

He said the zoning of political power would not move the nation forward.

The governor, therefore, advocated that people be elected into office on merit.

Okorocha, who is believed to be nursing an ambition to take a shot at the presidency in 2015, said the entrenchment of zoning and rotation of power cannot guarantee the emergence of the right and desired leader that will take the country to its rightful position in the comity of nations.

Addressing reporters in

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Minna, the Niger State capital at the weekend, the governor said the clamour for the rotation or zoning was an elite and political class creation for the promotion, entrenchment and actualisation of their selfish interest.

He said: “I am not an apostle of rotation of presidency.

I don’t believe that power must be rotated. What we are doing in this country is not real zoning. It is called deceptive zoning. If you have to rotate power, it should be between the poor and the rich.

“Election of persons into political offices should be made on merit. Let the man who has what it takes up there to rule, irrespective of

‘If there is good leadership, there will be good followership’ his religion, colour or where he comes from.”

Exonerating the masses from being the cause of the country’s political crisis in the country, the governor stressed that those in leadership positions have failed to give direction that would take the country out of the woods.

He said: “If there is good leadership, there will be good followership.”

Explaining that the nation is in a critical moment, Okorocha said: “Ethnicism,

religion and zoning in the election of leaders should not be allowed to play the determining factors for the country to get over this.

“We can only get it right when we can have the right leadership. If we allow zone, tribes and religion to dictate who governs or leads us, then we will have a visionless nation and a nation perishes when its leader or people have no vision.”

He, however, cautioned against a blanket indictment of the nation’s elite.

Okorocha said: “It is not every elite that is guilty of corruption or spoiling the nation.

“It’s not everyone in the political class is bad. There are good eggs and there are bad eggs. Not all of us are bad.”

‘Ihedioha behind plot to impeach Imo governor’ • Lawmaker’s man: allegation false, laughable

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HE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has accused House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha of plotting to unseat Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The party, through its Imo State chapter, also accused House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and a prominent monarch, of masterminding the arrest of Finance Commissioner Chike Okafor and the Accountant-General, George Eche, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A statement by the chairman, Prince Okafor Anyanwu, said the two officials were allegedly framed up by desperate politicians, who he said were bent on discrediting the “good works of the governor”.

The statement said the inability of the EFCC to arrest and prosecute former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, even the evidence of alleged embezzlement of public funds, “gives credence to the fact that our nation has failed in the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

fight corruption”.

The statement added: “Unfortunately, the EFCC, which hurriedly swooped on the two innocent government functionaries on trump-up charges, is still foot-dragging in arresting Ohakim since he left office in 2011. Available records have clearly proved that the loan was secured to fund the failed re-election of the former PDP governor.

“It is also surprising that this evil plot was hatched as Governor Okorocha settled all the loans collected by the past administration, including the N6.4 billion obtained from United Bank for Africa (UBA) by the former governor, at the twilight of his administration.”

Neither Ihedioha nor his media aide could be reached for comment.

But a close source to the lawmaker, who spoke in confidence, described the allegation as false and laughable.

The source added: “The governor should address his

issues with the anti-graft agency, instead of blaming imaginary enemies for his financial recklessness and administrative incompetence.”

APGA also alleged that the lawmakers have mobilised funds to bribe the House of Assembly with N100 million to impeach the governor.

Anyawu said the party would “vehemently resist any attempt by dubious politicians to disorganise the state”.

He added: “They are boasting all over town as well as dropping the name of Mr. President. Thus, they are claiming to have the support of the Presidency to impeach Governor Okorocha.

“They also claim to have set aside N3 billion to enable them offer each member of the state Assembly N100 million to actualise the evil plan.

“This has no doubt corroborated the outburst of the Political Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ali Gulak, which earlier suggested to members of Imo House of Assembly to impeach Governor Okorocha.”

•Ihedioha

Enumerating the achievements of the Okorocha-led administration, the party stated: “We have rather expected them to appreciate the achievements of the present administration, including free education at all levels, construction of 27 new general hospitals, 305 model schools, over 1000-kilometre urban and rural roads, transformation of Orlu and Okigwe cities, construction of Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPS) and Young Scientist School, construction of Imo Concorde Apartments, construction of Heroes Square, revival of Imo Palm Plantation, construction of Ikemba Ojukwu Centre and many other people-oriented projects that spread all over the state.

‘Abia had 20 road accidents in Dec’ From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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HE Abia Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. John Meheux, has said the command recorded about 20 road accidents during last year’s Yuletide period.

Meheux, in a telephone interview at the weekend, explained that of 181 persons involved in various auto crashes, 76 sustained injuries.

The FRSC sector commander attributed the cause of the accidents to speeding and dangerous overtaking by motorists.

He said 20 accidents occurred on the Unuahia-Ikot Ekpene and Enugu-Port Harcourt expressways last year.

The FRSC Unit Commander for Aba Chika Akachukwu said the commercial city did not record any accident during last Christmas and New Year.

He noted that despite the rehabilitation of the EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway during the festive period, motorists who plied the road ensured the safety of their passengers.

The FRSC commander attributed the success to the unit’s massive enlightenment campaign at motor parks.

He said the campaign focused on educating and creating safety consciousness among motorists, especially commercial drivers, who are the major road users during festive periods.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Six held in new India rape attack

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OLICE in India have arrested six men after they allegedly gangraped a woman on a bus, just weeks after a similar attack shocked the nation.

The latest assault is said to have taken place in the northern state of Punjab. The police are searching for a seventh suspected attacker.

Last month, a 23-year-old student died of her injuries after being raped in the capital Delhi.

Five men have been charged with her murder and are facing trial.

If convicted, they face the death penalty.

A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried

• Delhi mum urges death penalty separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.

The Delhi attack prompted mass protests which prompted the government to set up special fast-track courts to exclusively deal with rape cases and also consider strengthening sexual assault laws, the BBC’s Sanjoy Majumder reports.

Police officials say that the latest victim was a 29-year-old woman.

She is believed to have been travelling on a bus back to her village on Friday night.

The driver and conductor allegedly refused to stop at her

village, instead taking her to a desolate location not far from the city of Amritsar.

The two men are then believed to have been joined by five others and taken turns raping the woman throughout the night.

The victim was then dropped off near her village, where she was able to tell her relatives about the attack.

The extent of the woman’s injuries were not immediately known.

The mother of the 23-yearold student who died after being brutally gang-raped in a moving bus in the Indian

capital says all six suspects, including one believed to be a juvenile, deserve to die.

In her first published comments, the mother told The Times of India that the youngest suspect participated in the most brutal aspects of the rape.

Five men have been charged with the student’s rape and murder and face a possible death penalty if convicted. The sixth suspect says he is 17 years old. If that is confirmed, he is likely to be tried in a juvenile court where the maximum sentence is three years in a reform facility.

The names of the victim of the December 16 attack and her family have not been released.

Journalist on seven-year walk

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nited States journalist Paul Salopek is going to spend the next seven years walking from Ethiopia to the tip of South America, retracing the journey of early humans out of Africa and around the world.

Along the way he will be writing articles, shooting video and tweeting.

Salopek will take some 30 million footsteps during this journey, which he calls “the long walk into our becoming”.

So there is a lot of potential for blisters.

But he insists he is not doing this as some kind of extreme sport - he will be thinking hard, en route, about human evolution.

The starting point for the trek is Herto Bouri, a site in north-eastern Ethiopia populated by early humans in the Middle Stone Age. “Paleoanthropologists have found an extremely old Homo sapiens fossil there, which might be as much as 160,000 years old,” says Salopek.

“Since the group of people

whose footsteps I am following are early homo sapiens, the fit is pretty good.”

He is interested in how small groups of hunter-gatherers colonised the world.

“I shall be retracing the pathways of the first human diaspora out of Africa, which occurred about 50 to 70,000 years ago, as authentically as possible, on foot,” he says.

From Ethiopia’s Rift Valley he will walk with Afar nomads to the Red Sea and cross over into Arabia, where he will follow the western coast

north to the Middle East, ending the year either in Jerusalem or Amman.

“From there I shall continue the trek eastward across Eurasia into East Asia, through China and north through Siberia,” he says.

China alone will take him 14 months to cross.

“I’ll hop a boat across the Bering Straits and then ramble down the New World to Tierra del Fuego, the place where our ancestors arrived about 12,000 years ago, the last continental corner of the

•Salopek

world to be colonised by our forebears.”

The route Salopek is following is one of a number of possible ways that humans left Africa and settled the world.

Venezueleans meet with Raul Castro

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ENEZUELA’S most senior political leaders are in Cuba to visit President Hugo Chavez, who is still in a serious condition after his latest cancer operation in Havana on 11 December.

Vice-President Nicolas Maduro and the speaker of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, had a meeting in Ha-

vana with Cuban leader Raul Castro.

No details of the meeting have been released.

Chavez missed his inauguration for a new term on Thursday.

The Supreme Court has ruled that President Chavez can be sworn in when he recovers and returns to Caracas.

Venezuela’s opposition has

accused the Cuban government of controlling the political situation in Venezuela during President Chavez’s convalescence.

Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez and Attorney-General Cilia Flores were also at the meeting with Raul Castro.

Chavez, 58, was re-elected for a fourth term on 7 October. He has been in power since 1999.

ANALYSIS

Is this the start of India’s ‘Arab Spring’?

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HE recent school shooting in Connecticut looked like a tipping point in U.S. public consciousness.

Americans have been asking themselves some tough questions: why does this happen so often and so much more in America than in other countries? What does gun violence say about us as Americans and what measures can we put in place to stop it?

A similar bout of public soul-searching was on display in India recently.

Across the country, tens of thousands of people took to the streets to express outrage over the rape and death of one unnamed woman.

The national attention over her death is shedding light on how unsafe Indian women actually are. According to the national crime records bureau, there were more than 24,000 registered rapes in 2011. That’s one rape every 22 minutes in India. And those are just the ones we know about.

By some accounts, only a tenth of all such crimes in India actually get reported.

Why such a shockingly high rate of violent crime?

Indians are debating the reasons.

The reality is this: This is one more example of a government that simply does not deliver. India has a broken public safety system, little to no public surveillance and CCTV systems, and a corrupt police force.

According to the U.N.’s Office on Drugs and Crime, South Asia has one of the

lowest ratios of police officers to civilians in the world. It also has among the fewest prosecutors as a percentage of the population.

There could be other factors. India has a demographic crisis. According to its 2011 census, there are only 9 women for every 10 men in urban India. That’s one of the worst sex ratios, and that doesn’t happen naturally. It happens because tens of thousands of Indians opt for abortions if they know they’re having a daughter.

But these conditions are not unique. Some of them exist elsewhere, too. Perhaps, most of all, rape happens so often in India simply because it is allowed to happen. There is a culture of impunity. After 600 rape cases reported in Delhi last year, only one has led to a conviction.

That’s why the current set of sustained protests are something of a silver lining.

People are genuinely upset. The rise of India’s middle class has activated a powerful civil society. One that is now demanding better government. It did so a year ago regarding corruption.

Now it’s asking for basic rights for women. In a way, this is India’s Arab Spring.

But it needs to sustain itself and to lead to real reform and change. This Indian spring will only work out better than the Arab Spring if its national leaders recognize the need for radical and thorough change in their country •Culled from CNN

NEWS

Calls for release of Russian sailors, ship

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HE South Asia and Africa Regional Port Stability Cooperative (SAARPSCO), an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) initiated by the United States Coast Guard and concerned nations in Asia and Africa, has called for the unconditional release of the MV Myre Seadiver ship and the Russian crew of 15 seamen detained since October, last year, in Nigeria.

President and CEO of the organiSation, Hans J. Niebergall, made the call in a statement at the weekend.

He said the untold physical and psychological hardship on the crew members are of concern to the organisation.

Niebergall said: “Through no fault of theirs, this crisis has adversely affected the crew and their anguished loved ones at home as well as senior management and their colleagues at Moran Security Group, owners of the ship. It must be said that this incident has

also had a chilling effect throughout the international community; it has created a strong deterrence to conducting trade in the region.”

Moran Security Group, according to the SAARPSCO President, has been working with the appropriate international and local authorities to demonstrate their respect for Nigeria’s protocols for private armed guards and compliance in the matter.

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SUSPECTED Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Zangina (aka Mallam Abdullahi/Alhaji Musa), was yesterday feared killed in a shoot-out with the Joint Task Force(JTF) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The JTF claimed that the sect leader, who coordinated the bombing of ThisDay Newspaper’s office in Abuja, sustained ‘ life-threatening injuries.’

His survival rate was put at about five to eight per cent.

A source in JTF, who spoke in confidence, said: “A key Boko Haram, Shura member, Mohammed Zangina(a.k.a Mallam Abdullahi/Alhaji

Wanted Boko Haram leader feared dead in shoot-out with JTF From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Musa) was this morning sighted in the GRA in Maiduguri Metopolis.

“During the exchange of gunfire, he sustained lifethreatening injuries. He is the Amir of the sect in the North central and the co-ordinator of all the suicide attacks in Jos, Kaduna, Kano and Abuja.

“He escaped several raids on his hideouts in Jos, Zaria, Kaduna and most recently in

Group hails Umeh’s reconciliation plan

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GROUP in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the C21, has hailed the National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, for planning to reconcile the various factions.

C21 President, Senator Annie Okonkwo, noted that this will strengthen the party.

Okonkwo’s commendation followed his return from C21 delegation to the inauguration of the Ghanaian President John Mahama last Monday.

He said the kernel of every disagreement, political or social, is a

subconscious yearning for true reconciliation.

“It is my belief that as this reconciliation process has started and is gathering momentum. Its drivers, led by APGA National Chairman, will pilot it to a cruising level with wings wide enough for everybody’s accommodation.

“Reconciliation is the best tunic for renewal, recovery and growth. Our chairman, being a general who has been tested in the political war front, should be lionised for the peace he has earned and eager to increase,” Okonkwo said.

Potiskum. A bounty of N25million was placed on him by JTF on November 23, 2012.”

Another source said: “The suspect was in company of some Boko Haram members in Maiduguri on Sunday when JTF closed in on them following a tip-off.

“Upon sighting JTF, a shoot-out ensued leading to the fatal injury of this key leader. We are still combing the GRA in Maiduguri as part of the manhunt for members of the group.

“The challenge we have is that members of the sect are highly mobile and they operate in a make-shift manner and where security agencies least expected.

“We implore Nigerians, especially those in the volatile states in the Northeast to be vigilant and report suspicious movements or visitors to security agencies.”

Replying a question, the source added: “We are still looking for the rest 18 leaders who we declared wanted in November 2012.”

The JTF’s list had com-

prised five members of the Shurra Committee (the highest policy making body of the sect) and 14 Boko Haram commanders.

With Zangina out, those still wanted are four members of the sect including, Imam Abubakar Shekau (N50million); Habibu Yusuf (a.k.a Asalafi) N25million; Khalid Albarnawai (N25million); and Momodu Bama (N25 million).

The Boko Haram Commanders being sought for by the JTF are Abu Saad (N10million); Abba Kaka (N10million); Abdulmalik Bama (N10million) Umar Fulata(N10million); Alhaji Mustapha (Massa) Ibrahim (N10million); Abubakar Suleiman-Habu (a.k.a Khalid) N10million; Hassan Jazair N10million; Ali Jalingo (N10million); Alhaji Musa Modu (N10million); Bashir Aketa (N10million); Abba Goroma (N10million); Ibrahim Bashir (N10million); Abubakar Zakariya (N10million); and Tukur Ahmed Mohammed (N10million).

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

57

FOREIGN NEWS Flu emergency in New York

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HE governor of New York State, Andrew Cuomo, has declared a public health emergency because of the severity of this year’s influenza season.

The order makes vaccinations more accessible and allows pharmacists to administer vaccines to children.

Almost 20,000 cases of flu have been reported in New York state so far this season more than four times the number of cases last winter.

The flu outbreak has reached epidemic proportions across the US. Last week 7.3% of US deaths were caused by pneumonia and the flu, just above epidemic threshold, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flu activity was widespread in 47 states, up from 41 the week before.

Experts recommend flu vaccines, which have been found to be 62% effective.

The 2012-13 flu season is said to have started earlier than usual, with many cases of the H3N2 strain, which can be severe.

Some analysts say the latest numbers suggest the worst of the season may have passed.

Court orders re-trial A for Muburak COURT in Egypt has ordered a retrial for ex-President Hosni Mubarak after accepting an appeal against his life sentence over the deaths of protesters.

Mubarak, 84, was overthrown in 2011 after mass street protests in the capital Cairo and other cities, and jailed in June.

Ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly will also be retried on the same charge.

Mubarak, who remains in custody, will also be retried on corruption charges for which he was acquitted in June.

He led Egypt for almost 30 years, surviving six assassination attempts, before the revolt against his rule.

Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood was

elected president in June.

Judge Ahmed Ali Abdel Rahman announced: “The court has ruled to accept the appeal filed by the defendants... and orders a retrial.”

Mohamed Abdel Razek, one of Mubarak’s lawyers, told Reuters news agency the retrial would be based on the same evidence used in the previous trial.

“No new evidence will be added to the case,” he said.

At the request of prosecutors, Judge Abdel Rahman also overturned the acquittal of Mubarak, his sons Gamal and Alaa, and fugitive businessman Hussein Salem on corruption charges.

A new panel of judges could

consider the former leader’s health when issuing their verdict, Mubarak’s lawyer added.

Since Mubarak was jailed in Cairo, there have been frequent reports about his illhealth.

He is currently in a military hospital after hurting himself in a fall in his prison bathroom last month.

On Saturday, the former leader was reportedly questioned over gifts worth millions of Egyptian pounds which he allegedly received from the country’s flagship state newspaper, Al-Ahram.

He was ordered detained for 15 days pending the investigation, a judicial source told

Saudi Arabia defends execution

•Mubarak

AFP. Yesterday’s ruling was met with cries of “Long live justice!” by Mubarak supporters who held up his picture and hugged each other in the courtroom while dozens more outside shouted “We love you, president!”, AFP news agency reports.

On 2 June, following a 10month trial, Mubarak and Adly were convicted of conspiring in the killing of protesters.

Bush Snr may leave hospital

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FTER spending more than a month in a Houston hospital, former President George H.W. Bush might get to leave this week.

“We are hopeful that he can be discharged this coming week, but we’re still taking everything one day at a time,” spokesman Jim McGrath said Saturday night.

The statement came after Bush’s son and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a crowd in Vero Beach on Saturday that his father was expected to be released Monday, according to TCPalm.com.

The 41st president was hospitalized on November 23 for bronchitis and remained there while doctors monitored a lingering cough. He has also suffered from “a stubborn fever,” McGrath said last week.

While in the hospital, Bush, 88, has cheered on the Texas A&M and the Houston Texans football teams to victories and enjoyed a special performance by the Oak Ridge Boys via telephone.

His exchanges with doctors and nurses have included singing, McGrath said.

Tibetan sets himself on fire

•The protesters...yesterday.

PHOTO:AFP

Gay protesters march on Paris

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UNDREDS of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Paris over plans to give gay couples in France the right to marry and adopt children.

Three big marches converged on the Champs de Mars, a large park next to the Eiffel Tower.

France’s Socialist government is planning to change the law this year.

But the demonstrators, backed by the Catholic Church and the right-wing opposition, argue it would undermine an essential build-

ing block of society.

The organisers put the number of marchers at 800,000, with demonstrators pouring into Paris by train and bus, carrying placards that read, “We don’t want your law, Francois” and “Don’t touch my civil code”.

Police said the figure was closer to 340,000 and one government minister said the turnout was lower than the organisers had predicted. A similar march in November attracted around 100,000 people.

The “Demo for all” event was being led by a charismat-

ic comedian known as Frigide Barjot, who tweeted that the “crowd is immense” and told French TV that gay marriage “makes no sense” because a child should be born to a man and woman.

Although France allows civil unions between same-sex couples, Francois Hollande made a pledge to extend their rights part of his presidential campaign.

Centre-right UMP President Jean-Francois Cope said the rally would be a “test” for the president because there were “clearly millions of French people who are prob-

France launches onslaught on Mali

F

RENCH warplanes have bombed the town of Gao in eastern Mali, extending their attacks deep into rebel-held territory.

France’s military has been in action against Islamist militants in Mali since Friday, helping government forces recapture the central town of Konna.

A resident in Gao told AFP news agency all Islamist bases in the town had been destroyed and the militants had fled.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said the Islamist advance in Mali had

SAUDI Arabia yesterday defended its execution of a Sri Lankan maid for the death of an infant in her care and hit back at international criticism of last week’s beheading.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia categorically rejects any interference in its affairs or in the provisions of its judiciary under any justifications,” a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency read.

Human rights groups and the Sri Lankan government had lobbied for leniency in the case of Rizana Nafeek, who was convicted of killing her employers’ son in 2005. The family said she strangled the boy, Kayed bin Nayef bin Jazyan alOtaibi, after being asked to bottle-feed him, but Nafeek said the infant accidentally choked on milk.

She was executed Wednesday amid condemnation by human rights groups, the European Union and the United Nations. But in yesterday’s statement, the Saudis said complaints about her execution “draw on false information about the case and are issued without full knowledge of the circumstances of the case itself.”

been brought to a halt.

Islamist groups and secular Tuareg rebels seized northern Mali in April 2011, but the Islamists soon took control of the region’s major towns.

For months, Gao has been in the hands of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (Mujao), France said the militants had suffered significant” casualties, as reports of the bombing in Gao came in.

The town is around 500km (310 miles) northeast of a de facto line dividing the rebel-held north of Mali from the government-

run south.

The foreign minister made it clear that France was now targeting Islamist bases in the north and said Algeria, which shares a long border with Mali, had given permission for its air space to be used for bombing raids “without limit”.

Defence Minister JeanYves Le Drian said four Rafale fighter jets, flying from their base in France, had attacked and destroyed rebel training camps and logistics depots, which acted as backup bases for terrorist groups.

The air attacks were continuing as part of an offensive to drive back Islamist

militants who still control large swathes of northern Mali, he said earlier.

“There were [air strikes] last night, there are now and there will be today and tomorrow,” the minister said.

BBC Africa correspondent Andrew Harding says it seems clear that French air power is now preparing the ground for a much bigger offensive against the Islamist groups that seized northern Mali a year ago.

France’s decision to intervene took many by surprise.

A UN-backed international force had not been expected to deploy in the west African state until the autumn.

ably concerned by this reform”.

The far-right National Front is also opposed to the change, although its leader Marine Le Pen stayed away from the march, arguing the issue was a diversion by politicians from France’s real problems.

Despite the support of the Church and political right, the organisers are keen to stress their movement is non-political and non-religious, and in no way directed against homosexuals, BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield reports.

An opinion poll of almost 1,000 people published by Le Nouvel Observateur newspaper at the weekend suggested that 56% supported gay marriage, while 50% disapproved of gay adoption.

The poll also said that 52% of those questioned disapproved of the Church’s stand against the legislation.

Earlier polls had indicated stronger support for the legalisation of gay marriage.

A TIBETAN man protesting China’s rule of the region set himself on fire Saturday, his death believed to be the first case of self-immolation this year — but one that adds to a grim, growing toll.

The death took place in Gansu province in northwestern China.

It was reported by Free Tibet, a London-based organization that campaigns for self-determination for Tibetans, and by the U.S.based Radio Free Asia.

Free Tibet said the man was 22, while Radio Free Asia put his age at 19.

Details of the death — as has been the case with other such incidents — are sketchy and difficult to verify.

Internet content controlled by local authorities makes reliable information almost impossible to come by.

Self-immolation is a common form of protest for Tibetans, who want genuine autonomy from China and accuse Beijing of repression.

China began a gradual occupation of Tibet in the 1950s. Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled for India in 1959 after a failed uprising, and many ethnic Tibetans followed him.

Beijing rejects accusations of oppression, saying that under its rule, living standards have greatly improved for the Tibetan people. It makes centuries-old historical claims on the region.

TODAY IN HISTORY

1994: Duchess of Kent joins Catholic church The Duchess of Kent becomes the first member of the Royal Family to convert to Catholicism for more than 300 years.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

58

NEWS Peace ambassador award for Amaechi

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IVERS State Governor has received an Eminent Ambassador of Peace Honorary Award from the Governing Council of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies.

Also rewarded for their laudable achievement in the sustenance of peaceful co-existence in the nation’s democracy were the governors of Benue, Imo and Niger states.

Speaking at the Institute’s first graduation at the weekend in Minna, Niger State, Amaechi congratulated the founder, Abdulsalami Abubakar, for setting up the citadel of learning towards sustaining peace and unity in the country.

“I congratulate Abdulsalami Ababukar for setting up this peace institute, but you must know that where there is no peace, no development will strive. Peace is a complex issue, it is ideological, we must not deny our citizens their legitimate rights. By this way, peace comes in and we begin to experience sustainable development,” the governor said.

Delta deputy governor hails NBA From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

D

ELTA State Deputy Governor Prof Amos Utuama has hailed the Warri branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on its decision to deny legal representation to kidnap suspects.

The State Police Command arraigned a Warri lawyer, Casely Irabor, for allegedly attempting to bribe SARS operatives.

Commissioner of Police Ikechukwu Aduba claimed that Irabor at a public function declared that he knows 60 per cent of kidnappers in the state and that he (Irabor) would continue to defend them.

Utuama spoke when the NBA Asaba Branch Chairman, Osayenim Chukwuma, visited him.

He praised the decision of the association, describing it as a threat to the administration of justice in the state.

The deputy governor observed that the recent kidnap of members of the bench was not only a direct attack on lives of the judges but a challenge to the independence of the Judiciary.

He urged the NBA to join hands with the government in stamping out the kidnapping.

27,815 cases pending in Rivers

T

WENTY-SEVEN thousand eight hundred and fifteen cases are pending in various courts in Rivers State, Chief Judge Iche Ndu has said. Justice Ndu spoke at an event to mark the end of 2012 and beginning of the 2013 legal year in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Ndu said 13,588 cases were disposed of between January and December last year. A total of 16, 707 new cases were filed, just as 25,981 of the cases were brought forward to the year (2012) from 2011.

•Abdulsalami (right) presenting the award to Amaechi...at the weekend

We inherited N110b debt, says Bayelsa govt

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HE Bayelsa State Government has retracted its statement that the administration of former Governor Timipre Sylva left N4, 451 in the state’s coffers.

It said it would prefer to say it inherited N110billion debt from the Sylva administration.

The government blamed the media for the misrepresentation.

A statement by the Commissioner of Finance, Duate Iyabi, made available to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Onoriode Akpe, said though the briefing in Abuja was a misrepresentation of

Buhari sure of opposition merger talks Continued from page 1

But the PDP has continued to pillory the talks, saying the opposition parties’ merger will not work.

The CPC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, said the failure of the talks could spell doom for the country. He spoke to reporters in Abuja yesterday.

Fashakin said to underscore the CPC’s commitment, its former presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari, personally submitted a memorandum to the party’s Board of Trustees on why the merger must work.

Fashakin said: “This merger will succeed, contrary to the expectations of the PDP which has been skeptical. The PDP leaders do not know what they are saying at all. I think they have become jittery.

“The merger will definitely succeed because the parties involved understand clearly that the salvation of the Nigerian state depends on it. So, the leaders understand the responsibility thrust on them.

That is why they will not allow it to fail.

“If the merger fails, Nigeria will certainly be on the precipice “Our party is committed to the merger. As a matter of fact, Gen. Buhari personally brought a memo to the Board of Trustees (BoT) on the merger proposal.

“And all the BOT members were given a chance to air their views. They all applauded the proposal and spoke in unison that the CPC should go into it.

We are fully committed to the merger talks.”

As part of its commitment to

the merger plan, the CPC on Saturday named an 18-man negotiation committee, which will be inaugurated on Wednesday.

The statement said: “The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is pleased to release the names of the members of the Merger / Alliance Committee for its proposed merger with other Progressive Parties.

“The following eminent Nigerians have been so appointed: a former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Garba Gadi (chairman); the Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura; a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Professor Tam DavidWest ; Alhaji Sabo Nanono; Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief Okoi Obono Obla; Owelle Oscar Udoji; Ife Oyedele; the National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties(CNPP), Mr. Osita Okechukwu; Chief Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba ; Mrs. Lucy Ajayi; Air Cdre Bernard Banfa; Engr. B. D. Lawal; Dr Haruna Yerima; Mr James Ocholi , SAN; a former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu; Prof. Buba Bajoga; and Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

“Meanwhile, the inauguration of these Eminent Nigerians shall be done on Wednesday, 16th January, 2013 at 10:00am at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

The Party’s National Leader, Gen. Buhari, shall be present to charge the appointees on the party’s expectation.”

•Blames media for misrepresentation the insights provided on the state’s finances, the present administration met over N110billion in bonds and bank loans procured by the Sylva administration.

Iyabi said the Dickson administration inherited a N50 billion bond and N60 billion bank debt.

“We have worked hard with our prudent and dedicated leader to arrive at N16.7billion at the end of the year. The focus of the government has been on capital projects.

“The total recoveries made on these items for the year

amounted to N29.9billion.

“Imagine how painful it is paying back on transactions that you were not engaged in but being one government we have to make these payments.

“We inherited N4,551 as usable funds. Yes, N4.551 was the usable funds we inherited to start the government with.

“We took over government from the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Nestor Binabo who was the Acting Governor during that period.

“The prudent nature of government is emphasised by the transparency programme

that the government initiated in last year.

“We are accountable to the people and we have to report to them our revenue and expenditure because they have a right to know, it is their money not ours. This also keeps us in check as to what we do with the people’s money.

“This year is not going to be any different. One good thing is that we have not engaged in new projects. We have presented the 2013 budget, which is a budget of consolidation and we are working on ensuring that the programme we started last year, some were completed in 2012, others will be completed in 2013 and 2014 and so on.”

More knocks for UNIBEN don

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FORMER Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Edo State, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, yesterday said no scientific breakthrough is announced in news-

papers, especially if it has to do with human beingd.

Ugbodaga was reacting to the claim by Prof Isaiah Ibeh of the College of Medicine, University of Benin (UNIBEN), over his HIV/AIDS cure drug.

The ex-NMA boss said a renowned researcher like Prof. Ibeh should know the rules that drugs and the cure for ailments in medical science are not social issues.

“It’s important that we all get educated on this matter. Drugs and the cure for ailments in medical science are not social issues.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

They are purely scientific matters. Every drug is a poison.

“Therefore, great care and diligence is usually employed in the process of certifying a drug fit for human consumption. A renowned professor like Prof. Ibeh should know the rules.

“Every certified drug goes through several stages of clinical trials, including testing on animals, to ensure its safety for human use.

“Thereafter, once certified, the breakthrough is subjected to peer review and published in a scientific journal to enable other researchers independently also verify the claims.”

Contractors anxious over Shell’s relocation Continued from page 1

But our independent investigation showed that only skeletal duties are being carried out in Warri, with the same replicated in the Main Office, Oguonu (Industrial and Residential areas) and Edjeba offices.

The EGTL, which employed about 7,500 workers at the peak of construction till last year, has reportedly laid off about 4,000 (or 60 per cent of its workforce) in the last three months.

More of the non-skilled and semi-skilled workers at the $8 billion facility may lose their jobs this year.

A source said: “We have passed the construction stage of the project; where we are now is the inauguration stage. So you do not expect us to keep all the workers whose services are no longer needed.

“Right now, workers here have reduced drastically, with just about 3,000 left of the over 8,000 we had during the peak of construction.

“Some of the workers and

contractors may be retained but I do not see up to 20 percent of those who started here making it afterwards.”

It was also gathered that the businesses of those engaged in contracting services have dipped.

Lucky Izoukumor, CEO of Lurine Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil service company in Warri, told our reporter that he and other colleagues were worried about Shell’s relocation.

He said: “In the past they say when Shell sneezes, Warri catches cold.

“But what we have right now is more than Shell sneezing; it is Shell dying in Warri and you can imagine what the situation will be for businesses that rely on contracts from the company.”

Further investigations showed that the Delta State Government may be the greatest loser in the end.

Financial experts predict that the relocation could cost the state as much as N5 billion revenue from the Pay As You

Earn tax alone.

A source said: “Apart from the multiplier effect of these workers’ salaries that will be spent elsewhere, the state stands to lose as much as N5bilion this year because PAYE and other taxes of Shell and its staff will now be paid to the state where they have relocated to.

“Plus you don’t expect persons without jobs to pay tax.

“So, the loss of Shell may leave a gap that filled for a long time.

“Don’t be surprised if there is a growing frustration and restiveness in the host communities.”

The relocation is a source of anger among indigenes of the host communities.

Some of the aggrieved hosts lamented the manner in which Shell sold its oil blocks without their knowledge and involvement.

Contractors such as Izoukumor are unhappy that the government did not do enough to keep Shell in the state.

“I wonder why the government allowed Shell to move its staff out of Warri while still keeping their assets and operation here.

“What this means is that the state is the loser because Shell will still bring workers from Port Harcourt or any other place to work on these onshore and offshore facilities.

“They will earn their salaries and spend them outside without any benefit accruing to the state.”

Danial Amraketa of Delta League of True Democrat advised Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to resist Shell making money from the state without any benefit.

U d u a g h a n ’ s Communication Manager Paul Odili did not respond to our reporter’s inquiry.

The Nation gathered that the Otumara Gas Project being undertaken by Shell and Joint Venture Partners in Warri South West Local Government may absorb some workers dropped from the EGTL project.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

59

NEWS 1,000 hawkers displaced from Abuja market

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) at the weekend began a massive sanitisation of the popular Wuse Market, its surroundings and adjoining roads.

The exercise, which was coordinated by the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), is to cover other flashpoints in the city, such as Area One axis in Garki.

About 1,000 hawkers, street traders and other unlawful operators were ejected on the first day of the exercise.

Saturday’s exercise began about 4am.

Total Service Station on the Herbert Macaulay Way, near Berger Junction, was sealed off for allegedly harbouring unauthorised businesses, such as production and sale of sachet water, used (Tokunbo) motor tyres, battery charging and others.

Besides, the service station was said to be filthy.

The AEPB team compelled its attendants to clean up the place under its watch.

By 3.30am on Saturday, officers of the AEPB enforcement squad, SURE-P person-

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

nel, Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had taken positions at strategic places in the vicinity and on the roads leading to Wuse Market for the clean-up exercise.

The sanitisation resulted in a partial blockade of the roads to the market.

Addressing reporters, AEPB Director, Isa Shuaibu, noted that over 1,000 hawkers, street traders and illegal elements operating in Wuse Market, Berger Junction, Zone Two Junction and other adjoining streets, were dislodged.

He assured that the operation would be sustained.

Shuaibu warned hawkers, street traders and other illegal operators to stay away from the market and its precincts or face arrest and prosecution.

He warned banks and other businesses in the area not to allow hawkers around their offices.

The AEPB chief stressed that the agency would seal off the office of any company found guilty of such illegal acts.

‘Bauchi community radio stations have licences’ From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

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HE Bauchi State Government yesterday denied the rumours that the community radio stations operating in 10 local governments have no operational licences.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chief Michael Ishola Adeyemi, said the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) approved each radio station in the 20 local governments and the frequency it operates on.

Adeyemi explained that 10 community radio stations transmit their programmes in the local governments while the other 10 are expected to begin operation in March.

He said: “As at now, we have 10 functional community radios; the first in Nigeria. The equipment for the other 10 have arrived and will be installed soon so that between January and March, they will take off. This means you will be hearing stories or news about Bauchi State everywhere in Nigeria.”

But the governor’s spokesman did not say when the licences were issued and how much it cost the government to set up the radio stations, among others.

Adeyemi spoke in Bauchi, the state capital, when he hosted leaders of the state branch of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

According to him, when the 20 radio stations are fully operational, they would stop hooking up with the Bauchi Broadcasting Corporation (BRC) and operate independently.

He said: “The NBC has granted them their own frequencies and given them their licences so that each will operate its own frequency independently.”

The governor’s spokesman also said the state’s Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat has been given a facelift with airconditioned offices.

2015: ‘Gaidam’s campaign will start soon’

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HE member representing Dapchi, Bursari, Gaidam Yunusari Federal Constituency from Yobe State, Goni Bukar Lawan, has said the campaign of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam for 2015 would begin soon in Damaturu, the state capital, and other parts of the state.

Lawan addressed reporters at his home in Damaturu.

He said: “Just like President Gookluck Jonathan, Governor Gaidam was elected in 2011 for the first time. So, the Constitution gives him the right to contest for another tenure. This will mark his second and final tenure as governor.”

The federal lawmaker’s position is coming on the wake of campaign posters of President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja and its environs.

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Lawan said: “I cannot speak for the President because I belong to a different political party, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). But even a layman knows that Gaidam completed the tenure of another person, who died. He was elected only in 2011. So, he still stands another chance to be elected in 2015.”

The lawmaker stressed that the people of Yobe State would not regret having Gaidam as their governor, even in several years to come.

He said: “I don’t have a problem if Gaidam rules Yobe for the next 100 years. This is because he is performing.

Projects suffer when leaders are changed unnecessarily.”

•Balakona (middle); a party chieftain, Aliyu Dankaro (right) and Publicity Secretary, Napoleon Adamu, at a media briefing on the health of Governor Suntai, in Abuja...at the weekend.

PHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE

Taraba PDP chair: why we won’t disclose Suntai’s whereabouts TARABA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Victor Balakona, has said Governor Dambaba Suntai’s whereabouts was being kept secret to prevent those who

might harm him from knowing.

The party said it was wicked and inconsiderate to expert a man who survived an air crash to return to work so soon.

Navy discovers mini-gun factory in Kwara T HE Navy at the weekend said it discovered a mini-gun factory in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It arrested two suspects, Taofik Salau Toyinbo and Sunday Ogundele, said to be the manufacturer and the buyer.

The Commandant, Navy School of Health Sciences, Offa, Navy Captain Ima Ansa, paraded the suspect at the school premises on Irra Road, Oyun Local Government.

He said: “We arrested the man in a commercial bus coming from Irra, Oyun Local Government, to Offa. He concealed a single barrel gun in a bag. It was during investigation that he revealed to us that he bought the gun in Offa.

“This morning (Saturday), he led us to where he bought it.

When we got there, we discov-

•Two suspects paraded

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ered it is a mini-factory where guns are manufactured. It was there we got the other guns and apprehended the fellow.

“The location in Offa is Ile Abiye Compound, behind Afolabi Hospital. Two suspects have been arrested: the first man and the manufacturer as well as five passengers with the driver of the 18-seater Mazda bus, with registration number XB410AFN. “The man arrested said he bought the gun five days ago from Offa and took it to Ile-Ife, Osun State. On getting to IleIfe, he discovered that the gun was malfunctioning. He was

returning the product to the manufacturer when our personnel accosted the bus and apprehended him.

“The manufacturer showed us a document, a licence to repair firearms; it expired 1990.

The licence authorised him to repair firearms but not to manufacture same. But he said he repaired and manufactured firearms on demand. He said the minimum cost is N22,000 upon recognition.

“In August, last year, there was a similar incident, when a man concealed two pistols in a laptop bag. We arrested him and handed him over to the police. Now, we are handing over

the suspects, the exhibits, the bus and other passengers in the bus to the police for further investigation.”

He explained that “because of the security situation in the country, we have strengthened security because this road is more of an access route to Osogbo (Osun State), to forestall all these things”.

Ansa added: “We want to assure the community that the Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, is here to ensure peace and safety of life and property within our area of responsibility.”

Toyinbo corroborated the Naval officer’s statement.

He said he was lincensed by the Kwara State Police Command and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to repair locally manufactured guns.

More aircraft for Aviation College

•Ahmed

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HE Kwara State Government has said it will boost the fleet of its International Aviation College with additional 10 to 15 aircraft in the next three months.

The aircraft are for the train-

ing of commercial pilots.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, said this was part of the medium-term strategy of his administration to promote socio-economic development and create high and medium-level manpower.

He said the additional aircraft would enhance the capacity of the college to “a level where its impact would be felt in the state”.

Ahmed said the Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre in Ilorin would be completed.

The centre, he noted, “boasts of sophisticated equipment, such as MRI, CT scan, fluoroscopy and state-of-the-art laboratories in such areas as Pathol-

ogy, Microbiology and Haematology”.

Ahmed said his administration’s Shared Prosperity Programme brought about the rehabilitation of about 15 water works, adding that the Ilorin water reticulation project would be completed this year to ensure improved water supply in the metropolis.

According to Ahmed, about 179 rural communities now enjoy electricity through the electrification programme of the state government.

Ahmed said his administration was expanding its revenue generation potentials to finance various developmental programmes through the promo-

tion of commercial agriculture and other investment drive.

He added: “We need to grow commercial agriculture, we need to get money to generate activities that would become taxable. So, we are at the implementation stages of these programmes, but the impact would not be felt until after about two or three years because part of the incentives you give to prospective investors is tax holiday.”

The governor listed some of the Federal Government roads in the state, which require urgent attention as KaimaKishi Road, Ajasse-Ipo-ErinIle-Osun State Boundary Road and Omu-Aran-Kabba Road.

Kogi Central leaders decry alleged neglect

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T its inaugural meeting at the weekend in Abuja, leaders of the Kogi Central Senatorial Zone condemned what they called “wicked and ungodly” economic and political neglect of the zone since the creation of the state 21 years ago.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, its spokesman, Alhaji Salawu O. Mohammed, said 25 leaders from the five local governments in the zone met under the auspices of Kogi Central Peace, Unity and Progress Forum.

He said the leaders resolved that they could no longer tolerate the internal colonialism in the state and vowed to use peaceful means to enthrone equity, fairness and justice in Kogi State.

In a report commissioned by the forum, entitled: The Marginalisation of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone in Kogi State and unveiled at the meeting, Mohammed said the leaders agreed to work together to challenge “the unjust situation”.

The report, according to him, reveals the following: “Although Kogi East represents only 45 per cent of the 3.3 million Kogi State population in the 2006 national census, with

Kogi West and Kogi Central accounting for 55 per cent of the population, successive governments from Abubakar Audu through Ibrahim Idris to Idris Wada, have always used a sharing formula that varies between 70:30 to 80:20 ratio of state resources and political offices between the East and the remaining two senatorial districts.

“Yet, Kogi East contributes the least internally generated revenue (IGR) of seven per cent, compared to 72 per cent from Kogi Central and 21 per cent from Kogi West. As much as 80 per cent of all capital projects go to Kogi East while Kogi West gets 15 per cent and Kogi Central gets a paltry five per cent.

“Of the 28,000-strong state civil service, Kogi East alone has 24,621 as at November 2012 while Kogi West has 6,519 and Kogi Central has 4,069”.

“The Idris Wada administration has been totally unapologetic about sustaining the internal colonialism in the state with political appointments thus far skewed against Kogi West and Central. Of his 19 commissioners, Kogi East has 10, Kogi West has five and Kogi Central has four.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA AHEAD OF AFCON 2013

We will do our best —Echiejile S

UPER Eagles’ defender Elderson Echiejile has said the team has resolved to do more in South Africa so as to shame their critics.

National expectations have reduced after the Eagles two lessthan-convincing displays

against Catalonia and Cape Verde.

Sporting Braga left back Elderson told MTNFootball.com the team is aware of some of the criticisms they have been subjected back home after they forced Catalonia to a 1-1 draw

and then were held to a goalless draw by AFCON debutants Cape Verde on Wednesday.

“We have been told about the disappointment in our performances back home and what we need to do is simply to do more so as to live up to expectations,” Elderson told MTNFootball.com “We have a big task ahead of us because the country deserves the best from us.”

The Portugal-based defender has already put words to action as he was one of several players who stayed behind after Friday’s training in Faro to work on set pieces, shooting and crossings.

The others in this extra training were Nosa Igiebor, Obiorah

Nwankwo and Kenneth Omeruo, who has really come into his own after two assured performances against Catalonia and Cape Verde.

An appreciative assistant coach Sylvanus Okpala will later join the players in this additional session.

“We just want to get better for the Nations Cup, nothing special,” Igiebor said after the session that lasted over 20 minutes.

The Eagles played Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday afternoon in Faro where they won 1-0 and will take on Portuguese second division side Farense on Tuesday. They fly out to South Africa the following day.

Ibenegbu eyes more trophies with Heartland

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•Echiejile

EARTLAND attacking m i d f i e l d e r , Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said his side's Super Four victory shows more trophies are coming their way in the season.

The Owerri-based side nailed 2012 Federation Cup losing finalists, Lobi Stars 2-0 in Saturday's Matchday 3 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano to emerge the 2013 Super Four champions.

Heartland garnered seven points from three matches to edge closest rivals, Kano Pillars for the title.

Pillars defeated Rangers 2-0 to finish second on six points

ATHLETE’S CORRUPTION ALLEGATION

NSC sets up panel to investigate

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OLLOWING the allegations made by Ms Esther Obiekwe, an amateur marathoner, in The Nation’s newspaper of January 6, 2013, that she was asked to give bribe in order to be part of the Nigerian Contingent to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has set up a panel to investigate the veracity of her claims.

In the said publication, Ms Obiekwe had made sweeping allegations that were considered injurious to the corporate image of the Commission, claiming among others, that nearly all the athletes to the London 2012 Olympics bribed their way to the Games and that the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) asked her for inducement but she refused to give.

Ogunjobi, Onigbinde, Omidiran, Ladipo bag Osun meritorious award

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HAIRMAN Osun State Football Association, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, will tomorrow Tuesday January 15, be conferred with meritorious award of excellence in football administration.

The award of excellence is organised by Double Accord Resources to recognize

•Onigbinde

prominent sports personality in the State of Osun who have contributed to the growth of sports.

According to a release issued by Samuel Abikoye, indicates that the programme will be staged at the Osun State Local Government Service Commission, the award of excellence is also designed to unveil Osun Secondary School competition tagged 'Governors Cup'.

Others that will be recognized with honour in football administration are FIFA Advisor/CAF Instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former NFF board member, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters' Club, Chief Rafiu Ladipo, Exinternational Felix Owolabi, Prime technical adviser, Ademola Adeshina, and retired season referee, Mrs. Tola Usman.

Justice Danlami Sanchi chairs the Panel. Other members are: i. Dr. Gloria Obajimi Member ii. DCP Mohammed Sani Member iii. Legal Adviser - Member iv. Mohammed AbdulSule - Member/Secretary The Panel, which began sitting last week, will complete its task this week.

Ms Obiekwe is expected to appear before it at 2pm on Monday, January 14, 2012 to prove her allegations.

while Lobi picked the third spot and Rangers at the rear.

Ibenegbu said his side have succeeded in proving to Nigerians that they are the best club side in the land.

"The Super Four trophy will go a long way to prepare and motivate us for the continental assignment.

"We've once again proven to Nigerians that Heartland is the best in the land. We did it at the Federation Cup, repeated it during the Charity Cup competition and now we've done it again in the Super Four.

"Heartland have carved a niche for themselves and an intimidating profile, opponents will surely be wary once they hear the name Heartland.

"This is just the beginning of more trophies to come to our fold," said the Super Eagles' midfielder to supersport.com.

The former El-Kanemi Warriors player admitted fellow CAF Confederation Cup campaigners, Lobi Stars gave his side a scare in the encounter.

"Lobi were not cheap but only met their superior. It was a hard fought game and we deservedly won," he said.

The Naze Millionaires edged domestic champions, Kano Pillars 1-0 in the opening game and were held to 2-2 draw by oriental foes, Enugu Rangers before running over Lobi 2-0 in the last day tie.

AFCON ‘blame game’ continues

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ITH a week to go before the 2013 Africa Nations Cup kicks off, the blame game is continuing unabated as organisers point fingers at each other.

Not that anyone from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) - the owners of the event - is anywhere to be seen or heard as the decibels rise.

Unlike FIFA secretary Jerome Valcke, who became a South African resident prior to the 2010 World Cup, his CAF counterpart Hicham El Amrani has been almost invisible.

He and president Issa Hayatou were last here in October for the final draw in Durban.

By the time of going to print, Amrani had not responded to questions City Press sent him.

This week, the gloves came off between Lebogang Maile, the Gauteng MEC for sports

and recreation, and Local Organising Committee (LOC) chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe.

Maile accused the LOC of failing to market and promote the event, saying even their ticket distribution was ineffective.

“They cannot blame us for the slow ticket sales because that is not our responsibility. If people don’t come to the stadium it will be because of the ticket sales, not us. They stopped well-established ticketselling networks, which people are used to and got their own people. This is a setup for failure,” said a seething Maile.

“We made sure the stadium was paid for and again made the money available for Bafana. We are the first team to make people aware of the event with our campaigns and where was the LOC? They should not make their incompetencies ours and we will not keep quiet about our unhappiness.”

IGP targets 2016 Olympic medals •Opens Police Games today in Abuja

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HE Inspector General of Police (IGP) MD Abubakar will today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja unveil the 10th Edition of the biennial Police Games already slated to hold in Port Harcourt on February 24th this year.

The IGP who launched Police Code of Conduct in Abuja last week in his efforts to repackage the Force, will follow it up with another laudable effort in revamping the dwindling fortunes of sports in Nigeria and his target of winning medals in the next Olympics in 2016 with the Police Force leading the way for other athletes in the country.

The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Frank Mba told NationSport that the sports background of the IGP has been the motivation behind his resolve to repackage and improved on the biennial Police Games to help in developing and preparing athletes that could win medals for Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The unveiling will come up today at the IGP's Conference Room, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja at 10am.

According to the Force spokesman, "the IGP is passionate about sports and recreation which is very vital to the policing business. Based on his background in sports the IGP is ready to help revamp the dwindling fortunes of sports in the country and also plans to help the country in producing athletes that could win laurels at the next Olympics. He has

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja concluded plans to revamp the biennial Police Games", Mba had told NationSport late last year.

Prominent sports administrators that will grace the occasion includes the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr. Patrick Ekeji who will represent the Minister for Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ambassadors and high commissioners including the Vietnamese Ambassador among others.

Mba also told NationSport “You will agree with me that since the IGP MD Abubakar took over the mantle of leadership of the police force, he has turned things around including in the area of sports.

"The interest he gave to sports is not a surprise because it has been his primary constituency.

Don’t forget he has been board member of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) among other sporting federations.”

“The IGP has graciously approved the Nigeria Police 10th biennial Police Games, scheduled to hold between February 24 to March 2. The venue for the Games is Port Harcourt, Rivers State. We havesecured the support of he State governors and other corporate sponsors, but weequally urging other private establishments to key into the Games.

Amoo to end sabbatical

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ORMER 3SC coach, Fatai Amoo has said his more than a year absence from the league scene will soon be over.

Amoo is expected to leave the nation's shore on Sunday aboard a Turkish Airline to Indianapolis, USA for a oneweek convention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

The yearly coaching course will witness the best of coaches worldwide brainstorming on the latest development in the round leather game.

Amoo said he will be ready to hit the home scene once he returns from the coaching convention.

"My sabbatical leave from the domestic league has ended and I enjoyed it to the fullest while it lasted.

"I've rested enough and have been able to sort out some teething domestic problems. I took time off to look at life all over and I think I'm a better person right now.

"I didn't merely rest but equally cashed in on the selfimposed vacation to avail myself of new knowledge and I believe the experience will be useful when I return to the field.

"I'll be available to pick a new job when I come back from the convention where I believe I'll have the opportunity to impart the knowledge and gains on the players.

"I don't know the team yet but it must be a team ready

to compete favourably for honours and do things professionally including honouring agreement with players and coaches," said the former Nigerian midfielder to supersport.com.

Amoo cautioned his former NPL side, 3SC to face the future squarely instead of blaming him for everything bad in the team.

"It is on record that I saved 3SC from relegation rather than the negative picture being painted that I almost drove the team to relegation.

"I did my best within the prevailing situation I found myself, I deserved some respect from the club. I still have my love for the team but not to return there no matter the prompting. I wish the team well in their pursuit and I expect same from them," said the former Super Eagles' assistant coach.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

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SPORT EXTRA

United extends lead on EPL table, beat Liverpool 2-1

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ANCHESTER UNITED were made to sweat for a narrow 2-1 win over rivals Liverpool in a Barclays Premier League match at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from Robin van Persie

and Patrice Evra put United in charge of the game, but a reply from Reds league debutant Daniel Sturridge set up a tense final third of the game in which Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had to defend stoutly to retain their lead and claim all three

points.

United found their rhythm quicker and soon began to threaten Pepe Reina’s goal with their incisive passing. An intricate move in the 19th minute ended with Patrice Evra firing in a low, hard cross

•Robin van Persie scored the opener at Old Trafford to put United 1-0 up

City gets first league win at Arsenal in 27 years

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RSENAL lost to Manchester City for the first time at home in 27 years when they went 2-0 down Arsenal were bamboozled 2-0 at home by Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening in an entertaining Barclays Premier League match.

The Gunners were made to pay for a woeful first half performance with James Milner and Edin Dzeko finding the net for City.

The match started off in a horrific fashion for the home side. First, defender Laurent Koscielny gave away a penalty and was sent off for pulling back Edin Dzeko in the area when the City striker was about to shoot.

The Bosnian then took the resulting spot kick but Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny managed to touch it onto the post. The ball then rolled across the goal line before the Arsenal keeper gratefully gathered in the eleventh minute.

In the 21st minute City took the lead through Milner.

Manchester City took a quick free kick with Arsenal half asleep; Tevez casually rolled it into Milner, who thumped it past Szczesny to give the visitors the lead. Two minutes later Milner had another go at goal as no Arsenal player went to close him down. His low right-footed shot went across the face of goal.

But City would double their lead in the 32nd minute. Milner got away from Gibbs and drilled a low ball across the face of the box. Tevez got a touch on it at the near post which forced Szczesny to parry it into the path of Dzeko, who simply touched it into an empty net.

A minute before the half time break it should have been 3-0 for the Citizens. Jack Wilshere kept Arsenal in sight by heading Javi Garcia's header off the goal line. The Spaniard was allowed to head at goal unchallenged from

Milner's corner.

In the 70th minute there was great save from Szczesny to deny Tevez one-on-one.

Arsenal had pushed forward leaving the front two in plenty of space, Silva found Dzeko, who drew in a couple of defenders before switching it to his team-mate.

The Argentine tried to go round the Arsenal keeper but the Pole managed to get a hand to the ball.

Two minutes later substitute Oliver Giroud was unmarked in the box and got on the end of Santi Cazorla's free kick, but the Frenchman was slightly under the ball and sent his header over the bar.

On the stroke of the 90th minute Arsenal's best chance of the match came. Ramsey did superbly to play a ball in between Joelen Lescott and Gael Clichy for Walcott to run onto, the striker beat Hart with a side footed finish, but Pablo Zabaleta scooped the ball off the line.

Why I ‘m sponsoring inter-school table tennis tourney—Okenla-Ojeaga

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OR United States-based former table tennis star, Toyin Okenla-Ojeaga, the urge to give back to the sports that shaped her life is one of the reasons she decided to sponsor the maiden interschool table tennis tournament in Lagos State.

The erstwhile national player said it is pertinent for athletes to combine sports with education, which she believes would make them relevant after quitting the sports.

“I am highly motivated to sponsor this maiden table tennis competition to give back what the sport gave to me,” she explained. “I decided to sponsor this tournament for the U-17 students because I am a passionate advocate of youth empowerment through education,” she said “I believe that education is fundamental to development.

It fortifies people and it is the main key to achieving desired goals. Getting education is essential for youths who desire to lead a rewarding and successful life. A good education ensures that the youth will be able to

comprehend, reason, converse and make informed choices concerning their lives.”

She continued: “I believe that giving hope to young people should be everyone’s priority because the youths of today will become leaders of tomorrow and almost all of them have the talent and potential to make it big if given the opportunity. I will not be where I am today without those who had the foresight to provide a good environment where athletes would not only participate in sports but also get education to move forward in life.”

Narrating her sojourn in sports, Okenla-Ojeaga said: “I started playing table tennis at a very young age in high school, and I competed in the junior category and subsequently in the senior category. I represented Lagos State, and later moved to Benin City in the old Bendel State. I won a lot of state and national medals.

“Sports generally impacted positively on me. I could remember I was invited to play for the then Bendel State and in return was sponsored to school.

That was the first motivation for me – education. I accepted it because it was an opportunity for me to further my studies and enlarge my coast and today I have no regret because that singular decision became the turning point in my life.

that was swept into the back of the net by Robin van Persie to make it 1-0 to the home side.

The Red Devils had a couple of good chances to extend their lead inside the first half, none better than just before the break when Rafael, Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa all should have forced the ball home from close range.

However, the hosts needed just nine minutes of the second half to put daylight between themselves and the Merseysiders, as van Persie turned provider to float in a great cross from a free kick that was headed home by Patrice Evra. The Frenchman’s header went into the back of the net via Nemanja Vidic, who may yet be credited with the goal.

Liverpool had sent on new signing Daniel Sturridge as a substitute at the start of the second half and he quickly netted his first league goal to reduce the deficit to 2-1, easily scoring from close range after David De Gea could only parry a Steven Gerrard shot.

On 64 minutes United almost restored a two-goal advantage when Kagawa shot on goal from a loose ball on the edge of the box, but Reina dived to his left to produce an excellent save.

The remainder of the game was dominated by Liverpool, who pressed the hosts hard and searched desperately for an equaliser, but they lacked the necessary cutting edge in the final third to create more than mere half chances.

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OGO captain Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor will wear his favourite number 4 jersey at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Tottenham Hotspur striker joined his teammates on Sunday after playing in Saturday's English Premier League match against QPR. Adebayor had issues with the Togo Federation before the country's president Faure Gnassingbé intervened and convince the player to rescind his decision.

Togo first choice goalkeeper Kossi Agassa of Reims will keep his number 16 jersey.

Lorient midfielder Alaixys Romao play at the tournament in the 15 shirt.

Bursaspor chases Obiora Nwankwo A CCORDING to authoritative Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, Padova ace Obiora Nwankwo is attracting concrete interest from Turkish Super League club Bursaspor.

The hypothesis is that the 21 - year - old central midfielder would join Bursaspor on loan for the remainder of the season.

And if he impresses the manager of The Green Crocodiles, Ertugrul Saglam on the expiration of the loan

agreement, he could be purchased outright from Inter Milan.

Under contract with Inter Milan until the summer of 2014, Nwankwo, who will play for the Super Eagles at this month's African Cup of Nations, is valued at around 800,000 euros by transfer market experts.

The Super Eagle has suited up 14 times for Padova in Italy's second tier.

•Adebayor

Mancini

AFCON opening day angry with prime tickets sold out Kompany's

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OC chief executive Mvuzo Mbebe has announced that premium tickets for Saturday’s opening day of action at the AFCON have sold out.

Mbebe said the premium end tickets have surpassed sales of basement Category Three tickets for match-day-one.

“We are happy with this development because it shows a marked change in South African spectator behaviour where usually the cheapest category tickets are sold out first,” Mbebe said.

“This seems to suggest that with the week on its final stretch before the start of the biggest sporting showpiece in the continent Category Three tickets will sell even faster than they have today as soon as we announce a comprehensive fan transport solution to and from the stadiums.”

Mbebe said Category One and Two tickets have gone,

representing 42 per cent of Soccer City's capacity.

Soccer City will stage Group A games involving hosts South Africa, Angola, Cape Verde and Morocco.

All four will face-off in the doubleheader on January 19 with South Africa taking on new boys Cape Verde in the opening game, while Angola will play Morocco in the tournament’s second game.

However, the LOC said they have recorded low ticket sales for Group D and B matches in Port Elizabeth and Rustenburg, respectively.

Group D comprises DR Congo, Ghana, Mali and Niger, while Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, Togo and Tunisia make up Group B. Significant ticket sells have been reported for Group C games in a pool that comprises Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and defending champions Zambia.

Arsene Wenger admits Gunners timid HE Gunners' boss says his side must begin games at the Emirates Stadium with more belief and authority or they risk failing to qualify for next year's Champions League Arsene Wenger bemoaned Arsenal's poor start in their 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City, branding his side's first-half performance as "timid".

Laurent Koscielny saw red inside 10 minutes for the Gunners and, despite a missed penalty, goals from James Milner and Edin Dzeko left the hosts with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Arsenal rallied, thanks largely to a talismanic performance from Jack

Adebayor handed number 4 jersey for AFCON

Wilshere, but were unable to dent City's defence even with Vincent Kompany's dismissal late on.

"I felt we were too timid in the first half and we didn't show enough authority on the game. We let them dictate the first ten minutes and were punished," Wenger told Sky Sports. "[We showed a lack of concentration] especially for the first goal. Even on the second we didn't win the challenges.

"I feel that we are a bit nervous at home, not relaxed enough. We lack the authority that makes you stronger especially at the start of the game. We start a bit dodgy

and today we paid for it.

"We gave to cheap goals away. Where we are guilty is that with ten men you keep it at nil-nil, you never know."

•Wenger

red card

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OBERTO Mancini was angry that Vincent Kompany was shown a red card in the 2-0 win over Arsenal and has indicated the Club will appeal the decision.

Kompany was shown a straight red for his challenge on Jack Wilshere after 76 minutes and now faces a three-match ban as a result, but the City boss believes referee Mike Dean got the decision wrong.

“It was not a sending off – I have seen the TV replays and he goes in with his left foot with his right foot trailing behind,” he said.

“It was absolutely not a red card.

“We played well after Vincent went off as we have done against Norwich and West Brom when we were also reduced to ten men so that was pleasing.”

Mancini was happier with the victory that ended a 27year wait for a League away win to Arsenal and kept the pressure on leaders United who beat Liverpool 2-1 earlier in the day.

“It was a good result for us because Arsenal are a very good team,” he said. “We started very well today, which is important.

“We had an advantage early on because they had a man sent off, which I think was the correct decision, but it is important you score a goal after that and we did.

“I think we had three or four chances to kill the game after the break but were too soft at times. We should have taken at least one of them we need to take these opportunities when they come along – this was the only disappointing thing.”

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Chukwu predicts successful outing for Eagles at Nation Cup

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ORMER Captain of the defunct Green Eagles and Ex-International, Chairman Christian Chukwu yesterday in Kano, expressed confidence in Coach Stephen Keshi’s team list for the Nation’s Cup, predicting that the team will qualify from its group.

Chairman Chukwu, who is the Heartland’s Technical Director, said at a reception, organized by Kano-based business tycoon and Chairman, Amateur Club side, Nordy Football club, Chief Nnodi Atuchukwu at Nordy Meridian Hotel, Kano for the Super Four tournament, won by his club, said the Super Eagles will go far in the tournament.

He, however, pleaded with Nigerians and supporters to pray for the success of the team, so that we can lift the trophy and make the country proud once again, : “We have to give the coach a chance, he knows the expectations of Nigerians and knows he cannot afford to fail them.

Even if you do not like his list of players he has made the list and nobody can change that because he believes in the boys he has selected to produce the desired result.”

“What we need to do is to pray for him and give him all the support he needs to succeed, I am optimistic that the team we have now can qualify us from our zone, after that, lets see how it goes. From what I have seen, my mind tells me we will go far in the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano competition with this team, even though football is not what you can predict the which side victory will swing to, you can see the last Nation’s Cup, nobody believed that Zambia will defeat Cote’de vour in the finals, that is football for you. ” One thing that he is sure of is that the Super Eagles will come out of their group unscathed, if not topping the group, :“After the group stage, we will now evaluate the strength of the surviving clubs and adjust in that direction.”

“Keshi knows this is the time for him to make history, his boys also know that this is the time to register their names in the record book of Nigerian

football, this should be a source of motivation for them. For Keshi to have qualified the country for this competition, something we failed to achieve in the last competition shows his determination to succeed, it has also erased the cynicism that characterized the qualifying stages, shortly after his appointment, for the trophy, let’s wait and see.

Nnodi in his speech, said his love for football informed his gesture to host the Super Four players and officials, which included Kano Pillars; Heartland of Owerri; Rangers of Enugu and Lobi Stars of Makurdi He said his club, Nordy Football Club will soon be revived to compete for trophies.

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From Tunde Liadi,Owerri afternoon, Okuoka expressed his happiness at the honour done him but stressed that he would remain indebted to Heartland for giving him a breakthrough to join a premier league side.

He added that he would continue to do his best to repay the confidence repose in him with lots of goals if the opportunity comes.

A sober Okuoka said:"To express the way I feel is simply unbelievable. I

CAF to conduct MRI test in Morocco GE cheats on the continent have been told they would have a torrid time in Morocco during the CAF U17 Championship as there is plan for another round of Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) Test by the football governing body in Africa.

Making this known exclusively to SportingLife in Owerri, the Vice President of Ghana Football Association(GFA) and the head of the CAF inspection team to Nigeria, Fred Crentsil disclosed that the involvement of the MRI test to African football has marked the sharp turnaround in the round leather game among the youths on the continent as those that resort to over aged players have been caught off guard and made to feature players within the age limit.

He confirmed that Ghana's Black Starlets benefitted from the introduction of the MRI test stating that they had to let go as many as 21 players out of the

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• Chukwu

My best yet to come — Happy Okuoka HE Most Valuable Player of the Kano pre season tournament and Heartland's striker, Happy Okuoka has expressed his surprise at the MVP award presented him at the end of the competition.

Okuoka who was playing his first season in the elite division hit the tournament by surprise when he got the match-winner against Kano Pillars and also netted the curtain raiser in the Naze Millionaires' 2-2 draw with Enugu Rangers.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday

U17 AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

thank God for this achievement and I'm also grateful to my team mates and Heartland as a whole for giving me a platform to exhibit myself.

"I don't have much to say now because I'm still an unfinished product begging to be tapped on. I'm just starting a career in football and I hope to make the best of it."

Heartland won the Super 4 pre season tournament at the expense of Pillars, Rangers and Lobi Stars who are the other country's flag bearers in Africa this year.

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri invited 25 when the test was carried out at the beginning of the U17 qualifier last year.

"For Ghana the introduction of the MRI scan test by CAF and FIFA has actually helped all of us. When we called in players into the team at the initial time, we invited 25 into the team because of the ages they came with. They were based on the ages on their registration cards.

We had 25 players and only four of them passed the test.

"We went back to the academies I believe that we have been able to get players with the right ages and with that we have people who passed the MRI test.

"CAF will carry out another round of MRI Scan test in Morocco during the U17 Championship and those nations that feel they have escaped during the qualifiers would meet their waterloo if they fail to come with players with their right ages," Crentsil warned.

Gambo close to El Gouna move

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ANO Pillars striker Gambo Mohammed is close to joining up with Egyptian club El Gouna, officials said.

Both Pillars and El Gouna have been in discussion over the player’s transfer, which has only been stalled because he has yet to get an entry visa to Egypt.

“Both clubs are discussing over Gambo’s transfer but the discussion has been held up because the player has yet to get his visa to travel to Egypt,” Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa told MTNFootball.com “We believe that as soon as Gambo gets his visa, the

discussion will move to the next level.”

The highly-rated striker did not feature in the pre-season Super 4 tournament which Pillars hosted this past week to further fuel speculations over his future.

Gambo was the second leading scorer in the league last season with 15 goals as Pillars won their second league championship.

He has also been called up by the Super Eagles ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

In the summer, he had trials in Turkey, while there were serious interests in Egypt.

Rehabilitation work begins at the National Stadium Abuja

C

OMPREHENSIVE rehabilitation of the main pitch of the National Stadium Abuja has commenced.

Work on the stadium, mssrs Julius last week, with the contractors who built the stadium Julius Berger PLC being in charge of the rehabilitation effort.

It will be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission(NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi had assured Nigerians In December 2012 of a total rehabilitation of the stadium starting this January. The Minister had said then that, “we have concluded arrangements with Julius Berger to bring alive the pitch of the main bowl and training grounds in January, after the holidays.”

As promised, work on the stadium has begun in earnest.

The scope of work includes: removal and replacement of the topsoil, planting the approved specie of grass, well watered and nourished until roots are established; maintenance of the pitch, include watering and trimming of the grass for three months.

The contract also requires Julius Berger to provide new water sprinklers for the stadium.

According to the Contractors, work on the stadium will be completed in late February, while the maintenance would take an additional three months. It is expected that the stadium will be ready for use in late May or early June 2012.

Engr. Ibrahim Shehu, Director of Facilities at the NSC, said that systems have been put in place to ensure top-grade maintenance of the Stadium when the contractors finish their work.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013

63

NEWS Jonathan at Armed Forces Remembrance Day event says Nigeria won’t disintegrate Continued from page 2

curity outfits have been doing, I think the best gift we can give to them as a people, is to pray for them and in our daily activities to preach peace, love and unity.

Because if we love ourselves and we live in peace and emphasis more on the unity of this country, some of our challenges we are having we probably may not have.

“But if our leaders at whatever level, whether political, community or religious, talk more about those things that divide us instead of those things that bring us together, then we will be encouraging the younger ones who know little or nothing about the history of this country to do things differently and sometimes conduct themselves in a way that is clearly anti social.

“Some the best gifts we can give to the Armed Forces and the sister organisation is for us in our various activities to emphasis the need for us to live in peace, love ourselves and unite.

“Some people talk about disintegration of Nigeria, now even at political levels some people take it as weapon of enteritis when they want to discuss politics. But my conviction and I believe that of most people here and those listening to us is that Nigeria will continue to remain a united nation.

“Nigeria will not disintegrate.

Anybody who is doing research on sociology, psychology or political science, I know Nigeria will remain one.

“In 2014 we will celebrate our centenary, 100 years in existence.

It will only take two mad people to stay in marriage for 100 years and say that is the time you will divorce and we are not mad. If there are issues that have been

brewing over the period and we have been managing, we will continue to manage.

“We will not think about separation. I always say some nations have their own history, at times people question the unity of this country especially when they talk about the amalgamation of the north and south in 1914. Some big countries have very ugly pasts. But is not for us to begin make history it is for us who are alive today to shift our focus and begin to talk about those things that will bring unity, development.

“I always say that Nigeria is great not because of our oil, because we have people that produce more oil than us but we are appreciated and still reckoned with because of our size and diversity both for human beings and environment. These are areas we should exploit for unity and development.

“So please let us all stand up and condemn those who say otherwise about our unity, those who call for our disintegration or who make similar statements should be condemned by all Nigerians.

“As a country made up of great citizens, when we work together, when government plays its role and the citizens also play their role, surely, we will get to where we want to go.

If only the government or only the people are work, and the other is not playing the required role and provide the enabling environment, of course we will not go anywhere.

“But when we work together, our children and our children yet unborn will be happy.

“God willing, with your prayers and commitment, Nigeria will get to where she wants

to go.”

In his Sermon entitled “Embracing the legacies of a worthy life” President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Supo Ayokunle, admonished those in position of authority to be committed to the country.

He said “it is one thing to be given the opportunity to serve but another thing to serve very well..”While some people will serve in a place for short time and leave indelible mark others despite long service his impact will not be felt.”

To the men in uniform, he said: “Though you have the power of the gun you do not have all the power, power belongs to God”.

The Cleric charged security men: “You are to provide security for the people of Nigeria, your uniform is not for fun but to service.

“Do not condone the acts of terrorists, fish perpetrators out and punish them.

He noted that if the security agencies had shown enough commitment and loyalty to the country, the issue of Boko Haram would have been checked.

“The problem of Boko Haram couldn’t have continued if all in the military are fully committed.”

He described officers and men who are aiding the sect as saboteurs and do not have the love of the country in their heart.

He warned those in position of authority not to betray the trust and the confidence of the people.

He also urged security agencies to stop abusing Nigerians simply because they are authorised to carry guns.

The first scripture reading was taken from the book of Romans 12:9-21, by the Minister of State for Defence Mrs Olusola Obada, The second scripture reading was taken from the book of 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, by President Jonathan.

Prayers were said for the President, the Armed Forces and peace in Nigeria, for the legisla-

ture and judiciary, on security, terrorism, conflicts and unrest and for the families of the fallen heroes.

There were special renditions

by Abuja chorale ensemble, FCT mass choir and the military choir Those president included First Lady Dame Patience, President Jonathan’s mother Madam Eunice, Senate President

David Mark, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihidioha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim, members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs and their spouses, members of the diplomatic corps and businessmen.

Chaos looms at PDP NWC meeting today Continued from page 2

Governors Forum, especially the PDP Governors Forum.

The group made the demand yesterday in Abuja, in a statement by its President, Alhaji Mansur Usman and Secretary, Ms Adejoke Olagoke.

The statement said: “The Nigerian Renewal Group, consisting of young professional men and women members of the Peoples Democratic Party, has watched with great concern the discordant tunes emanating from the ruling party, the PDP. We are concerned because the governors elected on the PDP platform, who constitute the majority, have practically abandoned their primary responsibilities in their various states. They have turned themselves into an unholy pressure group and trade union under the inglorious Governors Forum.

“Indeed, we view the Governors Forum as a club for idle talk and mischief making. Our stand is validated by the recent gang up of PDP Governors against the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“We hold no brief for the el-

der statesman, but we are worried that if these governors are not checked, they will soon hold the nation’s political apparatus to ransom. That will not augur well for good governance and democracy.

“In their various states, the governors hold the political and economic aces. They install local council chairmen, hand pick members of the state legislature, influence the election of members to the National Assembly and cajole the President to pick their cronies as ministers. Not done with the enormous influence and financial resources they control in their states, our governors are also jostling to remote control the party at the national level.

“This attitude of the governors portends great danger to the polity. They must be called to order. We advise President Goodluck Jonathan and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to work together in clipping the wings of these governors. This is necessary to salvage our party from ultimate disintegration.

“We shall watch developments on the horizon. Our ultimate intention is to approach the courts to declare the Governors Forum as an illegal body, an ab-

erration to our democracy, and a disincentive to good governance at the various states of the federation.

“Now, the cat is out of the bag.

It is an open secret that the crisis in the PDP has been contrived by the governors in the attempt to control the National Working Committee and dictate to the National Chairman.

“Their intention is to position themselves for office as President, Vice President or Senators after completing their tenure. But why can’t they pursue these legitimate ambitions without employing crude, strong arm tactics?

“We ask the National Chairman to call the bluff of these governors. When Bamanga became governor of Gongola State in 1983, most of the present governors were toddlers or in primary schools. The old man deserves some respect. We commend his resolve to re-position the party by avoiding business–as-usual.

We vote for due process, equity and fairness in running the affairs of the party. We deplore the antics of these governors who throw money around to hijack the party’s political apparatus.

We say enough is enough.”

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14-01-2013

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,371

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Obasanjo cannot claim ignorance of the fact that Boko Haram in its present form is nothing but political grievances masquerading under a religious garb. It has its root in the way the last presidential primaries of the PDP were conducted and he was a prime actor in the events that brought about that pass’ EMEKA OMEIHE

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

O

N New Year’s Day, I paid a visit to the hospital to show empathy to those not privileged to say happy new year to their fellow humans. Even if they said it, they did so without the cheer of an optimist but out of a ritual necessity.

They were not at the place of vanity where beer frothed and the glutton had his feast.

They did not enjoy the spiritual luxury of grand services ushering in a new year.

I decided to visit the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and see the fragile clinging to life. LASUTH is growing into the hospital of choice of many, not only in Lagos, but across the country.

For a government-run institution, we see the preponderance of facilities and eager zeal of doctors and nurses as far as we can see it in our society where competence and zest for work are replaced with the fervency of self-interest and casual attention to duty.

I visited the pediatric complex. After the wary staff allowed me in, I was able to meet three patients with whom I could show some attention.

The nurses identified a few others, but picked Marvelous, Mubarak and Idris.

The first sense that assailed me at the sight of the three was helplessness. They were in the hospital but had no choice. A few days earlier, Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State had just declared, in a pose of boastful vanity, that he did not want treatment abroad.

He was involved in an accident.

The three I saw were even privileged to be in that hospital because the Lagos State Government had put in place a system where they did not pay for surgery, or bed or some of the services rendered free by LASUTH. In other places abroad, they could have paid the equivalent of millions of Naira.

Yet they would have wanted better services, and they could have flown abroad if they had the resources at Governor Wada’s disposal, or Governor Chime’s or Suntai’s.

Marvelous had a network of plasters that robbed her pretty face of its cherubic charm.

She had been born over a month, and the parents had found it difficult to string together hours of sleep. Her problem was a little similar to that of Idris in that they were born without anuses and the doctors had to construct apertures to let out their body wastes.

Idris had had two surgeries, and the parents were hopeful. The nurses, who spoke with intimate knowledge of their situations, also expressed pathos as she narrated little Marvelous’ troubles. A tube was passing blood away from her face. What was that? It had just occurred signifying that the second surgery also was a dud. The staff said it was

RIPPLES

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Three patients

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola

not fresh blood, but until the doctors came the following day, no one would say the source of the crimson flow.

But father and mother had given up, and they complained of money. The father, a fellow who could mask his despair more than mother who was a bundle of doldrums, said they wanted to go home. To what? They didn’t know. Father was worried that mother had lost all hope, and did not want to lose mother.

Mother, moved to tears, choked whenever she wanted to utter any words. Meanwhile, the eyes of Marvelous seemed sharp, almost pleading. The nurse expressed more hope than father and mother.

In Idris’ case, he was much older, about seven years, with a look of indifference to the world around him. But he had deceptive energy.

Father and mother were also beside them but they could not utter any words as the visitor stood beside them. They looked more despondent than the sick. He had surgery

SYLVA LEFT ONLY N4,451 IN BAYELSA TREASURY–DICKSON

‘There are many little children seeking help.

No one is praying for them like Chime and Suntai. These guys have resources but not health. They have neither health nor resources , but only prayers.’ but it did not resolve the matter, and he was now sore. He would have to heal before any corrective surgery. How long? No one knows. It could take months. The parents also complained of money, to buy some medication to keep the boy afloat. They complained that it cost them N1,000 a day, and it was too much. Idris did not look as healthy as Marvelous, precarious as the little girl looked.

Like Marvelous, the doctors opened apertures for the release of their human wastes.

Mubarak had a different story, but father was not there at the time. Mubarak’s case was desperate, and the mother, who has abandoned a business as a petty trader, gave an expression of one fighting against surrender.

Mubarak is about four years old, and his case is that of abscess. He suffered a hole in the heart and it pumped pus into his brain.

An operation was successfully done to rid the head of the pus. Thanks to the LASUTH doctors. But that is not the end of the story.

He needs surgery that has to happen abroad,

HARDBALL

in India. Money. She needs about N2 million to fly the boy abroad and apply treatment.

The boy’s limbs are weak and he struggles to eat. A bandage crowns his innocent face and gleaming skin.

As I walked out of the hospital, I had overdosed on concern. It occurred to me that there are a good number of people who splurge on meaningless habits when just a fraction of what they have can help the needy like Marvelous, Idris and Mubarak. But we seem not to care about the affectionate society.

Why can we not have a few of the rich go to hospitals like LASUTH and complement government efforts by adopting a patient? Some can adopt a ward, and others a section, others an ailment, some a particular brand of drugs, and others still can do equipment or sponsor doctors for update training. It would depend on the fatness of their wallets.

It is also true that what in the United States is called MEDICAID is absent here. In the Nordic countries as well as in Canada, the states provide a form of backup for the vulnerable. But the state can only go so much.

Those societies have developed elaborate tax systems upon which they draw for the very sick. But I think that a sort of insurance programme is necessary, that will need the contribution of those who work.

I see how many fritter away minutes on recharge cards, almost as an addiction for some frivolous calls. I wonder if we cannot start a scheme in which the ordinary worker donates between N50 and 100 a month, and that is put in a medical trust fund. With this, we can rake in billions of Naira every year, and that will go to upgrading medical infrastructure and helping the Marvelouses and Idrises and Mubaraks of this world.

Maybe Marvelous who reportedly died the night of my visit would still be alive today.

Such a programme will enhance the medical welfare already in Lagos with the free services especially for children and the elderly, which is also available in Delta State. Osun State has initiated a programme aimed at the vulnerable, including home care.

The narrative of LASUTH unveils positive government efforts but also the institutional limitation in a society in which self trumps others.

There are many little children seeking help.

No one is praying for them like Chime and Suntai. These guys have resources but not health. They have neither health nor resources , but only prayers. Their state is like patients in Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s novel Cancer Ward where, like the Soviet society, the inmates depend only on inner joy to survive. What the patients suffer the society imposes.

The problem is not medical but moral. If everyone joins in, we can heal this society.

And as Tolstoy, another Russian novelist, says in War and Peace, “how can one be well… when one suffers morally?”

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Suntai’s aides should borrow a leaf from Kogi

H

..he has TRIED, some didn’t LEAVE ONE NAIRA

ON. Victor Bala Kona, Taraba State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, has offered a truly disingenuous explanation for the long absence from office of Governor Danbaba Suntai. According to the party chieftain, the state government had been compelled to enforce extra security measures around the hospitalised governor, who was severely injured in a plane crash last October, to prevent his enemies from harming him. How that explanation answers the allegation that the governor had stayed away from office for too long is not clear. But undeterred, Kona went on to allege that Senator Aishatu Alhassan and impeached Deputy Governor, Mr. Saleh Usman Danboyi, were determined to frustrate the governor’s return.

Here again it is also not clear how they could do that, nor did Kona feel constrained to offer explanations. If certain people want to harm the governor, and others plan to frustrate his return, does it not make sense to simply ferry the governor back home post-haste, especially

considering the state’s explanation that its number one citizen was now okay?

Since early January, more speculations had surfaced concerning the governor’s declining health, with some even suggesting he was brain dead. Consequent upon those speculations, there were subterranean moves to declare him an invalid and to initiate constitutional processes for his removal. State officials have fought back with all sorts of manoeuvres ranging from production of hospital canteen photographs showing an expressionless Suntai carrying one of his twins while his wife and another visitor smiled broadly, to aides producing reports of state officials who they claimed had either visited the governor on hospital bed or spoken with him on telephone. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, in fact claimed that Suntai spoke with some State Executive Council members on Christmas Day, while swearing that the governor’s recovery was “impressive.”

There will be many more speculations about

Suntai’s true health condition until he finally returns home. It is unlikely any amount of official accounts of the governor’s recuperation would be enough to satisfy curiosity both in the state and outside. In fact, with each passing week, the governor’s aides will be under pressure to concoct more astonishing stories from Germany where Suntai is reported to be hospitalised. After a while, however, the stories will become more and more unbelievable, as Kona’s funny explanation shows.

It wouldn’t be out of place to offer Taraba the Kogi State example of coming clean on their governor’s true health condition. But perhaps Kogi was forward because its governor had suffered nothing more than a broken thigh bone when his convoy was involved in a road crash. Had Governor Idris Wada of Kogi been crushed in many parts of the body, maybe even Kogi State, as Enugu and Cross River States are showing with their ailing governors, would be inexplicably but predictably reticent and conspiratorial.

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