January 19, 2015

NIGERIA DECIDES

Newspaper of the Year •Why Lagosians should reject PDP, by Fashola•Uba brothers at war •Kwara cleric to politicians: avoid the devil•Support swells for Emerhor •New York Times: don’t shift elections•APC rejects interim govt MORE ON •Why Peterside is good for Ogoni, Rivers, by Magnus Abe PAGES•AND 2-7,13, 52-54&60 •Oyo govt kicks as Ladoja accuses Ajimobi of N68b debts

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 10, NO. 3100 MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

N150.00

Chad, Cameroon join forces against Boko Haram

Fed Govt slashes petrol price to N87 per litre

•Sect kidnaps 80 in Cameroon •5 die in Potiskum blast

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Federal Government last night slashed the pump price of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) to N87.00 per litre.

The new price regime, which took off from midnight, slices off N10 on every litre —an action that was immediately described as “too little” and “most likely political”.

Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke last night directed the Petroleum Products Pricing RegContinued on page 4

•www.thenationonlineng.net

•Mrs. Alison-Madueke

NTERNATIONAL troops are set to battle Boko Haram – the fundamentalist sect responsible for the insurgency in the Northeast and across the border in Cameroon.

Boko Haram struck in Cameroon yesterday, attacking a village. It kidnapped 80 citizens, including children and women.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

In Potiskum, the commercial capital of Yobe State – one of the three states under the sect’s brutality, the others being Borno and Adamawa - a suicide bomber believed to be working for the sect detonated an explosive device at a motor park. Five people, including the bomber, died.

Yesterday, Chadian troops

were deployed in Northern Cameroon to join forces with their hosts to fight the sect across the border with Nigeria.

The African Union (AU) will next week take a decision on whether to create a force to fight Boko Haram.

Ghana President John Mahama, Chairman of Sub-reContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: EGBIN POWER ADDS 220MW TO GRID P5 NNPC OWES PARTNERS OVER $5B P4

•ST ANDING UP AGAINST TERR OR: Protesters at the Trocadero Place in Paris, France against Boko Haram’s activities...yesterday.

•STANDING TERROR:

PHOTO: AFP

Buhari: Jonathan’s govt has ruined economy

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

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IGERIA is broke, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday.

“Many states could not pay their workers’ salary in December,” he said as he tongue lashed the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration for neglectContinued on page 4

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Documents have been put...on tweeter that I am sick and ABUTH has said they are forged documents. This desperation is beyond my understanding

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General Obasanjo has... confirmed that...the report was brought to him and there was nothing on ground as far as my... chairmanship of the PTF was concerned

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Most families were hungry during Christmas because government could not pay their salary and yet, they are talking about an individual's health...

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•POLITICS P13 •SPORTS P15 •JOBS P35 •CEO P37 •MOTORING P39 •FOREIGN P57

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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NEWS

NIGERIA DECIDES

Much ado about

•The Convener, Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and students of the Leadership Academy for Girls, at their first lesson for the year at Rehoboth House, Yaba, Lagos

•Obasanjo

•From left: Nigerian Idol Season4, Zibili Evelyn, Director,Brands and Communication, Etisalat, Enitan Denloye, Nigerian Idol Season5 Judge,Yinka Davies and Nigerian Idol Season5 Judge, Darey Art Alade at the Etisalat -sponsored Nigerian Idol Season5 Media Launch in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party has been unrelenting in its claim that the All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer – Gen Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) – lacks the educational wherewithal to seek election as President. But a.

Emeritus Professor of Science and Civil-Military Relations, Prof J ‘Bayo Adekanye, says the former Head of State is more than qualified. Prof Adekanye, who is a Fellow, Social Science Academy of Nigeria, insists the fuss is unnecessary and that those lacing their argument with constitutional provisions misread the Statute Book.

O

•From left: Director/Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos, Mr Fidelis Ajibogun, General Manager, Marketing Segment, MTN, Mr Richard Nwanoge, winner of N10 million MTN Cash Quest Promo, Mr Ikenna Ekeaku, and Chief Marketing Officer, MTN, Mr Olubayo Adekanbi, at the MTN Cash Quest Promo in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN.

VER the last one month or so, the news media, including the various social media platforms, have been inundated with the controversy over whether or not the presidential candidate of the opposition party, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari possesses the minimum educational qualification to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the impending February 14 elections.

The controversy reached its crescendo over the weekend when a legal practitioner, who is a top member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign organisation called a world press conference to publicise the matter about this alleged “certificate scandal.”

Ordinarily, as a thorough-bred academic, and not given to intervening in patently partisan political debates, this writer would have kept quiet and allowed the political process, including waiting for the Supreme Court, ultimately, to pronounce on the matter. But the obligation one feels he/ she owes to the Nigerian public as a whole, makes it incumbent upon one to share one’s knowledge and expertise regarding the matter.

Allegation unconstitutional

• Executive Director, Greensprings School Lagos, Mrs. Lai Koiki, the school’s Director of Education, Mr. Harry McFaul, Deputy Head of School, Anthony Campus, Mrs. Bola Kolade and Chairman, Parents-Teachers’ Association (PTA), Lekki Campus, Prince Olumide Olugbenle at the School’s 30th Thanksgiving Service at Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos...yesterday PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID.

•Gen. Buhari

I submit that the so-called non-possession of educational qualification up to “School Certificate level or its equivalent” allegation against Gen Buhari is a non-issue for the next month’s elections, as the allegation is incorrect, not sufficiently constitutionally informed, and therefore irrelevant to the campaign for the office of the President of the Federal Repub-

lic of Nigeria in the elections.

The reasons for asserting this are as follows: Firstly, whereas the retired General might not have possessed a Secondary School Certificate but obtained OCS Mons qualifications from England before being commissioned into the Nigerian Army officer corps, and whereas all Nigerian Army officers of his generation and those before him, who had attended Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, United Kinddom (UK), were also most unlikely to possess Secondary School Certificate (and in sharp contrast to their counterparts, who having gone to Sandhurst, UK, were in all, likelihood to have had Secondary School Certificate), this does not mean that, through attendance at courses and training in other recognised institutions in the course of their professional career, such officers had not subsequently added other educational qualifications that placed them way beyond the level of the Primary School Leaving Certificate holder.

Secondly, Buhari’s entry into the Nigerian Army Officer Corps (combatant), coincided with the time of introduction of the quota system of selection (May 1961), which was intended among other things, for accommodating some of the lesserqualified candidates from the North, rather than have the officer corps dominated wholly by candidates from the South.

Standard in military Before 1961, Nigeria had maintained considerably high educational standards for selection into the army

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

3

NIGERIA DECIDES

ut Buhari’s educational qualification ‘ debate In the raging on the matter, one has not heard anyone on the contending side of the argument to state that even this minimum qualification, the retired General does not possess • Babangida

officer corps. Up to that year, a potential officer was required to possess the minimum academic qualifications of credits in four subjects, including English Language, at the West African School Certificate level, or for their equivalent four ordinary passes at General Certificate of Education (GCE, London). It was also during that period that there were recruitment for “combatant commissions.”

The six university graduates to be recruited into the officer corps were: Chuckwumeka OdumegwuOjukwu, Victor Banjo, Olufemi Olutoye, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Oluwole Rotimi and Adewale Adegboyega.

After May 1961, however, and with the introduction of the quota system, the alternative qualification of Teachers’ Grade II Certificate, or the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Stage II Certificate, was stipulated, obviously to accommodate some of the lower-qualified Northern candidates; although, as it turned out, candidates from the South also benefitted from the considerable lowering of standards that resulted from operation of the quota system.

The practice of recruiting graduates into the corps was discontinued by the Alhaji Tafawa Balewa government. And that was the situation for many years after the Civil War (196770).

Military trainings not for dropouts are Thirdly, by the end of 1960, when Nigeria gained independence, the Nigerian Army had as many as 17 members of the emergent national officer corps, possessing Mons OCS qualification or its equivalent. Among the senior officers (combatant) of retired Gen Buhari’s generation or the generation a little before who, like him, had had Mons qualifications or their equivalent were: Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Bajowa, Joseph Garba, Ibrahim Babangida, George Innih, David Mark, Mohammed Sani Sami, and Sani Abacha. Among the Army’s senior officers (combatant) of retired Gen Buhari’s generation or the generation a little before him, who had gone and passed through the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS) training or the equivalent, were: Chuckwuma Nzeogwu, Yakubu Gowon, Illiya Bissala, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Murtala Mohammed, Alani Akinrinade.

Of course, apart from the university graduates given “combatant

•Tafawa Balewa

commissions” already referred to, there were those who, having been recruited from the other professions and commissioned into the various technical arms and support services such as medical cum dental, signals, electrical and mechanical engineering, teaching, accountancy and law, would have come in with much higher academic and professional qualifications. Officers in the latter category, who went into the armed forces medical corps for example, included Henry Adefope and Adeniyi Austen-Peters.

But it would be disingenuous to claim that any of these categories of officers, particularly those with OCS Mons qualification or its equivalent, did not have educational qualification that went beyond the Primary School Leaving Certificate level, especially if they had spent more than 20 years in service and risen through the ranks from the first and second lieutenant grade through captain and major to colonel and brigadier and ultimately to general.

Self development after retirement TrainingIs it impossible that a retired general of Buhari’s generation or the generation before his, having initially possessed OCS Mons type certification or its equivalent at the entry-point of gaining a commission, would have even after retirement, obtained additional educational qualifications such as diploma from one college/accredited institution or the other, a university degree, masters, or even a PhD. This is best illustrated by the most celebrated case of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, an initial ex-Mons graduate, retired general since 1979, and subsequent holder of a number of higher degree certificates including one Diploma and a Masters from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He is currently registered as a PhD candidate at the country’s premier University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State. He is an accomplished author, two-time head of state (including being the first President of the Federal Republic in second post-military restoration era), and a world statesman, besides being a successful and big-time farmer.

Fourthly, while in service, Buhari had added to his vita other educational and professional qualifications, through attendance of numerous training courses. He had also written a number of promotion examinations to earn his advancement from lower-

officer cadre (beginning from cadet, second and first lieutenant) through the middle ranks (captain, major) up to the rank of colonel (that is, if we discountenance with his promotion from colonel through brigadier to general.

In fact, a cliché from the civil-military relations literature has it that in peacetime, there is no real criterion for measuring a soldier’s ability especially after the level of colonel, since promotion after that level is inclined to be by seniority, tempered by sycophancy and nepotism.

Besides, in the Nigerian case, by the time Gen. Buhari reached the rank of colonel, most issues about promotion as well as retirement within the Army, especially after the level of colonel, tended to be regulated by largely political considerations.

Since his retirement from the force, Gen. Buhari has had many honours, distinctions and awards conferred upon him for various meritorious services.

Apart from the steady rise he enjoyed in his military career to the topmost rank of full General and the many key command posts he held in the Army from 1963/64 up to July 1975, the previous political positions, combined with military appointments, which Gen Buhari had held to-date, include having been Military Governor, Northeastern State of Nigeria (August 1975 – March 1976); Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (March 1976 – June 1978); Military Secretary, Army Headquarters (July 1978 – June 1979); Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (December 1983– August 1985); Member, Council of State, being one of the country’s highest advisory bodies (since August 1985 and till date); and Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (1995 - 1998).

Although most of these appointments, particularly the last set, could be described as political and as having been made and received under a period of military rule, there can be no disputing that schedule of duties involved would have required of any occupant of those positions and offices to possess considerable experience and judgment, as well as the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language, plus the possession other qualifications beyond the level of Primary Six School Leaving Certificate.

Would anyone say Gen Buhari did not possess even these minimal qualifications? But ultimately, is the com-

bination of qualities as earlier stated, not what the educational requirement prescribed for election to the office of the President reduces to?

The latter set of questions, arising from the fourth point just made, leads naturally to the fifth and last observation, which perhaps, is also the most crucial point that I must make for capping the foregoing counter-argument of my intervention in the debate regarding the alleged “certificate scandal”.

It is that Gen Buhari more than satisfies the constitutionally stipulated educational criteria requiring him as a candidate to have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”. For, although Article 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states among other requirements for election as President that “a person shall be qualified for election to the office of President” if she/he “has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”, that provision is not meant to be taken in the literal sense or taken out of context, but rather interpreted according to the meaning originally intended by framers of the Constitution. The meaning of the phrase “School Certificate level or its equivalent” is to be found in the Interpretation, Citation and Commencement part of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which begins from Part IV, Article 318 (1), and is meant to have been read alongside Article 131(d).

Constitutional interpretation In that Interpretation, part of the Constitution can be found defined what the framers of the Constitution meant and intended by that provision, which ought to be read by anyone seeking a fuller understanding of the phrase regarding “School Certificate or its equivalent”.

Curiously, I have not seen or heard anyone make reference to this part of the Constitution in the raging controversy regarding Buhari’s alleged “certificate scandal”.

To quote from Part IV, Article 318 (1) of the Interpretation section of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) expressing the meaning given by the framers in full, then, by the constitutional provision in Article 131(d) requiring any candidate for election to the office of President to have “been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”, the framers of the Constitution are understood to have meant the possession of any

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of the following credentials: “(a) a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or (c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent and (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for a minimum of ten years, and (ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totaling up to a minimum of one year, and (iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission; and (d) any other qualification acceptable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

Thus, constitutionally, the ultimate test about Gen Buhari’s educational qualification rests on whether or not he possesses “Primary Six School Leaving Certificate” plus “the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language.” In the raging debate on the matter, one has not heard anyone on the contending side of the argument to state that even this minimum qualification, the retired General does not possess – that is, if we discount everything else about his professional career life, including the Mons OCS qualification; the various tests and examinations he had written and passed in the course of his advancement through the ranks and up to at least the level of colonel; the many courses and training he had attended at home and abroad both while in service and since retirement; all the previous military and political posts held to-date; the sheer experience, and above all, the record of exemplary public service.

Given all the foregoing, it is hoped that this matter about Gen Buhari’s non-qualification for election to the Office of the President will have been finally settled and permanently laid to rest.

It is in fact a non-issue for campaign purposes and irrelevant to the forthcoming elections.

Possibly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authorities, including those working in their legal department, already know this.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS NNPC owes JV partners over $5b in HE Nigerian National cash calls Petroleum Corporation

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(NNPC) owes its Joint Venture (JV) partners over $5 billion being arrears of unpaid cash calls, an industry leader said at the weekend.

The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru, spoke at a symposium in Lagos at the weekend in honour of Chief Festus Marinho, the first Managing Director of the NNPC, who turned 80 last week.

Avuru expressed dismay over the state of the oil and gas industry despite the solid foundation laid for the industry. He said the NNPC lacks the capacity to efficiently run the industry and the critical oil infrastructure under its care such as the refineries.

•House of Represetatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (second left), Sokoto State Govrnor Aliyu Wamakko (second right), ormer Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan (right) and Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr Femi Adesina, during the presentation of The Sun Man of the year award to Wamakko in Lagos... at the weekend. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Chad, Cameroon join forces against Boko Haram Continued from page 1

gional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) told Reuters news agency that ECOWAS will seek approval from the AU next week.

A contingent of soldiers from Chad has arrived in northern Cameroon where it will deploy to the Nigerian border as part of efforts to contain the Boko Haram insurgency, a spokesman for Cameroon’s Defence ministry said yesterday.

Boko Haram, which aims to carve out an Islamist state in northern Nigeria, has stepped up attacks as Africa’s biggest economy prepares for a Feb. 14 presidential election.

The group has expanded its operational zone into northern Cameroon over the past year, prompting Yaounde to deploy thousands of additional forces, including elite troops, to its border with Nigeria.

A convoy of troops from Chad arrived in Maroua, the main town in Cameroon’s FarNorth Region, late on Saturday, Colonel Didier Badjeck said while declining to say how many soldiers had been dispatched by N’Djamena.

Suicide bomber kills 5, injures 35 at a motor park in Potiskum

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SUICIDE bomber yesterday detonated explosives at a motor park in Potiskum, Yobe State’s commercial town, killing five persons, including himself.

An eyewitness said the bomber was disguised as a passenger and boarded a Vectra Opel car with four other passengers before blowing himself up with the passengers.

But the police, which confirmed the suicide attack, gave a different account of how it all happened.

Commissioner Danladi Marcus said the bomber drove in a Honda car in front of some vehicles conveying passengers before reversing to hit other cars to trigger the explosion.

“From the briefing that I got, the suicide bombers drove to a motor park along Bauchi road near a filling station in Potiskum and went in front of other cars, pretending to be travelling as well. Then all of a sudden, he decided to reverse and hit other cars and immediately,

“In the coming days, they will be deployed in the war zone on the border with Nigeria so that they can join our defence forces to crush and prevent incursions of Boko Haram into Cameroonian territory,” he said.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who recently appealed for international assistance against Boko Haram, an-

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

the bomb went off, killing him and four other people,” Marcus said.

He added: “You can see that people are tired of the happenings around. The report I got is that the explosion did not disrupt the normal life in the town. People are going about their normal businesses.

“My call is that we should all be vigilant to fish out the bad people among us by reporting any suspicious movement around us.”

Potiskum is now becoming a hotbed of suicide bombing yesterday’s was the third this month. A blast killed a street vendor on one occasion, and two female suicide bombers killed eight people in coordinated attacks, according to reports.

Many people also died in similar suicide attacks earlier targeted on Shiate Muslims sect and school pupils on assembly grounds last year.

nounced last week that he was expecting the arrival of a large Chadian force to support his country’s efforts against the militants.

Chad has a reputation as one of the region’s best militaries and helped French forces drive al Qaeda-linked Islamists from northern Mali in 2013.

Despite the growing crossborder nature of the threat

posed by Boko Haram, efforts to deploy a joint force from Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon to take on the Islamist fighters have faltered.

Following increasing involvement of Chadians and Nigeriens in Boko Haram insurgency, the Federal Government may protest to the two countries.

Continued on page 56

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

He said the corporation is not adding value, made contract cycle cumbersome and lengthy, caused project delays and lacks financial muscle to run the industry as shown by the over $5 billion cash call debt.

Cash call is the money paid by joint venture partners according to equity holdings of the partners for projects development usually determined and paid at the beginning of the year.

Avuru attributed NNPC’s inability to meet its cash call obligations to improper management of proceeds from crude oil sales.

He recalled that in June 1992, Continued on page 56

Govt slashes petrol price to N87 Continued from page 1

ulatory Agency (PPPRA) to immediately effect the change at the pumps.

She said: "As you may be aware there has been a lot of volatility in price of petroleum product particularly crude oil over the last few months , invariably this has meant that the price of the product in Nigeria has also been greatly impacted."

"It is as a result of this under the approval and directive of Mr. President and in line with Section 6 Clause 1 of the Petroleum Act, that it is my responsibility as the Minister of Petroleum to announce that there will be a reduction in the pump price of petroleum (primium motor spirit) by N10, therefore

the reduction will be from N97 per liter to N87 per liter effective as of mid-night Sunday the 18th of January 2015."

"In line with this I have directed the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency and the Directorate of Petroleum Resources to ensure there is strict adherence to this new pricing regime as soon as it takes effect from midnight Sunday 18th of January 2015."

"I do hope the entire country will benefit immensely from this reduction in the pump price of petroleum." she added On why the government has to wait till this time, she said: "We think it is actually time to reduce the price. We have been watching very carefully for the Continued on page 60

Ekiti elders’ chief condemns Fayose’s outburst on Buhari’s health

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CHIEFTAIN of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Dr. Bayo Orire, has criticized Governor Ayo Fayose’s claim that the All Progressives Congress ( APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is suffering from health challenges which might hamper his capacity to function as President if elected.

Fayose had alleged during last Tuesday’s presidential campaign rally of President Goodluck Jonathan in Ado-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti that Buhari looked sickly and was deliberately planted as opposition presidential candidate to re-enact the crisis that trailed the uncertainty of the health status of the late former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

But Orire, who is a medical doctor, lampooned Fayose for making what he called “unContinued on page 60

Buhari: Jonathan’s govt has ruined economy Campaign group decries demonisation of Buhari, APC

Continued from page 1

ing corruption and misgovernance to focus on his health.

The rumour of his ill-health, he said, is a desperate attempt to take the mind of Nigerians off the basic issues of corruption and misgovernance by the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Gen. Buhari also said he had no problem with his certificates with which he contested elections under the guidelines provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on three occasions.

He argued that rather than address the problem facing the nation, which led to non-payment of workers’ salaries in December, the government was talking about the health of an individual.

Gen. Buhari said: “Vanguard reported that I was to jet out for medical check-up yesterday (Saturday) but here I am. I was in Nasarawa and Benue states yesterday (Saturday); tomorrow, I am going to be in two states. The day after to-

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HE campaign group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of demonising the opposition’s candidate and party, warning the ruling party to stop forthwith.

Strategic Communication Director and former Lagos Information Commissioner Dele Alake, who gave the warning, advised the ruling party to explain itself on the multiple crises it has endangered.

He expressed shock over the alleged use of red herrings, abuses and foul temper geared towards whipping up hatred against Buhari, appealing to the PDP to honour the violence-free pact entered into last Wednesday by the parties.

According to Alake, one of such red herrings purportedly sponsored by the PDP is the allegation of corruption and favouritism in the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) run by Gen. Buhari under the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime and a little af-

morrow in two more states. I am doing two states per day.

“How they got the impression that I was sick, I do not know. Although I got cold, that did not stop me from going on with my schedule.

“I don’t know of this desper-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ter, out rightly ignoring former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent statement that absolved Gen. Buhari of corruption.

He accused the PDP of trying to portray Gen. Buhari as a violent man and one who supports the extremist Boko Haram sect, despite the fact that the APC candidate has himself been a victim of the sect’s attack.

Alake described the argument that Buhari does not like the Yoruba, following his cancellation of the 1984 Lagos metroline project as “another desperate ploy to put a wedge between the Yoruba and the APC candidate, an ethnic ploy that has become the stock-in-trade of the PDP and President Jonathan”.

“The critics suggest the existence of dossiers and investigative reports supposedly indicting the APC candidate of unwholesome activities when he presided over the affairs of the agency. But a few days ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was supposed to have com-

ation. The issue we are telling Nigerians is that of corruption in this country and that in the last 16 years, PDP has literally destroyed this country.

“This is the issue and I don’t understand what my health has got to do with that one. I

missioned the investigation, disclosed that he was in possession of the report and nothing untoward was established against the APC candidate.

“To the astonishment of all right thinking persons, the PDP has chosen not to believe in the authority of President Obasanjo who ordered the investigation and has final say on it but prefers to allege that the man who has the fact is dead! Can there be a worse tragicomedy than this? Who really is fooling who?

“It is true Gen. Buhari ruled as a military head of state. But it must also be acknowledged that General Obasanjo also once ruled as a military head of state. Yet, that did not prevent the PDP from nominating and presenting him as its presidential candidate in 1999 and 2003 general elections.

“Gen. Buhari was himself a victim of Boko Haram attack, and has also lost some relatives to the sect’s violent activities. He has denounced the sect, and has signified his preparedness to take on the militants

have been sick on daily basis?

And documents have been put on paper, on tweeter that I am sick and ABUTH has said they are forged documents. This desperation is beyond my understanding.”

Asked to make a categorical

Continued on page 56

statement on his health, Gen. Buhari jokingly asked the reporter: “How old are you? 50 years? I am telling you that if we go to the field, you would not last the time I will last in the field.”

On the controversy sur-

•Gen. Buhari

rounding his certificate, Gen. Buhari said: “Why didn’t Nigerians ask before? I have contested elections three times under the same rules set by INEC where there is a basic education qualification you must have. I was allowed to contest all these elections beContinued on page 56

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THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

5

NEWS ‘Endorse seven-point anti-graft programme’

APC rejects interim govt, election shift LL Progressives Congress (APC) has said it will neither accept an interim government nor a postponement of next month’s elections, as being advocated by certain individuals.

The party insisted that the elections must hold as scheduled on February 14 and 28, 2015.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Lagos yesterday, warned that any attempt to scuttle the polls in preference for any other arrangement would be resisted through available constitutional means.

The statement said: “We are aware that those who are not comfortable with the turning of the political tide in favour of the opposition ahead of the elections are scheming to abort a possible victory for our party, through either an interim government or a postponement of the elections.

“These enemies of Nigeria include those who are worried

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•Party says polls must hold as scheduled

By Bola Olajuwon

about the strong anti-corruption stance of our party and its avowed commitment to good governance, and those who favour the status quo of anything goes, bad governance and massive corruption that have left Nigerians deeply pauperised and traumatised.”

APC said those who might consider the two scenarios of interim government and postponement of the elections as outlandish should consider the published, but yet unrefuted statement by Deji Adeyanju said to be an official in the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

The party quoted Adeyanju, who handles Dr. Okupe’s Twitter Account, as saying in a Blackberry Messenger (BBM) statement: “Buhari can never be President of Nigeria. Quote me any day any time. Instead of Buhari

to become President of Nigeria, Nigeria would rather break up.

“A military coup will even be allowed than for Buhari to become the President of a democratic Nigeria. Quote me any day, any time.”

The party said since the statement had not been refuted, it could safely be concluded that the BBM represented the thinking in the Presidency circles.

The statement added: “If a citizen is advocating a military coup against a sitting government just to prevent a supposed election victory of the opposition; it is nothing short of treason. Yet, the security agencies that have been falling over themselves, warning against incendiary and inciting statements, have not yet swung into action over this inciting statement. This is not encouraging vis-a-vis the non-partisan stance of the security agencies.

“The truth is that what could as well be a Freudian slip by

Adeyanju has exposed the depth of panic and desperation in the Presidency ahead of next month’s polls. This has also confirmed that those who have been canvassing, either openly or otherwise, the options of interim government or postponement of the elections, are working at the behest of certain forces.”

The party, therefore, called on Nigerians to be vigilant and be ready to do everything under the law to protect the nation’s democracy; imperfect as it might be.

It also alerted the international community to the evil machinations of some desperate politicians ahead of the general elections. ‘’Our stand is simple, but needs to be restated: the 2015 general elections must hold as scheduled all over Nigeria, and our party is ready for the elections. As we stated earlier, we will only accept the outcome of

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•Mohammed

a free, fair, credible and transparent elections; not that of manipulated polls.

“We will also not agree to the postponement of next month’s elections under any guise, and an interim arrangement plot is totally unacceptable to us.

“We challenge the ruling PDP to also state its own stand on next month’s polls for the world to note. ‘’We also challenge the Presidency to state its own stand and to also distance itself from the anarchic and treasonable statement by one of its own over the forthcoming polls,” APC said.

Egbin Power adds 220MW to national grid

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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OWER generation has received a boost following the rehabilitation of Egbin Power Plc’s ST-06, a 220megawatt (MW) steam turbine generator after eight years during which the turbine remained inoperable.

This brings the plant back to its installed capacity of 1,320MW. The management of the company, in a statement by its chief executive officer, Mike Uzoigwe, said the rehabilitated and restored Unit ST-06 brings an additional 220MW to the Nigerian National Electricity Grid and would also bolster power supply to the Lagos metropolis.

ST-06 was first inaugurated in November 1987. But it suffered a boiler explosion during operation in 2006, “due to some water tube phenomenon”.

With the unit now generating at full stream, Egbin is presently in the final stages of a bilateral agreement to supply 220MW to Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc (Ikeja Electric) and Eko Distribution Company.

The development, the company said, is set to yield about 16 per cent additional power supply to Lagos, the nation’s commercial nerve centre.

The transformation at the nation’s largest generation plant started following its acquisition by Sahara Power, working through a number of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) in collaboration with its technical partners, Korea Electric Corporation (KEPCO).

Uzoigwe said the company considered the rehabilitation of ST Unit 6 to be a major breakthrough, noting that huge resources were deployed into achieving a complete teardown overhaul of the unit.

He noted that although the Nigerian electricity market was not yet bankable, Egbin had in collaboration with KEPCO continued to achieve laudable feats for the country.

Uzoigwe added that KEPCO had started the overhaul of unit ST-04, in its quest to ensure that Egbin operates in compliance with global standards.

OCIO-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), General Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) and other presidential candidates to make “a clear and unequivocal commitment to uphold and implement sevenpoint anti-corruption and human rights programme in their political policies, if elected.”

Other presidential candidates include Chekwas Okorie, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Oluremi Sonaiya, Kowa Party; Nani Ibrahim Ahmad, African Democratic Congress (ADC); Ambrose Albert, Hope Democratic Party (HDP); Martin Onovo, National Conscience Party (NCP); and Ganiyu O. Galadima, Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

In the letter dated January 16, 2015 and by SERAP Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said: “We believe that the presidential election holds the potential to usher in changes in the way that Nigeria enforces and implements its human rights and anti-corruption commitments.

We urge you to clearly and unequivocally commit to concrete human rights reforms to end the increasing level of corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.”

According to the organisation, “evasive and obfuscatory commitments by politicians undermine transparency and accountability of elected public officials and contribute to bad governance.

•President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); Minister of Works Mike Onolomemem (second right), former Anambra State Governor Mr. Peter Obi (first right); and Managing Director of Julius Berger Mr. Detoev Lubadch (first left), during Jonathan’s inspection of ongoing work at the 2nd Niger Bridge, as part of his campaign to in the Southeast...at the weekend.

DCCN backs Buhari/Osinbajo

Oshiomhole: PDP has reduced Nigeria to laughing stock

SOCIO-political group, De-Change Coalition of Nigeria (DCCN), has thrown its weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and his running-mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The group noted that the two men were capable of changing the misfortune of Nigeria to fortune, if given the chance to rule.

The group’s national chairman, Abayomi Adegoke, and its director, Strategy and Mobilisation, Wole Idowu, said this in a statement in Osogbo at the weekend.

They also solicited the supports of the masses for Buhari/ Osinbajo candidature during the presidential poll slated for February 14.

The statement stressed that their emergency as president and vice president in next month’s polls will proffer a lasting solution to the challenges threatening the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

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HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the federal level has reduced Nigeria to a laughing stock in the comity of nations, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said at the weekend.

Oshiomhole, who spoke at two mega rallies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Auchi in Edo North and Irrua in Edo Central, hinged his claim on the PDP’s alleged ineptitude to provide basic amenities and fight insurgency.

The governor noted that when the PDP took over governance in 1999, the country had 774 local government areas.

But, he added that close to 30 of those local government areas were being controlled by insurgents.

He said: “It is time to ask yourselves: in 16 years of PDP leadership, what has PDP government produced? For 16 years, they gave us darkness. No light; yet they keep bringing bills.

“They produced unemployment; our companies have all closed down. If the Federal Government does not have good industrial policy, unemployment will continue to be here. So, PDP brought unemployment and kidnapping to our country. There was no single case of kidnapping before 1999; PDP brought kidnapping.

“The most worrisome of them all is that in 1999, PDP government was handed 774 local government areas and as we speak now, Boko Haram controls about

From Friday Otabor, Benin

30 local government areas and if they continue to rule, they will get here.

“We have the best soldiers in the world. They go to other countries for peacekeeping.

“How come they now say our soldiers are now running from common insurgents? For 16 years, they have not equipped our military.”

Urging the people to vote en masse for the APC, Oshiomhole said: “I can give you 100 reasons why we must vote Buhari. It is for our own survival. It goes beyond tribal sentiments.

“PDP has failed Nigeria. They have reduced Nigeria to a joke.

They have shared our companies to themselves. They extorted our unemployed graduates all in the name of scam recruitment exercise.

“You cannot continue to vote for a party that has lost every sense of responsibility and reduced our country to a huge joke, even within the African continent.

“This coming election will be a decisive one. We have a presidential candidate that has courage; a presidential candidate that will fight corruption and you will be counting the casualties. He will not be like those who say they are fighting corruption and nobody is falling.

“General Buhari was a military governor and later served as minister of Petroleum before becoming the military head of

state. Despite having held all these positions, he never amassed public funds to himself to become rich. He is the kind of man Nigerians needs; a man that will fight corruption, instill discipline and ensure that the poor are not cheated.”

He added: “Buhari built Kaduna and Warri refineries. How can they say all our refineries are good and yet we are importing products? And because we are importing, that is why petrol and kerosene prices have refused to reduce.

“If our refineries are not working, where will those our children studying electrical, petroleum, chemical and mechanical engineering work after graduation? If PDP could not do refinery in 16 years, do you want to give them another chance to fail? That is why Nigeria needs General Buhari.”

The governor, who presented the candidates of the APC vying for elective positions in

the state, said: “We need the very best. And come day, come night, I can vouch that with them, the development of this area will be sustained.

“These are tested men. With these men, we will bring more development to Edo State.

They have experience and with the little opportunity they have had to serve, they reproduced eye-mark projects that can be seen by all. I can assure you that with these candidates, we are in very safe hands.”

Taking a swipe at politicians who defect from one political party to the other when they can’t get nominations, Oshiomhole said politics should not be about the individual alone.

He urged the people not to be deceived into experimenting with such inconsistent characters, but rather with the party that has been tested and has brought so much development to Edo State.

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ASUU seeks protection for UNIBEN lecturers

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HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law over the demolition of houses of lecturers.

ASUU condemned the alleged violence on its members by agents of the state government, Its president, Nasir

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Fagge, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, alleged that unidentified agents of the government, accompanied by some thugs, brutalised its members occupying university buildings, on which litigation was pending.

He said it was unbelieva-

ble that the governor could preside over a state where rather than providing homes for the people, legitimate owners were rendered homeless.

Appealing for police protection for its members, the ASUU president also urged Oshiomhole to respect the rule of law.

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THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS

Clark slams PDP leaders over Jonathan’s re-election bid

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JAW leader Chief Edwin Clark has doubted the sincerity of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) leaders about President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

Clark, who is a strong backer of the president, however, said his fate was in the hands of the nation’s youth.

Speaking in Abuja at the weekend when members of Northern Youth Vanguard visited him, he alleged that most of the PDP chieftains have not shown any seriousness in the ongoing presidential campaign.

He also predicted that the last primaries might spell doom for the party, if urgent steps were not taken to address the injustice in the exercise.

He argued that most of the people, who emerged at the end of the primaries, were candidates with no political value to add to the PDP presidential bid.

Clark did not also spare the PDP governorship candidate for Adamawa State and

TMG warns Ijaw leader against overheating polity THE Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has cautioned elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark against overheating the polity.

Its national chairman, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said recent comments credited to Clark were in bad taste and capable of undermining the electoral process.

The group said the Ijaw leader accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, of being biased against the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan. “As Nigeria’s foremost election observation and civic education coalition, TMG feel duty bound to respond to these direct allegations, which in our estimation, seek to put the electoral umpire under undue pressure, while discrediting in advance a process Nigerians and international community have invested so much on and are eagerly looking forward to a fruitful outcome in February 14, 2015.

“While we are not interested in joining any partisan political fray, it is disturbing to us that an ethnic leader of Chief Edwin Clark standing would make these flippant statements against the electoral umpire, knowing the very serious implication this kind of posturing would have on the political process and indeed the polity itself,” TMG said.

The group said the same INEC and Prof. Jega, whose integrity Clark was attempting to call to question, supervised the 2011 From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

former anti-graft boss, Nuhu

Ribadu, citing his case as one of the injustice in the party.

He said: “When there are

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

electoral process, which brought the ruling party and the president to power.

“At that time, INEC and Prof. Jega were neither biased nor partisan in the estimation of Chief Clark,” the group said.

The TMG added: “We, therefore, wonder why Chief Clark would at this point decide to launch a campaign of calumny against Jega, whose reputation as an umpire that has refused to pander to any partisan consideration, is well-cemented at home and abroad. “ So, what new evidence does Chief Clark have to make these spurious allegations capable of causing problems in the polity?

“TMG would like to remind Chief Clark that the decision on who emerges as president of Nigeria through the ballot box on February 14, 2015 rests squarely with the Nigerian electorates.

“The role of INEC is to create the level playing-field, and firm up the logistics for the people to exercise their franchise.

“We, therefore, advise the chief to be wary of his comments in this delicate national moment.

“Nigeria is bigger than all partisan and sectional interests put together. The sooner Chief Clark and all those spitting fire and brimstone realise this, the better for the nation.” more qualified people who can win votes for Mr. President, but they were asked to

step down. For what? Why must Adamawa Governor Bala Igilari be thrown out and the

ticket given to Ribadu? Is there any justice there?

“These are some of the problems we are facing. Those who parade themselves in PDP uniform, some of them are antiPDP. “So that is why you people must act quickly. It is the youth of Nigeria that will deliver the presidency with the good elite, who are not mischief-makers.”

Clark urged the youth to put the nation first before any other considerations, adding: “Let’s work for the best man; no matter where he comes from.”

The elder statesman also appealed to the media to help douse the nation’s political tension ahead of the presidential elections.

He also reminded the youth that Buhari of today was not the military General that the nation used to know.

On allegations of corruption against Jonathan’s government, Clark noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was only shouting just to discredit the president.

Air traffic controllers threaten strike

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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•From left: Chief Kemi Nelson; Senator Olorunnibe Mamora; All Progressives Congress (APC) vice presidential candidate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; APC leader Pa Abiodun Sunmola; and Lagos State Commissioner for Housing Bosun Jeje, at a townhall meeting by Osinbajo at Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos.

EMBERS of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (NATCA) have reiterated their threat to withdraw air traffic services at airports nationwide.

The development followed the refusal of the aviation union and the management of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to shift ground during their meeting yesterday.

The withdrawal of services may be effective from the early hours of today, owing to what the air traffic controllers described as poor welfare package, incessant equipment failure, inadequate tools as well as excessive work load, which, they said, “constitute serious threat to safety”.

But, the Nigeria Air Force, it was learnt, has been put on standby to offer air traffic control services, if NATCA members make good their threat.

The controllers said as arrowheads of air safety, the management of NAMA failed to address various health hazards the job exposed them to, in addition to inconclusive , delayed and inadequate training spanning over four years.

As at the time of writing this report, the management of NAMA and the air traffic controllers’ association were meeting at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos to resolve the issue.

Relevant aviation unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), NATCA and civil society groups were also attending the meeting.

360,000 security agents for polls

Why Jonathan should be voted out, by Keyamo

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IGHTS activist Festus Keyamo has said it would be wrong for Nigerians to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan owing to his many failings.

He accused Jonathan of failing in security, economy and infrastructural development.

Keyamo, who questioned what he described as the conspiracy of silence among the elite, said the resort to ethnic and religious sentiments by the president and his campaigners would not help his cause.

Keyamo, in a statement yesterday, faulted the president’s claim to be fighting corruption, insecurity and to have improved the economy.

Keyamo, who is prosecuting the case of money laundering against former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, wondered why Jonathan was comfortable among people, whose integrity was under question.

He argued that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari, was a ready and better alternative to Jonathan.

His words: “We have a president, who has no single

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

appetite to fight corruption – yes, none. Imagine a campaign that is dominated by the theme of corruption, yet the President has decided to appoint a person facing trial for money-laundering as his director of Media and Publicity.

“If nobody would say it, I will say it, because I am the one prosecuting the fellow in court and the case has been adjourned to February 23 and 24 for trial.

“Part of the lies told is that the fellow has been freed, whereas some of the counts in the charge were just struck out and the court held that he has a case to answer on some other counts. Yet, nobody is asking the president these hard questions.”

He added: “Before Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Boko Haram was nothing, but a rag-tag group of extremists living in enclaves like Sambisa, while our proud military boys patrolled the towns. Now, under Jonathan, the reverse is the case.

“One obvious flaw is that our president has lost control of the military and the top hierarchy of the military is

merely feeding fat on this unfortunate situation and the president seems to be totally helpless in the face of this.

“The president is already sounding like a broken record. He says he has made the rails to function again. He mentioned this so much that you imagine that he was primarily elected to revive a few train lines. It sounds very funny when you hear such things, whereas the primary duty of government is the protection of lives and property.

“If that primary duty fails, then the government has failed. It is like an undergraduate hoping to be promoted to the next level by barely scraping through the ‘electives’ and failing the core courses. It will never happen.

So, is the president providing train coaches to be transporting the dead bodies from the North to the South? Are the trains to be occupied by living human beings or dead human beings?

“All the personal attacks on the person of Buhari in the last few weeks have only convinced me that he is the best available option at this time.

Anyone on the weaker side in any argument always resorts to personal abuses and at-

tacks.

“Have you noticed that on corruption? The only accusation against Buhari is that he was too high-handed in fighting corruption in the past? In other words, nobody can/has accuse him of lacking the courage, zeal and will to fight corruption.

“On the other hand, the president eats, sleeps and wakes up with corruption.

“In one of his famous interviews, he did not even see stealing as corruption. That is why he does not see the point why he should not appoint a person standing trial for corruption as his director of Media and Publicity. He just does not care.

“So, Nigerians, we must decide what we want. When Buhari fought corruption and was supposedly high-handed, he was ruling with Decrees. Now, he has the constitution, the National Assembly and the judiciary without ouster clauses to guide him.

“It is, therefore, only an idiot that will believe the propaganda that he would throw everyone suspected of corruption into jail. I feel so sorry at times for the gullible masses of this country, who fall for such cheap propaganda. But it

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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•Keyamo

is his type of appetite and revulsion against corruption that we so dearly need at this time.

“You may say whatever you like about Buhari. But in terms of the character, the steel, the competence to lead the nation out of this period of insurgency, nobody can compare a Goodluck Jonathan to a General Buhari.

“Just imagine the service chiefs (who were probably in secondary school when Buhari and others fought the Civil War) sitting in front of Buhari to brief him about the situation in the Northeast, and attempting to mislead him about movements of artillery, brigades or troops and, the strategy against the enemy!”

ECURITY agencies have unveiled plan to deploy over 360,000 operatives in the conduct of next month’s general election.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, said about 300,000 of his men have been trained for the elections in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and development partners.

Also, Commandant General (CG), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Prof.

Ade Abolurin said 60,000 of his officers would secure lives and property during the elections.

Abolurin added that NSCDC has completed plans to import 25 sniffer dogs from the United States (U.S.) to detect explosives during the electoral period.

The security chiefs spoke at the end of a two-day conference titled: “Nigeria 2015 Elections and Beyond: Roles of State and NonState Actors in Mitigating Violence in Elections”.

The event was organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), at the weekend in Abuja.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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NEWS ‘Akinjide, a political disaster’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, has been described as a “political jobber, disaster and liability” by the Labour Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Adebayo AlaoAkala.

Oloye Akinjide, who is the state coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Organisation, had accused AlaoAkala and his loyalists of allegedly attacking five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their “refusal to join the Labour Party”.

Describing the minister as a shadow-chaser, the former governor, through his spokesman, Oludare Ogunlana, said Akinjide’s “greed and selfcenteredness made her join saboteurs to prevent PDP from presenting a popular candidate”.

He said there was no way Alao- Akala’s loyalists could have attacked anyone for not following him because those who joined LP are more than those who stayed behind in PDP. The former governor added that Akinjide’s position as minister has not impacted meaningfully on the state.

Alao-Akala said Oloye Akinjide was economical with the truth because “I got the senatorial ticket for her in 2011 when it seemed impossible.”

“We would have kept silent because the allegation came from a political featherweight but we came out in order for the public not to be fooled by the antics of “ungrateful elements”, which derive joy in lying”.

APC kicks as Ladoja accuses Ajimobi of N68b debt •‘Name the banks’

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ORMER Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja has accused Governor Abiola Ajimobi of plunging the state into a N68 billion debt.

Ladoja is the Accord Party’s governorship candidate.

The former governor, who spoke through the Director General of his campaign organisation, Adeolu Adeleke, said the state was indebted to two unnamed third-generation banks.

But the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenged Ladoja to name the banks, describing the accusation as cheap propaganda.

Ladoja said the debt was incurred by the banks on account of a deal that warranted the financial institutions undertaking to finance the road expansion projects embarked upon by the government but which he alleged, were abandoned.

He said one of the banks was owed N50 billion and the other N17 billion.

The N67 billion debt, according to Ladoja, was in addition to a multi-billion bond secured by the government.

The campaign director said the figure was part of a preliminary investigation by his party on the state’s debt profile as of last June.

On the N500 million Ajimo-

Go to court, Ajimobi dares Ladoja

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has challenged former governor and Accord Party governorship candidate Senator Rashidi Ladoja to go to court to defend the allegation that he refunded N500million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .

Ladoja has threatened to sue Ajimobi, saying there was no truth in the claim that he returned N500million to EFCC. The governor said Ladoja returned the money to the anti-graft agency to avoid going to jail for stealing the state’s funds.

Addressing a crowd of party supporters and leaders at the launch of his second term campaign in Ibadan at the weekend, Ajimobi inFrom Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

bi said he refunded to the state government, Ladoja wondered why the governor waited this long before talking about the issue.

“Two of the bank drafts purportedly connecting Senator Ladoja with the false refund of money bore the dates: May 2, 2008 and May 7, 2008. But Senator Ladoja, confident that his integrity is intact, submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on August 8, 2008.

“What then is the nexus between the drafts published and Senator Ladoja? Could Ladoja have ‘refunded’ money before he went to the EFCC? “If indeed there was actually any plea bargaining as alleged, why is the matter still

sisted that Ladoja actually returned the money.

“I’m ready to meet him in court,” the governor said, stressing that the refunded money was being used by his administration to build model schools.

Ajimobi said the people should be watchful and avoid voting for those who did not do anything economically meaningful for them when they had the opportunity of ruling the state.

The governor, who said he deserved a second term as a result of his achievements, maintained that the success he recorded were unmatched in the history of the state.

Ajimobi, however, said he was ready to prove his claim in the court of law.

in court? Is the APC not aware that the case is with the Supreme Court?

“Ajimobi also claims that the money he purportedly recovered from Ladoja through the EFCC is being used to build model schools in the state. But our perusal of the 2014 budget estimates did not show the inclusion of the recovered money in the budget.

“We challenge Governor Ajimobi to waive his immunity and invite the EFCC and ICPC to probe his government.

“A kilometre of road is awarded for N1 billion in Oyo State and the same contractor gets a kilometre of road for N400 million in Ogun State.

“The intention obviously for Ajimobi is to tarnish the ever-

soaring image of Ladoja, who has become his political nemesis, ahead of the February judgment day. But we are glad that his effort was a monumental fiasco,” Adeleke said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the ancient propaganda style employed by the Accord Party would not work in the 2015 elections.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Olawale Shadare, the APC said: “Ladoja and his party use the traditional hunger for news by reporters to pass across his childish propaganda and ill-digested lies.

“The question reporters should ask him is the name of the so-called banks the government owes.

Ondo PDP shuns Mimiko’s committee From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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Court restrains Fed Govt From Damisi Ojo, Akure

N Akure High Court in Ondo State has restrained the Federal Government from trespassing on a land belonging to the Okutanla/Ogunmokun family on Akure/Owo/Ilesa Road.

It granted the statutory right of occupancy to the family.

The respondents are the Federal Ministry of Land and Housing, Federal Ministry of Agriculture,Federal College of Agriculture, Akure and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

The family represented by its lawyer, Aladegbaye Falodun, said it was entitled to the land with beacon pillar PBE 260 to PBE 2672, AFA 8720 and AFA 8721.

Falodun claimed that at no time was the land ever acquired by the Federal Government.

The lawyer said the Federal Government could only acquire a land for public purpose and not for other purposes, such as selling, leasing or transfer.

The third defendant through the former FCAA Provost, Dr Mary Ogunkoya, had said the land allocated to the college was more than 685.9 acres which has now been reduced to about 364.394 hectares, due to the cessation of land to the Leper’s Colony,Akure, dualisation of roads and so on.

“It is only reporters whom the profession gives the licence to hide the names of sources and important institutions, not desperate reporters. Let him quote the names of the banks and the amounts being owed them so that journalists can go to the banks and cross-check.

Even political propaganda has left such infantile level.

“Ladoja is merely pursuing shadows; the APC said the Accord Party and its leader could not fathom how government could have such huge infrastructural achievements without borrowing a penny.

“To underscore the penchant for lies of the Accord Party, the Oyo State government, despite dwindling allocations from the Federal Government, has paid December salaries of workers. Only contractors who have not completed their works are yet to collect full payment.

“It is equivocation of the highest order. If the state government owes that amount of money, it goes without saying that anyone who wants to come on board would not perform as he would be battling to pay back debts.

“Why is Ladoja fighting the battle of his life to become governor if the government he is coming to administer is in this kind of debt? The party and its leader are too intellectually shallow to understand the implication of this childlike allegation of theirs.”

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•Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State Seyi Makinde addressing supporters in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

Osun PDP slams chairman of being ‘high-handed’

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OME members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have accused the Chairman, Ganiyu Ola-Oluwa, of working against the success of the party.

The party’s Director of Media and Strategy, Diran Odeyemi, in a statement in Osogbo yesterday, accused Ola-Oluwa of high handedness.

Odeyemi said instances abound of Ola-Oluwa’s high handedness, which has “at those critical moments cost us a lot as a political party. “ I am only making our stand on him known now before he inflicts irredeemable damage on Osun PDP and jeopardises our chances in next month’s elections”.

He said many SWC

•Party spokesman cautioned From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

members were becoming less concerned and committed to the party’s cause as a result of “the divide and rule and dictatorial tendencies” of Ola-Oluwa.

The statement added: “We have done a lot of work to make PDP a viable platform for political office seekers, including President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We know as a group of concerned and committed party loyalists that going into important elections what is at stake is higher than the way the chairman is taking it. The disposition of our chairman is at variance with what a good team player should do in a situation we

face at the moment in Osun State.

“None of the SWC members and the members of Osun PDP has an idea of how Ola-Oluwa runs the party, we consider this very dangerous.

“We call on the party’s national leadership and President Goodluck Jonathan to move quickly to save the situation before permanent damage is done.”

Ola-Oluwa has cautioned Odeyemi against unguarded and unauthorised statements.

In a reaction to the allegations, he assured that the PDP is not divided, warning that the party would not tolerate divisive comments from “someone

with a questionable character”.

He said Odeyemi was given a portfolio out of magnanimity, maintaining that he is not a member of the PDP exco.

According to him, Odeyemi is yet to clear himself of a query issued to him after the August 9 governorship election.

He insisted that for unity of purpose, all media related information that do not emanate from him, secretary and publicity secretary should be disregarded.

Ola-Oluwa said: “The sense of purpose which the PDP in Osun now enjoys should not be sacrificed by any individual. So, I expect Odeyemi to clear all matters hanging on his neck without adding to his problem.”

LD members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State at the weekend vowed to shun any campaign rally organised by the Tokunbo Modupe-led presidential campaign committee in the state.

The group also threatened to form a parallel campaign committee for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection, if Modupe is not removed.

The move by the old members had hindered efforts to integrate party members, following the defection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko from Labour Party (LP) last October.

The old PDP members held a stakeholders meeting in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend which was convened by the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs and Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku.

Party members said it would be an insult to old members if the governor is made the South-West coordinator of the campaign committee and another new member the state coordinator.

In a communiqué by the governorship candidate in the 2012 election, Chief Olusola Oke, the group said Mimiko should replace Modupe with any old member.

The group said it welcomes the governor and his supporters as they would add value to the party It, however, warned that it would not be in the party’s interest to have all positions controlled by newcomers.

Oke who was supported by other Tayo Dairo, Kuku, Princess Oladunni Odu, Prince John Ola Mafo, Ebenezer Alabi and others regretted the defection of the members to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

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NEWS 858,040 PVCs distributed in Ondo

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said of the 1,317,497 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) sent to Ondo State, 858,040 have been collected.

It added that the over 4,500 Smart Card Readers (SCRs) to be used at the 3,007 polling units had arrived in the state.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Olusegun Agbaje, said there is ongoing distribution of PVCs at the wards from 8:30am to 5.30 pm on Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday.

Agbaje, analysing the number of those who collected their PVCs in each local government, said:” In Akoko North East, 36,269 have been collected of the 56,357 received by the council.

“In Akoko North West, 53,258 were received but 38,480 had been distributed so far. In Akoko South East,

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

24,094 were received, 16,052 distributed.

“In Akoko South West, 72,745 received, 48,535 distributed. Akure North, 49,285 received, 33,723 distributed.

Akure South, 227,725 received, 132,612 distributed so far. In Ese-Odo, 51,237 received, 43,280 distributed.

“Idanre, 57,497 received, 34,608 distributed so far, Ifedore, 52,865 received, 27,900 distributed. In Ilaje, 103,663 received, 99,674 distributed.

Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, 55,172 received, 36,751. Irele, 49,603 received, 38,284 distributed.

“Odigbo, 96,304 received, 56,384 distributed. In Okitipupa, 81,354 received, 50,995 distributed. Ondo East, 31,299 received, 17,544 distributed.

Ondo West 120,790 received, 73,338 distributed. Ose, 47,500 received, 27,898 distributed and Owo, 86,749 received, 45,713 collected.”

SDP‘s mega rally today in Ibadan HE Social Democratic Party (SDP) will today hold a mega rally at the Mapo Hill, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to unveil its governorship candidate, Oluseyi Makinde and his running mate, Suleiman Adediran, a.k.a Santana.

A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity for the Seyi Makinde Campaign Group, Wale Adele, said the event will be attended by all

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national leaders of the party, including Chief Olu Falae, former Governor Segun Osoba, among others.

The event will also unveil other contestants for various offices, including House of Assembly seats and the National Assembly seats.

The statement enjoined all party faithful and the public to be rest assured of adequate security arrangement for them and their property.

NBA Ikorodu endorses Osinbajo

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HE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu branch, has endorsed Gen Muhammadu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement yesterday by the Chairman, Dotun Adetunji, the NBA said it took into cognisance the deterioration in government and unconstitutional activities of the Federal Government to endorse the APC candidates.

Adetunji said: “The NBA Ikorodu Branch took cognisance of the elephantine deterioration, unprecedented decay, immeasurable irresponsibility, illegal actions

By Seun Akioye

and inactions coupled with limitless unconstitutional activities of the incumbent administration.”

He said the APC has presented candidates with “known unassailable track records of achievements, transparency, honesty, integrity, vision, selflessness, human capital development, institutions building and multiple-legacies development capacity.”

Adetunji said Osinbajo’s universal reputation for personal integrity qualifies him as the most appropriate to work with Buhari to rescue Nigeria .

Olashore School begins road show

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LASHORE International School has launched its national and international interactive road show in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. It will also “touch down” in some other cities, including Abuja, Warri, Lagos and end in London, the United Kingdom.

The yearly road show aims at fostering parents’ involvement in the education and development of their wards. It also offers the platform to demonstrate how Olashore School is going beyond classroom education, and deliberately creating an environment, that develops leaders who can fit into the competitive global society.

In a statement yesterday, the head teacher, Derek Smith, said the OIS-Parent cocktail would provide an avenue for prospective parents to interact with stakeholders and gain deeper insight into the school.

The proprietor and chairman of board of trustees, Bimbo Olashore, said: “We are proud to say that the school has progressed to a stage of a stable educational institution offering the very best of secondary education you can get anywhere in the world.

“Over the past 20 years, we have succeeded in creating a community of world class services around the school, including a first class hotel, a golf course and leadership training centre that combine to give the school a unique identity.

“Parents who are visiting Iloko- Ijesa for the first time are usually pleasantly surprised by the array and the quality of the facilities and services we have created around the school. We have quietly over the past few years invested heavily in infrastructure that match the vision we have for the school.

“And we are proud of what we have been able to put in place. We are only asking people to come around and see things for themselves.”

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunke Amosun campaigning at Oke-Sopin, Ward 6, Ijebu-Igbo, in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

Lagos APC condemns Agbaje’s plan for Lekki toll T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governorship candidate for promising to reverse the toll gates at the Lekki end of the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The Lagos State government had franchised the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) to source funds and rebuild the highway to international standard under the Build-Own-Operate- and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement.

But Agbaje said he would cancel the arrangement, if he succeeded Governor Babatunde Fashola.

The APC, in a statement by its spokesman, Joe Igbokwe, said the promise by the PDP candidate could scare investors from the Centre of Excellence.

“The threat is an irrational electoral promise directed at foreign investors, which

stands to cripple the economy of Lagos and affect the wobbling Nigerian economy.

“It is quite surprising that at this age and time, when the drive for foreign investment is needed to break the shackles of economic doom, an aspiring candidate to the Lagos State governorship stool should issue such naked threats to investors to boost his electoral chances.

“Two days after Agbaje’s disastrous election promise to cancel the foreign-driven concession on the Lekki-Épé Expressway, newspapers carried a report that foreign investors, alarmed by the economic and political risks in the country, had pulled out N783.17 billion from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (SEC).

“This is an alarming economic statistics that should worry every Nigerian but in

his desperation to scoop votes from Lagosians, Agbaje is threatening to stop foreign investments in Lagos, such as the concession arrangement behind the construction and subsequent tolling of LekkiEpe Expressway.”

Picking holes in Agbaje’s statement, Igbokwe said the PDP-controlled Federal Government should explain to Nigerians why it planned to mount toll gates at six locations on the yet-to-be-built Second Niger Bridge.

“Lagosians will like to know from Agbaje and his PDP why the Federal Government is promising a non-existent 1.8-kilometre Second Niger Bridge that will be tolled from at least six positions for 25 years while he is making a campaign issue of tolling a well delivered Lekki-Epe Expressway that

meets the great needs of the beneficiary towns for a relief from endless traffic bottlenecks the PDP Federal Government has turned a blind eye to.

“Again, Lagosians are aware that the dilapidated Airport Road, which the PDP controlled-Federal Government has abandoned while playing politics with completed world-class roads in Lagos are tolled.

“But we find it alarming that someone who dreams of governing Lagos is issuing such economically disastrous threat to foreign investment in a state such as Lagos when the Federal Government under the control of his party has made the sing song of attracting elusive foreign investment the epicenter of its failed economic programme for the past 16 years.”

I’ll retain 37 LCDAs in Lagos, says PDP candidate

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has said he will retain the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by the Bola Tinubu administration, if elected.

Agbaje told reporters in Lagos that he would grant greater autonomy to the LCDAs and the original 20 local government areas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 37 LCDAs created in 2003 are yet to be listed in the Constitution and recognised by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government still deals with Lagos State on the basis of the original 20 local government areas but Lagos State has been running the grassroots through the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. Agbaje said if elected, his administration would move on with the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs. He said the LCDAs had been recognised by political parties.

On reconciliation with Musiliu Obanikoro who went to court after losing the party’s

ticket to him, Agbaje said the party had a unity of purpose.

He said the APC administration in the state had good policies, made achievements in some areas, but recorded poor implementation of many policies due to “vested interest”.

“Vested interest will prefer building commercial houses to constructing low cost houses,’’ he said.

Agbaje said that, if elected, his administration would construct low cost houses and offer free quality health care services through a health insurance model, in partnership with the private sector.

“PDP will do things differently. We will have the bold-

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ness to do it,’’ he said.

Agbaje said that if elected, his administration would allocate five per cent of the state procurement project for young entrepreneurs and graduates, adding that he would ensure transparent public procurement process.

The governorship candidate also said the administration would exploit the aquatic nature of the state to develop its economy.

“We have not tapped the ocean’s resources. We will take advantage of our living on water and take what is there to build our economy.

“We will ensure that Epe and Ikorodu are national fish-

eries processing hubs and the focal points of the new ocean economy,’’ he said.

Agbaje said that his administration would ensure 100,000 vocational and internship places annually as well as local and international certification and standards for artisans and technicians.

He added that his administration would ensure that companies operating in the state employed a certain percentage of their workers from their host communities.

Agbaje said his administration would avoid multiple taxes, cancel tolls and expand the tax system.

Ondo monarch hails NDDC

HE monarch of Ugbonla in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Henry Ogunfeyimi, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for “bringing life back” to his community.

He spoke when the NDDC Managing Director, Bassey Dan-Abia, visited his palace at the weekend.

The monarch said the NDDC had raised Ugbonla’s status and made it stand out as far as basic infrastructure was concerned.

Ogunfeyimi said he was particularly im-

pressed by the quality of the three-kilometre Ugbonla township road, which he said had become a model for other rural communities.

“We thank the NDDC for giving us the necessary amenities that are now attracting our people to come back home. We are particularly grateful for the internal roads and the solar-powered street lights,” the monarch said.

Dan-Abia told the monarch that he was on an inspection tour of the commission’s projects in Ilaje Local Government Area in compliance with a presidential directive.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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CITYBEATS Agbaje promises ‘justice’ for Makoko, L Badagry people

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

AGOS State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje has promised to review the 2012 ejection of some Makoko, Yaba Mainland residents by the government.

At an interactive town hall meeting in Lagos Mainland Local Government, Agbaje assured the victims’ representatives of justice if he is elected.

The town hall meeting, held at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Mess at Sabo, Yaba, was attended by civilians, soldiers, Christian and Moslem clerics, youth, artisans and others.

During the question-and-answer session, a participant

By Seun Akioye

asked Agbaje what he would do about their case.

“I will urge you not to bother yourself about what is happening now, the injustice can only last till May 29. I assure you that when we come in on May 29, there is also an eraser that will be used to rub off the injustice perpetrated in Makoko.”

Agbaje also visited Badagry and Mushin as part of his tour of the 20 local governments, which began last Friday. In

Badagry, where his running mate, Alhaja Safurat Abdulkarim, hails from, he vowed that he would redress the marginalisation of its people in governance.

A PDP government, he said, would appoint commissioners, directors and permanent secretaries from the area. He said PDP party elders zeroed in on Badagry to produce his

running mate in recognition of its contributions to the state’s development.

“Alhaja Safurat became the choice personality for the post because of her humility, character, commitment and experience as a teacher and an accountant,” he said.

In Mushin, Agbaje reiterated his commitment to his three-pronged agenda, of:

Health, Education and Security. He decried the fallen standard of education, saying like the case of hospitals, the party in power has underfunded the sector.

To the Igbo people in the audience, Agbaje vowed to stop the ‘deportation’ of indigent non-indigenes.

“Lagos without non-indigenes is not Lagos,” he said.

“You, my brothers and sisters from the North, the Southsouth, or the Southeast have contributed to the growth of the economy of Lagos.”

Lagos to move fire victims to resettlement centre •Fashola promises help as he visits scene

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola visited yesterday the Iwaya, Yaba Mainland Market fire scene, saying those displaced would be moved to the Resettlement Centre in Agbowa.

He said the government would seek ways of assisting the victims.

Fashola, who addressed members of the Iwaya Community, most of whom lost properties to the fire, advised market and transport associations to set up committees to ensure that inflammable items were removed after each day’s business.

The governor implored Lagosians to be safety conscious by switching off electrical appliances before leaving their homes daily.

While noting that government has the capacity to respond to emergencies, Fashola said fire prevention is the responsibility of all.

“This is the dry season and with the harmattan haze, any small fire quickly gets out of hand. So all of us must be interested in our safety; we must do everything possible to avoid fires”, he said.

“In market places, I am appealing that we should set up committees from today so that at the end of every market day, that Committee must go round the market to ensure that there is nothing that is left switched on that can cause a fire. In motor parks, in communities, in homes and offices the same thing should apply. Everybody must take responsibility”, he said.

Noting that most of the fires at homes and business places were caused by power surges, Fashola

•Fashola (3rd right), Ahmed (3rd left), Osanyintolu (2nd right) and Olumegbon (2nd left) listening to one of the community leaders during the governor’s visit...yesterday INSET: Scene of the fire incident.

advised all residents: “Before you leave home in the morning or the office at night, go round and make sure that everything that could cause fire is switched off.

“Anything that you don’t need put it off. It is better that the cold water is probably not there in your refrigerator when you return than that your building has disappeared. Let’s try to be safe instead of being sorry. Let us act to prevent fires and all will be well”.

Fashola, who thanked God that no life was lost in the incident,

said although properties could be replaced, life could not, adding that government would help them get back on their feet.

As a first step towards helping the victims, he said, those who lost their houses would be moved temporarily to the resettlement centre.

“This is part of what your government has done with your taxes”, he said, adding that during their story in the camp, the victims would be fed at the state’s expense; those who need medi-

Social Media Awards holds in Lagos Friday

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OCIAL Media players across Africa will converge on Lagos between Friday and on Saturday for the annual Social Media Awards Africa initiative sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc. This between according to a statement, follows the closure of the voting window for the continent-wide initiative on social media development, #SMAA2015 across Africa last December. With a Summit scheduled for Friday, the Award presentation follows the next day.

The event will bring together

social media influencers; experts, enthusiasts and policy makers that would explore and forge new developmental paths for Africa.

SMAA is a premier continental initiative, which seeks to recognise and reward creativity, excellence and impact in the usage of social media across Africa.

The voting phase, which is part of the process led to the emergence of 45 Finalists for the four Categories. A total of 923 nominations were received. They are: Personality Based (468), Platform Specific (266), Institutional (115) and IN-

DIGENOUS (74). Also, during the window period, over 5.5 Million Connections, at least 821,886 Retweets and 29 Million accounts were reached through all 22 social media platforms where the messages were promoted.

Each winner will take home a cash prize of US$1,000 and a SMAA Plaque. Other benefits include: Social Media training, access to memberships and attendance of Social Media events, publications on Social Media and complimentary advertising on Social Media Africa portal.

cal support would get it from the doctors there.

According to him, government has also built teaching facilities there for displaced pupil’s who would be taught by teachers seconded to help them.

On why the victims are being relocated, Fashola said even if his administration wants to rebuild the place overnight, it would not be possible, adding: “So putting you in that camp will help us get your accurate data, what your problems are and how we can help to get you back on your feet”.

The victims back on their feet, the governor said the fire once more brought to the fore the importance of getting government approvals before erecting a building.

Fashola said: “As a government, we will do all we can to get you back to your feet. But let me say that you yourselves must be careful the way you build; the way you organise yourselves in clusters. This is why we always advise that you come and take government approvals before you build anything, whether it is a temporary or a permanent structure.

“Those approvals will help

you set out the place properly, observe minimum safety rules, electrical connections, disposal of your waste water; all of these can become hazardous to your health if you do not do the right things in the way that you have built, in the way that you gather yourselves”.

Earlier, a community leader, Chief Oladiji Oluwo, hailed the government for the prompt response of its agencies, suc as State Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the movement of victims to the resettlement camp.

He told the governor: “We thank you and all the top government officials for coming to sympathise with us over the fire.

Our people have been enlightened on the relief centre at Agbowa and we thank the government immensely for the promise to help us”.

With the governor on the scene were the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, LASEMA General Manager Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Executive Secretary, Yaba Local Council Development Area LCDA, Mrs. Bola Olumegbon, community leaders and residents.

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Council gets caretaker members

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EADERSHIP should be about service to the people and society, the Executive Secretary of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, Dawood Olajobi, has said. He spoke during the inauguration of the council’s caretaker committee, urging the members to improve service delivery to the people.

The ceremony, held in the council premises, was attended by chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshodi, including the immediate past chairman of the council, Idris Aroyoh, Pa J.O. Olabintan and Mr Musiliu Akinsanya, among others.

The Elewu of Ewuland, Oba Shakirudeen Kuti was

•From left: Adesanya, Alhaji Aduke-Thomas, Ms Atinuke Ajayi and Alhaji Olanrewaju taking the oath

By Wale Ajetunmobi

also there.

Welfare of the people, Olajobi said, must be the committee’s aim, adding: “What we are witnessing today is a product of painstaking selection by Governor Babatunde Fashola after dissolution of local

governments. I urge the members of the caretaker committee to take up the responsibility and improve the welfare of our people.”

The council’s Legal Adviser, Kunle Akin-Ajayi, said the ceremony should not be seen as a political jamboree but a sacred

business of governance.

He said the committee members were privileged to be selected by the governor, urging them not to betray the trust reposed in them.

Akin-Ajayi swore in Mr. Adedayo Aduke Thomas, Alhaji Olanrewaju Malik, Adesanya Yusuf and Ms

Atinuke Ajayi as the committee members.

After the ceremony, Olajobi presented them to the workers.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Thomas described the ceremony as historic, noting that the committee’s task would be achieved with the

stakeholders and council workers, support.

He said: “We are only here on your behalf. This is why you must not leave the task to our door step alone. We need your support and constructive contribution towards the objective of taking OshodiIsolo to greater height.”

NIPR holds AGM

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N line with its ongoing reform programmes, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, is set to engage its members in a number of activities in the coming weeks, beginning with a conference on February 4 and then the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 5, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to a release by the Deputy Registrar, Mrs. DayoBuluro, the AGM will start at 9.00 a.m. with the theme: “Building a Sustainable Non- oil Economy for Nigeria: The stake of Public Relations.”

Other programmes include: Re-certification of Members, February 1- May 31; Convocation, April 9; Window of Opportunity/ Master Class 2, April 13-17; Induction of New Members, April 17 and Unveiling of New NIPR Certificate, June 16.

Monarch counsels youths •From left: Strategist, Build A Nation Initiative (BAN) Eizu Uwaoma, Convener, Emmanuel Ehiemua, Financial Adviser, HOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA Christ Akaigwe and Media Adviser, Mike Okwoche at the news conference in Lagos

Group demands apology from leaders HEAD of next month’s elections, a group, The Build A Nation Initiative, BAN, has demanded an apology from past and present leaders for what it described as their failure to provide effective leadership.

BAN is an advocacy group and change agent comprising people who desire the birth of a new Nigeria of their dream. It also aims at promoting accountability in leadership, advancement of citizenship rights and creating awareness against corruption.

Speaking during the group’s inaugural media parley at the City Hall in Lagos Island, last weekend, the Convener, Mr. Mr Emmanuel Ehiemma, said a nation without a visionary leadership was doomed.

He said: “Most Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current state of the country. Nigerians are daily confronted with economic, social, political and security problems.

The injury is mostly selfinflicted by a greedy and selfish leadership that is unable to mobilise the

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By Basirat Braimah

people to achieve their full potentialities and destinies. As a first step in the process of reconciliation, the people demand an unreserved apology from past and present leaders for their failure to provide effective leadership and stewardship to Nigeria. The apology will affirm the supremacy of the people over the leaders, restore confidence and trust of citizens in order to mobilise against the challenges ahead. This, I believe, is the essence of democracy.”

Eizu Uwaoma, a strategist with the BAN, said: “In Nigeria, we need a solution because we all

know the problem. We are concerned about the leadership rather than the election because our leaders are the same set of people. We need people who are affected by their everyday decision. People are upset and are trying to find solutions to the socio-economic problems plaguing the country, but their voices are not heard.”

Jacob Somoye, a participant, said Nigerian leaders had yet to realise that ultimate power resides with the people.

Another participant, Clement Nwankwo, said without a strong political activity, the system cannot work. “Leadership is a quality. True leadership

is not being served, but it is in serving. If a leader is not committed, there can’t be satisfaction on the part of the citizens.

We need to train one another and educate the people. We don’t know when our leaders are wrong because we don’t know our rights”, he said.

The event featured a documentary, a lecture and an interactive session.

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HE Olu of Itori in Ogun State, Oba Fatai Akamo, has advised youths to shun politicians who will use them as hoodlums during the next elections.

Oba Akamo observed the rate at which many youths die due to the task assigned to them during electoral processes.

He lamented that it was high time youths stood on their feet to disregard such act.

Speaking on the contributions of traditional rulers to promote good governance, he said: “We ensure our domains are peaceful and calm during elections because constitutionally we have no role to play in politics. So, Nigerians should vote freely without fear.”

Group hosts worship session PRAYER group, Victorious Praying Women Ministry, will today start praise and worship session.

The event will hold at Victory Place, 15, Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos.

The programme, themed: “Open the Flood Gates of Heaven”, will run till January 25.

The seven-day worship will feature healing of “chronic ailment, outburst of blessings, promotion, breakthrough and solutions”.

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apology will affirm ‘theThesupremacy of the peo-

ple over the leaders, restore confidence and trust of citizens in order to mobilise against the challenges ahead. This, I believe, is the essence of democracy

’

•From left: Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Nigerian Automobile Technician Association (NATA), Jacob Fayeun; Senator representing Lagos West, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon and Chairman, Lagos State Vulcaniser Association, Rasheed Adeyemi during presentation of mechanical tools and vulcanising machines to the artisans by Senator Ganiyu Solomon in Lagos... yesterday.

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NEWS ‘Candidate ‘ll create jobs’ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

THE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Senator Anthony Agbo, at the weekend promised to create jobs if elected.

Agbo, lamenting the high level of poverty among the people, especially in the rural areas, said his administration would reduce it.

He spoke in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

Agbo assured workers that his administration would not only add a grade level to workers’ salaries, but would also pay the 2013 September salary, which was still being withheld by the present administration.

APGA candidate promises to rescue Imo

Okorocha accuses PDP of plotting mayhem

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has accused the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of taking advantage of President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to the state to flout laws.

He also accused the party of engaging in actions inimical to peace and security.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha said: “It has become obvious that while government has left no stone unturned in its effort to ensure peace and security of life and property, the chieftains of the PDP have refused or failed to appreciate and reciprocate these godly actions.”

He added: “The party has concentrated on actions aimed at frustrating the peaceful dispositions of the governor by using every opportunity to provoke the government and cause trouble.”

According to the statement, “again, having read the political handwriting on the wall

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

that Imo people have distanced or isolated themselves from the party, the chieftains of the PDP have taken refuge or resorted to violence and provoking utterances, using every opportunity they have, to do this.

“For instance, the PDP chieftains were expected to use the coming of Mr. President to the state to market him and their party by telling the people what they have gained from the PDP-led Federal Government after giving the party the highest number of votes of over one million in 2011 after Rivers State and talk about the party’s failed governments in the state for 12 years. They have instead tried to use the President’s coming to cause trouble.

“The PDP chieftains know that since 2012, there are strategic areas in the capital where the government has outlawed the mounting of billboards in the interest of the people.

“Such law does not only ex-

ist in Imo State, there are laws like that even in Abuja. But a PDP chieftain deliberately went to such location and mounted a billboard on Friday.

“They deliberately did that to provoke the government and blackmail the governor.

This is why the question should be, why did the PDP chieftains wait till 24 hours to Mr. President’s coming before mounting the billboard, if not to use it as a blackmail?

“It is also disturbing that the PDP elements always wait for the time the President wants to come to the state before showing concern about him.

They do not talk about the president even in their campaigns. They do not even tell Imo people why they should vote for Jonathan. But whenever the No 1 citizen wants to come to the state, you see them embarking on fire brigade actions.

“To further deceive Mr. President, they recruited people for more than a week

from neighbouring states, such as Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra and they despatched 20 buses each to these states to bring people for the rally in Owerri, having known the apathy the people of the state have developed for the party for disappointing them for 12 years.”

The governor’s aide said government did not remove the billboards of any candidate.

“Even the ones owned by those who abuse the governor on a daily basis have not been removed.

“It has become necessary to let the PDP chieftains know that there is a sitting government in the state. And it is the responsibility of every responsible government to ensure the obedience of its ordinances.

“We challenge the Imo PDP chieftains to tell Mr. President the truth for the first time about the pitiable state of the party caused by the disappointment it gave the people when

Orji’s aide denies comment on Ekwueme

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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•Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Umuahia Central State Constituency and son of Abia State Governor, Chinedum Orji (second left) walking round the streets of Aba amid cheers from the crowd. With him are from left, PDP candidate for Bende State Constituency, Mr. Cosmos Ndukwe, Speaker Abia State House of Assembly and running mate to the governorship candidate, Udeh Okochukwu and others.

Bamidele attends APC meeting

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HE governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, is making moves to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bamidele, a member of the House of Representatives, reportedly attended an APC meeting in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State last week and announced his

By Leke Salaudeen

decision to join the party.

A chieftain of APC in the local government, Mr. Kayode Tinubu, confirmed that Bamidele attended the party’s meeting and apologised to members for his defection from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the LP. Tinubu, a lawyer and

former Vice Chairman, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, said Bamidele was the leader of ACN in Shogunle ward before he defected. The ACN is among the major parties that formed the APC. “He was with us at the APC Oshodi/Isolo Local Government last week to tell us that he was returning to the party,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the lead-

ership of APC in the state had mandated Bamidele to go back to the Ekiti State chapter and purge himself of anti-party activities before he could be re-admitted.

At the weekend, Bamidele hosted the APC Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni, at Iyin Ekiti where the issue of his joining APC was believed to have been discussed.

Two killed by gunmen at Bauchi checkpoint

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

THE Special adviser to Abia State Governor Theodore Orji on Political Matters, Chief Amah Abraham Nnanna, has denied making a derogatory statement on former Vice President Dr Alex Ekwueme.

He was quoted by a national newspaper (not The Nation) to have said that the ex-vice president had lost touch with the realities of life, while reacting to Ekwueme’s statement that President Goodluck Jonathan might not get block votes in the Southeast.

Speaking with The Nation at the weekend in Umuahia, Nnanna said he was misquoted.

it ruled for 12 years and tell him why they don’t talk about him and his government except when he wants to visit the state.

“We appeal to the security agencies, which have earned the confidence and respect of the people with the way they have fought crimes, not to fall to the antics of the PDP. “The people’s governor and his administration will work for the peace of the state and will not be deterred by the provoking tendencies of the Imo PDP chieftains.”

Aremu to Omar: leave NLC intact

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

THE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Imo State, Capt.

Emmanuel Ihenacho, has assured that his administration will rescue the state from the “visionless government of Rochas Okorocha”.

The former Minister of Interior, who spoke at a campaign at Ugwu Ekwema Square in Owerri, said the governor “only came to rescue members of his family and not Imo people.”

He said the people voted for Okorocha in 2011 out of sentiments, adding: “The way the governor has personalised governance showed he came to rescue his siblings, family, in-laws and associates from poverty and not Imo people.”

Urging the people to vote APGA in the elections, Ihenacho said it was “unfortunate that Concorde Hotel, which was the pride of the state, has died under the present government. Okorocha lacks the training and capacity to industrialise the state.”

•Okorocha

A

SOLDIER and a civilian were yesterday afternoon killed at TakandaGiwa village on the Bauchi-Jos highway by some unknown gunmen who attacked a checkpoint manned by soldiers. Another civilian was injured.

The attack, it was learnt, has caused panic on the highway as commuters from Bauchi and Jos were forced to abandon their vehicles and ran for their

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

life's while some turned back.

But Unconfirmed report said about five soldiers were killed in the attack while the attackers made away with the soldiers' operational Toyota Hilux van parked at the checkpoint.

A Military source in Bauchi,however, insisted that "a soldier, who was the driver

of the van, was killed in the encounter.

The civilian was caught in the cross fire between soldiers on duty at the checkpoint and the unknown attackers.

The source observed that the " the Sunday attack could be retaliatory as security personnel have being chasing the gunmen suspected to be a small cell of the insurgents that were driven away from Bal-

moral Forest in Darazo local government of Bauchi state last year".

He added: "even on Saturday, security operatives chased the gunmen from a certain spot within the area.

He added that the Army and other security agencies were on top of the situation. More security personnel have been deployed, he added.

‘Presenting Imo PDP flag to Ihedioha futile’

A

FORMER Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate in Owerri Federal Constituency, Mr. Ben Onyechere, has decried the handing over of the Imo PDP governorship flag to House of

Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha.

He described it as “futile and an aberration.”

Onyechere said in a statement that the decision to give the flag to Ihedioha “cannot hold water because it is a ne-

gation of the democratic and legal processes recognised by the constitution.

“That attempt only seeks to undermine the sensibilities of the electorate and to ignore the institution of the judiciary, which possesses the power to

adjudicate on matters that suffocate and infringe on the rights of the people to freely exercise their choice of leaders because the time of impunity and imposition is in the past.”

S the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) prepares for its 11th Delegates’ Conference next month, stakeholders, including the majority of the 43 industrial unions affiliated to it, have observed that the success or failure of the conference has implications for the general elections.

NLC Vice President Comrade Issa Aremu urged the President, Abdulwahab Omar, to leave the trade union intact by ensuring that the tenets of the constitutional provision, which would ensure free, fair and credible NLC elections, were adhered to.

Addressing a news conference yesterday at the Labour House, Kaduna, Aremu noted that while the NLC prides itself as a reputed democratic organisation with vibrant internal democratic process, stakeholders have cried out about the pressure from antidemocratic forces within the congress to derail and undermine the democratic process.

APC mandates Obi’s ex-aide to deliver Anambra From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed former Governor Peter Obi’s Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Chima Okafor, as the coordinator for Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in Anambra State.

He is mandated to ensure that the party is not defeated.

The Nation learnt yesterday that former local government chairmen and ex-speaker of the House of Assembly are about dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC. Okafor, The Nation gathered, would relocate to Anambra State today to carry out his task of selling APC and its standard-bearer to the people.

The grassroots politician said he had been appointed Gen. Buhari’s campaign coordinator.

He said: “Our mandate is to make sure that APC takes its pride of place in Anambra State during the elections.”

MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

13

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ANAMBRA POLITICS The Uba brothers - Andy and Chris - have resumed hostilities in Anambra South Senatorial District. The duo are fighting over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the zone. NWANOSIKE ONU reports.

Anambra South: Uba brothers at war T

HE crisis trailing the Anambra South peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primaries has not abated. Two brothers-Senator Andy Uba and Chief Chris Uba-are still in court over the outcome of the shadow poll.

Although the party has affirmed that Chris is the candidate, supporters of Andy are kicking against the verdict.

Andy was until 2007 a presidential assistant. He contested for the governorship. He was declared as the winner in error. After a protracted legal battle, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, was declared winner by the Supreme Court. Obi had claimed that his tenure had not ended when the election took place. The Federal Government could not save Andy from the disaster. Andy barely spend 17 days in the office.

At that time, Ugochukwu, Andy’s elder brother, was the senator representing Anambra South. Chris was perceived as the godfather.

The Uba dynasty was in total control. Efforts by other groups and individuals to pull the structure down failed. Many political office holders in the state were sponsored by Chris.

Even, before Andy could become the governor, he sought approval from his younger brother. Unlike Andy and Ugochukwu, Chris is a street boy.

He is at home with the grassroots. He is generous. Many people in the towns and villages have testified to his kindness.

However, many were not happy that Chris, fondly called Eselu, has been calling the shots. Some money bags rose up to challenge his domineering influence. But, it was a futile.

Chris has a predictable reputation in the PDP. He is perceived as a committed chieftain, who has not jumped ship, unlike his brother, Andy, who once defected to the Labour Party (PDP), following disagreement with some chieftains. He was instrumental to the emergence of Dr. Chris

T

HE vice presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has described the February 14 presidential election as a vote for freedom for Nigerians. “It is a vote for the freedom of the Nigerian people; freedom from want, freedom from poverty, freedom from hunger, freedom from oppression, freedom from sickness and freedom from all the things that have held us down,” he told people at a Town Hall Meeting in Ketu, Lagos yesterday.

The Town Hall Meeting was put together by a group, the Friends of Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, and the Abundant Life Parish of the Redeem Christian Church of God, Ketu, lagos, to provide a platform for interaction with the people. Osinbajo, who started his presentation in Yoruba, but switched to English after a few minutes, said when a certain class of people hears APC members shout change, they are usually gripped by fear. He said those who are afraid of change are those who have stolen the nation’s wealth and do not want to see a change in the polity.

While thanking Nigerians for their patience and perseverance, Osinbajo, who is a pastor and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reiterated that there are so many reasons why Nigerians

• Andy and Chris Uba at a PDP function.

Ngige as the governor in 2003. In fact, he became the party leader when Ngige was in the saddle. Later, things fell apart between Chris Ngige and Chris Uba. When that centre could no longer hold, it was alleged that the Ubas went back to the drawing board to hatch a plot against Ngige. When the former governor was attacked on July 10, 2004, and when he was later abducted in November 4, many alleged that the Ubasa were behind the mayhem.

The plot was mismanaged by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, the late Mr. Raphael Ige. It degenerated into arson. Public buildings were in flames. There was commotion. Later, peace returned to the state under Obi. The peaceful atmosphere is also being sustained by his successor, Chief Willy Obiano.

However, Andy and Chris have not relented in their quest for power,

despite the electoral tragedy that has hit the PDP in Anambra. Andy became a senator in 2011. He had planned to have a second term. Little did he know that the bid will be truncated by Chris, his blood brother.

Chris’s supporters have alleged that Andy has not represented the district well. They claimed that their representative has been a “dumb” person in the Upper Chamber. They also said he has not done anything for the zone, since he was elected, almost four years ago.

Thus, women, youths and other artisans were mobilised to protest against his re-nomination bid. As they chided Andy for poor performance, they were singing the praise of Chris, saying that he will be a better senator, if given the opportunity. The representatives of the protesters stormed Chris residence in Akwa, Enugu and Abuja to draft him to the

race.

Chris, the kingmaker, had to combine two roles of an aspirant and godfather. He has been spending his money on candidates since 1999. But, in 2015, he has to sponsor himself.

Some people have raised eyebrows.

But, past senators, House of Representatives membbers and state lawmakers who have benefitted from him, could not kick against his ambition.

Following pleas by stakeholders, Chris threw his hat into the ring. He obtained the senatorial form and kicked off intense campaign in the district. The elite were against him. But, he forged ahead because he had the support of the down-trodden.

Chris ran an effective campaign. On the campaign train were beneficiaries of his philanthropy across the local governments. He has money to spend.

He has materials to distribute. He has a solid structure. He laso has the back-

ing of the party.

According to a PDP chieftain, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Ochiagha Chris is a nice person. This is a man who fights for others without thinking of what he has to gain.

He helps the poor and the needy and feels the pulse of the people.

“But, his brother Andy is a dangerously quite person, who does not show sympathy and can not allow people to come close to him. He can not talk to you and you hardly know what is on his mind.

“Since he went to the Senate, you hardly see or discuss with him. His aides and security personnel will not allow you to come close to him. They always shield and barricade him and he is always afraid of those who elected him.

“For us to continue having such a man as our senator is like committing suicide and that is why the people have decided to beg his younger brother, Chris, who always remembers the people, to come out and he will enjoy our support.”

The clash of ambition has divided the Uba family. It has also polarised the party. Andy and Chris attented two separate primaries. Thus, initially, there were two candidates for one slot. There was a primary at Doris Hotels, Awka. There was another primary at Udoka Housing Estate conducted by Ejike Oguebego, amid tight security. The latter was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.

INEC’s spokesperson, Mr. Frank Egbo, said the commission was impartial, adding that it was not interested in any of the camps. tored its primaries.

He said: “Whether the party has 20 factions or not, it is not the concern of the INEC. What we did was to monitor the primaries conducted by Ejike Oguebego led-PDP in the state as required by the law.”

Chris, according to the electoral agency, is the flag bearer. But, the ripples generated by the controversial primaries remain unsettled.

‘This election’s about freedom’

By Raymond Mordi

must vote for change on February 14 and that the APC has carefully designed its manifesto to tackle most of the anomalies in the country. He added that since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government at the centre is not ready to initiate programmes that would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, it should pack its bag and baggage and leave.

On poverty and unemployment, Osinbajo said the party has worked out plans to create 20,000 jobs in each state in the short and medium term, in collaboration with state governments. He said an APC-controlled Federal Government would also encourage the private sector to assist in the creation of more jobs, through granting of tax holidays to firms that assist in that regard. He did not however on the criteria that must be met by such private sector collaborators to qualify for the tax holiday.

The vice presidential flag bearer said a General Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, if voted into power, would accelerate the rate of development of roads and infrastructure, to

give Nigerians to give Nigerians a sense of belonging. He added that if the resources of the country is well managed, that there is no reason why it would not be enough to do many things.

On education, Osinbajo said an APCcontrolled government at the centre would not only provide free and compulsory primary education to school-age children in Nigeria, but would also provide midday meal for every child in school. He said such free meal programme is already being implemented in Osun state, which is controlled by the APC. “This would help them to learn better,” he added.

Prof. Osinbajo noted that there is need for proper funding of education at every level. But, added that funding is specifically the bane of tertiary education in the country. “That is why we have frequent strikes,” he said, adding that the APC will give preference to science, engineering and mathematics, through provision of scholarships to deserving students.

On health, he said under an APC government, every Nigerian should be able to go into a hospital and receive free treatment. This, he said,

would be made possible through health insurance. He said if every citizen pays N1,000, the Federal Government would pay the rest, a pool of fund can be created for the insurance scheme, adding that $1 billion can pay for the insurance of every Nigerian in a year.

He assured the disable, the elderly and the poor that they would be taken care of through a social security scheme that would be put in place under an APC government at the centre. He noted that the above category of Nigerians will be paid a stipend monthly, adding that a similar scheme is already being implemented in Osun State and that it was also implemented during former Governor Kayode Fayemi’s era in Ekiti State.

In agriculture, Osinbajo said the APC intends to put in place a system that will stabilize the price of agricultural produce in the country, to stop postharvest losses by experienced by many farmers. He also added that a Buhariled government would invest in processing plants, to turn primary produce from agriculture into semi-finished products. All these, he said, would encourage people to take to agriculture and thereby it would help to

• Prof. Osinbajo

reduce the level of unemployment in the country.

On insecurity, the APC Vice Presidential candidate said the issue of the welfare and equipping the entire security system is key; if Nigeria wants to win the war against insurgency. He said he was shocked when he heard on CNN recently that Nigerian soldiers have to buy their own boots and uniforms. He wondered how the N4 trillion budgeted for defense annually is spent.

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THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

‘

Nigeria is today in its trying moments. Everything has stood still. But I want to assure you that this is just a passing phase. “By February, the general election will sure usher in change

‘

Aregbesola: Power shift imminent

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged Nigerians to prepare for change, stressing that power shift is imminent.

The governor, who spoke at a ceremony organised by a group, the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), in Osogbo, the state capital, advised Nigerians to vote wisely.

At the ceremony, an Islamic scholar, Prof Hafis Oladosu, stressed the importance of good governance, assuring that the governor’s second term will bring more prosperity.

Aregbesola said the general election will herald a new dawn with the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, at the poll. The governor said that Buhari will turn the country around and rekindle public confidence in government.

The governor said that poverty and misery will become thing of the past when the APC becomes the ruling party.

Aregbesola lamented the security situation, saying that some people have been unleashing terror without provocation.

He said: “Nigeria is today in its trying moments. Everything has stood still. But I want to assure you that this is just a passing phase.

“By February, the general election will sure usher in change.

“We need to pray and work diligently for the peace and progress of the country. And this is why we must seriously condemn the activities of some individuals who hide under Islam to perpetrate evil.

“There is no written law or directive either from Qur’an or Hadith that directs Muslim to unleash terror on fellow creatures.”

“No one can fight God’s battle for Him. And I • Aregbesola

My agenda for Oyo Constituency,

by House of Reps aspirant Adeyemi

By Sampson Unamka

T

HE House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo Constituency, Oyo State, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi ,has said that grassroots development would be his major focus, if elected into the National Assembly.

Adeyemi, who is the Chairman of Atiba Local Government, said he is determined to bring development to his constituency.

He said: “I am determined to be a good ambassador of the APC. I am also determined to be a good representative. I will sponsor motions that will have direct economic social and political impact on my people, Oyo State and the country.”

Adeyemi, son of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, spoke at a fund raising dinner in his honour at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos by his friends and supporters . The convener of the event, Prince Adeleke Adeyemi, said the flag bearer deserved support because of his outstanding performance as a council chairman. He said the prince is qualified to represent the constituency because he has the experience.

He added: “Those of us in business and other professionals that are not politicians, we agreed that we needed to participate in politics, either directly or indirectly. What we decided to do is to look at young, tested and intelligent politicians that are growing and climbing the ladder of leadership and support them in the area of finance.”

Adeyemi said the money raised would not be used for campaign, but to provide basic needs for the people of the constituency. He said: ”We are trying to do something that is last longing to the people of Oyo. Whatever we are able to raise, the fund, is not actually going to be used for campaign, we are going to use it for health empowerment of our people like free testing and treatment of 5,000 people for different ailments.”

Former Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Chief Dubem Obaze is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senatorial candidate in the Anambra North District. He spoke with NWANOSIKE ONU on his plans for the district and other issues.

‘Why I did not defect to PDP along with Obi’

W

HY do you want to be senator?

The whole idea of going to the Senate is to represent my people.

And as far as I am concerned, when you know the people you are representing, you know the area, you know their needs, you know their problems.

That is the only time you can represent them. You can’t represent the Anambra North Senatorial zone from Abuja. So, the number one reason why I want to go to that place is to provide that representation to our people, the people of our zone, we keep presenting the wrong people as candidates.

We have never had a Senator, how come we have been winning the gubernatorial election, winning Federal House of Representatives elections, winning State House of Assembly elections and we do not win the Senate. It is because we field wrong people. So, am going to the Senate to represent my people. I am going there because our governors had never been supported before. Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju was never supported, Dr Chris Ngige was not supported by any senator. Chief Peter Obi was not supported and Chief Willie Obiano is not being supported by any of our Senators.

I don’t see why my governor will come to Abuja and visit a minister and I won’t make time to follow up. that is the work of a senator, especially if it has to do with my state, my zone in particular. Of course, as a senator, you are expected to participate in law making, to make sure we have good and enabling laws to make sure that we strengthen our nation, to strengthen democracy, to strengthen Nigeria as one unit, one indivisible unit. All these are things, of course you need to participate in lawmaking. So, for me when it comes down to our zone in particular, where we produce oil but we are not a member state of NDDC, I will work for Anambra State to become a member of Niger Delta Development Commission, which is our right. It is a simple thing, you produce oil, you are a member. So, that we can begin to get our benefit like all the other nine states of NDDC. So, those are the three or four major things why I want to go and represent our people. If you come into our party in our zone, we have two sub-zones; we

Group cautions politicians

have the Omambala axis, which is made up of Oyi, Ayamelum, Anambra East and West. And we have the old Onitsha Division, which is made up of Onitsha North and Ogbaru.

The governor has gone that way and they got it based on equity. We got the governorship based on equity because Peter Obi, our former Governor promised the people of the North in 2010, which am one of them, he called party stalwarts, he called traditional rulers from the zone and said support us, I will support you people to ensure that we have a Northern governor in 2013. And that promise, he fulfilled, so our governor is a product of equity and the governorship having gone that way, the next post is zoned to the Onitsha Division. Even our national chairman made that declaration in Central school Atani, where he declared that the senatorial ticket is zoned to Ogbaru. So, it is somehow our right and people are called upon and I made myself available. I am not one of those people that were asked to come and run. I offered myself.

Why did you defect from APGA to the PDP along with former Governor Peter Obi? I am an APGA man. I have never been in any other political party. I have been a member of APGA since 2002.And this is the only partyI know.

This is a party that has developed

‘Vote APC at all levels’

T

HE Acting National Coordinator of the Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People (CDRP), Comrade Saka Waheed, has urged politi cians to desist from unruly behaviours capable of affecting the credibility of the general elections.

The rights activist, who spoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, advised stakeholders to embrace peace and transquility.

He described the attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Rivers State as a bad omen. He said that a trend of violence has emerged with the disruption of a peaceful rally in Akure and the burning of President Jonathan’s campaign bus in Jos, Plateau State capital, by angry youth. He said these actions are condemnable, parochial and disgusting.

Saka stressed: “The purpose of election, both in theory and practise throughout the world, is to allow people in their respective environment to freely, fairly and happily choose their leaders.

“For an election to be free and fair, the United Nations says the general environment must be free from certain things. These include violence, coercion, bribery, corruption, cheating, intimidation, rigging and abuse of incumbency. Any attempt by political parties to use any of these approaches to subvert the people shall be categorised as a deliberate sabotage of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.”

Saka, who is also the Osun state Coordinator of Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN), urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political class and security agencies to perceive the election as another opportunity to consolidate democracy.

He said: “The election is not about one political party or the other, but about the strengthening of our democratic institution. Therefore, any hiccup in the process will tactically and technically put Nigeria in serious confrontation.”

• Obaze

Anambra State. I am from Ogbaru and you are in my community. The road, you went through used to take four hours to get to my house here, from Uga junction. And today it is a 20 minutes drive. So, there is no reason why I should dump my party.

Moreover Peter Obi never consulted me. He never asked me to go with him.

He didn’t,,,, I think he was decent in the way he handled things. But am an APGA man, in and out. I am not going to anywhere.

Some people believe that your closeness with Obi is likely may make you lose the election...

I don’t believe that. These are rumours. The primary will be open, free and fair. And the party members will vote for the people or the person they perceive that will represent them better. My closeness to Peter Ob is because, he is a friend and did well to my State, no doubt about it but having left for another party, on political basis we are two different divide. Anambra is an APGA state, not PDP state and I am sure even him, Peter Obi knows that. I don’t believe that our party or leadership of our party are trying to edge us out. Who is not close to Peter Obi? We are all his friends. Victor Umeh is his friend. Our current Governor is his friend. They have been friends and associates and colleagues or work in the same institution for 20 years. As far as we know he brought him. So, who in Anambra State today is not Peter Obi’s friend? Are we quarrelling? It is political... We don’t agree on a platform to do things. It is nothing personal. I don’t think our Governor has any personal issues with Peter Obi. I don’t think there is anything like that. At least, he has not told me. Yes, he is no longer in our party. He is in his party, so we meet sometime in February.

How do you see the recent appointment of Obiano as the Chairman of the APGA BOT? He is a very experienced person. He was an executive director in a bank for nine years. And you just don’t become an ED just like that. He is already a leader. He understands leadership and I am sure he has done a lot of leadership studies. Yes, he is in a new terrain politically but, the governor as the highest ranking elected officer, I think automatically, the leadership falls upon him.

• Ajibola

T

HE former Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional In tegration in Osun State, Hon. Basiru Ajibola, has advised the people to utilize their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) as a tool to chase away the People Democratic Party (PDP) during the general elections. He urged them to embrace All

Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, adding the PDP has nothing to offer. He implored them that a vote for the APC is a vote for change, progress, discipline , honesty, uprightness and development. He expressed concern over the insecurity in the land, poverty and unemployment symbolized by PDP. Ajibola spoke during the empowerment programme organised Osogbo, the state capital. At the ceremony, he distributed empowerment items, including helmets, grinding machines, motorcycles, generators, sewing machines, fridge and dryers.

The former commissioner canvassed support for Gen. Mohammed Buhari, saying that he will be a good President.

He described Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a man of intellect and understanding, urging the people to support his government.

One of the beneficiaries, Badmus

Gbolagade, described Ajibola as a public spirited Nigerian.

He said the former commissioner served the state without blemish.

Gbolagade added: “It has been a great opportunity to know and identity with a special bread of mankind with positive attributes. Ajibola’s life has been exemplary in all ramifications and it is a practical demonstration of love, hard work and philanthropy.

“Ajibola made some of his employees car owners and landlords while a host of others already own plots of land. He will give and fulfill his promises. The scholarship scheme he introduced is the best of its kind in this locality.

“He has faces challenges because of what he stands for as he dislikes anything that will tarnish the image of the State of Osun government. In fact, we are always amazed by his alertness and contribution to public welfare.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Rice duty scam •Customs should move to collect the money from the concerned firms

I

F Nigerians had worried about the extant abuses of the regime of duty waivers, this would further be brought home by the on-going tango between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and a group of rice importers. At a press briefing last week, agriculture minister Akinwunmi Adesina named five companies – Popular Farm and Mills, Olam, Central Trading and Export, Conti-Agro and African Farms – as exceeding their allocated quotas under the Federal Government’s preferential duty and levy policy on rice. In all, the firms were said to have imported 508,653.55 metric tonnes (MT) of rice in excess of the 223,902 MT approved for them by the Federal Government.

Two of the companies – Popular Farms and Mills and Olam, were cited by the minister as leading offenders. The two were specifically charged with importing – without waiting for the inter-ministerial committee responsible for the issuance of the quotas – 390,145.53 MT and 244,126.63 MT, respectively, at the preferential duty of 10 percent and 20 percent levy on the understanding that they would pay any differential on duty and levy should their quota allocation be lower than the quantity imported.

By December 3, 2014, Popular Farms and Mills with a quota of 89,939MT was found to have exceeded its allocated quota by 300,204MT; so did Olam with approved quota of 133,963MT, by 110,163.63MT. Whereas the total indebtedness of Popular Farms and Mills was

put at N19.37 billion, that of Olam was given as N9.03 billion. For the remaining three companies, their liabilities came to N8 billion – bringing their combined indebtedness to the Federal Government to N36.56 billion. The minister accused the firms of resorting to blackmail rather than settle the liabilities as agreed.

Ordinarily, the issues, being so clear and straight-forward should not have warranted the minister taking to an activist role to the extent of tagging the importers with the label of saboteurs. However, given the well-known antics of these foreign businessmen, particularly their penchant to undermine government policies while finding the tool of blackmail ever handy to be deployed, the minister’s frustration – and perhaps the suggestion of desperate measures in the event of further stalling – would seem understandable; after all, the companies were alleged to have reneged on the initial gentleman’s agreement.

In the circumstance, the act of dragging the alleged offenders before the public jury would seem to have achieved the intended effect of putting them on the defensive, hence their rather tame defence in “misconception and mistake in the policy”.

We view the development differently.

Surely, the five importers could not claim to be unaware of the intentions behind the policy. The whole idea was to encourage many of them that had invested in local rice production and processing to import rice at concessionary terms given

the existing gaps between domestic supply and demand. A restrictive quota in the circumstance was not merely designed to prevent dumping of cheap imported rice, but meant to give the local producers a chance to thrive. To exceed the quota while also enjoying the preferential fiscal terms means that the importers have no intention of allowing the policy to get off the ground. There is no better word to describe it than sabotage.

More fundamentally, however, we see the problem as essentially one of law enforcement. We expect the Nigeria Customs Service to collect every outstanding dime from the importers. To allow them to profit from their flagrant abuse of the trade terms is to create incentives for further violations. Such practice, if allowed, can only reinforce the nation’s reputation as a country of anything goes.

‘We see the problem as essentially one of law enforcement.

We expect the Nigeria Customs Service to collect every outstanding dime from the importers. To allow them to profit from their flagrant abuse of the trade terms is to create incentives for further violations. Such practice, if allowed, can only reinforce the nation’s reputation as a country of anything goes’

Arms and elections •INEC has responsibility to ensure the partisans obey the law

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T an event in Uyo, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, represented by the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Austin Okojie, warned against the use of arms and intimidation by political actors to win elections. Even when we know that INEC has not always walked its talk, we enthusiastically support this call for caution by all the partisans.

The message from INEC tallies with that of the former Secretary General of United Nations, Kofi Annan, who has called on Nigerians to eschew violence at the next elections, in the overall interest of Africa, which looks up to Nigeria.

In the run-up to the last Osun State gu-

‘The main responsibility of INEC is to ensure that necessary measures are put in place to forestall any attempt by any of the parties to resort to the use of arms or violence to achieve any of its dubious objectives. This the commission can do by requesting for and insisting on the provision of adequate security at the elections’

bernatorial election, when the Federal Government unleashed masked men on the state, we had called on INEC to call the government to order, without success.

This call was supported by non-partisans and the national opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which though is the ruling party in the state, was not in control of national security. So, the call by the INEC chairman and former UN secretary general is of immense importance to ensure peace at the pre-election, election and post-election periods, particularly as it concerns the presidential election.

We are excited with the INEC helmsman’s statement that “the use of arms and violence during election means stealing the collective mandate of the people”. We also agree when he further rued that “if people are intimidated or are under threat and violence, they will not exercise their franchise freely”.

These facts are given. But the main responsibility of INEC is to ensure that necessary measures are put in place to forestall any attempt by any of the parties to resort to the use of arms or violence to achieve any of its dubious objectives.

This the commission can do by requesting for and insisting on the provision of adequate security at the elections. That also includes rejecting unsolicited security at the election venues.

While we appreciate that INEC does not command the national security agencies, it can forestall abuse by publicly declar-

ing the official security requested for any of the polls, and also cry out when its demand is ignored or there is an abuse by any of the security agencies that could affect the sanctity of the elections. INEC needs to be proactive towards the use and abuse of arms by security agencies during the election, to ward off the abuses that it has clearly noted as detrimental to a successful conduct of elections. As a matter of policy, the commission should insist on being directly responsible for all members of the security agencies posted to the election venues. That way it bears responsibility for any shortcoming.

It is also important for the President and Commander-in-Chief, who though has partisan interests in the polls, to ensure that the security agencies are not used to truncate the process. As appropriately noted by Annan, the nation bears the hope of the entire continent on her shoulders, as such the president must not use the security agencies in a manner that could jeopardise national security. One important thing he must do is to publicly warn the security chiefs that his personal interest in the presidential election does not equate to national interest.

The political actors must also remember that national security is far more important than their personal interests.

They need not be reminded that there will be no political interests to pursue if the nation is set on fire, through the use of arms and intimidation during elections.

Charlie Hebdo: West and its double standard

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IR: The attack on Charlie Hebdo last week has generated varied reactions from all concerned. But if one critically looks at the event, one will see the exposed hypocrisy of the West and deliberate double standard against Muslims across the world. France’s (and the West’s) claim that free expression is a ‘fundamental principle’ is a myth, an opiate of the masses; as everywhere else in the ‘Free World’, in France, free expression is for some but not others.

Charlie Hebdo has facilitated the growth of a form of politicized anti-Muslim sentiment that bears a disturbing resemblance to the politicized anti-Semitism that emerged as a mass movement in France in the 1890s in its use of crude and vulgar caricatures that purvey a sinister and stereotyped image of Muslims.

By way of contrasts, one recalls that a French court not too long ago had ruled that a clothing advert, mimicking the Jesus in Da Vinci’s Last Supper was “a gratuitous and aggressive act of intrusion on people’s innermost beliefs”.

Also, in 2005, ‘Aides Haute-Garonne’ organized an informative evening about the prevention of the HIV-AIDS. The prospectus contained a head-and-shoulders image of a woman wearing a nun’s bonnet and two pink condoms.

On the grounds that the prospectus insulted a group because of its religion, a court convicted Aides Haute Garonne.

Didn’t Charlie Hebdo Magazine’ itself censor, apologise and then fired long-time cartoonist Siné for a caricature insulting the son of former President Nicholas Sarkozy and his wife Jessica Sebaoun-Darty, while staunchly standing on their ‘right’ to repeatedly offend Muslims, minorities and immigrants?

Dieudonné M’Bala a French comedian and satirist – was convicted and fined in France for describing Holocaust remembrance as “memorial pornography”. The ‘Quennele’ hand sign has been described as anti-establishment and anti-Zionist by French youth and famous football players (e.g Anelka). It stoked serious controversy in France since first being used by anti-establishment comedian Dieudonné M’Bala M’Bala in 2005. M’Bala has been barred from many theatres and convicted many times for exercising his ‘freedom of speech.

As part of “internal security” enactments passed in 2003, it is an offence to insult the national flag or anthem, with a penalty of a maximum 9,000 euro or up to six months’ imprisonment. Restrictions on “offending the dignity of the republic”, on the other hand, include “insulting” anyone who serves the public. And while it is illegal to insult the French state and historical characters like Napoleon and Charles De Gaulle, the West thinks it’s okay to lampoon the prophet of Islam, the leading light and ideal of divine justice for 1.5 billion people!

We say no to freedom to kill and at the same time, no to freedom to insult. Double standard won’t solve the problems of the world.

• Comrade Abdulateef Usman Abiodun, Lagos

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: A serious deviant act within the military which attracts disastrous consequences is mutiny. It has become a subject of public debate after a military court-martial in late 2014 handed down death sentences to 12 out of the 18 soldiers for firing shots at the General Officer Commanding of the newly created 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Ahmadu Mohammed in Maiduguri.

Section 52 (1, a & b) of the Armed Forces Act, 1994, posits that a person subject to service law under this Act, “who takes part in a mutiny involving the use of violence or the threat of the use of violence … refusal or avoidance of any duty or service against, or in connection with operations against the enemy, or the impeding of the performance of that duty or service; or to disobey the authority … is guilty of an offence under this subsection and liable, on conviction by a courtmartial, to suffer death.”

The soldiers involved reportedly complained of insufficient food, ammunition and allowances and the refusal of the military hierarchy to rotate troops for a long time since their deployment to combat Boko Haram terrorists in the NorthEast. Most importantly, they were angry over the killing of their colleagues ambushed in Chibok on the night of May 13, 2014 and the arrival of their corpses which coincided with the visit of their GOC. Has the military hierarchy addressed these salient issues of welfare raised by the mutineers which are key elements of industrial dispute before and after setting up these courts martial? The military should first of all courtmartial those rationale behind the mutiny like mistrust, endemic corruption, ethnic and religious factors especially in the fight against insurgency. No sane nation toys with the welfare of her armed forces. If the needs of this group who stake their lives to protect the territorial integrity of the nation are allowed to be relegated to the background or overshadowed by the smokescreen/

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

Still on mutiny and the insurgency politics of court martial, it amounts only to postponing the evil day. The way and manner this military behaviour is handled will confront and point the way forward to those factors militating against winning the war against terrorism.

Every public service comes with its condition of service. The Armed Forces Act is an aggregation of rules guiding the operations of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria. It is a body of principal laws strictly meant to be obeyed by all soldiers who incidentally subscribe to it under the military service law.

The mutineers explicitly failed to take refuge under Section 179(2)(4) of the Armed Forces Act (Redress of Complaints) which states that; “If a soldier, rating or an aircraftman thinks himself wronged in any matter by his commanding officer, either by reason of redress not being given to his satisfaction on a complaint under subsection (1) or of any other reason, he may make a complaint with respect thereto to any Army, Naval or Air Force officer… provided he/she shall first exhaust the administrative remedies available to him under this section before embarking on any

other action.”

The military service rules and procedures are too secretive or impenetrable for public appreciation.

Therefore, they need urgent reforms adaptable to civil environment and general operational efficiency. First, there should be an easy, quick and systematically laid down channel of redressing complaints especially in Joint Task Force (JTF) environment other than through an officer who might even be the reason behind the complaint.

Second, opinion boxes should be provided at these bases for collation of data on operational effi-

Why not a non-rigging accord?

IR: The just signed non-violence accord by various political party candidates towards 2015 elections would ordinarily appear so warranted and highly commendable if it hadn’t also come vividly as an old game of taking Nigerians for simpletons. The camaraderie so beautifully painted with the snap-shot of the broadly smiling top contenders, President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari, would seem good enough to send us all to sleep with our fears totally dispelled, if we were never taken for a ride before.

The history of Nigeria is however replete with stories of electoral deceit, manipulation and bare-faced rigging that were usually wrapped up in universally welcome theories of democracy and peaceful co-existence. Many a time, it is when our leaders have a shocker ahead for

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Nigerians that they display fallacious extra-care for peace and order ahead of elections and it is high time we started to take such with due suspicion.

We, no doubt, need peace before, during and after elections; but would such be more important to Nigeria and Nigerians than a free, fair and credible election, given the fact that an acceptable election would not only guarantee peace but would promote progress and national pride? Why were we not getting the candidates in the on-coming election as well as INEC chiefs together to sign an accord against electoral malpractices for once, to demonstrate that we truly love this nation more than our political parties and personal goals?

What we didn’t know as we celebrated that non-violence accord was that those signing it could have their various strange plots to win

elections at all costs! Of what use therefore would be a peaceful manipulation of election results and, thus, of Nigerians’ votes if the accord would ever subsist?

Oh, yes, even a non-rigging accord could, most likely, suffer the same fate of defiance which should go to show that the non-violence accord that was signed and the nonrigging accord that was not signed could both be merely cosmetic and deceptive.

Candidly, what would tame us all in this country and attract to us the much-desired greatness as a nation is not accords but sincerity of democratic practice at all times. If the ruling PDP can achieve this for Nigeria now it would go a long way in promoting peace, progress and national pride, accord or no accord.

• Jide Oguntoye, Oye-Ekiti

ciency and needs of officers and men. Third, the chief of defence or army staff should as a tradition pay impromptu visits to JTF and other military formations with the possibility of taking complaints and gauging the general impulses of the rank and file as it relates totheir duties.Fourth, appropriate sanctions should be visited across board on any saboteur military personnel despite his rank or position.

Fortunately, there is a window of opportunity in section 149 of the same Military Act to appeal decisions of court martial even to the High Courts. Those already sentenced are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this window to ventilate their arguments.

• Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, Zaria, Kaduna State

That GEJ/ GMB hug

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IR: Our country men, women, youths and children need to have critical look at the picture of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as captured in the front page of The Nation of Thursday, January 15, tagged “A hug against violence”.

It would seem that while their exellencies are glaringly presenting the gesture of rival captains in just a friendly match in preparation for their main contest, they might have humorously warned each other not to engage in any outregeous cheating in the election proper.

Let us thus pray and hope that the Hug Against Violence would practically or even symbolically translate into A HUG AGAINST OUTREGEOUS RIGGING in main elections. And may God answer our prayer.

• Gavers C. Ihematulam Esq. Mandegavers@gmail.Com

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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COMMENTS

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HAT’S in a biography? Plenty, if it’s about Lagos State governorship hopeful and frontrunner Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Art of Selfless Service by Marian Osoba, which was published last year and colourfully launched on May 15 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, stands out as a book for this time in the countdown to the gubernatorial poll next month. It is a must-read for anyone who desires a picture of the man who will succeed outgoing Governor Babatunde Fashola, all things being equal.

Symbolically, the book’s release announced Ambode’s canonisation. Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the preeminent Lagos monarch who may be considered a reliable source of information on the thinking in the charmed circle of political kingmakers in the state, controversially declared: “The elders of Lagos have said that Ambode will be governor.”

He said: “It is true that we are launching a book, but we know why we are here.” Beyond the surface, the book presentation had the quality of a finely planned public relations stunt to sell Ambode. According to Oba Akiolu on the occasion, “The elders have been meeting…We review things regularly…The elders have said that Ambode should be the next governor of Lagos.” So far, the king’s confident endorsement is winning as Ambode, having won his party’s governorship primary, is well-positioned to defeat all rivals in the February election.

What does Ambode’s candidacy represent? In a fundamental sense, beyond his respected financial wizardry and managerial mastery, Ambode’s recognised emphasis on selfless service is a defining plus. In actuality, a leader without a correct sense of service is ultimately negative.

Service to the people, in the purest meaning of the concept, is Ambode’s mantra. Two quotes from the biography deserve contemplation, especially given the regrettable reality that personal aggrandisement is a familiar guiding principle of political leadership in the country.

According

‘What does Ambode’s candidacy represent? In a fundamental sense, beyond his respected financial wizardry and managerial mastery, Ambode’s recognised emphasis on selfless service is a defining plus. In actuality, a leader without a correct sense of service is ultimately negative’

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HE buck, we are told, stops at the table of the leader.

That said, a country turns out to be great only when the people in it elect to make it so. I have observed with keen interest the condemnation President Jonathan gets from Nigerians these days – and he has had a measure from me as well, but I am baffled at some criticisms which I figure are not envisioned to campaign for social justice especially since some of these decriers fail to take zealotry (religion) out of their schisms.

His lacklustre performance so far notwithstanding, I refuse to believe that he alone is responsible for the state of affairs of our country as it is at the moment. We are all as guilty as this president.

Compare his advisers to that of developed climes and you will wonder if they truly have the interest of Nigeria at heart. Most political analysts see them as people only interested in feeding fat from the national cake, particularly with the combative way in which they engage the opposition.

In contrast, during the Richard Nixon Watergate scandal, two of his principal presidential aid and defence lawyers Fred Buzhardt and Leonard Garment did what no persons had done before that moment: they asked President Nixon to resign due to the overwhelming evidence against him over the Watergate scandal. Can any of President Jonathan’s advisers show the same courage to tell him to his face that he has underachieved?

Why is it that we hear that the resignation of top individuals from a party leaves the party ruined without a structure, needing the persona of other individuals to help bring it to life? Isn’t it outrageous and pathetic that our parties are centered on individuals and may not last beyond these individuals? How is President Jonathan responsible for the politics of anointment by states’ chief executives that have seen many of these endorsing wives and kinfolks to seek elective offices without grooming and recruiting capable candidates with widely-held support?

I watched a CNN feature interview directed by Nick Robertson recently where soldiers recounted the distressing experiences they face in the fight against insurgency.

They even have to buy their kits as revealed, but that is not news. Most Nigerians know that the armed forces are underfunded. What is stupefying is why no highranking senior officer has had the guts to spill the beans and step down, on moral and ethical principles. I recall with nostalgia the spat between General Victor Malu and President Olusegun Obasanjo over the latter’s directive that a US intelligence unit should have unrestricted access to our intelligence facility but that General refused, leading to his ousting from the army as reported at the time. Do we still have officers with guts and have they chosen to be political or apolitical?

Whatever happened to our civil society groups after

Ambode’s art to him, “A true leader sees his work as selfless service towards a higher purpose. A true leader should be judged by what he has not – ego, arrogance and self interest.” He also said: “We must, wherever we find ourselves, create an atmosphere of selfless service.”

Against this background, it is significant to highlight Ambode’s Local Government Years from 1988 to 1998 and his tenure as the Accountant General of Lagos State from 2006 to 2012 in a 27-year career in the state civil service, which he ended by voluntary retirement. In the biography, he said: “If you work successfully at Local Government level and you are able to make a difference, there is nowhere else you cannot work successfully.”

Ambode’s remarkable sense of service could be discerned from his critical role in the creation of the State Treasury Office (STO), which should be of special significance in rating him as a governorship material. The STO has been acknowledged as a ground-breaking development which has fundamentally improved how the state’s funds are raised, budgeted, managed and spent. It goes without saying that Ambode’s demonstrated authoritative grasp of treasury issues would most likely be an advantage. ”If we take the concept of resource generation, allocation and distribution into cognisance and apply the principles of good governance, we will achieve economic growth and development,” Ambode said while presenting a paper titled “Public Finance: Probity and Accountability” at a workshop organised in August last year by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Business School.

He has also shed light on his understanding of good governance, which is an essential aspect of his vision. He said in a newspaper interview: ”In essence, the elected government is like a caretaker for the rest of the people, overseeing their resources on their behalf. The citizens re-

main the landlord while the elected officials are only caretakers.” He further said: “Arising from this, good government can only thrive where the resources of the people are judiciously distributed to various sectors/needs in the society in a just and equitable manner that makes life easier for every person.”

Interestingly, the biography provides what may be interpreted as a thought-provoking response to the view in certain quarters that Ambode is a puppet of political kingmakers. “Sometimes I am confronted with the subject of mentoring and I am asked who my mentor is,” he said.

“Somehow I cannot place appropriate answers to some of these questions. Why? Because every day, I am also confronted by situations which give one the opportunity to search for true leaders and even though they abound everywhere and a lot of us have the innate capacity to make a positive difference, we are never recorded as mentors, champions or true leaders.”

He added: ”At different points in our lives, we have had relationships; a teacher, a boss, an employer, a friend, a parent who has greatly changed the way we looked at life and the world. Someone who inspired us and motivated us, someone who taught us to set goals and instilled the confidence and spirit to achieve them, someone who had high standards and truly stood for something; such a person is the real mentor we all need to find. I have found true leaders through such observations in the course of my career...they help you build your art of selfless service, but it is important too that you carve out for yourself an identity authentically your own, that you don’t monkey another person’s life so slavishly as to lose your own.” It is noteworthy that Ambode spoke of those who “help you build your art of selfless service.”

The projection of Ambode’s political vision through an inventive acronym, LAGOS, is notable for the inclusion of service. At the well-attended ceremony in October last year at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where he formally expressed his desire to govern the state, Ambode declared: “Our message is LAGOS. LAGOS is Leadership, LAGOS is Accountability, LAGOS is Good Governance, LAGOS is Opportunities and LAGOS is Service. This is what I stand for.”

It is a demonstration of impressive originality that he has been able to package his organising principles in a capsule named after the state he seeks to govern. More importantly, his antecedents indicate that he is a man who can walk the talk. His credentials in leadership, accountability and service are reinforced by Governor Fashola who branded him as an individual ”guided by the philosophy of a true public officer, who must place himself last while rendering service to the public.”

Is Jonathan Nigeria’s problem?

By Simon Abah the end of military rule? Do they still passionately charge leaders to deliver electoral undertakings to the people and also stir up the youths from their state of disinterest for national growth?

Isn’t it true that Nigeria is quickly becoming a place where people hide under the cloak of religion to promote hatred and the condemnation of people of other faiths?

Instead of religious leaders to campaign for concerns that will be beneficial to their members, they now either prophecy that candidates will win or lose. How such predictions help our body politic remains an open question.

The world woke up recently to the shocking news that 17 lives were lost in France to terrorist acts. It was really sad news for people who truly value life and humanity.

What I found interesting was the bi-partisan meeting that was held immediately by President Francois Hollande and former President Nicolas Sarkozy who is now a leading opposition figure.

There was no trading of blame, brickbats and bedlam like we have here with our political class that have all failed to rise above partisanship for the growth of Nigeria. You could see two great statesmen who care for their nation rousing citizens to stay united and not be cowed by terrorism and to fight against it in their homeland and also to stay alert. But in Nigeria, it took our president forever and a day to visit Maiduguri, leading many to assume that people who die in the northeast regrettably are lowlifes who do not matter. Little wonder Odumegwu Ojukwu said, Nigerians “suffer from selective amnesia,” and when they chose to remember, suffer from “selective myopia”. If not, how come the members representing these constituencies in the Senate and House of Representatives have not resigned their offices to protest the government’s grotesque abandonment of their people who fall prey to the killing machine of the ‘Haramists.’? Have we ever heard of resignations in those houses to protest the maladministration of this regime?

Didn’t we read in the press that the ACF has chosen to endorse General Buhari because it is the policy of the outfit to endorse northerners for election even when concessions and merger made this development possible?

And given our country’s need for a reawakening, should we still be encouraging regional prejudices to fester?

The debates in the House of Commons entices youths in the United Kingdom to be politicians and to play an active role in that country’s national life but ours has

been unexciting and mind-numbing at the national level, while some state assemblies remain closed, others have their members hounded out of the state and our officebearers are yet to groom young people to be good citizens by their own good conduct.

Did the elders from the Niger Delta not play politics with the carrying off of the Chibok girls by misleading this president that there was never an abduction which made him to act 21 days after when it was too late? And even after videotapes revealed that they were abducted, some of them still hold this deceptive viewpoint.

Many years into democratic rule, most states do not have active developmental plans, technocrats are not employed but acquaintances, and the government remains the highest employer of labour instead of the private sector and machineries of state have been used to stifle opposition that is relevant in a democracy. How is the President responsible for all of these contradictions?

It would require a long epistle to describe the tumbledown federal civil service where the practice of engaging people to boards of government organizations without recourse to national experience and age is widespread which till now is responsible for the lack of the development and implementation of rolling plans in the country.

Why are the DSS and the Police not able to prevent illfeelings before they aggravate? Why haven’t they been able to prevent gun-running so unparalleled in our history that youths now dare to kill as often as reported in the press these days?

We are as guilty as this president for the decay Nigeria finds herself in and it is binding on all of us to rebuild her.

• Abah writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

‘Many years into democratic rule, most states do not have active developmental plans, technocrats are not employed but acquaintances, and the government remains the highest employer of labour instead of the private sector and machineries of state have been used to stifle opposition that is relevant in a democracy’

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

COMMENTS

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BSERVERS of contemporary events in the last couple of weeks would have noticed the rising spectre of violence within the nation’s landscape. This foreboding signal is palpable in two fronts.

There is a sharp increase in violent activities among political parties. For hardly does a day pass by without reports of violent attacks by rival political supporters in different parts of the country.

From Bayelsa to Plateau, Gombe to Edo, the nation has been inundated with reports of violent activities as rival political supporters took turns to attack their opponents. Supporters of the APC were attacked on their way to a rally in Port Harcourt while Jonathan’s campaign vehicles were razed down in Jos. In Gombe State, the matter took a dangerous dimension as rival political parties took turns to attack and destroy party properties. The list of such violent confrontations is inexhaustible.

The sad development has raised the stakes as to the likely direction of events as we inch closer to the critical periods of the impending crucial elections.

Violence is also escalating from the destructive escapades of the notorious Boko Haram insurgent group. In the last two weeks or so, the insurgents have unleashed very deadly attacks on Baga in Borno State and its surroundings killing in their wake hundreds of innocent people in an attack that has been described as the worst since terrorism reared its ugly face in this country. There have also been renewed attacks by the insurgents in the boarder towns of Borno and Adamawa states. The killings have made a mockery of earlier concerns raised by international agencies on human rights abuses since the war commenced.

Perhaps, the latest Baga incident will be the first time the outside world will come to terms with the stark realities of the human rights

‘The ruling class should admit failure for leading the ordinary people to exhume mundane and primordial sentiments that were buried in very shallow graves’

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Emeka OMEIHE 08112662675 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Rising violence abuses that trail the activities of the sect. In the first of such attacks on the same village sometime ago, the military had a hectic time trying to exculpate itself from responsibility for the attendant killings.

Before now, much of the negative profiling of the military on the human rights index in this war had its roots on its alleged disregard for human rights issues in the previous Baga attack. Though the military tried to prove that much of the killings then came from the terrorist group, they did not succeed in getting the ear of the international community as some powerful locals took turns to heap the blame on their shoulders. But with the recent killings, it has dawned on every body the unmitigated disaster the Boko Haram insurgents have been. It is increasingly getting clearer that Boko Haram is the worst purveyor of human rights abuses either in the kidnap of the Chibok school girls; other sundry kidnappings and abductions and the litany of senseless suicide attacks that have left thousands killed and maimed.

Expectedly, Nigerian defence authorities have seized this singular event to draw copious attention to the anomaly in solely holding it responsible for previous killings. By that, they were also faulting some of the reasons that have often been adduced especially by the United States of America (US) for denying them the necessary arms, ammunitions and equipment to confront the scourge.

Given the new reality and the unmitigated danger Boko Haram has become to lives and property, is it not time it is confronted for what it is? Should we continue to hide under

S transitions go, the unity of purpose and inclusiveness in the PDP politics of Delta State is remarkable even if it is not sometimes recognized such. After a fierce governorship primary in the party, the coming together of majority of the contestants and their followers to work and to promote a common front in the February general election is a masterstroke in political bridge-building. Credit should naturally go to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and other political leaders for making this happen.

In so many ways, Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP candidate, represents the natural trajectory in the future of Delta State; a modern, progressive, inclusive state, a success story in overcoming the artificial barriers and fault lines of the state.

With over 17 years’ experience in politics rising from council chairman, through several political offices as commissioners for health, water resources, agriculture and natural resources and secretary to the state government, including a second elective office as Delta North Senator, Okowa’s evolution has taken an instructive path that is structured for success.

What is apparent from this political narrative is that Okowa understands politics and he definitely understands Delta State. Much of his success has perhaps to do with his approach and style of politics. His common touch, human empathy, attention to detail and deep understanding of the dynamics of politics and resolute commitment to his goal has served him well.

At the tactical level, Okowa is clearly a politician who knows how to exploit weaknesses and can construct a strong system. This is not as simple as it may seem; because in the power contest, to grasp very quickly where the weaknesses lay and at the same time husband your own resources in effective way to take advantage of a given opportunity are key elements that can decide the game. If anything is Okowa’s secret arsenal, that may well be it.

Against great odds, Okowa has always found ways to triumph. His playbook is an interesting one and should become something of real interest to Deltans should he win the governorship on February 28, which in all likelihood is his to lose given the dynamics. Yet if his evolution is anything to go, it is unlikely that he is sitting on his oars. He knows there remains many mine fields.

Lest this article gives the impression that Okowa’s interest is about power and how to organize to win it, his views on Delta, governance and the economics of the state is quite thought-provoking and reassuring in terms of a strong desire to consolidate on the existing successes of the Uduaghan administration. In many ways, Okowa’s ideas can be said to be an off-shoot of the Uduaghan programme. It has to be, considering that for nearly four years of Uduaghan’s administration, Okowa was secretary to the state government.

the veil of human rights abuses and refrain from doing the needful even as it has become crystal clear that Boko Haram is the greatest human rights offender? These are some of the moot issues that have been brought to the fore by the unfolding reality.

The way they are resolved will point the new direction in this festering war against terrorism.

Beyond these, the resurgence of violence has raised genuine concerns given that general elections are here with us. Before now, there have been predictions both from within and outside our shores of the ominous things to come with this year’s election. Matters were not helped by the seeming polarization in the country along ethnic and religious lines as clearly evident from the activities of the Boko Haram sect and the struggles for power shift. It was also observed that the two critical variables that will shape the momentum and direction of the coming elections are our twin fault lines of ethnicity and religion.

It would seem the current wave of violence denoted by the intolerance of the political parties and the rising attacks of the insurgents, largely fit into this prediction.

Even then, Boko Haram has been fingered as political grievances masquerading under a religious garb. It is also very instructive that insecurity is now a veritable issue of political campaign discourse. The opposition has taken up the matter with a promise to stop it if elected into power. The government of the day has also promised to bring it to a conclusive end. But it has gone further

to ask Nigerians to demand from the opposition how it tends to tame the insecurity. On its own, the opposition would want the government to show what magic it would do for a scourge that has festered this long. There are political veils and suggestions in these statements that can only be ignored at a great risk.

Indubitably, this election is tension-soaked and the intensity may rise as campaigns progress. We may get to a stage where religion and ethnicity will turn out as the most critical variables to shape campaign discourse and the eventual elections. We may get to a point where violence will assume an unmitigated dimension especially given the reality of whom the presidential candidates are and where they come from. There are palpable signs that things may degenerate unless political leaders resolve to play by the rules of the game. There are signals that things may come to a head if ethnic and religious sentiments are not played down as veritable issues in political campaigns. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by all the presidential candidates of the parties to eschew violence during this election is heart-warming.

But it is an endorsement of the fears that have been raised here. It is only hoped they will match precepts with the necessary action.

I have heard politicians pontificate on issues of Nigerian oneness. I heard Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State governor, talk of poverty, disease and ignorance as things that are common to all Nigerians and do not know boundaries or religion. He would also want the electorate to view issues from a nationalist viewpoint rather than from ethnic or religious predilections. That is the way forward.

But the ordinary people are not to blame for the malfeasance Oshiomhole is worried about.

They are not to blame for the rising recline to ethnic and religious sentiments. They have no blame for the power struggles that are easily defined along ethnic and religious lines. They are not the ones that skew trappings of governance disproportionately to areas of their primordial loyalty thereby accentuating competition along these lines. The leadership should squarely be held accountable.

The ruling class should admit failure for leading the ordinary people to exhume mundane and primordial sentiments that were buried in very shallow graves. Oshiomhole’s message is futuristic but his target audience should be the leadership at all levels, past and present.

Okowa’s Delta plan

By Paul Odili His focus on inclusive growth, industrialization, job creation, agro-based industrial sector, urban renewal, human capital development, environment protection, is just the right emphasis that will secure the future of Delta state. Just like ‘Delta beyond Oil’, the economic aims of Okowa is directed at diversification and promotion of non-oil based economy. Actually in the light of recent crash in crude oil prices, it makes very little sense if not the height of foolishness to seek to build the economy of Delta State on oil, even with the abundance of this resource here.

Okowa is not looking in that direction. This is good news.

For instance, on the issue of industrialization, he says: “The state under the outgoing administration has embarked upon certain large industrial activities such as the Warri industrial Business Park, Asaba ICT Park, Free Economic zones and 10 small scale industries under Public/ Private Partnership scheme. If completed by 2015, my administration shall accelerate the positive challenges that these mega industrial activities will offer. If not fully completed, I shall see to it that these valuable economic activities are duly completed, and engage the private sector effectively to drive commerce and grow industries.”

This statement speaks to consolidation of policies, which is a good thing from the point of view of the resources that are already invested in it and the opportunities that these initiatives will bring. If Delta State is to make progress in tackling challenges of development, it is the ability of different administrations to understand and pursue a policy of continuity that will make that possible. The idea of discontinuing what a preceding administration had done simply because it will appear as if credit for a success will now be shared instead of looking into the merit and value of a given initiative is the sort of small-minded thinking that should have no place in serious leadership.

Happily Okowa is showing that he is big in his thinking.

Clearly for him, what is important is Delta State and how to advance its development. I also like the fact that he is talking about agriculture and industrialization in a very constructive manner. He says “Delta state has tremendous potential in agriculture. My administration will pursue multiple strategies that will boost agriculture produce and encourage free market for raw materials and foodstuffs. Our asset-based economic growth strategy will engender inclusive growth, job creation, and re-birth of local communities.”

This sort of thinking will surely lift Delta State on the path of balanced growth and development. Okowa’s emphasis in agriculture is the sure pathway of investing in the local communities and by this usher in the sort of real grass root development the state has been yearning for. Having once straddled the ministries of agriculture and water resources, Okowa surely have great insights on the challenges ahead in these two sectors, which are central to any meaningful development.

In addition, Okowa has always been a man with grass root interest perhaps that has to do with how he developed his political career from the local government council as secretary to the local council. So he, from the early stages of his political development understood the needs of the people at the grass roots. It is obvious the lessons he picked up then, he had retained which explains why in Delta State, Okowa has wide grass root followership.

Now is the time to pay back to the people their loyalty to him. With his current thinking, it is clear he has his mind in the right direction. He wants to bring prosperity to the grassroots and he wants to make the people feel a part of the Delta dream. With four years ahead of him with victory at the polls, there is no debating the direction he will move.

Delta State PDP is excited with his candidacy. He is definitely readying himself to build on what is on ground.

Yet, no one expects that the dynamism of the Okowa plan is not going to be different, even if on some issues he shares similar views with Governor Uduaghan. That in itself is not a bad thing. In life the only thing constant is change.

• Odili, a member of Delta state PDP media and publicity campaign committee, wrote in from Asaba, Delta State.

‘Okowa understands politics and he definitely understands Delta State.

Much of his success has perhaps to do with his approach and style of politics. His common touch, human empathy, attention to detail and deep understanding of the dynamics of politics and resolute commitment to his goal has served him well’

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

23

NEWS

Police kill suspected armed robbers in Calabar •Mob burn another suspect

T

HE anti-crime patrol of the Federal Housing Police Station in Calabar yesterday gunned down a suspected armed robber after a shoot out yesterday morning.

The unidentified robber, according to the police, was part of a five-man gang, which robbed a warehouse in

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

the area.

Police Public Relations Officer Hogan Bassey said: “At 2am, we received a distress call about eight miles that armed robbers were operating at a warehouse. So, we responded immediately and met them on operation. Sighting the police van, they fired

Why Peterside is good for Ogoni, Rivers, by Magnus Abe

S

ENATOR Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers South East Senatorial District, has said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, will better serve the interest of Ogoni and other ethnic nationalities as a vote for the Ogoni and every part of Rivers State that is yet to produce a governor.

He spoke at the APC rally in Nonwa-Tai at the weekend.

Abe, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), said: “The issues of Riverine and Ogoni are the hottest concern of this election. Therefore, if Peterside, a Riverine man from Opobo, is voted in, then the other issue which is the Ogoni question would be settled in the near future.

Abe said: “I will vote for my younger brother, my own person, the candidate I know, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside and I have my reasons. First is that this election is about the future of Rivers State. No matter what you feel, no matter how you view it, 2015 elections will raise issues of equity for Riv-

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

ers State. How are we dealing with issues of justice among other component parts of the state that make up Rivers State?

“The 2015 election raised two major issues of justice and equity. The second question that was raised is the Ogoni issue for justice and equity.

“In 2015, we must answer one of those questions. We cannot go into an election that does not answer one of these questions around equity and justice in Rivers State. If you are an Ogoni son and you want to see an Ogoni governor in your life time, please vote for Dakuku. If you don’t vote for Dakuku, when the next man comes, all the issues of Riverine and Ogoni will still be on the table.

“Another reason I will vote for Dakuku is that I know that he has been a part of the present government. He is a student of the present system.

He knows what the challenges are, he knows what the situations are. We cannot have somebody who will come and tear down everything we have done.”

shots and there was a shootout. The robbers were five and one of them was hit by a bullet. The other four escaped and the one that was shot ran some distance before he was caught. He had a locally made pistol and a bag containing four cartridge. He died eventually.”

A Toyota 4runner Sports Utility Vehicle, which they had stolen early that morning from a lady was recovered.

Also recovered was a Plasma TV set which they stole from the woman. Another locally made pistol, an iron cutter and two cut padlocks were also recovered

from them.

Similarly, a suspected member of the Skolombo Boys, a new gang of criminals terrorising the city was burnt to death by angry residents on Abua Street in Calabar South.

It was gathered he was part of a group that went to rob in the area but residents mobilised and attacked them.

The rest of the gang escaped but the boy was caught and burnt to death.

Reacting to the development, Bassey begged residents not to take laws into their hands.

“People should not take laws into their hands. They should apprehend such criminals and call the police immediately. We are battle ready.

“Such criminals can give us useful information that would lead to a lasting solution to the problem. Two wrongs cannot make a right,” the PPRO said.

Support swells for Emerhor

T

HE Urhobo Youth Forum for Change (UYFC) has congratulated the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief O’tega Emerhor, on his endorsement by the traditional rulers in Urhobo land.

The group, in a statement by its leader, Israel Akpodoro, in Asaba, the Delta State capital at the weekend described the monarchs’ action as a right step in the right direction.

According to the group, the adoption of the APC candidate showed the traditional institution wants a change in the politics of the Urhobo speaking people in the state.

The group added that the monarchs’ endorsement of Emerhor would surely bring

glory and victory at the polls to “our nation” which ultimately would produce a governor of Urhobo extraction in February.

The statement added: “Our traditional rulers in Urhobo land have spoken and they have rightly spoken the minds of their subjects and for us in UYFC, we have no other choice better than the choice of our fathers. It therefore follows that Emerhor is our best leg in the 2015 governorship race.

“The fathers of Urhobo nation in their decision have bade farewell to repeated failure at the polls. Once again our nation will take its place of pride in the comity of nationalities. No more second fiddle, marginalisation and poverty.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

24

SHOWBIZ Patoranking’s album debuts April

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AVE-of-the-moment dance hall sensation, Patoranking, is in the United States of America to shoot two videos, as part of the preparations for the release of his much-anticipated debut album.

Although, he is yet to disclose the title of the album, the ‘Alubarika’ crooner, is shooting the video of his latest single, ‘Daniala Wine’, a track produced by UC Prof and slick Mo, as well as a yetto-be-decided track.

According to a source from the musician’s camp, “This

More artistes in campaign frenzy • K1 donates to APC

By Mercy Michael

trip will see him shoot the video of ‘Daniela Wind’ and another track that the team will decide on while in America, as we speak, arrangement for his first album is in the concluding stage.”

Apart from top stars already featured in the songs of the Raggae artiste such as Tiwa Savage and Timaya, Patoranking will also have 2Face, Iyanya and other heavy weights as guest artistes in the forthcoming album.

Patoranking, we gath-

W • Patoranking

ered, will also officially launch his clothing line, ‘Wayase’, as he launches his album.

NAFDAC backs ‘Arise Monalisa Foundation’

• Monalisa

T

HE National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has entered into a partnership deal with ‘Arise Monalisa Foundation’ (AMF), to help fight Uterine Fibroid, prevalent among women in Nigeria.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja, founder of AMF, notable actress, Monalisa Chinda, said, “...We appre-

By Mercy Michael

ciate NAFDAC for this strategic partnership, as we look forward to propagating awareness of this fast spreading, yet widely neglected Uterine Fibroid, which has become very common among women, due to ignorance and stigmatisation.”

Meanwhile, the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr.

Paul Orhii, expressed joy at partnering with AMF while announcing that the project marks the beginning of NAFDAC’s activities for 2015. “We are proud to partner with the Arise Monalisa Foundation in mobilising this timely project throughout the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, and this also marks the flag-off of our projects for this year.”

Chinda’s charity project has been on for over eight years, supporting major campaigns against autism, funding education for the less privileged, making charitable visits to orphanages and prisons, among others.

Established in 1993, NAFDAC is saddled with the responsibility of regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sales and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical services, chemicals and packaged water.

Orlando Julius features Seyi Shey in Ololufe

I

T is a case of old meets new, as legendary Highlife artiste, Orlando Julius Ekemode, partners contemporary songstress, Seyi Shey, in the re-make of his 1980s hit song, Ololufe.

The song, which was put together and released under the Now Muzik Recording imprint, is a re-make of the saxophone maestro’s classic.

The track is produced by Jay Sleek, involving some of the best talents in the music industry such as Joan Ekpai who is on the backup vocals, Eniola Akinbo, aka Niyola who co-wrote the song, Sean Stan of Vintage Sounds who mixed and mastered and Efe Omorogbe who charted the A&R direction of the project from the beginning.

As an artiste, Orlando Julius has been crucial to the invention, development, and popularisation of Afro-pop.

Starting in the ’60s, he was fusing traditional African sounds and rhythms with those of American pop, soul, and R&B. Aside performing and recording in Nigeria, he spent many years in the United States, working on collaborations with Lamont Dozier, the Crusaders and Hugh Masekela. His 1966 effort, Super Afro Soul, made him a

national celebrity in Nigeria and even went so far as to influence music in the United States. After Super Afro Soul, Julius released a long list of records exclusively in Nigeria and from them, he received a great measure of local fame.

He went largely unnoticed by the international community until 2000, when Super Afro Soul was re-released on Strut and distributed throughout the world to

wide critical acclaim. In 2011, his 1972 album Orlando Julius and the Afro Sounders was reissued by Voodoo Funk, and the artiste increased his live activity at home and abroad.

In early 2014, the Heliocentrics brought him to their all-analogue studio in North London, where they backed him in a series of recordings that featured vintage tunes that had never been recorded as well as new compositions. Jaiyede Afro was issued in September.

• Seyi Shey

• Orlando Julius

By Ovwe Medeme

ITH the 2015 general elections a few weeks away, more and more artistes are throwing their support behind their candidates of choice. Joining the league of supporters who have chosen not to be apolitical are a group of top Yoruba actors under the aegis of Unique Charitable Foundation.

The artistes recently stepped out to show their support for APC Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari and the Governorship candidate for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The actors; Fathia Balogun, Sanyeri, Adebayo Tijani, Muyiwa Ademola and Femi Adebayo were seen brandishing the Broom, a symbol of

By Ovwe Medeme

the APC party.

Muyiwa Demola shared some of the photos on Instagram with the caption; "UCF for Ambode and Buhari 2015 - Change, the only constant thing in human life."

The actors are also said to have joined Fuji legend, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde (K1 The Ultimate) in a new campaign song for Buhari and Ambode, according to information.

In furtherance of his support for the APC, K1, was the cynosure of all eyes, as he donated some Public Address Systems to each of the 377 Wards in the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of Lagos State. Also, 300,000 wristbands with the imprints of Gen. Buhari and Ambode were freely distributed. The event took place at the APC

Secretariat, ACME Road, Lagos, amidst a great ceremony.

Only last week, a couple of Nigerian artistes were drumming support for Ambode to become the next Governor of Lagos State.

The artistes are Ice Prince, M.I, Olamide, Banky W, Yemi Alade, Dammy Krane - Gbabe.

To this end, the entertainers have recorded two theme songs to shore up support for the political campaign of the APC gubernatorial candidate.

Titled Gbabe, and Gbo Gbo Wa La Leko, the songs call on the entire people of Lagos State to turn out to support the candidacy of Ambode, whom they constantly refer to as Ambo. While Gbabe features Ice Prince, M.I, Olamide, Banky W, Yemi Alade, and Dammy Krane, the track Gbo Gbo Wa La Leko was rendered solely by Yemi Alade.

• K1, testing one of the Public Address Systems

Muna Obiekwe dies of kidney failure

T

A L E N T E D Nollywood actor, Muna Obiekwe is dead. The actor, whose demise hit the movie industry like a shock wave yesterday, was said to have died of kidney failure in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos.

According to a source close to the actor, Muna has been battling renal related ailment but has kept it secret for a long time before informing the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima who has since been in touch with him.

The source further stated that that actor’s drinking habit may not be unconnected to his death.

Until his death, the Enugu based actor was one of the controversial actors in the Nigerian movie industry dubbed Nollywood. Muna, who has a knack for acting romantic scenes, once came under attack for grabbing fellow actor, Biola Ige’s breast, in the movie, Pregnant Hawker. However, the actress later denied the story, claiming that the picture which went viral was doctored and that there was no such scene in the movie.

Muna on his own part was quoted to have said, “…I don’t remember the movie.

I also don’t remember sucking Biola’s breasts. If the movie exists, that scene

By Mercy Michael

never took place.

“Like I told you, I don’t recall the movie. I do a lot of movies and I can’t remember what happens in all of them. The fact that I don’t recall means that the movie was shot a long time ago.

Probably three or more years back. When love scene

• Muna Obiekwe

was in vogue with producers. I’m still searching for the movie to acquaint myself with the story.

“There has never been anything between myself and any actress that I’ve made a movie with. My romantic relationships have always been outside the movie industry. I don’t take my work home”.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

JOBS

C EO Elections ‘ll have negative impact

Election: Job creation tops agenda - P. 35 News Briefing PAAR increases Customs’ revenue, saves govt $25m monthly The introduction of PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR) scheme fetched the Federal Government over N977 billion last year and saved it some $25million monthly revenue loss, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGS), Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi has said.

–Page 26

‘Expatriate quota abuse, local content’s greatest challenge’ FOR Nigerians to benefit more from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act 2010, the government must demonstrate enough political will and commitment to address some defects in the policy, particularly abuse of expatriate quota, an Abujabased oil and gas consultant, Mr. Ifeanyi Izeze, has said.

–Page 26

on economy

- P. 37 Dormant oil fields’ owners require $70m for exploration

Investor Protection Fund to compensate share fraud victims T O HE Investor Protection Fund (IPF) of the Nige rian Stock Exchange (NSE) may disburse as much as N130 million as compensations to investors who were victims of fraudulent activities by unscrupulous stockbrokers.

The Fund has concluded arrangements to pay the first batch of compensations after its board of trustees finally agreed on operating structures and framework for the scheme.

Sources at the weekend indicated that the IPF could distribute some N130 million to investors based on the claims and the payment rules of the fund.

The Nation’s check indicated that most of the claims were referred to the IPF by the

By Taofik Salako

NSE. The IPF rules allow the NSE to submit complaints made to it to the IPF while investors can also directly petition the IPF. Part XIV of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 requires the Exchange to establish and maintain an investors protection fund to compensate investors with genuine claims of pecuniary loss against dealing member firms resulting from insolvency, bankruptcy or negligence of a dealing member firm of a securities exchange or capital trade points; and defalcation committed by a dealing member firm or any of its directors, officers, employees or representatives in relation to securities, money

or any property entrusted to, or received by the dealing member firm in its course of business as a capital market operator.

NSE’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar Onyema, who is a member of the NSE IPF’s board of trustees, had said the Fund would be paying compensations to 343 investors in its maiden payment.

He confirmed that arrangements have been concluded for the payment and the beneficiary-investors are currently undergoing the process of identity verification to establish that they are the real owners of the affected shares’ accounts.

According to him, the board of the NSE IPF has al-

ready capped the maximum payment per claim at N400,000.

The Nation had exclusively reported that the maiden disbursement of Fund would happen soon.

An impeccable source had said the board of IPF was rounding off operating structures and framework for the scheme and would roll out its maiden compensation soon to announce the commencement of effective operations.

The source said after the approval of the IPF rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the board of trustees of IPF had gone back to the drawing board to ensure that it fashioned effective operating structure and framework that will sustain the scheme.

Insurers’ $4m pool for oil, gas business THE Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has formed a $4million pool to boost oil and gas insurance business.

–Page 28

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil Cocoa

-$117.4/barrel -$2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

- ¢132.70/pound

Cotton

- ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb RATES

Inflation

-8.2%

Treasury Bills-10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending

-15.87%

Savings rate

-3%

91-day NTB

-15%

Time Deposit

-5.49%

MPR

-12%

Foreign Reserve

$39.6b

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

£

-242.1

$

-156

¥

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

• From left: President/CEO Transcorp Nigeria Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Chief Executive, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo; Director, HRH Baba Mohammed, at the listing of the company’s shares on the Daily Official List (DOL) at The NSE in Lagos.

No reduction in fuel pump price, says PPPRA

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HE Petroleum Prod ucts Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has said it will not reduce the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) or petrol from the fixed price of N97 per litre because it still subsidises the product.

This is despite the crash in the price of crude oil in the international market to about $43 from over $100 a barrel.

A source in the agency said the pricing template to determine the pump price had not changed, and because national fuel consumption is still dependent on importation, the falling oil price

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

doesn’t affect local operation.

The source said as at last week, the government subsidised PMS by N5 per litre, noting that the expected Open Market Price (OMP), which includes landing costs and distribution margins, was N104 per litre reflecting subsidy of N7 per litre.

The distribution margins include the fixed overhead and other running costs from the landing of the product to the point of sale to consumers (retail outlets). This component of the pricing template took effect from February 2009. The

distribution margins include retailers (N4.60 per litre), transporters margins (N2.99 per litre), dealers margin (N1.75 per litre), bridging fund (plus marine transport average) (N6.00 per litre) and administrative charge (N0.15 per litre), bringing the total to N15.49 per litre. This is added to the landing cost, which gives the expected open market price.

When The Nation visited the PPPRA website for the daily product pricing template, the last posting was the activity of December 29 last year, which showed that the landing cost was N82.41 with distribution margins of N15.49

giving a total of N97.90. Therefore, when the retail price of N97 is subtracted from the expected open market price of N97.90, it showed that the government subsidised the product with only 90 kobo for the day. This indicated that subsidy this month increased over that of December.

From 2010 till mid-last year, world oil prices had been fairly stable at about $110 a barrel but have fallen sharply over the past seven months to below $50 a barrel as at last week. The development has led to significant revenue shortfalls in many oil exporting countries including Nigeria.

By Akinola Ajibade

WNERS of dormant marginal oil fields require between $40million and $70million to make them productive, Director, First E&P, Dr Emmanuel Enu, has said.

He said the sector awaits the March deadline by the Federal Government to owners of oil blocks to develop or lose them.

Speaking in Lagos, Enu said such fields had been inactive for years and would need enough cash before they can be put to productive use.

He said: “Given the fact that the fields were unused for over 30 years, they must have suffered infrastructural degradation. Based on this, owners or allottees of such fields would spend between $40million and $70million on infrastructure to bring them back to life in view of the fact that Federal Government has said it would revoke the licence of any operator that fails to develop his sites by March this year.

“There is need to carry out ecological studies, drilling services, provide the necessary machinery, employ people, explore oil, among others, on the fields. Exploration is not a one-off thing. It must be continuous. When you add up the cost, you would discover that operators of such fields would spend at least $70million to record a reasonable level of productivity. But that is subject to the volume of oil in the field or sites. The oil contents in the marginal oil fields differed. ‘’ Enu said operators need to source for money first, bring in technology and look for people who can think for them in the area of developing and managing the fields to achieve the desired results.

He advised operators to form a synergy because of the huge cost of bringing idle fields to productive usage.

He said: “Marginal oil fields should explore the option of forming a cluster of groups where possible to develop infrastructure and further mitigate the financial burdens on individual operators. Problems, such as infrastructure, insecurity, procurement, communal disputes, among others, are common in the oil and gas sector. ‘’More importantly, when green fields are about to be put into productive activity, there is need to resolve the myriad of problems surrounding them.”

According to him, hostilities among residents of the host communities is a the major problem besetting the implementation of the projects.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

26

BUSINESS NEWS PAAR increases Customs’ revenue, saves govt $25m monthly

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HE introduction of PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR) scheme fetched the Federal Government over N977 billion last year and saved it some $25million monthly revenue loss, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGS), Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi has said.

PAAR was introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management as the new method of Destination Inspection (DI) after the Government terminated the contract of the service providers in December 2013.

The transfer of DI to Customs, it was gathered, had allowed the government to save about millions of dollars.

Investigation revealed that Customs would not have got 50 per cent of the amount it generated last year, if it was using Risk Assessment Report ( (RAR) employed by the service providers.

Sources close to Customs said there was improvement on Customs’ revenue last year, when compared to the performance of the service the year before.

“There is no doubt that there was a tremendous increase in the revenue collected by the service last year, when you compare its

By Oluwakemi Dauda

performance in 2014 as against 2013.

“Customs has been able to use the scheme to block all the major areas of revenue leakages and improve on its revenue collection through the trade facilitation programme of the Comptroller General.”

Its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos, Chris Osunkwo, said the increase in generated revenue by the Service was also due to the Service’s insistence on blocking leakages.

He said the system audit put in place by the Customs Headquarters also helped to enhance compliance by shippers and clearing agents and boost the trade.

Osunkwo said the Customs Headquarters invested in capacity building for its officers and men to block revenue leakages and promote trade at ports.

He added that such exposures have also assisted officers and men of the service to understand classification and evaluation of goods to enable them to collect appropriate duty for the Federal Government.

LCCI urges govt on stimuli to cushion economic downturn’s effects

W

ORRIED about the mono-product oil driven economy, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Government on economic stimuli to cushion the effects of the economic downturn.

It also outlined ways for the nation could diversify its revenue sources to boost economic growth and development.

Its President, Alhaji Remi Bello, said Nigeria must begin to look at other sources of revenue especially when current global oil price has dropped to about $46 per barrel.

He said: “Period such as this calls for economic stimulus to reinvigorate the economy and expand the frontiers of the non-oil economy.”

On the 2015 budget proposal, he said the group shared the vision of the government on the need to diversify the economy and deepen its revenue base , adding that the government must intensify efforts at increasing remittances by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to Federation Account, improve tax administration to enhance compliance, address fiscal leakages and corruption and reduce the cost of governance in all tiers of the government.

He said emphasis should be on efficiency of tax administration not imposition of new taxes or fees on investors, stressing that taxes must reflect the ability to pay in order to meet its desired distributive role.

He said: “We advise against imposition of excessive fees and charges on businesses in the name of expanding revenue from non-oil sector of the economy. The government

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

and its agencies should, refrain from policy choices that could further stifle investments.”

The LCCI boss said the budget proposal is very significant, coming especially at a time the economy is facing profound revenue shocks arising from the slump in the global oil prices. He maintained that the budget is also important because it is coming in an election year and therefore has transitional significance.

“We note and commend the scenario approach to the budget adopted in the light of the volatility of the global oil price. The prevailing economic condition necessitates that the budget should be structured to ensure cost savings, optimal revenue generation, fiscal efficiency and curbing fiscal leakages. “The budget at this time should also seek to create an enabling environment and stimulate investments to ensure the diversification of the economy,” he added.

On oil price $65 per barrel, benchmark he noted that the proposed by the executive is too optimistic given the current reality of the global oil market.

He said the fundamentals of supply and demand in the oil market cannot support this benchmark in the short to medium terms, pointing out that currently, oil price is at less than $50 per barrel.

He said: “The benchmark therefore should be brought close to current global oil market reality, somewhere between $40 -$45 per barrel. Ideally, the benchmark should be significantly below the actual price in order to create room for possible savings and adjustments for volatility shocks.”

• From left: Directors, AAACE Foods, Ms. Nnenna Onyewuchi, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Temi Jebutu, and General Tunde Reis (rtd), during the inauguration of the firm’s factory at Sango Ota, Ogun State.

Fuel importation, national embarrassment, says David-West F

ORMER Minister of Pe troleum, Prof. Tam David-West, has described continued importation of petroleum products as a national embarrassment, adding that it showed that the oil and gas industry is a “badly managed entity”.

He said it was also a reflection of bad leadership that had encouraged corruption.

David-West, who was minister under the military regime of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) regretted that since the construction of the 150, 000 barrel per day (bpd) PortHarcourt Refinery II in the 80s, no other refinery had been built in spite of the huge revenue that had accrued from the sector and the number of fuel users in the country.

On the crash of crude oil price, David-West, who is also a retired professor of virology, argued that the gov-

By Muyiwa Lucas

ernment should have by now, reduced the pump price of petrol. He based his argument on the government’s reason while increasing fuel pump price in 2012 that it was due to the landing costs of the commodity.

He asked rhetorically: “Now that crude oil price has crashed considerably, it, therefore, should translate to a reduction in the landing cost. So, why has the pump price not been reduced locally?”

David-West said the failure of the government to reduce the pump price of petroleum products is an indication of government’s insensitivity to the citizens’ plight, adding that from all indications, a litre of fuel should not sell

for more than N40 locally, insisting that the price of N97 per litre is a complete rip-off of the public.

He said: “There is no justification for not reducing the pump price of fuel. What the Federal Government is doing by not reducing the pump price is to transfer the financial burden they created on the public in the hope of using the excess proceed on the product to make up for the mis-managed wealth of the country. It is clear that the government is not taking care of the people and that is bad governance.”

He said in the wake of the price crash, countries, such as America had cut their local pricing. David-West’s position was validated by the recent reduction in the

fuel price in Kenya by the country’s Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

ERC’s mandate, which is to ensure the regulation of electrical energy, petroleum and related products, renewable energy and other forms of energy, also protects the interest of consumers, investor and other stakeholders.

In reducing the price, the ERC was said to have noted the weighted average cost of imported refined petroleum products, which made it possible for the reduction of super petrol by 9.13 Kenyan shillings, while diesel and kerosene went down by 7.50 and 5.78 shillings. The fuel price drop is the highest since the ERC was set up four years ago. Super petrol is down to 92 Kenyan shillings per litre; Diesel is at 83 Kenyan shillings per litre, while Kerosene is down to 65 Kenyan shillings.

‘Expatriate quota abuse, local content’s greatest challenge’ F

OR Nigerians to benefit more from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGID) Act 2010, the government must demonstrate enough political will and commitment to address some defects in the policy, particularly abuse of expatriate quota, an Abuja-based oil and gas consultant, Mr. Ifeanyi Izeze, has said.

Izeze, a geologist, decried the rate at which oil and gas firms flout the local content law, especially in expatriate quota.

He said this was partly responsible for the increasing rate of unemployment in the country.

The NOGID Act 2010, which

By Chikodi Okereocha

derives from the Nigerian Content Policy, defines Nigerian Content as ‘the quantum of composite value added to or created in the Nigerian economy by a development of capacity and capabilities through the use of human, material resources and services in the oil and gas industry.’’

He, however, pointed out that the implementation of the Act was in favour of foreigners. He noted that menial jobs were being dished out by oil and gas firms to expatriates, saying this was ille-

gal.

He said the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other foreign operators took advantage of the government’s lack of political will to monitor, implement, and enforce the Act to shortchange Nigerians. This they do by bringing in expatriates to take over jobs meant for Nigerians with all benefits that accrue to the positions while Nigerians who are better qualified for the jobs are denied the opportunity.

Although he hailed the policy, he said all the institutions involved in the monitoring, implementation, and

enforcement of the Act, such as the Immigrations Department of the Ministry of Interior, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), the Navy and Marine Police, including the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), have been politicised.

The institutions have been working at variance with the stipulations of the Local Content Act by granting waivers to please their interests, which most times are tied to corruption in the government.

According to him, only the demonstration of political will by the government will ensure Nigerians benefit from the policy.

‘Why commercial banks are not funding airlines’

T

HE Managing Director of Discovery Air, Cap tain Mohammed Abdulsalami, has criticised the regime of double digit interest rate, which is the base lending rates approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), saying it is the major reason banks are unwilling to fund the aviation industry He said the base lending rate approved for the banks for the sector is not favourable because no domestic airline can access loan from the bank to buy aircraft and is expected to pay over

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

20 per cent interest on such funds.

The Discovery Air chief said airlines in other parts of the world access funds from financial institutions paying as low as between two and three per cent as interest, adding that it explains why airlines in developed countries don’t close shop so easily.

He urged the Federal Government to provide soft loans to the operators, arguing that such financial inter-

vention that would enable them acquire new aircraft.

He said: “Many domestic carriers cannot buy new aircraft because the interest rate charged by commercial banks is too high. The reason the banks cannot lend huge loans to airlines is because they have a base lending rate determined by the CBN. “If airlines get soft loans from government, they could buy new aircraft from it. In the developed world, interest rate by banks to airlines is be-

tween one and two per cent.

In Nigeria, where the interest rate is over 20 per cent, how do you expect domestic carriers to compete with foreign airlines that enjoy such credit facility from their governments and financial institutions?

“If airlines could get such credit facility at two or three per cent interest rate, that would be free money to buy new aircraft But, domestic operators will find it difficult to compete if they pay over 24 per cent interest rate on loans.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

27

ISSUES Last year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) failed to meet its N1.2 trillion revenue target. This was in spite of the 35 per cent duty imposed by the Federal Government on imported used vehicles and the collection of 70 per cent duty on brand new ones. The failure of the NCS has been blamed on the grant of waivers. Maritime operators and stakeholders say the effects of the waivers in terms of job creation and infrastructural development are yet to be seen, NDUKA CHIEJINA and OLUWAKEMI DAUDA report.

•A vessel

T

HE inability of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to meet its N1.2 trillion revenue target last year has been attributed to t he indiscriminate waivers granted by the federal government to companies and individuals listed and not listed under, or covered by Schedule Two of the Common External Tariff for import duty exemptions.

A senior terminal operator who craved anonymity, told The Nation that despite the N20billion waivers granted the energy companies between January and May last year, all the terminals at the Lagos ports still depended on private sources of power. He said the trend is worrisome because there appears to be no end in sight.

The official complained that they use between six and eight drums of diesel everyday to power their generators and other equipment. He attributed the high cost of goods clearance at the ports to the failure of government to power the ports despite the fact that it was part of the concession agreement for it to do so.

“Last year, the Federal Government said, based on its commitment to tackling the epileptic power situation in the country, and addressing the issue of estimated billing, it granted about N19.662 billion in waivers and exemption to energy firms in the

How import duty waivers, concessions deplete economy country between January and May last year and the effect of it is yet to seen anywhere, not even the ports where the Federal Government generates several billions of naira every week.

“As far as many of us operating at the ports are concerned, some of the waivers granted by government are favoured waivers that violate all known anti-trust laws and deplete the nation's economy,” the official said.

The official lamented that most Nigerian rulers behave as if they have no stake in the country, lamenting that they run the system without conscience.

“Our rulers have failed to demonstrate to us that they are leaders. They have failed to display the required patriotism to move the people and the country forward,” he said, adding that import duty waivers,

exemptions and concessions which are used to protect local businesses and jobs elsewhere, have been abused many times in the country, causing huge losses to the economy.

He alleged that those responsible for granting the waivers have abused the system, and denied the country and the economy the much-needed revenues with attendant benefits associated with it. He wondered why there is no power at the ports despite the huge amount of money generated from it and the waivers granted by the government for imported equipment.

Investigation also revealed that all Customs offices at the Lagos ports including the offices belonging to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other government agencies, run on power

generating plants 24 hours. The NCS at the Tin-Can Port alone uses over five drums of diesel everyday to deliver its core function of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Some benefiting firms Waivers and exemptions amounting to about N19.662 billion were granted to energy firms in the country in five months, between January and May last year. The amount is 51.23 per cent of the N38.381 billion allocated to the Ministry of Water Resources in the 2014 budget; 31.48 per cent of the N62.45 billion allocated to Power; 31.75 per cent of the N61.928 billion allocated to Petroleum Resources and 29.5 per cent of the N66.645 billion allocated to agriculture.

Data from the Budget Office of the Federation, Ministry of Finance, showed that oil and gas firms enjoyed about N18.881 billion in waivers and exemptions, while power companies enjoyed N780 million.

Government said based on its commitment to tackling epileptic power situation in the country and the need to address the issue of estimated billing, it was extending N326.174 million grant in exemptions to two pre-paid electricity meter companies for the importation of metering facilities. The companies are • Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

28

ISSUES • Continued from page 27

Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited and Mojec International Limited.

Specifically, Momas got two exemptions: the first was for N32.272 million for the importation of semi-knocked down meters and three-phase normal credit meters, as well as one and three-phase standard prepayment meters and all other related equipment.

The second exemption, amounting to N163.69 million was for the importation of meter plastic machines and accessories, compression mould machine and all other meter related equipment.

Mojec International, on the other hand, got N130.213 million in exemption for the importation of machinery/equipment and components for single and three-phase prepaid meters.

Indorama Eleme Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited, accounted for 53.4 per cent, or N10billion of the total waivers and exemptions granted to energy firms in the period under review. It enjoyed a N6.96 billion waiver for the importation of its machinery, equipment and spare parts for the utilisation of natural gas meant to bring about an increase in power generation.

The company was also granted a N3.54 billion waiver for the importation of fertiliser equipment, catalysts and chemicals, pile and spare parts, among others.

Also, Chevron Nigeria Limited enjoyed a waiver of N4.88 billion for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts for the Escravos Gas to Liquids (EGTL) plant, and a host of other pipelines.

United Cement Company of Nigeria got N1.969 billion in exemption for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts aimed at boosting natural gas utilisation and power supply.

NIPCO Plc also got N1.087 billion in exemption for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Other energy firms that got waivers and exemptions in the period under review include Green Fuels Limited--N14.37 million, for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts for compressed natural gas (CNG) to Independent Power Plants (IPPs). Edo Cement Company Limited got N240 million for the importation of gas generators, plants, machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Accugas Limited got N30.87 million in exemption for machinery, equipment and spare parts for pipeline while Exterran Nigeria Limited got N66.09 million in exemption for the acquisition of natural gas powered compressors and spare parts.

Procter and Gamble was not let out of the spreee as it got N29.754 million in exemption for machinery, equipment and spares.

Others are Sumal Foods Limited - N42.878 million; Federal Ministry of Power/ Marubeni Engineering Corporation N454.185 million and De United Foods Industries Limited - N19.978 million.

Waivers in other countries The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said import duty waivers are mechanisms employed by countries to meet their economic goals, especially in protecting local industries, creating jobs, promoting exports, as well as generating and preserving foreign exchange.

Shittu explained that waivers are also used to exclude local industries from paying import duty on certain goods for a fixed period. Countries such as Malaysia, Japan, India, China and others, at various times, have used import duty waivers, concessions and exemptions to protect and build their local manufacturing, agricultural, textile and motor industries.

Today, all these countries have become export-oriented economic power giants, he said.

Waivers in Nigeria Part of the objectives of the waivers in Nigeria, the ANLCA chief said, are to boost local industries, make the much-needed raw materials or goods available in the short-term and generate employment.

However, he said for many years, none of these lofty objectives has been achieved, saying most of the local industries have closed shops for lack of raw materials, resulting in the growing army of the jobless in the country.

•President Jonathan

•Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

•Dikko

How import duty waivers deplete economy Investigations have shown that some organisations that got waivers for equipment used them to import furniture, cars, clothings and other luxuries that have no direct impact on the economy.

Waivers, foreign firms and job loss The Managing Director, Nigeria Gas and Steel Limited, Hasib Moukarim, said indiscriminate grant of waivers to foreign firms by the Federal Government has led to the loss of several billions of naira and millions of jobs.

He said government should end the regime of waivers and concessions to importers of finished products, stressing that such waivers were depleting government's earnings, while enriching foreign firms.

He said for the Customs to meet its revenue target this year, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, must synergise and ensure that the waivers achieve its objectives.

He urged Nigerians to defend the interest of local manufacturers against government's unfavourable policies and foreign domination of the nation's emerging market.

"When finished goods are brought into the country duty-free, we are directly creating employment for workers of the foreign companies because such goods imported with waivers will become cheaper than the locally produced ones and this will increase the demand and sale of foreign manufacturers," Moukarin said.

He said by granting waivers to foreign companies, locally produced goods have become more expensive while demand had gone down. He noted that this development is threatening the survival of local companies that the waivers were designed to protect.

"This type of scenario has forced many companies to retrench substantial percentage of their workforce with the consequence of worsening the unemployment situation in the country," he said.

He said for any company to qualify for waiver, or concession, the Federal Ministries of Finance as well as Industry, Trade and Investment should conduct a thorough investigations to verify the authenticity of the items the beneficiaries intend to import without paying duty.

Local manufacturers have complained in the past that some foreign companies are abusing waivers by importing more than what they need for their projects and flooding the market with the surplus, thereby killing local industries.

Minister of Finance, NCS

disagree over figures The controversy over the accuracy of the data and figures on the value of the waivers and concessions is made more curious by the contradictions in the figures given as waivers by the Comptroller General, NCS, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala.

Abdullahi who spoke on the floor of the National Assembly when he was invited to explain the shortfalls in projected revenue last year, said in the last three years, the country had lost N1.4 trillion to import waivers. But Dr. Okonjo-Iweala said the amount was N171 billion.

A senior NCS officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said more than 65 per cent of beneficiaries received the grant for goods not approved by the government, which ordinarily should be limited to raw materials, machinery and spare parts.

A memo signed by the Minister of State, Finance, Yerima Ngama, and dated December 11, 2013, explained that the Federal Government has expanded the scope of the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDCC) to cover "other goods," a decision, Mr. Ngama said, was reached by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Investigation however showed that the list of beneficiaries include private individuals and businesses whose imports appear not valuable to the economy.

The Customs officer said there were so many questionable waivers. For instance, he said, a total of N91.506 billion was given as concessions to 290 beneficiaries between January and December 31, 2011. He said one of the firms which he claimed was the biggest beneficiary, got N32.774 billion, stating that there was no indication about the line of business for which it was granted the incentive.

Besides, he alleged that about N389.15 billion was granted to 149 entities in 2011 through concessions on fuel, lubricants and allied businesses. He said the list included major oil marketers that received over N145.7 billion worth of waivers. He added that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a few other companies received about N143 billion in waivers as well.

For 2012, the Customs official said a total of N191.545 billion was granted to 416 beneficiaries, including individuals and private businesses, adding that another 287 beneficiaries, got a total of N83.260billion in concessions and waivers for imports between January and end of September last year.

He alleged that a major motor dealer was granted N698.177million for importing fully built four-wheel drive motor

‘

As far as many of us operating at the ports are concerned, some of the waivers granted by the government are favoured waivers that violate all known anti-trust laws and deplete the nation's economy

’

vehicles, motorised tanks and other armoured vehicles. Between 2010 and 2013, records showed that the motor firm received about N2.46billion concession from the government for the importation of vehicles valued at about N7.932billion.

A senior official, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Ben Ndee, said import duty waivers in Nigeria only serve as a tool to enrich politicians and should therefore be scrapped.

He said import duty waivers in "customs duty waiver speaks volume of profligacy in our country." He said the NCS should be repositioned to check this fraud to enhance its revenue target and boost the economy.

Chairman, ANLCA, Ikorodu Chapter, Chief Tomi Aloba, said since duty free imports are sold in the market at expensive prices like those with payable duty, the benefits of import duty waivers, are lost and therefore, needless.

“A manufacturer importing raw materials that was given duty waiver sells his products at the same price as the same commodity imported without waiver, so, what is the need? There is no need for it,” he said. Another clearing agent and a chieftain of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Ugochukwu Nnadi, also said the import duty waiver has been abused and should be scrapped.

However, a member of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Ajanowu Vincent, disagrees. He said there are certain categories of imports for which waivers should be granted to boost local industries and enhance production capacity.

Effects of waivers Investigation revealed that in recent months, waivers granted to some individuals were used to import refined vegetable oil, soya bean meal and related products. This has put local vegetable oil producers on the verge of extinction.

For instance, investigation has shown that most of the oil mills in Kano, including Nigeria Oil Mills, Kano Oil Mills and PS Mandrid, located in Bompai Industrial Estate, have closed down with attendant loss of over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Also in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Jos, where there are oil and related mills, the spokes-man of the producers, Mr Alaba Salau, said the operators were not finding it easy with many imported vegetable oil in the market.

He said: “While few of us are just managing to survive, many others are making arrangement to close down and start importation. But that is not a good omen for the country because one of the by-products of vegetable oil mill is used for animal feed by poultry farmers.

“The irony of granting waivers is that while the Federal Government tells Nigerians of its resolve to promote madein-Nigeria goods, in secret, it grants waivers to political associates and cronies to import and make cheap money, thereby undermining local production,” he said.

• Continued on page 29

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

29

BUSINESS AFRICA

NSE targets foreign firms as locals T face oil rout

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is seeking to attract companies from outside Africa’s biggest economy to sell shares as slumping oil prices weigh on local businesses.

“We want to reposition ourselves as an exchange that takes care of entrepreneurial growth,” NSE’s Chief Executive Officer Oscar Onyema said in Lagos.

The bourse plans to “widen our geography so that we increase listings and support companies looking to raise capital in other countries,” he said.

said. The market’s performance will be driven by how the nation manages potential stumbling blocks including the February election, slumping naira, Islamist insurgency in the country’s northeast and the financial performance of the companies, he said.

“As we reduce the uncertainties, we will see more market activity,” Onyema said. “The crude oil shocks that made foreign investors try to manage their currency risk by selling down their equity position is not affecting the domestic investors.”

•A full flight Boeing 787 dreamliner flight simulator belonging to Ethiopian Airlines installed at the Aviation Academy in Addis Ababa.

AIRPORTS Company South Africa (Acsa) and airlines will roll out a campaign from February 2 at all SA airports to enforce hand luggage regulations.

The campaign will inform and educate passengers and travel agents about the prescribed restrictions and the impact on travellers.

The hand luggage allowance is as follows:Economy-class passengers are allowed one bag plus one slimline laptop bag. Business/ first-class passengers are allowed two bags plus one slimline laptop bag. Handbags are considered part of a female’s wardrobe and not as hand luggage.

Slimline laptop bags must be of a size and thickness specifically designed to carry a laptop and charger. Bags capable of carrying other items such as documents and clothes are not permitted.

No bag should exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (total dimensions of 115cm) or weigh more than 7kg per bag. Bag weight may vary according to airline specifications.

If hand baggage does not comply, the passenger will be referred back to the check-in counters to check in the baggage as hold baggage. Extra fees may apply, as per each airline’s guidelines.

The enforcement of this programme will be led by airlines operating at Acsa airports and supported by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

Falling copper price affects Zambian debt

SAA achieves IATA status

The equities gauge in Africa’s biggest oil producer, which relies on the commodity for almost all of its exports, fell 32 percent since the end of June, with crude prices tumbling more than 50 percent in the period. The goal of reaching a $1 trillion market capitalisation by 2016 is no longer possible because of the selloff, Onyema said.

The NSE All Share Index (NGSEINDX) rose 0.8 percent to

29,034.89 by the close in Lagos, paring its 2015 retreat to 16 percent.

That’s still the worst among 14 African indexes tracked by Bloomberg.

“We see a huge potential for listing in Nigeria but we have not been able to convert it into actual listing,” he said, citing disclosure issues, valuations and taxes.

The exchange will introduce new rules on the cost of trading, Onyema

298 for PZ Cussons’ Baby Contest

F

OLLOWING the submission of entries for the Cussons Baby Moments Competition 2, which started a few months ago, the search has begun for the baby who will emerge the winner. A total of 298 entries have applied as opposed to the maiden edition of 202.

According to the Brand Manager, Miss Oluwaseun Ayeni, the selection criteria for Season 2 will be in four stages comprising a combination of public votes and selection by an independent panel of judges.

She said: “The first stage was the determination of the top 50 with the highest number of likes on Facebook while the second stage will see the judges prune down the top 50 to the best 20 based on the personalities, appeal and fit to brand essence. Stage 3 is expected to take the shortlisted top 20 back to Facebook where the public will have the opportunity to decide who the best 10 will be. Stage 4 is the grand finale where the eventual winner will be decided by the judges”.

Ayeni explained that the selection criteria as well as the credibility of the judges will ensure the right winner emerges. She said the promotional platform engenders a positive rapport between the brand and its consumers, as it has provided an opportunity for the latter to be rewarded for their loyalty.

Senior Brand Manager, Family Care, Aro Olalekan, said as a global brand PZ Cussons has been a leader in the baby segment.

“Based on that, we believe it’s necessary that we give back to consumers for their loyalty to the brand. For us, it is an opportunity to thank them for patronising and keeping faith with us over the years. It is one of our ways of telling the consumers that they will always remain evergreen in our heart because we appreciate them”.

S

LIDING copper prices and an early presidential election are deterring investors in Zambian debt, the worst-performing dollar bonds in Africa this year.

The southern African nation’s Eurobonds lost 5.7 percent in 2015, the biggest decline among 58 emerging markets after Venezuela, according to Bloomberg indexes. The yields jumped 114 basis points this year to 8.24 percent on Jan. 14, the highest since April.

Copper, which accounts for more than 70 percent of export earnings, dropped to the lowest level since July 2009, and is headed for biggest weekly drop in three years.

“Snap elections are approaching so there may be some more selling” of the debt, Richard Segal, head of emerging-markets credit strategy at Jefferies International Ltd., said yesterday by phone from London. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they were go to 8.6 percent or 8.7 percent.”

Copper is the worst performing

metal this year on the Bloomberg Commodity Index, which tumbled to the weakest in 12 years this week after the World Bank cut forecasts for global growth. Zambian voters will choose a successor on Jan. 20 to Michael Sata, who died in October. Defense and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu of Sata’s Patriotic Front will face former Vice President Nevers Mumba’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy and Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development.

The election is a race between Lungu and Hichilema, Neo Simutanyi, director at the Lusakabased Centre for Policy Dialogue, said in an interview yesterday. A leadership battle caused support to wane for Mumba, he said. Mumba pledged to review mining taxes the Chamber of Mines said would lead to closures, even before the copperprice decline, and which nearly triples royalties for some operations.

While the lower rates for the metal used in piping and wiring may not

have a major immediate impact on Zambia’s economy, a “precipitous drop” could cause mines in Africa’s second-biggest producer of the metal to scale back, Tobias Rasmussen, the International Monetary Fund’s resident representative, said in an e-mail on Jan. 14.

Yields on Zambia’s $1 billion debt due April 2024 fell seven basis points yesterday to 8.17 percent, ending four days of increases. The nation’s kwacha strengthened less than 0.1 percent to 6.5350 per dollar by 7:45 a.m. today in Lusaka, the capital, paring its loss this week to 1 percent.

“The recent weakening is more due to copper than politics” although there may be a “light rebound” with yields on debt improving after the elections, Stuart Culverhouse, the chief economist at Exotix Partners LLP in London, said by phone yesterday. Lower commodity prices may persist, which will drag on “Zambia sentiment for a longer period,” he said.

How duty waivers deplete economy • Continued from page 28

A Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (Human Resources), said in 2011 alone, the Federal Government lost N37.2 billion to import duty waivers granted importers of raw materials alone.

This was equivalent to seven per cent of the total Customs collection for the year.

Following public outcry against such brazen abuses of the nation’s fiscal laws, the Dr. Okonjo-Iweala announced on September 22, 2011 that the President will no longer grant such waivers and that all "those who usually go to see the President at night will no longer be allowed to do so. If they have any proposal, it must be presented to the Economic Team.”

In Nigeria, well-connected

Acsa to crack down on hand luggage allowance

importers secure waivers on duty, levy, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) charges, Comprehensive Import Scheme (CIS) and other charges. As a result, abuse of the waivers is routine as politicians and businessmen continue to collude to undermine the nation’s economy.

Since 2010, the import waiver cartel have ensured the sustenance of their nefarious activities. “A company (name withheld) got the authority's nod to import 250,000 metric tons of rice with waivers on import duty.

The company got waivers on import duty, ETLS, CISS and other charges, whereas the company's name does not exist on the database of the Corporate Affairs

Commission (CAC),” a senior NCS offcer said.

According to the Customs and Exercise Department, a ton of rice (20 bags) cost $550 (about N82,000), while importers are expected to pay 0.5 per cent as ETLS, one per cent as CIS, 10 per cent as duty and 20 per cent for levy. However all these were waived.

The list of Nigerians involved in import waivers racket include clerics, business men listed in Forbes Magazine as the some of the richest in Africa and former governors.

Task before the National Assembly Shittu said the National Assembly needs to wake up to its responsibility as a constitutional

SAVED ON MAC. 45 as Issues Bees-Monday 19-01-15

organ for checks and balances. The constitution, he said, empowers the parliament to make laws and approve all public spending.

Where the government serially flouts the laws, the lawmakers are empowered to correct the situation.

Olabintan also said the lawmakers must continue to perform their oversight functions and should not allow the executive to carry on as it pleases.

Other operators said the lawmakers should stop the Presidency and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and the Customs from granting waivers except they are approved by the parliament.

Stakeholders in the economy have urged the National Assembly to protect the nation's economy by scrapping indiscriminate duty waivers.

SOUTH African Airways (SAA) has become one of only two global carriers (alongside Finnair) to achieve Stage 2 status of the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA); a comprehensive airline environmental management programme.

IEnvA seeks to introduce sustainability standards for airlines to cover all areas of an airline’s operations including air quality and emissions, noise, fuel consumption and efficient operations, recycling, energy efficiency, sustainable procurement, biofuels and many more.

SAA was also one of six airlines to participate in the initial phase, Stage 1, of the Programme in June 2013.

IEnvA is a stringent environmental assessment programme based on recognised international environmental management systems such as ISO 14001. It was developed jointly by leading airlines and environmental consultants and SAA has been part of this process from its genesis and currently chairs the IEnvA Oversight Working Group.

Ogun Council chair presents budget

THE Chairman, Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State Hon. Olawale Shittu has presented a budget of N1,628, 869, 428 for 2015. It is tagged the ‘Budget of continuity’.

In a statement, the council’s Head, Department, Education, Information and Sports, Ayoola Abadimu, said of the amount, N1, 242, 069, 328 is voted for recurrent expenditure while the balance is for capital expenditure.

He said the sum is in tandem with the projected revenue from the council’s sources of income. He added that the chairman said the budget was put together in compliance with the Financial Memoranda for Local Government model and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

30

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

• From left: Executive Secretary, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Fatai Adegbenro; President, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu; Consultant, ANN Plc, Pastor Segun Olatunji; and Deputy President, NCRIB, Mr Kayode Okunoren at the NCRIB management retreat in Lagos.

Insurers form $4m pool to boost oil, gas business

T

HE Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has formed a $4million pool to boost oil and gas insurance business.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel inaugurated the Technical Management Board of the Energy and Allied Risks Insurance Pool of Nigeria (EAIPN) in Abuja.

The group said the pool was formed to retain capacity in oil and gas underwriting, curb capital flight and grow the market in energy and allied risks underwriting.

The pool is being promoted by member-companies of the NIA headed by the Chairman, Godwin Wiggle.

Presenting the Technical Board of the Pool to the Commissioner for Insurance, its Chairman, Wole Oshin, said it has 14 subscribers, who contributed 40 per cent of their subscribed lines.

The companies are Leadway As-

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

surance Company Limited, Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc, Aiico Insurance Plc, Lasaco Assurance Plc and Royal Exchange Insurance Co. Ltd. Others are Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Linkage Assurance Plc, Industrial And General Insurance Plc, Nigerian Agric Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Prestige Assurance Plc, NEM Insurance Plc and NSIA Insurance.

Oshin expressed optimism that other companies that had expressed their interest in the pool would subscribe to it after the launching of the EAIPN. He said Africa-Re emerged as the manager of the pool after a rigorous selection, adding that the company is expected to use its global outreach and experience to manage

the pool profitably and build the requisite capacity.

He said: “The technical management board went through a rigorous process in selecting Africa Re as the manager of the Pool. They have a very strong pedigree and an excellent track record in the management of pools.

“We are really counting on their expertise to build capacity and grow the local market and we trust that they will deliver on this mandate.”

He expressed hope that with NAICOM’s backing, there would be a structure to guarantee the continuous funding of the pool and ensure that it is adequately patronised. “The Board anticipates a situation where a large proportion of businesses emanating from the country will have some element of the pool,” he added.

At a ceremony at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in

NAICOM sets up committee on transformation agenda

T

O grow the industry, the National Insurance Com mission (NAICOM) has set up a committee to achieve to implement its three-year transformation agenda.

NAICOM Assistant Director, Corporate Affairs, Salami Rasaaq, told reporters in Lagos that this was included in the four-point plan proposed at the last December Insurance Summit by the Commission and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

According to him, the plan includes the enforcement of public interest in compulsory insurance, job creation, building consumer trust and public awareness and also improved access to insurance.

He said the committee was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, is headed by Mohammed Kari, the NAICOM Deputy Commissioner, Technical.

He added that the mandate of the committee was to ensure that the commission maintained

ownership of the agreed initiative as contained in the report of the summit.

He said the committee would ensure that all stakeholders performed their assigments well.

He said: “The internal committee was set up to ensure that there is effectiveness and that all the aspirations and plans on the transformation agenda are achieved by the industry. Apart from monitoring, the internal committee will make input in deliberations of both the subcommittees and the steering committee. They will also ensure that whatever goal assigned to NAICOM in the next three years is done in a seamless manner, efficiently and effectively.

“The Commission believes that a buoyant insurance sector would result in greater contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and lead to a robust economy for Nigeria and with the support of the Federal Government, the commission

would achieve its planned goal.

“There is no contractor today in this country that can do any contract without having a tax clearance, without the office asking for a certificate of compliance to PENCOM Act. We are working with government to replicate this with the compulsory insurances. When this is implemented, it will generate a lot of premium for the industry and we are hoping this will take effect from this year as already promised by the CME.” Salami explained that the agenda was proposed to boost the size of the industry, adding that in the next three years, the gross written premium of the industry would rise from N300 billion to N1trillion.

The number of policy holders is expected to increase from three million people to 10 million in the next three years while the number of tghose employed in the industry is expected to move from 30,000 to 100,000 during the period, he added.

Abuja, the Commissioner congratulated the NIA Chairman on actualising his desire for a pool that would address some of the challenges faced by companies in oil and gas underwriting.

Daniel said the coming of the pool was long overdue as the benefits were immense, adding that most international players in oil and gas business were waiting for the market to make a move.

He promised that the Commission would support the pool and encourage more companies to subscribe, adding that the pool presents a great opportunity for the industry to retain capacity and reduce capital flight.

“I can tell you that I am delighted to have this event. All my discussions with some players at the Lloyds market in London point to

the fact that Nigeria is not ready to retain capacity and grow the market because the players have refused to establish pools.

“With the inauguration of the technical management board of the pool, you have taken the bold and positive step to curb capital flight and grow the local capacity and I am sure the multinationals will be excited about this,” he added.

He expressed the hope that claims payment would be a major thrust of the pool and congratulated the NIA for ensuring that the pool became a success. He added that he was satisfied with the decision of the Technical Management Board to appoint Africa Re as pool manager.

He said the company is committed to developing the market.

NCRIB advises fire victims on insurance cover

T

HERE is need for insurance cover to mitigate the losses of goods and properties in many market places in the country, President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu, has said.

He spoke while commiserating with victims of fire disasters in Iron Rod Market, Agodi, Ibadan and Balogun markets in Lagos.

He said the council was pained by the losses and seized the opportunity to canvass the need for adequate preventive measures against fire.

Lamenting the losses, he noted that such could be better prevented and mitigated if the victims had embraced insurance policies.

He said the fires had deprived many market men and women their means of livelihood and survival, adding that they are the breadwinners of their families.

He said the disasters further deplete the national wealth as most of the victims constitute a chunk of middle class who are contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Shoderu said this was why the economy was not growing, noting that insurance is the last hope of humanity. “If loss occurs and insurance has been purchased, it puts the individual in better stead as if no loss

occurred. But where no insurance has been purchased, it causes a reduction in wealth by the amount of value of those insurable assets,’’ he added.

He, however, called on the government to embark on aggressive asset protection through public enlightenment about risk prevention and control in major market in Nigeria.

He reiterated the call for compulsory insurance of all markets and public edifices as enshrined in the Insurance Act 1997 (section 64 and 65) on insurance of public buildings.

He said: “NCRIB sympathised with victims of the twin fire incidents both in Lagos and Ibadan, where properties worth millions of naira were lost; but however, implored individuals and corporate institutions to always conform to extant fire laws in public places as well as avail themselves the benefits of insurance, particularly those that relates to fire and property.

“The Council also advised politicians to embrace insurance, especially at this crucial electioneering period owing to cases of recent attacks within the political circles. This period is characterised by high level exposure to diverse human and material risks that could be mitigated if the political class factors in insurance into their plans.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

31

MONEYLINK

Naira, falling oil price, top agenda as MPC meets

T

HE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting which begins today will focus on measures that would strengthen the naira, especially in the face of declining oil price, analysts have said.

In the last six months, crude oil price has plumetted to about $45 per barrel from $100, with its backlash already taking a toll on the local currency as well as the 2015 budget.

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is likely to consider further depreciation of the naira if the oil price slump persists.

“The hawkish monetary policy stance of the MPC is therefore not expected to change at today’s meet-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ing. However, the monetary authority will be careful since further tightening may be detrimental as the general election is less than three weeks from the scheduled January MPC meeting. Meanwhile, administrative tools will continue to be used to support the monetary policy,” he said.

Continuing, Rewane said the status quo is likely to be maintained at the meeting. “However, threats from increased political spending, growth in money supply, liquidity overhang in the banking system, continued decline in global oil prices, external reserves depletion and a sustained pressure on the naira are underlining threats to consumer price,” he said.

The committee had at the MPC

meeting of November 25, moved the midpoint of the official window of the foreign exchange market from N155/dollar to N168/ dollar.

It also widened the band around the midpoint by 200 basis points from plus or minus three per cent to plus or minus five per cent.

The committee also increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the base lending rate, by 100 basis points from 12 to 13 per cent while the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on private sector deposits also rose by 500 basis points from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. It also retained public sector CRR at its current level of 75 per cent. The CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept with the CBN. Analysts said the fall in oil production has created pressure on the

public finances, leading to the federal government’s submission of a budget amendment to the National Assembly. “Given this analysis and the modest decrease in official reserves to just below $34.6 billion, the committee is unlikely to trim either the policy rate or the CRR for fear of the impact on the naira exchange rate,” they said.

They attributed the drop in reserves partly to the exit of some offshore portfolio investors after Bernanke’s remarks adding that the position warrants caution from the MPC. “The committee’s view is that the exchange rate has more impact on inflation than interest rates. We would be surprised, therefore, if it was to jeopardise its impressive record on singledigit inflation,” they said.

DMO eyes N105b bonds next month

T

HE Debt Management Office (DMO) is expected to raise N105 billion next month.

Though non-approval of the 2015 budget remains a challenge for the feat, Head African Markets at FBN Capital, Olubunmi Ashaolu has said.

In a report titled: ‘Sufficient auction demand for FGN bonds’, he insisted that the DMO’s challenges are set to mount in the absence of an approved budget for this year. He said the DMO’s calendar for this quarter showed that it hopes to raise between N75 billion and N105 billion in February.

He said the DMO held its latest monthly auction of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) bonds last week and raised N72 billion ($390 million) from the sale of three debt instruments.

“The direction of the marginal rates (effective cut-off points) since the pre-

vious auction was mixed: a narrowing of one basis points (bps) on the July 2034s and a widening of 23 bps on the March 2024s.

He said the total bid of N130 billion was a welcome increase on the N94 billion recorded in December although the participation of offshore investors was again negligible.

The local institutions were therefore more visible than the previous month although on a scale much reduced from that prevailing up to September last year.

“The DMO marginally missed its target of collecting N73 billion in January. It raised N20billion from the sale of March 2024s., rather than its aim of N25 billion, yet compensated by selling N28billion of the long bonds, rather than its target of N24 billion. The range of bids (12 per cent to 17.5 per cent) for the 10-year paper was likely the telling factor.

Demand was highest for the April 20‘17s. Investors can position themselves at the short end of a relatively flat yield curve,” he said.

Meanwhile, JP Morgan said on Friday it would assess Nigeria’s suitability to remain in a key emerging currency bond index because of a lack of liquidity in the African country’s forex and bond markets.

The bank, which runs the most commonly used emerging debt indexes, said it had placed Nigeria on a negative index watch and would assess its place on the Government Bond Index (GBI-EM) over the next three to five months.

Removal from the index would force funds tracking to sell Nigerian bonds from their portfolios, potentially resulting in significant capital outflows.

This in turn would raise borrowing costs for Africa’s largest

•DMO D-G Abraham Nwankwo

economy, although analysts said they did not expect JP Morgan to take such a step.

The bank added Nigeria to the widely followed index in 2012, when liquidity was improving, making it only the second African country after South Africa to be included. It added Nigeria’s 2014, 2019, 2022 and 2024 bonds, which make up 1.8 per cent of the GBI-EM Global Diversified index.

GTBank bags award

G

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc, has been awarded ‘Best Corporate Governance, Africa’, for the financial services category by the Ethical Boardroom Magazine UK. The award recognises outstanding companies that have exhibited exceptional leadership in the area of governance and professional ethics to ensure protection and longterm value for stakeholders.

The award is an acknowledgement of the bank’s strong corporate governance practices, commitment to high standards of ethical leadership and compliance with regulatory standards.

Its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje, said: “GTBank has built a reputable institution which consistently adopts, implements and applies international best practices in corporate governance, service delivery and value creation for all its stakeholders.

“We are delighted to receive this award which affirms GTBank’s position as a one of the leading banks in Africa whilst also reiterating and confirming our commitment to ethics, professionalism, integrity, quality service delivery, innovation and internationally accepted corporate governance standards.”

GTBank was the first local bank to be awarded an ISO 9001: 2000 certification by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the first to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) reporting format.

The bank ensures compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DATA BANK AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.95 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,731.17 1,101.01 111.19 121.16 1.67 1.1840 1.2866 0.7088 1.1291

126.90 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,731.17 1,100.27 110.60 120.30 1.62 1.1779 1.2866 0.6983 1.1291

GAINERS AS AT 15-01-15

SYMBOL O/PRICE UACN 28.35 CUTIX 1.40 FLOURMILL 33.95 ZENITHBANK 15.70 UBN 8.14 LIVESTOCK 2.08 INTBREW 20.90 STERLNBANK 2.35 ASHAKACEM 19.50 VITAFOAM 3.46 ACCESS 4.93 SKYEBANK 2.15 FIDELITYBK 1.31

C/PRICE 30.98 1.47 35.64 16.48 8.54 2.18 21.89 2.16 20.40 3.60 5.12 2.22 1.34

CHANGE 9.28 5.00 1.98 4.97 4.91 4.81 4.74 4.68 4.62 4.05 3.85 3.26 2.29

LOSERS AS AT 15-01-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

IKEJAHOTEL DANGFLOUR UAC-PROP TRANSEXPR RTBRISCOE PZ CONTINSURE COSTAIN NEIMETH ABCTRANS TRANSCORP AIICO UBA

3.26 4.11 8.51 1.07 0.88 27.21 0.93 0.70 0.72 0.53 3.06 0.78 3.60

3.10 3.91 8.10 1.02 0.84 26.00 0.89 0.67 0.69 0.51 2.98 0.76 3.52

CHANGE -4.91 -4.87 -4.82 -4.67 -4.55 -4.45 -4.30 -4.29 -4.17 -3.11 -2.61 -2.56 -2.22

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 13/01/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: December

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$34.6b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$45

Money Supply (M2)

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES January 16, 2015

8%

Monetary Policy Rate

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

US Dollar

167

168

Pounds Sterling

261.9395

263.508

Euro

206.2617

207.4968

171.546

172.5732

Yen

1.3838

1.3921

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

242.3484

243.7996

Yuan/Renminbi

27.1505

27.314

Swiss Franc

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor

13-01-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 14-01-15

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

Riyal

44.4906

44.757

1M

11.94

12.18

SDR

243.2856

244.7424

3M

13.08

13.33

6M

14.03

14.17

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

165.29

165.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

185.50

185.50

0

Jan. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

13.65

T-bills - 182

13.88

T-bills - 364

13.65

Bond - 3yrs

13.81

Bond - 5yrs

13.85

Bond - 7yrs

13.83

32

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

33

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

Taxation

Enhancing VAT voluntary compliance

T

HE operation of the tax law is universally admin istered. Every person (corporate or individual) is a taxable entity no matter how, when and what method is used to conduct the business.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has adequate mechanisms to assess and bring all taxable entities into the tax net. Among these methods is cordial dialogues with stakeholders during enlightenment drives to achieve mutual understanding and promote voluntary compliance.

Registration by Taxable Persons

Section 8(q) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2007, directs the Service to issue a taxpayer identification number to every taxable person in Nigeria in collaboration with State Boards of Internal Revenue and the Local Government Revenue Boards.

Section 8(1) of the Value Added Tax Act (VATA) Cap V1 LFN, 2004 as amended in 2007 also requires taxpayers (individuals, enterprises or corporates) to register for VAT. However, when the tax identification number (TIN) is generated, it suffices and covers all the tax types as no other registration number for any tax type will be required.

Reference to Section 8(1) of the VATA as amended, it is specifically stated that “A taxable person shall, within six months of the commencement of the Act or within six months of the commencement of business, whichever is earlier, register with the Board for the purpose of the tax (VAT).”

The phrase whichever is earlier, that specifies the time for registration, has caused a lot of pain for taxpayers in VAT administration. It is not practical to expect that a business just recently incorporated (say in 2011) to have registered in 1994 for the purpose of the tax. Hence, a business incorporated after 1994 is expected to register within six months of the commencement of business.

Therefore, penalties (and other sanctions) for late registration for VAT would start counting immediately after the six months of commencement of business if the taxpayer fails to register for VAT and not six months from the commencement of the VAT Act when the business was probably not in existence.

Historical Antecedents of VAT • VAT was first introduced as consumption tax in 1919 in Germany, France (1954), UK 1973 etc.

• Introduction was occasioned by the impacts of 1st and 2nd World Wars.

• The adverse effects of direct taxation on the economy, individuals and businesses.

• The introduction of consumption tax was later modernized into VAT. • The high point of VAT is that it has no noticeable impact on the taxpayer because of its indirect nature.

VATable Income In arriving at what constitutes a VATable income, all income from sales, rentals, charges and fees relating to activities enjoyed by customers are VATable and should be charged with VAT. The law did not make provision for any activities or services that is non-VATable in the industry.

First Schedule of the Act stated Goods and Services Exempt from VAT in Nigeria.

The implication of the schedule is that any other business activity in the form of buying and selling or rendering of services or enjoying any rights which are not stated in the schedule are liable to VAT.

Duration of Remittance All VAT charges should be remitted to an FIRS office within 21 days in arrears on a prescribed form 002. This is supported by Section 15 of the Act. Meanwhile, a taxable person who does not remit the tax within the time specified above, will be liable to 5% penalty and interest at commercial rate, added to the tax and the provision relating to collection and recovery of the unremitted tax, penalty and interest shall be employed.

Similarly, a taxable person who fails to collect tax is to pay 150% of the amount not collected plus 5% interest above the Central Bank of Nigeria rediscount rate.

Concept of Voluntary Compliance FIRS encourages voluntary compliance instead of the use of coercion. Tax compliance relates to the degree to which a taxpayer complies (or fails to comply) with the tax rules of a country, for instance, by declaring income, filing returns and paying the tax due on or before the due date.

Voluntary tax compliance is a situation where a taxable person or entity files returns without the tax authority resorting to using the instruments of the law and force to ensure compliance.

It is voluntary when a taxable person discharges the statutory obligation of tax payment on self-conviction and as a call to duty without notice or reminder within the time line allowed by law.

FIRS’ Means of Enhancing Voluntary Compliance • Through education and sensitization of operators.

• Business owners should have open anmind and seek clearance from FIRS when in doubt and seek further legal advice when not satisfied.

• Regular monitoring/audit visitations to check compliance and enlighten taxable entities on their roles and responsibilities.

• FIRS ensures that the principle of know your tax payer (KYTP) is adhered to, so that it would be easy for taxpayers to reach schedule officers for information and guidance/assistance.

• Regular provision of VAT forms 002 for monthly rendition of returns.

• Encourage voluntary compliance to avoid infraction of the law.

• Consistency and civil enforcement of the provisions of the tax law • Imposition of interest and penalties and enforce compliance where default occurs.

• Improvement in the work process of the tax office to make compliance easier.

• Compliance with the Taxpayer IdentificationNumber requirements by business owners.

• Monthly rendition of returns and payments on or before 21st of each month in arrears, to the nearest FIRS office.

• Proper documentation and record keeping of VAT charges taken at source, returns and payments vi-a-vis correct profiling of income sources.

• Businesses should note that they are not the party suffering the VAT, but a mere agent of collection and remittance.

• It is better to charge wrongly and remit to FIRS, than not to charge at all, because when the actual liability is established, it is owner of the business that would bear the entire burden.

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi

Consequences of Non-Compliance • Out of the entire VAT Act, of 47 sections, about one third of the provisions are on offences and penalties.

• Statute based consequences are highlighted from section 25 to 37 of VAT Act Cap VI, 2004 as amended in 2007. Some examples of offences and penalties are: failure to submit returns attract a fine of N5,000 for each month the failure continues.

• Failure to collect tax attracts penalties of 150% of the amount not collected plus 5% interest above CBN rate.

• VAT evasion attracts N30,000 or twice the amount of tax evaded whichever is greater or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3years.

• Failure to keep proper records of accounts would attract N2,000 fine for every month the failure continues.

• Failure to issue tax invoice attracts fine of 50% of the cost of goods and services for which an invoice was not issued.

• Offences by body corporate: Every officer, manager, secretary and other similar officer including partner in partnership shall be severely guilty of an offence under the act, etc.

Reputational Implication • Second categories of consequences of non-compliance are reputational and reporting risks. Apart from reputational damage arising from actions by FIRS to enforce compliance via distrain, search and seizure, and litigation, amongst others.

• Reporting risk involves the imposition of interest and penalties.

• All the interest and penalties imposed on any of the aforementioned offences would be enforced.

FIRS tries to avoid enforcing compliance because of the Service’s slogan,”Taxpayers are King” except on recalcitrant taxpayers. It is necessary to once again emphasize that nightclub and event center activities are not exempted from VAT. Consequently, taxpayers are encouraged to embrace voluntary compliance since the consequences of noncompliance are enormous; ranging from statute based sanctions to reputational damage/reporting risk.

34

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

EQUITIES

Foreign core investor to buy out Avon Crowncaps’ Nigerian minority shareholders T

HE foreign majority core investor in Avon Crowncaps and Containers (Nigeria) Plc is seeking to buy out the minority shareholders in the packaging company, according to regulatory filing obtained at the weekend.

The foreign majority shareholder in Avon Crowncaps, Wilko Corporation, is proposing to acquire the entire minority shareholding in Avon Crowncaps. Minority shareholders hold some 141.16 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each in Avon Crowncaps, representing about 20.64 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares.

The acquisition is expected to be undertaken through a scheme of arrangement under Section 539 of the Companies & Allied Matters Act, 2004 (CAMA).

Upon the completion of the acquisition, Avon Crowncaps will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilko, who will subsequently delist the packaging company from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Wilko, a private company incorporated in the Bahamas, is pushing for the acquisition as part of restructuring proposal.

Under the scheme of arrangement, the minority shareholders would receive N1.90 for each share given up while the company will thus become a wholly owned subsidiary of Wilko. Avon Crowncaps opens today at the NSE at N1.59 per share, indicating a market capitalization of N1.09 billion for its issued share capital of 683.97 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

However, the scheme of arrangement and the acquisition process is subject to approval of the shareholders at an Extraordinary Gen-

•To delist Avon Crowncaps from NSE

By Taofik Salako, Capital Market Editor

eral Meeting to be convened by an order of the Federal High Court and the subsequent sanction of the court.

The cancellation of the Scheme shares and issue of new Avon Crowncaps shares to Wilko will result in the delisting of Avon Crowncaps shares from the daily official list of the Exchange. ‘ The premium on the scheme’s price may encourage minority shareholders to sell their stakes, especially against the background

of the poor performance of the company in recent years. However, the delisting of the packaging company will further deplete the number of listed companies.

Cappa & D’Alberto was delisted at the weekend, bringing to six companies that have been delisted in the past 13 months.

In its audited report for the year ended March 31, 2013, the board of Avon Crowncaps had blamed inclement macroeconomic condition and cheap imports from Asia and Europe for the worsening performance of the company.

Audited report and accounts of Avon for the year ended March 31, 2013 indicated a loss before tax of N127.70 million in 2013 as against profit before tax of N120.71 million in 2012. Turnover had increased marginally from N11.46 billion in 2012 to N11.71 billion in 2013.

The board of the company stated that Avon had “extremely difficult” situation during the year ended 2013.

Directors of Avon noted that the financial year 2012-2013 was characterized by extremely difficult market situation for the company, which was exacerbated by competitive threat to the company’s prod-

ucts from cheaper and better substitutes in the form of rigid as well as flexible plastic packaging.

The company also blamed cheap imported products from Asia and Europe for the downtrend in the Nigerian market adding that the operating environment was worsened by sluggishness in the economy on account of tight liquidity and high interest rates.

Avon outlined that structural problems afflicting the macro economy and security situation prevailing in certain parts of the country as well as delays in receiving payments from customers compounded its poor performance during the period.

•From Left: General Manager and Head, Legal and Regulation Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Tinuade Awe; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. A.E. Aiyelari; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema; Vice Chancellor, UI, Prof. Isaac Adewole; and Executive Director, Market Operations & Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo during a working visit by the university to formally establish a working relationship and partnership between the University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB) and the NSE in Lagos at the weekend

NSE delists N18.8b Cappa & D’Alberto Nigeria

A

FTER nearly six years of stalemate between the management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Cappa & D’Alberto Nigeria Plc, the NSE at the weekend finally delisted the construction company from the its official list. Five companies were delisted from the NSE in 2014.

With the delisting, shareholders of Cappa & D’Alberto will not be able to trade their shares on the NSE. However, they may trade their shares on the NASD, the overthe-counter (OTC) market for unlisted securities.

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

The management of the NSE had kicked that Cappa & D’Alberto’s purported delisting violated laiddown procedures as the company failed to comply with the obligations inherent of a listed company with regards to the voluntary delisting process.

According to the Exchange, Cappa & D’Alberto failed to make such provision for paying off dissenting shareholders who opted to exit the company following the resolution to delist passed by the majority shareholders on March 24, 2009.

“The resolution passed by the majority shareholders at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting of March 24, 2009, does not exempt Cappa & D’Alberto Nigeria Plc from complying with regulatory obligations. The Exchange will take appropriate legal steps to enforce its rules and protect the interest of Investors,” the NSE had stated.

But the management of the NSE at the weekend stated that it has agreed to delist the shares of Cappa & D’Alberto from the official list.

Cappa & D’Alberto’s 198.875 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each valued at N18.8 billion were delisted.

“Henceforth, shareholders wishing to exit the company on account of its unlisted status may contact the company, which has under-

taken not to unduly hinder such exits. Exiting shareholders may consider exiting through the over the counter market,” the NSE stated at the weekend.

The NASD OTC was formally launched on July 1 and opened for trading on July 2, 2013. Formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, NASD OTC is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an over-the-counter (OTC) trading

platform for unquoted securities; including equities and bonds.

Major companies on the NASD included Dufil Prima Foods Plc, the manufacturer of Indomie Noodles; Friesland Campina Wamco Nigeria Plc, manufacturer of Peak Milk brand; Industrial & General Insurance Plc, Central Securities Clearing System Plc, the clearing and depository arm of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Jaiz Bank Plc,

the Islamic bank.

Other stocks included Acorn Petroleum Plc, Arm Life Plc, Afriland Properties Plc, BGL Plc, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Food Concepts Plc, Geo-Fluids Plc, Golden Capital Plc, Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc, Partnership Investment Company Plc, Resourcery Plc, Riggs Ventures West Africa Plc, Swap Technologies & Telecomms Plc and Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc.

Nigeria risks N655b capital flight over JP Morgan downgrade

N

IGERIA is at a risk of enormous capital flight over its weekend downgrade in the JPMorgan Government Bond IndexEmerging Markets Indices (JP Morgan GBI-EM Index). JP Morgan at the weekend placed Nigeria on “index watch negative” due to what the global financial company described as lack of liquidity induced by regulatory policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The JP Morgan GBI-EM Index serves as benchmarks for local currency bonds issued by emerging market governments. The index was launched in June 2005 and is the first comprehensive global local emerging markets index.

The JP Morgan GBI-EM Index is widely regarded as reference point for foreign investors seeking to diversify their portfolios by investing in sovereign bonds issued by emerging market countries.

Nigeria celebrated its admission to the JP Morgan GBI-EM Index on October 1, 2012. Nigeria was the second African country after South Africa to be included in the widely followed index.

JP Morgan hinged Nigeria’s downgrade to “index watch nega-

tive” on recent policies by the CBN, which limited liquidity in the spot foreign exchange market and local treasury liquidity market. The CBN had on December 17, 2014 reduced the net open position (NOP) of commercial banks from one per cent to zero per cent of shareholders fund, before subsequently revising it to 0.1 per cent in January 2015.

JP Morgan stated that this measure effectively resulted in a lack of liquidity in the spot foreign exchange market and domestic bond market thus hindering the ability of foreign investors to replicate Nigeria’s exposure to the GBI-EM Index.

With the downgrade, JP Morgan has indicated that over the next three to five months, it may trigger a review of Nigeria’s status within the benchmark for removal if the index provider is unable to verify sufficient liquidity in Nigeria’s spot foreign exchange and bond market.

The CBN described the decision of JP Morgan as a surprise, faulting the position of the financial company. “We are very surprised at this action by the JPMorgan index team, we want to stay in the index and

we’re doing everything to make sure we do,” CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele was reported to have said.

Analysts at CardinalStone Partners Limited said Nigeria is at a risk of capital flight involving about $3.9 billion.

According to analysts, possible reactions and impact of the downgrade and eventual removal on the local bond market could lead to significant capital flight.

Analysts noted that the total value of investor money benchmarked against the whole JP Morgan GBI-EM suite of indices is about $217 billion. The GBI - EM Global Diversified Index is the most frequently used local emerging market index and Nigeria accounts for 1.8 per cent of its value, about $3.9 billion. “Hence, Nigeria’s removal from the Index would trigger capital flight at a time when the country needs to attract capital inflow. Bond yields will also spike in reaction to the significant exit by funds which mirror the composition of the index and may subsequently lead to the exit of Nigeria from the Barclay’s Bond Index as well,” CardinalStone Partners

stated.

As the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN meets today and tomorrow, analysts noted the need for the apex bank to respond timely to the downgrade.

According to analysts, following the announcement, local and international market players had reacted at the weekend by aggressively selling bonds across the yield curve. Bond yields on the short end rose as high as 15.90 per cent and crossed 16 per cent on the longer end.

CardinalStone Partners indicated that there is possibility of further weakening this week, depending on the MPC decisions.

Global Head of Sales and Trading, Dunn Loren Merrifield (DLM), Mr. Malcolm Gilroy, had in 2012 estimated that the listing of Nigeria’s sovereign bond in the JP Morgan GBI-EM could result into a total inflow of $1.5 billion in the first year of listing.

According to him, there were indications that the upward weight review due to the listing would attract as much as $1.5 billion into the domestic bond market before the end of the first listing year.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

35

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• Placard carrying youths demanding jobs’ creation.

Youth unemployment has been on the increase in the country. This is a development that should give every responsible government serious concern. Politicians seeking elective offices in next month’s general elections have, however, promised to commit billions of naira to job creation, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Election: Job creation tops agenda I

T is electioneering season and candidates seeking political offices have been unveiling their agenda and job creation seemed to have topped their list.

One of them, Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate Akinwunmi Ambode, said he would set up a Lagos Employment Trust Fund (LETF) with N25 billion over the next four years. This, according to him, will enhance access to a minimum of N1billion yearly finance across the five divisions in the state.

He said: “That will allow our youths and unemployed people have access to adequate finance for entrepreneurial ventures. We will protect the growth of our small and medium scale enterprises by providing tax incentives. We will implement government policies that will encourage the private sector to employ more citizens and foster economic development.”

Ambode also promised to seek collaboration with the private sector to ensure the sustainability of the state bursary and scholarship initiatives for tertiary institutions, capacity development for the informal sector as well as skill acquisition through technical and vocational training for residents of the state.

“We will encourage the private sector to partner with government in this re-

gard as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We will also deepen skills,” he said.

He also plans to increase employment through investment in Agriculture. “We will provide incentives for agricultural processing companies, thereby providing employment for our bulging youth population,” he added.

In addition, he said part of his agenda is to create a secondary market for job creation by engaging youths in sports, tourism and entertainment. “To make our state a tourism destination in Africa, we will also develop our waterfront by providing recreational facilities and encourage investors to invest more in tourism infrastructure. Our unique cultural heritage will be promoted and enhanced to attract tourists globally. This will also create a secondary market for job creation. We will create community sport centers to encourage our youth development. We will partner with the entertainment industry to develop sustainable structures and frameworks to support interested and upcoming youths,” he said.

For his re-election bid, Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun is planning to further boost employment after employing no fewer than 50,000 youths in the state through direct and indirect employment in 43 months of his administration. Considering his mission to rebuild

the state, he promised to create more jobs if re-elected. According to him, the feat he achieved earlier was made possible by his administration’s holistic approach to unemployment, which include creating an enabling environment for business and industries to thrive.

Before he was elected in 2011, he disclosed that close to one million youths were unemployed in the state. He, however, said the trend was gradually reducing on a daily as about 46 industries with at least $100 million investments had sprang up under his administration. He added that some of them engaged about 4,500 staff in a day through job-shifts.

In Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has also put job creation on the front burners of his agenda. The Oyo North Senatorial District youth leader of the APC, Hon. Salihi Dauda Ajana said Ajumobi has done more than enough to deserve a second time. He said in the history of the state, he is the first to appoint the highest number of youth. “I’ve found out that 90 per cent of those employed were teachers while other sectors were neglected. The employment created by this administration cuts across all ministries and professions. It is the highest in the history of this state,” he said.

Ajimobi also employed 20, 000 people into the Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State (YES-O).

Ajimobi said he deserved a second term because his achievements during the first term are impeccable. The governor said he had put smiles on the faces of traders evacuated from the streets by building a befitting shopping complex and empowering them with N20 million to trade.

According to the governor, the government had also given N300 million to 6,000 traders and artisans at N50,000 each, noting that his ‘stomach infrastructure’ policy had been in practical terms and not just about propaganda. The sum of N300 million was offered at no-interest as loans among 6,000 traders across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Mr Isiaka Kolawole, said that the scheme is aimed at boosting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and grant small businesses access to funds.

He stressed that Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) as government agency responsible for the creation and development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country, has a crucial role to play in translating the government’s agenda of drastic reduction of unemployment and poverty among Ni•Continued on page 36

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

36

JOBS

Election: Job creation tops agenda •Continued from page 35

gerians.

Ajimobi regretted that in the past, Oyo State did not take advantage of partnering with SMEDAN to translate some of its programmes that are geared towards fighting youth unemployment and poverty alleviation in the state.

“Oyo State will be in active partnership and collaboration with SMEDAN to derive maximum benefits of your laudable programmes that could positively change the lives of our people. Henceforth, Oyo State government will participate fully in all SMEDAN programmes so that the state could benefit from the good gesture of empowering the people through creation and developing of small businesses,” he promised.

Apart from these states, political office seekers for the position of governorship are making efforts to ensure that job creation remain a top agenda of their manifestoes while those seeking re-election are not wav-

• President Jonathan

• Gen. Buhari

ing off their past efforts in the areas of job creation.

At the federal level, the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) and APC have also promised to create an environment where millions of youth would be employed directly and indirectly. APC presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammedu Buhari (rtd) said he would build a country that provides jobs for its

young people, reduce unemployment to the lowest of single digits and provide safety nets so that no one is left behind. He also added that if elected, entrepreneurship will thrive, enterprise flourishes and the government will gets out of the way so that people can create value, build the economy and aggressively expand wealth.

Buhari, promised to create job opportunities through agriculture and mining, if

elected. "My administration will focus on agriculture and mining as a way to secure jobs for able Nigerians. There is a circle of insecurity, unemployment and corruption in the country, which I will break when elected next month.

"I have faith that 2015 is the year we shall begin to write a new story - a story of our youth creating jobs and expanding the frontiers of innovation and creativity everywhere from Mavin Records to the Co-Creation Hub; a story of genuine investment in our children and students be they in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka or in the Delta State University, Abraka; a country that finally makes a permanent shift from our debilitating dependence on the free-falling price of crude oil," he said.

PDP presidential flag-bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to create eight million jobs for Nigerian youth in the next four years if re-elected as president. He made this promise at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta while addressing a PDP rally.

The president said he was already collaborating with influential persons in the private sector to bring this promise to fruition. He further said job creation would engender poverty alleviation and wealth creation.

However, economic experts believe this commitment if well implemented will solve unemployment problem in the country most especially as the electorate appear ready to follow the wind of change blowing across the country as a result of dismal performance of the economy.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Awosika becomes Chams’ Director, Olaniyan, CFO

•Dr Awosika

L

EADING technology firm, Chams Plc has appointed Dr. Josephine Awosika to its Board of Directors. The firm also named Mrs Christianah

Olaniyan as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Dr. Awosika, who also serves on the board of Access Bank Plc and Capital Insurance Nigeria Limited as non-executive director, is a technocrat with extensive and meritorious public and private sector experience.

She is expected to bring her wealth of experience at executive and boardroom levels in technology, power and banking sectors to bear on the business of Chams Plc. Dr. Awosika was the pioneer National Coordinator/ Chief Executive of the National Programme on Immunisation;Director

(Parastatals) in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Director (Department of Community Relations & Youth Development) in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior; Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service; and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science & Technology. She retired from the federal civil service as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power two years ago.

A Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Institute of Direc-

tors (IoD), Dr. Awosika is also a Member of the Great Britain Clinical Pharmacists Forum.

She is a recipient of several honours and awards, including Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), and the Distinguished Vocational Service Award of Rotaract District 9130 Nigeria of Rotary International.

Mrs Olaniyan was the General Manager, Special Projects for Chams Plc until her appointment CFO. In her new role, she has far reaching financial risks management mandate for the Chams Group comprising Chams Plc and subsidiaries that include Chams Access

and Cardcentre Limited.

Mrs Olaniyan holds a degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brooks University, UK and is an associate member, the institute of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, U.K).

Mrs Olaniyan worked with Supercard Limited, a subsidiary of Chams Plc, for three years as Assistant General Manager, Corporate Services, where she was responsible for formulating and managing policies on the company’s finance, accounts, human capital development and administrative functions.

She joined Chams Plc as Group Head, Internal Audit

• Mrs Olaniyan

and Risk Management and served as General Manager, Finance and Accounts before her promotion to the role of General Manager, Special Projects.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

O

N this page we shall be looking at issues that will enable you to make a better and successful attempt at job search in 2014.

It is a promise.

The No. 1: Law of effective job search: Nobody owes you a job. If you desire a good job, you need to get up and go after the job you desire.

Invest your time, energy and money (even the little you haveyou have a mobile telephone handset, don’t you?). Let me add further, most job seekers expect the job search to be easy, simple and quick; and when things are not going that way, they give up, often too soon.

The moral here is that though you may be unemployed, you still have a job to do: to get yourself a job. You will need to put in all you have and be focused. To get a good job takes imagination, initiative and focus. It means that you must be committed to implementing the skills you will acquire reading this column, attending seminars, reading relevant books. You know what you want, and must be ready to work for it. Are you?

No. 2: Job-hunting success is directly proportional to the amount of intelligent job-hunting effort. The more you try, the more likely you

Nobody owes you

By Olu Oyeniran

will find the job you want, and quickly too. Even if you are a career/job changer, you need to schedule and make time out consistently to pursue your job search.

No. 3: Successful job-hunting requires a willingness to change tactics. If something is not working, move to another strategy. But do you have a job search strategy? These apply to everybody in the job market.

In your efforts to get a job, you will probably encounter some barriers and hurdles. Common barriers include:

get what you want. The real barriers are generally internal doubts and fear, resistance to change and our perception.

Perceptions, may be stronger than reality- it influcuces our altitude and actions towards a given object or situation, whether it is right or wrong.

• I don’t have connection

The first point in your job search is to assess your job search skills.

Review the strategies and techniques listed below and rate your self (1 – poor; 5 = ok; 10 = excellent): • Analysing my skills, interest and qualities • Honestly looking at barriers • Identifying specific job target • Writing effective job applications • Performing at interview • Writing effective Resume/C.V • Networking skills • Selection Test skills • Evaluating job offers.

• My skills are obsolete etc.

Think again, are these real barriers or excuses? It is often easy to blame external factors for failure to

To look good, you need an average score above 75 per cent! If you did not do well enough, then do all you can to acquire job search skills:

• I am not experienced/too experienced • I am too young/old • The economy is bad and so is unemployment • My course is not marketable

read books, attend relevant seminars, get help- from friends, family members, mentors, career and job search counselors, professional Resume/C.V writers etc.

You need to acquire skills in the following areas: skill analysis, job search strategies formulation, career and job goal setting, identifying career achievement, writing winning Resume/C.V and application letter, conducting informational interview, job interview and follow up, job aptitude test, etc.

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 organizations, 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.

(We will discuss a more thorough method of choosing your career in

future).

Now, get organised for 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 potentials. What would you like to do with your life, all your life? Using the inputs 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 the employer as well.

See you next Monday.

•Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates.

He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

37

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

THE CEO

Elections ‘ll have negative impact on economy

• Babaeko

This is election year in Nigeria. Oil prices have gone down while the naira has been devalued. Experts say these developments would worsen the woes of the economy. The Chief Executive Officer, X3M Ideas, Mr. Steve Babaeko, says the economy will be negatively affected by the coming general elections because, according to him, politicians will hold back the cash which would have been used to oil the engine of the economy. He says the advertising industry is operating at “subsistence” level when compared to what obtains in other countries. Babaeko laments the dearth of trained manpower in the industry and how to reposition it. Senior Correspondent ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI met him.

H

OW will you describe 2014 for the advertising industry. What were its high points both for the industry and its practitioners?

The advertising industry in 2014 was neither black nor white; it’s somewhere in between. To that extent, you can clearly say that so many positive things happened, while some things also happened at the macroeconomic level that were not so positive which affected the integrated marketing communication industry. Some of the positives for the industry last year include the emergence of young and new agencies.

There has not been any time in our history, until last year, that we witnessed a couple of younger agencies coming up strong and competing with the more established players. The new generation agencies came out strong last year and I find this commendable unlike in the past when it’s always same old players calling the shots all over the industry. At the macro level, with the drop in oil price, especially in the last quarter of the year, and its negative effects on

the economy, it was an indication of tougher times for the industry and the economy in general. This will definitely affect the whole business climate and of course the advertising segment is not insulated from what happens at the macro level.

Again, politics seems to gain the loudest share of voice especially in the last quarter; so this translates to the fact that if money is

not being spent at the centre, more money is going into politics and political activities. Therefore, the economy will slow down because everybody is holding unto the cash at hand. These are the two indices I saw both on the negative and positive sides.

What are these new generation agencies bringing to the table that is creating the shift?

‘Power generation is very abysmal compared to most other African countries. If we are able to get electricity right and the level of output goes up, the economy will open up more, then more people will come to Nigeria to do business. Already, we have vehicle assembly plants and then we will have no choice but to run this business as it should be run’

It is a normal shift; the kind of shift you are seeing in Nigeria and it is normal everywhere. If you look at the American, United Kingdom or European markets, there is always a cycle that a new agency emerges – Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Droga 5 and the likes. There is always the rise of some new agencies that is giving everybody sleepless night. This business is about regeneration. What the new agencies are doing in my own opinion is their approach to business that is different.

Though, I cannot speak for the other agencies, in 3XM Ideas, for instance, the way we look at this business is totally different from what most of these other agencies have done in the past. Let us now isolate advertising from the business landscape. We dismantled the business model of advertising in Nigeria and we put it together again. How did we do this? Well, we looked at the big picture. Then we asked ourselves: In creating communication and not just advertis•Continued on page 38

38

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

THE CEO

Elections ‘ll have negative impact on economy •Continued from page 37

ing, what are the things you need?

We found the answers very simple: You need the brain power for strategy, and creative fire power to turn the strategy into workable ideas. You need music and production.

We took this business approach and we set up business units, usually with normal advertising agencies, they only control the strategy and the creative development. We own a record label and production company and some other collaterals that go into developing communication. It is,therefore, easy for us to be in control of some of the other allied elements in creating communication. From that basic point of view, we have revolutionised this market.

How easy is it to come in and shake the industry? Does this presupposes that agencies have a life circle?

The truth is that every brand has a life circle. But what happens is that you need to infuse an element of regeneration in building the brand. If you are a brand and the bulls-eye of your consumers is 30 years and above, it would be wrong of such brand not to create a pipeline that leads to people who are 18 years old or thereabout to begin to build the next wave of consumers for the brand. When you create the pipeline, you have corrected what would have been an ageing crisis for your brand down the line that supplies your main demography. It is the same thing with agencies. Agencies are not about buildings or structures, they are about people. Believe me, this business is not for old people, it is for young people. As an agency, if you want to live long, keep regenerating your people, keep the pipelines of young people coming into your agency fluid and open. An old man can have an agency, yes, that is why we have agencies that are 100 years old and the likes out there but they keep regenerating their people. If one fails to do this, the agency will die.

There are no two ways to this.

This year is an election year.

What are its likely effects on the economy and advertising? How will this impact on the industry?

In the Western world, election time is always a boom time for the advertising industry. Saatchi & Saatchi handles the Labour Party’s multi-million pound campaign in Britain. In Nigeria, it may not be so. This is because the bulk of campaigns here are run and executed by Association of Advertsisng Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). That is why we see horrible campaigns and terrible posters and election materials. At the macroeconomic level, the issue of holding money for elections will impact on the larger economy.

Whether the economy captures the money in the hands of politicians or not, it means that there are certain money that would have otherwise been injected into the system that would have made the economy more buoyant that is missing. If it affects the economy, it will affect the advertising industry. This is because advertising is not living in a silo insulated from the larger society. Like they say in show business, the show must go on no matter what the economy brings. Advertising is here and people need advertising and it is actually when the economy is down that clients need to advertise the more because people need to be aware of their products and services. This is what has kept the industry going.

Do you see any shake up in the advertising industry this year?

It probably would happen. Right now, there is a paradigm shift hap-

• Babaeko

• Babaeko

• Babaeko

‘At the macroeconomic level, the issue of holding money for elections will impact on the larger economy. Whether the economy captures the money in the hands of politicians or not, it means that there are certain money that would have been otherwise been injected into the system that would have made the economy more buoyant that is missing’ pening, especially with younger agencies emerging. The people who were in the fore front are no longer on the driver’s seat. A new power block is emerging. I will not be surprised if there is more shake up this year. Now, for the first time in a long time, we are seeing mergers and people buying into an existing company in the industry. We are likely to see more of these this year. What we have had were big fishes in small ponds for a long time. People don’t want to be smaller fishes in a bigger ponds and that is the kind of arrangement that pays. People such as Sir Steve Omojafor have talked about merger but no one was taking him serious. It is happening now and I think we are going to see more mergers this year.

Why is the advertising industry is not going public? What are the fears of practioners?

In Kenya, there is advertising group that is quoted but it has not

happened here yet. I will tell you why? What we have done here is what is happening in the agric sector where farmers are practising subsistence farming. What we are doing is subsistence advertising instead of mechanised advertising.

People create business for themselves and their family unlike the WPPs of this world, which are quoted companies. However, it takes time to grow above the mentality of remaining a small agency just for subsistent living. So, if you really want to play in the big league, you can open it up for others to take up shares in the market. Some don’t even want to give their staff who has worked for them up to 15 years any share not to talk of listing. It is about mindshift and this needs to happen to the advertising entrepreneurs in Nigeria to get the industry to that place we are talking about.

What is likely to trigger the mind-shift you just mentioned?

At some point, the economy will open up more. Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa. Power generation is very abysmal compared to most other African countries. If we are able to get electricity right and the level of output goes up, the economy will open up more, then more people will come to Nigeria to do business.

Already, we have vehicle assembly plants and then we will have no choice but to run this business as it should be run. Now with Advertising Practitioner Council of Nigeria (APCON) reform, there is a limit to which foreigners will buy shares in advertising industry. May be that law will change when the economy opens up. For this to happen, we need massive amount of capital. How much is the capital base of most agencies in Nigeria? Very negligible, that is why we gave the example of subsistence and mechanised farming.

Does this mean the new APCON law is defective?

I respect APCON, and there is need to protect the local industry.

However, water will find its level.

The industry needs to be protected.

I know what the law is trying to say because the outsiders have heavier war chest to run riot over the entire industry- buy up any and kick out the ones they desire to and bring in foreigners to work here. Then we might have killed the baby before it has the chance to grow up. But at some point, the baby needs to grow up and stand on its own, then it won’t need too much protection. I look forward to that time when we will be able to say “may be we have out grown this law and we need to upgrade it.”

Talking about regeneration to keep the industry growing, where are the schools to close this gap?

Unfortunately, we have not been able to kick-start the advertising academy. The AAAN had this vision many years ago, but in fairness to the new administration, it is working so hard to ensure the school gets off the ground. But what I have done in the past six or seven years ago is to go to the University of Ibadan (UI) and give lectures and do workshops. There is a young man who now runs a small digital agency, he was part of a workshop I did at UI many years ago. I understand the need to create the pipeline that will create talents. The talents pool is drying up. As an agency today, if you are looking for copy writers, you are going to look for months.

There are no copy writers anywhere and it’s just about the short sightedness of not creating that pipeline that brings young talents into the industry. What we do is to use the small clout that some of us have to tell young people that there is an industry called advertising in Nigeria that provides employment where you can catch so much fun building brand and you can also earn a decent living.

Young ones need see us, look up to us and get excited wanting to join the business.

3XM is not affiliated. Do you see anything wrong with affiliation?

Affiliation is like marriage. Nobody will just walk into my agency and take it without showing me what you can offer. I can’t talk to you if you cannot offer me something different that we are not doing. I have decided that I will take some of the best practices of old agencies to run my business and learn from their mistakes.

Last year, what did you do right or wrong?

What we did wrong was that we did not join the bandwagon to do anything for any business. For instance I cannot join anyone to defraud the citizens. For me to support your business I must believe in what you stand for. If we had jumped on the bandwagon we probably had made more money but its all about value and principles. We must share values. We have dropped accounts either because the value was not just right or the client is not willing to partner. We want to be partners; we don’t want to be anybody’s donkey. If you look at the brands we work with now, it is like equal seat at the table, we are partners. That is why you see the progress on those businesses. An agency dictated to is like sending a soldier to war with his hands tied behind him. We have been fortunate enough to have found valuable partners to work with. But the ones who would not allow us do what are trained to do and what we believe in we gladly resigned such businesses instead of roasting in there and saying we’ll manage.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

BUSINESS

MOTORING

•Infiniti QX60

The 2015 Infiniti QX60 is a pretty large vehicle, riders won’t have problem about it once it’s speeding on the highway. With its cushy ride, the Infiniti shrugs off road imperfections - very comfy, quiet and luxury vehicle, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency addition

Infiniti QX60: comfy, pleasure ride

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HE latest Infiniti QX60 gets new CVT programming designed to simulate the shifting of a conventional automatic transmission. It is a three-row luxury crossover that puts families first. Based on the versatile Nissan Pathfinder, the QX60 has plenty of room for adults or growing children in all three rows, and the second-row seats slide and recline to enhance passenger comfort.

Moreover, the ride is found to be exceedingly comfortable on a variety of surfaces, with little road noise making its way into the cabin. The interior also benefits from top-notch materials and user-friendly technology features. The QX60’s pricing is significantly lower than that of some rivals.

Over the course of a year-long test with the largely identical Infiniti JX35 (the name changed to QX60 for 2014), it became auto freaks choice, but with a few flaws. For one thing, performance and driving character aren’t high on the QX’s list of priorities. The standard V6 engine is a bit underpowered for a vehicle this large, and it teams with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to produce noisy, uninspired acceleration. In a similar vein, the soft suspension yields indifferent handling, even by the modest standards of this segment. On the fuel economy front, both the standard QX60 and the available hybrid model get some impressive fuel economy ratings.

The QX60 rivals in the market include the latest Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave and Audi Q7. Acura MDX has a powerful V6 engine, an excellent interior and a pretty sporty attitude considering its size. The BMW X5 is one of the most athletic options, but it is priced considerably higher than the QX60, and its available third-row seat is less accommodating. The Buick Enclave provides considerably more cargo space than the QX60, while Audi Q7 offers more sophisticated driving experience overall. But if a comfy, family-friendly crossover is what one is after, the 2015 Infiniti QX60 should be a satisfying choice.

Body Styles The Infiniti QX60 is a seven-passenger SUV

offered with a conventional gasoline engine or a gas-electric hybrid system. Each version comes in a single trim level with either frontor all-wheel drive.

Standard features for both the standard QX60 and the QX60 Hybrid include 18-inch wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, foglights, LED taillights, heated and power-folding side mirrors, a sunroof, a power liftgate, keyless entry and ignition, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, a six-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a power tilt-andtelescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch central touchscreen display, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface.

Optional features for the QX60 and QX60 Hybrid are organised into various packages.

The Premium package (QX60) includes remote ignition, driver memory settings, driver seat power lumbar, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Bose sound system and an enhanced keyless entry/ignition system that can remember the last driver’s audio, climate and navigation settings. The Premium Plus package (QX60) includes front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera system, automatic wipers, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth audio connectivity and the Infiniti Connection telematics service.

The Hybrid Premium package (QX60 Hybrid) combines the regular QX60’s Premium and Premium Plus packages.

Powertrains and performance The QX60 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 265 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A CVT is the only available transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while allwheel drive is optional.

In Edmunds testing, the identically powered JX35 equipped with all-wheel drive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. This is about a second slower than average for the class.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 23 mpg

combined (21 city/ 27 highway) for the front-drive version, while the allwheel-drive version drops slightly to 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).

The QX60 typically struggles to match these mileage numbers in realworld driving.

The QX60 Hybrid features a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder

• Interior of the car

engine that joins forces with a 15kW electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is rated at 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Official EPA numbers stand at 26 mpg combined (26 city/28 highway) with frontwheel drive and 26 mpg combined (25 city/ 28 highway) with all-wheel drive.

Properly equipped, the regular QX60 can tow up to 5,000 pounds, whereas the hybrid tops out at 3,500 pounds.

Safety Standard safety features for the QX60 include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat-mounted side airbags, fulllength side curtain airbags and a rearview camera.

Optional safety equipment on the QX60 includes the Infiniti Connection telematics service with automatic collision notification, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle location, and speed and geo-fencing notifications. Also optional are front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a lane-departure warning and prevention system, a blind-spot warning system (with an automatic intervention feature when the Technology package is specified), a 360degree view parking camera system and frontal and back-up collision mitigation systems with automatic braking.

Interior design Flexible seating is one of the QX60’s hallmarks. The second row slides 5.5 inches fore and aft, allowing passengers to reach and exit the third row with ease, even with a child seat installed in the second row. The third row offers enough headroom for 6-foot passengers, but clearance gets a little tight beyond that. Both the second- and third-row seatbacks also recline.

With a rich combination of leather, wood and metal accents, this is a classy Infiniti interior in every respect. Infiniti’s electronics interface is one of the best available, as its combination of physical buttons, a touchscreen and a rotary knob greatly simplify common tasks. We also like the optional Bose sound systems and the 360-degree camera system, the latter of which provides a very useful topdown view of the vehicle in parking situations.

There may be plenty of room for passengers inside the QX60, but cargo capacity tops out at 76.5 cubic feet with the second and thirdrow seats folded. That is not bad, but some rivals give more space, such as the MDX and especially the Enclave. The QX60 also provides just 15.8 cubic feet of space behind the thirdrow seat. On the upside, the hybrid QX has the same amount of cargo volume as the regular V6 version.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

40

MOTORING

Hyundai i10 again crowned ‘Best City Car’

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EW Generation Hyundai i10 has retained its position at the top of its class after being named Best City Car’ for the second consecutive year. Praised for its high quality interior materials, refinement, ease of driving and bigcar features, i10 beat stiff competition from the likes of VW Up, Smart Fortwo and Skoda Citigo.

Jim Holder, Editor at What Car?, said: “Last year the Hyundai i10 stunned us by stealing the crown from the VW Up. It’s just as nimble to drive and comfortable in town as the VW, but offers even greater practicality, class-leading refinement and loads of kit. Our choice is wonderfully smooth, and quick enough to keep up with larger traffic. In Premium trim it feels suitably expensive inside which makes it stunning value. The Hyundai is a

• Hyundai i10

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

genuine threat to a lot of superminis.”

Tony Whitehorn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor United Kingdom said: “2014 was a major year for the New Generation i10, which proved to be an instant hit with existing Hyundai customers and those new to the brand. As we approach 12 full months on sale, i10 is proving more popular than ever - a trend that we expect to continue in 2015. We are delighted that What Car? has recognised i10 as the best City Car for the second consecutive year in what is an extremely competitive segment. This award is a testament to the superb design and engineering which has gone into creating this cleverly packaged car. “

New Generation i10 features road noise levels which are among the best in its class while the suspension delivers a dynamic driving

experience. Sophisticated, stylish and thoughtful design touches ensures broad appeal in the City Car segment, while quality materials

and high end features, including air conditioning and Bluetooth deliver big car comfort for the driver and passengers alike.

Jaguar Land Rover to create 1,300 jobs

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• From right: Coscharis Group Managing Director, Josiah Samuel; Prince Demola Eletu-Odibo and Coscharis Rolls Royce Sales Manager, Tolulope Gbadamosi during the hand-over of four Rolls Royce cars bought by the Eletu family in Lagos.

Porsche delivers 189,850 cars to customers

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ORSCHE AG said it delivered 189,850 new cars to customers all over the world last year – an increase of 17 per cent over the previous year. In December, last year, the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer also broke the 20,000 unit barrier (+39 per cent compared to the same month the previous year) by delivering 20,644 cars for the first time in one month. The new Cayenne generation in particular experienced strong demand in China in the reporting month: over 6,400 units mean that deliveries almost doubled compared to December 2013.

“For the fourth record year in a row there are very specific reasons: fascinating products and highly motivated employees,” said Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board Sales and Marketing of Dr. Ing. h.c. F.

Porsche AG. “On top of that, our brand experienced an additional upswing in 2014 as a result of the successful launch of the Macan. Worldwide, 75 per cent of Macan customers were first-time buyers of a Porsche car.”

Last year, Porsche sold more cars in all regions and on all markets. The United States ranked number one with over 47,000 new cars delivered. The Chinese market recorded the largest growth with an increase of 25 per cent to exactly 46,931 units delivered. On the domestic market in Germany, almost 24,000 customers opted for a Porsche model, more than ever before.

The Porsche Macan, the new sporty compact SUV, was especially popular in the world in 2014 and the fifth model series sold about 45,000 units in the first year of its launch. The Stuttgart sports

car manufacturer delivered 13 per cent more Panamera sports saloons than in the previous year. With over 30,000 units of the 911 sold, the sports car icon also ranks above the figures for the previous year.

AGUAR Land Rover has announced plans to create 1,300 new jobs as it continues to accelerate its industry-leading expertise in aluminium and lightweight technologies. The news came following confirmation that the UK’s largest manufacturing investor will add a further new Jaguar model to its product portfolio –the Jaguar F-PACE. This performance crossover, set to go on sale in 2016, follows the Jaguar XE into the new facilities within the world-renowned Solihull plant.

This latest announcement from the Detroit auto show will see Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull manufacturing plant continue to develop its world-class capability in aluminium vehicle construction for which the company is synonymous. It also marks the start of an incredible year for the British manufacturer who will deliver 12 significant product actions in the next 12 months alone.

Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer Dr Ralf Speth described the announcements as demonstration to the advancement of a high-tech, high skilled, manufacturing-led economy.

“Jaguar Land Rover,” he said, “is

committed to delivering more great products. It is that innovation and relentless quest for new technologies that sets our products apart. We want to offer customers greater choice, with even more exciting vehicles, crafted with that special British flair. We want to improve the quality of life for our customers and for our own employees, creating opportunities for more people to be part of the Jaguar Land Rover experience.”

To support the introduction of its new aluminium and lightweight technologies Jaguar Land Rover has already invested £1.5bn. The new facilities represent the largest single investment in the Solihull plant in its 70year history and created an impressive ‘factory within a factory’.

Incorporating Europe’s largest aluminum body shop and final assembly hall - collectively the size of 22 football pitches, the new state-of-theart facilities bring the Jaguar brand to Solihull for the first time, and continues to showcase the company’s pioneering leadership in aluminum vehicle construction which dates back to 2003 with the introduction of the seventh generation Jaguar XJ.

Nissan, NASA partner to develop autonomous drive vehicles

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ISSAN Motor Corporation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have announced the formation of a five-year research and development partnership to advance autonomous vehicle systems and prepare for commercial application of the technology.

Researchers from Nissan’s United States’Silicon Valley Research Centre and NASA’s Ames Research

Centre at Moffett Field, Califonia will focus on autonomous drive systems, human-machine interface solutions, network-enabled applications, and software analysis and verification, all involving sophisticated hardware and software used in road and space applications.

Researchers from the two organisations will test a fleet of zero-emission autonomous vehicles at Ames to demonstrate proof-of-concept

remote operation of autonomous vehicles for the transport of materials, goods, payloads and people.

The first vehicle of that fleet should be testing at the facility by the end of the year.

“The work of NASA and Nissan – with one directed to space and the other directed to earth, is connected by similar challenges,” said Carlos Ghosn, President/Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Co.

SAFE DRIVING

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Religion and safe driving skills

1. Do not kill – God clearly tells us that He does not want us to kill either through road accident or other means Bible a. Exodus 20:13 b. Deuteronomy 5:17 c. Luke 18:20 Quran a. Sura 4:29 b. Sura 4:92-93 2. Obey the road traffic laws and regulations

God clearly tells us to obey the government and even pray for the Leaders. We are, therefore, expected to always obey the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria including the road traffic laws and regulations – traffic signs, road markings and other traffic laws. Let the fear of God be in you when driving (this will guarantee you wisdom for the right driving acts) Bible a. Deuteronomy 13:4 b. Titus 3:1 c. Hebrew 13:17 d. Proverbs 1:33 e. Proverb 1:2-7 Quran a. Surah 7:55-56 3. Avoid road rage and aggressive

Y research has shown that every religion teaches the basic principles that guarantee safe driving in every environment if strictly followed. God is most concerned about the attitude of our hearts. Let us look at some of the points:

driving When other people (Drivers and other road users) make us angry, we may want to get even, but God says we must do good to those who offend us. We must guard our hearts against hatred for anyone on the road. We must cultivate the habit of seeing other road users as members of our immediate or nuclear family and always relate to them as such, lovingly and wholeheartedly.

Bible a. Mathew 5:21-22 b. Mathew 5:38 – 48 Quran a. Surah 13:21-25 4. Defensive driving (hazard perception)

We must always use our God-given knowledge, understanding and wisdom to perceive likely hazards on the road and take prompt actions to prevent accidents.

Bible a. Proverbs 22:3 b. Ecclesiastes 8:5 Quran a. Surah 7:95 b. Surah 51:21 5. The eyes of God is watching all our activities on the road When driving, we should always remind ourselves that God sees and knows everything that we do on the road and the deep motive of every action we take in our driving acts.

Bible

Jide Owatunmise Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

a. Psalm 94:9 b. Proverbs 5:21 c. Proverbs 15:3 Quran a. Surah 2:233 b. Surah 2:237

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

184TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

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overnor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE currently leads Kano State in the span of his second (2nd) and last term of four (4) years as constitutionally allowed, and commendably his administration unfailingly holds an Executive Council Meeting every week or seven (7) calendar days (especially on Wednesdays).

So far, the Kano State Executive Council held one hundred and eighty three (183) sittings of the projected two hundred and nine (207) meetings to complete the second (2nd) term in office by the current administration. The impressive average of twenty five (25) approvals granted per each of the one hundred and eighty three (183) sittings translate to a total of 4,575 public spirited/oriented projects,schemes and programmes executed across all sectors for the betterment of the lives of the citizenry in Kano State with an expenditure of N435,877,991,480.50 transparently and prudently deployed.

Majority of the approved projects/programmes/schemes are at 100% level of completion while many others are close to completion. Again, those continuous in nature are relentlessly maintained.

This transformed Kano State and affords it an upright stature in developmental trends of international repute courtesy of the present administration.

The characteristic laudable trend was maintained on Wednesday 14th January, 2015 (23rd Rabi'ul Awwal, 1436AH) at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council held under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Ten (10) MDAs submitted forty three (43) memoranda for deliberation of which Council approved twenty (20) cutting across five (5) sectors for execution with an expenditure of One Hundred and Eighty Seven Million, Two Hundred Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty One Naira, Thirty Eight Kobo (N187,200,251.38) covering eleven (11) projects while the remaining nine (9) were on policy issues as follows; 1. THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR The superlative performance of the present administration under this sector inherent in public spirited and oriented activities undertaken by various MDAs in Kano State stridently calls for applause as the multitude of beneficiaries cut across all segments of the society.

Series of approvals were and are continually granted for the execution of projects, schemes and programmes related to empowering all categories of the citizenry in the State towards self actualization. The ten (10) memoranda approved for execution under the empowerment sector at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting of the State Executive Council adds to the series and can be typically subdivided into four. Viz; provision of access to capacity building for serving civil servants = 3; provision of access to professional/academic education = 3; provision of access to employable skills acquisition = 2 and provision of access to support for the needy = 2. Thus; o Provision of Access to Capacity Building for Serving Civil Servants:i.

Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of Staff Capacity Building Training by Kano State Bureau of Statistics in Liaison with Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD):The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request originally submitted from the Kano State Bureau of Statistics and presented it to Council for consideration.

Need to acquire the required professional capacity by the staff selected for the training in conducting their day to day work instigated submission of the request. Details were summarized and presented to Council along with the request for the release of the sum of N1,150,000.00 to enable conduct of the training for forty six (46) staff as follows; a) State Bureau of Statistics - thirty six (36) Staff at N25,000.00 = N900,000.00. b) Ministry of Planning and Budget - ten (10) Staff at N25,000.00 = N250,000.00.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved as requested. ii. Request for Funds to Enable Ten (10) Kano State Government Officials Attend the First (1st) International Conference on "Sustainable Development" at BAZE University, Abuja (19th - 22nd January, 2015):BAZE University, Abuja invited Kano State to be represented by ten (10) relevant officials at the cited Conference scheduled to hold at its Headquarters in Abuja (19th - 22nd January, 2015).

As such, the office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted this request for consideration by Council. Two (2) prayers were presented as follows; Council to consider and approve participation and release of DTA for ten (10) officials to attend the Conference.

Council to consider and approve the release of the sum of N700,000.00 as registration fee for the Conference in respect of the ten (10) delegates (officials).

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. iii. Request for Funds to Enable Fifteen (15) French Teachers under the Ministry of Education Attend a Six (6) Months Training in French Language at France (1st February to 30th July, 2015):Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its earlier approvals granted for the conduct of a screening examination to assess the capacity of the fifteen (15) French Teachers to attend the stated course.

In this regard, the screening examination was conducted at the French Cultural Center, Abuja. All the fifteen (15) Teachers qualified which prompted the State Ministry of Education to submit this request to Council for consideration as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government for the release of; 191,610.00 Pounds Sterling for the six (6) months course in respect of the fifteen (15) French Teachers $1,005.00.

Accordingly, Council approved the release of the requested sum to enable the fifteen (15) French Teachers serving with the Kano State Ministry of Education attend the six (6) months training in French Teaching and Methodology according to the details presented. o Provision of Access to Professional/Academic Education:i.

Request for Funds to Enable Two (2) Officers under the Office of the State Accountant General Travel to India on Verification and Reconsideration Assignment in Respect of Sponsored Students at M. S. U and Dayananda Universities:Profound applause was accorded the Kano State Government under the present administration for its empowerment policy especially in respect of providing access to professional and academic education at under and post graduate levels in Colleges and Universities locally and abroad in marketable and required courses such as MBBS and Pharmacy, Com-

mercial Pilot, Marine Engineering, etc. Series of approvals were granted for the release of funds to sponsor Kano State Indigenous qualified candidates for studies at such Institutions and their number is beyond comparison to any other. So far over 2,500 students have been sponsored to over 14 countries across the globe.

Prudence and accountability in the disbursement of such funds instigated submission of this request for consideration by Council. Two (2) officers (Deputy Directors) from the Ministry of Finance and the State Scholarship Board respectively are earmarked for the trip estimated to cost the sum of N1,348,400.00 which was requested Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso for release.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum for the commitment. ii. Presentation of a Letter of Misconduct in Respect of Two (2) Amongst the Second (2nd) Batch of 181 Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for One (1) Year Top - Up Degree Programme at International University of East Africa, Uganda:Only the unfortunate misuse a rare opportunity such as that provided by the Kano State Government currently under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by ensuring access to professional/academic education at under and post graduate levels in Institutions abroad free of charge to Kano State Indigenous qualified students. Two (2) students among the impressive number of beneficiaries of the laudable scheme were found guilty of unpleasant behavior which led to their immediate expulsion and subsequent return to Kano by officials of the institute.

Cognizant of the financial commitment involved, the office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed two (2) recommendations from the Ministry of Science and Technology and presented them for consideration by Council. Thus; Council to consider and approve replacement of the two (2) students by two (2) other qualified ones from the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Council to consider and approve withdrawal of the scholarship awarded to the two (2) students to be screen two (2) fresh students to replace them.

Immensely dismayed, Council approved execution of the two (2) recommendations proffered so as to deter others from committing similar offense. iii. Request for Funds to Enable Refund of One Way Ticket Fare in Respect of Fourteen (14) Amongst the 501 Post Graduate Returnees:Fourteen (14) of the 501 Kano State Indigenous Students sponsored for post graduate studies in five (5) Countries completed their respective courses successfully and hence are due to return to Kano with financial implications to the tune of N1,596,093.15 which was requested for release to enable the students return.

Owing up to its responsibility, Council approved as requested emphasizing disbursement of the fund as follows; S/N Number of Students Countries Amount (N) i.

02 China 226,421.09 ii. 05 Malaysia 581,104.99 iii. 05 Jordan 518,836.87 iv. 01 Dubai 128,942.55 v. 01 United Kingdom 140,786.84 Total =

N1,596,093.15.

o Provision of Access to Employable Skills Acquisition:i.

Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Logistics Required for the Screening of One Thousand, One Hundred (1100) Recruits for Course 7 of the Corporate Security Training Institute:Prominent amongst the employable skills acquisition training institutes established in Kano State by the present administration is the Kano Corporate Security Institute already graduated six thousand, six hundred (3,560) Corporate Security Personnel in six (6) Batches of one thousand, one hundred (1,100) each. Majority of them are already employed and deployed to various Government establishments while many others are engaged by Private Individuals and Corporations.

In envious progress, this request originally submitted from the authorities of the institute was endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented it to Council for consideration.

Equally, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N350,000.00 to facilitate provision of logistics required for screening one thousand, one hundred (1,100) recruits for course 7 at the institute.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. ii. Presentation of Employment Opportunities Offered by Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited:Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited was introduced to Council, through contents of this memorandum, as a consortium of many companies engaged in the power, Maritime and Energy (Oil and Gas) Sector.

Furthermore, details on the company were summarized to six (6) items and presented to Council for consideration all of which are congruent with the empowerment policy of the present administration.

Council appreciated the presentation and approved for collaboration between the Kano Sate Government and Motir Seapire Nigeria Limited pertaining the proposal on employment opportunities since it is at no cost to the Government. o Provision of Support to the Needy:i.

Presentation of Report on 2014 (1435AH) Hajj Operation:This report was endorsed by the Deputy Governor/Honourable Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments and presented to Council for consideration on behalf of the Kano State Pilgrims' Welfare Board.

Details of the report were summarized to fifteen (15) items and presented to Council for consideration based on which the State Pilgrims' Welfare Board proffered nine (9) recommendations that warranted the forwarding of three (3) cardinal prayers on Hajj Operations as follows;

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015 Council to consider and approve commencement of 2015 Hajj Operation activities by the State Pilgrims' Welfare Board.

Council to consider and approve allocation of two (2) Hajj Seats for 2015 (1436AH) Hajj to two (2) Kano State Indigenous Winners in Qur'anic recitation competition which include Malams Muhammad Isman Sulaiman and Muhammad Ubale Lawan.

Council to acknowledge/appreciate the recognition accorded to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE and his Deputy Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje by the presentation of a PLAQUE by the Saudi Arabian Government for their Moral and financial support to the successful Hajj Operation in the year 2014 (1435AH).

Council approved execution of the three (3) prayers forwarded. ii. Request for Funds to Enable Kano Pillars Football Club Pursue CAF Champion League First (1st) Round in February, 2015 (Juba, Sudan):Support provided to the Kano Pillars Football Club by the present administration in Kano State needs no emphasis in this medium. However, such support ensures the excellent continuous performance of the Club as good ambassadors of Kano State and the Nigeria Nation at local, regional and international football competitions especially the Nigerian Premier Football League Competitions in which the Kano Pillars Football Club clinched first (1st) position for three (3) consecutive years (2012, 2013 and 2014).

In the same vein, a Council Committee was mandated to study the cited request originally submitted from the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture and report/recommend findings to Council for consideration.

The assignment was judiciously carried out and it was recommended to Council to approve the release of the sum of N105,795,200.00 for both Home and Away Matches of the CAF Champions League Football Competitions to be undertaken by the Kano Pillars Football Club.

Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the trimmed sum of N100,000,000.00 for the stated purpose.

2. THE HEALTH SECTOR Existing in good health is cardinal of all human aspirations and considered prominent by the present administration in Kano State which relentlessly approves execution of projects, schemes and programmes related to the improvement and transformation of the health sector in all aspects and ramifications for the betterment of the lives of the citizenry in the State.

Physical and infrastructural requirements; material and medical consumables; tools/equipment are continually provided by granting series of approvals to which the one (1) approved for execution at the one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting only added to the recorded achievements. Thus; Request for Funds to Sustain the Operations of the Magistrate Mobile Court Attached to the Taskforce Committee on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (July - December, 2014):Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE champions the war against illicit drug trafficking in Kano State which was heralded continually from inception of this administration to date by setting fire to destroy illicit drugs and unwholesome materials estimated to cost the sum of over N4,000,000,000.00.

The cited Committee along with its attached Mobile Magistrate Court is the robust field men that enforce the general effort exerted towards the elimination of trafficking in counterfeit and fake drugs as well as unwholesome processed foods.

As such, the office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the Ministry of Health. Specifically, the sum of N7,589,800.00 was requested for release by the Ministry of Health to enable provision of operational funds and allowances to the Taskforce referred for six (6) months (July December, 2014) as follows; Operational funds (4 items) = N1,109,800.00.

Allowances (6 months) at N1,080,000.00 = N6,480,000.00.

Total = N7,589,800.00.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

3. THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/MAINTENANCE Only posterity can vindicate the commendable performance and indelible achievements recorded under this sector by the present administration. The State wears a brand new look courtesy of the urban renewal policy. Just take a trip round the entire State, the story tells itself in glittering volumes.

Maintaining the envious trend, the Kano State Executive Council approved the execution of six (6) memoranda under the infrastructural development and maintenance sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting as follows; a) Presentation of Request for Permission to Access the Data on Registered Households and Business Premises in Kano State:Activities of the Street Naming and House Numbering Committee are commendable developments initiated courtesy of the efforts dissipated by the present administration in Kano State - especially the establishment of Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS). Relevant data/information required for physical development planning, demographic and socio - economic strategic designs, etc are currently easily generated, kept and retrieved whenever required.

This request was originally submitted from the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and presented to Council for consideration.

Details on the genesis and reasons that instigated this submission, especially the established genuine attempt to source additional allocation of electric power to the State were presented for consideration.

Council appreciated the presentation, approved and directed authorities at KANGIS to allow KEDCO access to the Street Naming and House Numbering Data/Information required. This will certainly improve the level of industrial activity/production in Kano State, boost commercial activities and improve the living condition of the citizenry. b) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement of 1,500 Litres of Diesel (AGO):Standby electricity generators provide a sizable proportion of the electric power required by Kano State Government owned Health Facilities of all categories. Diesel is regularly required to energize such electricity generators so as to provide the necessarily required electric power as a vital enabling infrastructure for the normal health care delivery functions of the available facilities across Kano State in place of the epileptic supply from KEDCO as the renamed famous PHCN. The present administration unfailingly maintains the supply of diesel to the Ministry of Health which was reported as exhausted and warranted this submission as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

In this regard, the sum of N330,000.00 was requested for release to enable the Ministry of Health procure 1,500 litres of diesel to fuel standby electricity generators spread across Government owned health facilities in the State - especially hospitals.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested. c) Presentation of Update and Request for Augmentation of Initially Approved Funds for the Construction of Internal Road Network at Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education:This presentation was submitted to Council for consideration by the office of the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

Equally, Council was notified of a variation upwards of the initial cost of N199,134,986.34 approved for the execution of the cited project on which the Contractor already mobilized to site and commenced works.

Additional works were encountered estimated and verified to cost the sum of N21,775,908.23 which was requested for release to augment the sum originally approved to the new Contract sum of N220,910,894.57.

Council noted, considered and approved as requested.

43 d) Presentation of Report on Commissioning of Reallocation of 100 Hectares Developed Irrigation Scheme at Magaga Dam and the New WRECA Headquarters at Gwaron Dutse on 8th January, 2015 by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE:Contracts for the execution of the two (2) projects commissioned were awarded to the Kano State Government owned Water Resources Engineering and Construction Agency (WRECA) by the present administration at the respective Contract sums of N169,000,000.00 (Magaga Dam Irrigation Scheme) and N56,000,000.00 (WRECA Headquarters).

The two (2) projects were successfully executed to 100% level which justified their commissioning by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE on 8th January, 2015.

Details related to the quality of the two (2) projects as executed by WRECA were presented to Council for consideration as endorsed by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. e) Presentation of Progress Report on Activities of Kano State Fire Service Department:The State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport supervise the Fire Service Department and presented this report for consideration by Council. Specifically, activities of the Fire Service Department in four (4) months (September to December, 2014) were reported upon.

Details were clustered and summarized under two (2) items and presented to Council for consideration. Thus; The Department revived its recreation room (details presented); the control room was reactivated (details presented); the Fire Service Driving School was reactivated (details presented).

The Department procured ten (10) single security poles; restored the electricity supply, water system at the students' hostel and VIP guest house; refurbished a fire fighting vehicle at Sabon Gari Quarters; centralized thirty five (35) distress/emergency numbers/lines with Etisalat Network.

Council acknowledged the presentation of the report with appreciation. f) Presentation of Progress Report on the Renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium:Contract awarded for the renovation of Sani Abacha Stadium is supervised by the Kano State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport which submitted this progress report for consideration by Council. Eleven (11) highlights were presented which totaled up to the overall and general percentage progress of the entire project to be at 95% level to completion.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively.

4. THE EDUCATION SECTOR This sector is second to none for the unwavering attention accorded in the efforts to transform it for the better exerted by the present administration in the State. The pinnacle was attained by declaring the provision of education at public schools free of charge at all levels in Kano State under the prevailing improved general situation regarding the education sector. Undertake a comparative analysis, award marks and grade the performance of the present administration towards improving the quality of services delivered by Government under the education sector within the span of the present administration. "Flying Colours" or "Grade A" will certainly be awarded Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE for positively transforming the education sector in Kano State to its current envious status along the lines of which Council approved execution of two (2) memoranda under the education sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th) sitting as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Reimbursement of Expenditure Incurred to Procure 100 Sets of ECOWAS Certificates in Respect of 100 Kano State Indigenous Students of Bilingual College Niamey:The Government of Kano State and that of Niger Republic endorsed a Bilateral Agreement on the establishment of Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso Bilingual College, Zinder mutually convenient to the parties.

In relation to the above, Kano State sponsored one hundred (100) students to join one hundred (100) others from the Niger Republic at the Niamey Bilingual College. Emergency ECOWAS Travelling Certificates were procured for the one hundred (100) Kano State Indigenous Students at the cost of N500,000.00 (N5,000.00 for each) which was requested for refund by the Ministry of Education as endorsed by the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council acknowledged and approved the release of N500,000.00 to the Ministry of Education as reimbursement for the incurred expenditure. b) Presentation of Proposed Amendment to the Transfer of Corona Trust School Law 1973:The Ministry of Justice submitted this presentation for consideration by Council.

Council was notified that, the Corona Trust School (now Kano Capital School) was formally transferred to the State through the Edict "Transfer of Corona Trust School (1973)". The Edict makes provision for the Management of the School since then (now 41 years). The time lapse warrants a review and amendment to the said Edict so as to enhance academic activities and improve the administrative affairs of the school.

Accordingly, the proposed amendments were effected and Council was requested to approve the transmission of the Bill to the State House of Assembly for passage into Law. Council acknowledged the presentation and approved as requested.

5. THE JUSTICE SECTOR This sector connotes the judiciary which is the third (3rd) arm of Government in addition to the Executive and Legislative arms. As such, all issues relevant to the dispensation of justice promptly and correctly are approved for execution. For example, approvals were granted for the construction/establishment of twenty seven (27) Shari'ah Courts and twenty six (26) Magistrate Courts (total = 57) to facilitate easy access to the dispensation of Justice for the citizenry in the State. Again, approval was recently granted for the purchase of Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence (volume 1 - 11); Encyclopedia of Islamic Law (volume 1 - 10); Encyclopedia of Islamic Shari'ah (volume 1 - 10) at the total sum of N4,200,000.00.

Continuing with trend, the Kano State Executive Council granted approval for the execution of one (1) memorandum under the Justice Sector at its one hundred and eighty fourth (184th). Thus; Request for Funds to Enable Production/Printing of Kano State High Court Rules 2014:The office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed this request and presented it to Council for consideration on behalf of the State High Court.

Essentially, the State High Court Civil Procedure Rules in use since (1988) is currently reviewed and signed as Kano State High Court Rules (2014) that requires production/printing at the estimated cost of N7,600,000.00 which was requested for release. Details were summarized and presented as follows; S/N Description Quantity Price (N) Total (N) i.

Hard Cover High Court Rules (2014) Books 2000 1,820.00 3,640,000.00 ii. Paper Back High Court Rules (2014) Books 3000 1,320.00 3,960,000.00 Total 5000 7,600,000.00 Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum for the undertaking.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture www.kn.gov.ng/new

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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46

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Celebration (9) 6. Greeting (2) 7. Documentation (6) 9. Indelible Mark (4) 10. Former (2) 11. Spread Out (3) 12. Final (4) 14, Resounding Noise (4) 15. In direction of (2) 16, Myself (2) 17. Eager (4) 19. Young Boy (3) 20. Father Christmas (10) 24. Being (2) 26. Tinkle (6) 27. Perform (2) 28. Tease (6)

1. Impression (4) 2. Cereal (4) 3. Created (4) 4. Amuse (6) 5. Celebration of Christ’s birth(9) 8. Free Air (6) 11. Paths (5) 13. Clawed 18. Deserve (4) 19. Juvenile (3) 21. Story (4) 22. So be it (4) 23. Musical Note (2) 25. Gladness (3)

SANTA PUZZLE Find alternative words to the clues below and fill them in their spaces in the grid.The answer to the first word on the grid “ORICK” has 4 letters which should be placed in their spaces in the grid being 1,8,6, and 15 as shown besie the word. The star word, an 11letter word denoting the yuletide will be revealed when done .

1

Story of the Christmas Tree

9

10

11

POETRY

The Legend of Christmas Tree

2

8

3

7 4

5

6

Just how powerful a symbol is the Christmas tree?

Any Christmas tree, given the right kind of attention, can be perfect, and even humble things take on exalted meaning in the eyes of Christ.

• “The First Christmas Tree”Did you know that an oak was the inspiration for the first Christmas tree? In this informative story, we learn how an eighth-century monk named Boniface chopped down an oak tree to prove an important religious point, and ended up viewing a small fir sapling as a miracle.

• “The First Christmas Tree Lights”Ever wonder about the origin of Christmas tree lights? This story tells how Martin Luther changed the Christmas tree tradition with the addition of lights, the result of his frightening walk through the dark woods. It reveals the fascinating fact that Christmas trees were originally hung upside down, without lights.

• “The Perfect Tree”This delightful story is told from the perspective of a small, unremarkable tree that worries whether it will be suitable for Christmas. Through the inspired care of a family, it fills the bill perfectly. Try reading this uplifting tale to a child — it will teach him or her some valuable lessons about caring for others.

• “The Tale of Three Trees”What if Christmas trees could talk? What would they say? In this profound Christmas tale, three trees have grandiose hopes for their wood after they’re harvested, and all three are disappointed — temporarily. Eventually, they all play meaningful roles in the life of Jesus Christ. Make this inspirational story part of your family’s Christmas tradition.

• “O Christmas Tree” The brief on Christmas Tree Stories ends here with the story about a “special” Christmas tree everyone thought was too small. Read ‘O Christmas Tree’ to find out how this special tree turned into a bright, beautiful spectacle that would remain with one happy family forever.

Pep Talk

Humour * What did Adam say to his wife on the day before Christmas?

Answer:It’s Christmas, Eve! * What for the trumpet of Ken was kept in the freezer?

Answer: Because he loves cool music. * What is the popular carol in Desert?

Answer: Camel ye Faithful. * Why the Christmas tree can’t stand up?

Answer: It doesn’t have legs.

“The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things”. - Thomas S. Monson

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

NATION SPORT

EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN...EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN...EUROPEAN...

Tevez expects to return soon

•Tevez

B

OCA Juniors president Daniel Angelici says the Argentine giants are expecting Carlos Tevez to return to the club next year.

The Juventus striker began

his senior career with the Buenos Aires giants, becoming a club idol as he helped them to Copa Libertadores and world titles before a big money switch to Corinthians in

Brazil.

The 30-year-old’s current deal with Juve expires in 2016 and, having revealed he has no plans to extend his stay in Turin, a long-awaited

homecoming appears to be on the cards in 2016.

“Over a year and half, things can change. But right now his idea is [Tevez will return next year],” Angelici told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I was amazed when he said that right now he does not think he will renew his contract with Juventus.

"There is a sense that perhaps right now, at 30, Carlos is at its best and Boca still want a little of him near his best, not at 36 or 37 years, when you can’t give as much as you can at 32.

“But it’s not about age as much as the love of the shirt.

Look at [Diego] Milito [at Racing], [Juan] Veron [at Estudiantes], Maxi Rodriguez [at Newell’s], who were all older wanted to return to where they started.”

Tevez fired Juve to the Serie A title last season, hitting 19 league goals in his debut season for the Old Lady and earning a recall to the Argentina side after a four-year absence from the international setup.

He has repeatedly stated his desire to end his career back with Boca.

Ancelotti: Real well positioned for title

R

EAL Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his players' reaction from their Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid in midweek to move four points clear at the top of Spain's La Liga with a 3-0 win over Getafe.

Victory ensured the European champions will top the table at the halfway mark of the campaign and Ancelotti believes they are well on course for just a second league title in seven years. "This first-half of the season has been very good," said the Italian. "We started with some problems and then had a great run. We suffered a defeat in Valencia, but the team has great desire to win this competition and we are well-positioned. We just need to keep going."

It was far from vintage performance by Ancelotti's men for large spells at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum, but there was no way back for Getafe after a wonderful piece of skill by Karim Benzema teed up Cristiano

'No developments on Ings future'

D

ANNY Ings has revealed that there has been little development with regards to his future at Burnley.

The England Under-21 international is out of contract at Turf Moor at the end of the season, with the Clarets known to be keen to secure his services to a new deal.

A number of clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Sociedad have all recently been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, but the striker has insisted that his main focus is on producing the goods for Burnley.

"To be honest no [there is no update]. I'm just getting on with my football.

Obviously, with social media and all of that outside noise there's going to be speculation for any player doing well for their club," he told Goals on Sunday.

"I'm not the type of player to buzz off the speculation and think 'maybe I can move there'. It's all about the football, letting my feet do the talking and I'm happy at the moment."

•Ings

Ranocchia injury boost for Inter

Ronaldo to slot home the opener just after the hour mark. Gareth Bale then doubled the visitors' lead before Ronaldo rounded off the scoring with his 36th goal of the season.

"At the start we played a bit slow, but I liked the performance because the team played with intelligence and much better in the second-half than the first. I think the whole team played well, but the assist by Karim opened the game up for us. It was extraordinary."

Madrid have failed to hit the heights of the form they showed on a 22-game winning run to finish 2014 so far this year as they were beaten by Valencia in La Liga before falling to rivals Atletico in the Cup. However, Ancelotti is confident his side are slowly finding their way back to top form. "I think the intensity with which we played at the end of the year was a little bit better, but the team is improving. Little by little we are returning to our best level."

I

NTER Milan have been given a boost with the news that Andrea Ranocchia's knee injury is not as serious as first thought.

The Nerazzurro captain hurt his left knee during

•Hummels •Ranocchia

Saturday's goalless draw at Empoli and coach Roberto Mancini feared losing the influential defender for a long spell. However, Ranocchia underwent tests on Sunday which ruled out any ligament damage.

A statement from Inter read: "Tests done have confirmed that Ranocchia has not suffered any ligament damage."

However, the Italy international, who has started in 17 league games and scored two goals for Inter this season, is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. Inter take on Sampdoria at the San Siro in a Coppa Italia last-16 fixture on Wednesday before hosting Torino three days later in Serie A. The Nerazzurri are also alive in continental competition and take on Celtic in the round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League next month.

radar Dortmund must stop wasting Joao Pereira on Hannover The former Portugal UNDESLIGA outfit international has found Hannover are potential - Hummels himself on the fringes at showing interest

M

•Ancelotti

ATS Hummels' B o r u s s i a Dortmund future does not depend on the UEFA Champions League, but he wants the team to stop wasting their potential.

Captain Mats Hummels has urged Bundesliga strugglers Borussia Dortmund to stop wasting their potential.

Dortmund have provided the most consistent challenge to the domestic dominance of Bayern Munich in recent seasons.

However, Jurgen Klopp's

B

men have failed to reach their usually lofty standards in the 2014-15 term and they headed into the mid-season break languishing in the relegation zone.

Centre-back Hummels believes that Dortmund were scarcely outplayed in the first half of the campaign and their problems were mental.

The Germany international is now desperate for the side to start living up to their billing as one of Europe's best teams.

in Valencia full-back Joao Pereira, according to Cadena SER. The 96ers are vying for European positions in Germany’s top flight and they hope to improve their options at right-back in January.

Cadena SER has learned that Valencia defender Joao Pereira has emerged as their primary target, with Hannover officials already establishing the initial contact with the La Liga side.

Valencia following the arrival of compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo and he has been told that he has no future at the club.

With his contract at Mestalla due to expire at the end of the season, Pereira sho u l d b e a v a i l a b l e f o r a nominal fee in January.

The 30-year-old joined Valencia from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2012 and has since made a total of 55 La Liga appearances for los Che, but was not even considered for starting places this term.

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NATION SPORT

TRANSFER... TRANSFER... TRANSFER... TRANSFER... TRANSFER...

Pep Guardiola urges Messi to stay at Barca

P

EP Guardiola has urged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona, advising the Argentina international to remain patient and show faith in the project of current boss Luis Enrique.

Last week the four-time world player of the year appeared to be as close as ever to a Camp Nou exit after admitting he was unsure where he would be playing his football next season.

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City have since been linked with a world record move for the forward, who was said to be unhappy at being dropped from the Barca side that lost 1-0 to Real Sociedad earlier this month.

Bayern Munich coach Guardiola told Messi he should appreciate what he means to Barcelona and what the club has given him, both in his professional and personal life.

Guardiola also reminded the 27-year-old of the unanimous support he has from everyone at the club, stressing that no other club can show him the

same level of backing.

Messi has always listened to those he respects and owes so much of his career to and the

sentiments of his former mentor Guardiola have made a real impression on him. The duo won three Liga titles, two

Champions League crowns and two club world titles during Guardiola's four seasons with the club.

Higuain dismisses transfer talk

G

ONZALO Higuain has poured cold water on speculation about a possible move away from Napoli, insisting he is happy at the Italian Serie A outfit. The Argentina striker has been strongly linked with a big-money switch to Liverpool in the winter transfer market.

However, speaking to Sky Italia shortly after

Napoli's 1-0 triumph at Lazio on Sunday - a match which saw him net the only goal - Higuain said: "I am happy here. I have a contract here."

Napoli's signing of Italy forward Manolo Gabbiadini from Sampdoria last week increased speculation about Higuain future at the club.

The 27-year-old joined Napoli in the summer of

2013 from Real Madrid and is under contract with the Naples outfit until June 2018.

Higuain's winner against Lazio saw him move onto ten goals in 19 league appearances for Napoli this season, and helped his side leapfrog their opponents into third place in Serie A. The top three teams in Italy's top flight will compete in next season's Champions League.

Juventus hope to bring Sturaro this month

T

•Higuain

U R I N - b a s e d newspaper Tuttosport has learned that Juventus will attempt to add midfielder Stefano Sturaro to their ranks in the January transfer window.

The Bianconeri recruited the talented footballer from Genoa last summer for a fee of •5.5 million, before loaning the youngster back to Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Juventus officials, however, hope to find an agreement with the

Rossoblu that would see Sturaro move to Turin ahead of schedule.

The Bianconeri are hardly spoilt for options in the centre of the park and they believe the 21-year-old would be a good addition to the squad in the second part of the season.

Stefano Sturaro came through the youth ranks at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and started showing his potential last season after returning from a loan spell with Modena.

The youngster has since amassed 27 Serie A appearances and scored one goal, while also becoming an important member of Italy Under-21 side.

Wenger: Not signing a defender ´risky´

W

ITH Arsenal’s defensive stocks being tested, Arsene Wenger has hinted at signing cover in January.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger conceded not reinforcing his depleted defence before the close of the January transfer window would be too “risky”.

French full-back Mathieu Debuchy added to Wenger’s defensive woes during the week, ruled out for three months due to a dislocated shoulder.

Arsenal’s defensive stocks have been tested throughout the 2014-15 Premier League season, with Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal all spending time on the sidelines.

West Ham defender Winston Reid and Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels have been touted as potential signings in January.

And Wenger is aware failure to add defensive cover would be a gamble with Arsenal desperate to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

“It’s risky. It’s too risky,” said Wenger. “If we have another injury or two we will struggle.

“We can, because we have [Calum] Chambers, [Per] Mertesacker, Koscielny.

But we have now lost Debuchy, who could play centre-back, Monreal, who can play centre-back, Gibbs as well has been out.

“Of course we have made enquiries and then you have a second handicap of who wants to sell their best players, especially a central defender, in the middle of

I

•Destro

Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are possible destinations.

"I am a Roma player right now," Destro told Sky Sport Italia.

"My position is that I am a striker, I want to do well, to play and to score. We didn't win, but I am happy that I scored."

Destro was the hero for visiting Roma after being handed a rare start by coach Rudi Garcia.

After highly-rated Argentinean striker Paulo Dybala gave Palermo a second-minute lead, Destro slid in to restore parity for Roma in the 54th minute.

"I missed scoring goals, it was important to me and

the season.

“They say: ‘OK, come back in June or July and maybe yes.'”

Wenger added: “I am not the only one working on the case.”

“It’s not a supermarket where you go in and buy a defender, it’s a market that is very restricted, that players who can strengthen the best 10 teams in Europe, you don’t find many and it’s the same for everybody.

“We are a big attraction, of course we are, but if it was easy we would do it.”

Mourinho: Salah departure unlikely

B

ESIKTAS have been strongly linked for another raid on Chelsea in January for Mohamed Salah, but Jose Mourinho wants to keep the Egyptian.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed talk that Mohamed Salah is set to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Salah was signed from Basel in the corresponding window last year, but has found regular first-team opportunities hard

Destro tight-lipped on future TALIAN striker Mattia Destro was coy when quizzed about his Roma future.

Mattia Destro refused to shed light on rumours linking him with a move away from Roma after helping the Serie A title hopefuls to a 1-1 draw at Palermo on Saturday.

Destro marked his first start in over a month with a goal, rescuing a point for Roma nine minutes into the second half at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The 23-year-old's future has been the topic of discussion amid links to Serie A rivals Milan during the January transfer window, while Inter,

•Wenger

•Sturaro

•Mourinho

to come by with the likes of Eden Hazard, Willian and Oscar often preferred by Mourinho.

In almost a year at Stamford Bridge, Salah has made just 13 Premier League appearances and Besiktas are thought to be suitors after president Fikret Orman confirmed he was in talks with Chelsea chiefs over signing another player from the London club to follow Demba Ba's switch to Turkey.

Salah was an unused substitute for Chelsea's 5-0 hammering of Swansea City on Saturday, and afterwards Mourinho refuted any suggestions that the Egypt international would be allowed to move on.

"He can't leave, I have 20 players today with Didier [Drogba] a bit ill and [Cesar] Azpilicueta injured," the manager said.

"I had all my players here today, just [Nathan] Ake in the stands.

"I have a very short squad, I need everybody. For Salah to leave someone has to come, and I don't think we are going to let Salah go on loan and then spend some money to bring somebody else in.

"So I don't think so, unless my club comes to me and says Salah goes on loan and we are going to buy a £50million player."

Monday January 19, 2015

THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

51

‘

We do try our best to ensure that our domains are calm and peace ful during elections but Constitutionally we have no role to play in politics only giving advisory role if called for

‘

Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong is the former Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Adamawa Central District. In this interview with OKORIE UGURU, he speaks about the PDP crisis the controversial congress held in Abuja and the way forward for the party. Excerpts:

Adamawa PDP congress in Abuja was in order, says Hong

W

HAT actually happened in Adamawa State?

Adamawa so far is peaceful and stable. Politically, congresses were conducted by almost all the political parties including the PDP. Candidates from the state house of assembly, the National Assembly, to gubernatorial elections have emerged in most of the parties while the scavenger parties are also picking the crumbs f|rom fallout of the congresses of some the political parties, including the PDP. Excerpt for that, I will say the PDP has nominated all its candidates and flag bearers for all offices in the state and the exercise was successful and transparent.

Within the shortest possible time, the candidates will be submitted to INEC . The party and its leadership in Adamawa will commence exercises of general election campaign, consultation, mobilization and building networks towards delivering the candidates of the party God willing. We will tell you confidently that the PDP is the party for Adamawa State. I have no doubt in my mind that it will still remain the party to bit in Adamawa State.

But, the party is now divided...

I want you to understand that exercises like this is like befriending a beautiful bride. You are not expecting a very beautiful bride to have only one suitor. Generally, the PDP as it is has been blessed by so many people because it is a very good platform for people to actualize their aspirations, particularly political and elective offices. You find contenders in large number aspiring for offices. Secondly, it is a culture which is not healthy one; it is the culture of developing countries where there is this notion of winning by hook and crook , and the culture of accepting the outcome of an exercise is very weak in the country particularly here in Nigeria. Virtually everybody has left his vocation to become politicians. People think that life begins and ends with holding public offices. The desperation for aspiration has been so high to an extent that when you have an exercise where 10 people are aspiring for the same office, where only one person would emerge, it is expected that with the fallout from that, there will be all manners of different actions that would emanate as a result of the failure of some. Some of these actions will be legitimate, but most are not legitimate. Maybe, some of them are just bad losers that have not imbibed the culture of democracy where you know from the onset that no matter

T

HE Olu of Itoriland, Ogun State, Oba Fatai Akamo, has called on youths to distance themselves from any politician who would use them as political thugs.

Oba Akamo, who observed the rate at which the lifespan of many youths were been shorten as a result of deadly task assigned to them during elections, lamented that it was high time all youths stands on their feet to say no to such act.

how many people that aspire, there will only be one person who would emerge. Secondly, because you felt like it is the end of the life if you did not win, you start calling people names and allege that the whole exercise is flawed, and to an extent, you even see people, some of them defecting from the party thinking that if they go somewhere else, they would realize their aspirations. But the actual thing is that first and foremost, the platform is very important and the investment you put in the party should not just be wasted. So, if you go there, rarely do you realize your aspiration because it is out of desperation.

How credible was the exercise?

So, just like the general synopsis that I have given you, we had that in Adamawa State. People have aspired, some of them have not been able to realize their aspirations, for that reason they are aggrieved. Like I said, some of them legitimate and some of them are just trying to make issues out of nothing. Some of them boycotted the exercise thinking that they will constitute themselves into an institution that would force the party hierarchy to change its decision. When this did not happen, they are now saying that they will leave the party.

These are all expected in a democratic exercise particularly in developing countries. We have seen it happen before. We have conducted this exercise; a lot of them would have their senses back at the appropriate time. They will know that this is politics, they have lost but there will be another time.

The beauty of democracy is that today, you are not on in, tomorrow, the permutation would change and you would find out that you will be my best friend and the people who would support me. I will advise them to remain calm and still follow the PDP. It is the government and salvaging Nigeria and also Adamawa State that is the most important. It is not about an individual. It is about the state and our people who have by far been left behind . we want to redeem and reclaim the state so that, at least, we should all join hands as citizens of Adamawa to build a better Adamawa for all of us, for ourselves and for our children. So, that is the first and foremost.

Could you shed light on the controversial trailing the Adamawa gover-

norship primaries?

First and foremost, these are part of the allegations. Number one, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) is statutorily empowered to take decisions on behalf of the party.

Why, because it is the highest, day to day, decision making organ of the party before the NEC makes its final decision, maybe the conventions of the party to make strategic decisions like ratifying appointments, changing the constitution. So, the working committee has decided to shift the venue based on available information, first the state of security in the North- East, particularly the states under emergency rule: Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. The situation is already challenging security wise. The sense of insecurity in those three states is high, so that could be one of the considerations that the NWC considered.

Two, when we were given the opportunity to conduct the election in Adamawa, there was a very nasty experience by the panel that was sent by the NWC to go and conduct the congresses and nomination of the flag bearers for the state assembly. Why because, after arriving, they were held hostage against their will. They were made to work with an illegal structure or leadership of the party that had been suspended from the party. They were forced to use a list that was contrary to the one they were given from Abuja. Because, if you say there would be no streamlining of issues, policies and guidelines, if everyone will just be producing his own delegate list, then I will also go and write my own delegate list and tuck it under my armpit and when the panel comes, I will say this is my list.

So, to avoid that type of scenario, there was a standard list drawn by another panel of the PDP sent to Adamawa State to go and conduct this exercise for the election of the three ad-hoc delegates. The list was submitted to the NWC as the genuine delegates list who are supposed to become the electoral college for the election of the PDP flag bearers.

So, when they went there, the former chairman who had been forcing himself on the panel and the state insisted that his list has to be used to become the Electoral College. Those people, because they know the briefing they

•Hong

had received, said it was not possible because they had not been informed like that. They insisted that if there were any new changes, they had to hear from the NWC, which they were representing. Unfortunately, when they saw that the panel was ready to abide by the instruction from the NWC, they went the extra mile, abducting and holding the panel from Abuja hostage, sized the material from them, conducted an illegal exercise supervised by an illegal structure of the party. At the end of the day, they were thinking that they had conducted primaries, but the chairman and members of the panel came and wrote a report disassociating themselves from what happened in Adamawa.

The other aspirants are claiming that they were not informed about the change of venue.

I don’t think I am in position to defend the NWC in this matter; they should go and ask them. Just like they were informed, it is just the same way that we were informed and we took advantage of that and we prepared.

If you are a serious candidate, and you want to contest, you have to comply, except if you want to constitute yourself into a power block of your own and become a working committee. As an aspirant, you have to conform to directive coming from the NWC, and since the rebelled against the decision, it is their business.

‘The desperation for aspiration has been so high to an extent that when you have an exercise where 10 people are aspiring for the same office, where only one person would emerge, it is expected that with the fallout from that, there will be all manners of different actions that would emanate as a result of the failure of some.’

Monarch urges youths to shun thuggery From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The monarch who spoke with reporters in Ibadan called for a violence-free democratic. He said: ”Let Nigerians have free minds to votes the candidates of their choice without fear”.

On the contributions of traditional rulers in promoting good governance, the monarch said:

”We do try our best to ensure that our domains are calm and peace ful during elections but Constitutionally we have no role to play in politics only giving advisory role if called for.”

Oba Akamo also said that the monarchical system of government would maintain a concept of consistency in Nigeria economy if it

was to be instituted into the country.

Akamo stressed that countries that practiced the monarchical system of ruling were economically stable and more attractive than the democracy system of ruling.

“Countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom, have proved to the world that the monarchy

Those of us who are aspirants and are serious and respect the organs of the party, we took that directive sacrosanct and went and prepared for it, and participated in the exercise and we were delivered. Those who decided not to join, it is their business.

Are you going to force them to come?

No, it is their fundamental right to make a choice. Are you going to forced them to bring their delegates here? No, but the delegates are independent of them; they are the assets of the party, most of them came here.

With the current situation, how do you go about reconciling aggrieved members?

You know the PDP is a very big family; I have the belief that in exercises like this, it is a contest. We should all know that this thing happens. When you enter the contest of electioneering like this, no matter how many of you aspiring, there will only be one person who will emerge. This is what happened here. It is also not unexpected that people will be aggrieved because they came with a mindset, they came with aspiration and vision, what they hoped to achieve, what they hoped to do, if given the chance, but the electorate have decided otherwise. So, they should know that this is not from us who emerges, we are just like them. We are just privileged this time around as flag bearers of the party. It could have been some other persons apart from us and we will still feel bad. But at the end of the day we know that God gives this thing to whoever he chooses and that is what happened. They should know that the PDP is a family and there will be another opportunity. system of government was peaceful, far better and richer than most democratic ruling system, “ he said.

His word: “The democracy that we say we practice in Nigeria is far different from how its been practiced in America where we copied it from,Ours is a democracy of violence, thuggery and ofcourse a do or die affair.” if we know we want to practice democracy then we should do it the way it was handed over to us.”

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THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

‘

Let the whole of Lagos rise on the election day and endorse continuity.

We should vote for the continuity of progress. They said that we should not fight. We will not fight, if they don’t rig the elections

‘

IKORODU APC RALLY

Why Lagosians should reject PDP, by Fashola • Ambode: I ‘ll build on Tinubu’s, Fashola’s legacies

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola said at the weekend that Lagosians will not vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because the Federal Government has neglected the state in the last 16 years.

The governor also faulted the candidature of Mr. Olujimi Agbaje, who is the PDP flag bearer, saying that he lacks the understanding of statecraft, budgeting and financial management.

He said Lagos State is too strategic and critical to Nigeria, West Africa and the entire continent to be entrusted to “a beginner and an experimenter.”

Fashola, who addressed party supporters at Ikorodu, said when Lagosians recall how the PDP-led Federal Government opposed the creation of additional five local governments in Ikorodu Division, they will reject Agbaje at the poll.

The governor said while the former Accountant-General and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Akin Ambode, himself as the Chief of Staff and former AttorneyGeneral and Justice Commissioner Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) played prominent roles in the establishment and survival of the councils under Tinubu Administration, Agbaje’s party hailed the seizure of local government allocations.

Fashola said it was at that critical time that Ambode’s incisive wit and experience in financial re-engineering came to the fore, as he suggested a financial creativity formula that made the administration to tackle the challenge.

He also chided President Goodluck Jonathan for maladministration, stressing that he has failed in all sectors and inflicted pains on the country through sheer ineptitude. Fashola alerted the nation to plans by the Federal Government to increase import duty, warning that transporters and other Nigerians will be further exposed to economic hardship.

Exuding confidence, Ambode, who rode in an open Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the governor, said: “We have a tradition of excellence to continue to build on. Do we need trial and error in Lagos? No. That is why we must vote for the APC.” The governor and the flag bearer got a rousing welcome at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Primary School Ground, the venue of the mega rally. Brooms, the symbol of the party, filled the air. Jubilating supporters were dancing and singing. On the stage to thrill them were ace musicians-Mrs. Abeni Salawa and Buga. There were other artistes - Madam Surutu, Lawori, Iyabo Oko and Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro). Party followers came from Kosofe, Somolu, Bariga, Ijede, Imota, Epe, Agbowa, Ikosi and other towns from Okorodu Division.

The rally, which was presided over by the party chairman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, was hosted by the Ikorodu APC leaders, including former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, former Secretary to the Government Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Mrs. Folake Shokunbi Kalokalo and Pa Olu Alogba. Party flags were presented to Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), House of Representatives candidate for Ikorodu Constituency Jimi Benson, House of Assembly flag bearer for Ikorodu Constituency 1 Mr Solaja and his Constituent 11 counterpart, Hon. Sunai Agbubiade, by the party chairman.

• Fashola and Ambode at the rally.

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor and Musa Odoshimokhe

Ashafa, who spoke on behalf of the candidates, promised a robust legislative agenda for Lagos, adding that federal legislators from the state will press for special status for the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The massive rally was witnessed

by Fashola’s wife, Abimbola, Ambode’s wife, Bolanle, the deputy governor, Hon. Joke OrelopeAdefulire, Secretary to the Government and Ambode’s running mate Dr. Oluranti Adebule, formers Deputy Governors Sarah Sosan and Olufemi Pedro, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Hon. Adeola Olamilekan, Mrs. Toun Ajomale, the campaign team leader, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Chief Kayode Olowu, former House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Joko Pelumi, Primate Charles Odugbesi, Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson, Hon. Fuad Oki, Mr. Denge Anifowose, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi and Alhaji Musbau Gafar, who rendered the opening prayer.

Other party chieftains at the rally were Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Hon. Hakeem Sulaiman Oris, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, Chief Chris Ekwilo, Lateef Ibirogba, Abiodun Salam, Paul Kalejaye, Hon. Samuel Adejare, Mrs. Adenrele Ogunsanya, Iyaloja Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, Ademorin Kuye, and Jide Oshikoya.

Ogunleye, who was the first leader to speak, enjoined the people to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) from the electoral commission.

He urged the people to vote and defend their votes. He said: “The shoddy distribution of the cards is suspicious.

By now, only those attaining 18 should be collecting them. Adults should have collected before. I have a message for you. Vote and defend your votes. PDP has hatched a plot to buy the voter’s cards.

“Lagos belongs to our party. We will win because our two governors-

Tinubu and Fashola-have performed.

In 2007, I said at a reception that Fashola will perform. He performed. Now, I am assuring you that Ambode will perform better than Fashola. Don’t be intimidated by the PDP. Be prepared and be vigilant.”

Basorun, who spoke after Ogunleye, also advised the people to collect their cards, adding that it is their electoral weapon on the election day. He said: “Change Jonathan and Change Nigeria for better. We have been having rallies since the days of Awolowo. But, we have not seen a huge crowd like this. If you have not collected your voter’s cards, coming to rallies is in vain. There are over four million cards for Lagos.

Only about two million has been collected in Lagos. That is 50 percent. Let’s go and collect our cards.”

Former Agricultural Commissioner Olusanya predicted that the APC will win in Ikorodu. He said: “Lagos has always voted for the progressives. This year will not be different. Ikorodu will vote for progressives. We have seen the trend of development in Ikorodu Division. New roads are coming up.

There are ferry terminals in our riverrine areas. There is the renovation of schools. We have mother and child hospitals. We want all these to continue.”

The Yeyesewa of Lagos, Nelson, said: “Let the whole of Lagos rise on the election day and endorse continuity. We should vote for the continuity of progress. They said that we should not fight. We will not fight, if they don’t rig the elections.”

Thanking the people for their resilience and dedication, Fashola implored them to collect their cards, which he described as their potent electoral power. He said: “Since 1999, we have been defeating the party with the umbrella. This year will not be different.

Go and get your voter’s cards. It is the only power in your hands. The only power in your hand is not the power of violence. It is the power of the ballot.

When it is a ballot, you cannot stop it.

When people see the power of the ballot, whether they like it or not, they will surrender.”

Reflecting on the state of the nation, he declared that President Jonathan has failed, adding that he is unfit to continue in office beyond May. Fashola asked: “Do you want the virus in Abuja to spread to Lagos?

Do you want a Commander-In Chief who is looking for 1985 gun to fight 2015 war? Do you want your security apparatus and RRS to continue in Lagos? How are you going to secure that? Who are you voting for?”

The crowd chorused APC. The governor lamented the economic down turn, recalling that the interest rate has jumped from 10 percent from 24 per cent to the detriment of businessmen, transporters, and importers. He said the Federal Government has been promoting poverty, instead of providing jobs.

He added: “We have a President who has a Ph.D. His deputy is an architect. But, he cannot build roads.

What job is the Vice President doing? He was telling the President that people were moving away from Lagos. I ask: are the cars entering Lagos decreasing. They now say they are going to increase tariff by 70 percent on imported vehicle. They are waiting for the election to pass. They knew you were annoyed. So, they postponed it. Is that in the interest of transporter?”

Fashola said why the Federal Government has not fought the infrastructure battle successfully as reflected in the Lagos/Ibadan and Benin/Ore Expressway, his administration has turned Lagos into a huge construction site. He also alluded to the housing project undertaken by his government, challenging the Federal Government to tender its score cards in these sectors.

Listing his achievements in Ikorodu Division, he said people are now enjoying Ibese Road, Mile 12/Ikorodu Road, Awlowo Road, Igbogbo and Obese roads, Ipakodo Ferry Termi-

‘Agbaje cannot do this job. He should come and learn from us. This state is too strategic and too critical to the development of Nigeria, to the prosperity of the West Africa sub-region, to the prosperity and stability of the African continent to be entrusted to a beginner or an experimenter. We are voting continuity because we want to consolidate in what we have achieved’

nus, and the Alara’s palace.

The governor said that Ambode is fit to succeed him because he has learned the ropes under him and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He added: “Ambode has worked with my predecessor. He has worked with me for six years as an accountant-general. Let me remind you. Which party and government frustrated the creation of new local governments in Lagos? It is the PDP. You had one local government in Ikorodu before. Now, you have six. Do you want to lose them? At the time their party and their government seized our money, this is the young man who was managing the finances and made those local governments to survive.

“I was the Chief of Staff then. I was the one fighting the legal battle with Yemi Osinbajo. So, are you seeing the team? Ambode in Lagos and Osinbajo in Abuja. Your local government will be safe, if Buhari is elected. Your local government will be protected, if Ambode is elected. Those who wanted to spoil it yesterday cannot come and ask for your votes. Go and tell those who are not here that the election is about another fight for freedom. It is about the survival of the local government, state and the country.”

Fashola drew attention to the handling of the security challenge by the President, pointing out that, under his charge, some parts of the component units had been taken over by terrorists. The governor said the Federal Government ferried huge cash abroad under the guise of weapon procurement, stressing that it smacked of corruption.

He emphasised the need to vote out the President to pave the way for the APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, to restore security. Describing Buhari as a gallant and honest soldier, he said he will not be another Dr. Jonathan who will send soldiers to war without ammunition. He said Buhari will also provide electricity, good roads and jobs for the unemployed youths.

Urging Lagosians to reject Agbaje at the poll, Fashola said the PDP candidate is not conversant with the rudiments of budgeting and financial management.

He stressed: “Don’t vote for inexperience. They say he sells drugs. But, we will not be sick. If we need drugs in hospitals, we will patronise him, if he has NAFDAC number. He is not fit to be governor. He displays his inexperience and ignorance when he speaks about Lagos. He said we were spending three percent of the budget on education. He doesn’t read budget. He doesn’t know about financing. If he listened to my budget speech, he will realise that we increase education budget from 15 per cent to 16.8 last year.

“We do school meal programmes, but the budget is in the Ministry of Health. We do refuse collection across the schools. The budget is in the Ministry of Environment. We repair desks and maintain schools. The budget is in the Ministry of Works. We do school de-worming for children. The budget is in the Ministry of Health. We use experience. We have been long on this job. Asiwaju taught us. The leader taught us. If you add all these to 16 percent, it is more than that.

“He cannot do this job. He should come and learn from us. This state is too strategic and too critical to the development of Nigeria, to the prosperity of the West Africa sub-region, to the prosperity and stability of the African continent to be entrusted to a beginner or an experimenter. We are voting continuity because we want to consolidate in what we have achieved.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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NEWS

Peterside’s kinsmen: Rivers not for only Ikwerre

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HE kinsmen of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, under the aegis of Opobo/Nkoro Patriots, have urged Rivers people to massively vote for the 44year-old member of the House of Representatives.

The Opobo/Nkoro patriots said Rivers State is not only for Ikwerre people.

Opobo/Nkoro patriots spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday through Prof. Dagogo Fubara, Alabo Biakpo Jack Tolofi, Dr. Silas Okansu and a former Rivers Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby.

The Opobo/Nkoro patriots said: “We thank Eze Ekpeye Logbo, chief and the entire Ekpeye people (of Rivers State) for their support.

The Abua, Eleme, Engenni, the Ogba, Etche and Omuma people (all of Rivers State), we thank you. The market

•Toby, others urged support for APC candidate APC candidate a man of peace, says Rivers monarchs’ chairman

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HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has been described as a man of peace by King Godwin N.K. Gininwa, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

King Gininwa, who is also the president of Ogoni Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, made the declaration at his palace in Tai. The monarch said Peterside comes from a lineage of peace-loving people.

He said: “Our lives were not safe until Amaechi appeared on the scene. Today, the state is peaceful and we are all happy about it even though some people had tried to destroy this peace. I know Peterside is also From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

women, men, the non-indigenes and indeed, all people of goodwill have, in various ways, accepted the candidacy of Dr. Peterside. We say

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

from the same school of peace, so we will support you.”

The monarch later handed a copy of the Holy Bible to Peterside, urging him to be guided as always by the scriptures in all his undertakings. He also gave the APC candidate a lantern, which is to remind him on the need to look for a way to improve on the supply of power to his kingdom.

“One of our challenges here is power.

Anybody who has gone outside Nigeria knows that the magic of the white man is electricity. So whatever plan you are making to develop Rivers State, make sure power is a priority. The people of Tai, Ogoni and Rivers need light. I, therefore, present to you this lamp.”

thank you and may God bless and prosper all those who have stood and defended the cause of justice, fairness, and equity, that, this time a round, the riverine section of the state be given the oppor-

tunity to produce a governor.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, which all true sons and daughters of Opobo and Nkoro Kingdoms (in coastal Opobo/Nkoro LGA of Rivers

•Peterside addressing a mammoth crowd of APC supporters at Nonwa campaign venue in Tai LGA

State) cherish. We therefore call on all Rivers people and those resident in Rivers State to come out en masse on February 28, 2015, to vote Dr. Dakuku Adol Pererside, the APC’s standard bearer, as governor of Rivers State.

“It remains for us to place on record our deep appreciation to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for his courage and outstanding sense of justice. It was he (Amaechi) who said from the outset that he would not support any other Ikwerre person to succeed him, because Rivers State is not only for the Ikwerre. Governor Amaechi went ahead to urge his party to nominate a riverine candidate to be governor. By this singular act, our dear governor has shown that indeed every Rivers man and woman can aspire for any office in the country. He has renewed the faith of every child in the strength of our rainbow coloured state and reassured us that no community will be left behind, in our march to building the Rivers State of our dreams.

“We are also mindful to note that it is only the APC, as a party, that accepted the plea of various Ijaw groups, including that of our leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who joined the Ijaw chiefs and elders, in urging all political parties to nominate a riverine person to bear their flags in Rivers State.

“We therefore call on all registered voters in Rivers State to ensure that we all come out and vote and protect our votes. Remember, your votes count. So, let us all come and elect Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, the APC’s standard bearer as our governor during the governorship election, scheduled to hold on February 28, 2015.”

Rivers govt explains why Jonathan can’t use stadium for rally

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HE Rivers State government has explained why President Goodluck Jonathan cannot use the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex on January 28.

The government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, yesterday in Port Harcourt, also urged Jonathan and the Inspector-General of Police,

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Suleiman Abba, to rein in their “mad dogs”.

The state government said: “At a different time and under different circumstances, the Rivers State government would have ignored the PDP’s members’ ranting (to force their way into the Rivers State government-owned Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports

Complex to hold presidential rally), but with the party’s (PDP’s) penchant for violence and its bombings of people and property all over the state, it is pertinent that the Rivers State government raises this alert and sounds a note of warning to the PDP that the Rivers State government will not trifle with its responsibility to guarantee the safety of life and property, ir-

respective of who is affected.

“The matter of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex is a simple one. The complex is still under construction. As a work site, it is an unsafe environment for use at this time. The PDP makes reference to the fact that the APC had held its rally at the same venue. What they failed to mention is that the contractor was moved out of site during

Kokori urges UPU to support APC

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HE Urhobo Leaders Integrity Group has urged the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to support the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Delta State, Olorogun Ortega Emerhor.

Its co-ordinator and former Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG), Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, in a statement at an enlarged meeting of the group, said the Uvwiamuge Declaration

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

was between two major political parties, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP. The group met at OviorieOvu, Ethiope East local government Area.

The group said: “We can see that the Urhobo nation is at a crossroads and any faulty move now will perpetually put our people in jeopardy. The last eight years of the Uduaghan government had been particularly harrowing for the

Urhobo nation, and between the six years of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Urhobo has had much humiliation and uncaring contempt.

“Our worries today are the different signals of double languages we are receiving from our great UPU against the Uvwiamuge Declaration to either support any of the major political parties between All Progressive Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and not Labour Party as it is being

rumoured.

“UPU, which is 83 years old, cannot be left solely to the whims and caprices of leaders who will speak in tongues whenever it suits them. We say no, as the Urhobo nation today has two illustrious sons as governorship candidates, Chief O’tega Emerhor of APC, a major political party and a sole beneficiary of the Uvwiamuge Declaration and Chief Great Ogboru of Labour Party, a mushroom party and a repository of failed aspirants of the PDP.”

the time the APC’s rally held and remobilised to site right after that rally.

“With less than five months to the end of its tenure, the Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi administration is working on ensuring the completion of all its projects before the handover date of May 29.

With that being the case, the River State government cannot move its contractors out of site at this time.

“Unlike the PDP that has consistently refused the APC the use of stadia and other facilities in Abuja and other states where it is in control, the Rivers State government has magnanimously offered the PDP the use of the Liberation Stadium Elekahia, which is also a state facility.”

The Rivers government also stated that the resolve of the PDP leaders to unlawfully break into the Adokiye Amiesimaka sports complex was to fulfill the threat issued by some members of the party (PDP) that they would burn down the complex.

Igbinedion TV apologies to Oshiomhole From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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PRIVATELY-owned television station in Edo State, the Independent Television, has apologised to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for airing a false report that his aides beat up a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Peter Udo. The television station is owned by Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

Father Udo, according to ITV report, was beaten at Ujogba for not leaving the road for the governor’s convoy to pass.

Oshiomhole said he was not at Ujogba in Esan West on that day but was at Esan North East in company of Governor Babtunde Fashola where the AmedokhainUgboha was inaugurated.

In a retraction and apology aired at the weekend, the management of ITV said: “We hereby tender our unreserved apology for the embarrassment the broadcast must have caused the governor and government of Edo State. We want to reassure the government and the people of our commitment to the peace and stability of our dear state.”

Uduaghan: collect your PVCs From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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ELTA Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has raised the alarm over the non -collection of over 700, 000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state.

Uduaghan spoke at a PDP campaign rally at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend.

Uduaghan observed that the large turnout of Deltans at PDP-organised rallies was good, but, asserted that such support could only be transformed to victory for the PDP if the people had their PVCs. While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for decentralising the collection points of the PVCs, Uduaghan said about 1.2 million PVCs had been distributed in Delta State.

His words: “About seven hundred thousand Permanent Voter Cards have not been collected in Delta State.

Please, it is good for us to attend rallies to show our strength, and it is also very important for us to vote and the only way we can vote for our party’s candidates is by having our PVCs. We don’t want our party to lose one vote in Delta. So, collect your PVCs to enable you vote.”

Dickson: we don’t need ‘agents of division’ TAN in Bayelsa

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the state does not need the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN).

Dickson accused its members, led by a former Deputy

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Governor, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu, of being agents of division and subversion.

Speaking at the weekend at the inauguration of the 120member Bayelsa State Peoples Democratic Party,

(PDP) Presidential Campaign Team, Dickson insisted that TAN was not needed in the state.

But TAN, in a statement by its Director, Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba, said the governor had no powers to send

any group out of the state.

The governor asked TAN to take its campaigns to states enjoying greater control of the opposition.

He said TAN and similar groups should not dissipate their energy campaigning for

President in his home state.

He assured that the state would give the PDP bulk votes in the forthcoming elections.

The governor explained that the 120 membership of the committee was consti-

tuted to effectively coordinate the activities of the election of President Jonathan.

Ironically, the governor named Seibarugu a member of the committee, though he was absent at the inauguration ceremony.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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NEWS

Kwara cleric to politicians: avoid the devil

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HE Bishop of Anglican Communion, Diocese of Kwara, the Rt. Rev Olusegun Adeyemi, has warned politicians signing pacts with the devil because of elections.

He urged Nigerians to obtain their permanent voter cards (PVCs) to exercise their franchise in the elections.

Rev. Adeyemi advised politicians to persevere while embarking on their political activities.

He spoke at a thanksgiving service organised for the Kwara State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Simeon Ajibola at Saint Barnabas Church of the

•PDP governorship candidate denies being a Muslim From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Kwara Diocese of Anglican Communion in Ilorin.

Ajibola denied campaign posters in which he appears with a turban on his head.

He said he was never responsible for the posters, explaining that it might have been produced to discredit him.

Ajibola explained that though he had a Muslim background, he would not compro-

mise his faith as a Christian.

He said: “There can never be any deceit on the issue of faith.

The issue of religion, which is faith-based, is between an individual and God Almighty.

And one can chose to practicse it the way he so desires. I, Senator Simeon Ajibola, is a Christian and there is no doubt about that. I may have a Muslim background. By virtue of my father being the chief imam of my village as at the time I was born, he named me Sule

and I cannot reject the name my father gave me from birth.

“And thereafter, I have embraced Christianity, I have been practising Christianity and the only medium between me and the Almighty is Jesus Christ, our saviour. I believe in him, I have embraced him even beyond living on this side.

“The most important thing is life after death. And I believe I can get to that eternal life through Jesus Christ. I

have not embraced any other faith. Regarding what happened through computer manipulation, lawani (Turban) was imposed on me.

“It was really unnecessary and diversionary. Honestly, it is out to discredit me as a person. But at the same time too, honestly I cannot deny those practising Islamic faith.

It is a religion that I believe also of salvation. It is a religion that I told you my background took off from.”

I’ll implement my blueprint, says Ortom From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

•Niger State Governor, Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (right) presenting the Staff of Office to the Emir of Agaie,Yusuf Nuhu during the presentation of the Staff of Office to the Emir in his Palace in Agaie Niger State in Abuja ... yesterday.

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said he will implement the blueprint designed by his Policy and Strategy Committee if elected.

He spoke at a meeting with members of the committee at Smile View Hotel in Makurdi, the state capital.

Ortom urged the people to elect a governor with creative ideas who would think outside the box in tackling challenges.

The former Minister of State, Industry, Trade, and Investment, said God had adequately prepared him with experience at all tiers of government to confront the state’s challenges.

Committee chairman, Prof Dennis Ityavyar, said the blueprint was done in line with the APC manifesto.

Ityavyar said the document covers areas, such as good governance and revenue security, agriculturedriven industrialisation, health care, provision of critical infrastructure and women, youths, gender as well as people with disabilities as priorities.

The governorship running mate, Benson Abounu, hailed the spirit of sacrifice exhibited by the committee’s members, adding that the task of salvaging the state required the inputs of all major stakeholders.

INEC allays fears on alleged PVC theft in Borno

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the alleged mass theft of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by politicians in Borno will not affect the conduct of next month’s general elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressive Congress (APC) accuse each other of perpetrating the alleged theft.

Prof. Tukur Sa’ad, the Borno INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, that the alleged theft would add no advantage to the perpetrators.

According to him, stealing or hijacking PVCs would not give any advantage to any political party during the

election.

“Well, I have not heard of the information on the alleged stealing or hijacking of the PVCs by politicians in Borno, but if that is true, it is an exercise in futility,” he said.

Sa’ad added: “Stealing or hijacking PVCs will not make impact at the polls because no individual can use another person’s PVC on the election date.

“INEC is going to place card reading machines at every polling unit, the machine must recognise a voter before being issued with a ballot paper.’’

He said that the finger print of every voter must tally with that of the PVC before being allowed to vote.

“All those buying PVCs or

hijacking them are just wasting their time.

“As far as INEC is concerned, there is no chance for them on election day,” Sa’ad said.

He advised individuals whose PVCs were missing to exercise patience or take part in the Continuos Voter Registration (CVR) to get captured for the polls.

Sa’ad admitted that some polling units in the state were not presented with PVCs due to technical hitch.

“Some few polling units had no PVCs because the numbers of registered voters in those units are few.

“The machine decided to wipe out the register because of the low number of voters on the list,’’ he said.

Sa’ad said individuals af-

fected could still participate at the CVR to get captured for the polls.

He said INEC would continue with the CVR at the ward level even after the conclusion of the distribution of the PVCs at the polling units.

“Our vehicles have already left for Abuja to evacuate the remaining PVCs that have just arrived the country for distribution in the state.

“This means that people can still get their PVCs few days to the election or even on voting day,’’ Sa’ad said.

He added: “However, the CVR will continue at ward level for individuals who were not registered or those with genuine reasons for re-registration’’.

Sa’ad described the distribution of the PVCs in Borno as successful.

Jonathan should be ready to hand over, says Kogi APC chairman

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HE Kogi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to start preparing his handing over notes.

He added that the fabled 60-year reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

From James Azania, Lokoja

would come to an end.

Ametuo spoke with reporters in Lokoja shortly after the APC presidential campaign rally, led by the party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

He expressed confidence that his party would send the

PDP packing in next month’s general elections.

He said majority of Nigerians, who are unhappy with the performance of the PDP since 1999, desired a change.

He added that the massive crowd, which has been receiving Gen. Buhari and his entourage across the country,

attested to the fact that Nigerians are tired of the PDP. Ametuo said the Buhari/ Yemi Osinbajo ticket would develop the country, saying their partnership would provide purposeful leadership where insurgency, impunity and stealing with reckless abandon in governance among oth-

ers would be a thing of the past.

He thanked the people of the state for turning out in large numbers to receive Gen. Buhari.

The party chairman said the APC would dislodge the PDP from power in the state, stressing that the state has been worse off under the present administration.

Gombe police swoop on motorcyclists

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

C

OMMERCIAL motorcyclists in Gombe have accused the police of arresting them indiscriminately.

The state government has banned them from operating after 6:00pm.

When contacted Commissioner of Police Kudu Abdullahi Nma said: “Don’t police have the right to do their constitutional responsibility? If you don’t have any question to ask, you better f..k off.”

He hissed and discontinued the call without bothering to explain how long the action would last.

The Chairman of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Operators of Nigeria (ACOMMORAN) quoted the police as saying some motorcyclists were found with explosives concealed under their seats at Kwami Local Government Area.

PDP group lobbies Kogi women From James Azania, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State Coordinator for Women Mobilisation for the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign, Mrs Nnasha Micheal, has called on women groups to support President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement at the weekend by the consultant to the coordinator, Hariratu Yakubu, it claimed to have mapped out strategies that would ensure victory for the PDP in the February 14 presidential and National Assembly elections.

“We are optimistic that our party will defeat APC in the February polls and we are working towards that through the mobilisation of women in the state and ensuring that no stone will be left unturn to ensure victory for the Party in the state”, the statement reads.

‘Try a woman governor’

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HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Alhassan, has appealed to the electorate to give her the mandate to make the difference.

Mrs Alhassan spoke in an interview in Jalingo, the state capital after a reception in her honour by supporters and party faithful yesterday.

She said men had ruled the state since its creation in 1991 but had not recorded the desired impact on the lives of the common people.

She added that “I want to appeal to the people of Taraba State to try a woman for once and I can assure you that you will see a great difference”.

El-Rufai shocked by Yero’s call on supporters to attack opposition

T

HE Kaduna State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed shock on the utterances of Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, saying the governor was calling for anarchy.

Speaking at the launch of his

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

campaign last Monday, Yero was caught on tape allegedly asking his supporters to physically challenge and confront supporters of rival parties.

El-Rufai, in a statement issued by spokesman of his campaign organisation, Mr.

Samuel Aruwan, said Yero was only jittery of the defeat staring him in the face.

According to El-Rufai, “it will be difficult to come across a more astonishing articulation of irresponsible understanding of power than this. A supposedly democratically elected governor, in the 21st century, is talk-

ing as if he can freely abuse or abridge the right of any citizen.

“We wish to remind him that the constitution and the laws of this country do not permit him the recklessness he is arrogating to himself. Two years in office as governor seems to have deluded Yero into a mistaken belief that he has the un-

checked powers of an absolute monarch or tyrant.

“We condemn this incitement to violence and the threat to the liberty and property of Malam El-Rufai.”

The governor in the phone-in programme in Kaduna said he could not have uttered the statement attributed to him.

He appealed for calm before, during and after the forthcoming elections, adding that, as an advocate of peace right from his early years, his prayer is that people should conduct themselves peacefully and be allowed to vote for persons of their choice without intimidation or force.

55

THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS

Bridging infrastructure deficit at a time like this In less than a month, Nigerians will elect their President.

The election is coming at a time the country groans under dearth of the critical infrastructure needed to develop its economy. Fears are rife that with consistent poor budgetary allocation to capital projects and little attention on Public Private Partnership (PPP), turning the tide will remain a mirage, writes Assistant Editor OLUKOREDE YISHAU

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HE last few months have been bad for crude oil. The price has kept dropping as though forces higher than it are pushing it down.

This development has created a problem for the Federal Government.

Aside the fact that it has reduced what is available to government for spending; it has also made difficult the benchmark to be used for this year’s budget.

The Senate is considering using $40 per barrel as the benchmark, though the Federal Government made a proposal in the budget estimate pending before the National Assembly for approval. Nigeria has changed its benchmark twice in the last few weeks, from $78 to $73 and lately to $65.

The fall in revenue, which has led to austerity measures being introduced, is comint at a time the country has been unable to rein in the oil thieves- a big drain on financial inflow.

Significantly, in the face of this dwindling revenue, the dearth of critical infrastructure cannot be in dispute. It is a problem Nigerians contend with daily. The poor power situation, the deplorable condition of poor the roads, and others are demons the people deal with. Users of some of the terrible roads, such as the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway have horrendous experience navigating one bad portion or the other.

The Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has been awarded to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), but the failure of the Federal Government to properly fund the project has forced the company out of site. Unfortunately, at the receiving end are commuters, who face the harrowing experience to cross the six-lane road because the pedestrian bridges that are supposed to mitigate their pains have been abandoned.

The 27.5-kilometre Apapa-Oshodi Expressway has suffered the same fate in the last four years. The repair contracts awarded to Julius Berger and Borini Prono in 2010 have been stalled due to paucity of funds, forcing the contractors in-and-out of their apportioned sites.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has proposed the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement to the rescue.

Speaking at a training programme organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abuja on PPP, the minister said the PPP remained the way to go.

Her words: “To fund infrastructure, Nigerian needs about $14 billion every year out of which $10 billion should come from the federal level and currently the country’s spending on infrastructure is about $6 billion. So, there is a big gap that needs to be filled. That is why PPPs are very important to Nigeria at the moment.”

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala added that the PPP model should be improved to ensure that “it suits the country’s needs, delivers clear benefits without leaving us with difficult problems.”

She has an ally in the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Emeka Ezeh, who saw the PPP as vital to addressing the country’s huge infrastructural gap.

Ezeh, who spoke at a roundtable on infrastructure delivery, said: “We need to build strong infrastructure without any compromise for it to work. We cannot keep building and repairing the

same roads over and over again.

“For the country to progress from where it is in terms of the economy, we must put in place the right infrastructure in the transport, agriculture, technology, mining and housing sector.”

The PPP question From time to time, governments at all levels have used the PPP approach to address the challenge. One of such projects is the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MM2). The facility redeveloped under the Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) model, was recently rated as the most functional airport in the country. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has described it as a legacy project.

A project management consultant, Aderanti Dairo, said: “MMA2 is a very good example of a PPP arrangement that has worked and has shown that if the government is serious about closing the infrastructure deficit, PPP is the way to go. It has really been a resounding success, which no one can deny. PPP is sure the way to go.”

State governments, such as Lagos, Rivers and Cross River states, have also used the PPP. In Lagos, the Lekki-Epe Expressway was built through the PPP. The Eko Atlantic project, which is sitting on what used to be known as the Bar Beach, is being implemented through the PPP. The Lekki-Ikoyi suspended bridge was also built through PPP. A new sea port and airport around Lekki are also being worked out through a PPP arrangement.

The Rivers State has used the PPP to carry out social facilities, such as the ClinoRiv Hospital, transportation, housing, entertainment and some other city development projects.

A report by Brookings, a United States-based non-profit research organisation, said: “One approach frequently offered to potentially break the logjam is to use contractual agreements between governments at all levels and the private sector to design, build, operate, maintain and/or finance infrastructure.

“Whether repairing, upgrading, or augmenting an existing asset or building new, the intent is to leverage private sector financial resources and expertise, improve project delivery and to better share responsibilities and costs between the public and private sector.”

Hurdles to cross But, there are hurdles to cross for PPP to work. Experts have blamed government’s inconsistency for the slow progress of PPP in the country.

Government agencies, according to them, do not respect agreements.

Court orders are also not obeyed.

The Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management, Johnson Chukwu, explained that “to incentivise the private sector to go into PPP arrangements, the government has to ensure that contract terms are respected and policies are consistently implemented.”

He added: “The greatest disincentive to private sector involvement in PPP schemes is inconsistency of policy implementation and the lack of respect for contracts. The other source of encouragement would be in the provision of critical monopoly re-

•President Jonathan

•Gen. Buhari

• Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

• Babalakin

‘

The infrastructure deficit is large and affects every sector. Investment in the road sector alone requires at least construction of 14,000-kilometre of new roads annually for the next seven years

‘

source at discounted rate to the private sector partners in the PPP scheme.

Such resource could include land, exclusive rights, etc.”

A public affairs commentator, Godfrey Ekanem, said the Federal Government has not encouraged the PPP to thrive with its inconsistency.

He said: “The way the Federal Government has carried on so far does not engender confidence. It needs to demonstrate seriousness and commitment. I was disappointed at the way the PPP on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was handled. The report of the ICRC shows clearly that Bi-Courtney has no fault in the delayed execution of the job. Yet, government terminated it and did nothing to mitigate its losses. This kind of development will make investors shy away from PPP deals.”

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is the country’s economic artery. After last year’s termination of the deal with Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, which is owned by Dr. Wale Babalakin, the Federal Government awarded the 127.8 kilometre road to Julius Berger and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC). While awarding the Lagos-Ibadan road contract last year, government assured that for the over the 48-month duration for the job, its funding would be included in the annual budget. The N5 billion allocated to the rehabilitation of the Lagos–Sagamu section of the road in last year’s budget was just a drop in the ocean. The infrastructure bank is now raising money for the project to be seen through.

In a report presented to President Goodluck Jonathan by former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who heads the ICRC, Bi-Courtney was exonerated of blames in the bungled Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project.

The commission noted that the project’s implementation was delayed due to various issues that were not addressed, prior to the execution of the contract. The ICRC identified some of the issues as approval for the design of the road, securing the Right of Way (RoW), financial model and environmental impact and social impact assessment.

In line with Bi-Courtney’s claim, the report said that approval for a final design was granted on May 10, 2011, two years after the concession agreement was signed.

The report noted: “It is evident that the scope of the work was not fully documented and outline design provided before the concession was awarded.

“Without an agreed design and scope of works based on the grantor’s performance and output standards,

• Mrs. Ezekwesili

there cannot be an agreed fixed cost for the project.

“Without a financial model setting out the expected project costs and revenues, financing costs cannot be determined.

“The cost of the project as included in the concession agreement was not based on the necessary studies (e.g. traffic forecast) required for the implementation of a road project through Develop-Build-Operate-and Transfer (DBOT) model.”

A lawyer and public affairs commentator, Obiora Akabogu, said: “The idea of PPP is welcome in an economy like Nigeria, where the government is presently handicapped because of the falling oil prices. The private investors are the people with the money that the government can leverage on to build infrastructure for the economy to move and for the people to enjoy, but the private investors must get the assurance that they are dealing with the right partner.

“Every investment needs an enabling environment. The condition for an ideal PPP is consistency. The government must be able to live up to expectation with its contractual partner as part of that enabling environment.

“Also, the local court must be able to dispense justice within a reasonable time where there are disputes.

There must be standard and government can’t just double deal by terminating contract anyhow without recourse to the rules guiding such contracts, otherwise PPP will not be a success. You’ll only end up scaring away your brides, the investors.”

The gaping holes The Vice President (West), African Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS), Obafemi Onashile, in a paper he presented at a workshop organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), said the country has fallen well behind international benchmarks in infrastructure development.

With an estimated total road length of 193,200 kilometers (paved 65,000 km and unpaved 128,200 km) comprising 34,123 km federal roads, 30,500 km state roads, and 129,577 km local government roads, Onashile said the cost of neglect of these roads implies a loss of network value of N80 billion per year and additional operating costs of N35 billion per year.

In 2013, former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, sounded a note of warning on the dangers of the poor state of infrastructure. She said over the next 10 years, about $14.2 billion must be spent on infrastructure.

• Ezeh

Mrs Ezekwesili said: “Indirect costs borne by firms to fill infrastructure gap in Nigeria amount to 15 per cent, whereas in China, it is five per cent; India 10 per cent and in Turkey which ranks 19th in the rating for major economies in the world, it is two per cent.

“Little wonder stakeholders refer to infrastructure as the life blood of any economy, considering that no economy can grow and develop without a reasonable stock of critical infrastructure. Therefore, this presupposes that where infrastructure is inadequate or lacking, growth is affected and people’s standard of living is negatively impacted.”

Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenen comment corroborate the large deficit claim.

He said: “The infrastructure deficit is large and affects every sector. Investment in the road sector alone requires at least construction of 14,000kilometre of new roads annually for the next seven years, apart from maintaining and rehabilitating the existing network as a matter of routine, which will require the average annual expenditure on roads to increase seven fold to nearly N750 billion.”

Onolemenmen believes government alone cannot fund this huge portfolio due to the limited financial resources, adding that government is exploring

PPP to bridge the gap The Chief Executive Officer/Group Managing Director (CEO/GMD, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Mr. Paul Miyonmide Gbededo, told The Nation in a chat last year that basic amenities and infrastructure must be improved on.

“We must be able to fix our power sector and the transportation sector as a whole. Our infrastructure level must be dynamic and functional to move goods around and help people create wealth. That is very important,” he said.

Jonathan/ Buhari The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, last week promised to fix critical infrastructure in the country, saying that “electricity, good roads and standard education must be provided as quickly as humanly possible.”

His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jonathan, has also promised to fix the deficit.

Whichever way the pendulum swings, analysts believe the PPP question cannot be wished away and that when it is being done, government agencies must learn to keep to agreements.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS Campaign group decries demonisation of Buhari, APC Continued from page 4

•ALL FOR PETERSIDE: From Left: Head of Tolorani Polo of Kalaibiama town of Opobo, Mr Alobo Biekpo-Jack; Alabo of Dappaye Amakiri; Prof. Dagog Fubasa and former Rivers State Deputy Governor Mr Grabeal Toby at a news conference for the endorsement of Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate by the people of Opobo and Nkoro in Rivers State…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Chad, Cameroon join forces against Boko Haram Continued from page 4

It was also learnt that hope has finally dimmed on the negotiation between the Federal Government and Boko Haram being facilitated by Chad.

The military has, however, begun the interrogation of five Boko Haram insurgents, who were captured last week in Biu. It was learnt that the five suspects had been relocated to a discreet military facility where they have been making “ useful statements” on the operation of the sect.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Federal Government is no longer comfortable with the involvement of Chadians and Nigerien in Boko Haram insurgency.

Security reports on the invasion of Biu clearly confirmed the high presence of Chadian mercenaries among the insurgents, most of whom were killed.

It was learnt that the government was baffled that the same Chadian government had allegedly been assisting the Federal Government to negotiate

with Boko Haram.

The two circumstances were described as “tactically irreconcilable” by the government, a top military source disclosed last night.

The highly-placed source said: “The Federal Government may protest to Chad and Niger Republic over the increasing involvement of their nationals in Boko Haram insurgency.

“In the spirit of Paris Pact, President Goodluck Jonathan has wielded enormous diplomatic goodwill to carry these neighbours along but they are not reciprocating. Nigeria cannot understand why Chadian troops withdrew from Baga before the insurgents struck and killed over 150 people.

“From the tactical analysis of the insurgency so far, there are sufficient clues to show that Boko Haram has well-established bases or outposts in these countries.

“We are in the process of making all our findings on the high number of Chadian elements in Boko Haram.”

But there were indications last night that hope might have finally dimmed on the ongo-

ing negotiation with Boko Haram being coordinated by the Principal Secretary to the President, Mallam Hassan Tukur.

A top source, privy to the negotiation in government who spoke in confidence, said: “There is no serious headway because the sect has refused to respect ceasefire agreements.

“And with more Chadians fighting for Boko Haram, the element of trust in the negotiation is a bit shaky. The insurgents have not been forthcoming at all.”

The interrogation of five insurgents captured in Biu last week has started at a discreet military facility.

A competent contact said: “Those captured had been relocated to a military facility for intense grilling where they have made useful statements.

“We will keep you posted on our findings after a comprehensive investigation is concluded.”

On the ongoing dismissal of soldiers in some Army formations, the source added: “These were those who refused to fight in spite of the modern equipment provided for them.

“The law provides for jail terms, life sentence or death sentence. When some of them were sentenced to death, there was public outcry. Are you saying the military must not act when there is obvious case of indiscipline?

“We also discovered that some of those who spoke with CNN were those dismissed for deliberately refusing to fight against Boko Haram.”

Suspected Boko Haram fighters from Nigeria kidnapped around 80 people, many of them children, and killed three other yesterday in a cross-border attacks on villages in northern Cameroon, army and government officials said.

The kidnappings, among the largest abductions on Cameroonian soil since the militants began expanding their zone of operations across the border last year, came as neighbouring Chad deployed troops to support Cameroon’s forces in the area.

“According to our initial information, around 30 adults, most of them herders, and 50 young girls and boys aged be-

on a much firmer and intelligent basis than President Jonathan has done in four years.

“In addition, though his views accorded with military dictates when he was head of state, he has submitted himself without reservation to democratic dictates in the past decade as he ran and still runs for elected office.

“It does not bear repetition to say that no elected president could rule like a military leader, when the constitution is very clear on how democracy must be run and with what institutions that must be done. No elected president can suspend any of the institutions of democracy.

“We hereby assert with all authority and knowledge that we can muster, that a disciplined leader like Gen. Buhari would never engage in the disingenuous and reckless abuse of state security institutions such as invasion of database offices of rival parties as President Jonathan has done.

“The PDP refuses to acknowledge that the times have changed, and that the dynamics of Nigerian politics and the grave challenges of the moment have made the APC candidate’s style, views and discipline precisely the pressing need of the moment.

“The President must be sorely embarrassed to learn the true story as relayed by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, a few days ago. The fact, according to the revered monarch, is that Gen. Buhari did not terminate the metroline contract but demanded a comprehensive study of the contract and project to ensure that the Interest of the country was protected.

The PDP spokesmen have also refused to focus on President Jonathan’s own appalling

record on integrating the Yoruba into his government, an integration that he only halfheartedly and desultorily began when elections were around the corner.

“They also contradictorily accused him of attempting to crate a leading Hausa/Fulani and former National Party of Nigeria (NPN) politician from London to face charges in Nigeria, a fact derisively referred to by President Jonathan, when all along they had argued that he left politicians like him alone.

“The fact is that President Jonathan’s mismanagement of inter-ethnic relations, a critical issue in a federal system like ours, is the source of the tension that pervades the nation. We wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to the list of President Jonathan’s 109-member Presidential Campaign Council published yesterday and ask if any Yoruba person of substance is on the list. It says a lot about the anti-Yoruba sentiments of President Jonathan.

“The PDP has consistently avoided the main issues of this campaign. Apparently, it has no answers to them. The party prefers to focus on personal attacks, dreg up unsubstantiated records of the general during his military rule, make wild imputations of his motives, and label him atrociously in order to hang him.”

“Nigerians, happily, have recognised that the country has little time left to tackle the grave economic collapse facing it, and the even more critical security challenges threatening the entire country.

“The country is rallying to the side of the APC, to the side of Gen. Buhari and to the side of posterity. This is an idea whose time has come, which no one can stop, not even with all the abuses possible and all the tendentiousness the PDP can muster,” said Alake.

NNPC owes JV partners Continued from page 4

Prof Aminu, former Minister of Petroleum was relieved of his duties because queues surfaced at petrol stations but in 23 years, things have moved only downwards to a point now where we don’t remember if our refineries are working at all.

He said: “Cost of operation in the upstream sector has soared. Two critical factors account for this - security issues in the Niger Delta and bottlenecks in the NNPC; project delays and $5billion of cash calls in arrears that have not been paid to the point now Continued on page 60

Buhari: Jonathan’s govt has ruined economy Continued from page 4

cause my certificate? were in order.

“There were individuals that wrote to the United States War College and the college answered them and it was published by some of your papers.

Really, this desperation of misinformation that is being passed around will do nobody any good because our minds are being taken away from the serious issues of corruption and incompetence by the PDP.” The APC candidate spoke also on the alleged fraud in the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) where he was chairman during the Abacha regime, “That one has been cleared.

There is no fraud in PTF,” Gen. Buhari said, adding: “There was an investigation and General Obasanjo has answered that question. He confirmed that there was an investigation and the report was brought to him and there was nothing on ground as far as my management and chairmanship of the PTF was concerned. So, what else can I say when the person who did the

investigation because he was the Head of State has cleared me. What else can I say?”

Lamenting the state of the economy, he said: “Well, the country is broke. Many states could not pay their workers’ salaries. Even in December most families were hungry during Christmas because government could not pay their salary and yet, they are talking about an individual’s health instead of paying the people.”

Also yesterday, the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of circulating a scam medical report on Gen. Buhari.

A statement from the Directorate of Media and Publicity of the organization, signed by Mallam Garba Shehu, said it was ludicrous for the PDP to throw caution to the wind in its “shameless” effort to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians because of their rising desire for change of guards at the federal level.

The statement, which was given to The Nation in Abuja,

directed the attention of Nigerians to the glaring errors on the letterhead of the paper on which the purported medical report was written, wrongly identify the institution as Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital instead of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), as the Zaria-based teaching hospital is known.

The statement reads: “The attention of the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation has been brought to the circulation of a fake medical record of General Muhammadu Buhari.

“We are able to track the circulation of the post on a social media platform and we know that the information emanated from the Facebook handle of one of Governor Ayo Fayose’s aides.

“It is noteworthy that the authorities at the Ahmad Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) has given a clean bill on General Buhari’s health status. It is also noteworthy for Nigerians to understand that the PDP will stop at nothing to cast aspersion on the person of General Buhari.

“We knew that the PDP would become unbridled at a point in its desperation to avert the defeat coming its way in the countdown to the February 14 presidential election, but to anticipate that the PDP would go as dirty as spreading falsehood on an individual’s state of health could not have been imaginable.

“What is important is that Nigerians know today that our country is not healthy.

They know that the PDP has driven the country to a near state of comatose. Our national security is very unhealthy and our national economy is right now gasping for breath from the stranglehold of the PDP. “It is almost as if official corruption and impunity are matters of state policy in the management of our national economy under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

“That is why a great number of Nigerians yearn for change. Nigerians want a change from the clueless and directionless management of

our security and our economy. Nigerians made a call on General Buhari to come on this rescue mission. They called on him because they know he is as fit as a fiddle to fix our unhealthy economy and the insecurity that has consumed a large region of our land.”

In another statement, Shehu, said the seemingly “exhausted and frustrated” ruling PDP cannot hoodwink the public in its “sickening” attempt to tarnish the towering moral stature of its presidential candidate by dredging up a discredited report.

The statement said: “President Obasanjo, who set up this panel to probe Buhari’s tenure at PTF, discovered something shocking from the work of the panel”.

He recalled that after reviewing the PTF report, former President Obasanjo directed the relevant authority to go after those indicted by the report, giving Buhari a clean bill.

Shehu explained that it was common knowledge to Nigerians that the Interim Manage-

ment Committee was sacked by former President Obasanjo in March 2000 for alleged incompetence, amidst charges of serious abuse of public trust. Several members of that committee were indicted and made to refund hundreds of millions of naira of public funds, which they illegally took from the PTF. He said anyone under the illusion that it could use “a rotten report to smear Gen. Buhari must be living in fantasy”, adding that these “desperate tactics” would only amount to disservice to President Jonathan and his party, the PDP. He advised the Jonathan administration to focus its energy and attention on how to help give the country a new lease of life in the face of grim prospects on the economic front instead of wasting time on the futile efforts to smear the APC candidate.

Shehu reiterated that the PDP administration lacked the credibility to throw stones at Gen. Buhari, who is “by all accounts more credible and trusted” in the eyes of Nigerians.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS Germany ‘anti-Islamisation’ rally cancelled

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PLANNED rally by Germany’s “anti-Islamisation” Pegida group has been called off after police received a threat against one of the organisers.

Pegida announced the measure shortly before police said the threat was “concrete” and no demonstrations would be allowed in Dresden on Monday.

Pegida has been rallying each Monday for weeks, attracting record numbers in Dresden last week.

Rival protests have sprung up and have been condemned by German leaders.

Writing on its Facebook page, Pegida said it had no choice but to cancel the rally to ensure protesters’ safety.

It urged supporters to hang flags out of their windows and light candles instead.

Meanwhile in the western city of Essen about 50 demonstrators from the far-right Hooligans Against Salafists group (Hogesa) were outnumbered by more than 2,000 counter-protesters on Sunday.

The Hogesa demonstration was banned by police and those attending were detained.

Thousands have joined rival rallies against Pegida German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Friday that intelligence agencies had intercepted messages from known jihadists planning strikes against the group.

Pegida last week defied calls from German leaders to stay at home, following the deadly attacks

by Islamists in France.

Justice Minister Heiko Maas urged organisers not to “misuse” the attacks.

However the rally went ahead, with a record 25,000 people attending in Dresden.

Anti-Pegida rallies drew tens of thousands in Dresden, Leipzig, Munich and Hanover.

•Founded in Dresden by activist Lutz Bachmann in October 2014 •Acronym for Patriotische Europaer Gegen die Islamisierung des Abendlandes (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West) •Umbrella group for German right wing, attracting support from mainstream conservatives to neoNazi factions and football hooligans •Holds street protests against what it sees as a dangerous rise in the influence of Islam over European countries •Claims not to be racist or xenophobic •19-point manifesto says the movement opposes extremism and calls for protection of Germany’s Judeo-Christian culture

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Millions turn out for pope’s final day in Manila

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CROWD estimated at a record 6 million people by officials poured into Manila’s rain-soaked streets and its biggest park Sunday as Pope Francis ended his Asian pilgrimage with an appeal for Filipinos to protect their young from sin and vice so they can instead become missionaries of the faith.

The crowd estimate, which could not be independently verified, included people who attended the pope’s final Mass in Rizal Park and surrounding areas, and lined his motorcade route, said the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Francis Tolentino.

The Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the Vatican had received the figure officially from local authorities and that it was a record, surpassing the 5 million who turned out for St. John Paul II’s final Mass in the same park in 1995.

Francis dedicated the final homily of his weeklong Asia trip, which began in Sri Lanka, to children, given that the Mass fell on an important feast day honoring the infant Jesus. His focus was a reflection of the importance that the Vatican places on Asia as the future of the church since it’s one of the few places where Catholic numbers are growing — and on the Philippines as the largest Catholic nation in the region.

“We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished and

•Pope Francis

protected,” Francis said in his homily. “And we need to care for our young people, not allowing them to be robbed of hope and condemned to a life on the streets.”

Francis made a triumphant entry into Rizal Park, riding on a popemobile based on the design of a jeepney, the modified U.S. Army World War II jeep that is a common means of public transport here. He wore the same cheap, plastic yellow rain poncho handed out to the masses during his visit to the typhoon-hit eastern city of Tacloban a day earlier.

The crowd — a sea of humanity in colorful rain ponchos spread out across the 60 hectares (148 acres) of parkland and boulevards surrounding it — erupted in shrieks of joy when he drove by, a reflection of the incredible resonance Francis’ message about caring for society’s

most marginal has had in a country where about a quarter of its 100 million people lives in poverty.

“It was a blessing that we saw him.

Even if we were soaked by the rain, we feel fine,” said Emmie Toreras, 38, who was wearing a garbage bag to guard against the rain. She said she had slept in the park since Friday to score a view of the pope.

“He loves the poor and people like us,” said Toreras, whose husband, a rags vendor, stayed home to work.

Francis dedicated his four-day trip to the Philippines to the poor and marginal. He denounced the corruption that has robbed them of a dignified life, visited with street children and traveled to Tacloban to offer prayers for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, the deadly 2013 storm that devastated one of the Philippines’ poorest regions.

Brazil ‘outraged’ by Indonesia drug trafficking execution

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•Cold air didn’t stop Adele, Casey and their friend enjoying the outdoors, yesterday in London’s frigid condition Enjoy your harmattan in Nigeria PHOTO: Kinlochleven.

Australia rejects asylum protesters

USTRALIA has said it will not admit into the country any asylum seekers who are reportedly on hunger strike at an offshore detention centre.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said cases of self-harm had been reported at Manus Island, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

He said “non-compliant behaviour” appeared to have been encouraged by detainee “ringleaders” and outsiders.

The policy of detaining asylum seekers offshore - intended as a deterrent - has been criticised by rights groups.

Australia sends all asylum seekers arriving by boat to offshore camps in PNG and the Pacific territory of Nauru for detention and processing.

The Manus Island centre was the scene of deadly riots last February, when local residents entered the facility and clashed with detainees.

One asylum seeker was killed and at least 70 were hurt in the violence.

Hundreds of asylum seekers have entered a fourth day of hunger strikes

Earlier Sunday, Francis drew a huge crowd to Manila’s Catholic university, where he came close to tears himself hearing two rescued street children speak of their lives growing up poor and abandoned.

The pope ditched his prepared remarks and spoke off the cuff in his native Spanish to respond to 12-yearold Glyzelle Palomar, who wept as she asked Francis why children suffer so much. Palomar, a former street child rescued by a church-run foundation, told him of children who are abandoned or neglected by their parents and end up on the streets using drugs or in prostitution.

“Why is God allowing something like this to happen, even to innocent children?” Palomar asked through tears. “And why are there so few who are helping us?”

A visibly moved Francis said he had no answer. “Only when we are able to cry are we able to come close to responding to your question,” he said.

“Those on the margins cry. Those who have fallen by the wayside cry.

Those who are discarded cry,” the pope said. “But those who are living a life that is more or less without need, we don’t know how to cry.”

And he added: “There are some realities that you can only see through eyes that have been cleansed by tears.”

A steady rain from the same tropical storm that forced Francis to cut short his visit to Tacloban on Saturday fell on the crowd, but it didn’t seem to dampen spirits of Filipinos who streamed into the capital for his final day.

In his homily, Francis urged the crowd to protect their children from sin, alcohol and gambling, saying the devil “distracts us with the promise of ephemeral pleasures, superficial pastimes.”

to protest conditions at the centre, rights groups say.

On Friday, Mr Dutton acknowledged there had been cases of self-harm at the centre, but said no one had died. The minister, who was appointed last month, told reporters that he was worried about the “volatile” situation.

However, he said the actions of the detainees would not change government policy.

The Manus Island centre is home to just over 1,000 asylum seekers “The absolute resolve of me as the new minister and of the government is to make sure that for those transferees, they will never arrive in Australia,” Mr Dutton said at a press conference on Friday.

Under laws brought in by the previous government, none of the people held in offshore camps can expect to be resettled in Australia even if they are found to be genuine refugees.

Earlier this week, an asylum seeker at the centre said 220 people had gone on hunger strike and more were

joining them, according to an audio recording provided by campaign group Refugee Action Coalition.

The asylum seeker said the detainees wanted Australia to hand them over to the United Nations if it was unwilling to accept them.

“We are in very bad situation and we won’t go back to our rooms in any condition... we will stay outside until we get our answer,” the asylum seeker says, in the recording.

At least 10 detainees are said to have sewn their lips shut in a gesture of protest. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has broadcast unconfirmed reports that some of the men have swallowed washing power and razor blades.

Mr Dutton said on Friday that one detainee had been transferred from the centre for X-rays and more specialised treatment, ABC reported.

The government says its policies mean asylum seekers are no longer attempting dangerous sea crossings Tensions at the Manus Island centre have been growing, with many of its inhabitants now held there for more

than 18 months.

The hunger strike is believed to have started after detainees were told they could no longer use running water to wash themselves because of a technical problem.

Detainees are also said to have been angered by reports that some of them will be moved to a separate facility, where they fear they could be vulnerable to attack by locals on Manus Island.

“Things have just come to a head.

It’s impossible to exaggerate the real fears that people have for their safety and for their lives,” the executive director of Refugee Action Coalition, Ian Rintoul, told Reuters news agency.

The government says its tough policies are aimed at ending the flow of boats carrying asylum seekers, so that no more people die making the dangerous journey to Australia.

Only one such boat reached Australia during 2014, compared with the 401 which successfully reached shore in 2013, according to local media reports.

RAZIL says it is “outraged” by the execution of one of its citizens in Indonesia for drug trafficking.

Marco Archer Cardoso Moreira, 53, was arrested in 2003 after police at Jakarta airport found 13.4 kg of cocaine hidden in his hang glider.

Brazil says he was the first Brazilian national to be executed abroad and has warned it will damage relations.

Five other convicts from Indonesia, Malawi, Nigeria, Vietnam and the Netherlands, were executed yesterday.

Convicted of drugs charges, they faced a firing squad in Central Java province shortly after midnight local time.

Five were executed on the island of Nusa Kambangan and the other one, a Vietnamese woman, was executed in the small central Javanese town of Boyolali.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said in a statement that she was “outraged and dismayed”.

“Relations between the two countries have been affected,” said Ms Rousseff.

“The Brazilian ambassador to Jakarta has been recalled for consultations,” she added.

The Netherlands has also recalled its ambassador, after Foreign Minister Bert Koenders called the execution of Dutch citizen Ang Kiem Soe, 52, “an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity”.

Indonesia has some of the world’s toughest drug laws. The country resumed executions in 2013 after an unofficial four-year moratorium.

The country’s Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo said “hopefully, this will have a deterrent effect”.

Security was reinforced at the main gate of the high security prison in Nusa Kambangan Relatives visited death row prisoners earlier in the week President Joko Widodo has said that he will show no mercy towards drug criminals because they have ruined the lives of so many.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS Palestinians egg Canadian FM

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ANADIAN Foreign Minister, John Baird who was visiting Ramallah to meet Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki yesterday met demonstrators who pelted his convoy. Protesters also held signs reading: “Baird, you are not welcome in Palestine” and “Baird, Jerusalem is our capital.”

Activists from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah party earlier had called for a boycott of Baird because of Canada’s Middle East policies.

“This person backs up the Zionist movement,” protester Abdullah Abu-Rahmeh said. “This person diminishes the rights of our people, takes part and backs up building of settlements. We tell him that he’s not welcome.”

Baird is in the region for five days of meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials.

In a statement, Baird described his meeting with Malki as “cordial and constructive” and included “candid and frank exchanges on areas where we differ in opinion.”

Canada has been one of only a few Western countries to stand by Israel as it has come under fierce international criticism over deadlocked negotiations with the Palestinians, the recent Gaza war and its settlement building. Canada opposes the Palestinians’ unilateral attempts to reach statehood as well as its recent bid to pursue war crime charges against Israel at the International Criminal Court.

Alluding to the International Criminal Court, Baird said he asked Malki to “strongly reconsider the consequences of moving forward with any action that may be counterproductive to a negotiated solution” with Israel.

“A desire for a future of peace, prosperity, stability and security for both Palestinians and Israelis must drive both parties toward direct negotiations,” he said. “Today, we reaffirmed our will to work together on these matters at this crucial time.”

Baird later met with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who thanked Canada for its support. Baird said the two would discuss the “deeply regrettable decision” by the Palestinians to join the international court as well as our “common efforts to fight terrorism and extremism.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Israel kills son of Hezbollah’s late military chief A

N Israeli helicopter strike in Syria killed five members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement including the son of group’s late military leader Imad Moughniyah, sources close to Hezbollah said, in an attack that has the potential to trigger reprisals.

Israel’s military declined to comment, but Israel’s Ynet news Web site quoted an Israeli military source as saying the attack had targeted “terrorists who intended to attack Israel”.

The missile strike hit Jihad Moughniyah’s convoy in the Syrian province of Quneitra, near the Israelioccupied Golan Heights, the Lebanese sources said.

The strike comes three days after Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said he considered frequent Israeli strikes in Syria as a major

aggression, and that Syria and its allies had the right to respond.

Hezbollah has been fighting alongside President Bashar alAssad’s forces in Syria’s nearly fouryear-old civil war.

The Hezbollah-run al-Manar news channel did not mention Moughniyah but said Hezbollah had confirmed that a group of its fighters were killed when they were checking an area in Quneitra.

It said Hezbollah would announce the names of the dead later on Sunday.

Quneitra has seen heavy fighting between forces loyal to Assad and rebels including fighters linked to al Qaeda.

“An Israeli helicopter fired two missiles on Amal Farms in Quneitra,” the Lebanese news channel said earlier, adding that two reconnaissance planes had also been seen flying over the area.

Israel has struck Syria several times since the start of the war, mostly destroying weaponry such as missiles that Israeli officials said were destined for Hezbollah, Israel’s long-time foe in neighboring Lebanon.

Syria said last month that Israeli jets had bombed areas near Damascus international airport and in the town of Dimas, near the border with Lebanon.

Imad Moughniyah, who was on the United States’ most wanted list for

•Netanyahu

attacks on Israeli and Western targets, was assassinated in Damascus in 2008.

•A man holds a placard reading “Stop to the massacres in Nigeria” during a gathering at the trocadero place in Paris yesterday to protest against Boko Haram islamists’attack in Baga.

AFP PHOTO / LIONEL

Italy expels nine suspected Islamist militants

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•People run past a police truck set on fire by protesters during a demonstration against French weekly Charlie Hebdo’s publication of a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed in front of the grand mosque in Niamey PHOTO:AFP

Belgium seeks extradition of Greece detainee

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ELGIUM is asking Greece to extradite one of the suspects arrested there over a possible link with the alleged Islamist plot against Belgian police, prosecutors say.

The statement came hours after Belgium dismissed a there was a connection.

However, the federal prosecutor’s office now says “further analysis” had prompted the latest request to Athens.

Europe is on high alert after Islamist gunmen killed 17 people in Paris last week.

More than 20 people have been arrested in Belgium, France and Germany.

TALY has expelled nine suspected Islamist militants so far this year as part of a heightened security alert throughout Europe and could make further expulsions, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said on Sunday.

Attacks in Paris, in which Islamist gunmen killed 17 people, and a foiled plot to attack Belgian police have put security services across Europe on high alert.

Italian media have speculated that two men fleeing Belgian police who were arrested in eastern France last week may have had some connection with Italy where they were apparently preparing to travel. However no imminent specific threat against Italy has yet been reported.

“We have done everything necessary, within the limits of possibility, to guard against the threat,” Alfano said, noting that the expulsions had started before the Paris attacks which began on Jan. 7 with the Charlie Hebdo shooting.

“There have been nine expulsions. I’m not stopping here and with regard to expulsions, we will continue to be extremely tough,” he said.

He said five Tunisians, one Turk, one Egyptian, one Moroccan and one Pakistani, all of whom had longstanding residence permits, had been expelled. Two had been preparing to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militant groups, he said.

Alfano, who met his Spanish counterpart Jorge Fernandez Diaz in Madrid on Saturday, said Italian security services had been stepping up cooperation with other European countries.

Italian media reported that around 100 suspected Islamist militants were under surveillance in Italy but Alfano said the actual number of cases was higher.

“There is no black list. There is surveillance work but the numbers concerned are much bigger than 100,” he said.

“We have dealt with a very large number of cases of dangerous individuals from the jihadist world but there is no list of 100 names,” he said.

He said a total of 59 foreign Islamist fighters with some connection to Italy had been identified, although he stressed the total did not refer to individuals actually present in Italy and said 14 were known to have been killed.

Authorities had found no evidence that Islamist militants were among the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who have come to Italy in boats from North Africa and the Middle East over the past year.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

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FOREIGN ANALYSIS

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

How terrorist groups raise money

WELVE months ago, the group now known as Islamic State (IS) was little recognised on the international stage beyond those inspired to travel and join the group as fighters or those in the security and academic worlds monitoring developments in Syria and Iraq.

Even at its emergence, it was dismissed as just another of the multitude taking advantage of the chaos created in Syria by the wideranging conflict with President Bashar al-Assad.

Last year, US President Barack Obama downplayed the capabilities and threats posed by those flying the al-Qaeda flag in Falluja and elsewhere across Iraq and Syria.

But within a few months, IS controlled a vast and valuable swathe of territory across northern Syria and Iraq.

Former US Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel described IS as being as “sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen”. “They’re beyond just a terrorist group… they are tremendously well funded,” he said.

More than with any other militant group perhaps, the focus of the international community’s attention is on the finances of IS - the revenue it earns from oil, taxation, extortion and looting.

The US-led coalition has directed a considerable portion of its air strike effort against the oil refineries and smuggling routes believed to be the mainstay of the group’s financial survival in the belief that disrupting funding sources will ultimately precipitate its demise.

Paul Adams looks at ransom money - a key source of income for extremists The importance of financing in

By Tom Keatinge

conflict is as old as conflict itself. The Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero observed that “the sinews of war [are] a limitless supply of money.”

More recently, during the Cold War, states sponsored political violence by funding and supporting proxies.

However, the end of the Cold War, and the use of UN Security Council resolutions against countries such as Libya and Sudan, saw a dramatic decline in state-sponsored terrorism.

Whilst organisations such as Hezbollah continue to operate with state backing, post-Cold War terrorist organisations have mostly been unable to rely on state sponsorship, thus needing to source their own financing.

Skilful financial management is at the heart of the success of any terrorist or insurgent organisation - it represents their lifeblood but is also one of their most significant vulnerabilities.

Securing and maintaining reliable funding is the key to moving from fringe radical group to recognised terrorist organisation - from a handto-mouth existence to a more planned and organised model.

Successful groups are often defined as much by their skills as financial managers as they are by their military expertise and ability to recruit fighters.

In general, terrorist groups can draw on financing from two primary sources · Internally, funds are generated by taxation of people, businesses and transport routes; proceeds from kidnap and ransom; and profits from trade

· External funding is provided by donors sympathetic to the cause, be they wealthy supporters (often from Gulf state countries, sometimes referred to as the “Golden Chain”) or members of the diaspora community Donations are also sometimes transferred between like-minded terrorist groups. For example, the Nigerian group Boko Haram reportedly received $250,000 from alQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in 2012. n a letter from 2005, al-Qaeda’s former deputy leader, Ayman alZawahiri, called upon al-Qaeda in Iraq to transfer $100,000 (£63,700) because many of its own funding lines had been cut.

Whilst donations can provide a source of initial “seed-funding”, they are vulnerable to disruption by the authorities and the supply is unreliable.

To establish financial independence, terrorist groups need to move from primarily external funding to internal, self-generated funding that is more difficult for the international community to disrupt.

Al-Shabab in Somalia is a good case in point. Whilst the group receives some limited funding from external sources, it has developed a highly effective charcoal export business which generates up to $80m a year, according to the UN. Al-Shabab has also mastered another funding tool - business, personal and transport tax. Like IS, al-Shabab controls territory and population, operating a form of quasigovernment in the areas under its control - raising taxes and offering some services, particularly security

and justice, in return.

Al-Shabab remains a potent threat in East Africa IS promises services and food supplies to Muslims in areas it controls.

The control of territory also allows lucrative businesses, such as the growing of opium poppies in Afghanistan, to flourish.

Over $7bn has been spent on fighting the drugs trade in the country yet despite 13 years of a Nato-led effort, poppy cultivation is at an alltime high, with the Taliban exploiting Afghanistan’s position as the supplier of over 90% of global opium output to earn up to $150m a year.

But not all groups control territory containing populations ripe for taxation and extortion.

Based in the vast, sparsely inhabited regions across the Sahara and Sahel, AQIM raises its funding from two main sources · Abduction of foreign tourists and workers for ransom in a trade which is believed to have earned the group close to $100m over five years · Control over smuggling routes for drugs which are flown in from Latin America along “Highway 10” - referring to the 10th parallel - as the most direct route across the Atlantic en route to Europe The Haqqani Network, based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, also relies on smuggling as a key source of finance.

With its roots in the opposition to the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, it controls longestablished smuggling routes that benefit from the instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan to support

the funds it raises from its extensive criminal activity.

Kidnap for ransom is increasingly used by terrorist groups.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which is based in Yemen, is estimated to have earned $20m this way between 2011 and 2013.

The UN underlines the profitability of this trade, revealing recently that terrorist groups are estimated to have earned $120m in ransom payments from 2004-2012.

IS alone is believed to have raised up to $45m in just the past year.

So if terrorist groups are to establish themselves, survive and thrive, they need to develop reliable sources of financing based on the territory, population and resources where they operate.

That Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) recognised the critical importance of finance is clear from declassified documents captured in Iraq following the 2003 invasion in which the group identified poor money management and irregular income as critical contributors to the group’s failure.

Funding is clearly the lifeblood of a terrorist organisation. It is also its Achilles’ heel.

Since the 9/11 attacks, the international community has sought to disrupt terrorist groups by targeting their finances.

The first step in US President George W Bush’s so-called “war on terror” was to launch “a strike on the financial foundation of the global terror network”.

Yet, as we are witnessing across northern Syria and Iraq, starving extremists of financing is no easy task once they evolve from external reliance to internal self-sufficiency.

•Kitinge is a Finance and Security analyst

FOREIGN NEWS Italy expels nine suspected Islamist militants

Islamic State in Iraq free elderly Yazidis

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TALY has expelled nine suspected Islamist militants so far this year as part of a heightened security alert throughout Europe and could make further expulsions, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said on Sunday.

Attacks in Paris, in which Islamist gunmen killed 17 people, and a foiled plot to attack Belgian police have put security services across Europe on high alert.

Italian media have speculated that two men fleeing Belgian police who were arrested in eastern France last week may have had some connection with Italy where they were apparently preparing to travel.

However no imminent specific threat against Italy has yet been reported.

“We have done everything necessary, within the limits of possibility, to guard against the threat,” Alfano said, noting that the expulsions had started before the Paris attacks which began on Jan. 7 with the Charlie Hebdo shooting.

“There have been nine expulsions.

I’m not stopping here and with regard to expulsions, we will continue to be extremely tough,” he said.

He said five Tunisians, one Turk, one Egyptian, one Moroccan and one Pakistani, all of whom had longstanding residence permits, had been expelled. Two had been preparing to travel to Syria to fight with Islamist militant groups, he said.

Alfano, who met his Spanish counterpart Jorge Fernandez Diaz in Madrid on Saturday, said Italian security services had been stepping up cooperation with other European countries.

Italian media reported that around 100 suspected Islamist militants were under surveillance in Italy but Alfano said the actual number of cases was higher.

HE Islamic State (IS) militant group has freed at least 200 members of the Yazidi religious community in northern Iraq.

The group of mainly elderly Yazidis crossed out of IS-controlled territory and were received by Kurdish officials near the city of Kirkuk.

It is not yet clear why militants released them.

IS attacked the Yazidi minority community in Iraq last year, killing and abducting thousands of people.

Almost all of those released on Saturday were elderly or unwell, said Reuters. An early estimate of their numbers was put at 350, but later reports said there were some 200 in the group.

The group, including several sick infants, were taken directly by Kurdish Peshmerga forces to a health centre for treatment.

Kurdish forces met the group at a crossing point near the city of Kirkuk Khodr Domli, a leading Yazidi rights activist, was at the centre. “Some are wounded, some have disabilities and many are suffering from mental and psychological problems,” he told the AFP news agency.

“These men and women had been

•The former captives were taken to the Al-Tun Kopri health centre for treatment PHOTO:AFP

held in Mosul,” he added.

One elderly Yazidi among those released said some of them feared they would be executed when the militants ordered them onto buses.

Instead, they were taken to a crossing point between IS-controlled Hawija and the Kurdish city of Kirkuk.

One of them, an elderly Yazidi man in a wheelchair, told AFP that they had spent months in captivity.

“It was so hard, not only because of

the lack of food but also because I spent so much time worrying,” he said.

The circumstances surrounding the group’s release are still unclear.

Kasra Naji reports on the horrific experiences of the Yazidi community Kurdish Peshmerga forces drove back Islamic State militants in northwestern Iraq last month, breaking a long siege of Sinjar mountain where thousands of Yazidis had been stranded for months.

But many Yazidi villages remain under IS control. Yazidi women and girls have been forced to marry or been sold into slavery by IS. Who are the Yazidis?

Yazidis revere the Bible and Koran but much of their tradition is oral •Religious sect found in northern Iraq, Syria and the Caucasus •Religion incorporates elements of many faiths, including Zoroastrianism

Libya terror suspect Anas al-Liby dies before U.S. trial

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N alleged al-Qaeda leader has died just days before going on trial in New York over the 1998 US embassy attacks in

Africa.

Abu Anas al-Liby, 50, died in hospital on Friday, his wife and lawyers say. He is reported to have had liver cancer.

Mr Liby was seized in a US raid in Tripoli in October 2013.

He was to stand trial on 12 January over the 1998 embassy attacks, which killed more than 220 people in Kenya and Tanzania.

Mr Liby, whose real name was Nazih AbdulHamed al-Ruqai, previously pleaded not guilty

to terrorism charges.

His wife, Um Abdullah, accused the US government on Saturday of “kidnapping, mistreating and killing an innocent man,” according to the Associated Press news agency.

A court sketch shows Abu Anas al-Liby with lawyer Bernard Kleinman She said her husband died from complications following liver surgery, AP reports.

When he was seized in 2013, Mr Liby had been on the FBI’s most wanted list for more than a decade, with a $5m (£3.1m) bounty on his head.

He had been indicted by a New York grand jury in 2000.

US Secretary of State John Kerry was forced to defend the capture after Libya called on the US to explain the raid on its territory.

Many people in Libya were angry about what they said was a breach of the country’s sovereignty.

Mr Liby was detained by US commandos on 5 October 2013 and interrogated on board a US warship before being handed over to FBI agents.

Thousands of people were injured in the blasts targeting US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania He was first put on a US Navy ship for interrogation but brought to the US when his health began to deteriorate after he stopped eating and drinking, US officials said.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

NEWS Counter-terrorism: Nigeria ratifies 18 UN treaties, says AGF

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•Demonstrators holds placards and banners reading "Stop to the massacres in Nigeria" (left) and "Stop Boko Haram" during a gathering at the Trocadero Place in Paris on January 18, 2015 to protest against Boko Haram Islamists after a large-scale attack in Baga, which straddles the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, were as many as 2,000 people were massacred in a raid on January 7, 2015. Cameroon, Chad and Niger have launched a regional bid to combat the Boko Haram Islamists, as their attacks spread beyond Nigeria and concern mounts over the Nigerians' failure to regain control.

PHOTO: AFP

NNPC owes JV partners over $5b in cash calls

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) owes its Joint Venture (JV) partners over $5 billion being arrears of unpaid cash calls, an industry leader said at the weekend.

The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Plc, Mr. Austin Avuru, spoke at a symposium in Lagos at the weekend in honour of Chief Festus Marinho, the first Managing Director of the NNPC, who turned 80 last week.

Avuru expressed dismay over the state of the oil and gas industry despite the solid foundation laid for the industry. He said the NNPC lacks the capacity to efficiently run the industry and the critical oil infrastructure under its care such as the refineries.

He said the corporation is not adding value, made contract cycle cumbersome and lengthy, caused project delays and lacks financial muscle to run the in-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

dustry as shown by the over $5 billion cash call debt.

Cash call is the money paid by joint venture partners according to equity holdings of the partners for projects development usually determined and paid at the beginning of the year.

Avuru attributed NNPC’s inability to meet its cash call obligations to improper management of proceeds from crude oil sales.

He recalled that in June 1992, Prof Aminu, former Minister of Petroleum was relieved of his duties because queues surfaced at petrol stations but in 23 years, things have moved only downwards to a point now where we don’t remember if our refineries are working at all.

He said: “Cost of operation in the upstream sector has soared.

Two critical factors account for this - security issues in the Ni-

ger Delta and bottlenecks in the NNPC; project delays and $5billion of cash calls in arrears that have not been paid to the point now where you ask the question: Is NNPC really adding value to the industry today?

“Today, Norway which has a GDP of $512billion has a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) of $893billion; Qatar with GDP of $203billion has SWF of $256billion and Saudi Arabia with GDP $748billion has SWF of $762billion. Why I have given these figures is because these same countries started with Nigeria but they have managed their economy better. They saved for the rainy day and today they can play the game while Nigeria is watching. This means Kuwait and Saudi Arabia can afford to derive zero revenue from crude oil production over the next three years and survive because of their SWF.

“That’s why they are playing with the United States to see who blinks first but we are watching helplessly with the SWF of $500million only (half a billion dollars). If this oil price crash subsists for the next nine months, be sure we will go back to 1998 when salary cannot be paid, pupils will be out of school because schools will close.”

Former Group Managing Director, Mr. Funsho Kupolokun and top officials of the corporation called for the privatisation of the NNPC and the refineries for transparency and efficiency.

Kupolokun said: “I was there and was one of those people that said privatisation of the NNPC is not the answer. Today, I have now known better.

NNPC should just leave these refineries alone and let the industry move. Privatisation of the refineries should just go ahead.”

IGERIA has ratified 18 treaties aimed at counter-terrorism, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke has said.

He said although confronting threat of terrorism is difficult in developing countries, Nigeria will continue to do its best.

Adoke spoke at the weekend in a paper at the UN/CTITF Capacity Building Workshop, Organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Collaboration with UN Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office in Abuja.

He said: “As a responsible member of the international community, Nigeria is actively involved with concerted global efforts to address the threat of terrorism. “Consequently, Nigeria has ratified a good number of the 18 United Nations sectoral treaties on counter-terrorism and has either enacted or in the process of enacting appropriate implementing legislations to criminalise these offences in Nigeria.

“Our resolve to mainstream the rule of law in our counter terrorism regime is borne out of the realisation that any legislation that does not provide adequate safeguards for its implementation is bound to evoke resentment from the people and will be susceptible to abuse by its operators. “ It must however be appreciated that confronting the threat of terrorism is difficult particularly for developing countries characterized by inadequate laws that criminalise terrorist acts and weak institutions to detect, prevent and punish these crimes. “ He said the nation will pursue its counter-terrorism efforts within the rule of law.

He added:”Nigeria’s counter terrorism strategies are to confront all those threatening the nation’s collective peace and security and bring the perpetrators

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

to Justice.

“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is particularly conscious of the need to fight terrorism within the confines of the law and due process especially in line with the constitutional guaranties and procedures relating to fair hearing provided by sections 33, 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (CFRN) 1999.

“Finally, legislation itself is not enough; we need to inculcate a sense of commitment to the ideas of the legal regime in our security and law enforcement personnel that enforce these measures. They must appreciate the relationship between human rights and national security and mainstream it in all their operations.”

He said Nigeria had drawn inspiration and guidance from the UN Counter Terrorism Strategy and the work of the UNCTITF particularly its prescription to the effect that there must be a “justice system that guarantees due process rights regardless of the offence.”

Adoke said: “To ensure that our counter-terrorism efforts are founded on the rule of law, the Terrorism Prevention Act of 2011 was enacted. This was further reviewed and the Terrorism Prohibition Act was passed in 2013 to further strengthen the regime.

“One important thread that runs through the legislation, which I consider relevant to your workshop, is the need to provide adequate safeguards for the protection of human rights in the global war against terror. “ It is my expectation the discussions on the use of force within human rights constraints and detention regimes will bring to the fore, the relevant provisions of our counter terrorism regime which are in substantial compliance with global standards.”

Ekiti elders’ chief condemns Fayose’s outburst on Buhari’s health

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CHIEFTAIN of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Dr. Bayo Orire, has criticized Governor Ayo Fayose’s claim that the All Progressives Congress ( APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is suffering from health challenges which might hamper his capacity to function as President if elected.

Fayose had alleged during last Tuesday’s presidential campaign rally of President Goodluck Jonathan in Ado-Ekiti that Buhari looked sickly and was deliberately planted as opposition presidential candidate to re-enact the crisis that trailed the uncertainty of the health status of the late former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

But Orire, who is a medical doctor, lampooned Fayose for making what he called “unguarded clinical assumption” against Buhari’s health advising the governor to face the task of governance and convincing the electorate in Ekiti of the worth of the candidate paraded by his party.

The former Chairman of Ekiti State Hospitals Management Board who spoke with reporters on Sunday berated the governor for his unrelenting attacks on the person of former President Olusegun Obasanjo advising the Ekiti chief executive to settle any issue with the retired general amicably rather than attacks on the soap box.

Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

He argued that “a well-cultured Yoruba man does not abuse elders recklessly” saying it is only a politician that is bereft of ideas that will leave issues and be attacking personalities.

Orire who is also the Publicity Secretary of the APC Elders’ Forum in the state said Nigerians are tired of the PDP stranglehold on power for 16 years at the centre and are determined to use the opportunity of next month’s general elections to effect a change.

He emphasized that no amount of name-calling and attempt to blackmail Buhari would quench their resolve to vote massively for the former Military Head of State whom he identified as a candidate that has the integrity, character and experience to turn around the fortunes of he country.

Orire also allayed fears on Buhari’s democratic credentials saying the general since joining politics over 12 years ago had imbibed tenets of democracy and is a firm believer in the rule of law.

Orire said: “The unwarranted attack of my rabble-rousing governor insinuating a health problem that is not there and disparaging age with all the attendant advantages in rulership can be seen as the ranting and railing of a brainless child.

“The unguarded clinical as-

sumption of Mr. Fayose and his people against the sound health of Buhari shows the level of gullibility in our political terrain and I want to ask, how could you compare Buhari and Yar’Adua in health?

“It could be recalled that when the 2007 presidential campaign was on, Obasanjo was calling Yar’Adua on phone and was putting on the speaker to convince the nation that he (Yar’Adua) was of sound health

even though he was away in Germany for specialized care.

“We have not heard of any report of Buhari either being on admission in Nigeria or away in abroad for treatment. How can a fellow human being accuse another person of ill-health in the African context when they are both vying for the same position?

That is bad belle.

“We should not pray ill-health for another person so that the illhealth shall not come back to us.

Buhari is our man, we know he is not sick, we know he is sound and we love his maturity at 72.

“In advanced countries, the mainstream of governance is always maintained by matured elderly people. Nigeria needs Buhari, Nigerians have accepted him and be it.

“A thousand enemies can’t make him sick and his life and health are in the hands of God. PDP is jittery, GEJ is already shivering, his acolytes are crying be-

cause Nigeria has slipped from their hands through their incompetence”.

Describing the PDP rule in Nigeria as “rudderless and appalling”, Orire deplored failure to stop the Boko Haram insurgency, corruption, massive unemployment, impunity, crude oil theft and epileptic power supply in the last five years as reasons why Nigerians must reject the umbrella party at the February polls.

New York Times: don’t shift elections

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EXT months’s elections should not be shifted, The New York Times has cautioned. The elections are due on Febuary 14 and 28.

There have been suggestions in some circles that the polls be postponed because of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

Lagos preacher Tunde Bakare backed the idea, which was widely condemned as an assault on the constitution.

But in yesterday’s review of its editorial of January 17 entitled: In Nigeria, the Terror Continues, the magazine said delaying the elections would be a mistake.

It said the election would afford a new government to reassert a state control on the areas now being controlled by the outof-control Boko Haram insurgents.

The review also said that fight-

ing insurgency required a government with the political will and ability to effectively tackle security challenges.

According to the paper, such willingness and ability include policy reforms that would bolster governance in the affected states and caution abuses of security agencies.

The editorial reads: “They commanded global attention for a fleeting few days last spring.

Across the world, millions prayed for and tweeted about the plight of the more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted in northeastern Nigeria by the vicious militant group Boko Haram. The first lady, Michelle Obama, joined the cause, posting a selfie looking downcast and demanding that the militants “#BringBackOurGirls.”

The United States government hastily put together a task force

of experts and dispatched drones to search for the hostages.

“Soon, though, the world largely moved on.

“In recent months, the horrors in remote districts of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, have multiplied as the insurgent group has taken new hostages, carried out bombings and scorched entire villages in a quest to wrest territory from

government control.

“Newly released satellite images taken in early January corroborate chilling accounts of the recent assaults on Baga and Doro Gowon, two small towns that came under attack on Jan. 3. Researchers with Amnesty International, which released the images, said that roughly 3,720 structures, including homes, were destroyed or damaged by fire.”

Suicide bomber kills five Continued from page 56

people among us by reporting any suspicious movement around us,” he said..

Potiskum is now becoming a hot bed of suicide bombing in Yobe State.

The suicide bombing was the third such attack this month in the town. . A blast killed a street

vendor on one occasion, and two female suicide bombers killed eight people in coordinated attacks, according to reports.

Many people also died in similar suicide attacks earlier targeted on Shiate Muslims sect and innocent school children on Assembly ground last year in the town.

THE NATION MONDAY JANUARY 19, 2015

61

NEWS

President Goodluck Jonathan (second left); Vice President Namadi Sambo (right); Anambra State Governor Willie Obianor (left) and Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Team visited the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers in Onitsha...at the weekend

•All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (right); his runningmate Prof Yemi Osinbajo; former Kogi State Governor AbubakarAudu; Rivers State Governor and Campaign Director-General, Rotimi Amaechi (second left)andothers at a rally in Lokoja, Kogi State...at the weekend

•Senate President David Mark(second right) speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Northcentral Stakeholders meeting in Abuja...at the weekend. With him are Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang(left); his Benue State counterpart Gabriel Suswam (second left) and Governor Aliyu Babangida of Niger State.

• Gen. Buhari acknowledging cheers from supporters in Lokoja at the rally.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing a crowd of supporters at the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) continuity rally for Governor Isiaka Ajimobi at Mapo Hall, Ibadan Oyo State...at the weekend

Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate Mr Jimi Agbaje (right); his runningmate Alhaja Safurat Abdul Kareem and Chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd) at an interactive session with the people of Yaba Community, in Lagos...at the weekend.

President Goodluck Jonathan(right) being welcomed by National Chairman, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh at a Presidential Campaign in support of President Jonathan tagged: “Join Jonathan Joney in Onitsha...at the weekend

•From left: Chief Imam of Lagos Mainland, Alhaji Thabit Lawal; Chairman, Joint Technical Committee, Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS), Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi; All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos Governorship candidate Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his running mate Dr Idiat Adebule at a prayer for peaceful election organised by the Joint Muslim Forum (JMF) at the LTV Blue Roof, Ikeja, Lagos

Igbo elders angry with Jonathan’s ‘buy over’ tactics

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OME Igbo leaders yesterday expressed anger over what they described as “insulting tactics” being employed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaigners to get the Southeast’s support ahead of the February 14 presidential election.

They alleged that following some recent scathing remarks by some influential Igbo leaders, the Presidency was worried about the support of the Southeast, which was thought to be certain. It has, therefore, adopted a more aggressive approach to wooing Igbo leaders.

By Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor

Some elders, who expressed anger at the new method, told The Nation yesterday (Sunday) that “some incentives” were being dangled at the elders at the various meetings held by the President and Igbo leaders including the leadership of Ohanaeze.

According to a top Ohanaeze source, another of such meetings is scheduled for today (Monday) in Enugu, where Mr President’s representative, Chief Edwin Clark, would meet with some Igbo lead-

ers. ‘’But this approach is insulting.

We are not hungry. Ndigbo are enterprising people. Ndigbo are a successful people. Ndigbo are rich.

We are not beggars. We reject this insulting approach to woo the Southeast, the source said.”

Another source, a member of the young political elite in Southeast, told The Nation of how Jonathan, after Dr Alex Ekwueme’s recent comment and Father Mbaka’s sermon, visited the former Vice President’s residence.He said he only came to greet the elder statesman

and promised to return soon to discuss the issues raised by Ekwueme and others.

“We were happy and waited for that interaction but instead of coming for a useful dialogue, the man decided to send Clark and Prof Jerry Gana to meet some elders and to insult the Igbo race and our clergy men, “ the source said.

According to another source, a top political leader, said: “All we want, as proud Nigerians, is for Mr. President to respect Ndigbo. This approach will not help his re-election bid.

“When on Wednesday he met with some Ohanaeze and other Igbo leaders in Aso Rock, he may have thought he had won Southeast votes, but we think this approach will not take him far. Now he wants to send Clark to Enugu tomorrow.

It’s a waste of time and an insult to Ndigbo. We recall that exactly four years ago, he sent the same Clark to meet with the same set of Igbo elders at Nicon Noga Hotel, Abuja.

The meeting was later shifted to Clark’s private residence in Abuja.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

I wish we were at AFCON, says Efe Ambrose S

SC Cambuur coach praises Ogbeche • Simon debuts in Gent win

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C Cambuur manager, Henk de Jong has opined that Bartholomew Ogbeche ought to be the leading scorer in the Eredivisie.

The Nigeria international is one goal shy of the league’s leading marksman after bagging a brace against ADO Den Haag, which took his tally to 10 goals.

“He could have gone during the winter, but he would not, because he feels so happy in this team,” Henk de Jong told FOX Sports, according to Voetbal International.

“He’s a good guy on and off the field and a real striker.

If he is in the right place, the ball always goes in. and if he had taken the penalties, he

would have been at the top.”

Ogbeche has found the back of the net 8 times in his last 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Nigeria youth international Moses Simon debuted for his Belgian club Gent on Saturday as they beat hosts MouscronPéruwelz 3-1.

‘Daddy’, as he is widely called, played 10 minutes on his debut as he was an 80th minute substitute for Benito Raman.

The winger was a hit for Trecin in Slovakia where he scored 13 goals and was linked with several other clubs.

Ogu scores match winner in Israel again

N • Ogu

IGERIA international, John Ogu was again the hero for Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva as he netted the only goal of the game to beat Maccabi Petach Tikva 1-0.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva are now third on the league table with 35 points in 18 games.

The former Academical de Coimbra of Portugal midfielder scored the winning goal in the 17th minute.

He has now scored three goals in the league this season for the Israeli side.

UPER Eagles defender, Efe Ambrose, says watching the Africa Cup of Nations on TV without Nigeria can be frustrating.

The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations started on Saturday in Equatorial Guinea, with defending champions, Nigeria absent, having failed to qualify for the tournament, making it the second time in the last three tournaments that they have failed to qualify.

And Ambrose, who was a member of the Super Eagles team that failed to make it to Equatorial Guinea, has said that it will be difficult watching the tournament at home on TV. “As a professional footballer, you will always feel bad because you see your colleagues playing and you are not, it can be frustrating.

But what can we do, we just have to move and hope for a better tomorrow,” he told sl10.ng.

“I wish we were there, and

Mfon Udoh happy to open Eagles account

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PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public of the loss of original deed of conveyance of a property situated and known as No. 331, Borno Way, Yaba Lagos. The deed of conveyance is in respect of the property at No. 331, Borno Way, Yaba Lagos measuring approximately 553.56 square yard and registered as no. 63 at page 63 in volume 622 in the Lands Registry, Lagos State belonging to Mr. Ogatunde Majekodunmi of No. 2, Kufeji Street, Yaba, Lagos.

All efforts to trace it proved abortive.

If found please contact Mr. Ogatunde Majekodunmi of the above address.

0 victory over Ogbogu in the final match. The decisive goal came in the added time of the game, after an apparent loss of concentration by the central defenders of Ogbogu allowed Erema's top striker to pounce, and getting the winning goal.

A mammoth crowd, which included top officials of Sponsors, TOTAL E and P attended the final match, which was preceded by a colourful closing ceremony. Most spectators said that they enjoyed every moment of the match, which they unanimously agreed was the best.

Officials of TOTAL E and P also promised to continue to sponsor the annual tournament and to also ensure that quality and standard of play in the tournament continue to grow. Players

• Ambrose

Salami completes Serbian move

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IGERIA international, Gbolahan Salami has completed his move to Serbian outfit FK Crvena Zvezda on undisclosed terms.

The 23-year-old was allowed to skip the Super Eagles international friendly match against

Yemen in order to finalise the deal.

Salami, a striker, completes his move from Nigeria Professional Football League side Warri Wolves.

The Red-Whites handed the ex Shooting Stars attacker the

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NYIMBA striker Mfon Udoh has told AfricanFootball.com he is delighted to score his first goal for Super Eagles as Nigeria beat Yemen 2-0 in a friendly on Saturday.

"My first goal for Eagles was a huge relief and I believe that this is the starting point. More to come by God's grace," Mfon told AfricanFootball.com.

On the game, the Nigeria league all-time top scorer said the team played so well and deserved the victory.

"It was a nice game and I think we got our rhythm in the game," he said.

Mfon scored the opener in the 25th minute, before Warri Wolves skipper, Azubuike Egwuekwe doubled the lead in the 64th minute.

• Salami

number 11 jersey.

The all action forward wrapped up his move to the one-time UEFA Champions League winners after reports claimed he had impressed officials of the club.

He is said to have justified himself and has convinced the Nenad Lalatovic led technical crew to trust in his talents in the winter transfer window.

Salami has been tagged as a replacement for compatriot Adeola Dauda who moved to Vitesse last summer.

Salami was part of the Nigeria national under-23 football team during their failed attempt to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

In January 2014, coach Stephen Keshi, invited him to be a part of the Nigeria national football team squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship.

He scored the only goal for the home-based Eagles in their opening 2-1 loss to Mali. He was called into the squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and scored a late goal as a substitute against Congo, but Nigeria lost 3-2 at home.

Salami, who got married some weeks ago, scored 17 goals last season in the NPFL for Wolves.

Galatasaray eyes Raheem Lawal

Erema wins OML 58 football tourney REMA emerged winners of the 2014 OML 58 football tournament at West a County a High School, Ahoada, Rivers State.

Erema became 8th time winners of the annual tournament after a thrilling and pulsating 1-

I wish we were defending our title. But sometimes God has his reasons for why certain things happen and we cannot question him.

“We just hope we will get better and when the qualifiers start again, we want to qualify without too many problems.”

The 26-year old was a peripheral figure when Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, but became an integral part of the team when they won the competition a year later in South Africa.

The tournament began in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday, with the hosts being held to a 1-1 draw by Congo, one of the countries that prevented Nigeria from participating at the tournament.

The second game of the tournament saw Gabon beat Burkina Faso 2-0.

L10.NG understands that Galatasaray and Besiktas are plotting a move for Eskisehirspor midfielder Raheem Lawal in the winter transfer market.

But it appears Galatasaray are in pole position for the Nigeria international's signature as things stand, having opened a line of communication with his agent.

The 19-time Super Lig champions view Raheem Lawal , who possesses both defensive and offensive qualities, as the ideal successor to Wesley Sneijder and Felipe Melo.

Indeed, both players are being linked with an exit from the Türk Telekom Arena in the not too distant future despite having contractual obligations until the end of next season.

S • Udoh

who distinguished themselves in the course of the tournament will be assisted to pursue a possible professional career in football.

Apart from trophies and medals presented to teams, players and officials who shined at the tournament, the winning team got N500, 000 prize money, the second placed team took home N400, 000 and Eyekele got N300, 000 for finishing in third place. The skipper of Ogbogu, Henry Johnson was adjudged the MVP of the tournament.

There is a possibility that Raheem Lawal would join Galatasaray this month if one of the players is sold, a top official of the Istanbul - based club has informed his representative.

The 24-year-old has been consistent for Eskisehirspor

in the Super Lig, featuring in 14 matches and scoring two goals.

The Lagos-born player arrived Turkey in 2012, and has since enjoyed spells with Adana Demirspor, Mersin Idmanyurdu and Eskisehirspor.

Ujah scores as Cologne win Florida Cup

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IGERIA striker, Anthony Ujah was among the goals as his German Budesliga side FC Cologne defeated Brazilian side Fluminense 3 - 2 to lift Florida Cup in the USA. Ujah restored parity for his side to take the game to 1-1 when he scored in the seventh minute for his header cancelled Edson's opener.

They won the trophy after

winning two games, first being a 1-0 victory over Corinthians on Friday.

The other German team in the competition, Bayer Leverkusen, lost their second game 2-1 to another Brazilian side, Corinthians, on Saturday.

Levekusen beat Fluminense 3-0 in their first game on Friday.

THE NATION MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

63

SPORT EXTRA

Iwobi a big prospect for Nigeria — Siasia

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REAM Team VI Chief Coach, Samson Siasia has showered encomiums on Arsenal Football Club midfielder, Alexander Iwobi and already tipped him for great showing in the colours of Nigeria.

Without mincing words on the talent, skills and abilities of the 18 year old talented midfielder Siasia told NationSport that the player will definitely fulfil his potentials in no distance future with the Super Eagles with what he has seen so far from the five days the player stayed with the rest of the players in camp.

The former Super Eagles handler also disclosed that he would like to have Iwobi to play for his U-23 national team in one of the two friendly matches against Tunisia in Tunis, which the player’s father Chuka Iwobi had promised to persuade Arsenal Coach, Arsene Wenger to ensure the release of the midfielder for the game.

“As a former International and a coach who had been with players of immense talents, I would say without bias and prejudice that Alex Iwobi is a bomb ready to explode for Nigeria. He is a big prospect and Nigeria is surely blessed with a player that will be a huge asset for the country. I am very happy with the boy for choosing to play for Nigeria. No wonder England also tried to woo him. I am elated to have him in my team.

“He still needs polishing,

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja but that won’t be a problem because the boy is ready to learn and he has enjoyed his stay with the rest of the players. He also told them he would like to be in Tunis for the two games,” Siasia stated.

Siasia is also happy that the Tunisia friendly would be a very good test for his team before the All Africa Games qualifying match against Gabon next month.

“I must thank the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for arranging this game for us.

The boys are aware of the huge task ahead and are ready to perform against Tunisia because that will definitely test their readiness for the Gabon match. I am happy because it is a two-legged match which will afford me to have more assessment of my team. We still hope to travel on Tuesday (tomorrow)”, Siasia disclosed.

“Talking about Alex joining the team in Tunis for the Tunisia match, his Dad has promised to talk to his Coach in Arsenal for the club to release him for the match since he has good relationship with the Coach. So, the NFF is also aware of this and will work in conjunction with Alex Dad to secure the player’s release for at least one of the two friendly games against Tunisia. But he will have to join from England because he is travelling back to England tonight to beat the dead line given to him to return”, Siasia also disclosed.

AFCON 2015... AFCON 2015...

Gyan has 'mild bout' of malaria

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• Alex Iwobi with his father Chuka after training at the Abuja National Stadium's Goal Project Center PHOTO: SEGUN OGUNJIMI

HE Ghana Football Association (GFA) says that striker Asamoah Gyan has suffered from a 'mild bout' of malaria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He was admitted to the hospital in the remote eastern town of Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea.

The GFA says that Gyan was taken to the hospital on Saturday night, but released on Sunday morning. The GFA says he is responding well to treatment and the disease was caught 'at an early stage.'

Ghana are based in fareastern Equatorial Guinea

CAN U-17: Protest rocks host Niger

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HE 16th edition of the African Under 17 championship to be hosted by Niger Republic seems to be in jeopardy as the host nation burns as a religious conflict is currently brewing in the landlocked West African country due to the Charlie Hebdo Newspaper publication of Prophet Mohammed.

At least nine people have been killed and 10 churches destroyed as fresh protests occurred in the country yesterday.

Protests began outside Niamey’s Grand Mosque on Friday and later spread to other parts of the country.

The tournament was origi-

By Oluwamayomikun Orekoya with agency report nally scheduled to be held from May 2 to 16. However, the date of the opening match was pushed forward to February 15, with the tournament scheduled to conclude on March 1.

Eight African teams are scheduled to grace the tournament, with the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria amongst the countries that qualified for the tournament. Others include, defending Champion Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, Mali and the host Niger Republic.

The Stade Général Seyni Kountché and the Stade Municipal, both in Niamey are expected to be the venues of the tournament.

Two weeks ago, Islamist gunmen killed 12 people at Charlie Hebdo's offices.The cover of the magazine's latest edition, published after the attack, featured a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad weeping while holding a sign saying "I am Charlie".

Seven million copies of the edition are being printed in view of extraordinary demand, distributors announced on Saturday.

The magazine's print run before the attack was 60,000.

for the group stage.

Mongomo is one of two remote and little-known venues chosen to host Africa Cup games after Equatorial Guinea stepped in at short notice to take over the tournament from initial host Morocco.

Gyan is now doubtful for Ghana's first game of the tournament against Senegal today.

RESULTS England - Premier League West Ham 3- 0 Hull City Man City 0 - 2 Arsenal Italy - Serie A Lazio 0 - 1 SSC Napoli AC Milan 0 - 1 Atalanta Cesena 2 - 3 Torino Chievo 1 - 2 Fiorentina Genoa 3 - 3 Sassuolo Parma 0 - 2 Sampdoria Udinese 2 - 2 Cagliari Spain - Liga BBVA Getafe 0 - 3 R. Madrid Atletico 2 - 0 Granada Deportivo 0 - 4 Barcelona France - Ligue PSG 4 - 2 Evian Rennes 0 - 0 S. Etienne Netherlands - Eredivisie Willem II 1 - 0 Go Ahead Utrecht 1-2 Heerenveen Feyenoord 3 - 1 Twente Heracles 0 - 3 Excelsior AFCON Zambia 1-1 DR Congo AFCON Fixtures Ghana vs Senegal Algeria vs South Africa

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 10 NO 3100

‘The ruling class should admit failure for leading the ordinary people to exhume mundane and primordial sentiments that were buried in very shallow graves’ EMEKA OMEIHE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

SAM OMATSEYE

W

HEN Mary Slessor visited this part of the world exactly 100 years ago, the killing of twins scandalised her missionary soul. Locals thought them a taboo.

Twins sprang from the bad spirits in the ether world. So, slaughtering them did not amount to barbarism. Rather it freed their cultural consciences. Mary Slessor may have seen the killers in the light of Apostle Paul’s words, that their “consciences were seared with hot iron.”

But they did not hate the twins. They only feared them. The strange creatures were malformed dainties. They had to let them go.

The culture wept when ogbanje’s slipped out of its own fingers. But the same culture exulted at the barbarity of its own hands that wrung twins to death.

Mary Slessor did not judge them. They did not know what they did. Even in Achebe”s Things Fall Apart, the novelist only scratched the surface of the benighted act, and no one looked at that primitive era of infanticide with righteous horror. Culture defines morality, and when culture is dark, good can be evil.

Like in the poem Paradise Lost. Poet John Milton paints Satan in magnificence as a brutish beauty. “All good to me is lost,” chants the devil in that epic opus.

One hundred years after, the child still suffers in solitude. What will Mary Slessor think of the fate of the child today in Nigeria, especially the girl child? In the past half year, Boko Haram has hatched a new idea. Girl children are now deployed as bullets and bombs. They are no longer beauties but beasts. They haunt the innocent in the market, in the public square, on the populated streets, in churches. Young girls are innocents, but they are the scare of the adults and children and men. This is the height of perversion.

They are like horror movies where girl children doom adults.

But Mary Slessor would have mused on the savage irony of the day. Young girls roused a different odium a year ago. We frowned, including in this column, at the sexual perversion of girl-child marriages. A governor married a girl of about 13 years, and he tried to fetch justification from the constitution. We mourned the prevalence of VVF, the physical damage and the psychological trauma, of the big men crouching in sexual ecstasies over unformed female organs. Governors do it.

Senators do it. Bankers do it. We moan it. But no one has stopped it.

Mary Slessor would have campaigned against it. A moral heroine of that day, she changed a whole culture. Can a voice rise today to save the girl child up North? Mary Slessor had no Internet, or newspapers, or television, or the sort of bandwagon convulsion of the #bringbackourgirls movement. Yet she succeeded with the

RIPPLES

AFTERMATH OF NEW YEAR SERMON: MY LIFE IS IN DANGER – REV FATHER MBAKA

Relax FATHER no weapon fashioned against you shall prosper. No SHAKING

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) Twitter: @samomatseye

•Winner, Informed Commentary (DAME)

Mary Slessor meets girl bomber

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•Mary Slessor

charisma of faith and majesty of moral suasion.

Is this an age of irretrievable evil?

It is justified falsely in the name of religion.

The answer, we opined, is the brilliance of education. Reports have shown girls in revolt.

Some run away into an uncertain world, but prefer the wilds of uncertain streets to the servitude of sexual tyranny. Others sulk to their hoary graves in sullen slavery.

Now, while bemoaning this, we face another tyranny: the girl bomber. Last month, Zaharau, a 13-year-old, did not detonate her bomb in the Kanti Kwari Market in Kano. She disavowed the paradise of her so-called liberators and chose to live. Others have gone who obeyed.

Is the girl child not an endangered species?

Who would say the president's visit was not cynical? He goes to Maiduguri one month to election at the same time CNN features the eerie testimonials of Nigerian soldiers who buy their own uniforms and cannot access drugs

‘

In one case, we moan rape. In the other, we mourn their murder-suicides. Those who marry them see them metaphorically as bombshells, alluding to their physical charms.

The others see them as bombshells. The Chibok girl saga still haunts a nation that looks with paralysis at the failure of a government to do something strong, or to even pursue even a symbolic story that could ease the pains of the loss. The president visited Maiduguri to mark the Army Day Memorial, but was it an act of empathy from a president? He has not up till now visited the town of the notorious abduction. Does the president’s visit assuage

HARDBALL T must qualify as the most untruthful talk, not to say the most dishonest, in this political-campaign period ahead of the country's general elections next month. Indeed, it is not an exaggeration to say that the speaker, President Goodluck Jonathan, deserves a gold medal for golden lies.

Jonathan was in Ekiti State to sell himself and his second-term ambition to the people, and there was nothing wrong with that.

The rally venue was the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti. Jonathan was quoted as saying: We have been following politicians in the 70s and in the 80s. You will remember the song of Tony Wilson, who says the politician is a man of many words."

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate continued: "He portrays the politician as somebody who will call black white and blue red. But we are redefining politics, I cannot deceive Nigerians, whatever we say, we will do, that's what we are doing."

Now, there must be something wrong somewhere if Jonathan actually believed his own words and expected the people to believe him. It is interesting that Jonathan quoted a musician's lyrics, perhaps suggesting his musical taste. It is also fascinating

I

any conscience? Who would say the president’s visit was not cynical? He goes to Maiduguri one month to election at the same time CNN features the eerie testimonials of Nigerian soldiers who buy their own uniforms and cannot access drugs. They confess that Boko Haram soldiers have better weapons and are better motivated.

In those circumstances, how would the Boko Haram fighters not raze down Baga town, and make away with the girls, and kill the men and recruit the boys? The greater evil is a government that fails its primary responsibility: security of its citizens. Foreign media have flayed President Goodluck Jonathan for condemning the attack on a French newspaper, Charlie Hebdo, while keeping mum over the massacre of Baga town that wipes the place out of the map.

How are we sure these girl bombers are not being radicalised by the sect, and launched back at us as messengers of death? Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, has terrorised many villages in Uganda and environs, and abducted hundreds of girls in the past decades. Some of the girls are stigmatised while others with children from rape and forced marriages are trapped forever.

That is the prospect for the Chibok girls and others abducted. Zaharau’s case is another dimension. Her father decided to volunteer her for Boko Haram. This is another form of early marriage. Rather than force their 13-yearolds into marriages, they prefer apocalyptic paradise.

By ceding their kids to the sect, they believe they have done good to the Almighty. Whether they are defiled sexually or strapped with bombs to die while killing others, the parents think they have done good to their souls and to the Almighty. The new defilement is bad. I don’t know which is worse though. Is it the girl who lives in psychic turmoil all her life in a forced marriage or the one who dies in meaningless martyrdom in the name of the Almighty? One a living dead, the other a dead living.

This tragedy happens only when a state fails.

That is why the president’s visit only helped to worsen a sense of alienation in the beleaguered citizens in the Northeast. If President Jonathan had visited them often and done more symbolic acts, his empathy would have registered, but not a few days to elections.

Essentially, to save the innocent girls, we must mount a campaign around the North to tell girls not to allow anyone strap any devices around their body. It is time to incite girls against murderous parents. These girls are too young to know what is happening to them in the name of religion.

Let us do what Mary Slessor would have done. Let us save the girl child. Girls are the mothers who fashion families that make cultures. It is one of the great tasks of this generation.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Gold medal for golden lies that he seemed to agree with the musician's general definition of the politician, but introduced a particular self-serving and selfpromoting exception.

His epic boast, "We are redefining politics," must be understood as including himself and his party. It would appear that Jonathan failed to recognise the possibility of a negative redefinition, and took it for granted that the expression "redefining politics" could only be interpreted positively. This demonstration of his limited understanding of his own words mirrors a fundamental personal limitation.

If Jonathan's is correct that his party, with him at the helm, has redefined the country's politics, it is demonstrably not for good. So, it is nothing to crow about. What is most disturbing about his vote-seeking verbalisation is the violence against truth.

It is terrorising, which is putting it mildly.

Still in the context of figurative language, it may not be far-fetched to label Jonathan's performance in Ekiti as an instance of verbal terrorism because many people must

have been struck by fear - fear that the country's president could be so brutally unfaithful to truth.

To appreciate the horror probably triggered by this scale of presidential untruthfulness, it is useful to quote a report of the Ekiti presidential rally: "The President said his administration is targeting two million jobs every year to accommodate not less than 1.8 million graduates." It continued: "He explained that a Presidential Jobs Board has been set up to formulate a framework to reduce the massive unemployment. The President identified the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), power sector, CBN/Federal Government micro-credit loans, YOU-WIN initiative as other areas his administration has empowered Nigerians."

Has Jonathan thought of the possibility of powerless empowerment? In reality, this has been the experience of the people under the Jonathan presidency. In other words, the rally was a further exhibition of Jonathan's deceitfulness. It's all lies, Mr. President.

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