The Nation July 11, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News $620,000 bribery scandal: Police quiz Rep Jagaba P4 Sports Eagles star Ike Uche’s Spanish club future shaky P41 Business Central Bank to sanction banks for excess charges P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2183 WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

EDO 2012

N150.00

•RMS poll tips Oshiomhole to win •PAGES 9, 43 & 59 •INEC deploys 18 commissioners, others •Jega promises fair poll as he arrives in Benin •Will soldiers deliver the dream or scuttle it?

Supreme Court cedes 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom •Cross River: it’s not a death sentence From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja and Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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ROSS River State yesterday lost its claim to the 76 oil wells in dispute, with the Supreme Court ceding them to Akwa Ibom State.

In a unanimous judgment, the apex court dismissed the claim for lack of substance and merit.

It said the plaintiff could no longer lay claim to the disputed oil wells because it had ceased to be a littoral state following the ceding of Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon by the Federal Government.

The plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Yusuf Alli (SAN), had asked the court to compel the defendants to respect the sharing formula put in place by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which ceded some oil wells to the state.

The defendants were the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom State.

Ali had argued that though the oil wells are in Cross River, the former President, through a letter dated October 31,2006, shared them between the two states, giving 76 to Akwa Ibom and 14 to Cross River.

Continued on page 4

•The late Sen. Dantong’s widow, Hannatu (left), Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang and his wife, Talatu, during their visit to the late Dantong’s family in Jos…on Monday PHOTO: NAN

More attacks in Plateau as 140 bodies lie unburied Boko Haram claims responsibility Senate honours Dantong Why Berom are attacked, by lawmaker Jang relaxes curfew

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•The late Dantong

UNMEN have continued to invade communities in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State, it was learnt yesterday.

Tse and Shong villages are under attack, according to the member representing Riyom Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon Daniel Dem. Dem told The Nation yesterday: “I can authoritatively confirm to you that as I am

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The two villages, Tse and Shong, have been reduced to rubble, with no house standing. Forty-five houses were burnt.

The gunmen came in their usual style, with sporadic shooting

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

talking to you now, the same gunmen from top of the mountain have attacked two

’

more villages.

“The two villages, Tse and Shong, have been reduced to rubble, with no house standing. Forty-five houses were

burnt. The gunmen came in their usual style, with sporadic shooting. The villagers were scared and they ran out of their houses. The gunmen set the houses ablaze and the residents have added up to the number of displaced people in the area.”

In the view of the lawmaker, the Defence Headquarters and the Force Headquarters should intervene to save more lives.

“Because, as I am talking to you now, those 140 bodies are still lying there without burial; we are still afraid of going back there,” Dem said.

He praised the Special Task Force (STF) for its efforts, saying: “Without them, this situation would have been worse. They actually helped Continued on page 4

•PRESIDENCY TO ACTIVISTS: GO TO BUREAU FOR JONATHAN’S ASSETS FORM P61

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS PLATEAU BLOODBATH

Tears as Senators, Reps adjourn for Dantong T

HERE was no business yesterday at the National Assembly The Senate and the House of Representatives adjourned sittings in honour of the late Senator Gyang Dantong.

Dantong died on Sunday, while attending the mass burial of some of the victims of the weekend’s attacks on some villages in Plateau State.

Senators Nkechi Nwogu (PDP Abia) and Zainab Kure (PDP Niger) looked sadly towards the direction of the empty seat of the late senator and tears cascaded down their cheeks.

The order paper of the Senate was empty, as the only business of the day was the adjournment.

The Senators, who had entered early into the Red Chamber, were discussing in barely audible tones the sad fate of their colleague. They were all in pensive mood.

Senate President David Mark hit the gavel to call the attention of the senators to begin the day’s proceedings and the leader of the Senate Victor Ndoma-Egba then moved the motion.

He said: “On Sunday, the Senate received the sad news of the death of one of us. Today being the first day of plenary after the sad event, and in keeping with our tradition, I move that we observe a minute silence.

“I also move that in keeping with our tradition; we suspend all other activities until Wednesday, July 11.’’

This motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, George Akume (ACN Benue) and the Senate adjourned its setting.

The Senate President then led the principal officers with other senators to sign the condolence register that was opened by the National Assembly in honour of the late senator.

Mark said the late Dantong has become a sacrificial lamb that should bring lasting peace to Plateau State.

In an interview in Abuja after the Senate adjourned plenary in honour of the late lawmaker, the Senate President noted that the death of Dantong would be in vain if the mindless killings in some parts of the North continued.

He said: “Dantong has become a sacrificial lamb; his death will be in vain if we continue with this madness beyond this point.”

He renewed his call for dialogue, saying “we should never get tired of preaching that there should be dialogue because that’s the only solution.”

He said: “Once there is a dialogue and people are able to speak out their minds and it is resolved and decisions taken, then it will be a lasting solution.”

Mark, in a condolence message, wrote: “May your death bring peace and unity to Plateau State in particular and Nigeria in general. You did so much to ensure peace. Rest in peace with the Lord.”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said he was shocked by the death of Dantong.

Ekweremadu said: “The death of Dantong is quite shocking because he was such a peace maker. I have always believed that violent people die in conflict situations but now a peace maker died in a conflict situation. It is very tragic. He was promoting peace in Plateau and today he was consumed by the same conflict he was trying to avoid.

“I’m aware that he convened a

•Wife of the Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang weeping at the deceased’s residence in Jos when she visited the bereaved family with her husband ...yesterday

Akume mourns Plateau violence victims SENATE Minority Leader George Akume has condoled the government and people of Plateau State, the Senate, the Plateau State House of Assembly and members of the families of the late Senator Gyang Dalyop and James Gyang Fulani, over the death of the two lawmakers in

weekend’s bloodbath.

Akume said it is a constitutional provision that the authority should uphold the sanctity of human life. He decried the loss of lives and property to terrorism, which, he said, has assumed an alarming dimension in the country. He said it has become difficult to console those directly

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

meeting of stakeholders in Plateau State. I’m not certain whether that meeting took place before he died.”

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba, who moved a motion for the adjournment of the sitting, said: “Today being the first day of plenary after this sad event and in keeping with our tradition, I move two motions.

The first is that we observe a minute silence in his honour and two in

affected by these recurring killings.

He sued for calm from the citizens, but urged the Federal Government to review the state of the nation with a view to urgently curbing the menace ravaging many parts of the country.

The senator sympathised with the families of the deceased.

keeping with our tradition that we adjourn all Senate activities until Wednesday , July 11.”

Former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye described the death of Dantong as “very sad” Dariye, now a senator, said: “We have been thrown into mourning. He was a gentleman, voted for by his people and died in the service of his people.”

He said dialogue is still the best tool available for the resolution of conflict in the state.

He said: “Even if you declare war at the end of the day you cannot get total peace without dialogue. We should isolate it to see what the local community can do, what the state government can do, what the Federal Government must do and what the international community and the media can do. It is Plateau today, tomorrow it may not be Plateau. It is a big loss, we must all rise up. It is not about religion; we must close our ranks. If we allow political sentiment to divide us, one day we will wake up and there will be no Republic.”

Senator Victor Lar, who presents Plateau South, said there was conspiracy against the state.

Lar, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Drug, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, said Dantong always shouted that Plateau State was under siege.

He said the enclave where those behind the attacks emerge to kill and maim is well known.

He said: “It was Senator Dantong’s consuming calls on the floor of the Senate that Plateau State has been under siege; mercenaries coming from outside the state have been killing and maiming the people of the state.

“Nobody has actually accepted that this is act of war declared by mercenaries coming from outside the state.

“They said a state of emergency was declared, more deaths have been recorded under the same security arrangement.

“I suggest that Mr. President, the C-IN-C should give final and definite instruction to the National Security Adviser and Minister of Defence to move into the enclave of those perpetrating the mayhem.

They come from there, strike and go back with impunity. Are we saying that there is an area that is not penetrable by security agencies? People have declared their own republic in Nigeria . We must begin to call a spade a spade, this mayhem must stop.”

Lar said people have been found with identity cards of members of the armed forces.

He added: “There is high level of conspiracy against Plateau State . I believe we have faith in Nigeria , we have faith in the government Let us not take this case to God because judgment will start and will befall everybody.”

Akume said those behind the violence should be fished out.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said the leadership of the House took the decision to suspend plenary session after due consultation with other members.

A minute silence was observed for the late senator and all those who died in Jos. He said: “The leadership consulted widely, and came to the understanding that in view of what happened in Jos (death of Dantong ), we suspend plenary today .’’

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, said the decision to adjourn plenary session was on humanitarian ground.

He said: “We are just being human because the Senator ( Dantong ) did not plan to die that way. We are extending the right signals now that we have to take bold steps to handle the security situation in the country.’’

Zakari said the need to review the approach to handling security situation.

Tinubu: Plateau tragedy a challenge to Nigeria Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has described the bloodbath in Plateau State as a challenge to Nigeria. The former governor, in a statement, yesterday urged the Federal Government to contain the violence in the North.

Excerpts:

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HAT happened this weekend in Riyom Local Government Area in Plateau State was an affront to God and humanity.

This was more than a crime. It was an exhibition of a deadly hatred that seeks to establish a home in our beloved nation. However, such violence has no place among us. There is no reason imaginable that can legitimise the killing and destruction. To kill innocent people is always indefensible. To kill those who were merely seeking to bury

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS PLATEAU BLOODBATH

Yakowa: Jos violence unfortunate From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

•Soldiers mounting guard on a road in Jos...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

•Presidential Liaison Officer to the National Assembly, Senator Joy Emodi, signing the condolence register ...yesterday

• Service chiefs, Minister of Internal Affairs Abba Morro, Minister of State for Defence Olusola Obada and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the FederaPHOTOS: NAN tion Adoke Bello at a security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday

their loved ones is the handcraft of wickedness. It is a lowly abomination.

The perpetrators struck in wanton lethality in apparent hope that their deeds will spark a cycle of violence and retribution setting the nation against itself, as such. they seek to turn Nigeria into a factory of lawlessness.

Their plan was inhuman; their actions vile; their objective will never succeed. They may have wounded Nigeria. Yet, after all the sacrifices and hardship Nigeria has experienced, this nation will never succumb to their terrible designs. There are no differences that anyone can have with government that justify this unpardonable act. This was more than senseless revenge against government; it was an attack against the people of Nigeria and our way of life.

The unfolding tragedy and the inability of the current government to bring the situation under control confirms our fears: that Nigeria is on a free fall under an incompetent leadership.

That Nigerians are no longer safe in the confines of their homes and communities is not the path to development and transformation but is the road to greater uncertain and fear.

This massacre has cut into the heart of the nation. These evildoers apparently seek to make Nigeria a failed state. Those of us who love this nation and its people will not allow this to happen. Despite this violence, we will not let fear rule us but we must awaken our moral strength so that we can repel this assault against our hu-

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Saraki, Ndoma-Egba, Sankara flay violence, killings in Jos

This was more than a crime. It was an exhibition of a deadly hatred that seeks to establish a home in our beloved nation. However, such violence has no place among us. There is no reason imaginable that can legitimize the killing and destruction

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man decency. We must not cower but must summon courage at this moment. Moral conscience eventually triumphs over murderous crime. All of us who cherish freedom and dignity and who love this nation must not allow the evil actors to divide and separate us along ethnic, religious or regional lines.

We must stand firmly beside each other as Nigerians. Despite this tragedy, we must hold to each other and strengthen the bonds that

KADUNA State Governor Patrick Yakowa yesterday condemned the violence in Jos, in which the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Gyang Dantong and the Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gyang Fulani died.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Reuben Buhari, the governor described the incident as unfortunate.

The statement reads: "His Excellency, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa wishes to convey his deepest condolence and sympathy and that of the entire people and Government of Kaduna State over the unfortunate recurrent crises in Plateau State.

"More worrisome is the unfortunate and unnecessary death of Senator Gyang Daylop Dantong, representing Plateau North and Hon. Gyang Fulani, majority leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, and several others.

"His Excellency expresses his deepest sympathy to His Excellency, Governor Jonah Jang, the Leadership of the National Assembly, the Families of the bereaved and the entire good people of Plateau State.

"His Excellency further reiterates his belief in the fact that the shedding of innocent blood has never been the only solution to solving any differences. It only compounds to the issues. The Governor calls on the people of the north to embrace peace, to fasttrack the economic transformation of the region.

"The governor wishes to condole and commiserate with His Excellency, Governor David Jonah Jang, the Government, family and people of Plateau State over the unfortunate crisis that again erupted in some parts of the state that led to the death of many people.

"He urges the Government and people of Plateau to be strong, take heart, remain focused and pray that such disaster becomes a thing of the past."

•Tinubu

unite us. Only in this way, do we honor the lives we have lost, do we foil the dark plans of those who hate justice and democracy, and do we turn Nigeria into the nation of our dreams. Our brotherly charity and sympathy must be extended to those who family members, loved ones and friends. To those who did this terrible act we extend nothing but a firm declaration that Nigeria Nigeria will never be brought down by their misdeeds.

SENATORS Victor Ndoma-Egba, Bukola Saraki , Hosea Agboola and Danladi Sankara have flayed the violence in Jos, Plateau State.

They commiserated with the family of the late Senator Gyang Dantong, the government and people of Plateau State.

Ndoma-Egba said the killings drain Nigerians of their humanity.

He deplored the “casualness” of the death of the late Dantong and others.

Ndoma-Egba, who is the Senate Leader, noted that while Dantong served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, he displayed uncommon commitment and devotion to work.

He said: “I particularly remember his contributions towards the passage of the National Health Bill and he has even confirmed his renewed commitment to seeing the Bill go through in the Senate without much

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

hassles.

“In this particular instance, Nigeria has lost a dedicated lawmaker...His death was absolutely avoidable.”

Ndoma-Egba condoled with the government and people of Plateau State and the nation in general over the death of more than 50 people at the weekend.

Agboola, who is the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, said it was painful that Dantong could die while commiserating with people in his Senatorial District .

Agboola urged the security agents to ensure that the perpetrators of the act were brought to book.

He said Plateau should be rid of violence.

He said: “Plateau is a State known for its peace and tranquility before and a foremost tourists

destination in the country. What has really gone wrong in this state? I think government has to do something very fast about this situation.

“I know Senator Dantong as a quiet and easy going lawmaker and I am really saddened by his death.”

Saraki said the late Dantong’s death has clearly shown that rich or poor, no one is safe in the country.

Sankara, who is also a member of Senate Committee on Health, in which the late Dantong was the Chairman, condemned the culture of violence.

He said: “It is a serious indictment on our individual and collective conscience over our failure to pre-empt avoidable breach of the peace and utter disrespect for the sanctity of human lives and prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the monumental loss.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

NEWS $620,000 bribe: Police quiz Jagaba

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•Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, handing over the party symbol to ACN chairmanship candidate in Ijebu Northeast Local Government, Hon. Femi Odufowokan, at the party’s campaign rally in Atan...yesterday. Story on Page 56

HE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Mr. Adams Jagaba, was yesterday quizzed by the Police in connection with the $620,000 bribe collected by Hon Farouk Lawan from businessman Femi Otedola.

Jagaba, who had declined police invitation, is linked with the briber following Lawan’s claim that he informed him when the bribe was offered by the businessman and that he deposited the cash with him. But Jagaba, in a statement, denied having the money.

Otedola said Lawan demanded bribe to enable him remove the name of his company –Zenon oil and Gas – from the list of companies indicted for collecting foreign exchange without importing fuel. He said he informed security men who carried out a sting operation by giving Lawan marked bills.

More attacks in Plateau as 140 bodies lie unburied Continued from page 1

during the attack in Maseh while we were doing the burial. They came there with their armoured tank and as the people ran for safety, the STF shot from inside the armoured car twice. This scared the gunmen from coming after us.

“If the STF had shown their superior power earlier than that, the gunmen would not have attacked us during the mass burial. Our two legislators would not have died of the shock. I wish the STF had acted faster than they did, but, all the same, they deserve commendation and I’m urging them to do more to help our people.”

The STF (Operation Safe Haven) reacted to conflicting reports on how the two lawmakers – Senator Gyang Dantong and Hon Gyang Fulani -

died last Sunday.

In a statement in Jos, the media officer of the STF, Capt.

Salisu Mustapher said: “The reaction became necessary to correct some wrong media reports over the cause of death of the lawmakers.

“The panic that caused the death of the senator and majority leader would have been avoided, if they had listened to instruction of the STF Platoon Commander, DSP Suleiman Kabiru, who asked people to lie down following the sound of the sporadic gunshot. The people chose to run rather than lie down and the stampede caused the deaths.”

Islamist militant group Boko Haram yesterday claimed responsibility for the weekend attacks.

In a statement written in Hausa and signed by Boko

Haram leader Abul Qaqa, the sect said: “We thank God for our success in the attack on Christians at Barkin Ladi and Riyom, whereby security agents, Christians and two state and national assembly members were killed.”

The statement continued with a warning: “We are also informing Christians all over the country to embrace Islam or they will be attacked. If they fail to do so, there is nobody to blame but themselves.

“More attacks will be carried out as we have successfully done at Plateau and Kano on Christians and security informers. … Kano people must desist from giving information to security agents who are attacking them and their hired houses in Kano.”

Initial news reports indicated that the fighting was due

to disputes over land, with government officials evicting the Fulani tribesmen from certain pastures around Jos, and with Fulani herdsmen taking out their anger on Berom Christians’ homes and churches.

In the Boko Haram statement, Abul-Qaqa insisted that the sect will leave no stone unturned in its goal of forcing all Christians out of the country. The statement also denied assertions from National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki that he has made contact with Boko Haram, and found them ready to negotiate. “The claim made by the National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Sambo Dasuki, is a lie and has no iota of truth.”

But Boko Haram, in their statement, said they would

continue to target Nigerian soldiers and security officials, even in their homes. There will be “no hiding place or rest for any government agents and security,” the statement read, “because we are going to carry out attacks on them and their houses.”

The Plateau state government has announce the review of the curfew in imposed as a result of the attacks.

Governor Jang, after a Security Council meeting that lasted six hours in the government House, Rayfield Jos said: “Following the review of security situation in the state, the Security Council has seen great improvement in peace and hereby agrees to relax the curfew.

“The curfew now runs from 7pm to 6am.”

From Gbade Ogunwale and Dele Anofi, Abuja

But Lawan, the former chair of the House of Representatives subsidy management committee, said Otedola was chasing him with bribe and that he collected it as evidence of the pressure.

Jagaba, who yesterday honoured the invitation, arrived at the Force Headquarters, Abuja around 11 am.

He was quizzed by the Special Investigation Panel.

Police spokesman Frank Mba who confirmed Jagaba’s visit said the lawmaker was allowed to go home after making a statement to police investigators. He described Jagaba’s statement as “useful statement that could aid investigation on the scandal”.

Jagaba confirmed his visit to the police. He, however, declined further comments on the matter, saying he would issue a statement today.

“There is no cause for alarm,” he said.

“My friend, you are the 21st reporter that called me today and it is actually impossible to talk to 21 people separately, but I want to assure you that there is no cause for alarm. I will issue a statement tomorrow (today) to answer your questions,” Jagaba said.

•Lawan

Supreme Court cedes 76 disputed oil wells to Akwa Ibom No bad blood between Akwa Ibom, Cross River

Continued from page 1

Counsel to Akwa Ibom state government, Mr. Bayo Ojo (SAN), urged the court to determine whether Cross River is a littoral state or not.

According to him, as a result of the handing over of western Bakassi to Cameroun on August 14, 2008, Cross River ceased to be a littoral state and, hence, cannot benefit from the oil wells.

In the lead judgment by Justice Olufunlola Adekeye, the apex court held that with the execution of the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), especially the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun, Cross River can no longer lay claim to any oil well in the high sea since its boundary with the sea had gone with Bakassi.

It said that “a non- littoral state cannot claim oil wells offshore as she has no maritime territory”.

Justice Adekeye said: “The plaintiff has no maritime territory since the cessation of Bakassi Peninsula and the Cross River estuary, which used to be part of the state prior to August 2008.

“The present position of the plaintiff cannot be blamed on any government agency, particularly the National Bound-

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HAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Business and Rule, Senator Ita Enang, yesterday ruled out bad blood between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states over the Supreme Court judgment on 76 oil wells.

Enang, who represents Akwa Ibom Northeast, said Akwa Ibom State was already working to ensure that there is no bad blood arising from the ruling.

He said: “The Supreme Court has not ceded 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State .

The Supreme Court has simply confirmed the ownership of the oil wells which belonged to Akwa Ibom State .

“Remember there was a judgment of the Supreme Court prior to the implementation of the judgment of the International Court of Justice as to whether Cross River State is a littoral state.

“The Supreme Court at that time ruled that for Cross River State to be an oil state depended on the implementation of the judgment of ICJ. “The Supreme Court ruled that if Bakassi remains as part of Nigeria under the Green Tree Agreement, Cross River State will not have access to the sea. ary Commission and Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission. The statutory bodies must perform their statutory duties based on facts and realities to compile the indices for the payment of the derivation revenue entitled by states.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

If Bakassi goes to Cameroun, Cross River State remains a land-locked state and does not have access to the sea.

“Having access to the sea will give you the benefit of what comes from the sea, the off shore oil.

“We have the judgment; we are very pleased with the Supreme Court for maintaining the principle of judicial precedent.

“It had earlier decided the case in a particular direction. The case came up again and the Supreme Court is consistent upon its earlier decision.

“The Supreme Court, in its judgment, has also considered the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea on demarcation of boundaries and who owns what.

“After the judgment what we are doing is still to maintain and ensure that there is no bad blood between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states .

“Even before now, the governor and the government of Akwa Ibom State have maintained a relationship that

“The existing contract between the parties based on Exhibit C and which the plaintiff alleged that the defendants are estopped to renege on it is discharged by frustration. The doctrine of frustration is applicable to all categories of contracts.

makes money available to Cross River State in the spirit of good neighbourliness and common humanity.

“Akwa Ibom and Cross River were one state before and greater percentage of Cross River State is made up of Akwa Ibom people.

“We will not carry the judgment and present it in a manner capable of causing tension.

“It is one thing to have justice, it is another thing to sustain the peace. “ Akwa Ibom State will continue to maintain and sustain peace.

“The governor of Akwa Ibom State is in touch to ensure how good neighbourliness can be created.”

Enang said they are also conscious not to make statements that are capable of raising tension between the two states.

Asked whether Akwa Ibom would be magnanimous enough to cede some oil wells to Cross River State, he noted that such issues are normally discussed at inter state level.

He said the issue should be a matter between the Akwa Ibom State House of

“It is the duty of the court to state whether and when frustration has occurred. In order words, to determine the existence of frustration. Frustration occurs whenever the court recognises that without default of either party, a contractual obligation has become

Continued on page 59

incapable of being performed.

“In other words, a court would recognise that a contract frustrated whereafter the contract concluded, events occur which make performance of the contract impossible, illegal or something radically different from that

which was in the contemplation of the parties at the time they entered into the contract.

A contract which is discharged on the ground of frustration is brought to an end automatically by the operation of law, irrespective of the wishes of the parties.

“This, unfortunately, is now the fate of the agreements between the parties which have been automatically terminated by the implementation of the judgment of the ICJ. Can the court close its eyes to this existing situation and declares that the plaintiff should continue to enjoy the benefits and privileges of a littoral state when it is no longer one by subsequent legal charges?

“This court cannot because of the influx of refugees from Bakassi into Cross River State give a legislative judgment.

The government of Nigeria has a means of providing for the social needs of the people of Cross River state faced with the social problems thrusted on the state due to the cessation of Bakassi Penisula to the Cameroun.

“The government of Cross River must explore this avenue. The entire claims of the plaintiff against the 1st and 2nd defendants jointly and Continued on page 59

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS ACN senators mourn Dantong

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Caucus in the Senate yesterday condemned the killing of Senator Gyang Dalyop Dantong, saying his death and that of many other Nigerians should be a wake-up call for the overhauling of the nation’s security.

The Caucus, in a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader and Chairman, Senator.

George Akume, its Vice Chairman, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Second Vice Chairman, Senator. Chris Ngige and its Secretary, Senator Gbenga Ashafa,described the late Senator Dantong as a softspoken seasoned professional, an indefatigable soldier of democracy and a committed, magnanimous brother and friend.

The statement said:”The Caucus Senators share in the shock, agony, pain and bewilderment of all Nigerians and pray to Almighty God to give his immediate family and the good people of Plateau State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“The Caucus equally recognises the failure of government at the centre in guaranteeing the security of lives and welfare of citizens in line with Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution and therefore recommend the immediate and fundamental review of the security system of the nation to guarantee the security and welfare of the people”.

Ashafa said with the continuous spate of senseless killings, the nation is being stripped of her future.

He added, “The thousands of lives that have been lost since the beginning of this year by a growing menace that has no value for the loss of human lives has robbed this nation of glorious destinies that could have made her great and must be stopped by all means”.

Senate to screen CJN nominee today

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HE Senate will today screen President Goodluck Jonathan’s nominee for Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar.

She is to be screened during the plenary session by the committee of the whole Senate.

Last week when the Senate received her nomination from the President, Senate President David Mark referred the President’s letter to the Committee and law and Judiciary, whose chairman will lead today’s screening session.

If Justice Mukhtar scales through, she will be the first woman CJN. She was promoted to the Supreme Court in 2005. She will replace Chief Justice Dahiru Musdapher, who will retire on Friday.

Constitutional review: CJN submits 52 amendment proposals

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher has submitted a Bill containing 52 constitutional amendment proposals to the House of Representatives.

He said the proposed amendments would lead to far-reaching reform in the judicial system.

Presenting the Bill to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday, the CJN said: “This Bill is an important step in our comprehensive plan to reposition and reform the judiciary to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“The ongoing judicial reforms have been aimed towards a clear objective: a Justice system that is simple, fast, and efficient, responsive to the needs and yearnings of the citizenry” Justice Musdapher, who noted that the proposal would mark the peak of his judicial reform, highlighted parts of the amendments, as including, the appellate ju-

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

risdiction of the Supreme Court has been altered by providing that appeals from the Court of Appeal on Interlocutory decisions and other matters shall only be by leave of the Supreme Court.

The composition of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission has also been altered to ensure greater balance.

“The process of removal of judicial officers has also been streamlined to ensure a greater degree of fairness.

The old Section 295 regarding reference on questions of law has been deleted as it has been identified as a means to stall the swiftness of the trial process.

“The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was also expanded to include an Advisory Jurisdiction on application by the President or a Governor on questions of law or fact that are of such

‘The process of removal of judicial officers has also been streamlined to ensure a greater degree of fairness.’ importance that it is expedient to obtain an opinion of the Supreme Court on it.

The CJN also pointed out that “ Procedural Rules are also being looked into with a view to achieving some uniformity in the applicable Rules of the Federal High Courts and States High Courts as well as Appellate Courts in order to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

“These Rules are designed initially to aid litigants in ensuring justice and fair play. However, over the years, the Procedural Laws

have been found to be inhibitive rather than assisting in the attainment of justice.

“It is anticipated that consequential amendments will also be subsequently made to the Practice and Procedural Rules by the various Heads of Court, as empowered by the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the applicable statutes.”

Tambuwal, while receiving the memoranda praised the CJN for deeming it fit to present them personally to the House.

According to him, it was the first time a CJN was making this kind of move, this goes to show how collaboration and separation of power could thrive in developing democracy and the nation .

While he assured the CJN of swift consideration of the proposed amendments, the Speaker corroborated the CJN’s assertion that that the Bill would serve very useful purposes in sanitising the judiciary.

•Wike (right) receiving the report from the Committee chair Walter Ibibia... yesterday. With them is Director, Basic and Secondary Education Mrs Mabel Ozumba

Jonathan okays redeployment of six perm secs PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the redeployment of six permanent secretaries.

This is contained in a statement yesterday by Mr Tope Ajakaiye, the Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) in the office of the Head of Service.

Those affected are Mrs Ibukun Odusote, who has been moved from the Ministry of Environment to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and Mr Taye Haruna of Police Service Commission, who moves to the Ministry of Environment.

Others are Mr Linus Awute from the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, while Mrs A DanielNwaobia, formally in the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, moves to the Ministry of Interior Similarly, Mr Ossi Afamefuna of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties) goes to Ministry of Women Affairs.

The statement said Dr Henry Akpan, a newly appointed Permanent Secretary, was posted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Special Duties).

It quoted Alhaji Isa Sali, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation as saying that all handing and taking over formalities should be completed on or before July 18.

Fed Govt pays 539 YouWIN winners

By Joseph Jibueze

Fed Govt ready to revive Unity Colleges, says Wike

M

INISTER of State for Education Nyesom Wike has declared that the Federal Government has the political will to revive the 104 Federal Unity Colleges.

Wike, who spoke at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja yesterday while receiving the reports of the Needs Assessment Committees for the Federal Government Colleges, said all measures necessary to improve the standards of the schools will be diligently implemented.

He said the reports of all the six committees that assessed schools in the six geo-political zones, will be carefully studied and action taken on them.

The Minister said: “I want to assure Nigerians that these reports will not be kept on the shelves. We have the political will to see through the complete turn-around of these Unity Colleges. The recommendations of the Needs Assessment committees are vital to government’s interest in transforming these schools”.

Wike said specifically the Federal Ministry of Education has started tackling employment of teachers in relevant subjects and infrastructure in the Federal Unity Colleges.

On funding of the schools, Wike said that though funding is inadequate, funds available should be judiciously used to further the course of education.

Court faults EFCC, AGF over detention of Atuche’s EFCC’s saction and its FEDERAL High agents was a violation of Mrs Court in Lagos yes- wife, seizure of property

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terday criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seizure of some property it claimed belonged to former Managing Director, Bank PHB, Francis Atuche and the detention of his wife, Elizabeth.

Justice Fatimat Nyako, in separate rulings held that while the properties located in Victoria Island, Lagos were wrongly confiscated by the EFCC, his wife’s detention for days without trial was unlawful.

The judge agreed with the applicants -Murphis Burger Nigeria Limited and Messers

By Eric Ikhilae

Eval and Efa Imoke misled the court into granting its prayer for order of interim forfeiture of all assets it claimed belonged to Atuche.

Justice Nyako, in varying the order of forfeiture made by her brother Justice Akinjide Ajakaiye in 2010 ordered the EFCC to release the properties to the owners.

She also restrained the applicants, to whom the properties were to be released, not to sell them or transfer their ownership in any way pending the conclusion of

Atuche’s trial for official misconducts.

The affected properties are No: 27 Sanusi Fafunwa Street and No: 14B, Anifowose Street, both in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Justice Nyako held that there was no nexus between the charge against Atuche, the properties and the applicants.

On the application by Elizabeth, challenging her arrest and detention for days, starting from May 3, last year, the court declared as unlawful.

Justice Nyako held that

Atuche’s rights. The judge held that her detention violated the constitutional provision that a suspect must not be detained beyond 24 hours and the decision of the Supreme Court on the case of Fawehinmi against the IGP,as reported in 2002 NWLR part 707 at page 606 to the effect that a suspect must not be detained by security agencies while investigation is still ongoing.

The judge awarded N2 million damages against the EFCC and Attorney General of the Federation named as respondents in the application.

THE Federal Government has paid 539 winners of the 1, 200 from the first cycle of the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN), the Project Coordinator, Dr. Supo Olusi said yesterday.

The winners, drawn from a pool of about 24,000 initial applicants, are guaranteed grants ranging from N1m to N10m depending on the requirements of their businesses.

Those who had completed the validation requirements and bank account opening processes were paid their first tranche by the participating banks beginning from June 29, he said.

YouWIN was launched by President Goodluck Jonathan on October11 last year 2011 and was designed to create thousands of jobs within its initial three years as well as financially empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Olusi, in a statement, stated that in addition to the provision of funds which would be paid in tranches over a period of 12 to 18 months, the second round of training has begun for the 1,200 winners.

He said the “boot camps” (as the trainings are called) are being facilitated by the School for Start-ups, UK, and have been held in two geopolitical zones, with the remaining scheduled for the next few weeks.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

NEWS OAU institute’s workers protest unpaid allowances From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

WORKERS of the Ibadan, Oyo State campus of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, yesterday protested the non-implementation of agreements and non-payment of their arrears.

About 30 riot policemen, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Apata Police Station, Mr Abiodun Agboola, were deployed in various locations to forestall a breach of the public peace.

The workers, under the aegis of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), IAR&T, OAU, Ibadan branch, called for the implementation of their agreement with the Federal Government and the university. They also called for an end to casualisation of members and the removal of the Director of the institute, Mr. Benjamin Ogunbodede.

The protesters alleged that because of continued casualisation of workers, a woman casual worker, who had spent 33 years in the service of the institute, died without having her employment regularised.

NASU Chairman and his SSANU counterpart, Oluwafemi Oladehinde and Bankole Ademokun, said the management has betrayed the trust the union had in the institute for failing to implement its demands.

Oladehinde said: “There was a circular which stated that we were entitled to some allowances. We met with the management of the institute several times but they did not listen to our agitation.

“We have circulars from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Income and Wages Commission and the National Universities Commission (NUC) but the agreements were not followed. Again, we protested in March and an agreement was reached that the management should pay us the outstanding allowances. But the agreement has not seen the light of the day.”

Attempts to speak with Ogunbodede were unsuccessful. His secretary said he has to be authorised by OAU authorities before he would answer any question.

We were denied N1b Fed Govt loan, E say Ekiti farmers

KITI State farmers, under the aegis of All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), have accused the state government of denying their members access to a N1billion loan the Federal Government granted the association.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, AFAN Chairman Joseph Oso Akinjobi said efforts by the association to make the government change its position have not yielded result.

He explained that since the creation of the state 16 years ago, none of the members has benefitted from any agricultural loan.

He said none of the letters the association has sent to the government on the matter has been responded to.

The AFAN chairman said the association’s members in other states in the Southwest as well as Kwara, Kogi and

•Govt: we can’t deal with factions From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Edo states, have benefited from the loan, just as those in Kano, Abia, Adamawa and Sokoto states.

He noted that the problem persists because the state AFAN cannot deal directly with the state government but but through its officials.

Akinjobi accused the ministry’s officials of approving loans to their colleagues and politicians.

He urged the state government to publish the names of farmers who were defaulting on loans, saying the government need to assist AFAN members to access fertilisers, which he al-

leged have been trapped among a few farmers and ministry officials.

Akinjobi said: “The ministry, which should be our technical partner, has always been working as sole determinant of what should be given to and who should be given among farmers.”

But Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mr. Babajide Arowosafe said there is no organisation that can be recognised as AFAN. The commissioner said Ekiti State AFAN is factionalised into at least two camps, with either faction claiming superiority.

He said efforts to broker a truce between the camps

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Deputy Governor Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; and House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam, during the state government’s interactive programme with the public, tagged: Ogbeni Till Day Break, at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding...yesterday

Police parade six suspected cultists, 18 others in Oyo S

IX suspected members of the Black Axe cult group were among the 24 suspects the Oyo State Police Command paraded yesterday at its Eleyele, Ibadan headquarters.

The suspected cultists, who are graduates of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the state capital, were rounded up on July 1 at the Ijokodo part of the state capital on their way to a robbery operation.

Though the suspects denied going for a robbery when they were arrested, they confessed to being cult members since their undergraduate days.

The suspects said they possessed dangerous weapons, such as a double barrel pistol, axes, charms and five handsets, among others.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Deputy Police Commissioner Clement Adoda said his men stopped the suspects when they were travelling in a Honda Accord car, with registration number (Lagos) LJ 902 AAA, following a tip-off from concerned citizens.

The suspects gave their names as Oluwatayo Oluwafemi, Boboye Ayeni, Aderemi Babatunde, Godwin Sunday, Akeem Kasali and Emmanuel Asada.

Oluwafemi, 27, claimed he has a National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He confessed to the

ownership gun.

He said another member of the gang, Asada, gave him the gun during last year’s election for protection.

Oluwafemi denied robbing at gun point, saying it is one of the normal weapons members of the Black Axe. Adoda said the gun was concealed in the car’s spare tyre.

He added that the suspects would soon be charged to court.

A former worker of an Ibadan-based firm, Basco Nigeria Limited, Dauda Odebunmi, was paraded for allegedly stealing 60 motorcycles.

Oyo lawmakers divided on sacked workers

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EMBERS of the Oyo State House of Assembly were yesterday divided on the recent sack of 3,000 civil servants by the state government.

They forced Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu to adjourn hearing on the matter till next sitting.

They hailed the Abiola Ajimobi administration for purging the civil service of those they described as bad eggs.

The House summoned

have failed.

Arowosafe said: “One of the steps taken when the present administration came on board was to open a register for farmers in which 62,000 farmers have so far registered.

“Another major step was to adopt a Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) policy, in which only the registered farmers are those we deal with and they have continued to enjoy facilities in cash and kind.

“In truth, what we discovered is that AFAN, even as it is, has not been adding value to its members. This is a trend that must change, if we have to change the fortunes of agriculture in the

the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Adeolu Akande; the Head of Service (HOS), Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu and Chairman of the state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, to explain the sack.

Dr. Akande told the lawmakers that the audit, which identified the workers with questionable records of service, was commissioned by the Adebayo Alao-Akala administration and executed by a

consultancy firm, Captain Consultin.

According to him, the audit report identified over 3,000 workers, who allegedly falsified their academic certificates, age and personal data, having outstanding disciplinary cases and those popularly called “ghost workers”.

The submissions by the duo, however, generated heated debates among the lawmakers.

Some lawmakers condemned the timing of gov-

ernment’s action while others hailed it as a necessary step to rid the civil service of corrupt elements.

Speaker Sunmonu, citing House Rule Page 44, set up a committee on the matter.

It is headed by Ajanaku, the House Committee on Education Chairman; Minority Leader Ibrahim Bolomope; Fatai Salam and Kehinde Subair, to harmonise both sides of opinions and report back to the House.

The suspects robbed the company 10 days after he resigned.

Addressing reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, Adoda said: “On July 7, Odebunmi led some hoodlums to burgle the warehouse of Basco Nigeria Limited. At the wee hours of the day, he and his cohorts were busy loading unassembled motorcycles into a standby truck when the Seven-Cities Patrol team attached to Sango was alerted.

The patrol team sped to the scene and met the hoodlums in action. Sixty unassembled Jincheng motorcycles, already loaded in the truck were recovered, while six suspects were promptly arrested, including Odebunmi.”

The suspect told reporters that he committed the crime.

The command also recovered 10 vehicles from robbers.

They are: Nissan Urvan, with registration number (Lagos) EPE 65 XA; Mercedes Benz 190 saloon car, with registration number (Lagos) CK 26 KJA; Honda Pilot, marked (Lagos) LND 299 AA; Mazda E2000, marked (Ondo) XC 490 KTP; Mazda Bliss, with registration number (Lagos) KB 20 KJA and a Toyota Carina wagon, marked (Lagos) RB 10 AAA. Others, which the police said had no registration numbers, are a white Nissan Maxima, a green Toyota saloon car, a red Mazda 626 car and a grey Toyota Lite Hiace bus.

state. The fad of offering facilities and assistance to portfolio farmers has got to stop.

“But we have, through the GES, given support to rice, cocoa, poultry and other categories of farmers, and they all come under AFAN. When we meet these groups separately, they say the government should deal directly with them and not through third party arrangement.

“I recall that the first time we had fertiliser distribution through the farmers’ unions, the redemption rate was 120 per cent. But when we deployed the fertilisers directly to farmers, redemption rate was just four per cent.

“This means the government, over time, has been conducting huge fortunes into private pockets as the actual farmers, who should use the fertilisers, said the land is fertile enough and that they don’t need fertilisers. The question is: who and who have been enjoying past distributions, which the government has always subsidised?

“Another cause of disagreement is the nature of the loan/assistance the government wants to give. While we are insisting on giving facilities, in terms of input and raw materials which the farmers can apply on their farms, AFAN is insisting that the government should give it cash loans. This is not possible, as money is easily diverted to other uses.

“However, the government can add cash assistance to the already offered materials when the need arises.

But such needs must be pressing and seen by all.

“While AFAN members, who have registered with the ministry, have been enjoying the facilities, the allegation that the Ekiti State Government has been denying the group its dues in terms of loan grants, seems most illogical. The preference of the camps in AFAN for money loans is what the government has decided against. This is for the benefit of all and the progress of agriculture in the state.”

Osun reconciles 23 estranged couples From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare yesterday said it has reconciled 23 estranged couples between January and this month.

The commissioner, Mrs Folake Adetoun Adegboyega, spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at a quarterly ministerial media briefing.

She said the cases were among the 80 reported to the ministry within the period.

The commissioner said 29 couples were advised on what to do to make their marriages work, adding that 28 fathers agreed to pay maintenance allowances to their separated families.

Mrs Adegboyega said the ministry has collected N460,200 for some mothers.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS Court warns INEC against deregistering parties

Insecurity a drag on foreign policy, says Anyaoku

By Eric Ikhilae

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F

ORMER Commonwealth Secretary -General Chief Emeka Anyaoku has said the security situation in the country was a drag on the nation’s standing.

Anyaoku spoke during the presentation of two books on the country’s foreign policy: Compendium on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Issues and Perspectives .

He told reporters that, “the insecurity in the land is a drag on our foreign policy no doubt, because our standing abroad depends to a large extent on our domestic conditions.

So, to the extent that we have insecurity at home, it is a drawback to our foreign policy. But I believe that the President and the government are determined to address the issue of insecurity and my hope is that in due course, their efforts will succeed.”

The former Commonwealth scribe said the country’s standing in the world has improved tremendously since the return to democracy in 1999.

He said: “Before then, Nigeria’s standing in the world was very poor.

Since 1999, we have progressive increase in Nigeria’s standing in the

•Jonathan receiving the books from Anyaoku...yesterday. Watching is Vice-President Namadi Sambo and Ashiru PHOTO: NAN

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

world and at this moment, I believe that Nigeria is doing very well externally.”

President Goodluck Jonathan said the books would assist government functionaries in performing their responsibilities.

He said: “These handbooks will be very helpful to prepare all of them to do what they are supposed to do

and even for the professionals to constantly remind them about Nigeria’s interest.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru said Nigeria was interested in ensuring peace in the West African sub-region and unity in the African Union.

He said: “We are trying now to ensure the security of our sub-region and of course unity of the AU as a whole and in terms of specifics, the

foreign policy is now one that is channelled towards the attraction of foreign investments into the country. We believe that foreign policy must be used to support domestic programmes of government because your primary responsibility is to ensure that there is peace, progress and economic development in Africa and we are using our foreign policy today to support all government efforts in that direction.”

Belgore’s committee recommends unfettered autonomy for Local Govts • Okays removal of Land Use Act •Unified criminal law

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HE Presidential Committee on the Review of Outstanding Issues from recent Constitutional Conferences has recommended autonomy and stable local government system for the country.

The committee also advocated the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution but retaining it as a National Law. Chairman of the Committee and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore, spoke yesterday while submitting the committee’s report to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

The committee, among others, recommended a unified modern criminal law for federal and state governments and a review of the civil and criminal legal procedure.

He said: “We have viewed many parts of the constitution, in particular, we put new visions into creating an optimally independent, incorruptible and stabilising local government system that shall always be administered by democratically elected officials that must be accountable, responsive to local needs, directed, controlled and sanctioned by appropriate laws.

“In our view, this is necessary in order to deepen principles of democracy and sound resource management at the grassroots where it really matters for this country.

“Of special significance is that we also looked at the judiciary vis-a-vis the Bar, which is just one. That means there is only one Bar. “The procedures we inherited from the colonial ties, which were originally meant for jury, has not helped the speedy dispensation of justice. There is no reason earthly why judgments and hearing in cases must take more than one year.

“The British have done away with these procedures in some of their Acts, while we still insist on them as sacrosanct, which is unfortunate.

That is why we believe that the Chief Justice of Nigeria must be empowered to set up a Council from time to time to look at the rules of courts both civil and criminal. ’’

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Justice Belgore said in carrying out their mandate, the committee critically appraised the recommendations of recent Constitutional Conferences with a view to determining their relevance to current national circumstance.

He said the committee endorsed many of the recommendations and made several innovative additions to strengthen the constitution.

The retired CJN said, if adopted, the review made would deepen democratic ethos, promote good governance and the speed up dispensation of justice.

He said the committee observed that Nigeria, just as Congo and Brazil, would attain greater height if the political atmosphere could stabilise for 20 years.

Justice Belgore said: “These countries are greatly endowed with everything-population, landmass and wonderful vegetation, very rich soil, well-watered even in the semi-desert and above all, almost limitless supply of liquid and soil minerals.’’

He said if Nigeria could achieve up to 40,000 MW in electric power generation, it would be easy for it to industrialise and generate employment.

Justice Belgore said: “The committee also viewed many parts of the constitution. In particular, we put new visions into creating an optimally independent, incorruptible and stabilising local government system that shall always be administered by democratically elected officials that must be accountable, responsive to local needs, directed, controlled and sanctioned by appropriated laws. In our view, this is necessary in order to deepen principles of democracy and sound resource management at the grass roots where it really matters.

“Whereas in the constitution, each state has its own judiciary, which are linked with the National Judicial Council or appointments and disciple, there is only one bar. The area of problem will be in criminal pro-

cedure because our criminal laws re at great divergence, that is, the penal code and the criminal code. To solve this problem, it will be better for the President to set up a panel to look into the possibility of a unified modern criminal legislation. If these reforms in the judicial system and the enabling legislation are carried out, it will be possible for a counsel from, say Cross River State, to travel to Borno State, Katsina State or Sokoto State and find that the criminal law is virtually the same thing; and same will be the procedure.”

Receiving the report, Jonathan thanked the committee for the review work and the effort.

He thanked Belgore for forging ahead with the assignment of steering the committee even after the loss of his wife, Hajia Fatima.

The President said the recommendations in the report in the areas of strengthening fundamental rights and legal protection for all citizens, especially children, women and the physically challenged would be considered.

He noted that unfettered autonomy for Local Governments had the greatest potential for maximum impact on the lives of all citizens.

Jonathan said the committee’s proposal on public accountability was imperative for officials in the Executive and the Legislature.

He said: “I equally welcome the recommendations that will grant the Executive more flexibility in policy making, like the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution but retaining it as a National Law. “I am equally pleased that the Committee has paid justified attention to Local Government Administration. I am convinced, given my personal experience at national and sub-national levels of governance in Nigeria, that the greatest asset of our democracy is the commitment of people at the grassroots to the ideals of transparency, accountability and good governance.

“Considering that Local Governments have the greatest potential for

•Justice Belgore

maximum impact on the lives of all citizens, the extent of their efficient development is the true measure of our democracy’s claim to being a government of the people by the people and for the people.

“Similarly, the Committee has made robust proposals on the public accountability imperative for officials in the Executive and the Legislature.

As the most visible arms of government, their integrity and functional capacities determine the quality of trust and reality of the social contract in any society. Their success and mutual reinforcement define the hope of our nation, while their excesses and shortcomings subvert the dreams of democratic transformation.

“I welcome the Chairman’s assertion that the Committee has made profound recommendations to strengthen the Legislature at all levels and also to demand conformity with extant national regulations in the conduct of their affairs.

“I equally welcome the recommendations that will grant the Executive more flexibility in policy making, like the removal of the Land Use Act from the Constitution but retaining it as a National Law.” The president described the report as “a great contribution to the country’s efforts to have a Constitution that not only reflects our present reality, but also anticipates future challenges.”

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday restrained the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) from deregistering some political parties.

Justice Okon Abang warned the commission against proceeding with its plan pending the determination of a suit challenging INEC’s powers to so act..

The judge gave the warning at the resumed hearing of a suit filed by the National Conscience Party (NCP) and a member of the party, Mr. Agunbiade Tunde.

Justice Abang said the court would not hesitate to nullify any action taken by INEC, which violates the law and forms part of the prayers contained in the plaintiffs application, seeking an injunction against the electoral body.

The plaintiffs are, by the suit, challenging INEC’s powers to deregister any political party.

They equally filed an application for an order of injunction restraining INEC from de-registering any party while the suit was pending.

The plaintiffs are also paraying for an injunction restraining the third defendant (INEC) from deregistering NCP or any political party in Nigeria, pending the final determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Abang refused the plaintiffs’ request for the hearing of the application for interlocutory order, but assured the them that no action taken in contravention of the prayers in the application will stand.

The judge noted that Order 26 Rule 5 of the court’s Rules gave seven days and as such the application was not ripe for hearing because the defendants were only served on July 6, 2012.

He however adjourned the matter till July 16.

Joined as the first and second defendants in the suit are the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke.

Of all the defendants, it was only the National Assembly that was represented by a lawyer, Mr. Abayomi Apata, at yesterday’s proceedings. Apata confirmed that the processes of the application for injunction had been served on his client.

Boost for Bring Back the Book campaign THE Bring Back the Book campaign of the Goodluck Jonathan Administration will get a boost on Thursday with the kick off of its nationwide launch in Yeangoa, Bayelsa State capital.

The Yenegoa event will feature the inauguration of the Prof E. J. Alagoa Library in Yenagoa.

The launch will be done in other states later.

The library is an initiative of the Community Defence Law Foundation (CDLF) , a grassroot policy , development and educational NonGovernmnental Organisation.

A statement by the organiser said the Bring Back the Book campaign has led to the designation of Port Harcourt as World Books capital city for 2014.

The statement reads: “In June 2012, the organisation bidded to host the bi-annual World Book Festival. The bid was backed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s Bring Back the Book Initiative, the Rivers State government and other well-meaning book enthusiasts.

“The declaration of Port Harcourt as World Books Capital City is a crowning glory for the insatiable desire of Nigeria for knowledge and learning, which is being spearheaded by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

8

CITYBEATS Third Mainland Bridge: Lagos urges residents to use ferries W

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Assembly warns against road abuse

By Oziegbe Okoeki

THE Lagos State House of Assembly has warned against indiscriminate use of roads as refuse dumps, mechanic workshops, trading spots and dumping ground for abandoned vehicles by residents and artisans.

Chairman, Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Rotimi Olowo who moved a motion on the issue yesterday, noted that these unwholesome acts contribute immensely to the untidiness of the environment and increases the cost of road maintenance.

He also expressed concerns that dumping of refuse, abandoning of vehicles, use of walkways as trading spots and spillage of chemical products such as grease or lubricants, are part of the undermining factors that cause damage to these roads, which consequently disturbs easy flow of traffic in the state.

In its resolution, the House called on Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas in the state to work in partnership with the state Ministries of Works and Infrastructure; the Environment; Transportation; and Commerce and Industry in order to ensure that the roads are effectively put into use.

The House explained that this move will ease poor traffic conditions of the state and also ensure that the observed anomalies are corrected and defaulters are penalised by the relevant agencies in the state.

ITH the clogging of the road following the ongoing repair of the Third Mainland Bridge, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to make use of ferries.

It said the resort to water transport would ease the traffic gridlock being experienced in the road since work began on the bridge last Sunday Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Kayode Opeifa and Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) Mr. Yinka Marinho, during a tour of routes from Ikorodu jetty to Victoria Island yesterday, said it was important for residents to use water transport because it is safe and will reduce the man-hour spent on the road.

Opeifa, who said the ferry services have improved from conveying 300 to 1.3 million people added that LASWA has water guards to ensure users’ safety.

He said conveying passengers from Ikorodu to Five Cowries Marina jetty will take between 25 and 30 minutes, adding that this is better than spending several hours on the road.

The commissioner listed other routes that can be explored to include Ijede-Badore West and East, BaiyekuAjah/Langbasa, Mile two-Marina Five Cowries, Badore- Five Cowries,

By Miriam Ndikanwu and Olatunde Odebiyi

Oworonshoki –Five Cowries Marina, Ebute-Ojo-Mile Two – Marina and Ijegun-Egba-Ebute-Ojo- Mile two among others.

He said: “You can see there is an upgrade all over the place; we are operating from a smaller rural jetty to a major jetty and that is the reason why LASWA was established to handle all issues that have to do with water transportation safety.”

On the capacity of boats used for the ferry services, he said each boat has the capacity of 20 to 24 passengers, assuring that the boats are safe and convenient for use.

“There is nothing wrong with the boats; they are okay. We do have various kinds of vessels, our target is to have bigger types of ferries that are more comfortable but as for this moment what we have on the waterways are safe, reliable and efficient.

He said the Oworoshoki Jetty opened services for corporate individuals to park their cars at the jetty and utilise the ferry service to Victoria Island.

“These corporate individuals park their cars here and join the ferry to

Victorial Island and after close of work they will take the ferry down to the Jetty, pick their cars and drive home.

It has not only reduced the stress of staying in traffic for hours but it has also helped them to spend more time with their family as well as reduced their expenses on car maintenance.

Ikorodu residents, he said, can either use the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services or the ferry. “The most important thing for Ikorodu residents is to use the public transportation, if they can afford to do that. They can find a way to park their vehicles and take LAGBUS from Ikorodu to Sabo Garage and that will take them all the way to CMS and it can also take them to Oshodi and Obalende, the alternative is to take the ferry” he added.

Marinho said 59 operators that run ferry business in have been licensed, adding that some operators have three to 19 boats, with each having capacity for 24 passengers.

Before now he said each boat did three trips in the morning, stressing that with the bridge’s rehabilitation it has now increased to five trips each in the morning and in the evening.

He assured residents of the operators’ capacity to meet the challenge.

“Because of the Third Mainland Bridge issue there have been increases in the number of people that we carry now”, he said.

Some of the passengers, who spoke to our correspondent at the Ikorodu Jetty, said ferries were convenient and had helped them save time that would have been wasted in traffic.

A business woman Mrs Taiwo Idowu, office on the Island, said she resorted to ferries after spending about four hours in traffic the previous day.

“As a business person I know that time is very important to me and the only way I can beat the traffic to connect with my clients who are mostly on the Island is for me to use the ferry services and I have find it very convenient.”

A passenger on board a Victoria Island bound ferry, Mr. Innocent Chimezie, said he has been using water transport saying that the services are more comfortable and convenient.

He appealed to the government to expedite action on the construction of the Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu, which will be operated by the private sector with bigger capacity ferries.

Ex-convict jailed

By Precious Igbonwelundu

AN Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, has sentenced a 31-year-old man to a week imprisonment for stealing N12, 565 worth of perfumes from retail giant Shoprite.

Emeka Chukwudi was convicted after pleading guilty to the charge, which contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

He had just been released after serving a jail term for illegal possession of Indian hemp.

“After I was released from prison, I went to Shoprite, Lekki and stole perfumes in a bid to sell same and generate funds to eat as well as transport myself back to Delta State to see my family,” Chukwudi said.

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•Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, (right), cutting the tape to open the Lagos State Cooperative College, Oko-Oba, Agege... yesterday. With him are the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, (2nd right), Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed and Special Adviser to the governor on the Environment, Dr. Taofeek Folani.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Lawmaker on Plateau mayhem: why Berom are attacked

HE lucky lawmaker, who narrowly escaped death at Sunday’s mass burial at Maseh village spoke yesterday on the violence that has turned the once peaceful state into a huge cauldron of killings.

Hon. Mwadkon representing Riyom/Barkin Ladi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

He debunked the statement by the Protem Secretary of the Miyetto Allah Cattle Breeders Association that the persistent attacks on Berom people are reprisals for previous attacks on the Fulani in 2001, 2004 and 2010.

In the lawmakers’ view, the problems could be traced to what he described as the Fulani expansionist tendency that started with the Usman Dan Fodio jihad of 1804.

The Protem Secretary, Sale Bayeri, had alleged that more than 150 Fulani families were wiped out and that they lost property worth more than N3 billion. But the legislator, yesterday in Jos, debunked the claims.

His words, “It has been the agenda of the Fulani since the jihad of Usman Dan Fodio, who proclaimed

•Attacks not a state problem, says Suswam

From Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

that the whole North be Islamised, all the Northern minorities must be conquered. It has been the agenda since 1804 when the jihadists failed to capture the Middle Belt region, which they wanted to use as a launching pad to capture the south. It is their belief that once the northern minorities are captured, they will be willing tools for the capture of the South.”

He gave another reason for the attacks - the quest for grazing reserves.

He explained that the House of Representatives killed the bill on grazing reserves because it caused a lot of havoc.

Mwadkon continued: “I don’t know why they are saying that they lost property in 2001 because the 2001 crisis only ended in Riyom. It never got to Gashish. And talking about their destroyed villages, I don’t know how many villages they have be-

cause, if you know, these people are not indigenes. They don’t have any village. All the places in which they settled, they bought from the natives and paid royalties. It is just that after a time, we felt that they had integrated enough and allowed them and this we regret till today.”

Commenting on the state of emergency, Mwadkon said: “It is time to review the security situation, especially the state of emergency, because it has achieved nothing. If there is anything, there have been more killings, more destruction of farmlands during this period than any other.

Everybody has been pushed to the wall and I am tired of telling the people to be calm. People must defend themselves.”

Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday advised Nigerian leaders to see the persistent attacks in Jos as a national problem rather than a “Plateau problem’’.

“The recurring attacks in Plateau

should be of concern to all. No one should see the issue as purely a Plateau affair,’’ Suswam said in Jos when he paid a condolence visit to Plateau Governor Jonah Jang.

He said that the Plateau crisis was “a national problem’’ and urged Nigerians to treat it as such.

“The bloodbath has become a recurring decimal in Plateau. As leaders, we must, together, find a solution to this. It is a Nigerian problem.

“It is a shame to the nation that a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic and a member of the House could die in an incident such as this.

“This is unfortunate and this must attract the concern of all well-meaning Nigerians. I believe also that as leaders, we should not stand by and watch till the situation gets out of control,’’ he said.

Suswam said it was “difficult to believe that a large group of assailants could attack many communities without being caught’’.

He urged the security agencies to live up to expectation.

“Security agencies must ensure that perpetrators of violence are apprehended. It is the only way to deter others and give Nigerians a sense of security.”

Jang expressed sadness over the recurring attacks which seemed to have defied all security measures and called for an overhaul of the security agencies.

The plateau governor advised the Council of State meeting coming up tomorrow to “be very frank in finding a lasting solution to the recurring security challenge confronting the country.

“The President is going to brief the Council of State meeting about the security of the nation and I think we should openly take up this with our elder statesmen, the former heads of state of this country.

“They have been chief security officers; a good number of them are retired generals and I think putting our heads together, we should be able to come up with a solution to the security problems,’’ Jang said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

9

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO

RMS poll: Oshiomhole ahead of others

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IGERIA’S leading research group, RMS, has placed Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) ahead of other candidates.

An opinion and polling survey report released in Lagos yesterday said: “As things stand the chances of Adams Oshiomhole retaining his job as governor are as high as 93 per cent. This means that he has further widened the gap between him and his closest rival by 89 per cent’’.

According to the report, “his chances are high in total and across all the local governments and even in Esan West where he had the least chance, he still will likely clinch 74 per cent of the votes cast there”.

In apparent comparison with previous polls, the report said: “Across the local governments, the incumbent retains a high chance still.

“Three months ago, he had a very narrow chance of winning in Esan West and Esan Central local governments, which were the two local

governments where he had the least chances then.

“His chances have since grown in these places with the possibility of almost 8 in 10 votes cast there in his favour”.

The survey also revealed a sustained robust relationship between the present administration and the people, stating that “the relationship between the Edo State people and their government is very positive and this has remained so over the last three months. The indicator of the healthiness of this relationship is the result of the application of our TNS branded tool TRI*M.’’ It went further to state that “some improvement in engagement level has been recorded in a number of local governments with low index in February.

“Local governments like Ovia South West, Esan West and Esan Central have seen an increase in their index figures, while local governments like Ovia South West and Orhionmwon have reduced index figures.

“These losses, notwithstanding, the overall index has been sustained on a positive note because the gains have been more than the losses.’’

In a related development, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday condemned an opinion poll result, which rated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of other parties.

An organisation, Fasttrack, published the results of its poll in a national newspaper yesterday.

Director of Media and Publicity of Oshiomhole Campaign Organisation Kassim Afegbua described the result as “nauseating, irresponsible, misleading and totally out of sync with the realities on the ground.”

Kassim said his findings showed that Fasttrack neither existed in Benin nor does it have any operational offices in the Southsouth.

He said another investigation showed that the organisation “was just doing the

bidding of the PDP, which is manifestly desperate to save its face in the election by invoking statistics that would justify its preparedness to rig the election.”

Kassim said 6,000 respondents out of a voting population of 1.7million was not enough to conclude a poll.

According to him, “If the organisation is truly serious about its assignment, why would it use just 6,000 respondents to form an opinion about the election?

“All these point to one direction: the desperation of the PDP to rig the election.

“We want to caution the PDP and the dubious agency called Fasttrack, that no amount of deliberate concoction of statistics will sway voters to support the PDP.” ANPP candidate Solomon Edebiri said his party does not believe in paying people to write opinion polls.

Edebiri said his party remained the party to beat in the election, adding that he was yet to comprehend the yardstick used in conducting the poll.

Why we excluded some observers, by Jega •’Ballox box judgment won’t affect poll’

18 commissioners, officials for poll

T •Jega

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HAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega yesterday said some organisations, which were not accredited to monitor Saturday’s governorship election, did not meet the criteria.

He denied allegations that some were deliberately shut out, saying the commission adopted the same procedure as in previous elections.

Jega reiterated that a judgment on the patent right over a ballot box would not vitiate the voting.

He spoke with reporters shortly after he arrived Benin aboard an Arik aircraft, which touched down at about 3.15 pm.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on June 5, had delivered a judgment on a suit by Bedding Holdings Limited over the patent on transparent ballot boxes used in previous elections.

The court affirmed the right of patent by the plaintiff to plastic transparent ballot boxes with steel frames that was last used by INEC in the 2003 general elections.

INEC clarified that it had nothing to do with the polythene, collapsible trans-

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed eight national commissioners and 10 electoral officers in Edo State for Saturday’s governorship election.

The new officers, deployed from the six geopolitical zones, have taken over from the old electoral officers.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Kassim Gaidam said they have distributed non-sensitive materials to the 18 local governments.

His words: “I can confirm that the names of the national commissioners have been sent to me and I’m awaiting their arrival.

“Each local government will be supervised by either a national commissioner or a REC.” Gaidam also announced the deployment of 9,000 security personnel.

The REC said 9,000 ad-hoc workers would be used for the election.

He said the commission procured over 60 Hilux vehicles to ensure smooth movement and distribution of electoral materials.

Gaidam said the presence of security officials is to prevent undue influence of voters,ballot box snatching or any form of rigging.

He said eight Civil Society Organisations from the state have been accredited and that others failed to meet the criteria and guidelines.

“We learnt that some persons were arrested by the police selling voter’s card.

“We are investigating that and as soon as we are done, we will prosecute them.”

From Osagie Otabor and Joseph Jibueze, Benin

parent ballot boxes used for last year’s elections and all others conducted since then.

Jega said yesterday: “As far as we are concerned, the judgment does not affect our preparations for the election in Edo State.

“The judgment is with respect to collapsible transparent ballot boxes, which are totally different from the ones we are using for this election.”

On why some who wouldbe observers were not accredited, Jega said: “We have done everything possible as per the

established rules and regulations to properly accredit observers for the election in Edo State.

“We used the same procedure as before to accredit observers in all the elections we have organised, including last year's elections.

“We applied those criteria rigorously. We normally advertise, and people are given time within which to apply.

“Anyone who did not apply within the time allocated would not be considered.

And that is what has happened in this regard. We did not deliberately exclude anyone.

“If anyone has not been accredited to observe the election, as indeed all other elections, it is because he/she has not satisfied the requirements for accreditation.

“We have heard stories being bandied about saying that we did not accredit any Edo civil society organisation.

That is false. That is not true.

“We have accredited many civil society organisations in Edo. But some did not meet the requirements. It is either they did not apply on time or they did not meet the criteria we set.

“Anyone who did not comply with those criteria will not be accredited. It is not the first time we are doing it. We only accredit those who meet the criteria we have set for the election.”

The INEC chief assured Edo people of a free and fair election, saying the commission has been working towards it.

“We’re expecting a credible and peaceful election. I am here to make sure that everything has been done as planned before the election on Saturday.

“We are in Edo State in fulfillment of the promise we made to Nigerians and the people of Edo that we will ensure a free, fair and credible election.

“We have been working day and night and we have been doing our best to ensure that we deliver peaceful and credible election in Edo State.

“I am here also to meet with the stakeholders, which we normally do before election.

“We’ll brief stakeholders about our last-minute preparations, and if they have any last-minute questions or complaints, we’ll try to address them.”

Igbinedion begs kinsmen to vote PDP

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ATHER of former Edo State Governor Gabriel Igbinedion yesterday begged his kinsmen to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday governorship election.

Igbinedion urged his kinsmen not to let him down.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

He spoke at a PDP campaign rally in Okada, headquarters of Ovia North East Local Government.

This is the first time Igbinedion, who is the Esama of Benin, is campaigning for the PDP since his son, Lucky,

left power in 2007.

Former Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees Chief Tony Anenih, who spoke at the rally, said Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lacked the capacity to remain as governor.

He said: “It is true that the governor is from the Northern Senatorial District. We have a candidate who will deliver health care and quality education.”

Anenih told the gathering to support Igbinedion in returning the state to PDP.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

NEWS Lagos agency to assist Ekiti on signage, outdoor advertising

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HE Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has partnered its Ekiti State counterpart, the Ekiti State Signage and Advertisement Agency (EKSAA), on the management of signage and outdoor structures.

The partnership followed a recent visit by EKSAA Managing Diector/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eleaza Olumiyiwa Ogunmilade, to LASAA. At a parley with LASAA Managing Director, Mr George Noah, the EKSAA chief spoke of his plans to transform the fortunes of the agency and leverage the vast experience LASAA has gained since inception on May 31, 2006.

Noah was accompanied by two top LASAA officials - Ms. Temitayo Etomi, the Special Adviser on Operations, and Mr Tope Akande, the Head of Corporate Affairs.

He noted that the visit would assist his Ekiti State counterpart to regulate and generate revenue through the development of an outdoor master plan, signage enumeration and situational analysis, image and reputation audit, as well as structure segmentation and pricing.

Noah said: “We discovered during our visit that Ekiti State may not possess the population and commerce in Lagos State, but there are vast potentials of untapped products and services to add more pep to the aesthetics of the environment as well as increase revenues more than ever before.

“The two agencies have agreed to an exchange programme to enable staff benefit from such exercise.”

Ogunmilade, who is a former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank in The Gambia, said: “We recognise the strides made by LASAA in recent years and hope we can benefit from that wealth of experience. This is a collaboration. We believe there are some areas in wish LASAA too will learn from us. We intend to put in place systems to help us run efficiently, in addition to giving our staff the required training for the job.”

A preliminary report by LASAA, on last week’s working visit, has been forwarded to Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi as well as the EKSAA managing director, for consideration.

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday debunked the rumour that his administration sacked some school heads who failed the examination conducted for them last year.

He also said the proposed Teachers’ Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) is not aimed at retrenching teachers.

The governor explained that the examination was necessitated by the merger of Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, which he said led to a reduction in the number of headteachers.

Fayemi said those who failed the examination still maintained their grade level but had a change of status.

The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the maiden edition of the Public Service Forum.

He said there was no truth in the rumour that the proposed TDNA is aimed at sacking teachers who fail the examination.

According to him, the rumour is merely a figment of the imagination of his administration’s detractors, especially those who are not bothered by the poor state of education in the state.

Fayemi, a doctorate degree holder, noted that rather than sack any headteacher, the government elevated three of them who performed excellently as Tutors-General.

The governor said the action was neither malicious nor vindictive but has improved the school system because the schools now perform better than before.

He said the TDNA examination followed a decision stakeholders reached at last year’s Education Summit.

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•Dr Fayemi acknowledging cheers from workers after the interactive session with civil servants from Grade Levels 16...yesterday

Fayemi: no headteacher was sacked •Governor promises to improve workers’ welfare package Fayemi said this is aimed at repositioning the sector, adding that teachers are aware of the challenges facing the sector because many of them were taking their wards and children to private schools instead of public schools.

Reassuring the teachers of job security, the governor urged them to take the assessment examination because teachers have a crucial role to play in repositioning the education sector as the fountain of knowledge.

On the delay in the payment of the new minimum wage to local government workers, the governor said they would enjoy the government’s largesse as soon

as the irregularities that characterised the payment of CONMESS and CONHESS, special salary packages for medical and health workers are sorted out.

He said many administrative workers in the local governments also claimed to be health workers.

According to him, this led to the action the government reviewing the list of authentic health and medical workers so that they might enjoy the largesse.

On welfare packages for workers, the governor said that the state government has injected N200million into the Housing loan scheme so that more workers can

Ondo NURTW members arrest suspected robber

EMBERS of the Ondo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have arrested a suspected robber, Kazeem Kolawole, who was alleged to be on his way to Akure, the state capital.

Kolawole was said to have taken off from Owo Local Government.

It was learnt that two assault rifles, masks, black clothes and a big torchlight

•Police: suspect’s ally held in Kogi From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

were recovered from him.

Police spokesman Aremu Adeniran, a Divisional Superintendent of Police (DSP), told reporters that Kolawole was apprehended by NURTW members

when the driver, who was taking him to Akure from Owo, discovered the ammunition in his bags.

He said the suspect has been handed over to the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for further investigation.

‘Corruption, Boko Haram threats to democracy’

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benefit. Besides, there are plans to increase the facility to N800million through the Federal Mortgage Bank.

He said the payment of 2012 leave bonus has commenced and the first set of beneficiaries would be paid this month.

He attributed the delay of June salary to delay in monthly allocation by the Federal Government.

Fayemi said the failure of some workers to meet the requirements of the electronic payment system also necessitated the delay as some workers registered with joint accounts as well as accounts kept with micro-finance banks which do not run e-payment.

HE President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr Joe Oke-Odumakin, yesterday warned that corruption and acts of terrorism by the Boko Haram sect in parts of the North may push the nation to the brink, if they are not effectively tackled.

She noted that because the Goodluck Jonathan administration appears incapacitated to tackle the challenges, pro-democracy groups and rights activists need to push the authorities to work for the nation’s survival.

According to her, what Nigeria needs most now is not a chief mourner but a “firmness” of purpose and someone who should be seen to be “in total control” of the challenges.

Dr Okei-Odumakin said many people are tired of talks that have not resulted in any solution while violence and killing of innocent Nigerians have continued.

The activist said pro-democracy groups and rights activists appeared to have relaxed after forcing the military to the barracks.

She explained that the fate of Nigeria and democracy hangs precariously in the balance over growing Boko Haram insurgence and “asphyxiating corruption”.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The leader of “Women Arise” spoke on The State of the Nation, a current affairs programme of Rock City FM monitored in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

She said it was not yet time for activists and pro-democracy groups to go on holiday.

Dr Okei-Odumakin said: “It is not yet Uhuru. It is not yet time to celebrate. We still have to fight to preserve the country and the democracy. A lot of people made sacrifices to force the military to return to the barracks and we were able to do it and galvanise the whole of the people. This is because we had the Army as our common enemy then, and poverty was also not as grave as it is now.”

The activist noted that the nation’s myriad challenges, particularly corruption, killings and terrorism, require that the activists devise a different strategy to tackle them.

According to her, activists may have to resort to “Jehovah’s Witnesses’ approach” of using the door-to-door approach to enlighten, educate and mobilise Nigerians to demand quality leadership from their leaders to tackle corruption and insecurity.

The police spokesman said in the course of interrogation, the suspect led SARS officials to his gang’s hideout in Ehinme, Kogi State.

Adeniran said one of Kolawole’s gang members, Audu Rabiu, was arrested in Kogi State on the same day Kolawole was apprehended in Akure.

He said: “The Kogi State Police Command confirmed that a revolver pistol, Army camouflage, 750 rounds of ammunition for AK 47 rifle, 25 Brownie ammunition, 25 Makarov ammunition and 17 Barreta pistol ammunition were recovered from Rabiu.

“The Kogi State Police Command has identified the two assault rifles to be theirs, as they claimed that the robbers killed two policemen in their area recently and snatched their rifles.”

Adeniran hailed members of NURTW for their assistance in curbing crime in the state.

He said the police command would always ensure the security of life and property across the state.

The police spokesman urged the public to give the police genuine information to curtail crime.

He said the e-payment system is designed to ensure efficiency in salary payment and prevent government from being extorted by “ghost workers”.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, had said the forum was to consolidate the cordial relationship between the government and the workers and to keep them abreast of government’s efforts.

Famosaya noted that though the government has been improving the lot of the masses, it would not be able to do this effectively without the workers who he described as the engine room of government’s programmes and policies.

Ijebu-Ode NBA holds lecture tomorrow •Honours Fashola, others LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and a frontline lawyer, Mr. Ade Adedeji of Adedeji & Owotomo, will be honoured at the 15th annual Bar Lecture of the Ijebu-Ode branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) tomorrow.

The event will hold at the Chris Ogunbanjo Centre, Erunwon, near Ijebu-Ode, at noon.

The lecture is entitled: The Legal Profession and the Bar Association: Avoiding the Extinction of One or Both. It will be delivered by Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) under the chairmanship of Justice Olatokunbo Olopade, the Chief Judge of Ogun State.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun is the special guest of honour.

A statement by Gbenga Omilola quoted the branch’s Chairman, Mrs. Kemi Osisanya, as saying that eminent personalities will attend the lecture.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

We expect to see an increase in the number of MFBs listing on the Exchange following CBN’s capitalisatoion requirement for nationwide.

- Mr Oscar Onyema, NSE Chief Executive Officer

Naira falls as crude declines

Oil Subsidy: Ribadu vows to catch culprits

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HE naira weakened, snapping three days of gains against the dollar as crude, Nigeria’s key export, retreated in New York and London.

The naira depreciated 0.1 per cent to N160.84 per dollar on the interbank market in Lagos, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The naira has gained 0.9 per cent against the dollar this year and 1.1 per cent last week.

Oil fell after Norway ended a strike that threatened to halt output by western Europe’s largest crude exporter and as China reduced purchases of the raw material. The naira hit a onemonth high yesterday after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold foreign currency at its first of two regular weekly auctions.

“Recent naira weakness reflects the fall in global oil prices,” Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. (ETI) strategists, led

by Paris-based Paul-Harry Aithnard, wrote in a note to clients yesterday. Last week’s “appreciation was due to month-end sales from oil companies and increased foreign exchange supply from the CBN.” Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves have fallen $1.1 billion since the end of May to $36.5 billion, according to July 6 data compiled by the CBN. Nigeria’s benchmark Bonny Light crude has declined 3.9 per cent since the end of May. The yield on Nigeria’s domestic 15.1 per cent bonds due 2017 fell eight basis points to 15.94 per cent, according to July 9 data on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website. Yields on the nation’s $500 million of Eurobonds due 2021 rose one basis point to 5.5 per cent yesterday.

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES

Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

FOREX

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241 40.472

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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• From left: Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage; Vice Chairman, ICCN, Chief Dr. Raymond Ihyembe and Non-Executive Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr Bismarck Rewane, during the recent 13th ICCN Annual General Meeting.

CBN to sanction banks for T excess charges HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has issued new draft guidelines to banks on excessive bank charges.

Under the rules, banks are required to apprise customers of charges before they are implemented.

Deputy Director, Financial System Stability,Markus Zacharia, who stated this yesterday in Abuja at the end of the 308 th Bankers’ Committee meeting, said as regulators, the CBN has issued several exposure drafts, among which is the guide on banks charges.

“This is a review of the mandate between the banks and the customers on what charges they are supposed to be charged and when that contract is made, there is the need to be bound by such charges,” he said. Zacharia added that the CBN feels that this new guideline would enable bank customers to know ahead what they are going to be charged to avoid any extra or unnecessary charges that are not in the contract that they entered into with the financial institutions.

• Grants extension for Universal Banking licences From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

Zacharia said the apex bank has set up a Consumer Protection Department, so that customers are allowed to lodge complaints, stating that such complaints are not taken lightly by the regulators.

Zacharia said the reports are forwarded to the Bankers Committee’s Sub-committee on Ethics, where issues are investigated and erring banks are dealt with.

Zacharia said the CBN is not taking it lightly where banks are engaging in arbitrary over-charging of their customers.

He said: “There is a draft being reviewed on bank charges and once this is completed, that will be the standard document for charging customers.

He said banks are expected

to make refund to customers anytime there is a proof of crass misconduct, and in extreme cases, they would be penalised in accordance with the law.”

Banks have in the last two years, refunded a total of N4.3 billion to customers over breaches of transactional agreements. The refund covers 3,306 petitions lodged at Consumer and Financial Protection Division of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from March 01, 2010 to March 31, 2012.

The Managing Director of Skye Bank, Durosinmi Etti, stated that universal banking licence deadline has been extended by the CBN for some banks.

He said: “Most banks have submitted their universal banking licences and have been reissued with new licences. But a few banks have asked for extension and these are under re-

view. There shouldn’t be any problems with converting the licences they have right now to new ones. That is the position on universal banking as at today.”

The Managing Director of Sterling, Yemi Adeola, said it would be inappropriate to characterise the interest regime as high. “It will not be correct to say that interest rates are very high, because one cannot adopt a uniform standard, there is always a function of the nature of risk that you are taking, if the risk is high, perhaps the rate will be high.

“There are many customers borrowing today in Nigeria at about 15 per cent; in fact, there are customers that are borrowing at 10 or 11 per cent. If the risk is good, we look at the credit. If the kind of credit is that which you believe is O.K. and the customers are tested and proven, the rates for such customers are very low. But where the business is highly risky, we still want to extend the facility to ensure that we assist various contributors to the economy, then you may be looking at 16 to 17 per cent.”

Fashola flays Fed Govt’s deduction of N16b from Lagos allocation L AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has condemned the illegal deduction of N16billion from the state allocation by the Federal Government over what he described as unutilised power supply to the state.

Governor Fashola made the remark yesterday when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, Mr Gbenga Obadara led other members of the Committee to visit him in his office at Alausa, Ikeja.

The Governor noted that the administration of his immediate predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu through its Independent Power project generated 52 megawatts, which was added to the national grid and jointly used by the state and

By Miriam Ndikanwu

other neigbouring states, adding that rather than being commended for the initiative, the Federal Government went ahead to make the illegal deduction for services that the state did not enjoy alone.

According to him, “I do not know where in this country that such exercise took place to the detriment of the interest of the local people. These are the cascading layers of social injustice perpetrated against this state. We were like the orphans of the country. They took our land, assets without anything in return”.

“In the power sector, we

have invested in the power plant and the power was meant for Lagos. But they have deducted about N16 billion of our money. In spite of a court order, we got punished for making initiatives. While all these are going on, there was no where our interest lies. I wonder how any concessionaire can be effective if he is not operating with the municipal government”.

Stating, however, that the state was in support of the Federal Government proposed privatisation of the power sector, Fashola noted that non-payment of the debt might hamper the plan, adding that the success of the privatisation lies in the ability

to harness the facilities located in the state.

“We must put our best foot forward from here because the power demand and asset are perhaps the biggest. So, if we put up an attitude of we will do it without them, there are problems ahead.

Most of the distribution assets were created and invested by the Lagos State government. Our local governments were busy buying cables, fixing poles and others. Those are the distribution assets that any concessionaire will use”.

“There is an outstanding liability to us by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), illegal deduction of N16 billion for power that we did not use. These powers were used by other states”.

HE former Chairman, Economic and Finan cial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday promised to within one week fish out the firms which benefitted illegally from the Petroleum Subsidy Fund (PSF) .

Ribadu spoke at the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) forum in Abuja.

He said the regulatory failures in Nigeria are caused by the failure of leadership.

He blamed the atrocities perpetrated in the management of the fund on the regulatory agency, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPRA), that released the fund and could not account for it.

He said as an intelligence chief,he would simply check their letters of credit and bill of landing to unmask those which benefited from the subsidy.

He said: “Look at the energy sector and see what we are talking about. Most of the problems we are talking about today is a failure of regulation or regulators including the subsidy. If PPPRA did their work, nobody would take one penny from the government if those agencies do not allow them.

“If I were to handle this subsidy, I would just catch PPPRA. I would bring out each one of them and in one week, I would get the people responsible because the gate keeper is the one in charge. I will just get them because nobody would make one penny from the subsidy unless PPPRA allows it a letter of credit.”

MDAs with large debts may forfeit capital votes in 2013 From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

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HE Federal Govern ment yesterday warned that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with large debts may forfeit their capital votes in 2013 as their allocation may be used to pay off those debts.

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Bright Okogu, said this in Abuja at a consultative meeting on the 2013 budget with the Organised Private Sector and Civil Societies Organisation.

He said the decision to settle MDAs debts with their capital allocations from 2013, was because of the dwindling financial resources the country may face in the coming years.

He cautioned the MDAs to prioritise their on-going projects based on the projects’internal rate of return and level of completion, adding that about 30 MDAs have 6294 on-going projects that would require close to N7trillion to execute.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Reps summon NNPC over $329m insurance premium

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

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HE House of Representatives has summoned the manage ment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to explain inflated insurance premuim claims alegedly paid to local insurance firms.

The lawmakers are seeking clarification over $329.4million premium claims between 2007 and 2011 from which local insurance firms managing NNPC portfolio inflated the account to over $317.4million.

It was revealed at the ongoing investigative public hearing on the insurance of government assets and property that, insurance claims worth $12milion due to the Corporation between 2007 to 2011 were also outstanding.

While mandating the NNPC executives to appear before the Committee, Chairman House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumin Jubrin said the idea was not to witchhunt, but to resolve issues relating to insurance and the government.

He said: “This is an area that no one seems to take interest in and in my opinion, it could be an avenue for corruption.The govenment makes provision for insurance claims yearly, but there is nothing to show for it. Most MDAs do not even bother to sub-

• Fault qualification for PSF From Dele Anofi, Abuja

scribe to it.”

Saying that the Committee was out to chart a new course for effective insurance management in the country, Jubrin added: “We are looking at a situation where we can have an insurance office that would co-ordinate insurance profiles of MDAs so that whatever fact or document is required of any MDA would not require going to individual agencies.

“As we have it today, I don’t think anyone can authoritatively or assertively tell Nigerians the correct positions of insurance premium on government property.

That is not encouraging at all. But we are determined to chart a new course on this matter.”

Meanwhile, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) has queried the criteria for participation in Petroleum Support Fund (PSF).

Chairman of the Committee, Dakuku Peterside yesterday at the public hearing investigating the activities of Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) said there was a need to review the criteria for par-

ticipation due to the apparent lack of capacity displayed by most oil marketers interrogated by the Committee.

Peterside, who expressed his disappointment about the unwillingness of the invited companies to provide the Committee with necessary documents relating to bridging claims, pointed out that their action or inaction amounted to defrauding the nation of its revenue.

“It is unfortunate that we do not take ourselves seriously in this country. If not, how can you claim not to have benefited from the PEF without adequate supporting documents?

“Contrary to documents before us, most of you claimed not have received bridging claims from PEF. Rather what most of you are telling us is that you have been remitting your dues as prescribed by the Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), but where are the documents to back your assertions?

According to the lawmaker, the participation of some companies in the Petroleum Subsidy Fund (PSF) is suspect. Without retail outlets or storage facilities, yet these companies were able to get allocations to import fuel.

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

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

Framework for commodity, exchange market underway From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

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NEW framework for repo sitioning the commodities and exchange market is underway, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, has said.

Aganga, who stated this during a working visit to Tenti Greens and Integrated Dairies Limited, Jos, Plateau State, said the commodities and exchange market, has not performed optimally compared with its others in the sub-region.

He said while the commodities market in Ethiopia has boosted earnings of farmers from 38 per cent to 68 per cent, such cannot be said of the one in Nigeria.

He said a strong and robust commodities and exchange market would assist the agriculture sector, lamenting that attempts to have one sometime ago with the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange in Abuja, failed. “So, we are in the process of transforming that to a very strong market,” he added.

Aganga argued that a strong commodities exchange would be beneficial to the economy, as it would create a lot of jobs and open up the market, saying that in Ethiopia, they have been able to increase the average income of farmers from 38 per cent to 68 per cent.

The Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), David Adelugba, said the Federal Government is to develop the horticultural sector to make it a foreign exchange earner for the country.

He said the need to develop the sector became imperative as research carried out by the Council revealed that while exports of live flowers is a major foreign exchange earner in Kenya and other African countries, Nigeria is at the lower ebb of the production of the commodity.

This, he noted, was a major loss to the country in terms of foreign exchange, as there is conducive atmosphere in some states for the production of the commodity.

NASSI decries lack of access to N1tr small scale fund From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja • From left: Director, Coca-cola Nigeria, Mr Kelvin Balogun; National Chairman, Nigeria Association of Industrial Pharmacists, Dr Lolu Ojo; and Chairman, Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda Isaiah, during NIPA’s Distinguished lecture entitled: Business growth opportunities and strategies in Nigeria in Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Shell, others to invest $62m in Nigerian Content T HE Nigerian Content Devel opment and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) have signed an agreement with five original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) which are set to invest $62 million in local components manufacturing in Nigeria in the next three years.

The firms are part of the 58 manufacturers of oil and gas equipment that have met the technical requirements prescribed by NCDMB in its Equipment Components Manufacturing Initiative (ECMI) and have been issued Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates.

The ECMI is geared at getting manufacturers of oil and gas equipment or their representatives to commit to credible proposals on domiciling local manufacturing of some components of their equipment at the shortest possible time.

Under the ECMI, importation of some vital industry equipment by the manufacturers, are only allowed by the Board after the suppliers have committed to domiciliation plans.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Speaking at the event in Port Harcourt, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa, explained that the investments planned by the five firms is expected to create 250 skilled employment for Nigerians.

He listed other benefits, which include the transfer of technology know-how, development of manufacturing skills and development of after-market maintenance skills. Nwapa, however, clarified that obtaining the Nigerian Content Equipment Certificates is not licenced to win contracts in the industry.

He added that the board had an in-built mechanism to track investment commitments and domiciliation plans and will apply appropriate sanctions to defaulters.

Nwapa noted that the board will in keeping with Section 48 of the Nigerian Content Act make recommendations to the Minister

of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, for a fiscal framework that would impose a higher tax burden for equipment utilised in the industry with less than 50 per cent local content.

This will help address issues of price competitiveness usually associated with locally made goods.

He congratulated the five companies for being the first set of OEMs to register footprints in Nigeria under the Shell-OEM scheme.

In his comments, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Company of Nigeria and Chairman of Shell Group in Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Sumonu, said his company supported the Equipment Components Manufacturing Initiative because of the multiplier effects it would bring to the oil and gas Industry and Nigerian economy.

To ensure the success of the investments, he said SPDC was committed to lead the exercise, offer logistics assistance to the OEMs and maintain large demands for the equipment.

O

VER N1trillion entrepre neur fund lies in banks gen erating interest, while no entrepreneur is allowed to access it, the President, National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) Chief Chukwu Wachukwu, has said.

Wachukwu, who stated this in Abuja during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, said the money should be channelled to the right hands to address the unemployment challenge in the country.

He said the government and NASSI have always talked extensively on job creation, but regretted that no appreciable result has been recorded, adding that with the numerous banks in Nigeria, only one has stood out to partner with NASSI. He assured that any money loaned through NASSI to entrepreneurs “will be 90-100 per cent recovered, that I can assure the government”.

“The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, understands the position of NASSI in the economy of the country. We look up to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Minister of Finance to lead the fight in the repositioning of NASSI. “Any money channelled into NASSI by the government goes into reviving the economy. I urge the banks to release this money for NASSI to work,” he stated.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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Taxation

Tax Administration in Nigeria

TAXATION AS A TOOL FOR WEALTH CREATION, EMPLOYMENT

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axation is recognised as a very important tool for National Development and growth in most societies. One of the major indices by which development and growth can be measured in any society is the amount of wealth, which is created by economic activities undertaken in that society. Further, one of the means of creation of wealth for citizens is through meaningful employment, so that citizens are able to earn income to cater for their needs and also contribute taxes to the Government as part of their contribution to National Development.

incentives, waivers or concessions. In addition, even if not stated in the law, incentives that will result in a reduction in income distributable to all tiers of government should advisedly require the involvement of the arms of government affected or impacted The Federal Ministry of Finance (or the State Ministry as applicable) and the Federal Ministry of Justice (or the State Ministry as applicable) should ensure that the applicable Orders are issued and gazetted in support of any incentives, waivers or concessions granted by the Government and those incentives, waivers or concessions are for a specified period and subject to periodic review during the duration of the period.

In this regard, taxes do not only provide sustainable revenue for Government to carry out its activities and provide development to its citizens, it also puts citizens in the role of stakeholders, who are directly contributing to National Development. In reciprocation therefore, the Nigerian Tax System should be utilised by Government as a sustainable platform for ensuring growth in the Nigerian economy.

In this way, wealth and employment opportunities can be created for those who are currently outside the tax net, due to low or no income.

With this, they in turn also earn income on which taxes are paid and the circle of growth and development in the economy is sustained in this manner.

4.1 The Role of Taxation in Wealth Creation and Employment Taxation can playa vital and pivotal role in the creation of wealth and employment in the Nigerian economy, in the following ways: i.

Stimulating growth in the economy, by increased trade and economic activities. In this regard, tax revenues should be used to provide basic infrastructure such as power, roads, transportation and other infrastructure which would facilitate trade and other economic activities. ii. Stimulating domestic and foreign investment - where the tax system creates a competitive edge for investments in the economy, local investments would be retained in the country, while also attracting foreign investments. Increased investment would generate employment and provide wealth in the hands of individuals. iii. Revenue generated from taxes can also be applied directly to identified sectors of the Nigerian economy to stimulate such sectors.

In this regard, the sectors must be those which have potential for creating employment, developing the economy and creating wealth for the greater benefit of citizens and government of this country. iv. Revenue earned from taxes can be used to develop effective regulatory systems, strengthen financial and economic structures and address market imperfections and other distortions in the economic sector. Taxes realised from specific sectors of the economy can be channelled back to those sectors to encourage their continued growth and development. v. Redistribution of income, whereby tax revenue realised from high income earners is used to provide public infrastructure and utilities to the lowest income earners. Taxes may also be used to create a social security net for short and long terms relief to indigent members of society and other classes of persons who may require such intervention by the Government 4.2 Variation of Tax Rates in Response to Economic Developments The tax system shall remain responsive to internal and external developments in the Nigerian economy and shall not be allowed to become static or obsolete. In this regard, it shall be the responsibility of the Executive arm of Government, (which is empowered to manage the fiscal affairs of the Nation), to ensure that tax rates are responsive to fiscal and economic developments within and outside the Nigerian economy. This will compliment the periodic and regular review of our tax laws and ensure that our tax rates, reliefs and other allowances in the laws are reviewed when the need arises to bring them in line with prevailing economic conditions.

(c) International and Regional Treaties A wide network of International and Regional treaties would be beneficial to the Nigerian economy, as economic treaties usually attract foreign investment to the local economy. In this regard, Nigeria shall continue to expand its treaty network in the best interest of the Nigerian State.

It should also meet its international obligations under the various tax treaties, protocols and agreements currently in force.

Generally, such treaties should address issues of avoidance of double taxation, principles of permanent establishment and residency (as required to encourage foreign direct investment amongst others), exchange of information amongst contracting countries to amongst others reduce the incidence of tax evasion.

• ALHAJI KABIR MOHAMMED MASHI, AG. EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, FIRS

The Federal tax authority working with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for the negotiation and conclusion of the terms of these treaties and shall ensure that they provide the maximum benefit to the Nigerian economy.

It should be noted that any increase in VAT rates in Nigeria would be in line with the country’s regional and economic commitments and should be done in line with statutory and Constitutional provisions, in an open manner and must not over burden taxpayers in the country.

4.4 Special Arrangements to Attract Investments In furtherance of the role of taxation in the creation of wealth and employment, it is recognised that there is room for certain special arrangements within the system for the purposes of attracting and retaining investment within the economy. These special arrangements may deviate from the usual structures in the tax system on the understanding that they are necessary for the purposes for which they are put in place and are for the benefit of the entire Nigerian economy.

Tax authorities at Federal and State level and the Joint Tax Board shall advise on proposed changes for enactment by the National and State Houses of Assembly.

Examples of such special arrangements include; (a) Tax Free Zones As a general rule, every taxable person, entity or activity should be subject to tax in Nigeria, subject to specific exceptions. There are however instances, where a special dispensation may be created for a particular economic activity, in order to attract, retain or increase investment in that particular economic activity. In this regard, Government may in line with existing or new legislation, create tax free zones for the purpose of stimulating growth or investment in a particular sector or for a particular economic activity. In creating such zones, the paramount consideration must be the expected benefit to the entire economy and not just a particular sector or class of persons.

In addition the purpose for which they are set up must be clear, specific and directed at identifiable sectors, entities or persons.

4.3 Shift from Direct to Indirect Taxation for Economic Growth The current structure of Nigerian’s tax system places heavy reliance on direct taxes from the oil sector, which overtime has created a lopsided over-dependence on oil taxes. In other sectors, indirect and direct taxes play an equally prominent role, however when viewed from the overall perspective, indirect taxes are more efficiently realised and therefore provide a higher rate of returns. In order to correct this imbalance (while not intending to relegate direct taxes in the non-oil sectors), it is proposed to have a shift from direct to indirect taxation within the non-oil sector in order to stimulate economic growth in the sectors, whilst still meeting revenue requirements. This is particularly necessary, given that oil revenues are no longer viewed as a sustainable source of revenue and there is the urgent necessity to diversify tax revenue.

Where tax free zones are created, they must be administered in line with the enabling legislation and all persons, entities and activities carried out in such zones must be in compliance with the law. The Executive and Legislature should work closely to identity new areas, where such special arrangements are required and pass necessary legislation to create them. The status of such tax free zones and the benefits accruing there from must be subject to periodic review and a system put in place for measuring and quantifying the direct benefits being derived from the zone in contrast to the tax revenue not being collected. Government must however, retain the right at all times to terminate any such special arrangement, or the right of any person, entity or activity to take benefit of such arrangement., should it determine that such arrangement is no longer beneficial to the Nigerian economy.

In this regard, it is proposed that there should be lower rates of direct taxes such as Companies’ Income and Personal Income tax to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria by increasing cash flow and disposable income for corporate entities and individuals alike. This would ensure the tax system strikes a balance between savings, investment and consumption, until such a time that equilibrium can be achieved for direct and indirect taxes in the non-oil sectors. For the oil sector equal reliance would continue to be placed on direct and indirect taxes given that the sector is properly structured to support efficient collection of both types of taxes.

(b) Tax Incentives In addition to the above, Government may provide tax incentives to specific sectors or for specific activities in order to stimulate or retain investment in the sector. Tax incentives should however, be carefully considered before they are granted in view of the argument that they may be viewed as violating some principles of good taxation. For example, it is generally perceived that incentives: (i) discriminate in favour of a particular sector; (ii) require imposition of a heavier tax burden on other sectors to cover the tax shortfall arising from the grant of incentives to the favoured sector; (iii) complicate the tax system due to the additional cost and time required to monitor the beneficiaries of such incentives in order to avoid possible abuse; and (iv) May not be beneficial to the economy especially where the tax forgone exceeds the anticipated benefits from granting the incentives.

In this regard, the Federal or State Ministry of Finance or indeed any citizen or resident of Nigeria may propose changes to tax rates for enactment into law by the National Assembly (given that the National Assembly is the body vested by the Constitution with the power to vary tax rates). However, it is proposed, that the power to vary tax reliefs and allowances relating to income taxes should be delegated to the Minister of Finance for ease of administration.

A reduction in the rates of direct taxes, will lead to lower tax revenue from such sectors. Conversely, greater reliance on indirect taxes may occasion an upward review of such taxes. This may be necessary to sustain Governments’ revenue base and make up for any potential shortfall from any reduction in direct taxes, especially as indirect taxes, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) have over time, offered a more regular revenue inflow with lower compliance cost and a huge prospect for improved tax compliance.

To cushion the effect of any proposed increase in VAT rates on the cost of essential goods and services, Government should first improve efficiency in VAT administration, correct anomalies in the Value Added Tax to make it more at par with other such legislation in line with global practice for administration of value added tax and introduce the concept of threshold to protect low income earners.

In view of the above, Government may streamline the number of tax incentives in order to restrict them to those that will benefit the entire economy. The process of granting and renewing incentives,- waivers and concessions must be transparent and sector focused and not arbitrary or only granted to specific companies or individuals only.

The Government may also seek input from relevant sectors of the Nigerian economy and populace in the determination of the desirability or otherwise of such incentives. The process for granting incentives must comply strictly with legislative provisions for granting such

Proposed treaties should be widely circulated amongst stakeholders and the general public in order to encourage a robust consideration of the benefits or otherwise of the treaties. The Federal tax authority working with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for the negotiation and conclusion of the terms of these treaties and shall ensure that they provide the maximum benefit to the Nigerian economy. The Joint Tax Board is expected to playa critical advisory role in the negotiation of such treaties prior to conclusion. They shall also ensure that all terms in the treaty are fair and beneficial to both parties to the treaty.

All International and Regional treaties should be duly signed and ratified by the relevant organs of the Nigerian Government, before they become operational. In addition, Nigeria should reserve the right at all times to cancel any arrangements which are no longer beneficial to its economy, which have become obsolete or which are not being observed by the other party. Cancellation of such treaties should be done in line with the provisions of the treaty and in accordance with Nigerian law. (d) Creating a Competitive Edge One of the means by which economic growth and development can be achieved in the Nigerian economy is through increased domestic and foreign investment. Such investments are usually attracted when economic conditions in the country are deemed as favourable. In this regard, the tax system can be used to create a competitive advantage for retaining and attracting investments to Nigeria through the following measures: (i) Reduction in the Number of Effective Taxes Taxes should be few in number, broad-based and high revenue-yielding.

The administration of the taxes should also be simplified for ease of monitoring, supervision and compliance. A simple and efficient tax system is usually attractive to investors and is a major consideration when making an investment decision. (ii) Avoidance of Internal Multiple Taxation One of the major disincentives to local and foreign investments is multiple taxation. Internal multiple taxation by all tiers of Government should therefore be avoided. As much as is possible, persons engaged in economic activity should enjoy certainty and stability in the nature and number of taxes, which they are required to pay. The Federal, State and Local Governments shall ensure collaboration and close cooperation in the elimination of multiple taxation.

To achieve this, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution on tax matters and the Taxes and levies (Approved List for Collection) Act should be strictly complied with by all tiers of Government. The Joint Tax Board (JTB) should ensure the co-ordination of all levies, fees, oils, rates and charges across States in Nigeria to avoid multiplicity. (iii) Liberalisation of the Tariff Regime Another means by which a competitive edge may be created in the country is by meeting our obligations under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Common External Tariff (CET) regime. To achieve this, Customs administration in the country shall be strengthened and continuously specialised to meet the challenges of the CET regime. The general public and all intending investors should be properly educated on the obligations of the country under the CET regime and its benefit to the Nigerian economy. (iv) Use of tax incentives to diversify the Nigerian economy The Nigerian economy shall be diversified and investments encouraged in sectors other than oil and gas in order to grow non-oil revenues. In this regard, Government shall emphasise the incentives available to these other sectors, or create necessary incentives in order to attract investments to these other sectors. In doing this Government would reduce dependence on the oil sector and diversify its sources of revenue, so that Nigeria is no longer viewed as a mono-product economy and other sources of revenue can be maximised. (v) Strengthening of the Oil and Gas Sector Notwithstanding the need to diversify the Nigerian economy as discussed above, Government shall continue to develop the oil and gas sector and enter into agreements, which shall be beneficial to the Nigerian economy and create lesser burden on taxpayers in other sectors. In this regard, greater emphasis shall be placed on Production Sharing Contracts and other similar arrangements, which provide a more favourable tax regime -to the oil and gas companies and encourage greater transparency and accountability in the industry. In addition Government shall create a conducive atmosphere and provide necessary incentives, to encourage increased investment in the gas sector, as an alternative source of energy that is currently being underutllised in the country.

It should be noted that the above list is not exhaustive, accordingly Government shall explore all possible avenues for creating a competitive edge for the Nigeria economy. There should be constant engagement between all stakeholders in the Nigerian economy from time to time, in order to deliberate upon and consider other avenues and tools which can be utilised to create and retain a competitive edge for the Nigerian economy.

• To

be cotinued

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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MONEY HALF-YEAR REVIEW

e-payment, oil price challenges linger T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) started the year with the commitment to enhance the efficiency and security of the payment system through e-channels. However, the need to strengthen infrastructure and create wide-range acceptability of epayment products and services remained a major challenge for operators and banks.

However, infrastructure has remained an impediment to the implementation of the policy. To resolve this, the apex bank engaged the services of MTN, Airtel and Globacom to bridge the infrastructure gap in the implementation of the policy. CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo, said the apex bank partnered the telcos to enable it get dedicated lines for electronic-backed transactions in delivering services to the people.

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismarck Rewane said the cash-less Lagos project, in May led to an increase in value of cheques by 12.16 per cent to N1.61 trillion. He linked the rise to improving business activities in the state. Also, Volume of cheques rose to 3.76 million even as forex sales increased by 69.75 per cent to $2.75 billion due to rising demand as.

2012 budget Also, the disclosure that only 10 per cent of the capital expenditure was spent in the 2012 budget may have affected banks’ transaction volume in the first half of the year.

Director, Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere who disclosed this during a Fiscal Responsibility Conference in Lagos, said fiscal releases have a way of creating huge economic activities that translate to increased business activities for banks. He said full implementation of capital expenditure (carpex) means that banks will have more projects to finance, which will impact positively on their balancesheets and turnover.

After harmonisation, the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 15 passed a budget of N4.88 trillion with a benchmark of $72 per barrel.

Banking regulation Chief Executive Officer (CEO),

By Collins Nweze and Akinola Ajibade

IRIS Consulting Richard Obire said despite poor implementation of carpex, banks need to position themselves in readiness for increased activities that followed the eventual passage of the budget. The banks also need to increase their lending activities in the third quarter, especially to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

He said regulation in the sector has improved but the final resolution is going to take some time.

In terms of cleaning the system, analysts said that substantially, the CBN, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) have brought sanity to the sector.

IFRS The CBN and NDIC also within the time under review, hired Ernest & Young, an international consultant, to assist them adapt their financials to the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) status. This became exigent, following the ongoing review of the CBN Act 2007, with caveat that the account and budget of the apex bank be subjected to legislative scrutiny.

Partner, Ernst & Young, Samuel Agbeven said the apex bank has also appointed the firm, as a consultant in implementing the IFRS across the Nigerian banking industry. “In this case, we are representing CBN as a regulator to supervise seamless adoption of International Financial Reporting Standard across the Nigerian banking sector. We will be assisting CBN and NDIC as reporting entities in their IFRS adoption. We will be assisting the CBN and NDIC to migrate to IFRS,” he said.

Power/aviation sector fund The apex bank also disclosed that it disbursed N144.6 billion under its Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF) as at December 31, 2011.The banking sector regu-

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

lator disclosed this in a chart titled: “Power and Airline Intervention Fund (PAIF) Cumulative Fund Disbursed as at December 31, 2011” posted on its website.

The apex bank disbursed N85.6 billion for 11 projects carried out in Aviation Sector and N58.9 billion for 10 projects executed in the Power sector, making a cumulative N144.6 billion for 21 projects.

The CBN data showed that as at September 2011, the apex bank, had approved N187.17 billion for 21 projects processed by the African Finance Corporation (AFC)the technical advisers, and disbursed N114 billion. Also under the PAIF initiative, 30 applications valued at N222.50 billion were received and processed by AFC. Under the PAIF, the CBN made available N300 billion to stimulate credit to the domestic power sector and the troubled airline industry. The amount was part of the initial N500 billion intervention fund sourced to catalyse financing of the real sector of the Nigerian economy. The main objective of the initiative was to help finance badly needed power projects and to allow banks to refinance loans to the heavily-indebted airline industry.

Settlement account The apex bank has also said it can

• From left: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Member, House of Representatives Tom Zakari and Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, John Enoh during a stakeholders forum organised by the House Committee on Appropriation on Budget Implementation held in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

only maintain a Settlement Account for a commercial bank that provides clearing collateral of not less than N15 billion worth of treasury bills. This benchmark was contained in a Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Guideline posted in the regulator’s website. The apex bank said achieving the benchmark gives a bank the right to engage in clearing and settlements operations in the country.

Besides, such a bank will have the ability to offer agency facilities to other banks and settle on their behalf, nationwide. It will equally have a branch network in all the CBN locations even as the guidelines will be reviewed from time to time.

It said that banks that meet the specified criteria will continue to be designated as “Settlement Banks”. This implies that non-settlement banks, called “Clearing Banks” will continue to carry out clearing operations through the settlement banks under agency arrangement.

e-transactions The CBN also advised banks to limit financial system risk by encouraging the use of electronic based transactions. Consequently, it retained the maximum limit on cheque payments at N10 million per transaction and payments in excess of that value will be consummated only through the epayment mode.

The apex bank said it will continue to fine tune policies and ensure implementation of the guidelines issued for the promotion of government supplier payments, person-to-person (P2P) payments, salary and pension payments, tax payments, consumer bill payments, stored value and prepaid cards among others.

It reiterated that its commitment to developing the electronic payments system is integral to the attainment of the Payments System Vision 2020.

MPR The CBN also left the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12 per cent within the period, which also affected real sector financing. According to the Executive Secretary, Foods, Beverages Association of Nigeria, Mr. Remi Adegboyega, the decision of the CBN to leave the monetary policy rate at 12 per cent in May has further worsened the condition of real sector operators. Adegboyega said the development has dashed the hopes of manufacturers who had long been waiting for a reduction in banks’ lending rates. He said banks charge between 22 per cent to 26 per cent interest on loans, arguing that the issue is having a telling effect on manufacturers.

“High lending rates occasioned by the pegging of MPR at 12 per cent has adversely affected real sector operators. With the interest rate hovering between 22 per cent to 28 per cent depending on the nature of the facility and banks, manufacturers are overburdened by the high cost of production. This is in addition to the huge cost of providing alternative power, raw materials, foreign exchange among others. I think manufacturers have not fared better in the first and second quarter of this year”, he said.

Adeboyega said manufacturers would experience more challenges in the third and fourth quarter of 2012, if the lending rates continue to increase.

Inflation With inflation fluctuating between 10 per cent to over 11 per cent and over 12 per cent in the past six months, experts said such statistics affect real sector projects’ raising cost of doing business. A lecturer at the Lagos Business school, Dr Nweke said Nigeria’s inability to get single digit inflationary rate has affected the economy. He said the Composite Price Index (CPI) has increased relative to the increase in the inflationary rates.

BAs, CPs transaction values drop

B

ANKERS Acceptances (BAs) and Commercial Paper (CP) held by banks have depreciated in values in recent times, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

While BA is a draft or bill drawn on and accepted by a banking institution (“the accepting bank”) or its agent for payment for services or goods at a specified date, CP consists of short-term promissory notes issued by financial or nonfinancial borrowers. CP is usually bought and sold on discount basis.

Both are financial instruments, which banks use in making credit available to borrowers.

CBN, in a report, said the value of BAs fell by 28.9 per cent to N20.2 billion in April, compared with the decline of 25.5 per cent in the preceding month.

It said the value of CP held by the banks at the end- April 2012 fell by 5.6 per cent to N184.9 billion, compared with the decline of 5.3 per cent in March.

The apex bank said the CP constituted 3.2 per cent of the total value of money market assets outstanding in April, compared with 3.4 per cent in March. It said the development reflected the fall in investments by deposit money banks and discount houses.

Chief Executive officer, TFS Finance Limited, Mr Eddie Osaronkhoe, said the drop indi-

By Akinola Ajibade

cates the weakening capacity of banks to lend to the economy. He said short-term borrowers of funds would be adversely affected by the development since they rely on commercial papers issued by banks to survive.

He said: “Once there is a decline in the values of such financial instruments, it implies that the values of investments of banks are dropping. This will have negative effects on the credit flow to the economy. If the trend continues, economic activities would suffer.”

He said BAs and CPs are used to execute various business ideas or plans.

“Anytime these financial instruments experience a drop in value, the banks capacity to record a reasonable profit margin is affected,” he stressed.

He said no economy can function when the credit level is drying up, advising banks to strengthen their liquidity position to achieve growth.

Former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Dr Francis Ndukwe, said the values of financial instruments are fluctuating in response to the market forces. He said economic benefits can be derived when the values of BAs, among other instruments rise.

18

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

MONEY

Banks move to settle PoS transactions directly with merchants

B

ANKS are working out modalities that will enable them settle Point of Sale (PoS) transactions internally without collaboration with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), The Nation has learnt.

This has become necessary following delays in crediting PoS merchants’ accounts by banks. Merchants get credit by banks the next transaction day, under the T+1 clearing rule.

“You know when you talk of money, time is very important. So, that one-day reduction in the clearing cycle makes a lot of difference and will impact positively on our business,” Babatunde Obadan, a Pos merchant said during the Citiserve Merchant Congress held in Lagos.

Citiserve CEO, Mrs Lola Ogunbambi, said there is increasing need to support the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cash-less banking initiative, in which PoS merchants have key roles to play.

She said Citiserve will continually

Stories by Collins Nweze

interact with merchants to identify challenges in the use of PoS and addressing them. The major complaints by merchants include poor network, delayed credit to merchants’ accounts by banks, battery failure and poor infrastructure.

Head, e- Distributions, Citiserve, Jubril Salaudeen advised merchants not to part with their goods until the machine prints receipt which is a guarantee that the bank will credit their accounts. He said CBN T+1 clearing rule means that merchants are credited the next working day, adding that the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) is working on achieving a same-day settlement.

He said the battery life of PoS is 72 hours, or 1,200 transactions, advising merchants to ensure that the machine is charged at least once every two days adding that a weak battery will lead to poor quality receipt printout. He said the 1.25 per cent or N2,000 fee charged on

each transaction is not high adding that the CBN is still looking at the possibility of reviewing it downwards. He said in other parts of the world, merchants pay five per cent fee, and still purchase their PoS, but in Nigeria, the fee is lower, and PoS given to them free of charge.

Head, e-Business, Union Bank, Fatai Baruwa said the bank will continue to work on the cash-less policy to see how it can get better.

He said the programme was meant to enlighten the customers, understand their challenges and also find out how both parties can strengthen the relationship.

“First thing is education. We need to educate our customers and let them know more about the PoS and we also need to encourage the card holders. Part of what the Federal Government is doing to encourage the initiative is that for fertilizers and other agric inputs, they are paying through the phones,” he said.

N3b agric fund for farmers THE Lagos State government has written to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requesting for N3 billion out of the N200 billion agricultural fund for disbursement to farmers. CBN had earlier held discussions with state governments, among other stakeholders, on how to boost the agric sector.

Director of Cooperative Services, Lagos Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ayo Awokuleyin, said the government has written a letter to CBN on the need to access N3 billion out of the N200 billion agricultural fund to improve farming in the state.

Mrs Awolekun, during a one-day seminar organised by Lagos State Cooperative Federation Limited, said CBN has promised to release the funds to galvanise farming in the state.

The seminar was aimed at educating owners of small scale businesses on how to access credit facility for growth. She said: “We are waiting for CBN to approve the fund. Thereafter, we would disburse the fund in two tranches.”

She said the first tranche of N1 billion would go to farmers at the grassroots, while the second tranche of N2 billion will be devoted to middle and large scale farmers in the state.

According to her, the government would use the fund to improve agriculture at different levels, as well as ensure food security in the state.

“The state government does not want to do it alone. That is why we are making moves to provide funds for farmers. We would improve fish farming, vegetable farming, among others. We would also improve technology. We want to use agriculture as a way of creating jobs for graduates in the state,” she added.

Chairman, Lagos State Co-operative Federation Limited, Bashorun Macfoy-Alabi, said the government is committed to the issue of alleviating poverty.

Fidelity supports underprivileged FIDELITY Bank Plc has reactivated two boreholes for students of the Special Education Centre for the Blind, Afara Umuahia, Abia State, the bank said in a statement.

Inaugurating the project, Lady Grace Nkem Uche, representing Umuahia Central Constituency in the State House of Assembly, expressed delight at the spirit of charity among the Fidelity management and staff.

She said such spirit is rare, especially among people in the commercial sector who are mostly profit–driven in their operations. She praised the Board and Management of the bank for a job well done and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the bank.

“I have never seen this before where staff will use their own funds to help a community in need. This is a first and it is a challenge to all of us in the state that we can do more. I will definitely take this back to the House and also convey this laudable act to the Governor later on,” she said.

Managing Director of the bank, Reginald Ihejiahi noted the passion the bank has for communities in which it does business. Ihejiahi was represented by Regional Manager, Imo & Abia Region Enyinnia Uchenna . He said the bank does not pretend to have solutions to all the problems of mankind but can contribute in its own small ways in making life better in the society by affecting its immediate environs for good.

“We believe that though we alone are not able to solve the problems of mankind, we can do something. And we have been doing something,” he said.

• From left: General Manager, Etihad Airways, Nigeria Maurice Phohieli; Group Managing Director/CEO, IMS Advertising Limited Dan Esiekpe and Chief Marketing Officer, Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirate (UAE) Peter Baumgartner during a cocktail to mark Etihad’s maiden flights to Lagos from Abu Dhabi, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos on Tuesday.

GARP to organise risk management workshop

CBN promotes financial literacy

THE Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), Nigerian Chapter is planning to organise a workshop for risk management officers of banks in Lagos. The theme of the workshop is: The Role of Risk Governance in Effective Risk Management. In a statement signed by H.Pierson Associate official, Mr Rashhed Akinola, said the workshop would help in improving risk management vis-à-vis enthroning good corporate governance in banks.

The statement reads: “The ever increasing complexity in today’s business environment requires that the board of an organisation sets the risk management framework from which management develops and implements initiatives. Risk Management provides guidance for clear allocation of roles and responsibilities of the board and management levels. The speaker will discuss in further details the roles of risk governance in effective risk management.”Chief Credit Officer, UBA Group Nigeria, Mr Tunji Adesida is the guest speaker.

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed readiness to reduce the number of Nigerians that have no access to financial services from 46 per cent to 20 per cent by the year 2020. The apex bank disclosed this in a circular titled: “Exposure Draft of Financial Literacy Framework in Nigeria.”

It was addressed to banks, other financial institutions and stakeholders and obtained from the apex bank’s website.

Nigeria is one of the countries with lowest literacy level , with the literates population puts around 30 per cent. The development has affected participation in banking industry, as well as the economy.

CBN, in its review of on-going reforms said its committed to reduce financial literacy and further improve the industry.

To achieve this objective, CBN has designed a financial literacy framework that aimed at educating Nigerians to improve their understanding of financial products, develop their skills, and confidence to become more aware of financial risks and opportunities.

Subsequently, the banking watchdog has come out with an exposure draft on financial inclusion strategy in Nigeria. It said the draft would articulate a strategic direction for the implementation of financial literacy programmes in Nigeria.

The draft reads: “In continuation of the development role in the Nigerian economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria has developed an Exposure Draft on Financial Inclusion Strategy for Nigeria. The draft was prepared by a German-based Consultancy Firm, Messrs Roland

Berger in collaboration with the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access( EFINa), Lagos, Nigeria.

“The strategy is aimed at reducing the percentage of adult Nigerians excluded from financial services from 46.3 per cent as at 2010 to 20 per cent in 2012. This is with a view to enabling them to have access to financial services, engaging them in economic activities and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.”

The statement further said CBN is soliciting for inputs from the public to enable the bank finalize the document and further achieve success. It said responses from the stakeholders would play major roles in the efforts to reduce the level of the unbanked population and further make the industry more stronger and competitve.

IFC mobilises $1b into private infrastructure in Africa

T

HE International Finance Corporation(IFC) will invest and mobilise more than $1 billion into private infrastructure in Africa , up from $200 million five years ago.

A statement from the bank said the fund cannot close the infrastructure finance gap, estimated at $93 billion. It said private sector infrastructure includes roads, ports, and power stations across Africa, and the pace of investment is both

driven by the huge demand from the continent’s people and its growing economies and by the beneficial effects of continued reform programmes.

According to the IFC website, infrastructure and services development is hampered by lack of knowhow to develop and guide infrastructure projects so that African governments can benefit from private-sector expertise, management and finance. This is an even more

serious hurdle than shortage of funding. Developing deals requires time, effort, experience, and the ability get the right balance between private and public interests.

IFC is also leading the way in advisory services and has successfully advised African governments, including local municipalities, on ways to engage the private sector in essential public services, and on how to restructure stateowned enterprises.

ECOWAS seeks speedy microeconomic union THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) memberstates have called for speedy implementation of the commission’s macroeconomic convergence, known as ECOMAC. This is expected to accelerate single monetary union in the region.

The ECOWAS Commission said series of workshops were held in Lomé, Lagos and Abidjan last year to examine and validate the ECOMAC database.

Information Officer in the Commission, Uwem Thompson, said in a statement that the methods of data retrieval from each ECOWAS member-state were also discussed at the workshop.

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

It said further that the commission reiterated its commitment to the operation of the database to facilitate macroeconomic activities of the member states.

The database will focus on generalities and country-specific guides which were developed to address challenges in each of the member states.

The general and country-specific guides will be prepared in the three ECOWAS official languages comprising English, French and Portuguese.

The ECOWAS member states are Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY,JULY 11, 2012

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Libya’s election

The ballot and the tanks •The deployment of the army for the Edo election is ominous, to say the least

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HERE is an African saying that if an abomination is repeated often enough, it becomes the norm. This is the situation we have in our hands as the army – 3,500 strong – has once again been deployed to Edo State as part of the countdown to the governorship election this weekend. This is not the first time the Federal Government is calling out the army – tanks and all - in what has long become a benign and routine procedure in other climes. In fact, since the return to democracy 13 years ago, it has almost become the norm here to unleash maximum military presence during balloting.

Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has put up an elaborate case in support of military presence during Saturday’s voting, this does not justify the action. The deployment of troops will not jeopardise the process, INEC surmised, accusing those who object to the calling out of soldiers as “merely crying wolf.” The soldiers would not be at the polling station, INEC explained further; they will only mount road blocks in troubled areas and they will be joined by other security agencies.

From the look of it, it is indeed a total unleashing of force and might; a complete mobilisation of the entire armed forces, as it has been reported that not only the army but an omnibus team called an inter-consultative agency on election security which has all paramilitary and military agencies and police as members. As INEC gleefully put it, “you have the army, office of the National Security Adviser, Navy, Air Force, Customs, Immigration,

FRSC, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Police…”

No matter how plausible and rational arguments in favour of force might seem, there are fundamental questions, first of which is the issue of abuse. So much latent force let loose on the people is so easy to be abused and deployed for purposes other than securing the balloting process. So much force under the control of one party as it is obviously the case in the Edo election can easily be deployed to intimidate and cow the opponents and thus pervert the process. This becomes especially so when the police are not going to be armed as happened in the 2011 elections. The police became mere onlookers who could not intervene when trouble ensued, and in fact fled to safety, leaving the scene to the armed and the strong.

It is uncanny that INEC cannot see the danger in constantly mobilising the entire armed forces of Nigeria in a civil exercise such as an election. The false sense of security this excessive force imbues the system with, and the enormous potential for abuse are enough arguments for INEC to work speedily towards jettisoning this anachronism. We are almost forgetting that the army is not trained for electioneering but for war. INEC must work assiduously towards ensuring that our elections are done on a one-man onevote basis and that the votes truly count.

When this is done, there would never be any need to deploy force of any kind during an election.

Our elections have continued to be a

sort of warfare because we, (especially INEC) have not been able to get our electoral practice right. For instance, election rigging is such a big, lucrative business from which people make huge gains instead of getting severe sanctions. Nobody is known to have been punished for election rigging in recent day Nigeria. Not even those whom the courts so certified by reversing their tainted victories. And the real trouble under the current circumstance is that on a bad day, all the armies in the world will not guarantee a free and fair election. From our recent military experience, we must be wary of letting the army get used to civil duties - for obvious reasons.

‘It is uncanny that INEC cannot see the danger in constantly mobilising the entire armed forces of Nigeria in a civil exercise such as an election ... And the real trouble under the current circumstance is that on a bad day, all the armies in the world will not guarantee a free and fair election. From our recent military experience, we must be wary of letting the army get used to civil duties - for obvious reasons’

A fool and his money…

•Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former Bayelsa State governor has forfeited N60m stolen money to the U.S

A

FOOL and his money are soon separated, goes the old saying, and that seems to be the lot of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of Bayelsa State. The small difference here however, is that the money in question does not really belong to Alamieyeseigha but to the people of Bayelsa State. The crux of the matter is that the former number one of the small but oil-rich state in Nigeria’s Niger Delta has lost N60 million, stolen from his people, to the United States government.

And he is poised to lose much more.

The money was declared lost when the US Department of Justice (DoJ) executed a forfeiture order granted by a federal district judge in the state of Massachusetts. The court was reported to have granted the motion after US prosecutors established that the money, which was kept by Alamieyeseigha at a Massachusetts brokerage fund, was obtained through corrupt means by the former governor. The DoJ is not done with Alamieyeseigha yet. The man fondly called the governor-general for Ijaw kingdom during his six-year reign over the state may also forfeit a N90million house he bought in the state of Maryland, USA, if the federal court grants the order.

Alamieyeseigha who ruled Bayelsa from 1999 to 2005 was convicted of corruption by a British court and sentenced to two years in prison. He had escaped from detention in Britain under very curious circumstance, rearrested upon showing up in Nigeria and made to serve out his prison term. He had forfeited several properties both in Britain and Nigeria found to have been the proceeds of

graft and which were returned to the Bayelsa State Government.

It is remarkable that Alamieyeseigha’s is the first forfeiture judgment obtained under the US Kleptocracy Assets Recovery Initiative (KARI). According to US officials, this new move is a mark of the “United States’ commitment to rooting out corruption far and wide”. Yes indeed.

Nigeria has the US, Britain and Switzerland to thank for helping her deal deadly blows to rampaging official corruption.

It was in Britain that Alamieyeseigha was first apprehended, investigated, tried and sentenced; a procedure that would have been near impossible in Nigeria.

It is the same for the recent historic trial and gaoling of James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State, his wife and mistress-in-crime in Britain. The Swiss Government has been helpful in shipping back huge deposit of stolen money retrieved from her secretive banks while the US has been exemplary in exposing sordid bribery scams perpetrated by her oil multinationals in the quest for contracts in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s public officials have become thoroughly inured and reprobate. No lessons are learnt from these shameful episodes and treasury looting does not seem to be in the decline by any chance. In fact the propensity to steal public money has never been higher while the impunity quotient would damage any gauge if there were any such device. Fraud and tales of it are so rampant in Nigeria today that Alamieyeseigha’s forfeiture of about N150 million to the US government is not significant enough to make front page in Nigeria’s newspapers. Alamieyeseigha

still enjoys a pride of place as a leader and power broker in the hierarchy of the country’s ruling party as if nothing happened.

We commend the aforementioned nations for their modest efforts and urge them not to relent until official thieves, anywhere in the world would have no havens for their loot. We also appeal to them to do more, especially in imposing further strictures on financial institutions that are usually complicit in helping to launder stolen money. Above all, we urge the US and other foreign countries to hasten to repatriate forfeited funds to their place of origin and to especially devise a means to ensure that the monies get to the people, the original owners.

‘It is remarkable that Alamieyeseigha’s is the first forfeiture judgment obtained under the US Kleptocracy Assets Recovery Initiative (KARI) .. . We commend the aforementioned nations for their modest efforts and urge them not to relent until official thieves, anywhere in the world would have no havens for their loot. We also appeal to them to do more, especially in imposing further strictures on financial institutions that are usually complicit in helping to launder stolen money’

F

REED from Col. Muammar elQaddafi’s repression, nearly 1.8 million Libyans, about 65 percent of all registered voters, cast ballots Saturday in the country’s first free election in decades.

This is a heartening outcome because the election of a national assembly, judged by independent observers to be reasonably free and fair, was not a given.

In the days before the election, former rebels who helped overthrow Qaddafi in 2011 shut down three oil refineries because they felt their eastern region was not allotted enough assembly seats. Tribal clashes broke out over land disputes, and, in some cases, polling places were ransacked or blocked by militias. In the end, more than 3,000 candidates competed for 200 seats. Unofficial results showed that a coalition led by Mahmoud Jibril, the former interim prime minister who helped lead the de facto rebel government in Benghazi, had won the most.

Mr. Jibril is a Western-educated political scientist, and a victory for his bloc — if confirmed — runs counter to the trend of Islamist parties gaining power after Arab Spring uprisings in countries like Egypt and Tunisia. But he has rejected the label of secular or liberal, described himself as an observant Muslim and pledged to make Islamic law a main source of legislation, though not the only one. What will really matter, of course, is how he and his bloc govern.

Democratic transitions are invariably long and messy. The Libyans’ struggle will be that much harder because they have almost no government institutions to build on. The national assembly is supposed to elect a president and appoint a prime minister within 30 days. It then is expected to name a body to write a constitution, present the draft in 120 days and hold a referendum.

Among the thorniest questions to resolve are: how much autonomy over taxation, oil revenues and public services to give to the restive eastern region that contains most of the country’s natural resources; the role of Islamic law in political life; and how to control disparate militias that, if left unchecked, would undermine the national army.

The election is a huge step away from the Qaddafi nightmare. But the grievances of that time — unspeakable cruelties, disenfranchisement and mistrust of government — are still fresh. To get beyond that, it will take enlightened political leaders committed to tolerance, rule of law, accountability and fair representation of all Libyans. On Sunday, Mr. Jibril offered to form a grand coalition with all political forces in Libya — a potentially encouraging sign of inclusiveness.

– New York Times

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: Prior to the coming of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State, some Nigerians used to think that nothing good will ever come out from there. It took the coming of Governor Adams Oshiomhole to consign this heresy to the junkyard of history.

Today the capital of Edo State, Benin City is wearing a new look, a clear evidence that there is nothing wrong with the soil, water, wind or air in Edo State except the obvious and painful truth that Edo State has been very unlucky with her leaders until Oshiomhole came into the saddle. Today, the Governor has broken the vicious cycle of lazy, primitive and inept leadership in Edo State causing other Nigerians to have a rethink about their thinking on the state. Oshiomhole has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Edo State can join the comity of civilized states in Nigeria through committed leadership. Today, Edo State is working and Adams Oshiomhole is working.

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Oshiomhole and the Edo governorship game This Saturday, July 14, Oshiomhole would be seeking another four-year mandate to continue the good work. He is seeking reelection in Edo State believing that his good work will speak for him.

He is seeking re-election because he believes his unprecedented transformation he has put in place in Edo will speak for him. He is seeking a new mandate because Adams believes that his engagement with the people of Edo State in the past four years will be enough to sell his candidature again.

But the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State is trying to put spanner

in the works. First, an accident nobody knew where it came from, hit the Governor’s convoy and three journalists were killed in what looked like a planned assassination attempt on the governor. As if that was not enough, the Principal Secretary of the Governor Olaitan Oyerinde was murdered in cold blood just to weaken the resolve of the high performing governor.

To make matters worse, some people believed to be PDP mercenaries were found with INEC registration machines in the thick forest trying to register fake voters. Added to this is the empty boasts, flexing of

muscles and intimidations from the PDP to win the election at all cost.

But we have seen this kind of desperation before in Edo State and it led to nowhere.

The antics of the characters in PDP Edo State are well-known. In 1983 General Samuel Ogbemudia told newsmen during 1983 gubernatorial election campaigns that whether the late Professor Ambrose Alli of UPN wins or not, that the NPN will unseat, remove him in Bendel State. It is on record that Ogbemudia and his co-travelers carried out the threat and succeeded, even though that dispensation was short-lived. Nineteen

SOS to Amosun on Ilara Remo roads

IR: Rainfall is a divine blessing people look forward to yearly to cool the atmosphere in order to naturally refresh the human body from the effects of the dry season’s heat, and more importantly, to help nourish soil in order to achieve bumper harvest with which to feed the populace. Whenever it comes late, people result to offering supplication to God to send down the rain and in good time too.

But this year’s rainfall, though yet to be at its peak, has nonetheless brought untold hardship to Nigerians, most especially in the Southwest.

One of the areas badly affected is the sprawling community called Ilara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Ilara Remo is one of the 33 towns that make up the present Remoland in Ogun State.

As a result of total cut-off of the community from the rest of the state, the Alayeluwa, His Royal Highness, Oba Emila-Oye Odunayo Awobajo (Agbore III), Alara of Ilara-Remo, traditional chiefs, sons and daughters of Ilara Remo under the auspices of Ilara Remo Development Association is appealing to the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to urgently come to their aid by fixing the five deplorable roads leading in and out of the ancient town.

First is the Ilisan – Ilara Road, the central road that connects Ilara Remo to other towns in the state. It is now filled with terrible pot-holes and has been cut-off at Asewa Junction, Ilisan; now making passing through it to Ilara a herculean task.

There is also the Akaka – Ilara Road.

This road that leads to the only joint community secondary school owned

by Ilara-Remo and Akaka referred to as Ilara- Akaka Community Grammar School has become an eyesore in the sense that it is totally cutoff at two points around the middle of the stretch of the road. Erosion has eaten deep into the road that teachers and students attending the school now face a lot of untold hardship before they can get to the school.

The Irolu – Ilara road too has not fared better having been neglected like other roads for about 15 years by past administrations. As for the Ode Remo – Ilara Road, this important road that leads to the secretariat of Remo North Local Government Council at Isara Remo and where the State Technical College is situated had also been washed-off by erosion.

The students and the staff of the college are facing a hell of a t i m e accessing their school while the people now find it difficult to visit the Remo North Local Government Council headquarter to transact busi-

ness.

Finally, is the Ijasa Ijebu – Ilara Road. This road is totally blocked now and as a result it is difficult to pass through it to Ilara.

Nobody can predict how terrible these roads will be in the next few weeks when the rains peak. Therefore, the community appeals to his Excellency to use his good office to come urgently to the aid of the people of Ilara Remo by fixing these five important roads so that the indigenes

can be able to take their farm produce to the markets and also be able to connect with other people in other towns of the state.

The association salutes Senator Amosun’s courage for the much he has been able to achieve in the state within a period of one year in office.

These achievements are laudable.

• Arole Solomon Awoyemi, Ilara Remo

Olufunso

years after, these characters are still in Edo State fomenting trouble. Chief Tony Anenih, the man called “Mr. Fix it” in Nigeria is still on and kicking. Let us wait and see what they are capable of doing again this time around.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole is no push over. He is a master and a warrior of some sorts. He is capable of doing his own fight and taking the fight to any level if need be.

Oshiomhole is well grounded in this kind of war and he is a professor in activism. No man born of a woman will steal his votes in Edo State and get away with it.

I hope Professor Attahiru Jega’s INEC will live up to expectation.

With the horrible experience Nigerians are now getting from the hands of the PDP, it is certain that rigging of elections would no longer be acceptable in Nigeria and this is a warning. Oshiomhole’s rivals have tried to eliminate him physically to pave way for their criminal enterprise but have always failed. They will always fail. Light has no business with darkness.

Oshiomhole is the owner of the game in Edo State, and the people of Edo State, Nigeria and the world know this already. He has nothing to show the people of Edo State but track records of committed leadership and service delivery. He is doing that and he has the people solidly behind him. He should not balk at the rage of expired godfathers and an amoral power that dreams power without responsibility.

• Joe Igbokwe Lagos

Stripping the Oloolu masquerader

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IR: It is sad to read that the masquerade, Oloolu, was unmasked, beaten, and “the custodian” badly macheted in Ibadan Oyo State on July 3.

According to a newspaper report, the Oloolu, a masquerader that no woman must see, insisted on passing through a street where an Islamic ritual (fidau) and another un-named ceremony were going-on. The masquerader was said to have refused all entreaties not to pass through the street.

I wonder whether Nigeria will ever attain religious civilisation. The word civilisation here means the art of living together in peace and harmony.

When I heard the story, and after read-

ing the report, my immediate reaction was to blame the masquerader for obduracy. But then I recalled that the usual practice was to announce on radio when Oloolu would take place and the routes that he would pass.

The implacable nature of the masquerade is condemnable, and that might explain why heavens or magic did not come to his rescue or to the rescue of his murdered guard. But if the attackers were better human beings, they would have engaged in dialogue ahead of the D-day, which would have involved elders from both religions and security officers, if necessary, since Oloolu festival is usually announced well in advance,

and ceremony and fidau don’t happen impromptu.

Lack of mutual respect for each other’s religion is an evil in a religiously plural society. Muslims and Christians use loudspeakers to keep people awake night and day; they block the roads at will, and make the art of living together more arduous than ever before. Yet, more often than not, we accommodate it. But many or some of them (Muslims and Christians) find it difficult to tolerate (not to talk of accommodate) the adherents of African Traditional Religions.

Thank God the Police prevented the Oloolu people from reprisal attack.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Fear of sting may be the beginning of serious anti-corruption drive!

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HE great problem with the ‘exchange for money for ‘services to be rendered’ which have resulted in the ‘You Farcrook me, I Tony Otedollar you’ or ‘you go Marinho private, I go public’ unsavoury saga is not the foul smell of the money floating around National Assembly (NASS) members in exchange for services. It is not the sting operation or the disgrace to the NASS which NASS is trying desperately to distance itself from. It is not the potential or actual toppling of a NASS ‘integrity’ icon. The real problem is that this is the tip of the iceberg of corruption that will sink Nigeria if swift surgical action is not taken. It is not an isolated event in the annals of NASS, ministry and government agency history in Nigeria at Federal, State and LGA levels. There are lesser and worse Faroukgates everywhere, all unstung.

We need more sting operations. The fear of a sting may be the beginning of a serious anti-corruption drive!

Daily, someone’s driving licence, passport, application form, approval, cheque or pension or merely waiting to see an official in a government office even if he is ‘on seat’ will be accelerated or delayed if a fee is or is not paid. Can someone demand for himself and unborn progeny, a 50 year fixed percentage of a toll charge as the price of approval of a toll gate in your area? Have you seen the aggressive stance of NASS members facing rumours of the excessive financial burden and pecuniary demands of NASS during oversight visits or public hearings to ‘facilitate the activity’ and ‘smoothen the path’?

There are veiled and imagined threats of unleashing ‘the full weight of the law’ at ‘full media witch-hunting volume’ on ‘transgressors’ who refuse to ‘play ball’ whether they are right or not?

Under what name do the ministries, agencies and parastatals put such funds? Is it per diem, inconvenience, bush, discomfort, emergency, NASS, secretariat or admin-

istrative allowance? As we bid farewell to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) chief executive officer, we salute her achievements and her failed but spirited efforts to get NASS members........ to pay taxes on their enormous incomes. Unfortunately her success in getting funds from commoners is insignificant in the face of the massive untaxed payouts witnessed in parallel ‘Faroukgates’ as evidenced by NASS’s own investigations.

The anti-corruption drive should have been executed before or at least along with the tax war. The truth is these bad things happen every day in big and small measures.

But all is not lost. It is possible to stop them happening immediately now as Inspector General of Police Abubakar, (GCON to be, Amen) did to the cankerworm that was the police checkpoints when he, presumably with President Jonathan’s approval, overnight, eliminated a N1-2billion/month 1000-checkpoint corruption scam that had plagued Nigeria. His heroic action lifted a massive rock with stress, financial, time, physical and psychological dimensions from each Nigerian. Depression, death and deprivation of income have all trailed checkpoints –legal or illegal. Apart from the downside of more robbers, which the police can contain by active patrols, 100million+ Nigerians have more money to spend weekly from this action and the children will begin to respect the police as they no longer see them bending down taking petty money in N20-50 notes squeezed and dropped on the ground by 100,000+ passing commercial vehicles and okada. Nigerians have also been saved millions of travel hours a day previously caused directly by delays at checkpoints. It is amazing how quickly we Nigerians adapt to the normal ‘good life’ as if the last 30 years of checkpoint corruption, extortion, and delays and suffering did not matter. No one is measuring how much we have lost as individuals or as a nation during those hellish years on the road. No one will pay for the extrajudicial killing or ‘accidental discharges’ or the multiple crashes of patrol tankers into checkpoint traffic. We just move on and fail to calculate the cost and losses. Nigerian Institute of Socioeconomic Research (NISER) should research, calculate

and publish ‘The cumulative profit and losses in human and economic parameters from police checkpoints since 1971, the end of the first civil war in Nigeria.’ Not doing so will be a fatal mistake as a nation with no records and no memory will repeat its administrative errors.

After Faroukgate, what next? Can we find an army of IGP Abubakars and clone them for the civil service, for ministries, for NASS and state legislatures, for LGA councils and end ‘Demand and supply’ for graft overnight? It is possible! There are enough honest Nigerians in and outside Nigeria. Unfortunately, just when we have hope in Abubakar, the police invite all past IGs, including those found wanting, to discuss with them. Not a good idea, Abubakar! Perhaps it is time for the honest Nigerians to be recommended, identified, screened and given posts and tasked ‘To make Nigeria corruption free is a task that must be done by 2015’.

We have lost too many good Nigerians to the ravages and underachievement caused by corruption, unrest, armed robberies, wars and ECOMOG. Remember ECOMOG? The orphans and widow without pensions or recognitions do-every minute of every day! Is there even a decent monument with the names of the estimated 8,000 Nigerian ECOMOG soldiers who shed their blood in other countries and making widows and orphans of thousands ‘On orders from above?’

What official structure caters for our widows and orphans created daily by Boko Haram and the Jos crisis?

‘We have lost too many good Nigerians to the ravages and underachievement caused by corruption, unrest, armed robberies, wars and ECOMOG. Remember ECOMOG? The orphans and widow without pensions or recognitions do-every minute of every day!’

Lagos: A state and its cross!

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OR any ambitious young school leaver, Lagos and, until recently, Abuja are the two most important cities in Nigeria that come to mind. This is evident by the fact that while Abuja is the federal capital city, Lagos is the commercial nerve-centre of the country.

Where two or more people are gathered in Lagos, commerce thrives.

That is why there is this continuous attraction and migration to the metropolis because the city is generally regarded as the ‘honey pot’ of the country. It is to this extent that there is a common saying in the city that “all you need is to get on the streets in Lagos with whatever wares you can afford to sell and the customers are there waiting for you”.

Though small in size, Lagos is heavily populated. Its land space currently accommodates more that 20 million Nigerians, a population figure that can conveniently overwhelm seven or more states in the country. With the busiest air and seaports located in the city, it continues to witness an influx of people on daily or hourly basis. They come from different parts of the country and beyond. Some come for commerce, some for leisure, tourism and many others for other kinds of endeavours.

As the former capital of the country until the government of former President Ibrahim Babangida moved the seat of power to Abuja in the early 1990s, all the foreign missions in Nigeria have consular offices in the city. When the foreign

missions were ordered to relocate their embassies to the new federal capital, many years ago, many of them hesitated. At a point, the foreign missions were given a marching order to relocate to Abuja, when it was apparent that they were not prepared to vacate Lagos. I am quite sure that even at that, a greater proportion of the applications for visas in the country are still received and processed in Lagos.

The busiest airport in the country, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, named after a former military Head of State who was felled by assassins’ bullets on Friday, February 13, 1976, is located within the city. It is also serviced by the domestic wing from where intending passengers on the international routes disperse to their different destinations. Though there are other international airports in the country, all of them put together cannot boast of 20% of the average passenger turnout at the Lagos airport. Similarly, the sea ports in Lagos account for more than 65% of total shipments to the country.

Until recently when the Lagos State government took the bull by the horns and cleared the road leading to the Lagos port, the road was a commuter’s nightmare. This was caused by the perpetual blockade of the roads in the area due to heavy traffic by articulated vehicles that daily besiege the port for clearance of goods and other services. And because of the volume of commerce in that part of Lagos, the area is densely populated with all manners

‘Now that the National Assembly is talking about constitution review, it must be acknowledged that Lagos State deserves a special status to enable it to continue to bear the heavy burden its strategic location and economic importance to the nation has placed on its shoulders’

of people, including traders, artisans and others who eke out a living in and around the port complex.

It is also incontestable to say that Lagos harbours indigenes of almost all the states of the federation. By this, it means, there is no state in Nigeria that does not have a large presence of its indigenes in Lagos.

This accounts for many towns’ associations that litter the city with one form of gathering everywhere and every day. Many people enter Lagos everyday through the air and land routes. That is why it is common to hear people say that for every 100 passengers that arrive in Lagos every day, more than a third of the figure do not return to their former places of abode. They simply settle permanently in Lagos.

In recent times, the state has enjoyed considerably good compliments and accolades for good governance and service delivery. In the last 10 years or so, the state has distinguished itself as a pivot and harbinger of democratic governance such that it has become a measuring rod for the performance of other states’ governments across the country. Side-by -side good governance, are a variety of innovations in the areas of transportation, healthcare delivery, security system, education, inter and intra-ethnic harmony, and many others.

Perhaps, it may not be out of point to echo or amplify the desire of Lagos to be granted special status by the federal government. Quite recently, the government advocated for the application of a derivation formula for the distribution of the revenue from the Value Added Tax, VAT, in the country. The state government called for the use of this sharing formula because Lagos contributes more than 60 percent of the total VAT revenue shared by all tiers of governments at the monthly ritual called federation account al-

location meeting. The derivation formula is currently in place for crude oil proceeds in the oil-producing states of the country.

Against the fact that the state has no compensation whatsoever for its microeconomic input for the country, this call for a fair sharing formula of VAT proceeds based on the “principle of derivation”, is both legitimate and tenable. It is far better than the ongoing system of putting everything on the table for all to share. This could provide the latitude for the state to wriggle out of the financial burden imposed on it by its status as the commercial capital of Nigeria.

Since it is estimated that at least N30 billion is collected as VAT from Lagos State alone every month, it is not surprising, therefore, that Lagos State alone contributes a quantum of VAT revenue into the national pool that is shared every month.

While many states are mere “collectors of revenue” from the federal allocation meetings, the high population of Lagos, per capita income and its strategic location in the country, place it far and above other states in revenue drive. I am sure if all the states are given autonomy to collect and disburse their monthly VAT collection all by themselves and live on their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, many states will easily go under.

Moreover, the daily influx of people to Lagos from every hamlet in the country confers on it the unenviable status of a state constantly in search of adequate funds to sustain its infrastructural needs. The state’s IGR is put as 70 percent of its yearly budget. With a projected growth rate of six percent annually, the financial requirements of the state to sustain its enormous social services to the people such as housing, transportation, roads, security, sewage treatment and drainages, to

Dele Agekameh mention a few, is so huge that the current financial allocation and its IGR cannot sufficiently cope with the demands. Not even the funding it receives from ‘donor agencies’ or the multilateral loans it gets can adequately provide for its revenue shortfall.

If the current revenue allocation formula is abolished and states are allowed to grow and sustain their services all on their own, many of those now clamouring for new states will close shop. The same thing applies to many of those now jostling to become state governors.

They are interested because of the ‘free’ money that is shared by the states every month. If this is no longer forthcoming or available, many of them will beat a hasty retreat and recoil into their cocoons.

However, now that the National Assembly is talking about constitution review, it must be acknowledged that Lagos State deserves a special status to enable it to continue to bear the heavy burden its strategic location and economic importance to the nation has placed on its shoulders.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘As Edo governorship election approaches, let it be done according to the wishes of the people; not by rigging from above. Leadership comes from God. The candidates in the election should conduct themselves with maturity by accepting defeat in good faith and congratulating the winner because tomorrow is another day. Election is a game of numbers, performance, personality and continuity in progress. Violence in election is not good food for development, rather, it causes destruction. So, let’s keep away from violence during the election on Saturday.

From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State’

•Oshiomhole

For Segun Gbadegesin Ajaokuta steel to come alive again? I wish to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for taking the bold decision to bring back the Ukrainians to complete the Ajaoka Steel Complex. But he must give the Chief Executive of the company executive power to operate over the shadow of the ministry. The ministry has ever been the bane of the company. From Richard Onyegasi, Delta State I am thrilled by your column “NYSC and national malaise”. While the government has continued to play ignorant of the current issues in the country, the youths are the ones that face the challenges of the government’s incompetency in handling security issues, I wish the government sees this write-up. From Akule Stephen, Makurdi How weakling it is for the President to subscribe to negotiating with stark criminals like Boko Haram? Will he also do same with the armed robbers and kidnappers? Mr President needs to be himself and know what to do and stop taking leadership as a laughable toy thing. From J. A. Solomo N., Kaduna Re: NYSC and national malaise. Thanks so much for your piece. In all the horrors of Boko Haram, Jonathan has never recorded any personal loss. We now know his goodluck is for his personal good and not for our collective benefit. It is on record that no other leader in Nigerian history ever buried more citizens than Jonathan, he has become obituary President, and he appears to be enjoying it, otherwise there is no season for this debate on NYSC posting at all. A reasonable and sensible leader would have taken proactive steps and direct NYSC officials on the posting of Corps members. Aso Rock neither protected Abacha nor Yar’Adua, even those that did not pay with their lives paid with their wives. There is always a pay back time, either immediately or ultimately. But surely it will not continue like this. But for now we have had enough of his crocodie tears. From Elder Adeoye Johnson Adebowale(JP), Ibadan.

“NYSC and national malaise”. lt is easier to send someone else child on an errand in the dead night . Let the NYSC officials at Abuja go and serve our father land for six weeks in Yobe, Borno, Kaduna, or Kano.

Most of them will resign instead of going to these violent prone areas. Nigerians are willing at any previllege to add more to another person’s problems . Examine the activities of FRSC ( Increase driver’s licence fees), PHCN , NNPC, WATER CORPORATION etc. Masses are now serving governments. Governments at all levels are no more serving us. As for me, good bye to voting. It does not worth it.

From Akin Aremu Abayomi SUPER Those who own Nigeria gather in Abuja to share loot and are not bothered about corps members. Check the list, their children returning from abroad for nysc will not be found in the Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Bauchi, etc lists. 'One day, the come may come to become!' From Uche Lawson, Aba Sir, your piece about the NYSC is down to earth. But I wonder if our leaders ever read papers or listen to public opinion. Anonymous

It is heartning to read your take on the NYSC scheme of today. I think the scheme no longer fits into the dream concepts of its introduction.That the NYSC authorities have refused to realise this is tragic.That innocent educated youths are being sent to climes where their supposed hosts not only detest their educational attainments but also hate them for their religious beliefs is enough reason for the government to scrap the whole thing. For me any person who believes that 'education is evil' has lost any claim to have corpers sent to them. The North must first rid itself of Boko Haram before any corps member is sent there. Meanwhile nobody should be sent to them. Continue the good job. From Uwalaka Val, Portharcourt.

Sir, on your caption “NYSC and national malaise”, I want to say you have done better but will they listen to the cries of the puppet?

Sir I will only advise the corpers to go to the war territories area if the like of President Jonathan, Vice President, ministers, permanent secretaries, directors among others could have a successful one week retreat in Borno state in spite of their security network. From Georgie We need no soothsayer to tell us that the purpose and intent of setting up NYSC have been lost. The NYSC administrators who post our young graduates to troubled areas in the North should equally relocate their operational headquarters to these war zones. Posting corps members to the Boko Haram soft spots is a disservice to the nation. Anonymous The north has turned itself to the proverbial cat that ate itself. In a bid to distabilise nigeria,the agents of death are firstly destroying innocent lives, then their innocence.

'There is no peace for the wicked' says the holy book. From Rachel Otsapa Sir, I commend your bold write-up tagged: NYSC and national malaise. It shows that our leaders are insensitive to the safety of lives of our young and promising future leaders.

They have forgotten so soon what happened to corps members in Kaduna State and their parents thrown unforgetable mourning.

Please what can be avoided should not be dared we do not want to hear their usual language “it is unfortunate, sad, we are on top of the matter.” Thanks. From C. O. E. Agbor, Delta State I read your write-up in The Nation. Once again, I realised that there are still honest Nigerians and you are one of them. I appeal to you to write another one in the next edition to governors to prevent their citizenry who are leaders of tomorrow to be posted to open graves in northern Nigeria. From Sumaila What prompted my message is your reference to your youth service days in the then East Central State under Late Ukpabi Asika. I served along with you. I was the comical Ogbuefi of Ogbono fame. I retired two years ago as a Permanent Secretary in Oyo Civil Service. Anonymous Dear Segun, I read your piece on “NYSC and national malaise”. I also read pieces writen on the NYSC posting by other columnists and comentators. All these pieces were centred on the value of human lives and the need for NYSC operators to shut the door against some northern states that have turned to human abbatoir via the activities of Boko Haram. Unfortunately in Nigeria, human life is no longer important to those in position.

My point is that NYSC is insisting of posting corpers to violence prune states because of what the staff of NYSC stand to gain which has nothing to do with human lives. Anonymous The NYSC has failed woefully but those who see it as a gold mine have no problem.

What is true is that the scheme has nothing to do with nation-building. It is the neo-colonial economy that is militating against peace and unity because it has created divisions, hatred and death. Can the scheme change the structure? The answer is No. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna An unspoiled egg is too precious to be thrown away (Igbo proverb). It amounts to forceful suicide and heartlessness to post any corps member to the vollatile states, can NYSC official go and reside or send their own sons And daughters to those states? From Innocent Enenta, Enugu For Dare Olatunji Olatunji, I read your article ''Appointments and dismissals'' I cannot help but wonder what you intended to achieve with it. From Nimmyel Sunday Galle When will it be our turn I mean you and I to eat? From Bola Bamisaiye Sometime he had no shoes. June 8, 2012, 2million bags of rice 'distributed' in Abuja.

Words are nothing but tools of deceit to Mr. President. Anonymous Olatunji, regards, I read your piece on “Appointments and dismissals. Your presentation was ok, but at variance with the Caption. Journalism rquires clarity, simplicity, transition and logical conclusion. However, your piece lacks direction and absolutely incoherence. I am not pleased as a journalist reading the piece. Thanks. From Madaki Dear Olatunji, your observation today is absolutely correct and logical. But do you think that bringing new hands into the corporation will solve the mess? Time will tell.

More ink to your pen. Good evening. From Paul, Zaria Re: Appointments and dismissals. There is nothing bad in appointing good hands and it is worth it firing non-performers. I disagree tagging President Jonathan 'rubberstamp' as actions depend on situations. If Jonathan refused asset-declaration, I think it is just a matter of individual differences. I stand to be corrected that non-declaration of assets is written in our constitution that such is tantamount to an offence. Or for the sake of satisfaction, must we force asset-declaration on people neglecting the MIND? From Lanre Oseni If you think that the president breached any law by not publicly declearing his assets and also by not giving a damn why not go to court? Anonymous Dr. Dare, your article 'Appointments and dismissals' refers. It is characteristically apt and straight to the point. Everything under the current system in Nigeria is designed to hoodwink. Little wonder mundane things like appointments and dismissals are not exempted. As far as the government of the day is concerned, governance is all about misrepresentations. Grand theft of public funds in government language is coined 'misappropriation' and swept under the carpet. Official report of casualties from Boko Haram onslaughts are usually half of the real casualty figure. This government thrives on mendacity. But Nigerians know better. A patient who falsely complains of headache when actually wracked with bellyache will not get relief. Until the government learns to be honest and open in dealing with issues, this country will continue to grope in the dark and move around only in circles. From Barr. Victor E. Johnson, Otukpo Benue State.

Sir, I like your story I tink you are being honest, keep it up and do not give a damn.

From Ogiso the king.

• Jonathan Re: Appointment and dismissals. By 2015, the man will give all the damn in the world he can possibly acquire! By then, it will be incumbent on the long-suffering and abnormally patient Nigerians to give the requisite DAMN! From Kayode A., Abeokuta For Tunji Adegboyega Tunji, that piece titled ‘Between the PDP and Edo gods’ which appeared in The Nation on Sunday of July 8 was more or less an attack on Chief Tony Anenih, an idea which was made popular by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. … And, if I may ask, where is Lucky Igbinedion and majority of his aides who ‘failed woefully and brilliantly with him during his first and second terms as Governor of Edo State? And, as a Yoruba man, do you think it is ideal for the Omo N’Oba to treat the President as he did? Na wah for those of you at The Nation. From Dapo Adeyemi,.

Abeokuta, Ogun State.

As Edo governorship election approaches, let it be done according to the wishes of the people; not by rigging from above. Leadership comes from God. The candidates in the election should conduct themselves with maturity by accepting defeat in good faith and congratulating the winner because tomorrow is another day. Election is a game of numbers, performance, personality and continuity in progress. Violence in election is not good food for development, rather, it causes destruction. So, let’s keep away from violence during the election on Saturday.

From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Tunji, we must return the comrade governor to Osadebey House, come July 14. We will disallow ‘Baba fix It’ from fixing this one.

From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal.

Senior colleague, you ‘killed’ it! Your column today (Sunday) was awesome. Truly, the gods vindicated their own. May the ink of your pen never run dry. From Palmer Ogheneyole, Edo State.

I agree with you that the PDP will do everything possible to capture Edo State but Adams has no problem. Why? The ball is in the court of the people of Edo State. And, as they say, ‘the taste of the pudding is in the eating’. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.

Tunji, you’ve spoken well and more power to your pen. I just read your comment on the raped minors in your April 8 column. Did you hear that another bishop has just bought a private jet? Why won’t Boko Haram continue to bomb churches in this country as religious rape and robbery mark the day?

Please. let someone write about corruption in high places called church! I like your guts.

From Moni Ogunlela.

Please. Forgive me for distracting you from your busy schedule and taking you way back to your ‘Mubarak and Taylor’ on page 17 of The Nation of Sunday June 10, which I have just read. And when that day comes, the grim faced Muhammadu Buhari should not escape justice for gross human rights violations; and the infamous ’53 suitcases’. But, could you permit one or two quibbles from me? Column 3, paragraph 2 of your column; ‘action’ is a countable noun whereas inaction is not…

Thanks. From Bola, Ogori, Kogi State.

TITLE

AID

SERVICE

Monarch honours philanthropist

Gaidam presents 58 buses to schools

Lawmaker caters for senior citizens

Benue

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Yobe

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

N100m loan for the needy in Rivers

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•Apostle Chinyere signs the MoU

HE less privileged in Rivers State can now start small-scale businesses that will improve their lives, thanks to N100m interest-free loan granted them by a Pentecostal church, the Omega Power Ministries (OPM), based in the state capital, Port-Harcourt.

The General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Neighbourhood Microfinance Bank in Port Harcourt, said the initiative was part of efforts to discourage idleness and give back to the society.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

He said the N100m came from OPM’s Charity Foundation, while reiterating that the church has carried out various empowerment programmes, including training and cash donations to the needy.

Chinyere said that the money, already deposited at the microfinance bank, would be managed by the financial institution.

He disclosed that when he was a cleaner at the airport many years ago, he wanted a loan of N5,000 from a bank, but he was

not given because of lack of collateral. He said this unpleasant experience propelled him to assist others in similar situations.

The loan scheme, which will be in phases, will be granted to members of the church with business plans, which will be adequately monitored by officials of the microfinance bank, to ensure sustainability.

Chinyere said: “Many people have good business ideas, but they cannot access funds, because they do not have the collateral required by banks. Some of these people need only N100, 000 and their lives will change.

We have budgeted N100 million

for this project and it will run for many years.

“This loan is interest-free and we have selected 14 persons for the first phase. We found that some of them are into petty trading, while some are hawking. So, we decided to assist them with funds to keep them off the streets to enable them to settle down and do something more dignifying.

“We (the church) are paying all the interests the beneficiaries are supposed to pay, while the profits of the businesses •Continued on Page 26

Sokoto tackles polio T

HE Sokoto Stae government has launched an allout war againt the wild polio virus listed as one of the childhood killer diseases.

Nigeria is among the few countries where the virus is found. In the country, Sokoto posts a distressing profile.

Between January and June this year, statistics showed that 45 cases were recorded in not less than 30 councils across the country with Sokoto North and South councils recording five cases, the highest so far.

While Dange Shuni, Rabah, Gwadabawa, Kware and Isah local government areas are described as high risk areas, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Kware and Illela were said to be non-compliant with efforts to end the disease.

This prompted the state government to tackle the menace and bring it to an end.

To that extent, the administration of Governor Aliyu Wamakko has placed the antipolio crusade high on its agenda.

Wamakko has, for instance, set up a 44-member task force, charged with the responsibility of ridding the state of the virus.

One way to do this is to ensure full compliance and convince residents of the need to allow their children to be given the oral polio vaccine or OPV. The task force is chaired by Deputy Governor Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, a lawyer.

The Wamakko administration

•Governor Wamakko vaccinates a child

Wamakko sets up task force From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

is not fighting the battle alone. Senior citizens and other leaders in the state are also joining forces. These include Second Republic President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. They have pledged to bring their clout to bear on the matter in or-

der to save the state’s children the ravages of the virus.

It is also a visionary approach, calculated to safeguard the future of the state because a state where its children are ravaged by disease cannot have a viable future.

At the flag-off of the campiagn at the Ibrahim Gusau Model Primary School, Sokoto, speakers strongly condemned the religious twist that some have tried to bring into the

Shagari, Sultan joins crusade polio vaccine issue, saying vaccination is not against Islam.

A scholar, Mallam Sani Kwanni, in a circulated a 24-page publication titled: “Matsayar Malaman Addinin Musulunci A Kan Rigakafin Poliyo”, explained that the Ulamas support eradication.

He urged Imams for Juma’at and the five daily prayers to conduct sermons and messages on the importance and validity of polio

vaccines during congregational prayers.

No fewer than 30,000 translated copies of the book are being distributed to households across the state.

The Federal Government is said to have committed about N6 billion to the eradication of the virus, especially in the procurement •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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Benue monarch honours philanthropist

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HE ancestral home of the Tiv people, Gboko, hummed with life as a member of the Suswam family, Dr. Terkula Suswam Tindir Dom Agya was honoured with a revered chieftaincy title by the Tiv paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Alfred Akawe Torkula.

Terkula Suswam, a philanthropist and elder brother of Governor Gabriel Suswam, was conferred with the title of Zege-Iwanger-i Tiv, meaning the Great Illumination of Tiv. His wife, Achenyo, was also confered with the title of Iengem-iZege-Iwanger I-Tiv or the Glory of the Great Illumination of Tiv. The event was held at the Tor Tiv’s palace in Gboko, attracting celebrities across different strata of the society.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Recipents of the honour are expected to be exemplary members of the society, possessing high moral standards.

They are also supposed to have made a huge inpact on the Tiv nation, leaving a good example in such areas as wealth creation, philanthropy and development.

It is from this perspective that Terkula Suswam became a favourite choice for the honour of ZegeIwanger-i Tiv (the Great Illumination).

The reception ceremony after the conferment attracted several dignitaries. Kogi State Governor Idriss Wada was chairman of the occasion, while the Attah of Igala, Alhaji Aliyu Obaje was the Father of the Day. Governor Gabriel Suswam

He promised to create more self-employment opportunities for the youth in the state and advised the people to shun rumour mongers, as the elections have been won and lost, making for governance

•Continued from Page 25 of the OPV and immunisation across the country, according to the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA), Dr. Ado J. Muhammad who spoke during the flag-off of the programme in Sokoto.

The state government has also stepped up its own commitment by providing over N121 million to provide materials and equipment to facilitate the storage and administration of vaccines in order to achieve the objective of eradicating the disease.

The items for distribution across the 23 councils of the state were presented to three councils of Wurno, Silame and Gudu.

was chief host.

The venue of the reception, J. S. Tarkaa stadium, Gboko,was filled to capacity as every available space was taken up by guests.

Chairman of occasion, Capt Wada described Terkula Suswam as a political enigma and business mogul who has touched the lives of many people, especially the less privileged. The Kogi State governor urged him to be ready do more for the society.

Governor Suswam on his part congratulated the honoured, urging youths in the state in the state to emulate him.

The state governor said Terkula’s good works have earned him honour from the revered Tor Tiv. He promised to create more selfemployment opportunities for the youths in the state and advised the people to shun rumour mongers, as the elections have been won and lost, making for governance.

Responding, the Terkula Suswam said the honour done him

by Tor Tiv was beyond description and promised to do more for humanity just as he urged the people of Benue to close ranks and support the governor.

The popular Tiv Swange dance and folk singers entertained guests.

•Terkula Suswam and his wife

Sokoto tackles polio Muhammad said the President Goodluck Jonathan administration remains committed to fight against the child killer diseases.

Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III called on parents especially women to insist that their children must be vaccinated.

“You should disregard negative information against the polio immunisation vaccines,” he said.

“Make your husbands’ appreciate that you are the ones to bear the consequences of the infection on any of your children who are primarily under your motherly care.”

Dr. Muhammad said the exercise

is targeting over 6 million children yearly for vaccination against polio, pointing out that a number of children died in the past due to ignorance, among other factors.

“This time around, we will avoid it by ensuring responsive dialogue with state governments, proper monitoring of activities as well as ensuring the right calibre of personnel are used for the exercise,” he added.

Dr. Muhammad who represented the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Ali Pate Muhammad, said the NPHDA in collaboration with relevant major stakeholders had de-

veloped a strategic plan through the presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication with emphasis on key areas of obstacles by improving on the campaigns.

“While I commend Governor Wamakko for directing each of the 23 councils in the state to vote N500,000 monthly for polio eradication activities, I appeal to him to make it a criteria for the return of any council chairman for a second term that he must ensure his council is polio virus-free.”

Governor Wamakko assured the NPHDA, development partners and relevant agencies of his govern-

ment’s improved mechanisms on healthcare delivery services, saying his administration would not compromise the primary health care for women and children especially on the polio virus menace.

“We will continue to fine-tune strategies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a polio free Sokoto State.” he said.

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Jane Magoba Nyanzi on behalf other development partners, noted that Nigeria was a primary source of concern on the polio virus eradication crusade, pointing out that “development partners have put extra efforts in the training of immunisation teams on micro-planning and community mobilisation.”

N100m loan for the needy •Continued from Page 25

they do are entirely theirs. If you are collecting N1 million, what we expect you to return is N1 million.”

The Managing Director of the microfinance bank, Mr. Folani Fawehinmi stated that the decision of the church to partner with the bank was a step in the right direction.

The managing director assured that the bank would ensure effective management of the fund, while urging other clerics and churches to emulate the OPM. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Chidimma James, who was hawking sachet water in the city, said the loan has put an end to her suffering of moving around

•Sultan Abubakar Sa’ad administers an OPV on a child

in Rivers in the cold, heavy rain and in very hot weather. She will now open a shop, she said.

Another beneficiary, Monday Gokana, said he will now go into brick-making.

Pix caps: The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Neighbourhood Microfinance Bank in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for interest-free, revolving N100 million loan for the less-privileged persons.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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‘We mustn’t expose youths to hard drugs’

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•Governor Amosun

VERY Nigerian must ensure that youths are not unduly exposed to hard drugs so that will be able to make meaningful contributions to the society.

That was the message of the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oladokun Soyinka sent out as he addressed a wide range of professionals and stakeholders in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The occasion was this year’s anniversary of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking. The programme was themed “Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs” organ-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ised by the state Drug Abuse Control Committee.

Dr. Soyinka pointed out that all hands must be on deck to make the youth shun illicit drugs in whatever form, urging traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other stakeholders “to assist in checking the staggering trend of possession and consumption of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances in the

state”.

The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Tunde Olowonyo, said the drug abuse control committee under the auspices of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is redoubling its drug abuse prevention strategies aimed at sensitizing the general populace towards attaining healthy lifestyle.

The strategies according to him include drug abuse education for schools, advocacy visits to local government chairmen and counsel-

ling services.

In her welcome address, the chairperson of the committee, Mrs. Modupe Olurin noted that its objective was to create awareness on the dangers of the consumption of illicit drugs and encourage youths to ensure “a drug-free Nigeria”.

Also speaking, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr. Isaac Aloye commended the state government for its effort in ensuring a drug-free society, advising that since every community has its peculiar problems, the committee should harmonise its programmes in order to achieve a drug-free society.

Communities honour benefactor

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WO communities, Umuiku and Mkporobe, in Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, have honoured their benefactor, Chief Innocent Ndubueze Egbuh, a renowned surveyor. He is a source of hope to the needy, many of whom he has helped to make something of their lives.

Though his profession has brought him fame, Egbuh told Newsextra that his happiest moments are when he reaches out to the poor.

“Helping the needy or lifting a drowning fellow gives me the greatest joy on earth,” he said as he celebrated his 50th birthday.

It was a significant day in Umuiku and Mkporobe autonomous communities as beneficiaries, friends and relatives gathered to celebrate one of their prominent benefactors.

To acknowledge his community service and milk of human kindness the two communities hon-

By Sam Egburonu

oured him with traditional titles of Ibu anyigi ndanda 1 and Nwachinemere 1 respectively.

Born on June 17, 1962, Egbuh, a member of Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, Geo-information Society of Nigeria and Surveyors Council of Nigeria, is the

Chairman of Geo-Marine Technicon Ltd, and Aero-Geodetic Services Ltd. A member of the Rotary International, Port Harcourt Central Club, he told News Extra, during activities marking his 50th birthday, that he feels most fulfilled when he helps to lift up another.

In this wise, Egbuh has been involved in the sponsorship of heart surgery for at least three children

It was a significant day in Umuiku and Mkporobe autonomous communities as beneficiaries, friends and relatives gathered to celebrate one of their prominent benefactors

Free medical treatment for 3,000 Osogbo residents

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ORE than 3,000 residents of Osun East Senatorial district have received free medical check-up and treatment facilitated by the Senator representing the zone, Mr Babajide Omoworare.

Omoworare, a lawyer, in conjunction with the Association of Resident Doctors of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, organised the free medical treatment.

The beneficiaries, mostly the aged, thronged the Oranmiyan Grammar School, Road 7, Ile-Ife venue of the exercise to receive treatment. Some went home with prescribed drugs for their ailments, while those with severe medical cases were referred to the hospital for comprehensive examination and treatment.

Senator Omoworare said the programme was initiated to ensure that people stay healthy in order to be able to contribute meaningfully to their families and the society. The lawmaker urged people to pay adequate attention to their health by going for regular checkups. He assured the people that the scheme will be replicated in other parts of the senatorial district, otherwise known as Ife-Ijesha, so that many more people will benefit from it.

He said: “This free medical treatment is just a tip of the ice-

•The beneficiaries From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

berg because we are going to do it in a bigger way with the help of indigenes of this constituency who are medical experts in the Diaspora and those at home.

“We are just using this particular scheme as a starting point and I can assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in making sure that our people stay

healthy because their wellbeing is paramount to us. The essence is to bring good health care to the doorsteps of our people and guide against untimely death among our people.

One of the beneficiaries from Ifetedo, Taliatu Gafaru, a subsistence farmer suffering arthritis, described the programme as laudable, saying many of them had been looking forward to “a day like this when the government would assist us medically.”

who had hole in the heart and were later treated in India.

He also served as chief negotiator for his community during a recent seismic survey activities and has played major roles in Port Harcourt Central Club’s polio eradication campaigns with Rotary International, and Eradicate Malaria Campaigns in Rivers State A former Secretary General of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (2006-2008) and a current member of the Institution’s Council, Egbuh’s third passion after community service and lifting of drowning souls is dissemination of knowledge. “I also derive joy from disseminating knowledge. That’s why I like presenting academic papers at home here in Nigeria and abroad.

In 2006, he made history when one of his papers was listed and published in the prestigious International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) website as “Article of the Month of April 2006.” That same

• year, he was published by the highly regarded International Hydrographic Review – October 2006 Edition. These publications, he said, opened the way for other contributors from Nigeria to be listed and published.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Yobe gives schools 58 buses

Fed Govt, Bauchi set up committee on mining

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•Governor Yuguda

AUCHI State Deputy Governor Sagir Aminu Saleh has said that the federal and state governments have set up a joint committee to monitor and control mining activities in the state.

The committee, he said, would also advise the governments on how best to solve problems which mining operations in the state are experiencing.

Sagir, who also heads the Ministry of Solid Minerals, told reporters during a briefing in Bauchi that the committee will partner with local government areas to ensure that development gets to all nook and cranny of the state.

He further said that the committee would

Ex-NDDC chief blames nation’s woes on leaders T

HE former representative of Ondo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Benson Enikuomehin has said that corrupt public office holders should be held responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes.

Enikuomehin spoke at the presentation of an award of Grand Commander of the Masses (GCM) bestowed on him by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in in Akure, the Ondo State capital recently.

According to him, many public office holders in Nigeria are corrupt and have bastardised the country’s economy because of their greed and desperation to acquire wealth at all costs.

The former NDDC commissioner also berated government’s nonchalant attitude towards the eradication of corruption in Nigeria.

He expressed dismay over the way Femi Otedola and Farouk Lawan bribery scandal is being manipulated by some high profile Nigerians.

Enikuomehin described the development as a deliberate attempt by unknown faces that are also involved in the scandal to distract govern-

From Damisi Ojo,Akure

ment from addressing the oil subsidy issue.

He queried why Otedola did not raise the allegation immediately the bribery scandal was established some months back.

“I am not saying that Lawan is guilty or not guilty of the allegation. But my point is that the reason given by Otedola for not raising the alarm immediately the bribe was given to Lawan was not tenable evidence before the law.

“He should have taken the right step at the right time. I am a lawyer and I know the implication of the bribery scam on the two parties involved.

“To me, Otedola’s action is belated. If a thief comes to your house at night and you are able to identify him, and you eventually see the thief in the street the following day, what will you do? The right answer for that question is for you to raise alarm and invite the police immediately,” Enikuomehin said.

‘Cremation is against our culture’

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LECTURER at the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Mr. Lukman Raimi, has described the proposed Cremation Law by the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) as anti-Yoruba culture.

Mr. Raimi made this remark in a paper presented at the Public Hearing on Cremation of Unclaimed Corpses at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa Lagos.

He re-affirmed that the age long traditional burial rite of Yoruba in South West Nigeria goes against the concept of cremation.

“It is not right to burn dead relations, fathers, mothers and loved ones. The decent thing to do is to accord them befitting burial.

Those who practice cremation are essentially devotes of Hinduism, humanists, atheists and rationalists who attach less importance to human corpses. They view cremation as a way of simplifying their funeral process, and thus choose cremation to make their services as simple as possible. This is not right for humanity,” he said.

Raimi said that aside tradition; it is the social responsibility of all responsive governments to honour the living and the dead according to their religious beliefs and tradi-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

tions.

“They should not be short-changed by cremation because they cannot complain, and because there is nobody to protest the abuse of their corpses through cremation. If the issue of cremation is put to vote that who among you (the lawmakers) will like to be cremated after death, we are confident that majority, if not all members, would prefer the burial option to cremation. This demonstrates the universal acceptability of burial over cremation,” he stated.

He further noted that decent burial is also part of the fundamental human rights of the unclaimed corpses, as citizens and tax payers in Lagos State.

“For the unclaimed corpses in the various mortuaries in Lagos State, we suggest a befitting mass burial rather than adopting alien option of cremation. If the constraint facing Lagos State government is land space, we recommend the need to construct large cemeteries in the heart of Epe, Badagry and other areas for which people is ready to pay to have decent burial for their loved ones.

•From left: Chairman Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Hon. Toba Oke (left) Onishaga of Ishaga, Oba Abass Arole Ajibade, Deputy Chairman Lagos State Market Development Board; Folashade Tinubu-Ojo and Iyaloja of Ishaga Market Mrs Amoke Williams at the inauguration of the new ultra-modern market built by the council chief at Ishaga PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

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Bauchi From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

identify one key mineral resource in each of the 20 local government areas in the state.

“Already, the committee has began partnering with each local government on key mineral resource to achieve the set target,’’ adding that ‘’a foreign mining engineering services firm has been contacted for a comprehensive geological survey and inventory of all mineral resources in the state.”

According to him, the state government is fast-tracking the formation of informal miners into Co-operative Unions to enable them to access financial assistance from the federal and state governments.

“Though mineral resources are the exclusive right of the Federal Government, the joint committee is charged with the responsibility of engaging the host mining communities to collaborate with government to ensure they benefit economically and socially from mining operations within their domains.

“It will also coordinate payment of compensations to local governments or individual prospective miners with approved licenses and give information to state Environmental Protection Agency and suggest steps that could be taken for land reclamation of mined sites,” he said.

Sagir, however, stated that his ministry needed mining professionals and technical staff with sound knowledge on mining activities and operational vehicles.

“My ministry also needs adequate funds to carry out its activities which include statistical data on mineral deposits in the state, laboratories, lapidary/display centre and a geological survey and inventory,’’ he added.

Residents urged on cleanliness

By Duro Babayemi

• From left: Adamawa State Commissioner for Water Resources Alhaji Sajo Gyella; Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Isa Ahmadu, and Dr Salihu Abubakar, at the 5th Ramadan Lecture in Yola

NEMA praised for disaster management

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HE Head of Secretariat of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), Margareta Wahlstrom has commended Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its programmes on education and public awareness towards disaster risk reduction (DRR).

She made the acknowledgement at a presentation by NEMA during the breakout session of the just-concluded World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction in Sendai, Japan.

Ms. Wahlström, who is the first Special Representative to the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction with her secretariat based in Geneva, observed that quality education and public awareness are essential in reducing risks from hazards and natural disasters.

While urging global community to intensify their efforts towards DRR through adequate planning, preparation and education, she said Japan, the host of the conference, had shown that despite the major losses it had suffered during the Great East Japan earthquake last year, the Asian country’s early strategies for preven-

tion and preparedness had paid off as it is fast recovering from the tragedies.

In his presentation at the occasion, the Director-General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani-Sidi said that Nigeria, being one of the 168 member states that adopted the Hygo Framework for Action (HFA) in 2005, has established a National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and designation of a National Focal Point with supports from some international bodies including UNISDR, UNDP and UNHCR. Sani-Sidi added that the agency has advocated the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction into basic and post-basic school curriculum after it introduced postgraduate programmes on DRR in six federal universities in Nigeria.

He expressed the fear that without adequate preparation and global collaboration to tackle recurring natural phenomena due to climate change, the future is bleak.

He said: “Experts are of the belief that the intensities and frequencies of hazards in the coming decades will exacerbate due to climate change and growing environment variability.”

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HE chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Hon Tajudeen Ajide has expressed his displeasure at the residents’ deliberate disobedience to the monthly environmental sanitation laws which forbid any social or any other form of activity during the exercise.

He disclosed this while monitoring the last environment exercise.

Addressing a crowd of sports men and women at the main gate of the National Stadium, Surulere, the council chief said: “It is disheartening to note that those who form part of the enlightened segment of the society are the ones that chose to disobey laws meant for the well-being of all.

“Monthly sanitation laws must be complied with and those that decide to be non-chalant would face the full weight of the law. The fact that authorities of the National Stadium had decided to lock the entrance to the stadium on environmental day is enough indication for our sports men and women to stay at home and participate in just a three-hour clean-up exercise.

Ajide later, in defiance of the rain, undertook an extensive monitoring tour of every street inside Ward G, where some houses in and around Alaka, Iponri Estate and the Games Village were to be sanctioned for constituting environmental nuisance.

He told the people that this month’s environmental exercise in the month of July would be tough for sports men and women in Surulere who may choose to violate the sanitation laws with impunity.

“The local government has decided to arrest and prosecute anyone caught engaging in physical exercise such as street football, running, cycling and jogging within the three hours allowed for the clean-up activities in Lagos State.

The council chief was accompanied on the tour by the Vice- Chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Yussuf; one-time chairman of the old Surulere Local Government, Alhaja Latifat Gbajabiamila; Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Segun Ijitola; Action Congress of Nigeria chairman in the area, Alhaji Alapafuja; party chieftains and community development association chairman Mr Adeyemi, council manager, Mrs B. I. Akinsanya; councilors, supervisors and members of the management staff.

OBE State government has distributed 58 vehicles worth N495m to secondary schools. It has also earmarked a monthly overhead maintenance cost of N23, 000 each for the fleet of vehicles.

The distribution of the vehicles was part of the state government’s measures to solve the problem of transportation in the schools.

The vehicles comprise 48 units of 18-seater buses and 10 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said that the buses and Toyota Hilux vehicles were for secondary schools, zonal inspectorate offices, Ministry of Education headquarters and Science and Technical Boards.

He further said that the vehicles were specifically meant to address the transportation problems of both teachers and students whenever they wanted to attend seminars, conferences and school competition within and outside the state.

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WARA State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has reiterated his administration’s commitment to maximising the social and economic potential of agriculture, by not just putting food on the table of the citizens but creating jobs and more wealth.

This, he said, informed the signing of the state’s Agriculture Master Plan with an American university; the Cornell University.

Governor Ahmed said: “The five-year master plan maps out a phased implementation of a dynamic, highly productive and sustainable agriculture sector in the state with particular emphasis on the need for exponential increase in agricultural output and linkages among all agricultural support and manufacturing sectors.”

He further explained that the plan highlights the crucial role of commercial agriculture in driving maximum productivity and profit for large, medium and small-scale farmers while protecting the state’s natural resources.

The governor, who made this explanation in Washington DC, receently at an investment forum put together by the Kwara State Association of Nigeria, (KSANG), North America, said the plan is aimed at developing human and institutional capacity to sustain improvement in economy and food security through support for sector policy and planning institutions and targeted investments in research, extension, education and training.

“In helping to realise the vision of Kwara State as the quintessential agricultural hub of the West African sub-region, the plan will catalyse a wide range of innovations,” he said.

Throwing more light on the plan, the governor said that the objective of government is also to improve infrastructure such as integrated storage, packaging and processing facilities, enhanced distribution and shipping to the African and global markets of the

Briefly

HIV/AIDS prevalence •Chairman, Surulere Local Government, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide, (right), his Vice, Sulaimon Yussuf (in white track suit) and one-time chairman of the council, Alhaja Latifat Gbajabiamila with the council officials during the sanitation period.

Onitsha residents bemoan robbery attacks

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ESIDENTS of Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State, have expressed deep concern over the high rate of kidnapping and robbery in the city lately.

The fragile peace in Onitsha was disrupted recently as gunmen terrorised most parts of the town, killing and maiming their victims.

According to eyewitnesses, residents of Old Market Road were thrown into panic as a result of sporadic shootings on Saturday night which resulted in the death of two unidentified people.

The source hinted that a businessman, who was returning from the Onitsha Main Market, was intercepted by gunmen who tried to force him into their car.

His refusal to comply with their directive angered the assailants who started shooting sporadically; killing a friend of the victim who stopped by to know what was going on.

The victim, whose identity could not be ascertained immediately, was later whisked away by the gunmen who escaped without any challenge.

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

In another development, a businessman who was also returning from the market in the company of his female friend was accosted by the gunmen at Modebe Street.

According to the source, the man who sensed that he was being followed, jumped down from the car and ran away, but his girl friend was not lucky as she was shot on the leg while trying to escape.

In Nkpor, a suburb of Onitsha, the gunmen held sway for several hours after they kidnapped one Tochukwu Ibekwe, a businessman in the full glare of passersby.

Along Port Harcourt Road, the gunmen shot sporadically after they had whisked away yet another businessman. This scared residents who scampered into safety.

Recall that recently, a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was kidnapped in Onitsha, a few poles away from the Fegge Police Station and his abductors are yet to establish contact with the family.

BAUCHI State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, leprosy and malaria (BACATMA) has declared that the rate of HIV prevalence in the state has dropped from 3.1 per cent to 2.0 per cent.

Chairman of the agency Dr Mohammed Liman disclosed this during the formal launch of the HIV/AIDS Programme Development Project 11 held in Zaranda Hotel Bauchi recently.

According to him, the state has witnessed a drastic decline in the prevalence of HIV, judged from when the prevalence rate had hit an unacceptable level of 6.8 per cent.

Dr Liman said that the present record has placed Bauchi State as having the least prevalence rate in the North East geo-political zone and 33rd in the burden of HIV among the 36 states and FCT. He further noted that with the partnership, implementation of the HIV/AIDS Programme Development Project 11 will, no doubt, bring additional funds and technical support to fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the state.

“HPDP11 will directly address key emerging sector issues that have been identified by government in partnership with a range of stakeholders, through epidemiology and behavioural surveys of the Bauchi State strategic framework,” he said.

Yobe From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Urging good use of the buses in order to prolong their longevity, the governor said: “the drivers of these vehicles should show a high sense of responsibility in handling these vehicles in order to enable government to get the ‘full value’ of what have been expended on procuring them.”

Government, according to him, will continue to accord priority to the education sector, as free feeding in boarding secondary schools with the increase of teachers’ salaries by 100 per cent have already been implemented this year, while parents’ fees for the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) have also been footed by the state government each year.

Gaidam noted that education remains the

•Governor Gaidam key to solving some of the growing problems in the country such as insecurity and unemployment.

‘Why we partnered varsity on agric’ Kwara state’s agricultural produce, and create an enabling business environment that will attract investors to the state.

Alhaji Ahmed said that Nigerians would get to understand the logic in creating wealth from agriculture when it is viewed beyond putting

food on the table.

“This actually means practicing agriculture in commercial quantity for local use and exportation to other countries.

“This, therefore, demands a long-term planning of not less than 10 years in order to get the desirable outcome which, in the long run, will better the lives of the people. This, among other factors, was responsible for the synergy between Kwara State government and Cornell University.

•The chairman Kosofe Local Government Area, Hon Afolabi Sofola (right) with Otunba Sobowale Siffre President Lagos State Judiciary and a member of the executive council during their visit to Arowojobe Estate Mende for clearing of drainage channels during last month’s environmental sanitation exercise in the area

Council chief presents scorecard

T

HE chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State Comrade Ayodele Adewale has reiterated his commitment to revive the lost glory of FESTAC Town and its environs.

Comrade Adewale spoke during a town hall meeting organised by the council in a bid to present his for the past one year.

Comrade Adewale said his administration had made some efforts towards attracting investors to help in rebuilding the structures in FESTAC Town.

Adewale said the move aims at job creation for the youth, invitation for the multinational companies to the FESTAC Town and its environs, improvement of the security status of the area, providing life jackets for primary school pupils who reside in the area, transportation within the AmuwoOdofin, and sporting events.

He said the local government will not spend its money to sponsor the programme, saying the investors had agreed to take up the financial responsibility.

He said: “Government cannot provide amenities all alone but we have to involve the private sectors. We adopted a kind of what they call a “public-private partnership scheme” which will help both the investors and the government to cope with the project.

The investors that had shown interest to partner with us include Shoprite and other

By Jeremiah Oke

multi-national telecommunication companies like MTN, Airtel, and Golacom, among others.

Comrade Adewale also said that the local government is working hard to ensure that those who reside in the local government also benefited from the ongoing project.

Speaking on his achievements so far, Ayodele said that despite the daunting challenges of inadequate resources, his administration had remained resolute in the pursuit of credible governance, ranging from youth empowerment, sports, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure development, security and human capacity development, among others.

He maintained that his administration, in the past one year, had fought poverty by the introduction of a micro-finance bank in view of helping the less-privileged people in the area to establish small-scale businesses.

Comrade Ayodele therefore called on stakeholders in the local government area to contribute their quota to the development of the Amuwo-Odofin area and its environs.

He said: “I wish to use this medium to appeal to stakeholders of the Amuwo-Odofin project that all your civic actions must be complementary to government’s effort if our society must move forward.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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Life

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Text only: 08023058761 Remembering

an

Icon

Poetic celebration of two nations, continents

– Page 31

‘We are not tired of celebrating Kongi’

– Page 32

‘Why Nigeria can’t recover looted artefacts’ Treading the path less travelled

– Page 35

‘Countries like Britain regarded those treasures as parts of their conquest.

Secondly, they implied that if those treasures were returned or left in Nigeria’s care, technology and the infrastructure needed to preserve and exhibit the works did not exist in Nigeria. Those works and treasures are still major attractions for most important museums of the world’

- SEE PAGE 31

30

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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Founder of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE), a non-governmental organisation, Chief Newton Jibunoh, is an adventurer, who has crossed the world’s largest desert alone- twice. Jibunoh, who undertook his first Sahara crossing as a youthful adventurer and his second journey as an environmental crusader, is also an avid collector of art. His 30-year-old Didi Museum, which is one of the leading private art galleries in Lagos, is being restructured for better services. He speaks with RISIKAT RAMONI on the reasons for his action; the connection between art and adventure and his forthcoming photo exhibition, Whispers from the Sahara.

‘Why Nigeria can’t recover looted artefacts’

H

OW rewarding were the trans-Sahara expeditions?

They were very rewarding because 45 years ago I was a lone voice, but today it has become a global issue. Even the United Nations (UN) has created a convention to combat desertification and the global community has started shopping for billions of dollars to address drought and famine, which were caused by desertification.

In specific terms, what impact did your expeditions have on climate change in Africa?

The continent has become more aware of the impact and has started a number of continental and regional initiatives and regular consultations with Fight Against Desert Encrachment (FADE), an organisation I founded. FADE has represented Nigeria and the continent in some UN summits.

More recently, FADE was appointed a member of the governing council of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Nigeria and the African Societies of Engineers are taking over an initiative of FADE bridging the Sahara, which will finally stop the problems of drought and famine in Africa, poverty and hunger, trans-Saharan developments and movements and water and food crises.

What are you doing as a follow-up to the last expedition in 2008?

Realising that I’m not getting any younger and I am approaching mid 70s I have started the process of passing on the torch to the younger generation by engaging younger men and women in a number of advocacies, such as, subjecting them to exercises in the Sahara and turning the exercises into a reality show, collaborating with a number of institutions, such as, Lagos State Government, Kano State government, private sector organisations and communities for sustainability. I was also planning more expeditions sponsored by the Lagos state government, which were suspended because of the Arab spring and the Mali crises. I have also conducted speaking engagements and lectures across Nigeria and the continent.

You promised then that it would be your last trip. Is there any yearning to go across the Sahara again? If so, what will you achieve?

Yes, I do have yearning, but I have succeeded in putting in place sustainable infrastructure by involving present and future generations.

It’s pretty difficult to reconcile a seemingly rugged adventurer with an art lover. What inspires you to collect art?

The relationship between adventure and art is preservation of history. Before the written history, art was Africa’s medium for recording development and the preserving of history. In fact, development can only be achieved through expedition and adventurism.

What inspired you to set up Didi Museum?

I found out in the 60’s and 70’s that Nigeria was and still is the third largest owner of contemporary art coming behind Germany and Britain in that order. That by implication means that the history of Nigeria and, indeed, the continent were stored in foreign land and that made it very difficult for a good number of Africans to appreciate their past. And if you don’t know much about your past it is very difficult to deal with the present, let alone planning for the future. Africa needed to be told.

What informed the decision to revamp the museum after 30 years?

Didi Museum was started in a small Apapa studio over 40 years ago. From there it moved to a bigger room in my Victoria Island house, and from a bigger room to a bungalow also in Victoria Island. In all these years, a new art education and awareness have evolved and there was need to further pioneer an architectural and historical monument that will outlive every one of us.

What will be the direction of activities in the new Didi Museum and how will it be different from other museums in Lagos?

A number of activities are being negotiated, such as evening story-telling and poetry, reading, evenings of dance, drama and jazz sessions. It will include art exhibitions and auction, book reading and reviews, lectures and debates for students and patrons of the arts.

Are you seeking any government support for the new look

•Jibunoh

INTERVIEW museum?

No sponsorship from any of the government bodies but they have patronised the museum in one way or the other in the past.

When will the museum be opened and will there be a special exhibition for its opening?

Yes, the opening date is July 13, with an exhibition entitled Whispers from the Sahara, a photo exhibition by Kelechi AmadiObi featuring images from my last desert crossing. Kelechi Amadi-Obi accompanied me across the Sahara during my third expedition along with Ebun Feludu, Titi Laoye, Joshua Adegbaju and Afam Ugah.

Why Whispers of the Sahara as title for the exhibition?

There have been whispers since my first lonely expedition across the Sahara; whispers both in my sleep and in my dreams.

Whispers on the disappearing farmland of the people, whispers from the disappearing water resources for the people and whispers on the degradation of the soil. Whispers of disappearing grazing fields, on the drought and the famine that have caused so much strive, hunger and poverty.

I know you are not an artist. So what is your link to art?

I suppose I am. Inside me, I think I’m an artist but outside me, I see myself as a lover of art.

What is Didi Museum’s collection like?

We have donations from the main traditional rulers of Nigeria who are the custodians of our historical past. We have collections of contemporary Nigerian and African arts that depict the various stages of our development. And we have collections from various art schools, We also have collections from countries that owe their past to the continent of Africa, such as, Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean’s and some parts of North America.

What is your take on the fate of priceless artefacts looted from Nigeria but in foreign museums especially in United Kingdom?

Before the Black Arts Festival in the early 70’s, I was a member of the committee that mandated to negotiate the return of treasures located in different museums across the world. The committee was not successful because countries like Britain regarded those treasures as parts of their conquest. Secondly, they implied that if those treasures were returned or left in Nigeria’s care, technology and the infrastructure needed to preserve and exhibit the works did not exist in Nigeria. Those works and treasures are still major attractions for most important museums of the world.

Why did you choose this period to revamp Didi Museum?

When the museum was first founded in the early 80’s, Didi was the only private museum in the whole of Nigeria. Majority of the patrons were members of foreign communities and diplomatic missions. Today, majority of the patrons are Nigerians. Secondly, there have been so many art galleries that are springing up all over Nigeria. Thirdly, there are now many schools, colleges and universities that are producing artists of the highest standards. In the early 80’s Nigerians were importing artworks, lilies, flowers and landscapes to decorate their houses and offices while the foreigners were taking Nigerian arts to their various countries. Today, Nigerian arts can be found in homes, offices, institutions and public places. All these have now developed towards a vibrant art appreciation and education and Didi Museum had to grow with the changing art world.

What plans do you have for the museum? Is it going to be a family business, project or a retirement scheme?

The future will be in the hands of the trustees and the membership of the board is being reviewed periodically in line with future developments. The family will continue to play a major role.

What has been your most fulfilling achievement over the years?

It is leaving a legacy in the art, the environment and on the planet.

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•Goodluck reading Diop’s poem, Africa

McCulley with some students at the reading

"W

E hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This quote by Thomas Jefferson on the declaration of Independence in the United States (US) aptly sums up America’s spirit and determination to provide its citizenry the podium for the pursuit of happiness and safety.

As America marked its Independence Day last Wednesday, Nigerian leaders were urged to learn from the American counterparts’ commitment to the creed of its founding fathers.

They got this piece of advice at the reading, tagged: Read it Loud, organised by the US Consulate General, Lagos last Friday. It featured readings by US envoy Terence McCulley and the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mr Adewale Goodluck and two new Nigerian poets who read their works. The initiative was meant to develop and promote the culture of reading in Nigeria. It was attended by pupils and youth, teachers, school principals, writers and poets, among others.

As McCulley and Goodluck read from the works of Langton Hughes and David Mandessi Diop's works, participants through the eyes of the poets saw the two continents (America and Africa), two nations (United States and Nigeria), their histories, dreams, aspirations, challenges and more.

It became clear that as social prophets and activists, poets have shaped the histories of their nations and continents. As Nigeria faces its challenges of security and corruption, it was observed that leaders should pay more attention to history and what poets are saying.

Aside being poets, Hughes and Diop have a lot in common; they were social activists, who wrote at a time when their race was confronted by all sort of challenges and struggles. Their voices satirised wrongdoings in their society, while calling for liberty and equality; and advocating against discriminations at a time when they could have lost their lives. Thus, their works were instrumental in shaping the future of their continents and countries.

Hughes life and work were important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. They reflected his dream of a better day.

Diop (1927-1960), who would have been 85 on Monday, was one of the most promising French West African poets known for his contributions to the Négritude literary movement. His work reflects his hatred of colonial rulers and his hope for an independent Africa.

The audience also enjoyed fresh voices with the same passion and poetic zest. Adeoye Adetoba's voice was outstanding. The works speaks of hope and disillusionment.

The American envoy read, among others, I, Too, Sing America and Let America Be America Again, which speak against racial and class discrimination; and Dream.

His words in Let America Be America Again: “O, let my land be a land where Liberty/Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,/ But opportunity is real, and life is free,/Equality is in the air we breathe .../O, let America be America again... And yet must bethe land where every man is free ... America never was America to me/And yet I swear this oath - America will be!”

And for America to “be America again”, Hughes calls for a collective effort, saying: “We, the people, must redeem/The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers./The mountains and the endless plain ... And make America again!”

After listening to the Ambassador read Hughes poems, Jesutofunmi Omowunmi, a Nigerian youth, asked: “Is the “American dream, an absolute reality?” According to him, “the poet spoke of the American dream but there are times, certain occurrences make one wonder if the American dream is really an absolute reality. I think it is subject of debate.”

McCulley replied: “American dream is alive and well.”

The Ambassador said: “Hughes is known for his insightful,

•The late Hughes

•The late Diop

Poetic celebration of two nations, continents When the United States (US) celebrated its independence anniversary last Wednesday, its Consulate General in Lagos held a reading to commemorate the day. The event highlighted issues confronting Nigeria, EVELYN OSAGIE reports. colourful portrayals of black life in America from the twenties through the sixties. It is important for us as Americans to acknowledge all aspects of our history from the triumphs of our founding and declaring of independence to the dark days of slavery and the civil rights movement which finally brought equality to all. Each of these events shaped America, and the culture in this case the poetry each of these times captures these feelings.”

Diop speaks of hope in spite of the disillusionment then. “Africa, my Africa/Africa of proud warriors in ancestral savannahs/ Africa tell me Africa... Is this you this back that is bent/This back that breaks under the weight of humiliation...That is your Africa springing up anew/Springing up patiently, obstinately/ Whose fruit bit by bit acquires/The bitter taste of liberty.”

Adetoba’s piece satirises the Nigerian political class. It is an apt depiction of the crimes against humanity committed on the Nigerian politics. He uses humour to criticise the shameless embezzlement of public funds by those entrusted with leadership. In his vain desire for ill-gotten gains, the persona, perhaps daydreaming, enthused: “When I grow up,/I'm going to steal in billions/Of dollars, nairas and pounds/I'm not going to carry guns ... I'll be more dignified in my approach ..." and to achieve these, he says: "I'll cut corners. Dine with the Devil;/Do everything possible/Just to make this dream a reality."

With the spirit of hope and disillusionment in their pieces, the

Ambassador said with collective efforts, the world, particularly the US and Nigeria, can have a better future.

“Hughes wanted to tell the stories of his people (black America) in ways that reflected their actual culture, including both their suffering and their love of music, laughter, and language itself. His works speak of hope for a better future. Together, we can perfect our democracy and recognise our imperfection and work towards achieving greatness,” he said.

While saying that Nigeria is the US key partner on the continent, McCulley added that the contributions of youths during the reading showed promise for Nigeria's future. He said: “We consider Nigeria a major partner on the African continent. In the commitment to the founder's day, we have been physically engaged with Nigerian youths in the last two days. We are optimistic of the future of the nation. I am impressed and inspired by the energy of the Nigerian youth. And with the contributions we have heard from the students, there is still hope for a better future.”

Goodluck reiterated the ambassador's words, urging the youth to keep on the path of greatness. He said: “With your contributions and observations, I have seen that there is hope for the future of our nation. If you comport yourselves well, work hard and stay focused, you will achieve greatness. MTN is dedicated to investing in the future leaders.”

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KONGI AT 78

On Saturday, Home, a play by Samm Art Williams, directed by Segun Ojewuyi, will be staged at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State. It will be preceded by a red carpet reception at the grand finale of the celebration of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s birthday. The cast of Home recount their experience, reports OZOLUA UHAKHEME, Assistant Editor (Arts).

‘We are not tired of celebrating Kongi’

‘Talking about what I have learnt in America about Africa, one learns that everyone here is poor, dirty and people are living in huts, and people are mean. Then they talk about a lot of animals like tigers running everywhere. I have parents who are very rooted in African American history; my dad is really into it, and he would tell me that ‘you know we are kings and queens, we have resources and we are proud’ so I got that perspective from him before I got into school’

Lauren Connor

“I

just love meeting people from different cultures, understanding how people live and work. And when you hear about Africa in America, people just say you are from Africa, you are descendants of slaves, and it never really hits you. But when we arrived, and I got off the plane, I just saw all these black people, and it was really amazing.

So, I am just looking forward to learning from you all, being able to immerse myself as much as possible in the life here.

Talking about what I have learnt in America about Africa, one learns that everyone here is poor, dirty and people are living in huts, and people are mean.

Then they talk about a lot of animals like tigers running everywhere. I have parents who are very rooted in African American history; my dad is really into it, and he would tell me that ‘you know we are kings and queens, we have resources and we are proud’ so I got that perspective from him before I got into school. This (the opportunity to be here to perform) is amazing, and I am very much looking forward to it. So, I am looking forward to it.

I think the play really gives an accurate perception of what African-Americans go through... I feel like the audience would understand what it is for us in America; I am sure they already know. I really feel like it would be helpful to you understanding us, and to us understanding you, and to depict the struggles on the two sides. There are a lot of things that happen in the play that are really truthful, so hopefully, we will be able to cross-over and get a better understanding of each other.”

Bashar Evans “My experience last year was more than I expected; it was an exchange that I didn’t expect. I felt so much love from the community and everywhere we went in Nigeria. It was so much love, even more than the American love; there is a real and honest thing here, and everyone was very welcoming. I plan to entertain, and make sure that everyone connects to the story that I will be telling.

Doing it a second time…it feels great coming back to do it again, to be able to entertain with a different type of performance, getting to the different levels and range, areas that are way different from what I had done before, but in a way similar to what I had done before, a different aspect of my performance.”

Femi Ogunjobi (Nigerian actor based in London) “It means a lot to be in this performance; the message of the play resonates with me, and I believe that Nigerians will be able to identify with the play. It may be an African American play, but the story is one that Nigerians would be able to relate to because it is the story of every Nigerian. There are many symbolic things in the play that you as a Nigerian would identify with.

This play will tell an average Nigerian that even in all those so-called whiteman’s country, people have their dayto-day struggles, like we do here. Everything is not rosy.

Brandi Austin “This is my first time in Africa, but I have been here in Nigeria in my head, many times. In the States, I have a few friends who are Nigerian, so I had more of a realistic perception of what it would be like. The first thing that really struck

•Soyinka

TRIBUTE me when I came here is that as I arrived and walked off the plane, the first thing I heard was ‘hi pretty,’ and I said ‘oh my God, I am home’. The second thing is that this place is owned and run by African people.

As an African American, I am marginalised in society, and the government is all white, so coming here I also see that you guys have billboards and all the people in the advertisement are black people, whereas in America, out of every ten, there may be just one billboard that has a black person in it.

It is just amazing to be in a place where I feel completely accepted, and embraced. Here, I feel like I am part of society because there are those who that look like me.

For me as an actor, I don’t really know if I would be able to afford an African visit on my own; coming here with the programme, it just opened my world to so much more opportunities.”

Teju Kareem “The fellows have become ambassadors of America here; they see beyond what’s on the cue, and they perceive humanity themselves. You can’t give what you don’t have. They have come into our humanity, one, not of wifi, but in the real sense that you could smell, touch and feel it. It is something that is there, which you have to find yourself, and perceive because the energy radiates here. Nobody can identify or specify the one that you need; it is your body that takes it.

That is why we hope that this cultural exchange would continue, hence, we begin to expand the number of application, and the ambassadors will be increasing everyday, and we are more than satisfied where we are.

Talking about keying into the vision, we have gone round the states, and the country, looking for assistance, and partners, financiers, and funders, and we were limited to the re-

sponses that we had so far. This year, it is made possible, courtesy of the Ogun state government, led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

We make it clear that we are not doing a birthday for Professor Wole Soyinka; he never wanted it. However, he has accepted whole-heartedly that we adopt July 13th, which is his birthday as the International Cultural Exchange Day, hence, it becomes a celebration of the humanity inherent in culture, and also an avenue for the cultural expose’ that we engage ourselves in.

The governor bought into this project on the merit of wanting to get the Ogun State government to partake in the cultural renaissance, and if Soyinka comes from Ogun State, the first African Nobel laureate, then, the governor wants to make his state one of the pillars behind this project. That in his own way is promoting our culture, and making it go international.

Ogun State is key in this, and his Excellency the Ogun State governor is our chief host for the advocacy lecture to be delivered by Prof. Fox, entitled From Tigritude to transcedentude, conscience and conscientiousness of Wole Soyinka. There is no other way to capture all our activities, but in those seven wordsmith together. So, we are grateful to the Ogun State government, as they have gone further to make good their promises to support culture. We have another leg of this in London, and the whole team will be there.”

Prof Segun Ojewuyi “What’s unique about Professor Robert Fox is that apart from the fact he is a professor of English, he has some unique things about him. In the beginning of his career, he taught at Ife, alongside Kongi for seven years, and he is married to a Nigerian. You will see that our mission is a labour of love.

When we talk about humanity, we are not talking about national boundaries; we are also not talking about racial boundaries. We want to break those things down. We are looking for one, two, three people in the world, who can buy into that idea, and the will be stronger than a million people who are fed with bigotry…

Sometimes, you would have a vision, and a vision can be strong, but you also need people who understand and value that vision that is the kind of thing that Teju Kareem brings into this. He is the co-executive producer. Like I said in the pre-orientation, from the classroom, to meeting people in the streets, you will meet people, and build up a network that is going to be valuable as you go forward.

There is a network, the governor is a major part of it; he is an accountant, but he is also a man with vision. It takes the combination of those three to make things really work, not just in the culture sector, but the country in general. We also have bigger artistes like Peter Badejo, who is going to be running a workshop for us, and Tunji Oyelana, the musician, who is going to be running things in London. The respondent for the lecture is the Commissioner for Higher Education in Delta State, Prof. Hope Eghagha. That is the weight of the programme, and this is the third year, it is rough going, but it is getting stronger, and we are not tired yet.”

US don to deliver lecture as Ogun honours Soyinka at 78

P

ROFESSOR of English and African Studies at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, USA, Robert Fox, will tomorrow deliver a lecture entitled: From Tigritude to Transcendence; the conscience and conscientiousness of Wole Soyinka at the Kongi’s Harvest Hall of Freedom Park on Broad Street, Lagos.

Fox, a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, is guest lecturer at this year’s celebration of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s birthday.

Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun will be the chief host; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, will deliver the keynote address.

Project WS aims at restoring the dignity of man and

achieving global diplomacy through arts and culture.

Dubbed WS78, the two-day event is the second after it was launched in 2010 with WS76.

The grand finale of the event will hold on Saturday when 78 students, six actors and scholars from America, accompanied by the Open Door Series officials visit Amosun and members of his Executive Council in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at 9 am.

The Governor will present the winner of the essay competition with the trophy, N250, 000 scholarship and a laptop computer. He will also present the second and third place winners with scholarships of N150, 000 and N100,000 and laptop computers. Senator Amosun will also present desktop computers to the schools that produce the three winners.

The American visitors will then proceed to the newly refurbished June 12 Cultural Centre, where 1,000 students from 100 schools in Ogun State will join them. They will all have lunch together. All the visitors - the Americans, the 78 students will be received by Zmirage officials at the cultural center.

Each of the 1,000 students will be given 1,000 books published by Prof. Soyinka as gifts. The books and the cash gifts will be presented to the students by the wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, who will, thereafter engage the students in a 15-minute motivational discussion.

Thereafter, the 78 essay finalists will visit the historic Olumo rock for sightseeing. The grande finale will be rounded off with a red carpet reception at the new cultural center followed by the presentation of the stage play Home by Samm Art Williams, directed by Segun Ojewuyi by 6pm.

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Nigeria art takes centre stage at London Olympics The Olympics is the world’s biggest sporting event, holding every four years. The London 2012 Olympic Games will provide a rare opportunity for trade and investment promotion. During the event, Nigeria will hold a business and investment summit at Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, Central London as part of the campaign to project it as the world’s most vibrant market. Also, an exhibition of Nigerian artworks will hold at Guildford and Stratford, London, between July 15 and August 12, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

N

O fewer than 90 art works by contemporary Nigerian artists will be on display at the London Olympics and Paralympics Games.

The group exhibition, the biggest overseas visual art show on Nigerian art in recent times, will open at G-Live, Guildford, Surrey, UK between July 15 and 18. It will move to Theatre Royal, Stratford, East London on July 23 and run till August 12. The exhibition theme is In Build Essence.

The project is sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BoI) in collaboration with the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), as a new development-focused initiative to enhance effective and positive projection of Nigeria.

According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BoI, Mrs Evelyn Oputu, the collaboration is consistent with BoI’s mandate of transforming Nigeria’s economy and integrating it into the global economy through domestic and international partnerships.

“There could not have been a better platform than the capital of the United Kingdom for this endeavour, in view of the historic ties between Nigeria and Great Britain, London’s proximity and the city’s strategic location as the window of the world’s financial capital,” Oputu said.

The exhibition is being co-ordinated and curated by duo of Biodun Olaku and Abraham Uyovbisere. Works featuring at the exhibition include paintings and sculptures that are drawn from across the six geo-political zones of the country. The collection is a balanced pack of quality works that represent the creative energy of modern Nigerian artists.

On the criteria for selecting works for the exhibition, the curators said they were mandated to have a broad-based collection. “But our experiences guided us in the selection exercise in terms of selecting what represents Nigeria. We were also concerned about quality, content, and direction of

•African Free Range by Olu Ajayi

VISUAL ART works. But, excellence was the watch word. In fact, the exhibition assignment is one of the rare opportunities to tell our story ourselves as artists and not by non-professional artists,” the curators said.

The curators observed that art appreciation and painting skill have increased tremendously across the country hoping that one day art would serve as collateral for credit facility in banks. “BoI is art friendly and we envisage the dream will live on,” they added.

Among the exhibiting artists are Olu Ajayi, Bisi Fakeye, Muazu Sani, Ebang Ekwere, Reuben Ugbine, Udah Francis, Tayo Quaye, Nelson Edewor and Duke Asidere. Others are Abiodun Olaku, Alex Nwokolo, Ben Osaghae, Raqib Bashorun, Ndidi Dike, Sam Ovraiti, Segun Adejumo and Stanley Dudu.

‘There could not have been a better platform than the capital of the United Kingdom for this endeavour, in view of the historic ties between Nigeria and Great Britain, London’s proximity and the city’s strategic location as the window of the world’s financial capital’

Pageant awards for oil and gas

I

N an effort to give an endearing face to the sector, X-Plore Integrated Services Limited, a Lagos-based events management company, has initiated the Black gold pageant and awards.

According to a statement by the company’s Director, Mr Loius Nwadialo, the core goal of the project, is to celebrate the black woman, especially the beautiful and graceful damsels from the oil-producing areas of Nigeria who most times, suffer the consequences of the many crises erupting in the sector.

The statement added that every edition of the proposed pageant would also appreciate outstanding personalities and corporate entities who have contributed to oil and gas development in Nigeria.

“Black Gold pageant and awards is packaged to be a unique and conspicuous symbolisation of the saying that, ‘the Black woman is as beautiful as gold.’ It aims at encouraging the development of the youthful girl child in the oil producing communities especially, the Niger Delta and beyond through the celebration of her education, talent, skill and beauty,” the statement said.

The pageant also aims at fostering the development of tourism and youth empowerment by participating companies.

Black Gold pageant and awards shall recognise and honour individuals as well as corporate entities that have served well. Tere shall be different categories of awards to be presented to these deserving individuals and corporate entities.

Though every contestant in the pageant will win consolatory prize, the major bounty is for the winner and runners up of the pageant who will go home with cars of different categories as well as educational scholarships, gift items from sponsoring firms and trips to renowned holiday resorts. The delectable beauties with brains will also be available for endorsements of brands by companies, who wish to buy into their image and social clout for the marginal benefit of their products.

A committee to facilitate the Blackgold pageant and awards will work in concert with the Blackgold panel of judges to deliver a credible event. The event will hold in November in any of the Southsouth states.

F

•Soul Time by Nelson Edewor

ROM Uli to Li: A Natural Synthesis, an exhibition of drawings and paintings by Prof. Obiora Udechukwu will open between July 11 and 26 at the Tiwani Contemporary, 16 Little Portland Street, London.Private viewing of the exhibition held yesterday between 6.30 and 8.30pm.

Udechukwu, who is known for his experimentation with the traditional Igbo Uli design motifs, is one of Nigerian’s most influential contemporary artists.

The exhibition presents works from the 1980s in which Udechukwu’s interest in Chinese calligraphy led to new stylistic developments in his art. Some of Udechukwu’s best known pen-and-ink drawings werecreated during this decade. The dramatisation of spatial tensions, the expressive quality of line and the bold pictorial elements became stylistic points of departure from earlier works. During this period Udechukwu also experimented with colour, turning to water colour as his medium of choice.

In his paintings, he explores colour arrangements, shapes and textures which produce a soft, calligraphic effect resulting in a strong and compelling harmony.

Despite a reputation for lyricism in his work, Udechukwu’s art also reveals a strong socio- political dimension. His

From Uli to Li: A natural synthesis work over the years has confronted the evils of poverty, dictatorship and corruption in Nigeria’s post-oil boom era.

Udechukwu was born in Onitsha, Nigeria in 1946 and studied for one year at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria before serving in the Biafran War. He, however, completed his art education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, receiving his Bachelor’s in Fine Art in 1972 and his Masters in 1977. His work has been exhibited extensively locally and internationally. His work is to be found in the permanent collections of the National Museum of African Art, Washington D.C.; The National Gallery of Art, Lagos; Iwalewa-Haus, University Bayreuth and the Museum for Volkerkunde, Frankfurt.

Udechukwu is a published poet, winning the ANA/ Cadbury Poetry Prize for his book, What the Madman Said in 1990. He is a Dana Professor of Art and Art History at St Lawrence University, New York.

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The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

You may call him a dreamer. But Chidiebere Joseph Onu, owner of Don Maseratte clothing label, believes dreams certainly come true, ‘if you work at them’. He lives and breathes fashion designing and is set to air Nigeria’s image through fashion.

EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

H

E is passionate about what he does. So consumed is he by his passion for the art that he finds himself designing even in his dreams. Welcome to the world of Chidiebere Onu, owner of Don Maseratte clothing label. He also goes by the alias, Don Maseratte.

With 11 years experience, the Nkerefi, Enugu-born clothier is literally sold to the art. “I have great passion for fashion designing. I am so passionate about it that I see myself designing in my dreams. I usually encounter different designs in my dream.

“Designing gives me sleepless night. And I wake up, with those designs still in my head, and find myself doing the designs in real life.

I did not intend to go into fashion; but it came to me; and I discovered it is my calling. I believe I am just destined to be a designer and, maybe that is the reason why God has brought me this far in it,” he said.

The label, which is poised to rule the global fashion industry, has a huge Nigerian market with large patronage. With wholesale and retail outlets in Lagos, across the country and Ghana, Don Maseratte is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria’s fashion industry. “My vision is to have other outlets in other African countries like Ghana, South Africa and the Americas,” he said with lots of fervor.”

The journey, he began on a small scale, is today worth millions. But his voyage began roughly. He said: “After my secondary school education, I started out by serving as an apprentice with my brother for some years after which he travelled abroad, leaving me with nothing. I started Don Maseratte on a small scale; and with the assistance I got from some clients and friends, I was able to make a head start.

Today, with the help of God, my business is worth millions.”

This was 12 years ago. And today, the success story of the clothier, who is also an actor with appearances in a few movies, and a model, shines brighter, is an apt example of how far determination can take an individual.

His label is currently being courted by many including a foreign company. And bagging a Diploma in Mass Communication has also enlightened him more on the art of fashion branding. “It is indeed God at work because who am I for them to be this interested in me.

I was really shocked to receive a letter from a foreign company requesting permission from me for them to use my label name to sell their brands. I attribute my success largely to God, but passion for clothes also has been a driving factor and my training in Mass Communication also is also very useful brand establishing a quality brand. Also, as a model and actor, people have been privileged to see my dress sense and usually show interest.

That is how I have been able to gather a following, and create a market for my brand,” Onu said.

Don Masseratti, according to him, is an Italian phrase language, meaning ‘path finder’.

Like his designs, the name came into being through dream. And aside God, one major factor that has distinguished him from others, he said, is the uniqueness of his wares.

Although he started by dealing in the products of popular designers such as D&G and the likes, he had since stopped, saying he steer clear from selling common products to his customers but uniquely manufacture ones.

Onu said: “I ensure that my designs are exclusively unique. Nigerians love their clothing to be exclusive to them. They do not like seeing their cloths being worn by everybody around. That is what Don Masseratti is about.

All our designs are unique and different from what is got in other places. We don’t believe in having clothing that is mass produced.

When we started dealing in Marks and Spencer products and changed to D&G when the market for it became over flogged. Like Marks and Spencer’s, it also became common. We avoided selling common things to my customers and that was one of the things that inspired me into creating my own label. And that was how the name ‘Don Masseratti’ came to be. God told me the name in my dreams; and I have been using it since 1999.”

He has since raised the bar in his ambition to rule the fashion world by making use of fashion designing companies abroad to make his designs. “I don’t sew, but I draw my de-

•A model on the runway

A push for safety

By Evelyn Osagie

I

•Onu

‘I get my designs in my dreams’ FASHION signs and give them to reputed factories abroad to make for me. After creating my designs, I go to the companies in Italy and Turkey, which I use in making my wares. I give them the specifications of what I want, which usually includes the kind of fabric, style, size and colours. After then, they would, then, I then choose the fabrics I want used.

After which they’d make the clothes in my

label.”

Apart from being in the fashion business, Onu is himself a fashionable man. He is dedicated to the men’s fashion creeds. “Ensure that your wristwatch, belts and shoes match, but noted that sometimes a man can match the shirt and shoe. The best colour for men to wear is red, be it wristwatches or shirts, because red is a very bright and sharp colour that makes men look extremely good,” Onu says.

TS slogan is beauty for safety. In line with its motto, it is organising a Miss Safety Beauty Pageant (MSBP). The brain behind it all is Kraftmen Production, which believes that the June 3 DANa plane crash is avoidable.

“It did not have to happen. As we mourn with the relatives of those that lost their lives, we urge all the parties to take stock and from this human tragedy,” it said.

The solution, according to Kraftman Production, will not be found in banning the offending airline but in raising the level of consciousness about safety in our everyday lives. “We must destroy the altar of the god of money where most Nigerians worship.

In the final analysis the DANA carnage and the daily carnage on our roads is ultimately a product of greed: the inordinate desire to accumulate stupendous wealth at all costs, even at the cost of human lives,” the observed.

According to Miss Evelyn Igbe of Matrix Marketing, co-organisers of the pageant, everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety on our highways, on the high seas, the churches, the highways... everywhere.

“Let us all be our brother’s keeper.

We will continue to pray for the souls of the departed …and to use the pageant to draw attention to the importance of safety in our daily lives,” she said.

This is a youth-oriented project aims at producing a beauty queen that would be a national (ultimately global) safety ambassador promote a safe living and learning environment.

The pageant has started its zonal finals in cities across the six geopolitical zones climaxing in a grand finale in Abuja.

MSBP Group Communications, Mr. Segun Azeez, said the pageant embodies beauty, brains and consciousness of safety.

“Amongst the objectives , the pageant will promote and nurture a culture of safety in all its totality, encourage the youths by creating a role model and create awareness amongst the general public on issues of safety,” he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

BRIEF

Seun Kuti on tour of Europe

S

EUN Anikulapo Kuti who recently returned from a musical tour of the US embarked on a six weeks tour of Europe with Fela’s Egypt 80 Band in continuation of the promotional tour of his second album From Africa with Fury Rise.

Seun Kuti who is currently working on his third album has been enjoying rave reviews in the international print and electronic media. The album is making appreciable sales in the US and European music market.

Seun Kuti and the band will be performing at concert and festival venues in London, France, Rotterdam and Japan. In Rotterdam Seun Kuti will be at the North Sea Jazz Festival while in Japan he will be headlining the prestigious fuji rock festival. The band is expected back in the country early next month.

•One of Nnabuife's paintings

•Nnabuife

Treading the path less travelled

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T is common knowledge that Nigeria is plagued by many challenges ranging from incessant bombings to kidnappings, assasinations and robberies. But, there are equally distrubing social trends, such as craze for stardom and wealth, touting, rural-urban migration, royalty on the streets and single parenthood. These tendencies form the core of a third solo art exhibition, Memoirs Of A Generation (Part II), by Chuka Nnabuife holding at the Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos between July 28 and August 11.

With this exhibition, especially the topical nature of the issues raised, the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu trained painter and art writer is keeping faith with treading on a less travelled path, which many percieve as non-profitable in the creative industry. It is also a continuation of his cmapaign for the rennaissance of our value system as expressed in his last solo exhibition held four years ago at the same gallery. Each of the work carries a strong story that though common place, but passed unnoticed by many. Most of the stories are, however, his tales of the time.

Memoirs of a generation to an extent, is a visual commentary on everyday life- apathy, pretence in place of worship, royalty on the street, moral decadence, celebration of touts among others.

If art is a true mirror-image of the society, then it should not only be shown, but be presented in a format that will make the required impact on the audience. This, perhaps, informed why Nnabuife is less bothered about the commercial success of his exhibition. To him, the ultimate essence of creating an art work is not to satisfy the needs of any collector, but to be sincere to himself by pouring his heart on canvass for people to savour.

Works selected for the exhibition include series of drawings, prints and paintings that spotlight some of the fundamental issues in the society. Producing these works, he said, came at a difficult time in his career as a journalist cum painter. “Many of my colleagues seem not to take me serious as an artist, but I do take myself as one. This is a challenge that has become my cross too. However, the gain in this is that I dont paint to satisfy any collector or buy expensive frame for my works. In fact, I follow my direction and

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

VISUAL ART it gives me the opportunity to be sincere to myself,” Nnabuife said during a preview session of his works. Memoirs of a generation which focuses on community activities will feature about 30 artworks.

Unlike many of his peers, the Anambra State born-artist is not dispose to use of bright colours that shout. Instead, he concentrates on enhancing the forms, images and figures of his paintings without loosing the aesthetic values. However, his present approach is deliberate. Could it be that loud colours are not ideal to convey his feelings on topical issues? Or is it a case of critical problems deserve critical answers?

“I have always been colourful, but what I am trying to achieve with this show is to sustain the campaign for social change. Also, I don’t want to throw away my studio. However, I deliberately don’t like to be loud and shouting in my art,” he added.

His studio practice not withstanding, Nnabuife is equally concern about maintaining strong link between studio and the public, which, he said, is the critic/advocacy segment of his life. “From onset, I made it clear that my art will not be restricted to the studio. It should involve all aspects of art including activism and promotion. Advocacy is one area Nigeria is lagging behind and it will be difficult to make great impact on the people in terms of appreciation and as a tool for social change, if the trend is not reversed,” he stressed.

His first solo was Owuwa and has participated in about 20 group exhibtions.

‘I have always been colourful, but what I am trying to achieve with this show is to sustain the campaign for social change. Also, I don’t want to throw away my studio. However, I deliberately don’t like to be loud and shouting in my art’

•Seun

Institute challenges culture workers on competence

T

HE Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, has charged participants at a national workshop to put all they have learnt into effective use in their job performance.

He said the redesigned capacity building platform, which would take place quarterly, is aimed at adding value to the prospects of the culture sector in contributing significantly to the nation's economy, thus reducing the over dependence on oil and gas.

Ayakoroma spoke recently at a two-day national workshop on Repositioning Nigerian Cultural Workers for Improved Productivity, organised by National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), at its Training School in Lagos, According to him, the culture sector can only receive the much-needed attention from government if stakeholders show serious commitment in developing it to realise its full potentials.

He also used the opportunity to challenge NICO Zonal Coordinators to work assiduously towards ensuring improved participation from MDAs in their zones to justify their posting, adding that the workshop is aimed at improving the core competence of all cultural workers in Nigeria. The next edition of the workshop comes up in September 2012.

Mentoring the ‘greater tomorrows’

I

T has a mission, which is to train children in the arts. Adunni Nefertiti, an all-female singing group trains them for the theatre, dance and children’s choir in churches. According to it’s leader, Adunni Motunrayo, the group is poised to sustain its valued traditions by investing in primary school children.

“We want to sustain the rich tradition and some values of contemporary society of art and life by investing in the children through national and international training and exposure. We want to train the best children choir in Nigeria that will be valued for quality delivery of traditional and contemporary art of Nigeria culture in Music, entertainment and stage performances”. She said This informed the musical/theatre audition held at the C.M.S School Complex Bariga, Lagos, which will end in the council’s children choir. Hundreds of children gathered at the complex to be auditioned. At the last phase 100 children were selected across the five school complexes under the Somolu Local Council Development Area (SLCDA)

By Paul Oluwakoya

MENTORING Education District. The selected ones, Adunni said, will trained for six months before the final screening to get the targeted number of 50 for council’s children choir.

It was evident that all the children craved to be part of the choir, but, Adunni said: “Exceptional zest for performing art without the prejudice of tribe, gender and age was used to grade them.”

To qualify, the children had to sing at any folksong or war songs that they knew. While many couldn’t sing any at all, the alternative was the Nigerian R&B songs came as the next choice of most of them, to which they sung swiftly and correctly.

“This is one of the reasons we are embarking on this project – to take them back to our roots. The relevant subjects that could teach the children most of the artistic values and virtues of our tribes are being offered in many schools because of short supply of teachers, yet the

•Adunni mentoring the children

children are alien to the cultural heritages of our tribes,” Adunni said.

According to her, through the training program the group and council are set to savage the misery, noting that the six months training will be in-form an all encompassing extracurricular activities,

that will revive and sustain the interest of the children in our values and cultures.”The scheme for the training will complement classroom exercises and fully integrate most cherished cultural virtues of the society in the pupils,” she said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Flood destroys DSFN’s centre •Foundation cries out for help It has put smiles on the faces of many, but hit by a furious flood, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) needs help. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

P

ENULTIMATE Thursday, it rained as if it was not going to stop. The rain which fell throughout the night, left many houses flooded and properties damaged. The Down Syndrome

Foundation Nigeria (DSFN) Resource Centre in Lagos was also affected.

According to DSFN, the flood, damaged its equipment ranging from music, vocational training machines; computers, printers and documents.

DSFN national President Mrs. Rose Mordi said the flood, which has now become a yearly occurence, sacked the ground floor of the centre.According to her, when some staff and students in the centre arrived on Friday to resume for the day, they discovered that their centre was flooded and had to help in de-flooding the affected offices.

“We discovered that the rain was serious around 2am in the morning when it started entering the reception, vocational training department and music room as well as the computer room. It destroyed some of the computers, music equipment which we just acquired for the children to practice with costing over N1m were destroyed when they were soaked.

“Many computers, printers and many of our documents in the file cabinets were destroyed. The most painful was the wares we stocked that we were using for some of the older ones to start small scale businesses got soaked and all got destroyed. My office and other departments on the ground floor were also affected.And the flood situation continued until Saturday evening,” she said.

The incident has forced the foundation to stop some of its activities, it was learnt. “With the rain that continued unabated, we are forced to stop some activities in the centre to allow for proper tackling of the flood challenge,” Mrs Mordi said.

Weighed by the burden of the loss, DSFN is seeking help from well-meaning Nigerians in order to replace some of its equipment lost to the flood, especially the music and vocational training of the students.

•Members draining water from the flooded centre

DSFN President appealed: “We are really calling on well-wishers to come to our aid as we have lost a lot of materials we use in training our children. This is a very heavy challenge for us as we are still struggling to get sponsorship for our children to attend the World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC) in South Africa where we are supposed to receive our international award given to us by the Down Syndrome International (DSI) for what we have been doing. I believe we will get over this recurrent problem once we have enough help to start up our national centre in Ikorodu.”

‘We are really calling on wellwishers to come to our aid as we have lost a lot of materials we use in training our children’

•Mrs Mordi

•A special presentation of South Africa's IPI NTOMBI performances by the pupils of Greenwood House School

BBA 2011 winner Karen Igho joins Naija FM

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O-WINNER of the sixth season of Africa’s biggest reality competition, ‘Big Brother Africa’ 2011, Karen Igho, has joined the Naija fm 102.7 as on-air personality. She was unveiled in Lagos as the newest addition to fast rising Lagos indigenous radio station. Karen will be partnering with the presenter of Wetin Dey between 10pm and 1am on weekdays.

According to the station’s Head of Sales and Human Resources, Amira Obi-Okoye, the decision to bring Karen on board was informed by the fact that the BBA co-winner was one of the most talked about on the reality show. She said that Karen was

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

TALK SHOW considered as an ideal personality for the station. “She is very entertaining and will draw more listeners to the station. The presentation no doubt will be more exciting with her on board,” Obi-Okoye said, noting that the choice of Karen as on air personality is informed by her boisterous and outspoken nature. Having Karen, she added, is one of the creative ways of connecting Nigerians. But she however remained silent on the duration and terms of the contract saying that it would be for a

long time.

Karen joined a talented team of radio hosts at NAIJA fm 102.7 – a 24-hour totally Nigerian Radio Station, with all programming content and delivery being in Nigerian Languages, and Pidgin English.

It has succeeded in bringing information, fun and entertainment into the lives and homes of every Nigerian.

Excited Karen expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity saying that she is honoured to be brought on board Naija Fm family as an on air personality. “I hope I will meet the demands and expectations of my fans. While urging fans in advance to tolerate her blunt nature, she promised to give her

hundred per cent, acknowledging she is new to the game.

“You know I’m not a presenter but I’m going to do my best. I’m also going to put in my 100% for people to enjoy and l hope listeners would enjoy the show,’ she added. Karen, who speaks Hausa and Urhobo fluently, believed the job would be easy as speaking ‘pidgin English’ is fun for her. “May God guide me on what to say and what not to say on air,” she said.

On how she will manage her acting and modeling activities with the new assignment, Karen said before now she had a long list of ideas she is working on but that for now, she would take one thing at a time.

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Onosode, others seek value orientation

Baby needs help after generator explosion

P

A

N unfortunate incident with the family’s electricity generating set has left little Sola Fatejo badly wounded, necessitating a major surgery.

The doctors say it will erquire N1.8 million to perform the surgery and treat the baby who is not yet two years old.

Her mother, Mrs Mercy Fatejo visted our Akure office to narrate the story of her daughter, whose left arm has already been amputated as a result of an explosion from the family generator.

The Fatejos are seeking the assitance of pubic-spirited individuals and corporate organisations to save their baby.

Mrs. Fatejo who lives in Oshinle

•Sola before the incident From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Quarters, Akure South Local Government, said they have sold all in order to sustain the little girl.

The woman, who was in tears when she was explaining the incident, came with the medical report of her daughter.

Rotary donates to the blind

T

HE Rotary Club of Jos Central has donated some items needed for the vocational training of people with impaired eyesight at the Government Vocational Training Centre (School for the Blind) at Zawan in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The donated items included five refurbished Braille machines, one large pot, two food warmers, two trays and two big cooking spoons to the catering department of the school.

The Acting President of the Club, Mr. Mike Ukachi who presented the items, said they were to assist the students in their training at the school.

Receiving the gifts, the Principal

From Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

of the School, Mr. Buba Musa Artu said he was glad that the brokendown Braille which had caused serious setback to the students has been repaired. He added that it is a relief and that the students will use the cooking utensils for practical classes.

Artu said the school appreciated the gesture, adding that the club has always been a cherished helper. In the past, the club has donated materials used to rehabilitate the school structures, he said.

Artu urged members of the public not to tire of helping the needy who require such kindness to survive and thrive.

•...and after Mrs. Fatejo who said the young girl is presently receiving treatment at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the mother, Sola, while playing, innocently to a lit match stick to where the generator was, immediately causing an explosion.

“I was in my room arranging her bed where she will sleep when I heard the sound of the explosion, only to find her burning with the generator.

“My husband, a civil servant was not around, but immediately rushed home when he was informed about the incident.

“We took her to Federal Medical Centre, Owo Local Government Area for treatment but she was referred to UCH, Ibadan. Her left hands had been amputated and the medical doctors are demanding for N1.8million for surgery plastic treatment.

“We are urging Nigerians to assist us; we have spent all our resources to prevent further damage on Sola’s body, and we are begging the state and federal governments to come to our aid.

This is our Bank Account number: 1052266591, Name is Ayodeji Fatejo and the Bank name is Skye Bank”.

RO-CHANCELLOR, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, has urged Nigerians not to join those who are bringing the country to disrepute.

But, rather, they should embrace the Christian way of living.

He spoke at the Eighth Annual Luncheon and Awards of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Onosode, who was chairman of the occasion, said coveteousness leads to sin, adding that Nigerians should be contented with what they have.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs Oluranti Olutola, said the theme of the event: Value re-orientation: a panacea for national transformation, was timely.

She noted that value re-orientation should lead us in social integration and respect for constituted authority and fear of God, among others, adding that self-discipline and respect should help grow the nation.

She warned that material pursuit, greed etc clog the wheel of progress while trust, modesty, team work, could help to achieve much.

BSN Secretary-General, Rev Fred Odutola, canvassed assistance for the translation of the Bible into more indigenous languages. He said translation into one language cost N30 million. “At the moment, the Bible is being translated into 12 languages. Our mission is to translate the Bible into all the 500 languages in Nigeria.We need your prayers and support so that everybody will have have access to the word of God,” he said.

Guest speaker Rev Moses IIoh said values had gone down in Nigeria. Comparing his youthful days with those of today, the octogenarian claimed there was a drastic reduction in values. “when

By Joseph Eshanokpe

I was a boy, cleanlines was uppermost.

No one lived under the bridge. There were no beggars. The old people were taken care of by members of their extended families,” he said.

IIoh, who painted a gloomy image of the country, blamed the government and its officials mainly for the decay.

“Are people not in politics to make life more abundantly? Corruption is a terrible thing. Government officials steal money meant for pensioners and you reduce the retirees to a life of penury,” he lamented.

He said he was not happy that moral instruction, which was studied in schools in those days, had been removed by the government. He blamed the church for not calling for its restoration. He also blamed it for the ills of the society. He said though 80 million Christians attend church on Sundays, their impact is not felt in the society, adding that Christainity had become a ruse.

He called for moral regeneration.

“We must be born again. It is important that we must wake up to repair the nation,” he said, adding that we could create new values to solve the problem.

He commended Governor Babatunde Fashola for his laundable programmes in the state, saying that those vying for leadership in future should be examined before they are elected.

At the event, the following received awards: Evangelist Mike Bamgboye, president, Mount Zion Faith Ministries; Pastor Ifie Ezenwa-Ugwoke, managing director, Treaven Travels and Towers; Archbishop George Amu, secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State and Mr Verkey Verghese, and Indian and chief executive officer, Java International Limited.

Expert stresses value of co-operative societies

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HE Business Development Manager of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc Egbe branch, Lagos State, Prince F. O. Ododo has said cooperative societies remain a sure means through which funds can be accessed by individuals to either start or consolidate their businesses.

He spoke at the Third Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Ifedapo Ijegun Co-operative Thrift and Credit Society Limited at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos State.

Noting that access to funds is a major factor in the quest for economic growth and development of the country, he said that “some Nigerians who could not access funds from the financial institutions for business purposes have recourse to co-operative

Some Nigerians who could not access funds from the financial institutions for business purposes have recourse to co-operative societies that are willing to give out loans without requesting some form of collateral facilities from the prospective borrower.

This goes a long way in reducing the level of unemployment

By Chinaka Okoro

societies which are willing to give out loans without requesting some form of collateral facilities from the prospective borrower. This goes a long way in reducing the level of unemployment as those who accessed funds from the co-operative society would set up small businesses for themselves and may later become employees of labour.”

He therefore urged Nigerians’ commitment to membership of cooperative societies as a way of improving their economic well-being.

In the same manner, Elder Isaac Orisoji Akinsola, an Engineer, who is the immediate past first Vice-President of Lagos State Co-operative Federation of Nigeria (LASCOFED), an umbrella body for all community and industrial- based co-operative societies in the state, disclosed to Newsextra that the position of co-operative societies in the development of the country’s economy cannot be wished away, even as he said that its significance lay in the development of micro-economic sector of the country’s economy.

The President of Temidire Ketu CTCU Limited told Newsextra that “without the assistance of the various co-operative societies in terms of disbursement of loans to their members, many individuals would have become jobless, idle or may have gone to their respective villages.”

Elder Akinsola maintained that it is imperative for governments at all levels to encourage the establishment of co-operative societies in order to enhance people’s economic well-being.

He said: “As it is obvious that indi-

•Members of the co-operative society. viduals find it extremely difficult to obtain loans to either start or expand their businesses, co-operative societies become helpful in this regard.

“But if one is a member of any genuine co-operative society, one would be able to obtain double the amount one has in one’s account. With that he or she would engage in useful economic venture which, invariably, adds up to the nation’s gross domestic product.”

In his address on the occasion, the President of Ifedapo Ijegun CTCS Mr Ayo Odetola, an Engineer, said the AGM of the society was another dream fulfilled.

Disclosing, proudly that “during our Second AGM, we pledged to do all that is humanly possible to make the operations and performance of our society unique in comparison to other co-operative societies in

Alimosho Local Government Area in general and Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area in particular. Today, that promised is fulfilled.”

Expressing his satisfaction with the performance of the committee, he urged members to double their efforts and commitment to the growth and development of the society, even as he said “our ever increasing members should not relent in contributing their quota to the success of the society.

“Our membership growth between the last AGM and now is about 80 per cent. This is a testimony of the co-operation of both the management committee and the members.

“We are happy that overwhelming and commendable achievements were recorded during the year under review. Our net surplus

has increased by over 100 per cent ...”

In a chat with Newsextra, Mr Odetola said that the primary purpose of forming the co-operative society was to improve the living standards of members, adding that “taking cognisance of the sufferings of our people, especially in the area of accessing loans to start businesses, and since government could not provide the needed opportunity to access funds for economic activities, we had to device a means of ameliorating the obvious misery of the people through making money available to prospective borrowers.”

Account for 2010 and 2011 were rendered and approved by members who commended the management committee for performing excellently well.

Dividends were given to members, even as honorarium gifts were distributed to deserving members.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

39

Lawmaker helps women, youths in Ogun

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HE people of Ogun West Senatorial District in Ogun State have been assured of necessary support to empower them to enhance their standard of living.

Senator Akin Odunsi representing the District gave the promise while marking his first year anniversary in the national assembly at a ceremony held in Otta.

•Senator Odunsi

HE Caretaker Chairman of Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Hon. David Olusoga, has enhanced food production in the council by providing various agricultural implements and aids to individual farmers and groups in the area.

The beneficiaries turned up in their hundreds, praising the council chief for the gesture.

Those who attended included Agbeloba Farmers’ Group, The Farmers’ Congress and several individual farmers.

They thanked Olusoga, saying he knows “the right thing to do at the most opportune time.”

Several traditional rulers from the area attended the distribution event which took place at the palace of Oore of Otun-Ekiti. Local government officials, notable individual farmers and politicians were also present.

The items included 6 Water pumping machines, 300 knapsack sprayers and 300 units of assorted herbicides.

The Caretaker Chairman said the community deserved the gesture not just because the residents are supportive of the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi but also for the fact that the people are renowned for their agricultural prowess in the state.

Olusoga recalled that the earlier free distribution of improved maize seeds and cutlasses was intended to mark the commencement of this year’s farming season and generally improve food production within the local gov-

He said he was committed to youth and women empowerment and economic prosperity of his people which he said he has demonstrated through his constituency project, employment, financial grants and other programmes in the last one year.

To mark the anniversary he donated 38 pepper grinding machines for old women,10 deep freezers for women and 24 Jincheng motorcycles for youths (N50, 000 to be paid in one year).

Other donations included 16 soft loans of N30, 000 (to be paid in one year), 1,100 cutlasses for farmers, 100 litres of herbicides for farmers and 21 knapsack sprayers for farmers.

Beneficiaries of the donation included people from the five local governments in the Senatorial Zone of Ado Odo/Ota, Yewa North, Yewa South, Imeko Afon, and Ipokia.

One of the beneficiaries of the financial grant MrsTitilayo Atunwa Bela commended Senator Odunsi for his support for the people.

“We are delighted to receive the phenomenal gift from the Senator. Our lives have been given a lift as this will go a long way to ameliorate our plight. This is the

•The beneficiaries displaying their cheques

first of its kind in the constituency and I am proud to be among the first beneficiaries. My frozen food business will be expanded and I pray that God will give the

senator the grace to deliver more for the district.

Among those present at the celebration were the ACN State Chairman, Alh.(Chief) Tajudeen

Bello, Senator Adegboyega Kaka,( Ogun East senatorial), Olota Council of Elders and Chairmen of five local government areas in the zone.

T

•Hon Olusoga (left) presents a generating set to a beneficiary

Ekiti council chief provides tools for farmers From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ernment.

According to him, the state government’s transformation pro-

The state government has done so much in ensuring the development of agriculture in the state and bringing back the lost glory of the cocoa exporting days when Ekiti was one of the highest cocoa-producing areas of the country

grammes, also called the 8-Point (development) Agenda, is inclusive of agricultural production.

“The state government,” according to Olusoga, “has done so much in ensuring the development of agriculture in the state and bringing back the lost glory of the cocoa exporting days when Ekiti was one of the highest cocoa-producing areas of the country.”

Regarding other efforts being made in agriculture, the caretaker chair explained that his administration has equally approved the establishment of fish farms for the commercial production of fingerlings.

Olusoga said the development efforts across the local government areas were an integral com-

ponent of the Fayemi administration’s grand plan to drive growth in the state.

Olusoga said further: “I want to declare that no sector will be left unattended. In the next few days, my administration will commence the construction of drainage channels in erosion troubled areas in our communities.

“The 5km road project is also ongoing and is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Public Works Corporation, the contractor handling the job, to live up to expectation. The job is too slow and Moba people are complaining.

“As we always say, all citizens

should be on the alert to monitor all public works in their communities to guard against shoddy jobs by contractors who may want to prove smart.”

Olusoga noted the challenge of unemployment but added that the council will help.

He said: “If any of [the unemployed] needs assistance, he should declare his interest. Government is ready to offer assistance but the interest should be genuine.

“We will equally encourage formation of farmers’ clubs across the communities which will be monitored and mentored across the several areas of farming. The Ero Dam is there for us to also leverage upon for all-year round farming.”

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Most of the aged people are helpless, but as a grassroots politician I believe that what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander.

During the election, as old as they are, they came out en masse to vote for me. They stood by me and gave me their full support.

I feel that it is now my turn to show appreciation and make them realise that I did not forget my promise

•Akinsola (middle) with beneficiaries of cash gift

ELIEF has come for senior citizens in Ikorodu 2 Constituency, Lagos, as the lawmaker representing them at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, visited with various gifts. No fewer than 120 of them got cash while about 2,000 were medically examined and treated free.

The recipients of the gesture were expressed their appreciation but the honour was Akinsola’s who said she came to register her gratitude for being chosen to represent her people at the state legislature.

The event, which marked her one year in office, was held at Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, doctors and nurses were on the ground to attend to different medical cases including testing for blood sugar level, high blood pressure and healthy sight, among others.

The lawmaker said the pro-

R

Lagos lawmaker caters for senior citizens

By Oziegbe Okoeki

gramme was initiated in order to pay back her constituents for their support during her election in 2010 general election.

“Most of the aged people are helpless, but as a grassroots politician I believe that what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. During the election, as old as they are, they came out en masse to vote for me. They stood by me and gave me their full support. I feel that it is now my turn to show appreciation and make them realise that I did not forget my promise,” she said.

Rendering account of her one year in office, Akinsola recalled that she had facilitated the issuance of transformers to some com-

munities in the area. These are Oloparun, Ibeshe, Igbopa village’ Ijede, Bayeku, among others.

She stated further that 16 youths from the different wards in the constituency were trained to participate in fish farming and 50 other people were sent to participate in the State Government Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Skill

Acquisition Programme.

On flooding, Akinsola who is the vice chairman of the Committee on the Environment urged residents of the State to ensure that waste are properly dumped in designated and approved waste dump site instead of dumping it in the drainage.

The occasion was witnessed by traditional rulers, party chief-

tains, senior citizens, youths, different union members, friends and relatives of the lawmaker.

The beneficiaries were full of praises and prayers for the honourable member, one of them, Chief Olowu Abolade an 88 years old man from Ward C2 thanked the lawmaker for the effort and support and also for keeping her promise.

Oyo ready for SURE-P

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HE Oyo State government has declared its readiness for assistance from Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) on projects the Christopher Kolade-led committee may wish to lend its sup-

•From left: Member, Planning Commitee, Lunch with Jesus event, Mrs Funmilola Adesina; Chairman, Pastor Dele Uyiekpen, Pastor Emmanuel Oladipo and Pastor Clifford Ojugo at a media briefing announcing the event organised by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos

By Mike Jimoh

port.

On a recent visit to Ibadan, the state capital, members of SURE-P met and spoke with representatives of the state government. Though Governor Ajimobi was unavoidably absent, his deputy, Hon. Moses Alake Adeyemi, received SUREP team on behalf of the state government.

As with other SURE-P teams inspecting projects around the country, the delegation to Ibadan from Abujka was led by Mr. Peter Esele, President of Trade Union Congress.

Mr. Kayode Soremekun, Head of Department of Cross Sector Partnership Unit and Mrs. Mary Ikoku, Head of Communications Unit – both of SURE-P - were among the team.

In his address, Esele said SURE-P was in Ibadan to “know the state’s readiness for necessary assistance from SURE-P.” He urged the people and government of Oyo state to “take advantage of the support from SURE-P” through the Federal Government.

“We are here to make sure that money from subsidy removal is judiciously spent, to track the money because if we do not, Nigerians will lose,” Esele said. The TUC president noted that there is “a huge disconnect between the government and the people. The only way there can be tranquility, peace and progress is for the people to have a sense of belonging, to be sure

that the government is for them with them and of them.”

In his response, Hon. Adeyemi thanked the team for the visit, adding that Oyo state was more than ready for assistance from SURE-P, particularly in the area of community development.

Recent statistics show that 30million Nigerian youths are unemployed. So far, the administration of Governor Ajimobi has provided jobs 20, 000 youths in the state.

SURE-P’s visit, therefore, Hon. Adeyemi enthused, will help address the problem of unemployment, and also empower women in the state. “This is why SURE-P’s today visit is timely and well considered.”

Already, the state, according to the Deputy Governor, has a Community Services, Women & Youth Empowerment Programme.

“We thank SURE-P team that is here today in Ibadan,” Adeyemi said. “We know they mean well for the people and government of Oyo state. We particularly welcome the collaborative effort of SURE-P in our Community Services, Women & Youth Empowerment.”

At the State House to receive SURE-P team were the Chief of Staff to the state government, Dr. Adeolu Akande, and his deputy, Hon. Bimbo Adekambi. The Commissioners of Special Duty, Youth & Sports, Hon. Nureni Adisa and Hon. Dapo Lam Adesina respectively were at the event, among other top government officials.

42

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BATTLE FOR EDO A major challenge in the Saturday governorship election is the threat of violence. Last week, it was announced that 3,500 soldiers would be deployed to ensure that peace reigns during polling and collation of results. In this report, Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE, who sought the views of critical stakeholders in the state, asks whether the military could ensure a peaceful, free and fair election.

Will soldiers deliver the dream or scuttle it?

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F not already deployed, by now the 3,500 soldiers approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, for the Edo State governorship election should be on their way. After all, it is just 48 hours to D-day.

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Obi Umahi, who disclosed this at an interaction with journalists in Benin, explained that it was the decision of the Chief of Army Staff to make and enforce peace.

Umahi said 60 Hilux vehicles for response patrol have also been brought to the state, while the soldiers would be placed at different locations to monitor the election.

The Nigeria Police is not left out of the arrangement. Speaking at a stakeholders meeting, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the Police are prepared for any politician who may want to use money to lure voters, adding that anybody caught would be treated as a criminal. He said any person who wears uniform that is not recognised by the law enforcement agencies would be treated as an armed robber and political thug.

He appealed to the electorate to come out and vote, but reminded them that any person who attempts to hijack electoral materials would be dealt with according to the law.

This is in tandem with the wish of Edo people as July 14 knocks on the door. All they want is a free, fair and peaceful election of one man, one vote and all votes made to count and accounted for.

The theme resonated at a recent stakeholders’ forum in Benin organised by the Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, to address the heightening concern over the possibility of violence, rigging and thuggery.

The situation has been stoked largely by recurring allegations of plans to rig the election and thus deny the people their legitimate choice of who should be their governor; physical attacks, allegations of attempted murder, and even coldblooded assassinations.

Obi told those present that, “this workshop is necessitated by the need to arrest the dangerous political atmosphere preceding the Edo July 2012 Governorship Election that has generated serious anxiety in this nation, owing to the escalation of political insecurity, acrimony and rancour in the state.

“It is my desire that this workshop will come up with far-reaching recommendations to ensure that this gubernatorial election will be free, fair, where the electorate’s votes will count, devoid of rancour and the result acceptable to all candidates in the interest of the populace and Edo State.”

Those present agreed with him.

Chairman of the occasion, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd), GCON, in his opening remarks, urged the people of Edo to make the best use of the

• Nigerian soliders on parade

‘Those who ensured that soldiers are deployed know that the people will be afraid to come out and in that circumstance, they can do whatever they want.

But like I said before, if the election is not free and seen to be free indeed, Edo people will not accept the result’ - Momoh opportunity presented to them by the July 14 election to install the government that will serve them but that they should all play by the rules of the game.

“When election is not free and fair, people’s faith and confidence in the system are eroded, bad and unwanted leaders are sanctimoniously and ignominiously selected, democracy dividends are denied, crisis of unimaginable proportions with its concomitant violence are enthroned, development is distorted and lives are lost.

“Political killings are not only antithetical to democracy; they are also satanic and contrary to the principle of the ‘general good’. Hence, Edo State and her people cannot afford to play into the awaiting hands of the anarchy that befalls manipulated elections because the consequences of this recurrent political decimal are enormous, vexatious and no one knows who the victims become at the end of the day.”

Those present include incumbent governor and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, charged all to be ready to play by the rules as nobody would allow himself to be rigged out only to hope that the law courts will reinstate him when the present laws governing electoral petitions seemed to have been made to deny petitioners justice.

“Jega has no reason not to conduct free and fair election. The learning

‘I see the deployment as a demonstration of the passion and love of the Federal Government and Mr President’s support for a free and fair election. We believe him and have told our supporters ... that they should not be intimidated or be afraid; they should come out and vote and wait and see and ensure that their votes are counted’ - Oyegun

curve is over. The 2012 election in Edo State will be won and lost at the booth not at the court. Who wins the Edo election is not as important as the process that will bring forth the winner.

“It is INEC, the Police, Army, Presidency, therefore, that need to be sensitised on the need to conduct free and fair elections. INEC must be sensitised to watch corrupt officials.

The commission has a huge duty to give effect to President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformational agenda”, he said.

Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd) who was also present assured that the Police will do its job effectively and ensure a free and fair election.

A chieftain of the ACN in Edo, Pastor Ize Iyamu echoed the desire of the people of the state on the same day. He told the gathering that: “All of us will be glad if the Edo polls will peaceful, free and fair. But we all know the history of polls in this state and that is why we are sounding this alarm. This poll should not be a do-or-die affair. INEC and the security agents should ensure that all is done not to overheat the polity in Edo.”

Soldiers to the rescue?

The question is, will the soldiers help the people of the state to realise their dream of free, fair and above all, peaceful election? While some believe it will help in realising it, others are persistently question-

ing the rationale behind the deployment of soldiers when it is all a civil matter.

National Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Prince Tony Momoh, told The Nation yesterday, queried the wisdom behind the deployment.

He said the impression it will create is that the state is at war and ultimately, the electorate will not come out to vote as they would be too scared at the presence of the soldiers.

He warned that Edo people will never accept an election result that is manipulated and fails to conform to one man, one vote. “What are they coming to do? Is Edo State at war?

The CPC has made it clear that we are against the deployment of soldiers and troops because the impression is that we are at war. It means a lack of confidence in the Police. Politics is not a do or die thing, what is the military coming to do?

“Those who ensured that soldiers are deployed know that the people will be afraid to come out and in that circumstance, they can do whatever they want. But like I said before, if the election is not free and seen to be free indeed, Edo people will not accept the result”, Momoh stated.

However, a chieftain of the ACN and former governor of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun holds a contrary view. He thinks that it was to give meaning and assurance to the promise by the INEC and President Goodluck Jonathan that elec-

tions would be free and fair and devoid of violence.

Oyegun however said that the party has informed all supporters not to be cowed or intimidated and be watchful.

“My understanding is that this is a friendly deployment, it is to give assurance of security of lives and property and ensure a free and fair election. ACN has been very patient as a party in the face of series of provocation. The PDP is bent of causing trouble, but we will not allow it.

Look at the citing of their Campaign Office directly opposite ACN state headquarters and all plea to them to relocate it has not been heeded.

“I see the deployment as a demonstration of the passion and love of the federal government and Mr President’s support for a free and fair election. We believe him and have told our supporters wherever the candidate goes, and if not him, ourselves that they should not be intimidated or be afraid, they should come out and vote and wait and see and ensure that their votes are counted.

“Above all, we have told them to be very careful, watchful and play the Boy Scout. They must ‘Be Prepared’ always for any eventuality.

We know that the support is massive, the passion is high and the people are ready to renew the mandate of the governor for another four years. Saturday will be okay”, Oyegun declared.

Former Minister of Culture and Guest Lecturer at the Benin Stakeholders Forum, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, described the deployment as “unnecessary physical show of power”. He observed that Nigerians have a way of reacting negatively to issues. Oyovbaire, a Professor of Political Science, took exception to the decision to deploy soldiers to Edo State.

“We have a way of reacting negatively to developments. If there has been presumption of extremism, a possible breakdown of law and order in some areas, especially where the parties are strong with the possibility of violence, tampering with election materials, rigging and stealing of votes, I don’t think the right response was to deploy soldiers in the state.

“It is just a physical show of power.

Though the figure is even small, it is an unnecessary demonstration of power. Oh yes, it could discourage violence and thuggery and all that, but the function of the Army is not for internal security. It is only necessary in very extreme cases and I don’t thing the Edo State governorship election qualifies as one of such. But I must say your question is a dicey one because if they succeed in doing a thorough professional job, it will enhance the credibility of the election but if the people are intimidated and fail to come out to vote, their presence would have turned out to be a double edge sword, “ Oyovbaire stated.

Also, a non-partisan socio-cultural group from the state, denounced the •Continued on page 44

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

POLITICS

Four parties poised to take over Kaduna local councils From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

• Yakowa

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HE local government as the third tier of government has always suffered from the overbearing influence of state governments across the country. Notwithstanding the fact that Constitution regards them as a separate tier just like the other two - the federal and state governments, they have been subjected to the whims and caprices of state governments and the state Assemblies.

A number of states in the country run their local government areas through caretaker committees appointed by the governor and in most cases these are loyal party members of the ruling party.

In Kaduna, elected local government councils were dissolved just before the general elections which took place in 2011. Several people, including members of the opposition parties, cried foul. Some even went to court to challenge the legality of the exercise, and in the process obtained judgement which declared the action of the government illegal. But the government refused to bulge, arguing that there was no way it could conduct local council elections without first amending the laws setting up the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM). The expiration of the term of the Chairman and most members of the Commission became another albatross in the neck of the state, hindering the election.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Barrister Jonathan Kish

Adamu, however, said at a recent news conference to highlight the achievement of his ministry in the first one year of the Yakowa administration that the government was not aware of any judgement declaring the Interim Management Committees illegal.

He added that those who went to court were only challenging the validity of Administrative Secretaries presiding over the council, pointing out that at the time of judgement, the Secretaries were no longer incharge of the councils. He noted that the state electoral law recognises Caretaker Committees for the local councils in the state when it is not convenient to conduct elections for obvious reasons.

He argued that because the law establishing the SIECOM in the state was before the State Assembly for amendment, there was no way elections can be held for the local councils until the law is amended to conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2011.

According to him, “we don’t want a situation where our electoral laws are at variance with the federal laws”, adding that “you know what the constitution says about that. So, we want the law to conform with the Electoral Act and as we speak, the State Assembly is in the process of reviewing the laws and as soon as that is done, we will put machineries in place to conduct the local government elections. Investigation by The Nation revealed that the State Assembly is presently working on amending the law to set the stage for the conduct of council elections in the state.

The Commissioner said “we discovered that some sections of the state electoral law are in conflict with the Electoral Act. For example, why our law says you should give 60 days notice of election, the Electoral Act stipulates 90 days. Our law does not make provision for party agents to be given copies of the results at the pulling unit. We want to correct all these before the election”. He noted that contrary to belief that the state government refused to obey a court order declaring the transition committees illegal, Adamu said that the

SIECOM law in the state makes provision for transition committees to run the local government pending the conduct of elections, adding that the law provided that if for whatever reason, elections into the local councils cannot be conducted, the governor can, in conjunction with the State Assembly appoint transition committees to run the councils.

He also explained that the only court judgement which the government was aware of declared the tenure of Local Government Secretaries who were initially running the council illegal. But he said that as at the time when that judgement was passed, the Secretaries were no longer in office and so, there was nothing to obey or disobey.

However, it was observed that nothing seems to be happening towards sensitizing the people of the state ahead of the elections. Apart from a few posters of aspirants that adorned the state earlier in the year, nothing seems to be happening as the parties and potential candidates have not shown any sign of seriousness ahead of the election. The state electoral body on its part has not held any sensitization regarding the upcoming election as everybody tends to be waiting for the assembly to finish its work on the amendment before swinging into action. Apart from a booklet containing vital information that has been circulated by SIECOM in the state, everybody is still in the dark regarding what it takes to take part in the election. A political analyst, Yakubu Musa told The Nation that SIECOM in the state should not wait for the Assembly before commencing mobilization and voter education ahead of the election. According to him, “these are the things they are supposed to do now before the amendment is passed into law so that once that is done, they can go full blast with other aspects of the election.”.

Also, investigations revealed that activities at the various political parties’ offices in the state arecurrently at the lowest ebb. In most of the party offices, especially at the local government levels which are supposed to be coordinating things, there are practically no activities as some of them were under lock and

‘You know what the constitution says about that. So, we want the law to conform with the Electoral Act and as we speak, the State Assembly is in the process of reviewing the laws and as soon as that is done, we will put machinery in place to conduct the local government elections’

key when The Nation visited them at the weekend. However, it was gathered that in some of the local government areas, some candidates who have indicated their interest, especially within the PDP are already dropping the name of the governor as being behind their candidacy. While some claimed to be the preferred candidate of the people, others are claiming to have been anointed by the governor to contest the elections. This is already creating tension in some of the local government ahead of the elections whose date is yet to be announced.

Some others, especially in the southern part of the state are said to be claiming to have contributed to funding the election of the governor on the premise that they will be allowed to produce the Chairmanship candidate of their local government area.

The question on the mind of many however is, how prepared are the various parties in the state to contest the elections when the timetable is finally released? At the moment, there are only four political parties with visible or significant presence in the state. there are the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition in the state, the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). Out of the four, only the PDP and CPC have representation at any level in the state. However, the ACN which appeared to be the most vocal of all the parties in the state has in recent times been silent after going through series of leadership crisis which has impacted negatively on it. The CPC seems to be living under the Buhari image which it capitalized on to win some seats in the National and State Assemblies during the 2011 elections. It is left to be seen how much influence the Buhari factor will have on the elections when the time comes. Interestingly however, the election may renewed the rivalry between the PDP bigwigs in the state who may want to use it to prove that they still have control of their areas. There are those who believe that the election will further bring out the perceived rivalry between Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and former Governor, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi. Even though the two men have continued to insist in public that everything was alright between them, political watchers in the state are of the opinion that the relationship between them has not been cordial. But when the local government election is eventually conducted, it is left to be seen who among the two will carry the day.

Will soldiers deliver the dream or scuttle it?

•Continued from page 43

move. Speaking to The Nation on condition of anonymity, the president of the group who is a businessman said it is an act of intimidation designed to achieve a particular purpose.

“The planned deployment of 3,500 soldiers to Edo State amounts to an act of intimidation. Are they intimidating the voters or opponents? It is overkill. What of the estimated 17,000 policemen already deployed?

If this is a democracy, we do not need all that number of security men that would end up doing more harm than good. This is not a military regime.

“Whatever is the objective behind the deployment, it lacks careful thinking and profound consideration. You cannot declare military invasion of a state in the name of trying to ensure peaceful conduct of an election or maintaining peace and order.

T

HE Movement for Democratic Reform (MDR), yesterday, said it would work for the success of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the October 20, governorship election in Ondo State.

The Association also said it has no objection to the emergence of the former president,Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) as the party’s candidate in the election.

In a statement signed by its acting chairman ,Mr. Gbanju AruwayoObe, and Secretary, Bolaji

“People are not really convinced that the sole purpose of the deployment is to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election. They are saying for instant, that it is to help the Federal Government regain Edo State which is the only state in the South-South not ruled by the party.

“If that is the objective, it will be very unfortunate. But if is really to assist the commission and the people of Edo State in realising the dream of a peaceful, free and fair election; one man, one vote and that the votes must count, then it would be excellent. Meanwhile we are watching very closely what they are really up to”, the group president said.

And it could be said that not only the socio-cultural group, but indeed all Nigerians are watching to see if the soldiers will assist in delivering the dream of Edo State people come Saturday or scuttle it. The question that other observers are asking is, when the Police will be sufficiently equipped to handle all civil activities, including elections.

• Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left) and the newly elected Chairman National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr. Tanko Yunusa during the Osun State interactive programme with the public tagged: Ogbeni Till Day Day Break, at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding at Osogbo yesterday ...

‘We will work for Ondo ACN’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Erogunaye,the group expressed optimism that ACN would produce the next governor of the state.

The duo, in the statement, advised the leadership of the party to put in place necessary machinery to facilitate and brighten the chances of the party and ensure that the deputy governorship slot is zoned to Ilaje local government area.

The association suggested that a vibrant youth from Ilaje local government with vast experience in politics be chosen as a running mate to the party’s flagbearer.

It is of the view that such a person, if considered would be accessible to the youth and generate more votes for the party in the state particularly in Ondo South Senatorial District.

It said the objective of the Association is to promote fairness, equity

and social justice among the people of the state and also ensure that credible people are placed in positions of authorities.

Gbanju and Erogunaye disclosed that the group would soon hold its general meeting where necessary issues that relate to the conduct of the election will be discussed.

“We have resolved to throw our weight behind Rotimi Akeredolu candidature. We are prepared to

work for the success of ACN in the election. We are determined to send Dr. Mimiko out of power come 2013.

“Those who know MDR very well, will not have any reason to doubt our statement. It is our resolution to work for ACN and ensure that the party rules the state in the next dispensation”. The statement said The Group reportedly has over 20,000 youths as members and they are mainly from the coastal area of the state who felt aggrieved over the neglect of the area by the present government in the state.

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THE NATION

INVESTORS Foreign investors shop for Nigerian firms F

OREIGN investors are scouting for undervalued Nigerian companies and possible turnaround targets as inlets into the economy just as foreign portfolio managers increased their stakes on quoted equities.

Sources familiar with these enquiries on possible acquisitions, takeovers and strategic equity investments have increased comparatively this year.

Investment banking pundits said foreign investors have particularly showed keen interests in the agriculture, financial services and healthcare sectors, which were seen as growth sectors of the economy.

Sources said though the security challenge facing the country appeared to be moderating discussions around many major investments, foreign investors appeared to be discounting the security risks

Stories by Taofik Salako

against the huge opportunity presented by Nigeria’s emerging economy.

Despite of the global economic contraction, Nigerian economy has sustained consecutive years of growth with average yearly growth of more than six per cent. Most forecasts expect the economy to remain on the upward in the years ahead, although with varied pace of growth.

Capital market operators said the percentage contribution of foreign portfolio investors in the Nigerian stock market increased in the first half, although definitive figures were still being compiled.

The moves by new foreign investors followed the pattern of existing major foreign investors in several Nigerian leading companies,

which have increased their investments and control over the Nigerian companies.

Major multinationals including Nestle, Cadbury, PZ Cussons and Lafarge had recently reinvested in their Nigerian businesses with Lafarge and Cadbury acquiring additional equity stakes.

South African investors have also showed strong appetites for Nigerian companies with South Africa’s food conglomerate-Tiger Brand Limited, leading the acquisition spree. Tiger had acquired significant equity stake in UAC Foods Limited, a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc. It also announced last week that it had reached agreement to acquire majority equity stake in Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Plc. Managing Director, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr Johnson Chukwu, said there has been an in-

crease in inflow of foreign investment in the first half.

Managing director, GTI Securities, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, said the increasing foreign interests in Nigerian companies would provide impetus for growth as foreign investors would provide muchneeded capital and technical competence to back up their Nigerian affiliates.

Chukwu, however, noted that the inflows were proportionately more of portfolio investments into Nigerian securities with strands of longterm investments.

According to him, with the exception of a few real sector investments such as the acquisition of Dangote Flour by the Tiger Group of South Africa and investments by private equity firms mostly from South Africa in Nigeria’s commercial real estate sector, virtually all the in-

flows have been channeled into speculative assets.

He pointed out that unless Nigeria implements policies that will see proportionate increase in real sector investments than speculative assets, the country face the challenge of economic disruptions that may result from capital movement by speculative investors.

“For the country to enjoy sustainable inflow of foreign direct investments into the real sector, government would have to address several policy issues including completion of the privatisation of the power sector, passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, implementation of the gas master plan, adoption of public private partnership model in infrastructure development and continued implementation of the agriculture reformation,” Chukwu said.

New fiscal measures boost agric stocks

R

ECENT Federal Government’s fiscal policy stance aimed at encouraging domestic agricultural companies appeared to be impacting positively on quoted agric stocks.

Many of these stocks have reported significant improvements in their

earnings, with attendant investors’ interests pushing up market considerations of the stocks.

The Federal Government had in its fiscal policy measures for this year granted several incentives to agriculture sector including a zero duty on agricultural machinery and equip-

ment with effect from January 31, 2012.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had noted that the new fiscal measures were introduced to support the development of agricultural sector. As part of the encouragements to local farmers, the government had indicated it

•From left: Head, Operations Citiserve Limited, Kehinde Adeniyi; Manager, Merchant Services, Diamond Bank PLC, Lanre Raheem; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Citiserve, Jibola Shodunke and Manager, Thistle Bar & Restaurant Limited, Dennis Aghedo, at Citiserve Merchants Stakeholders’ Congress, at Westown PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

would prohibit importation of cassava flour with effect from March 31, 2012.

There are five wholly agricultural companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) including FTN Cocoa Processing Company, Okomu Oil Palm, Presco, Ellah Lakes and Livestock Feeds Plc. But several other quoted companies have subsidiaries or substantial operations in agriculture. These include Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, PZ Cussons Nigeria, UAC of Nigeria, Nestle Nigeria and Cadbury Nigeria Plc. Latest operational reports by many agriculture and agric-related stocks have shown significant increase in overall performance, which have also kept share prices of most of the companies at their highest levels in recent period.

Interim report and accounts of Presco Plc-a palm oil plantation and milling company, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 showed that profit before tax jumped from N731.25 million in 2011 to N2.24 billion in 2012. Profit after tax also leapt to N1.63 billion as against N567.54 million. The company’s turnover rose by 47 per cent from N1.50 billion to N2.21 billion.

Also, Livestock Feeds Plc, a feed milling company, reported that turnover doubled to N1.27 billion in first quarter 2012 compared with N587.47 million recorded in comparable period of 2011. Profit after tax also increased from N16.96 million to N44.55 million.

Nestle Nigeria also doubled its

profit in the first quarter with profit before tax rising from N3.46 billion in 2011 to N7.35 billion in 2012. Profit after tax jumped to N6.17 billion as against N2.57 billion. Turnover grew from N20.38 billion to N28.67 billion.

Cadbury Nigeria also showed similar improvement in profitability in spite of slight decline in sales.

With relatively lower cost of sales, profit before tax improved from N314.73 million in 2011 to N587.1 million in 2012. Profit after tax increased from N205.57 million to N400.66 million. Turnover however, slipped from N7.59 billion to N7.20 billion.

Presco, Livestock Feeds and Nestle Nigeria have shot to their highest market considerations at the stock market as investors continued to react to improvements in earnings.

Market analysts have said the new agric-centric fiscal policy measures would impact positively on quoted agricultural companies and enhance their profitability within the medium to long-term.

According to analysts, the new policy would help to reduce the costs of agricultural companies and further stimulate investments in mechanised operations.

They also said the new policy measures were the much-needed incentives to boost large scale agricultural business, noting that although the timeline for the impact may differ from company to company, the new measures would be general impetus for the sector.

Profit after tax N64.656m AIICO Ins Gross premium N2.561b Profit after tax N344.406m GSK Nig Turnover N6.756b Profit after taxation N580.824m Abbey Building Society Gross earnings N1.300b Profit after tax N217.537m Regency Alliance Gross premium N1.300b Profit after tax N303.777m Total Nigeria Turnover N54.466b Profit after tax N1.804b Red Star Express Turnover N2.888b Profit after tax N200.557m Cadbury Nig

Turnover N9.873b Profit after tax N735m Okomu Oil Turnover N2.176b Profit after tax N667.068m Continental Re Turnover N10.028b Profit after tax N1.207b Livestock Feeds Turnover N1.379b Profit after tax N51.654m IEI Gross Premium N4.250b Profit after tax N533.898m Cornerstone Ins Premium Revenue N919.418m Profit after tax N41.002m Skye Bank Gross earnings N99.710b Profit after tax N13.933b

Forecasts Q3 Sept 2012 Presco Turnover N2.400b Profit after tax N613.760m Berger Paints Turnover N976.303m Profit after tax N88.258m Oasis Ins Turnover N450m Profit after tax N63.894m Access Bank Gross earnings N54.782b Profit after tax N11.907b Resort Savings & Loans Gross earnings N960.736m Profit after tax N165.540m Trans-Nationwide Exp Gross earnings N170.342m Profit after tax N40.568m GT Assure Gross premium N9.525b Profit after tax N1.241b

Pharma-Deko Turnover N454m Profit before tax N10m Eterna Turnover N56.413b Profit after tax N859.734m Consolidated Hallmark Ins Gross premium N4.110b Profit after tax N511.564m CCNN Turnover N3.683b Profit after Tax N402.165m Custodian & Allied Gross Premium N8.540b Profit after tax N1.345b UPDC Turnover N10.274b Profit after tax N1.002b Nestle Nig Turnover N28.850b Profit after tax N4.014b

UACN Turnover N48.313b Profit after tax N4.611b Julius Berger Turnover N125.541b Profit after tax N3.993b Diamond Bank Gross earnings N27.315b Profit after tax N3.107b Oando Turnover N123.207b Profit after tax N2.967b MRS Oil Nig Turnover N76.804b Profit after tax N1.068b Transcorp Total income N2.658b Profit after tax N1.507b Evans Medicals Revenue N1.619b

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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THE NATION INVESTORS UACN chief makes case for manufacturers

G

ROUP Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc Mr Larry Ettah has called for the implementation of a comprehensive development strategy that would address challenges facing real-sector firms and jumpstart the steady growth of the industrial sector.

Ettah, who presides over six manufacturing companies in the UACN Group, said multiple taxes, poor infrastructure and inconsistent fiscal policies were posing major challenges to the competitiveness of manufacturers.

He said consistency of fiscal policy whether relating to taxation, budgets and spending, tariffs and industrial incentives, economic diversification and other elements of government policy are sine qua non for successful industrial development.

He outlined fiscal policies and other factors impacting negatively on real sector operators to include the excessive tax structure, particularly company tax and per-

By Taofik Salako

sonal income tax, government procurement policy and unbridled approval of waivers and concessions to groups and individuals to import products at concessionary duty rates.

Others are re-introduction of customs duty on importation of plants and equipment, which makes retooling and expansion more expensive and absence of incentives to companies for providing their own infrastructure and utilities. ‘’My position is that government should reduce company income taxes applicable to the productive economy and scrap capital gains tax. We also hope that all governments will find the political will to actually streamline taxes, charges and rates nationwide as provided by Act 21 of 1998 and improve collection efficiency generally, rather than concentrate tax raising efforts on a few socially responsible individuals and companies,’’ Ettah said.

•From left: Representative of Commissioner for Education, Lagos State Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo; Deputy General Manager, GTBank Mr Isa Omagu; Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi and Manager, Mrs Oyinade Adegbite, during the Tournament Ambassadors Programme (TAP) by GTBank in Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

FACTS

TO

FACTS

Bagco vs Avon Crowncaps: Widening gaps N IGERIAN Bag Manufacturing Company (Bagco) Plc and Avon Crowncaps (Avon) Plc share many similarities including foreign shareholding and presence of many expatriates in the top management.

Bagco, the bigger of the two companies, is owned largely by the foreign-controlled Flour Mills of Nigeria while more than 80 per cent of Avon’s equities are held by foreign core investors.

Avon manufactures and sells drums, crowncaps, pilfer-proof caps, containers, metal printing, inks, colourants and pigment pastes amongst others. Bagco manufactures woven and laminated polypropylene bags.

Both companies are leading stocks in the packaging sector.

Bagco leads as the most capitalised packaging company while Avon follows as the second most capitalized company. Besides, the two companies run the same business year; ending March 31. However, in terms of operations, Bagco is twice the size of Avon.

Latest fundamental reports of the two companies showed widening gaps between the fundamentals of the two companies. On stand-alone and comparative terms, Bagco consolidated its upwardly performance while Avon witnessed considerable declines in key fundamentals.

Sales generation Bagco doubled its top-line growth to 30 per cent in 2012 as against 15 per cent in 2011, pushing average annual growth in recent period to about 23 per cent.

Avon’s turnover however dropped by 2.5 per cent in 2012 compared with marginal increase of 5.7 per cent in 2011. These implied two-year average growth rate of 1.6 per cent. Avon’s top-line has shown consistent decline in recent years dropping from an increase of 16.2 per cent in 2010.

Profitability Bagco rode on the back of more efficient mid-line cost management to improve both outward and

By Taofik Salako

underlying profitability in 2012.

Pre-tax profit grew by 42 per cent in 2012 as against an increase of 72 per cent in 2011, representing average increase of about 57 per cent over the period. Gross profit had grown by 26 per cent. Profit after tax also increased by 35 per cent in 2012 compared with an increase of 192 per cent in 2011.

Average net earnings growth thus stood at about 114 per cent.

While gross profit margin slipped marginally from 25.3 per cent in 2011 to 24.5 per cent in 2012, pre-tax profit margin firmed up from 8.1 per cent to 8.8 per cent.

On the other hand, Avon witnessed considerable decline in profitability. Profit before tax, which had grown marginally by 3.3 per cent in 2011, slumped by 66.3 per cent the following year.

Profit after tax also reversed from

FACTS TO FACTS Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

Bagco 2012 % 30.3 26.2 41.8 24.5 8.8 35.4 5.7 14.2

increase of 27 per cent in 2011 with a decline of 69 per cent in 2012. These placed average pre and post tax profits growths over the years at -32 per cent and -21 per cent. Profit before tax margin dwindled to 0.5 per cent in 2012 as against 1.5 per cent in 2011.

Apart from its shrinking sales, middle-level cost appeared to be major challenge for the company.

Gross profit margin had firmed up from 12 per cent to about 15 per cent, which pushed gross profit up by 15 per cent in 2012 as against a decline of 5.2 per cent.

Actual returns Since underlying returns are related to net earnings, both companies again followed opposite direction on the return table. While Bagco improved on returns to stakeholders, Avon’s returns slumped to their lowest levels in recent years.

2011 % 15.2 71.6 25.3 8.1 191.8 4.4 11.2

Average % 22.75 13.1 56.7 24.9 8.45 113.6 5.05 12.7

Pre-tax profit margin (Avon)

Bagco increased underlying return on total assets from 4.04 per cent to 5.7 per cent, implying average return of about 5.05 per cent over the period. Bagco improved return to shareholders from 11.2 per cent to 14.2 per cent, representing average return on equity of 12.7 per cent in the past two years.

However, Avon’s returns generally slipped below average in the immediate past year with return on equity declining from 5.3 per cent to 1.6 per cent. Return on total assets also dwindled to 0.3 per cent in 2012 compared with modest return of 1.4 per cent in 2011.

The Bottom-line The packaging sector is closely related with the manufacturing and retail sectors of the economy.

Packaging sector serves as major input sector for the manufacturing sector and consequently thrives

Turnover growth Gross profit growth Pre-tax profit growth Gross margin Pre-tax profit margin Net profit growth Return on Assets Return on Equity

during a period of product innovation, repackaging and corporate expansion.

Manufacturers and allied sectors are usually the first casualties in a depressing and inflationary economy.

The peer review showed the different shock absorption capacity of each company. With underestimating the impact of recent investments, Bagco appears to be relatively insulated from the vagaries of the sector by the extensive bagging requirements of its parent company. From flour to pasta and cement, Flour Mills Group’s inhouse demand for bags guarantees a sizeable order for Bagco.

Flour Mills of Nigeria had expanded its operations, creating headroom for growth for its packaging subsidiary. Avon meanwhile appears more susceptible to the shocks with lower demand amidst rising costs biting into the slim margin of the company.

Avon Crowncaps 2012 2011 % % -2.5 5.7 15.3 -5.2 -66.3 3.3 14.6 12.4 0.5 1.5 -68.8 26.6 0.3 1.4 1.6 5.3

Average % 1.6 5.05 -31.5 13.5 1 -21.1 0.85 3.45

Pre-tax profit margin (Bagco)

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INSURANCE HALF YEAR REVIEW Amid daunting challenges, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and operators entered the year with high expectations. Their goals were hinged on Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI), launch of Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) and other initiatives. CHUKS UDO OKONTA examines the events that shaped the sector.

Many unfinished businesses H

OW to grow the industry was the major preoccupation of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and operators, who came into the year with hope of leveraging essentially on the enforcement of Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI) and Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) to achieve their targets.

While the MDRI mandates the public to comply with compulsory insurances, such as motor vehicle, buildings and buildings under construction, employer’s liability, medical professional liability, group life for all employers, the NIID was designed to develop a database for insured vehicles in the country. The industry set a target of over N100 billion to be achieved through the NIID. The operators were optimistic that the enforcement of their initiatives would aid the attainment of N1trillion gross premium income by the end of the year, a dream which now seems like a mirage according to feelers from the industry.

MDRI is a medium term industry development plan by the NAICOM covering the period of 2009-2012. It is designed to operate as the first phase of the reforms in the insurance sector and focused on the following: enforcement of compulsory insurance products, increase insurance awareness, reduction in the incidence of fake insurance and insurance agency reform. It was the industry’s projection that the following results will be achieved by the end of this year: gross premium income of N1.10 trillion, creation of additional 250,000 new jobs, make substantial contribution

into the Fire Service Maintenance Fund (FSMF) as provided in section 65(5) of the Insurance Act and attain3.0 per cent insurance contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as against 0.72 per cent in 2008.

Developments that shaped the industry are issuance of guidelines by NAICOM, directives on money laundry, Dana Air plane crash, NIID, appointments, and others.

Thematic guidelines The Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel said NAICOM adopted some thematic guidelines to ensure continuity in the industry’s reform, that yearly change of guidelines would not help in achieving the desired reform of the industry. He said the adoption of the guidelines would help strengthen most of the policies that are being implemented by operators.

He said every policy stated in the guidelines will be implemented to help promote the on going reform in the industry. He noted that the industry has moved very slowly, as it has been walking in the last years, with an attempt to jog. He said the industry would no longer jog but we run to meet with public expectations.

Money laundering In line with the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), insurers were mandated to preserve their customers’ information for not less than 10 years after the end of any

• Former Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi (left) and Chairman Remi Olowude at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

transaction. They were also to pay a daily fine of N1 million for infraction on the AML/CFT Act. Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) , Sunday Thomas, said the custody of customers’ information was in line with the industry’s bid to have detail information of customers. He said companies are to display in their offices the notice stating the corporate responsibility for disclosure of information in respect of transactions above specified threshold.

He said insures are to identify the nature and scope of the business to be transacted, the duty to obtain evidence of identification, keep customers information up to date and review customers’ information at every point of transaction.

He noted that insurers are to report to the NAICOM observations detrimental to their operations, adding that they have to also receive and vet suspicious transaction reports from staff. They also have to render “nil” reports with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), where necessary, to ensure compliance, cocoordinate the training of staff in Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/

H

working on it too. Indeed, it is a big challenge. Right now, the focus has been on the Federal Government, but in fashioning out terrorism risks, we must look for potential buyers, of such products and going down the road of insurance, it is based on large numbers.

It is not just enough to develop a product that will not be embraced and where one would not be able to gather sufficient premium from which the extra ordinary large claims can be paid.”

Managing Director, FirstBank Life Assurance Limited, Mr Val Ojumah, said most life insurers were reviewing their policies to accommodate terrorism risks, adding that the menace has thrown up a challenge to operators and the government.

“Most life policies do not exclude terrorism previously, but they exclude war and war-like situations.

Now we insurers are reconsidering terrorists to seek the possibility of covering it. General insurance market is a special market that offers special cover only. Now, most life insurers are reviewing their cover because of the dimension terrorism has taken. Terrorism cover may not be generally available now, but a lot of people are considering how

DANA aircraft crash The Dana Air plane crash on June 3, in Lagos, threw the nation into pains, as the 153 passengers on board perished. The mishap has rattled the industry as underwriters that insured the ill-fated aircraft incurred about N16.48 billion claims.

Former Chairman, Nigerian Insurers Association, Olusola LadipoAjayi, said the victims’ claims would be paid, irrespective of challenges arising from the premium payment.

He noted that ‘No Premium No Cover’ clause would not deter insurers from settling the claims of civil servants who died in the crash.

Ladipo-Ajayi said though the Federal Government was yet to pay the group life cover for its employees, insurers would settle the claims arising from the mishap and collect the premium later.

NIID The industry’s database project, which was conceived in 2010 to help develop robust information on insured vehicles, was launch on June 26. The launch heralded the deployment of the over 500,000 electronic card readers to security agencies to verify genuine vehicle insurance licences.

The project, according to NIA, would eradicate fake insurance and minimise instances of fraudulent claims and provide real time information that would address issues raised by stakeholders, insuring public, market players, law enforcement agents and regulators.

It will also serve as source of historical data for analysis and benchmarking, thereby providing qualitative analysis of industry performance.

NIA chair Within the period under review, the mantle of NIA leadership was transferred to the Executive-Vice Chairman Industrial and General Insurance Limited, Remi Olowude.

He promised to take the industry to a lofty height through adherence to laws and creation of awareness.

Pension transfer window coming

Insecurity fazes underwriters OW to remain afloat amid the growing insecurity in the land is putting underwriters on their edge, The Nation has learnt.

The worries stem from the huge claims they are incurring because of insecurity.

The President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr Wole Adetimehin, who spoke at the institute’s International Education Conference in Abuja, said insecurity is a major concern to operators, adding that no business can thrive amid uncertainty.

He said the research department of the institute was working on how to help underwriters develop products that would cater for menace such as Boko Haram.

He said: “Terrorism is one area of study. It is not just enough for us to say because of our recent experience. Let the terrorism product be out tomorrow. We have been to other markets where they have these products. We have been to Asian, South African markets where these products exit. I can tell you that underwriters under the umbrella of the NIA, AIO are working on the product. On the part of CIIN, the research department is

CFT), awareness, detection methods and reporting requirements; and serving both as a liaison officer for the NAICOM and NFIU and a pointof contact for all employees on issues relating to money laundering and terrorist financing.

A

• Adetimehin

to cover it with reinsurance,” he said.

President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Laide Osijo, said brokers were partnering with foreign underwriters to provide cover for the menace.

She noted that most local underwriters are turning away from the risk because it is hazardous.

“Terrorism is alien in Nigeria, it is some we are not used to, but it is written abroad. Presently, some brokers are working on policies to enable us place the risk abroad with underwriters who cover terrorism risks,” he said.

PENSION transfer window under which contributors can choose their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) will start soon, the Chairman Pension Operators Association of Nigeria, Mr Dave Uduanu, has said.

He said in Lagos that the industry was ripe enough to start the process.

According to many contributors have been complaining of the PFAs, hence, there is an urgent need to allow people choose their contributors.

He said: “The time is ripe for transfer window. Operators would make sure it starts this year. I believe that transfer window is important, for there are people complaining of their PFAs. We are working hard to ensure that the window is opened for contributors.”

He said the window would give contributors the option of changing their pension fund administrator, increase supervision and regulatory vigilance to weed out weak operators and improve the institutional framework of the industry by encouraging consolidation amongst marginal players.

“Without doubt, the Commission has done creditably well in the last six years. However, there remains unfinished business – these include opening the transfer window to give contributors the option of changing their

pension fund administrator, increased supervision and regulatory vigilance to weed out weak operators, improves the institutional framework of the industry by encouraging consolidation amongst marginal players and constantly reviewing the investment guideline to enable pension fund administrators invest in secure instruments that engage in impactful but profitable investments.

It decentralises PenCom by creating regional offices in each of the six geo-political zones of the Country,” he added. Director-General National Pension Commission(PenCom),Mr Mohammad Ahmad, said the commission will provide Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders with choices of investment multiple fund structure.

He said the framework for this was being worked out, adding that the move was part of the initiatives taken to reposition the industry.

“As we consolidate our achievements in the implementation of the pension reform, a number of initiatives would be introduced. The RSA transfer mechanism would be made operational as the framework is currently being reviewed by the industry,” he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Mrs Odutola

-Adebola Orolugbagbe

‘How I found fortune in oil’ C

HINEDU Okonkwo, Managing Director, Riquest Oil and Gas Limited, could have got a job in any oil company after he resigned as transport manager in a Lagosbased private organisation.

But he chose not to seek for a job, because he wanted to become an entrepreneur.

A graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Okonkwo heard about about the millions in the oil and gas. He saw opportunity to become an independent oil operator, his longtime goal. He went into the sector with that expectation. He started trading in oil in Lagos.

He then relocated to Port Harcourt. Okonkwo said things didn’t work out the way he dreamt as he sailed into stormy waters.

But something happened that changed his course. The day his money finished, his former boss called that he should help load his truck at the refinery. From there, things started shaping up

By Daniel Essiet

again. Okonkwo said he started helping people load petrol with ease.

Thanks to years of dedication and calculated risks, things began to pay off financially. His business increased. His drive, determination and resilience over the years are an inspiration to anyone starting a business.

Okonkwo has maintained a profitable and financially sound business through challenging times. He said: “On the way to fulfilling your dreams, obstacles and road blocks are sure, you need to know how to navigate through temporary setbacks.

The first hurdle the Riquest boss had to scale to realise his dreams was the recurring decimal in the stories of entrepreneurs - start up capital. He said: “One of the challenges then was raising capital. I didn’t have the money required for the kind of venture I had in mind,” he revealed, but rather than give up on his dreams, he took off the hand

breaks and threw in his savings.

He recollected: “I started this company in 2009, if I recall now. I knew the initial loan that I needed to operate well was about N6 million. I went from bank to bank and they all turned me down.” He finally heaved a sigh of relief when FirstBank officials, after several meetings, and demands of countless documents and assessments decided to grant him the loan he required.

This was the boost he needed.

Few years on, Riquest Oil and Gas Limited has a turnover that runs in billions and he is like a beautiful bird as banks now chase him to finance his firm.

“When I was looking for initial capital from banks, they wrote me off. Today, they chase me to collect deposit. I believe that any man who knows where he is going, will have divine provision for his divine dreams,” he said.

But it has not been bed of roses for him. He had suffered from financial crises. The trucks have been giving problems, especially

accidents.

Through wise counsel, Okonkwo employed trainers to train, retrain, examine and evaluate his tanker drivers quarterly.

He said: “Because we wanted to build a great brand, we hired Digiforte - a Public Relations company to increase our visibility, influence perception and raise reputation which has culminated in making Riquest company a fast growing brand in the oil and gas sector. We are raising the standards. We do not compromise with excellence. All of our contractors know that if they do any substandard work, we will reject it.”

However, the firm’s growth has not been without fierce competition coming from other players in the oil and gas, downstream sector. Competition and the challenge they pose to Riquest’s dominance is not an issue Okonkwo loses sleep about. Riquest, he said, is not resting on its oars despite its achievements, he wants

• Okonkwo

to continue to expand. Okonkwo revealed that the competition has been there from day one, but Riquest’s concern is, to think everyday on how to improve on what to do to satisfy customers.

On taking the company to the next level, he said the company has been granted facilities by some banks to purchase filling stations and build new ones. “We are still talking to potential investors and banks to build a tank farm in Rivers State.”

Investing in granite quarrying plant

N

• From left: Regional Manager, Office of International Investment and Trade, Dept of Business and Economic Dev., Maryland, USA, Jessica L. Reynolds, speaking at a Business Forum organised by Kwara State Association of Nigeria (KSANG) in North America at Gaylord National Hotel, Washington DC. With her are member, House of Representatives Hon. Moshood Mustapha; President, KSANG, Lateef Adebisi Amolegbe; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and Speaker, State House of Assembly, Abdulrasak Atunwa.

Firm to assist women, youths get jobs

D

ISTURBED by the rate of unemployment in the country, a United Kingdom-based firm Applied People Limited is working hard to see that those who are qualified get jobs.

Through its website, www.appliedpeople.net , young people can access vocational, technical, and life skills training; job-placement services; entrepreneurship training; and support for job creation through start-up and small and medium youth-led enterprises.

The body said it is not happy with figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Dr. Yemi Kale, the number of unemployed Nigerians rose from over 12 million in 2010 to over 14 million in 2011, with the figures escalating by 1.8 million between December 2010 and June 2011.The most affected are youths between 15 and 24; and 25 and 44.The rural areas were the most vulnerable.

That is why the firm is targetting unemployed school leavers, particu-

larly young men, who lack the skills or are unable to start small business enterprises.

The firm will give them job training and placement services.

Its Chief Executive,Will Omordia, said the company's programmes would improve young people's prospects by preparing them for quality jobs and helping others succeed as entrepreneurs.

Young entrepreneurs will offer participants training, teach them how to access financial capital through a revolving loan, technical assistance and links to mentors in the business community.

Omordia’s initiative is unique because of his penchant for wanting to add value to people’s lives.

He has literally gone through the mills. He was unemployed for 20 years and would not want others to tread that painful path.

However, from being unemployed, he is teaching others how to make it. More significantly, he has contacts that could assist Nigerians.

He said: ”I represent a host of sponsors, affiliates and partners

who not only want to offer assistance, but do so without fanfare. We believe we can access expert specialist training facilitators from within Nigeria and all over the world to deliver content for most programmes desired in the country.”

He added: “ Our programme does not just deliver a suitable and comprehensive content, we follow the progress of trainees, even post training for a while to ensure that they succeed. We will help with job search, job apprenticeship, mentoring, coaching and business guidance. We believe that even one successful trainee is potentially a successful family, and therefore, a successful nation.”

The company offers trainees N120,000 monthly. But this is for those who have completed the training and have gone ahead to introduce others to it.

The onus is, therefore, on Nigerians to avail themselves of this rare opportunity. It is not enough for one to lament his economic challenges. He should encourage people with the right solutions to help him to make a change.

IGERIA’s mining industry is large. The spread is significant because it has 34 different minerals.

It has granite stones in large quantities which provides a source of livelihood for many Nigerians. In the past, it was mined manually, but there is sophisticated equipment that makes quarrying easy.

A vibrant mining sector provides a good platform for a country’s growth and development.

Quarrying is one of the foundational activities of the construction sector in any economy. Building of improved standard structures, construction of durable/quality roads and bridges are signals of development in any economy. The strength, durability and moderate specific gravity of granite makes it a suitable rock for aggregate production.

Besides, granite quarrying contributes to the economic development of the nation. Quarrying is labour intensive; therefore, lot of employment is created. It also creates infrastructural development.

Most of the urban cities in Nigeria are still embarking on building and construction projects. Thus, commercial granite quarrying is an investment that will meet the needs of a ready and ever growing market. The major raw materials required for crushed stones production include: high explosives, electric detonators, detonating cords/ connecting wires (these are blasting material); and other consumables are diesel, engine oil and lubricants.

Machinery for a commercial granite quarrying consist of mobile jaw crusher, mobile screen, surface crawler drill rig, earth moving equipment, workshop equipment, dump trailer and prime movers, generators, light vehicles.

There are many renowned companies in and outside the country that supply the machin-

By: Edwin Agbaike (Projects, Financial & Management Consultant)

ery/ equipment.

Also, supply spare parts, offer after sales/ maintenance and training services, including technological backup. The quarrying process begins after the geologists have found an appropriate site which contains a large supply of rocks beneath the earth’s surface.

A permit is obtained before work within the quarry site actually starts. In order to get to the rock beneath the surface of the earth, the land for mining has to be cleared. Other technical details on the quarrying process can be obtained on request.

The cost of machinery/ equipment, other assets/ acquisition of the quarry site will require a start up of about $5 million. This amount can be scaled down or increased, depending on the financial capacity of the project promoters. The project has great economic potentials if properly planned and implemented. Returns in terms of turnover and profits are considerably very high; sometimes running over 45 per cent.

This project stands a good chance of attracting off-shore funding, which can be routed through any of the Nigerian Commercial or Foreign Banks. A well packaged Feasibility Report is a pre-requisite to securing finance for the project. This can be provided by the Consultant on request. For details on how to implement this project or any other, please contact us. We are willing to assist potential investors on any aspect of the project including fund sourcing. Prospective investors may get in touch with us at the address stated hereunder.

Kris-Ed Brilliant Limited [Brilliant Consulting]. 395, Borno Way, off Harbert Macualy Road, SaboYaba, Lagos State.

Tel. 08023381900; 08098525122. Email: krisedbrilliant@yahoo.com

‘A vibrant mining sector provides a good platform for a country’s growth and development. Quarrying is one of the foundational activities of the construction sector in any economy’

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

53

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-7-12

Profit-taking halts stock market rally

A

FTER five consecutive bullish trading sessions, the Nigerian stock market (NSE) yesterday paused its recent upswing as investors cashed in on the built-up capital gains over the five-day bullish trading period, overwhelming the cautious demand that had characterised the early days of the second half.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities, which had opened last week Tuesday at N6.886 trillion had built up to N7.084 trillion two days ago, an increase of N198 billion. But the market contracted yesterday as voluminous transactions in banking subsector and losses by highly capitalised banks overshadowed widespread gains among several stocks.

Aggregate market value of all equities dropped from its opening value of N7.084 trillion to N7.062 trillion, a loss of N24 billion.

With 22 gainers to 21 losers, the presence of high-cap banks such as Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Stanbic IBTC Bank tilted the overall market situation to the negative.

The benchmark index at Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) the All Share Index (ASI), which tracks prices of all quoted equities and doubles as Nigeria’s country index, slipped from index on board of 22,191.14 points to close at 22,120.47 points.

Zenith Bank, the second most capitalised banking stock

•UBA posts N26.2b half year profit

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

and fourth most capitalised quoted company, lost 36 kobo to close at N14.01. Guaranty Trust Bank, the third most capitalised quoted firm dropped by 20 kobo to N15.80 while FCMB and Stanbic IBTC lost 15 kobo and 14 kobo to close at N3.20 and N6.82 respectively.

On the upside, Conoil led the advancers with a gain of 93 kobo to close at N20.54.

UACN Property Development Company trailed with a gain of 44 kobo to close at N9.26 while Union Bank of Nigeria added 14 kobo to close at N4.09 per share.

Total turnover stood at 232.41 million shares worth N1.84 billion in 3,794 deals.

Access Bank was the most active stock with a turnover of 31.23 million shares worth N237.36 million in 274 deals.

Meanwhile, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has recorded a post-tax profit of N26.2billion for the half year ended June 30, 2012, depicting an increase of 138.4 per cent over the N11 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2011.

The interim report and accounts of the lender made available to the investing public at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday also indicated a pre-tax profit of N31.842 billion, representing an increase of 159 per cent, compared with N12.3 billion.

Similarly, gross earnings

also rose by 22 per cent to N111 billion compared with N91.3 billion in the corresponding period 2011.

The growth in the top-line according to a statement from the bank was driven mainly by fund-based incomes while overall performance was impacted by increasing earnings accruing to the group’s investments across Africa.

Further analysis showed that group’s cost-to-income ratio for the period improved significantly from 82.1 per cent in June 2011 to 60.9 per cent.

Return on equity rose by 28.1 per cent from 6.8 per cent, total assets grew from N1.946 trillion to N2.044 trillion, while net loan portfolio increased to N734.4billion compared with N690.4billion.

In his remarks on the performance, group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza said the first half performance was an indication of how the bank expects to consolidate its growth in the periods ahead. ”At the beginning of the year, I stated that our expansion into Africa had reached a consolidation stage and the management of UBA had shifted its focus from expansion, to extracting value from the investments made in the Group’s unique footprints across Africa. What you have seen in the first half of the year, is a reflection of what our platform is capable of delivering,” Oduoza said.

He noted that the bank’s ability to significantly grow profit and contain costs is an indication of its promise and determination to deliver good returns to all stakeholders and particularly to its shareholders.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 10-7-12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

T

CBN auctions $764m forex in 7 days

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has in the last one week, sold $764 million forex at the bi-weekly Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS). The sales cover WDAS transactions conducted on July 2nd, 4th and 9th.

The CBN offered $650 million but sold $601.1 million at the WDAS last week and on Monday, sold $163 million to make a cumulative $764 million.

Data from the CBN website showed that 20 banks participated and were successful in the

Stories by Collins Nweze

July 2 auction, where the weighted average rate of transaction was N156.01 to a dollar.

This was followed by July 4th transaction where 17 banks participated and were successful, with weighted average rate of transaction was N156.94 to a dollar. Finally, the July 9, where 15 banks participated and were successful in the WDAS transaction, with weighted transaction average pegged at N155.87 to a dollar.

Meanwhile, analysts at Afrinvest West Africa have predicted that the naira will firm this week over rising foreign direct investments (FDIs). “We expect the naira to strengthen further this week, in view of increased FDI inflows,” it said in an emailed statement.

The firm said that globally, equities market exhibited modest performances in the last one week and may sustain the trend within the week . This he said, has also determined money market transactions. The All-

Share index continued on a bullish note despite opening the week with a loss on the first trading day.

Afrinvest had at its weekly market report said there was a dearth of liquidity in the money market last week, with all market rates closing at least 300 basis points north of the benchmark interest rate. “We expect money market rates to remain at current levels this week,” it said.

The interbank lending rates rose slightly last week to an av-

Stanbic IBTC to adopt HoldCo structure

S

TANBIC IBTC Bank has concluded plans to adopt a holding company (HoldCo) structure at a court ordered meeting of its shareholders. The name of the proposed HoldCo has been registered as Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. This new structure will be proposed to shareholders in compliance with the revised regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which requires banks to divest from non-core banking businesses or adopt a holding structure.

“A major reason for adopting the new structure is to consolidate our goal of building

Nigeria’s leading end-to-end financial services organisation, leveraging on our competitive advantages in the various business segments, including banking, pensions, stock-broking, custody and asset management,” the chief executive officer, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, stated.

Sheemphasised that the new structure will impact positively on shareholders and customers, as the group will leverage the capacities resident in each business to further improve the entire group’s ability to maintain sustainable growth and further supported by the financial re-

Under the new arrangement, existing shareholders’ will retain 39.77 per cent of the holding company, while Standard Bank will own 52.76 per cent.

The newly-created entity will then own 99.9 percent of the subsidiaries.

The operating subsidiaries of the HoldCo will be Stanbic IBTC Bank (including Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Ltd), Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, and Stanbic IBTC Investments Limited.

sources and global network of the Standard Bank Group, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs.

Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. DavidBorha reiterated, will continue to partner Nigeria in unlocking the country’s growth potential to accelerate the country’s socioeconomic development, notwithstanding the fast-changing and challenging operating environment.

According to the bank, shareholders will approve the new structure on August 9, and then the bank will de-list from the Nigerian Stock Exchange on September 17, and be replaced with Stanbic IBTC Holding Plc.

ETI signs •40.7m pact with PROPARCO, BIO

E

COBANK Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has signed a •40.7 million seven-year loan facility agreement with PROPARCO, the Development Financial Institution arm of the French Development Agency (AFD) and BIO, the Belgian Investment

Company for Developing Countries.

In a statement, the bank said the fund will be invested in developing its systems and technology infrastructure serving nine million retail, local corporate, public sector and microfinance customers.

invested in infrastructure that will enable it serve its customers efficiently. “The investment demonstrates our on-going commitment to enriching Ecobank’s customer experience through investments in systems, technology and processes,” he said.

The bank also has 1,180 branches, 1,632 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and 2,744 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.

Ecobank’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Arnold Ekpe, said the bank has consistently

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 10-7-12 SYMBOL

FIDELITYBK UAC-PROP EVANSMED CONOIL AIRSERVICE LIVESTOCK CUTIX PAINTCOM BAGCO AGLEVENT

O/PRICE

1.20 8.82 0.82 19.61 1.27 1.29 1.52 2.20 2.00 0.77

C/PRICE

1.26 9.26 0.86 20.54 1.33 1.35 1.59 2.30 2.08 0.80

O/PRICE 6.00 26.50 11.10 3.35 1.81 1.90 0.53 0.59 14.37 6.87

C/PRICE 5.70 25.18 10.55 3.20 1.73 1.82 0.51 0.57 14.01 6.70

V

ISA Incorporated has instituted an award for financial institutions that recognise shares and promotes best practices in risk.

The programme aims to advance the risk management standards across all financial institutions by honoring those that have successfully implemented a secure and reliable infrastructure that counters fraud across all channels.

In a statement, the global payments company lauded the efforts of 20 institutions across Asia Pacific, Central Europe, Middle East and Africa (APCEMEA) by recognising them with the inaugural annual Visa LEADER Award at its 2012 security summit.

“Societies are increasingly moving from cash to electronic payments because they offer greater security, reliability and convenience than cash. As the payment ecosystem evolves and pay-

ments become smarter and better, fraud attacks are increasing in sophistication,” said Bryce Thorrold, Head of Risk, Visa sub-Saharan Africa.

According to him, Visa recognises that combating fraud is not an individual effort, but one that requires collaboration within the whole industry.

He said financial institutions have been advancing their risk management infrastructure by enhancing technology, protocols and tools to effectively mitigate emerging threats and trends.

“Visa clients across APCEMEA have been proactively countering fraud across all channels, and we want to applaud and recognise those that have stood out in their risk management measures, strategies and success rates. We hope this award will encourage others to emulate their success in advancing the security of the industry,” he said.

CHANGE 0.30 1.32 0.55 0.15 0.08 0.08 0.02 0.02 0.36 0.17

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

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

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

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

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

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.66 0.44 0.04 0.93 0.06 0.06 0.07 0.10 0.08 0.03

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 10-7-12

SYMBOL CCNN PZ BETAGLAS FCMB RTBRISCOE MAYBAKER LAWUNION NIGERINS ZENITHBANK DANGFLOUR

Sanusi

VISA institutes award for risks

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Governor,

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

•CBN

DATA BANK

Tenor

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

erage of 15.33 per cent, from 15.16 per cent the previous week, as naira liquidity fell, on large outflows to foreign exchange purchases.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) rose to 14.75 per cent, compared with 14.50 per cent last week.

This was, 2.75 percentage points above the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate, and 4.75 percentage points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.54 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 102.88 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,738.10 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,485.29 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.43 101.96 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,728.70 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,289.38 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

56

NEWS N2b BoI lifeline for Anambra industrialists

S

• Obi (right) speaking during the ocassion...yesterday. With him are From left: Anambra Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Robert Okonkwo (left) and Ms Oputu

Neighbour blames family members’ deaths on ‘evil spirit’ T

HE mystery surrounding the deaths of Paschal Njoku, wife, five siblings and two others, may take more time to unravel, as a neighbour to the deceased family blamed their deaths on ‘evil spirit’.

They were wiped out by an evil spirit that has been prowling the disputed piece of land accommodating the house of the late Njoku in the neighbour’s view.

All seven members of the family and two other friends were found dead on Sunday in a mysterious circumstance that instantly threw the Umuakuru village, in Owerri North Council Area into mourning.

Chief Innocent Ukaegbu, who lives a few metres away from the Njoku’s, said that the evil spirit first struck on Thursday night while the late wife was preparing supper for the family.

“We were outside with the

•Residents flee village

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

husband (Paschal), when the wife ran outside, shouting that her pot of soup that was boiling had been brought down by an invincible hand.

“Some youths who were drinking with us rushed to find out what was happening. They met the woman staggering round the kitchen like someone under the influence of alcohol. At that point, the youths grabbed her and about four of them collapsed with the woman.

“The five of them were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were revived. After the incident, we advised Paschal to leave the house and go somewhere else to stay with his family members, obviously to escape from

the rampaging spirit. But he refused and instead invited a pastor who prayed and sprinkled holy water in the compound”.

Ukaegbu, who advised the reporter not to go closer to the compound for fear of attack by the evil spirit, added that trouble started for the late Njoku family after he had a dispute with a family member over the land where he built his house.

He said: “While he was building the house, he was struck with stroke and he still walked with crutches.

And apparently to run away from the perceived enemies, he relocated his entire family to Port Harcourt where he worked and he did not come to the village often.

“But due to the burial of his

mother, he was forced to come to the village. See how they have all perished because of the land.”

Governor Rochas Okorocha, who was at the scene of the incident, on Monday, ordered the Umuakuru monarch, Eze Cyril Njoku, to invite a cleric, preferably a Catholic priest, to cleanse the community to avoid further attacks by the invincible spirit.

He suggested Rev Ejike Mbaka from Enugu.

Another villager, who pleaded for anonymity, corroborated the evil spirit story and said: “We are yet to come out of the shock. It sounds unbelievable but that is the truth, but we are praying that God should expose those behind the act.”

When The Nation visited the community yesterday, it was deserted as residents were said to have relocated to neighbouring villages for fear of being attacked.

Anambra’s health facilities the best, says federal official

F

OR the Zonal Technical Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Lami Nebechukwu, Anambra State has the best health facilities in the country.

Mrs. Nebechukwu gave the verdict at Orumba General Hospital, Ajalli, shortly after inaugurating the first round of the maternal, newborn and child health for the 2012 Pentavalent Immunization Week.

She explained that the

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

strong health indicators in Anambra made it possible for the state to be chosen as one of the two states for the introduction of the pentavalent vaccine.

She added that the programme has its focus on the creation of awareness on the imperatives of reducing infant and maternal mortality.

The pentavalent vaccine is being used in many countries in the world and Nigeria has

been recorded as the only country in West Africa that has not started using it.

The vaccine was introduced in Nigeria’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to be given to children aged below five as at May this year.

According to the State Immunization Officer, Dr Dan Umeh, the vaccine replaces the current DPT vaccine administered at six, 10, and 14 weeks and HBV administered at birth, six and 14 weeks.

He said the new EPI schedule will include antigens BCG, OPVO, HepBO (at birth), OPV (three doses), pentavalent (three doses), Measles and Yellow Fever.

Dr. Umeh further said that pentavalent vaccine is to prevent childhood deaths in Nigeria, noting that Nigeria ranks sixth among ten countries in Asia and Africa responsible for estimated 61 per cent childhood deaths in the world, resulting from Haemophillus Influenza type B (Hib).

Jos killings: Aregbesola, senator call for solution to insecurity

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the senator representing Osun East Babajide Omoworare have called for solutions to the killings in the country.

They described the death of a senator and a member of the House of Assembly in Plateau State as “another horrendous dimension to the growing insecurity in the country”.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor decried the killing of scores of people in the Sunday attack in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State and the death of the senator representing Plateau North, Dr. Gyan Dantong as well as the killing of Plateau State Majority Leader Gyan Fu-

Pfizer: Trust fund pays N19.6m compensation to drug test victim From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

H

EALTHCARE Meningitis Trust Fund Board, jointly established by the Kano State Government and Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company, yesterday paid the third batch of compensation to one of the victims of Trovan drug clinical trial conducted in 1996.

Eighteen-year-old Muhammed Mustapha, who is a member of the Trovan Victims Forum (TVF), yesterday received a cheque of $122,500 (about N19.6 million) as compensation.

lani.

Aregbesola said: “The death of the lawmakers is another sad pointer to us that we have reached the precipice. Unless we beat a hasty retreat, we may all be doomed. The dastardly murder of scores of people remains a sad reminder of how beastly we have turned in our handling of conflicts. And more horrendous was the death of the lawmakers that took place again in the course of the mass burial for the victims of the heinous raid.

“We have read conflicting reports on whether or not the lawmakers died of gunshots from attackers or of exhaustion during a stampede. All these matter less now. The critical but painful fact is that they all died as a result of unresolved conflicts in areas that have festered for long.”

The governor expressed regrets at the spread of violence

across the country, saying security agencies appear helpless.

He said: “While I urge the Federal Government, which controls the security apparatus, to act fast, I want to appeal to the people to sheath their swords wherever we have conflicts across this country.

What we have witnessed in the last few months will set our country back by about 10 years.

Through killings of promising citizens and destruction of government and private properties, we have set ourselves back by about a decade…”

Omoworare, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Dairo, called for a national action on security of lives and properties.

The senator commiserated with the family and friends of Senator Dantong, whose untimely departure to the great beyond came as a rude shock”.

MALL and Medium Enterprises (SMES) got a N2 billion lifeline from the micro intervention fund’s scheme of the Bank of Industry (BoI).

The largesse was announced by the bank’s Managing Director Ms Evelyn Oputu at the inauguration of the scheme in the state.

Ms Oputu also inaugurated the state office of the bank at Amawbia, even as she confirmed Governor Peter Obi as the first to initiate loan scheme for industrialists in the state.

According to her, the governor approached the bank for collaboration in the interest of Industrialists immediately

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

after his inauguration in 2006.

She, however regretted that his unconstitutional impeachment stalled the move since those who came after him never bought into his vision.

The BoI chief said Obi has beyond doubt, demonstrated that he has what it takes to encourage and drive the scheme, describing the state as a pace-setter in the country.

Ms Oputu urged beneficiaries of the revolving loans to ensure prompt repayment.

No cracks in Ogun ACN, says Amosun •5,000 dump PDP, PPN for ruling party

O

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday denied any crack in the ranks of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

He said the party is “a united family ready to face the local government election together”.

The governor spoke at Ijebu-Igbo after leading the party’s campaign train in four local governments ahead of the July 21 counncil election in the state.

Amosun received over 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) into ACN in Ogun-Waterside and Ijebu East local governments.

He led other party leaders to campaign in four local governments – Ogun-Waterside, Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East and Ijebu North - where they were received by enthusiastic party members and leaders.

He said: “The insinuation that ACN has any problem within its leadership is all ruse. We are a united family going into the election. By the grace of God, the ACN will win all the seats.”

The governor said the party would win the election with the support of the residents because the party was not known to be involved in election malpractices or using violence to intimidate voters.

Amosun said the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would increase the number of road to repair to 50 in line with its policy of zero-tolerance to potholes.

He said each of the 20 local governments would have at least two groups that would repair damaged portions of the roads.

Mr Mike Osiko, who was the councillorship candidate of the PPN in Itele Ward, said he and his colleagues joined ACN because they were satisfied with the development the Amosun administration has brought to the state.

He noted that the only party that could win free, fair and peaceful polls in Ogun State, based on its performance in government, is ACN. The grassroots politician promised that more members of the PDP and PPN would soon join ACN. Amosun, who was accompanied by his deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun; the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello; as well as Ogun East Senatorial District chairman, Falilu Sabitu and other party leaders, introduced all the councillorship and chairmanship candidates of the party to the electorate.

He said the candidates were chosen by the party’s hierarchy to ensure that “they diligently implement policies that would bring succour to the people”.

A statement by the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the governor on Media and Communication, Mrs Funmi Wakama, quoted the governor as urging the electorate to vote en masse for the ACN. Amosun added that it is only through an increasing ACN membership that his mission to rebuild the state could be seamlessly achieved.

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Ekiti ruler sacks chief

HE Alaaye of Efon-Ekiti in Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, has deposed Chief Jacob Adelowo as the Alahun of Obalu Quarters in EfonAlaaye with effect from July 6.

Alahun, whose ancestral place is Oke-Ahun Efon is, according to the monarch, one of the priests normally selected/ appointed by the Alaaye to oversee spiritual protection of the kingdom.

The decision to depose the priest followed the chief’s alleged claims that he is a traditional ruler with an autonomous/sovereign domain within Efon enclave.

The monarch said eight other chiefs in the town, who openly supported the deposed Adelowo in his quest for separate recognition in the town, must tender apology letters to renew their allegiance to the paramount ruler.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The chiefs are: Ojo Segun (Oisawe), Joshua Omoniyi (Ejemu), M. Oke (Oloro), K. Johnson (Okunato), Tope Obere (Eleejofi), Folorunso Omole (Osolo), James Adekanle (Saloro) and Abiodun Olajubu (Olukotun).

High Chief Jacob Elekolusi told reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on behalf of the Alaaye-in-Council, said: “Adelowo’s stubborn intransigence forced the council to take the decision after he had been queried by the council and warned by the Ekiti State Government.

The chief explained that Adelowo was installed Alahun by Oba Aladejare on November 20, 2007 and given a letter of appointment signed by the monarch.

He added: “No sooner that Adelowo was made Alahun than he started agitating to become an Oba.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

57

NEWS

Check influx of aliens, Kwara Speaker urges security agents T HE Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa, has urged the Federal Government and security agents to stop the influx of illegal aliens into the country.

He said Nigeria’s porous borders were responsible for the influx of illegal aliens, some of whom were alleged to be the masterminds of some crimes in the country.

Atunwa appealed to the Federal Government to find a solution to the recurring crises in Plateau and other states in the North.

The lawmaker was reacting to the killing on Sunday of the Chairman of the Senate Com-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

mittee on Health, Senator Gyang Dantong, Plateau State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Gyang Fulani and others by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The Speaker, in a statement by his media aide, AbdulRahman Sanni, said it was sad that suspected Fulani herdsmen from Chad and Niger Republic could wreak havoc in the country without the security agents apprehending them.

He added that the security challenges currently facing the

nation were portraying “us as a barbaric and terrorist country.”

Atunwa described the death of the two legislators as not only a loss to the Senate, but to the entire nation.

An Ilorin-based lawyer, John Baiyeshea (SAN), also described as senseless, the maiming and killing of innocent people in Plateau State.

He decried Sunday’s killing of lawmakers and about 50 people who had gone to witness the mass burial of their kinsmen killed a day earlier.

The lawyer, who is also a pastor, said the recurring mas-

sacre of Nigerians in parts of the North showed “how terrible our security situation is in this country.”

Baiyeshea, who spoke with The Nation on the phone, said: “The senseless killings in the North are terrible, tragic and sad. The dastardly acts are condemnable. A life wasted cannot be replaced.

“Our hearts go to the families of the deceased. I pray that these people perpetrating the killings will not lead us into a war. I urge the government and security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of these crimes.”

Kwankwaso lays foundation stone of OVERNOR Rabi’u Bandirawo city Musa Kwankwaso has laid the founda-

G

tion stone of a N2.9 billion Bandirawo city, with 2,370 plots at Tunfafi in Dawakin Tofa Local Government of Kano State.

According to him, N657million has been released to a contractor, H&M, as mobilisation fee, adding that the total area of land for the project is 160 hectares.

Governor Kwankwaso said government embarked on the projects to decongest Kano and expand the city.

He said to speed up the project, government had

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

paid compensation of over N282 million to farm owners.

He said the first phase will comprise 2,370 plots. While 192 plots are for low density, 745 plots are for medium density and 1,378 plots for high density.

Kwankwaso, who directed the Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Muhammad Nadu Yahaya, to start allocating plots, cautioned beneficiaries to desist

from sale of the plots. He said the era of plot heredity is over, as the plot of anyone found indulging in such act will be confiscated.

Yahaya said the city is one of the initiatives of the Kwankwaso transformation agenda to decongest Kano.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, who was represented by Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Lahani, hailed Kwankwaso and pledged the Emirate’s readiness to continue to support the laudable programmes of the governor,

N

From Samson Ademola, Ilorin

The accused were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, attempt to commit culpable homicide, mischief, assault and disturbance of public servants in the discharge of their duties.

The prosecutor said the charges contravened sections 97, 230, 327, 265, 113 and 149 of the Penal Code.

According to the charge sheet, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamasi Esuwoye II, rescued the woman in order to call the police.

The charge sheet also said the

victim was rescued by the policemen at the palace, which angered the suspects and others at large. As a result, they began to throw stones at the policemen, damaging their vehicle.

The accused are Jimoh Abu, Azeez Asimiyu, Akeem Jimoh, Usman Nurudeen and Suuib Gafah.

Others are Lateef Nasiri, Bello Mudasiru, Adebisi Akeem and Hamed Mustapher.

The prosecutor, Inspector David Wodi, told the court that the men allegedly damaged the police vehicle and two other vehicles parked at the Olofa’s palace and threatened to kill

T

By John Austin Unachukwu

in Lafia, Nasarawa State, last weekend.

A section of the media (The Nation not included), reported that Ngige and Wali divided the meeting over their bid to clinch the NBA top seat.

In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of ALF, Mr. J. S. Okutepa SAN, the forum said the media report

Ohiwerei, govs for UI alumni fund launch

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HE fund raising for a new post-graduate hall of residence at the University of Ibadan (UI), by the alumni association, will take place on July 27.

According to a statement by the Vice-Chairman of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) and Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Otunba Steve Ogundipe, members of the association in Nigeria and in the diaspora are expected to attend.

The association said it embarked on the project to help the post-graduate students meet their accommodation challenges.

Ogundipe said it is also their contribution to the advancement of their alma mater. He said the association decided to embark on the building of the hostel, at the expense of other compelling needs in the university, in view of last year’s flood that affected the university.

Felix Ohiwerei, an alumnus and former Pro Chancellor, will chair the ceremony. Governors Theodore Orji (Abia), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and Gabriel Suswam (Benue) are expected to attend.

was not only false, malicious and unfounded, but was misleading and calculated to deceive the public.

He said: “As the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Lawyers Forum, I have the authority and instruction of the leadership of the forum and the members to react to the publication.

“It is absolutely false to insinuate that Ngige and Wali

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THE TRUSTEES are: 1. MR. DAVID CHUKWU 2. MR. JACKSON CHUKWUMA AKUMA 3. MR. LAWRENCE OKOROAFOR NJOKU 4. MR. ROBINSON UCHENNA OBASI 5. MR. SIMON CHIKAODIRI OBASI 6. MR. IKECHUKWU UKATA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES, inter alia, are: i. To promote peace, unity, love, obedience, understanding, and mutual respect among the indigenes of Mgbom N’Achara Community, Ohaozara L.G.A. of Ebonyi State, and the society at large. ii. To foster the culture of brotherhood, and promote the social and economic well-being of members and other Mgbom N’Achara indigenes alike. iii. To engage in programmes and activities that will enable the Mgbom N’Achara indigenes achieve their God-given potentials.

Chukwuemeka Eze, Esq., EZE & ASSOCIATES (Legal Practitioners & Tax Consultants), 12, Kudirat Abiola Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State.

•Kwankwaso

especially in the area of decongesting Kano.

the woman.

He asked for an adjournment to enable him complete investigation and urged the court to remand them in prison.

The defence counsel, Salaudeen Salami, prayed the court to grant the accused bail.

He argued that the 1999 Constitution still presumed the accused innocent until found guilty.

Magistrate Wahab Saka granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till July 25.

NBA elections: Arewa lawyers debunk media report

HE Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) yesterday debunked media reports that two contestants for the office of president in the forthcoming delegates conference and election of new officers of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Emeka Ngige SAN and Okey Wali (SAN), divided the forum’s meeting

This is to inform the general public that the above-named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap, C20, LFN, 2004.

Any objection to the registration of the above-named Association should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama District, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Nine arraigned for allegedly throwing stones at Olofa’s palace INE men were yesterday arraigned before an Ilorin Magistrate‘s Court for allegedly throwing stones and sachet water (pure water) at the Olofa’s palace in Offa, Kwara State.

The accused were alleged to have thrown stones and sachet water at the Olofa’s palace after they were prevented from lynching a woman, Rasheedat Rasaki, whom they accused of kidnapping a pupil.

The suspects had allegedly beaten up the woman to a state of coma before she was rescued and taken to the Olofa’s palace.

PUBLIC NOTICE MGBOM N’ACHARA YOUTH ASSOCIATION

divided the Arewa lawyers.”

Okutepa continued: “At the general meeting of the ALF held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on July 7, the candidates aspiring for various positions in the forthcoming NBA elections who came from other fora, including Ngige and Wali, addressed the forum, and they left after the address.”

Committee backs IG on community policing

HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has reiterated the importance of community policing to confront the escalating security challenges in the country, in line with the new strategy employed by the acting Inspector-General of Police Mohammed D. Abubakar.

Speaking at a security seminar in Lagos for PAC grassroots members, its Director-General Dr. Martins Oni said the best approach to address insecurity in the country is to ensure that every member of the community is mobilised to be part of the solution by volunteering information to the security agencies on suspicious movements.

Oni said the PAC has been applying community policing approach since the inception of operations by mobilising its grassroots members comprising tradesmen/women and artisans to gather information and intelligence for dissemination to the police and other security agencies, leading to the detection, prevention and combating of crimes in the country.

He said the community policing approach was successful in developed countries, particularly in Britain and America, as he witnessed through his interaction with the American security agencies.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS

We’ll ocupy Ogoniland, MOSOP warns

Uduaghan loses mother-in-law

W

D

ELTA State Governor E m m a n u e l Uduaghan’s motherin-law, Madam Rebecca Ayomike, has passed on. She was 81.

The late Madam Ayomike, mother of Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, was born on November 10, 1931, to the family of late Oritsemogho Ayomike of Ugborodo in Warri South West Local Government of Delta State.

Until her death on Monday, the deceased was a devout Christian, a hard working woman and a caring mother.

She is survived by six children, grand children and a

•The late Mrs Ayomike

great grand child.

Burial arrangements will be announced by the family.

Kuku hailed over amnesty

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NIGER Delta activist yesterday hailed the Presidential Special Adviser on Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, for his sustainable programme, adding that there has been relative peace since he assumed office.

Kenneth Oboku yesterday also called on ex militants to be patient, adding that Kuku had always meant well for the people of the region and Nigeria.

He said; “I really com-

ORRIED by the nonimplementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland, the Ogoni people have said they would soon occupy Ogoniland.

Following the non-violence stance of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), the people said they would adopt every lawful means to protect their rights.

They called on the UN and the international community to prevail on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the UNEP report.

These were contained in a

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

six-point communiqué signed

by Chairman of MOSOP Provisional Council, Prof. Ben Naanen issued at the end of the congress of the Ogoni people in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The UNEP assessment report of Ogoniland was submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan last year.

MOSOP said: the Ogoni congress is deeply concerned by the failure of the government to implement the report, nearly one year after its release.

“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take urgent steps to commence the implementation of the UNEP

Report.

“In implementing the UNEP report, the Ogoni people, as the presumed primary beneficiaries of the proposed clean up programme, must be consulted in accordance with the doctrine of Prior, Free, and Informed Consent to address issues of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the requirements of the country’s Nigerian Content Act. “The Ogoni people are deeply concerned about the socio-economic exclusion of Ogoni by the government, which has resulted in severe poverty and alienation in the area and calls upon the Federal Government to

commence measures to integrate the Ogoni people, by improving their economic and social condition, by appointing them to positions of responsibility in the Federal Government, and by creating Bori State.”

Ogoni people also stated that they were worried by the crisis in Sogho, Ogoni community, which they said was triggered by the government’s attempt to acquire land.

They called on the Rivers and Federal Governments to protect the economic and human rights of the people of Sogho and bring about a speedy end to the conflict in the community.

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

mend the effort of Kuku since he assumed office, the rate of production has increased compared to when there was crisis in the areas. We were producing an average of 1.4milion barrels of crude before the amnesty programme but now we are producing 2.4 million barrels of crude oil per day and that is to tell you the progress Kuku has made.”

Tribunal to meet on Dickson’s eligibility

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HE Election Petition Tribunal in Bayelsa State is to meet today to determine if Governor Seriake Dickson was eligible to contest the February governorship election.

The Change Advocate Party (CAP) is urging the tribunal to determine Dickson’s eligibility considering Section 34 of the Electoral Act (2010) as amended.

Section 34 states: “INEC shall publish the names of parties and their nominated candidates 30 days to the election”.

CAP candidate Imoro Kubo alleged that “at the time the candidates’ list was published by INEC there was no Henry Seriake Dickson in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It

‘INEC shall publish the names of parties and their nominated candidates 30 days to the election’ was written subject to litigation”.

He said: “Our argument is that by clear interpretation of the law, anything less than a name is fatal to the defendants’ case since a party without a person cannot contest even as people without a party can in like manner not contest”.

•Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi(middle) showing the Minister for Power Barth Nnaji and the DirectorGeneral Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE) Ms Bola Onagoruwa a power sub-stations his administration is building in Port Harcourt

NNPC urges host communities to protect oil pipelines

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HE Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, has appealed to communities hosting oil and gas pipelines to protect them to prevent vandalism and theft.

According to the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Fidel Pepple, in a statement yesterday, Yakubu made this plea during the reinauguration of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Depot in Osisioma near Aba in Abia

•Abia seeks capital punishment for vandals From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

State on Monday.

The NNPC boss said: “I call on Abia people, especially Aba youths, to be guardian angels to secure the pipeline and depot facility.

“You should all be security conscious and ensure that the depot remains open to drive the local economy.”

The GMD said the focus of his administration will be on the rehabilitation of vital downstream infrastructure to

make petroleum products available to Nigerians in every nook and cranny of the country at lower cost.

Yakubu said he would also champion the construction of critical gas infrastructure to make gas available for power generation and industries to revive Aba as an industrial hub.

Governor Theodore Orji urged the people to be the eyes and ears of government and report every illegal movement around the pipelines to

security agents.

He said he would propose a bill to the House of Assembly to make pipeline vandalism, oil theft and similar economic crimes capital offences that attract the death penalty.

The governor who explained that the re-opening of the depot would help to curb kidnapping declared that he had awarded the contract to fix the road leading to the loading bay of the depot to guarantee free flow of traffic to and from the depot.

Be religious tolerant, Cross River govt advises

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HE Cross River State Government has said it would work with religious organisations in the state to enhance its all-inclusive development agenda.

Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Religious Affairs Eyo Okpo-Ene said this when he visited the Sole Spiritual Head of the

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), Olumba Olumba Obu in Calabar.

The governor’s aide said the collaboration was in appreciation of the enormous contributions of some faithbased organisations to the socioeconomic transforma-

tion of the state.

Okpo-Ene noted that the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star in particular has been outstanding in its contributions to the socioeconomic development of the state over the years by bringing into the state at least, 400,000 people from all parts of the world through its events and

quarterly conventions thereby boosting the tourism disposition of the government.

He also commended Obu for the promotion of scholarship by not only opening schools in the state but also awarding scholarship to thousands of indigent people in the state.

Port Harcourt is World Book Capital 2014

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HE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has nominated Port Harcourt, the Garden City and the Rivers State capital, as the World Book Capital for 2014.

The selection committee, compring representatives of the International Publishers

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

Association, the International Booksellers Federation and UNESCO, nominated Port Harcourt on account of the quality of its programmes, in particular its focus on youths and the impact it will have on Nigeria’s culture of books.

The nomination was contained in a statement issued by the committee after its selection meeting on July 5 in Paris France, which said the number of applications received for 2014 is the highest since the programme commenced in 2001.

Port Harcourt beat 10 other cities across the globe to

emerge the world book capital. They include Ganja (Azerbaidjan), Incheon (Republic of Korea), Krakow (Poland), Lyon (France), Moscow (Russia) and Oxford (United Kindgdom).

Others are Pula (Croatia), Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), Vilnius (Lithuania) and Yaounde (Cameroon).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

59

NEWS THE BATTLE FOR EDO Politicians outsmarted Stories from Osagie Otabor, Benin

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S politicians continued their quest to mop up voters card ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the electorate has also devised means to outsmart them.

It was learnt that many voters card purchased by politicians were photocopied with the sellers keeping the original.

It cost between N200 and N300 to make a clean copy of the card, which are resold between N2,000 and N3,000.

A motorcyclist, who gave his name as David, told The Nation that he has 10 copies of his voter’s card which he has been selling.

He said: “The politicians think they are wise. I saw others making photocopies of their card so I did the same. I sell the photocopied ones.”

Several persons have been arrested for allegedly buying voter’s cards.

CPPP denies pact with ACN, PDP

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HE Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (CPPP) yesterday denied it had a pact with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) Solomon Edebiri emerged under the CPPP. CPPP Chairman Roy Orhibabor told reporters that the organisation adopted the ANPP as the platform for its candidate.

Roy said opposition parties were spreading rumours that the CPPP was working with them.

He said: “Our candidate is still in the race. ANPP is in the race. We believe the state will move forward if we are given the opportunity to implement our manifesto.

“We have watched the political scenario and saw that the people are not comfortable with the tension created by the PDP and ACN.” Edebiri said he is prepared to take over from Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Man arraigned for ‘buying’ voter’s card NOTHER stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State was yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court over the sale of voter’s card.

The accused, Isaac Aghedo (55), was arrested while negotiating with Mrs Dorcas Aigbiremea on Santana Road, Off Benin-Agbor Road.

Chief Magistrate Margaret Ogbeide granted him bail subject to the provision of a surety who must be a civil servant of at least of Grade Level 12.

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I’m the man to beat, says ANPP candidate

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LL Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate Solomon Edebiri yesterday said he would win without an alliance with another party.

In an interview with The Nation, he said other parties should rather align with the ANPP because voters know he has the credibility and passion to serve.

He said if elected, he would embark on a political, economic and social revolution toward a new Edo State “to the envy of so many.”

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

“We are bringing a riot act to governance. We are going to confront the decayed situation of the state.

“That’s why I call it a revolution. We are going to start in a hurry to revive all the dead industries,” he said.

Edebiri added that his administration would improve education, decentralise the Ministry of Works, initiate a one-local-government-onecrop policy, revive factories and boost export.

“I don’t see why people

Continued from page 4

the Nigerian government had negotiated with Cameroun.

Akpabio said: “The issue of the 76 oil wells started in 2005 with a letter from the National Boundary Commission where the president said that because he was negotiating to have Western Bakassi in Nigeria, the oil wells could be credited to Cross River State, and we had no objection to that because Cross River State is our sister state.

“The issue is that in 2008, Bakassi, together with Western Bakassi, was finally handed over to Cameroun. After that unfortunate incident, Nigeria, without our prompting, did the right thing through the National Boundary Commission and the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission when the oil wells were returned to Akwa Ibom State, where they rightly belong.”

Akpabio said he explained to the leadership of Cross River State the futility of going to court as the state, not being a littoral state, could not have had oil wells in the ocean. He promised to continue to work towards the continued peaceful existence between the two sister states but admonished “peddlers of falsehood” from within and outside Cross River State to tender unreserved apology to the Federal Government agencies and their officials whose integrity he said they had tried to impugn.

Lead counsel to Akwa Ibom State, Ojo (SAN), hailed the judgment as good for the

penditure administered by this two political parties calls for concern.

“Should they by default or error win this election, Edo State will be doomed for another four years. It is going to take a lot of effort from whichever government comes thereafter to ameliorate the pains that will be inflicted on the people of the state.”

Edebiri said he was satisfied with the security arrangements made, including deployment of soldiers.

CNPP warns Fed Govt, INEC against rigging

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HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a transparent, credible, free and fair governorship election in Edo State on Saturday.

CNPP said anything short of a credible election would further hurt the precarious situation the country is in.

A statement by its Secretary- General, Willy Ezugwu, said the kind of political brigandage passed off as election

•Kicks against deregistering of parties From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

in other states cannot be repeated in Edo. The CNPP also warned the People Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government and INEC not to see the election as do-or-die, particularly when the international community is watching.

It said: “INEC must ensure that it plays the role of an unbiased umpire expected of it.

“Sensitive and non sensi-

tive materials should arrive at the locations early.

“This election is what will define whether or not President Goodluck Jonathan is paying lip service to his mantra of reforming the electoral system.

“We are also calling on the Chief of Army Staff who has deployed 3,500 officials to the state to brief these soldiers appropriately.”

CNPP advised INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega to

disharge his duties with fairness.

It said: “Jega must order his officers not to be induced or pervert the people’s will.

“INEC should cut off government funding to parties and leave non-performing parties out.

“Experiences from other countries have shown that some parties can exist for several decades without winning seats but later go on to win elections and even form the government when they have evolved adequately,” CNPP said.

PDP chieftain supports Oshiomhole

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FORMER Deputy Senate President and pioneer member of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Board of Trustees (BOT) Senator Albert Legogie has supported for the

re-election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

In a statement in Benin, Legogie said Oshiomhole’s reelection has transcended the boundary of partisan politics

Supreme Court cedes 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom severally must fail for lacking in substance and merit.

“The 13 per cent derivation on the 76 oil wells offshore between Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State must continue to be attributed to the state on whose maritime territory they are found to be located by the relevant government agencies; that is the National Boundary Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission relating with the office of the SurveyorGeneral of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

“The plaintiff’s claim, is accordingly, dismissed with no order as to cost,” she added.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio described the judgment as “justice for Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, and indeed Nigeria. He expressed the belief that it would strengthen the bond of friendship between the two sister states.

Akpabio, however, decried the “falsehood” that was canvassed in the media before the judgment and praised the Supreme Court Justices for standing on the path of justice. The governor decried a situation where attempts were made to create fear of a possible loss of Nigerian maritime territory on a purely baseless ground.He recalled that before 2005, the oil wells belonged to Akwa Ibom State, based on the assumption that Cross River State shall access the sea through the administration of Western Bakassi, which

would ask if I’m aligning with any party. As at today, I am the candidate to beat.

So, what we are expecting other parties to do is to form an alliance with us.

“I have said it many times.

We have tried two parties in 13 and half years.

“They have not performed to a level that the people can have absolute confidence to vote for them again.

“This is coupled with the do-or-die situation from the two parties.

“You also want to place on record that the extent of ex-

country. He maintained that the facts of Cross River State not having a littoral status was a matter established by law and all known international conventions. He praised the Supreme Court for being just and upright.

Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke said the loss of the oil wells is not a death sentence.

He also described the judgment as “merely a temporary triumph of falsehood”.

In a statement in Calabar yesterday, the governor said: “Today marks another watershed in our struggle for justice in Nigeria; our burning desire to be treated as equal members of this great union, deserving of fairness and equality with our brothers across the country.

“As a wronged but lawabiding people, we had hoped for justice. We had hoped for a dispensation of justice that would restore our belief in the timeless saying by the iconic American civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr., that “the arm of the moral universe still bends towards justice”.

“But that was not to be. Nor is it over yet, dear Cross Riverians. With today’s Supreme Court judgment, our hope has just been differed.

We shall take solace in the legal maxim that ‘justice can only be delayed and not denied’.

“The commonsensical, logical and legal background of our case were such that we expected the Supreme Court to, once again, give fillip to the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the com-

mon man via a judicial pronouncement restoring those oil wells to our state. We expected a judgment grounded on equity. Alas, that was not to be.

“Four years ago when a miscarriage of justice robbed our state of 76 oil wells and handed them over to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State, the good people of Cross River State did what we have always been known for; we preferred peace over violence.

“We maintained our peace and dignity even in the face of what could easily have provoked unprecedented violence and reprisals. We hoped for justice from the highest court in the land. But our hope was dashed. My dear brothers and sisters, our spirit will never be broken.

“Today , I beseech you to maintain the peace once again. We shall not abandon our peace-loving nature simply because of this temporary setback to our march for justice and fairness.

“This judgment is merely a temporary triumph of falsehood. I have confidence in the ultimate victory of ‘Good over evil’ because as a famous philosopher, William Cullen Bryant once said, truth crushed to earth, shall rise again”.

“While we seek the face of God and the counsel of wise men on the best way forward on this matter, I urge you to look inwards and bring out your talent and time for the continued good of Cross River State.”

because “Oshiomhole through his performance in office as governor has acquitted himself creditably, and has therefore become the shinning jewel on the crown of the people of Edo.”

•Oshiomhole

No bad blood between Akwa Ibom, Cross River Continued from page 4

Assembly and Cross River House of Assembly and the Governors of the two states.

“But I have heard of moves and discussion to have pecuniary benefits to ensure that one state is not to be deprived of some money. That is going to be worked out,” he said.

A cross section of Akwa Ibom State indigenes yesterday hailed the judgment.

The verdict finally ended the anxiety, apprehension and tension that enveloped the state since the legal battle began.

The State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Amadu Attai, commended the Supreme Court for deciding the case on its merit.

Attai explained that if the case had gone otherwise, it would have affected the level of infrastructural development which the state government is currently committing enormous resources into.

The ACN chairman said with the ruling coming in favour of the state, it would enable the state government to concentrate on developing the state.

His words: “The people of the state are happy as such would make the state government to concentrate on its development strides.

“It would make the governor to concentrate more, the case was a sort of distraction to government, the governor would now be committed to the development of the state, if the judgment had been oth-

erwise, it would have dealt a big blow on the state.”

A member representing Nsit Ubium in the State House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, described the Supreme Court judgment as justice for the people of the state.

Luke explained that the verdict is a landmark judgment for the people of the state as it would allow the state government to concentrate more on its electoral promises to the people of the state.

His words: “Akwa Ibom people are happy and have confidence in the judiciary particularly the Supreme Court being the apex court in the land. It is a justice for the people of Akwa Ibom state.”

Former Secretary of Civil Liberties Organisation in the state, Ekanem Ekanem, advised government to make good use of the resources that would accrue to the state based on the judgment.

Ekanem said: “It is a good development for Akwa Ibom people; it would enhance development, not embarking on project that would not have direct bearing on the ordinary Akwa Ibom person.

“What we need now are basic infrastructures and or necessity of life such as good roads, constant power supply and housing at affordable rate, raise the standard of living of the common man in the state.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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ADVERTORIAL

Loss of oil wells not a death sentence -Imoke Fellow Cross Riverians, Today marks another watershed in our struggle for justice in Nigeria; our burning desire to be treated as equal members of this great union, deserving of fairness and equality with our brothers across the country.

As a wronged but law-abiding people, we had hoped for justice. We had hoped for a dispensation of justice that would restore our belief in the timeless saying by the iconic American civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior that “the arm of the moral universe still bends towards justice”. But that was not to be. Nor is it over yet, dear Cross Riverians. With today’s Supreme Court judgment, our hope has just been differed. We shall take solace in the legal maxim that “justice can only be delayed and not denied”.

The commonsensical, logical and legal background of our case were such that we expected the Supreme Court to, once again, give fillip to the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man via a judicial pronouncement restoring those oil wells to our state. We expected a judgment grounded on equity. Alas, that was not to be.

Four years ago when a miscarriage of justice robbed our state of 76 oil wells and handed them over to neighboring Akwa Ibom State, the good people of Cross River State did what we have always been known for; we preffered peace over violence.

We maintained our peace and dignity even in the face of what could easily have provoked unprecedented violence and reprisals. We hoped for justice from the highest court in the land. But our hope was dashed. My dear brothers and sisters, our spirit will never be broken.

Today, I beseech you to maintain the peace once again. We shall not abandon our peace-loving nature simply because of this temporary setback to our march for justice and fairness. This judgment is merely a temporary triumph of falsehood. I have confidence in the ultimate victory of “Good over evil” because as a famous philosopher, William Cullen Bryant once said, truth crushed to earth, shall rise again”.

While we seek the face of God and the counsel of wise men on the best way forward on this matter, I urge you to look inwards and bring out your talent and time for the continued good of Cross River State.

Let me remind you that the loss of the oil wells is not the end of life. It is not a death sentence. Someone can steal your property but they can never steal your soul nor your dignity. We remain unshaken in faith that without the oil wells, the journey to expanded prosperity for our citizens will continue with even greater vigour. The Cross River State economy is still one of the fastest growing in the country.

Cross River State is blessed with so much human and natural resources that the loss of oil revenue cannot stop our march to self-renewal and concrete physical development. The world over, development trends show that there is more wealth to be made from our intellectual resources and what lies on the surface of the earth than from the fossils that lie underneath it. Our strength is in our people. Their resilience, their creativity and their resourcefulness.

We looked inwards and re-ordered our priorities, trimmed down costs and evolved more efficient means of making the most use of our resources. We reinvented our economic plan by rebuilding focus areas and creating new ways to achieve a government for the people.

Today, we have surpassed our own expectation. It is a testimony to your faith, the wisdom of this administration and our collective resolve that in 2012, four years after 76 oil wells were taken from us, Cross River has been adjudged as the fastest growing state in Nigeria in terms of physical development and the improvement of the living conditions of the people.

It is inspiring to note that the huge loss of oil revenue has not broken our resolve to maintain our position as one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa.

A clear validation of this fact is the recent filming of the popular novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, written by our daughter and wife, Chimanda Adichie, in Calabar.

Statistics show that the number of visitors to Calabar for tourism purposes has continued to grow unabated over the years and that there is a growing belief in and outside Nigeria that Calabar is easily the cleanest and safest place in Nigeria.

All of these should assure us that the stolen oil wells is not the end of this world.

My fellow Cross Riverians, the scales of justice may not have weighed in our favour today but God has long equipped us to reverse this imbalance.

Today in government, we have a crack team of passionate professionals who are determined to go the extra mile in the service of our beloved state. There is no want of wisdom or great ideas in my government. And there is no limit to our determination.

I have always marveled to myself each time I remember the unflinching support you have continued to give to my administration. The most memorable of this is the immense support I receive from you when a court judgment halted our transformational agenda recently.

That was a strong reminder that no miscarriage of justice can stand for too long against the resolute will of a determined people.

As we brace up for the future, I call on you to stand united so we can together make Cross River the destination of our dreams, a land like no other in this nation.

My dear Cross Riverians, at home and beyond, I leave you with profound words, once again from Martin Luther King Junior, the Character of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of adversity and hardship.

As your Governor, I stand with you and we will succeed.

And with God we shall triumph, even on this matter.

I thank you all.

As you may recall, when the oil wells were seized from us in 2008, it created a temporary setback for all the laudable programmes that we had earmarked for execution in the annual budget for that year.

But we rose together as one people, reinvented and energized and together again we worked assiduously to ensure that our steady march to progress was not derailed contrary to the wishes of our detractors. We have survived without the oil wells for four (4) years. This is a journey and we will complete it by God’s Grace.

God bless you and God bless Cross River State.

Being text of a broadcast speech by Governor Imoke following Tuesday’s Supreme Court judgment.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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NEWS Presidency to group: go to Conduct Bureau for Jonathan’s assets declaration form

T

HE Presidency has advised a civil society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to seek information about President Goodluck Jonathan’s assets declaration from the Code of Conduct Bureau.

It said the Bureau “has the powers and responsibility for addressing the issues such as the one you are pursuing.”

This response followed a request by the group made under the Freedom of Information Act asking President Jonathan to “provide information on your assets declaration details between May 2007 and May 2012, and to publish widely the information on a dedicated website.”

However, in a letter dated July 5, and signed by Jalal A. Arabi, State House Counsel on behalf of the Chief of Staff to the President, the Presidency said: I am to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 26 June 2012 in which you request Mr President to urgently provide information on his assets declaration details between May 2007 and May 2012, hinging your request on the provisions of both the 1999 Constitution as amended, and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.”

The Presidency also stated that, “I take the liberty in advising that you explore the possibility of invoking Section 3(1) Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, referred to in your write-up, which

has conferred powers and responsibility for addressing issues such as the one you are pursuing. Please be assured of the Chief of Staff’s kind request.”

SERAP’s executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni said: “Firstly, we welcome the response by Mr President as a very positive development for government’s accountability in this country because it is rare to see this kind of dialogue between the Presidency and civil society.

So, Mr President has broken a new ground, which we now hope will be translated into good governance, and improved transparency and accountability for millions of impoverished Nigerians.”

“Secondly, while the advice by the Presidency is sound constitutionally, we took the decision to simultaneously send our letter to both President Jonathan and the Code of Conduct Bureau because we believe the issue is not only a constitutional matter but also a moral one.

And we expected the president, being the father of the nation, to have shown leadership by example.”

According to him, “by advising SERAP to go to the Code of Conduct Bureau, the President missed an important opportunity to show to Nigerians his oft-repeated commitment to transparency and accountability, as we believe releasing the infor-

mation to us would have cost Mr President nothing. We still hope that Mr President would take up the challenge and release the information as a matter of leadership and morality.”

“It is useful to point out however, that while we have received a response from the presidency, no response has yet come from the Code of Conduct Bureau. We believe the Bureau could learn an important lesson from the speed, professionalism, and courtesy with which the presidency has handled SERAP’s request,” the group added.

The organization also said that, “Since the Bureau has so far failed to respond to our request after the mandatory period of 7 days; we have prepared the necessary court papers which will be filed before the court this week to compel the Bureau to discharge its constitutional responsibility.”

SERAP had earlier sent a request to both the president and the Code of Conduct Bureau, arguing that, “The disclosure of the information requested will give SERAP and the general public a true picture of the assets of the president from May 2007 to May 2012, and will demonstrate the president’s oft-expressed commitment to transparency and accountability and show that the signing of the FOI was not just a public relation exercise but a public duty done in good faith.”

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www.thenationonlineng.net

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘We have lost too many good Nigerians to the ravages and underachievement caused by corruption, unrest, armed robberies, wars and ECOMOG. Remember ECOMOG? ’

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TONY MARINHO

VOL.7 NO.2183

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

A

WEEK after Farouk Lawan, chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on the management of the country’s petrol subsidy regime, submitted his committee’s report to the House for debate on April 18, I expressed cautious optimism that the committee’s work held out hope that the seemingly lost war against corruption in the country may yet be won. This was in my column of April 25.

“By sticking together to write and submit its report about the country’s subsidy regime with all its damming substance,” I said in the concluding paragraphs of the piece, “Honourable Lawan and his colleagues in the Ad-Hoc Committee have clearly demonstrated that all hope is not yet lost in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.”

“Before long we will know if this optimism is a case of triumph of hope over experience.”

It took less than six weeks for the turn of events around Lawan’s report to expose my optimism as indeed a case of triumph of hope over experience. Or so it seems.

Since the war of words first broke out a few weeks ago between Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman of Zenon Oil, and Lawan, over the initial indictment of Zenon in Lawan’s report, truth, as in all wars, has become the first casualty in the sense that it has been difficult, if not impossible, to tell who between two is telling the truth and nothing but the truth.

The one thing that is not in dispute is that money exchanged hands between the oil mogul and the legislator. The other thing not in dispute is that the bribe was in exchange for clearing Zenon - along with AP which Otedola also chairs - of involvement in the huge petrol subsidy racketeering of these past years. What is in dispute is whether Otedola paid the bribe on demand as the oil mogul says or Lawan took it on offer as the legislator insists. Each insists his motive was to expose the other as a rogue.

My suspicion is that Otedola offered. I have it on good authority that Lawan was warned more than once by sources close to veteran senior intelligence officers worried about the scale of the oil subsidy scandal, that he was being set up for a sting in order to discredit his committee’s report. From the look of things, Lawan did not heed the advice; his claim that he accepted the bribe to use it as exhibit eventually, rings rather hollow.

First, Lawan’s colleague and chairman of the House Committee on Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Emmanuel Jagaba, who he said he had given the money to for safe custody, has denied the claim. Second, as a legislator he ought to have known that to establish a case of attempted bribery it was not enough to keep it in-house; legislators make laws not implement them. Accordingly, he ought to have formally informed the relevant intelligence organisations, to wit, the police, EFCC and possibly SSS, of his motive from the word go. To have done so only after Otedola had gone public with the case sounded like being rather clever by half.

Third, his case has been complicated by the fact that the bribe money seems to have vanished into thin air.

Again, the legislator’s case has not been helped by the House insistence on hearing him and Otedola out in camera. Of course, it’s the legislators’ privilege to choose how to conduct their legislative affairs. But hav-

RIPPLES $620,000 BRIBERY SCANDAL: MY TAPES ARE GENUINE-Otedola

Yes...they are not yet PIRATED

People and Politics By MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Between Lawan and Otedola whelming cause of the size of our oil subsidy and the main reason why its impact on the economy has been negative. It would take the most brazen act of impunity for the Jonathan presidency to attempt to sweep it under the carpet.

Re: A (Shaba Ward) lesson for the new NSA

Y •Lawan

•Otedola

ing chosen to do so openly from the beginning, consistency and morality demanded that the hearings remained open. Besides, it was the only way to dispel public suspicions of a whitewash.

So if one must choose between a rock (Otedola) and a hard place (Lawan), the odds right now seem to favour the rock. This suggests that the Lawan report may end up discredited. This would be a great pity, if only because of the relative rare vigour with which the Ad-Hoc Committee did its work and wrote its report.

However, even if the report ends up discredited the one undisputed fact it has established is that government’s excuses for the size of our oil subsidy and for the need to end it – smuggling, huge increases in local consumption and sharp increases in the international price of crude, etc – are exactly that; excuses.

Discredited or not, the Lawan report - indeed the very war of words between himself and Otedola over the report - has definitively established corruption as the over-

OUR submissions on appointment of Col Sambo Dasuki as NSA was apt and insightful in the sense that it threw more light on possible reasons why Azazi was replaced. I share President Jonathan’s position that all those who play politics with national security lack patriotic courage. That is why I find it hard to comment on the merit or otherwise of appointment of Sambo Dasuki.

However, I am constrained to submit that the appointment has placed northern leaders in position of a goat whose master is sick: if the master recovers from the ailment, the goat would be used to celebrate the recovery. But if the master dies, the goat would still be slaughtered for the funeral. Such a goat cannot win.

In the same vein, if the new NSA is able to rein in activities of Boko Haram, those who posit that northern leaders can be anything but good would say we told you that northern leaders sired the sect for political reasons. They would say wisdom of the adage that “give the thief custody of goods for safe keeping has come unto its own”. And if Sambo Dasuki fails to deliver on the promise of his appointment, the adversaries of northern establishment would still say we told you that it is number one position they want. You see, either way, northern leaders cannot win.

But as you say, it is better Sambo Dasuki delivers on the promise of peaceful coexistence and national security, even as the North will become butt of joke on the street, rather unfairly, that “the white man brought slave trade, and the white man brought it to an end”.

Those who still advocate use of force to address current security challenges feign ignorance of fact of history that late president Umar

HARDBALL

T

HE Jonathan administration must love cash the way a child loves ice cream. What do we read and hear daily in the news if not about billions and trillions flying all over the place? If it is not being earmarked, it is being appropriated; embezzled; announced as some huge contract somewhere or simply being borrowed from home or abroad. In fact to paraphrase what someone said about water, Nigerians can easily say today: money, money everywhere but not a dime for the poor.

Such was the feeling that came to mind when Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala cried out last Monday (in self-indictment?) about the quantum of cash being crunched by this administration. “We need to slow down the rate of borrowing domestically, it is worrisome,” she told a group made up of members of the organised private sector and civil society organisations as she briefed them on the 2013 budget.

According to her, in the 2011 budget, N852 billion was borrowed; this has been reduced to N774 billion in the current budget while only N500 billion is targeted for next year’s federal budget.

Money-guzzling government Nigeria’s total domestic debt stands at a hefty N5.9 trillion but what must worry the average Nigerian more is that the government is paying on his behalf, about 15 per cent interest on this sum. Also troubling is the fact that in only one year of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Nigeria’s overall debt profile has risen by N1.21 trillion. According to report from the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s debt rose from N5.68 trillion in March 2011 to N6.88 trillion by March this year.

This seeming insatiable craving for cash and even more cash, is in the light of the unmitigated petro-dollars pouring in from oil sales. The price of Nigeria’s crude oil has remained above $100 per barrel in the last two years and internal revenues have been streaming in in the trillion naira range. Yet this government can never seem to have enough cash.

The trillion naira question however, is, where has all the money gone? The power projects are far from being realised and even

Yar’Adua used forced and killed about 700 members of the sect in 2009,which did not subdue them. They also forget how President Bush used force to remove President Saddam Hussein within seven days and boasted “mission accomplished with precision”, only to realise much later that the action merely marked the beginning of a ten-year campaign that would cost 4,400 American soldiers,$800billion and the lives of countless Iraqis. America with all its might had to go home with tail in between its legs. Today, the whole NATO is in Afghanistan with 137,000 soldiers holding 4,000 Taliban soldiers prisoners. Yet the Taliban remain unbowed. As a result, the US is considering an exit strategy as France is withdrawing its soldiers home. All these are pointers to the reality that force cannot deliver.

Also, those who regard Boko Haram as a northern phenomenon which should be handled by northern leaders forget the fact of history that both Osama Bin Laden and most of the 19 pilots who brought the New York twin towers down on 9/11 were Saudis, yet America never saw any wisdom or strategy in branding the ensuing campaigns against terrorism as a Saudi affairs nor as a conflict between Muslims and Christians.

Such people further forget the fact that President Obama got his Nobel Prize for making a distinction between Islam and terrorism during an Arab conference in Egypt, a distinction which helped in enlisting the support of Muslim countries against terrorism that led to the killing of Osama Bin Laden.

I, therefore, share your view that both Muslims and Christians must come together and live up their collective security challenges reminiscent of what happened in Shaba Ward. Such a synergy against terrorism is also happening in Kenya where Muslims protect Christians during worship in churches.

Anthony N Z Sani.

Re: Gen Abubakar at 70: a metaphor for destiny NOTED your doubt (in your birthday tribute to Gen AAA on June 13) about the number of Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar’s classmates that were drafted into the army. They were 10. The one you omitted was Ibrahim Sauda of armoured corps.

He was crushed to death by a military vehicle in 1967 in Kaduna while trying to control traffic at very early stage of preparations for movement to the war front. Then ‘Dogotigi’ is unknown. The officer under your reference was Muhammed B Ndakotsu.

Major Buhari A Auna (rtd) •For comments, send SMS to 08054502909

I

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above at that, funding for them is coming largely from the three tiers of government. The old refineries are still not performing at optimum and we are not aware that new ones are rising rapidly anywhere, despite the urgent and strategic need for them.

Hardly any other new project has been accomplished by this administration to warrant such insatiable guzzling of cash.

Most federal infrastructure, especially roads, are still in disrepair and different stages of dilapidation.

On the other hand, the landscape is littered with abandoned projects. It is reported that 6,294 on-going projects by 30 ministries, departments and agencies would require about N7 trillion to complete. So the question re-echoes: where has all the money gone? The reasonable answer is that most of it is being lost to official corruption as we have seen in the oil subsidy scandal.

When so much money is being earned, no tangible progress is being made yet money is never enough, then surely, there is a virus in the system… the corruption virus. Dr Okonjo-Iweala needs to look more in that direction. And lastly, when next she tells us how much debt we owe, she should endeavour to let us know what the fund was used for.

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