The Nation July 21, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Why I won’t appoint ministers till Sept, by Buhari •Ondo workers set for strike tomorrow over salaries •PDP, Kwara bicker over Fed Govt’s N2b bailout •Ekiti police arrest Senator’s aides over tribunal violence •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3282 TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

Jonathan NEWS approved Page 4 N1.45b legal fee, says BPE

P4 P7 P59 P7

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: NIGERIA’S OIL REVENUE MAY DROP TO $52B FROM $88B, SAYS IMF REPORT P11

Obama renews U.S. support for anti-Boko Haram battle •Buhari recalls U.S., EU backing for fair poll RESIDENT Barack Obama has renewed United States (U.S.) support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

Obama spoke yesterday after hosting President Muhammadu Buhari at his Oval Office in Washington D.C., where he lauded his guest’s efforts at restoring “safety, security and peace” to Nigeria.

The U.S. President’s meeting with Buhari came less than eight weeks after Buhari assumed duty, underscoring the importance the U.S. attaches to good relations with Nigeria.

Obama had extended his invitation for a visit to Buhari almost immediately after he was declared the winner of the March 28 election.

Speaking after his meeting with Obama, President Buhari said Nigeria would be “ever grateful” to the U.S. for its support of free and credible elections in Nigeria, adding that the U.S.’s and the

P

•President Obama with President Buhari in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC...yesterday.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

European Union’s (EU’s) pressure to ensure that the general elections on March 28 and April 11 were “fair and credible, led us to where we are

now.”

Obama, who met with Buhari at the White House just days ahead of his trip to Kenya and Ethiopia, said Nigeria “is, obviously, one of the most important countries in the world.”

Speaking to reporters at the outset of the meeting, Obama said the U.S. hoped to partner with Nigeria “so that Nigeria ends up being not only an anchor of prosperity and stability in the western part of the continent, but can also be an

PHOTOS: AFP

outstanding role model for developing countries around the world.”

He said he would discuss with Buhari how the two nations can cooperate on counterterrorism and how the U.S. “can be helpful in addressing

some of the corruption issues that have held Nigeria back.”

Obama said Buhari, as President, has “a very clear agenda” to both contain the spread of militants and keep the Nigerian economy growContinued on page 4

Revealed: How Nigeria lost $2b in oil deals •SEE ALSO PAGES 2,3&55

?

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

NPDC, FIRS, banks, workers, contractors demand payments

I

T burst onto the scene with a bang, shaking the elite oil industry.

By the time it left the scene – with a whimper – after four years, it took with it billions of dollars that should have gone into the Federal treasury.

Now, creditors, including members of its staff and contractors, who are owed a fortune, are wondering what happened to all the cash.

But the promoters of Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited (AEDCNL), which entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), seem to be quiet.

Among them are prominent business-

SOME OF THE FIGURES

$2m

•Cash calls that should have been paid to NPDC

$540m

$500,000

•What Atlantic Energy is owing banks

By Adekunle Yusuf, Assistant Editor

men Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko.

The SAA, which paved the way for AEDCNL to operate some oil blocks during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has left

$20m

•Debts owed to members of the staff

•The amount the firm is owing service providers

the country short-changed by about $2 billion.

Besides, there are hundreds of millions of dollars in bank loans.

After four years in the alliance, everything suggests that NPDC and At-

lantic Energy owe Nigerians a lot of explanations regarding how some oil blocks – OMLs 26, 30, 34, 42, 60, 61, 62 and 63 – were handled between 2011 and 2014. Not all the proceeds of the crude oil lifted in the four years seem to have been accounted for.

The SAA covered four oil blocks: OML 26 – FHN; OML 30 Shoreline; OML 34 – Niger Delta Oil, and OML 42 Neconde — all sold by Shell /Agip and Total.

It was obvious that the NPDC signed the SAA without due process as stipulated in the government’s procurement laws and policy.

Continued on page 4

•E-BUSINESS P13 •TRANSPORTATION P17 •MARITIME P18 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P45

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS

•Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Education, Mr. Lamid Alabi representing Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed cutting the tape to inaugurate the Airtel adopted Iyeru-Okin Primary School 1, Offa, Kwara State...yesterday. With him (from left) are: Chief Sales Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Godfrey Efeurhobo; the Ojomo of Offa, Chief Joseph Akinola; and Assistant Director, Kwara SUBEB, Mr. Yahaya Mohammed.

Inside the oil deals that cost Nigeria billions The Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) between the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited Limited (AEDCNL) has cost Nigeria a fortune. After wide-ranging investigations, Assistant Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF uncovers the details of the deals that have set back the country by atleast $2b

•From left: Ambassador/Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Michel Arrion, Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, Managing Director, So Aviation, a member of the Sahara Group, Mr. Alistair Morrison and Economic Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ibi Ikpoki during the EU's delegation visit to Sahara Group to explore possible partnership on sustainable power and enhanced child nutrition in Nigeria... at the weekend.

I

T is an adventure laced with shoddiness. That perhaps is the most fitting silhouette for the Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) between the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Nigeria Limited. From all available documentary evidence, the SAA, which paved the way for Atlantic Energy to operate some oil blocks during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, has left the country shortchanged of about $2billion, excluding hundreds of millions of dollars as bank loans and money owed to workers and contractors. After four years of the alliance, everything suggests that NPDC and Atlantic Energy owe Nigerians a lot of explanations regarding how some oil blocks – OMLs 26, 30, 34, 42, 60, 61, 62 and 63 – were handled between 2011 and 2014, including outright theft of proceeds from all the millions of barrels of crude oil lifted during in the four years.

A portfolio company • Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion (right), businessman and politician Kenneth Imasuangbon and his wife Kate at the prize giving for winners of Imasuangbon Essay Competition in Benin.

•From left: Secreray of the Staff Union of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Comrade Anzaku Peter Joseph speaking at a news conference on the alleged refusal of the Director of Finance and Account to proceed on redeployment to another Directorate in Lagos...at the weekend. With him are chairman, Comrade Attah Ibrahim isah and Public Relations Officer Comrade Albert Udeme.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS.

Like a well-choreographed movie, it all started on a measured pace. On July 19, 2010, Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited (AEDCNL) was incorporated as a portfolio company. That was barely three months after Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, assumed office after her redeployment from Mines and Steel Development Ministry. Curiously, the company changed its name to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited (AEDCNL) on October 27, 2011.

However, Atlantic Energy, even without prior record of successful experience in the oil and gas sector, announced that it had entered into a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) with the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in April 2011. That was exactly six months before AEDCNL was legally born. In a capsule, the company that claimed to have signed the SAA with NPDC was not legally in existence when the deal was shoddily consummated in April

2011. As unknown portfolio company, Atlantic Energy was operating from a temporary office accommodation before it opened office in 2012 at 32A Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, after the NPDC fortune had smiled on it.

With the NPDC contract in its kitty, Atlantic Energy embarked on a massive recruitment exercise, poaching good hands in the oil industry, which it used to actualise its planned scheme to play big in Nigeria’s highly shady oil and gas sector.

The SAA covered 4 Oil blocks: OML 26 – FHN; OML 30 Shoreline; OML 34 – Niger Delta Oil, and OML 42 Neconde, all sold by Shell /Agip and Total. It was obvious that the NPDC granted the SAA in absolute secrecy without following any due process as stipulated in the government procurement laws and policy.

With the sale of the four oil blocks, in which the Federal Government owns 55 per cent, the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), which oversees national investments in Joint Venture Companies (JVCs), Production Sharing Companies (PSCs), and Services and Services Contract Companies (SCs), transferred the ownership to NPDC as the upstream producing arm of the NNPC. Although the NPDC should have paid NAPIMS a signature bonus, no payment was made, leading to a loss of asset by the federation and loss of revenue that should have accrued to national coffers. This was confirmed by the recent PwC audit report, which audited remittances from NNPC to the Federation Account after the allegations by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who is now the emir of Kano. The audit findings showed that remittances into the Federation Account were not up to date.

An unholy alliance?

The SAA is to enable Atlantic Energy provide fund and technical services and lift oil. Being a funding mechanism, the SAA is meant to enable the owner (NPDC) to ac-

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

3

NEWS

•From left: Aluko, Ozwald Boateng whose foundation was supported by Atlantic Energy and Hollywood star Jamie Fox at a charity event in the U.S.

I

•Omokore

•Mrs Alison-Madueke

Aluko, Omokore …Beyond Atlantic Energy

T is not clear whether or not Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore knew each other before they co-founded Atlantic Energy, the firm which the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) says is owing the country about $2b. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is also pursuing it to get its tax returns for the years it operated.

Of the duo, Aluko is the more flamboyant. He keeps the company of Hollywood stars and had been pictured with super model Naomi Campbell, leading to a speculation that they were dating.

Aluko founded oil trading firm Fossil Resources in 2001, and subsequently became the CEO of Exoro Energy- an indigenous oil exploration and production firm. In 2007, the Exoro merged with Seven Energy and became Deputy CEO. He is also believed to have a business tie with Vista Jet, a Swiss-based private jet charter company founded by Thomas Flohr. cept its strategic partner (Atlantic Energy) to partake in the production sharing of the oil field at a fee called signature bonus, while the strategic partner is expected in return to fund the operations and provide technical support so that it can be reimbursed directly from the production in subsequent periods. Although a good idea that is said to be critical to the survival of the country’s oil and gas industry, the SAA was obviously not managed in the national interest, for it has helped parties in the deal to embark on a stealing spree of public fund after production liftings.

Up till now, industry watchers are still in a shock over how NPDC, which is peopled with some of the best engineers and technical experts, granted the SAA to a company that paraded no track record of requisite experience in the sector – all without following any process as stipulated in the government procurement laws and policy. Besides documentary evidence, findings within the sector showed that the deal was an unholy arrangement among Mrs Alison-Madueke, top NPDC officials and the duo of Kola Aluko and Jide Omokore, a business mogul who is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, financier and kingmaker to some governors as well as many senators and members in the House of Representatives.

Aluko and Mrs Alison-Madueke have denied any business ties.

Of the two promoters of Atlantic Energy, Omokore had no easily traceable previous experience in the oil and gas industry, while Aluko had.

However, drawing on its connections in high places, Atlantic Energy

By Olukorede Yishau

His love for car racing is legendary. He has competed in major European races with the Swiss team Kessel racing. In June 2012, he was reported to have purchased two luxury ultra-modern estates in Beverly Hills for $40 million.

In 2013, he was featured on Forbes’ list of ten new multi-millionaire in Africa. Also, Forbes reported that Aluko invested in Fable House, a startup production company founded by Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody. Aluko, who was 44 at the time he made the $30 million investment towards development and production at the production house, runs the Kola Aluko Foundation, established in 2013 to “inspire, mentor and support future generations of African leaders”.

That same year, he held the Nigerian Centenary Photography Exhibition at Bonhams,

This is to inform you that we have not yet received any payment outstanding cash call obligations after our reconciliation sign-off, dated August 28, 2014. Kindly remit the sum of $1,250,644,474.54 (one billion, two hundred and fifty million, six hundred and forty four thousand, four hundred and seventy four dollars) only, being amount due on OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 -- NPDC

the world-famous auctioneers in London to showcases what Bonhams describes as “an astonishing collection of photography documenting Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage”.

Aluko said of his foundation: “The Kola Aluko Foundation is passionate about identifying and nurturing talented young African adults across all fields of endeavour to help them evolve into the new generation of leaders. In doing so, we hope that the young people we engage with will not only develop into leaders, but also become inspirational role models for others. This is the cycle of change we want to foster.”

He is also a major partner of Made in African Foundation run by a popular United Kingdom fashion designer Ozwald Boateng.

Unlike Aluko, Omokore, who hails from Isanlu, Kogi State, is a politician. Aside Energy Atlantic, he is also linked to marine, haulage services, steel, dredging engineering and

property development. He is said to have lived most of his early adult life in Egbe in Kogi State.

Like Aluko, Omokore also featured as one of “Ten Nigerian multi-millionaire you’ve never heard of”. Forbes described his company, Energy Resources Group as “one of Nigeria’s largest privately-held conglomerates.

ERG has interests in oil trading and exploration, haulage services, steel, dredging engineering and property development.”

The report estimated to have exceeded “$400 million.” Omokore, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he reportedly donated N50,000,000 to the Kogi State government to cushion the effect of the 2012 floods on victims.

Last year, he donated N25 million to assist the government in its bid to stem the rising rate of crimes in the state.

Venture Africa’s rich list of 2013 estimated Omokore’s wealth to be some $1.32 billion.

Kindly refer to our various correspondence and discussions regarding your outstanding obligations on the above subject facility ($120 million). This is to remind you that the total sum of $39,232,428.16 plus accrued interest is past overdue for payment on your facility --Skye Bank

FOREIGN BENEFICIARIES OF FUNDS FROM THE FIRM Foreign Bank Accounts Beneficiary Name Atlantic Holdings Limited Atlantic Energy SA Limited ATLANT ENERGY DMCC Limited Made in Africa Limited

Bank

Account Number

BNP Paribas Suisse SA

1323951

LGT Bank ( Switzerland) Ltd, Zurich

2005108

LGT Bank ( Switzerland) Ltd, Zurich

2006431

LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd

2006822

Standard Chartered Bank London

012670593

Barclays Bank

28037304495

Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited ‘Deutsche Bank (Suisse) S.A

2025841

Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, LONDON

01267630350

swung into plum business, having won the hearts of those at the helms of affairs - from the ministry and the

Presidency. As contained in the SAA document, Atlantic Energy was supposed to pay a signature

bonus of $245 million to NPDC, but it ended up paying $135 million – no thanks to legal terminology and

simple mathematics that only parties in the deal could explain. The balance was remitted to the account of unknown people.

Inside the raw deals Atlantic Energy approached two Nigerian banks for loans. Going by the books of Atlantic Energy, the loans were meant for the payment of signature bonus and cash calls to NPDC. Therefore, in 2011, it took a loan of $490million, with First Bank contributing $370million and Skye Bank $120million. At the beginning of the deal, Atlantic Energy actually paid the signature bonus of $135 and cash calls of $68 to NPDC from the loan, totalling $203 million out of $490million lifeline provided by the two banks.

But another weighty, if not damning evidence that was to expose the shoddiness of the SAA came in the early life of the deal. In 2011, shortly after securing the juicy contract, it was NPDC that lifted crude oil (947,096 barrels) on behalf of Atlantic Energy and remitted $102m into the coffers of its strategic partner; instead of Atlantic Energy to lift oil and remit proceeds. Why? It was because Atlantic Energy, a mere portfolio company at the time it was handed the sweetheart contract, was still too new and untested to even secure an export permit for such a venture as at the time, thus showing the level of involvement of the top echelons of the Petroleum Ministry and NPDC officials.

A detailed scrutiny of the cash calls schedules and other papers also showed that the plundering galore continued till 2012 and 2013.

For example, in 2012 alone, Atlan•Continued on page 55

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

NEWS

•President Buhari (fifth left) with President Obama (middle) after their meeting at the White House in Washington, DC... yesterday. With them from left are: Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ade Adefuye, governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nassarawa), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Kashim Shettima (Borno), ambassadors Bulus Z. Lolo and Ayo Oke.

Obama renews U.S. support for anti-Boko Haram battle Continued from page 1

ing.

His words: “President Buhari comes into office with a reputation of integrity and a very clear agenda and that is to make sure that he is bringing safety, security and peace to this country.

“He (Buhari) is very concerned about the spread of Boko Haram and the violence that has taken place there and the atrocities that have taken place there and he has a very clear agenda of defeating Boko Haram and extremists of all sorts inside his country.

“And he has a very clear agenda with respect to rooting

out the corruption that has too often held back the economic growth and prosperity of his country. On both these issues, we’re looking forward to hearing more about his plans and how the United States can partner with Nigeria.”

In what looked as an answer to some critics who felt the American President should have extended his tour of Kenya and Ethiopia scheduled for later this week, a U.S. official said President Buhari’ s U.S. trip was a better option.

The official, Grant Harris, a Senior Director for Africa for the National Security Council

Biden to Buhari: military option alone can’t win terror war

U

NITED States (U.S.) Vice President Joe Biden yesterday urged the Federal Government to introduce socio-economic support programmes to its strategy against Boko Haram.

Biden offered the advice at a breakfast meeting to which he hosted President Muhammadu Buhari at his official resident .

I •President Buhari and Vice President Joe Biden...yesterday

Continued on page 61

With the sale of the four oil blocks in which the Federal Government owns 55 per cent, the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), which oversees national investments in Joint Venture Companies (JVCs), Production Sharing Companies (PSCs) and Services Contract Companies (SCs), transferred the ownership to NPDC as the upstream producing arm of the NNPC. Although the NPDC should have paid NAPIMS a signature bonus, no payment was made, leading to a loss of as-

D

set by the federation and loss of revenue that should have accrued to the nation’s coffers.

This was confirmed by the PwC report on the audit of remittances from NNPC to the federation account after the allegation by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who is now the emir of Kano, that no less than $20million oil money was missing. The audit showed that remittances into the federation account were not up to date.

The SAA was to enable Atlantic Energy provide funds and technical services and lift oil. Being a funding mecha-

Continued on page 61

Oil price fall imminent as UN endorses Iran nuclear deal

Revealed: How Nigeria lost $2b in oil deals Continued from page 1

Drawing experience from counter-terrorism battles, the U.S. Vice President said military option alone cannot guarantee victory.

The breakfast meeting afforded Biden opportunity to compare notes with Buhari on the terror war.

America had been belea-

nism, the SAA is meant to enable the owner (NPDC) to accept its strategic partner (Atlantic Energy) to partake in the production sharing of the oil field at a fee (signature bonus).

The strategic partner is expected to return, fund the operations and provide technical support so that it can be reimbursed directly from the production in subsequent periods.

Although a good idea that is said to be critical to the survival of the country’s oil and gas industry, the SAA was obviously not managed in the national interest; it has left many financial gaps.

Atlantic Energy was sup-

posed to pay a signature bonus of $245 million to NPDC, but it paid $135 million – no thanks to legal terminology and simple arithmetics that only parties in the deal could explain. The balance was remitted to the account of unknown people .

Atlantic Energy approached two banks for loans. The loans, said the company, were meant for the payment of signature bonus and cash calls to NPDC. In 2011, the company took a loan of $490million. First Bank contributed $370million and Skye Bank $120million. At the beginning of the deal, Atlantic Continued on page 61

RAN inched yesterday to its entry into the international oil market. The United Nations (UN) Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution that will pave the way for the lifting of international sanctions on the Asian nation’s economy.

The introduction of Iranian oil into the market will further reduce the global price of

crude oil, which would further affect the income of oildependent countries like Nigeria.

Nigeria’s economy has been facing challenges since the price of crude oil tumbled from about $100 to about $50 a barrel, a development that crippled several states from meeting their salary obligaContinued on page 61

Why I won’t appoint ministers till September, by Buhari

N

IGERIANS are to wait till September to know their ministers.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday confirmed that ministers will not be appointed until September. He said the delay in naming members of the yet-to-be constituted Federal Executive Council (FEC) is to allow for critical reforms which will guide the conduct of the ministers when appointed.

By Seun Akioye

President Buhari dropped the hint in an article published by the Washington Post. He said it will neither be prudent, nor serve the interest of sound government to have hastily made ministerial appointments immediately after coming into office without the necessary reContinued on page 61

Jonathan approved N1.45b legal fee, BPE tells EFCC

ETECTIVES probing the alleged N1.45 billion legal and consultancy fees scandal at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) have got some key documents which will help them get to the root of the matter, The Nation learnt yesterday.

The BPE is insisting that the legal contract was valid because ex-President Goodluck Jonathan approved it, based on a memo from ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, who was the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

It also said Sections II (J) and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

55 of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act Cap. P.38, LFN 2004 exempt the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) from complying with the processes of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

In a June 27 letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the BPP requested the anti-graft agency to investigate the payment scandal.

One of the lawyers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was paid N950 million

for the liquidation of the Power Holding Company when the company had ceased to exist and N500 million was paid as consultancy fees to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The fees were paid contrary to the advice of the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) and the BPP. Based on the BPP alarm, the EFCC has since started probing the payment.

But, in a fresh twist, the BPE insisted that the contract was legal and approved by ex-President Jonathan.

Armed with a heap of documents sent to EFCC, the agency said its supervising organ (the National Council on Privatisation) does not need any approval of its disposal procurement from BPP. One of the documents, exclusively obtained by our correspondent, reads in part: “The Bureau of Public Procurement reviewed the procurement process and issued Certificates of ‘No Objection’ dated February 26, 2013 (attached as An-

nex U4) to the BPE to appoint Messrs J.K. Gadzama & Partners as the Consultant, Legal Advisory Services for the winding up of PHCN in the sum of N929, 613,188.94 inclusive of 5 per cent VAT. A letter of award /engagement was issued to J.K. Gadzama &Partners on 6th March, 2013.

“The National Council on Privatisation at its 3rd meeting for 2013 held on Thursday, May 9, 2013 approved the engagement of Messrs. J.K. Gadzama & Partners as the Consultant, Legal Advisory Services for the winding up of PHCN in the sum of N929,613,188.94. Excerpts of NCP minutes attached.

“Thereafter, copies of the draft contract agreements were forwarded to the Vice President and Chairman, NCP (for approval), who subsequently directed that the draft contract agreements be forwarded to the Honourable AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) for review before execution.

“By a memo referenced SH/ VP/BPE/C2/XVII, dated August 30, 2013, a copy of a memo

from the AGF to the Vice President and Chairman of NCP dated August 27, 2013 was forwarded to the BPE by the Office of the Vice President and Chairman of NCP for necessary action.

“In the said memo, the AGF raised objection to the appointment of J.K. Gadzama as Liquidator of PHCN Plc, stating that such is within the purview of PHCN Board of Directors only.

“Following the intervention of the Chairman of the Board of NELMCO, the AGF in his letter to the DG of BPP dated 11th, September 2014 (which was copied to the DG BPE) withdrew his earlier query on the ‘No Objection’ earlier granted by BPP to procure J.K. Gadzama and Partners for legal advisory services for the winding up of PHCN Plc. “BPE, in reliance on the letter above referred requested BPP to revalidate its earlier “No Objection” granted. The BPP declined to withdraw its “No Objection” without adducing any reason for doing so.”

The BPE said it reported the

stalemate to the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) at its meeting on April 16, 2015.

It added: “The NCP noted that since the AGF had withdrawn his query on the procurement and there was no other tenable reason to withhold it, approved that BPE should immediately proceed to execute the contract with Messrs. J.K. Gadzama & Partners as the consultant, legal advisory services for the winding up of PHCN in the sum of N929,613,188.94 based on the ‘No Objection’ earlier granted

by BPP.” The BPE also gave the details of how ex-President Jonathan approved the contract during the transition period.

The agency said: “In a briefing memo to His Excellency, the former President on the decisions of NCP, the former Vice President and Chairman of NCP, among other things, highlighted its approval diContinued on page 61

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

5

NEWS

Gbajabiamila’s group faults Dogara on federal character M EMBERS of the House of Representatives supporting former Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila have described Speaker Yakubu Dogara as hypocritical over his new stance on federal character for the selection of principal officers for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House.

In a July 18 letter to the Chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun and signed by Nasiru Sani Zangon-Daura, the group pointed out that it is insincere that someone who was anti zoning will now be the person waiving the zoning card.

The letter reads:“We find Hon. Dogara’s letter fraught with several fundamental flaws in his analysis and interpretation of the Constitution and House rules. This is to set the records straight.

“We stand on our earlier position that whilst we accept and agree with the principle of Federal Character, the Constitutional provisions in that regard are strictly in reference to the appointment to the Federal Executive and its agencies.

“The principle of Federal Character is not intended to be given such elasticity to the extent that it would extend to the running and internal workings of the House which is not a government agency and whose members are not appointed but elected.

“Assuming Federal Character was meant to be applicable to the National Assembly, then certainly one of the Houses of the National As-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

sembly must be headed by a Southerner.

“Remember sir, that in the run-up to the election of the Senate President and Speaker, our party made a deliberate choice, to apply this same principle of Federal Character such that all qualified zones will be represented in the spirit of national unity, which we embrace, but we all know how that ended.

“Furthermore to accept the Speaker’s arrangement would mean the two most powerful positions in the Senate and House after the presiding officers would be occupied by the North.

“Whilst we maintain that our party’s mantra of ‘Change’ for the growth and development of our dear nation requires that merit should not be sacrificed on the altar of zoning, we have painstakingly ensured that in the selection of our leaders in the House, all zones are represented, except the South East, which unfortunately, are currently excluded from holding leadership positions because the House Rules disqualifies ‘inexperienced’ members from holding leadership position. Unfortunately, all our party members from the South East are first term legislators.

“The South East can be adequately compensated through other means without violating our rule on ap-

pointment of principal officers.

“Hon. Dogara, in paragraph 7 of his letter quotes the provision of section 147 of the constitution which specifically requires that the President in appointing Ministers, shall observe the Federal Character principle as provided in section 14.

“He has inadvertently made our point that Federal Character is applicable only to the executive and its agencies.

“If the framers of our constitution had intended same to apply to the running of the legislature Houses, similar provisions which mandated the president specifically, would have been included in the case of the National Assembly.

“This is how laws are interpreted and all lawyers know this including the Speaker.

This legal principle of interpretation is known as the “exclusion unis “rule of interpretation “Again the Speaker referred to the Third Schedule Part 1c of the constitution which he quotes in part, leaving out vital provisions which would not support the position of zoning in the National Assembly.

“We encourage the party to read this provision closely, particularly section 8 which lists the bodies over, which the Federal Character commission has jurisdiction.

“Indeed, section 8 of the

third schedule sets up the Federal Character commission and it provides as follows: ‘In giving effect to the provisions of section 14(3) and (4) of this constitution, the commission shall have the power to – (a). Work out an equitable formula subject to the approval of the National Assembly for the distribution of all cadres of posts in the public service of the federation and of the states, the armed forces of the federation, the Nigerian police force and other government security agencies, government owned companies and parastatals of the states…..’

“Furthermore and more compelling is sub section 2 which states in defining meaning of political posts: ‘The posts mentioned in subparagraph 1 (a) and (b) shall include those of the permanent secretaries, directors general in extra ministerial departments and parastatals, directors in ministries and extra ministerial departments, senior military Officers, senior diplomatic posts and managerial cadres in the federal and state parastatals, bodies, agencies and institutions’.

“These are all executive appointments and not legislative offices.

The above proviso Mr. Chairman recognises Federal Character only as it relates to the executive and government agencies. The National Assembly is not recognised for that purpose.”

Why we’re moving against airport officials,

by ICPC boss I

NDEPENDENT Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman Ekpo Nta has explained why the commission is staging sting operations to arrest perpetrators of corrupt practices at the country’s international airports.

In December last year, the ICPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMA) in Lagos, and set up a Project Advisory Committee on the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) in the aviation sector, which, since March, has culminated in the arrest of officials at airports across the country.

The ICPC boss added that the operation became necessary because the airports are the entry points for foreign-

By Robert Egbe

ers coming into Nigeria and determine their first impression of the country.

He said: “The first contact a foreigner has with the country is at the international airport and the impression he takes away from there will decide for him how the country should be assessed. So, we have taken some steps to address that issue and I’m very happy that when we started that exercise we got together all the agencies working at the airport: Customs, Immigration, FAAN, NDLEA, Quarantines; all of the agencies, and we had this charter and agreement that we must change our attitudes in terms

of what some people call ‘low level corruption’ at the airports.

“But this so-called low level of corruption determines the face of our corporate image, so we did sensitisation in December last year and told them we would be coming.

Maybe they did not believe, because after one, two months, they did not see anything, or so they thought; they didn’t know we were doing underground surveillance. And so in March, we started public arrest and that sent a message that needed to be sent.”

After the collaboration between the ICPC and the aviation ministry, public enlightenment campaigns against cor-

ruption were carried out at the airports, as well as surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Last month the commission revealed that reports since the last sting operation in June showed that there was an awareness of the presence of the ICPC at the airports and this had reduced impunity.

Speaking on ChannelsTV on Sunday night, Nta warned people from trying to bribe the commission’s officials.

He said: “One or two persons who have tried it from outside are facing the courts now,” he said. “One interesting case happened that they were given an account to pay money into, thinking it was the person’s account, not knowing it was our recovery account, and when we issued the receipt, it dawned on them the person what we are here for.”

Former Sulltan counts losses after DSS raid

F

ORMER Sultan of Sokoto Ibrahim Dasuki has expressed his displeasure over last weekend’s raid on his country home in Sokoto by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Alhaji Dasuki, who was deposed by a former military Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, said the operatives erred by not first seeking his permission before breaking into his home.

He said the invasion was like visiting the ‘sins of his son (Sambo) on him (the father), saying they are two distinct individuals.

The former Sultan was said to have been angered by the alleged forceful opening a box kept in his house for about

two decades by Sambo’s sister.

Dasuki, who is father to Col Sambo (rtd), the embattled former National Security Adviser (NSA), who reportedly spoke with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), expressed disgust over the raid in connection with allegations against his son.

Reacting to the invasion, the former monarch lamented that the security agency should have sought his permission before entering his house.

He was quoted as saying: “The security forces should not have entered my house without seeking authority, because there is a difference between me and my son,” he said.

Nigeria’s Statistician General to speak at Chatham House London

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HE Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Mr. Yemi Kale will speak at the Chatham House in London today.

Kale will speak on the relevance of data for development and how Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics has led the continent with innovation, methodology in the areas of data processing and dissemination.

His topic is: “Right Data, Right Policy, Innovations in Data Collection and Dissemination in Nigeria.”

Chatham House said: “Dr Yemi Kale, the statistician general of Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, will discuss the country’s efforts to gather and disseminate improved data in the

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor, Abuja

face of logistical challenges and a domestic lack of trust in institutions. He will discuss the significance of improved data to better policymaking.

“The availability and accuracy of data is central to resolving multifaceted governance challenges in Africa and has a critical role to play in improving transparency and decision-making.

“The 2014 rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP saw Nigeria become the largest economy in Africa and also shone a light on the potential extent of gaps in data and understanding of policy contexts resulting from informal activity and challenges to data collection.”

How to improve housing

F

OR Nigeria to improve on housing deficits, estate surveyors and valuers must be involved.

An Abuja surveyor, Diran Adetunji, said experts would be better managers of the sector because they have requisite skills.

He said: “Most of those who have administered housing knew little or nothing about housing. It is not surprising therefore that housing sector and housing delivery lacks planning.

“Nobody sat down to estimate or input the cost and volume of influx of people into the cities and urban areas. Consequently, there is no short term and long term plans of housing the people, particularly the poor ones.”

The surveyor, who noted

•From left: Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau; Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo and Deputy Speaker PlateauHouse of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Gagdi, during the Eid-il-Fitri Traditional Sallah Homage to the governor in Jos ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

By Precious Igbonwelundu

that the phase one of the Abuja housing plan has not been completed several years after the nation’s capital was relocated to there, added that there were limited number of buildable plots and space with more people struggling to get what they can.

“That challenge was there because planning didn’t take into consideration the potential growth, the number of people who are coming in as a result of moving the administrative headquarters of the country to Abuja.

“No matter how you look at it, the housing sector has suffered a great deal due to lack of proper planning and this constitutes a very big impediment to housing delivery.

“All we need to do at this juncture is to allow the Estate Surveyors and Valuers to take charge and commence from the point of proper diagnosis of the problem, re enact the Land and Housing policies that will guaranty access to housing on a continuous basis in Nigeria,” he said.

He highlighted issues such as the absence of good title for plots; lack of basic infrastructures that will facilitate smooth development and finance as some of the challenges facing improved housing in the country.

But with the establishment of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NRMC) by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the World Bank, Adetunji expressed hope that mortgage facilities would be available for the people.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS ‘Buhari didn’t breach constitution on bailout’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

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IGERIA Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Ekiti Branch Chairman Bunmi Olugbade has defended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving a financial bailout for states.

Olugbade, in a telephone chat with reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said Buhari did not breach the constitution as being alleged in some quarters in giving a financial lifeline to states, which were struggling to pay workers.

The NBA chief argued that the constitution empowered the president to act in emergency to meet the needs of Nigerians.

A member of the House of Representatives has gone to court to challenge Buhari’s financial bailout for states on the grounds that the action was unconstitutional.

Olugbade, a former member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, said Buhari was covered by Section 5(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which vested him with Executive powers to act in the interest of the nation.

But he acknowledged that Section 6 (6) of the 1999 Constitution allowed any Nigerian aggrieved with any government policy to to challenge such policy in court.

The lawyer said: “Section 5(1) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the Executive powers of the federation shall be vested in the President. And Buhari enjoys this privilege because Nigeria is a federating state and operates a presidential system.

“Under Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution, the government of the federation has statutory objectives to carry out state policies.

Sections 16 and 17 even stated that the state shall protect the rights of the citizens.

“Section 16 ( 2 ) went further to say that the state shall direct its policy towards ensuring that its material resources are harnessed, managed and distributed for the good of the citizens.

“It is the social responsibility of government to ensure the provision of public assistance in deserving cases or other conditions of need.

“The combined effects of all these provisions lent credence to the fact that President Buhari has not breached the constitution.

What he did was in the best interest of Nigeria and within the law.”

Nigeria to back setting up of African disease control centre From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

N

IGERIA will support the establishment of African Centre for Disease Control (ACDC), the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute, has said.

He spoke at the meeting of African Ministers of Health on the ACDC establishment in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Awute, according a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press & Public Relations, Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, said the proposed centre must be designed as a veritable institution to strengthen and enhance health systems in Africa.

The permanent secretary maintained that the ACDC, envisaged as a health security tool for Africa, must be owned by the member states with support from the African Union (AU), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other development partners.

Awute urged selected institutions to work with the continental centre for disease control when established.

He said countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had taken the initiative to set the pace by establishing the Regional Centre for Disease Control.

Awute insisted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control should serve as the ECOWAS Regional CDC, in recognition of Nigeria’s fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The permanent secretary assured that Nigeria would share its experiences in establishing its CDC as well as its role in the establishment of the ECOWAS Regional CDC. The African Health Ministers, during the meeting, agreed that African countries must take ownership of the ACDC.

SERAP to Obama: assist in returning stolen assets

By Adebisi Onanuga

A

RIGHTS group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Barack Obama to back up his commitment on stolen assets by taking aggressive steps towards returning them to Nigeria.

SERAP made the plea in a statement in Lagos ahead of the meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and officials of the Obama government this week.

It urged the United States (U.S.) government to deal with the problem with the seriousness and intensity that had been previously lacking in similar exercise.

SERAP Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, in a statement yesterday, welcomed the commitment by Obama to assist the Buhari government to track down billions of dollars in stolen assets from the country.

The group stated that greater efforts were required by the Obama government to follow through its commitment, if it was to secure justice for victims of corruption and money laundering.

It urged the Obama government to move quickly to resolve the issue of returning the assets to the country in an expeditious, just and fair manner.

“Unless this is done, the rare opportunity the Obama government now has to right the injustice aided and abetted by the U.S. banks will be gone,” the group said.

*Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai (right) presenting a souvenir to acting Chief of Army Staff Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai when he visited the monarch in Maiduguri ...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Odigie-Oyegun: no ministerial nominee failed corruption test

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has debunked claims that some ministerial nominees failed corruption test conducted by security agencies.

Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke to reporters in Benin City, the Edo State capital, noted that the ministers to be appointed

by President Muhammadu Buhari would be a mixture of politicians and technocrats.

He said the actions of the APC-led government under Buhari were deliberate and cautious.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

This, he explained, was because the APC came with a different manifesto and would need passionate individuals who understand what is required to be done.

Odigie-Oyegun criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (APC) for alleging that the APC was clamping down on its members.

He said the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was a public officer.

His words: “The government is not slow. It is cautious

and deliberate. It is good we go with deliberate steps and make a few mistakes as possible in the appointments that will need to come. That process is nearing its end.

“Activities people thought were slow are taking place.

Some aspects of our promises are already underway.

Implementations of some of the party’s promises are underway.”

“There was need, given that this is our first experience in governance, to be cautious.

There was need, because of the totally different nature of our manifestos and social

welfare programmes we promised to the people, that those he wants to bring to execute these programmes are totally different; that they understand, passionate and have ideas about what is required to be done.

“We don’t have time for the PDP yet. We are busy now to put our government on the ground and start expanding to the yearnings of the people. PDP has not put itself together yet. They are no source of concern to anybody. Dasuki was a public officer. He was not a PDP member.”

‘Impunity in Senate threatening democracy’ •Unity Forum’s spokesman writes Saraki, Ekweremadu

By Olamilekan Andu

•Saraki

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HE senator representing Kano North and Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the Unity Forum, Barau Jibrin, has warned against impunity by some lawmakers.

Unity Forum is the group of senators supporting Senator Ahmed Lawan for the leadership of Senate.

The senator, who made the observation yesterday in an open letter to Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Muhammed Danjuma Goje, said impunity was threatening the nation’s democracy.

He said: “Unless the rule of law is restored in the Eighth Senate, the foundation of impunity and double-talk being played out in the Senate is capable of derailing the Buhari administration.”

Jibrin noted that the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Ekweremadu as Senate president and deputy Senate president had affected the nation’s democratic values and direction.

He regretted that “the SarakiEkweremadu group, in their desperate political ambition, which manifested a few days before the June 9 betrayal, suddenly turned upside down the time-tested values of democracy and leadership they had professed publicly and pri-

vately”.

He noted how Ekweremadu, in a paper, titled: Leadership in the National Assembly, he presented in Abuja at the Induction Certificate Course on Legislative Studies for the Eighth National Assembly on April 27, espoused party supremacy, particularly as it affects the appointment of the principal officers of the Senate.

Quoting from Ekweremadu’s paper at the lecture, Jibrin said: “The offices and functions of officers of the Senate, for instance, are enumerated in Chapter 6 of the Senate Standing Orders.

Thus, in addition to the Presiding Officers captured therein, Sections 25 to 32 provide for the following Offices: 1. Majority/ Senate Leader; 2. Minority Leader; 3. Deputy Majority Leader; 4. Deputy Minority Leader; 5. Majority/Chief Whip; 6. Minority Whip; 7. Deputy Majority Whip; and 8. Deputy Minority Whip.

“However, whereas the entire members of the House elect the Presiding Officers, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, the above listed offices are party affairs and are supplied by the affected parties, accordingly. Generally, as the titles imply, the posts of Majority Leader, Deputy Majority leader, Majority/Chief Whip, and Deputy Majority Whip are supplied by the party with majority members in each house of the National Assembly while the reverse is the case for Minority Leader, Minority Whip and their deputies.”

Calling Ekweremadu’s attention to his comments about developments at the National Assembly, Jibrin said:

“…Lately, you made an unfair remark that the National Assembly was not a party secretariat when our great party (the All Progressives Congress, APC) insisted that its supremacy and wishes in the matter of who occupied leadership positions be respected.”

He added: “It is not only the flouting of the rules concerning the party’s latitude to present the leadership of its Senate caucus that Senator Ekweremadu had provided support for, but he had also provided support to Senator Saraki to flout the ranking rule in the legislature, unlike what he explained at the same public gathering inter alia: “Ranking Rule: Both the House and Senate Standing Orders lay emphasis on legislative experience or Ranking Rule. In the Senate for instance, Order 2 provides: ‘Nomination of Senators to serve as Presiding Officers and appointments of principal officers and other officers of the Senate or on any parliamentary delegations shall be in accordance with the ranking of senators.

“In determining ranking, the following order shall apply: 1. Senators returning based on number of times reelected. 2. Senators, who had been members of the House of Representatives. 3. Senators elected as senators for the first time.’

“This rule, though not law in itself, is a parliamentary norm, even in the United States of America (USA), and has been variously upheld by the courts.

It is protected by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution’.”

He noted that the parlous situation foisted on the Senate by

impunity and double-talk would persist until ”we see to it that the rules you have enjoined others to breach are asserted”.

Jibrin reminded Saraki and Ekweremadu that ”as they remain in the Eighth Senate, wanting to make laws for the people of Nigeria, they must themselves obey the rule of the game”.

On Goje, who was Gombe State governor, the senator said he could not understand his sudden change from being an adherent of the rule of law and a party disciplinarian.

Jibrin said: “Senator Goje told me, among others at the Aminu Kano House at Asokoro, Abuja, before the purported inauguration of the Eighth Senate what we already knew, that the appointment of principal officers of the Senate is in the purview of the concerned political parties that have their members in the Senate, guided by ranking rule of the Red Chamber.”

He added: “But I was surprised to hear Senator Goje insisting on the floor of the Senate that the so-called zonal caucuses should appoint the principal officers instead.

“I wonder which part of the Senate’s Standing Order Senator Goje relied on to make his assertion.”

Jibrin urged well-meaning Nigerians to resist the desecration of the Eighth Senate through impunity.

He said the development could undermine the sanctity of the Senate, the present administration and ”our entire democracy”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS Ondo workers to begin strike From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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UBLIC servants in Ondo State are to begin an indefinite strike tomorrow, if the government fails to pay all outstanding salaries and deductions.

The workers, through the State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Sunday Adeleye, said the seven-day ultimatum given to the government had expired.

He said: “We have been meeting with the government representative since last week after issuing a statement of a seven-day ultimatum.

“But if by today, the government fails to accede to our demand, the union will have no other option than to call a congress and a total indefinite strike will be declared.”

Last week, the workers issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to pay their entitlements.

They said cooperative societies were no longer functioning due to unpaid deductions.

The ultimatum was contained in a statement by Adeleye after a meeting with labour leaders.

Adeleye, in the statement, said the non-payment of deductions showed that the government was insensitive to their plight.

‘APC’ll rescue Nigeria’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Baderinwa, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Baderinwa said the mission of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was to develop the country.

He spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the rehabilitation of a major road linking Ero in Ifedore Local Government Area to the Akure-Ilesa Expressway.

The project, which is about 1.4 kilometres, is sponsored by the lawmaker and will cost about N2.8million.

Baderinwa promised to embark on more community projects to commemorate his 100 days in office in October.

According to him, “the APC government has come to build, not to destroy.

So, Nigerians should be patient with the Federal Government.

“The glory of a king is the welfare of his subjects.

We cannot continue to watch while our people suffer. This road has been in a sorry state due to its neglect by successive administrations.

“Numerous potholes and gullies have rendered it impassable for motorists.

“This has made life hell for the people. It was this unpleasant situation that drew my attention.”

•Some passengers waiting to board the free train provided by the Osun State government from Osogbo to Lagos at the Osogbo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation...yesterday.

Police arrest lawmaker’s aides for violence at tribunal T HE police in Ekiti State have arrested two loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in connection with the violence on the premises of the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting at the State High Court complex in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

They are being interrogated for their alleged complicity in the attack on some witnesses of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who testified in the petition by the party’s senatorial candidate in Ekiti Central, Gbenga Olofin.

Olofin is challenging the declaration of the PDP candidate, Senator Fatimat Rasaki, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the National Assembly election.

Thugs attacked APC wit-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

nesses and members at the tribunal hearing on June 30 shortly after Olofin closed his case.

Their action drew the ire of the tribunal Chairman, Justice A.N. Erabor, who summoned Mrs. Rasaki and reportedly warned her to caution her supporters against committing contempt of court.

The Nation gathered yesterday that two prominent supporters of Mrs. Rasaki, believed to be arrowheads of the attacks, were arrested in Ado-Ekiti on Friday They are Ibukun Ayodele, who is Mrs Rasaki’s campaign coordinator in IgedeEkiti and Mrs. Bosede Adele-

ke, popularly known as Awodama, who is her anchorwoman in Ado-Ekiti.

Ayodele was arrested in his house on Nova Road in Ado-Ekiti on Friday at 6pm; Mrs. Adeleke was picked up at another location in Ado earlier in the day at 7am.

They were taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where they were grilled for their alleged roles in the violence.

A police source said they confessed to being Mrs. Rasaki’s loyalists and admitted that they were present in court on that day.

Mrs. Rasaki, who has been invited by the police, is yet to honour the invitation.

Police spokesman Alberto Adeyemi said he would

speak fully on the matter today as he was away from office.

But a police source said the two suspects were later released but they are expected to report today.

The source said: “It is true that they were arrested in connection with what happened in court on June 30 but we asked them to go and come back.

“We had to release them later that day because it is against the law to detain somebody beyond 24 hours without charging him to court and we are not oblivious of the public holidays.

“I just want to plead with you to be patient with us because they must show up

Fayose to Obasanjo: leave Jonathan alone

E

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comments on former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He urged Obasanjo to stop attacking Jonathan.

Fayose was responding to Obasanjo’s comments at the 11th convocation lecture of the Ben Idahosa University (BIU), Benin, Edo State, where Obasanjo reportedly said Jonathan’s performance would haunt the Southsouth for a long time.

The governor, miffed by

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Obasanjo’s latest invective against Jonathan, said the Otuoke-born leader “has since left office and should be allowed to live a private life devoid of mudslinging from elder statesmen, like Chief Obasanjo”.

Fayose, in a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, contended that the people of the Southsouth voted overwhelmingly for Jonathan in the March 28

Church programme

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HE World Bible Church Ajelogo, Lagos, will hold its prophetic anointing service for Lagos, Ekiti and Ondo states.

The senior pastor, Pastor J.B Kumoluyi, said the Lagos service will hold at the church headquarters in Lagos from July 21-23.

The service for Ekiti and Ondo states will hold on August 13.

Kumoluyi said the theme “Transfiguration into new glory anointing” was inspired by Luke 9:28-36. He said the programme would feature transfiguration, glorification, salvation, total deliverance, out pouring of the Holy Spirit and miracles.

presidential poll “despite the gang-up orchestrated by Obasanjo and his allies”.

He said: “Most importantly, Jonathan’s performance as a democrat has been widely acknowledged locally and internationally, particularly by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had acknowledged the role he (Jonathan) played in arranging a peaceful and successful transition programme, thereby averting the feared crisis in the country.

“This is in contrast to Baba Obasanjo, who tried third term when he was about concluding his constitutional two terms. And who knows if he would have tried fourth term, if he had succeeded with his third term agenda?

“The reality is, assuming but not conceding that Jonathan performed below expectation, the democratic governance that he established in Nigeria is more important than any other

performance that Obasanjo alluded to,” the governor said.

Speaking further, Fayose urged Obasanjo to stop running other Nigerians down, saying; “We are all stakeholders in the country. It is wrong for any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed, to go about carrying himself around as the only honest and lover of the country.

The governor said: “Since Baba Obasanjo has openly destroyed his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) membership card, he is free to go about seeking relevance in the All Progressives Congress (APC) without running anyone down.”

Fayose said people living in glass houses should avoid throwing stones, adding that Nigerians know those involved in the Halliburton scandal and people who are yet to be cleared of their alleged complicity in the scam lack the moral rights to brand other people as corrupt.

again today as we continue our investigation.”

One of the victims, Lateef Subair, called on the police to ensure that justice was served.

He said: “We reported this matter because we want justice. We are prepared to go to court because it has become the culture of PDP thugs to always take laws into their hands.”

Olofin expressed his desire to prosecute the matter because “it was a replica of what happened on election day”.

‘Why forum split’ A CHIEFTAIN of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Shuaibu Salami, has explained why a group advocating for power shift in the state split and could not hold meetings again.

He said more members are pulling out of the forum after the well-celebrated maiden meeting in Abuja a month ago.

Salami said this has made it difficult to call for a second meeting and discuss further modalities on power shift.

The APC chieftain said lack of trust and sincerity of purpose by the leaders were responsible for the forum’s collapse.

He said the people were suspicious of the leaders’ intention, especially as it was dominated by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

“We are tired of PDP, we need a change. It’s better to belong to the mainstream than the opposition. Wada must be voted out.

“Our party would support anybody who wins the primary, irrespective of where he comes from. The most important task is to dislodge the PDP after that, we shall set up a committee on power shift involving all that matters not this one that is out to work against our party.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS Aondoakaa condemns insecurity in Benue From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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•Lagos and Ogun Zonal Coordinator, Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP), Toyin Kadiku (second right), Lagos Coordinator (SMP) George Babatunde Benson (right), Deputy Route Commander, Ojota Unit, Mrs Betty O. Ajayi, State Secretary (SMP) (second left) Lekan Kuku and Unit Seven Coordinator (SMP) Bright Okesokun at the end of Sallah Patrol in Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ojota, Lagos...yesterday.

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•From left: Head of Operations, Badagry Unit, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Ms. Edith Eluka; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem and Unit Commander, Salisu Galadunci, during the Eid-El-Fitr special patrol monitoring on the LagosBadagry Expressway...yesterday.

Kogi PDP blasts NWC members

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HINGS seem to have fallen apart for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State ahead of the November governorship election.

Elected delegates are at daggers drawn with the National Working Committee (NWC).

The delegates, who were elected in the June 27 ad-hoc delegates’ election across the various wards in the state, have rejected the purported cancellation of their elections.

They described the NWC’s action as undemocratic and unacceptable.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, an elected delegate representing Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area, said the party leadership erred by setting up a new committee to conduct fresh ad hoc delegates election when the first one was declared to be free and fair.

He added that there was

•Rejects ‘cancellation’ of delegates’ election From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

no justification for the new directive, except if there was a hidden agenda.

Abdullahi said: “We totally reject the purported cancellation and plot to conduct a fresh election for the ad-hoc delegates.

“We have information that certain elements in the NWC have colluded with some undemocratic party members to deny the state a transparent process leading to the election of state executives.

“We, therefore, wish to warn any of such members against undue vested interest they are showing in the matters of our state.

“We wish to also inform all that the members and leaders of our party will resist vehemently, any form of undue attempt to

subvert the process.

“We, therefore, call on our national leaders, Board of Trustees members, governors and opinion leaders in the party to call the misguided NWC members to order in the general interest of our party.

“We reaffirm our loyalty, commitment and support to our party and we will resist, contest and reject any attempt to hijack the party structure through unpopular and undemocratic means.”

Lawmaker donates to community

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HE lawmaker representing Oyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, has said a database of all unemployed youths would soon be created.

He said a fund would soon be created for most vulnerable children, from which their upkeep, including school fees, will be taken care of.

Adeniyi spoke at the weekend when he hosted residents of Afijio, Atiba,

Oyo East and Oyo West local governments for the Ed Fitri celebration. ‘’In recent times, Nigeria has been faced with increased criminal attacks.

These include militancy, bombing, kidnapping, robbery and much more. Many of these militants/insurgents appeared to be youths.”

Adeniyi, who solicited the support and cooperation of all, said everyone must work to make the society better.

ORMER AttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice Michael Aondoakaa has decried the rising insecurity in Benue State.

His comments followed the killing of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Atoza Hidan.

Aondoakaa called on Governor Samuel Ortom to tackle insecurity as the primary duty of government was to secure lives and property.

He advised Ortom to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and tackle the crisis.

Hidan was killed last Friday by unknown gunmen, who came on a motorcycle.

The following day, a couple, Tyavkase and Doom Abellaga were killed in their room in Katsina Ala Local Government.

NIM to host women HE Nigerian Insticonference tute of Management

(NIM) is to hold a Women in Management and Leadership Conference on Wednesday and Thursday at the Shehu Musa Yar;Adua Centre, Abuja.

The conference, which is designed for female leaders and managers in the public and private sectors, will feature human resource executives, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sarah Alade will give the keynote speech.

A statement by the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, Dr Nelson Uwaga, gave the theme of the conference as

By Nneka Nwaneri

Unleashing the Power of Women: Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.

He said the conference would give a new perspective to key leadership issues and create a powerful network to strengthen the influence of women for unparalleled leadership positions.

Other speakers are: Vice Chairman of TechnoOil Mrs Nkechi Obi; Chief Executive Officer and Lead Consultant Thistle Praxis Ms Ini Onuk; CEO Poise Nigeria Mrs Mavi Isibor and Director, Portshore Services Mrs Mercy Itama, among others.

Why I want to lead Kogi, by aspirant

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, yesterday, described the state as a weeping child.

Bello, who spoke in Abuja, said the underdevelopment in the state will require a visionary leader to boldly tackle.

He said: “Today, the wind of change is sweeping across Nigeria. Every facet of our lives is experiencing this positive change. The long touted and elusive dividend of democracy is finally reaching the people.

“Kogi State cannot afford to be left behind. Kogi State cannot continue to be among the worst performing states.

Indigenes must take up the challenge to change the state’s fortunes. We must choose the right candidate to lead Kogi State in November.”

“The choice of who leads Kogi in the next four years is very clear. We cannot continue to entrust our collective future to a cabal, peo-

ple who have shown us that they cannot be trusted with our welfare.

“What we need now in Kogi State are not electoral promises. What we need is a visionary leader. Someone who understands what governance is and has the political will to change the fortunes of the people.”

Bello, popularly referred to Fairplus, added that: “Those who know me, know that I have the requisite qualities to lead Kogi State. “ I am a simple man. One who believes in the rule of law, fairness and equal treatment.

“I want to lead Kogi State because the state deserves a governor, who has a well thought out and structured developmental roadmap.

The era of paying lip service to development is over.

Now we must walk the talk.

“We must be ready to back up our words with action.

Now we must take our destinies into our hands. The choice is ours. We must choose wisely.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 ‘The present challenges we are facing should not deter us from growing our economy. It shouldn’t stop us from investing. It’s just a passing phase. Other countries that we refer to as developed started from somewhere’ •President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Nigeria’s oil revenue may drop to $52b, says IMF

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HE International Mon etary Fund (IMF’s) Ar ticle IV Consultation Staff Report has shown that Nigeria’s oil earnings would drop to $52 billion this year, from $88 billion it was the previous year.

This represents a reduction of six percentage points in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and would reduce its external current account balance as well as international reserves.

The Fund’s report says Nigeria’s outlook for growth is expected to moderate as the economy adjusts to permanently lower oil prices.

According to the IMF, fiscal oil revenues are projected at 3.4 per cent of GDP, down from 5.8 per cent last year, limiting fiscal spending. It said aggregate demand shocks could lower growth

By Collins Nweze

by about 1.5 percentage point from last year to 4.3 per cent this year.

IMF added that the overall impact on non-oil sector GDP will come from cuts in public investment and a reduction in real purchasing power of oil receipts.

It said the depreciation of the local currency will add to inflation, reflecting the passthrough of higher domestic prices for imports, However, it said the effect is likely to be contained, in part due to lower food prices from increased local production of staple food crops.

The IMF said the outlook is compromised by low fiscal and external buffers, which have reduced the capacity to absorb shocks relative to the experience of the 2008-09 fi-

nancial crisis.

The lender however said the government has expressed its determination to implement appropriate measures to manage risks. “They agreed that the oil price shock is significant and, at least in part, permanent, but saw a smaller effect on economic activity, owing to measures targeted at sectors critical for growth (agriculture, power, small enterprises) and the impact of remittances. They noted that rising food self-sufficiency would limit the pass-through to inflation and activity in housing construction would continue,” it said.

IMF said although small, Nigeria’s exports to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries have been increasing, from $1 billion in 1990 to about $6 billion in 2013.

• Mr. Echonu (left) and Dr. Obiyo after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Abuja...yesterday.

Fed Govt, firm sign MoU on operation HE Federal Govern a meat and livestock of abattoir velop ment has signed a process value-chain whereby

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Multi-Net Group Limited on the development and operation of modern international standard abattoirs in the six geo-political zones of the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sonny Echono signed the pact with the firm’s Chairman, Dr. Uzoma Obiyo to produce healthy, quality fresh and meat locally in order to generate income and livelihood for the livestock farmers that he will work with.

Speaking with reporters after the signing ceremony in Abuja, Obiyo said: “My dream and objective for this modern abattoir is to produce healthy and quality fresh and local produced animals, provide income and livelihood for livestock farmers of whom he is intending to work with, towards achieving his dreams, and

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

also to attract young unemployed youths into farming and live-stock production.”

He said his company expects a situation where a young person will be proud to say that he or she is a butchery expert and earning good living with it.

Obiyo noted that Africa, especially Nigeria, has no excuse to rely on imported meat products.

According to him, since the hygiene and quality of imported meat are questionable, his firm has moved to develop a meat and livestock process value-chain whereby there will be traceability in the meat products, guarantee of the quality and hygiene.

He said: “I believe that Africa and Nigeria should not be relying on imported meat products of which the hygiene and quality are questionable, he wants to de-

there will be traceability in our meat products, and also the quality and hygiene will be guaranteed. “ At the moment such facility and process is lacking, so it is of no surprise that most of the large hotels and restaurants in Nigeria, import their meat and livestock products from South Africa, and costing the nation a large chunk of its scarce dollars in capital flight and of cause denying our local farmers their needed in-come.”

The Chairman of Multi-Net maintained that he is on a mission and will not stop until Nigeria and Africa is self-sufficient in feeding its populations and providing them with adequate energy for domestic use and industrialisation.

He stressed that his company is also concerned about the provision of locally produced petroleum products for local consumption.

Obiyo said that issues of local content unsettles him,

It said the implementation in January of the Common External Tariffs (CET) for ECOWAS member countries is expected to reduce incentives for informal trade and simplify customs procedures, potentially increasing recorded trade volumes.

“Moreover, the slowdown in Nigeria will adversely affect informal exports to Nigeria. Anecdotal evidence indicates that goods that are subject to import restrictions

in Nigeria have become key export goods for neighboring countries. “Those informal exports to Nigeria are important sources of income for some neighboring countries and outward spillovers may be non trivial,” it said.

It said growing cross-border activity of Nigerian-based banks has increased the scope for spill-overs through financial channels, along with regulatory and supervisory challenges.

• IMF chief, Christine Lagard

Meter manufacturers root for intervention fund

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HE Electricity Meters Manufacturers Asso ciation of Nigeria (EMMAN), has appealed to the Federal Government to float a special intervention fund that would be accessible to its members at two per cent interest rate.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, its Executive Secretary, Mr Muyideen Ibrahim, said government should create two special intervention funds in form of soft loan to local electricity meter manufacturers.

By Toba Agboola

According to him, this will promote the sale of locally produced meters to the distribution companies (Discs) at very competitive prices.

“Government should also prevail on all the Discos to patronise locally produced electricity meters in order to create more jobs for Nigerians,’’ he said.

Ibrahim advised government to give support and encouragement to local manufacturers as it has given

their Chinese counterparts.

He also urged the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to step up its oversight functions and responsibilities effectively.

“Government should mandate all the local meter manufacturers to roll out at least 200,000 units of meters monthly in compliance with the Local Content Act on Power Sector.

“This will keep the factories running and more Nigerians will be gainfully employed,’’ he said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

Electricity workers fault renewal of Manitoba power contract

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HE Senior Staff Asso ciation of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has faulted the one year extension granted to Manitoba Hydro International Limited (MHI) to manage the operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The workers expressed dissatisfaction in a petition addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, a copy of which was made available to The Nation.

SSAEAC kicked against the renewal of the contract because there was no clear-cut evaluation of the assignment and job carried out by MHI in improving transmission, and the wheeling capacity of the transmission line, with measurable milestones as contained in the contract.

Its President-General, Comrade Bede Opara who signed the petition, won-

By Toba Agboola

dered why so much attention was given to the contract renewal rather than an assessment of the impact MHI has had in improving and strengthening the operational capacities of TCN. “It is not enough to lay claims to improving the power generation capacity that peaked at 4,545Mw recently which was as a result of better and improved supply of gas to our thermal stations. It is necessary to ask how to raise the wheeling power of the TCN to accommodate and sustain increased/improved generation.

“It is also necessary that we know the structure the MHI has put in place to accommodate this increased generation in the nearest future. We are aware that a lot of generated Mw are lost due to the

inability of the TCN in some locations, to evacuate them into the grid,’’ the petition read in part.

Opara said during the last contract period of three years, there was glaring lack of coordination between the expatriate and Nigerian teams in the TCN. The union also said there was no team spirit among the management contractors, and also, between the management contractors and their Nigerian counterparts. ‘’We expect a better coordinated work regime, which regrettably, is absent. We also expect amongst other matters, serious and committed training programmes of Nigerians – an assignment that constitute part of the MHI contract.

“There is need to look inwards in order to identify any challenge(s) that might negatively affect the schedules and plans by Nigerian operators

or the management contractors, ’’ the workers said.

The union suggested that the TCN should be independent and insulated from partisanship political interests and influence.

He also advocated the need for an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to reevaluate, and design a practicable work plan that will ensure that TCN plays its role and achieves desired objectives.

The Federal Government had recently extended the management contract of TCN with MHI of Canada by one year.

This followed the imminent expiration of a three-year management contract signed in 2012 for MHI to manage TCN’s electrical power transmission, system operation and market operation undertakings, as well as train TCN personnel.

Poultry farmers urge investment in eggs production

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PERATORS in the poultry industry have called on Nigerians to invest in poultry business, particularly the eggs production aspect, saying the prospect is high following the existence of large markets for it.

They said aside the predictable employment and income generation, the need to meet the protein needs of Nigerians via eggs and other poultry products, makes investment in poultry business imperative.

An animal care specialist, Dr Tokunbo Ajayi, and others who made the call in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the year’s investors summit and interactive forum of the Ogun state chapter of the Poultry Association of Nigeria(PANOG), said the eggs need of Nigerians remain largely unmet.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ajayi said that thw poultry farmers in the country do not have the capacity to feed a population of about 180million Nigerians, if every citizen were to eat an egg per week.

According to him, the poultry eggs production in the country is quite small compared to the demand hence the need for people looking for primary or secondary source of income to look in the direction of poultry business.

Also, the chairman of PANOG in Ogun, Dr. Olalekan Odunsi, said adequate investments in poultry productions could serve as alternative to Nigeria’s over reliance in oil revenue and also serve as panacea to youth unemployment in the country.

SEC holds Q2 CMC meeting

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HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC) will host this year’s Q2 Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting in Lagos July 28.

According to a statement, top on the agenda of the meeting would be the capital market master plan implementation.

The 10-year master plan for the Nigerian capital market which is expected to refocus the market and help double its size over time and grow the economy was unveiled last year November.

Its Director-General, Mournir Gwarzo had assured of his commitment to ensuring the implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan.

“I have only one agenda for the market; my agenda for the market is to faithfully and religiously implement the 10-year Capital

Stories by Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

Market Master Plan. It will be recalled last year SEC set up three committees to drive market growth and the best brains in the market participated in the three committees and they worked tirelessly and came up with an excellent report which was launched last year, what we lacked in the country is the faithful implementation of reports,” he said.

Invited to attend the expanded session of the meeeting are Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of all registered capital market firms (Broker Dealer, Capital Market Solicitors, Custodians, Fund Managers, Issuing Houses, Rating Agencies, Registrars, Reporting Accountants, Trustees, and Consultants).

Statistician-General to speak in Chatham House • From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Etisalat Nig. Ltd, Mathew Wilsher; Executive Director, Lagos and West, Keystone Bank, Mr. Innocent Ike; and the Group Head, Telecoms Media, and Tech, Keystone Bank, Mrs. Yetunde Jaiyesimi; during the signing of Etisalat’s N40billion loan facility in Lagos.

EU, Sahara Group to partner on power, child nutrition improvement

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HE European Union (EU) has said it is keen to work with the government, business institutions and other stakeholders to promote sustainable power supply and enhanced nutrition for children in Nigeria.

The Ambassador/Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Michel Arrion stated this in Lagos during a courtesy visit to Sahara Group, an indigenous energy and infrastructure conglomerate with operations across the globe.

Arrion, who visited in company of Mr. Ibi Ikpoki, Economic Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS to explore possible partnerships with the firm, was received by the Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, and the Managing Director, So Aviation, a member of the Sahara Group, Mr. Alistair

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Morrison.

Speaking on Nigeria’s power sector, Arrion said the EU remained committed to supporting the nation’s unfolding power reform through research grants which would help discover the “right technology, effective tariff regime, regulation and partnerships” required to attain sustainable power supply.

“We are considering a combination of grants and possibly, loans that will help the nation make viable progress in power generation, transmission, distribution, technical efficiency, commercial efficiency, renewable energy as well as effective regulatory framework. We are open to partnerships with the Sahara Group and other organisations in this regard,” he said.

Cole said the firm would be happy to partner EU to realise its far reaching goals in the power sector and improving nutrition for children across the

nation. He said the Sahara Group, through affiliation with Egbin Power Plc and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Plc (Ikeja Electric) has been playing frontline role in the sector through investments, infrastructure upgrades and human capital development.

“Egbin for the first time since its inception has recently achieved sustained generation of over 1000 megawatts (Mw), a development that has boosted power supply in the nation. This achievement is being driven by continuing investments, partnerships as well as the resilience and expertise of our people,” he said.

Cole said Ikeja Electric was currently working on an Advanced Metering Infrastructure project that would transform service excellence in the sector. “Sahara is passionate about Nigeria’s power sector and we believe that with the support of the EU and other stakeholders, the nation will achieve sustainable power

supply, which would markedly transform our economy,” he added.

Arrion said the EU is also considering a robust intervention to address malnutrition, with children being its primary target. “We are concerned about the nutritional state of children, especially those under the age of five years where a lot of development of the human body happens. We are planning to host an event where the issue of malnutrition will be discussed with Nigerian and global stakeholders,” he added.

Cole also stated that Sahara was well placed to offer effective partnership to the EU on nutrition having implemented several successful projects through Sahara Foundation. The Sahara Foundation is the Group’s vehicle for promoting sustainable and socially responsible interventions in healthcare, the environment, community development, education and capacity building.

T

HE Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Yemi Kale has been invited to speak at the Chatham House of London today on the relevance of data for development and how NBS has led the continent with innovation, methodology in the areas of data processing and dissemination.

Kale is following in the footsteps of other top government functionaries to have been invited to the London House, reputed “for independence, influence and rigorous, dependable, policy-relevant research, which has overtime been recognized for providing high quality and lucid analysis on a wide array of global issues.”

According to the Chatham House website, Yemi Kale would be speaking on Right Data, Right Policy, Innovations in Data Collection and Dissemination in Nigeria.

“Dr Yemi Kale, the statisti-

cian general of Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, will discuss the country’s efforts to gather and disseminate improved data in the face of logistical challenges and a domestic lack of trust in institutions. He will discuss the significance of improved data to better policy-making,” Chatham House noted on its website.

According to the Chatham House website, “the availability and accuracy of data is central to resolving multifaceted governance challenges in Africa and has a critical role to play in improving transparency and decision-making.

“The 2014 rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP saw Nigeria become the largest economy in Africa and also shone a light on the potential extent of gaps in data and understanding of policy contexts resulting from informal activity and challenges to data collection.”

OUR ERROR We refer to the photo captions that appeared on our INSURANCE page (page 34) of our Monday July 20 edition.

The first picture on the right should have read: From left: Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NEM Insurance Plc, Mojisola Teluwo; Group Managing Director, Mr. Tope Smart and Deputy Managing Director, Abisola Giwa-Osagie, during firm’s media briefing/ facility tour of the firm’s new held office in Lagos.

The second one on the left ought to have read: From left: Director, Prestige Assurance Plc, Mr. K.Sanathkumar; Managing Director, Dr.Balla Swamy; and Chairman, Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan, during the 45th annual general meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

We regret any embarrassment this may have caused our highly esteemed readers. Editor

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

e-Business

Communities where telephony is luxury More than a decade after the liberalisation of the telecoms sector and the boom in subscriber figures, more than 200 rural communities spread across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria with about 36.8 million people still see telephony as a luxury. Mobile broadband internet access and its accompanying impacts on agriculture, health, e-commerce and education mean nothing to them.

LUCAS AJANAKU reports on the need for the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to live to its core mandate in this respect.

A

BOUT 15 years ago, the Federal Government liberalised the telecoms sector, opening up a floodgate of investment. Subscribers' figures have not only grown to more than 140 million according to the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), teledensity has passed 100 per cent.

With these developments have also come huge foreign direct investment (FDI) and a quantum leap in telecoms' sector addition to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at 9.58 per cent. Total mobile internet subscription increased to 73.8million up from 45 million in 2011 as internet penetration increased to 52 per cent in September last year from about 26.5 per cent in September 2011.

E-commerce platforms such as Jumia, Konga, Phonekings.com and several others are taking advantage of the revolution to do good business.

The education sector is not left out as two firms, Cinfores Limited and WaveTek Nigeria Limited recently developed an e-learning application that will halt mass failure in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the two firms developed JAMB BrainFriend app.

These are but some of the innovations that have come with the telecoms revolution which has transformed the way people do business and live their lives. But most Nigerians who live in the rural areas have not been part of this revolution as they have remained ‘disenfranchised.’

The Federal Government recently identified over 207 subsidy clusters across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria where telecoms services are yet to reach.

A report of a study conducted by the USPF with the support of some independent consultants that included KPMG showed that 36.8million people are still living in the dark, completely cut off from the super highway of the telecoms revolution that swept across the country like a hurricane.

Nigeria is no doubt a huge country.

According to recent figures from the National Population Commission (NPC), the country's population stands at 167 million people with 36 states and 774 local government areas. It is against this backdrop and refusal of operators to invest in providing infrastructure to rural communities that the rural telephony initiative of the Federal Government becomes imperative.

According to figures from the NCC, subscriber figures have hit the 140 million mark. Majority of these subscribers live in the urban areas while a huge number of the rural populace remains disenfranchised. Therefore, the next frontier for expansion is obviously the rural areas where there are still more than 58 million willing but unconnected potential subscribers. EVC, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said between 2001 and mid-2012, investment inflow into the nation's telecoms industry increased from $500,000 to over $25 billion.

According to experts, community telephony would encourage the growth of the agricultural, extractive and manufacturing industries in the rural areas. Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says the ministry is partnering with the Ministry of

•Vsat

Communications Technology to make about 10 million mobile phones available to rural farmers across the country as way of boosting agricultural production. Through this initiative, tractors, fertiliser, seeds and other farming inputs will be transmitted to the farmers through an e-wallet.

A National Rural Telephony Project (NRTP) was launched in 2001. The first phase of the project was to cover 218 local government areas and provide

over 636,256 Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) lines in all the council areas as a way of bridging the digital divide.

The project was divided into three phases, and was estimated to cost $200 million. Key Communications Limited, Suburban Broadband Limited, Voicewares Network Limited, Gicell Wireless Limited, and Hezonic Limited were private sec-

tor service providers that were involved in the project while the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the project was signed with a Chinese firm.

The implementation of the project would have complemented the initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to connect the world with technology by this year.

According to ITU, the Connect the World (Connecting the Unconnected)

‘A report of a study conducted by the USPF with the support of some independent consultants that included KPMG showed that 36.8million people are still living in the dark, completely cut off from the super highway of the telecoms revolution that swept across the country like a hurricane’

project by this year aims to mobilise human, financial, and technical resources for the implementation of the connectivity targets of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and the Regional Initiatives, adopted by member states at the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference.

The project, like every laudable project that directly impacts on the masses, was finally suspended in 2011. Aside the suspended rural telephony initiative, an intervention such as the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), established by the Communications Act of 2003, is geared towards promoting and facilitating ICT infrastructure in rural and underserved areas across the nation. It is expected to promote private sector investments, encourage competition, and give priority to self-sustaining programmes and projects. The USPF gets funding from the contribution of mobile operators who contribute 2.5 per cent of their profit to enable access to rural communities. With this kind of initiative, it is baffling that a large number of villages across the nation were yet to benefit from any form of telephony access.

But the trend has been for telecoms operators and investors to put a higher rate of investments in the urban areas and a lower margin in the rural areas.

But to bridge this gap, telecoms and internet services need to be deployed more to the rural areas, since it's now certain that the next phase of the telecoms communications growth will come from the rural areas.

Director of Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, struck the right chord recently when he challenged the Federal Government to look for ways of funding the provision of telecoms infrastructure to rural areas as members of his contituency would not do that because of low returns on such investment "Government would have to find ways to subsidise rural infrastructure build because operators most times, invest in areas that they consider commercially viable," Dikko said.

Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has urged the Federal Government to synergise with telecoms operators to resuscitate the moribund National Rural Telephony Project.

President of ATCON, Lanre Ajayi, said this was necessary since the government had been unable to implement the project while the rural communities had yet to feel the impact of the phenomenal growth in the telecoms sector.

"The Federal Government should support telecommunications providers to reach the under-reached and unserved areas through the USPF. "In the implementation of rural telephony, government should provide operators stable power supply, accessible roads and improved security of telecoms infrastructures.

"Opening up the rural communities through integration into the national telephone networks will enhance exploitation of the economic potential of the communities and improve the standard of living of the rural dwellers," Ajayi said.

MTN, had in 2010, launched a rural telephony initiative in partnership with equipment vendor, Huawei, in Lagos. How this initiative has improved telephone penetration in the country is not clear.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

e-Business

N80b unclaimed dividends: Role of ICT, by Afrinvest chief

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FRINVEST Securities Limited has said the deployment of information communication technology (ICT) tools to the operation of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) could put a stop or reduce the accumulation of unclaimed dividends in the country.

Unclaimed dividends are profit payable by companies by the NSE which are yet to be claimed or received by the shareholders and equity investors in the companies.

According to experts, unclaimed dividends could erode the confidence of the investing public in the stock market. Statistics from the NSE showed that by December 2013, unclaimed dividends was put at N60 billion. This figure has continued to grow at over 600 per cent in the last one decade. In 1999, it was about N2 billion; rising steadily to N8billionn in 2008 and N41billion in 2011. By 2013, it has risen to N60billion and peaked at N80billion at the end of last year.

But the Managing Director, Afrinvest Securities Limited, Charles Egbunonwo said deployment of technology tools to stock management will stop this and others.

Speaking on the sideline during the unveiling of its online trading portal--Afrinvestor.com, in Lagos, he said: "Deploying ICT will help prevent the continued increase of unclaimed dividends because if I have all my customers electronically, and I have created their Central Security Clearing System (CSCS) account and I have visibility to their bank account, it means anytime there is a dividend, I am sure that all my customers will get credited in their account.

"But where we have a challenge is that a lot of customers historically prefer to hold their certificate because they see the certificate as an evidence of ownership but by holding a certificate, they are not on the electronic platform and so, when their shares are being paid dividend, then you have to physically cut a cheque for them."

According to him, the preference for physical payment via the issuance of cheque is faced with a myriad of challenges one of which is the possibility of relation of the address of the shareholders. "Now if this customer has a certain address--say he was living in Surulere and then he moves to Lekki. He might not have informed Afrinvest that he has moved and suddenly we are looking for him at that old address. I cannot see him and I have his physical cheque to give him.

So the cheque after a while, say about six months, go stale and then the money ends up sitting with the registrar as an unclaimed dividend.

"Now all those things can easily be dealt with when the customer has an electronic account with afrinvest.com because in my system, I would have created an account number for him that can see his bank account and his title which the registrar has in their record. So when the registrar wants to pay dividend, he actually does an electronic payment straight to the customer; so even if the customer moves from here to America, we will still be paying his bank account in Nigeria his dividends," According to reports, of the estimated N80billion unclaimed dividends, Nigerian Breweries, Diamond Bank, former Intercontinental Bank

•Egbunonwo

and Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) are listed as the big four with large chunks of unclaimed dividends.

Many factors have been identified as being responsible for this problem by the regulator of the capital market, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). These include fraudulent activities of some market operators and banks' refusal to pay dividend warrants into shareholders' savings accounts. Others are ignorance on the part of the shareholders and preference for the old ways of doing things.

Speaking on the online platform, Egbunonwo said the firm has always believed in the power of ICT tools.

He said: "Afrinvest has always placed a premium on the use of technology as a business enabler, and the introduction of Afrinvestor.com is to empower clients to take more control of their investments, supported by sound investment advice and professional guidance.

• Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group, Mr Austin Okere (left) with Chairman, Zinox Technologies, Chief Leo Stan-Eke during a panel discussion on small, medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos.

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ERSISTENT power outages have added to the high cost of doing business in Africa, as most mobile phone service providers and business process outsourcing facilities are forced to use generators to power installations.

This has led operators including MTN to increase investments in renewable energy technologies in order to avoid reliance on the national grid.

The power outages are taking place at a time when the region is trying to convince international companies to invest in the telecom sector in order to improve communications, especially in rural areas of the continent.

Many African governments face the challenge of raising funds to invest in power generation to ensure sufficient electricity to support the growth

Lenovo unveils new product, logo

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ENOVO has unveiled tablets and smartphone that can compete with the best in the information communication technology (ICT) space globally.

It said it has recorded $46 billion in sales of products across the world and 40 per cent of its smartphones are sold outside China.

Its Manager for West, East and Central Africa (WECA) region,is David Caleb. Caleb, who spoke in Lagos, said the logo of the company was being rebranded as a result of the change in the ICT world, adding: “The launch today was done to reinforce our vision of being the number-one customer-friendly and quality giver of services in the ICT industry.

“Even as the market dynamism is changing, Lenovo is also changing to serve as the food basket portfolio for the IT segment. Today, the logo is in eight different

By Modupe Elegushi

bright colours. We also want to cater for the younger generation in view of the fact that 50 per cent of Africans are below the age of 20. Therefore, youths in Africa are very important to us and we have to carry them along, hence the launch of our logo,” he added.

General Manager, Lenovo Africa, Graham Braum, said the ICT firm plans to broaden its market share and build stronger relations with clients.

Bruam, said: “Lenovo’s uniqueness was anchored on its undying love for innovations that bridge the gap and make communications between people easier and affordable. Lenovo prides itself as the third largest maker of smartphones and tablets.” Bruam added that the Lenovo has the right technology for the changing world.

Mamalette launches online parenting platform

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AMALETTE , a parenting website was recently launched in Lagos. Speaking to mothers who attended the lauch,the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Anike Lawal, said that Mamalette provides tools and resources that help Nigerian mothers and mothers-to-be connect with others going through similar experiences. She added that Mamalette was established in late 2013 as the community for Nigerian mothers and the premier strategic marketing partner to brands that want to reach mothers in a rapidly changing digital environment. According to her, Mamalette reaches more than 40,000 unique visitors per month on Mamalette.com and 150,000+ unique visitors per month on the Mamalette Facebook Page with 250,000+ weekly post clicks and 15,000+ weekly comments.

The launch of the new platforms is part of Mamalette's larger strategic initiative to provide quality content and tools that improve mums' lives.

Mamalette is dedicated to improving mums' lives by helping them make better decisions, form genuine connections, and take a well-deserved break.

Mamalette research shows that approximately 45 percent of Nigerian mothers with access to the internet spend time browsing the internet on a daily basis with 25 percent browsing the internet for more than 3 hours a day.

"The new website aligns perfectly with our commitment to improving mums' lives," explains Mamalette CEO, Anike Lawal. "We are excited to share our new platform with our audience to give them useful information and a place to connect on the topic of parenting."

With the support of the Co-creation Hub, Mamalette is enhancing the new site to make it even more helpful to users. The first major product im-

•Lawal

provement is creating a forum to allow mothers and mothers to get instant answers to their most pressing questions and making the site's premium content easy to access. The site has also been optimised for mobile devices.

Mamalette has also created products that will allow leading brands to join the consumer conversation, add value to mothers' lives, and get members talking about sponsor brands in an authentic and viral way.

"We are thrilled to have Mamalette in our start-up portfolio and look forward to us working together to continue to make Mamalette great," says 'Bosun Tijani, CEO of the Co-creation Hub. "We are certain that mothers that already know and rely on Mamalette will be equally thrilled with what lies ahead as we team with this strong Nigerian brand. With Mamalette's impressive growth and dedication to building an authentic community and engaging content for mothers, we couldn't imagine a better home for a community for mothers to grow and flourish."

"Mamalette is uniquely positioned to deliver this opportunity as an authority on mothers. I'm confident that we can create something that will add real value to the lives of millions of Nigerian mums."

Mobile operators turn to renewable energy Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

of the telecom sector.

According to a recent report by the African Development Bank (AfDB), more than 30 African countries are now experiencing power shortages and regular interruptions in telecom services. Frequent power outages, the report said, means lost sales and damaged equipment.

Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah said poor power supply is a direct cause of poor services by mobile phone operators.

"The greatest threat to the growth of telecoms and information technol-

ogy sectors is the insufficient power supply. Only (the) elimination of this problem will provide the critical success factor in finally eradicating quality of service challenges," Juwah said.

Nigeria is Africa's largest telecom market by investment and subscription, with over 140 million mobile phone subscribers.

In Zambia, the situation remains almost the same with that of Nigeria. Her Minister of Communications and Transport Yamfwa Mukanga, said lack of power from the national grid remains a challenge to achieving the plan of rolling out effective communication services to rural areas.

Many of the communication towers built by the Zambian government to provide rural areas with communication services are not used due to lack of power supply from the national grid.

While experts have blamed African governments for failing to liberalise the energy sector, the way the telecom sector has been liberalised, so as to encourage private investment and competition, Nigeria's experience may have proved them wrong.

Former President Good;uck Jonathan embarked on a far reaching power sector reform started by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that culminated in the sale of successor

firms of the defunct state-run but largely inefficient power octopus, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The firms which were allegedly sold to the cronies of the former president, also received huge cash backing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to fix obsolete infrastructure-a development that had been widely denounced as akin to selling one's disused car and making cash available to the buyer to run the car.

Power generation to the national grid remains, at its peak, a little less than 3,000 megwatts (Mw) for about 200million population. This is hardly able to take care of the energy needs of a state such as Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

16

e-Business

Why we partnered Slot, by Access Bank chief

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CCESS Bank has said it chose to partner with Slot Systems Limited because it has seen that the company's management is driven by zeal, vision and passion to achieve the Nigerian dream.

Its Executive Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna who spoke in Lagos during the unveiling of slot.ng and Slot Mobile App, said the bank supported the app with it financial service and payment solution.

"We are proud to partner with Slot Systems Limited because it is driven by passion and the genuineness behind the goal they set for themselves.

Everybody is willing to partner with them because theirs is about passion to achieve the Nigerian dream. Access Bank worked with Slot Systems Limited to launch the online as well as the mobile app," he said.

With the launch of the slot,ng, the company which specialises in retailing the products of all the major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has now joined the league of online retail marketplace.

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

"With this new online retailing services from Slot, there is now guaranteed value and excellence on customers satisfaction and convenience either as a business partner with slot or a retailer.In fact there is an allround new shopping experience that will bring about value for money, after sales services and secured payment solutions," the Access Bank chief said.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, Slot Systems Limited, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, said the two initiatives were basically designed to bring the firm closer to Nigerian mobile customers?.

He said: "We are leveraging mobile-broadband internet from telecommunication operators which has now become an individual possession among phone users in the country and the growing usage of smartphone among Nigerians to bring our services closer to people.

"As we are all aware, we now live in an era where business transac-

tions are carried out electronically.

In essence, you don't need to be physically present before you can engage in the business of buying and selling. As a company we are fully aware of this new reality, hence the creation ofSlot.ng and the Slot App. "With the slot.ng, you can buy all your quality mobile phones and accessories online using the Slot App; it's like having the 50 Slot shops nationwide at your fingertips."

According to the firm, the app can now be downloaded free of charge from Google Play Store..?

"Click the app and it takes you to the online store where you can buy your phones, accessories, laptops and i-Pads, from the comfort of your home or office and have it delivered to you within 24hrs of payment," the CEO said.

Industry watchers are however see the initiative facing initial challenge of logisticsthat often comes with online retailing service with respect to delivery of order and time management.

•Workers at one of the RLG’s phone manufacturing line at the firm’s factory in Ilesha, Osun State

Telecom World: ITU urges innovators, SMEs to showcase products

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NTERNATIONAL Telecommunications Union (ITU) has urged Nigerian innovators and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to participate in this year's edition of its annual technology fiesta known as the ITU Telecom World 2015.

This year, it will hold in Budapest, Hungary, between October 12 and 15 and it is expected to attract the participation of all ITU-member countries including Nigeria.

Speaking on the event, Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and also chairperson, ITU Telecom World 2015 Planning Committee, Ms. Josephine Amuwa said ITU has dedicated this year's edition to innovators across the global community. She said it is an opportunity for Nigerian innovators to showcase their skills, products and ser-

vices to the world, assuring that there will be innovators hub at the Nigeria pavilion during the event.

Amuwa said ITU deliberately took the decision to encourage SMEs and innovators because of the pivotal role they play in fuelling the growth and development of the economy, especially in the area of job creation.

"It will be an opportunity for innovators in Nigeria to showcase their creative and business acumen at the global space as over 120 countries and several global investors will be on ground to witness and see for the first time, such creativity by a large number of enterpreneurs under one roof," NCC explained.

Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr.. Tony Ojobo in a statement described this year as that of innovators and SMEs, adding that it their golden chance at ITU

Telecom World 2015.

Specifically, innovators and SMEs including Value Added Service (VAS) providers who have indeed turned around the fortunes of mobile network providers (MNOs) will have the opportunity to showcase their wares at the event.

"Since multinationals and global investors will be on ground at Budapest, Hungary, many of these innovators and VAS providers may have the chance to attract investors to their works. So they should come and be inspired further in Budapest. Remember that ITU Telecom World is a rallying point for global ICT practitioners, a melting pot if you like for global ICT players", Ojobo who is Chairman of the Media & Publicity subCommittee for Nigeria's participation, was quoted to have said in the statement.

GADGET REVIEW

Samsung SUHD TV (2) Gamma

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UT of the box, overall gamma on the UE65JS9500 tracked closer to 2.2 than our target of 2.4, although nearblack point gamma was slightly higher owing to the dimming effects of the default [Smart LED] "Standard" setting, which may cause shadow detail to look indistinct.

We shall explore the optimal [Smart LED] setting later in this article under the "Picture Quality" section, but dialling the [Gamma] value down got us close to 2.4 which is the reference EOTF (electro-optical transfer function) recommended by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for displays used in HDTV studio production, resulting in a contrasty yet realistic image.

Of course, it's highly likely that the yet-to-be-ratified extended dynamic range standard will use perceptual quantizer (PQ) EOTF instead of BT.1886, but until that day arrives we'll continue calibrating to 2.4 gamma for non-HDR content.

Colour Samsung claims that its NanoCrystal technology allows the company's SUHD TVs to achieve 92 per cent of DCI-P3 colour space, a coverage that would have been even higher had the South Korean electronics giant not insisted on going cadmium-free (cadmium is an environmentally toxic material that's regulated under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive in the European Union).

With [Colour Space] set to "Native" on the UE-65JS9500, we charted (using the latest version of CalMAN) a 91 per cent coverage of DCI-P3 colour gamut: However, most high-definition material available to consumers in the home (including Blu-ray movies and HD broadcasts) are still mastered to the smaller Rec.709 colour space. [Colour Space] "Auto" approximates this standard, but being the tweakers that we are, we couldn't resist taking advantage of Samsung's excellent RGBbased colour management system (i.e. [Colour Space] "Custom") to calibrate the six primary (red, green, blue) and secondary (cyan, magenta, yellow) colours: As you can see from the CIE diagram above, we encountered some difficulties reining in the UE65JS9500?s inherently wide gamut, with red primary in particular exhibiting minor oversaturation across our measured colour points.

Nevertheless, after balancing out the inaccuracies by making careful adjustments in the [Colour Space] "Custom" submenu, delta errors (dEs) by and large dropped to below three (the commonly accepted perceptible cutoff for the human eye). Encouraged, we even ran a colour checker test which confirmed the JS9500?s accurate post-calibration colour performance.

Picture Quality In most HDTVTest reviews, we usually start off by commenting on the display's black level and contrast performance (the most important element of image quality), but for the Samsung UE65JS9500 we felt it more appropriate to open with a few paragraphs on Nano Crystal/quantum dot technology, which has a direct effect on many PQ attributes that we will subsequently cover.

Quantum dots are extremely tiny particles (termed nanocrystals) that can be excited to generate specific wavelengths of light depending on their size. So far, their application in TVs involves placing these quantum dots on blue LEDs to produce very precise narrow spectrum bands of red, green and blue, which reduces light leakage and contamination compared with the traditional "White" LED method (i.e. blue LED + yellow phosphor).

Besides allowing for more saturated colours and hence a larger gamut, the greater efficiency of NanoCrystal tech also permits higher brightness (37 per cent brighter transmittance from a redesigned cell structure according to Samsung) as less light is wasted, paving the way for HDR support with the JS9500?s quoted maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. Other side benefits include lower power consumption and deeper blacks, since not as much backlight intensity is needed to hit a specific luminance.

Black Level & Contrast Perhaps assisted by quantum dots, the native black level on the U E 65JS9500?s SPVA LCD panel measured deeper than 2014?s UE65HU8500, coming in at 0.051 cd/m2 on both a full-black screen (auto-dimming defeated by displaying a pause icon from an OPPO Blu-ray player) and a 4×4 ANSI chequerboard pattern. Peak white was pegged at our normal target of 120 cd/m2 for critical viewing in a dimly-lit environment.

Of course, the Samsung JS9500 is blessed with a crucial piece of technology capable of improving black levels tremendously, and that's full-array local dimming (FALD).

Its behaviour is governed by the [Smart LED] option in the user menu, which offers three settings other than "Off", namely "Low", "Standard" and "High".

Whilst Samsung told us that the 88in JS9500 holds 240 independently dimmable zones (20 horizontal and 12 vertical), they didn't disclose the information for the 65in version. Curious, we ran our custom-authored test video which contained a small white box crawling both vertically and horizontally against a black background, and counted the number of zones that lit up as the white box moved across the screen. Using this method, we determined that there were 15 columns and 10 rows, giving a total of 150 dimming zones on the UE65JS9500.

Among the three [Smart LED] intensities, we discarded "High" pretty much immediately after discovering that it dynamically boosted brighter portions of the image (full-field peak white measured 173 cd/m2 instead of the calibrated 120 cd/m2). Between the two remaining [Smart LED] options, "Low" manifested a touch more blooming, whereas "Standard" was more aggressive and rendered shadow detail marginally less visible. We couldn't choose between the two, and we suspect most users will be happy with either setting, given the noticeable improvement in blacks and contrast.

Backlight & Screen Uniformity Samsung has been leading the pack in this department over the past couple of years, though the brand suffered a small blip in early 2014 when its first curved LED and •Courtesy: HDTtest

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

17

THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Lagos light rail ready next year, says Ambode

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HE Blue Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko on the Lagos Badagry Expressway started in 2006 by former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be completed next year, Governor Akinwumi Ambde has said.

On completion, the Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) rail system is expected to unlock gridlock on the Lagos-Badagry axis.

Ambode said last Thursday that its completion would open up socioeconomic opportunities in the state.

His commitment to the completion of the project has settled the dust of uncertainty hovering over the project. Six such lines are being proposed for the state.

Ambode, who visited the project with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s (LAMATA) Managing Director Dr. Dayo Mobereola, among others, directed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), be mobilised “to enable it complete the project within a short time.”

His tour, he said, was informed by the need to mobilise the contractor, to expedite action on the project and the Badagry expressway because of their importance.

He said: “What we have come here to do is to specifically see the extent of work and to ensure that the contractor of the project is mobilised so that we are able to complete it on time. It’s also important to us that the contractor takes it as a major priority. The Mile 2 Badagry expressway is very important to all of us

• The new rail terminus at Mile 2 Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

and like we said, it’s a project that we must finish.

“It is a project that I would like to complete within the shortest possible time. So, I will like to see greater work done on the road project itself. On the rail project, like we have said before, we are going to mobilise immediately to see that what

He said what his administration expected was that, notwithstanding the rain or other constraints, the immediate mobilisation of the contractor should be done “and then the contractor should also increase the pace of work, that’s what we want to see.”

Ambode added that whatever was the hindrance to completing the project, government officials would

sit down with the contractor to see how it could be resolved to reduce the people’s suffering.

“We are all going to sit down and make sure that we alleviate the sufferings of our people and ensure that this project is completed because it will increase the economic activity along this corridor and that is what the government is all about,” Ambode said.

Relocate beggars, hawkers from highways, FRSC urges Amosun environment through sensitisation, GUN State Sector Comeducation, regulation and enforcemander of the Federal

Enforcement of law on okada, tricycle begins

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A

RE you a commercial motorcyclist (okada) or tricyclist? Do you know that you risk a three-year imprisonment and the forfeiture of your vehicle if caught riding on prohibited roads and bridges in Lagos State?

From today, it is an offence to ride without a helmet (for bicycle riders), or to ride on unapproved roads – such as highways and bridges - as enforcement of the Traffic Law begins.

Governor Akinwumi Ambode on June 25 gave the leadership of the two unions 21 days to educate their members on the need to leave the roads or face prosecution. The ultimatum expired last Thursday, but was extended to Tuesday because of the Sallah holidays.

According to the law, penalty for riding against traffic or on prohibited routes is three-year imprisonment, which may be commuted to community service and the forfeiture of the vehicle.

A Ministry of Transportation (MoT) source said the government is ready to enforce the laws and would give the unions or operators no further notice.

He said the government is angry at the impunity with which cyclists and tricyclists flout the laws guiding their operations.

The Police and other security agencies, he said, had been adequately briefed to begin enforcement immediately the deadline expires.

No further awareness would be made to prevent the operators from ganging up to thwart government’s efforts,the official said.

He said though the motorcyclists

has been done from Mile 2 to National Theatre is continued to Marina within the next 12 months.

“We should be able to put to use whatever has been done from Mile 2 to Marina. We also want the contractor to immediately commence work on the Mile 2 to Badagry road and once we pass Okokomaiko, we should be able to extend the Blue Rail to Okokomaiko.”

• Ambode

have a right to engage in legitimate business, such must be done in accordance to the law.

He said: “Government, realising their values and contributions to the economy, had decided that rather than an outright ban of motorcycles as a means of transportation as other states have done, their operations must be restricted to 475, out of the 9,100 road networks.”

In line with Section 3 and Regulation 16 sub-section (4), (5), and (6) of the Road Traffic Law, commercial motorcycles are restricted from 475 of the 9,100 road networks in the state and must always wear standard crash protection helmet, and ensure same for his passenger.

They are also banned from carrying more than one passenger, children or pregnant women. They must not operate okada beyond 8pm in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ikeja and beyond 10pm in other areas of the state.

They are also barred from riding on the kerb, median or road setbacks or on opposite direction of traffic, or in any direction prohibited by law and to respect traffic laws and regulations.

Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Adegoke Adetunji has appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun to assist in evacuating beggars off the Sango-Ota Bridge.

No fewer than 100 beggars, he said, besieged the bridge daily, hindering the flow of traffic.

Adegoke said this is against the traffic regulations.

He spoke at the yearly campaign/ enlightenment organised by Ota Unit Command in conjunction with Shell Nigeria Gas Limited for road users at the Sango Main Park.

Adetunji was answering questions on the accident on the bridge that killed three and a similar mishap on Benin/Sagamu Expressway in which 13 Olabisi Onabanjo University students died.

The Sango crash, he said, was caused by a Scania Truck with registration number TTD 219 XA which rammed into some commercial vehicles which have turned the bridge into a garage.

The FRSC chief said the fatality could have been more, if the vehicle had run into the beggars on the bridge.

He also appealed Amosun to relocate hawkers on the expressway and all roads in the state, saying this would enhance free flow of traffic and enable haulage vehicles to manoeuvre in case of brake failure.

He said: “75 per cent of the expressway starting from toll gate to Sango has been occupied by traders. This is dangerous and worrisome should accident occur.”

Adetunji urged tipper owners and Independent Petroleum Marketers

By Olalekan Ayeni

to stop using underage drivers and ensure that their vehicles are in good shape before embarking on a journey.

The FRSC, he said, is partnering with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) across all the states, to regulate the trucks that would be used for haulage and ensure that rickety ones are taken off the roads.

Any haulage truck that doesn’t meet the required standard will not be allowed to move on the road, while any under-age driver would be arrested and prosecuted, Adetunji said.

Adetunji enjoined all tipper/truck owners to ensure that speed limiters are installed in their vehicles before the September deadline.

Any commercial vehicle caught without the device after the deadline, he said, would be impounded and the driver prosecuted.

Adegoke said two drivers must henceforth accompany trucks embarking on a long journey.

This, he said, would guarantee that no driver drives more than the normal four hours at a stretch and observe at least 30 minutes rest.

The Ota Unit Commander, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, urged vehicle owners and other road users to respect traffic laws, especially during raining season.

According to Olonisaye, the public enlightenment is imperative because the Corps is saddled with the responsibility of creating a safer motoring

ment of traffic laws.

He appealed to motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before going on a journey to avoid endangering other road users.

He urged vehicle owners to ensure they use good tyres.

Tyres, according to him, come with expiry dates, once a tyre begins to wear-out, it becomes more likely to be slippery on a wet road and this can lead to accident.

Tyres, Olonisaye said have four years life span and the expiration starts from the manufacturing date e.g.”4002". The first two numbers “40”, he said, represents the year of manufacture.

He urged the vehicles owners to note the manufacturing and expiring dates while buying tyres, and warned against the use of fairly used tyres.

Olonisaye urged drivers to ensure greatest caution when driving in rain or at night. Windshield, wipers, pointers, headlights and rear lights must be working perfectly. He reiterated that eyes, hands and brains must be in good shape, adding that compliance to speed limits is required.

He appealed to all drivers to ensure the use of seatbelts and avoid drunk driving and overloading.

Commercial drivers are enjoined to comply strictly with the use of passengers’ manifest for the identification of all passengers in case of accidents.

The Chairman, Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government, Mr Rotimi Abdulrahman, urged the drivers to be defensive drivers.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

18

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

How to reduce human traffic at ports,

by Shippers Council N IGERIAN Shippers Council (NSC) Executive Secretary Hassan Bello has expressed shock over the huge number of importers, clearing agents and “wharf rats” entering the Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) daily.

He urged the terminal operators to embrace automation to reduce the human traffic.

Speaking during a visit to the terminal, Bello said the uncontrolled human traffic was a threat to the port and the economy.

He said: “You don’t need to have

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda MaritimeCorrespondent

flock of agents to transact business at the terminal. I don’t think other terminals have this large number of crowd outside their gates. That is why we are in consultation with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to know the number of quacks engaging

in the clearing and freight forwarding business in our ports and send them away from the port environment.”

He asked the management to provide facilities for the registered clearing agents, stressing the need to sanitise the terminal for the comfort of users, especially clearing agents and their importers.

• From right: ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu and Farinto addressing reporters in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Ministry, agents disagree over practitioner’s fee

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HE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has ordered its members to shun a Federal Ministry of Transport letter on payment of practitioner’s fee to the Council for the Registration of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

The July 15 letter, exclusively obtained by The Nation, was signed by the ministry’s Director of Maritime Services, Musa Nagogo.

It reads: “The Minister of Transport had approved the collection of Practitioners’ Operating Fees (POF) vide a letter referenced T.4252/s.46/C.3/1/177 dated 26th February, 2015 for the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to collect Practitioners’ Operating Fees.

“Further to the Resolutions reached at the Stakeholders meeting held on 3rd July, 2015, the Ministry hereby informs the Nigeria Customs Service, all registered freight forwarders, all seaports terminal operators, all airports cargo terminal handlers and the general public that CRFFN is hereby authorised to immediately commence the collection of Practitioners’ Operating Fee (POF),” Nagogo said in the letter But ANLCA’s National Publicity Secretary Dr. Kayode Farinto told The Nation that the group has instituted a case at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, challenging the directive by the Ministry’s

Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, on payment of the fee.

Joined in the suit are the CRFFN and Inspector-General of Police (IGP). Under the new fees regime, importers will pay N1.50 per kilo of every air cargo, N1,000 per 20foot container, N2,000 per each 40foot container, N500 per car or Jeep imported into the country and N1,000 per every truck or 20foot equivalent.

Others include N2,000 per truck or 40-foot equivalent, N3.50 per every ton of general cargo imported into the country and N1 per ton of every dry bulk cargo handled in any of the nation’s seaports.

The minister also approved various registration fees for freight forwarders, including Nigerians and non-Nigerians, which range from N7,500 to N50,000 yearly depending on the category of membership as well as yearly subscription fees ranging from N10,000 to N60,000 for the various levels of the membership of the council.

But in a motion on notice filed

by Ayodele Olaniyi on its behalf, ANLCA is asking the court to grant an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents, servants, employees, assigning, representatives and/or privies from further collection of the POF pending when the Governing Council of the CRFFN will be elected and or re-constituted and pending the final determination of the suit.

ANLCA is also seeking an order of mandatory injunction restraining the third defendant (Inspector-General of Police) from using his instrument of office to coerce and intimidate its members into paying “the illegitimate fees” pending “when the court will make its final pronouncement on the matter”.

In an affidavit in support of the motion on notice, Farinto averred that by virtue of the Act establishing the second defendant (CRFFN), the council is only empowered to collect the fees through its Governing Council.

He claimed that the Governing Council has since been dissolved and the Registrar of CRFFN assumed the duty of generally overseeing the affairs of the council.

ANLCA, it was gathered, has also suspended any further discussion between the association and CRFFN until the court settles the matter.

Farinto said that the Governing Council of the CRFFN has since been dissolved and that its Registrar assumed the duty of generally overseeing the affairs of the council.

He claimed that consequently, the first defendant ordered the Registrar to commence collection of the POF “which is an exclusive duty of the Governing Council which is not in place”.

The image maker is therefore, requesting for an order compelling the defendants to pay N50 million in damages to ANLCA.

Bello said the Federal Government would protect the terminal operators’ interest by ensuring a conducive business environment.

He urged the concessionaires to embrace measures that would encourage efficiency and smooth cargo clearance from their terminals.

Responding, TICT Managing Director Mr. Etienne Rochers said the bottlenecks were caused by factors outside the terminal.

He blamed some of the government agencies at the terminal, saying they were the major cause of the crowd outside their gate.

“I would say that the biggest challenges as you pointed out are the infrastructure outside and the bottlenecks. Generally speaking, it is not our fault because it is outside the terminal. There is need to look at how some of the bottlenecks can be removed,” he said.

He pointed out that truck turnaround time at the gate is an average of one hour, adding that it takes a longer time for cargoes to leave the terminal.

He asked the NSC to address some of the challenges facing the terminal.

TICT, he said, releases between 400 and 500 containers daily.

Meanwhile, the NSC has donated a pick-up van to the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance Action Against Road Abuse (FERCSARA) to aid the body’s operations of decongesting Lagos ports’access roads.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Hassan Bello; the Deputy Director, Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, Cajetah. C. Agu, while handing over relevant documents, said the vehicle was donated to FERCSARA as part of its agency’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The deputy director said the Shippers Council’s gesture was in

• Bello

response to the request from the group for an operational vehicle to facilitate their activities.

He enjoined the inter-agency body to make judicious use of the vehicle to justify the continued collaboration of the Council with stakeholders to restore sanity in all the ports’ access roads.

Responding, the Chairman, Western Zone of Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse, Chief Austine Kelly, expressed the appreciation of his group to the management and staff of the Council for the gesture.

According to him, Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Economic Regulator is father to different players in the maritime sector, adding that the FERCSARA will always support the Council’s aspiration of tackling Apapa gridlock.

He said that the vehicle will aid FERCSARA in its task of ridding the ports access routes of all impediments to free entrance and exit.

He thanked the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr Hassan Bello for the collaboration.

Group seeks road map for maritime

T

HE Federal Government has been urged to design a road map for the maritime indus-

try.

Ship ownership, improved cargo and passenger volume, reliable utilities, security and a concerted war against corruption are some of the major means of developing the sector – according to the Sifax Group chief Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.

Speaking at the at the just-concluded Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) in Lagos, Afolabi, represented by one of his directors, Major Henry Ajetunmobi (rtd), spoke of the need to take advantage of the huge economic potential of the industry to enhance the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Based on the dwindling oil revenue, the government, industry regulators, agencies, investors, financiers, operators and other stakeholders should post resources to boost the economy On the allegation that shipping companies and terminal operators are imposing arbitrary charges at ports, the Sifax boss called for a cautious approach.

“The issues, no doubt, calls for the wisdom of Solomon as well as random eclectic borrowings from the principles long adopted by other maritime nations, especially those in the advanced world that have made a huge success of privatization in their own ports and terminals.

But over and above this, is the need for the economic regulator, acting in full consultation with critical stakeholders, to seek to regulate the industry, with a clearly perceived passion to balance and protect the interests of all parties to avoid crisis.

“We must begin to take measures now to develop other critical sectors of the economy, particularly in agriculture and optimal exploitation of the vast deposits of our solid mineral and non-oil natural resources, to generate enough cargo that can challenge the present high volume of our import cargo throughput that has given us our present unflattering image as a chronic import-dependent nation.” he said.

He said that it wasn’t enough for the country to be contented with the huge natural endowments of long coastline and urged investors to finance the acquisition of vessels, particularly Nigerian-flagged ones with the capacity to participate in deep ocean-going international trade.

He noted that the revamping of public utilities would serve as incentive to current and prospective investors in the industry, adding that improved security that guarantees the safety of persons and goods around our maritime assets and a committed war against endemic corruption will lead to rapid development in the industry.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Presidential pay slash •What is more important is discipline and curbing extravagant lifestyle

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo recently declared their intention through an official memo with reference number PRES/81/SGF/17 to voluntarily slash their salaries by 50 per cent of what the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) statutorily allotted to their posts. This is to us a glib approach to an endemic problem of waste in public life.

President Buhari’s current annual remuneration as approved by RMAFC is put at N14, 058,820.00. By halving his salary, Buhari will be earning in each year of his four-year administration tenure life span, the sum of N7m. The same applies to Osinbajo who earns N12,126,289.8 per year, which at half salary translates to N6,063,144.9 per year. Apart from these remunerations, the president and his deputy are entitled to various regular allowances like: hardship allowance which translates to 50 per cent of their basic salaries and consistency allowance which amounts to 250 per cent of same basic salaries.

But the important question at this juncture is who determines whether the president/deputy is consistent in the discharge of their duties; and also what type of hardships are the president and his deputy faced with in the discharge of their duties? This is one fundamental dilemma faced by a country in search of a realistic remuneration package not only for her executive arm of government but the legislative and other appointive positions in the land.

This season of salary slashing calls back

to former President Goodluck Jonathan at a point during his administration when the price of crude oil slumped. He reduced his salary by 30 percent. This he did despite the fact that his administration witnessed the highest level of crude oil theft and other extreme corrupt practices without any known significant attempt to nip such in the bud.

In the end, such publicity stunt stands for its symbolism and not substance because nothing really changed. Under the current dispensation, it is also on record that the governors of Abia, Kaduna and Kano states, amongst others, reduced their salaries but the public sees that as another publicity trick that would not positively impact on the lives of the common man.

Sadly, the executive and the legislative arms of government are only able to maintain a greedy and ostentatious lifestyle of buying private jets and building grandiose houses of opulence and procurement of bullet-proof vehicles because of the odious slush funds at their disposal. What ought to be done is for them to slash the diverse allowances like security vote, hardship and consistency allowances, including travelling estacode, amongst others, such that the wage bills of the states and the centre government would drastically be brought down. So far, public officers’ allowances account for the bulk of their financial entitlements, creating in the process a heavy toll on public till.

The RMAFC is statutorily empowered

by Section 32 (d) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule of the Constitution to determine

the appropriate remuneration for political office holders. Consequently, we call on this statutory body to come up with a pay package for all arms of government, which reflects the economic reality in the polity. We do not subscribe to perquisites of office that are adhoc or individualistic like the current executive/presidential salary cut initiatives. We want realistic meaningful salary structure for elective and appointive officers of state but we abhor remuneration excesses and ostentation that are insensitive to the prevailing economic realities. That is what RMAFC should curtail without further delay. The Buhari administration may mean well by the salary slash, but we need greater show of discipline in public life.

‘What ought to be done is for them to slash the diverse allowances like security vote, hardship and consistency allowances, including travelling estacode, amongst others, such that the wage bills of the states and the centre government would drastically be brought down. So far, public officers’ allowances account for the bulk of their financial entitlements, creating in the process a heavy toll on public till’

Money everywhere…

•News from NLNG shows that Nigeria may well be awash with cash but plagued by massive corruption

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ACH new day seems to dawn with revelations of sleaze and messy handling of the nation’s abundant resources , especially by the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Every department or agency that generates revenues seems to be roiled in mind-boggling corruption and a brazen thieving of public funds.

For example, in the past week, the media have been awash with the exchange between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, immediate past Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

Oshiomhole, speaking on behalf of the National Economic Council (NEC) pointed out that Excess Crude Account (ECA) of the federation which warehouses extra-budgetary earnings from crude oil sales, was unilaterally broached by Mrs. OkonjoIweala who depleted it by a hefty $2.1 billion.

‘If most of these reports are true, what it means is that more than half of the nation’s resources are not accounted for and captured in the federation account. We therefore suggest that going forward, the Buhari administration must set up a system to follow the money to the last kobo’

She put up a strong denial, first claiming she had no such powers and that only the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) could have authorised any such withdrawals. But when the FAAC members comprising the finance commissioners of the 36 states rebutted her claim, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala recanted, now taking shelter under her boss, President Jonathan.

“Payments made were used for the paying for petroleum subsidies for the Nigerian people and were approved by Mr. President… therefore, there is no question of mismanaging any resources here,” Mrs Okonjo-Iweala said through her spokesperson.

The foregoing dodgy narrative of the chief manager of former President Jonathan administration’s finances and economy is symptomatic of a blighted six years in Nigeria’s nationhood under a boisterous and unrepentant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Not given to being sober and reflective, the flurry of sleaze breaking out like a plague from every government building would not deter the spokesman of the PDP. His insistence on his party, PDP taking the credit for the ‘bailout’ cash which the Muhammadu Buhari administration recently availed the states of the federation has only opened more cans of worms.

In rebutting the PDP’s claims that the ‘bailout’ cash was a product of its prudence, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that on the contrary, the cash came from the post-Jonathan era dividends paid by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited last month.

The APC surmised that dividends totalling

about $4.8 billion had been paid by the NLNG to the Federal Government since 2004, for which there is no trace.

The APC noted further that its investigation revealed that another sum of $5.5 billion which the NLNG had paid the Federal Government just before the May 29 handover of government is nowhere to be traced.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) too seems to have leaked like a sieve, especially these past few years.

According to report, the honey-pot of the nation is said to have earned about N8.1 trillion during the Jonathan years but merely N4.3 trillion was reportedly remitted into the treasury.

If most of these reports are true, what it means is that more than half of the nation’s resources are not accounted for and captured in the federation account. We therefore suggest that going forward, the Buhari administration must set up a system to follow the money to the last kobo. Every revenue-earning ministry, department and agency (MDA) must not only be compelled to remit every kobo to the treasury, they must also be mandated to produce and make public their statements of accounts.

May we also suggest that as a result of the sheer magnitude of the malfeasance of the past administration, a comprehensive review of the operations of the MDAs in the last six years should be carried out with a view to retrieving at least some of the misappropriated funds.

We believe that with a regime of accountability, Nigeria’s economy may not be in such dire straits as imagined.

What next for LagosIbadan Expressway?

IR: Like dust that was swept away by whirlwind, it is disheartening that the hopes of many Nigerians on the LagosIbadan Expressway have again been swept off, no thanks to the abandonment of the allimportant road by the construction giant, Messrs Julius Berger Plc. The Federal Government had raised the hopes of users of the road when it mobilised Julius Berger to do the Sagamu Interchange-Lagos Section of the expressway (and Messrs Ratcon Construction Company, RCC, to the Sagamu-Ibadan Section) during the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Although the arrangement that took the two construction companies to the road was shrouded in mystery, after the concession granted Messrs Bi-Courtney Highway Limited was terminated, many, although shocked by the action of the government then, had no option than to believe that their messiahs had come in the two companies.

But, after Jonathan’s razzmatazz and political gimmick that heralded the reconstruction, it has now been proved that those Nigerians who were expecting government’s magic on the road were dead wrong, after all, as Julius Berger has surprisingly abandoned the work, while RCC continues some skeletal work on its own portion.

Today, the bad portion of the expressway at Ibafo is giving many a traveller serious nightmare. I was unfortunate to be trapped there on my way back to Lagos on Monday morning. My journey that had been smooth all the way from Benin suddenly became nightmarish on getting to the Redemption Camp where I met the traffic about 11.40am.

Thinking it was caused by an accident, or a faulty vehicle, and that it would soon end, I entered the traffic only to spend two hours between where I entered it at the Redemption Camp and Ibafo! The cause of the unending gridlock is a large pothole right in the middle of the road in Ibafo, which nobody is attending to.

It is rather sad that the situation of this busiest road has deteriorated after a long wait for the promised reconstruction; surely we are back to square one.

When Bi-Courtney had the concession, it is a well-known fact that the company was constantly filling dangerous potholes like the one in Ibafo and elsewhere on the road. At least, I witnessed this several times.

Since the delay in executing the concession was allegedly caused by the Federal Ministry of Works as Bi-Courtney later told Nigerians in a statement published in several newspapers, without the ministry contradicting the company, the government owes Nigerians serious explanation on how Julius Berger got billions of naira of the taxpayers’ money and then abandoned the project midway, subjecting us to this kind of harrowing experience.

• Kelvin Ekpeyong FESTAC Town, Lagos.

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The propensity of Nigeria as a nation to do well is an acknowledged fact. The country has everything going for it, or should have. The drawback is the absence of the political will, the needed resolve to do the heavy lifting. Unfortunately, no sense of nationhood is ever going to be achieved without the resolve to do the necessary. This will require that the government does more than just pandering to vested interests of every type and just playing to gallery.

This is the definition of leadership.

This is why the decision of the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, to enforce the verdict of the coroner’s inquest on the September 12, 2014 Synagogue Church building collapse, is most welcome. It should send out an unambiguous statement that the government will set out parameters under which rules have to be obeyed and enforced. This after all is the basis for the construction of what is generally regarded in conventional wisdom as society.

The governor stated his resolve in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna , that his government would uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in the state, urging residents of the state to also

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Synagogue: Ambode right on coroner’s report respect the rule of law.

Ambode said: “The coroner’s verdict of July 7, made a number of recommendations which the state government would act upon accordingly. One of the provisions of the Coroner’s law, 2007, is the provision that empowers a coroner to commence an inquest to find out the cause and manner of death which occur in an unusual manner”.

There are no pulling of punches here. The government has placed the concept of the acceptance of responsibility by all on the front burner. Ordinarily, the position of Ambode should not warrant any comment. Unfortunately, the prevalence of the abdication of a sense of responsibility has led to the comments becoming newsworthy. The position of Ambode is certainly in alignment with the concept of “change” which was over-

whelmingly endorsed by the electorate a few months ago.

Our own interpretation of “change” is that it represents a yearning, by the electorate for the incorporating of the concept of not just old - fashioned moral values, but in addition, of the very much needed acceptance of the need for social cohesion as a pathway to social solidarity. Hitherto, our repudiation of this has been debilitating. It has led to a society anchored on licentiousness, as well as a pervasive feeling that, well, “anything goes”. This is why the country is mired in perennial underachievement.

The pervasive manifestation exhibits itself in many hideous ways.

For example, how else can one interpret the action of those who carry placards to the effect that those who are perceived to bear vicarious li-

ability for the slaughter of over a hundred innocent souls should be allowed to go scot-free? This is disturbing! Presumably, everyone is free to do as they like which is not on. In the meantime, buildings will continue to implode. They will continue to collapse until the issue of the acceptance of vicarious liability is reinstated. Restitution also has to be made. It also has to be stated that indictment is very much routine.

Fortunately under our laws, unlike the French civil law, the presumption of innocence is enshrined. Those under indictment have the means to get eagle-eyed lawyers to get them off the hook. There is therefore no need to carry placards because of an indictment.

The continuous appeal by the government of Lagos State to the people that they should obey the building codes is commendable. It

Fulani vs. Agatu: Stop the bloodshed IR: What started as feud over farms and grazing land and fish pond between the Fulani dominated Ologba and Agatu dominated Egba communities Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State about two years ago, has since metamorphosed in a full scale war among the two neighboring communities who had lived together peacefully as brethren for many years. Agatu people who are predominantly farmers had initially raised an alarm over the manner in which some Fulani settlers regularly invade their farm lands, destroying and damaging both food and cash crops, all in the name of seeking pasture for their cattle, but the inability of the Benue State government to effectively put measures in place at accommodating, pacifying and carrying both sides along

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only added fuel to an already raging fire.

Despite the intervention of leaders of the warring ethnic groups, the crisis which has already claimed the lives of over 400 men, women and children has resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of naira. The animosity, lack of respect for the sanctity of human life, the open display of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man and the madness that has been shown by these two Benue communities is sad and unfortunate. Reports of many Agatus being hacked to death in their farms, pregnant women being killed by the Fulani fighters and the killing of hundreds of cattle, women and innocent Fulani children by the Agatu fighters have characterized the bloodshed and insanity between the

Fulani settlers and their Agatu counterparts in the last two years.

The clash resulted in hundreds of Agatus and some Fulanis seeking refuge in nearby Bagana, a community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State. Just as we thought that peace had gradually returned to their original home and the governments of Benue and Kogi states had already begun arrangement to return the Fulani and Agatu peoples who had turned themselves into refugees in their own country, another round of crisis ensued; this time, it was some Agatu youths who drew the first blood. This recent attack which has seen the battle ground shift from Benue State to Omala in Kogi State where the displaced Fulanis, Agatu and Bagana reside has resulted in the loss of almost a hundred lives and proper-

ties. The nearby Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala Local Government Area, in Kogi State has since become a centre of internally displaced persons. Not minding their refugee status, a cold war has characterized their stay in the past days, with reports of mutilated and decomposing bodies seen in several bushes and farmlands.

There is urgent need for the governments of Benue and Kogi states to liaise with the Federal Government to, as quickly as possible, halt this wanton destruction of lives and properties. There is now an urgent need for a deliberate and an all-inclusive measure to be put in place to ensure a permanent end to these killings and bloodshed.

• Hussain Obaro Ilorin-Kwara State

however also indicates a problem.

It need not be so. People should obey the law.

Governor Ambode’s position is salutary, welcome and timely. In many areas he has started off on the right note. The present intervention should also be supported by everyone. We must have a sense of order in our society; otherwise we will descend into anarchy.

•Ayo Aladesanmi Badagry, Lagos.

Re: How not to spend forex

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IR: Your editorial of Wednesday July 15, How not to spend forex was spot on. At a time of financial distress such as we are, the only justification for exchange rate concession to pilgrims is if there is a high probability or historical evidence of reciprocal traffic from Israel, Palestine and Saudi Arabia, to Nigeria in significant numbers. This has never happened in our relations with these countries. We are better to use such incentives to attract tourist and pilgrim traffic from the Caribbean and the Americas who regard here as spiritual home. The foundation for under-development is spiritual and psychical dependence on another's culture so uncritically for one's inspiration and sense of completeness. This N160 concessional forex not only mortgages national economic interest for political expediency (bad politics), it actually reinforces the inferiority complex that is at the root of deference or enslavement to another's culture for guidance on the matter of faith.

Just to cite a CBN statistics, Nigeria expended N38billion or USD250million on some 100,000 government-sponsored pilgrims to holy lands in Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Israel in 2008. This is a key reason many poor African nations get poorer by choice and the rich nations get richer taking advantage of our subordinate spirituality, psyche and intellect. We need to bear in mind that an economy is a cultural construct. We have to use all of our historical, cultural, intellectual and other assets as vehicles for building and uplifting ours.

• Abimbola Daniyan, Osogbo, Osun State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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COMMENTS

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Yar’Adua should have been HY did Goodluck Jonathan more forthright with himself lose the presidency? on his health. As Katsina govBecause, on all objective acernor, he struggled with his counts, he didn’t perform well? Yes. health throughout his eightBut which of his two predecessors year tenure. Taking the Nigeboasted stellar performances — ria job simply proved a killer.

Olusegun Obasanjo or the late Umaru But on his dying bed, it was Musa Yar’Adua? Besides, when did ofthe same Obasanjo that gave ten sentimental Nigerians start voting Yar’Adua a cruel shove. If he Olakunle out bad leaders, particularly at the fedgot Yar’Adua a job, he had eral level? lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola thundered, and Yar’Adua Being from a minority bloc, he didn’t found that job too hard for him, have the electoral numbers. Besides, the honourable thing was to the North and the South West “conresign! That, to a man on his spired” to oust him. death bed!

Maybe. But why didn’t these conspiraMeanwhile, Baba fled from torial sentiments apply in 2011, when fiery facebook friend rather cynically dubs them — simply Jonathan achieved a somewhat pan-Nigeria mandate? “SomeYar’Adua’s camp to champion Jonathan’s ascendancy — and panicked; and decided to junk Jonathan before his pathetic what” because, even back then, as this column pointed out, it no, not to counter the vile power tactics of the so-called Katsina government sank them all! was more of an electoral conspiracy — that word again! — cabal, that did everything to stonewall then Vice President That ironically echoes how the Biblical Jonah, thrown overbetween the South and the Middle Belt, against the far North, Jonathan’s ascendance to power; but to falsely declaim politiboard by panicky co-passengers, ended in the belly of the to press a rabid anti-North hysteria, over the zoning controcal zoning, in Jonathan’s favour, when Jonathan decided to whale! As it was with Jonah, so it is now with Jonathan? versy. run for his own first full term.

Indeed, in President Jonathan’s last days, Nigeria had Even then, Jonathan’s was a mandate that made many wax But now, after Jonathan had proved an unmitigated disasgrinded to a near-halt. The Federal Government had got poetic on the eventual arrival of the pan-Nigerian voter, blind ter, Obasanjo would wish no one remembered his vital role reckless with the common purse, paying whatever it wished to ethnic, regional and religious cleavages. And to think the in his emergence. He rather gratuitously told a lecture audito states from the Federation Account. All over, it was equalman was from the minority of minorities, his clan among the ence at Benin, Edo State, that Jonathan’s below-par perforopportunity looting, with the Jonathan court cowing before most minute minorities of the Ijaw nation; and despite a row mance would haunt the South-South for a long time to come. the all-mighty rogues. On the bunkering front, it was crudeover zoning that made a segment of the core North hopping True it will. But a more robust, if not outright honest, stealing on an industrial scale, with the president just wafmad! testimony should have mentioned Obasanjo’s role in the fling and tweaking his fingers. And with the people, the So, what happened in four short years that the Jonathan Jonathan debacle, instead of the virtual cruel kicking of the millions that felt cheated, disinherited and angry, it was a pan-Nigeria electoral alliance of 2011 pitiably collapsed, so man from Otuoke — who was already down — and his Southseason of anomie, which dark clouds portended nothing but much so that only his native South-South and its “catchment South denizens. area” (to use JAMB-speak) of South East stood by the former a terrible pour of anarchy. president — even then, many would insist, on hot sentiments, That was the grim point at which Jonathan’s co-”owners of Yes, on Obasanjo’s part, that would have amounted to selfrather than cold reason?

Nigeria” pulled the plug. If ever they had the slimmest of indictment. But that instinct to protect self should have told Such was the near-total collapse of everything that hallhopes that the gravy, secure and sweet, would continue unObasanjo to stay out of his gratuitous and sanctimonious marked the Jonathan Presidency! der Jonathan, they perhaps would have come to an electoral preachment.

The truth: Indeed, the voter might have got more sophisticompromise — grumbling masses be damned! — that would Of course, perhaps troubled by the mess he has helped to cated; and Jonathan, only the electoral scapegoat of previous have returned Jonathan to Aso Rock. make of Nigeria, the former president probably perpetually bad rulers. He could also have been a victim of a geo-politiBut they realised — and wisely too — that one additional wrestles with his troubled conscience. cal gang-up of ethnic majorities. His loss could also be a second under Jonathan would torpedo their golden boat; and Yes, he probably meant well — if indeed, an apologia is result of many variables, aside from the two already menfeed them to hungry sharks in Nigeria’s vast boiling and needed.

But the result — President Shehu Shagari in the Sectioned. rumbling ocean of anger. ond Republic, Yar’Adua and Jonathan, in the present dispenStill, the most valid variable may well be this: Jonathan That is why the latest thunder from the stable of former sation, Obasanjo’s successors all — have been nothing but performed so porly, and so comprehensively so on all fronts, President Obasanjo is rather curious — how could a person fiasco. that the Nigerian ruling class — “the owners of Nigeria” as a who, by his patently bad choice of successors, initiate the The old man probably hurts, and cannot bear anyone sayprogressive crash that Jonathan so tragically epitomised, and ing it — as it is. So, he goes on the attack, pinning the rap on yet sounds so sanguine that he flatly refuses to take even ‘Obasanjo should be fair to himself his successors; and hoping, against hope, that nobody would vicarious responsibility? on the Nigerian mess. But that canremember his role in the whole mess. Some forlorn hope!

Obasanjo first distanced himself from Yar’Adua’s ill-fated Former President Obasanjo should be fair to himself on the Yar’Adua was a goodly man undone by his frail health, not be, with his perennial attempt to tenure.

Nigerian mess. But that cannot be, with his perennial atwhich neither Obasanjo nor even many Nigerians were not paint his successors pit-black, while unaware of. The late president was guilty of one thing, if any tempt to paint his successors pit-black, while putting on the opportunism: a trait, with provincialism, he shared with toga of whiter-than- snow. putting on the toga of whiter-than- — Jonathan, another Obasanjo-handpicked choice for Yar’Adua Such foray into self-delusion cannot be supported by basic snow’ as vice president. reason — or even common sense.

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epublican ipples

ARLY last month, the international news agency, Reuters, reported on what it called “shadowy build up of oil in the Atlantic Basin”. A somewhat riveting account of the hordes of “homeless cargoes of crude turning into unintentional floating storage” in the absence of ready buyers, the report offers an interesting perspective to the raging fuel subsidy debate, the future of the hydrocarbon industry, as indeed, the overall economy itself.

Of particular interest to yours truly was the report that six million barrels of Nigeria’s sweet crude from its May programme was stranded – some already loaded onto vessels – looking for buyers; the medium reported another 65 million barrels left of the June/July programme as doomed to the same fate, seeking salvation in some far-flung refineries!

Trust Nigeria’s legendary immunity from shocks, we have since carried on as if the development – despite our near total dependence on oil – amounted to pretty little! And this at a time when, the treasuries of most states across the federation, laid waste by corruption and poor policies choices of their administrators, continue to shrink with workers and pensioners in several arrears of salaries and wages. Of course, we know that the federal government is exempt only to the extent that it has more money – far more access to slush funds – to play with than it can wisely and productively use.

It is certainly no overstatement to say that the future is grim. With manufacturing and the real sector remaining comatose as the infrastructure remains essentially at Stone Age, it’s hard to see the end to the current steady descent into the abyss. Today, the naira is on a slippery path with no respite in sight. Last week for instance, it traded for N241 to the United States dollars in the parallel market. Barely seven months ago, the same naira traded for N160 to the dollar.

Now, picture this is a nation where just about every commodity – ranging from raw materials to finished goods is imported and where the local manufacturer that could have stepped in to bridge the gap has been under a sentence of death from a whole gamut of inclement policies for as long as anyone can remember.

I don’t think that Nigerians, as yet appreciate the enormity of the challenges let alone the extremely limited choices facing them at this rather difficult time. But then, I am not entirely surprised that not a few Nigerians still believe that we can continue on the current path while expecting a different set of outcomes. Yes, we can talk and hopefully deal with the different manifestations of corruption in our public institutions; there would still be the issue of what to do with some of the myths which under-gird policies.

Today, one of the undying myths is that a bankrupted country can, simply because it is generously endowed with crude, retain the differential between the real cost and pump

Baba’s latest thunder

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

PMB: The road not taken? price of petrol and kerosene at humongous costs to the treasury, and also at a difficult time such as the nation is currently going through. A simple arithmetic will obviously tell the story better: At a net differential of N44.86 on every litre of petrol sold, we are talking of N1.794 billion daily reimbursements to a club of rentier marketers at the current estimated consumption level of 40 million litres of petrol only!

Honestly, I had thought that by now, the era of an external body fixing a price for a product it does not produce would have been history. That was what I thought – at least until recently when President Muhammadu Buhari finally spoke on the subsidy issue. And what did the President say?

Very little – and yet so much!

First, the President said that he will handle the issue of subsidies on petroleum products with care. To quote the President: “I have received [a lot of] literature on the need to remove subsidies, but much of it has no depth. When you touch the price of petroleum products, that has the effect of triggering price rises on transportation, food and rents…That is for those who earn salaries, but there are many who are jobless and will be affected by it.”

Then his submission: lack of security, sabotage, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement are the most serious problems of Nigeria’s oil sector, not subsidies! Finally, he directed the NNPC to review existing agreements for the swapping of crude oil for refined products. In so doing, the President did not fail to romanticise the past: “We have to go back to the good old days of transparency and accountability”!

The issue of security, sabotage, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement is no doubt a living reality which the

government must confront. However, I’ll say that overall the president’s message belongs to a different era. In the first place, while I may agree broadly with the President on the need to provide social safety for the poor and the underprivileged, I guess the myth has endured for far too long that cheap fuel – whether kerosene or petrol – comes close to being the most effective social safety net that our poor really need! Where is the evidence that the poor actually benefits from the daily spend of N1.794 billion on the petrol subsidy alone? Has anyone considered the option of direct cash handouts as substitute – since it is all about proving our love for the hoi polloi?

Even more ludicrous is the presidential directive to the NNPC to review existing agreements for the swapping of crude oil for refined products.

Here is an institution we are all agreed is a bastion of fraud; whose corpse we all wished interred; the same institution is being unwittingly given a fresh breadth of life – to do exactly what it has always done – with expectation of different results!

Haba!

Why not simply dismantle the infrastructure that has proven to be so amenable to fraud? Where are thebeautyful Nigerians that would do the job? Will the President bring them from the moon? And where is the big picture – a return to the ancien regime in which the national oil corporation plays the godfather and the bureaucrats’ god? And where will the funds come from – the same empty treasury that has been a source of lamentation?

And where does private investment fit in all of these? Are you going to ask them to bring in their money under the hazy circumstances? Think of this as the hard choice that the Buhari administration is called to make. It’s not easy – if you ask me; the choice, to put it mildly is limited! Will he? Can he?

‘The myth has endured for far too long that cheap fuel – whether kerosene or petrol – comes close to being the most effective social safety net that our poor really need! Where is the evidence that the poor actually benefits from the daily spend of N1.794 billion on the petrol subsidy alone?

22

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

COMMENTS

A

FTER a period of prevarication occasioned by a motley air of confusion, the Muhammadu Buhari administration ordered an immediate release of N713.7 billion intervention funds to states to enable them settle backlog of unpaid salaries of workers. Part of the total package is a proposed N250 billion soft loan to states by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As the curtain drew on June, over 18 states were owing more than N115 billion. The list of heavily indebted states include oil producing states of Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Ondo which used to wallow in excess slush fund.

The crisis actually took its roots in the arbitrary increase in wages entered into in 2011 by the federal government with labour without consulting with the states. Although the development jolted many states, they still could manage with the unwanted excess pecuniary burden. Many of them even had reasonable excess fund, after discharging sundry financial responsibilities including salaries, for deployment to developmental projects.

Trouble, however, erupted in June 2013 when state governments experienced a sharp drop of 40 percent in federal allocation even as salary burden remained progressively high at 45 percent in some states.

So overwhelming is the financial discomfort that no state is totally immune to the fiscal virus. From Oyo State came lamentation by the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi who regretted that the state’s wage bill of N2 billion he inherited had jumped to N4.6 billion.

By mid-2015, the same bill had gone up to N5.2 billion. As wage bill went up in the state, monthly federal allocation that stood averagely at N4 billion last year plummeted considerably. As his administration in Rivers State was winding up last April, Governor

‘What could have accounted for the isolation of Aregbesola’s Osun as a theatre of protests over what is essentially a national challenge?

Civil Servants in the state have taken on the Aregbesola administration joined by a cacophony of street fighters accused of links with opposition in the state’

O

N Monday, July 13, at two separate events, two elected prominent, influential and powerful public officers, one a governor, the other a national legislator, made similar policy advocacy on fundamental aspects of the economy, which could determine the direction of civil societygovernment relationship in the coming period.

They are the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

Riding on the wave of anti-corruption concerns, El-Rufai, in his lecture at a Wole Soyinka Centre event, advocated the scrapping of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), arguing that “if you don’t kill NNPC, it will kill Nigeria”. He justified his call by making reference to the undeniably monumental corruption in the NNPC. He revealed that “the NNPC only remitted about 58 per cent of the monies earned between 2012 and the first half of 2015. A company with the audacity to retain 42 per cent of a country’s money has become a veritable parallel republic!” This means that, as he rightly pointed out, the NNPC alone retaind more money than what the Federal Government, the Federal Capital Territory and the state governments put together shared from the revenue accruing to the NNPC. However, it is important to understand the ultimate goal of Governor El-Rufai, from the standpoint of implications for national development. His concerns appear not to be limited to tackling corruption. It appears he has, in fact, given up hope that corruption can ever be fought successfully in Nigeria. Rather than insisting that the Federal Government under President Buhari should set in motion the process of bringing to justice all former top administrators, ministers and directors who had played a role in looting NNPC, El Rufai merely lamented that “No one has been successfully prosecuted for this scam”. Rather than distinguishing the role of all past top looting-managers of the NNPC (such as ministers) from the role of ordinary workers, the governor put the burden of corruption in the NNPC on the entire workforce of “less than 1,000 employees of the corporation” who as he put it, are “feasting” on the collective wealth.

Aregbesola as whipping boy

By Sola Lawal Amaechi drew attention to the unpalatable situation in which wage bill which was N2.5 billion went through the roof to N9.2 billion naira in eight years. This is despite a 50 percent drop in monthly allocation to the state, Amaechi fumed.

But it would, however, appear that the national financial gloom is most biting in Rauf Aregbesola’s Osun State than anywhere else.

Why this is so will, in the meantime, be left to analysts to ponder. One thing is clear though, the governor has remained somewhat permanent in public eye in over four years of his being in the saddle most probably because of his penchant to dabble into hitherto uncharted but easily controversial terrain of governance even with his bold sartorial uniqueness.

Added to this is the widespread opinion that the governor remains a potent albatross of the opposition in Osun and beyond. National financial malaise, therefore, appears to offer his traducers a platform to attempt removing the ground under his feet. Otherwise what could have accounted for the isolation of Aregbesola’s Osun as a theatre of protests over what is essentially a national challenge? Civil Servants in the state have taken on the Aregbesola administration joined by a cacophony of street fighters accused of links with opposition in the state.

Aregbesola put the salary brouhaha succinctly to members of the state House of Assembly during its inauguration recently when he said he met a wage bill of N1.4 billion when he took over in 2010. The wage bill shot up to N3.6 billion in 2012 following wage increase of 2011. The development did not pose much problem at that period in 2011 because the state still managed to have a N2 billion margin available to execute many of its projects.

However, a sharp decline of 40 percent in federal allocation in 2013 rocked the state government violently. The gory picture is such that , when taken together, an increase in salary of 45 percent and a 40 percent drop in allocation would leave a shortfall of five percent.

To tackle the situation, the Aregbesola administration resorted to taking loans to pay salaries and by October 2014, total burden on salaries came up to a whopping N25 billion. Between October 2014 and June, the state has

amassed a further N34.6 billion in unpaid salaries. Altogether therefore, indebtedness in salary stood at N59.6 billion as at June this year. As monthly salary burden in Osun stands at N3.6 billion, allocation per month from federal till crashed further dangerously from an insufficient N2.6 billion as at June 2013 to N466 million by April.

Viewed holistically, the federal government intervention would definitely not address the trouble. It only represents a drop in the ocean.

It would be necessary at this point to have a new look at fiscal federalism. That way, states would enjoy enhanced economic freedom including fixing their wages as peculiar local situation demands. It would also allow them a measure of control over revenue generation in their domain.

Slashing dividends of democracy accruable to the people in terms of provision of social services in the name of austerity measure as suggested by some is not the way to go. These tiny drops of social services for the benefit of the people remain the only available connection between poor Nigerian voters and the various governments. For instance, if we take Osun State as an example since it appears to be the readiest whipping boy of the opposition on this matter, it would be pointless faulting a number of the state’s eye- popping welfarist projects such as free school meals, school uniforms and merger of schools. Neither would it make any sense to disregard potent force of goodwill inherent in provision of basic needs of senior citizens and the invalid. The planned rebuilding of the abandoned aerodrome in Osogbo is also not a bad idea on account of its economic value to agriculture, employment generation and revenue yielding among others.

Granted that the Aregbesola administration might have bitten too much in a gulp owing largely to the governor’s impatience with underdevelopment , the parlous state of affairs in the state when he assumed office might have fired a rage for modernization.

Every unusual situation demands concomitant unusual approach. When in the first 10 months of his administration, he refused to appoint his cabinet , many could not fathom the raison d’être. In fact he was fiendishly vilified. This was because it was something unheard of by then. Today many state govern-

ments along with Buhari’s federal government have been operating for months without cabinet. Every administration in Nigeria, whether federal or state, groans under financial burden of cabinet sustenance.

Blinding corruption at the federal level, particularly open pilfering of common patrimony, has been the bane of governance at both the state and local government levels. All monies made through sources such as taxes, deductions and others are held in the federation account. Fund in the account belongs to all the three tiers of government as laid out by the constitution. Aside this, a separate account was also created to take the difference between budget price of crude oil and actual price. This account is called Excess Crude Account. Like federation account, fund in this also belongs to all the three tiers of government.

In the last six years, the money in these accounts has been subjected to aggravated battery by the Jonathan administration. The departed administration continuously claimed that 400, 000 barrels of crude was lost daily to pilfering. This represents 19 percent volume loss. However, this volume loss has resulted in a curious 40 percent revenue loss to states.

The conflict in these figures presents mathematicians with a scenario of unaccounted 21 percent allocation. Simply put, to have 40 percent revenue loss, no fewer than a million barrels of crude must have been lost. The last time money was shared from the Excess Crude Account was in May 2013.

Perhaps no one has captured the stark realities of the situation as succinctly as Malam Nasir el Rufai, Kaduna State governor. At the 7th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series, the governor drew the attention of a bemused nation to the fact that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) only remits 42 percent of what it should to the federal government. He pointed out that a questionable US$8.99 billion was spent on subsidy between January 2012 and June 2013.

Gory tale of ineptitude would also appear more exemplified in 2014 when the country produced 2.2 million barrels of crude oil per day while the nation imported her daily consumption of 43.5 million litres of refined petroleum. In 2014 about N971 billion was budgeted for subsidy while more than twice the amount was eventually paid. Trillions of naira was paid out as oil subsidy in 2011 when only N254 billion was appropriated.

If only the nation can tame the financial drain pipe that NNPC represents, many of the crises of fund in the states would be addressed.

More money would be available in the federation account through this.

Kill NNPC or corruption?

By Femi Aborisade The ultimate goal of El Rufai tends to be the privatization of NNPC and removal of fuel subsidy. According to El Rufai, “the country should demonstrate a new purpose by slaying three huge dragons” which he identified as “fixation with public ownership”, “oil subsidy” and the NNPC. He was reported to have argued, that “oil subsidy regime had neither grown the Nigerian people nor guaranteed stability of refined products’ supplies”.

If the call by El Rufai that the NNPC should be “killed” because of its intractable corruption should be followed to a logical conclusion, it amounts to saying that because corruption permeates all levels of government, from the federal to the local governments, including the legislature, then, all the tiers of government should be “killed”.

That would ultimately mean that there would be no office called the office of the Governor of Kaduna State, which El Rufai occupies today. This analogy reflects the depth, or lack of any depth, in the call by El Rufai for the abolition of NNPC on the account of pervasive corruption.

El Rufai is however not alone in the recent advocacy for removal of fuel subsidy. Apart from the promptings by spokespersons of world imperialism, the US Government, the APC Transition Committee, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has added his voice in support of the pro-subsidy removal advocates. Speaker Dogara, has been busy researching and advising on “the most legal way to do it so that subsidy can go permanently”. Hon. Dogara’s concerns are not about how to bring relief to the masses of our country but about how the “stomach infrastructure” of dealers in the oil industry can be strengthened through fuel subsidy removal. On the same Monday, July 13, when Governor El-Rufai made his call for the abolition of the NNPC, slaying fixation with public ownership and removal of

subsidy, Hon. Dogara was equally advising a delegation of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to mount pressure on the executive arm to inaugurate the price control board under the Price Control Act, which could, in exercise of its powers, remove petroleum products from the list of items whose pricing is subject to regulation. Alternatively, the IPMAN, according to Dogara’s advice, could pressurize the National Assembly to either repeal or amend the Price Control Act by removing petroleum products from the list of items whose pricing is subject to regulatory control.

The IPMAN delegation had sought the support of the Speaker for the “approval of government to engage in the swapping of crude oil for refined products” under a pricing regime in which petroleum products are not subject to regulated pricing.

President Buhari appears, for now, to be consistently alone, even within his own political party, the APC, in resisting removal of fuel subsidy. According to the Reuters, as posted by Uhuru Times, the Presidency has declared that Nigeria will stick with fuel subsidies for now as “President Buhari says investigating corruption is a bigger priority than scrapping price caps on domestic fuel”.

The President is reported to have explained that: “I have received …literature on the need to remove subsidies, but much of it has no depth. … Poor security, sabotage, vandalism, corruption and mismanagement - not necessarily subsidies – are the most serious problems of Nigeria’s oil sector.”

The critical concern is for how long would President Buhari be able to resist the powerful pro-subsidy removal forces in the APC? President Buhari has good reasons to continue to resist fuel subsidy removal. Apart from the understanding already displayed in President Buhari’s statement quoted above, “killing” NNPC will have implications for job losses which will compound the unemployment situation and associated criminalities in social relations. The

fundamental raison d’etre for the existence of social institution called government is not only for providing physical security but also economic security. Removing fuel subsidy, privatizing NNPC, and so on, will exacerbate the already harsh socio-economic conditions of the most vulnerable classes rather than attenuate their material well-being.

The unfolding trends of policy advocacy on the management of the petroleum industry, including pricing policy on petroleum products, have shown clearly that two dominant forces are in contention within the ruling APC. One trend is for discarding public ownership, price control and fuel subsidy removal. The other is for retention of some level of public ownership and exercise of governmental control on pricing and retention of fuel subsidy regime. The trend that finally prevails within the APC-controlled executive arm and the National Assembly will determine whether the Buhari administration (and by extension, the entire APC) will go down in history as a pro-people ‘change’ government or a continuation of governance by declaration of war against the interests of the downtrodden.

Let President Buhari be consistently clear about it: no government, even the most brutal military dictatorship, has ever succeeded in muscling and silencing the Nigerian working people in the face of crippling economic policies, particularly, increases in the prices of petroleum products. Just as there is a direct relationship between removal of fuel subsidy and increases in the prices of all other goods and services, there is a relationship between the degree and momentum of popular resistance struggles and increases in the prices of petroleum products. In what appears to be inevitable impending social conflicts around the issue of fuel subsidy removal, President Buhari should lean on the outcries of the masses against the pressures of business and contractor dealers in and out of government circles.

• Aborisade Esq; writes from Lagos

PAGE 23

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

25 Those who cheaply wave the Biafran flag as ’political brinkmanship, to gain traction and political supremacy, in the Nigerian project, are completely misguided

’

See page 39

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Many lawyers’ ambition is to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) because of the privileges that come with the title. But there is a controversy over the award system.

Some believe that only those who are connected are conferred with SAN. Activists, radicals and other qualified persons are shut out, they claim.

Should the 40-year-old award be abolished? Or should its criteria be reviewed to ensure fair play? JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports

C

OME September 21, 21 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) will be sworn in at a special session of the Supreme Court to mark the beginning of the new legal year. They were named on July 11 to join 408 lawyers, both living and dead, who have been conferred with the rank since its inception in 1975.

The 21 were selected after an interview of 50 shortlisted candidates.

The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), with the approval of the Body of Benchers, confers the award on lawyers of not less than 10 years’ standing, who have distinguished themselves on the job in line with Section 5 (7) of the Legal Practitioners Act 2004.

The SAN title was first conferred on April 3, 1975 on the late Chief Frederick Rotimi A. Williams and the late Dr Nabo GrahamDouglas. As at May 2012, there were 68 dead SANs. The history of SAN predates its conferment in 1975. It started with the introduction of the English laws. The rank is the equivalent of the Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the United Kingdom (UK). Several countries use similar designations such as Senior Counsel, State Counsel, Senior Advocate, and President’s Advocate.

A SAN enjoys the privilege of sitting in the “Inner Bar” - the front row of seats in court which is reserved for them - as distinguished from the “Outer Bar” where junior advocates sit. SANs also have their cases called first or whenever they step into court.

The conferment is made by the LPPC headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and comprising the Attorney-General, one Justice of the Supreme Court (chosen by the CJN and the Attorney-General for a term of two years, renewable), President of the Court of Appeal, five Chief Judges (chosen by the CJN and the Attorney-General for a term of two years, renewable), Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and five SANs (chosen by the CJN and the Attorney-General for a

INSIDE:

•Continued on page 26

• A Silk’s ceremonial wig

The making of a SAN

New law to curb torture, delay in criminal trials

Boko Haram insurgency: Beyond the law

-Page 27

-Page 38

Lawyer hails service chiefs’ sack -Page 40

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

26

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25

term of two years, renewable once).

According to the LPPC, the rank is a privilege awarded as a mark of distinction and excellence in advocacy in the higher courts to members of the legal profession, who are in full time legal practice. All applicants must hold rights of audience in the higher courts.

Applicants are judged against a competency framework as provided on Paragraph 19 of the LPPC Guidelines.

The selection panel looks for strong and consistent evidence of excellence in the demonstration of each of the competencies.

The making of a SAN

Selection Process

Applicants register with a non-refundable fee of N300,000. The process of selecting SAN is based on “evidence” which is reviewed by the LPPC Secretariat, called first filter, on the basis of the list of important cases, narrative description of practice and self-assessment.

The application form asks a lawyer to provide eight judgments of the High Court via Certified True Copies (CTC) of complete record of trial proceedings in at least five contested cases from filing stage to judgment, showing that the applicant as a counsel conducted the trial fully.

A candidate is also expected to provide a list of six judgments of the Court of Appeal and a list of three judgments of the Supreme Court where it is manifest that the applicant conducted the cases from the High Court to the Supreme Court.

However, where an applicant submits only cases where he has appeared at the Supreme Court, he will be required to submit six judgments of the Supreme Court to qualify.

An aspiring SAN must also provide a narrative description of his practice, and the names of assessors the LPPC can approach, who have seen the candidate in action in such cases.

All applicants will then be considered by the sub-committees for the second filter, mainly to review what the secretariat did. Only those applicants, who appear to the committee to demonstrate the competencies sufficiently are invited for interview.

The remaining applicants are supposed to be notified with reasons why they were unsuccessful. The list of recommended candidates is passed to the CJN for the conferment.

The privileges

Section 6 (1) (a) and (b) of the Legal Practitioners Act gives a SAN “(a) the exclusive right to sit in the inner bar or, where no facilities exist for an inner bar, on the front row of seats available for legal practitioners; and (b) the right to mention any motion in which he is appearing or any other cause or matter which is on the list for mention and not otherwise listed for hearing out of its turn on the cause list.”

In a system where cases take so long to determine, and where dockets are usually full, it is indeed, a unique privilege. In other words, to have a case determined on time, hire a SAN. Getting the rank also opens the door to charging higher legal fees. A nonSAN may handle a case for less, but it may take triple the amount to hire a SAN. There is also the belief that SANs are better lawyers having attained the rank.

Controversies

LPPC claims to be committed to equality of opportunity in the appointment process. It says applicants, who meet the standard of competence and excellence required of a SAN, would be recommended for conferment on merit, regardless of age, ethnic origin, pedigree, disability, marital status, religious belief, or gender or any other extraneous factors such as political views or affiliations or educational background.

But, according to critics of the rank, these ideals are rarely upheld. The critics accuse LPPC of nepotism and also allege that the rank is awarded to only those who are connected allegedly get the award. To some, it seems too easy for lawyers whose

•Pa Gomez

•Babalola (SAN)

•CJN Mahmud Mohammed

Criteria at a glance • Ten years post-call • Particulars of significant contested cases • Eight High Court judgments • Six Court of Appeal judgments • Three Supreme Court judgments • Six Supreme Court judgments where a candidate submits cases in which he only appeared there (all in the last 10 years) • Chambers inspected for size, library quality, facilities, number of employees, accounts • Competence evaluation for integrity (25 per cent); opinion of judges (15 per cent); general knowledge of law (15 per cent); contribution to the development of parents are SANs or are politically connected to get the rank. The critics also cite favouritism, lack of transparency and corruption as making a mockery of the award.

Some analysts are of the view that no other profession sets apart a select few and effectively hands them a meal ticket for life. If the legal profession is willing to condone this type of honours peddling why not extend it to other professions, they ask.

To the critics, there is no ‘equality before the law’ when a few are set apart from others irrespective of intellectual capacity. According to them, the legal profession insists on a level-playing field for everyone, irrespective of background or status, which principle the rank vitiates.

Some critics, such as Pa Tunji Gomez, insist the award is oppressive unlike in England. If a litigant has a case that is 20 years old in court and a SAN has a case that has just been filed, the court will hear the new case first.

Imagine a scenario where there are five SANs in court and 25 cases are listed for the day. It is possible that some of the SANs may have applications to argue. By the time they are done with their cases, the day would have been far gone, and the judge would have become tired. If he manages to take a few more cases as time permits, the rest would have to be adjourned. The non-SAN, who must have travelled from afar, would have wasted the whole day in court and achieved nothing.

“What that means is that ordinary litigants are put at disadvantage. Because the client wants their cases heard quickly, they may take their case from a junior lawyer and give it to a Senior Advocate,” Gomez said.

To those against the title, it does absolutely nothing to promote the rule of law. On the contrary, they argue, it tends to promote only the cult of personality, and with allegations of money changing hands during the screening, it runs the risk of becoming a legally sanctioned racket with SANs cornering all the juicy briefs to themselves. In short, it has been

law (10 per cent); leadership qualities in the profession (10 per cent); strength and quality of reference (15 per cent); and quality of law office/library (10 per cent).

• Legal scholars to furnish at least 20 copies of published works • In determining ‘active legal practice’, LPPC may consult the Chief Judge and NBA • Candidate must be of good character and must have no pending disciplinary case or complaint of professional misconduct against him.

• Conferment of rank must reflect “national character”, “geographical spread” and “gender balance.”

politicised, critics insist.

Need for reform

Analysts believe there is a need for a reform of the process because its present state is highly subjective.

For instance, the evaluation of a candidate’s competence is based on integrity, which is ranked highest (25 per cent), followed by opinion of judges (15 per cent), general knowledge of law (15 per cent), contribution to the development of law (10 per cent), leadership qualities in the profession (10 per cent), strength and quality of reference received by candidate (15 per cent) and quality of law office/library (10 per cent).

A lawyer, who has been interviewed severally for the rank but never made the final list, and who prefers not to be named for fear of being victimised in future, said most of the conditions were highly subjective and could easily be influenced. To him, the parameters are not clearly defined.

He also faulted a system where someone, who ordinarily merits should get the title is denied the rank because of restriction on the number that must be appointed in a year.

This approach, he believes, leaves room for abuse as the factors which dictate who to pick out of the qualified applicants is subjective and prone to abuse and manipulation.

He said: “How do you determine a person’s integrity? How do you measure it from 0-25? From my thinking, it is highly subjective. If they like you, or you are their friend, they can give you 25 per cent in integrity and give the other person 10 per cent even if the person has no questionable character or has never been found to be corrupt.”

The same, he said, goes for the other parameters. He said there was a case of a lawyer, whose office is on Lagos Island, with a well equipped library, but he was scored lower than a lawyer whose office is located in a market in Onitsha with an ill-equipped library, which

He said: “The rank is oppressive to all other lawyers; it is against fair trade and violates the provision of the Constitution and that of the African Charter. It does not give the lawyers a common level-playing ground. It is in that respect that it ought to be jettisoned. The award was based on merit initially, but now it has become like a chieftaincy title. It is no longer on merit. Even some of the SANs are now crying out that the procedure for conferment of the award is flawed...

“The oppression is worse in the Court of Appeal and I guess in the Supreme Court. Now in the Court of Appeal, a lot of SANs appear there. If a non-SAN comes there and has a case and there are about six, seven SANs there, the court will attend to the cases of the SANs before his own, even if his matter is older. The result is that the non-SANs’ case in the Court of Appeal could last for years without being heard. I suffered from it. I was the oldest lawyer in that court on that particular day. But there were eight SANs there; and we sat there from nine till they finished around after 2pm. And my case was not called.

We had to get adjournment for six months.

“I came back; and the same thing happened. My case was not called. I came back the third time; that is, a year had passed, on the same matter! You know what happened? I had to go and fetch my friend who is a SAN, my schoolmate. And I told him, ‘look this is what I am suffering o. Please come and take my case. Just mention it.’ And he said, ‘you mean that?’ And I said ‘you know me. I always like to have evidence.’ So he came to court. And he was the most senior SAN. When the court sat, they called my case first. You see, I mean over a year wasted. And it could’ve gone to two years if I had not done that.”

In an article, activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who got the title after many years his trial, said the rank would be irrelevant unless it is awarded in the same way as the QC.

The way out

he shared with other lawyers.

The requirement for judges’ opinion also tends to encourage corruption, the lawyer said. It implies that every lawyer will try to be in the good books of judges no matter what it takes. Also, how does one rate leadership qualities in the profession? At times, where there is a tie between to lawyers in scores, the award is given based on seniority. This, he said, is wrong.

Another area in need of reform is the section on national character, which says: “Every effort shall be made to ensure that the conferment of the rank of SAN on candidates, who have met the criteria, reflect national character by achieving as much geographical spread and gender representation as possible.”

This implies that where a person comes from may give him an advantage over another.

“Why would you introduce quota system to a private issue? It means that if there are more qualified persons from the West than the East, some of those from the West may lose out to accommodate other zones to reflect ‘national character.’

“Legal fees are not ordinarily paid from the Federation Account or from a common national purse, so what is the justification for national character?

When chartered accountants give Fellows to members, do they use national character? The fees SANs charge do not primarily come from the government, but from individual clients. Government does not hire private lawyers based on national character. I don’t see the basis for it,” the lawyer said.

Call for abolition

Some lawyers believe the award should be scrapped as it is no longer credible. Gomez, who is chairman of the Movement for the Abolition of the rank of SAN, argued that the title is oppressive and promotes exploitation.

Legal icon Chief Afe Babalola, who for many years was a member of LPPC, advocated that the award should be given to all qualified lawyers irrespective of their number. He said the practice of limiting the awardees to a certain number each year gives room for lobbying. This, he said, would not be necessary if the LPPC adopts the practice in England where every qualified lawyer is honoured with the award.

He said: “I was a member of the privileges’ committee. I found out that many were actually qualified, but were limited by the so-called rule that only so many ought to have been appointed. So, if 50 qualified and only 15 are to be taken, then you are going to select only 15.

What yardstick, what method do you want to adopt to appoint 15 of 50 qualified lawyers? In England where we borrowed this idea, everyone that is qualified is given the award.”

Babalola suggested that the bar be raised for the award, adding that all qualified lawyers should get the title.

“Let us have very stern, very strict conditions to fulfill. But, whoever crosses the bar ought to be appointed so that it won’t give room for the principle of ‘who-knows-who’,” he added.

Falana also argued that a situation where activists and radical lawyers are excluded from the inner bar on the excuse that they do not satisfy the requirements is illegal.

Falana believes the rank should either be scrapped or reformed. “The colonial legacy was abolished in 1964 in line with the republican status of the country. The rank was, however, restored in 1973 under a military dictatorship.

“With the restoration of democracy, the rank ought to be abolished without any further delay. If it is going to be retained, the LPPC should no longer be allowed to make it business as usual.

“Its attention ought to be drawn to the current practice in the United Kingdom where all lawyers, who satisfy the laid down criteria, are automatically conferred with the rank of Queen’s Counsel.

“Since we copied the practice of honouring distinguished lawyers from the United Kingdom, we cannot afford to be more catholic than the Pope,” he said.

27

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY A Lagos lawyer, Mr. Iwilade Akintayo, writes on how the Muhammadu Buhari Administration can use the law to implement its change agenda.

That law may not obstruct ‘change’ •Being concluding part of the article published on June 16

“Law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and when they fail in this purpose, they become dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress” - Martin Luther King (Jnr.)

T

HE Law must enforce unadulterated internal democracy in all political parties, to ensure the best persons accepted by the people ultimately find their way into public service as against the awkward cronyism that will do nothing but weaken the democratic process in the long run.

To take a second example, the President has indicated in the unfolding agenda that ‘pervasive corruption’ is one of the enormous challenges confronting Nigeria. No rational person doubts this. But is the Law currently modeled to treat corruption as a National emergency that requires dynamic and sustainable annihilation?

One is unsure but either way, the Law must now align itself, and quickly too, with the aspiration of Nigerians to end corruption. Corruption cannot be successfully fought without a reduction of the mindless public salaries and allowances, especially of Law makers, to make public service emoluments come in alignment with the realities of our battered economy. The Law must therefore be clear that no public official can earn beyond wages and allowances fixed by the requisite agency of Government which is currently the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and it must be clear that the wages and allowances cannot be fixed outrageously by even the RMAFC itself.

Corruption also cannot be fought without open and transparent governance that gives the public access to unfettered information on the true state of public finance, and its use.

Here, the Freedom of Information Act must now be allowed to take its prime place in the anti-corruption crusade.

First, every State must pass it failing which; it should be made a Federal Law binding on every State irrespective of whether the States pass it or not. This will task the Law-making and Law interpretation foots of the Legal Order. But none should fail to lend its weight to a long cheated people’s quest for transparency in the affairs of their Government.

Every lofty idea, however revolutionary, must have a sturdy legal framework to succeed and be sustainable in the long term. When America needed to lay its foundation for universal freedom and rights, we saw the American Declaration of Independence and the accompanying American Constitution which have both helped to deepen the Nation’s democratic growth and its enviable experimentations with the endless possibilities of human freedom.

When it needed to checkmate slavery, we saw the Proclamation Act. When Civil Rights had to be made universal, we saw the Civil Rights Act. When Britain had to lay foundation for civil rights, we saw the Magna Carta. When Depression came, threatening to obliterate the US economy in the 1930s, we saw the Social Security Act, Emergency Banking Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the National Industrial Recovery Act among several other Laws which were all Legal frameworks designed to breathe life into the ‘New Deal’ vision of the remarkable President F. D Roosevelt. The US Congress recognized the urgency of the times and

Stakeholders in the nation’s Criminal Justice System gathered in Abuja last week to examine ways of ensuring the success of the newly promulgated Administration of Criminal Justice Act. They were unanimous that the law will only succeed with the commitment of all. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

By Iwilade Akintayo

did not constitute itself as a clog to the people’s recovery; neither did any member of its judiciary derail the recovery efforts of the administration with reactionary law interpretations.

When Brazil also needed to lift millions out of poverty, the world saw the “Bolsa Familia Programme” successfully passed into Law. The programme made the government legally transfer conditional wealth to the most vulnerable families in Brazil and it remains the largest wealth transfer intervention in any developing country to date. When South Africa needed to set the stage to ascend from its sordid Apartheid past, its Apartheid era Laws were repealed with dispatch and had in their place, a revolutionary Constitution and Laws such as Provision of Certain Land of Settlement Act, 1994, Extension of Security of Tenure Act of 1996, Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 which all sought to align themselves with the progressive changes then taking place in South Africa. Its Constitutional Court also keyed into the vision to create a new society from the ashes of the failed one and the jurisprudence emanating from the Courts have served to deepen the Country’s thirst for freedom, rather than diluting it.

Yes, none of these instances have made the respective Countries become fully challenge-free; but the alignment and support of the Legal Order had helped in making the countries far better off than they would have been had the Legal Order used Law making or Interpretation to delay, or obstruct the progresses made.

So, for sustainable progress, Law must always be remodeled to align with the pressing expectations of the people it serves. And now that a new agenda to reverse decades-old decadence is unfolding in Nigeria, the Nation’s Legal System must brace up to the reality of changing times and the legitimate expectations of the people that must be met. With the leadership promised to be provided by the Law enforcement foot of the tripod, the Law-making and Law-interpretation foots must align themselves, to ensure that never again would any foot super-intend the making, enforcement or interpretation of Laws that deepen citizens’ experiences with socio-economic, political and electoral injustices. The Law must not be exploited to abort the legitimate rebirth now being earnestly awaited for the Country.

Iwilade Akintayo, a Legal Practitioner.

• From left: Oboh, Justice Bello and Prof. Akinseye-George at the workshop

New law to curb torture, delay in criminal trials

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N June 8, 2005 five auto-spareparts dealers in Apo, Abuja and their female friend were killed in a hazy circumstance at a police checkpoint in Abuja. They are Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Tina Arebun. The victims, who have since become known as “Apo six,” were said to be returning from a night party when the incident occurred.

After some initial denials, the state eventually arraigned Danjuma Ibrahim, Othman Abdulsalami (at large); Nicholas Zacharia, Emmanuel Baba, Emmanuel Acheneje and Sadiq Salami (all policemen) in relation to the killing.

The trial of the policemen has not been concluded about 10 years after they were taken to court. It has suffered several adjournments with victims’ families losing hope in the ability of criminal justice system to ensure that justice is done The case of Apo six is one of such cases currently being held down in court owing to the slow pace of criminal justice administration in the country. The problem of delay in criminal trial is further compounded by the heavy reliance of the police on confessional statements, mostly obtained from suspects through torture.

These and many other challenges associated with criminal trial will be a thing of the past when the newly passed Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) takes effect.

Stakeholders in the criminal justice administration sector gave this assurance at a sensitisation workshop on the ACJA, which held in Abuja last week by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) with the support of some foreign agencies.

The ACJA, being an Act of the national Assembly, will be applicable only in federal courts that conduct criminal trial, including the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.

Only Lagos, Ekiti and Anambra States have enacted similar laws.

Speakers at the workshop, including the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, the head, CSLS, Professor Akinseye-George (SAN), the National Project Officer, United Nations Office on Drug and Crimes (UNODC), Ugonna Ezekwem, representative of the Police, David Igbodo,

an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) at the Police Legal Department, Police Headquarters, Abuja and Godwin Odoh of the Justice for All (J4A). They said the purpose of the Act will only be achieved with the support of stakeholders in the Administration of Criminal Justice System.

Justice Bello said the Act, which seeks to establish a credible Criminal Justice System by addressing all the challenges currently associated with criminal trials in the country, was a departure from the past. He identified key provisions of the Act to include witness protection, victim’s restoration, payment of prosecution witness’s expenses through the court, among others.

He faulted the general belief that the Judiciary was responsible for the delay associated with criminal trial in the country. He said the success of the new law requires that every stakeholder in the criminal justice system plays their part effectively for the aims of the Act to be realised.

Justice Bello noted the need for the establishment of necessary laboratories for the production of reports to aid criminal prosecution. He said some of such laboratories for scientific investigation do not exist in the country, and where they exist, they are poorly equipped.

“The integrity of the system is likely to be impeached if the key components of the system do not play their roles. It is the responsibility of the Executive to make investment in this regard. No matter how well drafted the legislation is, the non-provision of necessary facilities will cripple the intention of the law. Any failure on the part of any stakeholder will hinder the process,” he said.

The judge added that, as part of effort to ensure the success of the ACJA, prosecution would be limited to trained lawyers at the Ministry of Justice, while the police concentrate on investigative activities.

“The provision of the law automatically knocks off lay Police prosecutors.

The Police should concentrate on investigative activities. The police should direct its resources towards guiding investigation to ensure that thorough investigation is conducted.

When this is done, prosecution will be quicker and this will be to the glory of the police also.

“We consider this phase a transition process. This is why we still allow them (lay prosecutors) to engage in prosecution despite the specific provision of the Act. Once this transition phase is over, we will close shop for lay prosecutors, who engage in prosecution in our courts,” the judge said.

He said the friction between the Police and the Federal Justice Ministry would not serve the interest of the law and defeat the intention of its makers.

He urged the executive to effectively fund the implementation of the Act Prof Akinseye-George said if properly funded, the ACJA “will address most of the problems currently facing the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, especially the delay in investigation and prosecution.

He assured that it will also eliminate the long period of remand of suspects in prison custody without trial, lack of witness protection, manual writing of court proceedings by judges, reluctance of witnesses and the resultant incessant adjournment of cases and other problems bedeviling the criminal justice system.

Prof Akinseye-George, who was one of those behind the realisation of the law, said the Act refers to accused persons as defendants, bans law prosecutors and sets time limit for carrying out arraignment, prosecution and trial of defendants in criminal cases.

“It also mandates the police to record in video, confessional statement made by a suspect as a way of reducing incidents of use of force or torture to compel suspects to confess to crimes they, perhaps did not commit.

“ACJA is now applicable in the investigation and prosecution of federal offences as well as in the Federal Capital Territory,” Prof Akinseye-George said.

He argued that the adaptation of the Act by states of the federation will “reduce the difficulties faced by the justice system in effective and efficient prosecution of criminal cases in the country”.

Igbodo assured of the police commitment to ensuring the success of the Act. He said the police have enough lawyers to replace lay police prosecutors soon to be phased out.

Ezekwem commended the country for enacting the ACJA and assured that the UNODC was willing to partner with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the law.

Court awards damages against bank

A

•Akintayo

LAGOS High Court has awarded N10 million dam ages against Access Bank Plc , in a suit between the bank and Mrs. Cecelia Ajayi. The Bank had sued the woman, claiming N1,431,863,050.26 as damages.

The claim was the outstanding unpaid principal sum and accrued interest thereon in respect of the facility granted the defendant and guaranteed.

Counsel to the defendant from the law firm of A.O. Hodonu, in a statement, said the court awarded N10

By Musa Odoshimokhe

million damages against Access Bank for false and malicious publication written and caused to be published by the Bank concerning the defendant.

The Bank had also caused the police to publish a gazette declaring her wanted for the offence of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining the aforementioned sum under false pretence in Lagos.

The court went on to hold that the defendant is entitled to damages as her reputation was ruined by the pub-

lication that she is one of the most wanted criminals by the Nigeria Police.

Justice M.O. Obadina in the judgement said the defendant is entitled to damages.

“In all circumstances of this case, I award to the counter claimant N10 million general damages for false and malicious publication written and caused to be published as a letter to the Police and consequent actions taken by the Police in publishing Special Bulletin No. CR/3150/29/04/09 posted all over Nigeria concerning the defendant/ counterclaimant,” the Judge said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

28

LAW & SOCIETY Ortom to seize illegal arms in Benue after amnesty

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ENUE State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has vowed to seize all illegal arms in the state after the expiration of the amnesty period. He urged those in possession of arms to return them.

The Governor also condemned the murder of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Chief Atoza Hindan and others in Katsina-Ala, saying government would support security agencies in apprehending the killers.

He made the condemnation in Gbajimba, his home town, in Guma Local Government Area, while addressing a large crowd that came to celebrate the Sallah with him.

Governor Ortom reiterated his resolve to seize all illegal arms in the state using the carrot and stick approach, adding that when the amnesty programme ends in August, security agents would begin to track and arrest possessors of such weapons.

He described the assassination of Chief Hindan and others by hoodlums as unwarranted, despicable, and unacceptable, pledging that the culprits would be arrested and punished.

He commisserated with victims’ families for losing loved ones and prayed that God would comfort them.

The Governor enjoined the people to eschew crime and conflict with Fulani herdsmen, promising to collaborate with security agents to apprehend criminals from among farmers and herders who instigate crisis.

According to him, the establishment of ranches remained the permanent solution to farmers, herders’ conflict, noting that in the interim, the two parties must continue to dialogue and seek legal means to end the conflict.

He said he had started confronting the challenges of the state by paying full salaries, assuring that things would improve and his administration would be able to pay arrears and provide critical infrastructure.

The Governor said the construction of the Daudu-Gbajimba road has been included in the supplementary budget being forwarded to the State House of Assembly, adding that, work would commence as soon as it is passed.

He lamented the drop in enrolment into schools in the area and appealed to the people to take education serious as it remained the bedrock of a better future.

In the same vein, the governor faulted a statement credited to the former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav accusing Ortom of paying lip service to matters of security.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua described Tsav’s claim as “baseless and mischievous”.

“The true situation on ground is the opposite of what Alhaji Tsav is said to have stated in the report. Since assumption of office Governor Ortom has made security one of his topmost priorities.

“He has engaged with traditional rulers, the Joint Civilian Task Force, the Inspector General of Police, the association of cattle

By John Austin Unachukwu Legal Editor

owners, as well as other security agencies on the matter.

“The governor has been in regular touch with the state police commissioner, the director of the state security services and all heads of military and paramilitary formations in the state.

“At his inauguration he announced an amnesty program for possessors of illegal arms in the state and gave them till the end of August, 2015 to surrender the arms or face arrest and confiscation. The carrot and stick approach has started yielding results as some have started turning in their arms as was displayed in the Benue Peoples House last week.

“His efforts also averted reprisals in Zaki-Biam where a soldier and policeman were killed and led to the release of several persons who were kidnapped in other parts of the state. Governor Ortom’s constant advocacy on this matter has received wide media coverage.

“He followed this up with the appointment of a security adviser and senior special assistant on security to handle security challenges in partnership with the formal and informal security network. Governor Ortom took above measures within his one and half month in office.

“It might be necessary to remind the septuagenarian that the security challenges, especially murders, predate the Ortom administration and yet he did not raise his voice against the immediate past governor.

“He was silent even when residents of Makurdi where he resides, including the late Gwa Jande of the Benue State University and Pastor Adoor of the Ministry of Land and Survey were assassinated.

“One had thought that as a former security operative with his credentials and experience he could offer suggestions on how to curb crime in the state rather than making inciting and baseless statements.

“The former police commissioner has been most unfair to Governor Ortom if indeed he made the comments attributed to him in the said newspaper,” Agerzua added.

• Ortom

‘The true situation on ground is the opposite of what Alhaji Tsav is said to have stated in the report’

• From left: Nwadioke, Opara, Njeteneh, Ogunleye, Obajaja, Ikwueme and Nwankwu at their inauguration.

New NBA Lagos chair to build Bar Centre T

HE new Chairman of the Nige rian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Mr. Martin Ogunleye, has vowed to build a befitting Bar Centre for the branch before the end of his tenure.

Ogunleye, who unveiled his roadmap for the association, decried what he described as lack of a befitting Bar Centre for the branch.

He said efforts were already in top gear to buy land and begin the construction.

The pledge was the thrust of his inaugural speech after the swearing-in of the new Executive Committee by the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Akintunde at the foyer of the Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

“This is a major project that we shall embark upon with utmost seriousness and urgency,” he assured.

He declared that the new leadership would ensure that the branch office is totally overhauled to deliver prompt and efficient services to members, adding that a befitting branch office would soon be opened to enhance the efficiency of both the branch staff and elected officers.

Aside from the establishment of a Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society to assist members in sourcing small loans for setting up their practice among others, the new chairman added that a Home Ownership Scheme would soon be inaugurated to assist members to build their own

By John Austin Unachukwu Legal Editor

houses.

Ogunleye, who was returned unopposed, is to spearhead an Executive Committee that would steer the ship of the branch for the next two years.

He said it was “very humbling” to emerge unopposed as Chairman of Nigeria’s Premier Bar. He thanked members for their support “and for the confidence reposed in me and the team,” adding that “such consensus and unanimity of opinions is unprecedented, and would spur us to attain greater heights.” He urged members to support his administration in the “onerous task ahead.”

Ogunleye, who had served as the First Vice Chairman of the branch between 2011 and 2013, commended the former executive committee led by Mr. Alex Muoka for a job well done, saying that the new EXCO would build on the successes recorded by the previous regimes.

The ceremony was attended by many jurists and Bar Leaders including former NBA 1st Vice President and NBA presidential aspirant, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN); former chairman of the branch, Chief Emmanuel Ofulue; former President of FIDA International, Mrs. Stella Ugboma (OON) and erstwhile President of

Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Ms. Boma Ozobia (OON).

Members of the Executive Committee include Mrs. Uche Ikwueme, First Vice-Chairman; Mrs. Omohafe Opara, Second Vice Chairman, and Mr. Stephen Obajaja, General Secretary. Others are Mr. Philips Njeteneh, Treasurer; Mr. Emmanuel Ohroro, Financial Secretary; Mr. Celestine Nwankwo, Assistant Financial Secretary, and Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, ExOfficio Member.

Ogunleye was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in November 1988 at the tender age of 21 alongside former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN); former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, and Ms. Ozobia among others. He cut his legal teeth in the Chambers of late Chief Bola Ige and after stints in a few other law firms in Lagos, he founded his firm, Trite Law Partners.

A consummate Bar man, he served as Chairman of the Surulere Lawyers Forum (2008-2012); 1st Vice Chairman, NBA Lagos (2011-2013) and Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Mediators & Conciliators, Lagos Chapter (20112014). He has been the General Secretary of FGC Odogbolu Old Students Association since 2012 and has also been an Ex-Officio Member of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL) since 2011.

Will Lagos judicial commission be dissolved?

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ILL the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (LSJSC) be dissolved when the members’ tenure has not expired? This is the question on the lips of observers.

It was learnt that the tenure of the current members took effect from February 27 and will end on February 26, 2020 following their reappointment by former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

However, the renewal appears not to have been formerly communicated to the new House of Assembly, which, on July 2, urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to dissolve the commission following the “expiration” of its five-year tenure in February.

The call followed a motion by Mr Sanai Agunbiade (APC- Ikorodu 1) and seconded by Abiodun Tobun (APC-Epe 1) during plenary session.

The motion to dissolve the commission may have been based on the assumption that the tenure of its members had either expired or was not renewed.

It will be recalled that the immediate past Attorney-General Mr Ade Ipaye, by a July 30, 2009 letter, informed the LSJSC members of their nomination for a term of five years, subject to the lawmakers’ confirmation. On February 25, 2010, they were cleared by the House.

When their tenure expired, they

By Joseph Jibueze

received letters dated March 10 from the Head of Service Mrs. Shade Jaji informing them of their reappointment with effect from February 27.

Their reappointment letter, a copy of which our correspondent obtained, reads in part: “I am pleased to inform you that His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has approved your reappointment as a Member of Lagos State Judicial Service Commission with effect from February 27, 2015.

Consequently, your second tenure is

expected to terminate on February 26, 2020.

“In approving your reappointment, due cognisance has been taken of your integrity, selfless service and record of impressive performance during your first tenure.

“I, therefore, have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on the work of the Commission and continue to justify the confidence reposed on you by His Excellency, the Governor.”

It is expected that the Head of Service would transmit the renewal letters to the House.

Governor hails Buhari over air chief

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HAIRMAN of Arewa Law yers Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Mhammed A. Abubakar has praised President Muhammadu Buhari over the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar as the Chief of Air Defence.

Gov. Abubakar said: “ The appointment reflects the sense of professionalism and leadership we found in him, and also demonstrates commitment to end the lingering insecurity crises in the North Eastern part of the Country.

A statement signed by the

By John Austin Unachukwu

Director, Press Bauchi Government House, Ibrahim Sanni reads in part: “The Governor also congratulated the new Chief of Defence Staff AVM Sadiq Abubakar over the appointment and assured him of the people of the state will continue to follow him up in prayers for success in his new national assignment. “ He expressed confidence that the new Air Defence Chief would exhibit his wealth of experience and sense of discipline in his new assignment

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

PAGE 29

INSIDE Hitches in battle against violence

•Durbaf festival

Has the colourful horse parade come to an end? For the second year running, activities of Boko Haram insurgents have halted the beloved Durbar in Kaduna, reports ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE

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VERYONE looked forward to the captivating feast capping off the 30 days of Ramadan fast. Well-tended horses, bedecked in colourful costumes, galloped past the enthralled crowd.

Their riders, even more dressed, displayed their equestrian craft, carrying with them a cherished tradition passed on from generation to generation.

There is more. In some cases, the feast did not just have the revered Emir in attendance, celebrated by courtiers and subjects alike, but also featured mounting the horse himself to great applause.

Such was the importance of the Durbar that hotels were named after it.

The sad part is that the beloved ancient festival has been put on hold, and not for the first time.

Blame it on the terrorist activities of Boko Haram. The Zazzau Emirate Council in Zaria, Kaduna State has cancelled this year’s Durbar following the bomb attacks in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of the state, which claimed lives and wounded many. Last year, the feast was also put on hold after a terrorist attack on Gen (now President) Muhammadu Buhari, and Sheikh

Bye-bye to Durbar?

Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

Will the Durbar return?

From the olden days, Sallah celebrations such as Eid-el-Kabir and Eid-el-Fitr which mark the end of 30 days Ramadan fasting were not complete in major cities, towns and villages across the length of Northern Nigeria without the traditional horse parade.

The age-long tradition added colour to such festivals and attracted tourists from within and outside Africa.

The Nation gathered that the Durbar started from the use of horses in precolonial era as a military parade of soldiers, especially in defence of their leader, popularly known as Emir who then served as the general. His princes had entourages comprising regiments from various emirates.

But due to its widespread acceptance, the Durbar was adopted as part of activities to mark important occasions like Sallah celebrations. Also due to its colourful nature, Northern Nigeria became a global tourist destination during such festivities.

This was the reason why the Durbar became a very important event during the 1977 Festival of Art and Culture, popularly known as ‘FESTAC 77’. While most of other FESTAC events were held in Lagos, the Durbar was hosted in Kaduna. In fact, what was then the best hotel in Northern Nigeria, Durbar Hotel was built in the heart of Kaduna city, to serve the accommodation needs of the event.

In Zazzau Emirate, the council used to roll out three horse-riding groups, namely, ‘Hawan Sallah’ , ‘Hawan Bariki’ and ‘Hawan Daushe’ for the Durbar festival celebrations.

As part of efforts to ensure successful outings, the council had applied several measures, including the in-

‘The beloved ancient festival has been put on hold, and not for the first time.

Blame it on the terrorist activities of Boko Haram. The Zazzau Emirate Council in Zaria, Kaduna State has cancelled this year’s Durbar following the bomb attacks in Sabon Gari Local Government Area’ volvement of corporate organisations of interest in the sponsorship of the colourful and historic events.

During such events, all roads usually lead to the Emir’s Palace, as well as sons and daughters of the Emirate in other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora travel down home to catch glimpse of the Durban festival, which usually hold for three days after Sallah. Both old and young, male and female usually troop out en-mass on such day.

As for the three days set aside for the festival each programme (hawan) is rolled out on each day. In the Zazzau emirate, immediately after the Eid the Durban carried out by the Emir is the Hawan Sallah. After performing the Eid paryer (Sallah), the Emir ride on his well dressed horse to greet his people and say happy Sallah celebration to them.

The Nation gathered that, the following day is Hawan Bariki, where the Emir during the colonial period ride on his horse to pay homage on the white people at a place called Gelesu, where the white men settled those days in Zaria. So the Emir also take a

ride on his horse to this area which is believed to be Government Reserved Areas (GRAs).

Hawan Daushe which is usually on the third day after the Eid was named after the demise of a man called Daushe. He (Daushe) was a man who rode on his horse to pay homage on the Emir in the palace. However, hawan Daushe which implies riding horse in memory of Daushe was introduced Daushe’s demise and the Emir felt they should continue with that tradition.

So it became a tradition in his (Daushe’s) memory. Hawan Daushe in hausa means riding on a horse in memory of the man called Daushe.

So, instead of the man riding on a horse to pay homage on the Emir, it is the Emir that ride on a horse to greet the people in memory of Daushe. So that was how it started.

There is also a horse race at full gallop across the square designated place and ends in front of the Emirs palace. Then a procession of horsemen into the town with the last horseman to arrive being the emir •Continued on page 30

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City of killer drivers

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Rooting for the masses

PAGE 36

30

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT •Continued from page 29 adorned in all his majesty. At the end the Hakimi’s (District heads) come in group to pay homage to the Emir.

The glistering of swords, drums, dancing and singing, with a band of performers, add colour to the fanfare. Amidst this, owner of the horse with best regalia earns more respect and hailing in the Emirate.

The story is not different in Katsina Emirate. On Sallah day, the Emir leads a colourful horse procession from Kofar-Soro (in his palace) through Bakin-Kasuwa to Kofar-Guga and finally to the Eid prayer ground for the congrega-

Bye-bye to Durbar? tional prayer.

After the two raka’ats prayer, the Emirs would lead senior councillors, traditional title-holders, district heads and princes on a horse procession to his palace through KofarYandaka to Katsina Prison and finally to the palace where he discharged other horse riders and retired home for the day. This marked the end of Hawan Sallah.

Sometime ago, it was introduced by the Emir of Katsina, Muhammadu Dikko, the great-grandfather of the present Emir that the Emir will have a stopover at Katsina Central Prison

where he briefly preaches to the prison inmates before moving to his palace.

On arrival at his palace, the Emirs will stop at Kofar-Soro where he received the traditional homage known as Jafi from other horse riders, including traditional title-holders, district heads and princes, among others.

Shortly after the Jafi, the Emir’s mounted guards and local warriors, known as Yan’ Kwalkwali and Yan’ Sulke clad in full military regalia will take the centre staqe demonstrating their skills of horsemanship, before

the emir delivers his annual Sallah message to the public.

Similarly, the following morning, the Emir usually lead another colourful horse procession known as Hawan Bariki to the Government House for a homage to the state governor.

Aside the fun of the tradition, Durbar provides the Emirs an opportunity to greet his people, see how they are faring and carry out factual sightseeing of his community to improve on the structure and social wellbeing of the community.

Other benefits attached to the

Durbar tradition is that since it attracts tourists and other visitors from within the country, economy of the areas where the tradition is held is boosted in no small measure during the period.

It is also a profitable venture for horse rearers who give out horse for the occasion on rent and also provide other essential care services for the horses.

However, ever since the commencement of the tradition, the festival had continued to be celebrated in emirates like Bida, Zazzau, Kano, Katsina, Gwandu, Ilorin and Sokoto Caliphate among others, until in the last three years when the emirate councils have had to cancel the tradition due to inse-

Hitches in battle against violence A military team and civil organisations are still working to contain communal violence in Plateau State, but there are concerns that soldiers are being attacked too, reports YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU

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OMMUNAL clashes, especially between the Berom and Fulani, seem interminable. Scores are killed, houses burnt in frequent raids, just as Fulani herdsmen repeatedly complain of their cows being rustled. To stamp out the clashes, a Special Task Force (STF) was set up, with troops patrolling the affected areas. Civil organisations too have stepped in, one such being the Search for Common Ground or SFCG. Still, there are worries not just that the combatants still find time and space to clash, but also that even the soldiers on peacekeeping mission are reportedly coming under attack, for instance, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

This has angered the STF whose leaders have warned that they have had enough of such attacks.

The Berom and Fulani seem to prefer to be left alone to fight it out.

It is either the Berom will launch attack on Fulani cattle or the Fulani will use their cattle to destroy Berom farms or one party will waylay the other. This happens at regular intervals, making a mess of peace and reconciliatory efforts of the state government, SFCG and the STF. While the STF was established in 2010 by the federal government to prevent conflict and restore peace in the state, the SFCG was established by the European Union (EU) for the same purpose.

Getting result is difficult. The NGO may have succeeded in restoring peace in Jos, the state capital, and elsewhere in the state, but peace building in Berom land is harder to achieve.

But the dangerous dimension to the conflict in Berom land has to do with attacks on men of the STF. The task force has lost a good number of its men in the peacekeeping operation.

Three soldiers of the STF escaped death in Foron village, Barkin LGA, allegedly attacked by the indigenes.

Spokesman of the STF, Captain Ikedichi Iweha said, “We got a distress call from Fulani leaders that some gunmen suspected to be Berom youths attacked some Fulani boys grazing cows and succeeded in rustling their cows. The Fulani alleged that 400 cows were rustled in that attack. We responded to the distress calls and went in the direction of the criminals.

“The style of the criminals who rustle cows is that when they rustle cows in large numbers, they will

share them into groups and each group will go in different directions so that they can move them faster and to also confuse the security agencies that may be chasing after them. So knowing this tactics, we followed them up and recovered most of the cows. As soon as we rescued the cows, we handed them to the Fulani owners and left. But the Fulani later called us to complain that they couldn’t find •Special Task Force (STF) Commandant at the event the herders who took the cows for grazing. So we had to return the next day in search of the missing Fulani boys, six of them.

“On the first day of the search we recovered one body of the six missing Fulani boys, killed and dumped somewhere. So we continued the search for the remaining five. But when the Berom boys knew we were making headway in the search they decided to frustrate the search by attacking our soldiers. They opened fire on some of them and three of them sustained fatal injuries. That tells us graze on somebody’s farm and dethat these people are armed; we had stroy the farmers livelihood, the solto retreat for us to rescue those soldiers will tell us they are not here to diers they shot. We rushed them to defend our farms, but if anything hapour clinic and called on our consultpened to Fulani cows, men of the STF ants for emergency cases, we battled will be so concerned and they will that night to save their lives; medical doctors had to carry out emergency come and arrest Berom youths. That surgery on them to remove the bulis a way of telling us they are here to lets from their bodies.” defend Fulani and cows.”

“Why should we be the subject of •STF Commander, Maj-Gen David The representative of the STF from attacks by youths of the state; we have Enetie Sector 7 Command (Barkin Ladi) and been tolerating these kinds of attacks, Sector 9 Command (Riyom) diswe have lost several men through such sible for these attacks. And in most of agreed with the Berom, saying the attacks by the same people we help to these attacks on Berom communities, Berom have always come up with halfbuild peace. We have recorded sev- we know it is the Fulani that are the truths and also make unsubstantiated eral cases where our soldiers are at- unseen gunmen, why is STF shying claims. The STF said, “The Berom altacked in Barkin Ladi in particular; away from its responsibility? ways raise the alarm that Fulani are what have we done to offend the “In our land we see Fulani herds- heavily armed, but we that operate Berom people? men going about with AK-47 while there knows that both Berom and “We have to warn now that people grazing, yet the soldiers look the other Fulani carry arms and we have a lot of the state should not see these sol- way and pretend they did not see of evidence to prove that Berom diers as part of their problems, we them; Fulani will bring their cows to people to have arms. are rather here to help solve their problem, there is a limit to which we can tolerate these attacks, let this be the last of such attacks”.

The Berom see the STF as part of their problem, always accusing the O fewer than 1,200 drug soldiers of aiding the Fulani to attack addicts have been given an them.

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto opportunity to lead a proOne Berom youth leader, Samson Tsok said, “The soldiers who were deductive life upon being weaned off ployed here to protect everybody are drugs.They have been trained in rehabilitated by the centre.

He said that the graduates who only defending the Fulani; we have skills by a Kaduna State-based records of several attacks where our organisation, the Nigas Rehabilita- were hitherto drugs addicts were trained in carpentry, blacksmithing, people were not defended. We have tion Centre. lost hundreds of our people with STF The founder of the organisation, ICT, tie and dye, shoemaking, saloon in charge of security of the entire state.

Alhaji Lawal Muduru made the ges- operations, cosmetics production So how can they tell us they are here ture known at a briefing in Sokoto. and sewing and knitting, among othto defend us. Since the soldiers have According to Muduru who said ers.

Maduru said the Centre assisted failed to stop all the attacks by unthe centre was established in 2006, known gunmen or even arrest one of the graduates were part of the them with tools to start up their own the gunmen, we hold them responnearly 1600 inmates who had been businesses so as to facilitate their re-

‘Why should we be the subject of attacks by youths of the state; we have been tolerating these kinds of attacks, we have lost several men through such attacks. We have recorded several cases where our soldiers are attacked in Barkin Ladi in particular; what have we done to offend the Berom people?’

“We strongly believe that conflicts in Berom land will stop as soon as the elders are ready to expose the criminals among them; we will have peace in Berom land if the youths stop rustling cows. There is a tendency [to attack] after each rustling incident and it is not possible for soldiers to be everywhere in the state. The Berom too have refused to take their own personal security serious, we encourage them to form vigilante group to guide their own immediate environment, but they will prefer to go and sleep and expect STF to stand in front of their doors till day break. That is not possible even if we attach one soldier to every Berom man. As soldiers we have our limitations but the Berom are not ready to cooperate for us to achieve peace,” said the STF.

Centre trains 1,200 addicts

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integration into the society.

“This is to make them self-reliant and reduce the likely stigma they may face after leaving the Centre,’’ he explained, adding, “The Centre currently has about 240 inmates, including Muslims and Christians, and the task of taming the drugs menace is not the responsibility of the government alone. NDLEA should be adequately funded, staffed and equipped to make it more efficient [in order to] boost the anti-drugs war.”

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

Page 31

•A crash scene on Airport Road, Abuja

The nation’s capital posts grim statistics on road fatalities. Blame motorists who never bother to go to driving school. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports

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IGERIA has one of the highest road traffic crash records in the world with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) posting the highest figures.

Speed limits in the city appear to be viewed as mere suggestions, and lanes nothing more than driveways on which to zoom and swerve at will, while driving against traffic is routine. If caught, a little money gets you out of trouble.

Many pedestrians are frequently crushed as a result, leaving resident with just one conclusion: Abuja drivers are not properly trained in driving, or better still, refuse to be trained.

Some roads in the FCT are notorious for ghastly accidents.

Abuja-Kubwa-Zuba Expressway tops the list. The road under reconstruction, when completed, will likely be among the best and widest in the country with 10 lanes.

Many Abuja motorists are ignorant of the dangers associated with smooth roads and therefore have little consideration for safety, hence avoidable accidents are common. For this reason, of-

City of killer drivers ficials of the Federal Road Safety Corps or FRSC have stationed their ambulances at some locations along the expressway.

The Abuja-Lugbe-Gwagwalada Road, also being rehabilitated, is another blood sucker. When completed, it may rank among one of the best in the country. But many reckless drivers have met their deaths on that road, while several others have sustained critical injuries in deadly crashes.

Residents continue to lament that despite endless sensitisation by the FRSC and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) on roads regulations, the capital city is still facing the challenges of reckless driving and beating of traffic lights which is resulting to increasing rates of road accidents.

They are of the opinion that because there are no stringent measures to monitor speeding on the highways, there are endless accidents in the FCT. They also say that if there are measures to monitor

‘An investigation has shown that many hit the road as soon as they buy their first cars, with probably only a week between the purchase and their first experience on the expressway.

They shun driving schools’ drivers, while the reckless ones are arrested, it will go a long way to reduce accidents.

An investigation has shown that many hit the road as soon as they buy their first cars, with probably only a week between the purchase and their first experience on the expressway. They shun driving schools.

This further contributes to the increasing fatal accidents in Abuja.

NPC donates relief materials to IDPs S part of activities to mark the 2015 World Population Day, the National Population Commission (NPC) has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The items were delivered to the IDPs by a delegation from the commission led by the FCT Commissioner for Population, Dr. Daniel Kwali.

Kwali who represented the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, said the visit was part of the commission’s mandate which is to monitor population growth, dispersal and mi-

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From Gbenga Omokhunu

gration of population within the country.

He said “when we heard about this camp and other camps in the country, we decided to visit the today to hear from them on the challenges that daily confront them and their.”

Kwali further stated that the way forward is to plan a long term strategy for the IDPs to go back to their homes once the battle of insurgency is over, which he said that the federal government is already handling.

He however noted that the IDPs are not sure when the insurgency

will be over and when they will feel secure to go back home, hence the need for basic amenities in the camp for the interim period.

The chairman of the camp, Sunday Moses, expressed gratitude to NPC for the gesture while calling for more support from government.

“We have a lot of challenges, we are farmers and we need fertilizers, also we want government to help us enroll our children into schools. We know we are going back but we do not know when because the report we get from nearby villages is that attacks are still going on so we do not know when we will be going back,” he said.

Mrs. Sade Adamu, a resident, described the recklessness of drivers as pathetic and worrisome because it brings pain to other careful road users.

Shola Dina, another resident, said, “The truth is that driving is all about being very careful. But that is what is lacking when we study Abuja drivers. From observation, we find out that their driving is more offensive, instead of defensive. They are usually impatient and go to the extent of breaking traffic rules and regulations and not taking note of road signs.

“I do not think that most drivers in the FCT attended driving schools; that is why they do not observe traffic rules and regulations.

Driving entails responsibility, care, consideration and having courtesy for other road users. It has to do with safety first above all. I will advice that the government should do something about the bad behaviour of drivers within the city and the Road Safety agency should sanction those that do not follow the rules on the roads.”

Mr. Ayo Joseph, the Proprietor of Joy International Driving School in the FCT, said that drivers are supposed to attend certified driving schools for them to drive safely and

avoid accidents, saying that it is the reason while the Road Safety certifies most driving schools. “[Anybody who wants] to start a driving school must go to the CAC [Corporate Affairs Commission] to register, and after FRSC and Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO) and all these agencies have registered your name, then the person is free to start a driving school. Then the owner of the diving school will be attending road safety courses, so that they will have the recognition to issue their students driving certificate.

Joseph explained that driving schools teach the road signs, the traffic signs, warning signs, regulatory signs, the mandatory signs and prohibitory signs. So, that drivers will know the rules and regulations in driving, because, if somebody as a driver do not know those signs, it could easily cause accidents.

“Some drivers in the FCT see those signs as road decorations, just like flowers decorate the roads, but they are signs to ensure safe driving. Why there are accidents on the road is because some drivers call themselves professionals and try to beat traffic light that show the ‘Red’ light for them to stop, and by so doing there may be another oncoming vehicle and that would lead to fatal accident.

“Most of these drivers that have accidents are not learners, they are the supposed professional drivers without attending driving school and they have automatic vehicles. Also, most of them always try to beat Road Safety when they are asked to stop or slow down and this act can cause accident on the way.

“Another reason for accident in •Continued on page 34

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ABUJA REVIEW

SOS to Buhari over planned demolition

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OME indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) seeking to save their shops from demolition have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and keep the bulldozers away.

The residents, who were mainly youths, said there were “renewed moves” by the Federal Capital Development Authourity (FCDA) to pull down their shops in the Apo resettlement area.

They explained that the planned demolition will cut off their sources of livelihood and cripple the local economy, ultimately leading to multi-faceted crisis.

Comrade Daniel Vudabo, leader of the youths who gathered at the resettlement with intention of staging a peace protest, said that the shops in the area remained the indigenes only sources of income, since their farmlands have been taken away from them.

“We had no other choice, but to collect loans from community banks to build this shops, so that we can rent them out and use the money to cater for our families and send our children to schools. We do have any other source of income and now that the FCDA is coming to demolish our shops, we are confused.

“We were living comfortably at Garki village. We did not beg them to relocate us to this place, because in Garki we have our shops and farms, now that the government brought of us without any alternative sources of income, what do they want us to do?” he said.

Vudabo appealed to President Buhari to call the FCDA officials to order, so that the officials would •Continued from page 33 the FCT, is over speeding. So, on expressway, the maximum speed is supposed to be 100km per hour, while highway is supposed to be 90km. Also, a good driver is supposed to be patient and alert because of other road users, like human beings and animals.

A private car owner says it is not just about drivers not observing the rules. The truth, he says, is that most of them do not even know the rules.

“How many of our drivers go to driving schools before getting their driver’s licences? To tell the truth, even me I had not perfected my

From Gbenga Omokhunu

not as a result of their selfish ambition, spoil the good works his government has started. We know President Buhari is a listening leader and he will hear our cry,” he said.

The President of Greater Gbagyi Development Initiatives (GGDIN), Prince Gimba Gbaiza, described the actions of the FCDA officials as improper and wicked.

“If anything thing has to be done, they have to follow the right procedure of the ressetlement. If anybody wants to demolish our shops they have to write to us properly and not to act based on their selfish interest.

“We have the right to resist any demolition attempt, but we choose to give them the opportunity to explain to us why they want carry out the demolition and yet no concrete reason was given by the FCDA. “We are victims of injustices done by the previous administration of the FCT and we have cried out to the government endlessly and nobody cares to listen to us.

We will not stop in Mobolising ourselves if eventually the FCDA comes.

“Imagine, they took people’s houses, they could not give them better houses, they took one hectares of land belonging to one man and they gave him 50 by 50. Their farm lands where taking away without alternatives farm lands and when the people sort for an alternative way of income and you come with the bulldoze to demolish their shops, that is injustice,” he said.

•Members of the special task force on Jos crisis

Women group backs INEC chair’s appointment

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POLITICAL group under the auspices of Women in Politics Forum (WIPF), and other non- governmental organizations has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari as the acting chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

WIPE urged Buhari to shun all those criticizing him over the appointment of the INEC boss.

Briefing newsmen on the development, the President of WIPF, Barrister Ebere Ifendu said the position of women in politics forum is that the appointment is in line with the national gender policy and procedure for INEC’s appointment.

She emphasized that Zakari’s appointment is not a favour as insinuated in various quarters.

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Her words: “This has showed that our president is a gender sensitive leader. The forum also recognizes and appreciates the recent unprecedented appointments by the Governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El Rufai specifically the gender composition of his cabinet. We call upon other state actors to emulate this gender sensitive posture of Mr. President and Governor.

“However, our attention has been drawn to the persistent criticism of the appointment of the acting chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC). The position of the women in Politics Forum is that this appointment is in line with the national gender policy and procedure for appointment in

City of killer drivers driving ability when I got my driver’s license”, he explains.

The Federal Government has endorsed various policies to deal with the menace of unqualified drivers yet the same government has consistently fallen short on enforcement while people seem to always find a way around the system.

One of the most recent accidents in Abuja claimed the life of a woman, identified as Deaconess Ngozi Ike, 39, and a mother of five, who was crushed by a truck which

suffered brake failure.

Another victim, Mrs Rose Awhia, aged 52 and mother of two, who, perhaps missed her way and, instead of driving a stretch to turn, chose to drive against traffic on the speed lane when a Toyota Hilux van, on speed, had a head-on collision with her car. Though the impact was more on the Hilux van and the two persons inside it, the woman died before medical attention could get to her while her sister survived.

What many motorists fail to un-

derstand is that vehicles are designed for maximum loads. It is, therefore, not surprising that when subjected to stress above the loads, accelerated wear and tear set in on the vehicles.

Another car owner, Segun Omo said: “I know how dangerous that road is because its wide and with unexpected diversions on it due to construction still going on and heavy traffic due to travellers from other states, the airport, and other parts of the city... its really unfortunate that most of our drivers think they are on a race circuit thats why they drive

INEC. The time has come for Nigeria to recognize that appointment of women in executive and other positions is not a favour as has been muted in some quarters.

“Mrs. Amina Bala Zakari’s appoint men, is the first appointment into a critical government posts by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is also in the true spirit of his campaign promises to women. The inclusion of women in election administration will augment efforts to increase women’s voices and participation in the electoral process. It is imperative that gender inclusiveness is adopted as a culture and a right in executive appointments. We therefore further urge Mr. President to recommend this distinguished woman to the senate for confirmation.” without thinking of other road users, residents by the roads their family or the passengers in their vehicles....May the souls of the departed RIP and may God grant speedy recovery to the injured.

Please this is a reminder to those alive: We have only one life, we have family, friends, loved ones, and those whom we mentor knowingly or unknowingly please lets think of them and drive safely and defensively... we shouldn’t practice Electronic Arts Need For Speed Hot Pursuit (EA NFSHP) games or even James Bond 007 style of driving. Sometime we cause everything that happen to us in life but after it happen we blame devil nobody has ever see devil now is the innocent passenger who lost her life may her soul rest in peace.”

Plaza sealed over N60m waste debt

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•A man with his camels at Geidam Boundary Market in Yobe

HE Abuse Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) a department under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in charge of environmental management, has closed down a plaza for nonpayment of waste collection fee.

The AEPB, through its contractors, place refuse bins at various parts of the Territory, especially the city centre, into which residents cast their waste for a fee.

City Plaza, said to have defaulted in the payment of an accumulated waste fee of N60m, was taken to court, and because its representatives were absent at the hearing, the court ordered that the facility be sealed off.

The AEPB is dreaded by hawkers, beggars, environmental violators and other residents alike.

From Grace Obike

The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Ipe Ukairo said in a statement that the Director of the agency Mr Baba Lawan supervised the execution of the plaza’s closureý, reiterating that the board is determined to go after defaulters in payment and other environmental nuisances.

He said, “ýThe AEPB continued with its renewed determination to recover all government revenue accruing to the FCT Administration from waste collection charges. The Director, AEPB who supervised the execution of a Seal Off Court Order issued against City Plaza reiterated the Board’s determination to go after all defaulters in payment of waste collection bills and other environmental nuisances in the city.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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ABUJA REVIEW

Health board worried over low immunisation

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HE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB) has expressed worries over the low routine immunisation in Kwali area council of the FCT. The Executive Secretary of FCT PHCDB, Dr. Rilwan Mohammed, who expressed this worries at the flagging off of Routine Immunization Exercise at Dafa Village in Kwali said that the board realized that in FCT, particularly in Kwali area council, the level of routine immunization is very low and they are worried that it may lead to outbreak if immunization is not carried out.

Mohammed said that Dafa ward in Kwali has been the lowest level of routine immunisation in the FCT, saying that the ward is one of the highest risk in the whole of the FCT, that was why they decided that since there is an area where it is very low, it can bring about out-

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HE Permanent Secretary Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. John Chukwu, an engineer, has warned directors of the Administration to be alive to their responsibilities or face the music.

He made this charge during an emergency meeting with the directors in charge of City Management and Cleaning, urging them to step up the tempo of activities to rid the city of garbage, street urchins, hawkers and other miscreants who pose security threats to the residents of the territory.

In a statement issued by the Direc-

‘We have 15,000 internally displaced persons in the FCT and this is a rainy season and most rural communities are very dirty.

That is why we are carrying out the immunisation, to mop up the virus, so that we will not have outbreak again’ Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu

break of polio, so they decided to carry out immunisation in the entire FCT. According to the Executive Secretary, the immunization will be for four days, from Saturday to Tues-

day and they are going to start again on July 25 and the other one on August 25, saying that this is to make sure that they mop up everywhere in the FCT. “This is also because, we have 15,000 internally displaced persons in the FCT and this is a rainy sea-

Perm Sec warns directors tor, Information and Communication in the FCT Administration, Stella Ojeme, the Permanent Secretary also directed for the strict enforcement of policies and rules on the restrictions of movements of trailers and trucks between the hours of 8pm – 6pm within the city to forestall undue crashes.

He urged the Social Development Secretariat to double its efforts by removing all street urchins and destitute to the designated loca-

tions for proper treatment.

His words: “The half way home in Gwagwalada should be used to temporarily house the street children and beggars with cancers some of whom it has been established are pretenders out to scam the populace.”

He mentioned in particular the sick destitute being paraded on the streets adding that the genuine cases among them should be taken to FCT hospitals for care and

‘Police should protect traffic lights’

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ESIDENTS of Kubwa satellite town in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the leadership of the council to deploy Policemen at various traffic light junctions in the satellite town, in order to enforce obedience of traffic rules and the control of the light.

Speaking with Abuja Review, some residents who expressed gratitude to the FCT administration for mounting the traffic lights on major junctions in the town, said that the light would have served it purpose of effectively controlling accidents, if motorists religiously obey the light.

One of the residents, Mr. Solomon

son and most rural communities are very dirty. That is why we are carrying out the immunisation, to mop up the virus, so that we will not have outbreak again.

“The FCT is the highest risk in the country now, because many people are coming to the city because of security and business reasons. They are coming with their children and we are not sure of their status, that is why we are immunizing all our communities and also enlightening them on routine immunization and the need for cultivating clean environment,” he said.

The Vice Chairman of Kwali, Mr. Garba Ibrahim, who expressed gratitude to the FCT PHCDB for the steps taken to fight out polio in the council, said that the council will do everything possible to ensure that they maintain the high standard of polio free society and that they are going to support the government of the FCT to completely wipe out polio from the FCT.

Dede explained that most of the motorists do not obey the traffic light when they get to the junctions, that such attitude has led to numerous accidents in the town.

“I have witnessed a situation here, where an okada man who obeyed the traffic light was about to cross one junction to another, in the process of doing that, he did not notice an on coming vehicle who did not obey the traffic light, that was how they collided and the okada man broke his legs in the process.

“Another one happened some time ago, when an okada man failed to obey the traffic light and had a collision with another okada man. The accident was fatal, because both of them were on high speed

to beat the traffic light. These reckless drivers are not making the light to serve it purposes,” he said.

Another resident, Mrs. Cynthis Onukogu said that the best way to make motorists in the town to obey the traffic rules is to place Police on each traffic light, so as to make sure that the motorists obey the rules.

“Nigerians need strong hands some times to make them do what is right. I know that if our motorists see Policemen by traffic light, they will control themselves and obey traffic rules. Because, the way they beat traffic lights, it is more dangerous than when there were no traffic lights. The authority in charge should help us,” she said.

•A wounded soldier receiving treatment at the Special Task Force Clinic, Jos

proper treatment at the expense of the Administration as part of our social community services to the less privileged.

The Permanent Secretary also charged the Task Team on City Cleaning and Management to redouble efforts towards keeping the city clean from all encumbrances and appealed to residents for their understanding and co-operation.

NPC donates relief materials to IDPs

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S part of activities to mark the 2015 World Population Day, the National Population Commission (NPC) has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The items were delivered to the IDPs by a delegation from the commission led by the FCT Commissioner for Population, Dr. Daniel Kwali.

Kwali who represented the NPC Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, said the visit was part of the commission’s mandate which is to monitor population growth, dispersal and migration of population within the country.

He said “when we heard about this camp and other camps in the country, we decided to visit the today to hear from them on the challenges that daily confront them and their.”

Kwali further stated that the way forward is to plan a long term strategy for the IDPs to go back to their homes once the battle of insurgency is over, which he said that the federal government is already handling.

He however noted that the IDPs are not sure when the insurgency will be over and when they will feel secure to go back home, hence the need for basic amenities in the camp for the interim period.

The chairman of the camp, Sunday Moses, expressed gratitude to NPC for the gesture while calling for more support from government.attacks are still going on so we do not know when we will be going back,” he said.

Residents bemoan abandoned road

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ESIDENTS of Pasali and Chibiri Communities in Kuje area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are agonising over the abandoned Kuje/Gwagwalad Road by contractors.

Isah Yakubu, a resident of Pasali community, said that since the visit of the former Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide to the area in 2011, contractors handling the road project spent little time on the construction and abandoned the road construction job close to Chibiri village, for reason best known to them.

According to him, the road

project would have been completed if the contractors handling the project have been diligent in the construction of the road since the contract was awarded to them by the Minister of FCT. Francis Gods-time, another resident said that the construction of the roads should have been monitored by taskforce from the office of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in order to make sure that the contractors are really doing their jobs.

“Nobody is monitoring the con•Continued on page 36

•Officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Federal Training Centre, Dalori, Maiduguri to distribute clothing materials to IDPs

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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ABUJA REVIEW

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HERE in no doubt that Nigerians now have the leaders they need.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who were elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have not only started moves that will, in the long run, benefit the masses, but they have started denying themselves some rights and privileges that go with their new offices, all for the sake of the people.

In the past two weeks alone, they have taken two actions that no past leader has ever taken under their tenures since independence.

Proving that he is a true and real patriot who has the interest of the masses at heart, Buhari turned down N400m proposal for the purchase of five new armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars for his use as the President and Commander-in-Chief.

While other past leaders did not fail to jump at such opportunities, Buhari decided to continue to use some of the vehicles used by former President Goodluck Jonathan under the last administration.

Buhari, who stopped the proposal for the purchase of the new cars brought before him by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi, had declared that there was no need for the new cars since the ones he inherited from former President Jonathan were good enough for him.

“I don’t need any new cars. The ones I’m using now are just fine,” the President was quoted as saying.

The money that would be saved by this action alone could be channelled to other projects that will benefit the nation.

The stopping of the purchase of the new cars have also proved critics wrong who thought Buhari was pretending when he declined to ride in a Limousine car offered him by the Nigeria Embassy in London when he visited as a President-elect.

They had felt then that the lifestyle of President Buhari will change and that he will no longer consider the interest of the masses as soon as he was inaugurated as President of Nigeria.

But the President has proved to them that it is not easy for a leopard to change its skin.

As if that was not enough to prove to the doubting Thomases on the real intention of the new administration to remain on the side of the masses, Buhari and

Rooting for the masses Osinbajo also announced reduction of their salaries by 50%.

Stressing that the two leaders will not go back on their decision, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, in a statement said the decision for immediate implementation of the pay cut has already been conveyed to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi.

“I write to forward the completed IPPIS registration form of Mr. President and to draw your kind attention to Mr. President’s directive that only 50% of his salary be paid to him,” Mr. Emodi’s letter with reference number PRES/81/SGF/17 had stated The latest decision has also not stopped doubting Thomases from trying to pick holes in the genuineness of the action.

But leaving no one in doubt on the direction of the new government while speaking with State House correspondents last Tuesday, the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu said: “We are pro-people, we are progressives. We have had a conservative government in the last 16

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya years. This is progressives party, just coming barely 30 days. We understand the hope of Nigerians and we respect that hope.

“We understand the expectation of Nigerians. We believe in that expectation and in our promise of prosperity to come. We will not change that,” he stated.

Restructuring begins The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari can be said to have last week commenced reforms and restructuring that will squarely tackle insecurity and economic woes that have bedeviled the country over the years.

The new administration, which was perceived in some quarters to be too slow since May 29 inauguration ceremony, carried out its highest and massive changes last week.

Buhari started by recalling all non-career Nigerian ambassadors abroad.

After weeks of speculation, the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, last week Monday also sacked the service chiefs and immediately announced their replacement.

Even though no reason was given for their sack, the changes are expected to add impetus to the fight against the terrorists, Boko Haram

and ensure security of all territories of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While Nigerians would have thought that the President was done with such sacks for the week and will retire to celebrate Eid-elFitri Sallah by mid-week, he struck again last Thursday evening.

Two separate statements were issued on behalf of the President by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in quick succession.

The first statement announced the termination of Mr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Buhari, in the second statement, approved the dissolution of the Governing Boards of Federal Parastatals, Agencies and Institutions with effect from Thursday, July 16, 2015.

Before last week, he had sacked the Director General of Department of State Security (DSS), Ita Ekpeyoung and replaced him.

Since the restructuring has commenced in earnest, it is hoped that critics will no longer be in doubt as to the seriousness and intentions of the government.

Residents bemoan abandoned road •Continued from page 35

•School children having lunch in Abuja

struction of this road that is why the contractors have abandoned the road project. We are the ones suffering this uncompleted road construction, because of the dust that comes out of the dusty road when vehicles pass through here when there is traffic congestion in Gwagwalada Road.

“The past FCT ministers should have helped us talk to this contractors for them to come and complete the road before the raining season and if possible give them specific time to complete this road and also monitor the progress, because since the rains started, this road has become unbearable for both people and vehicles,” he said.

A Staff of the council secretariat who did not want his name to be on print said that the contractors handling the project has not been taking the job seriously, because pressure have not been put on him to complete the job, saying that if there any means of monitoring the project, the construction of the road would have been completed a long time ago.

“I remember that the Managing Director of Crain Builders and Engineering Limited, Mr. Aminu Shazeem assured the former Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide when she visited three years ago, that the road project, which was awarded four year ago, will be completed before the end of 2011, but we are in 2015 and not much has been done since her visit,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

37

BOOK REVIEW

‘How a judge asserts his freedom, impartiality’ I T is pertinent to reckon from the onset that the work under review by its title and contents is not just a book simpliciter but a compendium of ‘‘works’’ books, book reviews and comments etc. in a book of many books.

One was therefore in a fix as to whether to beam one’s attention on the original works of the celebrant or the works of the reviewers and commentators or to dwell more on the publisher’s work.

By way of a compromise, I had to settle for a hi- breed of all, or at least some of these identified areas.

I shall begin from the publishers whose work is the gateway and summarizer of all the other actors.

Looking at the quality and finishing of the book, one cannot but commend the publisher for a job well done. The book is finely laid out in 420 pages of fine, very sharp, clear and legible prints with apparently the highest quality.

It is also obvious that the publisher was fairly thorough in ensuring that printer’s devils do not find their way into this unique piece of literary work.

My final comment on this aspect is reserved to the conclusion of the review.

Coming to the rea task and reading through the celebrant’s works in this compendium, the very first ready impression that comes to my mind is that they are not accidental at all. This is clearly manifest in the consistency of their quality and the resonance of uncommon judicial courage, deep and clear analytical thinking and a stable and unwavering stance of incorruptibility.

From the opening chapter, the celebrant brings the reader into his judicial mandate in elevated and savoury language of poetry with the piece by Abou.Ben Adhem. This is quickly followed by his very first ruling in the case of Felix O .Nnajiofor v. Jerome Okoli-Iloegbu and Anor where His Lordship made his debut in and demonstrated the most emphatic manner his avowed devotion to substantial

justice as against technical justice.

Clear also from this debut is His Lordship’s penchant for diligence and thoroughness.

The selected rulings and judgement compiled highlight very important legal issues in our jurisprudence.

I must confess that the intimidating avalanche of reviewers who have carved a niche for themselves in the legal profession have assisted so much in making my task less cumbersome. In his review of the celebrant’s, ephocal and landmark decision in Oshiomhole V. INEC, the erudite and amiable Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu, OON, SAN who happens to be one of INEC’s regular counsel in election petitions, after discussing His Lordships judgment in Oshiomole’s case stated thus: “The safe recourse which obviously would have guaranteed the warm embrace of the government then in the state, especially Benin City, as well as guaranteed a protected sojourn and glorious exit from that forum and which, would have amply been supported by numerous Supreme Court decisions as to the consequences of conflicting evidence by a witness, would have been rejected by the evidence of PW 47 and thus mark the end of the aspirations of Comrade Oshiomole. However His Lordship did not take the easy protected exit to safety. A judge is permitted to assert his freedom and impartiality within the framework of the law.

Posterity will salute the courage, honesty, wisdom and integrity that shone through on that historic occasion to deliver justice and by that defining legacy.”

The foregoing except say it all about the watershed His Lordships Judgement in Oshiomole’s case marked and still marks in the Nigerian Judicial history.

Hon Justice Peter Obiorah also added his voice to the indelible con-

tributions and innovations of His Lordship in Oshiomole’s case highlighting the following points among others: “Allegation of crime in election matters does not have to be proved beyond a shadow of doubt. A court can accept part of a witness’ testimony and reject others. Use of result charts compiled by a party in an election petition.

It is also rewarding that His Lordship’s position in that case was vindicated by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

His Lordship’s split decision in the case of Peter O. Ikam & anor v Patrick Aisowiene and 4ors also stands out.

In this case his position was upheld by the Court of Appeal on the issue of weather extension of time can be granted for application for pre-trial session in election petition. His Lordship was of the view that time ought to be extended.

It is doubtful today though, in the light of other decisions on the point whether time can be extended for a Petitioner to file application for prehearing notice.

The erudite Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN as well as other distinguished scholars in their respective reviews of the celebrant’s work also extolled His Lordship’s sterling qualities as a jurist per excellence as amply demonstrated in his judgements and legal works.

In totality, this work under review is not only a book of books (a law report, text book’ biography etc) but it also deeply mirrors the rare personality of the celebrant revealing a man of consummate erudition, uncommon courage and impeccable integrity.

I therefore commend the book to all lawyers, legal researchers, judicial officers, law students, politicians and indeed all literary minds as they will surely find it a rich resource material in law and other related areas.

M. V. C. Ozioko is a Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Title of Book :

The Day The Eagle Emerged: The Legal works of Honourable Justice Peter Nnanna Chukwudi Umeadi Selected Rulings, Judgements and Reviews Author: Justice Peter Nnanna Chukwudi Umeadi No of Pages: 420 Publishers: Great-M prints and Ideas Book reviewer: M. V. C. Ozioko

Friends, colleagues celebrate don at book presentation

F

OR the head, Department of Com mercial Law, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Paul Idornigie, it was indeed a day of joy and double celebration. His friends, relations and professional colleagues poured encomiums on him as he presented his book: Commercial Arbitration Law and Practice in Nigeria.

For them, Prof. Idornigie is a symbol hard work, of which his academic works are an eloquent testimony.

No wonder he was recently nomi• From left: Aleyeh, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Abdullahi Ibrahim, Idornigie and Prof. Mohammed Mustapha nated for the conferment of the rank of Akanbi.

• From left: Dr Amadi, Prof. Dakas, Chief Gadzama and Elachi.

By John Austine Unachukwu Legal Editor

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The event was chaired by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abdullahi Ibrahim, with Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) as presenter.

Prof. Nelson Ochekpe who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai said: “It gives us joy at the University of Jos whenever our alumnus extends the frontiers of learning in his/her field of specialisation.

“As fellow labourers in the vineyard of academics, I urge you not to relent in your efforts as we strive together in building the academic community of our dreams where learning and quality academic researches are not only entrenched but nurtured.

“I must applaud the author for publishing a book on this somewhat new area of jurisprudence. The world is fast changing from the adversarial mode of dispute settlement and leaning more towards arbitration.

“It, therefore, offers insight into an alternative dispute resolution mechanism whereby parties explore settlement of their grievances in a non-adversarial environment.”

Also at the event were Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Dr. Ali Ahmad; NIALS Director-General Prof.

Deji Adekunle; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Dr Sam Amadi; Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, Prof Dakas C.J Dakas (SAN); Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN); chair, NBA Abuja Branch Mr Agada Elachi, among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

38

LAW & SOCIETY

Boko Haram insurgency: Beyond the law

By Wahab Shittu

• Shittu

T

HE state of insecurity in our country is mind boggling, there is renewed Boko Haram offensive in parts of the North particularly in the Northeast leaving thousands of Nigerians dead and valuable property destroyed including millions displaced from their homes because of the activities of terrorists.

Nigeria has never had it so bad in terms of insecurity. It is against this background that the sacking and replacement of Service Chiefs ought to be x-rayed considering the monumental challenges on governance precipitated by increasing wave of terrorism in the land.

Given this scenario, how can the threat posed

by Boko Haram insurgency be confronted and Buhariadministration deliver on its promises on the economy, infrastructure, corruption and security?

This intervention is meant to offer ideas to the new service chiefs on the way forward having regard to best practices including international standards and models for dealing with terror.

Studies particularly findings sourced from international organisations and agencies including United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime, Global Terrorist Database (GTD), Global Terrorism Index (GTI), Country Reports on Terrorism complied by the United States Department for States, Global Study carried out by the London based Institute for Economic and Peace and United Nation’s Global Counter Terrorism Strategy 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 and various international conventions to counter terrorism including, the Legislative

Tribute to our dear dean

I

FEEL hugely privileged to be asked to give this brief tribute on behalf the numerous former students of Professor Michael Iyiola Jegede (SAN) - a creative scholar, a gifted teacher, a mentor and an outstanding former dean of our esteemed University of Lagos faculty of law, as we celebrate his long and distinguished career: First and foremost as a teacher of the law (of which he was so immensely proud), but also as an accomplished administrator, as the fourth substantive dean of the esteemed law faculty of the University of Lagos, whose tenure heralded the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies with him as its first coordinating Director; in the establishment of the excellent University of Ibadan law faculty as visiting professor and head of department; and as a successful private legal practitioner and publisher, who achieved the highest distinction of the profession as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Never a man of many words, his understated calm and dignified quiet demeanour masked a strong will and character, whose firm contours were integrity, principle and selflessness.

These were the hallmarks of his leadership of the faculty of law that he joined over five decades ago as an assistant lecturer in 1964 - first as acting dean between 1972 and 1974 and again towards the end of 1975, when I and many here entered the faculty. Soon after he became substantive dean, between 1976 and 1980. These were also the qualities that endeared him to all and enabled him carry colleagues and students alike, along his path of devoted service to the UNILAG law faculty and its students.

Guide to the Universal Anti-terrorism Conventions and Protocols have recommended five major measures generally associated with terrorism prevention and control. These five measures are hereby recommended to the new service chiefs for dealing with the Boko Haram scourge in the belief that all measures to wear down the terrorists must be deployed in the interest of the Nigerian state.

The recommended five measures are as follows: i. Measures aimed at addressing the planning and preparation for terrorist activities. ii.Measures to counter financing and perpetration of acts of terror. iii. Countering terrorism by ensuring the criminalisation and penalisation of acts amounting to terror. iv.

Ensuring international cooperation in the area of controlling terrorism; and v.Establishing mechanisms for periodic reviews and strategic monitoring of the compliance regime with international counter-terrorism measures.

Under the first measures, what is contemplated is addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including the Boko Haram insurgency. This implies investigating the root causes of the Boko Haram insurgency and deploying mechanisms and institutional support to address those root causes including local grievances. The security chiefs may have to in collaboration with institutions of governance address the nature of conflicts in Nigeria particularly the extent to which such conflicts creates conducive environment for the growth and development of terrorism. The focus should be on issues bordering on marginalisation, fiscal federalism, resource control, poverty, religious extremism, ignorance, illiteracy, disease, collapsing infrastructure, discrimination, structural inbalances, corruption, impunity, treasury looting and other factors capable of precipitating the formation and development of terrorists groups in Nigeria. It is in this sense that investigation by way of sociological study proposed by Mr. President is timely, urgent and relevant.

The second measures also require the deployment of intelligence gathering and technique with precision, monitoring and efficiency. It is important to investigate the sources of funding of these terrorists. Who are their sponsors? What is the source of their funding?

Where did they get their arms and ammunitions from? And who are funding these sources and

supplies? Where did theyprocure their vehicles and equipment and who is paying for these services? Unless the service chiefs focus their searchlight on the financing of Boko Haram activities and deploy energy and resources to block these sources of funding, the quest to rid the country of their activities may remain illusory.

The third measures recommended to the service chiefs are ensuring the criminalisation of acts amounting to terror. This will involve placing the investigative, prosecutorial, adjudicatory agencies on red alert to deliver maximum punishment to terrorists act including ensuring adequate mechanism for prompt diligent and swift punishment of those involved in these mindless acts of terrorism against the Nigerian nation and its peoples.

The fourth category of measures is the element of international cooperation which is very critical and fundamental. The service chiefs must ensure cooperation and collaboration first with the diverse entity that make up the Nigerian federation because except Nigerians unite to fight this course rather than indulging in blame game and politicization, our efforts would come to naught. It is not useful to conceive Boko Haram as merely religious, political, economic or acts of mere sabotage. It is perhaps useful to see it as a combination of all of these and more. In summary, it is more useful to see it as evil and deal with it as such – evil against progress, evil against humanity as a whole. Beyond these, we need to seek the cooperation of our neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, Cameroon and other countries within the West African Subregion in terms of sub-regional task forces and the sharing of intelligence and information.

Cooperation must also be enlisted at the regional level, at the level of the commonwealth and at the level of the United Nations. Unless international cooperation is enlisted, it will be difficult to trace and prevent movements of terrorists, movements of finances and supplies of equipment and other instruments of warfare deployed so savagely by the terrorists.

The fifth category of measures entails establishing mechanisms for periodic reviews and strategic monitoring of compliance regime with international counter-terrorism measures.

These categories of measures are important in that terrorist methods and tactics are constantly changing with implications that counterterrorism measures must also respond to these changes as they unfold. These responses cannot

By Odein Ajumogobia

He was indeed a part of the foundation and essential fabric of the faculty for over two decades. As dean it was he who introduced the innovation of departments in the faculty of law for the first time, a practice that was soon to be adopted by other faculties of law across Nigeria, and beyond.

His shining brilliance as a scholar and revered teacher, were only surpassed by his self effacing humility and grace as a human being.

Obviously all of us Professor Jegede’s former students - generations of now accomplished professors and scholars; private practitioners; judges in the highest court of the land and pre eminent public servants, will have warm personal recollections of our former dean in this foremost law faculty, that will be as varied, as they are inspiring.

Suffice it to recall how easy it was to love and admire Professor Jegede in his trade mark French suits, with his athletic gait and generous smile. He was conscientious and cared deeply for us his students and about improving our law faculty. He was always available, extremely patient and courteous to all, even to the least of us academic, non academic staff and students alike.

If he had even a hint of appreciation of the extraordinary impact he had on our lives and the extent to which he sharpened our minds and thereby shaped our individual and collective successes through the memorable academic experience of his tutorship, and his person, he never showed it or drew attention to it, as some are wont to do. He simply took unselfish pride in the attainments of his former students. Being a teacher and mentor, and to elicit our untapped potential, was his divine calling for which he sought neither acknowledgement nor reward.

As a law teacher, and an elegant and persuasive writer, Professor Jegede was

• The late Prof. Jegede perhaps best known as an unrivalled expert in property law and a first rate scholar in the related subject of equity & trusts. His famous book “Principles of Equity” which was published a year after he left the deanship in 1980, and Trusts, Bankruptcy and Administration of Estates, quickly became standard works on the subjects.

Soon after in 1984, he founded the famous MIJ Professional Publishers which soon became the new face of professional publications with an impressive list of law and other professional titles. Within its stable is the seminal masterpiece “Among Giants - Memoirs, Deans of the Faculty of Law, UNILAG (1962 -2012)”, to appropriately mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of our famous law faculty.

While the fond memories of our law faculty and professors are the result of numerous experiences and contributions in the course of interaction between teachers and students and of course between the students amongst themselves, and we all have our individual stories about our association with Professor Jegede, yet it is from the classroom that our enduring memories of our profes-

be effective and efficient in the absence of periodic reviews and strategic monitoring. These would ensure that Nigeria is in tune with international standards and best practices in dealing with the scourge of Boko Haram.

It is in this sense that we need to keep close contact with the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism strategy which reveals responses for dealing with terrorism every two year interval. In our own situation since we are dealing with daily attacks, the service chiefs may need to constitute a standby task force and think thank that would be thinking twenty four hours on their feet and offering suggestions and alternative approaches for dealing with the scourge It is also suggested that without prejudice to the foregoing, authorities should endeavor to put all options on the table without foreclosing the deployment of any of the options if Boko Haram is to be brought to a standstill. The options that could be explored include: dialogue, offer of amnesty, negotiations and the use of military force depending on situations and circumstances.

The realization that security is the major item on the agenda for now may be the key to our collective survival before we start addressing other governance issues.

Fundamentally, the service chiefs in prosecuting the war against Boko Haram ought to be guided by international standards and best practices including respect for the international rules of engagement, international law, international humanitarian law, international refugee law and international human rights law.

In summary, the service chiefs may wish to be guided by the elements of a book titled ‘The Present’ which I have just read providing for the following salient fundamentals: The service chiefs should forget the past happenings but learn from those happenings as a matter of strategy and tactics.

The service chiefs should then be guided by the present realities meaning they should always focus on the present problems and how to deal with them.

The service chiefs should plan ahead drawing lessons from previous occurrences and focusing on the most important problems and challenges of the present.

Lastly, the service chiefs should regularly review developments and priotise strategies to deal with these developments as they emerge.

Finally, the Buhari administration is advised to redesign, reconfigure and retool its developmental agenda to emphasise security, security and security.

sors often truly derive.

Professor Jegede’s lectures, especially tutorial classes, were an unforgettable experience that changed the way one approached the study of law and legal problems generally. He sharpened our analytical skills.

One didn’t always remember the principles of property law with its intriguing concepts of Black acre and White acre and the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common, or the complex equitable doctrine of part performance or even more challenging cypres doctrine in the law of Trusts.

What he impressed upon us in his quiet idiosyncratic teaching style, was the greater importance of understanding the principles and rules and their application, rather than just remembering them.

In the practice of the law one soon had a full appreciation of the truism of the maxim that “equity follows the law” as so much that Professor Jegede had so ably taught us, took on real and practical meaning for us, whether as private practitioners or as one of the many judges that he had taught and was later to appear before, in his befitting silk robes, as an equally successful and resourceful private legal practitioner that he was for last three decades of his life.

A famous law professor once posited that there was an inexorable connection between the Law and Jazz! I thought he made a mistake and meant Justice! But he meant Jazz and likened an exceptional law professor to a great jazz conductor! Surely, Law, in direct contrast with Jazz, breathes tradition and is suspicious of improvisation and unpredictability! I therefore thought this to be a curious analogy until he explained the seemingly incongruous synergy between Jazz with its fluidity and flamboyance, and the law with its dogma and dignity: The missing link was this: since no two legal actions can be exactly the

same, but only in ‘pari materia’, lawyers and judges must necessarily improvise, in adapting past arguments and precedents, every time they argue or decide a case. Every judicial decision is thus in some sense, a specie of improvisation.

Both jazz and the law are therefore open to infinite possibility and both the professor and the Jazz conductor are, he argued, essentially about facilitating such improvisation. By resisting the urge to dictate or conduct every move, in order to instil in the jazz musician or student of law the confidence and joy to explore, knowledge and improvisation (which is impossible without rigorous prior preparation) are enabled, at their best.

In this regard Prof Michael Iyiola Jegede was a maestro. He instilled confidence in us and thereby brought out the best in us. For that we honour him and pay him this tribute.

Let me therefore end this short tribute with words adapted from the famous Jewish text Pirkei Avot - “Ethics of the Fathers” “He who learns from his Fellow a single chapter, a single verse, a single expression, even a single letter must pay Him honour”.

Prof Michael Iyiola Jegede taught us all well and much more. By devoting his life to the creation of an environment in which we learned to teach ourselves the skills we needed for the rest of our professional careers, he taught us much much more than letter, expression, verse or chapter. He gave us our wings for a lifetime and has like all great teachers, left an indelible imprint on the lives of several generations of successful lawyers in varied careers, who were privileged to have been taught by him. And for that, we honour him.

Rest in Peace our dear Prof Jegede (SAN).

• Ajumogobia (SAN) is former Minister for External Affairs

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

39

LEGAL OPINION

EFCC seeks speedy trial of ex-lawmakers T HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other parties in the prosecution of the former Caretaker Chairman of the Ogori/Mangogo Local Government Area of Kogi State, Gabriel Daudu have expressed worry over the decision of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim N. Auta ordering that his trial starts de-novo.

They have therefore urged the Chief Judge to allow his trial to continue and be speedily concluded within Lokoja Judicial Division and that the trial judge, Justice I.E. Ekwo who has been atop of the trial in the last five years be allowed to conclude the trial.

The plea was contained in a an appeal letter dated June 30, 2015 and written by the EFCC to the Chief Judge through their counsel,Wahab Shittu, in reaction to the new directive which was made known to parties in the matter on June29, 2015 by the trial judge, Justice Ekwo.

Daudu, who was also a lawmaker in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is currently facing an amended 210 counts of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N1.4bn.

The ex-lawmaker was first arraigned alongside a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Albert Adesina, and seven other top officials of the Kogi State government before Justice Adamu Bello of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case was later transferred to the Lokoja Division of the Federal High Court before Justice Inyang Ekwo, where Daudu and Adesina were rearraigned twice on amended charges.

The trial of Daudu, case file number FHC/LKJ/17C/2011 was one of the four cases that were being prosecuted by a team of prosecutors led by Wahab Shittu on behalf of the EFCC, before Justice Ekwo of the federal high court, Lokoja before his transfer to Yenagoa, Bayelsa state last year. Other cases include FRN Vs Yahaya Abubakar (FHC/LKJ/15C/2011); FRN Vs Raji Owuda Ahmed (FHC/LKJ/17C/2011) and FRN Vs Stephen Ropo Asala (FHC/LKJ/16C/2011).

In 2014, Justice Inyang Ekwo was transferred out of Lokoja which prompted the EFCC, through its lead counsel, Wahab Shittu to appeal to Justice Auta to allow Justice Ekwo to continue with the matter.

In two separate letter of appeal written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court dated April 22, 2014 and May 15, 2014 respectively, the EFCC through Shittu, had appealed that the matter be allowed to continue and be concluded, under the trial judge, Justice Ekwo in view of the fact that the matters have reached advanced stages

• Justice Auta

By Adebisi Onanuga

of hearing with the prosecution having close its cases in the proceedings and in the interest of justice.

Justice Auta granted the request of the prosecution and issued a fiat in that respect to the effect that they be concluded in Lokoja by Justice Ekwo.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on me by virtue of section 19(3) of the Federal High Court Act 1973 and all other powers enabling me in that regard, I Ibrahim Ndahi Auta, OFR, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, do hereby order that the Criminal charges listed in the schedule to this order which were pending before Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo formerly sitting in the Lokoja Judicial Division be concluded by Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo sitting in the Lokoja Judicial Division”,the fiat stated.

However, the matter took a dramatic dimension when at the last hearing on June 29, 2015, both the prosecution and the defence team were informed by Justice Ekwo that Justice Auta has ordered the matter to start afresh after five years of trial and in spite that the trial has reached advanced stage as both the prosecution and defence had close their case and defence respectively against the defendant under another judge, Justice P.M. Ayua of the Lokoja Judicial Division.

During trial, the prosecution team, led by Mr. Wahab Shittu, had closed its case after calling about 13 witnesses and tendering 47 exhibits.

The defence, led by Mr. O.J. Onoja (SAN), had also told the court on June

29, 2015 that it was willing to close its case after calling seven witnesses.

But Justice Ekwo, in spite that the prosecution and defence had closed their cases, paving the way for final addresses by counsels in the matter, insisted that the court “cannot proceed as I have a letter from the Chief Judge of Federal High Court dated May 5, 2015 that this matter be commenced de novo by my learned brother, Hon. Justice P.M. Ayua of Lokoja Division. This has to be sorted by learned counsel in this case”.

“In view of the directive of the Chief Judge of Federal High Court, that this matter be commenced de novo, I will make an order adjourning this matter sine die (indefinitely) until further directive is given to me by the Chief Judge. Case adjourned sine die”, Justice Ekwo ruled.

Counsel to the EFCC, Shittu, in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice Auta dated June 30, 2015 said “parties in the proceedings including the prosecution and the defence were well shocked during proceedings of the court on June 29, 2015 when his lordship, Honourable Justice I. E. Ekwo informed the parties of the directive to commence the matter de novo before another judge of the Federal High Court”.

Shittu expressed displeasure over the development and urged the Chief Judge to take a second look at the case with a view to reviewing the decision. He argued that the directive starting the matter afresh would lead to great inconvenience and injustice to the parties.

“We are constrained to inform His Lordship that this matter, which has been pending for almost five years has progressed to an advanced stage with both the prosecution and the defence having closed their respective cases paving the way for addresses by counsel.

“In the light of the above and in the interest of justice, we humbly appeal to His Lordship to allow the presiding judge, Honorable Justice I.E. Ekwo, to conclude this matter, in view of the length of time it has taken and the progress already recorded in the proceedings.

“We believe that in view of the above and the seriousness and urgency guiding the treatment of corruption related cases, His Lordship would treat this request strictly on the merits in the interest of speedy and fairer adjudication of corruption related cases given the length of time involved and progress recorded in the proceedings”, he added.

Rotary honours Lagos lawyer

L

AGOS lawyer, Wahab Shittu is to be decorated as an Honourary Rotarian and also conferred with the prestigious Merit Award of Vocational Excellence of the Rotary Club of Ilorin.

Shittu will be decorated as a Rotarian during the installation of the 12th President, Rotarian Shittu Waheed Abiola scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

Rotary Club is conferring the honour on Wahab Shittu in accordance with Article 7, Section 6, Sub-

By Adebisi Onanuga

Section (a) of the Constitution of the Rotary Club International.

A letter signed by President of the club, Rotarian Shittu Abiolaand titled, “Notification of Conferment of Merit Award” stated, “with due regards, we write to formerly notify you that you have been nominated and selected to receive our prestigious Merit Award of Vocational Excellence scheduled to be conferred on you during the installation of the 12 th President, Rotarian Shittu

Waheed Abiola.

“This is as a result of your altruistic and philanthropic service to our great country, Nigeria. Accept our congratulation”.

The Rotary is an organisation of business and Professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standard in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world in more than 160 countries worldwide. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to 30,000 Rotary Clubs.

Rights group urgesAkwa Ibom A-G

A

CTIVISTS have urged Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Uwemedimo Nwoko to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected.

They urged the government to pay deserving attention to “series of human rights concerns in the state which require urgent attention.”

Nwoko, who was also into rights activism before his appointment by former Governor Godswill Akpabio four months to the administration’s

By Joseph Jibueze

expiration, was retained by Governor Emmanuel Udom.

Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) state chairman Clifford Thomas said Nwoko’s “has contributed to the promotion of human rights and the legal profession in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria” and should keep the flag flying.

“Nwoko’s appointment is not only a recognition of excellence in the performance of duty, but a conscious

involvement of the human rights community in the observance, preservation and protection of the rights of persons living in Akwa Ibom.

“It is a call to duty for the community to help the government in identifying areas of concern, and create good entry points into getting government at the state and local government levels to help promote chapters II and IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and other conventions,” the group said.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Nigerian and threat of a new Biafra

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IGERIA ranks number seventeen on the Fragile States 2014 index, according to the Fund for Peace (FP), published by Foreign Policy,a think-tank. Surprisingly, South Sudan, which fought-off Sudan, to become Independent, in 2011, ranks number one; while its old foe,Sudan, is at number five. Even beforeFP changedthe nomenclature from failed to fragile states, Nigeria has for many yearsremained among the top nations, with the frightful indices of a failed state. It was on the basis of those statistics, that it was projected that Nigeria would disintegrate in 2015.

Among the defining indicators of a fragile or failed state, is security apparatus, defined as internal conflict and the proliferation of non-state armed groups. In Nigeria, this indicator will apply to the biggest national threat, the Boko Haram armed conflict, and to a lesser extent, the separatist agitators from the other parts of the country. Other indicators used by the group, include demographic pressures, refugees and internally displaced persons, group grievance, human flight and brain drain, poverty and economic decline, state legitimacy, public services, human rights and rule of law, factionalised elites, and external intervention.

The unfortunate threat posed by Nnamdi Kanu and his so called Biafra project, may just be a further manifestation of the security apparatus indicator, inour fragile nation; particularly if they resort to armed struggle.

But without doubt,the project is misguided, and will only bring more misery for the champions and for other Nigerians. The piece by Joe Igbokwe, the Lagos state publicity secretary of All Progressives Congress, titled: “Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Biafra project must be stopped” is a worthy intervention. I, however, do not agree with his sweeping statement that “anytime Nigeria wants to change a bad leadership in the country the Igbos as a bloc will resist it”. That assertion is false, albeit a red herring.

But more importantly, the pretence by Nnamdi Kanu and his group that their agitation represents the 21st century vision of the Igbo, in the Nigerian state,is as jejune as it is false.As Mr Igbokwe correctly proffered in his argument,while urging Igbos to work for the unity of Nigeria based on social justice, equity and fair play;the Igbos cannot be intermarrying with other Nigerians, making huge and massive investments in property in Lagos, Abuja and other state capitals in the country, cooling off in other cities when theirs are under attack, thriving and making connections in other parts of Nigeria, and at the same time, engage in a separatist quest, as Mr Kanu would make the world believe.

If it were so, then it will be fair to regard the Igbo as an unreasonable people. But I know the race is very reasonable, and the representation by some that Igbos want out of Nigeria, just for the sake of it, is self-serving.

What the Igbos want and deserve, is an egalitarian Nigerian nation, built on the best tenets of liberal democracy; for which their society arguably is best suited, more than any other group, in Nigeria.So, the cheap resort to the mantra of an emergent Biafra, as a form of political agitation, in the fragile Nigeria state, unfortunately distorts the political history of the 1967-1970,Biafra/Nigeria, civil war.

The correct interpretation, is that the civil war was a last resort by Igbos to prevent the extermination of the race, and not a programmed project, to balkanise Nigeria, and exercise the territory known as Biafra, out of Nigeria. So, those who cheaply wave the Biafran flag as political brinkmanship, to gain traction and political supremacy, in the Nigerian project, are completely misguided.The energy spent on such misadventure should be expended, to organise political parties, socio-political pressure groups and professional champions topromote democracy, which will benefit Igbo more than any other group in Nigeria.

What the Igbo deserve and should work for is economic empowerment of the region, for enhanced productivity. Mr Kanu and his group should for instance expend their energy, to organise the south-east to demand the right, to develop coal as the primary source of electricity, to power the region to economic independence. The group should pressure the southeast governments, to plan an agro-allied industrial belt, spanning the fertile land areas in Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo and Abia states, to produce the aqua foods, rice and tubers that will gift the region a healthy and productive workforce. Those clamouring for the nation of the rising sun should put their energy to organise a petro-chemical industrial belt along the Enugu, Anambra and Imo river basins, to provide jobs for its teeming youths.

Those who seek Biafra should concentrate their energy to galvanise the industrial genius and entrepreneurship of the Igbos, to help the people of the east and the Nigerian nation to become really productive. Understandably, Nigeria has remained a laggard for too long, but it will be naïve to think that the answers lie in the balkanisation of the country. The example of Sudan and Eritrea are there for everybody to learn from. What has held Nigeria down are the buccaneers, who over the years has been masquerading as political leaders. It will be foolish not to accept that the Igbo also have their own fair share, of these leeches. So, Biafra would only gift them a smaller territory to ravage.

The political leadership in Nigeria must, however, quickly realise that it already has more troubles than it can handle, and should therefore galvanise every section of the country, to have a betterstake in the Nigerian project. As Krista Henry, Executive Director, FP said: “unfortunately, a country can become more fragile or become quite violent quickly and go up the list very easily.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

FROM THE COURT

Oct. 19 for ruling on homeowners’ application

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LAGOS State High Court sitting in Epe has fixed October 19, 2015 for ruling on an interlocutory application filed by Homeowners within the Pearl Garden Estate situated at Sangotedo Village in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the state against a property developer, Oyetubo Jokotade Estate Resource Limited.

The trial judge, Justice Abisoye Bashua fixed the date last Thursday after hearing the submissions of the claimants’ counsel, Mr Adeyinka Adeyemi and the counsel for the defendants, Mr Gabriel Uwaifo.

The claimants in the suit are Messrs Francis Adesuyi, Felix Obiakor, Martin Ajayi-Obe and Peter Afenotan on behalf of themselves and all interested homeowners within the Pearl Garden Estate.

The claimants had instituted a N100 million against the property developer and CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited, in charge of providing estate management services, before the court over alleged incessant harassment and imposition of arbitrary charges.

In their application, the claimants had asked the court for an Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from harassing or restricting the movement of the homeowners within the estate, pending the hearing an determination of

By Adebisi Onanuga

the substantive suit.

They also asked the court for:”an Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from interfering with the rights of the homeowners in providing safe and drinkable water for themselves and their family members,pending the hearing an determination of the substantive suit;. “An Order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants and their agents, further demanding or collecting reticulation charges in the sum of N650,000 or any other sums from the claimants contrary to the express terms of the Deeds of Assignment and the Sale and Management Agreement, pending the hearing an determination of the substantive suit.” in addition, the claimants asked the court to restrain the defendants and their agents from further collecting the unilaterally imposed N35,000 fee from the homeowners, pending the hearing an determination of the substantive suit.

Moving the application, Adeyemi argued that the water being provided

by CMB to the homeowners was not fit for human consumption and domestic use.

Adeyemi tendered a report of an

analysis carried out by the Lagos State Water Corporation which revealed that the water quality failed all local, national and international water portability standards.

He further argued that the sales agreement between the defendants and his clients was an outright purchase which vested powers on them to construct a borehole and other amenities they deem fit within their property.

Adeyemi also told the court to dismiss the counter-affidavit of the defendants because it was filed outside the 42 days provided by the High Court Civil Procedure Rules of 2012.

“The extortion of the claimants through arbitrary charges, harassing them from constructing their property and preventing them from going to their offices smacks of high-handedness by the second defendant (CMB).

“That is why we are seeking the intervention of the court to restrain them, pending the determination of the substantive suit,”he added.

Responding, Uwaifo debunked the claim that the water being supplied by his client was not hygienic, adding that the claimants violated the sales agreement by refusing to make payments to the defendants.

He therefore asked the court to dismiss the application for being grossly misconceived.

Etiaba steps up to SAN

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MEKA the scion of the Etiaba family is now a fulfilled man as his childhood dream of becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN has come to reality.

There is a way destine smile on a man who tenaciously believe in hard work and the divine intervention of the almighty God on who ever care to surrendered his life for him. Emeka is a typical example.

The son of the former Anambra State Deputy Governor, Virginia Etiaba, was announced with 20 others to receive the prestigious honour on September 21.

Emeka’s voyage into politics was not only interesting but a food for thought. He has the knack and tenacity of purpose to extend his generosity as a private person to a larger level where he would serve his people better and let them have a sense of belonging, but sooner realized that politics is not a bed of roses neither a tea party but a serious business where intrigues , scheming and propaganda was the order of the day, unfortunately he did not cut for such an emblem, but absolute passion to render a service to human-

By Sina Fadare

ity and possibly take the state to the next level.

He aspired to rule the Anambra State in 2010 with initial endorsement by the late Nkemba of Nnewi and the National leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, but the ambition was frustrated by the then Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh and the former Governor of the state, Peter Obi. Ojukwu used to tell Emeka that “my namesake, you will be the next governor of Anambra State.”

Umeh refused to organized primaries and denied Anambrarian to pick their choice candidate between Obi and Emeka with the fear that Emeka might have his way. With that singular act, Emeka’s ambition in APGA was extinguished. The latest revelation from Umeh was a testimony.

Though crossed to PPA, but the music was the same likewise the dancing step.

Before veered into politics, Emeka has a flourishing law practice, the University of Jos graduate of law picked advocacy from

• Etiaba

his father. “My father was a lawyer and I can remember that as a child, I used to go to court with him. He had always been in Nnewi, Anambra State. He died in 1987 just before I was called to the Bar. I started my practice in Lagos and revived his chambers in Nnewi. Since I have also added two more chambers, one in Port Harcourt and another in Abuja, the one in Abuja was turned into a partnership two years ago but the other is Emeka Etiaba & Co (Etiaba Chambers),” he once said.

Court dismisses don’s entitlement claims

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HE National Industrial Court of Nigeria has dismissed a suit by a university don, Prof Hussain Abdulkareem seeking to order the National Universities Commission (NUC) and three universities to pay his retirement benefits.

Justice John Peters held that the plaintiff filed the case too late – 25 years after he retired, and that it was caught by the statute of limitation.

The judge said since the plaintiff joined a public officer, NUC’s Executive Secretary, in the suit, it should have been filed within three months after his retirement as required by law.

“The claimant in the instant case for over two decades slept over his right to ventilate his grievances through the judicial process,” the judge said.

The claimant prayed the court to order the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and University of Abuja (UniAbuja) to pay his entitlements having taught in all them.

He asked that UNILAG and UNIMAID calculate his retirement benefits and entitlements or get an expert to calculate them; and for UniAbuja to pay his retirement sav-

By Joseph Jibueze

ings of N6.4milliion with Stigma Pension Limited.

Abdulkareem also wanted interest on the judgment sum at the rate of 25 per cent from November 5, 1989 till verdict and until liquidation of the sum.

He prayed for N5million as damages for the psychological, emotional and mental trauma he suffered as a result of non-payment of his retirement benefits and entitlements, as well as N2million as legal fees.

NUC, through its lawyer Mr Kehinde Oginni, objected to the suit on the ground that it was statutebarred and therefore null and void.

The lawyer said NUC’s Executive Secretary is a public officer and as such the three-month time limit within which to institute an action against him had lapsed since the cause of action arose in 1989.

Dismissing Abdulkareem’s suit, Justice John Peters agreed with Oginni and held that the plaintiff filed the suit too late last March having retired more than 25 years ago.

“The General Form of Complaint in

this case was filed on 31/3/14. That was about 25 years after the accrual of the cause of action.

“It is beyond argument that this action is caught by the Public Officers Protection Act not having been brought within the time stipulated by law.

“One wonders why it has taken the claimant this long to embark on judicial process for the ventilation of his perceived grievances.

“Unfortunately, the court is only to hold the scale of justice and calls no sympathy to play in the determination of causes and matters which come up for adjudication,” Justice Peter said.

The judge added that Abdulkareem’s right to seek legal redress had been foreclosed, therefore the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate over the matter.

“Finally and for the avoidance of doubt, I find and hold that this suit is caught by the statute of limitation.

The jurisdiction of this court is thus ousted and the right of action of the claimant is foreclosed. This case is dismissed accordingly,” Justice Peters held.

•Idaminabo (left) and Ofuokwu at the event

Lawyer hails service chiefs’ sack

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ONSTITUTIONAL lawyer Ike Ofuokwu yesterday said the re placement of service chiefs by President Muhammadu Buhari’s was long overdue because the military was partisan under their watch.

The President, last Monday, approved the appointments of MajorGen. Abayomi Olonishakin (Chief of Defence Staff); Major-Gen. T.Y. Buratai (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff), Air Vice Marshal Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff), Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (Chief of Defence Intelligence) and Major-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) (National Security Adviser).

Ofuokwu said the military lost its professionalism and delved into the arena of “partisan politics and crude oil merchants,” under the former service chiefs’ watch. “ They were indeed an embarrassment to the military,” the lawyer said.

The Lagos-based lawyer and public affairs commentator was one of those inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA) in Lagos.

The induction ceremony was presided over by the institute’s President and Chairman of Council Adm. Goddy Idaminabo, a Fellow, along

By Joseph Jibueze

with other Governing Council members. A highlight of the event was a lecture delivered by Dr Noble Oguguo, also a Fellow and Governing Council member.

On his expectations of the new service chiefs, Ofuokwu said: “They should first of all restore the integrity and dignity of the military profession by their conduct and discipline, bringing the military out of the realm of partisan politics and confining them to their constitutional roles.

“They also need to formulate a clear cut defence policy for the nation and by so doing define the level of our engagement and disengagement in internal and external military involvement of our armed forces in conformity with best global practices.

“They should look into the issue of welfare of service personnel particularly as it affects rank and file in order to boost the morale of our soldiers.

Pursuant to the foregoing will be for them to annihilate and eliminate, as it were all forms of insurgency and militancy in whatever decoy they may appear.

“I expect of them a quantum leap and an improvement on the military-civil relationship which is presently at its lowest ebb.”

Buhari sued for not appointing ministers

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LAWYER and member of the 1995 Constitutional Conference Chief Anselem Eyo has sued President Muhammadu Buhari for not appointing ministers.

He is praying the court to hold that Buhari ought to appoint ministers on assumption on office as prescribed by the 1999 Constitution.

The plaintiff argued that it is illegal for Buhari to disburse funds from the Federation Account without the Federal Executive Council’s approval.

The President’s failure to appoint ministers till now, the lawyer said, is in direct violation of the Constitution.

Activist-lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa had also filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking to compel Buhari to appoint ministers.

Eyo is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the president “to carry out the responsibility imposed on him

by Section 147 of the Constitution.”

He said the non-appointment of ministers since May 29 “has indeed impeded government functions in all the ministries particularly the Ministry of Justice where there is presently no Attorney-General of the Federation to discharge critical functions that cannot be howsoever delegated.”

In the suit filed at the Uyo division of the Federal High Court, the plaintiff said the absence of an AGF ”has created a conspicuous vacuum in the justice sector.”

According to him, the constitutional duties that are exercisable only by the AGF, including law enforcement and

By Joseph Jibueze

criminal justice administration, have been neglected.

The consequence, he said, is that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act which seeks to speed-up trials is not being enforced, with innocent citizens languishing in custody across the country.

He added that the president has “arbitrarily been disbursing funds from the Federation Account without the approval of the Federal Executive Council as stipulated by law.” ýBesides, he said President Buhari has been disbursing the usual monthly allocation to the federating units and “embarked upon other engagements involving the expenditure of resources including international travelling such as the G7 Conference in Germany and his visits to other African countries whereby crucial decisions have been taken and money expended arbitrarily without the concurrence of the Federal Executive Council.”

He alleged that the president’s (in)action breaches Sections 147(1), (2), (3); 148 and 150 of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu has granted the applicant leave to enable him apply for an order of mandamus compelling the respondent to execute the responsibility imposed on him by the Constitution.

Eyo was also granted leave to serve the president with all the processes in the suit.

The judge adjourned to October 12.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

3RD KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 15th JULY, 2015 (28TH RAMADAN, 1436AH) PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

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n continuation of its avowed commitment and zeal to bring about positive change in Kano State through the formulation and implementation of people-oriented policies and programmes, the Executive Council under the distinguished chairmanship of His Excellency, the Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR held its third sitting during which a number of resolutions were passed and approvals granted for the execution of some vital projects and programmes. The Chairman, in his opening remarks, lamented the spate of bomb blasts and other violent attacks particularly in the North East, Zaria and Kano State and, therefore, called on the general public to be very vigilant, security conscious and give full support and cooperation to security agencies, especially during the Sallah festivities.

He also condoled, on behalf of the people and government of Kano State, the families of the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh (Dr.) Aminuddeen Abubakar, who died in Saudi Arabia recently, and prayed for the repose of his soul and Allah to grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.

During the third sitting held on 15th July, 2015/28th Ramadan, 1436AH, twelve (12) memoranda were presented before the Council by MDAs for deliberations and approval were granted thus: a. Request for Funds for the Payment of 3rd Batch (2015) Bereaved Family Allowance from the Office of the Head of Civil Service In its characteristic magnanimity, the State Government extends some token financial intervention titled

sum of N35,298,000:00 to the team as a morale-booster to the players and technical crew.

His Excellency, Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR

c. Request for Funds for the Purchase of Working Materials at the Office of the Head of Civil Service This request is for the procurement of letter-headed paper, file jackets, photocopier paper, computer accessories, sanitary items, etc at the cost of N1,544,500:00 for the smooth running of the office. The Council, committed to the provision of an enabling environment for workers to operate without hitches, approved the amount as requested for the stated purposes.

“Bereaved Family Allowance” to the families of deceased civil servants (their bread-winners) with the sole aim of easing their pains and restoring their emotional balance. This request is for the approval of the Council for the release of the sum of N6,825,000:00 as Bereaved Family Allowance to 134 beneficiaries appraised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service which the Council graciously approved.

d. Request for Funds for the Payment of 2015 Robe Allowance to Judicial Officers in the State This request was submitted by the Office of the Head of Civil Service for the release of N9,120,000:00 for the payment of this year’s Robe Allowance in respect of 304 judicial officers in the state which the Council readily approved as an incentive for them to be properly dressed and presentable in the discharge of their duties.

b. Request for Funds for the Payment of Outstanding Allowances, Bonuses and Logistics for Home and Away Matches in Respect of Kano Pillars Basketball Team This request is from the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture for the kind approval of the Council for the release of the sum of N45,148,000:00 to enable the darling team honour its commitments and avoid walk-over.

The Council was reminded about the earlier personal donation of N1,000,000:00 extended to the team by the Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to cushion its financial hardship. After deliberations, the Council approved the

e. Requests for Funds to Undertake De-silting of Some Selected Drainages and Repairs of Some Selected Major Roads within Kano Metropolis Two memoranda were submitted by Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requesting Council’s consideration and approval, first to enable Kano State Roads Management Agency (KARMA) desilt some drainages to ensure free flow of sewage and guard against flooding that may pose a threat to lives and properties of the people which is also in line with the state government recently launched

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

“Operation Keep Kano Clean” aimed at proper disposal and evacuation of refuse for clean, safe and healthy environment. The second request is for the Agency to carry out repair works on some selected roads in the metropolis. The Council, after exhaustive deliberations, approved N14,860,300:00 for the drainage desilting projects along some selected roads as well as N9,543,892:50 to carry out repairs of two out of the six roads earmarked for repairs within Kano metropolitan namely, Audu Bako Way and Suleiman Crescent. f. Request for Funds for the Construction of Two Access Roads to the Independent Power Projects Sites at Challawa Gorge Dam and Tiga Dam This memorandum was also submitted by the state Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport in which the members of the Council were reminded that the 35MW IPP projects At Challawa and Tiga dams had reached advanced stage of completion. The project embarked by the immediate past administration was aimed at supplementing the meager electricity supplied to the state for the consumption of water treatment plants, street lights and industries/homes. As the contractor handling the project is about to bring in heavy equipment at the two sites, the ministry deemed it important to upgrade the earth roads leading to the IPP sites thereby requested approval of the sum of N244,623,131:35 and N65,811,116:44 for the Challawa Gorge Dam and Tiga Dam IPP access road projects respectively. The Council approved the request, awarded the contract of the project to Messrs. D A Dabcon Ventures Ltd. g. Request for Funds for the Conduct of the First Round of 2015 Maternal/New Born and Child Health Week (MNCHW) The Request is by the state Ministry of Health for the conduct of the biannual programme conducted by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCD). The exercise, adopted by the National Council on Health, is aimed at addressing health issues commonly affecting women and children toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5 as it involves provision of healthcare

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services, i.e. immunizations, vitamin A supplementation, distribution of mosquito nets, iron-folate supplementation to pregnant women, among others. The First Round of the 2015 Maternal/New Born and Child Health Week, holding from 20th to 24th July, 2015, is to be jointly funded by the State Government, LGAs and other partners. As the chief coordinator of the exercise, the Ministry provides supporting services, additional drugs and other supplies to the tune of N9,954,300:00 which it requested the Council to approve. The Council, therefore, approved as requested to enable the ministry honour its obligations for the smooth conduct of the exercise in the state. h. Request for Funds for Free Antenatal Services, Supply of Diesel, Printing of Hospital Cards, Purchase of Cleaning and Cleansing Materials The request is also from the Ministry of Health for the state Hospitals Management Board to undertake provision of free antenatal services in the 37 General Hospitals across the state, printing of hospital cards, procurement of stationeries, cleaning and cleansing materials, in-patient feeding and supply of diesel to the tune of N28,360,570:16. The Council graciously approved the request. i. Requests for Funds for the Establishment of Hajj Camp Clinic for the Year 2015 Hajj Operation and for the Production of 7,000 Copies of a Handbook Titled “Addu’o’in Aikin Hajji” The first request is for the release of N3,862,053:99 for the establishment of a Hajj Camp Clinic in preparation for the 2015 Hajj operations. The funds is to be utilized for the provision of materials, drugs, consumables, logistics and allowances to sixty-two (62) medical personnel and sub-staff to man the clinic. It will provide services to pilgrims including immunization, vaccination, pregnancy tests for female intending pilgrims and others. The second request is for the release of the sum of N245,000:00 for production of 7,000 copies of prayer handbook titled “Addu’o’in Aikin Hajji”. The Council approved both requests in view of their relevance to the welfare and education of intending pilgrims from the state.

POLICY ISSUE The Council

approved

the

reinvigoration of the Policy and Administration Directorate under the Office of the Governor which was created in 2011 with the responsibility for policy formulation/articulation, development and coordination. The initiative is a standard practice in advance democracies responsible for advising and assisting presidents/ governors in the formulation, coordination and implementation of domestic and economic policies. It is therefore deemed desirable in our young democracy to have very active and vibrant policy coordination department to ensure policy consistency and sustainability for development. To ensure smooth operation of the Directorate, the office of the Head of Civil Service has already deployed competent staff including Permanent Secretary and Director Policy Coordination for immediate take-off of the Directorate.

PRESENTATION OF AWARD TO HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN HEALTH SYSTEM STRENGHTENING His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OFR, was appreciated and recognized by DFID supported Paths 2 for the commitment of his administration towards supporting and promoting health care development programmes and policies at all levels across the state.

Paths 2, therefore, presented him the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health System Strengthening.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY The council has endorsed these useful phone numbers provided by the security agencies in case of any emergency.

Accordingly, members of the general public may contact KAROTA for breakdown of vehicle(s), traffic congestion, accident or illegal/wrong parking on 08091626747, the State Police Command on 08032419754 or 08123821575 and the State Fire Service on 07051246833 or 08191778888.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports & Culture, Kano State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

44

SHOWBIZ

Joke Silva is bereaved

•Silva’s mother

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ETERAN actress, Joke Silva, has lost her octogenarian mother, Dr Marienne Abimbola Silva, to the cold hands of death. The sad incidence

By Ovwe Medeme

occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to information, the late Abimbola Silva died

peacefully on the morning of July 19. She was the third female doctor in Nigeria but the first Nigerian female to bag a medical degree.

Silva, who died at the age of 89, was also bestowed with the honourable award of Officer of the Order of The Niger (OON).

Only a few weeks back, precisely on Saturday, May 16, Joke Silva celebrated her aged mum in Lagos.

Joke marked the day by pouring encomiums on her mum who is regarded as an icon in her field. “My mama is 89 today. Dr (Mrs.) Abimbola Silva. One of the first female medical Dr’s in Nigeria. Lord I am privileged to care for my gorgeous mama.

Thank you. HBD fit iii in babe,” she had said.

Married to veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, Silva was honoured with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2014 alongside Time acclaimed Nollywood queen, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde.

The late Silva is survived by children and grandchildren.

Charleston shooting inspires Afangideh’s No Borders

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S part of his itinerary, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) will be hosted by one of Africa’s television station, Ebonylife TV, in Washington, D.C today. The interactive session tagged ‘Meet & Greet’ will also feature young professionals.

The Meet & Greet, with Mr. President and Young Nigerian Professionals is expected to host scholars and professionals from all over the United States. A statement from the station says that the event has essentially been designed as an avenue to meet with, and interact with Mr. President, on the prospects and challenges involved in the governance of Africa’s most populous nation and the role that our young professionals need to play.

“As a channel quintessentially made for the youth, home and abroad, we are extremely pleased that President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates the youth and has demonstrated this commitment and passion even on this

•Buhari

historical event in Washington DC by agreeing to include them in his very busy programme schedule. As such, he will be meeting with Young Nigerian Professionals in the Diaspora at this important Meet & Greet being organised by our channel.

For this, we’re very grateful to Mr. President and his hardworking team,” says the Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu.

At a similar forum in June 2015, the channel hosted the

former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to an interactive session with the Nigerian youth, tagged ‘Afternoon Tea with Professor Jega’. At this session in Lagos, young and futuristic professionals from every sector of the economy were in attendance to engage and dialogue with the highly respected Professor on some of the critical issues leading to, during and after the 2015 general elections.

Davido to feature Don Jazzy, Wizkid on new album

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NSPIRED by the church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, US, in June, budding Nigerian singer, Israel Afangideh has released a new single titled No Borders. The 17-year old who grew up in Alabama says that the track was borne out of the desire to make a song that addressed the tendency of humans to discriminate against each other based on race, nationality, gender or social class.

Though the idea to do the song hit him in January, by April, he had the specifics of the song and while trying to figure out what exactly he wanted the song to say, he heard about the church shooting in which a white American boy went into an African American church and opened fire, killing several people, the artiste revealed.

“In that instant I knew that there would be no better place to talk about racial violence than in Africa with a fellow African. That was how the song,No Borders was born. I also decided to create a project called Real Music, as a banner under which I and other musicians could create songs that have a positive message,” he said.

The track which features his friend and fellow rapper, Benjohn Ofem Otu,is borne out of the need to raise voices that speak life, that will create instead of destroy, the Afangideh explains.

“I dream of a world undivided by the prejudices inherent in the human nature. I dream of a world where every human being is free from pain and is living up to their potential. I have personal dreams and aspirations as well, but I know that if I can create the world

Ebonylife TV to host President Muhammadu Buhari today

S

•Afangideh

By Ovwe Medeme

I see in my dreams everything else will fall into place,” he adds.

The artiste is an Akwa-Ibom State born second year student at Faulkner University, Alabama, Montgomery, US with a dual major in Sports Management and Business Administration.

TILL basking from winning the Mtv Base Africa Music Award’s title for Best Male on Saturday in South Africa, Nigerian hip hop sensation, David Adeleke, aka Davido, yesterday revealed he is going to have collaborations with ace music producer and musician Don Jazzy and WizKid on his upcoming album.

Davido, who had earlier announced on Twitter that he will jet off to New York today ‘to get this classic album mixed and mastered.’ He let the cat out of the bag when he responded to a fan that asked if he and Don Jazzy do a song together.

Tweeting back, he replied, ‘Done, it’s on the album.’

Shortly afterwards, another fan, sending a tweet to Davido’s official Twitter handle, @iam_Davido asked, ‘is it true about u featuring Wizkid...?’

•Wizkid and Davido

By Joe Agbro Jr

Davido responded, ‘It’s a yes on myside!!’

Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins heads Mavins Records, pro-

duced the hit song, ‘Dorobucci’ which won the Song of the Year at MAMA. WizKid was nominated for ‘Best Male’ and ‘Song of the Year’ at the MAMA. He did not win in either category.

Mama Ereko celebrates at 70

M

•Morenike-Alausa

ADAM Morenike Alausa Sulaiman, popularly called Mama Ereko, is set to celebrate a two-in-one celebration: her 70th birthday and premiere of her new movie Ewe Iyeye on Sunday August 16.

Billed to take place at Anchor Events place, Lagos, the event, tagged Mama Ereko @ 70, is being packaged by Walex Media Entertainment Company.

One of the most sought after movie stars in the Yoruba genre of the Nigerian movie industry, Mama Ereko is has spent over three decades in the make-believe world.

This seasoned thespian who has been act-

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

ing for over 33 years, according to report in 2013, signed a N10 Million Naira Etisalat endorsement deal.

In one of her interview, she revealed that, she got the name Mama Ereko, through a movie she did early in her career, when she began acting with her boss, Dehinde Egbebunmi.

The name was established when she introduced herself as Mama Ereko, while soliciting for help when her shop located at Ereko Market got burnt.

“In the movie, a character played the role

of Abiola and I went to him for help because my shop, which was located at Ereko Market got burnt. When I got to his house, I met his wife who told me Abiola was not around but I should wait for him. She asked for my name and I told her. When her husband arrived, she told him that he had a visitor that introduced herself as Mama Ereko. Later that night when we were editing the movie, the cast members began to tease me by calling me Mama Ereko but I told them that I did not like the name and that they should stop taunting me. They did not listen and the name later stuck,” she said.

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TUESDAY JULY 21, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ONDO POLITICS

In October, next year, the governorship election will hold in Ondo State. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be on the popularity weighing scale. Aspirants have begun consultations and mobilisation across the three senatorial districts. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the contenders and the issues that will shape the exercise.

20 for governor in Ondo •Akeredolu •Senator Boroffice •Ojo •Akintelure HE next governorship election will hold in Ondo State next year. Ahead of the exercise, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have returned to the drawing board. Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s priority is to hand over to a successor from his party when his second term expires. Thus the slogan of the ruling party in the Sunshine State is continuity.

However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a different agenda. Its Publicity Secretary, Prince Abayomi Adesanya, said the progressives are working assiduously to install new government. “Power must shift from the PDP to the APC in Ondo State. We are not relenting.”

The two main parties have their challenges. Former PDP Chairman Mr. Ebenezer Alabi, who spoke on the party’s preparations for the poll, said the party must put its house in order to retain power. He said the ruling party has tentacles across the 18 local governments. But, he acknowledged cracks on the wall, saying that the governor is in a position to mend it in the interest of the party. “The election is next year. We are trying do proper integration in our party. The PDP and the Labour Party (LP) merged last year. The merger process was badly managed. The intra-party election has come and •Oke •Kuku •Ekungba gone, but we need to cement it. Governor Mimiko must open •Mrs. Anifowose his government to accommodate more old members of the PDP. The party has to also accommodate them in its leaderfrom the South. ship structures. When that is done, we will prepare for the Aspirants from the South include Dr, Paul Akintelure, Chief In 1999, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, who was from election,” he said.

Olusola Oke and Mr. Femi Agagu. the North, assumed the reins. A chieftain of the Alliance for But, according to the APC, the people are yearning for The distribution of the aspirants underscores the party’s geoDemocracy (AD) from the South, the late Afolabi Iyantan, change. Peeping into the future, Adesanya said the party has graphical spread and influence. It also reveals the fact that was the deputy governor. an unfinished business in the Southwest. “We are warming the party has no solid position on zoning, which is often exHowever, power shifted to the PDP in 2003 when Agagu up for the election. For the APC in the Southwest, it is a very ploited as a tool of propaganda. Shedding light on zoning, displaced Adefarati. Agagu was from the South. His deputy, crucial election. Out of the six states in this zone, two statesthe Publicity Secretary said: “Zoning is not in the APC conBolanle Oluwateru, is a native of Akure, Central District.

Ekiti and Ondo-have PDP governors. The people of Ondo stitution. We are going to take a cue from the APC presidenIn 2008, the LP candidate, Mimiko succeeded Agagu, folState look forward to the installation of an APC government tial primaries. Members will choose the flag bearer at an open lowing a protracted legal battle. His deputy, Alhaji Ali next year. Progressives are working towards it. There are chaland transparent primaries.”

Olanusi, who recently defected from the LP to the APC, is lenges. But, we will overcome,” he said.

But, Adesanya explained that, although zoning does not from the North.

The APC Chairman is Hon. Isaac Kekemeke. But, few exist in the party’s constitution, there is a general feeling and Three years ago, Mimiko became the second governor to months ago, former Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi became understanding that the APC candidate should come from the have won a second term. His challengers-Akeredolu of the the leader of the party, following his defection from the LP. North. A party chieftain, who spoke on the condition of anodefunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Oke of the In next year’s election, he will lead the APC forces against his nymity, said the choice of a candidate will also influence the PDP-are from the North and South respectively. former boss, Mimiko, on the field. choice of the running mate. “What can benefit the APC is to The general feeling in the APC is that the next candidate The recent general elections revealed that the APC has a choose a sellable candidate. From the look of things, the asshould come from the North. That may have informed the bright prospect in Ondo State. The party won two senatorial pirants are fairly old. If the candidate is from the North, then, high number of aspirants from the zone. Top on the list is the seats, five House of Representatives slots and five House of the running mate should come from the South and he should former university don, Borrofice, the Asiwaju of Akokoland.

Assembly seats. Thus, the party is strong in Akure, Akoko, be younger. Both of them must be popular. They must have He was elected as a senator on the platform of the LP in 2011.

Idanre Ifedore, Owo/Ose, Ikale and Ilaje. But, the election grassroots appeal. They should not be imported from other However, he defected to the ACN. In 2012, he was an ACN will not a walk over. If the PDP resolves its crisis, it may bestates.” governorship candidate. During the recent election, he was come stronger. The party has a senator, some House of RepAlso, a chieftain from Akure said: “APC is becoming more re-elected. Boroffice’s activities in the party have made peoresentatives members and many state legislators. It also enpopular in Ondo State. The feeling is that Mimiko may not ple to swarm him. He is perceived as a committed, popular joys the power of incumbency wielded by Mimiko. groom an acceptable candidate. But, APC must be careful. and grassroots politician. “Unlike his colleague in the Senate, PDP aspirants from the North Senatorial District include Party members will not tolerate imposition of candidate. It Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Prof. Boroffice has respect for the Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Mr. Tokunbo Modupe and Dr. Olu will only spell doom for the party. Only transparent primaparty. He has respect for the party leadership because he beAgunloye. A source said that community leaders may also ries devoid of rancour, controversy and dispute will augur lieves in the party supremacy. Eyes are on him,” said a chiefdrag Senator Bode Olajumoke into the race. In the South Diswell for the opposition party.” tain from Akoko. trict, the ruling party has three contenders. They are Hon. Historically, despite the lack of constitutional backing for Party sources disclosed that Akeredolu (SAN) has also beKingsley Kuku, Hon. Sola Ebiseni and Mr. Pius Osunyikanmi. zoning, political parties have always adopted it as a matter of gun consultations with stakeholders. He was the ACN candiIn the Central District, no chieftain has indicated interest. convention. In 1979, when the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin date in the 2012 election. He was defeated by Mimiko. In fact, APC aspirants from the North include Mr. Rotimi emerged as the first elected governor, his running mate, the the legal luminary from Owo came a third in the exercise, trailAkeredolu (SAN), Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, late Chief Akin Omoboriowo, was from the Ekiti axis. Both ing behind Oke, who ran on the platform of the PDP. Akeredolu Hon. Victor Olabimtan, and Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose. Others were chieftains of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) is perceived as a successful lawyer, patriot and activist at the are Mr. Niran Sule, Akinsehinwa Awodeyi Apata, Chief led by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. bar. He is the former President of the Nigeria Bar Association Bukola Adetula, Segun Abraham, and Chief Segun Ojo. AsIn the Third Republic, the defunct Social Democratic Party pirants from the Central District are Senator Tayo Alasoadura, (SDP) produced Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua from Ekiti as • Continued on page 46 Prince Derin Adesida and Mr. Tunji Ariyomo. governor. His deputy, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, came

T

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THE NATION TUESDAY JULY 21, 2015

POLITICS

Unlike his colleague in the Senate, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, ‘Prof.

Boroffice has respect for the party. He has respect for the party leadership because he believes in the party supremacy ’

Ben Onyechere is a former Special Assistant to former Vice President Alex Ekwueme. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks about the agitation for power shift to Abia North and what the Ikpeazu Administration portends for Abia State.

Ikpeazu’s ’ll restore peace in Abia

H

OW is Abia State coping with the shortfall in revenue allocation?

Abia State is one of the few states in the federation that is not encumbered by a huge debt profile. This was because the immediate past administration entrenched some prudent financial management mechanism and this has been imbibed by the current administration.

However, this is not to say that the state’s revenue position is perfect, particularly with the slump in the price oil crude oil globally. This is the major reason why most states cannot meet their obligations, particularly with regards to payment of workers’ salaries. This governor is not unaware of the expectations of Abia people for a quick turn around of the revenue position.

This is why on assumption of office he embarked on immediate reconstruction of roads in Aba as a platform to assess and enhance the status of revenue generation in the state. He is trying to devise ways to maximise the state’s revenue generation potential at the moment. All efforts are geared towards ensuring that the Aba Integrated Power Project being carried out by Geo-

metric Power Limited comes on stream soon. The project is intended to provide electricity to the commercial hub of Aba. How is the governor tackling crime, which the state is noted for?

The problem with Abia State really is challenges of interest articulation and aggregation. The major agitation was centered around the clamour for power shift, and with the effective achievement of that ambition, the state has been united more than ever before. The level cohesiveness that transpired across all social or political divide in reaching this goal was instructive. Prior to the election the generality of the elites had formed an understanding to remain together and speak with one voice. This was what added impetus to the quick resolution of the power shift; it was agreed that the core Ngwa or Abia

South should produce the governor.

This has brought unparralled peace in the state because the governor became a natural selection among the lot who came out. This was based on factors such the fact that he is a full-blooded Ngwa man. This is in addition to the fact that Abia is a PDP state. Besides, he is a grassroots politician who has learned the ropes because of his service to the state in an official capacity. In contrast, his opponents were all living outside the state and have little or no idea of the nitty gritty of home politics. The case of Alex Otto is peculiar because he had never been involved in politics at any level before he was drafted to come and run for the primaries. But, when he could no longer cope with the rigours, he decamped to APGA, in spite of the fact that the party had an existing candidate. The crisis that

The major agitation was centered around the clamour for power shift, and with the effective achievement of that ambition, the state has been united more than ever before

engulfed the party afterwards was a result of his entry into the race on the party’s platform. It is, however, preposterous that the same man is claiming that he was rigged out. APGA members voted in protest for the PDP because of the way and manner the existenting candidate was displaced.

The people of Abia had through their choice of Ikpeazu, who lives in Aba, rejected the plan of the other candidate to colaterize the state apparatus which could have resulted in the mortgaging of future generations of the state. The problem with the opposition really is that they underestimated the political consciousness and enlightenment of Abia people, otherwise you could not hastily resign your appointment from diaspora and expect to arm twist every body including the incumbent whom he had lobbied previously.

What will the new government do differently?

As you know, governance is a continuum and you cannot completely break from the past. But, that notwithstanding, he intends to improve on the achievements of his predecessor, by focusing on improving revenue generation. This will be used to revive ailing indus-

tries, so as create more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. The upgrade of infrastructure, particularly roads, is uppermost in his mind.

What is the guarantee that he will not fall out with his predecessor?

As you know, respect is reciprocal; what normally brews problem is when a former governor starts demanding too much cash from his successor. But, luckily, ochendo is a good man and he may not indulge in such.

•Alasoadura

•Agunloye

•Ikpeazu

20 for governor in Ondo • Continued from page 45 (NBA). But, despite being a successful lawyer, he has not been able to enact the same feat in politics.

Another aspirant is Mrs. Anifowose, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

She was the former ACN Chairman. She is only woman aspirant.

Anifowose is the daughter of the venerable nationalist, Ajasin, the last President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa and Second Republic governor. In 2012, she was also an aspirant. But, she later stepped down for her kinsman, Akeredolu.

Ojo, former Finance Commissioner, left the ACN for the LP when Akeredolu emerged as the flag bearer in 2012. He criticised the selection process, saying that it was unfair. But, recently, he retraced his steps. When he defected to the APC, he fired salvos at the governor, saying that he has personalised power and rubbished those who assisted him to remain relevant during the last election.

Ekungba, a banker, is from Owo Local Government. He was among the aspirants in 2012. When he was not picked as the flag bearer by the party, he expressed reservations.

But, after much persuasion, he decided to stay in the party, full of hope for a brighter future. Party leaders have acknowledged his loyalty. His first hurdle is to secure the ticket. If he succeeds, he will be the first Muslim to govern the state.

Niran Sule was, until defection to the APC, an associate of the governor. He left the governor, following irreconcilable differences. While in the PDP, he was said to have sponsored some APC candidates for the House of Assembly elections. He is nurturing his structure, ahead of primaries.

Other aspirants from Owo are Awodeyi and Adetula. While Awodeyi is a businessman, Adetula, a lawyer, is the son of the

Second Republic member of the House of Representatives, Chief Zoka Adetula.

Mimiko is from the Central. Thus, many people are of the opinion that aspirants from the zone should not vie. But, the people of Akure are making a strong case for an “Akure governor.” In their view, Akure has been sidelined for long in the context because of the sentiment that it is the state capital. No Akure indigene has governed the state under the civilian rule, despite the fact that it has the largest number of voters.

Alasoadura is trying to ride on the back of the popular sentiment to power. He is a former Commissioner for Finance. Following a rift between him and Mimiko, he defected to the ACN. He was the Coordinator of the APC Governorship Campaign Committee in 2012. During the recent elections, he was elected senator. However, controversy has trailed his activities in the Senate. Some APC chieftains have criticised his decision to support candidates for principal offices of the National Assembly who lacked the blessing of the party. Among those who took him to task was former House of Representatives member Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde.

Some chieftains also called for disciplinary action against him, saying that he is not a loyal party man.

Ondo South APC parades chieftains with intimidating credentials.

The zone has the second highest number of voters. In the last seven years, it has been the stronghold of the LP and the PDP. In the district, Oke, a lawyer, is a household name. He is from Ilaje Local Government. In 2012, he was the PDP candidate. The vocal politician came second. Few days to the presidential election, he defected to the APC. Sources said that he was not comfortable with Mimiko’s defection to the PDP. His grouse was that the governor was among those who weakened the party in the past.

Besides, he explained that he was given a bad treatment by the PDP leaders who refused to carry him along during the discussion with Mimiko over the defection.

Oke, who is the former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, has structures in many local governments. He was among the unsuccessful SAN applicants. A source said that, if the candidate comes from the North, Oke may be selected his deputy.

Akintelure, a medical doctor and a prominent member of the APC from Okitipupa Local Government, is also setting up structures, ahead of primaries. He is a former House of Representatives aspirant. in 2012, he was Akeredolu’s running mate.

But, the ACN failed woefully in Ikare and Ilaje areas.

Elegbeleye is from Akoko North East. He is a former House of Representatives from Akoko North East/West Constituency. After he left the House, he served as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Modupe is the former Coordinator of the Jonathan Campaign Organisation in Ondo State. among those who have shown interest in the race. He is from Ose Local Government Area. The voting strength of his local government is negligible.

Agunloye who is from Akoko Northeast. He is a retired university don. He made history as the Chief Road Marshall. In 1999, he was Special Assistant to the Minister of Power and Steel, the late Chief Bola Ige. He later served as minister. After leaving the Federal Executive Council, he defected from the PDP to the LP. In 2011, he dumped the LP for the ACN. When Akeredolu became the candidate, he returned to the LP. Later, he defected to the PDP. Agunloye was a senatorial aspirant. But, he failed to get the ticket. The party’s distribution formula did not favour him because he was categorised as an old member of the PDP, who

Zoning is not in the APC constitution. We are going to take a cue from the APC presidential primaries.

Members will choose the flag bearer at an open and transparent primaries should give new members a chance.

The ticket was given to Olajumoke.

Agunloye later joined forces with the businessman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, to protest Mimiko’s defection to the PDP. Party sources disclosed that Ibrahim is still interested in becoming governor. He is from Okitipupa. Since 2003, he has been nursing the ambition. He left the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) for the PDP. But, he

lacks a formidable structure.

Former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs Kuku is an Ijaw from Ese-Odo Local Government Area. He is a loyal party chieftain, who has invested much in the growth of the PDP. A student activist, he narrowly missed being the President of the Student Union at the Ekiti State University in 1994/ 95. The university authority insisted that the election should be put on hold. But, after graduation, he won election into the House of Assembly. He was not a bench warmer.

He is very articulate, bold and brave. As a presidential adviser, he contributed to the success of the amnesty programme. He kept the Niger Delta boys in check. Militancy reduced during his tenure.

However, Kuku faces certain odds.

He is from the minority of minority in Ondo State. He does not enjoy a tentacle of influence across the state. His influence is limited to the riverine communities.

Ebiseni, the Commissioner for Environment, is a veteran politician.

He is popular in the state. He is a grassroots politician. He was the Chairman of Ilaje/Ese-Odo local government.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION

Expert faults committee report on airlines’ capitalisation, merger

A

N aviation expert, Olumide Ohunayo, has faulted the recommendation of the Ahmed Committee proposing enhanced capitalisation for indigenous carriers .

Ohunayo, who is the head, Strategy of Zenith Travels, described increased recapitalisation for domestic carriers as mere documentation that will not resolve the myriad of challenges operators are grappling with.

He said mere increase from N2.5 billion to N5 billion is not enough to enhance capacity for struggling carriers.

Ohunayo also picked holes in the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Committee which proposed that debtor domestic carriers be taken over by government to establish a national carrier.

He said:” The committee asked the Federal Government to merge all airlines owing the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON ) to transform into a major carrier.

“I do not agree with that submission because the alleged debt to asset ratio of debtor airlines is obviously higher than their liabilities. Doing that will not be appropriate.

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

“Also I am not impressed with the management of one of the domestic airlines by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) the airline rather than improve in services has been reducing in operations and fleet with an abysmal staff strength. ‘’The resuscitating medication is not working.”

Ohunayo said AMCON should lookout for other options such as placing advertisement for buyers or shopping for turnaround airline experts.

Such steps he said could help the recovery process before a merger arrangement could be put in place.

He said: ”An outright merger now will be counterproductive.

It would serve as a subtle subsidy for families who in the past allegedly mismanaged their airlines using funds from banks owned by Nigerians.”

He also spared a thought for under utilization of some domestic routes calling on government to install air field lighting facilities at some airports to boost flight operations.

He said:”The committee also wants the government to address

the under -utilisation of routes, this is a good initiative if we can address this problem .The airlines are fixated on the trunk routes leaving other domestic routes to a flight or two per day. ”These famished routes can be improved upon if the Airport facilities are tweaked to extend operational hours,by drastically reducing charges and fees at such airports and by also giving interested airlines some Incentives.”

He said it is the joint responsibility of the Federal and State government to attract flights to those airports.

He said the Federal Government should take the lead. He said :”If we improve facilities and increase operational hours it will benefit our airlines, passengers and the economy at large.”

On the recapitalisation proposal for domestic airlines , he said : The committee also requested that the NCAA should enforce the capitalisation requirement of N2.5billion and N 5billion, for domestic and international operators that are registered in Nigeria, within three months.

“I disagree, we will continue to progress in error if the emphasis is on capitalisation.

Delta Airlines reports $1b profit

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ELTA Airlines has reported financial results for the June 2015 quarter, including adjusted net income of $1.0 billion or $1.27 per diluted share.

The net income represents up 22 cent from the June quarter of 2014.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Anderson, said this while giving details of the airline’s performance.

He said :” Delta’s record results have allowed the company to invest in its employees through higher wage rates and profit sharing; improve the experience for our customers through new aircraft and innovative partnerships with global carriers; and uniquely deliver value for our shareholders by accelerating our capital returns while also paying down debt.

“We have more work and opportunity ahead of us on all of these fronts as we continue to execute on our long-term plan.”

Anderson continued: “Our significant fuel savings in the September quarter should allow us to produce another record quarter with more than 30 per cent growth, a 19 to 21 per cent operating margin and $1.9 billion of

17 NAMA engineers graduate from NCAT EVENTEEN engineers of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), from

S

the Directorate of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Services (ATSES) have graduated from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), after undergoing a threemonth preparatory course for the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Licence issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The course, which began in April, this year, was designed to prepare qualified engineers to man communication navigation system and air traffic management infrastructure, Information communication technology equipment as well as

•Mr Olu Owolabi, Managing Director of Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), ( third left), Mr Emmanuel Cobhams, Director-General, Nigerian Chamber of Commercial, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other officials of SAHCOL during a facility visit to the firm in Lagos.

Pilots, engineers plan proposal for Buhari

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HE National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers ( NAAPE) plans to submit a proposal to President Muhammadu Buhari on how to fix sore points in the aviation sector, its General Secretary, Ocheme Aba, has said.

He said the proposal to the government would reflect the views of stakeholders on key civil aviation regulations, flight safety and security as well as protectionism and liberalisation of bilateral air services agreement .

Aba said the association decided to forward the position paper to the government to douse ongoing discordance of tunes coming from various aviation stakeholders .

He said :” Our resolve to send the position paper is coming at a time when the new Federal administration is in the process of setting new agenda of reforms in all sectors of the economy. ”NAAPE considers this present

state of animosity among various elements of the aviation family to be a dangerous trend which needs to be urgently arrested, less aviation misses this golden opportunity to take its rightful place as a driver of economic prosperity in Nigeria.

“It is, therefore, in a bid to provide a platform for the aviation family to muster together at this critical junction of our national life that NAAPE is organising an Aviation Stakeholders Forum which outcome will be a unified and unifying aviation agenda for the Buhari government.”

He further said :” It is pertinent to note that several other key stakeholders will equally present individual and group views for dissection at the forum.

“The synthesised views which will be presented to government will, therefore, be fully representative, encompassing, and will no doubt act as active ingredients for the rapid and sustainable growth of the avia-

tion industry in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, NAAPE will today hold a stakeholders forum to discus myriad of challenges confronting the sector.

A former rector, Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Captain Adebayo Araba will chair the forum .

A former of airworthiness standards engineer at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Patrick Ekunwe, will lead discussion with his paper titled : “ Bottlenecks , shortcomings and competences in Nigerian civil aviation regulations .

A retired air traffic controller , Sam Akerele, will discuss a paper titled:”Issues in Nigerian flight safety environment – An overview.”

While, Capt. Adeyemi Dare , a former staff of NCAA will examine the title: “ Liberalism Vsp Protectionism – Whither Nigerian national interest: An aviation sector perspective.”

operating cash flow.”

Delta’s operating revenue for the June quarter increased one per cent, despite $160 million in foreign currency pressures which reduced unit revenues by approximately 2 points. Passenger unit revenues declined 4.6 per cent on a 3.9 per cent decline in yields.

Delta saw solid progress with several of its revenue initiatives, including Branded Fares, which increased passenger revenues by $56 million, and its enhanced agreement with American Express, which produced an incremental $60 million in revenue.

“Our commercial initiatives continue to gain traction in the marketplace and we will produce summer margins in excess of any achieved in our history,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president.

“However, unit revenue growth is an important component of our long-term plan to expand margins.

“We continue to project flat system capacity growth for the fourth quarter of 2015 – a level in line with current demand expectations, which should put the business on the right trajectory to stem the erosion in unit revenues by the end of the year.”

power systems.

Speaking at the graduation, NAMA Managing Director, Ibrahim Abdulsalam, who was represented by the Director of Safety Electronics and Engineering Services, Emma Anasi, congratulated the participants.

He said:”For justifying management’s huge investment in the training by successfully rounding off the programme.”

Abdulsalam also expressed confidence that the training would equip participants with the necessary skills and latest trends required for them to contribute towards improving the safety of air navigation in the country.

EU backs blanket collection of airline pax data

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IRLINES will have to transfer passenger data such as seat numbers and payment information to law enforcement authorities for flights into and out of the European Union (EU), under rules passed by EU lawmakers.

EU governments are anxious to prevent Europeans going to fight with Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, fearing they could carry out attacks in Europe when they return.

They have long pushed for the sharing of airline passenger data.

But members of the European Parliament have resisted for two years, on the grounds that would infringe people’s privacy.

The Islamist attacks on French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in January pushed the issue up on the agenda, and on Wednesday members of the Civil Liberties Committee in the European Parliament voted for an amended version of the so-called “Passenger Name Record” proposal.

It will now be fine-tuned in negotiations with member states before becoming law.

“The emerging threat posed by so-called ‘foreign fighters’ has made this system even more essential,” said British Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope, who is spearheading the proposal.

The system would make airlines operating flights into and out of the EU – but not within the EU – hand over passenger data such as seat numbers, contact details, itineraries and payment information, to EU law enforcement authorities, who will comb through them to identify patterns of suspicious behavior.

Lawmakers narrowed the types of crimes for which the data can be used to terrorism offences and some types of serious transnational crime, such as people trafficking and child abduction.

The data would be “masked out” after 30 days to prevent the passenger being identified. It can then be held for up to five years for terrorism offences and four years for transnational crimes.

Liberals and Greens in the Parliament still condemned the proposal, saying blanket collection of data would do nothing to stop terrorists from entering the EU.

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e-Business

ISON votes $400m for Nigeria’s expansion I

SON Group has said it has voted $400 million to be spent in deepening its foothold in Nigeria, adding that it is committed to making the country its hub of operation into the African Continent.

ISON is a customer experience management provider in Africa, Middle East and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, offering systems integration, managed services, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and strategic outsourcing solutions using endto-end IT services.

Its global CEO, BPO, Mr. Pravin Kumar, who spoke in Lagos said part of the firm's strategy to expand its foothold in the country is to establish four more state-of-the-art call centres in Nigeria.

He said: "Nigeria has a huge potential for growth and development, especially with the availability of strong, vibrant and talented workforce. One of our visions for Nigeria is to up skill and develop local human talent thus enabling the country become an Offshore Call Center hub which will add significant value to our customers, internally and externally. It should not be difficult to create 25,000 jobs in one to two years in this

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

space and generate export revenue of around $400 million in same. It can then grow from there."

ISON BPO, which provides call centre outsourcing services, has over 7,000 employees across 12 countries, in which 4,500 employees are in 10 countries in SubSaharan Africa. ISON BPO is the largest BPO company in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the countries ISON BPO operates in include Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. In 2015, the company plans to add nine more centres with an additional 5,000 employees in this region.

Founder and Chairman, ISON Group, Mr. Ramesh Awtaney, allayed fears of job loss, insisting that instead of sending more Nigerians into the labour market, the firm creates jobs for more Nigerians, adding that the firm is a pan-Nigeria firm.

He said: "Unlike most BPO and tech service companies which take work and jobs to IP (Internet Protocol), we have pioneered reversing the trend by taking the IP to the work without compromising on world-class quality.

As part of our core strategy, we have invested in developing local systems and empowering lo-

cal talent to foster a better future for the African continent. We do not outsource local work outside of Africa."

He said since its establishment in Nigeria, ISON has employed 1,300 people, of which 99 per cent are Nigerians. Its key clients in Nigeria include Airtel and AIICO. Kumar said the ISON Technologies is equally a pan African outsourcing player, providing end to end IT services and solutions across Africa, Dubai and the Middle East. ISON Innovation and Investments (I3) focuses on driving consumer internet businesses in Africa.

He said:"Through this initiative, we embark on a new journey to help entrepreneurs from the internet fraternity. Collectively, ISON Group has on ground presence in 25 African countries as well as the Middle East, and ASEAN regions.

"The ISON Group offers BPO services through ISON BPO. The robust BPO services infrastructure is built on global delivery framework to deliver voice, non-voice and other knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services through local presence and on-shore/remote support, leading to superior customer experience, highly satisfied cus-

tomers and growth in business.

The services are offered to all business sectors including telecoms, retail, aviation, government, oil and gas, banking and financial services.

"The company has committed to setting up four state-of-theart facilities in Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ilorin, and Kano. We plan to employ about 4,000 employees in these call centres with an additional investment of $20 million this year. ISON BPO has excellent Call Centre facilities around the world including one in Ibadan and plans to recreate the same standards everywhere in Nigeria."

ISON BPO is known for its ability to deliver cost-effective outsourcing solutions to its clients, globally, thus enabling its' clients to focus on growing and developing their key business mandates. Their focus on employee training and capability development means that they are able to train and develop their staff to world-class standards.

ISON BPO Call Centres as well as other service offerings, ISON Technologies and ISON Investments come under the ISON Group which is registered in Africa and has presence in 25 sub-Saharan African countries.

•From left:Head, Retail Businesses and Services, Micro Station, Mr. Emmanuel Ekuma; Chairman, Mr. Nestor Coutroupis; Managing Director, Mrs. Tinuola Coutroupis and Head, Sales, SME & Merchant Acquiring, Interswitch Limited, Mr. Jeffrey Williams, during the unveiling of Micro Station’s Customer Loyalty Scheme tagged “Great Value, Happy Customer” in Lagos

Telcos unseal app challenges to spur innovation in Africa, Asia

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N order to spur innovation and further fuel the already hot mobile markets in Africa and Asia, telecom providers have launched app challenges.

Ahead of the August 3 launch of Orange’s app challenge for startup developers mainly in Africa, announced the first week of July, Indiabased Airtel has announced a similar contest, according to IDG News Service.

Set to be France-based Orange’s largest international developer challenge to date, the programme is aimed at supporting local startups and driving innovation in Africa and the Middle East. The challenge is for de-

velopers in 13 countries (11 in Africa), and will involve use of its APIs. While Orange notes that the developer challenge will be the first in which the telco will open up its APIs in Africa and the Middle East, it maintains that it isn’t their intention to merely provide a cash prize to developers just for making an app.

“We are actively going to collaborate with these developers to help them launch their solutions, on our network, to our customers,” Orange said in email. “Additionally, the scale of the competition covering so many countries is again something we believe that no other opera-

tor in this region has done before. The success of such programmes will spur the opening up of our platforms more widely to developers with the shared ambition of designing new services tailored specifically for our AMEA customers.”

Ten startups will compete from each country, using three Orange APIs (for eSMS, USSD and Director Operator Billing) as a test platform.

Thirteen runner-up projects will emerge, then one global winner.

On the other hand, Airtel’s challenge—a partnership with Singtel and Samsung— seeks to attract developers in Africa and Asia who will part-

ner with the companies to launch applications on the two continents.

Airtel Africa will provide all operational support to promote the campaign while Singtel and Samsung will organise a mentorship program for the regional winners and the finale.

During its five-month app challenge, Airtel will engage African and Asian developers and partner with them to develop consumer-centric mobile applications that will leverage mobile network services including mobile, data, carrier billing, location and SMS. Overall winners will be expected to start working with Airtel and Singtel in 2016.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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e-Business The adoption of ICT in Nigeria just as it is in other countries. Dr. Patience Akpan-Obong, an associate professor of Science, Technology and Society at Arizona State University speaks with OLATUNDE ODEBIYI on how ICT can be used as a means of national development, among other issues.

Call, ATM, other charges inhibiting technology adoption H

OW would you assess the level of the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools in Nigeria?

In the private sector, the level is high, there is a lot of social use of ICT's and also, there is innovative use in trying to get the technologies to create wealth. The Computer Village (Otigba Market, Ikeja) people, all the computer peripherals' that they sell and even the road side phone rechargers are also finding ways of making money out of ICT. Those who use text messages to tell people to subscribe for one thing or the other are also making extensive use of ICT. I see a great social use than the economic use in the deployment of ICT among the civil society.

In the private sector, the banking sector has always been at the fore front of ICT usage right from the beginning. The sector continues to use the technologies in innovative ways.

In the public sector, the level is still very basic, a lot of ministries have ICT department by policy but many of the departments are just basically desktop support.

There is still a lot of manual processing, which involves the analogue mode of transactions that are paper based, such as tracking a letter that you have submitted previously.

The deployment of ICT is still very basic especially in the public sector. Nigeria has come a long way right from 15 years ago when I started doing research in the sector.

What challenges do you see in the sector?

It is the issue of trust. We are still not at the point where we fully trust things that we can't touch, feel or see.

There is also the challenge of primary infrastructure. At one level, we have all the infrastructure we need but, on the other level, there is the primary infrastructure that is not available - electricity. You can have all the computers in the world and all the cell phone, if you do not have electricity to power them, these tools become useless.

Another challenge is the cultural aspect of it, our attitude to technologies. This still fits into the issue of trust, where we have always done things in a particular way and we are not going to change.

Some people refer to this as change management.

Also, practice needs to match policy. We have got all the wonderful policies concerning ICT from the perspective of telecoms, information technology or in governance. Now we have an e-governance frame work; so we have all the wonderful policies but the problem is that in many cases, even the policy makers themselves are not practising or implementing the policy, so we need to match policy with practice, action and implementation.

Some government leaders do not know how to operate their emails, they do not have official email address, and even those that have left it in the hands of their secretaries who do not know how to operate it. They check it only once in a month.

What could the government and the private sector do in this respect?

We need to take the burden of ICT off the people.

The burden of the payment for internet connectivity, call charges and even the banking sector charges on ATM (automated teller machine) must be taken off the customers to facilitate widespread adoption of ICT in Nigeria.

More than 10 years after the liberalisation of the telecoms sector, service quality remains an issue.

What can be done to overcome these challenges?

In Nigeria, the mobile network operators (MNOs) complain about the problem of lack of electricity. They say they spend a lot more in doing business here than they do in other countries. The quality of connectivity is very low, interconnectivity is still problematic. They should try to figure out how to make connectivity work better.

There is need for more development in infrastructure and they should find a way of reducing the cost of telephone transactions, internet, data and all of that. It is true that they spend more in Nigeria in doing business than they would elsewhere but of course; they are making a whole lot of money from Nigerians than they would have made elsewhere too; so stakeholders have to find a way of being fair and reduce the cost of transac-

tions.

Banking fraud is on the rise as the recent report of Nigeria Deposit Insurance (NDIC) has shown.

Do you think the banks are not deploying enough ICT tools to stop it?

Fraud in the banking sector is not unique to Nigeria alone; it happens elsewhere, but I guess it is more in Nigeria.

There are two ways of using technologies in the banking sector. One is to prevent the fraud and then the other way is making sure that the technology we use is impenetrable . This could be done by upgrading the security technologies as frequently as possible and not being complacent because technology changes so often and so rapidly. The people who are hacking into the system are also changing and upgrading their own knowledge and skills. It is also said that people making the technologies are also the people who know how to hack into the technologies; so the banking sector could utilise the technologies to curb fraud because there are technologies that would help to curb fraud. For instance, even the surveillance camera is a technology that is useful for curbing fraud.

Another aspect is making sure that they have sufficient security technologies to prevent fraud.

They should invest in newer technologies and upgrading it frequently. They should use a lot of security technologies and not just security technology that prevent people from entering the bank but also the technologies that make online transactions safe and fraud proof as much as possible. We will not have 100 per cent fraud-proof technologies because human beings make the technologies and they will also figure out how to circumvent them.

Online transaction is the future. How prepared is Nigeria for this?

Yes, I think it is prepared for it because it is doing a lot already, the trading websites such as Konga,com, Jumia and the rest of them. Trust could be an issue; online transactions must have the security certification and things that assure people that it is a safe website. We also have to have the kind of structure that protects both the online merchant and the customer who does business online. We need those protection and mechanism that makes online transactions safe, fraud-free and protection for both the customers and the people putting their businesses online. That is very important for the success role of any online transactions.

Online transactions should be the solution to a whole lot of problems that we have in Nigeria, given the peculiarity of the environment, the bad road, the traffic, insecurity and all kinds of things.

I think Nigeria is prepared for online transaction as the future because there is a lot going on; we can only get better by continuing to improve, close the loop holes especially, in the trust and security areas.

Nigeria unveiled a National Broad band Plan setting ambitious targets of 30 per cent by 2018.

With about 10 per cent said to be what is on ground now, and the level of efforts at realising the objectives, do you see the country getting there?

Yes. We can, if we keep working on it. Based on what we have already achieved, back in 2000 when the national telecoms policy came up and the IT policy in 2001. When the Digital Mobile Licence (DML) that gave us the GSM (global system for mobile communication) were rolled out, there were all these targets that by the first one year, this is where we want to be and by the fifth year, this is what we want to have achieved. By the end of one year, we had exceeded the target of five years. So, based on that, if we put in the energy, the political will, we will be able to do this, we can even exceed that 30 per cent target which is just three years away; we can, it is possible. For us to even think of robust

•Dr. Akpan-Obong,

online transactions, we have to think about the national broadband, transfer to broadband and move over and expand our broadband resource.

Even with the mobile phone, if you have broadband, a whole lot of places would be wireless or you have wireless access and with all of these, you can do a whole lot with your phone, using wireless connectivity.

What is your scorecard of the adoption of ICT by the public and private sectors?

Yes. The private sector has always been at the fore front of technology innovation and in Nigeria, it has not been different. When it comes to ICT, the banking sector was there. The newspaper industry was also at the starting block of ICT adoption back in the ancient days of the 90's. Just like in other countries, the private sector has always been taking the lead in technology adoption but the interesting thing is that it needs the public sector in formulating policies to drive the sector even further. There is nothing so much the private sector can do by itself. Even though the private sector took the lead, in ICT adoption, utilisation and implementation, it was not until the public sector, (the government) came up with the policies-- the telecoms and IT policy, that there was a lot of movement forward.

The private sector did take the lead but the government is needed to bring the policies to create the regulatory and institutional frame work to enhance and facilitate what the private sector and the civil society are doing in terms of technology adoption.

How can ICT bridge the gap between the governors and the governed?

There is an extensive use of ICT as social tools; there is the social media and a lot of young people are on face book, twitter and blogs which are insightful and innovative. But, there is the need to see more connection between the social use of ICT and economic activities.

Leaders are now careful about their dresses and actions in public, because they know anybody can now write anything about them and post online.

We need to use technologies to hold public officials accountable and ask them questions to make them perform and fulfil their promises.

We can use the Google search to remind them of their promises years back and what they have done.

You can also use that to shame public officials who are behaving badly but most importantly, use the technology to hold public officials accountable and;

‘We need to take the burden of ICT off the people. The burden of the payment for internet connectivity, call charges and even the banking sector charges on ATM (automated teller machine) must be taken off the customers to facilitate widespread adoption of ICT in Nigeria’

compel them to do the things they promised to do.

It is about time government officials, political leaders not go into offices just to enrich them selves, but for them to start seeing public service as a service to the public and not service to their pockets. We can do that using ICT. We need to start looking at ways to use the ICT in more productive ways, economically and politically. It is time to talk about whatever is not going right in government and post. You can also snap pictures of the bad roads yet to be repaired by government. That way, you would use the pictures to challenge government on its inability to work and construct roads. It would get to them some day and they would be forced to perform their responsibility knowing that there are no hiding corners because the social media is constantly being used to expose their inadequacies in governance.

In what ways can ICT be deployed to tackle Boko Haram insurgency?

While that is possible, I cannot speak authoritatively on that because that is not my area of research or specialisation but what I can say is that we still have not yet exhausted the traditional ways of countering terrorism. Obviously, ICT can be used and the terrorists themselves are making good use of ICT in terms of their communication with their phone, posting things and using social media to communicate their messages, They are already using the technologies to facilitate their terrorism activities so it is also possible for the counter terrorism groups and forces to use the technologies as well. They could find ways of intersecting phone calls, and so in that process, they know the locations of these people. There is the tracking technology in phones and there are certain apps that you put in somebody's phone and another person would know where that person is. Sometimes, it might just be a phone conversation and then having the technology to keep that person on the phone for a bit so you can track the person. The use of satellite and other technologies can be used in combating terrorism. There is a whole lot of ways that ICT can be used as tool for counter-terrorism.

How else can ICT be used to grow the economy?

It is possible to use ICT to stimulate economic development. We have done a whole lot using the technologies, but there is still a whole lot more to be done. My argument is that there has to be the primary technologies like I mentioned earlier,, we have to have electricity. People talk of all kinds of energy but they all begin with electricity. When ICT is fully in place without hinderance, it would be easier to make money because all you have to do is to sit down in one place and do all you have to do online. Nigeria, to some extent, has done this but it still has its own peculiar problems and electricity is at its centre. If you are in a country where there is reliable electricity supply, you can use your phone and other devices to do what ever you want to do, life would be easier.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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e-Business FEEDBACK

Konga.com force behind Infinix’s success

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• A cross section of ‘parliamentarians’ at one of the sessions of Telecoms Consumer Parliament organised in Lagos by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).

‘Women representation in tech industry stands at 7:3 ratio’

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AINONE’S Chief Executive Officer, Funke Opeke, has lamented underrepresentation of women in global technology industry, adding that the current 7:3 ratio, as shown in Global Technology Industry reports, was unacceptable.

She has therefore stressed the need for concerted efforts to reverse the imbalance.

MainOne said it is in its efforts to redress the imbalance that it is for the second year, supporting the Women Technology Empowerment Center’s Technology Camp.

The 2015 Technology Camp is a two-week technology education and mentoring programme designed to help girls develop an early interest in computers and other information technology.

Represented by an official of the firm, Temitope Osunrinde, at a

media forum in Lagos, Opeke recalled the 2015 Technovation Challenge World Pitch held at San Francisco in the United States (U.S.) where four Nigerian girls clinched $10,000 after beating finalists from India, U.S., Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia with their mobile application, Discardious, which seeks to tackle the refuse disposal challenge in Nigeria.

Osunrinde urged stakeholders in the industry to step up activities to encourage young females to take up technology careers, and also highlighted the opportunities the industry offers women in making meaningful contributions to society through relevant, cutting-edge innovative solutions.

He further emphasised the MainOne’s support of initiatives aimed at encouraging technology careers for girls including the Glo-

bal Girls in ICT Day and the W.TEC Technology Camp.

He said: “At MainOne, our goal is to provide girls of all ages with support, mentorship and the motivation to pursue ICT-driven careers, eventually becoming active role models themselves to the next generation of girls. Our CEO, Ms. Opeke is an ITU (International Telecommuincations Union) female role model and believes this cycle is necessary to create better opportunities for our girls and revert the gender imbalance in technology.”

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director, W.TEC, Oreoluwa Somolu, said the technology camp adopts a variety of strategies that enable female students maximise learning experiences and make them better equipped to pursue careers in technology.

Afmobi creates jobs with Palmplay

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FMOBI Nigeria’s team of experts have designed a wireless platform that will help employ Nigerians or make them entrepreneurs through a plethora of fun apps, games, movie, music, pictures and business content hosted on a magical fun box called Palmplay offlineTM. Afmobi has its business plan clearly mapped out for just the African market and hopes to create a content-rich wireless hub whereby Nigerians can download games, movie, music, apps and pictures without using their mobile data.

In a statement, the firm said the name Palmplay offline TM has offline in it for a reason and that is because all the download on this wireless platform happens offline (without using mobile data), adding that useres' mobile data is

perfectly safe when the user enjoys premium content download over the wireless connection with amazing speed.

It said the firm just completed the first training for young set of entrepreneur, adding that the training had about 20 persons that were trained on how to use the magic box called Palmplay Offlinetm and how to make steady income as an entrepreneur.

"Palmplay offline TM boxes have bandwidth that can cover a given distance, which means users can enjoy contents from a supplying box within a given range. So, the business plan is to locate high traffic spots where there are clusters of people at any given time and install the box.

"Palmplay freelance agent can maintain a steady stream of income

by getting the Palmplay offlineTM boxes installed at different location where there are descent cluster of people such as tech vendor stores, super marts, hotels, campuses and others. The more people connect and sign up on the platform they have access to download some contents for free while the paid ones ranges from between N10 and N100 depending on the content needs to be activated. As they are buying cards to activate them, the agent gets 10 per cent of every income generated from each spot created," the statement explained.

According to the firm, Afmobi is a mobile and internet tech services company with headquarters in Shenzhen, China and three other offices in Lagos, Accra, and Nairobi, Kenya.

House of Phones states commitment to customers

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HOUSE of Phones Nigeria Limited, a mobile phone sales and repair outlet, has restated its commitment to providing the best deals and most reliable as well as convenient service to Nigerians. A statement endorsed by its Chief Executive Officer, David Osinowo, explained that the firm is famous for its excellent services over the years, adding that it will keep up doing all it could to satisfy its numerous

By Modupe Elegushi

customers.

He said: "We are able to fulfill our commitments by harnessing our local knowledge, by leveraging on our global competencies and capabilities, and by forging strategic partnership with top distributors and established logistic companies."

Osinowo said the company will continue to provide the fastest and

reliable repair services in the country to customers.

He said:"We have the tools and expertise to repair most makes and models of phones and tablets. We also offer pickup and delivery service for your phones and tablets for repairs at your convenience.

"Some of the services we provide include sales of mobile phones, accessories, tablets, laptops, repairs, recycling, pick-up and delivery services."

IGERIA has been purported to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world and today foreign investors and businesses are increasingly focusing on Africa’s most populous country. One company that is forging a success story in Nigeria is leading Chinese smartphone manufacturers – Infinix mobility. What is interesting about the success model for this company is that it has been built on a long term partnership with Nigerian ecommerce company, Konga.com.

Entering into Nigeria’s market, Infinix Mobility exclusively adopted Konga.com’s ecommerce platform for the introduction of its first flagship device, the Infinix Zero. The unprecedented but very ingenious move saw Infinix enjoy record growth from Konga’s widespread reach and penetration across Nigeria. Konga capably rose to the task of building popularity and preference for the Infinix Zero with strategic marketing campaigns and support and within the first few weeks of the device launch, Konga.com recorded over 100,000 units of the devices sold.

Since then, Infinix continues to reapply this winning model, retaining Konga as its exclusive partner for the launch of their devices. According to Bruno Li, Country Manager for Infinix Nigeria, “With the heights we seek to take the Infinix brand to in Nigeria, it was clear that Konga is one company that would get us there”. In November 2014, Infinix launched another device on Konga.com; Infinix Hot

By Olatomiwa Akande

X507. Unsurprisingly, the outstanding success was replicated. Today, on the back of innovative marketing and positioning led by Konga.com, Infinix has now grown to be one of the top selling mobile devices in Nigeria.

According to Konga’s Marketing Vice President, Gabriel Gab-Umoden; “Konga is happy to be a part of this incredible success story. We bring to the fore the importance of local content in reaching customers.

Our marketing and sales strategy is predicated on Konga’s deep understanding of the Nigerian consumers and the best ways to reach them with the right value proposition in terms of competitive pricing and with excellent service delivery. We also commend Infinix for delivering top value in the mobile phone category.

They have been instrumental in driving up smartphone and android penetration up in just a few months”.

Konga’s successes with introducing and building brands is pretty extensive. Some other brands in Nigeria today that are very well known and respected in the Nigerian market following joint launches with Konga.com include Polystar, Lenovo, BlackBerry, Huawei, Gionee, Fly, Skyworth, Saisho.

According to Infinix Country Manager Mr. Li, “Infinix is set to launch the highly anticipated Infinix Zero 2 phone on Konga, this May”. Click here to be one of the first to own the device exclusive to Konga.com.

•Akande, a Media Communications Expert, wrote from Lagos

COMPLAINTS BOX My phone number is 08033242256. Complaints: I always receive unsolicited text messages from my service provider . This SMS can come anytime of the day including weekends! They come through coded numbers such as 5201, 5031 ,3021 ,3031 and others.

They normally command me to subscribe to one thing or the other like health tips, sports, music, wise sayings ,proverbs and all sorts of stupid distractions! I normally delete these SMS but am getting tired and frustrated ,pls ,advise them to stop all these rubbish or else I will be forced to tear their SIM card into shreds! I don't need the messages at all! There are lots of problems in this country and it is unfair that my service provider should be adding more through numerous and high provoking and insulting unsolicited and vexatious messages!

My phone number is: 08165255703 Complaint: Each time I buy airtime on my phone, it disappears with the speed of lightning.

Kindly use your good offices to ask my operator what has happened to my line.

My phone number is: 08187580759 Complaint: My problem is with data. Over the past two weeks, I have spent so much on my data subscription. I actually subscribed to a data plan that

should immediately give me 2G data according to what my service provider promised.

I loaded airtime and dialled the appropriate code but to my utmost disappointment, the data ran out within four days. I don’t stream videos on Yutube, I don’t download pictures or engage in internet frivolties.

This has happened to me almost thrice in recent weeks.

I have tried contacting my service provider hoping solution will come my way.

Kindly use your platform to compel my service provider to “return my stolen data” 08035735383 is my phone number: My problem has to do with data. I use a Blackberry phone and naturally I subscribed to a data bundle plan. My worry is that each time I intentionally deactivate my internet connection at the expiration of my data plan, I noticed that my service provider kept deducting my money for data usage. I am shocked that this could still be happening to me because the data icon had already been deactivated. Or does it mean that so long as one uses a smartphone, data subscription becomes automatic?

My service provider should not auto-renew my data subscription. It is courtesy to ask if I was interested in continuing with the data bundle plan.

•Send complaints lukajanaku02@gmail.com

to

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

52

INTERNATIONAL

e-Business

Micro Station lauds customers for loyalty

Google's self-driving car crashes

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NE of Google Inc's self-driving cars was involved in an accident early in July, in which three employees were injured when a vehicle equipped with Google technology was rear-ended by another vehicle, the company said.

Several employees suffered minor whiplash in the July 1 incident, when a vehicle drove into the rear of a Lexus RX450h prototype - outfitted

by Google with special sensors and software - which had stopped at a traffic light near the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, a Google spokesperson said on Friday.

The employees were sent to a nearby hospital "as a precautionary measure" but were not admitted, the spokesperson said.

Google said it was the first such incident involving injuries in a selfdriving car.

The technology giant, which

started developing self-driving cars in 2009, said its prototype vehicles have been struck 14 times, including 11 rear-end collisions. The Google vehicle was not at fault in any of those incidents, the company said.

Google disclosed the incident in a blog post on Thursday.

"Our self-driving cars are being hit surprisingly often by other drivers who are distracted and not paying attention to the road," wrote Chris Urmson, director of Google's selfdriving car project, in the blog post.

"The clear theme is human error and inattention" in those incidents.

Google is testing a fleet of 23 specially equipped Lexus prototypes, and said it has logged more than 1 million test miles. Last month, the company began testing tiny, bubbleshaped self-driving prototype vehicles of its own design on public roads around Mountain View.

The company has also started testing self-driving prototypes in Austin, Texas.

Google and other automotive manufacturers and suppliers have said the technology to build selfdriving cars should be ready by 2020.

Urmson has said the company does not want to build its own selfdriving cars, but would prefer to find a development and production partner.

But most major multinational automakers are developing their own so-called automated vehicles that are designed to control major functions such as steering, brakes and throttle, without human effort.

The Google self-driving cars have humans on board who can assume manual control of the vehicles if necessary.

Dell software releases unified communications command

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ELL Software has announced the newest release of its Unified Communications Command Suite, which adds analytics reporting for Office 365 for Exchange Online and Cisco Unified Communications Manager to Dell's crossplatform analytics and diagnostics solution.

A statement explained that the Unified Communications Command Suite 8.1, the market's only solution to offer analytics and diagnostics across both Microsoft Exchange and Lync, now expands an organisation's capability to harness the valuable intelligence in its unified communications systems to increase user productivity, encourage adoption, protect sensitive information, increase ROI, and plan for future growth and migrations.

Today's organisations invest heavily in unified communications and typically have a variety of systems in place across the organisation, yet lack accurate insight into who is using which platform, or how it's being used. The result is lost productivity, increased support man-hours and millions of dollars in software platform costs and renewals.

With the looming end of support for Windows Server 2003, increased adoption of Office 365, and Exchange 2016 on the horizon, organisations are considering multi-UC platform migration paths that will support evolving business needs and better prepare for future growth. UC Command Suite delivers accurate insights into the already deployed various UC communication platforms - including which offices, departments, and cities are using specific platform features - to help businesses determine where to increase investment and where to eliminate platforms

not being used.

These insights help organisations better prioritise, anticipate capacity planning for the future environment, and enforce better communications and data loss prevention policies as they plan for their next migration path. Additionally, these UC insights help drive the cross-platform adoption and usage to realise the maximum return on investment.

Dell's UC Command Suite 8.1 is a future-ready solution that delivers a truly cross-platform unified communications analytics solution that provides significant insights and comparisons of usage trends and charge backs across Office 365 Exchange Online, Exchange on-premises, Lync/Skype for Business, and even Cisco Unified Communications Manager. This single solution helps organisations make informed decisions about their evolving unified communications strategy, and better plan for business growth.

Commenting on the Suite, Senior Product Architect and Microsoft Lync MVP, Dell Software, Curtis Johnstone, said: "Organisations are looking to Office 365 and Cisco UC, along with Microsoft Exchange and Lync/Skype for Business, to make life easier and enable better communication and collaboration among employees. To understand the true value and impact of all of these unified communications systems within the organisation, it is critical to have a single source of truth that aggregates usage, trends and adoption data to enable better business decisions, enforce communication policies and rationalise and standardise the organisation's UC investment. ''With the addition of support for Office 365 and Cisco UC Manager, Dell's Unified Communications

Command Suite 8.1 provides that single cross-platform analytics and diagnostics solution, and continues Dell's expansion of this unique cross-platform offering."

As more organisations look to migrate to Office 365 and Exchange 2016, UC Command Suite enables them to plan for a successful migration with reduced risk by assessing their Exchange environment today, and providing ongoing analytics on communication consumption, security policy adherence and workforce activity in the new environment tomorrow.

UC Command Suite's newest features include Office 365 native support whichEnhances understanding and insights into Office 365 Exchange online environment. UC Command Suite picks up where native reports leave off, providing insights into email usage and trends to help enforce communication policies, ensures SLAs for responsive departments, and unlocks the data trapped in the most common form of communication - email.

Cisco Unified Communications Manager Support enables organisations to monitor usage and trends within their Cisco Unified Communications Manager, and build chargebacks based on call types, users and departments. It also provides an overview and inventory of the environment, conferences and peer-to-peer sessions, and compares usage to Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business to help make informed decisions on the rationalisation of UC environments.He said the path of genuine industrialization and job creation in the country would not be guaranteed with the unbanning of importation of textile products outside the shores of Nigeria.

LEADING mobile phone retail outlet, Micro Station, has attributed the success of the brand in Nigeria to customers' loyalty.

To this end, the firm has rolled out a unique customer loyalty scheme for its existing and potential customers.

Tagged: "Great Value, Happy Customer", the loyalty scheme is aimed at sustaining the buying behaviour of customers as well as acquiring new customers, who would associate with the Micro Station brand.

Speaking at the unveiling of the programme and formal commissioning of a new outlet in Ikeja, Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Micro Station, Nester Coutroupis, said the firm is strategically focused and positioned to drive up the momentum fro crucial communication products and unique mobile phone gadgets coupled with equal to non customet services based on robust customer relationship, which has continued to endear more patronage to our various stores.

Coutropolis said in Micro Station, customers are very key to their success story, "and this has driven our zeal to always try to find ways to cel-

ebrate them for their undiluted patronage and unflinching support in the area of business patronage.

According to him moving up in the business chart of the informal sector has been daunting and challenging , "but with doggedness and the zeal to succeed, we have focused pragmatically on our customers feedback and responses in righting our wrongs and this has turned out to be the magic wand that has brought Micro Station success in the mobile phones retail sector."

On the loyalty programme, which is in partnership with Interswitch, the CEO said said the solution is built into the conventional Point of Sales (PoS) terminals through its trusted technical partners and a leading epayment company in Nigeria, Interswitch Limited.

"Unlike conventional loyalty programmes that use barcodes on card or payment and non-payment cards being used on PoS terminals, we have implemented a phone number program as the customer identifier, as customers will just insert their phone numbers in the terminals to earn and spend their reward," he said.

Yudala offline makes debut YUDALA, a retail chain, is set to unveil its offline division with mega deals, unprecedented discounts, loads of freebies including free phones for visitors as it launches four stores in Lagos on Saturday, July 25th.

According to the Vice President (Yudala Offline), Mr. Stanley Uzoechina, the debut outlets which include two Experience Stores and two Smart Stores will offers visitors a mouth-watering taste of the Yudala revolution by offering the best deals and bargain sales on a wide range of quality, pocket-friendly products. The Yudala Experience Stores are located at the 1st Floor, The Palms, Lekki and at 10, Medical Road, Ikeja while the Smart Stores are situ-

ated at 25B Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island and at 5, Redemption Crescent, Gbagada.

“We are offering Nigerians a revolutionary, platinum experience of offline retail with Yudala. Apart from the bargain sales and free phones on offer, shoppers can also enjoy up to a massive 75% discount on select products at any of our Experience and Smart Stores, four of which are being officially launched on the same day.

“Every Nigerian will have an opportunity to enjoy the unique experience Yudala offers as 10 additional stores will be launched nationwide before the end of August 2015, 50 stores by the end of May 2016, 151 stores by June 2017 and 512 stores by June 2019.

Obama invites Onuegbu to speak on Global Entrepreneurship

P

RESIDENT Barak Obama of the United States of America has invited Collins Onuegbu, Executive Vice Chairman Signal Alliance and Founder of Sasware, to speak at the 6th Annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2015) in Nairobi, Kenya on July 25 - 26.

According to Courtney Beale, Senior Director National Security Council, "Your participation will demonstrate your personal commitment to the President's long standing support for entrepreneurship and his call to action on May 11 to generate new investment in entrepreneur around the world."

Onuegbu who is a leading investor in technology and technologyenabled businesses has accepted the invitation. He will be part of a discussion in Intra-Regional Entrepreneurship and Trade at the summit.

Speaking on his acceptance Onuegbu says, "There is need for more engagement and sharing of ideas to see how we can improve and support entrepreneurs in an emerging economy like ours. Nigeria entrepreneurs and angel investors need all the support they can get to grow their businesses and generate employment in order to reduce poverty."

It would be recalled that President Obama launched the GES in 2009 in order to bring together entrepreneurs and investors from across Africa and around the world annually to showcase innovative projects, exchange new ideas, and help spur economic opportunity. The 2015 GES agenda will focus on generating new investments for entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on women and youth. Since 2009, GES has

•Obama

•Onuegbu

emerged as a global platform connecting emerging entrepreneurs with leaders from business, international organisations, and governments looking to support them. This is the first time GES will take place in sub-Saharan Africa

53

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY DAILY SUMMARYASASATAT16-07-15 16-07-15

Equities lose N208b on 14,349 deals

I

NVESTORS in Nigerian equities lost some N208 billion last week as the stock market struggled with a poor start, that had eroded expectations that first half earnings would lift the market to modest recovery.

Aggregate market value of all quoted companies at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped from its week’s opening value of N10.836 trillion to close the week at N10.628 trillion.

There were only 13 gainers during the week as against 57 losers, underlining the widespread selling sentiments that had sustained 11day consecutive decline at the stock market. In the previous week, there were 19 gainers against 50 losers.

Besides, most stocks still remained stagnant with 120 flat stocks this week against 124 unchanged stocks in the previous week.

Investors lost an average of 2.15 per cent of their portfolios during the four-day trad-

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

ing with all the indices at the NSE closing on the negative.

In spite of a last-day respite on Thursday that broke the 11-day successive recession since the start of the second half, the benchmark index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), indicated a week-onweek decline of 2.15 per cent to close the week at 31,047.99 points as against its opening index of 31,729.26 points.

Total turnover stood at 1.19 billion shares worth N20.26 billion in 14,349 deals this week as against a total of 1.26 billion shares valued at N15.77 billion traded in 17,016 deals in the previous week.

Financial services sector remained the most active with a turnover of 928.85 million shares valued at N11.84 billion traded in 7,903 deals; representing 78.26 per cent and 58.44 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Conglom-

erates sector followed with a turnover of 76.52 million shares worth N629.896 million in 979 deals. The oil and gas sector placed third with a turnover of 67.815 million shares worth N966.60 million in 1,652 deals.

The trio of Zenith International Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc were the most active stocks, jointly accounting for 647.735 million shares worth N9.888 billion in 2,477 deals, representing 54.58 per cent and 48.81 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Access Bank, the second most active stock, recorded a turnover of 72.48 million shares worth N356.37 million in 860 deals.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria ranked third on the activity chart with a turnover of 64.05 million shares worth N144.18 million in 583 deals.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-07-15

54

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

MONEYLINK

NDIC urges banks to improve corporate governance M

Moody’s assigns B2 rating to Sterling Bank

By Collins Nweze

•Ibrahim

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has urged Deposit Money Banks to enhance their adherence to corporate governance principles in the interest of the sector.

Companies and Allied Matters Act, the NDIC Act, the CBN Act and the Failed Banks Act, expressed the need for more stringent sanctions to serve as deterrent for irresponsible and greedy behaviours.

He cited the case of the recent move by the regulatory authority in the UK to enhance supervision and management of banks with emphasis on personal responsibilities of directors. “In this regard, both the UK companies Act 2006 and the recent tough new banking rules, are compelling some bank directors to rethink their suitability and competence to remain as bank directors. Some board directors actually resigned,” he said.

He said in their bid to establish a robust and stable financial system

Its Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, who made this known while delivering an address at the 2015 Executive Breakfast Meeting of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, said stakeholders in the banking sector should pay greater attention to sound corporate governance practices to prevent systemic crisis in the sector.

He identified failure of sound corporate governance as one of the factors responsible for the 2009 Nigerian banking crisis.

Ibrahim, who reviewed the various laws governing banking operations in Nigeria, such as the Banks and Other Financial Act 1991, the

to promote national development, supervisory and regulatory authorities also accorded priority attention to sound corporate governance in their own operations.

He listed some of the initiatives put in place by the Corporation to promote sound corporate governance, to included adoption of a charter and code of corporate governance for its Board, compliance with the Code of Corporate Governance for all regulators under the auspices of the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee, code of conduct for its bank examiners and compliance with provisions of relevant Acts of the Federal Government on disclosure and accountability.

Stanbic IBTC Bank funds transport sector projects

D

ESIROUS of contributing to the improvement of trans portation in Lagos State, Stanbic IBTC Bank has financed the acquisition of Tata buses by Southdrift Investment Limited for operation under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme of the Lagos State government.

Southdrift, which will operate the buses on dedicated routes, has a five-year BRT contract with LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, operator of the Bus Rapid Transit scheme, to run a particular route within the Lagos metropolis till 2018.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Head, Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Lloyd Onaghinon, said the bank has a professional vehicle and asset finance

unit which understands the needs of the market and its customers. He said Stanbic IBTC Bank has established a robust relationship with LAGBUS and Southdrift and is ready to work with both organisations to improve transportation in Lagos.

“At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we understand the needs of our clientele and we constantly strive to provide innovative banking solutions tailored to meet those needs. With the vehicle financing, we hope to deepen our healthy relationship with LAGBUS and Southdrift as well as the Lagos State government to engender an efficient transport system in the state and across Nigeria,” added Onaghinon.

The latest financing demonstrates Stanbic IBTC Bank’s pedigree in vehicle and assets financing.

Stanbic IBTC Bank, under a deal with the state government, financed the acquisition of 100 Tata waste compactor trucks for refuse disposal in the state.

Head, Franchise Management, LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, Ogunyankin Olubodun, praised Stanbic IBTC Bank for its support in transforming the Lagos State transportation system to meet the needs of Lagos residents. According to him, “We commend Stanbic IBTC Bank for its intervention in the Lagos State transportation sector. LAGBUS is determined to ensure that the state transport system is well run and we will continue to extend the necessary assistance to our franchisees, including Southdrift Investment,” he said.

Director of Operations, Southdrift Investment Limited, Mr Olatunji

Baiyewu, while thanking the bank for funding the acquisition of the buses, assured Lagos residents of better quality transport services at affordable prices. “The new buses clearly show our resolve to constantly improve our services.

Commuters deserve the best and we will continue to provide them comfort as they commute within Lagos,” Baiyewu said.

Onaghinon said that Stanbic IBTC Bank offers short- to medium-term vehicle and asset finance (VAF) facility to qualified customers as well as non-customers in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and other businesses for the acquisition of moveable assets such as vehicles for personal or commercial use on competitive and flexible repayment terms.

OODY’S Investors Service, an interna tional ratings agency has confirmed the resilience of Sterling Bank in Nigeria’s competitive banking sector by assigning a Local and Foreign Currency Issuer and Deposit Ratings of B2 with stable outlook.

In a statement, the agency idescribed Sterling Bank as a stable financial institution with solid quality assets, robust Information Technology and strong risk management systems. The Agency also assigned a Counterparty Risk Assessment (CRA) of B1(cr)/Not Prime(cr) to the Bank and declared all ratings of the Bank stable.

The agency noted that its Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) also reflects the bank’s solid liability profile. “The bank is predominantly deposit funded with a low reliance on more sensitive market funds.

Deposits make up 89 per cent of the Bank’s funding sources, compared with an average of around 65 per cent for the sector,” the Agency stated.

BCAs are the measure of an issuer’s standalone financial strength that describe the probability of a bank defaulting on any of its rated instruments, in the absence of external support.

Moody’s ratings also incorporate one-notch uplift from Sterling’s B3 BCA, based on their “assessment of a moderate likelihood of government support in the event of need. Furthermore, provision coverage is good, with loan loss reserves amounting to 98 per cent of doubtful credit”.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.2399 1.3035 0.7543 1.1801

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.2337 1.3035 0.7424 1.1801

ETI ACCESS UNITYBNK IKEJAHOTEL OANDO VITAFOAM DIAMONDBNK CONTINSURE SKYEBANK NASCON

O/PRICE 20.31 4.80 2.33 3.83 12.10 5.60 3.96 1.00 2.09 6.73

C/PRICE 22.00 5.03 2.44 3.99 12.60 5.70 4.08 1.03 2.15 6.90

CHANGE 1.66 0.23 0.11 0.16 0.50 0.10 0.12 0.03 0.06 0.17

LOSERS AS AT 16-07-15

SYMBOL CCNN TRANSEXPR FCMB MAYBAKER UNILEVER CWG FIDSON CHAMPION ETERNA AGLEVENT COSTAIN

O/PRICE 11.50 1.22 3.00 1.60 39.90 3.43 3.48 5.58 2.30 1.27 0.67

C/PRICE 10.42 1.11 2.85 1.52 37.91 3.26 3.31 5.31 2.19 1.21 0.61

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

CHANGE -1.08 -0.11 -0.15 -0.08 -1.99 -0.17 -0.17 -0.27 -0.11 -0.06 -0.03

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

$28.2b

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 16-07-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Tenor

Tenor

N16.42 trillion.

16.5%

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices 27 May Statistics 5 May All Share Index 34,649.3 29,383.93 Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) 11.8 9,804.36 Deals 3,385 3,714 Volume (mn) 564,28 377,75 Value (NGN’mn) 6,087.80 6,568.66

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

May 27

.

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m

400m 350m

399.97m 349.96m

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

NEWS

Inside the oil deals that cost Nigeria billions •Continued from page 3 tic Energy paid cash calls worth $168m, but lifted crude oil of about 3million barrels valued, conservatively at over $350 million. Despite the differentials in remittances, NPDC continued to look the other way as Atlantic Energy lifted about 2million barrels of crude oil in 2013, valued at about $240million, but paid cash calls of $68million. In 2014, records also revealed that Atlantic Energy paid zero cash calls and lifted about 500,000 barrels of crude oil, valued at $54 million, with all the funs siphoned abroad as payments for vendors sources say are phony.

Again, the promoters incorporated the Atlantic Brass Development Company Limited on February 5, 2013. As usual, it was hurriedly granted another set of SAA. The SAA covered another set of 4 blocks: OML – 60; OML – 61; OML – 62; OML – 63. Unlike in the previous deals in 2011 and 2012, when it paid a fraction of obligatory funds, the company simply pocketed all the proceeds, paying pay no signature bonus or any cash calls at all despite lifting about 8 million barrels of crude oil, valued at $800 million at the time. Instead various amounts of money were transferred to the accounts and investment companies in UK, Dubai and Switzerland. They also opened mirror accounts of Atlantic Energy Brass in the UK and Switzerland (see the table on foreign accounts).

However, with the fall of the administration of Jonathan, the chicken seemed to have come home to roost, as the NPDC, which seemed to have condoned all the infractions of its strategic partner, has suddenly woken from slumber.

In a letter from NPDC, dated May 6, Atlantic Energy was asked to pay its outstanding indebtedness OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42, totalling $573,668,090 (five hundred and seventy three million, six hundred and sixty eight thousand, ninety dollars).

“This is to inform you that we have not yet received any payment on outstanding cash call obligations after our reconciliation sign-off, dated August 28, last year. Kindly remit the sum of $573,668,090 (five hundred and seventy three million, six hundred and sixty eight thousand, ninety dollars) only, being amount due to OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42,” said the NPDC. An analysis of the reconciliation sheet revealed that the $573,668,090 was just a fraction of the cash calls, as some huge returns that were yet to be subjected to technical and financials by the two parties were not included.

But the bad state of finances on OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42 paled when compared with that on OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 where Atlantic Energy owes NPDC a staggering $1,250,644,474.54 (one billion, two hundred and fifty million, six hundred and forty four thousand, four hundred and seventy four dollars).

In another letter from NPDC, dated May 6, Atlantic Energy was reminded of its outstanding indebtedness.

“This is to inform you that we have not yet received any payment outstanding cash call obligations after our reconciliation sign-off, dated August 28, 2014. Kindly remit the sum of $1,250,644,474.54 (one billion, two hundred and fifty million, six hundred and forty four thousand, four hundred and seventy four dollars) only, being amount due on OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63,” the letter said.

Atlantic Energy has also defaulted on the bank loans from First Bank Plc and Skye Bank. Instead of moving the proceeds of the liftings

‘

It is worrisome to note that we are yet to receive the draft accounts/returns as promised. Let me remind you that the accounts/returns are long overdue for submission. You are advised to submit the accounts/returns within 10 days from the date of receiving this letter, failing which FIRS shall enforce compliance with the relevant tax laws

enue Service (FIRS) as stipulated by law. Using an influential lawyer, who sources said is the company’s legal backbone, Atlantic Energy has continued to hold on to the legal advice that it is not liable to tax.

In a letter from FIRS, dated February 17 , Atlantic Energy was warned of the consequences of its refusal to submit the accounts and returns within the next ten days. It was signed by the duo of Okeowo Taiwo, and Ocheja E.F., FIRS’ manager (tax) and deputy manger (tax) respectively.

It reads: “It is worrisome to note that we are yet to receive the draft accounts/returns as promised. Let me remind you that the accounts/ returns are long overdue for submission. You are advised to submit the accounts/returns within 10 days from the date of receiving this letter, failing which FIRS shall enforce compliance with the relevant tax laws.”

Transfers, cash withdrawals

Sadly, a company that could not meet its financial obligations was on a spending binge, with its directors living ostentatiously (owning private jets and armoured Sports Utilities Vehicles) and transferring huge sums – sometimes in billions and millions of naira and dollars – into accounts of both local and foreign •Aluko and outgoing AfDB President Donald Kaberuka at an event where the organisations. And if the local transbusinessman partnered with the bank. fers raised some red flags, so were the numerous transfers of millions to foreign accounts (see a table on WHAT SHOULD HAVE GONE TO NIGERIA foreign accounts) of Expedia Marine Company Limited, Energy Property Development Ltd, Petrochemicals 2011 2012 2013 2014 Total Offshore, SPOG Petrochemicals OML 26, 30, 34, 42 Limited, Premium Aviation Services Ltd, Ibalex Nigeria Limited, and Crude Oil lifted by Atlantic Energy 102,789,280.00 346,423,160.00 234,178,870.00 53,074,500.00 736,465,810.00 numerous others, where funds were Cash Calls Paid on behalf of NPDC (68,976,470.00) (168,131,990.00) (68,000,000.00) 0.00) (305,108,460.00) paid at different times.

Interestingly, Atlantic Energy is

by Atlantic Energy enmeshed in huge debts - albeit selfimposed. But it seems the embattled Subtotal 33,812,810.00 178,291,170.00 166,178,870.00 53,074,500.00 431,357,350.00 company is not ready to go down alone. Not only has it closed its ofOML 60, 61,62,63 fice, it also did not pay its staff for Crude Oil lifted by Atlantic Energy 621,744,970.00 227,956,800.00 849,701,770.00 more than one year. It has equally defaulted in the payment of workCash Calls Paid on behalf of NPDC ers’ pension and PAYEs, leading to a mass resignation crisis that swept

by Atlantic Energy the company even before it closed Sub total 621,744,970.00 227,956,800.00 849,701,770.00 its shop recently. Even business partners were not left out, as AtlanGrand Total Lost to Atlantic tic Energy, which kept booking Energy From FGN 33,812,810.00 178,291,170.00 787,923,840.00 281,031,300.00 1,281,059,120.00 flight tickets and enjoying services from international and reputable companies, did not meet its obligations to its numerous clients, wrecking havoc on several businesses.

Atlantic Energy Debts: Now, Atlantic Energy owes NPDC about $2billion, banks $550million, workers $5million, and other venNPDC 2,000,000,000.00 dors $20million. This explains why the banks as well as NPDC appear Staff 5,000,000.00 helpless, as Atlantic Energy is franBanks 540,000,000.00 tically looking for investors to buy the company and the massive debts Service Providers 20,000,000.00 to boot.

The Nation learnt that the promot2,565,000,000.00 ers of Atlantic Energy are negotiating a soft-landing with some peoThe letter was signed by Tutu tion, (2) copy of executed NPDC re- ple that are very close to the corrito the two banks to repay the loans and pay the obligatory cash calls, Alu, manager, corporate banking payment plan, (3) addendum to the dors of power with a view to reAtlantic Energy has transferred the group, and Tosin Faniro-Dada, re- SAA, (4) NPDC consent to the re- funding a paltry amount. Their stratagem is to sway the new adfunds through various related party lationship officer, corporate bank- structure of the company.” companies. As at now, the loans ing group.

The FBN letter also included the ministration to avoid the “unneceshave not been paid while the Another letter from First Bank, following conditions that must be sary controversies” that a probe mounting interest element is also dated February 20, tacitly refused a met before considering Atlantic En- may generate so that they can be long overdue. request from Atlantic Energy seek- ergy’s request: “provision of asked to “go and sin no more”. As In a letter from Skye Bank, dated ing to restructure the loan facilities standby Letter of LC to secure crude part of a grand strategy to achieve April 10, Atlantic Energy was re- it has received from the bank, hing- oil liftings, and payment of all over- their objective, some foot soldiers minded of repayment its outstand- ing it on some stringent conditions. due obligations, coupled with the have been enlisted, including some “We refer to the meeting held on injection of $100 million to reduce highly-placed Nigerians, to reach ing obligations ($39,232,428.16) on out to President Muhammadu the $120 million loan facility it took 19th February 2015 and your request exposure to lenders.” from the bank. for a restructure of your facilities The letter was signed by Deji Buhari to strike a deal on their be“Kindly refer to our various cor- coupled with lenders’ consent to Abisola, business manager, corpo- half, fearing that any inquiry into respondence and discussions re- change the ownership structure of rate banking group (energy and the books of NPDC and other agengarding your outstanding obliga- Atlantic Energy. We wish to state utilities), and Jide Ayeronwi, group cies in the highly opaque oil and gas tions on the above subject facility that, even as we are mindful of the head, corporate banking group, (en- sector will most likely unearth a can of worms. ($120 million). This is to remind you set timeline, we are constrained to ergy and utilities).

How will President Buhari, who that the total sum of $39,232,428.16 progress your request further until Also, in spite of the billions of dolplus accrued interest is past over- we receive the following docu- lars it has enjoyed over the years, is widely revered as an incorruptdue for payment on your facility,” ments: (1) copy of the executed Atlantic Energy has not filed its ac- ible man, handle this and other the letter said.

NPDC/Atlantic Energy reconcilia- counts with the Federal Inland Rev- matters in teh industry? Time will tell.

‘

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

CITYBEATS

Two die in Lagos protest T

WO persons were yesterday killed in the Temidire area of Alagbado in Lagos when a peaceful protest turned bloody.

The late Ganiu Adebayo aka Oludegun, described as a youth leader, and the late Tunji Olaniyi (aka Tunji Alaso), described as a land speculator, were attacked by a mob for taking protesters’ photograph.

The protest was organised by landlords to protest the forcible invasion of their property and harassment by Olaniyi and his thugs.

The placard-carrying landlords and community leaders trooped out about 1.a.m, chanting solidarity songs to condemn what they called “undue violent attacks” by Olaniyi and his boys.

The protesters urged the Lagos State government and law enforcement agents to save them from the hands of Olaniyi.

Men of Alagbado Police Station, who came in two patrol vans, maintained law and order.

The protest became violent when Olaniyi and some of his boys were sighted in a black space bus taking the protesters photograph.

About 11.05 am, some angry youths, who barricaded Moshalashi and Ibari roads, stopped Olaniyi’s vehicle and challenged him for taking photographs during a protest against him.

Our reporter watched as Olaniyi’s vehicle was smashed by the mob.

He left and returned with more of his boys.

The late Adebayo was hit during

•The protesters...yesterday

By Kunle Akinrinade

sporadic gunshots by the hoodlums.

The mob was said to have descended on Olaniyi and his men with machete.

He died before he could reach a nearby hospital where he was rushed to.

Speaking with our reporter before the protest turned violent, Baale of Temidire, Chief Nojeem Abioye alleged that Olaniyi and his men had been terrorising house owners.

He said: “Many house owners moved into this community more than 40 years ago without any disturbance until a few years ago when some land speculators decided to make life unbearable for them in their own houses.

“We faulted his claim that he was

‘

“I have told him several times to desist from harassing or attacking innocent landlords in this community but he would not listen to me.

Yesterday, he beat up an elderly landlord in this community and the man is now on admission in a hospital.

’

representing a fictitious Ota community who he claimed are the original land owners because Ota is in Ogun State while our community is in Alimoso Local Government Area of Lagos State.

“I have told him several times to desist from harassing or attacking innocent landlords in this community but he would not listen to me.

Yesterday, he beat up an elderly landlord in this community and the man is now on admission in a hospital. He has annexed so many buildings using his thugs to unleash terror on hapless landlords and residents.”

A community leader, Chief Olanrewaju Ololade, said: We are protesting today because we have more than 5,000 people living in this community. Many of us bought our property from Fred Williams family over 40 years ago.

“In 1984, some members of Ibari family in Ota, Ogun State came here to harass us and we took them to court. We got a judgement in 1988, wherein the Ibarri family’s claim to our property was overruled by the court. But lately, Olaniyi has been terrorising us claiming to represent an unknown Ota community as land owners. We told him that we have a valid court judgement which validated our ownership of the property but he resorted to violence, beating and harassing landlords and residents. We are, therefore, using this protest to call on Lagos State to save us from the activities of his boys.”

Temidire Joint Community Development Association chairman Chief Apanishile Ale said Olaniyi had been using thugs to attack those opposed to his reign of terror. A source, who didn’t give his name, told our reporters that

•The late Olaniyi

Olaniyi’s boys were already planning to avenge their boss’ death.

Policemen from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Alagbado Division were seen patrolling the community at press time.

Police spokesman Kenneth Nwosu, a deputy superintendent (DSP) said he received a distress call around 11.45 am that one Tunji Rasak ‘M’, who was attacked and injured during the protest, died in the hospital he was rushed to. He added that another unidentified person was injured and is responding to treatment. Nwosu said investigation was on going.

Lions Club to build eye centre

By Nneka Nwaneri •Some women at the Ndubuisi Kanu park, Ikeja during Eid-EL-Fitr celebration ...yesterday

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HE International Association of Lions Club District 404B-1 will hold a fund raising on Sunday for the building of an eye centre in Badagry, Lagos, It will also equip the centre.

It opted to build the centre after its needs assessment of some communities in the Badagry area. Its District Governor, Mrs Idowu Anobili, told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the centre would handle general eye care diseases.

•Children having fun at the park, ...yesterday.

PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

•From left: First Vice District Governor (VDG) 404B-1 Waheed Kadiri; Mrs Anobili; Second Vice District Governor Oyewole Oyewunmi and District Cabinet Secretary Timothy Soniregun during the press conference...yesterday

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

57

NEWS Emerhor urges Muslims, Christians to promote peace •APC chieftain greets Sultan Abubakar

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ELTA State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the April 11 election, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has urged Muslims and Christians to respect one another’s religion and avoid insulting people’s beliefs in the guise of freedom of speech.

The APC chieftain said this was necessary for the nation to avoid the spread of hate.

In a statement by his Media and Political communication Adviser, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, the APC chieftain said Muslims and Christians are created by God/Allah with divine primary assignment to be agents of peace.

He said the two books of Islam - The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah - promote love, peace, tolerance, freedom of belief and mutual understanding.

Emerhor noted that terrorism and killing of innocent people are condemned in Surah Al-Anaam (Chapter Six), Verse 151.

He posited that the Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is full of examples of where he showed love and affection, even to the strangers, non-believers and enemies of Islam.

The APC chieftain said Jesus Christ also preached love, peace and tolerance.

According to him, freedom of belief and mutual understanding remain the remedies to cure terrorism and promote global peaceful coexistence to secure a progressive future.

Emerhor, in his Eid-El-Fitr message, congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III and Muslims all over the world on the auspicious occasion.

He described the Sultan as a royal father with vast knowledge, wisdom and virtue.

The APC chieftain urged Muslims to emulate the Sultan’s detribalised and patriotic virtues to take Nigeria to a higher level of socio-economic development.

He assured that President Muhammadu Buhari would end Boko Haram’s insurgency and effectively manage the nation’s human, material and financial resources for positive socio-economic transformation.

‘Reduce cost of governance’

Opposition kicks as Dickson gets nod for N25b loan O

PPOSITION parties in Bayelsa State yesterday faulted the decision of the House of Assembly to grant Governor Seriake Dickson’s request for a N25 billion loan.

House of Assembly Speaker Kombowei Benson, last Thursday, approved the loan, which Dickson said would be spent to complete ongoing projects.

The Speaker read the legislature’s approval on the floor of the House of Assembly.

The projects listed in the governor’s request letter are: Ogbia-Nembe-Brass Road, Sagbama-Ekeremor Road,

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Yenagoa-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa Gateway-Igbogene Road, Yenagoa Ring Road, Opolo-Elebele Road, Isaac Boro Road, the 500-bed Melford Okilo Memorial Hospital and the Oxbow Lake Tourism pavilion.

Besides the only All Progressives Congress (APC) member in the House, Chief Sunny Ingoli, who was absent during the proceeding, other lawmakers unanimously endorsed the request.

Most of them, including House Leader Peter Akpe, described the request as long overdue.

But opposition members queried the motive behind the loan, especially coming a few months to the governorship election.

APC’s Kolokuma/Opokuma Ward Chairman Abiye Stephen hailed Ingoli, who is also the House Minority Leader, for staying away during the plenary.

He said the process and purpose for the loan were suspicious and criminal.

•Enugu State Sector Comander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr David Mendie (left) with Crown Mayor of Nike clan of Enugu State, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, during the commission’s training seminar for community members at Ibeagwa Nike, Enugu State…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Community shuts down Shell facility in Bayelsa

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GGRIEVED residents of Koroama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday shut down the Gbarain-Ubie Integrated Gas Plant, operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), over nonsupply of electricity.

The protesting host community barricaded the facility, insisting that the company should give the area electricity from the power supply component of the multi-million naira facility.

The road to the facility was blocked by hundreds of youths, women and elders, who also halted work at the gas plant.

Koloama’s paramount ruler, Chief Sabu Martins urged the aggrieved residents to remain resolute until the company grants their demands.

Chief Martins said: “Today, I and my people are protesting to SPDC and the Federal

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

UNIVERSITY lecturer, Dr. Chris Ekong, has urged Federal, state and local governments to reduce the cost of governance.

The don regretted the high cost of running governments in Nigeria.

He said it was the major causes of the country’s underdevelopment.

Dr. Ekong, a lecturer in the Economics Department of the University of Uyo, spoke yesterday at Eket, Akwa Ibom State, at the Annual Feast of Barracuda 2015 Lecture, with the theme: Reducing cost of governance as s panacea for strengthening the Nigerian economy.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Also, the Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Mr. Fredrick Kuffor, said the decision to obtain the loan few months to the end of Dickson’s first tenure was worrisome.

He queried: “How do you describe these actions by the House of Assembly and the governor? How can he say he is to use the money to complete the listed projects? Have you forgotten that he said he had completed the payment of some of the listed projects?

Where is the money he said he saved for Bayelsa people?”

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•Demands electricity •Plant lacks capacity to feed community, says Shell Obari said: “The Bayelsa From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Government. Koroama is a host community and has the largest proven gas and oil reserves in Shell’s operations in this area.

“We have agreed that we could die here, if light, the only demand we have, is not given to us. Then, Shell will never operate on our land.

We have given them time to remove their things. We want the government to intervene.”

Also, a rights activist and founder of Agape Rights Organisation (ARO), Miss Ankio Briggs, described the demand of the host community, as modest.

She said: “What I have heard them say today is not different from what has been

said for a very long time.

What they are demanding is in line with what (the late Isaac) Adaka Boro demanded.

“This story about host communities, who I call the owners of the resources, is about self-determination. It is about corporate social responsibility (CSR). The demand is just and right.

“I call on the Government of Bayelsa State, the Federal Government and Shell to look into the demand, although it is not the duty of Shell to provide electricity to Nigerians. But it is a social and moral obligation to their hosts.”

But SPDC, through its spokesman, Mr. Joseph Obari, said it had difficulties meeting the electricity demand of its gas plant host communities because of limited capacity.

State Government is leading the discussions with Koroama community to end the blockade of SPDC project sites.

“The community started the blockade about three weeks ago to press home their demand for free and uninterrupted power supply to the community from SPDC’s gas plant.

“The Gbaran-Ubie Integrated Oil and Gas Plant supplies back-up power to two neighbouring communities under an agreement entered into with host communities in 2006, at the project conception stage.

“Due to the limitation imposed by the power capacity of the plant, it has been unable to accommodate other communities’ requests to key into the power system.”

Delta bullion van accident victim loses leg

R Michael Akporode, the husband of the victim of last Monday’s accident, which was allegedly caused by policemen escorting a bullion van in Udu, Delta State, has appealed for help for his wife, Mrs Onome Akporode.

The woman’s legs were crushed by a lorry that was avoiding a head-on collision with the police bullion van conveying money to a first generation bank.

Mrs Akporode is recuperating in the Intensive Care Unit of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara.

Our reporter, who visited DELSUTH yesterday, learnt that the Akporode family had spent over N1.3 million to save the woman’s legs.

But the left leg has been amputated; the

•Husband seeks financial help From Shola O’Neil, Warri

right was saved, after a coordinated medical battle by doctors.

Her husband spoke with our reporter on the plight of the family to save his wife.

Akporode saqid: “As I am talking to you, we have spent about N1.3 million on drugs, blood and other medical supplies, from when the accident occurred till this moment.

“Here, I have a list of drugs of over N100,000 that I have to buy today. I am going to Warri to get at least two pints of blood. When I was leaving this (Monday) morning, I left N50,000 with my sister; that money has been spent and we are spending more. Every day, I spend up to N200,000.

“Unfortunately, since the accident, we have not heard anything from the police

or the bank. What we were told is that the bullion van was rented from a security company and they are asking us to go to the company.

“I cannot leave my wife to die; God has spared her life. But I need the assistance of public-spirited persons, organisations and anywhere else help can come from.”

He said his family, including his siblings, were in various markets and other public places, using the gory photographs of the victim to solicit for help.

Akporode said the money raised from such sources was spent on drugs and settling other bills.

The agitated husband said he had bought over 30 pints of blood at N15,000 each, because his wife’s blood group is the rare O-Negative.

Cross River tribunal gets citizens’ confidence From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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SOCIO-POLITICAL group in Cross River State, the Liberation Team, has passed a vote of confidence in the state’s National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal to deliver fair judgment.

Its Coordinator, Bassey Ekpo Eyo, noted that despite the fears in some quarters that the tribunal may have been compromised, the group had confidence in the judges to ensure justice.

The activist is a supporter of the Labour Party (LP) candidate for Cross River Southern Senatorial District in the April 11 elections, Prince Bassey Otu. The LP candidate had filed a suit at the tribunal against Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate Gershom Bassey for alleged irregularities in the April 11 National Assembly poll.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Calabar, Eyo said: “We, the Liberation Team supporters of Prince Otu, were shocked when we heard some supporters of the other camp boasting that the tribunal would truncate the proceedings in their favour due to influence and money.

“This, if viewed carefully, may be a setup to tarnish the image of the tribunal’s chairman. We have unflinching confidence in the tribunal to deliver justice in their judgment.”

‘Multinationals must have HQ in Delta’ From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

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HE Delta State Government has said it will ensure that multinationals operating in the state no longer take their headquarters to other states.

The government said it premised its plan on the need for such big companies to create more jobs for youths and ensure that the residents and the government reap full economic benefits from such companies.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Community Development, Eric Omare, spoke yesterday in Bomadi, Bomadi Local Government Area, on the government’s plan to empower youths.

The governor’s aide said the Ifeanyi Okowa administration would encourage entrepreneurship among the residents, especially the youth.

Omare, who is also the spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), noted that although past administrations might not have examined how companies operating the state ran their offices, it would no longer be business as usual for those with headquarters outside their areas of operation.

He said the new government’s policy is aimed at fostering a bond between the companies and their host communities.

Omare urged the youth in the host communities to key into the empowerment programmes of the Okowa administration.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS

•Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano (eighth right) with members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Anambra chapter when they visited the governor in Awka...yesterday.

25 children undergo heart surgery at UNTH T

Obi marks birthday with pupils

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ORMER Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has celeb rated his 54 th birthday with primary and secondary pupils in the state.

Speaking at the Holy Spirit Secondary School, Ebenebe, Obi said he was fulfilled celebrating with the pupils, describing them as the future of the society. He said they needed inspiration to make them aim for greatness.

Obi visited St. Anthony Secondary School, Ikenga and Holy Child Nursery and Primary School and donated N1 million to each.

The former governor said of the 50 schools he planned to assist, he had

•Obi From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

got the money to cover 20.

He then appealed for financial support to reach others.

He admonished the pupils to be of good behaviour and take their studies seriously since, according to him, “education remains the most portent currency for competition in the world”.

Anambra APC vows to win in 2017

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) forum of lawmakers in the Anambra State of House of Assembly has vowed to strengthen the party to enable it win the 2017 governorship election.

The forum spoke yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Awka when members met the chairman, Emeka Ibe. Coordinator Chief Uche Anakor said the forum was set up to articulate the challenges facing the party.

“We have come together to provide a platform where, as flag bearers of our great party, we can articulate on matters affecting the party and channel them to the necessary quarters.

“The APC must be strengthened to enable us win the governorship elections in 2017 as well as support the Federal Government in meeting its promises to the people.

“Of a truth, the APC should have won half of the seats in the assembly but for the unfortunate developments which saw the unscrupulous edge out the scrupulous,” Anakor said.

Ibe hailed the forum for their initiative, urging them to strengthen the party at their constituency levels. He noted that the party needed such hands at such a critical time.

Elder Ogunlewe for burial

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HE death has occurred of elder Bolarinwa Ayodele Ogunlewe, the patriarch of the Ogunlewe family of Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos. He was 82.

Funeral rites will begin tomorrow with a Service of Songs at 22, Osholake Street, Ebute Metta by 5pm and a wake on Thursday at Railway Recreation Club, Ebute Metta by 5pm.

The funeral Service will hold on Friday, July 24 by 10am at the United African Methodist Church Cathedral, Jebba Street, Ebute Metta. Interment follows at his

PHOTO: NAN

WENTY-FIVE children, from various parts of the country, are undergoing open heart surgery at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.

Of the 25, three are from the Kanu Nwankwo Heart Foundation. Others were referred from various hospitals.

The children were diagnosed of congenital heart diseases which either required valve replacement or surgeries.

A team of surgeons, led

by Dr William Novic from

From Chris Oji, Enugu

the William Novic Cardiac Alliance International, United Kingdom, is leading the medical mission.

UNTH’s Chief Medical Director (CMD) Dr. Christopher Amah said it was the 10th time the hospital was carrying out such surgeries since it began the exercise three years ago.

He said the exercise had recorded about 95 per cent success since inception.

The CMD said with sup-

port from its overseas partners, including the Voom Foundation and Save a Heart Foundation, the hospital had successfully handled over 90 heart cases, involving children and adults.

“We charge less than 25 per cent of what is charged overseas. We also got some institutions to settle the bills of people who could not afford the fees, while we discharged others free,” he said.

He urged the state and Federal Government to

Ebonyi moves to tackle ‘killer diseases’

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HE Ebonyi State government has vowed to tackle childhood killer-diseases such as malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea.

The Ministry of Health, in conjunction with Malaria Care and Society for Family Health, organised a ‘Training-the-Trainers’ programme on integrated community management of common childhood illnesses.

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

At the opening of the worshop, the governor’s wife Mrs. Rachael Umahi, said the programme was designed to sensitise managers of healthcare delivery at the community level on effective management of childhood illnesses.

Mrs. Umahi said patent proprietary medicine ven-

dors were selected as participants because they were closer to the rural populace and it would equip them with current trends in medicare and management of childhood illnesses.

She urged other stakeholders to complement the government’s efforts at promoting effective healthcare delivery.

Mrs. Umahi hailed USAID, Federal Ministry of Health and other collaborators for

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HE is tension as the ward, local government and state congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party in Anambra State begins today.

Various factions have emerged and this may likely thwart the exercise.

Stakeholders are accusing the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, of fanning the re-

T Igbogbo Estate and is strictly for the family.

Reception and entertainment is at the Railway Recreation Club, Ebuta Metta.

choosing two local government areas, Ikwo and Onicha, as pilot areas to demonstrate that the management of common childhood illnesses could be improved upon.

She said the government would provide the enabling environment for the dispensation of quality healthcare services to the rural dwellers, especially women and children.

Tension as Anambra PDP congress holds today From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

newed crisis by trying to impose the former chairman, Prince Ken Emeakayi.

In a statement in Awka, the stakeholders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to postpone the congress to allow interested candidates obtain their forms.

They agreed that Option A4 should be used to allow for a credible election.

“We will resist any kangaroo congress through writing of lists and submitting same as that has been the bane of party progress in the state,” the group said.

But another group, led

by Metuh, is accusing the All Progressives Congress

Brutalised APC chief returns from medical trip

•The late Ogunlewe

support the programme either by sponsoring people or dedicating funds for its sustainability, stressing that it might be difficult for the hospital to sustain the programme when the partners quit.

Novic appealed to Nigerians to show interest in the open heart surgery, stressing that the disease had become rampant because people could not afford the cure.

He said his organisation would continue to partner UNTH to ensure that those with the ailment received adequate treatment.

HE coordinator of the Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation in Anambra State, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nwokoye, who was brutalised by men of the Department of State Service (DSS), has returned from his medical trip.

Nwokoye was assaulted

by DSS officials at his MayRoses Hotel on April 27.

Nwokoye, who returned

Vehicle owners get ultimatum

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

last week, vowed to seek legal redress.

His words: “We thank God I’m still alive. I have never experienced such brutality in my life and I will not leave the matter like that; they will face the court.

“As we are talking now, my sight is yet to clear and my shoulder requires another round of operation in

(APC) of using the protesters to destabilise PDP in the state.

Addressing reporters at the weekend in Awka, Emeakayi said the PDP big wigs were pretending to be party members while they worked for the APC. He maintained that there was no crisis in the PDP, adding that the party was ready for today’s congress.

T •Nwokoye after the attack

a few weeks. I still have pains all over my body, including my eyes.”

HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of accidented and abandoned vehicles parked at Alakuko Division to remove them within 14 days of this publication or lose them.

They are: Nissan bus with registration number XP 943 KJA and an unregistered Mercedes Benz bus.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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NEWS Tambuwal: refusal to educate children an offence in Sokoto

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NY parent, who refuses to educate his children, will be liable to a criminal offence, if a bill before the Sokoto State House of Assembly is passed into law, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said.

The move, considered radical and revolutionary, is aimed at boosting school enrolment and providing quality education for every child, as required by local and international laws.

The governor said as part of the measures to enhance the implementation of the new policy, government would build and equip 240 primary and tertiary healthcare centres in the three senatorial zones.

Tambuwal, who yesterday addressed religious, traditional and political leaders from 11 local governments, who visited him for the Eid-il-Fitr, said the policy became necessary, fol-

lowing the high percentage of parents, who frustrated government’s efforts to educate children.

He said the government had made arrangement to cater for the educational needs of the people, adding that anyone caught flouting the regulation would be sanctioned.

The governor noted that the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate made their marks in education, hence there was no excuse if their successors failed to provide basic education for the future generation.

He said if the state got its educational priorities right, the ills in the society would be tackled.

Tambuwal urged the visitors to support the initiative, saying vocational training centres and employment opportunities would be created to cater for youths and others.

Eight killed in Damaturu’s suicide attack

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HE police in Damaturu, Yobe State, have confirmed that eight people were killed in a suicide attack yesterday by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on the outskirts of Damaturu.

Police spokesman Toyin Gbadegesin told reporters in Damaturu that five of the eight people

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

were suspected bombers and the remaining three were policemen on routine patrol.

He said two security personnel were injured and are at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.

Gbadegesin said the po-

licemen requested reinforcements after suspecting that the two vehicles intercepted (a Highlander Toyota SUV and a Sharon wagon) were loaded with explosives.

He said operatives of the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) discovered more Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on

the scene, which according to him, would have been detonated by a 60-year-old woman suspected to be one of the surviving bombers.

Yesterday’s attack occurred three days after atwin bomb blast killed 15 people during the Eid-elFitr celebration in Damaturu.

Ganduje vows to shoulder orphans’ responsibilities

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ANO State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has promised to be responsible for the daily expenses of orphans.

The governor, who addressed orphans at the Nassarawa Children’s Home at the Photo Golf Amusement Park in Minjibir Local Government, assured them that his administration would shoulder their expenses until they become useful to themselves and the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

society.

Tambuwal, who was accompanied by members of the National Assembly, commissioners and other government officials, said their health status, welfare and education would be prioritised, adding that “government will ensure they complete their studies and secure jobs that will make them to be comfortable.”

El-Rufai hails residents, security agencies

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ADUNA State Governor Nasir Ahmad ElRufai yesterday hailed the residents and security agencies, following successful Eidel-Fitr celebrations.

The governor, who addressed reporters through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, in Kaduna praised traditional and religious leaders for the joint efforts that brought about a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr.

He said: “We are grateful to Almighty God for granting us peace. We thank our citizens, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders for the joint efforts that brought about hitchfree Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“The patriotism and dili-

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

gence exhibited by security agencies is commendable. The moral support from clerics and monarchs and the consciousness of our citizens helped. We enjoin every segment of our community to promote peace and security.

“Our government is pushing resources to provide schools, hospitals and roads, and is pursuing efforts at job-creation and skills-acquisition for youths.

“This government is determined to tackle poverty and provide qualitative education, well-equipped hospitals and infrastructure. It is also poised to promote social justice.”

Gombe APC hopeful of headquarters’ intervention

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Gombe State, Alhaji Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, has lamented that a minor internal wrangling in the party has polarised it.

He said he was optimistic that the national headquarters would intervene.

Yahaya, who spoke after a meeting of the stakeholders loyal to the Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje faction, said: “I’m the governorship candidate and the leader of the party so to speak. I am still bewildered and surprised that a small internal problem has degenerated to this level.

“But that is party politics for you. I believe that soon we shall overcome. It will be history.

“The national headquarters is addressing the issue and soon there will be a position on the matter.”

The governorship candidate urged members to persevere “to

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

reclaim our stolen mandate at the tribunal.”

He commiserated with those that lost their loved ones at the Eid-el-Fitr eve attack on Gombe Main Market and prayed that it would be the last.

His words: “It’s very unfortunate that we are in this situation. But the government is doing a lot at the moment and soon, we shall overcome insurgency. It will become a thing of the past.”

Stakeholders upheld the suspension of the party’s Chairman, Mohammed Magaji Doho and 12 others, for alleged anti-party activities during the April 11 governorship election.

The forum supported Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya and Senator Goje for their contributions to the party. It reaffirmed its loyalty to the party under the Chief John Odigie Evboyomwan Oyegun leadership.

•District Head of Yola, Alhaji Sa’adu Bawuro (right), presenting cash for rehabilitation to one of the released inmates PHOTO:NAN facilitated by Fombina Grassroots Development Association in Yola...yesterday.

PDP, Kwara govt bicker over N2b bailout

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has accused the state government of diverting the over N2billion bailout fund it received from the Federal Government.

But the government dismissed the allegation as baseless.

The PDP in a statement by its spokesperson, Chief Rex Olawoye, alleged that the diversion was criminal, insensitive and a negation of the spirit behind the funds’ release.

The statement reads: “Our party learnt that the state share of the bailout funds was paid on July 8. But over five months salaries are being owed some workers.

“Even more curious is the fact that the Kwara State government has kept mum about the exact amount it got from the Consolidated Revenue Account in the bailout.

Whereas, virtually all states, particularly Abia, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Kastina and Kaduna have publicly declared how much they got in the bailout from the Federal Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state has kept a dangerous silence over the funds.

“We, therefore, urge the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATAWU), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and ASUP, whose members are the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

worse affected, to prevail on the government to begin the payment of arrears of salaries, allowances and pensions of workers, to ameliorate their sufferings.”

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said Kwara only received its share of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividend recently distributed to all tiers of government.

Governor Ahmed dismissed PDP’s allegation as untruthful, saying the government had not received the bailout from the Feder-

al Government.

He said the government officials informed the state chapters of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during meetings last week to update them on the funds received and how they would be utilised, adding that the information was in the public domain.

Ahmed clarified that the N2.1billion NLNG dividend was inadequate to cover the monthly obligations, which he put at N2.6billion.

These obligations, he said, included the salaries of civil servants, teachers, pensions, gratuities and subventions to its ministries, departments and agencies as well as tertiary institutions.

The governor said: “The monthly obligations also include statutory first-line deductions for the judiciary and the legislative arms of government. Despite this, the government recently paid salaries to the core civil service as well as pensions.

“As a consequence, the government has decided to retain the funds as a buffer, while awaiting details of the FAAC allocation for July, after which it will disburse the funds towards meeting its obligations.”

On the expected bailout from the Federal Government, Ahmed said the rescue package was expected to come in the form of aN300billion loan to restructure debts owed by states.

Criminals invade Benue

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RIMINAL activities are on the increase in Benue State, it has been learnt.

There seems to be a breakdown of law and order.

Crimes are committed everyday by men of the underworld.

Police, whose duty it is to protect life and property seem to be ineffective.

Within a month, highprofile killings have occurred in Katsina Ala, Makurdi, Kyado, Logo and Ukum local governments.

In Zakibiam Ukum Council, a policeman and a soldier attached to the state security outfit, called “ Operation Dzenda” were killed by gunmen while on duty.

In Kyado near Zakibiam, six persons were shot in broad daylight on a market day.

From Uja Emmanuel Makurdi

In Makurdi, an Igbo businessman, David Onuigbo, popular called Dubbic Supermarket, was kidnapped by gunmen about 9pm after his assailants shot sporadically into the air at Wurukum in Makurdi.

Last Friday, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Chief Atoza Hidan, was killed in the presence of his police orderly in Katsina Ala. The incident resulted in riots. Many people fled the town.

The next day, gunmen stormed the home of Mr. Tyavkase Abelaga and killed him and his wife.

The PDP chairman in Katsina Ala, the youth leader and the mayor of Katsina Ala were shot.

The police said they have arrested one suspect.

The increase in the crime rate coincided with the lifting of the curfew imposed on the operation of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders).

The ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam administration banned the movement of commercial motorcyclists from 7pm to 7 am. But they now move about for 24 hours.

Residents told The Nation that the government should review the curfew.

Police spokesman Austine Ezeala said the command was on top of the situation, “as many suspects had been arrested with arms and are undergoing interrogation.”

He urged the residents to assist the police with information.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

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FOREIGN NEWS Chad’s Hissene Habre removed from court

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HAD’S former President Hissene Habre has been removed from the courtroom at his trial for crimes against humanity.

He shouted that the process was “a farce”, as he was waiting for proceedings to begin.

The trial in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, marks the first time one African country has prosecuted the former leader of another.

Mr Habre denies being responsible for hundreds of deaths during his rule from 1982 to 1990.

The trial follows a 25-year campaign to bring him to justice.

Many of Mr Habre’s alleged victims have been calling for it since his overthrow and exile in Senegal in 1990.

Parallels were later drawn with the attempts to get the former Chilean military leader Augusto Pinochet extradited and put on trial for crimes against humanity in Spain in 1998.

Mr Habre does not recognise the court and was brought there by prison guards.

Waiting for the trial to open, the former Chadian leader shouted: “Down with imperialists. [The trial] is a farce by rotten Senegalese politicians.

African traitors. Valet of America”.

There were scuffles in court as some people chanted their support for Mr Habre Mr Habre was taken out of the courtroom and the trial began without him.

He then refused to come in after the break that followed the opening statements, and the trial has been suspended until Tuesday when the judges ordered that Mr Habre would be forced to attend.

Greece repays •2b arrears to IMF

T

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that Greece has cleared overdue debt repayments of •2.05bn (£1.4bn) and is no longer in arrears.

The repayments, and another for •4.2bn to the European Central Bank (ECB) due on Monday, came after the EU made Greece a short-term loan of •7bn.

Cash-strapped Greece missed one repayment to the IMF in June and another earlier this month.

Earlier on Monday, Greek banks reopened after being closed for three weeks.

However, many restrictions remain and Greeks are facing price

•Banks reopen rises with an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

Just because the doors of Greek banks are open today, don’t be fooled into thinking they and the Greek economy are anywhere near back to recovery.

There are still major restrictions on the ability of their customers to obtain their cash or move it around.

The symbolic importance of the European Central Bank turning on the emergency lending tap again was important, but it has only been turned on a fraction.

It has given enough additional Emergency Liquidity Assistance •900m - to keep the banks alive in a technical sense.

There is no possibility of them thriving for months and even possibly years.

IMF spokesman Gerry Rice confirmed in a statement that Greece had repaid the totality of its arrears.

Greece missed its first repayment to the IMF on 30 June and another on 13 July during deadlock over negotiations for a third bailout.

The government has since reached a cash-for-reforms deal with its creditors and negotiations are due to begin on the proposed •86bn res-

Hollande seeks support for Eurozone Parliament

•Hollande

F

RENCH President Francois Hollande has called for a shared parliament and budget for the eurozone Jacques Delors, the former European Commission chief and a key

architect of the euro, turned 90 yesterday. And among the birthday greetings lined up on his virtual mantelpiece was one from France’s President, Francois Hollande.

Writing in France’s Sunday paper, Le Journal Du Dimanche, Mr Hollande marked the occasion with a commemorative letter, putting forward his vision for the future of Europe: a new parliament for the eurozone countries and a shared budget.

Currently, the eurozone is managed by the Eurogroup, made up of the finance ministers of each nation.

“What threatens us is not an excess of Europe, but an insufficiency [of Europe]” Mr Hollande wrote.

“Parliaments are still too far removed from decisions. And people turn away through being marginalised. Populists have seized on this disenchantment because they

are afraid of the world and want to return to the divisions, walls and fences.”

What is striking is how small a response his proposal has received in France.

Partly, it is because much of it is not new: the Socialist Party has for years espoused the idea of greater economic integration and governance of Europe, as has Mr Delors himself.

And President Hollande’s government has already been talking to Berlin, and Brussels, about how to strengthen the bureaucratic links between eurozone countries.

But there’s a striking desire to share these sentiments here at the moment, despite widespread public irritation with Brussels.

The plan set out by Mr Hollande on Sunday repeats comments he made last week, on Bastille Day, call-

Cuba’s flag raised in Washington

F

OUR Italian construction workers have been kidnapped in Libya, the Italian foreign ministry has said.

They were abducted near a compound owned by Italian oil and gas group Eni in the western Mellitah area, the ministry said.

Italy closed its embassy in Libya in February, calling on Italians to leave because of the dangers to foreigners.

The country is beset with warring factions four years after the civil war that ousted leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni told Italian media on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers that it was difficult to speculate about who was responsible for the abduction at this stage.

The workers are employed by Bonatti, a company that provides services to the oil, gas and energy sector, a spokesman confirmed.

ing for an “economic government of the eurozone” and suggesting that “we can also, later, go further and have a budget for the eurozone so that we can act and invest in member states, including those that are lagging behind.”

The question is, if this is such a long-running idea, why has President Hollande brought it up now, in this very domestic context?

President Hollande was widely praised among supporters on the left for pushing through last week’s agreement to keep Greece in the euro, but the harsh terms of that agreement have seen some of that adulation turn to disillusionment.

Still, it seems doubtful that his idea of a budget for the eurozone - and eventually a parliament to police it will set many people here alight.

Suspected migrant boat sighted off Australia coast

A

C

UBA’S blue, red and whitestarred flag was hoisted Monday at the country’s embassy in Washington, signalling the start of a new post-Cold War era in U.S.-Cuba relations.

In sweltering heat and humidity, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez presided over the flag-raising ceremony hours after full diplomatic relations with the United States were restored at the stroke of midnight when an agreement to resume normal ties took effect.

Earlier, without ceremony, the Cuban flag was added in the lobby of the State Department alongside those of other countries with which the U.S. has diplomatic ties. U.S. and Cuban diplomats in Washington and Havana also noted the upgrade in social media posts.

Several hundred people gathered on the street outside the embassy, cheering as the Cuban national anthem was played and three Cuban soldiers in dress uniforms stood at the base of the flagpole and raised the flag.

Four Italians kidnapped in Libya

cue package.

For the past three weeks, Greeks have been waiting in line at cash machines to withdraw a maximum of •60 (£41) a day, a restriction imposed amid fear of a run on the banks.

From Monday, the daily limit becomes a weekly one capped at •420 (£291), meaning Greeks will not have to queue every day.

However, a block on transfers to foreign banks and a ban on cashing cheques remain in place.

VAT is rising from 13% to 23% meaning Greeks will pay more on a range of goods and services, including taxis and restaurants.

Edwardo Clark, a Cuban-American, holds an American flag and a Cuban flag as he celebrates outside the new Cuban embassy in Washington, yesterday. The United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations after more than five decades of frosty relations rooted in the Cold War. PHOTO:AP

Afghan troops ‘killed by U.S. friendly fire’

A

T least eight Afghan soldiers have been killed in a US air strike on an army checkpoint in Logar province, south of Kabul, Afghan officials say.

They say two US helicopters attacked the checkpoint in broad daylight on Monday. Several troops were injured.

The defence ministry said the helicopters returned fire after being attacked by insurgents on the ground.

The army commander in the area told the BBC that the checkpoint was clearly flying an Afghan flag.

Logar is an unsettled area where much of the countryside is in the hands of the Taliban.

There is much confusion over the morning incident in the Baraki Barak district, says the BBC’s David Loyn in Kabul.

Afghan reinforcements deployed to the area also came under fire, a defence ministry statement said.

A spokesman for international forces said they were aware of an incident involving US forces and were investigating.

There are still more than 13,000 international troops in Afghanistan about half of them American. And more have remained for longer than US President Barack Obama originally ordered, after he acceded to military requests to slow down the withdrawal.

Since the Nato combat mission was wound up at the end of 2014, their principal mission is to “train, advise and assist” Afghan forces.

Most of the advice is at ministerial level and the top ranks of the armed forces, improving logistics and coordination.

The only active international fighting units are assisting Afghan special forces, and that is the mission that the helicopters believed to have been involved in the attack on Logar

would have been engaged in.

There are air strikes, mostly from unmanned drones, somewhere in the country, every day.

Statistics recently emerged showing that more than 100 bombs were dropped in June - more than twice as many as any other month since combat operations ended.

Civilian and military deaths in coalition air strikes have been a contentious issue in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion of the country in 2001. They have provoked anger from the government and from many Afghan people.

The latest violence comes amid peace negotiations between the government and the Taliban Army checkpoints are frequently targeted by the Taliban The latest violence comes amid an increase in Taliban attacks on government and foreign targets during their summer offensive.

SMALL wooden boat suspected to be carrying asylum seekers has been sighted off the north-west coast of Australia.

Crew working for oil and gas producer Modec spotted the boat within 500m of their floating oil tanker, about 150km (93 miles) from the Dampier coast.

A Modec spokesman said “a large number of people” appeared to be on the boat.

If confirmed as asylum seekers, it would be the first “illegal” vessel entry into Australia since June 2014.

At that time, 157 people were intercepted about 16 nautical miles from Australia’s Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean, and taken to the mainland.

Australia has adopted a number of measures to stop asylum seekers reaching Australia by boat.

Modec Australia country operations manager Gary Kennedy told the BBC the company had contacted Australian authorities about the boat, which appeared to be seaworthy.

Neither the Australian Maritime Authority nor Minister for Immigration Peter Dutton would comment.

Mr Kennedy said the boat, which looked like a fishing vessel, was spotted early on Monday, West Australian time.

“It came inside the exclusion zone [around the production facility], which is why we alerted authorities,” Mr Kennedy told the BBC. Modec staff told him the people did not seem to be under “duress”, the vessel looked seaworthy, and the weather and sea conditions were not dangerous.

“The feedback [from staff] is that they appeared to be in high spirits,” said Mr Kennedy.

He said he had been told the people were Vietnamese but that had not been confirmed.

Mr Kennedy said it was possible Modec would be asked to assist the boat but so far no such request from Australian authorities had been made.

The West Australian newspaper has reported that there may be children on board the boat.

61

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

NEWS Oil price fall imminent as UN endorses Iran nuclear deal Continued from page 4

tions to workers.

Iran has capacity to introduce about 1.5 million barrels per day into the global oil market in the next six months.

With a proviso that Iran respects the agreement to the letter, all seven UN resolutions passed in 2006 to sanction Iran will be gradually terminated, it was learnt yesterday.

“The draft resolution has

been adopted unanimously,” Gerard van Bohemen, Ambassador of New Zealand, which holds the current presidency of the Security Council, announced after yesterday’s vote.

Nigeria and 14 other members of the UN Security Council unanimously approved the nuclear deal signed between the world’s major powers and Iran.

The deal was reached be-

tween the five permanent members of the council (plus Germany, P5+1) and Iran. The deal has mandated ýIran to stop any plans to produce a nuclear weapon and to reduce its centrifuges by two thirds.

It also, among several others, created an extensive mechanism to monitor the Islamic country’s compliance with the agreement.

In return, the UN-imposed sanctions on Iran will be grad-

ually lifted.

However, should Iran, which had repeatedly denied planning to make a nuclear bomb, violate any part of the agreement, the UN Security Council can reinstate all the sanctions.

Among the implications of the approved deal would be Iran’s ability to sell its crude oil in the open international market.

Why I won’t appoint ministers till September, by Buhari Continued from page 4

forms.

Buhari, who criticised recent calls in some quarters about the slow pace of his administration said the task cannot be rushed, insisting that Nigeria must put new rules of conduct and good governance in place before making key appointments.

Buhari said: “When cabinet ministers are appointed in September, it will be some months after I took the oath of office. It is worth noting that Obama himself did not have his full cabinet in place for several months after first taking office; the United States (U.S.) did not cease to function in the interim.

“In Nigeria’s case, it would neither be prudent nor serve the interests of sound government to have made these appointments immediately on my elevation to the presidency; instead, Nigeria must first put new rules of conduct and good governance in place.”

The President who met with the U.S. President Barack Obama yesterday, stressed the importance of carrying out the critical reforms correctly before appointing ministers. He said it was also crucial to install correct leadership in the military and security services before fully taking the battle to Boko Haram.

He said: “There are too few examples in the history of Nigeria since independence where it can be said that good management and governance were instituted at a national level. This lack of a governance framework has allowed many of those in charge, devoid of any real checks and balances, to plunder.”

In the article which was published ahead of Buhari’s meeting with the U.S. President yesterday, Buhari said he would be seeking President Obama’s help in locating and returning about $150 billion looted funds.

“The fact that I now seek

Obama’s assistance in locating and returning $150 billion in funds stolen in the past decade and held in foreign bank accounts on behalf of former corrupt officials is testament to how badly Nigeria has been run. This way of conducting our affairs cannot continue.”

He also blamed the inability of the previous government to defeat Boko haram on what he called the failure of governance.

He insisted that rules and good governance must be instilled in government, “installing officials who are experience and capable of managing state agencies and ministries; and third, seek to recover funds stolen under previous regimes so that this money can be invested in Nigeria for the benefit of all of our citizens.”

The President also revealed that Nigeria would seek the help of the U.S. in the fight against terrorism and corruption through the provision of

the much-needed military training and intelligence. He spoke of plans to seek the increased investments from the US in the areas of energy and electricity.

While addressing issues around reforms and change, the President acknowledged that reforming Nigeria after many years of abuse cannot be achieved overnight, and therefore called for patience and support.

“I was elected on a platform of change. I know this is what the people of Nigeria desire more than anything else. I realise the world waits to see evidence that my administration will be different from all those that came before.

“Yet reforming my country after so many years of abuse cannot be achieved overnight.

In our campaigns against both Boko Haram and corruption, we should remain steadfast and remember, as it is said ‘have patience. All things become difficult before they become easy.’

Biden to Buhari: military option alone can’t win terror war Continued from page 4

guered by terrorists, who launched massive attacks that killed thousands in the bombing of the twin tower World Trade Centre (WTC) on September 11, 2001, while Nigeria is battling the Boko Haram sect in the Northeast.

At the meeting, which held at the Naval Observatory, Biden shared with his guest what the U.S had learnt from the terror war and counselled that victory

cannot come from military option alone.

“Military option must be combined with strong socio-economic support programmes” Biden said, promising that the U.S. will work with Nigeria in that direction.

He assured BUhari of the goodwill of the U.S. in rebuilding the Nigerian economy, but observed that corruption and weak institutions must be tackled, if Nigeria was to benefit

from reforms.

He suggested that seasoned technocrats should manage key sectors of the Nigerian economy to attract investors.

Biden congratulated President Buhari on his victory at the March 28 election, adding that it was obvious that the President enjoys the confidence of the Nigerian people.

Responding, President Buhari thanked the U.S for standing by Nigeria in the run-up to the gen-

eral elections early this year, noting that the visit of the Secretary of State John Kerry, was critical as it sent home the message that America would not brook the subversion of the people’s will.

On oil theft, the Nigerian President estimated losses at between $10 and $20 billion dollars, stressing that such income could have been deployed with salutary impact on various spheres of national life like education and healthcare.

‘Jonathan approved N1.45b legal fee’ Continued from page 4

recting BPE to immediately execute contract with J.K. Gadzama for the winding up of PHCN Plc in the sum of N929,613,188.94 based on the ‘No Objection’ earlier granted

by BPP since all contested issues had been resolved.

“The former President noted the said decision without any objection(memo attached as Annex U9). It is based on the two approvals of the NCP and Mr. President that BPE executed the contract with J.K.Gadzama & Partners who have since commenced execution of the contract.”

The BPE said it does not need any approval from the BPP to execute any procurement dealing with disposal of public property once it is carrying out NCP directive.

It said the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act Cap. P.38, LFN 2004 empowers NCP to appoint and determine advisers and their remuneration.

Section II (J) of the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act Cap. P.38, LFN 2004 empowers the NCP to approve the appointment of Advisers and their remuneration. The BPP had earlier claimed that the AGF did

not at any time withdraw his ‘No Objection’.

The Director-General, Mr. Emeka M. Ezeh, said in a letter that no instruction was received from the AGF nullifying the earlier directive.

The letter said: “The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), having examined the request wishes to draw the attention of the BPE to Paragraph 14 of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (HAGF)’s letter to the BPP referenced that; “item 1,3,5,6 and 8 of the scope of work for the Legal Advisor unnecessary for the liquidation of the PHCN. “Similarly, any of the remaining items 2,4,7 and 9, which is not contemplated by the procedure described in Sections 457 -468 (and there is hardly any contemplated) would equally be unnecessary to accomplish the liquidation”. “ It can be deduced from the above citation that the HAGF’s position on this procurement clearly indicates that Legal Advisory Service is not needed as all constituent items (19) under unnecessary as listed by the HAGF constitute all items under the Legal Advisory Service, as such; no item is left for BPP’s consideration for a further review.”

Obama renews U.S. support for anti-Boko Haram battle Continued from page 4

(NSC), said inviting President Buhari to the U.S. was a better option than a presidential trip to Nigeria, because it will allow the Nigerian president’s fledgling administration to meet with several top American officials.

Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State John Kerry and National Security Adviser (NSA) Susan Rice were at Obama’s meeting with Buhari yesterday.

Besides, during his four-day visit, Buhari is scheduled to meet with Joint Chiefs of Staff

Chairman Martin Dempsey, Attorney-General Loretta Lynch, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman among others.

“This feels to us like Nigeria is at an important moment in which there can be real reforms across the board,” Harris, had told reporters last week.

He added: “We’re looking forward to what we can do with a president who has staked out an agenda that we think is the right agenda at the right time.”

Revealed: How Nigeria lost $2b in oil contracts Continued from page 4

Energy paid the signature bonus of $135 and cash calls of $68 to NPDC from the loan, totalling $203 million out of the $490million provided by the two banks. The rest was sent overseas by the shareholders of Atlantic Energy. And all this was done through transfers, payments to companies and cash withdrawals without contracts.

In 2011, NPDC lifted crude oil (947,096 barrels) on behalf of Atlantic Energy and remitted $102m into the coffers of its strategic partner; instead of Atlantic Energy to lift oil and remit proceeds. Atlantic Energy, a mere portfolio company at the time it was handed the by contract, was untested to even secure an export permit for such a venture, as at the time, thus showing the level of involvement of the top echelons of the Petroleum Ministry and NPDC .

A detailed scrutiny of the cash calls schedules and other papers also showed what an industry source described as the “plundering galore” continued in 2012 and 2013. For example, in 2012, Atlantic Energy paid cash calls worth $168m, but lifted crude oil of about 3million barrels, valued conservatively at over $350 million. Despite the differen-

tials in remittances, NPDC continued to look the other way as Atlantic Energy lifted about 2million barrels of crude oil, valued at about $240million, but paid cash calls of $68million.

In 2014, Atlantic Energy paid zero cash calls and lifted about 500,000 barrels of crude oil, valued at $54 million. The funds were transferred overseas as payments for vendors.

Omokore and Aluko incorporated the Atlantic Brass Development Company Limited on February 5, 2013. It was granted another set of SAA. The new SAA covered four blocks: OML – 60; OML – 61; OML – 62; OML – 63.

If the deals on OML 26, OML 30, OML 34, and OML 42 were reprehensible, what was done on OML 60, OML 61, OML 62, and OML 63 was questionable.

Unlike in the previous deals in 2011 and 2012, when it paid a fraction of obligatory funds, the company simply pocketed all the proceeds, paying no signature bonus or any cash calls at all, despite lifting about 8 million barrels of crude oil valued at $800 million at the time.

All this went on unhindered, with the connivance of government ministries and parastatals, as cash was transferred to the accounts and investment companies in UK, Dubai and Switzerland. Mirror accounts

of Atlantic Energy Brass were opened in the UK and Switzerland. All the proceeds of crude oil that were lifted were pumped into the accounts.

However, with the Goodluck Jonathan administration gone, the chicken seems to have come home to roost. The NPDC, which seemed to have condoned all the infractions of its strategic partner, has suddenly woken up from its slumber.

In a letter from NPDC, dated May 6, 2015, Atlantic Energy was asked to pay its outstanding indebtedness on OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42, totalling $573,668,090 (five hundred and seventy three million, six hundred and sixty eight thousand, ninety dollars).

“This is to inform you that we have not yet received any payment on outstanding cash call obligations after our reconciliation sign-off, dated August 28, 2014. Kindly remit the sum of $573,668,090 (five hundred and seventy three million, six hundred and sixty eight thousand, ninety dollars) only, being amount due to OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42,” said the letter.

An analysis of the reconciliation sheet revealed that the $573,668,090 was just a fraction of the cash calls, as some huge returns that were yet to be subjected to technical and finan-

cial analysis by the two parties were not included.

But the bad state of finances on OMLs 26, 30, 34, and 42 became insignificant when compared with that on OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 where Atlantic Energy owes NPDC $1,250,644,474.54 (One billion, two hundred and fifty million, six hundred and forty four thousand, four hundred and seventy four dollars).

In another letter from NPDC, dated May 6, 2015, Atlantic Energy was reminded of its outstanding indebtedness.

“This is to inform you that we have not yet received any payment outstanding cash call obligations after our reconciliation sign-off, dated August 28, 2014. Kindly remit the sum of $1,250,644,474.54 (one billion, two hundred and fifty million, six hundred and forty four thousand, four hundred and seventy four dollars) only, being amount due on OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63,” the letter said.

Atlantic Energy , The Nation learnt, has not filed its accounts with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as stipulated by law. Using an influential lawyer, who sources said is the company’s legal backbone, Atlantic Energy has continued to hold on to the legal advice that it is not liable to tax.

In a letter from FIRS, dated February 17, 2015, Atlantic Energy was warned of the consequences of its refusal to submit its accounts and returns within the next 10 days. It was signed by Okeowo Taiwo and Ocheja E.F., FIRS’ manager (Tax) and deputy manager (Tax).

The FIRS letter reads: “It is worrisome to note that we are yet to receive the draft accounts/returns as promised.

Let me remind you that the accounts/returns are long overdue for submission. You

are advised to submit the accounts/returns within 10 days from the date of receiving this letter, failing which FIRS shall enforce compliance with the relevant tax laws.”

The Nation’s attempt to speak with Atlantic Energy did not yield any result - as at last night. It was impossible to speak with any official of the company as it has since closed shop. Members of staff said as at the time the office was closed, their salaries had not been paid for over one year.

63

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

South Africa visa delays Akpeyi’s Chippa move •Goalie stars in Warri Wolves’ 2-1 victory over Sharks

W

ARRI Wolves Football Club’s first choice goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has told the NationSport that it was the South Africa visa that has delayed his joining his new Club Chippa United.

The Super Eagles’ back up goalkeeper to first choice in goal Vincent Enyeama confirmed to NationSport that he has almost sealed a two year deal with Chippa United, but he needs to travel to South Africa to tidy the loose ends.

“Yes I signed a pre-contract two year deal with Chippa United of South Africa in May this year shortly after Warri Wolves were ousted from the continental competition. I was supposed to have joined the team latest middle of this month so I am feeling uncomfortable that I am still here in

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja the country. But there is nothing I can do unless the South Africa Embassy issue visa for me to travel.

“I have left everything to God Almighty because he determines the life and destiny of every individual. I am very sure God will do the best for me. I also have confident in the agent that is handling this deal.

I believe in few days everything will be sorted out”, Akpeyi disclosed.

He was also happy helping his team Warri Wolves to a 2-1 victory over visiting Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt.

“Yes I am very happy that we beat Sharks 2-1 on Sunday. We will continue to work hard to lift Wolves to the pinnacle of the league”, the Eagles goalkeeper also told NationSport.

Warri Wolves is currently sixth on the 20 clubs Nigeria Professional Football League having polled 29 points from 19 matches, while the league leaders is Sunshine Stars having amassed 36 points from the same number of matches played to end the first half of the NPFL season.

•Akpeyi

Kano Pillars fire Emordi, Yaro Yaro is caretaker coach •Amokachi, Babaganaru front runners for job

P

REMIER League Champions, Kano Pillars have announced the sack of Okey Emordi as Head Coach.

Pillars have been on a poor run this season despite huge investments especially in their failed CAF Champions League campaign.

Subsequently, the club got

•Blatter... yesterday

Blatter showered with fake currency notes

B

RITISH comedian yesterday gatecrashed Sepp Blatter's efforts to defend FIFA's reputation, showering the football leader with fake dollar bills at a press conference.

The 79-year-old Swiss official looked shaken as the notes thrown by Simon Brodkin fluttered around him in a conference hall at the FIFA headquarters. He was taken away in a Swiss police car after the stunt.

Brodkin, who uses the stage name Lee Nelson and has a track record of barging in on high profile events, walked in front of Blatter as he started a press conference to announce the date of a presidential election.

Brodkin placed banknotes on Blatter's desk and then explained that he was representing a "North Korea 2026" bid for the World Cup. As security guards took Brodkin away he shouted "here you go Sepp" and threw more banknotes into the air.

knocked out of the Federation Cup by NNL side, Plateau United.

The league champions are just above the bottom half of the table and the final straw came yesterday after Pillars failed to kill off Lobi Stars in a week 19 game at the Aper Aku Stadium to allowing the home side back in a six goal thriller.

The club announced that Ahmed Yaro Yaro will act as interim in his stead.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Amokachi and Nasarawa coach Babaganaru are the front runners to replace sacked Emordi.

The new five-man Pillars board led by Kabiru Baita are expected to name a replacement for Emordi this week.

Amokachi has been linked with several local clubs since Stephen Keshi dropped him as his assistant in the national

team.

Before he joined the national team setup as coach, the exEverton star has handled Nasarawa United and Enyimba.

Babaganaru, on the other hand, led Pillars to win two successive league championships before he was eased out by former Pillars boss, Abba Yola.

He worked for several years as assistant coach at Pillars as well.

Babaganaru is in his second year as coach of Nasarawa, but it is yet to be ascertained if he is enjoying his time there or even if he would be willing to return to Pillars after the acrimonious manner he was sent packing two seasons ago.

Officials though told AfricanFootball.com that the new board might call for applications even though the time is short as the league will resume after a two-week break.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10

NO. 3282

‘Obasanjo should be fair to himself on the Nigerian mess. But that cannot be, with his perennial attempt to paint his successors pit-black, while putting on the toga of whiter-than- snow’ OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

WO high-profile arrests by the EFCC in the past two weeks followed a script that has become wearisomely familiar.

I have in mind the arrest, first, of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and two of his sons on money–laundering charges involving billions of Naira, and later of Stephen Oronsaye, former head of Service of the Federation in the investigation of fraud on an identical scale.

First, the news media are briefed comprehensively by persons familiar with the case but who cannot be identified because they were not authorised to make the damning disclosures that go on to resonate on the front pages and in the headlines for subsequent weeks, while providing coarse entertainment in the socalled social media.

Even in summary, the charge sheet is a litany of crimes and misdemeanours on a scale almost beyond belief – almost, because Nigerians have come to expect nothing less than the worst from their officials. In fact, if there is one thing that unites vast segments of the Nigerian public, it is the belief, indeed the expectation, that their officials will always gravitate toward all that is ignoble and not of good report.

Then comes the arrest a few days later, staged with critical solemnity for the news media, especially television, which measures news salience by the extent to which an event translated into dramatic pictures for the television cameras. The suspects, looking grim and woebegone, usually are serenaded into the precincts of the EFCC by officials wearing vests marked with its logo.

Another layer of officials, suitably armed, keeps the rear, apparently to deter those who might be thinking of sabotaging the proceedings. Yet more officials take positions to the left and the right of the suspects, boxing them in.

The officials look sober for the most part.

There is no swagger in them, no hint of the triumphalism you would expect to perfuse such a setting. It is almost as if they are labouring under a painful necessity.

But make no mistake about it: This is serious business. The EFCC officials are respectful. But you cannot overawe them with any claim to bigmanism. As if to make that point emphatically, they may often keep the suspects in custody, pending formal arraignment where an unabridged list of the crimes and misdemeanours is read.

The charges go to confirm what many Nigerians have always believed of their officials, namely, that they are grasping, self-absorbed, larcenous to the point of obscenity and insanely acquisitive. Even among those usually inclined to keep an

RIPPLES

MY WIFE IS PREGNANT FOR HER PASTOR–Man tells court

And who does the PASTOR blame?...

The DEVIL as usual?

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

EFCC: So much bark, so little bite

open mind or show cool indifference, one could sense quiet outrage.

“Have the suspects no shame?” you could almost hear them say with pained resignation. “What ill they do with all that pillage? Just how much do they need to feel contented?

After the usual courtroom skirmishes, the trial finally starts. Soon enough, it begins to appear that what had seemed an openand-shut case is nothing of the sort. The suspect has in his corner some of the finest legal minds that money can buy, no pun intended. The prosecution, on the other

hand, is typically led by attorneys of lesser specific gravity.

And in an encounter in which seniority counts for much and opposing junior counsel as well as the presiding judge often feel obliged to defer to senior counsel, the EFCC finds itself at disadvantage, and not just in psychological terms.

As the trial gets underway, it is usually the prosecution that is seeking adjournment after adjournment, evidence that the case had been rushed to court, without the painstaking marshalling of probative evidence required for successful prosecution.

More evidence of a rush to court surfaces when the prosecution requests leave of court to withdraw the charges so as to and amend them and re-file new material later. Such requests unduly prolong the court process, resulting in justice delayed.

The case wends its way through the system, and judgment day finally arrives.

But it is thrown out because it was filed in the wrong court – a court that has no business entertaining it.

This verdict has been delivered so many times that it raises some troubling questions.

It may well be that the officials filing the cases could not figure out the right court the first time, and still cannot do so after losing their cases on the matter of jurisdiction, hardly one of the most recondite issues in legal practice.

But that would raise the far more troubling issue of whether the cases were filed deliberately in courts with no jurisdiction, with officials subverting, for any number of reasons, the very cause they were

HARDBALL

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O, not I! Hardball would never — repeat, never! — dabble in security matters. It is a cloak-and-dagger territory, where the acme of transparency remains mitigated opacity!

So, if comments in the public space are a function of facts, why would anyone dabble into security matters where, in streetspeak, the more you look, the less you see?

Again, not I! Still, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, exPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s last National Security Adviser’s (NSA’s) reaction to the Department of State Services (DSS) search on his three houses, is different.

As Col. Dasuki once abandoned his core security duties to play blatant partisan politics, pre-election 2015, so would Hardball wave his personal rule to comment on Sambo’s personal odyssey. So, whatever DSS has on him would be revealed in the open court. That is no Hardball business. Hardball’s business, however, remains the man’s reaction.

First, the profound implication of the rather trite saying: nothing lasts forever!

Col. Dasuki is finding that out the hard way; and he is reacting rather badly to the situation.

Just in February, the all-mighty NSA, wearing a Jonathan Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) partisan cloak under his NSA camo, sauntered into Chatham House, London, and imperiously declared the February 14 presidential election could not hold

employed to champion.

When corruption cases are not dismissed for want of jurisdiction, they are often set aside because the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, usually another indication of a rush to court, or of a deficit in prosecutorial skills.

Halfway through the case, the prosecutor may settle for a bargain whereby the public official on trial pleads guilty to a lesser charge that may not involve jail term but allow him keep much of the ill-gotten wealth that lay at the heart of the prosecution.

This is not the way to fight official corruption.

Until the authorities can assemble, train and retain formidable prosecutors who can hold their own against the smartest defence attorneys, and until they can support them professionally equipped with the latest investigative tools in accounting, auditing and computing, the fight against official corruption will not be won.

Assembling such a team cannot be done overnight, to be sure. But the time to start is now, with our law schools as the recruiting ground.

The finest products of these institutions – those graduating with First Class or Second Class Upper—will constitute the pioneer corps of some 200 federal prosecutors. After selection through a highly competitive process, they and the professionals who will work with them will be sent abroad for further training, including a year’s attachment to some of the finest prosecutors who have brought organised crime elements to heel in Italy, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, India, Brazil Argentina, the United States, Mexico, Australia and South Africa.

On their return they should be placed on special salaries that take into account the risks that flow from job, and insulated them from the political pressure of any kind. They should enjoy security of tenure until age 70, subject only to good conduct and a record of successful prosecutions.

Until prosecutors have at least the same skills and a scheme of compensation comparable to that of attorneys in private practice, until they are equipped with the resources for carrying out their work, the Nigerian state will never gain the upper hand in the waron official corruption.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

The Dasuki debacle because Prof. Attahiru Jega and his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not ready. Jega protested shrilly, but no dice. The Leviathan had spoken!

Sambo later came home; and with Jonathan’s service chiefs, walked his talk on the election postponement. Not even guided advice by the National Council of State (NCS) could impress Sambo and co. NCS advised election should go ahead, so long as Jega declared his INEC prepared. But Sambo and hosts roared no!

For six weeks, their brave troops were beginning an anti-Boko Haram offensive to vanquish the Islamist rascals and make the elections more secure: in six weeks, what they had woefully failed to do in almost six years?

Hardly a crime in the circumstances! But even the most dense-minded knew it was a partisan security forces’ gamble to buy time for an electorally doomed President Jonathan. Jonathan, famed for his crass opportunism, eagerly bought into the anti-election coup; the former president, with his party, mouthing all the cant at their disposal to justify this anomaly.

So, it is this Leviathan Sambo, then untouchable and unshakeable, that now like some jelly, spews jeremiads of pity and playing to the gallery on democracy ethos, the same democracy he brazenly attempted to

subvert with his Chatham House intervention? Allah Akbar!

Indeed, God is great and no condition is permanent — as the Great Zik riposted to the late Ukpabi Azika, who as administrator of the defunct East Central State (now the five Igbo states), mocked Zik with “exthis and ex-that.”

But the embattled ex-NSA was not done yet in his jeremiad of victimhood. The Buhari presidency was trying to rubbish him, even after he (Sambo) helped it to gain power! How? Now, is the ex-NSA delusional? That would appear so. Even after the electionpostponement plot, he grumbled aloud about the penchant of Nigerians to read ill motives to his championing postponed elections.

Now, Hardball thinks that delusion has become complex — for how could he claim he helped Buhari to power? Was he a partisan, to start with? And if he was — as bad as that would be — was he double-dealing, leading Jonathan to this power grave, while double-dealing with Buhari, for some postJonathan power trade-off?

Let Sambo Dasuki meet his fate as a man, instead of making unguarded statements that rubbish, the more, the institutional mess he is leaving behind on the (in)security front.

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