July 22, 2015 by The Nation

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•Minority Leader: Senators in court to stop Akpabio P6 •Reps head for court as Dogara names principal officers P5 •Chibok girls: Buhari won’t reject talks with Boko Haram P2 •We’ll assist Nigeria recover looted funds, says U.S. P4 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3283 WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

Osinbajo, Yari discuss workers NEWS Page 4 pay bailout

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•President Muhammadu Buhari speaking at a special dinner hosted by the US Chambers of Council and the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington, United States…on Monday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Jonathan fails to shield ex-ministers from probe Buhari, Abdulsalami peace panel yet to meet

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan may have failed in his bid to shield some of his former aides and ministers from being probed. It was learnt that the Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar Peace Committee has been

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

unable to have audience with President Muhammadu Buhari with whom Dr. Jonathan would like the committee to put in a world. Jonathan had anticipated a peace session between him

and the President at the instance of the Abdulsalami Committee, which played a major role in ensuring peace during the general elections. Gen. Abdulsalami was said to have tried to reach out to the President about five times but state duties did not allow

a meeting. Jonathan, who arrived in the country about a week ago, is said to be worried about the fate of his former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) and detention of his ex-Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Gor-

don Obuah. There were reports yesterday that his former Aide-deCamp, and later Chief Personal Security Officer, Mr. Moses Jitoboh, had been picked up by security agents, but The Nation could not conContinued on page 4

N20b Calabar Port contract sparks crisis

HIPPERS are pushing for a probe of the N20 billion Calabar Port dredging contract. The board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) approved the payment of $35 million (about N20 billion) to the company that won the controversial contract shortly before it was

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Staff Reporter

dissolved last week by President Muhammadu Buhari, The Nation has learnt. The payment, it was gathered, was made by the NPA, even as a legal battle over the contract was pending in court. The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) told reporters yesterday that the contractors had vanished. The amount is for two quarContinued on page 4

•From left: Mr. Soji Akintayo, Managing Director, Pivot Engineering Company Limited, Mr. Obafemi Otudeko, Executive Director, Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko, Chairman, Honeywell Group, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, Managing Director, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., at the graduation ceremony of the 9th Class, Honeywell Excellence Programme in Lagos.

World Bank to rebuild Northeast with $2.1b

HE World Bank yesterday announced a $2 billion package to help the economy of the Northeast back on its feet. Unfolding the package, the bank said the funds will be spent in rebuilding the badly devastated Northeastern states, ravaged for the past six years by the Boko Haram insurgency. The $2.1 billion will be provided through the World Bank agency, International Development Agency (IDA), which offers low-interest rate loans to governments. Going by the conditions, the first 10 years will be interest-free and the interest for the next 30 years will be lower than the capital marContinued on page 4

•NAFDAC DISMISSES EX-FINANCE DIRECTOR’S CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS P5

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode speaking at a meeting with Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team at Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN (left) and the Director, Office of the Public Defender, Mrs. Omotola Rotimi.

• President Buhari greeting Heirs Holdings Chairman Tony Elumelu at a special dinner in honor of the President in Washington DC.

A lawyer and lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos, WAHAB SHITTU, writes that Nigeria and the United States stand to gain a lot from President Buhari’s visit •Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (middle) cutting the tape to flag-off the sale of fertiliser in the state...yesterday. With him are government officials. PHOTO: NAN

• Promotional Manager, Grand Oak Limited, Mrs. Kate Akeju presenting a gift to Mr. Afolabi Oyeledun during the St. Lauren Mall activation in Shoprite, Ikeja. With them Brand Manager, St. Lauren, Grand Oak Limited, Miss Joy Alabata.

HE recent President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the United States (U.S.) is significant in many respects, not only for Nigeria and the United States in particular but the international community in general. On the part of Nigeria, beyond focus on security, war against terrorism as well as trade and economic relations, it is expected that the far reaching outcome of the visit will result in the strengthening of the United States’ long lasting friendship with Nigeria. The first point to note is that the visit was apparently in honour of President Obama’s invitation on the strength of our president’s local and international goodwill. Thus international goodwill is as a result of the president’s acclaimed integrity, discipline and incorruptibility. This goodwill largely accounted for the way Buhari and his entourage were accommodated in Blair’s House, which serves as a site for “American Diplomacy” during the visit. This shows the esteem with which President Buhari is held on account of this goodwill considering the fact that previous visiting Nigerian leaders

Chibok Girls: I am w P

•The new Commandant-General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mr Abdullahi Muhammadu (left), and His predecessor, Dr Ade Abolurin at the hand-over ceremony in Abuja… yesterday. With them are officers. PHOTO: NAN

never had such luxury treatment. One important lesson arising from this privilege is that our president must never allow this uncommon international goodwill to be squandered. The challenge is how to deploy this international goodwill in building a more strategic relationship with the United States to meet our developmental aspirations. One way of retaining this important goodwill is to keep to promises and commitments made by the Nigerian delegation during the visit. Our commitments on security, war against terrorism, war against corruption as well as trade and economic relations must be respected. Two of these areas particularly war on terrorism and corruption cannot be treated with kid gloves. It is important to note that the international community treats issues relating to terrorism and corruption with priorities as they are conceived as crimes against humanity outside the domain and sovereignty of states. In other words, no state can use the excuse of state sovereignty to evade its international obligations to curtail terrorism and forestall corrupt practices. On terrorism, it is important in deploying counter terrorism measures

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday disclosed his willingness to negotiate with terrorist group Boko Haram for the safe return of the girls of Government Secondary School Chibok abducted last April. He spoke in an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, where he maintained that his administration was determined to restore security, fight corruption without sacred cows, among others. On the president’s requests to the United States in the fight against terrorism and the response he got from President Barack Obama, he said: “United States in the meeting of the G7 promised to do what they can to help Nigeria. So, we have brought our request in terms of training, equipment and Intelligence gathering for Nigeria to be able to fight Boko Haram.” On the economy, falling oil prices

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Wale Ajetunmobi

and how he intend to deal with them, since it is what Nigerians really want, Buhari said: “Firstly I believe my people want security in the country to be stabilised so that normal life both in the southern part of the country where militants are sabotaging oil installations, kidnapping people and demanding ransom; and the northeast of the country where Boko Haram is still active. This is main occupation of Nigerians now. There should be a way of looking at things. Nothing will work until the country is secure.” On the killing of at least 400 people by Boko Haram since he assumed office despite his vows to tackle the sect; the Amnesty International’s allegations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian military; the military’s loss of credibility and trust

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

• Buhari greeting Oando Group Plc’s Chairman/CEO Wale Tinubu at the dinner.

• Buhari and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the dinner.

Buhari’s visit to the U.S.… The gains that should come to be guided by respect for international rules of engagement, international law, international humanitarian law, international refugee law and international human rights law. With respect to fight against corruption, it is important to lead by example, curtail impunity, indiscipline, breaches of rule of law and constitutionalism and also deploy resources and mechanisms in building enduring systems, institutions, societal traditions, ethical and moral values and strengthening personal behaviours. These require proactive, preventive and reactive measures. We must also keep our future elections credible, free, fair and peaceful if we are to continue to retain this international goodwill. The challenge therefore is deploying this current international goodwill enjoyed by the current leadership in building more strategic relationships not only with the United States but with the rest of the international community to meet our developmen-

tal aspirations. Indeed future achievements and successes of this administration may well depend on the extent it is able to retain and consolidate on the strength of this goodwill. President Buhari’s visit to the United States is also significant coming as it were before the administration settles down to serious governance. This is because being a new administration, the need for external support to prosecute its policies is fundamental as Nigeria takes on both economic and security crisis currently ravaging the land. Indeed international partners have a rare opportunity to engage Nigeria on a new beginning given the fact that Ministers are yet to be appointed and key policies are still being worked out. There are also diplomatic consequences of the visit. It has the prospect of strengthening diplomatic relations of both countries. President Obama has never visited Nigeria in his almost eight-year-tenure. This is not too

good for the image of Nigeria as the greatest black African Nation. President MohammaduBuhari’s visit may have provided a convenient platform for President Obama to reciprocate the gesture by undertaking a visit to Nigeria in no distant future. It is also important to review and retool Nigerian’s diplomatic objectives to emphasize service to the Nigerian state by diplomatic officials as opposed to service of the whips and caprices of the Nigerian ruling elite. A strong strategy to encourage skilled Nigerians deploying their expertise in the United States to return to Nigeria to develop our economy should be vigorously pursued. Nigeria must be clear on what its needs and priorities are arising from the visit of our President to the United States. Undoubtedly, Nigeria requires military support to combat terrorism but more importantly, training, equipment and intelligence exchange are what Nigeria actually needs more

critically at this period in time. Nigeria also requires assistance in retrieving stolen wealth starched in some American Commercial banks or covert agencies. There are strong indications and suggestions that some of these lootshave been deployed in the purchase of expensive and expansive estate in Washington D.C. and its environs particularly the State of Maryland. Sonala Olumhense, a respected columnist of The Guardian on Sunday alluded to this discovery in his article last Sunday in the Guardian. This is a vital lead that the Nigerian authorities may wish to follow up. There may be need to put in place some form of international agreement or memorandum of understanding with the United States on how some of these loot can be traced and recovered for the benefit of the Nigerian State. Currently, Nigeria’s economy bleeds and much of these looted funds if recovered will assist Niger-

ia’s economic recovery. Nigeria currently grapples with challenges on security, economics, institutions and development leading to lower levels of living and productivity, lower levels of human capital, higher levels of inequality and absolute poverty, higher population growth rates, greater social fractionalisation, larger rural populations but rapid rural to urban migration, lower levels of industrialisation and manufactured exports, underdeveloped financial and other markets and high levels of corruption and impunity amongst others. These are inspite of our physical and human resource endowments. The expectation is that the president’s latest visit to the United States will mark a good beginning for the realisation of Nigerian’s vast potential. As noted by President Obama, President Buhari came into the office with a reputation of integrity and a clear agenda on corruption and Boko Haram insurgency includ

willing to negotiate with Boko Haram, says Buhari

‘

We have to be very careful about the credibility of various Boko Haram leaderships coming up and claiming that they can deliver. We have to be very careful indeed so that they won’t be taking our time because we want to bring them safely to their parents and school of the people and whether there would be platform for Boko Haram’s grievances, the President said: “Well, I have just mentioned that under the Lake Chad Basin Commission, we have agreed to form a multi-national Joint TaskForce. So, whatever happens, further decisions will be taken. We have to allow further

‘

investigations to verify the question of human rights abuse and with that, we must have known the decision taken by this government, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in changing the military command.” Asked about the over 200 Chibok girls kidnapped last April and whether the government will be

willing to trade them with Boko Haram captives in line with speculations that the group may make such demands, Buhari replied: “We have to be very careful about the credibility of various Boko Haram leaderships coming up and claiming that they can deliver. We have to be very careful indeed so that they won’t be taking our time because we want to bring them safely to their parents and school.” Not satisfied with the response, Amanpour categorically asked the President if in principle, he was against negotiations or would consider it if the credibility of those who approach the government can be verified and Buhari answered: “I cannot be against be against it. I told you our main objective as a government is to secure those girls safe and sound back to their school and rehabilitate them to go back to normal life. So, if we are convinced

that the leadership can deliver those girls safe and sound, we will be prepared to negotiate what they want.” On how he intends to keep his promise to do better than the last government in all regards , the President said: “I think I can be held to my promises for the next three and quarter years I have and I think 12 months also is too early for anybody to pass judgment on my campaign promises.” Asked if he would clamp down on his party members and associates if they are found to be corrupt, Buhari stated: “I just have to. There is not going to be a party member or any personality that can escape justice.” On whether he was disappointed that Obama once again, won’t visit Nigeria, the biggest and most economically powerful country in Africa, Buhari replied: “I wouldn’t say I am disappointed but how I

wished he would change his mind and go to Nigeria.” Asked if he asked Obama if he would come to Nigeria? Buhari replied: “Well, I asked him and I would send a formal invitation.” On his opinion on the trial of former Republic of Chad leader, Hissane Habru in Senegal instead of the International Criminal Court , Nigeria’s President said: “Justice is justice whether in Africa or elsewhere of the world . The important thing is that justice be done. Whichever evidence the prosecution has concerning him, I think they should proceed and make it available to the world and prosecute him, according to international laws on human rights.” Again, Amanpour wanted a straight answer and asked Buhari if he supports the process. Buhari replied: “I support any process that is based on justice.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS World Bank to rebuild Northeast Continued from page 1 •Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (left), handing over to his successor, Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin in Abuja …yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

We’ll assist Nigeria recover looted funds, says U.S.

HERE was a major leap yesterday in President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war. The United States (U.S.) promised to help Nigeria track ill-gotten wealth and recover same. President Buhari had during his Monday meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington D.C. sought the help of his host in locating and returning some $150 billion stolen from the public till in the past decade. He got a positive response to his request from the U.S. Attorney-General, Loretta Lynch, who assured him that the U.S. government will as-

sist in the recovery of funds siphoned from Nigeria and deposited in America and in countries in which it has jurisdiction. Besides, the Attorney-General promised that the U.S. will assist in sharpening the crime prosecution skills of Nigeria’s legal officers. The promises were contained in a statement sent to media houses by Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media Garba Shehu. The statement reads: “In line with expectations, the United States government has agreed to assist Nigeria recover all identified ill-gotten wealth in

countries in which they have jurisdiction, including the U.S itself. “The United States will also offer training to judicial staff and prosecutors in order to place Nigeria in a good position to uncover proceeds of corruption and for improved prosecution of cases of crime. “Details emerging from the meeting on Monday of the President with the United States Attorney-General Loretta Lynch on the subject of support for the war on corruption in Nigeria indicate that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed between the two countries in 1985, which came

into effect in 2003, will be given some teeth. “There will be collaboration. Each of the two countries will receive legal assistance from the other on criminal matters and that should cover the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. On extradition, we already have a treaty with U.S. by virtue of being a former British colonial territory. “There is, however, the possibility that Nigeria might negotiate a new extradition treaty to meet our other requirements. The negotiation will be done under the auspices of a ‘reenergised’ U.S-Nigeria BiNational Commission.”

Jonathan fails to shield ex-ministers from probe Continued from page 1

firm this. Initially, the arrest of Jitoboh was linked to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but a source in the anti-graft agency denied knowledge of such. Many of Jonathan’s ministers have relocated abroad. According to sources, Buhari has decided not to compromise his focus to “retrieve” ill-gotten wealth from some top officials in Jonathan’s administration. A source said: “Jonathan had approached the Abdulsalami Committee to intervene and prevail on Buhari to

stop scandalising his administration and haunting his former aides/ ex-ministers. “Jonathan has been saying that Buhari’s attitude so far was not yet in line with the peace agreement the two leaders entered into before the 2015 general elections. “But the committee members, especially Abdulsalami, have not been able to have audience with the President due to the President’s tight state duties or commitments. “The President hosted exPresident Olusegun Obasanjo to a dinner to break the Ramadan fast. But the two leaders could not talk much on

the state of the nation as Obasanjo insisted on going back to Abeokuta at 9pm, The Nation learnt. “So, Jonathan has really run into a brick wall in his plans to seek soft-landing for some of his aides and ex-ministers,” the source said. The pre-election agreement between Buhari and Jonathan does not cover shielding corrupt suspects from prosecution, the source added. A source in the Presidency said: “We really do not know what agreement Jonathan and his group are talking about. The Abuja Accord and the Peace Agreement border

on peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections, free and fairness of the process, acceptance of the outcome and the preservation of the nation’s unity. “There is nowhere it is stated that those who looted the treasury should either not be questioned or legally arrested by the relevant agencies. “It is important to clear the air on this matter. What the President promised was not to witch-hunt. And he even said ex-President Jonathan had nothing to fear.” It was learnt that some former ministers with sensiContinued on page 59

ket rate. The worst-hit states in the region are: Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, where thousands have been killed and several others sacked from their homes by Boko Haram extremists. According to a statement by President Muhammadu’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Femi Adesina, the package was unfolded yesterday at a meeting in Washington D.C., United States (U.S.). The statement listed representatives of the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and President Buhari as those, who were at the meeting. It quoted the President as explaining that apart from rebuilding the region in terms of infrastructure, that priority must also be given to the resettlement of the more than one million people at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Buhari urged the World Bank to send a team that will

work in concert with Federal Government officials to do a proper assessment of the needs of the affected area. The statement reads: “The World Bank will spend the $2.1 billion through its IDA (International Development Agency), which gives low-interest rate loans to government. “The first 10 years will be interest-free, while an additional 30 years will be at lower than capital market rate. “The World Bank is eager to move in quickly, give out the loans, and give succor to the people of Northeast, long at the mercy of an insurgency that has claimed over 20,000 souls. “WHO is also to invest 300 million dollars on immunization against malaria in Nigeria, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will collaborate with Dangote Foundation to ensure that the country maintains its zero polio case record of the past one year. If the effort is sustained for another two years, Nigeria will be declared fully free of polio.”

N20b Calabar Port contract sparks crisis Continued from page 1

ters - $20.5 million for the last quarter of last year and $14.5 million for this year’s first quarter. The contract, billed to last for two years, is worth about N20 billion. The nod for the contract, a source close to the Federal Ministry of Transport alleged, was given by the former President Goodluck Jonathan to the NPA, which bypassed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The BPP Act of 2007 empowers the agency to monitor public procurement, harmonise government policies and practices by regulating, setting standards and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement. The award of the Calabar port dredging, an official who pleaded not to be named, is one of the avenues used by the previous administration to siphon public funds through the NPA. Sources at the BPP said six firms – Jan De Nul, Dredging International, Westminster Dredging, China Harbour

Engineering, Lagos Channel Management (CCM) and Van Oord - participated in the procurement after fulfilling the pre-qualification. The exercise, a source said, was nullified and a new one ordered, following an alleged attempt by Ministry of Transport and NPA officials to manipulate the process. Said the source: “The company that was awarded the contract by the NPA never participated in any procurement before it got it. The last procurement for the capital dredging of the Calabar Channel took place in 2010. “Soon after the commencement of the process, NPA stopped the exercise, citing Section 28 of the Procurement Act. That law stipulates that a procuring entity may reject bids before the acceptance of a bid, without incurring any liability to the bidder and cancel the procurement in the public interest, without incurring any liability. “But the Act does not say that NPA or the Federal Government can award the contract unilaterally, even if they Continued on page 59

Osinbajo, Yari discuss workers pay bailout ahead of NEC meeting

IGERIAN Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman and Nasarawa State Governor Abdulazeez Yari was yesterday at the Presidential Villa, where he held a closed-door parley with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Their talk, it was learnt, centred on the modalities of the relief package approved for states by the Federal Gov-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ernment early in the month. The vice president and the NGF chair were believed to have discussed the modalities of the ‘bailouts’ which President Muhammadu Buhari approved about two weeks ago. Yari’s meeting with the vice president was ahead of tomorrow’s National Eco-

nomic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. It was learnt that governors may likely ask for more bailout at the meeting as some of the states have not cleared the arrears of their workers’ salaries despite the relief packaged for them by the Federal Government. The measures approved by the President include: the sharing of the $2.1 billion 2014 Income Tax/Education Tax remitted to the Federation Account by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLGN) Ltd; a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-packaged low-interest rate loans, ranging from N250 billion to N300 billion and the rescheduling of existing loans. Speaking with State House reporters after meeting with the vice president, the NGF chair said he came to find out the update on the agreement

for the “bailout” to be facilitated by the CBN. According to him, he wanted to know how far the Presidency had gone with the CBN in sourcing the funds ahead of tomorrow’s NEC meeting. He said: “Anyway, we discussed the special intervention funds. In our last meeting with the President, we agreed in the NEC that there will be a special intervention from the federal for the states that cannot foot their salary arrears to their workers. “So, I followed up with the chairman of the NEC to know how far they have gone with the CBN. We have gotten.... and also the share of the money that is going to be shared to the three tiers of government. “Because this issue of unpaid salaries is not only for the states, even the federal government is suffering the

same thing. “So, therefore, we followup to know how far they have gone with the CBN Governor and now we have gotten the brief but the CBN governor is out in Washington and immediately he comes back, we are going to take up the matter to see the end of issue of unpaid salaries to the workers.” On Boko Haram attacks, Yari said that the government was doing everything possible to counter the insurgents, prevent their bombs and dislodge their suicide bombers. He said: “You see, the issue of insurgency is something that is a problem of all. Now, Boko Haram members cannot be found in any forest, or in any local government among the occupied local governments in Borno, Yobe or Adamawa states. You cannot find them. “So, what we are now suf-

fering is a kind of guerrilla war, checking the bombs, dislodging the suicide bombings and what have you. But to see a group of 100, 200 as Boko Haram members to confront with our military, they cannot be found. “The government and the security agencies are doing their best to ensure that peace is restored. “Therefore, we are working and now it is the responsibility of our government to ensure security of lives and property of the people. And the issue of Boko Haram is number one that Mr. President is discussing with the President of the United States and the support he is going to give Nigeria to ensure that Continued on page 59

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS ‘Police spend N1b to settle judgment’

Reps head for court as Dogara okays Doguwa as House Leader T HERE seems to be no end in sight in the battle for the post of principal officers in the House of Representatives, as members of the Dogara Group, under the Consolidation Group, yesterday named their choices for principal officers. The announcement coincided with the revelation that two members of the House have filed a suit against Speaker Yakubu Dogara. The members, Hon Abubakar Lado Abdullahi (APC, Niger) and Hon. Olajide Abdul Jimoh (APC, Lagos), filed the suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja. They prayed the court to grant an order retraining the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yusuf; Clerk of the House, Sani Muhammed Omolori from preventing the announcement of the list of principal officers forwarded by the APC to the Speaker as representatives of the party on the Body of Principal Officers of the House. The Nation learnt that all the defendants have been served a copy of the originating summons as at Thursday last week. The APC lawmakers in the Originating Summon asked the court to determine whether Section 14 of the Nigerian constitution (as amended) on federal character applies to the internal workings of the National Assembly and, in particular, the House of Representatives, particularly with respect to the appointment of principal officers and especially the positions of Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Majority Chief Whip, and Majority Deputy Chief Whip. The Dogare group, in a

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

PDP Reps seek end to leadership crisis

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives yesterday urged the APC leadership in the Green Chamber to get its act together and end the crisis on leadership positions. The lawmakers chided the Department of State Security (DSS) on the allegation of treason against the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), saying the DSS would be invited on resumption of the House to clarify its allegations. The caucus, which spoke after a closeddoor meeting at the National Assembly yesterday, said the crisis had become embarrassing, as it had stunted legislative activities. The lawmakers warned that any attempt, once again, to shift the resumption of the House (which was moved from July 21 to 28) would be resisted. Its warning came as fears are heightened that the House might not meet the 181-day mandatory sitting, following the recess over the June 25 battle for principal offices and other impending holidays. Leo Ogor, leader of the Caucus, said: “The new resumption day should be non-negoFrom Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

statement yesterday, adopted Alhassan Ado Doguwa from the Northwest as House Leader, Buba Jibrin from the Northcentral as Deputy House Leader, Pally Iriase from the Southsouth as Chief Whip and Chika Okafor, from the Southeast, as Deputy Chief Whip. The group, in the statement signed by Abdulmumin Jibrin, said: “Heavens will not fall if Gbajabiamila is not made House Leader. “Consequently, we, the Consolidation Group, have adopted Alhassan Ado Doguwa from Northwest as House Leader, Buba Jibrin

‘Integrity of NSCDC must be sustained’

HE immediate past Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ade Abolurin, yesterday said the integrity and credibility of the corps must be sustained. He spoke at the official handover ceremony to his successor, Abdullahi Muhammadu. “People must have passion for the job as we support the government of the day and patriotism as well as professionalism must be seen in our attitude and display,” he said. He congratulated his successor and urged him to build upon the existing structure taking into cognisance the mission and vision statements of the corps which centred on humility, integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. “I want to give God the glory and adoration for leading us up to this level. “I indeed feel proud, highly elated and very fulfilled for taking the NSCDC to the level where it is now.”

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tiable because resumption must take place. “We are ready to work, we were elected to legislate and there are issues having negative impact already.” Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Ogor flayed the manner the DSS had been carrying out its duties. He urged the DSS to clarify its search on the home of Dasuki and the arrest of Gordon Obua, the chief security officer to former President Goodluck Jonathan. “Let’s know these other people that are within and planning treason.” He added that “a motion will come on the floor inviting the DSS to explain this issue of treason. “There are also issues about the chief security officer to our former President, we are told he was detained and nobody provided reasons for his detention.” Continuing, Ogor said “...every agency must work within the confines of its responsibility. If care is not taken, we may end up creating a scenario that may bring in dictatorship. According to Ogor, the DSS is derailing.

from Northcentral as Deputy House Leader, Pally Iriase from Southsouth as Chief Whip and Chika Okafor from Southeast as Deputy Chief Whip. “ We, therefore, call on our supporters to intensify lobbying at the zonal caucuses to ensure that these members emerge to assume the positions. Kindly note that Alhassan Doguwa is head of the Gbajabiamila’s Group while Pally Iriase was in the race for Speaker but stepped

down for Gbajabiamila and assumed an prominent role in the Gbajabiamila’s Group. The group called on the party to disregard the letter purportedly written by the Gbajabiamila Group, “which we know contemptuously emanated from the duo of Gbajabiamila and ]Falake without consultation with the APC caucus in the House, many of whom are support Dogara, his peace efforts and proposal for distribution of principal officers.”

•Arase

HE Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase said the police have spent over N1 billion to settle judgment arising from cases of right violations. Arase, who noted that officers had exploited the lapses in the policy on the use of force, warned that any policeman violating citizens’ rights would be penalised. He spoke in Abuja while opening a three-day workshop organised for senior police officers by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on the use of force and firearms. The inspector-general noted that with democracy, Nigerians were now more aware of their rights, a development that informed the need for reorientation on when and where to deploy force and firearms. Arase noted that there was a virtual policy vacuum in respect of how and when firearms should be deployed and the circumstances governing the use of force by officers. He argued that despite this lack of guideline, there was no excuse for the indiscriminate deployment of force and firearms by policeman. “We have paid out over N1 billion in garnishee proceedings in the last three years

from judgment got against the police for right violations. “No person deserves to lose his life as a result of the absence of a clear policy guideline on the graduated use of a force policy by policemen. ‘’It is necessary to ensure officers are strictly held accountable on how they decide to deploy firearms. It is also necessary to ensure that officers are trained and certified as such before they are permitted to sign and possibly use firearms. ‘’The era of impunity has passed beyond the ken of recall. We must do our best to modernise tactical operational strategies to commensurate levels with international best practices,” Arase said. He explained that the workshop was part of ways to achieve the strategic objective of human rights-driven policing and meeting the obligation to safeguard life and property. The Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Niger and Chad, Hans-Rudolf Hadel, said his country decided to support the police on the training because of its relevance to modern policing and the need to avoid the indiscriminate deployment of force by officers. He said if force must be used, it should be in accordance with the rule of law, respect for the affected citizen’s rights and the need to minimise damage. UNODC’s Semone Henri said the project was aimed at reforming the police to enable it function in a democratic environment, such as Nigeria’s.

•From left: Director of Welfare Services and Administration, Apostolic Faith Church, Amb. James Olaleye; District Superintendent, West and Central Africa, Rev. Bayo Adeniran and Director, Resource Directorate, Prof. Kayode Oje, at a news conference on the 2015 Annual Camp Meeting of the church in Lagos ... yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

NAFDAC dismisses ex-Finance director graft allegation

HE Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Paul Orhii, has described as baseless allegations of corruption leveled against him. Its former Finance Director, Ademola Mogbojuri, on Sunday, accused the directorgeneral of corruption. Mogbojuri‘s allegation followed a news conference by the Chairman of NAFDAC’s workers’ union, Isa Ibrahim, accusing the ex-Finance director of demanding bribe before releasing approved money for projects. NAFDAC, in a statement yesterday, said Mogbojuri was misleading the public with frivolous allegations be-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

cause he was transferred to head its institute in Kaduna. The statement, by its Director, Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, reads: “We wish to state that these allegations are baseless, false, misleading and frivolous because nothing of such happened under the watch of Dr. Paul Orhii as director-general of NAFDAC. “It is a curious paradox that the director of Finance and Accounts, who has been superintending over contract awards, payments and other due processes since 2010, would now turn around to make such false and disparaging allegations against the chief executive just when he

was redeployed to another directorate due to his incompetence and insubordination. “In any case, redeployment and movement of officers in civil service are a routine. This is not the first time NAFDAC directors are reshuffled. In most cases, some directors have been redeployed up to five directorates within three years. This is why we can’t understand what the hullabaloo is all about, except to believe that he is being used by counterfeiters to derail the focused administration in its quest to safeguard the health of the nation. “NAFDAC is aware of a plot to throw mud at it by certain interests, whose trade in unwholesome food

and counterfeit drugs had been affected by proactive actions of Dr. Orhii towards ensuring that unwholesome food and counterfeit drugs become history in Nigeria. We are, therefore, not surprised that these allegations are coming from a director, who is disgruntled and finding ways to hit back at the agency and the chief executive. “NAFDAC urges the public to ignore the allegations. NAFDAC assures that management will not lose focus under the might of these frivolous allegations. “NAFDAC will also take actions within the extant civil service rules against civil servants involved in insubordination, gross mis-

conduct and dereliction of duty.” It added: “Just last year, the union embarked on a strike to demand payment of the outstanding 28-day allowance and other claims approved by the director-general but withheld by the recalcitrant director. “The union also urged the public and other stakeholders to disregard the disparaging allegation of corruption and treat it as mere tantrums, blackmail and mudslinging by a disgruntled officer.” Speaking at the news conference at the weekend, Ibrahim said: “On numerous occasions, the Orhii would approve funds to carry out projects but the directorate of

Finance, rather than honour the approval, would tell us there is no money. The director in question was transferred to another section but he refused to go. He does not obey or regard the directorgeneral or any constituted authority. Nobody should be bigger than NAFDAC. It is an act of insubordination that we must not allow to continue.” The NAFDAC’s former Finance director said he had documents to prove the reckless running of the agency by Orhii, who he alleged, spent money without following due process. He said he was being victimised for refusing to be a part of the corruption going on in the agency.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS Fed Govt names banned vessels

HE Federal Government has named the 113 crude oil vessels banned from doing business in any of the 27 oil terminals within theNigerian territorial waters. The ban followed a directive contained in a memo dated July 15, 2015, which was issued by the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Gbenga Komolafe, to all terminal operators. Copies of the memo were also sent the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service. Although no reason was stated in the memo for the imposition of the affected vessels but sources in the oil industry said it may not be unconnected with certain discrepancies between the volume of crude oil lifted by the affected vessels from various Nigerian terminals and the volume eventually discharged abroad to buyers. Some of the affected vessels include MV Eliza, with international maritime organisation registration, IMO, No. 9387578, MV Happines, with IMO No. 9212905; MV Progress, with IMO No. 9180152; MV New Harmony (No. 963207); MV Cosgrace Lake (No. 9294587) and MV Plata Glory (No. 9172674). Others include MV Humanity (No. 9180281); MV Scf Shanghai (No. 9325968); MV Tenyo (No. 9222443); MV Astro Challenge (No. 9237072); MV Maran Thetis (No. 94214427); MV BW Bauhinia (No. 9315070); MV Dream (No.9356893); MV Xin Dan Yag (No. 96140048) and MV Desim (No. 9395305). Also included are MVs Capssion, New Medal, Universal Queen, and UMN Al Aish. The terminals the vessels were banned from entering include Forcados, Bonny, Bongam Sea Eagle, Qua Iboe, Erha, Yoho, Usan, Escravos, Pennington, Brass and Akpo, among others.

•President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin (left); Dr. Abiola Akinyode; Dr. Joy Ezilo; celebrator and author of Across Divides Dr Ada Agina-Ude; Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Mrs. Foluso Olaniyan, at the 70th birthday celebration and presentation of the book by Dr. AginaUde at The Bay Lounge, Admiralty Road, Lekki, Lagos...yesterday.

Service chiefs vow to crush insurgency

HE new Service chiefs resumed duties yesterday, vowing to crush insurgency that has ravaged the Northeast in the last five years. Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin took over from Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas took the baton from Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin as Chief of Naval Staff. Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu also handed over to Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar as chief of Air staff. Former Cchief of Army saff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah had already handed over to Major Gen. Yakubu Buratai on Thursday. The CDS promised to fashion a new strategic direction for the prosecution of the campaign against insurgency. He said efforts would also be made to strengthen operational arrangements to sustain achievements in the counter-insurgency operations. The CDS promised to intensify intelligence, logistic communication and equipment provision with every support given by the administration. Maj.-Gen. Olonisakin said:

Saraki, others sued over move to make Akpabio Senate Minority Leader •Court to rule today From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

OME members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain the Senate from departing from its standing rules in the appointment of the Minority Leader for the Eighth National Assembly. The suit, aimed at frustrating the possible emergence of former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the Senate’s Minority Leader, was filed by two members of the PDP from Rivers and Imo states. The plaintiffs in the suit are Alaye Don Pedro (Ward 8 AkukuToru Local Government Area, Rivers State) and Okechukwu Ibeh of Umukegwu/Umuopia in Ide Ato Local Government Area, Imo State. The suit has the Senate President, Bukola Saraki (as the First respondent, followed by Akpabio (as second respondents) and 16 others, who are members of the Southsouth Senate Caucus. They are Nelson Effiong, Bassey Albert, Emmanuel Paulker, Ogola Foster, Ben Murray Bruce, John Owan Enoh, Gershom Bassey, Rose Oko, James Manager, Peter Nwaoboshi, Ighoyota Amori, Clifford Ordia, Mathew Urhoghide, George Thomson Sekibo, Olaka Nwogu and Osinachukwu Ideozu. It is the plaintiffs’ contention that the alleged plot by some individuals to make Akpabio (a first term senator) the Minority leader, was a violation of Order 3(2) of the Senate Standing Order 2015 (as amended). Yesterday, the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Bankole Akomolafe, argued his clients’ motion ex-parte in which they sought orders restraining the defendants from taking steps that could negate the Senate’s ranking tradition. Justice Kolawole, after listening to Akomolafe, adjourned to today for ruling.

•Ex-military leaders hand over to successors From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

“A lot has been done in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast. In furtherance of the successes so far achieved, we will look at ways to strengthen the existing arrangement as well as provide new strategic direction. “We will set specific timelines and milestones to be achieved; look at gaps in the ongoing efforts and do all that are needful, with the support of

government, to address these gaps, especially in the areas of actionable intelligence, logistics, communication and other critical equipment.” He urged the Armed Forces to redouble efforts in the counter-insurgency campaign to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Muhammadu Buhari and the people. The CDS called for improved collaboration among other security agencies, with emphasis on intelligence gathering in all

military and security operations. He admonished officers and men on the need to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering, armed banditry and other criminal activities. The Chief of Air Staff appealed to the National Assembly for support to enable the Air Force deliver on its mandate. On his part, the new chief of Naval saff promised to provide responsive and motivational leadership that would institute appropriate reward system.

“My vision is to develop a credible naval power in fulfillment of the Nigerian Navy’s constitutional roles towards enhancing national prosperity and security,” Admiral Ibas said. He assured Buhari and the people that he would do everything in his power to justify the confidence reposed in him. The Naval chief urged Nigerians to continue to support the Navy in contributing meaningfully to enhance maritime security and national development.

Why African politicians, intellectuals must engage in teamwork, by Fayemi •’How late Atta Mills predicted Buhari’s victory’

•Dr. Fayemi

FRICAN intellectuals and politicians must work together to revive public service and bring about transformative governance for the continent’s sociopolitical and economic growth, former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi said yesterday. He said it was only when intellectuals and politicians abandon their differences to complement themselves that “the public good, which is the essence of democratic governance, can be fully realised”. He spoke in a keynote speech at the Third Edition of the President Atta Mills Memorial Lecture at the John Evans Atta Mills Centre for Law and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Achimota, Accra, Ghana. Speaking on the topic: “Intellectuals in Politics and Governance in Africa: The lessons and legacies of John Evans Atta Mills”, the ex-governor noted the contributions of notable public intellectuals, like Nnamdi Azikwe, Kwame Nkruma; Julius Nyerere, Obafemi Awolowo and Leopold Senghor in the liberation struggle and early democratic governments in Africa.

He said the idea of philosopher-king in the contemporary African politics was to “advocate the marriage of politics and principle, and to yoke public policy to public intellection”. “The good politicians may not need to be brilliant intellectuals, but they also should not have contemptuous disdain for the life of the mind”, said Fayemi, who advocated a hybrid of the two. He added: “This is why perhaps the issue for us should not be one of transition from intellection to politics, but the extent to which we are able to achieve fundamental synergy between the two in the quest to add value to our society and our democracy”. He explained that the solution to the democratic deficit that the African continent was experiencing could not be by posing intellect as “a counterpunch to politics”. For autonomous institutions to play a positive role in mediating citizens’ choices, Fayemi noted that their organic development must be combined in a more nuanced manner and a more systematic way with the use of public and state power. “Am I then suggesting that an intellectual necessarily belongs in politics? Put that way, an impression is created that I consider it the duty of every intellectual to engage in politics at all cost. That is not my view. However, it is my profound conviction that Africa requires – today more than ever before – enlightened, thoughtful politicians with

character and integrity who are bold and broad-minded enough to consider things which lie beyond the scope of their immediate influence and benefit. “We need politicians willing and able to rise above their own power interests, or the particular interests of their political parties or states, and act in accord with the fundamental interests of today’s humanity - that is, to behave the way everyone should behave, even though most may fail to do so,” he said. The former governor added: “In the realm of such politics, intellectuals should make their presence felt in many ways. They could - without finding it shameful or demeaning - accept political office and use that position to do what they deem right, not just to hold on to power. “Or they could be the ones who hold up a mirror to those in authority, making sure that the latter serve a good thing and that they do not begin to use fine words as a cloak for evil deeds, as happened to so many intellectuals in politics in our continent and elsewhere.” Fayemi told the audience how the late Atta Mills predicted President Muhammadu Buhari’s election victory when the two leaders met in Ghana shortly after the 2011 general elections in Nigeria. Fayemi, who shared President Buhari’s account of his meeting with President Mills, said: “When I informed President Buhari of this speaking engagement last week in the

middle of a conversation about his on-going trip to the United States of America, I was curious when he became very quiet. A man of not too many words, when he eventually spoke, he said: “Governor, President Atta Mills was a good man; a very good man; one of the very best from our continent.” “Not aware that he had had any close interaction with the late President, I concurred that yes, indeed, President Mills was a good man but went on to ask, ‘Were you close to him, sir?’ He replied warmly: ‘Not really, but I met him in 2011 when I came to rest in Ghana after the 2011 general election debacle in Nigeria, and he was gracious enough to allow me stay at the Peduase Lodge, the Presidential retreat at Aburi in the Eastern Region. “‘We spoke extensively during my stay in Ghana but two things he said to me during those conversations stuck in my memory. First, he was among the few, probably even the first to predict at a time that I had given up on contesting for the presidency, that I will win the next election in Nigeria, if I persevered. He admonished me to take a cue from his example and remain calm but resolute. Second, he said to me at one point, ‘I came into this world with nothing. I shall leave it with nothing’.” Fayemi added that aside the late President Mills’ intellectual ability, his high level of discipline, integrity, humility and maturity as a leader, distinguished his administration.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

•Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (middle) with members of the League of Imams and Alfas during their visit to the governor in Sokoto... yesterday.

Tragedy averted as aircraft tyre bursts

HE TYRE OF a Boeing 737-500 Aero Airlines aircraft burst yesterday during take-off at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MM2), Lagos. According to a source, the 141 passengers on board the Lagos-Abuja flight were scared as the pilot initiated a return. The spokesman of Aero Airlines, Simon Tumba, said the pilot took emergency precautionary steps by re-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

turning to base. In a statement, Tumba said: ”Aero flight NG127 from Lagos to Abuja yesterday made an air return as a result of a burst tyre, which occurred just as the airplane was taking off. “The pilot did the right thing by not trying to abort take-off. “He controlled the aircraft into the air and following all trained procedures, he

brought the plane back to safe landing. “At no time during all of this were the passengers’ lives at any risk.” The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident. A statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Fan Ndubuoke, said the aircraft, which took off from the MM2 at 3pm for Abuja, developed technical problem and made an air return as the

normal procedure. “The aircraft, with 141 passengers on board, on arrival at the international wing of the airport, had its passengers transferred to another aircraft while some demanded for refunds. Some passengers rescheduled their flight for today.” Ndubuoke said NCAA will investigate the incident. He assured the public of the agency’s commitment to safety and security.

Ataoja to Osun workers: resume work

HE Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has appealed to workers to resume so that Governor Rauf Aregbesola can kick start the recovery of the economy. Speaking with reporters in his palace in Osogbo yesterday, the traditional ruler, who praised workers for their patience, urged labour leaders to show understanding. Oba Olanipekun decried the propaganda about the Ar-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

egbesola administration. “We have been reading on the Internet and newspapers that some people are trying to jeopardise the good effort of the government. “And we have to enlighten the public. Aregbesola should be praised for his numerous achievements. “Despite the fact that Osun is the least paid in terms of federal allocation, Aregbeso-

la has achieved far more than his predecessors. “He has changed the face of the state, particularly Osogbo. He has repaired many roads in the state. “Aregbesola has recorded several achievements. I beg the workers to rally round him to make the state bounce back. “I’m appealing to workers to show understanding. Some of the roads he built and rehabilitated have attracted development to the

Government wants to avoid a situation in which “these people could gang up and molest any official out to enforce the law By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

Besides this, the operators must always wear standard crash helmet and provide same for their passengers. They are also barred from carrying more than one passenger, carrying children or

EKSUTH CMD: I’ve tried

HE Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Dr. Olubunmi Ogundipe, has said he has surmounted the challenges he met on ground when he assumed leadership. Speaking at a forum, he said besides clearing the backlog of promotions, conversions and payment of salaries, a conducive environment had been created for staff to work effectively. Ogundipe said EKSUTH was collaborating with other teaching hospitals to sponsor doctors for trainings. The CMD added that EKSUTH is providing services for general hospitals and comprehensive health centres in the state. The hospital has performed some medical feats in surgery, unique procedure and robust dialysis. On the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Ogundipe noted that the scheme should not be for Federal Government workers alone. The Ministry of Health, EKSUTH and Hospital Management Board are working out ways by which state workers will have access to similar scheme.

an expectant mother and must not operate beyond 8pm in Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Ikeja and beyond 10pm in other areas. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had, on June 25, given the motorcycle union leadership 21 days to educate their members on the return to the regime of full enforcement of the law, which comes with a forfeiture of the vehicle and a three-year jail term for offenders. The term could however be commuted to community service. The enforcement was suspended in the wake of the 2015 general elections. The deadline expired last Thursday, and government had said the enforcement will begin immediately after the Sallah holidays. But checks across the state yesterday showed that it was still business as usual for the operators as the government, police and other security agencies that are to im-

From Damisi Ojo,Akure

IGHT persons died yesterday in an accident on the AkureIlaramokin-Ilesa Road. The accident, which occurred at Ilaramokin on the outskirts of Akure, was said to have been caused by a lorry coming from Akure. An eyewitness said the driver of the lorry, loaded with cement, lost control and collided with a Toyota Sienna bus coming from Lagos. It was gathered that the eight passengers in the bus and the driver identified as Sunday Eso, died instantly. The lorry driver was injured. It was learnt that the bus, which left Ojota in Lagos, was going to Ikare-Akoko. The victims’ remains were said to have been deposited at the morgue of a government hospital.

Deji calls for more development From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladesulu, yesterday urged the Ondo State government to provide more infrastructural facilities in his domain. Oba Aladesulu made the appeal when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, led by its Chairman, Clement Faboyede, visited him. Speaking through the Asamo of Akure, Chief Rotimi Olusanya, the monarch decried the lack of access roads in Akure, lack of potable water and poor electricity supply. He promised the support of Akure people to the Olusegun Mimiko administration.

•Oba Olanipekun

state. We, the people of Osogbo, have no regret in supporting Aregbesola.”

No okada restriction in Lagos, despite deadline expiration OTORCYCLISTS and tricycle drivers had a field day on Lagos roads yesterday. This was against the ultimatum by the government that a massive clamp down awaits operators who flout the deadline restricting their operations to inner roads and side streets. In the Lagos Traffic Law enacted in 2012, motorcyclists and tricyclists were restricted from 475 of the 9,100 roads in the state. They are also barred from all bridges.

Eight die in accident

plement the law are unprepared to enforce it. Motorcycles were seen on major roads, such as the Apap- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway, Oshodi, Mushin roads, Ikorodu Road, among others. Most cyclists who spoke with The Nation said they were unaware of the return of the enforcement. A commercial motorcyclist, Amidu Adamson, said he thought the government had decided to leave the okada operators alone. He said he was unaware the government gave a 21 days ultimatum for them to move out of all restricted roads. A top official of the Ministry of Transport, who pleaded for anonymity, said the government would soon swoop on the cyclists. He confirmed that the deadline has expired. Government, however, he said, would not hurry into enforcement because it would want maximum impact when the enforcement eventually begins. He said government wants to avoid a situation in which “these people could gang up and molest any official out to enforce the law”.

Ondo State monarch passes on

HE monarch of Ayede Ogbese, Oba Peter Adetunmbi Iseoluwa Oluyede, has passed on. He died on July 13. A renowned professor of law, former member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, accomplished author of many law books on Nigerian and East African Law, Oba Oluyede ascended the throne in November 2010. He was one of the three Nigerians to obtain LL.D degree by examination from British universities. The others are the late Prof T.O Elias and Prof B.O Nwabueze. His reign brought a new wave of leadership to Ayede Ogbese, a burgeoning commercial community between Akure and Owo. The interment and first funeral rites are scheduled to take place in Ayede Ogbese on August 7 at 10 am. The final rites and celebration of life are scheduled for December 19. He is survived by his wife, Olori Titi and children: Ajibola, Olusegun, Afolabi, Kofoworola, Adegoke and Odunayo.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Bimbo Ashiru (right), Chairman, Tropical Group International (TGI), Jerome Shogbon (third left), Managing Director, West Africa Cotton (WACOT) Tecklea Ravi (fourth right) and other TGI management staff at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta ...yesterday.

Don, Odegbami, others for conference

HE Dean, Faculty of Food Technology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Lateef Sanni; Chairman, International Sports Academy Abeokuta, Segun Odegbami and other erudite scholars will speak at the first annual O’odua Youth Conference (OYC). The conference, organised by OYC, a registered apex Yoruba youth organisation, will hold on July 30 at the Western Hall, Secretariat Complex, Ibadan, with the theme: “Repositioning Yoruba Youth for Greater Prosperity: A new Agenda”. OYC President Moronkeji Oladapo said Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association

(NECA) Segun Oshinowo and Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission Dipo Famakinwa are also guest speakers at the conference, which will draw over 1,000 select Yoruba youths from across the Southwest. He said the conference would provide the youth and leaders the platform to do a more critical appraisal of the challenges facing them and proffer solutions. He said the conference would also serve as a launchpad for various OYC’s empowerment programmes in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, creative arts, and sports.

LAUTECH ASUU threatens strike

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has asked Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) to pay their 13months arrears. The union also threatened an industrial crisis, if the arrears were not paid by the two owner-states. It said members are finding it difficult to survive as nobody would borrow them money. The Chairman, Oyebamiji Oyegoke, said the call became imperative in view of the “bailout” given to states

S the Lagos State University (LASU) begins its 2014/2015 first semester examination today, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) has warned that any attempt to “smuggle” Vice-Chancellor Prof John Obafunwa into the university may truncate peace in the institution. This development is coming against the backdrop of a conference organised by the Faculty of Arts, which Obafunwa is expected to chair. Speaking to The Nation after a congress yesterday, SSANU Chairman Saheed Oseni said the congress decided that Obafunwa must not come to the campus, until outstanding issues are

•Mgt: this nonsense must stop By Adegunle Olugbamila

settled. But LASU Registrar Akinwunmi Lewis said the union members should stop the “nonsense”. Govenor Akinwunmi Ambode, last month, invited the workers’ union and management to the Governor’s Office, Alausa, where he pleaded that Obafunwa should be allowed to complete his term, which expires on October 31. But the workers reportedly told Ambode that they would hold a congress and send its decision to the governor. Oseni said against Am-

bode’s directive, Obafunwa had been sponsoring hate campaigns on workers in the media, leaving them (workers) with no choice but to also re-launch a media war. Lewis said the workers were taking their freedom for granted. He said: “We are in a democracy and all this nonsense must stop. Some people think they have absolute right. They do not know that where their rights end is where some others begin. “This is a university and academic culture is sacrosanct. But what is happening here (LASU) is simply

an abuse of that academic culture. “Government has told them (workers) they have no right as regards who comes or leaves campus because we are all employees. If they have any issue, the government said they should put it in black and white but they don’t want to do that. “Ask them (workers) in whose interest are they fighting? The 2014/2015 academic session would have ended by September last year, if the previous academic calendar had been followed. Now students will write the 2014/2015 first semester exam tomorrow (today). The university and our students have lost four months already. “

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

by President Muhammadu Buhari. Oyegoke demanded regular payment of salary from monthly subventions and not from the internally generated revenue, which is to be used for other welfare and development projects. His words: “The two owner states jointly owe workers 13-month salaries, forcing the university to keep the system running via financial interventions. “The Oyo and Osun governments have abdicated their responsibilities of providing funding as expected for the university.”

Ekiti APC groups merge WO interest groups in the Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC), the G-35 and Ekiti Restoration Group (ERG) have merged in a bid to ensure victory for the party in 2018. A former member of the House of Representatives and ERG chieftain, Bamidele Faparusi, said the action was part of moves to sack the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). ERG was formed by APC House of Representatives members of the Seventh Assembly. G-35 comprises notable politicians like former council chairman Paul Abegunde, Ayodele Esan, Bunmi Akinniyi, Benson Omotayo, Oladele Adeniyi, among others. Faparusi, who represented Ekiti South between 2011 and 2015, said the merger was to foster unity and ensure proper realignment of forces and interests in the party. According to him, no efforts

Don’t come to LASU, workers threaten VC

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

would be spared to make all interest groups in the party come together to ensure that the APC “inflict a crushing defeat on the PDP” which it maintains has failed Ekiti people with its performance. Faparusi said: “The APC does not only owe it a duty to present a credible opposition to the PDP administration, we should also form a united front to be able to bounce to reckoning and defeat the PDP in 2018. “We are working hard to ensure unity in our party and in doing this, no group will be sidelined. We are ready to bring everybody on board.” Esan said: “There is nothing to fight about now but to rejoice that we won the central. Since we are able to achieve that tall feat, I don’t think Ekiti will be a herculean task.”

Oyo higher institutions begin indefinite strike

CADEMIC staff unions in Oyo State tertiary institutions yesterday began an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries. They said if the government did not call them for negotiation in the next 14 days, they would continue the strike. The unions, under the aegis of the Joint Action Forum of Academic Staffs (JAFAS), after a meeting at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, said its members were last paid in February. It said the non-payment of salary was taking its toll on members as six of them had died in the last few days. JAFAS comprises members of the Association of Staff Unions of Polytechnics (ASUP) and College of Education Academic Staff Unions (COEASU) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora and Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. Kelani Ajadi, who spoke on behalf of the association, said: “We had embarked on a three-day warning strike and we gave the management of our various institutions a week for negotiation. “But since the negotiation was not forthcoming, we decided to take our destinies in our hands. “We lost six of our mem-

•Lose six members to unpaid salaries From Tayo Johnson and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

bers. They could not get enough funds to maintain themselves. Some are still in the hospitals. “Though we welcome the idea that the internally generated revenues of various institutions should be improved, this should not be attached to payment of salaries. Government should release the statutory fund due to these institutions as at when due.

“The death of Olusola Ayeni of the Public Administration Department and Bayo Atanda from The Polytechnic, Ibadan and three others from Ibarapa Polytechnic could have been averted, if they had been paid as and when due.” Olawumi Muyiwa from Oke-Ogun State Polytechnic said since the struggle started, the government had not invited them. He said: “We cannot continue to watch until we are

all dead. We have decided to take our destinies in our hands.” COEASU Chairman at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Kingsley Oke, said: “Mr. Ajibade Taofeek’s death was a sad one. There was no money even from the union’s purse to help him. Some are dying. Must we must die before we get what belongs to us? Some of us cannot pay our rent, school fees and other bills. We are appealing to everybody to assist us.”

I won’t entertain frivolous petitions, HE Chairman of the says tribunal chair Oyo State Gover-

norship Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Aliyu Mohammad Mayaki, has said the tribunal will not entertain any frivolous petition. He said the tribunal would not determine any motion or application hastily. Justice Mayaki spoke yesterday when he resumed duties. The former Chairman, Justice F.C Obieze, has retired at 65. Justice Mayaki said: “We will not strike out any petition. We don’t want to be in a hurry. If you rush and strike out petitions and the petitioner appeals, and the appeal says we’re wrong, can we now come back and hear it again?

From Oseheye Okwuofu and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

“We want to be conscious of that and that is the position we have taken. We want to hear all submissions and consider all issues. We also want cooperation from the counsel.” Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord Party claimed that the April 11 governorship election was rigged in favour of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The four respondentsAPC, Ajimobi, Rufus Akeju and the Independent National Electoral Commission- were represented by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Rotimi Akeredolu

(SAN). Adeboye Shobanjo stood for the third and fourth respondents. The petitioner’s counsel, Richard Ogunwole, told the tribunal that he had filed some applications and would like to withdraw them. He said: “The first one was dated July 3 and filed on July 4 for mandatory injunction. Another application which we filed on July 19 for the petitioner’s response sheet, we want to withdraw it because of an error.” There was no objection from the respondents. Justice Mayaki granted the request and the applications were withdrawn. The tribunal adjourned pre-hearing till July 28.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

CITYBEATS Police Corporal jailed six years for manslaughter A T TRIGGER-happy policeman, Corporal Abang Okon, was yesterday sentenced to six years imprisonment by an Ikeja High Court in Lagos. Justice Sedoten Ogunsanya found Okon guilty for the unlawful killing of Olalekan Ajayi. Okon was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the onecount charge. Okon was arraign before Justice Ogunsanya on April 1 for firing the shot that killed Olalekan. The incident, according to the prosecutor, Adebayo

By Adebisi Onanuga

Haroun, occured at the Ladega area of Ikorodu, Lagos. The defendant, who initially pleaded not guilty, changed it to guilty following a plea bargain with the prosecution. yesterday, Haroun told the court that the defendant has changed his plea. He urged the court to approve the guilt plea as involuntary manslaughter.

In his judgment, Justice Ogunsanya adopted a part of the plea bargain, saying: “The defendant having shown remorse for his actions on August 28, 2013 along Ladega Junction, Ikorodu, Lagos by negligently firing a bullet at one Olalekan Ajayi which resulted in his death hereby pleads guilty to the offence of involuntary manslaughter contrary to section 222 of the criminal law. “The defendant is hereby

sentenced to six years imprisonment to take effect from the date of his remand in prison custody.” The judge turned down other parts of the plea bargain which recommended that the defendant should serve a six-hour community service thruough environmental sanitation as part of his punishment. Justice Ogunsanya also turned down the part which recommended that the defendant should be responsible for paying the tuition fees of one of the deceased’s children from primary to secondary school.

Cynthia: Court threatens to revoke defendant’s bail By Precious Igbonwelundu

•The late Cynthia

USTICE Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court yesterday threatened to revoke the bail of one of those being tried for Cynthia Osokogu’s murder over his lawyer’s antics. Justice Akinlade accused Mr C.J Ajakona, lawyer to Nonso Ezike, the fourth defendant, of “deliberately frustrating the trial by not coming to court”.

She vowed to revoke Ezike’s bail if his lawyer failed to file his ‘no case submission’ application before the next adjourned date. Ezike, brother to the second defendant, Olisaeloka Ezike, is being tried for selling the late Osokogu’s BlackBerry Phone. Justice Akinlade said: “I tell you at the next adjourned date if nothing is filed, I will revoke your bail and send you back to prison. Then your lawyer will know what to do. “It is because you have been on bail that is why your lawyer is wasting the time of the court. It is a deliberate act. “The court is already on

vacation but I left the comfort of my home, thinking that the case will go on today, only for my time to be wasted.” According to Ezike, he was informed his counsel had an accident when he called his telephone on Monday. The defendant also told the court that he has a feeling his lawyer was not serious with the matter, recalling how Ajakona told him he had forgotten about the matter when he called him before the last adjournment. He notified the court of his intention to appoint Chris Obiaka counsel to the third defendant, Osita Orji (a pharmacist) to take over his case. Adjourning the case to October 26 for the adoption of

Ambode orders recovery of 250 acre land from grabbers AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday ordered the State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences to recover 250 acres of land in Gberigbe near Ikorodu. Our correspondent learnt that the land was given to an agricultural firm in the early 80’s by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative to encourage farming and boost food production in the state. It was learnt that the land was taken over by one Lamina popularly called Sir Kay. He is accused of selling the land and pulling down over 12,000 palm trees on the farm. Confirming the governor’s directive, the task force Chairman, Mr. Akeem Adedeji, said the government would not condone illegal eviction of rightful land owners from their properties. The era of land grabbing, he said, was over, warning those involved to desist from the act. Adedeji said the agency would storm the land and serve quit notices on illegal occupants. “Sequel to his passion to make life easy for every citizen, the governor has told us to follow due process in our enforcement. So, we will go to the land to serve quit notice on whoever is occupying the land. The occupants will be served papers, the struc-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

tures found on the land will be marked, after which we will recover the land. The essence is to enable them present their documents, if indeed they have any. “They will be notified, but the land will be recovered back to the government in accordance with the Governor’s directive,” Adedeji added. A representative of Shoreman Agro, the owners of the land, who did not want his name mentioned, said its workers were forcefully sent away from the farm by Lamina, who claimed to be working for some land grabbers. “We got that land between 1982 and 1983, we got the nec-

essary document and approval from the state government and the families who also claimed ownership of the land. The land was a jungle when we started developing it for agricultural purposes. Our farm won the best farmer of the Year in 1989, both in the state and federal. “The land grabbers led by Lamina, known as Sir Kay, invaded and destroyed our farms, tractors and other facilities. About 12, 000 palm trees were also destroyed while our workers were chased away by thugs.” He added that the trouble started in 2005 when one of the lawyers, who was a signatory to the land acquisition, died.

Prayer for APC chieftain’s mother

HE eighth day Fidau prayer for the late Alhaja Idiat AloboBakare mother of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Hakeem Alobo-Bakare, takes place tomorrow. The late trader and community leader died last Thursday and was buried on Friday July 16 at Abari cemetery, Lagos Island. She was 83 years old. In a statement, Chief Alobo-Bakare, said the Fidau prayer would take place by 2pm at Akintan

•The late Alhaja Alobo-Bakare

Grammar School off Clegg Street in Surulere, Lagos.”

‘no case submission’ of the third and fourth defendants, Justice Akinlade held that Ezike’s lawyer must have file and served his application for ruling by them. Osokogu, 25, was drugged, assaulted and murdered on July 22, 2012 at Cosmilla Hotel in Lake View Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos. The primary suspects, Okwumo Nwabuifo, 34 and Olisaeloka Ezike, 25, were said to have picked her from the airport on her arrival from Abuja, after meeting on Facebook.

Two held for APC chieftain’s death

HE Homicide Section of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested two persons for the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Salawe Daramola. Police spokesman Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), confirmed the arrest yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Nwosu said the suspects were arrested during the Eid-EL-Fitr celebration in different parts of the state. The suspects, he said, had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for investigation. NAN reports that two gunmen riding on a motorcycle last Thursday evening shot dead Daramola, a chieftain of APC in Ward B in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area. It was learnt that the assailants stormed the deceased’s residence at K Close, 3rd Avenue, Festac Town and shot him at close range three times. The suspects arrived in the place around 5.30pm. Nwosu said the suspects were first interrogated by the Area E Commander, ACP Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police before being taken to SCID.

Three held for ‘stealing master’s N7m watch’ HREE domestic workers, who allegedly stole their employer’s money and other items worth N8.1 million, were yesterday arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The accused - Grace Akpan, 36; Houeze Vincent, 33; and Sambo Akpan, 42 - are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. Prosecuting police Inspector Ingobo Emby told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 17 at a house on Raymond Njoku Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Inspector Emby said the accused stole $2, 000 cash, two gold rings valued at N684, 000

and a gold watch valued at N7 million, all valued at N8.1 million, belonging to their employer. He said the offence contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law. The accused pleaded not guilty. The defence counsel, Mr J. J. Ozemhoya, urged the court to grant the accused bail in “liberal terms”. Magistrate H. O. Amos granted the accused N200, 000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum. He said one of the sureties must be a blood relation of the accused and must produce evidence of tax payment. The case was adjourned till August 24 for mention.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

CORES of women protested yesterday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the delisting of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) beneficiaries by their

Niger Delta women protest delisting of Amnesty students abroad various institutions abroad. It was gathered that former militants studying abroad

were being sent packing, following the inability of the Federal Government to pay

•Protesting women urge Buhari to pay fees From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

their fees. The women were reportedly jolted by a report that 13 exmilitants undergoing training as pilots at the Lufthansa Airline Training School in Frankfurt, Germany, had been sent back to Nigeria. Other scholarship students from the Niger Delta were said to have been sent home by their institutions in other African countries, Russia, Germany, Ukraine and Europe for non-payment of fees. The protesting women were said to have besieged the office of the umbrella body of ex-militant leaders, the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), in the state capital. They said President Muhammadu Buhari should be held responsible, if the tension in

the region over the matter snowballed into insurgency. The protesters noted that as mothers, they were feeling the heat and observing tension from the gathering of youths in their communities. One of the protesting women, Ebiere Ankiomete, said Buhari’s action had restored the hope in the region. She said: “The President’s refusal to appoint a substantive chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Committee to liaise with Federal Ministry of Finance to pay the Amnesty Training fund is a problem. “If the appointment is delayed till September, the amnesty beneficiaries in institutions abroad would have been denied approved trainings.” LPCDI’s President and former ex-militant leader Pastor Reuben Wilson urged the protesting women to remain

calm. He reminded the President that the Amnesty Programme was meant to enhance peace and smoothen production of crude oil in the region and should not be allowed to suffer. Welson said: “The passionate appeal comes on the heels of an avalanche of complaints received by the indigent parents of the amnesty’s beneficiaries in Nigeria and abroad, whose children and wards are experiencing hardship because of a lack of funds to the programme. “Mr. President should not to lose sight on the germane issue that brought about the PAP and save it from collapse. The peace we are enjoying in the Niger Delta today is because of the Amnesty Programme initiated by your predecessor, President Umaru Ya’Adua. This is because he had the interest of the Niger Delta people at heart.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015 T

Life

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761 and 08112662687

‘I will love to reincarnate as artist’ SEE STORY ON PAGE 14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

US-based Nigerian scholar and artist Prof dele jegede turned 70 last April. He will be celebrated by his colleagues at the University of Lagos and Yaba College of Technology, Lagos from tomorrow. To him, good artists never die, never fade away, but simply become more vivified; a category which he belongs to at 70. Though disengaged from teaching, he sees the disengagement as an opportunity to reengage himself with his studio practice, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

‘I will love to reincarnate as artist’

they will have to contend with. Before I retired from the University of Lagos in 1992, I had worked there as a faculty member for 15 years. It was from there that I went on a leave of absence to study at Indiana, where I obtained my doctorate in 1983. And in 1987, I had taught for one year and curated a major exhibition at Spelman College, Atlanta as Fulbright Professor. Although exposure to American culture and the qualifications that I paraded certainly helped, they were not the primary reason for my eventual emigration, with my family, to the U.S. in 1993. Two of our children, who were born in the U.S. were asthmatic. In particular, our oldest son, Tolu, was chronically asthmatic. There was hardly a week that we did not make an emergency run from our place at Ikeja to Unilag Health Center for emergency health help, often in the middle of the night. Those were the nights when the parental adrenalin countered whatever dangers were posed by hoodlums and men of the night. Tolu became something of a recurring face at the Health Center, known to virtually all the medical personnel at that time. The situation was so dire that the singsong by our children was that we needed to return to the U.S. Today, Tolu is professor at a college in Florida.

ITH the marking of your 70 th birthday, you have joined the elder statesmen’s club. How do you feel hitting the mark? Where’s the King of Soul, James Brown, when you need him? “I feel good….pa para para para!” I am nothing but thankful. There are no two ways about that. The older you get, the more introspective you become. The more exposed you are to occurrences and developments, which humble you and cause you to be appreciative of the grace without which your very existence will be naught. When I was young—let me re-phrase that, because I am still young—when I was much younger, a 40-year-old man was old, very old; a 50-year-old was ancient; and a 70-yearold? That was simply antediluvian! I have since realised that your perspectives on things shift as a result of your age. I remember in 1995 (when I was 50), a student of mine complained innocuously about the ways of her very old dad. And then I asked how old was her father. “50,” she responded. Of course I changed the topic. Hitting 70 (which, by the way, happened in April) was something that I had no control over. It was not as if I could choose how long I would live; no one has that power. I had been in a position that I wished that death had come for me instead of someone else. It is in that sense that I talked about grace and clemency. Ageing is one thing; ageing gracefully is another. And that is something that I aspire to do, especially in terms of the extent to which I inspire my peers and colleagues, and become a positive role model for the younger generation of citizens and artists. Living gracefully has nothing to do, in my estimation, with your sartorial taste anymore than does your height. Rather, it is your personhood: your moral probity, integrity, principles, forthrightness, professionalism, and commitment to enlightened citizenship. It has to do with using your professional and intellectual abilities to positively influence society. And that is one of my new mantras. Retiring now at 70, how fulfilling is it to end your career outside your country? Retirement ke! One point of correction, I have not ended my career. In actuality, I’ve just revved it up a notch. As a vocation, art is not a 9 to 5 job. Rather, it is an organic cocoon: something that you live; a life that you exude. How can you talk of retirement in that situation? The committed artist never thinks of retirement. You have heard of the maxim about old soldiers who never die; who simply fade away. Well, that is not so with old artists. The good ones never die; they never fade away; they simply become more vivified. Examples abound. Look around the Nigerian art scene today and you can construct a strong list of artists, living or departed, vertical or perpetually horizontalised, who are continually written about in the present tense. While it is true that I have disengaged from teaching, I construed that as an opportunity to re-engage with my studio practice. As to where I practice, the age of globalisation has shrunken the world so significantly that location is no longer an issue. While my primary residence will remain where I’ve been in the last two decades, I will also take advantage of the opportunities that my ancestry offers.

•Prof jegede

INTERVIEW Looking back, how fulfilling has it been teaching in the US? It has been both challenging and fulfilling. It has also been rewarding. Like all countries, the U.S. has its strengths and weaknesses. For everyone, who is career-oriented, motivated, and inspired, the opportunities are super-abundant. Indeed, the United States remains as perennially advertised: a land of opportunities. If you are so inclined, you can chart your own path, create new avenues for personal success, and intuit

novel ideas. But, living in the U.S. can also signal perpetual misery for those who are interested in the dream but lack the capacity, willpower, or wherewithal to prepare their beds aright. For many, the U.S. is the proverbial El Dorado. Americanisms permeate the imagination of many young and notso-young Nigerians, who are desirous of capitalising on life styles that Hollywood has so ingenuously marketed on a global scale. But one of the unwritten canons pertains to the power that culture exerts on many, who go to the U.S. but are ill-prepared for the inevitable culture shock that

‘For many, the U.S. is the proverbial El Dorado. Americanisms permeate the imagination of many young and not-so-young Nigerians, who are desirous of capitalising on life styles that Hollywood has so ingenuously marketed on a global scale. But one of the unwritten canons pertains to the power that culture exerts on many, who go to the U.S’

In retrospect, are there decisions you would have taken differently now concerning your career growth—studying art, media job, teaching at UNILAG—and checking out to US? With full 20-20 hindsight, it is very easy to second-guess decisions that I took in the past, which have obviously inflected the trajectory of my professional growth and personal development. I have no reason to do that. As one, who has continually advocated the application of contextualism in analyses, I could not envision reversing any of the major decisions that I took in the past without asking for corresponding reversal of the context within which such decisions were taken. On the contrary, I took these decisions with deliberation and embraced the outcomes with pride and enthusiasm. My studentship at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was the culmination of sheer determination of a young lad, who single-handedly set and attained the loftiest dream of attaining a university degree in the face of adversity. That decision was significant and momentous in my life. In terms of my career, I coveted the opportunity to work at the Daily Times when I was a third-year student at Ahmadu Bello University and worked assiduously towards that end. I was giddy with excitement when I interned at the Daily Times in the summer of 1972. At the end of my NYSC in 1974 (as a pioneer corps member), my career as a cartoonist had been launched with a series of cartoons in Lagos Weekend and Sunday Times. You could not have enticed me with anything not to accept the offer, which the Daily Times gave me, as Art Editor in July 1974. As students in Zaria, some of us had determined to spruce up the exhibition scene in Lagos after graduation. Kolade Oshinowo, Shina Yussuff of blessed memory, David Dale, and my humble self became quite active in the exhibition circuit. I also took up critical reviews in the Daily Times during this period. I left the Daily Times because I was simply enamored of academic life. Besides, I figured I could continue to do my cartoons from anywhere without being in the employ of the Daily Times. I joined the University of Lagos as Junior Research Fellow in January 1977 and was thrilled to be directly involved in organising certain aspects of Unilag’s FESTAC 77, which the Center for Cultural Studies undertook under the directorship of Prof Joe Alagoa. Hankering after additional degrees was something that you would do as an aspiring young man. So, by 1979, I was on my way to Bloomington. I should note, with extreme pride, the stable and blessed marriage that I have had. This, indeed, ranks as perhaps the best decision that I ever took. Of course, Joke, my wife of 40 years, took all evasive actions way back in 1972 when I first laid eyes on her and embarked upon the customary pursuit of a •Continued on Page 51

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA POLITICS Bayelsa State is one of the seven states where the governorship election did not feature during the recent general elections. This is because of the nullification of the election of former Governor Timipre Sylva. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the contest for the governorship race, which has been scheduled for December 5, 2015.

HE battle over who occupies Creek Haven, the nickname for the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenogoa, the capital city, come February 14, 2016 has intensified with the recent announcement that the governorship election will take place on December 5, 2015. The race for the Government house has been on even before the recent general elections. But, it was only after the March and April polls that it became more pronounced. With the general elections concluded, the two major parties, the Peoples’ Democratic party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have started working towards the December election. The spate of defections in recent times from the PDP to the APC has set the stage for the December 5 election. Politicians are leaving the PDP in their numbers, to realise their political ambition in the APC, which is growing in popularity in the Southsouth state. For instance, scores of such politicians defected to the APC at the weekend, including a two-time member of House of Representatives Chief Warman Ogoriba, some former aides of incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson and their supporters. In recent times, former commissioners, such as Charles Opuola, Nelson Belief, Sylvanus Abila, and Ayiba Nelson have dumped the ruling party. Other party bigwigs such as Adolphus Ofongo, Lucky Yeboah, Romeo Ebizimor, Williams Ofoni, John Ebikake and Moses Tariebe have also joined the APC train. The Bayelsa chapter of the PDP has described the defectors as “traitors and enemies of the Ijaw nation”. Coming on the heels of the recent defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the state, the December election in Bayelsa is generating a lot of interests. Like Anambra, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi and Osun, there was no governorship poll in Bayelsa State during the last general elections. This is because of the nullification of the election of the election of former Governor Timipre Sylva in April 2008 by the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which necessitated the conduct of a fresh one. Sylva, again running as the PDP candidate, was overwhelmingly elected on May 24, 2008, with 588,204 out of about 598,000 votes cast. He was sworn in again three days later on May 27. Nevertheless, on January 27, 2012, his tenure was terminated by the Supreme Court with an acting governor appointed to oversee the state until the election of February 2012. One feature of previous elections in Bayelsa is that there were no keen contests; they were dominated by the ruling party. But, this time around, indications are that it is going to be a different ballgame. Observers say Jonathan’s defeat and the larger than life image of President Muhammadu Buhari and that of the APC appear to have altered the dynamics of politics in the state. The defeat of Jonathan at the polls has brought internal crisis in its wake within the state chapter of the PDP. This has elicited an element of disloyalty among its members. Others have even left the fold to join the APC, which is growing popular in the Southsouth state. Depending on who emerges as the party’s flag bearer, one cannot rule out a political tsunami that will see the ruling party at the centre wrestling power from the PDP. Governor Dickson had declared with confidence that Bayelsa will always belong to the PDP, despite the defeat of the former president. But, this can no longer be taken for granted with the recent incursions made by the APC into the House of Assembly, following the defection of four members and a senator from the state. The defections have ignited the fear of a possible tsunami during the governorship polls. Aside from Jonathan’s defeat and the rising profile of the APC, another factor that will shape the contest is the sentiment that the Southsouth is the last stronghold of the PDP. The Ijaw ethnic group that populates Bayelsa may want to go along with other states in the region that is predominantly PDP. Indeed, the PDP and Governor Dickson seem to be a step ahead in terms of structure and finance. The defeat at the recent general elections notwithstanding, indications are that Jonathan will always remain a factor in Bayelsa politics. He

•Dickson

•Sylva

•Alamieyeseigha

Dickson in make or mar contest for second term The defeat of Jonathan at the polls has brought internal crisis in its wake within the state chapter of the PDP. This has elicited an element of disloyalty among its members has always been the stabilising factor in the PDP and the politics of the state. For many political appointees and elected representatives, the former President will always be their benefactor. In recent times Dickson has taken it upon himself to lead the party in the absence of the president. The Dickson-led PDP is battling to weed away perceived moles and parasites within the party, taking the bull by the horn and moving against perceived political enemies and those involved in alleged anti-party activities during the general elections. The move by the governor, which is generating tension among perceived opponents, is alleged to be an in-house cleaning process to flush out those loyal to the wife of the former president and those against the governor’s second term bid. This has generated internal crisis within the PDP chapter. In the last few months, some party stakeholders have been up in arms against the incumbent governor over the inhouse cleaning process. For this reason, Dickson has personalities like the former Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Heineken Lokpobiri, his counterpart in Bayelsa Central, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Senator Ikisikpo, who has since defected to the APC and the former Senior Special Assistant to ex- President Jonathan

on Domestic Matters, Wariponmowei Dudafagh, to contend with to realise his second term ambition. Dudafagh, according to reports, is the preferred candidate of former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, to succeed Dickson. Obviously aware of the opposition arrayed against him, the incumbent governor appears ready to go for the broke. Some weeks ago, the Bayelsa PDP, allegedly acting on Dickson’s promptings, suspended some members of the party, while others led by Dudafagha were out-rightly expelled for alleged anti-party activities. The main opposition party, the APC, is the major beneficiary from the crisis within the ruling PDP. Against the background of the defections from the ruling party to the APC, observers are in agreement that the December governorship race will no doubt be the toughest so far for the PDP, which has been at the helm of affairs in the state since the return of civil rule in 1999. Since the March 28 presidential elections, when the former president was defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari, the profile of the Timipre Sylva-led APC in Bayelsa State has been rising. Today, the APC is believed to be shopping for viable candidate to face the incumbent Governor Dickson at the polls. The open-door policy adopted by the party has attracted many viable contenders into its fold. The big names that are being mentioned in connection with the race for the APC ticket are: Sylva, former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaibe. Others are: former commissioner for health Frank Akpoebi; permanent secretary in the ministry of power, Godknow Igali; state APC chairman, Tiwe Oruminighe; Preye Aganaba, who recently lost his senatorial bid; General Manager of the State Transport Company, Ebitimi Angbare; and the Convener of the Nigeria Professionals Leadership Forum, Moses Siasia. Other candidates interested in running for the state’s number seat include Timi Alaibe, a former managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission and the former Bayelsa State commissioner for health Frank Akpoebi.

Sylva For now, Sylva, who is the leader of the Bayelsa APC chapter, is believed to have excluded himself from the list of possible candidates for the December 5 governorship race. But, this based on the understanding that he may be given an appointment to serve in the administration of President Buhari.

Alamieyeseigha There are strong indications that Alamieyeseigha is seeking to govern Bayelsa State again. It was learnt that this time around, Alamieyeseigha, who in his first tenure, was called ‘Governor General of Niger Delta,’ wishes to actualise his ambition on the platform of the APC. Alamieyeseigha became the first civilian governor of the state in 1999 and was re-elected for a second term in 2003. He was later convicted of corruption and money laundering, leading to his impeachment by the state House of Assembly. He was subsequently prosecuted and convicted. But, he was pardoned by President Goodluck Jonathan, who described him as his political benefactor. He is believed to be holding high-level consultations with APC stalwarts, to consider the possibility of running under the APC platform. He is trying to exploit the alleged frosty relationship between the incumbent governor and former Niger Delta militants. He has assured the APC leadership that with him as governor, the militants will feel comfortable.

Alaibe Alaibe, who had sought the ticket of the PDP twice in 1999 and 2003, was again denied the ticket of the party by those considered his political fathers. His decision to seek the same governorship ticket on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) was thwarted allegedly by the former President Jonathan. Political observers are of the opinion that he may a good choice for the APC, if the party is serious about its intent to end PDP’s era in the state. Before his sabbatical from the politics, Alaibe was a prominent politician who came close to • Continued on page 18

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2015

POLITICS

The bailout extended to the states through means devised by the ‘government of President Muhammadu Buhari is, therefore, an intervention that is very necessary in the circumstances we found ourselves ’

Imo State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Chief Kingslee Okafor, in this interview with JOHN OFIKHENUA, speaks about the National Assembly crisis. He contends that the best option for Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu is to resign.

‘Why Ekweremadu must go’ W

HAT does it really take to be in the opposition in a state like Imo or in the South-East? It takes a lot of nerves to be in the opposition. We have been in the opposition in the last 11 to 12 years. I had been a constant member of the opposition, and we guided the politics to the point where we took over governance. And I can tell you it is tough. If you are in politics not for the bread and butter, if you are in politics for the common man, if you are in politics for the dividends that will accrue to the generality of the masses, then you should be focused on the policies of government, not just for what you can get in your pocket. So, it was tough in the opposition. We were able to cope. That is why we ask PDP to put their house in order and remain in opposition so that they can actually shape the governance because any government without opposition will be a monarchy , or a dictatorial government where you just do what you like and you don’t care about what the people feel. So we were in the opposition and we remained steadfast and we were able to take over governance and we are trying to change the situation in Nigeria. Which ordeal did you have while you were in the opposition? What were the nasty experiences that you had, which you could share with me? We had situations in government where things were going wrong but we couldn’t do anything. We could only speak and most times speak to the people in government and they did not care about what the masses wanted. You know the PDP what they have always been like. At some points we had to challenge the policies of government and then we were limited in what we could do. Sometimes the policies and agenda of government were not people -oriented, they were not mass -oriented , and we challenged them and most times we didn’t get results because we were facing a government that didn’t care about the masses. That is the experience we had with the PDP in particular. Being part of one of the legacy parties that merged into APC, may I know why you subscribed to the party since some members could choose their own ways? If you go through my antecedents from when I came back to Nigeria, we started with the RMDD, from

RMDD to Action Congress, from Action Congress of Democrats and from ACD to Action Congress of Nigeria, we have had this progressive leaning that has always shape my political alignment. And in all my years in politics I have always been a progressive because we always have the feelings of the masses in mind in every policy, in every political agenda or in every step we take politically . So, it came naturally for me to be a member of ACN to APC because APC is an offshoot, an amalgamation of the progressives in Nigeria judging from ACD to ACN, ANPP and CPC to where we are now . It is an assemblage of people of like minds, and we are politicking today and we are going to get there. When you opted to form the National Progressives Coalition, what did you really have in mind? We had in mind the situation of the common man. We had in mind the progress of the masses. We had in mind better roads. We had in mind better opportunities for our youths. We had in mind employment. We had in mind to develop the country to be at par with nations of the world. We had in mind whatever it takes to run a country that is humanly possible for human beings to habit. We had in mind better hospitals. We had in mind qualitative education for our youths. We had in mind everything that other nations that had develop have. We had in mind good airports. We had in mind better healthcare . We had in mind good roads, infrastructure . We had in mind power. We had in mind security for our people. These are the things we had in mind. During electioneering campaign, how far did your coalition go in Nigeria? Well, it was obvious and everything we did was in the open. The coalition was of the CPC, the new PDP, the ANPP, and a faction of the APGA. It was clear and everybody knew what we were doing from the point that the amalgamation came together from the point we went for

• Okafor registration . We had all kinds of obstacles on the way, which we overcame. We have people who are praying for us to have them because we had a virile opposition that was able to check the behemoth that was the PDP as at that time. They were running wild in whatever they were trying to do. They did all kinds of impunity but this is a party that doesn’t care about where you come from so long as you have the money they give you the ticket. People could could come from wherever to the PDP as far as you have the godfathers they stay in their bedrooms and write lists but in APC everybody witnessed the primaries we had in Lagos at the convention where President Muhammadu Buhari won and before the results were announced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar congratulated him. So also Kwankwoso and the rest of them. So, it was a very opened primaries we had, it was a very open political Programme we had . It was clear that we were focused. Indeed, we were ready for governance. How many people share the idea of the National Progressives Coalition; how many members do you have?

We had all kinds of obstacles on the way, which we overcame. We have people who are praying for us to have them because we had a virile opposition that was able to check the behemoth that was the PDP as at that time

Lawmaker applauds Buhari over bailout

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari deserves commendation for his timely intervention in the crisis rocking some states due to the nonpayment of salaries. He made the remarks in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Michael Jegede, in Abuja. According to him, Buhari’s decision to ease the sufferings of workers portrayed him as a true leader, who has the interest of the people at heart. He said: “It is indeed unfortunate that we found ourselves in a situation where many states in the country could not pay salaries regularly, thereby causing the workers to go through excruciating pain to survive and maintain their families for

months. The bailout extended to the states through means devised by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is, therefore, an intervention that is very necessary in the circumstances we found ourselves. Rather than the eyebrow being raised in some quarters, we must all commend the President for this wonderful step taken to reduce the plight of the workers. Thank God, clarifications have been made as regards the sources of the intervention funds, portraying Buhari as a man of transparency and accountability. By this singular action of the President, he has further shown that he was truly prepared to effect change in governance where the wellbeing of Nigerians would be a priority in his agenda.” The aspirant, however, said that the funds made available by the President must be judiciously applied by the states. He said: “Steps

National Progressives Coalition is more like a support group in APC. We started after the amalgamation of the parties. After APC was formed like minds started coming together. Presently they are over five million membership. It is not a political party, it is a support group in APC and the agenda is to make sure that we shape government policies. We direct people in government to be able to focus on the policies that are human-faced for the masses. And then also to make sure that the party is integrated in the whole six geopolitical zones. We want to make sure that the APC is embedded in the hands and minds of everybody in Nigeria: North East, North Central, North West, South East and South West, and that is exactly where we are today. And by the grace of God, I happened to be the national coordinator . We have offices in all the Local Governments in Nigeria. And today I can tell you that NAPCO is more like the purgatory for those who want to join APC. If you come to NAPCO we look at you and we make sure you are purged of all your sins. Some of them who came from PDP we clear them of all their sins before they can join the APC. Would you say that the high hope that heralded the election has been lost or it is still realisable? From the appointment of the Service Chiefs you could see that we are focused. You could see that the rot the PDP left in Nigeria was too deep that it needed an articulate and clearheaded President like Muhammadu Buhari to take us to where we are going. People seem to be in a hurry for us to make mistakes but we are not

Dickson in make or mar contest • Continued on page 17 clinching the 2007 PDP governorship ticket. He was allegedly asked to step down for Jonathan by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Anthony Anenih, the former Chairman, Board of Trustees. Though Alaibe stepped down from the race, he never got on well with Jonathan who won the 2007 governorship election. His political profile further took a downward slide following the surprise emergence of Jonathan as President in 2010. Nevertheless, Alamieyeseigha and Alaibe are yet to publicly declare for the APC.

Anagbare

•Abatemi-Usman must also be taken to prevent us from finding ourselves in this kind of precarious situation. I hope that we would have learnt so we don’t get here again.”

going to rush into mistakes. We are going to be careful and we are going to take Nigerians to where they should be. If you look at the appointment that was announced yesterday you could see we have a clear idea of where we are heading to. And there is no way we will make mistakes as we are not going to be rushed into making mistakes. If anybody says Mr. President is slow, I think the person does not understand what governance is all about. We are quietly and gradually putting all the architectures together to make sure that we have a country that is virile enough that can stand the test of time. Some analysts are aggrieved that the economy is still adrift even a month after President Buhari tookover government in such a manner that the Naira is depreciating in a hurry. What do you say to this? Well the factors that surround the Naira are global factors. And we all know that today the whole world is facing a downturn in economic and all that. The price of oil is going down and that is why we are trying to diversify the economy. We want to be more Agro- based so that we can stand the shortfall that we will be getting in the oil industry. Nigeria is more or less a country that is mono-dependent on oil and we are trying to change all that. He can’t do much in one month and I believe that Nigerians who voted for change will also have the mindset to understand that it takes a little while. Everything that comes good usually first of all gets tough before it gets good and as far as I am concerned there is light at the end of the tunnel. And we cannot be rushed into any mistakes. We cannot expect the President to hire and fire overnight. We need to quietly go through this to make sure we make el dorado in time but not in a hurry.

Anagbare is the General Manager of the State Transport Company. Angbare, who has been quiet and hardworking aide in the Dickson’s administration, was the flag bearer of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) during the 2007 governorship race in Bayelsa State. He created an upset, by getting the court to annul the election of Sylva. The re-run ordered by the Federal Court of Appeal, was however won by Sylva. Incidentally, the Counsel to Angbare during the election petition tribunal was the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Others Others in the shopping list of the APC for the December contest are: former

•Alaibe Commissioner for Health, Chief Frank Akpoebi; permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknow Igali, the APC state chairman Tiwe Oruminighe; the Convener of the Nigeria Professionals Leadership Forum, Moses Siasia; and Preye Aganaba, who recently lost his senatorial bid. Given the mounting opposition, Dickson is believed to be fighting dirty to realise his second term bid. The Dickson camp has dismissed insinuations that the APC is on its way to ending the PDP’s 16-year reign in Bayelsa. The governor, the group maintained, promised the people in 2012 that if voted into power, he would embark on accelerated infrastructural development, provide robust education, transparency, security and reforms in the governance structure and the public service. It insists that since he won the election, he has largely delivered on his election promises.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

PMB and his security

Naira’s free fall • The trend must be arrested to save our economy and improve our way of life

IGHT months after the apex bank embarked on the latest rollercoaster ride of devaluation, Nigerians must wonder as to the fate of the national currency. In the latest wave of the battering, the naira hit a record low last week when it exchanged for N241 to the United States dollar at the parallel market. Officially, it traded at N199.150 to the US dollar. In November 2014, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had brought the foreign exchange official window from N155 to N168 to one US dollar. At the time, the move was seen as a deft one to halt the run on the foreign reserves. Six months after, precisely on June 23, the CBN introduced a new rule under which importers of 41 items were barred from accessing foreign exchange from the official window – a move that appears to have exacerbated the problem with the consequence of further widening the gap between the official and the parallel market. We agree to a point that there is nothing sacrosanct in the value of the naira – at least to the extent that the interplay of the variables seems stacked against it at the moment. First, we know that oil sales and prices have been going in negative direction with its implication for severe cutback in our foreign exchange earnings. At the same time, the absence of any significant export capacity means that we cannot take advantage of devaluation to boost exports and hence shore up foreign exchange earnings as would ordinarily be the case.

To compound the problem, importers and perhaps currency traffickers have been relentless in their demand for forex for all manner of goods and purposes. Clearly, the consequence could not have been anything different from what we have seen of the fate of the naira. In an economy which relies almost wholesale on imports – whether of raw materials or finished goods –the omens can only be anything but good. Our worry however isn’t so much about the steady decline in the value of the naira per se but what we see as the virtual surrender by the apex bank to the parallel market. Only in November last year, the margin between the official and the parallel market was approximately N10. Today, the difference has grown in multiples. Indeed, since last month when the new forex rule became operational, the naira has fallen by 10.5 per cent from 218 to 241 against the greenback. For an apex bank that is ever too eager to make the point that it has sufficient forex in the official window for anyone who cared, the rise of the parallel market goes beyond merely illustrating the hollowness of its pretensions; the signs are of an institution not only entangled in the web of its own contradictions, but one clearly out of depth. We think that the situation demands new thinking. Clearly, we do not expect the apex bank to perform magic; but then, asking a class of importers to source for their forex from inter-bank market or wherever is part of that long tradition of living in denial of reality. In practical

terms, the measure is akin to legitimising the parallel market segment. We must say that no country can afford to surrender so cynically to the band of invisible players. And in any case, where are the guarantees that what is sold in the official market will not end up in servicing the parallel market? The real challenge, in our view, is for stricter monitoring of financial transactions by relevant institutions of government. With too much money outside of the banking system, a chunk of which are easily proceeds of corruption and other forms of illicit activities, the task of tracking would not be an easy one. In all of these, the bureau de change operators have proven to be the weakest part of the chain. Yet, it is something that the apex bank and the Federal Government must find the will to take on.

‘Clearly, we do not expect the apex bank to perform magic; but then, asking a class of importers to source for their forex from inter-bank market or wherever is part of that long tradition of living in denial of reality. In practical terms, the measure is akin to legitimising the parallel market segment. We must say that no country can afford to surrender so cynically to the band of invisible players’

A bridge too far? •After the campaign season, completing the 2nd Niger Bridge, and other crucial infrastructure nationwide is proving a forlorn hope

HE Second Niger Bridge is fast becoming the troubling symbol of electoral emptiness. Thrice — 2006, 2011 and 2015 — its promised completion had raised voter adrenalin and delivered a confetti of votes, particularly from Nigeria’s political South East. But as it was after those two previous electioneering seasons, it is now after the general elections of 2015: the politicians have reaped their votes. But the voters’ expectations on the bridge’s completion remain dashed. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo first pulled the stunt in 2006, baiting Igbo votes for the 2007 elections. Goodluck Jonathan, Obasanjo’s protégé-turned-enemy, played the same card twice: 2011 and 2015. Although President Jonathan won in 2011, he didn’t deliver on the bridge. He lost in 2015, so he is in no position to do so. Meanwhile, the

‘The Buhari presidency should move fast, stop the financial bleeding and remobilise to site on these vital works as soon as possible. That is the only way the Nigerian state can save face against a progressively sceptical — if not outright cynical — citizens’

Second Niger Bridge idea was first mooted in 1979, which shows the bridge, as a votemilking sop, dated back to the Second Republic (1979-1983)! President Muhammadu Buhari may not have anchored his campaign on the bridge; and labours under no burden to deliver on any promise. But that does not vitiate the importance of completing a second bridge across the Niger. For one, the present sole bridge is worse for wear. After its completion in 1965, and the repair on its damaged sections after the Civil War, expert opinion insists it may be past its prime. For another, it is a crucial link between Nigeria’s West and East — and that includes the eastern part of the South-South. It is therefore a critical socio-economic link. But even if President Buhari wanted to act, it would appear there is little he could do. This is clear from the paucity of funds, which has seen vital construction works across the country grind to a halt. Work too has stopped on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which Jonathan presidency sources, at the heat of the election season, were trumpeting was moving ahead of schedule; and on the Shagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway. On the work sites of both the Second Niger Bridge and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the work gang has been demobilised. At the bridge site at Asaba (Delta State) and Ogbaru (Anambra State), no less than 50 ad hoc workers have been laid off; and more may follow. Heavy equipment too have been moved, reportedly pending the time funding would

resume. It is the same story at the two ends of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where Julius Berger (Lagos end) and RCC (Ibadan end) were taking charge. The plant houses at both facilities have also been shut. Though President Jonathan said during the campaign that N10 billion had been spent on the Niger Bridge, thus underscoring his government’s resolve to complete it, the funding plan for the project had been unconvincing and rather controversial, particularly the bit about tolling the bridge. Many stakeholders had kicked against the plan, but were nevertheless upbeat that the dream was, at last, coming true. But alas! Even if Jonathan had won, given the present economic meltdown which arose from his government’s wanton waste, throttling corruption and collapse of crude price in the global oil market, it is doubtful if work would have continued. That tends to suggest an electoral hoax. That is squandering government’s social capital with the people. That explains the near-complete breakdown of trust between citizens and government. Such conduct must be condemned with all vehemence. A government that breaches the social contract only courts nothing but instability and eventual anarchy. That is why the Buhari presidency should move fast, stop the financial bleeding and re-mobilise to site on these vital works as soon as possible. That is the only way the Nigerian state can save face against a progressively sceptical — if not outright cynical — citizens.

IR: While we appreciate the doctrines of faith and fate, we must also understand the doctrine of necessity because Heaven helps those who help themselves and where there is a will, there is always a way. I was shocked and annoyed that despite the enormous security threat in the country, and despite being a target before, the man who everyone hopes will bring forth the desired national sanity was left carelessly to obvious security lapses. President Muhammadu Buhari was reported in almost all the the national dailies of Saturday, July 18, to have fallen to a vulnerable security situation after marking the end of the Ramadan fast at a Mosque in Abuja. While his believe in God and fate since the beginning of his public service life is evident in his modest life style, he must know that his War Against Indiscipline was not fought by angels but by mortals; it was not also fought by fate but by vigour; he must be aware that though destiny has a place, but its not an excuse for laxity, and he must also know that being a man in white trying to change people from the dirt culture, he must be ready to undertake the needful security checks and alertness. The President’s security retinue must never again be carried away by his popularity but live up to the expected need and accord utmost priority of protecting him. The case of former Head of State, the late General Murtala Mohammed is still fresh and a food for thought. John F. Kennedy also. And finally, as those enthusiasts continue the maniacal chant of Sai Buhari, the General and his security details must know that not all the glitters are golden. Remember the story of the wooden horse of Troy, used by the Greeks to trick their way into a medieval city as recorded in Virgil’s book, Aaneid, written between 29 and 19 BC: “Do not trust the horse, Trojans, whatever it is. I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts”. • Akinola Iwilade, Owode, Oyo.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: EVER since President Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated as president, some indecorous critics have taken it upon themselves to be fighting imaginary wars, making a mountain out of a molehill. There’s hardly a day that would pass by that friends won’t at every turn ask me: “where’s our change”? On every appointment, a very close friend of mine would send the names of the appointees on my facebook wall to notify and remind me that no Southeast person has been appointed by the president. To many of my southern friends, the appointments so far is an indication that President Buhari is pursuing a northen agenda so that a particular region would continue to dominate Nigeria. I don’t want to comment on the few appointments made so far, considering the fact that the president has over a thousand appointments to make in no distant time but interesting facts abound about this northern domination which I have seen but don’t know if others have seen it or pretended not to notice. I noticed there is a BBC Hausa station but no BBC Yoruba or Igbo. Was this caused by Buhari to continue north-

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Myth of northern domination ern domination? What about Africa Magic Hausa? It’s even on GOTV but Africa Magic Igbo is not on GOTV, just DSTV and on a higher bouquet plan. So Africa Magic Igbo is not given equal opportunities with Africa Magic Hausa. Who’s to be blamed? Buhari! Boko Haram has been attacking only the north and they have not come to the south. Another evidence of the north wanting to have everything under Buhari. Lets blame Buhari. Again, Shekau has been silent but when he speaks in his videos, what language does he speak? Hausa without Igbo or Yoruba translations. Hausa domination of other languages, is that not so? What of the recent arrest and detention of some former northern governors by EFCC and the 12 hours siege at the Abuja residence of the immediate past National Se-

curity Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) last week Thursday, by men of the Department of State Security Service (DSS). Was those acts part of the northern domination of Nigeria? Now that relevant authorities are going after politicians of northern extraction, who were fingered in corruption cases, some malicious partisan whistle blowers really seem to be comfortable with it but when same authorities will begin their manhunt of corrupt politicians from their regions, they will still cry out that President Buhari is on a vindictive mission. It is only those who are yet to recover from agony of defeat and some ethnic bigots that would insist President Buhari is pursuing a northern agenda through his appointments. The President in his in-

augural speech assured Nigerians he would be president of Nigeria and not president of a par ticular region and so far his few appointments has been purely on merit and competence. This is a clear depature from what was obtained in the past and even the blind could see that President Buhari is keeping to his inaugural promise of belonging to nobody but everybody. The truth is, common sense is not really common here in our polity. Or how can one explain the resort to checking where Buhari’s appointees are from not their abilities? With the monstrous problems facing us, we are really carrying elephants on our heads and scratching the grounds for crickets with our feets. May God save us from us! •Joe Onwukeme, *Enugu.

Owerri: Restoring its clean and green status

IR: The duty of every government is to ensure that citizens’ safety and physiological needs are met and Imo State is not an exception. No right thinking government will allow the interest of few individuals to override the interest of the general public. This is why Imo State government has taken it as a duty to ensure that Owerri, the state capital is clean and the green status is restored. Every discerning Imolite would agree with me that Owerri, the state capital which was among the neatest cities in our country in the past has lost its clean and green taste. And if there’s a time we need to cooperate with the government to ensure that the status is restored, it is now. Imolites woke up to the news of the demolition of illegal structures early hours of last Monday in the

state capital especially in places where such structures are obstructing traffic and it continued throughout the week. The development is already generating tension, tongues are waging in protest. I understand the pains of such demolition considering the high level of unemployment but of a truth, Owerri, lately has lost its glory; every available space is now a market, every crowded junction has been turned to a park for commercial bus drivers to carry passengers and an avenue for touts to generate revenue from buses. We may be looking at the plight of those affected, but we may never understand the security threats of such structures. Apart from the security threats, these illegal structures have contributed immensely in worsening

traffic on our major roads and have turned our roads to mini markets for hawkers and a safe haven for beggars. For Owerri to be restored, some businesses, road side shops, itinerant traders, hawkers, beggars etc must give way on our major roads. This was how Aba started till it got to its present decrepit state and the former governor would never forget piles of criticisms and how unpopular the ruins in the commercial city of Aba reduced him to. Same people that resisted moves by the government in the demolition of illegal structures in Aba in the past were same people that used it against the former governor. If we don’t curb this menace now, the same indecorous critics of the governor who have turned the mouth piece of those affected

would be same critics that will still be here to criticize him in future for not restoring Owerri’s clean and green taste. Change remains the only constant thing in life and it does not just come by shouting change or voting for change, change is a process, change requires sacrifice, some things must give way for change to come. Some may say why now? If not now, then when? The gains of demolishing such illegal structures far outweigh the pains. In as much as we want the best for our state, we also need to help our government to achieve such. The interest of few individuals should never be allowed to override the safety and well-being of the general public. •Joseph Chimezie, Owerri, Imo State.

SOS to PMB on KabbaOkene -Lokoja roads

IR: Following the withdrawal of soldiers from manning of military checkpoints nationwide, the spate of kidnappings has increased on the ever busy Kabba-Okene, KabbaLokoja and Okene-Lokoja roads in Kogi State. Within a period of less than one week, not less than three cases of kidnapping have been reported on the aforementioned roads. Without mincing words, the frequency of nefarious activities of the men of the underworld and kidnappers along these roads and in Kogi State in general calls for immediate action on the part of both the Federal Government and the Kogi State government. In addition to the promise of deployment of more policemen to Kogi State by the Inspector-General of Police in order to check the rampant kidnapping saga and bank robbery cases across the state, the state government should look into the possibility of drafting the services of local hunters in the state to complement the efforts of the police in providing adequate security for the life and property of the people. Considering the strategic positions of these roads notably the KabbaOkene and Okene-Lokoja ones as the only link between the Federal Capital, Abuja on one hand and most of the southern states such as Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Edo and Kwara states and two senatorial districts of West and Central in Kogi State on the other hand, appeal is being made to our security-conscious president, to please reconsider the return of soldiers to these and other roads in Kogi State to stem the dastard acts of criminals who have no doubt laid siege on Kogi State and whose activities continue to send jitters down the spines of the people, travelers and commuters who ply these roads. •Odunayo Joseph, Mopa, Kogi State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUL Y 22, 2015

COMMENTS

Our Girls; IDPs; Reduce bank rates; Rethink CSR: N1m Prize Vs 10xN100,000 Prizes

UR Girls are still missing since 15 th April 2014 even as younger girls are ensnared an evil abuse of the Nigerian child, creating ‘female’ child solTony diers forced into terrifyMarinho ing mass murder by suicide bombings. Child soldiers were the sad, pitied and tortured product of war-torn distant African nations where murderous mutations like the Lord’s Resistance Army unconscionably send the loved children of other people to kill and die. Children are easily manipulated, instructed, memory erased, hidden in crowds, name changed, fed, mourned, buried and easily forgotten as they have no history. So now we have our own 10-year old child soldiers forced by threats of violence by others or brainwashed into blowing themselves up. Boko Haram and ISIS have exposed us to an age of spiralling dangerous depravity. Now we have millions of Internally ‘Disturbed’ Children, unable to go to school or enjoy a normal life among the Internally Displaced People being treated like refugees in their own country. They ‘live’, lifeless, less than half of them in IDP camps, the majority unrecorded, scattered with family across Nigeria. Our Catholic Church with other groups collects funds to help IDPs recover their dignity. IDP camps are not national job-creation centres or photo opportunities for politicians. Importing NGO manpower to run IDP camps is wrong. Vacancies must filled from the IDPs first and then from local communities. Each IDP, like bomb survivors, has personal problems of despair, dignity, esteem, self-sufficiency and responsibility mostly solved by paid jobs or selfemployment with donated or loaned business funds. Making a displaced person a paid staff or a teacher in the IDP camp will help repair the psychological and financial needs of a family. The policy of ‘IF IDPs CAN DO IT, LET THEM’ should be IDP Camp recruitment policy. Meanwhile, our myopic political leadership, mired in divisive politics, neglects the ‘Matters of Urgent National Interest’ facing Nigeria, preferring dangerous selfish political manipulations. Meanwhile, dying for Nigeria are more than 100 normal citizens last week

AST week Monday, July 13, the top brass of the Nigerian Army converged on Abuja, the nation’s capital, for its annual ritual, the Chief of Army Staff Conference. There were banters and grandstanding all over the place among the red necks. Later they were engrossed in deep discussions over the prevailing security situation in the country. Suddenly, an earthquake occurred beneath their feet, throwing some of their commanders off balance. In a jiffy, all the Service Chiefs were gone, while new ones took over. The conference came to an abrupt end. The change of guard at the top hierarchy of the nation’s military command follows a convention that had been established in the country over the years. It has become almost a tradition that, as soon as a new government comes to power in the country, the first task is to sweep away the old service chiefs to pave way for new ones. But under the new president, it has not been so and people had been complaining aloud in view of the security situation in the country, especially the terrorism in the northeast, which has suddenly assumed a new, fearsome dimension in the last few weeks. With the sweeping changes, the direction of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration appears to be beginning to unfold. Expectedly, the appointment of new service chiefs triggered off debates across the country. Many people wondered whether the new crop of service chiefs could deliver on their mandate, especially in view of recent increase in suicide bombings by the

and how many armed forces and police personnel? Dying for what? Nothing? Meanwhile the naira value has lost 45% in eight months. Nigeria makes no single ‘machine’ in science, medicine, industry or business- all attempts killed by 39 years of political and electricity power failure. So the cost of every business has risen while profits plunge. We all suffer from naira devaluation. All except the banks which inexplicably defy logic, making annual multi-billion naira profits but doing nothing useful for 99% of Nigeria’s businesses in Nigeria –a ‘Banking Corruption Cartel’ requiring the Buhari Effect to ‘Challenge Bank Culture’ which ignores the naira. Why must Nigerians borrow at 22-25%? What business pays such profits? Only banks! The banks are infamous for internal collective corruption from illegal roll-over of government funds and from round-tripping forex. Bank of Industry tells Nigerians that it is different, even giving loans for solar factories. Good but not enough. We demand low interest funds for all Nigerians. Following the ‘Years Of Plenty’ running paradoxically in parallel with the ‘Years Of The Locust’, the economy enters ‘Years of Famine’ with recession and Corporate Nigeria facing austerity and lower earnings. The obvious casualties will be the N4b+ CSR Budget and the beneficiary NGOs and needy. Big companies in the service sector, auditing, accounting, maintenance, catering and entertainment, hotel running give little or no CSR. This must change. CSR has often wrongly been misused as cheap publicity PR gimmicks by corporates. ‘Change’ in CSR and in the Corporate and banking ‘Bonanza Millionaire Culture’ is urgently needed. Genuine CSR must be separated from corporate advertising and bonanzas. The malignant epidemic of ‘Instant Millionaires’ has created a psychological culture among lazy youth of ‘get-rich-quick-and –for no-work-done’. These corporates therefore have responsibility to reverse this mindset among Nigeria’s youth of ‘Wealth Without Work’. CSR ignores the villages, grassroots, the source of corporate earnings. Most CSR is concentrated at ‘Corporate HQ’ and neglect the revenue source - markets, shops, offices, petrol stations, schools, hospitals in villages and towns. Nigerians demand a ‘CSR Change Policy’- a ‘Corporate CSR Local Impact Policy 2015’- with more CSR spent at local Points of Sale. At Annual General Mettings (AGMs), corporate share-

holders should demand dissemination of CSR to every village. The inclusion of ‘CSR Local Outreach Awards’ for Corporate bodies during Annual Media events will encourage new CSR Strategies. Yes, reward distributors but also use distributors as a ‘CSR Channel’. Use your staff as a ‘CSR Channel’ to their home neighbourhoods and villages. Ask staff to suggest CSR projects. Customers make distributors successful. Corporate Nigeria must ‘Change CSR Strategies’, in CSR, let BRANCHES AND DISTRIBUTORS DISTRIBUTE CSR to communities. Corporates must ‘change’ the ‘Instant Millionaire Policy’ reducing THE SIZE AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PRIZES AND WINNERS who must be required to DONATE SOME OF THEIR WINNINGS to their chosen needy cause. There are many orphanages and NGOs in real need of small regular amounts-N10-100,000. If Corporate Nigerian insists on making 2000+ instant millionaires’ annually then put in a ‘’Winners’ CSR Provision’’ to make the winners donate 1025% to a charity, school or hospital as cash/books/equipment. The magic of N1,000,000 works abroad, where incomes are higher, but Nigeria’s desperate 120m+ population, poor pay and poverty demand a new Corporate Policy ’change’ with more winners. Corporates would be more relevant, sensitive and valuable, touching lives of more economically, and assist 10 times more families by giving 10 prizes of N100,000 instead one N1m prize.

‘Corporates must ‘change’ the ‘Instant Millionaire Policy’ reducing THE SIZE AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PRIZES AND WINNERS who must be required to DONATE SOME OF THEIR WINNINGS to their chosen needy cause... If Corporate Nigerian insists on making 2000+ instant millionaires’ annually then put in a ‘’Winners’ CSR Provision’’ to make the winners donate 10-25% to a charity, school or hospital as cash/ books/equipment’

Red Card for Service Chiefs Boko Haram terrorists which have extended beyond their traditional battlegrounds in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and spread to other neighboring states. Others were concerned about the geo-political spread of the new appointments with Borno State having the lion’s share with two appointments - the Chief of Army Staff and the National Security Adviser. Femi Adesina, the presidential spokesman has defended the appointments. He said that merit was the yardstick used in making the appointments. Maybe. Maybe not. Considering the character of the president who appointed them and the current exigency posed by the rampaging Boko Haram terrorists in the north-east of the country, the seemingly lopsided appointments of two of the service chiefs from Borno State, to my mind, could be strategic. Borno State is the home base and operational headquarters of Boko Haram. What has now snowballed into a wider conflagration has its roots in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. This was where the late Mohammed Yusuf, the founder and leader of Boko Haram, ignited the rebellion in early 2009 that has now claimed more than 15, 000 innocent lives. But let us move away from the ethnic or tribal composition of the new appointments and instead, focus more on the country’s ability and military capability to crush the current rebellion going on in the northeast and criminal activities in other parts of the country. Almost all the geo-political zones of the

‘if Buhari must live up to his billing of fighting corruption, there is the need to scrutinise the books of the military and the Defence budgets under past governments since 1999’

country are today confronted by one form of insecurity or another. All over the place, there is the prevalence of such crimes as kidnappings for ransom, violent robberies, deadly cult activities and gang wars, among many others. This is a serious security challenge to the nation which requires concerted efforts by our security apparatuses. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, the new Chief of Army Staff, has clearly demonstrated that he means business when, on the first day of assuming office, he opted to go to Yobe State, one of the hotspots in the north-east, rather than stay back in Abuja or going to his village to celebrate the last Sallah festival. Although his visit to Yobe State could not prevent the bomb blasts that rocked Damaturu, the state capital, on Sallah day with the attendant loss of lives that followed, nevertheless, his visit was quite significant. Not only this, the General’s reassuring words that he would see to the welfare and armament of the troops shows that he knows where the problem with the soldiers lies. We are all living witnesses to the usual refrain from the battle front in the north-east where soldiers bitterly complained about lack of equipment and adequate welfare as the two militating factors affecting the performances of the troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists. In many instances, some of the troops including the officers have had to vote with their feet at the approach of Boko Haram’s rag-tag fighting force. This way, many Nigerian territories were taken over without firing a single shot, while large cache of scarce arms and ammunition were also carted away by the terrorists. As a result of this, many soldiers and their officers have been court-marshaled and some are still facing investigative panels from

time to time over their “acts of cowardice”. Unfortunately, as may be unearthed in the days ahead, there are strong suspicions that money meant for troops’ welfare and armament may have grown wings in the past, which accounts for the lack-lustre performance of the troops in the war against Boko Haram. I am quite sure that under the new dispensation especially with the no-nonsense posture and body language of the incumbent president, the issue of some greedy senior military officers preying on funds meant for troops’ welfare and armament will be a thing of the past. Even if this is not completely eradicated, at least, we expect to see a drastic reduction in these acts of embezzlement and thievery which have been going on from time immemorial. Sometime last year when I engaged a senior official of a new generation bank in a discussion, I was shocked when he made a slip and said: “Oga, the way heavy deposits are now entering into the accounts of these senior military officers, is very surprising….” Obviously, he was carried away. I tried to prod him to say more, possibly to give any hint about the identity of these “billionaire” military officers. But then he suddenly realised that he was talking with a journalist. He exclaimed: “Ahh… Oga, let us leave that one. Many things are going on that we cannot talk about”. And then he switched the discussion to other issues. But the little he let out was quite instructive. There are allegations that the immediate past service chiefs who were unceremoniously eased out last week, have become stupendously rich before the hammer fell on them. Their ignoble role in trying to truncate the last presidential election is still fresh in

Dele Agekameh memory. And when, in his maiden speech as president, Buhari ordered the relocation of the military command centre to Maiduguri, the heart of the war against terror and later approved new funds for them, it was like the party was not yet over for the service chiefs and their collaborators. As the president dithered in removing them, one or two ambitious ones among them allegedly started underground scheming for higher offices until the red card was suddenly flashed in their faces last week. Now, Nigerians are relieved. But if Buhari must live up to his billing of fighting corruption, there is the need to scrutinise the books of the military and the defence budgets under past governments since 1999. I am quite sure the nation would be confronted with mind-boggling revelations of looting which characterised the tenure of service chiefs even pre-dating the immediate past ones. Such an exercise must be total and entire, with special focus on the period of this anti-terrorism war which is being prosecuted at a whopping cost to tax payers. For comments Text (only) to : 08058354382

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

COMMENTS ‘ The president has to seriously visit the civil service, from directors and above; the country will be shocked at the findings as many of them abused their departmental budgets that they converted to personal budgets. You journalists have a lot to do’

• President Buhari For Segun Gbadegesin The summary of the last three paragraphs of (Change and the unchangeable) should be glazed and made available to all key officers of APC or else apc will be voted out in 2019 GOD willing. From Dare Lokoja Change is usually a vision conceived by an individual (leader) and a few converts, the process of change requires effective management. The change leader must make conscious efforts to manage the resistant as well as take care of the unchangeable. PMB needs some lessons on change management. Some quick-win projects will help to keep both the resistant and unchangeable quiet, ineffective and harmless. From Kunle Oluyomi, Akure I just finished reading your article. What a message for the nation. These late comers to APC are the problem of the party, look at Hon Dogara, Senator Saraki and etal. These people have the blood of PDP in their veins. For God sake, these people are for their personal interest rather than national interest. God save Nigeria. Anonymous Re-Change and the unchangeable. It remains suicidal if some members or Joiners or both are unchangeable as this could disgrace the party in power, before the citizens who look up to the party in power. However, if such a party wants to show that it truly means seeking ‘a change’, then, it is not out of place, to expel those erring unchangeable and unchanged members/ joiners. From Lanre Oseni. Somebody should please tell Hon Dogara and Senator Saraki to stop talking about Federal Character to support their rebellious behaviour. Why didn’t they apply it for their position? If APC doesn’t send them packing,

they’ll send APC and Buhari packing. Nigerians are watching. From Lucky, Lagos. I salute you sir, on this your choice of topic “Change and the unchangeable.” To me sir, the real problem of APC is that it has promised to change our dear state, where riff-raffs here joined the party for their self aggrandisement, not considering the party manifesto and the masses. Senator Saraki, Hon Dogara and the likes who have rubbished the party supremacy. Those who founded the party really meant business. Buhari, Tinubu, Akande and rest pioneer members should rekindle their interest, double efforts and gird their loins to high- jack the party from those with corrupt mind. Then the change expected from them would come to . But, as at now, nothing has changed. From Amidu Saheed, Ifo. Talking about the National Assembly and the election of its ‘PRINCIPAL OFFICERS’ based on the six geo - political zones, please let national necessity override party’s threat to wield the big stick by allowing zoning in The Nation’s newspaper of July 18 to stand. Handle with care, otherwise principal officers may become unprincipled and APC as a party will be the loser. From Solomon Akpabio, Uyo For Olatunji Dare Tinubu was not endorsed for second term by the leaders of AD, yet he won the election in 2003, what went wrong and how did he emerge? ACN was born from the imbroglio. Anonymous I was so flabbergasted and felt disappointed, when I got last Tuesday The Nation and discovered that your column didn’t appear. On today’s piece ”As they emerge, dis-emerge and re-emerge,” Thanks for this kind of topic, full of superlative grammar and idiomatic expressions. As a matter of fact, you are, indeed, a good-thinker, because your philosophical and

FTER reading Phrank Shaibu’s article titled ‘Melaye’s slander against Judiciary’ recently published this newspaper, I realized that even though the article drew attention to some remarkable and thought provoking issues that underscores the need for the judiciary to critically examine the remarks made against it by Senator Dino Melaye, there was need to expand the discourse on whether or not the accusations of bribery levelled against the Appeal Court judges are of fair criticism and its likely consequences to our democracy. For any country that claims to observe the process of open justice, there is bound to be commentaries about court judgements. Indeed, this is why constructive, fair and unbiased criticisms are viewed as good for the purpose of advancing worthy debate on judicial matters like the matter under reference. Therefore, it is wise to recommend that the judiciary accepts to conduct any scrutiny that may emerge from public opinions on this important issue, otherwise it will be regarded as discouraging objective discussions on its affairs. However, on an issue that is probably incompatible with the right to free speech as guaranteed by Human Rights, I wish not to assume the false impression of neutrality especially on a matter that purports without semblance of facts that some persons have been assigned to bribe judges. Indeed, such a wild allegation is not only outrageous but scandalous to the judiciary if it does not rest on factual basis. Specifically, the insinuation by Melaye that some persons are in the process of bribing the judges sitting on his case at the Court of Appeal is scandalous. More so, the intemperate language employed by Senator Melaye against esteemed Justices is unacceptable from a high ranking and knowledgeable personality like him in such an important matter. One would have thought that any focused Senator and member of the highest law making organ of the legislative arm, ought to have understood the reasonability of exercising proper diligence if he desires to be critical of judges in a case that affects him. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the situation herein with Senator Melaye’s reckless remarks on an issue he is yet to present any fact to validate his accusations. What Melaye has imputed is that the chance of a fair trial on his case is minimal if the appeal court judges on the case are available to be bribed. Indeed, Senator Melaye has not only scandalized the court but implied that the judiciary can easily yield to political and economic pressures. Regrettably, such cruel and unsubstantiated claims, if not properly addressed have the capacity to erase public confidence in the

diplomatic way of writing proved that. I don’t know the problem with Nigerian leaders, they all want to remain “AGIP” (Any Goverment In Power) Let them give room and chance for the new set of educated-aristocratic-ones who can galvanise and move the country forward. Continually, the leadership of the APC should strive hard, work assiduously to avert any downfall of the party, planning by PDP-APC. The likes of Senator Saraki, Hon Dogara, Atiku and others. Lastly, why “The fixer” Anenih and Ayo Fayose the vociferous one as vice-chairman and associate chair respectively? Wonders shall never end. Amidu Saheed, Ifo. I love not just your erudition but your supreme intelligence having followed your writings for over a decade. But how you put yourself at the sole service of Tinubu baffles me. How dare you then denigrate others who are at the service of other masters? Just like you? From Victor Obichere. Democratic Republic of Congo was initialy known as Congo Kinshasha before becoming Zaire then Dr of Congo. Thanks Re: As they emerge, dis-merge and reemerge. Of your article, the last paragraph baffled me! Wonders shall never end and in Nigeria, there is nothing impossible. From Lanre Oseni. For Dapo Fafowora Re: Bailout and state insolvency. I lend my voice to the scrapping of NNPC which has been bankrupted already by corrupt officials. I have always been an advocate of scrapping agencies that spend more than they earn. Government’s money is for all citizens and not to sustain the criminal opulent lifestyle of the elite. From I. Ogedengbe, Abuja. Re: bailout of insolvent states. One agreement the states that may collect the Federal

Government’s bailout must sign is the schedule of collection, utilisation, repayment and outstanding balance like it was always done by the former Minister of Finance during every month’s revenue sharing/allocation. That will show us the required transparency and make ‘diversion’ impossible. From Lanre Oseni. The bailout by President Buhari to states that are owing salaries and allowances is welcome but the governors should not see it as ‘national cake’. They should look for ways to better their lot financially to pay their workers. The governors must sit up. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State. For Tunji Adegboyega Re: The real pay cut. Tunji, you are warmly welcome from your sudden ‘French’ leave by disappearing from the radar without notice. Your apology to your teeming readers is hereby grudgingly accepted. My only take to your above-captioned, well-researched treatise is to invite former President Jonathan for serious questioning. He may be saintly in look but any discerning mind will easily know this is not exactly so. Some ministers, the immediate past service chiefs as well as former governors too should be investigated. Nigeria will realise a lot of sleaze cash and property if those who stole are made to return what they stole. By the way, has Sambo Dasuki not made the job easier by opening the Pandora box via his recent effusions that what the DSS is nailing him for is not up to onetenth of what is in possession of some people who are walking the streets freely today? Money will also flow in if the records of civil servants are traced to their first year in their various tertiary institutions because, in those days, everybody completed his or her biodata innocently, with the date of birth distinctly written. This assignment, if carried out, will surely expose those who have been mutilating and fraudulently/sadistically changing their dates of birth in order to elongate their stay in office. If caught in this act, such officers should give way and the excess years they‘ve spent be deducted from their gratuities. This will automatically give room for several unemployed youths. Finally, what is our president doing with nearly a dozen aircraft? If even his predecessor had indulged and unduly engaged themselves in this kind of profligacy, he should, in the humble spirit that Nigerians know him jail all our ex-‘authority stealers’. From Ch Soji Oloketuyi, 18, Ijabo Street, Igbemo Ekiti. Your comment on real pay cut is fantastic. Please write on how stolen money and properties can be recovered from those who stole from the public till, so as to better the lot of the common man. From Sylvanus Akpama, Lokoja. “The real pay cut”: your piece as titled refers. The president has to seriously visit the civil service, from directors and above; the country will be shocked at the findings as many of them abused their departmental budgets that they converted to personal budgets. You journalists have a lot to do. From Owen-Browne.

Still on Melaye’s rant against judiciary By Jimoh Abdullahi judiciary. His intimations that he is being hunted by Asiwaju Tinubu, his party’s National Leader because of the role he supposedly played in the emergence of a new Senate President in a controversial election is very irrelevant and does not in any way warrant the dragging of esteemed judges into the murky waters of politics. In fact, there is no defence for Senator Melaye to have put the reputation of judges into doubt and there is no objective basis for the allegations by him to be termed fair criticism without an iota of proof. Ordinarily, one would have expected that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would have grown in knowledge to appreciate that it is very unhealthy to make such accusations while his case is sub judice. As such, the comments by the senator on purported corruption cannot be dismissed as trivial as it does appear as a well calculated attempt to dent the image of the judiciary. In county like this, where ‘Justice is not a cloistered virtue’ and judges deserve protection, the remarks by Melaye against the judges hearing his case cannot be left unchecked. Simply put, the protection of the rule of law is of public interest and protecting judges from irrational abuse is for the protection of their reputation. As such, Melaye’s attempt to misrepresent and redefine the standards for the judiciary by advancing conjectures as truth to scandalize is repulsive and at best a blatant disrespect for the institution. The real essence of addressing these is to avoid erosion of public confidence in the administration of justice. In the absence of any verifiable claim, it is possible that Melaye intended to use his status as a license to denigrate the judiciary, intimidate judges and mislead the public. The real purpose of such is usually found in clumsy attempts by persons with shaky faith on the outcome of their cases. The truth is that politicians, use all the subterfuges in the statute books to frustrate the judicial process. Indeed, anything which creates a substantial risk that the course of justice in proceedings will be seriously prejudiced or impeded is best treated as a contempt of court. This is where Senator Dino Melaye must be asked to show why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him before the commencement of the hearing of his case at the Appeal Court. From the above stated, it is doubtless, that Senator Melaye

has done great disservice to our democracy because his remarks are definitely not made in good faith. His attempt to hide behind the appearance of the Senate leadership saga to accuse the judiciary of corruption is sad. Fortunately, this vital issue as raised by Phrank Shaibu’s Op-Ed under reference has provoked the debate as to whether a criminal offence is applicable or not to the senator. The powerful public interest in this issue demands that the judiciary speak out because if this issue is not handled properly, other politicians or persons will act in the same manner. The role of the judiciary to protect itself from those falsely accusing it cannot be over emphasized especially when it comes from a member of the legislature. The disparaging remarks against the judiciary should be questioned and not allowed to stand as facts because his remarks hardly reflect any truth. Indeed, the naked truth is that Melaye in as much as he may have wished to embarrass Asiwaju Tinubu and Senator Smart Adeyemi, the man in contest against his electoral victory in court, he should not be allowed to find comfort in using an opportunsitic platform to advance his falsehood which he thought would have attracted the sympathy of the public and by so doing, intimidate the judges sitting on his case. The silence of the judiciary in the circumstance, is stifling public debate. I had hoped that the judiciary would have taken the issue up and responded swiftly but to my great shock, no comment has been officially issued. Conversely, Melaye’s silence since his remarks were made public is like a man that would say ‘ I have stated precisely what I wished to convey, no regrets’ . Sadly, his lack of remorse and no form of apology certainly increases the risk of diminishing public confidence in the judiciary. There is no better time for the judiciary to ascertain the facts or the falsehood behind Melaye’s allegations than now that hearing has not commenced in the case involving the senator at the Appeal Court. Otherwise, if these are not addressed, objectivity in the case before the Appeal Court judges in the Smart Adeyemi vs Senator Melaye case would be impossible. It is high time the judiciary addressed this embarrassment by Melaye; the ends of justice would not be met if Melaye is not cautioned or penalised. Abdullahi Esq writes from Kogi State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Bayelsa to create eco-industrial hub By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie and Temitayo Ayetoto

AYELSA State Government is set to establish an eco-industrial hub where industrialists and investors can do their businesses conveniently. Director-General, Bayelsa State Investment Promotion Agency, Mrs. Ireda BruceBennett, said the industrial park would be sited close to the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and Shell Gas to maximise gas and boost the manufacturing sector. She said the park would not only attract business owners from round the world, but also encourage genuine investors to take advantage of the available economic opportunities. Mrs. Bruce-Bennet spoke at a forum in Lagos where she announced the forthcoming the state’s industrial event. It has as theme, Unfolding Bayelsa State industrial future. She said the state was ready to support businesses with enabling policies and environment and encouraged investors to make the state a destination of first choice. She said the Investment & Economic Forum (BSEIF) would focus on attracting investors that could harness the numerous economic potential of the state in furtherance of its quest to diversify its economy and develop the infrastructure. Mrs Bruce-Bennet said: “Creating a park of such magnitude will not only attract business owners around the world, but also encourage genuine investors to realise and take due advantage of the economic opportunities available. Government is ready to support businesses with enabling policies, this is in addition to creating an avenue for big conglomerates to meet with smaller and local businesses to further their economic growth and development.” She explained that the first economic forum produced results,adding that it opened the doors to new investors in the state. In her words: “Coming to Bayelsa, they saw a governor, a government and a system that was plain and transparent with policies to drive investment. It might not have brought money for us yet but this second one is about the people who are genuinely interested in business.” Subsequently, she added, each sector of the economy would be focused on breaking its value chain into units to enable investors access them.

Commercial banks are not manufacturing-friendly as their interest rates are usually very high; therefore, commercial banks remain a major challenge to the sector. Even the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) framework, which pegs interest rate at nine per cent, only finances machinery acquisition; it does not cater for working capital. -MAN President, Dr Frank Jacobs

NSE sets July 31 deadline for status verification

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has directed stockbroking firms to submit a status verification report on the functions that their resources may cope effectively with, in an indirect reclassification that may lead to withdrawal and issuance of new licences. In a circular to stockbroking firms, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation, the NSE directed the firms to submit notification reports that should state the capacity that each firm desires to operate in the market on or before July 31, 2015. Stockbroking firms are expected to choose from the four categories of operations including broker-dealer, the highest level; broker, the second level; dealer, the intermediate level and sub-broker, the lowest level similar to investment agent to without any trading privileges. According to the circular, the reclassification is in furtherance of the implementation of the Minimum Operating Standards (MOS) of the Exchange, which became effective on January 1, this

• Stockbrokers to submit report on capacity By Taofik Salako

year. The minimum operating standard (MOS) requirements were introduced last year by the management of the Exchange. The MOS requirements relate to all the dealing members of the Exchange and they address the five broad areas of manpower and equipment; organisational structure and governance; effective processes; global competitiveness; and technology. The NSE has insisted that the main objective of the MOS programme is to enhance investors’ protection and the integrity of the secondary market by ensuring that operators have adequate resources for professional and globally competitive operations. NSE had explained that investors will be given an extra degree of protection because the operators will become more robust and stronger, with good controls and globally acceptable proc-

esses. However, several operators saw the MOS as another way of wielding out smallsised brokers and dealers, describing the MOS as a backdoor approach to enforcing consolidation in the industry. There are 220 active brokerdealers on the NSE but less than 15 per cent of the operators account for more than three-quarters of trading turnover at the market. On the rationales for the MOS standards, head, legal and regulation division, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Ms Tinuade Awe, had said the new minimum operating standards were meant to complement the tremendous transformation that the market had undergone in recent years and to extend these forward-moving traits to the dealing members. According to her, the objective of the minimum operating standards is to transform the operators into more competitive and compliant operators.

“We intend to ensure that the broker dealers, brokers and dealers have very robust controls, strong governance framework and sustainable operations that will enable them compete on a global scale for the benefit of the investors and the Nigerian capital market,” Awe said. She noted that the capital market is very dynamic with a diverse mix of local and foreign investors who can only invest with the confidence that the dealing members operate pursuant to clearly defined standards that are comparable to those to which broker dealers in other markets operate with. “We simply cannot afford to be inferior to anyone in terms of size, skill, technology or organisational governance of our market participants,” Awe added. The NSE had recently launched efforts to streamline stockbroking firms according to the level of activities at the stock market.

•From left: The representative of Lagos State Governor, Professor Ademola Abass; Media Consultant to Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Mr Mack Ogbamosa and Executive Secretary, AFBTE, Mr Aderemi Adegboyega, during the AGM.

Bankers’ Committee flays banks for dishonouring APGs

HE Sub-Committee on Ethics and Professionalism of the Bankers’ Committee has deplored the rate at which banks dishonour their guarantees, particularly Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) According to a document in the possession of The Nation, the Bankers’ Committee raised the alarm at its meeting in Abuja last month. The Sub-Committee said it “was alarmed at the frequency of default by banks on APGs.

How to stop money launderers, by CBN - P26

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

APGs are issued on certain terms and conditions and upon crystallisation, decisions should be based on such terms and conditions considering that guarantees are payable on demand”. The Sub-Committee’s worry over the refusal of banks to honour APGs is not unconnected with several cases be-

fore it involving banks petitioning other banks over their refusal to honour genuine APGs. Of the three cases adjudicated by the Sub-Committee at the meeting, two involved default in one bank honouring a valid APG issued for contracts in which banks’customers failed to meet up to their own ends of the agreement. One case involved Sterling Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc

Empowering youths through social enterprise - P 39

and the other Skye Bank Plc and Ecobank Plc. The Sub-Committee is also worried at the spate of litigations by customers of banks, especially on guarantee, thereby frustrating the contract. The Sub-Committee observed that in some cases it is the banks that encourage their customers to go into litigation, a development, the Sub-Committee considers inimical to the growth of the banking industry.

‘Reduce production cost, improve infrastructure’

HE Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) has urged the Federal Government to help reduce the cost of production and improve infrastructure to promote industrialisation and create employment in the country. Addressing the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the AFBTE, its President, Paul Gbadebo, identified high cost of manufacturing as a barrier to competitiveness of local products, saying it makes imported products manufactured at lower costs more attractive to consumers. He deplored the state of infrastructure, especially power supply, the road network and rail service, urging the government to invest in infrastructural development. He identified other factors necessary for improvement of the economy to include enforcement of corporate governance and best practices, combating corruption and ensuring access to long-term credit for genuine manufacturers and reduction of bank lending rates He urged the government to ensure the security of our borders to guard against illegal imports, tackling insurgency in the Northeast, checking multiple taxation and streamlining activities of regulatory agencies. Gbadebo called on manufacturers to brace up for challenges that may arise from the devaluation of the naira and dwindling oil revenue. AFBTE’s Executive Secretary, Aderemi Adegboyega, identified impunity, high handedness and insensitivity on the part of regulatory agencies as factors affecting the manufacturing. “The kind of things we want the government to do include creating a situation where multiple taxation would be avoided. Regulatory agencies should be supporting our businesses.The government should ensure that our raw materials are sourced at prices that are reasonable. We should be able to source finance from the banks at cost that will be helpful to the manufacturers,” he said. In his address, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, while admitting the difficulty of doing business with the government, said his administration was creating a conducive atmosphere for businesses in the state. He sought collaboration with manufacturers, noting that the establishment of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (otherwise known as Lagos Global) on inception of the administration as one of the measures aimed at driving investments in the state.

Importers spend N6.3tr on vehicles in five years - P 40

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

How to stop money launderers, T by CBN HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks to create strong internal controls to stop money launderers. Speaking at an anti-money laundering workshop organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), CBN Deputy Director Udofia Obot, said money laundering had limited the economic development of nations and institutions. He noted that money launderers used banks to perpetrate the act, adding that failure, or non-compliance with the Anti-money Laundering laws, would attract a penalty of not less than N5 million and N1 million for a bank and other financial institution. “A bank shall disclose in its published accounts details of penalties paid as a result of contravention of legal and, or regulatory provisions. Such contraventions shall be reflected in the auditor’s report,” he said. Obot described internal control as a set of procedures and processes created by banks’ board and management to ensure efficient and effective operation of the institution’s activities in order to meet its set objectives. “Regulation 33(1)-(3) of CBN

Stories by Collins Nweze

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Regulations, 2013 requires financial institutions to establish and maintain internal procedures, policies and controls to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism and to communicate these to their employees. The procedures and processes must incorporate checks and balances (dual control) and should be instituted by the board of directors and implemented by management and all levels of personnel,” he said. According to him, such control roles must be operated continually and updated as the need arises. He said internal control allows banks to achieve their objectives, operational effectiveness and efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations and policies. Money laundering, he said, is process whereby dirty cash; other assets or property obtained,

sourced or derived from illegal, unlawful or criminal activities is converted or transformed to wear seemingly clean appearance. It is a process used by criminals or money launderers to conceal the illegal origin of proceeds derived from criminal activities. Obot said money laundering takes place in three stages placement, which is where the illegitimate funds are deposited in a financial institution; layering, occurs where the proceeds of crimes are separated from their illegal sources through complex layers of transactions; and integration, which occurs when the illegal proceeds are fully mixed with other lawfully earned funds in order to disguise their criminal sources. Effective internal controls, he said, would also ensure that employees are not tempted to breach or be used to perpetrate criminal activities and also guarantee compliance with statutory provisions and regulatory requirements,

while meeting international best practice on anti-money laundering. “The Boards must be made to have oversight function and top management must ensure that there is control culture even as risk must be recognised and assessed. Also, duties must be segregated and assigned to specific officers and there must be dual control of functions as well as information, communication and feed-back mechanism,” he said. Obot advised banks to adopt risk-based approach in identification and implementation of their money laundering and financing of terrorism risks; assess and classify the risks posed by the operations, customers, products and locations. Banks, he insisted, must design risk scoring mechanism for high risk categories and formulate policies for mitigating such risks as well as consider risk classification practice in approving business expansion in new branches, subsidiaries and products. He said customers must be prohibited from doing business with the organisation on the basis of high money laundering risks identified while changes in money laundering risk levels must be monitored. He called for an independent monitoring of compliance with laws, regulations, policies on AML, using specific AML audit plan/programme. Also, the independent au-

• CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

dit must review and test your AML policies and procedures for effectiveness while the Board or its committee and management are mandated to receive reports of the auditors’ review of the AML system. He advised that adequate resources be allocated to the audit functions for effective operation. Also, suspension of any licence issued to the financial institution or Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions while a financial institution, its officers or employees shall not benefit from any violation of extant AML/CFT laws and regulations. He advised that criminal cases involving officers and the financial institution shall be referred to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

Stanbic IBTC eyes N20.4b rights issue

• From left: Group Executive,Commercial Banking, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Cecilia Majekodunmi; Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Francis Ikenga; Chairperson, Women Group of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Agnes Shobajo; Group Executive, Institutional Banking Group, FirstBank, Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu during a visit by the Women Group of LCCI to the bank.

Diaspora remittances rise by $900m

F the $21.9 billion remitted into the country last year, only 25 per cent of the funds passed through the banks, according to FBN Capital, an investments and research firm. In 2013, Diaspora remittances were $21 billion. Diaspora remittances are the second largest source of foreign exchange inflows into the country. The $21.9 billion shows an increase of $900 million in the $21 billion remitted in 2013. Analysts at FBN Capital said Diaspora remittances through banks would remain low until bank accounts become more widespread and the tax net made more

effective. Head, Markets at FBN Capital, Olubunmi Ashaolu, said: “The remittance may be received by the beneficiary through a bank, at a bureau de change, at the local office of the money transfer corporation or through independent channels such as a mobile telephone. Some informed estimates place the share received through the banks as low as 25 per cent of the total.’’ The transfers, he said, could, to give just three destination points, finance housing construction, seasonal celebrations and/or import demand. He said workers’ remittances ac-

counted for more than 90 per cent of transfers, and that the balance consisted of general government transactions, such as local expenses of embassies and international organisations. Ashaolu said the data do not show a marked fall-off in transfers in 2008 and 2009 when the global credit event shook at least two of the countries where the Nigerian Diaspora is well represented. He said the transfers represented 3.7 per cent of Nigeria’s 2014 Gross Domestic Product and merely adds to the grey areas in household consumption, imports and small-scale production.

HE Stanbic IBTC aims to offer a N20.4 billion ($102.6 million) rights issue this year. It will also seek shareholders’ vote to distribute a scrip dividend to boost its capital base, the lender said. The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, said she was expecting increased regulatory pressure to weigh on industry profits this year, and that the bank has revised its 2015 loan growth down to 10 per cent, to match the lower-end of its guidance range. The mid-tier lender said its South African parent bank, Standard Bank, was supportive of the cash call and that a price for the share sale would be set after regulatory approvals are received. Mrs. David-Borha said the group is seeking to raise N20.4 billion in rights issue to support its planned growth opportunities as well as business risks and contingencies. Meanwhile, the lender has unveiled its six months unaudited results for the period ended 30 June 2015, with gross earnings put at N68.3 billion, representing an increase of 11 per cent over the N61.7 billion recorded in the comparable period of last year. According to the result which was presented at the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos, Profit Before Tax (PBT) during the period, stood at N9.5 billion, while Profit After Tax (PAT) was N9.6 billion. Total assets went up nine per cent to N1.03 trillion from N944.5 billion in December 2014. The Group maintained adequate capital to support its business in the first-half of the year which is well above the regulatory require-

ment. The group’s total capital adequacy ratio closed the period at 15.3 per cent (Bank 13.9 per cent), while the tier 1 capital adequacy ratio, stood at 12.6 per cent (Bank 10.6 per cent). These ratios are well above the 10 per cent minimum statutory requirement. “Stanbic IBTC’s performance recorded in the first half of 2015 was characterised by steady growth in its balance sheet whilst our strong focus on cost containment helped to mitigate the impact of rising cost of funds and credit impairments on our operating performance,” she stated, adding: “Our focus for the rest of 2015 is to reduce cost of funds and continue to resolve impaired risk assets to ensure increased profitability by year end. We remain optimistic that we can achieve these goals.”

• Mrs. David-Borha

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

MONEY

Making mobile money platform more attractive The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (NDIC’s) plan to raise deposit insurance cover for mobile money subscribers to N500,000 is likely to boost the use of mobile money by account holders. Implementing the plan will enhance financial inclusion and make the banking platform more acceptable to customers, reports COLLINS NWEZE.

HE dream of getting financial services to end users is being jointly pursued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) via mobile money. Mobile money refers to payment services operated under financial regulation and performed from, or via a mobile device. But the NDIC has taken further steps to enhance financial inclusion by finalising a framework to extend deposit insurance cover to individual subscribers of the Mobile Money Operators (MMOs). When approved, the deposit insurance cover of up to N500,000 for mobile money by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) is expected to boost the use of mobile money by account holders. “The rollout of the regulatory framework for mobile money payment services in Nigeria, is aimed at revolutionising the Nigerian payments system in tune with global development, as well as facilitating financial inclusion in the country. The development has led to the licensing of 24 MMOs. “In order to engender confidence of the public in subscribing to the products of MMOs, the NDIC has considered as imperative, the extension of the deposit insurance to individual subscribers of MMOs in the form of `Pass-through Deposit Insurance,’’ said the Managing Director, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim. He said the framework for making the Passthrough Insurance Scheme operational, was being finanlised by the Corporation, adding that NDIC has guaranteed the payment of deposits up to the maximum limit in accordance with the law. With mobile money, instead of paying with cash, cheque, or credit cards, a consumer can use a mobile phone to pay for a wide range of goods and services. In 2008, the global market for all types of mobile payments was projected to reach more than $600 billion by 2013. In developing countries, including Nigeria, mobile payment solutions are deployed as a means of extending financial services to the unbanked or under-banked. This group constitutes about 50 per cent of the world’s population, according to Financial Access’ Report. Analysts insist that financial exclusion persists because of the inaccessibility of the unbanked, mostly people in the lower strata of the economy. The unbanked are often far removed from the centre of commerce which tends to lower their participation in economic transactions. Thus, a combination of low demand for financial services and prohibitive costs without commensurate returns, dissuade financial services’ providers, such as banks, insurance and pension administrators from establishing physical presence in these locations. However, mobile technology and innovations in the financial services industry, coupled with the phenomenal growth in telecoms’ subscriber numbers, have altered this situation, as financial services providers continue to leverage the reach of telecoms networks to provide mobile money services to otherwise inaccessible locations. The recent spate of agreements on mobile money services between financial institutions and telecoms networks - MTN and Diamond Bank, UBA and Airtel, Stanbic IBTC Bank, First Bank, Ecobank and Globacom, will doubtless ramp up the synergy that should lead to further growth in mobile money.

The M-Pesa example Kenya has been adjudged successful in the implemtation of mobile money.M-Pesa, Kenya’s mobile money system, has been hugely popular and successful in that country. Today, M-Pesa has over 40,000 agents and 17 million users, equivalent to more than two-thirds of the country’s adult population, conducting more than two million transactions daily. In 2010, Kenya had just 840 bank branches

• Ibrahim

• NCC Executive Vice Chairman Eugene Juwah

and 1,510 ATMs to serve a population of 47 million. M-Pesa, with its 40,000 agents, helped to plug the supply hole and provide access to financial services to ordinary Kenyans. Micro finance institutions piggybacked on M-Pesa to penetrate remote areas very quickly without substantial increase in costs. In other countries, a number of financial institutions seemed to have found the right mix to ensure successful deployment of mobile money. Standard Bank (parent bank of Nigeria’s Stanbic IBTC Bank), for instance, has been successful with mobile money in Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa.

ognised payments system necessitates strategies to bring informal payment transactions into the formal system. This framework has identified two models for the implementation of mobile money services namely; Bank Led – Financial Institution(s) and/or its Consortium as Lead Initiator and Non-Bank Led. A corporate organisation duly licensed by the CBN as Lead Initiator. “The CBN recognises the importance of Mobile Network Operator (MNOs) in the operations of mobile money and appreciates the criticality of the infrastructure they provide,” it said. The CBN said a robust payments system is vital for effective monetary policy implementation and the promotion of economic efficiency. “The introduction of mobile telephony in Nigeria, its rapid growth and adoption and the identification of person to person payments as a practical strategy for financial inclusion, has made it imperative to adopt the mobile channel as a means of driving financial inclusion of the unbanked,” it said. CEO, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, said the network will focus on meeting the significant market demand for financial services and mobile content with an expected positive impact on data revenue. “The success of Diamond Y’ello Account and other basic mobile money services is expected to lead to the adoption of more sophisticated mobile payment solutions such as bulk mobile payment designed for corporate organisations. This service makes it easier for organisations to send money in bulk to their suppliers, employees or other business partners without the beneficiaries necessarily having to own a bank account,” he said. Mobile money providers are also expected not be shy to adapt and replicate what works in other places but continue to innovate and

Bank-led model The bank-led mobile money model adopted by Nigeria may be slightly different from Kenya’s telecoms-driven model but the underlying peculiarities are broadly similar. Access, costs, lower economic activities, and partnerships are common threads. The lessons of M-PESA are not lost though as mobile operators like MTN Nigeria are beginning to play more significant roles in mobile money.

CBN Vs telco-led model The CBN said it avoided the implementation of the telco-led model in the mobile money operation to have full control of monetary policy operations. The policy, it said, would also enable it minimise risks and ensure that the offering of financial services are driven by organisations it licensed. In the new guidelines, the CBN said the telco-led model, where the lead initiator is Mobile Network Operator (MNO), shall not be operational in the country. The apex bank said the overriding vision of achieving a nationally utilised and internationally rec-

‘The unbanked are often far removed from the centre of commerce, which tends to lower their participation in economic transactions. Thus, a combination of low demand for financial services and prohibitive costs without commensurate returns, dissuade financial services’ providers, such as banks, insurance and pension administrators from establishing physical presence in these locations’

• Fatokun

develop bespoke products and services to excite consumers and boost conversion rate.

Benefits to consumers Some of the benefits to the consumer include security, convenience, accessibility, speed and ease of transaction, competitive charges, access to quality advisory services, and integrity of transactions; the customer literally carries his bank in his pocket or bag wherever he goes. Other not-so-obvious benefits, which are nonetheless important, are better cash flow management, enhanced financial planning, and inculcation of sustainable savings habit, which boost financial security and comfort in retirement. “Mobile payments, which I perform on my phone, help to reduce my travelling costs,” a farmer in rural Nigeria who uses mobile payment services said. Mobile money also has the potential to galvanise economic activities, leading to higher socio-economic development, lower cost of transactions and reduction of cash handling costs, among other benefits.

Role of regulators CBN Director, Payment Systems Unit, ‘Dipo Fatokun, said apex bank believes that mobile money and agent framework is the frontier of cashless boom. “Mobile money is the next thing expected to transform CBN’s cash-less policy. The apex bank believes that such initiative will aid both telecommunications and banking industries to further serve Nigerians better,” he said. Nigeria’s telecoms subscriber base, put at 131 million as of September 2014 by the NCC, should play a major role in bringing the unbanked into the formal banking system. With over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s adult population unbanked, mobile banking could be the catalyst that will help quicken the adoption of banking services by this critical segment of the population. Offshore portfolio managers appear to be similarly persuaded and they are already positioning to take advantage of the expected growth in mobile money. For instance, Carlyle Group, a US-based global alternative asset manager with $203 billion of assets under management across 129 funds and 141 fund of funds vehicles, recently acquired a $147 million (about N27 billion) minority stake in Diamond Bank, partly on the strength that the bank’s new mobile banking service “will help rapidly boost the lender’s customers and profits.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

New investor acquires major stake in Ecobank E COBANK Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc has sold about 7.26 per cent equity stake to a new investor in a private placement, in furtherance of its latest string of capital raising and deals. ETI, the financial services holding parent company of Ecobank Nigeria and other Ecobank brand, offered 1.25 billion ordinary shares of $0.025 each to a private investor at N15.47, raking about N19.34 billion in new equity funds, according to regulatory filing. The private placement gives the new investor a major equity stake of about 7.26 per cent, substantially above the five per cent threshold set by the capital market authorities to indicate major equity holding. In a widely diversified share base, an investor with more than five per cent may be offered a sit on the board of directors. ETI is

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

listed on the NSE, Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and the BRVM. Although the timeline for the private placement, which was previously unannounced, was not indicated in the filing document, the offer price of N15.47 per share was about 30 per cent lower than the current market value of N22 per share. The post-placement total shares outstanding of ETI stood at 17.20 billion ordinary shares and are valued at N378.5 billion. The shares that arose from the private placement have been listed at NSE. ETI has not responded to emailed enquiry on the identity of the investor involved in the private placing. Many other sources said the identity of the buyer has been shrouded in secrecy. It would be recalled that last September, Qatar National Bank

(QNB), had acquired more than 11 per cent equity stake in ETI in three deals valued at about N35.4 billion. QNB, which has Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) as its major shareholder, acquired about 1.77 billion ordinary shares of ETI in an off-market trade at the NSE. Offmarket trade implied that the deals were sealed outside the floor of the NSE, although ETI still has to report such transactions in compliance with the listing rules at the NSE. The acquisition transaction, which was concluded in three deals, was sealed at N20.01 per share, more than 20 per cent above ETI’s opening price of N16.62 per share during the trading session. Besides the ordinary shares acquisition, which gives QNB 11.1 per cent equity stake in ETI, QNB also acquired about 732.28 million preference shares. The acquisitions, the first by QNB in shares of ETI, give

the Gulf bank a major inroad into the African market. QNB, which is listed on the Qatar Exchange, has indicated it will be a long-term investor in ETI. Earlier, in June, last year, ETI had witnessed additional equity investment by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), following the addition of the company to the MSCI Frontier Market Index in May, last year. IFC, the private sector arm of the World Bank, acquired additional 4.6 per cent equity stake in ETI. ETI issued more than 838.32 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to IFC, through convertible loan deals involving two funds being managed by the corporation. IFC acquired the shares through its managed funds-IFC ALAC Holding Company II and the IFC Capitalisation (Equity) Fund LP. Under the deals, both funds converted convertible debts earlier

granted to ETI to shares, with effect from July 1, 2014. The outstanding convertible loans of about $56.39 million for the IFC Capitalization (Equity) Fund LP and $18.10 million for the IFC ALAC Holding Company II will be converted to some 628.74 million and 209.58 million ordinary shares of ETI. It would be recalled that IFC had in 2012, through these two managed funds and another fund-Africa Capitalisation Fund Limited, acquired 8.63 per cent equity stake in ETI. It had acquired 1.25 billion ordinary shares at agreed price of 8.0 cents per share, totalling $100 million (about N15.6 billion). The investment followed the signing of share subscription agreements in July 2012 between IFC and ETI when IFC invested $100 million by way of common equity in ETI.

Rising inflation may result in further dip on equities, says Rewane’s firm

• Vitafoam Nigeria Plc's Group Managing Director, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi (centre) flanked by the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Eugene Eze (left) at unveiling of Vitafoam's second Comfort Centre in Warri ... at the weekend.

Why we need N40b new equity funds, by Flour Mills

LOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc plans to use the net proceeds of its impending N40 billion rights issue to bolster its working capital and restructure its leveraged balance sheet to avoid long drain of financial mismatch. Shareholders of Flour Mills, Nigeria’s most capitalised and largest flourmilling company, met last week at an extraordinary general meeting and approved increase in the authorised share capital of the company and a proposal to raise about N40 billion new equity funds from its shareholders. Shareholders approved increase in authorised share capital of the company from N2 billion to N2.5 billion through the creation of additional 1.0 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. Besides approving the N40 billion rights issue, the meeting also granted a waiver to the board that in the event of under-subscription, the board can allocate unsubscribed rights’ shares to interested investors. The meeting mandated the board of directors to use net proceeds of the rights issue to meet the funding requirements of the company. Chairman, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. John Coumantaros, highlighted the need for the new equity funds, urging shareholders to support the quest to further capitalise the company. According to him, the net proceeds would be used to reduce the company’s debt burden and resultant interest charges as well as to increase working capital to support recent investments. He noted that with the additional capital, the company would be in a

stronger position to pursue high growth business opportunities without the risk of high financial leverage or mismatch. “You will recall that during the last five years, Flour Mills had embarked on a major expansion programme in our core food, agro allied, logistics and support businesses. We also undertook strategic acquisitions and mergers. These were aimed at strengthening, consolidating, re-focusing and supporting our core food business,” Coumantaros said. He said the company would be using the net proceeds to also cushion the adverse effect of the sudden slump in global crude oil prices, which has resulted in major devaluation of the naira and caused increases in import costs and financial charges. He said the company would be making “a very big investment programme” to improve its local manufacturing capacity noting that the foreign exchange market has increasingly become tough. He outlined some of the recent investments by the company to include the inauguration of a new sugar refinery at Apapa; the development of a 10,000-hectare sugar estate and mill in Sunti, Niger State; and an ultra-modern pasta factory at Agbara, Ogun State, among others. According to him, most of these projects are now operational and making steady and impressive progress. He expressed optimism that these investments would deliver good returns, positive cash flow and continue to make appreciable contributions to the group’s earnings and profit in the

years ahead. In 2014, Flour Mills had distributed N5.01 billion as cash dividends on the basis of N2.10 per each ordinary share. Also, a total of 238.6 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each were also distributed to shareholders through a bonus of one for 10 shares. Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Flour Mills for the year ended March 31, 2014 showed that turnover rose from N301.94 billion to N332.14 billion. Profit after tax however dropped from N7.54 billion in 2013 to N5.37 billion. Flour Mills had recently embarked on group restructuring, strategic business acquisitions and investment in its core food business and backward integration programmes. It commissioned a 750,000 metric tons per annual sugar refinery built at a cost of $250 million in April 2013. It has also continued to strategically invest in large scale commercial farming to support its food processing units with locally produced raw materials. The group had invested about N41 billion in capital projects in recent period including key projects such as flour capacity expansion in its Apapa mills, completion of Golden Snacks facility in Agbara, completion of Golden Sugar Refinery, establishment of new flour mill in Calabar, expansion of pasta & noodles lines and many major agro allied projects such as investments in Sunti Golden Sugar Estates and new animal feed mill and acquisition and development of large scale commercial farming.

S Nigerian equities struggle with declining share prices, a leading investment research firm, Bismarck Rewane’s Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, has said the rising inflation could further undermine the recovery of the Nigerian equities market. In its latest update, FDC said there was a strong probability for further increase in inflation rate in July and August, raising the stake after inflation rate increased from nine per cent in May to 9.2 per cent in June. According to the firm, increased demand for fruits during the just-concluded Ramadan fasting period in July will lead to a seasonal rise in prices while inflation in the near term will also be affected by the new restrictions in the forex market and the effective depreciation of the Naira. “While the stock market is historically inflation neutral, investors fear that higher inflation will virtually lead to a rise in interest rates and fall in stock prices. They will therefore begin to go short on stocks,” the report stated. Inflation-adjusted returns on equities fell from -11 per cent in May to 17.1 per cent in June. The dollar adjusted inflation after considering the depreciation of the Naira was 35.5 per cent. “We believe that the increasing inflationary trend is likely to extend into third quarter. Besides the fuel scarcity problem that still lingers – albeit lightly, there has been sustained attacks from Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, where many farm products, especially perishables, are cultivated. Lower food supplies would lead to a rise in the food sub-index of the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” the report stated. The report noted that while the rising inflation may likely to be aberrational, the trend is becoming more consistent and is fueling the fear factor as anticipated inflation is more important than historical inflation because it influences consumer behaviour and preferences. “Demand for goods will increase if people expect prices to rise in the near future. As demand increases, producers would be forced to increase prices up to a point that there is a struggle of bargaining power. At this level, it is the price elasticity of demand that determines if there would be a further increase in prices. Another threat to inflation is the possibility and timing of the subsidy removal, which is now becoming more inevitable,” the report highlighted what may be a double-edged sword against quoted

companies which earnings, share prices and capital raising capacity would be affected simultaneously. FDC noted that the rising inflation has also placed Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in a tight position as it now faces the typical monetary policy trilemma of increasing inflation, currency pressures and interest rate stability. According to the analytical firm, while a decrease in interest rates is politically expedient to stimulate economic growth, it may not be the appropriate move due to currency and inflationary pressures. The increased liquidity in the system from the bailout funds is another factor that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would have to consider. The CBN will be reluctant to increase interest rates as monetary policy tightening is almost reaching its upper limit. The CBN could alternatively increase its use of administrative tools such as cash reserve ratio (CRR) and Open Market Operations (OMO). The report pointed out that even though the CBN is committed to defending the Naira, the currency pressures facing Nigeria are becoming more intense with the spread between the interbank rate and the parallel market creating an arbitrage corridor for speculators, and is a round tripper’s paradise. Besides, another issue of concern is the consistent decline in oil receipts as a result of falling oil prices, when the sanctions on Iran are finally removed. FDC noted that while the appointment of new service chiefs is expected to improve the security situation in the Northeast, the aftershock of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) restriction of importers’ access to foreign exchange at the interbank market would be felt in the coming months. “We are already at the upper limit of the tightening cycle, and the more probable outcome at the MPC meeting would be for the CBN to maintain the status quo and use more administrative measures in its quest to protect the Naira in the forex markets,” FDC stated. It however noted that many other African countries were also facing inflationary pressures. Angola’s inflation rate rose to 9.6 per cent last June from 8.86 per cent in May. Kenya also witnessed a rise in inflation from 6.87 per cent in May to 7.03 per cent in last June, just as Mozambique’s inflation rate rose from 1.29 per cent in May to 1.36 per cent in June, this year.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

PAGE 29

Culture, tradition on display as Ikere gets new king

INSIDE

There was excitement in the air last Friday as the new Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Oba Adejimi Adu, formally begins his reign. He entered the palace following the conclusion of all necessary traditional rites of passage to the ancient throne. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

Patient needs N7m for kidney transplant

Oyo NURTW: From violence to peace

PAGE 36

PAGE 30

‘Adhere to Islamic teachings’ PAGE 35

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT Continued from page 29

•From right: Prince Adeyemi presenting a copy of the 2015 budget to members of the Oyo Metropolitan Club

Lawmaker meets with constituents I

By Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan N a bid to fulfil his electioneering promises during the 2015 presidential and National Assembly elections, continue to advise the lawmaker on the need to assist Prince Akeem Adeyemi has held meetings with major the people. stakeholders in the four local government areas in Oyo Reactingý, the Basorun of Oyo Kingdom, High town on how to attract development projects to the area. Chief Akinade Yusuf said he was elated with the deAt a meeting with members of the All Progressives velopment, adding that such had never happened in Congress (APC), Oyomesi, traditional rulers and associa- the history of the town. He noted that their fear had tions in Oyo Federal Constituency, Prince Adeyemi re- been allayed because they had thought as a Prince; he vealed that he stood by the party’s directive during the would not be answerable to anybody. leadership crisis in the lower chamber of the National One of the leaders of the APC in the state, Chief Assembly. Samuel Akindele narrated how he felt According to the immediate past when the youthful politician picked chairman of Atiba Local Governthe party’s ticket. ment Area, every member of the Democracy is a participatory “Since 1950 when we started active National Assembly is constitution- form of government. We must politics, we have not witnessed this ally empowered to hold leadership brief the people as events unkind of quality representation. His position. He, however, explained predecessor who spent two terms ran that party interest surpasses any fold so that the people will away immediately he was elected have a sense of belonging in other interest. only to come back for re-election unPrince Adeyemi described the the process of governance. It der a new party. We thank God our incident as ugly, lamenting that self- is a radical departure from people showed him the exit door. With ishness and inordinate ambition this, Oyo has started witnessing new wanted to tear them apart at a point what obtained in the things,” he said. they are supposed to be seen as past...Since 1950 when we The chairman of the Oyo Metrostarted active politics, we change agents. politan Club, Taiwo said he felt bad “We all contested on the plat- have not witnessed this kind when he watched members of the form of the party and by doing so, of quality representation. His National Assembly fighting each othwe have indirectly pledged to abide er over leadership position. predecessor who spent two by its directives. Without discipline, He said: “I did not see anybody in terms ran away immediately the party will crash,” he added. abeti-aja, symbol of our Alaafin, as He promised to team up with he was elected only to come the imbroglio lasted. ýI have to comother progressive minds in order back for re-election under a mend Prince Adeyemi for toeing the to engender the desired change, path of honour by supporting party new party adding that great individuals such directives against personal wish. He as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor should continue the way he had startAbiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf ed. Earlier, Chief Dijo Ogundiran, who recommendAregbesola are tested leaders whose directives should be ed Adeyemi to the Oyomesi, said the lawmaker havadhered to. He said he embarked on the consultation tour in order ing started on a brighter note has vindicated him. While presenting a copy of the 2015 budget to the to carry his constituents along, adding that “democracy is a participatory form of government. We must brief the executive members of the Oyo Metropolitan Club, people as events unfold so that the people will have a Prince Adeyemi bemoaned the hardship the town sufsense of belonging in the process of governance. It is a fered in the hands of the past administration led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealing how the Fedradical departure from what obtained in the past.” Disclosing that he would interact with his constituents eral Government budgeted for hand-pump well for the periodically, he stressed the need for all to come together town. He, however, assured that things would change irrespective of party affiliations as it would usher in the with the emergence of the Muhammadu Buhari adminneeded development. He assured that the impasse at the istrationý. Former chairman of Oyo West Local Government National Assembly would soon be resolved. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who was Area, Mr. Wale Ogunmola praised the lawmaker for the represented by Ayaba Mojisola Adeyemi said he would gesture, saying he was happy to be associated with him.

‘Why there’s peace in Sagamu’

HE Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, has ascribed the peace in Sagamu in the past five years to his success in ridding the town of “cultism and other vices among some carpenters and bricklayers.” Sonariwo said business operators in Sagamu and surrounding communities also go about their businesses without fear of harm to their lives and investments while residents also sleep with their two eyes closed. The monarch, who spoke through the Asiwaju of Remoland and Chairman, 25th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Solomon Onafowokan, added that banks now open on week days without disruption by bandits.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

He recalled that prior to 2011, the town experienced a situation where, aside the students, some bricklayers and carpenters were dabbling into cultism and causing security breaches in Sagamu until they were checked. The Paramount Ruler said the menace of cultists and other criminals were addressed when the town’s Security Council met and re-invigorated the Vigilance security system; making them more proactive and effective at restoring peace and sanity in the town. According to him, cultists and miscreants have since Continued on pages 35

HE atmosphere was ecstatic and the suspense that had hung in the air all this while suddenly gave way to assurance, joy and fulfilment for the people of Ikere-Ekiti. They people trooped out en masse to witness the final rites of passage to the throne of the new Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, who formally assumed the throne as the king of the city. Having been installed and presented with the instruments of appointment by Governor Ayo Fayose on July 6 at a colourful ceremony held at the sports field of the Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Odo-Oja, the next stage in his road to the throne was the performance of traditional rites. The new Ogoga’s next port of call was the Iwoye, a traditional place of temporary abode where he would undergo further rites and where he would receive homage from various interest groups in the community until his assumption of the palace. It should be noted that the last time such an event was witnessed in the Iwoye was in 1971 when the last Ogoga, the late Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, was installed as the traditional ruler of Ikere. An indigene of the community told Southwest Report that it was the same place where the late Oba Adegboye underwent his traditional rites before assuming the throne. The late Oba Adegboye, who reigned for 43 years, joined his ancestors on August 22, 2014 which made one of the most sought-after thrones in Ekiti land vacant; sparking a bitter struggle for the royal seat among princes in the eligible royal families. At the end of the selection processes, it was Oba Adu that emerged as the Ogoga-elect after many rounds of consultations with the Ifa Oracle and election among the kingmakers. A visit to Iwoye revealed a busy day for the new monarch as indigenes of the community streamed to the place on daily basis while the new king was still there. Locating the Iwoye by a first timer might prove a Herculean task as it also fell on an Oja-Oba (King’s Market) day which drew further crowd to the area. It should be noted that the OjaOba’s original location was the precincts of the Ogoga’s Palace but it had to be moved backwards to the Iwoye area following the death of Oba Adegboye. The market is expected to be moved back to its original location with the enthronement of the new Ogoga and the conclusion of his rite

of passage to the throne. Some came to catch a glimpse of the new Kabiyesi, others came to pay homage either as individuals or groups while others came to offer prayers either in Christian or traditional ways to seek the blessings and favour of the Almighty for a fruitful reign. Oba Adu, who took his time to attend to his subjects, waved the irukere (horsetail) in appreciation of their homage and the chanting of his praises. He was resplendent in an allwhite outfit and intermittently beamed some smiles as each of the interest groups paid their homage. A local trumpeter was on ground blowing royal tunes while local drummers added colour and life to the event. Palace guards also ensured that there was law and order at the Iwoye as they attended to guests coming to pay visit and homage to the new royal father. Friday was a busy day for Oba Adu as it marked the day the traditional rites would be concluded and a huge crowd thronged the Iwoye to accompany the monarch to the palace. Oba Adu, who is from the Agirilala Ruling House received homage from traditional chiefs, quarter chiefs, age grade groups, women groups, youths, interest groups and ethnic nationalities who wished him a peaceful reign on the throne of his forefathers. The chants of Kaaaaabiyesiooooooo rent the air as the Ogoga emerged from the inner recesses of the Iwoye; wearing a deep brown agbada with a sprinkling of cream colour. A snowy white crown gleamed on his head. Making his way out of the Iwoye was taxing as the enthusiastic crowd of Ikere indigenes came to felicitate with him. Another round of Christian and traditional prayers ensued. As the new Ogoga was leaving the Iwoye, the two chambers there were locked and some residents claimed that they won’t be opened again until another Ogoga will be installed. Most of the youth present were witnessing the traditional spectacle for the first time as they had not been born in 1971 when Oba Adu’s predecessor was installed. The wife of the new Ogoga, Olufunmilola Ololade, who had her suku hairstyle adorned with beads to mark her new status as Olori was beaming with smiles as she humbly acknowledged greetings from wellwishers. Before leaving the Iwoye, a goat was slaughtered and the new king stepped on the blood as one of the rites to be performed for his final passage to the coveted royal stool. After the rite was performed, the new Ogoga was taken to Chief Aka-

•Ijede LCDA Executive Secretary Hon. Ajetumobi, (middle), Ogunbambi, (right), Babalola (third right), APC chieftain, Alhaji Amusa (on blue cap) and Alhaji Kaylor Fain (second right), with other dignitaries at the event

CALL has been made for a more invigorated and better equipped Marine Police that would provide effective security and make the Lagos waterways more secure. The Director of the Department of Security Service (DSS) for Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Oluwasoji Ba-

balola made the call at a safety and security stakeholders meeting organised by the LCDA, for leaders of Ijede and its environs, at the LCDA community hall Ijede on Friday. While appraising the security situation in the area, following a string of robbery attacks in Lekki and Ikorodu in which the robbers

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Ecstasy as Ogoga ascends throne

•The Ogoga shortly before he left the Iwoye.

I am deeply concerned about our graduate youths who are unemployed. My desire is to reach out to industrialists to set up industries and smallscale businesses to provide jobs for our teeming youths. Ikere has huge potential as investors’ destination and I will work with my people to ensure overall development of our town as the community is strategically located...I feel elated, humbled and proud to be chosen as the Ogoga and this will give me an opportunity to work for the peace, progress and development of Ikere

muja where another rite was administered on him. Akamuja highlighted the dos and

•The wife of the Ogoga, Olori Olufunmilola Ololade Adu...at the Iwoye.

•Traditional praise-singers chanting Oba Adu’s oriki (panegyrics).

don’ts of the occupant of the royal seat and the ritual was to make his reign crisis-free. Kola nuts were

tossed and they landed with their faces up which were a good omen for Oba Adu’s reign.

The development was unique in the history of the Ogogas in the community and this symbolised immense prosperity and splendour.

He was taken to some shrines and junctions to observe the last round of rites before heading to the palace to commence his reign. Following the conclusion of the rites, Oba Adu headed for the palace amid singing, drumming and trumpeting; marking the beginning of a new era in the history of Ikere Kingdom. On arrival at the palace and sitting on the palace throne for the first time, Oba Adu received another round of homage from chiefs, age-grade groups and other interest groups in the community. One of the high chiefs, the Sao of Ikere, Chief Jide Omotoso, prayed for peace, progress, prosperity and development of the town during the reign of the new king. Addressing reporters earlier in the day at Iwoye, Oba Adu called on the indigenes to join hands with him to develop the town. According to him, he felt fulfilled and humbled becoming the 27th Ogoga of Ikere; promising to justify the confidence reposed in him by the kingmakers and other stakeholders in the community. He explained that he would use his new position to ensure that peace reigns in the town, which, he said, will engender rapid socio-economic development in Ekiti land. Oba Adu also used the opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to other princes who contested the throne with him; promising to carry them along in the day-to-day running of the community. While emphasising that development could only take place in an atmosphere of peace, Oba Adu said he has started reaching out to his co-contestants and other people who are aggrieved by his emergence to join hands and lift the town to greater heights. He revealed that all the kingmakers have resolved to work with him, even as they are actively involved in the task of reconciling fellow royals. Unfolding his development agenda for Ikere during his reign, Oba Adu explained that his dream was to work towards the industrialisation of the community to boost its economy. He pledged to enlist the support of his friends within and outside the country to invest in the town and tap its abundant agricultural, forestry, mineral and tourism potential. Oba Adu said he was deeply concerned about the high rate of unemployment among the youth of the community, saying it would be given priority attention in his development agenda. He said: “I am deeply conContinued on pages 34

Lagos community brainstorms on security By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

escaped through the lagoon, Babalola called on the Federal and the Lagos State Governments to intensify their investment in Marine Police in order to ensure the combat readiness of the force in order to guarantee safety of the waterways. He said robbers are operating at will and escaping through the la-

goon because they knew that the fire power of the Marine Police is weak. He said a more combat-ready Marine force would make the waterways too hot for criminals to contemplate using as getaway from a crime scene. He said: “To truly make Lagos hot for robbers and other criminals, we must develop a robust security network that must plug all loopholes and make our waterways watertight security-wise.” He equally challenged local governments and LCDAs with riverside boundaries to establish local Security Trust Fund to give logistic support to the state government’s intervention in making the state safe from criminals. Hoteliers, banks, companies and corporate organisations within the area, he said, should assist in raising such fund.

Babalola challenged residents to come up with information regarding anyone with questionable characters, adding that such persons may be a robber. “Robbers are human beings like us and that information you are volunteering to security agencies may save a life or prevent the loss of valuables,” Babalola added. The DSS Director urged the community not to be afraid of robbers, but rather, they should always inform the security operatives on security and safety matters so that necessary actions can be taken. He advised youths to make good use of their time and eschew cultism. Earlier, the Executive Secretary Mr Olawumi Rasak Ajetunmobi said the meeting was put together to address the issues of insecurity and safety of lives and property in the area, saying the meeting became imperative because of the re-

cent robbery incidents in the lkorodu/Ijede axis. The Executive Secretary reiterated that the meeting, which comprised community leaders, CDAs, youth groups, security operatives, market men and women, artisan groups and other stakeholders, will come up with recommendations aimed at fortifying the LCDA. He assured the community that the council would leave no stone unturned in implementing all resolutions arrived at, at the meeting. Describing security problems in the community as poor, he said there is the urgent need to gather the community leaders, CDC chairmen, youths, security operatives and all stakeholders for the meeting so that they can jointly address the issues. At the meeting, the establishment of a strong vigilance group that would work in concert with security operatives was canvassed. It

would, among others, help monitor security and report any security breaches in the LCDA. This group is to be supported and managed by the police headquarters in Ijede community. An eye witness of the recent robbery at Lekki and the Medical Director of Ijede General Hospital Dr. Amure, who appealed to the state government to equip the Ijede Police headquarters with modern gadgets, alleged that they are shabbily and poorly equipped. He said his observation was that the robbers were better equipped, adding that the police weapons were no match to theirs. He also called on the government to provide more patrol vans and help maintain the existing vehicles and motor bikes for the police so that they Continued on page 34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT Experts have called on the government to monitor the rate of the nation’s population growth at a symposium organised by the Lagos office of the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports

W •Ife/Iwo Road garage in Ibadan, PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI IBADAN

Until recently, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State had always been violent. SIKIRU AKINOLA traces how the union became synonymous with violence and how it achieved peace in the past four years.

Oyo NURTW: From violence to peace A

YINDE Ewu (pseudonym) couldn’t say precisely when he became a member of the Oyo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). But his narrative of the event that preceded the death of the late business mogul and acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, it is obvious that he has been a member of the union for over two decades. In a bid to prevent his ‘chairman’ from being ousted from one of the motor parks in Iwo Road, which is regarded as one of the richest branches of the union in the state, he escaped death but didn’t go without sustaining injuries. “I got to the motor parks very early in the morning and had made huge sales until I saw one of our boys running towards me, advising me to take to my heels or get killed. Before I could ask what the matter was, I saw these people in large number, with dangerous objects moving towards our office. “There was no charm on me. I ran for my dear life but thank God the people were not armed with gun. They continued to run after me and when they caught me, a thought came to my mind and I ran inside one petrol station, hijacked the nuzzle from the attendant, pressed a little petrol and brought out a lighter from my pocket.” Scratching his head, he continued: “At that point, they stopped and moved backward. I was relieved and encouraged. I threatened that if they dare move nearer, I would press nuzzle and set the place ablaze. We did this for a while before I scaled the fence,” the 37-year-old father of seven told Southwest Report when asked about his experience as an executive member of the union. The activities of the NURTW in Oyo State were, especially in the years before Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, brutal. Killing, thuggery, maiming and all forms of anti-social behaviours characterised the union. Apart from killing their members, innocent citizens who were unfortunate to be at a wrong place at the wrong time were not spared. Major parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were always seized whenever they strike. You dared not pass through Iwo Road, Ojoo and Olomi area where its state headquarters is located. Whenever there is about to be a change in leadership, it is not without bloodshed. The event of August of 2011 is still fresh in the memories of those who lost relatives or sustained varying degrees of injuries. Over 10 people, including the President of the Ni-

gerian Medical Students, were killed, after two factions of the union that were embroiled in leadership tussle engaged each other, using dangerous weapons freely. Many described the week-long incident as a ‘seasonal film’ as major areas were deserted for fear that the factional groups of the union may be involved in reprisal attacks. Before security agents could nip it, many shops have been looted and burnt while many cars were either vandalised or burnt. Many road users had to abandon their cars for fear of being killed. NURTW, which has its national headquarters in Abuja and chairmen at geopolitical and state levels, is believed to be an association of operators of commercial buses and cabs. It also has chairmen at the local government level. At will, they smoke Indian hemp in public, looking tattered and unkempt. The selling of locally brewed gin (ogogoro) which they mix with other substances, near their parks doesn’t help matter. Money, catalyst for violence Members of the union, especially its leadership, are said to be credit worthy due to the enormous income that comes in every day. For example, drivers plying Olodo on the outskirts of Ibadan to Bere in the heart of the city pay more than N700 before they get to their terminus. You’ll pay at Olodo, Iyana Church, Iwo Road, Gate, Oje and Bere. From this daily dues, certain amount is allocated for some executive members, especially the chairmen for daily upkeep, while there is also a fixed amount which is taken to the state headquarters, depending on the financial strength of the branches and units. It is not difficult to see some of the executive members displaying their wealth. Automobile dealers are quick to sell cars and buses to the union members and allow them to pay by instalments. In choice areas of the state, especially where only the rich can afford, their mansions are located with the latest sport utility vehicle. Some are into oil business, farming and automobile. Worst is that they get recognition from politicians. During elections, they use them to intimidate perceived enemies. From violence to peace Since 1993 when Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (Tokyo, now Oloruntoki) was said to have hijacked power from the then NURTW chairman and boss, Chief James Ojewunmi, who was elected in 1983 to succeed Alhaji Bashiru Adigun, who served for nine years, the union has been enmeshed in leadership crises. Tokyo was chairman of inter-state unit at Agodi Gate, Ibadan and was deputy to Ojewunmi.

Until Tokyo overthrew him, his tenure was said to be peaceful as he approved loans for members. Violence became more pronounced

er again, this time, through the help of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Lamidi Adedibu. Tokyo later met his waterloo as he

Before now, guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons were procured with the union’s daily income and same were distributed to motor parks to unleash violence on rival union members and hapless citizens. Scores of innocent citizens of the state and visitors have been killed, a development that peaked in 2011 culminating in the killing of a medical student and others at Iwo Road Motor Park...We are borrowing a leaf from other organised associations to truly impact positively on the welfare of members. We would continue to pursue peace through prayers, deeds and actions capable of promoting peaceful co-existence among all union members during Tokyo’s reign in Oyo State and later in the whole of Southwest. He started his tenure by not allowing commercial vehicles belonging to his former boss and those loyal to him into the park. They roamed the streets looking for loyalists of Ojewunmi, grounding and towing vehicles in sight. He was in power till 2003 when former Governor Rashidi Ladoja was elected. Alhaji Wasiu Abubakre (a.k.a Tawa), a loyalist of Ojewumi and one of the few who challenged Tokyo’s high handedness was unanimously elected but his tenure was truncated 30 months after. Tokyo, in his characteristic manner, hijacked pow-

was later fingered in the murder of an Ogbomoso-based leader of the union by the administration of Rashidi Ladoja. He was arrested and remanded at Agodi Prison. This, and other acts considered antagonistic by the Ladoja’s administration, drew the ire of Adedibu. The battle line was drawn. He enlisted the support of Tokyo’s ‘lieutenants’, especially Lateef Salako (Eleweomo) and Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary). For 11 months, before Ladoja’s re-instatement, the state was thrown into confusion. After Ladoja was illegally impeached, the process for the release of To-

•Oyerinde (Fele)

kyo from remand was fast-tracked. Relief came his way as he was released during the administration of Ladoja’s estranged deputy, Chief Adebayo AlaoAkala, who took over from him. Governor Akala was said to have struck an agreement with Tokyo’s ‘chief of staff’, Eleweomo who was later to be killed during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congress at Olunloyo area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Ibadan. The Alao-Akala’s administration later proscribed the activities of the union but Tokyo and his men stayed put at the Olomi secretariat of the union. Attempts by the Alao-Akala’s administration to demolish the secretariat proved abortive as Tokyo’s men repelled the government’s demolition squad. But AlaoAkala, after losing his re-election bid, lifted ban on the activities of the union, an action many described as an attempt to set a booby trap for the incoming government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. The Ajimobi administration came on board and the union was still entangled in crisis. This time, it was between Tokyo and Eleweomo’s deputy, Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a Auxilliary’). Tokyo was hell-bent on returning to his position but Auxilliary was not ready to accept him. They continued until five days after Governor Ajimobi was sworn in. That night, Iwo Road was a theatre of war. Many innocent people, including a final year Medical student of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, were killed. End of violence in Oyo NURTW Governor Abiola Ajimobi without waiting proscribed the union. The violence was against his agenda of peace. After the sad event of June 5, 2011, when many people were murdered during a fight between two factional members of the NURTW in Ibadan, Governor Ajimobi banned the activities of the union and he ensured that the two factional leaders were not allowed to operate again. For over a year, the union had no leadership. Later, influential members of the society prevailed on the government to lift the ban as the members of the union were hungry and ready to have a change of heart. Later, Ahaji Taofeek Oyerinde (aka Fele) was presented by the stakeholders as the acceptable candidate to fill the vacant chairmanship slot. Harvest of peace: the Fele years

The activities of the union have been peaceful since Fele was inaugurated over three years ago. The once-war torn Iwo Road is now peaceful. Today, apart from the beautification project by the state government; many firms now have offices located in Iwo Road. Fele told Southwest Report that he warned them against being hired by politicians to foment trouble during the last election. “We were able to maintain neutrality through various means. We sensitised our people on the implication of such deadly action. This is the first time election will hold in Oyo State and none of our members was killed. We behaved according to the dictates of the law.” On how he got rid of paraga sellers from motor parks, he said: “We understand that reckless driving, most times, is due to the influence of hard substances. So, we sent away those selling the substances and warned them about the implications of smoking. Though we have not been able to achieve 100 per cent success, we’ve moved away from the age-long tradition. Now, you will see our members neatly dressed while they are not left out on the social media. We also encouraged them to cultivate the habit of saving money. Some of us are even back in school to further improve ourselves.” Fele disclosed that as a means of giving back to the society, the union would embark on corporate social responsibility which included sinking of boreholes, patching of potholes and renovation of schools. All these, he said, are in line with the restoration agenda of Governor Ajimobi. “Governor Ajimobi has always been a good inspiration for us. He would always counsel us and encourage us to improve ourselves. He would tell us the importance of seeing ourselves as one.” The union recently distributed 40 cars to its branch offices across the 33 local government areas. Continuing, Fele said: “Before now, guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons were procured with the union’s daily income and same were distributed to motor parks to unleash violence on rival union members and hapless citizens. Scores of innocent citizens of the state and visitors have been killed, a development that peaked in 2011 culminating in the killing of a medical student and others at Iwo Road Motor Park. “We are borrowing a leaf from other organised associations to truly impact positively on the welfare of members. We would continue to pursue peace through prayers, deeds and actions capable of promoting peaceful co-existence among all union members.”

ITH its population growth rate rising faster and uncontrolled, Nigeria, according to a report by United Nations International Children Emergency Funds (UNICEF), will account for one-tenth of world birth in the next 35 years. But, with the country still struggling to cater for four to five million children born yearly, uncertain future waits the generation of unborn births. How to mitigate vulnerability of these unborn children dominated discussion at a seminar organised on Tuesday last week at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, by the National Population Commission (NPC) to commemorate this year World Population Day. Experts at the event believe the children are likely to be vulnerable to natural and man-made crisis, because of over-stretched resources. Except the nation puts a functional counting mechanism and monitors birth rate, speakers at the event said national planning and access to services would continue to be inadequate. The NPC Federal Commissioner for Lagos, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who spoke on the theme Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies, said emergency situation occasioned by conflicts and natural disasters had become synonymous with developing countries, noting that there was need to review the humanitarian response to those with heightened vulnerabilities. She said the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) classified high risk population in emergencies with “heightened vulnerabilities” and they include new born babies, children separated from the parents, unaccompanied chil-

•L-R: Representative of United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Mrs. Sharon Oladiji, Federal Commissioner for Lagos State National Population Commission, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Head of Lagos Liason Office of United Nations Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA), Dr Omolayo Omosehin, Head sub-office Lagos International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Dr Nahason Thuo.

Saving the vulnerable population dren, orphans pregnant adolescents, women with infants and persons with chronic diseases, among others. She said the objective of the seminar was to increase awareness on the plight of vulnerable persons and redouble the commitment t of the stakeholders to contribute to their needs. She said: “The specific objectives include to evolve a sustainable solution in addressing the needs of vulnerable person and to ensure provision of requisite data on vulnerable persons for informed decision, planning and interventions. We will engage private sector to complement government’s efforts and galvanise policy-makers to take appropriate actions in the short-term and long-term to address the causes of preventable emergencies.” In the last five years, Salu-Hundeyin said, the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast has resulted in large-scale population movement in emergency situations, stressing that stakeholders’ efforts should be directed towards mitigating the suffering of victims in various Internally-Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. While the IDPs may see their predicament as limitation to make their life meaningful, the Commissioner said vulnerable populations could also make contribution to the development of the country through spreading of peace messages and campaign. She emphasised the need for accurate data of the nation’s population, noting that it would be difficult for the government and emergency-response

agencies to plan without reliable data. Making reference to a recent boat mishap that claimed the lives of 11 school children in Ojo area of Lagos, she said uncontrolled population growth in cities is resulting in over-stretching of available resources and services, which, she said, is increasing human vulnerability. On measures to address the needs and solve the challenges of vulnerable populations, Salu-Hundeyin identified steps to follow by the government and emergency-response agencies. She said: “Government must address causes of conflicts and communal clashes. There must be collaboration between stakeholders and organisations that have expertise and capacity to deal with handling of diverse vulnerable populations. There is need for action plan at the grassroots level and government should empower communities with training and equipment that will assist the victims. This would reduce fatalities and put relief structures in place before emergency response arrives.” The UNICEF representative, Mrs Sharon Oladiji, shocked members of the audience when she revealed the IDP camps could not accommodate five per cent of all persons displaced by insurgency in the Northeast. Many of the IDPs, she said, live in pathetic conditions in communities that relatively peaceful. While health condition in the IDP camps is not encouraging, Oladiji said many of the victims of insurgency liv-

ing outside the camps are faced with dire health challenges. She said: “We have found out that many IDPs are living in various communities outside the camps, because the facilities cannot contain them. We have since discovered that many of them who are living outside the IDPs camps don’t have good shelter in their hosting communities. They face serious health challenges, even more than those being accommodated in the IDP camps. This is clear evidence that there has not been a concise data of the IDPs and coordinated emergency response to properly address the victims’ need.” Oladiji identified lack of records on birth as impediment to the effort to get accurate information on the vulnerable population. This, she said, is also the reason why national planning process has turned out to be ineffective in catering for the basic needs of the people. She added: “It is vital for Nigeria to have a functional counting system, so that the country can monitor its population growth and plan ahead of time. There is a new report that, Nigeria will have onetenth of birth in the world in the next 35 years. This may be conservative because births have not been adequately recorded in the country. Except we organise our counting system and get accurate data, any plan to mitigate suffering of the vulnerable population would be ineffective.”

Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage

T was a ray of hope and joy at the weekend for the inmates of Kirikiri Maximum Prison and the children and staff of Heart of Gold Hospice Motherless Babies’ Home in Surulere, as the General Overseer, Word and Spirit Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Chris Ekeh, celebrated his 40th birthday with them. The event started with prayers, praise and worship to Almighty God, after which the inmates and staff of the Prison expressed gratitude and appreciation to the pastor for the gesture. While addressing the inmates, Pastor Ekeh urged them to confess their sins and put their hope in God, saying soonest God will set them free.

Pastor Ekeh and his team at the Prison

He advised them not to see their present condition as the end of their lives, adding that it will make them become agents of change in future. “Being in the prison is not the end of life but God wanted to use it to bring about the forgiveness of their sins, salvation; deliverance and to transform their lives.” He urged them to always smile irrespective of the difficulties because there is hope when there is life. They were further enjoined to hope in God in all circumstances, saying that those who were yet to accept Jesus Christ should do so, because in Continued on page 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT Recreation centres decry low patronage From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

N investigation on activities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the Eid-el-Fitr on Friday indicates that the residents have a peaceful celebration. Southwest Report gathered that in spite of the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the celebration, there were security personnel at strategic places. Such strategic places included all entry points to the city, recreation centres and other public areas in the state capital. Although the centres of attractions in the city which used to be busy on ordinary days, witnessed light traffic and massive presence of policemen and other security agencies. During the celebration, commercial activities in the city were low while residents who are Muslims prayed at various Eid grounds. Some of the Eid grounds visited included Agodi-Gate, Ojoo, Olorunsogo, Molete, Yemetu, Moniya, Sabo, Eleyele and Olomi. The Police Public Relations Officer of Oyo State, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu said enough personnel were deployed to the city for the celebration to forestall any breakdown of law and order. According to him, every personnel deployed was working to ensure that there was no violence in the city. Ajisebutu assured the residents of adequate security arrangement during and after the Eid-El-Fitr. Operators and members of staff of some recreation centres within Ibadan complained of low patronage of fun-seekers during the celebration. One of the officials of Agodi Gardens, Ibadan Mr. Tosin Babalola attributed the low patronage to the harsh economic situation in the country. It is obvious that many civil servants are yet to be paid their salaries; so, how does anyone expect them to come out and celebrate with their families Celebration is all about spending money and the government should find the means to pay workers’ their salaries. “At least, they can still join in the celebration since we are yet to celebrate the Ileya festival, “he said. But at Trans-Amusement Park, one of their officials who spoke in confidence said the low turnout could also be attributed to the fact that most people might have travelled or decided to rest at home with their families. “They might also have decided to stay indoors in order to avoid much stress and spending of unnecessary money. The low patronage can also be attributed to cash crunch in the country,” he said He said in spite of the discount given to customers during the festive period, there was still low patronage. He said money would have been the barrier for most families not being able to come out to celebrate.

Traders clean market By Nneka Nwaneri

LEANLINESS is next to Godliness, they say. This aphorism played out at the biggest auto spareparts market in Ladipo Lagos State; where the traders have set three days aside every week to clean their market and its environs. Though, the Lagos State government has, over the years, earmarked environmental cleaning exercise every Thursday in a week for the cleaning of every market, traders at the Ladipo Central International Market clean up their area thrice every week; on Sundays, Thursdays and one Friday every month. When Southwest Report visited the market during the monthly sanitation held last Friday, all the stalls were shut. Every trader was seen with either a broom, rake or disposable bag. They combed the streets and evacuated the gutters of water bottles that block the water channels. President of the traders’ union, who was also involved in the exercise, said it is some of the measures they put in place to ensure a clean environment and complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring a healthy environment and well-being of the residents. “We are conscious of our environment and that is why we will leave no stone unturned in making sure we are neat not only in our homes, but also in our business place. “This is the rainy season and much drainage system flow through the market. Precautions have been put on ground to ensure the debris and rubbish are constantly evacuated,” he said. He also lamented that the market is yet to have an apportioned space for it to dispose its refuse on a daily basis. He also urged the state and local governments to come to their aid, demanding a car park for its customers so that they don’t constitute nuisance to people in the area.

•Ogunor (middle) and other traders during the exercise

•From right: Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Agege chapter, Alhaja Mojisola Ajala, High Chief Emmanuel A., Hon. Ishola Ibrahim Obanla (middle) Alhaji Balogun Moshood, APC Executive and some of the beneficiaries.

Obanla’s good gesture at Orile-Agege

T was another remarkable day for the people of Ward C of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other communities in Orile Agege Local Council Devel-

opment Area when Hon. Ishola Ibrahim Obanla donated food items such as rice, vegetable oil, ram and cash to them for the 30 days celebration of Eid-El-Fitr.

Lagos community brainstorms on security Continued from page 31

can be more effective in the discharge of their duties. Calls were also made for the establishment of a banking forum for all the banking facilities within Ikorodu, so as to promote fast dissemination of information among the banks, such that in case of an attack in one bank, the other banks can quickly be contacted before they are attacked. The CDC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Owolabi urged the government to expedite action on all recommendations to avoid the closure of the few existing banks in the area as a result of continued insecurity. The community said a more meaningful relationship must be cultivated among all security agencies if riverside communities would have respite from incessant attacks by criminals. They called for such relationship among the Air Force, Police, Customs and the Marine Force in order to abate crime on the nation’s coastal areas and waterways. Highpoint of the event was the presentation of products produced by students of the council’s vocational centre, with a call by the Executive Secretary on members of the community to patronise the products. Products on display included after shave, bleach, hand wash, liquid soap and izal disinfectant. He encouraged the youth to register in the vocational centre in order to learn a skill to keep themselves busy. Dignitaries that attended the event were the Council Manager- Mr Adewumi Ogunbambi and other management staff of the LCDA, members of the caretaker committee: Mrs Shakirat Awosanya (Deputy Executive Secretary), Mr Moruf Hassan Enitan, Mr. Sunday Aro and Mrs Tokunbo Afolayan.

Ecstasy as new Ogoga ascends throne Continued on pages 30-31

cerned about our graduate youths who are unemployed. My desire is to reach out to industrialists to set up industries and small-scale businesses to provide jobs for our teeming youths. “Ikere has huge potential as investors’ destination and I will work with my people to ensure overall development of our town as the community is strategically located. “I feel elated, humbled and proud to be chosen as the Ogoga and this will give me an opportunity to work for the peace, progress and development of Ikere because Ikere is a city that had never been conquered in history. “This is a thing of joy, this is a thing of great fulfilment and I am looking forward to a peaceful, fruitful and prosperous reign.” Some of the programmes and policies he hopes to execute as the Ogoga of Ikere include the unity of the town and its inhabitants as a whole, better welfare for the chiefs, promotion of environment conducive to business, expansion and extension of Ikere, maximising the population strength of the community and using Ikere Day as a platform of development. Oba Adu attended Baptist Primary School, Ikere and also briefly attended L.A. Modern School, Igbara Odo Road Ikere. Oba Adu had been involved in community development efforts before becoming the Ogoga as a member of Ikere Development Forum (IDF). He established two sawmills in Ikere to create jobs for the people of the community. He also built a big warehouse in his attempt to have Golden Fliyr Mills set up a depot for the supply of flour and cement to Ikere thereby improving the local economy and to create more jobs. Oba Adu is also Chairman, Akoda Ventures; Chairman, Dejimi Investment Company; Principal Partner, Dejimi Consulting; Director, Seadol Oil Services Limited; Principal Partner in Sealords Marine Consultants and Director, Inisa Energy Limited.

Obanla said the aim of the gesture was to assist individuals and less-privileged people within the community to enable them to participate in the celebration of the EidEl-Fitr. Ibrahim, a former student union president of University of Nigeria Nsukka and also former Speaker of the Students’ Union Government, Akoka, Yaba and currently the coordinator for All Progressives Youth Frontier Movement, Agege chapter said the experiences he has garnered during his tenure as leader of these association, is to give service to humanity. He as as dynamic youth, he believes that everybody in our country should enjoy the dividends of democracy and good govenance. Alhaja Ajala said: “I came to rejoice with my son. Obanla is a good young man who has been contributing to the well-being of the community and the APC in Agege. I pray that the Almighty God should protect him as He is protecting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon Mudasiru Obasa, Hon Adaranijo Taofeek and Hon Ogundimu Yinka.” Contributing, Alhaji Balogun Mohsood, Ward C APC chairman stated that when he sees a good candidate as a leader, he will encourage him or her. So, Obanla is one of the good candidates we have in Orile- Agege, because he has touched the lives of people within the community. One of the the benenficiaries, Mrs Idowu Ife said she was delighted by Obanla’s gesture because she has known him as a good young man who likes tourching lives of women and children within the ward. Another beneficiary, Miss Ajowofowoba Eniola, a student of Ideal Primary School Orile-Agege, said: “Today is a great day for me. I appeal to all politicians and other wealthy people in Orile-Agege to emulate Hon Obanla who decided to touch lives of the downtrodden with the little he has.” She prayed that God should protect and bless him. Speaking, Obanla said if two or three people are alreay living in poverty, what chance exists for those coming after them? He thanked everyone that came for the ceremony, especially the leadership of the APC, APC executive of Ward C, the elderly who managed to grace the occasion, youths and children. Those that attended the event were Alhaja Mojisola Ajala, Alhaji Moshood, High Chief E.A Alabi and Obanla’s team, among others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT

HE Chairman of Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos Chapter, Alhaji Taoreed Tyson and Dr. Musa Ismail of THE University of Lagos (UNILAG) have enjoined Muslims to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran, even after the Ramadan period. They gave the advice at a lecture ENtitled: “Good Governance, its Elements and Expectations with Relevant Islamic References”, organised in Lagos by MAN. Tyson said the essence of the lecture was to “learn more about the teaching of the Holy Quran and also the Hadith of Prophet Muhammed, so as to enable us to follow them and make sure that most of the things laid down there by ways of dos and don’ts are followed to enable us live happily”. “The teachings are not meant for Ramadan period alone. We are enjoined to abide by that teaching, even after the Ramadan because after the Ramadan, the faith remains and the religion remains. So, there is no need for a Muslim to say that I must observe the teachings only during the Ramadan, and after the Ramadan, I will not observe them. If they can continuously observe all this teaching of both the dos we must follow and don’ts we must avoid, you will see that before or after the Ramadan, the country will be very peaceful,” he added. The Muslim leader seized the opportunity to plead with the politicians and Federal Government to fulfill the promises they made to the masses before they were elected into office. In his words, “promise is a debt and Allah does not waste his time on those who promises and don’t fulfill them. So, they should try and fulfill

Adhere to Islamic teachings, Muslims urged •Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheik Abdou Hafeez Abou, Adejiyan, Tyson, Adejiyan and MAN’s First National Vice-President Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu, at the lecture. By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja and Enitan Seriki

the promises they made to the electorate”. Ismail urged the Muslims not to fail in their responsibilities to humanities, as this is a trust ordained by God. Failing to carry out ordained responsibility, the don said, would lead to a severe punishment by God, who has entrusted them with the responsibilities. “Islam is all about truth; truth to yourself, your community and to the

entire nation. We also mentioned that governance start with self. How do I govern myself? What do I do with my head? What thought is there? What should I do with my hand, my leg, eye etc? On the day of judgment, Allah (SAW) will ask you what you did with your body,” Ismail said. The lecturer urged Nigerian leaders to ensure that those that will work them are selected on merit because they cannot do it alone. His words: “They need people to join hands with them to be able to deliver on their promises and they

‘Why we must protect our environment’

ONSCIOUS of the negative impacts which unchecked environmental degradation have had on our environment, governments and groups the world over have come to terms with the need to prevent or mitigate their effects for a safer world. One of the means through which man harms the environment is through felling of trees for cooking. In the circumstances, therefore, government at all levels has intensified action toward ensuring that there is less attack on the environment through tree planting. This, it is believed, would enhance cleaner environment. It was against this backdrop that the Oriade Local Council Development Area embarked on sensitisation campaign to enable the citizens to embrace tree planting; in commemoration of this year’s tree planting exercise of the Lagos State government. Addressing the indigenes of the area at Learning Field School, Assembly Road shortly before the exercise, the Executive Secretary of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bola Badmus-Olujobi urged residents to imbibe the culture of

By Emmanuel Udodinma

tree planting as panacea to environmental problems. The council chief urged the people to take the exercise seriously as a way of complementing the efforts of the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in tackling the menace of flooding and other environmental hazards. Badmus-Olujobi also advised the residents to join hands with her administration in making Oriade LCDA a tree-friendly one. She said aggressive awareness campaigns which the council carried out on the importance of tree planting have yielded positive results. ‘’We would continue to mobilise the residents the best way we can. Our achievement is that the people of Oriade have taken ownership of the trees and are taking care of them,’’ Badmus-Olujobi said. Tree planting, she said, would also generate employment for our teeming unemployed youths. On the benefits of plants, the council chief said “apart from beautifying our environment, the people have bought into the vision of the Lagos State Government in creating

•Hon. Badmus-Olujobi planting a tree during the exercise

a greenery Lagos through tree planting. This year, the council will plant more trees while individuals will continue to plant in their various homes and offices.” The theme of this year’s tree planting exercise; ‘’Tree: the Lungs of the Earth’’ signifies the importance of trees in sustaining human life through air purification. While encouraging the people to complement government’s efforts at tackling some environmental problems that are life-threatening, Governor Ambode revealed that the yearly tree planting exercise has generated over 96,000 jobs in the state for all categories of artisans and professionals. The governor also said the state has planted over 5.9 million trees. Represented by Mr Agoro Adekunle of the Ministry of the Environment, Governor Ambode said indiscriminate falling of trees in Lagos State is a crime and anyone caught will be prosecuted. Dignitaries at the event were the Council Manager, Mrs Florence Peters, Oba Isaac Olayemi, Oba Akinwnmi Fatai and Alhaja Tawakalitu Koyawola, among others.

should not be too far away from the people and they should ensure they consult with people on issues affecting them. “Mutual consultation should be the basis of the relationship between the leader and the followers. They should ensure that they consult with the people to be able to establish their needs and on the basis of that, they will be readily guided and do what they are expected to do.” In the same vein, retired Permanent Secretary and chairman of the

occasion Otunba Nurudeen Ojora Adejiyan advised the Muslims to cooperate with leaders. “The leaders do not have monopoly of wisdom. They should not deny them of their informed advises as at when due,” he said. Adejiyan admonished the Muslims to go through due process as Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran and “they should have it in mind that whatever they want to do should be done with honesty and justice”.

‘Why there’s peace in Sagamu’ Continued from page 30

been driven away to places such as Ikorodu and other regions of Ogun State; hence the relative peace being savoured in Remoland. Onafowokan, who revealed this while answering questions from some reporters ahead of the coronation anniversary of the Akarigbo, said the grand finale of the event and award ceremony slated for July 25 at the Akarigbo Complex Sagamu, would be chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. He also revealed that the feat would not have been possible for him and his people without the determination of Governor Ibikunle Amosun who, upon assumption of office in 2011, pledged adequate security in the state and followed it up with practical steps.

Rejoinder

Re: Cruel dust-pollution ravages Ogun Community

E read the report with the above caption in The Nation’s edition of June 17, (Southwest Report) written by Wale Ajetunmobi, where the issue of dust pollution in our estate (OPIC) was exhaustively reported. We wish to thank the reporter for putting the searchlight on our community and bringing to the front burner some of the issues that need urgent government intervention. However, we wish to state categorically that the report as far as it concerned our school “Blazing Glory Academy” was false, mischievous and totally malicious. At no time did our Headmaster, Mr. Segun Bayode state as was falsely reported in that story that parents had withdrawn their kids from the school due to life-threatening issues arising from the dust pollution. For the records, no child, and I repeat no child, has been withdrawn from our school, neither has any of our pupil’s developed life-threatening ailments. We find this report to be very malicious and offensive. Our school prides itself as a place where our pupils’ and staff security and health-related issues are given immediate and timely attention and we have gone to great extent to ensure that we manage the dust pollution in such a manner that our students continue to enjoy a most healthy and liveable environment necessary and proper for them to learn and develop their intellectual foundation. The said report also maliciously and falsely quoted our Headmaster as having accused our amiable Governor, Ibikunle Amosun for not paying enough attention to the plight of the residents of the estate as it relates to the issue of population. ”We are not animals” our Headmaster was ‘quoted’ to have told the reporter. We want to state here that our Headmaster is an urbane and highly educated person, and would find the use of such language as unseemly and beneath his pedigree. Governor Amosun has shown great concern over the plight of the dust-pollution and for that, we are mightily appreciative. We know that government alone cannot do everything for its citizens, and we commend our governor for the intervention he has so far made and hope that sooner or later, the dust-pollution in our estate would be a thing of the past. We wish to assure the members of the public that no pupils have been withdrawn from our school, and our enrolment remains the same, with more pupils lined up for enrolment for the next academic year. We consider this write-up to be very offensive and we trust that the editor will publish this rejoinder so that the unsuspecting members of the public who may have been misled by the initial report will now know the real facts on ground.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Patient needs N7m for kidney transplant T

THE importance and functions of the human kidneys cannot be underestimated. These organs keep the composition of the blood stable; allowing the body to function optimally. The kidneys are two beanshaped organs, each about the size of a fist and are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Every day, the two kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about one to two quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid. But then, sometimes certain medical conditions can occur to alter the optimal functioning of these organs. Some of the functions of the kidneys include, but not limited to prevention of the build-up of wastes and extra fluid in the body; keeping levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate stable; making hormones that are helpful to the body system; regulating blood pressure; making red blood cells and helping the bones to be strong. For 49-year-old father of five, Olanrewaju Abimbola Olaoba, these optimal functioning of the kidneys are no longer the same and for about

•Mr. Olaoba on his sick bed By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

seven months now, life has not been the same for him. In February this year, Lanre Olaoba was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), even as he is also a hypertensive patient. He lay on his sick bed at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) helpless. The result of the kidney diagnosis shows that the organs, as at February, are still in normal location and orientation but the renal sizes are reduced in keeping with the condition of chronic infection. For Olaoba, who only recently lost his wife to breast cancer, life will be back to normal after he must have undergone

major surgical procedures to replace his two damaged kidneys. According to the medical report issued by the Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. O Aremu of the EKSUTH, Olaoba has been having sessions of hemodialysis “but grossly inadequate due to financial constraints”. Aremu, in February, placed Olaoba on twice weekly session of hemodialysis which cost N20, 000 each at the hospital, regular checks and medications for his hypertensive condition among others all at the cost of N147, 000. He strongly recommended that there was an urgent need for a transplant to save his life. Six months after, Olaoba now undergoes renal dialysis thrice a week at

Cleric challenges Buhari on insurgency

HE Bishop of Ido-Ani Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rev. Ezekiel Dahunsi has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the war against terrorism and corruption. The cleric noted that the Boko Haram insurgency is affecting the peace and stability of the country, even as he opined that the present economic hardship in Nigeria was caused mainly by unbridled corruption among political office holders and public servants. He spoke at this year’s Trinity ordination and inauguration of Lay Readers held at St. Matthew’s Church, Imeri in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. Rev. Dahunsi expressed grief that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of all sectors of the nation’s economy, urging President Buhari to fight the menace with all seriousness. He also challenged the Federal Government to take decisive stand on fuel subsidy to check corrupt practices in the oil sector. According to him, apart from making pronouncement on subsidy removal, government should also put in place appropriate machinery to further prevent untoward practices that are prevalent in the oil industry. He advised the Buhari-led administration not to regard some people as sacred cows in the fight against corruption, stressing that his anti-corruption war should affect all sectors of the economy. Bishop Dahunsi also said the President and the governors should uphold democracy and ensure that politics, tribe or religion do not impede the country’s growth and development. He decried a situation where the peace of the country was being threatened by activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and kidnapping in the Southeast, which is fast spreading to the Southwest.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Rev. Dahunsi called on the leaders to trust God. He enjoined the citizens to support the leaders in all things which are just and morally good. In his homily at the ordination service, Ven. Sanmi Ajiboye from Ijebu Diocese in Ogun State gave reasons why men of God are needed in God’s vineyard. According to him, they need to blow the trumpet of warning against evil deeds. He admonished the newly ordained men to ensure that they teach their congregation the way to salvation. Ven. Ajiboye said people were called to the ministry so as to transform the lives of those who they have been called to shepherd order to enter into the Kingdom of God. The cleric urged them to mediate on behalf of the people as anointed men of God. Two Deacons, Messers Ogunlere Mola and Abbah Friday as well as two priests, Awodogun Ayodele and Adeyeri Akinyemi were ordained during the church service. The Ido-Ani diocese would hold the third session of its Synod at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-Ani between August 6 and 9. The theme of the session is “Godliness with Contentment.” According to a statement by the Diocesan spokesman, Isaac Obiniran, the Synod would be hosted by the family of Chief J.O. Oshati, the Majekobaje Okunrin of the Cathedral Church, Ido-Ani. Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko will be special guest of honour at the official opening of the ceremony while many religious leaders, synod delegates and clerics within and outside the diocese will be in attendance.

•Bishop Dahunsi, his wife and the newly ordained priests.

the MTN Renal Clinic of the hospital. A member of his family, Rev. Olaitan Olaoba said: “The enormous financial burden of the weekly dialysis he undergoes to keep him alive since January 19, this year, is currently crippling the family financially. I am desperately in need of financial help from good-spirited Nigerians. Olaoba is soliciting for the sum of N7 million to undergo an urgent renal transplant either in a Nigerian hospital or in India. To save Olaoba Olanrewaju, financial help can be rendered thus: FCMB Ado Ekiti branch - Account Number 2864 069 015. For further information, call Rev Olaoba on 0803 3966 560. He will also need to continue the mainte-

nance hemodialysis until he gets the kidney transplantation done. We, therefore, plead for financial assistance from good publicspirited individuals; governments, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and corporate organisations towards the three-time weekly dialysis and the final kidney transplantation. Olanrewaju’s condition is quite pathetic as he hasn’t been able to run his restaurant business since January this year. To compound issues, he lost his wife in March this year to breast cancer. More so, the five children are currently in school.

Cleric donates food to Kirikiri inmates, orphanage Continued from page 33

Christ there is word, life and everlasting prosperity. The man of God said he chose to celebrate his birthday with them just to thank God. He said: “Forty years is not 40 days. Many of those they grew up together had died, while many have ended up as prisoners due to some crimes that metamorphosed from picking pockets. When they are doing that, they believe they are enjoying. Despite the oppression and intimidation then, God prevented him from joining them.” According to him, he wants to use the opportunity to positively transform lives both morally and spiritually. “Life is not only about party and what you take but what you give to impact to humanity. Life is not about contributions and distributions,” he said. He urged the inmates to ensure their experiences in the pris on counts after their freedom. The clergyman pledges to visit them regularly and ceaseless supports to them and the prison yards. Responding, the inmates raised their hands towards the direction of the clergyman and prayed for him that God should continue to elevate him, his family and the ministry. The Assistant Controller of Prison (ACP) Iriri, who spoke on behalf of the management, praised Pastor Ekeh for his love and kindness in celebrating his birthday with inmates of the prison. He appealed for continued visit to them and be part of the agent that will find solution to the challenges facing the prisoners in the course of serving out their term. He said the inmates are lagging behind, saying some programmes such as education, skill training and empowerment, motivators, generating sets and food items are lacking. The birthday cake was cut in support of the important dignitaries and church members present at the event, while various gifts and other essential items were provided for the inmates and children at the motherless babies’ home. Among those who were present at the event included popular Nollywood stars such as Chinyere Winifred Ameachi Muonago and Ebere Okaro. Some of the items donated to the home were money, food stuffs, baby clothes, diapers and sanitary materials. While receiving the items, the proprietress of the motherless babies’ home, Mrs. Adedoyin Adelaja, thanked the clergyman and his entourage for their support. She urged them to be more committed to the service of humanity and champion the cause of the less-privileged people. She also called on Nigerian leaders, politicians, religious leaders to support the less-privileged morally and financially. Through this, she said, the level of poverty and nuisance would be reduced if not eradicated in the society.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

THE NATION INVESTORS

Investors dump Zenith Bank amid downturn

ENITH Bank Plc’s share price has dropped for two consecutive weeks as investors pumped the shares of the second most capitalised banking stock and fifth most capitalised company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) unto the soft market. Zenith Bank has recorded the largest turnover of shares over the past two weeks, with the attendant voluminous sell orders depressing the bank’s market value. In the immediate past week, Zenith Bank recorded the highest turnover and one of the highest percentage losses among its peers, unexpected performance for a stock billed to release its half-year earnings within the next few weeks. Zenith Bank lost N38.62 billion in market capitalisation within the four-day trading session last week, representing 6.49 per cent decline, more than a triple of the average overall market decline of 2.15 per

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

cent. The benchmark index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), indicated a week-on-week decline of 2.15 per cent in the immediate past week. Zenith Bank recorded the highest turnover of 511.20 million shares worth N9.39 billion in 1,034 deals, about 43 per cent of the total turnover during the week. Zenith Bank’s share price dropped from its opening value of N18.95 to close the week at N17.72 per share. Zenith Bank’s capital loss of N38.6 billion represented almost one-fifth of the total market loss of N208 billion recorded last week as Nigerian equities continued to struggle with macroeconomic headwinds and poor first half earnings. Two weeks ago, Zenith Bank accounted for almost 20 per cent of total turnover during the week. Investors traded 249 million shares of Ze-

nith Bank valued at N4.73 billion in 1,385 deals. The bank’s share price dropped by 2.12 per cent, trailing the average overall market decline of 2.49 per cent. A market dealer, who preferred anonymity because of trading rules, said Zenith Bank was under selling pressure because investors saw its main competitor, the most capitalised banking stock on the NSE, as attractive after the competing stock also dropped marginally. “They tend to go together, if the other stock appreciates to a large extent, investors who tend to see that as somehow expensive will shift to Zenith Bank and trigger a rally on the stock. Where the other stock is dropping, the tendency is for Zenith Bank to also drop since investors appear to prefer the other stock if it is available at a relatively lower price,” the dealer said. The dealer said the depreciation appeared to be more sentimental and in line with the overall

downtrend than any fundamental concerns. Zenith Bank is expected to release its half-year results in the next few weeks. In the earlier first quarter report, Zenith Bank Plc started the year on a good footing with considerable growths in overall earnings and profitability. Interim report and accounts of Zenith Bank for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015 indicated that while gross earnings grew by 14 per cent, pre and post tax profits rose by 15 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. Earnings per share thus improved to 88 kobo within the three months, in contrast with 75 kobo recorded in corresponding period of 2014. Gross earnings rose to N113.32 billion by March 2015 compared with N94.32 billion by March 2014. Interest income for the period rose to N81 billion compared with N71 billion posted in the similar period of 2014 translating to 14 per cent increase. Similarly, non-interest income ap-

preciated by 39.5 per cent N31.9 billion up from N22.9 billion in 2014. Operating income rose to N72 billion as against N66 billion in the similar period of 2014 translating to 9 per cent growth while operating expenses of N39 billion was recorded amounting to 4.8 per cent increase from N37.6 billion reported in the corresponding period of 2014.Profit before tax also rose from N28.92 billion to N33.13 billion while profit after tax increased from N23.68 billion to N27.68 billion. Total assets rose to N3.94 trillion in first quarter 2015 compared with N3.19 trillion recorded in comparable period of 2014. Gross loans and advances rose to N1.9 trillion, implying 9.9 per cent appreciation when compared with N1.7 trillion posted in the similar period of 2014. Similarly, customers’ deposit and total assets increased by 5.7 per cent and 4.9 per cent to N2.6 trillion and N3.9 trillion respectively during the period.

Stockbrokers’ institute woos new members

HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has launched a nationwide enlightenment and engagement campaign to discuss the institute’s programmes and membership processes with relevant stakeholders across the nation. A team from the CIS was at the Accounting Department of University of Calabar in collaboration with the Nigerian Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA) to discuss on how students can make livings in the capital market during and after their studies. The career talk with the theme “Students capacity building for professionals coping in the 21st Century”, exposed the participants to the concept of the capital market, its relationship with the economy, the regulators, operators and investment opportunities. The team from the CIS gave prominence to an array of career opportunities in the capital market and exposed the participants to the various professional programmes being run by the CIS and how these future accountants can take advantage of these programmes to make a career in the market. Second Vice President of CIS, Mr Dapo Adekoje, spoke extensively on the Institute’s Professional Diploma Programme as a fundamental opportunity for the youths to launch themselves into the capital market. Adekoje explained that there were incentives that would make the budding accountants participate in the examination and the institute has been working very closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to accredit some of the programmes for enhanced mobility of the beneficiaries in terms of job op-

portunities and career enhancement. Adekoje specifically encouraged the students to work towards achieving additional qualification that would make them self employed in future. He further stated that the securities and investment profession could only be practised by holders of CIS qualification either the Professional Diploma or the main professional examination. Thereafter, a book launch and interview were held at the Cross River Broadcasting Cooperation where Adekoje re-affirmed the Institute’s plan to empower young ones with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills. According to him, the skill would enable them to create wealth for their clients and themselves. The students expressed gratitude to the institute for the opportunities provided by the Career Talk and they pledged to take advantage of the Professional Diploma Programme to join the members of the financial district as soon as possible. Making a presentation titled: “Mass Unemployment: The way forward, life after college, your plan, your future”, the institutes’ Marketing and Media Liaising Officer, Mr Olumide Coker, said unemployment in Nigeria was one of the most critical problems being faced by the youths. Coker explained that the years of corruption, civil war, military rule and mismanagement have hindered economic growth of the country. He also noted that Nigeria was endowed with diverse and infinite resources, both human and materials which were yet to be fully tapped. According to him, unemployment has social consequences as it in-

• From left: Second Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Dapo Adekoje; Vice President, Nigerian Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA), Calabar, Miss Effah Queeneth Victor; President, Mr Okey Eyam Okey and CIS Marketing and Media Liaison Officer, Mr Olumide Coker, during Career Day at University of Calabar. creases the rate of crime. He said secondary school graduates consist of the principal fraction of the unemployed accounting for nearly 50 per cent while unemployment rate within the age group of 20 to 24 years and 15 to 19 years are 40 per cent and 31 per cent. Also, there are strong indications that the CIS may sign an agreement with Covenant University on the training of youths for career in entrepreneurship. Already, the institute has chosen the university as one of the major institutions in Nigeria for regular investor education for youth entrepreneurship development. In furtherance of the strategic plan to formalise the joint efforts in entrepreneurship training, the Principal Officers of the CIS had visited Covenant University on the request

of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Korede Ayo. Specifically, the visit was aimed at strengthening already relationship with the university on the strategy to grow future employers of labour. Acting President and Chairman, CIS, Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, explained that both CIS and Covenant University have the same goal in the area of entrepreneurship development and there was a need to move a step further by allowing the mutual goal to concretise into exposing the university students to the institute’s professional Diploma Programme in Securities and Investment. Abe noted that the programme would not only enable them to make a career in the capital market and indeed the financial market but empower them to be self-

Capital market stakeholders brainstorm on development plan

LL major stakeholders in the capital market are scheduled to meet next Tuesday to deliberate on the market’s long-term development plan. The 10-year development plan, otherwise known as the capital market master plan, encapsulates key initiatives aimed at enhancing market growth and depth and position Nigeria’s market as the capital hub for Africa. The 10-year master plan was unveiled last November. Under the auspices of the Capital Market Committee (CMC), capital market regulators, operators, other financial services regulators, pension industry regulator, government representatives and others would meet in Lagos to review the progress of

the master plan and proffer new actions. Those who are expected to attend the meeting, usually coordinated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are, chief executive officers of all registered capital market firms including broker dealer, capital market solicitors, custodians, fund managers, issuing houses, rating agencies, registrars, reporting accountants, trustees, and consultants among others. Others are chief executive officers of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Financial Markets Dealers Quotations (FMDQ), Africa Exchange Holdings (AFEX), Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Cen-

tral Securities Clearing System (CSCS), and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). Also, a member from each observer group, which included Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, Corporate Affairs Commission, Debt Management Office, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, Investment and Securities Tribunal, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, National Insurance Commission, National Pension Commission, and Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC) are expected at the meeting.

SEC, which confirmed the meeting in a statement, noted that the master plan is the topmost agenda of the current administration at the apex capital market regulator. “I have only one agenda for the market, my agenda for the market is to faithfully and religiously implement the 10-year Capital 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 excellence report which was launched last year, what we lacked in the country is the faithful implementation of reports,” Mounir Gwarzo, director-general of SEC, stated.

employed. According to him, Covenant University students at any level can undergo the professional Diploma programme in order to have a strong foundation in the capital market operation. Abe announced that the programme and some others being offered at the institute were on the last stage of accreditation by the NUC. He explained that there were incentives to encourage students towards participating in the examination. Responding, Ayo explained that the university placed premium on training of its students to be self-employed as a practical way of creating and empowering employers. He noted that both the institute and university could work together in realising this goal. According to him, any form of relationship with the CIS would be a major advantage to the students as this would be beneficial at all levels of qualifications. He stated that both the Covenant University and CIS have a common Vision of entrepreneurship development and this shall be mutually beneficial. Ayo remarked that the institute’s programme would be greatly beneficial to the existing students. The institute has embarked on aggressive enlightenment programme directed at various strata of the society to build investor confidence and send a positive signal to career opportunities for the youths in the market. Only recently, NUC’s Executive Secretary, Prof Julius Okojie hosted the institute’s team in Abuja and assured them of the willingness of NUC to accredit the institute’s programme very soon. Already, NUC has constituted a four-man committee to midwife the implementation.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

Fed Govt retirees averse to new pension scheme

ANY retirees in the Federal Civil Service are yet to understand the new pension scheme - the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), investigation by The Nation, has shown. Many of them do not like the formula for computing pensions in the new scheme, while others prefer the Pay As You Go scheme. The retirees are not happy with what they described as meagre lump sum and monthly pension payment to them under the new scheme and are unaware of the benefits and the aim of the government in ensuring a pension system that secures the future of older persons in terms of income security. Findings by The Nation showed that there are still misconceptions and ignorance about the new scheme among retirees of Federal ministries, departments and agencies. Nigeria operated defined benefit schemes between January 1, 1946 and June 2004. The Pension Reform Act (PRA) was enacted on June 25, and became effective on July 1, 2004. The reform established a Defined Contributory (DC) scheme named the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as against the old Defined Benefits (DB) scheme also known as Pay As You Go. The Act has, however, been repealed by the new Pension Reform Act, 2014. A defined benefit pension scheme, sometimes called a final salary pension scheme, promises to pay out an income based on how much a retiree earns after retirement. In this case, the amount

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

a retiree gets at retirement is guaranteed and is paid to him. Under the old scheme, an employer promises a specified monthly benefit on retirement that is predetermined by a formula based on the employee’s earnings history, tenure of service and age, rather than depending on individual investment returns. Whereas the CPS, which is the defined contribution plan, a contribution rate is fixed. For instance, an employee contributes eight per cent of his monthly emolument while the employer also contributes 10 per cent. The retirement benefit is variable depending on the performance of the investment selected by a chosen Pension Fund Administrator (PFA). The old scheme was mostly unfunded, discriminatory and not portable. The employee was not entitled to pension benefits if he is dismissed from service. Also, there was no adequate provision to secure the pension fund. Following the unsatisfying nature of the old scheme, the unpleasant experiences faced by retirees and pensioners and the huge pension liabilities, it became apparent that there was need for reform. A major problem of the pension fund administration was the nonpayment or delays in the payment of pension and gratuity by the Federal and state governments. For instance, the pension backlog was put at about N2.56 trillion as at December 2005. Sadly, millions of retired work-

ers either lived in abject poverty or were often neglected after retirement. Retirees went through tough times and rigorous processes before they were paid their pensions, gratuity and other retirement benefits. Many times, the money to pay their benefits was not available. All of these problems in the old pension scheme led to the pension reforms of 2004, now repealed by the PRA 2014. The New Pensions Reform Act of 2014 The Pension Reform Act 2014 was enacted by the National Assembly on July 1, last year to repeal the Pension Reform Act No. 2 of 2004 (“the 2004 Act”). The objective of the Act is to create a more effective pension administration system in Nigeria, to boost participation in the Pension Reform Scheme and to enforce worker’s welfare. A major innovation of the Act is the creation of a uniform Contributory Pension Scheme that applies to both public and private sectors. Essentially, the scheme uniformly applies to all employees in the service of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the private sector and is meant to ensure that workers receive their retirement benefits promptly. Other key changes in the Act include an increase in the rate of employer, employee minimum contribution to the scheme, an increase in the minimum number of employees an employer is required to have to make contributions mandatory under the Act.

Retirees’ impulse Ikushika Williams, a soon-to-be retiree of the Nigeria Customs Service is excited that he will be retiring in less than six months from now after 35 years of service. For him, the administration of the CPS is okay but prayed that government makes it ‘pay as you go’. His objections, however, are based on what he described as worrisome, saying it is akin to a situation where some people are controlling his money as if he is a child who is incapable of managing cash. He said: “The only painful thing for me is the fact that I have to be told what and how I spend my money. But I abide by the scheme because that is how the government wants it. “The good thing is that I don’t have to wait endlessly and queue under scorching sun before I get paid my pension.” But a woman lecturer at a federal university, who is retiring at the age of 60, is not pleased with the new system. She lashed on regulatory body, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), asking why the government would think pensioners were incapable of spending their money efficiently. She said: “I don’t know why PenCom would think that we are incapable of managing our finances if they give it to us. They are playing God and determining our age and death. “I think they should give us our money because we may even have better options. They are collecting our money now and in the future some group of people will mismanage or steal it. What did government do to people that stole the money in the past? ‘’A majority of us think this way and we have expressed our-

selves to our various management.‘’ A woman, who works with the Ministry of Defence, and will not want her name mentioned, said she is not happy with the new scheme, saying she prefers the old scheme. According to her, she could have received more money as against what she will receive under the new scheme. She said all they needed was for the government to work and improve on the old scheme. She said the new scheme would encourage workers to lie about their age because they would not want to retire early. An employee of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Oparim Sabinos, hailed the government on the pension reforms. He said the old system was not consistent and was susceptible to fraud. “It is good to retire and receive your pension when you are still alive. I believe that one should not play pranks but retire when necessary. “The new pension system has been working well. The fact that they alert us and prepare us six months before retirement and after retirement, we can begin to receive pension payment one month after shows that it is a good system. “The CPS is good and I urge the new government of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that there is no corruption in the pension industry because it will endanger the lives of pensioners in the country.” Chief Okoli of the Nigerian Immigration Service, who worked for 35 years, is also happy with the new pension system. He however urged PenCom to continue to work and improve its achievements.

Cornerstone Insurance makes N1.04b profit

C • Mr Oiku (left) presenting the award to Mr Ajudua at the ceremony. With them are: Branch Manager NICON Ikeja Branch, Mrs Ngozi Mbanaso (left); Branch Manager NICON Lagos Island, Mr Mike Omeike; Senior Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr Ade Adesokan and Senior Manager, Marketing, Lagos Head Office Annex, Mr. Kola Ayanfenwa.

ICON Insurance Limited has received the Africa’s Most Reliable Quality Insurance Company of the Year Award. The ceremony was organised in Lagos by the African Quality Institute (AQI), the South African Quality Institute (SAQ) and the Chartered Quality Institute in United Kingdom (UK). The Editor of Quality World Journal, Mr. Michael Abugo, said the award was aimed at celebrating leadership innovation and creativity in quality management in Africa. Abugo, who doubled as the Master of Ceremony at the event, said: “The award is aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding companies, personalities and products that apply quality assurance culture to

NICON Insurance gets award achieve corporate objectives in both profit and non-profit making organisations in Africa”. The organiser also said this year’s award was based on the outcome of a technical committee made up of international quality professionals from South Africa and Nigeria, including Standards organisation officials from Ghana Bureau of Standards (GBS), Uganada Bureau of Standards, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Standard Bureau Liberia, Africa Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and International Organisation of Standardisation. Presenting the award to NICON Insurance Limited, the Managing

Director of Sparking Rose Nigeria Limited, Edward Oiku, urged the company to maintain its standard. NICON Insurance’s General Manager (Head Office Annex), Mr. Steve Ajudua, who represented the Managing Director, Mr. Bayode Samuel, said the firm has been re-energised to serve the public better. He added that the company is Africa’s leading insurance and financial services power house that has snowballed into a global player with newly minted core values that has translated her into an enduring institution of over 40 years.

ORNERSTONE Insurance Group has recorded a profit before tax of N1.04 billion in the financial year end, December 31, 2014 as against the N870.2 million it recorded in 2013. This represents a 20 per cent growth. The company’s profit after tax also grew by 11 percent to N946.48 million from N860.36 maillion the previous year. The underwriting firm, which has embarked on transformation in the last few years, has also paid a 0.02 kobo dividend, promising its shareholders greater future and value creation. Group Chairman of Cornerstone, Adedotun Sulaiman made this known at the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos. He said the modest growth was achieved despite the challenging business environment experienced by the company last year. He said: “The financial performance in 2014 is a reflection of our deliberate focus on profitable underwriting and invest-

ment performance, while cautiously pursuing top-line growth. “While the gross premium written stood at N5.21 billion, gross premium income inched by 12 percent, moving from N4.62 billion in 2013 to N5.19 billion. Underwriting profit also rose by 60 percent from N939 million to N1.50 billion, even as the company met claims obligations to the tune of N1.23 billion in the year under review. “Other highlights of the result include a 12 percent growth in investment income to N999 million from N890 million in 2013. Shareholders equity appreciated by 12 percent from N6.90 billion in the previous year to N7.76 billion, while retained earnings moved from a negative N555 million in 2013 to N99 million in the year under review.” Shareholders, who were excited about the turnaround in the company, praised the board and the management, adding that the company after concluding its acquisition of Fin Insurance, would be better positioned for increased shareholders’value.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

Essiet_daniel@yahoo.com 08180714151 SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP A young, successful woman entrepreneur is showing the way in social entrepreneurship, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Empowering youths through social enterprise E

MPOWERING youths in the communities with more career and self-help opportunities is crucial to achieving a better future for all. This holds true for 23-year-old Miss Chinenye Ogoko, president, Future Blueprints, a social enterprise based in Owerri, the Imo State capital. She is empowering youths by building their skills as problem solvers and to succeed in a rapidly changing world. She caught her teeth in social entreprenureship from role models from a variety of backgrounds who have been running viable social enterprises. In impacting skills, she hopes to close the gap in entrepreneurship training among aspiring social entrepreneurs, especially as most of them do not come from business backgrounds. Besides, Ogoko is encouraged by the fact that embracing the ideology of economic liberation particularlly for youths is one sure way of reducing unemployment and banishing rural hunger and poverty. The budding entrepeneur tells whoever cares to listen that acquisition of skills holds the key to sucessful business enterprises capable of creating jobs for rural youths. Intrestingly, Ogoko is not going it alone. She is in collaboration with partners to offer trainings in youth entrepreneurship and self-employment. Consequently, the project is using volunteers, with each volunteer contributing specific expertise. More importantly, she manages to integrate training, post-training coaching and access to funding information, which are key aspects of her success story. Future Blueprints, the child of Ogoko’s resourceful brain, targets youths with the objective of reducing unemployment, underemployment and poverty. The programme promotes education as well as technical and vocational training. The objective was to offer young people the opportunity to increase their skills, giving them the tools to seek employment or become self-em-

•Young people at the programme.

•Ogoko

ployed at the end of their training. In doing so, she appreciates the fact that opportunities for economic empowerment such as starting a business or obtaining a job beyond the home are few and far between. As sign of Okoko’s success in social entreprenurship, she has since

spread her tentacles to the United States, where she is now providing information on international organisations that can assist young entrepreneurs access seed funds and microcredit. Experts like her believe that this is one of the issues compounding rural poverty in Nigeria. She is working on drawing more facilities to prospective women and youth entrepreneurs, equipping them with resources and opportunities needed to launch their small businesses. While the programme provides a holistic approach for people to learn new crafts and earn income, she also direct her energies towards empowering young women to gain confidence in their abilities and skills and raise their voices to advocate for change and negotiate on stronger terms. She enables young women to form and articulate their career goals so they are better equipped to seek and leverage business opportunities. Future Blueprints has helped her earn recognition for helping youths gain a deeper understanding of the

key issues facing their communities and nation and nurture their civic and political awareness and activism. Miss Ogoko admitted that her empowerment programmes have created positive and progressive change throughout the village where she has taken her passion to. She sees this, and rightly so, as a huge accomplishment. Indeed, entrepreneurship has become a tool to achieve more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies. Though young Ogoko went into youth work quite early at the age of 16 after being trained as a HIV/ AIDS peer-educator by MTN Foundation., she started her first social enterprise ‘Youth of Purpose Network’ (YPN) in 2008. With YPN raising over 100 youth volunteers and organising motivational cum educational programmes for youths in Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area; AwoOmamma, Oru East Local Government Area and in Owerri Municipal Council all in Imo State, Miss Ogokon became the toast of exist-

ing and prospective social entrepreneurs across Africa. For instance, she was selected from Africa to represent Nigeria in the Mobilising Youth International Summit of the United Network of Young Peace Builders (UNOY) in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2014. Those who did the selection were not disappointed. Ogoko emerged first prize winner in the Pitch for Peace contest held in the same summit. The prize was a shot in the young entreprenure’s arm. Right now, she is planning on creating an afterschool career building and mentoring programme for girls in Nigerian high schools. Her organisation has trained over 150 young people on entrepreneurship and community development. “We train generally on business development, social entrepreneurship and purpose-discovery. We also connect them to career mentors for guidance. The mentors report to us and even the trainees themselves. We have staff volunteers who check up on them regularly,” she said. That is not all. As her work continues to grow and spread across the country, she is beginning to use the platform to raise health, gender, and other social issues. As such she is ensuring that young people she is serving are empowered not only to be confident and independent business people, but also socially responsible citizens. Since she relocated to the US, Miss Ogoko has been interacting with the Nigerian students community there. ”I was just nominated for the African Youth Excellence Entrepreneur of the Year Award. ‘’African Youth Excellence awards young people of African descent who are doing amazing works in their country and Africa but resides in the US,” she explained. The Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State born Miss Ogoko, who earned her first degree from the University of Technology, Owerri, currently serves as a Peace Child International’s task force member on Conakry-Rabat Commitment for full youth employment 2030. She is also a scholar at Watson University in Colorado, US.

Starting a business can be both exhilarating and intimidating because of its prospects and challenges.This holds true particularly when Small and Mediuim Enterprises (SMEs) face real online marketing challenges. Despite this, Chief Executive, School of Web Consulting Nigeria, Danis Isong, says SMEs need not lose sleep, as there are practical online marketing support and advice to help new and existing businesses stay afloat and win more customers. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Tackling SMEs’ online marketing challenges

HIEF Executive, School of Web Consulting Nigeria, Dennis Isong, is not a run-offthe-mill web designer. The creative web designer is best known as the creator of blogs and websites using wordpress.com. He started off designing cool themes for his clients before veering into something bigger: offering sucess tips to Small and medium Enterprise (SMEs) faced with on-line marketing challenges. The upscale web designer believes that such tips would revolutionise the overcrowded market. Isong was one of the first internet marketers to realise that facebook could be leveraged for marketing. Consequently, he started web consulting and became a successful online evangelist. Along the line, he mastered social media marketing. As he matured in online enterprise management , several ideas came to his mind that have turned out to be savvy business moves. He is on the online route to becoming a big time entrepreneur. While there is nothing new in young

Nigerians turning away from white collar jobs to start their own business, there is rapid increase in many of them turning to the online space to realise their dreams. The growing popularity and flexibility offered by the online platform is encouraging professionals such as Isong to look at this as a serious career move. While e-commerce had been around for some time, there was a sudden pickup in consumer adoption.This now prompts young professionals,such as Isong to start their own ventures. According to him, to succeed is important but one must be consistent and adapt to the trend. To truly compete in the market place, he said small business marketing strategy requires an online presence. However, the challenge is that thousands of new businesses emerge virtually everyday seeking online presence. According to him, it’s no longer the choice of the business owner, rather, it is the demand of millions of consumers who drive the world’s economy that businesses have web presence.

Having realised an opportunity has emerged for him to make a lot of money on line, Isong decided to expand his web hosting business to make it a viable one and running smoothly with other online ventures. As a result, things are getting better with many clients asking him to either design or help them host their websites and blogs. He has since been taking advantage of the opportunity and the reward has been encouraging. But he has learnt along the line that businesses have to market their online sites to be successful. He was aware that a lot of companies with web presence were not achieving results, especially small business owners. A common mistake that many start-up owners make, according to him, is to engage in online marketing without full knowledge of their target markets and the online business environment. For him, it is wrong for small business owners to engage in online marketing for an untargeted audience. To prevent this, he adevised, requires creating a marketing strategy

or plan that identifies potential online customers and presenting a winning selling proposition to the potential customers. For him, a basic website will do at the onset, allowing customers to view one’s products and place orders online, while creating business profile on social media websites such as face book, linkedin and twitter may help. Beyond this, he said companies can use email platforms to attract more customers. As Nigeria is emerging as a hot spot for startups and global organisations trushing to invest in small, young companies, Isong is on alert as more equity pour in to the e-commerce sector, especially young, small companies. He has seen the flourishing e-commerce sector caught the fancy of young entrepreneurs. The sector has grown considerably with a sharp rise in smart phone penetration and internet facilities across the country. In-keeping with trends, Isong is ready to offer support to new businesses, as a significant number of young entrepreneurs try their luck in the sector. This is because the

• Isong

online space has become an emerging and lucrative field for both product and resource-based start-ups. Besides, the market is always on the look out for fresh ideas and there are a plethora of new ones every day. But not all are success stories because they cannot use their email marketing strategy well. He has focused on proving new email and total online marketing solutions. He is as well tackling the online customers’ generation challenges faced by small business owners.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

BUSINESS AFRICA Ethiopian ponders aircraft orders

THIOPIAN Airlines is con sidering placing orders for Boeing 777-X, Airbus 3501000 and Bombardier Q400 aircraft, part of plans to nearly double its fleet to 150 by 2025, its chief executive said. The state-owned airline is also in talks with Airbus to bring forward the delivery of 14 A350-900 to 2016-2017 from an original target of 2016-2018, Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Tewolde GebreMariam told reporters at the launch of the airline’s first direct flight to Manila.

“We have 76 aircraft operating, 47 in order. We are evaluating the Boeing 777-X, Airbus A350-1000 and Bombardier Q400,” GebreMariam said. “The target is to reach 150 fleet by 2025.” Last month, Boeing said Ethiopian Airlines ordered six 787-8 Dreamliners worth $1.3 billion at list prices, part of the airline’s plans to modernise and expand its fleet. GebreMariam said the airline was looking to revise upwards its 2025 target of $10 billion annual revenues alongside a rapid expansion of its routes.

SA’s Gold-mining index lowest in 14 years

OUTH Africa’s index of goldmining stocks fell to the low est since April 2001 as the precious metal slid to a five-year low and local producers battled rising costs. The five-member FTSE/JSE Africa Gold Mining Index dropped as much as 5.5 percent. Harmony Gold Mining Co. led the decline, losing as much as 7.3 percent to the lowest since January 1998. The metal sank as much as 4.2 percent as the Federal Reserve gets closer to raising U.S. rates for the first time since 2006, strengthening the dollar and reducing demand for haven assets such as gold. Mining companies in South Africa are struggling with lower output from aging ore bodies and labor costs that have more than doubled since 2001. The country is the world’s sixth-biggest producer, down from No. 1 in 2007. “We will probably see interestrate hikes in the States before year-

end, and the U.S. economy is showing that it’s growing,” Sibonginkosi Nyanga, analyst at Imara S.P. Reid (Pty) Ltd., said by phone from Johannesburg. “With a stronger U.S. economy and a strong dollar, we expect the gold price not to strengthen.” Sibanye Gold Ltd. dropped 6.1 percent to 18.38 rand by 10:21 a.m. in Johannesburg. Harmony retreated 6.9 percent to 12.81 rand. AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., the world’s third-largest producer, decreased five percent to 89.75 rand, heading for the weakest closing level since November 2000. Unions representing workers from the three companies have rejected the producers’ offer to raise entrylevel pay for underground workers by as much as 13 percent in wage negotiations that began last month. The organisations are demanding increases of at least 80 percent while the inflation rate was 4.6 percent in May. Talks are continuing.

Sub-Saharan African M&As W hit $15.3b ORLD’S leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, Thomson Reuters has released the quarterly investment banking analysis for the Sub-Saharan Africa region. According to estimates from Thomson Reuters/Freeman Consulting, Sub-Saharan African investment banking fees reached $154.7 million during the half of 2015, 10 per cent more than the value recorded during the first six months of last year. Sub-Saharan African equity and equity-related issuance totalled $1 billion during the second quarter of the year, 60 per cent less than the value recorded during the first quarter of the year. Sub-Saharan African debt issuance reached $3.2 billion during the second quarter of 2015, 23 per cent less than the value raised during the previous quarter and the lowest quarterly total since the first quarter of 2014. Managing Director, Africa, Thomson Reuters, Sneha Shah, said: “The value of announced M&A transactions with any Sub-Saharan African involvement reached $15.3 billion during the first half

of 2015, 12 per cent more than the value registered during the same period in 2014. Outbound activity reached a four-year high, up 13 per cent from the first six months of 2014 to reach $3.3 billion. ‘’South Africa’s overseas acquisitions accounted for 65 per cent of Sub-Saharan African outbound M&A activity, while acquisitions by Mauritian and Nigerian companies accounted for 13 percent and 11 percent, respectively. “Domestic and inter- Sub-Saharan African M&A fell 11 percent yearon-year to $3.8 billion, the lowest first half total since 2007. Inbound M&A also saw a decline, down 7 percent to $4 billion. Energy & power was the most active sector, accounting for 18 of Sub-Saharan African involvement M&A,” she added. The largest deal with Sub-Saharan African involvement during the first half of the year was the $1.2 billion offer from Brait Mauritius for a 90 percent interest in British retailer New Look. Rand Merchant Bank topped the 1H 2015 an-

nounced any Sub-Saharan African involvement M&A league table with $4.4 billion. In respect to investment banking, fees from debt capital markets underwriting more than doubled year-on-year to reach $30.0 million, the best first half in the region since 2011. Syndicated lending fees also saw growth, up 63 per cent to $35.9 million. Equity capital markets underwriting fees declined 13 per cent to $56.9 million, accounting for 37 per cent of the overall Sub-Saharan African investment banking fee pool, while fees from completed M&A transactions totalled $32.0 million, marking a 19 per cent decline from the first half of 2014. In respect to debt capital markets in Sub Saharan Africa, the first half bond issuance in the region decreased three per cent from last year to US$7.3 billion during the first six months of 2015. South Africa was the most active nation accounting for almost half (49 per cent) of activity, followed by the Ivory Coast with 34 per cent. Deutsche Bank took the top spot in the Sub-Saharan African bond ranking during the first half of 2015 with a 17 per cent share of the market.

SA’s tourism index drops

OUTH Africa’s tourism busi ness index in the second quar ter dropped its lowest level in nearly four years due to new visa restrictions, an industry body said, in a blow to a key sector in Africa’s most developed economy. New legislation requiring foreigners to provide biometrics when applying for visas and parents to carry unabridged birth certificates when travelling with children contributed to a drop in tourism activity, the Tourism Business

Council said. The Tourism Business Index, which tracks performance in South Africa’s tourism sector, has been running since 2010. The tourism sector posted an index score of 83.6 in the second quarter, compared with 99.9 in the first quarter and the lowest since the third quarter 2011. An index score of 100 is regarded as an indication of normal levels of trade.

Amplats mulls disposal options

OUTH Africa’s Anglo Ameri can Platinum (Amplats) said it was still considering how to dispose of its labour-intensive Rustenburg and Union operations but a stock market floatation was a likely option. “Currently, both options for divestment - an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a trade sale - are still being worked on, and while it remains practicable, both options will be kept open,” Amplats said in a statement accompanying the release of its first-half results. Amplats’ Chief Executive Chris Griffith said in a conference call with journalists that he felt an IPO was the more likely option but probably not before early 2017.

The world’s top platinum producer also said first-half headline earnings came in at 2.47 billion rand ($200 million), bang in line with what the company previously flagged and an increase of almost 15-fold, underscoring the impact of a five-month strike last year. That strike, lead by the hardline Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, is one reason why South African platinum assets are not easy to dispose of at the moment, as the labour environment is widely seen as volatile. Another is platinum’s spot price, which last week fell below $1,000 an ounce for the first time in 6-1/2 years, a reflection of weakness across the precious metals’ board in the face of a rising dollar.

Lockheed to buy Sikorsky for $9b

IGHTER jet maker Lockheed Martin said it would buy helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky for $9billion (£5.78billion). It will be the biggest purchase for Lockheed, which oversees the F-35 fighter project, since it bought Martin Marietta in 1995. Sikorsky makes the Black Hawk helicopter and the Sea King, which was made by United Kingdom (UK) firm Westland under licence. United Technologies, which owns Sikorsky, said last month

it planned to sell the firm. United Technologies will return the spoils to shareholders by buying back shares, it said. The deal will only demand a net cost to Lockheed of $7.1billion, because of $1.9billion of tax benefits it will make, it said. The deal will be closely watched by US defence authorities, who will want to ensure competition is maintained in the market. Lockheed also said it will review its government IT and technical services businesses.

•From left: Director-General, Bayelsa State Partnership lnitiative Agency, Eriye Ambakederemo Ukpeh; Commissioner for Trade, lndustry & lnvestment, Kemela Okara and Head, Administration & General Services, lntels Nigeria Ltd, Chibuisi Onyebueke, at the state Second lnvestment & Economic Forum in Lagos.

Importers spend N6.3tr on vehicles in five years

HE Federal Government has said importers of vehicles at the country’s gateways spent $31.67 billion (about N6.3trillion) on vehicles’ imports and other motorised equipment between 2009 and 2013. This was contained in a data issued by the National Automotive Council (NAC) and presented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Abuja. The amount was spent on importation of vehicles, tractors, trailers and semi-trailers, civil engineering and contractors’ plant and equipment. A breakdown of the figure shows that the country spent $5.407billion in 2008; $4.012billion in 2009; $5.592billion in 2010; $4.082billion in 2011; $6.364billion in 2012 and $6.212billion in 2013 on the importation of these items. A further breakdown shows that about 100,000 new and 300,000 used vehicles were imported into the country in 2012, excluding tractors, trailers and semi-trailers, civil engineering and contractors plant and equipment. Based on this huge spending on vehicles importation, the Federal Government under former Presi-

By Toba Agboola

dent Goodluck Jonathan introduced the National Automotive Policy to encourage local production of vehicles. It also imposed 35 per cent duty and 35 per cent levy on imported new and used vehicles to discourage importation. The policy has, however, failed due to a huge gap in market demand and local production, thereby promoting smuggling of vehicles into the country. Recently, expectation was high as port users were expecting the takeoff of the remaining 35 per cent levy at the gateways but no news was heard on the auto policy. Investigation, however, showed that key maritime stakeholders were lobbying President Muhammadu Buhari to jettison the policy due to the rise in vehicles smuggling at the country’s borders. The move may have put a snag on the efforts by the NAC and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to see that Nigeria becomes a local automobile manufacturing nation in future. Meanwhile, market indices have shown that the market for fairly used vehicles, also known as Tokunbo, is gradually diminish-

ing with the gradual implementation of the National Automobile Policy. The Federal Government auto policy had few years ago increased tariff on the imported motor products by 100 per cent. Although, fairly used cars are still on display at various auto shops across the country, there are indications that that importation of the auto products has drastically reduced, especially since the beginning of the year. Records from the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria show that vehicles importation through the Lagos ports reduced by more than 150 per cent in January this year, compared to the same period of last year. For instance, only about 8,000 vehicle (cars) were discharged at the Lagos Ports last January, against 27,000 units that were discharged at the same ports last year. The volume of trucks that were imported through the gateways within the same period under review also indicated a sharp reduction as only 1,700 units came into the country through the ports in January this year, a drop of 1,000 units of the 2,700 units that came through the Lagos ports in January, last year.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 22, 2015

POLITICS EXTRA

Dickson Government has spent over N7billion on the scholarship ‘ofThepost-graduate and Ph.D scholars in reputable universities abroad, the first of its kind since the creation of the state in 1996 ’

‘Dickson’s “empire” not crumbling in Bayelsa’

RDINARILY, I shouldn’t have responded to the story entitled Dickson’s Crumbling Empire in Bayelsa written by the Bayelsa Correspondent of Nation newspaper on Saturday,18 July, 2015 because as we approach the governorship election in the state on December 5, I should expect more falsehood fed the media by desperate politicians who want power for the sole aim of returning the littoral state to the days of the swarming locust. Though I am not a government spokesman but after pondering about it, I decided to do a succinct rejoinder to the obviously misleading piece which was meant to give the tenuous impression to the All Progressives Congress (APC) apparatchiks that the party is the new kid on the Bayelsa block. The news analysis couldn’t sway Bayelsa voters to the opposition either! First, the writer alluded to an empire built by the Countryman Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, which he averred was crumbling as a result of the so called decamping of some members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The governor has never had an empire and doesn’t intend to build any so I don’t know how a non-existent empire could crumble! In the past three and half years of Dickson’s sojourn in the Creek Haven, he has demystified governance by redefining the governance culture in the state, projected the frontiers of Ijaw national interest, stood by President Goodluck Jonathan at all times and above all, the Dickson administration has embarked on a massive infrastructural and human capital development of Bayelsans so much so that Bayelsa, the glory of all lands, has been restored to its pride of place in the comity of states. In other words, Dickson has delivered concrete developmental deliverables to Bayelsans and Ijaw nation as a whole. Under Dickson’s watch, security of life and property is a top priority of government. Our Bayelsa of today has zero tolerance for crime, criminality and corruption and this explains why all the businesses shut down by the hostile actions and inactions of the Governor Timipre Sylva Government have resurrected, leading to a boom in the business and night life of Bayelsa. Dickson declared a state of emergency in education and made education free and compulsory at the primary and secondary levels. Over N25 billion already spent on turning around primary and secondary education in the state. The Teachers Training Institute, several primary and model secondary schools and many more education projects are already lined up for commissioning

From Francis Sagbama, Yenogoa

in August. The Dickson Government has spent over N7billion on the scholarship of post-graduate and Ph.D scholars in reputable universities abroad, the first of its kind since the creation of the state in 1996. The beneficiaries of this scheme cut across all qualified Ijaws not necessarily Bayelsans. An audacious flyover and several roads on nylon tares have been constructed across the state. A world class diagnostic centre with a Drug Mart named after late Professor Dora Akunyili are testimony to the Dickson’s wonders in the state. And of course, this government has provided employment for its citizens more than any one before it. Over 500 Bayelsans and still counting have been appointed into various positions in this government. In the face of the daunting credit crunch, when states with more revenue receivables could not pay salaries, the Countryman Governor has kept a clean slate, paying salaries and pensions of all civil/ public servants as and when due. With these uncommon strides in less than four years, pundits expect Dickson to roll out the drums and posture sanctimoniously with exaggerated swagger but not the Countryman. He tells those who care to listen that Bayelsa is a work in progress. And in return for the purposeful and accountable selfless leadership to the Ijaw nation, the people have resolved to stand by him like the rock of Gibraltar. The strength of Dickson is the people on whose shoulder, sovereignty lies, not the parasitic preservers of privileges that dot the polity or an empire as alluded to by the reporter. Empires come and go but human beings are constant decimal in politics. It was against this background that Dickson won a return ticket to the House of Representatives in 2011 against the wish of the iron-fisted incumbent governor, Sylva who sponsored Mr. William Ofoni against Dickson. The people made it possible for Dickson not empire. Similarly, the governor will rely on the people for re-election. Already, the clergy, the organized labour, the muslim community, market women, youth organisations and still count-

ing have urged Dickson to throw his hat into the ring. In the last March and April elections, the same Sylva, in collaboration with some hawks in Abuja launched a vicious campaign against PDP, the people stood by Dickson and he trounced them. In all, Sylva lost his senatorial bid, only managed to win a House of Assembly seat for APC, his allies won a seat for APGA while the PDP swept the three senatorial seats, all the House of Representatives, 21 House of Assembly slots and of course, the presidential election. A cursory look at the defectors/anti Dickson elements shows clearly that over 98 percent of them have never supported Dickson’s bid to be governor. Almost all of them were either appointees under Sylva or former federal and state lawmakers imposed on the people by the Sylva government but who lost out in their return bids or in their bids to seek higher offices in the new Bayelsa. Former Senator Heineken Lokpobri, former House of Reps member, Hon Warman Ogoriba, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Chief of Staff to Government House, Chief Dikivie Ikiogha and former acting governors of the state, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu and Hon. Nestor Ibinabo represent this tendency of defectors. And the second category of the elements shouting ‘‘dethrone Dickson’’ are those encouraged and funded by the former first lady to supplant Dickson. The former Commissioner for Local Government under Sylva and Special Assistant on Domestic Matters to former president, Goodluck Jonathan, Hon Weripamowei Dudafa leads this pack. These same people were those that led the defunct Transformation Ambassadors of Nigerians (TAN) in Yenagoa to undermine Dickson in the build up to the last general election. The third category is made of politicians who are moving to APC to spite the former president. This group is led by the immediate past senator representing Jonathan (Bayelasa East), Chief Clever Ikisikpo and Dr. Tarila Tebepah. So those of us who know the antics of the politicians defecting to APC are

A cursory look at the defectors/anti Dickson elements shows clearly that over 98 percent of them have never supported Dickson’s bid to be governor. Almost all of them were either appointees under Sylva or former federal and state lawmakers imposed on the people by the Sylva government

not losing sleep. I can beat my chest that if Sylva or any of them throws his hat into the governorship ring, he will kiss the ground the way Sylva did on March 31 when Ben Bruce trounced him in the Bayelsa East senatorial contest. Already, the mainstream women and youth groups in the state, the clergy and Ijaw elders in Bayelsa have condemned the ambition of Sylva and the gale of defection of some Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) members to APC, many of whom were aides, appointees and associates of Sylva. The groups have consequently led the charge in the re-election of Governor Henry Dickson. Tagged Operation Retain Dickson in Creek Haven campaign, the groups particularly the elders, clergy, women and youth organisations said they must return Dickson to government house to prove that there is reward for hard work and selfless service to fatherland. At separate events, these groups endorsed the re-election of the Countryman Governor. Rising from an emergency meeting in Yenagoa last week, the elders led by the financial expert and political heavy weight, Chief Francis Duokpola cursed the APC and the PDP politicians defecting to the APC, describing them as vultures and a shame to the Ijaw nation. They wondered why a party that controversially wrested power from Dr. Jonathan, an Ijaw icon would be embraced by desperate politicians whom they describe as vultures and self-seeking. They vowed to stop APC from gaining root in Bayelsa State even as they declared; ‘‘The APC has declared war on the Ijaw nation. Right from the days of our forefathers, the Ijaws have never been conquered and our generation cannot be conquered by APC!’’ Curiously, over 50 percent of those defecting want to govern the state at the same time. While the remaining 50 percent either pooh pooh Dickson out of petty jealousy as a result of his rising profile or for not opening the public treasury for them to loot as they had done in the past. It is no wonder that Sylva and many of them are currently undergoing trial in court. The ELECTORATE has never been with many of them and in this era of card reader, their emptiness and unpopularity will be more than ever exposed. Without the wind blowing, nobody sees the rump of the fowl and the December 5 polls is the wind that will expose their weakness! The politics of Dudafa and Ikiogha for example which Mr. Odiegwu harped on to high heaven is not new to Bayelsans. Two months to the 2012 governorship polls, they resigned from the Sylva government to join Dickson. Dudafa wanted to be Dickson’s running mate but couldn’t

•Dickson succeed. He turned against Dickson and started scheming to be governor, yet Governor Dickson compensated him with a contract to build a referral hospital in Kaiama. Chief Ikiogha, another beneficiary of government contracts parted ways with the Countryman Governor when he lost his bid to go to the National Assembly. With this short insight, is it not crystal clear that their disagreement with the governor is propelled by self and not the people? What baffled me most was the refusal of the reporter to celebrate Dickson for restoring peace and civility in the polity. Rather he dwelled so much celebrating the defectors knowing full well that many of these people are serial traitors and defectors who are trying to reposition themselves to either be governor for the fun of it or to trap favour from the federal government controlled by APC. Mr. Odiegwu knows that if the so called defection to the opposition had taken place in the days of Sylva, Boko Haram would have been imported to Yenagoa to bomb the venue of the defection as evident in 20011. It was also to the eternal glory of the Sylva administration that the presidential campaign of General Muhammadu Buhari in Yenagoa in 2011 was disrupted as the general and his team were pelted with stones. But the reverse was the case this year when he launched his campaign in Yenagoa. The state government provided tight security for the event to the admiration of President Buhari because a new governor with democratic ethos was in charge! In no distant future, the chicken will come home to roost. The governor, being a committed party man and consummate democrat will receive them back to the fold for the new Bayelsa accommodates the good, the bad and the ugly! Sagbama is a Public Affairs Analyst and Coordinator of Restoration Continuity, a support group for Governor Dickson’s Re-election 2015.

Plateau PDP flays Lalong for sacking council chairmen

•Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives Hon. Leo Ogor (middle); flanked by members of the caucus Mike Omogbehin, (left) and Nkiruka Onyejeocha during a briefing on the National Assembly PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE crisis in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)...yesterday.

HE Plateau State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Governor Simon Lalong for sacking 17 local government chairmen. The opposition party also faulted Lalong for the delay in the appointment of commissioners. The Acting Chairman, Raymond Dabo, said in Jos, the state capital that since the emergence of the APC government, good governance has ceased. Dabo lamented that, since the inauguration of the APC-led administration, Lalong has been very slow in taking off. He said: “Since this administration was sworn in, not one commissioner has been named to oversee any ministries responsible for providing specific needs of the state and it is this

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

absence that has occasioned the blunders already been experienced in the wrongful abrogating of the law by an administration that ought to uphold same and give effect to it. “The recent dissolution of the elected local government chairmen is a case in point, I don’t know where a governor got such power from. We now know that the Lalong administration would do beyond breaking the law, if the people of Plateau State keep mum. “The APC government in Plateau has so far failed to live up to expectations of the people that gave them mandate, the dissolution of the council administration is definitely not in the interest of the people of the state.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

SHOWBIZ

Mbong Amata floats record label

Nigerian artistes dominate AFRIMMA nominee list

UST after their haul of awards at the recent MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) which held last Saturday, Nigerian artistes again may repeat that feat as they dominate the nominee list of the African Muzik Magazine Awards, AFRIMMA. The annual event, which is in its second edition, celebrates African music and heritage and will honour some top African musicians, producers and cultural influencers with awards in 28 different categories. It is scheduled to hold on October 10, at the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Dallas, US. The awards segmented the artistes across different regions; West, East, Central, North and Southern Africa. In the West Africa category, Davido, Wizkid, Flavour and Olamide, are in competition with Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast), Sarkodie (Ghana), Carlou D (Senegal) and Stonebwoy (Ghana) for the Best Male West Africa catego-

Sarkodie celebrates grand mum with new album

By Joe Agbro Jr

ry while Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage will slog it out with Wiyaala (Ghana), Viviane Chidid (Senegal), Teeyah (Ivory Coast), Becca (Ghana), Almok (Togo) and Efya (Ghana) for the Best Female West Africa award. Also nominated for 2015 AFRIMMA are Wizkid for Ojuelegba, Korede Bello for Godwin and Lil Kesh ft Olamide and Davido for Shoki (Song of the Year), Flavour, Davido, Wizkid and Yemi Alade (Artiste of the Year), P-Square (Best African Group), Wale, Nneka, Asa, Jidenna and Tinnie Tempah (Crossing Boundaries with Music Award), Timaya and Patoranking (Best Dancehall Artiste), Lil Kesh ft Olamide and Davido for Shoki, Olamide for Shakiti Bobo (Best Dance in a Video), Sammy Okposo, Nikki Laoye and Uche Agu (Best Gospel Artiste), Flavour (Best Traditional Artiste) and Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and Lil Kesh (Best Newcomer).

Nigerian artistes for the special AFRIMMA categories also include Bracket ft. Diamond and Tiwa Savage for Alive, P Square ft Dave Scott

for Bring it On (AFRIMMA Inspirational Song) and Sound Sultan and 2Face (AFRIMMA Humanitarian Artiste).

Multichoice partners KBC for Obama’s visit

Obama is expected in Nairobi, Kenya from Friday where he will attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2015 (GES 2015) organised by the White House which gathers entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Kenya will host 3,000 investors, government officials, private sector players, entrepreneurs, innovators and the world’s media during the 3-day summit. This will be the first time the international Global Entrepreneurship Summit will be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa.

•Sarkodie

By Adewoyin Adeniyi

record label, the actress also acquired a new house in California, United States. She took to her Instagram page to share the news with a picture of her newly acquired house. “And, I told the LORD that I was tired of renting...guess what??? He heard me!!! Sometimes...you just gotta “speak” it!!! *in David’s voice,*” the actress posted on her Instagram page. Mbong is also a model; she won the Most Beautiful Girl pageant in Akwa Ibom IN 2003 and also emerged the 2nd runner up of the Miss Nigeria pageant in 2004. She has starred in movies like Black November, Forgetting June, From Freetown, Mary Slessor, Black Gold and lots more.

•Olamide

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

HANAIAN rapper, Michael Owusu Addo aka Sarkodie, is set to release his fourth studio album titled Mary, on September 12, 2015. The award winning rapper made the disclosure on Sunday in a tweet, disclosing that the date also happens to be his grandmother’s birthday. The rapper also revealed that his new track, Mewu, featuring Akwaboah is also one of the songs to be expected on the new album. According to information, Mary is a 14-track LP, and will feature only live instrumentals, a difference from his previous released songs. Artistes featured on the album include: Chase, Obrafour, Mugeez, Efya, Akwaboah and others. Sarkodie made a grand entrance into the African music scene in 2009 with the release of his debut album, Makye. He followed it up with Rapperholic in 2012 before dropping Sarkology in 2013.

ULTRY Nollywood actress, Mbong Amata has been in the news lately and for good reasons too. Delving away from her first love which is acting, the thespian has launched a record label called Bong House. The mother of one followed the launch of the label up with the signing of an indigenous female rapper, Splash, as her first act. Splash was formerly signed to Brodock Music Group but parted ways with the label in April following the expiration of her contract. According to information, her new deal with Bong House will see her re-enter another recording agreement, but details of the deal are yet to be disclosed. After flaunting her new

•Amata

Don Jazzy gets Instagram verification

M •Obama

S Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta hosts his US counterpart, President Barack Obama, MultiChoice Africa has partnered Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) to provide a comprehensive coverage of the visit. This includes all public events featuring President Kenyatta and President Obama. According to the management of Multichoice, beginning today to Tuesday, July 28, DStv and GOtv will be at the centre of the ‘Obamamania’ action in Kenya. KBC will broadcast all the events live on KBC Channel 1 and Heritage TV in Kenya. “We are thrilled to open up this channel dedicated to

providing the whole of Africa with first-hand information about this significant moment for Kenya, and indeed the rest of the world. As part of our commitment to providing our subscribers with relevant and up-to-date, world class news and current affairs, this dedicated channel promises to provide gripping coverage of the tour by US President Barack Obama and his host, Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said the CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Tim Jacobs. “We are delighted to partner MultiChoice on yet another momentous period in Kenya’s history,” said KBC Managing Director and MultiChoice Kenya Chairman, Waithaka Waihenya.

AVIN Records CEO Don Jazzy has been verified on one of the biggest social media platform, Instagram, placing him the second Nigerian to achieve that feat after Nigerian international, John Mikel Obi. Verified users of the photo sharing app are identified with a blue tick beside their profile. An excited Jazzy drew the attention of his followers yesterday when he posted on his page; “Instagram decided to verify guys. Make I thank them before them remove am o. In case na mistake. (I fit don jinx am sef)”. His verification comes barely a day after the Chelsea midfielder. One of the first to felicitate with the music maverick was none other than his signee and protégé, Reekado Banks. The excited singer posted on his Instagram page; “When your father is verified... You automatically answer the name too (even if na surname). So henceforth, call me #ReekyVerified. God bless you boss @donjazzy. They ain’t seen

•Don Jazzy By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

no’in yet. #SMD #MAVIN #DONJAZZY #DONDOROBUCCI #VERIFIED.” Presently, the award winning producer has 684,000

followers on his Instagram account. Known to be a very active user of social media, Don Jazzy was verified on Twitter three years ago, and has over a million followers on the micro-blogging site.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

dele jegede at 70: A humanistic interrogation of a sage

ROF. Dele Jegede’s face is iconic, his mien is defined with immense dignity and his demeanor, characterised by inimitable assertiveness. He may not be physically massive, but he carries an air of poise and self-respect. Attaining the age of 70 does not betray any physical fitness. In spite of the slight furrows on his forehead and the deepening lines etched on both sides of his upper lips, Prof dele jegede’s face remains robust. The thick dark hair on his head contrasts sharply with the bushy white beards that delineate his sagacious visage. Each strand of his gray beards mirrors years of dynamic assiduity, scholarship and creativity. dele jegede’s introspective looks epitomises remarkable erudition, affective profundity and technical dexterity. In order to contextualise Prof. dele jegede’s genius, his biography will be interrogated, thereby revealing reasons behind the success of the sage. Born in 1945 in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State of Nigeria, dele jegede is one of the reputable scholars that emerged from the ancient town notable for many significant hills. Indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti are appraised as Omo Oloke Meji tako tabo. This is in reference to two enormous hills known as Orole and Olosunta whose magnificence serves as landmark for the agrarian community. The two hills are mythically personified as male and female; thereby lending credence to the humanistic philosophy that defines reality by two opposing principles. Africans in particular uphold this philosophy in order to create social and spiritual balance. The concept of dualism recognises the delicate balance between life and death, good and evil, day and night, right and wrong, male and female among other uncountable social, moral, religious, political and economic choices we make daily. dele jegede seems to construct and reconstruct his perception of life on the interrogation of these opposing principles. Whereas he often aspires towards the utopia in his art and scholarship, he, nevertheless, depicts this by decrying the ills of the society. For example, in an attempt to promote social equity and demand for the dividends of democracy in Nigeria, he held an exhibition titled Paradise Battered in 1986. Semantically speaking, Paradise connotes the utopia, but dele jegede conceptually created an impression of chaos and disorderliness by adding the word battered in order to admonish the societal ills. dele jegede and Niyi Osundare are both indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti, and they are acclaimed wordsmiths. Prof. Niyi Osundare is an award winning poet and scholar whose splendid cultural verses resonate all over the literary spaces. dele jegede as a visual artist does not

From Kunle Filani

TRIBUTE only draw and paint with unusual formal candour, his numerous scholarly publications are marked by rhythmical prose. He employs poetic devices of assonance and alliteration in order to maximise critical reflections in art. Typical of his formal and thematic articulation of human existence is the poem written in 2013 during a healing process after suffering a great loss. The effusion of passion in the verses is so emphatic that a reflective reader becomes schooled in stoicism. The appropriation of the childhood memories and the communal perception of Orole and Olosunta hills seem to serve as poetic metaphor for both dele jegede and Niyi Osundare. Both are very critical of the societies they lived in, and often lampoon the Nigerian system in order to accelerate a more socially and economically balanced nation. dele jegede attended the famous Yaba College of Technology, Yaba-Lagos, Nigeria in the late sixties and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria in 1973. He bagged a First Class Honours and won many prizes, therefore attesting to his studiousness and brilliance. He immediately joined some of the hardworking art graduates of the Zaria School, who obtained their degrees in the 1970s to form the nucleus of what could be referred to as the second generation of Zarian artists. Notable among his contemporaries are the late Sina Yusuf, his close friend Kolade Oshinnowo, David Dale, late Gani Odutokun and Joshua Akande among a few others. Most of their works in the 1970s and even till now are naturalistic with varying degrees of stylisation. They schooled in the post-independence era when Nigerians were still celebrating the crude oil boom. They, therefore, em-

dele jegede seems to construct and reconstruct his perception of life on the interrogation of these opposing principles. Whereas he often aspires towards the utopia in his art and scholarship, he, nevertheless, depicts this by decrying the ills of the society. For example, in an attempt to promote social equity and demand for the dividends of democracy in Nigeria, he held an exhibition titled Paradise Battered in 1986.

• Prof jegede

braced joyous and profane themes rendered with remarkable graphic and painterly skills. However, dele jegede was more critical of the Nigerian society using the outlets offered by the various newspapers he worked to create cartoon strips such as Flower Power (19791986) and Kole the Menace (1984 – 1989). The two major characters, Bobby in Flower Power and Kole Omole in Kole the Menace were cast as precocious children, who parodied the systemic failures of the Nigerian state during

the military dictatorship. The objectification of children to satirise the state of the nation was intentional. dele jegede used cartooning to play down the acerbic criticism of the ferocious dictators. The funny juvenile characters of Bobby and Kole lightened the otherwise ‘subversive’ content of the strips. The fluidity of lines and the rapidity of the pen drawing of the car•Continued on Page 52

‘I will love to reincarnate as artist’ •Continued from Page 14

love that made itself elusive. But the more unconcerned she appeared the more determined I was to prove that I was worthy of her hand. Although she always contests my claim that it was my cooking that eventually sealed the deal, it seemed that she ultimately took pity on me, especially after learning of the day that I almost got crushed by a “tipper” as I made a dash across Ikorodu Road trying to catch a Somolu-bound danfo to her place at Akoka. No matter. Joke remains my adorable friend, partner, wife, and counsellor. She is a woman of unparalleled strength, something that I became even more appreciative and respectful of in the wake of the cataclysmic shock that the loss of our son, Ayo, unleashed on us in 2011. Without Joke (who was herself grief-stricken), my story would have taken a tragic turn. Are there any memorable experiences at the early stage of your stay in US? I learned pretty quickly that the United States is at once opened and closed. It is through its openness and transparency that I was able to secure a job based solely on my academic and professional pedigree. It was the same system, one that places premium

on excellence and healthy competition, that ensured my rise within the academic system. I became, at two different times and in two states, chair of two art departments. This could have been achieved only through a transparent academic culture. But I also learned that if you were, like me, thoroughly immersed in your cultural heritage, you would have a steep culture shock to contend with. Thankfully, my immediate family provided the succor that I needed. It could get easily dreadful and lonely for those who do not have that kind of support. I learned that racism, both overt and covert, is alive in this country. I learned that a considerable degree of naiveté permeates the American social fabric with particular regard to how people from Africa are generally perceived or related to. I once ran into an American couple at the mall. Once I confirmed my African pedigree, the next question by my new mall friend was whether I knew his wife’s boss, a certain Stephen who is also an African, from Tanzania! But my overall experience has been nothing but positive. What are the post-retirement plans? There is a caveat to this retirement thing: it pertains only to my job as professor. The plan,

thus, is to roam; to produce, explore, and become creatively pontifical. This I will do without being bound by geographic demarcations. A two-day conference (July 23 and 24), which Kunle Filani and his team organised, comes under the aegis of the Society of Nigerian Artists. It is gratifying to be accorded this honour and I am beholden to all who are involved in this gesture. In July 2016, I will be having a solo exhibition at Terra Kulture. This is the immediate project. Along the side, I will, where practicable, participate in a few group exhibitions across continental divides. The primary goal is to immerse myself in my studio life and savour the pleasure of professing my art. Of course, opportunities to contribute essays, deliver lectures, and consult for a diverse array of organisations, abound both in Nigeria and the U.S. Having lived and studied in US for so long, what is the performance level of African artists in Diaspora on the global scene? Laudable. So much has happened in the last two decades that has catapulted artists of the African Diaspora to the stratosphere. It is probably not that helpful to adhere to the old, rigid idea of compartmentalising artists on the basis of media singularities or geo-

graphic location. In the 21 st Century, the boundaries have become so pulverised that what emerges, at times, is essentialised more by notional specificities or idiosyncratic givens than by traditional media. From Southern Africa to the Maghreb, from West Africa to East Africa, there is a catholicity of creative expressions that was either not fully made manifest or was simply non-existent a mere two decades ago. As part of this robust emergence of African art on a global scale, we should recognise the origination of vibrant, collateral fields that have quickly become formidable in the curating, analysis, and historicisation of the artists and the various genres that exist. Auction Houses such as Bonhams and Arthouse Contemporary, for example, have broadened access on a global scale. A cursory look at the list of Diasporic scholars of African art reveals the dominance of some of Nigeria’s best scholars. If you were to come to this world again, would you be an artist? My answer is unequivocally yes. Additionally, I would, with the benefit of hindsight, amplify my interest and talents in theater and music. But I would still marry Joke.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Anambra partners NTDC on Green City

IRECTOR-General Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mrs Sally Mbanefo has described the Green City Project in Anambra State as a viable means of converting waste to wealth for revenue generation and job creation. She said that the project when fully developed would create 20,000 jobs in two years and boost Nigeria as a preferred destination for the growing eco-tourism market. Mbanefo spoke at a one-day sensitisation workshop for stakeholders in tourism in the state held at Awka, Anambra State capital. She said that the Green City Project is designed to deliver the green city initiative as a differentiating platform for Nigeria’s eco-tourism credentials with bio-fuel refinery for conversion of waste to wealth with other attractions like demonstration farms; botanical gardens; hotels; housing estates; sport facilities; industrial parks; solar farms; water parks, health malls, display of tourism artifacts that portray our cultural heritage. “The corporation has already found an international investor to sponsor the project for garbage to be converted into bio-fuels and bio-diesel that will be in stations manned by the youth and women in every state that can boast of huge garbage content. Dense population is a key success factor, Abuja, Onitsha, Ibadan, Kano and Lagos are excellent project models,” she said Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano who lauded the foresight of the NTDC boss, Mrs. Mbanefo said his administration is ready to give the project the needed push to ensure its success in the state. Governor Obiano said tourism development and promotion are prioritised by his administration describing the Green City project as a viable catalyst to creating employment in the state and the country at large, and also ensure a clean environment, “which my administration has been committed to since its inception.” He said Anambra State government is looking forward to having a good and progressive working relationship with NTDC and assured tourism stakeholders that his administration will open up one of the unique tourist

• From left: Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Uju Nwogu, Mbanefo and Governor Obiano. By Ozolua Uhakheme to thrive since all the garbage in each state must be centralised Assistant Editor (Arts) and cleaned off the streets, which she hoped would inspire

TOURISM attractions in the state, Ogbunike Caves, located in Ogbunike town in the Oyi local government area of the state. He added that the government would advertise the cave to enable the people of the state benefit from the tourist attraction. “Ogbunike Caves have 11 entrances, but only one has been explored. We shall open up other entrances to the unique tourist site, build a 5-star hotel and a game centre, among other world standard facilities around the site; then advertise it, and our people will maximally benefit from it,” Obiano assured. The NTDC boss also commended the governor’s “Operation Clean Up Anambra” as the best foundation for waste to wealth

dele jegede at 70: A humanistic interrogation of a sage •Continued from Page 51

toon drawings cast dele jegede among the greatest draughtsmen in Nigeria. By 1986 when dele jegede exhibited Paradise Battered, he declared a revolutionary manifesto to uphold nothing else but social and political activism, using radicalism as the expressive content of his art. He, therefore, elevated his artistic offerings beyond formal aesthetics to nuanced thematic orientation. dele jegede explored issues that were problematic with the government and the Nigerian people by highlighting the despicable aspects of national realities. The metropolitan city of Lagos became his constantly referenced metaphor for the emergent negative urbane characteristics, attitudes and values. He illustrated figures in comical forms while contextualising the systemic rot within the society. His excellent skills in draughtsmanship afforded him to break the rule of proportion. He often elongated the human figures and cast images in carefree and open ended compositions. The titles of his works and even exhibitions parodies the popular grammatical verbal and vocal lingo often found in the expressive culture of Lagos city. dele jegede did not only consolidate himself as a respectable modernist artist in Nigeria, he also pursued scholarship by obtaining his master’s degree and PhD in Art History at the Indiana University, U.S.A in 1981 and 1983 respectively. Roy Sieber, an erudite professor of African art supervised his PhD project. His thesis in 1983 was perhaps the first on contemporary Nigerian Art. He has since published numerous well researched articles on African art history and on African Diaspora art history, especially when he eventually relocated to the United States (US). Between 1989 and 1992, dele jegede became the president of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) succeeding Prof. Solomon Wangboje. His proactive administrative skill is still admired up till date by the members. He ensured the official registration of SNA with the Corporate Affairs Commission and strategically carried out far reaching reforms in the organisation. During his brief stay in Nigeria after obtaining a doctorate, he lectured at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba and while at the University of Lagos, he became the Director, Centre for Cultural Studies between 1989 and 1992. His dynamism opened up discussions on the eventual creation of the Department of Creative Arts a few years after he left. His sojourn in the US witnessed a booming career in aca-

demics. His focus of research and teaching was in African art history and African American Art history. He demonstrated excellent intellect while occupying professional chairs at Spelman College, Atlanta, Indiana State University, Terre Haute and Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He researched on migrant and dual identity while enunciating diasporic conflicts. He cushioned the dilemma of relocation, which often results into what Cornelius Adepegba called “Split Identity” by constantly coming back to his roots to support local artistic and cultural programmes. He straddles the physical and virtual borders of creative, curatorial and academic spaces of local and international territories by sheer audacity and intellectualism. He debunked the jaundiced historical narratives of some Western scholars that depicted African art and culture both at home and in Diaspora as primitive and inferior to the Europeans. He reconstructed art historical narratives that critically theorised the fecundity of African cultural practices and established a dynamic kinship with the black migrants and the Diaspora. His writings like his paintings are expressively passionate without violating the sensibilities of others. He equally promoted the image of the artist, and indeed, that of the African as a cerebral and mettled individual, who knows his onions in the global vision of contemporary society. He successfully chaired many international associations and academic boards. Behind every successful man, there is a woman, who stands as pillar of encouragement and support. dele jegede once describe his wife Joke as “my vociferous supporter, critic, friend and wife”. dele jegede’s diverse and productive life is no doubt as a result of the enormous support given by his family, relations, friends and colleagues. In spite of his great achievements, he remains humble. He profusely appreciates minor gestures of support and due respect given by admirers. His sense of humour belies his underlying astringent social comments and expressive temper whenever things are not properly done. dele jegede’s handwriting is calligraphic and he writes his name in minuscule letters. This sage deserves to be celebrated at 70. May he live more numerous and fertile years to the benefit of humanity. •Dr. Filani is an artist and art historian. He is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for dele jegede @ 70 celebrations.

other state governors to launch ‘a waste to wealth green city project.’ Mbanefo who described Governor Obiano as a passionate administrator, willing and expended all his energy to ensure high quality of life for the people of the state, urged the Anambras to support the governor. Mbanefo urged the people of Anambra to embrace domestic tourism, this she said, will create more jobs and wealth in the society. She added that the people should endeavour to relax and recreate, as these ensure longevity and good quality of life, whilst appealing to other state governors to explore a waste to wealth opportunity for their states.

P-Square, D’Banj others lift Nigeria’s image at Mama Awards

IGERIA’S image as the music headquarters of Africa was given a boost last Saturday night in South Africa by many Glo ambassadors who dust other African Artistes at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) held in Durban. Top among the Glo ambassadors who led the list of Nigerian artistes that won in different categories at the popular music awards were Dapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, and the duo of PSquare. While D’banj won the maiden MAMA Evolution Award, PSquare took home the Best Group Award and Artiste of the Decade. D’banj won the award ahead of other super stars such as 2face and Asa who were nominated in the same category. The Evolution category was introduced for the first time this year to celebrate artistes who have not only made huge impact on the African music scene, but also taken African music to the global entertainment scene. The winner was jointly decided by MTV Base and online voting through Twitter and Instagram. PSquare also beat some African heavy weights to clinch their award. They included Beatenberg of South Africa, Sauti Sol of Kenya and B4 of Angola. The Nigerian twins also won ‘Artiste of the decade’, in recognition of their consistency at the top of African music over the years. There was more recognition for Glo brand artistes as a third ambassador, Damini Ogulu, whose stage name is Burnaboy, won an award for his collaboration with AKA, Da Les & JR: (SA/Nigeria) on ”All Eyes On Me”. Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, and Di’ja of Marvin Records who were recently signed on as ambassadors by Glo were also honoured as ‘Dorobucci’, a song in which they featured prominently was named the ‘Song of the Year’. Award-winning actor OC Ukeje and ace c o m e d i a n Basketmouth, who are also Glo ambassadors, were nominated for the Personality of the Year category. Ayodeji Balogun ( W i z k i d ) , nominated for the Best Male Category and the Song of the Year Category, and Flavour (Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli)ý, nominated for the Best Live Category, completed a memorable night for acts on the Glo ambassadorial list. •D’Banj

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

BUSINESS EXTRA NIMASA gets acting DG

ALISTUS Nwabueze Obi, a lawyer, has been named Acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), following the handing over by Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi as directed by the Federal Government. Obi, who until this appointment was the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services in the

Agency brings over two decades experience in public sector, law practice and the maritime industry to his new responsibility. Born on May 1, 1964 Barrister Obi who hails from Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State studied Law at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991 after duly completing the mandatory studies at the Law School.

Orange goes for Airtel’s assets • Airtel: no plans to quit Africa

F • From left: President, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Mr Balami David; Chairman of the occasion, Capt. Bayo Araba and one of the lead discussants, Capt. Prex Porbeni, during an aviation stakeholders forum in Lagos...yesterday.

Privatisation will continue, Buhari assures foreign investors

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari yesterday spoke of a plan by the Federal Government to widen the scope of Nigeria’s privatisation policy. The President listed aviation, telecommunication, energy, gas, solid mineral, health and infrastructural development, as areas requiring private investment. Buhari dropped the hint yesterday in Washington DC at a business forum organised by the US Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa. Assuring that there is no going back on the ongoing privatisation programme, Buhari said the government would embark on the privatisation of the listed sectors with improved moral architecture, even as he challenged Ameri-

• President woos American investors in solid minerals, gas, aviation, health, other sectors From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

can investors to take advantage of the liberal trade and investment climate to do profitable businesses in Nigeria. He said: “It is my intention to create the necessary environment for future investment in Nigeria. We are the most populous nation with largest market in Africa with vast human and natural resources and blessed with abandoned young skilled workforce “We are therefore proud candidate to become the destination of choice for United States investments in Africa. “I work assiduously to welcome new investors’ tour coun-

try. I will like to remind you all that we are continuing in major privatisation programme with sectors ranging from telecommunication energy, gas, solid minerals, aviation, health and infrastructural development but with improved moral architecture. “We will also simplify Visa procedures based on principle of reciprocity. May I therefore, seize this opportunity to formally invite the American business community to take advantage of our liberate trade and investment climate to do profitable business in Nigeria. “While I recognise the pivotal role of government in

Shippers Council seeks probe of N20b Calabar Port dredging

HE Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Cross River State has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the N20 billion contract awarded to Calabar Channel Managemnt (CCM) for dredging Calabar Port by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The shppers lamented that the dredging contract has become a conduit pipe through which successive administrations in the country looted funds, adding that every 10 years, the contract is awarded, money paid while contractors disappear from site after collecting money. NSC President Mike Ogodo told reporters yesterday that this is the third time the dredging has been abandoned. He alleged that CCM that the former ruler awarded the N20 billion contract does not have any known office in Calabar, the state capital. The shippers also urged the governor, Ben Ayade, the House of Assembly as well as the entire country to look into the matter Ogodo said: “From information in public domain, a

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

contract is awarded for the dredging of the Calabar Port every 10 years. The first was by the government of General Sani Abacha in 1996. This contract has no evidence of execution. The little unknown Chinese company showed up for a while and vanished. And it was all over with the dredging of our dear Port. Ten years later in 2006 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, the same contract was awarded again to two Dutch companies at a total cost of $56 million. Both companies abandoned the job. “They vanished like their Chinese friends of 1996. Meanwhile our pain grew, our suffering persisted as shipping activities at the port grounded to a halt and the port fell out of favour with shipping lines due to the shallowness of its access.” He added that on November 17, last year, represented by ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, Jonathan began the dredging of the port to the joy and happiness of all stakeholders who had worked hard behind the scene and prayed to make

that event a reality. He said: “We are shocked that CCM that won the N20 billion contract has no identifiable office in Calabar. It will serve public good for this company and its Managing Director, Mr Peter Hekken, to come clean with stakeholders and the Nigerian public and explain why they are no longer interested with the continuation of the job. They should tell Nigerians and the authorities how much of Nigerian tax payers’ money they have collected for this job and how much verifiable work they have executed. “The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) signed off this contract on behalf of the Federal Government with the approval of the Federal Executive Council granting it the direct authority to fund the project. “It is for this reason we hereby call on the management of the NPA to inform Nigerians and the new administration of how much money it has disbursed to CCM with respect to this contract and for what quatum/work value. Is it true that NPA has fully disbursed N20 billion to CCM?”

facilitating and promoting economic growth, the private sector must assume an increasing role as part of the engine of growth. We’ll welcome genuine investors who are willing to come to Nigeria for solid mineral exploitation.”

RENCH operator Orange has said it is in talks to buy Bharti Airtel’s subsidiaries in Africa, fuelling speculation that this might be Bharti’s first step towards a complete sale of its African business. But in a swift reaction, the Indian cellphone biggest carrier, said yesterday it had no plans to exit Africa, despite beginning exclusive talks with Orange to sell four of its units there. “We remain fully committed to our Africa operations and will continue to invest in its growth and building a profitable business and accordingly have no plan to exit,” the company said in a statement yesterday in response to a query from Reuters. On 9 June 2010, billionaire Sunil Mittal spent $9 billion to become a global firm. It bought Kuwait-based Zain Group’s telecom assets in 15 countries in Africa, the next

By Lucas Ajanaku

big frontier for growth for Asia’s successful entrepreneurs. It took on $8.5 billion in debt to fund its ambitions. Five years later, the company is yet to declare any profits or meet any of its growth targets. Airtel had big plans for Africa—a target of 100 million subscribers, up from 42 million at the time of acquisition, $5 billion in revenue, up from $3.6 billion, and $2 billion of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) which is a measure of a firm’s profitability. By March 2013, less than three years after the acquisition, long-time lieutenant of Mital, Manoj Kohli moved to Nigeria to head the new business. But it has never met these targets and now it looks like Bharti may have bitten off more than it could chew.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-07-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-07-15

Equities gain N97b in renewed rally

HE Nigerian stock mar ket reopened yesterday with a stronger rally as bargain-hunters sought to take advantage of relatively low prices of quoted equities. All major indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed generally positive sentiments with substantial increase in turnover volume and value and aggregate market value of all quoted equities. With 28 gainers to 20 losers, aggregate market value of all quoted companies rose from its opening value of N10.628 trillion to close at N10.725 trillion, representing an increase of N97 billion or 0.92 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI), the composite value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted stocks, rallied 0.92 per cent to close higher at 31,332.39 points as against its opening index of 31,047.99 points. The uptrend yesterday moderated the negative average year-to-date return at the stock market to -9.59 per cent. The positive momentum was also indicated by the steep rise in turnover with 375 per cent and 456 per cent per cent increase in turnover volume and

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

value respectively. Total turnover stood at 1.06 billion shares valued at N15.78 billion in 3,475 deals as against a total of 222.22 million shares worth N2.84 billion in 3696 deals traded in the previous trading session. The market turnover was driven mainly by large-volume transactions in Zenith Bank Plc, which recorded a turnover of 729.10 million shares valued at N13.01 billion in 263 deals. Access Bank occupied a distant second position on the activity chart with a turnover of 65.63 million shares valued at N341.6 million in 169 deals. “Given, the positive close today, we expect the same momentum to continue tomorrow,” SCM Capital, formerly Sterling Capital Markets, stated in post-trading review. Besides the preponderance of advancers to decliners, the rally was also boosted by gains recorded by some highly capitalised stocks. Nestle Nigeria, the highest-priced stock at the stock market, led the gainers with a gain of N16.93 to close at N856.93. Mobil Oil Nigeria followed with a gain of N5 to close

at N155. Total Nigeria rose by N4.05 to close at N164.95. Dangote Cement added N2.46 to close at N170.46. Seven-Up Bottling Company rose by N2.15 to close at N183.15. Forte Oil gained N1.90 to close at N190. Beta Glass gathered N1.71 to close at N35.91. Nigerian Breweries chalked up N1.40 to close at N129.60. Oando rose by N1.29 to close at N13.89 while Ashaka Cement gathered by 87 kobo to close at N21.92 per share. “The two-day rally in the market has been mainly driven by bargain hunting positioning ahead of earnings releases by quoted companies. However, we remain cautiously optimistic about market performance as earnings projections remain weak due to the weak macroeconomic conditions constituting operational difficulty for most companies. We continue to maintain that investors should adopt a medium to long term horizon in making investment decisions in the present market,” Afrinvest Securities stated in a cautious outlook for the market.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 21-07-15

THE N

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

MONEYLINK

Naira steady ahead of tomorrow’s MPC meeting T HE naira stabilised yesterday ahead of the regulator’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has fixed the 245th MPC meeting for tomorrow and next and has deployed a new measure to curb speculation on the naira. The currency closed at N197 to the dollar on the interbank market, unchanged from lask week’s closing level. Markets were closed on Friday and Monday for public holidays. The naira was trading at 240 to the dollar at the parallel market, compared with N241 per dollar on Thursday. Traders told Reuters that expectations that the apex bank could make pronouncements on the forex exchange market

By Collins Nweze

at its monetary policy committee meeting on Friday were supporting the naira. “Demand for the dollar slowed down a bit yesterday and the naira recovered due to speculations that the CBN could intervene in the market this week ahead of its MPC meeting,” one dealer said. Traders said the apex bank had asked bureau de change operators to request dollar buyers to provide their Bank Verification Number (BVN), a new biometric identification for commercial banks customers, in a bid to curb speculative bids.

Operators said the move is meant to help the CBN trace all transactions in the foreign exchange market. The regulator sells an average of $80 million to bureau de change operators each week, while operators also source dollars from individuals and corporations. Another trader said the directive on the inclusion of a BVN in all transactions could discourage people from entering the foreign currency market, exacerbating the dollar shortage and increasing pressure on the naira. Demand for the dollar rose sharply at the parallel market after the CBN banned some importers from accessing hard currency at the official interbank market last month.

Alleged N55b fraud: Court grants former Afribank director medical leave

USTICE Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, yesterday granted a former director of the defunct Afribank, Chinedu Onyia medical leave to the United Kingdom. Onyia alongside the bank’s former Managing Director, Sabatian Adigwe; it’s former Chairman, Osa Osunde; former Executive Directors, Jibrin Isah, Isa Zailani, Henry Arogundade and Isa Zailani; a stockbroker Peter Ololo, with his firm, Falcon Securities Limited, are being tried for alleged N55billion money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Onyia had through his lawyer, Kolade Obafunmo, filed an application dated July 10, seeking the leave of court to travel abroad for medical checkups. While arguing the application before the court on Tuesday, Obafunmo reminded the court of the approval of a similar ap-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

plication in 2011. ?Subsequently, Justice Akinlade obliged the defendant, but ordered that he returns his international passport on or before September 10 to the court registrar. The defendants were alleged to have granted questionable ?loans to different companies purportedly to buy shares in blue chip companies. A prosecution witness, Emmanuel Al-Hassan while giving evidence before the court alleged that the said funds were diverted for the personal use of the defendants. Al-Hassan told the court that Adigwe and other directors transferred N15 billion in favour of Rehoboth Asset Limited. According to him, the money was approved as loan by the defendants at the 252nd board meeting of Afribank to buy shares of blue chip companies

on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). He disclosed that the shares were not bought as agreed in the offer letter, rather the sum was eventually transferred into AIL Securities Limited account on September 15, 2008 through cheques 11418001 and 11418002. Al-Hassan stated that the defendants employed the same method to transfer another N15 billion in favour of Falcon Securities Limited on October 15, 2008, adding that prior to the transaction, Afribank and Falcon had maintained a banker-customer relationship. The witness further alleged that another bank account was opened in Falcon Securities’ name with “zero naira” for the purpose of transferring the N15 billion credit facility, adding that additional N15 billion was given to Falcon Securities as loan for the purchase of stocks of blue chip companies on the floor of the NSE.

•From left: Assistant Vice President & Group Head, Mass Market Banking of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adetunji Lamidi; a former Head of Chemistry Department, University of Ibadan, Prof. Oladele Osibanjo and Prof. Benjamin Ehigie at the launch of a book titled, "Consumer, Marketing and Advertising Psychology", written by Prof. Ehigie.

DataPro affirms Sterling Bank’s BBB rating ATAPRO, a Credit Rating Agency (CRA), has re-affirmed Sterling Bank’s long-term Rating of BBB with a stable outlook for the year 2015 to 2016. The BBB rating indicates that the bank has a fair financial strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the established standards. It further indicates that the bank has the ability to meet its on-going obligations subject to adverse changes in economic conditions.

The DataPro rating committee approved the rating after a review of the bank’s capitalization, earnings profile, liquidity, quality of assets and sustainability of its current healthy profile in the medium to long-term period. The rating is supported by the bank’s stable management, good capitalisation and strong asset quality. The rating took note of the fact that the bank capital adequacy ratio for the reviewed period was 14 per cent against the regulatory requirement of 10 per cent. Its

non-performing loans ratio of 2.5 per cent is also below the statutory regulatory limit of five per cent. Sterling Bank subsequently got a short term rating of A2. This reflects the bank’s capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. In conclusion, please note that in line with international best practice this rating carries a maximum shelf life of 12 calendar months. It should also be noted that the rating is not an offer to trade in securities and a substitute for the user’s judgment.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

Security operatives nab nine rustlers

JOINT security operation against rustling in Kaduna State has led to the recovery of over 2,000 cattle and rams. It was conducted in Birnin Gwari Local Government. Nine suspected rustlers were arrested. They were accused of ravaging the Kamuku forest. The arrest and recovery were made after the joint security operatives, including the military, the police and others raided the bandits at Birnin Gwari and Damari villages on Sunday and ear-

•Recover 2,000 cattle From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

ly yesterday. Three suspects were confirmed killed in the gun battle with the security operatives. Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, who visited the forest yesterday, hailed the security for the ‘swift intervention’ and promised that the government would support the operatives.

‘We will recover stolen cattle and tackle insecurity’ He said the operation was part of the offensive in the Northwest against rustling. His words: “So far, so good. We are satisfied with the work done by the armed forces in tackling rustling and insecurity, which had lingered.

“The operation was done in the six states that share the Birnin Gwari forest. They are Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna. “This operation is in the Kaduna State end, but it is also happening in the other affected states. “We will recover stolen cattle and tackle insecurity.” The governors of five states bordering the Kamuku Forest have agreed to form a joint security strategy to contain rustlers, who have stolen cows and killed people.

Nigerian drowns in Malaysian lake

NIGERIAN yesterday died in Tasik Dayang Bunting, popularly called the ‘Lake of the Pregnant Maiden’, in Bernama. He was found drowned in the 10-metre deep freshwater lake, one of the many tourism attractions on the island. The deceased was identified as Daniel Tochukwu Odoemenam, 27. A team of divers from the island’s fire and rescue department retrieved the

body at 6:39pm from the bottom of the lake. The body was sent to the Fisheries Department jetty in Bukit Malut before it was taken to the Langkawi Hospital. It was learnt that Odoemenam, a student at a university in Kuala Lumpur, was on holidays. This is the second drowning in the lake this year. In February, a 20-yearold Taiwanese died under similar circumstances.

Ortom presents supplementary budget

ENUE State Governor Samuel Ortom has presented a supplementary budget of over N12billion to the House of Assembly. The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Ruth Ijir, presented the supplementary appropriation bill before the lawmakers. Leading debate during the second reading of the Benue State Supplementary Finance and Appropriation Bill, 2015, the Majority Leader, Mr. Benjamin Adanyi, who was represented by the member representing Katsina Ala East, Mr. Iiana Jato, said the government proposed a supplementary budget of N12,940,350,511.50. He said: “This supplementary budget seeks to increase the N97,952,126,303.00 approved by the last administration, to 110,892,476,815.00.” Jato said the increased

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

budget was informed by the need to match the urgent economic realities with the aspirations of the present administration, adding that the reason for the upward review of the budget was to enable the government meet the needs and vision of the Ortom administration as well as improve the welfare of the people. He moved a motion that the bill be read the second time. Seconding the motion, the member representing Kwande West, Mr. Benjamin Nungwa, said there was need for the House to approve the second reading of the bill and subsequent passage, to assist in tackling the challenges confronting the state. The Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, referred the bill to the Committee of Supply, to be taken for the third reading.

Bello emerges BUK VC •Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, presenting fertiliser allocation paper to Alhaji Inuwa Baba, at Rabah in Sokoto...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

PDP, ALGON accuse Lalong of instigating conflict

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State and the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) have accused Governor Simon Lalong of taking actions capable of provoking political conflict. The accusation followed the suspension of council chairmen by the governor and his alleged refusal to respect a court injunction restraining him and the House of Assembly from tampering with the seats of

•Governor: I’ve not abused law From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos,

elected council chairmen. The PDP members and ALGON chairmen made the accusation after a peaceful protest to Police Commissioner Nasiru Oki at the command’s headquarters in Jos yesterday. The police boss addressed the protesters behind closeddoors for an hour. They com-

prised the suspended chairmen, the Zonal Vice Chairman of PDP (Central Zone), Mr. Yusuf Ishaya and the Legal Adviser, Bitrus Gyang. Governor Lalong said he did not abuse the law in suspending the chairmen, adding that they abused the court process. The Director of Press to the Governor, Samuel Nanle, said: “The actions taken by the governor on the local govern-

Community health insurance enrollees the citizenry is a sine-quaHE number of those hit 105,000 for non. That the country has who have enrolled in

the Kwara State Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) has increased to 105,000 , Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said. The scheme began in 2007. Ahmed, who spoke yesterday in Ilorin at a health insurance research and advocacy conference for stakeholders, said over 600,000 visits had been made by patients since the beginning of the programme. The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Elder Peter Kishra, said the aim of the scheme was to enrol 1,000,000 people in the rural poor segment. He said the ambition of his administration was to extend the scheme to rural dwellers and enrol civil serv-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ants. Ahmed hailed the adoption of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which he said was aimed to provide quality and affordable health care for the people, especially at the grassroots. He said the objective of the UHC could only be attained with adequate funding of health care delivery services. The governor said: “In view of the limited capacity of low income villagers to access quality healthcare, it is pertinent to broaden access through subsidised community health insurance. “For socio-economic development and political stability, qualitative health care

adopted the UHC is not only desirable, but is a call on the government to provide quality health care for the people. However, the attainment of UHC can only be ensured through effective and efficient health insurance.” Ahmed said to ensure the sustainability of the health insurance programme, a law called the Community Health Insurance Law was enacted in October 2012 to prioritise the provision of healthcare for low income groups through community health insurance. Said he: “The government has upgraded not fewer than 50 primary health care facilities, in addition to carrying out a comprehensive rehabilitation and remodelling of five general hospitals with a state-of-the-art equipment.”

ment administration are on the point of law and power of the governor. “The deployment of policemen to the local government secretariat is meant to be proactive. The governor has done the needful by sending the names of the new chairmen to the Assembly for approval, to fill the vacuum created, following the lawful suspension of the former chairmen.”

ROF. Mohammed Yahuza Bello yesterday emerged the Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University, Kano (BUK). He defeated 10 contestants in a keenly but peacefully conducted election. Prof. Bello, a former director, Project Monitoring and Evaluation in the university polled 834 of the 1,187 votes cast. Other candidates include Prof. Mohammed Abdullahi, 36 votes; Prof. Mohammada Sani Sule, 116 votes; Prof. Muhammad Dahiru Suleiman, 102 votes; Prof. Lawal Danladi, 17 votes. The rest are Prof. Kamilu

Bank disburses N85m loans to farmers

HE Dutse Micro Finance Bank in Jigawa State yesterday disbursed over N85million loans to 1,300 peasant farmers in the Dutse Emirate. The Managing Director, Alhaji Safiyanu Sulaiman, who addressed reporters in Dutse, said the gesture was part of efforts to support farmers, which was part of the bank’s objective. He said the soft loan was aimed at encouraging and improving agricultural activities as well as increasing farm produce. Safiyanu added: “One thousand three hundred people benefited. They included district heads, village heads, ward heads and other farmers selected from the seven local governments in the emirate.” He said salary earners among the beneficiaries would repay the loan be-

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

tween 10 and 12 months, and others would pay back between five and seven months after the sale of their farm produce. “Salary earners will repay the loan through deduction from source. Those who are mainly farmers will pay after they sell their farm produce at the end of the season.”

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Sani Fagge, 61 votes; and Prof. Abdulraman Adejo Audu, 17 votes. Prof. Bello, after being rectified by the Governing Council and the Presidency, will succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, who has spent five years.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

•Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (middle) and the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Osagie Okunbor (fourth right), during the managing director's visit to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt...yesterday.

IVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has urged major oil companies in the state to give their host communities a sense of belonging. The governor enjoined the Management of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to include Rivers State indigenes in the sale of its oil wells to investors. Wike spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, during an audience with SPDC management. The governor noted that the nonchal-

Delta bullion van accident: Police fail to arraign suspects From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

HE Ovwian Division of the Delta State Police Command yesterday failed to arraign the three suspects in the bullion van accident in which a woman, Mrs Onome Akporode, was knocked down last Monday. The accident occurred on Udu Road in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area. The case was scheduled for hearing at the OtorUdu Magistrate’s Court but it was adjourned till August 4, following the failure of the police to conclude investigations on the matter. Although the prosecutor declined to comment on the development, investigation by our reporter showed that the three suspects are: Tare Onome Joseph, Edozie Gabriel and Godwin Odobare. A source, who spoke in confidence for security reasons, said the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), on completing its investigations, would be in a better position to say whether or not Odobare was an accomplice in the case. The source said: “The VIO has not inspected the vehicles involved in the accident and the Ovwian Divisional Police Officer (DPO) failed to do the needful, which is a proper investigation on the case, before taking the suspects to court. “When the commissioner of police called him in the morning (yesterday), he said he was yet to do so and having been ordered to conclude investigation on the matter.”

Wike urges major oil firms to develop host communities lant attitude of some oil companies to the development of their host communities bred distrust and conflicts. He said records showed that SPDC had not been partnering the state government to develop projects for its host communities. Wike advised the company to change its approach to enhance better community relations. He said: “It is imperative for

oil companies to contribute to the development of their communities. Some people say these companies are not interested in their host communities because they are more concerned about themselves. Let the communities living around the areas where you operate have a sense of belonging.” Wike said he had received unconfirmed reports that SPDC workers paid their tax-

es to another state. The governor said it would be unfortunate if that was true, adding that SPDC should resolve any issue in such areas. He assured the management of SPDC and other companies operating in the state of tight security to enable them carry out their legitimate businesses. According to him, the state government had concluded plans to ensure the receipt of

the two armoured helicopters ordered by the previous administration for aerial surveillance of oil fields to prevent crude theft. Wike said it was important that qualified indigenes were given the opportunity to buy into SPDC, since the company sells its onshore oil wells to go offshore. The governor noted that the involvement of Rivers State indigenes in the ownership of

SPDC would strengthen the bond of both parties. SPDC’s Managing Director Osagie Okunbor called for the sustenance of the 50-year-old relationship between the company and the state government. He urged the governor to enhance the security of the company’s workers and investments across the state. Okunbor assured that SPDC would continue to invest in its host communities to promote a better working relationship.

Dickson lacks re-election value, Bayelsa PDP told •He is our best, says party elder

SOCIO-political group, Bayelsa Democracy and Development Initiative (BDDI), yesterday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Governor Seriake Dickson in the December 5 governorship election. The group said the party would fail woefully, if it allowed the governor to fly its flag for the election. But an elder statesman and a founding father of the PDP, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said Dickson remained the best candidate of the party for the election. The group, coordinated by a former Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan when he was Bayelsa governor, Dr. Konrad Welson, said a field research conducted by the group showed that Dickson lacked re-election value. According to him, before coming out with the verdict, the group interacted with people from the urban and rural areas. Dr Welson said the research involved men, women, students, workers, professional bodies and youths. He said: “We conducted a field research and survey. The findings show that a good percentage of people of the state are not favour-

Bayelsa PDP elders meet Dickson over defection

AYELSA State elders and members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have met with Governor Seriake Dickson, following the mass exodus of the party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the December 5 governorship election. A statement yesterday by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Daniel IworsioMarkson, said the elders met under the aegis of Bayelsa Elders Consultative Council (BECC). They were said those who defected from the PDP to the APC “are a disgrace to the Ijaw nation”. The elders unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the governor, urging him to recontest. They berated the defectors, saying they are “fair weather politicians with a savage mentality”. Dignitaries at the meeting included the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; former Military Governor of old Bendel State, General John Yeri, (retd.); Chairman of the Bayelsa State Founding Fathers’ Forum, Dr. Amba Ambaiowei and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Edmond Allison-Oguru. The statement said Dickson decried the spate of defection, adding that the defectors are ingrates, who do not mean well for the state. The governor noted that most of the defectors were major beneficiaries of Dr. GoodFrom Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

ably disposed to the re-election bid of the governor. “The state of affairs is the result of what the people perceive as Dickson’s failure to meet the expectations of the people who elected him in 2011, coupled with his hostile and divisive leadership style. Being the flag

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

luck Jonathan’s magnanimity, who abandoned him as soon as he lost the March 28 presidential election. He said such persons should have reciprocated the former President’s goodwill by remaining in the party instead of outright turning their backs against him. Dickson said: “These persons are clearly not for us; they are enemies of the Ijaw nation. It is sad that people who have benefited immensely from the PDP and Dr. Jonathan could, within so short a time, jump ship. Yet, they come and deceive us that they love us. These are not persons to be taken serious. We must not fall prey to their antics.” The governor urged security agencies to increase their efforts at ridding the state of criminality, despite the prevailing peace. He noted that the recent upsurge in kidnapping, piracy, killings and other criminal activities, might have political undertones, among other factors. Dickson decried the attacks on his administration. The governor said despite the distractions, the state government had continued to promote the freedom of speech and expression. On the state’s financial situation, Dickson said although there had been a shortfall in the revenue accruing to the state from the federal allocation, the government remained committed to paying workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements.

bearer of the PDP may lead to the loss of the party in the state.” The PDP chieftain claimed that the group’s interface with the political class and civil society organisations (CSOs) in the last three months revealed deep seated disdain and disappointment in the quality of leadership Dickson has offered.

Welson said the governor’s leadership style caused acrimony in the PDP, adding that his administration had failed to offer basic amenities, such as roads, hospitals and potable water, after three and a half years in office. He said: “...The BDDI admonishes the main opposition party in the state, the

All Progressives Congress (APC), not to take Bayelsans for granted by solely relying on the perceived and assumed influence of the Federal Government for their fortune at the forthcoming election. “The APC must work hard to present a candidate that is competent, credible and capable of governing the people.” The PDP chieftain advised politicians and the civil society to elect the best person to achieve social justice and good governance in Bayelsa. But Okorotie said the governor remained the best candidate the PDP could offer for the election. He said: “First, he has performed creditably, comparatively with any other governor that has ever ruled here. What he did in two and the half years is history. What has slowed down projects is purely a function of economic downturn. “You can only develop with money, especially when you are running a government of prudence and one that is not corrupt. “He (Dickson) has credibility. Apart from that, he is going into areas other governors did not have the courage to go into. For example, the three senatorial roads are federal roads. But he has gone to them. A road has reached Nembe; a road is approaching Oporoma.”

National Assembly's caucus condemns DSS for dabbling in Rivers politics

HE Rivers State caucus of the National Assembly has criticised the Department of State Services (DSS) for dabbling in the state's political affairs that is before the Election Petitions Tribunal. In a petition to the Director-General of the DSS, the caucus alleged that the agency was plotting to witch-hunt, coerce and intimidate elector-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

al and judicial officers handling the petitions on this year's general elections in the state. Sixteen senators and members of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, who endorsed the four-page document, criticised the agency's invitation of the Resident

Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and other INEC officials, including members of the various panels handling the election petitions on the 2015 general elections According to the lawmakers, the invitation was done to coerce and intimidate the officials with the alleged plan to influence the outcome of the various petitions before the tribunal.

The petition said: "We cannot but conclude that part of the script being played by your office is to concoct evidence in support of the petitioners' case at the tribunal where the petitioners pleaded that they shall rely on security reports at the trial, particularly the SSS report. "It is also not a coincidence that your drive and invitation to parties (INEC officers)

came after the private visit of former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to your office on or about Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Shortly after his visit, he assured the petitioners 'the DSS is game'. The caucus urged the DSS to stick to its statutory role of an unbiased, non-partisan agency, whose mandate is to defend the country without fear or favour.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS Continued from page 4

reject or cancel the bids earlier submitted and that is where public concern becomes necessary. “The Act was also established before the Jonathan administration came into power to ensure the application of fair, competitive, transparent, value-for- money standards and practices and the attainment of transparency, cost effectiveness and professionalism in the public sector procurement system. “The question is, where was transparency and accountability in the award of the contract? How many companies were invited to submit bids and went through the procurement proceedings before the contract was approved by the then President? Where is the record of the procurement proceedings? Where is the input of Nigeria Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, the Nigeria Bar Association and other critical

N20b Calabar Port contract sparks crisis stakeholders required by the Act?” But one of the three Executive Directors of NPA, a senior official of the ministry alleged, was ordered to report to the office from abroad about two weeks ago, to perfect the documents for the release of the fund to the contractor. “Of this amount, $7.5 million (about N1.5 billion) was paid before the board was dissolved last week and $27.5 million (about N5.5 billion) balance is billed for payment. “One of its Executive Directors was asked to report to the office from the United Kingdom about two weeks ago to pay NPA’s equity contribution of N120 million in Calabar Channel Management Limited, which was incorporated two years ago for securing the capital and maintenance dredging of the Calabar Port.”

Calabar Channel Management Limited is a partnership between NPA and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited. The company is said to be owned by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator. The decision to recall the ED was initiated by a former Minister in the Jonathan administration. His aim was to strengthen the hold of the contractor on the job and safeguard his interest in Calabar Port before another Minister and a new board would be constituted by President Buhari, The Nation learnt. The source said: “The former minister and the NPA board took advantage of the delay caused by President Buhari in dissolving boards of parastatals to hatch their plan for the payment of the contractor and NPA’s share capital in the firm. “These bills were not paid

since last August, when the contract was awarded. It was the refusal of a former NPA Managing Director (MD) to make the payments or represent the NPA on the board of Calabar Channel Management that cost him his job. “The former MD had cited the irregularities in the award of the contract and weary of falling foul of the law, given that there is a pending suit challenging the contract. NPA is the fourth defendant in the suit and is being represented by a legal team. “Officials of our ministry were shocked that a former NPA chairman, who was the first to condemn the attempt to manipulate the maintenance dredging contract in favour of the contractor, did not raise a voice against the decision to make these payments. “The Chairman had an alarm then that the consor-

Jonathan fails to shield ex-ministers from probe Continued from page 4

tive portfolios where funds were mismanaged have relocated overseas. Although most of these exministers promised to return home any time they are invited, only two or three of them have been coming to Nigeria. A former minister said: “I have been around. I have not gone anywhere. I am trying to earn my legitimate living. “The former President said he was in a cage while in power. I have also realized that we were all in a cage. We have to support the present administration to succeed.” Another former Minister said: “Some of us have tried

to lie low because we have paid our dues. We only need to rally round the new government.” The March accord, which was fostered by the National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections, was read by Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah at Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. The joint statement by Jonathan and Buhari, said: “You may recall that on 14th January, 2015, both of us, along with nine other party leaders, signed what has now come to be known as the Abuja Accord. “The substance of that Accord was our commitment to

free, fair and credible elections in our dear country. “In the accord, we agreed to, among other things, run an issue-based campaign and pledged that our electoral campaigns will not involve any religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling, both by ourselves and all agents acting in our names. “Now that the campaigns have come to an end, we meet today to renew our pledge for peaceful elections. “We therefore call on all fellow citizens of our dear country, and our party supporters, to refrain from violence or any act that may in any way jeopardise our collective vi-

Osinbajo, Yari discuss workers pay bailout Continued from page 4

the insurgency comes to an end.” On the lead poisoning in his state, Yari said it was aggravated by unemployment. The government, according to him, has organised miners into smaller groups to sharpen their skills in modern techniques to avoid reoccurrence of the disaster He said: “You see, the issue of lead poisoning in the past is about education. Our youths are unemployed and

they are looking inwards to the resources at their backyards; how they are going to get employed. So, they are doing the mining without directive. “Since this happened in 2010, many international groups, friends and donors have been giving them supports like DFID, World Bank, World Youths Organisation, among others. “If these guys cannot stop the mining, we should find a way of providing a better mining technique, as safety

mining techniques so that this lead poisoning will not happen again. “And we have been working tirelessly with these foreign supporters and lead poisoning has come to an end. “But, you cannot tell them don’t do it without giving them something to do. So, we put them in a kind of group and teach them the safe way of doing it and how to do it without being affected. So, the issue of lead poisoning is minimal or no more in the state.”

PDP plans to subvert democracy with summit, Ijesha APC alleges

EADERS of the Ijesa zonal chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Osun State has kicked against the summit being planned by some self-acclaimed Osun stakeholders. They said the proposed summit was nothing but a grand plot by ‘disgruntled elements’ in the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to subvert democratic tenet in the state and plunge it into a pre-meditated crisis. Relying on intelligent information, the leaders noted that core players in the plot, including Mr. Yinka Odumakin and Niyi Owolade, were men of ‘questionable character and integrity’, whose actions in the past had also been to serve as a

clog in the wheel of progress. The Ijesa group said: “The intention and clandestine activities of these personalities and their sponsors were well known. They are acting the script handed over to them by PDP, its governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore and the Osun East senatorial candidate, Francis Fadahunsi having been paid for the shady job. According to a statement by the group, Senator Omisore has allegedly been financing the ‘kangaroo’ summit on 'education and financial status' which has a preconceived end. The statement signed the APC Secretary in the zone, Prince Femi Kujembola, said: “The sponsor who is hell-bent at plunging the

state into chaos would stop at nothing to get through the back door what he could not achieve at a free and fair both at election and in the court. “The major players in the deal are people of compromised value who could not be trusted for anything, as they rely on blackmail, mudslinging and all sorts of dirty jobs to survive.” Kujembola described the conveners as “professional detractors and rumour mongers who want to capitalise on the prevailing financial challenges in the country to bring the entire state down through their evil plot. “None of them has integrity that can be protected,”the Ijesha zone of the APC said.

sion of a free, fair and credible election. “In addition, we call on INEC and all security agencies to ensure strict adherence to their constitutional roles. “We also pledge to respect the outcome of free, fair and credible elections. “Today (Thursday), we again renew our commitment to a united, democratic and prosperous Nigeria. We want to urge all Nigerians to stand together at this critical phase of our nation’s history.”

tium has no reference whatsoever of previous jobs done. They were alien to the Calabar channel project and did not even take part in the bids of 2010 and the later procurement.’’ “The consortium was not prequalified and did not pass through the selection like other companies. It, therefore, follows that the presidential approval for the appointment of the consortium led by Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited

to enter into a joint venture with NPA, which culminated in the agreement to form Calabar Channel was obtained without following due process,” the source said. This is the fourth controversial attempt at making Calabar River navigable. Two of them occurred under the Jonathan administration. Efforts to get the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of NPA, Mr Musa Ilya on phone proved abortive. His phone was off and he did not reply a text message sent to him on the issue. Besides, CCM officials were also not available.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

NEWS

Jonathan’s ex-CSO dismisses death rumours

R. Gordon Obuah, the ex-chief security officer (CSO) to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has dismissed rumours of his purported death in detention, saying: “I am hale and hearty”. Obuah, who spoke to reporters at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS), said he was being held to account for his stewardship under Jonathan.

Says: ‘I ‘m hale, hearty’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

Dismissing fears of a possible ill-treatment, Obuah said he was still in the service of the DSS, which he described as a responsible organisation that would never cause him harm or inflict pain on him. Looking healthy in a beige coloured kaftan, the ex-CSO thanked his family and the

Nigerian Air Force to set up aircraft hangar By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

HIEF of Air Staff (COAS) Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Sadiq said yesterday that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plans to establish a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar in the country. He spoke at a stakeholders forum organised by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport(MMA), Lagos. Sadiq , who was represented by Air Commodore Emmanuel Eze, added that the proposed MRO would to take care of all civil or military airplanes. He explained that the objective of the force was to ensure a hangar, where airplanes would be maintained to reduce the cost of operation for airline operators. The air force chief said NAF had set up international helicopter training school that had graduated two sets of students, adding that the school was not restricted to NAF personnel alone, but it was also opened to the public. He added that very soon NAF would set up the fixed wing training school, adding that it was working towards establishing a directorate of regulations and airworthiness. The essence of this, Sadiq said, was to ensure that NAF provides competent professionals for the aviation industry. On manpower development, he said: “We are assiduously working to see that the capacity of NAF personnel is welldeveloped”.

Party backs Fed Govt over ministers’ appointment

HE United Progressive Party (UPP) yesterday threw its weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to appoint his ministers and other cabinet members in September. UPP described Buhari’s reasons as unassailable, logical and convincing. The party’s National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, in a statement in Abuja on Buhari’s visit to the United States (U.S.) on the invitation of President Barack Obama, asked

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Nigerians to pray and support him. Buhari had said that it would be careless and irresponsible of him if, as a leader, he hurriedly appoints members of his cabinet without putting new rules of governance in place. The statement reads in part: “There is no doubt that many Nigerians were excited about President Buhari’s visit to the U.S. on the invitation of President Barack Obama.

public for their concern for his wellbeing. Obuah said it became necessary for him to clear the air on his purported ill health and rumoured death, saying the DSS had accorded him the privileges deserving of a serving officer. His words: “Ladies and gentlemen, I came out this afternoon to dispel the rumour making rounds that I was dead. This morning, I was shocked at the report in some media that I was dead. “This is me. I am hale and hearty. I was only invited six days ago by my employer to

give account of my stewardship as the CSO to the former President. As you can see, I am alive, hale and healthy. “Nigerians should be aware that the DSS is a serious organisation. As a security service, and more so the fact that I am still an employee of the DSS, I am constrained from divulging any more information until the right time. “I want to seize this medium to thank all Nigerians for their concern and care towards me. I also want to inform them that I am alive, hale and healthy”. Obuah was arrested on Thursday by operatives of the DSS and has since been in the custody of the agency.

•Obuah...yesterday.

Oronsaye gets bail on self recognition

ORMER Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF) Stephen Oronsaye and his co-accused Osarenkhoe Afe in a N1.4 billion alleged fraud case got a breather yesterday. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, before who they were arraigned on July 13 on a 24-count charge, granted them bail yesterday after listening to arguments on their bail applications filed on July 13. The judge granted Oronsaye bail on self-recognition. He allowed Afe on bail at N50 million, two sureties in the same amount each; one of who must be a civil servant of Grade Level 16. The judge had, after the accused persons were arraigned on July 13, asked them to file formal bail applications and released them to their lawyers, who were asked to undertake to produce them in court yesterday for the hearing of their bail applications. Yesterday, while the lead prosecution lawyer opposed the bail application by Afe, he did not oppose that of Oronsaye on the ground that the judge was disposed to granting him bail having earlier released him after his arraignment. Ruling, Justice Kolawole

•Company’s chief granted N50m bail, with two sureties From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

granted Oronsaye’s motion as prayed and added that “the 1st accused person (Oronsaye) shall, in consequence of the bail granted in his favour, deposit with the Deputy Registrar, Litigation, Federal High Court, Abuja, his international passport and diplomatic passport as the only condition for his bail and he is granted bail on self-recognisance as a former Head of Service of the Federation. “In making this order, I am not oblivious of the proposal made in ground seven of the motion on notice, wherein certain individuals, whose names were mentioned in the said ground, were being proposed as his sureties. “The status and calibre of a person such as Senator Ken Nnamani, a former Senate President, being nominated in the said ground seven speaks volume of the fact that my decision to grant the 1st accused person bail on self-recognisance was not misplaced or injudicious,” the judge said. He added that Oronsaye’s international and diplomatic

passports, which he deposited with the EFCC and upon which he was granted bail until July 13 when he was arraigned, should be retrieved and kept with the court’s Deputy Registrar, Litigation as the only condition for the bail granted him on self-recognition. On Afe, he added that one of his sureties, who may be in private service as an entrepreneur, shall own a property in Abuja worth not less than N75 million. He said any of the sureties, who is in private business, should produce his personal tax certificate for the last three years. The sureties shall swear to affidavit of means, provide their two recent passport photographs to the court. The judge directed lawyers to the 2nd and 3rd accused persons to write to the court, introducing the sureties as responsible citizens of the country. He said pending the perfection of the conditions for his bail, Afe should be allowed to remain on the strength of the bail earlier granted on July 13, but in the event that he is unable to perfect the conditions of

the bail just granted him before July 24, he shall be rearrested and remanded in Kuje prisons, Abuja, from where he shall be brought to court on the next adjourned date. He added that the undertaking made to the court by his lawyers shall lapse on midnight July 27. The judge frowned at the comment by prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who declined to oppose Oronsaye’s motion for bail on the ground that the judge was disposed to granting bail to him, having earlier released him on self-recognisance before his bail application was heard. Justice Kolawole said although Jacobs’ intention was to intimidate him, he has resolved since being a judge never to be intimidated by anybody. The judge, who is the vacation judge, adjourned the case to October 5 when the court would have resumed from its yearly vacation. He said he will return the case file to the court’s Chief Judge, who will decide which judge will handle the case after the court’s vacation.

Buhari pledges $1m to Africa’s efforts against Ebola

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has pledged $1 million (N230 million) to the continent’s efforts against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). This is beside the earlier $3.5 million commitment made towards the sub-regional EVD response. The donation, according to a statement by Director, Press Relations, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ayo Adesugba, was announced yesterday at the “International Conference on Africa’s Fight Against Ebola” in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The president, who was represented by Mr. Linus Awute, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, said the latest donation was in the spirit of Africa helping Africans in the Ebola recovery and reconstruction. Buhari stressed that Nigeria was committed to accelerating its efforts at assisting memberstates in achieving regional and international objectives of ridding the continent of EVD. Nigeria, the president added, was prepared to support research efforts in developing therapies and vaccines against the disease. He said: “Nigeria is commit-

•Government officials locked out From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ted to up-scaling its efforts at assisting member-states in achieving our regional and international objectives of ridding our continent of this scourge. “To this end, Nigeria had donated $3.5 million towards the sub-regional EVD response. In addition to this, Nigeria is also supporting research efforts in developing therapies and vaccines against this disease. These efforts are leading to the development of a promising Ebola therapy through var-

ious government and private sector partnerships. Nigeria is, therefore, committed to seeing these through. “As much as we know that one of the objectives of this conference is to make a current assessment of the impact of the Ebola outbreak crisis on the economies of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone to guide our response in the post-Ebola outbreak recovery and reconstruction, we also passionately guided by the spirit of ‘‘Africa helping Africans in the Ebola recovery and reconstruction,’’ which is the cardinal point of this conference to announce a

quick donation of an additional $1 million with the assurances of the commitment of Nigeria to this struggle.” He added that the upsurge of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone and Guinea and the reappearance of cases in Liberia, after being certified Ebola free by the World Health Organisation, confirmed that Africa was dealing with a regional and international health security emergencies of larger proportion. He called on the African Union Commission (AUC) to reconsider the immediate redeployment of volunteers to the affected countries, “until the job is done.”

Africa, Mandela days to hold in Abuja

EMBERS of the Diplomatic Corps will on Friday observe the 52nd anniversary of Africa Day and Nelson Mandela International Day. A statement from the Africa Diplomatic Group indicated that Africa Day “acknowledges the progress the continent has made, while reflecting upon its challenges in the global environment”. It is a yearly commemoration of the May 25, 1963, founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was succeeded in 2002 by the African Union (AU).

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The group could not celebrate the day on time this year because it coincided with events leading to national elections in Nigeria. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on July 18, 2009, launched the Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday. It is now a global movement that honors the late South African President’s lifetime achievements in making the world a better and peaceful place.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS Hissene Habre forced to appear in court

Mayors seek 'bold climate agreement' at Vatican

•Case adjourned till Sept 7

HAD’S former President Hissene Habre has been forcibly brought to court for the second day of his

trial for crimes against humanity. The trial has been suspended until 7 September after Mr Habre and his lawyers refused to speak to the judge. Mr Habre denies responsibility for the deaths and disappearance of thousands of people between 1982 and 1990. The trial marks the first time one African country has prosecuted the former leader of another. It follows a 25-year campaign to bring him to justice. Addressing the court on Monday, victims’ lawyer Jacqueline Moudeina said the trial was “in the name of humanity, a humanity which Hissene Habre never allowed his victims”. Many of Mr Habre’s alleged victims have been calling for him to face justice since his overthrow and exile in Senegal in 1990.

Polls close in Burundi presidential election

VERNIGHT gunfire and explosions kept turnout low yesterday as poll closes in Burundi’s presidential election. Three people were killed Monday night in unrest over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term that his opponents say is unconstitutional. Turnout was low in the capital, Bujumbura, and one province but 16 other provinces had a good level of voters, said the head of Burundi’s electoral commission Claver Ndayicariye. Results are expected in two days, he said. With some of the opposition boycotting the election and others charging that they were not allowed to campaign, Nkurunziza, 51, is not facing a strong electoral challenge. The U.S. State Department warned yesterday that the election is not credible. The U.S. is considering sanctions, including visa bans for those found responsible in the promotion of instability in the country, he said.Many fear that Burundi’s election may provoke widespread violence. Unlike the capital city, a high turn-out was reported in Nkurunziza’s hometown of Ngozi in northern Burundi where the president voted, riding up to the polling station on a bicycle.

OZENS of environmentally friendly mayors from around the world demanded yesterday that their national leaders take bold steps at the Paris climate talks this year, saying that may be the last chance to keep the warming of the Earth at levels safe for humanity. Some 60 mayors gathered yesterday at the Vatican for a two-day climate conference to keep the pressure on world leaders ahead of the Paris negotiations in December and to promote Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, which denounced the fossil fuel-based world economy that exploits the poor and destroys the Earth. The mayors are expected to sign a declaration later that states that “human-induced climate change is a scientific reality and its effective con-

trol is a moral imperative for humanity,” according to the final declaration seen by The Associated Press. In his remarks to the meeting, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced new greenhouse gas emissions targets for the Big Apple and urged other cities to follow suit. “The Paris summit is just months away,” De Blasio said. “We need to see it as the finish line of a sprint, and take every local action we can in the coming months to maximize the chance that our national governments will act boldly.” De Blasio is a founding member of an alliance of cities around the world that have committed to reducing their emissions by 80 percent by 2050 or sooner. He said New York was taking an interim step, committing to re-

ducing its emissions by 40 percent by 2030. The climax of Tuesday’s inaugural session was an afternoon audience with Pope Francis, who has become a hero to the environmental movement and has used his moral authority and enormous popularity to focus world attention on climate change and its effects on the poor. Francis’ other main priority has been to raise awareness about human trafficking. The Vatican conference is aimed at showing how both are related: The exploitation of the Earth and its most vulnerable people, with global warming often responsible for creating “environmental refugees” forced to flee homes because of drought or other climateinduced natural disasters. “Addressing these phe-

nomenon, climate change and modern slavery, is a herculean task for us as city administrators,” said Tony Chammany, the mayor of Kochi, India. The final declaration calls for financial incentives to transition from using fossil fuels to using low-carbon and renewable energies and to shift public financing away from the military to “urgent investments” in sustainable development, with wealthy countries helping poorer ones. Drawing rousing applause in one of the opening speeches, California Gov. Jerry Brown denounced global warming deniers who he said are “bamboozling” the public and politicians with false information to persuade them that the world isn’t getting warmer.

India Supreme Court rejects appeal of ’93 Bombay Yakub Memon decided to reNDIA Supreme Court blasts convict turn to India from Pakistan in threw out yesterday a last-

minute appeal by Yakub Memon, the only person to be condemned to death for a series of bombings in Mumbai in 1993, clearing the way for his execution after two decades in jail. He is due to be hanged on July 30. The blasts in March 1993 ripped through Mumbai, then known as Bombay, killing at least 257 people at separate

landmarks, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, a popular cinema and two crowded markets. Police consider Memon’s brother “Tiger” Memon and mafia don Dawood Ibrahim to be the main masterminds behind the attack, carried out to avenge the destruction of an ancient mosque by Hindu zealots in 1992. Both remain in

hiding, reportedly in Pakistan. Others originally charged in relation to the attack had their sentences reduced to life imprisonment in 2013. But Memon was found by the court to be the “driving spirit” behind the attacks, and his 2007 death sentence was upheld. While Tiger Memon has been in hiding since 1993,

1994, protesting his innocence. He was detained shortly afterwards in circumstances that remain unclear: he has said he turned himself in, but police claimed an arrest. Amnesty International, which campaigns against the use of the death penalty, said the rejection of Memon’s appeal was a “disappointing and regressive step”.

SPORT EXTRA JUNIOR AJAYI DECLARES

It’s do or die in Congo D

• Ajayi (left)

REAM Team VI inform striker, Junior Ajayi has said that his colleagues must play like wounded lions in Pointe Noire to get the three points at stake and qualify for the African Championship. The Dream Team defeated Congo 2-1 in the first leg held at the Adokiye Ameisimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday and would have to be at their best to leave Pointe Noire with the ticket. Shooting Stars Football Club top striker, Joel Ajayi scored the two goals before he was replaced

ITTF AFRICA SENIOR CUP

RESULTS Int'l - Champions Cup Roma 2 - 2 Man City (4-5) pen Int'l - Club Friendlies Barthelemy 0 - 4 Las Palmas Bayern 1 - 0 Inter Groedig 2 - 2 Hertha Berlin Ulm 3 - 3 Rennes Genoa 4 - 1 FC Wacker Napoli 8 - 0 Anaunia Frankfurt 2 - 1 Leeds Utd Achilles 29 0 - 1 NEC Cambuur 1 - 2 Kasimpasa Admira 2 - 0 Raanana Almere City 1 - 1 Heerenveen Coxyde 2 - 2 Club Brugge FC Oss 1 - 2 Heracles FC Zurich 2 - 4 Wolfsburg Shmona 0 - 1 Cardiff City Lillestroem 1 - 1 Hoffenheim PSV 4 - 0 FC Eindhoven Quick 20 0 - 10 Southampton Roda JC 0 - 1 Aachen Salzburg 1 - 1 Leverkusen Etoile Frejus 0 - 1 Nice Mallorca 1 - 1 Hannover 96

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja by Taiwo Awoniyi in the second half, but the player told NationSport that the invincibility of the Congo team has been uncovered since playing them on Sunday. “The way I saw the Congolese team with all humility we are not on the same level with them. We are far, far better than them, but because we were in hurry to convert our chances and that robbed us of many goals. The Chief Coach has told areas we need to improve and we have

commenced work on how to correct our mistakes before the return leg in Congo. “Sincerely speaking, we ought to have scored at least four goals in the game, but I am very happy that we still have everything to play for in the second leg. By the special grace of God, we will score goals in Congo. I and my friend Taiwo Awoniyi have vowed to score in Congo if the Chief Coach field us together in the return leg. “We (the players) have discussed and have resolved that we must qualify for the African Championship and also qualify for the 2016 Olympics. With God on our side, we will achieve all these. We cannot afford to miss out of qualification. We will work very hard to make Nigeria proud,” the talented striker affirmed.

All eyes on Quadri, Assar as tourney enters knockout

T is obvious that the fight for the title at the ITTF Africa Senior Cup in Yaounde, Cameroon, is between Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Egypt’s Omar Assar. From all indications, the two players are favoured to clinch the title ahead of others. Fans at the Palace Sports Complex believe the two players possess the quality to rule the continent. According to ITTF Publication Editor, Ian Marshall, “On the July 2015 Men’s World Rankings, Omar Assar is at no.47, Quadri Aruna is at no.60. However, the seeding is in Yaoundé is based on the African Ranking list, which takes into consideration continental tournaments in addition to

From Olalekan Okusan, Yaounde, Cameroon present day World Ranking. “Results gained at the 2011 All-Africa Games, the 2013 ITTF-Africa Senior Cup, the 2014 ITTF-Africa Top 16 and the 2015 ITTF-Africa Championships are the tournaments in question. Each has a weighting factor. The recent 2015 ITTF-Africa Championships possesses the highest status with a factor no.5 rating; next is the 2011 All-Africa Games with a factor no.5 status, whilst both the 2013 ITTF Africa Senior Cup and 2014 ITTF-Africa Top 16 are factor no.2. Add the current World Ranking at factor no.3 and the African Ranking list for both

Men and Women is produced.” The effect is that Omar Assar and Quadri Aruna are the respective second and third seeds in the Men’s Singles event followed by Congo Brazzaville’s Saheed Idowu, Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali and Suraju Saka, also from Congo Brazzaville. Nigeria’s Makanjuola Kazeem and Algeria’s Idir Khourta complete the top eight names. Notably on the Men’s World Rankings, Mohamed El-Beiali and Suraju Saka are both listed higher in the order than Saheed Idowu. Mohamed El-Beiali is at no.201, Suraju Saka at no.279 with Saheed Idowu being at no. 311.

ZENITH BANK WBL

First Bank BC takes on First Deepwater in semis

EFENDING champions, First Bank Basketball Club will take on First Deepwater BC in a semi final game today in the final phase of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League. The game comes up at 4 pm at the sports hall of the National Stadium, Lagos First Bank won all their group games with wins over Benue Princess, Nigeria Customs and IGP Queens to top Group A. First Deepwater with two wins finished second in Group B to set up a clash of former champions. Though First Deepwater are depleted due to the loss of Upe Atusu and Nkechi Akashile, they are still hopeful of putting up a good fight against the champions. First Bank assistant coach, Taiwo Adeniy told NationSport yesterday that the players gave a good account of themselves, predicting another title win if the players continue to apply themselves to the training of the coach-

By Adeyinka Adedipe ing crew headed by Adewunmi Aderemi. She also said that the players know that they have a big task at hand and would approach all their games with the serious they deserve. “I must commend the players for the good job they did against Benue Princess. They showed that that they have assimilated all they were thought while preparing for the game both in Lagos and Akure. Our target is to win the title and show that we are the best team in the league.” First Bank BC are yet to lose in this season and have stretched their unbeaten run to 17 games. In the second semi final, title hopefuls, Dolphins BC will slug it out with IGP Queens to determine, which team moves to the final, which comes up on Saturday. Dolphins are favoured to win this tie after proving that they have come of age this season with some eye-catching performances.

Kasimpasa can buy Kenneth Omeruo after loan

URKISH Super League side, Kasimpasa have an option to buy Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo after his season-long loan deal. Kasimpasa, who once paraded NigeriainternationalUcheKalu,finished 13th in the Turkish top flight last season. AfricanFootball.com first broke the player’s loan switch to Turkey. Nigeria international, Omeruo

does not have a future at Chelsea after loan spells at Dutch club ADO DenHaagandMiddlesbrough.The 21-year-old stopper, who was variously linked with Celtic, Lille and Granada, announced his switch to Turkey on his Instagram page. "New challenge #Kasimpasa," Omeruo announced. His adviser, Conleth Chika Akujobi, also confirmed the player’s transfer to Turkey.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO.3283

TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

ENULTIMATE Monday July 13, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Lagos, held the seventh in its series of annual lectures in honour of the Nigerian Nobel Literature laureate. The venue was Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers and the theme “Nigeria and the Oil Fortune.” Not being an oil man himself, the reason for the centre’s choice of Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufa’i, the governor of Kaduna State, as guest speaker was not quite apparent. But then as a self-styled “accidental public servant”, the first class quantity surveyor has had an abiding interest in public policy and public finance for many years. So it was no accident that WSCIJ picked him to speak on what is probably the most topical issue facing an oil-rich country that has virtually bankrupted itself precisely because it is oil rich! El-Rufa’i’s over 3,000-word lecture reminded me of the trademark one-inch column front page editorials New Nigerian was famous for in its halcyon days. Those editorials were compulsory readings if only for their style, syntax and substance. This particular one was published 41 years ago last month - on June 29, 1974, to be precise. At that time the late Malam Turi Muhammadu was editor and Malam Mamman Daura, nephew of, but older than, President Muhammadu Buhari, its managing director. Entitled “Oil Money: Honey or Poison”, that editorial is to me the most prophetic any Nigerian newspaper has ever written in post-colonial Nigeria. For that reason alone – not to mention its precision, clarity and relevance even today - it is worth reproducing in all its roughly 460-word length. “It is,” the editorial said, “commonplace to say that Nigeria is at the moment very lucky because of oil revenues. In a very real sense we have much more money than our system can absorb. Unofficial estimates put the figure added to our reserve this year at N2,000m. In many essential respects this bounty has been a blessing. It has enabled us to repay some of our outstanding foreign loans, liberalised commercial and industrial policies and has enabled increased revenue to be diverted to building of modern infrastructure commensurate with our executive capacity. “But the reverse side of this coin is painful to contemplate. The nature and source of oil money put it in a class of its own. A few years ago, a disturbing international report was published arguing in stark terms the failure of all underdeveloped oil producing countries to make more than marginal use of their splendid fortune. No effort is involved on our part. It is the foreigners who employ their capital and skills to exploit this resource and we simply receive huge autonomous additions to our national income. “Such un-worked for riches can land a country in trouble of a peculiar kind. There is soulless opulence of the few, in evil contrast to crushing poverty of the many. There is unimaginable corruption and disastrously wrong allocation of resources. Above all there is the absence of hard work without which the country cannot pull itself together. In that sense the oil money becomes poison rather than honey. How will an economic historian 50 years hence explain the relative expenditure on agriculture and on the various forms of so-called “culture”: All-African Games, Black Arts Festival and all the rest of it? He must conclude that we had taken leave of our collective senses. “Happily, in the Nigerian case, the situation is by no means irretrievable. We could deploy

RIPPLES Killings: WOMEN PROTEST NAKED IN DELTA

And what of NIGERIAN MEN?...Let’s start protesting NAKED too.

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

El-Rufa’i, PMB and our oil misfortune

•El-Rufa’i

considerable energies and resources in producing a commodity which is more important even than oil: food. We must at all costs get agriculture on the move again. There are millions of acres lying fallow when they could be used to grow food for our burgeoning population. The setting up of the two River Basin Commissions is a great step in this direction (although the staffing has ensured that the two schemes would not take off for some time.) “Nor are we unmindful of individual state efforts. But fiddling about with N10-15m is just like one grain in a silo. We need a monumental plan. A N500m plan with the help of, say, Danish and Chinese experts under our direction, would do wonders for grain productivity in this country. We may or may not have oil in 50 years. But to survive we must have food. The ground work can be done now.” The New Nigerian’s economic historian still has nine more years to go before he enters his verdict on how we have managed our oil fortune. Yet even today the historian would be dead right to conclude that we took leave of our collective senses long, long time ago.

In five years of Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency alone, for example, Nigeria, el-Rufa’i quoted United States Department of Energy as saying, earned nearly $500 billion from oil and gas trade, which comes to a stupendous N130 trillion! Yet today most human development indices say 40% of Nigerians, or about 70 million of them, live well below poverty line obviously because we’ve blown away all that good fortune in an orgy of incredible waste and venality. It all reminds one, again, of a survey The Economist published about the state of Nigeria’s political-economy in its edition of May 3, 1986, a few months after our soldiers overthrew the fiscally reckless Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari and Muhammadu Buhari took over as military head of state. “Nigeria,” the newsmagazine said in its abstract of the survey, “has had a stupendous party, but the wine merchants forgot to collect their money in advance. Now the debt collectors have arrived to find the winnings spent, the bottles and glasses mostly broken or stolen by the guests, and the soldiers who came in to keep order shooting each other.” Twenty nine years on after The Economist’s survey it’s like we are back exactly where the Second Republic ended, only far worse and only also that instead of khaki, the same Buhari has returned in mufti to clean up the huge mess left by 16 years of PDP misrule. Last time he hardly had enough time to start

RE: ASIWAJU AND THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP CRISIS Sir, I refer to the above article of last week and wish to submit that Chief Akande should have used the phrase “Most Nigerian elite” instead of “Northern elite” and that the conspiracy was against APC as a party and Buhari’s anti corruption crusade and not against the Yoruba. Secondly, you mistakenly wrote that APC has 69 senators. The correct number is 59. Ademola Akande, Port Harcourt. +2348057224608.

HARDBALL

O, three controversial contractors held a meeting to consider how to get the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay the money it allegedly owed them in respect of a threemonth oil pipeline security deal that took effect from March 16 in the Southwest and some parts of the Niger Delta. From the beginning, the contracts in question were politically coloured, which is a way of saying they were corrupted by politics and politicians. Politics remains in the picture, considering that the political figure who influenced the award of the contracts while he was in power, former President Goodluck Jonathan, failed to get a second term in office. With President Muhammadu Buhari in the saddle, there was no way his promise of change would not have changed things for the contractors. The non-renewal of the contracts after they expired was logical and reflected the public mood. “We are telling the NNPC , if you don’t renew the contract, at least pay for the job we did for three months.” That was the voice of Mr. Gani Adams, one of the contractors and a factional chief of the

cleaning up the mess before he was thrown out in a bloodless palace coup. The question is, can he do the job this time, especially now that he cannot simply order people around? To rephrase this question using the words of the theme of el-Rufa’i’s speech, can a civilian President Buhari turn Nigeria’s oil misfortune into a fortune? Like most ordinary Nigerians, el-Rufa’i believes the president can – provided he can slay what the governor has described as three “huge dragons” that stand in the way, namely “(1) a fixation with public ownership and control of every major oil asset, (2) the corruption and distortion that oil subsidy is inflicting on our economy, and (3) the NNPC in its current form...” Put simply, el-Rufa’i’s solution is that the president should privatise our refineries, remove fuel subsidy and abolish the NNPC as it is, whereby, as he said, it has, at least since 2012, kept about 42% of its revenues meant for the federation, for its self-aggrandisement! El-Rufa’i is, in a sense, right about fuel subsidy and NNPC in so far as they are creatures of the corruption that has eaten deep into the nation’s fabric. However, I am not so sure about his own fixation with privatisation. Public ownership of the means of production may have its downsides but then so also does private ownership. We have, for example, privatised our banks and our airlines but they have hardly been any more efficient or transparent than they were. Even the relatively successful privatisation of our telecommunications industry hasn’t made it as efficient as it can be, given its huge profits. The truth is, good governance and transparency, and even efficiency, is no preserve of any ideology. As for the corruption that has eaten into the nation’s fabric, the problem is not so much corruption itself but the impunity with which it has been practised. After all, no society can be corrupt-free. What is important is to make sure people see that there will in the end always be a day of reckoning, no matter anyone’s station in life. To succeed in this fight against impunity, the president, as el-Rufa’i said in his speech, needs every support he can get from the media and civil society organisations (CSOs), for no other institutions in the society have the power for advocacy, education and enlightenment that the media and CSOs possess. Only time will tend how consistent the president will be in his war against impunity and how much support the media and CSOs will give him.

Sir, The APC leadership should realise that the party is no longer ACN but a conglomerate of different political tendencies. Therefore, it should consult with all stakeholders and interests before rolling out decisions. Buhari’s government has had its task cut out for it, which is enormous. The crisis his party is witnessing at the moment is a distraction. Time is ticking and people are expecting action and not altercation. Adewuyi Adegbite. +2347013065440

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Crying contractors Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), who was quoted in a report. Adams said: “It is true that we met in Eko Hotel, myself, Dr. Fasehun and General Shoot-at-Sight and we discussed how we are going to get paid for the job done for NNPC.” More importantly, Adams distanced himself from a threat credited to Dr. Frederick Fasehun, OPC founder and fellow NNPC contractor. It is interesting to note that although rivalry between Adams and Fasehun split the OPC, the two leaders are joined or conjoined by what may be described as “the whiff of money”. The security contracts are reportedly in the multi-billion naira category. However, when it comes to what to do to make NNPC pay, according to Adams, “we did not say we would carry out any protest and that is why I came out to dissociate myself and my group from a plan by Dr. Fasehun to picket the offices of the NNPC…This is not a selfactualisation struggle, but business.” Ultimately, isn’t this business about “self-actualisation”? Or put differently,

isn’t this business about self-expansion? It is reasonable to argue that the business must have been profitable, even though the contractors keep playing down their personal increase. “About 4,000 workers were engaged by our companies – New Age Security Company owned by Dr. Fasehun; Galaxy Security Outfit Nigeria Limited owned by General Shoot-at-Sight and Donyx Global Concept Nigeria Limited owned by me.” That was Adams again. It is thought-provoking that Adams and Fasehun give the impression that their companies have not made any money from the contracts. Adams said: “We had to source for loans to pay part of our workers’ salaries.” Fasehun said: “We were not mobilised but we went ahead to do the job because we felt concerned that the nation’s lifeline was being threatened.” Now that they are crying about the contracts that made them laugh, they are paying the price for the politicisation of contracts.

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