July 29 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

The trouble with the economy NEWS

Pages 2,3&5

•Oil theft, others responsible

News ACN: INEC shouldn’t stop APC Sports Do more, Mourinho tells Moses News Ajimobi lashes Ladoja again

P6 P24 P9

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VOL. 8, NO. 2560 MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (fourth left), with (from left) Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, his wife Roli; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife Bisi and Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi, during the Zik Prize Award in Lagos...at the weekend. Kwankwaso, Fayemi, Uduaghan and Ihejiahi also won awards in Good Governance. Story on page 6 PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Abacha’s son, Etete fight over Malabu oil’s N34.4b cash

UK £3,000 visa bond to begin in November

D

ESPITE British Prime Minister David Cameron’s assurance that he will not sanction the controversial 3000 pounds visa bond, his government last weekend insisted it would begin the trial this November. The visa is to restrict some visitors from India, Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

They will have to pay the cash bond in return for visitor visas that allow them to stay in the UK for up to six months.

At the height of the controversy, David Cameron’s

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•Cameron

HE last may not have been heard of the controversial Malabu oil deal. Mohammed Sani, one of the children of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, is locked in a battle with a firm owned by a former Minister

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Dan Etete, over N34.4billion ($215m) which accrued from the sale of Oil Block 245 to Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigeria Agip Explora-

tion Limited and Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited.

The row between Mohammed Sani and Etete, who was a minister in the Gen. Abacha, has under-

Rivers crisis: Anxiety over House Leader’s health Continued on page 58

Boko Haram kills 20

PDP alleges plot to stall lawmaker’s trial Govt: it’s not true

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From Isma’il Alfa Abdulrahim,

S

Maiduguri

USPECTED Boko Haram members at the weekend shot dead more than 20 civilians in northern Borno State, a military spokesman said yesterday.

“The suspected sect members came armed and fired sporadic shots that killed over 20 innocent civilians,” Lt. Haruna Mohammed Sani, spokesman for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) said.

The violence took place on Saturday in Dawashe village, the army lieutenant said in a statement.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

IVERS State Assembly Leader Chidi Lloyds is going blind, his colleagues have said.

Lloyd, a lawyer, who represents Emohua Constituency, has been moved from the Police Officers’ Mess, Old Government Reservation Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, where he was detained on Friday, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). He is not allowed to receive visitors and has got no medical help, his colleagues claimed.

Speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt on behalf of the 27 lawmakers loyal to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, said Lloyd’s health was deteriorating. He needs medical attention.

Continued on page 4

Continued on page 4

•Military officers treating some of the injured victims of the Boko Haram attack...at the weekend

PHOTO: AFP

Continued on page 4

•CITYBEATS P10 •SPORTS P23 •CEO P27 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

2

NEWS

Cash crunch

• Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese John Cardinal Onaiyekan (right) , former Minister of Finance Adamu Ciroma (centre) and Head of Department, European Languages , University of Lagos, Timothy Asobele, during the public presentation of a book entitled PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE "Okunland Languages and Cultures Series ", written by Timothy Asobele in Abuja... at the weekend

With the revelation that the Federal Government may soon be unable to offset its financial obligations because of dwindling revenue, experts say incidence of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, bunkering and other anti-growth activities must be checked, writes Assistant Editor (Investigations) ADEKUNLE YUSUF

O

• From left : Chief Executive Officer, Notore Mr. Jite Okoloko, Lagos State Commissioner of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal, Special Technical Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Tunji Adedipe, and the Chief Executive Officer, Teragro Mr. Jide Adedeji, during the Agribusiness Food Security Summit held in Lagos.

•From left: Editor-in-Chief, BusinessDay Prof Onwuchekwa Jemie; Brand Manager, Malta Guinness, Wole Adedeji and Chief Executive Officer of HDI Youth Maketeers Ltd Joko Okupe at the BusinessDay Generation Next Survey Awards in Lagos...at the weekend.

• From left: Chairman, Avon Healthcare Limited Dr. Awele V. Elumelu, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme Dr. Abdulrahman Sambo and Avon Healthcare Limited CEO Mrs Simbo Ukiri at the launch of Avon HMO in Lagos...at the weekend.

F late, the atmosphere has been suffused with conflicting signals on the state of the economy, loud enough to drive the public into the panic mode. Although there are signs that the unexpected may happen any moment from now, the official position is that the economy is not heading for Armageddon. Some of the mantras of members of the Economic Management Team are: From whatever parameters and yardsticks that are adopted to measure the health of the economy, it is glaring for the discerning to see that it is growing by leaps and bounds and that it may soon come out of the woods and join the league of top-rated economies in the world. However, despite repeated official sophistry that there is no cause for alarm, available indices show that all is not well with the economy. Consequently, there is need for pragmatic last-minute measures to arrest the drift.

As grim and portentous as it may appear, news about the Federal Government’s imminent cash trouble is not a mere doomsday forecast. This revelation came from the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who told a bewildered nation recently that the country may soon be reeling from cash crunch. This, she said, may bring about inability to pay salaries.

Besides providing an inkling about the state of the economy, the fact that the minister said the government may soon start defaulting in the payment of salaries made the issue more dramatic. Although she had tried frantically to edit herself, ostensibly so as not to sentence the economy to unnecessary tremor, it was glaring from her submissions that the economic prospect is gloomy, at least for now. She is, however, happy to have Nigerians believe that the country is not broke. Yet, the economist in her often forces her to acknowledge the mounting fears in the public domain that the revenue projection for the fiscal year may not be met in the face of dwindling oil revenue accruing to the nation’s purse lately.

Due to the renewed stealing of crude oil, which is the mainstay of the economy, there is apprehension that the government is grappling with problems in its bid to implement the 2013 budget. Despite involving a plethora of security agencies to secure pipelines, including awarding fat contracts to some Niger Delta ex-militants to the same effect, the truth is that the economy, which depends almost solely on oil revenue, is merely racing on frail

• One of the several illegal refineries in the Niger Delta, whose activities are reducing the cash available for government spending.

limbs to join the best 20 economies of the world. Massive oil theft, resurgent illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism have fused to leave the economy bleeding. For reasons best known to those in power, security agencies have not been able to curb crude oil theft, thus further making the economy vulnerable.

Although the government has repeatedly maintained that it is committed to measures to diversify the economy, knowing too well that doing so is the surest route to stimulate real economic growth, oil export still accounts for more than 80 per cent of nation’s revenue and 95 per cent of the foreign exchange income.

That is why experts insist that any substantial hurt to Nigeria’s oil production capacity is the equivalent of an uppercut to her already fragile economy.

Here are the facts. Going by the monthly allocations to the three tiers of government from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FACC), only N3.893 trillion was received as gross revenue in the first six months of 2013, as against the projected revenue of N4.215 trillion for the period, leaving a shortfall of N321.73 billion. According to a FAAC document, the monthly budgeted gross federally collected revenue for the country is put at N702.54 billion, which it hopes to realise from three sources – mineral revenue, N465.057 billion; non-mineral revenue, N158.711billion and value added tax, N78.77 billion.

That is not all. A breakdown of the N3.893 trillion earned for the first half of 2013 is as follows: January, N651.26 billion; February, N571.7 billion; and March, N595.71 billion.

In April, May and June, revenue receipts by the country were N621.07 billion, N590.77billion and N863.02 billion. It is, therefore, apparent that the country recorded significant revenue drop between January and May. Other months, except June, also witnessed a revenue shortfall.

January, N51.28 billion; February, N130.84 billion; March, N106.84 billion, April, N81.47 billion and May, N111.77 billion.

However, there was a surplus of N160.48 billion in June as the country’s revenue receipts of N863.02 billion exceeded the budgeted N702.54 billion, which experts said was attributable to completion of pipeline repairs in some terminals.

With this grim financial outlook staring the country in the face, going by the revenue generation trend witnessed in the first half of the year, financial experts believe that the

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2013

3

NEWS

puts the economy on crutches

•Dr. Jonathan

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

•Boyo

FACTS AND FIGURES N8.43tr

N3.893tr

$5b

$262.61b

The GDP of Nigeria as at the end of 2012, as reported by the World Bank

Sovereign debts - both foreign and domestic. The World Banks warns that the debt to GDP ratio should not surpass 25 percent.

8.4 %

23.9 %

112m

Inflation interest rate as supplied by the NBS as at June

The National Bureau of Statistics said unemployment rate increased from 21.10 in 2010.

Official number of Nigerians living below poverty line, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Amount projected to be collected as gross revenue for 2013. However, going by current revenue generation trend, the country may end up making about N7.78tn

Amount in the excess crude account. It was down in July from $12billion

country may end up raking in about N7.78 trillion for the 2013 fiscal year, instead of N8.43 trillion it projected, unless revenue generating agencies redouble their efforts and plug loopholes.

Oil theft as albatross

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ORRIED by the frighten ing trend, Dr OkonjoIweala admitted that the country is losing 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to illegal bunkering and oil pipelines’ vandalism. That means a whopping 20 per cent of the daily production capacity of two million barrels is creamed off by daredevil criminals. She spoke during her appearance before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Appropriation/Finance in Abuja on July 16.

She said: “We are losing revenue; 400,000 barrels of crude oil are lost daily due to illegal bunkering, vandalism and production shut-ins. I have to clarify that it is not as if the entire 400,000 barrels is stolen, no.

What happens is that whenever the pipelines are attacked and oil is taken, there is a total shut down. All the quantity of oil produced for that day will be lost because it means government cannot sell it and it means a drop in revenue.”

The minister added that the persistent drop in the nation’s projected revenue was the reason President Goodluck Jonathan sought to amend the 2013 Appropriation Act,

Amount received as gross revenue in the first six months of 2013 out of N4.215 trillion projected for the period, leaving a shortfall of N321.73 billion

as against sending a supplementary budget to the National Assembly.

With the revenue shortfalls facing the country, said Dr Okonjo-Iweala, there was no way the government could afford a supplementary budget.

“You cannot talk of supplementary budget when your revenue is going down. That is why we are asking for an amendment to restore the money that was removed,” she added.

The shale oil challenge What the government has not admitted is the effect of the shale oil on the economy. Rising shale oil production in the United States has slashed light oil imports from Nigeria by more than half.

“The shock waves of rising US shale gas and light tight oil… are reaching virtually all recesses of the global oil market,” the the International Energy Agency (IEA) wrote in its 2013 Medium-Term Oil Market Report.

In the first three months of 2013, US refiners cut their crude imports from Nigeria and elsewhere to just 681 million barrels, down from 785800 million barrels in the same period in 2012 and 2011. The reduction has fallen entirely on light grades, which Nigeria supplies to the U.S. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), imports from Nigeria, which produces light low sulphur oils, have fallen more

N7.35b

Amount Nigeria loses daily to oil theft, illegal bunkering and forced shutdowns, leaving a daily production shortfall of 400, 000 barrels of oil out of its 2million barrels production capacity.

N7.56tr

than 52 million barrels, making the country the worse hit.

The IEA said: “As light crudes from Nigeria and Algeria are displaced from North American refineries, they must find new markets in Europe and Asia, where they compete with local supplies such as Brent and Malaysia’s Tapis.”

Not a sweet music As expected, news that a behemoth Federal Government may run into possible cash problem cannot be sweet music to the ears of discerning Nigerians, especially coming at a time officials of government have inundated the public with sweetheart statistics about the muchtalked about impressive performance of the economy, which, they say, the much-vaunted Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan administration has made possible. Stunned by the disturbing news about the state of the economy, the Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, sounded a note of warning, saying a further revenue drop could hurt the nation’s economy beyond repair.

Rewane said: “If indeed about 400,000 barrels of crude oil are lost every day, that’s about 20 per cent of daily oil production. Remember, crude oil is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. If they take away 20 per cent of your salary, you know how that will affect you. Nigeria cannot

survive on what will be left if that amount of revenue is lost every day.”

Henry Boyo, a political economist, expressed a similar disgust that Nigeria is losing so much to oil bunkering despite having spent a huge amount to secure oil facilities and pipelines.

“It is quite surprising that despite the huge amount that has been spent by the Federal Government to put in place security patrols on the coasts of the Niger Delta, oil bunkering has reached this stage,” Boyo said.

Prof. Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School said the diversification of the nation’s revenue streams, and not worries about a drop in revenue, should be the government’s immediate concern.

“I have always belonged to the school of thought that suggests that only a small percentage of the oil revenue should be shared between the three tiers of government. I have even suggested, even though with tongue in cheek, that Nigeria should cap its oil wells so that we can make a conscious effort at developing other sectors. All kinds of individuals who should not have been anywhere near governance are running to become public servants because of oil revenue. We have been killing other sectors of our economy.

Maybe we need to be broke to return to our senses and dedicate more time to other sectors, such as agri-

culture and manufacturing,” he said.

But it is also an open secret that the manufacturing sector, Utomi referred to is in a shambles. According to Rasheed Adegbenro, acting Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the full potential of the manufacturing sector, which is one of the few economic activities with the highest multiplier effects, is hamstrung. He identified drastic reduction in the level of electricity supply to industries, harsh operating environment, infrastructure gap, multiple taxation and insecurity as some of the limiting factors for businesses and urged the government to address these issues.

Yet, at every opportunity, cabinet members have never missed flaunting the economic performance record of this administration, with a promise that things can only get better. For example, on May 29, while giving account of his stewardship as contained in his mid-term report, Jonathan scored his administration high in the handling of the economy, though he conceded that the public also reserves the right to come up with their own marking scheme, as long as the assessment guarantees fairness This drew flaks from several quarters, especially his critics. Like her boss, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was even more assertive on the state of the economy, boasting with an air of aplomb that the country is heading towards the right direction under the watch of Jonathan and members of his economic management team.

Among other things, she said as part of what she called the green face of the economy, that the exchange rate at N155-160 to a dollar is stable. The minister added that Nigeria is posting an economic growth rate of 6.5 per cent, which is said to be good enough for an economy that contends with huge infrastructure deficit, endemic corruption, epileptic electricity supply, and other daunting investment challenges.

Is the economy growing?

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ITHOUT doubt, the issue of economic assessment is highly polemical, if not a subjective issue among economists.

However, if measured by the performance of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which stands at $262.61 billion, experts say there is no gainsaying that Nigeria’s economic profile is quite pleasing and promising.

By measuring the status of the economy through GDP, which measures the national income and outContinued on page 5

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

NEWS Abacha’s son, Etete fight over Malabu oil’s N34.4b cash Continued from page 1

scored the personal intrigues behind Malabu oil deal and how it is rubbing off on the nation.

•From left front row, Director of Administration and Personnel, Osun East Education District Office, Mr Fatai Awoyeye; Manager, Opon-Imo Project Management Office, Mr Oyekunle Odelola; Project Manager, Mr Sam Omoruyi; Director Inspectorate Osun East Education District Office, Mr Adagunodo Sunday; Deputy Director Inspectorate Osun East Education District Office, Mr Francis Bamidele; Principal Education Offices, Osun East Education District Office, Mrs Olajide Margaret and others, during the Training of Secondary School Teachers in Osun East Education District on the usage of Opon-Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) at Oduduwa College, IleIfe, Osun State…at the weekend

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Tension over plot to remove Customs boss

HERE is tension over alleged moves to remove the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Dikko Inde Abdullahi next month.

There were also fears of likely mass retirement of senior officers should the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs penciled down as Abdullahi’s successor is appointed.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that although Dikko is due to complete his first term on August 18, there is pressure on the government by a group to ease him out before the date.

Some forces in government, including ministers, have however pitched their tent with Dikko due to his enhanced performance in office.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Some forces are already pushing for non-renewal of Dikko’s tenure for second term in office.

“To seal his fate, they have plotted his removal from office before August 18 as it was the case with the former Comptrol-

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Furore over retirement of senior officers

HE frosty relationship between Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, may have worsened following disagreements over the sacking of three Assistant Comptroller Generals of Customs.

While Okonjo-Iweala is said to be pushing for a recall of the retired Assistant Comptroller Generals—Dr. Olusegun Agbaje, M. Jamo and E. O. Offem, following petitions written by two of them to the National Security Adviser and the minister, Abdullahi is insisting that the retirement of the officers followed due process as approved by the Board chaired by Okonjo-Iweala.

Our correspondent gathered that a stormy session of the Board has been fixed for today with the sole agenda of determining the fate of the retired officers who claimed in the petition that they were unjustly retired to pave the way for AbdulFrom Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ler-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, who was removed a few days to the end of tenure.

“The CG of Customs’ case has however assumed ethnic dimension following rumours that an Assistant Comptroller-General

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

lahi’s preferred successor.

On receipt of the petition, Okonjo-Iweala, in a memo dated June 30th, demanded explanations from Abdullahi, noting: “there are several of these complaints, please let me know what is going on.”

Copies of the petitions obtained by our correspondent indicated that Agbaje, while claiming to have been issued a retirement letter without the approval of the Board, said he was unjustly retired on the pretext that he was not medically fit.

Offem, in a petition addressed to the NSA, Alhaji Sambo Dasuki, noted that Abdullahi “actually planned to retire us to clear way for his choice of officers whom he wants to handover the service to for obvious reasons.”

There no evidence that the third person, Jamo, Continued on page 58

of Customs from the Southeast has been penciled down to replace Dikko.

“If the ACG is given the slot, it will lead to mass retirement of customs officers from the North.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “I can tell you that

there is a split in the Federal Executive Council. Some Ministers want Dikko retained; others are opposed to the CG’s retention.

“The ball is in the court of President Goodluck Jonathan to address. Thrice, the same cabal wanted Dikko out in the last one Continued on page 58

The $215million is, however, stuck in an Escrow Account with JP Morgan Chase.

The Federal Government had on April 29, 1998 granted an Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL 245) for oil block 245(Block 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas, owned by Etete.

But on 30th March 2001, Malabu and Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) entered into a Farm-in Agreement and a Deed of Assignment under which Malabu assigned 40 per cent equity interest in OPL 245 to SNUD. The Federal Government on 2nd July 2001 revoked OPL 245 and by a letter dated the 23rd May 2002, awarded the oil block to SNUD on the basis of a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) following a competitive bid with another international oil company - on the invitation of the Federal Government.

Based on the re-award of the oil block, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) December 22, 2003, executed a PSC with SNUD( hereinafter referred to as the 2003 PSC ) granting SNUD the right to exclusively operate Block 245 as contractor for a term of 30 years.

The revocation of the oil block led to various law suits involving FGN, Malabu, and SNUD. According to records, the Federal Government on 30th November 2006, executed a settlement agreement with Malabu “without admission of liability for any alleged wrongful, unlawful, unjust or any like conduct agreed to re-allocate Block 245 to Malabu in consideration of Malabu discharging and releasing the FGN from all claims and suits filed by Malabu against the FGN in connection with the revocation of Malabu’s interest on 2nd July 2001.”

The out-of-court settlement letter, dated December 2, 2006 was signed by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Edmund Daukoru.

Following international arbitration, the Federal Government agreed to pay $1.092, 040,000 to Malabu Oil and Gas in full and final settlement of any and all claims, interests or rights relating to or in connection with Block 245.

The cash was paid into a depository account with J.P Morgan Chase Bank NA, managed from London.

But following issues raised by Abacha’s son, Malabu Oil and Gas could only access $801, 092, 000. 000 of the $1.092.040.000 billion.

The two parties (Mohammed Sani Abacha and Malabu Oil Continued on page 57

Boko Haram kills 20 in Borno Continued from page 1

He said men from the Civilian Joint Task Force, a vigilance group formed in Boko Haram’s bastion Maiduguri, to combat the Islamist gunmen who have been terrorising the region for many years, entered Dawashe to search for suspects.

The suspected Boko Haram members subsequently opened fire in the village, the spokesman said, adding that the 20 victims were mostly fishermen and traders.

Sani said a dozen other civilians sustained gunshot wounds during the incident but provided no information on casualties among the belligerents.

The toll and circumstances of the incident could not be imme-

diately verified independently.

Among those killed were five members of the “Civilian JTF” who were on a manhunt for Boko Haram in Mainok town, 58km west of Maiduguri.

The attack on the “Civilian JTF” was the first since the group took courage to hunt down Boko Haram in the state in the last two months.

It was also confirmed that a heavily armed Quick Reaction Squad from MNJTF had been deployed to ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.

Dawashi, Daban-Masara and Malan karanti villages are believed to be the stronghold of the insurgent.

Continued on page 58

Rivers crisis: Anxiety over House Leader’s health Continued from page 1

Kwanee, a lawyer, who represents Khana Constituency 2 and also the Chairman, Parliamentary Exchange and Mentorship Programme of the Pan African Parliament, revealed that the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, was away in Namibia for the conference of Commonwealth Parliamentarians.

The 27 lawmakers said: “We need to ensure that democracy is respected in Rivers State.

Hon. Chidi Lloyd reported himself to the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday. He was flown into Port Harcourt on Friday. We thought he would be charged to court that day.

“As I speak with you now, he is being held up at the State CID by the same police authorities under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu. “Hon. Chidi Lloyd was blindfolded, tortured and teargas was sprayed all over him.

We have been refused access to him. We have just been informed that Hon. Chidi Lloyd is going blind, occasioned by the teargas that was sprayed all over him, particularly in his eyes. Medical help has also

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Govt, Rivers PDP disagree over lawmaker’s trial

HE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Chief Felix Obuah, has accused Governor Rotimi Amaechi of plotting to scuttle the prosecution of the Leader of the House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd.

Obuah said he received “reliable” information yesterday that Amaechi had directed the Rivers Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, to lay ambush against the prosecution of Lloyd at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

The Rivers PDP chairman, who spoke through his Media Adviser, Jerry Needam, noted that Amaechi had never cared to visit the representative of Obio/Akpor 2 Constituency, Michael Okechukwu Chinda, both in the Nigerian and London hospitals, neither offered any assistance nor sympathised with him and his family.

In the fracas of July 9 at the Assembly, Lloyd used the fake mace procured by the

been refused him.

“Today (yesterday), the 27 pro-Amaechi lawmakers have met in all the churches. We have been praying, seeking God’s intervention. We all know that Nigerians are prayerful people. We are also not losing sight of the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to a lot of conventions and treaties bordering on human rights.

“We are assembling a team

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

five anti-Amaechi lawmakers for the attempted impeachment of the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, to hit Chinda, who was injured.

Obuah said: “Governor Amaechi is hell bent on frustrating the prosecution of Hon. Lloyd, through the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, evidence that the governor is comfortable with the life-threatening harm that Hon. Lloyd caused Hon. Chinda.

“If Governor Amaechi desires peace, he would have gone to see the badly-battered lawmaker and shown concern, for the sake of humanity, but instead of that, he is plotting that the Attorney-General of the state should enter a nolle prosequi to terminate the criminal proceedings to be commenced against Hon. Lloyd.

“Such an action will not only be morally wrong, but amounts to an abuse of office

of lawyers, who will look at the possibility of putting together all the human rights abuses that have been inflicted on Hon. Chidi Lloyd, the leader of the 7th Assembly, with a view that if justice cannot be got on the shores of Nigeria, human rights transcend borders.

“We may seek justice to ensure that Hon. Chidi Lloyd’s rights are protected and his

and miscarriage of justice. It will heighten bitterness and provoke the sympathisers and relatives of Hon. Chinda, who may be forced to believe that the action of Hon. Lloyd was not an accident, but planned and masterminded by the governor and Lloyd.

“Irrespective of what has happened, it is inhuman and absolutely wrong for the governor to be blocking the due process of justice in such a highly-sensitive case, where a lawmaker would have murdered another on the floor of the House, as was shown on television.

“Much as nobody is perfect, the actions we take when others are deliberately injured will help to heal wounds and soothe pains.

“If the Rivers attorney-general goes ahead to issue a nolle prosequi to terminate the trial of Hon. Lloyd, the situation might heighten tension and further threaten the

cause is also ventilated, probably in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), if it comes to that. The Speaker will also draw the attention of the Commonwealth to the ugly development.”

The pro-Amaechi lawmakers also lauded Senators for concurring with the members of the House of Representatives in taking over the Rivers Assembly, which they de-

Continued on page 58

scribed as a welcome development and in the best interest of Nigerians.

They described the commissioner of police as a “major” problem in the deepening political crisis, insisting that the decision of the National Assembly to advise that he be redeployed should be heeded.

The 27 lawmakers noted that with a “neutral” police commissioner, they would be able

•Amaechi

to sit. To them, the reconciliation committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), headed by Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, will not serve the interest of Rivers State.

Earlier, in a statement issued yesterday, 25 of the 27 lawContinued on page 58

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

5

NEWS Continued from page 3 put for a given period, economists explain that officials of the government are absolutely right to say the Nigerian economy is on an even keel.

But is the GDP the best index for measuring the health of any economy, especially a developing one? Experts disagree. According to Utomi, using the GDP to gauge the health of the economy is open to a lot of flaws, since it can aid reaching a distorted conclusion about the true health situation of the economy being measured. His reasons: “It can engender a situation where a few people have an unfair share of the output of the country, thus opening the system for social tensions since the purported growth will not stimulate job creation or wealth.”

Besides, the inclusion of massive government spending, which sometimes may not be beneficial to social welfare, alongside market transactions, detracts from the usefulness of measuring the economic outlook through the GDP. “One of the problems of using GDP or output to measure the economy is that you can have a situation in a country where some individuals can have an unfair proportion of the output of the country. It is even more problematic when what they get is significantly disproportional to their input as a situation where you have people who have a lot of money without having a business that is creating wealth or employment. That kind of economy is likely to create a lot of social crises and tensions,” Utomi said.

Soaring unemployment

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CCORDING to experts, one democracy dividend that will truly gladden the hearts of the masses is to defuse the ticking time-bomb, which the soaring unemployment rate has become.

While the higher institutions churn out thousands of graduates every year, the rate of their absorption into the ailing economy is terribly low, leaving millions of graduates to continue to pound the streets in the major cities in search of gainful employment. By the recent figure of the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS), unemployment increased to 23.90 in 2011 from 21.10 in 2010. Expectedly, bourgeoning unemployment rate has become the manure that is fast feeding poverty escalation in the nation. Despite official news that the economy is posting impressive improvements in its various sectors, it is distressing to note that the economy is losing more and more people to the wrenching hands of poverty. From all available situation reports, it is obvious that poverty has increased considerably in the last few years, for there is an increasing number of Nigerians slipping below the poverty line. Going by a 2012 frightening statistics by the NBS, about 112 million of the 160 million Nigerians were whipped into poverty. By that figure, it means 67 per cent of the population is finding it hard to eke out bare existence.

But it is not only the local institution that has a message that is not music to the ears of Nigerians. According to the United Nations Human Development Index for 2013, Nigeria ranks 153 of 186 countries.

As if that is not enough, the report says further that the average life expectancy in Nigeria is 52 years, meaning that many Nigerians will die before the mandatory 60 years retirement age. Also, the World Bank, in its May 2013 Nigeria Economic Report (NER), carpeted the economic outlook of the country, which it says is gloomy, saying the number of Nigerians living in poverty is increasing too rapidly for comfort.

The NER said: “Poverty rates remain high in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. These rates declined between 2003-2004 and 2009- 2010, although not nearly as fast as would be expected from the pace of economic growth in the country. While the officially reported growth rates

•Rewane

•Some jobless youths protesting at the gate of SPDC oil feild in Afam.

Cash crunch puts the economy on crutches Ours is a jobless growth economy, says Utomi Respected economist Prof Pat Utomi speaks with ADEKUNLE YUSUF on the state of the economy.

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HAT are the best indices for measuring the actual health of any economy?

There are many ways that you can measure the health of an economy. One of my favourite ways is to assess it through the quality of life of the people. Very closely tied to the quality of life of the people is the level of employment or unemployment, because if people are going to live decent, quality of life, they need to have income. And to have income, they have to be employed.

There is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI tells you a great deal about the quality of life of the people. UNESCO and UNICEF also have indicators that are generally tied around infant mortality, education of young people and all of those things. They matter a lot because in the modern world, you can look at the state of human capital by the quality of education in an environment and easily extrapolate it with the quality of life of the people because the better you are educated, the stronger the human capital, the more productive, the greater the output. So you can use all of those to measure the performance of the economy. But there are some old traditional measures for measuring the economy; they are based on output per person. That is what the GDP and co focus on.

Which one better measures the status of the economy?

One of problems of using GDP or output to measure the economy is that you can have a situation in a country where some individuals can have an unfair proportion of the output of the country. It is even more problematic when what they get is significantly disproportional to their input as a situation where you have people who have a lot of money without having a business that is creating wealth or employment. That kind of economy is likely to create a lot of social crises and tensions. Why? If you have no jobs being created as a result of growth, which is what we have in Nigeria now, the so-called jobless growth economy, the tendency that you will have many people who will become militants, insurgents and many people who will take to a lot of crime – obviously, when you have that kind of situation, we can also say that you don’t have development. The most meaningful development is the one that creates a lot of middle class. There might be a few people outstandingly rich and a few people very poor, but most people will generally be middle class people who can live decent quality of life, send their children to good schools, have the of GDP well exceed population growth in the country, the pace of poverty reduction does not; this implies that the number of poor Nigerians living below the poverty line has grown measurably.”

In essence, the uncomplimentary report concluded that poverty reduction and job creation have not kept pace with population growth, implying social discomfort for increasing number of Nigerians.

Epileptic electricity supply

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LTHOUGH officials of the government have been feeding the governed with bread of promises that efforts to revamp the ailing sector will soon

•Utomi means of going to and fro places that are essential, and have their homes. A situation where a few people get very wealthy can be broken into two: a few people getting wealthy with production, as was in the case with Brazil, and a few people getting wealth with very little production where national revenue is mainly extracted as rent or stolen by the way of corruption, as is the case in Nigeria. So the use of GDP as the basis for evaluating economic growth has limited value in terms of issues that are before us.

So is the national economy growing or what?

Many years ago, I used to use the cliché saying there are lies, there are damn lies and there are statistics. There is iro (lies), and that is babanla of iro (big lies). With statistics, you can tell a lot of lies about anything because statistics is the father of lies. But the most important thing is the quality of life of the people. It is correct to say the Nigerian economy is growing at 7 per cent, but what is the value of the growth when the people cannot feel the impact of the growth? It is growth for those who are profiting from it, who are very few.

be bearing fruits, it has all amounted to broken promises. All pronouncements of the government regarding power delivery deadlines have been observed in the breach. Despite having sunk billions over the years to reposition it, the electricity sector is still in a shambles. In major cities, lamentations are what pervades many homes as a result of epileptic power supply. While it is true that some progress has been made, it is apparent that the suffering of the people may not be history soon, as residents in many urban settlements still complain that their power supply woes still persist. Because of this, many homes are left to groan in darkness as a result of crippling power

outages, forcing them to resort to power generating sets to light up their homes and run businesses. At the last count, MAN said no fewer than 60 million Nigerians own power generating sets, requiring more than N1.56 trillion to fuel them yearly.

However, with the short and medium-term programmes mapped out for the power sector in the country, Jonathan promised recently that Nigerians would no longer depend on generators for electricity supply.

He made the latest promise at the ground-breaking ceremony of the N162.9 billion Zungeru Hydro Power Dam in Niger State, boasting that many of the programmes earmarked for the power sector had

been attained and surpassed, and that the issue of generators would soon be a thing of the past.

“Our children must not live in a country where they get individual generators to generate light for them. This government is ensuring the regulation of the power sector to ensure power for all,” he promised.

That will not be his first. Last November, at an interactive session with Nigerians in Pakistan, Jonathan said there would be steady power supply in major cities by the end of the second quarter of 2013. He also identified poor infrastructure as the major challenge militating against efforts to evacuate power being generated through recent interventions by the government.

He said: “Currently, we have over 1000 megawatts of power that we cannot evacuate because of the transmission infrastructure that have been weak over the years and it was very recently that government started the intervention. But, we have projects that are going on, so before the end of the second quarter, almost middle of next year, most of these projects would have been inaugurated and we will be evacuating power generated. At that time, quite a number of cities will begin to have 24 hours of light.”

Yet, as the year is gradually coming to an end, Jonathan’s promise still remains unfulfilled and may not be fulfilled at all by December, as power outrages continue to worsen.

Even if power projects that are under various stages of completion in the country are completed and operational, industry watchers say power generation will only reach about 10,000 MW, which they say is still a far cry for a population of over 150 million. Speaking to a visiting business delegation from Britain, led by the lord mayor of the city of London, Roger Grifford, Minister of Power Chinedu Nebo hinted that the nation needs about 200,000 MW before it can realise its dream of adequate power supply.

“Nigeria needs to generate over 200,000 megawatts. We are still at less than 5,000MW. Within a year, we should be upping this to 10,000 and it is still a far cry,” he said.

Perhaps that is why experts have chosen to take with a pinch of salt any official statistics painting picture of rosiness about the economy, querying whether any news of economic growth can enjoy an air of credibility in an economy that is increasingly riven by mindboggling poverty, hunger and disease, amidst plenty. In other words, can an economy be said to be truly growing in the face of parlous state of its manufacturing sector, epileptic electricity supply, soaring unemployment rate, endemic poverty and pervasive corruption?

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS Reconciliation: Dickson meets Anenih, PDP governors, other leaders From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

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S part of steps to restore peace in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has met with the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Tony Anenih, past national chairmen and PDP governors.

Dickson was last week appointed chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee. The body was inaugurated last Thursday by National Chairman Bamanga Tukur.

The 30-member committee is to harmonise the report of Anenih’s reconciliation committee and the outcome of past reconciliation panels in its comprehensive report to be submitted to the party’s National Working.

It also emerged yesterday that Dickson was appointed to head the reconciliation committee by the PDP leadership because he is said to be “fearless, courageous, incorruptible and a consensus builder”.

The Dickson Committee is the 12th reconciliation panel since 2007.

Past reconciliation panels were those headed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s National Caucus Reconciliation Team; ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; Tony Anenih; Bamanga Tukur; Governor Sule Lamido; Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed; Graham Douglas; Shuaib Oyedokun; Ibrahim Shema; Ishola Filani; and the six-member Reconciliation panel for each state in the South-West.

Of the reports of the 11 reconciliation panels, only the Ekwueme Committee’s was implemented in part, leading to the readmission of some PDP heavyweights, such as ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and some former governors.

The huge harvest of reconciliation panels has made some PDP members to be skeptical on the likelihood of the success of Dickson’s panel.

Some party leaders even described Dickson as a “neophyte”.

But determined to make a success of the assignment, Dickson has begun consultations with party stalwarts and aggrieved PDP governors.

A source said: “In view of the huge task ahead, Dickson has met with Anenih, some past national chairmen of the party, most members of the PDP Governors Forum and some principal officers of the National Assembly on the way forward.

“This explains why Dickson has remained in Abuja to consult widely to prepare the ground for a successful reconciliation job. He is meeting with the members of his committee on Monday (today) in Abuja.

“So far, these leaders have pledged to assist the Reconciliation Committee to succeed in its assignment. “ One of the issues that emerged was the need to coopt some strategic leaders of the party into the committee. I think Dickson would buy into that.” If the Dickson committee succeeds, the PDP will be repositioned in such a way that it could win more than 23 states in 2015".

ACN to INEC: you’ve no reason to deny APC registration T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has met all the requirements to consumate its merger, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said yesterday.

The party said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no reason not to approve the union.

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said despite recent media reports concerning the antics of some negative forces within INEC over APC’s registration, the emerging party’s leadership has no doubt that in the end, the electoral body will do what is right in accordance with the law.

It, therefore, dismissed as a mere speculation the report that INEC was planning to write a letter to the proponents of APC to find another name because of a court case instituted by a political association over the APC acronym. ‘’We are convinced that INEC has no discernible reason to write such a letter to us. In the first instance, there exists no court injunction anywhere restraining the commission from registering APC. There could be many court cases, but until there is a court order, no one can pre-

empt what a court will do and act on that basis. ‘’Again, we have met all the stipulated requirements.

INEC has also inspected our proposed headquarters in Abuja and sighted all our interim officers. The merger process may be novel, but we have played according to the rules and we expect nothing less from INEC,’’ ACN said.

The party expressed satisfaction with the statement credited to Mr. Kayode Idowu, spokesman for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that there is no court injunction compelling the

Commission to stop the merger. ‘’We believe we are on the same page with INEC as far as this trail-brazing merger is concerned, and that has been confirmed by the INEC spokesman, and we therefore call on the Commission to do the proper thing right now which is the registration of APC. ‘’There is no doubt that INEC is under tremendous pressure, from both the cardcarrying PDP members of the Commission and their collaborators who are mortally afraid of the merger, and who

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) with the Chairman, Board of Directors of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Col. Ibrahim Hassan Biu (rtd.)(middle) and a member of the board, Ambassador Danladi Weyep, when they visited the governor in Ibadan...at the weekend.

•Alhaji Mohammed

will want the electoral body to commence, right now, the process of rigging the 2015 election in their favour. ‘’But we urge INEC not to compromise its neutrality and integrity by acting contrary to the law. We remind the Commission that Nigerians are keenly watching how it will handle this merger issue, and whatever it does will determine whether or not Nigerians can count on it to organise a free, fair and credible elections in 2015. ‘’Given the already overheated polity ahead of the 2015 elections, we believe INEC will not do anything that will aggravate the situation,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the ACN has appealed to all the supporters of the emerging APC across the country to remain calm over the registration. ‘’We know that many of our teeming supporters are upset by the report of the shenanigans in INEC over this issue.

But it is important for them to remain law-abiding as we await the decision of INEC.

Zik Prize: Fayemi, Tambuwal, Kwakwanso, others preach unity

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi and the five recipients of this year’s Zik Prize in Leadership have urged Nigerians to renew hope in the Nigerian project.

They said building a new Nigeria which the citizens dream of, requires that all stakeholders, regardless of their political leaning, work together in unity.

The eminent Nigerians spoke at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue to celebrate the memory of the nation’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose, memory the Leadership award is named.

The recipients of the prestigious award are House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Delta State counterpart, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Chief Festus Odimegwu.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Fayemi said the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust each other, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when “the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

He added that when one considers the foresight of Dr Azikiwe, with other patriots in pursuance of the nation’s greatness, there is tendency to despair as one reflects on the trajectory that Nigeria has been through.

The Governor pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also

•House Speaker, governors are award recipients

By Emmanuel Oladesu

working with and for the people to make the country greater.

Fayemi said: “In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik awards across the continent.

On the other hand, we are cognizant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after the Rt. Hon Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

Fayemi, who dedicated his award to the memory of his former Deputy, the late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, who died in April, also attributed his own success to the contributions of members of his executive council whom he described as “hardworking toilers”, saying that the award is in recognition of the collective accomplishments of the people of Ekiti State.

Tambuwal received his award in the Public service

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category. Governors Fayemi, Kwankwaso and Uduaghan got the prize in the Good governance category. Odimegwu and Ihejiahi took the Professional leadership category.

The awards were presented to the recipients by the duo of former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was Special Guest of honour and Chief Sunny Odogwu, chairman of the occasion.

Shonekan said the awards are well-deserved because the recipients have made contributions to the development of this country.

Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed” hence everyone should not relent in contributing meaningfully and positively to the development of Nigeria.

At the event were Ekiti Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Fayemi’s wife Erelu Bisi, former Governor Niyi Adebayo; Chief Sonny Odogwu; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Chief Yemi Adaramodu, Commissioner for In-

formation and Civic Orientation Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, led other members to rejoice with the Speaker. These include Oyetunde Ojo; Robinson Ajiboye; Bamidele Faparusi; Bimbo Daramola; Ife Arowosoge among others.

Also in attendance were Senator Tony Adeniyi, National Publicity Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode, Prof Patrick Aina, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye ; Delta State Commissioner for Education, Prof Hope Eghagha and Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multi Lateral Relations, Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark newspaper, Mr Casmir Igbokwe and the Publisher, Prince Emeka Obasi.

The Zik Prize in leadership award is Governor Fayemi’s third major award within a year. The Ekiti State Governor last September received the Leadership Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award. He also received the Samsung’s Best Governor in Africa (for ICT Application in education) in March in recognition of his Computer per child initiative under his administration’s e-school project.

Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania (1997); former Secretary General, Organisation of Africa Unity, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); Zambia President Sam Nujoma (1999); former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa (2000); President Yoweri Museveni (2003); the late Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia (2011), among others.

PDP panel chair pledges fairness

HE Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s Ad Hoc Committee on Reconciliation of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) yesterday said it would be neutral and fair to all aggrieved members.

It, however, banned members of the committee from inappropriate meetings or contacts with any party member whose matter is under consideration.

A statement by the Secretary of the committee, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said it would also consult wide-

ly with the party’s founding fathers.

The committee said it would be guided by confidentiality, strategic communication, neutrality and commitment to the principle of fairness.

The statement said: “The Reconciliation Committee’s work shall place emphasis on utmost confidentiality of all matters brought to it.

“Members shall, ensure strict confidentiality of all information received by them or such information that may be processed by the Committee, its leadership or any of its organs (as may be established from time

to time).

“In order to boost the level of confidence among our members nationwide while this Committee undertakes its assignment, no member shall interact with the media on any matter under consideration by the Committee, except with due approval by the Committee or its leadership.

“The Reconciliation Committee shall be committed to the principles of neutrality. To this end, no member of the Committee shall serve in any Congress Committee in a State where such a member is an interested party.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS Reconciliation: Dickson meets Anenih, PDP governors, other leaders From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

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S part of steps to restore peace in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson has met with the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Tony Anenih, past national chairmen and PDP governors.

Dickson was last week appointed chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee. The body was inaugurated last Thursday by National Chairman Bamanga Tukur.

The 30-member committee is to harmonise the report of Anenih’s reconciliation committee and the outcome of past reconciliation panels in its comprehensive report to be submitted to the party’s National Working.

It also emerged yesterday that Dickson was appointed to head the reconciliation committee by the PDP leadership because he is said to be “fearless, courageous, incorruptible and a consensus builder”.

The Dickson Committee is the 12th reconciliation panel since 2007.

Past reconciliation panels were those headed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s National Caucus Reconciliation Team; ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; Tony Anenih; Bamanga Tukur; Governor Sule Lamido; Dr. Haliru Bello Mohammed; Graham Douglas; Shuaib Oyedokun; Ibrahim Shema; Ishola Filani; and the six-member Reconciliation panel for each state in the South-West.

Of the reports of the 11 reconciliation panels, only the Ekwueme Committee’s was implemented in part, leading to the readmission of some PDP heavyweights, such as ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and some former governors.

The huge harvest of reconciliation panels has made some PDP members to be skeptical on the likelihood of the success of Dickson’s panel.

Some party leaders even described Dickson as a “neophyte”.

But determined to make a success of the assignment, Dickson has begun consultations with party stalwarts and aggrieved PDP governors.

A source said: “In view of the huge task ahead, Dickson has met with Anenih, some past national chairmen of the party, most members of the PDP Governors Forum and some principal officers of the National Assembly on the way forward.

“This explains why Dickson has remained in Abuja to consult widely to prepare the ground for a successful reconciliation job. He is meeting with the members of his committee on Monday (today) in Abuja.

“So far, these leaders have pledged to assist the Reconciliation Committee to succeed in its assignment. “ One of the issues that emerged was the need to coopt some strategic leaders of the party into the committee. I think Dickson would buy into that.” If the Dickson committee succeeds, the PDP will be repositioned in such a way that it could win more than 23 states in 2015".

ACN to INEC: you’ve no reason to deny APC registration T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has met all the requirements to consumate its merger, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said yesterday.

The party said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no reason not to approve the union.

In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said despite recent media reports concerning the antics of some negative forces within INEC over APC’s registration, the emerging party’s leadership has no doubt that in the end, the electoral body will do what is right in accordance with the law.

It, therefore, dismissed as a mere speculation the report that INEC was planning to write a letter to the proponents of APC to find another name because of a court case instituted by a political association over the APC acronym. ‘’We are convinced that INEC has no discernible reason to write such a letter to us. In the first instance, there exists no court injunction anywhere restraining the commission from registering APC. There could be many court cases, but until there is a court order, no one can pre-

empt what a court will do and act on that basis. ‘’Again, we have met all the stipulated requirements.

INEC has also inspected our proposed headquarters in Abuja and sighted all our interim officers. The merger process may be novel, but we have played according to the rules and we expect nothing less from INEC,’’ ACN said.

The party expressed satisfaction with the statement credited to Mr. Kayode Idowu, spokesman for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that there is no court injunction compelling the

Commission to stop the merger. ‘’We believe we are on the same page with INEC as far as this trail-brazing merger is concerned, and that has been confirmed by the INEC spokesman, and we therefore call on the Commission to do the proper thing right now which is the registration of APC. ‘’There is no doubt that INEC is under tremendous pressure, from both the cardcarrying PDP members of the Commission and their collaborators who are mortally afraid of the merger, and who

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) with the Chairman, Board of Directors of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Col. Ibrahim Hassan Biu (rtd.)(middle) and a member of the board, Ambassador Danladi Weyep, when they visited the governor in Ibadan...at the weekend.

•Alhaji Mohammed

will want the electoral body to commence, right now, the process of rigging the 2015 election in their favour. ‘’But we urge INEC not to compromise its neutrality and integrity by acting contrary to the law. We remind the Commission that Nigerians are keenly watching how it will handle this merger issue, and whatever it does will determine whether or not Nigerians can count on it to organise a free, fair and credible elections in 2015. ‘’Given the already overheated polity ahead of the 2015 elections, we believe INEC will not do anything that will aggravate the situation,’’ it said.

Meanwhile, the ACN has appealed to all the supporters of the emerging APC across the country to remain calm over the registration. ‘’We know that many of our teeming supporters are upset by the report of the shenanigans in INEC over this issue.

But it is important for them to remain law-abiding as we await the decision of INEC.

Zik Prize: Fayemi, Tambuwal, Kwakwanso, others preach unity

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi and the five recipients of this year’s Zik Prize in Leadership have urged Nigerians to renew hope in the Nigerian project, saying that building a new nation that the citizens dream of, requires that all stakeholders, regardless of their political leaning work together in unity.

It was a night of colour and glamour as Nigerians from different walks of life gathered at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos venue to celebrate the memory of the nation’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe whose, memory the Leadership award is named.

The recipients of the prestigious award are House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Delta State counterpart, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Chief Festus Odimegwu.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Fayemi said the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust each other, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when “the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

He added that when one considers the foresight of Dr Azikiwe, with other patriots in pursuance of the nation’s greatness, there is tendency to despair as one reflects on the trajectory that Nigeria has been through.

The Governor pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the

•House Speaker, governors are award recipients

By Emmanuel Oladesu

struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also working with and for the people to make the country greater.

Fayemi said: “In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik awards across the continent.

On the other hand, we are cognizant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after the Rt. Hon Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

Fayemi, who dedicated his award to the memory of his former Deputy, the late Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, who died in April, also attributed his own success to the contributions of members of his executive council whom he described as “hardworking toilers”, saying that the award is in recognition of the collective accomplishments of the people of Ekiti State.

T

Tambuwal received his award in the Public service category. Governors Fayemi, Kwankwaso and Uduaghan got the prize in the Good governance category. Odimegwu and Ihejiahi took the Professional leadership category.

The awards were presented to the recipients by the duo of former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was Special Guest of honour and Chief Sunny Odogwu, chairman of the occasion.

Shonekan said the awards are well-deserved because the recipients have made contributions to the development of this country.

Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed” hence everyone should not relent in contributing meaningfully and positively to the development of Nigeria.

At the event were Ekiti Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Fayemi’s wife Erelu Bisi, former Governor Niyi Adebayo; Chief Sonny Odogwu; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State

Governor, Chief Yemi Adaramodu, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, led other members to rejoice with the Speaker. These include Oyetunde Ojo; Robinson Ajiboye; Bamidele Faparusi; Bimbo Daramola; Ife Arowosoge among others.

Also in attendance were Senator Tony Adeniyi, National Publicity Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode, Prof Patrick Aina, the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye ; Delta State Commissioner for Education, Prof Hope Eghagha and Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multi Lateral Relations, Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark newspaper, Mr Casmir Igbok-

we and the Publisher, Prince Emeka Obasi.

The Zik Prize in leadership award is Governor Fayemi’s third major award within a year. The Ekiti State Governor last September received the Leadership Newspaper’s Governor of the Year Award. He also received the Samsung’s Best Governor in Africa (for ICT Application in education) in March in recognition of his Computer per child initiative under his administration’s e-school project.

Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania (1997); former Secretary General, Organisation of Africa Unity, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); Zambia President Sam Nujoma (1999); former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa (2000); President Yoweri Museveni (2003); the late Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia (2011), among others.

PDP panel chair pledges fairness

HE Governor Henry Seriake Dickson’s Ad Hoc Committee on Reconciliation of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) yesterday said it would be neutral and fair to all aggrieved members.

It, however, banned members of the committee from inappropriate meetings or contacts with any party member whose matter is under consideration.

A statement by the Secretary of the committee, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said it would also consult wide-

ly with the party’s founding fathers.

The committee said it would be guided by confidentiality, strategic communication, neutrality and commitment to the principle of fairness.

The statement said: “The Reconciliation Committee’s work shall place emphasis on utmost confidentiality of all matters brought to it.

“Members shall, ensure strict confidentiality of all information received by them or such information that may be processed by the Committee, its leadership or any of its organs (as may be established from time

to time).

“In order to boost the level of confidence among our members nationwide while this Committee undertakes its assignment, no member shall interact with the media on any matter under consideration by the Committee, except with due approval by the Committee or its leadership.

“The Reconciliation Committee shall be committed to the principles of neutrality. To this end, no member of the Committee shall serve in any Congress Committee in a State where such a member is an interested party.”

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THE NATION MONDAY JULY 29, 2013

NEWS

Fed Govt probes diversion of cargo to passenger terminal

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By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

HE Federal Government said it is investigating the diversion of unaccompanied baggage by some cargo agents from the designated cargo terminal to the passenger wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

The government has warned that it would punish anybody found guilty of the act.

The resolve to investigate the “unwholesome practice”, it was learnt, is coming on the heels of attempts by some cargo agents to convey their baggage through the passenger wing of the airport, instead of the cargo wing, where the cargo would be subjected to due process for safety and security.

The spokesman of aviation parastatals, Mr Yakubu Dati, explained that instead of ensuring compliance, the affected cargo agents resorted to blackmail, alleging that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) was collecting N2,000 per baggage from passengers at the international wing of the Lagos Airport.

The alleged blackmail by the cargo agents followed the confusion at the airport at the weekend. Some passengers, on arrival from Dakar, Senegal, disrupted operations at the airport over allegations of the imposition of N2,000 per baggage by the airport authority.

NAHCON announces Hajj fares

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HE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the approved fares for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by Alhaji Uba Mana, the Public Relations Officer of NAHCON, the commission said pilgrims would be flown from the northern and southern departure zones.

Pilgrims travelling from the northern and southern zones in the maximum fare category of N750,996.52 and N758,369.52 would travel with Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) of $1,500, the statement said.

It said those on the medium

fare category travelling from the North would pay N672,996.52, while those from the South would pay N680,369.52.

The commission said the medium category travellers would get $1,000.

The minimum fare for pilgrims departing from the northern zone is N636,496.52, while those departing from the southern zone would pay N643,869.52.

The group of travellers will get 750 dollars BTA. The statement added that the minimum fares for pilgrims departing from the northern and southern zones without the BTA are N526,996.52 and 534,369.52.

Reps to probe aviation ministry’s N9b contracts T HE House of Representatives is set to probe the alleged award of Federal Government’s contracts running into billions of naira.

The contracts were reportedly paid for by the government but were not executed.

The Chairman of the House Committee on AntiCorruption, National Ethic and Values, Abiodun Faleke, said the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and the Ministry of Works would also be investigated for breaching Public Procurement Act over “No Objection Certificates.”

The lawmaker said the committee was prompted to carry out the probe after uncovering the extent of abuse the “No Objection Certificate” has been abused by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said: “The impunity with which we do things in this country is appalling; like the abuse of ‘No Objection Certificate’ given by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). All agencies are using this loophole to issue contracts of over N20 billion without advertising them,

•Minister: our contracts passed through due process

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

once they write to the BPP, which allows for selective tendering.

“Talking of impunity, during an oversight of MDG projects, we discovered that a canal was built in Okrika for over N2 billion. The consultancy fee for the project, which was not even in the 2012 budget and not appropriated for, was N900 million.

“These are some of the instances that have prompted our committee to investigate the Aviation Ministry, which awards contracts of more than N12 billion through this absurd selective tendering, which technically knocks out competition.

“We are inundated with noises of aviation is working, but the question is: at what cost?

“We are set to investigate the sector because of peti-

tions over some contractors that have been paid for since 2012 but have not been executed yet.

“For instance, a contract on the provision of ‘new security strategies for airports’, N6.247 billion was paid already from the contract sum of N9 billion. Another instance is this: How can the same contractor, without a pedigree in the sector, be the one to renovate almost all the airports, as if there were no others around?

“The issue here is: what is ‘new security strategies’? Is this how the sector is working? We have about a hundred of such contracts to look into.”

But the Ministry of Aviation said its contracts went through due process.

In a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to Minister of Aviation, Mr Joe Obi, the ministry said opting for selective tendering has not breached the BPP law.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru (left) with his Brazilian counterpart, Mr Antonio de Aguierpatriota, during a bilateral meeting in Brazil

My action gave birth to democracy, says al-Mustapha

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From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

AJOR Hamza al-Mustapha, the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, yesterday said his action, when Abacha died, gave birth to the present democracy. al-Mustapha spoke in Abuja when he visited the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahideen Asari-Dokubo.

The former CSO said God used him to stabilise the country during the confusion that followed Abacha’s demise. al-Mustapha was recently discharged and acquitted of charges in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Bashorun Moshood Abiola.

The former CSO said he could have taken over power when Abacha died, if he wished to do so. al-Mustapha alleged that some people took advantage of his humility and loyalty to the service of the country to punish him unjustly.

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Navy warns impostors

OLLOWING allegations of assault on civilians by Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel as well as the ease with which criminals obtain navy uniform, the Navy has declared war on impostors and those who abuse its uniform.

The Navy said it was embarrassed by the alarming number of arrests made in the last few months involving fake naval personnel who wore its uniform.

Parading a suspect caught wearing a navy uniform, who claimed to be the Commanding Officer, NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, the Executive Officer NNS Beecroft, Capt James Pindar said it would no longer be business as usual for those who impersonate the navy.

Narrating how the suspect was arrested, Pindar said a naval rating apprehended him at Liverpool, Apapa, Lagos, after the rating suspected his moves.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Identified as Alfred Onyinye, a suspected member of the Merchant Navy, Pindar said the suspect was asked by the rating to show his identity card, which he could not.

But the suspect told The Nation that he was beaten by ratings when he was suspected to be a fake naval officer.

According to him, he told the naval personnel that he was the Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder to save his life.

He said: “I said that to safe my life. They were beating me severely. Immediately I said I was the C.O. of NNS Pathfinder, the beating reduced. I was later brought to the NNS Beecroft’s cell where I was detained.

“I am a Merchant Navy personnel attached to 24, Palace Road, Olodi-Apapa. That is where my office is. I am not a criminal and did not impersonate the Nigerian Navy. Our uniforms are similar.”

Faleke also said SURE-P and the Federal Ministry of Works would be probed.

He said: “We investigated SURE-P because of the petitions we found out were baseless. But we discovered certain things that were not part of the petition.

“It is a common phenomenon that contracts are awarded at lower value and in-between the execution, the contract is reviewed, at times, two, three times higher than the initial award sum.

“The implication is that others who bided for the same contracts were denied another chance during the reviews. This, to me, is a corruption tactics deployed to give undue advantage to the ‘preferred bidder’.

“Just like the Minister of Works, who came up with the completion of 32 Federal roads during the mid-term briefing, where are the roads? It is only logical that Nigerians are told where the completed roads are.

“We wrote the minister to give us the list of the roads, which he did. We are going to advertise for Nigerians to make comments because we cannot go round the country.”

Anglican urges Fed Govt to resolve issues with ASUU

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HE Diocese of Kubwa, Anglican Communion in the Federal Capital Terrritory (FCT) yesterday urged the Federal Government to immediately resolve the issues that led to the ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) in the interest of students and the future of Nigeria.

He, however, hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for widening the admission space for tertiary education by establishing 13 more federal universities across the country.

In a communique issued at the end of the second session of the Second Synod of the Diocese in Abuja by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rev. Duke T. Akamisoko, the church noted that the recent revelation by the Minister of Power that about 120 million Nigerians were without access to power was embarrassing to a nation, which would

Union to reclaim UNILORIN branch

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) plans to bring back the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) branch of the union into its fold, it has been learnt.

The university’s ASUU branch, in the last 13 years, has been factionalised along pro-university authorities and anti-management.

The Ilorin Zone of ASUU described recent statements credited to Prof Abdulwahab Egbewole, a factional leader of the union at UNILORIN, on behalf of the university’s branch of the union for opposing the ongoing strike, as adding insult to injury.

In a joint statement by the chairpersons of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti; the Federal University of Technology, Ado-Ekiti; Obafemi Awolowo Univerity (OAU), Ile-Ife; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso; Osun State University, Osogbo and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Ayan Adeleke, Dr Alex Odiyi, Prof Akinola A. P, Dr Oyegoke O. O, Dr Seye Abiona and Dr Busuyi Mekusi, the union said: “As a responsible union, which believes in the rule of law, there is no going back on the mandate to recover the UNILORIN branch of ASUU from the grips of impostors, interlopers and charlatans.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

celebrate 100 years of her corporate existence.

The Synod also urged all stakeholders in the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to make it truly a “We,

the people of Nigeria” document.

The church praised the House of Representatives for introducing autonomy for local governments in the constitution.

It added that this should be supported by the Houses of Assembly to give it the flegal teeth.

However, the church frowned at the failure of the Senate to expunge Section 29(4)(b), which stipulates that a married girl-child is considered to be of full age.

It noted that such action contradicted Section 29(4)(a), which defines the meaning of full age.

Speaking on the theme of the Synod: God is Light and in Him There isNo Darkness At All, Rev. G. Akinbiyi stressed that if Nigerians allowed the light of Christ in their endeavours, the nation would be better of.

He advised Christians to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS Baptists meet THE monthly Executive Committee meeting of the Itesiwaju Baptist Association holds today at 6:30pm at Araba Baptist Church, Ilasamaja, Lagos. It will be presided over by the moderator, Rev. Gbenga Ojo of Araba Baptist Church and consultant, Rev. Femi Ajayi of Victoryland Baptist Church, Isolo, Lagos. Issues affecting the association and member-churches will be discussed.

Ekiti Deputy Governor urges media to be objective

Lawmaker faults Okonjo-Iweala on payment of salaries A MEMBER of the House of Representatives representing Ifelodun/ Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency in Osun State, Mr. Adeyinka Ajayi, has faulted the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s alleged conditions on the payment of workers’ salaries.

The minister was quoted as saying that the Federal Government might not be able to pay salaries should the National Assembly fail to amend the 2013 budget as proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking with reporters at his Ada country home in Osun State, Ajayi said President Jonathan should be blamed by Nigerians if the Federal Government owed salaries, especially those of the public servants, from October.

The lawmaker said the disagreement between the executive and the National Assembly over the proposed amend-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ments to the Appropriation Bill was caused by President Jonathan, whom he said only sent a letter to the Assembly seeking to amend the Appropriation Act. He described the letter as unconstitutional.

Said he: “President Jonathan did not seek a supplementary budget to the 2013 fiscal estimate. To amend it is not just through a letter like the one written by President Jonathan.

There are rules guiding this action and these are what we follow. The request of the President fell short of certain sections of the Appropriation Act because the letter seeking amendment is not a substitute for the supplementary budget.

That was why the letter was treated the way it was treated.

“What our law recognises is the supplementary budget.

If I ask for N1 million and in the course of spending that N1 million, there is need for me to spend extra N300,000, you can come back to the parliament and seek appropriation of extra N300,000. It is not known to our laws that you should come and amend by letter, a money deal.

“Even if we are going to follow that logic, what Mr. President presented to us was a letter, it wasn’t sufficient to constitute an amendment proposal or amendment clauses to the Appropriation Act. It would have required more from the President because we have special rules that govern money matters.”

Ondo poll: Four appeals before Supreme Court From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

Mr. Ajayi further said that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala was supposed to have given the revenue profile of the country rather than mere request via a letter for amendment to the 2013 Appropriation Act. “I was very surprised when I heard that the Minister of Finance or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy was reported to have made that statement. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala is somebody I respect and admire because I have worked with her by virtue of my being the Chairman of Aids, Loans and Debt Management.”

EKITI State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu has said the media have an important role to play in sustaining democracy.

She said the media, being the only information source tested and trusted by the populace, must be conscious of the type of news disseminated to the public.

Mrs Adelabu spoke at the weekend in Abeokuta where she was given an award of excellence by the Manager of Paramount FM 94.5 Radio, Prince Wale Adeboboye, during its 10th anniversary.

The Deputy Governor dedicated the award to Governor Kayode Fayemi, who she said brought a new dimension to governance in Ekiti State.

She spoke as a guest lecturer on the theme: “The role of the media in grassroots development and democratic sustainability”at the DLK Events’ Centre, MKO Abiola Way, Abeokuta.

Mrs Adelabu urged the media to be mindful of their role as the purveyor of news, adding that they should be objective.

Her words: “The lone voice listened to and believed by the masses is that of the media. Therefore, reporters •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (right), being shown one of the two 58-sitter vessels slated for deployment by Stoirin should be objective in the dis- Maritime Services Ltd for ferry services, by the Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr. Yinka Marinho, at the Ebute-Ero Jetty, Elegbata, Lagos...yesterday. charge of their duties.”

Going down the memory lane, Mrs Adelabu hailed the media for keeping faith with their role as the watchdog of Said he: Since the release HE Chancellor of the the society and ensuring that of the first set of eagles Covenant University policy makers are kept on

By Adegunle Olugbamila into the system as graduate numbering 762 in 2006, CU (CU) Ota, Ogun State, their toes for best practices in has graduated 9,009 eagles assistants.

Dr. David Oyedepo, yesterday government.

Recounting how the jour- across seven sets. In this She said: “The ever-vi- said the university would rank on the continent.

Oyedepo said: “Here at ney began 11 years ago, eight convocation, another brant and sophisticated Nige- among the world’s best in 10 Covenant University, we see Oyedepo said “today’s testi- 1, 466 will be joining this rian media has never for once years.

One hundred and forty-four leadership as taking the lead, mony is worth all the vanguard of new generation shied away from its responof leaders.” sibility of awakening and graduating students of the uni- setting the pace and blazing trouble.” reawakening the govern- versity made first class at its the trail in one’s field. Leadment to its obligations to the eighth convocation, Dr. ership is, therefore, not occugoverned through critical Oyedepo said. Another 720 pying a seat, it is accomplishand objective appraisal of made second class upper, 565 ing a feat. It is not occupying HE lawmaker repre From Oseheye Okwuofu, ongoing projects, in a bid to made second class lower and a position, it is making outsenting Lagelu Con Ibadan give the grassroots a sense of 67 made third class, he added. standing contributions. It is stituency in the Oyo At the post graduate school, not occupying a place, it is set- State House of Assembly, Mr. flour and milk. belonging in governance and make the policy makers to be he said the university gradu- ting a pace. It is not talking Temitope Olatoye, at the weekOlatoye blamed the Peoples more responsive and account- ated 111 at the master’s level, the lead, it is taking the lead. end hailed the Action Congress Democratic Party (PDP) senaIt is not an appointment, but with additional 30 that were able. of Nigeria (ACN) senators in tors for the proposed underage “The role played in bridg- conferred with doctoral de- an attainment. Leadership is the National Assembly for marriage, adding that ACN not titles that we carry, but in choosing the path of honour on would ensure that it was not ing the gap between the gov- grees.

Eromhonsele Osayi, a the outstanding feat we ac- the controversial underage allowed. ernment and the governed points to one fact – it graduate of Technical and complish. Therefore, leader- marriage.

He said the Senate should strengthens and sustains de- Civil Engineering, was the ship is all about excelling in He spoke with reporters af- focus on the laws that would mocracy. The media has not valedictorian with a Cumula- one’s field.” ter he distributed food items have positive impact on the Dr. Oyedepo said this worth over N1 million to Mus- lives of Nigerians and bring only been critical of govern- tive Grade Point of 4.93.

Dr. Oyedepo addressed a year’s convocation was sig- lims in his constituency. The development to the country. ment policies, but has also gone further in agitating for crowd at the university’s an- nificant in two ways-it is the faithful are observing the The ACN legislator urged best practices as obtained in nual ‘Release of Eagles 2013 at first to be held in the second Ramadan fast.

Nigerians to vote PDP out of the chapel. The address has the decade of the university (CU developed societies.”

Mr. Olatoye said unlike the power at the national level in The Deputy Governor en- theme: ’Living the Covenant celebrated its 10th anniver- Labour Party (LP) senator from the 2015 general elections, saycouraged the media to remain University Dream-Our leader- sary last October). Another Ondo State, the ACN lawmak- ing the country has had patriotic in raising the stake ship development mandate’. significance, according to the ers have demonstrated that enough of its misrule.

He said CU would not com- Chancellor, is that for the first they are the people’s represenof accountability for repreHe supported a statement sentatives and setting a tem- promise its mandate of raising time, some of their PhD tatives and have conscience. credited to Governor Abiola plate for voters in their a new generation of leader- awardees incidentally include Muslims from Lagelu Local Ajimobi that the progressives ship in Nigeria and Africa, CU products, who, upon Government went home with would rule Oyo State for 50 years. choice of leaders. graduation, were admitted going by the leadership gaps Said he: “The indigenes can items, such as rice, beans, yam

Oyedepo: Covenant ‘ll rank among world’s best in 10 years

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•Varsity produces 144 first class

THE judgment of the Court of Appeal in Akure, in the suit of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on the disputed Ondo governorship election, has given rise to four appeals before the Supreme Court.

ACN counsel Titiloye Charles said the main appeal was filed by ACN and Akeredolu praying the Supreme Court to order a fresh election in Ondo State based on a compromised register.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not comply with the Electoral Act in its compilation of the Ondo voter register, but dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the allegation was not substantial to cancel the Ondo governorship poll.

The other three crossappeals were filed by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Labour Party (LP) and INEC in whose favour the Court of Appeal ruled.

Mimiko and LP appealed against exercise of jurisdiction by the Court of Appeal on the issue of voter register. INEC appealed against the Court of Appeal verdict that it did not comply with the Electoral Act in compiling the voter register used for the controversial election.

Political analysts observed that the Mimiko, LP and INEC cross-appeals were necessitated by the need to widen the scope of issues to be decided by the Supreme Court beyond ACN/ Akeredolu appeal.

The Supreme Court will, therefore, decide the status of a voter register used for an election, whether an election tribunal can look into its validity and the fate of an election based on it when it is invalidated by non-compliance.

Observers said whatever the Supreme Court decides will determine adherence to the rules of transparency and compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act in future elections to be conducted

by INEC.

Underage marriage: Lawmaker hails ACN senators

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now differentiate between those whose mission in government was to loot public treasury and those who have the vision and mission to serve them.

“I agree with Governor Ajimobi that the progressives will rule the state for 50 years.

Of the 50 years, Governor Ajimobi will spend eight years.

After him, another progressive will be elected as the governor. So, the people whose mission in government is to loot the public treasury should forget about ruling Oyo State again.

“The people are seeing the wonders the Ajimobi government is performing. The incumbent administration has touched their lives positively, and I believe that the indigenes will vote for no other party in future than the ACN.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS

Demolition: Osun ACN seeks residents’ understanding

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has appealed to the residents affected by the ongoing demolition, which is part of the Aregbesola administration’s urban renewal programme, to show understanding.

The party, in a statement by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Adebiyi Adelowo, urged them to see the pains associated with the exercise as a

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sacrifice for the development of the state.

It said Governor Rauf Aregbesola was concerned about their plight, assuring that the government would compensate those affected.

ACN stressed the need for the people to cooperate with the government in its efforts to beautify the state, adding that the present administra-

tion meant well for the state.

It said government would ensure that the state becomes the envy of others.

Osun ACN warned the people against politicising the exercise, saying it was aimed at developing the state.

It hailed the police in ensuring peace “despite attempt by an opposition party to cause crisis and confusion in the state.”

The party thanked Com-

missioner of Police Mrs. Dorothy Gimba for ensuring peace.

It alleged that some members of the opposition party were bent on causing crisis because of the urban renewal programme of the Aregbesola administration.

The ACN noted that the peace meeting convened between the government and the opposition party averted the crisis.

Flyover: Ajimobi hits back at Ladoja

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has slammed former Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, for his criticism of the newly-built Mokola flyover.

He said he displayed ignorance in a construction matter in his bid to score cheap and undeserved political points.

Ladoja criticised the bridge in an interview, saying erection of barriers restricting heavy-duty lorries and articulated vehicles from it means it is not strong. He also decried the cost of the bridge and compared it to the one built by the Ogun State Government, which, according to him, was cheaper.

But Governor Ajimobi, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr. Kayode Adepoju, a civil engineer, faulted the former governor and said his criticism was based on bitter politics and not

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

to serve any good purpose.

Adepoju at the weekend picked holes in Ladoja’s argument, saying the erection of a barrier is to prevent articulated trucks from constituting a nuisance in the event that they break down or skid off the onelane bridge.

He said: “It is as if the former governor is out to misguide the people with misinformation, which portrays the old man as somebody with little or no knowledge about the essence of a flyover.

“Former Governor Ladoja doesn’t understand the difference between the usual bridge built over a river and a flyover.

“As an engineer of many years with a name to protect, I can’t be here superintending a sub-standard construction. So, it is wrong and uncharitable to conclude that barriers are

put on the bridge to avoid its collapse. What purpose will the bridge serve if an articulated truck should break down on it or fall on the ones plying the main road under the bridge?”

Stressing that it is wrong to compare two structures built in two places as Ladoja had done in his comparison of the

Mokola, Ibadan bridge with the one in Abeokuta, he said besides the difference in the length of the two bridges, the cost was also different because of the anxillaries that accompanied the one built in Ibadan at a cost of N2.9 billion.

Adepoju said the construction firm, which handled the project, the Chinese Construction Company (CECC), is a firm owned by the Chinese government and not connected with any politician.

He said besides being a bigger construction firm than most popular construction firms operating in Nigeria, its proposal was the cheapest for both the bridge and the anxillaries as noted earlier when the job was to be awarded.

“We have no regret working with the company. Its delivery is satisfactory,” Adepoju said.

“This judgment is an indication that rapists have no accommodation in Ekiti.”

Mrs. Fayemi, who spoke through his media aide, Akin Oyedele, in a statement said the judgment was a “major victory for the crusade against sexual and child abuse.”

She hoped that it would act as a deterrent to others.

The statement reads: “Although it’s not capable of eliminating the scars, it will at least heal the wound of the victim.

“It’s victory for caring parents, individuals, groups and civil society organisations that have joined me in the campaign against child abuse. I salute the judge’s courage.

‘It is as if the former governor is out to misguide the people with misinformation, which portrays the old man as somebody with little or no knowledge about the essence of a flyover’

Rapist gets eight years for defiling 12-year-old

USTICE Adekanye Ogunmoye of a High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend jailed a labourer, Innocent Eze, for eight years for defiling a 12-year-old girl.

Eze, a labourer at Ijan-Ekiti and an indigene of Nsukka in Enugu State, got one year for indecent assault and seven years for the rape. The two counts, according to the judgment, were contrary to sections 360 and 218 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Justice Adekanye said the convict on August 31, 2011 at Ijan-Ekiti seized the young girl, who had assisted him to fetch water from a well, threw her on his bed and defiled her.

He, according to the judgment, later stuffed a handkerchief in the girl’s private part when blood was oozing out and gave her N100 to “buy drugs.”

The judgment reads: “This is definitely a barbaric act and the sentence must be such as would act as a deterrent to others.

“Accordingly, he is sentenced to one-year imprisonment in count one and sentenced to seven years in count two. They are to run concurrently.”

Justice Adekanye said: “It’s unfortunate that a 12year-old girl was defiled. It is more unfortunate that the matter came to the public domain.

“The convict has placed a stigma on the victim, which may take a long time to erase.

The trauma suffered by the victim would take a longer time to forget.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

“The act of the convict is not such as should be encouraged. This is definitely a barbaric act and the sentence must be such as would act as a deterrent to others.”

Wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, who described Eze’s act as “abhorrent”, said:

Julius Berger to fix Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

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HE Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mr. Oluwatoyin Obikoya, yesterday said emergency repairs would be carried out on the portions causing traffic jam on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He said in Lagos that the bad portions had been causing hardship to road users.

“The contractors are not folding their arms; the bottlenecks at Ibafo area on the Lagos-bound lane will be cleared.

“Julius Berger will carry out emergency repair of those sections so that motorists would enjoy smooth ride and not spend long time on that road again,” he said.

The controller said logistics were being put in place for the beginning of the reconstruction of the road.

The reconstruction, awarded to Julius Berger and RCC Nig. Ltd., was launched by President Goodluck Jonathan on July 5.

“When a contract is awarded, the contractor usually has to build a site yard, which involves acquiring land and clearing trees and grasses.

“It has to build an office, establish a quarry, an asphalt plant and all other necessary things,” he said.

Obikoya said the process could take up to one month or more.

He said that the contractors’ major challenge was land acquisition.

He, however, said there had been negotiations with land owners for the release of some portions.

Alaafin hails ACN governors

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi O l a y i w o l a Adeyemi 111, hailed the five Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governors in Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti states.

He described them as “a pride of the Yoruba, whose pro-activeness and sense of commitment towards the economic propensity of the Southwest would redefine the country’s position in world economies.

Oba Adeyemi, who spoke yesterday when fielding questions from reporters in his palace, said the regional economic integration, when fully put in place, would reduce poverty.

He said: “Despite the huge revenue from crude oil sale, there has been little or nothing from the income generated over the

•Oba Adeyemi From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.

years, as problems of inefficient infrastructure, such as epileptic power supply, badly-managed road networks, a dysfunctional health care system and massive unemployment among others, worsen.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Why we’re building roads, by agency

Politician, others lose valuables to robbers

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OBBERS invaded the Mustapha Ojora Cresent, Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) home of a Lagos politician, Hon Mustapha Ojora, last Saturday night. They carted away property worth millions of naira.

Ojora was said to be away during the incident. The robbers, The Nation learnt, broke into his apartment through the roof and windows.

Ojora and other members of his household were still in shock when The Nation visited the house yesterday. Sympathisers, who were conducted round the house, also expressed dismay at the level of looting and damage done to the property.

The politician said: “I travelled in the evening last Friday without an inkling that they were planning to invade my house. When I returned, I couldn’t recognise my house again. The burglars had gone away with everything I laboured for.

“They removed the asbestos and broke the ceilings.

The burglary proof securing the windows were cut to pieces and, uninterruptedly, they made away with my hard-earned valuables.”

Ojora was grateful to God for protecting his wife. “I thank God that they didn’t see my wife where she was

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By Yinka Aderibigbe

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By Paul Oluwakoya

hiding. She was the only one at home. You can imagine what could have happened if they had caught her because she told me that those boys were more than 10, looking dreadful and heavily armed,” Ojora said.

Still shell-shocked, his wife, Alhaja Kudirat, who reportedly came out of her hiding around 4.00am, long after the robbers had completed their operation, said: “It will be hard for me to forget the nightmare so soon because it was the second time my family and I would be victims of armed robbery in this house. The robbers were holding big and small guns; some with machetes. They spent more than two hours.

They came between 12:30 and 1am and carted away all our valuables - furniture and fittings, electronics, including air-conditioners, refrigerators, flat-screen television sets, deep-freezers, laptops, mobile phone sets, expensive jewelry and clothes.”

“They must have come with a big lorry because they also took away everything I had in my shop,” she added.

While sympathisers who spoke with our correspondent condemned the incident, they ascribed it to the level of insecurity in the area.

Some suspected a notorious

• Ojora (right) with some sympathisers ... yesterday

group that had been terrorising the area.

“Most insecurity challenges faced by residents in this community have been orchestrated by the leader of a group, who had been arrogating the leadership of the community to himself, claiming authority over communal issues and residential matters. This has been the cause of the unrest that dwellers experience here,” a sympathiser, who simply identified herself as Mama Mufu, said.

Some of the shops around Ojora’s compound were also attacked and looted. One hair

stylist, whose shop was also looted, was in tears. ”A week ago, they had warned all shop owners not to open at the weekend without giving any reason. Nobody really understood their intention until they came on Saturday night. They used a ladder to get to the roof of the shops and from there, gained entrance to Hon Ojora’s premises. They didn’t spare any of the shops owned

by Hon Ojora and others around. We want our government to see to this,” she said.

Ojora, who is the Supervisor for Health at the LCDA, said the matter had been re-

ported to the police, adding that the police were already on top of the situation. He expressed the hope that the perpetrators would soon be caught and brought to justice.

“I immediately reported the robbery to the police.

They have since swung into action. I learnt that some have been arrested while others are still on the run,” he said.

A police source in the area confirmed to The Nation that efforts were being intensified to bring the perpetrators to book and to also strengthen security of lives and property in the community.

Govt, outdoor advertising practitioners, meet

OLLOWING a visit by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to its new office complex, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), has hosted members of the outdoor advertising industry.

The meeting, which was held under the leadership of the agency’s Managing Director, Mr. George Kayode Noah, was aimed at addressing some of the issues affecting the business in the state.

Key on their agenda was the rate review for all outdoor advertisement structures. The billboards within military formations, discounts on vacant billboards, tightening the regulation on mobile advertisement as well as potential outdoor advertising opportunities within the new concession corridor, were also discussed.

Noah said LASAA would explore all avenues to ensure that billboards within military formations are properly regulated, adding: “We have

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•L-R: The agency’s Deputy Managing Director, Olumide Sogunle; Noah and other participants at the session

By Uyoatta Eshiet

reduced our rates to the lowest at the moment. I believe writing letters to you is the only responsible way to ask you to pay all outstanding dues to the agency.”

He also cleared the air on use of billboards, saying:

“LASAA billboards are used as a vehicle for social communication to support and propagate the various programmes and projects of the state government.”

On their part, stakeholders at the meeting sought continuous understanding from the agency regarding outstand-

ing payments by defaulting members.

The Managing Director of 21st Limited, Mr Femi Ogala, who sought more protection from LASAA, praised it and urged it to constantly organise such sessions to resolve some of the issues affecting the industry.

HE road construction and rehabilitation going on across Lagos State are geared towards bringing development to all parts of the state, the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has said.

He spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting before the flag-off of the rehabilitation of LisabiApata Road in Shomolu Local Government Area. He said government was poised to bring development to all parts of the state to promote commerce, social well-being and economic development of all residents.

The LAMATA chief said government knew the importance of good and motorable road network to commuters, traders and business owners, hence its determination to ensure that the roads are put in proper shape.

Mobereola, who was represented at the ceremony by LAMATA’s Director of Road Maintenance and Traffic Management, Engr Funsho Elulade, said government would continue to ensure judicious use of tax-payers’ money by providing them with amenities.

He urged Shomolu people to support the contractor.

Rules set for response to disasters

HE Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the Southwest to allow the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other local apparatuses to carry out their primary assignment as first responders during emergency situations in the state.

The General Manager of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke Osanyintolu, made the call at the weekend when he led a team of the agency’s top management officials on a working visit to the Lagos Mainland Local Government.

Osanyintolu stressed that the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) set up in each of the Local Government Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state were to serve as first responders in any emergency situation.

He said it was pertinent to define the roles and responsibilities of emergency respond-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

ers in order to achieve effective and efficient disaster management through proper command control chains structure.

Osanyintolu emphasised that this can be achieved if the SEMA and all its primary stakeholders, including the LEMCs are allowed to respond to emergencies/disasters, while the NEMA created as a secondary responder, should focus their attention in coordinating the activities of the six Southwest states and respond to emergencies at the request of the state.

His call came on the heels of a cold war that ensued between LASEMA and NEMA at the site of the collapsed building in the Ishaga area of Surulere Local Government Area in Lagos, recently.

The chairman of the local government, Hon. Oladele Adekanye, commended the state government for its intervention and accommodation of Okobaba fire victims in Agbowa Relief Camp.

NULGE begins warning strike today

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•L-R: Representative of the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Azeezat Tijani; Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale; Head, Environment Unit of the council, Mr Talim Yekini and another participant during the monthly sanitation last Saturday

HE National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has directed its members in all Local Government Councils in the country to start a threeday industrial action today.

A statement signed by the association’s Deputy National President, Comrade Jones Ofunne and General Secretary, Comrade Joshua Irapakob, said the warning strike “is in response to the Senate’s flagrant disregard to the wishes and aspiration of the Nigerian people.”

“The union is aware of some senators who voted against the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Local Government autonomy for reasons of their inordinate ambition to become governors and continue their looting spree, entrenchment of poverty and lack of development at the grassroots. If the labour of our people during hearings, to have a local government that is grassroots development-oriented, peopledriven, free from executive lawlessness, encumbrances and endless pilfering, will not be in vain, then the Senate must revisit the issue of Local Government autonomy immediately,” the group said.

The unionists said: “The

NEC-in-session notes with appreciation, the transparent approach of the House of Representatives to the process of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution by publishing the report/results of the public hearings held in the 360 federal constituencies held on November 10, 2012 at which Nigerian people voted overwhelmingly in favour of complete autonomy for Local Government. The House of Representative is urged to remain the last bastion of the defence of the wishes of Nigerians by voting in conformity with the outcome of the public hearing held on November 1, 2012.”

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

‘Don’t hang clothes on highways, streets’

Kidney failure patient’s hope dims ‘We have no T one to help,

HE health condition of Adijat Talubi, the 17-year-old girl with kidney failure, whose pitiable condition became public recently, has worsened.

Entitled: “Who will save this teenager’s life,” her story was first published in The Nation’s edition of June 19.

Her ailment began in 2011 with incessant cough. After series of medical diagnoses, she was detected to have childhood hypertension, which resulted in kidney malfunctioning.

She was subsequently placed on drugs, which seemed to have suppressed the disease. But in April 2013, she was back in the hospital with swollen feet, following which she was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where weekly dialysis was prescribed for her.

“She was managed for End-Stage Renal Disease secondary to Chronic Glomerulonrphiritis and required thrice weekly, Heamodialysis, which initially cost N40,000 per session. Now, to work on her for kidney trans-plantation will cost N3million,” a recommendation letter by Consultant Pediatrician Gboyega Awobusoye, read.

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not even from the family.

This is why we are begging Nigerians to please save Adijat’s life’

By Seun Akioye

Adijat has since been admitted at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, on a weekly dialysis at the cost of N60, 000, which is being funded by her aunt, Mrs Bola Bonojo.

Too bad, her father, it was learnt, has since left her poor mother, Rukayat Talubi with the burden of struggling to make her leave.

After her story became public, kindhearted Nigerians contributed about N100, 000 for the planned kidney transplant which is estimated to cost N3 million at the LASUTH. Mrs Bonojo told The Nation yesterday: “We thank Nigerians who responded to our call for help, but we

• Adijat

still have a long way to go in raising the N3 million.

We have no one to help, not even from the family. This is why we are begging Nigerians to please save Adijat’s life; she has a lot to live for.”

For the attention of kind-

hearted Nigerians who would like to see the helpless teenager live, the family, Mrs Bonojo said, is anxiously expecting donations through her Wema Bank, Sagamu Branch, account, 0229126800, under the name: Adijat Omolola Talubi.

HE Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello has warned residents to desist from spreading clothes on the frontages of homes on major highways and streets.

“Any house found with such an unhygienic act will be sealed up,” the commissioner warned.

Bello issued the warning while monitoring the monthly sanitation in EgbeIdimu area last Saturday.

He said: “When you go round the state, you will notice in recent times that some Lagosians are in the habit of spreading clothes on balconies of their houses. You also notice security guards hang washed clothes on building fences on highways across the state; this is very wrong. You will also notice along major roads and bridges like Apapa, Carter Bridge, Eko Bridge, 3rd Mainland Bridge, Falomo, Kingsway Road etc, where washer men have turned bridges’ railings to lines were they spread washed clothes.

“This unhygienic act will no longer be tolerated by the state government, as this act portrays us in the state as people without decency and with disrespect for the environment.”

To curb the trend, he said, the state government had directed Environmental Health Officials and all the

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Local Government Areas’ Sanitation Officials, the state waste management authority (LAWMA) Staff and other security agencies in the state, to begin the removal of such clothes and take them to dumpsites as wastes.

The commissioner also noted that some traders had turned major roads/highways in the state to markets, abandoning their stalls/ markets. “A situation where markets are empty and traders have turned our streets and gutters to trading points can no longer be tolerated,” he said, adding: “We have got complaints from motorists and landlords’ associations, that traders have converted drainages and alignments to markets, thereby leading to serious traffic congestion and flooding in some areas of the state.”

He warned such traders to immediately vacate those drainage paths/ gutters or face the wrath of the law.

While appealing to residents to cooperate with the state government in its environmental regeneration programmes, Bello said: “All hands must be on deck to ensure that Lagos becomes a state where every Nigerian would be proud of as first-class investment destination in Africa and indeed, the world.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Lagos) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– – – – –

5:21 12:53 4:15 7:06 8:17

(Benue)

(Abuja) am pm pm pm pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:02 am – 12:38 pm – 3:59 pm – 6:54 pm – 8:06 pm

Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– – – – –

4:58 12:32 3:53 6:45 7:57

Ramadan 20, 1434AH am pm pm pm pm

(Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Obama hosts Iftar

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RESIDENT Barack Obama has hailed Muslims in America for contributing in building the United States.

Obama spoke at a White House Iftar (Breaking of fast) he hosted to celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

He said Ramadan is “a time of reflection, a chance to demonstrate devotion to God through prayer and fasting, but it’s also a time for family and friends to come together.”

The President said it is a White House tradition to celebrate sacred days of various faith, adding that these occasions celebrate the diversity which defines the country and reaffirms the freedom to worship.

Obama said Americans and the people in the Middle East also

•President Obama addressing the gathering at the event

have a common goal of economic opportunity and entrepreneurship.

“We work a little harder, we aim a little higher and we keep striving to create more opportunity for our children and future genera-

4.7 million Pilgrims perform Umrah

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BOUT 4.75 million pilgrims have observed Umrah (lesser hajj) since the start of the season, according to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj.

There are currently 300,000 pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah. The ministry said there are an estimated 500,000 visitors from abroad in the two holy cities.

Nearly 25,000 Umrah visitors leave the Kingdom every day after staying for 10 to 14 days in the Kingdom, according to the ministry’s spokesman Hatem Al-Qadi.

Expansion work at the Grand Mosque continues, with the traffic administration banning private vehicles carrying pilgrims from entering the central area. The police send out SMS text for people not to cause congestion.

A special raised platform has been built on the Mataf (the circumambulating area around the Kaaba) for people with special needs because of the space lost to the current expansion.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS

e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

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Indebtedness (1)

NDEBTEDNESS in Islam is not just about any bank or inter-personal loan. Neither is it about money or material objects only. Indebtedness can also be spiritual, or moral. Each of these is considered a problem for which Islam proffers a solution.

In the spiritual realm, a Muslim may become a debtor when he skips certain daily Salats. And, until he observes such Salats, no matter how late, he remains a spiritual debtor. He may also become a debtor when he misses some days of fasting in Ramadan for whatever reason or when he fails to pay Zakah at the appropriate time. Also, his refusal to perform Hajj when he has the physical ability and financial capability to do so, can amount to indebtedness. In each case, the only rectification which amounts to payment of debt is to atone for the omission. Such rectification can be made by the debtor himself or by someone else (in the case of Zakah and hajj). As for Salat the rule is different. No other person can help in the payment of any debt incurred by you. The payment must be done by the very person who incurred the debt. It must be remembered that there is no excuse for missing Salat.

In the case of fasting, there is a temporary indebtedness as there is a permanent one. An example of a temporary indebtedness is that of a menstruating woman or a wayfarer or a sick person. Each of them is to rectify the omission by himself or herself when Ramadan is over. But a person who is unable to fast due to old age or permanent ailment is not expected to fast after Ramadan.

What he has to do is feeding one indigent person each day of Ramadan.

Zakah can be paid on behalf of the estate owner either by his offspring or the beneficiaries of his legacy. This often happens posthumously or if the principal turns infamy. Hajj, on the other hand, can only be performed by proxy if disability prevents the person concerned from going through its rigour or he is unable to perform that function till his death. Any good Muslim from among his children, relatives or friends can do it on his behalf.

Please continue tomorrow.

PHOTO: AP

tions,” Obama said. “Of course this isn’t just the American dream; it’s the aspiration of people around the world. It is the basic, human desire for progress, to find dignity that comes from work to give our children some-

thing better.”

He said these yearnings for economic freedom and opportunity, just as much as political freedom, “are at the root of so much of the change we’ve seen around the world in the past few years, including in North

Africa and in the Middle East.”

Obama was joined by members of his administration, elected officials, religious leaders and members of the diplomatic corps as he hosted his fifth Iftar in the State Dining Room.

Ramadan is life-changing , says Amosun

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GUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has admonished Muslims to put to practise the lessons of Ramadan so that the holy month can become a life-changing experience for them all.

He said the fear of God, selfdiscipline, the study of Quran, obedience to the teachings of the Holy Prophet, prayers, unity, national consciousness and fulfilment of civic obligations exhibited during Ramadan should be sustained after the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

holy month.

Amosun spoke at the weekend in Abeokuta during the 2013 Special Ramadan Iftar, organised by the state government.

He said the faithful must demonstrate discipline, obedience to constituted authority, love, compassion and tolerance at all times.

“These attributes will not only help our spiritual development, but go a long way in promoting our physical development as a nation,” he

said.

In a lecture, entitled: “The Principles, the Myths, the Politics and the Sciences of Moon Sighting in Nigeria,” the Secretary-General of Nigeria Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, explained that “Islam is a communal religion” and not driven by individualism.

“You cannot just wake up and claim you have sighted the

moon and hence begin fasting; you have to inform the authorities who are experts in such matters,” he said.

Oloyede said sighting of the moon had been aided by scientific instruments and decried the introduction of politics into the issue.

He condemned the corruption in the process of obtaining visa for pilgrimage and called on Saudi Arabia to partner with Nigeria to eradicate the racket.

“Islam does not condone corruption,” he said.

Cleric, lawmaker urge religious tolerance among leaders

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HIEF Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem AbdulLateef, has urged those in authority to rise up to solve Nigeria’s problems.

Abdul-Lateef, a former lawmaker, who was the guest lecturer at the sixth annual Ramadan Iftar, organised by the Deputy Whip of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rotimi Abiru, enjoined politicians across the country to find a lasting solution to unemployment facing Nigerian youths.

“For unemployment decimal to be reduced to the barest minimum and for in-

By Oziegbe Okoeki

security and other social vices to become a thing of the past, Nigerian politicians should wake up from their slumber and do what they are supposed to do to make life bearable for the masses.

“They should provide employment for the graduates because an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Sincerely, speaking, if youths are gainfully employed and there is protection of life and property, all social vices will die a natural death,” he said.

He called on politicians to

have religious tolerance towards one another, adding that they should refrain from what would bring religious acrimony among them and the entire people of the country.

According to him, Allah says that He is the Lord of peace and Islam is a religion of peace.

“Therefore, Muslims should be peaceful with everybody regardless of their religious beliefs. The politicians should be tolerant with one another and they should take other people’s religion the way it is.

The plan of our creator is for us to love one another

because love is one of the solutions to our problems as a nation,” he said.

Abiru urged the people to use the period of Ramadan to repent from their sins and move closer to God, saying the essence of the period is to purify their heart and mind.

He said: “No nation can develop when those running its affairs are not doing what they are supposed to do. I believe that all the crises here and there will become a thing of the past if we live in peace and harmony without any religious or tribal sentiment,” Abiru said.

•From left: Representative of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) President Alhaji Ismaila Zakari; AJ Silicon Managing Director Alhaji Rasak Jaiyeola; Muslim Professional Accountants’ Association of Nigeria (MPAAN) President AbdulMumin Muhibudeen and MTN General Manager Financial Planning Alhaji AbdulKareem Kadri during MPAAN Ramadan Seminar at Iponri, Lagos... yesterday PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Again, Nigerians say ‘No’

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• Why is the CBN fixated on currency restructuring?

HAT on earth would make the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) seek to exhume the plan to redesign the naira so soon after Nigerians resoundingly rejected it? The pull of exigency or the lure of institutional hubris?

Whichever it is, the attempt by the CBN to revisit the naira redesign issue at this time is both inexplicable and wrong.

Ten months ago, precisely on September 20, 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan had, in the height of the opposition to the measure ordered the apex bank to halt its earlier announced currency restructuring to allow for further “enlightenment and consultation”. We consider it unimaginable that the CBN would, in less than one year, seek to upturn the order. Worse however is that the apex bank has remained far less convincing on a project expected to gulp billions of taxpayers’ funds now than it was 10 months ago.

We consider it worrisome that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s CBN wants the naira redesign project so bad – so bad it would go against the grain of public opinion as it is wont to do. Clearly, this is the only way to make sense of the statement credited to him while appearing before members of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency last week that “one of the reasons we wanted to have a restructuring of the redesign of the currency a few months ago was because many of our notes had been in existence for upward of eight or even 10 years… the best practice is that within a period of five to eight years you redesign

the currency, after which counterfeiters tend to catch up”. That was hubris at best.

Why are Nigerians opposed to the idea of wholesale redesign of the naira? This, unfortunately, is where the CBN chooses to misrepresent the argument. Just as nobody questions the exercise as the prerogative of the CBN; the issue is the apex bank’s unconvincing statement on the relationship between the cost of the exercise and the benefits. Aside being a drain on the public till, it promises to be a major source of capital flight. We do not see anything of the so-called best practices argument as obviating these facts. Indeed, we suspect that the only reason the idea keeps popping up is because the CBN has inexhaustible funds to play with.

Shouldn’t the nation by now have learnt enough from such costly experimentations? The lesson of the nation’s romance with Securency International, manufacturer of polymer notes scandal is still fresh. A bribe of N750 million was said to have been paid to some Nigerian officials by the Australian firm. Whereas their foreign counterparts have been convicted, their Nigerian accomplices are walking free. That is not even all; only recently it was revealed that the polymer was a far poorer alternative to what was previously in use.

Is someone again attempting to lead the nation by the nose?

The point is that the CBN admits that only a fraction of the processed notes in circulation is fake. It’s percentage of fake notes processed was given as 3.9 per cent

in 2007, six percent in 2008, 8.4 percent in 2009, 7.4 per cent in 2010, 5.4 per cent in 2011 and 8.4 percent in 2012. If this is the case, why go the whole hog of redesign?

Shouldn’t the addition of extra security features have sufficed if it is about curbing the menace of counterfeiting?

Wouldn’t that be far less costly?

At this time, Nigerians ought to worry about the apex bank’s fixation with currency restructuring. Redesigning the naira seems to us as the least of the problems that the CBN has to contend with; if the apex bank is in doubt of where to start, a good place is the current out-ofreach cost of funds.

‘Shouldn’t the addition of extra security features have sufficed if it is about curbing the menace of counterfeiting?

Wouldn’t that be far less costly? At this time, Nigerians ought to worry about the apex bank’s fixation with currency restructuring. Redesigning the naira seems to us as the least of the problems that the CBN has to contend with; if the apex bank is in doubt of where to start, a good place is the current out-of-reach cost of funds’

Inexplicable negligence

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•Pity! It is the EU now that wants to help us check crude theft

T was a million dollar question.

“Could someone please explain why you don’t have refineries in Nigeria?” The query came from Mitchel Rivers, co-President of the African, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union parliaments (ACP-EU), who was briefing the press at the end of the organisation’s three-day meeting in Abuja.

One of the main issues on the agenda of the meeting was the alarming scale of theft of Nigeria’s oil and Rivers’ felt, quite rightly, that this problem would most likely not have arisen if the country had functional refineries. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently revealed that Nigeria loses 400,000 barrels of oil daily, the equivalent of N7.3

‘It would appear that the outside world loves us more than we love ourselves. For, ordinarily, it should be no business of theirs if we do not have the good sense to effectively protect a commodity that is the lifeline of the country’s economy. If the oil is prevented from being stolen in the first place, the issue of its being bought would not arise’

million a day, to oil thieves.

The communique issued at the end of the ACP-EU parley reflected the seriousness attached to this issue by the organisation. It reads in part: “Members expressed concern at the high rates of oil theft, wastage and illegal bunkering which lead to substantial revenue losses and degradation. Members called on the Nigerian government to put in place appropriate mechanisms and measures to fight this organised syndicate”. To tackle this challenge, Rivers disclosed that it was decided that the European Parliament take steps to stop the purchase in Europe of oil stolen from Nigeria. Consequently, any crude oil for sale in the European market must now be accompanied with a certificate of origin.

Explaining the rationale for this decision, Rivers said “We want to ban European refineries from buying un-certificated Nigerian oil; 400,000 barrels of oil a day is a huge loss. We need to get traceability of oil to avoid theft. The oil companies are involved in this and everybody is making big money. The bunkering tankers are better equipped than the Nigerian Navy. This is a huge international organised crime. We did it with diamond; we can do it with oil”. It is most unfortunate that Nigeria has become the spoilt child of the international community, passing unto others a responsibility that ought to be its.

Not only is the country incapable of refining the bulk of her crude oil locally, it manifests inexplicable negligence in securing her shores and protecting her oil.

If the vessels manned by oil thieves are

better armed than those of the Nigerian Navy, we wonder how the humongous allocations to security over the years have been expended. By the same token, what benefit is the country deriving from the billion Naira contracts awarded to ex-militants in the Niger Delta to protect the oil pipelines? It would appear that the outside world loves us more than we love ourselves.

For, ordinarily, it should be no business of theirs if we do not have the good sense to effectively protect a commodity that is the lifeline of the country’s economy. If the oil is prevented from being stolen in the first place, the issue of its being bought would not arise.

However, it is not just the oil companies that are complicit in this sordid affair. Oil bunkering is most certainly a complex operation. The vessels involved are huge and anchored on the high seas. It would require an intricate network not just to burst the pipelines and steal the oil but also to transport the stolen commodity from the shore to the high sea. This will necessarily entail the cooperation of local chiefs, community leaders, the military and even government officials.

If that is so, what is the guarantee that vessels carrying stolen oil will not be armed with valid certificates, thereby negating the lofty aim of the EU? The Federal Government should act decisively to check this menace. A state that cannot protect the commodity on which its existence substantially depends cannot but be a laughing stock.

U.S. needs to push for sanctions on Rwanda to help Congo

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ACK IN January, President Obama rationalized his refusal to act in Syria in part by asking, in an interview with the New Republic, “How do I weigh tens of thousands who’ve been killed in Syria versus the tens of thousands who are currently being killed in the Congo?” Since then, his administration has supported a vigorous campaign of diplomacy and military intervention to stop the bloodshed in . . . Congo. This worthy effort now faces its first serious test.

A United Nations-sponsored conference in February produced a peace framework; in March the U.N. Security Council authorized a 3,000-strong “intervention brigade,” the first in U.N. history, to carry out offensive operations against armed groups. The force, composed of troops from South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania, is due to be fully deployed by next month — and it appears that its services will soon be needed. This month fighting has erupted between the Congolese army and a rebel group called M23 after months of relative calm. Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes in North Kivu province, where there are already nearly 1 million displaced civilians.

The scale of recent bloodshed in Congo is in no way comparable to that in Syria, but it stems from a chronic conflict that has repeatedly convulsed Africa’s Great Lakes region. With the Congolese government in faraway Kinshasa unable to control the region, neighboring countries — beginning with Rwanda — have repeatedly intervened.

Rwanda originally sought to protect itself from Hutu militias that fled its territory after carrying out a 1994 genocide, but over the years it has developed economic interests in Congo and close ties with Congolese Tutsis.

According to a new report by Human Rights Watch, Rwanda is backing M23 despite its commitment at the February peace conference to stop sponsoring Congolese militias. The report says M23 has carried out scores of murders and rapes since March. It is not the only offender: Government troops are also guilty of abuses, as are smaller militias allied with one of the two sides. M23 may be trying to gain advantage ahead of the U.N. force’s deployment, which is why it’s important that the force begin to act on its mandate as soon as possible.

The Obama administration continues to focus on the problem: Secretary of State John F. Kerry is due to lead a ministerial discussion on Congo at the United Nations on Thursday.

Mr. Kerry can be expected to remonstrate in private with representatives of Rwanda — which unconvincingly denies links to M23 — but he ought to speak out publicly about the violations as well. The United States and European governments, longtime supporters of Rwanda, suspended some aid last year after M23 briefly seized the city of Goma. Now they need to threaten further sanctions, while also offering Rwanda incentives, including economic carrots, that will allow it to beat a face-saving retreat from Congo once and for all.

– Washington Post

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20

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The Social Justice Institute (SJI) strongly condemns the attacks on democratic rights proposed through the amendments to the 1999 Constitution carried out by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The most maddening is the legalization of child marriage which represents a mighty attack on child’s rights in Nigeria through the retention of Section 29(4) (b) in the Constitution.We express our total solidarity with the opposition against this move and the mass actions being held to reject it.

We reject the life pensions that the members of the National Assembly through the same amendment process. It validates the fact that the entire ruling elite in Nigeria are bankrupt, backward and anti-development. While the ruling elite

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IR: The Nation newspaper has endeared itself to its readers not only for its exclusive news and rich opinions, but also editorials. While it hardly commends or praises institutions and individuals in its editorial contents, it nevertheless provides critical analyses and constructive criticisms on most issues.

The editorial of Thursday July 18, titled “Soldiers Everywhere” is yet another critical editorial that touches on the present security challenges in the country. The editorial made reference to the recent appeal made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki on the need for better cooperation and understanding between civilians and military as the nation wages war against terrorism in some parts of the country. It expressed concern with soldiers’ presence in most states, which it described as “the militarisation of our democracy.”

It argues that the deployment of troops by the government is not an answer to the increasing security challenges posed by terrorists, armed robbers, kidnappers and other anti-social elements making life unbearable for law-abiding citizens.

It is necessary to say that the current security challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria but it is a global phenomenon. Some countries have witnessed lawlessness at its peak

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

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

No to anti-workers’ constitutional amendment has failed to achieve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy as contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution, it is showing its neo-liberal character by awarding life pensions to themselves. Yet, many working class pensioners are suffering from unpaid pensions.

We are equally opposed to the planned total exclusion of Labour matters including the minimum

wage from the Exclusive List and its transfer to the Concurrent List.

We express our solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress which has also rejected this action. We hold that this represent a monumental attack on the mass of Nigerian workers and call on the two labour centres not to limit their opposition to press statements but also mobilize mass actions including but not

limited to two-day general strike to show their total and vehement resistance to such move.

We are equally opposed to the proposed amendment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Electoral Act 2010 (2011 as amended), and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Among other things, INEC is currently seeking, as evidenced by a letter dated June 13, the power to

where vagabonds, masquerading as freedom fighters attempted or succeeded in taking over governments. The changing role of the military in fighting terrorist groups, like the Nigeria’s Boko Haram, has brought soldiers closer to communities and the people who reside in them in a way that has been unexpected. This definitely creates the anxiety and tensions as both groups (civilian and military) chart a new way to accommodate each other.

The question we must ask is: are the police ready to cope with the current challenges when their officers (including DPOs) are ambushed and killed arbitrarily, when their formations are routinely destroyed with highly explosive devises, and when they themselves are

overwhelmed? A logical solution, which is in existence, is efficient delivery of the Joint Task Force (JTF) which has membership from all relevant security agencies to tackle the high level of insecurity in the country.

The setting up of the JTF is in the realisation that policing the domestic arena is not the duty of the military, whose training is directed against external enemies of the state.

However, we must realise that the military’s participation in joint activities with other paramilitary outfits to confront the tasking new Millennium security challenges are for strengthening efforts to protect our people from devilish and wicked marauders.

While we must urge other security outfits to brace up to the new chal-

lenges of policing and protection of lives and property; the military’s intervention in the war against terrorism should be sustained till normalcy returns to the enclaves. The civilians themselves and the media should be security conscious and alert relevant security agencies of suspicious movements, behaviours and objects that could pose security threat to our national integrity.

We should accept Dasuki’s plea that Nigerians should consider the military presence as a necessity to protect our people in dangerous zones, pending when those terrorists with their well-armed lethal armaments and sophisticated gadgets are completely uprooted and eliminated from our national lives.

• Ola Lookman Abuja

at conferences and functions for the attendees?

Who takes advantage of under aged girls in the guise of spiritual mentorship to have carnal knowledge of them? Who extorts money and sex from our helpless under aged girls for marks in our higher institutions? Who takes advantage of them in our various homes and offices and intimidate them into submitting to their lecherous dispositions? Who sleeps with a six

year old girl in the believe that it will help him to acquire political and economic invincibility?

And finally, who batters and maims underaged house maids on the allegation of child witch craft? etc etc.

The same people, some of who have suddenly become the proselytes of the new sing song, child marriage activism, are the perpetrators of the evils enumerated above. It is the bandwagon thing

Re: Soldiers everywhere

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“disqualify candidates who evidently do not satisfy the requirements for the position, he or she is vying for as provided in Sections 65,66,106,107,131,137,177 and 182 of the Constitution”. The condition for this unilateral disqualification is that if “there is a prima facie case shown from the presentation that the candidate is unqualified”. How this is to be determined, INEC did not state! We hold that if the National Assembly allows these proposed amendments, they would trigger anarchy and disaster.

On the contrary, we call for the immediate removal of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (2011 as amended) and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that restricts genuine multi-party democracy in Nigeria. We call for the deletion of the arbitrary provision of Section 78(7) (a) which empowers INEC to deregister political parties. We hold that this provision is a graveyard for democracy in Nigeria and amounts to sheer tyranny. We oppose the statutory disbursement of grants to political parties, which is the major ground upon which INEC came up with this provision and submit that the internal funding of political parties be driven through subscription by their members.

We hold that Nigeria’s warped polity is a reflection of the lopsided socio-economic arrangement, wherein one-percent of the population control 99 percent of the oil wealth, which is the mainstay of the economy in Nigeria.

• Ayo Ademiluyi, Director, Social Justice Institute, Lagos

Nigeria’s emergency child-marriage activists

IR: Nigerians are at it again, the band wagon ego trip! Almost everyone of us has morphed into child rights activist overnight, no thanks to the inelegant handling of issues on the legislative floor of the Senate. If this facade of child rights activism we all project truly represent us, who then employs the services of pimps to assemble under -aged girls whom the gleefully refer to as conference materials or second pillow

in Nigeria. No depth or sincerity.

Check yourself. Is there any extenuating feature in any of the above evils that you may be guilty of that makes any one of them a lesser evil than the child marriage for which you have become an overnight activist? You be the judge!

• Chris Edache Agbiti, Esq, Abuja

21

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

COMMENTS

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IDE-eyed observers must have contemplated the very first move by Major Hamza Al –Mustapha following his freedom after 15 years of detention and trial for alleged murder. The former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late military dictator, General Sani Abacha, made a beeline for the Synagogue of All Nations of Prophet T.B. Joshua at Ikotun, a Lagos suburb. It was intriguing that Al-Mustapha, a Muslim, had Joshua on his mind, for his relations and friends left no one in doubt about his religion as they reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” as the Appeal Court sitting in Lagos discharged and acquitted him on July 12. For those who believe in the oneness of God despite the multiplicity of religions, it must have been a vindication of sorts.

However, this particular drama transcended such narrow interpretation. Could it also have been a meeting of confessors, one being a priest who hears confession and gives absolution, and the other someone who makes a confession and seeks forgiveness? It is incongruous that Al-Mustapha concealed his mission but exploited the photo opportunity to publicize his visit.

Interestingly, the whole game was not lost on Joshua who seized the moment to sell his alleged prophetic powers. After giving background information on how he met AlMustapha and Abacha while his church was being investigated for alleged involvement in hard drugs, Joshua went on to claim bragging rights. He said: “I was able to reveal to them who I am by telling them what was to come as a prophet.

One of those things I mentioned to them, and to Al-Mustapha in particular, was what he went through, though he did not believe me then. That was why, when it came to pass, I was the first person he remembered.”

Joshua said further, “I told him that he would spend several years in prison and would be finally released, which no one else had ever told him. That is why you see him coming here as his first port of call.”

It was disappointing, though, that Joshua didn’t go far enough in proving his claimed prophetic gift. He should perhaps have supplied the particulars of his prophecy to the soldiers. Did the priest tell Al-Mustapha of the murder charges he would face from 1998 on account of the daylight Lagos

‘If the circumstances of her death indeed had political overtones, why should the judges not be interested, or why should such reality put them off?

Also, should the expression of natural emotion by the public in reaction to the killing count against the cold facts surrounding the incident?’

T

HE world over, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are to agencies, organizations or social movements that open up the liberal political space, engender equalization of opportunities; improve the circumstances of disadvantaged peoples and institutions and hold governments to account.

Ordinarily, NGOs are expected to be not profit-oriented and are supposed to be independent of the control of government. These usually value-based institutions or organs pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interest of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development.

But in Nigeria, the mushrooming phenomenon in the third world has prompted some scholars to contend that it has suffered some “explosion, derailment, and displacement”. This is because charlatans who merely masquerade as NGO operatives have infiltrated the rank of these social, popular democratic movements.

Drawing from his experience with his hitherto leftist friends, associates and acquaintances, Edwin Madunagwu in 2006 underscored the proliferation and bastardization of the NGO sector thus: “Almost every friend I know, every comrade of mine has an NGO. I know someone who is running three non-governmental organizations, is involved in about five others, and has about four others already registered awaiting activation when the need arises.”

Any keen observer of the events that have shaped the nation’s politics in the last few months will discern the unwieldy tendency of political actors to use these “changeagents” to foster acrimony and disunity in our dear nation.

A case in point is an unknown organisation that goes by the name, Anti-Corruption Watch and its recent activities.

Existing only on newspaper advertorial pages, it has made it a business to teach independent government agencies their modus operandi only to please their paymasters.

Currently, the amorphous Non Governmental Organization played the devil’s advocates by inciting the public and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to beam searchlight on Niger State over some spurious allegation that first sprouted in 2009 at the height of the political shenanigans orchestrated to filibuster the job of the Chief Servant, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu. Being a whistle blower, the Anti Corruption Watch can only be applauded if the job that it has elected to do is anchored on truth. But the present exercise is a failed attempt to put spanner in the work that has been internationally acknowledged as exemplary.

The climate has gone sully again because of 2015. Now, time is ripe for political do-gooders to dig into things known and unknown to convince their paymasters that

Soldier meets futurologist

By Femi Macaulay shooting of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola in June 1996? Was AlMustapha told that he would be set free on account of his innocence, or despite his culpability?

Did Joshua foresee the death sentence pronounced by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court on January 30, 2012, after finding Al-Mustapha and co-accused Alhaji Lateef Sofolahan guilty of conspiring to commit the offence? Did he also anticipate the release of the two men by the Appeal Court, which contended that there were “gaping loopholes” in the prosecution’s charges? If, indeed, Joshua had foreknowledge of Al-Mustapha’s troubles in connection with Kudirat’s killing, did he also know in advance that Sofolahan too would be involved as an alleged co-conspirator?

How much really did Joshua know of the future?

As things stand now, with the matter still open to further appeal by the prosecution at the Supreme Court, what does Joshua know of tomorrow? Can he tell whether the prosecution would assert its right to appeal? If such happens, can he tell how it would end? Has he told Al-Mustapha of future developments, if any, in this matter?

Joshua’s epistemological arrogance has significant implications that are truly disturbing. It is easy to see a fatalistic viewpoint in his position, which is perhaps unsurprising, given his priestly status. Beyond Al-Mustapha, however, is the more serious suggestion that Kudirat was fated to be shot to death on the road. There is a grave danger for social relations if such supposition is unchallenged.

Kudirat’s murder apart, the spiritualization of material conditions, which is unmistakable in Joshua’s utterances, has tentacular dimensions. The logic of fatalism is not selective, and cannot be applied to some cases while excluded in others.

Taken to a logical conclusion, the concept in its inclusiveness is supposed to determine every aspect of life on earth. In other words, everything that happens is predetermined and inevitable, and human beings are powerless to change them.

By such reasoning, it would be permissible to overlook not only Kudirat’s murder, but also other politically tainted killings. However, there is no doubt that the events leading to Kudirat’s elimination had the stamp of politics. She was a politically conscious and active figure whose visibility in the campaign for the restoration of her husband’s annulled democratically given mandate in the June 12, 1993, presidential election gave the Abacha regime sleepless nights. Her assassination in a shady context was a big blow to the pro-democracy movement at the time, and even the acclaimed winner in that election and presidential claimant, Chief MKO Abiola, succumbed to death in mysterious circumstances two years

later while under detention by the military authorities. Their unnatural exits in highly suspicious situations deservedly remain on the front burner years after, and it is a wonder that the country’s justice system is yet to address in a definitive way the gross injustice of their deaths.

The Appeal Court’s unanimous lead judgment delivered

by Justice Rita Pemu formulated the central question in the case in rather restrictive and counter-productive terms. According to her, “One thing is clear, Kudirat was shot, but the big question is who pulled the trigger? Certainly not the appellants. This court is not interested in the politics of the matter, nor in sentiment.” Certainly, this matter was not only about “who pulled the trigger”. Equally important, it was also about who sponsored the killing, who abetted the killers, who had a motive for seeking her death. If the circumstances of her death indeed had political overtones, why should the judges not be interested, or why should such reality put them off?

Also, should the expression of natural emotion by the public in reaction to the killing count against the cold facts surrounding the incident?

It is interesting that the Appeal Court verdict bore the seal of three women, comprising Justice Pemu, Justice Amina Augie and Justice Fatima Akinbami. Could it be that they were anxious to avoid the charge of gender bias? Now, that would be sentiment! Equally fascinating is the fact that Justice Dada who initially gave the death sentence against AlMustapha and Sofolahan is a woman. Could she have done so on the grounds of feminine prejudice? Again, that would be sentiment.

Besides the controversy triggered by the duo’s release, however, the elasticity of the trial is truly confounding. Why did it take so long to arrive at this juncture? Ironically, in the light of his acquittal, Al-Mustapha’s complaint that he was kept in solitary confinement for five years and three months, and subsequently detained in about 32 facilities across the country, the last being Kirikiri Maximum Prison, Lagos, tends to give him a moral platform he may not deserve.

One nagging question: Could the trial have been an instance of planned failure? This possibility stretches the imagination, but it is remarkable that the Justices faulted the original death sentence, describing the charges as “a baseless indictment without evidence.” Lamentably, the kernel of the failure, as pinpointed by Justice Pemu, was prosecutorial.

“For an offence like murder, I wonder why the Nigerian police did not do a proper investigation,” she said. This statement may tragically turn out to be the defining perspective in the Kudirat murder.

• Macaulay is on the editorial board of The Nation

Corruption and anti-corruption watch

By Danladi Ndayebo the Aliyu administration does not justify the rating that has put Niger as a frontline state in terms of poverty reduction and great developmental strides. The same state that is currently rated as the least poverty-stricken state is now being tarred by those without empirical basis as corruption-riddled and enmeshed in sharp practices. Had they known that the allegations of wrong-doings have been investigated and dispensed with by the agencies accused of ineptitude, they would have covered their faces in shame.

Scooping money from their gullible promoters to incite the masses against the administration only exhibit the limitations of the paymasters and their hack men. This was the same route of perdition that ended grievously and many of them had to eat their words when the administration set out to develop all the sectors of socioeconomic life of the people.

It is understandable that the mouth of detractors who had failed woefully to wrestle power by hook or crook should be filled with sour grapes.

Now in collaboration with people who feel the Governor has an eye on the top or would not brook the idea of leaving the top seat as an exclusive preserve of present occupants, they have gone back to their pastime to rake up muck. The real and behind-the-scene motives for the unrelenting mischief making by well-known detractors of the current administration in Niger State should be obvious to all thinking people.

No one who visited Niger State before and after Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu came to power will fail to attest to the fact that he has filled the void of the same devastated state that had been abandoned in a state of helplessness.

Because of the yawning developmental gap left between what was and what is now, it has not been easy for these lily-livered rumour mongers to come to terms with the giants stride being made to make the state one of the three most developed states in the country by 2020, a major plank of the Babangida Aliyu transformation agenda codenamed 3: 2020.

It is no wonder that as a way of trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the people, these shameless detractors who obviously do not have the interest of the masses of Niger State and by extension, most northerners and indeed Nigerians in mind have resorted to various arm-twisting tactics to sow the seed of discord in every venture that Mu’azu Aliyu supports.

It will be recalled that the Anti-Corruption Watch is aping what an article written in 2009 under the pseudonym Engineer Yahaya Mahmood spawned through a ridiculous petition, sent to the Niger State House of Assembly, leveling all manners of tendentious allegations against the Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu administration.

Needless to state that from the mediocrity of the presentation of the ‘facts’ in the silly petition, it was obvious that the so-called engineer who allegedly authored the report was just desirous of dragging everybody else into his natural habitat. The only aim of the allegations is to distract and divert the attention of the executive and legislative arm of the government from their busy schedule of work for the people. The writer of the petition knew that there was no chance of them coming before the state House of Assembly to substantiate their wild allegations as the petitioners are mere ghost writers.

So how does Anti-Corruption Watch corroborate the allegations they have raked up or they simply want the taxpayers’ monies spent on spurious allegations, simply because they hate the guts of the Chief Servant?

For the records, it is obvious that the beer-parlour gossips cannot justify the developmental strides of this administration in terms of health care delivery, sanitation, agriculture, education and road construction and rehabilitation.

Stealing from the poor state will only be Satanic, it is a venture a God-fearing servant of the people like Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu will not toe. There is however no doubt that attempts to erect such red-herrings would collapse.

•Ndayebo writes from Minna, Niger State

‘No one who visited Niger State before and after Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu came to power will fail to attest to the fact that he has filled the void of the same devastated state that had been abandoned in a state of helplessness’

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29 , 2013

22

COMMENTS

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PPARENTLY piqued by the worsening political temperament of the country, five governors from the north, last week embarked on consultations with some elder statesmen with a view to stemming the slide. The governors- Aliyu Babangida (Niger) Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Aliu Wammako (Sokoto) held discussions with Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar, all former military rulers of this country. Feelers from some of those who attended the meetings indicated that top on their agenda were the festering crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the feud in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the political crisis in Rivers State.

Also on the table was the marginalization of some PDP governors by both the party and the presidency as well as the hurling of pebbles on the convoy of these governors when they visited their colleague of Rivers State.

They were equally reported to have said that their main concern is not with where power swings in 2015 but the prospects of the tense political atmosphere derailing that election.

For them, the road to the election is strewn with thorns such that the former leaders needed to intervene before things go awry.

Not much has been heard from those they visited. But Babangida must have been so impressed by the concerns raised by the governors that he did not waste time in describing them as patriots. By that, the impression we get is that they are genuinely concerned and prepared to sacrifice for the peace, unity and progress of this country. That should be good news to all fair-minded people.

‘It is vital we give deep thought to stemming the recurring frictions that have over the years, stood against national integration. Power shift being a symptom of the larger national disorder cannot effectively address the nagging issues of our federal order’

F

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Antics of five governors This is not an attempt to diminish Babangida’s assessment of the motive behind the governors’ action.

This is more so as the issues raised are already in public domain. There is no doubt that recent events in the country, especially the crisis in the ruling PDP, that of the NGF and its manifestation in the show of shame in Rives State have elicited genuine concerns about the fate of democracy. If the five governors were moved by genuine desires to save the country from the slide to the precipice, they may well qualify as patriots as Babangida has labeled them.

But there are issues that can be raised against their composition and agenda. It is curious why the ‘patriotic’ governors did not include the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency as a very potent destabilizing factor requiring urgent therapeutic response. Boko Haram is even more threatening and devastating to our corporate existence than the items in their agenda.

Moreover, most of the issues raised can be encapsulated within the domestic problems of the ruling party. No doubt, they could have wider repercussions for the country but they are the making of the PDP. Boko Haram is of a wider and more destructive dimension. To have left it out of their agenda did considerable harm to the credit which Babangida sought to give them. It is difficult to fathom how their largely skewed agenda can lead to national fame.

It is not clear how the five governors were selected. But they are all members of the PDP. Incidentally also, they are known to hold views contrary to those of the presidency and the PDP especially on the country’s power equation.

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s piece in The Nation on July 2, titled “How to Resolve PDP Crisis” was such an interesting read. Atiku seems to believe that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party is largely self-inflicted because it had derailed from the vision of its founding fathers. The Turaki Adamawa also harped on what the party must do to reclaim its lost glory in the piece.

Although, Atiku may have riled a significant segment of his supporters and admirers for being unprincipled, having gone back to his own vomit in light of the humiliation he suffered as a sitting vice president from his boss. But consistently principled he has been in denouncing the crude and reckless power play of his party’s leadership hierarchy. As a key founding father, one can hardly fault Alhaji Abubakar for shouting himself hoarse in his attempt to draw attention to a party that seems to be taking a rapid nose dive less than five years after, in his exuberance, a top party apparatchik boasted that the party would rule for the next 60 years.

Atiku’s piece can be divided into three distinct parts. In the first part, the former vice president went down memory lane as he tried to acquaint his readers with what seems to be the philosophical underpinning and vision of PDP’s founding fathers that conceived and gave birth to this behemoth, which Atiku probably believe, and rightly so, that may have lost its soul. As one of the founding fathers, Atiku’s conviction that a party platform with “credible internal capacity to produce leaders who will be committed to the public purpose…because it is within such a national party that…can guarantee national harmony, promote human development and safeguard the freedom and dignity of all citizens” is no doubt noble.

But it appears Atiku is probably the only founding father with this noble ideal. And if not, it had since been jettisoned and replaced with acquisition of power in its crudest form, flagrant violation of the rule of law, inordinate and reckless pursuit of personal wealth in the name of politics, and inyour-face looting of the collective patrimony ever since those founding fathers made that singular blunder of inviting the chicken farmer from Ota to be the party’s CEO. The party had never known peace since and probably never will as the acorn seed of discord he sowed before he left the helm had grown into a mighty oak.

The mid-section is the former vice president’s lamentation of PDP’s loss of the South-west to the opposition and his admonition to the South-west party leaders that the “trend be reversed” in the region. He also suggested what needs to be done for the party to rid itself of its self-inflicted crisis and return to that philosophical ideal for which it was founded in the last leg of his piece.

One is especially curious as to why the former vice presi-

They are known sympathizers of Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State who has turned out the anchor point of the opposition to President Jonathan.

The five governors are entitled to their views. The opinions they currently hold on issues of our national being cannot be circumscribed. In fact, some of them have won the admiration of some people for their principled stance on issues.

But their inability to attract some of the pro-Jonathan governors in that part of the country to their team lends their motive to suspicion.

Hard as they try to convince the rest of us that power shift is not at the centre of their self-assigned consultations, it is still hard to believe.

The problems the governors raised are just symptoms of the innate political sickness afflicting the country. They are all linked to 2015. If Jonathan announces today he will not present himself for the 2015 election, they will fizzle out unilaterally.

But, that will not be the end of our problems. Sooner or later, they will rear up their ugly heads in other forms as we are yet to tackle the root of them all. And as long as we fail to genuinely address these fundamental distortions, so long will they remain a recurring decimal in our national affairs. Even if power moves back to the north in 2015, it is no guarantee that these systemic frictions will abate. They will not. At best, we would have succeeded in assuaging the feelings of a section of the north albeit temporarily. Within this north and south dichotomy, the fate of the Igbo, one of the tripod on which this coun-

try was erected and northern minorities has been relegated to the background. Moving power back to the north has not in any way addressed the grouses of these sections. They will be worse off when this happens given the number of years the north has held that post.

With the posturing of the north, it is uncertain the use they intend to put political power when once they get. Key northerners are known to have said that rotation is dead. And when we juxtapose this to recent statements from northern elders and Arewa Consultative Forum that the north has the population to snatch power and retain it as long as it pleases it, then the danger lurking around becomes very manifest.

It stands to reason that reverting power to the north is not a solution to the centrifugal tendencies that have gained higher momentum in the last couple of years. It will rather reinforce the fears of sections continually shunted out of the commanding heights of key national positions and institutions. These groups will in no distant time, begin to vent their pent up grievances. There is mistrust, suspicion and ill-feelings among the diverse groups on these shores due to inequitable distribution of power and resources. It is on account of these that some people organized themselves to throw stones on the northern governors who were on a legitimate solidarity visit to their colleague in Port Harcourt.

Some of those who spoke accused Amaechi of wasting their money hosting the northern governors. What money one may wish to ask?

Their posters had some unprintable inscriptions that could further fuel embers of discord. That is how bad the mistrust is. But that is their mood. One of the governors succinctly captured this dilemma when he wondered what would have happened in the north had harm come their way.

It is vital we give deep thought to stemming the recurring frictions that have over the years, stood against national integration. Power shift being a symptom of the larger national disorder cannot effectively address the nagging issues of our federal order. Power is sought desperately in this country because sections want to gain advantage over others. Such a posturing cannot promote fairness, justice, equity and national cohesion. Jonathan may as well vacate office for the north in 2015. But the manner he is being harassed out of the contest may end up swelling a groundswell of public sympathy for him both in the south and the Middle Belt.

Atiku’s lamentation of PDP’s loss of South-west

By Femi Odere dent suddenly developed this nostalgic feeling about the South-west and hence, his insistence that “PDP cannot afford to depart” from the region. If the basis of his reasoning is that any government in Nigeria can hardly be considered relatively successful if it’s not at peace with the South-west, then he’s probably on point. But if he had chosen the South-west as a case study in order to show the extent of the party’s degeneration in the region’s body politic, then he’s being clever by half as the facts did not support his case study.

As a veteran politician who has been in the trade probably longer than he can remember, Atiku knows full well now that a party does not need the South-west to be the government at the centre. But he is also politically astute enough to know that God helps that government at the centre that had not only lost the South-west but also the respect and acceptance, no matter how tacit, of the people of this region as that government may never know peace in its lifetime. It’s politically naïve of the former vice president to think that his PDP have even a fighting chance, outside of doing what it does best, in coming back to political reckoning in the South-west geo-political zone. And this is why.

Contrary to his assertion that “PDP became a very strong political party in the South-west as a result of the efforts and commitment of leaders who commanded the respect of the generality of the people of the South-west” which culminated in its control of the region’s levers of power, its control was primarily due to the massive and blatant rigging of the 2007 elections which have gone down in infamy as the worst election in Nigeria’s history. It was an election in which INEC, the electoral umpire was in full collusion, and the stage for it having been set by then President Obasanjo with his “do or die” declaration. The rigging was so egregious that the facts of any case in respect of that election brought before any judge with any iota of conscience left in him/her could not have been overlooked. And that was why the courts overturned the governorship elections in three South-west states of Ekiti, Osun and Ondo.

The “startling reverse” that the fortunes of the party took from 2011 in the region was not only due to the people’s realization that the party is really clueless as to what govern-

ance was about, but they had come to terms with their inherent progressive political philosophy, which is fundamentally opposed to the conservative political ideology of PDP at the centre. His assertion that his “party didn’t come to this sorry state in the region because the party men failed to deliver good governance to the people” where their “landmarks of achievements…dot the region” is at best delusional.

It is also important to put into proper perspective the emergence of PDP in the political landscape of the South-west, in case Atiku did not know or conveniently choose not to know.

The emergence of PDP in the driver’s seat of the politics of the South-west in 2003 was the result of the dummy sold by Obasanjo to the region’s progressive governors before the elections, but which was steadfastly rejected by then Governor Ahmed Bola Tinubu who consequently became the last man standing among them. Secondly, the people of the Southwest, with their votes, made it abundantly clear to their leaders then that they were in a hurry for development in all its facets.

Atiku Abubakar would do well by focusing his attention to fixing the big umbrella at the centre as well as the smaller ones in other geo-political regions that are drenching their members and the hapless people where these umbrellas are still open. The only renegade state left to be liberated and brought back into this regional family of progressives is the degenerate government in Ondo. And it’s only a matter of time.

• Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com.

‘It’s politically naïve of the former vice president to think that his PDP have even a fighting chance, outside of doing what it does best, in coming back to political reckoning in the South-west geo-political zone’

25

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

JOBS

‘Human factor cause of most air crashes’ -P. 27 News Briefing 1000 BTS for rural communities THE Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) said it would build 1000 base transceiver stations (BTS) yearly in rural communities over the next five years to deepen telecoms penetration and improve service quality.

- Page 26

NAMA targets N22b IGR THE Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) plans to increase its internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N 22billion before the end of the year.

- Page 26

NAICOM seeks law on buildings THE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has called on state governments to enact a legislation to ensure all buildings used by third parties within their states are adequately insured.

- Page 39

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

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

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

At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Eking out a living from cassava bread - Pg 37

NNPC pays govt N2.6tr, says report •Corporation gets N2.6b T claims from Leadway, others HE Nigeria National P e t r o l e u m Corporation (NNPC) paid N2.6 trillion into the Federation Account in the first six months of this year, The Nation has learnt.

Five insurance companies, including Leadway Insurance also paid the c o r p o r a t i o n N 2 , 680,535,195.2 billion in insurance claims for exported crude oil in May. These were contained in the report the corporation submitted to the July Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja last week.

The report, which was prepared by Onome Jack, checked by Nura Umar and approved by Mrs E. N. EniKalu, included the statement of account as at last June.

The NNPC said it transferred $8,762,818,942.19 or N2, 649,721,229,327.49 into the Federation Account.

The corporation told the FAAC that it transferred N286, 862,007,820.52 to the Federation Account using the exchange rate of N154.76 per dollar in June.

Also included in the statement of account are the total proceeds of crude oil and gas for June, which stands at N289,198,407,820.52.

The grand total of the NNPC/FGN equity and crude oil, and other receipts was N150,794,471,986.27, including N22,258,059,323.78 for the NNPC/FGN Equity gas receipts.

The NNPC reported to the FAAC meeting that “there was increase in production from Forcados and Qua-Iboe terminals due to completion of pipeline repair works, however, lifting operations were adversely affected during the period due to the Force Majeure declared at Bonny terminal due to theft along Nembe Creek Trunk line, resulting in production shut down of about 150,000 bopd; drop in production at Brass terminal due to pipeline vandalism and theft activities as well as drop in production at Okono and Amenam terminals due to repair work on equipment.”

The domestic crude cost for March, the report said, was N112,382,568,750, while the gas and other Naira receipts stood at N1,426,907,760.47 by June.

The report stated that the

From Samuel Orumade and Bridget Adah Agiounim in Abuja

May export sales volume of 9.18 million barrels was 4.2 million barrels higher than April export sales volume of 4.97 million barrels.

“The total revenue from crude oil export sales during the period under review at an average unit price of $104.754 per barrel is $951.87 million,”the report said.

This amount is $437.7 million higher than what was realised in the preceeding April.

During the period under review NNPC said it lifted 5.68 million barrels of PPT oil valued at $598.30 million and 2.3 million BTU of Modified Carry Agreement (MCA) Gas valued at $5.4 million.

These amounts were paid into the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) account, with JP Morgan Chase.

Royalty Oil lifting of 1.01 million barrels and MCA Oil and Gas valued at $105 million were also paid into the DPR Account.

The report noted that the “domestic crude oil sales of 11.59 million barrels for the month of May, was 1.4 million barrels higher than April domestic sales volume. The total value of Domestic Crude oil sales, at an average unit price of $105.397 and exchange rate of $154.75/$ was N188.98 billion. ‘’This amount is higher than April Domestic Crude Oil sales value of N160.89 billion by N28.096 billion.”

Actual receipts from Domestic Crude oil sales for March 2013, was put at N112.38 billion,while gas sales of 94,739MT at an average unit price of $690.2462 generated total sales revenue of $65.39million.

NLNG Feedstock sale for the month was 47.871Millio BTU at an average unit price of $2.2787678. This generated total sales revenue of $109.087 million.

The corporation also signed a “Modified Carry Agreement” of $1.69 billion with Shell Petroleum development Company (SPDC),

TOTAL and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) designed to finance their Joint Venture Upstream project in Gbaran-Ugbidie, in Bayelsa State.

Modified Carry Agreement is a financing agreement whereby the International Oil Companies (IOC’s) will advance loan to NNPC for investing in upstream projects. The three oil giants are operating in Nigeria under a Joint Venture arrangement with NNPC, in the NNPC/ SPDC/TOTAL/NAOC Joint Venture.

The last financing agreement signed was a modifi-

cation of the Carry Agreement. The new “Modified Carry Agreement” (MCA) introduces greater level of transparency and accountability with repayment and compensation being on “cash and carry basis”, not oil.

In the deal, the NNPC would allow the three firms to take capital allowances as allowed by the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) to recover 85 per cent of the principal loan. By taking the allowance, the IOCs are reducing the taxable profit that they ought to have paid.

The remaining 15 per cent plus eight per cent interest would be paid in cash from the increased production from, which the investment was made. If, for any reason, the oil field where the in-

vestment was made could not produce, then payment of the 15 per cent plus the eight per cent interest would be stopped.

The signing of the agreement was as a result of a successful negotiation between the four oil giants involved, that is the NNPC, SPDC, TOTAL and NAOC. Meanwhile, Leadway Insurance was one of the insurance firms that made three insurance claims to NNPC while Sovereign Trust insurance settled two claims.

Leadway Assurance paid $16,628,480.38 as claims, Sovereign Trust Insurance paid $12,974.91, Linkage Assurance paid $105,082.60; Fin Insurance paid $2,797.08, while Great Nigeria Insurance, $4,000.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

26

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

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

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

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

HE Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) said it would build 1000 base transceiver stations (BTS) yearly in rural communities over the next five years to deepen telecoms penetration and improve service quality.

Its Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Maikano, made this known in Lagos at a stakeholders’ forum to discuss the new operating model for the key area implementation of connectivity, which include connectivity and access to ensure sustainability of the rural access.

Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, lamented recently that more than 40 per cent of the rural communities in the country were disenfranchised from the benefits of the telecoms revolution.

But the USPF, which is a special fund set up by the Federal Government under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, designed to provide telecommunications and ICT services to un-served, underserved and deprived groups and communities in the country, said it will address this problem.

Under the Fund’s Strategic Management Plan (SMP) for

By Lucas Ajanaku

between the year and 2017, beginning from this year, no fewer than 1,000 BTS would be built every year to bridge the telecoms divide.

USPF also plans to support the laying of 15, 000 kilometres (km) of optic fibre cables (OFC) with an average of 3,000km every year; and the deployment of Internet Point of Presence (PoPs) in 25 clusters within the next five years with an average of five per year under the Fund’s Rural Broadband Internet (RUBI) scheme.

He said the SMP had been redesigned, following the review of the earlier SMP 2007-2011, which was fraught with some shortcomings, adding that to achieve the new targets; USPF will soon come up with Request for Proposal (RfP) from telecoms operators that will drive the infrastructure deployment. He said the Fund would ensure there is transparency in the bidding process.

According to Maikano, the operating model adopted for the new SMP, which focuses on

integrated approach to project strategy and execution would lead to increased participation of industry operators; ensure implementation of well-planned and adaptable projects that suits a variety of ICT schemes, ensure availability of telecoms infrastructures in unserved and underserved area, which provides a foundation for universal access, among others.

Partner, KPMG, Mr Joseph Tegbe, listed some barriers that brought about the unsatisfactory performance of the first SMP scheme, leading to its review to produce the current one.

According to him, while the progrrammes and projects in the SNMP 2007-2001 were well articulated, the USPF encountered some impediments in executing a number of elected projects.

“There were too many projects.

Also, projects were designed and defined using a ‘one size fits all’ approach, thus USP intervention, in some cases, did not directly address the specific needs of the beneficiaries, among others challenges,” the KPMG chief said.

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

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

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

Interbank lending Fund plans 1000 BTS for rates fall rural communities I T

• From left: Senator Bukola Saraki; Executive Director (Corporate Services), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mrs Omolola Abiola-Edewor; Senator Anthony Adeniyi; Senator Bassey Edet Otu, chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, NDIC MD/CE, at the recent retreat for the Senate Committee on the proposed amendment to the NDIC Act 2006 in Lagos.

NAMA sets N22b IGR target

T

HE Nigeria Airspace Man agement Authority (NAMA) plans to increase its internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N 22billion before the end of the year.

Its Managing Director Nnamdi Udoh said the airspace agency spent at least N500million of its IGR on training and retraining of its staff in the country and abroad.

He said: “Let me say generally in a year, we expend about N500milion on training of our personnel; Air traffic controllers , engineers, human resources personnel , finance officers and all that, but we hope we can increase it.

“By April, this year, we have had nine per cent increase on volume of traffic and five per cent increase on revenue and those are statistics as at that time. This year, we are

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

looking at the balance sheet of N20 to N22 billion to increase from the N14 billion we achieved in 2012.

“The money is not going to come from my pockets, but from those who are flying our airspace and, therefore, I will not say the Nigerian airspace is being avoided as some are saying.”

Udoh also said plans are underway by the management to make NAMA a self-sustaining body by 2015, maintaining that the challenges of the government were enormous.

“First, NAMA is a self-sustaining agency, but the government has always provided infrastructural and technical supports, which they are alarming us that they need to put more money on schools, hospitals and they are saying we should try to survive on our own. That is why we are

developing new initiatives to support my revenues and that is business.”

He denied the rumoured ‘plan’ by the Federal Government to ground most private jet operators in the country, maintaining that private jet operators are NAMA’s major clients in the industry.

He said for agency to meets its set goals, it would have to embrace private jet owners in the country.

“Nobody is saying they should not carry whosoever they want to carry on their jets, but what we are saying is that if you must carry other people on that your private jet, you must have a corresponding insurance policy covering the passengers onboard, which means there must be a comprehensive insurance to cover those people onboard,” he said.

Dangote Cement posts N107.7b half-year profit LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

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

D

ANGOTE Cement Plc has announced a profit before tax of N107.7 billion in the half-year ended June 30, 2013.

According to a statement from the company, profit before tax rose by 52.8 per cent compared with N70.8 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Gross profit was on the upward swing also, increasing by 43.8 per cent, from N91.9 billion to N132.1 billion, while operating profit moved up from N76.4 billion to N111.1 billion, indicating an increase of 45.4

per cent.

The management in a statement highlighting the performance of the firm and endorsed by the Chief Executive, Devakurma Edwin, said Dangote Cement increased sales in Nigeria by recording sales of 6.76 million tonnes in the first half of 2013, representing 29.4 per cent sales increase.

The management noted that the improved sales figure was more than double the growth rate of the overall Nigerian cement market, estimated to be around 14.2 per cent in the same

period.

He said: “We estimate our market share to have remained at about 62% across the first half of 2013. Pricing remains steady across our operations.

The strong growth we achieved was satisfied by additional output from the Ibese plant, which opened in the first quarter of 2012, and higher output from Obajana (the new Line 3 came on stream in the first quarter of 2012). Furthermore we achieved this strong rate of growth despite the fact that our Gboko plant was mothballed during January.

NTERBANK lending rates eased marginally to around 10.16 per cent last Friday from an average 10.3 per cent penultimate week, helped by liquidity from matured treasury bills and flows from the government agencies.

“The market is seen flat next week (this week) until the debiting of the new cash reserves on August 7, which is expected to take out huge liquidity from the system with rates hitting the roof,” one dealer said.

The regulator announced that it would impose a 50 per cent cash reserve requirement on banks’ public deposits to curb the practice of taking deposits and lending the money back to the government at a profit. The squeeze on liquidity is also aimed at supporting the naira.

Dealers said the current cost of borrowing among banks has been pushed down by the repayment of about N56 billion ($348 million) in matured treasury bills while N80 billion meant for public sector wages also hit the system.

The market according to Reuters, opened with a cash balance of about N514 billion naira on Friday, compared with N300 billion the previous week.

The secured Open Buy back (OBB) eased marginally to 10.1 per cent from 10.15 per cent last week, 1.9 percentage points lower than the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) benchmark interest rate.

Overnight placement dropped to 10.15 per cent compared with 10.25 per cent, while call money closed at 10.5 per cent compared with 12.5 per cent penultimate week.

Dealers say the new cash reserve measure, taking out around N650 billion of public sector cash deposited with lenders, could push up cost of borrowing in the market.

“We don’t expect the central bank to sell open market operation debt notes next week because of the planned debiting for the new CRR,” another dealer said.

‘Free trade still a pipe dream’

By Daniel Essiet

T

ECHNICAL barriers are hindering exporters from accessing important markets, Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of Multimix Academy, Mr Obiora Madu, has said.

Non-tariff barriers include laws, regulations, policies and practices that either protect domestically produced goods from the full brunt of foreign competition, or artificially stimulate the exports of domestic products.

Madu said exporters face a lot of technical challenges that restrict trade, including limits on expiry dates, lengthy accreditation processes and incountry distribution restrictions. The loss, according to him, runs into billions of naira yearly.

This, he explained, can be as detrimental as tariffs and quotas.

While technical barriers to trade increase product preparation and delivery costs, he said it requires compliance to commonly accepted standards.

According to him, exporters are affected by codes, standards and other factors related to market access and they need capacity to overcome the constraints.

He implored local exporters to explore resources, processes and capabilities to meet the demands of new export opportunities.

He said these issues could be addressed with the government’s support.

During an export forum in Lagos, Madu said global trading has become increasingly important and urged organisations to take advantage of such opportunities.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

27

THE CEO What is responsible for most air crashes?

Human factor, says Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Nnamdi Udoh. A tested hand, Udoh, in this interview with Group Business Editor AYODELE AMINU in Beijing, China, also speaks on why Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s plane was delayed in Akure, Ondo State in April; the Federal Government’s efforts to digitalise control towers; ongoing remodelling of airports and reviewing the rules that guide the industry for effective regulation and operations.

• Udoh

PHOTO: AYODELE AMINU

‘Human factor cause of most air crashes’ W

HAT is your succession plan for the agency, to allow the younger ones take over as Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) because your ATCs are aging? Are there communication challenges with the radio system in the airspace? Was the radio system downgraded at anytime?

There was never a time the radio system was downgraded purposely. Let me give you a scenario, in time past when the pilot takes off from Lagos to Port Harcourt, he communicates through Ibadan, Benin, Warri and then Port Harcourt, but today, he only talks to Lagos and Port Harcourt because we have long range Very High Frequency (VHF) that is available and it is operated through what we call a Remote Control Air to Ground (RCAG) equipment. The project came on board when we had the European Union (EU) technical support programme using a satellite technology, and then we started the Total VHF of Nigeria airspace meaning that technology is changing. What that also means is that we have a frequency in PH, 1273, Lagos and Abuja all linked together. So, when the pilot takes off from PH, the ATC will simply say, bye to the pilot and pronto the pilot will be talking to Lagos; so there is nothing like “l can’t get Lagos on radio”.

During the period we were installing the technology, there were challenges, but they were not deliberate because we cannot shut down the airspace because the planes fly every day. It is like you are painting your house and you have to move some furniture out here and there; we kept explaining this to people but it was so badly presented.

What we needed to do was to remain focused and finish the job because all the pilots needed to do and were doing was call 1273, which is the main frequency East Lagos or 1209 for Lagos West. We called that

Profile Institutions attended

Nigerian College of Aviation, Zaria; School of Aviation in Langen, Germany and City University, London.

Qualification

Air Traffic Electronics licence; Masters of Science.

Previous positions

ED, Electronics and Engineering Services, NAMA

Present position

Managing Director, NAMA

Experience

Over 25 years

sectorisation because; for instance, when 50 planes began to fly at a time from the Southwest of Nigeria and 28 from the Southeast and others from different countries and other airports within the country, there is no way one air traffic controller can handle it; that is why we sectorised. And we can do that even up to six sectors. That is why an ATC can stay in Zurich and manage the entire European airspace. That is what the focus will be in another five to 10 years, where we will have multiplicity of radio communication frequencies.

How do you deal with compliance by pilots who are overworked by the airlines because it also boils down to safety?

This is the responsibility of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), but let me tell you categorically that there is an approved known flying hour for every aircraft and for every pilot for all the national civil aviation authority. No pilot can exceed his working hours. If you do that, it is at your own risk and when the authority finds out, you are sanctioned, so no pilot can officially say he is overworked. The licence he is carrying gives him the authority. That is why he is captain and commander of the plane.

Most pilots you see not flying have perhaps

failed medical test; that is the only instance when pilots are disallowed from flying. So, why will anyone want to stress himself when he knows he has not had enough crew rest? That is why international airlines will fly into Nigeria, another crew will come and take the plane and fly it back to the next airport of destination.

What is happening to rescue operations in Nigeria taking into cognisance the recent crash in San Francisco and looking at what happened at the Iju plane crash?

The environment aids rescue operations.

The scenarios here are two different places: airport and those outside the airport environment. We have had a KLM crash into a building in Amsterdam, how many people did you recover? It also depends on the impact the plane made with the ground. By the time the plane made impact with the ground, the passengers on that Dana flight were all dead from the height of stall. In the other case (the recent San Francisco crash) you saw a plane that is one second from landing stalling, it became like football but the emergencies were already on ground there.

That was why it took us up to 20 minutes to get to Iju because the plane was being expected and on crashing there was an alarm

button. The man didn’t tell us he has crashed, we saw him crashing because he disappeared from the radar. All the ATC on duty needed to do was press an alarm button and once that is done, there is a sequence of order to be followed, airports, Lagos State Fire Service, the army, police and all others have to be notified and mobilised.

There are lot of sequences to be followed and I tell you, Iju had been our best response so far in emergency in time of response and getting to the site. But the other aspect was that the public being informed enough not to take over the scene. That hindered us from getting there in good time, at least to have remedied those who burnt subsequently.

You noticed that anytime a plane crashed in a congested place, it was always disastrous.

What is the progress report of the aviation industry?

There is a lot going on in the aviation industry. You will notice that in the various presentations we made in the industry in the last one year, we talked about airport remodelling, the improvement of NAMA, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), the various regulatory functions of the NCAA and customer bill of rights. Then we narrowed it down to the main attraction, which is customer satisfaction that comes from the airport and the airlines.

No matter how good the airspace is, if the passengers are not secure, safe and comfortable, it definitely becomes a thing of concern. All aviation issues are like a chain of issues, so we have to solve them link by link.

We have been going through the chain of issues in the sector as one big family. Though it’s been quite challenging, with the spirit of transformation blowing across the sector, we have so far dealt with it all together. Deal•Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

28

THE CEO

‘Human factor cause of most air crashes’ •Continued from page 27

ing with the technical issues and infrastructure, l can tell you, is not difficult. The most difficult is the human factor, the soft issues and management issues.

For us at NAMA, it is about air traffic control tower, resource management and the synergy that is required to manage all the problem that arise in air traffic management.

Outside that, l will say it has been a win-win situation; we have seen quick wins in the process and also successes on the long-term issues.

How has the latest development in NAMA (radar coverage) enhanced flight in terms of timing and safety?

Firstly, as a chief executive of NAMA, l do not believe l should tell my story. It is the airspace users and customers that should do that. But, specifically, the area radar, which came into effect about two months ago, is the final result of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) and you will recall also that we remain focused. We persevered in order to deliver that project because it has with it so many communication power, air traffic management and engineering capabilities that come with it. All it points to is that the airspace is as safe as any other airspace in the world and our air traffic management is the ultimate. Everybody looked towards a total radar coverage environment, a sort of surveillance of where communication between the pilots and the air traffic controllers is seamless. The air traffic controller doesn’t need the pilot to tell him where he is or what he is going to do; rather, the pilot has already predetermined his route, so the job of the controller is to give the pilots proper navigation by vectoring him through various coordinates; that makes the airspace a seamless one.

Now, a flight time that used to be one hour, 10 minutes or one hour 15 minutes is done in 45 to 50 minutes. We are also working harder to further reduce flight time between Lagos and Abuja; and Port Harcourt and Lagos and create a more no-talking environment for the controller and the pilots. The pilot in this instance gets air traffic clearance even while he is taxing to take off, so immediately he gets airborne, he already knows at what point to descend, to call and report final with his destination because the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) is looking at you. If he gives you ‘maintain flight level 210’, the pilot may request, ‘Oh, let me go to 220 or 230’. This is possible because you know someone is looking at the pilot; that is why it is called surveillance; it is security and safety at its optimum level in the air.

So, how was NAMA able to achieve that?

Firstly, for a procedurally air traffic control, the spacing between aircraft that are taking off is normally between five and 10 minutes. In other words, if four aircraft are taking off, you give them a space time of about five to 10 minutes interval, which could sum up to more than 20 minutes but with the area radar, you can comfortably space them at two to three minutes interval, which is referred to as separation minima.

Instead of taking 20 minutes, you have less than 10 minutes among the four planes. If you go to Heathrow (in London), it is like a minute in between them, you can’t do that without an appropriate technology called a radar and that is what we now have, which modern science calls surveillance.

With the technology you do communication and aircraft separation, weather monitoring, aircraft monitoring etc. By so doing, you save the airline fuel and time. That is comfortable for pilots and safe for passengers because the radar will see the condition of the weather and the ATC will direct you away from potential dangerous routes.

We have been here in China for three days and it is raining and you still see flights taking off and landing. Under normal circumstances you can’t do that. For example, it can be raining in Ikeja and not raining in Ikoyi or Mile 2 in Lagos; so all the ATC will do is take the aircraft and circumvent it through safe weather.

In Nigeria today, we have the Doppler weather radar, which is managed by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), that predicts weather conditions, especially low-level wind shear that can disrupt flights.

NIMET gathers information on weather conditions and gives it to NAMA, which dis-

seminates it to pilots and we also put it in an automotive system called Automatic Weather Information System (AWIS), a terminal information system. So, the pilot keeps seeing that on his equipment, he doesn’t need to wait for the ATC again to give him information update; the only thing he needs is the temperature information from the ATC for him to set his instrument and starts his engine. Before he takes off, the ATC will have to determine his route from his radar, he will then instruct the pilot where to follow to avoid inclement weather.

Sometimes because of the weather it takes you a little longer in arriving at your destination because the pilot may be asked to move farther away from the areas where the weather is severe but without that, you definitely will save time. So, we could see the effect of such technology on air travelling, saving time and reducing the carbon dioxide emission as well as improving safety in flight.

Without prejudice to the San Francisco recent crash, it is human factor, we don’t call it error because the man is a trainee who already had 45 hours flight experience on that aircraft but ordinary approach speed stalled the aircraft. Again if the Iju crash of Dana Air had happened somewhere, the story would have been different but at the end of the day, you notice that you cannot beat technology; you cannot beat the soft ends, which are the human being that must operate these things. Now we have paperless control tower. We only use stylus electronically to write, it is the most efficient modern equipment anywhere in the world but those managing it must continue to receive training.

So, how have all these safety nets contributed to the growth of the economy?

Any airline coming into Nigeria must first come and do a survey and determine the kind of aeroplane it will deploy on the route.

If you have a small runway and you don’t have a radar and other landing equipment, why go and bring a jumbo Boeing 747 to do an approach into a runway that is less than 1700. But with a runway that is more than three kilometres like ours, British Airways can come with a B747 carrying 540 passengers. That was the figure taken out through Kano and Maiduguri recently on Umrah because we have the infrastructure to air lift that volume of people. Many years ago they would have flown an F-28; that is why we are extending the terminals and building more because the people will definitely be attracted to it.

Most people travel to Dubai because the shopping malls are within the airports and there is a comfortable immigration regime.

I arrived Dubai at 33 hours to my flight and they gave me a visa to go and stay in a hotel.

That is the way an economy should run. We need to do that to boost our own economy.

Mr President has just announced that Chinese investors coming to Nigeria should be offered up to 10 years’ visa, our visa to this place is only three months. If I have fiveyear visa, I will love to come here in the next six months to spend my money, thus adding values to the economy. When we look at the multiplier effect, it is enormous.

You will see at the end of the day, instead of well-wishers waiting for passengers outside, they will be made to come into the terminals and sit and spend money at the shopping malls, eateries etc.

Let’s talk about the airfield lighting. Airlines complain of limited operations due to the absence of airfield lighting at some air-

• Udoh

ports. This limits the affected airports to day light operation. You recall the Akure controversy? What is your take on this?

For the purpose of this interview, let me make it clear that the Akure issue was not that of delay, or flying into the night or airfield lighting. We hold the pilot of the plane into Akure solely, completely and entirely responsible for his actions, because he didn’t declare the manifest of that flight. Akure airport is advertised as one without airfield lighting. So, if you are going there, you are fully persuaded that you are going there to leave before sunset. End of story!

If I travel anywhere l have one entry visa and l decide to go into the country and when coming back, I have already determined my fate that I want to be allowed to enter. Secondly, what is the difference between an emergency, which we have deployed at some runways and a conventional lighting system? That is the difference between your generator and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)? One is that you manage one yourself while the other is managed by a company elsewhere. The difference between the two lights is that we can move the emergency lighting system to another airport. If you go to a country, such as Chile, her Air Force does not use the conventional lighting system because it is cheaper for them to maintain the emergency one, which is a rechargeable system. Since we installed it on the Runway 18L of the Lagos Airport, pilots have commended it because it is cheaper, easy to operate and to maintain.

All we need to do is have our logistic in place to recharge the cycle.

Is the emergency lighting system available in the entire airport without the conventional lighting system?

No! We have told all the airlines that all the airports in Nigeria are available 24 hours. Tell us when and how you want to go to the airport. You don’t go to Akure at 10 pm once in a year and expect the government to invest N1 billion that it could use to do others that are having 10 aeroplanes at night in providing the light. Definitely, the

‘Without prejudice to the San Francisco recent crash, it is human factor, we don’t call it error because the man is a trainee who already had 45 hours flight experience on that aircraft, but ordinary approach speed stalled the aircraft. Again, if the Iju crash of Dana Air had happened somewhere, the story would have been different, but at the end of the day, you notice that you cannot beat technology; you cannot beat the soft ends, which are the human beings that must operate these things’

PHOTO: AYODELE AMINU

airport will get its own, but it is not on the first priority list. Owerri and Calabar have theirs. Benin and Sokoto have been awarded and the projects are going on just like the minister said.

If, for any reason, there is a request for evacuation or cargo operations for any of these airports that has problem with its lighting system, we simply move the emergency ones there and the plan is to have the third level redundancy. That is the conventional, solar powered and the rechargeable all together.

Because of many years of neglect and decay, people have not prepared themselves for the transformation that is going on. So, many people do not know the changes taking place and what has been achieved so far.

People are getting enlightened and the ways and means these things are also provided have become sophisticated as well. That is why I don’t have to wait to have N5 billion to have the conventional lighting system when technology has provided a much cheaper one for us to buy and deploy.

What about training on these high tech equipment and facilities?

First is that, every ATC today must have knowledge of the computer system because the system is a Linux-based to work on the radar as the tech are designed that way. For them to know their simulator, they go through a computer-based training, You must be trainable, that was why we reduced the ATC at a time and it took us time to train them abroad and they are all deployed now.

It is alleged that there is internal wrangling among the staff. What is your take on this?

The summary of it is human factor. People are coming from an analogue environment to a digital one. The man, who is finding it difficult to be computer literate, will surely complain when you make him to go through a computer-based training in order for him to clock hours after 15 to 25 years he has been controlling aeroplane.

You are beginning to see some calmness because we have continued to persevere, retreat and educate them. It is about 18 to 20 months now, anybody who can’t fit in, the person won’t be sacked, that the person knows he or she can’t simply fit in so the best option is to retire. The system is regulating itself. Why do you think that over the years, it is difficult to run the hospitals and fix the bad roads? It is all human factors; that is why I called it the soft ends of the environment ... the culture and behavioural pattern of the workers in place. We, in NAMA, have also gone as far as addressing our dressing culture.

How do you see the agency in the last two years?

It has been a consistent process of transformation. It is a chain of problems inherited and we are doing it link by link. There is no one that will say it is NAMA or FAAN-related problem; we are tackling them holistically.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

29

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

30

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-07-13

Kaduna restructures N8.5b bond ONDHOLDERS of the Kaduna State Government's N8.5 billion 12.5 per cent Fixed Rate Bond 2015 (Series 1) at the weekend voted unanimously to restructure the payment schedule of the bond in a deal that will immediately free up about N1.5 billion to bondholders.

At the meeting of the bondholders in Lagos, it was agreed that N1.5 billion out of the outstanding principal be repaid to the bondholders from the fund currently being held in the sinking fund for the bond. The payment, together with outstanding Interest will be paid commencing from the next interest payment date of August 31, 2013. The total sum in the sinking fund was N6.8 Billion as at June 30, 2013.

With the restructuring, the State will repay the outstanding principal and interest to the bondholders in amortised semi-annual installments ending on August 31, 2015.

The N8.5 billion 12.5 per cent Fixed Rate Bond Due 2015 (Series 1) is part of Kaduna State N15 Billion Bond Issuance Programme. The bond had been structured so that interest due on the bond, at the rate of 12.5 per cent, would be paid to the bondholders semi-annually, in 10 separate installments and the principal will be repaid in one single bullet payment at the end of the tenor of the bond in 2015.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Kaduna State, Mr. Jonathan Adamu, said the restructuring of the payment schedule of the bond is a win-win situation for

B

• Equities lose N374b

By Taofik Salako

the State and the bondholders.

According to him, the immediate repayment of a part of the principal and the revision of the repayment to amortization structure favour bondholders as it gives them immediate access to liquidity while these also allow the state government to optimize its resources by reducing the cost of the bond to the State.

He said the government will take further advantage of investors' confidence in it to use the market as platform to finance future projects.

Managing director, UBA Trustees, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sanni, who chaired the bondholders' meeting, reiterated the commitments of the trustees to protecting the interests of the investors and all stakeholders.

Deputy group managing director, BGL Plc, Mr. Chibundu Edozie, said the government decided on N1.5 billion payment to provide immediate benefits to bondholders while shielding them from unnecessary risks.

He said bondholders would get opportunity to earn higher return by investing their funds in bonds with higher coupon noting that the current yield on a seven-year Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bond is currently inching towards 14 per cent, a spread of approximately 1.5 per cent above the current 12.5 per cent on the Kaduna State bond.

"More sub-national bonds are underway and it is expected that coupon will be at a premium to the current FGN Bonds. Consequently bondholders could trade in the high yielding FGN bond for the short term and invest in higher yielding sub national bonds," Edozie said.

He noted that the bondholders will also be engaging in socially responsible investment practices by helping the State Government to achieve cost savings and increase investment in more socially beneficial projects in the State.

Meanwhile, sustained bearishness at the equities market last week shaved off about N374 billion from investors’ values. Aggregate market value of all equities dropped from its week’s opening value of N12.138 trillion to close Friday at N11.764 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the common index that tracks prices of all equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), dwindled by 3.09 per cent from 38,328.19 points to close at 37,145.65 points. With the exception of the oil and gas index, all other sectoral indices at the NSE also closed on the negative.

While 28 stocks recorded capital appreciation, 60 stocks depreciated, underlining the widespread bearishness that characterized transactions during the week.

Total turnover stood at 2.50 billion shares worth of N17.04 billion in 28,638 deals.

The financial services sector accounted for a turnover of 1.14 billion shares valued at N8.85 billion in 15,274 deals, representing 45.58 per cent of total turnover.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-07-13

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

31

MONEY LINK ELAN: Leasing neglected as financing option

CBN: Banks’ agric loans rise to 3.7% D D

EPOSIT Money Bank’s (DMB’s) credit to the agricultural sector has risen to over 3.7 per cent, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

According to a statement, this figure, which is for 2012, indicates an increase of 85 per cent over the two per cent growth of the agricultural sector share of banks’ credit five years ago.

Also, data obtained recently from the Bankers Committee’ indicates that between July and November last year, the country’s lenders issued over N6 billion in credit guarantees to farmers. The loans came with the following broad parameters: Average loan guaranteed amounting to N397 million, with a range of N4 million to N1.5 billion and average duration of loans at 285 days. “It is anticipated that under NIRSAL, collaboration

By Collins Nweze

between banks and counterparties will push loans under guarantee in excess of N20 billion by end of the first quarter of this year,” the CBN said.

The increase has been linked to the N200 billion agriculture credit scheme and N600 billion Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL). The NIRSAL guarantees up to 75 per cent of bank loans to the sector.

Sources within the banks said the regulator plans to spend an estimated $500 million to create further incentives for the banks to sustain the flow of agric credit.

The NIRSAL initiative, which is brainchild of the CBN, the Bankers’ Committee and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (FMARD), seeks to

dressed by an estimated $500 million that will be invested by the CBN, according to the programme document.

There is also a Risk-sharing Facility of $300 million, planned to address banks’ perception of high-risks in the sector by sharing losses on agricultural loans. There is equally an insurance Facility of $30 million intended to expand insurance products for agricultural lending from the current coverage to new products, such as weather index insurance, new variants of pest and disease insurance. Besides, there is also a Technical Assistance Facility amounting of $60 million meant to equip banks to lend sustainably to agriculture, producers to borrow and use loans more effectively and increase output of better quality agricultural products, among others.

create incentives and catalyse processes to encourage the growth of formal credit, direct and indirect, for the agriculture value chain, as a mechanism for driving wealth creation among value chain participants.

According to the apex bank, NIRSAL is also expected to be a catalyst for innovative risk management strategies, long-term financing for agribusiness and significant job creation by new entrepreneurs.

“The mandate of NIRSAL is to act as the custodian of all credit guarantee schemes, interest draw back schemes, and commercialisation initiatives related to an integrated value chain approach to agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria,” the CBN said. Under NIRSAL, there are five pillars to be ad-

ARM places ‘buy’ on Sterling Bank’s rights issue

A

SSET & Resource Management Company (ARM), an investment services company, has said the ongoing rights issue of Sterling Bank Plc gives investors attractive opportunity based on the intrinsic value of the stock.

In a review of the bank’s fundamentals, ARM said the right issue’s price was an “attractive entry point” and has placed a “buy” on the stock at the rights issues price. It explained that “buy” rating means that investors should “accumulate security to a substantial extent constrained only by portfolio diversification considerations.”

Sterling Bank is raising N12.5 billion through a rights issue of about 5.889 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N2.12 per share. Application list, which opened on June 24, 2013, will run till July 31, 2013.

According to the investment company, the overall outlook for the bank has been bolstered by improve-

By Taofik Salako

ments in operational metrics, which underscored the breadth of the ongoing recovery.

ARM pointed out that the latest interim earnings report of the bank for the first half ended June 30, showed that profits before and after tax surpassed analysts’ estimates, making the bank’s shares more attractive.

“Clearly however, the right issue price at N2.12 offers a more compelling entry point at a 52 per cent discount to fair value, current price-tobook value is at a slight premium to Tier II peer average at 0.8 times whilst price-earnings ratio at 6.2 times compares with peer average of 8.6 times,” ARM said.

The report noted that key extracts of the bank’s first-half results significantly exceeded analysts’ forecasts.

According to the report, gross earnings rose 28 per cent to N41.8 billion, tracking five per cent ahead of ana-

lysts’ forecast while profit before tax and profit after tax rose a much faster 93 per cent and 97 per cent to N6.3 billion and N5.9 billion, which were well ahead of analysts’ forecasts of N5.2 billion and N4.7 billion respectively.

It attributed the strong bottom-line performance to the improvements in the bank’s cost efficiency, noting the improvement in the cost-to-income ratio and increasing success of the bank’s deposit mobilisation strategy.

“Since expanding programme for using direct sales agents, which has seen its sales force quadruple to over 1,600, funding costs have declined steadily from a three years high of 6.5 per cent, indicating that it has brought net benefits from more efficient deposit mobilisation,” ARM stated.

The report commended what it described as general improvement in the asset quality of the mid-tier banks

Sterling Bank CEO, Yemi Adeola

and particularly the continuing improvement in assets quality of Sterling Bank.

FGN BONDS

DATA BANK

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 26-07-13

SYMBOL COURTVILL MRS PHARMDEKO WEMABANK IPWA REDSTAREX AGI EVENT CAP DIAMOND UAC-PROP

O/PRICE 0.60 32.86 1.87 0.98 1.00 4.45 1.45 43.47 6.39 15.00

C/PRICE 0.66 36.14 2.05 1.07 1.09 4.85 1.58 46.95 6.80 15.90

CHANGE 0.06 3.28 0.18 0.09 0.09 0.40 0.13 3.48 0.41 0.90

GLAXOSMITH VONO NPFMCRFBK AGLEVENT COSTAIN CAP MANSARD CADBURY NASCON ACADEMY

O/PRICE 60.30 1.71 1.06 1.60 1.53 51.40 2.10 54.53 13.49 2.04

C/PRICE 54.27 1.54 0.96 1.45 1.43 48.50 2.01 52.60 13.20 2.00

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 6.03 0.17 0.10 0.15 0.10 2.90 0.09 1.93 0.29 0.04

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 12-07-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

OBB Rate Call Rate

ESPITE the usefulness of leasing as an efficient tool for capital formation, the sector still struggles for relevance among competing financing options in the country, the Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) has said.

Speaking ahead of the inaugural vendor/lessor business forum holding in Lagos on August 13, ELAN Executive Secretary, Andrew Efurhievwe called for support from stakeholders especially the government to create the right operating environment that would encourage leasing businesses.

The forum, which comes with the theme “Enhancing Synergy between vendors and lessors” is intended to provide the platform for stakeholders to share ideas and network for business opportunities.

“The programme is specifically designed to strengthen relationship between lease practitioners and vendors to enhance the growth and development of the leasing industry,” he said.

The forum, Efurhievwe said, is expected to consider the increasing important role of vendors in the leasing industry, the value proposition of closer relationship with lessors and examine the appropriate strategy of working with vendors to ensure enhanced quality and successful transactions.

He noted that over the years, leasing has been contributing to capital formation in the economy. “Today, the impacts of leasing is visible in all sectors of the economy and becoming more relevant in Nigerian peculiar situation where outright purchase is increasingly becoming difficult especially to the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs). To attend the programme are manufactures/vendors, leasing companies, insurance companies, asset service providers among others,” he said.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 140.00 139.52 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 157.90 157.86 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.12 1.11 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,832.46 1,832.16 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 13.66 12.99 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11.299.87 10,963.71 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

32

International Business

Samsung is world’s ‘most profitable’ phone firm

S

AMSUNG has become the ‘most profitable’s mobile phone company in the world, overtaking Apple, a report says..

Samsung's handset division had an estimated operating profit of $5.2billion (£3.4billion) in the second quarter of 2013, according to Strategy Analytics.

Reuters says Apple's iPhone operating profit was estimated at $4.6billion, with the iPhone range

"underperforming".

Total mobile phone shipments were 386 million in the April-to-June period, four percent up on the same time last year.

In all, 27.7 per cent of phones shipped were made by Samsung.

Separately, Samsung, which is also the world's biggest TV maker, reported second-quarter profits of $7billion for the entire company.

"This was the mobile phone

industry's fastest growth rate since the second quarter of 2012," said Neil Shah, senior analyst at Strategy Analytics.

"Strong demand for entry-level Android devices in Asia and Latin America drove much of the growth.

Samsung continued to dominate, shipping 107 million mobile phones worldwide."

At the same time, global smartphone shipments hit 230 million in the quar-

•Vivendi gate

Vivendi selling most of activision stake for $8.2b

F

RANCE'S Vivendi said on Friday that it planned to sell 85 percent of its stake in Activision Blizzard Inc to the video games maker and its management for $8.2 billion, its second blockbuster deal in the past week.

Vivendi, reports Reuters, is selling the shares for $13.60 each, a 10 per cent discount to Activision's closing price on Thursday. After the deal, Vivendi will retain a stake of 83 million shares, or 12 per cent of

the video games maker best known for the Call of Duty series and online multi-player game World of Warcraft.

The move follows weeks of speculation that the French media-totelecoms conglomerate was looking for ways to pull some of the $4.3 billion in cash sitting on the balance sheet of the world's largest video games publisher as part of a wider

restructuring aimed at cutting debt and refocusing its business.

Still, the move is surprising in some ways, given that Vivendi has talked up its media assets as the company's future after it failed at the outset of its strategic review last year to sell its 61 percent stake in Activision, its largest and most profitable media business.

A spokesman for the group explained that Vivendi saw its future in content being centered on its Universal Music Group business, Canal

ter, 47 per cent higher than in the same period of 2012. Of those, 33.1per cent were manufactured by Samsung.

However, Apple's share of the smartphone market, at 14 per cent, was its smallest for three years.

"The current iPhone portfolio is underperforming and Apple is at risk of being trapped in a pincer movement between rival 3-inch Android models at the low-end and 5-inch Android models at the high-end," said Plus in pay television, as well as other entertainment activities of which it would own 100 percent.

"Vivendi will be able to deleverage thanks to the immediate proceeds and will also benefit from further value creation as it remains a 12 percent shareholder," Vivendi's chief financial officer Philippe Capron said in a statement.

In another prong of the restructuring, Vivendi earlier this week announced it was in exclusive talks to sell its controlling stake in Maroc Telecom for 4.2 billion euros ($5.56 billion).

Vivendi said some of the proceeds from the Activision sale would be used to pay down debt and maintain its current credit ratings, and that the board would determine how the rest would be used.

Analysts at UBS expect that Vivendi will need to use one third of the proceeds to keep its leverage levels unchanged.

"We expect the rest to be used for share buybacks or M&A to bulk up the media side of the business," analyst Polo Tang said in a note.

The Activision deal is the fruit of months of talks between the parent company and the management of the video games maker led by longtime boss Bobby Kotick.

A special committee of independent directors was formed to study options in parallel, including Vivendi selling down part of its stake, a special dividend to the parent, and the management buyout finally agreed on, people familiar with the matter earlier told Reuters.

For Kotick, the deal delivers a long-standing aim to buy back the company he has built into a games powerhouse since 1991 from Vivendi, which took control in 2007.

Halliburton to plead guilty to destroying Gulf evidence

U

NITED States’ company Halliburton will plead guilty to destroying evidence relating to the 2010 Gulf Of Mexico oil spill.

The plea agreement, which is subject to court approval, BBC reports,means Halliburton will have to pay the maximum possible fine.

The spill occurred at BP's Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico and was the worst in US history.

BP had accused Houston-based Halliburton, its contractor, of destroying evidence and asked it to pay for all damages. The major oil spill three years ago followed a blast at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that

killed 11 workers.

"A Halliburton subsidiary has agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanour violation associated with the deletion of records created after the Macondo well incident, to pay the statutory maximum fine of $200,000 and to accept a term of three years probation," the company said in a statement.

Halliburton is the third of three major companies at the heart of the oil spill to admit criminal wrongdoing. Oil giant BP and rig operator Transocean have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the disaster.

The US Department of Justice said

that prior to the blowout at the rig, Halliburton had recommended to BP that the Macondo well contain 21 centralisers - metal collars that can improve cementing.

The justice department said that Halliburton had run two computer simulations of the Macondo well's final cementing job to compare the impact of using six versus 21 centralisers.

It said the results of these simulations indicated that there was little difference. The department said that Halliburton's programme manager "was directed to, and did, destroy these results".

"Efforts to forensically recover the

Banks shiver as UBS swallows $885m U.S. fine BS will pay $885 million in a settlement with a United States regulators over allegations the Swiss bank misrepresented mortgage-backed bonds during the housing bubble, paving the way for billions more to be paid by other banks.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees government-sponsored housing enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, said late on Thursday UBS must pay $415 million to Fannie Mae and $470 million to Freddie Mac to resolve claims related to securities sold to the companies between 2004 and 2007.

Other European banks, including Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays, and U.S. banks including JP Morgan

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and Bank of America could face costly settlements. RBS was the worst performing of European banks on Friday, shares falling 2.5 per cent by 0930 GMT (5:30 a.m. EDT).

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were seized by the U.S. government in 2008 as the housing crisis threatened their solvency. They have received $187 billion in taxpayer funds to stay afloat.

UBS is just one of 18 banks the FHFA pursued in 2011 for allegedly misrepresenting the quality of the collateral backing securities during the run-up to the financial crisis. The regulator is seeking to recover losses on mortgage bonds sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. UBS is the third to settle, after

Citigroup and General Electric settled for undisclosed sums. The details of the deal announced by the regulator on Friday follow a statement by UBS on Monday that said it had reached an agreement and had adequately for the payout without specifying how much was involved.

The FHFA said it "remains committed to satisfactorily resolving the remaining suits as well" and the deal may lay down a marker for how much it could cost rival banks.

Estimates on the overall sums involve vary widely.

Analysts at Credit Suisse earlier this year said European banks could take an $11 billion hit from a raft of mortgage-related litigation costs in the United States.

original destroyed Displace 3D computer simulations during ensuing civil litigation and federal criminal investigation by the Deepwater Horizon Task Force were unsuccessful," it added.

"In agreeing to plead guilty, Halliburton has accepted criminal responsibility for destroying the aforementioned evidence."

Halliburton, along with other firms, is also facing a civil trial over the oil spill.

It is expected to be one of the biggest and costliest trials in decades and will determine the causes of the spill, and assign responsibility to the partiesinvolved,including Halliburton, BP, Transocean, and Cameron, which manufactured the blowout preventer meant to stop oil leaks. In April, Halliburton said that it was in talks to settle claims in the trial.

However, some observers said the guilty plea by Halliburton may indicate a weakness in its position in negotiating a settlement.

"Their willingness to plead to this may also indicate that they'd like to settle up with the federal government on the civil penalties," said Edward Sherman, a law professor at Tulane University.

Halliburton has already made a voluntary contribution of $55m (£36million) to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

For its part, BP put aside $7.8bn when it agreed last year to pay compensation for the oil spill.

Neil Mawston, the research firm's executive director.

He added that Apple's profit margin on handsets had been fading because of "lacklustre" sales for the iPhone 5 and tougher competition from rivals.

"With strong volumes, high wholesale prices and tight cost controls, Samsung has finally succeeded in becoming the handset industry's largest and most profitable vendor."

‘Global food prices continue to fall’ GLOBAL food prices dropped two per cent between February and June, said the World Bank.

The World Bank said in its Food Price Watch report that improved weather conditions and weaker demand resulted in the third consecutive quarterly decline of food prices, reported Xinhua.

The World Bank's Food Price Index showed international wheat prices fell two per cent, sugar six per cent, soybean oil 11 per cent, and maize, or corn, one per cent during the February-June period.

Global maize production was expected to reach a record high this year, according to the report. But the report also cautioned that uncertainty remains in international markets because recent unfavourable weather conditions in northern and central Europe and other risks may affect the prospects of world food production.

The World Bank also noted that some countries with high poverty and weak safety nets are responding to the chronic volatility by scaling up food subsidy programs that are often counter-productive.

Greece gets nod for 4b euro payment EURO zone officials have approved the transfer of four billion euro ($5.3 billion) of funding to Greece and euro zone governments are expected to approve disbursement by Monday, the European Commission said on Friday.

"With the proviso that the national approval procedures are completed, which we expect to happen by Monday (today), the disbursement can take place," Commission spokesman Simon O'Connor told a briefing, referring to the approval by euro zone governments.

The money approved amounted to 4 billion euros, O'Connor said, split between 2.5 billion from the euro zone's temporary bailout fund, the EFSF, and income generated from national central banks' holdings of Greek government bonds. (Reuters)

Huawei ups pay for entry-level staff HUAWEI has increased the pay package of its Level 13 to 14 employees, main entry- low-level staff, by an average 30 per cent, with some getting more than a 70 per cent salary hike next month.

According to a NetEase report, which cited Chinese newspaper Southern Metropolis Daily, the salary increase would depend on the employees' work experience and individual performance, and will be effective in the company's August payroll.

Starting salaries for newly grads also have been increased significantly. Previously, pre-tax salaries for fresh grads postgraduate students in Huawei were 6,000 yuan (US$979) and 8,000 yuan (US$1,305) per month. From August, starting salaries, before tax, have been lifted to 8,000 to 9,000 yuan (US$1,305 to US$1,468) per month for newly undergraduate students, and 10,000 yuan (US$1,631) for postgraduate degrees.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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Africa Business Ghana’s Eurobond over-subscribed by $1.2b

Ethiopia, Huawei sign $700m mobile network deal

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HANA’S second bid to raise $1 billion from the international capital market to finance key development projects has been over-subscribed by $1.2 billion.

The first bond of $750 million was raised in 2007 with a coupon rate of 8.5 per cent and a maturity period of 10 years. This current bond of $1 billion has a maturity period of 10 years, with a coupon rate of 7.875 per cent which will be paid semiannually.

The bond will be listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE).

This will be the first listing of a sovereign bond on a local stock market in sub-Saharan Africa.

The over-subscription shows the level of confidence the international financial community has in the Ghanaian economy.

The economy, over the past year, has received positive ratings from international rating agencies.

Moody Ratings rated Ghana B1; Standard and Poor’s B, while Fitch rated the economy B+.

The Minster of Finance, Mr Seth Terkper, who led a team of experts for the road show, said he was satisfied with the results.

He said Ghana should now be accessing the international capital market to finance its long-term projects and said part of the fresh capital would be used to refinance the first bond which had a higher coupon rate of 8.5 per cent.

The foreign lead managers for the transaction were Barclays Bank and the Citi Bank Group, while SAS and EDC were the co-managers. Reuters Parliament, on June 25, 2013, approved a request by the government to issue its second Eurobond to raise $1 billion from the international capital market to finance development projects.

Proceeds from the bond are expected to be used to finance infrastructure projects and restructure maturing debts and interest payments.

They are also to be used as counterpart funding for capital projects such as the Atuabo Gas Processing project, as well as to finance capital expenditure approved in the 2013 budget, with priority given to self-financing projects such as ports and power projects.

The request was approved amidst serious debate from both sides of the House over the quantum of the amount, the timing of the issue, as well as the specific terms and conditions of the bond.

• From left: Honourable Treasurer, Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce(NBCC), Mr Uwamai Igein; immediate Past President,T. C. Awagu (NBCC); President, Prince Adeyemi Adefulu and Deputy President, Prince Dapo Adelegun, during the chamber's AGM in Lagos.

Mahama seeks deregulation of African economy

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RESIDENT John Mahama is advocating the deregulation of the energy sector and other key sectors of the African economy.

The president, according to BBC, indicated that the energy sector should be deregulated and the private sector allowed to invest and produce energy to feed industries as well as for domestic consumption.

Speaking at Forbes Afrique forum in Congo, President Mahama noted

that the key sectors in the economies of African countries are enjoying massive transformation and investment on the entire continent.

He added that the transport sector too should be privatised.

"Let us let the private sector do what they do best that is investment for infrastructure as government concentrates on investing in the social sector to improve healthcare, improve education, and other human development index indica-

BoG to review Ghana's economy Oil shutdown may destroy The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) will on start meetings to review developments in the economy. pipelines, warns South Sudan Monday The Central Bank has already hinted of plans to tighten its monetary policy

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UDAN has postponed the shutdown of pipelines carrying oil from South Sudan to allow time for investigating claims that both sides support rebels in one another's territories, Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs ministry said.

Sudan, the sole conduit for South Sudan's oil exports, reports Reuters, said earlier this month it would close two cross-border oil pipelines within two months and insisted that South Sudan shut oil production by August 7 unless it gave up support for rebels operating across their border.

"The government of Sudan has agreed to postpone for at least two weeks the deadline by which it will shut down the pipelines carrying oil from landlocked South Sudan for export through Port Sudan," the

Ethiopian foreign ministry said on Friday.

The African Union and regional bloc IGAD stepped up efforts earlier this week to prevent the production shutdown by naming three generals to investigate Sudanese allegations that South Sudan is supporting anti-Khartoum rebels.

South Sudan has denied the claim and accuses Sudan of backing rebels in its Jonglei state.

The generals travelled to Khartoum on Tuesday and are set to visit Juba soon as part of a sixweek mission.

South Sudan, which seceded from Sudan in 2011, depends on oil exports for its government budget, and diplomats worry that a shutdown could undermine its stability.

AfDB experts get training on climate finance

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FRICAN Development Bank (AfDB) experts in energy, transport, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, and forestry have begun hands-on training to implement a solid approach to track climate finance flows in Bank-funded development projects.

Climate finance, Reuters said, concerns resources channeled by national, regional and international entities to support climate change mitigation and adaptation projects and programs.

This new tracking approach allows implementing agencies to more effectively account for climate finance and also to increase accountability for climate action in development projects.

The climate finance tracking methodology is designed to bring greater transparency, accountability and reporting capacity to the use of climate finance. As increasingly significant amounts of climate finance are being mobilised globally, development partners have noted that exist-

tors,” he said.

The president also added that government cannot independently leverage the kind of investments to provide the power that Africa needs.He cited Ghana's decision to allow independent power producers.

President Mahama indicated that allowing the private sector to take over the energy sector will allow excess power be transmitted to countries with less power.

THIOPIA has signed a $700 million agreement with China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to expand mobile phone infrastructure and introduce highspeed 4G broadband network in the capital Addis Ababa and 3G service throughout the country.

Huawei, the world's second largest telecoms equipment maker, has been involved in developing phone and internet services in the Horn of Africa country for several years.

Africa's rapidly expanding telecoms industry has come to symbolise its economic growth, with subscribers across the continent totalling almost 650 million last year, up from just 25 million in 2001, according to the World Bank.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of state-run Ethio Telecom, Andualem Admassie, and his counterpart at the Chinese firm, Jony Duon, signed the agreement that will double subscribers to 56 million.

"Although our target is 40 million, now including 3G it will 56 million by 2015. That would be the capacity," said Debretsion Gebremichael, Ethiopia's deputy prime minister and minister of communications and technology.

The agreement is half of a $1.6 billion project split between Huawei and ZTE, China's second-largest telecoms equipment maker. Both firms will finance the amount.

Ethiopia will sign the other half of the agreement next week, Debretsion said.

ing tracking systems could be enhanced to embed transparency, accountability and capacity to track and report on climate finance flows, and unify tracking and reporting procedures across all multilateral development banks (MDBs). This new methodology is a significant milestone in the realm of climate finance, and supports: Better project design by raising awareness about adaptation and mitigation at the conceptual and operational levels; improved tracking and assessment of results as project components where climate change adaptation and mitigation benefits are identified ex-ante, at project approval stage; more transparent tracking and reporting of climate finance flows to all key stakeholders; clearer tracking and accounting of donor pledges.

The methodology has its roots in a 2011 agreement between MDB VicePresidents to develop such a joint approach.

The AfDB led the efforts to develop the adaptation approach while con-

tributing to the mitigation approach as well.

Through the process, each MDB committed to report annually on its previous year’s climate finance commitments and to continue to refine the Joint MDB tracking approaches through implementation.

To support this, the AfDB is leading additional technical work to refine these approaches and has commissioned an independent technical analysis to review both the adaptation and mitigation approaches as well as their application to the AfDB last year portfolio.

In parallel, there are ongoing efforts with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess how the Rio Markers can be adjusted and improved upon based on the joint MDB approaches and an ongoing discussion with other bilateral agencies to facilitate their use of the joint approaches with a view to being part of the Joint MDB Climate Finance Annual Reports.

stance following threats from rising inflation and weakening Cedi.

The last MPC meeting in May saw the committee increase the policy rate by a 100 basis points to 16 per cent from 15 per cent. The meeting will end on Wednesday with a decision on the appropriate positioning of the Bank’s Policy Rate.

Spur gains most in 11 weeks SPUR, the South African franchise that operates Spur Steak Ranches and Panarottis Pizza Pasta outlets, climbed the most in more than 11 weeks after it said sales rose 16 per cent in the year through June.

The shares jumped as much as six per cent to 30.90 rand, the biggest intraday gain since May 8, and traded at 30 rand as of 10:37 a.m. in Johannesburg.

A close at this level will be the highest since June 14.

“Spur has focused on changing the look and feel of their restaurants and this seems to be paying off,” Chris Gilmour, an analyst at Absa Asset Management Private Clients said by phone from Cape Town.

“They have been less affected by weaker consumer spending.”

Restaurant sales in South Africa rose 15 per cent in the 12 months, while sales at its international operations advanced 25 per cent, boosted by a weaker rand in the second half of the financial year, Spur said in a statement. It opened 23 new outlets in the period. More than 101,000 shares were traded, almost 80 per cent of its three-month daily average.

$400m for Rwanda to fight hunger THE United Nations (UN) has pledged $400 million over five years to help Rwanda reduce poverty, hunger and disease, the government said.

According to Reuters, Rwanda relies on external funding, including aid, for about 40 per cent of its budget, which stands at 1,653 billion francs ($2.6 billion) for the fiscal year that started this month.

Some $276 million would go towards development - including health, nutrition, education and the environment - while the rest will go to economic and governance projects, the government said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Several international donors last year cut or held back aid to Rwanda over its alleged backing of rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, a charge Kigali denies. President Paul Kagame has won international praise for progress since the end of the 1994 genocide in his bid to transform Rwanda into a middle-income country by 2020. But critics accuse him of being authoritarian and trampling on media and political freedoms.

Kenyan shilling ends week firmer THE Kenyan shilling firmed on Friday as banks unwound their dollar positions before the weekend, but traders said importers buying the U.S. currency could weigh it down in days ahead.

The shilling has been under pressure this month amid importer demand for hard currency, while inflows from tea, Kenya's top hard currency earner, have been hit by unrest in Egypt - the biggest buyer of Kenyan tea.

"It is a wait and see game for now, but the shilling is seen tipping over (weakening past) the 88.00 mark next week if the monetary authorities keep off the market," said Commercial Bank of Africa in a daily note. The shilling got some support last week from the central bank selling an unspecified amount of dollars, helping it recover from a five-month low of 87.55/75.

The bank has previously said it would only intervene in the market to stem volatility on the local currency. It has also been actively mopping up shilling liquidity from the market.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29 , 2013

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EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Three companies within the UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Group released their first-half reports at the weekend. With strong growths by two larger companies-UACN, UPDC; the results showed a robust outlook for the conglomerate.

Taofik Salako reports that results by other companies within the group may further shape the conglomerate’s outlook

What group advantage for UACN? T

HERE is hardly any stock as influential as UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc and its subsidiaries. Obviously Nigeria’s largest and most active conglomerate, UACN Group comprises of five quoted companies spread across manufacturing, services, logistics, real estate and agricultural sectors of the Nigerian economy. The UACN Group includesUACN, CAP Plc, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Livestock Feeds and Portland Paints and Products Plc. Besides the five quoted companies, other members of the group include UAC Foods Limited, MDS Logistics Limited, Warm Spring Waters Nigeria Limited, Grand Cereals Limited and Unico CPFA Limited.

With a year-to-date return of 50 per cent, the market value of UACN has grown considerably this year. UACN opens today with nearly some 18 percentage points ahead of the average return at the stock market. The main index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), opens trading today with a year-todate return of 32.29 per cent.

UACN opens today at N63 per share, 50 per cent on its year’s opening value of N42.

With a high of N71.10, the conglomerate has shown the strongest resilience this year. It had reached a high of N43.99 per share in 2012. UACN’s share price had traded between a range of N58.48 and N36.16 to close 2010 at N37.51. In 2011, the conglomerate pricing trend ranged between N42.50 and N28.70 before it closed at N31.18. But these recent periods have seen an increasingly resilient performance by the conglomerate and its major constituents.

Viewed against full-year return of -16.9 per cent in 2011 and 34.7 per cent in 2012, the current year-to-date return signals major recovery for the stock.

Stronger earnings The three quoted companies that formed the nucleus of the UACN Group-UACN, UPDC and CAP, at the weekend released their six-month reports for the first half ended June 30, 2013. The three companies sustained growths in turnover and profit, with remarkable improvements in the operations of UACN and UPDC, the two largest members of the group.

UACN grew sales by about 24 per cent and further optimized costs to deliver higher growths of 50.5 per cent and 33.9 per cent in profits before and after tax respectively. UPDC followed the same pattern, turning 22 per cent growth in turnover into 138 per cent and 137 per cent increase in profit before tax and profit after tax respectively.

UACN’s turnover rose to N37.71 billion in first half of 2013 as against N30.50 recorded in comparable period of 2012.

Profit before tax jumped from N3.47 billion to N5.22 billion. Profit after tax also

increased from N2.14 billion in 2012 to N3.44 billion in 2013. With these, earnings per share increased to N1.69 in first half 2013 compared with N1.24 recorded in corresponding period of 2012.

UPDC grew earnings per share by 137 per cent from 44.5 kobo in first half of 2012 to N1.07 in first half 2013. Turnover rose from N5.19 billion to N6.32 billion. Profit before tax more than doubled to N1.62 billion as against N683 million in comparable period of previous year. Profit after tax also rose from N616.88 million to N1.46 billion.

On the other hand, CAP showed modest but steady performance. Turnover of the paints and allied company increased by 14 per cent from N2.53 billion to N2.88 billion. Profit before tax inched up by 7.0 per cent to N909.6 million compared with N849.3 million. Profit after tax followed the same trend at N618.5 million in 2013 compared with N577.5 million in 2012.

Consolidating the growth The first-half reports showed continuing improvements in the market share and profitability of the conglomerate. Audited report and accounts of UACN for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown that sales rose by about 17 per cent, but increasingly efficient top-down cost management leapfrogged net profit by 108 per cent. The improvement in profitability reflected on actual dividends to shareholders with modest increase in cash dividend to N1.60 per share in addition to a scrip issue of 20 per cent. Actual profit and loss figures showed impressive topdown growths while underlying fundamental indices affirmed improvement in intrinsic profit-making capacity of the group. Gross profit margin improved from 26.6 per cent in 2011 to 27.4 per cent. Average profit before tax margin scaled up to 15.4 per cent compared with 11.7 per cent. Return on total assets improved from 5.8 per cent to 8.7 per cent while return on equity nearly doubled from 6.0 per cent to 11.7 per cent. Group’s total sales increased by 16.8 per cent from N59.64 billion in 2011 to N69.63 billion in 2012. Gross profit thus increased by 20 per cent from N15.86 billion to N19.05 billion.

Profit before tax leapt by 54 per cent from N6.99 billion to N10.75 billion. After taxes, net profit for the year doubled from N3.41 billion to N7.10 billion. Group’s earnings analysis indicated earnings per share of N4.44 in 2012, more than double of N2.13 recorded in 2011. Net assets per share also improved from N35.64 to N37.85.

Audited report and accounts of UPDC for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown that turnover rose by 78 per cent to N12.04 billion as against N6.78 billion in 2011. Profit before tax stood at N2.45 billion as against N2.40 billion in previous year. Profit after tax rose by 30.5 per cent

from N1.67 billion to N2.18 billion.

Shareholders of the company received dividend of N962.5 million, representing a dividend per share of 70 kobo.

In the same vein, audited report and accounts of CAP for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown turnover of N5.23 billion in 2012 as against N4.31 billion in 2011. Profit before tax rose from N1.36 billion to N1.66 billion while profit after tax increased to N1.12 billion as against N1.05 billion in previous year.

Earnings per share closed 2012 at N1.99 compared with N1.87 in 2011. CAP paid final dividend of N392 million, representing 70 kobo per share. The company had paid interim dividend of 125 kobo per share earlier in November 2012, bringing total dividend for 2012 business year to N1.092 billion or N1.95 per share. In addition, it distributed bonus issue of one ordinary share of 50k each for every four ordinary shares of 50k each.

Strengthening the group UACN had recently concluded acquisition of two other quoted companies-Livestock Feeds and Portland Paints and Products Plc (Portland Paints). The acquisitions represented major market consolidations for the conglomerate, which already has significant interests in related businesses.

The acquisitions are expected to deepen the conglomerate’s control in existing markets and create synergies for growth through larger scope and scale economies in procurement, production and distribution.

The acquisition of Portland Paints will not only enhance the existing decorative paints portfolio of the UACN Group, but it also holds possibilities for new businesses.

Besides its flagship brand-Sandtex, Portland Paints’ products include marine and protective coatings for oil and gas sector, sanitary ware, instant road repair material for repairs in all weather for cracks and potholes in asphalt, concrete and landing runway areas in airports as well as its traditional decorative and industrial paints.

UACN, with its market-leading UPDC in the real estate sector, will find cost-saving synergies from other non-paint businesses of Portland Paints.

Besides, the acquisition of Livestock Feeds is expected to substantially impact on the group’s market share and control in the agriculture sector, where it already has substantial investment. It is envisaged that the business combination with Livestock Feeds would lead to significant development of the agro-allied business industry, a key pivot of Nigeria’s drive for enhanced agricultural sector contribution to the national economy. The value propositions of the acquisition included the ability to create a new catalyst that would allow Livestock Feeds to penetrate new markets as well as deepen its presence in existing markets.

Group managing director, UAC of Nigeria, Mr. Larry Ettah, believed recent initiatives would strengthen individual company and cumulate into better returns for the group. According to him, UPDC has been positioned to take advantage of the huge opportunities in the real estate sector with a view to enhance returns to shareholders. He outlined that the company has taken strategic initiatives to grow its business and ensure the benefits thereon get to the shareholders. He said the real estate company would continue to seek means of deleveraging its balance sheet with a view to secure improved returns for shareholders in the future.

“The real estate sector continues to be attractive with the huge housing deficit of about 17 million units, the growing population and the emerging middle class.

Partnership opportunities are also emerging across different segments of the market and your company is poised to take advantage of them,’’ Ettah said.

He said CAP will combine plant efficiency with new innovations aimed at simultaneously improving customer’s satisfaction while enhancing profitability. According to him, with the support of its technical partners, CAP would continue to grow and reinforce its brand equity and its distribution channels will be geared towards reaching the under-served retail end by opening more Dulux Colour Shops to make the brand more accessible to the aspiring consumers across the country.

“We will focus on, and invest in, plant efficiency to improve customer service delivery and reduce operational costs,’’ Ettah said.

With its ability to even out sectoral shocks, UACN’s enlarged growth base holds strong potential. While it may be too early to pinpoint the actual synergistic values of its expansionary drives and the headwinds of costs also still remain threats, there are several incontrovertible macro variables that suggest some potential. First, agricultural businesses hold strong potential under government’s pro-farm fiscal policy. With several sector-specific intervention funds and fiscal concessions, UACN can leverage on government’s incentives to strengthen its internal productivity. The building and construction industry, with its allied sectors such as paints sector, is a buoyant sector with significant headroom for growth. Nigeria is not only below average housing target, its national infrastructure is inadequate.

Growing as emerging economy will imply substantial growth in these areas. Besides, expected growth in mortgage finance, domestic cement production and availability, per capita income and other related variables would positively impact the demand for paints and accessories. These are the considerations that may weigh in on the market value of the group in the period ahead.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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MONEY MARKET REPORT

‘CRR hike’ll be positive for naira’ T

HE naira will be the biggest beneficiary of the 50 per cent rise in Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on public sector deposits, analysts have said. While there was no change to exchange rate policy, the CRR effect will be positive for the naira given the N650 billion immediate liquidity drop in the financial system.

The naira had a day after the CRR hike firmed to a four-week high against the dollar. The local currency closed at N159.9 to the dollar, its strongest since June 19. The CRR accounts for 10 per cent of banking sector deposits.

In an emailed report, Consolidated Discount House Limited raised strong fears on the naira’s stability, stressing that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, will ensure the defence of the local currency till his departure from the bank. Beyond these, it said the depletion of the naira will have strong domino effects on the system. It would also lead to negative carry trade and higher import costs for local businesses. The report said the single digit inflationary outlook for the second half of the year is largely anchored on stable exchange rates.

Currencies analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Olakunle Ezun said that by raising the public sector deposit CRR, the apex bank aims to slow growth in money supply and reduce inflationary pressures to sustain a comfortable level of inflation.

He said monetary policy may remain relatively unchanged in the months ahead, assuming no significant change to key indicators. “Liquidity tightening will push up the short end of the yield curve by around 40 to 50 basis points. We also expect the longer end of the curve to move up, but by a smaller margin,” he said.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN had last week left the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) unchanged at 12 per cent.

The Standard Deposit Facility and Standard Lending Facility were also held steady, at 10 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

However, the CRR for public sector deposits was raised to 50 per cent from 12 per cent in an attempt to reduce bank lending of these funds. By raising the CRR on public sector deposits, the CBN aims to slow growth in money supply and thereby reduce inflationary pressures to sustain a comfortable level of inflation.

Interbank rates Rates at the interbank defied expectations and maintained a southward trend during the week. Afrinvest West Africa report said market expectation was that the new CRR should put an upward pressure on money market yields as profit taking was expected to ensue within that space. The 12 months Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) closed the week at 12.8 per cent, having attained a 20-day 15.9 per cent peak on 17th July 2013.

“With the increased CRR on public sector funds and the consequent liquidity squeeze, we expect the CBN Open Market Operation (OMO) rates to ease in the coming months to avoid excessive liquidity tightening,” it said.

Public sector funds The CBN last week mandated banks to separately report public sector funds in their monthly and daily bank returns. In a circular to banks, CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Agnes Martins said the lenders will effective August 7, categorise their deposits under the Federal, State and Local Government deposits, with the reports included as additional memorandum items.

He said the policy was a fallout of a review of recent development in the economy during the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. He said the reporting format requires that banks group their deposits under a specified code. He said that all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and companies’ naira deposits will be reported under Federal Government Demand Deposits.

All Federal Government MDAs and companies’ domiciliary accounts deposits will come under Federal Government Time Deposits while all state government MDAs and companies’ naira deposits fall within State Government Demand Deposits. Also, all state government MDAs and companies’ domiciliary accounts deposits in naira will fall under State Government time deposits

FGN Fiscal Operations (N’bn)

National campaign to promote Financial Literacy,” he said.

Banks’ stocks Nigeria’s banking index fell the most in a month after the CBN tightened monetary policy by increasing reserve requirements, damping the outlook for lenders’ margins.

Bloomberg said the Nigerian banking index, which tracks the West African nation’s 10 largest lenders by market value, declined 3.9 per cent to 404.84, the steepest drop since June 28.

The CBN’s MPC led by Governor Lamido Sanusi introduced a 50 per cent cash reserve requirement on public sector funds last excess liquidity in the system.

Bank to bank report

•Sources: CBN, FBN Capital

•Naira notes

By Collins Nweze

while all local government MDAs and companies’ naira deposits will be reported under Local Government demand deposits category.

Revenue deficit The Federal Government recorded a deficit year to date of N419 billion, FBN Capital said, quoting the CBN’s latest monthly report. The 2013 budget projects a full-year deficit of N887 billion. The report also said that Nigeria had posted only three monthly surpluses since May 2012.

May recurrent items, including debt service and statutory transfers to bodies such as the National Assembly accounted for 76.2 per cent of total Federal Government spending and capital items the balance of 23.8 per cent. The budget projects shares of 67.5 per cent and 32.5 per cent respectively.

The report said that on the surface, the position may not appear sufficiently critical to warrant the aggressive move taken by the MPC. It said that such a conclusion ignores the shortfall in oil revenues and the electoral calendar.

Bilateral trade The Nigeria, Canada trade volume was projected to double to $6 billion from $3 billion by 2015, the Canadian Minister of International Trade, Ed Fast had said.

He disclosed this in the Oxford Business Group (OBG) report, which indicated that Canada was working closely with the Federal government to address issues relating to security.

The report titled: ‘Nigeria -2013 Report on Economic Reforms’, the firm said is prompting investors to take a “fresh look” at the country.

Also, Fast said Nigerian government’s privatisation and anti-corruption reforms

will create better opportunities for investors.

“These ongoing changes will create better opportunities for all Nigerians and for investors from around the world. Canadian businesses are taking a fresh look at Nigeria and the opportunities it presents. They see that the environment is good for business, including a fair and strong regulatory framework to support and protect them,” he said.

Agent banking Commercial banks and microfinance banks (MfBs) will get automatic licences to run agent banking when the guideline is reviewed in the coming months, CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said.

He spoke in Lagos at the launch of the Geospatial mapping of Financial Institutions in Nigeria in conjunction with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

He said it was important to review the guideline and make it clearer because of initial challenges facing the banking practice.

Sanusi said the agent banking is part of the CBN determination to enhance financial inclusion in the country. He said the broader aim of the financial inclusion target is that of the proposed 80 per cent adult Nigerians to be included, at least 70 per cent would be in the formal sector, with specific targets for services such as; payments, savings, credit, insurance and pensions outlined as well.

“Achieving these targets will require the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders in the financial industry, and with this in mind the CBN has approved a number initiatives centered around improving inclusion some of which include; The development of Agent Banking Guidelines, and tiered Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements to encourage Financial Institutions to reach out to underserved segments, the development of a Consumer Protection Framework under a newly set up Consumer Protection Department and a

‘The naira had a day after the CRR hike firmed to a four -week high against the dollar. The local currency closed at N159.9 to the dollar, its strongest since June 19. The CRR accounts for 10 per cent of banking sector deposits’

Stanbic IBTC Plc has said its major focus in Nigeria will be strengthening retail lending and supporting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Speaking during a new branch opening in Gbagada, the bank’s Regional Head, Nigeria, Lincoln Mali said he wouls adopt the Standard Bank in South Africa approach to retail lending in Nigeria.

He said that the bank is not yet strong in retail business in Nigeria but that is going to change going forward. “In Nigeria, we are not all that known for the retail part of the business and that is what my team and I are bringing into the country. In South Africa, we are strong in retail lending. We will be strong in Nigeria as well. We have started to lend in the retail part of the business,” he said.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated announced the opening of its South Sudan banking affiliate. In a statement, the bank said the new banking affiliate, the 34th on the African continent, offers the opportunity to support the youngest African state in addressing the challenges in regards to its development. It said Ecobank South Sudan offers products and services of the Group to individuals, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), multinationals and institutions.

Thierry Tanoh, the Group Chief Executive, said the bank is excited to have obtained the authorisation of South Sudanese authorities to operate in this country, which holds a huge potential for financial intermediation. “Our presence in four of its six bordering countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, is a unique advantage to contribute to the development and integration of South Sudan young republic,” he said.

Diamond Bank Plc partnered with the Rivers State Government on Wealth Creation and Poverty Reduction (WCPR) summit with the theme “Developing an Effective Comprehensive Framework for Wealth Creation and Poverty Reduction in Rivers State.”

In a statement, the bank said the event which held in Port Harcourt is an initiative of the state government, through the Rivers State Office of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA).

Diamond Bank said it is committed to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) to grow businesses through capacity building, under its BusinessExpress Enterprise Series.

The bank said it is supporting the growth of SMEs because it recognises that the future of a nation lies in the hands of entrepreneurs, so any energy expended in building up that sector cannot be wasted. It is something that is going to benefit the economy in years to come,”it explained.

Heritage Bank unveiled plans to provide funding for the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sub- sector of the economy.

Speaking at the bank’s MSME Clinic held in Lagos, the bank’s Managing Director, Ifie Sekibo, expressed the lender’s commitment to assisting MSMEs to become large corporate organisations that can be quoted on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in the next three years.

The bank’s chief said the lender likes starting small and growing over time. He said the bank wants to create, preserve and transfer wealth from one generation to the other. He said that big opportunities exist in the electronic banking business, while MSMEs have untapped potentials.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29 , 2013

36

DUE DILIGENCE

L

EARN Africa Plc started its first year as a wholly-owned Nigerian company on a difficult note with marked decline in the company’s overall performance outlook. Audited report and accounts of the education resource company for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed a generally negative performance but the company appeared to be on a firmer ground with improved financing and liquidity positions.

Both actual profit and loss figures and underlying profitability ratios were negative as the company struggled with static sales amidst rising operating expenses. While turnover dropped marginally by 0.3 per cent, profits before and after tax slumped by 44 per cent and 21 per cent respectively. Average pretax profit per unit of sales halved from 13 per cent to 7.3 per cent, reflecting the marked increase in average cost of business relative to sales from 89 per cent to 98 per cent.

With the decline in profitability, the company reduced cash payouts to shareholders by 20 per cent. Besides, the underlying returns to shareholders, intrinsic value of the company and future sustainability of dividend payment diminished during the year.

However, the company’s balance sheet emerged stronger with zero financial leverage, higher equity funding and improved liquidity. These balance sheet supports provide a reassuring outlook for recovery.

2008

2008

Financing structure Learn Africa’s total assets stood at N4.61 billion in 2012 as against N5.02 billion in 2011. Long-term assets had increased by 24 per cent from N610 million to N758 million, counterbalancing the 13 per cent decline in current assets from N4.41 billion to N3.85 billion.

Meanwhile, total liabilities dropped by 28 per cent from N1.43 billion to N1.03 billion. Current liabilities had also fell by 30 per cent from N1.33 billion to N937 million. While paid up capital remained unchanged at N385.7 million, shareholders’ funds dipped slightly from N3.59 billion to N3.58 billion.

With no debts, equity funds amounted to 77.6 per cent of total assets in 2012 compared with 71.6 per cent. The proportion of current liabilities to total assets dropped from 26.5 per cent to 20.3 per cent.

Efficiency There were marked declines in the company’s cost efficiency and productivity. Employees’ contributions failed to match substantial increase in staff costs during the period just as rising costs weighed in on margins. Average number of employees had dropped by 16 per cent from 241 persons to 204 persons. Total staff costs meanwhile, increased from N485.4 million in 2011 to

2009

2009

2010

2011

2011

2012

•MD, Learn Africa, Segun Oladipo

as Longman Nigeria Plc, divested their shareholdings by freely distributing the shares to the Nigerian shareholders, thereby doubling their holdings.

Pearson had 19.60 per cent while Longman had 31.40 per cent, totaling 51 per cent. The company, which thereafter changed its name to Learn Africa.

Learn Africa, is now owned by more than 7,100 shareholders.

Besides, erstwhile sales and marketing director, Mr. Segun Oladipo was appointed the managing director following the resignation of Mr. Fred Ijewere.

The board also appointed two non-executive directors to the board. Meanwhile, Mr. Emeke Iwerebon remains chairman of the board of directors. The company generally complied with extant codes of corporate governance and best practices.

2012

Learn Africa: Hard start ByTaofik Salako N544.64 million, reflecting increases in both existing staff remunerations and post-employment benefits to previous employees. Average cost per staff thus stood at N2.67 million in 2012 as against N2.01 million in 2011. However, average contribution of each employee to pre-tax profit dropped from N1.59 million to N1.04 million. Total cost of business spiralled upward to 97.6 per cent of total sales in 2012 as against 89.1 per cent recorded in 2011.

Profitability Learn Africa witnessed a top-down decline in profitability during the year, a negative trend that trickled down to the balance sheet and net values of the company. Total turnover slipped by 0.3 per cent from N2.92 billion to N2.91 billion. With 9.4 per cent increase in cost of sales from N1.36 billion to N1.48 billion, gross profit dropped by 8.7 per cent from N1.57 billion to N1.43 billion. To-

tal operating expenses also increased by 9.0 per cent from N1.25 billion to N1.36 billion. The midline was partly boosted by 124 per cent increase in non-core business incomes, which rose from N64 million to N143 million.

With these, profit before tax slumped by 44 per cent to N213 million as against N383 million recorded in previous year.

After taxes, net profit stood at N175 million, a decrease of 21 per cent from N221 million recorded in 2011. Consequently, earnings per share dropped from 29 kobo in 2011 to 23 kobo in 2012. The board of the company fully reflected the decline in net profit in dividend payouts, reducing dividends to shareholders by 20 per cent. Gross dividend reduced to N154 million in 2012 compared with N193 million distributed for the 2011 business year. Dividend per share thus decreased to 20 kobo as against 25 kobo paid in previous year.

The company’s net assets per share also dipped to N4.64 in 2012 as against N4.66 in 2011. Besides, the future dividend out-

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Nmillion

2012 12 months

% change

2011 12 months

Profit and Loss Statement Main Business Segment Total turnover Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Interest and other incomes Finance expenses Pre-tax profit(loss) Post-tax profit (loss) Basic earnings per share(kobo) Gross dividend (Nm) Cash dividend per share (kobo) Net Assets per share (kobo)

2,914 2,914 1,483 1,431 1,360 143 0 213 175 23 154 20 464

-0.3 -0.3 9.4 -8.7 9.0 124.1 0.0 -44.3 -20.9 -20.7 -20.0 -20.0 -0.4

2,923 2,923 1,356 1,567 1,248 64 0 383 221 29 193 25 466

Balance Sheet Assets: Fixed assets Total long term assets Trade debtors Current assets Total assets Liabilities: Trade creditors Bank loans Current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total liabilities Equity Funds Share capital Total Equity Funds

2010

399 758 1,038 3,848 4,606

5.0 24.4 -38.4 -12.8 -8.2

380 610 1,685 4,411 5,020

216 0 937 93 1,030

-51.8 0.0 -29.6 -2.9 -27.8

449 0 1,331 95 1,426

386 3,576

0.0 -0.5

386 3,594

look dimmed slightly with a dividend cover of 1.15 times as against 1.16 times in previous year.

Analyst’s opinion

Underlying profitability ratios also showed a general weak performance.

Gross profit margin dropped from 53.6 per cent in 2011 to 49.1 per cent. Profit before tax margin slumped to 7.3 per cent as against 13.1 per cent. Also, return on total assets nearly halved from 7.6 per cent to 4.6 per cent while return on equity dropped from 6.2 per cent to 4.9 per cent.

Liquidity The liquidity position of the company improved considerably in 2012 with better financing coverage and steady working capital. Current ratio, which broadly indicates ability of the company to meet emerging financing needs by relating current assets to relative liabilities, increased from 3.31 times in 2011 to 4.11 times in 2012. The proportion of working capital to total sales stood at about 100 persons in 2012 as against 105.4 per cent in 2011. Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 480 per cent in 2012 as against 375 per cent in 2011.

Governance & structures There were remarkable changes in the ownership and management of the company during the period. Pearson Education Limited and Longman Group (Overseas) Holding Limited, the foreign core investors in the company, then known

Learn Africa contended with several challenges in the period under review.

Besides the immediate transition associated with the relinquishing of equity ownership by its foreign core investors, it faced many operational issues as the new company struggled to start on a new slate.

Besides, the printing and publishing industry generally faces challenges of high costs and unethical practices by unscrupulous importers of sub-standard books. The dependence of the sector on government educational plan makes it susceptible to changes and delay in national budget, especially with recent decline in allocation to the education sector.

While the board had assured that it had used the 2012 business year to resolve several challenges, emerging results show that the company remains on a shaky start.

First quarter report for the period ended March 31, 2013 showed that turnover dropped by 79 per cent to N149.85 million in first quarter 2013 as against N700.53 million. As against modest profit of N7.32 million recorded in first quarter 2012, it posted a loss of N65.44 million within first three months of this year.

Learn Africa will need to emplace a costefficient, sales-driven strategy to stabilise its domestic market and possibly explore other markets. A large top-line growth will provide better opportunity to manage costs and deliver a healthier bottomline. The overall outlook of the company hangs on the strategic mix of sales growth and cost management.

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

2012 %

2011 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

77.6 2.0 20.3 0.0

71.6 1.9 26.5 0.0

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

49.1 7.3 4.6 4.9 1.15

53.6 13.1 7.6 6.2 1.16

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

1.04 2.67 97.6

1.59 2.01 89.1

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

4.11 99.9 480.1

3.31 105.4 375.3

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

37

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

• Cassava Bread (Inset: Bread making machine)

Eking out a living from cassava bread Are you looking for a job? With the heavy duty on wheat, thousands of jobs abound in cassava bread making, which is relatively new and full of prospects.

For prospective bakers, the government’s decision to approve N10 billion for the Cassava Bread Development Fund is an advantage, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

T

HE use of cassava flour for bread making holds a lot of prospects. From flour mixing - bread makingpacakaging - distribution and sales, the opportunities are limitless.

A report titled: An Economic value of cassava flour and bread making, states that cassava bread making has the capacity to create jobs for people. It describes cassava bread making an economic activity for entreprenuers, marketers, among others.

It said skilled and unskilled workers would get jobs through this means, stressing that the job prospects are relative. It

said flour mixers, tin cleaners, label producers, drivers, distributors and retailers are going to get jobs as more people go into production of cassava bread. It noted that the nutritional value of the bread is great.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said the Presidency has approved N10 billion for the Cassava Bread Development Fund.

Adesina said the approval was meant to encourage people to work harder and feed the nation, adding that the dream of being self-sufficient is a task the government must accomplish.

He said cassava bread making offers huge employment prospects, advising job seekers to tap into it. Adesina said the country produces millions of tonnes of cassava yearly, adding that the development has created opportunities for millers to produce flour.

Speaking during the Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, he said the country produces cassava for domestic and industrial use, adding that people would have enough cassava flour for bread making.

He said cassava bread has good taste, nutritional values and appeals in the market, stressing that consumers would prefer to eat

bread made from wheat flour. He said it is high time Nigerians were encouraged to produce cassava bread, emphasing that Nigeria has to start somewhere.

He said Kenya is one of the countries producing cassava bread in large quantities, advising Nigeria to take similar steps.

The minister said there are immense job potentials in cassava bread production, if Nigerians can tap into them.

The Federal Government had, last year, introduced some policies to encourage the •Continued on page 38

38

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

JOBS

Eking out a living from cassava bread •Continued from page 37

substitution of wheat flour for cassava flour in bread making. The government, in its bid to promote local production, had directed bakeries to start transition from wheat to cassava flour to make bread. It also provided tax incentives to flour millers. As a stop-gap approach, the government directed bakers to be using at least 40 per cent cassava flour to make bread.

The Managing Director, Best Foods Limited, Mr Emmanuel Ijewere, described the government’s efforts at galvanising potentials in the agricultural sector is as a good development. He added that the sector has a lot of value chain.

Ijewere said cassava bread making is one area where people can create jobs to boost economic activities. He said the more patronage cassava bread attracts, the better for job seekers in the country.

He said cassava bread is better and nutritious, stressing that making cassava bread is worthwhile venture.

He said: “To achieve meaningful economic development, there is the need to promote local production of goods. Since Nigeria produces cassava in large quantities, it would not be difficult for bakers to make bread. From cassava bread making alone, various layers of workers are going to get jobs. The jobs may be part-time or full-time. But what is important is that some people are engaged in productive activities.

That is a plus to the labour market

and the economy in particular.”

Noting that employment is a global thing, he said it is common in developed and undeveloped economies.

He said: “Nigeria is lucky because there are untapped opportunities across the sectors. One of such sectors is agriculture, in which people can use its products to produce other things and earn a living.”

He said when farmers are assisted by the government, they would be able to produce enough products for domestic and industrial use.

Ijewere, who is a former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), said the production of cassava bread may be difficult in the beginning, arguing that the end would justify the means.

Similarly, a former banker, Mr Dickson Ayobami, said bread made of cassava flour is not common like those made from wheat flour. He said the opportunity to make

• Mr Ijewere

• Adesina

money awaits the unemployed in the country.

He said: “I think a resourceful person does not need to go about looking for white-collar job, given the fact that private and public institutions are not ready to employ.

What people need to do is to stand

on their own. I have heard many people complaining of capital.

Yes, it is good to have good capital before venturing into business.

However, there are jobs that require small capital. People can start small by getting a small oven (brick or mechanical) which they

‘I think a resourceful person does not need to go about looking for white-collar job, given the fact that private and public institutions are not ready to employ. What people need to do is to stand on their own. I have heard many people complaining of capital. Yes, it is good to have good capital before venturing into business. However, there are jobs that require small capital. People can start small by getting a small oven (brick or mechanical), which they can use to bake bread in small quantities’

can use to bake bread in small quantities. At best, they can pool resources together to start cassava bread making business. One person may provide money to buy flour, other ingredients and so on.”

He advised people to look inward and create jobs across sectors, noting that paid employment is fast disappearing.

He further said bread making is the same globally, arguing that people are free to bring innovations to promote their businesses.

He added: “For an average educated person in Nigeria, it is an ideal thing to bring in varieties. He can make cassava bread and spice it with quality ingredients.

“The more he does this, the more patronage and job opportunities he creates. The chain is long and capable of producing many things.”

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

•Ojielo

G

UINNESS Nigeria has appointed new directors as part of its strategy to provide quality products.

The new appointments, according to a statement, include movement within the team as well as new joiners.

The appointments were announced by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Seni Adetu. He said Afeez Ajibowu was appointed Regional Sales Director, West and Northwest; Chizoba Ojielo, Regional Sales Director, East and Northeast, while Innocent Nwaononiwu got the Sales Services Director portfolio. All the appointments are with immediate effect.

Patrick Awotwi is the new Route-to-Consumer Director and Eyitemi Taire as Customer Marketing counterpart with effect from July 15, 2013.

Adetu said: “We aim to be the most iconic and admired consumer goods company in Nigeria and we realise that a major enabler for this lies in the opportunity to transform our Route-to-Consumer as well as

•Taire

•Nwaononiwu

•Awotwi

Guinness gets new directors expanding the capability and capacity of our sales organisation.These appointments will give depth to our overall operations and will ensure that we are better able to serve every Nigerian across the country.”

Ajibowu came the British American Tobacco Nigeria and (BATN). He is a seasoned Sales and Marketing professional with a rich track record at conceptualising and deploying, vision and strategies, in multinational consumer goods manufacturing businesses, including at British American Tobacco Nigeria and SC Johnson Inc. His career covers operational and commercial leadership positions in world-class firms in Nigeria and Europe at Heineken, Cadbury Schweppes and GloMobile.

As Head of Sales at BATN, he led multi-country commercial teams and deployed tested skills

in leading cross-functional teams for value creation.

He holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Lagos State University (LASU), PostGraduate Diploma (PGD) in Marketing and MSc in Business Information Systems from University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom.

Ojielo was Distributor Development Director of Guinness and worked with the company’s Sales Force to expand its distribution network across the country. He has also acted as Field Sales Director in Guinness Nigeria.

Ojielo joined Guinness Nigeria in May 2010 from the Nigerian Bottling Company where he was Regional Commercial Director. Before then, he had worked at British American Tobacco Nigeria as Regional Manager, Southeast and National Distribution Manager.

Nwaononiwu has been acting Sales Director for Guinness Ni-

geria since March, this year. He is expected to manage the company’s Sales Operations, Sales Capability, National Key Accounts and Sales Projects.

As Field Sales Director, East Region, he demonstrated passion for trade development across channels in the region.

Prior to that, he was Divisional Sales Manager, National Sales Development Manager and the National Key Account Manager.

Taire was Head, Brands and Communications, Nigeria Region, Airtel Nigeria, where she led brand management, trade marketing, media operations, sponsorships and events in the business. Her rich resume include sterling accomplishments in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs) and banking.

She has been Brand Manager, Product Manager of non-alcoholic drinks; Marketing Manager, Africa and Middle East and, later Head, Strategy and Planning for Heineken/Nigeria

• Ajibowu Afeez

Breweries Plc. Earlier, she worked at British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) as Marketing Manager, New Products and later as Value for Money Manager.

She holds a Bachelor in History from the University of Warwick and an MBA from Imperial College, United Kingdom.

Awotwi joined the Guinness team from Glo Mobile as Sales Director. He has also been Sales Director, Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, and was at various times in Guinness Ghana, the Distribution Manager and Divisional Sales Manager, Greater Accra.

He worked in East African Breweries Limited as Franchise Manager, South Sudan.

Before then, he was in Coca Cola Nigeria as Operational Marketing Manager, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea where he launched brand flavours and posted a strong performance in volume growth.

He was seconded to Guinness Nigeria in 2009 as Route-to-market Project Work Stream Lead. He was educated at the Norwegian School of Marketing, Oslo, Norway.

39

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

INSURANCE Problems with insurance?

NAICOM seeks legislation to end building collapse •Erring landlords risk jail

T

HE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has called on state governments to enact a legislation to ensure buildings used by third parties within their states are adequately insured.

NAICOM Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Nation.

He, however, sympathised with victims and family members of those who lost their lives in collapsed buildings.

He advised members of the public to comply with the Insurance Act 2003, which made it compulsory for buildings used by third parties to be insured against the risks of collapse, fire, earthquakes, storm or flood.

He reminded the public that noncompliance with this provision of the law attracts a penalty of N100,000 or one year imprisonment or both.

According to him, this has become necessary in other to give relief to victims of collapsed buildings whenever they occur.

He noted that in Lagos alone, it was reported that well over 20 lives had been lost to building collapse in the last six months.

Daniel said, “NAICOM deeply sympathises with victims and fam-

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

ily members of those that lost their lives in the recent collapsed buildings in Lagos and Kaduna States. In Lagos alone, it is reported that well over 20 lives have been lost to building collapse in the last six months.

“Most painful is the fact that majority of those injured have to bear the treatment costs themselves while the families of those that lost their bread winners have no form of compensation, except maybe, the little that the state government could provide from the scarce resources of the state. The Commission is sad with this avoidable burden on government and victims if only these buildings are adequately insured.

“The Federal Government, through the Insurance Act 2003, made it compulsory for all buildings used by

third parties to be insured against the risks of collapse, fire, earthquakes, storm or flood such that in the event of any of these risks crystalising, adequate compensation would be paid to both victims and families of those who may lose their lives.

“Members of the public are hereby reminded that non-compliance with this provision of the law attracts a penalty of N100,000 or one year imprisonment or both.”

He said the Commission equally seizes this opportunity to urge all state governments to push or the enactment of a law to ensure that buildings used by third parties in their states are insured to give relief to victims of collapsed buildings.

“Let us all give hope to victims and family members of those who lose their bread winners in collapsed building incidences across the country,” he added.

Insurance of public buildings is one of the major components of compulsory insurance in Nigeria in 2007.

They were introduced by NAICOM

‘Most painful is the fact that majority of those injured have to bear the treatment costs themselves while the families of those that lost their bread winners have no form of compensation, except maybe, the little that the state government could provide from the scarce resources of the state’

Send text: 07080735854 e-mail: omobola_m@yahoo.com

How long will it take me to get my claim?

S •Daniel

through its Market Development Initiative programme and made compulsory by the Insurance Act 2003 and other sister legislations.

Several collapsed buildings in the country have left scores of people injured or dead without any compensation because they were not covered by an insurance policy.

Recently, tragedy struck in Lagos as a three-storey building collapsed in Ebute Meta, killing seven people and injuring many others.

Also, in Kaduna State, another three-storey building collapsed in the Kaduna metropolis with many people reported trapped.

Risk managers advocate reform of legal system

I

N recognition of the challenging security situation and the serious implications for the socioeconomic and political development of Nigeria, the Risk and Insurance Managers Society of Nigeria (RIMSON) has reiterated the need for the implementation of its communiqué.

RIMSON President, Mrs. Henry Akwara, disclosed this at the end of their meeting in Lagos.

According to her, the communiqué seeks a law reform as the penalties for certain crimes are too low to prevent further occurrence.

They also said there was the need for the government to support insurers to form pools and alliances on terrorism insurance to be able to underwrite the risk as it is the case in United States, United Kingdom and France.

Besides, Akwara said there was need for synergy between Risk Managers,

O achieve the mandate of universal health coverage by 2015, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has rolled out programmes to address the various segments of the society.

This was made known by the Deputy General Manager (DGM)/Head, Media and Public Relations Division of the scheme, Mrs. Hannatu Ardo, during the Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The DGM, who was represented the Executive Secretary of

T

stakeholders and security agencies, where information is exchanged and worked upon to minimise security risks.

She stated that rates of premium chargeable should be commensurate with the nature of the risks to be covered and there should be leverage on international brokers for cover at Lloyds on per risk basis (for large risk) while the local insurers’ retentions should be minimal regardless of the sum insured.

She noted that response time in emergency situations is at present poor hence it should be improved upon.

Also, “Security agencies should be insulated from undue political interference while government should sustain professionalisation of security services through improved training, strategic and tactical focus, intelligence

gathering, increased numerical strength of security personnel, provision of additional logistics and requisite weaponry.

“The risk managers also want clear policy guidelines on treatment of security risks like clarity of purpose and objectives,” she said.

“Akwara further said that the communiqué urged the governments to exercise strong political will and commitment to tackle security challenges to logical conclusion, noting that the management of security challenges requires improved data base and effective utilisation.

She said: “Thee government should concretise and domicile conventions and commitments entered into both at the UN, and AU levels including the evolution of political will to deal with terrorism.

“We should be pro- active instead of

NHIS ready for 2015 the NHIS during the fair, said the organisation had designed programmes that will be convenient for the various segment of the society.

According to her, programmes such as the Voluntary Contributor’s Social Health Insurance (VCSHI), the Community Based Social Health Insurance (CBSHI), Tertiary institution Social Health Insurance

(TISHIP), the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance (FSSHI), among others, are designed to address the financial and social inequality in the country.

She called on Nigerians to avail themselves of any of these products that has been specially crafted to meet their health needs.

Mr Eliagu Okongu, an enrolee of the scheme, asked the NHIS to intensify its effort in monitoring

being reactive. Appropriate counter terrorism actions should be taken promptly on intelligence reports.

There should be massive campaigns and encouragement of the citizenry to expose criminals. Security agencies and the judiciary should evolve efficient means of proactively discharging their functions to curb criminal and terrorist activities.

“The government should establish national counter terrorism framework and architecture upon which international support can lean and work with and engage the services of well trained counter terrorism operatives.

“They should re-activate the disaster management trainees and establish rallying points for managers who should fit into counter terrorism infrastructure, reinforce the protection of national infrastructure against terrorist attacks.”

health care providers as some of them are ripping off enrollees under the pretext that some of the ailments they complain about are not covered by the Scheme.

The launch of NHIS in 2005, it was mandated that, 10 years later, every Nigerian should have health insurance as a positive development in health insurance.

The target coincides with the Uation Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target to reduce poverty by half.

West African insurers, banks attracted to East Africa

O

IL and gas finds in East Africa have become very attractive to West African financial services firms with some firms starting up divisions there.

With this move, West Africa’s financial services firms want to capitalise in insuring and financing oil and gas projects in East Africa.

South Africa’s banks and insurance companies had also identified this opportunity a little more than three years back.

Insurance firms Ghana Re and

Nigeria’s Continental Re have launched new wholly-owned firms in Nairobi in the past 12 months, paying more attention to the oil and gas sectors.

Old Mutual Kenya, a whollyowned subsidiary of the London and JSE-listed life insurer Old Mutual, has introduced its products in Kenya. It is not clear if it will expand to other parts of East Africa.

GTBank Plc, two weeks ago, said it was acquiring a 70 percent shareholding in Kenya’s Fina Bank with the aim of pro-

viding finance in the oil and gas sectors.

Another West African lender, Ecobank, has seen its Kenyan unit, Ecobank Kenya, say it will start an investment bank in the next two months to lend in these sectors.

In 2008, South Africa’s Standard Bank acquired Kenya’s CfC bank with the aim of exploiting imminent opportunities in the country.

In 2011, FNB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstRand, South Africa’s third biggest bank, set up

its first branch in Dar Es-Salaam, the capital of Tanzania.

The bank, which already has a presence in Kenya, has plans to expand to Uganda and Rwanda.

It is believed that Kenya and Uganda have about 2.5 billion barrels in oil resources while Tanzania has unprocessed gas resources amounting to 33-trillion cubic feet.

East Africa’s financial services firms have been slow to take up these opportunities because they are not well capitalised and lack appropriate skills.

AY it’s March 1 and you have a fender-bender in your car. Just how long do you have to wait to get your insurance check for the damages? Generally you should be riding pretty by April 1. At least that’s the goal of most auto insurers — to have your claim paid out on or before the 30-day mark. Of course, there’s no certainty your vehicle will be repaired by then.

But auto insurance rules are made to be broken. The time limit to pay your claim varies by state, according to each state’s “claims settlement provisions.”

When there’s a dispute or larger claim like a total loss, insurers need to assess the damage, which can stretch out the process. A typical fender-bender should be handled and closed fairly quickly.

Most auto insurance companies have direct repair programs and can refer you to one of their shops. The shop assesses the damage and communicates with the insurer for you.

Time is money When an insurance company snags a new customer, there are costs associated with “acquiring” the new client. There’s advertising, paying the insurance agent their commission, and the cost to produce the policy for the first time. It can take as many as seven years before an insurer can break even on a particular policy, and that’s assuming the customer doesn’t have a claim, explains Passmore.

If they have a claim the insurer will have to keep them even longer — ideally claim-free — to make back its money. So insurers are always better off providing good service and fair settlements in order to retain customers, who on average submit a claim only once every 10 years, according to Passmore.

And if you don’t like the customer service, “There’s a lot of competitions out there that will be happy to take that customer off your hands,” says Passmore.

Insurers don’t have much incentive to delay; they want to get claims paid as fairly and quickly as they can.

Staking your claim Claims against someone else’s policy are a different ballgame.

“Any time you are going through a carrier that you’re not insured with the other party’s insurer, that process has the potential to be slowed down a bit just while the investigation is continuing,” says Dan Young, senior vice president of CARSTAR, North America’s largest multi-shop network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities.

When the car is drivable, most people go to their carrier’s drive-in location, where they get an estimate and a claims check on the spot. Or they can use a direct repair facility, a onestop option. They’ll drive directly to a specified shop affiliated with the insurer, pick up their rental, get a written estimate and have repairs begin.

Your own inability to cover your deductible could delay your repairs.

Young observes that 20 years ago he never saw a $500 or $1000 deductible. That’s changed.

“In order to try and make insurance less expensive, many people have these very high deductibles and so they can’t afford their portion of the repair,” says Young. That’s why you see so many cars with dents and damaged fenders.

• Culled from insure.com

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

LABOUR

Labour to Fed Govt: embrace dialogue T

HE President-General of Trade Union Congress (TUC),Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, has warned the Federal Government of a revolution in the country if it fails to embrace social dialogue.

He stressed the need for partnership among the three tiers of governments to address problems of the nation.

He also said the three tiers of government must work together to pursue the ongoing Federal Government’s transformation agenda so that its effects would rub off on the economy Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Comrade Bobboi urged the nation’s leaders to resolve their differences and work towards good governance, or risk an imminent revolution in the country. When it happens, he warned, the leaders would be the first target of hungry Nigerians.

Stories by Toba Agboola

He said: “Economic growth and jobs creation are the ultimate goal of the economic transformation, which forms part of the key role that government has to play in helping to address the challenges of job creation and other challenges that Nigeria faces.

“Our position is that, Nigeria needs the enabling environment and other economic measures with an immediate impact, to help create jobs, to spur economic activity as well as preserve social stability and human dignity.

“We are ready to be partners with the government to address the crisis, with an emphasis on decent work, promoting enterprises, good governance, investment and social justice because TUC believes in the power of universal norms and standards. Our position is that it is only by working together that we can

truly achieve our goals.”

On the passage of a bill to deregulate wages in the country, he said TUC’s position on it is claer.

He said the congress was worried that the senators did not take the private sector under consideration while legislating on minimum wage.

“They voted that the state should have a national minimum wage different from the Federal Government. It is a laughable position taken by the Senate because the senators have no regard for the private sector, widely acclaimed as the engine of growth in any economy.

“And so, the Senate having concluded that the private sector in the economy, acclaimed to be the engine of growth should pay N5, or any amount to workers as national minimum wage while the state governments can as well pay any amount is unfortunate,” he said.

According to him, TUC has resolved that since the essence of the National Assembly is to legislate on laws that will bring about law and order, that would enrich and not to impoverish the citizenry, or the senators have not put into consideration that the minimum wage is a bench mark, which no employer in the country should go below in their wage review and implementation, the workers in the country should be prepared to take their destiny in their hands when the time comes.

He said: “We are more worried that the national minimum wage does not preclude the fact that the employers in the country can pay over and above the N18,000 that is prescribed in the minimum wage. And so, the TUC is not aware about how the Senate came about deregulating the minimum wage.

“I am pretty sure that they have

not done the in-depth study of the national minimum wage before taking a laughable position that is exposing them as anti-workers and Nigerians that voted for them in the 2011 general elections.

“We only use this opportunity to advise them in the interest of good governance in the country to take a second look at the provision and allow the issue of the National minimum wage to be on the Exclusive Legislative List.”

Comrade Kaigama said TUC would develop the capacity of the workers and give the secretariat an international status.

“I plan to develop and improve on the TUC’s transport project that was started by (my predecessor) Comrade Peter Esele, because I said in my mission statement that other viable state capitals in the country need to benefit from the transportation services of the TUC,” he added.

Focus on women empowerment, CSO tells govt

Unions to tackle airlines over expatriate quota

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HE National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, (NAAPE), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff of Nigeria, (ATSSSAN) are ready to partner to tackle some operators over abuse of expatriate quota.

They have also threatened to deal with indigenous airlines that disallowed their members from unionising, adding that such tactics was a ploy to enslave their workers.

Speaking at the 13th National Delegates Conference and Symposium in Abuja with the theme, Safety and the balance sheet – Striking a balance,’ the President of NAAPE, Mr Isaac Balami, decried the situation where the sector had been taken over by foreigners, while its members remain jobless.

Balami observed that the use of expatriates had drained the resources of the sector while foreign maintenance organisations are gradually taking a centre stage in the industry even when the country has local capacity.

He said jets and helicopters are being flown and maintained up to C-check and D-check by Nigerian pilots and engineers in Aero, Bristow and Caverton Helicopters among others.

He said: “What is more, we observe a large resort to the use of expensive expatriates and foreign maintenance organisations. That is why there is no basis whatsoever for investors to use Nigeria’s money to support the economics of other countries through bogey expatriate deals.

“Abuse in expatriate quota regime means that there are Nigerian pilots and engineers roaming the streets because foreigners have taken the jobs they are qualified to do. There are huge disparities between salaries paid to Nigerians and that paid to foreigners, which makes Nigerian pilots and engineers second class in their own country,” he said.

The NAAPE boss further hinted that the unions were already perfecting plans to picket airlines that prevented their workers from joining union activities, saying that there was no going back on this.

Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah, noted that the aviation industry is witnessing robust and momentous transformation not only in the renewal of infrastructure and facilities, but also in the area of safety, service delivery and passenger comfort and satisfaction.

IVIL Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with the State of the Union (SOTU) want African governments to invest more on capacity building for girl child education and women empowerment.

They said adequate facility and policies to increase the level of girlchild education would remain an essential catalyst for greater women empowerment in the continent CISLAC, in partnership with SOTU, recently organised a oneday validation workshop in Lagos on the African Union (AU) Conventions, Instruments and Framework in Nigeria to articulate the level of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) involvement in Nigeria’s compliance with the conventions.

Speaking on how the conventions and decisions of AU validation workshop would provide a platform for key CSO working on AU instruments to review, amend, recommend and validate the draft Compliance Report, CISLAC‘s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, said there was an urgent need for implementation of laws and policies considered inimical to discouraging discrimination against women in the AU instruments in Africa countries.

He said: “We urge African governments to invest more on capacity building for girl child education because facility and policies to increase the level of girl’s education would remain an essential catalyst for greater women empowerment in the continent.

“We call on states governments in Nigeria to enforce the affirmative action which expands the space for greater women empowerment and participation in politics to make political parties more internally democratic and gender friendly.”

The AU instrument, he explained further, recommended that budgetary allocation to the health sector needs to be increased to attain the 15 per cent commitment required resource allocation in addressing the per capita expenditure on health, (WHO minimum per capita health spending is $60) and develop innovative financing mechanisms in collaboration with the private sector.

“The Federal Government need to show more commitment to the health and wellbeing of citizens of Nigeria by taking health initiatives and not leaving the health sector virtually in the hands of donor agencies,” he said.

T

•Executive Vice-Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr Babatunde Odunayo (left) presenting award to Best Graduating Student, Mr Chukwuanu Diribe, during the graduation ceremony and Award of Certificates to Graduands of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc Baking School Course 22, at the Company’s Head Office, Apapa, Lagos. With them is Customer Care Manager, Mr Brega Fabusuyi.

Wogu gives NPA two weeks to settle salary arrears

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ABOUR and Productivity Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu, has given Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) two-week ultimatum to settle outstanding salaries and emoluments of tally clerks and onboard security men in maritime.

The directive stemmed from an agreement reached at a stakeholders meeting convened by the government to address incessant threats and pockets of industrial unrest that occurred in the maritime sector .

The union had, in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, alleged that NPA’s continuous indebtedness to the maritime workers had become unbearable.

It lamented that the parastatal’s management spends about N300 million monthly to pay illegal employees known as cargo surveyors, who they described as layabouts.

The labour minister had summoned the management of NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maritime Workers

Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and other stakeholders to a meeting in Abuja to ascertain the causes of the ripples in the sector and how to avert the planned strike.

Before the meeting, the union threatened to shut down the nation’s ports to protest unpaid salary arrears of members.

President of the union, Anthony Nted, said the union decided to suspend the industrial

‘The meeting also noted the non-payment of salaries to tally clerks and on-board security men in different parts of the country and the statement by the executive director of NPA, on the insufficiency of the national budget for NPA for that purpose’

action at the end of the stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Iloh.

He said the stakeholders would reconvene to agree on when the payment would commence.

“At the end of the meeting, it was resolved that the NPA would need two weeks to receive inputs from the ports, determine the cost implications of the payment of arrears, interface with the managing director of NPA and work out the modalities for payments accordingly.

“The meeting also noted the issues of the non-payment of salaries to tally clerks and on-board security men in different parts of the country and the statement by the executive director, NPA, on the insufficiency of the national budget for NPA for that purpose.

“Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity stressed the need to redress all issues pertaining to the payment of salaries where relevant and arrears of the agreed increment,” Nted said.

SLIDING TACKLE "After all, what’s happening to me also happened to Balotelli. While he was an Italian player and that's it, especially when playing abroad, he was in some way accepted. Then he represented Italy, playing for the Nazionale, scoring and winning. At that point, some people felt threatened."

Italian minister for integration, Cecile Kyenge stressing racism in Italy is a big problem and racists feel threatened by the likes of footballer, Mario Balotelli.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

POLITICS

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The protracted political crisis in Rivers State is taking its toll on goverance in the state, reports Correspondent BISI OLANIYI.

Crisis takes toll on Rivers R

IVERS State is fondly called the “Treasure Base of the Nation”. Before October 26, 2007, when Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was inaugurated as the governor of the oil- rich state, investors were relocating from the state because of insecurity.

Militants and soldiers were always at war, leading to loss of lives and property. In Port Harcourt, the state capital, residents were made to raise their hands, while walking the streets. Amaechi tackled the security challenge as a priority. Soon, peace returned and investors began to move into the state on a daily basis.

But all that has since changed the crisis in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has begun to take its toll on the state.

The political crisis involves President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Dame Patience; Governor Amaechi; the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike; and the Rivers State factional Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah; among others.

Shortly after his 2007 inauguration, Amaechi, following the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), an declared emergency in the education sector. He took the over the primary education sector from the local government councils. This was followed by massive infrastructure development across the 23 local government areas.

Governor Amaechi said he met over 1000 primary schools that were in disrepair. He embarked on the construction of 750 model primary schools. All the model primary schools are 14-classroom blocks, ICT enabled, each with a sickbay, library and adequate water and sanitation.

The contracts for 500 schools were awarded. 264 have been completed and 100 commissioned.

Model secondary schools are also being constructed and furnished.

Many universities cannot match the facilities. Students have been admitted at the Ambassador Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School in Eleme.

Five others are expected to start operations this year.

The old secondary schools are being renovated. A new Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is to be built at the Greater Port Harcourt City, Amaechi said more student will enjoy scholarship.

However, the crisis generated by his re-election as the chairmen of the NGF and the political crisis, in Rivers PDP have made it impossible for him to concentrate on development projects.

In his New Year message, Amaechi said: “When we took over the mantle of leadership on October 26, 2007, it was clear that we needed to immediately intervene to save our state from collapse.

•Governor Amaechi

“We inherited a near comatose education sector, our health infrastructure had broken down, power remained a major challenge, despite our huge investments in that sector and our road infrastructure was in dire need of urgent intervention.

“The challenges of militancy and its attendant insecurity had brought our economy to a standstill. Businesses had fled and our once-thriving economy was worse than a shadow of its old self.

“We make bold to say that we have not relented. Our development approach this year will balance competing needs against the social and economic challenges that we face.

We are going to employ better strategies for governance by laying the foundation for a future that we can be proud of.”

In the health sector, Amaechi Administration took over the provision of the primary healthcare infrastructure from the local government councils. 120 new primary health care centres were built, equipped and 130 old ones renovated, while all the 250 primary health care centres are fully functional across the 23 councils. Each has a medical doctor.

The governor admitted failure in the power sector. In his words: “We had promised to deliver on 24-hour power supply by the end of 2012.

Unfortunately, we could not meet the deadline, as we still need the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to hook us up and grant us the requisite permission to distribute.”

Over 250 roads and 34 bridges, are at various stages of completion.

Amaechi said on January 1, this year, that all the roads in D-Line and the old Port Harcourt Township, popularly called Town, have been awarded for reconstruction. They will have with underground drains,

•Wike

walkways and streetlights.

The Rivers State government is also dualising the Federal Government road, the Airport-Isiokpo-Omerelu Road, up to the boundary with Imo State, while a new road project, the Trans-Kalabari Road, has been awarded to Lubrik Construction Company.

The administration has also focused on agriculture with the twin purposes of ensuring food security and creating employment for the people. The government has continued to maintain that its demonstration project, the Songhai Farm, has done well.

The banana project is on course; with over 300 persons already employed. Life has returned to its Risonpalm, with about 3000 people also employed.

However, the governor has been distracted from governance by the crises. It started on April 15, 2013 when Justice Ishaq Bello of the Abuja High Court, sacked the Chief Godspower Ake-led executive of the PDP. The Chief Felix Obuah-led executive, according to the court, was duly-elected at the Rivers State congress of the PDP, which took place on March 17, 2012 at the Alfred DieteSpiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.

In the Rivers House of Assembly, five of the 32 lawmakers; Michael Okechukwu Chinda (Obio/Akpor II constituency), Kelechi Godspower Nwogu (Omuma), Evans Bipi (Ogu/ Bolo), Martins Amewhule (Obio/ Akpor I) and Victor Ihunwo (Port Harcourt III) are loyal to Wike, a two-time chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

On April 22, the 27 pro-Amaechi lawmakers suspended the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Prince Timothy Nsirim; his deputy, Solomon Eke; and all the 17 councillors.

A seven-member caretaker committee headed by Chikordi David Dike was screened the legislator on April 23 and inaugurated on the same day by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), George Feyii. But they could not function effectively.

The police sealed off the council secretariat on “order from above.” The court order.

Obuah asked Amaechi to recall the suspended Obio/Akpor officials, but the governor insisted that it was the responsibility of the lawmakers, who were investigating the allegations of misappropriation of funds and corruption against them.

The 27 lawmakers were eventually suspended from the PDP on April 29. Also, Amaechi was suspended from the ruling party by the National Working Committee (NWC) for anti-party activities. Last week, Obuah’s group recommended his explusion.

Amaechi, an Ikwerre from Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and Wike, also an Ikwerre from Rumuepirikom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, have been at loggerheads over 2015.

Wike, an ex-Chief of Staff, was the Director-General of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011. He is alleged to be eyeing the governorship in 2015. But Amaechi has said it would not be proper, since there are other ethnic groups in the state.

Sixty three days after the lawmakers adjourned sine die, they reconvened on July 9. The five antiAmaechi lawmakers attempted to impeach the Speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree. It led to fracas.

Evans Bipi of Ogu/Bolo constituency was “elected as the factional Speaker.” But Governor Amaechi stormed the hallowed chambers of the Assembly and stopped the illegality.

In the ensuing confusion, the leader

‘The earlier the political crisis in Rivers State is resolved, the better for the people, who deserve good governance rather than regularly enduring tear gas from soldiers and policemen. The state must not return to the era of militancy. For the state, a stitch in time can save nine’

of the Rivers House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, a lawyer, who represents Emohua Constituency, used a fake mace procured by the antiAmaechi lawmakers to hit Chinda on the head. He is still receiving treatment in a London hospital.

When Bipi and the other four lawmakers him attempted to sit on July 10, the House of Assembly complex was sealed off by the police. In the course of dispersing the protesting supporters of Amaechi and Wike, tear gas canisters were fired into the Government House.

The members of the House of Representatives eventually took over the functions of the Rivers House of Assembly to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Rivers State Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu declared Lloyd wanted on July 17 for attempted murder, conspiracy, wounding and wilful damage. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, also invited Lloyd; the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Amaechi, Debeware Semeikumo and the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Tony Iwelu.

The festering crisis is seriously taking a toll on development projects in the state. The militants cultists, kidnappers and armed robbers are staging a come-back, leading to an increase in the crime rate.

Amaechi does not have enough time to supervise the ongoing projects, like before. In the past he would drive himself to the project sites to put contractors on their toes.

The NGF chairman is really distracted and travels very often these days, either to consult on how to ensure peace in the state or for NGF matters.

The mono-rail in Port Harcourt township is no longer getting any attention. The roads in the state capital are going bad, with craters in some areas. Work is also yet to start on the new Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) at the Greater Port Harcourt City.

Contrary to Amaechi’s promise, the contractor, Lubrik Construction Company, is yet to mobilise to site for the strategic Trans-Kalabari Road.

The Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said that Amaechi is committed to the transformation agenda.

The Publicity Secretary of the Obuah-led faction of the PDP, Samuel Nwanosike, however, declared that the NGF chairman has lost focus, and must apologise to the people and resign.

Bright Amewhule, has PresidentGeneral of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), which has Wike as the grand patron, declared that Amaechi’s vice-presidential ambition and his hot temper, made him not to listen to advice, thereby confronting President Jonathan. He said the governor would regret it.

Amewhule said that the people, will massively vote for President Jonathan in 2015.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers governor, David Iyofor, said his boss has remained focused and adequately monitoring numerous ongoing projects across the state, while frowning on destructive criticisms and insisted that Amaechi had not been confronting President Jonathan.

The earlier the political crisis in Rivers State is resolved, the better for the people, who deserve good governance rather than regularly enduring tear gas from soldiers and policemen. The state must not return to the era of militancy. For the state, a stitch in time can save nine.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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POLITICS House of Representatives member Hon. Dakuku Peterside is the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). He spoke with BISI OLANIYI in Port Harcourt on the crisis rocking the state and other partisan issues.

‘PDP is in disarray in many states’

W

HAT is responsible for the deepening crisis in Rivers State, especially, within the ruling PDP? There is a problem between certain persons in the Presidency and the Government of Rivers State. The problem is not between Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of State for Education and the Rivers governor. The problem is not between Chief Felix Obuah, the Rivers State PDP chairman and the Governor of Rivers State.

The problem is in two dimensions. There is a perception by some persons that Governor Rotimi Amaechi wants to aspire to the office of the vice-president and I describe that as nonsensical. Do people contest for office of the VP? The answer is no.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi has said consistently, continuously and persistently that he is not aspiring to the office of the VP. Those persons, who are saying Governor Amaechi wants to run for office of VP, are doing everything to strangle him economically and by extension, strangle the people of Rivers State.

There have been attempts to appropriate the oil wells belonging to Rivers State to neighbouring states. An economic strategy to weaken Governor Amaechi, who is perceived to have interest to aspire to the office of the VP. Some persons in Rivers state, who are not comfortable with the revolution Governor Amaechi is championing, especially changing the strategy of governance, from elitedriven governance to grassroots-driven governance.

The revolution has led to the proliferation of roads that you can see everywhere, modern primary and secondary schools and primary healthcare centres everywhere. These are resources that would have ended in the pockets of some members of the elite class, if he had followed the conventional way of running government in this clime.

But GovernorAmaechi has dared to be different. Some persons are uncomfortable with that and they consistently say they are not being consulted in running government. To them, the lack of consultation means they are no longer giving the opportunity to share the resources of Rivers State.

What is the implication of the crisis for the PDP, as we move towards 2015?

If you say the PDP in Rivers State is in disarray, are we not sure the party in Nigeria is in disarray? President Goodluck Jonathan has admitted that the PDP in Nigeria is in disarray and he has decided that he will lead the team that will reconcile everybody, so that we can have a united PDP that can win elections.

It is in acknowledgment of the fact that the PDP is in disarray, that made the Chairman of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Anenih, to lead a team that went from state to state, trying to reconcile different factions in the party. So, it is not just in Rivers State. PDP in the country is in disarray.

I am also aware that the PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, not long ago, set up a committee made up of five governors and a few other persons, to try to resolve the conflicting forces in PDP, that have torn the party into shreds. If the PDP in the country is in disarray, it is only natural that the PDP in Rivers State will be in disarray, since the larger body is in disarray.

On the implication for 2015, if there is no sincere and definite programme to reconcile

‘I have been restraining myself from taking issue with Chief Felix Obuah, because I feel he has his conscience to deal with. If his conscience acquits him, good for him. If he can stand before God and defend his actions, good for him. For everything we do, I know we will give account to God. For every word we alter, every action we take, we will give account to God. It is very often wished away and people say it is politics’ • Peterside

everybody, your guess is as good as mine.

The party will go into the elections and lose.

If the party is in disarray, won’t it lose?

If Governor Amaechi leaves the PDP, will you join him?

I will join him. I did not say I may. I will.

Governor Amaechi is still a member of the PDP as we speak. In politics, as in many other engagements, you have a team. It is worse in politics. In my team, Governor Amaechi is the leader. We all subscribe to his leadership.

Once he makes up his mind to leave, the entire team would have sat back and I am part of the team that would sit back and all of us would agree that our team needs to leave, because whatever is happening in the PDP or any other party does not represent our vision or our aspiration or would not provide us the conducive platform, to achieve the changes we want to bring about.

For him Amaechi to make the decision public, that means all of us, we would have sat inside at a table. Governor Amaechi will not just wake up and say he is leaving the PDP. I know him. He will never do it. We all must sit as a team and make the decision. The day we make the decision, everybody who belongs to that political family will leave. As we speak, we are members of the PDP. Would you contest as Rivers governor in 2015?

Only God can say who will contest in 2015.

The Rivers State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Obuah, said that the era of zoning had passed in the state. What is your take on this?

I try to avoid discussing politics. I have been restraining myself from taking issue with Chief Felix Obuah, because I feel he has his conscience to deal with. If his conscience acquits him, good for him. If he can stand before God and defend his actions, good for him.

For everything we do, I know we will give account to God. For every word we alter, every action we take, we will give account to God. It is very often wished away and people say it is politics.

The issue of whether there is zoning or not, as an individual, I do not believe in zoning. I know that in our society, since we are multi-

ethnic and we have not come out of the ethnic colouration in doing things, we must accommodate all sets of people. We cannot develop at the same pace. We need to give everybody some sense of belonging.

The Nigerian constitution, in recognition of this, you find that you must have ministers from all the states of the country. That is zoning. Nigerian constitution acknowledges the fact that offices must be shared, to reflect all components of the federation. That again, is an acknowledgment of zoning.

When Obuah says there is no zoning, I do not understand the context in which he is saying there is no zoning. If he is referring to the governorship of Rivers state, I will rather refer you to the responses so far.

Justice Peter Akere (rtd), who leads panOgoni Forum, has disagreed with Obuah. A group in Kalabari part of the state has also disagreed with him. An Okrika group has also responded that Obuah does not know what he is talking about. Pan-Ijaw National Assembly issued a statement, saying Obuah is speaking for himself and himself alone.

He is not speaking for Rivers people and he is not speaking for PDP. The reasonable inference to draw from all these comments made by the people and groups is that what Obuah is saying is out of tune with the present reality in Rivers State.

What he is saying does not represent the views of the average Rivers people, who desire that our people should be united and that the basis for unity should be equity, justice and fairness.

So, Obuah represents himself alone. He is not speaking for any Rivers man and his opinion is certainly not popular.

How will you describe the face-off between Governor Amaechi and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu? The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, has gone out of the contemplation of the law or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the discharge of his duties. He has been abusing the governor , calling him names and describing the governor as a dictator and a tyrant, this is most unfortunate.

The commissioner of police is first a public servant. He is on oath to serve the people of Nigeria. He is an agent of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The IGP is appointed by the President, on the advice of the Nigeria Police Service Commission, of whom the governor is a member.

The contemplation of the Constitution in Section 215, Subsection 4 is that the commissioner of police shall take directives from the governor and in this case the Governor of Rivers State. Any commissioner of police shall, it is mandatory; it is not optional; he should take directives from the governor of a state. The intention is that there is no dispute in the relationship between the governor and the Commissioner of Police. The governor is the superior officer of the state and the commissioner of police should take directives from the governor.

Besides, the governor is elected and holds the mandate of Rivers State people. Anytime Mbu Joseph Mbu insults the Governor of Rivers State, he is insulting the whole of the people of Rivers State. Anytime he abuses the Governor of Rivers State, he is abusing the entire people of Rivers State.

The duty of the commissioner of police i is to help in ensuring the safety of lives and property. If the man, who is supposed to secure us, is abusing us, should he still remain in our midst? The answer is no.

We do not need anybody to convince us that Mbu Joseph Mbu is enmeshed in political developments in Rivers State. I will advise the IGP, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Council and indeed the President of the country, to as a matter of urgency, withdrawal Mbu from Rivers State, so that we can enjoy peace again in Rivers State.

Since the commissioner of police has got involved in the internal politics of Rivers State, we have had rising cases of kidnap, politically-sponsored violence and other criminal activities. I am pleading with President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria Police Council, the Police Service Commission and the IGP to please move Mbu Joseph Mbu out of Rivers state, as a matter of urgency, if you want peace and the economy of Rivers State to thrive.

What is happening to the Rivers State Government-owned, but grounded jet?

The joint committee of the House of Representatives on Justice and Aviation, in its report, cleared Rivers State of any wrongdoing and asked that the aircraft be released to Rivers State. That Rivers State did no wrong, in the acquisition of the aircraft. Clearly, the aircraft is owned by the Rivers State government and operating within the confines and the contemplation of the law.

It is still a committee report. It was tabled before the floor of the House. The proper thing to do, is for the House in plenary, to look at the report and come out with a position. Unfortunately, we proceeded on twoweek end of legislative year break, which is done all over the world. We are just resuming.

Till the Honourable members of the House sit and look at the report, we cannot say what next.

What is happening to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the National Assembly?

The PIB has passed through second reading, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate. PIB will eventually be passed into law or an Act of the National Assembly, if not by the last quarter of this year or by the first quarter of next year.

Rivers crisis may snowball into national crisis, says group

A

• Balogun

GROUP, ‘Asiwaju Total Loyalty Team,’ has warned that the protracted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in Rivers State may snowball into a national crisis, urging the two sides to sheathe their swords.

The group described the political war as a slap on democracy and constitutionalism, noting that that rascality is peculiar to the PDP. Its leader, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun, condemned the posture of the PDP leaders on the crisis, adding that the problem was being fueled from the Presidency.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

In a statement in Lagos, Balogun chided the PDP for its cruelty, brigandage, and impunity, wondering what would have happened, if Governor Rotimi Amaechi is from another party.

He queried: “What has Amaechi done to deserve this punishment?

Should he allowed himself to be tossed around without raising an eyebrow? Is it a sin that a governor should protect the interest of the state he was elected to govern?

Should he keep quiet when the oil

fields were taken away from his state to Bayelsa State?

Balogun pointed out that President Goodluck Jonathan has continued in the footsteps of his benefactor, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, who fueled similar crises in Oyo, Plateau and Bayelsa states, when he ruled the country.

He added: “We take a total exception to the President’s position on the Rivers State saga that he has no hand in the show of shame. This is totally misleading. The public needed not to be told where the accusing fingers should be di-

rected”.

Balogun condemned the biased role played by the police in the crisis. He said: “The unpatriotic conduct of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, should be condemned in its totality. The police chief should not only be removed as suggested by the House of Representatives. Nigeria is so sophisticated to be made a laughing stock by Mbu and his likes in Abuja. What played out in the Rivers State House of Assembly complex is an insult to democracy”.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

50

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorse the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

T

108TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

ypical of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE the pledge made to members of the Kano Pillars Football Club (KPFC) in 2012 was made true at the 107th Kano State Executive Council Sitting during which an aggregate sum of N79,389,200.00 was approved for release by Council to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to enable positive response to the pledge. Twenty eight (28) players benefitted allocation of one (1) unit each of KIA Picanto 2012 model at the cost of N2,576,400.00 totalling to the aggregate sum of N72,139,200.00 while ten (10) other players benefitted the donation of cash prize of N500,000.00 each totalling to the sum of N5,000,000.00. Topping it all, three (3) members of the Technical Crew benefitted the donation of N750,000.00 cash prize each totalling the sum of N2,250,000.00.

Noteworthy, is the fact that such “backing of words with action” has been the characteristic of the incumbent administration from its inception for the 2nd tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to date.

So, continuing with the laudable performance, Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and eighth (108 th ) sitting today Wednesday 24th July, 2013 (15th Ramadan, 1434AH) presided over by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Thirty eight (38) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from ten (10) MDAs. Thirty (30) of them were approved for execution with an expenditure of Two Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira, Eighty Six Kobo (N2,290,457,478.86) covering twenty four (24) projects. Thus; 1.

MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for Funds to Enable Relocation of Water Distribution Pipelines Affected by Construction of Drainage at Various Locations within Kano City:Two (2) important issues appear to need reconciliation in the traditional city of Kano. They include provision of effective/efficient drainage and ensuring steady supply of potable pipe borne water.

The contents of this memorandum notified Council that due to the on – going construction of drainage within Kano traditional city there is need to relocate some water supply pipelines so as to pave way for effective drainage construction.

The State Water Board discovered some pipelines that require relocation.

Thus; i.

Chediyar Fero to Yan’ Awaki N3,612,310.00 ii. Gadar Hanga to Zage to K/Wabai N3,926,280.00 iii. Kofar Na’isa to K/Diso to Mandawari N7,395,490.00 TOTAL N14,934,080.00 As such, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Water Resources requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N14,934,080.00 to his Ministry to enable the State Water Board execute the project of relocating the water pipelines cited above.

The request was considered credible as approval was granted for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Water Resources to enable execution of the water pipeline relocation projects cited.

2.

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted nine (9) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Six (6) of them were approved for execution as follows A. Request for Funds for the Provision of Diesel, Petrol, Staff Honoraria and other Incidentals Toward Facilitating for Running of 24 Hour Transmission by State Radio Corporation during the Month of Ramadan:Office of the Secretary to the State Government submitted the request above on behalf of the State Radio Corporation. Details were presented for consideration by Council which prompted the granting of approval for the following; i.

Required Diesel to be supplied by Mai Kifi at the cost of N2,000,000.00. ii. Release of N500,000.00 for Staff Honoraria and provision for incidental expenses.

TOTAL = N2,500,000.00 c.

Request for Funds for the Settlement of Diesel and Base Oil Supplied to the State Task Force Committee on Installation of Street and Traffic Control Lights:The Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented details on the request mentioned above to the aggregate sum of N48,570,720.00 through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the requested sum of N48,570,720.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable settlement of payments for diesel as cited above. d. Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Four (4) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Ups to the Kano State Shari’ah Court of Appeal:Office of the Secretary to the State Government presented the request from the Kano State Shari’ah Court of Appeal for the provision of four (4) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Ups to supplement the ones provided earlier in 1999. The rationale is to have sufficient fleet to mount routine inspection to check punctuality as well as attend monthly appeal cases.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N13,900,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to process the procurement and allocation of two (2) units of Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick Up in respect of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal to assist the effort of ensuring speedy dispensation of Justice. f.

Request for Funds to Enable Provision of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Materials:-

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties forwarded a request from the State Relief and Rehabilitation Board for the purchase of relief materials to be kept in reserve for emergency preparedness and response (EPR). The sum of N5,000,000.00 was requested for the purpose through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Charity and Good intentions prompted the granting of approval by Council for the release of the requested sum of N5,000,000.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the State Relief and Rehabilitation Board for the EPR programme.

i. ii. iii. iv.

3.

MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING All the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning were approved for execution as follows; a.

Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Structures Acquired for the Extension of Amana City (Phase II) Frontage:The three (3) cities of Kwankwasiyya, Amana and Bandirawo stand out among the implemented endeavours of the laudable Housing policy of the present administration under the capable leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning has identified three (3) structures belonging to individuals to be acquired at the frontage of the Amana city site to reach up to Zaria Road. Details of the assessment to the tune of the sum of N176,951,999.00, which was requested for release as compensation for the structures, were presented to Council for consideration and approval.

The request was considered credible as approval was granted for the release of the sum of N176,951,999.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable payment of compensation for the acquired structures in order to extend Amana city up to Zaria Road.

So, an assessment of the new scope of work was undertaken to the tune of N467,470,239.53 which when added to the original contract sum will aggregate to the tune of N3,164,559,371.27.

As such, Council was requested to consider and approve the RECT of N3,164,559,371.27 for the continuation of the project according to the new scope.

b. Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for Land (Site) Acquired for Development Projects at Kwankwaso Town:Contents of this memorandum precisely cited three (3) development projects for which land (sites) has been acquired in Kwankwaso town for execution. The projects include; i.

Market extension and construction of new Juma’at Mosque. ii. Sites for the construction of Primary School at Sara Babba/ Sara Karama, new girl’s boarding Secondary School and extension of existing Primary and Secondary School. iii. Expansion of township roads.

Essentially, sites remain to be acquired for the following; • Resettlement layout for the people affected by the market expansion and township roads.

• Extension of the existing Cemetery.

• Acquisition of a site for sports complex.

• A site for the corridor of the proposed by – pass.

As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning has assessed the value of the land, economic trees and some structures to be acquired as follows; • Land valued at N600,000.00/ha = N33,878,496.00 • Economic trees = N39,542,250.00 • Structures = N836,610.00 TOTAL = N74,257,356.00 The details presented were considered appropriate as Council approved release of the sum of N74,257,356.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to enable payments of compensation for the sites acquired cited above. c.

Request for Funds on the RECT of Dualization of Gwarzo Road:The welcome project for the conversion of Gwarzo Road to a dual carriage way (Kabuga – BUK new site) was awarded by the incumbent administration at the cost of N3,039,996,086.69.

Council was informed, through contents of this memorandum that, works had reached completion stages in which earth works, drainage and culverts have been completed while placing of median crush barrier is in progress.

Nevertheless, in the course of executing the project, additional works outside the initiation scope have been identified for execution including the following; i.

Provision of Service Lanes. ii. Provision of Roundabout at Kabuga Junction. iii. Replacement of median kerbs with crush barriers.

Specifically, Council was informed that the service lane consists of 5M wide – surface – dressed – carriage – way on both sides of the road with a length of 5.3KM spanning only the distance covered by built up areas while the proposed roundabout be constructed at Kabuga Junction is to have a monument in the form groundnut pyramid with a fountain inside.

As such, the additional works were assessed to cost the sum of N428,783,374.46 which when added to the original contract sum will aggregate to the sum of N3,468,779,461.15 inclusive of 5% contingency.

So, Council was requested to consider and approve the RECT of N3,468,779,461.15 for the continuation of the project according to the new scope.

Council noted, considered and approved the RECT quoted for the continuation of the project minus (less) the Installation of Street Lights.

Thus; N428,783,374.46 – N150,000,000.00 (cost for Street lights) = N278,783,374.4 was approved. d. Request for Funds on the RECT of Dualization/Expansion of Hadejia Road:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Land and Physical Planning informed Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the contract awarded at the cost of N2,697,089,131.74 for the Dualization/Expansion of Hadejia Road (from Ahmadu Bello Way Roundabout to Salisu Garba Filling Station) has reached completion states in which earthworks, drainage and culverts have been completed while laying of garden interlock tiles on pedestrian walkways is in progress.

However, in the course of executing the project, additional works outside the initial scope were identified for execution which include;

Provision of Street Lights.

Relocation of water pipelines.

Substitution of kerbs with crush barriers.

Provision of service lane.

Particularly, Council was informed that the service lane consists of 5M wide surface dressed carriage way on both sides of the road with a length of 5.3Km spanning only the distance covered by built up areas.

Approval was granted as requested by Council but minus (less) the cost for the installation of traffic lights. Thus; N467,470,371.27 – N130,000,000.00 (cost for Street lights) = N337,470,239.9 was approved.

4.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORT AND CULTURE The one (1) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry were approved for execution. Thus; Request for Funds to Honour Invitation for the State Contingent to Participate in the Youth Tournament in Dubai:Contents of this memorandum substantiated the appropriateness of sponsoring our young players for exposure internationally while helping in grassroots sports development. Details of the financial commitments were presented to Council for consideration which were accepted as credible and prompted for the release of the sum of N10,001,427.20 to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Youths, Sport and Culture to enable participation of Kano State contingent in the Youth Tournament slated to be held in Dubai.

5.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Of the six (6) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport only two (2) were approved for execution as follows; a.

Request for Funds by KARMA for Road Maintenance Works, Purchase of Equipment and Reactivation/Repair of Abandoned Machines:The Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA) was established the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE with the sole aim to execute required maintenance works on the existing roads within the metropolitan area of the State.

As such, contents of this memorandum responsibly reminded Council of its approval granted during of 19th June, 2013 which included the following; i.

Approval for the release of the sum of N50,000,000.00 for the continuation of repairs and maintenance of roads within the metropolis. ii. Directed that the request on purchase and repairs of old equipment should be resubmitted at a later date.Relatedly, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport presented an update for consideration by Council on nine (9) items on which the approved and released sum of N50,000,000.00 was judiciously expended while details were submitted on the request for a further release of the aggregate sum of N455,364,226,69 for the following; i.

N150,000,000.00 for continuation of road maintenance works. ii. N285,364,226.69 for the purchase of equipment. iii. N20,000,000.00 for the repairs of abandoned machinery.

TOTAL = N455,364,226.69.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N110,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for onward payment to KARMA to continue with the good work of road maintenance in Kano metropolis and repairs of abandoned machineries. b. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds on Revalidation of Contract for the Construction of Janguza – Kabo – Karaye – Road and Six (6) Bridges Along the Road:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport responsibly reminded Council that, the contract mentioned above was awarded by the previous administration in 2008 under project code 140120 with completion period of twelve (12) months. The scope of work for the project that time included construction of 54KM road and six (6) bridges. Contract was awarded for the six (6) bridges as phase I while contract for the 5KM road followed as phase II. Specifically, contract for the construction of bridges number 2, number 4 and number 5 were awarded to Messrs. Quadron Nigeria Ltd. at the contract sum of N657,002,698.63 and has attained 70% completion level before the work stopped.

Nevertheless, the sum N385,431,053.78 was paid to the Contractor as advance payment with Certificate Number 1, 3 and 5. This categorically left a balance of funds required to complete the project as N271,571,644.85. Ten percent (10%) has been discounted which brings the fund required to complete the project down to the sum of N244,414,480.4 (i.e. N271,571,644.85 – N27,157,164.4 (10%) = N244,414,480.4).

So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N244,414,480.4 and revalidate the project started for completion.

Approval was granted by Council as requested since the project has already been approved.

51

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013 6.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION All the six (6) memoranda submitted from the Ministry of Education were approved for execution by Council. Thus; a.

Request for the Release of Funds as Balance from the State Government for 2013 UBE/State Counterpart Fund:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education responsibly alerted Council of the need to release the sum of N177,860,583.38 as the State Counterpart Fund for the UBE/State 2013 Counterpart Fund arrangement. This will enable SUBEB implement its adjusted and approved Action Plan for the year 2013 which UBEC has already approved and released its Counterpart Share. Details were presented for consideration by Council.

The request was considered credible as Council approved for release, the sum of N177,860,583.38 to the Ministry of Education as the State’s Contribution to the UBEC/State Counterpart Fund to enable SUBEB implement its adjusted and approved action plan in accordance to the details presented. b. Request for Funds to Enable Execution of the 2nd Phase of the Project for the Establishment of Boarding Primary School at Minjibir Town in Minjibir LGCA:Establishment of a Boarding Primary School at Minjibir Town in Minjibir LGCA was approved with the grant of the sum of N175,168,096.40 at the Executive Council sitting of 27th June, 2012.

Reportedly, the awarded contract is in appreciable progress thereby requiring approval for a further release of N89,532,242.30 required for the implementation of the second phase of the entire project covering twelve (12) items. Details were presented to Council for consideration.

Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N87,132,480.30 to the Ministry of Education to enable execution of the second phase of the project of establishing a Boarding Primary School in Minjibir Town, Minjibir LGCA. c.

Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Establish Women Skills Acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA:Cognizant of the laudable effort of the present administration in Kano State under the leadership of the second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to provide skill acquisition opportunities for our teeming unemployed youth and womenfolk, the Ministry of Education recommended for the establishment of Women Skills Acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA to pave way for the unemployed women in the area to acquire the necessary skills to enable them fend for themselves.

The sum of N100,949,115.01 was requested for release by Council to enable the Ministry of Education execute the project according to the following breakdown; i.

2 – Storey block of classrooms N83,324,026.20 ii. Perimeter wall fence N4,394,693.80 iii. Provision of furniture N13,230,395.01 TOTAL N100,949,115.01 Significance and congruence of the project to the empowerment policy of the present administration prompted Council to approve for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education to enable establishment of a women skills acquisition Center at Jakara Ward in Municipal LGCA. d. Request for Funds to Enable Construction of a Perimeter Wall Fence at the Newly Established French College in Niamey, Niger Republic:Council was tacitly reminded through contents of this memorandum, on the establishment of the College mentioned above on bilateral agreement on Education between the Kano State Government and the Niger Republic. The School when fully operational will accommodate 200 JSS 1 Students at 100:100 ratio between the parties.

As such, the Ministry of Education requested Council to approve for the release of the sum of N40,457,360.32 to enable execution of the following four (4) projects at the French College Niamey, Niger; • Perimeter wall fence N32,322,396.32 • Construction of two (2) gates N1,225,885.58 • Construction of two (2) Security Posts N459,158.14 • Provision of solar - powered water borehole N6,449,360.32 TOTAL N40,457,360.32 Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N40,457,360.32 to the Ministry of Education to enable execution of the four projects started above at the newly established French College under Bilateral arrangement between Kano State and the Niger Republic. e.

Request for Funds to Enable Settlement for the Obligations on the Part of Kano State Government on the Establishment of Bilingual College Niamey with the Government of Niger Republic:Contents of this memorandum notified Council of the partnership between the Niger Republic and Kano State Government with the idea of establishing the only boarding Secondary School in the entire Niger Republic. The initiative was courtesy of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Essentially, the partnership was arranged such that the commitments are divided into two (2) categories which include construction of the School (physical development) and provision of Human and material resources to man the School. Both parties had almost completed their obligations on the construction aspects according to the arrangement.

What remains is for each partner to provide his aspect human and materials resources required to man the College. For Kano State the sum of N4,881,600.00 was requested for release by the Ministry of Education as the State’s contribution to provide the following; i.

Two (2) English Teachers ii. Kitchen Utensils iii. Feeding for all Students iv. Provision of Students’ Uniform and house wear v. Medical care for both Staff and Students vi. Conveyance of Kano State Students to Niamey from Kano.

The details presented for consideration by Council prompted immediate granting of approval for the release of the requested sum of N4,881,600.00 to the Ministry of Education to enable settling the Kano State Government’s obligations to the established Bilingual College Niamey.

7.

MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT One of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was approved for execution. Thus; Presentation on Information Memorandum on the Resolutions of the Joint Meeting Held Among the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hisbah Board and the Ministry of Justice on the Issue of Marriage Counselling:Complying with an Executive directive the meeting mentioned above was held on the 15th day of July, 2013. Extensive deliberations were held on the issue and other relevant matters which clearly indicated the following;

i.

There is sharp similarly of functions among the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hisbah Board and the Ministry of Justice through mediation Centers. ii. The functions provided Center on ten (10) main issues details on which were provided for consideration by Council. iii. Each of the three (3) bodies that met has presence throughout the 44 LGCAs. iv. Each of the three (3) bodies operates with gross inadequacy of funds for welfare/support packages. v. Effective synergy is consciously absent among the three (3) bodies.

Specifically, six (6) resolutions were arrived at during the meeting which ultimately yielded the following three (3) prayers for consideration and approval by Council.

• Setting up of a Hisbah Desk in each of the Social Welfare Offices of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for Cooperation and synergy purposes.

• Setting up of two (2) teams comprising seven (7) members each of both genders.

• Posting of a Hisbah Corp and a Social Welfare Staff to the Hisbah Board and mediation Centers in the State throughout the 44 LGCA. Council appreciated the presentation and approved the Setting up of two (2) teams comprising seven (8) members 4 male and 4 female.

MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Request for Approval and Release of Funds for the Provision/ Replacement of Wooden Cross Arms with Angles Iron at Garu – Kwankwaso – Kafin Agur – Madobi – Rikadawa – Gora – Jirgwai – Gidan Liman – Bakin Kogi:The entire area cited above reportedly suffers incessant electric power outages caused by broken wooden cross arms of the electric poles which resulted in the damage covering the electrification networks in the area.

Such damages resulted from the recent powerful wind/rain downpour.

Assessment of the situation recommended replacement of the wooden cross arms with angles iron through direct labour to be executed by the State Rural Electrification Board at the total cost of N12,119,860.00 which was requested for release by Council to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable execution of the replacement stated.

Approval was granted for the release of the sum of N12,119,860.00 to the Ministry of Rural and Community Development to enable the State Rural Electrification Board execute the stated project.

9.

MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET The two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Planning and Budget were approved for execution. Thus; a.

Presentation on the One (1) Day Workshop on Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan for Northwest Geo – Political Zone (25th July, 2013):The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Planning and Budget informed Council, through contents of this memorandum that, the National Planning Commission (NPC) has chosen Kano as the venue to conduct a one (1) day validation workshop on National Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan (NIIMP) for the Northwest Geo – Political Zone. The workshop is targeted to cover States of the Northwest which include Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano.

Main purpose is to jointly conduct a validation on the submissions forwarded by the Northwest States to the NPC which will ultimately serve as inputs from the Zone to be complied by the NPC to form the National Integrated Infrastructure Master-plan.

Notably, Kano State was selected as venue for the workshop by the NPC in connection to the major accomplishments in the infrastructural development coupled with transparency, accountability and good governance.

As such, Council was requested to; i.

Direct all relevant Commissioners to attend the workshop as vital issues will be raised concerning their MDAs. ii. Direct all concerned MDAs that are yet to submit their inputs to do so before or by 29th July, 2013 and forward same to the Kano State Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Council appreciated the presentation and approved as requested as well as directed Council Secretariat to inform all the MDAs concerned. b. Presentation on the DFID Supported Programme (ENABLE):Contents of this memorandum intimated Council on the fact that, the DFID programmes (ENABLE) will soon wind – up. However, the programme has already supported the Kano State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism in the introduction of a new programme called “the Kano State Public Private Dialogue (PPD) system.

The new programme is expected to foster the realization of Government objectives of creating an enabling business environment in the State through Public – Private Partnership (PPP).

Importantly, the Secretary to the State Government has already inaugurated a Committee on the instance of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Tourism which will be responsible for facilitating a coordinated approach to business policy formulation and implementation.

Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation as well as granted assent for the take – off of the system as per the details presented for consideration.

10. MINISTRY OF HEALTH The five (5) memoranda submitted for deliberation from the Ministry of Health were approved for execution by Council as follows; a.

Request for Funds for the Equipping/Furnishing of Additional Structures at Kwankwaso New Cottage Hospital:Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its most recent approval for the release of the sum of N97,515,780.82 for the upgrading of Kwankwaso Primary Health Center to Cottage Hospital. As the approved work progresses towards completion, the Ministry of Health has established and proposed for equipping/furnishing of the additional structures so as to enable the smooth take – off of the new Cottage Hospital and its subsequent commissioning as well as the commencement of services.

Details on the financial requirements totalling up to the sum of N12,163,489.54 which was requested for release, was presented for consideration by Council.

The project agrees with the laudable policy of the present administration to provide qualitatively for the transformation of the Health Sector, Health Care delivery and the entire Health System. So, approval was granted as requested. b. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Procurement of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machines and Execution of Renovation/Extension Works at the Dialysis Unit of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, Kano:The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health contentedly reminded Council of its approval granted for the supply of medical equipment/ instrument and renovation works at the newly established Intensive Care Unit of the Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital at the contract sum of N156,750,245.12.

Reportedly, the ordered equipment/instrument and renovation works have been supplied and executed to completion satisfactorily. The unit was officially commissioned by Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE in the 2012 and currently provides services to the critically ill patients admitted into the hospital.

The request was considered credible as Council granted approval for the release of the requested sum of N44,795,335.51 to the Ministry of Health to enable procurement of Reverse Osmosis (RO) Machines and execution of renovation/extension works at the Dialysis Unit of Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital. c.

Presentation on the Need and Request for Release of Counterpart Funds/Contribution for the Completion of Health System Development Projects (HSDP II) in Kano State Health Facilities:Adequate History and the genesis of the request presented above were presented to Council for consideration as the sum of N80,763,693.03 was requested for release as the Kano State Government Counterpart Contribution for settlement of commitments for completion of outstanding projects under the HSDP II to the tune of N44,860,823.48 as owed sum of money to the three (3) Contractors and N35,902,869.55 being value of the remaining completion works of the projects and upward contract.

The request was considered credible as Council approved for the release of the sum of N80,763,693.03 to the Ministry of Health to enable paying for the State Counterpart Contribution for the completion of Health System Development Projects (HSDP II). d. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds for the Purchase and Installation of Modern Urological Theatre Equipment at Abubakar Imam Urology Center:The sum of N174,214,787.84 was approved for release as requested to the State Ministry of Health to enable purchase and installation of modern Urological Theatre Equipment at Abubakar Imam Urology Center as the prominent referral Center of Kano State and the entire Northern part of the Country. The services provided by the Center are highly required in the Health Care Delivery System. e.

Presentation on Post Graduate College of Family Medicine, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano:Complying with Executive directives the Ministry of Health appointed a Committee comprising Technical Experts in the Health Sector to look into the operation and activities of the Postgraduate College of Family Medicine (PGC – FM) in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital under the following terms of reference (TOR); • To study the structure and function of the College.

• Identify sources of funding for the College.

• Identify Challenges to the College or otherwise.

The Committee did its assigned job diligently and details of its findings, observations and recommendations were presented for consideration

by Council specifying the following two (2) prayers; • Approval to be granted on the appropriate naming of the College/Unit as “Department of Family Medicine (MMSH)” as recommended/desired by the two (2) regulatory bodies on the issue.

• Approval needs to be granted by Council for the programme to continue under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Health.

Council approved execution of the two (2) prayers presented on the Postgraduate College of Family Medicine, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 108TH EXCO SITTING 1.

DISTRIBUTION OF FERTILIZER TO THE FARMERS ACROSS THE STATE Council acknowledged the successful supervision undertaken by delegation of officials from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources on the distribution of fertilizer to Farmers across the 44 Local Government Areas in the State.

2.

PRESENTATION OF REPORT ON KANO STATE COMMITTEE ON PIB POSITION Council witnessed the successful presentation of report on Kano State position regarding the Petroleum Industries Bill (PIB) by the Committee Chairman Alhaji Magaji Dambatta OFR, to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Relatedly, Council thanked members of the Committee for their commitment and dedication toward compilation of the report and would forward it to the National Assembly for further appropriate action in accordance with yearnings & aspirations of the people they represented.

3.

PRESENTATION OF AN AWARD TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE Council witnessed the presentation of honorary award as “Goodwill Ambassador” (full citizen of Arkansas) to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the Governor of Arkansas, United State of America, ably represented by Mrs. Temitope Ajayi (Mama Diaspora).

4.

REPLACEMENT OF STOCK TO 500 WOMEN OF THE SMALL HOLDER POULTRY PROGRAMME AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE TO COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES In a grand ceremony at the Government House on Thursday 25th July, 2013, Council witnessed the magnanimous replacement of poultry chicks and their feeds to 500 empowered women previously trained at Tukwui Poultry Institute by the Government and were also found to have lost their poultry farms due to natural disaster, urging them to make good use of their replaced small scale poultry farms. Accordingly, Council witnessed the presentation of certificates to over 1000 Registered Cooperative Societies that benefited from various Youth and Women empowerment programmes in the State.

Similarly, Council extends its gratitude to the Hon. Minister of Agriculture ably represented by the Director Federal Cooperatives for their commitment to the State’s empowerment programmes especially the collaboration to upgrade Bagauda Livestock and Fisheries Institute for the benefit of the North West Zone States and Nigeria in general.

In the same development, Council acknowledged the contribution of the sum of N1billion from the Bank of Agriculture by the Managing Director Dr. Muhammad San Turaki whereby Hon. Commissioners for Agriculture and of Finance were directed to further discuss on a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and the Bank towards continued support to Youth and Women empowerment programmes in the State.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture, Kano State

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS 20 governors’ll join APC, says Ogbeh

ALADE ODUNEWU 1928 - 2013

•Akume leads merger parties’ rally in Benue

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ENATE Minority Leader George Akume at the weekend led thousands of opposition party members, under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to a rally in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The well attended rally was the first of its kind since major opposition parties submitted their merger form to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for registration as a political party.

Mr. Audu Ogbeh, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of APC, told the crowd that about 20 governors will soon join the party.

He advised party members to remain steadfast in their support, adding that APC would be presented with a certificate of registration.

The former Communications Minister noted that the APC constitution has provided viable opportunities for youths and women who would be empowered from the grassroots to reduce poverty in rural areas.

Odunewu strengthened democracy, says North’s governors

Senator, others defect to APC in Kogi SCORES of supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi Central District, led by Senator Muhammed Salami Ohiare, have defected to the newly formed opposition parties’ coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ohiare told reporters after his defection with his supporters that they had waited in vain for the people to enjoy better life.

The senator said it was the reason he and his supporters defected from the PDP to the new party.

He said: “We have waited too long for better life to be ushered into this country in general and Kogi State in particular. But, like an abracadabra, the more we expected it, the further it was made to elude us.”

Ohiare noted that the Kogi situation was really pathetic in the area of infrastructure.

He said: “It is most disheartening that a party – the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) - which ruled this state for four years, can still point to greater achievements than the one that has been in power for almost triple the same period.”

Ohiare, who was the governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress (AC) in 2007, regretted that states created with Kogi or those created years after, were enjoying better infrastructure.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Ogbeh noted that as from 2015, the United States (US) will not need Nigeria’s oil.

He said the solution lies in agriculture, which an APC government has planned ahead with massive investments.

The frontline politician

•Akume

urged Benue State residents to take the lead in the sector.

Akume urged APC supporters to go to the rural areas and mobilise the people ahead of the party’s registration.

The former governor advised the supporters against attending any meeting, whose motives they do not know.

Senator Joseph Waku said APC would wipe away the people’s tears, which resulted from the maladministration of the Goodluck Jonathan government.

He advised the people to endure till 2015 when their suffering will end with APC in power.

Abuja Airport, Kubwa roads death traps, says Senate

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HE Senate has said the newly expanded Abuja Airport Road and Kubwa Expressway are death traps.

It also said the roads were built with “obsolete engineering designs”.

The Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Smart Adeyemi, who spoke at the weekend during an oversight tour of the roads, blamed the construction firms for not advising the Federal Govern-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ment to update the designs, despite the huge cost of the roads.

During the committee’s interactions, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Plc and his counterpart at the CGC Construction, Mr. Zhao Jian Rong, as well as the Chief Resident Engineer for the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Felix

Nwankwo, confirmed that the designs were drawn in 1981 and that they were obsolete.

He told the Senate Committee that the cost of correcting the designs was “too high”.

The engineer said one of the consequences of the outdated design was the incessant and high rate of accidents on the Kubwa and Airport roads.

Adeyemi said though the committee was pleased with the pace of the work by Julius

North’s council chairmen to Senate: don’t oppose our autonomy

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HE Northern Local Government Chairman Forum (NLGCF) at the weekend urged the Senate to rescind its decision of opposing the autonomy of the local government administration.

NLGCF also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to reconsider their resolution on the Immunity Clause to chief executives at Federal and state levels, as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

At a media briefing in Abuja on the proposed local government autonomy, NLGCF Chairman Mohammed Ali advised the National Assembly to extend financial autonomy to Houses of Assembly.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

He hailed House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and other members of the House for listening to the yearnings of common Nigerians and adopting the local government autonomy.

Ali said: “It is our desire to call on the leadership of the Senate and all distinguished senators to consider the decision of the House of Representatives in upholding the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria. Hence, there is need for the Senate to rescind its decision in opposing the autonomy of local govern-

ment as a necessary and relevant tier of government.

“We further call on both chambers of the National Assembly to reconsider their resolution on the Immunity Clause to chief executives at the Federal and state levels, as stated in the 1999 Constitution. It is understandable that immunity clause is not peculiar to Nigeria; as such, it provides for the protection of democracy, particularly in a nascent one like Nigeria. Removing the immunity clause from the constitution will not only pose a distraction to governance but also contribute extensively to distort and bring a setback to development in Nigeria.”

Yobe faults distribution of Fed Govt’s grains

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HE Yobe State Government has accused a minister of using the grains donated by the Federal Government to advance his political interest.

The grains were reportedly donated to the state to alleviate the suffering caused by the state of emergency.

But the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the grains were not shared on political basis but to every resident, irrespective of party affiliation.

Addressing reporters in Damaturu, the state capital, the Special Adviser to the

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Governor on Political and Legislative Affairs, Mai Mala Buni, alleged that the minister hijacked the materials for his political interest.

Buni said: “In an ideal situation, the materials meant for Yobe were supposed to be handed over to the state government for onward distribution to the victims. But they were diverted by the minister to serve his political interest. That is wrong.”

PDP State Chairman Lawan Gana Karasuwa regretted that “the Yobe State Government is bringing politics

into a matter that affects ordinary people”.

He added: “The grains we are talking about here were brought by the Federal Government and handed over to the Waziri Ibrahim Foundation for onward distribution to everybody in the state.

“It is regrettable that the state government is bringing politics into the matter.

The grains were shared, irrespective of party affiliation. It is the most successful programme I have witnessed so far since the donations of materials to victims of this insurgency started.”

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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From Mohammad Bashir, Lokoja

Berger, it was alarmed by the open drainage in the middle of the roads.

He said: “The committee observed with dismay that the three sites visited displayed common features of road construction with obsolete and outdated engineering designs, which are no longer popular and out of practice for over a decade in most parts of the world. It is all about open drainages in the middle of the roads.”

‘Kogi entrepreneurs not taking BOI’s SME loan’ From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State Government has said small and medium scale entrepreneurs are not taking loans offered by the Bank of Industry (BOI) to expand their businesses.

It urged the private sector to tap into the N400 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) loan scheme of the Federal Government with the BOI to boost their businesses.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ali Ajuh, made the plea at the weekend when the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) presented the MANCAP award to a paints manufacturing company for producing high quality products.

Ajuh said the Federal Government set up the N400 million SME loan for entrepreneurs, adding that the state’s entrepreneurs have not been accessing the loan.

The commissioner, who was represented by a Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adamu Tijani, said the ministry has met, on several occasions, the BOI management to ensure that Kogi State SMEs benefitted from the scheme.

He said it was disheartening that entrepreneurs in the state were not accessing the N400 million loan scheme to improve their businesses.

HE Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) yesterday said the late journalism icon and public affairs commentator, Alhaji Alade Odunewu (Allah De), helped in the struggle for press freedom and in strengthening the nation’s democracy.

Odunewu died last Thursday at 85.

Commiserating with his family, the Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu described the late Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council as a thoroughbred journalist who positively touched the lives of several people and strengthened press freedom and democracy.

The forum described his death as a great loss to journalism and humanity.

Ajimobi mourns journalism icon

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has commiserated with the family the late public affairs commentator and former Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Alhaji Alade Odunewu, popularly known by his pen name, Allah De. The veteran journalist died last Thursday in Lagos. He was 85.

The governor, in a statement yesterday in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, described Odunewu’s death as a colossal loss not only to journalism but also to Nigeria.

He described Allah De as a thoroughbred journalist and father of modern journalism, who used his power of words to shape the society, defend the defenceless, correct societal ills and entrench democratic tenets in the land.

Ikuforiji: Odunewu is irreplaceable

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has described the late Alade Odunewu as a rare breed journalist, who would for long remain irreplaceable.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, the Speaker described the late columnist as “a journalists’ journalist, a fearless columnist, one of the greatest satirist of the pen profession of his era, a superb editor, newspaper manager, and journalism teacher who will remain irreplaceable for a long time to come”.

Ikuforiji said: “Considering the time that the late Odunewu started practising his trade and the fearless way in which he tended it, there is no doubt that he will forever be remembered as one of the builders of modern Nigerian journalism.

“While one would have loved to still have the late journalism icon around for more years, particularly now that our nation needs more of his like, it is, however, gratifying that he lived a worthy life to a very ripe age. One other particularly striking quality of Pa Odunewu that endeared him to many was his uncommon humility.”

Alaafin mourns Allah De From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has commiserated with the family of the late Alade Odunewu (Allah De).

The monarch spoke in his palace at the weekend when he hosted some journalists, led by the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gbenga Opadotun.

He prayed for the repose of the late journalist’s soul.

The journalists visited the monarch to break their fast in the ongoing Ramadan fast.

Oba Adeyemi described Odunewu as “a quintessential exemplar in the journalism world, who impacted very positively on many younger practitioners in the profession”.

The monarch added: “He (Odunewu) practised the profession with astute diligence, using his style of writing to defend the defenceless and shape the society better.”

The monarch commiserated with the immediate family of the late icon, members of the pen profession, his friends and associates, praying God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss

Ex-NUJ President Ogundipe mourns Allah De

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From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

FORMER President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Lanre Ogundipe, has mourned the late Alade Odunewu.

In a tribute, Ogundipe noted that with the death of Allah De, another star has fallen from Nigerian journalism.

He described Odunewu as a professional eagle who flew away last Thursday to meet the older generation.

The tribute reads: “When the news mill came up with a flash on Thursday night announcing the transition of the famous veteran journalist - Alade Odunewu, popularly known by his pen-name as Allah De - my immediate reaction was to say another star has dropped; the timbers of journalism profession is being swept off. Truly, his life and times celebrate all that journalism profession stands for.

“The reality is that Alade has mounted up wings as an eagle and away he flew to meet with his Creator.

“Allah De has been such a huge and indelible part of Nigeria’s Journalism history for over five decades. Nigerian history, indeed the media history, will not be complete without the name of Alade Odunewu.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

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NEWS Association seeks end to insecurity THE association of Safety Practitioners and Professionals (ASPPro) has pleaded with politicians to curb the rising cases of insecurity in the country.

Its National Co-ordinator Lanre Ajegbomogun, in an interview with reporters yesterday, said the country is going through a trying period similar to the precivil war era and there is the need for all to exercise utmost restraint, so as not to plunge the country into anarchy.

Ajegbomogun appealed to politicians to avoid dragging the security agencies into the various flashpoints of crisis in the land, particularly, that of Rivers State.

The safety expert, who is also the Veterinary Director of Lahrivet Clinik, advised politicians and the public to seek civilised and decent means of resolving their differences, devoid of violence and confrontation so as not to rubbish the achievements of the current Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who has performed creditably well up till now.

Ajegbomogun said Abubakar since assumption of office, has been working tirelessly to reposition the Nigerian Police and to restore public confidence in the force beginning with his efforts at implementing N50, 000 minimum wage for a constable in the Force, as such will go a long way to boost morale and promote efficiency.

Amaechi condoles with First Lady RIVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has condoled with the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, on the death of her mother.

In a statement he personally signed, Amaechi said: “It is with utmost shock and sadness that we have received the news of the death of your dear mother, confident and cherished companion, Madam Charity Iwari-Oba. “No doubt the demise of a loved one leaves us hollow and alone. Yet, in the midst of our pain, we must remember we are Christians and should not mourn like those without hope.

“It is our firm belief that our beloved Sisi has gone to a better place. Her charity and faith remain a hallmark not just in Obaama and Okrika but everywhere she lived.

“Her ever open-arms and warm hospitality cannot be forgotten and remain as always a beacon of hope and candle light that all who love her can cling unto.

“On behalf of my wife Judith, the government and people of Rivers State, I want to assure you of our prayers and steadfast support at this very trying time, as we trust our ever faithful God to grant you and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

‘25,000 Itsekiri killed since 1997’ •Fed Govt’s responce to crisis criticised From Shola O’Neil, S/South Regional Editor

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•Senate President David Mark flanked by Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe at the beginning of the Senate Press Corp Retreat.

ACN, PDP disagree on Dickson’s appointment

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•PDP is distracting governor, says ACN •Opposition should rise above party politics’

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Bayelsa State yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of distracting Governor Seriake Dickson.

The party was reacting to the appointment of the governor as the chairman of the PDP’s reconciliation committee.

ACN’s Publicity Secretary Christopher Abarowei said appointing a governor in his first tenure to resolve festering problems in his party was against the interest of the people and development of Bayelsa.

He said the governor should have rejected the offer in the spirit of his restoration agenda.

Besides, Abarowei said the appointment was capable of impacting negatively on the finances of the state.

But Dickson allayed the fears of the people, saying

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

PDP “has the financial muscle to tackle its problems”.

The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel IworisoMarkson, asked opposition parties to rise above party partisanship and help in building a united country.

He said his appointment should be viewed as a mark of honour and recognition, adding that the restoration project was on course.

He said he accepted the appointment out of his commitment to render a selfless service to the country, adding that the internal crisis in PDP should be a concern to everybody.

Iworiso-Markson said: “Governor Dickson’s role as the chairman of the committee is a call to service. As a dedicated and committed

party man, he is duty-bound to respond to the call by his party to render service, especially at a time such as this when the PDP and by extension the nation is seeking peaceful resolution to the political crisis.

“This call to service should be viewed as a plus and recognition. Bayelsans should be rest assured that no kobo from the state will be used for this special project as the PDP has the financial strength to bankroll its programmes.”

But Abarowei insisted that the numerous trips involved in the job that was handed down to Dickson could be a burden on the treasury of the state.

He said: “The choice of Dickson as head of the reconciliation committee of the PDP is a distraction capable of derailing the restoration and development of the state.

•Dickson

“This is another wasteful exercise that will, no doubt, adversely have its impact on the state’s finances.”

He also lauded the recent resolution of the National Assembly to take over the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

He called on the police to redeploy the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu. “Redeploying Mbu is a decisive and proactive step in forestalling the political impunity that is threatening the peace of Rivers State.

“We also call on President Goodluck Jonathan to match his words with action by curbing the political excesses within the ranks of his party.”

Only God’ll determine my successor, says Akpabio

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KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has said it is only God who would determine his successor at the Hilltop Mansion.

Akpabio said this when he addressed the people of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area at a civic reception in his honour.

At the event, which took place at the Council Secretariat, Oko Ita, the governor,

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represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Emmanuel Enoidem, said: “Beyond human imagination, whoever pleases God will be the next governor.”

He called on the people to pray, so that the same God, who visited Akwa Ibom in 2007, would bring another leader who would continue with the uncommon transformation programme of the Akpabio administration.

“Governor Akpabio has brought dignity, respect and responsibility to Akwa Ibom people, hence we need the sustenance and sustainability of this culture and a man, who is competent and has the capacity to continue with the current tempo of development of the state.”

Enoidem added: “Akpabio has raised the profile of Akwa Ibom, through his unprecedented performance,

especially in the provision of free and compulsory education and basic infrastructure across the state.

“If there’s any government in the history of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State that has been so sensitive to the plights of the people and passionate about provision of infrastructure, it is the government of Godswill Akpabio,” he said.

Police: how we foiled bank robbery in Rivers

HE Force Headquarters, Abuja, said its men in the Rivers State command foiled what the police termed “an elaborate bank robbery”, planned by a gang against an unnamed commercial bank.

The alleged robbery was foiled on Friday, Deputy Force spokesman Frank Mba said in a statement yesterday.

According to the police, weapons recovered from a hideout of the gang were two General Purpose Machine Guns with 593 rounds of ammunition; eight AK- 47 rifles with 1635 rounds of ammunition and 57 magazines; rifles; dynamites; detonators; explosive devices with accessories.

Mba added that three operational vehicles deployed by the gang for the planned operation were also recovered. He listed details of the vehicles as a Volvo S40 car, a MercedesBenz Saloon car and a Nissan Pathfinder Sports Utility Van (registration numbers withheld).

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

The weapons, according to him, were recovered from the three vehicles at a mechanic village in Ihugbo, on the EastWest Road, Ahoada, Rivers State.

Although no arrests had been made, the Force said incriminating exhibits “linking the perpetrators to the weapons” were also recovered from the hideout, while efforts to track down the suspects were being intensified.

“The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has praised the officers and men of the Rivers State Police Command for the impressive recovery.

“He enjoined all police commands/formations to step up their game, particularly in the area of intelligence gathering towards providing adequate security for the citizenry.”

HE Itsekiri ethnic group in Warri, Delta State, has decried the killing of over 25,000 of its kinsmen by Ijaw warlords since the beginning of the Warri crisis in 1997.

Addressing reporters in the wake of the July 2 killing of 12 Itsekiri persons by the militant Egbema Radical Group, the National Youth Congress (INYC) said government has failed to protect their kinsmen.

The victims were killed in Gbokoda, Ajamita, Tisun, Obaghoro and Eghoro, among other towns in Warri North Local Government.

INYC Chairman David Tonwe faulted the ‘acquiescing’ failure of the federal and Delta State governments to condemn the killing, insisting that his kinsmen should not be made sacrificial lambs.

He said: “This continued unprovoked and senseless attacks on helpless Itsekiri communities and persons must stop henceforth. Those responsible for this act of brigandage must be brought to book.”

Tonwe said the Itsekiri would be compelled to take their case to the international community and human rights bodies such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, if they fail to get justice.

Shehu of Borno is chancellor

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HE Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ELAmin Elkanemi, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the Bayelsa Stateowned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

His appointment was approved by Governor Seriake Dickson, who is the university’s visitor.

A statement by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the appointment is with immediate effect.

Falana rejects rally invitation

By Joseph Jibueze

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CTIVIST-LAWYER Femi Falana (SAN) has turned down a request to participate in tomorrow’s rally on the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a letter to the organisers, Falana wrote: “Last Friday, you published a list of human rights defenders billed to address a rally in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

“You included my name without any prior discussion or consultation with me. I felt embarrassed by the publication. This has never been our practice!

“However, I am unable to accept your belated invitation as I am otherwise committed to participate in an educational event in Ekiti State.

“I received the invitation letter for the programme last month. I wish you a successful rally.”

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NEWS

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Foreign Affairs Minister didn’t attack gay diplomats, says Ministry

I’ll run for governor, Ngige tells Senate

ENATOR Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has formally notified the Senate of his intention to participate in the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

In a letter dated July 24 and addressed to the Senate President, David Mark, Ngige said he had been inundated with calls to serve as governor again.

The senator said: “Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, in the last three months or so, I have been inundated with calls, text messages and visits by many people from my home state, Anambra, and the messages had remained the same ‘we need you back home as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of our state come March 17, 2014’.”

He said it was not a matter of personal ambition for him as the people had given him the opportunity to serve as governor before and sent him to the Senate.

Ngige said: “It has been a very difficult decision for me to take and I have consulted extensively with my family, political associates, colleagues and the people.

“My people think that I would be better as their governor again. They have asked; they have cajoled; they have persuaded; they have demanded; they have called and they are praying that I answer their call to come and govern the state again.

“I have had the honour and privilege of serving them in this capacity before from May 2003 – March 2006.

“They were kind enough to send me to this Senate to show

‘Stop INEC from using ballot boxes’

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From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

HE Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, from using transparent ballot boxes for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The prayer was contained in a motion for an order of interlocutory injunction filed by a firm, Bedding Holdings Limited.

The court had held last year that the company owns the patent rights to the ballot boxes.

Bedding Holdings also wants the interlocutory order directed at the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), the Registrar of Patents, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry and three firms engaged by INEC for the supply of the ballot boxes - Emchai Limited, Tambco United Nigeria Limited and Anowat Project and Resources Limited.

Justice Adamu Bello gave a judgment on June 5, last year, upholding Bedding Holdings’ exclusive patent rights over the “Transparent Ballot Boxes” and “Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes” being used by INEC for its elections.

The court, in the judgment ,restrained the defendants, particularly INEC and Jega, from further utilising the ballot boxes or an imitation of the boxes without the consent of Bedding Holdings.

The applicant, in the fresh application, informed the court that the defendants, particularly INEC and Jega, have continued to act in a breach of the orders by using the ballot boxes without its consent.

But Justice Bello in a ruling on May 28 this year, dismissed the applications for lack of merit. The judge frowned at INEC’s continuous use of the ballot boxes, despite his subsisting the judgment .

Justice Bello, however, stayed hearing in a pending contempt proceedings initiated against INEC and Jega, pending the determination of their appeal against the June 5, last year judgment.

Bedding Holding has also appealed Justice Bello’s decision to stay hearing in the contempt proceedings.

By Augustine Avwode

me the immense goodwill they have for me. It is, therefore, not a personal ambition, any longer for me to become ‘Governor of Anambra State’.

“However, the cry and the demand of my people have

been a source of incredible pressure and have increased tremendously with the release of the election timetable two weeks ago by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“I have concluded my consultations and now find it nec-

•Says no country can force gay marriage on Nigeria From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

T •Dr Ngige

essary to officially inform this Senate that I will be an aspirant, and hopefully a candidate in the election.”

While soliciting for his colleagues’ prayers and goodwill, he said he hoped to run on the platform of the newly merged All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Please wish me luck and pray for me, even if you are not of my party. I am of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stock, but for this journey I intend to use the vehicle of the Progressives – our newly merged political party - The All Progressives Congress (APC).

“With due respect to other would-be aspirants and candidates, and regardless of the differences in our party affiliations, what is necessary is that Anambra State, the Light of the Nation, gets a capable governor.

“Anambra State holds a special place in the political economy of Nigeria.

“It is therefore, to the benefit of all Nigerians that Anambra State is well governed, has peace, progress and sustainable development.

“This task is, therefore, not for unsteady or untested hands that would seek to learn on the job.

“Anambra State needs an experienced, tried and tested hand. The people believe that God will do it for them through me.”

HE Federal Government last night insisted that no country can force gay marriage system on Nigeria.

It also said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru did not at any time attack gay diplomats.

The government, which made its position known through a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said gay marriage is not part of Nigerian custom.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. O. Ode, said foreign countries should not impose their values on Nigeria.

“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been drawn to stories on Gay Rights Issues and Nigeria’s position on the matter.

“At his meeting with the Diplomatic Community on Friday 19 July the Foreign Minister, in his statement read to the meeting where journalists and media executives were present said foreign countries should not impose their values on Nigeria.

“While Nigeria is not against any country legalizing Gay marriages, no country should force that on Nigeria.

“Nigeria and majority of Nigerians are against Gay rights and marriages as it is not part of our custom, religion or law.

“At no time did the Minister make reference to gay diplomats in his statement or interview.”

Ubah still in LP, says chieftain

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Umeh: there’s peace in APGA

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•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the new United National Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative to Nigeria, Jean Googh, after a meeting.

Ex-Ebonyi commissioner arrested for ‘N79m scam’

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HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the weekend arraigned a former Commissioner for Health in Ebonyi State, Henry Aloh, in connection with a N79 million alleged contract scam.

A statement by the commission’s Head of Media, Folu Olamiti, said the former commissioner allegedly committed the offence in 2005.

The statement said: “Aloh was arraigned before the High Court of Ebonyi State presided over by the Chief Judge, Justice A.N

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Nwankwo.

“Also arraigned was a manager of one of the branches of Intercontinental Bank plc (now Access Bank) in Ebonyi State, Sam Agbo.

“ICPC investigations revealed that the offences were committed in 2005 when the Ebonyi State Government awarded a contract for the renovation and construction of Amasari General Hospital to the tune of N79 million.

“The former commissioner was alleged to have conspired with Agbo to di-

vert the sum to an account allegedly opened in the name of John Okoli, who was falsely presented as a representative of the company awarded the contract to renovate the hospital. This was contrary to Section 26 (1) and punishable under Section 19 of the ICPC Act 2000.

“Part of the allegations was that Aloh procured John Okoli who was his patient and Patrick Chukwu, his personal assistant to be signatories to the account opened in the name of the company, which is contrary to and punishable under Sec-

tions 26 and 19 of the ICPC Act 2000 and Section 473 (2) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“The Prosecution Counsel, Raheem Adeshina, did not oppose the bail application moved by M. Erhenede and Emeka Uwake, counsels to Aloh and Agbo.

“The accused were granted bail of N50 million and one surety who must be resident within the courts` jurisdiction.

“The case has been adjourned to October 22nd and 23rd.”

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

HE National leadership of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday said it has not disowned one of its aspirants, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah.

The National Vice-Chairman, Calistus Uju Okafor, said: “We have not disowned Ifeanyi Ubah. We have nothing against him.

He is an aspirant. Have you seen where a political party disowns one of its members when the person has done nothing?

We have never disowned Ubah and we will not disown him.

“For such a man coming into our party is a blessing and not a curse. We want more people like him in our party and remember Labour Party is a political party and a democratic party for that matter, so we don’t disown anybody.

Okafor added: “That man who will be our flag bearer for now we don’t know because he or she is going to emerge after the primaries. So the information that we have disowned Ubah is false. We don’t disown anybody in Labour Party. It is a democratic party.

“If they disown people in other parties, we don’t do that in our party. We do not disown people here.

“We don’t have any faction in Labour party as against the speculation of rumour mongers who said we have four factions.

We are a democratic party and we don’t disown people or do undemocratic things rather we welcome people.”

From Chris Oji, Enugu

HE National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh, at the weekend confirmed the return of peace to the party.

He said the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Ralph Uwazuruike, played a pioneering role in the peace deal.

The APGA chairman, during a ceremony organised by the Igbo Picture Film Production to honour prominent Igbo leaders, said Uwazuruike brought everybody together before the peace deal was struck.

“That is the only thing that I can talk about politics here.

You can see now in APGA, we now have peace, courtesy of his role in bringing everybody together,” he said.

Umeh, who was honoured at the occasion, described Uwazuruike as a true son of Igbo land, who went to prison for his people.

The MASSOB leader said he was happy that peace had returned to APGA, saying the party has only one national chairman. He said the party would focus on the forthcoming election.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu declared Umeh the authentic chairman of APGA this month but another faction of the party, led by Governor Peter Obi, refused to recognise him on the grounds that there was another ruling that recognised a convention, leading to the emergence of Maxi Okwu as the new national chairman.

Enugu governorship zoned to Nsukka

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From Chris Oji, Enugu

NUGU North Senatorial District of Enugu State is almost sure of producing the governor in 2015.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has followed in the footsteps of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in zoning its governorship slot to the Nsukka zone.

Governor Sullivan Chime had earlier at a Town Hall meeting said it was the turn of Nsukka to produce the governor going by an internal PDP arrangement.

The statement did not go down well with the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who repudiated the governor’s statement.

The decision by APC to zone the slot to Nsukka was taken at a meeting in Enugu at the weekend.

The APC’s State Coordinator, Osita Okechukwu, told reporters after the meeting that it was the turn of the zone to produce the governor.

He urged credible aspirants from East and West senatorial districts to support this decision in the spirit of brotherhood.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

56

FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt: Morsi supporters defy removal threats

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UPPORTERS of ousted Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi have defied threats of removal from their sit-in protest in Cairo, despite the deaths of dozens in clashes with security forces.

Speakers from the proMorsi Muslim Brotherhood addressed protesters overnight, saying they would not back down from their demands.

They want Mr Morsi - removed from power by the army on 3 July - reinstated.

But the interior minister has warned them they will “soon” be dispersed.

Meanwhile, the US has expressed deep concern at the

•Death toll over 100 •Morsi transferred to jail bloodshed - the worst since Mr Morsi was ousted.

US Secretary of State John Kerry condemned the violence and called on the Egyptian authorities to “respect the right of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression”.

Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad elHaddad told the BBC that “hundreds and thousands of men, women and children” were engaged in the peaceful protest around the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque.

People waking up at Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque this morning remain deter-

mined. The mood has been calm since the early hours as many here are approaching their fifth week at the sit-in.

Since the beginning they have been saying they will not leave until the ousted President Mohammed Morsi returns.

After Saturday’s violence there is an even stronger sense that people here are willing to die for their cause.

One man told us he would continue to face the police, ready to be shot. Another man who has been sleeping outside the mosque since 3 July said that, for him, death would be better than living

•Protesters at the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque vicinity ... yesterday.

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HE Statue of Liberty was a centennial gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

The Statue was completed in France in July, 1884 and arrived in New York Harbor in June of 1885 on board the French frigate “Isere” which transported her from France to the United States.

On October 28th 1886, the dedication of the Statue of Liberty took place in front of thousands of spectators.

The history and the significance of the Statute are enormous to democracy, freedom and international friendships.

It has been said that the story of the Statue of Liberty and her island has always been one of change. Change came the way of the beautiful lady once again this month, precisely July 4, 2013, as she resumed attracting millions of visitors after regaining full restoration following some devastation in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in October last year.

In The National Parks account, Poet Emma Lazarus’ sonnet “The New Colossus”, written in 1883 for an auction to raise funds for the Statue’s pedestal and later engraved on a bronze plaque placed in that very pedestal, best expresses the impact the Statue of Liberty continues to have on people across America and throughout the world: “Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs

with “police oppression”.

The protesters have not been discouraged by the many deaths of Saturday morning - rather they are more convinced of their cause. We met one family of seven sisters and their children leaving the camp to take showers at home in their village north of Cairo. They will come back, ready to carry on their fight.

He said: “Regardless of what happens to the president, we will continue our protest. Our numbers are increasing every day. Citizens are recognising the tyranny and the long-term danger of

PHOTO: AFP

the military coup”.

The BBC’s Yasmine Abu Khadra, at the scene in Cairo, says it is now quiet there although the camp has set up its own tight security.

Overnight Muslim Brotherhood leaders delivered passionate speeches to raise the morale of the crowd, our correspondent adds.

Their message was that security forces had carried out the killing on Saturday because they felt threatened by the sit-in. The speakers said the crowd should not be afraid as the protest was for a just cause.

The health ministry puts the death toll from the clashes on Saturday at 78, although doctors estimated that more than 100 people were killed.

Mr Haddad said three types of groups were to blame “badly dressed thugs, police in three types of uniform and plain-clothed police”.

He said the protesters would continue to demand Mr Morsi’s reinstatement, adding: “It may take weeks, months, more than a year we will still hold our ground.”

Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim told the supporters to “come to their senses” and go home.

He said lawsuits filed by residents near a mosque provided legal cover for the clearance.

The government has denied that security forces fired live rounds on Saturday, saying only tear gas was used.

More than 1000 inmates escape from Libyan jail

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BOUT 1,200 inmates have escaped from a jail in the restive Libyan city of Benghazi.

A security official told the AP news agency that most of the escapees were facing serious charges.

Another report said a riot had taken place inside the al-Kwafiya prison.

The jailbreak comes a day after the assassination of a prominent political activist triggered protests in the city, although it is not clear whether the two are connected.

Benghazi is one of the most unstable parts of post-revolution Libya.

Last year the US ambassador and three other Americans were killed there.

On Saturday protesters attacked offices linked to the Muslim Brotherhood following the assassination of the prominent political activist Abdelsalam alMismari. Hundreds of mourners attended his funeral.

A security spokesman in Benghazi told the BBC that some of those who escaped from the prison had been captured but he did not specify how many.

In a news conference, the Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said residents in the southern area of the city had stormed the prison in protest at its existence in their district.

A new and restored Statute Global Focus of Liberty beckons DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor sms 08134230367

astride from land to land Here at our sea-washed, sunset fates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence.

The Statue was a joint effort between America and France and it was agreed upon that the American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible for the Statue and its assembly in the United States.

Financing for the pedestal was completed in August 1885, and pedestal construction was finished in April of 1886.

In 1933, the care and administration of the National Monument was transferred to the National Park Service.

•Statute of Liberty

On September 7, 1937, jurisdiction was enlarged to encompass all of Bedloe’s Island and in 1956, the island’s name was changed to Liberty Island. On May 11, 1965, Ellis Island was also transferred to the National Park Service and became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument. In May of 1982, President Ronald Reagan appointed Lee Iacocca to head up a private sector effort to restore the Statue of Liberty.

Fundraising began for the $87 million restoration under a public/private partnership between the National Park Service and The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island

Foundation, Inc., to date the most successful public-private partnership in American history. In 1984, at the start of the Statue’s restoration, the United Nations designated the Statue of Liberty as a World Heritage Site.

On July 5, 1986 the newly restored Statue re-opened to the public during Liberty Weekend, which celebrated her centennial If you have ever visited the Statue of Liberty in person, you already know she’s an imposing figure, but consider the following fun facts: • Official dedication ceremonies held on Thursday, October 28, 1886 • Total overall height from the base of the pedestal foundation to the tip of the torch is 305 feet, 6 inches • Height of the Statue from her heel to the top of her head is 111 feet, 6 inches • The face on the Statue of Liberty measures more than 8 feet tall • There are 154 steps from the pedestal to the head of the Statue of Liberty • A tablet held in her left hand measures 23' 7" tall and 13' 7" wide inscribed with the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776) • The Statue has a 35-foot waistline • There are seven rays on her crown, one for each of the seven continents, each measuring up to 9 feet in length and weighing as much as 150 pounds • Total weight of the Statue of Liberty is 225 tons (or 450,000 pounds)

daborgu@gmail.com

• At the feet of the Statue lie broken shackles of oppression and tyranny • During the restoration completed in 1986, the new torch was carefully covered with thin sheets of 24k gold • The exterior copper covering of the Statue of Liberty is 3/32 of an inch thick (less than the thickness of two pennies) and the light green color (called a patina) is the result of natural weathering of the copper.

For this writer, the first encounter with Lady Liberty was in the bitter cold winter of 1988. Coatless I was in the frigid weather , but definitely not shoeless and neither clueless. Our then proudly, majestically GreenWhite-Green ornamented Nigeria Airways smoothly glided down the runway of John Fitzgerald Kennedy International Airport in New York to a wide applause from all passengers for the crews’ professional and friendly performance through the trans-Atlantic voyeur. (Gone are the days, with so many aircrafts now on Jonathan’s Presidential Fleet alone, junketing aimlessly around the globe, one would have thought some will be converted to regain this lost old glory), anyway, in ascending and glancing through the window towards Ellis Island in South West Manhattan, beckons this beautiful imposing woman with her ‘seven horns’, so I ignorantly

thought. This wonderful dame, nothing VAIN about her. No million naira jewelry. None to impress. Millions to help and bring succor thereupon. Just plainly and shamelessly beautiful.

That is a product of international friendships. It does not have to cost tax payers four billion Naira as in VAIN DAME’s project in Nigeria where there is no line drawn in public spending by unconstitutionally recognized nonentities.

Liberty is on trial in Nigeria with the arrogant show of shame and power mongering going on in Rivers State. Let them remember that power is ephemeral.

How much power does our constitution give to our elected political office holders and how much do they arrogate to themselves?

What with even the president and some of his ministers refusing to appear before a hapless National Assembly or cherry picking what to do and not do without consequence.

John Stuart Mills in his book, On Liberty, wrote: ‘The aim, therefore, of patriots was to set limits to the power which the ruler should be suffered to exercise over the community; and this limitation was what they meant by liberty’. And there you have it. Welcome back Lady Liberty, may you continue to beckon to the poor and huddled masses yearning for freedom.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

57

FOREIGN NEWS

Pope Francis urges followers to ‘lead meaningful life’

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OPE Francis has closed the biggest-ever Roman Catholic youth festival with a Mass on Brazil’s Copacabana beach.

More than three million people are estimated to have gathered for the service in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Many of the pilgrims had slept on the beach after attending an all-night vigil, which Pope Francis also led.

Yesterday’s ceremony marks the end of the Pope’s five-day visit to Brazil - his first foreign trip since becoming pontiff in March.

He is set to fly back to Rome later on Sunday.

The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Rio says almost every inch of the two-and-a-half mile long beach was occupied ahead of the Mass, as most of the young people stayed after the vigil, pitching tents or sleeping in the open.

The vigil and Sunday mass have attracted the biggest crowd ever to Copacabana beach, which has hosted rock concerts, sports events and the traditional New Year celebrations.

The Pope announced the next Catholic youth festival would be held in the Polish city of Krakow in 2016.

Female activists held a demon-

•Departs for Rome stration nearby in support of abortion and women’s rights.

But our correspondent says the Pope and the Church hierarchy will be delighted at the huge turnout and the way Francis has been received by pilgrims from across the globe.

In the past three decades, the Catholic church has lost millions of followers to smaller Christian denominations.

In his vigil address on Saturday, the pontiff had urged the pilgrims not to be “part-time Christians”, but to lead full, meaningful lives.

Pilgrims on Copacabana beach (28 July 2013) Rio’s famous stretch of beach has been dubbed “Popacabana” Speaking on a huge stage at the beach where a mock church structure was built, Pope Francis referred to the street protests which have been tak-

ing place in Brazil for more than a month.

“The young people in the street are the ones who want to be actors of change. Please don’t let others be actors of change,” he told the crowd at the vigil.

“Keep overcoming apathy and offering a Christian response to the social and political concerns taking place in different parts of the world.”

Also on Saturday, the Pope repeated his challenge to fellow Roman Catholic clerics to take to the streets.

In a speech to 1,000 bishops and clerics in Rio’s cathedral, he said they should go to the favelas - Brazil’s shanty towns.

•Pope Francis blessing a child at the final mass on Copacabana beach in Brazil ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

NEWS Abacha’s son, Etete fight over Malabu oil’s N34.4b cash Continued from page 4

and Gas) had taken their dispute over $215million to the Federal Government.

The government may not dabble in the cash row, The Nation learnt yesterday.

A source said: “The $215million in dispute is in an Escrow Account, it is not the business of the government to settle personal disputes.

“It is a sad development, in view of the challenges the nation had experienced during the military regime between 1994 and 1998.

“What the government did in 2006 was only to resolve the dispute over OPL 245 through international arbitration or else we will not be able to explore the oil. We acted in the best interest of the economy because OPL 245 is important.

“This row is purely a personal matter which the parties can resolve in court. But the cash is in an Escrow Account with JP Morgan Chase.

“You can see how personal interests rub off on the nation’s economy. This is why a systemic review is being done.”

The details of the row between Abacha’s son and Etete’s firm are captured in some documents obtained by our correspondent.

In a letter to the Federal Government, through his counsel, A.A. Umar, the son of the late Head of State alleged “unauthorised alterations of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited ownership structure.”

The letter said Pecos Energy and Sani “have discovered that, without their consent or knowledge, one Mr. Dan Etete has disposed of the interest of Our Clients to Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited and Shell Exploration and Production Company Limited”.

“The above named companies bought from Mr. Dan Etete an oil block known as OPL 245 for the sum of $1.3 billion US Dollars (One Billion, three hundred million U.S Dollars). Our

clients’ investigation further reveals that Mr. Dan Etete has already received the sum of $801, 092, 000. 000 (Eight hundred and one million, ninety two thousand U.S Dollars) and will receive the balance as soon as a consulting dispute with International Legal Consulting Limited is settled by a sole arbitrator in London.

“It is our clients’ view and it is also our advice that, you be informed of this development so as to enable you intervene and solve this matter amicably between the parties. It is our view that the consequences of litigating this matter will be negative to the image of our great country.

“On behalf of Our Clients, we ask you once more to intervene and call a meeting of all the disputing parties with a view to achieving a just and reasonable settlement.”

But a letter by James Maton of a law firm in the UK, Edwards Angell Palmer and Dodge for Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, said Energy Venture Partners Ltd (EVPL) “alleged that it is entitled to US$200 million from Malabu by reason of an oral variation to an Agreement entered into between Malabu and EVPL in January 2010 under which EVPL was appointed to find buyers for Oil Production Licence 245.

“It is said by EVPL that this fee is payable as a result of the separate resolution agreements entered into on 29 April 2011 between (a) FGN, NAE and SNEPCO, and others; (b) FGN and Malabu; and terms of settlement between the Malabu and the Shell companies. Malabu considers the claim to have no merit whatsoever.

“Malabu understands that, as a result of the resolution between FGN, NAE and SNEPCO, the FGN holds US$1,092,040,000 in a depository account with J.P Morgan Chase Bank NA, managed from London. It also understands that FGN intends to pay that sum to Malabu as payment of the settlement sum under

the Resolution Agreement (and indeed has issued various payment instructions) “EVPL has obtained a freezing injunction in England in support of its claim. Initially, that freezing injunction purported to freeze the entire US$1,092,040,000 billion held in the FGN’s depository account with JP Morgan.

“As a result of a hearing on Monday 18 July, the injunction was varied with the effect that payment to Malabu was permitted, provided that US$215 million of the sums owing to Malabu were paid into court.

The payment into court will discharge the injunction.

“As a result, and in part satisfaction of FGN’s obligations under the settlement, Malabu has asked the FGB to pay US$215 million into court, with US$801,540,000 being paid to Malabu. That, Malabu understands, will leave about US$75.5 million in the depository account (being an amount to Malabu under the resolution agreement).

“Malabu is seeking to obtain an Order in the proceedings that the US$215 million is released from court and paid to it, on the basis that EVPL has no good arguable case and made serious non-disclosures to the court when obtaining the injunction.”

In a June 3, 2013 separate letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, Malabu Oil and Gas insisted on its right to the $215million.

The letter obtained from a source close to the firm said in part: “We send your Excellency our sincere compliments and thank you for providing the environment and inspiration for a new and dynamic Nigeria through your transformation agenda.

May we also use this medium to once again express our gratitude to your administration for being able to resolve the issues concerning our oil block OPL 245.

“Your Excellency will recall that the Federal Government of

Nigeria and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited executed the “BLOCK 245 MALABU RESOLUTION AGREEMENT” of the one Part, Federal Government of Nigeria and Shell executed “BLOCK SNUD RESOLUTION AGREEMENT” on the Second Part, Federal Government of Nigeria, Shell Nigeria Agip Exploration and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation executed “BLOCK 245 RESOLUTION AGREEMENT” on the third Part. All the agreements were execute din April 2011 to formally bring all issues in dispute concerning OPL 245 to a close.

“Your Excellency will recall that by our letter to you dated 17 June 2011, we sought your approval to authorize the Federal Ministry of Finance to direct J.P Morgan Chase (“the Escrow Agents”) to pay the moneys due to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited under the Resolution Agreements in the sum of US$1,092,040,00 (One billion, ninety-two million and forty thousand US dollars) by wire transfer direct to Malabu’s designated accounts in Nigeria.

“Your Excellency graciously granted the said approval.

However, before the Federal Ministry of Finance could carry out the said directives, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and J.P Morgan Chase were served with two freezing (injunctive) orders from the High Court of Justice in England on the Application of: ENERGY VENTURE PARTNERS LIMITED (a British Virgin Island Company) which sued Malabu Oil and Gas Limited for the sum of US$ 200, 000, 000 (Two hundred million US dollars) together with damages and cost of US$15,000,000 (Fifteen million US dollars) and; International Legal Consulting Limited (a Russian company) which commenced an Arbitration proceedings against Malabu Oil and Gas Limited at the London Court of International Arbitration suing for US$75,000,000 (Seventy-five million dollars).

58

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013

NEWS Furore over retirement of senior officers Continued from page 4

•Chairman ,Northern Local Government Chairmen’s Forum, Mohammed Ali (middle), Hajia Fati Adam (right) and Majeed Dahiru PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE during a news conference on local government autonomy in Abuja…yesterday

Rivers crisis: Anxiety over House Leader’s health Continued from page 4

makers said Mbu should be held responsible, should anything happen to Lloyd.

The pro-Amaechi lawmakers also said: “The Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Chidi Lloyd had earlier in the week reported to the Force Headquarters, Abuja and had what the Force Headquarters described as ‘meaningful interactions’ for four days.

“Since his arrival in Port Harcourt, the Rivers Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu, has assaulted and tortured him (Lloyd) like a criminal. They have been moving him from one station to another since he reported to CP Mbu’s office on arrival from Abuja.

“As his lawyer, Bello Olisa Nwofor, stated: ‘the continued blindfolding and detention of Hon. Chidi Lloyd by the police is emphatically dangerous to his health and life.’

“We have also heard from the lawyer who accompanied Lloyd from Force Headquarters to Port Harcourt, Barr. Emenike Ebete, that over 500 riot policemen escorted Chidi Lloyd from the airport to CP’s office and transported in a ‘Black Maria’ as authorities would move criminals.

“As a House, we are indeed saddened to note that the Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly was blindfolded, teargassed and handcuffed. As victims of this scripted and staged crisis from Abuja, with a junior

minister playing a major role and the police commissioner, Rivers State, as key actor, our worry: “• Is Mbu aware of Chidi Lloyd’s medical history? This calculated poisoning of Chidi Lloyd reminds us of the assumed circumstances leading to the death of our one-time Senate President Dr. Chuba Okadigbo.

“•Why the blindfold? He is only alleged to have committed an offence. He is not a terrorist nor an armed robber; neither is he a kidnapper. He is a representative of Emohua Constituency of Ikwerre ethnic nationality at the Rivers State House of Assembly and a le-

gal practitioner, who will stand for truth and justice, even when the truth is too much for those bent on destroying our hard-earned democracy, with unnecessary impunity.

“•Why the handcuffs, when he submitted himself to the police?”

The pro-Amaechi lawmakers also stated that they were “genuinely” anxious over the life of Lloyd, whose whereabouts they claimed remained unknown.

The lawmakers who signed the statement are: Golden Ngozi Chioma, Innocent Barikor, Josiah John Olu, Ibiso Nwuche, Belema Okpokiri,

Legbosi Nwidadah, Andrew Anderson Miller, Augustine Ngo, Ben Horsfall, Okechukwu Nwaogu, Victor Amadi, Azubike Chikere Wanjoku and Victoria Nyeche.

Others were Benibo Anabraba, Irene Inimgba, Felicia Barizasi-Tane, Aye Atamah Pepple, Onari Brown, Gift Wokocha, Ewor Nname Robinson, Lucky Odili, Chigbo Eligwe, Leyii Kwanee, Ikwunyi Igbani, Tonye Harry and Otelemaba Amachree.

Mbu, however, insisted that he remained a professional police officer, not taking sides and not a politician, as alleged in some quarters.

UK £3,000 visa bond to begin in November Continued from page 1

administration assured that he would not sanction the policy.

But last weekend, FT said: “Britain is pressing ahead with its trial of a scheme to make visitors from six countries pay a £3,000 bond, despite an international backlash and complaints from businesses.

The government said it would begin a pilot in November to impose visa restrictions on six Commonwealth nations, including India and Nigeria, even though David Cameron poured cold water on the scheme in June after it provoked uproar in Delhi.”

“The Prime Minister has not cleared this policy. He doesn’t want to do anything that cuts

across the message he took to India,” an ally of Mr. Cameron had told The Financial Times at the time.

The British government has reportedly decided to go ahead with it though the Home Office insisted that it was meant to target only “high-risk” applicants.

An official told media that the scheme would be “highly selective”, targeting only “suspicious” applicants.

Under a “pilot” scheme, to be introduced in November, firsttime visitors from six non-white Commonwealth countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, will be required to deposit a cash bond of £3,000 for a British visa. It will apply only to those seeking a six-month visitors’ visa.

According to the government, these six countries pose the “most significant risk of abuse’’ of visas by their citizens.

“In the long run, we are interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public

services,” the Home Office said.

The move comes barely weeks after Mr. Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg were reported to have refused to clear the scheme in its present form, fearing that the backlash in India and Nigeria threatened to damage bilateral relations at a time when Britain is desperately trying to woo Indian investors and tourists.

Cameron was reported as saying that he would “not sanction’’ any policy that was likely to undermine his push for investment.

The Financial Times said that the u-turn had provoked anger in Britain’s business circles, who described the plan as an “insulting deterrent” to wealthy tourists from countries like India and Nigeria.

“They are urging the government to drop the pilot, saying the restrictions will damage their business if Commonwealth tourists, particularly Nigerians, now the sixth biggest spenders on luxury goods in Britain, are put off,” it said.

Boko Haram kills 20 in Borno Continued from page 4

The MNJTF said: “As part of the excellent Civil-Military Relations and humanitarian gesture demonstrated by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a dozen of Boko Haram victims affected by the attack in Dawashe District of Kukawa Local Government, got medical treatment in the Headquarters Field Ambulance in Baga town”.

Some members of the “Civilian JTF” also confirmed to reporters in Maiduguri that five of their members who were killed are from Ajilari, Ngomari Airport and Bulumkutu Ward of Maiduguri Metropol-

itan.

A member, Aliko Musa said: “it was a huge loss to us, some of our brave colleagues were killed yesterday by the outlawed Boko Haram; they paid the supreme price when we visited Mainok village in search of the terrorists but we shall not relent”, he added.

Spokesman for the JTF, Lt Col Sagir Musa however denied the figure even as he confirmed the Mainok attack. According to him, only one of the Youth Volunteers died while another sustained injuries.

The MNJTF, a joint military force set up in 1998 to combat border crimes, consists of troops from Nigeria, Chad and Niger.

wrote any petition to contest his retirement.

In his response to questions raised in the petitions, Abdullahi, in a memo titled “Appeal for rescue from continued persecution and illegal retirement” dated July 8 and addressed to Okonjo-Iweala, dismissed the allegations of victimisation levelled against him.

He noted that the retirement followed due process contrary to claims made by the petitioners, arguing any attempt to recall the officers “will warrant recall to service of all previously retired officers.”

He wrote: “In the petition by Dr. David Olusegun Agbaje, the officer alleged that he was being illegally retired from the Service contrary to the decision of the Customs Board. The Coordinating Minister may wish to recall that Dr. Agbaje was presented along with others to the Medical Board in line with the provisions of Section 070312 and 070317 of the Public Service Rules (PSR) which empowers the Chief Executive of an organisation to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the mental and physical fitness of his staff.

“At the end of its sitting (16th – 18th July and 3rd – 4th September, 2012), the medical Board found out that Dr. David Olusegun Agbaje has one eye (Right) with normal function while the left eye is ARTIFICIAL. He was found UNFIT to continue to serve in a paramilitary Organisation.

“It may be noted that in a similar exercise in March 2011, other officers found with visual challenges were also recommended to the management for retirement. The Management which included Dr. Agbaje ap-

proved the recommendation of the Medical Board and the affected officers have all been retired by the Customs Board.

“The Coordinating Minister may also wish to note that the petition and other previous ones forwarded to her office were not routed through the Comptroller-General in contravention of extant public Regulations. This constitutes an act of gross misconduct and insubordination.

“It is also pertinent to note that precedence has been established in the handling of similar cases and any contrary action in favour of Dr. Agbaje will warrant recall to service of all previously retired officers.

“In view of the above, the Coordinating Minister is invited to disregard the petition as it lacks substance.”

However, the minister was said to have been unsatisfied with the explanations given by Abdullahi on the retirement and had suggested a probable recall of the officers.

It was gathered that only the Board has the power to recall the officers at a properly constituted meeting attended by two-thirds of the members.

While Okonjo-Iweala is the Chairman of the Board, Abdullahi is the Deputy Chairman and the two are yet to shift their positions at last night.

A source told our correspondent that there may be more to the face-off than the retirement of the officers as Okonjo-Iweala and Abdullahi have been having problems over administrative and operational issues concerning the Customs Service.

Today’s board meeting is scheduled for the Boardroom of the Customs Service Office in Abuja.

Govt, Rivers PDP disagree over trial Continued from page 4

prevailing fragile peace in the state and nobody can tell the extent that the consequences may go.”

Reacting to the claim, Chief Press Secretary to Amaechi, Mr. David Iyofor said: “Hon. Chidi Lloyds has not been charged to court yet so the alleged giving of a supposed direction on a matter that has not even arisen is a most ridiculous speculations aimed at prejudicing or influencing the exercise of the powers of the Hon Attorney General should Chidi Lloyd be eventually charged to court.

“The exercise of such power is provided for and guided by

the Constitution and not by some speculation of partisan participants like Felix Obuah and his backers!

“Was there a meeting where the plan was disclosed?

Where and when did the governor give such directive?

Or are they in His Excellency’s mind to know what he is planning?

“Felix Obuah and his backers are a bunch of jokers that no one should pay attention to. They don’t even know what they are talking about. This faction of PDP in the state has consistently showed that they are out to cause confusion, divide and destroy the party.”

Tension over plot to remove Customs boss Continued from page 4

year but the President has overruled proposals.”

Another source however said: “The CG of Customs is not a matter of inheritance by the North. If you look at it, most past CGs came from the North.

“I concede that Dikko has performed but there is also the Federal Character Principle in the Constitution. So, whether the office goes to the Southwest or South-East is immaterial.

It was gathered that the cabal had been capitalising on the alleged difference between Dikko and the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to seek the removal of the CG. The cold war between the Minister and the CG had centered on the renewal of the N40 billion Destination Inspection contract for four firms.

The companies are Cotecna Destination Inspection Nigeria Limited, SGS, Global Scan, and Webb Fontaine The CG had opposed payment of N40billion annually to four firms when officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service had been trained to conduct the same inspection.

The Customs was expected to be in charge of Destination Inspection (DI) from January this year.

At the end of the contract however, the Ministry of Finance, in a letter through its former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, claimed that President Goodluck Jonathan had extended the tenor of the deal by six months.

The letter, with reference number F10361/S.56/ VA/491 and addressed to the service providers, said: “I wish to inform you that the President has approved the extension of the agreement dated 1st January, 2006, between your company and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the provision, installation, operation and management of X-ray scanning equipment and software for inspection of goods. “The agreement which is to expire on 31st December, 2012, has been extended for a period of six (6) months with effect from 1st January, 2013.”

At the end of June, the CG was alleged to have insisted on the takeover but the contract of the four firms was again renewed for the umpteenth time.

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SPORT EXTRA IAAF WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

PRE- SEASON

Minister tips Okagbare to excel Igiebor stars in Betis’ win S T HE Honourable Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has tipped Nigeria’s queen of the tracks, Blessing Okagbare to win women’s 100m race at the forthcoming IAAF World Championship in Russia.

Abdullahi, who also doubles as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), said his assertion is informed by the recent performance she put up, and added that if she maintains her current form she can shock the world.

According to a statement made available to NationSport yesterday, the minister said Okagbare’s latest victory, which saw her broke the Africa women’s 100 metre record at the London Diamond League, which took place at the weekend, is an indication that given the right support she will do better.

Okagbare ran 10.86 second in one of the heats, which was better than the previous African record of 10.90, held by fellow Nigerian Gloria Alozie.

She further improved her personal record by running 10.76

By Innocent Amomoh

in the final, winning the women’s 100m event at the same venue at Stratford where she failed to make a mark at the London Olympics.

Showering praises on the Delta state born sprinter, Abdullahi said: “She has consistently shown

by her performances that she has got what it takes to be a world champion. It is an impressive performance by any standard, breaking the Africa record two times within a short period. It shows that she is world class and ranks among the best athletes in the world.

“I have no doubt that if she

maintains her current form and peaks at the right time she will win the women’s 100m at the World Championship in Russia,” the minister said, while congratulating Okagbare.

The IAAF World Championship will take place in Russia between August 10 and 18, 2013”.

F

give the hosts a deserved lead after only four minutes.

But the hosts found the equaliser in the 15th minute as Salva lashed the ball into the roof of the net from 15 yards out.

Five minutes after the restart Wolves were back in the lead.

Sigurdarson laid a short ball into the path of Griffiths who calmly slotted past Sara for his fourth goal since returning to Molineux.

A misplaced pass from David Davis led to Real equalising in the 55th minute. Cedrick grabbed possession and rode a tackle from Stearman before stroking the ball past the exposed Ikeme.

Twenty minutes from the end of the game. Betis bagged what proved to be the winning goal as Matilla latched onto Ricketts’ misplaced infield pass to score with ease.

NFF: Eagles ‘ll win CHAN in South Africa again

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•The vehicles on the scene of the accident

AFTERMATH OF OLIHA’S BURIAL

Ex- Eagles’ goalkeeper escapes death

ORMER Super Eagles goalkeeper David Aigbovo, who was in Benin to pay his last respects to the late midfielder Thompson Oliha on Friday night, narrowly escaped death in an auto crash at

UPER Eagles’ midfielder, Nosa Igiebor was in action for only 18 minutes, as Betis pulled off a tough 3-2 win over English League One side, Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Igiebor was a 72nd minute substitute for Savio Salva, who came on in his place in the 84th minute in the 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers on Friday.

The League One side fell apart after twice leading against the impressive La Liga visitors, as defensive lapses saw the home side lose for the first and only time in their pre-season warm up.

Only an athletic save in the dying seconds from Betis keeper Sara, denied Wanderers a draw that few could say they didn’t deserve for their efforts.

Richard Stearman popped up to nod home from close in, and

From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin Akenzua street junction on Airport Road at about 10:00pm.

Aigbovo, who played last for the Ibadan based 3SC was

on his way home after dropping off APFON secretary-general, Austin Popo at the latter’s hotel before heading home when an oncoming Nissan Amaral with registration number HA 630 URM, EDO on top speed

rammed into his car after he had been passed by the traffic light crossing him to the Akenzua end of the road.

Luckily for Aigbovo, who passed out as a result of the impact, he was not having any body on the passenger side in which the vehicle ran into.

Bystanders took the former goalkeeper and the boys in the other car to nearby hospitals for first aid treatment.

Speaking with NationSport at the Iruwa hospital where he went for treatment, Aigbovo thanked God for sparing his life from the accident.

"All I can recall was that after dropping off Popo at his hotel, I headed home and waited at the traffic light to pass my lane. When the green light came on, two vehicles in front of me moved and I followed.

I don't know where the car came from, screeching until it hit the car I was driving. The next thing was that I went blank but I thank God that I survived the accident."

APFON President' Dahiru Sadi and his secretary, Popo who were also at the hospital said it was God's kind intervention that Aigbovo survived the accident. "What would have been saying now if he had died in this ghastly accident that condemned one who side. You can imagine our pain not gone yet with the burial of Thompson Oliha," Saii stated.

Popo, who was to have sat in the vehicle with Aigbovo had he not dropped at the hotel was all full of praise to God. "I can't imagine that I was to be in the vehicle. Who knows what might have happened to me. I give God all the glory because we all plan in ignorance but God always have other plans. I can't stop thanking God for this mercy shown me."

The car, a Toyota 1999 model was later towed to the Police Station where the Police are carrying out further investigations on the boys who were in the other car.

EADER of the Nigeria delegation to Abidjan and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh is already waxing lyrical that Eagles will return to South Africa to conquer the continent in next year’s Africa Nations Championships.

Umeh who thanked the Nigerian envoy in Abidjan for his support promised that the Eagles will not disappoint at the CHAN tournament next year in South Africa.

“I can conveniently say here

that we will repeat the 2013 feat in South Africa, where we won the African Cup of Nations and we hope his Excellency; the Ambassador will come home to celebrate with us. The NFF VP stated.

For many, South Africa remains a good hunting ground for Nigeria in CAF organised tournaments as almost all the national teams have tasted victory including the Super Falcons and Flying Eagles and even the most recent the Super Eagles themselves

Eagles’ debut excites Gero

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UNIOR international Abdulahi Gero, who was massive in his Super Eagles debut against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire on Saturday in Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire, said he gives thank to the coaching crew and Nigerians for always believing in him and will never let them down.

Gero, who replaced Gomo Onduku in the second half of the encounter, put up a five-star performance that many at the Robert Champroux Stadium in

Abidjan, in the Ivorian capital thought curtailed the home side from going forward for a decisive third goal.

“I am happy that we qualified and am sure we will not disappoint the country at the tournament proper, the Enugu Rangers forward said at the end of the match.

Gero was part of the Flying Eagles squad to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey where Nigeria crashed out in the Round of 16.

Ahmed Musa scores winner for CSKA

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•Obinna Nsofor benched

UPER EAGLES’ ACE, Ahmed Musa increased his goal tally to two after he scored a late winner as CSKA Moscow edged past its capital city rival, Lokomotiv, 2-1 in the Russian Premier League on Sunday.

Musa prodded the ball in from close range on 82 minutes after Seydou Doumbia's header ricocheted off the post at a corner.

The other goals also came from set pieces - Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda fired CSKA in front on 18 minutes with a curling 20-yard free-kick into the top-right corner of Dario Kresic's goal.

Lokomotiv who had Victor Obinna Nsofor seated on the bench looked on track for a point when Dmitry Tarasov headed in Alexander Samedov's corner on 75 minutes, right after Samedov had seen his penalty saved by CSKA keeper Igor Akinfeev.

CSKA's second win in a row took the reigning champions to

third place in the table, level with second-placed FC Rostov on seven points and two behind leaders Spartak Moscow.

“I'm very grateful to the guys," CSKA coach Leonid Slutsky said in televised comments, adding that his team's task was made harder by injuries and other absences. "In tough conditions, they displayed character and skill. They just did great."

Lokomotiv suffered its first defeat this season and share eighth place with Zenit St. Petersburg.

"We conceded two goals from set pieces. I don't think we deserved this defeat," Tarasov said in televised comments. "The game was drawn."

Slutsky was forced to make two changes in the starting 11, comparing with last weekend's 2-1 win over FC Volga, deploying Mark Gonzalez instead of suspended left-back Georgy Shchennikov and Rasmus Elm to replace Brazilian striker Vagner Love, who departed for China.

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WHO SAID WHAT

‘While Nigeria is not against any country legalising Gay marriages, no country should force that on Nigeria. Nigeria and majority of Nigerians are against Gay rights and marriages as it is not part of our custom, religion or law’

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,561

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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ORMER Zamfara State Governor Sani Yerima has become a metaphor for the wrong thing. Some politicians pray and strive to be statesmen. Others want to go down in history for planting the green, bright light of hope on the wilderness of despair.

Some want to tackle education, healthcare, infrastructure, the rule of law, peace and stability. Alhaji Shehu Shagari was a naïve, irreparable bumbler as president, but he, at least, posted himself as the president of peace and stability. He never had violence to tackle although he did violence to the word by misusing it. However, he had to celebrate something, if it amounted to glorious vanity.

But Yerima wants a company all his own.

He wants to be a poster child for tackling children for romance. Not the girl child for education, or the sanctity of fidelity, or the nourishment of the mother for maternity. His struggle, lofty in his eyes, is that any man worth his macho pride, with his hubris in high gear, can marry any girl once, according to him, she starts menstruating.

That is the education of Yerima. As our comedy turned farce of a political society has it, the matter came up for debate in the Senate, and the scores are out: Yerima one, Nigeria zero.

They deployed the law, while deliberating over citizenship and marriage and how anyone can renounce their citizenship of Nigeria.

The lawmakers enjoyed temporary sanity when they expunged from the law a clause that said, “any woman who married shall be deemed to be of full age.” That was Section 29 (4) (b) of the constitution of Nigeria. Ordinarily the existence of that phrase would have made no sense and caused no stir because of the specification in earlier clauses in the constitution that pegs the minimum age of marriage at 18. But Section 29 (4) (b) had already inspired a special interpretation by minds with tendency to pedophilia. So, as the men take away the innocence of the small girls, they also take away the innocence of the phrase. The only way to sanity lay in deleting that line. How did the lawmakers lose their assured brilliance of expunging it? How did they yield, like the little girl, to the hectoring logic of the pedophile?

Senate President David Mark’s circumlocutions to a group of indignant women that included Maryam Uwais, Chidi Odinkalu and Oby Ezekwesili, reflect two things: one, we live in a man’s world that does not understand that the muscular cave man’s will does not enshrine wisdom and manliness. Two, that our lawmakers are still out of touch with the preliminary responsibility of the legislature.

We also cannot forget, if we would, the comedy from Ondo. Senator Ayo Akinyelure prostrated and waxed apologetic for appending his lawmaker’s imprint in that inglori-

RIPPLES I CAN GIVE OUT MY SIX-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN MARRIAGE– Yerima

...I’m sure OGA was MISQUOTED

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Don’t marry that girl ‘In spite of the hoopla in the media, especially in the South, the North has advanced a conspiratorial silence.

Hardly a role model from the North has lifted a finger, or encouraged institutional umbrage against the pedophilia of one of their own’

•Yerima

ous hour. He knew, unlike Yerima, that dire consequences awaited his legislative foolishness.

But that is the point. In spite of the hoopla in the media, especially in the South, the North has advanced a conspiratorial silence.

Hardly a role model from the North has lifted a finger, or encouraged institutional umbrage against the pedophilia of one of their own. He, like many of his types in the North, do not understand that marrying a 13-yearold, is rape. To them, it is a brilliant catch, the downing of a sweet nubile bird from the virgin tree of life. They think God gave men the female folk for plaything, to scavenge, to toy with, to torpedo. It is all right to cut off the hand of thief; it is also right to defile a girl of nine.

What people like Yerima want the world to understand is that it is in accordance with the law of Islam. There is no evidence in the Islamic law that encourages pedophilia. Is-

lam calls for the dignity of women. What he and others like him are doing belong to a culture rooted in African male chauvinism.

This practice existed in other parts of Nigeria in the past. But we all know that the law has criminalised any betrothal to a female below the age of 18.

We still see in all parts of Nigeria the abuse of childhood. We still see underage peddling wares in the Southwest, and East, and in the rural areas, gifted young girls are clobbered to death as witches. In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Godswill Akpabio is still waging war against the retrograde virus in our southern soul.

Yerima married a 13-year-old. He even had patience. Many have married girls below that age, even taking to wife girls of about nine years of age. A medical condition has resulted from this, and that is what scientists call VVF (Vesico Virginal Fistula), now rampant in the North. It destroys the pelvis and reproduc-

HARDBALL

I

T is not by accident that they had to dwell on the hilltops of Minna and Abeokuta.

There are actually a dozen reasons for that but Hardball will provide elucidation to only a few. The first reason which everyone of course can figure out, is that their deity status requires that they are well clear off the level of mere earthlings like you and I. This way, you have to look up to see them making you to be in perpetual supplication to them. You have to climb up to be with them, the way Moses and several other Prophets had to climb mountains and monoliths to hear from the Great One above.

From their rarefied heights they can talk down at you and hand you commands and even commandments as they are born to do.

From up there, they are closer to the Supreme Being assuming they have not grown to that status themselves. Dexterously rapacious of nature, they have chosen to live on the hilltops so that they would have the first taste of every celestial bounty; for instance, the sun will shine on them first, they will be doused by the first virgin drops of the rainfall before we, their denizens and of course, they will have to trap all the supernatural blessings, warehouse them and then disburse to us according to the size of their hearts.

Our gods on the hilltops We can go on and on about why they live where they live but that is not our concern today. Hardball’s angst is the recent visit by some of our elected public officers who go by the title of governors, to these abodes of the gods. If only these fellows know what they have initiated by their act of innocent worship. First, even the president of the nation followed suit and raced down to the god on Abeokuta hill as if there was a trophy at stake.

Now the floodgate has opened. It was not as if Nigerians were not paying homage to the gods in Minna and Abeokuta but there must be a clear difference between homage and pilgrimage, abi?

Before now, any two-penny politician who wanted to amount to anything, especially under the leaky green and yellow umbrella would do well to visit these oracles; to be known as the political godson of these gods is about the ticket you need to political heaven in Nigeria. That had been the practice; the paths to these groves had been long beaten

OLUGBENGA ASHIRU

tive region of the girl. But the girl has nowhere to go, and so she must live with the inanity of her biological tragedy.

We must admit that, like the almajiri system now caviled at, the girl-child problem in the North has festered for long. So it will take a deep structural change to save her. The Boko Haram scourge is beginning to force the Northern elite to rethink the almajiri problem.

It will take a generation to fix that. But it has to start now.

As for the girl-child, the tradition has grown for long. The girl-child, who marries at the age of 12, knows that her daughter will marry at about that age. The men expect that their wives ought to be that young. It is not only enshrined in the culture. It is a psychological reality with the male.

But we know that the leaders can change this. We know they know how awful the system endangers the girl. The elite no longer give away their daughters to any man who wants to rock the cradle. They rather send them to school. Some of them attend the best high schools and universities around the world. In 2009, Aisha Dalhatu received the United States’ Award for Educational Excellence for her stellar performance in school. President Barack Obama handed her the prize. She hails from Kano, and she could have been any of those girls subjected to the deviant erotica of clueless old men. Many of the girls suffer this and their dreams suffer, too.

In my year as a youth corps member in Kano, I saw this daily. The apprenticeship into such marital servitude begins when the girls, in as early seven years old, parade the streets hawking trays of wares. They are subjected to the leery eyes and persuading libidos of men who invite them away from the streets.

The only remedy to this will be by law and support of the elite, not with people like Yerima and Goje. A law should make it punishable to the parents or guardians of any girl that does not complete at least a secondary level education. That will deter anyone to marry any girl and subject her to the lurid imagination of men with uncircumcised minds.

We have this sort of men everywhere in the world. In the United States and Europe, such uncouth men travel to Asia to patronise the market for underage girls. They cannot marry them, but they use them as sex slaves.

I call this the Lolita Syndrome based on the novel, Lolita, written by prose spirit Vladimir Nabokov. It has become the story of pedophilia, of an old man debauching a girl and running away with her. Some critics have seen it as metaphor for abuse of power. In a Nigeria of impunity, a Yerima can defend himself in the same way that our political class has thrived on impunity. Marrying a girl before the age of consent is impunity and a metaphor of our disdain for law and decency.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above but now there will be a deluge, a movement; in fact a spiritual upheaval is about to come upon us with this recent canonizing. But every dog has his day: those who cannot manage to go to Mecca or Jerusalem may well visit Minna and Abeokuta. Let’s drink to the beginning of Nigeria’s religious tourism.

These deities of Minna and Abeokuta truly love to be worshipped, to be courted, to be consulted and to be revered. They live on a repast of vain-gloriousness and a diet of deceit; they are patron saints of ego spas. Like the beguiling gods they are they have stealth movements; they slither around the political landscape as masters of decoys and quick turns. They have the Messi and Maradona instincts meshed into one; they have such diabolic capacity to start a large political inferno and turn around to win the contract to quench it. Such is their great powers. Consider this for a moment: did any one of them speak up like true elders and statesmen, to condemn the infamy in Port Harcourt?

They watched the crisis fester and they took muted, vantage positions.

But let us surmise that the way of God is not the way of the gods. We can only play at God but we can never be God. And mind you He is utterly jealous. He brooks no competition. Beware men, don’t play god!

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