The Nation July 30, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

ACN tells PDP chair Tukur to resign NEWS

Page 4

•‘Son’s trial is a moral burden’

13 die in Lagos/Benin road accident NEWS Page 54

•Bus in head-on collision with truck

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2202 MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Reps to Jonathan: beware of Okonjo-Iweala’s advice House rejects minister’s stand on Budget 2012

JTF intercepts 20 vehicles with 103 trafficked kids

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OLDIERS of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, yesterday intercepted 20 vehicles conveying almost 200 people, including 103 children suspected to have been trafficked.

JTF Commander Lt-Col. Gabriel Olorunyomi said his men became curious when they discovered that the occupants of the vehicles were mostly children, accompanied by some adults.

He said the vehicles and the occupants had been taken to the Army Records Headquarters in Lokoja for screening to ascertain their actual destination, following which they would be handed over to the police.

Col. Olorunyomi said 103 in the travelling party were children between ages three and

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HERE seems to be no end in sight to the wrangling between the House of Representatives and the Presidency over the poor implementation of the 2012 budget, with the House throwing barbs at the Executive yesterday.

Nigeria has left the military era behind, House spokesman Zakari Mohammed said at a special media briefing where the House faulted the Executive’s claim that the National Assembly’s input into the budget delayed its implementation. The National Assembly is no longer “a toothless bulldog”, Mohammed said.

The House also, in a direct reference, warned President Goodluck Jonathan against the kind of advice he gets from Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other “un-elected appointees”, which might put his administration in more trouble.

Mohammed said: “The idea of the National Assembly distorting the budget is incorrect. The National Assembly cannot distort a budget which it has full powers over. There is no law that says the budget must be returned to the President exactly the way it is forwarded to the National Assembly.

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Continued on Page 2

Lokoja

16. He said 79 others were in the age bracket of 19 and 53.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicles were conveying the passengers from various communities in Benue, Cross River and Kogi states.

“Most of the passengers are from Obi, Oju and Gwer local government areas of Benue. The remaining few are from Iyala Local Government Area of Cross River and Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the passengers, apart from giving similar excuses for Continued on Page 2

Insecurity: Obasanjo, IBB seek dialogue From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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They (Presidency) seem to be suffering from military hangover where budgets were announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council (SMC). The Federal Executive Council (FEC), is not the equivalent of the SMC. The National Assembly has replaced the SMC.

From Mohammed Bashir,

W •Nigeria's Alade Aminu (right) dunks against Tunisia's Mokhtar Ghayaza during their men's Group A basketball Olympics match at the Basketball Arena in PHOTO: AFP London...yesterday

ORRIED by increasing mass killings in some parts of the country, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida yesterday asked the Federal Government to open talks with all belligerent groups perpetrating violence.

They also suggested a new security initiative, which they called “grassroots engagement”, to stop the increasing Continued on Page 2

•Gen. Babangida

•CASH-LITE POLICY FOR ABUJA IN JANUARY P54 •HEIRS HOLDINGS GETS CEO P11

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

NEWS

Reps to Jonathan: beware of Okonjo-Iweala’s advice Continued from Page 1

“They (Presidency) seem to be suffering from military hangover where budgets were announced after a meeting of the Supreme Military Council (SMC). The Federal Executive Council (FEC) is not the equivalent of the SMC. The National Assembly has replaced the SMC. “If the Appropriation Act is to be sent back to the Executive the way it is presented, then, it is better that the National Assembly is abolished. In a constitutional democracy, in the budgeting process, the National Assembly exercises the constitutional responsibility of taking care of the interests and aspirations of Nigerians from every constituency.

The House spokesman, who read from a prepared text entitled: “2012 Budget, Non-Implementation: Okonjo-Iweala Should Address the Real Issues,” accused the Finance Minister of breaking the law by not adhering to the letters of the 2012 Appropriations Act. According to the House, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala’s claim that the executive arm has implemented 56 per cent of the 2012 budget as widely reported, “is not true,” as only “about 34per cent

of the budget has been implemented.”

The statement said: “The House of Representatives will like to restate its concern on the poor and selective implementation of the 2012 budget by the executive arm of government and the attitude of officials of government saddled with the responsibility of implementing the Appropriation Acts. For the avoidance of doubt, section 6 and 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act clearly says what officials of government and in this case the Honourable Minister of finance is permitted to do.

“Section 6 of the Appropriation Act, 2012, states that: “The minister of Finance shall ensure that funds appropriated under this Act are released to the appropriate agencies and or organs of government as and when due, provided that no funds for any quarter of the fiscal year shall be deferred without prior waiver from the National Assembly”. Mark and note the choice of the word “shall” which is mandatory under the circumstance, not discretionary.

“This is what the minister is expected to do. It is not within her powers to pick and choose

projects and programmes to fund as has been the case with the Appropriation Act 2012.

Her piece meal and discretionary release of funds for projects contrary to the schedule approved in the Appropriation Act is unlawful. She is, in fact, apparently breaking the law.

What the law requires the minister to do is ensure that all funds appropriated for projects within a particular quarter are released to all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as at when due without preference.

“If the revenue target is not achieved in any particular period, it is the responsibility of the Honourable Minister to seek for waiver from the National Assembly. This has not been the case as the Honourable Minister has not told the nation or the National Assembly that the monies for these projects are not available.

“This is not to say that funds should be released and accessed by MDAs without due process and actual execution of projects. In other words, there should be value for money.

How released funds are accessed by the various MDAs is stated in Section 7 of the budget Act and further guided by due pro-

cess law.

“Section 7 of the 2012 Appropriation Act states as follows: ‘The department of government charged with the responsibility of certifying that due processes have been complied with in the processing of implementation of projects shall ensure that all processes of approval are completed within the specified period as provided for in the Public Procurement Act”. Again, mark and note the choice of word “shall” and not “will”. If these processes are not satisfied by the MDAs the monies lapse at the end of the financial year and are returned to the treasury. The Honourable Minister has rather chosen to release funds for the implementation of the budget subject only to her whims and caprices. She has no right to do so.

“The House will further like to clarify a few misinterpretations on the Minister’s recent media briefing on the implementation of the 2012 budget as reported by the media on Thursday July 26, 2012.

First of all, it is not true that the executive arm has implemented as at today 56% of the 2012 budget as widely reported. In truth, about 34% of the

budget has been implemented.

What the minister admitted to as can be confirmed from her own words is that, at best Government has implemented 56% of the N404 Billion released to MDAs. “The Minister was clear in saying that, of this amount (N404 billion) only N324 billion has so far been cash backed. In other words, it is only N324 billion that is available to the MDAs for implementation of capital projects and programmes of government out of about N1.5 trillion appropriated for all capital expenditure. The House of Representatives also does not agree with the Honourable Minister that the slow pace of implementation of the 2012 budget is as a result of the constituency projects introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

“For the avoidance of doubt, constituency projects represent less than 10% of the 2012 capital budget. How can this be the reason for the slow implementation of the budget? This excuse for non-implementation falls flat on its face when a review of the performance of the Executive on even its own preferred projects is made.

More evidential is the fact that releases so far made to the MDAs are not enough to pay for on–going projects or projects chosen by the executive. For instance, out of

a total appropriation of N145 billion for the Ministry of Works in the budget, only N47 billion has so far been released to the ministry. In the first quarter, N38 billion was released and in the second quarter only N9 billion was released, with a shortfall of about N30 billion for the 2ndquarter.

“The projects that need these appropriations are core road projects scattered all over the country. Or are these inter-state highways and other strategic road projects also constituency Projects? Playing to the gallery by the executive arm will not change the facts of the situation.”

The lawmaker said it was important to restate that the constituency projects are managed by the Executive arm of government.

“Members of the National Assembly are not involved in the advertising of these projects, nor are they involved in the short listing of contractors for the projects neither are they part of the process of the actual award of the contracts. It has been their exclusive preserve.

Continued on Page 63

JTF intercepts 20 vehicles with 103 trafficked children Continued from Page 1

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun addressing market women ahead of the reconstruction of Lafenwa-Itoku-Sapon Road, at Itoku, Abeokuta... at the weeked

their movement from their various communities, also said that they were all heading for Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Edo states.

It was learnt that most of the passengers conceded that they were heading for the southwestern states for the first time in search of vacation jobs. Some said they wanted to go and do some farm work.

Two of the drivers, Bolaji Olusola and Adedeji Oluwaseun, told reporters that they picked up the passengers at motor parks.

They said some of the passengers paid their transport fares at the loading points, while the others promised to pay on arrival at destination.

Last Friday, the JTF arrested a man, Sunday Agbo, at Itogbe, conveying 10 children (ages six

to 16) in a Camry car to Lagos.

He was handed over to the police for interrogation.

Agbo allegedly confessed to being in the trade for close to a decade. He alleged that the children were moved with the consent of their parents with the promise of helping them secure maid jobs in Lagos and other western states.

Mr. Agbo, who said he worked as an agent for one Madam Janet Akpa in Benue state, said he only transports the children to the woman’s husband in Ikorodu, Lagos state.

Commander of Army Records, Maj-Gen, Alphonsus Chukwu said the children might be victims of child trafficking.

Continued on Page 63

Insecurity: Obasanjo, Babangida seek dialogue Continued from Page 1

spate of mass killings.

The generals asked all Nigerians to join hands with the government to stop the insecurity siege.

But they insisted that Nigeria’s unity is non-negotiable and asked that all hands be on deck to avert the spate of violence that could break up the nation.

Gen. Obasanjo and Gen. Babangida, however, asked all the 774 local government areas, religious leaders, community leaders and trade unions to assist the government to halt the ugly trend.

The two leaders, who made their feelings known in a joint statement in Abuja , expressed regrets that the nation is “gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty”.

The statement is believed to be the outcome of a meeting between Obasanjo and Babangida on the mass killings, was made available to the media by Gen. Babangida’s

spokesman, Mr. Kassim Afegbua.

A source said: “They met in Abuja last week on the state of the nation, especially increasing anxiety and loss of faith in the unity and existence of Nigeria by most citizens.

“They also resolved that the situation was going beyond the control of President Goodluck Jonathan and it is time to reawaken all Nigerians to the reality of the challenge at hand.

“They agreed that after Ramadan, they will convene a session of all former Heads of State to find lasting solutions to the insecurity.”

However, Gen. Obasanjo and Gen. Babangida were absent during the last Council of State meeting in Abuja on July 13.

The former leaders alongside Gen. Muhammadu Buhari failed to attend the meeting of the highest advisory organ in the country which would have afforded them the opportunity to discuss the security issue with the other

members of the body.

The former leaders are reaching out to Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Buhari, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and Gen. AbdulSalami Abubakar.

“But they deliberately delayed the release of the joint statement till this week for strategic reasons,” the source said, adding: “The leaders met for hours and were deeply troubled.

They restricted the meeting to themselves to enable them digest the grave situation at hand. They believed it was not a time for crowd engagement.

“Having fought the civil war between 1967 and 1970, they know the implications of where mass killings may lead the nation to.”

The statement said: “As the Holy Month of Ramadan commences, Nigerians wherever they are and whatever religion they profess are accorded a great opportunity to turn the tide against insecurity, violence and hatred.

“Religious leaders, in particular, have an even greater challenge to use the immense virtues of this Holy period to inculcate among the millions of citizens the spirit of mutual respect, humility and forgiveness.

“Ample opportunities are, therefore, at hand to bring all armed belligerents to table for meaningful dialogue with the authorities for our future and that of our children and grandchildren.

“On our part, we are ready to do whatever is possible to promote the quest for peace and harmony. And are ready to join hands with all patriots to sustain and further enhance the unity and progress of this country.”

They expressed deep concern that the persistent violence might erode the labour of the nation’s founding fathers.

The statement said: “Unfolding events in our dear motherland, Nigeria, over the last few years are threatening to unrav-

el the nearly a century old labour of our founding fathers and subsequent generations in building a strong, united, peaceful nation that can accommodate and cater for the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.

“Internecine crises are raging across the land unabated with damaging consequences on the social, political and economic life of the nation. And in the process untold hardships are being visited on all citizens in one form or another on a daily basis.

“The loss of innocent lives being experienced by the day across the nation is simply unbearable. Currently, the nation is gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty that virtually all citizens have difficulties going about their normal day to day lives without great anxiety and trepidation. This cannot be allowed to continue!

The leaders urged Nigerians to make sure that the unity of the country is preserved at all cost.

The statement added: “A deeply worrying trend that is emerging from this terrible situation is

that a pervasive cynicism is beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots are starting to question the platform upon which the unity of this country rests. This is simply untenable.

“The people of this country must not allow whatever sense of frustration, fear and despair we are experiencing now to supersede our hopes for a collective destiny which lies in our continued existence as a Nation.

For us, and we believe for millions of other Nigerians, the continued unity of this nation is not only priceless but non-negotiable.

“While we are very much aware of the efforts various governments in the country are making to confront the escalating security challenges across the country, we believe that it is time that these efforts are scaled up to be more involving and inclusive.

Continued on Page 63

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS SUBSIDY SCAM TRIAL

ACN: T

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi receiving the distinguished Alumni Award from the National President, University of Lagos Alumni Association, Prof. Olami Abass and Dr. Sunny Kuku....at the weekend. With them is former Deputy Governor of Lagos Mrs. Sarah Sosan PHOTO: NAN

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to step down immediately, following his son’s indictment in connection the fuel subsidy scam.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said Tukur’s resignation would ensure that the trial of the suspects in the scam - including his son - go unimpeded.

It said, party subscribes to the Constitutional provision that deems an accused person innocent until proven guilty, hence its intervention is not about the guilt or otherwise of the accused in the case.

The statement reads: It is important to say here that the fuel subsidy scam trial will be held in two courts: the court of law and the court of public opinion. While Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is not facing any

By Wale Ajetunmobi

charges in the court of law over the scam, he is definitely a star suspect in the court of public opinion. That is why many Nigerians are already insinuating that nothing will come out of the trial, especially as far as his son is concerned. This is an allusion to the influence bestowed upon him by his high office.

“While we have nothing but absolute confidence in the ability of the judicial process to ensure justice, we believe that anything than can reinforce the impression of thwarted justice in the fuel subsidy scam trial should be removed.

Alhaji Bamagar Tukur’s continued stay in office is one of such. ‘’We also believe that since Alhaji Tukur, as the PDP chairman, has a say in who becomes the chair of the boards of the key agencies in the oil sector that are linked to fuel subsidy (e.g. NNPC, PPPRA and PEF), his continued stay in office is inimical to efforts to clean up the tainted sector.”

My son is an adult, says Arisekola-Alao

B •Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (second left), former Ontario (Canada) Speaker, Dr. Alvin Curling ( left), the Ontario Minister of Consumer Services (second right) and former General Manger of Ajaokuta Steel Complex Dr. Fidelis Ezemenari during the meeting of Anambra people in Toronto, Canada... at the weekend

USINESSMAN Azeez Alao-Arisekola has described his son, Abdullahi as an adult who is answerable for his actions.

He spoke in a statement on his behalf at the weekend in response to the arraignment of his son among others before a Lagos High Court on alleged illegal collection of subsidy cash.

Abdullahi Alao is standing trial alongside the Mahmud Tukur, son of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Bamanga Tukur and Mamman Ali, son of former National Chairman Ahmadu Ali among others.

In the statement, the Ibadan-based businessman said: “Abdullahi Alao is an adult and a businessman doing business like every other Nigerian.

“He is answerable for his actions and transactions under the law of the land. As an adult and a true Muslim, there is no doubt that he knows what is wrong and what is right”

Editors happy with subsidy scam trial •Urge diligent prosecution

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••Senator Babafemi Ojudu, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Ojudu’s wife, Tola at the inauguaration of the Raliat Ojudu Women Development Centre in Ado-Ekiti...at the weekend

•Chief Medical Officer/Disease Control, National Primary Health Development Agency, Dr. Adamu Nuhu; Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline(GSK), Anglophone, West Africa, Mr Lekan Asuni; and National Surveillance Officer, World Health Organisation (WHO),Dr. Mejebi Phillips at the Pneumoccocal Vaccines Stakeholders' Roundtable GSK Nigeria held at the lagos Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja.

HE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has welcomed the trial of those indicted for fuel subsidy scam.

The guild, in a communiqué at the end of a meeting of its standing committee, said the trial must not be allowed to go the way of previous ones.

It also condemned the security situation in the country.

The editor said: “The Guild notes with satisfaction the Federal Government’s will to prosecute those so far indicted in the Fuel Subsidy regime abuse and urges diligent prosecution. Nigerians need to be assured that this time, the case will not go the way of previous anti-corruption cases. Justice must not only be done but be seen to have been done.”

They urged the government to step up security measures.

The guild said: “The Nigerian Guild of Editors Standing Committee is calling on all stakeholders at different levels, in the country, to step up security measures to improve the government’s responsibility to its citizens’ safety. The committee is particularly shocked at the unfortunate incident last week that saw one of its members, Steve Nwosu, the Editor of the Daily Sun, being shot and robbed in broad daylight on his way from the bank in Lagos. “ The NGE committee also expresses worry that in spite of many promises to the nation, the spate of incessant violent attacks on innocent Nigerians by armed groups has yet to abate, hoping that the situation will be brought under control in no distant future.

“The committee commends the

‘

The Guild notes with satisfaction the Federal Government’s will to prosecute those so far indicted in the Fuel Subsidy regime abuse and urges diligent prosecution. Nigerians need to be assured that this time, the case will not go the way of previous anti-corruption cases.

Justice must not only be done but be seen to have been done

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peaceful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election in Edo state but urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to note the lapses in the polls and ensure they are not repeated in subsequent elections particularly during the Ondo governorship election slated for October 20, 2012.

“In all, the committee urges the federal government to improve on its policies to impact on the standard of living of the average Nigerian who still has to grapple with several basic existential problems like shelter and unemployment.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS SUBSIDY SCAM TRIAL

Tukur should step down ‘

While we have nothing but absolute confidence in the ability of the judicial process to ensure justice, we believe that anything than can reinforce the impression of thwarted justice in the fuel subsidy scam trial should be removed.

Alhaji Bamagar Tukur’s continued stay in office is one of such

‘ The party described as cheer sophistry the attempt by an aide of the PDP chair to distance him and the party from the

•Tukur

scam.

“Is it a coincidence that the ‘stars’ in the court trial of the subsidy scam

include the sons of the past and present Chairmen of the PDP? Will it be wrong to say the sons of Dr.

Ahmadu Ali and Alhaji Bamaga Tukur “benefitted’’ from the subsidy largesse because of their father’s positions in the ruling party? Is it a coincidence that many of those named as suspects are big donors to the ruling party? The truth is that the PDP and its bigwigs are right at the centre of this scam, and it is too late for the party and the bigwigs to now seek to distance themselves from it,’’ it said.

ACN said while Alhaji Tukur’s aide quoted copiously from the Holy Bible on why the sins of the son should not be visited on the father, he forgot some other important quotes from the same Holy Book: Galatians 6:7 (Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows) and Matthew 7:16 (You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?).

The party recalled its consistent warning, while the controversy over

fuel subsidy removal raged, that the government should not punish ordinary Nigerians by increasing fuel prices and making them to pay for the inefficiency and corruption in the downstream sector of the country’s oil industry.

“The government did not heed this warning, and went ahead - in the most cruel manner - to raise fuel prices. Now, thanks to the determination of Nigerians to shake off the yoke imposed on them by the same government they voted into power, and thanks to the doggedness of the House of Representatives, it has now been revealed that Nigeria’s largely poor citizens are being made to subsidize a few fat cats, most of them linked to the PDP! “While some of these fat cats allegedly collected billions of naira for the fuel they did not import, the ordinary Nigerian is today paying 97 naira per litre because of the corruption in which he/she is not involved!

What a cruel irony!!’’ ACN said

Who killed father of Nigerian tipped to be first Black Prime Minister?

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HE father of a Labour frontbencher who is tipped as a future party leader died in a mysterious car crash that friends fear was a political assassination.

Bennett Umunna, whose son Chuka is Labour’s business spokesman and MP for Streatham, was killed in Nigeria shortly after standing for state governor.

Although Umunna – a wealthy London businessman who was a director of Crystal Palace football club – was tipped to win the post, his supporters claim he lost the vote after refusing to pay bribes during the campaign.

Now close friend Ron Noades, who was chairman of Crystal Palace at the time, has spoken for the first time about his belief that the car crash 20 years ago was no accident.

He said: “We always thought he was killed by someone, because he did things on the night of his death that he never did in Nigeria.

“He was travelling at night and, secondly, he got into a car with a driver who was not his regular. We always thought he was killed by someone who may have seen him as a threat.”

Noades, 75, who lives in Purley, South London, also claimed that Umunna had withdrawn a large sum of money from his bank account shortly before his death. Although Chuka Umunna, 33, has spoken of his father’s death in the past, he has remained vague about the details.

In a recent interview, he said: “There was a lot of speculation in Nigeria. He was a well-known figure. I don’t really want to go into it, but things in Nigeria don’t operate like here. ‘”t’s not like you’re going to get an official post mortem or a proper police investigation.”

Bennett Umunna, who became a successful businessman after arriving in Britain as a penniless immigrant in the Sixties, died after his car apparently crashed into a truck carrying logs on April 1, 1992.

Weeks earlier, Umunna, 51, had stood to become governor of Anambra, about 270 miles south of the Nigerian capital Abuja.

He regularly travelled back to the country as the head of a thriving import-export firm doing business between Europe and West Africa.

Mr Noades’s wife Novello, 54, also

•The late Umunna

•Chuka, Chinwe and mother Patricia

‘

From all the facts I heard at the time, I think Bennett was assassinated.

He was involved in the politics of the country.

From what I heard, his car crashed into a vehicle that was carrying logs. That’s how he died. I don’t know whether the driver died as well

‘

a close friend of the Umunna family, said: “From all the facts I heard at the time, I think Bennett was assassinated.

“He was involved in the politics

of the country. From what I heard, his car crashed into a vehicle that was carrying logs. That’s how he died. I don’t know whether the driver died as well.

“I remember that day, when I found out about Ben’s death. We moved to our new house, and then I received a call from Ron. “He told me Ben had died in Nigeria. I remember crying all day in the bathroom. I was devastated.’

Umunna’s death was registered on the British Consular and High Commission deaths abroad database.

A British death certificate states he was living in the city of Enugu in the neighbouring Enugu state, and died on the Onitsha-Owerri highway in Anambra state.

The document does not give his cause of death, but says a local death certificate was presented as ‘evidence of death’.

In Nigeria, the accident was

widely covered in the media and it is believed some minutes of silence were observed in Enugu.

Umunna, who is said to have been a tribal chief known as Ben Osi Umunna, was a well-known and popular businessman in the country, as well as the chairman of a Nigerian football club.

On one internet forum, he is described by a contributor as ‘the business mogul who came back from England and changed the face of Enugu in the late Eighties and also became the chairman of Rangers International.

“He provided a lot of jobs and he became an instant hit. He helped (charitable cases, including) a group of widows, who were on his payroll until he died in a ghastly motor accident about ’90 or ’91.’

Umunna travelled to England by boat in the mid-Sixties, arriving at Liverpool, to improve his pros-

pects and made his way to London after a stranger gave him money for the train fare.

He performed a number of menial jobs, including cleaning cars, before building up his business. He became a director of Crystal Palace in the late Eighties after investing £50,000 in the club.

He married Patricia Milmo, a solicitor, in 1976, and the couple had two children – Chuka and his sister Chinwe, 31, who is also known as Chi Chi. A spokesman for Chuka Umunna said: ‘Chuka’s father died more than 20 years ago in very tragic circumstances.

As Chuka has made it clear previously, the circumstances surrounding his father’s death are a private matter and not something he comments on, painful and upsetting as they are to Chuka and his family.’

Culled from www.dailymail.co.uk

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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CITYBEATS

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

Awori deny opposing state creation

By Janice Nkoli Ojeme and Wale Ajetunmobi

A GROUP, Lagoon State Movement, has debunked media reports that Awori people in Lagos did not support creation of Lagoon State. In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Olufunmilade Ayantuga, the movement stated that the fact that notable Awori elders attended some of its crucial meeting was enough evidence that the ethnic group had not backed out of the push for the creation of Lagoon State.

According to the group, Awori indigenes have always expressed unalloyed support for the creation of the state, and warned detractors to stop their antics of dividing their ranks.

The statement reads:”During the seventh yearly meeting of Ibile Forum, held at Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, on May 16, the Awori indigenes at the meeting expressed their unalloyed support for the creation of Lagoon State but advocated for more dialogue and consultation with all the stakeholders.

“Again, at the last general meeting of Lagoon State Movement, held on June 7, at Ikeja, 11 eminent Awori sons were present and they expressed their unflinching support for the creation of Lagoon State.

“We therefore vehemently denounced the reports that Awori people have abandoned the state creation project.”

But the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) has expressed their preference for remaining a component part of Lagos State.

AWAN chairman, Mr. Sakariyau Opeifa at a press conference to declare the stand of the organisation on the issue at the Awori house at Oregun, Lagos said the group is opposed to the creation of Lagoon State.

•The Alpha Beach

Alpha Beach residents to govt: We’re not safe

GOCHUKWU Nwala, a resident of Okun-Alfa community in Lagos, has experienced two ravaging events in his 57 years on earth – first, the Nigerian civil war and the ocean surge that ravaged the community in July, last year.

Without blinking an eye, Mr. Nwala chose ocean surge when asked which of the two experiences was more devastating.

“I always thought war is the worst thing that can happen to any community, but this flood is worse, I mean it,” he told The Nation as he paced frantically through his debris-filled one-room apartment.

Good old days For many years, Okun-Alfa, a coastal community in Eti-Osa Local Government of Lagos State hosted thousands of fun-seeking patrons on its shoreline, popularly called Alpha Beach.

The beach, during its peak, was a melting pot for fun-loving nationals from West African countries, Europe, and America who visited to soak in fresh air from the bubbly beach.

Because everybody, irrespective of social status, would find a fitting entertainment spot at Alpha Beach, its popularity soared, with a heartwarming reputation that endeared it to thousands who dreaded the adjacent

U

By Segun Balogun

Kuramo Beach, notorious as a den of hoodlums.

“Business was good those days,” said Nwala, who relocated to the beach from Enugu in 2004 and built “a business empire” consisting of a salon, mobile phone accessories and payphone centre, and a bar. Indeed, business was “good” for the hundreds of business owners on Alpha Beach, stretched along the shoreline of about two kilometres, because they never lacked patronage.

However, as explained by the community head, Baale Atewolara Elegushi, every four or five years, the community experiences an ocean surge, which chips away the shoreline and pushes the community further inward.

On the brink of extinction “Just about 20 years ago, you can throw a stone with all your strength from here (his house) and it will land amidst the big coconut plantation growing on the beach,” he said. The coconut plantation was first the community’s mainstay economy, before the beach sprung up after the ocean helped clear out the plantation.

The surge was first surreptitious, but now audacious. “Each time it

happens,” the Baale said, “we will move inward and this happens once in four or five years.” The community is now edged in between the surge’s push and the fast expanding developmental projects – government’s urban renewal and infrastructural development projects and real estate development – along Eti-Osa corridor, which has been adjudged the fastest growing real estate corridor in Africa.

But in the last three years, the surge has taken an annual dimension and in 2011, it hit the roof, with three surges in one month.

It was the community’s most devastating experience. Businesses crumbled overnight and nothing that lay in the path of the surging ocean could be salvaged, including social infrastructures like tarred roads, electric poles, and public health centre.

The community’s source of water – wells dug at intervals along the shoreline – disappeared as the surging ocean filled them with sand. The once bubbling community was reduced to a relic faster than any raging war would.

Experts attributed the unusual surge to the effect of Climate Change – a phenomenon which now threatens the

life of coastal dwellers. A UN HABITAT report, “The State of African Cities 2010: Governance, Inequality, and Urban Land Market” warned that “more than 25 per cent of Africa’s population living within 100km from the coast will be at risk from sea level rise and coastal flooding.”

The devastating surge has proven it can also make the rich cry. The same threat is experienced by the plush Goshen Beach Estate, Lekki. When the estate was built in 2003, it had about 100km shoreline, which is now less than 20km.

UN HABITAT’s Executive Director, Joan Clos, said African countries must now address the negative effect of Climate Change despite being minimal contributors to the causal factor, the green house emission.

Clos, predicting doomsday for coastal cities in the next decade – 2010 to 2020, warned that “this is the time to act by adopting mitigation measures and measures to reduce vulnerability.”

Government at state and federal level have inspected the ruins at Alpha Beach, giving high hope to the residents. The state government has applied for the ecological fund, but one year after, nothing has changed.

The Baale said local authorities kept assuring that something urgent would be done to address the issue.

Commission promises to make safety a culture •Sound Sultan

Sound Sultan celebrates 12 years on stage SINGER, song writer, and producer, Lanre Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan is gearing up for a musical concert to commemorate his 12 years on the music scene.

The talented artiste will also use the concert to launch his sixth album tagged E Dozen Easy. He reveals more about plans for the concert: “I have been on the stage legally as an artiste for 12 years and I’ve been working tirelessly to make sure I bring to my fans, family and well wishers a very great concert to celebrate my 12 on stage with the launch of my sixth album launch which will take place in September.

“The concert is going to be different; there’s going to be a lot of theatrics. I’m working in collaboration with a dance group and the stage performance is going to be like a movie,” he said.

The widely travelled artiste also revealed other artistes that will be rocking the stage with him; “O yes, you should know some usual suspects, those I’ve featured on my previous albums; Baba Dee, 2face, Banky W, M.I., and someone I’ve never featured before,” he added.

HE Lagos State Safety Commission has said it will continue to push for relevant reforms until safety becomes a dominant lifestyle in Lagos.

The agency’s Director General, Dominga Odebunmi said Lagosians should embrace the “wind of change” the agency is stirring in order to exchange the city’s reckless lifestyle for a careful one.

She made the statement while speaking to journalists at the public lecture held last Friday, the final day of “Lagos State Safety Week,” held to commemorate the World Safety Day. “Change has come and we must all embrace it,” she said, “safety has gone through challenges to gain its ground. Our goal is to make sure that safety becomes a lifestyle.”

She said nobody is exempted from the agency’s primed sanctions, be it public or private; local or foreign.

She said safety must be seen as everybody’s duty because “if you are safe and the person next to you is not safe, then you are not safe.”

Dr. Aderemi Desalu, Permanent Secretary of the Special Duties Ministry, who represented the Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe, said to neglect safety is to court hazard.

“There is only one way to do things and that is the right way.

Many deaths and injuries are

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By Segun Balogun

avoidable if we take safety culture to heart,” he said, while presenting the HOS’s welcome address.

The Director General of the Office of Transformation, Toba Otusanya, in his goodwill message, said that government needs to invest in capacity building in the civil service, which he identified as the vehicle of propagating safety culture in the state.

Three technical presentations were made at the lecture. Kunle

Ariyibi, the Director of Monitoring Service in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget emphasised the critical position that evaluation occupies in promoting safety culture.

“Evaluation helps to provide a neutral perspective, which often will reveal some issues that are easily overlooked. For instance, we went to inspect a recreation park that was constructed by an agency and we pointed out that the park was under a high tension power line,” he said.

Durodola Adedayo, the DirectorGeneral, Industrial Relations in the Ministry of Establishment, Training, and Pensions, said the first step in creating a pervasive safety culture is to build a virile public service, without which it is impossible for any government to formulate and implement policies.

He warned that safety culture has gone beyond the issue of identifying hazards and risks and now include the prevention against sophisticated terrorist attacks and natural disaster.

•Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (middle), with other officials during the tour of drainage project at the Ojokoro LCDA... on Saturday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

CITYBEATS

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

NUJ, experts call for creation of disability reporting desk

By Evelyn Osagie

THE Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and experts on disabilities matters have called for the creation of a disability reporting desk in media houses.

The Lagos NUJ Chairman, Mr Deji Gbolahan Elumoye, made the call at a three-day capacity building workshop for the media on disability reporting in Lagos. The event, organised by Lagos Civil Society Disability Policy Partnership (LSCDPP) and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), had over 20 journalists in attendance.

According to him, the creation of the desk would bring the affairs of the people with disability issues to the national front burners. He said NUJ is spearheading the campaign for its establishment because saying it would help influence policies and public opinion in the right direction.

Elumoye said: “A lot of issues concerning people with disability are been left out in news reportage. There are a lot happening across the world on disability issues. The management of media houses should consider setting up a desk strictly for disability reporting because it would help inform policymakers on interests, challenges and legislation on people with disabilities. Also as you have specialised pages on labour, health, business desk, one or two pages should assigned to such issues. And we are taking this advocacy to media houses across the state.

•Mrs Okoye

P-square set to bury mum in August

By Ahmed Bulour

THE remains of mother of multiple award-winning singers, P-Square, Mrs. Josephine Okoye, 62, will be laid to rest in her husband’s house at Ifite-Dunu, Akwa Village, Anambra State on Thursday.

A lying-in-state would be held for her at her Umunachi, Umudioka Village, Anambra State and a church service at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, before the proper burial at Ifite-Dunu, which will also be the reception venue.

The one-day funeral will be anchored by M.I.C undertakers in Nigeria and guests expected to attend the funeral include colleagues of P-Square in the entertainment industry and some state governors.

Until her death, the late Mrs. Okoye was the General Overseer of Friends of Jesus Catholic Prayer Ministry, with its headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Moses Okoye and eight children namely Christopher, Henry, Jude, Lilian, Tony, Peter, Paul and Mary.

Mrs. Josephine Okoye died on Wednesday, July 11, about five hours after a heart surgery.

Ladipo traders storm Lagos Assembly RADERS at the Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre, at Ladipo Market, stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand the implementation of the resolution passed by the House to ensure lasting peace in the market.

They were received by the member representing Mushin Constituency II, Hon. Bolaji Ayinla Yusuf, who appealed to them to thread the path of

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By Precious Igbonwelundu

peace.

In a petition signed by the chairman of the forum, Mr. Ajibade Olajoku and nine others, the traders alleged that the Jonathan Okoli led faction of the Traders’ Association has refused to abide by the resolution passed by the state House of Assembly to bring peace to the market.

The traders added that those

saddled with the responsibility of implementing and executing the resolution were not forthcoming, adding that it has left them in a limbo.

Praying the lawmakers to compel the implementation of its resolution, the protesters alleged that the situation of the market has affected their lives and those of their families adversely.

They alleged that instead of abiding by the decisions of the

House, Jonathan Okoli, who initiated the petition, instead, went and hired hoodlums to fan his nefarious activities when he realised the outcome of the decision of the House was not in his favour.

“Okoli has in various media threatened to smother all those within and outside the market perceived as obstacles to his continuous stay at the helm of affairs of the market.

“Even the few traders opportuned to be in the market complain on daily basis of harassment, imposition and extortion of which an example is the forceful collection of N30, 000 from each shop in the market and the subsequent locking of those who did not comply.

Yusuf promised to present their claims before the Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Landlords urge Appeal Court to stay execution of own judgment

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VER 100 landlords living on old Akute road, Iju, Lagos, have approached the Court of Appeal, Lagos, asking for a stay of execution of a judgment which ceded ownership of the vast area of land to Lisboa family.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Their prayer is contained in a motion on notice filed by their counsel, Mr. Kabir Akingbolu.

The landlords were represented by four members namely Jonah Ojike, Mrs. Rita Edero, Mrs Yetunde James and Mr. Adeyemi Kolawole.

In their application, they prayed the court to stay execution of the judgment delivered nine years ago by a Lagos High Court and confirmed by the appellate court on the ground that their interest will be adversely affected if the judgment is implemented.

They claimed that they bought and paid for the lands upon which they had built their houses over the years from the Obawole family and that they only became aware of the dispute over the land for the first time on July 3rd, when some group of people sent by the respondents came to paste

a notice to forcefully eject them from their various houses on the land in an attempt to enforce judgement.

The landlords argued that as interested parties, they should have been put on notice, while the trial of the suit lasted at the high court and later at appellate court.

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NEWS ‘Fed Govt faulty policies cause fake drugs’ HE Chief Medical Di-

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rector of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Temitope Alonge, at the weekend said Federal Government’s faulty policies led to the circulation of fake drugs in the country.

He said such policies have forced drug manufacturers to relocate to their countries, thereby paving the way for substandard drug manufacturers and wholesalers to take over the market.

Prof Alonge spoke in Ibadan at a public lecture organised by Dorcas Hope Alive Initiative (DOHAL), entitled: Fake drugs and the survival of African child.

He said there are many factors that encourage the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria.

According to him, these include the lack of political

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

will, absence of a strong drugs regulation, a lack of appropriate drugs legislation as well as weak enforcement and penal sanctions.

The UCH medical chief noted that the impact of fake drugs on an African child’s survival is quite enormous.

Prof Alonge said the child’s immunity system is weak, many him vulnerable to bacterial diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria, among others.

He explained that in a situation where a child’s survival is threatened by illhealth condition, health care givers rely on drugs to improve the quality of his life.

The medical expert said treatment with fake drugs causes resistant organisms and death.

Ibadan community residents arrested over ‘crude oil’ discovery

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UNDREDS of residents of GbaremuOgbere in Ona-Ara Local Government of Oyo State at the weekend said they had discovered crude oil deposits in the area.

But their joy of discovering the black gold was shortlived as the police allegedly arrested those found scooping the liquid with jerrycans.

It was learnt that about five wells, allegedly located at different homes in the area, contained “crude oil”.

When The Nation visited one of the wells at Ose in GbaremuOgbere, it was locked while some armed policemen were stationed there to keep intruders away.

Some of residents, it was

•It’s not true, say police From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

gathered, besieged the wells with jerrycans to fetch the oil.

One of the residents, Mr Ademola Sulaiman, told The Nation how the residents got wind of the oil.

He said: “Early Thursday, some people complained of some pollution in their well water. They said the water was full of kerosine while some said it was engine oil.

“When we got there, it was confirmed. Later, at another area, a similar thing happened.

As I am talking to you, we have discovered about four wells full of something like kero-

sine, engine oil and petrol, at different places in this area.

“Our people started going to the wells with jerrycans to fetch the substance. Many of the people were arrested by the police, who started driving the people away. They also embarked on house-to-house arrest and started charging money before they released the suspects on bail.

“There is tension here as the residents are afraid that they may be picked up by the police. You know, this is the problem with the police: if you ask them to go one mile, they will go 10 miles.”

Police spokesperson, Mrs

Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor, confirmed the incident.

She, however, said the police did not arrest any resident.

Mrs Clet-Ilobanafor explained that the police were only trying to protect the lives of the people against possible fire, incident the liquid is inflammable.

She said: “What actually happened was that we got a report that some people were scooping liquid suspected to kerosine in some wells. When our men got there, they asked the people to stay off from the wells because it might catch fire. But they refused. So, some were invited by the police, not that they were arrested.”

Aregbesola: stop addressing me as ‘Your Excellency’ From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday urged the people to stop addressing him as “Your Excellency”.

He said the appellation is not in the 1999 Constitution and its amended 2011 version.

The governor spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at this year’s Ramadan lecture organised by The Muslim Association of Nigeria.

He urged the people to stop using “Your Excellency” for him, either in private or public functions.

Aregbesola described the development as an aberration of “our political system”.

The governor said only God should be addressed with the appellation, which he said suggests power.

He described the Creator as the Alpha and Omega of the universe who deserves to be revered.

Aregbesola said the appellation was introduced by political leadership to create a difference between those in government and the people, on whose behalf they are hold power in trust.

He said: “If you do not fear Almighty God, I have the fear of God at heart. I do not want anybody to equate me with God. So, I want to use this opportunity to tell the people of Osun State not to call me ‘Your Excellency’ again.”

The governor also described the use of ‘Executive Governor’ for him as unnecessary.

He described it as repetitive and urged the residents to use only governor for him.

Aregbesola advised the youth to stop looking for white collar jobs that are no longer available in the country.

Ondo’ll soon join progressives, say ACN leaders

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EADERS of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the Southwest have said the former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Rotimi Akeredolu, is the best candidate to dislodge the ruling Labour Party (LP) from the Government House in Akure, Ondo State.

They hailed other ACN aspirants for backing the eminent lawyer.

Speaking with The Nation at the weekend in separate interviews, the ACN Chairman in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe, and a Special Adviser to Osun State Governor, Bola Ilori, said Governor Olusegun Mimiko would fail in his second term bid.

They hinged their optimism on the need for the residents to be fully integrated into the ACN regional integration.

Ilori urged the residents to support Akeredolu as a better alternative to the dismal performance of the LP government in the Sunshine State.

He noted that said to educate the people on why they should join the progressives’

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

train.

Ilorin said: “Now that Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has emerged the governorship candidate of the ACN in Ondo State, the people should expect robust, scientific and issue-oriented campaign, based on enduring issues.

“It’s not going to be a cosmetic approach that they are witnessing. They should expect sustainable development from the ACN. We are urging the people not to be deceived by the Mimiko government, which is executing projects that will last few weeks because of election.

“In ACN, we have good programmes for our people, programmes that will outlive our administration. That is what our people should expect from a man like Akeredolu, who is of impeccable character. He is somebody with a track record of honesty and dedication to service.”

Awe said it is painful that Ondo State is not currently among the progressives.

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NEWS Oyo to dredge 38 more rivers From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

THE Oyo State Government has said it would dredge additional 38 rivers to prevent floods.

The Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Mr Wasiu Dauda, spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, on government’s proactive plan to avert flooding as more rains are expected.

The National Emergency Relief Agency (NEMA) recently said there would be heavy rains in the Southwest in the next few months.

The Abiola Ajimobi administration has dredged 43 streams and rivers in preparation for the rains.

Dauda said the government would ensure that there is no repeat of August 26, last year, flood disaster in any part of the state.

The commissioner said a stakeholders’ meeting was held last week with Ajimobi on how to curb floods.

He said it was resolved that 38 more streams should be dredged.

Dauda explained that the World Bank has promised to assist the state in tackling flooding, particularly in Ibadan.

He said the appropriate authorities in the state would soon commence the removal of structures blocking free flow of water in the flood prone areas.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (second right); Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Prof.

Sola Akinrinade (left); and the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin (second left); at the inauguration of the College Library and Information Technology Building of the university’s Ejigbo campus by the governor...yesterday.

Aregbesola approves 142% pension arrears

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has approved the payment of 142 per cent arrears for all categories of pensioners in the state.

The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, spoke in Osogbo, the state capital.

He said the Rauf Aregbesola administration is committed to the welfare of senior citizens.

The commissioner said the government has, since its inauguration in November, 2010, paid over N5.5 billion as

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

monthly pension allowance, N2.2 billion as gratuities and over N32 billion as salaries.

Bolorunduro said: “The Aregbesola giant stride surpasses any previous record on payments of entitlements and salaries. It demonstrates the commitment of the administration to the welfare of senior citizens in the state.

“It was a struggle for the payment of the pension arrears for the past administration.

People had to send emissaries

‘People had to send emissaries to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who, on many occasions, failed to keep his promises.’ to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who, on many occasions, failed to keep his promises. This is one of the

sacrilegious acts of the previous administration to punish senior citizens in the state.”

He said the Aregbesola administration would end the suffering of pensioners, adding that there would no longer be any form of victimisation ofpensioners in Osun State.

The chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Dr. T. Agunbiade, hailed the government’s gesture.

He described the government’s action as a fulfilment of a long promise.

Ekiti can’t be failed state, says Bamidele

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

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OUSE of Representatives member, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said Ekiti would not become a failed state because progressives are in the saddle there.

He called for support for the Kayode Fayemi administration in repositioning the Fountain of Knowledge.

The lawmaker spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during his 49th birthday held at The Christ School Alumni Hall.

It was chaired by eminent lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). A Professor of Political Science, Kunle Ajayi, delivered a lecture, entitled: Legislating in troubled times: National Assembly and challenges of legislating for good governance in Nigeria.

Over 120 elders received N10,000 each from the lawmaker and 120 indigent students got N20,000 each.

Besides, 67 youths got N25,000 each and 77 others went home with N50,000 each.

The gesture trailed the distribution of books to 66 secondary schools in his Irepodun/Ifelodun constituency.

Babalola said: “Bamidele has really served people by donating his salary as a legislator for developmental projects in his constituency.”

Group hails Ondo ACN for endorsing Akeredolu GROUP, Yoruba Awareness Forum (YAF), at the weekend hailed the peaceful endorsement of Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard bearer for the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.

The group, which cuts across 19 northern states, decried the alleged desperation of the ruling Labour Party (LP) to remain in power at all cost.

In a statement by its Secretary- General, Mr. Olusegun Folorunso, the group said ACN is the only party that can rescue Ondo State from economic doldrums, which it said is caused by poor management of resources and massive corruption.

It condemned the attack on Akeredolu’s convoy by suspected LP thugs after the he received his certificate of nomination in Akure and was returning to his home in Owo. The suspected thugs allegedly barricaded Oyemekun Road, in front of the LP secretariat, shooting and throwing missiles at Akerodolu’s convoy.

The intervention of policemen, who arrived the scene in a white Toyota van, brought the situation under control.

The policemen dispersed the thugs and cleared the barricades for traffic.

The group urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his party members to avoid turning the state into a theatre of war.

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‘We did’nt attack Ondo LP secretariat’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) yesterday debunked a report that the convoy of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate in Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), attacked the Labour Party (LP) secretariat on Oyemekun-Ilesa Motor Park Road in Akure, the state capital, on Saturday.

A statement by Mr Eni Akinsola, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, alleged that some people in the convoy attacked some LP members in front of their party’s secretariat.

But ACO’s Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, described the statement as unfounded.

According to him, Akeredolu was in a convoy on Oyemekun Road when suspected LP agents attacked the convoy.

He said: “It took the intervention of the police to clear the way. ACN is a peaceful party. We are not known for violence. We don’t have to shoot in Akure or Owo, his home town, or anywhere in the state.”

Ajanaku said the ACN candidate was received with fanfare by unprecedented crowds wherever he went.

It urged the police to be fair to all, adding: “Even ACN office in Ifon was attacked. This is a panic measure on the part of the LP. Our party and Akeredolu will send them packing in October 20.”

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

It said: “Ondo State is the only Yoruba oil producing state and shares boundaries with other Yoruba states. To enjoy all its resources, it needs the support of all other Southwest states by keying into their political ideology.”

The group hailed other aspirants for supporting Akeredolu’s candidature.

It said: “ACN is a party of pride to all Yoruba and Ondo State. By God’s grace, the state will be ruled by an ACN governor very soon.

“Today, we have started to preach this gospel to all sons and daughters of Yoruba, in-

cluding the royal fathers, on the need to support Akeredolu.”

The group expressed disappointment at the behaviour of some Yoruba leaders at last week’s second term declaration by the governor.

“Our members were so disappointed to see Chief Olu Falae dancing at Mimiko’s rally.

“The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) should apologise to the Yoruba race and embrace the Yoruba agenda by supporting Akeredolu’s candidature,” it said.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS

.

• Participants at the sixth Policing Executive Forum on Intelligence-led Policing in Nigeria by CLEEN Foundation, Macarthur Foundation and Justice for All Programme held in Abuja...at the weekend PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Rector seeks private sector participation in maritime security

I didn’t call for coup, says Bakare

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AVE Nigeria Group (SNG) convener Pastor Tunde Bakare yesterday said he did not call for a coup.

He said he only advised those in power to enthrone justice and rule of law to avoid the wrath of God. The founder of the Latter Rains Assembly shed light on his invitation by the State Security Service (SSS) last week, saying that he was not arrested, detained or bailed as wrongly reported in a section of the media.

Bakare told the congregation that he was treated with respect and dignity by the security agents during the one-hour chat at their office in Shangisha, a Lagos suburb.

He said he was accompanied by four lawyers, adding that he did not write any statement.

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

He said: “I followed them (SSS) and they asked me to stop the crusade because of the surge of the crowd. I responded that it was not the surge of the crowd that was their concern, but the ancient gods of the Yewa people and the devils I attacked in the public. I told them I have the necessary permits for the crusade and will not stop till we finish. They then advised me to tone down the message and, of course, I toned it up.”

Bakare said despite the criticisms against the Federal Government, President Goodluck Jonathan has not shown signs of great leadership.

He said: “We have been lied to as a nation and there is no sincerity in this

government’s words or actions. Can you imagine that, as the nation is burning, Dame Patience, the First Lady, is busy pursuing and obtaining the status of an absentee Permanent Secretary? Does this make any intelligent sense, except to political morons and imbeciles.”

Justifying his statement that elections are possible before 2015, the cleric said God can remove any bad leader from power.

Bakare added: “Ask Mubarak, ask Muammar Gaddafi. There is a limit to how far a leader can fool the people. We are doing this for the peace of our country. Peace is not the absence of tension; it is the presence of peace”.

The SNG convener also warned government against intimidating

•Bakare

prophets, saying that it is dangerous.

He said: “When authorities intimidate prophets, they infuriate them further and invite the wrath of God”.

Heirs Holdings names COO, CEOs H

EIRS Holdings, the panAfrican proprietary investment company, yesterday named Chief Executive Officers for three key subsidiaries.

It also announced the recruitment of a Group Chief Operating Officer.

Roles announced include the appointments of Adim Jibunoh as Heirs Holdings’ COO and Angela Aneke as CEO of Heirs Alliance, the Group’s advisory and consulting division. Yinka Ogunsulire will take up the role of CEO of Heirs Real Estate, and Samuel Nwanze will become CEO of HH Capital, responsible for proprietary investments.

Jibunoh has 27 years of experience in the financial services industry, and has strong leadership skills.

He was the Managing Director/ CEO of Continental Trust Bank until 2004. Prior to this, he was an Executive Director at Standard Trust Bank (now UBA Plc). He holds a first class Economics degree from the University of Port Harcourt and an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Lagos. In addition, he has received executive management training at IMD Switzerland, Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School.

Ms. Aneke has over 27 years of banking experience that spans Citibank, Ecobank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). She serves as a non-Executive Director on the board of UBA Group, is Chairperson of UBA MetLife, and was until 2010, an Executive Director at UBA. Ms. Aneke is also a non-Executive Direc-

tor of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) where she serves as Chairperson of Teragro (Transcorp’s agribusiness subsidiary). She holds a B.Sc. in Business Administration from The American University, Washington DC , and became an international associate of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 1985.

Ms. Ogunsulire, who is regarded as one of the leading property development professionals in Nigeria , was previously Managing Director of ARM Properties Plc, the real estate subsidiary of Asset and Resource Management Limited and holds an

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M. Phil in Land Management from the University of Reading, England.

She has been a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors since 1992.

Nwanze holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Management from Cranfield School of Management, London where he graduated as best student. Prior to joining Heirs Holdings, he was Group Treasurer of Bank PHB, where he oversaw Treasury activity in the bank’s five subsidiaries and eleven non-bank subsidiaries. Mr. Nwanze also sits on the boards of local and international organisations, including Mtanga

Farms Ltd, Tanzania, a Heirs Holdings investee company.

Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu said: “Heirs Holdings’ Board is pleased to announce these appointments, illustrating our commitment to an operating structure and senior management team commensurate with our investment mission. Within a short period of time, we have created a significant portfolio of assets, and with these top executives, we look forward to further delivering on our core objective of creating long-term shareholder and social value, through focused investment across Africa.”

THE Federal Government has been urged to enact law allowing Private Sector participation in maritime security to ensure safety of the country’s waterways..

The Rector of Certified Institute of Shipping of Nigeria, Dr Okuashi Alex, spoke at a seminar organised by the Maritime Reporter’s Congress of Nigeria(MARCON).

Delivering a paper entitled “Private Sector Participation in Maritime Security,” Dr Okuashi said the issue is multi-dimensional and requires interagency collaboration.

He said: “Due to global nature of maritime, the role of private initiative cannot be overemphacised.

“The Nigeria territorial waters is faced with dangers of piracy, robbery, hijack/kidnap,assault, bomb attacks and oil theft.”

The rector, who said there has been greater private security in every facet of human endeavour , believed that it would work in maritime.

Other suggestions made by him on how to secure the country’s waterways include implementation of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention ,funding of Navy for constant patrol and education of Port operators on security measures.

Dr Boniface Aniebonam, who chaired the occasion, blamed high unemployment rate, deprivation, corruption, poverty, greed and small arms proliferation for maritime insecurity.

Annie Okonkwo dumps PDP for APGA

HE President of Committee 21 C21, Senator Annie Okonkwo, has defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Okonkwo, in a statement by his media aide, Collins Ugwu, last night said he decided to call it quit with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of injustice.

He urged all Igbo to team up with APGA to give the country the right leadership.

Okonkwo said for equity to be achieved, the Southeast must be allowed to lead the country.

He also urged the National Assembly to ensure two additional states are created from the Southeast.

Okonkwo said: "The unrelent-

ing machine of political deceit and injustice in Igbo land have run its full circle and should quietly give way to honest superior efforts to rid our people its ravages and rancour. As I call on all Igbo in Nigeria and the Diasporas to move en masse into the fitting shield of APGA to recover their progressive identity, it is handy wisdom to advise those who are shy of reality, to please leave APGA alone in peace, and pursue their convictions where their heart really lies.”

The C21 President noted that "aside the urgent reality that what is good for the goose, is sizzling sauce for the gander, the persuasion that a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction remains the only

untested option for the desired radical leap of our great country is compelling to common sense and good conscience".

He urged Igbo to unite in order to achieve this dream. Okonkwo said other geo-political zones have through unity achieved what has eluded the Southeast.

He said: "Now which of these zones have not had the opportunity of Nigeria's presidency - the Southeast. Which of these zones have less number of states and local governments? Ironically, which of these zones have been more supportive developmentally and politically to others? Of course, the Southeast.

"The Southwest is already enjoying leadership cohesion and pros-

perity pioneered by Tinubu but actively supported by resident south easterners. The Southsouth are presently harvesting the fruits of their resolute resource agitation and the North, the obvious indulged custodians of power both military and civilian, all supported by us without let. The only sour thumb in this convenient harmony of power and states balance, regrettably points to the Southeast.

It is, therefore, my view that the sacrifice we preach and canvass does not, in any way, amount to denial or deprivation to our brothers in the Nigerian project."

He urged Igbo to unite and reject being used as pawns. The C21 president said the group would chart social harmony.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS RAMADAN

Fashola urges compliance with law and order

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•Governor Fashola, flanked by Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji (left) and Alhaji Omar Aliyu Akaba representating Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Babatunde Folawiyo...yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES.

•From left: Chief Missioner, Ansar Ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad Abdul-Rahman; National Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande; Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly Alhaja Monsurat Sumonu and ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed during a Ramadan lecture at Oro, Kwara State.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

AGOS State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday described compliance to law and order as the key indicator of the fear of God. The Governor who spoke at two ramadan lectures, said in any society where law and order is obeyed, majority of the people benefit while that society prospers.

The lectures were that of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ikeja Branch, where the and the Eight Justice Muri Okunola Memorial Ramadan Lectures held at the Blue Roof, LTV 8 and Eko FM Open Field, Radio House, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Governor Fashola, who said compliance to law and order is synonymous with obedience to the law of God, argued that nobody could claim to have the fear of God if he or she does not comply to the law and order in the society advising that while fasting, Muslims should respect the law and fear Allah.

“God put in place governments to make laws for the benefit of the society; so, when we disobey laws, we disobey God and we do not have the fear of God. We are now in the month of Ramadan when we should be fasting and fearing God and we are fasting. But do we fear God?” the Governor asked.

Governor Fashola expressed dismay that while the number of places of worship

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

in the State is increasing daily, there are more crimes being committed in the society. He added, “If we respect our laws, things will be better”, noting that when Nigerians travel to Mecca for the lesser hajj and holy pilgrimages, they respect the laws in that land but refuse to do same when they arrive Nigeria.

“Today, from our records, we have over 9, 000 properties being used as places of worship. Half of that number is being used as places of business. Now, that is an interesting statistics. We are praying more but are we more God fearing?, the Governor asked He noted that Lagos was a peaceful State about 30 years ago when he was a teenager and there were fewer incidents of robbery while kidnapping and other violent crimes were not commonplace.

The governor advised Muslims to embrace peace and comply with law and order.

“Islam symbolises patience and peace. Peace is Islam. No other religion starts with peace except Islam. Islam is non-violent. Religion is good; we must respect ourselves because the way others see us is the way they will see our religion. Respect begets respect,” he added.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Mating in Ramadan •Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) AbdulRasheed Mafe with his wife Oyedoyin (left); his Coker Aguda LCDA counterpart Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe (third left); and Mrs Oluwakemi Yusuff during a Ramadan lecture organised by AbdulRasheed Mafe Quranic Foundation at Ipaja, Lagos...yesterday.

Sambo’s wife urges Muslims to shun corruption, violence

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HE wife of the VicePresident, Hajiya Namadi Sambo has urged Muslims to shun corruption and violence in the spirit of Ramadan.

She spoke at the maiden Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-LFatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) in Abuja.

Hajiya Sambo who was represented by the wife of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Hajiya Maryam Sali noted that fasting is to teach perseverance, modesty and piety.

Reiterating that Islam is a religion of peace and does not propagate violence and kill-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

ings, she assured that the “government on its part will continue to do its best to ensure lives and property of Nigerians are secured and protected.

The NASFAT Abuja Branch Chairman, Alhaji Shewudeen Giwa appealed to Nigerians across faith to work together to move the nation forward.

In his lecture entitled Ramadan: An effective instrument for behavior modification, the Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Professor AbdulGaniyu Oladosu said the real objective of fasting is to attain God-Consciousness and serve as behavior modification.

Lamenting the loss of lives and properties across the country, Prof Oladosu enjoined media to balance its report on the BokoHaram insurgence and investigate facts so as not to promote acrimony among people of different faith.

“Nobody in his right senses will kill innocent souls. We have information that there are people pretending to be Muslims, committing crime in the name of Islam. The people committing the crime could have been hired.

“Anyone who kills innocent souls deliberately will be condemned to the hell forever.

Lamenting the alarming

rate of corruption, the University Don regretted that it has become a national embarrassment, which every Nigerian should join hands in the fight against.

He urged Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan into their daily activities even at the end of the fasting.

“Ramadan fast, at this level, serves as a veritable tool for the development of several moral virtues, including, honesty, truthfulness, patience, endurance, sympathy, compassion, equality, sincerity, integrity, justice, fair play, equity, kindness and several other moral virtues.”

Mobile giant MTN offers free Hajj Trip

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TN is offering Muslim subscribers a chance to win one of the 22 tickets up for grabs in the “Trip to Hajj” Ramadan Value Added Service (VAS) package. The Ramadan VAS package, a product of the new MTN Family and Friends value offering, will see Muslim customers not only bond better at an affordable price but also have access to enriching

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

content put together to spice up the holy month.

General Manager, Consumer Marketing, Kola Oyeyemi, said the month of Ramadan is an important period of reflection for every Muslim, which MTN recognises and is using to connect to its Muslim subscribers.

“MTN is keen on connect-

ing to the passion points of its valued consumers; we recognise this as a very significant period in the lives of our Muslim customers and so we are connecting with them by making communications between them and their family and friends richer and affordable, and providing them with enriching content through Ramadan VAS,” Oyeyemi said.

The MTN Family and

Friends Ramadan campaign will give winners of its free-subscription Islamic Caller Tunes promo all expenses paid “Trip to this year’s Hajj” as part of its brand promise of enriching lives.

To be part of this package, Muslim subscribers are encouraged to subscribe and participate actively in the Ramadan VAS package.

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NE of the most important aspects of marriage is mating. It is the means of procreation of children as legitimised by consummation of marriage.

Across nations, tribes and cultures, legitimate mating serves as the lotion of love. It is also perceived as the natural balm with which to soothe the aching areas of the matrimonial conflicts.

A matrimonial home without sex is like a desert without an oasis. In Islam, sexual intercourse in the matrimonial home is so important that its constant denial by either party without any cogent reason, can lead to divorce.

Mating in Islam is not just for procreation of children. It is also a reconfirmation of love and fulfillment of nature’s promise. With matrimonial sex, paradise is attainable.

Without it, paradise is deniable.

While elucidating on the gains of Sadaqat, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once told his disciples that mating is Sadaqat if it is legitimately done. And legitimacy here means doing it with ones legitimate spouse. The prophet’s position on this is confirmed by Qur’an 2: 223 thus: “Your wives are your fields, enter them as you please...”.

Denial of matrimonial intercourse to a spouse without reason is a violation of a fundamental marital right. Even where both spouses have tested positive to HIV, intercourse should not be ruled out. And where only one of them is positive the couple should reach an understanding on how to go about sex.

In Ramadan, a couple can be as sexually active as outside Ramadan provided it is done between dusk and dawn.

However, a serious Muslim couple must regulate sexual activities even during the nights of Ramadan to make room for observance of Nafilats, Tilawah and supplications.

And, it is preferable to perform the Janabat bath before the observance of Salatus-Subh. But where necessity or circumstance makes performing of Janabat bath impossible before the day break, there is no problem. All that needs to be done is to perform it as soon as such a circumstance is over.

And that does not vitiate fasting. It is, however, assumed that no serious Muslim will ever want to indulge in any unwarranted circumstance to skip Salatus-Subh by not taking Janabat bath at the right time. Allah judges deeds by intention. Whoever claims to be a Muslim must embrace Islam totally.

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIAL

An Olympic moment for women

Sounds incredible • Could an auto dealer have released 200 new exotic cars for free?

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RDINARILY, we should support every initiative aimed at bringing peace to the African continent, especially one under the auspices of some of the continent’s most powerful women, like the African First Ladies for Peace Mission (AFLPM). President Goodluck Jonathan’s wife, Dame Jonathan, has just been re-elected to lead the body. We are however uncomfortable with the arrangement because Nigeria’s constitution has no provision for such a body. Even in the developed democracies, first ladies or their spouses go into such projects after leaving public office, when they no longer have access to public funds.

That was why Nigerians did not take kindly to a newspaper report that the Federal Government had taken delivery of 200 exotic cars ordered for use by officials of the AFLPM, for their 7th summit held in Abuja from July 24-27. According to the report, the cars, supplied by Coscharis Motors, included 80 units of BMW X3 and X5 series valued at N13.5million each, while the remaining 120 are exotic models of Honda, Jaguar and others.

Two things are infuriating here; the first is the sheer waste that the expenditure represented if the cars were actually purchased for use of the summit participants by the Federal Government; and second, under what heading would the expenditure have been captured, especially with the constitution not recognising the office of First Lady? Moreover, why would any responsible government embark on such venture at this point in time when things are not looking up for the country

economically? There was the equally germane question of what happens to the cars after the summit? From experience, they are usually auctioned at rock bottom prices to public officials and government’s cronies.

The Federal Government apparently got the message and swiftly denied any involvement in the arrangement. Dr Reuben Abati, presidential spokesman, said AFLPM is a non-governmental organisation whose ’... activities are funded by stakeholders and members of the private sector who support and identify with its objectives’’. Coscharis, according to Abati, supplied the vehicles as a way of assisting Mrs Jonathan to host the event successfully and at no cost to either the organisers or the Federal Government.

The cars would be returned to the company after the event, under an agreement signed by the committee responsible for raising funds for the summit and Coscharis Motors.

These arguments do not just add up.

So, what is in it for Coscharis as a business enterprise? Can a company release 200 brand new cars only to collect them after being used for a four-day event?

This is a motor firm reputable for selling brand new cars, not ‘fairly used’. Since the cars would be returned after being used, can the company still sell them for the price of new? Will Coscharis have agreed to such assistance were Mrs Jonathan not the president’s wife?

These and probably more questions are begging for answers. For sure, this is a magnanimity that Nigerian tax-payers would still pay for sooner or later because

Coscharis is in business to make profit.

Perhaps the only way the arrangement can be profitable to the auto dealer is not to have paid any duties on the cars or it probably paid by far less what it ought to pay.

This is one explanation Abati’s denial did not address. Either way, the government would have lost some revenue, at least to the tune of the duties that were probably not paid or underpaid. If this were so, we dare say that the fact that there was no direct exchange of cash in the transaction did not necessarily mean the government did not pay.

Whatever duties the country had lost to the arrangement is the cost that the Federal Government, and, by extension the country, has paid for those cars. The government should clear the air on this waiver question. Such a deal could not have been free; not even in Freetown.

‘These arguments do not just add up. So, what is in it for Coscharis as a business enterprise? Can a company release 200 brand new cars only to collect them after being used for a four-day event? This is a motor firm reputable for selling brand new cars, not ‘fairly used’. Since the cars would be returned after being used, can the company still sell them for the price of new? Will Coscharis have agreed to such assistance were Mrs Jonathan not the president’s wife?’

No excuse

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•Lagos State govt should make sure that its light rail project sees the light of day

HERE is no doubt that the N70billion Lagos State light rail project would be one of the most impactful projects the state will ever have. And the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola seems serious on seeing the project through.

The ambitious venture is designed as a high capacity, electrically powered rail mass transit system. According to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which is supervising the scheme, the light rail project would comprise a network of seven rail lines, namely, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple, Brown and Orange.

However, four years after the contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), work is behind schedule, with the project still in the first phase of construction. The

‘When the line is, hopefully, completed, there is no doubt that it would be a welcome blessing to commuters who travel on public transport in Lagos and who daily contend with transport headaches. The rail line would expectedly complement road transport which remains the major mode of transport in the state’

scheme has been disappointingly delayed by reviews and shifting deadlines.

The 27.5km Blue Line, which is to run from Marina to Okokomaiko and constitutes the first phase of the project, is now scheduled for completion in 2015 as only the first eight kilometres of the rail line is expected to be completed this year, that is, from Mile 2 to the National Theatre.

According to LAMATA, the Blue Line would have 13 stations, with the end-toend journey time approximated at 35 minutes. Most of the route will be on the surface, running east-west, in the central reservation of the rebuilt 10-lane Badagry Expressway between Igbo-Elerin Road (Okokomaiko) and Iganmu. The line will run on elevated structure from Iganmu along the south side of the expressway, passing the junction with Eric Moore Road, crossing just south of the National Theatre to Iddo, then south to Lagos Island, with a terminal at Marina. The line will operate over a secure and exclusive right-of-way, with no level crossings and no uncontrolled access by pedestrians or vehicles.

The construction setback is reportedly connected with funding difficulties, which the state government will have to overcome to keep the plan on course.

There can be no excuse for failure to realise the laudable vision. However, the alleged dearth of state funds is only one dimension of the challenges that may hinder the project. Apart from the administration’s required financial commitment, the success of the project is also

dependent on the provision of rolling stock by the concessionaire that would operate the line.

Under the plan, the state government is expected to sign a concession agreement with a private contractor that would provide the railway equipment, including electric power, signalling, rolling stock and fare collection equipment. Although the proposed involvement of the private sector in the operation of the line is likely to boost its efficiency, that stage of the project is still in the future and uncertain.

When the line is, hopefully, completed, there is no doubt that it would be a welcome blessing to commuters who travel on public transport in Lagos and who daily contend with transport headaches. The rail line would expectedly complement road transport which remains the major mode of transport in the state. Imagine how far rail transport can go in easing transport difficulties in the state when all the planned seven rail lines are eventually completed and the number of people that it would provide employment for.

While the Lagos light rail network is an excellent idea that should be pursued to a logical conclusion, we however urge the government to also give serious consideration to improving water transport in the state which proudly bears the appellation “State of Aquatic Splendour” because of an abundance of water. There is an urgent need to exploit the available waterways for the benefit of commuters in the megacity.

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HOUGH there’s much work to be done, these are the first Games in which all of the more than 200 participating countries have sent female athletes to compete.

The official opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics took place Friday in London, but the Games have already made history: This is the first Olympics in which all of the more than 200 participating countries have sent female athletes to compete. The U.S. team has more women than men for the first time — 269 female athletes to 261 men.

The countries of Brunei, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are fielding female athletes, something they have never done. In a dramatic last-minute turnaround, Saudi Arabia is permitting two women to compete — one in judo and another as an 800-meter runner. Saudi Arabia has been rightly criticized for failing to offer women opportunities to play and compete in sports, as outlined in a recent report by Human Rights Watch.

One of Qatar’s female athletes, air-rifle shooter Bahiya al Hamad, will carry the flag for her country at the opening of the Games.

The world’s top-ranked female saber fencer, Mariel Zagunis, will carry the U.S. flag.

These are huge accomplishments for women and for the International Olympic Committee, which has aggressively promoted the inclusion of women in general and which lobbied the Saudis in particular.

Muslim women from various countries will run, shoot and scull, among other endeavors, and they will be allowed to do so in athletic clothing that still hews to the modest dress required by their religion.

Some of these women are competing by virtue of invitation from the IOC or the governing bodies of their sports. They did not all qualify by winning an array of trial competitions. But that’s part of encouraging countries that have either been resistant to sending women or done little to foster them in competitive sports.

The work is not completely done. Women still need better access to competitive sports in many places in the world, so that in the future they won’t need a helping hand to participate in the Olympics. The subject of attire should not be a stumbling block. Soccer’s governing body last year forbade women, out of safety concerns, to wear head scarves — forcing the Iranian women’s soccer team to give up a chance at qualifying for this year’s Games. Since then, that rule has been changed.

However, clothing continues to be controversial: The International Judo Federation announced Thursday that because of safety concerns, it would not allow female athletes to wear head scarves, which poses a potential problem for the Saudi contestant. And there is a legal battle to allow women to participate in canoeing, which inexplicably remains closed to them in the Olympics.

Still, the presence of women from every country at the Summer Olympics is something to celebrate, even before any medals are bestowed.

– Los Angeles Times

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: One of the key promises, responsibility and challenge of any government is the provision and maintenance of sustainable employment for her citizens. This is even more critical with the need to increase internally generated revenues through taxes and levies which can only be paid by gainfully employed citizens.

Since the global economic meltdown and subsequent crash of the stock market worldwide, there has been serious erosion of employment in the private sector requiring governments to become more innovative in order to create employment for her citizens. This is evident in Nigeria with governments resorting to ad hoc methods of creating employment through issuance of soft loans (nonperforming in most cases as citizens consider these loans their ‘share of the national cake’) to citizens setting up SMEs (or ‘empowerment’ programs), expansion of their civil service personnel bases (DLAs, lower cadre staff with no clear responsibilities), etc. These have created increased recurrent expenditure, leaving little for capital projects, with states and federal government resorting to borrowing to fund capital projects, with the overall impact being that

states now operate ‘from hand to mouth’ with consequent increase in general impoverishment of the citizens and the final end being, inevitably, a crash in government finances.

There is now urgent need for a more innovative, radical and pragmatic approach to be applied to employment creation with a view to ensuring that citizens of the country and states are gainfully and sustainably employed with positive impact on government finances and delivery of the social contract.

A proposed approach presented here requires government to link employment creation and sustenance to budget allocation to ministries. In this approach, one of the key criteria for selection of projects presented by ministries for budget allocation and execution in any fiscal year is the volume and

IR: The impetuous move by the House of Representatives to enact a law that would enable members to enjoy pensions and gratuity, as reported on page 3 in the P.M. News of Wednesday, July 18, is a calculated attempt to invite anarchy and social cataclysm that would worsen the already deepening security problem facing us as a nation. Our nation is presently groping under the Boko Haram insurgency. It is also grappling to come to terms with the loud and constant clamour by Nigerians for amendment to the 1999 constitution to pave way for the legislature in Nigeria to be on part-time basis at the three levels of governance in Nigeria.

The bitter truth is that the polity is already over-heated through the astonishing exhibition of untold greed and glaring selfish instincts on the part of the lawmakers. This is manifested through the granting of unmerited jumbo pay and allow-

ances to themselves at the expense of the millions of the povertystricken masses who presently have no hope of enjoying the three basic needs of food, shelter and housing, and the unemployed able-bodied graduates who are aimlessly roaming about on the streets without any ray of hope of getting jobs.

The members should reason with the views expressed by the First Republic Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide in an interview granted Tell magazine and published on pages 44 and 45 in the paper’s edition of July 12, 2010. He lamented that “in most African countries, people in public office use the system only to their own advantage and at the detriment of the majority” and that “today, in many African countries, governance is now synonymous with treasury looting”. In concluding the interview, the sage noted that there is need for lawmakers in the country to be asked how much they had

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How to create sustainable employment for citizens quality of DIRECT employment that the project will create for the citizens in the course of execution.

In order words, projects that shall create more and sustainable employment or maintain existing employment opportunities for the citizens shall be given more priority, after due consideration of value additional to the overall bottom-line which is the provision of social services and infrastructure to the citizens.

This approach requires that the Ministry of Labor takes inventory of all unemployed citizens including their qualification/ training and experience. These shall be catalogued in a database by state and local government area at the Federal level, by Local Government Area at the State level and by towns at the Local Government Area.

Each project originating department in the ministries

prepare a personnel requirements list for each of their projects and submit together with their project detailed scope of work A Work Study Department is established in each ministry. This department shall have a responsibility of reviewing the total personnel requirements (PERQ) for each project, optimize same and catalogue by discipline, experience required, etc The Executive Councils use the PERQ as a criterion for determining the viability and approval of the submitted projects, after verification, assessment and approval by a dedicated team.

All Ministries submit the PERQ together with their approved project detailed work scope and duration to the Ministry of Labor at the beginning of the budget cycle.

The Ministry of Labor shall match the PERQ with the Database of

Move to grant lawmakers pensions wrong

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before they got there and how much they are worth now.

The bitter truth is that majority of lawmakers are only idling away in Abuja, in the 36 states capitals and in the 774 local government headquarters nationwide. Any move to further continue in undue compensation of idleness under the guise of serving the people will meet with

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stiff resistance. It is hoped that the members of the House of Representative will see their move on granting of undeserving pension and gratuity to themselves as an exercise in futility and an act of kite flying that is meant to take the people for granted.

• Odunayo Joseph Iju-Ishaga, Lagos

unemployed and require ALL contractors and direct intervention agencies to employ from matched list as first resort. Personnel shall only be resourced from outside the list in the event that there are no matches At the end of each annual cycle, all projects that are completed/ terminate in the year ended are itemized and the personnel released are returned to the state’s unemployed basket/database. They shall compete for employment for state project jobs with other unemployed people in the new budget year.

During the course of their employment, the employers shall place the employees in contributory pension schemes to ensure that employees do not work without pensions after many years as a result of actualization.

Ongoing projects that have passed through this process are given priority in each budget cycle.

Some of the benefits of this approach include the creation of employment that is sustainable and measurable, the boosting of the capability and employability of citizens through the on the job experience, the raising of IGR through taxes and the availability of basket of funds for infrastructural development through contributory pension scheme funds. It also leads to reduced loss of public funds through non-performing loans and non-value adding ‘empowerment’ programmes.

Governments at all levels are encouraged to review and adopt this approach.

• Omonigho Eguono Idugboe Estate, Ogunu, Delta State.

Amosun must hear this!

IR: I wish to kindly request the Ogun State government under His Excellency Governor Ibikunle Amosun to come to the aid of the alumni of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

After five years of graduating from the noble institution, one will be shocked and embarrassed by the shabby treatment one is subjected to at the institution. To get your certificate or educational transcript, you will be requested to tender 100 Level to final year school fees receipts. If you cannot

provide them, you will be compelled to pay for them all over again.

This is absurd! Nowhere in the world’s higher institutions is an alumni subjected to such kind of embarrassing treatment. I will urge the state government to invite the EFCC and ICPC into this matter. The information gathered was that some set of person(s) owed the institution. I ask; is it still not the staff that connived with some students to defraud the institution?

Where are these set of person(s)?

And how much have been recovered so far from them?

The alumni’s needs to be spared from further degrading treatment.

Every financial misappropriation at the bursary department during the era of Prof. Soyode till this present date should be investigated thoroughly. And those involved should be forced to face the full wrath of the law.

• Ifeanyi Chukwu.

Gwarimpa, FCT- Abuja.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

COMMENTS

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LEEPING sickness is the scourge of sub-Saharan Africa where, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), an estimated 50 million people and 48 million cattle are at risk of contracting the disease. The disease, caused by blood parasites, is spread through the bite of the fly, commonly called tsetse fly. It affects both humans and animals, particularly cattle.

The disease in humans causes fevers, convulsions, coma, and even death if left untreated. Because the initial symptoms resemble malaria, it’s often not detected early enough, and the drugs used to treat the second stage of sleeping sickness can be toxic enough to kill the patient. Two types of the disease occur in humans, namely, the Gambian Sleeping Sickness, generally a chronic and wasting disease, confined almost predominantly to Central and West Africa and the Rhodesian Sleeping Sickness, a rapidly fatal disease, found mostly in eastern and southern Africa.

The disease in animals, particularly cattle, called Nagana, has similar symptoms to those of humans apart from convulsions. In both humans and livestock, the disease manifests in ill-health, shortage of farm labour, food insecurity and rural poverty. One of the worst characteristics of poverty is its tendency to self-perpetuate.

Beyond its impact on humans and livestock is its impact on African agriculture and the livelihood of the rural population in the affected countries. The fly and the disease influence where people decide to live, how they manage their livestock and the intensity and the mix of crop agriculture.

The combined effects result in changes in land use and environment which may, in turn, affect human welfare and increase the vulnerability of agricultural activity.

In Nigeria the situation is particularly alarming. Here, the tsetse fly population is so widespread it is estimated to cover about 80 percent of the country’s total area. Much of this land is suitable for both crop and livestock production but it is rendered unusable by the deadly pest. This, in turn, has a negative impact on the country’s ability to produce enough food, making hunger and malnutrition a sad but present reality.

Land reclamation from tsetse fly commenced during the colonial era when the major concern was human Sleeping Sickness, so that at independence in 1960, the battle against sleeping sickness in humans and in livestock, mainly in the northern part of the country, was half-won. While the postcolonial era brought its challenges, the battle against sleeping sickness and livestock trypanosomosis remained a priority concern.

Thus, between 1955 and 1978, Nigeria carried out easily the most successful tsetse campaign (in terms of size and level of success) in Africa, with over 200,000 sq km of tsetse infested country cleared of the pest by ground spraying and helicopter. This feat was achieved because the campaign was well-organised, enabling crop and livestock farmers to thrive and expand into areas previously denied them because of

O

NE major challenge facing our country today is our wanton disregard for Law and Order. Everywhere, people behave selfishly and take laws into their hands as if there are no rules guiding us, thus gradually turning our society into a banana republic. A lawless society is a depressing place to live because it is a place completely without decorum. Unfortunately, in Nigeria there is law only that there are more law-breakers than the law. For any society to attain required socio-political advancement, there must be strict adherence to law and order. No one can possibly fail to see the lawlessness that pervades our society from the highest levels of government to the lowliest slum-dwellers in the great cities. Lawlessness screams out at us in every news report. The recent scenario in which Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) apprehended Colonel K. Yusuf and a sergeant, both of the Nigerian Army, while driving on the dedicated BRT lane at the outer Marina, Lagos, epitomizes the typical Nigerian’s disdain for law and order.

Lack of civic sense is prevalent across all sections of our society. People urinate and defecate in public places with reckless abandon. They vandalize and steal public property with impunity. They have unbelievable negative traffic sense. They damage road medians as if to show that it is not needed.

Blockage of drainage system with refuse when it rains is another thing that binds many people together. Excavation is done indiscriminately and carelessly. The list of anti-social and unpatriotic attitude of our people is endless. In fact, there is general disregard for the law of the land. Yet, at every given opportunity, we blame government for virtually every problem in the land.

What is intriguing in all these is that the same people that perpetrate or keep silent when public property is vandalized or stolen are the same that condemn government whenever the effect of their conduct bounces back at them. Shouldn’t it be clear to everybody when PHCN cables are vandalized that long days of power outage has been courted? What do we expect when in contravention of environmental law, we build structures on drainage channels and indiscriminately dump refuse inside street drains if not flood?

It is perhaps a tragedy that we allow our lack of civic sense to harm ourselves.

What about our sanitary habit? Many people seem not to understand that the quality of our lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of the environment which we inhabit. Many still seem not to comprehend that the environment which we inhabit, like kola in Igbo culture, is life. Or how else can we explain the attitude of our people who persistently make their living abodes unhygienic and inhospitable environment? It is still common to see people throwing things out on the highways from their cars. Travelling in commercial buses even gives one a more panoramic view of things. On our streets, stagnant gutters still occupy

Surmounting the challenge of Sleeping Sickness

By Professor Albert A. Ilemobade the threat of tsetse fly. In 2003, tsetse were still absent from reclaimed areas due to environmental changes – expanding human population and agricultural activities.

Unfortunately, Nigeria relaxed its reclamation work and many of the areas reclaimed from tsetse has reverted to infested areas with resurgence of the disease not only of livestock, particularly cattle, but also humans, especially in new areas where, previously, Gambian sleeping sickness was not a threat, namely in Delta State. Because the acute form of sleeping sickness, the Rhodesian type, does not exist in Nigeria, the approach to control is by case detection and treatment.

Because of the toxic nature of the drug in use and the need for long-term treatment, patients who are sick with sleeping sickness tend to be unable to stand the drug treatment regimen, dropping out midway in the treatment process. Apart from this drawback is the stigma associated with a disease that many ignorant people regard as incurable and capable of being passed from one person to another by contact when, in fact, this is untrue.

Most efforts to control Nagana used by farmers focus on treating livestock with trypanocidal drugs, either as a treatment for sleeping sickness or as a preventative measure.

These drugs can cure the disease, but they don’t always stop miscarriages or raise an animal’s productivity level back to normal. Plus, using drugs too often can cause the parasite to develop a resistance, which has already begun to appear in most areas of the country.

Farmers can also use traps and targets which reduce the tsetse fly population density, but this requires deployment of thousands of traps to cover a region. This is expensive, especially when so many traps are stolen or destroyed by fires. Farmers are encouraged to use insecticide pour-ons, sprays and dips on their livestock, but these are short-term solutions which must be repeated frequently. Many farmers don’t apply the insecticides consistently and with the necessary frequency, which leaves any exposed animals vulnerable to the bite of tsetse flies and, therefore the disease.

Recently, the Federal Government voted a substantial amount of money to kick-start the resuscitation of the tsetse reclamation campaign, under the PATTEC (Programme Against Tsetse Fly and Trypanosomiasis Campaign), an initiative of the African Union (AU) designed to rid the continent of Africa of the menace of tsetse fly and trypanosomosis.

Experience has shown, however, that no single technology

or approach will result in a sustained removal of tsetse flies from an area. The Nigerian government must make its efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate Nagana a priority— and quickly. An integrated, countrywide approach with sufficient funds to sustain it is needed. Recognizing that government resources and manpower are limited, systematic approaches and sequencing of priorities will be key to success.

Proper training of farmers is also integral to success. Farmers need to know what control options are available and how to use them effectively. They should be encouraged to keep their livestock in pens whenever possible to reduce the animals’ exposure to tsetse flies and other pests. Farm families should be taught how to distinguish a tsetse fly from a less harmful species, and they need to understand that sleeping sickness can and should be treated by a doctor.

Sleeping sickness can be reduced in Nigeria. In some parts of Africa it has even been eliminated. The success recorded in eliminating the tsetse fly in some parts of Africa gives hope that it can also be done in Nigeria.

A successful eradication program was completed in 1997 on the island of Zanzibar in East Africa. Following a threeyear fly-suppression campaign followed by release of sterile insects, the tsetse flies were eradicated and no case of sleeping sickness has since been reported on the island. A study, six years after eradication, found that milk production had tripled, local beef production had doubled and the use of animal manure for crop farming had increased fivefold.

Similarly, on the Loos Islands off the coast of Guinea, an integrated eradication campaign was launched in 2006 and, today, the tsetse fly population has been reduced to nondetectable levels. Likewise, a recent success story has come from Botswana in which country has been successful in clearing the tsetse fly from the Okavango Delta region, using sequential aerial application of low dosage, non-residual insecticides as aerosols. A similar approach has also achieved some success in the Caprivi area of Namibia based on a joint venture campaign.

While the road may be long and hard, Nigeria should aspire to be more like Zanzibar, Loos Islands and Botswana — nations with healthy citizens, robust and productive livestock, and a plentiful supply of nutritious food that will be natural outcomes if the tsetse fly problem is eliminated.

•Professor Ilemobade is an expert in the area of Sleeping Sickness of man and animals. manner.

When lawlessness rules in society

By Lateef Ibirogba pride of place next to conveniently-located food hawkers – all the easier for garbage disposal. Even some of the fanciest areas are not exempted from this culture of disregard for the environment– “pure water” sachets, bottles and unofficial garbage dumps circle the gated walls of posh homes and wellmanicured lawns. Despite the availability of civilized options for waste disposal as provided by Lagos Waste Management Authority and its other PSP partners, Lagosians still turn canals; streams and drainages into refuse dumping sites. It is so bad that while it is raining, people come out to toss their refuse into the flowing water body.

This dirty habit is not justifiable in a state where the government is doing so much on environmental sanitation. It is detrimental to our common good. It is certain no one has ever died from walking around with a banana peel or pure water sachet in their pocket or car until it could conveniently be disposed of!

Despite efforts being put in place to sanitise the environment, some still prefer to continue to live in the past as they still get involved in actions capable of frustrating government’s investment in the sector. For instance, many houses in areas like Ajegunle in Ikorodu (where there were cases of cholera recently), Amukoko, Orile Iganmu, Ijora Badia, Ajegunle in Ajeromi and Idi Araba in Mushin are lacking toilet facilities. In some houses, septic tanks are channelled directly into the drain! The question is, if cleanliness is next to Godliness as the saying goes, where does that leave us? Ultimately, the responsibility for making Lagos liveable rests on the state government and the people.

In almost every sector of the state, there are clear cut manifestations of tendencies by the people to bend rules and break laws. For instance, the state government’s stance on the issue of noise pollution level permitted in the state is clear and has been communicated to all stakeholders in the state. The level of noise allowed in the state is between 55 decibel during the day and 42 to 45 decibel at night. But, it is sad that worship places, music vendors, and other individuals and organisations flout the state’s noise pollution law at will.

On its part, the state government has demonstrated sufficient proof to drive home its zero-tolerance for noise pollution in the state. Indeed, it is on record that the present administration has pointed the way forward in this regard by discouraging the use of siren among all political office holders.

The governor of the state, Mr. Fashola (SAN) does not make use of siren and neither does his convoy drive against traffic nor beat traffic light as okada riders and some motorists still

do with reckless abandon.

As a government that is passionate about strict adherence to law and order, the Lagos State government is persuaded, beyond reasonable doubt, that no concrete development could take place in a lawless and chaotic environment. Economic prosperity and social development cannot take place where rights and wrongs are not determined in a fair, transparent and efficient manner. There can be no real socio-economic advancement where lawlessness and disorderliness reign supreme. It is in view of this that the administration has been in the vanguard of moral and ethical re-engineering in the country.

However, for the effort of the state government, in terms of the preservation of law and order in the society to be effective, all stakeholders in the polity must contribute their own quota. Maintenance of law and order becomes tedious and complicated when the people are notorious for breaking laws.

It is now time for us to move from being a people who do not take law and order seriously. There is no point in passing the buck. We should stop the blame game. If we are to fulfil our potentials as a nation, we have to collectively change our orientation. We have to change our value system. Everyone has to play his part well. The way forward is for every one of us to have a rethink. If some are building and others are pulling down, the building will definitely collapse. No matter what happens, this is the only country that we can call our own.

It doesn’t matter where we are, we can get to where we ought to be if we are determined to build a new nation that will be the toast of coming generations. As Governor Fashola has demonstrated by apprehending the erring soldiers, all we need is a strong resolve to shun evil and embrace goodness. God bless Nigeria.

• Ibirogba is Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

‘What about our sanitary habit?

Many people seem not to understand that the quality of our lives as human beings is substantially a reflection of the quality of the environment which we inhabit’

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

22

COMMENTS

F

REEDOM of Information legislations comprise of laws that guarantee access to data held by the state. They set out a “right to-know” legal process by which requests may be made for government-held information to be received freely or at minimal cost barring standard exceptions.

Variously referred to as open records or sunshine laws, they make it binding for governments to publish and promote openness.

The FOI Act is a relatively new legislation in Nigeria as the harmonized version of it was passed into law by both chambers of the National Assembly in May 26, 2011 and assented to by President Jonathan on May 28, 2011. Before then, the bill had suffered set backs as the Obasanjo regime showed remarkable unwillingness to have it passed into law. The art of exercising power and decision-making for a group of people is generally referred to as governance. “Good governance” is often used to describe the desired objective of a nation-state’s political development (Wikipedia).

The United Nations listed the major characteristics of good governance as: Good governance is in short, anti-corruption whereas authority and its institutions are accountable, effective and efficient, participatory, transparent, responsive, consensus-oriented and equitable.

World leaders at their 2005 World summit concluded that good governance is integral to economic growth, the eradication of poverty and hunger and sustainable development. For good governance to exist both in theory and practice, citizens must be empowered to participate in meaningful ways in the decision-making process.

Is there any correlation between the implementation of the Freedom of Information legislation in nation-states and the promotion of good governance? There is no doubt that both the Freedom of Information Act and good governance are inexorably two sides of the same coin. One gives effect to the other.

Public access to state-held information promotes openness and accountability in governance thus ensuring that public resources are deployed for the promotion of public good.

By holding leaders accountable, the overall desire for economic development is more meaningfully achieved.

Given the characteristics of good governance listed by the United Nations such as its capacity to promote anti-corruption, making

A

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

FOI Act and good governance authority and its institutions accountable and participatory- values that tally with the leitmotif for the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, the purpose of governance is better served where the FOI legislation is operationally very effective. It is inconceivable to have good governance where there are no laws that compel those in authority to be accountable to the people for their actions or inactions; where they refuse the ruled access to state held information or where there is secrecy in the conduct of government business. The FOI Act is a necessary condition for good governance more so, in developing countries like Nigeria that have over the years been held down by the debilitating cankerworm of corruption, inefficiency and abuse of office. Lack of accountability, accentuated by the absence of information on the conduct of government affairs not only breeds corruption but has the net effect of making governance an end unto itself rather than a means to the promotion of public good.

Central to these is the social contract theory as enunciated by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Rousseau. The theory visualizes government and governance as a form of reciprocity or social exchange between the rulers and the ruled. It held that man, in medieval ages, got dissatisfied with the atavism of the state of nature where life had become nasty, short and brutish. Disgusted with such an uncertain state of affairs, medieval people decided to surrender some of the freedom they hitherto en-

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on record to have taken several decisions that did not go down well with his adversaries and admirers alike.

Most of these decisions initially attract public and private criticism and condemnation maybe because those doing so did not see the reasons for taking such decisions by the leader.

Some of these actions included the long drawn battle with the then President Olusegun Obasanjo over creation additional local government areas in Lagos state. There was also the adoption of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) as his successor and rejection of AD accord with Obasanjo during the 2003 elections among others.

In the count-down to 2003 elections after the murder of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) leader and minister for justice, Chief Ajibola Ige, Obasanjo felt the coast was clear for him to capture AD territory in the South West but realised that it would not be an easy task. He came round to beg Afenifere leaders to accept him as one of their own. Like the father of the biblical prodigal son, they accepted his pleadings thinking that he is a changed man without considering the yet unresolved murder of their leader which he promised to look into to bring the culprits to book.

This homecoming came at time he was about to breach the alleged one-term tenure agreement with northern oligarchy led by Ibrahim Babangida who imposed him as stop-gap settlement against South-west anger over the annulled June 12 1993 elections won by MKO Abiola.

It was not difficult for Obasanjo to win over Afenifere leaders who had in 1999 betrayed Bola Ige to install Olu Falae as AD presidential candidate of the party formed and registered by the former. They felt that Cicero of Esa-Oke will be hard nut for them to crack. However the foxy Owu born General turned out to be leopard that can never change his skin; he did not only stab the AD and Afenifere leaders at the back but succeeded in putting them into political oblivion that both organisations never recovered from the devastating effect of their unholy alliance.

While arrangement was concluded to give their “son” full support in his presidential bid by not fielding a candidate for that post, he reneged on his promise when he deceitfully overran five of the six AD controlled states except Lagos State under Tinubu who distanced himself from the alliance and did not give Obasanjo a slim chance to capture his domain.

He refused to campaign for the PDP presidential candidate.

Through this “rebellious” act against Afenifere leaders and his co-party governors, he emerged one man standing as all of them were swept off by Obasanjo tsunami. It was then they appreciated what Asiwaju foresaw but it was too late for most of them to recover.

Before this time Asiwaju Tinubu had refused to reverse the newly created local government areas in Lagos despite the

joyed to a sovereign who will in turn exercise power in trust for them and offer them protection. It involves rights, duties and obligations. Social contract theorists have this as the basis for the foundation of modern states. The heuristic purport of this philosophical construct is that government was never original as it was instituted by the people for their own well-being. Having instituted modern governance framework, the people still retained the power of the ultimate sovereign, a conceptualization that foresees power-withdrawal in case of betrayal of trust.

If they elected their representatives who hold power in trust for them, they must have a way of holding them accountable for their actions. This purpose is best served through periodic elections.

Conceived this way, both good governance and Freedom of Information legislations have their origin and derive their impetus from the underlying theory guiding the evolution of modern governance- the social contract theory. Thus, the role of the Freedom of Information Act in accentuating good governance can be better contextualized.

What has been the Nigerian experience? It is one thing to have a good piece of legislation and a different kettle of fish for the said legislation to achieve desired results in a given setting.

Off course, a dutiful implementation of

the Act could lead to a substantial reduction in the corruption ravaging the country. By establishing the right of citizens to access or request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution (article 2.1) and the right to institute proceedings in court to compel any public institution to comply with the provisions of the Act (article 3) the ground norms for good governance have already been established. However, records on the actual testing of the Act have been largely scanty. But in May, Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade cried out about the inability of the office of the President to respond to inquiries the centre forwarded seeking information on some issues pertaining to that office. He said that the Centre had during the President’s electioneering campaigns documented certain promises made by the President and sought to know how far they have kept faith with them one year after. But the time frame allowed by the Act expired and no word was heard from that office. Till date, it will be surprising if anything has come out of that inquiry. This singular case captures very poignantly the type of hurdles we may be facing getting the provisions of the Act complied with by public officers. And when that happens, the Act will turn out another piece of legislation that has been bugged down by the Nigerian factor- euphemism for subverting internationally recognized best practices. Transparency International in its 2011 corruption perception for 183 countries of the world rated Nigeria 143 out of the 183 surveyed. It said that between 2010 and 2011, Nigeria’s position declined by nine places, scoring 2.4 from a possible scale of 10, which indicates that efforts at reducing corruption have been inadequate.

Cases of corruption have become a serious embarrassment to the nation. What all these instruct is that we must reinvigorate and pursue more decisively the full implementation of the tenets of the FOI Act. We must compel the government and all its agencies to obey the Act. With this, even development and the promotion of public good through the eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease will commence in earnest.

• Excerpts from a paper presented at a Retreat of the Senate Press corps held at the weekend in Umuahia, Abia State.

Suppose Tinubu had budged?

By Tunde Oyeleke pressure and intimidation from President Obasanjo with subtle blackmail aided by his supposed leaders who aligned with Obasanjo despite the Supreme Court ruling against the seizure of local government funds. Obasanjo did not obey the ruling till he left office. It took the administration of President Umaru Yar’Adua to give effect to the ruling when he ordered the release of the backlog of withheld entitlement to Fashola’s administration that succeeded Asiwaju Tinubu. Again, his critics appreciated his “stubbornness”.

Obasanjo would meet his match in Asiwaju Tinubu who beat him hands down anytime he attempted to invade his territory and force him to retreat and surrender.

When he was about to complete his second term in office and time to elect his successor, most of his associates particularly notable ones who have been with him for long in the field and trenches during the NADECO days in the struggles for the revalidation of June 12 elections showed interest. He settled for the relatively less known Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who had worked closely with him as Chief of Staff. Then the hell was let loose as some threatened to abandon and work with the opposition if he did not change his mind. He maintained his stand and some, including his deputy governor became flag bearers of opposition parties. Not only were they resoundingly defeated at the poll, most them joined their forbearers in the political Siberia while those who repented their folly and came back retained their erstwhile post of confidence and trust.

With the demise of Afenifere and Alliance for Democracy(AD) after the 2003 elections, Asiwaju Tinubu discarded the factionalised elders of the organisation by empowering the younger generation to handle the Renewed Afenifere Group while he opted out of the carcass of AD to form Action Congress (AC) to contest in the 2007 elections.

His loyal confidants who had been tested and proven their worth under his pan-Yoruba administration in Lagos and those with him during NADECO days were sent as foot-soldiers to their respective states to campaign and contest for various offices.

The PDP violently rigged against the party in Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Ogun states and against Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State. Tinubu immediately commenced legal battles to retrieve all the stolen mandates for his party and other parties who requested for its assistance. One after the other AC started to recover the states, First in Edo State; then he helped Labour Party to retrieve Ondo State for Mimiko from the PDP. Then Ekiti State after “rererun” of Ido-Osi and Ayokagate fell back to

Dr Kayode Fayemi. The battle for recovery of stolen mandate in the state of Osun was fiercest and longest which could be likened to Kiriji war of Igbajo in the era of inter tribal wars in Yorubaland in the 19th century. It took three and half years before “David” Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola could floor “Goliath” Olagunsoye Oyinlola. What made it the most painful cut was that it happened at a time that PDP felt they had got away with the electoral robbery for good and Iyiola Omisore was preparing to take over from Oyinlola. The battle which was settled in Ilorin had President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami and judiciary as victim because PDP with conglomeration of retired and serving Generals, could not believe a “bloody” civilian like Tinubu with his small “army” could not only stand up against but defeat the mighties including most feared Obasanjo.

Now what would have happened to our nascent democracy if Tinubu had not stood up against Obasanjo in his attempt to capture the whole country and put everybody and institution under his feet? What would have happened if he had conformed to erstwhile Afenifere leaders to sell out the South-west for pot of porridge and there was no man standing? Imagine what would have been happening today if PDP is in control of six states of South-west and Edo State.

What would have happened to Lagos State if PDP led by Bode George is ruling Lagos State or Tinubu succumbed to intimidation and blackmail by not anointing Fashola as his successor? Will Lagos be a success and reference point as it is today? Or if he had not supported Segun Mimiko, an orphan of LP to retrieve his stolen mandate?

What if he had not sent committed and tested hands like Fayemi to Ekiti; what will the state look like under Segun Oni? Without a warrior and reformer like Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun, what will state look like under Omisore as governor? Imagine Oyato Alao-Akala serving his second term in Oyo State. Without the more tutored and refined Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the pace-setter state would almost have degenerated to the state of anarchy.

If Tinubu had not successfully fought and won previous battles, would he be in position as opposition leader, to influence the appointment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives against the choice of the ruling party?

Without Tinubu, the PDP would have been in total control of Nigeria. The nation would have degenerated into a state of anarchy which would have hastened the inevitable violent change if they insist on not making peaceful change possible • Oyeleke is ACN coordinator in Barcelona-Spain

NATION SPORT MONDAY JULY 30,2012

25

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

ISSUES

Why aviation investment is elusive UNTIL the Federal Government creates an enabling environment by addressing some major challenges, its efforts to woo investors to the aviation sector, will remain sheer illusion.

- Page 26

Capital rules hinder banks’ growth NEW capital rules may hinder Nigerian banks’ expansion plans, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) limits how financial institutions use local funds abroad and other African countries tighten requirements for foreign lenders.

- Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Minister of Finance

THE CEO

A question on market’s integrity - P. 27 News Briefing

The reserves stand at $36.37 billion, but our target is $50 billion by the end of the year. With the volatility in oil prices and the uncertain growth in the rest of the world, we need to. At it stands, Nigeria does not have sufficient buffers.

‘Global size of non-interest banking is over $1 trillion’ - P. 32

NNPC okays 14 insurers for N73b account T HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has appointed 14 indigenous insurance brokers to handle its business this year. The deal is said to be worth about $467million (N73 billion).

This is as against the 34 local brokers the corporation hired last year.

President, Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Tunde Oguntade, who confirmed these appointments, however, said that it fell below brokers’ expectation.

He said the insurers had expected that more local firms would be appointed by the corporation in line with the Local Content law.

By Chuks Udo Okonta

Oguntade called on the government to encourage the participation of more brokers in the NNPC deal owing to the large volume and value of the corporation’s business.

He said: “One cannot say the appointment is healthy looking at the Local Content Act, but what can one do? They (NNPC) have the right to appoint; it is only the government, who is their employer that can decide if what they have done is in order. Ideally, they should have accommodated more brokers given the value of money involved in the business.”

He noted that to meet the 70 per cent provided by the Local Content Act for brokers, those

who were denied opportunities in the past have strengthened their operations.

Oguntade said only 34 out of 572 brokers were appointed for the business last year, adding that though the number was low, it created opportunity for the brokers to acquire knowledge on the workings of the oil and gas business.

He said: “After signing the Local Content Act last year, the NNPC appointed 34 brokers to handle their businesses.

This was welcomed by the operators. At least, the 34 brokers learnt some new things and developments in the market and we are hoping that next year, more would benefit. This would boost our capacity building and growth. Underwriters locally too, now have

a very good share of the market. We are looking at 70 per cent as stated in the law. That means that the 70 per cent premium that used to go outside the country in the past, now have to be with local underwriters. This would enable the underwriters to improve their capacity, train, source good rate and do corporate social responsibilities.”

He noted that the participation of brokers and underwriters in the oil and gas business would help develop the insurance industry and enable operators engage in activities such as corporate social responsibilities, which is not common within the industry. He said banks do engage in such act because of the large funds at their disposal.

- Page 26

‘Few players good for industry’

- Page 39 DATA STREAM

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% 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

Interbank rates fall on budget inflows

I

REDUCTION of players may be the panacea for the growth of the industry, The Nation has learnt.

Investigation has showed that the high level of unethical practices in the industry stemmed from too many players chasing few businesses.

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

“Brokers have been attending trainings. A number of brokers were in Dubai for oil and gas seminar. Within Nigeria, we had about four local training and seminars and individuals have been partnering with foreign firms to learn and facilitate their knowledge of the oil and gas industry.

“People are taking personal development drives and they are also using the industrial opportunities such as seminars organised by NAICOM, NCRIB, HSBC and other avenues. Brokers are learning the roles and I am sure that in the next one or two years, we are going to have quite a number of brokers in that business,” he added.

•Kwara State Governor Abdulkadir Ahmed (centre), flanked on the right by MD/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola and Executive Director, Lanre Adesanya, during a courtesy visit by them to the governor recently.

Discount window: CBN to sanction defaulting banks T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to sanction banks that obtain funds from any CBN lending window and places same in the interbank market.

In a circular signed by A. Idris, on behalf of CBN Director, Banking Supervision, the apex bank said the step would assist it in unwinding the extraordinary measures introduced in the wake of the global financial crisis and to ensure the effectiveness of monetary policy.

“Commercial banks and discount houses that also place funds in the interbank market are not allowed to concurrently access the window,” he said.

The apex bank also said that any institution that contravenes any provision of this circular will be suspended from

By Collins Nweze

its money market window. In addition, the institution shall forfeit the profits it would have made on the transaction.

In an earlier circular, the apex bank had said that the government debt instruments will henceforth, guarantee transactions at discount window.

It said financial support services to banks at discount windows will continue to be conducted to accommodate their needs of temporary liquidity support but must adhere to prevailing guidelines.

“Discount window operations in overnight facilities will be backed by borrower-holdings of government debt instruments and other eligible

securities approved by the bank.

“The CBN will maintain the provision of Standing Lending/ deposit Facilities to provide overnight accommodation for authorized dealers in temporary liquidity shortage or liquidity surplus,” it said.

“Discount window operations in overnight facilities will be backed by borrower-holdings of government debt instruments and other eligible securities approved by the bank. The CBN will maintain the provision of Standing Lending/ deposit Facilities to provide overnight accommodation for authorised dealers in temporary liquidity shortage or liquidity surplus,” it said.

It said that banks, while computing their cost of funds, should employ the weighted average cost of funds computation framework. The applicable cost items will include banks’ interest cost on the different types of deposit liabilities, borrowings from the inter-bank funds market, payments in respect of deposit insurance premium and costs due to reserve requirements.

The regulator also enjoined deposit money banks to pursue profitability in their business models through efficient operations. To this end, the banks are expected to charge competitive rather than excessive rates of interest and should always disclose their prime and maximum lending rates as fixed spreads over the Monetary Policy Rates (MPR).

INTERBANK lending rate fell to an average 14.08 per cent at the weekend and has fallen by more than 300 basis points since Wednesday as liquidity increased, reversing a jump after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced on Tuesday it was raising banks’ cash reserve requirement.

The apex bank raised the reserve requirement for lenders to 12 per cent, from eight per cent, to tighten liquidity coming from government spending and to support the weakening naira currency.

Traders, according to Reuters, said lending rates among banks jumped to 18 per cent for overnight placement on Wednesday, from 15 per cent, in reaction to the CBN’s measures.

But budgetary inflows of about N266 billion ($1.66 billion) late on Wednesday and net flows from matured treasury bills raised liquidity levels and forced down the cost of borrowing among banks, traders said.

“The impact of the MPC’s (Monetary Policy Committee’s) decision was immediate on the cost of funds in the market, but rates softened after the disbursal of budget allocations to government agencies late on Wednesday,” one dealer said.

The market opened with a cash balance of N166 billion on Friday from a negative level on Wednesday. Traders said over N400 billion was debited from bank accounts for the cash reserves’ balance shortly after the MPC announced its decision to increase the reserve requirement.

The secured open buy back (OBB) rate fell to 13.50 per cent, from 15.5 per cent on Wednesday, 1.50 percentage points above the Central Bank’s 12 per cent benchmark rate, and 350 basis points above the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

26

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

‘Fed Govt spends $38m on fish feed import yearly’

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 Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

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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 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 – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

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Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

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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

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

By Precious Igbonwelundu

N

•From Left: German Ambassador to Nigeria Mrs Dorothee Janetzue-denzel;Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Lagos State Mrs Olusola Senapon Oworu and Basf President Region and Europe Middle East and Africa Mr Jacques Delmoitiez, during the launch of the Basf West Africa Sales Office in Lagos.

Why foreign investment in aviation is elusive U NTIL the Federal Government creates an enabling environment by addressing some major challenges, its efforts to woo investors to the aviation sector, will remain sheer illusion.

In an interview,the Chairman of Nigeria Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Captain Dung Pam told The Nation that factors such as poor power supplyand facilities account for why most investors from Europe, the United States and Asia prefer other destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa to Nigeria.

Pam, however, said the Federal Government, as part of its new drive to revolutionise the aviation sector, has designed the public-private partnership model, which is expected to drive infrastructure provision, given that the government does not have the financial muscle to bridge the gap in the facilities in the country’s over 22 airports.

He explained that until insecurity is addressed in some parts of the country; it would be difficult to attract the needed foreign direct investment, as most business players from the developed world would prefer to put their money where there is relative socio-economic stability.

Pam said the crisis caused by Boko

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Haram has become a serious monster starring the nation and has robbed it of many multi-lateral offshore investments, as a report is not favourable to foreigners investing in some parts of the country.

Speaking against the backdrop of moves by a consortium of Chinese investors expressing interest to invest in infrastructure in four airports in the country, Pam explained that the Asian investors are sceptical about the safety of their investments given Nigeria’s penchant for lack of rule of law over concession contractual agreements.

He explained that inconsistencies in government’s policies, which tend not to protect private investments, remain a sore point as new investors are worried over the antecedents of other investors in the aviation sector.

Pam also noted that the high country risk classification of Nigeria in the finance and investment world accounts for the reluctance of many investors, who have to examine issues before putting their funds into the aviation industry as opposed to situations in other countries.

He added that safety, which had

become apparent after the two air crashes involving Dana Air and Allied Air Cargo, has raised insurance premium for investors who are considering investing in aircraft leases or rentals in the airspace.

Pam said: “ The government must act fast in tackling these issues, or else the expected inflow of foreign direct investment will elude us as a nation. Factors that investors take critical look at are political stability, personal security and the environment. If we must get the required investment into the aviation sector, it is high time the government acted fast in resolving a lot of issues, not limited to the scourge of MEND, Boko Haram, power supply and the justice system.

“No foreigner will bring in his money when he is not sure of being protected by the justice system, if there is any violation of his contract or the terms of operations. The other issues include the high rate of inflation. Whereas in other countries in Europe and America, inflation oscillates between two and three per cent, in Nigeria it is about 12 per cent.

“Even, the interest rate on credit facilities, is relatively lower in some other countries. But it is not the same figure here in Nigeria. These are the reasons there is not much foreign investment in the aviation sector.”

New capital rules may hinder banks’ growth

N

EW capital rules may hinder Nigerian banks’expansion plans, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) limits how financial institutions use local funds abroad and other African countries tighten requirements for foreign lenders.

Zambia, according to Reuters, became the latest African country to hike capital requirements for foreign banks to $100 million from $2 million this year, after Ghana and Kenya, as it tries to insulate its banking sector from the effects of a weak global economy.

With the capital hikes, Nigeria followed with a directive restricting its lenders from recapitalising offshore units from funds sourced at home, in order to avoid capital flight and save a weak naira, which has lost three per cent since April.

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) on Friday said it will turn its Zambian unit into a local bank and consider a public issue of shares to meet new capital rules in Africa’s top copper producer.

“We are already evaluating a number of possible options that will see UBA Zambia become a lo-

cal bank in that country,”said Kayode Fadahunsi, investor relations director, adding that UBA will require participation from Zambian investors.

Analysts said the measures meant that lenders in Nigeria may have to forgo their ambitions of establishing Nigeria as a pan-African banking hub on the continent, or look for capital elsewhere but not at home.

“If all else fails, then UBA or whoever it is, will have to give up the African expansion dream in that specific country,” said Bunmi Asaolu, head of Research at FBN Capital, adding that UBA had operations in 18 African nations, including Zambia.

The move could affect almost all 21 lenders in the county but those with the highest number of off shore units - UBA and Access Bank - with a presence in nine African countries - will feel the pressure most, analysts say.

Adesoji Solanke, banking analyst at Renaissance Capital, said the new rules could also affect First Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, given their ambition to expand off-

shore.

“It poses a clear risk to future external growth prospects for Nigerian banks offshore,”Rencap’s Solanke said, adding that Access Bank was working on selling some of its offshore units.

UBA’s Fadahunsi said the bank already had the required $20 million necessary to become a local bank and that it had submitted a proposal to Zambia’s central bank on how it intended to recapitalise the unit before a December deadline.

It may have to sell up to 50 per cent of its shares in UBA Zambia to become a local bank, analysts say.

The CBN has said it wants to enforce better supervision of banks and their subsidiaries in order to avoid a repeat of the events that led to a $4 billion bailout of nine undercapitalised lenders in 2009.

It has scrapped the universal banking model and asked local lenders to sell off speculative capital market businesses and focus on core lending or form a holding company, if they wish to carry on with asset management, including owning offshore units.

IGERIA spends about $38 million yearly on importation of fish feed, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has said.

Akinwumi, who spoke in Lagos while inaugurating some projects executed by the Nigeria Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), said the country has massive amount of marine resources that were not being exploited, rather as the country imports things that it ordinarily does not suppose to import.

He stressed that the government was interested in doing things differently as Nigeria has to go beyond looking at potential of fish production to bridge the gap between fish demand and supply. He maintained that the administration was committed to self-sufficiency in food He said: “We cannot continue to support the economy of other countries in importation of fish despite the enormous local opportunities we have. We are spending $38 million to import fish feed and the research that has been conducted by NIOMR has helped to show that the cost can actually be significantly reduced by using local ingredients in making fish meal. So, that is import substitution.”

The minister commended NIOMR for putting together structures and equipment that monitor what goes on in the water, such as the diversity of aquatic species, the level of pollution in the water as well as doing their bit to reduce the cost of fish feed by using 40 per cent cassava in producing their own feed.

He said because of the importation of fish feed, local materials are not being used, and this had weakened the strength of the naira, forced local producers out of business and created jobs and markets for the foreign countries.

NEPC trains 60 firms on export From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) is training 60 indigenous companies in export.

Its Executive Director,David Adulugba said this at the flag off of a training on New Exporter development project in Abuja.

He said the objective of the workshop was to help Sall and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with limited export experience to develop their skills on how to penetrate markets abroad.

This is through awareness, readiness assessment, preparation and market development as a means towards removing a range of constraints and obstacles in the way of non-oil exports.

The project is also expected to lead to the creation of employment and the reduction of poverty.

Adulugba confirmed that there are various challenges facing SMEs that are interested in export. Challenges, such as inadequate products and market information, enterprise level weaknesses, poor packing and labelling, difficulty and high cost of product adaptation and gaps between resource need and resource availability to carry out export business.

He said the idea behind the project was conceived as an off shoot of an observation that some companies participating in NEPC organised export market entry support services, such as trade fair, trade missions, buyer seller meets, contact promotion programme are unable to export after securing export contracts, due to lack of capability and export readiness.

He said: “This project is aimed at producing a new crop of exporters that are 100 per cent indigenous Nigerians.

This programme, will among others, touch on issues relating to export awareness, readiness preparation, finance and export market development.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

27

ISSUES

Question on market's integrity When Ms Arunma Oteh was appointed as Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2010, her task was to restore investors’confidence in the market, which had been badly bruised by frauds, operators’ unethical conduct and complicity of the regulators. However, with the shadow of doubts cast by recent probes and public scrutiny still haunting the capital market, the return of Ms Oteh further places the integrity of the market's regulation in the spotlight.TAOFIK SALAKO reports that there are still some weighty issues that cannot be wished away despite the whitewash by the government.

• Dr Okonjo-Iweala

I

NVESTOR'S perception of the market regulatory framework, the operators and the reports of the quoted companies and issuers determine the market confidence, and in essence, the flow and allocation of capital to a jurisdiction. Thus maintaining market's integrity is the sole responsibility of the regulator.

The Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 - the laws governing the capital market, underscores the full weight of this responsibility. The ISA establishes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as "the apex regulatory authority for the capital market as well as regulation of the market to ensure the protection of investors, maintain fair, efficient and transparent market and reduction of systemic risk; and for related matters." Part two of the ISA specifically outlined the functions mainly as to: facilitate the establishment of a nationwide system for securities trading in the capital market to protect investors and maintain fair and orderly markets, protect the integrity of the securities market against all forms of abuses including insider dealing and prevent fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to the securities industry.”

In the discharge of this trust, the Act gives SEC powers to regulate investments and securities business in Nigeria. Although it seldoms deploys these powers, the Act confers on SEC the enforcement capacity by enshrining the powers of the Commission to intervene in the management and control of capital market operators which it considers has failed, is failing or in crisis including entering into the premises and doing whatsoever the Commission deems necessary for the protection of investors, enter and seal up the premises of persons illegally carrying on capital market operations, disqualify persons considered unfit from being employed in any arm of the securities industry and in furtherance of its role of protecting the integrity of the securities market, seek judicial order to freeze the assets (including bank accounts) of any person whose assets were derived from the violation of this Act, or any securities law or regulation in Nigeria or other jurisdictions.

Besides, in relation to the principle of noblesse oblige, SEC is obligated to "act in the public interest having regard to the protec-

tion of investors and the maintenance of fair and orderly markets and to this end establish a nationwide trust scheme to compensate investors whose losses are not covered under the investors protection funds administered by securities exchanges and capital trade point". This latter responsibility underlines the fact that investment risks can arise from market's regulations and operations besides the well-known risks that may arise from investor's judgment. In essence, while SEC is empowered to deal with, for instance, an issuer that made false claims in the prospectus to sell securities to the investing public, investors are entitled to compensation where SEC reasonably failed to verify such claims before approving such document.

The trust on her shoulders The ISA establishes the office of the directorgeneral as the fulcrum for the discharge of these onerous responsibilities. Part one of the ISA, which establishes the Commission, also designates the director-general as the chief executive and accounting officer with regards to responsibilities of the Commission, though such role is ensconced under the administration of the board of SEC. The board is composed of a part-time chairman; director-general, three commissioners; a representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; and that of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); and two part-time commissioners one of whom shall be a lawyer with 10 years post call experience.

It is required to "formulate policies for the regulation and development of the capital market and the achievement and exercise of the functions of the commission; approve the audited accounts of the Commission; appoint auditor; establish zonal offices of the Commission; and carry out such activities as are necessary and expedient for achieving the objectives of the Commission".

These provisions and the others in part four that deal with financial provisions of the Commission establish the board as the authority for the management of the finance of the Commission. The law also sees the board as a unit working for the achievement of the goals of the Commission.

But never in the history of SEC has the management of the apex capital market regulator

•Ms Oteh

been so riveted with intrigues, allegations and counter allegations, sleaze and corruption and dissonance than under Ms Arunma Oteh.

Probes indictments

While the capital market has struggled with a gripping recession in the past five years, the façade of the supposed reform at SEC aimed at market recovery was shattered by the publicinspired probe of the Oteh's management of SEC ordered by the board of the Commission.

Following allegations of abuse of office and privileges that bedevilled SEC's presentation at the public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market, the board of SEC at its 64th meeting on February 29, this year directed its audit and finance committee to investigate the issues. In a statement by the Secretary to the Commission, Edosa Aigbekaen, the board said it deliberated on issues arising from the public hearing and decided to probe the allegations and counter-allegations.

At the public hearing, the nation had been treated to a full soap opera as the seething internal management crisis at SEC boiled into the open with disagreements and allegations of corruption by top management staff of the commission.

Oteh, who owned up to taking many toplevel officials from Access Bank-under the bills of the bank, to work in senior management roles at SEC, allegedly running a 'management within management' with her many handpicked consultants and advisers while existing members of management were only sought for prior to crucial decisions. Top management staff had during the public hearing dissociated themselves from many decisions allegedly taken by management and tendered several documents indicating they had raised objections to certain decisions and processes by the director-general. These not only violated public service rules, but the code of ethics and corporate governance, which SEC is the bastion of its protection.

The Audit and Finance Committee of the board of SEC, which consisted of the representatives of CBN and Ministry of Finance, came with a well- crafted indictment of the director-general. It reported that Oteh did not co-operate with its investigation. After review-

ing the documents and available evidence, including the reluctant appearance by the director-general, it recommended that key officials involved in the Project 50 - a series of events to celebrate 50 years of capital market regulation in Nigeria - which was at the centre of a corruption allegation, should be suspended.

The committee also recommended that further investigation should be conducted into the Project 50. It had noted that Oteh allegedly frustrated its efforts to investigate finances of the Project 50.

Consequently, the board at its 66th meeting on June 11, this year, directed Oteh to proceed on compulsory leave to enable an independent investigation to be undertaken on the Project 50 programme. The Executive Commissioner (Operations), Ms. Daisy Ekineh, was appointed to act it her absence.

According to a statement by Aigbekaen, "the decision of the board was arrived at after consideration of the report of its Audit and Finance Committee, which had been directed to investigate the sources and uses of funds for the Project 50 event.

The board, however, directed that Oteh should proceed on compulsory leave having admitted that she was the chair of Project 50 Committee and that she was the key person in the management of the sources and uses of funds for the Project 50.

The board, subsequently,invited PriceWaterHouse Coopers to conduct private investigation of the Project 50. The tenure of the then board of SEC, however, expired on June 15, this year. PriceWaterHouse Coopers was supposed to submit its report to the board of SEC, which would have reviewed it and made recommendations to the Minister of Finance, who statutorily would decide on the recommendations.

But while the public was expecting the Ministry of Finance, which supervises SEC, to co-ordinate the PriceWaterHouse Coopers investigation and report, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim issued a letter recalling Oteh.

Anyim stated that Oteh's recall follows the outcome of the findings of the external auditors, Pricewaterhouse Coopers. "I am Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

28

ISSUES Continued from page 27

to note that Government has studied the report submitted by the external auditors and you are neither indicted for fraud nor criminal breach in any form. However, some administrative lapses were reported, particularly, in cases where administrative procedures were not thoroughly observed," Anyim stated. Government has neither made the report of the PriceWaterHouse Coopers public nor provide further explanations on the "administrative lapses".

Market sources, however, alleged that Oteh had used her influence at the Presidency to abort what was clearly an indictment and breach of the law and civil service rules, which were glossed over by the SGF's letter as "administrative lapses". They cited her nationally televised appearance at the National Economic Committee (NEC) meeting in her capacity as SEC DG even while on compulsory leave to the chagrin of the acting DG and loud protests of SEC staff. While her sudden appearance, which caught the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala unaware, Oteh had reportedly shuttled between the meeting and President's office before finally taking her seat.

Oteh was said to have contravened the ISA by the ways she managed the finance of the Project 50. Part four of the ISA sets out the financial provisions of SEC. Section 19 states that the Commission shall establish and maintain a fund into which shall be paid the following - funds provided to the Commission by the Federal Government; penalties, fees, charges and administrative cost of proceedings; and monetary gifts, contributions and other funds that may be received by the Commission. It adds that the Commission shall maintain bank accounts for funds as approved by the Board of the Commission. Section 21 stipulates that SEC shall establish a reserve account into which all surpluses from the main account shall be paid and disbursement from the reserve account shall be approved by the board of the Commission. The finances for the Project 50, which were described by Oteh's aides as donations, sponsorships and contributions, were never routed through any SEC account and were not appropriated by the board. The embattled director-general rather funnelled the funds from the sources to the Project activities, claiming she was wary the funds might be embezzled.

This approach also undermined the accounting provisions of the Commission as stipulated under sections 26 and 27 of ISA.

Fact sheet of corruption But a report by the Ad-hoc committee of the National Assembly on the investigation into the collapse of the capital market was unsparing in its indictment of Oteh. The Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi-led Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on the investigation into the collapse of the market was constituted to continue the public hearing and probe into the causes of the recession at the market following disbandment of the substantive committee upon allegation of corruption and victimisation levelled against the Chairman of the committee, Hon Herman Hembe, by Oteh.

The Ad-hoc committee conducted a fresh public hearing and took memoranda from stakeholders including Oteh, present and past management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), shareholders' groups and private investors among others.

In its report, the Ad-hoc committee, identified as some of the key reasons for the near collapse of the market in the past and lack of public confidence in the market: conflict of interest and misconduct of the leadership of SEC, thereby fettering its regulatory capacity; loss of credibility of its management team, led by the Oteh; the failure of the Commission and lack of statutory qualification of Ms Oteh, among others.

Alluding to the nationally televised disagreements by key management officials and Oteh, the report noted: "In view of the breakdown of corporate governance in Securities and Exchange Commission, leading to total collapse of co-operation and co-ordination within its board and top management and since the tenure of the board has expired, top management of Securities and Exchange Commission should be relieved of their duties to give the capital market an opportunity of credible regulation through appointment of a neutral board and top management that will regain the confidence of investors".

The report was also direct on Oteh. According to the report, the appointment of Ms Arunma Oteh be terminated as her appointment violated Section 3 (2) and Section 38 (1) (b), 2 and 3; Section 315 of the ISA 2007 in that she did not have the required 15 years experience in the capital market; she has shown in-

•Speaker House of Reps Aminu Tambuwal

•Chief Anyim

Question on market’s integrity competence in the management of human and material resources at her disposal in the Commission; lack of transparency in managing Project 50, regulatory failure in some of the recent mergers, acquisitions and approvals of transactions by Securities and Exchange Commission and inability to carry along her staff, board, and management in decision making in the Commission, and questionable staff recruitment policies.

The report noted that the engagement of Access Bank staff by Oteh was unethical and might erode investor confidence. Besides, the National Assembly called for further investigation of the Project 50 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It also cited Oteh for perjury and contempt of the National Assembly, acts that would constitute gross misconduct under civil service rules, and possible grounds for removal of any official of SEC under the ISA. During the public hearing, the public had been regalled with the sleaze accounts of financial impropriety on how Oteh allegedly bypassed laid-down rules to push through multi-million Naira deals including the sscret purchase of three Toyota Hilux vehicles for N32 million without tender and due process as enshrined in government rules and payment of N62 million to rent a five bedroom apartment for her despite the monetisation policy of the government.

It was established that Oteh stayed in the high-brow Transcorp Hilton Hotel for eight months contrary to maximum of 56 days allowed by SEC and civil service rules. In what appeared to be reckless disregard for rules, the then executive commissioner, Legal and Enforcement at SEC, in several cases, said he noted and drew attention to the infractions.

Other management commissioners and top management staff publicly admitted that Oteh was directly behind most infractions including recruitment and placement of less-qualified persons in higher positions at the Commission.

Ominous silence But the Government has been silent since the release of the National Assembly indictment. Equally unnerving, the Minister of Finance,has maintained a long distance and deafening silence since the dramatic appearance of Oteh at the NEC meeting. While the staff of SEC had protested that due process was not followed in the recall of the director-general highlighting the distance of Ministry of Finance, the Minister, who while appointing

acting DG had promised further action based on the report of PriceWaterHouse Coopers, has been silent on recent development on Oteh and SEC affairs. This was unusual. Market analysts noted that the Minister of Finance understands that her statement endorsing the "not guilty" verdict of the SGF and recall of Oteh would go a long way in redeeming investor's confidence, but she is also mindful that such may erode her integrity. Despite the brickbats of partisan politics and separation of powers characterised by allegations of corruption and incompetence, the Minister of Finance's integrity has remained unassailable, a position she appears to be guiding jealously.

But Mrs Okonjo-Iweala had not shied away from defending the erstwhile board of SEC and setting the record straight. As the Oteh's media machinery started to smear the retired Senator Udoma Udo Udoma-led board to discredit its decisions in the wee hours after the suspension of Oteh and expiration of the tenure of the board, Mrs OkonjoIweala debunked certain media reports that the board of SEC was seeking an extension and acting for self-interests.

In a statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala praised the board, noting that it served meritoriously until its tenure ended.

She denied reports that the board was sacked or that it sought extension of its tenure. "Contrary to some media reports, which have suggested that the immediate past board of the Securities and Exchange Commission was forced to wind up against its will, the board made no request for an extension of its tenure," the statement stated.

No longer at ease But the members of staff of SEC, who had thought the investigations were opportunities to reclaim the Commission, have not been silent. Under the auspices of SEC Staff Union, they staff had protested the attendance of Oteh at the NEC meeting and her recall. In a press statement issued after the NEC meeting dramatic appearance, the staff union had protested that the continuing attendance of the NEC meeting by Oteh while on suspension carried many far reaching negative implications and innuendo.

Upon the SGF recall of Oteh, staff of the Commission decried her recall as a subversion of due process and in a show of defiance, staged a huge protest against her reinstatement at

During the public hearing, the public had been regalled with the sleaze accounts of financial impropriety on how Oteh allegedly bypassed laid-down rules to push through multi-million Naira deals ....But the Government has been silent since the release of the National Assembly indictment. Equally unnerving, the Minister of Finance,has maintained a long distance and deafening silence since the dramatic appearance of Oteh at the NEC meeting’

SEC's headquarters in spite of heavy presence of security men. Chanting anti-Oteh songs such as "we don't want Oteh, don't force Oteh on us, the staff said they had uncovered a plot by the SGF to return Oteh to her duty post even when the probe on her financial misconduct was yet to be concluded. Though they said they were not against her reinstatement as DG; they insisted on due process being followed, especially in respect to her indictment that is yet to be concluded.

Beyond SEC, many capital market trade groups and operators had expressed supports for the change of leadership style at SEC under the acting director general, Mr. Ibrahim Bello.

Stockbrokers, issuing houses and other operators who had whined in hushed tones about Oteh's style of leadership, publicly commended the change in leadership style at SEC. Capital market operators have commended SEC on the sensitivity of the regulator to operators' concerns and adoption of open-door approach to market regulation.

After SEC hosted its first registration meeting in one and a half years in Lagos, operators commended the sensitivity of the Commission to operators' concerns describing the meeting as friendly and engaging.

But now, SEC staff and market operators are in fears of reprisals.

Administrative lapses, misconducts and qualification Many critics of the less-than-transparent recall of Oteh said the SGF delved into the obscured reference of administrative lapses to save Oteh's job. A release of the report of PriceWaterHouse Coopers or report by the government on the findings of the investigations would have shown definitive reasons and causes of actions, which critics said would have either way make continued stay of Oteh as SEC DG untenable. Part one, section eight of the ISA stipulates that a member of the board shall cease to hold office if he becomes of unsound mind; becomes bankrupt or makes a compromise with creditors; is convicted of a felony or any offence involving dishonesty; is guilty of serious misconduct in relation to his duties; and he is a person who has a professional qualification, and is disqualified or suspended (other than at his own request) from practicing his profession in any part of Nigeria by the order of any competent authority made in respect of him personally. Were the administrative lapses in the range of serious misconducts or dishonesty? The secrecy around the report has left several questions unanswered. Besides, any of the several indictments in the National Assembly report would amount to serious misconduct or act of dishonesty that brings to question the continued stay of Oteh as DG. With all these sordid details, how will she be able to enforce corporate governance in the market?

Many have also questioned the qualification of Oteh for the post of SEC DG alleging underhand dealings against the provisions of the ISA. Part one, section two of the ISA stipulates that a person shall not be qualified for appointment to be the Chairman or Director-General of the Commission, unless he is a holder of a university degree or its equivalent with not less than 15 years cognate experience in capital market operations. Oteh's main career was with the African Development Bank (AfDB), a development finance institution. She had joined ADB in 1992 and was senior investment officer from 1993 to 1997, then division manager, investments and trading room from 1997 to 2001 and was appointed the Bank's Group Treasurer later. She was appointed vice-president for corporate management in 2006, responsible for language services, general services and procurement, human resources, and information management and methods. It was while on this that she was appointed directorgeneral of SEC. Many senior market operators had said the meaning of the 15 years cognate experience in capital market operations for the position of the chief regulator of the market was working in core capital market institutions and operations, which would have exposed the person to the highest level of capital market workings. Critics have cited Oteh's often recourse to misquotation as signs that she has less grasp of the workings of the market. At many briefings, she would rely on her commissioner to explain knotty operation issues.

But supporters of Oteh have described the probes and protests as grand gang up against her reforms in the capital market. Mostly consisting of people who were employed or seconded by her, they argued that she was being vilified for no good reason. From whichever angle, the recall of Oteh has raised more questions than it had answered. There remains a question mark on the integrity of the market, through the integrity of SEC leadership.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

29

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

China's economy may pick up in H2 C

HINA'S economic growth has bottomed out and will pick up in the second half of this year on government’s monetary and fiscal support as well as improvements in the world economy, experts said.

There are signs that the economy is stabilising, said Zhang Liqun, a researcher from the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Europe's sovereign debt crisis is

unlikely to spread further and the world economy will hold steady in the second half, allowing China to maintain a 14 per cent annual growth in exports this year, Zhang said.

The projected exports growth is higher than the 9.2 per cent year-onyear increase recorded in the first half of this year.

Dwindling orders from Europe and other trade partners have sapped China's exports and, combined with a cooling property sector, slowed the

country's growth rate to 7.6 per cent in the second quarter, the lowest level since the first quarter of 2009.

Zhang estimated that China's growth will stay between seven and eight per cent in the second half and post an annual rate of 7.5 to 8 per cent.

Chen Wei, a macroeconomic analyst from China Minzu Securities, agreed that the global economy will weigh less on China in the second half as the eurozone debt woes were unlikely to deteriorate and the US

economy will gradually recover.

He expected the country's investment growth to gain pace due to monetary loosening and fiscal stimulus, while anticipating a renewed interest in the property market in the second half that will increase local government revenues and boost their funding for projects.

China's property market has shown signs of rebounding, with more major cities seeing home prices hikes from May, according to official data.

June was the first month since September last year that the number of cities with month-on-month price increases exceeded the number of cities that experienced drops.

China has adopted a string of progrowth measures, including cutting interest rates and bank reserve requirement ratios, fast-tracking investment plans to spur growth and subsidising the purchase of energysaving household electrical appliances.

‘Euro may decline to $1.15 in Sept.’

T

HE euro may fall to levels between $1.15 and $1.20 in September, according to Kit Juckes, head of foreign-exchange research at Societe Generale (GLE) SA. The 17-nation currency rallied today after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said policy makers will do whatever is needed to preserve the euro. Juckes said he expects the euro to trade at current levels through August before resuming declines.

“The central bank is doing everything it can, the challenge is with the politicians,” Juckes said in an interview on Bloomberg Television’s “Surveillance” with Tom Keene and Sara Eisen. “What we need to solve is the crisis of financing the banking system and the governments.”

The euro rose the most in almost a month, gaining as much as 1.3 percent to $1.23s in New York. The

shared currency has fallen 5.1 per cent this year against nine major counterparts, according to the Bloomberg Correlation-Weighted Indexes. The greenback has gained 0.7 per cent this year.

Juckes said the European debt crisis still could “drag confidence down” and send the United States back into recession.

“Your economy is doing much better than our economy,” Londonbased Juckes said. “There’s nothing in the US economy that says you need to have another recession.

We’re the threat.”

The Federal Reserve will probably take more action this year to boost the U.S. economy, Juckes said, adding central bank beginning a third round of quantitative easing, known as QE3, is a “question of time.”

“The Fed only has so many bullets left, but it will use them,” he said.

Trades near two-week low versus Euro before US GDP

T

HE euro weakened for the first time in three days after Germany’s Bundesbank said restarting the European Central Bank’s bond-purchase program was not the best way to resolve the region’s debt crisis.

The 17-nation currency dropped from a one-week high against the yen after the comments from a Bundesbank spokesman damped optimism the ECB will accelerate efforts to contain surging borrowing costs for nations such as Spain and Italy. The euro pared losses after France’s Le Monde reported the ECB was preparing to buy debt. The dollar headed for a weekly decline against most of its major counterparts before a US report forecast to show economic growth slowed to the least in a year.

“The Bundesbank are expressing their concern regarding some of the options being discussed in the market,” said Ian Stannard, head of European currency strategy at Morgan Stanley in London.

“Their position is not new but it reminds the market that there is some

reluctance from the Bundesbank regarding the extent to which action can be taken. The fact that they have reiterated this quite publically has taken some of the steam out of the euro.”

The euro fell 0.1 per cent to $1.2276 in London time after climbing to $1.2330, the highest level since July 10.

The single currency dropped 0.2 percent to 95.90 yen after surging 1.9 percent over the previous two days. The yen gained 0.1 percent to 78.12 per dollar.

“There haven’t been any changes in our positions on bond purchases of the Eurosystem,” a Bundesbank spokesman said. “The Bundesbank has repeatedly expressed in the past that it views bond purchases critically because they blur the line between monetary and fiscal policy,” he said.

US gross domestic product growth slowed to an annual rate of 1.4 per cent in the second quarter, from 1.9 per cent in the previous three months, according to the median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg News before today’s report.

US jobless claims fall by 35,000 to 353,000

T

HE number of people who filed applications for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, marking the third straight week of big swings related to changing employment patterns in the auto industry.

The Labor Department said jobless claims sank by 35,000 to a seasonally adjusted 353,000 in the week ended July 21, putting them just above a fouryear low. It was also the biggest oneweek decline of the year.

Economists surveyed by MarketWatch had projected claims would drop to 378,000 from last week’s upwardly revised level of 388,000.

Auto manufacturers used to schedule brief shutdowns of plants at the start of every July to retool for new

models, laying off tens of thousands of workers and making them temporarily eligible for jobless benefits. Yet auto makers have closed plants less often and laid off fewer workers after the government bailout several years ago.

The changing employment patterns in the auto industry have yet to be fully captured, however, in the government’s process of making seasonal adjustments to the claims report.

As a result, the weekly data are especially erratic in July and less useful in gauging labor-market trends.

“Our data has been quite volatile lately,” a Labour official said. The decrease in claims last week, for example, erased an equally large increase in the prior week.

•Seceretary-General International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Koji Sekimizu and High Commissioner of the Republic of Mozambique in the United Kingdom, Carlos dos Santos, at the conference where both countries signed the Djibouti Code of Conduct IMO anti-piracy code in Gulf od Aden, Djibouti.

IMF: talks with Greece to continue

T

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said its talks with Greek authorities are likely to continue into September.

It confirmed that part of its work in Athens will include assessing whether Greece's debt levels are sustainable.

IMF spokesman David Hawley said it was too soon to discuss details of the talks underway in Athens between the authorities and international lenders, including the IMF, European Central Bank and European Commission.

"It is premature to talk about outcomes," Hawley told reporters.

He declined to comment on a report by Reuters that said Greece's official sector creditors - the ECB and euro zone governments would have to restructure some of the estimated 200 billion euros of Greek government debt they own if Athens is to be put back on a sustainable footing.

Without elaborating he said the IMF always conducts debt sustainability tests in countries where it has funding programmes.

"Assessing debt sustainability is always part of IMF discussions with authorities in this or any other country when there is a program relationship," he said.

Indeed, without a debt restructuring of Greece's official sector debt, Europe will have to pony up more money for Athens, one financial diplomat in Washington told Reuters.

The IMF said on July 12 following a fact-finding mission to Greece that the economy was "going through another difficult period" and the program was off track.

The talks are the first since a conservative-led coalition government won elections on a pledge to renegotiate parts of the 130 billion euro international bailout.

The United States also sent a Treasury official to Athens and Rome for talks as it continues to press for action to avoid widespread financial contagion from the euro zone crisis.

Meanwhile, the IMF has welcomed a pledge by ECB President Mario Draghi to do whatever it

takes to protect the euro zone and said it was vital that Spain and Italy implemented policy measures to address problems in their economies.

"Draghi's remarks are a welcome reiteration of the ECB's wellknown commitment to do what is necessary," Hawley said.

Concerns are growing over rising Italian and Spanish borrowing costs, and questions are being raised again over whether Greece will remain in the euro zone.

While he would not comment on levels of borrowing costs, Hawley said it was vital that both Italy and Spain implement announced policy measures to address problems in their economies.

"In Spain the authorities have been taking strong and wide-ranging reform measures and implementation is key," Hawley said.

"Spain's prospects will also be helped by further progress at the European level," he added.

For Italy, Hawley said accelerating reforms in the services sector and labor markets, and locking in necessary legislative measures, would strengthen confidence.

Portugal faces major headwinds, says OECD T

HE Portuguese economy will contract more than the government is forecasting, but the country should continue its efforts to meet this year's budget target to restore confidence and control public debt, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said in a report Thursday.

The OECD said Portugal's economy will contract 3.2 per cent this year and 0.9 per cent in 2013, more than the three per cent fall and 0.6 per cent growth,

expected by the government and its international creditors the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.

It also expects public debt to rise to 114.5per cent of gross domestic product this year and 120.3 per cent next, higher than EU and IMF expectations of 113.1per cent and 115.7 per cent. For next year's debt figure, the OECD is assuming that

all the 12 billion euro ($14.5 billion) set aside to help banks recapitalise under Portugal's EUR78 billion bailout will be used.

According to the OECD, while risks are high that the recession will be even worse than it expects given the quick economic adjustment Portugal is going through, missing deficit targets would increase the likelihood the debtto-GDP ratio will continue to rise in the medium term.

30

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

MONEY LINK

Union Bank grows profit by 69% U

NION Bank of Nigeria Plc has posted a group profit of N8 billion in the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. This represents a 69 per cent growth compared with the first quarter of 2011.

Interim report and accounts of the bank for period were presented in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). It showed that group bottom-line performance was driven by significant improvement in the profitability of the bank.

Also, net profit rose by 127.2 per cent to N6.32 billion in 2012 as against N2.78 billion in 2011.

Group net profit thus spiraled upward to N7.62 billion compared with N4.51 billion in corresponding period.

By Taofik Salako

Earnings analysis showed a bright outlook for the bank with basic earnings per share of N1.17 in first quarter 2012 compared with 18 kobo posted in comparable period of 2011 and a loss per share of N14.06 recorded for the full-year ended December 31, 2011.

More so, the first quarter net earnings showed earnings yield of more than 26 per cent at current share price on the secondary market, indicating an impressive investment outlook for the bank. Annualised, the first quarter earnings implied basic earnings per share of N4.68 for the full year ending December 31, 2012, showing greater prospects with earnings yield of some 106 per cent at current mar-

N1.1 trillion with deposit of N565.34 billion in 2012.

Commenting on the results, Group Managing Director, Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, Mrs Funke Osibodu, said the first quarter report was indicative of the efforts by the board and management to return the bank to its place of pride as a foremost financial institution that consistently creates value for all stakeholders.

She assured that with the continuing intensive restructuring being undertaken by the management the bank has returned from the abyss of a bailed out bank with negative capital to one of the most promising financial institutions in Nigeria.

According to her, the spirit of the new Union Bank is seen in its ultra-modern remodeled branches, courteous and efficient service delivery, vast technology and increased attention to customer-centric products and services that treat each customer as a most valuable one.

ket consideration.

The report showed that the bank continued to improve on the efficiency and profitability of its core banking operations as net interest margin improved from 72.9 per cent to 74 per cent.

Interest income stood at N20.8 billion while net interest income was N15.33 billion. Net fee and commission income rose from N3.33 billion to N6.63 billion, representing an increase of 99 per cent.

Shareholders’ funds stood at N193.84 billion in 2012 compared with deficit of N123.7 billion in first quarter of 2011. The first quarter performance also showed appreciable accretion above shareholders’ funds of N186.99 billion recorded at the end of 2011. Total assets stood at

‘Use pension funds for infrastructure’

E

XPERTS have called for more efficient ways to utilise and manage the pension funds as a buffer for infrastructural development.

To achieve this objective, the DETAIL Commercial Solicitors and Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) had last Wednesday, hosted an IPFA Nigeria Briefing titled ‘Investing Pension Funds in Infrastructure Projects: the Key Drivers’. The confab attracted many dignitaries in the industry.

The briefing was held in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, and the International Project Finance Association. It took place at the Residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos.

Mike Purves, Director of Trade

By Collins Nweze

of UK Trade & Investments, speaking on behalf of the Deputy High Commissioner, stressed the importance of the briefing as a means of bringing key stakeholders in the infrastructure financing sector to discuss pension funds as an alternative to infrastructure financing.

He explained that Nigeria has a considerable infrastructure deficit, and one of the major challenges faced by project developers is securing project financing.

Ehimeme Ohioma of National Pension Commission, Andrew Johnstone of AIIM and Ayuli Jemide of Detail Commercial Solicitors made presen-

tations on the Regulatory, Commercial and Legal aspects respectively of investing pension funds in infrastructure projects.

Andrew Johnstone spoke about the increasing global trend in utilizing pension funds for infrastructure development, and stated that in his view, pension funds are particularly suited to infrastructure projects because of their long-term nature.

In the same vain, Ayuli Jemide of DETAIL Commercial Solicitors discussed the issue of capacity of pension fund administrators to assess project risks and the importance of having an understanding of the nature of infrastructure projects, as each project presents a different set of risks.

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

F

IRST Bank of Nigeria Plc (FirstBank) has concluded plans to migrate its current core banking application, Finacle 7 to a more robust and secure platform, Finacle 10.

The bank’s management said this upgrade from Finacle 7 would transform its service delivery process and facilitate the introduction of innovative products specially designed for different customer segments.

A statement from the bank said the decision to upgrade to

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 27-7-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

EGLEVENT EVANSMED IKEJAHOTEL HONYFLOUR PORTPAINT CCNN UTC ROYALEX DANGCEM JAPAULOIL

1.00 1.00 1.23 1.85 2.74 4.32 0.55 0.56 116.00 0.61

C/PRICE

1.05 1.05 1.29 1.94 2.87 4.48 0.57 0.58 120.00 0.63

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

O/PRICE 2.40 0.80 20.14 1.55 4.70 1.43 4.13 7.20 3.28 15.00

C/PRICE 2.28 0.76 19.14 1.49 4.53 1.38 4.00 7.00 3.20 14.50

CHANGE 0.12 0.04 1.00 0.06 0.17 0.05 0.13 0.20 0.08 0.20

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 27-7-12

SYMBOL ETERNA FIDSON ARBICO RTBRISCOE DANGSUGAR FIDELITYBK UBN IBTC FCMB CADBURY

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.05 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.13 0.16 0.02 0.02 4.00 0.02

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

“A periodic review of our service delivery process to seek ways of enhancing customer experience is an activity that we are passionate about in FirstBank.

With Finacle 10, the Bank is even better positioned to offer improved customer service, easy access to account details, enhanced customer experience with a platform that allows the customer transact in multiple currencies with a single reference/account number,” the statement said.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

Finacle 10 was borne out of the desire for continuous improvement. It added that the new platform will simplify end-user interfaces, support the latest database technologies and improve functional and operational capabilities.

First Bank said that Finacle 10 platform would also drive multi-entity operations as it is capable of supporting new lines of business, including wealth management, financial inclusion, and Islamic banking.

•Osibodu

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

ness.

According to the forecasts, profit before tax is expected to be about N66 billion for the three-year period between 2012 and 2014. Profit before tax is expected to be N13.1 billion in 2012 and thereafter to N24.6 billion and N27.7 billion in 2013 and 2014 respectively. Net earnings distributable to shareholders is expected to be N9.16 billion in 2012 and subsequently rise to N17.9 billion and N19.4 billion in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

FirstBank to migrate to Finacle 10

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Osibodu said the performance of the bank has vindicated the management, commending the board, staff and all stakeholders that supported the management through the recapitalisation exercise against all odds.

Meanwhile, analysts have said the first quarter report has rekindled the growth prospect of Union Bank, which had projected that it might pool as much as N66 billion in pre-tax profit in the course of three business years between 2012 and 2014.

In a three-year forecast earlier made available to shareholders, the bank said it expected that shareholders would have as much as N47 billion in net earnings, which the board and shareholders could decide on at general meetings.

Profit after tax, otherwise known as net earnings after tax or post-tax earnings, exclusively belongs to shareholders who may decide to wholly or partly distribute the sum in cash payouts or bonus shares or plough back such into the busi-

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.95 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 107.66 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,717.29 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,938.17 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 122.81 107.58 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,716.34 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,729.45 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Budget inflows, CRR shape liquidity T

HE N266 billion budgetary allocation and net flows from matured treasury bills last week, raised liquidity levels and forced down the cost of borrowing among banks.

But the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) policy that raised Cash Reserve Requirement’s (CRR’s) from eight per cent to 12 per cent tightened liquidity and supported the weakening naira.

The naira also recovered last Wednesday, a day after the apex bank raised the CRR. The local currency closed at N160.05 to the dollar on the interbank market, firmer than the N160.70 a dollar it closed on Tuesday.

The apex bank had left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 per cent, as expected, but took surprise measures to tighten liquidity. “This was the initial reaction to the MPC decision to reduce open position limit. Many banks were bidding within their new limit position, pushing more dollar into the market and providing support for the naira,” one dealer said.

The naira according to Reuters has been hit by a fall in the price of oil, Nigeria’s main export, and global risk aversion and has weakened by almost three per cent against the dollar since April.

The interbank lending rate fell to an average 14.08 per cent last Friday and has fallen by more than 300 basis points since Wednesday as liquidity increased, reversing a jump after the apex bank the new CRR. Expectedly, lending rates among banks jumped to 18 per cent for overnight placement on Wednesday, from 15 per cent, in reaction to the apex bank’s measures.

“The impact of the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) decision was immediate on the cost of funds in the market but rates softened after the disbursal of budget allocations to government agencies,” one dealer said.

The market opened with a cash balance of N166 billion on Friday from a negative level on Wednesday. Traders said over N400 billion was debited from bank accounts for the cash reserves’ balance shortly after the MPC announced its decision to increase the reserve requirement.

The secured open buy back (OBB) rate fell to 13.50 per cent, from 15.5 per cent on Wednesday, 1.50 percentage points above the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate, and 350 basis points above the standing deposit facility (SDF) rate.

The overnight rate closed at 14.25 per cent on Friday, down from 18 per cent on Wednesday, and the call money rate fell to 14.50 per cent compared with 18 per cent in the wake of the central bank’s announcement on cash reserves.

External debt The public sector external debt rose to $5.99 billion in the first quarter of 2012 from $5.67 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of additional loans incurred.

A statement from CBN said the continued increase in the public sector external debt may constitute a threat to the debt sustainability position of the country if future loans are not project-tied and self sustaining.

The private sector external debt stood at $0.27 billion in the first quarter of this year compared to $0.44 billion in the fourth quar-

ent, Access Bank Plc (Access, ‘B’/ Stable) based on Fitch’s belief that the bank will support debt issued

by Access Finance BV, if required.

The notes, according to Reuters, are expressed to be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed.

Access Finance’s senior notes’ ratings would be sensitive and directly-linked to any change in the bank’s Long-term IDR. An upgrade or downgrade to Access’s ratings would result in similar action to Access Finance’s senior notes’ ratings.

Bank to bank report

•Naira notes

By Collins Nweze

ter, of last year and $0.39 billion in its first quarter.

Public sector debt service payments increased from $0.07 billion in the fourth quarter of last year to $0.09 billion in the first quarter of this year.

Analysis of foreign exchange used by sectors in the review period revealed that $8.13 billion was spent on the importation of various items into the country.

This represented 81.3 per cent of the total foreign exchange used during the period. It also indicated an increase of 4.2 per cent and 38.3 per cent in comparison with the levels recorded in the preceding and corresponding quarters of 2011, respectively.

Offshore subsidiaries The CBN banned banks from guaranteeing the deposit of their foreign subsidiaries. The apex bank has also reaffirmed its policy stopping banks from recapitalisng their offshore subsidiaries with funds from parent companies.

In a statement by its Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Agnes Martins, the banking watchdog noted with concern the incessant demands on banks by various host regulators for the recapitalisation of their foreign subsidiaries.

These demands, she said, have exerted enormous pressure on the capital base of most parent banks due to the lull in the capital market, making it difficult to raise capital, diminishing profit margins and increasing competition.

Unified database for customers The CBN last week unfolded plans of the Bankers’ Committee to acquire a biometric-based unique identification portal that will enable it institute a unique database for bank customers.

CBN Deputy Governor Operations, Tunde Lemo, said this at a

workshop on Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCIDSS) and Cash-less Nigeria held in Lagos. He said the Committee had taken a decision on Unique Identity and there is already a sub-committee headed by the Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Godwin Emefiele, to put final touches to the project.

Lemo said the Committee is working very hard on biometricbased unique identification portal that will be available to banks, making it possible for them to have a unique account data base for their customers. This, he explained, will enable the banks to have a unique identification for bank customers in the industry.

CIBN The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has set up two-year committees to drive its activities. The committees are expected to be meeting on regular basis to articulate new initiatives, ideas and strategies, making recommendations among other functions aimed at transforming the Institute and its activities.

CIBN President/Chairman of Council, Segun Aina, said the committee was set up to ensure better service delivery to stakeholders. According to him, the committees were approved by the Governing Council of the Institute, and comprised experts and professionals with unique and varied experience, skills and other competencies.

Agric funding The apex bank is considering an intensive performance rating for all commercial banks to determine their effectiveness of lending to agriculture. To achieve this, the apex bank has set aside, N1.5 billion, out of the N75billion allocated for the full implementation of the Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) project.

Speaking at the Annual Workshop for Finance Correspondents and Editors holding in Akure,

Ondo State, CBN Director, Development Finance Department, Paul Eluhaiwe, said rating of the banks is one of the strategic measures being taken by the apex bank to stimulate lending to the sector.

According to him, the NIRSAL objective is to de-risk agriculture finance value chain, build long term capacity and instituionalise incentives for agricultural lending.

He explained that potential lenders include traditional banks, microfinance institutions, trade finance providers, asset managers, and private equity funds.

Credit to the sector could also come as a loan portfolio, a loan, a bond or in some cases, a specific commitment letter.

African Central Bank African Central Bank Governors will meet in Algiers, the Capital of Algeria, next month to decide on floating the African Central Bank (ACB).

Chair of the technical committee on the development of the draft document Dr. Rene N’ Guettia Kouassi, who is also Director for Economic Affairs, Commission of the African Union, told reporters in Abuja that the draft document on the creation of the ACB would be reviewed in Abuja this week.

However, ACB governors will first study the document before it is adopted as a working tool for the creation of the ACB and then the “document will be admitted in to the organs of African Union.”

Fitch Fitch Ratings has assigned Netherlands-based Access Finance BV’s $350 million issue of guaranteed unsecured unsubordinated notes a Longterm rating of ‘B’ and Recovery Rating ‘RR4’. The Recovery Rating for the issue is in accordance with Fitch’s soft cap for Nigeria.

The notes’ rating is aligned with the Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of its 100 per cent par-

‘The impact of the Monetary Policy Committee decision was immediate on the cost of funds in the market but rates softened after the disbursal of budget allocations to government agencies’

FIRST Bank of Nigeria Plc has posted a pre-tax profit of N54.1 billion for the half year ended June 31, 2012, indicating 125 per cent increase of the previous year’s N24.1 billion.

Also, gross earnings rose by 26 per cent from N145.1 billion to N182.3 billion. However, net interest margin slipped from 8.4 per cent to 8.3 per cent.

Skye Bank also raised its return on equity (ROE) target for 2012 to 17 per cent from 15 per cent, the lender told Reuters, after the measure hit 15.6 per cent in the first half of the year.

The mid-tier bank last week announced a 36 per cent year-onyear increase in half-year pre-tax profit to N9.9 billion. It expected its ROE target to reach 18 per cent within the next three to five years, the bank said. The lender said it was seeking approvals to include a $100 million debt it raised recently in its capital structure.

Ecobank Group and Portugal’s third largest commercial bank, Banco Espírito Santo (BES) have entered into a co-operation agreement to develop trade and investments between Portugal and Africa.

Both lenders said in a statement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was signed at BES’ Lisbon headquarters, envisages joint effort and cooperation on the network of customers and branches of both banks to support and encourage trade and investments between Portugal and Africa.

Unity Bank Plc also reaffirmed its commitment to retail banking.

The bank said in a statement that it will not relent in the pursuit of its goal of becoming a leading retail bank in the country.

Speaking on the bank’s second quarter report, the Managing Director, Ado Wanka said the bank’s performance re-emphasises the strategic thrust of retail banking.

Wanka said the improvements on the earning assets and the overall balance sheet size as the bank grew its risks assets by about N44 billion, of which significant portion went to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is indicative of the retail banking focus.

Sterling Bank Plc won the CITI Bank Performance Excellence Award for 2011. This stemmed from the management’s decision to restructure its operational lines for efficiency and quality service delivery especially in electronic banking during the last fiscal year.

According to a statement from the bank, it earned an outstanding score card of 98 per cent or higher in its operations in Straight-Through-Processes (STP). It also had an MT 202 based undertakings, a representing its consistency in delivering accurate input and responses promptly in line with the most stringent global benchmarks.

32

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

THE CEO Non-interest banking, otherwise known as Islamic Banking, has generated heated debate lately.But, in this interview with select Business Editors in Lagos, the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank – a noninterest bank, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, explains it all.

He said the bank is open to everyone, irrespective of religion.

He listed Bishops and Pastors among the bank’s shareholders, and spoke on its vision, planned fund raising as well as other industry issues. Group Business Editor AYODELE AMINU was there. Excerpts:

H

OW has it been since Jaiz Bank opened for business?

First of all, we thank God Almighty for everything. More so, considering the fact that despite the controversy that heralded the introduction of Non-Interest Banking in Nigeria, Jaiz Bank Plc is now fully operational. Ordinarily, our entry into the Nigerian market should have been occasioned by a grand opening. However, we opened our doors quietly out of respect for the sensitivity of all our people and to make sure that we don’t rock the boat. This is not to say that we’re doing something that is illegal or illegitimate. We started in January when Occupy Nigeria was just happening and after that, the Kano bombings. As such, we felt that it was not the time to come out with so much noise, so out of respect for Nigerians, we decided to start quietly. So, back to your question of how has it been; I would say there are always initial challenges when you start a new venture. Be that as it may, we are already six months in operation and I can tell you that we are proud of the progress that we have made in terms of customer deposits, number of customers that are coming to us and also in terms of people appreciating and understanding what noninterest banking is all about.

Can you expatiate on what non-interest banking is all about?

Even though the concept of Non-Interest banking started in the western world, it’s no longer new here. People are embracing it irrespective of their race or affiliations. Answering your question specifically, it is a specialised bank based on the principles of fairness, transparency and objectivity. What do I we mean by that? It means there’s nothing like absentee landlord, if you want to benefit from something, you should take some share of responsibility or risk. That is really the basics, I hope you understand that.

The second principle is that when you’re going into a business with somebody, whether it’s an individual or company, you should be fair and objective. Don’t take too much advantage of other people in other words, you have to be fair in your dealings and you don’t gamble with people’s money.

These in a nutshell are some of the basic principles of Non-Interest Banking.Today, noninterest banking is a global phenomenon

• Bintube

‘Global size of non-interest banking is over $1 trillion’ practiced all over the world. Britain, United States of America (USA), France, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and some other countries. It has a global market size of over $1 trillion. Those of you that are privileged to go to London at Oxford Street you’ll see a commanding presence of Islamic Bank of Britain on Edgeware Road. The first Managing Director of that bank is a Christian and his name is Michael Harlon. He’s an English man and after him, there was George I think. If you go to France, they have Non-Interest banks and it would interest you to know that they don’t hide it like we do here; they call it Islamic banking and its being run by Non-Muslims. Also, if you go to New York, US, they have what is called Islamic index where people buy and trade in SUKUK (Islamic Bond) and make money out of it. Actually in Nigeria, both the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) and the CBN Act gives the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) the power to approve us as Islamic Bank if we wanted to use Islamic in our name, but as I said, because of the sensitivities of Nigerians we decided to drop it completely. Our customers, staff, vendors, contractors are diversified - meaning they come from different parts of the country. Our shareholders, who started coming on board as far back as 2004/2005, cut across the six geographic zones of Nigeria. Some from the Southsouth, Southeast, Southwest, Northcentral, Northeast, and these shareholders are both big and small

from somebody who put in N10,000 to someone who put in more, and that is why we said that look, we know that it’s based on the Islamic principles of Sharia, but then, it’s not an exclusive bank, its open to all. As a matter of fact, we have Pastors and Bishops who are shareholders of the bank.

Are there likely plans of Jaiz Bank going national?

That is a very good question. Yes, there are plans to go national by next year, God willing. We held the Annual General Meeting of the Bank on the fourth of July, this year where the shareholders approved that we can go to the market and raise an additional N8billion new capital that will qualify us to go national under the specialised banking license requirement. Our migration plan is to grow from a Regional bank to a National bank and sub-Sahara Africa. By then, we will have branches in major commercial cities of all the states of the Federation. Specifically, we would have branches in Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi, Enugu, Port Harcourt etc.

So, what is the required capital base by the CBN for a specialised National licence and how much is your private placement going for?

The capital base for a specialised national banking licence as prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is N10billion. By the time we are through with the private placement and have got all the necessary approval of the Securities and Exchange Com-

mission (SEC), our capital base will be within N12 and N13 billion, which is like N2 to N3 billion more than the N10 billion capital requirement for national licence. The good thing is that thank God, we already have commitments for 60 to 70 per cent of what we are shopping for. So, we’re appealing to investors all over Nigeria, the same investors that put their money from the six regional zones to come out and invest now because the price is just N1.15k. We are already adding value and as soon as we are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the expected stability returns, we believe the price will appreciate to about N3.

We believe this is possible if we continue to expand our branch network, improve on our service delivery channels i.e. Internet Banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), IT capacity, PoS terminals and continue to earn the confidence of the generality of Nigerians.

What would you say in simple terms are the benefits of Non-interest banks to Nigerians?

One, it gives Nigerians an option to conventional interest based banking and by so doing it will deepen and diversify the financial system for the benefits of all. Secondly, it will create employment opportunities.

Thirdly, it will attract new skills and thus enhance our human capacity building.

Fourthly, it will attract new foreign direct • Continued on page 33

33

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

THE CEO

‘Global size of non-interest banking is over $1 trillion’ •Continued from page 32

investment (FDI). Already, we have the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) which is like the World Bank as an important shareholder and sits on our Board. We are expecting more foreign investors to come on board, God willing.

Interesting! So, how do you make money?

We make money through three basic means.

One is through buying and selling or what we call Murabah (Cost-Plus Mark-Up). You see, non-interest banks are the only ones authorised to engage in trading. Here a customer can approach us with a need to acquire an asset. We will in turn look for that asset that he/she requires, purchase it on his behalf and we put our little mark-up (profit) and sell to him/her. If the terms are acceptable to both parties then we enter into a sale contract whereby the customer is given the benefit to conveniently pay on agreed installments. Secondly, is through leasing or what we call Ijara. Here customers (individuals or corporate bodies) approach us based on the need to acquire equipment say a generator for their businesses. Consequently, we will acquire the generator and give to you on lease basis, but you will be paying us rental for the use of the generator also based on agreed terms and conditions. Note that under the lease agreement the leased item is not your property; it is the bank’s property.

The third way we make money is through partnership or what we call Musharaka (partnership through profit and loss sharing). How does it work? Let’s say you have a mass of land somewhere around Lekki in Lagos, but you don’t have the money to develop it. Probably you want to develop a block of flats of two bedroom each, which people can afford to buy with ease. In this instance, you can come to the bank and enter into a partnership with it. We’ll in turn do our due diligence based on our expertise and risk management policy to establish the actual cost of the project and when we are fully satisfied and have established the cost to be N1 billion, and you have only paid N100 million, we’ll then give you about N900 million. So, after the completion of the project and we make profit we will then share with you based on agreed profit sharing ratio, which could be either 40:60 per cent in proportion to the level of risk taken or sometimes it can be the other way round where the customer takes 60 and we take 40. For instance, if you brought N500 million and the land also belongs to you, we will on the basis of fairness, take 30 per cent of the profit while you the customer will take 70 per cent. This is what I was telling you about earlier that there are no absentee landlords in Non-Interest Banking. In this case, both of us took risk, we put up capital into a business, we were transparent and you took 30 per cent of the profit and we took 70 per cent based on level of risk assumed by each party. However, if there is a loss after the whole thing, then we share the loss, according to the capital we put in. In this case, we take 70 per cent of the loss and the customer takes 30per cent.

Can you please shed more light on the acquisition of a land or property, especially in a case, where, I want to buy the land and I don’t have the money, you pay 70per cent, I pay 30 per cent and we develop it together how are we going to share profit?

First, we will not finance you to buy any land because that will be speculative. What we can do if you have a land and you want to develop it either for personal home use or for business purposes, we can then support you in financing the development through our home financing model or other products as indicated earlier.

Define your bank’s method of non-interest banking?

I think I have explained this earlier, but it is simple, we don’t charge interest and we don’t take interest from our customers. What we do is to engage in productive venture and by so doing we are able to make money through the profit sharing formula, leasing, buying and selling etc.

Coming on board now, especially at this time after the banking reforms, most of these banks are by now we believe, firmly rooted, and you’re now coming in to assert your presence, are you not intimidated by these big banks? In other words, how do you hope to gain your grounds in this market?

I think it is more like the other way round.

They are the ones who are intimidated by our presence in the Nigerian financial terrain. We believe that the market is big enough for everybody to play in. We are a

• Bintube

‘First, we will not finance you to buy any land because that will be speculative. What we can do if you have a land and you want to develop it either for personal home use or for business purposes, we can then support you in financing the development through our home financing model or other products as indicated earlier’

• Bintube

‘What I can categorically tell our various stakeholders and Nigerians in general is that our operating license has not been revoked and we are fully opened for business. Customers have since then been coming in and out of our branches to transact their banking business, deposit, withdrawals, financing proposals etc.’ niche bank and we will continue to perfect our strategies and do what we are set up to do. The most important thing to us is customer satisfaction and the socio-economic development of our country and our people.

To add to that, I think there is a very large

market here in Nigeria compared to all those other African countries. Even here in Nigeria there are lots of people out there, that are still unbanked, there is a lot of to be done to bring them on board.

So, where do you envision the bank to be

in the next five years?

In the next five years like I told you, we want to be a national bank and we believe our customer base will more than triple and multiply compared to where we are now.

We also believe that by that time, the ratio between Muslims and Non-Muslims will be at least 50:50. In the next four years, we should be seen and respected by most of these banks.

They would respect us for our high quality service, specialised products, high ethics and for our professionalism. Simple! Not because of the name that we have.

Tell us more about the products and services you will be offering?

We offer almost all the products and services being offered by the conventional banks.

We have our Jaiz Current Account, Jaiz Mudarabah Savings Accounts, Jaiz Auto Finance, Jaiz Home Finance, Jaiz Home Appliances Scheme and more.

Do you have any product for agriculture?

Yes we do, we have for instance,” Sallam” for farmers, where a farmer say a cocoa farmer can use for financing inputs for his products or a wheat farmer who wants to grow and sell wheat to the Flour Mills. In this case for financing his inputs, he will pay us with his products at a fixed price and at a future date. We in turn can sell the products to Flour Mills or other food and beverage manufacturers. We are also exploring how to access the CBN Agricultural Financing Scheme.

How do you want to respond to the impression that your bank is for Muslims only?

Let me use this medium to tell emphatically all Nigerians that Jaiz Bank Plc is not an exclusive club. It is open to all irrespective of race or religion. It is a business. Right now I can confidently tell you that we have non-Muslim staff working with the bank, we have vendors, contractors and customers who are non-Muslims. Recently, John and Mohammed submitted bids for supplies with us. After careful evaluation, we decided to give it to John. Both of them have been our suppliers for quite some time, but this time, we felt John deserves it. These are real people and real names, not hypothesis.

You talked about your profit and loss sharing as against the other commercial banks who compound their interest over a period of time and make a lot of margin. This is a grey area for many Nigerians that I want you to clarify, how would you in a short time make profit?

I have explained this earlier. I told you through three areas, one is through buying and selling, second is leasing and the third one is partnership which is profit and loss sharing. Unfortunately, 99 per cent of people only know about the profit and loss sharing aspect, they forget about the fact that we also actively engage in trading, leasing etc.

How is your deposit base and what are your projections?

I’ll say significantly we are doing well and given the level of challenges we had, I’ll say that our deposit base and customer are quite significant and growing.

Where do you see your deposit base rising to, in the next three to five years?

We’re looking at about N60 billion within the next one to two years.

Let’s look at the recent controversial court pronouncement on your licence, what really happened?

First of all on the issue of the court pronouncement, we were not joined in the suit; we just read it in the newspapers like you did. What I can categorically tell our various stakeholders and Nigerians in general is that our operating licence has not been revoked and we are fully opened for business. Customers have since then been coming in and out of our branches to transact their banking business, deposit, withdrawals, financing proposals etc.

Having said that, on the pronouncement itself, it is important for all of us to know that, the law is in full support of Islamic banking.

BOFIA Section 61 contains provision on NonInterest banking. Furthermore, Sections 23, 55 and 59 all re-affirmed the legality of Non- Interest banks. So I can say that the CBN as an institution and Lamido Sanusi as an individual all acted within the confines of the law.

In any case if you go back to history, NonInterest banking started during the time of Alhaji Abdulkadir Ahmed, our elder statesman, Mr Joseph Sanusi, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo culminating with Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. So, it has been an ongoing process and an idea whose time has come.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

34

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-7-12

Sterling Bank grows earnings by 59%

S

TERLING Bank Plc expanded its top-line by 58 per cent in the first half as the bank continued to consolidate the gains from recent acquisition and strategic business development initiatives.

Interim report and accounts of Sterling Bank for the period ended June 30, 2012 showed that gross earnings rose by 59.3 per cent to N32.69 billion in 2012 as against N20.52 billion recorded in the comparable period of 2011. The report also showed significant improvement in profitability as profit before tax rose from N2.55 billion to N3.25 billion. Profit after tax increased to N3.01 billion as against N2.2 billion in corresponding period of 2011.

Commenting on the performance, managing director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola said the report was a testimony to the efficacy measures built into the bank’s core banking operations and the aggressive business development along various needs of the customer.

He noted that with interest income growing by 81 per cent, net interest income rising by 70 per cent and operating income increasing by 49 per cent, the first half performance was quite

•Investors stake N12b on equities

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

indicative of the increasing success of its business integration and expansion.

Sterling Bank had last year acquired Equitorial Trust Bank Plc, - one of the banks bailed out by the Central Bank in 2009, a move market watchers observed would witness significant synergy and raise the performance of the successor entity tremendously.

“The results also come in the wake of Sterling Bank’s recent integration with the former ETB, and the associated costs arising from technology upgrade and brand standardisation; the benefits of which are expected to kick-in during the last quarter of the year,” Adeola said.

He pointed out that against the backdrop of difficult global and domestic economic conditions, which have continued to impact real sector investment, foreign investor participation, consumer confidence, and market risk appetite, the performance of the bank was a great leap forward.

Analysts are optimistic that the bank will sustain current performance tempo to year- end by way of delivering broader figures in

both the bottom-line and the top-line.

Meanwhile, trading at the Nigerian stock market remained within the same range as investors staked N11.9 billion on 1.64 billion through 20,989 deals last week, the same range with a total of 1.634 billion shares valued at N11.897 billion traded in 22,412 deals two weeks ago.

The banking sub-sector was the most active subgroup with a turnover of 950.455 million shares worth N6.754 billion in 11,023 deals. The healthcare providers sub-sector, which was boosted by activity in the shares of Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services, placed second on the activity chart with a turnover of 327.697 million shares valued at N163.849 million traded in five deals.

The market closed on a positive note with a weekon-week gain of 0.86 per cent. The benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI) trended upward to 23,292.80 points. Aggregate market value of equities appreciated to N7.41trillion compared with its opening value of N7.35 trillion.

Dangote Cement Plc led the gainers with a gain of N5 while Unilever Nigeria Plc added N1.07 per share.

Lafarge Cement Wapco led the slackers with a loss of N2.22 per share. Flour Mills Nigeria Plc followed with a loss of N2.20 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-7-12

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30 , 2012

35

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Conoil has gained nearly four times more than the average on the stock market this month. With strong earnings and returns from last year operations, Conoil’s pricing trend underlines the recovery in the depressed oil and gas sector.

TAOFIK SALAKO reports on the undercurrents driving the oil firm’s market consideration

T

HE Nigerian stock market opens today with a year-to-date return of 12.36 per cent, for the first time-lifting average return for equities above several fixedincome securities. At the current level, equities' return is some few points to positive real return on investment. This month has particularly seen significant redefinition of the market outlook. While the market closed the first half with average gain of 4.19 per cent, this month has seen impressive rally with month-on-month return of 7.8 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark value gauge that tracks prices of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which had closed the first half at 21,599.57 points, open today at 23,292.80 points.

Monetised, the year-to-date return translates into a gain of some N881 billion, with N519 billion accruing from the July rally. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities, which opened this year at N6.533 trillion, closed first half at N6.895 trillion. Equities capitalisation open today at N7.414 trillion.

With the overall market trending upward, the oil and gas sector appeared to be responding to the stimulus from market-leading rally by Conoil Plc. The NSE Oil and Gas Index posted a marginal month-onmonth return of 2.5 per cent this month, minimising the year-to-date return in the sector to -19.46 per cent. Substantial gain

by Conoil in the weeks preceding the release of the audited report and accounts for last year ended December 31, 2011 and since the release of the actual earnings has been a major driver for the overall market performance and the recovery in the oil and gas sector. Conoil's market consideration has risen by 30 per cent this month, almost five times the gain by the second best stock.

Within the same period, Total Nigeria posted a return of 6.4 per cent while Forte Oil and Oando gained 2.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. Other oil stocks depreciated with Eterna posting a drop of 24 per cent. Mobil Oil Nigeria's share price declined by 5.9 per cent while MRS Oil and Gas slipped by 5.0 per cent.

For investors in Conoil, the positive market perception that greeted the latest earnings translated into a capital gain of N4.09 billion as market worth of the oil stock rose from N13.68 billion to open today at N17.70 billion.

What’s driving the bullish oil firm?

Increased earnings The capital gain mirrors the increased cash payouts to shareholders that resulted from above-peer performance by Conoil in 2011.

With sustained growth in sales and profit, the board of Conoil has recommended 25 per cent increase in cash dividends to shareholders. The company would be paying N1.73 billion to shareholders as cash dividends for the 2011 business year compared with N1.39 billion distributed for the previous year. The gross dividend recommendation implies increase in dividend per share from N2 for 2010 business year to N2.50 for the 2011. The 25 per cent increase in cash payouts was reflective of the impressive performance of the company during the year as net earnings per share rose from N4.02 to N4.25. With these, Conoil emerged as the best-return stock in the petroleum marketing sector with current dividend yield of about 12 per cent and earnings yield of about 20 per cent. These also placed the stock within the top-bracket of dividend paying stocks on the NSE.

Stronger fundamentals The audited report showed that the company grew sales by 53 per cent from N102.88 billion to N157.51 billion. It further consolidated its profitability with profit before tax rising from N4.02 billion to N4.4 billion. Profit after tax rose from N2.79 billion to N2.95 billion. The company also strengthened its balance sheet as retained earnings boosted shareholders' funds to N16.82 billion compared with N15.26 billion. Total assets rose by 49 per cent to N61.84 billion in 2011 as against N41.49 billion in 2010.

Market analysts said the impressive dividend and profit and loss accounts performance were in line with market's expectations given Conoil's consistent growth over the years. As earnings per share increased from N2.62 in 2008 to N3.33 and N4.02 in 2009 and 2010 respectively, Conoil had increased cash dividend per

share correspondingly from N1 in 2009 to N1.50 and N2 in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Average payout rate also stood at about 48 per cent in the past four years with the company progressively increasing the proportion of profit after tax distributed to shareholders from 38.2 per cent in 2008 to 45.05 per cent in 2009, 49.8 per cent in 2010 and 58.6 per cent in 2011.

What future consideration?

The difficult operating environment in the downstream oil sector signals the relatively high risks in the sector. With distortions from partial deregulation, sustained performance in the sector requires aggressive and sustainable sales strategy, given that sales growth is the major driver of long-term profitability. The decisive differentiating factors in the sector thus are long-term investments in key facilities including storage and blending facilities, supportive and farsighted board with strong financial influence, dynamic management and sound local intelligence.

Will Conoil be able to sustain its growth?

Conoil has said the foundation for its impressive performance was hinged on the huge investment it committed to the expansion of its businesses, the general overhaul of its facilities and equipment, the optimisation of its resources and total elimination of waste in its operations. One major component of the growth expansion initiatives was the massive investment in petroleum products depot in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which has significantly helped to ease fuel supply in the southern and northern parts of the country. With its immense storage facility for all petroleum products, the depot has added value to government's effort at ensuring fuel availability nationwide.

Besides, Conoil's Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)-produced and distributed from its stateof-the-art LPG bottling plant located in Ikeja, Lagos; has become a major source of industrial and domestic cooking fuel. The plant has the capacity to bottle 5,000 cylinders a day, boosting supply of cooking gas in the country. The company has also consolidated its dominance

•Chairman, Conoils , Dr Mike Adenuga (Jnr)

of the high margin business of lubricants in the downstream sector of the industry with additional state-of-the art blending plants in Apapa and Port Harcourt which had pushed up its production capacity significantly.

On the outlook for the company, chairman, Conoil Plc, Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jnr), said the latest performance report was indicative of the commitment of the board and management to growing shareholders' value irrespective of the operating challenges. He pointed out that the company launched far-reaching initiatives to strengthen its income base in core segments of its business particularly in retail, lubricants, aviation, gas and specialised products. "We shall continually strive to take advantage of emerging opportunities to repay the faith and confidence that our loyal shareholders have shown in us," Adenuga assured. He said Conoil would continue to consolidate the progress it has made in the past years and leverage on its unique position as Nigeria's leading oil marketer to continuously improve returns to all stakeholders.

While the risks factors in the oil sector will continue to be the mitigating factors in investment decisions, the expected full deregulation of the oil sector will place high-storage companies with considerable financing capacity at vantage positions.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30 , 2012

36

DUE DILIGENCE

CCNN: Better returns C

EMENT Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) Plc witnessed significant improvements in actual and underlying returns in 2011.

Audited report and accounts of CCNN for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that return on equity increased from 26 per cent to 33 per cent while return on total assets improved from 16.3 per cent to 26.2 per cent. With 81 per cent increase in profit after tax, the company earmarked N566 million as cash dividend to shareholders for the 2011 business.

The report showed that a more efficient cost management and appreciable growth in sales underpinned substantial growth in profit and returns to shareholders. Gross and pre-tax profit margins improved from 36.8 per cent and 15.7 per cent in 2010 to 45.2 per cent and 23.7 per cent respectively in 2011,. The report also showed considerable improvements in financing structure and liquidity, providing a positive balance sheet support that enabled top-line performance to trickle down into substantial earnings to shareholders.

Financing structure CCNN’s total assets increased by 17 per cent from N10.72 billion to N12.6 billion. Permanent assets improved marginally by 5.0 per cent from N5.41 billion to N5.68 billion while current assets grew by 30 per cent from N5.3 billion to N6.9 billion. Total liabilities dropped marginally from 5.87 billion to N5.57 billion. Current liabilities fell by 11 per cent from N4.4 billion to N3.9 billion corresponding with similar increase in long-term liabilities from N1.5 billion to N1.65 billion. The paid up share capital remained unchanged at N628 million but shareholders’ funds grew by 44.5 per cent to N7 billion as against N4.85 billion in 2010.

Consequently, the company’s financing position improved

2007

2009

2010

2011 •MD, RT Briscoe, Bukola Onajide

By Taofik Salako 2007

considerably with zero financial leverage and significant improvement in equity funding.

The company’s debt-to-equity ratio dropped from 23 per cent to zero while the proportion of equity funds to total assets increased to 56 per cent as against 45 per cent in 2010. Current liabilities/total assets ratio improved from 41 per cent to 31 per cent while long-term liabilities/ total assets stood at 13.2 per cent in 2011 as against 14 per cent in 2010.

Efficiency At constant estimate, there were improvements in employee productivity and overall productivity. CCNN recorded improvement in cost management and productivity during the year. Total cost of business-excluding finance charges, dropped by six percentage points from 88 per cent in 2010 to about 82 per cent in 2011

Profitability The profit outlook of the company improved appreciably during the year with both actual and

Fiscal Year Ended December 31 Nmillion 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) 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

2008

2011 12 months 13,915 13,915 7,629 6,286 3,743 948 195 3,294 2,304 183 566 45 557

% change 24.5 24.5 8.0 52.8 35.4 32.6 -37.4 88.0 81.6 81.2

44.3

2008

underlying profitability ratios showing corresponding performance. Underlying profitability indices showed a generally positive outlook. Gross profit margin improved from 37 per cent to 45 per cent. Average pre-tax profit per every unit of sales increased from about 16 per cent to 24 per cent. Return on equity appreciated from 26 per cent to 33 per cent while return on total assets increased from 16 per cent to 26 per cent.

Total sales grew from N11.2 billion to N13.92 billion. Cost of sales inched up by 8.0 per cent to N7.63 billion in 2011 as against N7.07 billion in 2010.

Gross profit grew by 53 per cent from N4.11 billion to N6.3 billion. Operating expenses stood at N3.74 billion in 2011 compared with N2.76 billion in 2010.

Non-core business income improved by 33 per cent from N715 million to N948 million. Interest expenses however, dropped by 37 per cent from N312 million in 2010 to N195 million in 2011.

Improved cost management impacted significantly on the bottom-line as profit before tax jumped by 88 per cent to 2010 N3.3 billion 12 months in 2011 in contrast with N1.75 billion 11,181 in 2010. Profit 11,181 after tax also 7,067 jumped from N1.3 billion 4,114 to N2.30 bil2,764 lion, indicat-

715 312 1,752 1,269 101 0 0 386

5,683 5,683 619 6,886 12,569

5.0 4.6 44.6 30.3 17.2

5,413 5,435 428 5,286 10,721

1,943 0 3,912 1,654 5,566

-6.0 0.0 -10.6 10.6 -5.2

2,067 1,098 4,378 1,496 5,874

628 7,003

0.0 44.5

2009

628 4,847

2010

2011

ing earnings per share of N1.83 in 2011 as against N1.01 in 2010.

The board of the company has recommended distribution of about 25 per cent of net profit to shareholders, translating into a gross dividend of N566 million and cash dividend per share of 45 kobo. Dividend cover stood at 4.07 times. With the company’s earnings retention policy, net assets per share rose by 44.3 per cent from N3.86 to N5.57.

Liquidity The financial agility of the company improved during the year, with better coverage for emerging liabilities. Current ratio, which indicates ability of the company to meet emerging financing needs by relating current assets with relevant liabilities, improved from 1.21 times in 2010 to 1.76 times in 2011. The proportion of working capital to total sales also improved from 8.1 per cent in 2010 to 21.4 per cent in 2011. Debtors/creditors ratio stood at 32 per cent in 2011 as against 20.7 per cent in 2010.

Governance and structures CCNN is a wholly-owned Nigerian company with more than 36,000 shareholders. Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, the president of BUA International, chairs the board of directors while Mr. Alf Karlsen remains the managing director and chief executive. BUA International Limited-through its wholly-owned subsidiaryDamnaz Cement Company, holds

Fiscal Year Ended December 31

50.72 per cent majority equity stake. Nasdal Bap Nigeria Limited holds the second largest equity stake of 11.48 per cent. There were no major changes on the board and management of the company. CCNN has signed on to the code of corporate governance. Broadly, the company complied with relevant provisions of the code.

Analyst’s opinion Against the background of the difficult operating environment, especially the Northern market where CCNN operates, the latest audited report was a commendable improvement. The report indicated the success of sustained growth initiatives and reassured on the prospects of the company in the years ahead. The continued optimisation of existing production capacity and planned erection of a new production line to increase production capacity up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum as well as investments in energy would come to bear on future performance. Also, the planned recapitalisation of the company, which is expected to inject N45 billion, would impact positively on the operations, putting it in strong position to sustain expansive growth strategy without falling into the trap of financial mismatch.

With the growth initiatives by CCNN and the positive industry outlook of the cement industry, there is reasonable basis to assume that CCNN would sustain improved performance in the years ahead.

2011 %

2010 %

Financing structure Equity funds/Total assets Long-term liabilities/Total assets Current liabilities/Total assets Debt/Equity ratio

55.7 13.2 31.1 0.0

45.2 14.0 40.8 22.7

Profitability Gross profit margin Pre-tax profit margin Return on total assets Return on equity Dividend cover (times)

45.2 23.7 26.2 32.9 4.07

36.8 15.7 16.3 26.2 Nil

Efficiency Pre-tax profit per employee (Nm) Staff cost per employee (Nm) Cost of sales, operating exp/Turnover

NA NA 81.7

4.88 2.99 87.9

Liquidity Current ratio Working capital/Turnover Debtors/Creditors

1.76 21.4 31.8

1.21 8.1 20.7

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

37

• A building designed by computer.

Property workers in high demand In the property market today, certain skilled workers stand out. They include architects, civil engineers and surveyors. Their designations explain the kind of jobs they do. They are being sought after despite the downturn in the sub-sector, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

T

HESE are certainly the best of times for architects, surveyors, civil engineers, estate valuers among other professionals in the property industry. This is because their services are in demand by firms that are into building.

In recent times, individuals and build-

ing companies are to hire skilled workers who can give them value for money.

Experts said the industry would continue to engage those workers, despite the harsh economic climate. They said building construction requires expertise, adding that nobody can afford to waste money on a project that is not enduring.

Chief Executive Officer/Project Manager, Choice Ville Properties, Mr Akanbi Kolawole, said builders are eager to engage the services of architects and civil engineers who can give detailed information about the geography of the land and the design that can best fit the land.

Kolawole said high net worth individu-

als or firms pay such workers well because of their skills.

He said an estate has a life cycle that must be protected, adding that the development informed the decision of firms to hire skilled workers to handle • Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

38

JOBS

Property workers in high demand • Continued from page 37

their jobs.

He divided the life cycle of an estate into three parts; functional, economical and physical. He said at least six out of 10 estate management firms get jobs regularly, adding that his firm conducted a study which revealed that many estate management companies are engaged throughout the year.

He said: “From my investigations, estate management firms and civil engineers in certain areas in Lagos always have jobs to do. While some get big contracts, others have jobs in- between. .

Altogether, their services are directly or indirectly needed in the job market.”

Kolawole said the functional life cycle has to do with the location and the purpose of erecting a building, while physical life cycle deals with the beauty or the aesthetic nature of a building.

The economic life cycle deals with the financial values of the area where the building is located.

He said there is no way one can talk about the economic life cycle of a building without mentioning the issue of social stratification. You talk about the class of people resident in that area.

They can be categorised into higher, middle and lower income groups. Later, you consider their tastes/preferences or the building designs they would like to adopt.

Kolawole said firms are looking for lasting values for their properties, and therefore employ workers who can do good jobs for them.

President, Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Chief Olabode

• Bolu

• Kayode

Afolayan, said architects, civil engineers and estate developers are needed in the property industry to achieve results, adding that estate management firms are employed because of their ability to manage properties well.

He said people confuse the roles of property development companies and property management companies, arguing that they perform different func-

tions.

Afolayan said the former requires erecting buildings for office use or accommodation, while the latter is about managing properties on behalf of clients.

He stated that the two categories are separate entities and therefore handle issues differently.

He said somebody must be on ground before a property can be well maintained, adding that es-

tate management firms play important roles in this regard.

The REDAN chief, said property maintenance companies are primarily required to prevent the wear and tear of a buildings, thereby facilitating the growth of their companies.

“This is the main reason why estate management firms are engaged by institutions that want their properties to be kept clean.

It is not capital intensive or challenging for an organisation to maintain a building of between N5 million to N10 million.

Managing Partner, Sola Enitan & Co, Sola Enitan, said people are employed based on the fact that they can do the jobs assigned to them.

“If the services of property maintenance officers are needed, then you employ them’, he stated.

President, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Olatunji Bolu, said architects are gradually using the latest technology and softwares to improve their works. He said applications aid teleconferencing, and forge a strong relationship between architects and their stakeholders.

He said architects are needed to provide beautiful plans, which is the reason people give them jobs.

A graduate of the School of Technology, Ilesa, Osun State, Agunbiade Kayode, said things are looking up for architects.

Agunbiade said many architects are now getting jobs, no matter how small they may be. He said architects, on the average, make between N25,000 to N35,000 a week. There are some others that realise much more, he added. He said workers compliment each other in the property industry, adding that they sometimes operate together.

From all indications, things are getting better for certain skilled workers in the property industry.

This is a good development, given the fact that the country is facing a challenging economic situation. However, such workers need to improve themselves to be able to sustain their performance in the industry.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

T

HE interview is one of the most important elements in the job search process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he/she is indicating an interest in bringing you on board. The interview gives both of you the opportunity to exchange enough information to determine if you are a good “fit” for each other. Think of an interview as a highly focused professional conversation. You should use the limited amount of time you have to learn about an employer’s needs and discuss the ways you can meet these needs. In many cases, you will interview at least twice before being hired for a position. Once in a brief screening interview and at least once again in a more serious meeting when you may also speak with many of your potential coworkers.

The job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job and that you can successfully fit into the organisation and its culture. The interview is also your opportunity to gather information about the job, the organisation, and future career opportunities to figure out if the position and work environment are right for you.

Most employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.

After your cover letter and résumé, the interview is your best opportunity to wow the employer-regardless of your background and experience. To do this, use every possible strategy to develop effective interviewing skills. The best way is to prepare a selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to potential interview questions, well-researched questions about the organisation, and an effective strategy to market yourself. Also consider your career goals and what the available job offers so that you can discuss both of these topics with employers. Interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes

Making a success of job interview

By Olu Oyeniran

easier with practice. Check with your school career center or your local Employment Service office to see if it offers workshops and individual videotaped mock interviews for practice.

Research It is to your advantage to carefully research the job and the organisation. There are many ways to do this. You can request printed materials from the employer, such as annual reports and job descriptions. This is an entirely appropriate request, so don’t hesitate to make it. Use your library and career center resources. Ask colleagues, friends, and faculty about the organisation, and about any personal contacts at the organisation they might have. Look at the organisation’s home page. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate.

Practice, practice, practice Prepare a succinct, clear answer to each of the questions in the interview questions section. Practice answering questions with a friend, or in front of a mirror. Ask your friend to give you constructive criticism on your speaking style, mannerisms, and poise. As you practice, avoid colloquialisms, such as “like” and “you know.” Make sure you don’t script all your answers-you’ll sound as though you’re reading cue cards!

It’s important to prepare yourself for talking with complete strangers.

Find out the logistics of the interview The more you know, the more focused

your answers will be. Find out when the interview is scheduled, what to expect during it, and how long you will be there. Also find out if you will be talking to just one person, or to several.

Be prompt and professional Always arrive early. If you don’t know where the organisation is located, call for exact directions in advance. Leave some extra time for any traffic, parking, or unpredictable events. If you are running late, call right away and let someone know. The best time to arrive is approximately five10 minutes early. Give yourself the time to read your résumé one more time, to catch your breath, and to be ready for the interview. Once you’re at the office, treat everyone you encounter with respect. Be pleasant to everyone as soon as you walk in the door.

Dress for success Wear a professional business suit. This point cannot be emphasised enough. First impressions are extremely important in the interview process. Women should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make up. Men should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much cologne. It is also important that you feel comfortable. While a suit is the standard interview attire in a business environment, if you think it is an informal environment, call before and ask. Regardless, you can never be overdressed if you are wearing a tailored suit.

Be organised Carry a portfolio notepad or at the very least a manila file folder labeled with the employer’s name. Bring extra résumés and have the names, addresses and phone num-

bers of references, in case the employer asks.

Also, bring a list of questions for the employer. You may refer to your list of questions to be sure you’ve gathered the information you need to make a decision. Do not be preoccupied with taking notes during the interview.

Know yourself You will make the interview process easier for the employer if you volunteer relevant information about yourself. Think about how you want to present your strengths, experiences, education, work style, skills, and goals. Be prepared to supplement all your answers with examples that support the statements you make. It is also a good idea to review your résumé with a critical eye and identify areas that an employer might see as limitations or want further information. Think about how you can answer difficult questions accurately and positively, while keeping each answer brief.

Be honest An interview gives the employer a chance to get to know you. While you do want to market yourself to the employer, answer each question with an honest response.

Be positive Never say anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and professors. Always think of something positive about an experience and talk about that.

You should also be enthusiastic. If you are genuinely interested in the job, let the interviewer know that.

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

39

INSURANCE

Few players good for industry, says Royal Exchange MD

R

EDUCTION of players may be the panacea for the growth of the industry, The Nation has learnt.

Investigation has showed that the high level of unethical practices in the industry stemmed from too many players chasing few businesses.

The Managing Director Royal Exchange General Insurance Company, Olutayo Borokini, said unethical practices are often caused by attempts to secure few businesses by operators.

He added that some operators reduce their rate to ensure that they edge their competitors out of business.

He said: “The bane of the industry is rate cutting. Because of the number of players in the market

Stories by Chuks Udo Okonta

and with few businesses available, coupled with the weak economy, we have more demand than supply. And there are no new businesses, so there are intense competitions. With the competition, some operators have to lower the price in most cases.

“There are supposed to be industry standards, but they not adhered to. Competition has forced down the prices of insurance products.

The issue is also complicated by multi-nationals. Because most manufacturing firms owned by multi-nation have to contend with the cost of doing business in Nigeria, which is very high, they try to manage their cost and one of the areas of doing so is insurance.”

He noted that there is an urgent need for the operators to collaborate and seek ways to sustain the industry, adding that consolidation may be a better means to strengthen the industry.

“The challenge can only be addressed through collaboration. At present, we have too many players for the businesses that are available. Take, for an example, South Africa, as large as the country is in terms of insurance penetration, which is about five per cent, they have about 15 insurance companies.

“In Nigeria, we have 59 firms.

How do you control such a great number of players, because if there are about five underwriters on a particular business, and the five reject the risk, the broker still

has an opportunity to take other five in the market and can continue until he exhausted the whole. Mind you the companies have been capitalised up to N3billion,” he said.

Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel, said the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is not interested in too many firms, but firms that are big, strong and comparable with other firms abroad.

He noted that the commission would be comfortable with few underwriting firms which can compete globally.

“As a regulator, I am not interested in multitude. I do not want 200 insurance companies. If there would be 200 companies, the companies must be big, strong and comparable with what we have in other environment where insur-

ance culture is deed. But if they are only 10 that are strong and they can respond to claims payment promptly, come out with new products that will change the environment, come out with policies that will be environmental friendly and speak to the needs of the people, that is the kind of insurance industry we are looking at.

So, whether they are many or not, I think the primary concern should be are they able to meet obligations as at when due,” he said.

Daniel said most companies have began to appreciate the need to be bigger and stronger, adding that about five companies is in merger talks and that NAICOM has introduced measure to ensure that stronger companies remain operational.

‘PFAs had adequate capital before recapitalisation’

M

OST Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) capital base was above N1 billion before on-going recapitalisation started, the Chairman Pension Operators Association of Nigeria (PENOP) Dave Uduanu, has said.

Uduanu, who spoke to reporters in Lagos, said the N1 billion capital base was not forced on the operators, adding that they agreed that the amount would be enough to boost their operations.

He noted that the operators were prepared for the business from the on-set, adding that meeting the recapitalisation should not a problem for them. He lauded the effort of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for growing the industry.

He said the funds would help the operators carry out their operations effectively, especially in the deployment of Information Technology (IT), branch expansion and engagement of staff.

He called on PenCom to open the transfer window to give contributors the option of changing their pension fund administrator, increased supervision and regulatory vigilance to weed out weak operators, improve the institutional framework of the industry by encouraging consolidation among marginal players, reviewing the investment guideline to enable pension fund administrators to invest in secure instruments that engage in impactful but profitable investments.

He called for the decentralisation of the PenCom by creating offices in the six geo-political zones of the country, collaboration with other regulators, such as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM),

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that its goal is achieved, especially in the areas of policy formulation and implementation.

“Most importantly, there is the need to work with NAICOM to ensure full compliance in group life insurance, which is one of the strong pillars of the PRA 2004. The risk management techniques of insurance firms that provide retirement annuities should also be monitored with such standard practices as biannual actuarial valuations, strict investment guidelines similar to what is applicable to PFAs and the separation of the annuity funds from their other insurance funds to ensure that pension assets are wellprotected. It is also important to ensure that assets are not co-mingled and any deficit in valuation must be met immediately.

In addition, since insurance companies unlike pension administrators bear the investment risks in annuities, it is important to tie the size of their annuity funds to the shareholders fund of the insurance company. It will, therefore, not make sense to have an insurance company with N2billion in equity manage an annuity fund of N20billion.

It must have adequate capital to underwrite potential investment losses,” he said.

Uduanu urged pension operators to improve on service delivery, adding that this is necessary to retain the confidence of not only the contributors, but other stakeholders in the industry. He noted that this would reduce the pressure from dissatisfied segment of the contributing public to exit from the scheme.

Sovereign Trust pays N439.9m claims

S

OVEREIGN Trust Insurance Plc said it paid N439, 946,599.87 claims in the first half of this

year.

The breakdown of the claims showed that motor insurance recorded the highest figure of N206,958,578.43, followed by general accident portfolio which had N84,548,986.44 while N83,600.962.46 went into claims settlement on fire and special perils. Marine and Aviation claims amounted to N39,685,847.72; engineering claims came to N23,333,591.65 while the oil and gas portfolio settled the least claims of N1,800,880.

No fewer than 1,018 policyholders, were beneficiaries of claims settlement on the different classes of insurance policies under the stable of the underwriting firm.

Its Divisional Head, Technical, Tajudeen Rufai, reiterated the

company’s uncompromising stance towards the prompt settlement of genuine claims. He said a customerfriendly claims process has been designed to facilitate timely claims settlement with the major intent of delighting our esteemed customers as and when due.

Also, the firm’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wale Onaolapo, said the company has lived up to its responsibility by fulfilling its financial obligation to the policyholders. He said the prompt settlement of claims enhances the reputation of any underwriting firm and as such, the brand equity and image of that organisation would receive a boost that can result to more patronage.

“We are serious about our business in Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and we hold our customers dear in everything we do,” he said.

• From left: Deputy Managing Director, Niger Insurance PLC, Mr Dauda Kolapo Adedeji; Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Mr Justus Clinton Uranta, and Chairman, Bala Zakariya’u, during the 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

‘Why industry’s contribution to GDP is low’

T

HE Commissioner for Insurance, Fola Daniel, has attributed the weakness in the industry for its low contributions to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Daniel spoke this in Lagos, noting that the weakness has been a worry to the government and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

He noted that issues, such as inadequate capacity and capital to handle businesses, low level of awareness, poor financial performance, high level of fraudulent practices, shortage of skilled manpower and more were responsible for the weakness.

He said considering the role that insurance plays and its contribution to the economy of other nations, there is the consensus

that there is huge untapped potential for insurers.

Daniel called on insurers to explore the enormous untapped potential to reposition their operations.

He said: “One fact, which we have all had cause to reflect on several times in the past, is the relative weakness of the insurance industry in the financial services sector of the economy.

“A major index of that weakness had been the relatively low contribution of the sector to gross domestic product. When viewed against the central role that insurance plays and the contribution it makes to the economy in other parts of the world, there is consensus that there is huge untapped potential for the insurance industry to grow. This

should be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity.”

Daniel said to reposition the industry, the Commission has initiated measures, such as improved capital base of operator, increased ability to attract and retain talents and enforcement of law.

“In dealing with some of these challenges, NAICOM has initiated several reform programmes, the latest of which was the recapitilisation/consolidation of 2005/2007.

“With the support of the Federal Government, the different professional associations, interest groups and players in the industry, some of these reforms have yielded positive dividends and moved our industry forward,” he added.

Global motor vehicle insurance industry to hit $649b HE motor vehicle insurance the rocky pitch created by frequent by 2017 witnessed the highest growth volatility in crude oil and fraudulent

T

during 2006-2011 and is likely to maintain the growth momentum during 2012-2017.

The gross premium of global motor vehicle insurance industry reached an estimated $559 billion in 2011 and is forecast to reach approximate $649 billion by 2017 with 2.5 per cent CAGR over the next five years.

Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm, has analysed the global motor vehicle insurance industry and offers its findings in a comprehensive research report, “Global motor vehicle insurance industry 2012-2017: Trend,

profit, and forecast analysis.

The motor vehicle insurance industry consists of segments, such as personal and commercial motor vehicle insurances.The report focuses on North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. at the moment, North America dominates the industry. During 2006-2011, ROW saw the highest growth in the industry and it is likely to experience the same over 2012-2017.

Lucintel researchindicates that demographic conditions coupled with interest rate fluctuation and governmental regulations considerably influence the industry dynamics. Despite

motor vehicle claims, increasing per capita income and increase in automobile sales are some of the key growth boosters of the industry.

Commercial motor vehicle insurance saw the highest growth during 2006-2011 and is expected to retain the same position over the forecast period.Lucintel regards some of the following emerging trends that can be witnessed in the industry: use of advanced analytics tools to reduce fraudulent claims and leveraging social media channels to increase market penetration. Population growth and increasing auto sales are some of the expected industry boosters.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

40

Taxation

Tax Administration in Nigeria INSTITUTIONALISING TAX CULTURE IN NIGERIA

T

he tax Policy as a concept is essentially aimed at creating awareness about the central role, which taxation can play in National Development and setting out general guidelines by which this can be achieved. The Tax Policy and our tax laws therefore provide the platform for creating a tax conscious citizenry. There is however need to go beyond educating the citizenry on the tax system, its role in National Development and the expected contribution from various groups of Nigerians, to actually creating and inculcating a tax culture amongst Nigerians. This is very necessary if Government is to attain its goals of diversifying the Nigerian economy and obtaining sustainable and stable revenue from taxation.

which tax authorities should be granted autonomy include, but are not limited to the following: (i) appointment, promotion, discipline, training, welfare and remuneration of their staff; (ii) technical and administrative operations; and (iii) other duties as the tax authorities are empowered to carry out under their enabling laws.

In order to create a sustainable tax culture among Nigerians, there are certain areas which require attention as follows:

• Funding Adequate and timely funding is a key requirement for the efficient discharge of the duties of tax authorities. When tax authorities are well funded, they are able to act in an independent and unencumbered manner. Funds are also required to carry out day to day operations, public enlightenment and other activities, which would create a tax conscious citizenry. In addition, given the pivotal role that tax administrators are expected to play they must be well catered for to deal with any challenges and obstacles which they may encounter in the course of their duties.

7.1

Overview and Philosophy

As a first step there must be a clear understanding of the overview and underlying philosophy for creating a tax culture among Nigerians. In its basic form, taxation is simply a means of generating revenue for Government. However, in developed nations and economies, taxation is no longer viewed as merely an avenue for revenue generation by Government. Rather it is a means by which citizens contribute to a common purse for the provision of infrastructure, utilities security and other needs by the Government. It is viewed as an important component of the social contract between the Government and the governed. Citizens therefore partner with their Governments to raise revenue by means of taxation in order to provide funds, which will be utilized for the benefit of the entire citizenry.

In Nigeria, there is absence of such a clear understanding of the philosophy behind taxation. It is therefore necessary that Government at all levels, clearly articulate and propagate this philosophy to their citizens. The tax policy can only set out general guidelines on the role of taxation in national development, however it is the duty of Government to take the message to generality of the people, so that a tax culture can be imbibed in Nigeria. In addition to carrying out enlightenment on the role and benefits of taxation in National Development, government should ensure there is proper accountability for and judicious use of tax revenue, so that tax payers can derive benefits from their contributions to the common purse. In this way, citizens would be made aware that they are stakeholders and partners in the tax system and that so far as they contribute taxes, they can hold their leaders accountable and be entitled to the provision of social services. .

7.2

It is expected that such autonomy will strengthen the overall tax administration apparatus, give tax authorities greater visibility and a higher profile in the Government hierarchy and create a more central role and platform for tax authorities to contribute to the governance of the country.

Concept of the unique taxpayer identification number

As earlier noted, registration of taxpayers is a fundamental step in the tax administration process and in this respect, the unique Taxpayer Identification Number (U- TIN) has been identified as a major tool towards the registration and proper identification of all taxpayers. However, in order to ensure the successful implementation of this system of registration, there must be a clear understanding of the concept and philosophy behind its introduction.

The background to the introduction of U- TI N was the need to move the registration of taxpayers Nigeria from a manual uncoordinated process to an electronic, harmonised and structured system. The old system was. cumbersome, unreliable and posed a major challenge to taxpayers and tax authorities.

Accordingly, there was the need to replace that system with a more taxpayer friendly and effective system.

The basic concept of U-TIN, is a harmonised taxpayer identification system, which is electronically based and accessible to all relevant stakeholders. It is a common and unified system for identification of taxpayers nationally and would encompass a database of all registered taxpayers at State and Federal level. This will create proper linkages between tax authorities and aid co-operation and information sharing thereby leading to greater compliance by taxpayers. Other advantages of the U- TIN system include reduction in the cost and time required for tax compliance by taxpayers and tax authorities, expansion of the tax system and its use for national planning and social security purposes.

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

There is however need to go beyond educating the citizenry on the tax system, its role in National Development and the expected contribution from various groups of Nigerians, to actually creating and inculcating a tax culture amongst Nigerians.

It is expected that tax authorities and Governments at all levels would collaborate to ensure the successful implementation of the U-TIN system in Nigeria, in terms of funding, personnel and platforms for the deployment of the system, nationwide. .

7.3

Institutions to drive tax policy and tax administration

There are certain institutions which have a special role to play in driving tax administration and policy in Nigeria, within the context of creating a tax culture. These institutions include: (a) Ministries of Finance The role of the Ministry of Finance in the tax system has been discussed in detail previously in this document. As noted above, the Ministries of Finance at State and Federal shall be responsible for all policy matters on tax and fiscal issues. (b)

Revenue Authorities The role of revenue authorities in the tax administration process has also been discussed in detail above. In a nutshell, tax authorities are responsible for interface with taxpayers and act as a bridge between the Government and the taxpayers.

They are also responsible for taxpayer education and enlightenment in order to create a tax friendly and conscious public. In order to effectively discharge this duty, revenue authorities would require appropriate structures and tools to develop workable partnership with taxpayers. Some of the structures and tools required by revenue authorities in this regard include:

• Autonomy, One of the most important areas, which would require attention by the Government towards creating a sustainable tax culture, is the issue of autonomy for tax authorities. This is attributable to the fact that tax authorities have a major role to play in the creation of a tax culture and must be given necessary tools to assist Government achieve this goal. In this regard, they should be free from any undue influence or control in the discharge of their duties. This can be achieved, where they have autonomy and independence in their operations. While this does not suggest that tax authorities would not be subject to direction or oversight, they would however require independence in their operations to enable them to fulfil their obligation to the Government and citizens of the country. Some of the areas, in

In this regard, it shall be the responsibility of Governments (Federal and States) to provide adequate funding arrangement for tax/revenue authorities in Nigeria.

Accordingly, Government should ensure: (i) that a specified percentage of revenue collected by any tax authority is provided to the authority for its operations; (ii) request for funds by tax authorities are given priority at all times; and (iii) unspent funds provided to the tax authorities are returned to the relevant tier of Government at the end of the financial year, in line with financial regulations.

It is expected that receipt of adequate funding by tax authorities will greatly enhance tax administration at all levels of Government.

• Structure and Processes This is closely linked to the autonomy and funding of tax authorities. The internal structures of tax authorities must be developed in a manner in which it can support effective and efficient tax administration at all levels of Government.

• Staffing and Capacity Building Tax authorities would require adequate and proper staffing in order to effectively carry out their mandate. In this regard, revenue authorities must have the proper quantity and quality of personnel. Proper recruitment and selection processes with emphasis on both skills and ethics, are critical. Skills and manpower gaps should be identified at all levels of revenue authorities and promptly addressed. Tax authorities shall also endeavour to attract and retain experienced and well trained personnel with the right code of conduct, within the tax system.

In addition to proper staffing, there is need for continuous capacity building by tax authorities at all levels of Government.

In this regard, Government should commit to a high level of technical and managerial training for revenue officials. This would enable them remain highly informed and up to date with the developments in the tax system.

This can be achieved by: (i)

the establishment and funding of tax academies for training of tax authorities and continuous capacity building;

(ii)

adequate exposure of tax authorities to international training, including secondment, attachment and mentoring programmes on all aspects of taxation, revenue administration and practice. The ability to provide this closely linked to the autonomy and funding of tax authorities; and

(iii)

provision of a framework to fully acquaint tax officials with global best practices tax and revenue generation and administration.

• To be cotinued

43

MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ONDO ACN GOVERNORSHIP CONGRESS Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) emerged as the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate for the October 20 election at the party congress held in Akure at the weekend. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU, who witnessed the exercise, highlights the challenges that would confront the opposition party after the primaries.

Akeredolu: We will form next Ondo govt F

OR six hours, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, stood still for the legal luminary and pro-democracy activist, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who emerged as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate at the weekend.

After the party’s governorship primaries held at Swans Hotel, along Akure/Ilesa Road, the former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) rode from the venue to his home town, Owo, the historic cradle of progressives in the Southwest geo-political zone with funfair. It was a miniature popularity ride in a state the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Akeredolu, who was decked in a white khaftan, stood out, not only by his white beard, but as the cynosure of all eyes and perceived by the masses as the symbol of a collective struggle for power shift in October. The flag bearer was not alone. Beside him was his heartthrob, Betty, who in her own right had tales of survival to tell. But the candidate was also accompanied by co-aspirants who endorsed his candidature, thus putting an end to the fabrication that they had all jumped the boat.

Other aspirants, including former House of Representatives member Dr. Jayeola Ajatta, activist lawyer Comrade Sola Iji, renowned businessman Segun Abraham, Senator Omololu Meroyi, former Finance Commissioner Wale Akinterinwa, Tayo Alasoadura, and Ifedayo Abegunde formed a shield around Akeredolu, as they reiterated their loyalty to the party.

Also in the mood of excitement were Olayato Arebo, Ayodele Adedipe and Atanlogun Iginla. Members of the ‘Omoluabi Group’ led by Dr. Olu Agunloye dissociated themselves from his defection to the ruling Labour Party (LP). They said they were not party to plans to make him running mate in the Labour Party (LP).Also, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who was not at the venue phoned to debunk the rumour that he had abandoned ACN. “The race has just started. We have a big task ahead of us. We are destined to form the next government and by the grace of God, we will form the next government”, declared Akeredolu in his short acceptance speech.

He added that “We will use the progressive platform to change Ondo State”.

Out of the accredited 61,246 party members, the ACN candidate polled 55,917 votes at the primaries held across the 18 local governments. Remarkably, he was the sole candidate and the unanimous choice. The Governorship Congress Committee chairman, Mr. Olawale Oshun, noted that more than half of the wards across the councils gave plural vote to Akeredolu, thereby affirming his fitness for the job.

One after the other, the Local Government Returning Officers tendered the results for collation at the congress.

The analysis is as follows: Akoko North (5,990), Akoko Northwest (3,820), Akoko Southeast (3,117), Akoko Southwest (5,145), Ose (4,445), Owo (3,734), Akure North (2,700), Akure South (2,202), Idanre (1,644), Ifedore (5,267), Ondo East 1,343), and

•Second right: Akeredolu (SAN), Alasoadura (left), Mrs Betty Akeredolu and Oshun at the congress in Akure.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Ondo West (2,442). Other are Ese Odo (3,874), Ile Oluji/Okeigbo (3,083), Irele (1,707), Odigbo (1,366), and Okitipupa (3,674).

However, the motion for the acceptance of the outcome was moved by Iji, former Alliance for Democracy (AD) chairman, seconded by Ifedayo Abegunde. After the motion, Akeredolu’s nomination was ratified by delegates through a loud voice vote. With great delight, the South West ACN leader and national vice chairman, Senator James Kolawole, presented the Certificate of Nomination to Akeredolu, amid cheers by other congress committee members, including former federal legislator Uche Onyeagucha, Alhaji Abubakar Kari, Alhaji Abu, Adegboyega Adedipe, and Alhaji Habi from Kogi State.

Other party elders and leaders exchanged pleasantries. Many hugged themselves. At the event were former Commerce Commissioner Prince Olu Adegboro, Osun State Special Adviser on Environment Mr. Bola Ilori, Ekiti State ACN chairman Chief Jide Awe, his Osun State counterpart, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, Ondo State ACN Women Leader Erelu Modupe Johnson, Pa Wale Akintimehin, Acting Chairman Chief Olusola Adesoji, Chief Idris Elemefe, Gboyega Adefarati, Alou Ayodele, Adewale Omojuwa, Femi Adekanmbi, Sola Akintanmi and state Publicity Secretary Rotimi Agbede, who was master of ceremony.

It was carnival-like shadow poll, which elements were beyond the ken and comprehension of the opposition.

It was devoid of strife and rancour.

From 10.15 am when the exercise kicked off, there was no dull moment.

An atmosphere of peace and tranquility pervaded the venue. A contingent of policemen led by a Superintendent, Mr. Ebenezer Adegalu was idled throughout because there was no reported case of unruly behaviour. A team of Independent National Elec-

toral Commission (INEC) officers comprising Mrs Pricilla Ezeigwe, Mr. Clement Osime, Mr. Surajudeen Junaid and Mrs. Adefunke Abiodun were impressed by the peaceful conduct of the congress.

The lot fell on Oshun to highlight the congress process. He conveyed the felicitations of the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, to a whole house he described as “a united party predicated on its expectation to win the governorship poll on October 20”. The former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives said “this is the beginning of a healthy process to drive away from Alagbaka House Labour Party and replace it with a more purposeful government led by ACN”.

Oshun reminded the delegates that the process of obtaining nomination forms ended on July 2 this year, adding that only one aspirant collected and submitted the form. He said ward and local government congresses results were being tendered by the Local Government Returning Officers.

Kolawole explained that the congress was designed in that way to keep moles in the party out of the show. He said the choice of the flag bearer was ratified because the odds favoured him. “All the aspirants are qualified and they are people of integrity. After looking round, we decided on him.

He is known in the public affairs of the country. He is a professional.

Akeredolu will become governor through the will of the people”.

The zonal leader knew that a titanic battle is in the offing. But he said the people of Ondo State would prefer a new governor who carries along all the stakeholders to a ‘one -man -show governor’.

Ajatta echoed the same feeling, saying that ACN will run an all-inclusive government. He also shed light on the emergence of Akeredolu. “I stepped down for the party and the party decided that he should be the candidate.

So, I stepped down for both him and the party. Akeredolu is not the only

one in the party. He will not form the government alone. We will do it together”.

The former federal legislator said the allegation of imposition was unfounded, urging critics to move closer to study and understand the way primaries are conducted in ACN. “We hold legal and legitimate primaries, not primaries where thugs will brandish cutlasses and broken bottles”, he stressed.

Iji agreed with him, explaining that party members always counted on the wisdom of elders who have benefit of hindsight. He was emphatic that this is a plus and not a minus to the fold, adding that the atmosphere of a guided congress is permissive of orderliness and peaceful conduct, which is to the credit of the party leaders.

“This is how we conduct our primaries. We have leaders who are learned in the trade and experienced to know that there is need for moderation. Our democratic values must be thoroughly guided. It should not be at large. We need to avoid rancorous primaries”, he stressed.

Despite the successful congress, many challenges will confront the party in its bid to dislodge Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who key leaders of the party supported for the governorship in 2007. Observers contend that ACN have to work harder than it had done in Ekiti, Osun, and Edo states to install a progressive government in the Sunshine State.

A Muslim cleric, Alhaji Ade Oloruntoba, who rendered the opening prayer, alluded to the task of reconciliation that must be done. He prayed to God to pacify aggrieved stalwarts. Majority of the aspirants who stepped down in deference to party supremacy witnessed the ceremony. But the absence of party faithful, including Pa Wumi Adegbonmire, committed Awoist and Asiwaju of Akureland, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, and other committed local progressive leaders agitated some observers.

‘The first challenge is to reach out to all people and market our candidate. Our candidate has solid political and professional reputation. He is the candidate to beat. He is a great candidate with impressive credential’

However, party sources authoritatively said that Adegbonmire will remain a progressive for life. On Sunday, Adegbonmire said on the phone: “I remain in ACN. I will never jump from one party to another”.

The choice of a running mate is also an issue. Some women invaded the venue, demanding that a one of them should pair with Akeredolu. No fewer than 12 indigenes of Ondo State are scheming to emerge as deputy governorship candidate. Majority of them are from the South Senatorial District.

Akoko, the fanatical sub-zone reputed for bloc votes believes in ACN. But since Owo, where Akeredolu hails from is part of the North Senatorial District comprising Akoko, the aggrieved sub-zone which produced many aspirants must be pacified by party elders and leaders.

It is not likely that the running mate will emerge from the Central Senatorial District where Mimiko comes from. Votes from Akure, Ondo and Idanre cannot be ignored. This is a major challenge to the ACN National Director of Organisation, Alasoadura.

In 2007, Akure voted for LP, despite the fact that its son, Prince Adegoroye, was the ACN candidate, although he had an amorous dealing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ondo, the vast territory of the Osemawe, is proud of producing the governor. But there are complaints that the governor has not fought the infrastructure battle in Ondo Kingdom as he had done in other towns. Will Ondo abandon Mimiko for ACN? Akeredolu’s media spokesman, Idowu Ajanaku, said that it is possible, explaining that the people of Ondo State would assess developments based on merit. “Our people are sensitive. They know what is happening in Lagos, Osun, Ekiti and Edo states.

They want prudent management of resources. They want good government. They want their state to move forward. People here vote based on competence, integrity, credibility and manifesto of the party. People want a progressive party in power to steer their affairs”, he added.

Observers have also contended that, on the slippery political field, Mimiko would be campaigning based on what he had done in the last four years and Akeredolu would be campaigning based on what he will do, if elected into office. Again, Ajanaku said “Ondo people are reconnecting with the progressive bloc”, adding that, “if they fared well under Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria and Alliance for Democracy, they will fare better under ACN than LP”.

Some delegates from the South Senatorial District confided that, contrary to media reports, PDP is not totally dead in the zone. PDP candidate, Olusola Oke, a lawyer, is former Governor Olusegun Agagau’s associate. “If a deputy governor is coming from here, then, ACN should make sure that he is a man of clout”, said a delegate who declined being named. “If the two districts vote and they have not seen Ikale and Ilaje votes, forget it, the exercise is incomplete. Our voting strength is a factor, indeed, the deciding factor any time”, he added.

Many party leaders are conscious of these challenges. Adegboro stressed the need for massive mobilisation.

“The first challenge is to reach out to •Continued on page 40

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

44

POLITICS

10 eye Ondo ACN deputy governor ticket

National Summit Group (NSG) Executive Secretary Tony Uranta spoke with reporters in Lagos on the activities of the group’s National Working Committee (NWC) and preparations for dialogue among ethnic nationalities in the country.

Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

From Ojo Damisi

‘Jos violence not related to Boko Haram’

N

O fewer than 10 politicians in Ondo State have signified their interest to be running mate to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate. They are all from the South Senatorial District. Many of them are milling around the campaign headquarters of the leading aspirant, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Notable among the aspiring running mates are former Chairman of Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Chief Adewale Omojuwa, Hon Nimbe Tawose, Dr. Paul Akintelure, Chief Lucky Ayedatiwa, Chief Oloyede Ogunbanjo, Mr. Adebambo Odoro, Erelu Modupe Johnson and former Senior Special Assistant to the lateAdebayo Adefarati on Niger Delta Matters, Chief Wole Iroaye.

All the aspirants are from Ilaje local government area, except Chief Paul Akintelure and Mrs. Modupe Johnson, who hail from Okitipupa. A party official said they had all made their intentions known in separate letters sent to the state and national leadership of the ACN. There are indications that the position may have been zoned to Ondo South.

What is yet unknown is whether other local governments in the zone will show interest. There are also the Ilaje and Ikale in the zone. There are, however, suggestions that the Ilaje have the numerical advantage over others and, this may tilt the balance in their direction.

The Ilaje Political Youth Vanguard (IPYV), in a statement signed by its president, Prince Afolabi Omowole, and Secretary, Sanmi Holo, took the argument further by canvassing that the position be zoned to Mahin in Ilaje constituency 2.

The Vanguard said all major state and federal appointments like OSOPADEC Chairman, NDDC state representative and the current House of Representatives member are from Ugbo in Ilaje Constituency 1.

The group said 167 out of the 271 polling units in Ilaje local government are from Mahin while Constituency 1 has 104 units.

The statement said Ilaje Constituency 2 has more registered voters, with more than 25,000 voters above constituency 1.

However, majority of the people aspiring for the deputy governorship slot are from Ugboland in constituency 1 where most of the oil wells in the state are located.

It is not clear yet what would guide the party leaders in making what is now a difficult choice. The economic factor would tilt the scale in favour of Ilaje Constituency 1, while population and the electoral advantege it confers would suggest that Constituency 2 should have it.

Edo election tribunal awaits petitions From Osemwengie Ogbemudia, Benin

T

HE Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Edo State, has been consti tuted. A statement by Mrs. J.J Aliyu , Secretary of the Tribunal, said it will seat at the High Court of Justice Complex, Criminal Court 1, Sapele Road, Benin City.

The statement called on the general public and security agencies, to take note. The July 14, 2012 governorship election has so far been hailed by Nigerians inrespective of their party affiliation to be one of the freest and fairest in recent time.

President Goodluck Jonathan, and top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members across the country have congratulated the winner, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, for the victory. However, the PDP candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, has refused to tread the same path.

Our reporter gathered that the General might not have decided what step to take; whether to approach the Tribunal or congratulate Oshiomhole.

A ciose aide of Airhiavbere said that the General might have been advised to shun challenging the result in view of the wide gap in the votes recorded by the two leading parties in the state. Oshiomhole scored 477,478 votes to 144,235.

Rather, he may be arguing that the ACN candidate did not satisfy the academic requirement imposed by the 1999 Constitution. He said the governor only has Standard Six certificate.

Aides of the governor have declared the contention as spurious and unsustainable. The aide who said he would not speak on record as it is still a rumour said, “the life of the Comrade Governor is an open book. He did not get to the office without a track record. We know his exploits in the labour movement and how he rose, first to be General Secretary of the Textile Workers Union.

Let them go to court, the neophyte politician will lose again.”

Meanwhile, 14 days after Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the ACN was declared winner of the election, the state secretariat of the PDP has been deserted. Also deserted are the secretariats of the party in the wards and the residence of its leaders.

Airhiavbere’s house along Boundary road, GRA, Benin that was a beehive of activities before the election is now like a grave yard.

R

ECENTLY, the National Summit Group (NSG)’s Steering Committee was inaugurated.

As the Executive Secretary, what is the next line of action?

As you rightly noted, it was recently inaugurated. We went further to elect its National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by Alhaji Tank Yakassai, with members like Sir Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Aid Ogbia, Mrs. Ganiat Fawehinmi, Professor Pat Utomi, Obong Victor Attah, Chief Frederick Fasehun, Ms. Ene Ede, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, Mr. Denzil Kentebe, Mrs. Charity Shekari, Mr. Wale Okunniyi, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Alhaji Mohammed Bunu, and Miss Tare Yeri.

Others are serving in sub-committees or in liaison with the NWC. They include Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, Mrs. Roz Ben-Okagbue, Alhaji Bala Zakka, Senator Ben Birabi, Mrs. Sotonye Toby-Fulton, Senator Ewa Henshaw, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, and Toyosi Akerele.

Does the initiative command mass acceptance?

After the inauguration, there have been NWC meetings here in Lagos and in Abuja, and another one is going to be held probably in next weekend. At these meetings, we received goodwill and solidarity messages from numerous people. Publicly and independently, General Ibrahim Babangida, former Military President of this country has thrown his weight behind a national dialogue. Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the UNDEDSS (which is the umbrella body of all of the Niger Delta) and the Middle-Belt Forum all making case for a national dialogue.

We have endorsement from even state governors that were initially averse to it. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have all agreed that dialogue is the way forward. And in fact, Mr. President himself, tacitly endorsed National Dialogue while receiving the report of the Belgore committee set up to review or to propose reforms for a standard constitution, in words like “we want this reform’s report to serve as a foundation in the event of people coming together to dialogue in the future”.

I see it as a very strong likelihood that people will dialogue in the future and it means that Mr. President himself seems to be on the same page with the majority of the Nigerians.

Whether dialogue is necessary or not, is therefore, no longer in doubt; the question now is, “who bells the cat”; who is to convene a National Dialogue that all Nigerians will respect; when, how, and where?

Will the Boko Haram sect be welcomed to the dialogue process?

• Uranta

In fact, everybody is now saying “Boko Haram has to come to a dialogue table or has to dialogue”. Even the new National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, is talking about “reaching out to talk with them” that is what we are saying: “talk” is the key; because the more we talk, the more we understand one another and the less likely we are to jump to wrong conclusions about each others’ intentions or ambitions. And so the more likely it is for Nigeria to remain a united peaceful country, that can now proceed under Goodluck Jonathan (or, in the future, under other leaders) to experience positive and sustainable transformation truly inside-out, and not a re-branding outside-in; a transformation that will lead us to a healthy, united, progressive and prosperous country made up of contented, fulfilled and wealthy Nigerians living together as brethren as much as is humanly possible.

Lately, the killings in Plateau State which is not even about Boko Haram but that of indigeneship. What is your take on this?

I will like to make a distinction between the Boko Haram and the issues of the Plateau. The issues of the Plateau have existed for over 50 years and there have been rankling on the ground. It is interesting that we are talking in the week after which we have laid to rest Ambassador Segun Olusola who even as far back as the early 60’s foresaw the dangers in our not having a constitution that defines precisely who a Nigerian is and that he is first a Nigerian wherever he is.

That was why he wrote “The Village Headmaster” and showed us the dichotomy that existed between say, the settler-chemist, Bassey Okon, who believed he had as much citizenship rights as any indigene of Oja, on the on hand, and the Oloja, his chiefs and the other people who considered themselves indigenes of Oja Village and saw people like Bassey as inter-

lopers! Or, as we say in Yoruba language of Lagos-born “settlers” they were seen “Atounrinwa” (immigrants!).

But how can a citizen of a country be an “atounrinwa” ? The normal position in more civilized climes is that the constitution recognizes that if a person is born somewhere, he is an indigene of that place.

For instance, if I were born in America, I’d automatically be a citizen of America; yet if I am born in Kaduna, I am not a citizen of Kaduna or my citizenship of Nigeria does not necessarily empower me to stand for office in Kaduna.

Today in America, a second generation American, of Kenyan origin, is President. If he were to come to Nigeria and be a twentieth generation Yoruba-born in Calabar, the likelihood that he will win even a local government election is very minimal. This should not be, and it was not always like this!

In the 1950s a Fulani was elected Mayor of Enugu, a predominantly Igbo city and the great Zik of Africa (Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe) nearly became Premier of the Western region, running against a great Yoruba leader like Chief Obafemi Awolowo!

We cannot continue this way. Fulani is slaughtering Berom, and vice versa, in Plateau State. We have to settle some of these fundamental issues of who is a Nigerian. Where is he a Nigerian?

What are our rights and responsibilities as Nigerians?

President Goodluck Jonathan has sacked the NSA and the Defense Minister and even restructured the petroleum sector with the sack of the GMD. Do you think his steps is in the right direction?

I think it is only an insensitive or irresponsible government that will not realize that change is necessary and that it is the maxim for progress; and I believe that whether it is belated, timely, or otherwise, President Jonathan is coming to that realization that nobody has a monopoly of wisdom or expertise in any one area. This is now evidenced by the fact that he has sacked the Minister of Defense and of course, I have heard a lot of names that are likely to replace him. General Mohammed, General Gusau and I have heard other names bandied for DG, NIA too. Some have even suggested that we invite the United Nations to come in to help the instability from external diplomatic point of view, the same way they did in Myanmar and Darfur.

Interestingly, the person who did it in Myanmar, Darfur and parts of southern Africa is a Nigerian, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, who coincidentally, late President Umar Yar’adua had wanted to bring in to resolve the Niger Delta issues. So I do not see the reason why they should not bring him in to resolve the Northern crisis. It will be right and timely.

We will form next Ondo govt •Continued from page 39

•Ikeja Local Government Chairman Hon. Wale Odunlami receiving the Chairman of Ikeja District of Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr Bola Bido in his office in Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILIAMS

all people and market our candidate.

Our candidate has solid political and professional reputation. He is a candidate to beat. He is a great candidate with impressive credential”, he said.

However, Ilori emphasised reconciliation, which he said should be followed by mobilisation. On reconciliation, he said, may not be possible to pacify all, but 70 percent of the aggrieved will be pacified and that means that we are on course.

“We need to work hard, mobilise the people and come up with facts about why only ACN is a better alternative”, he added.

Akeredolu may have embrace the challenges on the spot. In his acceptance

speech, he hailed the patriotism and commitment of co-aspirants, saying that they have made a great sacrifice for the party and state. In humility, he waved the olive branch to all. He called for unity and cohesion because he could not go through the hurdles alone.

The flag bearer urged members to intensify mobilisation in all the nooks and crannies of the state. He spoke on the core agenda of integration in the South-West, saying that Ondo State cannot afford to be left out. For the state not to be left out, he said ACN must form the next government.

Akeredolu rekindled the passion for power shift in October. He spoke as an activist committed to the vision and mission of pro-democracy movement that he is. “We will give all it takes to win the election”, maintained.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

46

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL (Office of the Dean)

(Internal and External Advertisement) ADMISSION INTO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES FOR 2012/2013 ACADEMIC SESSION Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admission into the following Postgraduate Programmes in the various Schools of the University.

A. M.TECH/M.ENG AND Ph.D. PROGRAMMES 1. School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology a ) Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Technology M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Agricultural Economics (ii) Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology b) Department of Animal Production M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Ruminant Nutrition. (ii) Ruminant Animal Production. (iii) Monogastric Nutrition, (iv) Monogastric Animal Production (v) Reproductive Physiology, (vi) Pasture Production (M.Tech only) c) Department of Crop Production M.Tech in Agronomy (Full-time only) Ph.D (Full-time only) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Weed Science, (ii) Horticulture, (iii) Seed Technology, (iv) Plant Breeding/Genetics (v) Post Harvest Technology. d) Department of Soil Science M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Soil Conservation and Water Management (ii) Soil Fertility (iii) Soil Physics, (iv) Soil Microbiology (v) Pedology e ) Department of Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology M. Tech Fisheries Technology (Full-time only) Ph.D (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Fish Nutrition, (ii) Hydrobiology & Fisheries, (iii) Fish Post Harvest Technology, (iv) Aquaculture Nutrition, (v) Fish Genetics and Breeding, (vi) Fish Biology, (vii) Fish Ecology and (viii) Fish Toxicology

other Science subject. At least a pass in Physics is required. c) Department of Chemistry M.Tech and Ph.D. (in Analytical Chemistry (Full-time only) O’ Level Entry Requirement: Minimum of Five (5) O’ Level Credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. e ) Department of Geology M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Hydrogeology/Engineering Geology/Environmental Geology (ii) Paleontology/Biostratigraphy (iii) Mineral Exploration O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology Chemistry and any other Science subject. f) Department of Industrial and Technology Education M.Tech and Ph.D. (Full-time only) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Automobile Technology Education, (ii) Building Technology Education (iii) Electrical/Electronics Technology Education, (iv) Metal work Technology Education (v) Woodwork Technology Education.

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O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Chemistry Biology and any other Science subject. At least a pass in Physics is required. i ) Department of Physics M.Tech and Ph.D (Full-time only) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Solid State Physics , (ii) Nuclear Physics (iii) Atmospheric Physics

O’ Level Entry Requirement for School of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

Candidates applying into any Department in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, must have at least Five O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any other science subjects.

3. SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY a) Department of Architecture M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in Architecture Specific Entry Requirement. (i) B.Tech (Arch) Degree with a minimum of Second Class Lower Division from a 5-year Architecture programme. (ii) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics, Physics and any two of the following:Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Economics, Geography, Fine Arts, Biology, and Agric Sci. b) Department of Building M.Tech in the following areas of specialization: (i) Building Services (Part-time only), (ii) Construction Management (Full-time and Part-time) (iii) Construction Technology (Full-time and Part-time) Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Construction Management (ii) Construction Technology O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level Credits to include English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and one of the following subjects Economics, Geography, Technical Drawing, Fine Arts. c) Department of Estate Management M.Tech) in Estate Management (Full-time only) O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics, Economics and any other two from the following: Geography, Technical Drawing, Chemistry, Biology/Agricultural Science, Physics and Fine Arts.

5. SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND SCIENCE EDUCATION a ) Department of Biochemistry Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Toxicology, (ii) Nutritional Biochemistry (iii) Medical Biochemistry O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. b) Department of Biological Sciences M. Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D. (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Applied Entomology and Parasitology, (ii) Applied Hydrobiology (iii) Applied Genetics and Breeding O’ Level Entry Requirement Candidates must have five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and any

O’ Level Entry Requirement Candidates applying into any of the above programmes must have five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics and any two other Science subjects. h ) Department of Microbiology M.Tech (Full-time only) and Ph.D (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Food and Industrial Microbiology, (ii) Medical Microbiology (iii) Environmental Microbiology (iv) Pharmaceutical Microbiology

O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and one other Science subject. j) Department of Science Education M.Tech and Ph.D (Full-time and Part-time) in the following areas of specialization: (i) Science Education (ii) Educational Technology O’ Level Entry Requirement Minimum of Five (5) O’ Level credits in English, Mathematics, and three other Science subjects. k ) Centre for Disaster Risk Management & Development Studies Masters in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (Full-time only).

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (i) Five ‘O’ Level credits including English and Mathematics and any of Geography, Biology/Agric Science plus any two science or social science subjects. (ii) Minimum of Third Class Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine, Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, from recognized Institutions. (iii) Minimum of Lower Credit in Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least 3 years of working experience in relevant fields. (iv) Evidence of National Youth Service (NYSC) discharge Certificate or exemption letter.)

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS A candidate applying for Postgraduate Studies in the Federal University of Technology, Minna must have obtained five (5) Credits in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and GCE (O’Level) or their equivalents including English Language and Mathematics at not more than two sittings. No admission shall be made on the basis of any awaiting O/Level paper result and no exemption is made for admission into any programme.

1. Master Degree Programmes i. A Minimum of Second Class Honours (Lower Division) degree from Federal University of Technology, Minna or any other recognized University. ii. A Third Class Honours Degree with at least 3 years Postgraduate experience in relevant fields may be considered, in some areas, passing a qualifying examination to be administered by the Department of the candidates in consultation with the Postgraduate School may be required. iii. Candidates with HND with a minimum of Lower Credit, OND Lower Credit and a Postgraduate Diploma in relevant field with, at least a minimum of Lower Credit and one year graduation experience may be considered. iv. For avoidance of doubt, candidates with PASS grade at any level Degree, PGD, HND and OND do not qualify for admission to the Masters Degree Programmes. No Diploma candidate with CGPA less than 2.50 qualifies for admission into the Masters Degree Programmes. v. Where examination is required as in the case of 1 (ii) and 1 (iii) above, an examination fee of N500.00 will be charged outside the cost of Postgraduate application forms. vi. In all cases of admission the final decision on qualified candidates rests with the Postgraduate School Board. Candidates with Science-based background are preferentially considered. vii. All Masters Degree Programmes require course work components in addition to research work components. There is no exemption. A thesis must be defended and submitted for a student to qualify to graduate.

2 i.

PH.D. PROGRAMME Candidates for admission for any of Ph.D. Programme shall be Masters Degree graduates of the Federal University of Technology, Minna or any other University recognized by the University Senate or holders of equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University Senate. ii. A Master Degree holder applying for Ph.D. Programme of the University must have maintained a weighted score average of 60% or a ‘B’ grade or a CGPA of 3.50 out of 5.00 in overall performance 1

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012 in the Masters Degree programme. iii. Appropriate courses may be prescribed for candidates whose background is considered weak for the areas of specialization. This is done at the discretion of the School/Department within the approved general regulations/guidelines of the Postgraduate School.

DURATION OF PROGRAMMES i Masters Degree Programmes The Masters Degree programme are expected to last a minimum of 3 Semesters for Full-Time Students and 4 Semesters for Part-Time Students. The maximum allowable periods of studies shall be 6 Semesters for Full-Time and 8 Semesters for Part-Time Students, subject to maintaining a GPA of 2.50 in every semester. Failure to meet this requirement will result in withdrawal from the programme. ii Ph.D Programmes A Minimum of 36 months for Full-Time Students and 60 months for Part-Time Students is required. A maximum of 60 months and 84 months is allowed for Full-Time and Part-Time Students respectively.

B . POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES 1. Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension Technology a) Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics (Full-time only) b) Postgraduate Diploma in Extension and Rural Sociology (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) HND holder from a recognized Polytechnic with at least Lower Credit. ii) B.Sc., B.Tech/B.Eng from recognized University with minimum of Third Class. iii) Minimum of five (5) Credits at O’ level WAEC, NECO, GCE or NABTEB which must include English, Mathematics, Agricultural Science/Biology, Chemistry and any other science subject.At least a pass in Physics is required.

2. Department of Animal Production Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Production (Full-time only)

47 12. DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying (Full-time and Part-time) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) from recognized Polytechnics with a minimum of Lower Credit. ii) B.Tech/B.Sc Quantity Surveying with a minimum of third Class. iii) Minimum of Five O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics and Physics plus two other subjects chosen from Chemistry, Economics, Biology, Geography, Technical Drawing, Agric Science, Fine Arts.

13. DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING i) Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies (Full-time only) ii) Postgraduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) with minimum of Lower Credit in Town Planning from a recognized Institution. ii) B.Sc, or B.Tech in Urban and Regional Planning, Estate Management, Architecture, Land Surveying, Quantity Surveying, Building, Geography and Civil Engineering with a minimum of Third Class Degree. iii) Minimum of Five O’ Level Credits to include English, Mathematics, Geography and any other two subjects from Science or Social Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Agric. Science,Biology, Economics, Government and Technical Drawing).

14. CENTRE FOR HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. Postgraduate Diploma in Public-Private Partnership in Urban Environment (PPPUE) (Full-time only).

3. Department of Crop Production Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Production (Full-time only)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) A Minimum of HND at Lower Credit in any related discipline or First Degree with a minimum of Third Class from Environmental/Social Sciences and Engineering background. ii) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits passes including English & Mathematics plus any other relevant subjects.

4. Department of Water Resources Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology Postgraduate Diploma in Fisheries Technology (Full-Time)

15. DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management (Full-time and Part-time)

Entry Requirements for Departments of Animal Production, Crop Production and Water Resources, Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) A Minimum of HND at Lower Credit in any related discipline or First Degree with a minimum of Third Class from any recognized institution. ii) A minimum of HND at Lower Credit in any related discipline or First Degree with a minimum of Third Class from Environmental/Social Sciences and Engineering background. iii) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits including English & Mathematics. Geography, Physics, and any other Science subject

i)

A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Agriculture from a recognized Institution with overall aggregate of not less than Lower Credit (Minimum CGPA of 2.50). ii) A Bachelor Degree in Agriculture and Allied Discipline such as Vet. Medicine, Biology, Botany and Zoology with a minimum of a Second Class (Lower Division) or its equivalent for unclassified Degrees. iii) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level Credits as stated in 1. (iii) above.

5. DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Chemical Engineering from a recognized Polytechnic or any recognized Institution with at least Lower Credit grade. ii) HND in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering from any recognized Institution. iii) B.Sc. or B.Eng. with Third Class in Chemical Engineering. iv) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits which must include English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any other Science Subject.

16. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION Postgraduate Diploma (Full-time only) in the following areas of specialization: i) Automobile Technology Education ii) iii) Electrical/Electronics Technology Education iv) v ) Woodwork Technology Education

Building Technology Education Metal work Technology Education

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of Lower Credit from any recognized Institution. ii) Full Technological Certificate in Engineering or Technology with a minimum of Lower Credit. iii) Minimum of five (5) O’ Level credits including English, Mathematics. Physics, and any other two Science subjects.

6. DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (Full-time)

17. DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Full-time only)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Lower Credit in Civil Engineering or Water Resources Engineering. ii) B.Eng from a recognized University with a minimum of Third Class. iii) Minimum of Five (5) O’ Level credits as in 5 (iv) above

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Minimum of Third Class Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized Institution. ii) Miinimum of five (5) O’ Level credits including English & Mathematics. and three other Science subjects.

7. DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Electrical Engineering from any recognized Polytechnic or any recognized institution with a minimum of Lower Credit. ii) B.Sc or B.Eng with Third Class in Mechanical Engineering. iii) Minimum of Five (5) O’ Level credits as in 5 (iv) above 8. DEPARTMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management Technology (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENT: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) in related field from a any recognized Polytechnic or any recognized institution with a minimum of Lower Credit. ii) B.Sc., B.Tech or B.Eng. with a minimum of Third Class in any relevant field. iii) Minimum of Five O’ Level credits to include Mathematics, English, Economics, and any other two science or social science subjects.

9. DEPARTMENT OF ESTATE MANAGEMENT Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Management (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Minimum of Five O’ Level credits in Mathematics, English, Economics and any other two from the following: Geography, Technical Drawing, Chemistry, Agricultural Science/Biology and Physics. ii) HND holders from a recognized Polytechnic or Monotechnic or its equivalent with at least Lower Credit. iii) A Third Class Degree in Estate Management. iv) B.Tech/B.Sc Degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division in related disciplines of the Federal University of Technology, Minna or any recognized University.

10. DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (Full-time and Part-time) i) B.Sc or B.Tech/B.Eng from any recognized Institution with a minimum of Third Class Degree. ii) HND in Computer Science from a recognized Institution with a minimum of Lower Credit. iii) Minimum of Five O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics, Physics, and two other relevant science subjects.

1 8 CENTRES FOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (full-time only ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Minimum of Third Class Bachelor’s Degree in Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences from recognized institutions. ii) Minimum of Lower Credit in Higher National Diploma (HND) with at least 3 years working experience in relevant fields. iii) Minimum of Five ‘O’ Level credits including English, Mathematics and any of Geography, Biology/ Agric Science plus any two science or social science subjects.

DURATION OF STUDIES IN POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES Generally, Full-time Students are expected to graduate normally after 3 Semesters while those on Parttime will graduate after four 4 Semesters of successful completion of their programmes, subject to maintaining a minimum GPA of 1.50 in any semester.

METHOD OF APPLICATION 1. All applications for Admission should be directed to: The Secretary, Postgraduate School, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State.

2. Application forms will be on sale as from 16th July 2012 3. Completed application forms must be returned to the Secretary, Postgraduate School on or before 3rd October 2012 and must include photocopies of credentials including NYSC Discharge Certificate/ Exemption or Exclusion letter. Failure to submit any or all the items at the time of selection is enough to disqualify an applicant.

4. All Ph.D. applications must be accompanied by a type-written proposal of the research interest (not more than 2000 words) of the applicant.

5. It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that the Referee’s report and transcripts are received on time. Any application not accompanied by at least two referees’ report will be rejected.

11. DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (Full-time only)

6. Any Ph.D. application not supported with an official academic transcript and proposed research at the point of consideration shall be disqualified.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Third Class Degree in Architecture ii) HND with at least Upper Credit in Architecture from a recognized Polytechnic. iii) HND (Lower Credit) in Architecture from a recognized Polytechnic with at least 3 years relevant post-qualification experience. iv) Minimum of Five (5) O’ Level credits to include Mathematics, English, Physics and any two of the following subjects: Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Economics, Geography, Biology, Agric Science.

7. Provisional Admission cannot be utilized without all necessary bio-data submitted. Registration formalities (payment of fees, registration and screening) shall be completed within the four weeks of the commencement of the Session beyond which there shall be penalty for late registration up to the sixth week of the commencement of the Session.

11. DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING Postgraduate Diploma in Building (Full-time only) ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: i) Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building from a recognized Institution with a minimum overall aggregate of not less than a Lower Credit. ii) B.Sc, B.Tech/B.Eng in the following disciplines: Building, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Civil and Mechanical Engineering and Physics, from a recognized University with minimum of Third Class. iii) Minimum of Five O’ Level credits to include English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and one of the following subjects: Economics, Geography, Technical Drawing and Fine Arts.

APPLICATION FORMS. University charges an application fee of N5000.00 Payable in Bank draft made in favour of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA).

PAYMENT OF FEES AND OTHER CHARGES. ‘All students are required to pay in full their fees and charges in the first year and thereafter each Semester of their studentship including any period of extension of studies approved by the University Senate.

SIGNED: V. N KOLO (MRS) Registrar

2

48

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

49

58TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

O

n Wednesday 25th July, 2012 (5TH Ramadan, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Fifty Eight (58th) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important policy issues and programs that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon. It is worthy to note that the current administration pursues tangible projects spanning all sectors putting emphasis on its commitment to fulfilling campaign promises driven by the general resolve to providing good governance characterized by exemplary leadership in which utilization/ deployment of resources, though conspicuous, is guided by prudence and transparency.

leading to the stoppage of the N11 million monthly subventions which eventually resulted to nonpayment of salaries for the month of June, 2012. This situation necessitated the management to solicit for the continued release of the N11 million monthly subvention for an extension of seven (7) more months within which the company perfects plans and strategies for sustainability.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of one month salary while setting up a Committee to look into the issue and submit report by next sitting. c) Request for funds to enable the North-West Zonal Office of the National Sports Commission host the 3rd Edition of meeting and seminar for Zone 1: Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N1,362,000.00 to the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture to enable the North-West Zonal Office of the National Sports Commission host the edition of Commissioners of Sports/Education, Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Sports, Stakeholders e.t.c meeting and seminar for zone 1 Kano State is selected as host for the event in recognition of its pride position towards the development of sports as attested by the establishment of the Sports Institute.

It is delightfully encouraging to witness the reawakening of the hopes and fulfillment of the aspirations of the people of Kano State as depicted in the glaring progress achieved in the improvement of the quality and quantity of services provided by Government across all sectors – especially water supply, agricultural production, education, healthcare delivery, environmental sanitation and refuse disposal, installation/repairs of street and traffic lights, beautification of urban Kano, provision of security, provision of skill acquisition and employment opportunities etc.

4. MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Health for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Purchase and distribution (free of charge) of Anti-Sickling Drugs and other items to sickle cell patients in Kano State: Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N5,557,000.00 to the Ministry of Health to expedite action in the execution of the stated project in view of its significance in the alleviation of the serious sufferings of Sickle Cell patients. b) Funds to meet the variation in cost for the purchase of additional books to the school of Nursing Kano: Contents of this memorandum adequately reminded Council of its approval for the release of the sum of N36,479,690.83 for the supply of instruments/furniture and renovation works at the School of Nursing Kano. All aspects of the awarded contract were satisfactorily executed except the purchase and supply of books whose prices rose as compared to the approved sum.

So, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N2,842,809.17 as balance for the procurement of the required books. Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money for the purchase of the required books so as to see the execution of the entire project to its successful end. c) Facilitation of activities of the Mobile Court attached to Kano State Patent and Propriety Medicine Vendors License (PPMVL) Committee: Council noted and considered contents of this memorandum as substantiating the significance of the activities of the mobile court to the health sector-especially the distribution/circulation of Drugs in our society. So, Council approved for the release of the sum of N3,500,000.00 to the Ministry of Health to facilitate for the activities of the Mobile Court attached to PPMVL while directing for the immediate closer/sealing off of all illegal manufacturing industry of Benylin cough syrup in the State.

Importantly, in fifty seven (57) sittings the present administration approved a capital expenditure close to N180 billion of which N5,976,004,483.30 was approved for the execution of 13 projects by the Council during its most recent 57th sitting as follows; Main Highlights of the 57th Sitting are: 1) N5,467,415,962,71 as funds for the facilitation of the 5th batch of five (5) Kilometer Road Projects( Garko, Garun Malam, Rogo LGCA’s).

2) N274,272,481.09 as funds for the construction of new office complex at Government House Kano.

3) N87,486,210.90 as funds for the installation of Solar Powered Street Light in Kwankwaso town and its environment.

4) N54,685,203.45 as funds to facilitate for the renovation of Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital Kano.

5) N26,373,050.00as funds to facilitate for the undertaking of some vital commitments for North-West University Project.

6) N23,568,100.00 as funds to facilitate for the participation of Government College (ICTC) Kano in the Keele University International Football Tournament in England (22nd – 29th July, 2012).

7) N18,655,190.90as for the rehabilitation of Tarauni Primary School Classroom blocks.

8) N12,208,684.25 as funds for the construction of Wall Fence and Gates at School of Nursing Kano.

9) N5,000,000.00 as funds to facilitate for the commencement of preparation of the New Development Plan/Policy document.

10) N3,000,000.00 as funds to enable the State Basket team participate in the 2011/2012 DSTV Final-8 at National Stadium Lagos.

11) N1,839,000.00 as funds for the upward review of Monthly Remittance for Maintenance (Diesel and Services) of Gidan Murtala Standby Electricity Generator.

12) N1,000,000.00 as funds to assist the Kano Pillars and Dabo Babes Football Clubs participate at the National Challenge Cup Competition in Lagos.

13) N500,000.00 as funds to assist the National Orientation Agency Kano Office.

Today’s Council Sitting was presided over by the Governor Engr. RABI’U MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE during which 25 memoranda were submitted by 13 MDA’s for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N5,719,834,954.19 covering 22 projects was approved for execution by the Council. Thus;

5. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Education for deliberation by the Council: Thus; a) facilitation of the remaining activities in the cycle of Annual School Census (ASC): The sum of N3,106,000.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Education to enable the completion of the remaining activities in the cycle of Annual School Census (ASC) thus; I. Loan repayment to ESSPIN – N506,000.00 II. Printing of 2011/2012 ASC report – N850,000.00 III. Data entry allowance – N790,000.00 IV. Validation – N110,000.00 V. Printing of 2011/2012 ASC report – N850,000.00 TOTAL = N3,106,000.00 b) Permission granted to SUBEB to utilize the 2010 Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETF) Normal Intervention: Contents of this memorandum politely notified the Council of the receipt of an approval by SUBEB from the TETF to expend the sum N914,980,000.00 for the provision of infrastructure and Library Development in Basic Education Schools in all the 44 LGCA’s of the State.

Council noted, considered and approved for permission to the Ministry of Education to mandate SUBEB accordingly in the execution of the under listed projects.

I. Primary School Development Project (Infrastructure) – N612,876,131.88 II. J.S.S Project (Infrastructure) - N204,245,132.16 III. Library Development Project in Primary Schools - N78,466,971.89 IV. Library Development Project in J.S Schools - N15,000,000.00 V. Bank Charges - N4,391,767.77 TOTAL = N914,980,000.07 c) purchase of Mattresses for Students on Exchange Programme (SEP): Contents of this memorandum adequately acquainted the Council of the arrangement involving host states and students on exchange programme of which there are 788 students between GSS Karaye (477) and GGC Kachako (311). Kano as host State is responsible for the provision of textbooks, beds, mattresses/ pillows, payment for examination fees, feeding and transportation back home.

So, the Ministry of Education requested for approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N3,506,600.00 to facilitate for the purchase of mattresses and pillows for the 788 students on exchange programme in the State. Thus; I. Pillow – N450.00 * 788 (students) = N354,600.00 II. Mattress - N4000 * 788 (students) = N3,152,000.00 TOTAL = N3,506,600.00 Council approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Education to undertake the stated purpose.

1) OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the office of the Secretary to the State Government for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Procurement of Vehicles to provide means of transportation to some Government Officials with necessary need for their use: An aggregate sum of N29,695,,500.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for the purchase and allocation of twelve (12) vehicles thus; I. (S.S.A Community School – 1 Toyota Hilux D.C) 1 Technical Advisers Project Monitoring - 2 Toyota Hilux D.C. II. CAD and SSA Islamiyyah Schools – 18 Seater bus each.

III. CAD - Golf Station Wagon.

TOTAL = N29,695,500.00 for Five (5) vehicles. b) Disposal of Official Vehicles and provision of Vehicles Maintenance allowance to the State Special Advisers and Director Generals as covered by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission Law 2007: Attention of the Council was politely drawn to its approval on the disposal of Official Vehicles to Honorable Commissioners as well as the provision of vehicle maintenance allowance in accordance with revised allowances for the Executive arm of Government. The approval was granted on Wednesday 25th April,2012 during the 45th Executive Council sitting. So, contents of this memorandum solicited for the extension of same gesture to the referred Government Officials.

Council noted, considered and approved for the disposal of the Official vehicles to the Special Advisers and Director Generals and provision of vehicle maintenance allowance to same according to the details presented in this memorandum. c) Connection of the Free Trade Zone with Main Water Supply: Contents of this memorandum alerted the Council of the need, as highlighted in the report of the State standing Committee on the Free Trade Zone, to connect the zone with the main water supply with a view to ensuring adequate water supply there. Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N1,474,280.00 to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for onward payment to the Standing Committee on the Free Trade Zone to enable State Water Board execute the stated project.

2) MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND BUDGET. Counterpart funding to conduct two (2) activities in collaboration with UNICEF ‘D’ Field Office Bauchi: Contents of this memorandum requested for the release of the sum ofN2,019,000.00 as the state’s counterpart share for the referred activities to add up to the Unicef’s share of N6,334,016.00. The two activities are; I. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Training for 40 State partners from line Ministries (Planning, Health, Education, and RUWASA) to be drawn from 10 DFO States.

II. Stakeholders Training on Emergency Preparation and Response (EPR) plan for State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Education, Health and RUWASA also from 10 DFO States.

Council considered and approved for the release of the sum of N2,019,000.00 to the Ministry of Planning and Budget to facilitate for the counterpart funding referred in view of its significance and relevance to the present administration’s Policy on positive involvement/engagements.

6. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Environment for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Request for funds by sustainable Kano Projects for the Joint Execution of Environment related Projects in Gwale and Dala Local Government Council Areas: The requested aggregate sum of N9,473,010.75 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Environment to enable the Sustainable Kano Projects (SKP) undertake the underlisted projects through joint efforts with community based organizations (CBO’s) in the Local Government Areas.

S/N

PROJECT

LOCATION COST(N)

I

Construction of Drainage and ring culvert from G/ Dutse behind WRECA Community Union.

Gwaron Dutse (Gwale LGCA)

II

Construction of Drainage and ring culvert from Mai-Aduwa Youth Development Association.

Mai-Aduwa Sabuwar Gwammaja Dala LGCA

N2,634,975.00

III

Construction of Drainage from Inuwar Alkhairi Dandago

Dandago- Gwale LGCA

N4,841,628.75

3).

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE. Three (3) memoranda were submitted by this Ministry for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Release of Funds to Kano Pillars Football Club: Contents of this memorandum adequately notified the attentive Council of the following; I. That maintaining/operating a football club/team is a Capital Intensive venture globally. As such, the appreciated release of N75 MILLION to the management of the club was judiciously utilized for the settlement of outstanding debts owed players and technical crew relating to their 2009/2010 and 2010/ 2011 sign-on fees and other related commitments.

II. That the players and technical crew have been agreeing to receive part payments of backlog of their entitlements in support to the club and solidarity with the present administration’s drive to uplift the club to first position in the current National Premier League Season.

III. That the continued good performance of the club and maintenance of their current ranking in the league may result in the club clinching the continental ticket which translates to greater prestige and more revenue to the club and State in general .

Council noted, considered and approved for the release ofN73,896,095.00 to the Ministry of Information for onward payment to the management of Kano Pillars Football Club to facilitate for the stated purposes. b) Continued monthly grant (subvention) to triumph company: Contents of this memorandum amply appreciated the Executive approval for the release of the sum of N50 millionas intervention and six (6) months grace period within which the company has to bear full responsibility of payment of staff salaries and other obligations. The grant has gone a long way in restoring the company to its former status but the six (6) months grace period has expired

TOTAL

N1,996,407.00

N9,473,010.75

b) Request for funds by Sustainable Kano Project (SKP) for the execution of Environment Related Project in Municipal and Gwale Local Government Council Areas: Contents of this memorandum substantiated the need for the execution of the referred project as informed by pleas from some community based organizations (CBO’s) in the area’s concerned. Joint efforts are undertaken whereby Government provides funds for procurement of working materials while the beneficiaries provide the labor. So Council approved for the release of the requested sum of N9,054,927.00 to the Ministry of Environment to enable the SKP undertake the projected as present in the table below;

S/N

PROJECT

LOCATION

I

Construction of Drainage and cover slabs from Mutanen Lokon Tsamiya

Kurmawa in Kano Municipal LGCA

II

Construction of various Gwale LGCA Drainages and cover slabs from Galadanchi/Magashi Community TOTAL

COST

N2,097,270.00 N6,957,657.00

N9,054,927.00

Request for funds by Sustainable Kano Project (skp) for the Joint Execution of Environment Related Projects in Gwale, Dala and Dawakin Tofa Local Government Council Areas: The requested sum of N2,978,215.01 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Environment to enable the SKP undertake the stated joint projects- Thus;

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso S/N

PROJECT

LOCATION

COST

I

Construction of Mechanized Borehole from Nasiha Youth Development.

Sani Mainagge Mazaunar Tanko Gwale LGCA

N1,240,797.00

II

Construction of Mechanized Borehole form Al-Hadara Development Association.

Zangon Mata Cikin Gari in Dawakin Tofa LGCA

N1,295,922.00

Rehabilitation of Borehole and overhead tank from Bakin Ruwa United Dev. Ass.

Dandago Gwale LGCA

N441,498.01

III

TOTAL

N2,978,215.01

7. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT. Two (2) memoranda were submitted by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for deliberation by the Council as follows; a.

Installation of Fabricated Steel Guard rail as Median separation at composite along Katsina Road: Contents of this memorandum comprehensively acquainted the Council of the negative trends emerging from the activities of vehicular traffic/commercial motorcycles operators along Katsina Road, a situation that led to public outcries for remedial measures. So, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of the sum of N242,931,801.00 for the execution of the project so as to save life and property and protect the road from wanton abuses and disregard for traffic regulations.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate for the stated project which is in line with the policy resolve of the present Administration. b. Construction of College of Nursing and Midwifery at Madobi town: Complying to the resolve of the present administration to construct College of Nursing and Midwifery at Madobi LGCA, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport requested for the release of N987,530,103.36 for the execution of the project via contents of this memorandum. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to undertake the stated project in fulfillment of an earlier promise by the administration.

8. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Excellent performance of Students of Kano University of Science and Technology Wudil (KUST) at NACOSS National Conference,2012 held at Abraka Delta State: Council noted, considered and appreciated contents of this memorandum as informing the sitting of the commendable performance of the students who represented the school at the 2012, National Computer Science Students Society Software Development Competition at which they came first by developing a software mining device tag-named “BankQueue system”. Council recognizes, applauds and congratulates Mansur A. mohd and Islamiyyat Yusuf Toyin wishing them luck in their endeavors.

9. MINISTRY OF SPECIAL DUTIES. Evacuation of Lunatics Roaming the Streets in the 44 Local Governments Council Areas: Council approved for the release of N5,000,000.00 as trimmed from the requested N6,672,500.00 by contents of this memorandum, to the Ministry of Special Duties to enable the facilitation of the evacuation of a projected number of 300 lunatics from the 44 LGCA’s. Council was reminded of the same exercise undertaken in 2011 whereby 230 Lunatics were evacuated from Kano Metropolis alone and the effort proved worthwhile and commendable.

10. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING. Two (2) memorandums were presented by this Ministry for deliberation by the Council as follows: a) Payment for Land, Trees and structures of Dawanau (Northern Terminus): Contents of this memorandum adequately informed the attentive Council of the need to facilitate for the referred compensation. So, Council approved for the release of the sum of N100,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to expedite action in the payment of the referred compensation as highlighted in the report of the Executive Committee on the issue. b) Revalidation and release of Funds for the execution of Inherited Projects – Dualization of Dan Agundi to Sharada road: The sum of N3,280,153,786.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to ensure revalidating the referred contract and continuation to completion of the stated project inherited from the former administration.

11. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE. Payment of 2nd batch Contract Gratuity Outstanding Liabilities in respect of 335 Contract Officers/Staff: The requested sum of N27,604,926.90 was approved for release by the Council to the Office of the Head of Civil Service to enable seven (7) MDA’s effect outstanding payment of liability of 2nd batch contract gratuity for 335 officers/ staff as endorsed by the Executive Committee on the issue.

12. MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. Facilitation of IT Essential and Application Training organized by NITDA: The requested sum of N1,108,500.00 was approved for release by the Council to the Ministry of Science and Technology (IT) Essential and Application Training for 40 selected Engineers and Graduates. The project is considered as being in line with the policy of the present administration on Skill acquisition endeavors for our Youth.

13. MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. Payment for Estacode to five (5) selected players of Kwankwasiyya Babes Football Club Gwarzo and Seven (7) Officials to Dubai (19th July – 4th August, 2012): Attention of the Council was politely drawn to the request by contents of this memorandum which the Ministry for Local Governments requested for the Council to approve for the release of the aggregate sum of N12,079,400.00 to facilitate for the stated purpose. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry for Local Governments to facilitate for the stated purpose.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

50

MOTORING

Coscharis unveils new Ford Ranger C

OSCHARIS Group unveiled the new Ford Ranger (T6) at the Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday.

Coscharis President/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Cosmas Maduka said the new Ranger was a result of the company’s mission to deliver excellent products and services to its customers.

“Today, what we are launching is the all-new Ford Ranger described as the truck that can stand up to the toughest conditions. Its quality of materials, care of assembly and ex-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

tensive global durability give new meaning to its built Ford-tough reputation.

“If you are looking for a pick-up that sets new standards for styling, technology and advanced engines as well as driver and passenger comfort and convenience, you are looking at the right product at the right place. The all-new, all-terrain Ford Ranger is a game-changer; meticulously engineered in every aspect of its design to make your working day

easier and your leisure time more fun,” Maduka said.

The New Ranger has a new 2.5 litre petrol engine: a choice of new 2.2 and 3.2 litre diesel engines. Each of these hi-tech units combine power and efficiency with fantastic range.

Depending on which model and engine one prefers, Ranger’s new engines come with either a five or sixspeed manual transmission or a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, which features a manual sequential-shift capability.

The vehicle incorporates available

ABS System to help drivers avoid accidents. However, even ABS is no guarantee; therefore, the Ranger also includes a strengthened body shell and active restraint systems - including multiple airbags - to help minimise the potential consequences if a collision is unavoidable.

Maduka explained that Coscharis Motors has diversified into auto sales and service, with state-of-the-art showrooms and workshops nationwide.

According to him, the auto sales and service facilities are the best in

Honda’s multi-million naira facility ready next year

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HE Honda Place (THP), authorised distributor of Honda brands in Nigeria, has said it would build a multi-million naira facility in Lekki Peninsula.

The facility is designed to bring standard and sophistication to the sale and after-sales operations of the Honda brand in Nigeria.

It is expected to match global standards in the industry. The opening of the multi-faceted facility is scheduled for 2013, marking THP’s two decades of dedicated association with the prime Honda brand.

The new showroom and after-sales

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

facilities are designed to enhance customer experience to international standards, while respecting unique Nigerian tastes and preferences.

Among other features, the facility will a special focus on after-sales services highlighting the best industry practices propagated by Honda Motor Company, Japan. The service standards, systems and processes are designed to meet THP’s ultimate objective of achieving the highest customer satisfaction.

THP’s Director, Sales and Marketing Mr Deepak Daryanani said “the

objective is to make ownership of a Honda vehicle a great lifetime experience. The facility will aim to commence and maintain a rewarding relationship with customers throughout the ownership period, and retain them for lifetime.

“The 3S concept (sales, service & spare parts) is an essential component of Honda’s approach and is intended to prioritise customer satisfaction within one comprehensive location. Our latest investment into infrastructure at a prime locality signals its long-term commitment to its automotive business, and firm belief in Nigeria’s growth prospects.”

the

Nigeria and sub-Sahara Africa with a complementary efficient and effective staff force.

Maduka said: “In 2001, Coscharis Motors expanded its automobile range by diversifying into the sales and service of Ford vehicles. The Ford range today includes Figo, Focus, Fusion and Taurus (all sedan).

The Ford 4x4 on offering are: Escape, Everest, Edge, Explorer and Expedition, which is currently the flagship of the Ford brand. The company also sells the Ford Transit, which includes an ambulance.”

Auto chief urges online purchase

•Hodunu

C

HEKI, an online auto transaction, has urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of transacting their auto business online.

Managing Director Tomi Hodunu, in an interview with The Nation Online, said online auto transaction is very convenient as it offers the opportunity to compare various options and prices before purchase.

“Cheki.com.ng provides that portal where all cars in Nigeria for auto section can be found; people compare prices and other various options or alternatives and get information about cars they want to buy, hence limiting insecurity and fraud as much as possible,” Hodunu said.

“We make the car market acces-

sible to everyone through the online platform; hence distance is not a barrier as you can access the website from any Internet enabled device. Even on a mobile phone,” he added.

He said the aim of the firm is to become the number one car website and a household name in the country.

Cheki Marketing and Brand Manager Stanley Ezeani noted that Nigeria has a ready-made market for auto sales considering the consumption pattern of the average Nigerian regarding buying and selling of cars.

“Today, we are the number one car portal in Nigeria as we have over 15,000 people visiting our website and 2.5 million page views on a daily basis. We also work with over 800 car dealers in Nigeria, which is about 80 per cent of the total dealers in Nigeria and they also enjoy our services as we have helped to expand their sales by sending them list of people who want to buy cars.

“Cheki enjoys the highest car online inventory in Nigeria. We have places where people want to buy cars, and we strategically identify those places and we are there presently” Ezeani stated.

LASTMA warns motorcycle riders

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

L

Traffic gridlock on Abaji road in Abuja.

HOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

AGOS State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager Mr Babatunde Edu has warned commercial motorcycle operators a.k.a okada riders in the state to be safety-conscious and law abiding.

Edu said the state would maintain law and order on the roads.

He observed that operators are fond of flouting traffic laws with little or no respect for other road users.

Edu decried a situation where operators use the main carriageway, such as Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, Carter Bridge, Funsho Williams Avenue and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The General Manager enjoined them to be more road user-friendly to prevent avoidable and unnecessary accidents.

He condemned the nonchalant attitude of the operators to basic safety tips, saying operators must abide by rules and regulations or forfeit their motorcycles.

“Any impounded motorcycles would not be released while owners of such confiscated motorcycles would be charged to court,” he said.

Government, he said, has no intention of inflicting hardship on the citizenry, rather it is mainly interested in maintaining order on our roads and avoid preventable untimely deaths.

The LASTMA boss also urged motorists to comply with the zebra crossing and traffic signal light (TSL) rules, stressing that the agency has been mandated to scale up its enforcement to ensure safety.

SAFETY DRIVING

T

The responsibilities of governments and agencies in charge of safety on the roads cannot be overemphasized.

All over the world, recent trends involve programmes and designs aimed at assisting drivers to reduce serious injuries and fatalities either by creating crash-friendly road transportation environment, insisting on minimum safety standards for imported vehicles or by providing rescue and emergency services.

Human beings cannot but make mistakes but the punishment for such mistakes should not be serious injuries or death. In line with the above, efforts should be geared towards physically reducing ex-

Driving safely during the rain (4)

By Ayodeji Oyedokun

pected road traffic crashes through prompt removal of obstacles such as broken down vehicle, used or disused tyres and fallen wood pieces. Many safety agencies just drive around without removing these obstacles even when they are sighted. These avoidable obstructions have caused road crashes in the past.

In addition, many of our highways in the country lack adequate warning signs and pavement markings. Pavement markings, in some cases where found on our roads, are misleading and can also result in crashes if followed and obeyed by road sign-liter-

ate drivers. Imagine broken lines in bends! Most times warning signs that are supposed to forewarn motorists of temporary hazards are left for months after the hazards might have been removed. The resultant effect is that motorists are loosing confidence in the information being passed on some highways. Temporary emergency and other warning signs are supposed to be removed after the danger has been cleared.

Uncontrolled vegetation along most of our highways has contributed a lot to the incidence and severity of road crashes as tress on the sides of most of our highways fall down on

the path of motorists resulting into crashes mostly at night.

Speed and Driving Under Influence (DUI) are very important causative factors of road traffic crashes. It is only the government and its safety agencies that can control these using modern equipment and techniques.

The idea of stopping commercial vehicles and counting the numbers of passengers in vehicles before being charged does not reduce road traffic crashes. At most, it will only reduce the number of people exposed to such crashes. Above all, efforts should be channelled towards reducing speed, checking the use of alco-

hol and or drugs by drivers, removing obstacles, offering rescue services and the development of a strong database that will catch up with offenders and make sure that they do not go unpunished. It is only when all these are observed or put in place, that we can reduce the carnage on our roads. This way, the country, its people and the economy will emerge as the major beneficiaries of a sane road safety culture.

Oyedokun, former Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, is the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Driving School •Concluded

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

51

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

52

UNILORIN STAKEHOLDERS FORUM NO 3, MV BELLO STREET, OFF TAHOEED ROAD, OFF BASIN ROAD, ILORIN 26th July, 2012 His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan The President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria Your Excellency, PROTEST OVER THE GROSS ABUSE OF PROCESS IN THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN It is with a painful heart that we write you this letter. The summary of our communication is to protest what we strongly believe is the most vicious rape of morality, transparency and justice in the process of selecting a new Vice-Chancellor for the University of Ilorin; an institution supposedly set up to train the youths of this great nation.

Your Excellency, we have earlier written the Honourable Minister of Education on our observations and protest over the process adopted by the Selection Committee and we were still awaiting the decision of the Honourable Minister when on Thursday July 26, 2012 we heard that Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali had been appointed as Vice Chancellor!

Our petition was to show that Professor Ambali was not qualified to have even been invited for interview given the stipulated conditions for applicants for the post. To say the least, Your Excellency, his course, Veterinary Medicine is barely two years old in the university and has not even secured accreditation by the NUC. What an absurdity in a place where excellence is the expected hallmark.

Mr Visitor Sir, it is our humble understanding that the power to name the choice candidate for the position rests in the office of the Visitor. But it was the Registrar of the University, who went on the radio to make the announcement. What clearer subversion of authority could be more than this?

Your Excellency, we want to draw your attention to the following anomalies in the jaundiced process that has produced the so-called Vice-Chancellor: (1) The composition of the Selection Committee did not reflect the tenets of Federal character as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution which you solemnly swore to uphold when you assumed office. One of the applicants and a professor of Law, Rasheed Ijaodola has also pointed this anomaly out in his own protest/petition to the Registrar and secretary to the University Council. Another candidate, Professor Musbau Akanji had equally drawn attention to this ugly situation in his own letter where he promised not to even attend the selection Interview.

(2) Moreover, the UNIVERSITIES (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) AMENDMENT) ACT 2003 section 2 (e) stipulates that four persons representing a variety of interest and broadly representative of the whole Federation are to be appointed by the National Council of Ministers.

Three of them are supposed to constitute the panel while one of them will head the Search team. In this exercise this was compromised.

(3) The two representatives of the University Senate on the Panel were from the same Faculty of Education.

(4) The Representative of the Federal Ministry of education, as stipulated by the enabling Act and who could have been impartial in this exercise in question was deliberately excluded.

(5) The inclusion of one Mr Odedele as an external Member was totally wrong and a deliberate ploy by some people to favour a particular candidate. Mr Odedele is not an external member of the Council. He is President of the Alumni Association representing the Congregation.

(6) Curiously the Acting Chairman of Council and Chairman of the Selection Committee is from Ilorin, and the favoured candidate, Professor Ambali, is also from Ilorin. We draw attention to a similar incident during the period of General Salishu in 2002 as Chairman of Governing Council when the then Council dropped Professor Yakubu on the strong moral argument that the chairman and VC cannot come from the same ethnic group in a federal institution.

(7)

We draw Your Excellency’s kind attention to the questions raised by Professor Ijaodola in his petition on the legal status of the Acting Chairman of the Governing Council with the implication that in simple legal terms there is currently no Chairman for the University’s Governing Council since the person holding the office of Acting Chairman has not been inaugurated by the office of the President and that the best he could do in the circumstance is to call a meeting of the Council and inform them of the pending vacancy in the university for the post of ViceChancellor and put other activities in abeyance until the proper appointment of a chairman for the Governing Council.

(8) We have it on good authority that the final marks awarded to some of the candidates did not reflect their initial scores. For instance, during the initial short listing, the following scored were awarded to the five candidates: (a) Professor Ayorinde 67.5 (b) Professor Opoola, 64, (c)Professor Ambali, 63 (d) Professor Salihu, 60.5, (e) Professor Adesanya, 57. It was after this that new score sheets were allegedly fabricated to give Professor Ambali and Professor Salihu 66 and 65 points respectively though it was said to have been reversed to 66 per cent following petitions.

Yet not satisfied, six days after the conclusion of the initial exercise, the organisers still went ahead to jerk up the point awarded to Professor Ambali to 69 points which gave him the clear head above the others.

(9) We are surprised that while some candidates scored very well in the first exercise which was very objective, they turned out to score very low points at the interview stage, which is a very subjective exercise. What magic turned the ones with good result to suddenly have low scores?

This definitely has robbed the exercise of any integrity.

Your Excellency, in view of the above stated gross abuse in the process of selecting a new Vice Chancellor for the University of Ilorin, we as stakeholders in the fortunes of the institution and as strong believers in your administration’s commitment to the principle of justice and fairness, recommend as follows: (1) That Your Excellency invoke the powers conferred on your office as Visitor under section 5 of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003 as amended to reject the candidate submitted to your office as the final choice of the Governing Council.

(2) That Your Excellency would kindly direct the appropriate authorities to look into the questions surrounding the legal status of the Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Saka Saadu. Even if his position is legally secured, we posit that on the basis of morality it is inappropriate for an indigene of Ilorin town to sit over the leadership of a federal institution in that town and even more so oversee the appointment into a sensitive office in the institution and where the favoured selected candidate will come out to be a member of that same town.

(3) That Your Excellency will direct the appropriate authorities to cause the university to organise a fresh and transparent process for the selection of a Vice-Chancellor for the University of Ilorin involving the five candidates initially cleared and which must follow every stage of the due process enshrined in the applicable laws governing the institution.

(4) If the exercise cannot be completed within the period, we advocate that as is the tradition Your Excellency approves the appointment of the most senior Professor in the university to act as Vice-Chancellor pending the completion of a transparent and acceptable selection process.

Chairman ADEMOLA OLAWALE (08033608079)

Secretary TAHOEED SALAMI (08033904468)

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

53

NEWS Illegal structures to go in Delta

T

HE Delta State Government has vowed to step on toes of anybody in the bid to de-flood the oil city of Warri and other flood-prone areas of the state.

He told reporters in Warri while monitoring the last sanitation at the weekend, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said: ‘’We will step on toes of anybody in our desire to de-flood Warri and other parts of the state; we must get it right this time around hence we are ready to step on toes of anybody obstructing the free flow of water in our cities and towns. ‘’If you have built on natural water channels, we will come after you and pull down your structure. I have directed the Commissioner for the Environment, who has been going around with to bring down all structures blocking easy flow of water and nobody can intimidate us.

“I am happy with the way the commissioner is going about the directive I gave him.

What we are doing is for the good of our people and there is no stopping us..’’

Addressing the residents of Otirikpen Street off Odion Street in the McDermott Road area of Warri, Governor Uduaghan told them said: “Most of the flooding that we have in this environment is man-made. People just open their eyes and build structures on natural water ways. Others dump their refuse right on the drainage. Of course water will always find a way to go through and that is what has been happening. And it has no way to pass that is why the whole place is getting flooded.”

Deputy VC blames UNN fire on detractors

T

HE Student Affairs Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was on Saturday set ablaze by unidentified persons.

Items worth several millions of naira, including vital documents, were lost to the inferno.

An eye witness, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the fire which gutted the office of the Dean, Student Affairs of the university, started early in the morning.

The witness said: “The people who committed the crime used fuel to set the place on fire.

“If not for the quick intervention of fire fighters from the Nsukka station of Enugu State Fire Service, the fire could have spread to other adjoining buildings.

“The fire destroyed computers, documents and other office equipment in the office of the dean of student affairs.

“UNN security has cordoned off the area to bar people from entering the place.”

The varsity’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Malachy Okweze, confirmed the incident, blaining the inferno on detractors, who were not happy with numerous achievements of Prof Bartho Okolo, the Vice Chancellor.

He said: “It is unfortunate that somebody carried out such an evil act by destroying property of the university, “The university will do everything to fish out the perpetrators of that evil act.

•Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh (middle), flanked by the Vicar of the Cathedral, Ven. Michael Oluwarombi (third right) and the Lands & Housing Minister, Ms. Amal Pepple (immediate right) with other clerics after a special church service tagged: Unlocking the Power of the Holy Spirit for Exploits at the Cathedral Church of The Advent, Gwarimpa, Abuja...yesterday

Tragedy in Awka as brother stabs brother to death

A

BRAWL between two brothers in Umuzocha, a community in Awka, Anambra State has thrown the state capital into mourning as one of the siblings died yesterday of the injuries he sustained from the scuffle.

Residents of the area have allegedly relocated from their homes to avoid harassment by security officials .

Trouble started when Ejiofor (now late), accused his younger brother, Uche, (now in police custody) of allegedly stealing his N1000 and his phone.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Uche, who allegedly admitted to the theft for which he was beaten up by his elder brother before the duo went

to sleep.

There were conflicting accounts yesterday on how Uche was allegedly killed his brother.

One report claimed he

stabbed his brother to death in his sleep with a knife, while another claimed that Uche killed his brother with a tumbler while trying to defend himself from his late brothers

One dead, 10 injured in Enugu road crash

O

NE person was also reported killed and nine others injured yesterday at Umumba-Ndiuno Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu State in a ghastly road accident involving a Toyota RAV 4 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked registration DB 693 FST and a Toyota Hiace bus, belonging to Okeyson Motors marked FST 87 XB. The Nation learnt that the accident occurred at about by 2:55pm.

The SUV driver, with an occupant suspected to be his wife, allegedly died on the spot. The others, who sustained injuries

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

were taken to Park Lane Hospital in Enugu.

The closure of a lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Federal Highway to traffic, was identified as the caused of the accident.

All the vehicles plying the road were being diverted to use the remaining lane.

The injured were taken to the hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Suspected gunmen abduct Anambra monarch

U

KPOR monarch, Igwe Robert Eze has been kidnapped from his palace in Ukpor, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State by suspected gunmen.

The incident, sources told The Nation occurred yesterday at about 12 noon shortly after the monarch returned home from the church service.

Igwe Eze, a brother to Prince Arthur Eze, worships at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Ukpor, near his house.

Spokesman for that state police Raph Osuigwe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident.

There was no news on the whereabouts of the royal father. But policemen and other

•Marching order for AIG, CP Nwanosike Onu, Awka

security outfits had been deployed to find the monarch and apprehend his abductors.

According to investigation

by The Nation, politicians in the state have been bombarding the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubarka with phone calls in respect in respect of the matter A source close to the palace claimed that a four-man gang drove into the palace in a green coloured Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), in which they took away the monarch.

According to the source, the hoodlums fired several gunshots to scare onlookers.

He said the security-men

attached to the palace could not match the superior fire powers of the hoodlums.

The abduction of the firstclass monarch has created tension within the state police command which has deployed more patrol vehicles in every nock and cranny.

Osuigwe said the command has deployed more men to police all the flash points across the state.

He said: “Kidnapping had become a forgotten issue in Anambra State and we are not going to allow it to happen again in this state.

“All I know is that before long, the monarch will be rescued but there has not been

any contact with his abductors yet.

“There is no way the command can fold it’s hands to allow the return of robbery and kidnapping in Anambra State.

Enough is a enough. That era is gone and gone for good.

“The only thing we are begging the public to do is to avail the command of every available information regarding such ugly incidence. The police are not spirits and cannot work in isolation without the help of the public.”

The Nation gathered that even the Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG) in charge of Zone 9 and State Police Commissioner Bala Nasarawa have been mandated by the IGP to rescue the Igwe alive.

Obi to Nigerians: don’t rely solely on oil revenue

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has advised Nigerians to look beyond oil and use their ingenuity to create new sources of revenues.

According to Obi, most non oil-producing countries survived today because of their huge investment in human capital, which according to him, deployed their potentials into fields.

He spoke yesterday at the Convention of Anambra people resident in Toronto, Canada.

The governor was responding to the excitement of indigenes of the state over a plan

by Orient Petroleum to drill oil in the state.

Obi called on Nigerians to embrace what he called the commendable policies of the President Goodluck Jonathanled Federal Government, which, according to him, has

beating.

The Nation leant that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary while Uche has been handed over to the police.

been diversifying the economy from oil.

He gave specific example with the revitalisation of agriculture as well as the conscious efforts being made to expand the manufacturing base in the country through aggressive efforts to attract direct foreign investment.

Besides, Obi said that concerted efforts were being made to empower the youths and improve the power situation for the flourishing of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The governor condemned the attitude of some Nigerians, who usually criticise their home country without proffering solution to the problems.

Commending Anambra indigenes living in Canada, Obi said he was obliged to attend the convention because of their support to the state with the donation of multi-million naira learning equipment.

He called on other Anambra indigenes living outside the shores of the country to emulate the Canadan-based Nigerians.

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting organized by the residents, Obi gave an account his administration’s stewardship.

He said: “We successfully returned schools to the missionaries with financial backing to support them. We are already seeing the result as Anambra came first in results of the National Examination Council (NECO).

“We are also rendering massive support to health institutions owned by the Churches. Today, Anambra is financially stable and meeting its obligations without borrowing from any financial institution.”

On security, the governor said his government was doing everything to overcome

the challenges, including creating employment opportunities and taking series of security measures including massive support to security agencies in the state.

Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Fidelis Ezemenari, a former General Manger of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, described Anambra as being lucky to have Obi at the helms of affairs today.

He said those who come home regularly could attest to the giant strides of the Obi administration in the state.

Ezemenari confirmed that the return of peace to the state, has created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive The convention was attended by Anambra indigenes in Canada, representative of the Nigerian Embassy as well as serving and retired officials of Canadian government.

Why Govt suffers budget implementation From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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RESIDENT of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN) Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu has explained why the Federal Government has been suffering from proper implementation of the yearly budget.

Aliyu spoke during the 2012, Group B induction of the institute held at weekend in Abuja.

He stated that the government has failed to pay due attention to the procurement system, as recommended by the World Bank.

According to him, the World Bank recommends the involvement of professionals in the budgetary implementation.

Aliyu said: “The key to budget implementation is procurement. Really, about 90 per cent of the total budget goes into contract, procurement and services. So, if that section is not in whole, how do you implement? That is why we have been having problem of budget in Nigeria.

“And if the procurement of any organisation is higher than its budget, it is an unforgivable sin.”

However, he stated the need for professionalism in the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), for the bureau to function efficiently.

Aliyu noted that the procurement system has not been properly implemented based on the Act that established it.

“If we are to attain the desired goals on a national basis, we must continually monitor the performance and the problems of the Nigerian public procurement system,” he added.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30 , 2012

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NEWS ABU/NIPOST introduce new stamps THE Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and Nigerian Philatelic, a subsidiary of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), have introduced new stamps to mark the institution’s 50th anniversary.

Samples of the stamps were made public during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Zaria at the weekend.

The four stamps were designed by the Department of Fine Arts.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said: “The process started when Nigerian Philatelic came with a proposal to the university.

“They sought collaboration with the university so that we can come up with new things ahead of our 50th anniversary.”

The stamps show the picture of the late Premier of the defunct Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, to be sold at N50 and ABU’s crest also N50.

Another stamp carries the Senate building inscription and attracts N90 and Shika brown ship at N100.

Cash-lite policy begins in Abuja, Ogun, others in Jan, says CBN

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ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said the implementation of the cash-less policy would begin in Kano, Abuja, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers in January.

Sanusi spoke at the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Uyo, AkwaIbom State, on the theme: Towards a Cashless Nigeria: Tools and Strategies.

He said the six states were selected for the execution of the cashless policy, after Lagos.

He said: “In fact, the whole idea is that by January next

By Akinola Ajibade

year, the initiative will go live in all the country, but for implementation purpose, we are phasing it out.

“We are starting with Kano, Abuja, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, and a state in the Northeast.”

Sanusi, who was represented by the Head, Shared Office Department, Chidi Umeano, said problems such as lack of understanding of cash policy among the banked and the unbanked, resistance due to prevailing cash culture, infrastructure lag, distrust in banking system, and lack of

Point of Sale (PoS) at priority locations have affected the smooth running of the cashless programme.

He listed other problems as exorbitant bank charges on electronic payment products, need for standardised pricing to encourage usage and adoption, independent online-real time monitoring of electronic channels uptime, clearing, and Technofobia, which he described as (Literacy vs Numeracy).

He said the policy was introduced to meet the goals of Vision 2020, modernise the nation’s payment system, reduce the cost of banking services, drive financial

inclusion, improve effectiveness of monetary policy, reduce high security and safety risks, reduce high subsidy from 90 per cent to 10 per cent, foster transparency and curb corruption/ leakages.

Speaking after the event, Umeano said the apex bank has directed banks and other relevant stakeholders to comply with the Payment Card Industry- Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) to get penalised.

He said this is the only way by which operators would help in curbing electronic payment fraud, restore customers’ confidence.

DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has commiserated with his predecessor,James Ibori, on the death of his brother, Andrew.

Uduaghan spoke when he visited the head of the family, Williams Ibori, in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government.

Uduaghan prayed God not only to help the family and friends of the late Andrew to pull through the trying moment but also to save the people from premature death.

The host who spoke on behalf of the Ibori family, said the family felt honoured and consoled by the visit of the governor and his team.

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ANAGING Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Mohammed Abubakar has urged the Fund’s management team to be proactive in driving the new Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS).

Abubakar gave the advice at the maiden management meeting with newly recruited management staff at the NSITF corporate headquarters in Abuja.

He said in the next six months, the fund would replicate the success of its past performance.

Abubakar acknowledged the competence of the team and urged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the running of the scheme.

According to him, the ECS is yet to formally take off because the Fund had lost most of its staff in the wake of the establishment of the Pension Reform Act 2004.

NSITF ceded all its pension responsibilities to its offshoot organisation, Trustfund Pensions Plc.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, has granted an order for stay of execution of judgment setting aside the takeover of the board and management of First Guarantee Pension Limited by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

Justice Gabriel Kolawole directed that “both parties shall maintain and remain where they were on July 18 before the judgment was delivered, pending the hearing of the motion on notice dated July 26.

Justice Donatus Okorowo on July 18 set aside the takeover of the Board and Management of the First Guarantee Pension Limited.

Justice Kolawole said his stay of execution order was predicated on the motion on notice of appeal by PENCOM against the judgment setting aside the takeover.

Justice Okorowo held that PENCOM took over the board and management of First Guarantee in utter disregard of the Pension Reform Act of 2004.

The judge also submitted that the takeover was in disobedience of the interim order of the court and in clear breach of the rights of directors and shareholders of the company.

The court further directed the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to eject the Interim Management Committee appointed by PENCOM and to secure the offices of the company to enable the applicant and other directors purported to be sacked

by PENCOM particularly the chairman of the company, Orlando Ojo and the vice-chairman, Hon. Chidi Duru take charge.

A

Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

Uduaghan condoles with Ibori

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Court orders stay of action

‘Agency’ll be repositioned’ THE Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, has said the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) will be repositioned.

The minister spoke on an official tour of NIPOST facilities in Lagos.

She was received by the Postmaster General, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba.

“NIPOST is important to this administration as it is to Nigerians.

“It is a key part of this ministry and as such, we are working to revamp its operations and make it serve Nigerians better,” she said.

Mrs Johnson said the infrastructural rebirth of the NIPOST would be given priority in the third quarter of the year.

NSITF advises management

•Some consfisticated drums of adulterated diesel in a filling station in Bakassi Local Government of Cross River State...at the weekend. SEE STORY ON PAGE 58

I am proud of my performance, says Agric Minister M INISTER of Agriculture Akinwumi Adesina has said he is proud of the improvements in the sector.

Akinwumi, who was in Lagos at the weekend to inaugurate some projects of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), said the Federal Government is determined to make the country self sufficient in rice production by 2015.

“It makes no sense to spend N1billion per day to import rice which we can produce here and even in better quality.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

“Nigeria’s import of rice has continued to rise in the past 15 years.

“Now, the people importing the rice are the same people we have asked to start producing and milling local rice.

“In the last 12 months, 13 new rice mills run by private sector, has started operations.

“The total capacity of those rice mills is 240,000 metric tonnes although it is

10 percent of the total amount we currently import,” he said.

The minister said high quality parboiled long grain rice produced in Nigeria are in the market.

“We are making sure that we can have the full milling capacity to stop the importation of rice.

“We are determined and are not going to be slow in bringing 100 large scale integrated rice mill in the next 12 to 24 months to allow Nigeria to have full capacity to

mill all the rice we consume.”

Akinwumi said Nigeria exports 1.1million metric tonnes of cassava chips to China, adding that farmers are going to earn $136 million from it.

The minister hailed NIOMR for building facilities that will enhance aquaculture.

Inspecting NIOMR’s fish kill, a facility that smokes fish, Akinwumi urged the institute to produce the oven in large scale.

He said the government will assist women who trade on smoke fish to acquire the oven for healthier smoking.

Falana urges EFCCto probe CBN, others

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IGHTS activist Femi Falana (SAN) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations that over N2 trillion was unlawfully paid as fuel subsidy to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Falana, quoting an interview by Presdent Goodluck Jonathan, alleged that the illegal withdrawal from the Federation Account without appropriation by the National Assembly was effected by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the authority of the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum Resources.

By Eric Ikhilae

He urged the EFCC to prosecute officials of the agencies found to be involved in the said unlawful withdrawal and payment.

Falana praised the commission for ensuring that the first set of suspects involved in the fuel subsidy scam were charged to court.

He said: “However, we wish to draw your attention to the fact that N2.055 trillion was illegally withdrawn from the Federation Account by the CBN and paid to NNPC and other marketers in 2011.

“The said payment is a

contravention of the Appropriation Act 2011, which had provided N245 billion for fuel subsidy in 2011.”

In his interview published in TELL on February 27, the President condemned the scandalous payment when he said: “Then we will find out, between NNPC, Ministry of Finance and CBN, what has happened.”

Falana argued that since N245 billion was appropriated for fuel subsidy in 2011 you will agree with us that the payment of the additional N2.055 billion cannot be justified in law.

“We are, therefore, compelled to request you to in-

•Falana

vestigate and prosecute the officials of the CBN, the Federal Ministries of Finance and Petroleum Resources who authorised the withdrawal from the Federation Account, without appropriation by the National Assembly,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS RAMADAN

Cremation: Scholar slams lawmaker

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renowned scholar and Mufti of the Conference of Islamic organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I has chided Hakeem Masha, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly for his statement on the Cremation bill before the assembly.

Sheikh Shafi’I had, during a Ramadan lecture at the weekend organised by another lawmaker Kazeem Alimi at Eti-Osa, cautioned the state government on the bill.

Masha, while responding to the cleric’s sermon said the bill did not originates from outsiders.

He flayed the cleric’s position on the issue, stating that the bill is meant for unclaimed bodies and voluntary request from deceased’s relatives.

The House, he said, considered the bill due to unavailability of land to bury unclaimed bodies.

According to him, the alarming rate of unclaimed bodies in the morgue is worrisome to the government.

Besides, Masha said some developed nations, such as America has adopted this method.

‘The last time some members of the assembly visited mortuaries, hundreds of unclaimed bodies filled the place. After seeking order for mass burial, another set of

Fasting is an opportunity for smokers to quit – medical expert

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medical consultant at Giwa Memorial Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State capital Dr Gbenga Durojaiye, has urged Muslim smokers to use the opportunity of the Ramadan to quit the habit.

He warned those who smoked while breaking their fast (Iftar) that the first smoke inhaled immediately after ending the fast could be dangerous considering the state of the body at the time.

“Ramadan is a golden opportunity for smokers to quit the habit. This is the time. If a person can refrain from smoking for a whole day during Ramadan, he can quit the habit for good,’’ he said.

Dr Durojaiye spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said smoking could be dangerous for a fasting person whose body was trying to recoup after abstaining from water and food for so long.

“Smoking is the worst thing a person can do to his body, especially at Iftar (Breaking of fast).

“Those who do so and escape the risks involved must consider themselves lucky if they do not contract serious cardiovascular problem during this period,’’ he said.

He said that at that time, the body was in greater need of liquids, glucose, oxygen and smoking could lead to the contraction of blood vessels, preventing the required flow of oxygen.

Durojaiye said that smoking at such a critical time could cause the blood to thicken which he said could lead to the blockage of arteries and also increase blood pressure.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

corpses had filled the morgue again. So, we feel there is need to address this problem headlong,” he said.

Sheikh Shafi’I dismissed Masha’s view, saying such position showed irresponsibility on the part of government.

Government, the scholar said, has responsibility to perform on the deceased just like he is doing for those alive.

Such responsibility, he noted, is for government to ensure the remains of the deceased are giving befitting burial whether claimed or unclaimed.

He said: “When you said the morgues are filled, I want to ask you how many mortuaries built by the government.

Why do we always look at America as yardstick? Why the assembly can’t visit Saudi Arabia to learn from them. If government is confused, has it consulted with religious leaders on how to go about it? The fact that some people sponsored the bill, does it mean that opinion of the larger percentage of the populace be ignored.

“During the public hearing on this matter, both the Christians and Muslims condemned the bill; why is government hell bent on it. Allah strongly condemned burning of human being and such action attracts great calamity for any community that indulge in it. We will not allow you to bring Allah’s wrath on this peaceful state.”

•From left: Alhaji Ibrahim Arutu; Alimi; Chief Imam Agbogi Central Mosque Alhaji Temitope and Sheikh Shafi’i at the event

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS Oyo street sweepers accuse govt officials of alleged fraud •Commissioner: it’s not true From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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OP officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and the Waste Management Board have been accused of short-changing 300 street sweepers.

The alleged scam was reportedly discovered by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The discovery allegedly forced the officials to recommend the sack of the sweepers.

It was learnt that the sweepers told the governor that they were paid N6,000 instead of the N12,000 he approved as their pay.

At a meeting with them, Ajimobi was said to have informed the sweepers that their salary should be N12,000 and not N6,000. He also assured them that those behind the shortfall would be punished.

The sweepers accused the officials of denying them their rights.

But the Commissioner for Environment and Habitation, Wasiu Dauda, said the protesters were not telling the truth.

One of the sweepers, Kate Omoyie, said their trouble started in mid-June when they protested to the governor on non-payment of their allowances for four months.

According to her, though the governor ordered that all the money be paid immediately, the officials in charge of their salary only paid for three of the four months at N6,000.

Dauda confirmed the irregularity between the money approved by the government for the sweepers and what they they were paid.

He said the N12,000 claim was incorrect.

Students’ leader’s death not due to negligence, says hospital

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HE management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, Owo

Local Government Area of Ondo State, at the weekend said the death of the former Vice-President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Aremo Gbenga Oyebode, was not caused by its alleged negligence.

Oyebode died at the hospital two weeks ago.

He was among the students’ union leaders who were rushed to the centre for treatment after an accident on OwoEmure Road. But he died few days later at the hospital.

The students’ leaders were returning to Ondo State after NANS gave Governor Olusegun Mimiko the Best Governor in Nigeria award in Abuja.

The Students Union Government (SUG) Presidents of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Oluwaseun Awopegba; Adeyemi College of Educa-

ALGON chair hails Amosun on council poll THE National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Nwabueze Okafor, yesterday hailed Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun for successfully conducting the local government election in the state about two weeks ago.

In a statement in Abeokuta, the state capital, Okafor noted that Amosun conducted the elections in line with the 1999 Constitution and the yearnings of the people.

He urged states using caretaker committees to emulate Amosun.

The ALGON president praised the peaceful conduct of the July 21 election all over the state.

He urged the newly elected council officials to serve as agents of change and make maximum use of the opportunity.

Okafor also urged them to ensure the growth and development of their councils.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

tion, Ondo, Abiodun Akintola; and the State School of Midwifery, Miss Oyikan Olotu, died instantly in the accident.

The hospital management denied any act of negligence in the death.

It said the late Oyebode was given necessary medical attention without any demand for money.

A statement by the FMC spokesman, Mr. Olanrewaju Yusuf, said there was enough blood in the hospital’s blood bank, contrary to the report that the deceased died because he did not have sufficient blood.

Ekiti quarry: Estate’s residents plan to confront firm R

ESIDENTS of Obasanjo Estate in Ikere-Ekiti, IkereEkiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, are set for a showdown with the management of Inland Stone, the quarry operator located near the estate.

They have asked the company to relocate the quarry or face their wrath.

The residents said they might be forced to invade the operations site at the back of the estate, if the company fails to relocate it to where it would not threaten their health.

It was learnt at the weekend that the residents planned to invade the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

quarry because of what they described as “the intolerable noise pollution from the quarry and the multiple health hazards it poses to the lives of the estate’s residents”.

The Nation learnt that some residents planned to invade the site last Saturday after a meeting, but the General Manager of Ekiti State Housing Corporation, Mr. Peter Owolabi, reportedly dissuaded them.

Owolabi was reportedly

shown the walls and beams of the homes that were cracking from the impact of the quarry’s vibration.

Admitting that the walls could crack because of vibration, Owolabi urged the residents to remain calm.

He promised to take their complaints to Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The residents of the estate on Ado-Ikere-Ekiti Road decried the threats to their health by rock blasts.

A resident, Mrs. Oke said

the blasts caused her “severe headache and pains”.

According to her, her daughter, who was at home at the time of the blasts, “has been sick since”.

She said: “We have been complaining since but nobody seems to care. The quarry, which was located here after we came, is damaging our house and its activities are killing us. Must we all die before those in authority react?”

Another resident, who spoke in confidence, said: “The option left for us will be to take the law into our hands, if nobody cares to listen and act.”

‘Osun committee on councils’ creation constitutional’

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said his administration’s objective for setting up a committee on local government creation is in line with the Constitution.

The governor spoke in Iloko-Ijesa at a training workshop on the creation of new local governments.

He was represented by his deputy, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori.

Aregbesola noted that a comprehensive review of local governments in the state was what the people demanded.

The governor said local governments have the capacity and the legitimacy to bring development to the state.

According to him, the creation of new councils should be in line with the people’s demand to lay the foundation for grassroots governance under a democrcy.

He said: “It is in fulfillment

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

of this objective that we set out very clearly a process that is constitutional and transparent as the foundation to fulfil the aspiration of our people to create new local governments.

“When I inaugurated this committee, they were issued with clear terms of reference, which include the guidelines for the creation of councils in compliance with Section 7(2)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution and ensuring that the creation is in conformity with Section 8(3),(4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution.”

Aregbesola noted that as part of his administration’s commitment to enable the committee fulfill its mandate, the government, through its technical committee, organised the training for three days.

The governor said it was imperative that all those charged with various re-

sponsibilities under the Constitution are empowered to discharge their duties to the highest standard possible.

A former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), in a paper entitled: Creation of New Local Governments under the 1999 Constitution, identified three areas to consider before the creation of a council under Section 7 (2) of the

1999 Constitution.

These are the common interest of the community in the area; traditional association of the community; and the administrative convenience.

FOR SALE A brand new TOYOTA COROLLA, black colour, manual is for sale. In good condition, also good for school runs or corporate use.

Model:- 2009/2010 Price: Very attractive.

If interested, please call: Prescillia on 08122647291 or 08037160424.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30 , 2012

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NEWS Akwa Ibom seeks end to controversy

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KWA Ibom State Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere has advised politicians in Cross River State to allow the controversy over the 76 oil wells end.

Ekere said the controversy was needless as the Supreme Court had laid the matter to rest by making the requisite judicial pronouncement in the case instituted by Cross River State.

The deputy governor spoke during the public presentation of a book on the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, Okuku Ime Udousoro Inyang.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

He hailed the Chairman of the Cross River State Council of Chiefs, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet, for announcing that traditional rulers in the two states would intervene and stop the media war.

Ekere said such an initiative was in line with the spirit of Governor Godswill Akpabio, who had advocated dialogue and unsuccessfully tried to dissuade the Cross River State Government from going to court.

He said there was no strife between the two states.

Vigilance group apprehends kidnap suspect HE Ughelli Vigilance

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Group has apprehended a kidnap suspect, Johnny Edah, in a bush between Orogun and Abraka, Delta State.

The group recovered a laptop and phone belonging to a lecturer in the Department of Medicine in the State University, Abraka, Dr Jonathan Ethewumi.

Ethewumi escaped from his abductors before the vigilance group stormed the hideout.

Two lecturers from the departments of Mathematics and Economics Dr Itsegbemi and Dr Elele Efe were freed by their kidnappers.

It was gathered that the Medical Director of Abraka General Hospital, Charles Ojuma, who was among those kidnapped, also escaped from the abductors.

The head of the group, Monday Ohwesiri, said they were alerted by members of the Abraka Vigilance group.

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

He said they alerted members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Ughelli and other security agents before they went on the rescue mission.

“We arrested a suspect, Johnny Edah, in a bush between Orogun and Abraka.”

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the suspect is being questioned.

He said the recovered items were helping the police in the investigation.

In another development, two robbery suspects were killed at the Ugono junction of the East/West Road, Okpe Local Government.

Sources said one of the suspects was lynched and the other burnt.

The hoodlums, it was gathered, were attempting to break into a house, when they were apprehended by some youths .

NUPENG blames Fed Govt for strike

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HE leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) at the weekend accused the Federal Government of being responsible for its incessant strikes.

NUPENG on Friday begun a nationwide industrial action in solidarity with the Independent Petroleum Product Marketers over non payment of subsidy arrears, state of refineries, issues with Shell and bad roads.

The strike has since been

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

called off.

Addressing reporters in Benin, the Edo State capital, NUPENG’s vice president Eddy Ossai said the union has always engaged the Federal Government on issues bordering on the deteriorating state of the roads.

He said the association has lost a sizable number of its members to road mishaps.

His words: “We are not

doing this for only NUPENG workers but for Nigerians.

“Our roads are bad and the only thing with government is that until it affects one of them, they won’t fix the roads but these are things we are not suppose to beg for.

“If you are collecting tax and people are paying their bills then the roads are suppose to be fixed.

“We went on strike because of Nigerians, our roads, our workers are be-

ing owed by private depot owners, our roads have degenerated to the extent that we have lost so many members. There is no way we can continue like this. ‘’Before now, we have been engaging the government to fix the roads because if there is an accident it will only affect us but other road users.

“What we have now is really not what the roads should be.

“I think this government can do better.’’

Oshiomhole pays N12m for ‘prisoner’ patients T UCCOUR came the way of ‘prisoner’ patients of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, following the payment of their bills by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The patients were held by the hospital management, following their inability to pay their bills after being treated and discharged.

Governor Oshiomhole paid N12million.

One of the patients, who gave his name as Emmanuel Chukwu, said his bill was N1.2million.

Others such as Blessing Ogbugo and Shuaibu Daniel said their bills were N600,000 and N343,163.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The patients, who knelt to thank the governor, said they had no means of paying what they termed “big amount of money”.

It was all joy and jubilation at the various wards of the hospital as some of the affected patients said they had been held back at the hospital for over one year.

Also, N5,000 each was given to patients who are on admission at the hospital.

Commissioner for Health Ms Cordelia Aiwuzie, who

represented Oshiomhole, said it was the governor’s desire for the patients to be reunited with their families.

She said: “The governor is not showing off. He came here two days ago and saw many patients who couldn’t pay their bills. He decided to pay the bills.”

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee who represented the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Alfred Ogbemudia, said the hospital will pay whatever was left of the patients’ bill.

Ogbemudia said it was the

•Oshiomhole

hospital’s responsibility to support the governor’s gesture by waving aside other bills not covered.

He said Oshiomhole has displayed uncommon show of affection for the indigent patients.

Suspected killers of council boss OME youths inarrested

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volved in the attack that ledto the death of former Mbo Local Government Transition Committee Chairman in Akwa Ibom State Okpo Ekere have been apprehended.

Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere said this yesterday at Ekere’s funeral held at Oron Stadium.

He said anyone found culpable would not be spared by law enforcement agencies .

Ekere, who represented Governor Godswill Akpabio, condemed the attack.

He admonished youths to always seek redress through lawful means and not to take laws into their hands.

The deputy governor said the government did all it could to save Ekere’s life but

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

regretted that the former chairman died in Saudi Arabia on his way to India.

He said the deceased lived a short but purposeful and eventful life, noting that he died in active service after responding to a distress call to address a violent situation.

Ekere reminded the people of the government’s plan to turn the state into an industrial hub through the construction of the Ibaka Deep Seaport and the establishment of the Ibom Industrial City.

He promised the widow that the state would assist her.

The deceased is survived by his wife and four children.

13 die on Lagos-Benin Road

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HIRTEEN people died yesterday in an accident on the Benin-Ore Expressway.

A truck and a commercial bus collided at Ofosu near the Edo-Ondo boundary.

The Deputy Corps Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Bisi Kazeem, said: “The crash was caused by the bus driver, who drove against traffic on the BeninOre lane, thereby facing an

By Olatunde Odebiyi

on-coming truck, resulting in head-on collision.

“The bus was coming from Lagos carrying traders dealing in electronics.

Thirteen people, including the driver, died. The two passengers in the truck survived.”

Kazeem said the survivors were taken to a hospital in Ugbogui, Edo State.

The bodies have been taken to the mortuary.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (left) with Commissioner for Environment Frank Omare, at the beginning of the SEE PAGE 53 de-flooding process in Warri,...at the weekend

Navy destroys N100m worth of diesel in Cross River

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FFICIALS of the Navy’s NNS Victory at the weekend raided two warehouses in Bakassi Local Government of Cross River State, destroying over 1,000 drums of diesel said to be worth N100 million.

One of the warehouses, which was located within a filling station, had an army check point in front of it.

Commanding Officer, NNS Victory, Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who led the operation, said the area had become notorious in illegal activities, especially bunkering, piracy, among others.

He said the Navy was ready to end such illegal

Two held for alleged bunkering

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HE youths of Emeragha in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State at the weekend, apprehended two persons and seized a tanker and Toyota Hilux , alleged to have been used for bunkering.

The tanker, which was filled with crude oil allegedly loaded from wells 7, 10 and 41 in the community, developed a fault on its way back.

Its front tyres were deflated as well as all tyres of the Hilux that was parked in Omavovwe, a neighbouring community.

Chairman of the community Thomas Okoro said the suspects were arrested by the community youths, in collaboration with pipeline surveillance workers assigned to the location.

He said the suspects have been handed over to operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

activities in compliance with the directions of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Itoko regretted that some people were still indulging in bunkering in the area, despite the fact that Governor Liyel Imoke recent-

ly led a major operation against bunkering of petroleum products in the area.

He said those behind the illegal business would be arrested and prosecuted.

The commanding officer said the presence of the security operatives at the place showed connivance of security agencies in such illegal activities.”

Itoko said he will not relent.

“This is the first stage to show our level of seriousness. We will enter the sea.”

He, however, said the illegal activity is done in the night, “but the Navy doesn’t have facilities for night patrol.”

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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NEWS Fire guts Dana Pharmaceutical Company

NEMA gives relief materials to windstorm victims From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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ARELY two months after over 160 people died in the Dana Air crash in Lagos, Dana Pharmaceutical Company in Minna, Niger State, was at the weekend gutted by fire.

Property worth millions of naira were destroyed, but nobody died.

The inferno, which began about 5pm on Saturday at the head office of the company in Maitunmbi, Minna, took the workers, most of whom are casuals, over three hours to put out.

The inability of the fire fighters to respond to the distress call by the company compounded the problem as the fire extinguisher in various sections of the company were insufficient to curtail the spread of the inferno.

The fire destroyed the operating unit, AA2 service section and a section of the administrative department.

Though the public and reporters were barred from entering the premises of the company while the inferno lasted, a management staff, an Indian, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. He attributed it to an electrical fault.

He said management was yet to assess the level of damage, adding that drugs, property and items lost would be in tune of millions of Naira.

Benue MDGs boss denies arrest by ICPC From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE Special Adviser to Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Mr. Timothy Aikyor, has described as a lie, an allegation making the rounds that he was arrested by the operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) over the misappropriation of N500 million.

He described it as a figment of his detractors’ imagination, adding that they are bent on frustrating his efforts to render services to the indigenes as contained in the working document of the present administration tagged: “Our Benue, Our Future”.

Aikyor, who was reacting to the allegation that he embezzled N500million, linked it to those he called his enemies within the MDGs secretariat whose stock in trade was to leak official secrets.

He said he knew them, but would not engage them in a way to promote the spread of falsehood and campaign of calumny intended to dent his reputation.

The MDGs boss said he wondered why some reporters have resorted to unethical practices in the name of running down public officers, stressing that he will never be deterred in the discharge of his duties to provide amenities to the people of the state through the funds accruing to the MDGs.

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From left: Lagos State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mrs. Oluranti Odutola; Commissioner for Information, Gombe State, Rev. Habu Dawaki; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba and Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, during a courtesy visit by the Gombe State commissioner to the ministry in Lagos.

Woman arrested for ‘stabbing’ son

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HE police in Kano State have arrested a woman for allegedly stabbing her son in the stomach.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Idris said the suspect, Miss Joy Akule, was apprehended for allegedly attempting to kill her son.

He said the suspect was arrested on July 21 at Sabuwar Abuja Quarters in the Kano metropolis.

“She stabbed her son with a knife in the stomach. The victim, an 11-year-old boy, was taken to hospital for treatment,” the police commissioner added.

Idris said the suspect, who

•Police apprehend owner of Wonder Bank confessed to committing the crime, reportedly did it to finally end the relationship with her former husband who is the victim’s father.

He said as soon as investigation was completed, she would be arraigned in court.

The police have also arrested Mr. Taofeek Adekunle for allegedly operating an illegal finance house called Wonder Bank.

Commissioner of Police Idris who spoke in an interview with reporters at the weekend, said the suspect was arrested on July 23 about 12 noon in his home at Rijiyar Zaki in the Kano metropolis.

“Adekunle is the owner of an illegal finance house called Finance Empowerment Programme Organisation, with head office at Ado Bayero Shopping Complex, 12, Sabon-Gari Road, Kano,” he added.

Idris said the suspect, who had a network of marketers spread over the Kano metropolis, collected N5.5 million from 328 victims with a promise to give them credit facility.

“The method adopted by the fraudster is to ask his victim to pay 20 per cent of the credit facility before he disburses the loan.

“After collecting the percentage, the transaction stops as he will not disburse the loan as promised,” the police commissioner said.

He said the suspect had in the past disbursed loans to some people, which convinced others and made them to become his victims.

“The suspect is also the initiator of the Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Kano,” Idris added.

He said he was assisting the police to arrest his accomplices who obtained spurious government registration certificate for him.

Gunmen kill Air Force men, others in Kano

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UNMEN yesterday in Kano killed two Air Force men at the Yanlemu Quarters while returning to Kaduna after a condolence visit.

The men, an orderly and a driver, had brought their superior officer to Kano to commiserate with the family of Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Dikko, who lost his brother.

The incident occurred about 11:30am. The gunmen

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

on a motorcycle shot dead the Air Force men who were in their official vehicle.

It was learnt that the gunmen laid an ambush under a flyover on the Kano-Zaria Road, to kill the Air Force officer, who they believed was inside the vehicle.

Contacted on the phone, the Air Force Commander in Kano, Air Commodore Sani Ahmed, said: “Two Air Force

men were shot dead yesterday by gunmen on the Kano Zaria Road while returning to Kaduna after a condolence visit.”

In a telephone chat, spokesman for the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kano, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, confirmed that two Air Force men were killed.

“After we learnt of the incident, we sent our men to the scene. We have intensified patrol in the vicinity to

arrest the fleeing gunmen,” he added.

Two persons were also reportedly shot dead by gunmen in Hotoro quarters of the Kano metropolis yesterday.

Although details of how they were killed were sketchy, residents confirmed to our reporter that two persons were killed behind the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot in Walawai Quarters, Kano.

Suspected Boko Haram men kill policeman

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OLICE in Damaturu, Yobe State capital, have confirmed that one of their men was killed on Saturday night by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect.

In the attack, two soldiers were reportedly injured and are receiving treatment at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.

Police Commissioner Patrick

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•Two soldiers injured From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Egbuniwe who confirmed the incident, said their patrol team was ambushed about 9.45pm at Nasarawa area of the town where the Joint Task Force (JTF) was on patrol.

“Some gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect ambushed our patrol vehicle about 9.45pm on Saturday and

killed one mobile policeman.

Two soldiers were injured and are receiving treatment at the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.

“Our men contained the gunmen before a reinforcement was sent to the area. The attackers were chased away,” he said.

The police commissioner

said a man was arrested with a Honda 86 model car which contained electrical wires and mechanical tools. He added that no Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found in the car.

According to him, “investigation is ongoing to ascertain the identity of the suspect and what he does for a living.”

One dead as students, police clash in Benue

student of the Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State has allegedly been killed while several sustained injuries when the students protested the death of their colleague who was crushed to death by a truck driver.

An eyewitness told our reporter in Gboko yesterday that a student of the college, who was heading for Gboko and was on a motorcycle, was

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

crushed to death by the driver of an oncoming truck.

It was learnt that the incident resulted in a protest by members of the motorcycle riders association who joined the students to ask the police to release the truck driver to them “for jungle justice.”

The protesters were said to have been dispersed by the police, but they later regrouped at the college campus and took over the

Yandev-Gboko-Makurdi Federal Highway, disrupting traffic.

The police were said to have arrived the scene and they allegedly fired bullets into the air to disperse the crowd.

A student was alleged to have been hit by a stray bullet and he died, while others were injured and are being treated at the General Hospital, Gboko.

The Rector of the college, Dr. Emmanuel Gbonko, who announced its closure, said the

decision was taken to prevent the escalation of the crisis.

Police spokesman Daniel Ezeala confirmed the incident.

He alleged that the students kidnapped the rector but he was rescued by his men, while arms and ammunition were recovered from them.

According to him, 15 suspects have been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. He denied that the police kill any student.

ELIEF materials worth millions of Naira were yesterday presented by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the victims of windstorm in two local government areas in Sokoto State.

Areas affected include, Fakku and Gudirrega in Yabo Local Government and Dogon Daji in Tambuwal Local Government.

Several houses were destroyed and domestic animals lost in the windstorm.

There was no report of human casualty.

At a brief ceremony to mark the presentation of the items, the Director-General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi, urged the people to imbibe the culture of disaster risk reduction by embarking on planting of trees to mitigate windstorm and rainstorm disasters.

Sani noted that there was need for them to prioritise the clearing of drainages to allow a free flow of water during a heavy rain.

The NEMA boss, represented by the Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, enjoined the people to imbibe the habit of keeping fire extinguishers and to undergo regular drills for fire disaster preparedness.

He said the agency has acquired a toll free smart number and established a call centre where people could direct their distress call, to enable them receive prompt assistance nationwide.

He gave the number as, 080022556363 otherwise codenamed “ 0800 call NEMA”, adding that they were determined to strengthen their coordinating capacity with stakeholders with a view to ensuring efficient and effective disaster management in the country.

He commiserated with Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and the indigenes on the disaster.

Receiving the materials on behalf of the victims, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Isa Gada, thanked NEMA not only for the presentation but for the quick arrival of the items, which he said would give succour to the victims.

Items presented include 300 bags of cement, 500 bundles of roofing sheet, 1,000 pieces of plank, 50 packets of zinc nail and 50 bags of roofing nail.

Baptists hold meeting

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HE monthly meeting of 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.

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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SPORT EXTRA 2013 AFRICAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS

F/Eagles beats Tanzania 2-1 N

IGERIA U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, took a massive step towards reaching the third round qualifying series of the 2013 African Youth Championship after they defeated hosts Tanzania 2-1 on Sunday.

Enugu Rangers striker Alhaji Gero netted a first-half brace, before the home team pulled a goal back on 51minutes through Alhaji Said.

However, Tanzania coach Jakob Michelsen has said his team still has a chance in the return leg in a fortnight after their spirited performance after the interval.

“We lost the first half, but won the second half and there are still two halves to be played,” said the young Danish coach, who was playing his first competitive game in charge of the Ngorogoro Heroes.

“We made two terrible mistakes at both ends of the first half and we paid for them, but I believe we still have something to play for going into the second game even against the African champions.”

He added: “We played a good match and the players showed a lot of heart. With a bit of luck we should have been awarded two penalties for hand ball, but all the same I’m proud of the boys.”

Nigeria’s U20 coach, John Obuh also praised the second half showing of the Tanzanians.

“It was a good game but the home team came out the stronger in the second half.

They had the advantage of having already started the qualifiers before us (Tanzania won a first round qualifier versus Sudan) and also they were playing at home.

•We still have a chance in Nigeria- Tanzania coach “But we knew we had to win this match even against a very smart Tanzanian team, who at a time almost got my team to play their long ball tactic.

“All the same, we still have a second leg to play, but we expect to reach the next round of the competition.”

Big striker Gero got Nigeria off to a dream start after just two minutes when he dashed into the Tanzania goal area, before he fired a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Barwany Khomein Abubakar.

He will moments later be denied a second goal, before Simon Happygod Msuva broke through the Flying Eagles defence only for goalkeeper and skipper Samuel Okani to make a timely save.

The Ngorogoro Heroes responded positively as they used the long ball and their speed down the wings to pressure the Nigerian back four.

Despite the pressure, the Flying Eagles still carved chances. Aminu Umar’s header from inside the box on 19 minutes missed its mark and Chidi Osuchukwu effort from inside the box also came close.

Happygod Msuva shot after half an hour missed narrowly for Tanzania and on 36 minutes, Okani did well to scramble a clever lob by Issa Rashid Issa for a corner.

Gero eased the pressure two minutes from the break when he again found target after a good combination play involving Yahaya Adamu and Umar.

Tanzania came back into the game six minutes into the second half, when Alhaji Said

headed home after he had earlier missed a similar opening in the 48th minute.

There were a number of close calls for both Tanzania and Nigeria, while in the dy-

ing moments of the encounter, a penalty appeal by goalbound Gero was ignored by the Kenyan referee and substitute Harrison Egbune failed to connect a loose ball inside the Tanzania vital area.

Keshireturnstoday

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ARRING unforeseen circumstances, Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi is expected to return to the country today from the United States of America where he went on holidays with his family.

His two-week holiday had to be cut short as a result of the Super Eagles’ friendly match against Niger hurriedly arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prepare the team for the all important last phase of Africa Nations Cup qualifiers against Liberia.

The NFF did everything to

AHEAD NATIONAL SPORT FESTIVAL

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

at least get a friendly against an African opponent for the FIFA friendly date of August 15 which the Eagles handler has lauded the NFF for.

According to a member of the backroom staff, “the Chief Coach has called to tell me that he would be jetting into the country tomorrow (today) by the special grace of God. So we are expecting him tomorrow (Monday). It ids when he arrives that we will know when the actual camping exercise will commence”, the source told NationSport yesterday

•Keshi

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unifying and recreational outing.

In readiness for Eko 2012, the Lagos State government has paid 420 athletes and 105 coaches their monthly grant, while 999 athletes and 131 coaches have received allowances for the first phase of the camp in preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival to be hosted by State in November this year.

Pre-season form excites Nwofor

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ORMER U-20 international Uche Innocent Nwofor has asserted that he is sure of a blistering start to the new league season in Holland with his modest club, VVV Venlo after his impressive showing in the pre season games he played.

Nwofor who was signed

by Venlo before the start of the last FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia couldn't take part in any pre season game for his club and this didn't allow him to settle down after joining them when the league had started.

But at the start of his second season this term with Venlo, Nwofor played in 6 tune up games for his club and netted 7 goals.

While baring his mind to NationSport on Saturday

Eagles will qualify — Babangida

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ORMER Super Eagles’ right wing striker, Tijani Babangida has assured all ‘doubting Thomases’ that the senior national team of Nigeria would pick the 2013 Africa Nations Cup ticket at the expense of Liberia at the end of the two legged last phase of qualifiers slated for next month.

“I am hundred percent sure that we are going to the (Africa) Nations Cup this time (2013) around”, Babangida told NationSport yesterday.

He, however, gave reasons for being optimistic about the Eagles chances. “I think I have a 100 percent confidence and trust in the new generation of the technical crew we have in the Super Eagles now. I am happy with what Stephen Keshi with his assistants are doing in the national team now. Keshi, Daniel Amokachi myself and Ike Shorunmu all played together for the Super Eagles and we are aware of the achievements of former Coach of the team, Clemens Westerhof while handling the team. I believe Keshi wants to emulate Westerhof by parading mostly home based players in the last matches he has prosecuted in both the World Cup and the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers and I am happy about this.

“With the blending of the local boys and on-form Europe based players Nigeria will soon experience the dividends and positive results of the hard work put into the team by the Eagles’ technical crew led by Keshi. The results so far actually pointed to that direction.

“We can always say whatever

•Player ready for new season From Tunde Liadi,Owerri

night after another goal for his club in their 1-1 draw with visiting Osasuna of Spain, Nwofor said his free scoring spree during the pre season games showed he had settled down with Venlo and would do more when the Dutch Eredevisie kicks off on August 9th.

Ahead of their league opener against Heracles on August 10th, the 2011 African Youth Championship (AYC) top scorer said that with the end to their pre season matches they are fully poised to surprise their opponents away from home.

"I am happy with my pre season form. I scored 7 goals in 6 games. Though, I am

happy about it but I still believe there is still room for improvement.

"I was not able to start the pre season with Venlo last season because of the U-20 World Cup and it affected me because I was not able to settle down on time but this term my goals have proved that I could have done better if I had played some tune up matches before the start of last season.

"We are through with our pre season games and we are preparing for the start of the league season which commences in the second week of August. We have our first match against Heracles and we are ready for them despite the fact that we are playing away from home."

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja we want, whatever we wish and whatever we think. Keshi is the person that will make the decision. If he so wishes he can recall Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and the rest but this will definitely depends on the players’ current form in their clubs. So let us leave Keshi to run the team to his best knowledge because he is the one that is very close to the players and knows what he is looking for in the players selected for any match. We just need to support him and pray for him and the team to deliver.

Babangida, also told NationSport that he felt bad that his National League team Taraba United FC missed promotion to the Premier League by whiskers.

“Talking about my team Taraba United Football Club, is a state government team that came to bring everything new into the team like new players, officials and new orientation too. As a result of this we actually need time to gel and make the state proud.

“We started preparations for the National League just two weeks before the start of the league. So for us to end up in third position in our group despite losing out in our promotion bid should be commended by all. We were not favourite but we fought hard to get the promotion but overall I think we did not perform badly. Although I felt bad not leading the team to get promotion but we will work very hard to get it next time. I missed the Premier League by whiskers but nest time we will get it right”, the dazzling former Super Eagles right wing player assured.

Sagna, Podoski, others relish stay in Nigeria

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Asabga charges Lagos athletes CTING Director of Lagos State Sports Council, Grace Asagba has tasked the state athletes to return the glory of the state in sports.

Speaking during the award ceremony for the athletes that won medals at the 17th National Sports Festival tagged Rivers 2011, Asagba, a former national athlete said the state being the hub of sports in Nigeria should continue to dominate among others.

“Our challenge therefore is to bring to reality this vision by raising the bar in our respective activities. Lagos is Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence and this must always be at the heart of our considerations whenever we put on the state’s colours. I therefore wish to charge us to give up to the challenge of bringing back the lost glory of the state and return it to its rightful position and stamp our names in indelible ink of the state’s sporting annals,” she opined.

The sports director added that the award underscored the premium the government placed on athletes and its efforts to give them the needed support to succeed.

With the sports loving governor, Babatunde Fashola committed to staging the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Eko 2012, Asagba said the governor had assured that the state would redefine the festival by making it a truly

2013 NATIONS CUP

LAYERS of Arsenal Football Club of England, who visited the country courtesy of Communication giants, Airtel, have expressed excitement at their stay in Nigeria, as they also had the privilege of presenting to the Nigerian public the five most outstanding youngsters discovered at the just concluded National Finals of the on-going Airtel Rising Stars Season 2 U-17 tournament for boys and girls.

The three players, Bacari Sagna, Per Merteserker, came on a partnership visit to Nigeria and carried out the unveiling at an exclusive Airtel event held yesterday at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The five youngsters are Gift Nevo (Best Goal keeper in the female category), Rafiat Aweda (Golden Boot winner and Most valuable Player, Female category), Ibrahim Benjamin (Best Goal Keeper, Male category), Yakubu Gambo, (Most Valuable Player, Male category) and Bilyaminu Sani (Golden Boot winner, Male Category).

Speaking during the fun-filled presentation ceremony, Olu Akanmu, Chief Marketing Officer of Airtel Nigeria reiterated the commitment of the leading telecoms operator to creating and providing Nigerian youngsters with ample opportunities to succeed in their professional careers and respective endeavours.

“This, indeed, is the best of times for grassroots football in Nigeria. It has always been our dream to create a future for our younger generation. Now, the

prospect of this is looking more promising than ever with the ARS, and more so with our new teammates in Arsenal FC. “Arsenal needs no introduction to us here in Nigeria. Almost every family identifies with the club and the beauty she brings to the game. Our partnership reflects very deeply our core values at Airtel which centres on enriching lives and empowering more Nigerians to realise their full potentials. We have also demonstrated this through our line of innovative offerings which have set us aside as the innovation leader in the industry,” he said.

The partnership commits Arsenal to offering technical support to the Airtel Rising Stars pan-African football initiative of Airtel Africa in five countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda.

The five Nigerian youngsters will join other selected youngsters across the African continent for a residential Arsenal Coaching Clinic at the instance of Airtel Africa. During the International Coaching Clinic, Arsenal will provide UEFA-certified coaches to assist in providing technical supervision, mentorship, and general football skills development to the youngsters.

Airtel Rising Stars U-17 Tourney is a unique pan African initiative of Airtel Africa designed to provide support for the development of football talents across her African markets. It aims at discovering talented students (male and female) of secondary school age and providing them the opportunity to gain football skills and develop into renowned stars.

THE NATION MONDAY, JULY 30, 2012

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SPORT EXTRA OLYMPIC MEN'S SOCCER

Neymar lifts Brazil to quarters N

EYMAR set up two goals and scored another off a free kick Sunday to help Brazil beat Belarus 31 and advance to the quarterfinals in men's Olympic soccer on Sunday in London.

Neymar scored with a rightfooted shot in the 65th minute as Brazil struggled to get near the Belarus goal despite controlling

•Senegal defeats Uruguay to lead Group A possession at Old Trafford.

Belarus had taken the lead when Brazilian-born playmaker Renan Bressan scored in the eighth minute, but Alexandre Pato tied it up with a header in the 15th after a cross by Neymar.

The Brazil star also set up Oscar's

final goal in injury time.

The victory gives Brazil six points in Group C, three more than Belarus.

Mexico also beat Gabon two goals to nil when substitute Giovani Dos Santos scored twice in the second half to give Mexico

•Blake hands over the batten to 100m defending champion Usain Bolt

Athletic legends tip Blake over Bolt in sprint showdown

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ORLD champion Yohan Blake was a popular man when an international panel of athletes was asked on Sunday to pick the Olympic 100 metres winner.

The group, by a 4-1 margin, went for Jamaican trials double winner Blake over world record holder and reigning Olympic champion Usain Bolt.

"In track and field we having a saying, 'Stuff happens and you are only good as your last race'," former 400 metres hurdles world record holder Edwin Moses told reporters.

"I hate to not vote for Bolt but I am not sure the cards are in his favour. I am going to say Blake too. I think he is the man to beat."

Former world 100 record holder Maurice Greene, who on Saturday told Reuters technical problems made Bolt vulnerable, agreed as did twotime British Olympic decathlon champion Daley Thompson and former marathon record holder Haile Gebrselassie.

Only American Dick Fosbury, who revolutionised high jumping, voted for Bolt.

"You have got to go with this

year, and by performance Blake has clearly got the advantage," the 1968 Olympic champion said. "But anything can happen so I will put my money on Bolt."

The panel was more divided in the 200.

Greene and Moses went with Bolt to defend his title with Gebrselassie and Thompson favouring Blake.

Again Fosbury had a different opinion. He picked US trials champion Wallace Spearmon.

Utaka, Nwofor lead Euro goals rush

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OHN Utaka and ex-Nigeria U20 star Uche Nwofor were on song for their respective European clubs on Saturday.

Utaka opened scoring for Montpellier just before the half hour mark when he went past three markers in the French Champions Trophy against cup winners Lyon.

Lyon would later win the season-opening contest on penalties.

Ex-Rangers star striker scored for VVV Venlo in the 16th minute to give the Dutch Eredivise side the lead before Spanish club Osasuna equalised.

In Finland, unknown Nigerian striker Emenike Mbachu was the hero of his team RoPS

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when he struck in the 90+5th minute for the second goal in a 2-0 win over SJK. RoPS are leading the 19-weekold Finland league with 43 points.

John Ibeh scored for his Romanian Premier league Pandurii Targujiu in a 2-0 win over Gaz Metan medias. Ibeh scored in 70th minute.

De Kruif contract ends with Heartland

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MMEDIATE past Heartland of Owerri's Technical Adviser, Lodewijk de Kruif has returned to Holland after the expiration of his contract with the club.

De Kruif informed NationSport shortly before his departure on Saturday night that his contract with Heartland officially ended on June 30th but stayed an extra month negotiating with top Imo government officials for extension to his stay with the

•Leaves for Holland •Unsure of return to Nigeria

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri Owerri based club.

He said he had to leave owing to the tardiness of the Imo State Government in offering him an extension to his expired one and a half years contract and also because of his court case which comes up on July 31st in his homeland.

"I am

NPL shifts Rangers/Sunshine tie to August 7 HE Nigeria Premier League(NPL) has ordered that the Week 36 tie between Enugu Rangers and Sunshine Stars be played on Tuesday,August 7th.

The tie which was initially fixed for Wednesday August 1st had to be re-arranged at the behest of Sunshine who argued that if held, the tie would hamper their build up to the weekend CAF Champions League encounter with visiting ASO Chief of Algeria. The Executive Director of Ondo State Football Agency(OSFA), Mike Idoko explained to NationSport that

a 2-0 victory over Gabon.

Dos Santos came on after the break and opened the scoring in the 63rd minute before converting a penalty in injury time at City of Coventry Stadium.

The win puts Mexico at the top of Group B with four points, while Gabon has one.

Switzerland faced South Korea later Sunday in the second group game of the day.

One of the African representatives Senegal, however, shocked Uruguay with a two goals to nil victory.

Moussa Konate scored two first-half goals and 10-man Senegal beat Uruguay 2-0, handing the Uruguayans their first Olympic loss.

Konate tapped in a rebound in the 10th minute at Wembley Stadium and then headed in another in the 37th.

Senegal defender Abdoulaye Ba was given a red card for tripping Luis Suarez in the 30th.

Senegal leads Group A with four points from two games.

Two-time Olympic champion Uruguay has three points.

South Korea 2, Switzerland 1 Kim Bok-yung scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute, and South Korea beat Switzerland 21.

Park Chu-young also scored for the South Koreans, knocking in a diving header in the 57th, but Innocent Emeghara pulled one back for the Swiss in the 60th.

Japan also piped Morocco one goal to nil when Kensuke Nagai scored a late goal to give Japan a 1-0 win over Morocco and a spot in the Olympic soccer quarterfinals.

•As Akure Gunners hit camp for ASO Chief Monday From Tunde Liadi,Owerri though the NPL listened to their plea, they had to play the tie barely 48 hours after their Champions League affair.

"Yes the NPL shifted it but we were told we must play the match on Tuesday after the Champions League match. We have agreed and we will do our best to manage the situation."

Sunshine are placed 7th with 49 points from 33 games while Rangers are on top with 58 from 34 fixtures excluding the

results of yesterday matches.

Idoko has also confirmed that the Akure Gunners would proceed to camp for closed door sessions on their return from their Week 35 duel against Warri Wolves on Monday (today).

He noted that though the team would not move out of Ijebu Ode, it would be done in such a way that the sessions would be devoid of distractions as the club close in on their Sunday must win tie with ASO Chief of Algeria.

going back to Holland after the Imo Government could not extend my contract. My initial one and a half years contract ended June 30th and I have been sticking around hoping to get a new one that Governor Rochas (Okorocha) promised me. I waited and waited but I have come to the realisation that I am no longer needed and I have to go.

"Besides that, I have another court case to attend to on July 31st and I need to be around to heed the call."

The Dutchman was signed by Heartland in February 2011 and with the expiration of his contract last month with the club, it is still unclear if he would be offered a fresh one.

Under his guard as Coach, Heartland won the 2011 Federation Cup and the curtain raiser tie for the league seasonChampion of Champions trophy won in December last year.

He already led the club to the last 4 of the 2012 Federation Cup before his departure Saturday night.

Reps to Jonathan: beware of Okonjo-Iweala’s advice Continued from Page 2

“The security, welfare and prosperity of Nigerians has always been and remains uppermost in the consideration of the House of representatives in raising concerns on the slow implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act. What is the benefit of annual appropriations if projects enunciated in the budgets are not implemented?

“For us in the 7th Assembly, significant implementation of budgets is our desire. We are not at war with the executive arm on this matter. We shall continue to insist on the implementation of the budget, no matter what is being insinuated as the motivating factor for our intervention.

The lawmaker while faulting the Finance Minister’s claim that a 100 percent implementation of the budget is impossible before the resumption of the House on September 18, said: “If you give your child an examination, when you see the result, you should be able the know if he/she has passed or not.”

According to him, the era when the National Assembly was viewed as a toothless bulldog was over as the House will take stringent action when necessary to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the dividends of democracy.

Mohammed, however, agreed that there has been a slight improvement in the implementation of the budget since the resolution of the House on July 19, adding that lawmakers have been getting updates from their constituencies in that regard.

“We further wish to enjoin all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to continue with the procurement processes and eventual award of all capital projects within their purview.

“Finally, we call on Mr. President, as an elected official who is ultimately accountable to Nigerians, to be careful of the type of advice he gets from his unelected appointees on the issue of the implementation of the budget, as its significant implementation is ultimately in the interest of his presidency.”

JTF intercepts 20 vehicles with 103 trafficked children Continued from Page 2

He said initial interrogation revealed that the children would be received at their destinations by some yet-to-be-identified persons, who would then pay their transport fares to the drivers.

Gen. Chukwu said the drivers were also suspected to be accomplices, as they failed to produce the passengers’ manifest and agreed to carry many of the passengers without collecting their transport fares at the loading points.

He said the vehicles, drivers and passengers would be

transferred to the police for proper investigation and action.

Gen. Chukwu, said that the development indicated that many parents had failed in their responsibility toward their children’s upbringing.

He urged parents to take proper care of their children so as to ensure that they did not fall into wrong hands.

Blessing Jacob, one of the children, who said she had just finished her promotional examination to SS 2, said she was told to follow the suspect to Lagos for her holiday where she would work for a while before continuing her education.

Insecurity: Obasanjo, IBB seek dialogue Continued from Page 2

“In this regard, whatever robust security measures are put in place to contain the situation, as is normal in such circumstances; they must be complemented with an equally intensive process of community involvement.”

As a way out, Obasanjo and Babangida said the time has come for all the 774 Local Government Areas and Nigerians, irrespective of religious belief, to join hands with the Federal Government to arrest terrorism nationwide.

They added: “We, therefore, urge all governments in the country, starting with all the 774 local councils, to comprehensively engage their communities at the various levels including: elders, youth organisation, trade union and associations, women bodies, the clergy and other community stakeholders.

“We also call on the Federal and States governments not only to encourage these grassroots engagements for peace and beneficial co-existence but should work out the framework to sustain the engagement.

“In all these efforts it is im-

portant to emphasise that our diversity is a course for celebration not a cause for lamentation.

Gen. Obasanjo and Gen. Babangida reminded those behind the violence that the nation cannot move forward under the current high-level of insecurity.

They said: “Finally, we need to reiterate that no meaningful development can ever occur in an atmosphere of violence and hatred. History has shown that any society that is built on the structures of violence and intolerance cannot prosper.

“We need to appreciate that God, in His infinite mercy, has blessed our country with abundant resources and talents, but we need peace and harmony to harness them not just for our own wellbeing but also that of our children and grandchildren. We owe this future generations of Nigerians this much.”

Their clarion calls came barely 48 hours after the Nigerian Army admitted that the crises nationwide are overstretching military resources.

The Army also said that over seven million illicit weapons are in the country.

www.thenationonlineng.net

MONDAY, JULY 30 , 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘What has been the Nigerian experience? It is one thing

VOL 7 NO 2,2---02

to have a good piece of legislation and a different kettle of fish for the said legislation to achieve desired results in a given setting. ’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

I

FIRST encountered the phrase unity in diversity as a student of Government College, Ughelli, Delta State, when I read the coup speech by the late Major Kaduna Nzeogwu.

I was little during the civil war; so, it was a few years after the war that I began to understand the narrative of the nation’s dreary battle with its soul.

I cannot recall the book, but it told the story in brief with all its characters and drama. It was a night in the dormitory. So absorbed was I that, through the window, the birds that chirped and vegetation that stirred filled me with terror, as though I was ensconced in the entrails of war.

The war challenged the phrase unity in diversity, but its irony fascinated me more than its import. It took a few years more before my inchoate mind cradled its full meaning.

And I wondered how the various ethnic groups could make any sense of the Nigerian family.

Since my school days, I have witnessed a variety of events that have signposted the continual struggles of Nigeria to come to terms with its variegated soul. Many worlds, many tendencies, many families, many histories battle in an embrace. We have recreated, in episodes of blood and death, the ingredients of rage and discord that produced the sanguinary soup between 1966 and 1970 when the federation almost came apart at its seams.

Was it the Gideon Orkar coup, or the slaying of Ken Saro-Wiwa, or the Niger Delta militancy or the ethno-sectarian temptations of Jos, or the Boko Haram cauldron, or the quiet embers of distrust contrasting the remorseless rhetoric of division from every part of the land?

We cannot define the Nigerian soul. It is a compulsive patchwork. Sometimes beautiful. Inevitably fractious. Ugly often.

Marvelously brilliant in potential but grotesque in execution. Fascinated with violence but suspicious of peace.

In spite of all these, I have not met a Nigerian who does not show pious frustration with our lack of progress as a people. Which means we want to be Nigerian but we crave the formula for a Nigeria that works. The Senate held a retreat in Asaba, the Delta State capital, recently, and what they came up with fell short of this formula. What we wanted was not the creation of states or the imposition of a five-year, one-term presidency or the institution of state police. They should have borrowed from the speech presented by host Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who called for true federalism, especially of the fiscal variety.

Governor Uduaghan, with rigour and local colour, reflected his frustration with a nation in which a state that produces 30 per cent of the nation’s crude oil will have to wait for the Federal Government to determine, by an arbitrary wisdom, what the state

...Yes, any other NUMBER ONE is COUNTERFEIT

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

States as laboratories

should get. More importantly, he questioned a constitution that would not allow states to tap their resources because the constitution has forbidden any local exploration of wealth in what it calls the exclusive list. That policy, he noted, would frustrate his template for a post-oil world he has designated Delta Beyond Oil, the first governor to push such an ambitious initiative.

The speech brings to mind the myth in the old Dahomey Kingdom. According to the story, the soul of the kingdom is a pot with several holes all over it. Each hole represents a person, and it is the role of everyone to guard and care for their hole so that the soul does not escape. It takes the negligence of one hole protector for the whole kingdom to lose its soul.

That is the spirit of federalism. In this diverse nation, each part has a “hole” to play.

But without a hole, the rest of the roles are futile. A federal system implies equality of responsibility, and it means you play your own part. A hole protector does not take care of another person’s hole in his Dahomey kingdom of “Hol-ocracy.”

RIPPLES POLICE, NIGERIA’S NUMBER ONE BRIBE TAKERS– Report

That is why the Senate should have made good use of the tax payers’ money to deliberate on how our resources should be best utilised. The system where a state lives and dies by federal allocation is suffocating to talent but also an insult on the state’s potential.

A former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, made this point last week in Abia State during his visit to amiable Governor Theodore Orji. He noted that when we had regions, they were semi-independent and did not wait for handouts from the centre. That was what inspired the genius of the late Obafemi Awolowo, who turned the Western Region, through the exploration and deployment of natural and human resources, into a model of prosperity imitated by others. This argument seems now to favour the oil producing states of the Niger Delta. That is because we have become lazy as a people. Our oil wealth is little compared to the non-oil potential of most states.

The prosperity of the Western Region was without the black gold. Some parts of the world are rich even though they don’t tap their oil resources. If we go through the resources of each state, we shall marvel over our embarrassment of untapped riches.

The United States, depite the oil reserves, imports oil. It is the richest country in the world because of its leadership innovation, entrepreneurial brio of its people, a sense that wealth is a product of what is in the head and not in the ground.

We have 36 states but, as Governor Uduaghan noted, the 37th government is the Federal Government that gulps the lion’s share of resources. In each state, we have a blinding list of other minerals and natural resources left to fallow. We have become a state as racket.

The states in the US rely for most of their resources on internally generated revenue (IGR). California, one of the richest states in the world, has complained that it gives more

taxes to the Federal Government than it gets from it. That tells us that the states should make their wealth and enjoy it. I am not calling for the states to have 100 per cent of their resources, for that will obviate the whole idea of unity. But giving 13 per cent as derivation revenue is nonsensical. It is the case of the Niger Delta today; tomorrow who will debate the 13 per cent? When cocoa, palm produce and groundnut thrived, it was not 13 per cent.

The recent Supreme Court verdict that affirmed 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State would not have generated such uproar if we thought of alternatives.

When a state understands that it should not eat when it has not worked, then we shall see the inventiveness of Nigerians at work. We saw how Lagos State, through resourcefulness, has moved from about N600 million in monthly IGR in 1999 to close to N20 billion today. It is the power of ideas.

Justice Louis Brandeis of the U.S. Supreme Court noted, in a famous judgment, that the federal system has created the “happy accident” of states as laboratories. For us, Lagos has been one of those laboratories. We cannot succeed much when a Leviathan of a Federal Government suffocates the rest of us, controls everything, including how we get number plates.

The oil-producing states should not be oppressed with 13 per cent. They should get more than 70 per cent. Some have argued that they have not done as much with their earnings. That is gratuitous logic. It is not the job of non-indigenes to make that argument; secondly, development in their dreary terrain is infinitely more perilous and costly.

If the resources are not well managed, let the people decide that in the spirit of federalism and vote out non-performing leaders.

Federalism calls for a system where allocation becomes only a fraction, not the main dish of states’ resources. It is in that context that the issue of state police can also work. The drive for a federation in Europe began since the end of the Second World War. The EU today shows an unwholesome example where they share a common currency. Greece and Spain are pulling down more buoyant Germany and France. Britain opted out and has done better in this recession, despite its woes.

In a 1946 speech in Zurich on a federal Europe, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill noted that “small nations will count as much as large ones and gain their honour according to their contribution to the common cause.”

If the states are not laboratories, they become sterile babel of voices. Initiatives like Delta Beyond Oil and others like the agrarian templates in Osun and Ekiti will not enjoy the desired fruits. Let us first bury the federal might in what Prime Minister William Gladstone called “the blessed act of oblivion.”

Then we can begin a new lease of life for our federation.

SAM OMATSEYE

• Uduaghan

I

T is not often that you get to hear the unvarnished truth from the mouth of military brass or other security chiefs. But at the weekend we got an earful from Major General Usman Abdulkadir, Chief of Army Standards and Evaluation who painted an alarming picture of the havoc wreaked on Nigeria’s security arrangements by the upsurge in insurgent activity at both ends of the country. He spoke at a Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in Abuja.

His message was that the war against the Islamist sect, Boko Haram and similar groups, was over-stretching military resources. The authorities have had to set up Joint Military Task Forces, first in the Niger Delta, to check terrorism by militants, and now in such Northern states as Plateau, Borno and Kano in the face of the Islamist insurgency.

While the general’s revelation would cause considerable unease in many quarters, it could embolden groups which are committed to challenging the authority of the state.

More importantly, his statement suggests that there is something wrong with our strategy

EMEKA OMEHIE

Still on security challenges for fighting the rising incidents of terrorist activity and communal violence. Do we continue to burden traditional military institutions with the task of tackling foes using unconventional tactics?

Is it not time to start actively building up separate counter-terror forces that will free the military to pursue its more traditional functions? True, many countries still draw on the military for this purpose, but not in a way that it begins to affect their capabilities.

If the unprecedented challenges confronting Nigeria are testing the military to the limit, then we must begin to question the wisdom in continuing to commit our troops to peacekeeping assignments in different parts of the globe when our house in on fire.

Abdulkadir equally revealed that seventy percent of the10 million illegal weapons found in West Africa were produced in this country.

“Out of approximately 500 million illicit

weapons in circulation worldwide in 2004, it was estimated that about 100 million are in sub-Saharan Africa, with eight to 10 million concentrated in the West African sub-region.

Regrettably, more than half of these Small Arms and Light Weapons are in the hands of non-state actors and criminal groups,” he said.

If the bulk of these ‘Small Arms and Light Weapons are in the hands of non-state actors and criminal groups’ then we can be assured that the foundation for long term insecurity in the country and across the region is already laid.

That is why fresh ideas for dealing with the problem must be embraced. It is already a full blown crisis that is exposing the limitations of the military, police authorities and secret services.

That is why it is inexplicable that many influential politicians and leaders – amongst them governors – continue to resist embracing the state police concept purely out of fear of abuse. For as long as fear keeps us from doing what needs to be done, we may just be ensuring that our worst nightmare security scenarios become reality.

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