The Nation July 31, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

ASUU rejects govt’s offer

NEWS

Page 6

•‘We won’t renegotiate’

News Oshiomhole: I didn’t close airport P56 Sports Mikel, Moses for U.S. with Chelsea P24 Business Our role in Malabu deal, by Shell P2

VOL. 8, NO. 2562 WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Kano death toll hits 45 Army, police: 12 people died Kwankwaso: it’s an attack on Nigeria President, NSA in emergency meeting

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•A shattered vehicle...yesterday

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

HERE was still no clear figure yesterday of the dead in Monday’s multiple explolsions in Kano.

The army and the police said 12 people died, but the Igbo community claimed that the bombings killed 45.

The explosions tore through Sabon Gari, an area occupied mainly by non-indigenes.

No fewer than 24 died, according to an hospital official.

Kano is the North’s biggest and main commercial city, where Boko Haram had struck in the past.

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which bear all the imprimatur of the notorious Islamist sect.

At least four explosions were heard around outdoor bars in Sabon Gari, causing panic and sending clouds of smoke and dust into the air, according to residents.

A Pentecostal church was also burnt down where many people died.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Kano, Chief Michael Tobias Idika, who put the death toll at 45, said in a statement: SEE “On Monday, July 29, beALSO tween 9 and 9:30 pm, terrorPAGE ists invaded Sabon Gari, an enclave carved out for non61 natives, and planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which exploded almost simultaneously at Enugu/Igbo Road, near International Hotel; and on New Road, directly opposite the popular Ado Bayero Square—precisely at No. 38, 39, 40 and 41.

“At 41 New Road, the Christ Salvation Pentecostal Church was also bombed at Continued on page 4

•Residents inspecting another shattered vehicle...yesterday

•One of the injured in the hospital...yesterday

•The scene of the explosion...yesterday

PHOTOS: AFP

‘

At about 9 p.m., I came out...All of a sudden, I heard a deafening sound, and before I could make my sense of the situation, a sharp object pierced through my left hand and blood gushed out. Another bomb exploded and before I could escape, another object pierced my leg. I could not move; the only thing I could do was to crawl

’

Jonathan to meet governors over crisis •Tukur attacks governors as Lamido, Nyako, P Kwankwaso, Wamakko meet with Shagari •Dr. Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan plans to meet with the 36 governors to resolve the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) crisis, it was gathered yesterday.

This is one of the agreements the President reached with the G5 Northern governors he met last weekend, according to sources.

The governors who have met with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military leaders Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen Abdulsalami

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Abubakar, in their self appointed push to save democracy, also met yesterday in Sokoto with Second Republic President Shehu Shagari.

The governors at the meeting with Shagari at his Sama Road home in

Sokoto included host Aliyu Wamakko, Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa).

Details of their discussion were not made public, but Nyako told reporters at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, that what took them to

other eminent Nigerians they visited “brought us to Sokoto to finetune ways and solutions to the country’s multiple problems”.

He added: “You know Nigeria’s fundamental problem lies on the security challenge which we are working round the clock to tackle so that it can be overcomed.”

It was gathered that the governors plan to meet former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon; ex-Vice-President Continued on page 4

•CITYBEATS P10 •SPORTS P23•MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS

Our role in the

•Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (middle), Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (right) and World Bank Country Director to Nigeria Ms Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly discussing before the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on erosion control and education between the World Bank and Anambra State government in the minister's office in Abuja.

Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) is in the centre of the Malabu Oil deal, for which it is being investigated by the British police. The Nation has obtained documents filed at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in which Shell explains how it was caught in the Malabu web.

Managing Editor, Northern Operation YUSUF ALLI reports.

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•Representative of Liberian President and Liberian Ambasador to Nigeria Dr Farid Abou Hassan(right) greeting Prof Al-Hassan Conteh (left) after Conteh was admitted into the Human Order of African Redemption with the grade of Knight Commander in PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE Abuja... yesterday. With them is Liberia First Secretary/ Consul John Howard.

•Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire (middle), Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Mr. Anthony Okpanachi (left); Lagos State Commissioner for Transport Mr. Kayode Opeifa (second left) ; Skye Bank Mnaging Director Kehinde Durosinmi-Eti (second right) and Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Managing Director Dr. Dayo Mobereola during the launch of the Lagos Connect Card enabling commuters pay their Bus Rapid Transfer (BRT) fare electronically. This product is powered by Ecobank and Skye Bank.

• Enugu Depot Manager, Petroluem Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Ojo Adebayo (second left), Area Manager Emmanuel Anam (right) discussing with the Chairman, House of Representatives Commiittee on Petroleum (Downstream) Dakuku Peterside (second right) and members of his committee, Nnanna Igbokwe (left) and Olusegun Odebunmi ...on Monday.

HE controversy over the $1.092, 040,000 Malabu Oil deal continues with one of the parties, Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD) opening up on how it acquired 40 per percent equity in Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 in 2000.

The company insisted that it followed due process and consulted with relevant officials in the administration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It also claimed that it received verbal assurances from the then Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that there was no objection from the Federal Government to Shell acquiring an interest in OPL 245.

It attributed the current crisis to the withdrawal of the allocation of OPL 245 to Malabu in July 2001 and how Obasanjo allegedly made a u-turn on March 25, 2002 leading to threats of legal action from Malabu Oil and Gas. Shell admitted that the revocation of the oil block was shocking as “no explanation was given”. The Anglo-Dutch firm said it paid $210million as signature bonus for the oil block and operates the block on a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) basis.

It said S$ 209 million of the $210million signature bonus had remained in an escrow account ever since and with accruing inter-

•Shell MD Mutiu Sunmonu

est; it grew to S$231, 299, 884.04 as of February 2008.

These facts were contained in a Claimant’s Memorial filed by SNUD before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

A copy of the Memorial was exclusively obtained yesterday by our correspondent.

The memorial is expected to be tabled before the UK Police which has stepped into the investigation of the Malabu Oil deal.

HE memorial said: “In 1998, during the Gen. Sani Abacha military regime, OPL 245 had been allocated to Malabu on behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources by Mr. Dan Etete in his capacity as the then Presidential Adviser on Petroleum and Energy. Malabu was an indigenous Nigerian company, incorporated on 24 April 1999, with Nigerian shareholders, apparently for the purpose of petroleum prospecting.

“In March 2000, Malabu approached Shell within a farm-in proposal. Malabu was looking for an international oil company to take a 40% equity stake in the OPL 245 licence itself and ‘carry’ Malabu in developing the block i.e. the international oil company would take all the exploration and development risk by funding

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Why we must curb pipeline vandalism, by Peterside

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HAIRMAN, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians to help protect oil pipelines.

Peterside spoke in Enugu during a visit to the Products Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Peterside, who could not hide his displeasure over the poor state of infrastructure at the depot, called on stakeholders to reverse this ugly trend by working together.

He said: “I have listened patiently to all the speakers. It is indeed disheartening and unbelievable that Enugu Depot is not working. You will agree with me that Enugu is critical and strategic. Therefore, this depot must work.”

On pipeline vandalism, he said: “We must play this role of protecting our pipelines because they primarily serve us, not NNPC. Therefore, we must assist the law enforcement agents in their search for these unpatriotic Nigerians who are sabotaging government efforts.”

Peterside said the legislature would do everything within its powers to address the matter. He said the National Assembly was taking pipeline vandalism seriously, adding that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would unbundle the NNPC and create room for competition and efficiency.

Peterside visited the Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State, who was represented by his deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi. The Committee was also in Abia in continuation of its visit to PPMC Port Harcourt Area Office and visited Abia State Governor Theodore Orji who praised Peterside and his team.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS

$1.09b Malabu Oil mess, by Shell

•Etete

Malabu’s share of the costs (including the acquisition, exploration and development costs of the block) as well as its own.

“Those costs would then be recovered by the international oil company from Malabu’s share oil production.

“Malabu’s representative provided Shell with a technical information brochure relating to OPL 245 and copies of the letter of allocation of OPL 245 to Malabu dated 29 April 1998, a letter to the DPR attaching cheques in respect of the US$2m “down payment” of the signature bonus and other fees and a letter confirming that the allocation had not been withdrawn dated 9 March 2000.

“At that time, several other oil exploration and development licences allocated by the Abacha regime had been withdrawn by the new civilian Government of President Obasanjo.

“Shell made enquiries from the Assistant Director of the DPR, Mr. Andrew Obaje, on 31 March, 2000.

He confirmed to Shell that OPL 245 had been owned by Malabu since April 1998 and was currently in good standing.

“Obaje told Shell that the FGN did not intend to revoke the allocation because Malabu had paid all the required fees and part (US$2.04 million) of the US$20 million signature bonus for the block. The map of allocated concessions obtained from the DPR also indicated that Malabu was the owner of OPL 245.

“Nevertheless, Shell decided to pursue negotiations with Malabu.

On 4 October, 2000, Shell was approached by a new Malabu representative. He was known to Shell, because he had been employed as the Managing Director of Texaco in Nigeria until his retirement in mid-2000.

“Shell received verbal assurances from the then Vice-President of Nigeria that there was no objection from the FGN to Shell acquiring an interest in OPL 245.”

SNUD also released the details of its agreement with Malabu Oil and Gas. The document added: “On 24 January 2001, Malabu and Shell executed a Heads of Agreement (“HoA”). The HoA set forth the major principles of agreement between Shell and Malabu regarding OPL 245.

“In the HoA, the parties ‘ac-

•Mohammed Abacha

knowledged that there (would) be …. other items of significance to be negotiated in final definitive commercial agreement(s) in connection with the transaction proposed (therein) (thereafter) referred to as the (“Definitive Agreements”)”; “Malabu agreed to Shell holding a 40% interest in OPL 245 and being appointed contractor in respect of the licence, that Shell would pay, to and on behalf of Malabu, various amounts and that Shell would ‘carry’ Malabu.

“Once the HoA was finalised and signed, work began on the Definitive Agreements, which included: “The Definitive Agreements were intended to govern the parties’ relationship for the duration of the OPL 245 farm-in.

“The Farm-In-Agreement was to provide the basis for the farmin-agreement whereby SNUD would acquire a 40% interest in OPL 245, based on certain representations and warranties by Malabu, in return for making specified payments to or for Malabu.

“The OPL 245 Deed of Agreement was the actual instrument that would effect the assignment of a 40% interest in OPL 245 from Malabu to SNUD. “The Operating Agreement was to define the parties’ respective rights and obligations in operating OPL 245 and in connection with OPL 245 itself.”

N how the disputes over the oil block came up, SNUD linked it to the withdrawal of the allocation of OPL 245 to Malabu.

Shell said: “On 6 April 2001, Shell delivered the signature bonus cheque in the sum of $17,960.000 and the Deed of Assignment and other Definitive Agreements, to Mr. Macaulay Ofurhie (Director of the DPR) and Mr. W.A Obaje (Assistant Director of the DPR) in person.

“Upon receipt of those items, Mr. Ofurhie acknowledged that OPL 245 was still in good standing and Mr. Obaje stated that the allocation was valid for ten (10) years from April 1998.

“On 12 April 2001, Shell learnt that Malabu had received a letter dated 9 April 2001 from the DPR granting OPL 245 to it, authorizing it to commence operations and confirming that the Deed of Assignment was due to be forwarded

O

to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(FRN) for approval early the following week.

“On 20 April 2001, Malabu told Shell that the DPR had confirmed that the conveyance of title had been signed by the President of the FRN and the Deed of Assignment would be approved very soon.

“Seven days later, on 27 April 2001, Shell was informed that the Deed of Assignment had been approved by the FGN and was for allocation at the DPR. “On 24 may 2001, Malabu received the signed title deed of OPL 245 together with the co-ordinates of the licence area.

“However, in approximately mid-June, reports appeared in the Nigerian press suggesting that – notwithstanding the assurances Shell had received from Malabu and the results of its own due diligence-certain individuals whose names were not contained in any official records were claiming an interest in Malabu and/or OPL 245.

“In early July 2001, Shell received news that the FGN had withdrawn the allocation of OPL 245 to Malabu.

The Federal Government’s letter of withdrawal of July 2, 2001 stated that: “I, (the Director of Petroleum Resources) have been directed to inform you that the allocation of OPL 245 to Malabu has been withdrawn and the issued title deed has been revoked. You are therefore required to return the title deed of the block in your possession to the Department of Petroleum Resources please”.

“The FGN’s revocation was a shock to Shell as no explanation was given but Shell continued to hope that Malabu (together with Shell’s assistance) could reverse the FGN’s revocation. Shell did all it could do to assist Malabu to reverse the FGN’s decision.

“Shell heard no more substantive developments until 19 February 2002 when Malabu representative informed Shell that he was still confident that things were on the right track at all levels in FGN.” SNUD gave further insights into how Obasanjo made a u-turn on the oil block and Malabu Oil and Gas threatened legal action.

It said: “On 25 March 2002, a Shell representative was suddenly and unexpectedly summoned to meet with President Obasanjo in Abuja the following day.

“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (the President of the FRN), Mr. Obaseki, Mr. Kayode Are (the Director General of the State Security Service), Mr. Funsho Kupolokun (Special Assistant to the President of the FRN on Petroleum Matters) and a representative from ExxonMobil were all present.

“At the meeting, the President of the FRN informed Shell and ExxonMobil that OPL 245 would not be returned to Malabu and that Shell and ExxonMobil would instead be invited to bid competitively not for the role of licenceholder (as Malabu had been) but rather for the role of contractor for OPL 245 with NNPC holding the licence.

“The President of the FRN said there was to be a simple and transparent competitive bidding procedure whereby Shell and ExxonMobil would submit sealed bid containing a proposed signature bonus and the highest bid would win the right to develop the block in accordance with the terms of a PSC. (As noted above, very few oil and gas companies had the experience in drilling in “ultra –deep” water, Shell and ExxonMobil being two).

“On 7 April 2002, Shell received a formal invitation to bid, dated 5 April 2002, together with the Guidelines for Competitive Bidding on Block 245 from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters.

“Shell learnt that, following the invitation to bid, Malabu wrote directly to the FGN on 9 April 2002 threatening to commence legal proceedings.

“In response to that threat, on 29 April 2002, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Petroleum and Energy wrote to Shell to confirm that: The Federal Government has revoked the prior award of this block to Malabu oil and Gas Limited.

“The decision to revoke the award was made solely in the best interest of the Federal Government in reliance on its rights under law and without any influence from your company or its affiliates or anyone else.”

Further to Federal Government ’s letter, on May 6, 2002, Shell wrote to Malabu setting out its position as to the frustration of the HoA and the Farm-In-Agreement and also giving notice of termination of both agreements.

“On 13 May 2002, Shell submitted its bid for the role of Contractor for OPL 245 on the basis of a PSC to which NNPC was the contractual counterparty “On 23 May 2002, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources wrote to SNUD to confirm that it had been successful with its bid. The letter stated that: “The allocated block would be operated on a “Production Sharing Contract” (PSC) basis. The Nigerian national (sic) Petroleum Corporation shall be the Concessionaire, while your company shall be the contractor”.

“The PSC was executed and approved by the Presidential Advisor on Petroleum and Energy for and on behalf of Minister of Petroleum Resources, on 22 December 2003.

“Under the terms of the PSC, SNUD obtained the “exclusive right” to conduct Petroleum Operations (i.e. the winning or obtaining and transportation of petroleum or chargeable oil in Nigeria by drilling, mining, extracting or other like operations and all operations incidental thereto and any sale of or any disposal of dischargeable oil) in the area of OPL 245 for a period of 30 years.

“The conditions of the approval were that SNUD would act as contractor, pay a signature bonus of US$210 million and operate the block on a PSC basis with the NNPC as concessionaire and SNUD as Contractor.

HELL disclosed that it had so far invested $535.9 mil lion in the controversial oil block.

“Following the execution of the PSC with NNPC, SNUD undertook major work and incurred substantial expenditure in connection with OPL 245.

“SNUD paid the signature bonus of US$ 210 million in December 2003. SNUD paid $1 million via bank draft on 23 December 2003.

SNUD paid the remaining US$ 209 million into an escrow account pursuant to an Escrow Agreement with the FGN (as represented by the Ministry of Finance) and JP Morgan Chase which was signed on 22 December 2003.

“The total amount incurred in developing OPL 245 amounts to over $535.9 million. SNUD has borne all the risks attendant upon the exploration and appraisal of the OPL 245 area.”

S

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

NEWS Jonathan to meet governors over crisis Continued from page 1

•Second Republic President Shehu Shagari (middle) when he hosted (from left) Governors Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) at his residence in Sokoto...yesterday

Police deploy helicopters, APCs to stop Port Harcourt rally

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ORT HARCOURT, the Rivers State capital, and its environs were yesterday under police siege, with surveillance helicopters, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and patrol vehicles deployed to prevent the “Defending democracy rally” organised by a coalition of activists.

There was heavy deployment of policemen in Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa – apparently to prevent pro-democracy and human rights activists invited from other parts of the country to get to the rally venue.

Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition (NDCSC) Chairman Anyakwee Nsirimovu and other members of the coalition who planned the rally, however, outsmarted the police by changing the venue.

Nsirimovu, who described yesterday as a bad day for democracy, said that in the coalition’s letter to Police Commissioner Mbu Joseph Mbu to provide minimal security, Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt was

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Rivers Crisis: Police fail to arraign Lloyd

HE scheduled arraignment of the Majority Leader of the Rivers state House of Assembly Chidi Lloyd in a state High Court in Port Harcourt, the state capital yesterday was stalled by the Police.

The lawmaker representing Emouha Local Government Area in the House was to take plea his on the six-count charge filed against him by the police, over his alleged role in the July 9 fracas in the House of Assembly. But the police failed to produce him.

Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN) expressed displeasure before the court presided over by Justice L.L.Nyordee.

Nwofor told the court that the hearing notice was issued to both the police and the complainants (the state PDP) and evidence of proof of service endorsed and returned.

He said the police by their action have, the provisions of Section 215 of the criminal From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

indicated as the rally venue, but they converged on Liberation Stadium.

The Police said they stopped the rally to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

procedure law, which lays on the prosecution the duty to produce accused persons in court to answer their charges; and the new practice direction by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, particularly Section 7, which was meant to ensure fair, impartial and speedy dispensation of justice.

Nwofor urged the court to adjourn the case till today and order the police to produce Lloyd in court today to take his plea.

He told the court that should the police fail to bring Lloyd to the court today, he would file an application asking the court to strike out the charge against him, sue the police for malicious prosecution.

He told the court that his client has since July 23 been under police detention and torture without bringing him to court.

As early as 6 am, battle-ready, riot and regular policemen, backed by APCs, sealed off the Isaac Boro Park while the coalition’s members were already gathering at the Liberation Stadium for the rally that would have taken off at 9 am.

The policemen, having wait-

Continued on page 59

ed till 9 am without seeing any activist, rushed to the Liberation Stadium with two APCs and many patrol vehicles when they got the hint of the venue change.

The main gate of the stadium was immediately sealed off by Continued on page 59

Alex Ekwueme; a former Governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo; and a cleric, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi.

It was learnt that although the five governors asked the President to recognise Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the chairman of the NGF, he said he would rather summon a meeting of all governors to iron things out.

A source said: “The President admitted that the NGF crisis and the situation in Rivers State were overheating the polity. He said: ‘Really, I need your assistance’.

“He said he would prefer to meet with all the governors to resolve the NGF crisis as a body in a family manner and move forward.”

But the President reportedly protested against alleged “unwarranted attacks” by Amaechi and some of the governors.

“The governors were said to have denied attacking the President or his office in any manner. But they alleged that they could spot Jonathan’s hands in the crises rocking Adamawa and Rivers states.

On other demands of the five governors, the source said: “Jonathan noted the issues raised and he promised to get back to the five governors and Amaechi.

“So, we are expecting another round of meeting with the

Boko Haram terror in Kano: Jonathan meets Dasuki, others

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Sambo Dasuki, and some security chiefs. The meeting followed renewd insurgency in Kano and killing of 22 civilians in Borno State.

The President ordered tight security measures nationwide, especially in flash points.

But there were indications that security agencies have launched a manhunt for those

Kano death toll hits 45 as Boko Haram stikes

Continued from page 1

the peak of evening worship.

Ohanaeze’s account can confirm 39 deaths in New Road and six in Igbo/Enugu Road; and also unspecified number of people got injured.

“The team of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter, arrived at the scenes at about 9:30 p.m. and witnessed the movement of bodies and the wounded by security agencies, especially the Army.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, can recall that this is not the first time terrorists have invaded Sabon Gari, particularly, New Road. In fact, on that same spot where the latest incident happened, several attempts have been made to terrorise Nigerian citizens. As a reputable organisation, we call for adequate security of lives and property in northern Nigeria.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo also commends the spirited efforts of the Assistant Inspector General of Police David Omojola in-charge of Zone 1, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, to the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment.

However, without fear of contradiction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano registers its deep feelings over the unprovoked attacks on Sabon Gari, Kano,

President on other issues like Adamawa and Rivers crises; the leadership challenge in PDP and lack of internal democracy; hijack of PDP structure at the state level by Abuja politicians; fears over 2015; clampdown on some governors to force them to do the bidding of the President; intolerance of the opposition and the need for reconciliation.

“We do not know when we will meet with the President but it might be very soon.”

The five Northern governors yesterday took their “save democracy” campaign to Alhaji Shagari in Sokoto.

After the shuttle to Sokoto, the governors plan to visit Gen. Gowon; ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme; Gen. Adebayo; and cleric Rev. Gbonigi.

Another source said: “The governors believe that these statesmen need to intervene by rallying round the President to address the political problems distracting his administration.

“So, they have met Shagari but the dates slated for audience with Gowon, Ekwueme, Adebayo and Gbonigi have not been determined.

“I think at the end of the day, the peace mission of the governors will yield positive results.”

A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “These continuous shuttles are meant to impress on the statesmen and the President the need for quick win solutions to the crises at hand.”

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

behind the explosions in Sabon Gari in Kano.

A source said the President reviewed the security situation with the NSA and others to protect lives and property in any part of the country.

A source, who pleaded not to be name last night, said: “The President is concerned that the explosions had re-occurred in Kano. He insisted that the gains Continued on page 59

•Our ordeal, by victims •Kwankwaso: it’s an attack on Nigeria

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ESIDENTS of Sabon Gari, the scene of Monday’s multiple explosion in which many died, were still in shocked yesterday.

No fewer than 20 may have died in the explosion. Many were injured.

At the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), one of the injured Emeka Mba, a top management official of The Young Shall Grow Motors, said: “This is a tragic incident; we are surprised why we were chosen as targets. I think those that perpetrated this dastardly act must be fished out. I am in real pains.”

Emmanuel Ani, an attendant in a drinks bar, said he could not describe what actually happened. “As I am talking to you now, I cannot explain what really happened. The only thing I could remember was that I was about serving a plate of Isi-ewu (goat head) to a customer when I heard a deafening sound that shook the ground and displaced people.”

Ejike Godwin remained in critical condition as doctors were battling to save his life. He was undergoing surgery when our reporter visited the hospital.

dominated by Ndigbo.

“At this point, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to make haste and protect the lives of citizens resident in the northern part of the country, particularly, in Kano, with undisputed status of boosting economy and politics in Nigeria.

At the Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital, Mr Alade Ezekiel, 47, a printer, recounted the incident on his bed. He said: “At about 9 p.m. on Monday, I came out to take amala. All of a sudden, I heard a deafening sound, and before I could make my sense of the situation, a sharp object pierced through my left hand and blood gushed out. Another bomb exploded and before I could escape, another object pierced my leg. At this time, I could not move; the only thing I could do was to crawl. A soldier came to rescue me.”

Kano state Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso condemned the explosions.

He also went to the hospitals to sympathise with the injured.

In a statement, the governor’s spokesman, Baba Dantiye quoted him as strongly condemning “last night’s (Monday) multiple bomb blasts at New Road and Enugu Road in Kano city. The governor, who visited the scene of the attack early this morning, described the incident as devastating, stating that it is an attack on the whole of Nigeria.

“This attack on Sabon Gari is an attack on Nigeria because Muslims and Chris-

“To all the departed souls and the wounded in this grievous attack, we register our deep sympathy and only hope that those in authorities, including all security agencies, would brace and take decisive action to end this carnage man’s inhumanity to man.”

Another community Leader Prince Ajayi Memaiyetan,

tians are involved. Several people of different ethnic extraction have either lost their lives or are critically injured. Whoever did this thing targeted Nigeria “The governor promised that the state government will continue to work with security agencies to maintain the peace and protect lives and property. He appealed to the people to continue to support security agencies to make the state safer and to go about their normal activities calmly.

“Governor Kwankwaso, who visited Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano city to commiserate with the hospitalised victims, promised that the state government will shoulder the cost of their treatment.

“He, therefore, directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the victims get the best of treatment in public or private hospitals in the state.

“The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, praying Allah to stand by them in this moment of sorrow.”

said: “What happened is that for the past two months, we in Kano have been enjoying peace of the graveyard.

“We are waiting for security agencies to give us details on what really happened. I was at Festing Road when I heard the first blast and I had to manoeuvre like other residents to run for dear life. The truth is that

•One of the victims...yesterday

are under a state of emergency, said packages that caused the explosions were left in the area.

“We have at the moment 24 bodies in our morgue and three patients in our emergency ward from the explosions in Sabon Gari last night,” said Continued on page 59

the security is not as effective as before because of the lull in attacks.”

Residents of Sabon Gari were going about their activities in silent anger, anguish and apprehension yesterday.

The military, which has been battling the insurgents across the North, especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states that

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS NUJ to Fed Govt: stop Leadership reporters’ trial

By Joseph Jibueze

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HE Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the Federal Government to stop the trial of editors of Leadership newspapers on criminal charges, saying the case has become a dent on the nation’s image and the quest for a free press.

The government had, on July 27 re-arraigned Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzo Ukaibe on an 11-count charge of forgery of a presidential directive published in Leadership of April 3.

NUJ, in a statement by its National Secretary Shu’aibu Usman Leman, said: “The union regards this continuation of the court case as not only unfortunate but also contemptuous and capable of damaging the existing effort of stakeholders in ensuring a free and pluralistic media.

“It will not be out of place to remind the Federal Government of the immense contribution of men and women of the media to the emergence and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. We caution that the scars of others should teach us wisdom.”

Oil subsidy fraud: ‘Our firm not indicted’

By Joseph Jibueze

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N oil company, Nepal Oil and Gas, has denied reports that it was indicted by a probe panel over oil subsidy fraud.

In a statement by its spokesman Emeka Ekwunife, the firm said it was never indicted by any of the probe committees, be it the legislative, ministerial or presidential panel that investigated the management of the Petroleum Subsidy Fund.

The report was said to have been published by international news agency, Reuters.

“Nepal was never indicted or ever referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigerian Police Force for further investigations as companies indicted were referred for such.

“It is, therefore, erroneous and worrisome that Nepal would be mixed with some other companies on a subject matter that does not involve it.”

The management added that the firm was never found wanting in its cooperation with both the legislative panel of the National Assembly and the defunct Aig-Imoukhuede Presidential Panel on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy Repayments.

It urged the SFU to clarify its position as a result of earlier media reports and an error of its inclusion in records of the Debt Management Office’s list.

“Consequently the SFU in its letter of 20th June, 2013 responded by clearly stating that Nepal was neither indicted for any wrong doing nor under any criminal investigation.

“The report disclosed that the company was never referred to the SFU either by the Presidential Committee or any other government agency for investigations,” the statement said.

Dialogue Committee gets two more months

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HE Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security challenges in the North yesterday got two more months from the president to keep the peace in the region.

The Chairman of the Committee and Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki told State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa yesterday.

The committee was inaugurated in April. But the insurgency in the North has continued unabated despite the committee’s claim that it has signed a ceasefire agreement with the Islamic sect.

But the group denied having any agreement with the Federal Government.

Lamenting Monday’s bomb blasts in Kano, Turaki maintained that it was sad that some people who do not wish the country well were bent on pulling the hand of the clock backwards despite the serious efforts the government is putting in to resolve the crisis.

According to him, the committee is undeterred by what is happening and will continue with the discussions towards bringing about lasting peace in the country.

The Committee, he said, has made a lot of progress since its inception.

Turaki said: “We have been given extension by Mr President for another two months.

Now, we have been able to work on the critical terms of reference but we are now working on two major ones for that matter, the issue of dialogue which is most fundamental and the issue of vic-

DHQ orders troops to fish out killers of 22 ‘civilian JTF’, fishermen in Borno

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HE Defence Headquarters has ordered Special Forces to fish out those who killed 22 persons in Dawashi and Mainok in Borno State last Saturday.

It also confirmed that many innocent civilians, mostly women and children were killed during the attack.

The DHQ, which made its position known in a statement by the Defence Spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said troops are being deployed in the affected communities to protect lives and property.

Although it acknowledged that recourse to ambush by Boko Haram was meant to intimidate civilians, DHQ urged Nigerians not to waiver in the fight against terrorism.

The statement said: “A large scale shooting and murder by terrorists of over 22 and infliction of varying degree of injuries on over 18 members of Borno Youth From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tims’ support.”

“Regarding victims support, we have been able to make a lot of progress, I think we have gone 80 to 90 percent on what we should be doing on that. On dialogue, we spent a lot of time making contacts, we spent a lot of time building confidence, we spent a lot of time earning the trust of some of the key figures of the insurgency now getting to the point where we are engaged in critical discussions with them and like I said, these discussions are such that will lead not only to the signing of ceasefire agreements by the appropriate organs of government but also lead to disarmament.”

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Vigilance Group in Dawashi and Mainok in Borno State last Saturday has been reported.

“It is also believed that a number of other innocent civilians mostly women, children and elderly were killed in the unprovoked attack.

“The incidents which followed separate attacks on the group and the two communities are consistent with the new pattern of operations by the terrorists after the loss of their camps.

“This practice of laying ambush or attacking innocent civilians by terrorists lately is meant to intimidate Nigerians who have rejected the activities of terrorists in the communities.”

“The Special Forces have been directed to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent incidents are tracked down and the

“Of course the issue of disarmament has to be handled properly by the appropriate organs because as a committee, we are not professionals.

So, what we can do is to broker the arrangement to the level where appropriate authorities, whether they are military, police or combination of both will now have to take the front seat and be in charge of the issue of surrender of arms and disarmament.

But as far as we are concerned, we are making a lot of progress in this direction.”

“Very soon, we will be able to address Nigerians and then facts and data that will justify what we have been doing will be released,” he added.

On the Kano attacks, he said: “I heard the information

manhunt for them is in progress accordingly.

“Meanwhile, more troops and equipment are being deployed in the operation to ensure better coverage and protection of communities in the operational area. “ All citizens are enjoined to maintain high level of vigilance and continue to cooperate with security forces in the operation.

“Members of the vigilance group in particular are being counseled to endeavor to work only under the strict guidance and protection of the security forces on ground in their localities.

“The Defence Headquarters appreciates the determination of Nigerians particularly individuals and communities who have offered assistance and are working in support of the counter-terrorism operations in spite of the desperate activities of the few bands of marauding insurgents.”

of the sad event that took place in Kano. It’s really unfortunate that at this time when serious efforts are being made by government through many fronts to make sure that these issues are sorted out, some people who do not wish this country well are trying to pull the hand of the clock backwards, I think it’s unfortunate.”

“But let me say on behalf of the committee that we are undeterred. We will proceed with the discussions and by the special grace of God and by the prayers of all peaceloving Nigerians, we will be able to conquer incidents like these.”

Claiming that a ceasefire agreement was actually signed with the Boko Haram

insurgents, he said that the Boko Haram members who were in discussion with the committee have taken up the issues of fresh bombing and attacks with the members who carried them out.

Denying that he was not summoned by President Jonathan over the Kano bombings Turaki said: “No, no, no. It’s not true. I am a Minister and I have a lot of assignments in respect of which I can see Mr President anytime. I have not even seen the President, I have not come to see Mr President. I came to collect a copy of the letter of extension.”

Senate invites Shell, Halliburton, others From Onyedi Ojibaor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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•From left: President, Rotary International, 2014-2015, Mr Gary Huang; his wife, Corinna, and Senate President David Mark, during the Rotary President's visit to the Senate President in Abuja... on Monday

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HE Senate has invited Halliburton, Shell exploration and other oil companies operating in the country for alleged abuse of expatriate regulations and other labour laws.

The companies are summoned to give details of their compliance with expatriate and labour laws .

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Senator Wilson Ake, in a statement in Abuja said that over 60 per cent of the major construction companies and oil companies have refused to comply with Nigerian labour laws.

Ake said that some of the erring companies had failed to appear before his committee with evidences of their compliance.

He warned that the committee would no longer accept excuses from these companies.

PDP crisis: Tukur blasts Aliyu, Lamido, Wamakko, others

OR calling for his removal, five North’s governors yesterday drew the ire of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamaga Tukur Tukur described Governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) as lacking in wisdom, caution, prudence and good counsel.

The PDP chairman was reacting to reports in some national dailies that the governors had demanded his removal at a private meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan last weekend.

•’They lack wisdom, good counsel’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Prince Oliver Okpala, Tukur said the actions and unguarded utterances of the governors were capable of heightening political tension in the land.

The statement said: “The recent visit by some governors from the north to the President has raised furore, although the discussion between the President and the governors was held behind closed-doors, the media has been awash with the news of the meeting and the issues discussed.

“Media reports have it that the four governors who had earlier visited former President Obasanjo and two former Military Heads of State demanded the removal of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

“We do not know the veracity of this claim, suffice it to say, however that, the governors have the fundamental right to meet and discuss among themselves and whomsoever they like and may also have the fundamental right to freedom of speech and to air their views on any issue of national importance.

“However, in so doing one would expect them to make comments with decorum, hu-

mility and caution. As leaders whom the general public look upon as role models, they are expected to show respect for constituted authority and the elders, which include Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who have contributed immensely to the peace, progress, development and advancement of this country.

“Much as the constitution guarantees certain fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly, there are constitutional limitations to these freedoms.

“The leaders should show wisdom, caution, prudence and good counsel in their comments on national issues as their unguarded utteranc-

es and calls can cause unnecessary political tension” Tukur chided the governors for not exploring available internal mechanisms to table their grievances, stressing that their action could overheat the polity.

The statement said the governors ought to have availed themselves of the party’s reconciliation committee headed by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson.

He went on: “One would have expected the governors to express their grievances privately to the party leadership or the reconciliation committee instead of going public with their grievances before seeking audience with other Nigerian leaders.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS ‘Speed up Nigeria’s exit’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

THE Federal Government yesterday constituted a committee to fast-track the removal of Nigeria from the list of countries having issues with the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) on Anti-Money Laundering/ Counter Financing Terrorism regimes.

The committee, led by Vice President Namadi Sambo, held its maiden meeting yesterday.

It promised to ensure that Nigeria’s name is removed from the list.

Sambo said the Goodluck Jonathan administration believed that Nigeria should not remain on FATF’s list, given the measures regarding laws and regulations already put in place.

He said: “I urge you all to work hard towards ensuring that we maintain the integrity of our financial system through effective implementation of laws and regulations against financial improprieties.”

‘Nigeria lost N2.6tr to 2012 floods’

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said Nigeria lost over N2.6 trillion in last year’s floods in 23 states.

The agency also said 5,970 houses were submerged in 256 local government areas, adding that the floods displaced 2.1 million people and caused the death of 363 people. Seven million people were reportedly affected across the country.

NEMA’s Southwest Coordinator Iyiola Akande spoke at the Southwest Zonal Awareness Flood Campaign: Towards Early Warning and Early Action for MDAs,

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

NGOs, CBOs and FBOs Level of Preparedness of States in the Southwest. The event was held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Stakeholders at the event brainstormed on how to prevent flooding, using the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

Akande, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Adebiyi Babatunde, said the workshop was coming on the heels of a public announcement of NIMET’S Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) held early in the year.

He said: “The prediction painted a more serious picture of what the nation is to expect this year, when compared to the devastating effect of the 2012 floods, which ravaged about 23 states of the federation.”

Declaring the workshop open, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Habitat, Lowo Obisesan, hailed NEMA for being proactive through the workshop.

He said following the efforts by stakeholders, flooding would not only be controlled but prevented.

Obisesan, who was represented by the Permanent

Secretary in the ministry, Modupe Omonigbehin, added: “If we are all ready to give what it takes, if rivers and streams are allowed to go through their channels without obstruction, we can rest assured that flooding would be prevented.”

The commissioner explained that flooding could not be compared with earthquakes, hurricane or volcanic eruptions in scope, time and impact.

He noted that because flooding can be predicted, unlike the other natural disasters, the people should always prepare ahead.

National Assembly to overhaul chambers From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

THE House of Representatives has said the building of the third phase of the National Assembly has become more urgent following the failure of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) to deploy an electronic voting platform (evoting) for the report of the review of the constitution.

The lawmakers denied awarding the installation of a new electronic voting system to the space agency at N50 million, adding that a number of factors were responsible for bringing in NigComSat to fix the problem.

The Chairman, House Services and Welfare Committee, Yakubu Dogsra, was responding to questions at a media interactive session yesterday. He said the contract has been awarded to Julius Berger.

Braithwaite: Corruption is killing Nigeria From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ELDER statesman Dr. Tunji Braithwaite yesterday warned that corruption will kill Nigeria, unless the nation’s leaders arrest the monster before it gets out of hand.

Braithwaite spoke at a lecture organised by the Egba Diocese of the Anglican Church to mark its 37th anniversary in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He noted that if the level of corruption in public and private sectors was not tackled urgently, it may consume the nation.

He said: “The monster of ‘King Corruption’ and impunity in this country, at every level of civil administration, has exposed the tenuous and fragile foundation of Nigeria’s brand of democracy to the danger it portends for the people...”

•Wike (middle); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr MacJohn Nwaobiala (right) and Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Acting Executive Secretary, UBEC, Prof. Charles Onoch at the July Monthly meeting held by the Minister with contractors handling basic education projects for the Federal Government.

Why Customs won’t recall retired officers, by govt

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HE Federal Government may have resolved not to recall three retired officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) - Assistant Comptroller Generals Dr. Olusegun Agbaje, M. Jamo and E. O. Offem.

A source at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja said the recommendation of a medical body on the health of the officers was ratified by a board chaired by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The minister was reportedly making a case for the recall of the officers.

It was learnt that the board approved of the retirement of the officers following a consideration of their ill-health.

Comptroller General (CG) Dikko Inde Abdullahi is only the board’s Vice Chairman and could not have singlehandedly decided the retirement of the officers.

“The board goes beyond the

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From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

CG. If CG has his way will he not save Jamo if we are to bring sentiment to it? It is not something that he has the choice or the power to do,” said the source.

Besides, the source said this was not the beginning of such retirement, adding that there was nothing new about it.

The source said: “If you are saying there’s no going back on the matter, then you are suggesting as if something wrong has happened that needs to be revisited.

“There’s no update. What you know is the case. It was a medical body that made the recommendation to the board, which was rectified and properly communicated.”

The board met on Monday, although our correspondent was unable to get details of the meeting.

But it was learnt that the fate of the retired officers were al-

ready sealed.

Following a petition by the retired officers, that they were unlawfully retired, OkonjoIweala, in a memo dated June 30, demanded explanations from Abudullahi.

She said: “There are several of these complaints; please, let me know what is going on.”

Copies of the petitions, which our correspondent obtained, indicated that Agbaje claimed to have been issued a retirement letter without the approval of the board.

He also said he was unjustly retired on the pretext that he was not medically fit.

There was no evidence that the third person, Jamo, wrote any petition to contest his retirement.

Responding to questions raised in the petitions, Abdullahi, in a memo, titled: Appeal for Rescue from Continued Persecution and Illegal Retirement, dated July 8 and addressed to Okonjo-Iweala, dismissed the

allegations of victimisation against him.

He noted that the retirement followed due process, contrary to claims by the petitioners.

The CG argued that any attempt to recall the officers “will warrant recall to service of all previously retired officers”.

The letter reads: “In the petition by Dr. David Olusegun Agbaje, the officer alleged that he was being illegally retired from the Service, contrary to the decision of the Customs Board. The Coordinating Minister may wish to recall that Dr. Agbaje was presented along with others to the Medical Board in line with the provisions of Section 070312 and 070317 of the Public Service Rules (PSR), which empowers the Chief Executive of an organisation to set up a Medical Board to ascertain the mental and physical fitness of his staff.”

Strike: ASUU rejects Fed Govt’s offer

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the Federal Government’s new offer of enhanced earned academic allowances.

It insisted that the government should first implement the 2009 agreement in full before any other negotiation would take place.

ASUU National President, Dr. Nasir Fagge, who spoke yesterday in Abuja on the union’s position, explained that after consultations with the union’s branch chairmen on

the government’s new offer, the members rejected it.

The union leader noted that accepting the offer meant starting negotiations from the beginning again.

Dr. Fagge said: “They (government) wanted to make an offer on one of the issues in dispute. They said they were more interested in the earned academic allowances. So, they said they wanted to make an offer, just like they did in the first instance.

“We told them that the issue was not about making offers on any item in the agree-

ment; the issue is implementing the agreement. We have consulted our principals (branch chairmen) and our principals are of the opinion that the agreement should be implemented.

“If we say we are going to start talking about offers and rejections and acceptance, it means we are going back to renegotiation. That is the situation. Of course, they asked whether we would still attend the Thursday meeting, where they will discuss the implementation of the NEEDS assessment report. We told them

that we will be there.”

The ASUU President said it appeared the Federal Government wanted to reduce the agreement to earned academic allowances.

He added: “For us, the agreement has many other things that are vital to revitalising the university system in this country.”

Dr Fagge said the branch chairmen, who were contacted on the development, rejected the offer because they noted that the government might abandon it as did with the 2009 agreement.

Constituency fund to be released soon, says Ekweremadu From Chris Oji, Enugu

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EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has assured that the withheld constituency funds, which are meant to assist National Assembly’s lawmakers in their constituency projects, would soon be released.

Ekweremadu, who is representing Enugu West in the National Assembly, spoke yesterday in Enugu when he inspected and inaugurated some projects he attracted to his constituency.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently queried an accumulation of over N200 billion, meant to service constituency projects of serving National Assembly members.

Ekweremadu said the issues that delayed the disbursement of the funds have been clarified with the Finance Minister.

He said there were hopes that the funds would be released soon, to fast-track the execution of abandoned or delayed ongoing constituency projects of national legislators.

The projects Ekweremadu inspected include the ongoing construction of a National Youth Development Centre, at Ngwo community in Enugu North Local Government Area.

124 Almajiri schools to open

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CADEMIC activities will begin in September in the 124 Almajiri model schools built by the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, has said.

He said the model schools were built to address the outof-school challenge among school-age children.

Wike spoke yesterday in Abuja at the July edition of the monthly meeting with contractors handling basic education projects for the Federal Government.

Eighty-nine Almajiri Model Schools are being built by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) while 35 have been built by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for the

Suswam attacks child marriage From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday said the resolution of the Senate was not in the interest of the Nigerian child.

The governor said the passing of the bill was against the Child Right Law, the interest of the Nigerian child and human rights.

He decried the decision of the Senate, which supported child marriage, saying the National Assembly should consider the people’s interest before passing the bill.

Suswam spoke yesterday at the third Criminal Justice Reform Conference, organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Minna, the Niger State capital.

ment.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

NEWS

DISCOs, GENCOs get N21.2 billion

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HE Federal Govern ment has so far dis bursed about N21.2 billion to the three major arms of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)-Generation Companies (DISCOs), Generation Companies (GENCOs) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, said there was a release of a $100 million loan from the African Development bank (AfDB) to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to fund critical transmission projects.

He spoke at a power sector development forum the ministry organised in conjunction with German power firm, Siemens, yesterday in Abuja.

The minister noted that since he assumed office in February, this year, N5.2 billion had been disbursed for special inter-

•PHCN workers’ severance payment begins this week From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

vention fund to successor distribution and generation companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for operation and maintenance services.

Nebo said the government has brought the power sector reform to normalcy despite the challenges he met upon his appointment.

On the PHCN workers’ severance, he said the payment would commence this week.

The minister, however, explained that an audit of the payment, which had delayed final disbursement of funds to the workers, has been concluded.

“When I assumed office, there were numerous challenges that posed a cog in the wheel of progress visa-vis the power reform

‘Nebo said the

government has brought the power sector reform to normalcy despite the challenges he met upon his appointment.’ agenda, which included among others, labour negotiations, which were stalled because of complaints about non-coverage of temporary staff in the settlement scheme.

“There were schisms between TCN and Manitoba because of unclear delineation of role. Consequently, Manitoba staff weren’t allowed access to their offices; the transmission network, which hitherto had received very little investment was becoming in-

creasingly unstable and more sensitive to new generation.”

Besides, he said there was uncertainty and loss of confidence among some of our key investors and critical development partners about the commitment of the government to the reform and the transformation of the power sector.

Nebo’s explanations on funding of the power sector were perhaps in response to recent expressions by the National Assembly that lack of budgetary allocations for the operations of PHCN successor companies contributed to the decline in nationwide power supply.

They also accused Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of withholding funds meant for the sector.

However, she denied the allegation.

Nigeria to begin online business registration

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IGERIANS in Diaspora or foreign ers planning to register their businesses in Nigeria can do so online from any part of the world in the next two months, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga, has said.

He spoke yesterday during the Ministerial Platform in Abuja.

In a statement, he explained that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) had begun a 24-hour business registration in all the states.

He said: “Since the launch of 24-hour business registration in July 2012, 35,902 companies have been registered in 24 hours. So, far we have achieved a 10 per cent increase in the number of companies registered, and an increase of 33 per cent in business names registered and 42 increase incorporated trustees.

“The 24-hour business registration is attainable in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with Port Harcourt

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By Franca Osigbo, Abuja

and Enugu following shortly.

Also, global online business registration will take off in two months. This will ensure that anyone can register his businesses in Nigeria from any part of the world and also make payment without necessarily coming to Nigeria.”

He noted that the ministry was exploring new ways of unlocking domestic and international capital to boost local and foreign direct investment in all sectors. He added that the move would create more jobs and generate wealth for the country.

He said: “At a time of persistent economic crisis and pressing social and environment challenges, harnessing economic growth for sustainable and inclusive development is more important than ever. Investment is the primary driver of such growth.

We are exploring new ways of unlocking domestic and international capital looking at the Pension Assets, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Industrial De-

velopment and Investment Fund and Diaspora Fund.

Also, we have established Trade and Investment Desks at Embassies and strengthened the use of our the Free Trade Zones in a more strategic manner to industrialise our country.

“In terms of Foreign Direct Investment, Nigeria is the number one destination for FDI in Africa for the second consecutive year. FDI net inflows into Nigeria in 2012 were the highest in Africa at $7.03 billion, while Nigeria was ranked fourth in FDI rate of returns.

“In terms of trade, there has been significant improvement in balance of trade with reduced importation and increased export value. The country recorded a 43 per cent decline in imports between 2011-2012, resulting in savings of about N4.2 trillion in foreign exchange. ‘’In the first quarter of 2013, the industrial sector contributed 66.9 per cent of the Fed-

Govt, US firm sign $250m agric deal

HE Federal Govern ment has signed a Let ter of Intent (LoI) with Blumberg, a United States food firm, to invest about $250 million in the country’s agricultural sector, Minister of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentDr. Akinwumi Adesina has said.

The deal, which includes construction of a large scale food storage facility is expected to create 1,000 jobs.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Acting Director, Press and Public Relations, Greyne Anosike, yesterday in Abuja, the agreement will initiate grain manufacturing plant and export hub as well as prevent post harvest losses experienced by the farmers.

Blumberg Grain is a leading US-based food security firm, providing vertically integrated crop and food storage systems, technology and management.

Its food safety and security infrastructure and warehous-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

ing reduces post-harvest losses of grain, produce, and other perishables to five per cent or less.

The statement reads: “Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Blumberg Grain Chairman and CEO Philip Blumberg signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) last week that will see the giant multinational food security company invest $250 million in a large scale food storage facilities in agricultural sector creating up to 1,000 jobs and boosting food production.

“We are excited a company with the reputation and resources of Blumberg Grain chose to establish its West African production operations and processing facilities in Nigeria. This is a mark of confidence in the structural reforms of our agricultural sector.

“By manufacturing storage

warehouses in Nigeria, farmers, agro-processors and financial services industry will be able to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and incomes across agricultural, value chains.

The Minister restated government’s commitment to make the country a global powerhouse in food production, adding that the investment will enhance Nigeria’s regional position in agriculture.

The Federal Government had set a target to add 20 million metric tons of food to the domestic food supply in two years.

“Reducing the estimated 50 per cent loss in produce from post-harvest losses due in large part to inadequate storage is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to achieve this target,” he added.

He said deal would see the development of a grain plant produced by th US firm and increase exports of made in Nigeria products.

eral Government’s non-oil earnings. Import as a percentage of total trade fell from 35.7 per cent in 2011 to 20 per cent in 2012.”

Aganga said the Ministry had started the implementation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan as part of efforts to reposition the manufacturing sector.

Fed Govt may borrow $230m T HE Federal govern ment will today take a decision on whether or not to borrow $230 million or (N36.8 billion) from the International Development Association (IDA) and the French Development Agency.

According to agenda of today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) obtained by The Nation, the Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala will present a memo to the council asking for approval for $170 million (IDA) credit and an additional $60 million French Development Agency credit for the second rural access and mobility project.

The FEC will also consider the implementation of the template for the selection of priority projects. The memo for this will be presented to the council by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala.

The Minister of State for Defence Mrs. Olushola Obada will present a memo to the council for the ratification of two signed bilateral agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and some unnamed entities.

Also to be deliberated on is the report of the cabinet committee on the publicprivate partnership contract for the development of a gas fired independent power

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

project for reliable power supply to the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. The memo on this will be presented by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar.

The (FEC) will deliberate on the ratification of the President’s anticipatory approval for the augmentation of a contract for the rehabilitation of the CalabarUgep-Ogoja-Katsina Alaroad section 1 (CalabarUgep Cross Rivers State contract number 6011, to be submitted by the Minister of works, Mike Onolememen.

•Mrs Okonjo-Iweala

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS ‘We’re tired of abandoned projects in Ondo’

•The outgoing Methodist Church Nigeria Prelate, Rev. Sunday Ola Makinde (middle), receiving a bouquet of flowers from a pupil of Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, Lagos, on arrival for a farewell reception. With them is the head teacher, Mrs. Olusheye Awobiyi.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

A GROUP, the Niger Delta Youths Movement (NDYM), has urged the Ondo State government to complete the abandoned Ugbonla/Ayetoro Road in the riverine area of the state to facilitate development.

It also enjoined Governor Olusegun Mimiko to order a quick completion of the abandoned Ayeka/Irele Road.

The group, in a statement by its state’s Chairman, Medoye Asiki and Secretary Kpiliboh Akpo, said the neglect of the roads by the government had affected the socio-economic condition of the residents.

It said the multibillion naira Igbokoda/ Ugbonla and Igbo Egunri/Oloto roads were in deplorable conditions and the contractors handling the projects had vacated the sites.

NDYM urged the governor to revive the moribund industries in the South Senatorial District and provide employment for youths.

The group also called for the mobilisation of contractors back to sites.

Fashola hails Finance Commissioner LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has accepted the resignation of Finance Commissioner Tokunboh Abiru.

He hailed him for rendering a meritorious service to the state.

Speaking at the Executive Council meeting after the presentation of the outgoing commissioner’s letter of resignation, Fashola said Mr. Abiru, who is leaving to take up an appointment as the Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria Plc and a board member of FBN Holdings Plc rendered a commendable service to the state within his short but memorable stay in office.

He wished him well in his new challenge as the Executive Director of one of the leading banks in the country and hoped that Abiru would prove his mettle as a seasoned banker, bearing aloft the state’s flag.

Abiru, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a professional banker, joined the state’s public service from the First Bank of Nigeria Plc where he has had over two decades of a successful career, serving as the Group Head, Corporate Banking and Business Development Manager, among others.

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Two years ago, 10 persons in the village drowned when a canoe they boarded capsized.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s representative, his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, visited the village. Lawmakers from the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu, also visited the village.

The Deputy Governor and the Speaker, who is from the village, pledged to assist the villagers by ensuring that a bridge is built across the river.

The then council Chairman, Taiwo Quasim, also pledged to provide another

canoe.

The community head, Chief Teslim Adekunle II, said: “Our immediate need now is a bridge across the river. Without this, the community will be cut off from the rest of the world.”

He hailed Governor Ajimobi for transforming the state and lauded the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for his leadership qualities.

Chief Adekunle, however, urged the government to investigate the N157 million allegedly earmarked for the building of a bridge across the river by the last administration, which was not executed.

nance Commissioner to produce the method used in his own imagination to achieve the purported influence of RMAFC as he claimed in the publication credited to him.

Said he: “From 2003 to date, the state’s position on the revenue table remains almost unchanged, occupying the 34th position, which is third from the bottom. States’ revenue figures are not secrets, as same is periodically made available to the public by the Federal Ministry of Finance. Senator Omisore may, therefore, be asked to give an account of his goodwill to the state in this direction, even throughout his tenure as the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.”

He said no ecological fund has ever been received since the inception of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration and advised the former Commissioner for Finance to present his account on the receipt and utilisation of ecological fund during their tenure.

On the issue of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), Bolorunduro said the state’s allocation of SUREP is spent on social services, such as O’-elderly, O’-meal, O’-Taxi and others that have socio-economic impact on the citizens, adding that “the local government SURE-P fund is allocated by the local government joint account committee.”

anybody pretends not to know which government should regulate tourism, then the person needs to refer to the decision of the Supreme Court in those two cases. The decision is binding on all authorities, persons and courts in Nigeria.”

Mr. Ipaye said there were two cases determined by the Supreme Court on July 19, with one instituted by the Federal Government in the Attorney-General of the Federation versus the Attorney-General of Lagos State seeking to invalidate the Hotel Licensing Law of Lagos State

as amended and the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State.

The other case, the commissioner added, was filed by the Attorney- General of Lagos State against the Attorney- General of the Federation and sought to invalidate the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act to the extent that it intruded into the jurisdiction of the states and sought a declaration from the Supreme Court that it is the House of Assembly that has the exclusive jurisdiction to legislate on tourism matters with the exception of

the regulation of tourism traffic.

Reacting to a question on whether the state would seek a reimbursement of the revenue it lost to the Nigerian Tourism Developm ent C or por a t i on (NTDC) in the past six years, the Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway, said the essence of the ruling was not about the amount to be collected or that was collected.

He went on: “It is about how we will regulate and make sure that the tourism and hospitality industry

performs.

So, it is not about the collection of funds. Government has spent a lot of money to prepare for the industry. So, without collecting money from the industry, we have spent a lot to make sure the industry runs well. It is not about reimbursement.

“As far as we are concerned, it is about how we would take the opportunities coming up. In the rest of the world, there are some places that have conflicts. How can we redirect the tourist traffic to us?

This is the essence of what we are doing.”

The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, said the publication credited to Ojo in a newspaper was an attempt to mislead the public and give undeserved regard to Omisore.

Dr. Bolorunduro, who noted that the process of increasing states’ allocation is handled by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), stressed that “RMAFC is set up by the Federal Government to handle issues relating to the review and enhancement of states’ revenue sharing from the Federation Account.

“The parameters adopted by the commission in their consideration include, among

others, population figure, public school enrolment, land mass, hospital and hospital beds.”

Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN’s) Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy in the state Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, a lawyer, quoted Dr. Bolorunduro as saying that “it is not an exaggeration to say that there is no way the state would have been favourably considered along this line of benchmark, given the social neglect in the state under the PDP administration and the downward slide of the parameters, as hospitals were neglected and Osun people turned to private schools as saviours.”

He challenged the ex- Fi-

Ocean surge renders Oyo residents homeless N ocean surge has rendered many residents of Olori village, a riverine community in Oyo-East Local Government, homeless.

A river called Oba passes through the village. It is a threat to the villagers, especially during the rainy season.

Movement to and from the community is usually hindered.

The non-availability of a bridge on the river has worsened the villagers’ plight.

A canoe is provided by the community, but it is not effective when there is a downpour, as the river overflows its bank.

•IGR hits N4b monthly From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

HE Ogun State Government yesterday said its half year budget performance is fair.

It was optimistic that a better progress would be achieved by the third and fourth quarter.

It said the improved performance is made possible through the aggressive and collective commitment by the government to the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR), which stands at an average of N4 billion monthly.

The House of Assembly last December approved the 2013 budget of N211.8 billion sent to it by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo, said the state recorded a budget performance of 61.26 per cent. She described it as a “marked improvement” over performances in previous years.

M r s. M u oy o sa i d t he Amosun administration was making progress in its development agenda as encapsulated in the five cardinal programmes of affordable and qualitative education, healthcare delivery, agriculture production and industrialisation, among others.

Said she: “Our administration recognises the place of infrastructural development as a key stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and alleviating poverty. We have, therefore, committed efforts towards massive infrastructural regeneration and development across the state.”

According to the commissioner, the good road network being developed in the state would stimulate commerce and interlinkages between sectors, adding that security is provided to ensure the safety of life and property of the residents.

She noted that the developmental programmes undertaken by the Amosun administration required funding.

Mrs. Muoyo appealed to indigenes to perform their civic duties and prevail on their employers to pay taxes to the state.

‘Osun revenue under PDP tissue of lies’ SUN State Government has faulted a claim by the former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Adetoyese Ojo, that a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, influenced increase in the monthly allocation of the state from N2 billion to N6 billion.

It described the statement credited to Ojo as false.

Government also denied the allegation that it has borrowed up to N300 billion since the assumption of office of the present administration.

It said the allegation was unfounded and mischievous, aimed at misinforming the indigenes.

Ogun: our mid-year budget performance fair

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

‘Supreme Court ruling on Lagos hotel binding on courts’

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HE government of Lagos State has said the ruling of the Supreme Court validating the state’s Hotel Licensing Law as amended and the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State is binding on courts.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who spoke in an interview at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the Supreme Court’s decision in those two cases would supersede any pending court action.

He added: “It is important to make it clear that if

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS PDP to hold meetings on Ekiti, Anambra From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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HE National Recon ciliation Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plans to meet the party’s leaders in Ekiti and Anambra states.

A statement by Ambassador Umar Damagum yesterday in Abuja said the meetings, which will be chaired by the Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, would hold tomorrow at the Legacy House, Abuja.

Members of the state Working Committee and governorship aspirants of the party are expected at the meeting.

Ekiti holds summit to boost health care From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Government has held a summit on the Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) conducted in the 16 local governments.

This is part of efforts to ensure an effective and quality health care delivery in the state.

The summit, which appraised health facilities, level of patient care management, personnel attitude and integration of the community into a health system package, also examined the established referral protocol, infrastructures as well as the availability and adequacy of equipment in the state’s health care facilities.

The programme was attended by stakeholders, including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, health workers, local government caretaker chairmen, supervising councilors for health, medical officers for health at the 16 councils, officers in charge of the existing 65 health facilities in the state as well as medical record officers in the facilities.

Speaking at the summit, the Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu stressed the vital role of the local government in the provision of an effective health care delivery.

Mrs. Adelabu, who was represented by the Special Adviser in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, noted that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people, stressing that the task of ensuring free quality health care delivery should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

The Deputy Governor, however, assured that the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration would leave no stone unturned in its quest to ensure the provision of a free and accessible quality health care delivery to the indigenes.

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Lagos begins e-ticketing for BRT buses

AGOS State Government yesterday launched the electronic ticketing (e-ticket) system for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

The e-ticket system enables BRT passengers to pay bus fare as low as N20 within a stipulated distance as against the fixed fare of N70 to N120.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who launched the eticket system at the BRT CMS Terminal, Marina, said it is to make the transportation system via BRT buses more efficient and fast for operators and users.

Governor Fashola, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said users of BRT buses with the e-ticket can pay less for travel time, adding that ticketing would be made more user-friendly.

The governor said: “We

Govt streamlines traffic on major highways in Ikeja

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AGOS State Government yesterday experimented with the new turning meant to reduce traffic on the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja.

The initiative, which slightly altered the road infrastructure, will take off on Saturday.

With the initiative called the Expanded Return Trip (ERT), motorists would be prevented from making left turns where they exist.

Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who led reporters and management workers of the Ministry of Transport to monitor the exercise, said the minor adjustment has proved capable of taking care of traffic on the road.

Opeifa, speaking with reporters after the monitoring, said the new turnings are meant to address the gridlock experienced by motorBy Miriam Ekene-Okoro

have, over the years, ensured that we have an effective and reliable transportation system on the road, water and rail. From the event of today, what we have done is to make road infrastructure attractive,

By Yinka Aderibigbe

ists turning into Joel Ogunnaike Road in Ikeja GRA and on Ola Ayinde Road inbound Ikeja.

He said government would put a concrete barrier to block the intersection by the Ikeja Country Club, as motorists intending to turn into the road would be expected to move about 10 metres ahead and make a turn at the newly- engineered Uturn in front of the entrance of the Police Anti-Bomb Squad gate on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way. Those intending to join the inbound Ikeja Road from Joel Ogunnaike would have to proceed to Sheraton Hotel and Towers before making a U-turn to join the road.

reliable and efficient for those who choose to use this service, especially those at the grassroots, who will make use of this from today.

“It will give users the opportunity to save, instead of paying N120 or N70. You can also buy a week or a month

worth on your card, depending on your travel time, which is more effective and makes the process efficient and fast.”

He added that the e-ticket system, the first in Nigeria, was a step in the right direction as government would improve its intra-model

transportation system.

Governor Fashola said: “We are looking forward to attaining a transportation system obtained in developed countries. We are developing the model befitting of a mega city.”

The Managing Director of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the e-ticketing system is being developed not just for the BRT buses, but also for journeys on ferries and trains.

“This e-ticketing model is to make it easier for passengers to travel at ease, making use of this system. It is equitable, simple, easy for collection and easy for the control of operators. It is attractive to the users, administrators and operators.

“It has intra-modal abilities, which at the end of the day you can use not just for the buses, but also for ferries and trains. It has a simple pairing and sharing methodology,” he added.

Family rejects exclusion from Aragbiji stool From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•From left: Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Senegal, Mr. Balde Abdoulaye; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Regional President, West African Women Association, Khady Fall Tall, at the inauguration of Oluremi Tinubu Women Training Centre and celebration of African Woman Day in Gorom I, Rufisque, Senegal...yesterday

CJ advises Customary Court judges

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HE Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, yesterday advised the new Customary Court judges to be honest and build a good reputation for themselves.

Justice Phillips gave the advice while swearing in 29 new Customary Court judges at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja.

They were appointed by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission to fill the vacancies created by the judges, who were recently disengaged on the basis of either statutory age of 65 or expiration of their 10-year tenure.

The Chief Judge said it behoves the judges to be truthful and honest when adjudicating on matters brought before them.

By Adebisi Onanuga

“As the first contact at the grassroots of justice administration in Lagos State, it behoves you to be truthful and honest at all times.

“Don’t use your position for self aggrandisement. Don’t intimidate or harass people. As Customary Court judges, you are servants of the people. So, adjudicate on what you see and the facts presented before you and not on hearsay or what you hear from outside,” she said.

Justice Phillips told them that the society is watching their conduct, and should they build a bad reputation, they are going back to the same

society that would judge them.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs. Ayodele Odugbesan, said the appointment was in pursuant to Section 3 of the Customary Court Law 2011.

She said the law mandated the commission to appoint as many members as may be required from time to time to the Customary Courts in Lagos.

One of the judges, Mrs. Lateefat Opere, thanked the commission for the opportunity given them to serve the state and the society.

She assured that they would be of good behaviour and would not bring the Lagos Judiciary into disrepute.

THE Lagbua family in Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, has rejected the state government’s approval excluding the family from the list of ruling houses to ascend the Aragbiji stool.

In a letter dated May 20, 2013 to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, through its solicitors, Ade Fajemiroye and Co., the family said: “We respectfully but emphatically and unequivocally reject the decision of the state Executive Council taken on April 3 to exclude the Lagbua family as one of the ruling houses into the Aragbiji Chieftaincy Declaration.”

The family said the government’s decision communicated to it through a letter with reference number CD.4/1/Vol.IX/837 dated April 25, 2013 from the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs was unacceptable.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

CITYBEATS

Owo monarch advocates youth development

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HE Olowo of Owo, Oba D.V Folagbde Olateru-Olagbegi 111, has praised President Goodluck Jonathan for making youth sport development, the focus of his administration’s transformation agenda on sports.

The monarch, in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to Owo Kingdom Advisory Council (OKAC), Mr Gboyega Amoboye, said Oba Folagbade, a renowned tennis player, had donated two trophies to the Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YOSFON), in memory of his late father and tennis star, Sir Olateru-Olagbegi 11. The trophy is for the annual Under-16 tournament, in tandem with Mr President’s vision on youth sports development.

The Olowo sought the diversification of the economy into sports tourism, particularly lawn tennis, which he said, had become a major source of foreign exchange earner world wide.

He commended the organisers of the visit of the William Sisters and leading stars in the game of lawn tennis, Serena and Venus, to the country and urged YOSFON to mobilise Nigerian youths for more interest in the game”

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Anger over killing of varsity graduate, friend

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S an ambitious young man, Ifechukwude Gabriel Nwainokpor burnt the midnight oil for four years as a student of Geology and Mining at the Delta State University, Abraka.

His diligence paid off as he left the school in flying colours.

He was anxiously awaiting his call-up letter for the mandatory one-year National Youth Service, when fate dealt him a cruel blow.

Ifechukwude, 25, was allegedly killed by some suspected members of a vigilance group in Badagry, on the outskirts of Lagos. He was killed with his friend, Kazeem, while returning from a family friend’s house in the area.

The allegation making the rounds, especially within the deceased’s families is that both were killed in the presence of some policemen from Badagry Police Station.

Now, Ifechukwude’s father, Mr Samuel Nwainokpor, a native of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North of Delta State, wants the Lagos State Police Command to investigate the role of the police in the dastardly killing of the victims, and also ensure that all those involved in their death are brought to book.

Ifechukwude and Kazeem were allegedly arrested by members of the group on the suspicion that they were armed robbers, and taken to

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Correspondent

the home of their leader, Dele Asiribo.

Asiribo allegedly handcuffed them and ordered his men to beat them without hearing from them. He also threatened to kill them with a locally made gun if they refused to confess to the crime.

But Asiribo forgot that he had corked the gun. As he was trying to return it into its pouch, the gun fired accidentally, blew him up and he died instantly, said a source.

Angered by their boss’ death, Asiribo’s men allegedly beat Ifechukwude and Kazeem to death.

Sources said that while the incident unfolded, a resident secretly captured the scenario in a video, which he sent to the victims’ families.

Fighting tears yesterday, Ifechukwude’s father said: “Ifechukwude is my first son. He was born on September 5 1988. He was a seriousminded child. We lived in Badagry, where he was born.

Since he was at home waiting for his National Youth Service call-up letter, we asked him to undergo tutelage under my friend, a freight forwarder in Apapa; that he had been doing.

“On May 2, he saw me off to the airport on my way to Accra. Just on July 21, I was informed by my in-law about the incident. I took the next available flight back home from Ghana. I was told

‘I want the Inspector General of Police ... to ensure that justice is done on this matter since I cannot get my son back ... I cannot be alive to see this happen to me without the culprits paying for it.’ that a freight forwarder friend invited him and his friend to his house. As they were returning, some people accosted them and tagged them armed robbery suspects. They took him to the house of the head of the vigilance group in that area.”

The bereaved father spoke further: “As the man tried to intimidate the innocent boys with a gun, he killed himself, prompting other members of his group to pounce on my son and his friend in the presence of some policemen, and they died. My son wailed and begged that they were innocent. Police took their bodies and called them armed robbers. Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Dankoli Mohammed said he was not around when the incident happened, but that

• The late Ifechukwude

his lieutenants told him that they shot two armed robbers in the area.

“He said the father of my son’s friend came to urge him (DPO) to give him his son’s body, adding that they quickly released it to him for burial without autopsy after such heinous crime had been committed. The DPO insisted that it was a case of armed robbery until the video was played for him.

After watching the video, he said that the matter was beyond him. He immediately took us to the office of the

Area Commander, who felt very bad after watching the video. He urged him to go to the scene and invite all the suspects involved.

“My second son was in coma for two days after seeing his brother’s dead body.

I want the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police to ensure that justice is done on this matter since I cannot get my son back; I have only two sons and I cannot be alive to see this happen to me without the culprits paying for it.”

Police quiz suspect over 100 stolen cars

•Oba Olateru-Olagbegi

Army trains Civil Defence Corps officers

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By Seun Akioye

HE Nigeria Army has begun the training of 150 officers and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command.

A statement signed by the Corps’ spokesperson for the Command, Mefor Chibuzor, said the training, which began on July 19, would take the trainees through the general rudiments of armsbearing, physical drilling and mental alertness to all forms of security threats in the country.

The Corps’ Lagos State Commandant, Adesuyi Clement Dayo, who declared the training open, said the exercise “is in line with the responsibility bestowed on the Corps by the NSCDC Act of 2007 to have arms squad in all the State Commands throughout the federation under the office of the Commandant General.”

He expressed delight at the willingness of the Nigerian Army to assist the NSCDC in the training of its personnel and urged the trainees to be disciplined and show commitment throughout the training period.

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PERATIVES of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State, have arrested a man for allegedly stealing over 100 cars.

The suspect, simply identified as “Mr K,” is being interrogated at the Police Headquarters at Ikeja.

The police also nabbed an ex-policeman for allegedly buying a Toyota Camry car from the suspect.

By Jude Isiguzo

It was gathered that the police had been on the suspect’s trail since 2012 for allegedly stealing various brands of car, and had always escaped arrest.

Luck ran against him when one of his victims reported to the police that a Toyota Camry car he had just bought had been stolen.

A police source said the car

was yet to be registered when the suspect allegedly stole it.

“This man specialised in stealing cars that are yet to be registered. He confessed that he had stolen more than 100 cars from different locations in Lagos State.

Luck ran out on him when a man reported to the police at Pedro Police Station that his Toyota Camry car was stolen. The officers worked hard and traced the car to an ex-

policeman who confessed that he bought it for N750,000. The police set a trap for the suspect and he was arrested recently. He has confessed to stealing various brands of cars,” the source said.

Commissioner of Police Umar Manko confirmed the arrest, saying: “Yes, it is true we arrested the suspect. I can’t tell you how we got him, but he is in SARS.”

Advice for youths

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By Tunde Awe

OUNG entrepreneurs can only succeed if they embrace hard work, a former Chairman of Eco Bank, Chief John Odeyemi, has said.

He spoke with exhibitors and other participants at this year’s Youth Enterprise Exhibition (YEEX), which was held in Lagos.

“Success does not come so cheaply; our budding entrepreneurs can only win in the end if they keep holding on to their dreams and keep working hard to be successful,” he stated.

Among dignitaries at the forum was Dr Isah Momoh, a specialist in Entrepreneurship and Financial Management, who stood in for the Dean of School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.

He advised the exhibitors to take advantage of grants being offered them by the government at both federal and state levels, to boost Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order give them the needed financial strength to succeed.

Supporters of the event, The Nation learnt, include: Office of Limited Partnerships, Lagos State Ministry of Justice; Lagos Internal Revenue Service; Access Bank, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Naij, Jobberman and the state Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which endorsed the programme.

The Founder of YEEX, Mr Tayo Adedugbe, who expressed delight at the positive feedbacks on the programme and its • L-R: Adedugbe with Chief & Mrs Odeyemi ... at the exhibition success, urged the participants to make good use of it.

•Manko

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Industrial accident victim petitions Mark

Power problem worries group

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• N50 million compensation sought from firm

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17-YEAR-OLD boy, Izuchukwu Kanu, a victim of industrial accident, which injured his right hand, has petitioned Senate President David Mark over alleged neglect by his employer.

He is seeking N50million compensation from the company, Trisa Nigeria Limited, which is situated at 20/22, Kolawole Shonibare Street, Ajao Estate, Lagos.

He was employed as a factory worker last year.

In the course of his work in the factory his hand was nearly chopped off by a machine, and he was subsequently disengaged without compensation, he alleged.

Kanu, in the petition signed by his lawyer, Mr Ifeanyi Onyejiaka, said the accident had caused permanent disability of the affected hand.

“Our client’s right hand has been so badly damaged and violated by this injury that he is not reasonably expected to work with it again in his life time. Master Kanu is still at the prime of his youthful age and cannot, at this material time of his life, when he is expected to be productive, be abandoned

By Joseph Jibueze

by the company or be treated like a second-class citizen by a foreign company in his own fatherland,” the lawyer wrote.

According to him, every “reasonable effort” made to reach out to the company for an amicable settlement failed.

Besides, Onyejiaka said when Kanu was employed, he was, by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, still too young under the law to clearly understand the hazards involved in his employment with Trisa.

“We were informed by our client’s relatives that he was less than 18 years of age while at the employment of Trisa Nigeria Limited,” he added.

The lawyer urged the Senate President to intervene in what he said, amounted to treating a citizen with “disdain” by a foreign company doing business in Nigeria.

“We are constrained to use this opportunity of writing your esteemed office to solicit for your intervention in this matter of gross human abuse by Trisa

‘Our client’s right hand has been so badly damaged and violated by this injury that he is not reasonably expected to work with it again in his life time’ Nigeria Limited. We urge you to use your good offices to direct the company to do the needful and adequately compensate our client for the permanent injury he sustained while working as a factory worker in Trisa Nigeria Limited,” he pleaded.

When contacted, the company refused to react to the allegations.

Several calls to the company’s personnel manager were not answered.

A text message sent to him, detailing the allegations and seeking his own

• Kanu

side of the story, was not replied to, so were reminder text messages sent to him.

Both text messages showed ‘delivered’ to the recipient.

Shortly after 7pm yesterday, the personnel manager, who refused to give his name, called, saying: “My Oga, the Managing Director, owner of the company, is not in the country. He is hospitalised. His deputy won’t be available until next week. Our lawyer is there but I don’t really know his address. I have a copy of his response to Onyekachi or something like that. I am not competent to speak on the issue until the arrival of the chief executive.”

• The Managing Director / CEO CoreMedia Services, Mr Olajide Adediran (middle); Executive Director (Finance and Administration), Mr Hakeem Yusuf (left), and Head Of Department, Out-Door Advert, Mr Lucas Mokogun, during the Press Conference marking the 5th Anniversary and forthcoming commissioning of Core Media House held at the Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday

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Gains of tree planting, by expert

By Wale Adepoju

prevalence of infections such as respiratory tract and communicable diseases arising from environmental pollution.

Oke, who spoke during the hospital’s campaign to promote tree planting, said trees increase the oxygen in circulation and ensure wellness.

He urged all Lagosians to

plant trees to reduce the “green house effect.” “If for any reason anybody brings down one tree, he should plant two in replacement. If we do this, we will build the future of our children and preserve the ecosystem,” he said.

He said the exercise was aimed at complementing the efforts of the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led ad-

ministration to tackle global warming and climate change.

Chairman, LASUTH Board, Dr Tunde Williams, who said the state had established the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) to sustain tree planting and beautification of the environment, urged the people to maintain the planted trees.

ceeded 5,200MW at any point in time. That is far less than what some states or provinces generate in certain countries of Africa.”

He added that since the problem of power is in three phases - generation, transmission and distribution - government needed to engage the stakeholders to proffer lasting solution to the ugly situation.

Michael Akan, an engineer, became the new chairman of the Lagos at the event held recently at Planet One, Maryland, Lagos.

Okaa Chris Akamnonu, an engineer and stakeholder, praised the federal government for its determination to end the epileptic power supply in the country by privatising the sector, but urged it to more in the area of generation and transmission.

FRSC chief warns passengers

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By Olalekan Ayeni

HE Ota, Ogun State Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Sunday Omafu, yesterday urged passengers to be wary of the commercial vehicles they board.

He made the plea at his office, while narrating the experience of a woman who he said, was rescued from kidnappers at the toll gate on the Abeokuta Express Road.

According to him, the woman boarded a car from the Idiroko Road in Ogun State to Ota, where she alerted the public on discovering that she had boarded a kidnappers’ vehicle.

Her words, according to Omafu: “I started shouting thief … thief after I ordered them to drop me off when I got to my bus stop and my plea was not heeded. Unfortunately, I had given them the only N1,000 in my bag, expecting my balance before getting to my bus stop. But rather than acceding to my request, the car’s driver drove faster.”

Her alarm, according to the Road Safety chief, prompted residents to start chasing the car on the Ota road.

The Commander said they were apprehended by his men on patrol and some boys, who threw a big stone under the car after it had made a u-turn to Sango Road, causing it to somersault.

In the car with the woman, according to him, were two men and two women, adding that one of them ran away, while the two men were handed over to the Sango Police Station, where they confessed that they were not armed robbers, but on “one chance operation.”

A

PHOTO OMOSEHIN MOSES

REE planting has been recommended for the prevention of respiratory tract infections and other communicable diseases.

According to the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof Wale Oke, countries who fail to plant trees have high

group, the Nigeria Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE), has urged the Federal Government to adopt holistic measures to fix the ailing power sector.

Speaking at the 2013 Award Presentation and Investiture of the 3rd Chairman of the body’s Lagos Chapter, its national chairman, Adekunle Makinde, said: “The issue of gas supply to power some of our generating stations needs to be addressed. There have been chronic cases of load shedding or outright outages, either because there was no gas or the gas pipelines were vandalised outright. In this regard, I would suggest an approach where the gas turbine power stations are located near the various gas reservoirs. Our generation capacity is not yet what it should be. It has never ex-

Group seeks law on tobacco

NON- GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO), Tobacco Control Nigeria (TCN), plans to launch a Social Media Campaign to ensure the passage of a comprehensive Tobacco Control (TC) law in compliance with the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The Project’s Campaign Manager, TCN, Olamide Egbayelo, in a statement yesterday said: “We we want to nurture and give voice to a community of persons focused on ensuring that tobacco companies

By Adeola Ogunlade

carry out their advertising and marketing responsibly. We want to ensure that Nigerian children are properly protected from pressures to take up smoking; that public places are protected from the tyranny of smoking, and that persons who wish to quit smoking find the support they required.”

He noted that more than 600,000 who die annually from tobacco-related diseases are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, adding that tobacco is a slow, but sure killer.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

12

NEWS RAMADAN KAREEM

SOLAT TIME (Lagos) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– – – – –

5:20 12:52 4:13 7:04 8:16

am pm pm pm pm

(Abuja) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:02 am – 12:38 pm – 3:58 pm – 6:54 pm – 8:06 pm

(Enugu) Fajr Zuhr Asr Magrib Ishai

– 5:05 – 12:37 – 3:58 – 6:49 – 8:00

Ramadan 22, 1434AH am pm pm pm pm (Source: Islamicfinder.org)

Nyako urges Muslims to observe Laylatul Qadr at home

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DAMAWA State Governor Murtala Nyako has urged the Muslim community in the state to observe the Ramadan Tahajjud (night) special prayer at home in view of the curfew in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the curfew imposed by the army due to the declaration of a state of emergency on the state in May starts from 11p.m. to 5a.m.

Muslims are expected to engage in I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque) for the last nine or 10 nights or full days of Ramadan The governor made the call in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Malam Ahmad Sajoh in Yola yesterday.

The statement urged the people to strictly observe the curfew.

“Prayers, such as that of the Ramadan Tahajjud, should be done at home instead of going to the Mosque because of the

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existence of the state of emergency.

“All lawful guidelines relating to the curfew should be obeyed,’’ the statement reads.

Nyako thanked the people for their understanding and patience.

He commended the army and other security agencies for their maturity and professionalism in the enforcement of the state of emergency.

Similarly, authorities of the 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, advised Muslims in the state to observe the night prayer at home for security reasons.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the brigade, Lt. Ja’afaru Nuhu, reminded the public that the state was still under a state of emergency and the 11p.m. to 5a.m. curfew still in force.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state is calm and normal as people go about their businesses unhindered.

Don urges scholars to correct misconceptions about Islam

AGOS State University (LASU) Head of Political Science Department Dr Abdur-Rahman Olayiwola, has called on scholars to correct misconceptions about Islam.

Olayiwola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ibadan that there was need for the application of Islamic teachings to promote citizen’s welfare.

“Islam is a religion of peace and a complete way of life, which encourages the practice of democracy in all its ramifications.

Islam, through its messages to the world on democracy, encourages the protection of fundamental human rights, civil liberties, social justice, equality, rule of law, stability and peaceful coexistence,’’ he said.

He urged Muslims to participate actively in politics and governance, saying they must demonstrate the fear of God in performing their duties.

Olayiwola said the month of Ramadan has spiritual, moral and physical benefits.

He urged Nigerians to continue to promote peaceful co-existence, saying such commitment would provide an enabling environment for the rapid development and growth of the nation.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS

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

Have you reassessed youself?

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HE above question is very relevant in this sacred month.

This is not just because Ramadan is a month of self rediscovery but also that of new resolutions for true Muslims.

Without waiting to be asked, a good Muslim must be able to sincerely ask him or herself in this sacred month the vital questions such as: Who am I now? There are many reasons for this. Ramadan has become a transit period for most Muslims especially in Nigerian society.

When Ramadan comes, such Muslims dust up their instruments of worship and pretend to be genuine Muslims.

At least for the first few days in the sacred month Mosques are filled up to the brim by worshippers who come from all strata of the society to join other Muslims in observing congregational Salats especially Tarawih in the Mosques. Such pseudo Muslims endeavour to do away with drinking alcohol openly even as they discard fornication or adultery temporarily in the month.

When some of these pseudo Muslims do not find fasting in the month of Ramadan interesting, they pretentiously play along. Such people are easily recognizable by their uncultured attitudes in the sacred month. For instance, most of them do not wake up for 'Sahur' in the night. Neither do they involve their mental and physical beings in fasting. To them, abstaining from eating and drinking should be enough as fasting. Thus, as long as they go about with empty stomach, fasting is deemed to be on course.

Such people are like self-deceptive students who believe in marking their own scripts after writing examinations. The question is: can they award themselves the needed certificates?

If they claim they can, through forgery, who will recognize such certificates?

•People breaking their fast on the longest Iftar table

Longest Iftar table enters Guinness Book of World Records

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HE world’s longest Iftar (Breaking of fast) table measuring 1.003km in length, comprising 410 tables with 1,600 legs and 2.44 metres each in length, seating 2,000 people in facing rows on AlBuhaira Corniche walkway in Sharjah, in United Arab Emirates (UAE) drew thousands of people and officials from the Guinness Book of World Records.

Talal Umar, UAE Head and Sameer Khallouf, project manager for MENA Guinness Book of World Records, the official adjudicators announced the

new record which eclipses the previous one by doubling the distance.

The Sharjah Ramadan Festival this year covers a wide range of areas and 15 activities including social, religious and cultural heritage and sports events celebrating the values, principles and customs and traditions of the Emirati society.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Director-General Khalid Jasim Al-Midfa, said Sharjah counts on its reputation as a perfect family tourism destination.

The special activities and programme held as part of the Festival cover the cities of Sharjah and Khorfakkan on the East Coast.

Underscoring the significance of special events and exhibitions organised by the emirate during Ramadan, AlMidfa appreciated the initiatives and efforts by government and private sector bodies in the emirate putting together high-end family fun and entertainment fair as well as cultural and religious heritage reflecting the spirituality of the holy month and reviv-

ing the memories and Ramadan traditions of ancestors in Sharjah and the UAE. Special promotions and events held as part of the Festival offer a diverse shopping experience with various shopping centres, malls and highend hotels unveiling attractive discounts and promotions in addition to various activities in Ramadan tents across the emirate. The Ramadan and Eid Fair at Expo Centre, Sharjah and Ramadaniat Al-Qasba attract large numbers of visitors and shoppers and stimulate tourist flow into the emirate.

Egypt crisis: cleric slams US, UN leaders

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RENOWNED Islamic scholar Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I has berated the United Nations (UN) and American leaders for their “anti-democratic stand on Egypt crisis.”

Sheikh Shafi’I spoke during Tafsir session in Lagos.

The Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Mufti believes the stand of the leaders of UN and American government is dangerous to the practice of democracy anywhere in the world.

“It is unfortunate that the type of democracy which the United States of America and its Western allies are preaching is different from the conventional one known worldwide. The events unfolding in Egypt is a slap on democracy and an aberration to democratic values. Since the day the military

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

overthrown a democratically elected government, America and its allies have not acknowledged that act as coup till date. It is something that is really disturbing. Can UN and US tell us what is the definition of Coup d’état?” he asked rhetorically.

He wondered why the UN is paying a lip-service to the military-backed Interim Government’s abuse of human rights.

“Under the UN conventions, there are rights to life, property, lawful and peaceful gathering and protest. If you observe those that were killed on Friday and Saturday, you will realise that they were not in possession of any ammunitions. They were shot on vital parts of their body like head and chest.

Irrespective of the arguments provided by the Interim Government, the security officers that killed those protesters went beyond limit, one could see that America is being biased on what is called democracy,” he said.

According to him, governments are removed through balloting and not guns.

“There is no government in the world that has no opposition; when masses protested against the removal of subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan last year, no one called for military intervention. Have there not been protests against some governments in Europe lately mainly on economic crisis, even in America, there was a protest some time ago, why did the military not take over? It is glaring that not all Egyptians are against the

•Sheikh Shafi’I

ousted government. The military just exploited people’s ignorance with the help of the media propaganda to return to power,” he stated.

Pg. 51 Pg. 51

Wednesday,July 31, 2013

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Pg. 14

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51

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

15

PREMIERSHIP

NATION SPORT

Moyes wants Baines if Evra leaves, says Buttner agent

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ANCHESTER UNITED manager David Moyes wants to sign Leighton Baines should Patrice Evra leave the club this summer, according to Alexander Buttner’s agent.

Goal revealed Monaco’s interest in Evra in May, and Alexander Bursac says that while a proposed deal with the Ligue 1 club failed to materialise, Moyes would turn his attentions to Baines if the Frenchman were to leave.

“Moyes knows Baines very well, so he will play [if he signs from Everton],” he told Goal. “A transfer from Evra to Monaco did not go through.

If Evra leaves, Moyes wants Baines. Baines is an English international, 29 years old and more experienced. Alex is the coming man.

“If Baines arrives, the chances [for Buttner] to play are even less then last year. That would be a shame, because Alex wants to play for the Dutch national team next season.”

•Baines

Goal understands Moyes is currently considering a move for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini which could end up in a double swoop to include Baines with the defender believed to be available for £15-20 million.

Bursac hinted that should Manchester United sign the Everton full-back then Buttner might consider his future at Old Trafford, with the defender not short of offers.

“Alex developed very well last season and he had done a good job in preparing for next season,” he added. “At the moment he has a small groin injury.

“For Alex it would be better for a younger left-back to come so he could become first choice. He has already proved himself in the Premier League.

“It’s difficult to estimate what will happen, but he has alternatives, from Turkey for example. I’m not worried about that. But he wants to succeed at United.”

Cisse scheduled for Newcastle return

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Bale back with blank future

ARETH BALE has flown back to London with the rest of the Tottenham squad amid widespread reports still linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old missed their Asia Cup friendlies in Hong Kong due to a muscle strain but that has not stopped him being the centre of attention off the pitch.

Reports in the Spanish press - most notably in sports daily Marca - claim Bale wants to join Real and that their president Florentino Perez has sanctioned a bid in excess of £80m.

Tottenham have refused to comment on the speculation but manager Andre Villas Boas revealed on the Friday that the club and Bale’s agent are in ‘ongoing’ talks about a new contract.

Real have arrived in Los Angeles for their tour of the United States along with Perez, who has broken the world transfer record three times whilst in charge at the Bernabeu.

He signed Luis Figo for £37m from arch-rivals Barcelona in 2000, bought Zinedine Zidane for £46m a year later and then set the current record of £80m with the capture of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester

United in 2009.

Real Madrid play LA Galaxy in their first game in the International Champions Cup on Thursday and will then face either Everton or Juventus.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a phenomenal campaign last season, netting 21 times in the Premier League and winning both the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards along with the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Despite Bale’s contribution, Spurs were unable to secure a top-four place in the Premier League, meaning they are unable to offer their prized asset UEFA Champions League football.

The change in betting odds

is in contrast to news coming out of White Hart Lane, with Tottenham insisting Bale is not for sale and talks over a new contract are taking place.

“Reports suggest that Real Madrid have now made their move and that Bale is unhappy that it has been swiftly rebuffed.

“Our punters now seem convinced Real will get their man and Spurs will have to settle for their sizeable compensation.”

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•Bale

to wear the strip - and Pardew confirmed that the Senegal international will face the Scottish club on Tuesday as he continues his progress towards full fitness.

“Papiss has looked really good,” Pardew told The Chronicle.

“We’ve only had one training day with him as a group, and he’s looked really well.

“I’m pleased with that.

“It’s been a difficult time for him, and now we rally round him and support him.”

Cisse will line-up alongside Hatem Ben Arfa, Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote who failed to feature in the 1-0 preseason victory over Blackpool.

I’ll be surprised if Suarez joins Arsenal

EIL MELLOR would be “absolutely amazed” if Luis Suarez joins Arsenal and is

Rodgers: I’ll pay to watch Coutinho

IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers says he would pay to watch Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian inspired another preseason win.

The 21-year-old opened the scoring in the 3-0 triumph over Thailand on the club’s tour of the Far East and Australia, his third goal of pre-season.

Coutinho pulled the strings in a comfortable victory, and Rodgers admitted that the forward is the kind of player he loves to watch.

“Coutinho had me up off my seat,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “He’s a player you would pay money to watch.

He’s just a delight on the ball.”

However, it is not just the Brazilian that has the Northern Irishman upbeat

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APISS CISSE will make his comeback for Newcastle in their friendly with St Mirren on Tuesday after his dispute with the club was resolved.

Cisse, a devout Muslim, did not feature for Alan Pardew’s side in their opening four preseason fixtures due to a row over the main shirt sponsor, Wonga, but he will return at St Mirren Park.

The striker had expressed concerns over the nature of Wonga’s business and initially refused to wear the club’s shirt due to conflicts with his faith and beliefs.

However, following discussions he has now agreed

ahead of the new campaign, with new signing Iago Aspas also impressing.

Forward Aspas signed from Celta Vigo last month and Rodgers has been pleased with his contribution so far after he also netted in the Thailand victory.

“The idea was that Aspas would give us another dimension up there and he’s done that,” he continued.

“He’s a very effective player. Sometimes he’s not always easy on the eye but when you actually monitor how efficient he is - he creates goals and scores goals.

“It was a lovely touch into space by him for his goal and he finished really well. Then he showed good vision to set up Stevie, who finished magnificently.”

positive Liverpool will make the top four if the striker stays.

Suarez has expressed his desire to leave Anfield for Champions League football but Liverpool remain determined to keep hold of their star striker.

The Merseysiders last week rejected a £40million plus £1 offer from Arsenal, and former Reds forward Neil Mellor does not expect Suarez to make the move to Emirates Stadium.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’ll be absolutely amazed if he does go to Arsenal,” Mellor told Sky Sports News Radio. “I just can’t see Liverpool selling to a rival and that’s what Arsenal will be this season because Liverpool will be targeting that top-four spot and hoping to finish above Arsenal.”

Mellor believes Suarez owes it to Liverpool to commit himself to the club, and he has “no doubt” Brendan Rodgers’ side can make the top four this season if the Uruguayan stays put.

“Frustration is a big thing for

— Neil Meller

Liverpool fans at the moment because this Luis Suarez saga is rumbling on for far too long,” Mellor said.

•Suarez

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

16

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

NATION SPORT

AC Milan confirms Silvestre interest

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C MILAN CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed the club have made a move to sign Inter centre-back Matias Silvestre.

The Rossoneri are looking to bolster their defence ahead of the upcoming campaign and the club’s chief has now revealed that they have enquired about signing the Argentine from their San Siro rivals.

“We’re in talks with Inter for Silvestre,” the 68-year-old told reporters. “Now I will meet with the Inter directors to find an agreement.

“We still haven’t agreed upon what kind of deal it will be for Silvestre.”

Meanwhile, the Milan vicepresident is hopeful of a quick recovery of Robinho, who suffered a thigh injury in late July, while insisting that youngster M’Baye Niang will

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Buffon: Italian football improving

awaits in Serie A this season having watched the Scudetto challengers bolster their ranks in the summer.

The Bianconeri have triumphed in the last two campaigns in Italy, though the veteran shot-stopper believes that there are plenty of contenders who have strengthened their squads in the past couple of months.

Buffon highlighted Napoli and Fiorentina in particular, though also refused to rule

Besiktas still fixed on Adebayor

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ESIKTAS are still keen on signing Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor — if they are cleared of matchfixing.

The Turkish club have been banned from the 2013/14 Europa League by UEFA. However, they have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and are confident of having the decision overturned.

Besiktas president Fikret Orman said: “We are interested in Adebayor.

The transfer could still go ahead.

“The deal breaker for Adebayor was whether we would play in Europe this season, as soon as we are cleared I will travel to London and complete the deal.”

Adebayor is likely to fall down the Tottenham pecking order with Valencia striker Roberto Soldado set to join Spurs in a £26million deal.

out the threat of AC Milan and Inter, who endured differing fates in Serie A in the previous campaign.

“Our league is improving,” Buffon told the club’s official website. “Napoli and Fiorentina have been playing good football for a year, made spectacular progress and I think the players who have chosen to play in Italy have also come to this conclusion.

“Napoli have bolstered their squad and recruited a winner as their coach. He’s someone I have a great deal of respect for, a great professional who knows what’s required in order to win.

“Fiorentina also have the signing of Giuseppe Rossi, who if he clicks with Mario Gomez will form part of an international level strikeforce.

“Milan are competitive even without making big statements in the transfer market, because they’ve already got players that allow them to be amongst the front runners.

“Inter’s best signing has been their coach and they already have a foundation of six or seven young and important players. They’ll soon be able to get back to winning ways.”

Messi wants Barca success to follow accolades

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IONEL MESSI says that winning individual honours spurs him on to greater heights, but that success with Barcelona is his ultimate aim.

The 26-year-old, who is widely regarded as the best player in the world, has won the Ballon d’Or for the past four years while also leading Barca

•Silvestre

Monaco ‘offered’ Man Utd’s winger Nani

•Buffon

UVENTUS goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is wary of the competition that

not be loaned out until the end of August at the very earliest.

“We’re counting on having Robinho ready for the Champions League playoffs,” Galliani added. “If Niang leaves Milan then it won’t be before the play-offs.”

The 28-year-old centre-back has made 20 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri last term.

to a string of trophy successes.

He has now been given another individual accolade after winning the Goal 50 award as the world’s best player.

However, the Argentine insists that he also wants to help the Spanish giants to glory.

“I’m very excited about this,”

he told Goal.

“As players, we work the entire year to win honours for the team, we don’t look for the individual awards, but when they come it’s an incentive and gives us strength to continue on the same path.”

Messi emerged from Barca’s famed La Masia youth academy to make his firstteam debut in October 2004 against Espanyol.

He has since helped the club to six Liga titles, two Copa del Rey wins and victory in three UEFA Champions League campaigns, scoring 313 goals in 379 appearances.

Messi also has 82 Argentina caps to his name and has taken part in two World Cups.

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S Monaco’s sporting director Vadim Vasilyev claims the club have been offered the services of Manchester United winger Nani.

The Portuguese winger has just 12 months remaining current contract at Old Trafford, and after talks over a new deal broke down last season over his excessive wage demands, an exit looks inevitable.

Nani missed out on United’s recently concluded preseason tour of Asia and Australia after undergoing a nose operation last month, although boss David Moyes has confirmed he has returned to training at the club’s Carrington training base.

The arrival of Wilfried Zaha and emergence of young winger Jesse Lingard, who netted his fourth goal of preseason in United’ 5-2 win

over Kitchee in Hong Kong on Monday, could well see Nani headed for the exit door.

Monaco, backed by billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, have embarked on a lavish spending spree this summer as they prepare for life back in Ligue 1, spending well over £100million on the likes of Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.

High profile agent Jorge Mendes has been at the heart of Monaco’s recruitment drive and not only represents the aforementioned players but also looks after Ricardo Carvalho, who joined the club on a free from Real Madrid, and Nani.

Mendes could well be trying to engineer Nani’s move to the Stade Louis II with Vasilyev confirming Monaco have been offered the Portuguese wideman.

•Nani

Manchester United move would suit Fabregas

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•Messi

ORMER Manchester United defender David May believes a move to Old Trafford would be “perfect” for Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

United have so far been rebuffed in their attempts to bring Fabregas back to the Premier League ahead of the new season, but May believes the former Arsenal captain might fancy the move if Barca’s asking price is met.

He told Sky Sports News Radio: “When good players are there it’s right that United should go for them. I wouldn’t say that they’re desperate; Barcelona are holding

on to him, and rightly so because he is a good player.

“I think it’s down to Cesc at the end of the day. If he feels he’s not going to get in front of Xavi and (Andrés) Iniesta then the move to United would be perfect for him.”

May also feels that United should knock back any approaches for unsettled striker Wayne Rooney, with time running out to find a replacement before the transfer window shuts in five weeks’ time.

“To lose Wayne would be losing probably 20 goals next season and you’re going to run out of time [to replace him], with

forwards at a premium.

“If we do get rid of Wayne or if he decides to leave then we’ve got to replace him. Clubs out there don’t want to lose their best players.”

•Fabregas

CAMPAIGN

RECOGNITION

‘We must change with climate change’

Awards for NYSC members

Lagos

45

Rivers

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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AVING graduated from a training programme, no fewer than 30 youths in Benue State are well on their way to earning a good living as farmers.

The intensive exercise lasted one month after which the prospective farmers were given certificates of paricipation.

They were trained at Zukutiv Farms in Makurdi, the state capital.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Zukutiv Farms, Mr. Myke Gbe, said that the curriculum covered crop production, animal husbandry, flexible and smart management as well as use of social media to

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FACILITY

The blind see at Oshodi Lagos

48

Page 17

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

30 farm trainees graduate in Benue From Ujah Emmanuel, Makurdi

boost farming and marketing activities.

He explained that the training, which was sponsored by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Benue State government, revolved around the concept of SMART farming, an acronym for SmallHolding Management of Accessible and Adaptable Rural Technology.

Gbe expressed appreciation to the sponsors for their belief in

the human spirit and provision of incentives as well as a conducive environment for the programme.

“Facilitators, participants and even our collaborating institutions deserve to be commended for the success of the event,” he stated.

Gbe maintained that the Benue farmer is equipped to engage in all forms of farming, which include aqua culture, animal husbandry and crop production.

The state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Donald Gbugho de-

scribed Zukutiv Farms as a source of pride to the state, as it has transferred the technology in Songhai Farms, in Port-Novo, Benin Republic, to Benue State.

Gbugho who was represented by the Director of Administration and Finance in the ministry, Mrs. Cecilia Jebe, said the farm has thrown a challenge to the ministry as well as the entire business community in the state.

He enjoined the participants to put what they learned into practice, adding that the ministry expected the establishment of more than 20 farms from them.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chris Abah, represented by Mr. Ngutor Anyam, urged organisers to select only those who were enthusiastic about the training and donated N100,000 towards the training of the next set.

UNDP focal person, Mr. Sam Agwa, said that the programme has the potential of alleviating poverty, integrating youths as well as being a platform for the deployment of information and •Continued on Page 45

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HERE is a breather for the physically challenged in Kwara State, thanks to Ma-Assalam Islamic Foundation (MIF) in collaboration with Mustapha Akanbi Foundation (MAF).

Both organisations put 15 physically challenged people out of their despair by providing them wheelchairs.

The gesture took place in the state capital, Ilorin, as part of the Islamic foundation’s Ramadan gift for the less privileged.

At the event, chairman of the foundation and ex-chair of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi urged the well-heeled in the society to spare a thought for the needy.

Said he: “We could have called these physically challenged people and given them the wheelchairs but we are doing it in the open so that those who are richer than we are could do more so that we alleviate poverty and the suffering of the people and then make Nigerians understand more that when they do this kind of charity work, the Lord is there for them to take care of them.”

Continuing, Justice Akanbi said: “Those of us who can walk on our feet and do things that we want to, do not know the suffering of the people who can not walk and those other people who are physically challenged.

“Part of our decision this year is that we must do something for the physically challenged. We had to get about at least 15 wheelchairs, we have donated three already to Sobi Specialist Hospital. This morning we donated 11 to the physically challenged.

“You can pity them. It will also help us to appreciate that God is great, that we are very lucky, the way he has created us and therefore, we should continue to show gratitude to God by continuing to do this charitable act.

“I am glad we are able to do this this year. We have been as-

•The beneficiaries

Hope for the physically-challenged Foundations provide wheelchairs for the needy Ex-ICPC chair Akanbi challenges the rich From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

sisting people with money but we did not publicise it.”

As for the worth of the materials, the retired Appeal Court president said “in terms of what I read, we have spent N3m which does not include the wheelchairs.

I do not want to be publishing our charity and humanitarian gesture

so that it will not be misunderstood. “Why we are making this public is to drum up support so that more people and organisations will see the compelling need to assist the less privileged and support us.

“When they support us we plough it back to the society. Both Christianity and Islam teach us charitable work.

“When you are charitable, you help others and they pray for you and God will assist you more.

“We do not have religious bias for the beneficiaries. We have Christians and Muslims. Once you cannot stand on your feet and you come and register, we do not know you, and we do not want to know you. We just want to alleviate your problem.”

•Justice Akanbi

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

18

Yobe to improve water supply

Etsu Nupe seeks help for farmers

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HE Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has appealed to both the federal and state governments to provide farmers with modern farming inputs to boost food production.

Abubakar made the call when he inaugurated a special agriculture committee of the Nupe Foundation in his palace at Bida.

“Adequate provision of farm inputs to the farmers, especially fertiliser, in good time will guarantee food security in the nation,” he said.

The traditional ruler noted that the country was blessed with abundant human and mineral resources that it should

•Etsu Nupe

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Ekiti renovates hospitals

HE Ekiti State government has disclosed that it would spend N1 billion on the renovation of the 18 general hospitals in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasuba, said this in Ado-Ekiti during a “Health Summit” organised by the ministry.

He said that the contract for the renovation had been awarded and the contractors also mobilised to site.

“The state government is determined to salvage the health sector and we have made arrangement towards ensuring that the jobs are completed within 12 months,” he said.

Fasuba said government had discovered that the major challenge confronting healthcare

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delivery in the state was poor infrastructure.

“We have discovered that maintenance of infrastructure facilities, inadequate technical personnel, dilapidated buildings, potable water, electricity supply and ambulances are major challenges confronting the sector.

“These, among other things, have accounted for some limitations in our quest to deliver healthcare in the state,” he said.

He called on individuals, groups and corporate bodies to come to the aid of government in reducing to the barest, preventable and curable diseases in the state.

Borno, firm to train engineers

ORNO State government is to collaborate with a Chinese firm, the 18th Bureau Group Limited, to train its civil engineers, Governor Kashim Shettima has said.

This is contained in a statement issued in Maiduguri and signed by Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Shettima on Communication.

The statement said Shettima disclosed this after a visit to the company’s headquarters in

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Ekiti

Liulin Hext District, Tianjin, about 100 km from Beijing.

The statement said the governor, who was in China, visited the company to explore areas of collaboration.

It said that during the meeting between the parties, it was agreed that engineers and other construction workers from the state would be trained on road construction and repairs.

“The state will send civil engineers on attachment to the company in China to gain experience under the arrangement.

Council chief marks 600 days

HE Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area,in Lagos State, Hon.Augustine Arogundade, has disclosed that his administration would continue to make life easy for residents through the provision of basic social ammenities.

Speaking during the commissioning of some projects as part of the activities marking his 600 days in office a few days ago,Hon.Arogundade said:”This administration has graded about 100 roads in the last few months.In addition, the Amje Community Development Association also received financial assistance of one million naira from our administration to enable it construct a drainage system.We have also tarred Kola Ogunjale and Sunday Oki Streets.

“We have also constructed seven new classrooms,sick bay,toilets and provided water at Amikanle Primary School.Besides,we have totally rehabilitated Aboru Primary School,constructed new staff offices at the council secretariat and rebuilt the Unity Mar-

By Kunle Akinrinade

ket at Kola.The council secretariat was also renovated and beautified with the state ofthe-art equipment.

He explained that his administration had also embarked on training and empowerment programme for residents in order to engender self- employment.

“Empowerment of residents has become the focalpoint of our administration since we came on board in 2011.To this end, the vocational centre at Oke-Odo has been renovated and upgraded to world class standard and it is among the projects commissioned today.Many youths especially women would be trained in computer operations, fashion designing,hair dressing ,event decoration,soap making, catering and hotel management.”

Hon.Arogundade called for the support of residents of the council area in the quest by his administration for infrastructural development.

•From left: Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Hon. Arogundade, Hon. Bisi Yusuf and Baale of Oki, Chief Sunday Oki during the inauguration of Kola Ogunjale Road, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State.

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HE Yobe State government says it has put in place the necessary machinery to provide 85 per cent of the residents’ water needs by 2015.

The state Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa gave the assurance when he inspected borehole construction and rehabilitation projects in Nangere and Jakusko local government areas.

He stressed that the state would be able to attain the water targets of the MDGs by 2015.

Karasuwa stressed that the state government had begun the drilling of 850 boreholes in various rural communities across the state.

“The government deliberately embarked on these projects to meet the water needs of the rural populace, while the Damaturu regional water supply project is in progress and it will meet the water requirements of

Niger not only depend on oil money to meet its needs.

“All that farmers need from government is availability of fertiliser, tractors as well as chemicals at subsidised prices.

“It is high time that government at all levels gave priority attention to agricultural sector to ensure food security for sustenance of the nation’s economy,” he said.

Abubakar said that one of the mandates of the committee was to facilitate access to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) specialised funds for farmers in Nupe Kingdom.

The committee, he said, would also work out modalities to mobilise farmers into clusters and cooperatives toward boosting crops production particularly rice.

The chairman of the committee,Maj-Gen. Mohammed Gana (rtd),promised that members would discharge their duty according to their mandate.

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•Ikeja Local Govt Chairman, Hon Wale Odunlami congratulating one of the beneficiaries of the council’s poverty alleviation programme. With them is the council’s Supervisor for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Alhaja Adenike Balogun.

Tunji Braithwaite Foundation visits prisoners Lagos

UNJI Braithwaite Foundation (TBF) has paid a visit to Ikoyi prison, Lagos

State in effort to give hope to the prisoners.The foundation also gave them some relief materials.

Dr Tunji Braithwaite who led the foundation members, said that their visit to the prison was part of the celebration of his forth com-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

ing birthday and also the first visit of the foundation to help prisoners.

He urged the prisoners not to lose hope, saying that there is a bright future for them. He

said that God will set them free again so that they continue to contribute to the development of the country.

In his words, the administration of justice in Nigeria is terrible due to the fact that a lot of people who should not be in the prison are there suffering.

“The number of those in the prison await-

ing trial is more than those actually convicted and many of them are there because they could not pay the bills.

“Justice in this country is too expensive” Braithwaite said.

“It should be the responsibility of government to ensure that suspects are given legal representation ‘’No democracy in the world would allow any suspect to go to court without providing a free legal representation.

“My lawyers have always represented indigent suspects for the past 53 years, but, how many can we do?.

He said it is in Nigeria that you will see a case of a man charged to court for wandering or for some minor things and he will spend years in the prison, and yet you find a man who stole billions of dollars go with little or no charge, this is injustice.

“I advocate for revolution in this country that they should change the system of justice that is not in favour of the poor”.

• Dr. Tunji Braithwaite (left) being welcomed by Controller of Prison, Lagos State Command, Mrs Cata He said that no offender should Ononye, (right) during the visit of his foundation to Ikoyi prison, Lagos. With them are officials of the appear in court without free legal PHOTO: OLATUNDE ODEBIYI foundation. representation provided by the state.

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Group seeks new order

Socio-political pressure group, Anambra Reality Group, has canvassed a paradigm shift in the day-to-day running of the state where creativity and accountability will be the hallmark of governance.

This position was made known by the interim chairman of the group, Chief Clement Chukwuka at a briefing in Lagos. He said the time has come for the state created about 22 years ago to become aggressive in infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, healthcare, skill acquisition, youth and women empowerment.

He said the state needs to be proactive and scientific in planning, thorough in execution of programmes and accountable to the people from where power derives.

The group promised to be involved in awareness campaign over every candidate that would be involved in the November governorship election. “Anambra Reality Group will key-in the creation of awareness and identification of good governance principles and ethics inherent in respective prospective candidate historical records”.

When asked of the major grouse the group is having with the incumbent governor Peter Obi the chairman said the governor has done his best within the limit of his knowledge and resources at his disposal but insisted that the state needs to move on a fast lane, saying: ‘The

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vulnerable women and youths associations in the local government area irrespective of religion, tribe and political party.” Aris said.

The SSG, who hails from the area, said government alone could not satisfy the need of the people, hence, the need for well-meaning individuals to assist.

He said that over 2,500 bags of fertilisers and seeds were distributed free to the groups,

and urged them to use the inputs judiciously.

In their separate remarks, the District Head of Banjiram, Malam Musa Talaka and Mrs. Paulina Hassan, Leader, Guyuk Widows Association, thanked the SSG for the gesture.

They observed that the gesture was not the first time, urging other well-meaning sons and daughters of the area to emulate the good example.

Briefly

Conference THE End Time Apostolic Global Network (ETAGN) is planning a three-day national conference for ministers and leaders in Nigeria.

ETAGN is not a church but a body of people that represents various ministries: An international association of gospel ministers of God around the world set up to unite the body of Christ to rekindle the apostolic power.

The programme with the theme: ‘Go forward’ is scheduled to take place from 1st to the 4th of August 2013, at the Nigeria headquarters in Ota. Ministering will be Tola Olukilede, head ETAGN Nigeria, Pastor Rotimi Israel, Senior Pastor true Worshipers International Ministry, Pastor Fidelis Okorie of the Word Chapel Ikeja, and Bishop Joy Oberike, ETAGN Lagos Bishop.

In a press conference to herald the programme, the General Secretary of ETAGN, Apostle Michael Adebayo said among other things, it is aimed at imparting the ministers of God, like Pastors, Bishops and others to ensure they improve in the service of God.

Onitsha main market appears to be a shadow of itself as most of its arms had relocated to neighbouring states and its environs due to poor management of security and infrastructural issues by our leaders. The proposed Oba Airport was politicised and abandoned despite the fact that Anambra indigenes are major users”.

Speaking on the strategies to achieve their aim, the chairman said the union will comb every nook and cranny of the state to sell their idea to the residents.He added: “There is always a full stop to a problem. Some of us have taken five months sabbatical to follow this cause.”

Polio in Bauchi

• From left: The Marketing Manager, Unilever Plc, Mr. Rotimi Oyesiji ,President, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Eko Chapter, JC Jide Adeyemi, wife of the Oba of Mushin Olori Safiat Aileru and the king, Oba Fatai Aileru during the JCI Eko Clean Up Lagos project at the Ojuwoye Market, Mushin .

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Honour for philanthropist

BLACK American philanthropist, Dr Fayemisi Miccollin has been honoured by the Olubadanof Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade (1). She bagged the Yeye-Metoawo of Ibadan land, title. Dignitaries, chiefs and well wishers from all walks of life were present at the coronation ceremony at the palace of the monarch.

Miccollin is an African –American who grew up in United State of America and the second contemporary black American to be conferred with such a chieftaincy title in Ibadan land.

While speaking on the criteria considered by the king maker, Chief Oyewusi Fakayode who represented Olubadan at the event said Dr. Miccllin has been promoting Yoruba culture both in Nigeria and abroad. He added that her contribution to the poor on the African Continent especially in Nigeria cannot be over emphasised.

He said the people of Ibadan land appreciate the culture and also keen about promoting Yoruba culture.

In her own remark, Mrs. Micclin said it is not all about the crown she received but all about the work she intended to do for the people by

By Jeremiah Oke

giving out relief materials and appreciating the culture.

She said it is painful to see many Nigerians children suffering when they are talented because Nigerians in United State of America are leading their counterparts from other countries in most schools.

Micclin added that she has been bringing eye glasses for those who are having eye problem in Nigeria since last year. She added that she had adopted a primary school and ready to help the children.

In her words; “it is not all about the crown but the work I am intend to do. Some of us in Diaspora are now tracing our pedigree which we have lost for the past 400 years ago back home. “ I have been bringing relieve materials home since last year so as to help our less privilege people in Nigeria. I have also adopted a primary school (olubi memorial primary school) where I want to be helping our pupils.

“I want to urge our people never to look down on themselves because Nigerians are leading I most of the school in US.

Gombe to spend N200m on women centres

HE polio control team in Bauchi State has reported two new cases of polio in Bauchi and Toro Local Government Areas of the

state.

Malam Musa Mohammed, the officer in charge of the fight against polio disease in the state, announced this discovery in Bauchi.

Mohammed told newsmen that the cases were discovered in July and immediately a team of personnel was moved to the affected areas with adequate drugs to attend to the situation.

He said that administering polio vaccines to children was being repeated in the affected areas.

•Governor Gaidam their project sites are now back; they have resumed work on these facilities and, we hope to complete these projects as soon as possible,’’ he added

Adamawa SSG lifts widows, youths

HE Secretary to the Adamawa State Government (SSG), Mr Kobis Aris, has assisted 200 widows in Guyuk Local Government Area of the state with agricultural inputs.

Aris, during the presentation at Guyuk town, the council headquarters, said the gesture was part of his personal effort to improve the living conditions of the widows.

“This gesture is my personal contribution to the development of the people of my area, as we all know that government alone cannot do everything.

“This is to be distributed free to various

By Bode Monogbe

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the state capital.

“Most parts of Yobe State are located in the arid region with very difficult geology but this administration has deliberately taken the challenge of providing water to most of the rural communities which never had water facilities since the creation of the state.

“The ministry is inspecting these projects to ensure that work is done according to specifications. This will enable the government to get value for its resources, while the people enjoy abundant and hygienic water supply,’’ he said.

Karasuwa noted that similar inspections had been carried out on projects in Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani and Potiskum local government areas.

He, however, noted that the projects’ completion was initially disrupted by the security challenges which faced the state.

“I am satisfied that our contractors who fled

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• Mrs Miccollin and some of the chiefs during the presentation of the certificate of chieftancy.

OMBE State Government has said it would spend N200 million on the construction of two women development centres in the state.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,Hajiya Fatima Abubakar told journalists in Gombe that N100 million would be spent on each of the centres located in Gombe and Deba.

She said the centres would boost empowerment

of women, particularly those not gainfully employed, to enable them to learn skills of their choices.

The commissioner said the centres would be equipped with facilities such as knitting, sewing, pomade-making, tie and dye materials and beadsmaking workshop.

Abubakar said literacy classes and home economic laboratories would also be established at the centres, adding that work on the projects would begin soon.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Contract sanctity

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• Since pacts are binding, FG must honour its agreement with ASUU

HUKWUEMEKA Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity, exemplified official impertinence towards sanctity of an agreement during his appearance before the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was before the committee to render his achievements as Minster of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In condescension of a 2009 agreement which government signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), he averred: ”I inherited an agreement signed by the Federal Government with ASUU and that agreement is practically impossible for any administration to implement. We are still discussing with them… I hope that very soon, we will re-

‘We call on President Jonathan, a former lecturer, to hasten the process of honouring this agreement so that the nation could bid farewell to the era of incessant strikes in the nation’s universities. It is bad enough that the nation’s polytechnics were grounded because both academic and non-academic staff of those institutions went on strike for about two months. When students are not engaged in school, they are otherwise engaged in ways that are detrimental to the society’

solve it.”

The NWC, led by Bamanga Tukur, national chairman of the PDP should have been stupefied by the tepid response of the minister on efforts so far made to end the on-going ASUU strike. If members of the committee prefer to treat this as another PDP ‘family affair,’ we are not going to allow that. It is incredulous that the ruling party’s highest decision-making organ saw nothing awful about such a sneering response to an important enquiry about an issue that bothers on the country’s educational progress.

Whatever the shortcomings inherent in the Academic Earned Allowance (AEA) agreement between ASUU and government since 2009; whatever the immoderation of ASUU itself in pursuing payment of superfluous allowances through incessant strikes, the issue remains that an agreement signed by a previous administration remains binding on its successor.

We ask: How can an agreement validly entered into by government with a trade union be declared impossible to implement by a minister of this administration?

Could his statement openly declared at the Wadada Plaza National Secretariat of the ruling PDP be a reflection of the mindset of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration? We doubt whether Wogu realised the damaging implication of his statement to the integrity of the government he is serving. The minister and the administration must realise that government is a continuum, as such, this administration is vicariously liable for the actions and inactions of its predecessors.

Furthermore, previous administrations that signed agreements with ASUU were PDP governments like the one presently in power. At any rate, a legal document freely signed by parties automatically becomes a binding document. It would be dishonourable for either of them to renege on it.

It is horrific that successive administrations in the country have developed the habit of not honouring pacts/agreements freely reached with ASUU. Yet, these lecturers are the bedrock for producing the best in diverse disciplines necessary to take the country to lofty heights. The Federal Government must show respect for sanctity of agreement. The government should not just be mouthing the idea of ‘doing everything possible to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of everybody,’ it should make sure that the public truly sees it as doing and achieving that laudable end so that students can be back on campuses as soon as possible.

We call on President Jonathan, a former lecturer, to hasten the process of honouring this agreement so that the nation could bid farewell to the era of incessant strikes in the nation’s universities. It is bad enough that the nation’s polytechnics were grounded because both academic and non-academic staff of those institutions went on strike for about two months.

When students are not engaged in school, they are otherwise engaged in ways that are detrimental to the society. As they say, ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop’.

These incessant strikes are not doing the country’s tertiary institutions’ image or the ruling PDP-led government any good.

Helping hands

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•Caring for the victims of fundamentalist militancy is vital to lasting peace

S the Federal Government presses ahead with its efforts to resolve the problem of Islamic insurgency, it is vital that measures be taken to assist the women and children whose lives have been negatively affected by the conflict.

They fall into two main groups. The first constitutes those who are relatives of the murderous bombing and shooting campaign of Boko Haram and other militant groups. The second is made up of the spouses and offspring of the militants themselves. Even though it would appear that they are positioned at opposite ends of the conflict, it is clear that they share more similarities than differences.

For instance, both groups of women and children are passive observers rather than active participants. While the innocence of the relations of Boko Haram’s victims is beyond doubt, even those who are related to the perpetrators of terrorist acts appear to have been absolved of complicity in the actions of the insurgents. This was confirmed by a government announcement in May releasing several relations of Boko Haram operatives who had been apprehended by the Joint Task Force.

Regardless of whether they are related to the insurgency’s victims or its operatives, the plight of these women and children is truly pitiful. Deprived of breadwinners, often ostracised or ignored by the rest of society, and nursing grievous physical and psychological scars, their situation further aggravates the trauma of a vicious conflict that has spared nobody.

To make matters worse, it appears that there are few comprehensive efforts to ensure that those who have been

adversely affected by the activities of the insurgents are properly rehabilitated.

Many relatives of the victims have consistently complained of abandonment by both the Federal Government and the relevant state governments.

In April, the Christian Elders Forum of Northern States expressed dismay at the apparent willingness of the Federal Government to grant Boko Haram amnesty without saying anything about compensation for the victims of its violence. Also, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution on Security Challenges in the North, Tanimu Turaki, said government could only offer “support” to the victims, although it would compensate the families of soldiers who had been killed in fighting the militants.

The anti-insurgency campaign cannot be won if those affected through no fault of their own are left to their own devices.

Indeed, it might lead to a hardening of attitudes which could ultimately strengthen the cause of the insurgents.

The vacuum created by the absence of resolute government action is very likely to be filled by those who hope to turn the inevitable anger and despair to their own ends.

A comprehensive rehabilitation plan would incorporate two broad elements.

The first is the provision of immediate and short-term succour relating to relocation and the provision of emergency relief, housing and counselling. The second deals with the resolution of lessimmediate issues. One of the most important of these has to do with the

education of the children. A far-reaching education programme for them is vital.

It would solve several problems simultaneously: it would occupy them, counter radical ideas and vengeful notions, and properly equip them for the future. As for the women, training in a range of life skills and the provision of grants or soft loans would help them attain the financial independence that they need.

Rehabilitation plans of this sort could become the launch-pad for the development of a far-reaching social welfare programme that would seek to address the long-standing deprivation that confronts the majority of Nigeria’s citizens. By seeking to even out the outrageous gap between the rich and the poor, it would help to ensure greater socio-economic stability and a corresponding reduction in sectarian violence.

‘The anti-insurgency campaign cannot be won if those affected through no fault of their own are left to their own devices.

Indeed, it might lead to a hardening of attitudes which could ultimately strengthen the cause of the insurgents. The vacuum created by the absence of resolute government action is very likely to be filled by those who hope to turn the inevitable anger and despair to their own ends’

A setback on polio

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NLY A few months ago, there was great optimism that polio was on the verge of eradication. The world saw only 223 cases in 2012, the lowest level in history, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, an umbrella group, unveiled a major strategy to wipe out the disease over the next five years.

Those hopes now seem clouded by a poliovirus outbreak in Somalia and Kenya. This year, there have been 81 cases in these two countries, more than the 59 cases in the three countries where polio remains endemic: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. The first case in this outbreak, on April 30, was a 4month-old girl who developed symptoms of acute paralysis in Dadaab, Kenya — the site of a major refugee camp, with 500,000 people, near the Somali border; within days, a case was confirmed in neighboring Somalia, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Polio is a highly contagious disease that affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis, largely among children age 5 and younger. It spreads rapidly.

The WHO has warned that the “risk to neighboring countries is deemed very high, due to large-scale population movements across the Horn of Africa and persistent immunity gaps in some areas.” The worry about immunity gaps is serious. Vaccination is the most critical tool in the battle against polio, and oral vaccines are much improved, but some 500,000 children in Somalia have not been vaccinated in several years, if at all.

These vulnerable children are in areas largely outside the control of Somalia’s weak central government, and the fear is these regions could become a cauldron for poliovirus, fueling the outbreak for a long time.

Health workers simply can’t reach them.

In hopes of containing the virus, road posts are being set up along major corridors to vaccinate those going and coming from the remote areas, while fresh vaccination campaigns are targeting Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

The latest outbreak underscores how armed conflicts threaten populations not only with bullets but also with disease. In Pakistan, polio has maintained a stubborn foothold in areas roiled by violence, including the assassination of polio vaccination workers by militants. Fortunately, in Somalia there does not appear to be resistance to vaccination, just an inability to extend it to those in need.

This is not the first outbreak of its kind.

When vaccination was suspended in Nigeria in 2003, the virus spread across the continent, including into the Horn of Africa, and eventually into Yemen, resulting in some 700 cases. Lessons learned from that experience are being deployed in battling the current outbreak, and it is not likely to derail the global campaign for eradication. But the virus is demonstrating a dogged resilience, and it will take enormous determination and hard work to extinguish the latest scourge.

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The remuneration of members of National Assembly has been a top secret since the inception of democracy in 1999. The management of National Assembly and the leadership of both chambers have consistently frustrated any effortsmade to ascertain the actual remuneration of members. Requests and efforts by civil society groups, spirited individuals and newspaper houses to bring to fore, the pay package of these people have continued to suffer setbacks,even after the passage of the Freedom of Information Act which made it compulsory for such information and others to be available at the public domain on request.

Presently, the reason for withholding this vital information from the public is staring all of us in the face.The wind has blown and we

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Lawmakers and jumbo pay have seen the hidden rump of the fowl. The Economist, a United Kingdom based weekly magazine, has revealed and adjudged members of the National Assembly to have received and still receive so much undeserved money as salaries and emoluments of 116 times more than the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person and also more than legislators in developed and wealthier nations, thereby making Nigeria the most expensive democracy in the world.

In the face of glaring abject poverty, dilapidated infrastructure and

diseases to mention but a few, it is incredible and heart breaking to note that one single Senator and member House of Representatives takes home N61,330,560.00 and N48,195,647.00 annually respectively in both salaries and allowances. This is happening in a country where majority struggle to survive on less than one dollar per day.A country where a meager N18,000.00 minimum wage has become an unresolved issue in government/labour relations.

People have seen that holding political offices as the easiest way

to acquire illicit wealth. That was why politics has become a do-ordie-affair in Nigeria. In other climes, dog does not eat the bone hung on its neck. But the reverse is the case in Nigeria. If those expected to be ardent custodian of our national till will pillage it to suit their whims and caprices, the nation is doomed.

Are we cursed or are we the cause of our misfortune and predicament?With little or no people oriented legislation to show, these people have dead consciences to have appropriated so much to

Maina revealed that Nigeria has the highest cases of VVF in the world with an ‘estimated’ 400, 000 to 800,000 cases of which 20,000 cases added annually.

Why then, should some people fail to consider the well being of the young girl and risk their health by making them liable to becoming victims of VVF? No good reasons for this other than selfishness, Wickedness and heartlessness. Even in slavery, this was extremely unpleasant, infact, not practiced, and only in slavery can people be treated against their comfort, according to the owner’s wish. Children are not commodities, they are not disposable valueless-valuables, but assets worth protecting no matter their sex.

There are claims that the law makers did not legalise child marriage in their recent resolution; that something similar to child marriage has been in the constitution; that the people should be grateful to the law makers for creating awareness and that many of the critics should not speak as if it is a new thing in the constitution. These

claims seem correct- the law makers only refused to delete that law.

But, must we retain evil because we did not initiate it? Is it compulsory that only those who make a law or initiate something can alter it? Must we continue everything that was done in the past?

Concerning error, is it not because we are involved, is it not because it is in us, is it not because we agree with it and because we love to practice it, that make us to conclude that error should remain?

Child Marriage affects mostly the female (and the poverty stricken frustrated parents). So it is still an aspect of the many evils of ‘a blind patriarchy system’ which still sees

female as a property just for man comfort.

Child Marriage is a crime to humanity. If we discuss the issue according to custom or culture of some people and conclude that it must be allowed, why did we not allow human sacrifice even though it used to be part of the custom of some people?

Child marriage is a crime to childhood, womanhood and humanity.

It is not as if the marriable or the mature are finished or scarce, it is not as if the underage will not attain the proper age so what is the essence of child marriage?

• Kuye Samuel O. University of Lagos

Child marriage is crime against humanity

IR: Oliver Gold Smith said, ‘Law grinds the poor and rich men rule the law’. That is the case in Nigeria. Education is progressing to a level at which it becomes a game exclusive for the rich and robbers. As if evil is pleasant, as if the people pray for pain and poverty, a greater burden and evil is being introduced, to drain and dry the value of the poor.

Child marriage, basically for underage girls, is a baseless issue which overtly opines that the essence of the existence of the female folk is to be used and overused or misused by the male folk at will.

It is irritating that despite hard facts about the evils of child marriage, such as hard evidences of medical implication, many of the people’s representatives prefer to allow child abuse, female oppression, female abuse, in term of child or early marriage.

There are several cases of Vesico Virginal Fistula (VVF) in Nigeria.

Nigeria is said to record the highest cases of VVF in the world. The minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab

themselves to the detriment of majority.

Nigeria has consciously failed to measure up with other countries of the world in growth and advancement in human capital and infrastructural developments compared to her abundant natural and human resources because those in positions of authority have woefully failed to live up to their responsibilities. Nigeria has equally become one of the poorest nations in the world despite these huge resources obviously for lack of vision, selfishness and the high level of misplacements accorded priorities in the country. The question is who will save Nigeria?

The Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission is called upon to quickly review downward this undeserved jumbo salaries and allowances of members of National Assembly. The economy cannot sustain this legislative profligacy. When has the job of legislating in an air-conditioned chamber become more tedious than that of school teacher who is yet to receive the agreed N18000.00 minimum wage in many states of the federation?

Finally, it is high time Nigeria considered Parliamentary system of government because it is more transparent and less expensive to run. Unfortunately, the same members of the National Assembly who are the drivers of constitution review and amendment initiative did not find it attractive for inclusion in the process.

• Sunday Onyemaechi Eze Zaria, Kaduna State

Ogun, pay my pension deductions

S

IR: After 14 years of meritorious service and voluntary resignation in December 31, 2012, from the employment of Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board I have not been paid my pension which was deducted from my salary.

I need this money to start a small scale business pending the time my gratuities will be paid.

I have written letters for the refund; till date, there has been no positive response.

My pension administrator is SIGMA PENSIOSN LIMITED.

I am using this medium to appeal to the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State to please act swiftly and use his good office to save my soul and others involved.

• Babajide Olusola Olanrewaju Ogun State

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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COMMENTS

FRSC Ogere; Al Capone & Al Mustapha: Court Marshal? Electricity Power play

A

RESPONSE by Dapo A on lane mile costs in America came. Please note that a kilometre is 0.62miles. So the 132km former LagosTony Ibadan Expressway is Marinho just 78miles. In the USA, in urban areas, widening costs $2.4 –$6.9 million per lane-mile. In rural areas, $1.6 - $3.1 million per lanemile. So draw your own conclusions about JuliusBerger/ RCC costs and the 48 month contract for 78 miles.

The now permanent FRSC Ogere roadblock actually breaks the law by narrowing the two lane federal highway to one lane. It is manned by officers standing in the expressway stopping vehicles. The FRSC man actually smashed the mirror of a vehicle dodging arrest, making the FRSC at Ogere a nuisance, a laughing stock and a cause of traffic jams. The FRSC team, as an obstruction at Ogere, has replaced the trailers moved to parks. Is there no one in FRSC with love of country and authority to dismantle this menace? Deliberate, unnecessary and malicious narrowing of the expressway which takes 60100 cars a minute to one lane is a punishable and towable offence. Who will tow the FRSC? The possession of a uniform must not promote illegality.

Let the FRSC re-learn the ‘Soyinka’ civilised ways of road safety and not ‘go slow’. FRSC should promote ‘Right lane driving’ and fight over-speeding. Most commercial vehicles take off from motor parks. FRSC/ NURTW joint motor park inspection, ‘particulars’ checks, load assessments, monitoring, registration and passenger manifests will improve the rights of citizens to a safe journey. Install an ‘FRSC Desk’ in every motor park. Who at FRSC is listening? As for the illegal vehicles, the ‘Stop’ method must be applied in a more ‘Keep Traffic Moving’ friendly manner. FRSC needs to get more success with ‘Preventive FRSC Road Safety Strategies’. Prevention is better than cure.

Al Mustapha is still in the Nigerian Army. Is he a mili-

A

LMOST all the major international network news stations are still engrossed in the celebration of the new royal baby, George Alexander Louis. He is to be known as His Royal Highness, Prince George of Cambridge. The frenzy and wide coverage of his birth reminded me of a mini-documentary sometime ago on the charming Prince Harry Williams, the proud father of the baby who is now third in line to the British throne. The documentary, which was aired on Cable News Network, CNN, was titled: “Royal Watchers; Harry, the Soldier Prince”.

The documentary was on Prince Harry and his numerous engagements. Starting from when he was a baby, the documentary ran through the death of Diana (his mother), his sojourn in the British Army, his diplomatic engagements within Britain and other places, his deployment to Afghanistan for military duties and all that.

Throughout the period the stuff lasted, I stayed glued to the TV set, watching the moving and captivating scenes. During the burial of his mother, Harry exuded the confidence unexpected of a lad at his age.

He was composed, calm and devoid of any trace of emotional distraction, as he followed the hearse bearing the body of his mother in an ornamental casket adorned with a bouquet of flowers.

As a cadet in the elite Sandhurst Military Academy, Harry was a beautiful sight to behold in his trimmed and well-fitted military uniform. His squad mates who were intermittently interviewed described him as a young officer who responded well to training and military discipline. He was said to mix freely and devoid of the opulence of royalty. Every now and then, he

tary role model? As Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, CSO, Al Mustapha’s tenure ‘witnessed’ many targeted, attacked and murdered citizens by ‘someone’ using the Army as ‘cover’. There are several explanations. Perhaps the CSO was innocent but incredibly irresponsible and stupid amounting to gross incompetence, negligence of duty and malicious military malfeasance. Perhaps Al Mustapha was the hands-on military leader of a devil team. Perhaps the victims did kill themselves as suggested by that government.

Sometimes you do not catch criminals for what they do, but for what they do not do. Al Capone was not jailed for murder but for tax evasion. Is there a parallel between Al Mustapha and Al Capone? They both begin with ‘Al’. They ‘are’ both ‘smooth customers’, considered nasty pieces of work. Fifteen years on, the army must exonerate itself and tell of the Al Mustapha Days.

Did he acquit himself as an officer and a gentleman?

Should the army sit in judgement on the irrefutable, activities of Major Al Mustapha? The army could consider a Court Marshal for ‘Actions Unbecoming of a Nigerian Officer, let alone a gentleman’.

There will be a flurry of intimidation, ‘let time heal all wounds’ and let ‘bygones be bygones’ as ‘the blood is dry’. Someone will play the ethnic card of North Vs South or even Kano vs. Katsina and the Yar’Adua connection or the Abubakar financial issues. Then there is the Abacha loot still in safe houses? Al Mustapha will have money, Governor of Kano State, Kakwanso has promised, as he seeks a successor. Even Hitler was never tried, but guilty as sin and won by democratic elections and then unleashed evil. Germany lost that war but has gained the same superpower status through peace. A strong lesson for war mongers seeking to write stupid memoirs to themselves. Thank God for Brig Gen AlabiIsama for putting the records of Obasanjo’s forgetful ‘My Command’ straight! We must counter with money for prosecution. We must donate to a fund, ‘Abacha Victims Justice Fund’, to get justice – civil, military or moralbefore the next generation of Al Mustaphas appear.

The risk of silence in this matter will accelerate the

choreographed ‘Rehabilitation of Al Mustapha’ and the dancing on the graves of ‘The Abacha Dead’. In addition Al Mustapha could be rehabilitated in the army and ‘God Forbid’, be given 15 years back-pay, honourable discharge or promotion. There are enough SANs, resting between political tribunal trials, to suggest that he may sue for ‘wrongful incarceration’ even though he was responsible for most of the court ‘adjournments’. If we are not attentive we may soon be facing Senator, Governor Al Mustapha of Kano State, Minster of Defence, Vice President and President Al Mustapha. After all, many did no less ‘Honourable and Distinguished’ things than Al Mustapha to get into nasty National Assembly, NASS. The Abacha Dead have families’ ruined financially and emotionally. What compensation does victims of government violence get when politicians crazily and serially award ‘Life Salaries and Allowances- SAP’- to already fat-cat principal NASS officers? NASS, is there a ‘Victims of Government Violence Compensation Act’ or even an artistic masterpiece monument to the ‘The Abacha Dead’ taller than evil, wider than devilry. For Nigeria’s children to live in peace, we adults, must face our suspected killers and their mentors or lose our children in our lifetime.

Meanwhile, where is Nigeria’s needed 100,000Mw of electric power? Stolen or lost in Nigeria’ power play?

Power supply is not nuclear physics; the countries with power have good governance, not criminal politicians with two heads.

‘Fifteen years on, the army must exonerate itself and tell of the Al Mustapha Days. Did he acquit himself as an officer and a gentleman?

Should the army sit in judgement on the irrefutable activities of Major Al Mustapha?’

‘Harry, the Soldier Prince’ was seen in the video clips either marching side by side with his mates or engaged in one military exercise or another.

When he was deployed to the battle front in Afghanistan, he was seen flying a combat helicopter along with some of his colleagues. Again, he was shown on foot patrol in full combat gear. The scene then changed from Southern Afghanistan to the northern part of the country, where he went on patrol with the armoured unit stationed there.

The highlight of that patrol was when his team spotted an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) on their route. The tank came to a halt as Harry got in touch with the bomb disposal unit which mobilised and promptly arrived at the scene in a Tomahawk helicopter. On the approach of the helicopter, Harry had thrown out a fire cracker from the tank, ostensibly to pinpoint the area where the device was buried. This was to prevent the helicopter from landing right on top of the IED, which could spell doom. In a few minutes, the device was detonated and Harry and his team continued their patrol.

The scenes of his diplomatic shuttles include when he represented his maternal grandmother, the Queen, in Jamaica, Haiti, Canada and the rest. Here, he exhibited the statesman in him to the delight of his numerous hosts and the Queen. Everywhere, he went, he distinguished himself as someone who had the passion to mix freely with children and the downtrodden, shaking their hands, hugging them when necessary and sharing chocolates and

‘Those who call themselves royal bloods in this part of the world only have passion to acquire wealth, exhibit outlandish lifestyles, acquire expensive wardrobes, show off crazy limousines and all the rest’

drinks with them.

Of course, his wedding that shook Britain was also well advertised.

From Harry, the considerate lover who became a teacher and role model for his wife, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, to Kate herself who, within a few months, rose to become Britain’s fashion ambassador. In one of the clips, some of the dresses and shoes she wore on some of her engagements became widely sought after as scores of people invaded the shops and emptied them from the shelves as soon as they saw her wear them.

On a visit to Hollywood in California, Harry and Kate were the cynosure of the crowd that lined the routes they took. Not even the wellknown actors and actresses that graced the event received the sort of attention and loud ovation that Harry and his heartthrob were bestowed on by the ecstatic crowd.

The crowd also carried several placards, one of which read: “Harry and Kate: All we want is a wave”. That underscores the degree of excitement and warmth displayed by the crowd towards Harry and Kate.

But by far, the most compelling part of the episode which sent cold shivers down my spines was the visit by Harry to Lesotho, a tiny country located on the southern fringes of Africa where he spent two months in an African jungle among the blacks. What was really astonishing in this part of the entire documentary was that he spent the whole two months attending to and caring for AIDS sufferers who form a large proportion of the population. In a brief interview, he expressed optimism that the problems bedevilling the population would be tackled. But he said it was not something that could be done in two or three years. This means that it was going to be a long distance race, especially when he was told that the greatest danger was the primitive belief among the people

that “once an AIDS sufferer goes to bed with a minor, the disease could be cured instantly”.

In his parting remarks there, Harry promised to get back to the country at least twice in a year, “if his military duties would allow him.” That statement underscores his commitment to assist the poor, a deep sense of empathy with their plight as well as discipline as a military officer who does not want his royal background to interfere with his normal life. It would be recalled that the late Diana, Harry’s mother, was involved in many shuttles to the neglected parts of Africa, Asia and other Third World countries where she offered succour and compassion for the poor during her eventful life time.

As I watched the documentary from start to finish, something struck me. Here was Harry born with the proverbial silver spoon, raised in royalty yet had passion, compassion and empathy for the dregs of the earth. I remember a time in the past when he was shown in some British newspapers sleeping on the bare floor, in chilling winter cold with a Nigerian youth, his companion. At that time, all he wanted was to experience the life of the homeless tramps in the society who have nowhere to rest their heads.

The irony of it all is that such display of commonality, as exhibited

by Harry, is, to say the least, alien to us in this clime and perhaps, in Africa in general. Those who call themselves royal bloods in this part of the world only have passion to acquire wealth, exhibit outlandish lifestyles, acquire expensive wardrobes, show off crazy limousines and all the rest.

If you look around, when such spoilt children take over their families’ businesses, they easily run them aground. They are lawless, disrespectful, arrogant and lazy. In most cases, they grow up without any good idea of life except to keep

Dele Agekameh on partying, frolicking in night clubs, drug addiction and all other despicable engagements. By and large, Harry’s documentary is a study in humility, the type that is rarely seen in this part of the universe.

Now that he is a father. It is expected that Harry will devote more time to his family, wife and the new baby. The British Royal Household has an enduring legacy of good upbringing, care and affection. And they are revered all over the place.

The other day at an Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, EO, Forum in London, we had the privilege of having dinner right at the British Royal Museum. It was a delightful sight to behold, with various royal ornaments dating back to centuries on display. The highlight of the night was the ceremonial locking of the Queen’s gate at Buckingham Palace. It was such a treasured memory that will linger in the participants’ sub-consciousness for a long time to come. Such is the royalty and regality associated with the British monarchy which Harry and George, his son, third in line to the British throne, are expected to preserve!

Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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COMMENTS ‘President Jonathan, Nigeria is an egg in your hand and a breakable glass which a stone must not come near; and whatever happens you must consult our big leaders, selfish politicians are deceiving our leaders in power not to pay homage, respect and regards to the democrats and Nigeria at large. For example, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu are PDP states in the Southeast. The President should make peaceful cosultations, even in the Southsouth to start with. Obasanjo, please help keep this country from breaking. From John Onyeakolam, Abia’

•Obasanjo For Segun Gbadegesin Elder Gbadegesin, on behalf of the over 50 million Nigerian youths, I offer appreciation for your piece. Our parents have toed every ignoble path, tainting the pedigree of almost every household without caring what the community or their families think about it.

Well, the bad eggs of the younger generation are fast learning. Anonymous After going through the ordeal of Pastor Uzoechina in the hands Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar as published on Page 5 of The Nation of July 26, I am inclined to believe that Nigeria is a nation under a curse. Who will save Nigerian children from Hausa/ Fulani child abusers? As a father, how would one feel if his daughter is held captive by no less a personality than Etsu Nupe for months?

Can you help publicise the calamity that has befallen the young girl who should by now be in school? From Eyo Bassey, Calabar Your piece on youth rights...was to the point. We ignore our cultural heritage and adopt foreign ones. We fool ourselves into believing that we are hip. We can never fully appreciate the foreign cultures we embrace.

At the end, we are neither African nor European. Any wonder we can never get anything right? Very sad. From C. Y. Nwanodi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Some young academics may quote your statement that “70% of our elite don’t allow their children to speak Yoruba in the house”.

It is not “about 70%”. As a senior academic, some will beat their chests with confidence as they quote a figure from you. I suggest you review the statement before the actual presentation. Rights have been known to have been trampled upon by some traditional faiths. There are festivals in which women are not to be seen on streets even during the day, like some Egungun outings.

A few years ago, l was being driven to a church function dressed as an Anglican cleric, l ran into an Egungun convoy and the people following gave my car a thorough bashing with their canes, despite my slowing down.

They did not do so to other cars passing.

Traditionalists must respect others’ right to practise their faiths unmolested, and the thugs following Egungun should be outlawed. From Canon Professor Babajide Lucas (rtd) Sir, your insightful treatise is the needed tonic to rejuvenate a society that is head and neck deep in crass materialism. It is only a poor man that his idea of service to the electorate is to steal them blind. The future of the youth is being stolen under their noses, albeit with their help. From Ter Akaa, Gboko For the benefit of non-Yoruba-speaking readers like me, translate your Yoruba proverbs into English. You have been doing a lot of disservice to us and to yourself because we cannot comprehend your opinion. Thanks! Anonymous For Olatunji Dare Nice write-up. Every word penned is true! I wonder when (if ever) the world would be rid of racism. From Raphael White men would always see black men as inferior beings because of colour. But they have forgotten that the soul of a white man is not different from that of a black man. If they are so passionate about themselves, they should have restricted their movement to their country. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos Your article on the verdict on Trayvon Martin shows that no society is perfect; racism

which could be likened to tribalism or religious bias still remains a big problem.

Anonymous I read your piece on the Zimmerman and Trayvon case; it was well written. I think the jury was biased. They freed him because Trayvon was a black man. I almost got into a tweet fight on Twitter because of this case. I had to block the other party. May God help us. Anonymous Thank you for an incisive article which I think Americans should read. It captures that inner ‘turmoil’ that every black person experiences in America. Send it to HuffingtonPost Online which enjoys wide readership. From Funso Famuyiwa The Trayvon Martin verdict. The judgment by five Americans in which none favoured Martin was clearly a colour-bar! However, like we used to say, leave the judges and Zimmerman to God. When the police, the real security operative, halted Zimmerman’s chase of Martin, it should have ended in further scrutiny. That was not to be. Finally, let all Blacks worldwide develop their countries to enviable standards, that will halt unnecessary migration to the US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, Japan and others. Then, colour-bar, colour-kill, colour-judgment and coloured justice will end. Quite unfortunate for Martin and family. From Lanre Oseni For Gbenga Omotoso I hail your assumptions. It was just as if you were there. I am sure you assumed right; you know the heart of men. Anonymous Why the noise about the 2015? Will Obasanjo or Babangida decide for me who to vote? I blame Jonathan for running from pillar to post for whaterver reason. He should just do his job. An average electorate knows who to vote for come 2015. Except by rigging, God’s choice will emerge president in 2015 by popular vote. Amaechi’s over-ambition will kill him. So, he should be careful.

Obasanjo or anybody can not stop Jonathan, only the electorate can decide his fate in 2015.

Thank you. From Owowo Abeokuta The piece was wonderful. No sane person will doubt you. I like Obasanjo for his courage.

From Chief Harry Ihebinike Really? Your ear is to the ground, indeed!

But, truth or fantasy, Obasanjo should not be disappointed about the turn of events in Nigeria, afterall, he staged the whole scenario by choosing a seriously challenged man medically to succeed, and suggesting a hardly prepared Vice. He who sows the wind reaps the whirlwind. From Charles Dare Tell us the snippets from the Governors’ visit too. Anonymous The write-up was a great one. The actors in would not have behaved differently. You have a penchant for presenting serious national issues in a light manner. My guess is that Obasanjo would one day knock at your door and start a warm relationship with you. But, please, do not have dinner or dance with him!

From Deji Fasuan A man or woman who forgets the source of his or her strength will definitely go bankrupt.

The president has abandoned the man who brought him to power for those I will call one-day politicians. Obasanjo is a strategist whose political shadow commands respect across the country. I believe the president should by now understand the likes of Edwin Clark and their cohorts, who are fanning the embers of war every second. In this life, whatever you are blessed with, take it and embrace it. The so-called president’s new friends are fishermen-trained militants not politicians. The earlier the president knows this, the better for him. From Hamza Ozi Momoh Apapa Lagos I must commend you on your write-up. I am proud of you as a Nigerian. Well done!

Keep it up! May Almighty Allah continue to be with you, Ameen. Anonymous You are a genius. I am saying this because, for a long time, I have not seen a narrative

like yours. While reading your piece I felt as if I was listening to Obasanjo live. When Obasanjo was elected in 1999, I used to dream of talking one-on-one with him. Did you actually listen to their conversation? From Abubakar Tanko H., Abuja Is your write-up true? If so we need to be careful and pray for Nigeria on 2015 and beyond. I pray God will make our leaders to be sincere and face facts. Anonymous How I wish this is the true discussion of Obasanjo and Jonathan. I enjoyed the Editorial Notebook. As for Jonathan, his wife, PDP and 2015, I dey laugh! From ND, Owerri President Jonathan, Nigeria is an egg in your hand and a breakable glass which a stone must not come near; and whatever happens you must consult our big leaders. Selfish politicians are deceiving our leaders in power not to pay homage, respect and regards to the democrats and Nigeria at large. For example, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu are PDP states in the Southeast. The President should make peaceful cosultations, even in the Southsouth to start with. Obasanjo, please help keep this country from breaking. From John Onyeakolam, Abia Thank God, for somebody like Obasanjo.

As an elder statesman he has said it all, k-leg is now straight. Please, they should leave Amaechi alone. From Hon. Pastor Obadiah Victor The president has played into the hands of Obsanjo just like the Egyptian president played into the hands of the military in Egypt.

You cannot eat your cake and have it. The president is fighting Obasanjo by proxy and pretending as if all is well between them. The president is manipulating himself politically by fighting his political mentor. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos Thanks for your piece on those high profile visits. I think Baba Iyabo has said it all, and correctly, too. For there to be peace and reconciliation, there must be tolerance.

Jonathan should try to tolerate Amaechi and his men to give peace a chance. If peace returns to PDP before 2015, Jonathan will win. From Chris Emeka-Izima, Abuja From the look of things, that is to tell you that Jonathan should forget about 2015. From Ekorian Odeniyi, Lagos Re: “Jonathan visits Obasanjo.” Your writeup and sources of information about Mr. President’s closed door meeting with Obasanjo looks too puerile for Nigerians to believe. From Nuhu, ABU Zaria Re: “Jonathan visits Obasanjo.” Even though Nigerians are not privy to what transpires between the two leaders, I hope they will be kind enough to tell each other the truth. And I hope they realise that the challenges in the land far outweigh every other issue. Nigerians are really suffering.

2015 is still some two years away. Let President Jonathan give Nigerians the full dividends of democracy. We do not have to die of hunger before 2015. From Ojo A. Ayodele, Emure Ekiti For Tunji Adegboyega Re: ‘Clinging to the serpent for help’: Your article and indeed the salient points raised therein are undoubtedly the hardest truth anyone can ever imagine. You succeeded in driving home the truth as never before. Those retired generals have practically nothing new to offer considering their odious, corrupt and inept administrative/political past. May you really be blessed as your comments and analysis on various issues remain a must-read for every discerning mind, including yours truly. More ink to your pen. From Godwin Akpa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Tunji, thanks for your article ‘Clinging to the serpent for help’. The governors did not go to seek help for democracy from Generals Obasanjo and Babangida. They went there to seek support from them to help them fight President Goodluck Jonathan. From Sunny Ehi, Festac Town, Lagos.

•Jonathan Uncle Tunji,yYou don’t want Nigerians to ever forgive IBB. Anonymous.

Tunji, you are on target again. Indeed, those northern governors behaved like a man who, instead of taking his sick child to a doctor took him to an undertaker. OBJ and IBB can only qualify as undertakers in matters of like nature. Anonymous.

‘Clinging to the serpent for help’ should not really bother true democrats because birds of the same feather flock together. Members of the conservative political class met some elders of their class who are retired soldiers interested in politics and not democracy. They are very well disposed to the PDP. The governors met them so that they can intervene in PDP problems and not in search of solutions to democratic challenges. From Alhaji Adey Corsim, Oshodi, Lagos.

T.A., thank you for the comment on IBB and OBJ ’saviourism’. From Imeh Abia, Uyo. So, IBB and OBJ have become beautiful brides that made five governors to visit them to seek intervention over the feud between the presidency and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State so that it does not truncate our democracy. It is a welcome move but what do the former leaders have to offer? From Chika Nnorom,Umukabia, Abia State.

I agree with your analysis of the recent happenings in Nigeria. Birds of the same feather flock together. Those governors are as visionless as the retired generals. It was an insult on our collective memory/ intelligence. If Nigerians do not take collective and drastic steps, the present democratic project will simply act as a channel that will speed up our descent into the abyss.

The choice is ours to make, yours as well as mine. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. .From Okougbo Omonua Ighodalo, Abuja.

Tunji, I disagree with you on the visit of the governors to IBB and OBJ. You had nothing against Gen Abubakar because he handed over power to the civilians as he promised. But the symbol of democracy, M.K.O. Abiola died while he was in the custody of the general’s regime under unfathomable circumstances.

The antecedents of OBJ and IBB in no way disqualify them as statesmen in matters concerning our nationhood. Paul contributed greatly to growth of Christianity, yet, he was hitherto the greatest persecutor of Christians. OBJ and IBB will continue to be relevant in our national life. Remember, nobody is totally good or totally bad. From Barr. Moronkeji.

Re: Clinging to the serpent for help’. You were partial in excluding retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar from the three retired generals. They all worked together in deciding the dos and don’ts of the national legislators as well as the five visiting civilian governors, even among the remaining 19 other PDP governors that will determine Nigeria’s 2015. They are all selfish; including those you tagged ‘progressives’! Why is one of the ‘progressives’ not a leading light in the Labour Party? However, trouble yourself less, as the five governors met already with Mr President on 27/7/2013 to shame you and the opposition. From Lanre Oseni.

Sir, your write-up is the bomb. ‘Clinging to the serpent for help’’. God help you richly for saying the truth plainly. Thanks. From Joe. Hello Tunji, it’s me again; appreciating your ‘Clinging to the serpent for help’. And to add that the generals are saviours who cannot save themselves. . From Biodun, Ibadan.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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Life

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

Text only: 08023058761

Protecting the helpless – Page 28

Fresh campaign against tax evasion – Page 37

•The late Odunewu

Daughters of the Niger Delta – Page 39

Farewell to the ‘dean of satire’

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

HADJ ALADE IDOWU ODUNEWU (NOVEMBER 20, 1927— JULY 25, 2013) An excerpt from the late Hadj Alade Idowu Odunewu’s book, Winner Takes All, a collection of his newspapers’ columns spanning between January 1963 and December 2000; published by West African Book Publishers Limited

I

T is good to be alive. That is the way the late Aremu Alabi, a colleague of ours retorted whenever there was turbulence in the polity and things started falling apart.

As they now do.

The following are quotes from reports in the newspaper on the biggest show in town.

The Vanguard: “After a three-hour ‘fighting on the floor of the House of Representatives members yesterday threw out a motion calling for the probe of the House of leadership… Besides, the lower chamber of the National Assembly mandated its Ethics and Privileges Committee to investigate an allegation that the Executive using some Reps released half a million naira to each member to induce them remove Speaker Ghali Na’Abba. Four million naira cash was tendered in the House as exhibit. Mr Olaka moved that the Speaker should step down…his pronouncement triggered a fresh round of rowdiness and then culminated in a free for all fights between the pro and anti Na’Abba Reps. First to exchange blows were Messrs Jubril Baran and Samuel Obande.

At another corner of the chamber, Mr Sule Yar Gandi who had been moving within the chambers to mobilize support for the Speaker had a brief alteration with another before they were separated.”

The Comet: “In a tempestuous session, the House of Representatives heard yesterday the confessions of some members that they were allegedly bribed with N500,000 each to sign for the removal of the Speaker, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba. But the Executive, accused of the bribery, reacted swiftly, saying it is cheap and wicked blackmail. For hours, almost (N4 million) alleged to be part of the bribe was displayed on the table in front of the Speaker as exhibits… two legislators were injured. Mr Sam Obande (Benue State) has his black suit torn. There were intermittent disruptions of the House’s plenary session while the chamber was soaked in overwhelming tension, deep rancor and revealing drama.”

Nigeria Tribune: “The House, which for the first time in several months began sitting as promptly as 10.00a.m shortly after, threw itself into a rowdy session that was to witness a free exchange of blows by members for over one hour, with many legislators sustaining injuries, while others had their clothes shredded.”

The Guardian: “Members indeed traded punches, stabbed themselves and tore each other’s dress…there were loud disagreements between the pro and anti Na’Abba groups. A melee ensued and in no time Sam Obande (PDP Benue) exchanged blows with a pro Na’Abba, Barai Jubrin. Then many Na’Abba loyalists swooped on Obande and tore his jacket… by this time, the House was a battlefield as the fight spread. Representative Alobi Nyambi (APP Cross River) was stabbed but only his coat was cut.”

Although I did not see this reported by any of the newspapers, I heard that a little kid who saw his daddy, a Rep on television during the show applauded loudly, satisfied that the family bread winner gave a good account of himself.

For the avoidance of doubts, the proceedings reproduced above did not occur in a wrestling or boxing arena; they took place in the nation’s House of Representatives, statutorily established for the purpose of making laws for the peace, order and good government of Nigeria.

Predictably, this show of shame has been attributed to the learning process. And strangely enough, Peter Odili, Governor of Rivers State who got roped into the side attraction called bribery thought so. Another legislator, a Senator, went one step further claiming that rancorous sessions, featuring exchange of fisticuffs are not a Nigerian prculiarity – after all, says this man, “one person was shot dead on the floor of the US House of

Riot in the House Representatives sometimes in the 19th century”!

Pray, what exactly is this fabled learning process? A student of comparative government, or public law in a tertiary institution is not likely to define this learning process the way Nigerian politicians appear to understand it. To the politician, deliberate backward movements and all manner of evil ought to be accommodated under the huge umbrella called the learning process. To ordinary mortals, learning process is no more than civilization through the ages, the trials and errors in constitutional development. It is not something you tailor to suit periodic political rascality.

Some ten months ago, this column carried a piece which attempted to spell out what may fit into this so-called learning process. We did claim on that occasion, that “there is no way the war, or better still, the battle of attrition between the two arms of government would end, nor is it desirable that it should end.

The conflict is a healthy one and, therefore, should go on for eternity. It is the lubricative substance that keeps the wheels of democracy running. The palaver will outlive the presidency as well as the legislature. I declare that it will neither end today, nor tomorrow, not indeed in the years leading on to 2003 and far beyond.” We were talking about dingdong battle of wits

between the Executive and the Legislative, not a battle of fists and machetes.

A riot, by whatever name called, is a riot, be it by the sons of Oduduwa, or the Arewa, or by the Bakassi Boys or by foppishly attired lawmakers converting a legislative chamber into a gladiators’ arena. A violent disorder, confusion and uproar qualify as a riot. Indeed, as a greenhorn in a law school will tell you, disturbance of the peace by three of more people assembled together is a riot. What took place in Nigeria’s House of Representatives last week Tuesday was a riot and no one should dignify it with any euphemism.

Arising from this conclusion therefore, we ask: suppose the anti-riot police had waded in to quell the riot the way they would do to a Bakassi or OPC disturbance? Or the way the police did when riotous lawmakers went wild in the Western Region of Assembly some 30 years ago, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency in the region and then the collapse of the First Republic? Suppose the law enforcement agents had invaded the house and ordered everyone to go home? Could they have claimed immunity? Immunity to go gaga? Does anyone know of a more effective way of truncating the current experiment?

I fear for this democracy, I fear for its life. The party in power is the PDP. It controls both the Executive and the Legislature and yet its functionaries are strangers one to the other. Things appear to be getting messier by the day. What manner of learning are we going through? What sort of learning is it whose report card shows no progress whatsoever? Whose reports show traces of a dunce with crab-like movements?

All the evidence points to a deep-seated rancour between the Speaker of the Lower House and the Presidency, so serious that the chances of a compromise or reconciliation are zero. The President himself has said in unequivocal language that the leadership of the House is cancerous and therefore he is unable to work with them. The Speaker retorts that the President should resign. In the heart of all this is the persistent calls by all and sundry that the House should probe itself because the place emits bad odours. It refuses, but goes ahead to summon others to appear for questioning on transparency and accountability.

Now, a dangerous new twist has been added to the drama.

Let’s go back to The Commet for a glimpse of this new angle: “In a tempestuous session, the House of representative heard the confession that they were allegedly bribed with N500,000 each to sign for the removal of the Speaker. For hours, almost (N4 million) alleged to be part of the bribe was displayed on the table in front of the Speaker as exhibits. Part of the allegation was that the Rivers State governor, Dr Peter Odili funded part of the money allegedly used for the projects.”

The Speaker himself adds fuel to the flame.

“At least N140 million was brought to Apo Quarters for distribution to members of the House to unseat me and create disharmony in the House.”

These are grave allegations which must be impartially investigated. To refuse to investigate is in itself a disaster; to investigate is to get answers and whatever the answers add up to a calamity. Is this a desperate, reckless and amateurishly executed mafia style diversion to ward off a probe? Can it be true that the President, a restless anti-corruption crusader, his Vice, and a state governor conspired ‘to unseat a top officer of an important arm of government by offering bribes to members?’ A yes, or a no to any of these questions has serious consequences to individuals and to the polity.

For sure, things can’t be the same with the two arms of government again. The executive says the Lower House is afflicted by cancer; it seeks a cure, but the patient rebuffs. Can this be the beginning of the end, so early in the life of the Fourth Republic?

I pray not, but the truth is that the outlook is bad, very bad.

Ode to Alade Odunewu

A

LADE Odunewu is dead. The Dean of Satirical Writing (a la Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe) is no more.

He finally lost the long battle to death. He was at death’s door when I visited him at hospital in January this year. But being Allah-De, he courageously hung in there and was on the mend a couple of months later.

My friend, Jagunmolu Duro Onabule’s precise voicemail message jolted me, “Odunewu is dead.” Allah Akbar! A great mould is crashed. A strategic generational link is severed. Exiting at Ramadan season, a time he himself would have chosen had death sought his opinion, Hadj Odunewu, a devout, but liberal Muslim who did not stand on ceremony on matters of religion, must have laughed mirthfully at Death...Dearie me!

Odunewu was an icon of Nigerian journalism. He started as a cub reporter drawing a huge influence from his brother, Mr Mobolaji Odunewu, a prominent editor of one of Zik’s newspapers in the east of the Niger. The senior Odunewu later became Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Information.

Allah-De quickly established himself and in no time had learnt the ropes in the newsrooms of the Daily Times, Daily Service/Service Magazine and Nigerian Tribune. “Those were days when you left home to work in one newspaper and ended up with a by-line on another,” he once told me reminiscing humorously on the uncertainty of employment for journalists in his days. You were not sure when, how or

From Ajibade Fasina-Thomas

where the next salary would come from. It was as if there was an unwritten caveat between proprietors and their staff. But the joy of having your story published with a byline was satisfying for reporters.

He forged ahead; immersing himself in a profession that made you popular but impoverished you and sometimes made you a regular “friend of the Police.”

You were either fortunate or a spineless coward if you never had a brush with the law in your career.

His lucky break came when he earned a British Council scholarship to read Journalism at the School of Modern Languages in London. He took the opportunity to gain experience working for various newspapers in Britain. He emerged from the school as the best Commonwealth student winning the prize donated by The New Statesman newspaper. He would later work as Managing Editor, Nigerian Tribune; Editor, Sunday Times and Editor, Daily Times.

Alade Odunewu was my mentor. Just one interview with the renowned Muhammed Ali in 1964 brought me to his attention. The late Ademola Idowu, then his production editor on the Sunday Times saw me writing the exclusive story in the Daily Times newsroom on his way to the “chase room.” He stopped by wondering what kept me late in the office. He screamed when he read what the typewriter was reeling off. Odunewu decided to use the story as the front lead in the next edition of the Sunday Times. When he

eventually became Editor, Daily Times in December 1964 one of the innovations he brought with him was the introduction of the Paul Pry’s Diary, a thrice-weekly diary of social events, which I wrote with consummate affection from 1964 to 1968. He was an old established hand in the business of satirical writing. To have been in his company for one hour was to have sipped satisfactorily from his inexhaustible fountain of knowledge of the ”world and its tenants.” He was just his pleasant, amiable self.

Always. No cant. Just plain, good-natured Allah-De. He was a man of serenity. A man of vision and determination. Allah-De was a man of humility and perseverance. His ultimate passing at 85 should be celebrated with gratitude to God for his remarkable achievements. I will miss him in a very personal sense.

But we shall always remember this: “It goes on, regardless of what happens to any of us, mortals; no matter which player quits the stage or which one has just taken a bow to start his own performance.

And the more one thinks about it, the more incomprehensible it appears, this phenomenon. Yes, life simply goes on.” (Extracted from And Life Goes On written on 22 December 1963 and published in his book, WINNER TAKES ALL).

Good night, Allah-de.

•Thomas is a Georgia, US-based consultant

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

27

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

HADJ ALADE IDOWU ODUNEWU (NOVEMBER 20, 1927— JULY 25, 2013)

Hearty cheers to Alade •A tribute by LANRE IDOWU when the late Hadj Alade Idowu Odunewu marked 80 years in 2007.

A

S the Holy Book enjoins us to honour our fathers and mothers so that our days may be long on earth, we pay tribute to a distinguished father of Nigerian journalism and an accomplished Nigerian. We pay tribute to Hadj Alade Odunewu, OFR, FNGE, informed commentator and acclaimed ‘dean of satirical journalism’. We salute a fine gentleman, and a leading light of the drive to enhance media professionalism as an integral part of nation building.

He is 80 this Tuesday. The drums are already being rolled out.

Newspaper interviews, feature articles are being published. Prayers are being offered. Editorials will be written. A book launch has been fixed. A party is to follow. Another book is being put together. All for a man, who seems to find it so easy to relate with all.

What is it about Odunewu that excites us, media and non media men and women? For one, it is not everyday we come across our worthy ambassadors celebrating such a landmark; so novelty is appealing. Secondly, it is part of the measure of our self worth when we acknowledge goodness in others. Thirdly, in a nation acutely lacking in authentic heroes, it is always refreshing to find someone whose story is exemplary enough to examine and share with others.

So collectively, we can say that society renews itself when it promotes positive values through the lives of its members who have worthy lessons to bequeath.

As a professional, Odunewu is an enduring lesson in singleminded pursuit of an objective. Ever since he was in school in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Onitsha, he had been exposed to the writings of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who, through a chain of newspapers, was the leading public opinion moulder of the 40s and 50s. Odunewu’s elder brother, Mobolaji, was a journalist, who edited one of Azikiwe’s papers, The Eastern Nigerian Guardian. If young Alade’s interest in Journalism was kindled by the writings in the Zikist papers, his career pursuit was guided by his brother. Journalism was a good path to fame and public service. Odunewu was already familiar with the writings of Peter Enahoro and Ebenezer Williams and it is fair to say alongside the duo of Azikiwe and Mobolaji, the quartet shaped Odunewu’s initial journalistic steps.

He was one of the earliest Nigerians to receive formal training in Journalism as he secured a Federal Government scholarship to study Journalism at Regent Polytechnic (now University of Westminster).

Alongside obtaining his diploma in Journalism, he also won the New Statesman prize for Best all round student. His career began at the Daily Times in 1950 when he was recruited as a reporter. He later moved to the Tribune as editor/managing editor, 1956-57; Daily Service as editor, 1959-60; Allied Newspapers as editor-in-chief, 1960-64.

E

VEN in death, the late Hadj Alade Odunewu remains larger than life. The seasoned journalist died last Thursday in Lagos and since then people have been showering him with encomiums.

Editor-in-chief of Media Reviews, Mr. Lanre Idowu described the late Odunewu as one of the best minds to have served as an intellectual in journalism. He said the late “dean of satirical journalism” was not only an informed commentator, but a fine gentleman, and a leading light of the drive to make the media an integral part of nation building.

In a tribute he did when the late Odunewu turned 80 in 2007, Idowu said: “As a professional, Odunewu is an enduring lesson in singleminded pursuit of an objective. Ever since he was in school in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Onitsha, he had been exposed to the writings of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who, through a chain of newspapers, was the leading public opinion moulder of the 40s and 50s.

“Odunewu’s elder brother, Mobolaji, was a journalist, who edited one of Azikiwe’s papers, The Eastern Nigerian Guardian. If young Alade’s interest in journalism was kindled by the writings in the Zikist papers, his career pursuit was guided by his brother.

Journalism was a good path to fame and public service.

“He was one of the earliest Nigerians to receive formal training in Journalism as he secured a Federal Government scholarship to study Journalism at Regent Polytechnic (now University of

•The late Odunewu

TRIBUTE He was Sunday Times editor in 1964, before being uplifted as the Daily Times editor, 1964-68 and editor-in-chief, 1968-69. He later served as CEO of the publications division. So, it can be said that Odunewu has held all the important positions in Journalism: reporter, sub editor, editor, columnist, editor-in-chief and CEO. He has also held some of the most challenging public communications assignments: Commissioner of Information, Tourism and Culture in Lagos State, Public Complaints Commissioner and Electoral Commissioner at the national level. His achievements in both worlds are commendable.

Odunewu’s voice of wisdom from his columns in various newspapers from the 60s to as recent as three years ago rings loud again in his relaunched book, Winner takes all.

Odunewu attributes his staying power in Journalism to ‘‘job satisfaction.’’ And feels that if he comes back to this world, he would gladly opt to be a journalist again. He has every reason to want to be.

Apart from the top media jobs he has held, he has been richly honoured by the profession. From the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to the Nigerian Guild of Editors of which he is a past president, to the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria, to training schools like the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, to the 1999 industry-led initiative of the late Tunji Oseni where he was named as one of the 14 icons of Journalism development in 140 years of Nigerian

Farewell to the ‘dean of satire’

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

TRIBUTE Westminster). Alongside obtaining his diploma in Journalism, he also won the New Statesman prize for Best all round student.

His career began at the Daily Times in 1950 when he was recruited as a reporter.”

Idowu said, the late Odunewu was modest in taste, dignified in carriage, adding that he was a living testament that hard work pays and modesty is a virtue. He said that he was glad that Diamond Publications honour him on July 19, 2011 when Nigerian Columnists and their Art, a groundbreaking work on opinion writing in Nigerian journalism which we dedicated to him was presented.

Journalism. As part of the tribute to this much loved man, some of our finest writers are rounding off work on a major book, Nigerian Columnists and their Art—essays in honour of Alade Odunewu. A worthy addition to Journalism literature, contributors to it include: Adidi Uyo, Ben Lawrence, Felix Adenaike, Tony Momoh, Dan Agbese, Gbenga Omotoso, Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase, Stanley Egbochuku, Maxim Uzoatu, Eniola Bello and Ray Ekpu. The book, edited by Lanre Idowu, will be publicly presented in January 2008. It will feature references to the writings of such columnists as the late Olabisi Onabanjo, Peter Enahoro, Alade Odunewu, Sam Amuka, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Olatunji Dare, Tunde Fagbenle, Muhammed Haruna, Adebayo Williams, Azu Ishiekwene and Reuben Abati, to mention a few.

Hadj Odunewu’s strength as a journalist lies in his intellectual depth, elegant wit, biting sarcasm and disarming simplicity of language. 57 years after he joined the profession, he remains not only a respected name in the industry but also a principal actor in the continuous search for journalistic excellence and responsibility. As chairman of the Nigerian Press Council in the last 13 years, Hadj Odunewu has lent his name and stature to the pursuit of that which is noble, fair and just in our profession. The unseriousness on the part of the executive arm on what to do with the Press Council, which accounts for the state of comatose it now lies despite agreement among media stakeholders in 2002 on what must be done to make it work, must be one of his regrets. We seize the occasion to appeal to the Yar’Adua government to look through the records, dust up the agreement and use it as basis to fast track serious legislative exercise to give us a Public-Private sector driven Press Council, which is one of the cheapest and most effective means of promoting responsibility in the media.

Sponsor of the Informed Commentary category of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) since inception in 1992, Hadj Odunewu is also the current chairman of the Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA), where he appropriately also sponsors the Best Columnist of the year prize since 2006. Both award schemes have made unparalleled private sector contributions to the conscious effort to enhance professionalism in the media. Odunewu says the awards have impacted heavily on Journalism practice. ‘‘People are now conscious of the fact that they are being looked at; competition is getting keener by the year. Quite a good number of awardees have gone to greener pasture and have done the profession and country proud. We must commend those behind these noble ideas.’’

In a nation where reputations are sullied at the drop of a hat, he is a man of means who has dined with kings and mixed with commoners and remains acceptable in both worlds. Modest in taste, dignified in carriage, he is a living testament that hard work pays and modesty is a virtue. May all those privileged to serve as public communicators find an enduring lesson in this virtue. And may the rest of Odunewu’s life be spent in good health, good company and good spirit. To the rest of us, let us pray with the psalmist that Almighty God should ‘‘teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.’’

Happy birthday, Allah-de !

•Idowu is Editor-in-Chief Media Review and Trustee of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). FIRST PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 20, 2007.

Former Deputy Editor of The Guardian, Mr Ben Tomoloju said the late Odunewu was one of the icons who inspired a lot of young Nigerians of the 50s and 60s to take journalism as a profession. “As kids in those days, the Allah De column was very popular with our parents and we derived great joy from listening to their commentaries on his witty satirical and profound writings.

A collection from the column was published about 20 years ago and, I believe, one of the ways we can celebrate the transition of the great man is to do a re-print of the book. This will expose the new generation of Nigerians to the vibrancy of his writings, the profundity of his thoughts while sustaining the inspiration he embodies as a Nigerian professional and leader of thought,” he said.

Dean, School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. LauiOso said: “He taught many of us to appreciate journalism especially the columnist and the power of the word. He was a man of integrity.

He was probably the last of the best of his generation, those who gave Nigerian journalism its enviable and defining character.”

The Chair, Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye said Odunewu’s death was a calamity for the fourth Estate of the Realm, the Nigerian Media Merit Awards, (NMMA) and the world, adding that he was “an excellent professional, a good mentor and a scooper of the scoop.”

Promoting Fagunwa’s literary landmarks

F

IFTY years after the death of renowned Yoruba author and educationist, Chief Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, his literary exploits will be celebrated in an international conference holding at Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, Ondo State between August 8 and10.

It is being organised by the Centre for African Arts and Civilisation, (CBAAC) in collaboration with the Ondo State Government, the Fagunwa Study Group and the Fagunwa Foundation. The international conference is being promoted by an international group of scholars and enthusiasts of the work of the late distinguished pioneer writer, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa (1903-1963).

The conference’s theme is D. O. Fagunwa: Fifty Years On and was conceived to mark the first half-century after the death of Fagunwa. It is also to celebrate and reaffirm Fagunwa’s major contributions to African literature and

By Olushola Orebajo

CONFERENCE culture, re-examine his work as a store-house of hitherto undiscovered sources of knowledge, and assess his continuing relevance to our contemporary times.

According to the Director General of Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale, the conference is being organised to examine the impact and significance of the Yoruba writer, and it will bring together writers, scholars and artists who have worked in different ways on Fagunwa’s literary works.

Babawale who acknowledged the interest of Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, in the commemoration of Fagunwa’s literary works, said that the commemoration of Fagunwa’s life and literary works after 50 years is

of great significance and deserves to be celebrated.

Two members of Fagunwa’s Foundation, Mr. Kunle Ajibade and Diwura Fagunwa identified the role of Fagunwa as a creative user of Yoruba language. They described him not only as a novelist, but also as a writer of travelogues, essays, petitions and translation of other literature into Yoruba. Daughter of Fagunwa, Diwura said of the success of Fagunwa’s five novels: “His books were all a success, the last of which was published in 1961, Ogboju Ode was a phenomenal, and has it had gone through 24 reprints.”

The conference will be hosted by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, while the special guests are Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State. The ceremony will be chaired by Oba Dokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila while keynote speaker is Prof. Wole Soyinka.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

28

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

Protecting the helpless Beauty expert and BEARS Foundation founder MODUPE OZOLUA is lending her voice to the on-going debate about child bride controversy

P

AEDOPHILIA: (as defined by The International Classification of Diseases, ICD): as a medical diagnosis, is a Psychiatric Disorder in adult persons with a primary or exclusive sexual interest or sexual preference for children of prepubescent or early pubertal age. Paedophile (degenerate, pervert): a person who is sexually attracted to children.

Not to flog a dead horse, I am happy that many people have spoken against this unbelievable betrayal by the Nigerian Senate. I too am enraged. The irony of all this is that if not for serial paedophile, Senator Yarima, challenging the removal of 29 (4, b), the general public wouldn’t have known it existed in the first place! After all, how could we, the masses, have known such a dangerous self-contradictory clause existed in a sensitive document that is supposed to protect us?

This made me wonder, how many more clauses and subsections such as article 29 (4, b) currently exist in the Nigerian Constitution? How many more legally binding laws are encouraging, legalizing sexual abuse and exploitation of the girl-child in Nigeria? Seriously, what else is hidden in our laws?

Cunningly, serial sexual offender Yarima has “packaged” his practices based on his interpretation of his rights as a Muslim; so everyone opposing his views is considered to be anti-Islam. Even though this isn’t an attack on Islam but the sexual exploitation of the defenseless children; if we are going to talk about this, we cannot shy away from the fact that the poster boy for sexual predators in Nigeria is a Muslim who claims his religion “empowers’ him to do it. Having said that, lets get down to it.

What I find the most disturbing is why have respected Muslim clerics not publically condemned Yarima? Why are they only whispering; “No, its not true, Islam doesn’t encourage underage marriage?” Why didnt the Northern leaders or fathers condemn him when he divorced the 15yr old that bore him a child so he could marry a 13 year old Egyptian child? After all, isnt the popular excuse for the practice of underage marriage the reasoning that it’s better to marry the child young so she doesn’t become promiscuous and remains in a stable marital home? So what is Islamic in Yarima and thousands of men like him that sexually abuse children in the name of marriage, divorce them shortly after and remarry “new meat?”

If these sexual predators are such devoted Muslims, why haven’t any of them given their daughters out in marriage when they are or were 13 years? Two of Yarima’s daughters didn’t get marriage until they were in their mid 20s and graduated from ABU! Clearly, this practice is created to exploit the children of poor uneducated people that have been brain washed into misunderstanding their religion.

Again, why hasn’t this celebrated sexual offender been ordered to stop giving Islam a bad name…or is he? After all, he has boldly perpetuated these acts, got away with them and now, even strong-armed the Senate to retain a clause that gives legal backing to the act of sexually abusing a child in the name of marriage.

Could it be that this man is a truly devoted muslim and he is simply practicing his religion, that is why muslim religious teachers are quiet? Could it be that the founding laws of Nigeria give him legal backing to sexually molest children? Could it be that he is the good guy while we are the “busy body” people just harassing the poor man for no reason?

Personally, I am extremely disturbed by this because I have seen first hand what child marriage does to children. Sexual intercourse with children and their pregnancies lead to the development of VVF (Vesico Vaginal Fistula) this is a medical condition when during prolonged labour, the unborn child presses tightly against the pelvis, cutting off blood flow to the Vesicovaginal wall. Thus creating a hole where the girl experiences controllable flow of urine and feaces from the vagina. VVF is also caused by violent sexual intercourse with underage girls. Most times their babies die during childbirth. After developing this condition, these child brides are divorced by their husbands. Some girls are young as 9yrs old while the men go off and marry other child brides. The circle continues to breed sexually abused children, divorced before they can spell their names, child prostitution, beggars on the streets and uneducated liability to their State government. Paedaphiles don’t stop. They simply “recycle” these girls.

I know this because my foundation, BEARS Foundation, provided reconstructive surgery to many of them. Meeting thousands of victims of child marriages in 2006 traumatised me greatly and led me to write several articles about it in ThisDay Style. They are too many to help. Unfortunately, they all can’t be helped because they get treated, remarry shortly after, and develop fresh fistulas during labour because they don’t understand that their bodies are not developed enough to endure prolonged childbirth. So, they come back again seeking help. It’s a revolving door that hasn’t stopped and won’t stop if men like Yerima continue.

These deeply disturbing thoughts made me quickly download the Nigerian Constitution and as I embarked on a 15-hour flight to Hong Kong, I started studying all 164 pages. This led me to a critical question, if truly men like Yerima have the full backing of their religion to sexually exploit little girls in the name of marriage; how much freedom should we as individuals be allowed to practice our religions and cultural beliefs even when it translates into committing criminal acts and violation of others Fundamental Human Rights? Surely, there must be limits to everything,

•Yarima and wife

•Ozolua

ADVOCACY right?

We need to look at this issue with a magnifying glass and identify where there are loopholes in our Constitution and fix them QUICKLY. Yes, we understand the implications of leaving subsection (b) of article 29, but then what? What are we proposing to make it better? This shouldn’t just be an issue of screaming, pointing fingers and calling names. As much as Yarima and his supporters are enjoying all this, this is much bigger than them!

After all, this clause has been in the constitution for a long time.

Right now, we need to fine comb through our laws, fix them and ensure such hideous crimes cannot continue to be perpetuated and gotten away with. Although, I identified quiet a few loopholes, here are some areas that can be exploited for personal interpretation and exploitation: 1. After going through the Constitution, I sadly realised there are no specific laws protecting the rights of children and women in Nigeria. NONE. As a matter of fact, there isn’t any where in the Constitution that says the legal age of marriage for a woman is 18 years old. There are only references to an individual being considered to be of “full age” at 18yrs.

2. 38. (1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as much as we all agree on this based on face value, we must examine this much closer. If sexual predators such as Yarima are legally backed by this statement in the Constitution to sexually abuse young girls in the name of practicing their religion; in the same light, this statement also gives legal backing to a ritualist to kill people for sacrifices! After all, they are all practicing their different religions! So, why should a ritualist be arrested, prosecuted and convicted while people with a psychiatric sexual disorder like Yarima arent? He doesn’t have to physically kill a girl to ‘kill her”. A lot of the abandoned child brides end up committing suicide.

As I couldn’t find anything encouraging in the Constitution, I turned to the Nigerian Criminal Code Act. This made matters even worst! Chapter 21 (Offences Against Morality) 218 states: “Any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 years is guilty of a felony, and is liable to imprisonment for life, with or without caning.” Under 13 years?! Are you as shocked as I am about this? Seriously! Not under 18 years, but 13 years!

221. ”Any person who has or attempts to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl being of or above 13 years and under 16 years of age; is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for two years, with or without caning.” 222A. (1) ”Whoever, having the custody, charge or care of a girl under the age of 16 years, causes or encourages the seduction, unlawful carnal knowledge or prostitution of, or the commission of an indecent assault upon, such a girl, shall be liable to imprisonment for two years. ” 223. ”Any person who (1) procures (for prostitution) a girl or woman who is under the age of 16 years to have unlawful carnal connection with any other person or persons, either in Nigeria or elsewhere; or is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for two years.”

After going through these documents, it is clear there are no laws protecting children from sexual predators. Also, it is assumption that the adult age in Nigeria is 18yrs old. But it isn’t.

In the State v Hassan Audu (1972) case where a High Court judge in Nigeria handed down a suspended sentence of three years’ imprisonment to a 39-year old man who had been convicted of the statutory rape of a nine-year old girl! According to the trial judge in that infamous case, “on the evidence, I am more inclined to believe that the sexual intercourse in question came about more from the deep love which the accused has for [the victim] ....”! And what did an otherwise distinguished panel of the Supreme Court have to say in their consideration of the appeal against that awful trial court decision?

That no, the law did not permit the trial judge to hand out a suspended sentence, and therefore the sentence of imprisonment should be imposed without any after qualification but, and this is the most despicable part, “We would, however, add a recommendation to mercy for consideration by the appropriate authorities provided, as he asserted before us, the [accused] takes immediate steps towards marrying (the victim).”!!!

Clearly, our Judicial and Legislative bodies think its ok to commit paedphilia and statutory rape as long as the child is or ends up

being the sexual predator’s wife!

The Constitution currently says a person is of full age at 18yrs old (but obviously only applicable when it comes to voting, not marriage!); but also states any woman that is married (regardless of age) shall be considered to be of full age. Then the Criminal Acts states it’s a criminal act to have unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of thirteen years (clearly, its permitted if she is married); then knowledge of a girl being of or above thirteen years and under sixteen years of age; is guilty of a misdemeanour.

We also need to address a critical question, “what laws are governing the Federal Republic of Nigeria?” As a Nigerian, I need to know this because I am confused. Even if Sharia Laws permit child marriages and the Constitution of Nigeria says a woman is not considered to be of full age until she is 18yrs...lets ignore the second statement where it contradicts itself!...which law supersedes the other? Chapter VIII 262 (2) of the Constitution states that one of the responsibilities of the Shaira Court of Appeal is to interpret and answer questions regarding Islamic personal laws regarding marriage, etc. At this point the Sharia Court of Appeal should make a statement about Islamic stand on child marriages. In addition, they should also educate us if the Constitutional Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersede their religious laws or vice versa.

This is critical because iif whispers that child marriage isn’t Islamic is indeed correct; the Sharia courts need to educate those that are victims of this practice. The Imams in the mosques need to preach during mosque gatherings, the Islamic religious leaders and Royal Muslim fathers need to do the same. This will gradually change the mindset of the poor uneducated people that have been brain washed into giving their little children away in “marriage” to sexual predators in the name of religion and poverty.

There are many other clauses left open much room for self interpretation and exploitation. If the legislative is genuine about reviewing the Constitution for the better good of all Nigerians, they need to start from the very top and not leave any stone unturned. This is the time for all interested parties to read the Constitution and the Nigerian Criminal Code Act; come up with suggestions and present them to the legislative. We need to rectify the flaws in our Constitution for the safety of all of us.

We all know that Nigerian laws on corruption and money issues are only applicable to the poor, but it also extends to sexually, physically, psychologically and mentally abusing little girls???

Seriously?! How many poor men in Nigeria can boldly import foreign 13 yearr-old girls, their families, have a huge wedding reception in Abuja attended by people in sensitive government positions, openly brag about paying the in-laws $100,000 as bride price and get away with it?

Once again, it’s left to us the masses to fight for ourselves and the little girls that are turned into sex slaves and divorcees before the age of 12 years! Like I said earlier, this is much bigger than Yarima. We have to continue getting our facts straight, and present the legislative with suggestive modification to the articles that endanger the safety of the girl child and all Nigerians.

We have to keep fighting until these changes are made because the World is watching the out come of this battle.

So, are other sexual predators. After all, what the current Nigerian Constitution has done is tell paedophiles all over the world that they can relocate to Nigeria, claim Islam as their religion, get marry girls as young as 6 years old, sexually assault them and get away with it!

Sadly, based on the current laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sexual exploitation of minors is allowed, as long she is married. Bottom line, these laws have to be modified to clearly state the legal marriage age for girls, regardless of religion and culture, applicable to all Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in Nigeria. Harsh laws against child marriages have to be created that will be applied if the bride is under the legal marriage and age for canal knopwledge of 18 years old; regardless if the marriage is with or without consent of her parents or guardians.

Ladies and gentlemen, this madness must stop now. We must all stand unified in this fight against sexual exploitation of the Nigerian girl-child. We are one; Muslims, Christians, and un-believers. We must stand as one in our fight to save Nigeria from completely going to the dogs!

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

CRR review: Banks to confront CBN at Bankers’ meeting

C

HIEF executives of banks are set to confront the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) next month at the Bankers’Committee meeting over the recent 50 per cent cash reserve requirement (CRR) on public sector deposits.

The bank chiefs, who spoke to The Nation on Monday, said the new policy would tighten liquidity, slow down credits, increase interest rates and the delinquency of loan defaults.

But the CBN Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Mr Tunde Lemo, punctured most of these augments, saying that the banking watchdog was ready for dialogue with the bank chiefs.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had stunned the financial markets with a public sector deposit reserve requirement. While the status quo on the key monetary policy instruments was maintained at 12 per cent, the MPC introduced a 50 per cent cash reserve requirement on all public sector deposits but left those of

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

the private sector unchanged.

CRR is the portion expressed as a percentage of bank’s deposit balances, which banks must have as reserve, in cash, with the CBN. The percentage is usually determined by the Central Bank. The reserve ratio is one of the instruments used to influence the money supply in a country and drain out or add up excessive money from the system.

If the Central Bank increases the percentage, the available money for the banks to lend and make other transactions will reduce and vice versa.

Justifying its perceived excess liquidity in the economy, the apex bank, which put the total public sector funds with banks at over N1.3trillion, said 50 per cent the CRR requirement on all public sector deposits, which is expected to implemented on August 7, would mop up N650billion from the system.

Speaking with the newspaper on this development, the bank

•We’re open to dialogue, says apex bank chiefs, who opted not to have their names in print, said there is no excess liquidity in the system. They said that what they have on their balance sheets are ‘sterilised Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) N3trillion bonds’, which they cannot convert to cash.

AMCON had purchased the bad loans of banks and gave them bonds, which counts as the lenders’ liquid assets.

The bank chiefs said: “The CBN believes that there is excess liquidity but this is not true. The average bank has about 70 per cent liquidity ratio but after you remove AMCON bonds, banks are left with just 35 per cent liquidity.

“Don’t forget that as banks get government deposits, the CBN mops it up at OMO. CBN cannot just move the CRR from 12 per cent to 50 per cent. It should have been a gradual process because the CBN is not paying any interest on these deposits.

“The equities market will be

impacted. This is already happening. People will be compelled to divest from the capital market and this would cause equity bubble.”.

But Lemo insisted that these arguments do not hold because 50 per cent CRR is applicable to only the government’s deposits. He also said banks were free to hand over their AMCON bonds to the CBN in exchange for cash when the need arises.

He said: “Liquidity cannot be tight because the stipulated liquidity ratio is 30 per cent and the average in the industry 68 per cent. So, the excess liquidity should have gone into credits by now. Most of the banks are seating on excess liquidity.

“In fact, they collect these monies from the government and purchase treasury bills with and lend back to the government. The implication is that the government is spending undue percentage of their revenue to pay for their deposits with bank.

“Once the government de-

posits are refunded, the government will have more money to pump into infrastructural development. The bank chiefs don’t have to wait for the Bankers’ Committee meeting, we (the CBN) are open to dialogue because we recognise the intermediation roles banks play in the economy.”

Analysts had also commented that the new policy would have a negative effect on banks.

An analyst with Renaissance Capital, an investment bank, Adesoji Solanke, said though it signals the desire to tighten monetary policy, the policy measure adds to the headwinds affecting the Nigerian banking sector this year and is on balance, negative for the sector.

“We view the impact of this as negative for the banks. This is a new measure in addition to the 12 per cent CRR on all deposits, which we believe signals tightening of monetary policy, most likely to protect the naira,” he said.

•From left: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Prof. Ayobami Salami; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Rowland Ndoma-Egba; and Group Managing Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, during the inauguration of the ultra-modern 400-seater ICT/Software Engineering Complex supported by the bank in Ile Ife ... on Tuesday.

Govt mulls funding housing from N60b ‘dormant accounts’

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HE Federal Govern ment is considering borrowing money from the N60billion “dormant account” among some other options, to fund social housing in the country.

Other sustainable funding options being considered for funding the project are unclaimed dividends, Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and Pension Fund, according to a document obtained by The Nation.

Nigeria has a huge housing deficit of 17 million, which grows by two million yearly.

“Dormant accounts”, according to a letter to Presi-

Why Discount Houses can’t rival banks, by CBN - P 30

From Bridget Adah Agiounim and Samuel Orumade, Abuja

dent Goodluck Jonathan, “are largely the pool of funds that the corrupt and unrighteous had stacked away until subsequently overcome by death or other incapacities.”

The letter, which emanated from the Social Housing Committee, said that Pension Funds can also be effectively deployed in mass rental apartments across the nation starting with pilots in each of the six geo-political zones in the country.

The security for using these funds, according to the Com-

mittee, would be tied to a “Rent to Own Contract.”

According to the proposal to the President, “A ‘Tenant’ is promised a conditional Rent to Own Contract if he does not default in first three years.

This conditional contract that is signed in the third year becomes effective in the fifh year at which point all past rents are converted to deposits for owning the flat at a predetermined price.

At the contract signing in the fifth year, a new condition is given that should the tenant default for a period of three consecutive months there will be a foreclosure with refunds

NSE penalises 10 firms over defaults - P32

of only a percentage of the payment from the contract period (from the fifth year).”

The Committee noted that housing delivery generally requires large amount of longterm funds, noting that this has been the singular most common reason past governments would rather shy away from the challenge.

“No responsible government would do anything that will be tantamount to the abuse of the savings of her workers, directly or indirectly. “It will take great political will and devotion to the greater good of the land to break these strongholds.

“Our challenge is not in shying away from the funds, but to proffer solutions to the challenge of proper investment of the funds at near zero risk, while possibly growing same. It is within this context that investing in Secure Real Estate development, being a global standard practice is our humble submission,” the Committee said.

The Federal Government had some months ago partnered with the World Bank to develop a $300million mortgage financing structure that would deliver affordable houses to Nigerians.

‘Never take no for answer in business’ - P35

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

30

MONEY

‘Public sector deposits hit N2.5t’ P

UBLIC sector deposits in banks stood at N2.5 trillion, about 20 per cent of total deposits between January and March, Currencies Analyst at Ecobank Nigeria Olakunle Ezun has said.

Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of states and the Federal Government as well as the local governments comprise the public sector.

In an emailed report titled: “Nigeria: Indirect monetary policy tightening,” Edun said aside the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) which rose by N650 billion, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the ratio to 50 per cent, an additional N955 billion will be removed from the economy.

Stories by Collins Nweze

Last week, the CBN raised the CRR from 12 to 50 per cent during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

The hike, he said, suggested that the tightening effect would be immediate, which in turn could require CBN repost to rebalance liquidity demand and supply.

The monetary policy, he said, may remain relatively unchanged in the months ahead. “Assuming no significant change to key indicators, we think the Monetary Policy Rate (MRR) will be held at 12 per cent in subsequent MPC meetings, although further indirect tightening may occur if liquidity remains above target,” he said.

Ezun said oil production remains a key variable and the recent moderate contraction in production to 1.88 million barrel per day in June from 2.1 million barrel per day in December 2012 highlights on-going oil theft/ bunkering. It also showed the impact of delayed investment that has been caused by Petroleum Industry Bill uncertainties.

“If production continues to fall and in combination with a fall in global oil prices below $100 per day, there is a risk that Nigeria’s growth could slow owing to the high level of government spending throughout the economy,” he predicted.

Ezun said liquidity tightening will push up the short end of the

yield curve by around 40 to 50 basis points.

“We also expect the longer end of the curve to move up, but by a smaller margin. The amount of the rise will be countered by the level of repost the CBN conducts in the days and weeks ahead to rebalance credit demand and supply. Assuming our positive inflation outlook and currency stabilise, we think foreign investors can continue to invest in one year and shorter maturity government securities with confidence that real returns will remain solid and currency risk minimized,” he said.

He explained that pressure on forex reserves would also rise, leading to currency weakness even as the relatively expansionary fiscal stance is another concern, particularly if fiscal revenues come under strain. He noted that oil revenues account for around 75 per cent of total fiscal revenues.

“The somewhat low balance of Excess Crude Account of $5.3 billion in May 2013 highlights the limited recourse to supplementary financing should revenue growth slow.

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

“Inflation remains comfortable and the MPC estimated that the inflation outlook was good with single digit inflation likely by year-end. Inflation is likely to accelerate to low double digits driven by robust domestic demand and on-going government spending, and despite the recent choking-off of liquidity.”

AfDB eyes $1.5b bonds

T

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) is planning to raise $1.5 billion in local-currency bonds in Nigeria and Zambia to finance infrastructure projects.

This became exigent as emergingmarket bond yields rise on speculation the Federal Reserve will reduce economic stimulus.

The AfDB, which gives money to African governments for projects in areas, such as roads, ports and energy, is completing the planned size of the medium-term note pro-

grammes and is in talks with authorities in the two countries, Olivier Eweck, financial technical services manager in the bank’s treasury department, said in a statement.

“Before the end of the month we would have made up our minds on the numbers,” he said.

The Nigerian issues may be worth as much as $1 billion and the Zambian debt may reach the kwacha equivalent of $500 million,” he said.

FITC Board renews MD’s tenure • From left: Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Resident Representative, African Development Bank (AfDB), Nigeria Field Office, Dr Ousmane Dore and Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, at a High Level Policy Dialogue on AfDB Infrastructure and Structural Transformation Plan for Nigeria in Abuja ...on Monday.

Why Discount Houses can’t rival banks,

by CBN

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ISCOUNT Houses are find ing it difficult to compete with banks as authorised dealers in money market because of poor capital,” the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

The CBN Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for 2012 to 2013 classified banks and discount houses as authorised dealers in money market instruments.

CBN Director of Communication, Ugochukwu Okoroafor, told The Nation that Discount Houses, have not been able to compete with banks since 2005 after the capital base of banks increased from N2 billion to N25 billion. The capital base of Discount Houses has remained around N2 billion since then. Discount Houses are meant to facilitate the issuance and sale of short-term government securities and other eligible short-term commercial bills.

Okoroafor said the consolidation of that era favoured banks against discount houses in their scramble for businesses. He said since many of the banking needs of people provided by discount houses were now done by banks, the operating environment has steadily risen against discount houses.

But Emmanuel Ebuk, an Executive in Consolidated Discount Limited (CGL), said the problem of discount houses had nothing to

do with capitalisation. He said CDL has a capital base of N27 billion, and that many other operators in the sector are well-capitalised.

On last week’s withdrawal of licence of the Express Discount Limited (EDL), Okoroafor said the CBN does not bail out shareholders but depositors, adding that since the firm only serves about 0.3 per cent of the banking public, it was not wise to deploy public sector funds in its rescue.

Information obtained from the EDL website showed that the firm was incorporated on November 25, 1992 as a private limited liability company and specialised financial institution.

It was licensed by the CBN on July 22, 1993 to carry out the functions of a discount house and started operations on Friday, July 23, 1993.

The EDL was owned by a group of financial institutions namely, Bank of Industry, Keystone Bank, Fin Bank, Omis Investment Limited, NICON Insurance, Niger Insurance, Skye Bank and Enterprise Bank.

The last financial statement of the firm obtained in its website was published in December 2009 during which it made a loss after tax of N1.93 billion. The last dividend paid to shareholders was in 2008 when it paid N0.9 kobo against N0.34 kobo

paid in 2007.

The CBN had last Friday announced the revocation of the operating licence of EDL over alleged sharp practices and failure to recapitalise.

CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said in a statement that the discount house had maintained false and misleading books of account and had huge exposure to margin loans. She added that the firm had engaged in activities, which contravened Discount House guidelines. It had also indulged in distressed borrowing by sourcing funds at rates higher than it could earn by investing the funds, she added.

Mrs Martins said the firm had negative shareholders’ funds and required a minimum capital injection of N21 billion if it were to remain in business.

‘The CBN Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy Guidelines for 2012 to 2013 classified banks and discount houses as authorised dealers in money market instruments’

T

HE Board of Financial Institu tions Training Centre (FITC) has approved the renewal of Dr. Lucy Surhyel Newman’s contract as its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer for another term of five years.

Speaking on behalf of FITC owner- institution members of the Nigerian Bankers’ Committee and FITC key stakeholders within the wider Nigerian Financial Services Sector, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, the Chairman of the FITC Board and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, hailed Dr. Newman’s for her performance.

He said her first tenure led to continued enhancement of FITC’s serv-

ice quality, internal capacity and brand positioning within Nigeria and beyond.

He urrged her to continue to work effectively with FITC’s internal and external stakeholders, in taking FITC to even greater heights, while assuring her of the support of the FITC board, the Bankers’ Committee and leadership of strategic institutions within the Nigerian Financial System.

Newman has built a reputation as a results-focused leader with proven success in aligning strategy, structure, people, policies and systems to optimise individual and organisational performance.

Visabacksfinancialliteracymobileapp

G

LOBAL payments technology company, Visa, has an nounced a mobile application development challenge, meant to stimulate the development of innovative web, mobile applications and games.

It will also assist in teaching money management skills and supporting the advancement of financial literacy in Nigeria.

“The challenge will bring key financial services players like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), commercial banks, personal finance non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders together with software developers and designers, to create interesting applications and games.

These applications and games will advise Nigerians on how best to manage their money and financial affairs, and also educate them on the tools available to meet their financial needs,” the statement said.

Ade Ashaye, Country Manager for Visa in West Africa, said these appli-

cations and games will advise Nigerians on how best to manage their money and financial affairs, and also educate them on the tools available to meet their financial needs.

“At Visa, we are dedicated to increasing financial literacy among the unbanked through strategic partnerships and educational programs.

This is the motivation behind the Financial Literacy Challenge,” the statement added.

The Chief Executive Officer, CoCreation Hub Nigeria, Bosun Tijani, said: “Collaborating with Visa on the Financial Literacy Challenge creates room for Nigeria’s technology talent to turn their energy and skills to building apps that will boost the skills and confidence of Nigerians as they make financial decisions. We are pleased to be deploying our Open Living Labs approach to generate and develop truly innovative apps and games that are reflective of the Nigerian experience.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

THE NATION INVESTORS NSE penalises 10 firms over defaults

T

•From left: Non-executive member, Association of Reporting Accountants in the Capital Market (ARACAM), Ladi Smith; Secretary, Sola Oyetayo; Treasurer, Dele Olufon; Chairman, Ayodele Othihira; Bayo Adetifa and Non-executive member, Dayo Babatunde,at the association’s 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos.

Stakeholders warn against core shareholders’ exclusion from voting

M

AJOR stakeholders have ad vised capital market regu lators against the adoption of a rule that excludes majority core investor in a company from voting its shares in favour of any major corporate decision, warning that such rule will have serious unintended consequences on the growth and development of the Nigerian capital market.

In the United Kingdom (UK), a majority core investor- which has the major equity stake and control of management is not entitled to vote its shares in consideration of any corporate decision such as mergers, acquisitions, delisting etc, being promoted by it.

In the wake of the move by GlaxoSmithKline UK (GSK UK) Plc to increase its shareholding in its Nigerian subsidiary, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria (GSK Nigeria) Plc, some foreign and Nigerian stakeholders opposed to the move had clamoured for the adoption of the UK rule for the GSK Nigeria transaction. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) appeared to have leaned towards such position, although there was no previous provision such as the UK rule in the Nigerian capital market. GSK UK, which had indicated it would vote its 46.4 per cent equity stake in favour of the deal, withdrew the offer for acquisition, citing the need for further consultations with SEC and other stakeholders.

Boardroom icon and chairman of several quoted companies, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said the adoption of the UK rule would be counterproductive to current efforts at wooing foreign and indigenous entrepreneurs to list their companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) while the growth of existing listed companies will be dependent on minority consideration.

According to him, Nigerian capital market regulators and stakeholders need to look beyond a single transaction to consider the advantages and disadvantages of such rule barring a major investor from voting its shares in support of a corporate decision under its purview within the context of Nigeria’s economic development and state of its capital market.

He said such rule that bars majority shareholder from voting its shares would expose entrepreneurs to undue influences of portfolio speculators and fund managers whose interests may not be in tan-

Stories by Taofik Salako

dem with the long-term growth plan of the company.

“We are not ripe for such a rule that majority shareholder should not vote its shares. Jurisdictions differ in terms of their development. We should look at such rule in the context of Nigerian economic evolution, it warrants re-examination,” Osunkeye said.

He noted that capital market regulators must ensure level-playing ground for all investors and should not be stampeded by foreign interests before knowing what is good for Nigeria.

Group Deputy Managing Director, BGL Plc, Mr Chibundu Edozie, said such rule runs contrary to underlining entrepreneurial spirit and risks and returns assumptions that drive corporate growth.

According to him, besides the pride of ownership that motivates entrepreneur, one important reason for owning a majority equity stake in any company is to be involved in major decisions that can make or break the institution.

He noted that transactions such as mergers and acquisitions have the potential of making the company bigger and more profitable or completely bankrupting the business with significant benefits and losses to the majority owner, depending on the outcome of the transaction.

He added that new issues also dilute the ownership structure of the company with profit or loss potential to the owner.

“Because the investor stands to gain or lose based on these decisions, it is fair that the investor that provides the majority capital for the company’s operation and investments contributes to the decisionmaking. Although the interests of the minority also need to be protected, this can be done through the process of decision-making which must be inclusive and persuasive based on factual information. While a law that seeks to bar majority core investor like an investor owning the controlling equity stake and management, from voting their shares in support of crucial voting on corporate decision such as mergers, acquisitions, new issues etc may have its merit, it also has a significant disadvantage,” Edozie stated.

He outlined that while such majority-shareholder-barring rule may be meritorious in consideration for the

protection of the minority interest in the company against dictatorial behaviour and the protection of the company from hawkish tendencies of the majority owner, it will prevent risk-taking by the investors as well as reduce the amount and the number of transactions as nobody would like to provide fund and not be able to make major decisions on how the money is spent.

He urged that the focus of rulemaking should be on full disclosure and due process rather than exclusion of critical stakeholders like majority core investor.

“I am inclined to rather support a law that will specify the process to be followed by companies when major decisions are to be made and ensure the protection of minority investors. A law can also be passed to limit the percentage of ownership of companies in sensitive sectors due to national security. Otherwise, I don’t think the proposed law is good for Nigeria or any country for that matter,” Edozie said.

If such majority-shareholder barring rule is adopted, it means that foreign and Nigerian majority shareholders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who owns majority equity stakes in Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery; and Nestle SA, which owns controlling equity stake in Nestle Nigeria Plc will not be able to vote on major corporate decisions affecting their companies.

With the exception of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which hold less than majority shareholdings, all other foreign investors hold more than 50 per cent controlling majority equity stakes.

The foreign investors are spread across dominant sectors of the economy with large concentration in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) sector. These major multinationals include Unilever Plc, GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom (GSK UK) Plc, PZ Cussons, Nestle SA, Lafarge SA, Heineken NV, Mondelçz International, Berger Bilfinger, BOC Holdings, Standard Bank Group, Leventis, Total SA, Mobil Oil Corporation, Siat NV, Affelka SA, Greif International Holdings B.V., United States’ Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation and SAB Miller.

Other Nigerian individual and institutional investors that may be affected include UAC of Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria, Dr. Oba Otudeko and Mr Femi Otedola, among others.

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has imposed sanctions on 10 firms for failing to meet the deadlines for submission of their earnings reports for the year ended December 31, 2012.

A report on penalties for default filing obtained on Monday by The Nation confirmed last week’s exclusive report by the newspaper that identified some 51 companies that are technically due for fines for failure to meet earnings report deadlines, even after the extension of such deadlines.

The report indicated that Oando was directed to pay N600,000 while Dangote Flour Mills Plc was penalised N500,000. Others included Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp), N300,000; Multiverse, N300,000; MRS Oil and Gas, N200,000; Wapic Insurance, N700,000; NCR Nigeria, N900,000; May & Baker Nigeria, N200,00 while Daar Communications, a perennial defaulter, was fined the highest sum of N3.4 million.

The latest report might represented the first batch of sanctions, with more than 30 companies technically due for such sanctions, unless given waivers under special consideration by the NSE. The Nation had reported that some 30 per cent of quoted companies failed to meet the final extended deadlines for the submission of their audited reports and accounts. This implied that more than two-thirds, 70 per cent, of quoted companies submitted their earnings reports within the extended window for earnings reports.

Investigation had shown that more companies might be sanctioned for failure to file their audited reports this year than the previous year. The NSE had reported that it slammed some N60.2 million as fines on 34 companies for failure to meet deadlines for 2011 audited reports.

With a range of N3.8 million and N100, 000, average fine for the previous year was N1.77 million.

The companies tagged for failure to submit their annual reports within extended deadlines included AIICO Insurance, Eterna, Union Homes Savings & Loans, Omatek Ventures, Vono Products, Resort Savings and Loans, DN Meyer and Beco Petroleum.

There was also large concentration of defaulters in the troubled insurance subsector with not less than 25 insurance companies penciled down as defaulters. Besides AIICO, other

defaulting insurance companies included African Alliance, Continental Reinsurance, Cornerstone Insurance, Custodian and Allied, Equity Assurance, Goldlink Insurance, Great Nigeria Insurance, Guinea Insurance, International Energy Insurance, Lasaco Assurance, Law Union and Rock Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Mutual Benefit Assurance, NEM Insurance, Niger Insurance, Oasis Insurance, Prestige Assurance, Regency Alliance Insurance, Sovereign Trust Insurance, STACO, Standard Alliance, Unic Insurance, Unity Kapital Assurance, Universal Insurance Company and Investment and Allied Assurance.

Other defaulters included Nigeria Energy Sector Fund (NESF), Nigerian-German Chemical, Rak Unity Petroleum, PS Mandrides & Co, FTN Cocoa Processors, Big Treat, UTC Nigeria, Fortis Microfinance Bank, Royal Exchange Nigeria, Starcomms, MTI, IPWA, Nigerian Wire & Cable, Capital Hotel, Ikeja Hotel, Daar Communications and MTECH Communications.

The NSE usually sanctioned earnings report defaulters in line with the provisions of Section 14 of Appendix 111 of the Listing Rules of NSE. Most of the companies now tagged were also fined in the previous year.

Post-listing rules at the NSE require that quoted companies should submit their reports, not later than three months after the expiration of the period.

Most quoted companies including all banks, major manufacturers, oil and gas companies, breweries and cement companies use the 12-month Gregorian calendar year as their business year. The business year thus terminates on December 31.

NSE’s regulatory filing calendar indicates that the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year is March 31. However, the NSE provides that where a filing due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the filing will fall due on the next business day. March 31, 2013 fell on Sunday while April 1, 2013 was a public holiday in commemoration of Easter Monday, thus the due date for the deadline was Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

However, the NSE had extended the regular deadline for all quoted companies by 30 days as a general concession in recognition of challenges being faced by companies, especially with regards to adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Firms count cost of insecurity

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HE spate of violence in many Northern states and sundry se curity challenges such as kidnapping have continued to constrain corporate growth and returns.

Reports by quoted companies and confidential operational reports by corporate sources indicated that there has been significant build-up of inventories in several companies while many have had to scale down their operations to counterbalance the shortfall from the Northern market.

Corporate sources said the spate of violence and escalated sense of insecurity that lingered throughout the past business year undermined their forecasts given that the Northern market represented a major segment for nationwide companies.

They also indicated that there were difficulties in the Eastern market as a result of the spate of kidnappings in that area.

An executive of a company said the company’s performance was adversely affected by the insecurity in many Northern states.

According to the executive, the Northern market, which represented about one-third of the company’s

sales target, substantially fell below targets while the company’s margin was also reduced due to additional costs related to security.

The executive said all the sales representatives in major states have been forced to relocate to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Particularly hard-hit were companies dealing in perishable and breakable products, which have had to contend with longer transportation schedule and sometimes, seizure and obstruction of delivery trucks.

Corporate sources also said the insecurity in the Northern market had adversely affected the pool of human capital in that segment as existing and prospective employees now turn down placements in the North.

Companies have been responding to the Northern market challenge by scaling down Northern operations and optimising opportunities in other markets.

Corporate reports by companies, which factories and main markets are based in the North appear to mirror the slowdown escalated by the spate of violence in the region among other reasons.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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THE NATION INVESTORS Investors worry over CRR impact on banks’ profits

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NVESTMENT advisers and fund managers might recon sider their banking stocks portfolios in the light of last week’s decision that increased cash reserve ratio (CRR) for public sector deposits in banks to 50 per cent.

Market analysts said the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will continue to have ripple effects on market considerations of banking stocks at the stock market.

The MPC last week increased the CRR for all public sector deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent, citing the need to manage the liquidity in the system in a more cost effective manner. The apex bank stated that the new CRR will be applied on Federal, State and Local Government deposits and all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.

It however, retained CRR of 12 per cent for non-public sector deposits. Besides, it left unchanged the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 12 per cent with the symmetric corridor of +/-200 basis points around the MPR. The implementation of the new CRR for the public sector will take effect from the next CRR maintenance period commencing on August 7, 2013. In a letter to all banks dated July 25, 2013, the apex bank stated that it would discontinue

Stories by Taofik Salako

the remuneration on “excess” above the CRR of 8.0 per cent.

Investment analysts said the 50 per cent CRR could undermine banks’ earnings given the large size of public sector funds.

Investment advisers at Analysts at Morgan Capital Group said they have placed a hold on all banks under their coverage pending further analyses to determine the extent of impact on banks’ returns.

According to analysts, it is expected that the new policy will have material impact on the bank’s earnings since most of the top banks have exposure to public sector funds.

“The reluctance of banks to be more aggressive with loan book growth, which commands higher interest margins and would have been a buffer to mitigate some of the expected revenue losses the new policy would have on the banks income will also be heightened. Also material is the exposure of banks to Government bonds and how much of this public sector funds have been committed to these bonds, particularly as bond yields are going up, which means bond prices are crashing and banks are expected to mark their exposure to

market as at December 31, 2013 and any other reporting dates,” Morgan Capital stated.

Analysts however, said the reaction of the management of each bank will determine the extent of impact of the new CRR on the bank, noting that management with the swiftest and efficient reaction to the policy that will emerge the winner.

Investment advisers at FSDH Merchant Bank said while they have not been able to ascertain the actual amount of the public sector deposits in the market in order to accurately gauge the impact of the policy on the liquidity in the market; it was safe to assume that public sector funds were large enough to determine market direction.

“We think the public sector fund is large, as market liquidity and inter-bank rates swing in line with the injections and withdrawals of public sector funds. We expect inter-bank rates and yields on treasury bills to rise immediately the debit hits the system. Banks may also adjust their lending rates upward in line with the realities, while they intensify their efforts in mobilising non-public sector fund,” FSDH stated.

Analysts underscored that need for banks to continue to grow the risk assets in order to ensure adequate returns on capital employed.

Lafarge Wapco grows net profit by 66% to N14.6b

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AFARGE Cement Wapco Nige ria Plc rode on the back of sig nificant reduction in financing expenses to grow its first half profit to N14.59 billion.

Key extracts of the six-month report for the period ended June 30, 2013 showed that while sales grew marginally by seven per cent, 37 per cent reduction in interest expenses and additional tax write-backs boosted net profit by 66 per cent.

Total sales stood at N49.48 billion

by June, this year as against N46.34 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Financial charges, however, dropped by 37.4 per cent from N3.05 billion to N1.91 billion. This boosted profit before tax to N13.81 billion in 2013 as against N12.21 billion in 2012.

With tax write-back of N779 million, net profit stood at N14.59 billion in 2013 compared with N8.81 billion in comparable period of 2012. Earnings per share stood at N4.86 in 2013 as against N2.93 in 2012.

The first half-report showed a reassuring outlook for the company, following a 49 per cent growth in net profit in the first quarter.

Interim report and accounts of the company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 showed that basic earnings per share, the net earnings that could be distributed to shareholders if the company so decided, increased by 49 per cent to N2.02 as against N1.36 recorded in the comparable period of 2012.

The report showed marginal sale growth of 3.1 per cent, but improved cost management leveraged pre and post tax profits by 21 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.

Turnover stood at N23.32 billion in first quarter of the year as against N22.61 billion in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax rose from

N5.96 billion to N7.2 billion. Profit after tax also increased from N4.1 billion to N6.1 billion.

Audited report and accounts of Lafarge Wapco for the year ended December 31, 2012 had shown that profit before tax doubled from N10.3 billion in 2011 to N21.3 billion in 2012. Profit after tax also jumped from N8.64 billion to N14.71 billion, indicating earnings per share of N4.90 for 2012 as against N2.88 recorded for 2011.

Turnover had grown to N87.97 billion in 2012 as against N62.50 billion in 2011. Gross profit rose from N19.3 billion to N32.4 billion. Lafarge Wapco paid a dividend per share of N1.20 for the 2012 business year.

In a recent review, Chairman, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said the company would continue to pursue introduction of innovative building material products that would help to deepen its reach to customers and differentiate it from competition with a view to enhancing returns to shareholders He assured that in spite of the challenges in the operating environment, the company would continue to look for opportunities to expand its operations and markets.

According to him, Nigeria’s infrastructural deficit and growing population present opportunities that the company would convert to better returns to shareholders.

“The deficit in urban housing stock and the urgent need by government at all levels to upgrade various road networks in the country provides growth opportunity for the cement sector and we will continue to adapt our production and commercial operations to these opportunities to the benefit of our shareholders,” Osunkeye added.

Genesis Analytics expands

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•From left: Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh; World Bank Nigeria Country Director, Mrs Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly and Vice President, African Development Bank(AfDB), Prof.

Mthuli Ncube, at a High Level Policy Dialogue on the bank’s Infrastructure and Structural Transformation Plan for Nigeria in Abuja.

Saudi firm targets Nigerian investors with $33m real estate

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IYADH-based Kingdom Hotel Investment has announced the investment of over $33 million in Ambassador Heights in Accra, Ghana.

Unveiling the project in Lagos among investors and real estate professionals, Chairman of the firm, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, said the upscale estate located in Accra Central Business District (CBD) and Independence Avenue is an urban sanctuary targeted at investors who have shown interest in the project.

He said the 18 exclusive very high-end homes with arguably the largest pool in West Africa illustrate enduring lifestyle, panache and good living.

Prince Alwaleed said investment in Africa is undoubtedly

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

on a strong rebound and that investors will reap a lot in capital gain and return on investment.

Alwaleed, who spoke through his Sales Manager, Mr. Robert Davis, said the estate is on a 29-sq.m 18 housing units with 10, three bedrooms and eight units four-bedroom.

The firm splashed a-$60 million investment in Kenya real estate and the Mount Kenya Safari Club.

He said each unit have two parking space with glass staircase, sleek bathrooms, two parking space with each plot separated with green space.

He said though the units are denominated in dollars the properties will appreciate and will make good fortunes for investors.

“The idea is to build enlightened homes where the outside view of the house is sea and green including 24 hour security, water supply and electricity,” he said.

On why he is marketing the housing units in Nigeria while building them in Ghana, he said the firm has come to appreciate the taste of Nigerians and their ability to invest in such high end properties.

He said they are not only marketing housing units but hotels and commercial areas, adding that payments would be structured in such a way that it would be convenient for buyers and investors. The project, the sales manager said will be delivered by mid 2015, urging investors to make effective demand.

He said a subsidiary of the firm will manage the facilities on a different fee from the cost of the housing units.

ENESIS Analytics, one of the leading South Af rican banking strategy firms, has expanded its Nigerian operations as it focuses on consolidating its services and clienteles in what it described as Africa’s most significant market for growthphased financial services firms.

Head, Genesis Analytics Financial Institutions Practice, Richard Ketley, said the expansion of the firm’s operations was due to increasing demand for more comprehensive services.

This comes with the appointment of Ada Phil-Ugochukwu as country director of the firm. Networked into the firm’s offices throughout Africa, the Middle East and India, the Nigeria office according to a statement, will be increasing its capacity to provide rigorous analysis and addedvalue output that Genesis Analytics is known for.

“We have been working with banks and related companies in Nigeria for 12 years, and are delighted to be able to announce the increase in our capacity to serve this market.

Nigeria is by far the most significant market for growth-phased financial services institutions on the continent, and a stronger banking sector will play a key role in facilitating both economic growth and social development,” Ketley said.

According to him, a stronger local presence will significantly expand the firm’s ability to support clients in the banking and other financial services industries, as well as regulators and donors.

Phil-Ugochukwu is expected to focus on expanding and consolidating the firm’s presence in Nigeria by deepening relationships with Genesis Analytics clients and expanding its presence into non-banking financial services.

“As banks adjust to the worldwide restructuring of the financial services sector, they are facing many significant challenges, particularly

in developing economies. Most imd. portantly, they need to stabilise operations, invest in solutions that will help them to integrate business units, explore alternative channels and income streams, and benchmark processes to meet global banking standards. Achieving all of this while running a bank on a day-to-day basis puts enormous pressure on executive and management teams and this is where Genesis Analytics has such a significant role to play,” PhilUgochukwu said.

She noted that Genesis Analytics is well-resourced with research and analytical capacity, and can provide the invaluable intelligence needed for banks to make informed decisions in a difficult trading climate.

According to her, with its knowledge base developed by working with more than 50 banks on the African continent, as well as with many regulators and donor agencies, Genesis is able to offer its clients best-ofbreed analysis and innovative solutions to the challenges they are facing.

Excited by the potential of the Nigerian financial services sector, PhilUgochukwu believes that her firm’s expanded in-country presence will have a key role to play in unlocking value, as well as in facilitating broadbased growth and development.

She will also focus on enabling clients to benefit from leveraging off the firm’s sector and continental knowledge in order to improve business performance.

Ada Phil-Ugochukwu brings a wealth of strategic management experience to her new role, having worked on retail banking strategy, financial inclusion, payment methodologies, mobile payments, new business and financial sector development. She is also an expert in segmentation, market strategy, the alignment of business processes to market segments, and the design, integration and implementation of value propositions.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

INSURANCE

Expand market for growth, expert urges

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HERE is need for operators in the industry to concentrate more on market expansion instead of premium growth, the Managing Director, Riskguard-Africa Nigeria Limited, Mr. Yemi Soladoye, has said.

In an interview, he said the concentration on premium growth is inimical to growth, adding that the future of the industry can only come from market expansion.

He said: “Operators often focus on how to raise their yearly premium, abandoning the need to create expansion through good services and people-tailored products.

“All the operators want is to ensure that their premium for this year is higher than what it was last year, and they are ready to spend anything to achieve that.

If their market position last year was number six and they move to number five this year, their

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

board would applaud their effort, not minding the cost.

“The companies’ cost of doing business is indeed very high; the claims ratio is quite low. These are pointers to the fact that insurance companies need something new and better.

“The issue of unhealthy competition will be getting worse, until they look for better, cost-effective and non-volatile distribution channel. This can be achieved by bankassurance, which is having collaboration with banks’ retail channel. It also means engaging in strategic alliances with organisations, such as Shoprite, Megaplaza and others.”

He urged operators to initiate collaboration with cooperative societies and other relevant bodies to deepen insurance penetration.

IMF, NIA partner on growth

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HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) are exploring how to harness the potentials of the industry to boost the economic growth of the country.

The Director-General of NIA, Sunday Thomas, who made this known in Lagos, said the representatives of the association’s Governing Board led by Prof Joe Irukwu, has met with the representative of the IMF, Dr Rodoyo Wenrhan, to discuss how operators of the industry can maximise value from the enormous insurance potentials in the country.

Thomas said the parties hope to work out on how to sustain stability on insurance contributions to the economy.

He said: “The representatives of our Governing Council led by Professor Joe Irukwu, has met with the representative of the IMF, Dr Rodoyo Wenrhan, to explore the potentials of the insurance industry as an economic growth driver in Nigeria.

“Among the objectives of the mission was to ensure stability is sus-

tained within the system. The representative of the IMF stated that the outcome of the meeting is expected to be published with recommendations made on how to move the insurance industry forward.”

Th industry is also said to have within the last three years, recorded growth of one million subscribers.

Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel, who made this known, said the number of insured in Nigeria was 500,000 about three years ago, but at present stands at about 1.5 million, out of a population of over 165 million.

Daniel noted that the Gross Premium Income (GPI) has also increased from N157 million in 2010 to N250 million in 2012, adding that as a result of that, increase in the ratio of premium to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) moved from below 0.5 per cent to nearly one per cent.

He said increase in local capacity has moved from less than 10 per cent to 48 per cent, adding that the commencement of implementation of Section 50 of the insurance Act 2003 has improved financial assets of operators.

Group opens Cross River chapter

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HE Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN) has established a new chapter in Cross River State.

The move, which was okayed by ARIAN Board, was in recognition of the need to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria.

It is also in line with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) development platform, the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative (MDRI).

Before the chapter was established, ARIAN has established chapters in Ibadan, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Akwa Ibom and Lagos. Cross River State’s chapter was approved for establishment, among others, owing to their strategic economic importance and relevance to the growth and development of insurance.

The new executives of the chapter include Elder Bassey Orok, chairman; Elder Medie Uudom,

vice chairman, Elder Akwa Etukudo, secretary; Elder Mike Ukpong, assistant secretary; Prince Remmy Awana, treasurer, Elder Ikpeme Samuel, provost; Elder Samuel Effiong, financial secretary; Madam Theresa Okon, welfare and Imo John Akpan, PRO. The National President of the association, Mr Kingsley Obuvie, who was represented by Mr Innocent Williams, said he was determined to expand the insurance agency networks, hence this initiative to do a nationwide sensitisation informing all insurance companies practicing agency business.

He highlighted the requirements needed to become licensed NAICOM insurance agents. These include N1,000 NAICOM registration fee, N2,000 for ARIAN certificate, CIIN proficiency certificate, tax clearance, letter of authority from employers.

The association is also planning its yearly conference and AGM scheduled for next November.

•Branch Manager, Unity Bank Kennedy Njoku engages a prospect at Sabo Yaba Market during the bank’s Road Show in Lagos.

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FRICA Re has been granted licence to operate as an occasional Reinsurer in Brazil as it gets set to expand its operations for the first time in Latin America.

This important step ,according to the reinsurer, will allow it to expand its operations for the first time in Latin America, which will add to its presence in Africa and Asia.

Group Managing Director of Africa Re, Mr. Corneille Karekezi, who unveiled the company’s latest achievements after its Annual General Assembly in Dakar, Senegal, said a framework for cooperation in Reinsurance business has been signed between Africa Re and IRBBrasil Re, the leading reinsurance company in Brazil.

He said Africa Re would start to write some businesses from the Brazilian market and benefit from exchange of competence through cross-attachment of technical staff, increase of shares in retrocession programme and extended underwriting capacity. Later, Africa Re shall register as an Admitted Reinsurer.

In another development, A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s (SP) have affirmed the Financial Strength Rating and the Issuer Credit Rating/Anchor of the company. The rating firms retained Africa Re’s impressive A- in Financial Strength Rating and Issuer Credit Rating/ Anchor.

The A.M. Best rating of Africa Re reflects its strong risk-adjusted capitalisation and operating performance, as well as its established market position across the African reinsurance market. Although Africa Re is exposed to the unstable political and economic environment in some African countries, these

Africa Re goes to Brazil risks are largely mitigated by its geographic diversity, asset-liability matching strategy and the ease with which the corporation can shift its operations between its regional offices.

The Standard & Poor’s ratings after Insurance Criteria change- reflect their view of Africa Re’s satisfactory business risk profile and strong financial risk profile, built on a strong competitive position in Africa’s reinsurance market, as well as its very strong capital and earnings.

S&P derives their ‘a-’ anchor for Africa Re from the combination of these two factors and view potential modifying factors - adequate enterprise risk management (ERM), satisfactory management and governance, and exceptional liquidity as neutral for the ratings. The S&P ratings on Africa Re reflect the company’s stand-alone credit strength and do not include any uplift for support from the Nigerian sovereign. At the same time, the ratings are not constrained by the sovereign rating due to Africa Re’s significant asset and premium diversification.

In the financial year 2012, Africa Re reported a 35 per cent increase in pre-tax earnings to USD93 million. Results were supported by a rebound in the equity markets, resulting in higher investment returns (including fair value gains) of 5.7 per cent (2011: 3.7 per cent), and a stable combined ratio of 91 per cent.

Africa Re’s operating performance remains strong, underpinned by stable underwriting results and solid investment returns, and continues to meet its strategic objectives

comprising return on average equity (ROE): 14 –17 per cent, return on revenue: 8.7 -12.2 per cent, net combined ratio: 92 – 97 per cent and net loss ratio: 61-66 per cent.

Africa Re’s strong risk-adjusted capitalisation was further strengthened (in part) by the successful execution of its ongoing capital-raising initiative in 2012. This has resulted in an increase in paid-up capital to USD 287 million in 2012 from USD 100 million in 2009.

Higher retained earnings underpinned by the corporation’s strong income generation, also contributed to the rise in shareholders’ funds to USD 609 million in 2012 from USD 482 million in 2011.

Africa Re is a reinsurance company with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. It has six regional offices in Casablanca, Morocco; Nairobi, Kenya; Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire); Port Louis (Mauritius); and Cairo (Egypt). The Lagos office is for English-speaking West Africa as well as two subsidiaries in Johannesburg (Africa Re South Africa Limited) and in Cairo (The African Takaful Reinsurance Company).

The Corporation is owned by 41member states of the African Union (AU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the German Investment and Development Corporation (DEG), the Dutch private sector financing company (FMO), PROPARCO (subsidiary of the Agence Française de Développement), IRB-Brasil Re and about 100 insurance and reinsurance companies.

Reinsurer cuts gold holding amid bear market

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REENLIGHT Capital Re Limited (GLRE), the reinsurer that counts hedgefund manager David Einhorn as its chairman, cut an investment in gold in the three months ended June 30 as prices fell into a bear market.

The reinsurer according to Bloomberg, had about $50.5 million of commodities at the end of the second quarter, compared with $90.3 million on March 31, according to a regulatory filing yesterday. The cost basis for the investments fell to $41.8 million from $59.9 million in the period, the Cayman Islands-based company said.

The “decrease in commodities was due to a decline in the price of gold combined with the disposal of a portion of our physi-

cal gold holdings,” according to the filing.

Gold futures dropped 23 per cent last quarter, the most since Bloomberg data begins in 1975, and reached $1,179.40 an ounce on June 28, the lowest since August 2010. The metal remains in a bear market reached in April after some investors lost faith in bullion as a store of value and amid speculation that the Federal Reserve will curb its stimulus program. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. forecast July 22 that prices are likely to decline further.

About 90 per cent of Greenlight Capital Re’s $1.01 billion of investments backing policyholder liabilities was in stocks at the end of June, according to the filing. Einhorn, 44, who oversees the portfolio, has said the bet on gold was a hedge

against currency devaluation as central banks around the world have worked to stimulate the economy by buying bonds and keeping interest rates low.

The stock market’s “rapid advance is creating a potentially unstable condition which could resolve a number of ways and is difficult to predict,” the reinsurer said. The company plans “to continue holding a combination of a significant position in gold, macro positions in the form of options on higher interest rates and foreign exchange rates, short positions in sovereign debt and sovereign credit default swaps.”

Brian Ruby, a spokesman with ICR Inc., who represents Greenlight Capital, had no immediate comment on when the reinsurer sold its holdings.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP The road to success for a new outfit can be bumpy. But the story of a Lagos-based female entrepreneur, Anita Wayor, is not following this pattern. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

‘Never take no for answer in business’

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NITA Wayor is the founder and chief executive of Petra Solid Ventures. A holder of a degree in Biochemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, she worked as a freelance usher at an advertising agency.

It was while there that she nursed the idea of starting her own business.

Anita saw an opportunity in household cleaning. After her graduation, she opted for entrepreneurship when she could not get a job.

She was convinced that developing products to fill specific market needs has the potential of becoming a big and profitable business.Moreover, the household cleaning industry was not affected by recession. By 2011, she was ready to fulfil her dream of running her business. She started toying with the idea of producing affordable home cleaning products that will stand.

She decided to set up Petra Solid Ventures, a firm that manufactures household cleaning products, but realised that most of the products in the market were not affordable by most Nigerians.

Hence, she decided to develop a product that is affordable, but didn’t have enough money. She could only raise N12,000; so, she started from her room. Today, the business has grown such that she has a factory.

Wayor sells to camps, hotels restaurants and corporate organisations. Her business is growing, thanks to the middle class. At a time most young graduates are looking for white collar jobs, she started a business despite the risks involved.

The market for household cleaning products was saturated. But she believed the venture will thrive as long as consumers accept they are spending money on value. For her, when an entrepreneur matches a need in the mar-

ketplace with what’s best for consumers, she wins.

Her products are popular. Fegen is a registered trademark brand of Petra Solid Ventures.

According to her, the challenges are many. One of them is competition from big firms.

Others are difficulty in dealing with government agencies, power interruptions and poor infrastructure. In spite of these, she has been able to handle more businesses and could hire more staff.

Her commitment to leadership is strong. Also, she uses only National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) certified products for production.

She urged entrepreneurs to ensure that their business plans are executable. According to her, an entrepreneur must be pragmatic, have a product that one can sell in the environment, be patient and work a lot harder in order to suc-

ceed.

She advised entrepreneurs to get more information about the type of business they want to pursue before making an investment and also find solutions to their challenges.

Entrepreneurs, she added, should not be afraid to pursue their dreams.

For her, building a venture from scratch is not for the faint-hearted.

One must have courage, tenacity, perseverance and resilience. “Never take no for an answer, be solutionoriented and be patient,” she said, adding: “I have learnt to never say die.”

She has met people who thought she was crazy to start a project like hers instead of looking for a whitecollar job. But her passion for entrepreneurship has kept her going. She never stopped believing in her dreams.

As a luxury brand, she cannot afford any inconsistency in quality. She competes with international brands,

• Wayor

benchmarking with the best to grow her business. Despite setbacks, she is persevering - most of which turned out to be sources of strength.

She said young Nigerians must think of starting something rather than wait for white-collar jobs.

Long road to success Emmanuel Umesiosi, President, Global Pharma Resources Limted, has experienced the viccissitudes of life. But he overcame them and is now a successful entrepreneur. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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•TBLF Founder,Governor Liyel Imoke, delivering his •Mrs Onuk opening remarks at the event

Cross River to invest in local content

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HE Cross River State Government is set to invest in local content development through skill acquisition and vocational training, the Economic Adviser to the Cross River State Government, Prof.

Ndem Ayara, has said.

He spoke at The Bridge Leadership Foundation (TBLF) Career & Founder’s Day in Calabar.

The government, he said, would support youths in entrepreneurship, pointing out that so far, 10 investors plan to invest in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, energy and power and agro processing in the state.

He presented an industry survey by the state to ascertain areas of skill dearth, employers’ needs and the human resource to meet them.

Ayara highlighted the areas where skilled manpower are needed and the potentials of the service industry to provide auxiliary services.

Earlier, Acting Director/Consultant of the Foundation Mrs Ini Onuk said: “Our theme for this year is intended to chal-

By Daniel Essiet

lenge the mindset of young people who mostly blame the government, their parents or relatives for their circumstances but forget the role that personal leadership plays in shaping one’s life and destiny.

She said: “Today, we bring practical examples of people who have made decisions to better their lives, young people who have risen above the challenges that life threw at them.”

Chief Executive Officer of Flying Doctors Nigeria, Dr. Ola Orekunrin, who spoke on Social

entrepreneurship: Finding solutions and making impact, urged young people to find their paths, contribute to solutions to the state and country through social entrepreneurship.

The speakers urged participants to be prepared to identify and take up opportunities.

Participants also took part in an ‘Elevator pitch’ contest, where many prizes were won.

The winners, who emerged are Raymond Ukwa who from Abia State, Charles Nzan and Godwin Offiong who carted away book prizes.

CHEMICAL manufacturer, Emmanuel Umesiosi, has made many mistakes in business before making it in pesticides production.

Umesiosi, who is the Chief Executive of U3 Global Pharma Resources Limted, suffered failed businesses, but kept trying because he believed he is caught out for entrepreneurship.

He started as an apprentice pharmacy technician at Idumota, in Lagos.

After his training, he started a small patent medicine business, which included product distribution. From a small beginning, the business has grown to become an household name in the late 80s.But Babaginda’s regime moved against them.

Eventually, he lost a fortune and was back to square one.

Never given to defeat, Umesiosi decided to start a chemicals business. The biggest obstacle to starting the business was finance. Chemical entrepreneurs finance their businesses with a bank loan, government grants, personal contributions, and thrifty societies. The business could be stressful, he said, adding that the uncertainty of the next contract was worrsisome to him.

Umesiosi said his business suffered a setback when the Obasanjo administration beamed its searchlight on operators of chemical businesses.

After losing so much money and failing, he decided to give

•Umesiosi

it another shot. At the moment, he is into production of pesticides, which he started with N3,000.He employed six people.The business has grown and is worth N500,000.

He called on the government to protect the small business sector from economic downturn.

Despite all these, he is adjusting to the challenges of the operating environment. His failed attempts in business have taught him never to lose faith as his company’s products are beginning to make their way to market. According to him, the sector has made a major contribution to trade in manufactured goods and it employs highly educated and skilled people.

‘Lagos centre to partner training institutions’

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HE Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) will partner other training institutions, its Director-General Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo has said.

She spoke while receiving a delegation from the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria led by its President,Dr. Otive Igbuzor, in her office.

Mrs. Fabamwo said as the training arm of the public service,

By Yinka Aderibigbe

the centre is poised to equip workers with the tools needed to keep pace with the state’s focus of being Africa’s mega city.

She said 21st century managers must be equipped with strategic planning tools to remain effective.

The centre, according to her, has aligned its vision with that of the state and is simulta-

neously benchmarking its services with other training institutions in Africa to deliver on its mandate.

The centre, Mrs. Fabamwo emphasised, is not only a training institution, but that it provides solutions for stakeholders, especially in the public service.

She said a framework was in place to achieve its objectives, adding that 21 old courses have

been reworked and 37 new ones designed to accommodate the public service.

Igbuzor said the visit was part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the institute.

The institute chose to reach out to PSSDC because of the recognition of its “critical mandate of developing requisite manpower needed for the sustainable growth and development of the public service in Lagos state”, he said.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

PERSPECTIVE

Confronting inter-regional disparities in Nigeria D ISPARITIES in endowments of agricultural, mineral and commercial wealth across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones determine the rates at which the different regions can grow. Economic activities and growth are concentrated in four regions, while the remaining two regions are largely excluded from the growth processes.

This calls for urgent efforts to make economic growth more inclusive. Investing in fast and efficient rail links between rich and poor regions is suggested as a win-win national redistributive strategy that could bring resource-poor regions closer to needful inputs, ensure benefits of growth are more evenly distributed across regions without hurting any of the resource-rich regions, ultimately eliminate interregional growth disparities, and ensure the peaceful coexistence that is required to sustain growth. Nigeria needs a strong national economic intelligence apparatus like the defunct National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC) to, among other things, provide the foresight required henceforth to ensure that regional growth divergence is prevented rather than cured.

Resource endowments and growth From 19 states in 1980, the next two decades were to see the creation of 17 additional states (two in 1987, nine and the FCT in 1990, and six more in 1996) to arrive at the present 36 states and FCT in six geo-political zones or regions. The economies of all Nigerian states and regions had looked very similar in the stagnant 1980s and 1990s when weak global commodity prices inflicted deep contractions on the country’s economy. Oil production, agricultural and manufacturing output fell steeply and remained stagnant until 1999. Infrastructure, such as rail transport and power supply, deteriorated or collapsed over this period.

The nation’s economy however entered a recovery phase in 1999 when global commodity prices saw a broadly-based surge that has surprising been sustained for more than a decade, the brief contraction during the 2008/2009 global crisis notwithstanding. This has boosted agricultural, oil and trading output in Nigeria. Growth has however been concentrated in a few sectors as crops, oil, and commerce have contributed 90 per cent of Nigeria’s growth. Each of these three activities is regionally concentrated, meaning that some regions are excluded from the growth process.

This creates a challenge of making growth more inclusive.

Thus, regional growth incidence has been primarily dependent on regional resource endowments. States and regions are beginning to look very dissimilar as growth has not been uniform across the regions. States/regions included in the growth processes are getting rich, just as those excluded from the growth processes, remain poor.

Regions can now easily be grouped into the haves and the have-nots. If this trend continues, the rich states/regions will get richer, and the poor, poorer.

Northwest and North-central, with well-watered stretches of land area, account for 90 per cent of crop production; Southsouth, with access to coastal oil and gas deposits, accounts for 91.5 per cent of oil production; Southwest, with the historic ports of Lagos and lucrative land borders, account for 60 per cent of trading and commercial activities, and North-central and South-south combine to contribute another 30 per cent of this. The remaining two regions, the semi-arid Northeast with immense metal ores, and the landlocked Southeast with immense coal deposits, are marginalised from the existing growth processes.

Recent growth patterns Southwest gross regional output grew the most in 2012 with an absolute nominal increase of N1.4 trillion (or 21.8% nominal growth), followed by the Northwest with N1 trillion (16.38%), and North-central with N800 billion (14.27%). These are to be compared to regional output increases of N123 billion (10.89%) in the Southeast and N100 billion (8.19%) in the Northeast. Owing to a slight dip in oil price in 2012 after growing impressively in the preceding three years, oil-dominated South-south recorded a slight decline of about N268.9 billion (-1.69%) in regional output in 2012.

The Southsouth still had the largest gross regional product, N15.65 trillion (38.6% of Nigeria’s GDP), followed by the Northwest’s N8.4 trillion (20.65%), Southwest’s N8.2 trillion (20.26%), and North-central’s N5.7 trillion (15%).

Southeast’s N1.4 trillion (3.27%) and North-central’s N1.2 (3.11%) trillion were the smallest GRPs in 2012, each being even smaller than the increase in Southwest’s regional output that year. More importantly, Southeast and Northeast not only had the smallest economies in 2012, they also recorded the least absolute and percentage growths.

Output versus consumption The seeming advantage of the Southsouth’s output over other regions has to be qualified that only a small fraction of the oil wealth created in the region is appropriated in the region. One third of the oil wealth is appropriated by multinational joint venture partners with the remaining two thirds heading into the federation account which only concedes 13 per cent of the oil revenue to producing states over and above what comes to them, like any other state, based on the revenue allocation. The non-oil output of about N1.9 trillion in 2012 is fully appropriable within the region,

By Ayo Teriba

as with non-oil output in all other regions.

The consequence is that Southsouth ranks third, after Southwest and Northwest in total consumption spending, and ranks a distant fifth, only ahead of the Northeast, in consumption spending per head. The region’s domestic income is high enough to rank first; consumption is low enough to rank third; and consumption per head even lover to rank fifth. Worse still, food consumption per head in the region is the lowest in the country, while non-food consumption per head is the second highest; revealing the irony that, while the average person in the Southsouth spends less on food than persons in the other region, the average outlay on non-food items in the Southsouth is second only to the Southwest, and even higher than in the Northcentral! This anomaly suggests that derivation payouts funds luxury spending by few privileged government officials and their cronies, while the populace don’t have enough to spend on basic needs like food.

On the contrary, the output disadvantage of the Southeast is mitigated by the fact that south easterners’ income from involvement in wealth creation in all the five other regions and in the Diaspora far exceeds the value of wealth generated within the region. The strong home bias of the average south easterner ensures that huge fractions of such wealth are repatriated to the region with the consequence that Southeast ranks third in consumption spending per head after the Southwest and the North-central, ahead of the Northwest, South-south and the Northeast, although total consumption in the region still ranks fifth, only ahead of the Northeast. Southeast consistently remains third in both food consumption per head and non-food consumption per head. The relative rankings of the other four regions do not need to be qualified as they remain fairly consistent across output and consumption measures.

Confronting Interregional Divergence

The 2012 growth patterns may persist into the medium term as the current outlook of global commodity prices remain favourable for food and agricultural raw materials.

Crop production and trading and commerce will continue to contribute the most to Nigeria’s growth in the foreseeable future. With oil price already a little above US$100, oil sector growth is likely to remain intermittent in the medium term.

In the absence of a national interregional redistributive policy, rich regions will continue to get richer, just as poor regions get poorer. Residents in the poor regions might eventually lose hope, become restive, engage in activities that may threaten peaceful interregional coexistence, and undermine growth in the country. Sustenance of growth in the country can only be assured through peaceful redistribution of growth from rich to poor regions.

Otherwise, violent redistribution of the pains and anguish of penury from poor to rich regions will be inevitable, breach the peace among regions, and the country will be the worse for it.

Rail transportation and regional development Investing in fast and efficient rail links between rich and poor regions is the win-win national redistributive strategy that could bring resource-poor regions closer to needful inputs, ensure benefits of growth are more evenly distributed across regions without hurting any of the resource-rich regions, ultimately eliminate interregional growth disparities, and ensure the peaceful coexistence that is required to sustain growth. Nigeria, therefore, needs to approach the nationwide rail development with a much stronger sense of urgency.

The recently released Mid-Term Report of The Transformation Agenda (May 2011–May 2013): Taking Stock, Moving Forward did say that, ‘The Federal Government in a bid to turnaround the railways nationwide, articulated a 25-year strategic vision for the rail sector, with milestones to be implemented in three stages. The broad targets of the rail sub-sector are the completion of the rehabilitation of the

‘ Sustenance of growth in the country can only be assured through peaceful redistribution of growth from rich to poor regions. Otherwise, violent redistribution of the pains and anguish of penury from poor to rich regions will be inevitable, breach the peace among regions, and the country will be the worse for it’

•President Goodluck Jonathan

existing narrow gauge and construction of new standard gauge rail lines, and construction of extension to link all State Capitals and commercial centres. Feasibility studies are on-going to create additional corridors for the standard gauge rail system. The studies are expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year and their reports will amongst others consist of Outline Business Cases which will be made available to potential investors for the development of tracks under Public Private Partnership.’

The Federal Government does seem to have the rail sector development on its radar. The only problem is that the 25year timeframe does not reflect the strong sense of urgency that an appreciation of the likely impact on states, regions and sectors, and industrial clusters would impose. 25 years?

Not five years? Full economic revival of the six regions depends critically on the development of a fully functioning rail sector. Every region will gain tremendously from fully functioning rail transport system. Train terminuses have historically been known to open up new markets, which propelled the growth of major Nigerian cities and triggered the emergence and growth of regional industry clusters across Nigeria. Since the collapse of the rail transport system in the 1980s, the markets surrounding the terminuses have either declined or died altogether, all major Nigerian cities, except Lagos and Abuja, have declined markedly, regional industrial clusters are dead; in the absence of rail transport, only parts of Lagos and Ogun states have sufficient proximity to the ports to sustain industry clusters. Revival of cities and industries requires a fully functioning rail transport system. Metal Ores and Coal production can only thrive in the presence of rail transportation. Nigeria can extract additional growth by exploiting these two minerals that abound in the Northeast and the Southeast.

With 160 million people to move across 36 states and the FCT, spread over 774 local government areas, annual crops, livestock, forestry, fishery, petroleum products, and solid minerals output in excess of 440 million tonnes, with an even larger volume of merchandise imported through the airports, seaports and land borders, the business case for the rail sector should be more than obvious. The developmental impact is no less compelling. Competitiveness in manufacturing and broader industrial activities depends very critically on the existence of a transport cost reducing fully functioning modern rail sector. Growing long term savings represented by the pension fund assets need long term investment which are absent in Nigeria. Opportunities for investing these funds in the rail sector will be in the long term interest of the savers and the country. The government can issue rail bonds, or even levy rail specific taxes to provide part of the required funding, in addition to funds that could be contributed by joint venture partners and public-private-partners.

Stronger National Economic Intelligence Apparatus is urgently required Nigeria needs a strong national economic intelligence apparatus like the defunct National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC) to, among other things, provide the foresight required to ensure that regional growth divergence is prevented on an ongoing basis rather than cured. The NEIC Act should be amended, rather than repealed as being contemplated by the Senate, to give the agency more powers to provide insight, oversight, and foresight on matters of urgent national importance in line with the original vision for the agency when it was created in 1994. The National Assembly, the Presidency, and the National Economic Council alike should rely on such an agency to clarify their vision and thinking on the best ways to ensure a more inclusive national economic growth trajectory.

•Teriba is CEO, Economic Associates, Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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

Should you consider short cuts, instead of voluntary compliance in tax payments, you need to watch Binding Duty, a TV drama running in over 14 TV stations across the country. Among the top flight artistes in the drama are Tina Mba, Norbert Young, Taiwo Obileye, Gloria Young and Bimbo Manuel, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

Fresh campaign against tax evasion

I

MAGINE this scenario:a young graduate, who lives off the wealthy sister, gets arrested for a traffic violation. The sister, a chief executive officer of a firm secures his release from custody. The young man abandons the sister’s home after helping himself to some of her hard currency.

He then engages the services of a tout to secure a fake tax clearance certificate on the sister’s firm to bid for a contract in a Federal Government agency. Wondering why a company that has been compliant in tax payments would suddenly apply for a contract with a fake TCC, the FIRS investigates. The CEO of the firm is invited by the FIRS enforcement unit after the young man had been apprehended by the police.

This captures the thrust of Born To Win, one of the 13 episodes in Binding Duty, produced by Ohi Alegbe and directed by Ihria Enakimio for the Federal Inland Revenue Services. The production of the TV drama is one of the new approaches to enlighten on the need for voluntary compliance among tax payers. Also, it must have been spurred by the low level of voluntary compliance by tax payers and the dire need by the services to shore up federal government’s dwindling revenue through taxation.

One of the episodes, Short Cut, which focuses on how touts obtain fake tax clearance certificate from roadside printing press, shows how the FIRS is undergoing an in house cleansing exercise that identifies, investigates and sacks some staff members who connive with touts to subvert the system.

Speaking at the screening of some of the episodes in Lagos, coordinating producers of the drama and an Assistant Director at FIRS, Mr Wahab Gbadamosi, said the project which started in 2008 is one of the subtle ways the services is adopting to cleanse the system while shoring up the revenue base of Federal Government.

“The behavioural change is being pursued in the house and our clients are being focused for synergy. It is also an education platform that cuts across all strata of the society,” he said.

•A scene from one of the episodes

FILM According to another coordinating producer, Nneka Ifekwuna, the drama is preceded by in-house cleansing at the FIRS in order to effectively confront the challenges of enforcing compliance among tax payers. “We have to clean our table otherwise we will not be able to clean the nation,” she added.

Other episodes of the drama include Burrowed time (focuses on unremitted VAT funds), To Have and to Hold (focuses on Withholding Tax proceeds), Ostrich Syndrome (focuses on tax arrears), and Double Jeopardy (focuses on personal income tax).

According to Alegbe, the casts are returning to camp for shooting soon while the 13 episodes will run for 26

weeks.

The efforts of the FIRS in this direction are worthwhile because no doubt, tax revenue collection remains critical to the growth and development of the country, as government alone cannot provide all the social amenities without contributions from the public. Also, it is high time the economy’s growth shifted from revenues from oil.

Tina Mba, acted as Doorshima Jang; (FIRS Director).

Other actors are Eric Obinna, Langley Evru and Tony Afokhai. Executive producers are Ifueko OmoiguiOkauru and Kabir M Mashi. Coordinating producers are Emmanuel Obeta, Wahab Gbadamosi and Nneka Ifekwuna. Director of photography is Abraham Adetutu while the Artistic director is Austin Awulonu.

The Nigeria, Germany union

By Chinasa Ekekwe

DOCUMENTARY

•From left: Ajayi, Ladipo, Co-producer-and Goethe Institut Director Marc-Andre Schmachtel; Aniama, Wenner and Fejokwu at the event.

A

FTER its successful premiere at —The Festival of Pan African Cinema in Ouagadougou, Burkina faso, otherwise called FESPACO, and the ongoing 34th Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, Goethe Institut’s documentary film, Drama Consult, was screened in Lagos last week.

The documentary was directed by German film-maker, Dorothee Wenner.

Shot in 21 days, DramaConsult depicts an ethnographic expedition from Africa to Europe of real life Lagos businessmen who embark on a journey to Ger-

many accompanied by smart business consultants to link up with potential partners and investors.

The film was shot in Lagos and Germany featuring business personalities such as spare parts dealer,Sam Aniama; real estate developer Dolapo Ajayi and young shoe manufacturer, Femi Ladipo.

DramaConsult backs up the three entrepreneurs with two ambitious consultants: Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi and Jude Fejokwu.

Apart from tracking the process of economic interferance in the era of globalisation, DramaConsult stages and expansiates the difference between two

business cultures. Despite this, the three entrepreneurs and their consultants are determined to make the best out of their trip to Germany. They were involved in meetings with architects and shoe designers, Berlin-based spare part dealers, bankers and a trading company in Hamburg with a 175-year long tradition of doing business with African countries.

DramaConsult explores the terrain and discovers quite some surprises, from the Nigerian perspective. The relevance of varying national tastes in sneaker design, the legendary German timidity in taking risks, the difference in attitude towards domestic help and its consequences for modern architecture – or simply the importance of dressing for the right ocassion.

Ajayi introduces his German partners to a community in need of housing and they also are in possession of valuable land in Lagos. Who wants a good stew needs good ingredients – and those are costly comments by the chief of the community as models for construction are negotiated. But how costly and how good should the ingredients be?

Sam Aniama, an experienced spare parts dealer, specialising in

Volkswagen and Mercedes and Femi Oladipo, good looking start-up entrepreneur, manufactures shoes for Nigerians who are addicted to fashion.

According to the producer, Dorothee Wenner, the film was not aiming at a financial profit. It is a non-commercial documentary film that seeks to highlight what makes a business brand.

“We have already had the film at six African festivals and we are now going to India and Japan and for Germany, we have done one festival so far because we are planning a big premiere of the film. Because of this, we are partnering with business organsations, unions and students who are not interested in coming to cinemas. We would also organise events that surround the documentary. Now,we already have a partner, GIZ(Corporation for technical corporation).They are also incharge of improving and enhancing business in Nigeria.I hope businessmen can participate and share their experiences to get farther in the subject matter,” she disclosed.

Dorothee said for her as a film maker, this has been a interesting challenge. One of the protagonists, Biyi Tunji-Olugbodi, said ‘it was an opportunity to say Nigerians are not that bad.There is still a lot of us that are genuine you can do business with’. She disclosed that, she is working with Dolapo Ajayi.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

38

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

L

AST week, this column reflected on the confluence between the political thought and ideological orientation of the great physicist and Nobel laureate, Albert Einstein and, the radical economist and theoretician of revolution, Karl Marx. While Karl Marx is renowned as a foremost critic of capitalism and passionate advocate of communism, it was through his article titled ‘Why Socialism?” published in the very first edition of the Marxist journal, ‘Monthly Review’, in 1949 that Einstein’s expressed his radical ideological orientation and affection for socialism. In the fascinating collection of his writings titled ‘Ideas and Opinions’, first published in 1954 with the 23rd impression re-issued in 2008

by Rupa paper Back, we catch further glimpses of Einstein’s philosophical outlook and attitude to life.

This book, which has 377 pages, is divided into six parts focussing on the following themes: ‘Ideas and Opinions’, ‘Politics, Government and Fascism’, ‘The Jewish People’, ‘On Germany’ and ‘Contributions to Science’. Einstein writes with such clarity and simplicity that reminds one of Chinua Achebe or the great jurist, Lord Denning, in his book, ‘The Due Process of Law’. The second essay in the book titled ‘My first impression of the U.S.A, offers an insight into Einstein’s philosophy of life. In his words: “The cult of individuals is always, in my view, unjustified. To be sure, nature distributes her gifts unevenly among her children. But there are plenty of the wellendowed, thank God, and I am firmly convinced that most of them live quiet, unobtrusive lives. It strikes me as unfair, and even in bad taste, to select a few of them for boundless admiration, attributing super human powers of mind and character to them. This has been my fate, and the contrast between the popular estimate of my powers and achievements and the reality is simply grotesque”. Can you imagine such modesty and humility on the part of a man of such towering intellect who is easily one of the supreme geniuses of our time?

We can thus understand why he would be

The mind of Albert Einstein (1) inclined in favour of a society organised in a way that minimises the degree of inequality between social classes.

Einstein’s unassuming almost ascetic attitude to life is again vividly portrayed in another article in the book titled ‘The world as I see it’. According to him “A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labour of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving. I am strongly drawn to a frugal life and am often oppressively aware that I am engrossing an undue amount of the labour of fellow men. I regard class distinctions as unjustified and, in the last resort, based on force. I also believe that a simple and unassuming life is good for everybody, physically and mentally”.

Einstein reinforces this view in the essay titled ‘Society and Personality’. He contends that the individual can only exist within the context of society since the food he eats, the clothes he wears, the houses he lives in are the products of other human beings. Even the greater part of the individual’s knowledge and beliefs, Einstein contends, has been communicated through the medium of an inherited language created by other people.

He thus argues that “The individual, if left alone from birth, would remain primitive and beastlike in his thoughts and feelings to a degree that we can hardly conceive. The

Honour to a man of charity

T

HE quintessential captain of industry Chief Raymond Zard is 75 this year. And to appreciate his magnanimity and service to humanity, top dignitaries, including a former governor, captains of industries, eggheads, clergy, sheikhs and more put pen to paper in honour of the octogenerian Chief Zard by way of tributes and essays.

The 182-page book, which is entitled: A Life of Charity: Essays and Tributes in Honour of Chief (Dr) Raymond Zard, OFR, takes readers into the life of Zard. Born on May 27, 1938 in Ibadan, Oyo State, into the family Khalil and Latife Assad Zard of Lebanon who established a prosperous cocoa business in Ibadan, young Raymond was raised in the fear of God and was taught to love his fellow man “unaffectedly”.

As he grew up, his background impacted on his worldview and love for God and humanity. And what better way to show it if not by giving, the contributors stated. And so it is said of the octogenerian that if charity is a virtue given to a few, Zard was one of the few. This, among his other qualities, has earned several awards, they stated.

Aside having the tributes and essays of bigwigs, the book, which is edited by Tony Marinho and Biola Layonu, has other features that stands it out.

Firstly, it has its forward written by nine personalities, including former Oyo State Governor Omololu Olunloyo; former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Emeritus Ayo Banjo; former Member, National Judicial Councils, Hon. Justice B.O.B Babalakin (CON); Chief Folake Solanke, (SAN) and Prof Akin Mayogunje (CFR).

From its beginning to end, the reader is confronted by the many admirable sides and qualities of the man: from his early days to those of great accomplishments.

They call him “a ray of hope”, “compassionate”, “generous”, “living legend”, an “Omoluabi”, “brother”, “friend” and more. And of all that is written on him, his kind-heartedness and generosity forms the major connecting thread that links each piece together in the collection.

In it, you’d see a Zard (whether as a boy or man) that is full of love for and have contributed a lot to development of humanity, Nigeria in particular.

You’d also see a man of immense humility who is

U S V A I L

BOOK REVIEW

Title:

A Life of Charity: Essays and Tributes in honour of Chief (Dr) Raymond Zard, OFR

Editors:

Tony Marinho and Biola Layonu

Reviewer: Evelyn Osagie Publisher: Media Reports Projects Pagination: 169 touching lives without blowing his trumpet even at his age.

In his tribute to this humanitarian, Chief Olunloyo describes this quality as “silent philanthropy”, stating that it, along with “compassion” and “kindness”, are some of the many hallmarks of his character.

Some like Omololu, Layonu and Chief AdeAjayi and family calls him “a true Omoluabi”,

individual is what he is and has the significance that he has notso much in virtue of his individuality, but rather as a member of a great human community, which directs his material and spiritual existence from the cradle to the grave”.

Must the individual, therefore, forfeit his uniqueness and simply become an unthinking member of a given human mass? Einstein in no way makes such a suggestion. As a matter of fact, there is a fine balance in his thought between the need for man to express his individuality and the imperative of promoting communal harmony as well as social cohesion. His advocacy of a just, fair and equitable society, which he believes can be attainable under a genuinely socialist order, is indeed to help the healthy development of man’s unique individuality.

As he puts it “Only the individual can think, and thereby create new values for society, nay even set up new moral standards to which the life of the society conforms. Without creative personalities able to think and judge independently, the upward development of society is as unthinkable as the development of the human personality without the nourishing soil of the community.

The health of society thus depends quite as much on the independence of the individuals comprising it as it is on their close social cohesion”.

Even though he wrote the essay, ‘Society and Personality’, in 1934, Einstein observed meaning “a son of the soil”, “Omo ‘Badan” and a “Zard of Ibadan” who has been part and parcel of the Ibadan social life even before he became naturalised.

“Long before his naturalisation as a Nigerian and his conferment of National Merit Award of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR)…Raymond Zard has been elevating every aspect of life in the historic city of Ibadan over the years.

In her piece, Mrs Ade-Ajayi recounts the many contributions of Zard to the development of Ibadan and its social life.

In addition to listing some of Zard’s philanthropic exploits, naming him the “doyen of donors”, Marinho describes him as a promoter of educational causes such as being patron at Educare Trust geared towards touching the lives of youths.

The National Chairman, National Association of Catholic Diocesan/Secretaries of Education (NACDDED), Revd Fr Richard Omolade, urges the privileged class to emulate the qualities of Zard by reaching out to the poor. In his words: “Only by this way can we create a kingdom of love, justice and peace”.

But the book is not only full of praises for the humanitarian, it also has diverse pictures of Zard. There are those which have the philanthropist receiving awards, charity work and support for sports and with notable personalities like a former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, the late Chief Bola Ige and his wife, Justice Atinuke, etc.

However, going by the series of praises for the philanthropist, to a reader it would appear that Zard does not habour any human weakness at all. This does not reflect the human nature in its entirety. Hence, even though as a collection of tributes, the book sets out to praise his admirable qualities, the editors could have looked at his life’s experiences in its entirety, including his challenging moments and mistakes which he was faced with and overcame on his path to greatness.

Since the book is a motivational of a sort, the editors should consider the above observation in subsequent editions. This would go a long way to motivate the young. They should also ensure it is available to the public.

Written in an easy to understand language, it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The book makes an inspiring read that reminds its reader of the enduring virtues of that should be emulated, such as humility, endurance and charity.

that economic and technological developments had intensified the struggle for existence to the detriment of the free development of the individual personality. The book contains many short epigrams that vividly encapsulate Einstein’s philosophy of life and his advocacy of a fair, just and compassionate society. For instance, his reflection on ‘The true worth of a human being’, reads “The true worth of a human being is determined primarily by the measure and the sense in which he has attained liberation from the self”. And his view on wealth is that “I am absolutely convinced that no wealth in the world can help humanity forward, even in the hands of the most devoted worker in this cause. The example of great and pure individuals is the only thing that can lead us to noble thoughts and deeds. Money only appeals to selfishness and irresistibly invites abuse.

Can anyone imagine Moses, Jesus, or Gandhi armed with the money bags of Carnagie?’’

We can thus understand the values that informed Einstein’s advocacy of socialism as the best ideology for society. It is then not surprising that Mahatma Gandhi is his hero and the great physicist, in exactly 102 words, paid the following glowing tribute to Gandhi on his 70th birthday in 1939: “A leader of his people, unsupported by any outward authority; a politician whose success rests not upon craft nor the mastery of technical devices, but simply on the convincing power of his personality; a victorious fighter who has always scorned the use of force; a man of wisdom and humility, armed with resolve and inflexible consistency, who has devoted all his strength to the uplifting of the people and the betterment of their lot; a man who has confronted the brutality of Europe with the dignity of the simple human being, and thus at all times risen superior. Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”. Gandhi then symbolizes Einstein’s idea of the good life and the ideal leader. In the second part of this piece, we will reflect on his ideas on morality, religion and God.

South Korean city is World Book Capital 2015

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SOUTH Korean City, Incheon, has been picked as UNESCO World Book Capital 2015.

It will succeed Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, which is the World Book Capital 2014.

Incheon’s tenure will begin following an official handover from Port Harcourt in April 2015. As World Book Capital, Port Harcourt will deliver on an exciting array of programmes primarily targeted at young people, to build on the knowledge economy of the city. The Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, has set up a special committee, chaired by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, to oversee a team of notable men and women to deliver a successful World Book Capital in 2014.

In addition, various stakeholders are also teaming up with the Rainbow Book Club to ensure that the city’s tenure is a roaring success. As 2014 also happens to be Nigeria’s centenary, the milestone certainly presents a unique occasion for positive change.

The World Book Capital title is accorded as ‘an exclusive symbolic acknowledgement of the best programme dedicated to books and reading’. According to the World Book Capital Selection Committee, Port Harcourt was selected, beating 10 other contenders, “...on account of the quality of its programme, in particular its focus on youth and the impact it would have on improving Nigeria’s culture of books, reading, writing and publishing to improve literacy rates”.

Once again, congratulations to the people of Incheon, South Korea, on securing this nomination. We are certain that it would impact positively on the South Asian region, much as the Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014 nomination is expected to have rippling effects on the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and indeed the continent of Africa.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

The 2009 amnesty deal by the Federal Government with the militants may have stopped the incidence of violence, destruction and kidnapping in the Niger Delta - for now. But, it has failed to address key developmental issues, which would make for lasting and sustainable peace in the region. These and other issues are addressed in HAUWA IMAM’S review of a film, Daughters of the Niger Delta.

Daughters of the Niger Delta

T

HE Daughters of the Niger Delta is a soul moving, thought provoking and controversial gendered film.

The film, which is sponsored by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Abuja, is produced by nine amateur film makers, all females from the Niger Delta, who were trained by Media Informative Narrative Development (MIND), under the directorship of the maverick and dynamic lady film maker per excellence Ilse van Lamoen, as part of MIND’s capacity building programme entitled FEMSCRIPT. Through the film, the producers have as never before brought to public attention, the stark realities on ground in respect of the human rights of women and children as well as development issues facing the core Niger Delta states of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.

The film in a subtle way draws the viewer’s attention to the fact that the 2009 amnesty deal by the Federal Government with armed groups may have stopped the incidences of violence, destruction and kidnappings in the Niger Delta region for now.

It has, however, failed to address the key developmental issues which would make for lasting and sustainable peace in the region.

The film begins with footage of the nine producers before beaming the caption of the film and presenting a vivid montage of the waterways of the Niger Delta, showing the daily activities of grassroots communities, for whom the canoe is the major form of transportation connecting the communities. Then the producers’ camera lenses zoom on the struggling women folk who are the pivot of the family units, because of their roles as bread winners of the families of the region and the challenges they face in their day to day activities. These are the central focus of the film.

Our inner most emotions are stirred up when we are confronted with the extent of devastation of the oil spillage and gas flaring in the Niger Delta, which have made it increasingly difficult for the women to make ends meet, as they struggle to eke a living for their families’ up keep against all odds.

The film portrays the story of courage and resilience of three women: Hannah Tende, Naomi Alaere Ofoni and Rebecca Churchill from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states as they struggle against poverty in the face of customs and traditions that reduce women to second class status position.

Our first heroine, Hannah is a fisherwoman and farmer, who is unable to fish anymore in the rivers and creeks because of years of neglect caused by serious environmental pollution/ degradation posed by oil spillage which has destroyed aquatic life in the area. A poor widow with young children, she scavenges the devastated river and creek banks in search of the occasional periwinkles amidst thick black oil sludge, while doubling on the side as a farm labourer to fend for her family. She became widowed in 2005 after her husband died due to a prolonged battle with ill health brought about by environmental pollution and the lack of viable health care delivery system in the region. Her life mirrors the abject poverty in a region that produces the national wealth and the human right abuses widows are subjected to as a result of continued societal adherence to customs and traditions that deprive women of the rights of inheritance and basic human privileges.

Our apprehension is heightened when we come face to face with Hannah and her family living in a dilapidated one room shack bereft of even the most basic furniture and amenities! Her seeming lack of economic empowerment is all too evident in her malnourished children, who are beneficiaries of the Universal Basic Education(UBE) programme of the Federal Government without books. Her use of firewood for cooking amidst the continuous gas flaring by the oil companies elicits anger as she and the children are exposed to health hazards from the smoke and soot.

Just like her mother before her, she was married off at a tender age and when she became widowed; her in-laws inherited everything and threw her and the children out with nothing. Hannah is enmeshed in a vicious circle of poverty and bondage. The audience is made to share her anguish that her daughter’s future is in jeopardy too. Then comes Hannah’s moments of self evaluation, holding the audience spell bond! She questions the moral of poverty and the traditions that have limited her horizon and denied her basic human rights such as the right to remarry! She is fired with determination that her daughter’s life should be better and the customs which have placed her in the peculiar circumstances must be changed!

Our second heroine, Noami like her mother also suffered rejection as a child by her father on account of her societal ascribed second class status. Brought up single handed by her divorced mother, Ruth, who married her father at age 14, her childhood is a tale of intolerable hardships as she supported her mother in the endless toil of preparing and making snacks which they sold by the road side. The turning point in their lives came, when her mother learnt about a health school and enrolled for training as a community health worker and then bagged a government job! With Ruth’s pay as a community health worker, she was able to send Naomi, her only daughter to school and pay for her education up to the university level without any

REVIEW support from her father.

Just as one heaves a sigh of relief that this is a story that ends well, the audience is hit with a bombshell! Naomi was a victim of sexual harassment by her course advisor while in the university. The film’s account of the way lecturers take advantage of their students and toy with the future of those entrusted into their tutelage draws the ire of the viewer. Sexual harassment exists in the universities and deserves condemnation but the impact of this malaise is blown out of proportion as presented in the film when the integrity of all public universities as citadels of learning is brought to question. Most institutions have institutionalised procedures for awarding degrees and handling grievances. The film sadly illustrates that a girl like Naomi may lack the awareness and networks to effectively appeal to these mechanisms. It makes the viewer wonder what can be done to make students like Naomi more aware of their rights, and strengthen their confidence in the system. Naomi shockingly admitted that she condescended to offering bribes to the lecturer to enable her to pass her exams to avoid sleeping with him as he requested. Could she not have found other ways to nullify his indecent proposals, rather than bribing her way out? Given that the ivory towers have quality assurance mechanisms in place, it is very unlikely that a single lecturer can award a student a degree. Naomi states that she went to a public university, but her story is so incredible that one wonders whether she didn’t go to one of the many illegal university study centres which hitherto operate in the region and offered various degrees (which have since been closed down by the National Universities’ Commission) or a real public university. There are several reasons which may make one end up with a third class degree and Naomi’s claims are highly controversial particularly since having benefited from a university education, she is discouraging other girls from getting degrees. The negative and sweeping assertions in the film appear to be a deliberate act by the producers to trigger public discourse on the issue of sexual harassment in public universities and break the silence.

Generally, people shy away from discussing sensitive issues such as this in public and in this direction; the producers have been very effective.

Also, the stark reality of rising graduate unemployment is brought to focus when Naomi is unable to secure a job after graduation. Our heroine undeterred, struggled to surmount the problem when she opted for self employment and began a soap making business. Her education in the university proved an asset in her business. The film makers greatest contribution to fighting poverty is in their subtle message to Nigerian youths to embrace self employment and be job creators rather than job seekers and contribute their quota to economic development of the nation.

Our third heroine is a heavily pregnant young woman, Rebecca, who has never attended an antenatal clinic before! A victim of early marriage, Rebecca’s father collected dowry from a man she has never met and gave her out in marriage without her consent! Her mother who was greatly displeased at the turn of events was powerless to do anything due to the customs that demand absolute obedience to her husband’s wish. The poor woman finds herself enmeshed in a polygamous marriage as

‘The film portrays the story of courage and resilience of three women: Hannah Tende, Naomi Alaere Ofoni and Rebecca Churchill from Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states as they struggle against poverty in the face of customs and traditions that reduce women to second class status position’

one of three wives where the women are the major breadwinners of the family, while their husband indulges in the exclusive male preserve of drinking local gin to while away time. Despite his seeming laxity in contributing to the family’s upkeep and using his wives as slave labours, he has no qualms about siring more children with them and leaving them with the responsibility of the children’s up keeping. Rebecca has given birth to babies a record of ten times with this pregnancy being her eleventh. She has six living children and has had five stillbirths which included a set of twins. Despite being heavily pregnant, she still goes to farm, processes food using crude methodologies (like time old technique of processing cassava into garri-the major staple food) and engages in endless household chores such as fetching water that she is energy sapped.

Our apprehension heightens and turns to outrage when faced with the statistics of the high incidence of maternal mortality which is the second highest in the world and the high incidence of child mortality. One in every five children born in the region dies in infancy. The death toll is higher than death from kidnapping but no one gets to hear about it. The constant drudgery which the women undergo in order to feed their children fills one with a sense of righteous indignation. Furthermore, one is appalled by the devastation and environmental pollution caused by oil exploration, drilling and gas flaring which has reached endemic proportions with no attempt to clean up the landscape (which may take years) nor even stop the gas flaring which is the highest in the world. One’s emotions are heightened at the all too obvious seeming lack of government presence in the area; such that even the most basic amenities like portable drinking water, sanitation, viable transport system, and power supply are nonexistent. furthermore, the viewer is filled with a sense of imminent doom when confronted with the stark reality that people like Hannah resort to self medication with disastrous consequences because of the poor primary health care delivery in the Niger Delta area.

Respite comes when the viewer gets an emotional lift, from the bottom pits of despair as the heroines begin to question their existence in the context of development issues confronting the region and the traditions which weigh them down in the vicious cycle of poverty and bondage.

Our attention is drawn to the fact that the developmental needs of men and women are different in the region. On one hand, the men focus on infrastructures and the like, while on the other hand, the women are more interested in economic activities, health care, water, food, healthy environment and change in the traditions that deny them basic human rights and privileges.

Sadly, the women who are the pivot of the family unit and who are more affected by the years of the neglect of the region are not part of the decision making in the local communities of the Niger Delta. This fills one with a sense of forlornness. However, our emotions are uplifted when our heroines take the crucial steps that make a difference to their existence.

On the whole, the film has a subtle message that if the women of the Niger Delta come together and speak with one voice on issues (such as the serious environmental challenges that have made life difficult in the region, the abject poverty, lack of viable health care delivery service, non existence of basic infrastructure, lack of access to economic means, government inaction, sexual harassment in the tertiary institutions and harmful traditional practices that are gender biased and hold women in bondage), they would be able to bring about the desired change that would make the men see reason to involve them in decision making as partners in progress. The film leaves no one in doubt that the women folk are the catalysts for achieving sustainable development, peace and stability in the Niger Delta area for the benefit of all; however, they must brace themselves up for the challenges ahead.

On a technical standpoint, the film could have been better scripted to streamline the developmental issues of the Niger Delta rather than the bits and pieces of information juxtaposed by the film makers in a haphazard manner. This problem made articulating the key points of the story a bit cumbersome. Also, some elements of dramatization by actors/actresses to highlight some of the issues of the Niger Delta discussed would have •Continued on page 40

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Return of Road Block in Lagos?

•Some policemen at a check-point at Labinjo Kalejaiye Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos last Saturday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

‘How Olateru Olagbegi restored our lost throne’ Prince Olanrewaju Abegunde, the traditional ruler of Unaun community, near Owo, Ondo State, relives how he regained his forefathers’ throne after a 70-year regency, TAIWO ABIODUN reports .

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VERYTHING about him is strange: his birth, his school days, and how he ascended the throne. That is the life of Prince Olanrewaju Abegunde, who became the Olunaun of Unaun in Owo, Ondo State.

Before his birth, seers and men of God prophesied that he was going to be a king -then he was in his mother’s womb.

When he was a toddler, elders bowed for him and paid him obeisance. While in school, teachers were always afraid to discipline him any time he misbehaved. He wore royal cap to school with beads on his neck.

He recalled that he used to dream that he wore a crown later in life. He said that he dreamt several times that a beaded crown was placed on his head.

Today at 54 , he sits on the throne of his great grandfather at Unaun, near Owo, in Ondo State Until now, the community was ruled by a regent. But 18 years ago, the late Sir OlateruOlagbegi II of Owo restored his forefather’s throne. His words: “The late Olowo of Owo, Oba Sir Olateru Olagbegi II installed me as the

Olunaun of Unaun. Yes, it was a dream come true.”

Olunaun recalled: “The elders went into research and went through history, it took a lot of years , vigorous work and prayers until the late Olowo of Owo decided to make me the Oba of Unaun, thus ended the use of regents”.

He is waiting for Governor Olusegun Mimiko to present him the staff of office.

“I was not the only in the race because my cousin also contested. It was thrown open. The king makers voted, and I won. I love it, for there was no bitterness as my cousin came to hug me after I won. My contestant came to hug me and promised to cooperate with me and today we are moving forward. In fact, it is in the spirit of sportsmanship. It is not politics of bitterness,” he recalled his contest for the throne.

On why he has not been wearing his crown, he replied: “One thing or the other is still hanging in the air. I am still waiting for the governor to give me the royal staff of office, while the palace is still under construction. We want to put many things in place and I believe God is in control.”

Radio documentary series on Port Harcourt @ 100

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RADIO Documentary Series initiated by Port Harcourt-born filmmaker, writer and photojournalist Tam Fiofori, to commemorate the centenary of the creation of Port Harcourt by the British colonial government in August 1913; is being produced in partnership with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria South South Zone – FRCN SSZ and, in collaboration with Treasure FM Port Harcourt.

The first segment of the series, History and Geography is to be aired on August 30; to coincide with the exact date 100 years ago, when the British named the newly-built port.

Port Harcourt which in its 100 years of existence has been the capital of Owerri province, the Garden City of Nigeria, capital of Rivers State and oil and gas capital of Nigeria; was built by the then Governor General of Nigeria Lord Lugard; specifically to evacuate coal which had been discovered in Enugu in 1909 to Britain and, named in August 1913 after the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies Sir Lewis Viscount Harcourt.

According to Fiofori who is an internationally-acclaimed award-winning filmmaker, writer and photojournalist, “Port Harcourt’s illustrious history and growth into an international megacity which now attracts people from across the world needs to be properly commemorated at 100 years. Port Harcourt has produced some of Africa’s and the world’s best

academics, sportsmen and women, musicians in various genres, poets, writers, dramatists, beauty queens as well as become an international economic and industrial centre. It has gone from being the Garden City of Nigeria to the Energy Capital of Africa with a very promising future!”

The major segments of the radio documentary series on Port Harcourt at 100, are History and Geography; Arts and Culture; Sports; Transport Hub; Oil and Gas; and Business and Commerce.

The programmes would be broadcast on the Network service of Radio Nigeria Abuja in addition to Treasure FM Port Harcourt, Bronze FM Benin City and Atlantic FM Uyo. This important radio documentary series is targeted at over [80] million listeners across socio-cultural, political and economic groups in Nigeria, as well as an equally large number of local and international listeners who access via the web stream. In addition, a book enti-

• Oba Abegunde

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T was a gathering of literature enthusiasts and writers at the Goethe Institut, Lagos where three young writers- Tracy Osokilo, Iquo Eke and Falowo Damilare- shared their experiences with some select audience.

The writers, who read from excerpts of their works, also interacted with the guests highlighting the focus of their works and challenges of writing.

The youngest of the three writers, Falowo Damilare, who was inspired by Lauren Hills decided write on fantasy in his book, Water Widower. He said: “It is what appeals to me.

When ideas come to me, they come really weird”. He noted that although fantasy is an escape from the harshness of the society, but that such harshness which is found in politics, economy and security is still represented adequately in his books. On whether Nigeria is ready for mythology and fantasies, he said he was aware that few people would accept and that there would always be controversies.

Iquo Eke, who enjoys writing both prose and poetry, read from collections of her poems. The mother of two, who finds time between caring for her family and performing, said that ‘writing is like an itch I have to scratch and you see

An evening with authors

By Iriayo Abayomi

it has an impact when people start asking questions. There is a sense of responsibility. You need to have something bugging your mind, but it is of no need if others do not profit from it”.

The audience was dazzled by an impressive reading from Tracy Osokolo. She read from her book Red Pepper and English Tea, which was published in India by Good Times Books. It is a book about a young girl who tries to find herself in a foreign land. On why she chose to write away from her fatherland, she explained that her purpose of writing was to help young people find themselves. According to her, many have identified themselves with the crowd and that her novel is an effort to help youths see the necessity of finding themselves as a separate entity. The evening was not all about reading as Iquo Eke performed two of her poems Lonely’ and Chosen to the delight of the audience.

Daughters of the Niger Delta •Continued from page 39

made the film more interesting rather than the monologues which characterized a sizeable part of the film. These minor flaws notwithstanding, the dedication and overall efforts of the producers of the film despite being amateurs,

must be appreciated. They were able to effectively capture the Niger Delta dilemma and provoke viewers’ emotions and conscience as well as stimulate debates. On the whole the film gets a rating of three stars out of five. I have absolutely no reservations in recommend-

ing the film as a MUST WATCH and I say bravo to the girls for a job well done!!!

•Hauwa is the Director of the Centre for Gender Security Studies & Youth Advancement, University of Abuja.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

41

DISCOURSE Text of a lecture delivered by Ayo Opadokun at the maiden Bashorun M.k.o. Abiola Memorial Lecture organised

by Centre for Rights And Grassroots Initiative and Niyi Babade Network at the Multipurpose Hall, LTV, Ikeja

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MKO Abiola and the democratic struggle

FEEL particularly honoured to be chosen to deliver not just any lecture, but the “Maiden Lecture” for the BASHORUN M.K.O. ABIOLA MEMORIAL LECTURE Series. Join me to express appreciation to the CENTRE FOR RIGHTS AND GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE and the NIYI BABADE NETWORK for this highly resourceful project. May God continue to guide you.

You have asked me to speak today not just on a subject I know very well, but one in which I was privileged to play an active role. I knew Bashorun Moshood Abiola VERY, VERY WELL. We shared the same birth month –August, although he was an Egbon, a senior, to me. And we were in the trenches together in Nigeria’s keynote democratic struggle, the struggle for June 12. In honour of this illustrious YORUBA MAN, this untiring PHILANTHROPIST, this quintessential NIGERIAN BUSINESS MOGUL, this conscientious NIGERIAN POLITICIAN, this emblematic SON OF AFRICA, this distinguished SON OF THE BLACK RACE, please shall we rise to observe a oneminute silence.

Introducing M.K.O., the man Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a professional Accountant and Businessman, initially threw his hat into the ring of Nigerian politics between 1977 and 1978, during the days preceding the commencement of the Generals Murtala/Obasanjo political transition programme from the non-party-based elections into the Constituent Assembly. Up to that time, he had enjoyed very cosy relations with top military rulers for a long period.

Chief Abiola began to attract national attention during the 1978 Constituent Assembly. One morning, all the eminent members of the 1978 Constituent Assembly found the latest telephone sets and a multipurpose hi-tech electronic calculator in their pigeonholes, courtesy Chief Abiola.

Thenceforth, it became clear that the Abeokutaborn businessman had eyes on becoming either the Chairman or the Flag-Bearer of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, which he helped to form after the Constituent Assembly. However, the owners of the NPN did not give him any chance.

For when he started putting together his presidential ambition in around 1982, the spokesman of the “real owners” of the NPN and Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, told Abiola that the NPN Presidential ticket was not for sale.

Thereafter, a heartbroken Abiola withdrew into his shell, only to resurface on the political scene in 1992 when the Babangida transition programme had turned full cycle in chicanery and deception.

June 12, 1993 was the day that Nigerians in general elected Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as the Presidential-Elect over his National Republican Convention (NRC) rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa. Of the over 14 million votes cast, Abiola won 8.3 million (over 58 percent) while Tofa scored 5.9 million (over 41 percent).

On that historical day, Nigerians gave the first ever pan-Nigerian mandate to MKO. He won 25 percent of the votes in 29 states out of 30, and even went up North to record victory in his opponent, Alhaji Tofa’s home state, Kano State.

As SDP was a Left-of-Centre party, Abiola’s election became the first victory ever recorded by Nigerian Progressives in a national election. It was also the first time that all Nigerians would vote nearly unanimously for an individual. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) victory that brought Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa into office as Prime Minister in the First Republic came essentially from a Northern Region support, with a small amount of additional votes garnered from the efforts of the then COR states’ promoters led

by Papa Dappa Biriye and Chief Melford Okilo.

COR stands for Cross River and Rivers states.

In the Second Republic, the victory of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) that brought Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Usman Shagari into office as the President was made possible mostly by the votes secured in the northern states and additional votes from the then Cross River State and Rivers State (the old COR region).

Chief M.K.O. Abiola –The story of his life Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was his father’s 23rd child, but the first of his father’s children to survive infancy.

MKO showed entrepreneurial talents at a tender age. When he was nine years old, he started his first business, selling firewood, a trade he undertook every morning before attending classes in school.

A talented music player, Abiola would later found a band at age 15, performing at private

parties in exchange for food. But he soon became so renowned in his community at Abeokuta that people started making payment for his services.

Such monies Abiola used to pay his way through schooling at Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta.

He became Editor of the school magazine, The Trumpeter, with the young Olusegun Obasanjo as Deputy Editor.

In 1956, Moshood Abiola started his career as a Clerk with Barclays Bank, Ibadan, South-West Nigeria. After two years, he joined the Western Region Finance Corporation as an Executive Accounts Officer, before leaving for Glasgow in Scotland to pursue higher education. At Glasgow University, he graduated with a First-Class degree in Accountancy. He also received Distinction from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, and on return to Nigeria, he worked as a Senior Accountant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Thereafter, he went on to Pfizer, before joining the ITT Corporation.

He later rose to the position of Vice-President, Africa and Middle-East of the entire ITT Corporation. On being transferred for a period to the ITT head-quarters in the United States, Abiola retained the post of Chairman of the corporation’s Nigerian subsidiary.

In addition to his ITT duties taking him through the Middle-East and Africa, Moshood Abiola personally invested heavily in Nigeria and West Africa. Some of his investments included: Abiola Farms, Abiola Bookshops, Radio Communications Nigeria, Wonder Bakeries, Concord Press, Concord Airlines, Summit Oil International Limited, African Ocean Lines, Habib Bank, Decca W.A. Limited and Abiola Football Club, amongst others.

In addition to owning several business interests, he was the Chairman of the G15 Business Council, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Patron of the Kwame Nkrumah Foundation, Patron of the W.E.B. Du Bois Foundation, Trustee of the Martin Luther King Foundation and Director of the International Press Institute.

Abiola, the philanthropist Unarguably, Moshood Abiola won national and international accolades as a result of his philanthropic activities. From 1972 until his death, Moshood Abiola’s generosity had earned him 197 traditional titles from 68 different communities in the country. The financial assistance he extended to individuals and groups resulted in the construction of 63 secondary schools, 121 mosques and churches, 41 libraries and 21 water projects in 21 states of Nigeria. He was also made the Grand Patron of 149 different associations in Nigeria alone.

Through his philanthropic enterprises, Abiola reached out and won admiration across the diverse ethnic and religious divides in Nigeria. In addition to this, Moshood Abiola was a dedicated supporter of the Southern African Liberation Movement from the 1970s, and he sponsored the campaign to win reparations for slavery and colonialism in Africa and the Diaspora. Chief Abiola personally rallied African leaders to ensure that Africans would speak with one voice on these issues.

In Bashorun Abiola, we saw a successful Businessman and Professional metamorphosing into a successful Politician. With Abiola, you knew where you stood on any subject matter. He spoke his mind freely. He was at home among the greatest but equally had his heart with the poorest of the community.

Abiola, man of honours and awards Moshood Abiola received numerous honorary doctorates from universities all over the world. Awards came from causes, cities and nations too. In 1987, he was bestowed with the Golden Key to the city of Washington D.C. He also received awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the King Centre in the USA, as well as the International Committee on Education for Teaching in Paris, amongst many others. During the conferment of one such award, the Congressional Black Caucus of the United States of America issued the following tribute to Moshood Abiola: “Because of this man, there is both cause for

• Opadokun

hope and certainty that the agony and protests of those who suffer injustice shall give way to peace and human dignity. The children of the world shall know the great work of this extraordinary leader and his fervent mission to right wrongs, to do justice, and to serve mankind. The enemies, which imperil the future of generations to come, poverty, ignorance, disease, hunger, and racism have each seen effects of the valiant work of Chief Abiola. Through him and others like him, never again will freedom rest in the domain of the few.

We, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, salute him this day as a hero in the global pursuit to preserve the history and the legacy of the African Diaspora.”

In Nigeria, Chief Abiola was made the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, the highest chieftaincy title of the tribe, making him the war viceroy of all his tribesmen.

Abiola, politician par-excellence Abiola’s involvement in politics started early in life when he joined the National Council for Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) at age 19.

In 1979, the Military government kept its word and handed over power to civilians. From those early beginnings in politics, Abiola joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in 1980 and was elected as the Ogun State Chairman of the party.

But unarguably, his greatest political magnitude happened in 1993. After taking the country through a decade of military misrule, the gaptoothed General Ibrahim Babangida came under pressure to return the country to democratic rule.

Babangida’s unending-transitional programme was finally anchored on another dubious experiment for the emergence of candidates to represent the two “government parastatals,” namely the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The process was named “OPTION A4.” This was an electoral system packaged by the collaborating eggheads, then led by Professor Omo Omoruyi coasting along with Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

The Option A4 System required that any presidential aspirant in either NRC or SDP submit himself to sponsorship from their indigenous native wards. The aspirant with the highest votes and who emerged as winner at the ward level would then proceed to the Local Government Area for the higher level of primary election.

The aspirant with the highest votes in a particular LGA then contested against other aspirants from the other LGAs to emerge as representing contestant for the state. By virtue of scoring the highest votes at the State Level, the emerging State Aspirant would vie against other State Aspirants at the party’s National Conventions. The National Convention then voted for the party’s Presidential Candidate. For the grand finale, NRC held its primary polls in Port Harcourt, while SDP went to Jos. As fate would have it, after a series of aborted

‘M.K.O. was uniquely prepared for the eminent job. He had managed to work his way out of poverty through hard work and he symbolised the aspirations of the masses of downtrodden Nigerians.

Not only had he been fashioned on the anvil of poverty, his experience helped him understand the plight of ordinary Nigerians, and over time he had demonstrated an uncommon commitment to alleviating their sufferings through his personal resources’

primary elections involving eminent Nigerians, Abiola finally emerged as the presidential FlagBearer of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections.

M.K.O. was uniquely prepared for the eminent job. He had managed to work his way out of poverty through hard work and he symbolised the aspirations of the masses of downtrodden Nigerians. Not only had he been fashioned on the anvil of poverty, his experience helped him understand the plight of ordinary Nigerians, and over time he had demonstrated an uncommon commitment to alleviating their sufferings through his personal resources.

For his presidential campaign manifesto, the promise he presented to Nigeria was titled, “FAREWELL TO POVERTY.” I recall one incident while we travelled in Bashorun Abiola’s personal jet early January 1993 along with Chief Dayo Abatan. Then, Abiola asked me to find out if the late Professor Sam Aluko, a very erudite and distinguished Economist (one of the most trusted eggheads of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s “University of Ife Collectives”) would write his economic blueprint.

I told Bashorun Abiola to give me a letter to the respected Scholar. I wrote the letter, Abiola signed and I delivered it. Thereafter, Professor Aluko wrote a very detailed and highly researched blueprint for the Abiola campaign manifesto.

An incident of note took place prior to June 12.

At a meeting of the Owo/Afenifere Group in Chief Bola’s Ige’s residence in Ibadan held in November 1992, the Progressives’ political platform in Yoruba land extensively discussed and resolved to ask Yoruba people to fully back Chief M.K.O. Abiola due to the following strategic reasons.

• The meeting reviewed the circumstances which left a number of Yoruba politicians to join the presidential race and contest, apparently goaded to believe that they enjoyed General Babangida’s support after each one of them had visited him at Aso Rock. Yoruba people in the race for presidency had initially included: Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, Chief Lai Balogun, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Olu Falae, General Olutoye, Otunba Olabiyi Durojaiye, Professor Dupe Olatubosun and others.

• Some of the Yoruba Aspirants were part of those disqualified by General Babangida in his major address, where he laid out a fresh outline in furtherance of his transition programme.

• The meeting considered that General Babangida’s encouragement of some Yoruba politicians was meant to divide the solid votes from the South-West.

• Our Afenifere platform also noted that we must not allow any other strong aspirant to emerge in all Yoruba states in order to consolidate our voting strength at the SDP National Convention.

• The people also concluded that given the largely favourable solid votes from Yoruba land, and given the expansive network of Abiola’s enrichment of people across Nigeria, he stood a greater chance of winning an election.

• Finally, the group noted that if Abiola won and was possibly denied the fruit of his victory, he was most likely going to put up a fight for a disannulment of his victory and would receive moral support from genuine Democrats in Nigeria as well as from the Western world.

The general election procedure adopted was the “Open Ballot System.” This system required that any Nigerian Citizen of voting age, who registered where he resided, should go to the polling unit where he would vote. Voting began with accreditation, and it required every potential voter to go to the poling unit and present his voting card with which the Polling Clerk was to verify whether or not the name was on the voters’ register. If the name was on the register, the Polling Clerk noted the name and returned the Voter’s Card to the owner. This took place from 8am to about 12 noon, when accreditation was expected to close.

By 12 noon, all accredited voters were requested to file out in a single queue. At each person’s turn, the voter would be given a ballot paper and proceed into a polling booth to thumbprint the ballot papers privately. Each voter was then expected to insert his ballot paper into the ballot box, placed in an open space for all to see. After every voter exercised his voting right, the ballot box would be opened in the presence of the public and counting was done openly for all to see.

Results were then announced and party agents were given signed copies. All these collated results showed that Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential polls.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

42

DISCOURSE Conclusion of text of a lecture delivered by Ayo Opadokun at the maiden Bashorun M.k.o. Abiola Memorial Lecture organised by Centre for Rights And Grassroots Initiative and Niyi Babade Network at the Multipurpose Hall, LTV, Ikeja ‘If June 12 was not annulled, the various national crises of mutual suspicion, discrimination, ROM available information, General Babangida and his fel mistrust, etc. that are low politicians and co-conspirators, in and out of military summed up as the uniform, contemptuously disregarded the over 14 million Nigerians who voted to elect Bashorun MKO Abiola as the PresiNational Question dent on June 12, 1993. By their action, Babangida and co committed treasonable acts through subverting the rights of Nigerians to may have been elect whomever they deemed fit to govern them periodically. The substantially full details of the despicable activities against the victory of Abiola are just being unravelled. We now know that: eliminated’

‘MKO Abiola and the democratic struggle’

F

• The Nigerian Army leadership was divided into three groups just before the election. There was the General Babangida group in Abuja and there was the General Abacha group based in Lagos.

The third group was committed to maintaining military professionalism and was very much unhappy with what the politiciansin-uniform were doing with the Military institution. When the Abacha insurrection was accomplished, members of this patriotic group fell out with their unprincipled colleagues. Colonel Umar Kangiwa, who campaigned for the restoration of Abiola’s victory, resigned his commission from the Army. Brigadier David Mark and Colonel Dasuki fled to Europe.

• There were two sets of Intelligence reports on the possible voting pattern on June 12. While many in General Babangida’s Kitchen Cabinet worked assiduously against holding the election, IBB himself received an incredible report stating that Abiola would not win majority votes in more than two to three states.

And that if he failed as they expected, he would be much more available to be used. However, the other report clearly concluded that Abiola was capable of winning between 25 and 28 states. The former was the report in Abiola’s possession, so that when Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, his Running Mate, visited him some days to the election, with the doctored Intelligence report reeling out their possible spanking by Alhaji Tofa of the NRC, Bashorun Abiola merely listened to Kingibe without betraying any emotion.

• Justice Bassey Ikpeme was a former Counsel in Chief Clement Akpamgbo’s law firm before being appointed a Judge. She granted a most dubious and unconstitutional Interim Order, stopping the holding of the June 12 election. The Arthur Nzeribe-led Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) furthermore secured another Order stopping further announcement of the election results. However, NEC’s Director of Legal Services, the distinguished Bukhari Bello, diligently went to the Federal High Court to ask for the vacation of the dubious Order. Ordinarily, the Federal Ministry of Justice should defend the Electoral Commission, but it was Akpamgbo, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was carrying out the ABN agenda and subverting the operation of the Rule of Law. Bello at about 3pm the following Tuesday secured a Court Order vacating the dubious Interlocutory Order, only to step out around 4pm and hear government announcing on the Radio Nigeria 4pm news that the Electoral Commission had been disbanded.

Meanwhile, several creative suggestions emerged on how to chat a roadmap for getting Abiola’s victory disannulled. One effort was to get Bashorun Abiola on a foreign ship on Nigerian waters and there swear him in as the President and Commanderin-Chief. President Abiola was then to appoint key government officials immediately. The Late Chief Debo Akande (SAN), Late Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun –former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Justice Jinadu and Chief Fred Agbeyegbe were principal influences on that agenda. Alternatively, Bashorun Abiola was programmed to be sworn-in in his own BAC III personal jet (which is constitutionally accepted under International Law and Jurisprudence) as he was going to fly out immediately thereafter.

The fact that his jet was registered in Europe where all the travel permissions had been obtained made such an exercise legitimate.

He could have started to govern as the de-jure President while Abacha remained as the de-facto Military Dictator.

But these pieces of wise counsel were ignored –to our eternal regret.

Suggested nominees to Abiola’s cabinet were Dr. Ibrahim Ayagi who was to be the Minister of Finance, Commodore Dan Suleiman who was to be the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief Ralph Uwechue who was to be Minister of External Affairs (although his nomination was strongly opposed by NADECO-Abroad). Two other ministerial nominations were made. I passed on the list to Bashorun Abiola on our 090 telephone set in use in those days.

Abiola’s friends as foes In his politics, M.K.O. Abiola had a generous mix of the best and the worst in human beings as friends and supporters. For example, the likes of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua believed that Abiola played a prominent role in the series of Red-Cards that Babangida handed down to presidential aspirants who earlier attempted to win the tickets of both the NRC and SDP. He therefore gave the cold shoulder to any campaign for the disannulment of Abiola’s victory. In his malicious disposition, General Yar’Adua forgot that injustice to one person amounts to injustice to all persons.

Again, in Bashorun’s superficial understanding of the Nigerian political chemistry, he failed to ensure that the new National Executive of the SDP, the platform that won him the nomination as the SDP Flag-Bearer was filled with his own loyalists. As a consequence, the Chief Tony Anenih-led SDP Executive had no shame in easily selling out Bashorun Abiola’s victory for another charade that Babangida used to formulate his contraption called the “Interim National Government.”

If the positively positioned elements of the SDP had controlled the Executive of the SDP, chances are that a united SDP would have successfully campaigned against the annulment, and would have most likely received support and encouragement from both local and international power blocs.

In Yoruba land, in spite of the huge resources that Bashorun Abiola gave to Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the fair-weather Ibadan politician

• Opadokun

quickly warmed himself into the embrace of General Abacha and became a prominent player in Abacha’s political gymnastics.

What can we say of Comrade (now Senator) Uche Chukwumerije, Chief (now Senator) Arthur Nzeribe and Chief Emeka Ojukwu (now deceased), the Biafran War-Lord who became an AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINAIRE for Abacha’s government abroad? The former Military Ruler of Biafra even had the temerity to tell his local audience that Abacha’s so-called Constitutional Conference election (that recorded just about 300,000 voters’ participation nationwide was more democratic than the over 14 million votes cast on June 12, 1993).

Various events that occurred from the day Abiola’s victory was annulled to the day he was pronounced dead should attract some mentioning because of their effects on the democratic struggle in Nigeria.

As soon as the National Electoral Commission under Professor Nwosu was halted from announcing the rest of the results at the NEC Headquarters (even though by the Electoral Act, all the results had been legitimately announced at the various polling units, and collating centres in the wards, local government areas and states), General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was in the USA, advised Bashorun Abiola to withhold any immediate reaction. Some of us smelt a rat in such an unholy advice. Fortunately, Dr. Patrick DeleCole, Dr. Stanley Macebuh, Chief Olu Falae and some of us had prepared different draft speeches for Bashorun Abiola, charting the way for a possible response to the affront. When we successfully convinced Abiola to address the local and international Press, members of whom were already massing at the Hope ‘93 offices in Ikeja, Lagos, we married the different draft speeches. That day, Abiola spoke to Nigerians. And instantly, the President-Elect was not only perceived as a dependable leader, but one who could defend himself as well as defend the country against this brutal assault on the inalienable rights of Nigerians to elect their leader.

Soon after, General Obasanjo, still abroad, granted an interview, where he claimed that Bashorun Abiola was not the Messiah for Nigeria. Some of us were therefore not surprised with the revelation that when Babangida was packaging his Interim National Government (ING) contraption, he coasted along with General Obasanjo, giving him false hope that he was going to be the Chairman of the ING. But IBB announced Shonekan instead. We were not again surprised that, as President, Olusegun Obasanjo danced on Abiola’s grave for eight-years and never honoured Abiola, even when it remained an indisputable fact that but for Abiola’s sacrifice, Obasanjo could never have been a civilian President.

Nigeria and post-Abiola politics One major consequence of the annulment of MKO’s victory is the evolution in Nigerian politics of the concept of ROTATIONAL PRESIDENCY. ROTATIONAL PRESIDENCY became a painful but stark reality in 1998. Although the Northern Power Brokers realised that they might not have Nigeria to govern, except a South-West person became the ruler as compensation for Chief Abiola, the Military wing of their leadership imposed their choice on the South-West. The result is that the nation, even today, remains traumatised by a rampaging WOLF, who managed to escape from Abacha’s gulag, and who, rather than being grateful to God for his miraculous escape, has not ceased, since 1999, to play “God.” He continues to imagine himself as the best thing to have happened to Nigeria.

If June 12 was not annulled, the various national crises of mutual suspicion, discrimination, mistrust, etc. that are summed up as the National Question may have been substantially eliminated. Those who are misguidedly attempting to equate June 12 to military insurrections against Government or that the Yoruba people tribalised the campaign for the revalidation of MKO’s victory are ignorant, mischievous or just playing politics with our national destiny. Those who sold out June 12 for worthless political appointments in Abacha’s Government should be remorseful rather than continue to engage in futile attempts at revisionism. Colonel Abubakar Umar had in the Tell magazine of October 28, 1996 said: “How did the Yoruba tribalise June 12? No, the Yoruba didn’t.

The Yoruba people are true democrats and so they stood for June 12. I am not a Yoruba man but I believe in the sanctity of June 12.”

Furthermore Colonel Abubakar Umar said: “People who are contemplating abandoning June 12 should think twice because they should understand that those that stand by the truth, no matter how long it takes, will be vindicated.”

Going forward, Nigeria must decidedly take appropriate steps to officially pronounce Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the 1993 PresidentElect, as President, and establish a major monument in his honour.

Since the emergence of MKO Abiola and June 12, the Nigerian democratic struggle has experienced a paradigm shift.

• Given the globalisation of information and inter-connectivity not to even mention the unstoppable influence of the Internet, social media like Face-Book, live streaming, etc., it is difficult to imagine a repeat of the annulment of any Nigerian election as it was done in 1993.

• Nigeria is now very much connected with the international community and development partners who are willing to do business with democratic governments sharing similar goals of De-

mocracy, the Rule of Law and a Free Press, to mention a few.

• Given the strength of character Abiola exhibited in the loneliness of his detention, Nigerians now have a political martyr and icon they can look up to, a man who refused to surrender his electoral victory, despite all his private privileges, despite all the mundane and ephemeral allocations that were dangled before him by the Military junta of Abacha.

• For Nigerians’ democratic struggle, the veil has been lifted off the faces and closet of the power-mongers so much that the civil society and the rightly-headed members of the political class have to be regularly proactive in raising their concern over public policies. No doubt, the new political slogan “NEVER AGAIN” has gained current usage and debate.

• However, Nigeria is most unlikely going to get her bearing right until our government and our people take deliberate action to prosecute all the politicians in military uniform, who have criminally exploited the country’s Forces to selfishly stage insurrections. The fact that the Military was forced to the barracks on their own terms in 1979 and 1999 respectively has enabled the politicians in military uniform to foist their preferences on the general and specific publics.

No one is in doubt that after the Military detained and killed Abiola, it was clear that a significant part of this unworkable project will not allow any of their kinds to preside over the Yoruba nation. In a typical fascistic arrangement, they imposed Obasanjo on our people and he used his unproductive tenure to do a lot of unimaginable damage to their interests, ironically. A quick glance at the political turf in Nigeria will reveal to any interested person that the Military’s negative influence on our socio-political and economic life undermines our ability to creditably establish, practise, nurture and defend the democratic culture and its derivatives.

Way forward As a people we must prosecute the political military renegades.

This way we prevent future impunity. These people have criminally appropriated for themselves huge national resources through inflated contracts and through direct pilfering from the public purse. That is why they are the ones who can “dubiously” run for political offices and bribe their way through until they have been awarded Pyrrhic victories.

Since the inglorious Obasanjo regime, military men have cornered many high political offices. General Obasanjo, as President, brought in General Ahmadu Ali as PDP Chairman. Commodore Bode George was made Deputy National Chairman of the PDP. Director-General of Umar Yar’Adua’s campaign, Brigadier David Mark, one of General Babangida’s anchor persons (who in an interview once said that Bashorun Abiola could only be President over his dead body) is now painfully and regrettably presiding over Nigeria’s National Assembly. It cannot be strange therefore that his influence on the political turf has been remarkably negative. For being a military “Good Boy,” Brigadier David Mark has been a military Governor; and as Minister for Communications, David, who himself came from a very poor home, publicly said that telephone was not for the poor. The over 110 million telephone lines in Nigeria today prove how visionless, vicious and cocky the former Communications Minister had been in uniform.

Good enough, we have positive antecedents to show how to handle these wrongly-headed former military chieftains. In the Latin American states of Argentina and Brazil, for example, prosecution of former military top-shots has taken place. Many of them are now in prison, with their ill-gotten assets returned to the public treasury. In fact, of recent, one of these revered military rulers died in prison like a common criminal.

The Nigerian democratic struggle has to be upgraded to the next level because eternal vigilance and the courage to hold government accountable are the prices we must pay to establish productive government in the Nigerian State. Activists and stakeholders must of necessity regularly engage national and state legislatures to perform their constitutional duty of oversight. There will be a significant drop in corruption if legislators faithfully perform their duties on behalf of their constituents.

While Bashorun Abiola paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigerian democracy, he in that process helped to take the democratic struggle to the next level.

Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisations must organise capacitybuilding programmes for their various cadres to empower them to regularly engage governments for responsiveness and accountability. For example, NGOs with interests in fiscal policies must hold the Nigerian government responsible, responsive and accountable to budget planning and implementation. Through sufficiently educating themselves in all the intricacies of budgeting and implementation, such Civil Society Organisations can effectively monitor the utilisation of appropriated funds.

Nigerians must insist on the Sovereign National Conference, so that for the first time, the ETHNIC NATIONALITIES, which were the building blocks upon which Lord Lugard constructed this fractured Nigerian project, will meet in a representative assembly to answer “The National Question,” namely: Do we want to stay together in Nigeria?

Perhaps the answer will be YES, because of the long period of interactions.

They must also answer the next questions, which are: On what terms do we want to stay together?

What are the rules of engagement?

What will be the operandi-modus?

Nigerians must henceforth insist that a Sovereign National Conference has become a necessity to re-configure this skewed and lopsided national superstructure. The expected result from such a Sovereign National Conference will be an acceptable marriage of the diversified divisions of Nigeria upon which we can produce an autochthonous (home-made) constitution, which the Ethnic Nationalities and other stakeholders can own and subscribe to.

This is the prime call-up action for the NGOs to up the stake of their advocacies on the socio-political and economic development in Nigeria.

IN CONCLUSION The democratic struggle in Nigeria must henceforth be popularised and people-driven so that our country shall NEVER AGAIN be captured by military Warlords and their civilian collaborators. If we succeed in achieving this democratic ideal, our democracy will survive and Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola will not have died in vain.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I thank you for your attention.

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

43

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The National Assembly is proposing life pensions for its principal officers. AUGUSTINE AVWODE examines the controversial proposal and its implications for the polity.

National Assembly and its controversial pensions T HE decision of the National Assembly on the life pensions for the Senate President, his deputy, the House of Representatives Speaker and the Deputy Speaker has continued to generate controversy.

Many Nigerians believe that the move smacked of egocentricity and insensitivity to the mood of the polity. And it has attracted so much condemnation.

If the proposal becomes law, then, the principal officers will be entiled to a pension for life at a rate equivalent to the annual salary of the incumbent President and the Deputy President of Senate, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives.

Life pension for what?

But since the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favour of the recommendation, Nigerians have been seething with anger. Speaking with The Nation, Lagos lawyer Chief Fred Agbaje chided the lawmakers for “awarding” life pension to their principals. He questioned the rationale and morality behind the decision. He wondered whether they appreciated the full implications of the decision for the economy and the social divide.

“Life pension for what? Anyway, don’t you know that our lawmakers love us so much?

Have they not represented you well enough? You have constant light, good roads and the best security ever. What else do you want from them? Shouldn’t our lawmakers, who made these possible, be given life pension for such a good job? What else do you want?”, he queried.

Agbaje said the beneficiaries are comfortable Nigerians, adding that they do not deserve the benefits.

“What type of life pension are you going to pay to the likes of Senator David Mark, who apart from collecting pension from the military as a retired General, a one-time state governor and a former minister, who also has a Golf Club? Is a Golf Club a poor man’s business?”, he asked.

A political scientist, Prof Kimse Okoko of the University of Port Harcourt, described it as a demonstration of impunity. He said that it is immoral and unacceptable.

“The decision of the National Assembly is a demonstration of the culture of impunity that we have come to know in this dispensation. It shows a lack of sensitivity to the feelings of Nigerians. Approving life pension for the leadership of the National Assembly is condemnable, especially when the majority of Nigerians are struggling to get food to eat. It is immoral, especially when you consider the obscene salaries and allowances they had approved for themselves,” he said.

Veteran unionist Chief Frank Kokori, the former Secretary General of the National Union of Pe-

•Members of House of Representatives in session.

‘You don’t get a pension for being elected for few years as a political operator. Pension is meant for life service with an organisation. “So, for them to add pension to the enormous salaries and other allowances, show how insensitive they are’ •Mark

•Tambuwal

troleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) Workers, attributed the decision by the lawmakers to self-aggrandisement. He lamented that the Labour, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other pro-democracy groups have failed to gavalnised the people to resist the move.

“No sane person would support it, except, of course, the lawmakers themselves who are the same. In a situation where there is no cogent opposition to this type of development, they win easily. If it were to be our time, they dare not think of it, not to talk of endorsing it”, Kokori said.

Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) shared Okoko’s sentiment. He argued that the life pension for an elected individual, who holds an office for four or eight years is undesirable.

He said the lawmakers were selfish.

His words: “They are not there

to look after the country and Nigerians, but themselves. You don’t get a pension for being elected for few years as a political operator. Pension is meant for life service with an organization.

“So, for them to add pension to the enormous salaries and other allowances, show how insensitive they are”, he said.

Another Lagos lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, said that it is condemnable. He maintained that the next generation of lawmakers will likely do anything to become the principal officer of the National Assembly because of the anticipation of earning a life pension.

“This is one clause that I think Nigerians should condemn in the strongest term possible. After serving for four years, with the emoluments and the benefits that are outrageous, all paid for by the taxpayers, why still subject the taxpayers to servicing

you after you have left the office?

With this type of clause, why won’t people kill to get to the National Assembly? Why won’t people do all kinds of despicable things to become one of the principal officers of the House or Senate? I think we should condemn it and call on them to rescind it.

By the way, what exactly do they need it for,” he asked.

Smuggled clause It has been alleged that the clause was smuggled into the items for consideration. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Southsouth who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Nation that life pension for lawmakers was not debated at the public hearings.

“This is not fair. The senators have not been fair to Nigerians.

They have the power to amend

the constitution and they have abused it. No wonder, people say if men were God, they would do whatever they want. It is bad. It is unfair and wicked”, he said.

Implication for the polity Many Nigerians believe that the legislators are competing for the control of public funds with the executive.

Currently, only the President and the Vice President are entitled to life pensions. There is also a limitation. Any President or Vice President impeached by the National Assembly is excluded from the benefit.

But in the present instance, no such limitation or check exists. The implication is that, if it becomes law today, all those who had held the positions from 1999 to date will automatically benefit from it.

The amount to be paid to all the former Presidents of the Senate and Speakers of the House of Representatives and their deputies, that are still alive would be enormous. In a country where experts are calling for a reduction in the cost of governance, this clause, analysts say, is economically unwise.

Besides, nobody can say with precision the number of leaders that will preside over the affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives within a four year term. The polity is susceptible to unpredictable change.

The implication is that there could be as many Speakers of the House and Presidents of the Senate as possible within four years.

Ambitious legislators may orchestrate a change in the leadership of the House or the Senate in a way that the provision would become an albatross for the nation.

Will it scale through or not? If it does, how will it benefit Nigerians and what value will it add to the democratic practice in Nigeria?

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

POLITICS Former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibrahim Eddy Mark spoke with JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU on the Rivers State crises and other partisan issues.

‘Rivers crisis ‘ll be resolved by rule of law’

W

HAT is your reaction to the resolution by the House of Representatives that the National Assembly should take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly ?

They showed their hands too early.

It is like a premeditated action to retain somebody as the governor in their belief that it was a prelude to impeaching the Governor. That resolution is not only insensitive, but very insulting to the good people of Rivers State. Unfortunately, they maintained undignified silence on the brutalisation of a member in the hallowed chambers of the Assembly.

They can imagine President Jonathan coming into their chambers with his security aides to be part of an on-going fracas and beating a member to a state of coma. Anyway, Section 11(5) has not happened because after the fracas the House sat and passed an amended budget.

Again, the House must search its conscience to see if the drum beater is not outside the House. I must not fail to commend the Senate for their maturity in going to talk to the Rivers people and also visiting the real injured person in the clinic before taking their decision.

As a stakeholder in Rivers State, how do you feel about the political crisis?

I will call it a political disagreement, but the violent dimension brought to it is highly condemnable.

It is normal to disagree in politics, but it should not degenerate to violence where cudgels and other dangerous weapons are used. It is therefore, important that we play by the rules at all times and remember that posterity will judge us.

What do you consider to be the real cause of the crisis?

It is the refusal to preach, adhere to and follow the rule of law. On April 15 , an Abuja High Court gave judgment declaring Felix Obuah as the duly-elected chairman of PDP in Rivers State. The erstwhile Chairman did appeal to Court of Appeal, the Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his side of the divide failed and refused to accept the verdict of the court and has been pouring invectives on the judiciary.

The governor, in collaboration with

the House of Assembly, went and suspended duly elected local government officials , including the 17 councilors, and set up a caretaker committee, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and Local Government Law of Rivers State.

The allegation was against the Chairman, but the councilors were joined in the allegation.

What is the provision of the Rivers State Local Government Law in this respect?

The Local Government Law of Rivers State provides that where the council is suspended, the Director of Personnel will hold brief and not a caretaker committee. Section 7 of the constitution has outlawed the phenomenon called caretaker committee.

The members referred to as Group 5 had their constituency project allowances seized. Somebody has decided to play “god” and lord of the manor. No respect for constituted authority, no respect for elders, no respect for dissenting views. Somebody wants to close the political space.

When the current PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, went to court to reclaim his mandate, the governor went after him by compulsorily acquiring his hotel in the village of Omoku for a primary school. This is a village that has land in surplus.

The chairman had to go to court to halt the intended acquisition. In democracy, all these will be resisted. That is what is termed crisis.

But there are speculations that the crisis is externally induced...

No. But certain persons outside are trying to exacerbate the problem. The chairman, Felix Obuah, went to court to reclaim his mandate, the opposition lawmakers are in Port Harcourt. So, no external motivation, except as I did say that some external persons’ utterances tend to make the matter grow in

•Mark

size. All the gladiators are Rivers sons and daughters and ordinarily resident in Rivers State.

The external influence in the matter are the four PDP governors that went ons a so called solidarity visit, namely Babangida Aliyu, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Murtala Nyako and Sule Lamido.

What is their business in Rivers State, if not to escalate the crisis, especially, in their rage and hatred for President Jonathan. In the coming days, we shall see how their visit has helped their host. The North has been a very good ally of Rivers people, but now, they have started sowing the seed of discord for their selfish interest. Our people still appreciate our northern brothers and sisters and will not like the malfeasance of a minute crowd of four to come in between us.

It is widely speculated that the Presidency has a hand in the crises...

I am not competent to answer for the President. They have made press statement in respect of the criss.

They are in a better position to do justice to this question. So let them answer for themselves The Minister of State for Education, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has been accused of being behind the Rivers crisis. Are you aware?

It is a false accusation. In fact, he is being marked for political extermination and emasculation. The local government chairman and councilors that were suspended are fromhis Obio-Akpor Local Government, the House of Assembly member, M. O. Chinda, that was beaten, is his representative in the House. All these attacks were visited on his supposed supporters to cow and bring him down. They are afraid of his popularity and multitude of followership in the state.

How can we resolve the crises?

The problem can be resolved, if we abide by the rule of law and not play “god”. An Okro tree cannot grow bigger than the planter. And those whose palm kernel has been cracked for them by a benevolent spirit must not forget to remain humble.

It is only God that can determine the fate of any individual, no matter what, our destiny is in God’s hands.

Wike has been haunted variously by the power that be in Rivers State since 2007 and he has always come out unscathed.

The whole fury is that Wike now has the support of the state party apparatus on his side and that is due to his good deft political acumen.

Should this be termed as an offence?

No, please. The whole crisis is local and no amount of propaganda will elevate it to something else. Nobody is a fool.

Rivers State governor has consistently called for the redployment of the State Police Commissioner.

What is your reaction?

The Commissioner has stated his side of the story and the Inspector General of Police has said that he readthe goveror’s complaints in the

‘The problem can be resolved, if we abide by the rule of law and not play “god”.

An Okro tree cannot grow bigger than the planter. And those whose palm kernel has been cracked for them by a benevolent spirit must not forget to remain humble’

newspapers, there is no written complaint addressed to the Police Service Commission.

The allegations that the MOPOL has compromised security must be proved to show the compromise.

The allegation that he holds meetings with the politicians must be proven and the things discussed that is anti-service or against the laws of the land. A commissioner of police is not under the operational control of any governor, but the Inspector General of Police. A Commissioner of Police has more cognate experience in security matters than a governor, who has no military background or police background.

We watched on the television network the brutalisation of a law maker in the Rivers State House of Assembly. What is your take on the matter?

I was totally ashamed that a sitting governor can go into the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly and unleash his security aides on a helpless lawmaker and the whole world saw what happened. People who call themselves responsible and opinion leaders will not condemn it, but are more interested in somebody retaining the office of the governor. It is the governor’s Aide-de-camp and chief detail officer that aided in brutalizing the lawmaker. They broke his head, his jaw, dismembered his teeth with gaping hole near his nose.

In all these, the governor who claims to be father of all never bothered to visit the injured legislator in the hospital but was quick to habour the assailant in Government House clinic under a dubious claim of being injured.

In this country, four governors feigned ignorance of this brutality ably supervised by one of their own and shamelessly embarked on a solidarity visit of dubious origin.

It is not uncommon to have disagreement in the legislature with the attendant fracas. We have examples in Philipines, Greece, Ukraine and Russia. It happened here in Nigeria in the House of Representatives, more than three occasions, but they have an inbuilt mechanism of resolving same and not a brigandage interference.

Ogun State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Otunba Oladeinde Banjo spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the Amosun Administration and other partisan issues.

T

‘PDP can’t dislodge ACN in Ogun’

HE Peoples Democratic Party is plotting to take power from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State. What are the prospects of your party in 2015?

I think the People Democratic Party (PDP) is joking. Going by their acronym, you know it is the Poverty Development Party. I think Ogun State has made up its mind about 2015.

There is a lot of infrastructural development going on in the state under the leadership of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

The ACN government is doing tremendously well to position the state for the future, in terms of infrastructural development. If you go to Abeokuta, the capital city, you will see massive road construction taking place. It is the same thing at Ijebu Ode, Ogun West, Ilaro, up to Idiroko. You will see new schools being constructed and educational facilities being provided for the schools. The facilities compare favorably to what obtains in Europe and America.

Is zoning likely to play a role in shaping the political events that will occur in 2015?

Well, I personally, don’t think zoning is a factor to reckon with. What is important is the ability of the candidates, what they stand for, their pedigree and their antecedents.

Zoning will not take the place of merit and the capacity to deliver.

The people of Egbado Division have been clamoring for power shift to the zone. How do you see their agitation for power shift in the light of the preparation for the 2015 elections?

I am aware of the declaration of interest by Hon. Akinlade, but all of us in the ACN do not believe that another member should set up a personal structure against the governor who we have endorsed for a second term.

Ogun West has been complaining about neglect and marginalization, but the story is changing. The zone is benefitting from the developmental projects of the Amosun Administration. What the ACN members should do is to maintain unity in the party, checkmate the common enemies and allow the party to reign supreme. It is not time for intra-party quarrel. So, whatever will create problems for the party must be avoided.

How united is the party behind the aspiration of the governor to continue beyond 2015.

We are solidly united behind the governor. I strongly object to a situation where we form a parallel structure to challenge the incumbent

governor, either in the Labour Party or the PDP. We thank God that the progressive parties are coalescing into a bigger platform. Even, the Labour Party has no prospect in Ogun State.

There are certain ACN leaders who are alleging that they have been marginalised in the scheme of things in the state. Don’t you think this can create problems for the party?

The ACN, which is actually an offshoot of the Action Group, has inbuilt internal mechanism to resolve its crises and I think that, if we are committed progressives, we should, for the sake of peace, unity and progress of the party, defer our ambition for the peace and progress of the party. Amosun is just going to complete his first term and he deserves a second chance. What should be paramount to us is the success of the party.

What should be the preoccupation of the governor between now and 2015?

The governor should intensify efforts on his developmental programmes, continue with the massive infrastructural development and maintain good relations with the stakeholders and party chieftains. I appeal to our members, who are aggrieved, to see the performance of the governor as their pride.

Why are they disgruntled?

Well, you mentioned it earlier that there is an allegation of marginalisation. I said that the governor is carrying all along in his activities. That is why I am appealing to all of us to ensure that the governor succeeds to the end.

How effective is the crises resolution mechanism within the Ogun ACN? Our leaders are experienced. They are credible. They are in control of every situation. They will not go to sleep over any matter. If there are lapses, they will rise to the occasion and remedy the situation.

How is the party trying to manage the perceived tension between the leadership within the Ogun ACN and the governor Like I told you, the majority of our party members are loyal party members. We have good leaders at the state and national levels. Chief Osoba is a formidable leader in Ogun State.

Our leaders are forging unity in the fold and preparing for the future challenges. The crisis in Ogun ACN is a media creation.

In the past, election was a matter of do-or-die in Ogun State. That was how my cousin, Dipo Dina, was killed. It will not happen again.

How do you assess the performance of the local government chairman in

•Banjo

the state?

Well, the local government chairmen are doing well. For now, they are trying their best, although there are hues and cries of underfunding, which has militated against the quantum of work they probably would have done. But it is our hope that, with time, things will improve.

What is the solution to the insecurity in this country?

Security is a very major concern. I think the way to address it is sincerity by our leadership. I remember that, when we are growing up in this Lagos, you walked the length and breadth of Lagos from 8p.m to 5a.m without having the fear of any attack by armed robbers.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

•The High Grade Secondary School graduates and their parents at the event

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HE world is yours to conquer but only if you can learn to persevere and make sacri-

fices.

That message was for youths, but it was not from anyone from an older generation. It was from the out-going Senior Girl of High Grade Secondary School, Santos Layout, Lagos, Adegbola Olamide at her school’s valedictory service.

Olamide offered the advice as she delivered a speech in which she touched on her life at the institution, without leaving out praises to God, her tutors, parents, proprietor and the entire school.

She said: “It’s about a year now when I stood here to receive the

Youths groomed for leadership

By Olusoji Olukayode

mantle of leadership. I questioned my ability to pilot the Boeing plane of this noble school through the wide sky of progress but to God be the glory, I have successfully achieved the aim set by the school and myself with the help of the staff and my fellow students. May the Almighty God reward you and grant you your requests.

“To our juniors that we are leaving behind, keep up the good work and remember always that success

does not lie in the corridor of any man that refuses to make one or more sacrifices. To the great ambassadors of High Grade Secondary School, the set of 2012/2013 session, High Grade has given us a very solid foundation on which to stand tall anywhere we go. It is left for us to make her proud by building up ourselves to become the movers and shakers of future Nigeria.

“High Grade, you are the light that shines through the heart of her children to bring them from the darkness of illiteracy to the light of lit-

30 farm trainees graduate

•Continued from Page 17

communication technology to advance agri-business.

While calling for the establishment of SMART farms in all the council wards in the state, he urged that the programme be sustained.

Mrs. Mr. Gloria Atoji, a graduate of Food Science and Technol-

ogy from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, who stated that she benefited from the training, said it has motivated her to start snail farming on a small-scale and grow from there.

Another beneficiary, Mercy Atinu who holds a National Diploma in Animal Production said she has received knowledge that will enable her start poultry

and later move into integrated farming.

Mr. Dominic Kwaghngu who also graduated from the programme, said he learnt how to convert waste into wealth and become self sufficient saying he had the intention of starting with quails even as he urged youths to adopt the right attitude which would sustain Benue’s status as the food basket.

eracy, for that I say God bless the vision behind this citadel, God bless our parents, God bless High Grade Group of Schools, God bless the students, even those that are yet to come.

God bless Lagos State, God bless Nigeria. To Mr Daebi Oki, I say thank you for being there for us as our guardian and proprietor.”

Also speaking at the event, the outgoing Senior Boy, Chinwuba Douglas Emeka while stating that their predecessors are already in different universities in the country, expressed high hopes of his set when he said: “I believe that my set will surpass their record.”

Continuing, the young man touched on an important change in the institution in the last session.

“If you look around you will see that the school has a new look and the school building has been completed,” he said.

He also spoke on the only event which broke the hearts of everyone the last academic year .

“The only sad thing that happened was the demise of our former principal, Mr P. E .Bioh; may his soul rest in perfect peace. I promise that we will go into all the world to show-

case all the knowledge and morals you have given to us. To the students we are leaving behind I encourage you to be obedient, studious and uphold the good name of the school.”

For the proprietor of the school, Daebi Oki, thanks must go to God and the parents for all that went well. ”It’s with gratitude to God that we’ve come to the end of this academic session. To the parents who have supported them, may God continue to bless you everywhere you go”, he said.

Other outgoing students are Tony Francisca Umeh, Nwankwo Chimsom, Nwambuonwor Chibuzor, Daniela Ekanem, Elizabeth Dim, Favour Onuoha, Kelechi Alichi, Aso Uche Kalu, Charles Chinonso, Igwe Williams, Emmanuel John, Fakoni Dunni, Adegbenro Monsuru, Mabadeje Emmanuel, Yusuf Qudus and Akerele Seun.

At the event, different awards were given to deserving students.

For the outgoing class, Adegbenro Monsuru was the Best in Mathematics; Kelechi Alichi won the English Language prize, Student’s award, Chinwuba Douglas Emeka took both Chemistry and Biology, Seun Akerele carted away awards in Literature in English and Economics; Physics went to Nwambuonwor Chibuzor, while Agricultural Science went to John Emmanuel.

‘We must change with climate change’

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HE chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, Hon. Israel Olusola Adekunle has said the challenges posed by climate must be tackled decisively. As the climate is changing, everyone must also change with it by responding appropriately to it.

The chairman was speaking at the Orisunbare Roundabout in the council where he planted a tree before a large crowd.

The tree planting event followed the flag-off of the campaign by the state government, signalling every local government area and council development area in the state to follow suit.

It showed that the state government led by Mr Babatunde Fashola is committed to climate challenges.

At Alimosho, the issue is taken just as seriously. The chairman has planted several trees as a symbol of the council’s good disposition to the challenge.

Adekunle told the huge gathering

that people should change their attitude to the dangers posed by climate change by planting trees.

The event attracted several dignitaries, among whom were a representative of the state Commissioner for Environment-Mrs Olokodana Jumah, Vice Chairman of Alimosho council, Hon. Saminu Adetunji, Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Jelili Sulaiman, Secretary to the council, Hon. Lukman Orelope, and Council Manager, Mrs A.K Bello.

The Onishasha of Shasha Kingdom, Oba Nasiru Babatunde was also there, as were committee members of Alimosho council, community development associations and community development committees.

Boys Scout personnel were there too. So were National Union of Road Transport Workers members, among several others.

Hon. Adekunle said at the event: “It is no news that global warming

Trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading houses and office buildings as they also reduce the need for airconditioning by up to 30% which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burnt to produce electricity •Hon. Adekunle plants a tree in the council

and climate change is real and the world is also changing, hence the people cannot afford but change with it and the sole requirement for this change now is for everyone to embrace new adaptive methods and strategies wherein tree planting is unarguably a major one.”

Continuing, the chairman stressed: “The Government of Lagos alongside all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas have exceeded its projection on tree planting since the exercise began on September 2008. However, it has become imperative because trees act as a protection for neighborhoods and against natural disasters.

“In addition, trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading houses and office buildings as they also reduce the need for airconditioning by up to 30% which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burnt to produce electricity.

“I seriously implore us all to guard jealously these trees and ensure their upkeep religiously. Govt have invested so much resource into this initiative for the betterment of the generality of Lagosians and require the support of all stake holders to ensure the safety and growth of the trees.

Let us desist from from dumping refuse into the drains to avoid flooding as we have been pre-warned that the rains this year will surpass last year’s.”

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THE NATION WEDNESIDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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HE advice by camp directors every service year to corps members is to look out for areas of need in places of primary assignment and ensure they contribute to community development.

But these four indigenous Rivers State members of the Corps who served in various states of the federation did not only hearken to that advice; they won top prizes and returned home to a hero’s welcome.

The quartet, all medical graduates, made Rivers State proud in their various contributions in the 2012/2013 service year.

They included Dr. Ogolo Donald who served in Ebonyi State, Dr. Alamina Belema (Lagos State), Dr. Ateke Joshua (Kogi State), and Dr Nyeche Emmanuel Ovundah (Ekiti State).

Each of them bagged the overall best of their various states where they served; they were also honoured with chieftaincy awards.

Speaking on the service year experience and their outstanding performances, Dr. Nyeche said it all boils down to individual understanding of service to humanity, noting that NYSC service year is not a merriment year but a time to make sacrifices for community development.

They noted that as medical graduates they were concerned about what they saw on the ground in their various places of primary assignment, particularly as it concerned community healthcare. On primary healthcare, they emphasised the absence of medical doctors, lack of facilities and drugs, inadequate monitoring and supervision by the state governments which they said has left general hospital overcrowded.

Dr. Nyeche said: “Government needs to wake up and urgently address the challenges facing our primary healthcare system. With what we saw in the various states we served, state governments are doing

•Prof Modupe Adelabu, Ekiti State Deputy Governor (fourth right), Dr Nyeche (fifth right); NYSC state coordinator, Mr Baba Ahmed (fourth left) with other members of the Ekiti State government and Corps members who also received awards

Awards for NYSC members in Rivers

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

little or nothing in the area of primary healthcare. I am not talking about structure as in hospital buildings but the adequate facilities that could take care of people’s medical needs.”

He continued: “My friend Dr Ateke served in a place where they were using headlamp for surgical operation, while I served in a place that nothing exists and patients were being referred to other hospitals. It was sorrowful seeing people with pains being asked to go. I have also observed lack of adequate supervision.

Of course, inadequacies in the primary healthcare centres have resulted to uncontrollable traffic in our general hospitals.”

On how they emerged overall best in their various states, Nyeche said.

“We were about four doctors who are indigenes of Rivers State and we were honoured at the same time, the other persons include Dr. Ogolo Donald who served in Ebonyi State and Dr. Alamina Belema, Lagos State. They also got overall best in their various service states. But one important thing about service is not the award but your contribution to the people where you served.

“At the general hospital where I served at Iye-Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local

Government Area in Ekiti State.among several others, there was no theatre for surgical operation and other necessary medical facilities and they were referring patients who needed surgery to another hospital.

“That was the situation I met when I came in, but I went into action begging money from the community elite. But before the end of my oneyear service we did four successful operations because I bought some of the medical equipment to facilitate operations and the community was happy. I also bought respiratory oxygen to save a child who was dying for lack of oxygen at the hospital.

“I did mass campaign on hypertension and diabetes to villages includ-

ing school where I campaigned for the awareness of HIV/AIDS. I believe these things made the state to award me and my colleagues who also did same in their various states of service to have been noticed as overall best.”

Adding his voice, Dr Ateke said: “I bought a big generator for the hospital when I noticed they were using headlamp to carry out surgical operation. I also noticed lack of manpower at the hospital, then I went to the local community chiefs and elders to complain and they were able to assist and the place was restored to normalcy through my various efforts. I also went round the local government for sensitisation on health issues.”

‘Lagos is simplifying land acquisition’ Prospective land owners in Lagos State have, over the years, faced various challenges. In this encounter, Acting Surveyor-General Joseph Olorunjuwon Agbenla explains to DADA ALADELOKUN efforts by his office to solve the problems

•Agbenla

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HE crises often caused by traditional land owners (Omo Oniles) and land speculators in Lagos State will soon be completely over, Acting Surveyor-General of the state, Joseph Olorunjuwon Agbenla, has assured.

With his senior aides, he had just solved a land acquisition problem for a prospective land owner at his Alausa, Ikeja office, when Newsextra sought to know what his office was doing to put an end to such problems in the state.

“One serious problem that has become a recurring decimal in the state is the Omo Onile Syndrome. Many have been killed by thugs in the process of owning land. Is there anything your office is doing to end this?”

Agbenla was asked.

The Surveyor-General replied: “The Land Use Act of 1978 confers on the government, the sole ownership of all lands in the state. And in 1979, the Alhaji Lateef Jakande-led administration urbanised all the parcels of

land in the state, thus vesting in government the ownership of lands.

“The traditional land owners who people refer to as Omo Oniles must know that a new order is here. They must act in consonance with the state government programmes within the ambit of the law; failure to do that will be tantamount to waging war against government programmes and indeed, the law of the land.”

Warning that a prospective land owner must consult a surveyor to investigate and determine the status of the land he wants to buy, he added that he must find out if it is in acquisition or committed before putting his money into it.

He also enjoined would-be land owners to hire the services of qualified and registered surveyors for the survey of their lands, maintaining that they must insist that their surveyors submit their Record Copy (Red Copy) to his office in accordance with the Survey Act. Agbenla said his office had stepped up awareness campaigns, especially through the media, to let people know which land has been revoked or acquired, for them to know on which land to put their money.

Assuring that measures were being introduced to checkmate the issuance of fake survey plans, he said the era when survey plans were prepared manu-

ally was over, explaining: “The process, including that of acquiring land information, is automated. And all our surveyors have keyed into it.”

“The state government has empowered my office with modern equipment that will make us begin an electronic-based Computerised Survey Verification System to fast-track the smooth issuance of Land Information Certificates, Consent Letters and Certificate of Occupation, among others. The system, when introduced, will end a situation whereby innocent land buyers would pay for acquired or committed land. It will also expose quack surveyors,” Agbenla added.

For the same purpose, he hinted that his office would soon establish zonal offices in all local government areas across the state in order to bring proper monitoring and coordination of all parcels of land in the state to

the grassroots.

“I’m happy that the Governor Babatunde Fashola-led administration places high premium on the roles of the Surveyor-General’s office because the development of the state, especially the ongoing Mega City Project, rests on it. Is it road or airport that is to be built? We are there to determine the Right of Way, Runway Alignment, and all that.

Agbenla, who received the Gold Award for Distinguished Leadership in National Development (DLINGA) in 2011, said the realisation of the need to acquire up-to-date maps for various development programmes, prompted the government to commence the digital surveying and mapping of the whole state, which will result in the creation of a comprehensive and integrated Enterprise Geographic Information System.

Among its benefits, according to him, are: Provision of efficient

The traditional land owners who people refer to as Omo Oniles must know that a new order is here.

They must act in consonance with the state government programmes within the ambit of the law

planning for sustainable development to support the ever-growing Lagos Mega City; promoting efficient and fast services delivery; provision of bedrock for the actualisation of e-government policies; improvement in communication and collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and the enhancement of the economic empowerment Lagos people.

He further explained: “The GIS will provide an effective inventory and monitoring of the environment by being a booster to infrastructural development. It is an additional platform for the building of information data base. It will provide improved health care, educational and sport facilities planning, development and delivery, as well as aid budgetary development. It is a navigator system that will provide a route map in electronic format and provide information through the internet. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

The Digital Mapping/GIS Project, he added, will support development programmes such as tourism promotion, industrial development, boundary resolution (Inter & Intra State), property valuation and revaluation for effective taxation and revenue collection; population and housing, census operation, planning of urban and rural settlements, transportation, communication, flood and erosion, mineral development, petroleum and agricultural development.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

48

The library at VTC is a sight to behold, being the best of its kind in all of West Africa. Braille books are printed readily and we witnessed a printing by the hardworking librarian

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IRACLES do not come any greater than giving vision to the blind. The Nigeria Society for the Blind (NSB) at its Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Oshodi, Lagos, deserves support and celebration for giving vision and mission to the blind. The fear that going blind amounts to the very end of life has been defeated, as I can attest to, after paying a visit to the centre. My friend, the distinguished journalist, Lanre Idowu, decided to celebrate his birthday at the centre on July 19, and took me along with a handful of the Young Men Christian Union (YMCU) from St Jude’s Anglican Church, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

It was a brave new world that one discovered at the centre that is adjacent to the Armed Forces Rehabilitation Centre, Oshodi.

The Nigeria Society for the Blind is a voluntary, non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation established in 1955 under the charge of Justice Adetokunbo Ademola with the main objective of training and giving hope to visually handicapped adolescents and adults in Nigeria. The Vocational Training Centre is in its 56th year, having been founded in 1956, and well over 2,000 blind men and women have benefitted from the superbly-guided training. It is a testament to the success of the VTC that some of the graduates are now in gainful employment.

According to the rules of engagement, “The period of training is two years. Students with a minimum educational attainment of Primary Six do the Handicrafts course, while those with a higher standard of education and who show enough aptitude are trained in Braille Reading and Writing, Touch Typing, Telephone and Dictaphone Typing (audio typing) and Computer Training.

Extra-curricular activities include Home Economics. The female trainees also do Home-craft, Knitting and Cookery. Counseling on the social effects of blindness is also given regularly.”

This way, the society prepares trainees to be self-employed, and equally solicits employment opportunities with organisations and governments where the skills learned could be put into effective use. The NSB needs help “to be able to give scholarships to undergraduates and post-graduate students in Nigerian universities.”

•The visiting team at VTC, OShodi

The blind see at Oshodi

By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

The centre has no subvention whatsoever from either the state or Federal Government. The class of people who go blind through unfortunate circumstances later in life and who are in dire need of rehabilitation with the support of philanthropists, corporate organisations, religious bodies, etc, are given a new lease of life.

The Chairman of the Executive Council of the NSB, Mrs. Biola Agbaje is full of praise for Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) who surprised the society with a visit on his birthday, June 28, 2012, made promises and “has delivered on all the promises.” In this light, “tuition fees for 60 students for 2013 has been paid through Lagos State Scholarship Board… the funds for the renovation of our state-of-the-art workshop have been provided by the Lagos State Government.”

The amiable administrator, Ms Ivy Bassey, iterates the needs of the cen-

tre thus: “Our Staff Quarters, Administrator Block, Fence, Gate and Classrooms are begging for renovation.

The entire compound needs to be properly and totally landscaped.

These renovation works will cost a whopping sum of N20 million. We need sponsorship for local and overseas Staff Training Programmes.”

The centre needs seed money to be set aside “for disbursement to our deserving trainees on graduation to provide them with credit facilities.”

She informs that “this micro-credit scheme has not been actualised because the banks we have approached seem to feel our money is too small for them to administer.”

Subscription to become a member of the NSB goes thus: N2,000 for students, N5,000 for annual adult dues, N50,000 for life subscription, and N250,000 for corporate bodies. One can donate to the society a dedicated amount every month. Also, a dying person can leave clear instructions so that his or her cornea can be given to the society to give sight to some-

one after passing. The maiden edition of the NSB Membership Day was held on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at VTC, Oshodi.

Awards were given to supporters of the NSB, notably SNEPCO, Kakawa Discount House, Standard Chartered Bank, First Securities Discount House, Dupe Have a Bite, Sokoa Chair Centre, Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, MTN Foundation, Guobadia Foundation, Bible Socety of Nigeria, RT Briscoe etc.

Miss Chisom Anozie, who was posted to do her primary NYSC assignment at the centre, narrates in the NSB magazine published by the centre that she was full of sadness when she was posted there but ended up enjoying the VTC for setting her “on the road to a lifetime of illumination.”

Miss Modupe Kafayat lost her sight in 2010 after graduating in Law from the University of Ibadan. She then enrolled in VTC in 2012 to learn Braille writing and reading, the use

Pray for unity, council chief urges Muslims

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•Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Hon Kayode Robert (middle) and Alhaji Bello (right)

of the computer with the help of speech software and mobility, etc.

She subsequently performed excellently at the Nigeria Law School, Lagos Campus.

Chidozie Obianyo lost his sight to glaucoma in 2007 after passing out of secondary school and sitting for JAMB in the bid to study Medicine.

He was made to stay at home for all of six years, almost giving up on life, until he got to know of VTC, Oshodi in November 2012 and was admitted into the centre in January this year. Now he has been able to travel from Lagos to Anambra State all on his own!

The library at VTC is a sight to behold, being the best of its kind in all of West Africa. Braille books are printed readily and we witnessed a printing by the hardworking librarian.

After being at VTC, Oshodi, I discovered that I had been blind, and I was given new vision as I encountered the magnificent work being done there. Now I have reason to believe and see!

•Uzoatu is a Lagos-based journalist

HE chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Lagos, and Hon. Kayode Robert has urged Muslims to seize the opprotunity presented by the month of Ramadan to pray for peace and unity of the country.

Robert made the appeal at the fifth annual lecture and special prayer organised in the Shibiri Ekunpa area of the council.

He said: “I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to use this month of Ramadan to move closer to Allah and re-dedicate themselves to the teachings of the Holy Quran as taught by the Prophet Mohammed.

“Peace and love is an essential ingredient of development and as such, we must all continue to ensure peaceful co-existence with our neighbours.”

On human development, he disclosed that the council has provided comprehensive health facilities, adding that some of them have become a reference point to others.

He advised Muslims and Christians to serve God diligently, liv-

By Emmanuel Udodinma

ing together and tolerating one another.

As a mark of its commitment to Islam, the council sponsors adherents to the holy land on pilgrimage. Two of those sponsored are Mr Teslim Abayomi-Musibau and Mrs Foluke Amosu.

Delivering the Ramadan lecture, Alhaji Muyideen Bello called on Muslims to be conscious of Allah, noting that death is an inevitable end from which no one is exempt.

He said: “As a Muslim, this is the period to move closer to the Almighty in order to cleanse our sins.

We should abstain from sin and worship the creator with our entire heart.”

The cleric also called on Muslims to pray for the council chairman for more wisdom and understanding in his administration.

The event was graced by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Hon. Muhibat Adeyemi, amongst others.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

50

OTHER SPORTS

NATION SPORT

Djokovic’s father rips Federer, Nadal

S

RDJAN DJOKOVIC, the outspoken father of Novak Djokovic who has stayed out of the limelight during his son’s recent ascension to the top of the tennis world, is back in the headlines after granting an interview to the Serbian daily Kurir in which he blasts Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The bulk of the interview has Srdjan sounding like a normal doting father.

Near the end, when asked what he’s most proud of, Srdjan says it’s how Novak handles defeats with grace. (On this point, he’s absolutely correct — Djokovic is as classy a loser as in there is in sports.) He singles out his son as the only player to act in such a way.

Not even Federer or Nadal, Srdjan is asked? That’s when things got interesting.

“Federer is perhaps still the best tennis player in history, but as a man he’s the opposite. He attacked Novak at the Davis Cup in Geneva, he realised that he was his successor and was trying to discredit him in every way.

Novak’s success is an amazing thing and something that one can not understand.”

RIGHT??! Either way, it appears Srdjan had no interest in taking the high road. On the bright side, at least he said Federer was the best player in history. It’s the little things.

There’s long been bad blood between the Federer and Djokovic clans. In the aforementioned Davis Cup tie, Federer questioned Djokovic’s use of medical timeouts.

He was far from the only person to mention this early in Djokovic’s career. Later, Federer told the Djokovic family to “be quiet” during a match in 2008. (Often when this story is told, Federer’s mild rebuke gets upgraded to a vindictive “shut up.”

•Phelps

Phelps keep mum on future

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ICHAEL PHELPS keeps saying he has no plans for a swimming comeback.

Yet he’s leaving the door open to change his mind in time for the 2016 Olympics.

As Phelps put it, “I don’t know what I’m doing tomorrow.”

Phelps spoke Monday in Barcelona to The Associated Press and other international media organizations in a series of one-on-one interviews set

up by his sponsor, Speedo.

While Phelps quickly shot down questions about whether he’s done any clandestine training for a possible comeback, he wasn’t as adamant as he’s been in the past about his

swimming career ending for good at last summer’s London Olympics.

Asked by the AP, yes or no, whether he’ll compete at the Rio Games, Phelps says he hasn’t planned that far ahead in his life.

Pacquiao: ‘Money’ won’t fight me

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ANNY PACQUIAO is sick of chasing Floyd Mayweather Jr. Where do Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali rank among the best boxers of all time?

The star welterweight says he’s stopped hoping for a bout against “Money” Mayweather.

“I’ve stopped thinking about him because I don’t think he will fight me. I’ve been waiting four years already,” Pacquiao told Boxing News.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach is still holding out hope that the

superfight might one day take place.

“I still want the biggest fight in the world,” Roach told On The Ropes Boxing Radio. “I want Mayweather Jr. to step up and fight Manny Pacquiao.

“He said Pacquiao is washed up.

Get in the ring and we will see.”

Pacquiao hasn’t fought since a shocking loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked out Pac Man in one of the most eye-opening stoppages last December.

Mayweather continues to add to his unblemished mark, notching his latest win against Robert Guerrero on May 4.

•Floyd Mayweather Jr

Gary Player warns Rory McIlroy to put golf before love

G

•Djokovic

ARY Player has become the latest in a growing line of golf’s elder statesmen to tell Rory McIlroy that he’s squandering his other-worldly talents by following girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki around the world from tennis match to tennis match rather than dedicating himself to his own craft.

“I love Rory McIlroy, he’s got such talent like you can’t believe it, and I got quite perturbed [to] see him win the U.S. Open and then the next tournament he plays is one month later, the Open Championship. You can’t do that,” Player, sounding the same theme that Sir Nick has expounded on incessantly, told My Sporting Life on Saturday (via Geoff Shackleford). “What he should have done was taken a week off after

winning the U.S. Open to settle down and then play two tournaments in a row and then come into the Open.

You’ve got to prepare properly.”

McIlroy, who lost golf’s top ranking to Tiger Woods in March and slipped from No. 2 to the third slot after Phil Mickelson won the British Open earlier this month, appeared to be the second coming of Eldrick Tont after lapping the fields at the 2011 U.S. Open and 2012 PGA Championship. Along the way, he picked up the 2012 PGA and European money titles and player of the year honor, which were preludes to his megabucks contract with Nike to start the 2013 season.

Nick Faldo and Johnny Miller, among others, have criticized McIlroy for ditching the Titleist gear that helped him reach the top of his

game. They have also opined that the 24-year-old’s love life has distracted him from his true calling.

Player concurred, adding that the “right wife” would put the young lad back on course.

“When you’re in love as a young man, naturally golf seems to take second place for a while,” said the nine-time major champion. “That’s natural.

Love is still the greatest thing that ever happened in our lives. He’ll come back strong.

“Now the thing is, for a man like Rory, the talent galore, he’s got to make sure he has a woman like I’ve got, who has been married [to me] for 56 years, that has only encouraged me to do well and made all the sacrifices,” Player said. “He’s got to be...intelligent and find the

right wife. If he finds the right wife, if he practices and if he’s dedicated..., he could be the man.”

•Rory McIlroy

OTHER SPORT...OTHER SPORT...

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

53

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-07-13

Equities rally on improved earnings

N

IGERIAN equities sustained bullish run yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as several half-year earnings reports showed considerable improvements in the business operations of quoted companies.

Eight companies released their six-month reports yesterday; following the week’s opening momentum when earnings reports by similar number of companies set the market on a recovery mode.

Equities closed with capital gains of N77 billion, a daily average gain of 0.65 per cent.

Average year-to-date return at the stock market thus trended upward to 34.64 per cent.

Aggregate market value of all equities rose from valueon-board of N11.896 trillion to N11.973 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the common value-based index that tracks all equities on the NSE, inched up to 37,806.45 points as against its opening index of 37,562.50 points.

Investors scrambled for stocks that showed stronger earnings prospects including Stanbic IBTC Holdings, which announced an interim dividend of 70 kobo per share on the basis of a highly impressive first-half report.

UBA Capital’s share price rose by 3.60 per cent to N1.15

By Taofik Salako

per share after the financial services company announced that its profit before tax rose by 415 per cent. Interim report and accounts of UBA Capital for the six-month ended June 30, 2013 showed that gross earnings rose by 260 per cent to N1.87 billion as against N521 million recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit before tax jumped to N1.22 billion as against N237 million recorded in corresponding period of 2012.

Group chief executive officer, UBA Capital, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa said the results underlined the commitment of the company to deliver competitive returns to its shareholders while remaining dedicated to improving customer experience across its strategic business units.

According to him, the group’s financial and investment services offerings continue to sustain market leadership with plans to further entrench their footprint through the introduction of innovative products and services during the course of the year.

“The group’s trustees business continues to be a leading and dominant player in its market. The investment banking business recently successfully completed the

rights Issue for a major NSElisted company and is currently fund raising for majority of the short-listed bidders for power generation assets,” Olaoluwa said.

He noted that the group’s securities trading business has significantly increased its market share while the asset management business has grown its funds under management and has been well-positioned to excite the investing public with competitive return on investments on the diverse portfolios under management particularly in the area of mutual funds management.

“As the group continues to invest in improving its strategic business units, the outlook for the year remains extremely bright and sustainable,” Olaoluwa assured.

Meanwhile, top gainers yesterday at the NSE included Nestle Nigeria, which led with a gain of N36 to close at N995; Total Nigeria, which added N5.92 to close at N159 and Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, which rose by N5.51 to close at N105.01 per share.

Total turnover stood at 315.65 million shares valued at N3.45 billion in 5,915 deals. Banking subsector accounted for 130.49 million shares worth N1.47 billion in 2,056 deals.

Benefits of new trading engine, says NSE

T

HE introduction of a new trading engine at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) will improve transparency, market access, audit trail and efficient price discovery at the Nigerian stock market.

Chief executive officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, disclosed this yesterday at an interactive workshop on the new trading engine for the NSE, known as X-Gen. He said the new trading engine, which is described as the fastest trading engine in Africa, was part of efforts by the NSE to enable the Nigerian emerging market struc-

ture with 21st century technology and give it the foundation to join leading Exchanges in building scale, scope and efficiency.

According to him, X-Gen symbolises NSE’s untiring commitment to delivering a first rate technology platform that will enable dealing members build and grow their businesses while the investing public will experience a more efficient market when they buy or sell securities.

“It will therefore enable investors realise their investment objectives by using the three products currently offered at the Exchange in more meaningful ways. The migra-

tion to the new trading platform, which is targeted for the end of third quarter 2013, will support the development of the nation’s capital market and the Exchange’s vision to become the Gateway to African markets,” Onyema said.

He explained that the NSE will roll out the new trading platform in two phases with the first phase designed to support equities, fully functional bond market and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and the second phase designed to support more complex products such as derivatives in futures and options.

He added that the new engine will also enable the NSE to host other Exchanges across the region, expressing confidence that X-Gen will usher new solutions, new securities business models, and new market participants into the African capital market space.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-07-13

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

IFRS execution’ll attract FDI, says regulatory body T

HE implementation of statutes in the International Financial Reporting Standard (FIRS) by Finance Houses will assist them in securing funding from both local and foreign investors, Jim Osayande Obazee, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria has said.

He spoke at the quarterly chief executives business luncheon organised

by Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN) in Lagos. The FRC boss

Stories by Collins Nweze

called for easier regulation of financial information of entities in the country, enhancement of investors’ confidence in the quality assurance systems of financial reporting in public and private sector entities.

Obazee, who spoke on the theme:

FIRS, SAP partner on tax

T

HE Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and SAP West Africa, one of the market leaders in enterprise application software have collaborated to host a revenue management summit meant to assist stakeholders boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The firm said its target is to boost stakeholders’ IGRs by 200 per cent year on year with state of the art technology.

Speaking at the summit, FIRS Acting Executive Chairman, Kabir Mashi spoke on the challenges and opportunities of revenue management in the country. He applauded SAP West Africa for its foresight and commitment in ensuring that firms grow their IGRs by hosting the summit.

“SAP’s objective to bring together the key tax and revenue communities in the African continent, debate the current status on related topics, and above all, address concerns around tax collection, revenue management and related aspects is valuable,” he said.

Managing Director of SAP West Africa, Richard Edet, said tax and revenue management are of tremendous importance to companies and corporations, adding that the firm provides organisations with insight

into business operations more quickly by analysing data based on changing business conditions.

He said the summit assisted people, industries and communities to ensure that there is sustainability and progress in their businesses as well as overall development of the economy.

mentation, but early in the drafting process.

He said the shortage of expertise in the field of IFRS affects not only the private sector, but also regulators and other government agencies.

He said IFRS has been developed primarily to meet the information needs of shareholders, lenders and other investors but added that these needs do not always align with those of the tax authorities as seen in extensive use of fair value and the application of substance over form.

“IFRS is a new world order, in corporate reporting, that is currently altering not only the financial accounting and reporting landscape but also tax accounting/reporting, tax cash flows and tax distributable reserves,” he said.

Obazee harpes on the need to consider the functions of institutional bodies associated with financial reporting standards or having operational interest in financial reporting.

“IFRS Adoption in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges for non-bank financial institutions” said the implementation of IFRS requires considerable preparation both at the country and entity levels to ensure coherence and provide clarity on the authority that IFRS will have in relation to other existing national laws.

He said there is need for technical partners’ forum of accounting firms that can identify financial reporting issues requiring clarification in order to avoid inconsistencies. He explained that there should be limited number of professional accounting organisations, preparers and users, including regulators that can provide the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) with useful feedback, not only after standards are finalised and ready for imple-

Lagos has N42.8b financial gap, says commissioner L

AGOS State has N42.8 billion gap out of its N499.605 billion budget for this year, Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr Ben Akabueze, has said.

He disclosed this at a consultative forum in Lagos.

He said the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) stands at N316.57billion while the federated account yields only N117.250 billion leaving a gap of N42.8 billion needed to finance infrastructure needs of the state.

The commissioner said the paucity of funds and the daily migration of people to the state accounts for the state borrowing to fill the missing gap.

By OkwyIroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

Akabueze said while the state welcomes everybody who engages on income generating activity, the individuals on their own must provide their quota to assist government provide the needed infrastructure in the state.

On Key 2013 budget implementation strategies, Akabueze said it includes sustained improvement on internal revenue generation, capital expenditure, efficient allocation of resources, sectoral prioritisation and

Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

effective project monitoring and impact assessment.

On budget performance, he said it has achieved 72 per cent adding that while capital receipts performed a low 27 per cent, capital expenditure performed at 59per cent.

He criticised the national economy, which he observed is driven by international crude oil price with recurrent expenditure of N3.366trillion and capital expenditure of N1.621 trillion, which he argued is not good for the economy.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 30-07-13

SYMBOL CHAMPION STANBIC PHARMDEKO IPWA COURTVILLE RTBRISCOE FO CORNERST WEMABANK ROYALEX

O/PRICE 12.10 15.58 1.85 1.15 0.70 1.50 39.44 0.50 1.17 0.52

C/PRICE 13.31 17.13 2.03 1.24 0.75 1.60 42.00 0.53 1.24 0.55

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 1.21 1.55 0.18 0.09 0.05 0.10 2.56 0.03 0.07 0.03

Year Start Offer

Current Before

Current After

CUV Start %

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

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

AIRSERVICE TRANSEXPR IHS VONO REDSTAREX VITAFOAM DANGSUGAR OANDO AFRIPRUD HONYFLOUR

O/PRICE 4.80 1.32 2.75 1.39 4.85 4.55 11.80 13.00 1.82 3.19

C/PRICE 4.32 1.19 2.48 1.26 4.45 4.31 11.32 12.50 1.76 3.09

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

CHANGE 0.48 0.13 0.27 0.13 0.40 0.24 0.48 0.50 0.06 0.10

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 30-07-13

SYMBOL

A

BSA Group Ltd, the Johannesburg-based lender acquiring most of parent company Barclays Plc African assets, said it’s interested in entering the Nigerian market as it boosts its presence across the continent.

The bank needs a competitive advantage before it can enter the Nigeria, Absa Chief Financial Officer David Hodnett said. The lender could take advantage of its experience in corporate banking, he said.

Absa, according to Bloomberg, plans to spend 1.25 billion rand ($127 million) by 2015 on refurbishing branches in Africa, Chief Executive Officer Maria Ramos told investors in Johannesburg yesterday. The bank said in December it would buy the bulk of Barclays’s African assets in an all-share deal worth 18.3 billion rand.

The economy of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with more than 160 million people, is set to grow 7.2 per cent this year, versus an average of 5.6 per cent for the rest of subSaharan Africa, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Absa isn’t looking at any of the nationalised Nigerian lenders, Hodnett said.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), set up by the government to buy bad debts from banks, is seeking to sell the lenders by next year. They were nationalised after being unable to meet capital requirements following a 2008 to 2009 debt crisis triggered by loans given to stock market speculators.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS

Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

Barclays’s Absa eyes Nigeria market

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 140.65 140.16 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 158.75 158.54 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.17 1.18 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,837.37 1,835.83 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.73 14.01 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11.386.29 11,045.54 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

56

NEWS Court grants IYC aspirant bail From Mike Odiegwu,Yenagoa

A

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant in the forthcoming election of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Nengi Ikiba, was yesterday granted bail by the court.

Ikiba was arrested by the police on June 19 over allegations of cultism.

The Commissioner of Police, Tonye Ebitibituwa, said Ikiba confessed to being a leader and founder of a notorious cult group, Icelander.

But the suspect insisted that he was forced by the police to admit the claims.

The State High Court 3 in Yenagoa admitted Ikiba to bail after listening to an oral application by his lawyer, Ayei Okpa.

He appealed to the court to do justice by granting Ikiba freedom in the spirit of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution.

Besides, he said: “The court should also take into cognisance that the offence my client is accused of is a bailable offence and even the charge itself is watery.”

The prosecution did not object to the bail application compelling Justice N. Aganaba, to free Ikiba and adjourned the matter till September 30.

Edo revenue board seals off Benin Airport

A

CTIVITIES were grounded at the Benin Airport yesterday as the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue sealed off the administrative offices of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) for non-remittance of N40million Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax.

It was gathered that FAAN owed the government N15million and NAMA N25million allegedly deducted from the salaries of employees in 2011.

Passengers could not leave the airport as the two gates in the facility were locked.

Some passengers left by breaking down the barbed wire that served as perimetre fencing at the airport.

Passengers scheduled for morning flights were stranded.

EDIRS Chairman Oseni Elemah, who led security operatives to open the airport gates, said the locking of the gates was a ploy to blackmail the government.

Elamah said only the offices were sealed off by his officials.

He said several means have been deployed to get the airport management to pay the tax.

Elamah was later arrested on

Imoke decries poor power supply

C

•We didn’t shut airport, says Oshiomhole •Police arrest board chairman •FAAN: agency exempted from tax payment From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

the orders of the Inspector-General.

A FAAN official said sensitive documents regarding flight plans were in the locked offices.

Airport Manager Sunday Ayodele refused to comment but was seen being whisked away by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS).

The General Manager, Corporate Communications, Yakubu Dati, described the sealing off as an invasion.

He said the board could have explored all avenues of communication instead of carrying out activities that could threaten public safety.

But Governor Adams Oshiomhole, at a briefing, said the airport was shut by Sunday after officials of the revenue board served a restraining order on him.

Oshiomhole said it was unfortunate and worrisome that the police arrested those enforcing the law rather than those breaching the law.

Dati said significant revenue

has been lost by airlines, the airport authority as well as the airspace agency.

In a statement he said: “The Edo State Government forcefully entered the premises of the Benin Airport and locked out all workers and airport users.

“The government claimed that FAAN and NAMA had not paid relevant taxes, including tenement rate, to it.

“This action, which has effectively shut down flight operations at the airport, is in contravention of the laws setting up FAAN. “The act establishing FAAN states clearly that ‘the Authority shall be exempted from the payment of taxes and tenement rates and any arrears whatsoever in connection thereto’.

“The Authority, therefore, views this action as not only unlawful but provocative because it is a well known fact that all airport lands are acquired by the Federal Government and are exempted from paying charges to the states where they are located.

“The unlawful closure of the airport and the invasion of the airport’s restricted area is a security breach.

“We wish to assure all passengers, airline operators and other airport users that the Authority is taking urgent steps to ensure that the airport is re-opened for normal flight operations immediately, even as we regret any inconvenience caused them.”

Oshiomhole noted that the restraining order was served in a way that it does not affect the operation of the airport.

He said the airport manager assaulted officials of the revenue board and that he was embarrassed when the commissioner of police arrested Elamah.

Oshiomhole said: “The Edo State Government did not close down the airport. We believe it was possible for FAAN and NAMA to pay their tax obligations without causing pains to travellers.

“The closure of the airport was unilaterally done by the airport manager, who wanted to shield himself from the

charges against him namely deducting taxes and not remitting same to the government in accordance with the law.

“We need to remind him that these are criminal issues.

It is a criminal act if you do not pay your tax. We will pursue it legally. He is using forceful act by dragging the police into it but we will use due process of law to bring the airport manager to justice because we are all creations of the law.

“The airport manager decided to shut down the airport.

He shut the arrival and departure lounges and ensured that nobody goes into the airport.

The sealing of his office could not have affected the operations of the airport.

“When laws are violated, it is those who violate the laws who should be invited and not those who seek to enforce the law. I don’t think the action of the police is appropriate.

“We need to observe the rule of law with all finesse. The revenue board acted according to the law.

“We are working hard to send out a clear message that we are under the law. The fact that I am a governor does not give me immunity from my tax obligations. It is a criminal act to collect tax and not remit same.”

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke has decried the power supply in the state.

He spoke when the Business Manager of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Calabar, Aikowe Joseph, visited him.

Imoke said besides enhancing productivity, electricity also plays a leading role in combating crime as well as boosting security.

He said a strong partnership between the State Electrification Agency (CRSEA) and PHCN would contribute to the state’s development programme.

Joseph praised Imoke for the state’s aggressive electrification programme.

12 inmates freed From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

WELVE awaiting-trial inmates at the Oko Medium Security Prisons were freed yesterday by the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Crowwell Idahosa. They were freed because their case files were missing.

The CJ was told that four of the inmates had been held for four years and three months without trial, while three have spent two years and some months.

The inmates were charged for robbery and unlawful possession of firearms and were among 987 awaiting-trial inmates in the prison.

Justice Idahosa said four courts in the Benin Criminal Division were handling 503 cases awaiting trial inmates.

•A save our democracy protest rally in Lagos held at Lagos Television ( LTV) ground, Agidingbi, Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Bayelsa condoles with First Lady

A

N official delegation from Bayelsa State, led by Governor Seriake Dickson, has visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja to condole with the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, on the death of her mother.

Dickson described the incident as a loss not just to the first family, but to the government and people of Bayelsa, adding that she was a mother to all.

While praying for the eternal repose of the soul of the departed, the governor prayed to God to comfort the first family and assured them that the state was behind them in this trying period.

President Goodluck Jonathan thanked the delegation for coming to identify with them in their moment of grief.

ASUU Benin Zone insists on strike

T

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has said it will not call off the strike, unless the Federal Government implements the 2009 FGN/ASUU agree-

ment.

The Benin Zone comprises of the University of Benin, the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Delta State University, Abraka, Niger Delta University and the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.

It said the antidote to the crisis bedevilling Nigerian universities was the 2009 agreement and the lack of respect for last year’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) .

The Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Sunny Ighalo, said the problems of Nigeria universities were underfunding and deliberate neglect by the government.

He said: “The 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement is fundamentally meant to apprehend these problems and restore our universities to the path of progress and reckoning.”

T

Akpabio visits SSG Umana’s residence

HERE was a twist in the faceoff between Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the State Government (SSG)Umana Umana, as the governor yesterday visited Umana’s residence in Uyo, the state capital unannounced.

Akpabio, who arrived the Ibom International Airport at about 3pm from Abuja, went straight to Umana’s Ewet Housing Estate home.

The governor was at the SSG’s home with his brother, Emem Akpabio and some commissioners.

Shortly after arrival, the governor went into a closeddoor meeting with the SSG. The meeting lasted for an hour. What the duo discussed at the meeting was not clear.

They did not tell reporters.

After the meeting, Umana embraced Akpabio.

The SSG’s spokesman, Iboro Otongaran, said he was yet to be briefed on the out-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

come of the meeting .

His words: “I have not been briefed on the outcome of the meeting. The only information I can confirm is that the governor and the SSG met in Umana’s house. The outcome of what they discussed I don’t know.”

A team of riot policemen on Monday sealed off Umana’s office.

Civil servants working within the office were barred from the office, which is a few metres away from the Governor ’s Office.

The workers were searched and asked to vacate the premises.

Both Umana and Akpabio were said to be in Abuja at the time of the incident.

About an hour before the police raided the SSG’s office, an unknown security personnel from the Government House hurriedly met with the

Permanent Secretary in the office of the SSG, George Akpabio, and asked him to relocate to his ‘new post’ in the Ministry of Transport.

Akpabio was said to have asked the security personnel “Just like that? Is that how they move a permanent secretary?”

The decision to remove the SSG, according to sources, is connected to his 2015 governorship ambition.

The governor was said to be displeased with Umana’s plan as he has always said only God will determine his successor.

NAMA plans multilateration in Niger Delta

T

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

HE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said yesterday that it will deploy multilateration surveillance system for helicopter operations in the Niger Delta within the next 12 months.

Multilateration is one of the latest air navigation systems for air traffic management in the world.

The Managing Director, Nnamdi Udoh, made this known in Lagos at a stakeholders’ meeting.

He told the forum, made up of aviation operators in the oil and gas sector, that the deployment of the new surveillance system by the Federal Government would improve security and air safety in the area.

Udoh said the Federal Government had already provided the capital for the execution of the project and made it expeditious for the agency to fast track its implementation for the benefit of the stakeholders.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 31, 2013

57

NEWS

Knocks for Obi, Umeh peace deal

T

HE reconciliation of Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and factional Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh will spell doom for the party, an official has warned.

The National Publicity Secretary, Bernard Akoma, in a statement yesterday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, said although the party has abided by the Appeal Court ruling on the matter, the judgment left the party, especially aspirants, vulnerable to litigation from the opposition in the local government and governorship elections.

The statement reads: "The romantic kiss at the Government House, Awka, Anambra State between Governor Peter Obi and Victor Umeh can best be described as a ground- breaking ceremony of victories for

•APGA spokesman: doomsday imminent

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

other political parties.

"This is because any peace deal that does not address the party's internal problem will only expose it to failure as it will prepare the ground for other parties to benefit from APGA's misfortune.

"The truth is that as long as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to recognise the executives elected in the 2011 national convention, any candidate that wins on the nomination of such executive stands to lose such mandate in court.

"The issue is that any structure that does not stand on the dictates of the law cannot stand the test of time as the law does

not create room for anybody to benefit from illegality.

"If the Obi, Umeh peace deal is one that allows the Umeh-led executive to continue piloting the affairs of the party, including the conduct of the November 16 governorship election in Anambra, the consequences are that the party's candidates may end up labouring in vain as their victories will surely be challenged by other parties.

"The APGA challenge has gone beyond a chummy relationship between Obi and his brother, Umeh, to addressing the pertinent issue -the survival of the party.

"The fact remains that any peace move that does not address the anomalies in the party will still amount to delaying the doomsday.

“Though we have submitted

to the ruling of the Enugu Appeal Court, we have equally noted that the ruling merely left the party bare for more challenges as it dwelt only on the locus standi of the complainant.

It is indeed a judgment without justice.

"It did not state in any way that the 2011 national convention was duly conducted according to its constitution and this is a time bomb waiting to explode.

"It is therefore our earnest conviction that any attempt to placate this constitutional issue now in the name of reconciliation will amount to laying a political landmine that will eventually destroy APGA. "If we fail to be courageous enough to address this anomalies now, our opponent will do that for us later when we shall be most pained."

•Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime (third left) with the winner of the 2012 Nwa Ada Igbo beauty pageant, Nwa Ada Chinenye Ugada (second left), Mrs. Ginika Tor of Accolade Media (left), first runner-up Nwa Ada Onyinye Okoye (third right), second runner-up Nwa Ada Ijeoma Nnanna (second right) and Commissioner for Culture & Tourism Ozo Joe Mmamel during the presentation of prizes to the winners at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

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How we recovered cache of arms in Lebanese's Kano home, by witnesses

GRAPHIC picture of how a huge cache of firearms and ammunition were recovered by security personnel in a Lebanese Kano home was yesterday painted at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The house belongs to Abdul Hassan Tahir.

Six prosecution witnesses, who testified on Day Two of the trial of three Lebanese being held for alleged involvement in terrorism, gave details of the operations that led to the recovery of the arms and ammunition buried in a bunker in a room in House 3 Gaya Road, Kano.

The Lebanese are Mustapha Fawaz (49), Abdallah Thahini (48) and Talal Ahmad Roda (51). They were charged with their companies - Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park Resort.

The hooded witnesses, who were identified with codes, were led in evidence by lead prosecution lawyer and Acting Federal Director of Public Prosecution, Simon Egede.

The first witness, identified as DSS 4, an operative of the Department of State Security Service Kano Command, who led the search on the house and a hired labourer, identified as DSS9, who dug the room where the arms and ammunition were recovered gave a picture of what happened yesterday.

DSS4 said he got a directive on May 27 to identify House 3, Gaya Road, and on locating the house the following day, he

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

went with other operatives arrested Roda, who was found in the house. "We were armed with a device capable of identifying ordinance when buried underground. On getting into the premises, we began screening the house.

During the screening, a particular room was suspected to contain some ordinance.

"At this point, we hired two labourers to help dig the room.

After digging the room, we discovered an underground bunker, where a large cache of arms and ammunition were discovered.

"Items recovered include 17 AK 47 rifles, 10,921 live rounds of AK47 ammunition, about 76 military type hand grenades.

"On May 31, 2013, I was further directed to conduct another search on the property.

During the search, a black metal box was recovered underground, containing five pistols, four silencers and other items," DSS4 said.

DSS9 told the court he was enlisted on May 28 this year by the DSS operatives to help dig a room in House 3 Gaya Road, Kano.

He denied any fore knowledge of the nature of the assignment he was given.

The witness, who spoke in Hausa, had his testimony interpreted in English by a court's interpreter.

"When I got to the house, they took me into a room and said I should dig the floor.

When I was digging, I saw a mat. I removed it. I also saw a

cover.

"When I removed the cover, I saw a big hole. When I looked into the hole, I saw big coolers.

"After we brought out the coolers, and they were opened, I saw guns inside. The guns looked like that of the police. I also heard them said there were bombs inside. There were also some other items that I do not know," DSS9 said.

Under cross examination by lead defence lawyer, Robert Clark (SAN), DSS4 said Roda (the third accused), arrested in the house, was not present when another searche and recovery of the arms were made.

He also said their operations were carried out in the absence of the house owner.

DSS9 under cross examination, said he never had any dealings with the DSS operatives before he was contracted to dig the room.

Another witness, DSS5 who said he led a team that searched the accused business premises, told the court that the team recovered items including firearms in Wonderland Amusement Park and Amigo Supermarket. Under cross examination, he said few of what were recovered in both business premises could qualify for firearms.

DSS6, who interviewed and took statements from the accused at the DSS headquarters, Abuja, denied allegation by the defence that the accused were tortured.

He told the court they all volunteered their statements

under conducive atmosphere.

He tendered the statements.

DSS7 was the Principal Staff Officer in charge of arms, ammunition and exhibits at the DSS. He tendered exhibits, including $61,170 recovered from Thahini, at the International Airport, Kano, while he was allegedly trying to flee the country; some guns, the accused' international passports, and other items recovered from their business premises.

The state also called a financial analyst, identified as DSS8 who gave an analysis of how the accused allegedly moved funds to support their activities.

He produced a graph to that effect, which he tendered in court.

He said his findings revealed that the accused were related and that they had both business and family links with the fleeing owner of the Kano house. At the end of proceedings at about 5.30pm yesterday, the prosecution said it will call its last witness today when proceedings resumes at 10am.

It is expected to call a video technician with the DSS, who is expected to provide video demonstration of how the arms and ammunition were recovered and how the accused made their statements.

Egede said the video will help put a lie to the defence' claim that the accused were compelled to make their statements and that foreign personnel assisted in the investigation.

Orji, groups laud Dickson’s appointment as PDP reconciliation chairman

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday lauded the appointment of his Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson, as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) reconciliation committee.

He said Dickson has a good pedigree and would work to reconcile aggrieved parties.

Also, the representatives of three youth bodies -Restoration Youth Network (REYNET), National Union of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS) and National Youth Council (NYC) -hailed Dickson’s appointment, noting that it was a wise and genuine decision taken in the interest of

By Precious Igbonwelundu

the party.

The governor, however, advised the PDP not to lose sight of states where irreconcilable differences exist among certain groups.

Orji, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ben Onyechere, insisted that the committee must exclude individuals, who belong to two or more parties.

He said: “Dickson’s appointment is a healthy development but he must not lose sight of the fact that there are still irreconcilable differences in some quarters.

Anambra ACN demands primaries

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

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EMBERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Anambra State yesterday stormed the Ikoyi, Lagos residence of the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to protest alleged plans to impose a candidate for the November 16 governorship election.

The supporters, under the aegis of “Congress of Friends, Lagos State”, demanded for primaries to give equal opportunity to aspirants.

The party stalwarts, led by Lukman Nnuekwe, held a mini rally in Ikoyi and visited Tinubu’s office at Victoria Island and the ACN State Secretariat, Ogba.

Nnuekwe urged the party to conduct the primaries in a manner devoid of rancour, godfatherism and bad blood.

He said the primaries wiould also give members the opportunity to choose the candidate.

Nnuekwe added: “The primaries should be free, fair and credible. The era of special, anointed or appointed aspirant is over in Anambra.

“The wind of change has come. Our great party, ACN, should provide a level playing ground for all the candidates to test their popularity before the delegates.”

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Ex-Minister joins Delta race

ORMER Minster of State (Education) Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has joined the race to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as Delta State governor in 2015 He said he was in the race to give Deltans the best governance and sustainable development, and that he would contest the election despite a zoning arrangement.

Gbagi, a lawyer, who hails from Oginibo, Ughelli South, Delta Central, said: "Zoning means my right of existence as a Deltan should be extinguished.

I am a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

I contested the PDP governorship primary in 1999 with Chief James Ibori and others.

"There is no document or

By Joseph Jibueze

agreement to disenfranchise any senatorial district in Delta State governorship election. I respect the right of any Deltan to aspire to the office of governor of Delta State," he said in a statement by his Campaign Secretary, Bernard Jamaho, a lawyer.

Gbagi will kick off his campaign with a rally at Sapele Athletics Club, Sapele, Delta State on Saturday.

The statement added: "Gbagi is a formost industrialist and businessman and one of the highest private employers of labour, if not the highest in Delta State. He is a man who is development-drivenl; a man with an enviable tract record in both public and private sectors."

Constitution amendment: National Assembly selfish, says Falana

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

AGOS lawyer and rights activist, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), has said the move by the National Assembly to amend the constitution was "selfish and self-serving".

Falana spoke on Monday in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after a programme organised by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), tagged: The Reading Parent.

He alleged that the National Assembly had "turned a laudable opportunity to bequeath a lasting constitution into a petty affair in which narrow interests of members were receiving more focus than the general interests of Nigerians".

The frontline lawyer said the ongoing constitution amendment by the federal lawmakers was a contradiction of the earlier public hearings across different sections and states in which people voiced their concerns on the necessary changes in the constitution.

Falana said: "I am very reluctant to talk about constitutional amendment because I believe what the National Assembly is doing is a temporary measure. It is not far-reaching. If you dance around a problem, you will always come back to it.

"We did not vote for them to write a constitution for Nigeria.

The document has to be prepared by the people of Nigeria. What s going on is a self-serving and selfish arrangement by the National Assembly.

"You claim to have gone round the states and constituencies and communities. What did the people say? You are not supposed to be voting against what you got from the field. But what we have is that they are simply amending the constitution to reflect their class interest. It is not about the interest of Nigerians."

The eminent lawyer insisted on the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to get out of the nation's myriad problems.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS

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Five feared killed in Taraba attack

IVE people were yesterday killed in Tapga Village of Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

They died after an attack by a heavily armed militia group from the Tarok village in neighbouring Plateau State.

The reason for the attack could not be immediately ascertained.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

Several others also sustained injuries in the attack.

Others were forced to desert Tapga village.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Wukari and Ibi, it was learnt.

Eyewitnesses said those who escaped are taking refuge in Jibo - a rustic settlement of

Wukari.

Chairman of Ibi council Adamu Ishaku, who confirmed the attack and killings to reporters, said “the attackers took my people unawares”.

Ishaku said the attakers had planned to invade Sarki-Kudu village but they couldn’t succeed. “They ended up launching the attack on the un-

suspecting residents of Tapga,” he said.

Ishaku put the casualty figure at three.

But eyewitnesses said the number of the dead rose to five at press time.

A source added that the fate of little children and women left behind was still unknown.

The Ibi chairman said security in parts of Ibi has been

porous especially at the coastal and border areas.

He said Nahuta, another village in Ibi had earlier in the year been attacked by a similar militia from Plateau state.

Police Commissioner Jubril Adeniji could not be reached for comment. Spokesman Joseph Kwaji said the Police was waiting to receive detail of the incident

Benue ACN, ANPP, CPC to unite for polls

•From right: Chairman, University of Ibadan Alumni Association (Lagos branch), Mr. Sola Oyetayo, Publicity Secretary, Mr. Idowu Sowunmi and Guest Speaker & Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, Mr. Ola Oresanya at the Association’s General Meeting/ Sharing Experience with the theme: “Waste Management to Wealth” at the Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos...last weekend

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE three major opposition parties in Benue State will work together in the forthcoming elections to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it was learnt yesterday.

The three parties - the Action Congress Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) - announced their resolve after a meeting on Monday.

A communiqué was issued at the end of the meeting of the parties’ leaders at the home of Senate Minority Leader George Akume. It was signed by Senator Joseph Waku (ACN), Nelson Alapa (ANNPI and J. T. Orka (CPC) and made available to The Nation.

Leaders of the parties, who are now in the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC), stressed the need for all to work in harmony and take over Benue State ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The meeting resolved to boycott all meetings except those convened by Akume, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Neslson Alapa and Senator Waku, who are national leaders and chieftains of their parties.

The APC leaders expressed appreciation to Akume for his leadership virtues. They hailed other opposition leaders for their moral and financial support to the realisation of good government and leadership in Nigeria.

Waku read the communique on behalf of the APC leaders after the meeting.

Also, the Benue State Chairman of ACN, Comrade Abba Yaro, has urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFFC) to investigate the Bureau for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Addressing reporters after the meeting of APC leaders in Makurdi, Yaro alleged that fraud being perpetrated through massive deduction of local government allocations.

He accused officials of the bureau of complicity in the alleged fraud.

The ACN chairman alleged that during the June federal allocations, when the state received N20.1 billion, including the fund from the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SRE-P), some local governments could still not pay their workers’salaries because their allocation were allegedly deducted by the bureau.

“Some local governments in Benue State received up to N100 million, but the Bureau for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs gave them a little over N50 million and forced them to sign that they collected N100 million,” Yaro said.

Two killed in Bauchi bank robbery

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POLICE Inspector and one other person were killed yesterday in a foiled bank robbery in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, The Nation learnt.

A source in Bauchi told our reporter that 15 gunmen attacked the bank at Alkaleri.

The hoodlums reportedly started shooting on arriving at the bank. It was learnt that the security operatives on duty fired back.

But the gunmen were said to have successfully entered the banking hall, though they could not break the vault before security men chased

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

them away.

“So, the robbers did not steal a kobo from the bank,” the source said.

It was also learnt that “during the exchange of gunfire, a Police Inspectorwas killed. Also, one of the robbers was killed”.

The source added: “A robber was captured alive and he led security men to their hideout. Five AK 47 rifles, eight magazines, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), a forged police iden-

tity card and two telephone handsets, were recovered.”

It was also learnt that the captured “suspected robber has been assisting security operatives with investigation into the robbery”.

Police spokesman, Hassan Auyo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said: “Police Commissioner Mohammed Ladan will brief the media on the incident later.”

Also, at a checkpoint in Darazo Local Government Area, soldiers killed two passengers in a Vectra commercial car.

Lakyo: Police detain two for ‘hijacking’ officer’s widow’s money

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ASARAWA State Police Commissioner Umaru Shehu yesterday confirmed the detention of two men for allegedly hijacking the N2 million given to the widow and children of an officer killed in the Lakiyo village attack.

The money was given by the Nasarawa State Government and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to widows and children of officers killed in the May 7 attack on security agents in Lakiyo.

Shehu told reporters in Lafia, the state capital, that two brothers of one of the deceased officers from Plateau State collected the money from the widow, who had two daughters, and gave her only N20,000.

The police chief said the widow reported to the police that she was subjected to all manner of humiliation and ejected from the family’s house with her children.

He said the alleged mal-

treatment of the woman prompted the police to invite the brothers, detain and query them over the allegations.

Shehu said they confessed to collecting the money, from which they allegedly spent N700,000 for the funeral rites of the deceased.

The police chief said he invited their pastor to intervene, leading to the refund of N1.3 million, which the pastor suggested should be given to the widow and her children for their upkeep.

He, however, warned that other relatives should desist from claiming the money

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HE Gombe State Government has deposed the Emir of Pindiga, Alhaji Adamu Haruna Yakubu.

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, who approved the monarch’s removal, said the government took the action

meant for the upkeep of the children of deceased officers.

Shehu advised the people to fear God and imbibe the teachings of both religions to make the world a better place.

According to him, to ensure transparency in the matter, each widow was directed to open an account.

The police chief added that the widows were also directed to give the accounts’ numbers as well as their mobile phone numbers to the police authority for prompt action concerning the benefits.

Tribunal chides Nasarawa for N80m tax debt From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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HE Tax Appeal Tribunal, sitting in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has frowned at the attitude of the Nasarawa State Government on the accumulated tax it owed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The Chairman of the North Central zone of the tribunal, Abraham Ndana Yisa, spoke yesterday at the sitting of the tribunal in Jos. Three agencies of the state government - the Nasarawa State University, the Nasarawa State Tourism Corporation and Nasarawa State Investment and the Nasarawa State Property Company Limited – have allegedly defaulted in remitting N80 million tax, excluding interest and penalties, to the Federal Government. The FIRS had charged the defaulting agencies before the North Central zone of the tribunal, sitting in Jos. When the three agencies appeared before the tribunal yesterday for the fourth time, they were said to have shown no commitment to paying their debts.

Counsel to the FIRS, Nasiru Ahmed, urged the tribunal to invoke Section 34 of Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, Cap. 6, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to compel the defaulting agencies to pay the principal sum, the accumulated interests and the penalties.

UNILORIN expels five students for alleged misconduct

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

THE management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has approved the expulsion of five students for alleged acts of misconduct.

The university named the affected students as: Adeoti, Shola Adeola (Matriculation No. 11/55EB018) of the Department of Geology; Onirinwa Funmilayo (Matric No. 05/67QY010) of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education; Adu Micheal Abayomi (Matric No. 11/55EA024) of the Department of Geology; Atanda Kazeem Demola (Matric No. 07/66MF024) of the Department of Political Science; and Odiwe Lilian Unoma (Matric No. 10/25OD079) of the Department of Counsellor Education.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, UNILORIN Vice Chancellor, Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali said: “We have various committees put in place to checkmate excesses, either by the students or the workers. We have rules and regulations guiding the conducts of workers and students on campus. UNILORIN has been enjoying stable academic calendar for over one decade and it is because of the rule of law taking place.

“Probably those students were found wanting in their character because by the time you pass through a university system, you must be found worthy both in character and learning. That means everybody is being monitored from day one on campus up till the last day on campus. I am sure those people were found guilty by the relevant committee set up to monitor and discipline them.

“UNILORIN has zero tolerance for cultism and few other vices, which the society frowns at. We just want to ensure that anybody who is graduating from here is of good character and has the requisite skills to perform the job.”

On the current strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the professor of Veterinary Medicine urged both parties to come to a resolution in the interest of the students.

He said: “The two parties should discuss and bridge the gap between them. When two people are fighting, nobody will have absolute right; nobody will be 100 per cent right. If you look at the two parties, there will be lapses in their actions.

“I just appeal to the two parties to fill the gap and understand each other. Life is about give and take. They should please come to an agreement very soon so that students will continue their studies.”

Gombe deposes Emir From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

“in the interest of the public”.

In a statement in Gombe yesterday by Alhaji Abubakar Sulei Bage, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the government said

Alhaji Ahmed Jauro Galadima Pindiga has been appointed to oversee the affairs of the emirate pending the installation of a new Emir.

The statement said Dankwambo also approved the dissolution of the emirate’s Council of Kingmakers and ap-

pointed a new council under the chairmanship of Galadima Pindiga with Gambo Garba representing public interest.

The government said its actions were with immediate effect.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

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NEWS Lawmakers insist Lloyd was tortured

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HE pro-Amaechi lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly yesterday dismissed the claim by the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, that the Leader of the Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, was not tortured in his custody.

They asked the Force Headquarters, especially the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate what happened to the leader of Rivers Assembly, after he was moved from Abuja to Port Harcourt on Friday.

Deputy Speaker Leyii Kwaneesaid in Port Harcourt yesterday said Mbu’s “insincere” defence was face-saving.

Kwanee said: “We (26 proAmaechi lawmakers) call on the Force Headquarters, Abuja to investigate what happened on the arrival of Hon. Chidi Lloyd to Port Harcourt. It is not enough for the police in Abuja to say they treated him well.

“Reports available to us show that Hon. Lloyd was treated with disrespect and his rights violated.

The reports filtering from the custody are being digested, to enable a team of lawyers push the case to the ECOWAS Court, to enforce Hon. Lloyd’s fundamental human rights.

“The idea of going to the Inter-

Police deploy helicopters, APCs to stop Port Harcourt rally

•Release our son, his community cries out From Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

national Court is based on the fear that Hon. Chidi Lloyd may not obtain justice in Nigeria, considering the powerful interests in the matter.

“The torture meted to the House leader is a custodial crime, for which any police officer involved must be punished. The torture of Hon. Lloyd runs foul to the 1984 international convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.”

The deputy leader also assured the family, friends and supporters of the Rivers Assembly’s leader that the House would leave no stone unturned to enforce and protect his fundamental human rights.

Also yesterday, Chief and elders of Akpabu Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home town of Lloyd, condemned his detention.

The Council of Chiefs, the Community Development Committee (CDC), youths and women of Akpabu called for his immediate release.

They also warned that if any-

thing happens to the lawmaker representing their constituency, the people of Akpabu and the Emohua constituency will be at war with the police and its agents.

The community wondered why their son should be made a scapegoat in the crisis that engulfed the two factions at the Rivers State House of Assembly, pointing out that the House Leader acted in defence.

The chairman of Akpabu Council of Chiefs, Chief Patrick Dike, called for his unconditional release.

Dike said: “The people of Akpabu community, who include the Chiefs, Elders, women and youths are calling on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police to leave our son alone; we want him to be release immediately.

“If anything happens to him, we will go to war, because in our tradition no one kills the son of the soil and go free. Chidi has empowered many youths in this community, including bringing infrastructural development in the area. This is to say that we are happy about his achievement and we are in support of hm. “ Speaking on behalf of the

Continued from page 4

•Mbu

youths of the area, the President of Concerned Citizen of Akpabu, Okechukwu Geoffrey, said the crisis in Rivers State will soon turn to ethnic war.

“The pains of Chidi Lloyd in the recent crisis are the pains of the youths of Akapbu Community. I hope the President is aware that this crisis is heading to ethnic war.

“With the great support of Chief Stephen Agi, Bright Nlerem and Robinson Amadi, we are confident that we are going monitor the movement of Hon. Lloyd in the hand of the Police. We are going to mobilise our youths to support him in court.”

Rivers Crisis: Police fail to arraign Lloyd Continued from page 4

In his ruling, Justice Nyordee assured that his court is a court of no sentiment. He told the SAN that his adjournment till today will be for the accused person to take his plea and not for bail application.

He reminded the counsel that the parties according to the rules of the court, have 48 hours to respond to a hearing notice.

He insisted that hearing notices were served on the parties on Monday by a chief sheriff of the high court and one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) received and signed for the police.

He said a fresh hearing notice would be issued and served on them yesterday to appear before the court today. The matter could be adjourned till tomorrow for bail application.

“In the light of the fore-going, I order that a fresh hearing notice be issued on the prosecution for the production

of the accused person for his plea tomorrow(today).

“I also order that the hearing notice be served on the prosecution today (yesterday). I adjourn the case till 11 am tomorrow July 31, for plea.

However, the PDP, in a statement, accused Governor Chibuike Amaechi of undue influence on the court, with the view to upturn justice in the matter.

The party said “The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned in very strong terms the attempt to arm twist the court to let the former Leader of the state House of Assembly, Chidi Lloyd, who is currently facing six-count charge of attempted murder on the life of Hon Michael Chinda, off the hook by the state government on the instructions of Governor Amaechi.

“The party, therefore, urges all interested parties in the matter, as the case comes up

tomorrow Wednesday July 31, 2013, to thread with caution, saying it’ll take exception to any attempt no matter who is involved to reduce the sanctity of human life to mere political chess game.”

It said justice should follow its natural course if the already over-heated polity will not degenerate.

Nwofor said: “In the first place Chidi Lloyd was declared wanted by the Police. He voluntarily submitted himself to the Police Headquarters.

“Eventually, he was detained beyond the 24 hours allowed

by Section 35(5), of the constitution, and today (yesterday), is the 7th day, and the court yesterday (Monday), the police prosecutor from Abuja filed the charges and the Chief Judge has it to a Judge, and he listed the matter today (yesterday), for plea, for him to plead guilty or not guilty, that is what we are here for today (yesterday).

Boko Haram terror in Kano: Jonathan meets Dasuki, others Continued from page 4

recorded against the insurgents must be sustained.

“He mandated security agencies to enforce tight security nationwide, especially in flash

points in emergency states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

“One of the areas to be addressed now is the recourse to ambush by Boko Haram which amounted to a change of tactics.

“The military and other security agencies are already rising to the latest challenge.”

Security agencies are considering clues on a group suspected to be behind the Monday night explosions in Kano.

Kano explosions death toll hits 45 Continued from page 4

Aminu Inuwa, spokesman for the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, who was quoted

by French News Agency (AFP) “The dead had shrapnel wounds on them,” he added.

Residents described the area as being littered with the personal belongings of those who ran in fear once the explosions began.

Kano police, in a statement by its spokesman Magaji Majia, an ASP, said: “Multiple explosions at Enugu/Igbo Road and New Road at about 2100 hours, the incident occurred at a Tavern known as Mary Cool and Zuma Cool Spot, respectively.

“As a result, 12 died on the spot, 12 injured, 19 vehicles parked at the scenes damaged.

Bodies and the injured were to Government Hospitals in the state. We are still monitoring events as investigations remain

in progress.”

Authorities of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Kano, also confirmed 12 dead in the multiple attacks.

Captain Ikedichi Iweaha, spokesman of the Brigade, in a statement, said: “At about 2105 hours 29 July 13 (five minutes after nine pm), sounds of simultaneous explosions were triggered by persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group between numbers 38 – 41 New Road and Igbo Road by Enugu Road, all in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Council of Kano State.

“Twelve persons were confirmed to have died from both incidents while a couple of others who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.

“This latest incident could have been avoided if citizens maintain vigilance to observe

when packages are dropped as it was in this case contrary to reports circulating in some section of the media of the attack being one by suicide bombers.

“You may recollect that the JTF had urged residents of Kano metropolis to keep an eye on their environment as members of the terrorist sect had planned to drop packages in bags or cartons in areas with high human traffic.

“While the JTF and other security agencies will not rest on their oars to rid the state of all terrorist elements, the general public is enjoined to report promptly, all unattended packages or suspicious persons to the closest security agency for immediate action.

“The JTF and other security agencies will continue to count on the support and cooperation of the people of Kano to achieve an atmosphere of peace conducive for business.”

“Hearing notice has been served on them, what we have now; Police have not been able to produce Chidi Lloyd in court.”

Asked what happens if they still fail to produce him in court today, he said: “If the accused is not produced tomorrow, I will apply that the charges be struck out and we will sue for malicious prosecution.”

the policemen with the two APCs and many vans. Passersby were made to frog-jump, having been mistaken for members of the coalition.

The invited activists and members of the coalition from the nine states of the Niger Delta, who had gathered at the stadium, were dispersed. Nsirimovu and other leaders were asked to leave immediately.

But the coalition members and activists regrouped at a nearby private multipurpose hall on Stadium Road where they addressed reporters.

The policemen in APCs and vans continued to patrol the streets of Port Harcourt and its environs.

Rivers police spokesperson Angela Agabe said dispersing the activists was to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Speaking at the multipurpose hall, the chairman of the NDCSC said: “Impunity and abuse of the rule of law will not be allowed in Rivers State. Police are not neutral in Rivers crisis.

Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu must be immediately redeployed - in line with the resolution of the National Assembly.

“We planned a peaceful rally, but Mbu’s policemen took over the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt - in a show of force, intimidating law-abiding citizens, who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. It is a bad day for democracy in Rivers State.

“Freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly are guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

but jettisoned by Mbu’s policemen. The need for peace, security and participatory democracy in Rivers State cannot be overemphasised.

“Police permit is not needed before protesting or having a rally in a democracy. Mbu allowed Niger Delta militants to recently protest on the streets of Port Harcourt. Why did he ask his men to intimidate the members of the civil society coalition and law-abiding citizens?”

Nsirimovu also described as “really unfortunate” a situation where people who denounced violence were intimidated by the police not to participate in a rally designed to be peaceful.

The Executive Chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Debo Adeniran, who came in from Lagos, said he and other activists were supporting true democracy and human rights.

Adeniran said allowing impunity would not be in the best interest of democracy, stressing that it could spread to other parts of Nigeria and that people’s will must be respected at all times.

An activist from Jos, Plateau State, Nankin Bagudu of the League of Human Rights, said Nigerians were worried about the ugly development in Rivers State, especially with five of the 32 members attempting to impeach Speaker Otelemaba Dan Amachree.

Bagudu added that politics must be on principle and not personal interests. He advised stakeholders to always give peace a chance.

The General Secretary of the Alliance for Credible Elections, Emma Ezeazu, said the rule of law must reign.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

60

FOREIGN NEWS

Obama joins new Israeli-Palestinian peace push

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RESIDENT Barack Obama brought senior Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to the White House yesterday to give a boost to his administration’s third bid to relaunch stalled Middle East peace talks.

Obama was meeting with the teams on the second day of an initial round of negotiations that began late Monday with a dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department. Before seeing Obama on Tuesday, the negotiators met together without American mediators. After leaving the White House they were to return to the State Department for a threeway meeting with Kerry and top aides.

Kerry is expected to close out the round with a statement detailing any progress.

U.S. officials sought to dampen expectations, saying Kerry might say only that the two sides had agreed to meet again.

A second round would likely to be held in the region in the coming two weeks and would be overseen by Martin Indyk, the new U.S. special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the meetings publicly.

In announcing Indyk’s appointment before the talks, Kerry urged both sides to make “reasonable compro-

M

A

•Middleeast peace negotiators at Washington, DC ... yesterday.

mises” on the most serious issues that divide them over the course of the next nine months. The parties have agreed to keep at it until at least the end of next May. Kerry spent six months of furious shuttle diplomacy in an effort to restart the negotiations that broke down in 2008. An attempt to restart them in 2010 failed after a single day. And before that, scores of diplomats have failed to broker peace de-

PHOTO: REUTERS

cades.

After five years of stalemate, there has been a flurry of activity in recent days to set the stage for the talks that all sides agree will be protracted and difficult.

Diplomats long have stressed the urgency of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but Kerry thinks there are more reasons than ever to move quickly. In his thinking, time is running out.

Even if Israel wanted to, it

would be difficult to remove mushrooming Israeli West Bank settlements whose population has doubled since 2000. Demographers have warned that it will be only a matter of a few years until Arabs outnumber Jews in the Holy Land. And last year, the U.N. General Assembly recognized a state of Palestine in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem - a move that could let the Palestinians take their complaints over settlements

to the International Criminal Court.

The Israeli side is led by chief negotiator Tzipi Livni, a former foreign minister who was active in the George W. Bush administration’s illfated peace talks with the Palestinians in Annapolis, Md., and Yitzhak Molcho, a veteran adviser to Netanyahu who was part of the Israeli team involved in Obama’s two previous attempts to broker negotiations.

N an operation carried out with military-like precision, Taliban fighters disguised as police and armed with bombs broke 250 prisoners out of a Pakistan jail yesterday with the help of what appeared to be insider informants.

The attack in the city of Dera Ismail Khan showed

the ability of the al Qaedalinked Pakistani Taliban to strike at the heart of Pakistan’s heavily guarded prison system and walk away with dozens of senior Taliban fighters and commanders.

The overnight assault on the Central Prison took place despite reports that

regional officials had received intelligence days, if not weeks, ago suggesting such an attack was imminent.

Officials blamed a combination of negligence and lack of communication among Pakistan’s many security agencies, but some

suggested there may have been a degree of insider help.

Just hours before the attack, army and police units had met at the jail to discuss security, one source said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

as a whistleblower. The U.S. government called him an anarchist computer hacker and attention-seeking traitor.

Manning stood and faced the judge as she read the decision. She didn’t explain her verdict, but said she would release detailed written findings. She didn’t say when she would do that.

The charge of aiding the enemy was the most serious of 21 counts Manning faced and carried a potential life sentence.

He faces up to 128 years in prison.

Manning’s court-martial was unusual because he acknowledged giving the anti-secrecy website more than 700,000 battlefield reports and diplomatic cables, and video of a 2007 U.S. helicopter attack that killed civilians in Iraq, including a Reuters news photographer and his driver. In the footage, airmen laughed and called targets “dead bastards.”

Manning pleaded guilty earlier this year to lesser offenses that could have brought him 20 years behind bars, yet the government continued to pursue the original, more serious charges.

Manning said during a pre-trial hearing in February he leaked the material to expose the U.S military’s “bloodlust” and disregard for human life, and what he considered American diplomatic deceit. He said he chose information he believed would not the harm the United States and he wanted to start a debate on military and foreign policy. He did not testify at his court-martial.

I

Pakistan: Taliban gunmen frees 250 in jail break

WikiLeaks: Manning acquitted of ORE than three sentencing hearing on the aiding enemy His years after U.S. convictions begins Wednesday.

Army Pfc. Bradley Manning was arrested for giving classified secrets to WikiLeaks, a military judge acquitted the former intelligence analyst Tuesday of aiding the enemy but convicted him of espionage, theft and computer fraud charges.

The judge, Army Col. Denise Lind, deliberated for about 16 hours over three days before reaching her decision in a case that drew worldwide attention as supporters hailed Manning

Syria:Car bomb kills Kurdish politician

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to notify the general pubic and Benue State Min. of Land and Survey that the certificate of occupancy with plots nos. BNA 625, BNB 2379 and BNB 2380 issued to Air commodore NSIKAK EDUOK by the Benue State Military Administrator is declared missing.

Anybody with useful information recovery of the documents should please contact the undersigned.

Air Mashal Nsokak Eduok (Rtd) 08062821145

•Manning after the verdict at Fort Mead, Maryland, USA ... yesterday

PROMINENT Syrian Kurdish politician has been killed in a car bomb attack in Syria’s northeastern town of Qamishli, near the Turkish border, officials say.

Isa Huso was a member of the Supreme Kurdish Council, aimed at bringing together Syrian Kurdish groups, and an opponent of President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s main Kurdish militia later issued a call to arms to all Kurds to fight jihadists operating in the north.

It follows weeks of intense fighting between Kurds and jihadist groups.

Mr Huso was leaving his home in the border town when a bomb planted inside his car detonated, Kurdish political sources told Reuters news agency.

He was a member of the foreign relations committee in the Kurdish council, an umbrella group for regional Kurdish factions.

Isa Huso, 60, was described

by Kurdish activists as a moderate.

He had reportedly been imprisoned several times under Mr Assad’s rule for campaigning against human rights abuses.

“Huso sought to promote Kurdish rights within a united Syria free from the grip of the Assad regime,” his former neighbour, Massoud Akko, told Reuters news agency.

“No-one knows who killed him but the fingers point to the militant Islamists. They are the only ones who are targeting Kurds as Kurds,” he added.

Responding to Huso’s killing, Kurdish fighters known as the Popular Protection Units (YPG) issued a call to arms. “(The YPG) called on all those fit to carry weapons to join their ranks, to protect areas under their control from attacks by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) fighters, Al-Nusra Front and other battalions,” a London-based Syria watchdog, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe vows to step down if defeated IMBABWE’s President Some names also appear

Z

Robert Mugabe has said he will quit after 33 years in power if he loses today’s election.

“If you lose you must surrender,” the Zanu-PF party leader said.

His remarks came as Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party accused Zanu-PF of doctoring the vot-

ers’ roll.

Zanu-PF denied the accusation, saying it was the responsibility of the electoral commission, which released the roll only on the eve of polls.

The BBC’s Farayi Mungazi in the capital, Harare, has seen the document and says it features the names of thousands of dead people.

twice or three times with variations to their ID numbers or home address.

Mr Mugabe will be facing Mr Tsvangirai in the presidential ballot.

The two long-time rivals have been sharing power since 2009, under a deal brokered by the regional bloc to end conflict that marred elections in 2008.

Ousted Egypt leader Morsi in good health, says EU chief

•Morsi

E

U foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says Egypt’s ousted President Mohammed Morsi is “well”, but that she does not know where he is being held.

Baroness Ashton said she had two hours of “frank, indepth” discussions with Mr Morsi on Monday, without giving further details of the conversation.

Mr Morsi had access to news and followed developments, she added.

She is the first foreign diplomat to meet Mr Morsi since he was detained after being overthrown on 3 July.

Lady Ashton’s second visit to Egypt in 12 days comes after more than 70 Morsi supporters were killed in clashes with security forces on Saturday.

She held talks with the in-

terim leadership, including army chief Gen Abdul Fattah al-Sisi and representatives of Mr Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood.

The ousted leader’s allies said they were planning a major protest in Cairo on Tuesday, and the interim government has warned that any violation of the law will be dealt with “firmly”.

The EU is one of the few outside parties capable of stepping in and trying to help the alienated and mutually suspicious Egyptian parties move away from confrontation and towards a political solution.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

61

NEWS EXPLOSIONS IN KANO

•A victim of the blast on hospital bed in Kano...yesterday

•Another victim

•A victim on a wheelchair

•Scene of the explosion

•One of the shattered cars

•A crowd at the scene of the blast

T

THE Muslim umbrella body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) yesterday raised the alarm over what it called a grand design to push into deeper crises the North and, by extension, the Nigerian federation.

Reacting to Monday’s multiple explosions in Kano, the JNI, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr Khalid Aliyu Abubakar, wondered why the killing of innocent people have continued unabated especially in the North.

The statement said: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) once again under the leadership of His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President-General, received with bewilderment the news of the orchestrated multiple bomb blasts which were reported to have occurred yesterday night at Sabon Gari, Kano, Kano State resulting in collateral damages and many lives lost.

“We strongly condemn the inhuman and ungodly act in its totality as it is reprehensible, and we equally call for calm and restrain. As it has always been our prayers, whatsoever is the

PHOTOS:KOLADE ADEYEMI

JNI, ACF : this is collateral damage From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

intent/motive of the perpetrators of these contemptible acts, they will never succeed insha’Allah.

“JNI is perplexed that this act of unleashing terror on human lives continued unabated, despite visible number of uncountable security check-points mounted all through Northern Nigeria. More worrisome is the fact that this beastly act of terror comes just 24 hours after unleashing same on fishermen and traders in Kaka and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State, which also claimed many innocent lives and loss of many properties worth millions of naira.

“These repeated acts call for concerted introspection, as they again point to the fact that there is the urgent need for proactive and effective ways of addressing these precarious security upheavals presently being witnessed in the country.

“JNI is also worried and cannot understand what is really happening.

The perpetrators should be fished out and punished in accordance with the

laws of the land.

“While we send our condolences to the families of the bereaved, the government of Borno and Kano states, their Royal Highnesses, Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Kano, we once again call on all concerned as a matter of urgency to nip in the bud future re-occurrences, which we don’t pray for.

“As it is becoming more and more glaring to the right thinking person, there is a grand design to push the entire North into deeper crises and, by extension the Nigerian federation.

“Therefore, we call on all Muslims to fervently engage in Du’a (prayer) that will bring an end to these nagging nightmares of insecurity in our great country and may Allah, the Most High, save us from the enemies of peace and development, wheresoever they may be, especially that we are in the most sacred days of Ramadan.

“Hence all Imams are to include this in their respective Al-Qunut (special prayers). Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria” Also yesterday, the pan northern socio-political organisation, Arewa

Consultative Forum (ACF) asked those involved in violent activities to embrace the offer of dialogue and give peace a chance in the overall interest of the country.

Reacting to Monday’s explosion in Kano, the ACF, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani said violence has never been the solution to any perceived grievances anywhere in the world.

While expressing shock over the explosion coming at a time when Muslims were observing the holy month of Ramadan, the forum said such killings have no place in any religion and in any decent society.

The statement reads: “The ACF is shocked and sad over the reports of four bomb explosions which killed and wounded many people yesterday in Kano.

“These kinds of killing of innocent people have no place in all religions and in decent societies; and amounts to desecration of the month of Ramadan. They should, therefore, be condemned by all those who cherish core values of inhumanity, like freedom, justice and common decency.

“It is still the considered opinion of ACF that violence can never resolve any perceived grievances, besides inflicting pains and self-immolation and destruction of innocent people.

“Only constructive engagement can address concerns positively. Many examples abound across the world that support this contention. That is why ACF would not be tired of asking perpetrators of violence to avail themselves to the offer of dialogue by the government for the good of all.

“This is because there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence needed for the socio economic development of this large country that holds a lot of promises to generations to come. Let us give peace a chance.

“Our heart goes to the government and people of Kano state, is with those who lost their loved ones,is with those who have been wounded and is with those who lost properties.

“May God provide them with the fortitude to endure the irreparable losses and the means for replacement of the properties many folds. May the souls of those who died rest in peace.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

62

SPORT EXTRA

Yobo always in my plans —Keshi

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UPER Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (CFR), has debunked claims making the rounds that he has foreclosed the issue of team skipper, Joseph Tambarin Yobo, returning to the team, insisting that Yobo will sooner than later be back in the squad.

Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, quotes the coach as saying he never spoke to any media organization regarding the return to the national team or otherwise of Yobo in Abidjan during the

F

Eagles CHAN qualifier against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.

“He is like a younger brother to me and I want the best for him but there seems to be a desperate bid to create a war between me and my captain and I will always reject that because he remains one of Nigeria’s big football players and we cannot rush him out just like that”, Keshi said The Eagles’ boss declared that there are issues he is always quoted out of context about. “When I speak about

the NFF, it’s convenient for people to misquote me, to create crisis between me and my employers but I had never had any problem with them and they have said so.

“The Aminu Maigari-led NFF board has been more than supportive of the team we have on ground and nobody should say otherwise just to create sensation. There are channels of communications in the NFF and the Super Eagles and if information do not come though those channels they should be disregarded”.

Ikpeba backs code of conduct for Super Eagles

ORMER Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Ikpeba has blamed the Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi for the bonus row in Namibia even before the Segun Adeniyi Panel should wind up its investigation on what caused the row and how can such crisis be prevented in future.

Ikpeba also threw his weight behind the yet to be introduced code of conduct for the Super Eagles.

The former African Footballer of the Year Award winner told sports reporters in Abuja at the weekend that the introduction of a code of conduct for the Super Eagles players could instill a measure of discipline and control in the team.

The player popularly known as “the Prince of Monaco”, during his playing days in Monaco, France stated that in as much as his submissions are not intended to rundown anybody but the truth must be told.

“I am not against the code of conduct at all if that is what it will take to instill some discipline into the team. The players must realise that the Nation is bigger than any of them and is not proper for them to hold the Nation to ransom they did in Namibia,” he said.

Ikpeba took also a swipe

PUBLIC NOTICE JONATHAN GANIYU OKEOLA and JONATHAN GBENGA OKEOLA refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known as JONATHAN GBENGA OKEOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

at the Super Eagles’ Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi for allowing the case of the players’ agitation to escalate.

He blamed the Eagles gaffer for not handling the situation properly.

“If I was the coach I would have handled the matter differently. I would never have allowed the situation to get to the level that the players would hold the nation to ransom in Namibia. I would have made the players to first travel to Brazil for the Confederation cup and after then we can now revisit the case.”

Despite the overwhelming results being achieved of late

by Keshi, the Eagles Chief Coach has severally been

tongue lashed by some of his former Eagles’ teammates for one reason or the other.

Recently during the Commissioning of the Nigeria Football Federation House that Keshi did not handled the crisis well. Now Ikpeba has followed suit by blaming Keshi for not convincing the players to shelve their protest and honour the Confederation Cup assignment and later resolve the matter.

Keshi, however, defended himself that he shouldn’t be blamed for what happened because the players are not kids. They are grown ups that have kids too. He disclosed to NationSport that sometimes they hold meetings as regards their welfare which he can’t intervene or stop.

Seven arrested for hooliganism during Bauchi game

W

IKKI Tourist FC of Bauchi on Tuesday

said seven suspects had been arrested for their alleged role on invasion of the pitch during a league match against visiting El Kanemi FC of Maiduguri.

The club’s Chairman, Sule Chindo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspects were arrested by security personnel in Bauchi.

Chindo added that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the roles played by each of them in disrupting the Globacom Premier League (GPL) match. He said that the match, played on July 21, was interrupted because of a pitch invasion by some supporters of Wikki Tourist, after they alleged that the referee was biased.

The chairman warned that, henceforth, any supporter or fan that disrupted a match would not be spared, noting that some of the people were being used by the club's

detractors. ``Henceforth we will not allow any so called supporter or fan to cause problem for us. We realised that some enemies of the club are using some irresponsible persons to cause commotion in the field so that Wikki can be penalised by the NFF,” he said.

He further said that the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigations. NAN recalls that the people invaded the pitch after referee Sylvester Okobi allowed a goal in favour of El-Kanemi in the second half. The protesters alleged that Okobi had earlier denied Wikki Tourist a penalty kick.

It was immediately after the alleged refusal that the visitors had a counter attack and registered the goal.

NAN also recalls that the police had to fire tear gas to disperse the mob before order was restored. The match was played at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013

63

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

E

VEN the most casual observer of the country cannot help but notice the huge gap between President Goodluck

Jonathan’s 2011 campaign slogan of “Transformation” and the facts on the ground; in spite of his administration’s bravest efforts the country has been anything but transformed for the better. On the contrary it has, in spite of all the brave claims to the contrary by the president’s men (and women), been on a slide in almost all sectors of society; employment, education, infrastructure, health, good governance, name it.

The gap between the presidential rhetoric and the substance of the word has so much discredited it in the public eye that even the Peoples Democratic Party would look foolish to stick with it as its slogan for the next general elections in 2015. Yet there are governors, some PDP, some in the opposition parties, who can credibly use the word to describe the impact their policies and programmes have had on their states since their ascension.

One such governor is the State of Osun’s Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. Since coming to power three years ago the man has provoked much gratuitous attack from PDP as the leading opposition party in his state and from some sections of the media variously for adopting a state flag and anthem, for his urban renewal programme and for declaring the first day of the current Islamic year a public holiday, among others.

Of all the criticisms he has come under, the most reasonable-sounding are about his urban renewal programme. This has involved extensive demolition of buildings and removal of containers used as business premises by road sides. However, as any fair-minded critic would agree, such demolitions and relocations of mobile structures are inevitable; as the chef said, if you want to make omelette you must break eggs.

And as the governor said on the occasion of his interactive session with the media only last week, urban renewal is not just about the beautification of our cities. More importantly it is also about the health and safety of their residents.

“Those of you who think I am a Lagosian, I am not a Lagosian,” he said on that occasion.

“I was born and bred in Ikare (fifty six years ago). But interestingly, when I was born there and bred there, I found out that there was nothing like what we have now. The colonial masters left a tradition that made it impossible to erect any illegal structure to occupy the frontage of any building. As it was in Ikare, so was it here...It was everywhere in the Western Region. Then what happened to us? Why was this decline and degeneration? Was that the effect of Independence that there must be a decline? No!” The abandonment of proper planning for our towns and cities is obviously what has led to the kind of devastations from floods experienced in recent times and to the easy spread of epidemics occasionally.

What is important, therefore, in trying to recreate and, of course, improve upon the

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘‘Fifteen years on, the army must exonerate itself and tell of the Al Mustapha Days. Did he acquit himself as an officer and a gentleman? Should the army sit in judgement on the irrefutable activities of Major Al Mustapha?’ ’ VOL.8 NO.2,563

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Aregbesola’s real ‘Transformation’

•Aregbesola safety and healthy environment of our colonial past is that no governor hides behind his urban renewal policy to illegally demolish the property of his adversaries or to refuse to pay adequate compensation for properties that have to go. So far no one - not even his worst traducers - has accused Aregbesola of either. Nor has anyone accused the man personally of inflating contracts for selfish reasons.

One important element of his urban renewal policy is the airport he is building on the outskirts of Osogbo, the state capital. The first time I heard of it, my instinct was to dismiss it as one of those things politicians do more for their symbolism of statehood than for their economic value. Later, however, I found out this one was with a difference; it is mainly to provide West Africa with its only facility for helicopter repair and eventually also for the repair of aeroplanes. Right now, all the aircrafts operating in the country go abroad for such repair.

One of the marks of effective governance is a leader’s ability to attract direct foreign investment to his charge. Until the last three years under Aregbesola, no governor of the state since its creation in 1991 had attracted any such new investment. Since then, however, three companies have set up shop in the state, the first, a garment company in Osogbo that will employ 3,000 workers, the second in Ilesa that will produce flat screen television,

laptops, iPads and phones, and the third, and for me the most important, to produce the potentially revolutionary Opon-Imo (Yoruba for tablet of knowledge) for use not only in the state’s primary and secondary schools but also possibly elsewhere in the country.

Of all the tools any leader can use to lift the people of his state or country out of their ignorance and poverty none has the effectiveness of this tablet of knowledge. The reason is simple and obvious; knowledge is power and countries all over the world have increasingly come to adopt and adapt the new information technology as the most effective tool for imparting knowledge.

As a lengthy article in The Economist of June 29 pointed out, even a country as literate as America has had to resort to this new information technology to stop its slide in the international ranking in education during the past three decades from first to tenth of the educational level of those leaving high school, and from third to 13th for college students. The magazine’s earlier editorial piece on the same subject in the same edition showed how the new education technology, edtech for short, has been making a big difference in the learning curve of children and adults alike both in America and elsewhere.

The wisdom and foresight of Aregbesola in investing much of his state’s lean resources in the new edtech lie in his focus on primary and secondary school education. As a journalism teacher at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in the last five years I can attest to the alarming semi-literacy of undergraduates in this country. The single biggest source of this problem, whose most dramatic manifestation are the scandalous rates of failure in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) examinations, is obvious; the inexplicable abject neglect of primary and secondary education since the First Republic.

The economics of Opon-Imo alone should recommend its use all over the country. As the governor pointed out to reporters in defence of his spending on the gadget so far,

HARDBALL

‘Y

EMOJA’ stopped by in Ibadan last week and Ile Oluyole came to an abrupt stop, almost imploding. It was as if the 1.3 million inhabitants of the ancient city had been looking forward to the coming of that Yoruba deity of motherhood and fecundity. It was a mass of people perhaps starved of some essential maternal succor that thronged to a little house at Isale Asaka, Foko area of Ibadan city, the capital of Oyo State last week. News had raced through the metropolis mid-afternoon of last Tuesday that a ‘mermaid’ had come a-visiting and it required the intervention of the State Police Command to contain the situation.

As Hardball later discerned, the curio was sooner trampled under the stampeding feet of a rather curious crowd yet nobody sighted the object and none could tell the true story.

But the story as it turned out, is simple and straight forward: a fishmonger, Mrs. Ramotalai Adeyemo, had found a strange creature packed among a row of frozen fish

When ‘Yemoja’ came to Ibadan as she opened a carton of her ware. Of course, this could not be a fish: this jelly-bodied thing with numerous ‘hands’ must be a portent, a visitation from another world. News of it did not only fly swiftly, legends grew wings and the city was agog in a matter of hours.

The first two people who tried to snap shots of the long-dead, frozen creature claimed their mobile phones shattered mysteriously.

Thus the first taboo was quickly established: snap it at your (phone’s) peril.

It was soon pronounced to be omo Yemoja, supposedly a baby mermaid. But Yemoja is not exactly a mermaid; it is the goddess of motherhood in Yoruba traditional religion still worshipped by may devotees in Osun, Osogbo. On the first day, though hardly anyone else saw the creature apart from Ramotalai the fish seller and a few in her compound, yet everyone in town had a description of it. One account was that though

it was a small creature initially, it kept growing bigger and had the characteristics of a fish from waist down and that of human in the upper body with mouth, nose, eyes and long hair to boot. It was even said to have spoken to Ramota, urging her not to expose it and promising to reward her financially.

Then there was the tussle for the custodianship of the creature. A Muslim cleric nearby who Ramota ran to initially had offered prayers and made ablution. An Osun worshipper insisted that the creature was on a mission to uplift Ramota financially if only she would heed the message which had been long in coming.

While all this went on and the crowd was getting restive, the traditionalists weighed in and headed to the police seeking permission to lay hold of the creature, threatening cataclysmic flooding of the city

TONY MARINHO

the accusation that he was being wasteful is laughable.

“The charlatans,” he said, “bribed their way into our system, stole a document and published it. You all read it. They said we bought all the textbooks, digital textbooks for two hundred million, and that is all we spent for the over fifty-six books that are in Opon-imo. If you are good in mathematics divide 56 textbooks costing 200,000,000 from Evans by 150,000, the cost is 26 Naira. Tell us where you can buy a book for N26. Opon-Imo is a world beater!”

My own arithmetic showed the unit price was actually N23.80. But the beauty of the tablet of knowledge is not only in its economy but in how effectively it can raise the quality of primary and secondary school education in the country the way it is already doing elsewhere in the world.

In an article entitled “Pass the Books. Hold the Oil” in The New York Times of March 10, 2012, an article which should interest Nigerians as citizens of a major oil producing country, its columnist, Thomas L. Friedman, said when asked every so often which country was his favourite outside his own, he always mentioned Taiwan. “‘Taiwan? Why Taiwan?’ people ask. Very simple,” he said. “Taiwan is a barren rock in a typhoon-laden sea with no natural resources to live off of — it even has to import sand and gravel from China for construction — yet it has the fourth-largest financial reserves in the world. Because rather than digging in the ground and mining whatever comes up, Taiwan has mined its 23 million people, their talent, energy and intelligence — men and women.”

Almost alone among the country’s leaders Aregbesola seems to have appreciated the significance of mining the talent, energy and intelligence of the children of his state for its future development by massively investing in their education. The dividend of his faith in the youth as tomorrow’s leaders has already manifesting itself in the latest statistics from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics which shows the state as the first in primary school and girlchild enrolment throughout the country.

“Steve Job,” as he said in his final words during the media interactive, “was not a super human. He only had early interactions with computers. Bill Gates is not a super human. He only had early encounter with technology.

Who says our own pupils cannot? That is our vision.”

Of course, gadgets alone cannot bring about the realisation of his lofty vision. Along with gadgets you need good teachers, something he has also been investing in. Above all, you need good leaders who teach by example. As I have cause to say on these pages not too long ago, Aregbesola, by his simplicity, humility and uprightness, among other virtues, is among this breed of leaders that are rare in the country.

Hopefully, he can persuade the citizens of the State of Osun that he is the man to beat at next year’s governorship election in the state.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above if they were denied possession. The police fearing that the city might implode pulled in Ramota.

Even the ‘area boys’ were not left out, unable to sight the ‘mermaid’ all day and having an inkling that the creature may well be a harbinger of great wealth, they broke into Ramota’s house in the night and ransacked the place obviously in search of omo Yemoja. By the following day, the State Command of the Police eventually got hold of the little creature and it turned out to be an octopus, they announced. But it looks more like a squid because it has more than eight tentacles from the photographs made available.

Thus ended most anti-climactically, the story of the visit of ‘Yemoja’ to Oluyole, but the lesson not to be missed is that our towns and cities across the country are in ferment; too many unengaged and disoriented people seeking purpose, meaning and direction. It’s a long road to travel yet.

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Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO