The Nation July 9, 2014

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•ONE MONTH TO D-DAY: Part of the crowds welcoming Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right on top of a vehicle) during his re-election campaign rally in Ede...yesterday. The governorship SEE ALSO PAGE 8 election will hold on August 9.

Polls: President’s power to deploy troops under threat Reps in hot arguments

When governors crack jokes

By Olukorede Yishau, Asst. Editor

F

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

RIENDLY smiles or “farewell” salutation? This is a poser that may come to the mind on seeing this photograph (left). For someone not conversant with political developments in the country, the picture will most likely just be interpreted as five friends greeting one another.

The laughter appears infectious. They all carry on as though all is well. Murtala Nyako. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Theodore Orji. Godswill Akpabio. And Babangida Aliyu. The scene was the Presidential

W

HAT is the limit of the President’s power to deploy troops?

The question threw up so much dust yesterday as lawmakers debated the legality or otherwise of the President’s deployment of the military during elections.

The arguments for and against a bill seeking to further amend the Electoral Act No.6 of 2010 almost brought plenary to a halt in the House.

The question was if the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 8 of the Armed Continued on page 4

•HI-FIVE...

HI-FIVE...From left: Akpabio , Uduaghan, Aliyu, Nyako and Orji ...yesterday.

Continued on page 4

•FASHOLA INTRODUCES ‘RENT-TO-OWN’ HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME

•PAGE 7

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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NEWS

‘Why there’s T

•Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Jones Oyereri (left), President,C hartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Otunba (Mrs) Debola Osibogun; Executive Director, AMCON, Alhaji Abbas Jega and former President Chartered institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Segun Aina during a public hHearing on a Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria deposit Insurance Corporation Act 2006 and re-enact the Nigeria deposit Insurance corporation Act 2014 at the National Assembly, PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Abuja... yesterday.

• From left: Deputy Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Segun Odusanya; Group Managing Director , MiDCOM Limited, Mr. Akash Kumar; Chief Executive Officer/President, Samsung Electronics, Korea, Mr. Boo-keun Yoon and Executive Director, Lagos and Southwest of FCMB, Mr. Femi Bakre at the launch of MiDCOM's manufacturing facility and partnership with Samsung in Nigeria.

•From left: CEO, Avon Medical Services Ltd, Dr. Awele Elumelu, former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu and member, The Tony Elumelu Foundation Advisory Board, Lady Lynn de Rothschild, at the official UK release of Secretary Clinton's book "Hard Choices" at Kensington Palace, London.

HE reason for the delay in the rescue of the Chibok girls was the highpoint of President Goodluck Jonathan’s presentation at the National Council of State meeting yesterday.

Over 200 secondary school girls were abducted in Chibok, Borno State in April.

Jonathan told the meeting, which was attended by former Presidents and Heads of State, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Babangida, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Chief Ernest Shonekan, that the delay was connected to the fact that security agencies were meticulous in their approaches to minimise loss of lives.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, accompanied by Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Kaduna State counterpart, Yero Ramalan, said: “Top on the agenda of the meeting was the security of the nation. We were briefed by the President, and the National Security Adviser on the steps that are being taken.

Top on the security was the rescue of Chibok girls which military authorities also confirmed that efforts were being made and that very soon we will have good news.

“It was also heartwarming to note that the issue is not whether we can rescue the girls, but the issue is how can we rescue them in a way that we can ensure their safety so that we don’t end up in the attempt to rescue them we endanger their lives.

“What also came out is the need for Nigerians to be patient because terrorism is a new challenge in Nigeria and it is not something that goes away immediately and we have to be meticulous in our approach and make sure that we take the best steps forward to reduce and minimise possible loss of lives in an attempt to curb the insurgents.”

He went on: “We are very satisfied the security agents know very well where the girls are located and they are on top of situation.”

According to him, the Council also approved the appointment of commissioners into the National Popula-

PHOTO: NAN

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tion Commission (NPC).

He said: “The other issue was the appointment of certain commissioners in the National Population Commission and the states that have not filled their quota were today ratified and approved.

“The Council was duly consulted in line with the constitutional provision for Ekiti State, Yobe, Jigawa Zamfara and Kebbi, where their commissioners were ratified and approved by Council.”

He went on: “The other issue was the general security of the nation and this is to assure the public that the military authorities working in concert with the governors of various states of the federation are on top of the situation and that we require patience, cooperation in order to bring the situation to an end.

Thai rice and Nigerian politics I

• From left: Group Chairman, Bi-Courtney Limited, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN); Managing Director/Chief Executive, Karamba Marketing and Media Solutions Limited, Dr. Daniel Young and Director, Consumer Protection Directorate, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Malam Adamu Abdullahi at the inauguration of multi-million naira escalators

by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited at the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2), Lagos…yesterday.

•From left: Mark, Tambuwal, Gen. Gowon, Chief Obasanjo, Shagari, Gen.Babangida, Chief Shonekan, Gen. Abubakar and Uwais at the meeting in Abuja... yesterday.

N Nigeria, as elsewhere, the will of the people is fickle. The recent gubernatorial race in Ekiti State is a case in point.

On one side was the incumbent, Kayode Fayemi, who was seeking a second, four-year term. Even the opposition agreed that he was a fine gentleman, an intellectual with a doctorate in social science from King’s College London, and solid credentials as a pro-democracy activist during the dark years of military rule. Moreover, he had already proved to be an able, conscientious administrator. He built roads, saw that pensioners received their due, and had begun cleaning up corruption and incompetence in the public school system.

His rival was Ayo Fayose, a former governor suspected by human rights advocates of having political oppo-

By Adewale Maja-Pearce

nents killed, who is facing court hearings this month on corruption charges stemming from his first term, which ended abruptly a year early in 2006 when he was impeached and forced to flee the country. Although Mr. Fayose had fallen from favor with the leaders of his People’s Democratic Party, including President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was able to return to the fold in 2007 after Mr. Obasanjo left office.

Mr. Fayose is a proven vote-getter, so it was no surprise that the People’s Democratic Party chose him to challenge Mr. Fayemi in the election on June 21. After all, the old party bosses — known as “godfathers” in Nigeria — are willing to embrace certain

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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s delay in Chibok girls’ rescue’ ‘

The terrorist can be your neighbour, he could be living in your village and you may not know them, but the good news is that the armed forces are on top of the situation and we are satisfied they are doing their best and they are paying huge price for which Nigerians should be appreciative and commend them for the sacrifices they are making

“What also came out of the discussion was the need for every person to be vigilant in which ever part of the country you are in because security is everybody’s business. You gave to know your neighbour and understand your environment and report any suspicious movements to security agents.”

He said that the Council commended the security agencies in their fight against terrorism.

He said: “We are happy that very serious efforts are being made, all necessary equipment that will enable us bring this insurgency to an end are being procured by the Federal Government and Council was satisfied that Mr. President is on top of situation and he is taking this issue of insurgency very seriously and sooner than later Nigerians will see an end to this problem.”

Oshiomhole said the Council urged

the media to stop celebrating terrorism.

He said: “On security, we recognise the fact that few years back, most of us will swear that there can be a Nigerian who would be a suicide bomber, Nigerians enjoy life, but we now know that there are some of us who are willing to play the role of a suicide bomber.

“This act of terrorism is completely new and, therefore, we expect that the armed forces have had many years of experience in dealing with internal insurgency and it is far more complicated than dealing with an opponent that you can define by location or uniform.

“The terrorist can be your neighbour, he could be living in your village and you may not know them, but the good news is that the armed forces are on top of the situation and we are satisfied they are doing their

best and they are paying huge price for which Nigerians should be appreciative and commend them for the sacrifices they are making.”

On the media, he said: “We are unanimous that the media should put the country first and the headlines and the story should be in such a way that they are informed by national interest because if we celebrate terrorism, then we are giving them incentives.

“In reporting, the editor must know what to report and censure because when there is no country, there is no media or politician. We as politicians we should be more sensitive to national security, when it comes to national security partisanship should give way to all hands being on deck as speaking with one voice in denouncing terrorism and all of us been seen to be on the same page, it is not a partisan issue, because when there is

political truths many of us are loath to acknowledge. Responsible leadership is all very well, but it doesn’t always win out over those who know how to play the politics of hunger, especially in a poor place like Ekiti.

Thus, the godfathers were willing to bet that their sometime fugitive would beat the squeaky-clean Ph.D. hands down.

Still, they were taking no chances, for they had been burned before in Ekiti State. After Mr. Fayose’s 2006 impeachment, the P.D.P. had pulled out all the stops to ensure that its candidate, Segun Oni, would defeat the newcomer, Mr. Fayemi, in the 2007 election. So they sent in senators and other party heavyweights — including the usual thugs paid to terrorize voters — and Mr. Oni won. But Mr. Fayemi challenged the validity of the election in the courts, won a threeyear legal battle, and finally took up residence in the governor’s house in 2010.

With national elections approaching in 2015, several opposition parties have allied to form the All Progressives Congress in the hope of defeating President Goodluck Jonathan and the governing People’s Democratic Party next February. The election in Ekiti on June 21 was to be the first test of its popularity in a state it already controlled.

Once again, the P.D.P. left nothing to chance. Both the national ministers of defence and police affairs flooded

the state with truckloads of soldiers and national police who came to “aid” local security forces. Many people testified to witnessing outright harassment and intimidation of Mr. Fayemi’s supporters.

Nevertheless, election observers — including representatives from the United States and the European Union — declared that the voting had been reasonably free and fair. Mr. Fayose won by a wide margin — 200,000 votes to Mr. Fayemi’s 120,000 — in a high turnout of eligible voters. When the results were announced, many observers in AdoEkiti, the state capital, noted the jubilation in the streets. Even Mr. Fayemi, in keeping with his graceful disposition, was quick to congratulate his “brother,” who is set to take his place on Oct. 15.

So where, exactly, did Kayode Fayemi go wrong?

The first problem was Mr. Fayemi himself. He may be an exemplary governor, but he is no man of the people. Like most states in Nigeria, Ekiti is predominantly rural, populated by farmers far removed from Government House discussions about the importance of education, infrastructure and economic development in the age of globalisation. As governor, Mr. Fayemi never hesitated to grant newspaper interviews, had a massive following on Twitter and was widely liked on Facebook. But, in the words of Jibrin Ibrahim of the

Center for Democracy and Development, “most of the farmers and teachers in Ekiti State are not on Twitter or Facebook and do not read newspapers.”

Mr. Fayose, by contrast, has the common touch. He knows how to milk media coverage, whether it be by escorting elderly people to the bank to open an account, or by stopping his convoy at a roadside bar to buy drinks all around. “We love his simplicity, we love his style,” one constituent wrote in The Nigerian Tribune. “He dined with us, we saw him on our streets in his shirts and shorts and could ask him for a handshake which he gladly obliged.”

It is difficult to convince uneducated, undernourished farmers that big projects like constructing roads will benefit them in the long term by making it easier to get their produce to the market. While Mr. Fayemi tried to do so, Mr. Fayose hit the campaign trail armed with huge quantities of Thai rice (several years past the recommended consumption date, according to news reports), handing bags out to hungry voters.

The tactic, hugely successful, points to the challenge that faces all “developing” countries: how to negotiate a compromise between the immediate demands of an impoverished, mostly illiterate populace, and the urgent need for capital projects that will lift them out of poverty.

Hungry people will always be sus-

no Nigeria, political party becomes irrelevant and all of us can do better and we should change our language.

“Also it is the role of religious leaders, that it is not helpful for any religious leader to seek to rationalise this act by suggesting that these people are belonging to one religion or that their target is another religion and that the entire thing is based on religion.

“It is clear that these are just criminals that are masquerading in whatever name they choose to call themselves. No genuine Christian or Muslim who thinks that God needs help to kill anyone.

“Nigerians, all of us, whether in government or out of government, on the issue of terrorism, we should learn from the Americans. Once America came under attack, whether you are a democrat or republican, everybody believes that without America, all these other divides will

‘

be irrelevant. I think Nigerians need to understand that and there can be no quick fix. What is required is that there is sufficient political will to deal with the situation to secure the Nigerian space.”

Former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the meeting yesterday.

At the meeting included Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Muhammadu Uwais.

Governors at the meeting are those of Adamawa, Kaduna, Delta, Niger, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Kebbi, Gombe, Enugu and Acting governor of Taraba.

Deputy State Governors at the meeting include Benue, Jigawa, Ondo, Ogun and Yobe.

‘ Mr. Fayemi, in keeping with his graceful disposition, was quick to congratulate his “brother,” who is set to take his place on Oct. 15

‘

ceptible to immediate inducements of the kind offered by politicians like Mr. Fayose.

This after all is politics, and the first duty of a politician is to win. If the able Mr. Fayemi had had the common sense to make a show of channeling more state resources to the local level, he would not have enabled the triumph of a so-called friend of the people, who will continue to pursue

•Maja-Pearce his own interests. Sadly, Ekiti State is now destined for another four years of underdevelopment under the guidance of the people’s choice.

•Maja-Pearce is a writer and critic, and the author of “Remembering Ken SaroWiwa, and Other Essays.”. He wrote this piece for The New York Times

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

When governors crack jokes Continued from page 1

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle) with from right: Commissioner of Transportation Kayode Opeifa, Commissioner of Housing Bosun Jeje, Commissioner Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ademorin Kuye and Commissioner of Commerce and Industry Mrs. Olusola Oworu during the Governor’s meeting with Artisan and Transport owners, NURTW, Mechanics, Market Men and Women on Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (HOMs) in Ikeja.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

‘President’s power to deploy troops under threat’ Continued from page 1

Forces Act empower the President to deploy troops.

Minority Whip Samson Osagie, who first kicked against the amendment, warned that could jeopardize the election process as the presence of heavily-armed soldiers could scare Nigerians away from voting.

The contentious part of the proposed amendment is Section 8, which attempts to further amend the Principal Act in Section 29(1) by inserting a new subsection (b).

The new provision seeks to ensure that INEC is “responsible for requesting and deploying security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters; assigning

them in the manner determined by the Commission in collaboration with relevant security agencies, with the condition that the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces shall only be for the purpose of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials”.

House Deputy Leader Leo Ogor (Delta/PDP) and Rules and Business Committee Chairman Albert Sam-Tsokwa (Taraba/PDP) posited that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as Section 8 of the Armed Forces Act empower the President to deploy troops. Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos/APC) disagreed.

Sam-Tsokwa said the

Armed Forces Act gave the President powers to deploy troops for “operational use” and that this powers can be delegated to proxies, such as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff.

But Gbajabiamila disagreed. He said though the constitution gives the President latitude to deploy the military, such powers are subject to conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly and not “absolute” as being portrayed by Ogor and SamTsokwa.

Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha’s efforts to calm frayed nerves were ineffective for a while as Ogor and Gbajabi-

amila strove to make their points on the bill.

“A Bill for an Act to further amend the Electoral Act, No. 6, 2010 to ensure a level playing ground for all participants in the electoral process and for transparent process of conducting elections in Nigeria and for other matters connected therewith” was sponsored by Hon. Daniel Reyenieju (PDP, Delta). It passed through second reading yesterday.

It was initially slated for debate last week but lawmakers requested for more time to study the proposed amendment.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on ElectorContinued on page 59

Devolution of power: Conference adjourns abruptly

P

ROCEEDINGS at the National Conference came to an abrupt end yesterday at 12.30pm after a motion for adjournment was moved and unanimously supported.

The Conference was on the verge of beginning the adoption of amendments to and recommendations of the Devolution of Power report.

However, in anticipation of a division of the house over voting on the recommendations of the report, for the first time, the leadership brought in ballot boxes at 10.30am.

On resumption from a 15 minutes break, delegates and the leadership sang the old national anthem after which Gen. Ike

T

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Nwachukwu urged the Conference and the leadership to adjourn sitting immediately to enable leaders of the geo-political zones conclude the consensus meeting over the Devolution of Power report that held through the night.

Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, leader of the Southeast delegation, said the adjournment was necessitated by a deadlock in negotiations among various interest groups on contentious issues of derivation formula, resource control and sharing of power between the federating units, among oth-

ers.

Accordion to him, leaders of the six geo-political zones met on Monday till 1.00am yesterday to resolve the issues. They could not.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister, however, pleaded that the leadership of the conference allow for more time to conclude the consultations before the adoption of the recommendations of the report.

Conference Chairman Justice Idris Kutigi put the motion to a voice vote. It was unanimously supported.

Before the break, former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba created a spark when he warned that no section of the country

would succeed in imposing its demands on the others.

Osoba’s reaction followed earlier contributions that the status quo should remain and that power should not devolve to the federating units.

Osoba said: “It appears that some people have come here with a mindset to maintain the status quo. In today’s world, devolution is the word”.

Citing the United Kingdom, among several other countries that have decided issue of national importance through referendum, Osoba added: “If countries that have been together for centuries are asking for devoluContinued on page 59

Villa, Abuja, where these governors of Adamawa, Delta, Abia, Akwa Ibom and Niger states were part of the National Council of State meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Aside Nyako, the others are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Nyako is of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – the main opposition party.

Nyako was the centre of attention when he entered the council chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja around 10:55 a.m. before the commencement of the meeting.

Nyako, the man who was in high enough spirits to give bespectacled Uduaghan a high five, is embattled at home in Adamawa. Members of the House of Assembly, who unlike him mostly are of the PDP, have started the process

of ending his second term before it is due next year.

Nyako, as empowered by law, declared a public holiday on Monday and Tuesday, but this meant nothing to the lawmakers and the Acting Chief Judge who inaugurated a panel to investigate allegations against the governor.

That was not the first illegality that has been done in the plot to remove Nyako, which sources believe is the agenda of the PDP, the party of the men laughing with the Adamawa helmsman in this picture. By law, the lawmakers were supposed to serve the notice on the governor, personally. This process was practically skipped.

So, what were the PDP men telling the only stranger in Continued on page 59

Tight security at Lagos airport

T

HERE was a massive traffic jam yesterday on the Lagos airport road – no thank to a planned security breach tip-off.

Security was strengthened around the Murtala Muhammed Airport – Nigeria’s busiest and biggest – where tougher screening measures have been taken, particularly at the cargo section.

Nigeria Customs Service, the police, State Security Services (SSS) and members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents checked outgoing and incoming cargoes.

Security agencies checked vehicles on the roads leading into and out of the airport.

Vehicular and human movements outgoing and ingoing the toll gate, cargo terminal and international terminal were affected. The traffic gridlock was on for over six hours.

Many airport workers re-

P

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

ported late on account of the traffic gridlock on the road, many passengers reportedly missed their flights.

From the Ikeja axis of the metropolis to the local and international terminals, vehicles drove bumper-tobumper.

Sources attributed the traffic to routine security checks around the tollgate and the Hajj Camp section of the airport.

Many motorists expressed frustration over the traffic gridlock and its attendant man hours loss.

A source at the airport said about the traffic: “The traffic snarl around the Lagos Airport road could be attributed to reaction to security and intelligence information we received that some people wrote, trying to carry out unauthorised activities that could threaten security.

Continued on page 59

‘Jonathan actively engaged in efforts to rescue Chibok girls’

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will not put the lives of schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno, at risk by publicly revealing details of efforts to rescue them to satisfy his critics.

Presidential spokesman Reuben Abati, who made the remark in Abuja yesterday, added that Nigeria was aggressively confronting the threat of the terrorist group.

In a letter to Washington Post,

Abati described an opinion article published by the newspaper on July 3 on the issue as incorrect.

The presidential spokesman said Jonathan had been actively engaged in efforts to rescue the more than 200 girls abducted in April by Boko Haram.

He debunked the claim that “Jonathan has a do-nothing” Continued on page 59

No place to sit for panel investigating Nyako, deputy

HE panel investigating allegations of misconduct against Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako failed to sit yesterday. It would have been its second sitting.

The seven-man panel was stranded, having failed to find a venue to conduct its activity.

It was set up by Acting Chief Judge Ambrose Mammadi, following a request by the House of Assembly after it initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Murtala Nyako and his Deputy Bala Ngillari.

The committee took off without being inaugurated on Monday at the J&J Holiday Villa in Yola.

The panel left the hotel following security concerns.

Throughout yesterday, it could not find a place to sit.

•Speaker, members in Abuja for ‘consultations’ From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Barnabas Manyam, Yola

A source at the hotel said the heavy presence of security operatives scared away customers and the hotel management evicted the panel.

The House of Assembly Clerk was helpless yesterday as other hotels turned down his request for the panel to use their premises.

It was gathered that, the panel tried the NLC Club, the NUT House and the Nurses complex. All of them turned them down.

The panel also sought to use the NUJ Press Centre, but journalists also turned down its request after a meeting of their executive.

It was gathered that the Clerk deposited N170,000 for the NUJ centre, but the cash was returned.

The Council of Chiefs and Emirs has held a meeting towards intervening in the imbroglio. ‘’ Our traditional rulers deliberated on how to reconcile the lawmakers and the executive for peace to reign,’’ said a source.

Assembly Speaker Umaru Fintiri and some lawmakers have relocated to Abuja.

They were said to be in Abuja for what a source described as “curious consultations” on unconfirmed plans by Nyako to resign.

The Speaker and some members arrived in Abuja at about 2.30pm aboard a Medview

flight from Yola.

Clad in a white kaftan, the Speaker and some of the Assembly members left the airport for an “undisclosed” location.

There were indications that the House delegation might meet some forces behind the ouster of Nyako.

Having got wind of the team’s arrival, some Nyako loyalists were also said to be trying to locate them for lobbying to stave off the impeachment proceedings.

The governor was expected to meet with some of the lawmakers last night, according to sources.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Speaker and some members came to Abuja for consultations on the way

forward for the state.

“It is expected that the Speaker would be meeting key stakeholders of Adamawa PDP on the transition plan from Nyako, especially on who becomes the deputy governor in the event of Nyako’s imminent exit.

“Some of the forces are pushing for Nyako’s impeachment within one or two weeks but the Assembly leadership is insisting on due process to avoid the nullification of the proceedings by any court.

“For instance, the Speaker wants to go for Umrah (lesser Hajj) from Abuja, but those against Nyako are seeking immediate impeachment.”

The House of Assembly yesterday handed over the Rules of Proceedings to the sevenman investigative panel.

•Nyako

One of the key features of the rules, signed by the Clerk, is that “four members shall form the quorum” to determine Nyako’s and Ngilari’s fate.

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Fashola, Danjuma, others to honour Dare at 70

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FORMER Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), a leading member of the Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; frontline politicians, scholars and media chiefs will, on July 17, honour The Nation columnist and former Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian, Prof Olatunji Dare, on his 70th birthday.

The event, which will hold at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, will attract leading figures in academics, politics and the media.

The birthday celebration, which the organisers said will be chaired by Gen. Danjuma, will include a lecture to be delivered by a media scholar, Prof Kwame Karikari of the University of Ghana, Legon, titled: Memories of Censorship: Struggling for Press Freedom in Africa.

A book edited by Wale Adebanwi, titled: Public Intellectuals, the Public Sphere and the Public Spirit: Essays in Honour of Olatunji Dare, will also be presented at the event.

Contributors to the book include scholars, media chiefs and activists. They include famous poet, Prof Niyi Osundare; University of Swaziland don, Dr. Adidi Uyo; former Daily Times Editor, Dr. Ndaeyo Uko (now of Monash University, Australia); former Concord Newspapers Managing Director, Dr. Doyin Abiola; former Punch Chairman, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; famous poet, Mr. Odia Ofeimun; Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi and Executive Editor of The NEWS, Mr. Kunle Ajibade.

Others are: Prof Lai Oso, Mr. Segun Ayobolu, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Mr. Olakunle Abimbola, Dr. Akin Adesokan and Dr. Sina Odugbemi.

Dare, who is a professor of communication at the Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, United States, is Nigeria’s most celebrated satirist and one of the most respected newspaper columnists.

The Nation columnist has been described as one who “remains a glittering advertisement for patriotic and conscientious journalism.”

Prof Osundare said: “In Olatunji Dare’s writing, we encounter a productive marriage of the gravitas of content and the felicity of style.”

Dare studied Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), graduating with first-class honours.

He subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University in New York, and a doctorate in Communication Research from Indiana University, Bloomington, with specialisations in international communication and public policy analysis.

He taught at UNILAG from 1984 until 1988, when he was appointed a columnist and editorial page editor of The Guardian, Nigeria’s most influential newspaper then. Two years later, he became the chairman of the Editorial Board.

As a correspondent for The Guardian, Dare filed stories from over a dozen countries on three continents, including from The White House in Washington, DC. He joined the Bradley Faculty in 1997.

I can’t be intimidated over 2015 election, says Oshiomhole E DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said he cannot be intimidated by the allegation that he is destabilising his state to contest next year’s election as a vice-president.

The governor told State House correspondents in Abuja that he has the right to contest for the position, if he decides to do so and that he would not be intimidated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of the matter.

Oshiomhole said he does not need to destabilise the state to vie for the office of the vice-president.

He said: “And as you read one Metuhsella or Olisa Metuh or by whatever name he is called, he was reported as saying that I am destabilising Edo State because I want to contest for vice-president. Now, that is standing logic upside down.

“If I want to contest for vicepresident, do I need to distablise the government that

•Blames PDP, Police for crisis in Edo State House of Assembly

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

I currently head?

“So, they have let the cat out of the bag, meaning that they are afraid of their own rumoured ambition that I want to contest the vice-presidency.

So, the point I want to make is that, if I decide even to contest for the Presidency, the PDP cannot intimidate me. I have a right to do so, if it is my conviction.

“It is unfortunate that some people want to put their individual interest above national interest, but I cannot be intimidated. I’m firmly on the ground and there is nothing to worry about.”

The governor blamed the PDP and the police for the cri-

sis in the Edo State House of Assembly.

He linked the crisis with the High Court order restraining four PDP lawmakers from going to the House of Assembly.

Oshiomhole said: “Now, the other thing is that you are seeing the police excessive use of power, compromising the commercial and economic life of Edo State. This is making the whole place to look like the police have become an invasion force. It is just to protect these four members, aid and abet them from obeying court order.

“So, if four people refuse to obey a court order, that does not mean the state is on fire.

You just have few people who are celebrating lawlessness

and the police force is helping them to celebrate lawlessness.”

He added: “Now, what is my position? It’s simple! Without the state instrument, on the streets of this city of Abuja, we confronted the powers that be.

We confronted the people who occupied this Villa from 1999 to 2007. I did, along with my colleagues, across the 36 states.

We did. So, I am not a coward who can be intimidated.

“One thing is that an election is coming in 2015 and we have defeated the PDP consistently since 2009, when I assume office. Every bye-election, they lost. In the last National Assembly election, we defeated them in the whole of Edo South, which is about 51 per cent of the population. We defeated them in Edo North, which is about 33 per cent of the population; we defeated them in Edo Central, which accounts for about 17 per cent of the population.

“In my own election, despite all they boasted that they were going to do, I defeated

them in all the 18 local government areas, including the local government of the PDP godfather. So, what they are trying to do now is that having lost the election, having been rejected by the Edo people and knowing that another election is coming, they want to distablise the state, intimidate my person.”

Tracing the genesis of the four lawmakers’ problem, the governor said: “You have some people who believe that because they are members of the PDP, they are above the law and they want to celebrate the culture of impunity. But I am a product of struggle all my life. I’m used to people who think that they are much more than what they are.

“My own life history tells me that only the man on the side of truth is on the side of God and only that could survive.

The issue in Edo is straight forward. Four members of the PDP, on their own, went to court, asking the Federal High Court to ask the Speaker not to declare their seats vacant...”

2015: U.S seeks credible polls From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•From left: Mr. Cyril Ekechi, Deputy Director /Tax Controller, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Mr. Henry Akwara, Divisional Director, Claims & Risk Management, Mansard Insurance Plc and Mr. Foluso Phillips, Executive Chairman, Phillips Consulting Group, at the Web Jurist Awards 2014 in Lagos, where Mansard emerged the overall winner in the Insurance category.

Judicial appointments not based on merit, says Osinbajo M OST judicial appointments in Nigeria are not based on merit, a former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), said yesterday.

The law expert said merit was the least considered factor when lawyers were being appointed to the Bench.

According to him, indigenousness and political connections, rather than intellectual capacity and character, have been the bases of such appointments.

Osinbajo spoke in Abuja at the Judicial Reforms Conference, with the theme: Putting Our Best Foot Forward: The Judiciary and the Challenges of Satisfying Justice Needs of the 21st Century. It was jointly organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Judiciary Committee, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Access to Justice (with the support of Open Society Initiative for West Africa and the National Judicial Commission’s (NJC’s) Performance Evaluation Committee).

He said: “Generally, our sys-

•Lagos CJ faults appointment process

By Joseph Jibueze

tems of appointment locally and nationally focus more on other considerations. Merit comes very low in order of considerations. When judges are appointed on the basis of ethnicity/religion or other parochial considerations, they will almost invariably see themselves as champions of the platform which gave them the position rather than ‘justice’ or a national platform.”

Osinbajo stressed that to ensure merit in judicial appointments, there should be clarity on criteria and selection process; information for intending applicants; openness in the shortlist from a wide range of eligible candidates; rigorous standard testing of competences and quality assurance at every stage of the process.

The expert recommended the United Kingdom (UK) model for judges’ appointment, which involves vacancy request, advertising and applications, shortlist, references, open can-

didate selection, panel decision, statutory consultation, checks, selection decisions and quality assurance.

Lagos State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ayotunde Phillips, who was represented by a member of the Lagos Judicial Service Commission, Chief Kunle Uthman, criticised the process where the CJ only calls for nominations from serving judges.

She said: “The question is: Why is the nomination limited to judges only? This, in my view, is a major flaw in the system, which permeates the entire process and results in a limited pool of applicants.

“In my view, it is better to advertise for the vacancy and involve the bar associations, ministries of Justice, the magistracy and other agencies whose members are eminently qualified to be appointed judges.”

Justice Phillips urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the NJC to review

the present process of selection of judges and make it merit-driven, open and transparent.

“This process of nomination by serving judges is awkward, restrictive, limiting in nature and forecloses other constituencies like the magistracy, the ministry of justice and private practitioners as relevant in the exercises,” she said.

A Professor of law, Dakas CJ Dakas (SAN) said the secrecy involved in judges appointment make it appear like a cult.

“An open, transparent and credible process inspires confidence in the men and women who are charged with the responsibility of dispensing justice,” he said.

Executive Director of Access, Mr Joseph Otteh said appointment of judges should not be left to the states alone to prevent abuses.

“We need a layer of safeguard and that’s why I think the role of the NJC is very critical,” he said.

The session, chaired by Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, has the theme: “Reform of judicial appointment systems.”

THE United States Embassy in Nigeria has called for credible leadership and violence-free elections in Nigeria in 2015.

The U.S government said the world would was focussing on the conduct of credible elections in Nigeria.

It noted that Nigeria cannot afford to disappoint the international community.

U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle, spoke yesterday in Kano during his visit to the Emir, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II. The envoy said the U.S was intensifying intelligence partnership with the Nigerian government to figh insecurity.

Entwistle, who dismissed Boko Haram’s affiliation with Islamic doctrine, said the tenets of Islam are devoid of hatred and violence, as portrayed by the insurgents.

He said: “We share intelligence information and we have learnt a lot on the counter-terrorism front. We have been sharing lessons learnt in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries with your government and military because we established that in effective counter-terrorism, there is the military component. But it is much more than that. We believe people should be educated, as well as the provision of economic growth, empowerment, making sure people understand what their needs are,’’ he said.

Sanusi II reminded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that security agencies and other policy makers should discharge their responsibility with fairness before, during and after the 2015 elections.

The emir solicited effective collaboration between the U.S government and Nigeria to tackle insecurity in the land.

Sanusi II said the major guarantee for peace and tranquility is the eradication of poverty, economic empowerment, good health care, development and education for all.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

NEWS

Senate seeks probe of Ecological funds’ beneficiaries From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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•From left: Public Relations Officer (PRO), Bakare Ummukulthoum; Chairman, Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adeniyi Fowowe and President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Mr Oyewumi Taiwo, during the media parley on current happenings in the Nigeria Health Sector at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Doctors’ meeting with Fed Govt deadlocked

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HERE seems to be no end in sight to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) nationwide strike.

A meeting yesterday between the association and the Federal Government failed to resolve the issues that led to the doctors’ strike last week.

At an NMA emergency delegates’ meeting on Monday, which lasted about six hours - between 10.20pm and 3.45am on Tuesday - the doctors refused to shift ground.

President of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Dr. Steven Oluwole, said most of the issues had not been sufficiently addressed by the government.

He said: “The NMA will give the official position, but the story is not good. It is important for the government negotiation team to understand why the delegates feel so distraught.

“The restraint and caution of the MDCAN should not be used to malign junior doctors to accept the ‘suffering and smiling’ attitude. Junior doctors are at the frontline of patient management.

“They work endless hours in the hospitals. The government permits skipping support and administrative workers, who work fewer hours yet earn relatively more than the junior doctors. Sophisticated administrative and establishment arguments of why there should be no skipping for doctors will not placate.”

The union leader said most of the issues had not been seriously addressed.

The Senate yesterday begged the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to call off its strike, a week after the union started the nationwide indefinite action.

It urged the doctors to return to the hospital to avoid further loss of lives.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu spoke yesterday in Abuja, following a point of order raised by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), on the doctors’ strike.

Okowa said the National Assembly’s Committee on Health and the committee set up by the Federal Government were working hard to ensure that the doctors return to work soon.

The senator said his committee had met with NMA’s leadership, adding that this led to the setting up of a Presidential Technical Committee, head-

•Senate begs doctors to call off strike •Why NMA hasn’t ended strike, by minister From Vincent Ikuomola, Sanni Onogu, Abuja, Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

ed by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Okowa said: “The NMA said it would call its members back to offer emergency medical services. Since Friday, July 4, it had directed all medical institutions to offer emergency medical services to Nigerians.

“Yesterday (Monday), we were at the emergency delegates’ meeting.

Delta State Governor (Emmanuel Uduaghan), who also is a medical doctor, myself and the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, were there. We addressed the emergency delegates’ meeting on the need to call off the strike.

“We did find that some of the circulars they demanded had been issued, but unfortunately, the strike was not called off at the end of the meeting.

“I thought I needed to inform my colleagues that emergency medical services have been restored to. But I will continue with the negotiation along with membership of the presidential committee to ensure that in the next few days we are able to get a resolution to the crisis.”

Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, insisted that the strike was a direct blow to patients who could not afford treatment in private hospitals.

He said: “I would like to appeal to the striking doctors, on behalf of the Senate, to please consider going back to work because as long as they are on strike, the casualty will usually be the patients who are innocent of whatever agreement the doctors had with government.

“It is important that they realise that their primary responsibility is to save lives. So, we hope that you working with the rest of your colleagues and other interested parties that this matter be resolved as soon as possible so that they resume their usual duties and responsibilities to the patients...”

Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has urged the doctors to return to work.

He also told our correspondent why the striking doctors had not returned to the hospital, a week after they declared the nationwide indefinite action.

The minister spoke yesterday in Lagos at the foundation-laying ceremony of the permanent secretariat of the West African College of Surgeons, at Harvey Road in Yaba.

Chukwu, a fellow of the college, said: “We are nearing the end of the strike, because their demand on immediate payment is not totally new.

The demand for the payment of the accrued money (CONMESS) started in January. We are working with the Ministry of Finance to get the payment done, since due process must be followed before the money is released. But the striking doctors in-

sisted that they must receive the alerts before they could resume work or suspend the strike.

“I am working with a circular that I met at the ministry since the time of about nine previous ministers, including my illustrious teacher, the late Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti. Nigeria is moving on with global standard in medicine and health care delivery. Nothing will drag us back...”

Also, the emergency meeting convened yesterday between NMA’s representatives and the government ended in a stalemate.

Lagos State NMA Chairman Dr Francis Faduyile said the issues could not be resolved because “the government is not honest”.

“The government was playing the ostrich because most of the 24-count demands were yet to be addressed, as promised. The government said it would stick to the initial three directors for teaching hospitals, but there are teaching hospitals with more than three,” Faduyile said.

Prof Chukwu listed yesterday hinted on why the striking doctors had not called off their strike.

He said: “After we met them on Thursday, we achieved something and they were able to get their members, as a matter of duty, to render emergency services. We had hoped that by this morning (yesterday), we would be happy to have them at their various stations. I got a call that made it clear to me that after our long overnight meeting, they resolved not to come back to work.”

Immigration Bill scales second reading in Senate

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BILL seeking an Act to repeal the Immigration Act of 1963 and enact the Immigration Act 2014 and Other Related Matters was yesterday read for the second time in the Senate.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba, in his lead debate, said the Bill was only seeking the concurrence of the Senate, having been passed by the House of Representatives.

The senator said the Bill is seeking, among others, to make provi-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

sions to regulate immigration, passport, visas, resident permits and work permit.

He said it also aims at prohibiting smuggling of migrants in and out of the country and to protect and provide remedies to objects of smuggling of migrants’ offences.

Ndoma-Egba said it was also meant to strengthen the provisions of the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air.

He said: “At the moment, migration in Nigeria is regulated by the Immigration Act of 1963, which established the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

“It is, however, observed that despite the changes in the functions and activities of the Immigration Service over the years, including the change in nomenclature to the status of a full-fledged para-military service in 1992, the Act has never been amended to reflect these changes.”

HE Senate yesterday urged its relevant committees to investigate those who have benefitted from the Ecological Funds to ascertain whether or not the money was properly utilised.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu gave the directive, following a debate on a motion, titled: Ocean Surge in Coastal Areas and Consequences for Coastal Dwellers, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Emmanuel Paulker (Bayelsa Central), and 30 others.

Ekweremadu said the Senate believed there was no proper application of the ecological funds for the purposes for which it was set.

He said: “I believe that our appropriate committees need to investigate to find out who receives this ecological fund and how it is being applied, to ensure that it is being applied appropriately for matters, such as this (ocean surge).

“The government at different levels - the states, the local governments and the Federal Government - need to also show more interest regarding our coastal lines to save lives and property of our people living there...”

Paulker called the attention of the Senate to the plight of coastal communities in Bayelsa and Delta states, who were recently displaced by rising ocean waves.

The senator said the affected communities include Koluama I, Koluama II, Foropa and several other communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

He said the residents had “cried about the current ocean activities in the area, which have killed many of their people, wiped out their communities and destroyed their markets and property worth billions of naira and permanently altered their lifestyles”.

The Senate adopted the prayers of the motion. It urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send materials to those displaced by the ocean surge.

It urged the Federal Government to ensure proper utilisation of Ecological Funds and pay compensation from Chevron to the affected communities.

Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) advised relevant agencies to ensure effective enforcement against oil companies that breached environmental impact assessment laws.

Jonathan inaugurates $10m network project From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated yesterday the $10 million Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).

He described it as a new era of teaching and research in Nigeria.

The NgREN Phase One is a World Bank-assisted project to create an elaborate infrastructural backbone to interconnect all research and education institutions in the country and link them with other research and education network worldwide.

The President, who was represented by the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, also said the project would enable Nigerian institutions and researchers to collaborate among one another and their peers around the globe to share resources and ideas for solutions to the developmental challenges.

He said: “The government expects all education and research institutions to enlist as members of the NgREN and the current ranking of Nigerian universities in quality of teaching and research output will improve within a short period of time as a result of this enlistment.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

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NEWS

My end is inevitable, says son who killed father T OLANI Ajayi has given an insight into why he carried out a savage attack on his father, Charles Ajayi (SAN), saying unless providence helps him, his end is “inevitable.”

The young Ajayi (21) stabbed his father repeatedly using a kitchen knife and also slashed his throat with a machete until he died.

Tolani, a 300-Level student of Department of History and International Relations of the Redeemer University (RUN) Ogun State, said yesterday he was driven by fit of anger to kill his father last Thursday inside the Redemption Camp along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

His father’s remains were recovered in a nearby bush at Canaanland Street within the RCCG Camp, where he dumped them after he had hacked the man to death.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The lad, who admitted that he was into drugs at a time, said at Eleweran, the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police, Ogun State Command that illicit substance played no part in the lethal attack.

He begged his mother and siblings to forgive him over the reprehensible acts.

Narrating how it happened to reporters, Tolani said: “I have sent some people to talk to her that I am sorry. I have talked to my sister. My mother is still grieving; I want to give her time. It may be spiritual. I have asked for forgiveness.

“I tried those drugs myself; I might have had it from my friends, but I tried it myself. I was not under the

influence of any drugs and the action was not a planned one.

“The incident happened around 1:00 am when the church would have been sleeping by then. It was anger that led me into this. My father just bit me repeatedly with his teeth. There was an argument between us and I stood up to him. He beat me with a stick and bit me with his teeth. Just the two of us were at home; my mother was in Abuja.

“We lives in Abuja. I schooled in the camp. He came for a programme then and my school was on break.

So, I went to meet him. We were meant to go back to Abuja together. Then the incident happened and here I am now.

“My father went to the kitchen and fetched a wooden spoon. He used it to beat me repeatedly and I tried to defend myself. Then he bit me on my shoulder and I got angry. I used normal small kitchen knife.

Later, I used cutlass to attack him. I regret the action.

“There is no way Nigerians can help me. I am going to face my judgment. I am meant to pay for what I have done. It is not as if I am ready. It is something that is inevitable; something that is going to happen. I am just waiting for the time. “ It is not about church; I attended the church activities regularly while in school. I had missed church throughout this semester. I never missed church for once. It is not about the church, but only God knows why.”

Fashola introduces ‘Rent-to-own’ home ownership scheme

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has introduced

‘Rent to own’ scheme under the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (LagosHOMS).

Fashola, who announced the development at an interactive session yesterday with tradesmen and artisans at the Blue Roof, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja, said the development was geared to accommodate artisans in the scheme.

He explained that under the new scheme, intended home

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

owners do not need to pay the 30 per cent down payment before they can move into their apartment.

According to him, “we have initiated a rent-to-own scheme. The scheme will allow artisans and traders to access Lagos Homes. The artisans do not have to pay 30 per cent down payment before they move to their apartments. The moment they are qualified for the scheme, they will be allow to move in under the rent-to-own scheme.”

He explained that the ben-

eficiary will be paying rents, which will eventually lead to mortgage.

“But in an instance where a beneficiary loses his job and cannot continue with the scheme after some years, such a person will get back all he has paid. Already, another person is waiting to buy the apartment,” he said The governor said investigations carried out recently revealed that most people in the informal could also afford the mortgage scheme, going by their monthly income and profit.

He urged the artisans to take advantage of the development and apply for their choice homes in the scheme.

“The artisans and traders are always a part of our policies and programmes. Perhaps, I think people might not know what role they have to play when a programme was newly introduced.”

Earlier, State Commissioner for Housing, Bosun Jeje, said criteria would be worked out on the modality of applying for the scheme.

Group to present Ogun governor’s biography

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HE biography of Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, entitled: “The Indelible Footprints,” will be presented on Saturday, August 2 at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abokuta, the state capital.

At the event, Ogun State citizens and Nigerians who have contributed to the development of the state and have also distinguished themselves in various fields will be honoured with awards.

The award and book presentation is being organised by the Gateway Professionals. The Gateway Professionals are indigenes and non- indigenes who are stakeholders in Ogun State.

United Kingdom professionals pledge support for APC

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HE Progressives Solidarity Forum (PSF), United Kingdom branch, has promised to assist the newly constituted executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to make the party a success.

PSF is a group of professionals in the United Kingdom, who are members of APC. The group congratulated the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun and the officials of

the National Working Committee on their appointment.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity/Media Affairs, Onowu Amaechi Nwaenie, the group said the election and emergence Odigie-Oyegun as the national chairman of the APC, through a democratic process, was a clear manifestation of his progressive orientation, leadership qualities, visionary and purposeful disposition .

Lagos Assembly proffers measures to enhance security

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AGOS State House of Assembly has proffered some measures to enhance the state’s security owing to the nation’s prevailing situation.

The House at its plenary called yesterday on Governor Babatunde Fashola to direct all relevant agencies

By Oziegbe Okoeki

of government to urgently extend the installation of computer-based Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance cameras being monitored by the Lagos State Emergency Command Centre to all major markets, motor parks and other public places.

50 monachs lobby confab for Oduduwa State

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O fewer than 50 Osun State first class traditional rulers stepped up yesterday a lobby at the National Conference to approve the creation of Oduduwa State.

The conference had last Thursday listed the names of 18 new states to be created in the country, including two from the Southwest geo-political zone.

The delegates noted also that the name of the third state to be created from the Southwest zone with its capital

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

would be announced later.

The Olojudo of Ido-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, who led the lobby group, addressed reporters in Abuja, where he renewed the call for the creation of Oduduwa State.

Oba Adedapo noted that it was gratifying that the National Conference has announced the creation of additional 18 states - two for the Southwest out of the intended three.

He listed the two an-

nounced states as New Oyo and Ijebu states.

The royal father added however that it was disheartening that the proposed Oduduwa State is yet to be listed despite the fact that it was on the memorandum submitted by the National Association of State Creation Movement (NASM) and Oduduwa State Movement.

He recalled that the request for state creation from the old Oyo State in 1983 included among others, Oduduwa and Osun states.

Osun debt profile: APC gives PDP ultimatum to apologise

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LL Progressives Congress, Osun State chapter, has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a seven-day ultimatum to apologise to the citizens for “lying and misleading” many of them about the state’s debt profile.

Its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, in a statement, said: “Only a gang of rascals and vagabonds could have set out lying through their teeth about so many things against the government and Governor Aregbesola to discredit both based on total falsehood.

“The only path of honour left for the PDP is to apologise publicly to the people.

“These people who lead the PDP in Osun are so accustomed to lying that they are no longer capable of understanding the difference between a lie and joke, and the consequences of either or

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

both to their public image.”

The party recalled that the PDP had been creating confusion and attempting to incite public anger against the APC government and its governor by spreading despicable and mischievous lies that “at every stage of this evil exercise, the leadership of the PDP looked much like a monstrous machine made to destroy, rather than to build.”

According to the APC, the question of the debt profile of Osun has now made the PDP look terribly dishonourable.

The party said: “The PDP has for long been insisting that Aregbesola has ruined the future of the state by owing above N300 billion which is absolutely beyond Osun’s capacity to manage.

According to PDP’s governorship aspirant, Iyiola

Omisore, that’s a principal reason Aregbesola did not deserve a second term in office.

“But now, the truth is not only in the public domain, the Director General of the Debt Management office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has told Nigerians that ‘Osun State is one of the states in the federation with good and stable public debt management …’ and that ‘the state needed to be encouraged in terms of management of debt because it has not borrowed beyond its capacity…’ . ‘Osun state debt status is very sustainable.’

“The PDP and all those who have been telling this dangerously damaging lie need to redeem themselves if they are not political vagabonds. And the only acceptable way to do this is through an unreserved public apology within the next seven days.”

•Kemi ‘Lala Akindoju (left), Founder & Coordinator, Awesome Treasures Foundation,Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo, Nigeria’s foremost catalyst, Lanre Olusola,C.E.O Gemstone Group, Fela Durotoye and MD/CEO, Homebase Mortgage Bank, Dr. Paul ‘Femi Johnson at the Awesome Treasures Foundation 2014 July Summit with the theme: Marriage: Where are the Real Men 2 at Muson Centre Lagos...at the weekend

•Director General, National Centre for women Development (NCWD), Abuja, Lady Onyeka Onwenu (left) being presented with honorary membership of the Rotary Club of Asokoro by its President, Ogechukwu Ochuba, a lawyer, when Onwenu visited Ochuba.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

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NEWS OSUN 2014

Omisore gives conditions for SUN State goverpublic debate

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norship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has given conditions for accepting an open debate with Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Aregbesola, during the commissioning of the modern Ayegbaju International Market in Osogbo last Monday, challenged candidates of opposition parties to a debate on the state’s development.

Omisore, reacting to the challenge in a statement by his Head, Media, Prince Diran Odeyemi, said Aregbesola must first tender his current certificate of men-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

tal fitness, if he wants him to participate.

According to Omisore, tendering the certificate is necessary “because a nongovernmental organisation, Egalitarian Mission for Africa, had a running battle with Governor Aregbesola concerning issues of his health status.”

He also said the open hatred of Aregbesola towards Omisore might make the PDP disallow him from participating in any debate with the governor unless his security is assured.

APC flays PDP candidate for using masked gunmen •’He is afraid of his shadow’

By Bola Olajuwon, Assistant Editor

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, for using masked gunmen at his electioneering campaign for the August 9 election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, said the only reason Omisore could have resorted to hiring “ninjas” for protection was because he was afraid of his own shadow.

It wondered how a man, who wants to rule a state, would be afraid to move freely among the same people whose votes he is seeking, saying the PDP candidate should “emulate Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is barely distinguishable from the Osun ordinary citizens.”

“Every month, Governor Aregbesola leads the people in a jogging exercise on the streets, during which he mixes freely with them. Not once has a ‘ninja’ been spotted behind him in the name of security.

“During his ongoing electioneering campaign, Governor Aregbesola has continued with his tradition of being with the people without any invasive security. Mr. Omisore has a lot to learn from Aregbesola, and should realise that being a people’s governor goes beyond a made-for-television eating of roasted corn or riding of Okada,” APC said.

The party said if the PDP governorship candidate had known the history of masked gun men or “ninjas,” he would not have resorted to the use of masked gunmen for protection.

“The message which the use of masked gun men sends to the populace is that of intimidation, harassment, espionage, sabotage, assassination and terrorism. No one seeking to rule a state should want to be portrayed in that light. Therefore, we call on Mr. Omisore to immediately halt the use of masked gun men unless of course it is a deliberate ploy to intimidate and terrorise the same people he wants to govern,” it said.

APC said it was bad judgment for anyone, least of all a public official, to resort to the use of ‘ninjas’ for security at a time the country is reeling from terrorist attacks that have left thousands of people dead or injured.

The party wondered why uniformed or plain-cloth policemen as well as State Security Service (SSS) personnel were suddenly not good enough for the PDP candidate.

Conduct your rally peacefully, engineers urge politicians IGERIA Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Osun State chapter, has appealed to political parties to conduct their rallies peacefully in order to avoid chaos and lawlessness in their quest to canvass for the electorate’s vote in the governorship election.

The chapter’s chairman, Timothy Olusegun Abiona, who stated this in Osogbo, the state capital, urged politicians to concentrate on issues rather than personalities during the electioneering campaign.

He noted that less than two months into election, all the stakeholders, particularly the politicians, should always put in mind the interest of the people.

He added that politicians should also try to avoid campaign of calumny, which can trigger off political tension.

He argued that Governor Rauf Aregbesola with all his monumental projects that are

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From Sina Fadare

scattered round the nooks and crannies of the state, he will not have any stress to government house again because he has done more than 80 per cent in the civil engineering projects.

Abiona contended that the governor, within a period of just three and half years, has turned the Osun’s fortune around in terms of provision of infrastructural amenities, the type the state has not witnessed since its inception.

He re-affirmed that the civil engineers would continue to assist the government in order to give it the required face-lift.

Abiona, who assured his members that his tenure would witness a new innovation and take the organisation to the next level, added that the welfare of the people would be his topmost priority throughout his reign.

INEC to voters: go to local councils for PVCs T HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told Osun State’s registered voters to go to local government areas for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Only voters with the permanent cards, the commission said, will be allowed to vote in the August 9 governorship election.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, in a statement yesterday, urged voters who are yet to collect their cards to head to their local council areas.

He explained that PVCs yet to be collected are at the 30 local government offices of the commission in Osun State, awaiting legitimate holders to come for them.

He stressed that the commission disallows proxy collection to prevent abuse of the cards by unscrupulous persons.

He said: “In line with INEC’s guideline for the exercise, uncollected PVCs were at the end of the polling unit

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

level distribution in March taken to respective local government office of the commission in the state for subsequent issuance to legitimate holders. The distribution at the local government level has been on-going since then.

“In other words, all PVCs yet to be collected are at the 30 local government offices of the commission in Osun State, awaiting legitimate holders to come for them. But the Commission disallows proxy collection to prevent abuse of the cards by unscrupulous persons. Prospective voters in the August 9 election who are yet to collect their PVCs are therefore urged to do so in readiness for the election.”

He explained that “the distribution of PVCs to duly registered persons has been ongoing since March 7th, 2014, contrary to suggestions that

‘All PVCs yet to be collected are at the 30 local government offices of the commission in Osun State, awaiting legitimate holders to come for them.’ there is a hindrance in the distribution of the cards.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) therefore urges every prospective voter in Osun State, who is yet to collect his / her PVC to urgently do so, ahead of the state governorship election scheduled for August 9, 2014.

“For avoidance of doubt, only registered voters with

PVCs will be able to vote during the election.

“This clarification is necessary against the backdrop of calls on the commission in the last couple of days to ensure timely distribution of the PVCs. A political party had, at the weekend, accused INEC of being “painfully slow in processing the permanent voter cards;” while a nongovernmental organisation, on Monday, urged the commission to ensure timely distribution of PVCs before the governorship election – suggesting that the contrary is presently the case.

“It should be recalled, however, that the commission undertook polling unit level distribution of PVCs to registered voters in Osun State from Friday, 7th March, 2014 to Sunday, 9th March, 2014, simultaneously with the conduct of the exercise in Ekiti State.”

•Former Governor of Old Oyo State Dr. Omololu Olunloyo (left), Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Grace LaoyeTomori, the state’s first civilian governor, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during Aregbesola’s re-election campaign in Ede... yesterday.

Aregbesola: we’re in politics to serve

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SUN State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said yesterday that service to the people motivated him to go into politics.

Aregbesola noted that while others have no ideas of what to do with power, he thinks about policies and programmes that would improve the people’s live.

The governor spoke at the palace of the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, during a political campaign in Ede yesterday.

He said an analysis of his administration’s programme would show that his government had treated the people and various political districts equally.

He recalled that Ede Constituency supported his governorship ambition in 2007 by voting en masse.

According to the governor, the Cocoa Industries in Ede would soon be rejuvenated as a government delegation had gone to China new machines.

“Our administration has treated the various political districts equally, without favour of sentiment.

“Ede has been supportive of our ambition and govern-

Ekiti robbery impossible in Osun, says Olunloyo

F

ORMER Governor of old Oyo State Dr. Omololu Olunloyo has said it will be impossible for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to repeat what happened at the Ekiti State governorship election in Osun State on August 9.

Olunloyo, who spoke in Ede at the campaign rally for the re election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, said he did not care if his endorsement of Aregbesola would anger Abuja.

He said he had studied Aregbesola’s style of governance and adjudged it to be the best.

“The last two weeks, they robbed the APC in Ekiti. God will never allow that to happen again. Secondly, of all the governors, Ogbeni Omoluabi Rauf Aregbesola knows the grassroots politics best.”

Olunloyo described Aregbesola as a true poliment. Without the votes of Ede North and Ede South Local Government Areas, I would not be governor.

“Without these two local governments, we would not have the two members of House of Representatives and one member of House of Assembly.

“Don’t let the opposition tell you lies because that is their stock in trade. Ask them to tell you the programmes they have for the people. But we know they have none.

“What we have done in less than 40 months, sur-

tician who loved his people.

He said the works of late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former Governor of old Ondo State, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and others, which had been stagnated, have received a boost from Aregbesola.

The elder statesman said the governor understands the game of politics more than all the governors in the Southwest.

Advising other governors to learn from Aregbesola’s governance model, he said many today drop the name of Chief Awolowo to reap political benefits.

The former Oyo governor said his first discussion with Aregbesola was on the improvement of education.

“Anyone who feeds school children is taking care of education,” he added.

passed what they did in seven years both in quantity and quality.

“As we speak, the Chairman of Ede Cocoa Industries is in China on how to get brand new cocoa processing machines.

“I assure you that this is just the beginning of good things in Osun,” Aregbesola said.

He listed some achievements of his government in the federal constituency as including the rehabilitation of 21.3km Ede township roads, construction of 7.3 kilometres (km) local government roads in Ejigbo,

7.7km local government roads in Ede South, 10km local government roads in Ede North and 8.5 local government roads in Egbedore.

Others were rehabilitation of 8.9km Abere-OjoroYidi Road, total overlay of Royal Hotel Road, Ejigbo, completion of a Government High School in Ejigbo - AUD Government Middle School, Ejigbo, Seventh Day Adventist Government High School, Ede, L.A Government Middle School, Agbongbe, Ede and L.A Government Elementary Schoo, Obada, Ede.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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NEWS Youths slam Charly Boy for ‘insulting’ Okorocha From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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•Form left: Author of a book: Tourism Destination Management; A Guide for Policy Makers and Destination Management and Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission of Lagos State, Mr Ashamu Fadipe; Managing Director, La’ Campagne Tropicana Resorts Dr Wande Akinboboye and Mr. Femi Robinson at the launch of the book in Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday.

MO youths yesterday berated maverick musician and the eldest son of the late eminent jurist, Mr. Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy, for allegedly insulting Governor Rochas Okorocha at the funeral service of his father.

The incident allegedly occurred at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Oguta in Oguta Local Government.

The youths, under the aegis of the Imo Youth Parliament, the umbrella body of Imo youth organisations, after a meeting, demanded an apology from Charly Boy within 72 hours or else he would be declared a persona non grata.

The body’s president and the Imo Youth Ambassador, Mr. Godstime Samuel, said the office of the governor should be revered as obtained in other states, adding that it should not be ridiculed because of selfish political gains or ethnic considerations.

He alleged that the uncouth behaviour of Charly Boy at the church, where he allegedly snatched the microphone from the governor, was not only condemnable, but also capable of throwing the state into crisis.

According to him, he should be reprimanded to act as a deterrent to others.

Ijaw activists to conference: we‘ll return to creeks

Oyo Assembly bemoans shoddy execution of projects

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JAW activists are angry with the National Conference over its resolution on the creation of 19 additional states without protecting the interests of the Ijaw.

Five of the activists on Tuesday warned delegates against excluding the requests of the ethnic group for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states.

They vowed to lead a fresh arms struggle against the Federal Government, if their demands for the two new states and resource control were not

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

granted.

They were livid that all their aspirations at the confab had been dashed.

Leaders of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) Austin Ozobo; National Association of Izon-Ebe Law Students (NAILS) Ebi Wayas; Coastal Heritage and Economic Watch (CHEW) Wellington Bobo and Rural Development Movement (RDM) Asiayei Enaibo insisted on leading another oil war.

They described the resolutions of the conference as a deliberate attempt to keep the Ijaw in perpetual slavery.

They described the confab resolution as discriminatory and an invitation to anarchy.

Ozobor said the Ijaw were not comfortable remaining in Nigeria, adding that the ethnic group was ready to lead a separatist war.

He said: “The rejection of Ijaw state creation proposal is a call for war.

“It will cause a disaster, which will be worse than Boko

Haram because we are going to attack the economic base of this country. “I envisaged another era of militancy coming, if this injustice is not addressed.

“We have no reason to remain as one Nigeria. This is provocative. We will blow up all pipelines, and that is where Nigeria existence will come to an end.

“The Ijaw are disappointed, we have lost confidence in Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence, and have no joy to identify with Nigerian entity any longer.

Police deny knowing whereabouts of MASSOB members The Imo Police Command denied yesterday knowing the whereabouts of the 26 members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), who were allegedly arrested last weekend by soldiers in Owerri for wearing the Biafran uniform.

The arrested MASSOB members were said to have been remanded at the Okigwe

•Uwazuruike accuses Fed Govt of intimidation From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

prisons for alleged treasonable felony.

Police spokesman Andrew Enwerem said the command had no knowledge of the arrested members, as they were not brought to the command by the soldiers, who were said to have arrested them.

He said “We don’t know the whereabouts of the MASSOB members who were said to have been arrested by soldiers last weekend, as they were not brought to the command. We only learnt that soldiers arrested MASSOB members.”

Enwerem also denied that the police took the MASSOB members to a Magistrate’s

Court in Okigwe from where they were remanded in prison.

MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has described the arrest of his members as intimidation by the Federal Government. He said MASSOB members are not criminals and asked for their release.

I may not seek re-election, says Okorocha I MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha said yesterday that he might not seek re-election next year.

He added that he would not canvass for the people’s vote for a re-election.

Okorocha noted that the office of the governor was burdensome, adding that he took a risk to wrest power from a cabal that held the state to ransom in 2011.

The governor, who spoke when addressing the congregation at the First Session of

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

the Second Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema, held at St. Paul’s Church, Mgbirichi in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government, said he might opt out of the governorship race irrespective of pressure from his supporters, because of his presidential ambition, which he said was still on course.

According to him, “the governorship position is burdensome. I knew the risk I took by going to the land of the devil to force power out of the evil ones because of the interest of the masses. I went to the land of demons to force power out of the evil ones for the good of Imo people.”

The Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku, attributed the insecurity in the country to the failure of the government to provide quality leadership and educa-

S

From Chris Oji, Enugu

er new generation bank on the campus.

The bandits were said to have capitalised on the downpour.

“The robbers came at night and shot the policemen. One of them died on the spot, the second died on the way to hospital.

“The hoodlums led the other guards into the security room and tied them. They operated freely and removed the three ATMs. “We also learnt that a lover of one of the security guards was shot. I wonder what the lady was doing there at that time of the day. The robbers are suspected to be responsible for the attack on a nearby

•Okorocha

tion to the youth.

He said government had failed to tackle corruption.

bank a month ago,” the source said.

Our correspondent visited the bank yesterday and observed that three big holes were dug where the three ATMs were removed.

Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu urged residents to remain calm.

He said investigations were ongoing.

Senate to Okorocha: we owe you no apology

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HE Senate said yesterday that it stood by its condemnation of the Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s policy of registering and issuing identity (ID) cards to northerners, to check the influx

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

of suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, speaking on a point of order raised by Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi, said the Senate would not apol-

ogise to the governor for decrying the action.

Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, last week urged the Senate to reject the policy of registering northerners in Imo State, which it did.

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‘Akpabio has no hand in victim’s travails’

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Bandits kill two policemen, lady after robbing bank premises IX armed robbers have attacked a new generation bank at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.

A source said they killed two policemen and stole millions of naira from the ATM. A lady, said to be with one of the security guards, was also shot dead.

The incident occurred a month after an attack on anoth-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State House of Assembly has condemned the shoddy execution of the construction of some school building projects by the state government through the ministry of education. This was contained in a report presented by the House Committee Chairman on education, Olusegun Ajanaku at the yesterday’s plenary sitting.

In his findings, Ajanaku observed that the school building projects were not properly monitored by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), stressing that the designs for building constructions been giving by the Ministry of Works should be reviewed so as to meet up with the current standard.

The report also recommended that:” That the state government through the ministry of education should ensure that necessary steps are taken on time for the accreditation of courses in the Technical Colleges in the state. That urgent steps should be taken in recruiting teachers for effective teaching and learning in core subjects.

“That the state government should be urged to release funds to contractors handling projects in the education sector, especially in the tertiary institutions in the state. That the ministry of education should empower the quality control unit of the ministry for effective monitoring. And supervision of schools in the state” Corroborating Ajanaku’s statement, Hon. Farintan Fakorede Adeniyi shortly after the presentation of the report, he noted that:”The state government needs to tell us why some courses in Technical Colleges in the state are not accredited ?after spending so much on reviving the colleges. They should also give us the reasons why projects in schools are shoddily executed”

The lawmaker through the point of order, drew the attention of his colleagues to a newspaper report where an aide of the governor allegedly confirmed that the registration and issuance of ID cards had begun.

HE Akwa Ibom State Government has described an alleged assassination attempt on Chief Sunny Udom as “bare-faced falsehood. It is meant to “taint and tarnish the hard-earned image, integrity and reputation” of the Governor Goodswill Akpabio-led administration, the government added.

Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umana Okon Umana, in a petition to Inspector General of Police titled: ‘State of Insecurity in Akwa Ibom State and the threats to lives of political opponents of Governor Akpabio’, alleged that Udom, the Director-General of his campaign organisation, narrowly escaped assassination when five gunmen attacked his office in Umo Essien Street, off Obio Imo Street, in Uyo. Commissioner for Information and Communications; Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said Udom only misconstrued armed robbery attack as assassination attempt and made to heap the blame on the governor for political reasons.

“It is unfortunate that a robbery incident at the office of Udom has been misconstrued as an assassination attempt. It is on record that the State Security Service (SSS) smashed an armed robbery gang, and subsequently paraded them before the press, for which they made confessional statements as those responsible for the attack on Udom’s office on May 6, at No. 7 Umoh Essien Street, off Obio Imo Street, Uyo,” he said.

Old students hold summit

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HE annual summit of Oke-Are Seminary Old Boys Association of Nigeria (OSOBAN), Ibadan, Lagos branch holds on July 20 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

The event, which begins with the celebration of a thanksgiving mass slated for 11am, will be followed by the launching of the Old Boys Association’s souvenir.

The chief host of the summit and parish priest, Rev. Fr. Pius Omofuna, said he is excited because several old boys of his almamater, St. Theresa’s Catholic Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan will be meeting after several years.

The branch chairman, Mr. Muyiwa Matuluko, said the summit provides an opportunity for members to reunite and reestablish lost contacts, while also raising funds for the association. He said members are expected from far and near and from other branches.

OSOBAN has in the last couple of years been involved in infrastructural development of the school and the Lagos branch has been in the forefront.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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NEWS

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‘Dustbin man’: I don’t know why my family rejected me

PHYSICALLY-CHALLENGED man, Danjuma, who was dumped on a refuse heap by his uncle, said yesterday that he does not know why his family rejected him.

Danjuma (25) has been on the refuse heap for over a month, under heavy rains and scorching heat.

It was learnt that he was being fed secretly by neighbours.

Speaking to reporters from atop the refuse heap, Danjuma said his mother died in 2007 and that he was told his father ‘lives’ in Port Harcourt.

Danjuma said he had his last meal of bread and bean cake, known as akara, on Monday night.

On why his uncle dumped him there, Danjuma said he does not know.

“I want to eat rice. It was my ‘brother’, Arase, who put me here. My aunt, who I stayed with after my mama died, said I don’t have a place in her house.”

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HE police in Cross River State have arrested 19 robbery suspects–11 men and eight women. Four vehicles were recovered from them.

The suspects, who pose as commercial motorists, the police said, rob victims, who enter their vehicles.

The activities, popularly referred to as “one chance”, are a menace that has long faced residents of Calabar.

The vehicles seized were a Volkswagen Vento, a Volkswagen Golf, a Volkswagen Wagon and a Mazda 626 sports car with registration numbers FGG463ME (Anambra), NKE965AA (Ebonyi), FGG451ME (Anambra) and BR151AGL (Lagos).

Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation, Ganiyu Salami, said they were arrested in two hotels in Calabar, following a tip-off.

He said: “We got them through sustained intelligence monitoring.

“We gathered that they were in town and we were able to get them in two hotels in Calabar.”

He said bundles of papers resembling money were recovered at the hotels.

The papers, he said, were used to replace the money they steal, so the victims believe they still have their money on them.

He urged residents, especially bank customers, to be wary of the vehicles they enter.

The police chief warned residents against entering vehicles without registration numbers.

One of the suspects, Chidebere Onu(32) said he does not know anything about the robbery.

He said even though he lives in Enugu, he drives a cab in Calabar.

Another suspect, Ifeoma Okoye (22), also from Enugu, said she was a sex worker in the hotel.

Police spokesman Uwoh Noble said he was yet to be properly briefed about the incident.

A Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who pleaded for anonymity, said the government has no place to keep him.

The Director said they were discussing with a group, Project Charilove, but that it was making things difficult.

“Please meet our commissioner to hear from her on why we have not gone there.

“The Permanent Secretary is also aware of the situation,” the director said.

Coordinator of Forum for Nigeria Women in Politics, Florence Igbinigie, who has been raising awareness on the plight of Danjuma, decried the slow response of the police and government officials.

•Danjuma on the refuse heap.

PHOTO: OSAGIE OTABOR

Edo Speaker: we didn’t meet in governor’s office

19 robbery suspects arrested From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

•Knocks for Assembly

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PEAKER of the Edo State House of Assembly Uyi Igbe has refuted reports that the lawmakers carried out plenary in the Governor’s Office.

In a statement yesterday, Igbe said the reports were part of plans by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to further cause tension in the state.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports purporting that the Edo State House of Assembly now sits in the Governor’s Office, following the repair works at the chamber.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to inform the public that such reports are not only false and mischievous but another phase in what is now clearly a coordinated assault on the legislature in Edo State by desperate anti-democratic forces.

“Their intention is to cast the legislature in bad light, thereby eroding its integrity in the eyes of the people.

“As a temporary measure,

T

T

‘House clerk’ sacked for certificate forgery

HE Clerk used by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers at their sitting, Okoh Godwin, was sacked in 2011 for certificate forgery, the House of Assembly Service Commission has said.

It said the purported Sergeant-at-Arms, Omoregbe Osagie, who was also at the PDP lawmakers’ sitting, was sacked in December 2010 for certificate forgery.

The Chairman, Emmanuel Oronsaye, who said this in a statement yesterday said Osagie and Oronsaye were dismissed through letters From Osagie Otabor and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

the Assembly has had to move plenary to the old Chamber in the Government House so that normal proceedings continue, pending the completion of the repair of the chamber vandalised last week by suspended Festus Ebea and his cohorts aided by some policemen.

“They disobeyed a court order restraining them from the precinct of the Assembly.

“For those of us with a deep sense of history, sitting inside the old chamber not only fills us with pride but also inspires

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

with reference numbers P.C 944/78 and P.C 373/83.

The PDP lawmakers, however, continued their sitting yesterday assisted by six persons, including the two dismissed officials, who posed as assembly workers.

The chamber used for legislative business was unkempt even as the Assembly workers stayed away from work.

a feeling of reunion with our past legislative heroes and heroines.

“It is on record that this same old chamber was used up till 1999, when the PDP was in the majority in the House.

“By blocking the Assembly, the evil intention of Ebea and his cohorts is getting clear.

“But they have failed as the duly constituted Assembly has resumed its plenary and oversight functions.

“I wish to appeal to the people to remain calm and law-abiding. The just shall be vindicated.”

The Chief Imam of Al Qudus Central Mosque in

Benin City, Alfa Ayouba, has warned that the crisis would cause avoidable unrest, if left unchecked.

He said the sanctity of the legislature must not be compromised.

The Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), David Ugolor, called on the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed, to restructure security network in the state.

He described the crisis as a pre-presidential election problem.

Ugolor said: “You know very well that as we are preparing for the presidential

Govt, Rivers PDP chairman disagree over loan

HE Rivers State government and the Chairman of the state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, have disagreed over the $280million loan for water supply and sanitation projects.

Commissioner for Information and Communications Mrs. Ibim Semenitari accused Obuah and other PDP members of ignorance and blind mischief.

The chairman had earlier claimed that the Rotimi A m a e c h i - l e d administration’s penchant for collecting external loans was a plot to mortgage the state and enslave the people.

Obuah said: “The PDP notes the far-reaching consequences of the loans, despite the huge state resources.

“There cannot be any other reason for the incessant loans by an outgoing governor than to punish the incoming administration and the state.

“What has happened to the $100million loan and

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

other loans approved for Amaechi three months ago for the same purpose.

“The new move is condemnable, unacceptable and sheer wickedness by a drowning person not wishing to die alone.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance, the lawmakers, the AfDB (African Development Bank) and the World Bank are enjoined not to honour the loan requests, so as not to be held responsible by posterity.”

Semenitari, however, stated that the Obuah “faction” attempted to mislead the people through the mischievous remarks.

She said it was ridiculous for Obuah to claim that the loans were to enable the governor source money for next year’s elections.

The commissioner said: “The Amaechi administration takes its insistence on transparent and accountable governance seri-

ously.

It will continue to put out the facts of the matter as it concerns the state’s finances for the people to see.

“The government applied for and secured a loan from the AfDB and the World Bank in 2012 for the World Bankassisted water scheme.

“The rule is that the Federal Government would need to endorse the release of the loan, after the House of Assembly would have approved.

“Everything else was done, but for reasons unknown to the Rivers State Government, the officers at the Federal Ministry of Finance failed to sign off the release of funds, thereby delaying the water sector’s complete overhaul and rejuvenation.

“Not willing to give up, the Rivers State Government continued to push the scheme and the loan was again approved in this year’s budget.

“Now, the Federal Government has finally

signed off for this fund to be drawn down for work to start, but due process required that the House of Assembly endorsed it once more.

“This is what necessitated the re-presentation of the old loan to the House.

“Unfortunately, unlike the PDP, the Rivers State Government is focused on ensuring governance and service-delivery to its people.

“Again much unlike most of the PDP-controlled states, Rivers State has remained one of the least indebted states in the country.

“The Rivers State Government is grateful to the people for the confidence it has reposed in us and for always seeking clarification when the rabble-rousers begin their mumbling.

We are thankful for these engagements and wish to assure you that the Rotimi Amaechi-led administration will never take your loyalty for granted nor breach this sacred trust, which you have reposed in us.”

election next year we expect this kind of action, especially in areas where the ruling party may probably not win.

“It not only in the Edo, it is also happening in Rivers and Adamawa states. Everybody wants to show that he is in control.

The younger brother of the Benin monarch, Prince Edun Akenzua, urged the suspended lawmakers to seek redress in the law court, if their suspension was wrong.

Akenzua expressed shock that many of the lawmakers, who were lawyers ought to know and obey the law.

Founder, Afenmai Heritage and Cultural Studies, Prince Usman Abudah, said: “The script being acted out by the Federal Government through the present militarisation by the PDP is inhuman, inexplicably nomadic and humiliating.”

Mrs. Aladejuwon for burial THE final burial for the late Mrs Emilia Ajayi Aladejuwon has been scheduled for tomorrow and Friday.

The late Aladejuwon died on April 30 after a brief illness.

She was 88.

There will be a Christian wake tomorrow at her home, Kajola Street, OdoOde, Afao Ekiti, Ekiti State.

On Friday, her remains will be buried at the same address. This will be preceded by a service at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), District Headquarters, Odo-Ode, Afao Ekiti.

The deceased, a caring wife, a loving mother and a devout Christian, is survived by children and grandchildren.

•The late Mrs Aladejuwon

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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CITYBEATS

Driver crushes own ‘conductor’ to death

By Jude Isiguzo

A trailer driver yesterday crushed to death his ‘conductor’ in Apapa, Lagos, while trying to reverse.

The Nation gathered that the driver was driving towards Tin-can Island through Liverpool bridge when he noticed a traffic gridlock.

He asked his ‘conductor’ identified as Saidu to alight from the vehicle and guide him from the rear to enable him reverse and take an alternative route.

Eye witnesses said as the ‘conductor’ went behind the vehicle, the driver crushed him while reversing.

Sources in Apapa police station said traffic policemen on duty on the bridge arrested the driver.

He is being detained at the police station and may be charged with manslaughter.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the station, Usman Ndanbabo, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) , has directed that the corpse be moved to the hospital mortuary.

NDLEA arrests man with cocaine in laptop bag

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PERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA) have arrested a 34year-old man, Nriagwu Augustine Ifeanyi, with 1.370kg of whitish powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

He was arrested at the departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos,

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

during the screening of passengers on a Turkish Airline flight.

According to the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mitchel Ofoyeju, the drug was concealed in two parcels inside a laptop bag. “The suspect was found with two parcels of cocaine industrially hidden by the sides of his

One missing as boat capsizes in Lagos

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NE person was said to be missing yesterday after a boat going to Iba from Tin-can Island in Lagos, capsized.

It was gathered that efforts are being made by local divers to rescue the missing passenger whose name was given as Idris Adekunle.

Other passengers were rescued but those injured were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South West region, Ibrahim Farinloye, said rescue operations would continue until Adekunle is found.

He said: “The local boat ran into a tug boat belonging to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) that was towing a ship to harbour

By Jude Isiguzo

and the wave swept off the boat and it became unbalanced and capsized.

“Two of the passengers that had minor injuries were taken to a hospital that treated and discharged them while others have gone to their respective destinations.

“Later, the elder brother of Mr. Idris Adekunle appeared and said his brother was missing and another passenger said as much too.

“As at now, search and rescue operations for the missing person is on-going.

Many lives were saved because the passengers wore life jackets but some of them sustained injuries in attempt to swim to safety.”

laptop bag. He was detected on his way to Turkey from where he would have proceeded to South Sudan. The drug tested positive for cocaine and weighed 1.370kg”.

The suspect said he smuggled the drug for $3,500 reward. “I wanted to use the $3,500 they promise to pay me to take care of my personal problems. ‘’I relocated to South Sudan in January 2013. I am married with a child but I am unable to care for my family due to financial constraint. Nobody wants to help me and the only way out for me was to smuggle the drugs. This was how I got involved,” said Nriagwu, who hails from Anambra State.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade said the agency would continue to engage in drug supply and demand reduction activities towards making the country drugfree.

“The NDLEA will continue to pursue its mandate with all diligence. We shall cut off the supply of drugs through arrests and prosecution of drug traffickers. We shall also intensify our anti-drug abuse public enlightenment programmes” Giade said.

The suspect will soon be charged to court.

J

• Nriagwu with the two parcels of cocaine

Minors terrorise Agege community

UST waylaid by boys and girls between ages 10 and 14 and demanding your belongings!

Incredible no, it is true. A visit to Agege Local Government Area of Lagos will convince you that it is for real and leave you with your mouth agape.

Life in Agege has not been the same for some months now, because of the nefarious activities of the minors.

They have formed themselves into groups, snatching money, handsets, and harassing people at secluded places.

Addressing a stakeholders' forum on security yesterday at the council secretariat, the chairman, Jubreel AbdulKareem, lamented the menace of the minors.

In attendance were religious leaders, marketers, Neighbourhood Watchers, policemen, members of Community Development Committees (CDC) and youth organisations, among others.

Some of these boys and girls, AbdulKareem said, are not matured but what they are doing is more than what a matured person can do. “They are under 18; 15 years, 16 years even 14 including those that are still in primary schools. So, when they are being apprehended, you wonder what the police are doing with these young children and PUBLIC NOTICE LAWAL I, formerly known and addressed as MISS LAWAL IDOWU BILQIS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BILQIS IDOWU SADIQ. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

whereas, what they are doing is beyond their level, he said.”

He gave the names of their groups and signs as Federal boys - tattoo guns on their bodies; Omi Oju boysthree marks on their faces, Awawa boys and girlstattoo on their ankles; and State boys-tattoo gun on their back.

He urged parents to monitor their children and the friends they keep.

AbdulKareem said: "Whoever has these signs should desist from it; we should warn our children before they are caught by the security agencie. We cannot afford to allow these boys and girls make our community unlivable.

"We have made some arrests but the security people look at them as underage, they release them but they continued to wreak havoc on the community hiding under the pretence of being underage."

Olu of Agege Oba Kamilu Isiba called on the populace to be security conscious.

Oba Isiba urged the public to report suspicious characters or movement to the security agencies.

Divisional Police Officer, Isokoko Police Division Oliver Amaechi warned those involved in criminal activities to desist or face the law’s wrath.

Amaechi enjoined people to provide evidence when lodging report.

N100 tears couple apart

A

By Basirat Braimah

MOTHER of three yesterday urged the Alagbado Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 10-yearold marriage to Sunkanmi Adekunle for alleged lack of care.

Omolara Adekunle told the court that her husband gives her N100 per day for herself and their children.

In tears Omolara said: “I have never enjoyed the ‘fun’ and attention deserving of a married woman. With three children, my husband gives me N100 per day. Even when he is financially buoyant, he prefers to spend it on Indian hemp. I can’t remember the last time my husband bought a dress for me or even appreciated my efforts towards the family. I always complain bitterly whenever he sniffs in the sitting room. Instead of taking to correction, he beats me mercilessly to the extent of using a bottle on my head. As the father, I want the responsibilities of our children in his care, but I want them in my custody.”

But, Adekunle begged the court not to dissolve the marriage.

He claimed to give her N500 per day, but could not afford N15,000 monthly for three children.

“We have lived happily together as a family. Through thick and thin, she stood by me. All she said is true, but I seek forgiveness. I am jobless and can’t afford to cater for their needs. I need my wife in my life because she has always given me her back to lean on,” he pleaded.

The court President, Mr Olabode Sekoni, adjourned the case till July 21, for judgment.

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•

•Bello and Prof Soyinka

Soyinka at 80: I am going to celebrate in the forest – SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

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WOLE SOYINKA AT 80

There was poetry. There was music. There were tributes, reflections and speeches on the state of the country. The grand finale of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature drew the literati to the prestigious Civic Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos. It was also a night of revelations – Soyinka announced where he would celebrate his 80th birthday. EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

•Bello, Prof Soyinka, Emanuel and Ebinisi

•Prof Oyebode and Prof Clark

•From left: Stella Byll, Prof JTK Duncan and Consul General (Germany) Michael Dervs

•Mr Falana and Amaechi.

PHOTOS: BIODUN ADEYEWA

Soyinka at 80: I am going to celebrate in the forest

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ROF Wole Soyinka will be 80 on Sunday. Ever wondered where the Nobel laureate would be celebrating this year’s birthday?

“I am going into the forest to celebrate my birthday. I invite you all. But bring your own weapons, because most of them are in the wrong hands,” Soyinka told guests at the grand finale of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature held at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The event drew eminent personalities, particularly from the academia, the literati and the theatre. They include renowned playwright and poet, Prof John Pepper Clark; former presidents of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Prof Femi Osofisan, Prof Olu Obafemi, who is one of the prize’s judges and ace poet Odia Ofeimun; Prof Akin Oyebode, who gave the keynote address; University of Lagos (UNILAG) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Duro Oni; Founding President, WRITA, Mrs Mobolaji Adenubi and Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

Others were Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi; Delta State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Richard Mofe Damijo and human rights activist, Mr Femi Falana.

This year’s prize was dedicated to the drama genre. And it was no surprise that the Lumina Foundation, organisers of the prize which seeks to promote excellence in the literary arts on the continent, chose to hold the event eight days to Soyinka’s birthday.

In fact, it was deliberate, and the Nobel laureate knew. “This is not when they run

AWARD their show but they meant to bring it around Wole Soyinka’s birthday,” he said.

And as in most events featuring the eminent scholar, what was meant to be a night announcing the winner for the fifth edition of the prize turned out to be one of revelations, reflections and well-crafted speeches on the state of the country, in addition to accolades, poetry by Crown Troupe and Dr Promise Ogochukwu as well as music by the Steve Rhodes Orchestra and Glo ambassador, Bez. No doubt, the state of the nation has remained a topical issue in the public space and at intellectual events. This event was no different.

Indeed, if it were to be a dramatic piece where naming of the title were open to the audience, given the speeches of Soyinka, Prof Oyebode and Governor Amaechi, guests would have forenamed the script; “Our Military has Gone Mad Again”; “Stop bullying us”; “Role of the Military in Nigeria’s underdevelopment”; and “The

Travail of Nigerians in recent times”. “The Constitution has outlived its usefulness”; or perhaps “The National CONFAB: Nigeria’s last stop before final descent into anarchy”, and not forgetting “My Only regrets as Soyinka turns 80”.

Soyinka’s argument The Nobel laureate condemned the killing of Youth Corps members after the last Presidential election, expressing regrets over the Chibok girls, adding that the older generation has failed the present. He also spoke against the burning of BRT buses and public harassment by soldiers in Lagos last Friday. He described the soldiers’ action as an act of “madness”, likening the pandemonium that ensued after the death of an army officer in an accident involving a BRT bus, to the late playwright Ola Rotimi’s play, entitled: Our Husband has Gone Mad Again.

“When Oyebode catalogued some of the woes of this nation, I think he forgot one item.

Our lives are exposed to political hazards as listed by him but he forgot one of them, and that is the military. Our military have gone

‘I am going into the forest to celebrate my birthday. I already have so many people to carry my tranquilisers. I invite you all. But bring your own weapons, because most of them are in the wrong hands’

mad! How many people die every day in this nation? How many citizens have we lost because of the lunacy of Boko Haram? We haven’t gone in the streets, burning down buses, terrorising the populace simply because we’ve lost one of us. Go and study how the military behaves in other societies and stop bullying us. What makes you different from the ordinary people: because you carry guns?”

While noting the efforts of the military in fighting the Boko Haram insurgency, Soyinka, however, demanded that the culprits in the Lagos incident be brought to book.

He said: “I have been in support of the indomitable role the military have been playing in the fight against the most horrendous menace that has besieged our existence in this country. But when they turn around, simply because of one of them accidentally killed on the road, I now consider these, as allies of Boko Haram. And so, I demand of the Commander-in-Chief himself, we want an example made. Somebody somewhere is guilty for this assault on our security. We take enough every day…we take enough!”

Oyebode’s musings on the nation From how Nigeria came into its present state to the consequence of military intrusion into its political space, which he referred to as “the years of the locust”, to the need for a new constitution that would “capture the spirit of the age” and the responsibilities of leaders and the led, Prof Oyebode called for a •Continued on page17

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‘The Ado Bayero I knew’

In this tribute, renowned environmentalist Chief Newton Jibunoh relives his friendship with the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero

Soyinka to celebrate in the forest •Continued from page16 complete overhaul of the system.

While urging the government to take drastic proactive steps and establish legal frameworks that would curb corruption, insurgencies and kidnappings, the scholar said salvaging the country from descent depended on all. He described the on-going National Conference (CONFAB) as Nigeria’s last resort from anarchy.

“There is a universal consensus that things cannot continue the way they have been.

With an enlightened and forward-looking leadership in place to formulate policies and ensure the implementation of same, the overall progress and development of society is guaranteed. Also, the quality distinguishing dictatorship from democracy is the ability of the populace to reject all mouth-teasers of public office holders and insist on full compliance with due process.

People must constantly keep the leaders on their toes; and ensure that laws and due process, accountability, transparency and good governance are strictly observed in the polity.”

Amaechi’s regret

•From left: Asagba of Asaba Prof Obi Chike Edozien, the late Emir Ado Bayero of Kano and Dr Jibunoh at Asagba’s palace, Asaba

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T was Kenneth Blanchard that said “The key to successful leadership today is influence not authority”. This statement depicts the person of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Dr Ado Bayero, who successfully ruled his subjects for 50 years but whose reign unfortunately ended in the early hours of June 6, 2014 after his recent return from an overseas medical trip. He led with influence, he was a propagator of peace, an ambassador of goodwill and a leader full of wisdom.

I have numerous fond thoughts and memories about the person of His Royal Highness The Emir of Kano. I will attempt to share some.

I first came into contact with him when I returned from my expedition across the Sahara Desert in 1967. He was very interested in knowing why I would venture into a risky sojourn like that and I could see his curiosity was heightened by his own desire for adventure. I would later on get to know that he was passionate about the impact the encroaching Sahara Desert was having on his constituents.

He went on to ask to go with me when next I was embarking on another trip across the Sahara Desert which unfortunately did not materialise until over 30 years after. That marked the beginning of our close friendship, which has spanned over 40 years.

A true leader to his subjects, HRH Emir of Kano stood by me when I started campaigning about the dangers of the encroaching desert in Northern Nigeria. His support for my cause for a better environment proved to be invaluable especially with the establishment of Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE) in May 2000. Our pilot project was flagged off in Makoda town located in the Makoda/Danbatta Local Government Area in Kano under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness.He was extremely supportive from the beginning and was present not only at the unveiling ceremony but also at subsequent tree planting secondary schools’ competition ceremonies that FADE holds biennially. He has been gracious enough to allow these ceremonies take place within the Emirate Palace and had personally handed out prizes to students from winning schools. He was to his death, the Chairman of FADE, a position he held from inception.

I recall we travelled together on a number of environmental Summits worldwide such as to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa, the Festival of the People of the Desert in Algeria and another in Dubai.

A lover of peace and huge promoter of Arts, he was present at the official opening of DIDI Museum in Lagos in May 1983 and DIDI Museum Skills Acquisition Centre in AkwukwuIgbo, Delta State in 2008 and also attended a number of exhibitions in DIDI Museum Lagos. He later became the Chairman Board of Trustees for DIDI Museum. He recently sent his brother, Tafindan Kano AlhajiTijani, who unfortunately passed on this year, to represent him at the unveiling of the new DIDI

TRIBUTE Museum in July 2012.

When I decided to host an exhibition to celebrate “The Masters of Arts” that had passed on, he agreed to host the exhibition which was to be tagged “How Legends are made”. In his usual jovial self, he told me a joke of how ancient legends were made. He recalled one night roughly at about 2 a.m, he was unable to sleep and decided to walk out to his balcony and enjoy the view of the stars. This was shortly after the annual festivities and the palace had just received scores of bags of rice as gifts which were inside the courtyard. Out of the dark came one of his most senior security guards who snuck in to steal not one but a number of the bags of rice while checking to be sure he was not seen. Unknown to him, His Royal Highness could see him from his vantage position at the balcony and even saw his cap fall down.

Commotion broke loose the following morning when palace guards noticed that there were missing bags of rice. The voice of this security guard was the loudest calling out on knowing who the thief was. The Emir in his usual demeanour calmly told everyone gathered that he knew what happened the previous night before going ahead to narrate what transpired without mentioning who was responsible. The culprit’s voice defensively rang out shrilly saying “Our Emir is a god, even when he is asleep, he sees everything that goes on” because he assumed the Emir could only have known what transpired that night because of his supernatural powers. That to him exemplified how Legends were made. His Royal Highness was gracious enough to keep him in his employ.

Despite his position, he respected me as a friend. I recall during President Shagari’s era, sometime in the early 1980’s when the Emir was the Chairman of Foundation Construction (now Costain West Africa) and I was the Managing Director. He arrived at the Lagos airport to attend our quarterly board meeting and I went to the airport to receive him with the usual escorts and was even able to get the

‘My friend, my brother, an endearing philanthropist, a quintessential gentleman, a pacifier, a bridge builder and a wonderful diplomat, he was His Royal Highness Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero’

escorts to the tarmac, to wait for him at the foot of the arriving plane. About the same time, President Shagari was traveling out of the country and immediately most of the ministers that came to see off Shagari, when they heard the Emir was arriving, about seven of them trooped down with me to receive him particularly those from Northern Nigeria. Unfortunately in their excited state, I was pushed back till I found myself being the last person in the group of eight! As soon as he alighted, he offered his hand the way he normally does. Practically all of them who lined up ahead of me refused to shake him in reverence to his position but when he got to me I also decidednot to shake his hand but instead,he grabbed my hand from my chest where I had placed it with a firm grip and shook it. That was the kind of affirmation he gave friends and that act touched me.

Despite his busy schedule, whenever he was in Lagos, he would pay me a visit at some of the project sites where I was responsible for the foundation works such as the Federal Palace Hotel Ikoyi, Eko Bridge and National Theatre, Iganmu. A dear friend, he has stayed in my houses both in Lagos and Akwukwu-Igbo on a number of occasions and it was always a delight to host him. He was diligent with remembering the names of all my children and always asked after them whenever he was in Europe and America.

I also remember when I decided to build a mosque for the Muslims in my community.

The nearest mosque was in Issele-uku and when my security guard had an accident while going to observe the Friday Jumat, upon his recovery I decided to help them build a mosque that could cater for the immediate locality. To avoid grieving anyone morally, I paid the Emir a visit to enquire if it was acceptable for a non-Muslim to build a Mosque. Then he told me of Prophet Mohammed’s commission that the three things a man could do to enter paradise were namely to plant economic trees, provide water for the masses and finally build a place of worship for his followers. He said I was already doing the first two due to my environmental projects and the building of the mosque meant I qualified on all three counts. He later on went on to assist financially, physically and morally and it is interesting to note that the mosque is the only well-structured mosque in that vicinity till date.

He was a strong promoter of national peace, developmental growth for his people and a strong advocate for environmental causes and women empowerment.

My friend, my brother, an endearing philanthropist, a quintessential gentleman, a pacifier, a bridge builder and a wonderful diplomat, he was His Royal Highness Emir of Kano, Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero.

We pray that God gives the Ado Bayero family, Kano Emirate Council and the entire country the grace and fortitude to bear the loss. In a country bereft of moderate and genuinely socially accommodating monarchs, he was such a refreshing, peace-loving, approachable and extraordinary ruler and he will be sorely missed.

Eulogising Soyinka, Amaechi described him as “man of great policy”. As he marks his 80th birthday, Amaechi said: “I have only one regret and it derives from the fact that while we all know you’re a connoisseur of wines, I do not drink alcohol – in whatever form. And, therefore, I cannot even drink to toast to your good health. But I give you my word, sir, that when next you go hunting for wildlife, I will accompany you. I salute you sir and wish you well and a happy birthday in advance!”

Adenuga’s words In his goodwill message read by Globacom Head of Corporate Sales, Kamaldeen Shonibare, Globacom Chairman Dr Mike Adenuga, said Soyinka’s contribution to the development of Literature in the continent serves as inspiration to all, including the brand. “As a teacher, role model, social activist and advocate, Soyinka has directly impacted millions of lives on the continent of Africa and beyond. We are deeply honoured to be part of a project like this, which celebrates this living legend and seeks to encourage the coming generation to aspire to attain such academic excellence in the literary world,” Adenuga said.

The prize is sponsored by Globacom along with Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited, SAPETRO, among others.

And the winner emerges…

And like a dramatic piece, the foregoing scenes at the grand finale added to the suspense of the air as guests waited patiently for the announcement of the eventual winner.

But that part of the script came towards the end of the event.

After months of rigorous assessment by the five-man panel, Obafemi announced former Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Oyo State Branch Chairman, Mr Akin Bello winner of the prize. He was crowned by Soyinka, assisted by the organisers, Governor Amaechi and Globacom Head of GloWorld, Titi Ebinisi.

His work beat those of Othuke Ominiabohs, Toyin Abiodun and 160 others to the $20,000 prize money and the prestigious trophy made up of a matchet handle with a pen as its blade, resting on a scroll.

And in waiting for the announcement, joyous Bello said: “It was more of a wait and see game: while waiting for the announcement, I had said may the best entry win!”

Winning the prize, he said “felt great!”

“Next to being published, recognition brings joy and buoys up one’s confidence as a writer. At my being nominated people’s reception to the book changed: it’s heartening that people are noticing and talking about the book again. Now as winner, I can only imagine what is to come,” he said.

Other guests in attendance were ace actresses Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and Abiola Atanda; members of the Lumina Foundation board, Mrs Francesca Emanuel (Chairperson); Lumina Foundation Founder, Dr Ogochukwu, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; Mr Akin Ajayi; Mrs Oyebola Adetola; Mr Jahman Anikulapo formerly of The Guardian and Mr Toyin Akinosho of CORA, among others.

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Martyrs of democracy Hafsat: This is not the Nigeria my parents died for Abdul: The money you steal will mean nothing if Nigeria breaks up Like their parents, Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello and her brother Abdul are rights activists.

Years after the death of their parents - Alhaji Moshood And Alhaja Kudirat Abiola they are keeping their legacies alive. The Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) seeks to strengthen civil society and promote democracy. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, they speak on their parents’ legacies and national issues.

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HAT is the lesson behind your parents’ legacy?

Hafsat: It urges us to be a voice of courage and of hope for Nigerian people. We should show others the way; and be like a candle in the darkness. And by our own examples the government would be awaken to its responsibilities. They cannot be so far from the dangers pointing fingers, casting blames. Nobody is interested in blames; we are interested in solutions. We know that the problems in Nigeria were not created by this administration but so long as this administration is governing Nigeria now, we expect it to solve the problems. And to show that that is why they are here; not giving us explanations why they cannot.

As we remember our parents’ sacrifice, we say to the Nigerian government that people laid down their lives: not just Kudirat, not just MKO, but hundreds of Nigerians. And if we count the thousands of Nigerians who die daily because the country has not been working, it would be a million. How many died in Libya because they were running for saver pastures when the insurgency occurred. How many have died trying to cross to North Africa to go to Europe and in the waters of the Mediterranean on their way in search of better life. If we think of all these Nigerians, in this anniversary, let us commit ourselves to standing for truth and for Nigerians martyrs so that the labours of our heroes past should be in vain.

We say their blood is calling for change and for a better Nigeria. We may be ants today but we can be giants tomorrow and it takes the decisions that we make from here on. Nobody wants to be away from his own country. If Nigeria were working, so many of our people out there would be on their way home.

Could you recount those years of struggle after the cancellation of the June 12 election?

I remember after my father had been jailed and was imprisoned, my mother started working to protest and be part of the movement. And at that time, one of the things she told me she had to do was go on a meeting with an elder that has since passed on, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, who was one of the leaders of NADECO. All of the activists would

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•The late Abiola

•From left: Mrs Abiola-Costello, NADECO chieftain, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and Abdul dropping a wreath at the late Kudirat’s grave.

PHOTO: EVELYN OSAGIE

MEMORIAL usually go to him faraway in Owo. And I remember that for one reason or the other there was no one to take her to one those meetings. She was alerted about the meeting at 11pm: she got in her car and drove the six hours to that meeting and I know she would have seen Dr Joe and others there that night.

What have you done to ensure parents’ legacy is kept alive?

I feel that we have to emulate their courage.

That is the mind behind KIND, an organisation I founded in my mother’s honour and try to live in my parents’ spirit.

For those years, Campaign for Democracy (CD), led initially by Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and the late Dr Ransome-Kuti, has been coming for an annual pilgrimage to our house, especially my mother’s grave. I appreciate all CD members for their dedication and commitment. There are no words with which to thank them for being steadfast to my family.

Homeland Memories at Temple Muse

HE beauty and synergy between architecture and fine art manifested in the collection of paintings by Onyema Offoedu-Okeke in a solo art exhibition tagged Homeland Memories. It also brought to the fore sweet memories of his roots, especially his Ibo cosmetology. The solo show featuring 25 paintings in acrylic opened recently at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The works are a spectacular body of recent works, which showcases incredible artistry of different techniques ranging from his well known rectilinear panels with vertical lines, looking like visual totems, to his powerful ‘Cranioglyph’ face series, to intricate grid-like pattern tapestroid paintings and including a few internationally celebrated ‘headload’ paintings.

Offedu-Okeke use of color and geometric alignment and balance shows an artist who has used his training in architecture and art history to create a new, highly textured and stylistic visual language that has clear roots in African traditional forms but also offers art enthusiasts a fresh perspective on contemporary Nigerian expression.

In Homeland Memories viewers will encounter an artist whose subjects and interpretations are both steeped in local tradition while tapping into global themes; his works are infused with rich symbols

By Linda Ogudo

which reflect African roots and are grounded in Ibo cosmology and indentity.

While his face series, influenced by classic mask-like profiles, are unmistakably modernist in their bold, colorful, wide-eyed gaze and natural afro-centric styled heads and hairdos.

“I am inspired by the theme such as memories of histories and home, human resilience, ascendency of the subaltern, though-scrapes as mechanisms of conflict resolution which address challenges and triumphs in women societies’’, he said.

Offedu-Okeke described himself as a Modernist interested in creating his own unique lexicon of symbols or iconography.

Offoedu-Okeke’s style of building narrative based on human experiences uses the face-topography. Titled craniography, it borrows from the cultural memories of comedy theatre, artistic enunciation of beauty and reverence.

Some of the works which will be on display include Otanjele, which indicates his excursion into the traditional corridors of artistic display to enhance his understanding of architecture. Otangle or Eye kohl as indicate a revisit to a traditional black powder used by my grandmothers as cosmetic eye-shadow.

Another painting, Yesterday, all my troubles seem so far away recalls a classical musical line from The Beatles. Closely regarding the circle next to it, face shows reflected textures from the glittering orb, inferring telephonic gaze to the past or a recall of an experience. Also, Young blood regarding the street of Anarchy indicates how the youth act as firewood in most conflicts proposes and proposes a redemptive evaluation of youthful energy.

Other works include Indexing a begotten, Isi anyanwu, League of Plenipotentiaries and Reverie.

The curator Sandra Mbanefo Obiago said that after four years hiatus from the Nigerian exhibition circuit, ‘we are delighted to host Homeland Memories in which Offoedu-Okeke presents a powerful fresh body of works steeped in ancient symbolism.

“Memories Of Homeland provides a thinker inside scenery quickly disappearing from the African heartlands. If the jungle was the protector, muse and space which held and supplied countries ideas to African artists since the creation of man, then the fate of art in the present dispensation of careless deforestation, and also using the medium to say a very thank you to the sponsor international art sponsor Ruinart,” she said. The exhibition will run till August 30 at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos

•The late Kudirat I, on behalf of the Abiola family, thank them for staying true to the values that my parents were seeking in the June 12 struggle. I also want to encourage you that you must not allow the politicians who have their own agenda to divide us as a country and as a people. MKO won that June 12 election, in large part, because of the northern people. Had he not had the northern votes, we would not have had June 12 today. And yet today, there are people that are saying that the North is against democracy and the Boko Haram issue is because the north is against a democratic government that is run by somebody from the South.

Had the North been against a democratic government that is run by somebody from the South; would we have had June 12? This is because the North had most of the votes and they gave those votes to MKO in that election. Let’s not allow ourselves to be divided and distracted. The fundamental problem in Nigeria right now is poverty. MKO knew it and said in the midst of poverty all you’d have is to groom guerilla cells cross Nigeria; and it is what we are seeing today. He said this over 20 years ago and it is coming to pass.

First, we have the militants in the South-south; and now Boko Haram in the North-east. Until we solve this problem of poverty in Nigeria, we’d continue to have this problem to deal with. Today, it is in the North-east; tomorrow it could anywhere else.

Do your parents sacrifices hold lessons for politicians?

Of course. When a leader says he is a leader for Nigeria, he has to decide which Nigeria is he a leader for? There are so many Nigerians and so many different kinds of Nigerians: there are those who do all kinds of cruel and evil things but you also have decent people in Nigeria. And I’d like to think that they are the majority: those who work in an honest way, doing the right thing every day, living by the rules and sacrificing themselves for a better tomorrow.

We need our leaders to live and work and dedi•Continued on Page 47

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Digital television

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•Whether or not Nigeria is ready would depend on the parameters at play, even if digital television is desirable on many fronts

N its simplest form, digital is different from analogue television because whereas a digital television receiver needs a decoder (or set-up box) to function, an analogue television receiver does not. The decoder ensures the receiver can beam much more channels, much clearer pictures and far richer sounds than analogue television.

The flip side however is cost. Whereas about everyone with a television set now has access to analogue television, since it is basically free-to-air, the few who have access to digital television do so through pay-TV. So, to access digital television, the consumer must not only afford acquiring a television set, he must also afford payTV. So, is Nigeria ready for whole migration from analogue to digital? That again would depend on the criteria at play. Suffice it to say, however, that the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has proposed a deadline of June 2015, just as Nigeria’s Federal Government has set a target of January 1, 2015.

How realistic are these targets, the Federal Government’s being less than six months away? To start with, a segment of the population, particularly in the urban settings, already enjoy digital television.

It is true that cost of monthly tariffs often throws the poorest segments of the payTV market in and out of that viewing bracket. Still, for the richer segment, the deadline means nothing, for they are already there.

Still, to meet the January 1, 2015 deadline, the government needs to roll out operating and investment-friendly policies.

Migrating into digital television costs

money. Yet, though statistics trotted out by government sources suggest the Nigerian economy is looking up, the stark reality on the ground suggests otherwise.

Therefore, if the government is really serious on its deadline, it might need to consider putting in place cheap credit for investors.

Then, operational guidelines. Now, as earlier stated, the most visible difference between analogue and digital TV is that analogue consumers watch their TV free; digital consumers pay for theirs. Also, analogue TV is most times governmentpowered, since TV viewing is considered a social service, in which government must invest to beam its message and offer some entertainment, which viewers need not pay for. On the other hand, digital TV is basically private sector-driven, with a near-monopoly right now milking the market.

If Nigeria were to mass migrate, therefore, new operating rules would have to be put in place. Will the governmentowned stations still run free-to-air? If they do, will they also supply their viewers with free decoders? If they do, how would the extra costs impact on the provision of other social amenities?

In the private sector, already into the business, a much more stringent regulation regime would have to be applied — not to stifle and harass investors and operators, but to ensure, unlike now, their subscription delivers value for money.

Of course, there is also the power conundrum. If tele-viewing operating costs were not to spiral out of control, with fatal consequences for the bottom-line, electricity supply must be regularly available.

Regular electricity would make available cheaper power, keep tariffs relatively low and aim at a mass market that can deliver profit for the investors and pleasure for the consumer.

But it is in the area of content that the advent of digital television becomes so tantalising. With the ready pool of paying viewers, investors would boast a reasonable chest for investments in content: soap opera, full feature films, short flicks, documentaries, musical shows, etc.

With local production of decoders providing jobs for local artisans, technicians and engineers, content would provide jobs for performing artists, songwriters and musicians (for sound tracks), theatre artists and allied skilled professionals.

Conceived and implemented well, therefore, digital TV has the prospect of further deepening the entertainment subsector of the economy and providing gainful jobs for millions of Nigerian youths.

‘If Nigeria were to mass migrate, therefore, new operating rules would have to be put in place. Will the government-owned stations still run free-to-air? If they do, will they also supply their viewers with free decoders? If they do, how would the extra costs impact on the provision of other social amenities?’

American help

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• What happened to the great optimism the United States gave us about the Chibok girls?

HE recent reaffirmation by the United States of America that they still don’t know where the kidnapped Chibok girls are, weeks after their intervention, further exacerbate the tension over the fate of the 219 girls who have been in Boko Haram’s captivity for about three months . Considering that America is renowned for her technical know-how, not to talk of the hope invested in their support by the government and people of Nigeria, their admittance of failure may deal the hope of a reunion by the girls with their families a deadly blow. Going forward, the Nigerian government must always appreciate that it is her primary responsibility to resolve this kidnap saga.

For the public, they may never know what is going on behind the officialspeak, with respect to the much celebrated collaboration between Nigeria and the United States and other countries, to resolve the Chibok kidnap. After all, President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians were very hopeful when the U.S. and other countries offered help to find the girls and to rescue them from captivity. Even sounding boastful, and for some demeaning, some U.S. officials like Senator John McCain, had boasted that his country didn’t need President Jonathan’s approval to sprout her superior military might to rescue the girls on humanitarian grounds.

So, what happened to that great expectation? Is it that the U.S. is lacking the capacity in resources to resolve this saga, or is it that she has refused to deploy same?

Could it be that the government of the United States has made unconscionable demands, against the security and territorial integrity of Nigeria, before it can help her? On the part of Nigeria, could it be that our government is so unreasonable or incapable of negotiating a reasonable understanding with the government of the United States on this matter?

Yet again, could it be that Nigeria’s standing as an important member of the international community has gone so low, that it cannot exert diplomatic influence to compel America and other countries to come to her aid over this matter? For sure, without official clarification as to the reasons for this apparent failure of the international community on the Chibok saga, Nigerians are entitled to speculate.

But, while we are at that, what happened to the boast by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, not long ago, that the Nigerian military knows where the Chibok girls are? Ordinarily, if there is official collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, then if Nigeria’ s military officials know where the Chibok girls are, such information should be shared with the U.S. officials who have come to help. If that information is shared, then the effort of the military officials of the two countries and indeed others that have come to help would be how to get the girls back to safety.

We hope that our military is doing all that is reasonable to collaborate with those that have offered to help the country

resolve this humanitarian tragedy.

Even where the international help is waning, the government of Nigeria owes the parents of the Chibok girls and indeed every Nigerian, the responsibility to safely bring back the girls, and also several others who have reportedly been kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect. No resource or effort is too high to bring back these girls. We also hope that those who have one form of influence or another over the sect will also push them to recant their murderous tactics. Indeed, every effort, local and international, should be geared to end this national trauma.

‘Even where the international help is waning, the government of Nigeria owes the parents of the Chibok girls and indeed every Nigerian, the responsibility to safely bring back the girls, and also several others who have reportedly been kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect ... We also hope that those who have one form of influence or another over the sect will also push them to recant their murderous tactics’

Four horrific killings – Can Israeli and Palestinian Leaders End the Revenge Attacks?

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N the space of a few weeks, the brutal killings of four teenagers — one Palestinian and three Israelis — have inflamed tensions in Israel and the occupied territories, potentially igniting a conflict that could be even more vicious than the intifadas of 1987 and 2000. It is the responsibility of leaders on both sides to try and calm the volatile emotions that once again threaten both peoples.

The hostilities and recriminations began with the kidnapping and murder last month of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank: Eyal Yifrach, 19; Naftali Fraenkel, 16; and Gilad Shaar, 16. Last week, the body of Muhammad Abu Khdeir, a Palestinian teenager, was found beaten and burned in a forest.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, after days of near silence, condemned that killing and promised that anyone found guilty would “face the full weight of the law.” Israeli officials said the murder seemed to be a revenge attack for the killing of the three Israeli teenagers. In the sweep to find those teenagers, six Palestinians were killed in confrontations with Israeli forces and about 400 Palestinians were arrested, many of them affiliated with Hamas, which Israel accused of the murders. The Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, also after a delay, denounced the abductions and vowed to help catch the kidnappers. Two suspects said to have ties to Hamas have since been arrested.

After the attack on the Israeli teenagers, some Israelis gave in to their worst prejudices. During funerals for the boys, hundreds of extreme rightwing protesters blocked roads in Jerusalem chanting “Death to Arabs.” A Facebook page named “People of Israel Demand Revenge” gathered 35,000 “likes” before being taken down; a blogger gave prominence to a photo, also on Facebook, that featured a sign saying: “Hating Arabs is not racism, it’s values.” Even Mr. Netanyahu referenced an Israeli poem that reads: “Vengeance for the blood of a small child, Satan has not yet created.” Israelis have long had to cope with Hamas’s violence, including a recent increase in rocket attacks from Gaza. And Palestinians have been fully guilty of hateful speech against Jews.

In an atmosphere in which each side dehumanizes the other, it shouldn’t be surprising that some people would act on extremist views. According to news reports, the suspects arrested in Mr. Khdeir’s murder may be fans of a soccer club known for its anti-Arab rhetoric. Commentators in the Israeli news media have been frank in analyzing the killings, especially that of Mr. Khdeir, and their effect on society. Self-criticism is a strength of democracies.

An editorial in Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper, said prosecuting Mr. Khdeir’s murderers is not by itself sufficient. The country’s leaders “must begin raising the next generation, at least, on humanist values, and foster a tolerant public discourse.”

Despite the pain and anger, there have been gestures of compassion and understanding. Mr. Khdeir’s grieving father made an appeal for “both sides to stop the bloodshed.” On Sunday, the uncle of Naftali Fraenkel offered his condolences in a phone call with Mr. Khdeir’s father. President Shimon Peres and Reuven Rivlin, who is succeeding Mr. Peres later this month, wrote in a joint essay in Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli newspaper, that there would be no cover-up in the investigation of Mr. Khdeir’s murder and called for an end to incitement on both sides.

These deaths should cause the two communities to think again about the need for a permanent peace, but the loss of four young men may not be motivation enough.

– New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The spontaneous uproar for the release of nearly 300 Chibok girls abducted from their Secondary School has done a lot of good. It has exposed the extent to which the Jonathan government has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens, given that every other aspect of a good government remains secondary.

We have seen how governments all over the world, especially those that we look up to, display uncompromising integrity and pride in the defense and security of their people. They pursue all political angles in order to protect the life of every one of their citizens. All political affiliations are secondary to the preservation of national pride and the contract between them and their electorate. The Israelis are well known for that, and only recently, the US government set an example by securing the release of one Marine, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. They released five (5) Taliban militants in exchange. Clearly, this demonstrates the high position on which they place the respect and love for their people. In Nigeria’s case is, this is a lot different.

Last month when Abuja hosted the World Economic Forum (WEF), the international community lashed out at the President over his lackadaisical attitude to the plight of the abducted girls and that of their parents. Just like a wingless bird, the claims by the government's spokespersons that the President is concerned about the tale of the girls just could not fly. This was espe-

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Okonjo-Iweala, where are our girls? cially so in the face of notorious evidence to the contrary. So many questions posed by hosts of TV programmes about the President's commitment and readiness to combat the hydra-headed monster of insurgency, especially the one waged by Boko Haram were either evaded or to the utter dismay of millions of viewers and the presenters, or abrasively answered in an unsatisfactory manner.

Barrage of attacks on the President and his administration have poured in, left, right and center

from within and outside the country. Spokesmen for the government have taken turns to feature in prepaid interview sessions, whereupon they are saddled with the choice of either being the kings of their own silence or the slaves of their own false words.

Amongst the many interviews that have featured is the one between Richard Quest and the Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala on the programme "Best of Richard Quest". In that memorable episode, even though it is in sharp

contrast to what is clearly demonstrated by the actions of the government as proven by its many lies and misdirected anger at the people of Nigeria for demanding action from an inept administration, Dr. Iweala stood stoutly in defence of her Principal's effort and commitment to the search for the abducted Chibok schoolgirls. As the interview progressed, so many things were revealed. Dr. Ngozi in her responses, frequently reminded viewers that she's not a spokesperson for the government,

IR: The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress condemns in the strongest terms, the reign of terror and brigandage launched on the streets of Lagos by soldiers ostensibly protesting the alleged accidental death of a soldier who was involved in an accident with a BRT bus on IkoroduRoad Lagos. The untamed and uncivilized conduct of the soldiers, which involved burning many BRT buses and inflicting injuries and pains on other Lagosians

is disgraceful and bodes danger to the peace and security of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. Allowing these soldiers to get away with this act of brazen brigandage will send clear signals that democracy is endangered.

We commiserate with the soldier that was involved in the accident and we express our heartfelt sympathy to him and his family. But then, it is an accident and could have happened to anybody.

We do not know the grounds

upon which these soldiers went on rampage. From reports we got, it was purely an accident. We wonder what can make soldiers, paid and maintained to guarantee the security of the country should go so brazenly against the people, burning buses that serve to alleviate the plight of the masses and inflicting injury to passers-by. We wonder what is behind the raw anger displayed by these unruly soldiers on the streets of Lagos. We wonder what type of training these

innumerable problems that have besieged the country over time has not yielded anything and will not yield any positive result because the most salient issues have not been discussed.

In a country where innocent people are being killed everyday; where people are being abducted everyday; where people’s lives are being consumed by bad roads; where unemployment level skyrockets every year and where students sit at home hopelessly because of government’s refusal to do what it ought to do.

Are these not supposed to be the primacy of the National Conference instead of bringing the idea of creating new states when there is no

unity and harmony amongst the existing states?

Creation of new states is just like adding salt to our wound. Do we actually need to consult a soothsayer or a prophet to tell us that we have misplaced our priority? It is conspicuous that the rationale behind the insistence of this government to hold this National Conference is to achieve its personal expediency and to achieve unduly extension of tenure.

In our education system, when a pupil or a student flunks promotional exams, the result is always that such pupil or student will repeat same class but if one is to apply this system to governance, it will be a total calamity and grave consequence to

even conceive the idea that the present regime should remain beyond 2015.

However, there would not have been the need to call for any gathering if our government had done what it ought to do. Our problems are categorical and it takes readiness, commitment and resoluteness on the part of the government and its people to solve their problems especially in a country like ours. Our government needs to be more original in its dealings; only then can we have a robust and peaceful co-existence.

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Soldiers’ rampage condemnable

Why confab will not yield positive result

IR: Ever since the fuel subsidy imbroglio, I have always doubted every step taken by this present administration. And this is not because I despise the president but because I expected President Jonathan to continue from where his former boss and predecessor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua , stopped, instead of introducing new agenda.

Afterall, he was involved in the creation of the seven-point agenda.

Perhaps, this government would have done better if it had continued the good works started by the previous regime.

However, the ongoing National Conference which most Nigerians believed may be the way out of the

but clearly at liberty to speak in its defence. She expressed her disgust for the unprecedented media attention and the constant searchlight beamed on the activities of the government she represents. She charged at Richard Quest by stating that: “Long after the limelight and long after CNN has ceased to cover the issue, we will continue to look for them".

And prophetically so, more than 80 days since the girls went missing, the parents of those girls and the nation are still waiting and hoping for their return. As each day passes by, and the whereabouts of the girls still unknown, we all must wonder why the minister asserted that the search will take so long. The CNN would forget. So, Madam minister, now that it is evident that you were right, when should we expect their return?

• Lami Ladan Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja

• Waziri Mohammed, IBB University, Lapai-Niger State

soldiers receive and we wonder what should turn those saddled with the defense of the nation to persecutors of the people.

We are even more angry that the Army, instead of wading in and dousing the tension caused by this serious affront on the peace and security of Lagos, is busy trying to childishly obfuscate the issue, going by the statement by its spokesman,Olajide Olaleye, who was reported to state that area boys and not soldiers were responsible for the burning of the BRT buses.

We wonder what the spokesman was trying to tell the many people that witnessed the rampage, some of whom were injured in that moment of senseless mayhem.

We call on the military high command to move in and order a full scale investigation into the mayhem and ensure that all culprits are fished out and punished. We demand that an open investigation to ascertain the reason for that wild act that endangered the peace and security of Lagos andLagosians. We believe that the findings of the investigation panel will go a long way to prevent such ugly incidence in the future.”

• Joe Igbokwe.

APC Publicity Secretary, Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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COMMENTS

‘Our Girls’; World Cup fall- stronger FIFA laws against pitch attacks; Will godfatherism die?

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‘ Tony Marinho

UR GIRLS’ are still missing since April 15 with no word, no sigh, no signal of discovery or release or return. And still others are captured in the same area. As we pray and worry, we ask,

is it possible that nothing can be done? We know our Army and other security services are losing their lives unsung in this war against Boko Haram, and we join the armed Forces in their prayers on Army Day for a swifter closure process than we have had so far. Prayer is powerful but prayer and work are even more powerful. Whether dialogue with such a vengeful and vicious enemy will work is questionable especially as there is nothing to bring them to the table with any humility. They will be there in a position of strength and dictatorial. The angry and energetic soldiers in Lagos who burnt buses costing tens of millions of naira damage may want to choose to be redeployed to North-east Nigeria to face Boko Haram to help work off their anger at their unfortunate colleague being killed or dying from a crash with a BRT bus in Lagos. Was he actually riding his motorcycle in the forbidden BRT lane? Whatever the cause the culprits must be apprehended and prosecuted. We all suffer the death of friends from other people’s misadventures but we do not go overboard.

The World Cup ends this week. There will be only one winning team but may heroes of the moment and some serious casualties. Football can be a dangerous adventure. There have been winners and losers and injuries, some deliberate and one cannot understand injuring another human being, with a family, in the heat of the sporting moment, whether by biting or by kneeing in the back from a great height. FIFA should consider a clean-up of the sport by legislating that in future when such injuries occur, it should be automatic that

I

T has become a recurring decimal in our national life. I mean the satanic practice of armed security agents unleashing terror on the populace and destroying public properties at the slightest provocation. And there is no security agency - be it the military, police, civil defence or what have you - that is left out in this perennial ‘madness’. But the worst culprits are military men.

Last Friday, they were at it again as Ikorodu Road, Lagos was turned into a ‘theatre of war’ by soldiers who were said to be protesting the death of one of them, a lance corporal, who allegedly died in an accident involving his power bike and a commuter bus belonging to the state government.

According to reports, the soldiers went on the rampage in the early morning of that day around Palmgrove and Onipanu areas of the ever-busy Ikorodu Road. They were said to have destroyed buses belonging to the Bus Rapid Transit, otherwise known as BRT, owned by the Lagos State government and brutalised residents. At the end of the melee, several buses were allegedly set ablaze. Apart from the burnt buses, many others were said to have been vandalised with their windows smashed and tyres punctured. That was not all. Journalists and curious residents who attempted to take photographs or make recordings at the scene of the mayhem were not spared as phones, cameras, tablets and iPads were confiscated and smashed by the rampaging soldiers. The soldiers also ordered the people passing along the route to raise their two hands in the air, as if they were in Sambissa.

But trust our security agents and

the perpetrator of the attack as also removed from the pitch for the same length of time as the victim. In addition to that, between the perpetrating person and his club, they should be forced to pay all related medical investigation and treatment charges and also the victim’s salary and allowances for the duration of the victim being off work and unable to train.

FIFA should know that with these draconian but long overdue laws, football pitch violence and player-on- player Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), will come to skidding halt. Just because it is a sport does not allow anyone to attack with intent to cause GBH. GBH is a serious criminal offence which is punishable with several years in prison. Indeed the perpetrating football player should be handed over to the police if it is proved from the multi-video replay that the attack was sufficiently violent and deliberate.

Still on the subject of the World Cup; is it not tragic that there are more footballs on advertising billboards that at the feet of young ones particularly Nigerian and African youth who paradoxically are the greatest fans of football following every footfall and turn and applauding every goal and even getting haircuts after the style of their idols? That football fools them into a 90 minute sense of security and pleasurable agony with some experiencing the triumph of victory. After each Wold Cup match, the youth return to their football-less existence. Instead of training to become the next great player, they must content themselves with kicking a plastic substitute for FIFA rated ball as corporate Nigeria ignores the need for footballs and would rather make billboards unplayable balls on them.

Did you see a World Cup referee spraying some white paint on the pitch to mark the line for the defence to stand behind during a free kick? The commentator informed us that we should not be alarmed as the paint would disappear in two minutes. This reminded me of the suggestion that disappearing and heat-appearing ink was allegedly used in the Ekiti State election. What is good for football may cause a foul in elections.

While blaming the past for our myriad woes, we must not let the future escape us or we are doomed as a nation. The outcome of the Ekiti elections has sent a jolt through all other governments because there was an undeniable misreading of the politics. For years we have been warning against ‘Godfatherism’ and were happy when the godfathers began to fall. Unfortunately the last godfather refused to read the writing on the wall and ignored the fate of his archenemy, a military Godfather of Godfathers and merely exploded in negative godfather activity getting relatives elected to every available post and anointing the favoured for every post far and near. Godfatherism may steamroll and win one election.

This can and has backfired four years later for the obvious reason that a distant godfather dispatches agents to the distant conquered hinterland to take up all available political offices and presiding over other people’s commissioner posts, contracts and even executing those contracts to the exclusion of most locals. This will cause a backlash at the next election unless the people are spineless. Even giving the elderly an allowance can be misinterpreted by detractors as taking away the responsibility of the children for parents. Is this the end of the Godfather era?

‘Is it not tragic that there are more footballs on advertising billboards that at the feet of young ones particularly Nigerian and African youth who paradoxically are the greatest fans of football following every footfall and turn and applauding every goal and even getting haircuts after the style of their idols?’

Wild, wild soldiers their inexorable capacity to concoct and manufacture lies. Pronto Rightman Ogeh, spokesman for the Army formation in Yaba, Lagos, denied that the soldiers from the unit were responsible for the mayhem. Instead, he blamed the ‘area boys’ for the escalation of the problem. Though Ogeh admitted that the soldiers from the unit were aggrieved that the soldier who was knocked down was allowed to die because no one took the initiative to rush him to a hospital, he still exonerated his men. According to Ogeh, “A soldier, who was passing through the bus stop saw the soldier and called the office… By the time we got there, we realised that our colleague was inside the bus already dead. He was riding a licensed motorcycle. So, why was he not taken to the hospital until he died? Of course, our men were angry and we decided that no BRT bus would be allowed to pass through the road”.

While denying that the soldiers burnt the BRT buses, Ogeh puts the blame on miscreants, who, he said, perpetrated the act. Hear him: “When things like this happen, you will hear different versions, but I can tell you that soldiers did not burn the buses. It is possible that some ‘area boys’ carried out the act.

No one was harassed by soldiers; we only stopped some people who were taking pictures and wanting to film the area.” In the same vein, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army also exonerated his men. In a

‘Only those who have ever fallen victim to all forms of brutality visited on hapless Nigerians in the past, especially in a situation like that of last Friday, can appreciate the depth and extent of inhuman treatment usually meted out on people by our uniformed men’

statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt. - Col. Omale Ochagwuba, the army alleged that one of its personnel was killed by a BRT bus, but claimed that soldiers did not carry out reprisals.

According to Ochagwuba, “…when the other soldiers who witnessed the incident rushed to the scene, the driver of the bus ran away with the key. The soldiers then secured the vehicle which was later towed away to safety in our custody. ‘Area boys’ then took advantage of the incident and started attacking BRT buses…

Our personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore normalcy so that traffic could flow.”

Both Ogeh and Ochagwuba’s claims were quickly debunked by the management of the BRT buses.

Nonye Onwumere, the Public Relations Officer of the company, said, “On Thursday night, a red LAGBUS, which is run by Mutual Assurance and marked Mo63 broke down on the Ikorodu Road before Palmgrove Bus Stop. Early in the morning, around 7.15am, a soldier on a bike, driving on top speed, rammed into the stationary bus.

After the accident, three female and two male soldiers going to work alighted from a vehicle to help their colleague. After seeing the extent of the accident, they gathered and became violent, stopping all BRT buses and ordering the passengers down.

They beat some of the passengers and the BRT personnel, and then set some of our vehicles ablaze. They did not even care to know that our BRT are different from the red buses.”

From these narrations by Ogeh, Ochagwuba and Onwumere, it is not too difficult to decipher who was telling the truth and who was just cooking up stories to cover their tracks. Only those who have ever fallen victim to all forms of brutality visited on hapless Nigerians in the past, especially in a situation like that of last Friday, can appreciate the depth and extent of inhuman

treatment usually meted out on people by our uniformed men.

While many eye witnesses insisted that the violence was coordinated and carried out by soldiers, their spokespersons have laboured hard to wriggle out of blame. They were simply economical with the truth. I am sure they are conscious that the undisciplined act exhibited by the soldiers in their moment of temporary insanity that day clearly negates the ethics of service discipline that the military should be known for.

Ogeh’s explanations cannot hold water. If, as he claimed, the soldiers were angry but no one was harassed, what method did they employ to prevent people from taking pictures and filming the incident? Was it by persuasion or brute force that the angry soldiers prevented people from recording the event? In any case, why was it important to prevent people from recording the event when the soldiers could have used such recordings to prove their innocence? That is why I believe that all these cock-and-bull stories are clever ways to pull cotton wool over the eyes of Nigerians and sell them a dummy about what actually transpired on that day. Even Ochagwuba’s claim that soldiers did not carry out reprisals is hollow and falls flat in the face of rational thinking. Why didn’t the other soldiers who witnessed the incident and rushed to the scene convey the lance corporal to the nearest hospital? In other words, what was more important: securing prompt treatment for the wounded soldier or securing the bus that was allegedly involved in the accident?

Assuming it was ‘area boys’, as claimed by the Army, which took advantage of the incident and started attacking BRT buses, what efforts did the soldiers make to checkmate them? They also claimed that their “personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore normalcy so that

Dele Agekameh traffic could flow”. Was any effort made by the soldiers to alert the police? Are soldiers now traffic wardens? Indeed, there are too many questions begging for answers.

Moreover, in the history of such incidents in this country, soldiers are known for their penchant and proclivity for violence. So it is easy to conclude that what happened that day was a well-beaten track and behavioural pattern our soldiers are known for. This is quite unfortunate.

The fact that four out of the more than 17 buses either vandalised or torched were barely a month old in the BRT fleet shows that these soldiers don’t even value public property and the hardship they would cause commuters who have apparently been groaning that the buses were not even enough to cope with the demand. Apart from this, huge revenue was lost as the BRT buses were quickly withdrawn from their routes to prevent further damage to them.

At any rate, if and when investigations finally identify these vandals, the appropriate thing to do is to demand compensation for the cost of damages to public property.

We cannot afford another ‘unknown soldiers’ episode. Neither would we accept to trade ‘area boys’ for ‘area soldiers’. Chikena!

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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COMMENTS ‘I argue that rationality and irrationality have no recognisable bases in the theory of democracy.

They are nothing short of shared sentiments being held to by theorisers. Clearly and without any sense of contradiction, the ideas of rationality and irrationality in relation to individual political conduct, are strictly as possessed by the individual who performs the political act and not that of the assessors. Whether or not the Ekiti people acted rationally or irrationally are entirely their cup of tea ! This point of mine perhaps explains the failure of acceptability of Robert Dahl’s “polyarchy” in place of “democracy”.

From: Dr Adebayo Salami, Political Science, OOU,Ago Iwoye’ •Fayemi

For Olatunji Dare Sir, Re-harvesting, then and now. On Ekiti election, I can boldly say time will tell. What I am sure of is Dr Kayode Fayemi has made remarkable footprints in the sands of time and it will remain indelible in the history of Ekiti State. Weep not Fayemi because time will tell.

From Comrade Esan Ajibola, Ayedun Ekiti.

Ekiti State election can be compared with June l2 election where it was finest. From Gordon Chika Nnorom.

I have just read ‘Vote-harvesting, then and now’. An update assessment of our election.

May I add, Ekiti people were also deluded by falsehood this time; apart from going for what they can get, it was erroneously sold to them that all Ekiti federal allocations goes to the pocket of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, as if all the infrastructure and progress recorded by Fayemi were built with feeble stones. That is the lie constantly peddled by PDP to every ignorant listener. One may need to ask from whoever is taken for a fool by that lie to tell Ekiti people what happened to Ekiti federal allocations when PDP were in the saddle in the past, even in other PDP controlled states to date where no record of good governance can be seen? Dr Fayemi has set a pace in Ekiti. It’s better that Fayose key in into it, otherwise, Ekiti would pay dearly for its mistake because no state can enjoy stomach infrastructure and development at the same time- From Barrister M. Atolagbe.

Re-Vote-harvesting, then and now. What matters even in those you categorised as having skills or/and brains was to win! Same way, with your brainless and skill-less Ayo Fayose, he won. What matters before anyone is known to be intellectually skillful was to win first.

The same negative attributes you and cocolumnists dashed Fayose before the June 21 election helped Fayose’s brain the more.

Critique objectively always. Did I not caution you all, from over promoting your candidate and run others aground? I cited Ondo October 20, 2012 Mimiko election as a flag for caution.

From Lanre Oseni.

Sir, in your previous piece-The Nation of July 24- on the Ekiti election, you were very scholarly-full of detached, dispassionate analysis of factors that caused the electoral disaster of Dr. Fayemi. Now you have no doubt got hooked to the APC post-election ‘reawakening’ regarding its need to find excuses and scapegoats for its election fiasco!

Precisely because of this mentality, it ‘ll lose more elections. As recent as September last year, it was evident enough to non-armchair writers that Governor Fayemi would lose the election. Besides, APC government equally distributed goods and money right on Election Day! Please go to the state and make discreet enquiries. Enough of sanctimonious rationalisation of a monumental failure!!Anonymous Sir, it is a shame that you guys in The Nation are always beclouded by sentiments. Fayose is a grassroot politician,while Fayemi is elitist.

They don’t vote in elections. So, give it to Fayose for his political wizardry.

From Dr.I.O.Ene,Okene.

Good piece you wrote on vote harvesting, then and now. Method used by Fayose may be unethical but the outcome shows that we should be in governance to address people’s problems and not being highly intellectual about problems. I am hungry; put food on my table rather policies that are bound to be highjacked. From Ndon, Uyo. Sir, when I read “Pharaohs and heroes at Aljazeera” by Awoyinfa in Saturday Sun June 28, in which he castigated Egypt for sending some Journalists to jail, I shared his sentiments because of the calibre of media men involved.

But at the back of my mind, I knew my sentiment would have been misplaced if Nigerian media men were involved. Your “Vote-harvesting, then and now” would have come in handy for old “tales by moonlight” programme on Television. Sometimes, I wonder how you columnists take Nigerians.

Who in Nigeria does not know that Southwest APC leader is the most proficient “arch-fixer” in turning defeat into victory through judicial complicity? And with examples still on ground in Southwest governors, you attempted selling lie to “dummies” you take Nigerians for. I commend Fayemi’s acceptance of result of the poll; simply honourable. Ekiti people chose Fayose; period. That’s it. From Lai Ashadele Re-vote-harvesting, then and now-what hapened in Ekiti election was a replica of what had been hapening in the past but in a more public display. This is why corruption can never be fought. The federal might, police, army, security agencies and civil servants (teachers), youth and other allied forces added together are responsible for the defeat of Dr Fayemi. Careful study of the result will show clearly that it was a well planned exercise.

Nigeria can never have a clean/acceptable election. INEC is part and parcle of the scheme.

That is the new mode of rigging-only God can intervene- From Pastor Odunmbaku.

The mindset amongst APC armchair writers is rigid: Governor Fayemi who has performed wonders by transforming Ekiti infrastructure shouldn’t have been voted out by the ungrateful Ekitis. But precisely because of that uncritical mentality, APC will, sadly, lose more elections! Pray, where are the developments being trumpeted? Less than 5% of Ekitis can boast of running water; roads are generally impassable; less than 5% of eligible’s received the N5000 social payout; hospitals are bereft of drugs! You are all challenged to make empirical surveys of the state to affirm or controvert the foregoing assertions. Do wake up to the stark realities! Anonymous

For Segun Gbadegesin Sir Ekiti people did not reject Fayemi on account of non-performance but reject “voice of Jacob, but hand of Esau” from Bayo Ogunsanya Sir, It’s insulting for Fayemi to have accepted suggestions that no reputable contractors in Ekiti can handle jobs. Anonymous Re: “Posers from Ekiti 2014. My comment has roots in the various contributions to the column since the declaration of Mr Ayodele Fayose as the Governor-Elect of Ekiti State.

The bottom-line is further rooted in the theoretical foundations of democracy and the attendant assessments following the Ekiti contemporary case. I argue that rationality and irrationality have not recognisable bases in the theory of democracy. They are nothing short of shared sentiments being held to by theorisers. Clearly and without any sense of contradiction, the ideas of rationality and irrationality in relation to individual political conduct, are strictly as possessed by the individual who performs the political act and not that of the assessors. Whether or not the Ekiti people acted rationally or irrationally are entirely their cup of tea ! This point of mine perhaps explains the failure of acceptability of Robert Dahl’s “polyarchy” in place of “democracy”. From: Dr Adebayo Salami, Political Science, OOU,Ago Iwoye.

Sir, your 04/07/14 write-up has just earned you an added feather. Just like Dr Fayemi, you are one of our fairest. Anonymous Re-Posers From Ekiti 2014: I concur with your submission on this subject matter with a little adjustment that election was ‘bought’ rather than won. Agreeably a fall-out of poverty of head rather than of stomach.

Anonymous Sir, this is a good write up. Yes Ekiti have spoken through ballot but they will pay dearly for it. Reason: they have allowed politicians

see that they are beggars. Ekiti will be lagging behind when regional developmental stride is rooted in South West. Anonymous Sir, my comment on Your posers from Ekiti.

Please you are very wrong with your statement; let me tell you Dr Fayemi did not conduct local goverment election, which made all LG Secretariat turn to bush area. Dr Fayemi increases school fees by 50 percent in four years. If he continues for another four years, he will take it to 250,000 and he will be telling us that it is only rich men that can send children to school. The man disappointed us in Ekiti.

Anonymous Re-Posers from Ekiti in 2014. Those of us watching the pre-election occurrences saw it coming. This is a lesson that no candidate should be over promoted and we should think deep before disparaging another. I cautioned you and others against my statement above before the election! What you thought you were doing well might not be the need/want of many people/citizens a times. It is good to blend in Nigeria. Rigidity works better in developed world. From Lanre Oseni.

Sir, you have said it all. You are good analyst.

Not that Ekiti people are for food only. As you said there are more to that election. Anonymous Sir, your comment on ‘Posers from Ekiti 2014’ Friday, July 4, was a master piece. It was educative and instructive too. It was indeed unbiased. Anonymous It is indeed posers from Ekiti. You must be respected for stating your bias at the onset of the back page article of The Nation of Friday July 4. One would have expected for a balanced journalistic piece that you will leave the bias alone and focus on the real reason your preferred candidate lost woefully. He was dogged in prescribing for the Ekiti people the wrong medicine and importation of his ideals.

You continue to insult the people of Ekiti claiming that they prefer politics of the stomach to that of development but failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that they were induced to make statement with their votes.

Be real. Anonymous Re: Posers from Ekiti 2014. With respect to the outcome of the Ekiti governorship election, the basic question to ask the Ekiti people is ‘what were the criteria they used in voting on the Election Day? Personality, policies or political party? From Olumide Soyemi, Bariga.

Today’s write-up is interesting but slightly devoid of warnings that he (Gov Fayemi) needs not listen to his leaders, rather be focused on more developmental issues. From Davidson, Kogi state.

Re: “Posers for Ekiti 20 14.” So many things can make electorates vote against a performing governor if the policy of that governor, is not making the people comfortable. Definitely, Governor Kayode Fayemi suffered for his perceived weaknesses. Let me use Lagos State as an example of what might happen in 2015, if the electorates decide to vote against the APC, it may not be based on performance but on the biting policy of the government that is making the people in Lagos uncomfortable. Look at the policy on street trading; when it comes to the enforcement, the Task Force responsible for this goes out to raid defaulters or violators, carry their wares and put the owners in a Black Maria like prisoners. Is this a decent approach to check the excesses of street trading? Impunity of government, harsh policy on commercial bus operators and the various charges imposed and which must be paid whether they like it or not. Even some of the LASTMA officials are not helping due to their excesses and unnecessary arrest. So, if these types of sufferings continue, the electorates may decide to vote against the APC in Lagos in 2015 and do not forget that the downtrodden who are into transportation and petty trading to survive are many and they are fed up. From Prince Adewumi Agunloye Sir, I enjoy reading your essay weekly. Posers from Ekiti 2014 captured some of the ‘how’

•Imelda Marcos and “why” almost all of the write ups and the writers glossed over the real issues. I do not want to claim knowledge of all of the ‘preferences’ but APC especially in the South west must revisit its selection process viz avis internal democracy. The late sage Awolowo did not hinge his larger than life status on party programmes and performance alone, but made the indigenous politicians domiciled in each zones the catalyst that brought success. This is not the case since the advent of Action Congress metamorphosing to ACN and now and now APC. One thought the merger will make the leadership have a rethink on how the party structure is composed, but alas! APC constitution was observed in the breach other than in the spirit of its letters, people and their interests were jettisoned. Examples abound in Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Oyo. A government so detached from the people and regards elective, appointments and party posts as the preserve of a clique is bound to fail. It is not much of stomach infrastructure but that of giving to the home based politicians what is theirs, allow for reward to the party men and women who laboured for the party victory. Anonymous.

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: Imelda Marcos at 85. With all the items in your write-up on Imelda Marcos, most especially her 3,400 pairs of shoes as at 1986, then, Nigeria’s case, in spite of all odds, was/is a saint! I wondered as I read the write-up that Imelda could and was made a House of Representatives member, her son also made a senator. Such an eye sore and ear-deaf would not translate to the ‘world coming to an end’. It only means two things: that their own democracy/political independence was a mistake and a misnomer. It also portends that before the world ends, such open years’ robbery of Filipinos corrections will definitely be made to redefine and refine the Philippine.

But, don’t be amazed; Imelda’s son could be president in 2016 in a country/society that believes so much in ‘stomach infrastructure’.

From Lanre Oseni.

Tunji, were you praising Amaechi or what, when he is part of the country’s problem? Please try and be objective in your articles and stop mentioning Amaechi. From Mba. Tunji, Imelda Marcos had only 600 shoes!

Anonymous.

Why do some leaders feel that their citizens are fools? Marcos’ family takes their citizens for granted by the first lady proposing her son to contest presidential election despite the monumental allegations of corruption levelled against her husband when he was president.

The citizens should ignore her plan for 2016 election and her intention to present her son for president. Even here, the news is making the round that some corrupt leaders are planning to make their sons run for governorship election, especially in the northern part of the country. How then can we move the nation forward when we encourage corruption in leadership? From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia State.

Nigeria is in a bigger mess than the Philippines. How many rogues do we have in the National Assembly? How many of the sitting governors are clean? A man that still has corruption and murder charges hanging on his neck has just been returned as governorelect. How different are many of our local government chairmen from armed robbers?

Check out the membership of the ongoing National Conference, 80 percent of them contributed to the ruination of this country.

Imagine a Diepreye Alamieyeseigha among those purportedly seeking solution to the country’s problems. Lord have mercy! From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

KESHI wants

N10m

Pg. 23

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

Lagarde hints at global forecast cut

I

NTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde signaled a cut in the institution’s global growth forecasts, saying investment is still weak and that risks remain in the United States (US) even as its rebound accelerates.

“The global economy is gathering speed, though the pace may be a bit less than we previously predicted because the growth potential is lower and investment” spending remains lackluster, Lagarde told the Cercle des Economistes conference in Aix-en-Provence, France.

The remarks underline the threats to global economic growth at a time when the US Federal Reserve is trimming stimulus and the European Central Bank is fighting inflation that is less than half its targeted level. The IMF is preparing to update its economic forecasts this month after predicting April 8 that the global economy will expand 3.6 percent this year and 3.9 percent in 2015.

Growth in the US, the world’s largest economy, is set to accelerate in coming months and Asia’s emerging market economies will avoid a hard landing, though the European recovery is still not as strong as it should be, Lagarde said.

In the US “we expect a significant rebound,” Lagarde said, adding that risks to US growth include the ability of the Fed to taper in an “orderly” manner and that of the Treasury to put in place a medium-term budget framework.

25 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

Companies rush to avoid compulsory delisting

C

OMPANIES that were recently earmarked for compulsory delisting by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) have been making overtures to the Exchange amid frantic efforts to address their corporate governance failures and avoid delisting from the stock market.

Sources told The Nation that several companies have already reached out to the NSE with explanations on the reasons for their corporate governance failures and plans to address the concerns of the regulator.

The NSE recently issued a notice of delisting on 21 companies that have failed continuously to meet the corporate governance standards at the stock market. The NSE said it decided on the delisting to protect investors from trading on securities with serious corporate governance failures.

The affected companies included Investment and Allied Insurance Plc, Goldlink Insurance, Pinnacle Point Group, Adswitch, Afroil, Rokana In-

•We are going to consider their requests, says NSE

By Taofik Salako

dustry, IPWA, West African Glass Industry, Nigeria Wire and Cable, Starcomms, Daar Communication, Mtech, Big Treat, G.Cappa, FTN Cocoa Processing and UTC Nigeria.

Others included Stockvis, Nigeria Sewing Machine, Jos International Breweries, Capital Oil and Golden Guinea. However, Adswitch had earlier filed for voluntary delisting while Pinnacle Point Group is in the process of being wound up.

According to the Exchange, while the five of Stockvis, Nigeria Sewing Machine, Jos International Breweries, Capital Oil and Golden Guinea were being delisted because they failed to regularise their listing status, other companies were being delisted because they have failed to submit requisite financial and operational statements.

“The regulatory action is necessary to protect investing public from trading in the securi-

ties of entities with no current information regarding their financial status,” the NSE stated.

The NSE stated that the delisting of the companies would take effect in September, in line with three-month notice required for such action.

All the companies slated for delisting had been dormant and mostly at their nominal values. Companies such as Big Treat, Starcomms, Capital Oil and Afroil have been subjects of regulatory investigations.

The sources said some of the companies have started addressing some of the key concerns raised by the NSE, especially the non-availability of their financial statements and operational reports.

One of the companies-FTN Cocoa Processing Plc has already released its two outstanding audited reports and accounts for the 2012 and 2013 business years.

The sources indicated that the companies have been under pressure from shareholders,

creditors and other stakeholders since the issuance of notice of delisting.

NSE’s Head, Legal and Regulation Division, Tinuade Awe, confirmed to The nation that the Exchange has gotten overtures from some of the companies.

“We are going to give these requests careful consideration,” Awe said.

She explained that the notice of delisting was a notice of intention of the NSE and companies with commitments to redress the corporate governance failures can still avoid the regulatory hammer.

A source in one of the earmarked companies said they were making all efforts to stave off the compulsory delisting, noting that the company values its listing on the NSE. The source blamed the harsh operating environment for the failures of the company adding that the management of the company was preparing detailed presentation to be made to the NSE.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/ troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

FOREX

-0.2958 -206.9 -242.1 -156 -1.9179 -238 -40.472

•From left: Inspector of Immigration, Mr Odofin Adedeji, Immigration Assistant II, Adesanya Owolabi; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs E. Abolade-Jebovic and Immigration Assistant II Imochi Monday at a National Security Forum in Lagos.

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cut dollar sales to Bureau De Change (BDCs) by 70 per cent from $50,000 per week to $15,000, The Nation has learnt.

This is coming ahead of December 31 deadline for BDC operators to comply with new CBN requirements for their operation which meeting the N35 million minimum capital requirement, representing a 250 per cent increase from pervious N10 million.

The BDCs are also to make a mandatory cautionary deposit of N35 million from previous $20,000 representing a 1000 per cent hike among other conditions set by the apex bank in its June 24 guidelines for the subsector.

Managing Director Kayewd Bureau De Change (BDC)

AfDB’s lifeline for ‘low income countries - P 26

Many shareholders were against the delisting of the companies, noting that delisting would worsen shareholders’ fate. However, shareholders who spoke to The Nation recently had called on the capital market regulators to probe the utilisation of the funds earlier raised by those companies and the previous projections made by the companies.

Chairman, Ibadan Zone Shareholders Association (IBZA), Chief Sola Abodunrin, said the delisting of the companies could discourage investors from future participation in new issues as most of them only came to the market to raise funds without returns to shareholders.

According to him, the companies did not follow through with their purposes of the fund raising and mismanaged investors’ funds.

Abodunrin, a member of the board of trustees of the Investors Protection Fund (IPF) of the NSE, said delisting would be worse for the investors in the companies as they won’t be able to retrieve their investments.

He said the companies would not adhere to any iota of corporate governance after delisting and shareholders would not have any hope of holding the companies to account.

National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu, also said the NSE and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should go beyond the delisting to determine the extent of management’s culpability in the companies’ misfortunes.

Another shareholders’ leader, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, called for a thorough probe of the management of the companies.

According to him, the regulators should be able to extricate failures that were due to environmental constraints from those due to managerial failures.

CBN slashes dollar sales to BDCs to $15,000 weekly

By Collins Nweze

Limited Rotimi Dada, who confirmed the new dollar sales to BDCs, said the practice has cut down dollar supply to the market, and reduced profit margins for operators while the overhead costs remain the same.

Speaking on the sideline of the Association of Bureau De Change (ABCON) public hearing in Lagos, he said operators have rent to pay. He said operators are not able to meet market demands for the dollar which is bad for the market. He said there is a multiplier effect of the policy, which makes it difficult for operators to buy dollar from commercial banks.

Dada said the CBN is acting

a bit hasty by cutting the dollar sales to BDCs adding that the regulator should consult with stakeholders on what needs to be done. He said the CBN should see the operation of BDCs as a macroeconomic factor that favour the economy.

ABCON Acting President Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe said the CBN regulation should be in line with standard practice.

“For instance, during the time of recapitalisation of banks and microfinance banks, deadline of 102 days were extended to them. I was surprised that only 21 working days were extended to the BDCs. If this is allowed to go, it will be vindictive and will be seen as if the policy was designed to favour a kind of

‘Improved performance for equities in Q2’ - P28

selected few,” he said.

The ABCON chief said there is need for categorisation of BDC operators and also promote constructive engagement with the regulator. He said ABCON has met with the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele to make its position known to him.

“Some of our recommendations is extension of time. Also, N35 million should be a percentage of funding. During Prof Charles Soludo’s tenure as CBN Governor, he told us to put $200,000 in cautionary deposit, I will give you $1 million weekly. If Godwin Emefiele is saying, give us N35 million caution deposit, we expect the money to be a 20 per cent of the dollar he is going to sale to us,” he said.

BDCs all over the world is a small shop, Nigerians need to have easy access to their foreign currency requirement, not for them to be seen as a bank.

Gwadabe pleaded with the CBN to allow BDCs source dollar somewhere else. “Allow the BDCs to source their dollars either from oil companies or autonomous sources.

We can survive without CBN dollars because there are other windows we can source the dollars,” he said adding that BDCs can also survive without dollar sales from CBN. The ABCON boss also called for the categorisation of the BDCs with different scope of business rather than outright revocation of licences that some were issued licences since 22 years ago.

Making money from foodstuffs export

- P39

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

Recapitalisation: MfBs urged to consider merger, acquisition M

ICROFINANCE banks (MfBs) yet to recapitalise in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive have been urged to seek local or international funding or go into mergers and acquisition.

The National President of Nigeria Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), Valentine Whensu, told The Nation that the MfBs have been advised to merge or ask their directors for fresh funds.

According to the CBN, MfBs are supposed to recapitalise into state and national categories. Those which are unable to recapitalise are to remain as units. To recapitalise, a unit MFB needs N20 million, state MfB, N100 million and national MfB, N2 billion.

A unit MfB bank is authorised to operate in one location without branches/cash centres, while that of a state is allowed to open branches in the same state or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

But a national MfB can operate in more than one state, including the FCT. It is allowed to open branches in the states and the FCT, though subject to the approval of the CBN. Whensu, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Global Initiative Microfinance Bank, said: “So far, so good; we have advised our mem-

Stories by Collins Nweze

bers who cannot meet up with the CBN directive to merge with other microfinance banks, or ask the directors to inject fresh funds. And again, they also need to look properly at their books, to see exactly what they needed to do to meet up the recapitalisation move.”

The banker said by severally shifting the recapitalisation deadline, the CBN has shown that it is committed to the success of the subsector.

“The CBN has been so kind with us. I just appeal to our members to meet up with these conditions,” he said.

The bank chief said the association can only help in terms of capacity building, so as to enable operators improve their businesses.

“A lot of us are here to ensure that operators in the MfB subsector do things right, since we don’t have funds for giving them. But I advise them to embrace international funding, where available,” he said.

The CBN said many MfBs were deficient in their understanding of the microfinance concept. It said

poor corporate governance and a high level of non-performing loans, among others, are also key challenges facing the subsector.

According to CBN’s operational guidelines for the establishment of MfBs, they are not expected to engage in excessive spending.

The CBN had shifted the recapitalisation deadline for the subsector by one year to December 31, 2013.

In a circular to banks before the new deadline, CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions, O.A. Fabamwo, said it was exigent to remind directors and shareholders of MfBs that the deadline is sacrosanct.

He, however, advised the banks to conduct due diligence and seek legal and financial advice. He reminded directors and shareholders of MfBs on the deadline for compliance with the Revised Microfinance Policy Framework, particularly on the capital requirements for each category of MfBs and branches/cash centres.

He said henceforth, ‘customer interaction centres’, ‘meeting points’ and ‘customer service centres’, or similar outlets, located outside the

• From left: Chief Executive Officer, Wema Bank Plc Segun Oloketuyi; International Finance Corporation (IFC) Global Head, Trade & Supply Chain Solutions Georgina Baker and Executive Director, Wema Bank Plc Ademola Adebisi at an IFC Global Financial Conference in Washington DC.

CJ: NDIC, judiciary cooperation paying off T HE cooperation between the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the judiciary is yielding result, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta has said.

The exclusive designation of judges to handle NDIC cases has resulted in timely dispensation of judgments and sustained the competence and specialisation of designated courts, he said.

Speaking at a sensitisation seminar for Federal High Court Judges organised by NDIC in Abuja, Justice Auta said judges had been exclusively designated to handle NDIC cases.

He pointed out the seminar had enlightened the bench on the mandate and activities of the corporation which, according to him, had resulted to more proactive and accurate adjudication of insolvency disputes.

Also speaking during the conference, NDIC Chief Executive Officer, Umaru Ibrahim said the corporation will continue to collaborate with the judiciary in the discharge of its mandate to enhance financial system stability, , has said.

In his keynote address with the theme: “The challenge to deposit insurance law and practice”, Ibrahim said NDIC observed that the public had a wrong perception of its statutory mandate.

Hence, he said, time and valuable resources were invested to reverse the trend through effective and continuous public awareness and close collaboration with key stakeholders.

Ibrahim recalled the corpora-

tion’s sponsorship of a similar seminar last year where about 53 judges of the Federal High Court participated.

He said the corporation was not oblivious of the fact that some judges that benefited from the last seminar had been elevated to the Court of Appeal or had retired and new ones appointed.

He said the second run of the seminar was organised by the corporation to consolidate on the gains of the previous edition and to strengthen its relationship with the courts in the interest of bank depositors and Nigeria’s financial system.

Justice Auta added that the exclusive designation of judges to handle the NDIC cases had resulted in timely dispensation of judgments and sustained the competence and specialisation of designated courts.

registered business premises of a unit MfB shall be regarded as unauthorised/unapproved branches/cash centres if the deadline is not met.

Besides, previous approvals for such outlets for unit MfBs have become null and void from the date of approval of the Revised Policy Framework by the Board of Directors of the CBN. “Also, insider-related loans shall not exceed five per cent of the shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses. For this purpose, loans under a staff scheme shall not be taken into account. State and local government’s equity participation in MfBs is allowed under the revised guidelines to facilitate financial inclusion. However, all such investments must be gradually divested

to private-sector investors within a maximum of five years.

“In addition to the Head Office, Unit MfBs are allowed to have not more than one branch within the Local Government Area approved for their operation. This is subject to the availability of free funds (shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses, less fixed assets and long term investments) of at least N20 million and maintenance of the prescribed minimum prudential requirements,” the CBN said in new guidelines for the subsector.

Many of the MfBs liquidated by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) ran into trouble when their debtors refused to pay back their loans, over 80 per cent of which were unsecured. Besides, some of the MfBs were taking excessive risks, and branching out too quickly without considering resources at their disposal and whether utilised funds were short or long term obligations.

AfDB’s lifeline for ‘low income’ countries

T

HE African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has said low income countries are now eligible to secure loans from its sovereign loan window.

In a statement, it said the decision followed a review of its credit policy which has been approved by its Board of Directors.

It said the policy underscores the bank group’s recognition of the strong economic progress of African countries during the last decade, and its mandate to help sustain inclusive growth in its Regional Member Countries (RMCs) or African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, among others.

“The proposal reconciles the need to address the demand for resources to speed up the structural transformation of low-income African countries in a sustainable manner, RMCs’ debt sustainability, as well as the bank’s financial stability,” the statement said.

About 37 countries or nearly 70 per cent of the RMCs fall under the low-income countries category that is eligible only to concessionary resources from the African Development Fund (ADF).

However, the report argues that diminishing scarce concessionary

resources would be inadequate to finance and sustain the current high rates of growth and transform the structure of Africa’s economies to generate much-needed employment. This view is bolstered by the fact that many African countries borrow non-concessionary funds in the capital markets at rates that are significantly higher than what they could obtain from the bank.

Access to the AfDB’s sovereign resources by low-income countries would be available to low or moderate risk of debt distress countries and subject to International Monetary Fund’s Debt Sustainability Assessment (DSA), sustainable macroeconomic position as well as stringent oversight by the Bank’s Credit Risk Committee, among other safeguards.

In approving the policy, the Board underscored the fact that policy responds to the drive to channel more resources to the lowincome countries in line with its client assessment and the bank’s 10year strategy. It would also enable the bank to broaden its base of potential clients; enhance its delivery capacity by improving the role of its non-concessional envelope in supporting the development agenda of the continent through sovereign instruments.

Akwa Ibom leads in SWF contribution

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KWA Ibom State was the highest contributor to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) last year, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority (NSIA) Uche Orji has said.

He spoke when his team visited Governor Godswill Akpabio in Uyo, the state capital.

Orji said Akwa Ibom contributed the highest to the fund, particularly counterpart funding.

He said they were in the state to partner the state government and invest in the state as well as be a part of the ongoing transformation in the state, adding that the authority invests in real estate, agriculture, power and seaport, among others.

Akpabio said: “Investors are welcomed to the state to invest in any areas of their choice because Akwa Ibom state has an available perimeter of investments for investors. We have made remarkable achievements in the last seven years of my administration and we

have reaped the dividends of democracy”.

According to the Governor, the state had to invest not only on infrastructure but to also on human capacity building, we did that through our free and compulsory education policy, where every Nigerian child resident in the state goes to school free. He said the state has also built about 3,000 classroom blocks and equipped schools with adequate facilities.

“We also constructed quality road network in the state; we are already building 2,000 units of housing; we are already building a four-point

by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene; we have finished the Ibom power plant, which would be commissioned soon.

“We would soon take off the construction of Ibaka deep seaport and in total we have about 14 industries in the state, among others. So, the NSIA is welcome to invest in any areas of their choice in the state and we would be willing to partner with them,” the Governor revealed.

27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

MONEY To strengthen depositors’ funds in banks operating the Holding Company (HoldCo) structures, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out fresh rules. Four banks have so far embraced the arrangement, which comes with some challenges, writes COLLINS NWEZE.

For a stronger, better Holding Company

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HE banking sector has since the 2009 reforms been undergoing restructuring. From the overhaul of the risk management structures, to the setting up of 10-year tenure for Chief Executive Officers and the abolition of universal banking which led to banks adopting the Holding Company (HoldCo) structure, there has never been a dull moment.

A HoldCo is a parent entity formed to hold controlling interest in several companies. It enables a corporation to diversify its investments, manage other firms, and contribute to the growth of companies in different business sectors.

CBN took this initiative to ensure that the lenders do not abuse lending privileges presented by the structure. This began after the CBN set aside the universal banking regime in 2010 and gave banks the option to either: divest of all their non-banking subsidiaries and become pure commercial banks or form a HoldCo. The order is in compliance with the CBN’s Regulation on the Scope of Banking Activities & Ancillary Matters, No. 3, 2010 requiring the separation of commercial banking business from other financial services businesses.

CBN Director, Banking Supervision Tokunbo Martins confirmed that restrictions have been placed on banks’ lending to their HoldCos to protect shareholders’ funds from insider abuse.

She said any bank that violates the rule will have the loaned funds deducted from its shareholders’ funds as return capital.

Although Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) mandated the banks to adopt the structure, there is also need to monitor their operations to forestall abuse.

HoldCo banks unveiled

First Bank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank, United Bank for Africa and First City Monument Bank have adopted the HoldCo structure. Union Bank is yet to complete the process.

Managing Director, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited Bisi Onasanya said the new structure will present a better deal for its shareholders, especially as they got equal proportion of their shares in the FBN Holdings. He said the bank has offloaded First Registrars and some other subsidiaries, while all the existing subsidiaries, including FirstBank, have become a subsidiary of the FirstBank of Nigeria Holdings (FBNH).

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Sola David-Borha said the HoldCo would consolidate the strengths and expertise of different business unit and enhance the group’s ability to drive future growth.

“The HoldCo would guarantee significant benefits to shareholders, employees and customers.

Under the new structure, Stanbic IBTC will be averaging the global network of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s biggest banking group in terms of assets and earnings, to which Stanbic IBTC belongs,” she said.

David-Borha also said HoldCo structure is consistent with the group-wide approach of the Standard Bank Group, which would al-

low the various subsidiaries to call on the group-wide expertise of the parent model.

She noted that the HoldCo will ensure that the commercial banks retail depositors are not exposed to the risks associated with the nonbanking activities of the remainder of the group, and that all customers of Stanbic IBTC and its subsidiaries will continue to enjoy the services currently provided through the other subsidiaries by keeping all existing lines of business, “and so the employee base would not be affected adversely.”

Managing Director, United Bank for Africa Phillips Oduoza said given the bank’s exponential growth and investments across Africa, it is beginning to derive significant values from these investments hence the decision to have a HoldCo. That decision, he said, will keep its entire bank and nonbank subsidiaries within the group.

Chairman FCMB Jonathan Long said the decision to form a holding company was in line with CBN’s directive to banks to separate the non-banking subsidiaries from commercial bank, stating that the bank decided to re-organise via scheme of arrangement, the non banking businesses within a holding company arrangement that would deliver and unlock value to the shareholders.

He explained that the new arrangement will see the migration of shareholders of FCMB to become shareholders of the Holdco, via a share for share exchange; sale of other disposable subsidiaries and transfer of permissible nonbanking subsidiaries and investments from the bank to the Holdco.

Lending by HoldCos

Martins said should the HoldCos breach single obligor limits without the prior approval of the CBN, such loans will be regarded as impairment to capital, or deducted from the lender’s capital base.

For credit transactions, the rule covers banks’ related parties, listed as financial holding company (FHC), and other subsidiaries within the group within the HoldCo structure.

Also, credit transactions by the bank within the group would be treated as FHC lending to a bank within its group. The bank should treat the loan as a liability but credit by a bank to its FHC would be regarded as a return of capital and deducted from the capital of the lender in computing its capital adequacy.

However, bank lending to subsidiaries within its group especially where the credit is fully secured, would be assigned a risk weight of 100 per cent, otherwise it would be deducted from the capital when computing capital ad-

equacy.

The CBN said review of risk weights assigned to some identified exposures is without prejudice to the risk management control functions put in place by banks to mitigate credit concentration risks.

It is also in line with its risk-based supervisory agenda.

Martins said the crisis in the industry highlighted several weaknesses in the system, key of which was the excessive concentration of credit in the asset portfolios of banks.

“Past experience revealed concentrations across products, business lines, and legal entities. The management of concentrations, or pools of exposures, whose collective performance may potentially affect a bank negatively, needs to be properly managed through the establishment of sound risk management processes,” she said.

Hurdles ahead

The HoldCo structure adopted by some banks faces adverse tax implications, especially excess dividend tax, tax experts have warned.

Taiwo Oyedele, a chartered accountant, said based on the Nigerian tax law, where the dividend paid by a company is higher than its taxable profit, the excess dividend will be subjected to 30 per cent tax.

He explained that should a HoldCo receive dividend from its bank subsidiary, and then redistributes the dividend. Such dividend will be subjected to 30 per cent excess dividend tax, not withstanding that the subsidiary that earned the profit had paid 30 per cent income tax.

Also, withholding tax at 10 per cent is always deducted before distributing the profit to the HoldCo. He said that banks had previously faced the similar challenges under the universal banking model on their exempt income.

“Where tax exempt income has been excluded from the determination of taxable profit but forms part of the distributable profit available for dividend, this will result in the dividend paid being higher than the taxable profit,” he said. Oyedele said the problem will become more pronounced under the HoldCo structure since there will be at least one company between the bank and the shareholders.

Also, Victor Ogiemwonyi, managing director, Partnership Investment Company Plc, said that banks that have adopted the HoldCo structure will have to contend with burden of double taxation.

Ogiemwonyi who is also a Member of Council, Nigeria Stock Exchange said that subsidiaries of banks that adopted the structure have to pay taxes as well as the

• CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

quoted company. He said aside challenge of taxation the structure is in the interest of all stakeholders.

For him, the HoldCo structure will increase earnings for investors and is also in line with the CBN enhanced emphasis on transparency and accountability.

But the management of FBN Holdings Plc said the tax challenge has been handled. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FBN Holdings Bello Maccido said the HoldCos at inception faced a major concern over possible interpretation of existing tax statutes that would lead to the double taxation of dividends.

There was also a concern about the magnitude of transaction costs that would be incurred by the banks in responding to the change in regulations.

“It was, therefore, necessary for HoldCos to seek mitigation of some of these costs through waivers and concessions from the regulatory authorities. It was very clear that without government’s intervention, the companies would have faced possible challenges in this regard,” he said.

Maccido said the Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) team was instrumental to ensuring that the tax issues were heard and resolved in good time.

He noted that the Securities & Exchange Commission, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) were equally very receptive to discussions on ‘reduction of transaction costs’ for Bank Holding companies.

However, Chukwuemeka Eze, a tax expert said taxing dividend from HoldCos amounts to overkill. He said that it is only when the dividend is reinvested or transmitted into further ventures that it

‘There are some challenges expected as the banks adopt new structures. For instance, since the HoldCo likely has a controlling interest in several corporations, management may have limited knowledge in the industry, operations and investment decisions of the controlled company. Such limitations may result in ineffective decision-making’

should be taxed. “The dividend can only be taxed if it is reinvested at a second venture; otherwise, it amounts to double taxation. The position of the law is that it is only when the money is reinvested, that it should be subjected to further taxation,” he said.

Besides, the taxation issues, analysts said that managers in HoldCos also face several other challenges. A Banking Analyst, Equity Research at Renaissance Capital (RenCap) Adesoji Solanke explained in an emailed report that as expected under this type of evolution, there is a lot of value moving around. However, he said it is too early to determine the extent to which value will be lost or created under this new structure, or the degree to which the need for new capital becomes more apparent or diminished post-deal.

He said there are some challenges expected as the banks adopt new structures. For instance, since the HoldCo likely has a controlling interest in several corporations, management may have limited knowledge in the industry, operations and investment decisions of the controlled company. Such limitations, he said may result in ineffective decision-making.

Shareholders’ views

Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN) Boniface Okezie said the HoldCo structure remains a good arrangement. He said the shareholders have no choice because they cannot go against the will of the CBN, but can only watch to see how the structure pays off.

“I don’t have any problem with the structure once there is food on my table. We have embraced the structure provided our dividends are paid and corporate governance is adhered to,” he said.

National Coordinator of Nigerian Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA) Sir Sunny Nwosu said the structure will protect shareholders’ value and lead to increased capital market valuations.

Also, President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARN) Farouk Umar said the restructuring will result in greater value and provide each entity with easier access to long term capital to finance growth.

28

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

Experts predict improved performance for equities in Q 2 INVESTMENT pundits and market analysts expect the stock market to outperform its first half in the second half and still deliver an average of double-digit return to investors in the year.

Nigerian quoted equities had recorded capital gains of N802 billion in the first half of this year, indicating a modest average return of 2.79 per cent over the six-month period.

Most investment experts said they expected the market to witness improved performance in the second half.

Group Deputy Managing Director, BGL Plc, Mr. Chibundu Edozie, said the stock market would witness stronger uptick in the second half citing increasing investors’ appetite and expected results of quoted companies.

According to him, while analysts had expected a stronger performance in the first half of the year given similar performance last year, external variables depressed share prices as the market failed to react positively to impressive year-end results and attractive corporate actions by listed companies.

He noted that there were expectations that increasing primary mar-

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ket activities would also lead to positive sentiments for the equity market but these expectations did not play out well, mostly due to key risks to global financial markets in 2014, especially the continuous increase in quantitative easing (QE) tapering in the United States (US).

“The market did not react enough to good year-end results and corporate actions, while primary market activities did not gather steam as expected. However, based on the success of Seplat IPO and listing by Caverton, we are optimistic of improving performance in the second half of the year,” Edozie said.

He expressed optimisms that the market could still make a doubledigit return in the second half to override the lull in the first half noting that the expected release of the first half earnings of quoted companies could trigger bullish rally for several stocks.

“Barring any further external shock, we expect the market to close the year with NSE’s index at 46,924.59 points, a return of about 14 per cent for 2014,” Edozie said.

Managing Director, GTI Securities, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, also said the second half would witness major

comeback for several stocks, especially in the financial services sector.

According to him, there are indications that second quarter earnings of several companies would be better, prompting investors to take positions in these stocks.

"Generally, we expect a slight improvement in the performance of listed stocks across different sectors.

Banking stocks will see slight improvements mainly due to the effect of raising the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of public funds to 75 per cent.

While the oil and gas, food & beverages, building materials stocks may have obvious growth in earnings; insurance stocks may post mixed results since some of them are yet to come out of their previous loss positions. We expect conglomerates like Transcorp and UACN to record significant growth in earnings," Oyekunle said.

Managing director, Morgan Capital Group, Mr. Ayoleke Adu said there could be some flight to safety to some established companies as

the general election approaches.

"We expect a flight to safety from investors in second half of 2014 particularly to companies with strong dividend histories which perform well in their half-year 2014 reports.

The general election will be the major economic event to affect the market in second half 2014. We expect low market activities for the major part of the period with intermittent rallies as third quarter and full year 2014 numbers are released. As investors rebalance their portfolios, caution would prevail in the Nigerian capital market as the unpredictable outcome of the general elections will see investors adopt a wait and see approach to investing in Nigeria until there is clarity regarding the presidency," Adu said.

Riding on the back of sustained gains in May and June, the stock market had erased the losses in the previous four months and left the investors with some N802 billion in capital gains.

The main value-based indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

showed modest performance. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed the first half at a high of N14.028 trillion as against its 2014 opening value of N13.226 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the benchmark index that tracks prices of all quoted equities and serves as Nigeria’s country index, rose from the year’s opening index of 41,329.19 points to close first half at 42,482.48 points, representing average return of 2.79 per cent.

Quoted equities had wriggled all through the first four months with negative month-on-month return.

The stock market recorded a negative return of -0.68 per cent in April, building on the bearish trend that had characterized the stock market in the first quarter. In January, February and March, the market consistently recorded losses of 1.8 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 2.0 per cent respectively.

The negative return in April further depressed the overall market performance, increasing the fourmonth average loss to 6.88 per cent.

Commodities’ trading, e-exchange kick off

RRANGEMENTS have been concluded for the commencement of real and active trading on Nigerian commodities as from tomorrow as the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and other stakeholders formally launch the, electronic commodity exchange, otherwise known as electronic warehouse receipt system (e-WRS) in Abuja tomorrow.

Managing Director, Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Mr. Yusuf Abdurrahim, told The Nation that the launching tomorrow of the e-WRS by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, would kick-start real active trading.

According to him, all arrangements have been concluded for immediate take-off of trading in the commodities.

“We are hoping there would be real trades on that day. The warehouses that we are going to use are ready and we will build up capacity as we progress,” Abdurrahim said.

Under the e-WRS, farmers will be able to place their commodities at an NCXaccredited warehouse in different parts of the country and will be issued an electronic receipt stating details such as commodity type, quality and quantity, owner and other relevant information. The depositor will have the choice of using the receipt as collateral to obtain bank loans or for trading on the Exchange. Another option is to keep such commodities in the warehouse until their prices stabilize or appreciate.

On the prospects of the e-WRS, Abdurrahim had explained that the new initiative would encourage the provision of standard storage facilities for operators in the agricultural value chain and make the warehouse receipts a prime tool of trade while facilitating access to finance.

According to him, the E-WRS would also strengthen small scale farmers and agro-allied businesses while creating jobs and sustainable economic growth.

He outlined that an active commodity exchange would significantly help in unlocking Nigeria’s agriculture potential pointing out that agriculture is a game changer for the country if the sector receives the desired level of commitment by both the private and public sectors.

Stanbic IBTC Bank will act as the settlement bank for the electronic commodity exchange while CSCS will serve as clearing and depository agent. The e-WRS is also being undertaken in collaboration with other banks and relevant stakeholders including the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN).

Earlier at a media session on the e-WRS, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, had pointed out that the commodity exchange and the warehouse receipt system would be instrumental in opening up Nigeria’s farm produce to the global commodity market.

“The transparency it will engender is crucial in ensuring participation from across the world. And with transparency comes improvements in efficiency and pricing. It also makes it easier for banks to provide financing for operators in the agricultural value chain,” David Borha said.

She said Stanbic IBTC considers agriculture to be a very strategic sector for Nigeria and it would continue to deploy its expertise and products towards the development of agriculture business in the country.

According to her, agriculture, which was hitherto seen as a subsistence activity, is increasingly becoming middle-level businesses and people are getting involved in it.

She said Stanbic IBTC aims to become one of the top agriculture financing banks in Nigeria by making available bespoke schemes and initiatives that would help in the realisation of agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government, which among others seeks to create improved market integration and significant reduction in post-harvest losses.

“Stanbic IBTC has a well-structured business unit that focuses on agriculture.

We have developed a number of schemes and products that will have significant impact on the entire agricultural value chain. Stanbic IBTC Bank is one of the leading financial institutions contributing to the growth of agriculture in Nigeria, with products and services customized for the sector. The bank is accessible to all operators in this sector. We are also working with a number of government agencies and multilateral organisations to spearhead a true agricultural revolution in Nigeria leveraging on the Standard Bank Group’s experience and expertise in agricultural financing,” DavidBorha said.

According to her, the Standard Bank Group, the parent company of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, would bring it global expertise and resources to continue to support opportunities in strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy to grow its business while helping to create sustainable prosperity for the people.

“As an institution that is in Nigeria for the long run, we are committed to helping the country achieve her developmental aspirations. We will continue to identify partnership opportunities towards the sustained development of pivotal sectors of the economy,” David-Borha said.

•From Left: Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo presenting a gift to the President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Albert Okumagba during a visit by the new council of the CIS to the NSE in Lagos

Unity Bank’s N39b rights issue, placement close today

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PPLICATION list for the 38.45 billion shares rights issue by Unity Bank Plc closes today, according to the extended offer period approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Shareholders of Unity Bank who have not completed the process of acceptance of their rights under the ongoing rights issue have till the close of business today to complete the acceptance, failure of which the shares would be treated as renounced shares.

With the closure of application list, receiving agents are expected to begin the collation and submission of acceptance lists to the issuing houses.

Unity Bank is undertaking a combined rights issue and private placement that will inject more than N39 billion into the operations of the bank.

Unity Bank is raising N19.22 billion through a rights issue of 38.447 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at a price of 50 kobo each. The rights have been pre-allotted to shareholders on the register of the bank as at December 16, last year on the basis of one new share for one share held as at the closure date.

The bank is also undertaking a private placement of 40 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo each, bringing in additional N20 billion in new equity funds.

The net proceeds of the new capital issues would be used for new branch development, upgrade of informa-

tion and communication technology, human resource development, working capital and products and channel upgrade among others.

Speaking on the new issue, managing director, Unity Bank, Mr. Henry Semenitari said the new issues would foster the current repositioning of the bank aimed at entrenching better service delivery and profitability.

According to him, the net proceeds would be judiciously utilized to improve the bank’s processes, procedure and people and strengthen its overall framework to achieve impressive growth.

“Our journey is very precise as an institution. There were two challenges to driving our growth strategy, one was capital and other was the right size and mixed of man power. On the issue of human capital, as you can see, that has been address. We have a new set of management with new executive directors and non-executive directors in place.

On the aspect of capital, it has brought us this far, the importance of capital in business, beyond being regulatory as per capital adequacy, cannot be overemphasized; it is needed to drive the business. As you have seen in the prospectus, the utilisation of the proceeds clearly expressed what we are going to do with the funds,” Semenitari said.

According to him, the bank is optimistic that it will raise all the funds and there could be over-subscription as some shareholders have started

making deposits to take their rights.

“The offer will be used judiciously to drive our business and we are going to be more prudent. It is a new dawn in Unity Bank. You can see this in our first quarter result. With the network in excess of 245 branches, our retail banking is on track. To be the retail banking of choice in five years, we are working along three parameter-small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and rural economy. Within SMEs, it involves personal banking and our growth strategy in term of deposit by the year 2016 is that 40 per cent of our deposit base will be in the hands of individuals, which is very sustainable deposit in our book coming from a public sector background. We can assure you that this is a reawakening as a bank,” Semenitari said.

Unity Bank last week blazed the trails as the first quoted company to release its interim half-year report for the period ended June 30, 2014.

Most analysts saw this move as part of efforts to bolster shareholders’ confidence in the bank.

Key extracts of the six-month report showed that the bank grew profit before tax by 81 per cent to N7.898 billion in 2014 as against N4.355 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Profit after tax rose by 92 per cent to N7.11 billion from N3.70 billion while gross income inched up to N30.85 billion in 2014 as against N30.18 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2013.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

PAGE 29

Nigeria’s premier tertiary health institution, the University College Hospital (UCH) remains a shadow of itself as the nationwide strike by doctors enters its second week. BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON report tales of agony and death at the hospital as patients are left to seek alternatives elsewhere.

F

INSIDE

OR Mr Babatunde Abass, life is becoming meaningless as his hope of relief from pains and agony associated with hernia, which he suffers from, is dashed. He sat on his bed at a male ward at the University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan, looking pale.

As if trying hard to interpret a dream or make a salient point, the patient looked into the space in the midst of his other bed-ridden patients in the ward. His looks conveyed hopelessness and frustration as he was later helped by his relations to make a trip to the toilet. With a singlet hanging on his Ankara trousers, his looks summed up the effect of the ongoing strike by medical doctors on patients at the UCH, the only major tertiary health institution in Oyo State.

The situation of Mr Abass is a sample representative of many patients in government hospitals across the country.

Medical doctors had commenced an indefinite strike last week over unresolved issues within the hospital system. The doctors are demanding issuance of a circular for restoration of sanity in hospitals as well as increment of hazard allowance by about 100 per cent and delisting of all workers on Grade Level 15 as directors. The strike has since paralyzed health care services in the nation’s government’s hospitals one of which is the UCH, Ibadan.

Worse hit by the unfortunate development are the less- privileged patients who could not afford to patronize private hospitals whose bills are beyond their reach. The situation is increasing deaths at the hospital daily. Some patients in critical conditions, some in urgent need of surgery as well as those newly seeking such services are losing their lives daily.

When The Nation visited the UCH, only nurses, pharmacists and other health workers were attending to the patients, while new patients with complicated issues were being turned back.

Relatives and patients were seen leaving the hospital in frustration as there were no doctors to attend to them.

Patients, who were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital, were advised to seek medical care in private hos-

‘I sometimes consult Ifa to solve complex medical problems’ •PAGE 32

•University College Hospital, Ibadan

Tears, agony, deaths at UCH •Patients wait endlessly for doctors’ return to work

pitals.

Many of the patients who cannot afford private hospital bills have since given up hope. A good example is 60 years old Babatunde Abass a resident of Oyo town, in South West ward of the UCH. Although the ward was getting empty as patients literally discharge themselves, but Abass stayed on due to his inability to foot private hospital bills.

Abass, it was learnt, has been a regular patient at the UCH and was

due to undergo a surgery on July 2.

It was learnt that he got an offer for the surgery at a private hospital in Ibadan but the bill was beyond his almost empty pockets. He had to resign to fate, praying for a quick resolution of the crisis.

Another patient, Alhaji Mukaila Ogunsina who suffers heart related disease, was writhing in pains in another ward in the South West wing of the hospital.

•Continued on page 30

‘We are not at war with LASU management’ •PAGE 33

•Empty seats at outpatient ward, UCH

Relief underway for Apete residents as govt rebuilds bridge •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Tears, agony, deaths at UCH •Continued from page 29

Ogunsina, who is in his late 60s, is only hoping the strike would end soon. His relative, Mr Ola Akande, said:” If this strike is not called off, I may likely lose my uncle because he has been abandoned and we cannot afford to take him to a private hospital. This place is our only hope and the doctors are nowhere to be found now. We have spent a lot on this sickness and we cannot start his treatment again in another hospital from the scratch. I am using this medium to appeal to the government to meet the demands of the doctors so that they can resume on time.”

During The Nation’s visit to the hospital, it was discovered that many patients in the wards had been discharged while a few consultants offer skeletal services to outpatients. But all other units such as Laboratories, Eye and Dental are open to patients. Doctors in such units are, however, not attending to patients, leaving only other medical personnel offering services.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof Temitope Alonge, along with two consultants were seen going round the wards on a routine check to ensure safety of the patients.

An out-patient, ýwho didn’t want her name in print, said: “I was not aware of the doctors’ strike until Friday. But since I already have an appointment for the day, I have to come.

“The whole place is dry and the doctors are not on seat. I am still trying to see what will become of my treatment and how my appointment can be rescheduled.

“I wish the government answer them on time or ensure skeletal services are arranged to attend to some patients that are hanging between life and death.”

Also, Mr Bade Lawson, whose relation was on admission, said that the family was already planning to transfer the patient to a private hospital.

“We were shocked when we received information about the strike.

We have to think of how to transfer our relation elsewhere for treatment. The Federal Government and the doctors should settle the issues once and for all. Doctors and health workers are very critical to this nation and to our economy. I believe the health sector should be adequately catered for. There should be enough funding and functional facilities on ground. Doctors on their own part should be more dedicated. They should be efficient and well-grounded to save lives. I hope the issues will be resolved promptly to forestall it from becoming a full blown strike.” Lawson lamented Another stranded patient who preferred anonymity, explained that doctors prescribed ultrasound for her at the last visit before the strike but she could not complete all the tests. The patient, who came from Amuloko area of the city, lamented the strike. She said she had spent about five hours doing other tests.

She said: “Let government answer them so they can return to work fast. Government should pity the masses. People come from far distances. No healthy person visits the hospital.”

In his own reaction, the President of the UCH Chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD),Dr Franklin Anor , said patients on admission before the commencement of the strike were being taken care of, adding that the strike was not total at they were still

•A patient on admission at Government Hospital, Akure

•Nurses on duty at deserted ward

rendering skeletal services.

According to him, the strike is not against the public, but it’s just to call the attention of the government and the public to the atrocities that are being committed in the health sector.

“Some emergency cases like accident victims are being attended to when we are called upon. We don’t know when we will be calling the strike off but whatever the Federal Government is offering, we shall consider it at our next delegates meeting and a concrete decision will be taken there. We are not trying to punish Nigerians but we are just drawing the attention of government to do the right thing.” Anor said He urged Nigerians to be patient with them, saying that their action is to save the future of the healthcare delivery in Nigeria and on the long run to save the lives of the patients themselves.

The Head of Public Relations Unit of the UCH, Mr Toye Akinrinlola, explained that the hospital embarked on emergency services for patients with critical cases. Senior doctors are called on to offer minimal service to patients with critical cases that cannot be discharged abruptly.

When asked about increasing number of deaths at the hospital since the strike started, Akinrinlola said he did not have data to confirm it.

Strike takes toll in Ondo

‘The whole place is dry and the doctors are not on seat. I am still trying to see what will become of my treatment and how my appointment can be rescheduled. I wish the government answer them on time or ensure skeletal services are arranged to attend to some patients that are hanging between life and death’ From Akure DAMISI OJO reports that patients in various hospitals across Ondo State are having a traumatic experience over the nationwide strike embarked upon by members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA)over their demands which had crippled medical services in government hospitals in the State.

Many of the hospitals visited by The Nation in Akure and few local government areas showed that many patients have been forcefully discharged from the hospitals.

According to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, patients with serious conditions had been discharged even before the commencement of the strike, in anticipation of any

eventuality.

He said the management took the decision to reduce the sufferings of the patients, stressing that those left behind are having minor cases that could be handled by nurses.

Dr Ikuomola said repeated appeals for skeletal services were rebuffed because the NMA has threatened to sanction any doctor that tries to sabotage the struggle.

He expressed optimism that the strike would not last too long before it is resolved, stressing that God has been in total control of their activities at the hospital since the strike commenced without casualties.

Activities were at the lowest ebb at the Specialist Hospital. Its premises were deserted, no medical doctors available. However, secu-

rity men at the gates were at alert watching visitor’s movement in and out of the hospital.

Nurses were at work to give assistance to few patients whose conditions warrant attention.

The congested wards of the hospital which normally enjoys heavy presence of doctors however had other health workers attending to in-patients.

The Accident and Emergency (A and E) units of the hospital, which also treats emergency cases, were also deserted.

The male ward was empty, with nurses busy sorting out pending files. In the female surgical wards, a few patients listed in minor condition were on their beds sleeping.

Senior Nurses were in the Children ward attending to them, some were even being bathed.

At the General hospital in Okitipupa, it was learnt that patients who had decided to move out left for their respective homes to rely on their medications pending the end of the strike.

Sources said nurses at the hospital were overburdened, and had advised patients to leave the hospital wards in their own interest.

At the Ikare Akoko General hospital, sources hinted that nurses were managing the few patients in the wards. They were said to be administering drugs to in-patients.

Sources said the nurses there were only attending to in-patients, and that new patients were being prevented from obtaining hospital cards for treatment.

The story was the same at Ido Ani government hospital in Ose local government area, where no doctor was available. Some patients were seen pleading with nurses to give them drugs.

It was gathered that many of the patients had been advised to return to their respective homes.

With this development, owners of private hospitals in the state are now smiling to their banks as they are now having a boom in business because of surging patients.

A patient, Mrs Doriz Okofu said the strike embarked upon by doctors would have adverse effect on the masses, stressing that many ailing persons in severe conditions had been discharged immediately.

She pleaded with the federal government to meet the demand of the doctors to rescue people from untimely deaths.

Reports from Federal Medical Centre (FMC) indicate that Residents Doctors also abandoned various wards, but Consultants and Nurses were at their duty posts attending to patients.

Its Chief Medical Director (CMD) Dr Olufemi Omotosho said the Consultants and Nurses were carrying out their normal duties as expected saying the hospital is not feeling the pulse of the strike too much.

However, a visit to the Mother and Child Hospitals both in Akure and Ondo town was a different ball game.

Consultants and Nurses were fully at work as normal medical services were being rendered to the people and patients. The Medical personnel there declined comments on the doctors’ strike.

A relative of one of the patients on admission at the State Specialists Hospital in Akure, Mr Amos Jayeoba told The Nation that they decided to remain behind in the hospital because they could not afford the huge medical bill at a private hospital in the vicinity.

According to him, “God has been helping me with the assistance of nurses around to manage the health condition of my younger brother Sunday who had a road accident a month before the strike and may be discharged this week.

He used the opportunity to plead with the federal government to respond to the demands of the striking Doctors to save human lives.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT Though his inauguration was three months behind schedule, Oba Micheal Adeniyi Sonariwo, the Akarigbo of Remoland, who mounted the saddle last week as Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, has hit the ground running.

ERNEST NWOKOLO reports

Oba Sonariwo leads Ogun Council of Obas and Chiefs A

FTER much delay and tactical postponements, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonarinwo, finally becomes the new chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas.

Oba Sonarinwo, a professional accountant from Sagamu, was formally inaugurated last July 1 into his new office by Governor Ibikunle Amosun to pilot the affairs of the state’s traditional rulers for the next one year.

He succeeds the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. The rotation of the Office of the Chairman of the state’s Council of Obas followed an extant Obas law (2004) that ensures it revolves around the four Paramount Rulers of Egba, Ijebu, Remo and Yewa.

According the Commissioner for Local government and chieftaincy affairs, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, the inauguration should have come earlier in March but the medical trip abroad undertaken within the same period by the monarch, compelled the government to differ the exercise.

The postponement, Oladipo said, soon became a huge “political issue” as fifth columnists and political gladiators desirous of making political gains out of the situation seized it as a veritable tool to wage “campaign of calumny” against the person and office of the Governor.

According to Oladipo, the Council of Obas, which the Akarigbo now leads, has continued to play a major role as custodians of the people’s culture and tradition while their mediation role has equally offered a veritable Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism (ADRM) to their subjects which consequently reduces significantly the number of court cases on chieftaincy issues.

Akarigbo’s tenure is coming at a challenging time in the state where there appears to be an emerging paradigm shift in what constitutes governance and development and even more challenging as the general elections approach.

The Royal fathers are not supposed to engage in partisan politics, as they are fathers to all, but expected to caution their subjects, particularly the youth population, against offering themselves to be used by politicians to carry out subversive activities during elections period.

Today, the thinking also in some quarters is that government’s effort that addresses the immediate needs of the citizens seemed to gain more popularity than one that is targeted at achieving clean environment, safety of lives and properties as well as infrastructural development.

Since the traditional rulers are closer to the people in their respective domains, they interface between the government and their subjects, helping to maintain peace as well as rallying the people to support government’s programmes and policies.

There are equally issues of coronet Obas in the state and over a dozen of them were installed between 2006 and 2008 but the then administration of Gbenga Daniel declared them “illegal,” yet some of the affected persons kept carrying on till date as Obas; creating challenges in their respective localities.

The Akarigbo in conjunction with other traditional rulers are expected to assist the government in finding amicable solutions to the crisis arising from such chieftaincy matters as the Council meets quarterly to deliberate on affairs concerning the state, rally the people’s support towards peace, growth and development of the state while also ensuring that the dividends of governance get to the rural folks.

However, Oba Sikiru Adetona who in his valedictory speech, noted that the Obas Council during his tenure was unrelenting in promoting Amosun’s ‘Mission to Rebuild Ogun State,’ appealed to the Governor to review their salaries and allowances given the increasing cost of living in the country.

And while inaugurating Sonariwo at the Obas Complex, Oke - Mosan, Amosun admitted that the monarchs are not to be involved in partisan politics but said they remained the best “advertisers” of government and its policy meant to benefit the people.

The Governor urged him and the rest of the Obas to prevail on their subjects, especially the youth, to steer clear of thuggery and other vices with the approach of 2015 general elections, adding his administration would soon address issues pertaining to their welfare.

He explained that he is committed to pursuing programmes that would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to residents and people of the state but not to reduce governance to sharing of rice or gari.

He urged them to help their subjects re-examine themselves and ask how come previous inducements with money, rice and gari by some politicians had not taken hunger away from many, reckoning that the problem persists because the “substance” of it has remained largely unaddressed.

In his estimation, the people of Ogun state should guard against being deceived into travelling the easy path of ephemeral gains at the expense of long term benefits by not allowing ”Amala politics” to influence their choice of leaders.

He said: “Government will come, government will go and our people

•Left-Right, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Oba Adeniyi Sonarinwo and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle after the inauguration.

‘I want to re - assure you of our unalloyed support in implementing the five - cardinal programmes. Your administration stands out among your contemporaries in Nigeria. All the monumental projects which have been and are being put in place since you assumed office are people oriented and they are highly commendable’ will begin to get poorer. We must create a system; a system that will make people that are poor today to begin to now create that wealth for themselves, to make them get out of that poverty tomorrow. That must be the way to go “Let me use this opportunity to call the attention of our Kabiyesis to the need to pursue peace and rapid development of our state particularly as the year 2015 general elections is fast approaching.

“It has become necessary for our royal fathers to admonish their subjects and the youth to avoid thuggery, before, during and after the elections.

Our people should see the electoral exercise as a peaceful process that will be used to throw up leaders in government who will in turn, provide good governance in all ramifications.

“On our part as government, we shall try our best to ensure that peace, law and order are always maintained throughout the period of the general elections and at all times. I want to place on record once again and acknowledge the huge and tremendous supports we have received from our Kabiyesis.

“And let me say once again, that we will continue to hold them in very

high esteem and we will not take your support for granted. On your welfare, it is of paramount importance to us as well. That is why we plan to start the distribution of the cars in batches of 20 to the first class Obas beginning with the Paramount rulers.

“The issues of your official cars and indeed, the review of your salaries and allowances, you will have course to be happy with us. Very soon, you will see our hands. But let me say here that there is no way we can solve all of our people’s welfare at a time.

“All issues pertaining to the welfare and other matters of our royal fathers and the good people of Ogun State, it is going to be a continuous exercise. As time goes on, you will realise and understand that all that we promised, we will continue to address them one after the other.

“Yes, we have commended you, but we still need more of your support. I am sure so many of our Kabiyesis, at one point or the other, had reasons to ask us certain specific things which they said they need in their various places.

“There is none of these your requests that we have not of course, recorded and we have planned on how we will attend to those requests.

“I remember the last time we met.

One of our Kabiyesis raised a point and said big cocks do not allow the smaller ones to crow. Let me assure you that in all that we do, we plan.

But now is the time for us to go into all the nooks and crannies of our state to begin to let you have more of our Ogun standard infrastructure.

“Don’t forget that we are just entering our fourth year in office. But let me assure you that very soon now, we will be moving round. In all our 20 local governments and all our 236 wards and indeed, in all the over 4, 000 villages that abound within the length and breadth of the state we will be going from one place to another.

“And I can assure you that by the time we get to your place, you will discover that those things that we said we are going to do are already completed.”

And responding, the Akarigbo also assured that through the instrumentality of the state’s Council of Obas, he and other paramount rulers would not only discharge their duties in traditional governance, but also perform advisory role to the government in order to sustain the state’s pervasive peace and development in the last three years.

Oba Sonariwo said:”I want to re assure you of our unalloyed support in implementing the five cardinal programmes. Your administration stands out among your contemporaries in Nigeria.

“All the monumental projects which have been and are being put in place since you assumed office are people oriented and they are highly commendable. “ Your Excellency should note that all the traditional rulers in Ogun State are solidly behind you because of your determination to make Ogun State a force to reckon with in terms of infrastructural development, improved qualitative education system, good and affordable healthcare services among others.”

Coolworld employees donate building to orphanage

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S part of the Corporate Social Responsibility, staffers of Coolworld Electrical Retail Stores have presented a building block to Lagos-based orphanage, Heritage Homes.

Under the banner of Inner Hearts, employees of the store which is a subsidiary of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc pooled resources from their salary to erect the two room structure.

The ceremony, which held at the Anthony, Lagos premises of the orphanage home was witnessed by officials and staff members of Coolworld and PZ Cussons who were warmly received by the General Manager of Heritage Homes, Mrs Olakitan Osuntokun.

Just before the cutting of the ribbon to declare the building open, Corporate Affairs/ Admin Director, PZ Cussons Nig Plc Yomi Ifaturoti, acknowledged that a need for the building had been long overdue.

“God has commanded us to look out for our neighbours and this is our own way of giving back to the society. We make this presentation on

By Nneka Nwaneri

behalf of Inner Hearts made up of staff of Cool World,” Ifaturoti said.

Also, Managing Director of the Stores Olugbenga Kolawole, said that the project which began in September last year, took about 10 months and cost N700, 000. According to him, “To task ourselves over a nine months period to continually give and establish something that would stand the test of time was a key driver for all of us. This would not be a one-off donation because we have decided to stand with Heritage Homes.”

Kolawole who commended his staff hopes that the humanitarian gesture would inspire other Nigerians. Said he: “People should stop seeing CSR as a company driven initiative but from the hearts of people. Within any household company, if the staff members come together they can achieve a lot together. At first, the project looked huge but guess what? We are here today and are proud of

what we have achieved today.”

Responding to the gesture, Mrs Osuntokun, who was moved by the act of kindness from the donors was full of praise for them.

“I feel very happy and not just myself but the whole management. When they first visited us, they realised our need and we are all witnesses of what is happening today.”

Heritage Homes, Anthony which was founded by popular Lagos Christian leader, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo now caters for over 40 children between zero to three years. However, Osuntokun says that many more support like that of members of staff of Coolworld Retail Stores would ease the burden.

Aside the cost challenge of running the home, she also made a strong appeal to Government on electricity supply.

“We have challenges with PHCN and we have gone to them to help us with the exorbitant bills and nothing has been done so far. We hope that Government would be touched by the plights of these children and do something drastic.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT Oba Adedayo Olusina Adekoya ( Erinsiba 1), Legusen of Legusenland, the traditional ruler of Ode Ule, Ogun State is a doctor, a thoroughbred herbalist and head of African traditional religion worldwide-Isese Agbaye. He told GBENGA ADERANTI that he sometimes resorts to divination to seek solution to the problems of his patients.

Confession of a medical doctor

‘I sometimes consult Ifa to solve complex medical problems’ W

HAT is your group all about?

Isese is the religion of our ancestors, the umbrella body of All African religions, beliefs, practices, norms and folklores. The African religion is Isese Agbaye, it is the origin of all other religious practices.

You said government has not been fair on issue of religion, what is this talk all about?

First of all we want fairness; it is not fair to ignore some people. Secondly, equity, whatever the data anybody bandies around we know we constitute the majority is this country. So when you concentrate attention on a section of the religion in the country and this attention is unfairly given, we feel cheated and we want fairness.

The moral issues that are troubling the country are based on religious teachings. You would not find any an Isese person after swearing with what he or she believes in telling lies. This is because you know that whatever you said will be counted against you. So, if an Isese person swears in the name of Sango, the god of thunder or in the name of Ogun the god of iron, or in the name of Amadiora and went ahead to do the wrong thing, that person will surely get punished. If we inject our indigenous religious beliefs into our national life, corruption will end in Nigeria.

In order words, to reorganise our national life and make progress, we need to inject Isese into our system.

Our foundation is Isese, we should build on it.

But Isese is Yoruba word, why Yoruba when there are other African languages?

That is the problem we are having in Africa today. We’re all speaking the same language but we seem not to recognise this. We’re speaking Huse language. Go and write Igbo language in Yoruba alphabet, you will understand it pure and simple. In Igbo language, when you say nti (ear in Igbo language) that is eti (ear in Yoruba language), when you say imi (nose) in Igbo language) that is Imun (nose in Yoruba language), onu (mouth in Igbo language) that is enu (mouth in Yoruba language), tell me, what is the difference? So the first set of words or vibrations that we believe first came in sssh.

Sssh is nobody’s language, it is language for everybody, around the world.

Do you know the meaning of Yoruba? Yoruba is actually an Arabic word, ‘Yar bawa’ that is the daughter of bawa, that was what the Fulanis were calling the people who were preventing them from colonising what we now call South West of Nigeria.

I’m not a Yoruba man as a matter of fact. I’m an Ode man. You find ugbo in Ilaje, you find ugbo in Ijebu, that is where they call Ijebu Ugbo not Ijebu Igbo as the place is popularly referred to. You find ugbo in Akwa Ibom, you find ugbo in Ibo land, we are the same people. In other words, go to any indigenous shrine in the world, you’re going to meet something that is very common, that is a stone, meteorite that came from the sky. You are also going

to find a container; Are we not the same people? We are speaking the variance of the same language, that is Huse language. That religion does not belong to Yoruba alone; it belongs to all of us. You find people in Kalabari in Nigeria, the same people you find in Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, speaking the same language, the same tradition, the same culture, are we still different people? People have migrated and they are speaking variance of the same language, based on environment they have migrated to a long time ago, that does not mean they are different people. We’re all the same people.

People would want to ask why would some people come together to review ‘dead practices’ like isese?

They are living practices. If 70 per cent of Nigerians are practising something, then, it is not dead. When you say something is dead, it means nobody is practising it. Look at the source of the two latter religions, that is the Christianity and Islamic religions they all derived from the sacrifice Abraham made and was documented in the Bible. Now Judaism derived from that.

It was in Deuteronomy they said when Abraham went into the bush or forest and he finished that sacrifice, instead of using his son as advised, he used a ram but there was a stone on which he slaughtered that ram that stone is a meteorite which is what Yoruba people call edan ara.

Islam and Christianity thrive on faith and you see the manifestation in miracles and other forms of super natural things. Do you have this in Isese?

Isese is all encompassing. I was describing to someone how priests and priestesses manifest when they are taken-over by the spirit, they predict, tell you things. If some people went ahead to package the presentation in such a way that suits their needs in a

The lingering faceoff between academic staff and management of the Lagos State University(LASU) does not seem set to end soon as the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chairman Dr Adekunle Idris has accused the Vice Chancellor and his team of not telling the truth to the state government on the situation of things at the institution. He spoke with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA against the backdrop of some allegations levelled against the teaching staff by the management.

‘ ‘We are not at

war with LASU management’

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•Oba Adekoya

‘It was while I was working for Isese people that Sese Eefun crown that was taken to Ife in 1792 was returned. The crown was taken for sanctification because 140 people died which was too much blood. They were supposed to do the sanctification for a maximum of 21 days and return the crown but I don’t know why they didn’t bring it back and since that time, Ode Ule had its crown at Obatala shrine in Ile Ife’ particular system, I think you will not say the thing did not derive from somewhere. That you modified it does not mean it did not come from a place.

Although that place that it was coming from may not be able to claim direct authority. They are all modifications of Isese and I can assure you that as an Isese person, healings happen, miracles happen.

Many Nigerian believe in Isese, yet they have failed to openly identify with it, what could have been the reason?

It is not that people don’t want to associate themselves; it is because the

mode of organisation is very different from the western mode of organisation.

In the western mode of organisation, you would want to show off, Isese is very humble, Isese is not glamorous.

You went abroad when you were young that means you’re from an aristocratic background?

Sincerely speaking and with all sense of humility, yes.

Could you tell us about your family?

I could trace my generation to 35 generations and the most recent is Kalejaiye Adeokun, he was men-

tioned in Rev Johnson’s book, ‘The History of the Yoruba People’. He was my great grandfather. He was a warrior, a trader, he was stupendously rich.

Was your father a traditional ruler?

His father was but he was not. My father was supposed to be the Alaye Ode but he refused, he now told his uncle to assume the throne.

You said you brought back your ancestors’ crown 222 years after it was taken to Ile Ife, how did you do this?

By accident, by divine design that was going on that I was a tool.

How did your crown come back?

It was while I was working for Isese people that Sese Eefun crown that was taken to Ife in 1792 was returned. The crown was taken for sanctification because 140 people died which was too much blood. They were supposed to do the sanctification for a maximum of 21 days and return the crown but I don’t know why they didn’t bring it back and since that time, Ode Ule had its crown at Obatala shrine in Ile Ife. But somehow, something started pushing me that I should go there, that is the only way I can explain it.

The Sese Efun crown that went to Ife, was the one I brought back as Oba Amero in 2005. Between 1792 and 2005, the thing was there. I didn’t know, I was just doing my own.

As the Chairman Council of Arts •Continued on page 35

HE coming of Prof Obafunwa-led administration in the university coincided with Lagos State government’s improved infrastructural development in LASU. Don’t you think this, among other things, should signpost a new era of peace in this university?

There is no doubt on the fact that the Lagos State government is spending a fortune on infrastructural development in LASU. We now have a new auditorium; faculty of management building is about starting, while the science building is almost concluded.

These, among others ongoing projects, are investments government has made and we thank them for it. However, let me say these are plans that had been on and approved in the past even before the current administration came on board.

The fact is that the university management is not providing true picture of the situation to government, and examples abound. We have seen lots of distortions and misinformation being fed to government and it is incumbent on government and the Governing Council to use other sources to gather information other than the management alone. What we are seeing on ground is very clear with respect to the position of staff unions.

The strike has dragged for some time now, and there seems to be no hope in sight yet. Why is this so?

Simple! We have an administration that does not listen otherwise we would not have had this ongoing strike action. We contend that the management is not listening to people that it’s supposed to be leading. There is no contest between the union and the administration. There is a system establishing a university and we are supposed to be working under that system, and that is the committee system. Let the vice-chancellor allow the committee system to run without manipulation as it is being currently done. The Governing Council also needs to stamp down its feet and ensure the system runs the way it ought to, and not to be misled by this administration to run the university aground.

‘There is no contest between the union and the administration.

There is a system establishing a university and we are supposed to be working under that system, and that is the committee system. Let the vice-chancellor allow the committee system to run without manipulation as it is being currently done’ Let’s talk about the school fees which have just been reviewed. The vice-chancellor said the increase was not a ‘hike’ as most people assumed, but a ‘review of the value of goods’ First, let’s make a correction here.

We are not selling goods in LASU. We are providing services which are intangible. Therefore we cannot be revaluing goods. However, if we say that hike in fees is a revaluation in services, it therefore means services available must have increased before the price of such services are increased. Anybody that is familiar with this university, and has also moved around LASU in recent times, will they admit if there is a justification of these services? ASUU-LASU says no

•Dr Idris

justification and a wrong pricing policy. In the past the vice-chancellor used to tell us that the issue of school fees is a no go area. But after much struggle, we are now hearing that government is doing something about the school fees. It simply means when people agitate for their rights, our leaders have no choice but to do what is right.

The Vice-Chancellor also claimed the current crisis in not a bilateral war between management and ASUU, as the former has continually opened itself for dialogue ASUU-LASU has not declared any war. For the record, we cannot declare a war in a system where we earn our livelihood. If you remember, we have been talking with the management since March last year and up to the point when ASUU national strike started. At a point, we brought ASUU national to meet with the management, to no avail. So to say ASUU-

LASU declared unilateral war is unfair to us.

The university management also accused ASUU of personalising the school fees issue, saying it is the concern of students and parents.

We want to take that as a commendation to ASUU. We are a union, and as the conscience of the nation, we are committed to pursuing anything that is going to be helpful to this nation. Besides, we are a pseudo parents to these students and therefore we are on the right course. What ASUU-LASU is doing here is being replicated in other universities.

ASUU-LASU will continue to champion this. As ASUU, we will not allow the university to be turn into a business school. With the recent review of school fees, you can see we are beginning to get results and we shall not rest on our oars.

But the management said ASUU through the Senate also supported

and endorsed the tuition when it was introduced two and a half years ago?

The Senate does not represent ASUU. Though it is the highest academic organ in the university, yet we cannot specifically say that that was passed in the Senate. We are yet to see the minutes of meeting of the Senate to confirm that. We have asked several senators that said it was not a Senate approval. We have also heard from one or two that said the Senate actually saw it. Regardless of whatever happened, should we say because Senate saw something, and that policy turned out (to be) bad, then we should fold our arms? ASUU will not; that policy has to be changed.

The ‘No vacancy; No promotion’ issue has been over flogged; yet the vice-chancellor said ASUU coined the term as management has always declared vacancies every year.

The truth about the ‘No vacancy, No promotion’ policy is that management says it is the coinage of ASUU. But we will show you letters. We have our members whose letters stated that ‘they have been found promotable; but that they cannot be promoted’ and some others say ‘they have been found promotable subject to vacancy’.

Imagine, somebody sent his papers overseas for APPA (pls emphasise this acronym) since 2011. The papers were found to be okay. The university conducted the interview bringing in experts from outside. After that, they were issued letters that they’ve been found promotable but cannot be promoted because there is no vacancy.

Now the question is: If there were no vacancy, why was the process put in place in the first instance? The issue is not about declaration of vacancies.

ASUU is saying that portion in the Condition of Service that is being misinterpreted to mean that our members cannot be promoted except a vacancy exists should be abrogated.

That portion is capable of being used by any mischievous vice -chancellor to stifle the growth of our members in future.

We are not concerned about what transpired within the current management but the future. Mind you, this portion has been in the Condition of Service for years but has never been used by anybody until the current administration came on board.

I’ve always heard that in the law of Nigeria, members of staff should not have more than one third of their salaries deducted particularly when they get loans from the administration.

The idea is to ensure that people have enough to spend from their salaries.

•Continued on page 35

PAC hails IGP over Ekiti polls

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HE Police Assistance Commette (PAC) has given kudos to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, members of the Police Force and other security personnel deployed in Ekiti State for their role in ensuring peaceful election during the last governorship polls held on June 21 in the state.

Speaking at a post-election security seminar/workshop held in Lagos for PAC members and other stakeholders, the Director-General of PAC, Dr. Martins Oni also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, for conducting a rancor-free elections, as well as members of PAC deployed in the state to assist security agencies with information dissemination before and during the election.

Dr. Oni expressed deep appreciation to the law enforcement agencies on the ground during the Ekiti governorship polls for their co-operation with members of PAC and its affiliate, Association of tradesmen/women and Artisans who worked under secrecy before and during the election to pass vital information to security personnel to ensure peaceful polls.

The PAC Director-General appealed to security agencies to continue to give listening hears to PAC/ATA members, as well as members of the public who might be willing to pass useful information to them in the discharge of their duties, while he also, urged Chairmen, Secretaries and PRO’s of trade associations nation-wide to always give attentive ears to their members who may want to pass information to them for on-ward dissemination to security agencies.

Dr. Oni enjoined the Police under the able leadership of the IGP, and other security agencies who might be deployed to various states during the subsequent elections not to relent in their effort in ensuring that they continue to assist INEC and other stakeholders to maintain peace and order during our subsequent elections.

•From left: Managing Partner, Ctru Concepts Nigeria, Mr. Adeleye Babatunde, presenting the best performing chairman award to Hon. Adebayo Bello Sun-Shine, Chairman, Egbe-Idimu LCDA during the 2nd Lagos State Local Government Conference and Eko Awards 2014 held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos. With them is Professor Olu Akinyanju, founder/ Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria.

•Rev Kunle Salami of the Chapel of His Glory, International, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (middle) with youths during a programme tagged: Youth Alive in Ado Ekiti.

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SOUTHWEST REPORT Oba Adedayo Olusina Adekoya ( Erinsiba 1), Legusen of Legusenland, the traditional ruler of Ode Ule, Ogun State is a doctor, a thoroughbred herbalist and head of African traditional religion worldwide-Isese Agbaye. He told GBENGA ADERANTI that he sometimes resorts to divination to seek solution to the problems of his patients.

Confession of a medical doctor

‘I sometimes consult Ifa to solve complex medical problems’ W

HAT is your group all about?

Isese is the religion of our ancestors, the umbrella body of All African religions, beliefs, practices, norms and folklores. The African religion is Isese Agbaye, it is the origin of all other religious practices.

You said government has not been fair on issue of religion, what is this talk all about?

First of all we want fairness; it is not fair to ignore some people. Secondly, equity, whatever the data anybody bandies around we know we constitute the majority is this country. So when you concentrate attention on a section of the religion in the country and this attention is unfairly given, we feel cheated and we want fairness.

The moral issues that are troubling the country are based on religious teachings. You would not find any an Isese person after swearing with what he or she believes in telling lies. This is because you know that whatever you said will be counted against you. So, if an Isese person swears in the name of Sango, the god of thunder or in the name of Ogun the god of iron, or in the name of Amadiora and went ahead to do the wrong thing, that person will surely get punished. If we inject our indigenous religious beliefs into our national life, corruption will end in Nigeria.

In order words, to reorganise our national life and make progress, we need to inject Isese into our system.

Our foundation is Isese, we should build on it.

But Isese is Yoruba word, why Yoruba when there are other African languages?

That is the problem we are having in Africa today. We’re all speaking the same language but we seem not to recognise this. We’re speaking Huse language. Go and write Igbo language in Yoruba alphabet, you will understand it pure and simple. In Igbo language, when you say nti (ear in Igbo language) that is eti (ear in Yoruba language), when you say imi (nose) in Igbo language) that is Imun (nose in Yoruba language), onu (mouth in Igbo language) that is enu (mouth in Yoruba language), tell me, what is the difference? So the first set of words or vibrations that we believe first came in sssh.

Sssh is nobody’s language, it is language for everybody, around the world.

Do you know the meaning of Yoruba? Yoruba is actually an Arabic word, ‘Yar bawa’ that is the daughter of bawa, that was what the Fulanis were calling the people who were preventing them from colonising what we now call South West of Nigeria.

I’m not a Yoruba man as a matter of fact. I’m an Ode man. You find ugbo in Ilaje, you find ugbo in Ijebu, that is where they call Ijebu Ugbo not Ijebu Igbo as the place is popularly referred to. You find ugbo in Akwa Ibom, you find ugbo in Ibo land, we are the same people. In other words, go to any indigenous shrine in the world, you’re going to meet something that is very common, that is a stone, meteorite that came from the sky. You are also going

to find a container; Are we not the same people? We are speaking the variance of the same language, that is Huse language. That religion does not belong to Yoruba alone; it belongs to all of us. You find people in Kalabari in Nigeria, the same people you find in Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, speaking the same language, the same tradition, the same culture, are we still different people? People have migrated and they are speaking variance of the same language, based on environment they have migrated to a long time ago, that does not mean they are different people. We’re all the same people.

People would want to ask why would some people come together to review ‘dead practices’ like isese?

They are living practices. If 70 per cent of Nigerians are practising something, then, it is not dead. When you say something is dead, it means nobody is practising it. Look at the source of the two latter religions, that is the Christianity and Islamic religions they all derived from the sacrifice Abraham made and was documented in the Bible. Now Judaism derived from that.

It was in Deuteronomy they said when Abraham went into the bush or forest and he finished that sacrifice, instead of using his son as advised, he used a ram but there was a stone on which he slaughtered that ram that stone is a meteorite which is what Yoruba people call edan ara.

Islam and Christianity thrive on faith and you see the manifestation in miracles and other forms of super natural things. Do you have this in Isese?

Isese is all encompassing. I was describing to someone how priests and priestesses manifest when they are taken-over by the spirit, they predict, tell you things. If some people went ahead to package the presentation in such a way that suits their needs in a

The lingering faceoff between academic staff and management of the Lagos State University(LASU) does not seem set to end soon as the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chairman Dr Adekunle Idris has accused the Vice Chancellor and his team of not telling the truth to the state government on the situation of things at the institution. He spoke with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA against the backdrop of some allegations levelled against the teaching staff by the management.

‘ ‘We are not at

war with LASU management’

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•Oba Adekoya

‘It was while I was working for Isese people that Sese Eefun crown that was taken to Ife in 1792 was returned. The crown was taken for sanctification because 140 people died which was too much blood. They were supposed to do the sanctification for a maximum of 21 days and return the crown but I don’t know why they didn’t bring it back and since that time, Ode Ule had its crown at Obatala shrine in Ile Ife’ particular system, I think you will not say the thing did not derive from somewhere. That you modified it does not mean it did not come from a place.

Although that place that it was coming from may not be able to claim direct authority. They are all modifications of Isese and I can assure you that as an Isese person, healings happen, miracles happen.

Many Nigerian believe in Isese, yet they have failed to openly identify with it, what could have been the reason?

It is not that people don’t want to associate themselves; it is because the

mode of organisation is very different from the western mode of organisation.

In the western mode of organisation, you would want to show off, Isese is very humble, Isese is not glamorous.

You went abroad when you were young that means you’re from an aristocratic background?

Sincerely speaking and with all sense of humility, yes.

Could you tell us about your family?

I could trace my generation to 35 generations and the most recent is Kalejaiye Adeokun, he was men-

tioned in Rev Johnson’s book, ‘The History of the Yoruba People’. He was my great grandfather. He was a warrior, a trader, he was stupendously rich.

Was your father a traditional ruler?

His father was but he was not. My father was supposed to be the Alaye Ode but he refused, he now told his uncle to assume the throne.

You said you brought back your ancestors’ crown 222 years after it was taken to Ile Ife, how did you do this?

By accident, by divine design that was going on that I was a tool.

How did your crown come back?

It was while I was working for Isese people that Sese Eefun crown that was taken to Ife in 1792 was returned. The crown was taken for sanctification because 140 people died which was too much blood. They were supposed to do the sanctification for a maximum of 21 days and return the crown but I don’t know why they didn’t bring it back and since that time, Ode Ule had its crown at Obatala shrine in Ile Ife. But somehow, something started pushing me that I should go there, that is the only way I can explain it.

The Sese Efun crown that went to Ife, was the one I brought back as Oba Amero in 2005. Between 1792 and 2005, the thing was there. I didn’t know, I was just doing my own.

As the Chairman Council of Arts •Continued on page 35

HE coming of Prof Obafunwa-led administration in the university coincided with Lagos State government’s improved infrastructural development in LASU. Don’t you think this, among other things, should signpost a new era of peace in this university?

There is no doubt on the fact that the Lagos State government is spending a fortune on infrastructural development in LASU. We now have a new auditorium; faculty of management building is about starting, while the science building is almost concluded.

These, among others ongoing projects, are investments government has made and we thank them for it. However, let me say these are plans that had been on and approved in the past even before the current administration came on board.

The fact is that the university management is not providing true picture of the situation to government, and examples abound. We have seen lots of distortions and misinformation being fed to government and it is incumbent on government and the Governing Council to use other sources to gather information other than the management alone. What we are seeing on ground is very clear with respect to the position of staff unions.

The strike has dragged for some time now, and there seems to be no hope in sight yet. Why is this so?

Simple! We have an administration that does not listen otherwise we would not have had this ongoing strike action. We contend that the management is not listening to people that it’s supposed to be leading. There is no contest between the union and the administration. There is a system establishing a university and we are supposed to be working under that system, and that is the committee system. Let the vice-chancellor allow the committee system to run without manipulation as it is being currently done. The Governing Council also needs to stamp down its feet and ensure the system runs the way it ought to, and not to be misled by this administration to run the university aground.

‘There is no contest between the union and the administration.

There is a system establishing a university and we are supposed to be working under that system, and that is the committee system. Let the vice-chancellor allow the committee system to run without manipulation as it is being currently done’ Let’s talk about the school fees which have just been reviewed. The vice-chancellor said the increase was not a ‘hike’ as most people assumed, but a ‘review of the value of goods’ First, let’s make a correction here.

We are not selling goods in LASU. We are providing services which are intangible. Therefore we cannot be revaluing goods. However, if we say that hike in fees is a revaluation in services, it therefore means services available must have increased before the price of such services are increased. Anybody that is familiar with this university, and has also moved around LASU in recent times, will they admit if there is a justification of these services? ASUU-LASU says no

•Dr Idris

justification and a wrong pricing policy. In the past the vice-chancellor used to tell us that the issue of school fees is a no go area. But after much struggle, we are now hearing that government is doing something about the school fees. It simply means when people agitate for their rights, our leaders have no choice but to do what is right.

The Vice-Chancellor also claimed the current crisis in not a bilateral war between management and ASUU, as the former has continually opened itself for dialogue ASUU-LASU has not declared any war. For the record, we cannot declare a war in a system where we earn our livelihood. If you remember, we have been talking with the management since March last year and up to the point when ASUU national strike started. At a point, we brought ASUU national to meet with the management, to no avail. So to say ASUU-

LASU declared unilateral war is unfair to us.

The university management also accused ASUU of personalising the school fees issue, saying it is the concern of students and parents.

We want to take that as a commendation to ASUU. We are a union, and as the conscience of the nation, we are committed to pursuing anything that is going to be helpful to this nation. Besides, we are a pseudo parents to these students and therefore we are on the right course. What ASUU-LASU is doing here is being replicated in other universities.

ASUU-LASU will continue to champion this. As ASUU, we will not allow the university to be turn into a business school. With the recent review of school fees, you can see we are beginning to get results and we shall not rest on our oars.

But the management said ASUU through the Senate also supported

and endorsed the tuition when it was introduced two and a half years ago?

The Senate does not represent ASUU. Though it is the highest academic organ in the university, yet we cannot specifically say that that was passed in the Senate. We are yet to see the minutes of meeting of the Senate to confirm that. We have asked several senators that said it was not a Senate approval. We have also heard from one or two that said the Senate actually saw it. Regardless of whatever happened, should we say because Senate saw something, and that policy turned out (to be) bad, then we should fold our arms? ASUU will not; that policy has to be changed.

The ‘No vacancy; No promotion’ issue has been over flogged; yet the vice-chancellor said ASUU coined the term as management has always declared vacancies every year.

The truth about the ‘No vacancy, No promotion’ policy is that management says it is the coinage of ASUU. But we will show you letters. We have our members whose letters stated that ‘they have been found promotable; but that they cannot be promoted’ and some others say ‘they have been found promotable subject to vacancy’.

Imagine, somebody sent his papers overseas for APPA (pls emphasise this acronym) since 2011. The papers were found to be okay. The university conducted the interview bringing in experts from outside. After that, they were issued letters that they’ve been found promotable but cannot be promoted because there is no vacancy.

Now the question is: If there were no vacancy, why was the process put in place in the first instance? The issue is not about declaration of vacancies.

ASUU is saying that portion in the Condition of Service that is being misinterpreted to mean that our members cannot be promoted except a vacancy exists should be abrogated.

That portion is capable of being used by any mischievous vice -chancellor to stifle the growth of our members in future.

We are not concerned about what transpired within the current management but the future. Mind you, this portion has been in the Condition of Service for years but has never been used by anybody until the current administration came on board.

I’ve always heard that in the law of Nigeria, members of staff should not have more than one third of their salaries deducted particularly when they get loans from the administration.

The idea is to ensure that people have enough to spend from their salaries.

•Continued on page 35

PAC hails IGP over Ekiti polls

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HE Police Assistance Commette (PAC) has given kudos to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, members of the Police Force and other security personnel deployed in Ekiti State for their role in ensuring peaceful election during the last governorship polls held on June 21 in the state.

Speaking at a post-election security seminar/workshop held in Lagos for PAC members and other stakeholders, the Director-General of PAC, Dr. Martins Oni also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, for conducting a rancor-free elections, as well as members of PAC deployed in the state to assist security agencies with information dissemination before and during the election.

Dr. Oni expressed deep appreciation to the law enforcement agencies on the ground during the Ekiti governorship polls for their co-operation with members of PAC and its affiliate, Association of tradesmen/women and Artisans who worked under secrecy before and during the election to pass vital information to security personnel to ensure peaceful polls.

The PAC Director-General appealed to security agencies to continue to give listening hears to PAC/ATA members, as well as members of the public who might be willing to pass useful information to them in the discharge of their duties, while he also, urged Chairmen, Secretaries and PRO’s of trade associations nation-wide to always give attentive ears to their members who may want to pass information to them for on-ward dissemination to security agencies.

Dr. Oni enjoined the Police under the able leadership of the IGP, and other security agencies who might be deployed to various states during the subsequent elections not to relent in their effort in ensuring that they continue to assist INEC and other stakeholders to maintain peace and order during our subsequent elections.

•From left: Managing Partner, Ctru Concepts Nigeria, Mr. Adeleye Babatunde, presenting the best performing chairman award to Hon. Adebayo Bello Sun-Shine, Chairman, Egbe-Idimu LCDA during the 2nd Lagos State Local Government Conference and Eko Awards 2014 held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos. With them is Professor Olu Akinyanju, founder/ Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation, Nigeria.

•Rev Kunle Salami of the Chapel of His Glory, International, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (middle) with youths during a programme tagged: Youth Alive in Ado Ekiti.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Four petition rights group over unpaid N6.9m

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OUR ex-employees of Tec Ventures Company, Lagos have dragged their former employer, Mr Thomas Ejimadu Chukwure before the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), over alleged N6.9 million debt owed them since 2012.

In a petition appealing for CDHR’s assistance, Messrs Sylvester Agwuibe, Eugene Emiantor, Hope Chigbo and Mrs. Augustina Chichi Nkemka pleaded with the human rights group to help them to prevail on Mr. Chukwure to pay them the amount which they alleged he is owing them as salaries.

They stated that the company which started operation in 2001 with Messrs Agwuibe, Emiantor and Mrs Nkemka (the accountant) as the pioneer staff, grew into a multi-million Naira business enterprise due to the staff commitment.

They told the CDHR that initially, their employer was treating them well, adding that it was as a result of their hard work and dedication to duty that they secured landed property for their boss at Agbara at the cost of N2.1 million and an additional N100, 000 for the agent who facilitated the purchase of the property. They also said another sum of N8 million was given to the managing director for land procurement from the company’s account.

They maintained that their employer instructed them to pay his wife who is not a staff of the company N95, 000 monthly, the house maid N6, 000 and private tutor of his children N10, 000.

They revealed that from 2008, their boss began paying their salaries at his convenience and by installment.

“Some staff had to resign but some of us who remained loyal and faithful stayed, even though he did

•Emiantor and Nkemka

By Chinaka Okoro

not pay our salaries in May, June, July and December 2012.

“In December, 2012, he told us that he was closing down the company to enable him to source for fund to revitalise the firm. He took us outside and locked the company.

That was how he cunningly terminated our appointments without due process.

“In January, 2013, we called him to know the position of things only for him to accuse us that we stole his money and liquidated his business.

“All agreements we entered into and signed concerning reward, leave allowances dividends and others he violated.

“We had worked in his company for 12 years and we have nothing to show for our dutifulness. So, we want CDHR to help us regain our rights and entitlements and defend us from our oppressor and suppressor director,” they stated.

When contacted for comment on

the issue, Mr. Chukwure said he had stated his case to the CDHR and there was nothing else he would say. He added that he would want all parties to the issue to be present to state their views.

Countering Mr. Chukwure’s claim, the Coordinator of CDHR Isheri-Oshun Unit to which the petition was directed, Comrade (Mrs.) Chinazo Ifechigha who is also the Financial Secretary of the rights group at the state level said Mr. Chukwure honoured the CDHR’s invitation once and had refused to honour subsequent invitations aimed at resolving the matter.

She urged Mr. Chukwure to appear before the rights group in order to resolve the matter so that all parties would be convinced that justice had taken its full course.

Commenting on the issue, a member of the group and a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Curriculum Theory, University of Lagos, Dr Chinedu Ifechigha, said the pitiable plight of an average Nigerian worker, especially those

•Chukwure

in the employ of private entrepreneurs, has been a source of worry to labour analysts and activists who argue that the employers are not humane enough so much so that

‘All agreements we entered into and signed concerning reward, leave allowances dividends and others he violated.

We had worked in his company for 12 years and we have nothing to show for our dutifulness. So, we want CDHR to help us regain our rights and entitlements and defend us from our oppressor and suppressor director’ they pay the employees non-living wage.

Some, he maintain, derive bestial pleasure in treating their workers in a shabby and callous manner, even as they could terminate the appointment of any of the workers in a feigned administrative restructuring.

“The average Nigerian worker lives in the present. He neither has a gladdening secured tomorrow nor could he be proud of his yesterday.

“Instead of caring for the wellbeing of the workers whose lives they have used and whose labour had become the foundation of the employer’s prosperity, they (employers) wear them out and discharge them, some with unreasonable reasons.

The employees, most times, are discharged without tangible benefits on which they will fall back on in their old age. The employers should remember that all that is of value in the society is the product of labour,” he said.

Day lawmaker ‘joined’ tailors’ union in Ibadan •Donates N1.5m sewing machines

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PPROACHING Bank bus stop at Moniya on the ever busy Ibadan-Ilorin Expressway , that fateful day, one is forced to slow down to behold the spectacle created by the gathering of some men and women clad in Ankara. Not just the regular attires, but ones designed and sown to make a statement.

These men and women readily brandished tape rules around their necks, thereby giving pointers to who they are. They are tailors- members of the Nigerian Union of Tailors (NUT) in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The occasion was one organised by their union to receive one of the lawmakers in the State House of Assembly whom they claimed has always been one of them. And true to the claim, the lawmaker, Hon. Hammed Adigun representing Akinyele State Constituency II in the House had for them, gifts worth N1.5million loaded in two large trucks.

It was initially a promise but when the trucks soon pulled into the venue of the gathering and men started offloading brand new sewing machines from the vehicles, it turned into a reality. The Nation learnt that the donation was part of an empowerment programme embarked upon

by Hon. Adigun in his constituency.

Hon. Adigun who spoke to journalists at the venue, however noted that tailors were not the only ones

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

slated to benefit from the exercise as his target were actually artisans, whom he said form the bedrock of development in the grassroots.

He could not explain why the cloth makers came first, and admitted quite helplessly that “maybe I have a special love for those who dress you up”.

He spoke further: “Today we are distributing 100 sewing machines to tailors. They are not the only beneficiaries though. They are just the first on the list. We have concluded plans to also empower other artisans- mechanics, vulcanisers, welders, okada riders, hairdressers and so on” He noted that he chose to distribute the machines through the Local Government unit of the Tailors’ union because of the need to ensure that genuine tailors got the machines.

“We are distributing the machines through the tailors association because it is important that they are given to those who actually need them, not those who would go and sell them” he said.

The chairman of the union and chief host of the event, Prince Toyin Olaoye, expressed gladness at Hon. Adigun’s kind gesture, describing it as timely and needed to alleviate poverty.

According to him, the beneficia-

•Some of the sewing machines donated by the lawmaker

ries were chosen through a painstaking process and the machines would go a long way in benefiting every member of the association.

“It is a thing of joy to receive such a donation from the lawmaker. It would go a long way to make work and life easy for tailors in the local government. Choosing the beneficiaries was not a problem at all because there is a standard procedure for such exercises in our association”

Members of the union could also not hide their excitement. Apart from the jubilation at the arrival of the machines, they expressed satisfaction at the lawmaker’s thoughtful action.

One of them who simply identified herself as Rukayat described Hon. Adigun as a special being, stating that the machines would no doubt ease the stress of their work

as tailors.

“Honourable is a very special person. For him to make the promise and fulfill his promise is a very rare character among some of the politicians we have today. I learnt he had promised the same to other artisans and I am sure he would fulfill the promise. I urge everyone to vote for him again. He should aim at the federal house, we would vote for him”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT ‘What we call spiritual is what we cannot understand, but these are physical forces that we cannot yet perceive, so because we cannot perceive them we say they are spiritual’

•Continued from page 32

and Culture (in Ogun State), the Isese people wrote to me that they wanted to be using June 12 Cultural Centre (in Abeokuta) for their meetings. I said if we call the place a cultural centre the people should have a space to do their meeting without charging them money. That was how the marriage between me and them started.

From there, we started the Nigeria Holy Land Project, whereby we now declared Nigeria Holy Land of Isese.

People now started coming on a pilgrimage here from abroad and we go to them on cultural exchange. We go abroad to teach them about our values and things like that and they too come here for their spiritual uplifting.

We have been doing that. It was while we were going on pilgrimage we went to Ife, we declared Ife the Holy City so we used the platform of Professor Wande Abimbola’s Orisa World Congress in 2011 as first pilgrimage. We were able to inject that principle into the pilgrimage to Nigeria, the holy land of Isese, Ile-Ife the holy city and some other shrines in Yorubaland where people should visit. We initially had the Isese headquarters in Brazil but we now had to move it to Nigeria because there is no sense in us saying we’re going on pilgrimage to Brazil for something that started here, so we came to the source. That was how everything fell into place and I became Oba Isese Agbaye, as well as Oba Amero Obatala. It was during one of the visits that the idea of returning Sese Efun crown struck my mind, the rest is history.

What was growing up like?

Right from the time I was a child I was told by my mother that whenever they wanted to wake me up in the morning ‘I would say don’t wake me up, the king is sleeping. Don’t you know that nobody wakes an Oba up when he is sleeping?’ that was when I was 18 months old. It was the same time I took 18 kernels of ikin ifa which I gave my uncle to keep for me.

I remember that as a child people were always coming around me, they would eat, we would play. It reached a stage and my mother said to me: ‘Look oga, you know we are teachers, we’re salary earners’. She said she was not chasing my friends away’ but I should please limit the number of people who were coming to our house. A that time I was already entering secondary school. I went to HSC but I had to retake my Advance level GCE because I was determined to read Medicine. We had no physics, chemistry and biology teachers and those were the subjects I was doing. I had to go to The Polytechnic Ibadan to retake my A level papers and from there I gained admission to the University of Ife to read Medicine. I was

This law has been there for ages until recently, our management came up to say members cannot get cooperative loans beyond one third of their salary regardless of how much they have in the cooperative. it’s like somebody just came, look for a way to create trouble within the workforce by bringing such a law into effect. This is why we are saying that portion that says promotion should be subject to opening should be expunged because it is currently being abused by the management.

We are not saying our members should be promoted every year. In the academia, there are conditions you must meet before being promoted. We have seen people that have used five or 10 years on a level before they are qualified to be promoted; and sometimes they are qualified, but yet are not promoted. In the academia, it is not easy to get promoted every three years if you don’t do things you are supposed to do, and sometimes you are not able to do

and resource persons that worked there are not paid. The LASU external system has since been wound down without thinking of proper replacement. Why is it taking so long for LASU to do the Distance Learning Programme which can be used to recoup all that LASU lost in the external system? So the current administration has done next to nothing about IGR. The one single term of five years for principal officers as contained in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2012 is one of the demands of ASUU; but it is not the prerogative of the management.

Why is it so important to ASUU? The issue of one term for principal offices is so germane to LASU. If you look at our history, we have always had crisis anytime there was a second term bid. We know this require the amendment of the LASU law, and we are simply saying the government should give an executive bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly so that this thing can be done. A similar law has already been done in LASPOTECH. It is within the purview of government. Nevertheless, if the Governing Council and the university administration are convinced, they should be able to convince gov-

ernment about the usefulness of that law as it will help stabilize universities and LASU in particular.

The second arm of the Act which now recommends 70 years retirement age for academics in professorial cadre is also important to LASU, especially with respect to the ability to attract the best hands into the system.

Most of the professors that we have now were trained using LASU money. Why would LASU use its money to train people on research, conferences and all that and when they are at the peak, you now let them go for onward employment in private universities. LASU is competing with 129 universities in Nigeria and the best brains will gravitate to where they can get the best condition of service. You know the idea is that these professors are meant to reproduce themselves by producing PhD holders. It is incumbent on the system to float programmes that will make them produce PhDs in various departments. The issue is that we had an agreement dated and signed by the Lagos State governor who is also a SAN on December 31, 2010. We also believe the issue of retirement age is under the purview of the Governing Council.

•Oba Adekoya

‘I sometimes consult Ifa to solve complex medical problems’ among the first set of medical practice managers.

After working I started Lose Clinic, I later went to Germany. I worked in the best hospitals in the Western Europe.

By the time I came back, I stayed at Ode Remo, back then the whole place was in a shambles, I felt concerned because by virtue of my training at Ife, you’re supposed to be an instrument of social change. So in the whole of this area right now, there is no place that does not have its own health centre or comprehensive health centre because I engineered a lot of things.

Some traditional rulers feel they are superior to their colleagues, this is causing serious wrangling, what can you say about this?

Ifa will tell you nobody is superior to anybody but if you are now feeling superior, you are inferior. I know where my own crown came from we don’t have to argue about that. All I know is that things change, we are at the confab now, who knows what will

come out of that? If somebody had said 50 years ago that Legushen crown would come back they would say forget about that, but things change. Look at the former Soviet Union, could anybody have said in 1960 that it would break up? No. That is why Isese says you should not think you are either superior or inferior to anybody; just be yourself and relate with your creator and do everything good to make the world a better place.

Why are you jettisoning medicine?

I’m not jettisoning medicine, I still practice. The thing is that first of all, if I was in the government practice, I would have retired by now, secondly, in the private practice, what I was doing in this area was just ‘sacrificial philanthropy’, sacrificing my time, my everything. I was supposed to start my practice in Lagos, but I just said there was no hospital in Ode, the nearest was 40 kilometres away, the General Hospital at Shagamu. I just said I had to go for it and I went for it. I came

‘We are not at war with LASU management’ •Continued from page 33

here and started it and by the time I spent 10 years here, I had seen more than 250,000 patients. I now found out that pushing myself to do all that thing was not enough that I had to make sure we create the infrastructure people would come in to use and with Isese people supporting me, I was able to do all these.

Does that mean as a traditional ruler you still attend to patients?

Yes, I still do it.

You are a traditionalist and a western medical practitioner, how do you cope?

I do both traditional and western medicine. We call it in medicine integrated medicine that is what World Health Organisation calls it. I practise both.

How effective is the traditional medicine?

Very effective.

You said it is possible to do caesarean operation using traditional method; could you explain this?

Yes I mentioned it that instead of doing a caesarean for a woman that has abnormal presentation. If you soak a ring in the necessary herbs and (make the) necessary preparation, just overnight, it is already working and you point it to the pregnancy that is the application.

We (western) educated people call it is miracle, it is not miracle, it is normal. Because we don’t understand the process does not mean it is miraculous. People don’t understand how these things work and we are not ready to investigate all those things and we want to keep telling ourselves that until we are sure of how it works we are not going to accept it, it is wrong.

Have you had any cause to consult ifa to solve medical problem?

That is what we call integrated medicine, we consult regularly and it has been very effective and efficient because most of the things we use chemical for may actually not be that the chemistry was wrong, it could be a spiritual thing. What we call spiritual is what we cannot understand, but these are physical forces that we cannot yet perceive, so because we cannot perceive them we say they are spiritual. Somebody just discovered gravity because that was the first time they discovered that there must be some forces drawing those things down, he says; ’I have discovered it,’ does it mean such things have not been existing before? It is just that we have not reached the level of identifying those things.

When there is going to be earthquake, animals that have senses would have picked the vibration and would have left. The last tsunami, it was the sick animals that were caught, all of them (healthy ones) had left the area. Some villagers around the area where tsunami had always been happening know the signs, they went underground. That we have not been able to develop censors to a particular thing does not make it spiritual, it is still physical.

them because of the standard. ASUU is simply saying follow the rule. Our members should spend a minimum of three years on a line and it could be more; but once you are able to do what you ought to do with respect to research, you should not be suppressed.

In his attempt to further curb corruption, the management said it has reduced the university’s monthly imprest from N13 million to N5 million currently The running of a university goes beyond cost reduction. Cost reduction is a good thing to do for any administration. So when the vice chancellor said he has been able to reduce imprest, we say the idea is a normal thing to be done. Aside from that, an administration is also expected to generate revenue.

We asked the current management to show us one single programme it has put in place to generate revenue since its assumption? The University Consult has never taken off. Take a trip to any institution be it public or private in Nigeria today, most of them

•Dr Idris

produce sachet and bottled water in their institution’s name, which to me, is the easiest.

LASU once had a programme called Foundation programme in Badagry.

The programme was meant for students to spend one year before they enter the university’s mainstream.

Today, that programme is gone. The pre-degree programme is also dead.

The sandwich and the MBA programs are almost gone because the lecturers

‘

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT

Happy days are around the corner for residents of Apete, a suburb of Ibadan, as the pedestrian bridge linking the area with the rest of the Oyo State capital washed away recently by flood is being restored while a permanent bridge is under construction. BISI OLADELE and OSEHEYE OKWUOFU report.

Relief underway for Apete residents as govt rebuilds bridge A

S the dust settles on the political hype ignited by the flooding of the pedestrian bridge at Apete, a suburb of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Oyo State Government Monday began rebuilding a new bridge to bring succour to residents of the area. The new bridge was billed to be fully in place by yesterday.

Residents were full of joy that they could use the route again to transport their children and wards to school, access markets, offices and others 10 days after the bridge was washed away by a heavy flood.

A resident of the area Alhaji.

Rasheed Ajisafe said: “Before the collapse of the bridge the Okada operators would collect just N30 from Ijokodo to Apete but now you will have to plead with them before they will collect N150 to pass through Ajibode road to Apete .

“And that means I will be paying N300 from Ijokodo to Apete alone everyday and how much am I making as profit from my shop. Remember also that some residents have children who attend schools and they will pay same fare for them. So, you came now imagine what the people of Apete are facing just because of the bridge since 2011. But, we are happy that something is being done by the governor to address this problem once and for all.”

The bridge, which serves as a temporary measure pending the completion of the main bridge, was washed away by a heavy flood during a downpour on June 28. The development, which irked residents of the area, triggered moves by opposition parties to exploit the situation to warm themselves into the heart of residents. They criticized the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration, saying it abandoned the residents.

But the government, which explained that it took several steps to bring succour to residents of the area by awarding contract for rebuilding of a wider, stronger and more durable bridge as well as opened up the area by reconstructing the Apete-AjibodeUI road, among others, said opposition parties were only trying to reap where they did not sow. It said apart from bequeathing dilapidation infrastructures to the current administration in 2011, no other administration in the state has addressed infrastructural decay as much as the Ajimobi administration has done.

The governor sympathised with the people over difficulties inflicted on them by destruction of the bridge and pleaded with them to exercise patience. He assured them that a new pedestrian bridge would be constructed within 10 days.

“The contractors have met with us.

We have given them target and they have been mobilized to meet the target. The temporary pedestrian bridge will be ready by this week-end, and

•Permanent Apete bridge under construction

people will be able to cross the river.

We have told our supervisors and the Ministry of Works to supervise them to ensure timely completion,’’ the governor said.

Unlike the former frail and weak structured pedestrian bridge, the new one has solid iron pillars and strong platform to facilitate easy access and secured movement of people across the river .

The Commissioner for Works, Mr Bimbo Kolade, also assured at the weekend that the bridge still under construction was strong enough to last the time the permanent bridge will be completed for use.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state also insisted in a statement that the two previous administrations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of former governors Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala, left decayed infrastructures for the current administration.

The statement signed by the party’s Chairman, Chief Akin Oke stressed that:”The inaction in building and maintenance of infrastructure by Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala left a huge burden that the APC-led government is carrying. ”Apparently, understanding of basic English language is at issue here.

Alao-Akala was able to mention only two bridges his government constructed in almost six years of being in office. Ladoja was too engrossed in the violent exchanges between his faction and that of Akala to perform meaningfully in office.

“If 26 bridges fell within less than a year of their governments, and sufficiently aware that they both lifted no finger in the sustenance of our environmental infrastructure while in office, it is only logical to conclude that

‘The government explained that it took several steps to bring succour to residents of the area by awarding contract for rebuilding of a wider, stronger and more durable bridge as well as opened up the area by reconstructing the ApeteAjibode-UI road, among others, said opposition parties were only trying to reap where they did not sow. It said apart from bequeathing dilapidation infrastructures to the current administration in 2011, no other administration in the state has addressed infrastructural decay as much as the Ajimobi administration has done’ the decay they passed over to us is in acute manifestation now.

“However, not only has the Ajimobi government almost finished the construction of the 26 bridges within two years, in spite of its dwindling earnings, it has gone ahead to change the landscape of infrastructure in the state. One of the bridges perfectly constructed is the Bodija bridge that is the delight of all. Essentially, what the APC maintains is that the two of them ran a government of backwardness and the backlog is the burden we are bearing today.

“We maintain that they should stop politicizing the Apete bridge because they were vicariously liable for its collapse in the first place,” said the party.

The governor, also in a reaction through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, said: “Flood

is among the most devastating natural disasters all over the world due to its phenomenal impact on numerous lives that are lost, destruction of property and degradation the natural environment. Noteworthy to mention is that flooding is attributed to consequences of human action. The flood disaster was occasioned by heavy downpour of 7.5 hours rainfall (187.5mm) intensity on 26th August,2011.”

Specifically on Apete bridge, the statement said: “The state government, immediately the disaster occurred, constructed a make-shift bridge for the residents and awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the damaged bridge. However, upon the serial complaints of the residents of the area, government had no other alternative but to call the contractor

to hands off it. Being a government that abides by the dictates of process and order, the re-award of the bridge contract went through due process to showcase the government as an open and transparent one.

“Construction work is now ongoing on the bridge but government has stepped up the completion of the Apete/Ajibode road which is an alternative road to the residents. Its completion is expected in December.

Another alternative route has been well paved to ease the pains of the residents.

“Government came back aftermath that devastating flood, to the drawing table. It immediately set up a panel to look into the overt and covert causes of the flood, with a view to recommending appropriate solutions. That panel came out with the list of a total of about 2500 houses which it recommended for demolition. But after a critical look by government, being a humane one, the number was reviewed downwards, with the belief that massive dredging of rivers and streams, as well as construction of bridges across the state would ameliorate the situation.

This we did and we thank God that the result is what we have now – a great reduction in the destructive powers of the flood.

“Government also engaged in massive sensitization measures, especially with the residents and stakeholders of flood-prone areas on oneon-one basis, as well as on the radio and television.

Part of the pro-active measures government took was to work in partnership with the World Bank.

“Because the task of reconstructing these bridges is so massive and is beyond the state government alone, immediately after the last year flood, the governor met with officials of the World Bank and did a presentation on the case of Ibadan flood disaster, upon which the Bank sent its representatives to the state for an assessment. The report has culminated in the Bank, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Finance, agreeing in principle to grant the state government emergency relief. Only recently, the World Bank approved the sum of $200 million for the construction of some bridges and roads damaged during the flood.

Part of the fund is to channelize the 30km Ona River and complete the Upper Ogunpa River, along with helping to solve the state waste management challenges, from storage, collection, transportation to disposal sites, so as to turn them into sanitary landfills and to eventually begin a waste-to-wealth programme. An absence of these efforts has often been a major cause of flood disasters,” government said.

Another part of the government’s efforts at ensuring that the flood disaster of last year does not reoccur was to also partner with the World Bank on the Eleyele Dam. “The report, which came out after this partnership, discovered that the Eleyele dam had not been silted in its 47 years of existence.

Immediately after the 2011 flood, Governor Ajimobi had to urgently rush to the World Bank office in Abuja, as a result of the predicted heavy rainfall. He further made a presentation to World Bank officials in Washington through teleconferencing in Abuja to show the emergency nature of the Eleyele Dam. This led to the palliative measures taken by the state government in the reconstruction of Eleyele Dam’s broken slabs. Perhaps, if this had not been done today, the flooding situation would have been more chaotic.

“Even though flooding is a natural occurrence, the Oyo government has done every humanly possible thing to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of flood disaster in the state. It is however not resting on its oars.” The statement added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

37

EQUITIES WATCH

This is a momentous period for Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, both in Nigeria and globally. From the landmark global merger that would consolidate Lafarge’s global leadership in cement and building materials to the consolidation of Lafarge’s operations in Nigeria and South Africa to create Lafarge Africa Plc as a continental leader, Lafarge Cement Wapco’s fundamentals and operations appeared on a formidable structure. As shareholders of Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria meet today at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO reports on the key considerations that will dominate the meeting ing of Nigeria’s indigenous knowhow and capacity.

“We will make a lot of new investments in the next few years,” Roux said.

He said that contrary to recent speculations about presence of lowgrade cement products in Nigeria,, there could be no low-grade cement in the country as Nigeria has the most modern cement industry in Africa.

The rising profile of Lafarge Wapco

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ODAY’s annual general meeting is important to Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc and also its shareholders. With 175 per cent increase in dividend payout and sustained growths in key fundamentals over the periods, the mood for the meeting, for speculative and short-term investors, could be dictated by the growing earnings and returns of the cement company. But for most of the shareholders, the long-term investors that have traversed the decades with Nigeria’s oldest cement company, the main considerations would be the emerging opportunities in the continental and global consolidations being spearheaded by Lafarge.

Lafarge Wapco had grown net earnings by 92 per cent in 2013, prompting the board of directors of the cement company to increase dividend payout by 175 per cent.

The board of directors had recommended increase in dividend per share to N3.30 for the 2013 business year as against N1.20 paid for the previous year. This underlined continuous growth for investors who had received dividend per share of 75 kobo for the 2011 business year.

Fundamentals of the business Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Lafarge Wapco for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that profit after tax grew by 92 per cent to N28.2 billion in 2013 as against N14.7 billion recorded in 2012. Profit before tax grew by 30 per cent from N21.3 billion to N27.7 billion. Turnover increased by 12 per cent to N98.8 billion as against N87.9 billion in 2012.

The company witnessed significant reduction in interest expenses N5.5 billion to N3.8 billion as a result of the reduction in interest charges due to the full repayment of the Naira syndicated bank loans. Consequently, basic earnings per share grew from N4.90 to N9.42; an increase of 92 per cent.

Lafarge Wapco’s new ready-mix concrete business contributed N1.6 billion to the total turnover of N98.8 billion. The company not only focused on increasing its turnover but has ensured that its operational costs are curtailed without compromising on service to its customers. The strong operational performance and efficient working capital management resulted in an increase in cash holdings of N11.5 billion. With the company being in a more cash positive position, it was able to reduce its debt by 42 per cent, paying off its variable rate medium term syndicated Naira and foreign currency loans ahead of tenor. Accordingly, Lafarge Wapco’s debt position closed 2013 at N21.5 billion comprising a fixed rate corporate bond and a power intervention fund loan. The debtto-equity ratio halved to 23 per cent in 2013 as against 55 per cent in 2012.

Already, emerging results showed positive outlook for the current business year. Lafarge Wapco recorded significant growths in sales and profit in the first quarter of this year as pre-tax profit totaled N8.62 billion in three months.

Interim report and accounts of

Lafarge Wapco for the three-month ended March 31, 2014 showed that sales rose by 16 per cent while pre and post tax profits grew by 20 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.

The report showed that turnover rose to N27.03 billion in first quarter of 2014 as against N23.24 billion recorded in comparable period of 2013. Profit before tax increased from N7.20 billion to N8.62 billion.

Profit after tax also rose from N6.07 billion to N8.15 billion. Earnings per share grew by 34 per cent from N2.02 to N2.71.

The company indicated that net finance cost reduced from N980 million to N760 million due to lower interest charges following the full repayment of the Naira syndicated bank loans. Investment income simultaneously grew by N160 million to N260 million.

Managing director, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Joe Hudson, said the good performance in the first quarter was a reflection of the increasing demand for the company’s quality products and an outcome of the implementation of various volume and cost improvement strategies.

“We are especially pleased that the new line in Ewekoro continues to gain momentum and remain very optimistic about the rest of the year despite the challenging operating environment,” Hudson said.

Chief financial officer, Anders Kristiansson, noted that the company further strengthened its financial position during the quarter as it remains committed to delivering value to shareholders and other stakeholders in 2014.

Chairman, board of directors, Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye said the latest earnings reports showed steady growth and demonstrated the strength of the company in delivering value to shareholders and to other stakeholders.

Consolidating the leadership Besides the earnings and returns, shareholders would focus on emerging opportunities from the new Lafarge as they vote on a proposal to merge Lafarge Wapco with other Lafarge’s business in South Africa. Already, Lafarge Wapco has been the toast of investors since its parent company, Lafarge Group, announced plan to merge its businesses in Nigeria and South Africa to create a new company to be known as Lafarge Africa Plc. The consolidation of the South Africa and Nigeria’s businesses will be done through Lafarge Wapco, which will subsequently be renamed Lafarge Africa while sustaining its listing on the NSE. Under the

Global leader

•MD, Lafarge Wapco, Joe Hudson

proposed terms, Lafarge Group will transfer its direct and indirect shareholdings in Lafarge South Africa Holding Limited of 72.4 per cent and its equity stakes in three other cement companies in NigeriaUnited Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, 35 per cent; Ashaka Cement Plc, 58.61 per cent and Atlas Cement Company Limited, 100 per cent; to Lafarge Wapco. The transaction is valued at $1.35 billion while the market value is over $3 billion.

The transaction will be concluded through a cash consideration of $200 million and the issuance of about 1.40 billion ordinary shares of Lafarge Africa to Lafarge Group. The transaction is expected to be concluded before the end of this year, subject shareholders’ approvals and regulatory and other customary authorizations. Also, Lafarge Wapco plans to raise some N100 billion in new capital, through debt or equity through the Nigerian and global capital markets.

There are indications that shareholders would approve all the resolutions on the agenda including the consolidation and new capital issue.

Ahead of the meeting, most shareholders’ groups have voiced supports for the consolidation and new capital issue as they commended the performance of the company.

Lafarge has outlined the key benefits of the consolidation. Osunkeye said that the new company will create the platform for strong growth as the transaction allows the company to consolidate its Nigerian operation with that of South Africa.

“I am proud to be part of the creation of this leading African building materials platform. It will provide access to growth in two of the largest economies on the continent.

It will mean that our shareholders are invested in a larger and more geographically diverse business; and it will contribute significantly to the economic growth of both our nations,” Osunkeye said.

Lafarge executive Vice President and country chief executive officer, Nigeria and Benin Republic, Guillaume Roux said the new plat-

•Chairman, Lafarge Wapco, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye

form would strongly position to benefit the two countries and Africa as the company cement capacity currently at 5.5 million metric tonnes will increase to 12 million tones.

He said the strong operational track record and management skills within the combined businesses as well as continued support and expertise from Lafarge group would position Lafarge Africa to offer a full range of value added solutions to meet customers’ needs.

“Today’s announcement marks a key milestone. It adds momentum to our push for differentiation in order to deliver innovation that increases and improves our product portfolio. Our objective is to bring more housing and even better solution to contribute to building better cities that are more beautiful, more compact, more connected and more durable,” Roux said.

Roux had earlier outlined plan double Lafarge’s production capacity in Nigeria as part of a new expansion programme that would see additional investments by the foreign majority shareholders in its Nigerian subsidiaries.

Roux, who noted that Lafarge had recently increased its capacity from 3.0 million metric tonnes to 8.0 million metric tonnes, said the group would be making new investments in the next few years to double its capacity and strengthen its position as a leader in the Nigerian cement industry.

He pointed out the historic importance of Lafarge Wapco as the oldest cement company in Nigeria and the operational spread of the group’s business from the south to the north adding that the expansions will also be across the regions.

He underscored the importance of Nigerian market to the Lafarge global operations noting that the group has continuously demonstrated its commitments to the longterm development of its business and the Nigerian economy by sustained investments, development of new innovative solutions and build-

‘Besides the earnings and returns, shareholders would focus on emerging opportunities from the new Lafarge as they vote on a proposal to merge Lafarge Wapco with other Lafarge’s business in South Africa’

Today’s meeting also comes as Lafarge and Holcim of Switzerland take further steps to create a company with more than $40 billion in sales in Europe’s largest deal this year. Both companies on Monday proposed a multi-billion euro series of asset sales as they seek regulatory approval for their merger to create the world’s biggest cement maker.

Chief executive officer, Holcim, Bernard Fontana said the companies planned to officially apply for approval from EU competition regulators this summer. The tie-up is expected to be completed in the first half of 2015. Both Lafarge and Holcim have repeatedly said their merger, which would create a group with global headquarters in Zurich, would not entail any plant closures or industrial job cuts.

Re-pricing the stock While the emergent Lafarge Africa would be the sixth largest company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the NSE on April 22, 2014 admitted Lafarge Wapco to the special pricing model for the highly capitalised stocks. With this, investors with 10,000 shares of Lafarge Wapco can move the price of the stock as against the 50,000 shares generally required for other stocks.

Lafarge Wapco has been trading above N100 in recent period. Lafarge Wapco’s share price closed on Monday at N111 per share.

Justifying the inclusion of Lafarge Wapco, head, market surveillance, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Abimbola Babalola said a review of trading activities of the company in the last six months showed that the company met the criteria set by the Exchange.

According to him, the Exchange commenced the pilot programme for the “Group B” stocks with nine stocks including Dangote Cement, Guinness Plc, Nestle Plc, Nigerian Breweries, SIM Capital Fund, Skye Shelter Fund, Nigerian Energy Sector Fund (NESF) and Total Plc. “The Programme became permanent in 2013 and the nine initial pilot stocks remained. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc will become the 10th stock on the programme. We have observed that the prices of these high priced stocks have been rather stable with none falling below the N100 mark which is currently the benchmark,” Babalola said.

Generally, the building and construction industry still holds immense potential. The largest country in Africa, with some 170 million population, Nigeria is in critical need of development of infrastructure and this has continued to grow year-on-year. With steady Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth, the outlook for the construction industry remains bright as it is generally accepted that the level of GDP per capita positively correlates with the level of construction activity. Investors in Lafarge Wapco would particularly look out for the growth trend that suggests improved benefits from the recent strategic investments.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

38

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION

‘Proper project management key to accessing pension funds’ T

HERE is a need for African governments to address the critical challenge facing the continent in managing projects financing and funding if they have to access pension funds to accelerate the implementation of critical high-impact infrastructure projects.

The Acting Director-General, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu stated these at the just-concluded World Pension Summit, Africa Special in Abuja. It had as theme, “Shaping the Future.’’

She, however, noted that given the size of pension fund assets in Nigeria and across Africa, there are real opportunities for policymakers to collaborate with pension professionals so as to effectively leverage these assets for sustainable progress.

She said in Nigeria, the rate of growth of pension assets in relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has continued to rise from 1.47 per cent in 2006 to 9.57 per cent last year.

According to her, the success of the contributory pension scheme has triggered an exponential growth in the pension funds and size of assets under management across the globe.

She stated that the value of pension assets has grown from 1.47 per

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• President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by Mrs Anohu-Amazu and Steve Oronsaye at the event.

By Nduka Chiejina and Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

cent in 2006 to 9.57 per cent in 2013 of the national GDP. She added that as the population

of retirement income provided by private pensions continues to grow, the regulatory framework designed to protect those funds becomes even more crucial.

Edo set to announce PFAs for contributory pension

HE process for appointing Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) that will manage the pensions of Edo State pensioners is ongoing, The Nation has learnt.

Public Relations Officer to the State Head of Service, Sam Okpeaye, who made this known, said the PFAs will set the pace for the commencement of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the state.

He said plans to implement the contributory pension scheme in the state civil service were concluded last year by the Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole adding that the successful PFAs would soon be announced.

He explained that compilation of

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L

adequate data of pensioners was part of the reasons for delay in implementing the new pension scheme.

He said efforts are also being made to pay arrears owed pensioners before the present government.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) had said that states in the federation have continued to make progress in implementing the CPS. PenCom said that as at first quarter of 2013, 21 state governments have enacted their pension laws, 14 states were at the bill stages, while one state was yet to commence the process of implementing the CPS. Specifically, the eight states that

are in full compliance having enacted their pension law and commenced contributions are Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Osun, Niger and Zamfara.

The 13 states that are in partial compliance having enacted their pension law but yet to start contributions are Edo, Kogi, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Kebbi, Taraba, Imo, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Akwa-Ibom, and Nasarawa.

The remaining 14 states in the process of enacting their pension law are Anambra, Enugu, Gombe, Ondo, Abia, Plateau, Bauchi, Katsina, Benue, Borno, Yobe, Cross River, Kwara and Ebonyi.

Only Adamawa State out of the 36 is yet to take any step to implement the CPS.

noncompliant institutions and individuals.

“Moral suasion yielded little results hence it is expected that when the new pension law is fully applied, majority of the country’s working population in the public or private sector or even artisans would be covered by the scheme.

“The Pension Reform Act among other things, enhances the enforcement responsibilities of the regulatory institution, National Pension Commission (PenCom).”

Ideva said it will also ensure further airtight protection of pension funds and unpacks guidelines and possibilities of creatively and professionally applying pension funds for national development.

With the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, 2014, the pension industry in Nigeria is the sub sector to watch in the course of national development in the coming years. The industry is already well positioned to assert its centrality to social and economic development, he added.

AGOS State Government has engaged its workers, who will retire from the state public service between July and December, this year to prepare them for retirement.

The workers were sensitised on the procedures for processing their end of service benefits; how to monitor and ensure that their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) are up to date with payment of the statutory monthly contributions.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Rotimi Hussain, made this known at the sixth pre-retirement seminar for workers in Lagos.

He noted that it is also important for the retiring workers to understand the two exit options of ‘programmed withdrawal’ provided by the pension fund administrators (PFAs) and the ‘Annuity for life’ provided by the insurance companies as provided by the Lagos state pension reform law 2007.

He said: “The pre-retirement seminar is aimed at assisting you to adequately understand how to access your retirement benefits without stress, thus preparing you for your physical, emotional, and financial well-being in retirement.

“It is also programmed to afford you the benefit of being in a better position and frame of mind to build a comfortable and rewarding life in retirement, by properly weighing your benefit withdrawal options.

“You will also have the privilege of other very important topics such as, ‘Living healthy in retirement’ and ‘Making good investment decisions”.

Hussein acknowledged the commitment of the state’s approved pension

department is divided into three, namely customer loyalty, research and development and strategic performance units.

She said the organisation has since spearheaded the implementation of the strategy for the successful realisation of the new charge.

She said: “The new roadmap is all encompassing. It is designed to create more market for the company, improve customer relationship, increase the company’s premium level

and improve the visibility of the company.

“The management of the organisation has packaged special programmes specifically for our external partners. These programmes will include local and international seminar/lectures, monthly customer loyalty team visits to all our existing and potential customers.’’

She noted that the objective requires an urgent strategic roadmap

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

‘New Pension Reform Act’ll boost economy’

HE new Pension Reform Act, 2014 will further concretise the statutory foundation of the pension industry and position it for the attainment of greater heights, the Managing Director, Premium Pension Limited Wilson Ideva has said.

Ideva who spoke to The Nation in Lagos, commended the Federal Government on the signing into law of the Pension Reform Bill, 2014.

According to him, the industry is set to witness unimaginable growth that has never been seen in any sector of the Nigerian economy.

The new pension law repeals the Pension Reform Act, No.2, 2004, which has been in operation for the past ten years.

He added that the Nigeria’s CPS has recorded tremendous success in its first decade of operation enlisting 6.4 million Nigerian workers and raking in about N4.3 trillion as funds under management.

He said: “It is widely believed that the growth in the industry would have even been more expansive if the previous law allowed the application of very stringent measures on

She said the theme of the summit thus underscores the imperative of institutionalising a risk-based approach to the supervision and control of pension markets across the

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continent.

She said: “The risk-based approach focuses on the identification of potential risks faced by pension funds and strengthens mechanisms that are in place to attenuate those risks, which ultimately allows the regulatory agencies to channel their resources towards issues that pose the greatest threat to the stability of the industry.

“Infrastructure development remains a key driver and a critical enabler of sustainable growth in Africa and the current favourable economic landsape on the continent provides a unique opportunity for the public and private sectors to collectively address the infrastructure gaps.

“Focusing on Africa’s infrastructure challenges will indeed help in creating the economic pre-conditions needed for longer-term growth as well as to foster poverty alleviation. However, disruptive market, demographic, fiscal, and environmental dynamics are fundamentally reshaping Africa’s economic landscape. In this new reality, national governments must think of infrastructure, not in general but in the specific, understanding the ways in which different infrastructure sectors such as transportation, energy and water are governed, financed and sustainably delivered.”

LASPEC sensitises workers on retirement fund administrators (PFAs) and insurance companies for their support and regular sponsorship of the seminar since commencement some years back.

He noted that the state government through the LASPEC organized the second and concluding tranche of the 11th Retirement Bond Certificate presentations precisely last week.

“Consistent with her policy of ensuring that retirees get their retirement benefits as at when due without the stress usually associated with the old PAY-As-You-Go scheme, a total number of 791 retirees drawn from the ministries, departments and agencies of the state government as well as local government areas, teachers establishments and pensions office (TEPO) and state universal basic education board (SUBEB) were paid N3.5 billion being their accrued rights for past service to the state prior to the commencement of the contributory pension scheme in April, 2007.

“As at the 11th batch of our retirement bond presentation ceremony, a total of 4,990 retirees of the Lagos state public service have so far been paid the sum of N26, 216,496,307.69k from inception of the scheme.

Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation strategises for growth

IGERIA Reinsurance Corporation has adpoted a new strategy aimed at reclaiming and sustaining its leadership in the reinsurance market.

The Managing Director of the company, Lady Isioma Chukwuma made this known to reporters in Lagos.

She disclosed that the execution of the new strategies has begun with the creation of a new department called critical operations, noting the

for projecting the new possibilities in the reinsurance market, and that this need formed the reason the board of the company embarked on a week’s retreat where the new roadmap was rolled out.

The retreat, she said is tagged, “Strategic roadmap for Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation” and has a time frame of 10 years starting from 2014 to 2024 and would be reviewed every five years for improvement where necessary.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Demand for indigenous dishes is soaring in Europe and the United States. As a result, export of food items have grown phenomenally to become the single largest category in world agricultural trade, and by extension, creating opportunities for more Nigerians to make money. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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Making money from foodstuffs export

HESE are boom times for Nigerians involved in export of local foods. What started as a humble cottage industry has undergone a significant transformation with a lot of entrepreneurs finding success in exporting food items to Europe and United States.

One of them is the Chief Executive Officer, The Thy Consulting, Ismail AbdulAzeez.

The initiative has resulted in huge business in terms of export sales and income for the company.

He told The Nation that the demand for traditional dishes has risen with increasing number of Nigerians leaving the country in search of greener pastures in Europe and the United States. While there, such people like to stay connected with “home” by way of eating local dishes. As a result, they create a market for fresh and refrigerated local food items, thereby helping small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products.

Foodstuffs in demand include fish, gari, beans flour, melon seed, Ogbono, crayfish,cassava flour, bitter leaf, pounded yam flour, vegetables and pepper. It also covers processed fruits and vegetables, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Food stuffs exports is believed to be in excess of N100 million yearly, yet there is plenty of room for it to grow.

Abudulazeez said with N100,000 an intending exporter can start the business and turnover the money many times within a year.

AbdulAzeez said the opportunities to export food items are great.According to him, food stuffs exports have demonstrated huge potential in sales abroad and represent an opportunity to reduce poverty through income genera-

tion among small entrepreneurs.

Having broken into the markets and built a lot of contacts, AbdulAzeez is encouraging more Nigerians to participate in the business.

As these exports increase, the small businesses would create jobs and improve the strength and stability of the agricultural economy.

He offers programmess and services that help boost agricultural exports.

He said there are opportunities to export food produce to Europe, following the increasing number of Nigerians and other Africans relocating in search of greener pastures. The marketing strategy is sending the food stuffs through using friends and relatives in United Kingdom.

For him, value added food exports are rated high and attract much profits.

To export, price plays a factor, but to successfully develop a market requires marketing and promoting, such items through export groups targeting Africans.

Many large supermarkets and hypermarkets now have their own purchasing agents who specialise in buying food items for African consumers. These buyers source food items directly from small farmers and producers.

The buyers then consolidate small orders from multiple vendors into refrigerated containers for export to various points in the United States and Europe.

The landscape for small entrepreneurs’ participation is changing.

But the most important concern among consumers is food safety compliance with environmental and ethical standards.

New entrants can break into key markets through increasing contacts with extensive networks around the world. This allows for

•Crayfish for export

timely export order information.

Exporters must be careful of produce packing, branding and and currency variables, he said.

For exporters like him, the relationship between Naira and the major currencies is an important part of a small business exporter’s strategy. A highly valued U.S. dollar means more money for Nigerians sending food items abroad.

The other issue is that there are important differences to consider in methods of payment in international trade. Exporters need to consider payment options carefully and consider asking for cash in advance, partial payments or control the consignment with the use of a documentary collection or letter of

•AbdulAzeez

How poultry farming eradicates poverty While many young people dream of getting well-paid jobs, some are going into poultry farming to make a living. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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GBO Ejike Henry is a graduate of Animal Science and Fisheries, Ebonyi State University. He was jobless after the National youth service. Ebonyi State Government called for intensive three months training in Agriculture at Soghai Agricultural Institute in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin. He sat for the competitive exam and passed. He was among the selected 25 out of 300.

After the training, he benefited from the state government’s loan and was given N2,700,000 to establish his farming business.

He set up a poultry house (pen) for N1,400,000 in August 2009. Today, he has a lot of chickens. He sells eggs and breeds broilers, which he sells to fast food and hotel operators. He bags the poultry droppings and sells them to the crop farmers as manure.

Henry said:“So, I make my money from the eggs and chickens, cassava root tuber and the poultry droppings as manure.”

He is proud that he is an employer. At Henjyk Majestic Farms Nig Limited, he is into poultry production (layers and broilers), cassava farming production, processing and packaging. Through all these, his company has employed some permanent workers.

His company is in partnership with Ebony State Fadama (111)

project to train people who has interest in agribusiness and help investors to establish their farms.

He appealed to young people to approach farming as a business.

This is because employment is not available. He believes that youths can create their own employment regardless of their level of education.

The ripple effect of small and medium sized entrepreneurs, such as Ugbo has made the difference.

He goes to the grassroots and help people, teaching them how to do business.

Mr Stephen Oladipupo launched the poultry business after quitting his job as a marine engineer on a vessel. Now, he manages his own poultry operation and has more

than 500 birds.

Adeleke Theophilus Ayodeji is a 24-year farmer. He hails from Ibadan, Oyo State. He is ambitious and with strong determination to feed the nation and prove to the world that agriculture is the key to ending poverty, unemployment and food insecurity.

An animal scientist, he was a participant of the Meet The Executive Business Plan Competition sponsored by Sterling Bank where he presented agriculture as a viable option for wealth creation.

He served as an attendant and Supervisor of Animal Production Venture, University of Ibadan.

He said Anchor Farms is an integrated agricultural venture.

It has a poultry section (egg pro-

‘He appealed to young people to approach farming as a business. This is because employment is not available.

He believes that youths can create their own employment regardless of their level of education’

duction) with about 2,300 capacity.

He supplies chickens. The results are not only a sustainable business, but one that encourages other youths to take up poultry business.

He sees Nigeria as a nation of entrepreneurs and with an environment that ensures long-term results. With a greater margin of income, he and others can provide a safety net taking his resources to provide employment, food, clothing, and assistance to those in need.

Miss Amoo Anifat Olawumi is an IT graduate. She was running a poultry business with her mum before she gained admission to a university.

She is so convinced about her future in poultry business that she quitting her job to open a big poultry business.

Compared to growing crops, chickens represent a more dependable source of income for her .

Thousands of similar stories have been playing out across the country in recent years thanks to the growth of the poultry industry.

Being in the company of her mum helped her to refine her thinking and learn from her ' successes and challenges. As part of the training, she developed a business plan for a poultry enterprise.

credit to minimise risk. Since food and agricultural exports travel much further than domestic shipments, they may be exposed to rigours of additional handling, temperature variables and other weather-related elements.

They may also travel in an “Intermodal” fashion, which means by one or more trucks, vessels, aircrafts or trains, between origin and destination.

The exporter needs to be aware of the differences in customs procedures in countries across continents. The way to understand these procedures is attending a training on food export.

According to him, timely and professionally prepared documentation is one of the keys to success in the export business.

Association to establish micro-credit bank

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RESIDENT, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr Femi Egbesola has said his association is establishing a micro-credit bank to enable it raise funds for its members and other entrepreneurs.

This becomes necessary since commercial banks were not extending much support to the sector. He noted that the sector has been hit by inadequate funds and high interest rate, which is as high as 25 per cent, adding that financial institutions have become reluctant to meet the funding needs of the Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) segment, thus making it difficult to source capital for expansion.

Access to capital, he noted, has remained one of the major challenges hampering businesses, hoping the banks would help alleviate some of these challenges.

He said the association was ready to empower entrepreneurs who had persistently complained of capital and high interest rates.

For him, if the country must develop, it has to be done by local business entrepreneurs, reasoning that it was time to empower Nigerians.

Egbesola said ASBON will not relent in working with the government to empower the private sector, which is the engine of growth in any society, adding that empowering the private sector is about the people, the businesses, the economy and the country.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

40

BUSINESS

Manufacturing weighed down SABMiller to sell Tsogo Sun stake S industrial production

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ERMAN industrial production saw its biggest drop in two years in May, weighed down by sharp falls in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Industrial production fell 1.8 per cent in May from April, according to the country’s statistics agency Destatis.

The fall was a surprise, with the majority of economists expecting industrial output to be unchanged.

Destatis also cut April’s industrial production figure slightly to -0.3%.

Germany’s statistics agency blamed the timing of May bank holidays and weakness in the construction sector for the fall, but said “geopolitical factors” may also have had an effect.

German think tank Ifo said it thought both the Ukraine crisis and the impact on oil prices by the insurgency in Iraq were factors concerning German businesses.

Dekabank economist Andreas Scheuerle said May’s fall was a “massive disappointment”.

“Even if some of this is down to missing days at work... and might be recovered later, there was simply not the momentum in the second quarter,” he added.

In the first quarter, Germany’s economy grew by 0.8 per cent but it is expected to see a slowdown in the second quarter.

ABMiller owns a number of beer brands, including Peroni Global brewing giant SABMiller has announced plans to sell its stake in a leading African hotel chain.

The beer and drinks maker owns nearly 40 per cent of Tsogo Sun, which also operates casinos, but now says: “Gaming and hotels are not core to our operations.”

It means its stake of more than 300 million shares, worth some $1bn (£580m), will be on offer in late July.

However, a special placement has been made for Tsogo Sun to buy back nearly half of these shares for $260million.

The second phase of the sale will see shares offered to institutional investors.

SABMiller Chief Executive Alan Clarke said the company planned to “reinvest the proceeds in our core growth businesses, including our African operations”.

The company is the second-largest beer maker in the world, selling about 21 billion litres of lager world-

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•From left: Managing Director, Shortlists Nigeria, Tayo Leigh; Chairman, Phillips Consulting, Folusho Phillips; Associate Partner, Learning and Development Ayim Paul and Associate Partner, Governance & Finance, Wole Ogundare, at the launch of Shortlist, an online self-service candidate sourcing database, in Lagos.

Eurotunnel train stopped in Channel Tunnel by power fault

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POWER fault has stopped a Eurotunnel train in the Channel Tunnel, causing hundreds of passengers to be evacuated from the train and causing long delays.

The 06:20 BST train from Folkestone, carrying 382 people, stopped about a quarter of the way to France.

Eurotunnel said the train was being moved but long delays and queues were expected all day.

The delays could affect the Tour de France, with teams travelling to France after Monday’s stage ending in London.

Eurotunnel, which carries passengers in vehicles on board trains between Folkestone and Coquelles, said it expected the problem to be fixed by the end of the day and that services should run normally on Tuesday.

Richard Westcott says big queues are forming as passengers wait at St Pancras. There are also delays on

Eurostar passenger services, with delays and cancellations on trains between London St Pancras and Paris and Brussels.

Eurotunnel said a fault with the overhead power lines in the tunnel caused the problem.

The driver brought the train to a stop and passengers were evacuated into the middle service tunnel, which runs between the two main tunnels and is designed to allow people to escape from halted trains.

A train was brought from France along the other main tunnel and parked alongside the stopped train to allow passengers to board it and be carried to France without their cars.

Richard Byrom, passenger: “We were evacuated into the service tunnels” Passenger Richard Byrom, from Maidstone, told BBC Radio Kent: “All of a sudden I heard this crashing noise, it didn’t sound like the train itself had crashed but what

became evident later on was that the power cables had got entangled or come down.

“For about 20 minutes the train just stopped and we didn’t know what had happened.

“Eventually they said they are going to take us off the train because they couldn’t move our train because it was trapped by the power cables or something like that.”

He said the passengers had to wait in the service tunnel for about half an hour before boarding the train that took them to France and he had been stuck for about four hours in total. He said they were given an evacuation pack of a pen, notepad, playing cards, torch, fan, water and wet wipes.

Another passenger, Brian Tait from Dover, said he was still waiting for his car in Calais at 12:45 about six hours after the train came to a halt.

Heathrow issues must-be-charged gadget advice

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EATHROW Airport has told passengers to ensure all electronic devices carried as hand baggage are charged before travel if they are flying to the United States (US).

It posted details of the new rule on its website and Facebook page.

The move follows a request from the US that “certain overseas airports” implement enhanced security measures.

The UK government has also revised its rules to state that if a “device doesn’t switch on, you won’t be allowed to bring it on to the aircraft”.

Affected passengers have been told they may also have to undergo extra screening measures.

British Airways has said that its customers face being made to rebook if they are found in possession of an uncharged device. The Department for Transport declined

to say whether other UK airports would enforce a similar restriction on flights to the US. American officials said last week they were aware of a “credible” terrorist threat, but have not linked the security changes to any specific intelligence.

Heathrow alerted passengers to the new rules via its Facebook page and its own website Analysts, however, have suggested the action could be a response to efforts by Islamic militants in Syria and Yemen to build bombs that evade airport security checks.

A spokeswoman for Heathrow said that it did not comment on security matters.

But the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) understands that passengers flying to the US will be advised to remove relevant chargers from their hold

luggage at check-in, so that they can top up carried-on gadgets if necessary. Alternatively, they can opt to place any powered-down kit in their stowed luggage.

If they still arrive at the security point with a powerless device, they will directed to a nearby retailer that might be able to provide a recharging cable, and told of the location of airport charging points.

If the traveller is still unable to power on their machine, it will be suggested they make use of MailandFly - an existing service offered by the firm Bagport, which is based at Heathrow’s security control.

The US has said that mobile phones will be among the checked items It allows passengers to pay for banned hand baggage to either be shipped to them separately or be stored at one of the firm’s warehouses for up to 42 days.

wide.

In 1999 it listed on the London Stock Exchange, and since then has made acquisitions in Europe, Asia, Latin America and US. Its brands include Castle Lager, Peroni, China’s Snow, and Atlas beer which is popular in South America.

Established in 1895, it was originally a South African-owned company, created during the time of the discovery of gold and mining in the country.

It now sells drinks to consumers in 75 countries worldwide and has more than 200 brands.

Tsogo Sun owns more than 90 hotels, plus casinos and restaurants in emerging African markets such as Nigeria, Zambia, and Kenya, and also Abu Dhabi in the Middle East.

According to chief executive Marcel von Aulock, SAB Miller’s exit will have “a positive impact on Tsogo Sun’s earnings per share and black economic empowerment shareholding”.

Karstadt boss steps down after six months at the helm

HE Chief Executive of the German department store Karstadt has stepped down after just six months in the top job, the firm said in a statement.

Eva-Lotta Sjostedt took charge in February after joining the retailer from furniture chain Ikea.

Chief Financial Officer Miguel Muellenbach and Human Resources boss Kai-Uwe Weitz will now lead the firm.

Karstadt is loss-making, although as a private firm it has not published

recent figures.

The retailer, one of Germany’s best known chains, was rescued from insolvency in 2010 by billionaire businessman Nicolas Berggruen.

Before taking the helm at Karstadt, Ms Sjostedt was deputy global retail manager at Ikea.

When she joined the group she said urgent action was needed to turn around the chain’s fortunes.

“We have no time to lose. We have to act. Karstadt is not profitable at the moment and that must change quickly,” she told Reuters.

David Haigh arrest: ‘No dossier’, says GFH Capital

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R Haigh has been held in a Dubai police cell without charge since May The head of GFH Capital has denied any knowledge of a “damaging” dossier which ex-Leeds United managing director David Haigh claimed he compiled on the firm.

Haigh has been accused of fraud by the Dubai-based group, and is in custody while authorities decide whether to pursue a criminal case.

The dossier was given to senior GFH figures in Bahrain, said his spokesman.

But, according to the private equity firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jinesh Patel, senior staff were unaware of any such documents.

Haigh, 36, worked for GFH Capital when it purchased Leeds United in December 2012, but resigned as an employee following the club’s takeover by Massimo Cellino in April.

The following month, he flew to Dubai believing he was about to discuss a job offer with his former employer, but was arrested and has since

been held without charge in a police cell.

He is accused of profiting from falsified invoices worth about £3m while at GFH Capital and prosecutors are investigating whether to press criminal charges.

At the time of the alleged fraud, Haigh was managing director of Leeds United.

The former Leeds United managing director was arrested when he arrived at GFH’s offices in Dubai Mr Patel, who took over at GFH Capital in February, said he realised a “large scale” fraud had been committed after reviewing business costs.

“Once we start tracing the flow of the funds, we will know whether any of the funds were actually used to fund Leeds,” he told the BBC. After being arrested, Mr Haigh claimed he had previously made GFH aware of financial misconduct at the company, and had compiled the allegations in a “dossier” shown to two senior staff in Bahrain.

ASUS unveils Android tablets, others

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AIWANESE technology firm ASUS has announced an innovative tablet lineup that provides users with a selection of tablets for a wide range of computing needs at an IT fiesta, Computex, which took place at Taipei, Taiwan.

According to a statement from the firm, the products include the new-generation the ASUS Fonepad and the ASUS Transformer Pad Series. All models feature the intuitive ASUS ZenUI, a 64-bit Intel Atom quad-core CPU and Android 4.4 KitKat operating system.

The ASUS Fonepad 7 and 8 (FE375CG and FE380CG) deliver powerful mobility with the latest64-bit Intel Atom Z3560 1.8GHz quad-core processor and3G phone functions. The 8-inch ASUS Fonepad 8 (FE380CG) has the largest viewing area of any 8-inch phablet on the market thanks to a super-narrow bezel measuring just 5.06mm and a 72.2 per cent screen-to-body ratio. It

features a HD1280 x 800 IPS display.

ASUS Transformer Pad (TF103C/ TF303CL) provides on-the-go productivity and entertainment with its 64-bit IntelAtomZ3745 quad-core processor (up to 1.86GHz). It features the classic mobile keyboard dock with a new hidden hinge design.

The latest ASUS Fonepad Series (FE375CG/FE380CG) features the64-bit IntelAtomZ3560 1.8GHz quad-core processor which provides powerful efficient performance to give users a 7 or 8-inch tablet coupled with 3G phone functionality.

It has a narrow bezel design for easy one-handed use, with the seven-inch ASUS Fonepad7(FE375CG) being just 10.9cm wide and the ASUS Fonepad8(FE380CG) measuring 12cm across. The latter, with its 8inch display, features a 72.2 per cent screen-to-body ratio for a larger display area

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WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

SOUTHWEST POLITICS The die is cast between theAll Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest. Last month, the PDP recaptured Ekiti State at the governorship election. Next month, both parties will be competing for the Government House, Osun State.

Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI and Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN write on the battle for the soul of the region.

• Dr Jonathan

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) is not leaving any stone unturned as it prepares for the next month’s governorship election in Osun State. Against the background of the loss of the governorship election in Ekiti State, the party has every reason to believe the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is intent on replicating the strategy it employed in Ekiti State to win the August 9 election in Osun State and other sstates in the region. Though an independent survey by a coalition of civil society organisations has it predicted that Governor Rauf Aregbesola will win the poll by more than 80 per cent of the votes, the APC has cried out over the delay in releasing permanent voters’ cards. The party believes that the Federal Government has started implementing its strategy to skew the election in Osun in favour of the PDP, as it did in Ekiti.

PDP and stomach infrastructure Beyond Ekiti and Osun, the PDP appears bent on ensuring that states which were previously controlled by them before the APC took over in the Southwest are won back in subsequent elections. The strategy, according to reports, include the harmonizing factions in Ogun, Osun and Oyo States, which were PDP states and ensuring that only credible and accepted candidates are fielded for elections.

“We used Ekiti to test run our new strategy. We fielded former governor Ayodele Fayose, a man loved by his people from the top to bottom and it paid off.

That is the way we will henceforth go. We will capitalize on Ekiti victory and fix our party in other opposition states where we have potentials to win,” a source who would not want to be named told The Nation.

Indeed, the party has begun moves to resolve the crisis in its Osun chapter, with a view to winning the election in the state. As part of the strategy, President Goodluck Jonathan

• Fayemi

• Aregbesola

•Ajimobi

2015: Battle for Southwest last week held a closed-door meeting with the former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Although the agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, it was learnt that it is part of efforts by the ruling PDP to win the election.

The PDP’s candidate, Iyiola Omisore, is the major challenger. The former governor, who was controversially removed as the National Secretary of the PDP, is challenging his removal in court. He is believed to wield a major influence in Osun.

Oyinlola was a member of the New PDP, which was formed when some PDP governors fell out with the former party chairman, Bamanga Tukur. When the New PDP eventually merged with the APC, Oyinlola decided to remain in the PDP. A known loyalist of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyinlola is being courted by Aregbesola.

While addressing journalists after the meeting, the Okuku-born politician would not disclose details of his discussion with President Jonathan. He said he was determined to reclaim his position as the National Secretary of the PDP. He said anyone occupying the office is a pretender.

The APC believes the ruling party is already fanning ambers of disunity in Osun, by using its federal might. A source in Osogbo told The Nation in confidence that the Presidency has advanced huge money to the war chest of Iyiola Omisore Campaign Organisation to prosecute the election. According to the

source, the ruling party has also directed 18 PDP governors to contribute money each to the war chest. The source said the money is being used to facilitate the party’s victory.

Indeed, the opposition party is of the view that the clampdown on the media in recent times is part of the strategy of the PDPled Federal Government to capture Osun State. It insists that it is part of a grand strategy to silence Nigerians. According to its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the clamp-down on the media has nothing to do with the Boko Haram or any ‘intelligence’ report. His words: “That is a ruse.

Journalists do not carry weapons. They only fight with words.

In fact, this terror band called Boko Haram has had occasions to threaten the media with attack over their reports exposing the terrorists for what they are.

Therefore, the unprecedented and utterly indefensible clampdown on the media is part of a sinister plot that is not unconnected with the elections scheduled for this and next year.

“The PDP-led federal government’s strategy is simple: We must capture Ekiti and Osun at all cost, even when we may not have the votes to win the states. After that, we can then dare anyone who alleges rigging or election manipulation to head to court. In the meantime, we must tamper with the freedom of expression and the right to information, of which the media is at the vanguard.”

The party said anyone that believes this strategy is far-fetched only needs to look at the ground-

work that has been laid for it by the President who picked both the Minister of Police Affairs and the Minister of State for Defence from the Southwest. “This Federal Government sees the Southwest as very critical to the President’s chances of getting reelected next year, and has thus turned it to a battleground. They are desperate to capture Ekiti and Osun, which they see as the road to the heart of the Southwest next year. That explains their desperation about the elections in the two states,” Mohammed noted.

APC chieftains have alleged that Omisore goes about with thugs during his campaigns telling people “there is nothing you people can do because we have police and we have soldiers and we will show all of you APC supporters when we get to power. We are not begging you to vote, but we shall win.”

Ogun APC crisis Observers have advised the APC to put its house in order in the Southwest, to ensure that it wards off the PDP’s ambition of staging a comeback in the region. Indications are that all is not well with the APC in Ogun and Oyo states. The leadership crises in the chapters have polarised the party. The situation is similar to what happened to the PDP in the build up to 2011 general elections. The PDP went to the poll as a divided party and this was the factor that helped the APC to sweep the polls in the two states.

The disagreement in Ogun State, for instance, is very criti-

‘APC chieftains have alleged that Omisore goes about with thugs during his campaigns telling people ‘there is nothing you can do because we have police and we have soldiers and we will show all of you APC supporters when we get to power. We are not begging you to vote, but we shall win’

• Amosun

cal and it may provide a leeway for the PDP to realise its ambition of regaining the control of the state. This is because the deep-seated animosity between Chief Olusegun Osoba, who is regarded as the APC leader in the state and Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has polarised the party. As such, both camps do not see eye-to-eye. The fight is over the control of the party structure and, unless this is addressed effectively, it has dire consequences for the ruling party in 2015. A chieftain of the APC in the state, who craved anonymity, said only a divine intervention can make the two factions work together next year. He said the animosity started far back in 2003 when Amosun mobilised the PDP to uproot the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Osoba, who was the governor, from the State House.

The animosity between them was rekindled when both of them found themselves in the same party, prior to the 2011 general elections. A source said that the friction was evident during the preparation for the governorship primaries before that election. According to the source, the Osoba group initially rejected the choice of Amosun for the governorship.

It took the intervention of eminent personalities and traditional rulers before Osoba could agree.

Though Amosun emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, but loyalists of the former governor were rewarded with the three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives tickets and 23 out of 26 House of Assembly tickets. Besides, Osoba was also given the privilege of picking the running mate to Amosun.

Shortly after Amosun’s inauguration, there was quarrel over the choice of commissioners and other members of the state executive council. The Osoba group alleged that the governor was planning to sideline those he met in the party. Amosun tried to appease the group by offering appointments to some stakeholders. The beneficiaries •Continued on page 44

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY JULY 9, 2014

POLITICS SOUTHWEST POLITICS

2015: Battle for Southwest •Continued from page 43

include: the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Muyiwa Oladipo, senatorial chairmen of the defunct ACN in Ogun West and Ogun East districts, Mr. Falilu Sabitu and Mr. Daniel Adejobi.

Other loyalists of Osoba serving in Amosun’s government include Ayo Olubori, Olu Adeyemi, Chief Sam Aiyedogbon, Mufau Ajibola and Chief Poju Adeyemi. In addition, many were also appointed as special advisers, chairmen and members of Boards of parastatals and agencies.

However, the governor’s move did not stop the cry of marginalisation. The Osoba group felt short-changed during the last local government election. They alleged that they were not given enough chairmanship and councillorship slots.

The sharing formula, according to them, was grossly lopsided in favour of Amosun and his supporters.

This prompted pro-Osoba legislators to form a group known as “Mat’agba mole” (Don’t step on elder). They claim that Osoba was not accorded his proper place in the scheme of things. On his part, the governor has always said that Osoba is his leader and that there is nothing going on in the party and government that he’s not aware of.

Both camps have been trading blames.

The Amosun group has faulted the steps taken by the aggrieved legislators. They queried their sincerity and motive towards the resolution of the crisis. The governor’s supporters have accused the Osoba group, particularly the legislators, of fanning the ember of disunity for personal gains and hiding under the name of the former governor.

An lawyer, Mr. Jide Ogunwale, expressed sadness over the turn of events.

He said the national leadership of the APC should handle the crisis with extra care. The leaders, he advised, should bring the warring factions to negotiation table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis, if the party wants to retain the state in 2015. Ogunwale warned against under rating the political influence of any group.

Adeseun are the two senators representing the APC in the senate. The two of them have left the party. Lanlehin has defected to the Accord Party, while Adeseun is said to be on his way to the PDP. Besides the two senators, there are other party leaders that are not happy with the governor and they are contemplating leaving the party.

Analysts say it would be a herculean task for the APC to retain the state in 2015. To get back to reckoning, the governor, they say, must improve his relationship with the people and work harder on the membership drive. Such analysts say the governor stands a good chance of being re-elected in 2015, because of his good programmes.

Lessons from Ekiti polls

• Fayose

• Omisore

• Aremo Osoba

• Lanlehin

Reconciliation in Oyo The problem of the APC in Oyo State is largely egocentric. Shortly after Governor Abiola Ajimobi was inaugurated in 2011, he was confronted with the problem of harmonising contending interests within the party.

As the governorship primaries drew nearer in 2011, the camps within the party started to manifest. Prior to the shadow election, a deep rancour had developed among the contenders. They are Ajimobi, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Dr Ismail Adewusi, Mr Kazeem Adedeji and Chief Soji Akanbi. At the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, the venue of the primary election, close allies were compelled to break into camps, as many party stalwarts openly and overtly identified with the contestants of their choice. At the end, Ajimobi was affirmed as the winner. But, Lanlehin and other contestants cried foul and alleged that the process was manipulated in favour of Ajimobi. That was the beginning of the no love-lost relationship between Ajimobi and his co-contestants.

It took concerned party stalwarts led by the late Alhaji Lam Adesina time to pacify the aggrieved aspirants. Initially, the efforts to pacify them paid off, as some of them accepted party offers and gave peace a chance. There was relative peace in the party, which contributed to its victory at the poll.

The party defeated the PDP in the election. While Ajimobi emerged as the governor, Lanlehin was elected a senator.

Later, crisis erupted in the party. The party leadership said the governor did not consult them while constituting his cabinet. The governor was accused of picking most of his commissioners from outside the party. Party members who claimed to have worked for the electoral victory of the governor staged a protest.

Rather than abating, crisis has been fes-

‘The PDP has declared Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as a war. All APC governors should rally support for Aregbesola for the party to retain Osun’ tering, particularly between the governor and Lanlehin. Prior to 2011 governorship primaries and general elections, the relationship between them was very cordial. They were always seen together discussing how to improve the fortunes of their party in the elections.

Party chieftains Chief Michael Koleoso, tried to broker truce between the governor and Lanlehin. All efforts were in vain.

Ajimobi explained that Lanlehin and others are interested in his job.

Conflicts Lanlehin denied having any break in relations with Ajimobi as a person, but admitted that he has an issue with him as the governor. His words: “The problem I have with Ajimobi is that he is not carrying stakeholders along in decision-making and formulation of policies for the state, which is at variance with the manifesto of the party. He runs

the state with a few cabals, thereby isolating the majority of the stakeholders, and he doesn’t listen to advice in implementing policies that has to do with the lives of the people of the state.”

To buttress his point, Lanlehin cited the massive demolition of shops in Ibadan and environs by the governor without providing alternatives for the traders. He said although Ajimobi gave urban renewal and beautification as his reason for demolition but he should know that such anti-people policies cannot stand. “The people are central to any development, so you cannot destroy their means of livelihood in the name of development,” he added.

Lanlehin is not alone in detesting Ajimobi’s style of governance. The senator representing Oyo Central, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, has also complained against Ajimobi’s failure to carry along other stakeholders in the running of the state. Lanlehin and

Many lessons could be learned from the Ekiti election. According to observers, Fayose won the June 21 governorship election not because of the profile of the party, but as a result of the relationship he had cultivated with the people over the years. The party had an easy ride to victory on Fayose’s political credentials. On the other hand, some believe Fayemi failed because of the elitist’s structure of his government and his inability to relate with the common people at the grassroots. According to them, the results of the election indicated that people at the grassroots rejected his government.

Fayemi built roads and embarked on urban renewal. But, he was disconnected from the masses. There was a general perception that his government was elitist and he didn’t do anything to correct that impression. Fayose exploited these factors, particularly because he could connect with the people in a unique way. In the eight years he was not in office, he never left Ekiti.

He did not become a Lagos or Abuja politician and the people noted it.

The party treated dissenting voices within its fold with disdain. As a result, pundits say the APC was a house divided against itself in the build up to the election.

A civil society activist and convener of Nigerian Voters’ Assembly, Comrade Moshood Erubami, blamed the APC for taking the electorate for granted in Ekiti, by not properly mobolising the people to ensure that they carry out their civic responsibility of voting on election day. He said that Aregbesola should learn from what happened in Ekiti. He said a situation whereby over 300,000 voters were disenfranchised because they could not present permanent voters’ cards on the day of election was a grievous mistake.

He wondered how political parties were indifferent to the voters’ apathy towards collection of voting cards. He said in election a single vote is very important in deciding a winner. “I don’t know why the political parties could ignore 300,000 votes. It is unfortunate the party leaders failed to mobilise the electorate towards collecting the cards,” he added.

The civil society activist advised Aregbesola to ensure that all eligible voters collect their voters’ cards before the election. Erubami said that politicians must live in the heart of the people. “There is difference between politics of principle and politics of winning votes. They should create atmosphere of accessibility. They should run participatory government; that is to say, people should be part of government,” he said.

Human rights activist George Afolabi noted that the PDP victory in Ekiti cannot be ascribed to the personality of Fayose or his previous performance as governor, but to the federal might behind him. He advised the APC to throw its weight behind Aregbesola to ensure victory. “The PDP has declared Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as a war. All APC governors should rally support for Aregbesola for the party to retain Osun,” he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Martyrs of democracy •Continued from Page 18 cate themselves to those Nigerians and not to those who would sell themselves for a pot of porridge.

We want a leader that is going to lead Nigeria to greatness now. We don’t want to be second best or second class; that is not the country that Nigerians dream of and my parents gave themselves for because they really believed in the greater Nigeria –the country that all the 170 million people can get a fair share of our resources and essential services –and they died for that country. My father knew always what was at risk; and he used to say this pro-democracy struggle is like a man standing in front of a moving train. He knew that he could die, but he thought that it was better to have lived for something worthwhile than to live for nothing - is it oil wells, is it money? And then when you die, people will vilify your name. But today, he has been dead for a very long time, and he is still remembered in a way that does my family proud. My mother is still remembered in that way and so, we are very thankful.

And I think our leaders should remember that if what they are doing is making sure a few people get private jets, that’s not the path to Nigeria’s greatness. The path to Nigeria’s greatness is when Nigeria people are building the planes that the world is buying. The path to Nigeria‘s greatness is not whether we have limousines and the latest Mercedes G-wagon and all of that nonsense. The path is when Mercedes opens a factory in many cities across Nigeria to employ our teeming youths; it is when graduates are coming out of universities and can find jobs. We don’t need our president to be a multi-billionaire; but we want Nigerians to have a decent life - to have what they need and be able to access quality healthcare.

We need our mothers to go to hospitals when they want to have a baby and not be wondering if there is going to be light in the theatre; and if the baby is born early like my daughter was, whether there is going to be a working incubator? We need those simple questions answered before our leaders can take care of their own needs or wants because frankly, who needs a private jet? Many of the world leaders don’t even have this. So, we want our leaders to awaken to the real greatness that is possible and open to Nigeria. Also, for Nigeria to attain that greatness, they must be willing to sacrifice their own greed. Nobody is going to remember whether our president had a private jet in a hundred years from now, but they would remember that Nigerians lacked good leaders and those leaders sold our people in the way that hundreds of years ago, many of our leaders sold Nigerians and black people into slavery. We still remember that. We don’t even remember the names of those leaders and if we were to remember them, we would curse them. That is the opportunities that are before our leaders today: the opportunity for greatness and the opportunity for greed and pertinence. And we have seen enough greed and pertinence. We hope they embrace the latter now.

But like I’ve said before, we still have new blood coming in. Even while we have so many sycophants, opportunists and people who would probably sell their own parents for money, we also

S

•Abdul, his wife, children and sister, Mrs Abiola-Costello have Nigerians that you could not buy for billions of Naira. You could not just buy them because they are committed to Nigeria and would not sell their countries. They are committed to not only remembering our heroes, but also dedicating themselves to living the ways our heroes did; and give themselves for Nigeria to be better.

Two months ago, President Obasanjo recognised your father, how do you feel about it?

If he wanted to recognise MKO Abiola now, it’s good for him but MKO Abiola was always the greater man. And you cannot recognise somebody that is more than yourself. MKO Abiola did not require General Obasanjo to recognise him, he required the Nigerian people to see his heart and they did, and that was why they rewarded him with the June 12 election, an election that was so free and fair that no Nigerian leader can claim that kind of mandate even till today.

How would you describe the growth of democracy in Nigeria, given the fact that people like your father and mother actually stood and died for that cause?

Abdul: The fact we still have democracy is something that we should hold up. I think if not for the death of both my parents, we would not have this democracy even at this point. The way Nigeria is now and with the problems it is facing, if there were to be a military coup, they would have a basis to form a coup. And this is a fundamental problem.

I call on the leaders, people who have benefitted from the sacrifices that my parents made, to standup. Nigeria must be sustainable. Whatever the amount of money they have stolen or they are planning to steal would only make sense if Nigeria stays one. If they continue stealing and Nigeria should break up then the money is basically useless.

Do you think government is doing enough to honour the memory of your parents?

I do not think that they are doing enough, but again, it is not about them honouring my parents – they should honour the people because they are the ones that will still vote for them in

2015.

Many remember your mother persistent and dedication towards the struggle for a better Nigeria, how would you describe her?

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, ahhh! She was amazing, that I can say. Although I knew when I was born that I was not just born into any regular family: we had everything we wanted, she did not ever want me to feel that way at all. As a matter of fact, she’d always ask me to go to school in a 504; and I used to always wonder “Why would Momsi always tell me to go to school in a 504 when there were many cars in front of the gate that we could easily have gone in; why do we always have to go in a car that we used to park at the back which they used it to go to the market?” But she was trying to teach me a lesson: she wanted to let us know, at that point which was a critical time for one to learn that kind of lesson, that even though one had everything, there were other people who did not have so that one was able to appreciate the fact that and at the same time, put oneself into the shoes of others.

And I think that basic lesson should be taught to every child because I see the new crop of kids now and wonder where we are going. Because when I was growing up and my mother asked what I wanted to be: I wanted to be a soldier or a policeman. As far as I am concerned, those are jobs where you were putting your life down to serve or help other people. But now we find that is not so with the kids. I actually asked a girl what she would like to be when she grows up, and she said she wanted to be the wife of a Senator. I don’t think that is where we want our children to be right now. If she had said she wanted to be a Senator, I would have been happier. I think that my mother was a woman ahead of her time, the same way my father was. She knew the intricacies of the world we live in and how it’s an upand-down circle. That one day you might have it all and the next, you might lose it all. So you always have to be very careful in all the decision you make because you might not be the one to face the consequences but your family. So, the

By Elvis Iyorngurum

Sunday Guardian; and later served as Arts and Culture Editor of NEXT Newspaper.

She is currently Special Assistant to the President on Documentation.

Indigo, her first book is a collection of short stories. From Nigeria to the Diaspora, joy, sadness, anxi- •Molara eties and triumphs fill the canvas with lush, vivid colours. Themes of loss and longing, past and present, home and away, mysticism and modernity, trauma and healing, truth and lies, masculinity and a woman’s place – all are deftly explored in this mesmerising, sometimes devastating collection of short stories.

Literary feast for Gowon, Wood

IFA Asani Gowon and Molara Wood were guests at Writer Session last Friday. The event, which is a long-running literary initiative by the Abuja Writers Forum, held at Nanet Suites in Abuja’s Central District. It featured side poetry performance, a raffle-draw for books, and an exciting dose of live music.

Sifa, a mother of two, lives in the raggedly beautiful and somewhat tortured city of Jos and spends most of her time between writing, doing wife and mommy ‘runs, and baking (for both business and pleasure). She began by writing short stories sporadically as she was growing up- nothing serious. She never had a real desire to become a writer as such. She had other dreams, other pursuits. That and the fact that before she got a laptop she was just too lazy to pick up a pan and write in a book! But then, that all changed when she turned 28 (and had a laptop) and decided to sit down and type out a short story that slowly became a book.

Her debut novel, Playing by Her Rules, is a love story set in Nigeria that incorporates aspects of faith, humour and easy going dialogue among characters. Readers will be able to recognise the nuances in relationships between

LITERATURE these characters as well delve into issues ranging from mixed-race identity, tense family situations and clashes of personalities and core principles.

Sifa is currently working on short stories to be included in two anthologies (that will hopefully be published) and has just finished the first draft of the sequel to Playing by Her Rules. It is her hope that she will publish more of her work in the future.

Molara won the inaugural John La Rose Memorial Short Story Competition, and received an award from the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association. A journalist, essayist and critic, and sometimes, a poet, she has lived and studied in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. She has lived in what she terms the 3 Ls - Lagos, London and Los Angeles - with more life spent in the first two, than the third.

Her writings have appeared in a number of publications and for a while ran a popular literary blog. She maintained an Arts column in the

• Iyorngurum is General Secreatary, Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF).

decision we make and the way we bring up our children are very important.

And so, my mother was a woman that all women should aspire to be like: she was the best that a wife and the best that a mother could be. She was always caring and always nurturing. She was a complete woman.

How would you describe the fight she was in at the time and what is obtainable right now.

18 years down the line, the questions to mind is that everybody accused of the crime of the murder of my mother are still out there and, basically, all of them have all been released. We have an arm of government that is supposed to take responsibilities for this sort of crimes; so I call on the Judiciary to really step-up for the common man because I do not see any true change in Nigeria.

Comparing 1993 when the whole thing started till date, Nigeria has become worse over the years. In 1993, I could remember that a dollar to naira was 1 to 1.Nowit is one to 160, it’s ridiculous! And I don’t see how anyone is supposed to cope with this. We have a standard that says that the average Nigerian is making $2 per day, how are we supposed to survive? I have two children and I know how much I’m spending on school fees - and its kindergarten. If we continue this way, I’d get to my gate one day and the gate man would start beating me.

18 years on, do you still miss her?

I don’t think it is a matter of her being gone for 18 years but what we have been able to do with those 18 years. 18 years is a very long time.

I remember I left Nigeria in 1996, I saw things had gone worse and I was upset because I felt this was not what my family sacrificed so much for.

One minute I was at the top, the next everything scattered. I felt if we all, that is all Nigerians, would benefit from this things would be okay. But unfortunately, I don’t those for whom my parents died for benefiting. And all I can do is talk and use the platform that I have to campaign for change. But what we need is for you the people to stand up and question your leaders and tell them that you are not happy. If you see them, stop them and say “our roads are not fixed”. Nobody is going to give you anything, if you don’t demand it of them.

With my parents gone, no one would give me anything; I have to go out there and work and make things happen. Let everybody go out there and try to make things happen in their own little way.

Could you share with us on the experience that morning your mother died and its relevance to Nigeria’s democracy?

That day I remember that I didn’t want to go to school… I was 11-and-a-halfthen…And I remember there were so many reasons why I didn’t want to go to school. I felt something was going to happen. A couple days before the day she died, she was arrested and I didn’t see her when I got back from school. And that seemed strange because Momsi was always at home. She came back the next day and made-up a statement that something happened. But I later found out she was arrested. So that morning she died even though she had wanted me to go to school, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about school. I don’t know who at that age would have wanted to go to school with all that was happening then.

But she wanted to make it clear to me that education is important, and that, I think, is a fundamental. The polytechnics have been on strike for over nine months. We have kids graduating without finding any job. Before you know it, things are going to implode.

If I had gotten my way and stayed home that day, God knows what would have happened.

I’m happy that she sent me to school. And even after she was gone, I knew one thing that I should be in school all the time. So I went to school; I’m through and I’m back home. I have a family now; and I’m thinking about how to sustain Nigeria because my kids are here in Nigeria – not in America or London. And I don’t want them to be in America or London. The foreigners are not going to do anything for us; we are going to be the ones to things for ourselves. I want Nigerians to look within themselves, if Abiola was once in Abeokuta and was cutting grass to go to school and now made all the money that he made to have this big house that he has in Ikeja with all the private jets, everything, then I am telling you the power is within us.

If I was put in my father’s shoes, I don’t even know if I would have left Ogun State. So, if we think the problems of this country are too much, we are just pushing the blame on somebody else. We shouldn’t have anybody come and tell us how to take care of ourselves. We are adults, smart and intelligent. We are the giant of Africa: so, if other African countries are not calling for foreign support, I don’t see why we should and if any other African wants to call for foreign support, that support should come from Nigeria.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Now that Ake Film is done After about one year, the producation of Ake film has been concluded, TEMITOPE OLORUFUNMI, reports.

A

S work ends at the locations of the film production of Wole Soyinka’s childhood memoir Ake which has been continuously in production for about a year, the film is showing off its ‘’galaxy of stars”, its impressive show of leading Nigerian actors and actresses.

The film’s executive producer and director Dapo Adeniyi reveals that more than 15 hours of film rushes have been shot and they will eventually be whittled down to two hours in the final cinema cut. “This is a challenge with any epic movie originating from a major literature text. There is too much content and it is difficult to leave any item out. Many viewers would love to see specific episodes in the narrative reproduced in the adaptation but the cinema mode has its own constraint in terms of time. No one would endure more than two hours in the cinema and this is a major consideration “ he said. The film has a cast of more than 300 out of which stand out names of artists who are already famous through premium productions.

The matron of the Nigerian English Language theatre, Mrs Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, features as one of the outspoken Egba women in the wake of the famous Egba women’s riots of 1945. Yinka Davies, the musical icon, features as Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Toyin Abiodun the writer and actor is Reverend I.O Ransome Kuti.

A big surprise is Chief Festus Onigbinde, former national technical director and head coach of the Super Eagles, currently a top ranking Fifa official who appears in the film as Rev. J.J Ransome Kuti, father of I.O Kuti. Lanike Onimisi and Gbenga Ajiboye are Mr and Mrs Soyinka (Wole’s parents) respectively. Wale

A

T intervals, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wiped her forehead with her left hand as balls of sweat rolled down her cheeks. On her right hand was the paper she was going to present. Minutes after her citation was read by the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Adichie, who was key note speaker heaved a deep sigh followed by a broad smile. Her smart purple fitted gown gives her away as silhouette on the podium facing the expectant crowd.

The main hall of the Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State capital, venue of the event, was filled to capacity. But, it was not very conducive for the guests because the cooling system was not effective. It was the marking of the 100 days of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State in office penultimate Wednesday.

Guests at the event included Governor Obiano, his wife, top government functionaries, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima, traditional rulers, party members and women leaders among others.

For Adichie, the event offered a rare opportunity to address fundamental issues affecting her people and the state. Her presentation centered on good governance and the need to restore the rich Igbo values, especially the promotion of Ibo language at home and in the Diaspora.

She described community life and consensus as two values that are common to Iboland, which are also relevant to good governance.

She noted that ‘conscience and integrity are central to Igbo culture, and to any culture that has strong communitarian principles. Conscience means that we cannot think only of ourselves, that we think of a greater good, that we remain aware of ourselves as part of a larger whole.’

She however decried the series of abuses and oppression of the common man by political office holders, especially executive governors’ convoys that use horse whip and siren to drive

•A scene from the film

DOCUMENTARY Adebayo (of the Sango fame) is spirit man while Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco) in Papa Ajasco TV series features as Iku, the scoundrel student of Abeokuta Grammar School who led the team that stole Mrs Kuti’s fowl. Yeni Anikulapo Kuti stars as Mrs Odufuwa and Yemi Solade is Broda Pupa. Afeez Oyetoro (Saka) is Mr Latinwo, a guest who constantly devoured the HM (Mr Soyinka’s) meals, who called regularly at lunch times. Joke Muyiwa is the old woman from Ago-owu. Bose Oladele and Mel Ogunremi are Lawanle and Mrs Buko respectively. Samsideen Adesiyan is Mr Buko among a whole host that includes the current British Council Director Alex Bratt and diplomats from the British Consulate and French schools.

Three child actors took on the role of Wole in the ascending order of years four, six and 11.

Wole at four is Fumbi Oladele, Wole at six is Mofiyinfoluwa Oladele whose part is the longest and Jedidiah Ogunremi. They are considered as very outstanding performers and their choices quite apt especially in terms of their

physical resemblances to the Nobel laureate at those age grades. The director and his advisers made enormous uses of archival photographs and footages in the production preparations and design.

According to the director,“We were attentive to the importance of physical resemblances to the actual people whose stories are told in Ake. And we were very fortunate in that we did not have to labour too much or travel too far in finding those we wanted. In one or two cases, we had to live down that factor and favour performance ability. I will cite the example of Rev. I.O Ransome Kuti. The actual Rev Kuti was full bodied and huge but the gravitas which Abiodun brings into that role was too good to miss.

“One other distinction of Ake production is our introduction of set replacement and set extension by means of green screening. Through the use of green screens also known as croma key, buildings can be added to a set or replaced.

An automobile can run on the streets of Abeokuta and Lagos but were actually driven at a corner of England. This is a case of what you see is not what you get. It is the world of make believe, isn’t it? When all is said and done.

‘’We have also deliberately privileged old architecture in this production. Many Brazilian and colonial styled houses are bought into the feature film to celebrate aspects of our oral history that we are losing very fast. ‘’ It is our hope that Ake would revive our interest in pristine architecture and other monuments. The most challenging part of the work had been to keep faith with the period that the film covers, 1935 to 1945. The changes are enormous. We are dealing with a lot of visual noises.

We dealt with many in production. Post-production which would be completed in the UK will take care of the rest’’.

Ake is planned for a very limited VIP viewing in July 2014. The main premiere is scheduled for September. And as for its involvement with Professor Soyinka’s 80th birthday, the director says: ‘’Soyinka’s 80th birhday is not a matter of a few days. The celebration is already in the air and will remain in the air for some time. The film is too big and too important. It is a spectacle not only for our time but for generations to come.

One of our goals is to send the readers of Ake back to the book. And we hope we will really succeed in doing that.’’

‘Achebe’s, Nwapa’s, Ike’s writings inspired me’ Award winning writer and author of Half Of A Yellow Sun, Purple Hibiscus and Americanah Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was a guest speaker at the ceremony to mark Governor Willie Obiano’s 100 days in office at Awka, Anambra State. She spoke of good governance and her love for Igbo language and culture, which she said should be promoted at all times, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME. citizens off the road.

She observed that for a longtime, Onitsha has been a security nightmare as travelers do not want to be in Upper Iweka in Onitsha after 6 pm because of the fear of armed robbers. “But today, because of our new governor’s initiative, people in Onitsha no longer live in fear. My sincere hope is that under the leadership of Governor Obiano Anambra State will continue its journey of progress with strides that are wide and firm and sure…I am proud of Anambra State.

And if our sisters and brothers who are not from Anambra will excuse my unreasonable chauvinism, I have always found Igbo as spoken by ndi Anambra to be the most elegant form of Igbo,” she added.

She acknowledged that ‘if Chinua Achebe and Flora Nwapa and Chukwuemeka Ike had not written the books they did, when they did, and how they did, she would perhaps not have had the emotional courage to write her own books.

‘Today, I honour them and all the other writers who came before me. I stand respectfully in their shadow. I also stand with great pride in the shadow of so many other daughters and sons of Anambra State.’

Continuing, she said: “But the truth is that I have not always been proud of Anambra. I was ashamed when Anambra became a metaphor for poor governance, when our political culture was about malevolent shrines and kidnappings and burnt buildings, when our teachers were forced to become petty traders and our school children stayed at home, when

•Chimamanda at the event Anambra was in such disarray that one of the world’s greatest storytellers, Chinua Achebe, raised the proverbial alarm by rejecting a national award.”

Adichie, who described language as a wholesome way of identifying a people, stressed the need for the promotion of Ibo language noting that she loves English and Ibo languages. According to her, to deprive children of the gift of their language when they are still young enough to learn it easily is an unnecessary loss.

“We now have grandparents who cannot talk to their grandchildren because there is a hulking, impermeable obstacle between them called language. Even when the grandparents speak English, there is often an awkwardness in their conversations with their grandchildren, because they do not have the luxury of slipping back to Igbo when they need to, because they are navigating unfamiliar spaces, because their grandchildren become virtual strangers with whom they speak in stilted prose.

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The Midweek Magazine A town’s rich history

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

A

GO Iwoye is a remarkable city in Ijebu and Remo parts of Nigeria.

What marks it out is not its spatial size or the quantum of its population but the high level of education of its people. They are one of the very first groups in Nigeria to embrace Western education.

These facts and more are comprehensively and lucidly explained by one of the most distinguished and celebrated sons of Ago Iwoye, Senator Jubril Martins Kuye (JMK) in this 16Chapter book of 240 pages. Kuye is a twotime minster of the Federal Republic and the Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye.

The author is of noble parentage (in AgoIwoye) being a grandson of Alase Osikolade Osibule, the first Chairman of Ago-Iwoye Native Court (1911-32) and the Supreme Head of Alawori Community. His father, JG Kuye (1907-1974) was twice elected councillor in colonial Ago-Iwoye Town Council (1940-45) and (1952-55). His mother, Alimat Aderonke Kuye, was a princess of Ijebu-Ode, being a granddaughter of Awujale Fesengbuwa 17901819. Kuye is the first indigene of Ago-Iwoye to graduate in Economics Sociology and Politics almost fifty years ago from the University of Ibadan and in 1983 he obtained a Masters Degree from the prestigious Harvard Business School in Economics and Investment. With such a sound academic background, little wonder that the book is written in an academically stimulating style.

In the first two chapters, the author examines some of the various theories on the origin of the Yoruba and rejected outright that which suggests that Oduduwa was from Mecca.

He accepts the proposition that the Yoruba emigrated from either the present day Southern Sudan (Egypt) or from somewhere in the Horn of Africa.

He submits that Ijebu Kingdom had existed in Sudan called Owodaiye (corrupted to WADDAI). North of OWODAIYE was a Yoruba Kingdom of NUBIA also in Southern Sudan. Both Ijebu and Yoruba empires of OWODAIYE and NUBIA were pushed into extinction by Arab imperialism in the Middle East and Sudan about 6B.C. The author argued further that the emigration from NUBIA & OWODAIYE to present day Yoruba Land was not in one single movement. The first group to arrive Ile-Ife (from NUBIA) was led by Iwade, centuries before Oduduwa. Hence in classical Yoruba, the word IWASE denotes antiquity e.g Igba Iwase (time immemorial).

Another proposition considered by the author is that Oduduwa was an indigene of Ife and later became the Supreme Ruler of the territory. Olu-Iwa, probably leading his team of emigrants from Owodaiye reached Ile-Ife, and, with the permission of Oduduwa, settled and farmed there.

The author states that the two leaders lived together peacefully. When it was clear to OluIwa that Oduduwa had fully established himself as the Supreme Ruler, Olu-Iwa decided to move on in search of a kingdom to rule.

But he gave Oduduwa a parting gift-his only daughter, Igborowo, was presented to Oduduwa as wife. Olu-Iwa left with some of

BOOK REVIEW Title: Author: Reviewer: Publisher:

Title: The Basics of Prison Ministry Author: Ufot Ekete Reviewer: Joseph Eshanokpe Publisher: City Publishers, Calabar

Chief Babatunde Fadun Crown Venture Publishers

his people and eventually settled at Ode-Ijebu (not Ijebu-Ode) as in Ode-Remo, Ode Aiye, OdeItsekiri. Thus Olu-Iwa was the first Ruler of Ijebu Ode. Igborowo begat Awujate who later became the third Ruler of Ode Ijebu after ousting Owa-Oshin, the second Ruler.

The original name of Ago-Iwoye is OrileIwoye or Wojaiye and the first Ruler or King is Prince Kehinde Akingbade, with the title Ebumawe. That, the author posits, was around 1515AD. Oba Akingbade was a direct son of Oduduwa. At that time multiple births such as twins or triplets were seen as Evil or harbingers of misfortune and as such the children were instantly killed.

After the birth of the twins (One body & one girl) their mother was assisted to escape from Oduduwa’s palace and she left with some palace aides and relatives. They settled at a village near Ondo called Idoko where the twins were brought up to maturity.

The female was named Adebela Taiwo (Osemawe) and the male was Kehinde Akingbade (Ebumawe). The female soon married in Idoko and, having been tutored about her royal status, was installed as the ruler of Ondo Kingdom (Ode Ondo) with the title Osemawe. She advised her twin brother, Kehinde, to move further afield to find a kingdom of his to rule.

Kehinde left with an entourage that included their mother, Olu-Ojam, who died shortly after they left Idoko at a spot near Ondo. The place was named Ile-Oluji meaning in Ondo dialect the place where Olu-Oja slept and did not wake up.

Prince Akingbade wandered for several years with his team until they reached Ijebu Forest territory where they met descendants, relatives and servants of the Awujale. Prince Akingbade first settle at Isamuro where three of his close associates died suddenly from Evil Spirits. The Prince decided to stay for a few years to recover from the shock and see how things would turn out, i.e. Wooju Aiye or watch and see.

school in Ago-Iwoye was established in 1954 and this was an eye opener to a wider world of opportunities for the children of the educated elite. By the 1940s, the first set of university graduates had arrived. Rev T.T Solatu BD Hons MA, BD (Hons) 1942; the very first Ago-Iwoye University Graduate J.O. Ajibola LLB was the first Ago-Iwoye lawyer 1942. Brig Gen Babafemi Ogundipe was commissioned into the Nigeria Army in 1943 as was the de fact. deputy to Gen. Ironsi by the time of the first military coup in 1966. Dr S.D Onabamiro, a world renowned parasitologist obtained a Doctorate in 1951. His daughter, Mrs Dolapo Akinsanya, is Ago-Iwoye’s first High court Judge. On page 171, the author observed that Ago-Iwoye is yet to produce a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. This is surprising to this reporter too but we must be reminded that the contribution of Justice Dolapo Akinsanya has done a lot to put the name of Ago-Iwoye in the Hall of Fame in Nigerian Jurisprudence. She gave that landmark judgment that declared the Interim National Government null and void and thereby became the first High Court Judge (Indigene of Ago-Iwoye) to declare illegal a sitting Federal Government of Nigeria. The judgment paved the way for Abacha to overthrow the interim.

Ago-Iwoye’s educated elite are highly dedicated to the progress of their town. They formed Iwoye Progress Union and used it as a platform for the town’s development. Their key achievements are: (1) the agitation for the re-instatement of the Ebumawe throne that had been put in abeyance with the collapse of Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye kingdom in the Isamuso war in 1831. By 1932 under the dynamic and dedicated leadership of J.O. Ajibola, the colonial government approved the restoration of Ebumawe throne to Ago-Iwoye after an interregnum of 101 years. Ebumawe Akandiri Adenugba was crowned on October 24, 1932.

The IPU also agitated for and got the colonial government to give Ago Iwoye a town council in 1935, much earlier than Ijebu Ode (1938) and Ijebu Igbo (1940).

The author concludes the book by raising 10 points which he believes will make for lasting unity in Ago-Iwoye. These include the recognition of the Eyiri lineage as being eligible for the throne of Ebumawe. Secondly he makes a strong case for the elevation of the seven Heads of quarters in Ago-Iwoye into full-fledged beaded crown Obas as is currently done in Abeokuta and Sagamu. The book reflects the passion of the author for the place of his birth, and from what this reporter witnessed on the day of the book launch his people appreciate his contribution and high sense of patriotism. That is why he richly deserves the title of Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye. As an Awori man from Igbesa, Ota - Ado-Odo axis, I must express my utter surprise to learn from this book that there is another Awori in Iwoye. There should be a liaison between the two groups.

In conclusion, I observe that the book is well researched and a substantial contribution to the inadequate knowledge on the origin of the Yoruba. It is also a goldmine of information on the origin, growth and development of Ago-Iwoye since 1515AD. The reader will enjoy its flowing but standard language typical of the colloquial eloquence of the author. A hard cover edition is recommended to enhance the shelf-life of the book.

•Chief Fadun is a political associate of Sen. Jubril Martins Kuye.

A medic concern for prison inmates

N

BOOK REVIEW

Ago-Iwoye Origin, Growth & City Status. 1510-2010 Senator Jubril Martin Kuye

The place was later named Wojaiye. Prince Akingbade then moved to Orile Ibipe where the people readily accepted him as their Oba. About 1515AD, Prince Akingbade was installed as the first Ebumawe or Orile-Iwoye or Wojaiye. It is clear from the foregoing that the Ebumawe or Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye is a direct son of Oduduwa and that the first Osemawe of Ode Ondo is a woman (Adewale Taiwo) otherwise known as Pupupu. She reigned from 1510-1529.

The kingdom of Wojaiye was made up of five communities, with each community having a Head Chief who had allegiance to the Ebumawe. It was a confederal system and it ran smoothly for almost three centuries under seven kings, the last being Ebumawe Adan bi Ide Loorun i.e (One that shines like silver in the sun).

The peaceful and successful administration of Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye kingdom was suddenly destroyed by the Egba in 1831.

Having been dislodged from Ibadan by the combined forces of Ijebu, Ife and Oyo, the Egba felt very insecure in their new abode, Abeokuta. This sense of insecurity was heightened by the attacks on them by the Dahomey from the west, Remo on the east and Awori Iganmode from the South. They decided to take the battle to the enemy’s camp under the command of Generalissimo Lisabi.

Bu unfortunately, they erroneously regarded Orile-Iwoye or Wojaiye kingdom as part of Remo villages that had always attacked Egba settlements.

The military strategy employed to defeat Orile Iwoye was deceit and it worked effectively. The Egba sent an emissary to Obaruwa of Isamuro that they wanted to pay a courtesy visit to Wojaiye. Obaruwa of Isamuro was elated and instructed his people to prepare a grand reception for the Egba visitors. On the appointed day, Egba soldiers in full battle gear, moved their troops onto the defenceless and unsuspecting Isamuro people and massacred them on a large scale. Instead of receiving visitors, Isamuro received a bloody defeat and humiliation from the Egba. That was the sudden and tragic end of Akingbade’s Wojaiye kingdom in 1831.

After the humiliating defeat, the five communities of Wojaiye or Orile-Iwoye moved to a new War Camp or Ago with the immediate purpose of planning a revenge attack on the Egba.

All the five communities of Wojaiye i.e Isamuro, Ibipe, Odosinusi, Imosu and Imere and even Awori and Idode that were not part of Wojaiye’s kingdom teamed up in their new settlement (Ago-Iwoye). The head chief of each community was the Balogun and all of them regarded Balogun Meleki as their leader. Thus Balogun Meleki from Igan Township was the first political and military leader of the New (Republican) Ago-Iwoye.

The advent of Islam, Christianity and the extension of British colonial rule to Ijebu territory all had a significant impact on the New AgoIwoye. The first mission school in Ago-Iwoye is the Wesley Primary School, established in 1893, and the Anglican Mission School followed later. The author, quoting J.O. Ajibola, said school enrolment was poor in the early stages of the schools. On page 109, he said: “Annual enrolment was below 20 for several years. Those who went to school had money tucked into their school uniform pockets as an inducement for them to keep coming”. By 1913, many homes in the different quarters of Ago-Iwoye had produced educated citizens though they were largely pastors and teachers. The first grammar

OT many people, especially among the elite, find the prisons a good place to visit not to talk of investing their goodwill. But not so for Dr Ufot Ekere, who since he became a Christian 10 years ago, has pitched his tent in that sector.

Now he is enjoining others to join him serve humanity.

In his 108-book, The Basics of Prison Ministry, he explains how this is possible. In the Introduction, he says the Prison Ministry is wide and involves a lot of people -– inmates, prison officials, medic doctors, lawyers, social workers, etc. He also says though many pastors and their congregations are mainly volunteers, they have minimal knowledge of their work, adding that it is for this that some of their works are not sychronised. It is the gap he set out to fill in the book.

What is prison ministry. Quoting the Executive Director, Prison Fellowship of Nigeria, Mr. Benson Iwuagwu, a lawyer, he defines a prison ministry as ‘’the deter-

mined, focused and measured, spiritual, psychological, material and medical intervention aimed at the transformation of the offender, reconciliation and restoration of relationships, in ways that promote community and the common good”. But to the author, the prison ministry is aimed at offering service ‘’in a place of confinement and punishment to those men and women found in the prison, adding that it is more than the donation of food, toiletries and clothing to the prison inmates”.

To him, the prison inmates despite their condition and ‘sins’ should be shown some care and candour, if not for any thing but for the sake of Christ. And there are eternal rewards, he adds. He quotes Matthew 25: 3140. “.. I was naked and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me …Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

What are the qualities of a prison minis-

try volunteers? A divine call, the will to work, passion for the needy, a giving heart, a leading, among others, says Dr Ekere.

Above all, he adds that for those coming from the church, they need to consult both their church’s leaders and the congregation to get their consent.

What is more, prison volunteers may need to apply to the prison management to get their nod. This granted, then they must get cracking. While there is need for one to show mercy to the prison inmates, he warned that this should not go beyond one’s mandate as the inmates could capitalise on it to cause havoc. At the end, it is the volunteers that would be held liable and culpable, he further warned.

No doubt, Dr. Ekere has produced a good book. Its glossy cover and error-free pages are a reader’s delight. But while Christians may find it a good guide, non-Christians who have a heart of love for humanity may also find it very useful.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

50

The Midweek Magazine US museum returns stolen Nigerian antiquities

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OOTED Nigerian antiquities which are scattered across the globe are gradually finding their way back to Nigeria as a result of the efforts the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) are putting to recover the ancestral objects. The recent recovering are 18 seizures at Seme border, Benin Republic by the Nigerian Custom Service, and eight repatriated from Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, United States of America (USA).

For four years NCMM has been working vigorously to see that the looted ancestral objects are brought back to Nigeria, its country of origin. A project they called sharing and collaborating. So far they have succeeded in retrieving 100 objects from countries such as USA, France, Germany, Britain, Switzerland, Canada etc including their recent achievement of recovered 26 collections, making it 126 artworks since they started the assignment. However, some Nigerians are making the hard work of the commission more difficult as they cart away these historical cultural objects outside the country.

This was the case last month where some individuals outside the country were caught at Seme Border with some objects as they could not prove ownership of the artworks.

In this regard, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, last week during a preview session of the 26 objects at the National Museum, Lagos, called the attention of the public to be watchful of such activities because it’s a crime in Nigeria

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

By Udemma Chukwuma

HERITAGE to traffic artworks. Duke, therefore, urged Nigerians to protect and preserve their priceless heritage even though the objects belong to NCMM. He said: “I wish to emphasise that it is prohibited by law to engage in illegal trafficking of our cultural objects. The criminal act of illegal trafficking of our tangible cultural objects is an economic sabotage to the cultural development of our country.

“As people that value their Cultural Heritage in high esteem, it is our primary responsibility to ensure the protection, security and safety of these priceless antiquities,” Duke said.

He expressed his gratitude to Nigerian Custom Service for their good work and the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, USA for returning the eight antiquities to Nigeria.

According to the Director General of NCMM, Mr Yusuf Usman the eight returned artworks from US are pieces distributed to Boston Museum Fine Art from the estate of an undisclosed African collector now deceased. “In our continuing effort at the restitution and return of our cultural property, we have over the years been in co-operation with many institutions including intergovernmental organisations such as United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) involvement in the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property.

•From Left: Usman, Duke and Kabir

“About four years ago we started what we call sharing and collaborating rather than confrontation with Europe Museum on the need to jointly find a way of resolving our differences concerning the holding of Nigerian antiquities in Europe Museum” The beautiful, ageless bronze, terracotta and wood works, which have historical patterns and untold stories of Nigeria are: Nok Bronze, Terracotta Head, Nok Male Figure, Ife Head, two Benin head (terracotta) Benin figure and Kalabari Screen Figure (eight returned from USA), Igboukwu lidded pot, Benin Bronze Bell,

I •Mrs. Mbanefo flanked by Mr Roberts (left) and Mr. Jammeh, after the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Lagos Zonal office of the NTDC in Marina, Lagos.

NTDC, the Gambia Tourism Board sign pact

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HE Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has signed a pact with The Gambia Tourism Board to propel a rapid development and best practices in the Nigeria’s tourism industry.

The NTDC boss, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, said that the partnership between NTDC and The Gambia Tourism Board is a landmark momentum in the tourism industry in West Africa, as the partnership will also develop and promote a subregional tourism brand. She spoke during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the corporation’s Lagos office.

Mbanefo said: “Nigeria is a catalyst in the development of tourism in West Africa. We have the population, which is a great lubricant in the wheel of developing tourism. We also have the political will to explore the potentialities of the industry. Meanwhile, The Gambia has an excellent track record of beat practice in the industry.

As a result, partnership with The Gambia will enable us to exchange notes, programmes, and share best practices.

“Following the partnership, NTDC staff members can go to The Gambia for capacity building and bring back the knowledge to develop Nigeria’s tourism industry. This will also enable our staff members to enlighten the Gambians on the tourism potentials in Nigeria and tell Nigeria’s story correctly to the Gambians, thereby propelling them into visiting Nigeria.

The Gambia Tourism Board as well can send

TOURISM their staff to Nigeria for training and also appreciate our tourism assets.

“Our relationship with The Gambia Tourism Board will promote the sub-regional tourism with the standard of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“It will promote travel and tourism between both countries in the areas of eco-tourism, culture, black heritage, festivals, cuisines and entertainment just to mention a few,” opined Mbanefo.

The NTDC boss, who described The Gambia as the first African country to sign an MOU with, promised that the MOU will be implemented as soon as possible.

Mbanefo used the opportunity the event offered to sell Nigeria’s domestic tourism to The Gambia Tourism Board members, encouraging them to attend fascinating and crowd-pulling festivals in Nigeria, while reeling out the national domestic calendar to the team.

Her words: “Nigeria is so blessed with innumerable fascinating natural and man-made tourist sites and attention-grabbing cultural festivals. I invite you to attend any of the festivals, and you will be glad you did.”

Director-General of the board, Mr Benjamin Roberts expressed the interest of The Gambia Tourism Board to work with NTDC promoting tourism in the two countries.

Queen Mother Memorial Head, Kneeling Female Figure, Kneeling Female Worshipper, Portuguese solder, Benin Bronze Leopard, Seated Benin Chief, Standing Flutist, Bronze Python, Benin Memorial Head, Bronze Drum, Bronze Leopard, Bronze Plaque depicting Portuguese Soldier, Benin Bronze Messenger, Standing Bronze Figure of Ife Chief, Bronze Leopard and Igboukwu Lidded pot (eighteen seizures at Seme), are correctly on displayed at the National Museum, Lagos, for public viewing.

Ilorin National Museum is toast of tourists

T is the policy of the Federal Government to establish in each of the state capital a museum station. The museum is a visible symbol of our common cultural heritage. The laudable policy, which was initiated by the Nigerian Antiquities Commission has not yet been fully realised due to financial constraint. However, temporary arrangements have been made to bring museum facilities to many parts of the country.

The National Museum, Ilorin, located at No. 14 Abdulkadir Road, GRA Ilorin. is one of the museums created by the former Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the late Prof Ade Obayemi in 1988 and till today it is still waxing stronger and has indeed been a centre for education, entertainment, relaxation and enjoyment.

It has on display archaeological, ethnographic and craft shop units. Other features include the hair-do centre, barbing salon centre and relaxation centre (museum kitchen).

All these attract lot of visitors and tourists to the museum.

A new exhibition titled: Nigerian Governments, classical Artwork and Pottery” is ongoing at the museum. Its gallery 1 exhibits Nigerian classical art pieces that include Calabar culture, Igbo-Ukwu, Owo, Ife, lower Niger Bronze (Tsoede) Esie Soap stones and Benin culture. Gallery 2 is housing a collection of a pictorial of the Nigerian government’s leaders from the pre-colonial period till the present time. Gallery 3 showcases Nigerian pottery as an ancient form of art and their uses which include domestic, ceremonial, decorative and ritual purposes. The exhibition is aimed at celebrating Nigerian cultural heritage for the promotion of peace and unity for National development.

At the Hair-do Centre, different traditional hair styles are made for customers based on their request, these styles ranges from Suku, Suku Ologede, Ipako-elede, Koroba, Koju-soko, Konkoso, Ojo-n-peti etc with token amount charged.

The Barbing Centre is for outsiders and as well the staff who wishes to cut their hair.

Moderate amount of money is charged. The barbing shop was reconstructed with thatched roof to reflect the Hausa traditional architectural design. But the floor is well tiled.

In the craft shop, there are various from of artworks for sale ranging from beads, candle stand, frames in different shapes, aso-oke etc all these are available at affordable prices.

The Museum kitchen is where traditional food of different tribes is been prepared and sold at very reasonable amount. also drinks

From Idebi Oyewole Daniel

HERITAGE are available including palm wine. The kitchen has been attracting customers from all works of life.

There is adequate parking space for visitors to park vehicles and maximum security guaranteed as here are guards that patrol from time to time. In addition, the services rendered by the National Museum Professional include, Educational, Ethnographic, Curatorial, Heritage, Archaeological and Library. Each potential professional carries out a research for publication and public consumption. Assistance is rendered to researchers such as undergraduates, tourists and other visitors from outside whenever the need arises.

An Art club is organised by education department for children of primary and secondary schools age who are taught various form of art works to improve their creative abilities.

Another facility rendered by Ilorin museum is the issuance of Export Permit to travellers who intend to travel out with contemporary art works from Nigeria. Ten percent of the amount is charged for rendering such service under the law of the land.

The landscape within the premises is good and well beautified with flowers and carpet grasses. There is a roundabout that houses a town crier; decorated with horses head to show the strength of the museum.

All these and lots more provide the visitors a pleasurable visit. In fact a visit to the National Museum Ilorin is not a visit and time wasted.

•Daniel is of National Museum, Ilorin.

•Fryer (Agbada) and Food Packer (Igbako)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

51

DISCOURSE

The way out for a nation on trial Text of an address delivered by the Chancellor of the Covenant University, Ota, Dr David Oyedepo, at the Ninth Convocation of the school, on June 27, 2014.

Protocols and recognitions

I

T is with thanksgiving and deep appreciation to God that I wel come us all to the 9th Convocation Ceremony of Covenant University, dubbed the Release of Eagles 2014.

I also invite you with excitement to connect with the spirit and symbol of what the convocation ceremony holds, which is indeed a commencement to higher levels of responsibility and a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God in seeing the vision of raising a new generation of Leaders realized. This is indeed a time to mark the validation of Covenant University’s total substantiation and credence to the pursuit of learning and character worthiness, in the actualization of her vision of being a leading World-class University, as we have vowed to see demonstrated, in the quality and overall disposition of the graduates of Covenant University. We have every assurance that they have satisfied all the quality assurance criteria to ignite the change we all desire. We are indeed happy to release to world, an army of reformers, fresh from the stable of our University. On this note, I again welcome everyone to this august occasion of the 9 th Convocation Ceremony of Covenant University.

I have continued to explore the relevance of University Education as a platform for addressing the issues of the day and I have come to the realization that Universities do not just exist to teach and graduate students, but rather to provide a platform for rigorous intellectual discourse that aims at providing solutions to the bugging issues in the society. This is what has informed the topic of my Convocation Address today, captioned: Towards the Way Out for a Nation under Trial.

As we are all aware, the state of Nigeria today speaks of restiveness and unrest. It is therefore with a deep sense of responsibility as a stakeholder, a patriot, as well as one of the leaders of the day, that I will, in communicating my thoughts on this issue, be constructively pungent, responsibly factual, patriotically objective, positively futuristic, as well as passionately optimistic( Oyedepo, 2012 & 2014).

At this point, I want to believe that a detailed diagnosis of the current state of our nation is vital.

Medical doctors as we all know will always demand the running of series of tests before embarking on any treatment; this is the process of diagnosis. To disregard the result of diagnosis, is to expose a patient to the risk of death. I believe it is high time we began to x-ray and explore the root cause of the prevailing issues in our nation in order to come up with applicable solutions to the grave situations bedevilling our great nation Nigeria.

It is glaring that in Nigeria today: •Danger is looming, but there is hope •The nation is fast drifting towards disintegration, but there is hope •Nigeria is facing challenges that openly threaten her existence, but there is hope •Some are bent on religious war for whatever their reasons, but there is hope •When a people become hopeless, they become helpless •Faith will not produce when hope is dead •To keep hope alive is to stay alive (Oyedepo, 2012)

The story of the biblical prodigal son is apt here and we can therefore draw a corollary and applicable lessons for weaving solutions for the current predicament we are faced with as a nation in mapping out the process of restoration, peace, stability and prosperity.

Firstly, the prodigal son came to himself, told himself the truth about himself, when he came to his wits end. We must come to ourselves as a nation and tell ourselves the truth, no matter how bitter.

Secondly, he outlined the steps of action towards the restoration of his dignity.

Thirdly, he rose up to action, and overnight, his frustration and devastation was turned to restoration and celebration.

This is what this Convocation Address is set to accomplish, to bring Nigerians to see the facts of the situations and engage with the issues in order to outline the way out.

Now, let’s look at the problem.

In a recent article, captioned: Boko Haram Led Pogroms, Ethnic Cleansing and Medieval Bestiality in Nigeria’s North East, Co-written by Dr. Pogu Bitrus, Rev. Ibrahim Dauwa, and Rev. James Yaga, JP, and published in the Guardian of June 10, 2014, the following issues which should be of grave concern to every responsible Nigerian, were outlined: Firstly, the writers asserted; “In 2012, in a widely publicized video recording that is easily accessible on the internet, Abubakar Shekau, the late erstwhile leader of Boko Haram announced the mission statement of his sect. Among other things, he said ‘this war is not political. It is religious. It is between Muslims and unbelievers (arna). It will stop when Islamic religion is the determinant in governance in Nigeria or, in the alternative, when all fighters are annihilated and no one is left to continue the fight. I warn all Muslims at this juncture that any Muslim who assists an unbeliever in this war should consider himself dead’, as confirmed by the writers of the article.”

Secondly, the writers stated; “As communities in the defunct Northern Region we are not unaware of the inspiration of Boko Haram and their sponsors. It is no news that the average Northern Muslim thinks that Nigeria is his to dominate, and its riches his to dispense. In October 1960, the late Premier of the defunct Northern Region and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, had declared: ‘The new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great-grandfather, Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities of the North as willing tools and the South as a conquered territory and never allow them to rule over us, and never allow them to have control over their future.’ (Parrot Newspaper, 12th Oct. 1960; republished on November 13, 2002, by the Tribune Newspaper, Ibadan.)”

The above statement is quite pregnant and portends a political time bomb should the present generation of the defunct Northern

Region dare to pursue this stance.

Thirdly the writers further stated that; “Before the late Sardauna made this very revealing statement, the Conference of Northern Chiefs, in response to a letter from the UKbased West African Students’ Union (WASU) to the Northern emirs asking them to support the constitutional evolution of Nigeria into an independent nation, had declared ‘holding this country together is not possible except by means of the religion of the Prophet. If they want political unity let them follow our religion.’ (Obafemi Awolowo, Path to Nigerian Freedom, London: Faber and Faber, 1947, p.51.)”

Again, I see another bomb shell here, which is more of call to a religious war.

Most disturbing, is the reported raid of the Boko Haram sect across 26 villages in Borno State which are predominantly Christians; where homes and churches were razed down and thousands scattered. The data from this article indicated that well over 500 people were killed in twenty of these villages, while the number of deaths in the six others was not determined. Also, over 50,000 were reported displaced and fled to neighboring Cameroun and other parts of the country.

It is disheartening to note that Boko Haram sect is reported to have brought down the Nigerian National Flag in the raided communities and hoisted their own flag in its place.

From all the foregoing and without mincing words, the nation is already at war. The leader of the Boko Haram openly claimed that the sect is an Islamic Jihadist group and they have proved this over and again by their heartless atrocities to date. They have declared, and that openly, a total war against Christianity, Western Education, with a vow to drag Nigeria back to the Stone Age. Furthermore, certain painful thoughts can be gleaned from all of these; a religious war is looming, in fact, in some parts of the nation, that war in my view has already broken out. To pretend not to see this simply amounts to hypocrisy. We must therefore not politicize this issue. Action is not only needed but timely action.

Taking a cue from the case of Iraq, I want to believe that, if the Iraqi Government had taken timely action, the catastrophe that now plagues that nation, may not have arisen. We must indeed wake up to the truth that we have a deadly battle in our hands as a nation; we must therefore rise up to speedily address this grave situation, before it becomes too late.

The cost of insurgency

Let us take a cursory look at the cost of some major wars in Africa, and see how foolhardy it is to go to war.

Sudan Nature of Conflict: Ethnic and religious Duration: 1955-1972; and 1983-2005 (almost 50 years of conflict) Casualties: About 500, 000 killed; over 2 million displaced

Sudan/Darfur Nature of Conflict: Religious and ethnic (Darfur Genocide) Duration: 2003-Date (9 years of conflict) Casualties: Over 400, 000 killed; 3 million displaced Somalia Nature of Conflict: Religious and ethnic Duration: Ogaden War, 1977- 1978; Civil War, 1991-2003; Islamic War, 2003- Date (22 years of conflict) Casualties: 550, 000 killed Ethiopia Nature of Conflict: Power struggle Duration: 1971-1984 (12 years of conflict) Casualties: 500, 000 Rwanda Nature of Conflict: Ethnic Duration: April-July 1994 (just within 100 days) Casualties: Over 800, 000 killed Democratic Republic of Congo Nature of Conflict: Power tussle among political gladiators, and resource struggle Duration: 1996-Date (6 years of conflict) Casualties: 800, 000 killed Liberia Nature of Conflict: Ethnic and political (class, personal; ambitions of warlords) Duration: 1990-1995; 1999-2001 (7 years of conflict) Casualties: 220, 000 Sierra Leone Nature of Conflict: Political, resource (diamond) struggle, ethnic Duration: 1991-2000 (9 years of conflict) Casualties: 200, 000 Uganda Nature of Conflict: Power struggle, class and personal ambitions of Political leaders Duration: 1969-1979; 1989 (11 years of conflict) Casualties: 300, 000; 30, 000 Nigeria Right here in Nigeria, the Civil War, an ethnic-induced conflict of only 30 months claimed over 800, 000 lives.

The above gory picture of destruction, disruption and desolation of lives and property, is the reason why we need to think and re-think.

All of the statistics above should provoke our commitment to timely engagement in a quest to finding solutions to this looming danger, by finding the way out of our current events before it degenerates to a calamitous situation.

May we not experience another war as a nation forever!

The place of the university context in all of these Generally, education in my view is a platform for empowering Man’s intellect to think solutions, while university education is all about empowering Man to create solutions to the challenges besetting humanity.

Putting in context what a university should offer and the contributions it must make to society, let us

‘It is high time that government began to partner with universities in searching out answers to bugging issues such as we have on our hands today. Likewise, universities should engage in relevant topical research, exploring time tested truths with demonstrable futuristic engagements as they champion the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge. This will be a step in the right direction in tackling the current challenges’

•Dr Oyedepo

examine a statement made by John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, who noted that: “We live in an age of movement and change, both evolutionary and revolutionary, both good and evil. And in such an age a university has a special obligation to hold fast to the best of the past and move fast with the best of the future.”

These thoughts should help us reassess the role that Universities must play today in Nigeria, particularly in the current times, in addressing the issues of the looming danger and the concomitant repercussions, if not nipped in the bud!

In my view, a University is a place where solutions to societal problems are found and value added to humanity. A University is not a place for hermits so that people there live as recluse, but a platform that defines values and inspires research. The real worth of a University is only determined by the problems it solves and the solutions it proffers.

In order to be relevant as Universities, we must continue to engage in research that will help solve the challenges and problems our societies face. Robust thinking that comes with quality education must be the reason behind the stability, security and economic empowerment of the developed nations of today. As long as we remain regimented, we will continue to be relegated. As embedded in our Departure Philosophy in Covenant University, we must continuously advocate new ways of thinking.

The mind of the Nigerian should be transformed into new minds that can conceive a new Nigeria into existence, indeed, minds that can resist the indoctrination of evil.

This is why I believe that developed nations are far more politically stable, economically buoyant and far more futuristic in their perspective and engagement, all of which is traceable to their solid educational infrastructures. The fact is, wherever goes education, there goes civilization. When Egypt was leading in education, she was also leading in civilization. For example, Greek historians, artists and Mathematicians went to Egypt for their education between 2900 – 2400 BC. This is why university education has been a vital platform for national development all through human history.

The way forward

It is my expectation that this Convocation Address will serve as a wake-up call to all those who believe in the Nigerian Project, to rise up to give hope in these trying times. We can therefore create the tomorrow we desire by creatively engaging our diverse resourcescultural, intellectual, human, and natural, etc. We can indeed create the tomorrow we desire by creatively engaging our intellectual resources towards its realisation.

•Continued on page 52

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

52

DISCOURSE

Way out for a nation on trial •Continued from page 51

This is where the University Context in Nigeria comes in and indeed Covenant University. Universities in Nigeria, and I dare say, in Africa, must drive relevance by continuously addressing and proffering solutions to the challenges of the day. If a University is to be the bastion and a place for the creation of ideas and ideals, the current saga of Boko Haram and all the associated challenges, including the bewildering disappearance of over two-hundred (2OO) plus Chibouk Girls are issues that should engage the University platform in intense discourse, debates and solution finding workshops, etc.

The University System in Nigeria must become responsive to the issues and challenges of the day. It should no longer be business as usual. University education should be beyond certification and must seek application in real life context for improving the lot of humanity and driving causes for the good of all.

It is high time that government began to partner with universities in searching out answers to bugging issues such as we have on our hands today. Likewise, universities should engage in relevant topical research, exploring time tested truths with demonstrable futuristic engagements as they champion the expansion of the frontiers of knowledge. This will be a step in the right direction in tackling the current challenges as this will benefit the society immensely. New programmes can be evolved in areas such as, Security Science, Management of displaced persons etc.

These along with similar programmes can come up as new subjects of study and research in our Universities.

For example, only last month, 26th -28th of May, 2014 to be precise, Covenant University’s African Centre for Leadership Development (ALDC), (a Centre committed to nurturing transformational leaders for Nigeria and Africa, hosted a Conflict Management and Resolution workshop aimed at seeking indigenous solutions for contemporary socio-political, economic and cultural issues affecting Nigeria and Africa at large. Many of such initiatives should become the order of the day in our universities.

Where do we go from here?

It is pertinent at this point in the

course of this lecture to critically examine the options at our disposal that can be employed in putting a halt to this impending holocaust.

I have always believed in finding indigenous solutions to indigenous problems. You will agree with me that in the animal kingdom, all animals find local solutions to their local problems. They do not travel neither do they import goods and services, yet they succeeded in providing solution to all their problems. It is also common knowledge that in the plant kingdom trees do not move, yet from the same position they are able to access all they need.

But man is the most intelligent creature of all of God’s creation, yet because he will not take responsibility, he has not succeeded to find solution to his own local problems.

Someone once said, you are not a failure until you start looking for who to blame for it. There is no amount of foreign interest or support that will be a substitute for our indigenous engagement in finding solutions to the issues of our day.

I have always believed that no solution can be more enduring than home-grown solutions.

I am therefore putting forward the following thoughts which should inspire both the citizens and those in government to engage in the process of finding lasting solution to these unfortunate issues.

It is therefore important to note the following: • Definitely not talking about the issues at stake is not the solution • Ignoring the facts before us will not make it falsehood •Wishing the challenges away is not the solution as wishes never change situations. For instance, it will be sheer madness to wish that Boko Haram does not exist. The facts and figures are evident.

• Poverty can not be adduced for the reason for the Boko Haram Insurgency. As recently reported in international media, Two Syrian brothers born of same parents who are citizens of Belgium joined the jihadist fighters in Syria. They were young men who had good jobs but chose to join the jihadist.

5. It is not class discrimination either, otherwise other villages being raided should not have come to play; because their inhabitants are poor people, living on subsistence farming.

6. It is also not about oppression of the high and mighty, oth-

‘The University System in Nigeria must become responsive to the issues and challenges of the day.

It should no longer be business as usual. University education should be beyond certification and must seek application in real life context for improving the lot of humanity and driving causes for the good of all’ erwise, the issues of the abducted Chibok Girls should not have been part of the fight. The issues here are raised for us to search deeper. It is against this background that I am calling on our Universities to look into the issues staring us right in our face and with every sense of urgency, proffer home-grown solutions.

In addition, it is my expectation that the Nigerian Government at all levels, National University’s Commission, the Leadership of Universities at various levels, stakeholders in education and other sectors of development will respond to this clarion call.

Pretense has always been a failed ideology and it must have brought us to where we are today.

As I once noted, you cannot not fail with facts. We must come to understand where we are and the issues at stake and how to deal with them. From the information available in the media- print, electronic and social, Nigeria is fast becoming a breeding ground for a potential, religious and ethnic war.

We either stop it now or it stops us later. The destiny of our nation Nigeria is hanging in the balance.

This means therefore that all men and women of substance and courage should rise up and speak up.

Before our very eyes, Abuja has

been hit several times. The seat of Government in the nation has constantly been threatened by insurgencies more frequently in recent times.

Only two days ago, 25th of June, 2014, Banex Plaza, a commercial centre in Wuse, Abuja was hit. In addition, many villages in the North-East of Nigeria have been turned to ghost towns overnight as their inhabitants had to flee for safety! This is why all Universities across the Nation should create platforms for intense discourse and publish widely for Nigerians to know what our findings are.

Enough of these pretenses, we are face to face with a looming holocaust. This is a call to take up intellectual arms, Nigerian Universities must arise and speak up, and individuals in the nation must rise up to this call! It is time for all of us to start seeking the way forward.

Conclusion

Having examined and presented the issues of the day in our nation, we must not despair but with every sense of hope and faith in God, look forward to a future we desire with great optimism as there is no irreversible situation with God. We must therefore keep hope alive, for a better, peaceful, stable and prosperous tomorrow for our Nation Nigeria.

May I at this point congratulate the Parents of our dear Graduands, hearty congratulations! I salute your tenacity and commitment and celebrate your role in this process.

May you live to enjoy the fruit of your labour. Amen.

Finally to the Graduating class, the Elite Set, our soon to be released Eagles, we are releasing you as Eagles. If there ever was a time, that your world needed you, that time is now. Everybody will admit that never has the world faced the kinds of challenges it faces today, but challenges are stepping stones to championship, and only the challenged end up a champion. Go forth therefore and take the Covenant University vision to the uttermost parts of the world at large and be the world changers that you have been raised to be as you see all the challenges on your path as opportunities; as you continue to build on the foundations of Character, Courage and Capacity and you can be sure you cannot fail. Remember that Life is a race not a sprint but a marathon and will

•Dr Oyedepo

always require patience and endurance to make the most adventure of life!

Let me leave you with these rules which are sure to make prize winners of you in the race of life: 1: Recognize that Life is a race and only runners ever win the prize • . Life is work and the worth of every life is a function of the quality of its work • Life is a seed time and harvest adventure; and whatever a man sows that he shall reap.

Therefore, every good thing a man does the same he shall receive from the God. • Life is warfare; and it is largely spiritual warfare; • Jesus is life, and taking Him along in your journey makes the journey great.

Therefore, we release you today as Covenant Eagles, the Elite Eagles, spread your wings and soar, your world is waiting for you. I love you with passion and I cannot not wait to see you manifest as the Eagles you have been raised to be! Be blessed, every one of you in Jesus Name. Amen May I on this note ask us all to appreciate the faithfulness of God in bringing us to this point in time in the history of our University, culminating in this 9 th Convocation Ceremony. I deeply appreciate everyone who is here today to celebrate the release of the 9 th batch of Eagles, thank you so much and God bless you.

God bless Class of 2014, the Elite Eagles, God Bless Covenant University, God bless Nigeria, and God bless Africa!!!

NEWS

From left: Bolade Odukoya, the Commissioner III, Lagos Civil Service Commission, Hon. Wasiu Odeyemi, Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, Secretary to Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Hon. Sola Odubiro, at the inauguration of one of the four Motorised Boreholes donated by the senator, at Odo Egiri, Eredo, Epe.

•President, Lagos State Cooperative Federation Ltd (LASCOFED), Mr. Oriyomi Ayeola presenting gifts to the Matron of Lagos State Motherless Babies Home, Mrs. Aderonke Oguntoyinbo during the visit to the center as part of year 2014 International Cooperative Day Celebration in Lagos State. With them are 1st Vice President Alhaji Kola Sanusi and Executive Secretary Mrs. Ebun Akin-Falaye.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

53

BUSINESS EXTRA Reps pass NCC’s N54.4b 2014 budget

Abuja airport runway to be shut again

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

T

T

HE 2014 Appropriation bill of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday scaled through second reading stage in House of Representatives.

The bill which was presented on the floor by the Leader of the House, Hon. Mulikat Akande- Adeola was unanimously passed when its Deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha called for a vote.

The bill is for an Act to authorise the issue from the Statutory Revenue Fund of the NCC the total sum of N54,443,967,000 Of the amount, N14,823,226,000 is for recurrent expenditure and N7,359,320,000 is for transfer to the Federal Government, while the the sum of N8,400,000,000 is for transfer to the Universal Service Fund (USPF).

An additional sum of N8,012,778,000 is expected to be transferred from reserves and the balance of N15,847,743,000 is for capital and special projects for the year ending December 31 this year.

Also yesterday, the House mandated its Committee on Customs to liaise with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to work out modalities to curb the activities of smugglers and tender its report within four weeks.

This was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion brought before the House by Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun Dokun who noted that not much is being done by NCS to curb the activities of the smugglers and the sale of prohibited goods within the country.

He said: “The Nigerian borders have become so porous that palm oil and other consumables are easily smuggled into the country through the neighbouring countries, thus affecting the marketability of locally produced palm oil and other consumables.

“The rate at which rice and other food items are being smuggled into the country through various borders is so high that Nigeria has lost so much revenue as a result of the compromising activities of certain Customs officers.”

The bill was passed after members voted in its favour.

•Executive Vice Chairman, NCC Dr Eugene Juwah

•From left: Company Secretary, Mrs Adenike Laoye; Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria Mr. Tony Okpanachi; Economic Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mrs. Colleen Zamba and Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Environment Mrs. Felicia Adun, at the signing ceremony of Territorial Approach to Climate Change Initiative between UNDP and Ecobank Nigeria in Lagos.

TCN to transmit 6,000MW by December, says minister T

•Market Operator receives N11b for power purchase

HE Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo yesterday told the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hat it has no excuse for failing to transmit 6,000Mega Watts ( Mw) of electricity by December this year.

The minister said since he had received assurance from TCN that it has the capacity to wheel any generated power, the assurance must transcend semantics to reality.

He gave this marching order in Abuja, during the commissioning of the TCN, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIPSS)/PowerCollect Operations and Command Centre.

The minister noted that the new board of the TCN has been focused but the ministry was however worried about the capacity to transmit generated power.

Nebo said: “The board of the TCN has given the leadership that is focused. And the new management of the TCN has also been focused to make sure we move ahead. A lot needs to be done and we are deeply concerned about the capacity of the TCN to deliver the power

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja that is generated. “ We keep getting reassurances and assurances that the capacity is there. But we will want to make sure that this is realistic and this is experiential, not just something done on paper but something we can really experience.

“Because we have no excuse for failing to have enough physical, tangible, palpable, wheeling power of 6,000Mw

by December this year.”

Commenting on the PowerCollect Operation Command Centre, he assured the Market Operator (MO) of support, adding that the ministry welcomes fresh initiatives.

The minister urged stakeholders to cooperate and comply with all the rules and requirements necessary for the success of the project.

NIPSS partner, Mr. Biodun Ogundipe said it is a firm that is jointly owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all other banks in the country.

He said “it was a good thing that on the 13th of June, we cleared the outstanding balance

that was due for the market operators that is N11 billion.”

The partner said the payment was an eye-opener of how transparent and reliable the operation will now be.

The MO, Engr. Ngozi Osahon, said the new system-power collect operation was predicated on the fact that the power industry will now need billions of dollars of investment to achieve its 40000Mw target by 2020.

She explained that NIBSSPower Collect is an Automated Revenue Lifecycle Management System that will enable the MO and all players in the electricity value chain ensure equitable revenue collection and splitting.

The Osahon stressed said it will give the MO the tools it requires for market price stability; the NERC the tools it requires for an effective regulation of the sector; the ministry the oversight it requires for effective monitoring of the sector; and all market participants the transparency required for mutual trust, and increased efficiency.

She added that the next step stage after the privatisation of

the sector is sustainability of the market that is hinged on continuous investment by both local and domestic operators.

According to her, in the privatised setting, the MO has been made the administrator of the market in the interim and has taken on the arduous but important task of ensuring that the market overcomes all the challenges, adding that it’s well positioned towards attaining its 40,000Mw 2020 traget. She said: “Like the rest of the world, we are at a crossroads where traditional solutions to fundamental problems no longer cut in; we have to dig deep and come up with revolutionising technological solutions. Solutions so conceivable yet so efficient that it shocks the world. A solution globally accepted yet tailored to the Nigerian market and its specific problems.

“It is in the quest for such a solution, one of the global standard but also that is customised to meet the unique needs of the local environment that the MO, working closely with the NIBSS has developed and hereby present to the market, the NIBSS PowerCollect Platform!”

‘ITF plans training for two million on skills acquisition’

T

HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) plans to train about two million people in effort to close the skills gap that exist in the industrial sector, the Director-General, Dr. Juliet O.E ChukkasOnaeko, has said.

Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko, who spoke in Lagos yesterday, said the Fund would collaborate with other bodies, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to ensure that the two million target is met. She said UNIDO is helping out in the area of skills assessment and skills gap survey.

The said the body has some challenges in dealing with the SIWE (Students Industrial

By Simeon Ebulu

Work Experience) internship programme because of the large number of students involved. She explained that one of the major issues, is to clear the backlog of arrears due to the interns who have completed their placement. She blamed the situation on underfunding from the Federal Government coffers.

However, she said the position is looking better, stating that in no time, the arrears would be cleared.

Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko, said the number of students posted for the SIWE have continued to increase, because the initial disciplines for which the

scheme was designed, were arbitrarily increased to include courses that should not have been part of it, adding that at the moment, about 300,000 students are awaiting payment of their arrears. She said the essence of the ITF training is geared towards self and gainful employment.

The ITF chieftain said the intention of the body is to turn its training centres in the six geo-political zones to international standards, with a view to bringing them to what obtains in the developed nations, adding that ITF is partnering with Brazil to achieve the feat.

She said locally, ITF is collaborating with Peugeot Au-

tomobile of Nigeria (PAN), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agencies of Nigeria (SMIEDAN) and other firms, including Dangote Group and Lafarge WAMPCO, and Yaba College of Technology to advance and expand the scope of training for the its trainees.

She said the Fund’s major sources of funds, which is the one per cent contribution from companies, is being threatened with the closure of firms and the reluctance of most government agencies to comply with the statutory provision. She said contribution from government agencies hovers between 30 per cent and 35 per cent.

HE runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja which was closed for 30 hours for repairs last weekend will be shut for another 30 hours to complete the rehabilitation process.

A statement by the Coordinating General Manager of Aviation Parastatals, Yakubu Dati noted that a notice has been sent to aircraft pilots and relevant stakeholders about the development.

“The second phase of the rehabilitation of the remaining section of the runway would however take place for another 30 hours next weekend between Saturday 12, and Monday 14, 2014. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to this effect has already been sent to all aircraft pilots and other relevant stakeholders, informing them of the impending closure.

“The runway rehabilitation is being done in two phases to minimise the inconvenience the runway closure would have on air passengers and aircraft operators if it was carried out at once.

“The authority regrets the inconvenience the second closure of the runway within one week, would cause passengers and other stakeholders.

“We wish to assure the public and all aviation stakeholders that the conclusion of the maintenance work on the runway would guarantee enhanced flight safety on the Abuja Airport runway,” the statement read in part.

Cement grade: Lafarge WAPCO slams SON over unfair regulation

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

T

HE Managing Director of Lafarge WAPCO Nigeria, Mr. Joe Hudson has expressed regrets that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has chosen to adopt an incorrect process in arriving at cement grades.

Speaking at the pre-annual general meeting (AGM) of the firm in Lagos, he berated SON for reneging on agreement reached by all parties on cement grades, insiting that for any change to take place, a process agreeable to all parties needed to be adopted and not taking a position meant to advance the interest any of the concerned parties.

While noting that there are three types of cement grades made for different purposes, Mr. Hudson took exception to a situation where people are compelled to buy a particular grade of cement for selfish reasons.He insisted that there are no substandard cement in the country.

According to him, the much criticised 32.5 grade cement is the best suited for building construction and plastering especially with the reported 18 million housing deficit in the country.

He said his firm actually first came up with the 42.5 grade with the introduction of power-mix used for heavy construction such as bridges and other specilaised constructions.

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 08-07-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 08-07-14

High-cap stocks rally equities to modest recovery

G

AINS by a handful of highly capitalised stocks spurred the Nigerian equities market to another bullish outset, partly offsetting the downtrend that started the week. Market capitalisation of quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rose slightly by N34 billion with the benchmark index indicating day-on-day average return of 0.24 per cent.

The market had lost 0.64 per cent on Monday as investors sought to take profits from the sustained gains that started the second half last week.

With 27 gainers to 32 losers, the market situation showed the underlined bearish sentiments but the momentum of activities remained above average.

While the positive overall market situation was driven by gains by some highly capitalised companies, the momentum

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

of activities remained under the scrambles for the financial services stocks.

The All Share Index (ASI), the composite value-based index that tracks prices of all quoted companies, inched up to 42,861.78 points as against its opening index of 42,758.02 points. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities rose from N14.119 trillion to N14.153 trillion.

Total turnover stood at 523.33 million shares worth N5.13 billion in 5,366 deals.

Financial services sector accounted for 408.9 million shares valued at N2.63 billion in 2,412 deals.

Nestle Nigeria, the highestpriced stock, led the rally with a gain of N11.20 to close at N1,111.20 per share. Dangote

Cement, the most capitalised stock, rose by N2.02 to close at N247.02. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria added N2 to close at N70. Presco gained N1.10 to close at N38. Stanbic IBTC Holdings gathered 27 kobo to close at N27. National Salt Company of Nigeria garnered 22 kobo to close at N11.40. Dangote Sugar Refinery rose by 17 kobo to close at N9.20. Caverton Offshore Support Group chalked up 15 kobo to close at N7.05. Vitafoam Nigeria rose by 14 kobo to close at N4.34 while Guaranty Trust Bank added 13 kobo to close at N29.57 per share.

On the downside, Mobil Oil Nigeria topped the losers’ list with a drop of N2.04 to close at N133.02. Nigerian Breweries declined by N1 to close at N173. Julius Berger Nigeria dropped by 95 kobo to close at N68.05.

55

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

MONEYLINK

World Bank commits $15.3b to Africa’s growth T HE World Bank Group has committed $15.3 billion to sub Saharan Africa’s development this year. In a report obtained yesterday from its website, the global lender said the fund was disbursed between July 2013 and June 2014 to support shared prosperity in the region and focusing on increased efforts to reduce poverty.

Its Vice President for the Africa Region, Makhtar Diop said the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) have combined forces under a joint Energy Business Plan for Nigeria to mobilise nearly $1.7 billion of private sector financing for the power sector.

The plan, he said, will support the country’s energy reform programme and help increase installed generation capacity by about 1,000 Megawatts (Mw) of electricity.

Diop said Africa is making signifi-

Sterling Bank kits for LAWMA

•Mobilises $1.7b private financing for Nigeria’s power sector

Stories by Collins Nweze

cant progress adding that the global lender is helping clients achieve their development goals. “We applaud the improved policies and prudent fiscal decisions many governments have made and we will continue to provide financing through loans and grants, technical expertise and to mobilise our unique convening power to leverage the resources of other development partners,” he said.

Diop said the World Bank Group continued its strong commitment to Africa delivering $10.6 billion in new lending for 160 projects within the fiscal year.

The commitments, he said, in-

cluded a new record of $10.2 billion in zero-interest credits and grants from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries.

“IFC’s work in the private sector in Africa during the fiscal year focused on bridging the infrastructure gap, promoting a productive real sector and leading inclusive business approaches to help drive growth and job creation. IFC investments on the continent amounted to over $4.2 billion, with over $3 billion committed in IDA countries and almost $800 million in fragile and conflict-affected states,” he added.

• Sterling Bank CEO Yemi Adeola

S

TERLING Bank has presented 25,000 units of new kits to the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA). The bank said in a statement, that the reflective kits will be used by the high-

CBN, NDIC, stakeholders bicker over supervision of banks

A

BILL for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act 2006 and re-enact NDIC Act 2014 and other Matters connected therewith,” set the stage for conflict between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NDIC and other stakeholders yesterday.

The bone of contention at the oneday stakeholders conference, organised by Hon. Jones Onyereriheaded House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, was who has the role of supervising banks in the country.

The amendment to the 2006 Act, if re-enacted, would empower NDIC to supervise banks and equally liquidate ailing banks, an exclusive pre-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

serve of the apex bank.

The CBN was vehement in its denunciation of the bill.

Its Director of Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins while speaking said: “NDIC must have an agreement with CBN before it can supervise banks. There can never be two captains in the same ship as the NDIC cannot be on self employment as liquidator of banks, deposit insurer and bank supervisor without an agreement with the CBN”.

However, NDIC’s former Managing Director, Mr. Ganiyu Ogunleye said the CBN was pursuing “a nar-

row angle rather than pursuing a broader angle”.

He said: “This is inappropriate as we are all agencies of government working towards a common goal.”

NDIC’sManaging Director, Mr. Umaru Ibrahim, said the bill is a positive development for the banking sector and should be passed without delay.

“It is our fervent hope that the proposed amendments to the NDIC Act which is the subject of the hearing will greatly impact on the corporation’s ability to perform its functions more effectively and efficiently towards achieving its set goal of becoming one of the leading deposit insurers in the world.

“We are by your presence here assured that we can indeed count on you as committed partners in the drive to ensure a safe and sound banking system in Nigeria. ”The Deposit Insurance Scheme forms part of the financial safety net necessary to reduce the risk of severe financial crises. Without an appropriate financial safety net, problems regarding solvency or liquidity of a financial institution have the potential of turning into full-blown financial crisis.

With an appropriate financial safety net in place, depositor confidence is enhanced and the likelihood of financial crises is reduced to the barest minimum”.

way managers and sweepers engaged by the authority.

Its Group Head, Collections, Jide Sonoiki who made the presentation on behalf of the lender said it will continually engage in initiatives that protect the environment especially those that are connected to the protection of lives through its renowned partnership with LAWMA. He reiterated the commitment of the bank to maintaining a healthy environment adding that it had concluded discussions with the governments of other states in the country on the provision of kits for their highway managers and sweepers.

LAWMA’s Managing Director, Tunde Oresanya commended the bank for supporting the authority in the promotion of a clean environment and good health among Nigerians.

The LAWMA boss, who ascribed the success story of the authority in the last five years to the support received from the lender and other concerned institutions, commended the bank for sustaining its support to the authority over the years.

“Sterling Bank is a major partner of LAWMA. It supports our clean up exercise and also has its own initiatives in the area of environmental cleanliness,” he added.

DATA BANK NIGERIAN STOCK MARKET INDICATORS

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

Statistics All Share Index

43,031.81

42,758.02

Mkt Cap (N’bn)

14,209.00

14,118.59

Deals

4,681

5,215

Volume (mn)

282.46

460.23

Value (N’mn)

3,241.78

4.509.32

Transaction Dates 7/7/14 7/2/14 6/30/14

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

GAINERS AS AT 08-07-14

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 300m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 342.8m 254.7m 349.8m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 7, 2014

Inflation: May

8.0%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

154.73

155.73

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves

$38.01bn

US Dollar

1.21

0.07

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$110.44

Pounds Sterling

264.8978

266.6098

0.80

0.84

0.04

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

LEARNAFRCA

1.61

1.69

0.08

Euro

210.4173

211.7772

MAYBAKER

1.64

1.72

0.08

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

173.0954

174.2141

Yen

1.5192

1.529

CFA

0.3029

0.3229

238.5186

240.0601

Yuan/Renminbi

24.9395

25.1015

Riyal

41.2558

41.5255

SDR

238.8876

240.4315

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CONTINSURE

1.14

NPFMCRFBK

DNMEYER

1.16

1.21

0.05

ROYALEX

0.50

0.52

0.02

ABCTRANS

0.85

0.88

0.03

VITAFOAM

4.20

4.34

0.14

COSTAIN PRESCO

1.34

1.38

0.04

36.90

38.00

1.10

LOSERS AS AT 08-07-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

SMURFIT

1.28

1.06

-0.22

NEIMETH

1.26

1.20

-0.06

ETERNA

4.54

4.33

-0.21

AGLEVENT

1.31

1.25

-0.06

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

10.500

1M

12.175

12.101

3M

13.328

13.225

6M

14.296

14.-85

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

July 4, 2014

July 7, 2014

T-bills - 91

9.98

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.00

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.26

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.36

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.77

11.86

FOREX RATES

CUTIX

1.97

1.88

-0.09

AIRSERVICE

2.45

2.34

-0.11

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

UBCAP

2.30

2.24

-0.06

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

36.55

35.80

-0.75

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

PORTPAINT

5.40

5.30

-0.10

COURTVILLE

0.59

0.58

-0.01

PZ

WAUA

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

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57

NEWS Church celebrates 50th anniversary

M

OTAILATU Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with the theme “Prayer is the key- Adura

Ni Koko”.

According to the anniversary committee, the celebration will hold on August 17 at the church’s International Sub-Headquarters, Sanctuary Auditorium, besides Lead City University, Lekki-Epe Expressway Ajah, Lekki, Lagos.

The church was founded in 1964 by Baba Aladura Motailatu Akinadewo. The church’s General Secretary, Elder Israel Akinadewo, said Motailatu is a spiritual name, which means orderliness.

Prof Joseph Otubu, a professor of Medicine and General Evangelist of the church, will be one of the officiating officers at the ceremony.

Tiv monarch ‘prunes’ aspirants

T

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

HE Tor Tiv, Dr Alfred Akawe, has directed all governorship aspirants to step down for four others, who are from Benue North West.

The monarch took the decision after meeting with the aspirants at his palace in Gboko yesterday, where they were screened by a group, PDP MINDA Elders Forum.

Going by the political zoning arrangement of the Tiv, MINDA, a group spread in four local governments- Gwer, Gwer West, Makurdi and Guma- would produce the next governor.

The intervention of the Tor Tiv, according to a source, is to reduce unnecessary spending, acrimony and brighten MINDA’s chances.

The monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Ber, exonerated the monarch from the screening. He said Akawe has no hands in the selection of the aspirants.

Those selected are Minister of State for Trade and Investment Samuel Ortom (Guma); a retired Permanent Secretary Hinga Biem (Gwer); former Speaker Terhemen Tarzoor (Makurdi) and former registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Felix Atume (Gwer West).

•The crowd at the funeral...yesterday

New C of O in Niger

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has launched a new Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

Commissioner for Information Danladi Ndayebo said yesterday that the C of O would be effective from August 4.

Ndayebo said the new land management regime was part of efforts to reposition land administration.

He said the scheme, which is being executed by the State Geographic Information Systems (NIGIS), would fast track the processes leading to the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (Cs of O) to land owners.

It would also make for proper documentation of all land matters and unlock the state’s huge revenue potentials.

Ndayebo said owners with the current Cs of O would have till October 31 to present them for recertification or regularisation. Failure to

S •Aliyu From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

do so will mean forfeiture of such titles.

The commissioner further explained that the new C of O is a two-page (one sheet) document which contains information about the applicant, condition for granting the title, the governor’s signature and the photograph of the applicant on the front page.

The size and coordinates of each plot of land can be found on the back page of the new Certificate of Occupancy.

Five remanded for kidnapping From James Azania, Lokoja CHIEF Magistrate’s Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, remanded yesterday five suspects in custody for allegedly kidnapping the two sons of Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker.

The accused were also charged with the abduction of two Chinese and demanding ransom for their release.

Abdullahi Baje, Sule Ganiyu, Yusuf Abdullahi and another who is at large, according to the police prosecutor, conspired to kidnap Afeez and Ogirima Lawal and took them away in a Toyota Yaris belonging to their mother.

Abubarka Mohammed, Garba Mati, Haruna Abdullahi and Yakubu, who is at large, were said to have conspired to kidnap Shen Fahung and San Hongui at Obajana, in Lokoja Local Government Area.

The first three suspects were said to have demanded N200 million before the release of the two kids.

Their counsel, A. Abass, urged the court to use its discretion and grant the accused bail.

The prosecution counsel, A Abaji, told the court not grant them bail in view of the gravity of the offence.

The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, refused them bail and adjourned the matter till July 31.

A

Ex-minister Dikko buried in Zaria

ECOND Republic Minister of Transport Umaru Dikko, who died in London last week, was buried in Zaria, Kaduna State, yesterday after a funeral prayer at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

The body of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disciplinary committee arrived at his Kaduna home early yesterday, where it was received by family members before being conveyed to Zaria on the emir’s request.

The body was earlier scheduled to arrive in Nige-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ria last Thursday, but was delayed due to what family sources described as “logistic reasons”.

Unconfirmed reports have it that the British Home Office refused to release the body, until the intervention of the Federal Government.

Shortly after the funeral prayers, the body was taken to Zaria City on Old Jos Road for interment; the burial was almost marred by heavy rain.

The remains were buried

at 2.20 pm.

The Chief Imam of Zaria, Mohammadu Sani, led the funeral prayer, which was attended by the Emir of Zazzau, Secretary to the State Government Hamza Isaq Danmahawayi, who represented Governor Mukthar Ramalan Yero.

The second republic minister left the country on the eve of the military coup of December 31, 1983 and attempt by the Buhari government to bring him back in a crate to face trial was aborted by the British Police.

He later studied Law while in London and was called to the English Bar. The late Dikko was appointed as the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee by the Bamanga Tukur led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a position he accepted, despite failing health.

The Nation gathered that while the family wanted to bury him at his Kaduna residence, the Emir of Zazzau requested that the corpse be brought to Zaria for burial.

Ahmed to students: take part in voter registration

K

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged students yesterday to participate in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration.

The governor spoke in Ilorin when students under the auspices of National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS) visited him in his office.

He said their participation would ensure that they are not disenfranchised next year.

The governor said his ad-

•Support for APC govt From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ministration remains committed to the implementation of policies and programmes to make the state more developed.

He said the government initiated an entrepreneurship development programme to create job creators and employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

NAKSS endorsed the educational and developmental

programmes and policies of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The students pledged their total support for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

Led by their National Public Relations Officer, Obafemi Oyeniyi, they said in the last three years tertiary institutions have had infrastructural development, including the building of 10 new lecture

halls at the State College of Education, Oro; building of an e-library at the State polytechnic, Ilorin and the 1,000-capacity auditorium at the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies.

“Today, we have come in thousands to declare our total support for APC because it is in you our problems of epileptic power supply will be solved, unemployment will go, corruption will end, rule of law will become the order of the day and strike will end.”

Kano sues Okonjo-Iweala, PPPRA over deductions

T

HE Kano State government has sued the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iwuala and two others for their alleged refusal to provide it with information relating to deductions from its allocations and those of its local governments for the Petroleum Support Fund.

Joined in the case before the Federal High Court, Abuja, are the Finance Ministry and the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

The applicant, in a support-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ing affidavit to its ex-parte application for leave, stated that its officials had written to the PPPRA on April 11 for information on the issue.

The government stated that the respondents have been making deductions in this regard from the funds accruable to it and its local governments, but have never disclosed the amount deducted from 2005 to 2014.

The state stated that it sought the information through due process, but was denied by the respondents.

This, it said, informed its filing of the application under the Freedom of Information Act (2011).

Justice Evoh Chukwu granted the ex-parte application argued by applicant’s lawyer, Mrs V. O. Awomolo (SAN) for leave to apply for an order for a judicial review of the respon-

•Dr Okonjo-Iweala

dents’ refusal to avail the applicant information about the deductions.

The judge adjourned till July 21 for hearing of the applicant’s substantive application.

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59

NEWS Conference adjourns abruptly Continued from page 4

tion of powers, those asking for status quo here should rethink.

“With respect to minerals, I support those asking for 21 per cent derivation to those states producing the minerals.

“I am saying this because my brother who wants status quo should remember that when it comes to their turn and the solid mineral belt from Nasarawa to Sokoto will be exploited, the same measure will be applied.

Those minerals have been there for ages.

“I am telling you this from researches that have been done.

When it gets to your turn, please consider how much percentage you are going to get.”

The former governor said groups within the country should be ready to negotiate in the interest of the greater majority.

“This conference is not just about maintaining the status quo. If you are not careful, those of us from other zones will not agree with you on other issues.

“Let us cooperate and support one another; you rub my back, I rub your back. If you

don’t rub my back, when it comes to the presidential elections in 2015, we shall deal with those people who want status quo and who are not rubbing our back now.”

Earlier, there was an argument between the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, and Sidi Ali, an elder statesman, who alleged that a former governor of Rivers State owned one of the biggest hospitals in Abuja.

Ali’s comment was coming on the heels of accusations by some delegates that Niger Delta governors have not justified the utilisation of the 13 per cent derivation they have been enjoying over the years.

Odili, a medical doctor, took exception to the accusation and challenged Ali to substantiate it or risk a legal action.

“Honourable Sidi Ali made an allusion, while contributing to the debate on the report that the biggest hospital in Abuja is owned by a former governor of Rivers State.

“There are many former governors of Rivers State, but of all of them, I am the only medical doctor and I stand here to say before this honourable house

and before Almighty God that Dr Peter Odili has nothing to do with this so-called big hospital in Abuja, which has been paraded and touted by Honourable Sidi Ali as belonging to a former governor of Rivers State.

“If he is sure of his facts, let him stand up and tell this assembly the name of the owner of the hospital and prove that that name is the owner of that hospital.

“I challenge him to do so and I challenge every Nigerian who believes that allegation; otherwise, I am going to take legal action against him,” Odili said.

Justice Kutigi moved in quickly say the matter would be resolved amicably between the two. “If you remember, when Honourable Sidi Ali was making his allegation, he was urged to name names and he named nobody, “Sidi Ali did not name anybody when he was asked to do so, so I hope you will take it in that form.

“We will sort it out later,” he said.

Plenary resumes at 9,30am today for the concluding part of the adoption of reports.

Polls: President’s power to deploy troops under threat Continued from page 4

al Matters for further inputs after its passage.

There was a heavy security deployment of security made up of policemen, soldiers and civil defence corps in Ekiti State at least one week before the June 21 governorship election .

Soldiers manned all the entry and exit points into the state. Troops were also deployed in major towns and villages.

Armoured tanks, helicopters and other military hardware were also moved to the state in what the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC) described as the militarisation of the state.

Governors Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) were prevented from joining the train to campaign for Governor Kayode Fayemi 48 hours to the election. While Oshiomhole’s chartered helicopter was prevented from taking off from Benin, Amaechi was stopped at the border between Ondo and Ekiti states by soldiers.

Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Abubakar posted Assistant Inspector-

General of Police, (AIG) Bala M Nasarawa to supervise security arrangements. He was assisted by four commissioners of Police.

The IG also deployed hitech security equipment, including surveillance helicopters, armoured personnel carriers, patrol vans and other law enforcement gadgets.

There was also the deployment to strategic locations of the personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Bomb Disposal Unit, Mounted Troops and the Police Air-wing.

When governors crack jokes Continued from page 4

their midst? Were they bidding him farewell, given the belief that their party – and The Presidency, some insist - had perfected the plot to get him out for good? Part of his sins is that he made uncomplimentary remarks about President Goodluck Jonathan and defected to the APC. Aliyu and Nyako used to share the same company, when it came to being openly critical of the president.

Aliyu, who likes being addressed as Niger State’s Chief Servant instead of His Excellency, even accused Dr. Jonathan of breaking a gentleman ’s agreement that

he was going to serve a single term of four years. The Niger helmsman and the five PDP governors who defected to the APC were in the same camp and still belong to the Governor Rotimi Amaechi faction of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), as against Plateau Governor Jonah Jang’s faction, which has the Presidency’s backing.

Aliyu, who was never tired of accusing the PDP leadership of perpetrating illegality, like it has done again in Adamawa, has simmered down of late. He seems to have made up with Jonathan and is enjoying the PDP, which months back, he

severely tongued lashed.

Akpabio, who is also laughing in the picture, belongs to the Jang NGF and also chairs PDP Governors’ Forum that was hurriedly cobbled together when it became clear that governors would chose their own leaders. Uduaghan, was the “Returning Officer” in the election which made Amaechi NGF chair.

The picture is sure pregnant with meaning. Will Nyako be around to attend the next Council of State meeting and have the opportunity to laugh with these men whose party seems to have sealed his fate?

Time will tell.

Tight security at Lagos airport Continued from page 4

“Arising from that, we carried out checks on cars and persons trying to gain access into the airport , ensuring that only persons and vehicles that had genuine reason to be around the airport were allowed .

“Nobody has so far been arrested. We ensured that we

carried out the checks on vehicles around the cargo terminal and other areas of the airport.”

On Monday, security personnel attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) ordered all passengers to switch on their mobile devices, including mobile phones, laptops and

other gadgets, before undergoing screening at the airport.

The motive for switching on the mobile electronic gadgets is to determine their genuineness as part of new security measures ordered for all airports from where flights to America originate.

‘Jonathan actively engaged in efforts to rescue Chibok girls’ Continued from page 4

attitude toward rescuing the girls.

“This is not different from what was written about President Obama’s decision not to disclose his efforts to seize and arrest the alleged ringleader of the 2012 terrorist attacks in

Benghazi, Libya.’’

Four Americans were killed in the Benghazi attack.

Abati added that the president was engaged in international intelligence-sharing involving West Africa, Europe and the United States, and he had also launched Counter

Terrorism Centre in Nigeria.

“He has been working intensely on the very challenging situation posed by Boko Haram since assuming office, including declaring a state of emergency in May 2013 in the three most affected northern states.’’

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62

FOREIGN NEWS

Israel ‘ready for escalation’ of Gaza conflict

A

T least 12 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials say, as the Israeli military prepares “all options” to stop rocket fire.

Six people died in an air strike on a house in Khan Younis, while four were killed when a car was hit in Gaza City.

The Israeli military said 131 rockets had been fired from Gaza since Monday night, and that it had targeted some 150 “terror sites” in response.

Israel has authorised the callup of up to 40,000 military reservists.

Hundreds of reservists have already been drafted to bolster forces around Gaza.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas said all Israelis were now targets.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas demanded that Israel immediately stop the raids on Gaza and appealed for calm.

The Israeli military said aircraft and naval vessels had targeted militant compounds, rocket launchers and other infrastructure in Gaza, which is dominated by Hamas and until recently was governed by it.

The Israeli military has sent reinforcements to the frontier with Gaza Missiles also struck the homes of several Hamas operatives who it claimed were involved in firing rockets, and a command centre located in a civilian building.

Four Hamas members were

killed in Gaza City when a car in which they were travelling was struck, the group said. One of the dead was Mohammed Shaaban, a senior militant.

Later, the home of a Hamas leader in the southern city of Khan Younis was hit. Health ministry spokesman Ashraf alQudra said two teenaged boys were among those killed. Another 25 people were injured.

Witnesses told the AFP news agency that a drone launched a warning flare, prompting relatives and neighbours to gather at the house, apparently as a human shield.

Shortly afterwards, an F-16 fired a missile that destroyed the building, they added, setting off a scene of panic as crowds of people fled.

A Hamas spokesman condemned the air strike, calling it a “horrendous war crime”.

There have been several loud thuds in the northern Gaza Strip in the past hour as Israeli military planes hit targets here.

The biggest strikes shake the ground and send up huge plumes of smoke.

A woman ran past us with three small children - all were crying and in shock. Nearby a house had just been damaged by an Israeli air strike. Two ambulances whizzed by carrying away the injured.

It is extremely tense on the streets and most residents - observing the dawn-to-dusk fast for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan - are staying in their

•Palestinian medics said several people were killed by an air strike on a car in Gaza City

homes.Outside a bomb shelter, we heard a loud, dull boom. A small crowd squinted and pointed to a puff of white smoke in the sky.

“It’s an interception,” said one man, suggesting that Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system had knocked a Hamas rocket out of the sky.

“I’m not happy,” said another man, “because even if there’s an interception, debris still falls.”

At the time of the explosion, Israel’s President-elect, Reuben Rivlin, was inside the underground shelter, giving a briefing.

“Is Israel preparing for war with Hamas?” I asked him.

“We are in war with Hamas because Hamas has declared war on us,” he replied. “We are in war - not because of us - because of Hamas.”

A little later, Mr Rivlin visited

schoolchildren, taking summer classes in a fortified classroom which looked like a bunker.

On the roof of the religious school across the road, a group of students looked out towards Gaza in the distance.

Schools and summer camps in southern Israel have been closed because of the threat of rocket fire Israel says its has targeted homes belonged to Hamas members involved in launching rockets The military wing of Hamas has vowed that Israel will pay a “tremendous price” for the air strikes ‘Intolerable’ rocket fire Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the country’s military to prepare for every scenario, including a ground offensive.

“We are preparing for a battle

against Hamas which will not end within a few days,” his Defence Minister, Moshe Yaalon, said in a statement.

He said Israel was “prepared to extend the operations with all means at our disposal in order to keep hitting Hamas”.

Lt Col Peter Lerner: Israel ‘no alternative’ but airstrikes The Israeli military said it had received provisional government approval to call up as many as 40,000 reserve soldiers, but had not done so yet.

Spokesman Lt Col Peter Lerner said it was preparing for an “escalation” of the campaign, dubbed “Operation Protective Edge”, and would continue its bombardment as long as Israeli citizens were under fire.

The government has declared a state of emergency in southern Israel.

In cities and towns within 40km (24 miles) of Gaza, summer camps and schools have been instructed to close and residents have been encouraged to stay near their homes.

The sudden escalation comes just days after suggestions of a truce from both Israel and militant groups in Gaza.

Tensions spiked last week with the murders of three young Israelis in the occupied West Bank and a Palestinian teenager in Jerusalem.

Israel says Hamas was behind the abduction and murder of the Israeli youths - a claim it denies.

A day after their funerals, the Palestinian was abducted in East Jerusalem and murdered. Police have arrested six Jewish suspects and say it seems the 16-year-old was killed because of his nationality.

SPORT EXTRA GLOBAL FOOTBALL FIESTA:

Glo dealers for finals in Brazil

N

Germany humilates Brazil 7-1 to make final

H

OSTS Brazil were left humiliated as they crashed out of the World Cup to Germany, who produced a ruthless display as Miroslav Klose claimed the record goalscorer title, albeit with help from former Chelsea star David Luiz and two goals from Andre Schurrle.

The Germans got off to a flyer after just 11 minutes when Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller pounced to score his fifth goal of the tournament and the 10th World Cup goal of his career.

Brazil tried to find an equaliser but were punished as Klose fired home his 16th World Cup goal to put Germany two-up after 22 minutes.

Real Madrid newbie Toni Kroos then hammered home the third just two minutes later before grabbing a second in the 26th minute to put Germany four goals in-front.

Arsenal target Sami Khedira

got in on the action by firing in Germany's fifth just three minutes later, leaving Brazil devastated.

With fans in tears, the hosts left the field at half-time to rings of boos and jeers, and Luiz Felipe Scolari responded by bringing on Ramires and Paulinho for the second period.

Brazil came close to grabbing

a goal but Oscar was brilliantly denied by Manuel Neuer.

The Bayern keeper was at it again just moments later, turning Paulinho's screaming effort past the post.

Julio Cesar managed to keep Thomas Muller out before Chelsea's Andre Schurrle smashed home goal number six for Joachim Low's side.

Schurrle got in on the action once again, firing home a brilliant goal to give his side an eyewatering seventh goal.

Brazil were left shellshocked as the Germans dominated play for the final 10 minutes, with Mesut Ozil coming close to scoring another, but Oscar was able to grab a consolation goal as their World Cup dreams crashed and burned.

ATIONAL telecommunicationsoperator,Globacom, has concluded arrangements to airlift its top dealers to watch the finals of the on-going 2014 World Cup in Brazil.?

ThetripissponsoredbyGlobacom in appreciation of the massive support the company has received from the dealers over the years.

During the all-expenses-paid trip, the dealers will watch the World Cup finals in a premium hospitality suite and also visit top tourism spots in Brazil.

Glo dealer and Chairman of Easy and Quiet Limited, Mr. Anthony Mutiu Mohammed, described the offer from Globacom as very exciting, adding that the company had always taken good care of its dealers.

He stated that watching the final in Brazil will be a very wonderful opportunity and concluded with the phrase “God bless Glo!.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Upper Room Limited, Mr. Odukoya Adegbenro stated that he felt highly honoured by Globacom’s sponsorship and noted that the gesture was a continuation of the company's tradition of appreciating people, particularly those who had been partnering with it. “I am indeed

very happy,” he said.

According to Mr. Obiyo Uzoma Chuks of Multi System Limited, “Globacom has really done well and I am very impressed; no wonder the company has been doing well since inception, with series of innovative and excellent services.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of Correspondence Limited, Mr. Chidi Michael Ojiakor, said, “I am highly elated by this gesture. I feel very good to be part of the trip to Brazil, courtesy of Globacom?. Indeed, the company’s services had sharpened the edge of competition in the telecoms industry in Nigeria. I am a football fan, so the trip to watch the finals in Brazil is a dream come true.’’

Alhaji Suraju Bukoye of Easy GSM Global described it as “a surprise package”. He urged Globacom to continue to improve on its services, and thanked the company for considering him for the trip.

Another Dealer on the trip is Mr. James Odili Odogwu of Office Device Company who described Globacom as the best in the industry in terms of dealers’ welfare.

Odogwu stated that his joy knew no bound on hearing about the Globacom sponsored trip to Brazil.

Klose breaks W/Cup scoring record

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ERMANY striker Miroslav Klose scored after 23 minutes of the World Cup semifinal against Brazil on Tuesday to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

Klose had moved level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo on 15 when he scored in Germany's 2-2 draw against Ghana in the group stage.

His close range strike in Belo

Horizonte on Tuesday put Germany 2-0 up in the last four clash and was his first goal in a World Cup semifinal.

Klose, 36, netted his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia in 2002. He has played in four World Cups and has now scored 71 goals in 136 appearances for Germany.

A lethal finisher, Klose is the best German striker of his generation.

He began his World Cup ca-

reer in 2002 with five headed goals as Germany reached the final, where they lost 2-0 to Brazil with Ronaldo scoring twice to register eight for the tournament.

Four years later with Germany as hosts, Klose won the Golden Boot when he scored five goals in leading the team to the semifinals. In 2010 he scored four goals in South Africa.

•Glo Dealer and Managing Director of Correspondence Limited, Mr. Michael Chidi Orjiakor flanked by Head of Glo World, Mrs Titi Ebinisi (Left) and Zonal Coordinator, Secondary Sales, (Lagos), Globacom, Mr. Ibrahim Fadipe at the formal presentation of flight tickets to Glo Dealers sponsored to watch the World Cup finals.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014

63

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9 NO.2,902

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Is it not tragic that there are more footballs on advertising billboards that at the feet of young ones particularly Nigerian and African youth who paradoxically are the greatest fans of football following every footfall and turn and applauding every goal and even getting haircuts after the style of their idols?’

TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

H

E was your quintessential Mr. Fix-It. And like all enforcers, he inspired fear more than love, a fact attested to by his inability, for example, to win the seat of northern Kaduna senatorial district in the old Kaduna State that included his native Zaria.

He contested for the seat in 1978 on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the most conservative of the five parties approved by the regime of Generals Murtala Mohammed/ Olusegun Obasanjo for the transition programme between 1975 and 1979.

Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s nemesis was a little known Alhaji Ibrahim Barau, a businessman, who contested on the platform of the radical Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) led by Malam Aminu Kano. At the time of the Mohammed/Obasanjo transition programme, Dikko had become a household name, having held several public offices, including commissionerships in the then North-Central State comprising Zaria and Katsina provinces. He was one of the most forceful and outspoken members of the 1977/ 78 Constituent Assembly (CA).

It was this well-known Dikko, who died last Tuesday, that Barau, a Bazazzagi like himself, defeated for the seat of northern Kaduna senatorial district. Undeterred, he worked his way into becoming the campaign manager of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the presidential candidate of the NPN. As New Nigerian’s reporter who covered Shagari’s presidential campaign, I could not but marvel at the energy and passion with which Dikko threw himself into the job, often sleeping on the carpeted floor of the campaign office on Victoria Island, Lagos, just to make sure he was always on hand to get things done. He thus became probably the closest confidant of Shagari, bar his friend, Alhaji Isiyaku Ibrahim, the campaign’s principal financier, by the time Shagari emerged the winner.

It was not surprising therefore that Dikko became the most powerful minister in Shagari’s cabinet as transport minister, eclipsing even more prominent members of the party - at least nominally - like Malam Adamu Ciroma and Saraki, who were presidential aspirants and even party chairman, Chief Adisa Akinloye and Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, in his apparent proximity to Shagari.

Power, as Dr. Henry Kissinger, America’s most famous Secretary of State in modern times, once reportedly said, is the ultimate aphrodisiac; it attracts as much envy from enemies as it does obsequiousness from admirers. Soon enough Dikko became the target of some of the most vicious attacks, especially in the press, by opposition elements, particularly from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), whose presidential candidate, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, came a close second to Shagari and lost through a controversial Supreme Court interpretation of what 2/3rd of 19 states were from which a candidate had to score at least a quarter of votes cast before he could be declared winner.

Shagari met the condition in 12 states whereas 2/3rd of 19 were 12.666 states, a statistical incongruity. UPN insisted the ratio meant 13 states which, in turn, meant there should be a second ballot between its candidate and Shagari. Chief Akinjide, NPN’s legal adviser, thought otherwise and asked the courts to declare Shagari the winner. They did, and thus set the context for the bitter politics of the Second Republic throughout

People and Politics By MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Umaru Dikko, the ultimate enforcer (1936 – 2014)

•The late Dikko

the odd four years it lasted.

As if Dikko was not powerful enough as transport minister and a Shagari confidant, the president appointed him to chair his committee on rice importation at a time of NPN’s suspicion, justified or otherwise, that the opposition had plans to frustrate its policy of food sufficiency through hoarding. It was as chair of the committee that he made a statement that was to prove a propaganda nightmare for him for the rest of the Second Republic.

“As long as we are in government,” he had said in defence of the setting up of his committee, “we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that there is sufficient food in Nigeria and nobody will eat from dustbin.” For some not-so-inexplicable reason the opposition press turned the statement on its head and reported the man as saying there was no hunger in the land because no one as yet was eating from dustbins.

Predictably, this attracted much public opprobrium to the minister and nothing he said thereafter ever convinced the public that he was not an arrogant and insensitive politician.

It was NPN’s attempt to counter such bad press for itself and for its administration which eventually led to the rise of Chief M.K.O. Abiola as a chieftain of the party, whose foundation member he was.

As Dikko himself told it in one of his most definitive interviews in the defunct Citizen (January 31, 1993) as an exile in the UK: “In the NPN, we realised that our greatest obstacle was that we were surrounded by a hostile press, because they did not belong to us at all. Nor were they ready to be objective...As a result of this predicament, people began to say the NPN must have its own paper.”

It was then, he said in the interview, that Abiola offered to start a newspaper to counter the opposition press. All Abiola said he needed, Dikko said, was “necessary assistance to minimise bureaucracy,” which he got. Besides, Dikko said, even the name of the newspaper, National Concord, was Shagari’s suggestion. “This,” he said, “was some-

thing I know and Abiola knows that I know.”

However, he said in effect, speculations that NPN funded the establishment of the newspaper were not true. “Everything was made easy for him. Where he got his money to start it, I don’t know. Only he knows.”

Any observer of Nigeria’s political scene during the Second Republic would agree that the opposition press more than met their match in the Concord. Staffed with some of the smartest and well motivated brains in Nigerian journalism, Abiola’s newspapers took the battle to the enemy’s territory, giving Nigerians exposes like the Maroko land scandal which implicated Chief Awolowo in damaging allegations of land grab from the poor.

Apparently Concord’s success led Abiola to the conclusion that he deserved a seat in NPN’s inner sanctum. First, he sought to be its chairman, a job Akinloye was holding much, it seemed, to the satisfaction of the party establishment. Key members of this establishment, Dikko in particular, were apparently not amused by Abiola’s attempt to replace Akinloye. They did everything to frustrate Abiola’s bid and succeeded.

Undeterred, Abiola next sought to vie for the party’s presidential ticket against the 1983 elections. Once again the party establishment blocked him. Worse, Dikko went on to deride the chief by making his now famous statement that the NPN’s presidential ticket was “not for sale to the highest bidder,” or some words to that effect.

An angry Abiola left the party and not only took his newspaper with him. He joined it with the opposition press in their war which sought to portray NPN as bad for Nigeria and Dikko, specifically, as the chief villain of the Second Republic.

It seems his image as the Bad Boy of the Second Republic left its mark even among his fellow party men. For, when he sought to replace Alhaji Shehu Ahmadu Musa as the highly respected Secretary of the Government of the Federation, probably as payback for engineering Shagari’s “landslide” victory in the 1983 presidential election, his principal demurred.

Instead the president appointed him a Minister for Special Duties, which looked more or less like being shunted sideways from his previous powerful position.

It was as Minister for Special Duties that he fled into self-exile in the UK when the soldiers overthrew the Second Republic on December 31, 1983, barely three months into Shagari’s second

HARDBALL

I

T is appropriate to ponder the import of the news picture of a masked man with a gun standing protectively behind Senator Iyiola Omisore, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun State governorship election on August 9, reportedly during electioneering. It was an unusual and a thought-provoking image, and it is no surprise that the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), the party of the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who is seeking a second term, was alarmed.

In reaction, the party’s Director of Research, Publicity and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, issued a statement, saying: “Omisore was spotted during his campaign guarded by a masked, suspected armed terrorist, the first of its kind in the political history of electioneering in Yorubaland.” He accused Omisore of “hiding behind security cover to intimi-

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Omisore’s mask date the electorate with masked men and armed suspected terrorists,” adding: “Political terrorism has arrived in Nigeria’s democratic space by the evil construct of the PDP.” Interestingly, but certainly not convincingly, Omisore’s spokesman, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, tried to shed light on his security arrangement and the identities of his guards. The defender said: “In the campaign train are men from SSS (State Security Service), the Police, Civil Defence. PDP will never preach violence; neither do we rely on thugs to win election.” But, significantly, the counter-statement failed to explain the use of a mask. Perhaps even more importantly, there was no denial of the use of a mask.

By creative interpretation, it is possible that

term. In exile, he quickly became the most outspoken critic of the new military regime under General Muhammadu Buhari.

The regime soon returned Dikko’s compliment; short of exactly saying so, it declared him the most wanted politician among the exiles. It wanted him so badly it quickly bought a proposal by Lt-General T. Y. Danjuma, to date the most powerful army chief, to kidnap and return him to Nigeria for trial as allegedly one of the country’s most corrupt ministers, if not the most corrupt. This was according to Buhari’s Aide de Camp, Major Mustapha Jokolo, in a paid eight-page advert in Citizen (November 9, 1992) which none of the principal actors Jokolo mentioned ever contested.

In the advert which he entitled “A soldier’s soldier or a soldier of fortune?”, Jokolo said Danjuma’s motivation was to settle scores with Dikko for shutting down all private jetties in the country, including Danjuma’s, because of information he had as transport minister that many of them were being used for smuggling.

One day, Jokolo said, the former army chief rang him to book for an appointment to see Buhari.

“He made his proposals which sounded attractive. He said he could bring Umaru Dikko back using his Israeli connections.”

Jokolo’s claim has since been corroborated by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in his definitive 2012 biography, IBRAHIM BABANGIDA: The Military, Politics and Power in Nigeria, by veteran journalist Dan Agbese. Babangida was Buhari’s army chief before he overthrew his boss in a bloodless palace coup in August 1985.

According to Agbese, Babangida said the initiative actually came from the Israelis who sold it to a retired general who Dan did not name but who, obviously, was Danjuma. Danjuma, in turn sold it to Babangida who in turn sold it to Buhari but eventually took no part in its execution. The Israelis demanded $10 million for the job.

It is not clear if the amount was paid but, as we all now know, their attempt to execute the job in broad daylight in front of Dikko’s house on the streets of London on July 4, 1984, failed and the Dikko Affair, as it was dubbed by the media, led to a break in diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Britain.

Perhaps it was the trauma of being crated alive in the bungled kidnap attempt, but Dikko vowed never to return to Nigeria as long as the military remained in power. He kept his vow even after some of his partners in self-exile like Chief Joseph Wayas, the Senate president, Alhaji Uba Ahmed, NPN’s general secretary, and Dr Chuba Okadigbo, one of Shagari’s top aide, returned at various times to participate in Babangida’s long transition politics between 1985 and 1993.

When he returned in the end and joined the political fray by eventually forming his own party, he made little impact. The long exile, it seemed, had taken the fire which made him perhaps the most powerful minister during the Second Republic out of his belly.

For someone whose enemies liked to paint as one of Nigeria’s most corrupt politicians, Dikko died in relative poverty. The fact, however, was that even though he was a power freak, he never used it to amass wealth for himself, a fact which seemed apparent from his modest residence in Kaduna even during the height of his power.

May Allah forgive his transgressions and reward his good deeds with aljanna firdaus.

the presence of the masked protector was nothing more than a publicity stunt by a candidate who is under pressure to be noticed. If that was the case, then the trick worked, given the attention he has received on account of the oddity. However, it looks like a desperately shortsighted promotional approach because it is overloaded with negativity and may be predictably counter-productive in the long run.

Beyond an imaginative rationalisation of the spectacular development, it must be recognised that the appearance of the masked one indeed had psychologically terrorising value that cannot be trivialised. If the security guards were truly from the claimed sources, why was it necessary to create mystification by introducing a mask, with all the rattling

implications?

Whoever was behind the mask, or even more specifically, behind the idea of the mask, must be considered an enemy of decency. Surely, it is not a civilised conduct to wear or project a face of terror in the society, particularly in the context of a democratic contest for power.

Against this background, it may be important to look beyond the guard’s actual mask and contemplate the metaphoric mask, which probably covers Omisore’s face. A powerseeking individual who is not personally repulsed by the very thought of a mask-wearing protector ought to be viewed with suspicion, if not trepidation. It represents a dangerous signal not only about his personality, but also about his values. Such a person deserves to be unmasked; and it is a welcome irony that he has started the process himself by employing a masked robot.

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