The Nation June 05, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

ACN damns Ladoja, Akala NEWS Page 9

•Ex-governors raise team

News WAEC jobs for slain men’s wives Sports Keshi: Eagles ’ll beat Kenya Business NAMA gets new control method

P56 P24 P35

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2507 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle), his Deputy, (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third left), Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Tobun Abiodun (second right), Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe (second left), Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello (third right), Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment Dr Oladiran Taofeek Folami (left) and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs Tanwa Koya (right) during a one-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on Groundwater Abstraction in Lagos State Environmental and Health Impact organised by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Reps seek to ease removal of President, VP A

Boko Haram chief Shekau may face trial in US

BILL to ease the process of impeaching a president and vicepresident scaled the second reading yesterday in the House of Representatives.

The debate on the bill was hot as members took divergent positions.

Majority of the lawmakers, however, voted in favour of the bill to make the constitution amendment process less cumbersome.

The lawmakers are also seek-

B

OKO Haram leader Abubakar Shekau could be put on trial for terrorism in the United States when caught, it was learnt yesterday.

United States Acting Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security Amb. Kurt Rice, stated this.

Rice spoke in a joint-teleconference with Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs David Gilmou from Washington DC. The session was aired to audiences in Abuja, Accra, Lagos and Niamey.

They spoke on the U.S government’s offer of $23 million (about N3.6b) in cash rewards promised to people that could provide information on some terrorists in the Continued on page 4

•Shekau

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ing powers to solely initiate and execute impeachment proceedings against the president and the vice-president.

The bill, sponsored by Yakubu Dogara (PDP, Bauchi), was intended to amend Section 143 of the Constitution (as amend-

ed) that elaborately provides for the procedure of impeaching the President and or the Vice-President.

Section 143(11) reads: “In this section, ‘gross misconduct’ means a grave violation or breach of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in Continued on page 4

Amaechi to Jang, Mimiko: you lied about NGF poll Fayemi: no hidden camera Protest at National Assembly

T •Amaechi

HOSE advisingNigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman Rotimi Amaechi to step down for peace to return to the group got some bad news yesterday.

The Rivers State governor vowed not to step down from the chairmanship, which he retained in last month’s rancorous election.

A factional NGF, led by Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, has emerged, raising tension and drawing blistering criticisms from the public. In some cir-

‘

Again, tell my brother Mimiko that he voted. If he still says he did not vote, I am willing to go with him to his church, Redeemed Church. We’ll kneel down at the altar and say it before God From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

cles, it is thought that there will be peace, should Amaechi step down.

But, Amaechi, who was at the NGF Secretariat, Abuja to reassure the management and staff that the crisis would

’

not affect their work and salaries, told reporters that he would stick to the mandate that was freely given to him by his colleagues.

Besides, he said Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and his Plateau

counterpart, Jonah Jang lied about the election.

The Jang faction has opened a secretariat, but Amaechi stressed that there could never be two secretariats. He urged the Jang faction to return to the fold in the interest of development of the country and the masses.

Asked whether he would step down, the governor said: “No, No, No. That is a mandate that was freely given and I will stick to that mandate.”

Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P23 •LIFE P25 •POLITICS P43 •MONEYLINK P55 •CITYBEATS P56

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

2

NEWS

Politicians, activists, P

•Director -General, National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) Dr John Idoko (right), Director, Administration and Support Services Emmanuel Shenge and Director, Resource and Mobilisation Department Dr. Emmanuel Alhassan during the Senate public hearing on People with Living HIV/AIDS at the National Assembly, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Chairman, Addax Petroleum Mr Xinmin Wu (middle), Managing Director Mr. Cornelis Zegelaar (left) and Manager, Organisation and Development Mr. James Clark at the flag-off of the company’s Health, Safety, PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Security and Environment (HSSE) in Lagos...on Monday.

•President, Ultra-modern Co-operative of Nigeria Mr. James Oluwasegun Spencer (right) with the General Manager, Jiangsu Overseas Group Corporation, China Ms Lin Min when she visited Lagos to finalise her corporation’s deal to supply city buses to the co-operative.

OLITICIANS, activists and clerics yesterday lauded the United States (U.S.) for its efforts at ridding Nigeria of terrorism.

The National Chairman, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, praised its $23 million bounty on leaders of militant groups accused of spreading terror in West Africa.

Aniebonam said such assistance, including placing rewards on the heads of five leaders of militant groups in West Africa, would help to track them down.

The highest reward of $7 million was offered for the Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.

Aniebonam said:“Nothing is wrong in the U.S. wanting to assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

Terrorism is a worldwide evil that is condemnable. The U.S. bounty is part of its efforts to rid the world of terrorists because human life remains sacrosanct to all countries.’’

The Lagos State Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Mr Ehi Omokhuale, said Nigeria should cooperate more with the American Government and any other super powers willing to help eradicate terrorism in the country.

“This is why we supported the state of emergency by the Federal Government. Terrorism is not something that should be handled with kid gloves,’’ he told NAN. According to him, the only way to handle terrorism is to match force with force.

“Our mantra remains never to negotiate with terrorists,’’ he said.

The CLO chairman urged Nigerians to volunteer information on the Boko Haram sect.

“What is important is to rid the country and indeed the world of terrorists,’’ Omokhuale said.

Human rights lawyer Mr Bamidele Aturu said what was important was an onslaught on terrorism.

“Every country has a right to choose how it wants to fight insurgency. Nigeria, therefore, should also develop a home-grown approach that will yield more results in the fight against insurgency,’’ he said.

A cleric, Femi Asiwaju, Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said it was commend-

•Shekau

able for the U.S. to come to Nigeria’s rescue, adding that the new initiative against terrorism was a move in the right direction.

“The world is paying attention to what is happening in the country and we thank God for that. We appreciate the U.S. for coming out because what we have in our hands is not a domestic issue. ‘Placing such a huge amount on them is to tell terrorist organisations worldwide that the U.S. is interested in what is going on in the country. Whatever steps they are taking to put a stop to the mess, the better for all of us.’’

Another cleric, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said the action was a signal that the U.S. meant business.

He noted that America’s move was part of its own strategy for fighting terrorism, adding that it is in its interest to stop terrorists.

“America is not a Father Christmas government and nothing goes for nothing; for them to place such amount of money on terrorists in our zone, they must know more than we know about them and they mean business too.They do it all over and often see beyond what we are seeing,’’ Osu said.

Osu said the action was also a chal-

Abubakar urges Boko Haram to embrace dialogue •Go after sponsors of insurgency, says Aliyu •’No heavy casualties in war against terror’

F

•From left: Immediate past president, Commonwealth Lawyers' Association Boma Ozobia; Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) and chairman-elect, Eastern Bar Forum Ogbonna Igwenyi at the 2013 Eastern Bar Forum in Port Harcourt... on Monday.

PHOTO: NAN

ORMER Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace dialogue.

Abubakar spoke yesterday when members of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenge in the North visited him at his residence in Minna, the Niger State capital.

He appealed to the sect members to meet the committee to discuss their grievances, saying that dialogue was the only out.

He said: “I implore Nigerians to pray for the sect members to have a change of heart and accept dia-

logue to discuss their grievances and seek peace. If you go to the North, especially Borno and Yobe where this is happening, you will weep.Women have turned widows and children orphans, while other people are separated from one another. In the name of their conscience, in the name of Allah which they profess, they should lay down their arms and embrace dialogue to end the violence.

“Violence doesn’t solve problem, you must come to the table, without doing that your grievances are meaningless.’’

Abubakar also advised the committee to thread with caution, say-

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

3

NEWS

clerics hail U.S. over $23m bounty on terrorists

•Aniebonam

•Aturu

•Taiwo

•Osu

David-West slams Fed Govt over Boko Haram

F

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam David-West yesterday berated the Federal Government for hailing the decision of the United States of America (USA) to place $7 million reward on the suspected Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau and others.

The university don, who spoke to our reporter on the telephone in Ibadan, said the joy over the bounty was an admission of the government’s failure to protect the citizens and ensure their welfare as enshrined in the Constitution.

The U.S. on Monday said it would give anybody, who could offer useful information on how to track down the leaders of the groups allegedly spreading terrorism in West Africa, $23 million.

Presidential spokesman Dr.

Reuben Abati was quoted by the media as describing the action as a welcome development.

“We welcome any effort by the international community to support Nigeria’s effort at waging a war against terrorism and its perpetrators. What this proves is that terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires global effort at combating.

Nigeria believes that the international community needs to come together to combat terrorism,” Abati said.

But David-West faulted the government’s position, saying: “Much as I will appreciate the concern of the US government and other world powers for their thinking on the activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria, I am shocked to my marrow that the Federal Government wel-

comed the bounty.

“I am shocked because the Federal Government does not realise the implication of this gesture by the US government on the integrity of Nigeria.

“I am ashamed because a foreign government is putting a bounty on a Nigerian, who is aberrant because of his activities. Whether he is a terrorist or not, he is a Nigerian. So, there is nothing to jubilate about. We can’t deny him his right of citizenship.

“While we condemn their acts of terrorism in the country and give them the necessary punishment, we should also protect their rights as Nigerians. Putting a bounty on them by a foreign country should not bring joy to the Federal Government.

They should be ashamed of themselves.

“The Constitution has security

lenge to Nigeria to do more in the anti-terrorism fight.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Mr Taiwo Taiwo, said the prize would help to track down Shekau and

other leaders of Al-qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, spreading terror in Nigeria and other West African countries.

Taiwo said rewarding informants on the whereabouts of the suspected

terrorists could help in reducing their attacks across the world.

“You must know that the issue of terrorism is a global phenomenon and the U.S. has been at the receiving end of the onslaught by terrorists.

•Aliyu

ing, “the eyes of the whole world are on you to see what you can do and what you can come up with”.

He described the carnage going on in the North as senseless, appealing to the committee not to allow the Federal Government to punish sect members who turned

•Abubakar

themselves in.

“The unemployed, but educated youths are a threat to peace in any society, while government cannot employ everybody, we must create the right environment for them to thrive,’’ Abubakar said.

The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, urged

•Lt-Gen. Ihejirika

Abubakar to persuade leaders of the sect to come out and dialogue with the committee.

The committee also visited Governor Babangida Aliyu, who told them that Boko Haram sponsors are more dangerous than its members.

Aliyu urged the committee to fish out the sponsors of the Boko Haram

•David-West

and welfare as one of its fundamental provisions. The Federal Government has failed to provide these.”

“So, they have their reasons for putting cash rewards on the heads of those they suspect to be terrorists or having links with terrorist organisations,” he said.

The NBA chairman lauded the coinsurgency.

He said: “The sponsors of the sect are more dangerous than the people carrying arms”.

He challenged the members of the committee to go deeper in their attempt to resolve the security challenges in the northern part of the country.

The Chairman of the Committee and the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Taninum Turaki explained that the committee was in Niger State to interact with relevant stakeholders in its bid to bring a quick and peaceful end to the security challenges in the region.

He assured the governor that the committee will also look at the plight of the victims and also consider ways of compensating them.

Aliyu said the activities of the insurgent group have taken a toll on the economy of the North, adding that the security crisis is as a result of the problems faced by the region.

Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika yesterday debunked reports that the army and other security forces have suffered heavy casualties in the battle against Boko Haram in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

The Army chief spoke to report-

operation among many countries of the world in the fight against terrorism.

T he President of the Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN), Dr James Fadele, described the news as great and an encouraging.

“We want to commend the new U.S. Secretary of State Senator John Kerry for this decision. This move is an indication of greater forthrightness in dealing with the bane of terrorism in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,” Fadele said.

Fadele heads CANAN, an association of U.S-based Nigerian pastors and top professionals which alongside other American groups have together been piling pressure on the U.S government to designate Boko Haram an FTO. “This decision by the State Department is in line with what CANAN has been clamouring for since September last year when the association was formed,” Fadele added.

He said: “Boko Haram is a band of brutal terrorists who should be dealt with seriously, promptly and effectively to preserve the peace and stability of the West African sub-region.

“And also secure the freedom of worship of Nigerian Christians.’’ ers in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital where top army officers converged for a three- day Chief of Army Staff 2nd quarter conference.

His words: “So far the casualties have been very minimal on the part of security forces and it will also interest you to note that the communities where these operations are being conducted are very happy and they have been expressing their joy to the military men that have come to rescue them from those bandits.

“We will collaborate with the government to ensure peace in the state. It is the desire of the Nigerian Army that we will not have to fire a single shot on a civilian. I call on all warring factions and all militants to have a change of idea, so that development will come in.

“We will soon take over a forward operating base at Ezillo which will be expanded gradually to a full battalion. One of the primary constitutional tasks of that unit will be keeping the peace to make sure that criminals and trouble makers are put to check. It is my wish that we will not fire a single bullet to bring about this peace but certainly the guns will be there should there be anybody who deserves it.”

4

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

NEWS

•Medical Students of the University of Abuja protesting non accreditation of their course and the inability of the management to find them another university to complete their course in Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Boko Haram chief Shekau may face trial in US Continued from page 1

West African countries.

Among the terrorists is Shekau, who had a $7 million price tag (about N1.6b), placed on his head.

The Federal government yesterday announced that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorised the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities illegal and as acts of terrorism.

The statement by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, confirms the exclusive story published by The Nation yesterday.

Boko Haram’s proscription is gazetted as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013.

Ansaru, the other terrorist group that came out of Boko Haram, was also proscribed.

The U.S official said the Nigerian Government needed to urgently evolve ways of reducing youth unem-

ployment, as well as addressing the peoples’ political and socio-economic grievances.

“For the first time, the U.S Department of State Rewards for Justice Programme has offered rewards for information on key leaders of terrorist organisations in Nigeria and other countries.

“The rewards are to enable the U.S government get at such terrorists, and take them to its court for prosecution.

“We are, therefore, urging the Nigerian Government to also come up with a comprehensive approach to its security problems and challenges,’’ he said.

Rice said that Nigeria’s security problem was a “multi-faceted” one, which also needed “multi-faceted solutions”.

The U.S Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security said the rewards were to expose and prosecute terrorists targeting U.S properties and citizens in West Africa.

“We want people to provide us with confidential information and such information will be carefully used in getting at these insurgents,’’ he said.

“Our intent is to bring him before a court. Our intent in offering this reward at this time is to work with our Nigeria partners to try and make (Nigeria) a more stable and secure area.’’

“The fact is that this is a shared fight against terrorism. This is one tool we have against terrorism and we find that overtime it has been enormously effective and it has saved a lot of lives and we want to continue doing that,’’ he said.

Rice also said that the Rewards for Justice programme, an initiative of the U.S Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, had since inception in 1984, paid about 125 million dollars to 80 people, who provided information on terrorists globally.

Also speaking, Gilmour ruled out suggestions that

the seven million dollar (N1.1bn) bounty offered on the head of Shekau could be counter-productive to Nigeria government amnesty offer to the insurgents.

He reiterated the U.S. position that security-based solution was not the only way to address the current security challenges in Nigeria.

He said the U.S. recognised that among Northern Nigeria there were legitimate grievances such as social inequality and youth unemployment.

“We urge the Nigeria government to take seriously those grievances of the general population of Northern Nigeria,’’ he said.

He advised security operatives, currently conducting military operations in three states, under the state of emergency , to try and build the confidence of the population to keep them safe.

The U.S. diplomat on Africa said his government was working closely with Nigeria on security and counter-terrorism issues.

Reps seek to ease removal of President, VP Continued from page 1

the opinion of the National Assembly to gross misconduct.”

Section 143(5) makes provisions that following a motion supported by at least twothirds majority of members of each houses of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria shall at the request of the Senate President, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegations.

Dogara said: “The essence of the bill is to hold the executive

accountable so that checks can be created, and it is not meant to target this term but rather make the process less ambiguous on grounds of misconduct.

“Let’s all look at this and do it in the interest of Nigerians.”

The lawmaker cited the United States (US) and other countries that have vested the powers to impeach a president exclusively in the parliament, “One of the defects in the provision is that the only basis to initiate impeachment proceedings against the president as enshrined in the Constitution is for ‘gross misconduct’ that is not clearly defined,” he added.

Continued on page 5

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS •The Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, was wrongly referred to as Owa Obokun of Ijebuland in a story on page 10 of yesterday’s edition.

The story – “Mounrinho returns to Chelsea” — which was advertised on the front page of yesterday’s edition, was missing due to technical reasons.

Engr. Adebisi Adesina was wrongly referred to as Chairman and Chairmen in the advertisement which appeared on page 43 of May 29. He is chairman.

Amaechi to Jang, Mimiko: you lied about NGF poll Continued from page 1

“The election has come and gone, like I said after the election... It was a test for democracy and democracy won at the end of the day. All we can do as democrats that were elected by the people is to uphold democracy and stand by democracy.”

Amaechi went on:”I honestly do not know why the disagreement. I don’t know why.

I believe that my brothers and colleagues will see reason why we should stop distracting the country and get the country united to focus on development because at the end of the day it is about legacy; it is about what we will leave behind for the people.”

Noting that Nigeria should be able to manage its democracy and election, he warned that care should be taken to ensure that what is happening now does not affect the stand of Nigerians towards the 2015 general election.

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said that he did not vote during the election, but Amaechi said: “Again, tell my brother Mimiko that he voted. If he still says

S

Protests at National Assembly

ENATOR Sola Adeyeye yesterday joined scores of Civil Society activists that stormed the National Assembly, Abuja protesting the alleged meddlesomeness of the presidency in the Rivers state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis.

Senator Adeyeye, who ran into the demonstrating activists at the entrance of the Assembly, praised them for their orderly conduct, stating that he shared in their sentiments in calling for the scrapping of the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF) due to the intractable feud bedeviling the Association.

The activists, numbering over 200, under the aegis of Civil society Coalition, in the rally tagged “SAVE OUR DEMOCRACY NOW” in which they carried placards and banners of bearing difhe did not vote, I am willing to go with him to his church, Redeemed Church. We’ll kneel down at the altar and say it before God.” He went on: “I want to urge Jang -because he said he is a Christian -to know that God watches over everybody and whatever you say, say it according to God because beyond NGF you and I know that there is heaven and you can’t go to

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ferent messages, decried what they termed the “over heating” of the polity by the Federal government with it alleged proxy war in Rivers State against Governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

Its spokes person Columba Ogah expressed concern over “creeping dictatorship” in the land, adding that democracy is being endangered by our politicians.

Youths under the auspices of the Congress of West African Youths and Convener Nigeria, also protested at the National Assembly against President Goodluck Jonathan’s support for the Plataeu State Governor Jonah Jang-led Nigerian Governors Forum Youth Leaders Forum President

heaven if you don’t tell the truth and stand by the truth. I am not saying he is not saying the truth; I am not saying he is not standing by the truth; I am just saying that nobody can go to heaven when he is not saying the truth.”

Appealing to the Jang faction, he said: “There is no special benefit that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman is getting. I don’t see why

Comrade Gbolahan Adeyemi, led the protest from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly in Abuja.

Adeyemi said he mobilised the group to embark on the protests against Jonathan “for his anti democratic endorsement of the illegality being foisted on the NGF” The group urged the PDP to rescind the illegal suspension of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi or face the wrath of their protests.

It protested “the broad day light attempt by a section of hitherto respected leaders to hoodwink the Nigerian public on the happenings in the NGF as relates to the recently concluded elections in which Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state was clearly returned as the Chairman of the NGF.”

there is this disagreement.

When I read them saying I am desperate; desperate for what?

I am only proving a point that Nigerians are allowed to run for any post they want to run.

And when they do and they are elected, they should stick to their mandates. That is the only point.

“My brothers who are complaining, not about the election … should come back and let’s

work together. They must be willing just as we are willing to accept. It is not really a battle; it is about God. I usually tell people, ‘don’t win the battle and lose the war’.”

“I think all of us should come together and work for the interest of the nation and for the interest of the poor masses. We should not allow our personal interest to override that of the nation. It is important we con-

•Jang

sider the interest of the nation,” Amaechi said.

He also pointed out to the governors in the other faction that Nigeria Governors’ Forum is not about one particuContinued on page 5

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

5

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

NEWS Bloody clash, protest over MASSOB’s sit-at-home call

I

GBO self determination group Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has split into factions following the sit- athome order it declared for Saturday.

The group in a statement by its Director of information Uchenna Madu urged Igbo in the southeast to observe a sitat-home on Saturday to protest the killings of Igbo in the north and the general insecurity in the country.

The sit-at-home is also to protest the killing of Apo six in Abuja a few years ago as well as the death sentence passed on Rev. Emeka Ezeugo (aka-Rev King).

There was a protest march to the Anambra State House of Assembly by those opposed to the sit-at-home call.

There was also a bloody confrontation when MASSOB members’ creating awareness for the Saturday sit-at-home, clashed with policemen.

The clash took place at Nnobi and Awka-Etiti communities in Idemili South council Area of Anambra state.

No fewer than 11 members of MASSOB were allegedly injured and are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

From Nwanosike Onu and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka

Anambra Police Spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka said the police were merely maintaining the peace.

Chukwuemeka denied that some MASSOB members were shot at. He described the incident as minor skirmishes.

He however warned that the police would not tolerate illegal activities from disbanded persons or groups like MASSOB. But MASSOB Deputy Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha accused the security operatives especially the police of killing MASSOB members fighting for the actualisation of a sovereign state of Biafra.

Mocha said the police took away MASSOB laptop machine, N8,000 and arrested Jude Ochi, Nnamdi Ezeaka, Nelson Ugboh, Ifeanyi Eboh and others.

Prince Ohaegbulem Jude of the Lagos state branch of MASSOB regretted that the Igbo have been marginalised, intimidated and made to be second hand citizen He said the sit -at- home is unstoppable.

A former MASSOB’S second in command, Chief Rommie Ezeonwuka, insisted

yesterday in Awka, that members would not allow MASSOB to be run as a private property.

He said there was no wide consultation ahead of the sitat-home call.

Also yesterday, a group, the Association of Igbo Youths (AIYO), led by Annie Onyeagba, stormed the Anambra State House of Assembly with placards.

At the assembly complex yesterday, the young men and women were singing war songs, declaring that no closure of market or sit at home will happen on June 8.

The AIYO members said: “We want peace in Igbo land, we must love each other and be our brother’s keepers, and traders must be protected in Igbo land.

“No more fighting, intimidation, extortion, robberies, kidnappings in Igbo lands, never can Igbo become minorities again in Nigeria, we have no other home except Igbo land” “Any force working against peace and securities of Igbo people shall be destroyed by Amadioha (Igbo deity)” the group said The group was received at the Assembly complex by Hon Emeka Aniegbonam (Onitsha South), Hon

Kenechukwu Chukwuemeka (Awka South 1), Ebele Ejiofor (Anaocha 1).

The lawmakers praised them for their maturity and being true representatives of Ndigbo and for being peaceful According to them “this is the kind association we need in Igbo land, a lot of people do not want peace in Igbo land and this cannot continue” The lawmakers assured the group that their matter would be looked into with immediate effect But MASSOB insists that the sit-at-home protest would go on as planned.

Last month, MASSOB issued a statement declaring June 8, 2013 as a sit at home in Igbo land.

Furthermore, the group declared that markets and shops would not be opened on the said date.

The statement was signed

by MASSOB’S Director of information Uchenna Madu.

According to him, “anybody who wants to sit at home would start it in his own area and not in Anambra, we will make sure that no trader closes his shop on that day, the action is unfair to Igbo people and we can not allow it happen” Ezeonwuka said.

Amaechi to Jang, Mimiko: you lied about NGF poll Continued from page 4

lar party or the other, but for the interest of all.

According to him, he only needs support from four quarters - God, Nigerians, Governors and the President.

“When we say President, it is because he is the President of the country and all of us must be loyal to him, but my employers are the governors.

If they wake up tomorrow and say ‘chairman you have to go’, then I will go. But they must wake up and say so. Not somebody saying it on their behalf.”

On the NGF constitution, Amaechi said there was no controversy between the two sides on the articles contained in the constitution before the election was conducted.

“Now that we have emerged, they are now saying that the constitution is not correct. They were quoting that same constitution to subvert the election we would have held earlier. As much as possible, the strategy on our side is not to be confrontational.”

“I think we should work together for the interest of the country. Poverty is everywhere. Poverty in 1970 was 30% or 31% but what is it now?

It rose to as much as 70% in the last one year.”

To the NGF secretariat staff, he said: “It was a meeting of 36 governors and then I think that whatever the issues are will be resolved. I think that we should focus more on those issues that unite us, those issues like fight against poverty, fight against polio and malaria.

These are things that are killing the poor.

“We are busy here at Abuja and different state headquar-

ters talking about NGF election, when indeed Nigerians are dying of poverty and hunger.

“I think that as a secretariat you should focus on those issues. Forget the internal dynamics of the politics of NGF. We are colleagues.

When we talk among ourselves, you will understand that there are underlining factors that are making them to behave the way they are behaving that you cannot take away. It is usually things that happen sometimes; it is beyond the control of the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, but either way be rest assured of you salaries.”

Also speaking at the meeting yesterday, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said: “As far as we are concerned, it is a period of sober reflection and healings. There are moves on all sides to ensure NGF stands on the side of truth. The NGF is not about the election that just held; it is about governance and development in our states.”

“Some of you are already confused about which NGF you work for; there is only one NGF. Governors will come and go, but NGF will remain.”

Apologising on behalf of the 36 governors for the NGF crisis, Fayemi said the allegation that a camera was hidden to record the election’s proceedings was incorrect. The recording, he said was done in the open by a governor.

He also maintained that there would be legal issues if anybody is found impersonating the NGF websites and other illegal actions.

Amaechi sues House, Speaker over impeachment plot

R •Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) during a rally to protest Federal Government’s insensitivity to their demands in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE

SSG kicks against Imo govt’s abortion law

M

ORE than a year after Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha signed into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, a portion of the law sparked protest yesterday on the streets of Owerri, the state capital.

Catholics, after a two-day Pro-life International Conference organised by the Archdiocese of Owerri demanded the portion that gives a woman right to medical abortion.

The portion also pitted the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Tony Anwuka, against his boss who signed the bill into law on May 29.

Anwuka, who represented the governor at the conference said he was expressing his personal feeling as a “knight of St. Mulumba of the Catholic Church”.

The SSG faulted the inclusion of Section 40 (1) (i), which allows “right to medical abortion” by women who need it in the state.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

Okorocha signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill into law on May 29 after the House of Assembly passed it and sent it to the executive for assent.

The Imo State of Nigeria 2012 Law No 12, Section 40 (1) (i) states as follows: “Every woman shall have the right to enjoy reproductive rights, including right to medical abortion in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the life or physical, mental, psychological or emotional health of the mother.”

But Anwuka condemned the inclusion of the portion which allows “medical abortion” in the body of the law, saying: “As a Knight of Saint Molumba of the Catholic Church, I will ensure that this portion of the law is expunged and abrogated soonest.”

According to him, all Catholics must and should vote for pro-life and no government

should violate this right in whatever form including enactment of laws.

Anwuka said: “Every person should have the courage to preserve life rather than destroy it; medical doctors, pharmacists and all healthcare givers as well as government should have a rethink because if they have a life, they should think only about how to keep other lives and not how to terminate these at whatever stage.”

The SSG applauded the position of the National Assembly on same-sex marriage, saying: “For the first time, I felt proud for their collective action to make sure that this new cancer that is eating up the world-same–sex marriage, has to stop before its development in our land.”

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and Metropolitan of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Anthony Obinna, described the law as against human and natural justice, saying “the as-

sent of the law by the governor took the Catholic Church by surprise, but we would do everything possible to protest against it until it is repealed”.

Welcoming delegates to the conference, the cleric said the movement of pro-lifers would not be deterred by the current tide in the world, where everything is being done to ensure women are “forced to accept principles that violate God’s laws of procreation”. He said aside the church’s acceptable methods of natural births, no other artificial method, including the use of contraceptives for family planning is morally approved. “Similarly, the use of stem cells in reproduction is against natural laws,” he added.

Other speakers spoke on why Catholic faithful should not be involved in accepting any form of family planning methods which are against the approved methods, such as billings, Rhythm, Temperature and the recent Natural Procreative Technology (NAPROTECH).

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday moved to stop the alleged plot by the State House of Assembly to impeach him.

He filed a suit at a State High Court against the House and its 32 members, seeking judicial protection against the purported plan to remove by illegal and unconstitutional means from office.

In the suit filed yesterday before Justice George Omereji in Port Harcourt, Amaechi prayed the court to halt any moves by the lawmakers to impeach him illegally or unconstitutionally.

The suit is entitled “Between the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and the RSHA, the Speaker RSHA, Otelemaba Dan-Amachree and 31 members of the state Legislative Assembly.”

Reps seek to ease removal of President, VP Continued from page 4

Emmanuel Jime (PDP, Benue) said the amendment was aimed at addressing difficult constitutional challenges being faced by the lawmakers.

“For instance, how can the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who himself is an appointee of the president, be the one to set up a panel to investigate the allegations”.

Bimbo Daramola (ACN, Ekiti) and Kamil Akinlade (ACN, Oyo) among others also spoke in support of the bill.

Opponents of the bill included Betty Apiafi (PDP, Rivers), who said the timing was wrong as it would send a wrong signal to the executive.

Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (ACN, Lagos) said there was no need for any amendment since gross misconduct could be redefined.

He said: “I will very quickly go on to shoot the bill down.

The timing of the bill is wrong and people will read meanings into it. We must be mature about it.

“The United States House of Representatives were caught up in something similar when the impeachment of the President Bill Clinton was going on in respect of his affairs with an intern.”

Majority Leader Mulikat Adeola-Akande (PDP, Oyo) said the bill was totally undemocratic. She said the Nigerian democracy should not be compared with older democracies, like that of the US. Deputy Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta) also noted that the bill negates the principle of fair hearing, “In this case, the House would be the judge in its own case, rather than the arbiter it is expected to be,” he added.

The bill, however, scaled the second reading when it was put to voice vote.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

6

NEWS

Fake EFCC officials attempted to defraud Suswam of $3m, says witness

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how four suspects attempted to dupe Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswan of US$3 million (about N500 million).

The suspects are: Mark Gbaa (alias Nasiru Nasamu); Ezekiel Ajik Azi; Bulus Ashom Agwom and Nuhu Bawa Atangs.

The commission said the suspects conspired to impersonate its officials in an attempt to blackmail Suswam to part with $3million.

A statement by its Head of

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the revelation came during the ongoing trial of the supects by Justice E. N. Kpojime of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi.

The statement said the police orderly to the governor, Julius Donmo, and a senior officer with the Directorate of State Security Service (SSS), Aliu Dikko, explained how they were contacted by the suspects in their plot to deceive Suswam to cough out $3million.

The statement said: “At the resumed hearing of the case on June 3, 2013, Julius Donmo, a member of the Police Mobile Force and orderly to Governor Suswan and Aliu Dikko, a senior DSS officer, were led in evidence by counsel to EFCC, Joseph Uzor. They gave detailed account of how the accused attempted to deceive Suswan into believing that they were operatives of the EFCC investigating a non-existent fraud perpetrated by his Commissioner for Finance.

“Donmo narrated how he was contacted by the first accused, Mike Gbaa, claiming to

be a high-level officer from the EFCC and wishing to see the governor to help stop investigation of fraud against his government.

“He revealed how, after series of calls and text messages, Agwom and Atangs were arrested when they wanted to collect the agreed $3million by SSS operatives.

“The first accused was later arrested through his phone. In his testimony, Dikko identified the accused as the suspects arrested and brought to him by his operatives for an alleged crime of personation and fraud.

“He said they were subse-

North’s governors won’t sack Aliyu From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Jide Orintunsin, Minna

T •Suswam

quently interrogated and made statements under caution.

“As the statements were to be tendered, the defence counsel, J. B. Damboi, opposed the admissibility of the documents on the grounds that they were allegedly obtained under duress...”

Fed Govt to revive 1,994 abandoned rural electrification projects

T

HE Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has assured that the Federal Government will revive and complete about 1,994 rural electrification projects that were abandoned over the years.

Nebo told reporters in Lagos that the abandoned projects would be completed before the tenure of the current administration ends.

The minister was in Lagos to inaugurate three injection sub-stations built by the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company.

He said: “A total of 1,994 rural electrification projects that have been abandoned in the country over the years will now see the light of the day. President Goodluck Jonathan is working hard to ensure that all abandoned rural electrification projects

T

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

are completed soonest.

“It is on record that the rural electrification agency was moribund before Jonathan came on board. The agency has been scrapped. It was President Jonathan that revived the agency and pumped funds into it for effectiveness.

“You will agree with me that most of the abandoned projects were at 90 per cent completion. This is the reason huge rural electrification projects have been pencilled down for completion.”

The minister said there is no way the government could bring development and value to the rural areas without effective electricity.

He added that electricity is key to farm produce and preservation in the rural.

•House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (left) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the unveiling of Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) by Osun State Government at Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa, Osun State... on Monday.

Teachers’ strike: mixed actions greet union’s directive

HE Kogi State chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) has directed teachers in the state to ignore the call by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to join the ongoing strike in some states.

The state NUT Chairman, Comrade Sanni Mohammed Amin, told The Nation on phone that the NUT was not surprised by ASUSS’s decision.

He said: “You know, in any struggle like this, there must be some saboteurs. This is because the struggle is not for Kogi State alone; it is for the benefit of all of us. But if they take sides with the government by not joining us in this struggle, they can go ahead.

We will, however, go ahead with the strike until the government attends to our demands.”

In a statement by the state ASUSS Chairman, Ojo Ranti Matthew, and Secretary, Oguche Monday Abraham, the union said it is different from the NUT. ASUSS noted that it would be an aberration, an unlawful and unreasonable action for any teacher in any secondary school in the state to participate in a strike declared by the NUT. They added that on the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Specific Allowance (TSA) was not fought for by the NUT but by the ASSUS. Pupils currently writing the Basic Education Certificate

By Our reporters

Examination and officials of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) monitoring the compliance with its strike have clashed in Makurdi and Vande-Ikya Local Government areas of Benue State.

The NUT officials stormed some primary schools, insisting that the examination must be stopped in compliance with the directive from the NUT headquarters on the ongoing primary school teachers’ strike.

But the pupils, who were already in their examination halls in Makurdi and Vandeikya, chased away NUT officials with sticks and stones.

Primary and secondary school teachers in Edo State were yesterday divided over compliance with the strike.

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) ignored the action and reported for work.

Secondary school pupils were seen in classrooms receiving lectures though primary schools were under lock and key.

Primary school teachers stayed away from work, despite the directive from the state government that they should report for duty.

ASUSS National President Ifaluyi Osaruyi told The Nation on phone that the NUT cannot order his colleagues to go on strike.

Ifaluyi said the Edo State Government has begun the

payment of 17.5 per cent of the 27 per cent under an agreement that the balance would be paid when the revenue increases.

He said his members would continue to teach in the state.

But NUT state Chairman Patrick Ikomisi said the government had not called members of the union for any negotiation to end the strike.

Patrick said some secondary school teachers did not report for duty, adding that ASUSS leadership was playing with teachers’ destiny.

The Commissioner for Basic Education, Patrick Agwuinede, could not be reached for comments.

The Ebonyi State Government yesterday said it has begun negotiations with the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on the payment of 27.5 per cent “teachers’ peculiar allowance”.

Schools in the state carried on with their normal academic activities, despite the order by the National Executive of the union for the indefinite strike.

The NUT national executive had directed 11 states chapters of the union, including Ebonyi, to begin the action over non-payment of 27.5 per cent “teachers’ peculiar allowance” by the affected state governments.

The affected states, according to the NUT National President, Comrade Michael Olu-

koya, are: Benue, Cross River, Bornu, Ekiti, Ogun, Ebonyi, Edo, Kogi, Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto.

The pronouncement, it was learnt, forced the Ebonyi State Government to begin negotiations with the union. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations Comrade John Nwaokerekwu said the negotiation was progressing smoothly.

He said: “There is no problem that will trigger a strike by the NUT. We have started dialoguing and none of the two parties has so far disagreed. There is dialogue, there is negotiation and there is collective bargaining. We are still at the level of dialogue and none of the two parties is disagreeing...”

The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has said it will cooperate with the directive of its national body on an indefinite strike until issues on the 27.5 per cent pay rise are addressed.

The state Secretary of the union, Comrade Idris Jamiu, told The Nation that although Governor Kayode Fayemi had met with the union several times on the matter, “no specific headway has been made and no agreement has been reached”.

Jamiu added: “The state government has not given us our request. The strike is on and it is indefinite. It is a case of ‘no retreat, no surrender’. I should add that the only thing

that can make us return to work is the full implementation of the 27.5 per cent.”

Members of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in the state have joined their counterparts in the NUT. Although efforts to reach officials of the union on phone were unsuccessful, our correspondent who went round secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, reports that members of the union stayed away from work.

Some teachers, who spoke in confidence, noted that though the current administration has done well for the teachers and students through various programmes, they were still participating in the strike because of the directive.

A teacher said: “Personally, I know the governor (Dr. Kayode Fayemi) is trying for the teachers in this state. I can boldly say that teachers in Ekiti today have never had it so good. Besides loans, which we easily access now, we have also undergone trainings and got laptops.

“Although we are paying for the laptops, so many of us, who had never known or interacted with a computer before, already know a lot about the device. We apply what we learn to teaching the students.

But we have to join the strike.

The government should try and accede to the request.”

Niger State teachers yesterday taught their pupils normal classes.

HE plot by some forces in the Presidency to remove Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu as the chair of the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF) appeared to have failed last night.

There was a push by the 19 governors not to hold an election. The governors might have chosen to ask Aliyu to be in charge until a “more auspicious” time for a fresh election.

Also, pro-Aliyu governors have marshaled a Plan B, should their opponents decide to spring a surprise.

As at last night, Aliyu had secured the backing of 11 of the 19 governors.

Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has quit the forum, leaving seven in the camp of factional chair of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Plateau Governor Jonah Jang.

The NSGF will meet tomorrow in Kaduna amid anxiety that some forces in the Presidency will put pressure on some northern governors to hold emergency poll to remove Aliyu.

Those opposed to Aliyu accused him of backing the reelected Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi to the disadvantage of Jang, who was said to be the consensus candidate of the North’s governors.

Aliyu is also being witchhunted for exposing the oneterm pact allegedly made by President Goodluck Jonathan with PDP governors in 2011.

The third ‘sin’ of Aliyu is his persistent call for power shift to the North.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that northern governors have met and resolved not to allow “outsiders” or “external forces” to create crisis in their forum.

It was learnt that at a meeting of some northern governors yesterday, it was resolved that the best way to check antiAliyu forces is not to disallow an election.

A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are aware of the plot to destabilise the NSGF by some forces, but we believe such scheming at this time is dangerous. Why must external forces dictate to northern governors?

“We have been consulting and most governors are of the opinion that we should not hold an election into NSGF office to avoid rancour in our midst.

“So, I do not think the election will hold because majority of the governors do not favour it. The minority can make noise on Thursday but we will not hold this election now. We won’t allow outsiders to dictate to us when we should hold an election.

“We will also disallow them from humiliating Aliyu out of office. That cannot happen in NSGF.” Another governor said: “The reality is that the anti-Aliyu forces do not have the number. Of 19 northern governors, there are three ANPP governors, one CPC governor, and those you may term as seven “conscientious” PDP governors who are passionate about democracy and rule of law.

“So, if they want an election to hold, let them push for it and we will meet in Kaduna accordingly. As I am talking to you, it is 11 against seven, if Yuguda stays away from the meeting...”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

7

NEWS Olanipekun urges politicians on sanctity of ballot box

A

FORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged politicians to respect the sanctity of the ballot box.

He said they can do this by allowing the electorate to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, adding that this is the only guarantee for stability in politics.

Olanipekun, who spoke during the presentation of laptops as an empowerment to young lawyers in the Lagos branch of the NBA as part of his N10million endowment fund, noted that the judiciary is being “bombarded” by electoral matters that should otherwise be resolved “between you and I by voting for our candidates.”

Said he: “The ballot box is sacred. It represents the common wish of the electorate. Once we fail to respect the ballot box, we will be in problem. We will bombard the judiciary with matters that should not be in dispute if we fail to vote for the candidates of our choice.”

Olanipekun said Nigeria is the only country where judges are bedevilled by election petitions, adding that it is sad that many petitions litter their offices.

His words: “We are tempting our judges too much. We are overstretching them. There is no country in the world where judges are exposed to political matters like Nigeria. It is only in this country that every election will be contested from the Tribunal to the Court of Appeal, then to the Supreme Court.”

3.5m jobs coming From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

T

HE Federal Government has said it would create 3.5million jobs between now and 2015.

It said the recentlylaunched National Industrial Skills Development Programme is one of the schemes developed to steer the country’s commitment towards achieving the National Industrial Revolution Plan of its transformation agenda, in line with vision 20:2020.

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, said this in Gombe during the launch of the skills acquisition programme for the state where 1,000 youths have been recruited to undergo three months training.

Wapmuk said the skills acquisition programme is expected to train and develop a highly-skilled workforce for small and medium scale enterprises, thereby improving the economy, especially the manufacturing, agro-allied business and construction sectors.

According to him, this is what the youths need to be empowered and take them away from restiveness and other vices.

Fed Govt queries states, councils over SURE-P funds T

HE Federal Government has challenged states and local governments to show what they have done with their share from the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds.

Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, who spoke in Abuja, noted that the only report in the public on the usage of the SURE-P fund was that of the Federal Government, adding that nothing had been heard on how the other two tiers of government

From Vincent Ikuomola and Nike Adebowale, Abuja

had spent theirs.

Chukwu stressed that the issue of health is not primarily for the Federal Government alone, but for all.

The minister, who debunked the report that most Nigerians go abroad for medical treatment, claimed that only five per cent still travel

abroad for treatment.

He said the majority of Nigerians were treated in the country.

Prof. Chukwu said the ministry is working on a memo that will stop government officials from using public funds for treatment abroad.

He added that the ministry, as a prelude to the memo going to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to seek

approval, has compiled lists of hospitals in the country that could handle certain cases.

The minister passed a vote of confidence in Nigerian doctors, saying he trusts them more than other doctors.

He said the health sector has being carrying out some revolutions.

The minister, who agreed that there were some areas where the country was still lacking, however, said there had been some improvements.

•Members of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Women Arise and students at the grave of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, wife of the late businessman, MKO Abiola, during the 17th anniversary of the death of Alhaja Abiola...yesterday PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Oritsejafor chides Buhari on Boko Haram

T

HE President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday expressed sadness over former Head of State Muhammadu Buhari’s comment for members on the Boko Haram.

Buhari, CAN said, should have advised the sect to stop their ‘evil’ deeds instead of justifying their activities.

The National Leader of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) recently questioned the “special treatment” given to the Niger-Delta militants by the Federal Government, while Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses destroyed by the government.

He was quoted to have

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

said: “They (the Niger-Delta militants) were trained in some skills and given employment, but the ones in the North are being killed and their houses demolished.”

But Oritsejafor disagreed with Buhari’s stand and advised President Goodluck Jonathan to order his arrest as part of means to find a solution to insecurity.

A statement issued in Abuja by the Special Assistant, Media and Public Affairs to the CAN President, Kenny Ashaka, said: “The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has read another divisive and inflammatory statement by Muhammadu

Buhari, a retired General, former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressives Change, (CPC).

“The retired General was widely reported by several national newspaper correspondents, who monitored the Liberty Radio programme, Guest of the week, to have questioned the “special treatment” given to the Niger-Delta militants by the Federal Government, while the Boko Haram members were being killed and their houses destroyed by the government.

“They are different issues.

What brought this? It is injustice,” the former Head of State was quoted to have said.

I cannot wish away the outburst of harshly critical state-

ments, especially as some of them are directly related to the defence of the Boko Haram sect whose members have continued to kill, maim Christians and burn churches.

I feel the pain inflicted on Christians living in the North is too deep for us in CAN to ignore any unsavoury statement that tend to portray innocent Christians, who have been killed by the sect members as the aggressors.

“It is shocking that at a time well-meaning Nigerians are praying for the success of our soldiers, Buhari, rather than reflect the mood of the nation in his statements and conducts is indulging in careless statements without regards for victims of the sect’s violence, who are mostly Christians.”

the service chiefs will be involved.

He said: “From that May 21, these committees were given the mandate to closely monitor the progress being made in this declaration and then also, to report back to the Senate.

“This meeting is part of the fulfillment of that Senate resolution.

“Here present are members of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Senate Committees on National Security and Intelligence, the Navy, Air Force and the Police.

“This team would be

monitoring the performances and progress being made in the state of emergency in the states.

“So, this meeting is to get briefing from you from that May 21, when the state of emergency was declared till now, how far you have gone.

“We believe that you have been there for about three weeks. We gave you enough time to master the environment and then invite you to give us the briefings.”

Obada thanked the joint committee for the invitation.

The Chief of Defence Staff did not say anything until reporters were asked to leave the venue of the meeting.

State of emergency: Minister, Service Chiefs brief Senate

M

INISTER of State for Defence Erelu Olusola Obada and Service Chiefs briefed the Senate yesterday on the ongoing state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

The Service Chiefs were led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, to the meeting with the Senate Joint Committee on Defence and Army, National Security and Intelligence, Navy, Air Force and Police.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator George Thompson Sekibo, chaired the over two-hour closed door session.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Before the meeting went into closed door, Sekibo noted that the Senate in Plenary on May 21 discussed and debated the state of emergency declared by President Goodluck Jonathan in the three states and accordingly, adopted all clauses of the President’s proposals.

He said it meant that at the end of the plenary, the Senate gave its full support for the declaration of the state of emergency in the affected states.

He added that the Senate is aware that to operate a state of emergency, the Defence Headquarters and perhaps, all

Youths blame Presidency for crisis From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

T

HE National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has blamed the Presidency for the emergence of a factional executive at its recent congress in Makurdi, Benue State.

A source alleged that the NYCN election could not go on as it was scuttled by forces linked to the Presidency.

The source alleged that despite this, the Presidency went ahead and announced a winner, Mr. Yakubu Shendam, the government’s candidate.

He is the Personal Assistant to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Youth, Mr. Olusola Abiola, however, denied the allegations, saying they were not true.

NYCN has vowed to protest the alleged interference and imposition of Shendam tomorrow.

The protest march to the National Assembly and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat is billed to take off from the city gate.

Constitution review: Ekweremadu submits report From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

HE Senate Committee on Constitution Review yesterday submitted its report to the Senate.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who made the submission, prayed the Senate to receive the report of the committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Although contents of the report were not disclosed, the submission would pave the way for the Senate to consider and take decision on some contentious national issues.

The consideration of the report by the Senate would enable the two chambers of the National Assembly meet in the Conference Committee to harmonise areas of differences before sending the report to the Houses of Assembly for their approval or rejection of the clauses.

Some of the issues assigned to the committee to consider included state creation, state police, fiscal federalism, role of traditional rulers, autonomy of local government, financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly and regionalism, indigene and settler controversy.

8

THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 5, 2013

NEWS

Lagos Govt, ACN: Labaran Maku is misinformation minister

T

HE Lagos State Government yesterday condemned a statement credited to the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, that Governor Babatunde Fashola has done nothing in the state.

In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, said: “We read with a sense of pity the story of Maku’s denial of Fashola’s verifiable achievements.

On one hand, we feel great pity that Mr. Maku has, within a short time, lost touch with the ethics of journalism, which emphasise accuracy, objectivity and facts.

“On the other hand, we pity the country, if the man with the status of Hon. Minister of Information can descend so low as to misinform the world with such impunity.

“Although his reason for such inflammatory remarks is still hard to discern, he would have done himself and the nation much good by limiting himself to his brief, rather than dabbling into issues he knows next to nothing about.

“In an assignment such as ministerial briefing, which the Lagos State Government just did to mark Fashola’s sixth anniversary, all Maku would have done was to concentrate more on the achievements of the Federal Government, if there is any, and if there was nothing to report (as is clear from his vituperation), he could have done himself a world of good by keeping quiet (as journalism dictates), instead of exposing himself to ridicule through the unguarded statement credited to him.

“One is, however, not perturbed by his behaviour, since it has become his stock in trade, going by the way of his earlier outburst about the National Assembly, for which he later had to apologise when the House cautioned him.

“We believe that if Maku had taken time to research Fashola’s performance in power, agriculture, transportation, housing, health, education, sport, etc, for which the government has received many accolades, even from PDP leaders, his submission would have been better moderated as a communicator.

“The issue of Environmental Sanitation raised by him betrays his understanding of the pedestal for good governance in any society. It

‘Minister lied about Edo roads’

T

THE Edo State Government has slammed the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, for his comments on roads in the state.

In a statement, the governor’s media aide, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, said: “It is irresponsible for any public officer to advertise falsehood and distorted facts. The fact that Edo and Lagos states did not host Maku and his co-travellers on their ill-advised good governance tour is not enough grounds for him to lie to Nigerians.

“This is undeserving of a public officer feasting on tax payers’ money. Thank God he got a spontaneous response when the audience booed him out of his shameless emanations and illogical presentation.

“With public officers like Maku, it is understandBy Ayodeji Olaosun

becomes apparent that the Hon. Minister was befuddled by the state of development in Lagos, the nation’s former capital, which had been left to rot away, but which the BRF administration is taking to higher heights.

“That the BRT buses run on Federal Government roads is quite laughable. One may wish to ask that since the capital moved to Abuja, who has been maintaining most of the infrastructure left behind by the Federal Government?

“The questions are: Why has the Lagos-Ibadan road become daunting to the Federal Government?

Why has the Federal Government failed to replicate the BRT system in Abuja or all over the country?

“Perhaps Mr. Maku should have taken a trip to Lagos to see the ongoing transformation in the state through the expansion of the Lagos– Badagry expressway into 10 lanes, with light rail and BRT lanes; the 39km Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe expressway, the recently inaugurated cable-stayed bridge linking Lekki and Ikoyi; the ongoing expansion of the Mile 12-Ikorodu road; the greater attention to water transportation; the infrastructural facilities being provided all over Lagos and several other people-oriented programmes, before concluding erroneously that Fashola has not done anything in Lagos.

“Recently, President Goodluck Jonathan and former United States (US) President Bill Clinton were hosted at the inauguration of the Eko Atlantic City, where President Jonathan pledged that the Federal

Osun monarch’s application stalls judgment in rape case

T

able why President Goodluck Jonathan appears fixated on performance. It was good that the government disowned the good governance tour, otherwise, Maku and his team would have showcased projects that were exclusively sponsored and executed by the state government as those of the Federal Government.

“Rather than apologise for the Federal Government’s failure to fulfil its promsde` ise to Nigerians, the minister has embarked on sycophancy. We expected Maku to lay his mat and sleep on the Benin-Ore road since, according to him, the road is now brand new.

“Thank God people are still passing through that road everyday and they can see the volume of work that has been done. We implore Maku to seek forgiveness for his provocative presentation.”

Government would replicate the project in other parts of the country, and yet Fashola has done nothing.

“The Hon. Minister should know that democracy is not about playing politics with facts. Also, journalism does not approve of people giving judgment based on personal interests.

“The fact that we did not allow Maku to take credit for our projects in Lagos in the name of ‘Good Governance Tour’ does not give him the latitude to attempt to discredit a performing governor, who has continued to receive accolades from across the nation and internationally. Fashola is working, Lagos is working.”

Also yesterday, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state accused Maku of trying to blackmail Fashola because the governor refused to host his “good governance tour”.

It described Maku as “a disoriented wayfarer, who has ridiculed the Information Ministry with his attempt to waste the resources of states through his phantom good governance tour, even though he has done nothing to lift the Ministry of Information above the staid position of purveyors of infantile propaganda”.

ACN was reacting to Maku’s statement that Fashola is not doing anything in Lagos.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, ACN said: “It is ridiculous for an Information Minister to demonstrate this low opinion about a globally lauded administration, just because Lagos refused to entertain the kind of banality Maku and his ilk have em-

ployed to waste states’ resources in the name of good governance jamborees.

“The Lagos State Government exists for the people of Lagos, who know and appreciate the value of good governance, and not pay-forhire jobbers like Maku.

“Ordinarily, we would not be drawn to join issues with Maku because he does not know what good governance is and will never recognise one if he comes in contact with it. We know Maku is a professional jobber, who said he employed student unionism to live like a king.

“This says a lot about the character of a man, who is no more than a jester and praise singer in a government that has failed in every facet of governance.

“We know Maku is merely vending sour grapes because the Lagos State government saw through his folly of organising a programmed revelry in the name of good governance tour when he had done nothing to uplift his ministry.

“One would have expected a parodist like Maku to come to Lagos to unveil the new Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the new LagosAbeokuta Expresway, the new Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the new Airport Road, the new ApapaOshodi Expressway, state-of-theart schools, hospitals, railway, etc, which the Federal Government has fixed with the whopping 52 per cent monthly allocation it corners monthly.

“But here we are; Maku jumped through the death traps, which the so-called federal roads have become, to come and play pedestrian Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

politics in Lagos.

“If Maku, in his voluntary blindness, saw only progress in the environmental sector in Lagos, can he tell us even one sector where the PDP-led Federal Government has made a mark in its 14 years of waste laying in Nigeria?

“Can he show us what he has done in the Federal Ministry of Information since he became minister? Can Maku tell us any thing the PDP governments he patronised during his tour of folly have done better than the Lagos State government?

“We challenge Maku to tell Lagosians and Nigerians the socalled structures his government built in Lagos, on which he claimed the state government is collecting tolls.

“It is a pity that someone that occupies such a position as Maku has reduced it to this low level by his infantile desire to take liberty with the truth because the Lagos State government refused to be part of his wasteful mission.

“One would have thought that once the Lagos State government disallowed his frivolous jamboree of good governance tour, Maku would have come to Lagos to show us what the government he serves as a chief propagandist has done in the health, education, security, science and technology sectors and indeed every other sector, especially as they relate to Lagos.

“But he did neither of these because there is nothing Maku and the Federal Government can show for the trillions of Naira they spend yearly. But Maku, blinded by the fury of his unmet demand, came to Lagos to expose the ignorance that has made him a misinformation minister, who thrives in singing the praises of a bland and incompetent regime that has failed in all scores of governance.

“Maku came to Lagos to play the blind PDP politics of denial of the great transformation going on in Lagos, even when his party’s governors loudly acclaim these achievements and have come to understudy some aspects of Lagos governance.

“We wish Maku some luck in this ludicrous mission, but wonder how he can recognise what good governance is when the government whose praises he blares has become a huge joke and a piece or ribaldry among Nigerians.”

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE Alowa of Ilowa in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli, who is on trial for allegedly raping a corps member, yesterday applied for more time to defend the allegation.

Justice Jide Falola of the State High Court, Osogbo, the state capital, fixed yesterday for judgment.

Alli’s counsel, Mr. Taofeeq Tewogbade, said defence is very important in law and urged the court to allow his client put up more defence before his fate is determined.

He said his client has new issues to raise in his defence.

According to Tewogbade, Section 36 (CB) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for proper defence in any case and provides for extension of time for judgment.

He said: “We are seeking extension of time on the case to allow us defend the case better. There are questions the plaintiff needs to answer. Was the lady in question a virgin before she claimed that she was raped? We also need to know if any exhibit has so far been presented by medical practitioners.

These and other questions need to be answered.”

A Senior State Counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Mr. M. O. Adedokun, who represented the Director of Public Prosecution, urged the court to ignore the application and deliver judgment.

He said the case had gone through series of adjournment, recalling that the defence counsel had, on April 15, asked for more time when the court asked for his position on its decision to deliver judgment on June 4.

Adedokun, who filed a counter affidavit, said: “The attitude of the defence counsel is an attempt to frustrate the judgment”.

He urged the court to dismiss the application in the interest of justice and fairness.

Justice Falola fixed July 2 for ruling on the application.

‘Ogun won’t reply confused opposition’ From Ernest Nwokolo,

T

•Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu being decorated as an Associate of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) by the President of the council, Mrs. Laide Osijo, when members of the council visited the deputy governor in AdoEkiti...yesterday.

Abeokuta

HE Ogun State Government yesterday said it will not dignify the “confused opposition” with a response on the state’s debt profile.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said she would address all questions about the state’s finances on Friday at a ministerial press briefing.

Mrs. Adeosun spoke with reporters on Monday in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.

She said: “I will have a press briefing on Friday and address all financial issues. I will rather do that than react to their confusion.”

The commissioner was reacting to the claim by a Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Mr. Ladi Adebutu, that the government had “plunged” the state into N200 billion debt.

When reporters asked Adebutu to substantiate the claim, he could not explain how the “debt” was incurred.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

9

NEWS

ACN mocks Ladoja, Akala as 10-man alliance team is raised

F

T

•PDP chieftain disowns pact

ORMER Oyo State Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo AlaoAkala yesterday inaugurated a 10-man committee to work out alliance modalities between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord in preparation for the 2015 election.

The former governors were, until recently, enemies, following Ladoja’s illegal impeachment and his succession by his then deputy, Alao-Akala.

Alao-Akala was defeated in the 2011 election by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The former governors met yesterday at Ladoja’s Bodija home in Ibadan, the state capital, and inaugurated a 10-man committee, comprising five members each from the PDP and Accord.

The panel’s task is to work out strategies to dislodge the ACN in 2015.

Speaking with reporters after the inauguration, AlaoAkala said he had no intention of dumping the PDP for the Accord or any other party.

He said he was working in the interest of PDP and the masses.

Also at the inauguration were former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Dele Adigun; former House of Assembly Speaker Adeolu Adeleke; Alhaji Bayo Lawal; Mr. Dotun Oyelade and a businessman, Mr. Femi Babalola, among others.

A PDP chieftain, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoenia, said the party had nothing to do with the planned alliance. He said Alao-Akala acted on his own.

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Olopoenia said: “AlaoAkala’s recent meeting with Ladoja and the constitution of a committee is not PDP’s idea. The party has no hand in the romance of the duo. It is for his political gain and against PDP’s interest.

“Alao-Akala cannot be meeting with Ladoja on behalf of PDP without the consent of the party’s state executive and leaders. The members of the committee are Alao-Akala’s people and not PDP’s representative.

“I call on the PDP at the national headquarters to call Alao-Akala to order, because his action, if unchecked, is capable of derailing the party’s peace moves.”

Olopoenia said Ladoja was only using Alao-Akala to cause disaffection in the PDP. Alao-Akala’s media aide Mr. Abraham Ojo said: “Akala is a force in the PDP, having contributed and still contributing to the party’s success. Every step he is taking is in the PDP’s interest.

“He has the party’s interest at heart and has repeatedly said he has no plan to dump the PDP. He is not making any move as alleged to destabilise the party, rather he is making moves to better the lot of the PDP in the coming election.”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) described the planned alliance as an exercise in futility.

It said an alliance between the former governors cannot defeat Ajimobi in the election.

ACN said the “gang-up”

confirms that Ajimobi is “the candidate to beat” in the election.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said: “We are very happy about this gang-up. Wonders indeed can never end. That these two strange bedfellows, who had, a while ago, fought a titanic battle to destroy each other, one releasing details of the corruption of the other while in government and the other telling the world that his successor was a crass illiterate, could come together to fight Ajimobi shows that our governor is now a mighty Iroko tree, which the two gladiators needed to come together to fell. But, combined, the two cannot measure up.

“We are sorry for them.

Our politics is no longer analog but digital. Oyo people now x-ray issues and take positions. The level of governance in our state now is such that the two can no longer fit in. We have taken governance beyond brigandage, Amala politics and bloodletting.

“We talk development as a yardstick for ratings now.

Our people will ask them how many markets, roads and bridges they built when they were in office and how many are still standing?

“The two former governors cannot insult the intelligence of the people. They should tell the people what they achieved in government beyond the cases they are both answering to in court, which were instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Osun ACN chair hails Aregbesola on Opon Imo

T

UI spends N48m on scholarship

HE Acting Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his team on the successful inauguration of the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge.)

He said Aregbesola’s efforts to make life more meaningful for the people through his “laudable” initiatives were second to none.

In a statement, Adebiyi described the governor as a “go getter”, whose initiatives were geared towards the state’s development.

He said the caliber of dignitaries at the inauguration of the Opon Imo in Ilesa, such as House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), among others, showed that Osun had set the pace for quality education in Africa.

Adebiyi said Aregbesola’s initiatives have made teaching and learning easier.

He urged the people to support Aregbesola to enable

•Group lauds governor’s projects From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

him continue his “good work” beyond 2014.

A socio-political group in the ACN, the Omoluabi Progressive Association (OPA), also hailed the governor on the “massive developmental projects going on across the state”.

OPA, which comprises young professionals in the state, endorsed Aregbesola for a second term.

In a statement by its coordinator, Mr. Lekan Odediran, the group said Opon Imo has digitalised education in Osun.

It hailed the governor and members of the state executive council for “equipping youths to stand tall among their peers worldwide”.

OPA said: “Ogbeni has again placed Osun on the world map through his wisdom, financial re-engineering skills and creativity. As a visionary leader, the governor has, in 30 months, transformed Osun, despite the meagre resources accruing to the state monthly.

“Osun has undisputedly become a pace setter in almost all sectors, such as the

‘Ogbeni has again placed Osun on the world map through his wisdom, financial reengineering skills and creativity’ provision of 150,000 computer tablets for pupils, the employment of 40,000 youths under the Osun Youth Employment Scheme (O’YES), the successful hosting of the Oodua World Children’s Day celebration, the feeding of 240,000 pupils daily with highly nutritious meals and the provision of free uniforms for public school pupils, among others.

“The governor’s passion to renew Osun and the outstanding and unimaginable work he has done are there for everyone to see. With these, we declare our solidarity for his administration and 100 per cent commitment to his reelection.”

•Ladoja

“They have both been governors before. They should show us what they did that was pro-people. Ajimobi and Oyo ACN do not have a 10man committee, but God and the people of the state, who are more potent.

“We counsel Akala and Ladoja to dissipate their misdirected energy on how to wriggle out of the EFCC’s charges against them, so that they would not be sent to jail, rather than fighting a man God has destined to be in power.

“Ladoja is not only desperate but confused. A few months ago, he condemned the PDP as a useless party. He praised Ajimobi to high heavens as a performer, but today, after we sacked his younger brother and his nominees from our executive council, he is singing a different tune.

Here is a man who spends one month in Nigeria and three months in the United Kingdom (UK) for medical checkup.”

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE University of Ibadan (UI) has spent N48 million on scholarships for first class students.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, spoke yesterday at the university’s Trenchard Hall while delivering his mid-term report.

He said the scholarships will ensure that the best brains are given the opportunity to harness their potentials, as well as “engender a systemic regeneration of best scholars”.

The VC said UI benefited from the Federal Government’s N1.3 billion Capital Allocation, adding that the institution’s share was used to complete the Ajibode Bridge and power projects.

He said the university’s Senate approved N67 million as research grants to facilitate staff participation in local and international conferences and develop human capital.

Prof. Adewole said: “We have invested in the improvement of teaching and learning through the establishment of the Directorate of Quality Assurance, renovation of lecture theatres and construction of new ones and 24-hour library service.

“We have engaged tutorial assistants costing N25 million per session, fine-tuned the admission process, purchased smart boards for all departments, established the UI Research Foundation and Centre for Human Resource Development.”

T

Old boys meet Saturday

HE 1981 set of the Iseyin District Grammar School Old Boys Association will meet on Saturday to deliberate on the 50th anniversary of their Alma matter.

A statement by the association urged members to attend the meeting billed for Glory View Hotel at No. 6, Adenuga Street, Kongi, Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Golden Jubilee anniversary will hold next January.

Oyo pension fraud: Court fixes date for ruling on application

T

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State Magistrate’s Court hearing the N1.6 billion pension fraud in the State Pension Board yesterday fixed June 20 for ruling on an application by the prosecution counsel to withdraw the charges.

Magistrate Kehinde Durosaro-Tijani adjourned till June 20 after counsel to both parties argued on the Nolle Prosequi seeking withdrawal of the case for further investigation.

Prosecution counsel Ademola Ojekunle, who stood in for the State Attorney-General (AG), said the state wishes to further probe the alleged fraud so that justice would be done.

Defence counsel Bolaji Agoro said the AG is empowered to withdraw the case, but it must follow due process.

He said the prosecution could apply to a higher court and his clients could be re-arrested if the application was allowed.

10

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

11

12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

13

14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

15

16

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

17

18

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Needless bickering •Two parastatals fight instead of working together on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

T

HE recent announcement by the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) that the Federal Ministry of Works should be held responsible for the current delay over the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is symbolic of the incompetence that has come to characterise the infrastructural development programme of the Jonathan administration. Officials of the bureau claim that the ministry is yet to approach it for the Due Process Certification, and argue that the BPP cannot be held responsible for the consequent delay.

It is truly amazing that the two vitally important parastatals are engaging in unproductive accusation and counter-accusation when they should be collaborating to ensure that one of

‘The long-suffering users of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are completely uninterested in who is responsible for what: all they want is a safe, functional highway that enables them to travel in safety and comfort.This is where the Federal Government comes in.

Both the BPP and the ministry are under its authority ... it should move to ensure that each party does what it is supposed to do in accordance with laid-down guidelines so that the rehabilitation and reconstruction work can go ahead’

the nation’s most important highways is given the comprehensive rehabilitation that it should have received decades ago. When the Yar’Adua administration took the decision to turn the road into a concession in 2009, there were similar delays over its constitutionality, the question of legislative approval, issues of financing and design. Those interruptions ensured that very little work was done on the expressway before the concession agreement was terminated in 2012.

The absence of rehabilitation work has taken its toll in lives lost in accidents, wasted man-hours caused by traffic jams, as well as the robberies and assaults and property damage suffered by hapless road-users who have no choice other than to use the expressway. As the BPP and the works ministry quarrel over procedural issues, it seems that the agony is set to continue indefinitely, with all the associated costs to the country.

Nigeria’s history has been riddled with similar disputes between agencies and ministries over questions of authority. The Bureau for Private Enterprises (BPE) under the leadership of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was notorious for the disputes it had with ministries, trade unions, private companies and the National Assembly over several aspects of its work. The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) spent more energy hamper-

ing the road-rehabilitation efforts of the Lagos State Government than it did on working on roads passing through the state.

While many of these disputes may have been honest disagreements, it is also true that most of them have been motivated by baser considerations of greed and power. In this regard, it is significant that the BPP seems to be more interested in absolving itself of blame for the delay instead of seeking to ensure that it works with the ministry of works to ensure that the preliminary processes are achieved with dispatch. The long-suffering users of the LagosIbadan Expressway are completely uninterested in who is responsible for what: all they want is a safe, functional highway that enables them to travel in safety and comfort.

This is where the Federal Government comes in. Both the BPP and the ministry are under its authority. Instead of merely looking on while both disgrace themselves in an unedifying quarrel, it should move to ensure that each party does what it is supposed to do in accordance with laid-down guidelines so that the rehabilitation and reconstruction work can go ahead. If necessary, it should wield the big stick: any officer who is found to have failed to perform should be sanctioned appropriately. Nigerians are tired of excuses and explanations. All they want now is action.

Pension debt

W

•When will the Federal Govt pay its share of pensions to pensioners?

HEN will the Federal Government appreciate the need to treat pension matters with dispatch? The question becomes pertinent in view of Lagos State Government’s avid plea to it to pay N13.574billion pension arrears owed pensioners in the ‘Centre of Excellence’. Quite sadly, pension payment has been handled with levity over time, and there seems to be no improvement in sight.

Mrs. Florence Oguntuase, Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension corroborated the flippant handling of pension funds by the Federal Government. During her ministry’s ministerial briefing, she unfurled the anguish that Federal Government’s unpaid share of the total pension benefits is causing pensioners in the state.

Her passionate plea: “We are appealing to the Federal Government to settle the verified pension indebtedness to the tune of N1, 107,267,537 it owes retired workers of the state government and the N12, 266,652,137 of the workers in the local government.’’ She continued: “The state government, through the Civil Service Pension Office has forwarded applications for the arrears to the Federal Government and we hope they will pay the benefits before the pensioners pass on.”

Is it right for the Federal Government to foot drag over payment of its pension dues to a state, even when such state has fulfilled its own part of the obligation? Lagos State government paid N18, 031,148,931, its own share of pension benefits to 3,384 retired workers in the

state. We are hoping that the Federal Government will not wait until the pensioners pass on before it pays its own counterpart pension for retirees in the state. The Federal Government should stop playing politics with the lives of pensioners, not only in Lagos, but in other states, given the avalanche of arrears it currently owes.

It has acquired notoriety for abandoning pensioners after years of meritorious service to fatherland. About 98 per cent of federal pensioners are reportedly owed three months pensions. Even retired military personnel across the nation are also reportedly being owed about seven months pensions. Some pensioners that were either underpaid or totally denied their pensions since last November recently took to the streets of Abuja to protest undue interference by Office of the Head of Service. The task of pension affairs was initially taken away from the office of the Head of Service after subjecting pensioners to hardship when the Pension Reform Task Force was established in 2010. The duty reverted to it after the Maina alleged scam in the Pension Reform Task Force Office was unravelled. The entire scenario looks like a vicious cycle.

Something has to be done to eradicate the suffering of pensioners in the country. For instance, the Lagos State government has commendably established a Pensioner Welfare Office (PWO) to take care of its 14,934 pensioners, apart from promptly paying its own share of the pension dues. There

must have been several other states across the nation that have contributed their portion of the bargain but could not access the share of the Federal Government. We wonder the scandalous sum that would by now be owed states! It could not have been ideal for Lagos to request for what belongs to it before such money can be paid. This should not be so if the lives of pensioners mean anything to the Federal Government.

We therefore call on it not to frustrate governments that are willing and responsive to pensioners’ plight in the country. More importantly, this administration is henceforth called upon to show sufficient sensitivity to the plight of not only pensioners but other Nigerians that it is statutorily obligated to.

‘There must have been several other states across the nation that have contributed their portion of the bargain but could not access the share of the Federal Government. We wonder the scandalous sum that would by now be owed states! It could not have been ideal for Lagos to request for what belongs to it before such money can be paid’

T

Protests in Turkey

HREE days of violent protests in Istanbul and other cities in Turkey over the weekend are posing the most serious c hallenge yet to the decade-long rule of the prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns that propelled tens of thousands of people to take to the streets, Mr. Erdogan’s inclination is to respond to grievances with disproportionate force.

In defiant comments over the weekend, Mr. Erdogan denounced the protesters as “extremists” and “looters,” and he warned that if his critics could bring 100,000 people into the streets, he could counter with a million of his own supporters. He decried Twitter and social media as “a menace,” and he accused Turkey’s secular opposition of fomenting the protests.

The protests began last week over the government’s plans to turn a park in Istanbul’s Taksim Square into a shopping mall. But they quickly spread elsewhere and incorporated other grievances about Mr. Erdogan’s increasingly authoritarian ways and his imposition of conservative Islam, including a move to curb alcohol sales, on what was founded as a secular republic. Some Turks also worry that his support for anti-Assad rebels in Syria could drag Turkey into the war.

While the protests began peacefully, the government cracked down hard, especially on Saturday, with police firing tear gas and water cannons. Nearly 1,000 people were arrested, and hundreds reportedly were injured.

Mr. Erdogan has spoken often of his commitment to developing Turkey as a model democracy and a regional economic and political power. He and his Islamist-rooted Justice and Development Party deserve credit for managing economic growth; curbing the power of the military; promoting tolerance of groups that were once marginalized, like the Kurds; and seeking to end the war with militant Kurdish separatists. But his growing intolerance for dissent, intimidation of the Turkish media (which initially provided little coverage of the protests), and plans to alter the Constitution to strengthen the presidency so he can run for that office in 2014 and extend his time in power are deeply troubling.

Mr. Erdogan, who has a reputation for arrogance, should heed other members of his party, including President Abdullah Gul as well as a deputy prime minister and the mayor of Istanbul, who belatedly have promised to listen to citizen concerns.

Continued unrest could harm Turkey’s longstalled bid to join the European Union, which was expected to take a step forward this month, and the country’s appeal as a tourist destination.

After winning three elections, Mr. Erdogan does not seem likely to lose his grip on power, but the Arab Spring revolutions have shown how quickly political fortunes can change in today’s combustible Middle East. As this perilous moment, Mr. Erdogan and his party have to show their commitment to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and to meeting the needs of a diverse population.

– New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The recent outcome of the Nigerian Governors Forum chairmanship election is another revelation of sequential show of shame from the elected governors who preach and talk about values and ethics, yet would fail on the same count when it mattered most. Apparently, getting the result – either false or genuine to their patron, President Goodluck Jonathan was uppermost in the camp of group of 16 governors.

Like the biblical story of the woman brought to King Solomon for judgment after overlaying her child, would rather had the child severed into parts two rather than allow the rightful mother to take possession of the child, the Goodluck Jonathan camp of gover-

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

NGF: The parade of godlessness nors have merely betrayed their ifI- can’t- have- it, -let’s-spoil- it attitude of their mentor President Olusegun Obasanjo who is of the generation of the Solomon woman.

Their total disregard to democratic rules of engagement is an eloquent revelation to the fact that they lack the passion required for genuine and purposeful leadership; theirs

is a passion motivated by gains.

That they buried their consciences and came out with the effrontery to showcase Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State as the duly elected chairman of the Governors Forum when a video evidence declared otherwise is a monumental show of shame and a total ridicule of the Nigerian char-

acter. They are like the Pharaoh magicians Janess and jambress, who are ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Governor Jonah Jang’s show of success is like the proverbial mischievous thief who having stolen from the market place displays his booty as spoils of victory over his

of earth-movers, popularly called caterpillars in these parts, came on site with workers who began clearing, digging, shovelling, levelling and paving. The result is that, today, from the ashes of the old sum, a new landscape has risen, called Freedom Park. I find its sheer beauty stunning, to say the least.

This is probably because I’m still finding it hard to erase from my memory the ugliness of the dead slum that had given way to the new park. The rail terminal is now a carefully paved and macadamised platform with clearly marked-out

parking spaces, complemented by a giant electronic screen where residents can be entertained by satellite TV programmes such as the more comfortable enjoy in the cosiness of their sitting rooms.

The park’s real beauty comes out at night when the bluish-white flood lights beam down on the vast space. Another impressive side attraction for me is the seal of the state government and the phrase, ‘Osun a dara’, that are beautifully and clearly engraved in stone on one side of the park. The park also serves the additional purpose of separat-

ing vehicular traffic coming from Okefia and heading towards Olaiya intersection away from that heading towards Aiyetoro and Igbono, thereby reducing the bottleneck that builds up at the rail crossing.

The new park is now the talk of the town and it’s a compelling site for those seeing it for the first time.

To my mind, if this is what this government is all about, then I think the people of Osun State are in for a new era of positive development.

themselves are choosy due to the fact that they have a father who can feed them for as long as they decide to stay on.This reminds me of a benefactor who wrote a note to one of his friends thus:’Jide has finished his NYSC and in need of a job, not badly o’! It isa confirmation that the influentials discriminate and select the type of job for their wards.Mallam’s case is possibly no exception.I want to believe if his daughters apply to any of the higher institutions in the North with their Master’s degrees, they

are sure to be given jobs as lecturers.

One doubts if such a job is meant for such ladies/girls with silver spoon. Sincerely, the way things are going in this country is scary, and if care is not taken, if concerted efforts are not made by the leadership of this country for mass employment programme through strategic thinking by all stakeholders, the pending crises will be unstoppable and only God knows the end- result because it

Freedom Park and Osun’s changing landscape

S

IR: Having lived in Osogbo in the past seven years and I can attest to the massive government projects going on in last one and a half year or so. Although these projects, especially the road dualisation starting from Old-Garage, have had a disruptive impact on the life we have been used to in Osogbo, but I’m taking it in my stride as well as many others. However, I am particularly impressed by the development of the rail terminal at Old-Garage because I am very familiar with that area, which is my major route of operations.

The Old-Garage rail terminus, like many others around the country, had for long been allowed to lapse into a state of disrepair. But just a little over a year ago the place started witnessing resuscitation which culminated in the launch of the Aregbesola train sometime in April last year. I had thought that would be the end of the story. I was wrong. Few months later, the bulldozers came calling on the minishanty settlement that had developed in and around the rail terminal; and as if one was in a dream the slum had simply disappeared and the placed had been swept clean.

As if that was not enough new sets

S

• Titi Ajayi (Mrs) Ilesa, Osun State

adversary (the rightful owner of the stolen item).

Unfortunately, Jonathan will not be judged by the Governors’ Forum approval or disapproval, or even his so called transformation agenda, but on how much value his government has had on the average Nigerian and the manner which he has achieved that by his understanding of how to lead purposefully.

The president needs to make significant moves to convince the electorate that he has the capability to lead by providing their very basic needs instead of spending so much time and resources to advertise his little achievements and using loyal state governors to launder his second term agenda. The loosing governors should tender their unreserved apology to the people of Nigeria and then ask God for mercy.

Ambition is right, but ambitions that negate the rules of engagement are assault on our collective integrity, sense of purpose and the rule of law. They need to assure Nigerians that they can be trusted in words and action. The parade of godlessness may just be another delicate integrity joggling act.

Their action could spell disaster to Nigeria.

•Smart Osazuwa Osagiede, Benin City.

Re: El-Rufai and his unemployed daughters

IR: I refer to the comments of Uwalaka Temple in The Nation of Monday,June 3, on the issue of Mallam Nazir El-Rufai’s position concerning unemployment and its consequences which he embellished with his inability to get job for his daughters.

Let the Mallam say that to the marines.Who is deceiving who? He has refused to tell us the truth which is probably that he is yet to get his desired job for his daughters or the daughters

will cut across all the strata of leadership.

One wonders about the essence of leadership if not to create job opportunities among other responsibilities. There is the need for a solemn assembly where basically the issue of unemployment would be discussed. A stitch in time saves nine.

• Adeyemi Odedokun Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

21

COMMENTS

T

Freedom; Chimamanda’s Americanah; CBN’s MPR and the rest of us

HANK God for the successful efforts to secure the release of the Rhodes Vivours. We must thank God even as we Tony pray earnestly for the Marinho release of all other kidnap victims and a final full stop to this evil method of extortion.

The wars against the Boko Haram, indigenes in Plateau and farmers on the North-South cattle route go on even as the rest of Nigeria goes on. I read Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah. It is a long good read, covering a wide range of incidents and sites. I was on the Third Mainland Bridge when it came up in the book. Perhaps you will find yourself ‘live action’ in places and scenes mentioned including Obalende, my old haunt. The book discusses race, confirming it is a non-issue in Nigeria, and love- that worldwide problem engaging every reader in one scenario or another. You will find a lot of ‘been-there-done-that’ as my daughter taught me to say.

It is amazing in love the same action can be so contrastingly cruel and kind, common and individual and cause so much gain and pain, but we all know that anyway. That is not a reason not to read the book. It is nice knowing you are not alone in your gains and pains from love. And you will learn a lot about women’s hair, beautiful and otherwise. In my clinic I tell my patients that small cysts seen on ultrasound are normal signs of womanhood and that without those cysts the women would be men.

They immediately cheer-up. Not one of them has wanted to be a man in spite of the dedicated hours regularly spent weave-on-ing. Amazing. This book answers the unasked question ‘why weave-on?’ and many more ‘whys’.

Meanwhile the inter-bank interest rate MPR, has been kept by the award winning CBN at 12% making bank loans 21-25% to ‘fight inflation’. What inflation? The one in the pockets of millions of Nigerians or the banks statistics caused by corruption? The commercial banks

I

T is apparent that the dust raised by the recent, senseless deployment of security officers to their untimely death in Alakyo, Nasarawa State, has refused to settle. The unfortunate incident claimed the lives of no fewer than 75 policemen, including a dozen operatives of the State Security Service, SSS. The Police and the SSS had put the number of their dead or missing officials at 56. They comprised 46 police officers and 10 SSS operatives.

It was gathered that no member of the Mobile Police Force, PMF 38 Squadron in nearby Akwanga, Nasarawa State, also known as “Tiger Squadron”, who were dispatched to dislodge the Ombatse militia group, survived the raid. A top police officer recently said that apart from the 61 MOPOL officers that were deployed from Akwanga, the Police is yet to see many others mobilised from the MOPOL base in Lafia, including the men of the State CID. So the claim that only 56 policemen died cannot be true.

Abayomi Akeremale, the Commissioner of Police who ordered the deployment ‘at midnight’, has since been replaced with Umar Shehu, who has resumed. But news emanating from the state has continued to paint a gory and grisly picture of what must have actually transpired. It was also learnt that Mohammed

‘At least, if Baba Alakyo’s god can wipe out such a frightening number of security agents within a twinkle of an eye, he should be able to engage Boko Haram insurgents in a matter of minutes or hours’

could cut their own additional 10-15% interest even if CBN insists on 12% but they will not –greed. Meanwhile they make billions! How? Who are they doing business with? They screw us out of our money with COT, cheque, ATM and a myriad of other financial burdens invented in the boardrooms by financial wiz kids seeking bonuses.

What do Nigerian banks pay as bankers bonuses? The trouble with being a Nigerian when so many are stealing so much is that the average person suffers so much to service the bankers’ greed. In spite of our oil, Nigerians have the highest interest rates loans in the world and the highest energy costs from generators and fuel from imports while government demonstrated a pathological failure to fix refineries –Corruption, Incompetence, Negligence and Selfishness-CINS. Most middle class Nigerians could have afforded to buy a new car annually from what they are forced to spend on power substitution at home and in the office during the last 25 years. So the prohibitive cost of doing business through loans, supplying power and corruption are key problems facing every business and entrepreneur. Today we face political whirlwinds among governors seeking dominance at the Governors’ Forum. Who does not know that 19 is democratically more than 16? We face Presidential pronouncements on incumbency and lack of vacancies in Aso Rock made by proxy through political attack dogs and self-appointed ‘Ministers for Presidential Defence’. We face ex-presidents who for many observers were mega-failures in areas of job creation infrastructure like power, road and rail networks, bringing interest rates down, improving the naira value and in human rights particularly during elections and odiously in Odi. Why did the naira fall further even after the dark days of Buhari, Babangida Abacha when it ended at N88 to $1 under Abacha? These pontificating ex-presidents, including ‘civilian/military’ presidents like Obasanjo with eight years of failed hope and disappointing prosperity under their agbadas, are talking boldly of the failings of an incumbent president who appears to be struggling through a multiple minefield laid by the same past governments’ failures in power, political and electric and

economic and social responsibility.

Why did they, our ‘Failed Past Presidents’, not improve education to make Nigerian students them fully employable with easy access to business advice and normal worldwide acceptable interest rates on loans? The problems today were problems created deliberately, ignorantly or negligently for years. The Nigerian adult now knows that there was money to service education but it was government policy to starve education –exposed by an unappreciated ASUU. Parents and students preferred a ‘Let My Children Go Ignorantly Into The Future’ policy to supporting ASUU’s fight for better conditions. For years government has manipulated the education situation to make it appear that ASUU was the cause of the poor education situation, when ASUU was fighting for quality-a losing battle against ‘Acada-hating politicians in power’. Ask Jubril Aminu’s opinion. Has he published his memoirs of ‘A Minister of Education in an Ignorant State’ yet?

On Sunday we followed Pope Francis’s request to all 1+billion Catholics to join him at 5pm to pray among other things for the poor. A person born poor is at an unfair disadvantage but has ignored rights to make demands on government to cross the poverty line- $1 or $2 a day.

Government has a failed responsibility to rescue the poor who are getting wiser and more violent.

‘Why did they, our ‘Failed Past Presidents’, not improve education to make Nigerian students them fully employable with easy access to business advice and normal worldwide acceptable interest rates on loans? The problems today were problems created deliberately, ignorantly or negligently for’

Al-Makura vs. Ombatse’s Chief Priest Abubakar, the Inspector-General of Police, had summoned the officer in charge of the base to the Force Headquarters. The Police High Command was also said to have begun an investigation into allegation that the Nasarawa State Government paid a huge amount of money to the state police command to influence the massive deployment of its officers for the ill-fated operation against the militia group. Findings indicated that the 2015 race for governorship position in the state informed the operation against the militia group.

Never in the history of barbarism in Nigeria has a large contingent of security officers been driven to their ‘cheap death’ such as this. The issue of money changing hands between police commanders and state governors has been a source of irritation to the public and also a great embarrassment to the force itself. But whenever this ugly episode rears its head, the hierarchy of the police has always been quick to cover up the misdeeds of their men with ridiculous explanations, distortions and half-truths.

As for the issue of 2015 being at the centre of the whole crisis, those who alluded to this, and they are many, including my humble self, believe that it is not far from the truth. This argument is more germane when the revelation that has so far come from the major ‘dramatis personae’ in the crisis is pieced together. They are AlMakura, the governor of the state, and Alla Agu, the chief priest of the Ombatse cult in Lakyo, Nasarawa South Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The chief priest recently said that security men that invaded the community were ordered by the state governor to kill him. Seventysix-year-old Agu, popularly called Baba Lakyo, spoke through an interpreter when Solomon Ewuga,

the Senator representing Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the Senate, visited him. Agu said the security operatives did not come to arrest him, but to kill him “and cut off my head and take it to the governor”. According to him, “it is the governor that asked the people (police officers) to come here, arrest me and cut my head…

When they came, because they were themselves drunk, my god did not allow them to come to me and they died on the way. The question I asked is, ‘Has the governor ever invited me and I refused to go?’ If I’m invited, I will go. But he sent people to kill me and to destroy Lakyo as a whole.

That is just what it is.”

Contrary to reports that the police invaded the village after he shunned their invitation, the chief priest has pooh-poled the governor’s claim by saying that he had never been invited by any of the security agencies. Although Lakyo is now peaceful, besides the carcasses of burnt vehicles used by the security men, Baba Alakyo said he was unhappy with what happened and was apprehensive of the fate that might befall him afterwards. He also denied ever forcing people to join the group through any initiation or drinking of concoction. He also said that he was in a nearby village when the incident took place.

Asked whether the incident had anything to do with the politics of the state, Baba Alakyo said, “If you are talking about politics, it does not bother me. I don’t even understand Hausa language.

Politics is not for me because I am not a politician. Politics is for politicians but I hear that the time for politicking has not even come.”

He said that Ombatse was an association of Lakyo boys into which nobody was forced to belong. According to him, it is even more saddening that he is being

linked to the incident, especially when he knew nothing about what happened to the policemen.

The governor, however, dismissed Baba Alakyo’s claim that he was never invited for any meeting. The governor, who spoke through Iliya Aliu, his chief press secretary, said it was on record that the head of the cult group did not honour several invitations extended to him. He said, “The Police and the SSS invited him before this incident but he refused to honour any of them. It was after he refused to answer all of these invitations that the State Security Council met and decided that he should be arrested. Even their name, Ombatse, means it is our turn, their turn for what?”

On his own part, Chris Mamman, the President of the Eggon Cultural Development Association, the umbrella body for Ombatse, said the only way to get to the root of what happened at Alakyo was for the Federal Government to set up a judicial commission of inquiry.

I totally agree with Mamman that only a high-powered judicial commission of inquiry can unravel the hidden truth of this case. Such committee should get to the root of this heinous crime that has now become an issue to be tossed around by Al-Makura and Baba Alakyo. It is obvious that the issue involved here is between the governor and Baba Alakyo as well as the mad race for 2015 election or re-election. It is all a pointer that the 2015 race will be as deadly as ever if the fever has really caught up the polity this way like hurricane in harmattan.

Now that it is very clear that the governor might have been economical with the truth, especially with the large number of security operatives involved in the midnight raid as well as the issue of money changing hands.

These are weighty allegations

Dele Agekameh strong enough to keep the judiciary commission of enquiry on their toes to unmask the culprits. Even whether Akeremale has retired or not, he must also be made to face the music if he is found guilty or complicity in the entire horrible saga. All those directly or remotely connected should face the law at the levels of their involvement.

This is not the time to sweep matters of national shame under the carpet. The cops cannot die in vain.

However, we should take cognizance of the fact that the governor belongs to one of the opposition parties and so the government at the centre should not see this as an opportunity to witchhunt him in order to shove him out of office. Also, if the claim of the chief priest is true but I strongly doubt this, the government can enlist the assistance of his ‘god’ to root out the Boko Haram insurgents ravaging the northern part of the country. At least, if Baba Alakyo’s god can wipe out such a frightening number of security agents within a twinkle of an eye, he should be able to engage Boko Haram insurgents in a matter of minutes or hours.

Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

22

COMMENTS ‘Re: ‘Wobbling and fumbling to 2015’ (your article in The Nation of June 2). The outcome of the election did not show a Governors Forum, rather, it reflected a disunited power bloc. Personally I am happy at their disunity as their sittings had been for selfish purpose rather than for the people. They wanted fuel subsidy removed; they voted against savings but wanted excess crude receipts, shared and spent. They wanted to determine who becomes Nigeria’s head of state. All the parties in acrimony are advised to tread softly.

From Lanre Oseni’

• Jonah Jang

For Dare Olatunji Cry my beloved country. These people are making mince meat of governance. They do not have regard for us and have demonstrated that they are just educated thugs, desecrating the exalted office of the governor. What a pity!

Can we now conclude that Nigeria is held by the jugular by a cult which must have its way while the people have their say? I am, indeed, afraid for the entity called Nigeria, for these people care for nothing, no one but themselves.

Anonymous Nothing good is coming from what they know how to do best if not lies, deceit, blackmail and name calling. Can the ruling party sustain the democratic setting with all these atrocities? If the ruling party thinks witch-hunting Amaechi or perceived opponents can earn the President a second term, they must be joking. The President will fall like a pack of cards.

He is playing God forgetting the yesterday in his life. He has allowed himself to be fixed by those who feed fat on every crisis. Mr. fix it is doing what he knows how to do best now, but he should also remember that, the Most High will do what He thinks best. Mr. fix it should think of three things in life: First, when he started; second, the present and third, the future.

If Jonah Jang thinks Jonathan is his friend by calling him to context the NGF election, he must be joking. Where was the President when Jos was boiling? If the President said he is so much in love with Jang let him annoit him his successor. Enough of this harrassment of those he calls his enemies. Take my words, the President will regret his actions very soon. A lie can travel 1,000 kilometres in a second but, at the end, the truth will prevail. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos What played out in the NGF election happened in the 2011 election. Some of the actors now did not win the election as governors.

They are masters of rigging, harrassment and kidnapping of opponents. Above all, what money cannot do, more money can do. That is their belief. Anonymous Having succeeded in exposing majority of Nigerian lives to years of unadulterated unhappiness through injustice, poverty, discrimination, hatred, unequal rights and opportunities, the administration of President Jonathan is again planning to extend its hold on power beyond 2015, with or without legal votes. In the plan, any opposition must be crushed like they are presently doing to Governor Rotimi Amaechi. But can’t they allow civility to prevail? Is the government not aware that if we all resort to lawlessness, the only thing we can hope for is civil war, untold bloodshed and the end of our dreams as a nation? Chief Anenih and his co-travellers should please pause and think. From Adegoke O. O., Ikhin, Edo State Amaechi suspended himself from the PDP when he refused to accept the consensus candidate of the PDP. I believe that as a member of the party, its majority decision is binding on you, otherwise, you resign or face disciplinary action. Anonymous Good day sir, it was because of your comments that I still have the desire to read any Nigerian newspaper. I pray that Almighty God will add to your days on earth. From Sunday Adepoju That the PDP will self-destruct is a destiny

foretold given all the atrocities it has committed against the people since the military unleashed it on Nigerians for daring to force them out of power. What have we got in 14 years of the locusts? Nothing! Let us pray harder that the divine Hand that we are seeing completes His assignment. Have a very good day, Prof.

Regards. From Olu. ‘Doing what they know how to do best’ encapsulates the Nigerian politicians, most especially of the PDP stock. They lie, rig, steal, impoverish, kill, maim, exploit, blackmail, deceive, confuse, and misrule, among others, they know how to do best. From Alhaji ADEYCorsim, Oshodi, Lagos For Segun Gbadegesin He, who makes trouble for others, the great Chinua Achebe had said, also makes trouble for himself. The attack Jonathan unleashes on Amaechi on all fronts and through the backdoor is bound to backfire later, that is if it has not already started doing so. To me, turning the open and clean victory of Amaechi to that of Jang, all of a sudden, courtesy of the powers from the above, is simply a public relay of how the last general elections were clandestingly won and lost at various levels, especially that of the presidency. And with this, who then still needs extra-sensory perception to know what PDP could do come 2015? I think the scuttling of Amaechi’s victory before our very eyes, especially, should serve as a wakeup call to whichever political party that thinks itself a viable alternative to the embarrassments the PDP governments have been over the years. From Emmanuel Egwu What do you expect Jonathan to do now when he has enslaved himself with sycophants who are not telling him the truth. We all thought he was going to be a listening president but he has made himself a regional president. This is a man that Nigerians voted for massively because of how he humbled himself. But now he has turned to a terror rather than a listening man. Jonathan is the architect of his problem.

Now, he is supporting a loser, automatically he is also a loser. His puppets are praising him forgetting that those who did that yesterday are nowhere to be found today. The earlier he does away with those praise-singers the better for him. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos US runs her democracy through crystal clear modus operandi that allows a loser to congratulate a winner witha handshake; a gesture that usually douses after-election fist blows on cheeks and major upheavals, and makes US great. May Nigeria be exalted through righteous acts. From Samuel Ojo Sanni, Mopa Kogi State I read your comments on the President! What you said was the truth but how many of us like and accept the truth? Keep it up! From Emughedi Arthur, youth leader, Arukwo Community, ABOLGA, Rivers State If I were Jonathan, I would rather listen to those who are cursing me, because he said it on May 30, when he organised a PDP family meeting that, if people are clapping for you, examine yourself. Some governors are praising him for supporting Jang while others are criticising him. Now, he has shot himself in the leg for supporting praise singers. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa Lagos Your opinion on the election of Governor ‘s Forum is the objective view of the public. The PDP’s belief that the concensus agreement should supercede the election is curious. It simply shows that we are being ruled by wrong leaders. You can now know their plan for 2015.

Anonymous You talk about Amaechi as if he were a hero of some kind. Please, come to Rivers State and see what we have here before you go on praising him. Anonymous I’m very pleased with your balanced article

of May 30, on NGF’s show of shame in its election. I was lucky to watch when the video recording was relayed and it was very clear that some can kill to subvert the truth. But, let them and their masters never forget that it was the same politics of impunity that brought down the Shagari regime. Let them ask Umaru Dikko and the late K. O. Mbadiwe and others, who were tools of subversion then, they will tell them that there are still some young revolutionists in our forces today. They should watch it. God bless Nigeria. From EZ For Gbenga Omotoso What a piece! Shouldn’t comedy have its limit and limitations...? Jang, who could not even pay his workers the minimum wage, had the irreverence to go to church to celebrate. Thank God, people like you still make us keep hope alive. I hope you will not one day go the way of Abati? I really enjoy reading your piece.

Anonymous It is the governors’ integrity that is at stake.

Involvement of the presidency is speculative.

It means Amaechi was not in control in Rivers.

From Bar Cole I am yet to recover from the shock I got, watching Governor Jang, a grand-father for that matter, claiming victory of an election he was roundly defeated. Could this be the reason many states have become killing fields? I wonder what those that fall over one another to give Governor Akpabio awards are doing now that the whole world has seen that the man is everything but a democrat. What Nigerians need now is development rooted in credible democratic principles not building of dubious roads, bridges, and airport which is a cover up for dictatorial tendencies. From Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu, Abuja.

Imagine Governor Jonah Jang who cannot maintain peace in his state fighting to become the NGF chairman, wonder, they say, shall never end. From Kunle Adeyemi Your write-up ‘When governors go gaga’ is a classic and must read. It shows clearly the type of politicians and deceitful leadership we have. Kudos to you! Anonymous Whether Governor Amaechi rigged the election or not, he still won. I believe God is really on his side. Let us join him to celebrate his victory and look forward to what the future holds for Nigerians. Anonymous It is sad to see people like Mimiko and Obi, who were victims of rigged elections and had to fight a long-drawn battle to secure their mandate, support another daylight rigging and arbitrary position. Are they saying they no longer believe in democracy? There is nothing excellent about these excellencies. Anonymous My Editor, do not forget that one of the acronyms of the PDP is ‘People Destroying People’. The nation’s political landscape is littered with bones of innocent citizens, high and low, who dared to confront the powers that be in the PDP, especially, during elections. They thump their chest and call it ‘do or die’, because they must be in power to control; to plunder the national treasury. Any wonder we are the way we are after 14 years of the locusts?

But the blood of the innocent does not rest easy. So, it is pay back time. Let us pray they do not take the nation down with them. Regards. From Olu Jang should stop decieving himself. You do not endorse a defeated candidate after a very transparent election has been held. PDP should bury its face in shame and throw in the towel instead of continuing its act of always wanting to steal other contestants’ victory in election.

From Mathias Val.

• Jonathan

For Tunji Adegboyega Re: ‘Wobbling and fumbling to 2015’ (your article in The Nation of June 2). The outcome of the election did not show a Governors Forum, rather, it reflected a disunited power bloc. Personally I am happy at their disunity as their sittings had been for selfish purpose rather than for the people. They wanted fuel subsidy removed; they voted against savings but wanted excess crude receipts, shared and spent. They wanted to determine who becomes Nigeria’s head of state. All the parties in acrimony are advised to tread softly. From Lanre Oseni.

I just read your article titled ‘Wobbling and fumbling to 2015’. It was a masterpiece. It showed the desperation and the ‘do-or-die’ antics of the president, oblivious of the challenges staring at him. But to stoop so low to be involved in who leads the NGF is laughable and a pointer to what to expect in 2015. May God save Nigeria from myopic leaders. From Igbinosa Gabriel, Benin.

Thank you for your write-up. You are a prophet in this situation; if they like, let them listen, their doomsday is fast approaching. From Ekundayo Aiyedogbon, Ekirin-Adde, Kogi State.

Your write-up is another eye opener for the President and his men. But, will they truly see the handwriting on the wall? This seems the beginning of the end for them. Have a nice week ahead. From Festus.

Your article of June 2 was well researched and precise. I think Nemesis has caught up with the PDP after 14 wasted years. God is a just God who feels He should deliver his children from bondage. One thing is clear, Mr. Jonathan should leave Aso Rock come 2015. Shikena! From Alhaji Aiyeoribe, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Jonathan is naturally nice and Jonah Jang is very responsible. Anonymous.

My dear Tunji, I want to commend the depth of your article in The Nation Newspaper of June 2. You got it right. The NGF drama has equally vindicated those that have not hidden their blame on Jonathan for the woes presently ravaging our nation. Most PDP governors are sick and tired of him and anything that has to do with him. They’ve not forgotten the imposition of Tukur and Anenih on the party, the choice of Jang became a reminder. Amaechi is a symbol of victory over the PDP efforts to ruin this nation and Nigerians are more than ever determined to challenge this. The presidency is seriously preparing its expected end.

From Orji Henry.

The Yoruba are the problem of his country; they are hypocrites, they set the country ablaze and hide …. We in south south and south east will vote for GEJ come 2015 … Anonymous Whose interests are the governors serving?

Many of them have disappointed their citizens over non-performance. Is Nigerian Governors Forum in our constitution? Let the governors make peace because crisis would not augur well for democracy in the country. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia.

Tunji, after reading your article, I felt satisfied; in fact, this is the same formula they are going to use in 2015. May God save us from the hands of … leaders. From Olu. ‘Wobbling and fumbling to 2015’ will surely end in disaster and defeat, as it happened to the author of the phrase, the man with the copyright, who led the national Under-20 team to a wobbling and fumbling outing in that year’s Under-20 world football tournament. From Alhaji Adey Corsim, Oshodi, Lagos.

Life

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

25

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

Text only: 08023058761

FALLOUT FROM VILLAGE HEADMASTER TV SERIES

Encounter with Encounterwith ‘characters’ in Things Fall ThingsFall Apart – Page 27

Keeping their language alive – Page 37

•Obriango

‘Oral tradition is key to culture’ – Page 38 Saved in Mac 62 & 88 as Life 5-06-2013

‘I lost my real name to Teacher Ogene Ogene’’

– SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

26

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Do you know the real name of the character, Teacher Ogene, in the rested television series, The Village Headmaster?

In this interview, he tells Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME that he lost his real name, Melville Obriango, to Teacher Ogene on the sitcom.

‘I lost my real name to Teacher Ogene’

T

HE Village Headmaster. Mirror In The Sun. New Masquerade. Jaguar.

Behind The Cloud and Checkmate.

These were popular television soaps in the 70s and 80s, which many homes could not afford to miss.

About three decades after, most Nigerians who watched the television series then still have strong memories of the dramas, especially The Village Headmaster, created by the late Ambassador Segun Olusola of the lead character in the rested television series, Mr. Melville Obriango, who acted Teacher Ogene, a teacher in Oja village School, said the drama which brought him popularity, literarily usurped his real name. He said the name Teacher Ogene did not only become a brand but a conflicting identity, which he had to contend with at the beginning of his role as a teacher in The Village Headmaster. He noted that despite the initial resistance, the name stuck and there was nothing he could do about it. The Nembe-born dramatist said most of his fans and admirers did not know he was not an Urhobo man.

“For me, the name Teacher Ogene actually became a brand. But it also usurped my real name. In the beginning, it was disturbing managing the conflict created by the role. Each time I visited my late mother then, she would always say: ‘I did not give you that name, Ogene’. But, the name got stuck and there was nothing I could do about it. Unfortunately too, most people did not know I am not an Urhobo man.

However, the name opened some doors of goodwill, to some extent,” he added.

According to Obriango, one other challenge he contended with while on the cast of The Village Headmaster was how to manage the ‘rich man status’ the drama conferred on him. He observed that most Nigerians believe that featuring in a popular television series makes one a rich man.

This, he said, exposed him to the perceptions of many about actors.

“Again, you have to be careful how you relate with people because so much is expected from you. Sometime, you get embarrassed in public. The funny aspect is that most people see you as a rich man, whereas, allowances paid for featuring in The Village Headmaster were peanuts,” he said.

Obriango, who also featured in comedy plays such as Play of The week, Join the bandwagon, Never say die on radio and television before the birth of The Village Headmaster, stated that the cast of the soap never thought the drama would last this long in peoples’ memories, to the extent that many are still calling for its return to the screen, years after it has been off air.

He said the cast thought the drama would fade away soon as they never expected it to last this long.

“Though we never envisaged the drama to last so long, we were committed to the production. In those days, we mind details in scripting. We enjoyed doing what we loved and there were no regrets,” he said.

He noted that the essence of the drama was to present Nigerians with a multicultural community of Oja village as a

•Amebo

Mr. Dejumo Lewis and Tunde Olojede

‘For me, the name Teacher Ogene actually became a brand. But it also usurped my real name. In the beginning, it was disturbing managing the conflict created by the role. Each time I visited my late mother then, she would always say: ‘I did not give you that name, Ogene’. But, the name got stuck and there was nothing I could do about it. Unfortunately too, most people did not know I am not an Urhobo man. However, the name opened some doors of goodwill, to some extent’ •One of the casts, Mr Femi Robinson

DRAMA transit settlement that accommodates all.

He added that Oja Village was to serve as a melting pot of different ethnic groups.

“The headmaster was not an indigene of Oja, so was his wife. Yet, they worked with Oloja of Oja. It was designed for viewers to appreciate the diverse cultural setting of the country as well as promote unity among all.

We were simply enjoying ourselves on stage,” he noted.

He said the drama would have been an eye opener to the need to live in unity if it was still running on the television stations. He stressed that ‘if we work conscientiously and look at ourselves on the face, we can bring sanity to the system.’

Linking this to the state of insecurity in the country, he wondered where Nigeria got it wrong saying: ‘We have lost love and care for one another.’

He said: “Why we lost these, I don’t know. In Oja village, if a child is missing, everybody in the village will not have

•Obriango

peace. It is everybody’s headache. Unfortunately, people mistake civilisation for bad habits and selfishness.”

On how he became part of the cast of The Village Headmaster, Obriango said with nostalgia: “Before joining The Village Headmaster, I was presenting comedy programmes in radio and television. I was later invited for audition twice and I refused to go because I was scared and was enjoying radio. At one of the auditions, I was also asked if I don’t mind wearing a short as a character from Jabako, the administrative headquarters of Oja village.

In fact, I love spoken words and I followed those who were into it. I enjoyed theatre much. I found my role in The Village Headmaster so fulfilling and there were no dull moments.

“The synopsis of Teacher Ogene’s role was that he was created as a little educated teacher more than Mr. Garuba who was an experienced teacher. Garuba was always aspiring to be the headmaster of the school. So, the conflict was deliberately created from onset.”

Obriango who had a diploma in Adver-

tising and Salesmanship from Surrey, United Kingdom, frowned at the mad rush of dramatists for Nollywood, which he described as less creative to live theatre. He said many artistes who might find it difficult to find their feet on live theatre, become ‘super star’ after managing to secure roles in two movies. He tasked movie producers to look the direction of some important epics such as Akasa raid, Aba women riot as a way to tell our stories to the world.

“Why is Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, which has been translated into many foreign languages not translated into any Nigerian languages, especially the Igbo language where the book has its roots?” he asked.

He observed that in-depth creativity is fast waning in the creative industry, saying creativity driven by sense of achievement is dying gradually.

The former secretary of Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN), said it took the practitioners a long battle to convince clients and other stakeholders of the potency of ‘pidgin’ English as medium of expression for any advert campaign.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

27

The Midweek Magazine

•Okonkwo

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

•The late Uzowulu

•Uzowulu’s son, Chief Alex

How it would feel meeting relations of the people who inspired the creation of characters in an epic novel? EVELYN OSAGIE met those linked with the globally acclaimed Things Fall Apart at Ogidi, Anambra State.

Encounter with ‘characters’ in Things Fall Apart

A

S guests made their way into Ogidi Town Hall that afternoon to pay their last respects to the man who was known as the Ikenga and the Ugonabo of Ogidi, the statue of the legendary warrior Ezechuamagha welcomed them with his staff in hand.

Little did they know that it was no ordinary statue. He is the town’s progenitor from whom sprang the four quarters of OgidiUru, Akanano, Ikenga and Ezinkwo and nine villages: Uru, Ogidiani, Ezi-Ogidi, Adazi-Ogidi, Nkwelle-Ogidi, Ikenga, AboOgidi, Ire-Ogidi and Umuru in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The town, which has since become a reference point for the literary-minded, continues to inspire those willing to draw inspiration from the ancestral home of the iconic novelist, the late Prof.

Chinua Achebe, the Ugonabo Ogidi, whose works gave birth to influential African writings, including the famous novelThings Fall Apart.

As the success of Things Fall Apart resonates worldwide, its success has become not only that of just the author and his family, but also that of his native home, Ogidi.

Besides being a town of warriors, the author’s ancestral home shares lots of similarities with Umuofia, the fictional setting of the novel Things Fall Apart. In fact, it is the “real background” upon which Umuofia, is set, it was learnt.

Like Ogidi, Umuofia also has nine villages. And, according to Mrs Irene Obiora, an in-law to the Achebes, Things Fall Apart, in particular, is a modification of real life occurences in Ogidi, particularly in Ikenga, in ancient times. And the novel’s characters are creations inspired by the immediate surroundings.

Hear her: “Things Fall Apart is our story. It is a mixture of what happened in those days between us and other neighbouring towns.

He wrote about our customs, culture, festivals, games, etc. Do you know that Chinua’s father was a great wrestler known popularly as Okaa Okulu because he always slip off the opponent grip. This was before he became a catechist. It is not something that is hidden; everybody knows it, including the children.”

According Mrs Obiora, 80+, one does not have to go too far to find persons whose forebears names were featured in the author’s book. On investigation, it was learnt that the fact is a common knowledge in the place. Even young boys and girls can point at the homes and descendants of such persons. Interestingly, the persons are all located within the late Chinua Achebe kindred – Ikenga. Perhaps it is a clear case of blood is thicker than water.

On the way from the primary school attended by the author, about 100 metres away from his home, came Chimezie Okeke, 20, who said the author has greatly influenced him. To prove that he is an ardent fan of the writer, he went ahead to show the reporter around the homes of these person, not knowing that others like Obiora had done same earlier. “Sister, Prof Achebe named many of his characters in Things Fall Apart with the names of our people.

And just while they were getting close to one of their homes, Chief Alex Uzowulu, 76, came along.

“Good afternoon sir, this sister is looking for the people, whose names were used as characters, especially in Things Fall Apart, and

LITERATURE I was taking her to your place and that of Okonkwo,” the young man said.

“Is it true that some characters in the novel were adapted from real life people here,” he was asked.

“Yes,” he said, “My father, Chief Uzowulu Udo, the Ezeajani, was one of them. He is that man who was beat up by his in-laws after beating his wife severally; but my father was not like that.

He was principled, disciplined, but was not hostile. It is common knowledge here that my mother, Ekwefi, who is the mother of Ezinma, the girl with the Ogbanje spirit.”

Chief Uzowulu was seven years old when the book was first published and so he could not read it. But when he did read it, he came to cherish it. “When it came out, my father had a copy. As I grew up, I read the book many times over and have always been proud that Chinua Achebe named one of the characters of that great novel after my father. And for generations to come, wherever Things Fall Apart is read, my family’s name would always be mentioned and remembered,” he said.

And to the reason his parents names were immortalised in the novel, Uzowulu noted that perhaps both had made an impression on the author.

He said: “One thing was common with Chinua, he was always moving with the old people. In those days, university students like Chinua used to meet with old people to learn about the culture, tradition and myths of the land which they would now document as part of their research. It is no secret that Ogidi was a strong inspiration on Chinua’s novel Things Fall Apart. Perhaps, he chose to use my father and mother’s name because my father was one of those with whom he shared memorable moments and that intimated him with some ancient stories whenever he was around.

Other characters in the novel are also still around. Let me take you to them.”

Before Achebe’s burial many had wondered how the man who preached the “Africanness” of the African would be buried, Uzowulu said the town’s people were not part of the lot. “I wonder why people will think that way. You see, unlike in Things Fall Apart, we have now learnt to co-exist with one another, no matter one’s religious background. Our law in the town is that if you are a Christian, when you die, you will be buried in the Christian way and after which if you are a chief like Chinua, the Ndi-Iche (chiefs) would come and pay you their last respects after the burial. It was what we did in the case of Achebe. After the burial on Thursday, we went on Friday to pay him our last respects. I would have become a priest of my family’s shrine but I refused. I refused the shrine of my father because by taking kolanuts to the elders of our family that I was not fit for it. and they directed me to the Umuada (Our women). I told them I do not know how it is being served and they agreed. Let me take you to others.”

The home of Mazi Dominick Okonkwo, 75, retired civil servant, was the next port of call. Although his father was not a wrestler, he said he had many things in common with the character in the novel. His father, Okonkwo Agu’s name was adapted as the lead character in Things Fall Apart because of his fearlessness. He said: “Chinua was very friendly with my father. I’m sure that is one of the reasons he chose my father. He knows my father was a very powerful man that was feared by all that was why he was known as ‘Okonkwo the tiger’. He was a warrior and a native doctor during his time. Chinua was very loyal to the elderly people and his loyal earned him all the stories.

“My father had a temper like the ‘Okonkwo’ in Things Fall Apart when he was a younger. As a bachelor, he gets angry easily, but calmed down after marrying my mother. No matter how hot a man is, women know how to calm him down. He was very happy when Chinua came to tell him that he has published it. He compensated them for the information; and they were many then. I read Things Fall Apart as a young man and left it for my children but they have lost it.”

Okonkwo's friend, Obierika, was also not far-fetched. The Nation met with relations of the real 'Obierika' who asked if this reporter

has met with others like Uzowulu. Mrs Alice Nwabuodu Agulefo (nee Obierika) who said of her father, Benedict Ilonvwo Obierika being a catechist was a close friend of Achebe's father, adding that, however, her cousin, Obierika, in particular, got the honour of being named after a character in the book.

On her part, the advocacy over immortalising the late literary giant is needless, saying: "As far as I'm concerned, I think he has already being immortalised because that book, which has been translated into 50 different world languages, will live forever."

She added: "Even in this town, Ogidi, and in the state for hundreds of years to come, his name will always be there and it's like he is immortalised already. My family is close to his. Knowing that a character in the book is named after my father makes me very proud and my father, siblings and I are very fond of him. I read the novel in 1959, the year it was first published. He wrote his autograph then; and I have read countless times.

"At that time, it was like reading a historical novel on my hometown of an author I happened to know very well. Even though some of the things happened before I was born, it's my culture being expressed. But still, for us, the novel is the combination of history and anthropology of a sort. I am proud and happy that my father's name was there. That name is not a very common name like Okonkwo, Okorie or Okafor. As far as I know there is no other person answering Obierika in Ogidi. So, you see why I feel proud and happy."

And on why the author chose the name, 'Obierika', as the best friend of his lead character, she said: "I have a cousin with whom he went to school with, also bears Obierika. His parents were heathen and not Christians. So, I believed that cousin of mine gave him a lot of information that he used in writing the book. My father happened to be an uncle to that one, so probably that is why he chose that name. Even though Chinua's parents were so much into church, he still finds time to dig deep into the traditions and history of the land and in those days, Ogidi was a small community where everybody knows everybody else. He secretly mixes with the old people which some would refer to as heathen, some of whom he chose to use their names in the book, perhaps as a mark of honour. And Chinua, himself, once wrote that when his father was not looking, he would sneak out to go and meet with and gather information from those old people."

The next stop was Obiora Uyanwa, 51, whose father, Okagbue Uyanwa’s name featured as the character ‘Okagbue’, the medicine man who always gnash his teeth as he listens to those who come to consult him and the one who cures Ezinma of the Ogbanje’s spirit. He said such feat had been his pride since childhood.

“My father was a farmer and not a native doctor but he was a brave and truthful man,” Uyanwa said.“The people whose name he adapted in his novel were those he was fond of. They didn’t know he was going to use their names until the book was published. But there was something very important which he did: he gave the names to characters with different traits so as not to be too direct. It is almost like a puzzle. If you were from here, you could pick out your father traits from the characters aside the names. My father does not gnash his teeth in real life. My father was happy as far as it was his brother that used it and that his name has travelled far and wide.

“I have always been delighted and felt proud that my father’s name is being immortalised through the book. Anybody who reads the book will always come across my father’s name. In those days while I was in secondary school, whenever we were reading Things Fall Apart, I used to tell everyone with pride that the name ‘Okagbue’ is adapted from my father. And they would ask me if my father was a native doctor and I would say, ‘no’. But I always enjoyed the attention it brought.”

Okonkwo’s friend, Obierika, was also not farfetched. This reporter met the real Obierika, who asked if she had met others like Uzowulu, said of his father: “I don’t not know why he chose to use my father’s name in his book but I’m proud that it is there.”

Other characters found across the place include Unoka and Igwelo.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

28

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

When the founder of Life Changer Assembly, Pastor Gbolahan Dada, clocked 50 penultimate Wednesday, he did not throw a party. Instead, he went to church, thanking God. He also took medical services, foodstuff and clothing to the less-privileged in Ojokoro community, especially women and children, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

F

OR several hours, the queues on both sides of the crusade ground continued to grow. On the queues were mainly women, children and the aged who took turns to receive medical attention, collect foodstuff and clothing at no cost, courtesy of Life Changers Assembly in Ojokoro, a Lagos suburb. Simultaneously, the crowd was being fed with the gospel via a public address system. The crusade held at a public playground in Ojokoro, was part of activities marking the 50th birthday of Pastor Gbolahan Dada, who has been in the ministry for the past 25 years.

Pastor Dada said watching women, children and the aged scrambling for clothes, foodstuff and medication at the annual crusade prompted the church to do more every year. “Each year, we mobilise the medical crew in the church, gather drugs, provide some clothing materials, bags of rice, and we went out there to be a blessing to the community. It was fun and I give God the glory. In fact, this year, we had to ask over 50 people to come over to church after the Saturday programme. We noticed that these people had not been attended to by the medical team, so we asked them to come to church on Sunday where they received medications,” he said.

He stated that he is never in a hurry to do something for himself instead he is more particular about serving God. “I follow God’s plans and I don’t follow band wagon. I don’t join rat race, I follow God’s plans and I’m a stickler for the will of God. I won’t do something because everyone is doing it, I do things because it is commanded by God,” he said.

Pastor Dada stated that in his 25 years in the ministry, he had the opportunity of being tutored and nurtured by his spiritual father, Dr. Tunde Joda at the Christ Chapel International Churches (CCIC). “I thank God for his grace upon my life. I was patient to be mentored and groomed.

I have seen so many people in the ministry who were not brought up. Some of them had the opportunity to be disciples. It’s like everybody is in a hurry to join the band wagon,” he said.

Reacting to how he left CCIC to found his own church 12 years ago, he said Dr. Joda literarily offered him his shoulders to climb on in order to see ahead. He said he always love being behind the scene to doing something or helping somebody stand and succeed. “Until the Lord asked me to start Life Changer Assembly, but as far as I am concerned, I was very comfortable serving my pastor then because I have been serving under him and God was blessing me. So, I was not in a hurry to go and be somebody, or to go and get this, get that, I was comfortable.

“At the time I disengaged to start Life Changer Assembly, it was like the Lord has prepared me, and has empowered me with the experience, the knowledge. I have learnt how not to run ministry, I have learnt how to honour God and honour his words and honour his people.

That gave me the opportunity to see clearly in order to

•Pastor Dada

Succour for the poor CELEBRATION avoid pitfalls and pot holes,” he added.

He, however, noted that when he left the CCIC, there was a little resistant from his pastor who later came to terms with the reality and ‘we made up together.’ But today, their relationship is cordial. “I visit him, I call and

‘It is a pity that Nigeria is going through this, but I want to say that by and large we need to check how this nation is being governed, know the characters that govern our life and ask if they are governing well, what is their motive? Do they really have vision for the people?’

How to treat widows, orphans,

by Minister

Yenagoa hosts awards

T

Y

ENAGOA, the Bayelsa State Capital, will on Tuesday, host this year’s Newsray Leadership Award. The event will be chaired by former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Sir Tunde Akogun.

The event designed to honour Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through their outstanding contributions in their fields will hold at the Banquet Hall of Bayelsa State Government House (Creek Haven), Yenagoa, the state capital.

Of the 17 nominees for the award of excellence, three traditional rulers from north were selected. Because of their contriubtions to peace.They are the Emir of Damaturu Emirate Council, Yobe State, Ibn. Umar Alamin Elkanemi Shehu Hashimi II, the Emir of Machina Emirate Council, Yobe State, Alhaji Bashir Albashir Bukar Machinama, and the Emir of Talata-Mafara Emirate Council, Zamfara State, Dr. Muhamadu Barmo Bello.

Others are the Special Adviser on political Matters to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Agbedi Fred; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Chapter, Mr. Akono Solomon Tarinyo and the Commissioner

sometimes he calls and he also come to minister in Life Changers. It is one family, one God, one blood,” Pastor Dada said.

On the many challenges faced by some churches, he said there are lots of distractions that have made many ministers to get involve in unnecessary things. These, he said, have unfortunately brought them into disrepute.

Asked what is the correlation between the number of worship centres and corruption in the society? he went philosophical, saying: “Well as a matter of fact, it is the will of God for the gospel to be preached to every person, every nation and it’s the will of God for everybody to come to the knowledge of Jesus.”

He stressed that there are no enough churches but that what is needed most, is the fear of God. “Fear of God is lacking. We have churches all over the place but most of the people that go to church on weekly basis lack the fear of God and perhaps the fear of God is not been taught from the pulpit.

“May be the concentration has been on what to get from God instead of having relationship with God. Having relationship with God should be the focus but most people take advantage of the hardship that people go through to present God to the people as a vending machine. You go to him slot in your offering and get your miracle and olive oil. A pastor slaps you with his jacket and you get miracle, No way. God is not raising Christians to be miracle seekers but the purpose of the church is for Christians to be miracle that people are looking for.”

Commenting on the controversies trailing the acquisition of private jets by some church leaders, Pastor Dada said every church has its own assignment. He noted that some churches are called into the village ministry while others are into international ministry. He noted that it is important to respect those who have genuine reason for acquiring jet, even though many things are being abused in Nigeria.

He described the on-going bombings by Boko Haram in the northern part of the country as regular persecution the church has been going through since the ancient time.

“It is a pity that Nigeria is going through this, but I want to say that by and large we need to check how this nation is being governed, know the characters that govern our life and ask if they are governing well, what is their motive? Do they really have vision for the people?”

•Akogun

for Women Affairs, Yobe State, Kabir Kolo Hajja Asmau among others.

The event will have the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seraike Dickson as special guest of Honour while Ambassador Ibrahim Gusau (Wamban Gusau) will serve as guest of honour.

The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, will deliver the keynote address, while King A.J. Turner will grace the occasion as Royal Father of the Day. Hon. Marie Ebikake will serve as Mother of the Day. The National Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Shaibu Usman Leman and former Editor of The Guardian On Sunday, Jahman Anikulapo, will serve as a resource persons.

HE Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, has said only uncivilised nations treat widows without respect. He praised the founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation for alleviating the plight of widows and orphans.

Duke spoke at the launch of The Cry of Widows and Orphans in Lagos on Friday.

Duke, who recommended the book for women organisations, government agencies, ministries and everyone, said it is an expression of great courage, commitment and passion by the author and is also an extent of sacrifice because the author has transformed lives and has impacted on social economic development in the country.

The founder of the Foundation and the author of the book Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, said the book will serve as a resource material for policy makers and legislators, and as information manual for widows and orphans that will enable them to know their rights and seek help.

“Since inception, the foundation has empowered 970 widows and awarded scholarships to 1,366 widow’s children and 72 orphans. We have also provided accommodation for residential/business pur-

By Olushola Orebajo

LITERATURE poses for 82 widows,” she added.

The wife of Lagos state Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola observed that the world has turned its back on the widows as if ‘they were a menace to society, a burden, a nuisance and outcasts. Their land, possessions, and sometimes even their children are taken away from them by inlaws.’

According to her, women should make their husbands prepare a good plan, written down as a will for their children and loved ones. She urged Nigerians to emulate the Rose of Sharon Foundation initiative, but asked a question “Are the men going to live the earth and allow their loved ones to suffer?”

She said everyone prays to live long, but death is natural, adding that if good policies are laid down by the husbands, even after death, they would be remembered in their loved ones.

The Rose of Sharon foundation, which started on May 23, 2008 is anon overnmental organisation (NGO) which focused on alleviating the plight of widows and orphans.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

29 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

LCC: Nigeria recorded 7% average growth in 13 years

N

IGERIA has been recordingan average of seven per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the last 13 years, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has said.

TheDirector-General, LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, who spoke to The Nation, noted that the country recorded an increase in both local and foreign investments under the democratic dispensation.

He said Nigeria has become a major investment destination in Africa because investors are more comfortable in a democratic environment.

By Toba Agboola

However, he said there was huge disparity between the nation’s economic growth and the living standard of Nigerians.

He explained that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranked Nigeria number 36 in the world on account of GDP estimated at $273 billion in 2012.

“United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), ranked the nation number 157 on account of human development in the same year,” he said.

Muda said the dividends of democracy could be evident in the business sector

if government had intervened in the challenges confronting the sector.

“Many small and mediumscale enterprises still have serious challenge in accessing credit even at high rates.

“The power situation, which improved slightly towards the end of 2012, has since deteriorated. This development led to increase in expenditure on diesel and petrol with the resultant decline in productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

He said though the economy has fared well when compared with most economies globally, the impact of the growth was

yet to improve private sector performance or the overall well-being of Nigerians.

He pointed out that though the macroeconomic fundamentals, as reflected by the stable naira exchange rate, inflation and growing foreign reserves of the nation were good, the business environment remained largely challenging for investors with the attendant negative implications for competitiveness of the businesses in the global market.

He said: “Economic growth trend, measured by the performance of the Gross Domestic Product

(GDP), has been generally positive over the last two years, averaging about 6.5 per cent.

“This is good compared with growth conditions in most economies around the world.

However, there remains a major concern about the weak impact of the growth performance on the private sector and the welfare of the Nigerian people. Virtually, all business segments lamented the harsh operating environment in recent years.”

He appealed to the government to bring a lasting solution to security issues to boost the confidence of investors.

‘CIBN certified bankers can work in Africa’

T

•Sokoto State Head of Service, Alhaji Bature, signing the contract papers for the Second Phase of Usman Faruk Secretariat in Sokoto ... on Monday.

Nigeria, others risk competition from US Shale oil O

IL exporting countries including Nigeria risk facing stiff competition from the fastest growing United States Shale oil, Renaissance Capital has warned.

The reaserch and finance firm, in a report entitled: Crude Times: Thoughts for Nigeria, said Shale oil is re-defining the oil landscape globally and posing threat to the conventional oil producers.

“The biggest challenge comes from the biggest energy consumer-the US where the Shale revolution is transforming the global energy value chain.

International Environmental Agency expects the US to add another 2.8million barrel per day of production by 2018 at a break even price of less than

By Akinola Ajibade

$70 per barrel, which is more than the whole of Nigerian oil output in 2012 (estimated at 2.1million per barrel per day,” It said such developments put traditional producers at risk and create the urgency to bring new technologies and capital to revive stagnating production.

The report said Nigeria faces bigger challenge because it is competing with other emerging countries, some of which have are placed in terms of favourable regulatory environments.

It said US has over the years cut its imports from Nigeria by half, arguing that the issue

has forced Nigeria to find new destinations for its crude.

“With Nigerian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) having grown steadily at about seven per cent per annum over the past ten years and with the population of 160million, the country energy thirst is increasing (from the extremely low 300kbd level).

At the same time, if production remains at current level due to under-investment, the net amount available for export will shrink quickly putting further pressure on the budget and future economic growth,” the report added.

It advised the government

‘Why we were absent at Dana Why telecos can’t lead Air crash memorial service’ mobile money, by CBN - P 30 - P31

to develop new such as deep offshores, and increase recovery rates at old oil fields in the Delta region. It said such efforts would help in increasing investment in the energy sector, as well as transforming it.

Rencap said the emergence of gas is a major boost to the country’s energy market, adding that the country will in a matter of time have enough gas for export.

“We are encouraged by recent plans announced by Aliko Dangote to build a new local refinery, with a 400kbd capacity, which should improve long-term pricing for both local producers as well as consumers not to mention new jobs and the multiplier effects on the economy,” it said.

HE Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has said certified bankers in the country are qualified to work in other African countries.

The institute said in a statement that a communique issued at the end of its Annual General Meeting called for an inter-country recognition and acceptance of qualifications and certificates of member countries.

This, it said, would encourage and promote mobility of labour as well as skills among banks in the continent.

It further said the alliance would periodically conduct professional examination moderation to strengthen exam policies, regulations, curricula and practices with a view to ensuring that quality standards and improvement in candidates’ performance are maintained and adhered to, at all times.

According to the alliance, “a smooth implementation of the Staff exchange programme (SEP), which is aimed at, among other things, to enhance cross fertilisation of skills, bonding, mentoring among member Institutes’ personnel would be vigorously pursued”.

It stressed the need for the AAIOB member-institutions to participate actively in the establishment, programmes and activities of the Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBEStB), which is expected to be launched at the World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI) scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya this month.

Penny stocks: 44 perform above average

- P33

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

30

MONEY

Why telecos can’t lead mobile money, by CBN T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has explained why it is unable to adopt a telco-led approach in the execution of mobile money services.

CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said regulation of the telecoms sector was not within the bank’s control, making it difficult to guide mobile money operations under the telco-led model being advocated by telecoms operators.

Sanusi, who spoke at the risk management conference in Lagos, said the risks in mobile money operations were high, regulation has to be implemented.

He said the banking watchdog does not control what the telcos are doing, unlike in the bank-led model where there are guidelines.

Telecoms companies have been

Stories by Collins Nweze

calling on the CBN to allow them to participate in the regulation of the mobile money subsector, one of the services provided by banks in support of the cashless banking initiative.

Speaking at a seminar in Lagos, Tunde Kuponiyi, Globacom’s Director, Telebanking Unit, said the regime of mobile money regulation, which is bank-driven, is not friendly to telecoms companies, which provide the mobile payment platform. He said though there was a lot that telecoms companies could contribute in a cash-less economy,

their mandate was limited.

Kuponiyi explained that since the mobile payments business is 90 per cent dependent on the mobile industry, it was unfair that the mobile networks are prevented from advertising their various mobile payment products, which are the foundation on which the bank products operate.

“From the customer’s mobile phone, to the mobile payments system and feedback to the mobile phone, the mobile payment transaction utilises mostly mobile resources, makes use of mobile time and is supported largely by mo-

bile engineers, but unfortunately, the CBN has restricted telecom companies from advertising in the mobile payments space,” he said.

He stressed the need for telecoms companies to be allowed to speak on the capabilities of their networks, the quality of user experience and the choice of mobile payment services available on their networks.

He lamented that the passive role to which the telecoms companies have been compelled to play has led to the slow growth of the mobile payment sub sector.

“It is roughly a year since the first mobile money went live and approaching a year since cash-less economy came into operation.

Meanwhile, none of the individual players can boast of having more than 10,000 active subscribers,” he said.

The CBN has said infrastructure will be a challenge in implementing mobile money and is working

•Deputy Governor CBN, Tunde Lemo

towards improving on that, although that responsibility is outside its powers.

Sanusi had met with the Minister of Communication Technology and other stakeholders, to deliberate on infrastructure.

Private sector vital to job creation, says World Bank

A

•From right: MD/CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr Yinka Sanni, presenting a sourvenir to 1st Vice President & Chairman, Planning and Organising Committee of CIBN 50th Anniversary, Otunba Debola Osibogun, during the visit by the members of the Consultative Committee on 7th Annual Banking and Finance Conference & Anniversary committee to the bank.

C

Produce credible financial reports, accountants urged

HARTERED accountants have been urged to generate credible and reliable financial reports that will present the true state of public and private institutions.

This was part of the communiqué issued at the 42nd Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

Participants at the conference noted that the economy will func-

tion properly when participants have trust in the financial statements that drive activities and decisions in the capital market. They noted that the problems of the nation‘s uninspiring pace of development is attributed to the absence of strong institutions and professionals who give high regards to corporate governance.

It recommended that chartered accountants should play a more active role in public governance,

urging the institute to regularly engage all relevant stakeholders in advocating for good governance, principled leadership, institutionbuilding and fiscal discipline.

For a national rebirth, the conference urged the institute to ensure that its members hold to the highest level of professional standards and integrity and apply sanctions where members act in any manner that is inconsistent with the ideals of the profession.

VISA seeks e-banking for rural dwellers

T

HE VISA Incorporated has reiterated the need to focus more on getting people in remote parts of the country involved in banking.

The Country Director, sub-Saharan Africa, VISA Incorporated, Mr Ade Ashaye, said a lot of money in circulation is outside the banking system and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cash-less policy is only targeted at encouraging people to make payments electronically rather than cash.

He said financial inclusion is being widely pursued because there has always been a problem on how to reach people that is far away from banks. This, he said will involve banks opening more branches and getting their customers into embracing e-payment services.

He said by encouraging electronic

payments, banks will have more money to lend to industries. “A lot of cash is outside the banking system, a practice which will be reversed when more transactions are done electronically using cards,” he said.

He said VISA is also advising the CBN and banks on how to ensure that the global best practices are achieved during the implemention of the cash-less policy of the apex bank.

He said there is need to create awareness on how to make people understand how to use the electronic banking products, adding that achieving financial inclusion will require the banks expanding their networks to remote areas to reach more people.

He said VISA has tried to improve banking technology in the country and that almost all the

banks are members of Visa. He said Nigeria has the right technology after many of the banks migrated to EMV, which is a more secured platform needed to prevent frauds.

EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and VISA, a global standard for inter-operation of integrated circuit cards or chip cards, which can be used on point of sale (PoS) terminals and automated teller machines (ATMs) for authenticating credit and debit card transactions.

Ashaye said cards can increase taxable income by creating an electronic audit trail. He said the reduced risk of fraud inherent in many electronic payment networks is a guarantee of payment for merchants and liability protection for cardholders in the case of fraud.

N active private sector is key in creating jobs for the population, the World Bank has said.

The bank has also outlined how jobs that do the most for development can spur a virtuous cycle.

The report, contained in the World Development Report 2013, explained that poverty falls as people work their way out of hardship and as jobs empower women to invest more in their children.

“Efficiency increases as workers get better at what they do, as more productive jobs appear, and as less productive ones disappear. Socie-

ties flourish as jobs foster diversity and provide alternatives to conflict,” the bank said in an emailed report.

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said a good job can change a person’s life, while the right jobs can transform entire societies, adding that the governments need to move jobs to center stage to promote prosperity and fight poverty.

“It’s critical that governments work well with private sector, which accounts for 90 per cent of all jobs. Therefore, we need to find the best ways to help small firms and farms grow,” it added.

Standard Chartered to invest $100m in Nigeria, others

S

TANDARD Chartered Bank has indicated interest in investing over $100 million on 110 new branches in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.

This will be done alongside five other core markets over the next three years just as the lender intends to make substantial hires across both the wholesale and consumer banking business, including over 900 sales staff in the consumer banking business.

At the conference, Diana Layfield, Standard Chartered chief executive officer for Africa, set out her vision for the African franchise over the next five years against a backdrop of how far the business has travelled to date.

In a statement, the bank said investment spend will also be accelerated in mobile payments

technology, physical infrastructure, staff hires, establishing new onshore presences and deepening existing ones.

The bank covers 37 markets in the region – 15 on a full presence and 22 further markets on a transaction basis following its clients; providing extensive reach across the continent, thereby covering 92 per cent of sub-Saharan African Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Group will expand its geographic reach to establish new onshore presences and deepening existing ones. It intends to open new wholesale banking office locations in South Africa and invest in new products in Islamic banking and Mortgages, as well as establishing an onshore presence in Mozambique.

African central banks mull francs to boost trade

T

HE central banks of West and Central Africa are considering merging their currencies to boost trade in the region, Lucas Abaga Nchama, the Governor of the Bank of Central African States, has said.

According to Bloomberg reports, the West African and Central African CFA francs are separate currencies that are both pegged to the euro. Merging them would boost trade and help fight money laundering, Nchama said.

The franc zone covers 14 African countries - Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic, Equa-

torial Guinea, Gabon, GuineaBissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Six other West African nations, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea and Liberia - plan to enact a common currency, known as the Eco, by January 2015, 12 years behind an initial target.

The Eco target was pushed back as countries continued to fail to meet standards including single-digit inflation, a budget deficit of not more than four per cent of gross domestic product excluding grants, and central bank reserves of not less than three months of import cover.

31

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

INSURANCE

Why we were absent at Dana Air crash memorial service, by Prestige T

HE Managing Director of Prestige Insurance Plc, Dr. Anand Prakash Mittals, has explained why the company was absent at the first memorial service for victims of the Dana Air crash of June 3, 2012.

He said the firm did not attend the event because they were not informed by the organisers.

The event was organised on Monday by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who unveiled a monument for the victims at the crash site in Iju-Ishaga, a suburb in Lagos.

The Dana Flight 0992 was heading for Lagos from Abuja when it crashed into residential buildings in a Lagos, killing all 153 passengers on board and about eight others on ground.

Families of the victims on board, on ground and survivors on

Story by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

ground expressed pain, anger and disappointment. They decried the absence of the management of Prestige Insurance, the local lead insurer at the event and non-payment of compensation for their relatives.

But Mittal told The Nation that he was surprised when he heard about the event on Monday.

Asked if the company was not aware that the crash occurred one year ago on Monday, he said they are aware, but did not know that there would be a function of any kind for them.

He, however, explained the company’s position on claims, noting that there is nothing they can do to fast-track payment of compensations to the victims’ families.

“We were not told by anybody that there’s a function by anybody

and we are surprise to hear about it Monday.”

“There is nothing we can do because the reinsurer, which is Lyods of London, holds 70 per cent of the insurance and they do not tell us what they are doing as regards investigation, among other issues.

He further said the reinsurer had told them that lack of administration had caused delay.

Meanwhile, spokesman for Dana Airline, Tony Usidiamen at a news conference to commemorate first year of the crash, said 11 families of the victims have received full compensation.

Usidiamen claimed the 11 families received full compensation of $100,000 (N15 million) each while 95 others received an initial $30,000 (N4.5 million) each.

He said they received the compensation as at May 25.

He noted that compensation would be paid to victims provided they had valid document on their claims.

He added that the families of 20 other victims had submitted their letters of administration from the Probate Registry of Lagos State High Court.

“The letters will be verified by the airline’s insurance firm, the Lyodds Insurance Company of London, for payment.

“However, eight families did not submit any claim in respect of their lost family members; they may file their claims later,” he said.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State who waived the 10 per cent that should have been paid to the state for damages.

On those who lost properties to

• Mittal the crash, Mr Usidiamen said they had been paid the initial $30,000 by Prestige Insurance.

According to him, the claims submitted by them have been sent to estate valuers for evaluation.

“Their claims are being evaluated because the law did not stipulate what should be paid to those who lost their properties on ground,” he said.

What you have to reveal at an accident scene

Y

• Dana Air crash monument unveiled by Lagos State Government, Governor Babatunde Fashola at the crash site in Iju Ishaga, Lagos.

TPL, partner NAICOM on growth

T

HE National Insurance Commisssion (NAICOM) and the Transparent Protection Limited are partnering to boost the Market Restructuring and Development Initiative (MDRI).

Speaking at a press conference, TPL Project Manager, Transparent Protection Limited, Godson Ibekwe-Umelo said the organisations, which is a nongovernmental organisation will also collaborate with NAICOM to ensure compliance by

insurance institutions with insurance laws and regulations.

He said Nigeria has the potential to become the biggest insurance market in Africa and among the largest in the world given her huge population of between 150 and 160 million.

He noted that TPL is not an insurance company, but an organisation, which simply support the insurer and insured to easily understand their rights and obligations under insurance contract.

He added that while TPL is also not an insurance agent nor insurance broker, it however, is part of TPL’s mandate to ensure that the insuring public in Nigeria are fairly treated by insurance service providers insurance brokers and agents.

He said it is important that insurance institutions in Nigeria play within the rules and be transparent in their relationship with policyholders.

He explained that NGO is only collaraborating with NAICOM and not being introduced by the commission.

Fitch cuts Illinois rating over failure to fix pensions

I

LLINOIS’ lowest-among-states credit rating took a new hit on Monday as Fitch Ratings downgraded the state’s credit just days after Illinois lawmakers left the state capitol last week without addressing a huge public pension funding crisis.

“Fitch believes that the burden of large unfunded pension liabilities and growing annual pension expenses is unsustainable, and that failure to achieve reform measures despite the substantial focus on this topic exacerbates concern about management’s willingness and ability to address the state’s numerous fiscal challenges,” the rating agency said in a statement.

The state’s general obligation rat-

ing according to Reuters was cut a notch to A-minus with a negative outlook, affecting $27.5 billion of outstanding debt. Illinois, which had been expected to sell up to $1 billion of GO bonds as soon as this month, likely would need to offer a higher interest rate on its securities because of the downgrade.

Fitch also warned that Illinois’ lower rating could be in further jeopardy if the state does not take action to stabilize its finances ahead of the planned partial rollback in 2015 of big income tax rate increases enacted in 2011.

“Deterioration in the state’s financial position, as evidenced by excessive use of non-recurring revenues or additional payment defer-

rals would likely lead to a negative rating action,” Fitch said.

Illinois is alone among states in the scope of its use of delayed payments of bills and other obligations as a budget-balancing tool.

Even before the downgrade, Illinois had the lowest credit ratings among U.S. states as the state struggled with a nearly $100 billion unfunded pension liability caused by years of skipping or skimping on payments to its five retirement systems. Those payments are rising, threatening funding for core state services such as education and health care.

Governor Pat Quinn said he was not surprised by the rating downgrade.

OU’ve just been involved in a fender bender. Police are on the way. Meanwhile, what information do you have to exchange with the other driver?

That answer varies It is not really wise to hand a stranger your driver’s license in this age of identity theft?

“First of all, nobody says you even have to get out of your car in the middle of the road with cars buzzing all around you and put your life at risk and potentially be assaulted or carjacked,” says Robert Siciliano, an identity theft expert with McAfee.

He says in the commotion of an accident scene, caution is often thrown out the window. People can get into heated arguments over who is at fault, or a rear-end collision could be a scam to steal your personal information.

“If you ever feel your life is in danger or it’s a potential carjacking, stay in the vehicle or even drive to the closest police department.”

Siciliano recommends pulling to the far right of the road, out of traffic, and if you don’t feel safe getting out of the car, you can talk out of the window. Make sure someone has dialed the police number immediately.

Befuddled A 2012 survey conducted for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that many people don’t know the minimal information they are supposed to share with the other driver in an accident.

And sharing too much - say, your home address could put your personal information at risk.

Forty per cent of survey respondents thought they should share their driver’s licences; one in six would even allow the other driver to photograph his or her license as a means of exchanging that information. Twentyfive percent of drivers had no qualms sharing their home address; while 30

C

percent thought they were required to tell their phone numbers.

NAIC spokesperson warns drivers to exchange information only with a police presence. Don’t just hand over your personal information to the other party. No matter what state you live in, you shouldn’t allow the other person to photograph your driver’s license and you absolutely should never give out your home address, says the spokesperson.

“Really all you need to provide the other driver is your name and the name of your insurance company with a claims phone number,” says Siciliano.

The NAIC has developed a free smartphone app for both iPhone and Android models to guide victims through the accident reporting process.

Always call the police Siciliano notes that if someone is taking photos of your license plate with their phone there’s nothing you can do, but he cautions that you never have to hand over anything directly to the other driver. Hand it instead to law enforcement. Once a police officer is there, he will write a report and you’ll share your information with a law enforcement officer rather than directly with the other person. That’s one of the main reasons to call the police even if the damage is minimal and no one has been injured.

The last thing most people are thinking about right after an accident is identity theft, but it’s a real possibility these days, even when the crash is not a staged accident meant to steal your information.

If you feel something is inappropriate about an accident or its aftermath, let the police know and inform your auto insurance company immediately, Siciliano says.

• Tips by insure.com

Firm donates to orphans

ONSOLIDATED Hallmark Insurance Plc has in continuation of the company’s firm support for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives donated various food items and provisions to the Nigerian Red Cross Society Motherless Babies Home in Yaba, Lagos.

According to a statement, General Manager, Technical, Mr Bode Opadokun, who led the Consolidated Hallmark team during this year’s Children’s Day Celebration to the Nigerian Red Cross Orphanage, said the firm embarked on the project to show appreciation, and give back to the society it operates in.

According to him, the visit by executives of the company formed part of the CSR activities the insurer has supported in recent times, having pioneered intellectual development of insurance students through its annual essay competition, support to the University of Calabar and provision of free insurance cover for journalists, amongst others.

He said the firm has been consistent in the past four years in its support to various government approved orphanage homes including the Lekki Motherless Babies’ Home and Hearts of Gold Hospice, Surulere, Lagos.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

32

THE NATION INVESTORS

Pharma-Deko gets approval to raise fresh funds S HAREHOLDERS of PharmaDeko Plc have given the company their unanimous approval to raise fresh funds from the capital market.

A statement by the company said the approval was given at the company’s 43rd Annual General Meeting.

According to the statement, shareholders said the company could raise the fresh funds by way of Rights Issue.

The Managing Director, PharmaDeko, Mr Adekunle Abibu, said the

Stories by Tonia Osundolire

funds the company planned to raise would be used to boost its activities and increase its working capital.

He said: “However, we hope with the assurance of our shareholders to turnaround the company; there would be an injection of fresh equity funds by way of Rights Issue as unanimously passed among the resolutions considered at this meeting.

“We are glad to note that the shareholders have asked that we

fast track actions required for this exercise, as they are willing and fully ready to take up their rights, and we know that this would ensure the success of the offer.

“We remain confident that with the fund generated by way of right issue, the company’s pharmaceutical and consumer plants’ facilities will be upgraded to ensure compliance with International recognised standards.”

It explained that the company recorded 13 per cent decrease in turnover in 2012, and recorded a

profit after tax of N741million after considering the de-recognition of loan liability of N671million. ”The year 2012 was a remarkable year for the company as there was significant improvement in our financial statements marked with the reconstruction of its balance sheet. The total equity of the company and the shareholders fund which have been in the negative since 2007 was transformed to positive in 2012,” Abibu said.

He explained that the decrease in turnover last year was primarily due to the lingering problem

of inadequate working capital, commitment to the repayment of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s debt and other liabilities of the company.

“These factors continuously limit the company’s ability to explore the numerous opportunities in the Healthcare and Consumer business,” he noted.

The company Pharma-Deko Plc engages in the business of manufacturing and selling of both pharmaceutical and consumer products, such as Parkalin range of cough syrup, Revitone Blood Tonic, Salins Liniment, and non-sugar base Sans Cream Soda.

M

companies to raise equity and mezzanine capital for asset acquisition and development.

In a statement, FBN Capital stated that the event also featured a case study on the growth transition of Afren Plc, an indigenous oil and gas company.

The roundtable speakers shared perspectives on how capital raising can be successfully achieved, and Dapo Okubadejo of KPMG commented on the steps that are taken into account from a consultant’s perspective.

The participants agreed that there is the need to understand the financing needs and opportunities in the development of Nigeria’s indigenous oil and gas industry.

FBN Capital Limited is a service investment bank and asset management company. A subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, it arranges finance, provides advice, administers assets, manages funds, sells investment products and invests alongside clients.

The firm has w o n the EMEAFinance awards for Best Local Currency Bond House and Best PPP Deal in Africa, as well as the Global Finance award for Best Investment Bank in Nigeria.

Other speakers include Tarica Mpinga, Director at Canaccord Genuity; Sola Adepetun, Partner at Adepetun Caxton Martins Agbor & Segun Barristers and Solicitors; Deji West, Director of Finance for Afren Nigeria; and D a p o O k u b a d e j o , P a r t n e r at KPMG Professional services.

FBN capital, others explore financing options for oil, gas firms

•From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive, Chams Plc, Mr Demola Aladekomo, outgoing Chairman, Prof Adebayo Akinde (right), and new Chairman, Very Reverend Ayo Richards, at the 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos.

Learn Africa rewards shareholders with N154m piracy because when we review HAREHOLDERS of Learn dividend our market share, we discovered Africa Plc have approved the

S

distribution of 20 kobo dividend per share, totaling N154.29 million as cash returns for the 2012 business year.

Chairman of the company, Mr Emeke Iwerebon, who declared the dividend at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM), said the company’s future is robust as it is developing products that will keep it at the top of its industry.

He added that the company has also been developing new ways of managing its relationship with its customers to ensure better understanding of its market.

The company posted a turnover of N2.913 billion in its 2012 operations. This is against N2.923 recorded in 2011. Its operating profit stood at N212.9 million, compared with N382.6 million achieved in the previous year.

Reviewing the company’s performance for the 2012 financial year,

Iwerebon attributed the slide in turnover to the problem of insurgency in the Northern part of the country, as well as the issue of piracy. He added that unless these issues are tackled, the company’s operations will be affected.

He explained that the Northern market contributes 60 per cent to the overall business activities. ”Our major challenge is the insurgency in the north and the issue of piracy. Our business has been affected with the emergency declared in three states and until it is tackled, we would continue to have major challenge.

“The cankerworm of the publishing industry, known as piracy has remained with us. It has taken on both international and local dimensions and it is inflicting serious losses on the company’s fortunes.

Government needed to intensify efforts and sustain the fight against

that piracy is affecting the business,”he said.

He assured shareholders that the company would continue to strengthen mutually beneficial partnership in the areas of content development and marketing support of their exclusive titles.

The Managing Director, Mr Olusegun Oladipo, who explained that the company controls about 65 per cent of market share in the industry, added that the government needs to fund the National Copyright Council (NCC) in order to tackle piracy problem in Nigeria.

“If there is any legal backing from government on piracy, this problem will be reduced. On our own side, we are introducing materials in line with the new curriculum. We are embarking on full digital learning and we would ensure that all our titles are in line with the new curriculum,” he said.

Firm inaugurates salary advance for employees

L

OVONUS Microfinance Bank Limited has launched salary advance scheme for employees of small to medium size companies to ease financial difficulties often faced before the monthly remuneration is due for payment by the employer.

The scheme provides salary advance or instant loan to the employee, with a flexible repayment plan of one to three months, Usman Onoja, chief executive of the Lagosbased microfinance bank (MfB) said.

He pointed out that to ensure the convenience of the employee, the salary advance is processed within 48 hours from the application or documentation, with delivery almost immediately stressing that

interest rate on the product is negotiable.

To further deepen its customer service, the microfinance bank launched three new products recently, branded lovflex, lovflexplus and lovflexpremium.

According to Onoja, lovflex is targeted at micro traders in need of N5,000 to N30,000, stressing that interest rate on the facility was cut to seven percent per month for a maximum four months tenure while the repayment plan could be by daily or weekly contributions.

“Lovflexplus is for traders in need of N40,000 to N70,000 credit, for a four month tenoure with interest rate of seven percent, while Lovflexpremium is for 80,000 to 100,000 loan, on four months maxi-

mum tenure, with interest rate of seven per cent monthly and repayment scheduled daily or weekly,” said Onoja.

According to the microfinance chief, Lovonus introduced the three products to give small borrowers the opportunity to access affordable and technology-driven credit and banking services, comparable to the best in the country.

“Interestingly, our customers can access their funds from anywhere in the country. We also run mobile banking, which permits our marketers to carry mobile phones for deposit collection and lodgments into customers’ accounts. The customer gets immediate phone alert on every deposit to his account,” he said.

ANAGING Director, FBN Capital, Mr Kayode Akinkugbe, has said the company considers itself as the innovator in the finance sector and is willing to assist indigenous entities in better understanding what it takes to arrange finance from an early stage.

He said this at the maiden Oil and Gas Roundtable of FBN Capital Limited, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc. “We believe we would have added true value. We have focused on equity and mezzanine capital for the oil and gas industry because we believe there is a huge need for this type of capital,” Akinkugbe said.

Head of Origination and Client Coverage for FBN Capital, Sanmi Famuyide, who moderated the session, touched on FBN Capital’s role in making these opportunities real for indigenous companies. “It is important that companies understand the requirements and considerations of a successful capital raising exercise, and appreciate the importance of specialists, consultants and other professional parties,” he said.

The event entitled: Raising Equity/Mezzanine Capital for Oil and gas companies, brought together industry players, bankers, consultants, lawyers and other key stakeholders to discuss from different professional and experienced perspectives what it takes for emerging indigenous upstream independent oil & gas

Stanbic IBTC is best sub-custodian

S

TANBIC IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has been named the “Best Sub Custodian” in Nigeria for the year by Global Finance magazine.

The recognition, the firm said in a statement, is in affirmation of the lender’s expertise and leadership in the provision of custody services in the country.

The bank won the same award in 2011 and 2012.

The award, which is in its seventh edition, recognises the important role sub-custodians play in the safekeeping of clients’ assets, such as stocks, treasury bills and bonds. A formal presentation ceremony has been scheduled for September in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The selection of winners, the organisers said, is done by its editors and reporters, with input from expert sources, from among institutions that reliably provide the best custody services in local

markets, regions and to global custodians. The criteria used included customer relations, quality of service, competitive pricing smooth handling of exception items, technology platforms, postsettlement operations, business continuity plans and knowledge of local regulations and practices.

“The sub-custody market is in a state of flux, with new regulations to deal with and a changing landscape of market players,” said Joseph Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs Sola DavidBorha, said the recognition further demonstrates Stanbic IBTC’s leadership of the Nigerian investor services (custody) sector, which it pioneered about 17 years ago, and provides an additional motivation for the bank to continue to redefine investor services in Nigeria, while providing unrivaled services to its clientele.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

33

THE NATION INVESTORS

L

Penny stocks: 44 perform above average

OW-PRICED stocks, otherwise known as penny or kobo stocks because of their relatively share prices, dominated the best-return table for the five-month period ended May 31, 2013. With the highly capitalised stocks rallying into new highs, several investors appear to have turned to lowpriced stocks, often time taking profits from some matured investments to take positions ahead of expected rallies. The strategy worked for investors that turned to lowest-priced stocks in some highly active sectors. While 44 stocks altogether made above average return, penny stocks accounted for four out of five stocks that recorded three-digit percentage return.

Average return at the stock market for the five months stood at 34.60 per cent, nearly the same level with the full-year return of 35.45 per cent recorded for the whole of 2012. Five stocks more than doubled their market considerations during the period in an exceedingly bullish market that saw most stocks closing with positive returns.

The performers

Evans Medical Plc recorded the highest return of 256.32 per cent to close the fifth month at its highest price. The healthcare company reflected the underlying optimism in thegenerally-low-priced healthcare sector during the period.

Evans medical, which had opened at 87 kobo, rode on the back of improved fundamentals and earnings prospects to reach a high of N3.10, its opening price for this week.

McNichols Plc, a second-tier stock listed on the Alternative Securities Market (ASEM) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), recorded the second highest return of 179.01 per cent. It was trailed closely by Livestock Feeds Plc, which rode on the crest of the successful completion of the sale of its majority equity stake to UAC of Nigeria (UACN) to post a return of 177.08 per cent.

Wema Bank recorded the highest gain in the banking subsector with

•12 are laggards

Stories by Taofik Salako

a return of 128.85 per cent, the fourth highest return by any stock.

Wema Bank rose from its year’s opening value of 52 kobo to close the period at N1.19 per share. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), the lowest-priced cement manufacturing stock, doubled its share price with a return of 102.83 per cent to close at N10.75 per share. It had opened at N5.30.

But while penny stocks led the percentage return chart, mid to large cap stocks continued to consolidate on historic pricing trends that have seen several highly capitalised stocks reaching all-time highest price levels. Mid and high cap stocks dominated the aboveaverage return list with at least 22 mid-high cap stocks returning more than 34.6 per cent. Given the liquidity and impact of gains by mid-high cap stocks, this means that mid-high cap stocks were the main drivers of the overtly bullish market so far this year.

Cadbury Nigeria, the turnaround food company that made its first dividend in seven years this year, was on the double with a return of 91.34 per cent. The company had paid a dividend per share of 50 kobo, after earnings report for 2012 showed full recovery and stable profit. United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which saw a major improvement in fundamentals in the last audited year, recorded the highest gain of 86.62 per cent in the influential banking subsector. UBA witnessed the highest growth in profitability in percentage terms in the banking sector in 2012 as the lender’s profit rose by 905 per cent to about N55 billion. Audited report and accounts of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed that it recovered from the N6.8 billion loss it recorded in the previous year on account of loan provisioning that it did to clean up its balance sheet to post a profit of N54.8 billion in 2012.

Profit before tax rose by 295 per cent to N52 billion in 2012, compared with a loss of N26.60 billion in the previous year. Associated Bus Company (ABC), a penny stock that closed the period at 92 kobo, recorded capital gains of 84 per cent. Large conglomerate, PZ Cussons Nigeria, posted an impressive return of 82.14 per cent while Forte Oil’s share price increased by 81.11 per cent.

Further analysis showed that 16 other stocks returned not less than 50 per cent during the period. These included Presco Plc, 76.47 per cent; Julius Berger Nigeria, 62.34 per cent; International Breweries, 62.22 per cent; Dangote Sugar Refinery, 58.33 per cent; Honeywell Flour Mills, 51.20 per cent; Union Bank of Nigeria, 54.15 per cent; Continental Reinsurance, 57.89 per cent and Wapic Insurance 53.45 per cent. Also included are Fidson Healthcare, 69.81 per cent; Ashaka Cement, 50.42 per cent; CAP, 60.71 per cent; Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria, 67.50 per cent; Eterna, 56.28 per cent and Red Star Express, a courier and logistics company, which returned 50 per cent in five months.

Beyond the percentage returns, perhaps the two most outstanding stocks in the market during the period were Nestle Nigeria Plc and Dangote Cement. Dangote Cement, the most capitalised stock at the NSE with about a 27 per cent total equities capitalisation, recorded capital gains of 49.1 per cent during the period. Dangote Cement alone accounted for N1.07 trillion in capital gains during the fivemonth period. Nestle Nigeria, the stock market highest-priced stock, rallied to cross into the thousand naira thresholds with a return of 43 per cent. Nestle Nigeria, which had opened the year at N400 per share, rallied to a high of N1, 088 before closing the year at N1, 001.01.

Substantial gains by several stocks reflected on the market. The stock market closed the period

with whooping capital gains of N3.10 trillion within the fivemonth period. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities closed May at N12.075 trillion as against the year’s opening value of N8.974 trillion, indicating an increase of N3.10 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the main value index that tracks changes in prices of all equities on the NSE, indicated a fivemonth average return of 34.60 per cent. It had made a full-year return of 35.45 per cent for the entire 2012.

ASI closed May at 37,794.75 points as against its index-on-board of 28,078.81 points. ASI had closed 2012 at 28,078.81 points as against its opening index of 20,730.63 points for the year. Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities also rose from its opening value of N6.533 trillion to close the year at N8.974 trillion, indicating capital gains of N2.441 trillion.

Segmental return analysis showed that companies that engage in manufacturing of industrial goods such as cement and paints have generated the highest returns for investors. The NSE Industrial Goods Index posted a five-month return of 61.27 per cent. Drawing from the bullishness of several industrial goods stocks, most of which are ethical stocks, the NSELotus Islamic Index recorded the second highest gain of 52.28 per cent. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised stocks, returned 35.47 per cent in the past five months.

Also, the NSE Consumer Goods Index showed average return of 31.61 per cent. Banking index had year-to-date return of 28.70 per cent while insurance index and oil and gas index open on Monday at 22.15 per cent and 24.93 per cent respectively. The benchmark index for the newly reactivated Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) indicated a modest fivemonth return of 1.92 per cent.

The average return of 34.60 per cent places equities as the bestreturn class of investments. With inflation rate at 9.1 per cent and benchmark Monetary Policy Rate

(MPR) at 12 per cent, average return still indicates substantial net adjusted return for an average investor. Nearly all other asset classes carry negative returns when adjusted for inflation rate alone, without the combining effect of interest rate or cost of capital. Nigerian average equity return also ranks within the best returns globally, underlining the attractiveness of emerging markets to foreign portfolio investors.

The worst performers

However, 12 stocks recorded substantial losses during the period with John Holt Plc leading the pack with a loss of 52.94 per cent. Multi-Trex Integrated recorded a loss of 47.37 per cent.

Costain West Africa recorded negative return of 40.23 per cent.

Morison Industries dropped by 35.73 per cent. Deap capital Plc lost 33.66 per cent while MRS Oil and Gas declined by 31.82 per cent.

Other stocks with substantial losses included Juli Plc, 18.63 per cent; Capital Hotel, 26.79 per cent, Paints and Coatings Manufacturing Company, 28.57 per cent, Pharma-Deko, 20.38 per cent; Vono Products, 26.74 per cent while Premier Breweries recorded negative return of 20 per cent.

Market pundits said the stock market has performed beyond expectations, though it remains within the confines of positive pricing trend predicted earlier in the year. Managing director, GTI Securities, Mr. Tunde Oyekunle, said the market’s performance was driven by stronger fundamentals amidst other variables.

Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Mr Bismarck Rewane, said the market had surpassed expectations of moderation in May to rally to new highs. He noted that many pundits had expected the market to close in May almost flat as investors were thought to be interested in large profit-taking transactions.

34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP Success, some believe, is measured by one’s ability to bounce back after being down. This is the story of Johnson Chika, a cosmetics producer, who survived a business crisis. DANIEL ESSIET writes

J

OHNSON Chika, Chief Executive, CU Johnson Limited, is an inspiration for any aspiring entrepreneur. He obtained a Higher National Diploma(HND) in Business Administration from the Ebonyi Polytechnic and discovered his vocation and ambition to develop a successful business.

Before going solo, he worked with a cosmetic company. He was aware that he needed to invest a large amount of money in consumables to run a cosmetic business, but he really wanted to have his own business.

He registered a company in 2000 and managed to finance the startup through his savings. He started with N10,000 and, as usual with any start-up business, the beginning was tough.

S

A thorny road to the top Chika started producing the body cream from an apartment manually using plastic drums and a huge mixing stick and heating oils, delivering his products by hand to local salons and hairdressers.

His biggest challenges were finance and credibility. “When one is introducing a new product to the marketplace, people can be skeptical,” Chika said, adding: “I had to prove that I could provide value and that I was not going anywhere. So I worked hard and tried to provide good products to the customers, which had a positive result.”

His products became popular among road side hairdressers because of their availability and significantly lower prices compared to the products on the shelves of big retail outlets. With time, more customers showed up, following word-of-mouth advertising.

In the intervening years, his firm managed to gain and maintain a good reputation.

In 2003, he was banned by the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for using a three bedroom flat to produce his body cream. The agency said it was not

into money earning endeavours, noting the unemployment situation has reached a record high.

“It is true that the government is meant to create opportunities and the enabling environment for selfactualisation, but it becomes more difficult to achieve any sustainable progress when there is disorientation, cynicism, and disillusionment among the youth.

“Therefore, there is a need for role models to engage the youth in order to encourage them to emulate good examples in the society,” Olatunde said.

The purpose of the project, he explained, is to organise a monthly mentorship forum for students and fresh graduates in a platform where they can engage and rub minds with various youth role models from diverse works of life, telling them how they have been able to succeed in their chosen professions.”

Olatunde, an award winning entrepreneur, said developing young entrepreneurs, particularly at the grass roots contribute to social development, training and skills development, technology diffusion, among others.

He said young entrepreneurs could be a force for positive change by influencing economic growth with the evidence that entrepreneurship increases household income.

Olatunde said young entrepreneurs will not only create new ideas, products or markets, but also jobs for themselves and others.

According to him, the new generation of young entrepreneurs are going to dominate the business landscape, adding that they evolve into business leaders heading conglomerates.

The programme, which took place at the University of Lagos, featured young enterprising entrepreneurs and leaders as guest speakers.

Business leaders set agenda for entrepreneurship growth

OME Intrepreneurs have converged on Lagos to explore money-spinning ideas that can create sustainable means of livelihood.

The forum, according to a statement, was the first edition of Business Impact Nigeria Below 45 Conference with the theme: From intentions to actions.

Chief Executive, Business Impact Ltd, Samson Olatunde, said the conference offered would-be entrepreneurs and businesses the opportunity of trading advice on everything from managing finances to raising profile.

He said the poor national job creation record demanded the government and the private sector mobilised the right entrepreneurship that could create decent jobs in large numbers.

He urged young Nigerians and entrepreneurs to take their passions, hobbies , skills and turn them

right to run a business like that within a premise, with other tenants. That was a big setback for him.

Chike said the agency’s sledge hammer was a killer punch. Not someone who would let anything stand in his way and for whom failure is just not an option, he was determined to succeed. He had seen so many businesses come and gone, witnessed firsthand business owners unable to pay rent and run their businesses in the face of adversity.

It was a trying time for him, so he had to stop production for a long time as directed by NAFDAC, though the demand for his products had grown.

Somehow, he got money to move the business into a factory.

His products are still popular

T

DANIEL ESSIET writes

O

PEN-MINDED and pro-active Mrs Fola Shade Ajayi Chief Executive, Wuzzy Party Delite had always dreamt to be an entrepreneur.

She loves being independent and likes the idea of being open to new ways of doing business – without having to explain to a boss why she thinks a business is not impossible. This drove Mrs Ajayi to be on a new business project – quick service catering.

“It’s something I had wanted to do before I gained an admission into the university and while I was in school, I used to be the one running the affair of any event, especially for my friends,” she said.

Like any start-up business, she encountered the problem of access to funding and decided to gradually grow her business using only her capital, instead of borrowing.

Consequently, she committed her time and effort to the business. Soon, the business model became sustainable. She believes that money is not so important while starting a new company: people are far more important.

After studying the market, she realised that there was a large untapped niche in the sector.

She said: “When I started, I had no equipment, but eventually was able to start off with N30, 000 when I was asked to manage a canteen for a company. Today, the business has grown beyond where I started from, but still far from where I am going.

We can confidently say that the business has grown and is worth close to N5 million.

“I started with canteen operation for a small firm; so I didn’t need so much capital, but for every event I got initially, I used to spend so much on rent because I was very particular about the standard I set for my brand,” she added.

She said she intends to ‘conquer the market by providing services with a high quality and responding to the customer’needs. For her, the main benefits of having her own business is “that the decisions are all yours, it is up to you how you would implement your ideas, capture the opportunities and organise your time.The rewards are also all yours. But the responsibility is also all yours, especially if you employ other people, the stress is very high and the working time never ends.”

On what one needs to start, she said: “With is a strong passion that runs in you coupled with the basic equipment, which I believe most people found a bit challenging to get.

So, everything still boils down to raising funds. Nothing really comes easy in life. You cannot truly know how easy or how challenging something’s are until you are directly involved in it. Catering can be very challenging like any business, but I strongly believe that if it’s something you have a strong drive for, you will always overcome any difficult situation you find yourself.”

• Mrs Ajayi

Since she is involved in canteen management, she start as early as 5 am and finishes by 10am. So, we can be at our different locations, most companies eat lunch from noon. For events, however, their nature is what actually determines when we start or stop. Sometimes we cook all night to meet a breakfast job, which must be served as early as 8am especially for companies that organise training for others.”

Basically, her lunch service is targeted at the corporate organisations, while the soup on wheel is for those who are just too busy to do their own cooking or those who might just want to have a good time with their families without the stress of having to go to the kitchen.

To her, running a successful business entails so many things. She said: “The very first thing is to know what you want, that is to know yourself and what you are good at. It also includes having a good knowledge of what you are selling and good understanding of the

with local hairdressers. He ploughed his profits into financing growth, increasing his production capacity and extending his product range.

To survive, the company has set up better operational strategies, laying emphasis on quality and improving its packaging.

The knowledge of the market and the continuous improvement is the tool he used to differentiate his products from others.

Small businesses seek access to BoI loan

HE Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN) has called on the government to help its members access credit from the Bank of Industry (BoI).

Its President, Prince Saviour Iche, said the sector was dynamic, but experiencing frequent births and deaths as companies are established and in some cases closed because of lack of sufficient funding.

Iche noted that SMEs, especially start-ups, often needed funding and financial support through their life cycle. He said there were no sufficient capital for new entrepreneurs to grow their firms, adding that many Nigerians with entrepreneurs’ visions don’t have enough

Driven by her passion for catering

As a young girl, Mrs Folashade Ajayi, a Lagos based entrepreneur, fell in love with catering. With the support of her family and friends, she is to pursuing her calling.

• Chika

industry. You should know those you are competing with - I mean the key players, what are they doing and get to know how to do those things. Focus, determination, networking, long term plan, a well-structured business plan that will make you grow, discipline and the list goes on. ‘’Above all, the God factor can’t be taking away from the equation because when the tough time comes, it will take more than determination to scale through, it takes the strength of God to move on. Business is indeed a journey.”

She believes that the hospitality sector has become about so much more than just food. Successful business people in the industry understand that one has to be natural hosts. The experience of eating has become more and more crucial to success, she said.

Asked if partimers succeed in catering business? She said: “Uhn! I think I’ve met few people who started that way but could not give so much into it until their whole attention was given to it. I did, at one point in time, but lost 85 per cent of my clientele base. So I think working on part time bases to run this kind of business will not take you far until your whole attention is given to it.”

It is a great time to step up and start any business, but in catering she said one needs to be grounded. Access into the industry is reasonably easy for those who are prepared to be different and are willing to test things out.

She said: “The success of the business can rest on the shoulders of those who work for you. Forget this at your peril.”

She employs enthusiastic, loyal people who understand and buy into her vision and recognise the importance of working in a team.

seed funding to actually start a firm.

He urged the government to promote start-ups with seed funding, adding that this will bring innovation and change to society as well as create tomorrow’s jobs.

According to him, the SMEs market still represents a huge and underexploited growth opportunity.

Regardless of whether SMEs are simply less reliant on credit or are merely tapping alternative sources of funding, he said the strong credit relationship between the bank and SMEs customer is eroding.

He explained that the SMEs present banks with major opportunities for profitable growth provided they can first overcome the risks and challenges involved.

Iche noted that SMEs were providing employment opportunities for the teeming youth in the state.

“Small business is a means of livelihood to youths and women; it also helps them to become self reliant,” he said.

He urged the government to identify challenges and evolve strategies to attract investments and accelerate the growth of SMEs.

Entrepreneur’s Quote For a successful entrepreneur it can mean extreme wealth. But with extreme wealth comes extreme responsibility. And the responsibility for me is to invest in creating new businesses, create jobs, employ people, and to put money aside to tackle issues where we can make a difference.

Richard Branson

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

35

AVIATION

T

NAMA adopts new flight control method to cut cost

HE Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) migrated from precedural traffic services to area radar control of planes to cut cost, its Managing Director, Nnamdi Udoh, has said .

The migration, he said, would lead to the saving of billions of naira in revenue yearly.

With the migration, airlines would spend less time getting to their destinations, he said, adding that the new technology has put Nigeria in the league of countries with sophisticated air navigation facilities.

Udoh listed its benefits to include increased airspace capacity, improved safety, reduced fuel consumption and flight time and efficient flow of air traffic within the airspace.

According to him, with the new technology, pilots could achieve more efficiency in navigation in the airspace.

He said the agency had deployed its surveillance facility for area radar control from its two area control centres in Lagos and Kano to allow for optimal flight operations by pilots.

Flights by some foreign airlines, such as Air France, British Airway’s, Lufhansa, Air Portugal, Turkey Airlines, South African Airways, Egypt Air and Saudi Air, he

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

said, had taken advantage of the last week.They flights were vectored on radar within the Kano flight information region.

Area radar control is air traffic control service provided for airplanes flying within the Flight Information Region (FIR).

He said NAMA has upgraded the radar maps and harmonised with its data base for accurate co-ordination of traffic when the enroute area radar control is fully deployed.

He said: ”This technology will save airlines cost and reduce the flight time from take off to destination from the normal flight time of about one hour twenty minutes to about forty five minutes. This is good for the industry. “ Udoh said plans were afoot to engage the College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, in the training of its personnel to man the system, adding that the more than 35 minutes saved during each flight will conserve more funds for airlines, running into billions of naira yearly.

He said a five-year maintenance agreement has been signed with the contractor from France, which would ensure that engineers from the agency are trained on how to man the system.

Udoh said: ”With this migration,

NAMA air traffic controllers could monitor the movement of aircraft in flight with the appropriate coordinates from the point of take off to landing with correspondence of on board and ground equipment. ”We have the requisite and mandatory training for area radar controllers in Nigeria. We can now carry out positive control of aircraft from take off to landings . Air traffic controllers can now watch aircraft from point to point within the area radar coverage in the entire airspace.”

Udoh said the migration was novel, because it was the first time the industry was complying with the technology that is already in use in other parts of the world, explaining that the new technology would give accurate location of the aircraft to traffic controllers.

The NAMA boss said the migration will add value to the agency, because it has been incorporated into the automation of aeronautical information and other components of the radar coverage of Nigeria.

He explained that under the new arrangement, air traffic controllers can monitor aircraft in the airspace from two locations in the Lagos and Kano Flight Information region.

Cargo infrastructure to fetch N245b THE establishment of 13 perishable cargo infrastructure in some airports under the proposed aerotropolis initiative will earn Nigeria over N245 billion in foreign exchange, the Minister of Aviation, Princes Stella Oduah, has said.

The amount could be earned from the export of agricultural produce ranging from tomatoes, pineapples, banana, cashew nuts, sesame seed, onions, shea butter, oranges, vegetables and flowers and many others.

Princess Oduah said the Federal Government was working hard to ensure that airports in Abuja, Akure, Calabar, Ilorin, Owerri, Jalingo, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Makurdi, Uyo, Port Harcourt and Minna were well positioned for the development of perishable cargo terminals, adding that states are encouraged to partner with the Federal Government to revive smaller airports, for air taxi operations and cargo operations, which could be of benefit to regional economic development.

She said part of the agenda under the aerotropolis initiative is the development of economic free trade and export processing zones, which will target cargo airports and agro - allied industrial clusters based on local opportunities and the states’ competitive and comparative advantage in agricultural production.

Facilities at the terminals, she said, include: cargo sheds for dry cargo; cold rooms for temperature sensitive and perishable cargo and customs and logistics facilities.

Arik Air, UK varsity partner Arik Air and Cranefield University in the United Kingdom have entered into a partnership for developing the knowledge and technical experience of the airline’s staff.

The Managing Director of Arik Air, Chris Ndulue, said the first step in the partnership is to create a robust window for training for the personnel of the airline, to give it managerial edge in all areas of air transportation. He said the training will kick off with a three day seminar for the airline management staff, adding that the exercise will cover airline industrial trends, commercial and airline strategy, global trends in the aviation industry, as well as aero politics.

Other areas include new regulatory trends facing the airline industry, airline traffic , demand forecasts and aircraft orders, as well as traffic measurements for full service airlines, among other topics.

Ndulue said: ” The airline industry is a dynamic one and at Arik Air, we believe we have to be in tune with current trends in the sector.

This is the essence of this partnership which will set Arik Air apart from other airlines. It is meant to address the dearth of qualified manpower in the Nigerian aviation sector and to train world class managers for the future of Arik Air and the aviation industry in Nigeria.“ The leader of the delegation from Cranefiled University, Dr John Frankie O’ Conneil, described Arik as one of the leading carriers to watch in Africa, affirming that there is potentials of growth for the airline in Africa because of its unique service offerings.

Aviation panel chair gets award CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Aviation Senator Hope Uzodinma is to be bestowed with an award of excellence by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) for his contributions to the industry. He will also be installed as the association’s grand patron.

NUATE Acting General Secretary Comrade Abdulkareem Motajo said the union decided to honour Senator Uzodinma for intervening in labour-related issues that would have crippled the industry.

He said: “Awards will be given to individuals and personalities that have contributed to the welfare of workers in one way or the other through their interventions and contributions to the aviation sector especially in areas that would have set management of agencies against the union.

“This has made it possible for the NUATE executive to pick Senator Uzodinma who has intervened more than three times in some issues that would have created crisis such as that of Aero contractors’ and foreign airline fuel pricing among others.”

Other awardees are Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, Theodre Orji of Abia State and some airlines.

•From left: Mshelia receiving his airline’s certificate from Adeyileka at the ceremony. With them is Certification Project Manager, NCAA, Captain Afaha Akpan.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Why there is delay in getting airline licence H OW can the acquisition of Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) be hastened? It is by employing move technical hands at the agency, says on airline operator, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia He said inadequate personnel at the NCAA slows down the process of getting AOC. He spoke last weekend while recieving the AOC for his firm, West Link Airlines, a chartered operator for the Umra, lesser hajj.

On why it took the airline years to get its AOC, Mshelia said there were delays and issues associated with the processes, especially with documentation and required manpower.

“What I gathered in the system is not new to any of us. When the system has enough manpower, perhaps it may cut down on the time spent to acquire the AOC.”

“The operator too is also a problem if a document is given to be returned in a day and it takes a week the operator is also delaying himself.”

Mshelia also said the airline did things exceptionally from others and give its clientel and passengers the best of services.

“I wouldn’t say it will be different, we would definitely do thing differently because our purpose is to replicate what we.

When we travel out.” “ Our local carriers over the years have tried our best, we are not saying they are not doing well, we are saying there is room for improvement and we are that airline that will bring improvement and we are putting things in place to make sure that when. We start operating you can look at your watch and know that

WestLink has flown.”

MishAviation in Ghana, will be graduating students in the next few days and this is because of the passion for the industry.

Presenting the AOC to Mshelia, NCAA’s Director of Airworthiness Standards Benedict Adeyelika, advised the airlines to maintain good safety records.

According to him, the entrance of Westlink Airlines into the aviation market has opened way for other interested would be airline operators to apply for their AOCs. The director assured of NCAA’s assistance to the airline. He advised that rules and regulations guiding the airline operations should be applied.

Mshelia said his quest to start WestLink started in 1999, but was halted because of the Jos crisis in 2001, noting that the airline wanted to start from the Plateau State capital.

Etihad Airways offers lower fares ETIHAD Airways is offering MasterCard holders in Nigeria up to 15 per cent discount on Etihad Airways’ standard published fares if they use their MasterCard when purchasing tickets on Etihad Airways’ website www.etihad.com.

The promotional fare will run till August.

The promotion is available to both MasterCard credit and debit card holders, and is exclusive to the Nigerian market.

A roundtrip or one-way ticket in Pearl Business Class using a MasterCard card will be discounted by 15 per cent, while Coral Economy Class travellers will receive a 10 per cent discount on the airline’s standard listed fares. All travel must be completed by December 10, 2013.

Maurice Phohleli, Etihad Airways’ General Manager, Nigeria and West Africa, said: “We are pleased to partner with MasterCard on this promotion which provides our customers with the added convenience of being able to buy their tickets quickly and safely online, and at great value.”

Omokehinde Ojomuyide, MasterCard Vice President and Area Business Head, West Africa, said: “MasterCard is delighted to be part of this initiative to help the Nigerian market gravitate towards global best practices in card commerce.”

This promotion is exclusive to MasterCard cardholders in Nigeria as an incentive to encourage Nigerians to embrace cashless transactions.

In addition, holders of Titanium, Platinum or World Debit MasterCard cards are guaranteed complimentary access to the Al Reem Lounge at Abu Dhabi International Airport irrespective of the class of ticket purchased.

MasterCard and Etihad Airways have taken extensive steps to ensure the safety of online transactions at www.etihad.com/mcn with the mandatory use of MasterCard Securecode.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

36

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL

JP Morgan recommends buying on dips

E

UROPEAN shares has fallen, with concerns about the health of the economy in Germany and the United States prompting investors to lock in profits on top performers of recent months.

Data from the Institute for Supply Management pointed to an unexpected contraction in the U.S. manufacturing sector last month, boding ill for demand for European goods.

The numbers followed a weak reading on a similar index in China, while closer to home, the International Monetary Fund halved its growth forecast for Germany.

The prospects of economic weakness dented expectations for a pick-up in earnings, seen as the most likely way to drive more gains in equities after a 12month-long rally that was aided by central bank policy.

The FTSEurofirst 300 closed down 0.7 per cent at 1,207.65 points.

"It's been quite volatile, and it's been mostly the areas which have given you very good gains where

you've seen a lot of profit-taking," said Veronika Pechlaner, head of global equities at Ashburton.

"A more significant correction potentially could be quite healthy into the summer. If markets would correct by 10 percent or so we would definitely look to add here, selectively."

Telecoms and healthcare, among the top performers in the past three months, led the fallers, with both sectors off more than one per cent.

Among individual stocks chip designer Arm was the biggest faller, off seven per cent after nearly doubling in value since the start of the year, as the launch of a new processor failed to quell concerns about the company's lofty valuations.

Meanwhile miners, the clear laggards this year, were the only ones to edge higher, with investors finally seeing value in what is now one of the cheapest sectors in Europe.

Technical levels offered some support on the downside, but, with the EuroSTOXX 50 index of euro zone blue chips breaking be-

low its May trough of 2,752, the charts left the door open for more weakness in coming sessions.

"The consolidation is now in progress and should head the EuroSTOXX towards 2,684 points, the 50 per cent retracement of the mid-April/mid-May upleg," said David Furcajg, technical strategist at 3rd Wave Consult, who still sees the longer term trend as bullish for the index.

From a fundamental viewpoint, analysts at JP Morgan also continued to see longer-term attraction in European stocks.

"We think the current market volatility should not turn into something more sinister and continue to advise that one should use dips as buying opportunities," it said.

Although not as cheap as they once were following a year-long rally, European equities are still attractive relative to history, with MSCI Europe trading on 12.66 times its expected 12-month earnings compared to an average of 13.98 times over the past quarter century, according to Thomson Reuters Datastream.

•Mark Laufer, President, Laufer Group International, Mr Mark Laufer explaining a point at the International Business Conference at The Graduate Center in New York.

T

UAE partners on $15b project

HE Abu Dhabi and Dubai have said they have merged their two aluminium smelters to form a $ 15billion entity that would be the world's fifth largest producer of the metal.

Emirates Aluminium (Emal) and Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) will be merged into a new entity named Emirates Global Aluminium, the

E

WAM state news agency said.

The combined assets of the two firms are valued at $ 15 billion, and it will become the world's fifth largest when Emal completes its second phase of expansion in the first quarter of 2014, WAM said.

Emal is reportedly expanding its production capacity from 800,000

tonnes annually to 1.3 million tonnes, while Dubal's capacity is around one million tonnes.

Oil-rich Gulf countries have a number of large smelters, including, Alba of Bahrain, and Sohar in Oman. Saudi Arabia opened last year a smelter in the energy-rich eastern region, with an annual capacity of 740,000 tonnes.

Weak eurozone manufacturing better in May

UROZONE manufacturing continued in the doldrums last month, but showed a distinct improvement from April, in line with other recent economic data, a widely-watched survey showed on Monday.

The Markit Eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers Index rose to a 15-month high of 48.3 in May, up from an initial reading for the month of 47.8 and compared with a four-month low of 46.7 in April.

The index, however, remained below the boom-and-bust line of 50 points, indicating that the sector continued to contract overall for a 22nd consecutive month.

Markit noted that Germany, Eu-

rope's largest economy, stood at 49.4, close to the cross-over point, while struggling Spain hit a 24month high of 48.1.

France was at a 13-month high of 46.4, Italy 47.3, up for a fourth month, and bailed-out Greece hit 45.3, its best performance in 23 months.

"Although the euro area manufacturing economy continued to contract in May, it is reassuring to see the rate of decline ease to such a marked extent," Markit chief economist Chris Williamson said.

Williamson said the figures suggested the eurozone economy would shrink another 0.2 per cent in the second three-months period

of the year, extending the recession to seven quarters.

"Policymakers will nevertheless be pleased to see the downturn not getting any worse," he said, adding that France however "remains a key concern."

Howard Archer of IHS Global Insight said the report supported "hopes that overall manufacturing activity ... could be moving towards stabilisation, although it is not there yet."

Archer noted, however, that domestic demand remains under pressure from the austerity policies adopted to tame the debt crisis, along with tight credit and rising unemployment.

U.S. stocks fluctuate on manufacturing data

U

NITED States stocks fluctu ated between gains and losses as a Federal Reserve official said the central bank is committed to record stimulus, offsetting a report that showed manufacturing contracted unexpectedly last month.

Merck & Co. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. jumped at least four percent as the companies’ new experimental drugs show promise. Intel Corp. surged more than 3.2 per cent after FBR Capital Markets upgraded the chipmaker’s shares.

Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped at least 1.3 per cent as financial companies retreated. F5 Networks Inc. (FFIV) slid 6.6 percent after Morgan Stanley cut its rating on the maker of data-management equipment.

Buy a link The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose less than 0.1 per cent to 1,631.37 at 2:37 p.m. in New York. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 57.63 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 15,173.20. Trading in S&P 500 companies was 18 per cent higher than the 30-day average at this time of day.

“There certainly seems to be an acute fixation on the timing of any adjustment to the asset purchase program and I guess I would just encourage everyone to not lose sight of the bigger picture,” Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart said today in a Bloomberg Television interview in New York with Michael McKee. “Any adjustment is not a major policy shift. The high level of accommodation will stay in place.”

Bond Purchases The S&P 500 declined 1.1 percent last week, with stocks alternating between gains and losses during the four sessions, amid data showing uneven performance in the economy. Central-bank officials have been weighing economic data to determine whether to expand or taper bond purchases that, along with better-than-expected corporate earnings, have propelled the bull market in U.S. equities into a fifth year and driven the S&P 500 up 140 percent from a 12-year low in 2009.

Earlier today, Fed Bank of San Francisco President John Williams said today policy makers may start reducing the pace of bond purchases over the next three months and potentially end quantitative easing by year-end. His comments were similar to a May 16 speech in Portland, Oregon. Williams doesn’t vote on monetary policy this year.

Data today fueled concern that economic growth could slow, as a report from the Institute for Supply Management showed manufacturing unexpectedly contracted in May at the fastest pace in four years. A separate report from the Commerce Department showed construction spending climbed in April, as private projects rose and public spending slumped.

‘Mixed Data’ “The data we’re receiving are still very mixed,” Lockhart said. “The ISM report this morning is a good example. I’m not getting a clear picture of an economy that really is tracking with considerable momentum.”

The S&P 500 retreated as much as 0.5 per cent earlier in the day amid the manufacturing report.

“Bad news can only be good news for so long for stock prices,” John Lynch, the Charlotte-based regional chief investment officer for Wells Fargo Private Bank, said by telephone. His firm manages $170 billion. “At some point it will impact earnings and market levels.”

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, or VIX (VIX), rose 2.5 per cent to 16.71, its highest level since April 18 on a closing basis. The equity volatility

gauge, which moves in the opposite direction as the S&P 500 about 80 per cent of the time, has fallen 7.2 per cent this year.

Eight of 10 industries in the S&P 500 advanced, with producers of consumer staples and utilities rising at least 0.5 per cent.

Merck Drugs Merck rose four per cent to $48.58 for the biggest gain in the Dow. Bristol-Myers Squibb added 5.4 percent to $48.51, the best gain in the S&P 500. New experimental immune-boosting drugs from the companies are producing such promising early results that doctors at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago are openly speculating that some patients with the deadliest form of skin cancer may be cured.

Clovis Oncology Inc. soared 102 percent to a record $73.78. The biotechnology company reported positive early results in a trial of its ovarian cancer drug.

A gauge of computer-chip makers gained 1.1 per cent, the most among 24 industries in the S&P 500, led by Intel, its largest member by weighting.

Intel rallied 3.2 per cent to $25.05, the highest since September. FBR Capital Markets raised its rating on the stock to the equivalent of buy, saying the world’s largest chipmaker’s development of mobile technology gives it “enough new avenues of growth.”

Banks Slump Financial stocks slid 0.7 per cent to pace losses among 10 main groups in the benchmark index.

Bank of America dropped 2.3 per cent to $13.35 and JPMorgan slid 1.3 per cent to $53.89 for the biggest drops in the Dow. Bank of America’s $8.5 billion settlement with mortgage-bond investors is set to be considered by a New York court two years after it struck the deal to resolve claims over home loans bundled into securities.

PulteGroup Inc. dropped 2.9 per cent to $20.96 and D.R. Horton Inc. slid 3.5 percent to $23.50.

An index that tracks homebuilder stocks plunged 2 percent as all 11 members of the gauge retreated.

PulteGroup Inc. slid 2.7 percent to $21.01 and D.R. Horton Inc. slumped 3.1 percent to $23.62 F5 Networks declined 6.6 percent to $77.69. Morgan Stanley downgraded the shares to equal weight, similar to a neutral rating, from overweight. The stock has dropped 20 percent this year.

June Prospects The S&P 500 gained 2.1 per cent in May, pushing its winning streak to seven months of advances, the longest stretch since September 2009. The rally, combined with its strong start to the year, may indicate further gains for stocks in June, according to Sam Stovall, S&P’s New Yorkbased chief equity strategist.

A seven-month winning streak has happened 13 times since 1945 and it has led to advances of 0.4 percent on average in the eighth month as stock prices rose 62 percent of the time, Stovall wrote in a note today. The S&P 500’s advances in January and February may also help as the benchmark U.S. equity index has returned annual gains in each of the 26 years with such a positive start since World War II. The strong starts to the year have been followed by increases of 1 percent in June compared with its normal flat performance.

“Could sell in May have started in the end of the month, rather than the usual? One could easily infer that from the performance of the last three days,” the strategist wrote. “However, history says, but does not guarantee, that the S&P 500’s performance in June could surprise to the upside.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

37

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Seeking inner reflections for outer space

•Raul standing by some of his paintings

H

IS name like his paintings, capture the blend of rich Nigerian history, Brazilian and Switzerland roots. Though a rare face on the Nigerian art scene, seven years after his last show in Lagos, Raul Olawale Da Silva, will on Saturday, at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos present new paintings in a solo art exhibition entitled, Inner worlds outer space.

The collection, which is in two parts will

feature in the care series and works influenced by science fictions and movies.

Raul, who also does skating, performance and installation art, said at a sneak preview in Lagos at the weekend that he got lots of impressions from his senses while growing up as a child, especially when he visited Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya’s studio in the company of his father.

According to the Lucerne, Switzerlandbased Nigerian artist, the Lagos beach is a

major attraction and source of inspiration each time he visits Lagos. On structuring, composing and shaping of art work, Raul said: “When I start a piece of work, I mark the canvas in a somewhat unpremeditated way. Sometimes, I use natural markings that are already present. These marks are orientation points from which I start my quest of creating the right tension, balance, imbalance, and rhythm. This changes constantly while I work, as I incorporate seemingly random movements, which are, however, very controlled. I adapt to the creation emerging on the canvas by carefully adding layers of colors which I work on over and over again, from different angles and sides.

“This process enables me to react to situations during production, and to use varied materials that set me free to express multifaceted ideas and stories. These stories are affected, dominated, connected and guided by my state of mind made up of memories, reflections, observation, smell, taste and many other influences.”

Of the 38 paintings for display, his large oil paintings on canvas are overwhelming as they draw viewers into an intense battle of colours, spaces of tight and profuse strokes and patterns, interspersed with calm, languid moments of yellow and shades of blue, white and red.

He throws up some distorted figures that are intertwined with phones wires against black and white space. Raoul’s journey of expression, had its beginning in summer art classes at the National Museum, Onikan

Stories by Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

Lagos, enriched by parents who had a deep appreciation of traditional and modern art and created a home environment full of paintings and sculptures of the best of the masters.

Childhood schooling was followed by four years of an in-depth apprenticeship in cabinet making, before completing an arts degree at the prestigious School of Applied Arts in Lucerne, Switzerland. This was followed by years of almost hermetic studio work.

Apart from Fine Art, Raul is a skilled freestyle snowboarder, street skater and surfer, and has honed his technique to expert level. His passion for music and the outdoors and his deep understanding of the forces of nature have influenced how he interprets and responds to his “outer space”.

His commitment to environmental protection and the need to safeguard the Lagos coastline have led him to begin working on a large installation of found objects, which were discovered while scouring the beach landscape.

Inner worlds outer space which will run till September 9, is sponsored by Deutsche Bank, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria Ltd (FHN), Global Energy Company Ltd (GEC) and the Wheatbaker, all corporate entities, which have a strong art focus as part of their corporate social responsibility, and who are keenly watching emerging artists in Africa.

After seven years of research, Niger Delta Books Limited recently launched Izon Fie, at Terra Kulture, on Victoria Island, Lagos, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

Keeping their language alive

T

HE gathering would have been mistaken for a political rally. There were representations from various groups from the Ijaw nation. And the turnout of guests, which cut across the academia, civil service, politics, civil society, organisation the women folks and the private sector, was impressive and colourful.

But the reason for the gathering at the Terra Kutlture on Victoria Island, Lagos last Saturday, was mainly cultural - the presentation of a book and audio CD, entitled Izon Fie written

by Mr. Ogonobenitari Alfred Egberipou.

Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson said Ijaw language must not be allowed to die.

He described the development of Ijaw language as one of the cardinal points of his administration, noting that about 120 teachers of Ijaw language have been awarded scholarship by the state.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr Felix Tuodolo, said that the state is working on a unified Ijaw language project that allows everyone to speak one tongue.

“The project will not in any way undermine the different Ijaw dialects as none will be allowed to die. Also, the state has approved the publication of several Ijaw books to boost the promotion of Ijaw language. We are glad that the publishers of this book did not wait on government. It is a viable way of reviving the Ijaw language,” he said.

Beyond the promotion of books on Ijaw language, the governor said the state is also working on Ijaw movie to further enhance the growth of the language. According to him, Bayelsa State sees culture as next to oil and gas, because it has the potential of fetching revenue for the state if well developed.

“Our dream is to male culture income earner for the state.

We are encouraging authors translating books into Ijaw language,” he added. Chairman of the occasion, former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Company, Mr. Timi Alaibe, described the book launch as historic, adding that the initiative has come at an auspicious period when there is a consensus on the need to save the Ijaw language.

He noted that most children born to Ijaw parents do not understand the language because their parents are busy pursuing wealth. “Ijaw people are yet to develop a sense of unity.

“There is a need to develop Ijaw language so that we don’t lose our identity. The challenge before us is to galvanaise and mobilise all our people to develop and communicate Ijaw language. Parents, stakeholders must this book to drive the development of Ijaw.

“The next launch of the book should be London and US. Thank God, children of today are digitally inclined,” Alaibe said. The Executive Secretary of National Institute of Cultural orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma said in a foreword to the book stated that the survival of the Izon lan-

•Mrs Umeri (centre) with parents and sibblings at the launch.

LITERATURE guage like many Nigerian languages is being threatened.

He said this is more worrisome if “we consider the fact that the Ijaws are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Izon, the language, which they speak, is seriously endangered.”

He observed that Ijaw children no longer take pride in Izon while the school system has not helped because vernacular is no longer taught. “Contrary to the provision of the National Policy on Education (NPE), our children are not taught in Izon in the first three years of their primary education,” he noted.

According to him, people should not only purchase the book and audio CD, but also assimilate the content.

“The home is the place where the children learn,” he said, adding that parents should encourage their children to learn and speak Izon language.Publisher of the book and CEO of Niger Delta Books Limited, Mrs Oyintarela Ebiere Umeri, said the mission of her publishing house is to unlock the languages in Niger Delta.”

She stressed that the house needed authors from the various ethnic groups in the region to realise this goal, urging parents to encourage their children to speak Ijaw language by translating Ijaw into English language.

“My generation is not satisfied with the situation and we are challenged. This project started in May 2006,” she added.

The book was reviewed by Prof Benjamin Okaba of the Delta State University, Abraka. “The text is unique in its simplicity, style and completeness. It is a one-stop resource material for Izon alphabets, drama, grammar, culture, communication skills etc.

“The cover page is very attractive, the printing is superb, the illustrations are just lucid and colourful; the sound quality of the audio CD is impressive. The content is error free. In fact, I

could not discover one single spelling or grammatical mistake in the entire text,” he said.

Professor Okaba added that “the conversational style (dialogue) adopted on this text truly portrays language as a social phenomenon and stimulates the real life of the sociocultural situation of every day discourse in the manner intended for each theme in the text.”

The academic, however, noted: “The Izon language cannot be fully and successfully accomplished until we develop a standard common Izon orthography and phonology.” (Izon Fie is written in Kolokuma dialect, one of the several in Ijaw land). He challenged the publisher to take the lead in producing a standard Ijo dictionary with dialectical cross referencing.

Guests at the launch included Senator and Mrs Emmanuel Diffa, the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa Government on Ijaw Affairs, Chief Joshua Fumudoh Representative of the Special Adviser to President on Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kinglsey Kuku, Mr Lawrence Pepple; Representative of Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, DG of NIMASA, Managing Director, Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, Ambassador and Mrs Lawrence Ekpebu; Vice President of Ijaw National Congress, Engineer Charles Ambaowei.

Others were Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, Professor Benjamin Okaba, Chief Joseph Pinaowei President, Ijaw Professionals, Lagos, Mr Amagbe Kentebe, Mrs Timi Okara-Schiller, SA on Protocol to Bayelsa State Governor; Ms Doutimi Siawe, Bayelsa State Liason Officer, Lagos; Mr Greg Mbonu, GM, Global West Vessel Specialists, Captain Letthemsay Inaibagha , MD, Mike-Lely Marine Ltd, Ms Beena Youdiowei; Ms Funkazi Koroye; Mr Frank Okosi; Engineer Sir Ernest Amadi; Mr Preye Berezi; Mr Kunle Makinde, MD, Accurist Marine and Dredging Ltd; Mr Otrofanowei and the RCCG Morning Star Parish, Abuja, Pastor David Okoror.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

38

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

The news of the death of Oluyemisi Akinadewo caught practitioners and others unaware. OYEYEMI GBENGAMUSTAPHA and WALE ADEPOJU collate their views on the pioneer Director-General, Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA).

12345678901234567890123 coma. He became interested in garcina Kola nut 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 extract (Yoruba, orogbo) research work that I 12345678901234567890123 done. He was present when I delivered my 12345678901234567890123 had inaugural lecture. He also brought members 12345678901234567890123 committee with him and they were all 12345678901234567890123 ofverytheimpressed with the garcina kola clinical 12345678901234567890123 work. We had two meetings. The second was 12345678901234567890123 at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, which 12345678901234567890123 12345678901234567890123 stakeholders in the health sector such as the HE first Director-General of the 12345678901234567890123 National Agency for Food and Drug AdminisTRIBUTE Nigerian Natural Medicine De12345678901234567890123 and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Invelopment Agency (NNMDA), 12345678901234567890123 tration was not the original idea of the Federal Minisstitute of Pharmaceutical Research and DevelOluyemi Akinadewo, is dead. He 12345678901234567890123 try of Science and Technology. It was in the 12345678901234567890123 opment (NIPRID), different national commitdied of cardiac arrest at Lagos proposal of the then Nigerian Council of Phy- 12345678901234567890123 tees, Mr Femi Kusa, and many others graced.

State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). sician of Natural Medicine led by me, Dr 12345678901234567890123 He was on oxygen mask for three days before (Bishop) Magnus Atilade as President; Dr 12345678901234567890123 Tam Okujagu, Director General/Chief Exhe breathed his last. He was 68.

Samuel Fafure as deputy and the late Dr 12345678901234567890123 ecutive The late Akinadewo was a man of many Marcus Dawodu as Secretary. We wanted an 12345678901234567890123 Prof Oluyemi Akinadewo served several parts; first, he was an orthodox medicine pracinstitution in which we could impart knowl- 12345678901234567890123 years in the Federal Ministry of Science and 12345678901234567890123 titioner; and then a traditional medicine pracedge to young Nigerians, carry out researches 12345678901234567890123 Technology and became the pioneer Directortitioner - a passion he nurtured till he passed and produce Nigerian healing herbal formu- 12345678901234567890123 General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Developaway on May 7. las; develop them into proprietary products, 12345678901234567890123 ment Agency (NNMDA) on its establishment In his lifetime, he held several key positions which would be sold in Nigeria and overseas. 12345678901234567890123 in 1997. He was a great advocate of natural within and outside the country. Some of them As a re-assurance that government funds 12345678901234567890123 medicine promotion, research and developare Coordinator, National Expert Committee

T

Exit of a natural medicine pioneer

(NEC) on Traditional Medicine; Director, Ministry of Science and Technology, Director-General, Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA); Visiting International Chairman, Hong Kong Traditional Medicine Board; International Vice President, Nigeria Agency for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and Cancer and President, Nigeria China Academy of Natural Medicine.

He wrote many books. Some of them are: “Sketch on Natural Medicine”, “Medicinal Plants and their Therapeutic Uses in the South west Zone of Nigeria (Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states).

Expressions of practitioners, loved ones, and others on him Excerpts: Arch-Bishop (Prof) Magnus Atilade, a Chiropractor Death is the great denominator. The late Prof Akinadewo was a very devoted and faithful enthusiast. He was an active and ardent administrator. He tried his best to promote traditional medicine. I nominated him as the Director-General of Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). At that time the Federal Ministry of Health was distancing itself from herbalists because its leading lights were orthodox doctors.The college

would not be spent irreverently, we, the Council members, proposed that Federal Ministry of Science and Technology appoint from the civil service a director-general as executive head of the college.

CEO, Health Forever Living Products, Otunba Okubena Olajuwon I met Prof Akinadewo several years ago when he was the pioneer Director-General of Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA). Through this agency, enlightened public awareness was created for the first time through a Federal Government agency. Even though during his tenure, the African Union (AU) was encouraging and mandating all African states, including Nigeria to institutionalise African Traditional Medicine within the decade of 2001 to 2010, Nigeria did not get its acts together and she is one of the few delinquent countries that failed to implement the AU mandate because as at 2013, the law governing Traditional Medicine has not been enacted. After his retirement from NNMDA, the tempo of popularising natural medicine seemed to have gone down, but surprisingly, he resurfaced in his private capacity to join the clarion call for institutionalising traditional medicine in the last three years of his sojourn on earth.

•The late Akinadewo

His second wife, Mrs Ololade Akinadewo We will miss him, especially his commitment to God. I am not happy because he hasn’t lived long to eat the fruit of his labour. The family received the news of his death terribly.

It was terrible when the children heard about their dad’s death. They were all weeping and crying. I have never seen my younger son cried the way he did in his life. He cried for almost a day. He cried for almost three hours non-stop. He kept sobbing. We all missed him anyway. We are all still crying. What I can do is to encourage people that are working with him to keep up his legacy.

Chairman, National Expert Committee, Prof Adebukunola Adefula-Ositelu Prof Akinadewo was a man of many parts and one of many brains that Nigeria can be proud of. He was the pivot, the wheel that was steering the committee to go on. He was important and highly respected. He was always going to Abuja and all the ministries to seek support as if going to the next door. My first contact with him was four years ago when Titi Oduye introduced him to me. He had a complaint about his eyes and when I examined him I found out he has primary open angle glau-

ment, and worked to nurture and pursued the goals, objectives and mandate of the Agency.

His Personal Assistant, Mr Kolawole Solola The late Akinadewo’s career started at Onikan Health Centre, Lagos, as a medical doctor. He was a General Practitioner (GP). He studied at Howard University, United States. The deceased was instrumental to the Beijing 2000 Conference in China. He led the Nigerian delegates with the then Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Pauline Talley who was also the former Deputy Governor of Plateau State.

He was among the facilitators and even drafted the communiqué at the end of the conference.

Former Cleric, Lord Mountain of Salvation House of Prayer (Oke Igbala Olu), Special Apostle Noah Odukeye Late Akinadewo was born into a Christian family; his parents were of Aladura Church.

His father, Baba Aladura, Adekahunsi Akinadewo started the white garment church in Ondo town. He emulated his father. He started a white garment church in Washington DC, US in the 70s called “International House of Prayer”. He founded another called Oke Igbala (Mountain of Salvation) in Maryland also in the US. He was once a prophet with Ayo ni o.

He founded the International Conference of Holy Ghost Church Nigeria and Overseas.

‘Oral tradition is key to culture’

T

HE ability to communicate and pass information from one generation to the other is a key factor in all cultures whether literate or not, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has said.

Many cultures had survived without acquiring the ability to read and write.

He said oral tradition was usually the best known method of communication and information dissemination in oral societies, adding: ‘’The past is seen to be the repository of all important sacred and secular knowledge, and efforts are made to pass on this knowledge from one generation to another.’’

Speaking at the Oodua World Children celebration held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the monarch said: ‘’In fact, it is difficult to determine whether oral societies were totally non-literates. Some form of literacy must have existed as shown by the Corpus of Ifa in Yoruba societies and other modes of divination in many Nigerian societies. But of course, in some areas where ‘’literacy’’ occurred. It was invariably secondary to oral tradition.

Ancient cultures of African peoples as shown through archaeological excavations and some of the items in museums exhibitions show that these are products of fertile and highly intelligent people who had some knowledge , however crude, of mathematical precision, physics, geography, geology, and various branches of modern engineering.

“Oral societies do generate and utilise a vast amount of information embodied in such societies. These include stories, proverbs and riddles; songs, festivals and ceremonies; arts, crafts and implements; as well as political

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

CULTURE and social information,” he said.

Referring to proverbs and riddles, the paramount ruler said they are aspects of the spoken words in African communities.

According to him, ’’proverbs provide useful information in understanding a people’s philosophy of life, their beliefs and culture.

They outline a code of conduct by stipulating what should or should not be done, and the conditions under which certain actions and situations are accepted. Proverbs also give information on the structure of a language.

The riddle belongs to the same generic group as the proverb. The riddle can take the form of a question, a statement or description designed to test the bearer’s ingenuity in divining an answer or meaning of the reference.

The riddle is nearly always used in contest situations and mostly by children. Besides their entertainment value, riddles provide information on social and cultural issues and develop children’s language skills.’’

The monarch explained that one important aspect of the riddle is that it enables the questioner to show off his or her knowledge of language and ability to invent attractive metaphors and unusual similes.

“Riddles have a way of sharpening the wits of the children and widening their understanding. The combination of beauty and mystery on the one hand, and the absolutely logical and factual reasoning on the other hand are essential in the education of children. What is more, because proverbs and riddles contain metaphors and symbols drawn from nature

•From left: Oba Adeyemi; Governor Aregbesola and Oba Sijuwade at the event and events in society, they help children and adults alike to observe their surrounding more carefully,” Alaafin stressed.

Oba Adeyemi, who took a stanza from Ifa Corpus that relates to Yoruba race, invoked incantations on the Governor Rauf Aregbesola for long life, progress, peace and the development of the state.

Also present at the event was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. In his address, Oba Sijuade, who lauded governor Aregbesola’s uniting efforts in promoting cultural values, urged other state governors to emulate him.

He stated that whatever may be the local attitudes and background, the hard fact is that the modern world is changing at an incredible pace under the influence of scientific technological development, adding that no one can escape them, or still less ignore them.

“To this, end, we need to chart our own scienfific and technological development which were hitherto ignored and more importantly, relased these to modern friends so that African peoples can create a firm foundation for their modern endeavours in science and technology,’’ he said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

39

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

The travails, triumphs of a U S A L V I missionary T R A politician

T

O be a male child born on the second day of July in 1930, right at the climax of effective occupation of Nigeria by colonial imperialists, into a poor family in a rural community is not without its prospects and penalties.

The book Adventures in Courage is an autobiography in which Pa John Ayanfe Ajayi chronicles the challenges that confronted ordinary Nigerians (peasants), educated elites and community leaders in colonial and postcolonial Africa, using his action-packed and chequered life as a case study.

A true life story told with infectious passion and enthusiasm, it is a candid portrait of the political environment, cultural milieu and socio-economic set-up of the author’s community as a microcosm of the Nigerian society vis-à-vis his efforts to positive change and impact on the community during his life and time.

A really big and voluminous book for an autobiography, with prose interspersed with occasional poetry, spanning 561 pages, yet there is no cause for alarm. Adventures in Courage is inevitably voluminous because of its considerable breadth, distinctive intellectual depth and wide scope. For an autobiography to be this long without any needless repetition or boring detail is in itself an eloquent testimony to the action-packed life, the variety of interests, diversity of vocations, widerange competences and rich experiences of the author. From the vivid and racy account of his acts and actions, deeds and initiatives, the occurrences and happenings of his time, vis-a-vis the challenges and obstacles that were surmounted to achieve triumphs and victories, the book shows there was no dull moment in the 73-year-long life span of Pa John Ajayi.

Ironically, rather than being a matter for concern, the big size of this book is actually a bonus because the autobiography is truly reader-friendly and exciting. Pa Ajayi tells the story of his life and struggles for survival

I

BOOK REVIEW Title:

Adventures in Courage

Author: Reviewer:

John Ayanfe Ajayi

Pagination:

561

Femi Ajayi

and selfless service to his community in simple but elevated prose and compelling language. This is a passionate and captivating narrative about a life of undeniable valour, an account that is generously garnished with matchless humour and inimitable candour.

By weaving the thrilling and intriguing story of his life around momentous occasions, customary practices, cultural activities and superstitious beliefs of his people, as well as his own moral principles, philosophical tendencies, religious ethos and political activism, Pa Ajayi manages to make a suspensefilled and an unput-down-able thriller out of a biographical documentation.

The content page of the book immediately gives insights into the polyvalent nature, multi-dimensional essence and versatility of the author. That Pa Ajayi is a man of many parts and an intellectual of diverse capabilities and experiences is evident in the many job descriptions and titles in the autobiography, such as: Ajayi the Agbegilodo (timber merchant), the Alagbaro (the farmhand), Weaver of Baskets and Maker of Thatch, the Untrained Teacher, the Public Letter Writer, Journalist and Salesman, the block maker, the

Oyinbo Elepo (Fuel Merchant), Gari Maker, Produce Merchant, the Kingmaker, the King’s Fighter and the Party Agent.

The eclectic and integrative approach of the autobiographer, the conscious effort or perhaps reflex action to relate seemingly disparate issues and isolated events, makes it difficult for a reviewer to subdivide this book into sections. The book is an integrated whole. It would therefore suffice to see it as it is: a book with a solid, sound and highly insightful introduction, followed by 25 sequentially arranged and organically related chapters.

The introduction to the book is at once a theoretical foundation as well as a philosophical framework and justification for the 561page book. A self-made and home-grown, multivalent professor, as he eventually became, the author sets out by giving his own perspective on “what is history” and “what ought to be of historical significance.” He then gives all of us the task of not just reading this book but of also weighing it against his prescribed definition to see if it serves the purpose that an autobiography, which is a branch or type of history, is supposed to serve.

The motivation for the book is clearly stated: “I am writing this book because I see it as a furtherance of my life purpose of service.” The author strongly identifies with a sage, John M. Tutt, who postulated, “Service is the rationale for being; he who serves not, litters the earth!”

The book goes on to clearly establish the primacy and critical importance of “service to humanity” in the hierarchy of positive goals and purposes of man. It recalls: “History itself teaches that those who contribute most to the cause of human happiness are those who make service contribution, far beyond and above those who make material contribution.”

The autobiography draws attention to the fact that stories of most world figures and global personalities reveal that most of them are revered and venerated for their good deeds and services, rather than their material wealth. “In their stories we are told not of the wealth of these icons or the material legacies they left behind for us, but their contributions to world development and human happiness in terms of service and beneficence.”

Not many authors aim to change lives and destinies with their autobiographies; Pa John Ajayi was that socially committed. The book literally commends the life of fortitude, development militancy, missionary politics and community activism that was led by the au-

thor, to present and future generations. It portrays Pa Ajayi’s life as a manual for a life of selfless service, Godly contentment and fulfillment.

This autobiography, Pa Ajayi’s “eventful life that spans more than seven decades” showcases “experiences that can help in many ways those that are coming behind…” The useful lessons and enriching principles generously spread through the book are thus meant to be a lamp to the feet and light to the path of successor generations.

In the first chapter entitled, “God made me”, the author states that God is not just the Maker… “He is the first cause, the Author of all.” He recalls that there was a time “when intense afflictions made me to doubt Him…” before he knew better, and “saw advantage and purpose in those sufferings.”

Quoting Mary Baker Eddy, the book reiterates, “Existence without God is impossible.” This reality, of God being our collective Creator and heavenly Father, according to the author, is a good case to love everybody and work for the benefit of all - “all men and women are my brothers and sisters, regardless of race, colour, tongue or faith.”

In the second chapter titled, “A CITIZEN IN MANY CITIES”, the author narrates how the circumstances of his forebears made him “a citizen of four cities”. His four cities are Ilara Mokin, Erinmo, Efon Alaaye, and Omuo Ekiti. The book traces the ancestry of the author to his two main cities (Ilara Mokin and Erinmo), as well as his two other cities (Efon Alaye and Omuo Ekiti). Ilara was the birth place of Pa Ajayi, Erinmo was the birth place of Pa Ajayi’s paternal grandfather, Ogunmeso, and his forebears. Ogunmeso, he recounts, migrated with his wife, Osunnuke (a native of Efon Alaaye) to Ilara to domicile and naturalise. It follows that Efon Alaaye is therefore the home of his paternal grandmother. As for Omuo Ekiti (the most distant of the connections), it was where the grandmother of Pa Ajayi’s maternal grandfather came from. What is amazing about this autobiography is that the author breathes life into the usually dry and cold facts and statistics of ancestry to produce an exciting and reader-appealing piece. By delving into interesting customary practices like oriki (citations or orations) and highlighting cultural activities like Ijesu (Yam Festival), garnished with stories of war exploits and heroism, the graphic history of his ancestors is made highly palatable.

•To be continued

Becoming the parent you ought to be F there is one crucial life saving task which no one is actually trained for but one is expected to do a good job of it, it is parenting.

While there are regularly seminars and workshops on many other issues, some of which are not as important as parenting, it is taken for granted that parents should know how to take care of their children.

To a large extent, what many know about parenting is what they have observed from their parents and other parents before they become parents themselves. It may not be wrong to say that by and large parenting for many has been based on trial and error.

Unfortunately some of the things they learnt from those they have observed may not be right. Even the way they were raised by their parents may not be a good model for parenting.

Due to lack of adequate knowledge of what it really means to be a parent, many have raised their children based on many false notions and principles which have had unpleasant consequences for the development of their children.

That some children have turned out to be miscreants can sometimes be blamed on their parents who were not able to give them proper upbringing due to the way they were nurtured themselves.

More than ever before, parenting has become more difficult in the 21st Century due to a lot of factors which have altered the ways we now live which is different from the growing up days of many parents now.

BOOK REVIEW Title:

Parenting the 21st Century Child

Author: Reviewer:

Ayoola Oluseyi Tehingbola

Pagination:

69

Publisher

Longsmile Publication

Lekan Otufodunrin

Undoubtedly, the 21st century is a new world and parents not only need the wisdom of old to raise their children,

they need tested and proven knowledge of how to raise kids in the present age of technology where too many things are possible and image is everything.

We live in the age where sometimes due to the new media technology, roles are reversed and parents need to learn from their kids how to use many gadgets. It is the age where children are exposed to more than enough information that is good for their development.

It is against this background that one must commend Mrs Ayoola Oluseyi Tehingbola for her book, Parenting the 21 st Century Child based on her more than two decades of experience as a Secondary School teacher and a worker in the children ministry of the church.

The 70 pages + book with 12 chapters covers topics like Who is the 21st century child?, Development characteristics of children of various ages, Observable traits in gifted child, Child developmental milestones, Factors influencing the child, Child discipline and Parent – Child communication.

Other topics are Inspire your child, Temperament and Parenting and Sexuality education and your child.

Based on her wide experience, the author adequately treats the various topics and provides essential guidelines for parents to ensure that their children maximize their potentials. It highlights the dos and don’ts of parenting in easy to read and comprehend style.

Based on its content, this book could also have been titled Questions and Answers on Parenting as it explains many things parents don’t understand about parenting. It explains why children are

the way they are and what needs to be done to by the father and mother to nurture them to adulthood.

As the author rightly notes, parenting in the 21st century is particularly tasking because children in this century are under many pressures, which we did not experience during our own time. The computer age of the internet and mobile technology has also exposed the children now to a lot of information overload which is not totally good for them and therefore need to be guided by parents who also need to understand how these technologies works.

The author’s counsel in Chapter Six, among others, sums up the importance of parenting. She writes: “The Life of your child can be of significant value in this hopeless world of today. What your child is to fulfill on earth, nobody else may be able to do it. If your child becomes a failure in life, it is because you did not help her discover the gifts/ potentials that God has embedded in her.”

This is, indeed, thought for food and not food for thought for all parents and aspiring parents who need to read this well researched book to make a success of one the most important task they have to make a success of or live to regret in the twilights of their days.

Let it not be said that for lack of necessary knowledge contained in this book, pressure of work or any other thing you were not there for your children when they needed you most. It is usually said that you cannot baby a baby for life. There is a time for everything and how to do things. Parenting the 21 st Century Child is the book to read if you want to be the parent you ought to be.

40

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

A cameraman at work

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

Starting on a great foundation

T

•Ake’s cast and crew with Soyinka in Lagos

N

Soyinka meets Ake Ake’s ’s cast, crew

OBEL laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, last Friday in Lagos met with the top adult cast and crew for the feature film adaptation of his childhood memoir, Ake: the Years of Childhood being produced by a Lagos production house, Back Page Productions.

The meeting was hilarious, thought-provoking as well as inspiring as Prof. Soyinka and the lead cast and crew exchanged views and pleasantries.

In attendance were leading lights of the movie industry.

They included Taiwo Ajai-Lycet, Akin Lewis, Tina Mba, Ben Tomoloju, Yinka Davies, Tony Umole, Yeni Kuti, Jimi Solanke, Jahman Anikulapo, Beautiful Nubia.

Also, at the event were the film’s top crew that included the executive producer of the film, Dapo Adeniyi, the Director, Yemi Akintokun, Ayodele Ayobolu and Kemi Obadina, who are heads of Marketing and Communication at Back Page Productions.

The film, Ake is set in the 1930s

and 1940s and is poised to recreate that period through restored locations and period automobiles. One of the leading characters Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti is reputed to be the first woman in Nigeria to drive a car.

Nigeria’s history is also at the fore in the Ake film, especially the Egba Women’s Riots of 1945 led

by Soyinka’s aunt and mother of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikualpo-Kuti as well as Soyinka’s own mother, Eniola Soyinka.

The riot climaxed with the famed

deposition of the Alake of Egbaland, the abolition of the poll tax on Nigerian women and the institution of the universal adult suffrage.

The film, which is starting production this month is expected to be shot over the next six months in Abeokuta, Ibadan with some select scenes in Lagos.

They will be premiered in next year when two landmark events: the 100th Anniversary of the Nigerian amalgamation and the 80 th birthday celebration of Prof. Soyinka.

By Olushola Orebajo

HE amazing works of threeyear-old Onafujiri Rene Remet will be exhibited at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

Onafujiri, who is the third child of professional artist- parents Lilian and Pius Remet- started as amateur photography at age of two. He has a stunning collection of magical photos and paintings.

His father, Pius, who is a product of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), said of the wonderful talent of his child: “As a family we’ve found out that with the right training and tools, you can bring out the extraordinary talent of a child, the greatness of a country depends on the upcoming generation because they will be the one to guide the nation in the future.”

According to Pius, the true passion of a child is what he loves doing when pressure is not him. He added that parents are the foundation builder of a child, as ‘they should carve out the right direction for their children to follow in order to have a bright future. Greatness cannot only be derived from formal education.’

•Young Remet

42

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

POLITICS

43

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI examine the performance of the House of Representatives in the last two years under the leadership of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Tambuwal: Has House lived up to expectation?

W

HEN the mantle of leadership fell on Speaker Aminu Tambuwal in the House of Representatives two years ago, expectations were high. Many people expected a clean break from the past. Since the image of the Lower Chamber was mired in controversy between 2007 and 2011, some people were also indifferent to the change of baton.

Tambuwal has garnered tremendous goodwill, following his people-oriented approach to national issues. The Speaker had pledged in his ‘Legislative Agenda’ to pursue the national interest and make the Lower Chamber an enviable arm of the National Assembly.

The acid test came during the controversial fuel subsidy removal. As crisis engulfed the country, the House rose to the occasion. It convened an emergency session to pass a resolution advising President Goodluck Jonathan to rescind his decision. Although the Presidency initially ignored the advise, the masses hailed the House for aligning with their cause.

To reposition the House has been the priority of Tambuwal. In the last two years, the House, under his leadership, has come up with a new approach to the budgetary process. The Speaker explained that the goal was to prevent budget failure and foster fiscal discipline.

The House oversight function, in this regard, has found expression in the stringent examination of the 2012 and 2013 budgets. Although the move generated a row between the legislature and the executive, the House has remained committed to the principles guilding the appropriation process. For example, the House Committee on Finance began a campaign to reduce the deficit in the this year’s budget and investigations into the non-remittances to the Federation Account by over 60 agencies.

This approach has forced many agencies to abide with the extant laws on the remittance of their operating surpluses and income into the Federal Government coffers, which has now swelled up.

Similarly, the House has insisted that the facts and figures, as regards government income and expenditure, should be made known to the public. This move hasenhanced transparency and accountability.

The agitation for accountability underlied the Hous’s position on the fuel subsidy. Trailing the House emergency meeting on Sunday, January 8, 2012, when 294 members cut short their Christmas break to discuss the vexed issue, was the probe of the subsidy scandal.

The probe panel was headed by Hon. Farouk Lawan. The committee found a huge fraud in the management of the subsidy funds. When it was later discovered that certain legislators allegedly soiled their hands during ther probe, the House did not shield them.

The review of the 1990 Constitution was also a critical exercise undertaken by the House and Senate. The Lower Chamber encouraged the participation of the stakeholders in the public sessions organised across the 360 federal constituencies on November 10, last year. thalso took a new turn with the full participation of the.Grassroots in the exercise.

The public hearing gave Nigerians the opportunity to air their views on the type of the constitution suitable for the country. Remarkably, many Nigerians voted against full immunity for President, VIce President, governors and their deputies; financial independence for Houses of Assembly and autonomy for local council.

Tambuwal’s tenure has also been peaceful. The House has operated in an atmosphere of harmony and cohesion. In spite of the claims of

• House of Representative members in session.

• Tambuwal

discontent in the House, the House has not become a rubber stamp chamber under the Speaker.

There is no room for executive overbearing.

Tambuwal is seen as a symbol of legislative defiance against a seemingly meddlesome executive.

Unlike the previous dispensation, the House is not divided along the party lines. The in-fighting and discontent that follow the setting up of the standing committees in the House are not visible in this dispensation. The political parties and legislators are treated equally because there is an equitable distribution of committee slots among the members.

Recently, the House moderated the emergency powers of the President by stopping his move to utilise the funds of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, which are affected by the ‘emergency rule’.

The House position, which was at variance with that of the Senate, has been hailed by Nigerians who perceived the legislators as the defenders of the constitution. The House believes that certain aspects of the emergency proclamation by President Jonathan are undemocratic and unconstitutional.

• Ihedioha

However, critics have chided the House for taking wrong steps in some instances. For example, people have criticised its decision to give zero allocation to the Security and Exchange Commission in this year’s budget.

The House had earlier demanded the sack of its Director-General by the President for incompetence.

The Lower Chamber also sunk into controversy, following the Hembe/Oteh saga, whereby the hunter suddenly became the hunted. Amid the probe into the imminent collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market by its Committee on Capital Market headed by Herman Hembe, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunmah Oteh, accused the committee chairman of demanding and receiving N44 million from her organisation. She claimed that the funds released to Hembe was not utilised for the intended purpose.

Hembe had to relinquish his position as the chairman of the committee. He is now being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

‘It is half-time for the House leadership. The greatest challenge is whether the House under Tambuwal can sustain the tempo, overcome its dark side and strive for improvement in the next two years’

• Zakari

Another dark spot was the alleged $620,000 bribe-for-clearance scandal against Farouk Lawan, the former Chairman of the House Committee on Education and head of the ad- hoc panel that investigated the fuel subsidy regime.

The House commenced an investigation into the allegation. Farouk was removed as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Education.

Ahough only individual legislators were involved, the scandals have dented the image of the House.

Two years after the issues are: has Tambuwal delivered on his legislative agenda? Is he running a people-oriented House, whose legislations, motions and resolutions are solely in the interest of the people? Are there better federal revenue disclosures? Is the cost of governance being reduced? Are the legislative priorities of the House “ high impact, people-oriented legislation linked to service delivery and attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) capable of eradicating poverty”?

How well has the committee system in the House been improved, in terms of standard, efficiency, transparency, accountability and legislative deliverables? Is oversight of MDAs efficient and eliminating waste, plugging loopholes and ensuring value for money as promised by Tambuwal?

It is half-time for the House leadership. The greatest challenge is whether the House under Tambuwal can sustain the tempo, overcome its dark side and strive for improvement in the next two years.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

44

POLITICS

2015: Igbo must unite to be President, says activist

T

By Augustine Avwode

HE national convener of the Igbo Nationality Rights Assembly (INRA), Chief Okey Nwosu, has said that, without unity, there cannot be a President of Igbo extraction in 2015. Speaking in Lagos in a telephone interview, Nwosu said that the quest for power shift to the region will not materialise, except the Igbo elite sacrifice their personal interest for the interest of the race.

According to him, the Igbo suffer marginalisation because of lack of unity.

He said: “If you ask me about the possibility of an Igbo President in 2015, I will say let us talk of unity among the Igbo first. The talk of a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction shall remain a mere talk unless the Igbo elite come together to define the interest of Indigbo in the Nigeria project. A situation where some of the elite are interested in personal gains, against the collective interests of all Igbo as a people, will never take us anywhere. Look at what is happening in the polity, because of selfish interest; the Igbo elite cannot condemn actions and injustices against the average Igbo man. Is that the way we want to rule Nigeria?

Nwosu added: “As an Igboman, and an elite for that matter, I want to confess that we are unlike the Yoruba, the Ijaw or the Hausa and, perhaps, even other smaller ethnic nationalities. I say we have failed to chart the path of greatness for our people in this project called Nigeria. While others, like the Yoruba, Hausa elite will be at the fore front for their groups by sacrificing their personal interests for their tribes, the Igbo elite trade their race for personal gains. We all know how many Igbo people were killed in the North and yet not a word of protest from our so called elite and Ohanaeze.

“If this had happened the Yoruba, Hausa or Ijaw, they would have mounted a strong campaign in the media and put pressure on the Federal Government, until the families of the victims would be recognised and adequately compensated. Why can’t we emulate these people? Why haven’t we mounted pressure on the government at the centre and call for compensation for the thousands of Igbo that have been consumed by the Boko Haram insurgency?”

He said the recent pronouncement by the Supreme Court another opportunity for the Igbo to show that they cannot be the object for ridicule.

Nwosu stressed: “Look at the ridicule that the Igbo have been made to face.

Yet nobody is talking. It is very painful to note that at political meetings, when others are scheming to project the greater good of their people, the Igbo are usually treated as people with a price tag. See the case of MASSOB and its leaders. While other violent and destructive groups were given amnesty, MASSOB leaders, who have been preaching non-violence, are to be tried for treason. Now I ask you, have you heard any Igbo leader speak out in defence of MASSOB? When recently Dokubo-Asari made some statements considered inflammatory, did you not see how the Ijaw elite rallied around him?

Why is that same spirit glaringly missing among the Igbo?”

He lamented that, in the face of gruesome murder of Igbo in the North by Boko Haram insurgents, nobody called for compensation for the victims, who were mainly unarmed traders at town hall meetings or church goers. He challenged the elite and Igbo leaders to live up to their expectation.

“How can Igbo elite, Ohaneze and political leaders keep quite after their kinsmen have been murdered in cold blood by the terrorist group without raising a finger in protest”.

Nwosu urged the Federal Government to compensate all victims of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern part of the country as a matter of urgency in the name of equity, fairness and justice.

Nwosu also called on all Igbo, both at home and in abroad, to press for compensation for the victims of Boko Haram.

• Nwosu

‘I will do better than Obi’

T

Former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) told reporters in Lagos that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police were mishandling the prosecution of suspects. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE was there.

From Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

HE chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria for Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states, Dr Chike Obidigbo, has lamented the investment flight from Anambra State. He said that the investment flight creates capital flight unemployment and criminality. He added that, with his experience in business, he would rescue the state from poverty.

The governorship aspirant said: “I will do better than Obi because I am sure the only person that can do better than Obi is somebody that understands the economy’’.

Addressing the members of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Awka, Obidigbo noted that Governor Obi had laid the foundation for development, in Awka adding that somebody more knowledgeable than Obi in the dynamics of economic development, should take over from him.

He said: “Anambra State governorship race should not be for all comers or money bags, but for those with the knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of economic development; to be able to stand on the foundation other governors who governed the state laid. ‘’ Other governors before Obi like Ezeife, Mbadinuju and Ngige did their best and Governor Peter Obi is doing his best too. He has been able to open up the state as never before, and laid solid foundations for the incoming Governor, who should stand on to recreate wealth and development as never experienced before in the state. ‘’I am an industrialist and I understand the dynamics of economic development, I have equally experienced it. And I have an industry in Ebonyi, in Enugu and in Anambra state with over 1000 people employed. I am out to empower youths”.

Obidigbo appealed to the to consider him for the seat. He added: ‘’I am not in the race for the love of money or love of power but because I am better qualified to be the next governor of Anambra state from the pack coming out to contest for the position. I am coming to add value to the system and work on the solid foundation Obi laid to rejuvenate the economy of the state. ‘’I am to pursue an urgent economic renaissance that must encourage the private sector to co-operate with the public sector and contribute towards shaping the future of our economy.

W

Why anti-graft battle is slow, by Agbakoba

HAT is your reaction to the handling of the the subsidy probe by the EFCC? Not just the subsidy probe; everything. I don’t rate the EFCC highly in their prosecutorial methods. I know of some of my very good colleagues in the EFCC who have performed very well and I can mention Rotimi Jacobs (SAN). But I speak generally – we are talking whether the EFCC should be restructured. Not just the EFCC, what of the police? Police is a disgrace. Because at least, EFCC are lawyers, but the police are not lawyers so the police can prosecute and prosecuting a crime is not an easy thing because you have to understand what you are doing and you have to be trained.

So, a lot goes on at the levels of law, whether EFCC or the police because they are not trained. If as a persecutor and I’m reading the file brought by Mr. X and EFCC investigating officer says this is a file I have investigated and I feel that you, the legal officer will make a charge. That is how it starts.

It is the EFCC investigative side that first takes off the case; gather all the evidences and then says we think something should be done here. Do they do it? I challenge the EFCC to confirm or deny that they have a meeting where they say how many files do we have?

Could you shed light on this?

Who is the investigating officer? You, did you check to see that all the elements that constitute murder is present? They don’t do that! They just say we don’t like you, put him in the jail. Go and get witness from everybody. When you get it, collect and put it in proofs and when you put in the proofs, take him to court. In one case in Abuja, I told the judge that my Lord, I can’t read this thing. I’m entitled by Section 35 (2), to provide legal representation to my client but if I cannot read the document how can I do so?

And I’m bringing that in this case too because they have charged the man with offences giving a bundle but when I read the bundle, they are all jumbled– disjointed– not even paginated.

So, if you say the man forged something, I cannot tell where I can find it.

Because in the olden days, a statement with which a man is to be charged with an offence is a sacred document. The judge reads thoroughly. Here, how many judges read the proofs before they give consent? They just pile the files in the judge’s chamber and they say what do you want, consent? That was why Gani challenged the principle of consent many years ago. Consent to prosecute is a serious thing. My point is that the entire chain of prosecution that begins from investigation, to prosecution to judge’s consent is all messed up. So by the time you are in the hands of an experienced constitutional-criminal lawyer like me, they can tear it apart.

In that case, what is your position in the handling of the entire fuel subsidy crisis?

It is has not been handled well because Nigerians were very disappointed. In fact, not disappointed, Nigerians were shocked to their bone marrow that this type of thing is happening. And for me, in the maritime industry, I was absolutely stunned because I never knew that this type of thing was happening. So what Nigerians seek to see is a vigorous campaign to recover the money. But I don’t even know how much was stolen. I’ve forgotten because today they say it is this, tomorrow they say it is that. But whatever, what the EFCC should tell us now is “so much has been recovered.”

Don’t blame defence lawyers who take advantage of EFCC’s weakness.

• Agbakoba

Like Seun, because Seun is entitled to the presumption of innocence, so it is you who says he has done something that should make sure that the case is respected because the matter are all being bungled, nobody has any clue what has gone on. If I were the EFCC Chairperson, here is what I would have done; I would written a memo to Mr. President, I would tell him, Mr. President, this is a highly specialised matter and I don’t have the skills to handle it. We need to retain competent private prosecutors. Agree with their terms of engagement and go to court.

That is what happens in England. In England, you have what is called the Crown Persecution Service; it is headed by the Attorney-General. It is a highly organised and proficient prosecution service. Before they go to court, the evidence must be good.

That is why they nailed Ibori and that is why the same Ibori could not be nailed here. Because Crown Persecution Service is no child’s play but the ministry of justice, with due respect to them because they are my friend, is not just working. So you have no result from the fuel subsidy scam because the prosecutorial skill is weak.

Do you think a good use can still be made of the House of Representatives report on the subsidy probe?

The House of Representative report on subsidy is what informed the EFCC probe so I think they have exhausted their own part – they have done their own beat and the names they have sent off to EFCC are the ones the EFCC is now required to technically examine, so you don’t waste time prosecuting a person who turns out to be innocent.

I have also discovered from my years of experience that there is always public sentiment in everything such that while the fuel scam was a huge thing, I was shocked to be informed, even though I still don’t be-

‘Here, how many judges read the proofs before they give consent? They just pile the files in the judge’s chamber and they say what do you want, consent? That was why Gani challenged the principle of consent many years ago. Consent to prosecute is a serious thing. My point is that the entire chain of prosecution that begins from investigation, to prosecution and to judge’s consent is all messed up’

lieve, I thought that the entire scam was as big as ninety percent, but that should have been the first thing that the EFCC should have decipher so that we know who to concentrate on, so that there is no need to work on a large number of files if most of the files will not yield result.

Nigeria has been repeated ranked among most corrupt nations in the world. How do you think the Federal Government can tackle the scourge of corruption?

First is the will- to have the desire inside. You must desire it from the inside. I want to be lawyer, I must desire it. When that desire is there, then we must translate it by asking the right questions. Now, the right question will be how do we mount an effective anti– corruption campaign? What do we have as our anti-corruption campaign?

And like I said earlier to you, my good friend Larry Diamond, one of the world’s leading professors on this subject, when he gave a lecture on this topic; what rings in my ear was when he said “perception”, you know perception is almost like fear.

There is a perception that if you move about in the night you will be mowed.

You may not be. So, you will say are you going out in the night? Don’t go!

So there must be a perception that engaging in corrupt practices will land you in jail. In England, it is known and the thing in England is not to be caught but if you are caught you are gone. But here in Nigeria, whether you are caught or not, nothing happens to you.

I have seen many people- a man who is under-going trial and who is still flying around in private jets and planes.

But if the perception is right, many people allegedly facing trial, just going around at parties, entering planes and living life as if nothing happened, won’t be doing that. That is the challenge, but if that perception is there, many people who have done the wrong things would actually by now be in jail and you wouldn’t even see them because they will be so ashamed.

Another thing is to have the tools. If you don’t have the tools, no, you can’t do it. In Nigeria, there is no quest for excellence. Nobody cares. I have not seen serious attempt by the law enforcement agencies to competently prosecute offenders.

For instance, if the EFCC is competent in their operation, they will know the right court to go. The question is why is the EFCC prosecuting in the name of the federal republic of Nigeria in a Lagos State court? And you may ask: did Lagos State take those who take money from the revenue pulse to the Federal High Court in Abuja? Why should they say that they don’t have faith in the Federal High Court which is the correct court?

You joined the defence team of your client, Mr. Seun Ogunbambo, who is standing trial for subsidy fraud. Don’t you think the grounds of your application to quash the case, which you referred to as “Miranda Rights” is alien to our legal system? What, is Miranda Right and how does it apply in this case?

Miranda right is very applicable to Nigerians. It’s a name that derives from the American decision when Miranda, a black person was beaten to death by the police and Miranda’s family brought an action against the state of Arizona and the Supreme Court decided that the Miranda right is entrenched in the fifth amendment of the America constitution. Now in Nigeria, the origin of Miranda rights is quite old. It is traceable to the very widely known practice of the police; to beat people and extract information, which they call confessionals.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

45

46

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

PROJECT

EMPOWERMENT

Children’s wellbeing our priority, says council chief

Senator sponsors free medicare

Lagos

49

Lagos

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

T

HE Nasarawa State government has introduced international best practices in the management and administration of lands. Through this development, the era of hiding files, manipulating land owners and their request for titles is over.

In what will give property owners the security for their property across the state, especially in the urban centres of Karu, Keffi, Akwanga, Nasarawa, Doma and Lafia, the state capital, the government of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura initiated a habitat project whose implementation will sum up to creating livable and sustainable cities in the state, so much so that the landscape does not look different from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

49

Page 47

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Nasarawa gets centre for urban development Nasarawa Development Platform (NDP), as the project is called, is reportedly an initiation of Siraj Consulting Engineers, Aeroprecisa Limited, and GIS Transport, and Nasarawa State Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, partners in the 24-month period project to execute Nasarawa Geographic Information Systems (NAGIS).

The development platform’s centre is constructed at Karu, at the gateway to Abuja. Called NAGIS Centre, the edifice whose provision has been completed for inauguration, is a product of a remodeled engineering in an old and abandoned cinema viewing centre. It is a state-of-the-

art finishing serving as a hub that will have all of the computers at the state Ministry of Lands in Lafia, seen right there in Mararaba when the project becomes operational soon.

The N2.7 billion multi-faceted NAGIS contract whose execution will clock one year by the end of this month, has three components: Digital Area Mapping (DAM), carried out by Aeroprecisa Limited; Nasarawa Geographic Information Services, undertaken by GIS Transport; and the planning of cadastral districts, by a team of Nigeria’s leading town planners: Pragmatic Solutions Consult Nigeria, Envicons, and National Environmental De-

sign Associates, in what will give a detailed planning and development control to phase out the growth of slums in the state.

The implementation of the project has also seen the fast-tracking of NAGIS at the ministry’s headquarters in Lafia. This approach has seen the capturing of data to regularise and put all of Nasarawa’s land use in a digital database, which will also be housed at the NAGIS Centre in Mararaba.

“File inventory of all the land paper files has been completed. So far, over 21,000 have been recorded in the new data base. These records include the new applications that were

filed in the ministry and are yet to be processed as well as those that have reached various stages of processing. For the first time, the ministry is able to know the total number of all land files that are in its custody in the Land Registry and the Land Archives departments. It is also easier now to trace and retrieve existing paper documents normally kept in paper files at both the Land Archives and the Land Registry,” a presentation of the project work by the Project Manager, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, said.

•Continued on Page 48

T

HE lawmaker had it all planned out. First, he floated a training scheme and encouraged the unemployed to enlist. Then, he provided work tools for the trainees. When the equipment were presented, the sleepy Ogbogbo community in Ijebu, Ogun State, came alive. And there was just one song in the residents’ mouths: Hon Kehinde Odeneye.

The lawmaker representing Ijebu Central Federal constituency in the House of Representatives was making good his promise to the people of his constituency. Hie effort lifted the spirits of over 500 beneficiaries, comprising men and women, young and old who had completed the 22-month vocational training under his Skill Acquisition Programme (SAP).

The initiative, according to the lawmaker, is to help youths under his constituency acquire skills in trade such as barbing, hairdressing and fashion designing for selfemployment.

The programme, which was held at the popular Ogbogbo Grammar School, Ogbogbo, had in attendance dignitaries from within and outside the state. It was an afternoon the people would not forget in a hurry, as their lives were impacted upon positively.

By 11 a.m., the people had started trooping to the venue, singing and waiting for the arrival of their representative. The people’s wait did not last too long as the Ogbogboborn politician breezed into the venue accompanied by his wife, Funmi, amid applause. Prior to that day, there had been rumours that the programme would not hold due to unforeseen circumstances, but the presence of the lawmaker did not only prove that the event will hold, but also illustrated the huge love the man has for his people.

Some of the items donated to the people were sewing machines to those in the tailoring category; clippers and generating set for the barbers’ category and dryers for hairdressers.

Hon Kehinde Odeneye ensured that all the beneficiaries did not leave the venue without their work tools.

•From left, Mr James Dina, ACN chairman, Ijebu Northeast Local Government Area; Hon Kehinde Odeneye; the deputy governor, Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun presenting a sewing machine to one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme at the event

Joy as youths get jobs tools Odeneye trains, equips the unemployed penny. I want you to know that I am Ogun hails lawmaker not doing this out of my constitu-

From Bisi Oladele

The beneficiaries, irrespective of political affiliation, cut across the three local governments area under Ijebu Central Federal Constituency which include Odogbolu, Ijebu North East and Ijebu Ode. They were dressed in graduation gowns and full of praises for the assistance rendered them by the chattered accountantturned politician.

While addressing the people, Odeneye described the gesture as a means of giving back to the communities.

The legislator, whose Health-toHealth empowerment programme has also empowered more than 900 constituents, pledged not to rest on his oars. “It is my joy to serve the people in this capacity. I promised during my electioneering campaign that I would always make you happy, even if it would cost me my last

ency allowance, but from my personal purse.

Your continual support, constant advice and ever-flowing stream of prayers have really made this journey a success. This is just the beginning of good things to come,” he enthused.

Enumerating his achievements, Odeneye confirmed the ongoing construction of a multi-purpose hall that could seat at least 500 students at the Tai Solarin University of Edu-

cation (TASUED); on-going construction of an ultra-modern ICT centre at Imoru; provision of Solar powered street lights at Odosugbawa, Atan,Idowa and Abeokuta road in Ijebu NorthEast, Odogbolu and Ijebu Ode LGs and distribution of electricity transformers to Ijagun road in Ijebu Ode Local Government and Irewon in Ijebu North/East LG;reconstruction of boreholes, construction of block of classrooms; free NECO GCE forms for secondary school students in his constituency among others.

•Continued on Page 48

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

48

Nasarawa gets centre for urban development •Continued from Page 47 As part of this, the project has also seen the introduction of new certification which phases out the old and bogus one with provisions for multiple signatures from the governor and the Deeds Registrar.

The new certificate is an adoption from the reforms being implemented in Abuja.

The presentation by Alhaji Jirbil, who is also a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, said that “since the creation of the state about 17 years ago, records show that only about 613 titles to land were granted by the ministry. The first two years of the state witnessed the highest number of titles issued or created at 310 (or 50.57 per cent). Ironically this was the period of military administration.

“The eight years of the civil and democratic administration that follows the military, witnessed only 214 (34.91 per cent) titles issued. This followed a period of stagnation between 2007 and 2011, when only 24 title documents were issued – a mere 3.92 per cent.

“In the last two years, 65 title documents have been granted and more are on the way using the new NAGIS database. Land title documents such as Right of Occupancy (R of O) letters and Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) were redesigned by the Project Team and adopted by the Lands Department.

But the story is different now, in what has brought respite for property owners in the state. AlMakura, who has served for only two years of the over 16 years of the existence of Nasarawa as a state, has issued hundreds of Cs of O to applicants – most of whom had waited for over a decade to see their property with regular titles.

The second component of the project is also streaming in with dig•Continued from Page 47 There are also reconstructions of boreholes and construction of blocks of classroom among other activities of the lawmaker.

The state deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, who represented the governor, described Odeneye as a man who had the love of his people at heart and would do anything to make sure they are comfortable.

“What I am seeing here is no joke and I can tell you that this young man loves his people passionately.

This is not the first time we are having a representative of the people in Abuja who had nothing to show for their stewardship after four years.

This man has just spent two years and he has proved beyond every doubt that he’s worth his salt as a representative of the people. You all have to support the government of the day because you trusted them with your votes, and I can assure you that we’ll deliver on our promises. I am very impressed and I must confess that what I am seeing here today is not just an ordinary empowerment that we have seen over the

ital images of the landscape of the state captured with a light aircraft, showing details of all of the property on ground in the state.

Planning of 11 districts in the urban centres of the state, in what seeks to phase out the growth of slums, and in their place, develop livable and sustainable cities, is also ongoing. NAGIS Centre will link these two components with the first, to create situation where a push on the button of the computer with link officers to any part of the state for development purposes.

Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the Project Manager, said the centre will stream revenue collection all over the state, even as it will also make for development planning.

He said: “NAGIS, through the aerial images to be recorded in our computers, will be able to locate every single property in the state, every single location or area in the state with the push on the button, to view what is on ground in those places.

During the inauguration of the project, the governor will sign and issue hundreds of the new C of O to applicants, at the NAGIS Centre.”

Sonny Agassi, a Nigerian-Canadian who is supervising the project and who is also the Commissioner

•Nasarawa State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Town Planning, Sonny Agassi (left); shows Babawi Bulus Chetubo (PDP, Karu/Jitata) (right); a member of Nasarawa State House of Assembly round the interior of Nasarawa State Geographic Information System (NAGIS) in Mararaba, while partners in the project, Roland Klaus and Khaled Chamoun trail by for Lands and Urban Development said: “It is a big dream which, when actualised, will change the landscape of Nasarawa State forever.

NAGIS as a baby of my boss, the governor, will take Nasarawa State close to nothing short of 21st Century.

“Our land interlocks with Abuja, at Mararaba in Karu, yet there is no

•The newly-completed NAGIS Centre in Karu, awaiting inauguration

advantage to us other than that much of the working population in Abuja has found a home in Nasarawa, in what makes us look like a dormitory. His Excellency’s vision is to turn things around, take advantage of the proximity we enjoy with Abuja, and make the area an ambitious and dependable revenue source, to remove our reliance on the federally-generated oil revenue.

That is the brain behind the introduction of the reform programme, and by extension, the initiation of the NAGIS project.”

So far, one year after the award of the contract, the facility that will house all of these initiatives on the NDP, has stood out at Mararaba, along Abuja-Keffi Road. The team led by Siraj Engineering Consultants, fetched this building up, and remodeled it into an architectural masterpiece with high earned finish-

Joy as youths get jobs tools years,”he said.

Traditional rulers, chiefs, political office holders, dancers and popular Yoruba actress, Idowu Phillips, also known as Iya Rainbow were also on hand to add fun to the afternoon. Iya Rainbow who hails from Odogbolu local government described Hon Odeneye as a qualified man of the people, whose giant strides reverberate across the state.

“I am not here today to campaign for Odeneye, but rather to witness what has never happened to the people of Odogbolu in the past few years. I believe this man is Godsent”, the thespian submitted.

In his remarks,the royal father of the day, Oru of Imoru, Oba Bashorun Adeposi, who led other traditional rulers and chiefs to the event showered blessings on the lawmaker for his contributions towards the development of his people, stressing that though, there was still more to be done in the area quality governance

for the people of the state, he said if every political office holders could imbibe the culture of giving back to their people like Odeneye has done, the state would move forward and the people will always go out all the way to sacrifice their lives for their leaders.

“I am impressed. I can’t hide it, this is a challenge to all representatives of the people who love to feed fat on what should bring succour to the people. They should witness this and have a rethink”.

In his words, the Secretary of the state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Abimbola Awofeso, who led other chieftains of the party to the venue, described the lawmaker’s gesture as a welcome development which the people will always remember. He said he was happy that the people are now enjoying the dividends of democracy as a result of the votes they cast two years ago. “When Kehinde

•Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Hon Olumuyiwa Julius Oloro addressing the stakeholders at the council secretariat

came to me few years ago that he was going to run for the House of Representatives, I never doubted his intention; I gave him my full support and you all can see now that he’s worth his salt. This is special because it is obvious that the people are happy about today’s event and I am very happy, because he has delivered on his promises”.

A former deputy governor of the state, now a Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Adegbenga Kaka, said “what we are witnessing here today is a pointer to the fact that we are going to serve our people with all sincerity. Hon Odeneye could have kept his money in his pocket, but because of his noble mind and generosity, he decided to give the people what they will use to feed themselves and fend for their families. Without any shadow of doubt, I am impressed. Odeneye has proved beyond doubt that he’s a listening leader. What he has done today will remain indelible in the minds of the people. You have been selected among many,and I want you to see this as a golden opportunity”.

Senator Kaka charged the benefi-

ing.

The governor, who was there to inspect the project centre expressed his satisfaction with the finishing, and hailed the supervision of the project by Agassi.

The commissioner said to him: “You sent me on this errand, and this is what I have brought back, working with Alhaji Usman (project manager), and the partners on the project.

What we have here is exactly what you asked us to deliver; a state-ofthe-art centre, with completely outof-this-place finishing, sir.”

Engr. Khaled Chamoun of A&K Construction; the sub-contractor that provided the architectural masterpiece, told the governor that structural work on the structure was 100 per cent complete, while the provision of landscaping within the proximity of the main building was still at completion stage. ciaries to utilise what they have been given, saying such gesture may not come one’s way twice. He also advised other political office holders to take a cue from the lawmaker’s gesture by always being responsive to the needs of the electorate whenever the need arises.

It was indeed an afternoon that gave the people more than they bargained for.

Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Kesinro Adebola, who was given a sewing machine, “ it is still like a dream because I never knew Hon Odeneye would fulfill his promises” she said.

Another beneficiary, Justin Amafor, who got a barbing equipment and a generating set said he was happy because the organisers did not deny him of his right despite being a non Yoruba” I thought they won’t select me, because I am from the South South, but I was wrong. I am happy and I pray that he will live long”.

An hairdresser who was given a dryer, Jimoh Rasheedat could not control her emotions as she wept unctrollably “I lost my husband years back, and since then, things have been so hard for me and my children because we have nothing. I am so glad today because God has used Hon Odeneye to fill my heart with joy”, she said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

49

•Some school children at the event

T

HE chairman of Oriade Local Council Development Area Lagos State Hon. Ibrahim Babatunde Sanusi has said that government, at all levels, should accord education and general well-being of Nigerian children the prime priority, even as he added that the realities and futures of the average Nigerian child would be shrouded in uncertainty should government remain indifferent to their plight.

The council chief spoke during this year’s Children’s Day celebration held at Ijegun-Egba Nursery and Primary School near the council’s secretariat.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Children: Our Hope, Our Collective Responsibility.”

He argued that for the country to realise a fully-fledged and secure future, there must be a cycle of hope and change. This, he said, entails a strategic approach towards realising the rights of children with great potential for cutting through the cycles of deprivation, disease, violence and discrimination that currently drain the lives and spirits of children and adolescents in the country.

A

TEAM of medical experts from the United States (US) comprising 15 doctors and nurses will soon be in Ekiti State on a free health mission, courtesy of the Senator representing the Central zone, Babafemi Ojudu.

Children’s well-being our priority, says council chief

By Chinaka Okoro

Hon. Sanusi further said that his administration is poised to evolve policies and programmes that would ensure the physical, spiritual and intellectual development of children in the council area.

Noting that good and quality education is, no doubt, vital to the general well-being of any society, he assured that his administration is committed to accord education of the children top priority.

He advised children to take their studies seriously as that would make them become successful in life as well as contribute to the socio-economic and political advancement of the country.

The council boss also admonished them to always be hard working; respectful to their parents, teachers and constituted authority; patient; responsible; attentive and above all have the

fear of God which, he said, is the beginning of wisdom.

“Do not spend your whole time watching films or listening to music or dancing. Devote more time and energy to your academic work as that would bring out your full potential as tomorrow’s leaders. Also avoid bad company and assist your parents in domestic chores,” Sanusi said.

He advised parents to show more commitment to the proper upbringing of their children, even as he noted that “the solution to some of our numerous social problems lay in the proper upbringing of our children.

The council chief noted that children need peace, love, care, healthy and serene environment and reassured commitment towards their survival. They also need adequate healthcare, good nutrition and protection from killer diseases for appropriate physical and mental growth.

“They should be shielded from heated polity, lack of social amenities, hunger, malnutrition, ethnic and religious violence,

lack of potable water, lack of quality education, non-powered parents to take care of them and lack of political will to evolve policies and programmes that are childfriendly.”

Some of the children spoke with Newsextra on their views about Children’s Day and their expectations from government.

Miss Chioma Augusta Ukah, an SS2 student of Navy Town Secondary School urged government to take serious the education of Nigerian children, even as she said that “government should make the society safe for all; especially the children. Government should provide and improve facilities in all schools in the country. They should provide quality Science laboratories in all secondary schools. More teachers should be employed to avoid a situation where one teacher handles more than two or three subjects.”

Master Aquah Stephen, a JS2 student of Satellite Junior Secondary School wants government to give scholarships to Ni-

•Hon. Sanusi

gerian children to enable them to be adequately educated. He was particular about children from poor homes who he said should be properly taken care of by providing them the opportunity to receive quality education to be responsible members of the society.

The event featured match past, cultural display, dancing competition, choreography and presentation of prizes and gifts.

Senator sponsors free medicare Senator Ojudu said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, that the gesture is line with his campaign promise, add-

ing that the free health mission is targeted at residents of his constituent.

Besides, he said the programme has been designed to complement the efforts of the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration in the health sector.

The mission is due to arrive in Nigeria on June 14 with equipment and drugs worth $350,000. Its members are to spend two weeks in the senatorial district.

Leader of the team, Dr. Rasheed Abassi, the mission will focus on health screenings, education and chronic disease evaluation and treatment, hypertension, diabetes, CVA, CAP, nutrition and dietary education, as well as tropical infections prevention and treatment (Malaria, typhoid,

diarrhea, dysentery and TB among others).

Dr Abassi informed that members of the mission are US citizens either by birth or through naturalization.

They all have valid practicing licenses, he added.

Expectedly, the mobile clinic, acquired by the senator will be launched during the programme.

The mobile clinic, according to the statement, will be paying periodic visits to towns and villages in the senatorial district to offer free medical services to residents.

Ojudu enjoined the people to come out en masse for the free health mission.

LOSS OF TITLE DOCUMENT

•The mobile clinic

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF THE TITLE DOCUMENT COVERING THE LANDED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 21, LITTLE ROAD, SABO, YABA LAGOS, AND REGISTERED AS NO.89 AT PAGE 89 IN VOLUME 532 OF THE REGISTER OF DEEDS KEPT AT THE LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA LANDS REGISTRY OFFICE, IKEJA, LAGOS.

50

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

51

52

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

53

NEWS EKSU students EFCC arraigns three businessmen over N25m ‘fraud’ hail Fayemi on

T

•Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (middle), laying the foundation stone for a drug distribution company in Yenagoa...yesterday. With him are former Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili, (right)and others

HE Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned three businessmen Roland Enang, Sam Onuoha and Theo Ohiagu - before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, over an alleged N25 million fraud.

The directors of Claysworth Oil Limited were arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo on a two-count charge of fraud bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mrs Zainab Etuh, alleged that the accused, on March 17, 2011, at Ikeja, allegedly obtained N25 million from Africoat Limited by fraudulent means.

The commission said the accused falsely presented the money that it represented payment to Delta Omega Limited for the procurement of a bank

Drama as Senate confirms Okiro chairman of police commission T HERE was drama in the Senate yesterday as the upper chamber confirmed former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, as Chairman, Police Service Commission.

The lawmakers rejected the nomination of former Action Aide boss, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, despite effort by Senator Babafemi Ojudu to ensure that Igbuzor was confirmed.

Chairman, Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Paulinus Igwe, presented the report of the screening of those nominated by President Goodluck Jonathan to serve in the commission.

They included, Mr. Mike Okiro, Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed (DIG rtd,) (Katsina State) to represent Northwest, Hon. Justice Olufunke Adekeye (rtd) (Ogun State) to represent Southwest, Aisha Larai Tukur (Taraba State) to represent Northeast, Ms Comfort Obi (Imo State) to represent Southeast, Chief Torngee Gem Toranyiin (Benue State) to represent Northcentral) and Dr. Otive Igbuzor (Delta State) to represent Southsouth zone.

Although some senators applauded the report, Senate President David Mark wondered why there was no representation for the youth among the nominees.

Mark noted that the Act of the commission specified that the youth should be represented in the commission.

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Senator Ayogu Eze said Igbuzor, who was to serve his second term in the commission, represented the youth when he was first nominated in the Sixth Senate.

Mark also wanted to know what new thing Okiro, whom the screening committee rated high, would do that he did not do when he was Inspector- General of Police.

He wanted to know how Okiro would improve the police force as the committee claimed in its report.

Igwe said the committee believed that Okiro’s position as a former IGP has equipped him to serve better as Chairman of the commission.

Senator Zainab Kure observed that the dates some of the nominees obtained their qualifications were not captured in the report.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said Toranyiin was referred to as a doctor in the report when there was nothing in the report to show that he is actually a doctor.

Igwe said Toranyiin is not a PhD holder, the title was only an award to him.

Senator Awuse Kuta wondered whether the practice of asking senators from states where nominations were

made for their input had been jettisoned.

Senator Ahmed Lawan reiterated the need for the youth to be represented in the commission.

He noted that although the Peoples Democratic Party has a youth leader, who is 58 years old, the youth should have their representation in the commission.

Mark, however, cut the Yobe State lawmaker short by reminding him that the PDP youth leader is an internal affair of the party and should be left to the party.

On the Northcentral’s nominee, Mark explained that the letter from President Jonathan did not refer to him as a doctor.

He wondered where Igwe and his committee got the title.

Mark proceeded to call the nominee one by one for confirmation.

Okiro was unanimously confirmed by the Senate.

When the name of Igbuzor was called, the opposition for his nomination was overwhelming.

Again, Mark put the question for Igbuzor’s confirmation, the lawmakers rejected his nomination. For the third time, Mark put the question and Igbuzor was rejected.

Ojudu fought hard to ensure the confirmation of Igbu-

Plot to impeach Aliyu will fail, says Speaker

T

HE Niger State House of Assembly has not received any financial inducement to impeach Governor Babangida Aliyu, Speaker Adamu Usman said yesterday.

Usman promised the lawmakers’ loyalty to the governor, stressing that the plot to impeach Aliyu will fail.

The Presidency was said to have induced the Assembly with N1.9 billion to kick out the governor.

It was learnt that the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Presidency were plotting to punish Aliyu for his role in the emergence of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

(NGF) about two weeks ago.

The ruling party and the Presidency allegedly plotted the governor’s removal and humiliate him as Chairman of the Northern States’ Governors’ Forum (NSGF).

House of Assembly Speaker Adamu Usman said yesterday the planned impeachment of the governor was inconceivable.

He said the Legislature has no cause to remove him.

Addressing reporters after an executive session of the Assembly, Usman said: “As far as the Niger State House of Assembly is concerned, no member has been approached either individually or collectively as regards the issue of impeaching the governor.

Neither have we received or have been offered any amount to the tune of N70 million each to induce us towards proceeding with any impeachment process.

“At the executive session today (yesterday), all the members denied collecting any money and we promised our support to the governor.

As the Speaker of this House, I enjoy the support of all the members and I can tell you that the entire 27 members are solidly behind our governor.

“The irony of it is that this move is coming when all can see that our governor is performing. No financial inducement can make this Assembly do what is wrong before God and man. Count us out of any impeachment move.

The plan cannot work here in Niger State.”

zor by calling for a division through a point of Order.

He said: “If we are serious about having a Police Force of our dream, we should not reject Igbuzor because he is a man of integrity.”

The Ekiti State-born lawmaker reminded the Senate that Igbuzor as a member of the civil society is qualified to serve in the commission.

But Mark ruled him out of order on the basis that his Point of Order was belated.

By Adebisi Onanuga

guarantee from HSBC Bank, Hong Kong.

She said their alleged offences contravene Sections 1(2)(3) and 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2004.

But the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Onigbanjo, ruling on the bail application of the accused, moved orally by their counsel, Mr Paul Ananaba (SAN), granted the bail for N1 million each with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said the sureties must be resident in Lagos State and have to produce two years’ tax clearance payable to the state government.

He said one of the sureties must own a landed property in Lagos State while the other surety must be a civil servant not below Level 12.

Justice Onigbanjo directed the defendants to report to the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) on the first Friday of every month pending the determination of the case.

He also directed them to deposit their international passports and other travel documents to the EFCC, adding that these must not be released without the express permission of the court.

The judge ordered them to be remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending the perfection of their bail terms.

Justice Onigbanjo adjourned the matter till December 16 for trial.

instalmental payment

THE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ekiti State chapter, has hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi for approving the instalmental payment of school fees by students of the State University (EKSU).

Members of the association yesterday stormed the Governor’s Office in AdoEkiti, the state capital, to thank the governor, saying his decision has restated his commitment to making education accessible to everyone.

The association’s Chairman, Comrade Damilare Bewaji, said NANS was not surprised by the governor’s decision in view of his reputation as an activist and a compassionate leader.

The Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, and the Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae, who received the students, said Fayemi has been true to his promises to transform the education sector.

Adaramodu said the governor would continue to pay bursaries and scholarships promptly.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, formerly known and addressed as MISS BAMGBALA OSENAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEOSUN OSENAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-06-13

T

Exchange’s growth index returns to 38,000 mark

HE All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, returned to the 38,000 mark it crossed last Thursday.

The index, which is the bench mark of the price movement of stocks in the market, hit a new high of 38,486.08 points post-market meltdown, indicating an increase of 663.09 points or 1.75 per cent from the opening figure of 37,822.99 points.

When the index first hit the 38,000 mark last week, it closed the market at 38,016.80 points, culminating into a growth of 1.23 per cent from the previous high to the one attained yesterday.

Market capitalisation on the other hand, appreciated

by N212 billion or 1.75 per cent to close at N12.296 trillion. This performance, according to market operators, can be attributed to huge gains by some highly capitalised stocks.

Just like Monday when the market opened for the month of June, 58 stocks out of the

By Tonia Osundolire

118 traded upon remained flat, closing with the opening figures. Forty-three equities recorded price appreciation while the remaining 17 experienced reduction in share value.

Consequently, 12 equities fell into the bracket of 5.94 per cent and 10 per cent growth while the top 10 were in the region of 6.50 per cent to 10 per cent.

On the losers’ table, the top two equities recorded the maximum 10 per cent drop while the other three were between five per cent and 9.80 per cent.

Leading the gainers’ table was Multitrex with a gain of N0.05 to close at N0.55 followed by Livestock gain of N0.42 to close at N4.67. Others were May & Baker, Japaul Oil, Ikeja Hotel, NPF Micro Finance Bank, UBN, Costain, RT Briscoe and Honeywell Flour.

Port Paint led the losers’ table with a drop of N0.59 to close at N5.31 followed by John Holt with a drop of N0.16

to close at N1.44. Also on the list were Mcnichols, Prestige Assurance, Neimeth, Eterna Oil, Red Star Express, Okomuoil Palm, Continental Reinsurance and C& I Leasing.

On the top 10 most traded stocks, seven banks appeared, taking the top four, sixth, seventh and eight positions. Zenith Bank emerged as the most traded with 46.139 million shares followed by Access Bank, UBA and Unity Bank.

Others were Transcorp, Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Skye Bank, Dangote Sugar and Universal Insurance.

In all, the market traded 347.134 million shares worth N4.745 billion exchanged in 6,739 deals. The banking stocks remained the toast of investors with 250.712 million shares worth N2.753 billion across 3,806 deals.

Others with relatively high volume were Consumer Goods, Conglomerates, Services, Oil & Gas, Industrial Goods, Health Care and Construction/Real Estate.

Aig-Imoukhuede, Ogunbanjo are NSE VPs

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the appointment of Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede and Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo as first and second Vice Presidents of the Council of The NSE. The appointment according to a statement, was made after the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NSE that took place in May 2013.

The Council of the Nigerian bourse is made up of 14 members, consisting of the President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oscar Onyema and other members including representatives of dealing member firms, who are highly qualified in their respective professions with a wealth of diverse experience.

Speaking on this appointment, the CEO of the NSE, said: “The Council recognizes their sterling qualities and wealth of experience, and is delighted with the appointment. We believe that they will not relent in their efforts as ambassadors to

move The Exchange forward”.

Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, the first Vice President is the current Group Managing Director/ CEO of Access Bank Plc. He resigned as an Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) to lead a team as the MD/CEO of Access Bank with the mandate to transform the Bank into a world-class financial services provider. His visionary leadership has seen the Bank’s rapid rise to rank among Nigeria’s Tier 1 banks. In 2012, he won the 2011 Ernst & Young West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was recently conferred with the prestigious African Banker Award by the African Banker Magazine.

Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede is an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Programme. He holds an LLB degree from the University of Benin and is qualified to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is also an Honorary Fellow of the

Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He is Chairman of The Access Bank (UK) Ltd, Wapic Insurance Plc, Associated Discount House Ltd and FMDQ Plc. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Markets Dealers Association.

Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the second Vice President is the Managing Partner of Chris Ogunbanjo & Co (Solicitors), the pioneer corporate law firm in Nigeria. Mr. Ogunbanjo, an Economist and Solicitor of repute, started his career as a credit analyst with Chase Manhattan Bank before he re-qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor. He has vast knowledge and experience in the areas of Corporate Commercial and Admiralty Law. He has garnered considerable corporate finance experience over the years, with a brilliant understanding of legal issues in his preferred areas of practice.

The governance of the Exchange is vested in its Council, which directs the Exchange’s business and financial affairs, strategy, structures and policies; monitors the exercise of any delegated authority; and deals with challenges and issues relating to corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and corporate ethics.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4- 06-13

55

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

MONEY LINK

Moody’s backs refinancing of AMCON bonds

P

LANS by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to retire about a third of its N5.6 trillion of bonds and refinance the rest by 2014 will boost the country’s creditworthiness, Moody’s Investors Service said.

Under the arrangement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will in-

vest in a N3.6 trillion ($22 billion) bond that AMCON will issue in December to refinance the bank’s “entire exposure” at an interest rate of about 6 per cent over a 10-year period, Governor Lamido Sanusi

Fidelity Bank gives customers N25m, 25 cars

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has concluded its 25th Anniversary Cars and Cash Savings promo during which it gave out N25 million and 25 cars to its customers.

Speaking at the cars and cash presentation in Lagos, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Reginald Ihejiahi, said the lender gave out the cars to assure everyone that it keeps its promises.

He said the bank is gender sensitive and has taken steps to empower women entrepreneurs, many of whom won some of the prizes.

Some of the winners who were presented with their prizes are Abimbola Oluwaseun and Nnenna Edeh, who won a brand new Hyundai car each. Also, Adewunmi Mary Ladi won N100,000; Janiat Jamiu won N100,000; Nwamba Chinyere won N250,000, while Chigere Chibuzor won N500,000.

Ihejiahi said the promo was part of the series of activities organised by the bank to celebrate its 25 years in business, encourage savings culture amongst its existing and prospective customers. He said the promo has been successful and boosted the bank’s savings deposits. “Several people have

stock speculators and fuel importers turned bad after the global financial crisis in 2008. The agency spent N5.6 trillion in 2011 to acquire non-performing loans and incurred losses of N2.4 trillion.

Moody’s rating for Nigeria is Ba3, three levels below investment grade. While economic growth in the country of more than 160 million is resilient, an upgrade of its rating is hindered by corruption, weak institutions and its vulnerability to oil price drops, Edward Al-Hussainy and Dietmar Hornung, credit analysts at Moody’s, said on May 14.

•Agency says it’s a boost for Nigeria

By Collins Nweze

taken advantage of this promo. Students, traders among others have been participating. We are using this promo as an avenue to get people to imbibe savings culture,” he said.

The bank’s Executive Director South Directorate, Nnamdi Okonkwo reiterated that the lender is committed to encouraging savings culture amongst its customers.

He said when the promo started about six months ago, many people were skeptical about it.

However, the bank has proven all skeptics wrong by keeping its word on rewarding its customers who have been supporting its business.

He said the promo was also an avenue the bank wants to use in enhancing financial inclusion and get the unbanked into the financial system.

He said: “We are happy that the enthusiasm for the promo was great. We have won several accounts that boosted our balance sheet especially on savings deposits. We thank our customers that have been with us and supported our business. We have been transparent in the eyes of the regulators in the course of this promo,” he said.

said on May 21. That will make the CBN the sole creditor to AMCON

by October 2014.

The “move eliminates the government’s indirect exposure to private creditors,” Moody’s said.

“We view this as a credit-positive development for the government of Nigeria.”

AMCON was establihed in 2010 to buy bad debt from banks and save the industry from collapse, as lenders reeled when loans to

National Credit Reporting confab holds tomorrow T HE first National Credit Reporting conference in Nigeria will take place in Lagos between tomorrow and Friday.

The event scheduled to take place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, presents an opportunity to assess the development of critical financial infrastructure in the country.

The conference according to the organizers, will examine the progress made thus far, the prospects and challenges of institutionalising a responsible credit culture in Nigeria and develop an inclusive financial system.

The event is being organised by Business Development & Investment Limited (BDI) in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Other partners are Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Bank of Industry, National Identity Management Commission and Businessday Newspaper.

The theme of the conference is “Enhancing Financial Stability and Inclusion through Credit Reporting”.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi is expected to present the keynote address.

Other speakers include Peter Sheerin, Credit Bureau & Risk Management Advisor, International Finance Corporation and Bisi Onasanya, Managing Director, First Bank Plc. The statement said: “A key element of a sound financial system is the existence of a robust credit reporting system. They form, together with the collateral registries and payments and settlement system, the financial infrastructure required to drive an effective and inclusive financial system.

“In a developing economy like Nigeria, a functional credit report-

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

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

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 4-06-13

SYMBOL MULTITREX LIVESTOCK MAYBAKER JAPAULOIL IKEJAHOTEL NPFMCRFBK UBN COSTAIN RTBRISCOE HONYFLOUR

O/PRICE 0.50 4.25 2.43 0.52 0.94 1.12 12.46 1.44 1.58 3.23

C/PRICE 0.55 4.67 2.67 0.57 1.03 1.22 13.50 1.56 1.70 3.44

CHANGE 0.05 0.42 0.24 0.05 0.09 0.10 1.04 0.12 0.12 0.21

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

PORTPAINT JOHNHOLT MCNICHOLS PRESTIGE NEIMETH ETERNA REDSTAREX OKOMUOIL CONTINSURE CILEASING

O/PRICE 5.90 1.60 2.04 0.62 1.00 3.11 4.95 43.10 1.28 0.51

C/PRICE 5.31 1.44 1.84 0.57 0.95 3.01 4.80 41.99 1.25 0.50

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

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

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

CHANGE 0.59 0.16 0.20 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.15 1.11 0.03 0.01

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 4-06-13

SYMBOL

ing system facilitates the expansion of formal and informal lending as it bridges the information gap and induces responsible payment behaviour of individuals and commercial entities.

“With an active population of over 80 million with more than 50 per cent of that being under 35 years, Nigeria is on the cusp of reaping the demographic dividend of a ‘youth bulge’.”

Less than 40 per cent of the active population is banked whilst only about 10-12 per cent has access to credit.

In acknowledgement of the critical role of credit reporting in credit expansion and overall economic development, the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009 joined the comity of reforming nations with the licensing of the first credit bureau in Nigeria.

Since then two other credit bureaus have been licensed and the three bureaus are in full operation.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

•AMCON CEO, Chike Obi

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.93 161.27 0.80 1.16 1.14 100.00 1,000.00 1,823.39 14.39 1.39 1.87 11,745.35

9.08 1.00 141.45 160.20 0.78 1.16 1.13 100.00 1,000.00 1,815.04 13.69 1.33 1.80 11,398.85

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

56

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

•L-R Chief Godwin Uzoigwe, past Head of Department, WAEC, Lagos; Pastor Kalejaiye; Prof Obanya and Daniel Chike Uwaezuoke, Federal Government Nominee ... during the service ... yesterday PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

W

WAEC employs slain workers' wives

IDOWS of the three West African Examination Council (WAEC) employees who were killed by unknown gunmen on April 19 near Demboa, in Borno State, are to resume work at the establishment next month.

The gesture is to compensate the families of the deceased.

Peter Gwalasha (45), Boniface Emmanuel (45) and Corporal Daniel Alexander (43) were shot dead while

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

transporting scripts for the May/ June 2013 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from WAEC branch office in Yola to its zonal office in Maduguri.

Emotions rose when Gwalasha’s widow,Fibi who spoke on behalf of the widows at a commendation service held in their honour at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, yester-

Police chief commissions hospital in Lagos

day, lamented the loss.

She specifically referred to Mrs Alexander, who was still on hospital admission five days after the delivery of her baby, when she learnt of her husband's death.

She recalled seeing the badly mutilated bodies, describing them as “too terrible to behold”. Sad, but grateful, the widows are forging ahead with life, prepared to be mothers and fathers to their children. They urged

the Council to keep the memories of their husbands alive by continuing in their mandate despite challenging circumstances.

"We thank WAEC for the support we have received so far. Eighteen hours after our husbands' bodies were discovered, they were terribly ridden with bullets and were too gory to behold. I held my husband's hands, called his name, hoping he would open his eyes. Sometimes, I want to believe he just travelled for an official assignment and will come back home.

"Their souls will only rest if WAEC keeps the flag of their good work flying no matter the circumstance or danger; and to keep their memories alive. I thank you for the jobs because it will cushion the effect of their absence," she said.

The Head, National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Mr Charles Eguridu, said their labour shall never be in vain, adding that the loss of the officers while serving their country was not only to their families, but to Nigeria as a whole.

"It is my prayer that God almighty will comfort their families and grant them the courage to bear the loss. On behalf of the management and staff of the Council in Nigeria, I extend my condolence to the bereaved families," he said.

In his sermon, Pastor J.T Kalejaiye, a Regional Evangelist with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), said: "See life as a loan from God, not gift. Since it is a loan, you should all be ready to pay back when the lender of the life comes knocking for it. In all situations, learn to give God thanks and praise."

Kalejaiye, a former WAEC employee, urged the Federal Government to increase its subvention to the Coun-

cil to complement the risk they go through in the course of their jobs.

"WAEC must be treated as special because it performs an important duty for every Nigerian child," he said.

He prayed for the families of the deceased that God should give them fortitude to bear the loss and provide a helper so they will not find things difficult.

Daniel Uwaezuoke, a lawyer and representative of the Federal Government on WAEC Governing Council, said efforts should be made to sustain support for the family of the deceased.

"The personnel have paid the supreme price serving the council. We must endeavour to do all possible to provide succour to the families they have left behind in order to lessen the pains and the effect of their demise.

I commend the dedication of the staff of the Council who, despite all the challenges and risk associated with the conduct of public examination, have never failed the Council; and the Nigerian child in conducting examination that are as credible as possible," he said.

Chairman of the Council, Prof Pai Obanya, also urged the government to improve the welfare of the WAEC workers.

The Registrar, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, who was represented by the Head, Ghana's National Office, Reverend S.N.N Ollenu, in his tribute, expressed deep sense of loss at the brutal murder of the workers, saying no amount of money could compensate the loss.

"It is a great loss to the council, but particularly and to the bereaved families and relations, as no money or material thing can compensate the loss of their loved ones," he said.

•Says: Welfare of policemen paramount

T

HE Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, took a giant step towards uplifting the medical welfare of the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

He commissioned the renovated ultra-modern Cottage Hospital/Comprehensive Health Centre at the Police College, Ikeja, where he restated his commitment to the welfare of the lawenforcement agents.

He said a major way to have active police personnel was to invest in, and improve on their medical welfare, including that of their family members, adding: "You cannot police the country without sound and fit personnel.

Among the primary things I promised our officers and men were comprehensive medical facilities. I promised to improve on all facilities of our hospitals nationwide.

"I have assured Nigerians that we would not fail the nation. We are going to have more professional officers

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Correspondent

posted to the medical unit. I promise to look into the promotion of the personnel working there,'' Abubakar said.

He urged the officers and men to improve on the image of the force with their performance, noting that every police officer was first a Nigeria before becoming an officer.

Abubakar, in his appreciation to journalists covering the force, promised them free medical services in the police hospital, stressing that the media had been a good partner in crime fighting.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Medical, South-West Zone, Chinwe Okafor, said that apart from the Police College facilities, Ogudu and Area F, Ikeja also had medical facilities for the officers and men.

Okafor noted that same facilities were being constructed in Ondo, Osun and Ogun states.

•President, Intergrity International Magazine, Ghana, Mr. Onwordi Onichabor (middle), presenting Integrity Leadership Award to the Chairman, Agbado OkeOdo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Augustine Arogun ... while a guest looks on ... recently.

• L-R: Police chief Abubakar (2nd left), Oba Akiolu, Alhaji Smith with other dignitaries and police officers at the event ... yesterday. Inset: The hospital PHOTO: EBELE BONIFACE

A former police IG, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, who commended the project, noted that most times, police officers were unable to access good and affordable medical services when they were sick or injured.

M

Y brother died last year a violent death in a plane crash. It is easier to write than to talk about it. Afterwards, I preferred to email and text friends with the news rather than call, partly because I was in denial. Can't reach Wale on his mobile? That's not unusual after such an event. Days passed.

Maybe he's unconscious in a small hospital somewhere and no one had yet made the connection. The weeks passed. Okay, maybe he was kidnapped. My denial wasn't helped by the fact that it took over two months for his remains to be identified.

Even if I accepted he would not stay, I'd like him back for a short while, just to say goodbye. Wale, you did well because what happened really brings home what's important in life, and you had it all. Your generosity of spirit drew people to you. You left us with some wonderful memories and a sense of pride, having been part of your life.

There are so many things that have happened in the last year that I'd have

Some of the facilities in the commissioned hospital include: Dental Clinic, Echo Cardiogram, Scan ECG, Eye Clinic, Laboratory Services and Physiotherapy.

Other dignitaries present include:

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Oba of Ijanikin, Momodu Asafa, Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Zone 2, Mamman Tsafe and Commissioners of Police from Lagos and Ogun states among others.

By Adeola Eribake

wish I didn't have to learn about the meaning of death through you.

Wale Eribake, 33, died on June 3 2012 and is survived by his parents, a younger brother and my person, Adeola, his elder sister.

Dana crash: A tribute

liked speak to you about. I'm sure you'd have a thing or two to say about some of the crazy ideas and plans I formulated in the last few months. I still have your voice in my head and every time I see a picture of you, you look so alive that I can't believe what has happened. I don't think that will ever change - the disbelief. I'll never understand how this could have happened.

I remember our adventures with Gbenga and Blessing. I remember you and Jite getting suspended from SEF. Folarin's description of your cheesedrenched steaks made me smile. Tosin told me about how you convinced him and other friends to return to Nigeria as you did, after studying abroad. About the calming influence you had on him and how you used to draft love letters for him when you were kids. You did us proud, but I

• The late Wale

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

57

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Lekki Bridge: Plaintiff notifies court of 'illegal' tolling

• Kemi ... before the ailment began

“I

T is heavily traumatic to see one's child dying helplessly in the presence of her parents." These were the words of lamentation from Ven. Edward Adeniyi, the Vicar, St John's Anglican Church, Oka-Akoko, in Akoko Southwest Area of Ondo State.

His agony is rooted in the health trauma of his 34-year-old daughter and 400-level student of Linguistics at the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba-Akoko.

Since 2001, she has been having some heart-related (liver and kidney) problems with referrals to an Indian hospital for major surgical operation.

Looking embattled, her agonised father, who brought the pale-looking university undergraduate to the Akure office of The Nation, bemoaned: "We have been managing Kemi's health condition with the prescribed drugs. But the situation has worsened these past weeks. We are at a loss for what to do now."

The cleric said the Cardiology Division at the Department of Internal Medicine of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, on February 21, said Kemi had been diagonised with constrictive pericarditis about six years ago.

The hospital's Consultant Cardiologist, Dr. Olusegun Busari, said although the need for surgical intervention was strongly emphasised, she defaulted in follow-up since then.

According to him, the diagnosis showed that cardiac surgical intervention remains the only viable option for her, adding that she needs a referral to a cardiothoracic unit for

T

• Kemi ... last week

'Help, my daughter is dying' •Anglican priest whose daughter suffers kidney problem pleads

‘We have been managing Kemi's health condition with the prescribed drugs. But the situation has worsened ... we are at a loss for what to do now’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

expert care.

Also, the Echo Cardiography report signed by the Medical Director of Biket Medical Centre, Osogbo, Osun State, Dr. A.D Adenle, "showed marked curvilinear calcification at the base of her heart and the anterior wall of the heart wrapping around the apex."

He disclosed that the features were consistent with calcific constrictive pericarditis which needs surgical operation.

Ven Adeniyi said the major surgery would cost N7 million in the Indian Specialist Hospital which the entire family could not afford.

Kemi, with Matriculation No. 090104021 had, on May 15, applied for "academic assistance" as regards

the completion of her course at the AAU to facilitate her graduation from the university when due, as her condition worsened.

The disturbed father said two of Kemi's young siblings had already graduated and married, stressing that he was told that the surgery could also be handled at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the University of Nsukka Teaching Hospital (UNTH) with less than N3million. He, however, said the needed experts in the two hospitals had not been discovered.

The cleric said: "For financial assistance, I have contacted the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; Commissioner for Health, and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, through a letter dated February 18, 2013. I'm yet to get any response and my daughter is gradually dying."

He urged public-spirited Nigerians to bail his family out of its present predicament, urging them to be their brother's keeper, as dictated by the Holy Scripture.

Ven. Adeniyi gave his phone number as 08063696622 and 07055303300 for contact. Any Good Samaritan, he added, could offer financial assistance through his First Bank Account, 2006942599; Enterprise Bank, 0122005653, or Wema Bank, 0122005653, all in Ikare-Akoko.

Group seeks care for the needy

O the newly elected members of the national executive council of Genuine Redemption Of Under-Privileged People (GROUP), a non-governmental organisation, the welfare of the poor and the physicallychallenged must be the overriding concern of the government, corporate organisations and wellmeaning Nigerians at the moment.

Shortly after their inauguration in Lagos, they were unanimous in their call for more empowerment for the pauperised and improved care for the mentally retarded lot in the society.

The new team comprises Mr Abdul-Rasaq Adam, Chairman; Mrs. Rachael Fadeyi, Vice-Chairman; Mr Jamiu Balogun, General Secretary; Evangelist Sunday Fowowe, Financial Secretary/Treasurer, and Mr. Kayode Bammeke, Publicity Secretary.

The inauguration, which held at the Et'al and Suites in Oregun area, was graced by coordinators of the organisation from across the country.

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

In his maiden speech, Adam pledged his team's readiness to work assiduously for the benefit of the under-privileged and urged public-spirited members of the public and corporate bodies to complement government efforts in that regard.

The body, Adam said, was partnership with various vocational institutes across the country to train people in various vocations after which they were given interest-free soft loans to start off their vocations and achieve self-reliance.

The NGO, he said, had lined up programmes including visits to orphanages, old people's home and prison yards, with various items. Other programmes, according to him, include printing and distribution of exercise books and other writing materials to students.

While purchase of admission forms for brilliant but financially handicapped students aspiring to gain admission into tertiary institution is on the group's priority

list, according to Adam, he sought financial assistance from corporate bodies and individuals in order to achieve their set goals to reduce poverty and insecurity rate in the country.

A HUMAN rights activist, Mr. Ebunoluwa Adegboruwa, yesterday filed a further affidavit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, claiming that the state government had started collecting toll from motorists using the new Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.

Adegboruwa had sued the state on November 26, last year, challenging "the attempted imposition of toll fee on the Lekki Admiralty-Ikoyi Suspension Bridge" by the government.

He sought an injunction restraining the defendants - the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, National Inland Waterways Authority, Lagos State Government and the state Attorney-General Ade Ipaye - from collecting any form of payment from the applicant and any other citizen of Nigeria for the use of any part or portion of the bridge.

Ipaye had told the court that the state had not decided whether or not to collect toll on the bridge, describing the suit as premature.

The presiding judge, Justice Saliu Saidu had adjourned till July 9 for ruling.

But Adegboruwa said that after the court had reserved judgment: "The governor openly declared the bridge as a toll bridge, whereby saloon cars will pay N250.00 per trip and Sports Utility Vehicles will pay N350.00 per trip. Motorists have since June 1, been subjected to com-

By Joseph Jibueze

pulsory payment of the said toll on the said bridge. As evidence, I attach a copy of a receipt issued to me for the said toll on the bridge, which is marked Exhibit A." The applicant also filed a motion on notice, informing the state of its further affidavit, and putting them on notice for its hearing.

The court is yet to fix a date for hearing of the pending motion.

However, the state government defended its decision to construct a bridge with a tollgate over the Lekki Lagoon, saying there is no law in Nigeria which compels it to always provide roads and other public infrastructure "totally free of charge".

The government said the inclusion of the toll option in the bridge design is to give the state a cash flow option to pay back the borrowed part of the construction cost, among others.

The lawyer said Adegboruwa is not compelled to commute across the bridge as he has always made the journey without it. Besides, there are alternative routes to Lekki and Ikoyi, Ipaye added.

"In the circumstance, the applicant has no cause of action as his case is premature and inchoate," the state said.

ANLCA pays late members' benefits THE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has fulfilled its promise to cater for the welfare of its registered members and their families.

The association, yesterday, at its national secretariat in Lagos, handed over ANLCA insurance benefits cheques to families of its members, Prince Dominic Udeze and Ambrose Ekeh, who died recently.

At the presentation, the association's national president, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said the payment of the benefits to the families of the departed was in line with his administration's policy of care for all registered members.

He said the policy was adopted with an insurance company to provide succour for the family of any departed

By Uyoatta Eshiet

member who bought the scheme.

The two families got a cheque of N1 million each, being the total sum accrued to them through the policy, the association stated.

Mrs Udeze and Mrs Ekeh, who collected the cheques in the company of their children, said their families would remain grateful to the ANLCA. The association's national publicity secretary, Dr Obicee Okonkwo, said the scheme is open to all registered members who are interested, adding that the leadership started the implementation with the National Executive Committee Members (NECOM), the Board of Trustees members (BoT) and chapter executives.

Cry to God, cleric tell Nigerians WORRIED by the challenges Nigerians are grappling with, the General Overser, The Way of Reconciliation Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int'l, Lagos, Prophet Oladipupo funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin), yesterday enjoined them to cry to God for help.

The cleric, who made the call in a statement, said "Nigerians must seek God's intervention now, if we want peace, progress and prosperity to reign in our land. Until we settle our case with God, we will continue to live in fear and confusion."

H explained: "Prophetically speaking, Nigerians have sinned greatly against God and He has turned His back against us and our nation, which is why we are contending with seemingly intractable prob-

• L-R Mrs Fadeyi, Fowowe, Adams, Balogun and Bammeke

lems, foremost of which is the Boko Haram insurgency.

"We take God for granted and engage in acts of vanity that are detestable to him. Life is very cheap in Nigeria. People are slaughtered on a daily basis through accidents and for rituals. These are wicked attitude. And those entrusted with leadership are unfortunately active participants. God is greatly displeased."

The prophet added: "When you have depended on your wisdom, on your own devices and they have failed you, is it not time you cried to God for help? Prophetically speaking, and as far as I can see, this is the time for everyman in Nigeria to call upon God to come to our help, because our own efforts can no longer avail us."

PHOTO: DADA ALADELOKUN

58

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

NEWS

• Joseph

•A burnt house. INSET: Another building

•The widow, Rachel

Four killed, many missing in communal conflict

N

O fewer than four people in Inyima community in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State have been killed after an invasion allegedly by the people of Adun in Obubra Local Government Area.

Three persons have been hospitalised.

According to residents of Inyima, several people are still missing.

When The Nation visited the community yesterday, several houses, shops, market and even the health centre lay in ruins.

It was like a town that had lost its soul. In the blinding sunshine, the shrilling voice of a woman who had lost a son, pierced the air. The putrid stench of burnt human flesh and

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

houses hung in the hot air.

A burnt body, the size of a fully grown man, lay rotting by the street.

The head was missing.

The community was almost deserted, as most of its residents had fled to neighbouring communities.

It was gathered that Adun community had always laid claim to Inyama land.

The build-up to the incident started last Thursday when some Adun youths allegedly caught an Inyima youth stealing cassava in a farm on the boundary of the communities. The suspect was handed over to the police.

The acting village head, Benedict

‘Leave Oshiomhole alone’

A

By Joseph Jibueze

N Edo State group, the Esan League for Good Governance, has urged opposition parties to back Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s development drive.

In a communiqué by the Convener, Henry Okpamen, the group praised the governor for the development in the state, saying he needs the support of everyone.

“We call on the opposition to exercise restraint in the outburst against the government on issues, which are usually trivial. We urge them to support the governor in his avowed desire to transform the state.

“This is because the level of performance under the present leadership has demonstrated that Oshiomhole means well for the people and can be trusted with public funds,” the group said.

The group, however, drew the governor’s attention to the need to dualise the Eguare – Ujeolen – Ihunmindumu road in Esan West Local Government, Ekpoma, which it said has broken down.

It also called for the dualisation of Irrua–Uromi–Ubiaja roads and all the roads that pass through major towns in Edo Central; as well as rehabilitation of Ikeken, Idigun, Iruele Awo Primary schools in Ward 7, Amenokhian in Esan North East Local Government Area.

R

‘We’re being marginalised’

ESIDENTS of Ikot Udofia community in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) message to Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The community said it has been marginalised by successive administrations.

In a statement by its spokesman Jonathan Akpan, the community appealed to Akpabio to provide basic infrastructures, such as roads, water, schools, health centre.

“Ikot Udofia has not been enjoying dividends of democracy.

The community does not have any road, no portable water, public school and even electricity.

“One would not even believe that the place is in Akwa Ibom.

The only standard bore hole in the community was built by an indigene. To compound the plight, the community cannot boast of telecommunication services.

“We are appealing to the governor to come to our aid. We shouldn’t be living like cave men in the 21st Century.”

Igbinedion Varsity VC for lecture

V

ICE-CHANCELLOR of Igbinedion University, Benin, Prof Eghosa Osaghae will deliver the Lead City University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Entrepreneurial Studies distinguished lecture tomorrow, at the university’s International Conference Centre.

Osaghae, an authority on Federalism and Inter-Ethnic Relations will speak on “The Essentials of Nigeria’s Survival”.

A statement by the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Entrepreneurial Studies, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, said the lecture is timely in the light of several contemporary challenges.

“Osaghae, a prolific author, essayist, public intellectual and writer, will dissect these issues and provide a road map that will take Nigeria out of the current miasma and stave off doomsday predictions about the imminent breakup of the country.

“The lecture will be chaired by Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Bayo Adekanye.”

Egbe, said the following day, some women who went to the farm to harvest cassava ran back, saying they saw battle-ready Adun youths there.

Egbe said he sent some youths to the farm to confirm and the police were contacted.

A former councillor in Inyima, Emmanuel Ekoro, said the presence of policemen in the area doused the tension.

“But on Sunday at about 11am, hundreds of Adun youths armed with sophisticated weapons invaded our community, killing and destroying everything in their path.

“The mayhem lasted about four hours as the invaders went from house to house destroying and burning down everything.”

A 30-year old man, Enang Joseph Oden, was shot in front of his home.

An unidentified man was beheaded and burnt on the street.

An unidentified man was also killed and burnt inside his house.

Enang’s wife, Rachel, said when they heard gunshots, her husband escaped with her and the children to a neighbouring community.

She said he was shot in front of their house when he returned to get some of their things.

“They destroyed everything we had. Even the small things I was selling they destroyed. Now I am left with nothing. How do I take care of our five children?” she cried.

The late Enang’s father, Joseph, said that they were at home on Sunday

morning when he heard the commotion and everybody started running.

“The people carried pump action guns and they were shooting everywhere. They were burning houses and killing people. The policemen were nowhere to be found.

“They killed my son right here, right in front of our house. Adun people said they own this land that we are living on, but it is our land.

We did not even know they were going to attack us like that,” he said.

Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham called on Inyima people not to consider retaliation and urged them to help security agencies with information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for the mayhem.

Police: UNIBEN student killed in self defence •Govt to set up judicial panel •Body to be exhumed

T

HE police in Edo State have said a 500-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ibrahim Momodu, was killed in selfdefence.

Ibrahim, a student of the Department of Laboratory Science, was allegedly shot on May 27 by a team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ogida Division, Mrs. Carol Afegbua. His body was buried in suspicious circumstances.

His relatives were not aware of his death until two days later.

The late Momodu’s mother, Mrs. Osas Momodu, has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Students and members of civil society organisations marched on the streets of Benin City on Monday, protesting the “extra-judicial killing”.

Police spokesman Moses Eguavoen said the late Momodu was shot while attempting to bring out a Russian cut-to-size double barrel gun.

His statement reads: “Operatives at Ogida Division led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) on a routine patrol within the area intercepted a cyclist and another with an un-

I

•Oshiomhole (left) and Mrs Momodu at the Government House... yesterday.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

registered motorcycle at Obayuwana junction on Siluko Road.

“The suspect brought out a Russian cut-to-size double barrel gun but policemen noticing his action responded swiftly and shot at the suspect, later known to be Ibrahim Momodu, who died on his way to the hospital.”

Eguavoen listed items allegedly found in the bag of the suspect as eight live

catridges, two phones and one unregistered red Qlink motor cycle.

He said efforts were on to arrest the other fleeing suspects.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole has promised to set up a judicial commission of inquiry on the incident.

Oshiomhole said the government would do everything possible to unravel the circumstances leading to the killing of Ibrahim.

He spoke when members of civil society groups, students,

Girl electrocuted in Edo

T was a black day yesterday for residents of Ujabhole-Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State as an 18-year-old girl was electrocuted.

Iyogosa Godsday was reportedly hit by a Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) high tension cable, when she was spreading clothes on a drying line.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

An eyewitness, Adubuka Ehimen, said the teenager was trying to spread the clothes just a few meters from the house when suddenly she was hit by the huge tension wire.

He added that sympathisers could

family members and the legal team took a protest letter to his office yesterday.

The governor said the body would be exhumed to determine the possible cause of death.

He condoled with the family, assuring that the government would not allow any unlawful killings in the state.

The family’s lawyer, Jefferson Uwoghiren, in the letter, said the body was hurriedly buried by the police “to obscure evidence of the illegal killing.”

not help for fear of being electrocuted.

“Iyogosa came out of the house after that heavy Sunday rain and was spreading her clothes on the rope in front of their house at Idumu Asse when she was hit by the wire, immediately she fell and died.

“No PHCN official has come to the village even after we reported the case at the Irrua station.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

59

NEWS

My regrets as NAFDAC DG,

by Akunyili

T

HE former DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Dora Akunyili, yesterday said one of her greatest regrets was her inability to establish a drug mart in the country.

Mrs. Akunyili blamed fake and counterfeit drugs in the country on lack of alternative to the chaotic and unregulated drug markets.

She said she had nursed the idea of a drug mart right from when she became a NAFDC DG but was unable to realise the dream.

The former Minister of Information, who spoke at the inauguration of the state drug mart in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, poured encomiums on Governor Seriake Dickson, for the initiative.

She said the idea of establishing the mart was approved by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mrs. Akunyili said she conceived the idea of constructing the drug centres in the six geopolitical zones in the country.

By the plan, she said the South-South zone of the centre was supposed to be headquartered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Lagos Assembly holds parley

By Oziegbe Okoeki

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly will today hold the second edition of its Legislative-Civil Society parley at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium of the Assembly Complex, Alausa, by 12 noon.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Mr. Segun Olulade, said the parley will focus on the need for the Assembly and the civil society groups to work together in monitoring and assessing the performance of councils.

The theme of the parley is: “Promoting Grassroots Governance in Lagos State: A Synthesis of Roles”.

Ondo gets committee on council reform From Damisi Ojo, Akure

O

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterdayOnu, set Awka up a From Nwanosike committee on local government management.

This is to improve service delivery in the third tier of government.

The committee is headed by a former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Akin Adaramola.

Members include a former council chairman and ex-commissioner, Mr. Clement Faboyede; Mr. Ade Adeniyi; Mr. Busuyi Lawani; Mr. Gbenga Osunmakinwa and Mr. Olugbega Akingbesote, the Secretary.

The committee is to review financial and personnel management in the 18 councils and propose how to make them more functional.

Mimiko said the committee would assess budget preparation and implementation processes in councils and make recommendations.

T

Rivers ACN suspended officials suspend chairman

HE crisis in the Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) deepened yesterday, when the five suspended officials allegedly suspended the Chairman, Esuku M. Esuku.

Esuku was accused of accepting to work with Governor Rotimi Amaechi allegedly for the purpose of registering members for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to collect N1 billion monthly.

The suspended members are National Treasurer Kenneth Kobani; Publicity Secretary Jerry Needam; Ibieneye Lolo; Lali Green and Nancy Nwankwo.

Kobani described his purported suspension as a joke, declaring that it was not in

‘I have nothing to do with the Rivers State Government.

The allegation that I collected N4 million from the party’s coffers is a lie’ From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

line with the party constitution.

He said Esuku and his “cotravellers” were attempting

to please their unnamed paymasters.

But Esuku said: “I have not been suspended. I am with all the members of my executive in Port Harcourt.

“Those who claimed to have suspended me are frustrated people, who do not believe in the growth of the ACN. “Amonibia Akoko is a former secretary of the ACN in Rivers State. The party secretary is Ngoji Warmate.

“I have nothing to do with the Rivers State Government. The allegation that I collected N4 million from the party’s coffers is a lie.

“ACN is bigger than N4

million. Do not mind them.

There was no time N8 million was paid to any party in Rivers. It is cheap blackmail.”

The five suspended officials said: “Esuku M. Esuku collected N4 million from the party’s coffers, which has not been accounted for till date.

“He also collected N8 million from the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), for the conduct of local government elections.

“We are demanding that he returns the party’s property he carted away.

“For working for the Rivers government to register members for the APC, Esuku has demonstrated that he is a non-serious party man and someone who should not be trusted by the people.”

one. The committee should strive to identify these people, bring them to the table to dialogue and avoid retribution by ensuring their safety. The committee should also ensure that its recommendations are good,” Abubakar said.

Decrying the activities of the sect that have led to the death of over 2,000 persons and destruction of belongings in the last two years, he appealed to Nigerians to pray for the sect members to have a change of heart and embrace peace.

The former military leader said the only solution to the Boko Haram insurgency is for the group to come to the dialogue table and present their case.

“Violence does not solve issues. Even when you go to war, you still come back to the table. If you (Boko Haram) are fighting for the people, you have to come to the table and discuss your position. I therefore appeal to leaders of this group to lay down their arms and embrace peace,” he said.

Abdusalami urges safety for Boko Haram members

F

ORMER Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to guarantee the safety of Boko Haram members, who are dialoguing with it to broker peace.

He spoke yesterday at his Minna, Niger State Uphill home when he hosted members of the Presidential Committee on Peaceful Resolution to Security Challenges in the North led by its Chairman, Alhaji Tenimu Turaki.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

The former military leader said for the committee to succeed, it must ensure that it identified and engaged leaders of the sect with a view to dialoguing with them.

He, however, cautioned that in reaching out to the sect, the committee should create a conducive environment that would ensure the safety of members of the sect.

“I must confess, the task ahead the committee is a big

Tukur’s son gets court’s leave to travel abroad

By Adebisi Onanuga

JUSTICE Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja yesterday granted leave to two oil marketers, Mahmud Tukur and Alex Ochonogor, to travel to the United Kingdom for business.

Mahmud is the son of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Bamanga Tukur.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Tukur and Ochonogor before Justice Onigbanjo for an alleged N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

They are standing trial before the court with their company, Eterna Oil Plc, Abdullahi Alao, son of prominent businessman, Alhaji Abdullazeez Arisekola-Alao.

Ruling on the application filed by their counsel, Mr. Olaniran Obele, Justice Onigbanjo directed the EFCC to release their international passports to enable them embark on the trip.

He, however, ordered them to return the passports to the commission’s custody not later than June 16.

He adjourned the matter till June 27, for hearing of the pending interlocutory applications filed by the defendants.

Ekiti in Europe hail Fayemi on court judgment

By Seun Akioye

•Newly elected officers of the Eastern Bar Forum taking the oath of office at the 2013 forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers PHOTO: NAN State...yesterday.

Ubah could have been Ojukwu’s choice, says son

S

ON of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr) yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said his late father would have supported the governorship ambition of business mogul, Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ojukwu spoke when the Ifeanyi Ubah campaign team visited the Movement for the Actulisaion of the Sovereign

A

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

State of Biafra (MASSOB) leader Ralph Uwazuruike.

He said the late Dim Odimegwu-Ojukwu would have endorsed Ubah to replace Obi, if he was alive.

Ojukwu Jnr described Ubah as an industrious Igboman, who has championed the cause of Ndigbo in line with the dreams of his late father.

“Seeing me in Ubah’s company goes to tell you that if Ikemba was alive he would have done the same.

Uwazuruike said his interest was to champion the cause of Ndigbo and would support every Igbo man whose interest is to fight the Igbo cause.

“I support every Igbo man who comes to me, Ifeanyi is my close friend but that does

not mean I have endorsed him, my interest is for those who will fight for Ndigbo.

“As a father I welcome everyone who comes to me; I advise all of them to allow peace reign in Igbo land and I am working to resolve the crisis in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

“All the parties have been coming to me for reconciliation.”

A SOCIO-cultural group, the Ekiti Professionals in Europe (EPE), has described the Supreme Court’s judgment, which reaffirmed Governor Kayode Fayemi’s election, as “a huge relief to Ekiti people at home and abroad”. In a statement yesterday by its President, Mr. Femi Awoniyi, the group said the judgment marked “the final victory over the forces of electoral fraud in Ekiti and should discourage anybody contemplating stealing the people’s mandate in future elections”.

It said it hopes the verdict would encourage the electorate to enthusiastically perform their civic duty at next year’s election, with the assurance that their votes would count.

The Germany-based group said: “We urge all political actors in the state to allow peace reign at next year’s election, so that the people can freely choose who they wish to govern them.

“We salute the fortitude of Ekiti people, who stood steadfastly with Fayemi during his heroic struggle to retrieve the mandate they gave him in 2007.”

I had 35,000 pending cases, says Justice Okeke

RETIRED judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, yesterday said about 35,000 cases were pending before his court when he was presiding at the Federal High Court in Bayelsa State.

Okeke spoke at a thanksgiving service and homecoming for his successful retirement at the St. Jude’s An-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

glican Church, Adazi-Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He said he learnt the number of pending cases in the same court had risen to 70,000 yet only one judge is presiding over the matters.

“Even if it means only

mentioning the cases and taking dates, can a single judge attend to the whole matters in a day?”

He described his service in the judiciary as a very tortuous one and expressed satisfaction that he retired in flying colours.

The judge urged his colleagues, who are still in service, to obey the rule of the

service.

Okeke attributed the increase in number of cases pending in the law courts to shortage of judges and high rate of litigations.

He said most of the litigants knew they had bad cases and yet they decide to come to the court to gamble.

Highlight of the occasion included the launching of a

book written by the retired jurist and the launching of an appeal fund for the completion of the church building.

The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev Alexander Ibezim, described Okeke as an obedient servant and true son of the soil, who worked hard in the service of his father land and retired meritoriously.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

60

NEWS

•Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda (middle) with some Chinese engineers during their visit to him at the Government House, Bauchi...yesterday

Bauchi lawmaker on suspension for one year

T

HE Bauchi State House of Assembly yesterday said it had not received a State High Court order to reinstate Mrs Rifkatu Samson Danna, the member representing Bogoro Constituency, who has been on suspension in the past one year.

The Bauchi lawmakers had slammed an indefinite suspension on the only female member for opposing the relocation of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area headquarters from Tafawa Balewa to Bununu.

The Assembly’s action was overturned on May 30 by the Bauchi High Court, presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Zango.

In compliance with the court’s judgment, Mrs. Danna went to the Assembly but was told by the Clerk, Mr. Bala Abdullahi, that he had not received the court order.

A mild drama followed as the Clerk, who was in his office two minutes before Mrs Danna walked into the Assembly complex, vanished with his deputy and secretary.

This compelled the Bogoro representative to contact him on his cell phone.

Mrs Danna, who said she

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

“felt frustrated and insulted as a representative of Bogoro constituency”, was informed that the other lawmakers had relocated to the home of Speaker Yahaya Mohammed Miya at the Government Reservation Area (GRA).

But Mrs. Danna was not allowed into the Speaker’s home. His security detail and domestic workers told her the “the Speaker is not at home”.

It was, however, learnt that Miya and other members held a session in his house.

Mrs. Danna’s efforts to contact the Speaker on phone were unsuccessful.

According to her, “all his telephone lines that I know have been switched off”.

Counsel to the lawmaker, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), told The Nation on phone that “she has informed me and I will contact the counsel to the Speaker and Bauchi Assembly before I know what to do next”.

The Assembly’s Director of Information, Lamaran Abdu Chinade told reporters that Governor Isa Yuguda invited the lawmakers to the inauguration of a community radio in Bununu village”.

Fire destroys 82 shops in Kano

A

•Govt makes N5.72m from sanitation offenders

FIRE at the popular Kasuwar Rimi Market in Kano yesterday destroyed goods worth several millions of naira.

Spokesman of the State Fire Service, Mallam Kassim Musa, told reporters in Kano that the cause of the early morning inferno was being investigated.

He said the affected shops were outside the market.

According to him, the damage was minimal because of the quick intervention of fire fighters.

Musa said the security men on duty did not inform the fire service until it kater dawned on them that they lacked the capability to contain the fire.

He urged the public to always contact appropriate authorities on time whenever there is a fire, adding that

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

this would reduce any damage.

Also, the Kano State Government has said it made over N5.72 million in the last one year from fines imposed on environmental sanitation offenders.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, told reporters that the amount was collected from 2,506 offenders who breached the monthly sanitation law.

The law prohibits pedestrian and vehicular movements, except those on official duties, from 7am till 10am on sanitation days.

According to him, the fines ranged between N1,000 and N500,000, for individuals and corporate violators.

T

Five die, others injured in Katsina accidents

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of five passengers in two road accidents in Kurfi, Katsina State, on Monday.

FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Alhaji Habu Dauda, said yesterday the first accident involved a Golf car, with registration number AE 838 DTM and a Honda Accord car, marked (Abuja) FE 62 ABJ. He said the two vehicles collided at Batsari junction, a few kilometres to Kurfi.

They resulted in the death of three persons while three others were injured.

According to him, the second accident involved a Peugeot 406 car, marked (Abuja) EK 871 ABJ and a Toyota Corolla car, with registration number AA 787 SFN. The FRSC chief explained that the two vehicles also had a head-on collision at Dabawa village, a few kilometres from the scene of the first accident.

Dauda said two persons died immediately, while six

injured passengers were rushed to the hospital.

The sector commander attributed the two accidents to reckless driving.

He advised motorists to avoid dangerous driving,

S

wrong overtaking and speeding, which he said are the major causes of road accidents in the country.

The Chairman of Kurfi Local Government Area, Alhaji Nura Amadi, visited

the injured at a hospital in Kurfi.

He promised to settle their medical bills.

Amadi prayed God for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The council chair urged motorists to always abide by traffic rules and regulations.

Gunmen kill Sokoto lawmaker

OME gunmen, suspected to be robbers, on Monday night killed a Sokoto lawmaker, Murtala Attahiru Wauru, and made away with his vehicle.

Wauru, who was representing Gada West Constituency in Sokoto East Senatorial District, was also the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation.

The police said they have not made any arrest in connection with the incident.

Wauru’s killers reportedly trailed and attacked him at Mabera area of the town at 9.30pm when he was returning home from a meet-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

ing.

“We were sitting in a group when we heard gunshots. We were all scared.

Some of us even took cover,” said a resident who did not want to be named.

Police spokesman Al-Mustapha Sani, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the incident.

He said: “We got information on the incident. Investigations are ongoing. The police commissioner is attending the burial.”

Police Commissioner Sha’aibu Lawal Gambo yes-

terday told reporters after the burial that the late lawmaker was trailed to a dark area at Mabera, on the outskirts of the town, where he was killed.

Gambo said: “Investigation showed that he was shot while he struggled with the armed robbers over the car.

“The men of the command recovered four empty shells, an indication that the weapon used in the attack was an AK 47 assault rifle.

“The command is working hard to unravel the killers of the legislator with a view to prosecuting them.”

Kwankwaso decries unstable power supply

K

ANO Sstate Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso yesterday decried the epileptic power supply to Kano, the commercial and economic nerve centre of the North.

The governor spoke through the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi, at the opening of the Kano Forum Office of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Members of the forum, who were inaugurated yesterday, include: Ali Safiyanu Madugu, Naseer Kura Ja’afaru, Suleiman I. Bello, Abubakar B. Ahmed and Idris Ibrahim Daho.

He queried the reason Lagos is given preference over Kano in power supply, even though Kano is adjudged the most populous state in the country.

Kwankwaso said his administration would support the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to ensure adequate supply and distribution of electricity in the state.

According to him, the state government is making efforts to complement power supply, having signed a Memorandum of Under-

T

Agency urges electricity consumers to demand better services

HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has urged electricity consumers to demand improved services from power distribution companies.

Dr Abba Ibrahim, the NERC Commissioner, Customer Affairs, spoke yesterday at the inauguration of an Electricity Complaints Office in Kano, Kano State.

He said the office would resolve customers’ complaints that are not resolved by the companies.

Ibrahim said: “Before coming to the level of the forum, customers must first report any grievance to the customer complaints unit of the distribution company. When the customer From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

standing (MoU) with a German energy company to generate 60 megawatts (MW) of solar-powered electricity.

The governor said there is hope that 35MW would be generated from Challawa and Tiga Dam. “When all these are in place, our industries will be revitalised and Kano will take its pride of place as the centre of commerce and industry,” Kwankwaso said.

is not satisfied with the forum’s resolution, an appeal can be forwarded to the commission for consideration.

“All these we are doing to ensure that the electricity end-users get a say in the new reforms and roadmap on electricity being implemented by the present administration.”

Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Suleiman Bichi, assured residents of adequate electricity supply.

He said the state requires not less than 500 megawatts (MW) instead of the 100MW being supplied presently.

The governor urged the forum to ensure that customers get good services and value for their money.

The Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Balogun, said the new office would handle unresolved electricity disputes between the distribution company and aggrieved customers in Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states.

He said: “This is a step forward in providing electricity consumers the opportunity for an appeal. However,

we will do our best to ensure that customers’ complaints are resolved timely and satisfactorily without allowing them to get to the forum.

“It is important for the public to desist from the temptation to report frivolous cases to the forum’s office. They should desist from trying to take undue advantage of this facility by rejecting our genuine interventions. We don’t want them to come here and be turned back with their cases, for lack of merit.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

61

FOREIGN NEWS

Rise of al-Qaeda Sahara terrorist: Moktar Belmoktar

O

N Monday, the United States of America posted up to $23 milion in rewards to help capture five leaders of militant groups which have spread terror in West Africa and Nigeria.

One of them is Algerian-born, AlQaedar veteran, Mokhhtar Belmokhtar. He is elusive as most of them and considered dangerous and undisciplined, writes Rukmini Callimachi of AP. After years of trying to discipline him, the leaders of al-Qaida’s North African branch sent one final letter to their most difficult employee. In page after scathing page, they described how he didn’t answer his phone when they called, failed to turn in his expense reports, ignored meetings and refused time and again to carry out orders.

Most of all, they claimed he had failed to carry out a single spectacular operation, despite the resources at his disposal.

The employee, international terrorist Moktar Belmoktar, responded the way talented employees with bruised egos have in corporations the world over: He quit and formed his own competing group. And within months, he carried out two lethal operations that killed 101 people in all: one of the largest hostage-takings in history at a BP-operated gas plant in Algeria in January, and simultaneous bombings at a military base and a French uranium mine in Niger just last week.

The al-Qaida letter, found by The Associated Press inside a building formerly occupied by their fighters

ANALYSIS in Mali, is an intimate window into the ascent of an extremely ambitious terrorist leader, who split off from regional command because he wanted to be directly in touch with al-Qaida central. It’s a glimpse into both the inner workings of a highly structured terrorist organization that requires its commanders to file monthly expense reports, and the internal dissent that led to his rise.

And it foreshadows a terrorism landscape where charismatic jihadists can carry out attacks directly in al-Qaida’s name, regardless of whether they are under its command.

Rudolph Atallah, the former head of counterterrorism for Africa at the Pentagon and one of three experts who authenticated the 10-page letter dated Oct. 3, said it helps explain what happened in Algeria and Niger, both attacks that Belmoktar claimed credit for on jihadist forums.

“He’s sending a message directly north to his former bosses in Algeria saying, ‘I’m a jihadi. I deserve to be separate from you.’ And he’s also sending a message to al-Qaida, saying, ‘See, those bozos in the north are incompetent. You can talk to me directly.’ And in these attacks, he drew a lot of attention to himself,” says Atallah, who recently testified before Congress on Belmoktar’s tactics.

Born in northern Algeria, the 40something Belmoktar, who is known in Pentagon circles by his initials

MBM, traveled to Afghanistan at the age of 19, according to his online biography. He claims he lost an eye in battle and trained in al-Qaida’s camps, forging ties that would allow him two decades later to split off from its regional chapter.

Over the years, there have been numerous reports of Belmoktar being sidelined or expelled by alQaida in the Islamic Maghreb. The letter recovered in Timbuktu, one of thousands of pages of internal documents in Arabic found by the AP earlier this year, shows he stayed loyal to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, until last year, and traces the history of their difficult relationship.

The letter, signed by the group’s 14member Shura Council, or governing body, describes its relationship with Belmoktar as “a bleeding wound,” and criticizes his proposal to resign and start his own group.

“Your letter ... contained some amount of backbiting, name-calling and sneering,” they write. “We refrained from wading into this battle in the past out of a hope that the crooked could be straightened by the easiest and softest means. ... But the wound continued to bleed, and in fact increasingly bled, until your last letter arrived, ending any hope of stanching the wound and healing it.”

They go on to compare their group to a towering mountain before raging storms and pounding waves, and say Belmoktar’s plan “threatens to fragment the being of the organization and tear it apart limb by limb.”

They then begin enumerating their complaints against Belmoktar in 30

•File copy of Belmoktar

successive bullet points.

“Abu Abbas is not willing to follow anyone,” they add, referring to him by his nom de guerre, Khaled Abu Abbas. “He is only willing to be followed and obeyed.”

First and foremost, they quibble over the amount of money raised by the 2008 kidnapping of Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler, the highestranking United Nations official in Niger, and his colleague. Belmoktar’s men held both for four months, and in a book he later published, Fowler said he did not know if a ransom was paid.

The letter says they referred the case to al-Qaida central to force concessions in the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, a plan stymied when Belmoktar struck his own deal for 700,000 euros (about $900,000) for both men. That’s far below the $3 million per hostage that European governments were normally paying, according to global intelligence unit Stratfor.

“Rather than walking alongside us in the plan we outlined, he managed the case as he liked,” they write indignantly. “Here we must ask, who handled this important abduction poorly? ... Does it come from the unilateral behavior along the lines of our brother Abu Abbas, which produced a blatant inadequacy: Trading the weightiest case (Canadian diplomats!!) for the most meager price (700,000 euros)!!”

The complaint reflects how alQaida in the Islamic Maghreb, initially considered one of the group’s weaker wings, rose to prominence by bankrolling its operation with an estimated $89 million raised by kidnapping-for-ransom foreign aid workers and tourists. No less than Osama bin Laden endorsed their business model, according to documents retrieved in the terror leader’s hideout in Pakistan.

•Rukmini Callimachi is AP’s West Africa bureau chief •To be continued

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

62

FOREIGN NEWS

Queen Elizabeth II marks 60th anniversary B RITAIN’s royal family gathered at Westminster Abbey yesterday for a ceremony of pomp and prayer to mark the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth, now 87, was crowned in the abbey on June 2, 1953, in a ceremony laden with 1,000 years of tradition. British monarchs have been crowned in the ancient London church since William the Conqueror in 1066.

The queen’s children and grandchildren were among 2,000 people attending Tuesday’s anniversary service, which featured hymns, prayers, a reading from Prime Minister David Cameron and a poem written for the occasion by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual head of the Anglican church, told the congregation that the service celebrated the queen’s “path of demanding devotion and utter self-sacrifice, a path she did not choose, yet to which she was called by God.” “Today we celebrate 60 years since that moment, 60 years of commitment,” he said.

The service was carefully designed to evoke memories of 60 years ago.

The jewel-encrusted, golden St. Edward’s Crown which the queen wore at her coronation sat on the High Altar - the first time it has left

the Tower of London since 1953.

It was accompanied by a vial of aromatic oil, from the same batch used at the coronation, carried to the altar by representatives of the British people, including children and a school crossing guard.

The monarch wore oyster silk-satin brocade dress and coat, similar in color to her silk coronation gown.

The queen’s 91-year-old husband, Prince Philip, attended Tuesday’s service

though he had pulled out of an event Monday evening because of illness.

Also attending were the queen’s heir, Prince Charles; his sons, Prince William second in line to the throne and Prince Harry; and William’s wife Catherine, who is due to give birth to their first child next month.

The baby will become third in line to the throne.

Elizabeth became monarch on the death of her father, King George VI, in February

•Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip (left), arrive for service at Westminster Abbey ...

PHOTO: AP yesterday. With them is The Dean of the Abbey, Dr John Hall in London

Turkish deputy PM seeks to calm anti-government protests

T

URKEY’s deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, sought to mollify tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators on Tuesday by apologizing for a police crackdown on a peaceful protest that triggered five days of rioting across the country.

“The excessive violence that was used in the first instance

Syrian army gains in Qusair

S

YRIAN troops advanced toward the center of the strategic town of Qusair near the border with Lebanon and chased rebels from another key district on the edge of Damascus yesterday, officials said, solidifying recent gains that have shifted the balance of power in the regime’s favor in recent weeks.

In the past two months, the Syrian army has moved steadily against rebels in key battleground areas, making strategic advances near the border with Lebanon and considerably lowering the threat to Damascus, the seat of President Bashar Assad’s government.

The Syrian army, which is backed by Hezbollah fighters, is “approaching victory” in Qusair, almost three weeks after launching an offensive to recapture the western town, an official in the governor’s office of Homs province said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media about an ongoing military operation. He said the troops are advancing from the east and south of Qusair, fighting pockets of resistance along the way.

1952. But she was not crowned until more than a year later, after a period of mourning.

The coronation was Britain’s first mass television event, watched by more than 20 million people.

“It was the first time the whole nation had watched anything as it happened,” said Welby. “But this they saw - pomp and ceremony on a rainy June day, all so very British, wrapped in time and custom.”

Pomp and ceremony returned Tuesday - and unlike 60 years ago, the sun was shining.

against those who were behaving with respect for the environment is wrong and unfair. I apologize to those citizens,” Arinc told a news conference in the capital Ankara.

“But I don’t think we owe an apology to those who have caused damage in the streets and tried to prevent people’s freedom,” he said.

Arinc said he would meet some of the organizers of the original Istanbul protest, which has spiraled into an unprecedented show of anger at the ruling party.

Shops were shuttered on a main avenue leading to Istanbul’s Taksim Square, the focus of the protests, as thou-

A

sands of demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans marched by. Barricades of rubble blocked other streets leading to the square and the acrid smell of tear gas hung in the air.

A 22-year-old member of the main opposition youth wing was killed after being hit in the head at a rally in the southern town of Antakya near the Syrian border late on Monday, the second death after a taxi hit a demonstrator in Istanbul on Sunday. Officials initially said the Antakya victim had been shot.

The ferocity of the crackdown on the initial protests on Friday, which began over gov-

ernment plans to build over a Gezi Park in Taksim Square, shocked even Erdogan loyalists and drew international condemnation. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he was concerned by reports of excessive police force.

The main public sector union federation, the leftist KESK which represents 240,000 members, launched a two-day strike, originally called over workers’ rights, to protest at the police crackdown on what had begun as peaceful protests.

“These operations have drowned the country in gas bombs. The prime minister has become so thoughtless as to describe the millions who exercise their democratic rights ... as a ‘handful of marginal looters’,” KESK said in a statement.

under ousted president Hosni Mubarak but which the new authorities deemed were receiving funds illicitly.

The Cairo criminal court sentenced 27 defendants in absentia to five years.

Five defendants who were present in the country, including one American, were sentenced to two years behind bars and ordered to pay a fine of 1,000 Egyptian pounds (around $143.).

The remaining 11 defendants were each given oneyear suspended sentences, an AFP reporter in court said.

The court also ordered the permanent closure of the branches of the NGOs where the staffers worked.

These include US-based NGOs Freedom House, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute, as well as the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

would include both countries.

Obama also said the two leaders discussed Chile’s acceptance into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which would allow Chileans to visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. If accepted, Chile would be the only Latin American country in the program.

•Pinera

Egypt jails 43 of NGO workers

CAIRO court yesterday sentenced 43 Egyptian and foreign NGO workers to jail terms ranging from one to five years for working illegally, causing outrage abroad and raising fears for the future of civil society work in Egypt.

The sentences follow trials which came in the wake of raids in 2011 on the offices of foreign NGOs, many which had operated without licences

Obama welcomes Chile’s Pinera to White House

P

RESIDENT Barack Obama has welcomed Chilean President Sebastian Pinera to the White House, asserting the South American nation’s economic and democratic rise. Both leaders said they were committed to working toward a broad Asia-Pacific regional trade pact that

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘At least, if Baba Alakyo’s god can wipe out such a frightening number of security agents within a twinkle of an eye, he should be able to engage Boko Haram insurgents in a matter of minutes or hours’ DELE AGEKAMEH

VOL.8 NO.2,507

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

H

IS friends affectionately called him Doki (Hausa for horse), in apparent acknowledgement of his reputation for hard work. A more appropriate epithet would have been Dokin Karfe, a Hausa metaphour for integrity. For Major-General Mamman Kontagora who died at 69 last Wednesday May 29, lived a truly modest lifestyle in spite of retiring as a well-connected senior military officer and occupying some of the most “lucrative” public offices in the land.

Anyone who had worked with the man would agree that he was a personification of hard work. In all the high public offices he held, the most important of which were twice as a minister of the Federal Republic, he was almost always the first to arrive office and the last to leave. In between he went about his duties with an attitude that detested eye-service and discouraged sloth and shoddiness.

However, great as his reputation for hard work was, his reputation for honesty was even greater. Two episodes, by no means apocryphal, bear testimony to this reputation. First, when former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, pencilled him down as his minister of the “lucrative” Federal Capital Territory, a senior traditional ruler from his local government, Kontagora, objected.

Asked why he should object in spite of his subject’s reputation for hard work and honesty, the respected traditional ruler said he had no problem with either, only that the man was too inflexible to overlook the bending of rules necessary for the occasional patronage to kith and kin which greased governance all over the world. Needless to say, General Abubakar went ahead to offer the man the job.

His performance in the job was by no means stellar, but unlike many ministers before and after him, he did not leave it any richer than before he took it.

Second, in an earlier episode, his home state, Niger, gave him a job as an army engineer, to identify the proper boundary between his own local government and Bida in an area which had become volatile and even a source of altercations between the late Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako, and the Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora, Alhaji Sa’idu Namaska. It was a reflection of the faith both sides had in the man’s integrity that neither objected to his choice. In the end he did not disappoint, at least not from the Bida point of view; he ruled in her favour against his own local government.

Predictably some of his fellow Bakontagores who could not understand how anyone would find against his own people said he did so because his mother was Nupe! Apparently it did not matter to these critics that he loved his paternal side so much he used the name of the local government it came from as his surname.

General Kontagora, like his friend, General Abubakar, was as apolitical a soldier as any could be; throughout his career, he never participated in any coup planning although many of those who did were his friends, even confidants; presumably they didn’t think the man was flexible enough to succeed at military politics.

Yet once their coup succeeded he was among those they turned to to get things done profes-

RIPPLES NGF problem will be resolved soon– Jang

Yes, when you agree 16 is not GREATER than 19

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Mamman Kontagora

Task Force chaired by General Muhammadu Buhari under General Sani Abacha as head of state.

General Kontagora did not properly assume office after the inauguration of the committee last year before he succumbed to the illness that has proved fatal. His death is a great loss to a nation in dire need of leaders like him who are hardworking, competent and, above all, honest.

May Allah make aljanna firdaus his final resting place. May He also grant the dear ones he’s left behind the fortitude to bear his loss.

GEJ, NGF and 2015

(April 20,1944-May 29, 2013) S

•The late Gen. Kontagora sionally and honestly. Thus in addition to serving as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory under General Abubakar, he also served in the vast and “lucrative” ministry of works and housing between 1993 and 1995.

In September 1995 he was offered the thankless job of auditing Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, his alma mater (Class of 1972), one of Nigeria’s oldest and Africa’s largest, by the regime of General Sani Abacha, also a friend.

This followed a serious financial and administrative crisis in the university that disrupted studies in the premier institution. In early November Abacha went on to assign him the job as sole administrator to clear the mess he had identified, a highly unusual job since universities are supposed to be the epitome of academic freedom and free speech.

Not surprisingly, mixed reactions trailed his appointment and his tenure. Yet not even his worst critics could question the integrity he

brought to bear on his assignment which he completed in July 1998. At any rate those who took over from him were happy enough with his performance they named its convocation square after him.

Following the return of politics in 1999, the man, like several of his military compatriots, tried to transform into a politician. He was, it seemed, too perpendicular and too austere to make much of a success of his transformation in Nigeria’s shark infested political waters where only the shark repelling rich and their godsons – and goddaughters - dared swim; in his first stab at an elected high office in 2003 he lost the primaries for the senatorial candidature of his party, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for Abuja to an obscure candidate, Isa Maina, himself a military officer but even more junior.

Undeterred the general went on to seek for the presidential ticket of his party in 2007.

Few Nigerians thought he had the connections and the financial resources to be taken seriously. He proved them right when he could not form a credible campaign team, never mind mounting even the most rudimentary campaign to win over fellow party members. In the end his bid for the party’s ticket was, for all practical purposes, a noshow.

Following this dismal performance the man retired to his modest farm in Kontagora and into politics at the local level even though he maintained his home in Abuja. It was from this semi-retirement from politics and from public life that he was appointed the deputy chair of Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Committee (SURE-P), a poor imitation of the Petroleum

HARDBALL

T

HE 19th century English economist, Sir Robert Giffen, observed that low quality goods attracted a disproportionate amount of patronage from people of low incomes until such a time that their incomes rise.

It was also observed that if care was not taken, Giffen goods had the potential of elbowing out quality goods from the market. Hardball craves the indulgence of his patient readers to take refuge in this 19th century conceptual leisure of our learned economist friends. For after regaling the public for months with the endless machinations of our learned politician friends, of whom President Goodluck Jonathan is the archetype, this columnist must come to a moment such as this to amuse readers with the esotericism of our friends besotted to terms like demand and supply, Pareto optimal, Ricardian equivalence and other such paradigmatic interplay of economic and engineering concepts.

After all, there is Pareto frontier in engineering for which a set of algorithms has been developed to take care of what is referred to in computer science as the maximum vector problem or the skyline query.

To cut to the chase, Hardball is saying this Wednesday that the Giffen goods concept has a lot to do with the recently concluded Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) election for which economists and engineers will have to bring their combined expertise to resolve the conundrum. Not only are the inferior goods (in this case the defeated governors) trying to squeeze

TILL talking about the shortage of honest leadership in the country, it’s hard to find anything more dishonest than the stand of the presidency of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on the contrived crisis of chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. His spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, has averred that his principal has no interest in who chairs the forum. Yet everything the presidency has done to the contrary since the crisis started last year has spoken much louder than the words coming out of there.

From forcing a postponement of the election several months ago because it was clear the Presidency could not force its preferred candidate on the governors, through creating and force-feeding a divisive PDP Governors’ Forum on those so elected on the party’s forum, and now to the shameful rejection of the outcome of last month’s election of the NGF chair which its candidate lost in spite of all means, more foul than fair, that were used to stop Rotimi Amaechi, the Rivers State Governor who has since become a persona non grata in the Presidency, from retaining the chair, it should now be obvious to even the most enthusiastic supporters of the President that he does not truly believe his mantra about every vote counting in an election.

The question is, if the Presidency would reject the outcome of as transparent an election as that of a numerically insignificant electorate as that of 36 governors, what guarantee is there that he will allow 60 million voters cast their ballot papers freely in 2015? And if he does, how do we know that he will honestly practice what he has preached about every vote counting?

It is truly frightening to think that what happened a fortnight ago is a mere dress rehearsal of what will happen two years hence.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

NGF again: Rage of the Giffen goods out quality goods (in this case the victorious governors), it even seems there will be no solution to the complex matrix that has translated defeat into victory and victory into defeat until economists and engineers come up with the algorithms to take care of the puzzle.

Readers of course recall that on May 24, the governors elected one of their own to be the chairman of the NGF for the next two years.

That election, in which the president unsuccessfully attempted to surreptitiously impose a puppet, led to the emergence of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as winner by 19 votes to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State’s 16 votes.

But by the most dazzling display of electoral legerdemain ever conceived in these parts, the Jang-led team, of which Ondo governor, Olusegun Mimiko, is the incontestable and incomparable spokesman, argued that pre-election endorsement was in fact superior to Election Day voting. To rewrite the rules of political science is one thing, but to stand morality on its head is quite another in this blighted part of the continent. However, much more than unilaterally and arbitrarily rewriting rules, the Jang-led warriors have gone indifferently ahead to summon meetings of the Group of 16 (G-16), relocate the NGF office in Abuja, direct the public to visit the NGF

website, receive or engineer more congratulatory messages over the supposed election victory than the victors, and have generally carried on with such messianic zeal and fury that you would be forgiven if you thought the diffident Amaechi-led team was the defeated group.

Albert Einstein was reported to have once exclaimed he needed more mathematics in his arduous search for a unified field theory, and on his death bed. (By the way, contrary to popular notion, Einstein was never poor in mathematics, having at the age of 12 independently found a proof of Pythagoras’ theorem after acquiring a book on Euclidean geometry). Compared with Einstein, it is not clear what else the Jang-led team would need to rewrite every scientific theory the world has known. They have supplied us the mathematical proof that defeat can in fact be equal to or more than victory, and they have, by the way they carry on, shown us that the earth does not revolve around the sun. In the days ahead, we must patiently wait to see how their Giffen goods would drive out the victorious Amaechi goods, and how their chief priest, Dr Jonathan, and his alter ego, the eclectic Dr Mimiko, would inspire the creation of a new world, a nirvana in which neither loss nor defeat exists.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO